Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN

DESCRIPTION: PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland -- Scottie Scheffler, coming off his lowest round ever in a major, leads by one shot over Matt Fitzpatrick going into the third round of the British Open at Royal Portrush. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKL--WNBA ALL-STAR GAME

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS __ The WNBA’s best will play in the annual All-Star Game which pits Caitlin Clark’s team against Napheesa Collier’s. Clark unfortunately won’t be able to play because she’s recovering from a groin injury. Game tips at 8:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--ALL-STAR-HATE SPEECH

DESCRIPTION: A look at the Chicago Sky’s new partnership with Moonshot to combat negativity on social media.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

BBO-JOHN OLIVER-MOON MAMMOTHS

DESCRIPTION: ERIE, Pa. -- Comedian John Oliver will visit the Detroit Tigers’ Double-A Erie Seawolves on Saturday when the Pennsylvania team is temporarily renamed the Erie Moon Mammoths as part of a rebranding proposal Oliver announced on his HBO show, “Last Week Tonight.” The name was inspired by the 1991 discovery of woolly mammoth remains by George Moon, who found a bone while scuba diving in a lake several miles from Erie. By Joe Reedy. 700 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BOX--PACQUIAO-BARRIOS

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao returns after a four-year absence to take on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. 500 words, photos. The main begins at 8 p.m. EDT and the main-event ring walk for 11 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BOX--USYK-DUBOIS

DESCRIPTION: Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois meet at Wembley Stadium on Saturday with the undisputed world heavyweight championship on the line. A crowd of 90,000 is expected. By Ken Maguire. Upcoming: 600 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 6:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BOX--USYK-UKRAINIAN VETERANS

DESCRIPTION: A group of Ukrainian war veterans have come to London to support world heavyweight champion boxer Oleksandr Usyk in his fight against Daniel Dubois. The vets, all employees of an energy company, say Usyk is an inspiration for their war-torn country. By Ken maguire. UPCOMING: 550 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 5:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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RGU--NEW ZEALAND-FRANCE

DESCRIPTION: New Zealand hosts France in the third and final rugby test at Hamilton.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 5:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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CYC--TOUR DE FRANCE

DESCRIPTION: LUCHON-SUPERBAGNERES, France — Tour de France riders spend a final day in the Pyrenees during stage 14, which features four big climbs. 400 words. With pictures.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 11:16 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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RAC--HASKELL

DESCRIPTION: MONMOUTH, N.J. — Preakness winner Journalism is the early favorite among seven rivals in the $1 million Haskell Invitational, with the winner earning an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic this fall. UPCOMING: 300 words. Post time 5:45 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 8:45 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: TRUCKEE, Calif. — Rico Hoey took a one-point lead into the weekend in the Barracuda Championship, the only PGA Tour event that uses the modified Stableford scoring system. UPCOMING: 400 words.

UPCOMING: By 07/19/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--BREWERS-DODGERS

Quinn Priester dominates Dodgers as Brewers extend winning streak to 8 with 2-0 shutout

SUMMARY: Quinn Priester outpitched Tyler Glasnow for six innings, Caleb Durbin homered and drove in both runs, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 for their eighth straight victory. The Brewers equaled their longest winning streak of the season from May 25 to June 2. They continued their dominance over the NL West leaders, having outscored them 15-4 during a three-game sweep in Milwaukee last week. Priester allowed three hits and struck out a season-high 10 on 77 pitches. He struck out the side in the first and fifth. All-Star closer Trevor Megill worked the ninth for his 22nd save.

WORDS: 301 - MOVED: 07/19/2025 12:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c51e722c76c53b83d6e5378d5a7d0db9&mediaType=text

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BBO--BRAVES-ACUÑA THROW

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. stuns Yankees with incredible throw in Atlanta’s win

SUMMARY: Ronald Acuña Jr. caught the New York Yankees off-guard with a spectacular throw to end the third inning on Friday night. The Atlanta Braves’ All-Star right fielder threw out Jorbit Vivas at third base when Vivas was trying to tag up on a deep fly to corner in right. Acuña caught the ball just in front of the warning track with his back to the infield. He spun and fired and the throw reached third base in the air just in time for third baseman Nacho Alvarez to tag a slowing Vivas, who ignored third-base coach Luis Rojas’ signal to slide. Alvarez was casual as the throw approached in an attempt to fool Vivas.

WORDS: 302 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 11:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:60ac0a4fdbd66301c10e80f574d97e8d&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-ALL-STAR 3-POINT CONTEST

Ionescu wins 3-point contest, Cloud claims skills competition in Liberty All-Star sweep

SUMMARY: Sabrina Ionescu won the 3-point contest and her New York Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud was the skills champion at All-Star Friday night. Ionescu, who won the title in 2023 with a record performance, had a strong final round, scoring 30 points. It was less than her record-breaking effort of 37 two years ago when she made 25 of 27 shots — the most ever in either the WNBA or NBA.

WORDS: 798 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:75f5cc35bae99a745efd495457302578&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI-CHILDREN’S BOOK

Shohei Ohtani co-writes children’s book starring his dog Decoy

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani has co-written a children’s book featuring his dog, Decoy. The Los Angeles Dodgers star shared the news Thursday on Instagram, posting a photo of Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje, with the book. Titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day,” the story follows Decoy as he scrambles to retrieve his lucky baseball before throwing the first pitch on opening day. The book, illustrated by Fanny Liem, will be released on February 3 by HarperCollins. Ohtani hopes Decoy’s fame will raise awareness of the rare Kooikerhondje breed, which he has promoted through events like a first pitch and a victory parade.

WORDS: 266 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 9:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5de6f550ccc1250c6a217981e748c830&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-ALL-STAR-CLARK’S IMPACT

Caitlin Clark is still having an impact on WNBA All-Star Game even though she won’t play

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark bounced a ball, joined a team huddle and gave one of her All-Star teammate’s shots a playful thumbs down before gingerly lobbing her own half-court heave Friday. It may be the most demanding action anyone sees out of Clark this weekend in Indianapolis. Nobody envisioned the Indiana Fever’s biggest star missing the All-Star festivities with another injury. But even as Clark sits this one out, she remains the center of attention. From the 30-story, larger-than-life image covering Indianapolis’ JW Marriott Hotel to the wraps around the city’s maze of skywalks, Clarks seems every bit as in demand — maybe even more — than any other All-Star.

WORDS: 892 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 9:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d880cbead2660659ea5c3ee27553e5f0&mediaType=text

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BBO--DIAMONDBACKS-MARTE

Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte placed on restricted list following burglary

SUMMARY: Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the restricted list after his home was burglarized during the All-Star break. Marte was not in the lineup Friday against St. Louis as he deals with what Scottsdale police called a “high-dollar residential burglary” while he and his family were in Atlanta for the All-Star game. The Diamondbacks made a flurry of moves before their first game back from the All-Star break, bringing up catcher Adrian Del Castillo and right-hander Trevor Richards from Triple-A Reno. Arizona also optioned infielder Tristan English to Reno and signed infielder Sergio Alcántara as a major league free agent. Catcher Gabriel Moreno was transferred to the 60-day injured list with a broken finger.

WORDS: 202 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 8:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ff17a788dad72b4f6c6020660715eec&mediaType=text

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BKN--CLIPPERS-BEAL

Clippers sign three-time All-Star Bradley Beal after Suns buyout

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Clippers have signed Bradley Beal after the Phoenix Suns bought out his contract. Beal, a 32-year-old three-time All-Star, played 53 games for the Suns last season, averaging 17 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. He shot 50% from the field and 39% from three-point range. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Beal’s versatility, calling him a rare talent who excels in scoring, playmaking, and improving teammates. Beal brings 13 years of NBA experience to the Clippers, adding depth and skill to their roster.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 8:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aefc05e4254ba010e29abed6951f4a29&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-CHICAGO

NASCAR says no Chicago Street Race next year, but it could return in 2027

SUMMARY: NASCAR is pressing pause on its Chicago Street Race, answering at least one major question about its schedule for next season. NASCAR raced on a street course in downtown Chicago on the first weekend in July each of the last three years. But it had a three-year contract with the city, leaving the future of the event in question. Writing to Mayor Brandon Johnson, race president Julie Giese says the plan is to explore the potential of a new event weekend with his office and other community leaders. NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a street race in San Diego.

WORDS: 538 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 7:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d54428171312d22880489dbe138fa1f4&mediaType=text

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US--SHANNON-SHARPE-SEX-ASSAULT-LAWSUIT

Lawyer says lawsuit is over between ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe and woman who accused him of rape

SUMMARY: A lawyer says NFL Hall of Fame member Shannon Sharpe has resolved a lawsuit that accused him of sexually assaulting a woman during their relationship. No details were released. Attorney Tony Buzbee represents the woman. He says Sharpe and the woman had a consensual but “tumultuous relationship” that began in 2023. Sharpe has denied allegations of rape, calling them “false and disruptive.” There was no immediate comment Friday from Sharpe’s lawyer.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e3c12ae999e08cf2cd0a8c2951b74b1&mediaType=text

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BBO--HALL OF FAME-ICHIRO

Ichiro Suzuki reflects on early days in Seattle, quickly being comfortable so career could take off

SUMMARY: Ichiro Suzuki has long cherished baseball history and he has visited Cooperstown in New York. Now it’s his turn to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, his time to make a speech about a brilliant baseball career that took him from Japan to the big leagues and far beyond. The former Seattle Mariners star will be side by side with Billy Wagner and CC Sabathia for the July 27 induction ceremony.

WORDS: 721 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb6389bc2370020e232b1ea31afedb3b&mediaType=text

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SOC--EURO 2025-SPAIN-SWITZERLAND

Euro 2025: Spain ruthlessly ends Switzerland’s spirited run in quarterfinals

SUMMARY: Spain has ruthlessly ended Switzerland’s dreamy midsummer run through its home Women’s European Championship in a 2-0 win in the quarterfinals in Bern. Swiss resistance was broken by the world champion’s two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half. Athenea Del Castillo slotted in a shot from Aitana Bonmatí’s flicked assist in the 66th. Clàudia Pina curled in a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st. Spain also missed two penalty kicks. Spain will play France or Germany in the semifinals next Wednesday. Defending champion England or Italy await in the final.

WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e9b27f37665e73217995d2cec566927&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN

Scottie Scheffler with a 64 sets a daunting target at the British Open

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler was on a roll no matter the weather in the British Open. He made birdie on two of his last three holes for a 64. That gives him a one-shot lead over former U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick. Scheffler is going for the third leg of the career Grand Slam at Royal Portrush. He won the PGA Championship in May and is a two-time Masters champion. Fitzpatrick shot a 66 and feels all the pressure is on Scheffler. Rory McIlroy lost a lot of ground with his 69. That leaves him seven shots off the lead.

WORDS: 1164 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e8438d3a8e17743278a9db051124fb9&mediaType=text

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US--TITANS STADIUM-NOOSE

Construction halted at new Tennessee Titans Stadium after noose found at site

SUMMARY: Construction on a new enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, has been halted after a noose was found at the construction site. Metro Nashville Police spokesperson Kristin Mumford says in a Friday email that they are aware and investigating. The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture partnership on the stadium, says it suspended construction at the site after the “racist and hateful” symbol was discovered this week. A statement to news outlets says, “We are requiring additional antibias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide stand-down focused on inclusion and respect.”

WORDS: 235 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:25edf9dc0aa4b640ac343b81e742dc92&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN-LOWRY

Shane Lowry docked 2 shots when his golf ball moves a fraction of an inch at British Open

SUMMARY: Shane Lowry has been assessed a two-shot penalty for his golf ball moving in the rough on the 12th hole of the British Open. Lowry couldn’t see it move a fraction of an inch. But video on zoom shows the label on the golf ball moving ever so slightly. Officials told him about the possible infraction when he was on the 15th hole. His 70 was turned into a 72 with the penalty. Lowry says he’s not sure he deserved the penalty. He says he would prefer to take it instead of there being questions about him skirting the rules.

WORDS: 547 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 5:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:746e8082d9b1f5139825b7d37e03126e&mediaType=text

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US--ATHLETE-HOME BURGLARIES

NYC pawn shop owner pleads guilty to his role in burglary of NFL star Joe Burrow’s home and others

SUMMARY: A Manhattan pawn shop owner has pleaded guilty to serving as a fence for luxury items stolen from wealthy people across the country, including a brazen burglary at the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Dimitriy Nezhinskiy admitted Friday that he purchased watches, jewelry and other high-end goods to sell despite knowing they were stolen. The charge he pleaded guilty to in Brooklyn federal court carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Prosecutors said Nezhinskiy fenced the stolen goods for international burglary crews, some of which targeted homes of prominent professional athletes.

WORDS: 662 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 4:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f7f4580eef6b0fa53540a4d8e42abc01&mediaType=text

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SOC--MARTA’S RETURN

Marta hopes to lead Brazil to a Copa América Femenina title after coming out of retirement

SUMMARY: It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, emotionally marking the end of a storied career with the Brazilian national soccer team. Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn’t quite finished. The 39-year-old forward has un-retired and is playing for Brazil at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. Marta said recently she’s just living in the moment. She said “I’m aware that I don’t have many years left to play, so the little I have, I want to make the most of it.” The Brazilians have won eight titles in the South America tournament.

WORDS: 696 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 4:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6b6983384148f9342fe3b8b4d605e40b&mediaType=text

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FBC--SEC RANKINGS

Texas picked to win SEC championship with Arch Manning at QB

SUMMARY: Texas is the preseason favorite to win the Southeastern Conference championship, with quarterback Arch Manning leading the team. Media members at the SEC media days gave Texas 96 of 204 votes to claim the title on December 6 in Atlanta. Georgia received the second-most votes with 44, followed by Alabama with 29 and LSU with 20. The SEC championship game participants are determined by the best conference records during the regular season. Historically, preseason predictions rarely guarantee success, with only 10 predicted champions winning since 1992. Last year’s SEC title game drew over 16 million viewers, peaking during Georgia’s overtime win.

WORDS: 229 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 4:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f105ba99680cf892ea0fcff6a2377f73&mediaType=text

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BBW--WPBL-MONE DAVIS

Former Little League star Mo’ne Davis to try out for new women’s pro baseball league

SUMMARY: Mo’ne Davis is not done playing baseball. The former Little League phenom who at 13 became the first girl to pitch a victory — and a shutout — in the Little League World Series, will be one of more than 600 players to try out for the Women’s Professional Baseball League set to launch next year, the league said. Davis will join other women’s baseball stars like Kelsie Whitmore, the first woman to sign a professional contract with an MLB-partnered league, at the tryouts, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 22-25.

WORDS: 288 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 3:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3caf9758c03c6567ece7d5d4cabc00e8&mediaType=text

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GLF--BRITISH OPEN-BUNKERS

British Open bunkergate: R&A does away with tradition of having a crew rank bunkers

SUMMARY: There’s been a big change at the British Open that has caddies and players perplexed. The R&A has decided to not longer have assigned greenkeeping crews with each group to rake the bunkers. It’s been a tradition since 1984 at the British Open. Most caddies were not aware of the change until they saw players hit out of the sand and looked around and didn’t see the crew. It became an issue in the opening round when Tommy Fleetwood hit into a bunker that wasn’t properly raked. The R&A said only it thinks the change will be for the better.

WORDS: 851 - MOVED: 07/18/2025 2:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:526c986e4aaf9770a7dbbe5e89bd8a8f&mediaType=text

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