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AP Sports Digest

Posted 8/21/25

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. …

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AP Sports Digest

Posted

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.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

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UPCOMING

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FBC--ACC TEAM PREVIEWS

DESCRIPTION: Season previews of each ACC college football team. 500 words each, with file photos. Boston College. California. Clemson. Duke. Florida State. Georgia Tech. Louisville. Miami (Fla). (asterisk)Notre Dame. North Carolina State. North Carolina. Pittsburgh. SMU. Stanford. Syracuse. Virginia. Virginia Tech. Wake Forest.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--BILLS-QUESTION MARKS

DESCRIPTION: ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have question marks at safety and with their receiver depth entering their preseason finale at Tampa Bay on Saturday. Coach Sean McDermott has yet to determine who will start opposite safety Taylor Rapp, while noting injuries have muddled the competition for the backup receiver spots. By John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 5 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--STEELERS-PANTHERS

DESCRIPTION: Pittsburgh Steelers plays Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. 300 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- Scottie Scheffler leads the 30-man field at the Tour Championship, where everyone has a shot at the FedEx Cup and its $10 million prize. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — With the Yankees coming off a 5-0 trip, Luis Gil (1-1) starts a four-game series opener for New York against the Boston Red Sox and Lucas Giolito (8-2). 300 words, photos, starts 7:05 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 7:15 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-WILSON

DESCRIPTION: HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders defensive Tyree Wilson has yet to play up the expectations of the seventh pick in the NFL draft. But heading into his third season, Wilson has shown signs in training camp that he can be an impact player. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-GIANTS

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- With most of the starters for each team expected to sit, New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart gets another chance to show what he can do in the preseason finale against the New England Patriots. By Stephen Whyno. 400 words, photos. More on merit. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Struggling Canadian star Brooke Henderson opens play in the CPKC Women’s Open, seeking her first victory in more than 2 1/2 years. UPCOMING: 350 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/21/2025 8:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--CHIEFS-REID-BULLET

Bullet was fired into Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s office last spring while he was there, report says

SUMMARY: The Kansas City Star reports a bullet was fired into Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s office at the team’s practice facility last year while he was inside. The Star, citing multiple sources, reports Reid was working alone in his office in early May 2024 when a bullet fired from outside the building broke through glass and left a hole through the window and blinds. It got lodged in a wall between his bathroom and the entry door to his office. The team installed bulletproof glass soon afterward. The Star reports two more bullets hit the facility. A Chiefs spokesman declined comment to the AP on Wednesday night.

WORDS: 296 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 1:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:161639a1e04ab2aa1ce51afb32a1d4c9&mediaType=text

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GYM--USA GYMNASTICS-ABUSE INQUIRY

Gymnast who sparked FBI sex abuse inquiry into coach tells AP she’s proud to come forward

SUMMARY: A gymnast whose report of sexual abuse against her former coach led to his arrest and an FBI investigation into potential misconduct at gyms in three states says she’s proud she made a difference. Finley Weldon spoke in an interview with The Associated Press about her role in exposing the allegations against Sean Gardner, her coach at a renowned academy in Iowa until 2021. The 18-year-old Iowa State University freshman says she “felt like I needed to speak out to stop it from happening to other little girls, so they didn’t have to go through what I went through.” Weldon says she’s going public because she’s proud to have come forward. The FBI arrested Gardner last week.

WORDS: 1312 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 1:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:54afe97648c39177b8939e208c50a806&mediaType=text

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BKL--SEX TOYS-ARREST

Man arrested for WNBA sex-toy throwing at Liberty game, the 3rd arrest in string of disturbances

SUMMARY: An Ohio man has been arrested for the throwing of a sex toy at a WNBA game in New York. It’s the latest development in a string of disturbances where similar toys were tossed at WNBA games across the country, resulting in at least three arrests. New York police told The Associated Press that Charles Burgess from Dayton, Ohio, was arrested Wednesday for allegedly throwing an object at the Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty game on Aug. 5. The object hit a 12-year-old girl and Burgess was charged with two counts of assault.

WORDS: 434 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 12:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7dfe2e38ab1d7e95f1a35e4ea6e7dff&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN DRAW

Alcaraz and Djokovic could get early US Open tests. Venus Williams draws No. 11 seed Muchova

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face potential difficult American opponents when they begin their quest for another U.S. Open title. Venus Williams, meanwhile, returns to the event at age 45 against No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova, a past French Open finalist who has reached the semifinals in New York the past two years. That was one of the early highlight matches after the draws were conducted Thursday for the men’s and women’s singles tournaments. Those begin Sunday, a day earlier than in the past. Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, starts against Reilly Opelka. Djokovic will face Learner Tien, who made to the fourth round at this year’s Australian Open.

WORDS: 505 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 12:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0071ae9bce77152651ffb6277c5591f4&mediaType=text

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SOC--NWSL-PRIDE-OVALLE

NWSL’s Pride finalize record deal with Mexico’s Tigres for Lizbeth Ovalle

SUMMARY: The Orlando Pride have acquired forward Lizbeth Ovalle from Mexico’s Tigres UANL for an international record transfer fee. The Pride did not disclose terms of the agreement, but a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Pride would pay a fee of $1.5 million. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the agreement with the National Women’s Soccer League club had not yet been formally signed. The transfer fee surpasses the $1.3 million fee Arsenal paid Liverpool for Canadian striker Olivia Smith in the English Women’s Super League last month.

WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 11:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:044afd06523b7c4efadf66e1f35306e4&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-OBIT-WHEELER

Humpy Wheeler, the ‘P.T. Barnum of motorsports,’ dies at 86

SUMMARY: Humpy Wheeler, a pioneering motorsports promoter and former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died at 86. NASCAR announced his passing on Wednesday, stating he died of natural causes surrounded by family. Known as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports,” Wheeler was celebrated for his innovative approach to fan experiences. He transformed Charlotte Motor Speedway into a must-visit racing and entertainment complex. Earlier this year, Wheeler was named the winner of NASCAR’s Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions and was set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 10:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce850f2b55a2b2e20e7643df5fb54d77&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN PREVIEW

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, aka Sincaraz, rule men’s tennis as the 2025 US Open arrives

SUMMARY: They’ll still play the full U.S. Open starting Sunday in New York, but it might save some time to skip ahead to the men’s final on Sept. 7. That’s because just about everyone in tennis expects it to be another Grand Slam showdown between Jannik Sinner — assuming he’s healthy — and Carlos Alcaraz. They have combined to win the past seven major championships and played each other to decide the titles at the French Open in June and Wimbledon in July. Five women have divided the past five Grand Slam trophies, a group that includes Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

WORDS: 857 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 9:38 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:67008332662fe8fcc1ebbf0e501a9495&mediaType=text

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BBW--WPBL TRYOUTS PREVIEW

Women are flocking to DC for a historic pro baseball tryout. Here are some players to know

SUMMARY: Hundreds of women will flock to Washington on Friday to take their first swings at turning pro baseball dreams into reality. Some at the historic tryout will be seasoned veterans and trailblazers in the women’s game. Plenty others are beginners chasing a shot at the pros. They’ll meet on the same field in a camp organized by the Women’s Pro Baseball League. Set to debut next year, the league is holding the first pro women’s baseball tryouts in more than 80 years this weekend in partnership with Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. The U.S. hasn’t had a pro women’s league since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — the one immortalized in “A League of Their Own” — dissolved in 1954.

WORDS: 1051 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 9:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5bcbe2142b38d2579795be0c7ae620f6&mediaType=text

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SCI--US OPEN-DARK LIGHTING

At the US Open, tennis stars shine under dark sky-friendly outdoor lights

SUMMARY: When the court lights flicker on at the U.S. Open, tennis stars shine under illumination designed to cut light pollution. The light fixtures on the USTA courts in Flushing Meadows shine light onto the players without spewing it into the surrounding skies. The stadium complex is the only professional sports venue certified by DarkSky International, a group trying to preserve the night sky across the globe. Across North America and Canada, schools and local parks have also swapped out their lights on baseball fields, running tracks and other recreation grounds to preserve their view of the stars and protect local wildlife.

WORDS: 887 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 9:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b2f05b812aec3170f20b19a64478e16&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-TOP 25 JOURNEY

AP’s dream road trip: How to see every preseason Top 25 team at least once in 2025

WORDS: 1037 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 7:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3fe062382c01ef37af5a82f93c66ec24&mediaType=text

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RGU--UNITED STATES-MAHER

Ilona Maher wants America to fall in love with rugby during Women’s World Cup

SUMMARY: Ilona Maher’s mission at the Women’s Rugby World Cup is about more than just winning games. The world’s most followed rugby player on social media wants to get more eyeballs on the sport heading into the United States’ tournament opener against host England on Friday as rugby ramps up attempts to crack the market in America. Maher says “we want the fans in America to see us play here because we’ve got a World Cup there in eight years and we need to start building for that.” Rugby authorities see America as a vital new market for the sport. The United States will stage the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the women’s tournament in 2033.

WORDS: 463 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 6:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fced9fb6f236c40fdfe3509255269eb0&mediaType=text

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SPORT-AUSTRALIAN RULES-HOMOPHOBIC SLUR

Australian Rules football player banned for homophobic slur, the AFL’s sixth in 16 months

SUMMARY: A player has been banned for four games for a homophobic slur against an opponent in a top-flight Australian rules football game, the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a similar act in the past 16 months. Izak Rankine plays for the league-leading Adelaide Crows. He admitted directing a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent in Adelaide’s three-point win last Saturday. The Austrlaian Football League’s general counsel Stephen Meade says Rankine knew it was not acceptable. Meade says: “In an AFL environment, this behavior is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football.”

WORDS: 372 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 3:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cdfde7c86befc739e5fb2e3dc691052d&mediaType=text

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BKL--WINGS-BUECKERS

Paige Bueckers scores 44 points, sets WNBA rookie record in Dallas Wings’ loss

SUMMARY: Paige Bueckers put together not just one of the best shooting performances by a WNBA rookie, but one of the best performances ever by any player. The top pick in this year’s draft scored 44 points in the Dallas Wings’ 81-80 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the most points by a rookie in WNBA history. Bueckers sank 17 of 21 shots, including 4 of 4 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 at the free-throw line to become the first player in league history with 40-plus points on 80% shooting from the floor. Bueckers credited her teammates and said her main focus is on winning games.

WORDS: 516 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 2:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0ca53c1e07ce14c77e88ce539b496a3d&mediaType=text

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BBO--PADRES-TATIS SPECTACULAR CATCH

Tatis makes spectacular leaping catch to rob Devers of a home run

SUMMARY: San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. made a sensational leaping catch to rob San Francisco’s Rafael Devers of a home run. The left-handed Devers lifted a high fly ball off left-hander JP Sears with one out in the first inning. Tatis tracked it to his left, perfectly timed his leap and got his glove above the wall to make the catch. When he came back down, he landed on his backside and sat against the wall for a moment. He popped up and tossed the ball from his glove to his right hand and threw it in. Sears pointed and smiled at Tatis.

WORDS: 302 - MOVED: 08/21/2025 1:49 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0bd25b2670a3e2451865d82984926dd1&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

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—BBW--WPBL-Tryouts

—TEN--US Open-American Men

—FBC--Kansas-Stadium Debut

—FBN--Coaches-Turned-Advisors

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