AP Sports Digest

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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CAR--F1-ITALIAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix as the Formula 1 title fight continues between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: England hosts Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday. Other games include Armenia vs. Portugal and Austria vs. Cyprus. By James Robson. UPCOMING: 700 words by 2045 GMT, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 3:45 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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TEN US OPEN

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka plays Amanda Anisimova in the U.S. Open final on Saturday. Play starts at about 4 p.m. EDT. By Howard Fendrich. 700 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT

WITH: TEN US OPEN MEN’S FINAL PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — A look ahead to the US Open men’s final.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT

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FBC--T25-AUSTIN PEAY-GEORGIA

DESCRIPTION: ATHENS, Ga. — No. 4 Georgia, which opened with a 45-7 win over Marshall, expects a tougher challenge in its second home game against Austin Peay on Saturday. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--GRAMBLING STATE-OHIO STATE

DESCRIPTION: COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State plays its first regular-season game as AP’s top-ranked team since 2015 when it hosts Grambling State. The Buckeyes moved up to the top spot after their 14-7 victory over then-No. 1 Texas last week. By Joe Reedy. 600 words, photos. Game starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--SOUTH KOREA-US

DESCRIPTION: HARRISON, N.J. — The United States plays South Korea in a friendly ahead of next year’s World Cup. 300 words, photos, starts 5 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--MICHIGAN-OKLAHOMA

DESCRIPTION: NORMAN, Okla. — Brent Venables returned to Oklahoma as head coach before the 2022 season hoping to bring the Sooners back to a championship level, but they have posted two losing campaigns during his three years. Oklahoma remains historically great, but Venables acknowledges that the Sooners haven’t been up to standard lately. As Oklahoma has struggled, a consistent on-field identity has yet to be established. The 18th-ranked Sooners’ home game Saturday against No. 15 Michigan gives Venables a chance to take a major step forward in setting the tone for the program. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 500 words, with photos. Game time 7:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/06/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--OBIT-KEN DRYDEN

Hall of Fame Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden dies of cancer at age 78

SUMMARY: Ken Dryden, the Hall of Fame goaltender who helped the Montreal Canadiens win six Stanley Cup titles in the 1970s, has died after a fight with cancer. He was 78. The Canadiens announced the death, saying Dryden’s family asked for privacy. Dryden backstopped the NHL’s most successful franchise to the championship in six of his eight seasons in the league from 1970-71 to ’78-79. Dryden, from Hamilton, Ontario, played three seasons at Cornell University from 1966-69, leading the Big Red to the 1967 NCAA title. He also was a cornerstone of Canada’s 1972 Summit Series team that defeated the Soviet Union. Dryden was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

WORDS: 645 - MOVED: 09/06/2025 1:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c84273335f030170e8118f0dd2d7a0bf&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-AUGER-ALIASSIME-SINNER

Sinner beats Auger-Aliassime at the U.S. Open and faces Alcaraz for a 3rd Grand Slam final in a row

SUMMARY: Jannik Sinner has overcome a mid-match lull before retaking control for a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the U.S. Open semifinals. Friday night’s victory moved Sinner closer to becoming the first repeat men’s champion in New York since Roger Federer took five trophies in a row from 2004-08. The No. 1-seeded Sinner, a 24-year-old from Italy, will face No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, a 22-year-old from Spain, on Sunday, making them the first men in tennis history to meet in three straight Grand Slam finals within a single season, according to the ATP. The No. 1 ranking will be at stake, too.

WORDS: 725 - MOVED: 09/06/2025 12:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c0ad363870598c7c226cd869feee7c0&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-CHARGERS

Herbert outduels Mahomes to help the Chargers beat the Chiefs 27-21 in Brazil

SUMMARY: Justin Herbert threw for three touchdowns, leading the Los Angeles Chargers to a 27-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Sao Paulo. The win snaps a seven-game losing streak against the Chiefs. The game, streamed on YouTube, marks the NFL’s second in South America. Herbert’s performance includes a crucial 19-yard run late in the game. The Chiefs struggle to make big plays in the first half, trailing 13-6. Injuries impact both teams, with the Chiefs losing receiver Xavier Worthy early and the Chargers’ Denzel Perryman leaving in the third quarter.

WORDS: 660 - MOVED: 09/06/2025 12:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6c1f1ca2d2a3b4d4e1b539b7eb7367be&mediaType=text

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FBC--NIL CLEARINGHOUSE-ERRORS

College Sports Commission reveals it mistakenly overstated worth of approved NIL deals by $40M-plus

SUMMARY: The College Sports Commission sent out a correction, saying it had overstated the amount of name, image, likeness deals it has cleared by more than $40 million in a data set it had previously made public. The commission blamed a clerical reporting error in data provided by Deloitte, which helped create the platform called NIL Go. The most jarring of the errors: The total value of deals cleared was $35.42 million instead of the $79.8 million previously announced. The $79.8 million is the total amount of all deals in the system, including those that are still pending.

WORDS: 423 - MOVED: 09/06/2025 12:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aeed3abf43649787a0663c627b98ce33&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-BRAZIL

Chiefs draw more fans in Brazil but some supporters disappointed Taylor Swift nowhere to be seen

SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs’ red and white dominated in the stands at NeoQuimica Arena on Friday night during their season-opening game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Though even some of the local supporters couldn’t hide their frustration that Taylor Swift was nowhere to be seen after days of anticipation in Brazil. Several Chiefs players talked about a growing support base for the team in Brazil, and these fans were the clear majority among the more than 47,000 in attendance. Meanwhile, the Chargers, who were the designated home team, were jeered as they came on the field.

WORDS: 711 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 11:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:17cba7924ac7a744bd0f484252fbaa55&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN

Alcaraz beats Djokovic at the US Open and now meets Sinner for the 3rd Grand Slam final in a row

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet for the third Grand Slam final in a row when they play for the U.S. Open title. And the No. 1 ranking will be on the line Sunday, too. Current No. 2 Alcaraz defeated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the semifinals Friday, before No. 1 Sinner eliminated No. 25 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Alcaraz is seeking his sixth major title and Sinner his fifth. Both have won the U.S. Open once, with Sinner’s trophy coming last year. Alcaraz beat Sinner at the French Open in June, and Sinner won the rematch at Wimbledon in July.

WORDS: 871 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 11:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e2476ffd6a5623479b080cc0f6a61866&mediaType=text

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FBN--BRAZIL-LUCKY TAYLOR

Taylor Swift is a good luck charm for soccer team hosting Travis Kelce’s 1st game in Brazil

WORDS: 655 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 10:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb0bf3394888d4b5e1ae647ab2a5bb33&mediaType=text

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ENT--FILM-TIFF-SYDNEY SWEENEY

Sydney Sweeney lands a knockout at TIFF with ‘Christy,’ stoking Oscar buzz

SUMMARY: Sydney Sweeney came to the Toronto International Film Festival wanting to talk about her film “Christy,” not her American Eagle ad campaign. After a rapturous response to the movie, she’s getting her wish. The 27-year-old, Emmy-nominated actor landed immediate Oscar buzz for her performance in David Michôd’s biopic of the boxer Christy Salters Martin. For the role, Sweeney transforms into the female boxing trailblazer who emerged out of West Virginia as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” to rise to the top of her then-nascent sport.

WORDS: 567 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 7:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ea61f200563ec442587e9f7447c9a6a2&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-DJOKOVIC

Novak Djokovic won’t give up on trying to win a 25th major title after another semifinal loss

SUMMARY: Novak Djokovic says he wants to keep striving to claim a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, but it’s hard to compete with someone as talented and young as Carlos Alcaraz in best-of-five-set matches. The 38-year-old Djokovic lost to the 22-year-old Alcaraz in three sets in the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday. There was a moment, albeit a brief one, that Djokovic appeared to be making a match of it, up 3-0 in the second set. But Alcaraz soon regained control. It was the fourth time in four Slam events in 2025 that Djokovic reached the semifinals — and fourth time he exited in that round.

WORDS: 538 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 7:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fed78d73454411b266b0965e97795110&mediaType=text

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BBO--ASTROS-TRAMMELL-CONFISCATED BAT

Astros’ Taylor Trammell facing no discipline after bat confiscated following double vs. Yankees

SUMMARY: Houston Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell is facing no discipline from Major League Baseball after umpires confiscated his two-color bat when New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone asked for it to be checked after he hit a double. Trammell says he spoke to MLB officials Friday. He says he understands and appreciates their explanation for what happened Thursday night because of some discoloration on the dark-colored barrel of the bat. Boone says he he never thought Taylor was up to anything in the ninth inning of an 8-4 win by New York. He says he’s also satisfied with the ruing and explanation..

WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 6:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7d06f08c93ea3947d3d8f83be8bad54&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-MCCAFFREY

49ers star Christian McCaffrey questionable for season opener after calf injury

SUMMARY: San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey is questionable for the season opener after injuring his calf at practice. Coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey got hurt on Thursday and didn’t practice Friday. His availability for Sunday’s game at Seattle will be a game-time decision. McCaffrey missed most of last season’s training camp with a calf injury and later had knee issues. If he can’t play, the 49ers will likely rely on Brian Robinson, who recently joined the team. Receiver Jauan Jennings is set to play after missing training camp with a calf injury and contract dispute.

WORDS: 599 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 5:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b9bf8828eeac7a28ab29639990c6fe93&mediaType=text

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BKL--SKY-REESE SUSPENDED

Reese suspended by Sky for a half of Sunday’s game for comments ‘detrimental to the team’

SUMMARY: Angel Reese was suspended by the Chicago Sky for the first half of the team’s game against Las Vegas on Sunday for comments she made that were “detrimental to the team.” The team announced the suspension Friday afternoon. Reese already is missing the team’s game Friday night against Indiana because of a mandatory one-game suspension by the WNBA for picking up her eighth technical foul of the season. The two-time All-Star voiced her frustrations with the franchise, telling the Chicago Tribune that she “might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me” if the team doesn’t improve its outlook earlier in the week. She walked back those comments after Wednesday’s win over Connecticut. She had already apologized to the team.

WORDS: 234 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 5:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:215b695ff9947f2ef1281201655e6361&mediaType=text

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FBN--JETS-METHOD MAN

Method Man’s passion earned him a spot in the Jets’ fan hall of fame. He predicts a win vs. Steelers

SUMMARY: Method Man, known for his role in Wu-Tang Clan, has been a passionate New York Jets fan since childhood. This Sunday, before the Jets’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’ll be introduced along with three others as 2024 inductees into the team’s fan hall of fame. Although he can’t attend because of commitments at the Toronto International Film Festival, he’s thrilled about the honor. Method Man has been a season-ticket holder since 2012 and cherishes his connection to the team. Despite the Jets’ ups and downs, he remains hopeful for the new season under coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Justin Fields. And he predicts a win Sunday against Aaron Rodgers.

WORDS: 939 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 5:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a61016b9c183467868e339ac9484d71&mediaType=text

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BKN--CLIPPERS-BALLMER

Clippers owner Ballmer welcomes NBA probe, tells ESPN he wasn’t involved in Leonard endorsement deal

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer welcomes the NBA’s investigation into alleged salary cap rule violations. He denies involvement in a $28 million endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and a sustainability company. Ballmer said in an interview with ESPN that he would want the NBA to investigate any team accused of similar violations. He introduced Leonard to Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a company he once invested in, which is now bankrupt. The Clippers denied breaking any rules. The NBA could impose penalties if violations are found. The Clippers ended their partnership with Aspiration after two years due to contractual default.

WORDS: 329 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 5:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:65136600cba64a233acf75315111ba91&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS AND CHARGERS-YOUTUBE

YouTube using creators to enhance broadcast of the NFL game between the Chiefs and the Chargers

SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs face Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers in the most accessible game to viewers on Friday night in Brazil. It’s the first NFL game streamed on YouTube and there will be plenty of unique elements surrounding the broadcast. The league and YouTube have assembled a lineup of content creators to enhance the viewing experience. Cam Newton, Brandon Marshall, Derek Carr and Tyrann Mathieu will be part of a pre-game and post-game shows hosted by Kay Adams. Donald De La Haye, known as “Deestroying” to millions of social media followers, will serve as a sideline creator.

WORDS: 733 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 4:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:daa740fb5a4f05722193297b17201b6a&mediaType=text

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SOC--INTER MIAMI-SUÁREZ SUSPENDED

Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez suspended for 6 Leagues Cup matches after spitting incident

SUMMARY: Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez has been suspended yet again for on-field antics, this time getting a six-match ban from future Leagues Cup matches in response to his conduct — including spitting at someone — after his team lost Sunday’s final to the Seattle Sounders. Suárez will not be able to play in the tournament next season, and the ban could stretch into future seasons. Inter Miami played six Leagues Cup matches this year on its way to the final. The ban would not apply to Major League Soccer matches, though it is possible that Suárez could still face sanctioning from that league as well. The Leagues Cup is a separate competition.

WORDS: 361 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 4:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:33c63452cd01c197c619359728df1bfa&mediaType=text

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US--SPORTS-SPITTING INCIDENTS

Spit spat: Jalen Carter’s ejection from Eagles’ opener was latest saliva-driven dismissal in sports

SUMMARY: Jalen Carter’s ejection from the NFL season opener in Philadelphia landed him on an infamous list of spitting incidents in sports. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Eagles was dismissed six seconds into the game after he spit at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Major League Soccer had a case earlier in the week when Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez spit toward a Seattle Sounders staff member during a postgame scuffle at the Leagues Cup final. Terrell Owens and Bill Romanowski in the NFL and Roberto Alomar in Major League Baseball are some of the others on the list.

WORDS: 690 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 4:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb75a7f56da097c0ee5c99a63fa141d3&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-DOWN-THE-STRETCH

MLB’s regular season enters its final 3 weeks. Here’s a look at the playoff picture and awards races

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s 2025 season has seen unexpected parity among teams. While big spenders like the Dodgers and Yankees are playoff-bound, they haven’t dominated as expected. The Milwaukee Brewers, with a modest payroll, are the only team with a shot at 100 wins. Playoff races are heating up, with clear contenders in both leagues. The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Tigers lead the American League, while the Brewers and Phillies top the National League. Awards races are tight, with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani leading MVP odds. Managerial changes could follow the season’s end, adding intrigue to the final weeks.

WORDS: 860 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 3:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dbd00494db6f2fcd2126cb6e79a500e6&mediaType=text

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OLY--IOC-FEMALE SPORTS

IOC creates panel to review female issues in Olympic sports and protects experts’ identity

SUMMARY: The IOC says it’s not revealing the names of experts appointed to an Olympic panel looking at female gender issues. A working group on “Protection of the Female Category” in sports was promised by the International Olympic Committee’s first female president Kirsty Coventry when she was elected in March. A key campaign theme was the IOC taking more strategy-setting responsibility in fallout from the furor around women’s boxing at the Paris Summer Games. The IOC says the panel’s identity “will remain confidential for now to protect the integrity of the group and their work.”

WORDS: 540 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 2:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ca645cbb48a37c642fe758e5f993ca2d&mediaType=text

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GLF--IRISH OPEN

McIlroy shoots 66 and powers into contention at Irish Open. Lagergren leads after a 62

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy has hit a bogey-free 6-under 66 to move into contention after the second round of the Irish Open. Joakim Lagergren of Sweden leads after a 62 on Friday. McIlroy jumped into a share of third place after making six birdies at The K Club. Two of them came at the last two holes to thrill the deep galleries following their Northern Irishman on his homecoming. The world No. 2 will have to reel in Lagergren, who led on 12-under par after 36 holes, and Adrien Saddier, who added a 66 to an opening 67 and was one stroke back.

WORDS: 231 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 2:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd13d8bb4376299d3491ffae6f9019f4&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS ANALYSIS

Cowboys paid Lamb and passed on Parsons, so the drops are going to hurt a little more

SUMMARY: CeeDee Lamb’s critical drops played a big part in keeping the Dallas Cowboys from leaving Philadelphia with a win over the defending champs in the NFL opener. The Cowboys fell 24-20 in their first game without Micah Parsons. The star edge rusher was traded to Green Bay in the culmination of a contract dispute. This happened a year after Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott got big contracts. Now Prescott and first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer are expressing their confidence in Lamb going forward.

WORDS: 867 - MOVED: 09/05/2025 2:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da200ba4471787a7ead74560c5901b6c&mediaType=text