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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HKN--PUCK DROP-ROOKIE WATCH

DESCRIPTION: After No. 1 picks Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini went into starring roles the NHL from junior hockey and college, Matthew Schaefer is getting a much slower approach from the New York Islanders after they took him first in the draft. He is not alone, as most of the top picks in this year’s draft need more experience. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--RYDER CUP-TRUMP

DESCRIPTION: FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Four years ago, President Donald Trump was persona non grata in the professional golf world, ostracized from the sport he loves in the wake of the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The PGA of America pulled his chance to host its major championship and officials in his hometown, New York City, tried ousting his company from the golf course it had hired him to run. On Friday, Trump will be front and center at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black — welcomed to the first day of competition by the very powers that once shunned him. By Michael R. Sisak. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-IRELAND-ROONEYS

DESCRIPTION: DUBLIN — Sunday’s Steelers-Vikings showdown — Ireland’s first time hosting a regular-season NFL game — represents a Rooney homecoming in two countries. By Ken Maguire.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-OREGON-PENN ST-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Both No. 3 Penn State and No. 6 Oregon entered this season with national championship expectations. Whoever emerges from their early Big Ten showdown on Saturday will take a significant step forward in that pursuit. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKL--LIBERTY-KOLB

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb discusses his decision to not renew the contract of former coach Sandy Brondello. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. UPCOMING: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAVENS-CHIEFS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two teams that have become very familiar with each other in recent years meet again on Sunday when Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens visit Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for an AFC showdown at Arrowhead Stadium. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--SPANISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: MADRID — Barcelona visits promoted Oviedo in the Spanish league. By Tales Azzoni. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 2:52 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-ALABAMA-GEORGIA PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: ATHENS, Ga. — In a game with early SEC and CFP implications, No. 5 Georgia will play No. 17 Alabama on Saturday night as the Crimson Tide looks to continue its mastery of the series with the Bulldogs in the Kirby Smart era. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Aston Villa hosts Bologna, Lyon travels to Utrecht and Stuttgart is in action against Celta Vigo among the remaining first round matches in the Europa League. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--JAGUARS-49ERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have been winning games despite struggling with their usual ground game. They’ve relied on a pass-heavy offense, passing on nearly two-thirds of their plays. The team hopes to revive their running game when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--LAKERS

DESCRIPTION: EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick discuss the upcoming season. UPCOMING: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--ACES-FEVER

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLLIS — The Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces meet in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals in Indianapolis. Indiana surprised the second-seeded Aces with a road win in Game 1. Las Vegas has won two of the last three league titles. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 400 words, with photos. Game time is 7:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-CARDINALS

DESCRIPTION: GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Seattle Seahawks try to continue their dominance over the Arizona Cardinals when the NFC West rivals meet on Thursday night. The Seahawks have won seven straight in the series dating to 2021. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos from 8:15 p.m. EDT kickoff.

UPCOMING: By 09/25/2025 11:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--MARINERS CLINCH

Mariners win AL West for 1st time in 24 years as Raleigh reaches 60 homers in 9-2 win over Rockies

SUMMARY: It was only fitting when Cal Raleigh catapulted the Seattle Mariners to their first AL West championship in 24 years Wednesday night. The switch-hitting catcher launched two more homers to give him a major league-best 60 this season, and the streaking Mariners clinched the fourth division crown in the franchise’s 49-year history with a 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The only big league team that’s never been to a World Series, Seattle last won the AL West in 2001 when it set an American League record with 116 wins — thanks in large part to a prolific rookie season from Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki.

WORDS: 560 - MOVED: 09/25/2025 1:32 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4510dccb085c8528cb2b5ece2d7b3186&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-FRIED-RICE

Fried Rice combo sparks jokes among Yankees pitcher Max Fried and catcher Ben Rice

SUMMARY: A Fried Rice combo left Ben Rice hungering to yuk it up with Max Fried. About to catch his Yankees teammate for the first time, the New York catcher couldn’t wait to mention the battery word play when he walked into the pregame meeting. “It’s such a layup of a joke I had to say it right right when we got in there,” Rice said after Fried pitched the Yankees over the Chicago White Sox 8-1. “First Fried Rice combo of the year.” Fried became the major leagues’ first 19-game winner. He is 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his last seven starts.

WORDS: 500 - MOVED: 09/25/2025 12:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:99de571999e9f5d10e12806156d0ad31&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROCKIES-MARINERS

Cal Raleigh hits MLB-leading 59th and 60th homers to help the Mariners wrap up AL West

SUMMARY: Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 59th and 60th home runs of the season and the Seattle Mariners won their fourth AL West title with a 9-2 victory over Colorado on Wednesday night. Raleigh opened the scoring in the first inning off Tanner Gordon with a shot to the top deck in right field, and capped it in the eighth with a two-out blast to right off Angel Chivilli. Julio Rodríguez and Jorge Polanco also homered off Gordon (6-8) in the first. With four games remaining, Raleigh has a chance to break the AL record of 62 set by Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2022. The Mariners won for the 16th time in 17 games.

WORDS: 256 - MOVED: 09/25/2025 12:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:150eb79f366d16a1e3bac3e7f90a9792&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE

Judge ties MLB record by hitting 50 homers for 4th time as Yankees regain share of AL East lead

SUMMARY: Aaron Judge put himself in some rare company while lifting the New York Yankees into a share of the AL East lead for the first time in 3 1/2 months. Judge became just the fourth player to reach 50 home runs four times and, just like last year, he followed by hitting No. 51 in the same game. A day after the Yankees clinched their 60th postseason berth and eighth in nine years, Judge joined Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa as the only hitters with four 50-homer seasons.

WORDS: 802 - MOVED: 09/25/2025 12:23 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:324723f72d6f0f4b9d99e099903469c6&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARINERS-RALEIGH

Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh hits MLB-leading 60th home run against Rockies

SUMMARY: Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 59th and 60th homers on Wednesday night, solo shots for the Seattle Mariners in the first and eighth innings against the Colorado Rockies. Raleigh, batting left-handed, connected off Tanner Gordon in the first inning for his first home run to right field that reached the top deck at T-Mobile Park. Then in the eighth inning, Raleigh, batting left-handed again, connected off Angel Chivilli.

WORDS: 254 - MOVED: 09/25/2025 12:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2f9405b191442e8e8aaface1b42f787e&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARLINS-PHILLIES

Phillies wrap up a 1st-round bye, hitting a team-record 8 homers to rout the Marlins

SUMMARY: Edmundo Sosa hit three of Philadelphia’s team-record eight home runs, Kyle Schwarber had two to pad his National League lead and the Phillies wrapped up a first-round bye with an 11-1 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night. Schwarber hit Nos. 55 and 56 and also doubled and singled. He trails Seattle’s Cal Raleigh by four for the major league homer lead. Sosa was activated before the game after being out since Sept. 16 because of a groin injury. Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm and Otto Kemp also homered. Jesus Luzardo (15-7) struck out 10 in seven innings.

WORDS: 307 - MOVED: 09/25/2025 12:02 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:60d40aaf30aca8703adc8f3aad4bde4b&mediaType=text

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BBO--GUARDIANS-COMEBACK

Guardians defy odds with historic comeback for AL Central lead

SUMMARY: Steven Kwan wasn’t focused on standings in early July when the Cleveland Guardians were struggling. But on Wednesday night, Cleveland made history. They moved into first place with a 5-1 win over Detroit. This marks the biggest comeback in baseball history, overcoming a 15-and-a-half-game deficit. Cleveland now leads Detroit by one game with four games left. The Guardians have been on fire in September, boasting an 18-5 record. Their pitching has been stellar, allowing two or fewer runs in 19 consecutive games. Manager Stephen Vogt praised the team’s resilience but emphasized there’s more work to do.

WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 11:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1aefaa2bacd1b9c233a2e340422310ec&mediaType=text

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BBO--PIRATES-SKENES

Pirates ace Paul Skenes drops ERA to 1.97 in his final scheduled start of the season

SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes isn’t a big numbers guy, yet he does maintain high standards for himself. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed four hits and struck out seven in six innings in his final scheduled start of the season on Wednesday night. While he didn’t figure in the Pirates’ 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in 11 innings, he lowered his ERA to 1.97. Skenes became the first qualified pitcher with an ERA under 2.00 since Justin Verlander in 2022. He’s the youngest pitcher with a sub-2.00 ERA since 20-year-old Dwight Gooden’s 1.53 in 1985.

WORDS: 580 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 11:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6aec53505d0df85073a6fdb47c9d2c9e&mediaType=text

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BBO--TIGERS-GUARDIANS

Once 15 1/2 games back, the Guardians beat the Tigers 5-1 to take a 1-game lead in the AL Central

SUMMARY: The Cleveland Guardians have made history by overcoming a 15 1/2-game deficit to take the lead in division play. They achieved this with a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. George Valera hit a two-run homer in the third inning, and José Ramírez added a two-run double in the seventh. Tanner Bibee won his third straight start, allowing just one run in six innings. The Guardians’ starters have allowed two or fewer runs in 19 consecutive games. Detroit has lost eight straight games and is out of first place for the first time since April.

WORDS: 368 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 10:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b65b3c23949199f3f380b241159e7df&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-MIAMI-NYCFC

Lionel Messi scores 2 goals and Inter Miami clinches playoff spot with 4-0 win over New York City FC

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi had two goals and an assist to reach 37 goal contributions this season and Inter Miami clinched a playoff spot with a 4-0 victory over New York City FC. Miam (16-6-7), which won its third straight game, extended its league-leading goal total to 64 this season. Five of Miami’s last six MLS matches have featured at least three goals, most recently a 3–2 victory over D.C. United. After his first-half assist, Messi became the first player in MLS history to record at least 35 goal contributions in consecutive seasons. After two second-half goals, Messi became the fourth player in MLS history to record eight multi-goal games in a single season. Messi made it 2-0 in the 74th minute and he scored again in the 86th.

WORDS: 267 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 10:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:561ea850d7b0e1682630d3dcc665a1e3&mediaType=text

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SKI--FIS-GENDER ELIGIBILITY

Skiing’s governing body approves gender eligibility testing policy

SUMMARY: Skiing’s governing body has approved a gene testing policy for gender eligibility in women’s events. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation also delayed a decision on letting some Russian athletes try to qualify with neutral status for the 2026 Winter Olympics. FIS says it will work with national ski team officials on implementing the gender policy, which follows the lead taken by track and field’s World Athletics. It did not publish a timetable for a testing program. The Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Games open Feb. 6.

WORDS: 468 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 6:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:854c1b905d032a45b1559f9437eab918&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP

Ryder Cup banter and blunders get started at Bethpage without a shot being hit

SUMMARY: The gamesmanship at the Ryder Cup has started without a shot being struck. European captain Luke Donald took a couple of veiled jabs at the Americans getting paid this week during his opening ceremony speech. It’s been a hot topic the Europeans have seized on this week. U.S. captain Keegan Bradley made the first bogey. He was talking about the first Ryder Cup he attended in 1999. It was famous for Justin Leonard making a winning putt on the 17th green at Brookline. Bradley mistaken attributed the putt to Justin Rose, who is part of Team Europe.

WORDS: 992 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 6:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:47265ef80a8a4b77cff407f83f1cdba5&mediaType=text

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BBO--NATIONALS-TOBONI

The Nationals are hiring Red Sox Assistant GM Paul Toboni to run baseball operations: AP source

SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the move tells The Associated Press that the Washington Nationals are set to hire Boston Red Sox senior vice president and assistant general manager Paul Toboni to run their baseball operations department. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because Toboni’s move to the Nationals had not been announced. The 35-year-old Toboni was with the Red Sox for a decade, starting there as an intern in 2015, then moving up through their scouting department until becoming an assistant GM in November 2023.

WORDS: 380 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 6:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab6ffcf8b0e3750ef3053f5f3c14bb95&mediaType=text

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BBO--GUARDIANS-FRY INJURED

David Fry recovering after sustaining broken nose, facial fractures after being hit in face by pitch

SUMMARY: Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry is recovering after being hit in the face by a pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. The incident happened during Cleveland’s 5-2 win over the Tigers on Tuesday, which tied the AL Central division race. Fry was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon. Imaging showed he sustained multiple facial and nasal fractures but won’t need surgery. Fry is expected to recover in six to eight weeks. He was placed on the 10-day injured list, and outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez was called up. Skubal, who was visibly shaken, visited Fry in the hospital and apologized.

WORDS: 586 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 6:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48b20082a3a1392844270d2d7ef855da&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Eze scores first Arsenal goal in League Cup win. Man City, Tottenham and Newcastle also advance

SUMMARY: Eberechi Eze has scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 2-0 win at Port Vale in the English League Cup while Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham also beat third-tier opponents to advance to the last 16. Eze was making his fifth appearance for his boyhood team following a summer move from Crystal Palace. He stroked home a cool finish in the eighth minute and Leandro Trossard added the second. Phil Foden scored one goal and set up the second for Savinho in City’s 2-0 win at Huddersfield. Tottenham beat Doncaster 3-0 and Newcastle beat Bradford 4-1.

WORDS: 317 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 5:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:428e817f47423a9592747cc21553c61b&mediaType=text

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BKL--ACES-FEVER OFFICIATING

Aces coach Becky Hammon slams officiating after physical Game 2 win over Fever

SUMMARY: Aces coach Becky Hammon expressed frustration over the physicality in the WNBA playoffs semifinal series against the Fever. On Tuesday, the Aces won 90-68, evening the series. Hammon criticized the officiating, saying the physical play is out of control. Fever coach Stephanie White also voiced concerns, noting the high number of fouls disrupted the game’s flow. Despite injuries, the Fever remain competitive. Hammon was also annoyed about using a challenge on an out-of-bounds call, saying it should have been an easy decision for the officials.

WORDS: 600 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 5:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5adf7922fdd37a4bdec0ca8641860bc9&mediaType=text

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FBC--SEC-RESHUFFLED RIVALRIES

SEC coaches mostly on board with new scheduling that ends some long-time annual matchups

SUMMARY: LSU coach Brian Kelly says he understands why new SEC scheduling will be unpopular with those who’d like to see the Tigers play Alabama and Florida every year — as they have for more than half a century. But Kelly and many other coaches in the conference say the goals of competitive balance and getting all teams to play each other at least once every two years is a sensible trade-off. While most of the best-known and oldest rivalries will remain annual fixtures, several will not. Those include Georgia and Tennessee, who’ve met every year since 1992. Each team will have three “annual opponents” for at least the next four years, when the conference schedule increases to nine games.

WORDS: 857 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 4:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e79da3f680ff24f0df881125e6736f2&mediaType=text

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OLY--FIG-LIU-SHORT PROGRAM

Olympic hopeful Alysa Liu scraps short program amid investigation involving artist behind its music

SUMMARY: World figure skating champion Alysa Liu is changing her short program for this season. This comes amid an investigation involving one of the artists who performed its music. Liu had been using the song “This is How it Feels,” performed by Laufey and d4vd. Earlier this month, the body of a missing teenage girl was found in a car reportedly registered to d4vd. The Los Angeles Police Department has not implicated him in the death. Liu plans to create a new program with her coaches while using some of her old routines for upcoming competitions. She is among the favorites to make the U.S. team for the Milan Olympics.

WORDS: 544 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 4:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a28790d0d88d0a08655b92ec4e7b2a67&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-DART

Jaxson Dart is ‘ready’ to be the Giants’ starting QB. Brian Daboll won’t say why change now

SUMMARY: Jaxson Dart says he’s ready to take over as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback. The first-round pick out of Mississippi is expected to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Brian Daboll said it was his decision to bench Russell Wilson and turn to the rookie. Daboll declined to explain why this was the right time to make the change. No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers said he had a job to do and that it was not his decision to change QBs.

WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 4:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4928f5afc58766b91657f864c537b306&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-WITH ROB MAADDI-WEEK 4

LISTEN: Parsons downplays return to Dallas, says sacking his mentor Dak Prescott will be ‘painful’

WORDS: 1949 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 3:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:34aa71d2fc67f14137ebab5be16ec6ca&mediaType=text

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FBN--VIKINGS-FLORES

Vikings-Steelers game gives thriving Brian Flores a reflection of gratitude and a chance to catch up

SUMMARY: Brian Flores found the perfect pit stop for his coaching career in Pittsburgh. He has clearly been enjoying the ride with Minnesota since then. The third-year defensive coordinator of the Vikings gets the chance this weekend to catch up with old friends from the Steelers when the two teams play the NFL’s first game in Dublin. Flores had recently been fired after a three-season run as coach of the Miami Dolphins when longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin offered him a job as a senior defensive assistant working with the inside linebackers in 2022. He joined the Vikings a year later.

WORDS: 784 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 3:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71f88175ad119d7b3f6175b565f88a82&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP-CELEBRITIES

Big laughs and a birthday serenade as US beats Europe in Ryder Cup’s celebrity showdown

SUMMARY: Eli Manning landed a fade within 5 feet but missed the putt, Bobby Flay cooked up a birdie, John McEnroe and José Andrés mugged for pictures with red, white and blue-clad fans and Catherine Zeta-Jones curtseyed on the tee box as the crowd serenaded her on the eve of her 56th birthday. Those were the scenes Wednesday at the All-Star Celebrity Matches at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, an 11-hole event pitting U.S. and European stars from the stage, screen, sports and culinary worlds — even Hogwarts. The U.S. won 25 to 19, earning early bragging rights before the pros tee it up on Friday.

WORDS: 591 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 2:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:31651dbb3ca99722762646974e53e7e4&mediaType=text