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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SOC--WCUP-DIOMANDE-MADE IN FLORIDA

DESCRIPTION: Yan Diomande will be one of the hottest up-and-coming talents at the World Cup for the Ivory Coast and he had an unusual soccer upbringing in the United States. The 19-year-old winger learned valuable lessons while playing high school soccer in Florida.

UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--NFL-QBS-MID-ROUND-INTRIGUE

DESCRIPTION: Carson Beck, Drew Allar and Cade Klubnik were among several quarterbacks taken in the middle-to-late rounds of this year’s NFL draft. Mid-round QBs often face a tough path for playing time, but there have been a few in recent years who have found success. By David Brandt. Text, photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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US-VOTING RIGHTS-BLACK ATHLETE BOYCOTT

DESCRIPTION: The nation’s oldest civil rights group says it will launch a major campaign calling for Black athletes to withhold athletic support from colleges in states where redistricting poses major threats to Black political power. The NAACP is calling for the boycott after several southern state governments — including Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina — moved to redraw congressional districts to eliminate majority Black, Democratic seats after the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision.

UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 10:30 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Manchester City looks to keep in touch with Arsenal in the Premier League title race by beating Bournemouth, and Tottenham can ensure its survival with a win at Chelsea. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA conference finals

3. UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-CONNELLY

5. DESCRIPTION: Tim Connelly helped shape the Minnesota Timberwolves into a top NBA team regularly making deep playoff runs after serving as the architect of a championship for the Denver Nuggets. Connelly might well have to make more trade magic this offseason to help the Timberwolves clear the next hurdle. By Dave Campbell. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

6. UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKN--SPURS-THE LEARNING CURVE

8. DESCRIPTION: Victor Wembanyama likes to say that the San Antonio Spurs are learning. Seems like they are quick studies, given the way they’ve handled things in these playoffs. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

9. UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

10. WITH: BKN--TESTED THUNDER

11. DESCRIPTION: For the first time in these playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost. And that makes Game 2 of the West finals against San Antonio a very important contest for the defending champions on Wednesday night. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

12. UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

13. WITH: BKN--CAVALIERS-KNICKS

14. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers to begin their second straight appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks have won seven consecutive games, while the Cavaliers needed seven games to win each of their first two series.

15. UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN-NFL MEETINGS

DESCRIPTION: ORLANDO — NFL owners gather in Orlando for their latest meetings starting Tuesday with a few items to settle.

UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-AVALANCHE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Gabriel Landeskog doesn’t need any extra incentive or motivation. Being in the Western Conference final is more than enough for the Colorado Avalanche captain. If he did, though, then, yeah, memories of the second-round loss to Vegas in 2021 would be a powerful driving force. The Avalanche led that series 2-0 — and were up in the third period of Game 3 — before losing four straight. It stung then. But it drove the Avalanche, too, as they won the Stanley Cup title the following season. By Pat Graham. 750 words, photos by 5 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 05/19/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--ATHLETICS-ANGELS-NO-HITTER

Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn loses no-hitter in 9th inning, then loses 2-1 to the Angels

SUMMARY: Athletics starter J.T. Ginn took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Adam Frazier lined a leadoff single for the Los Angeles Angels. Zach Neto followed with a two-run homer that gave the Angels a 2-1 victory, handing Ginn and the A’s a heartbreaking loss. Frazier lined an 0-2 pitch over shortstop for a clean single, giving Los Angeles just its third baserunner. Neto then drove a 2-0 sinker to center field for his eighth home run of the season. Ginn was trying for the first no-hitter in the majors since September 2024. He threw a career-high 105 pitches, 64 for strikes. He struck out a career-best 10, walked one and hit Neto with a pitch in the sixth.

WORDS: 536 - MOVED: 05/19/2026 12:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce422a69c988fd6842a3c20495defd35&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-WEMBANYAMA

Wemby’s night: 41 points, 24 rebounds, and a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference finals

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. On Monday night, he scored 41 points and grabbed 24 rebounds, joining legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with such a performance. Despite missing out on the MVP award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama remains motivated. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praises his competitive spirit. The Spurs, underdogs without injured De’Aaron Fox, now have a path to the NBA title if they win their home games.

WORDS: 673 - MOVED: 05/19/2026 12:57 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ad0e9e2c7202712c15cad52421c15d31&mediaType=text

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HKN--CANADIENS-SABRES

Newhook scores in OT to lift Canadiens over Sabres 3-2 in Game 7

SUMMARY: Alex Newhook scored his second Game 7-winning goal of the postseason, this time 11:22 into overtime in the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night. Newhook drove up the left wing and as he approached the circle snapped a shot through a screen that beat goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen inside the far post. Newhook also scored the decisive goal in Game 7 of Montreal’s first-round series win over Tampa Bay. Phillip Danault and Zachary Bolduc also scored for the Canadiens and Jakub Dobes finished with 37 saves. Rasmus Dahlin forced overtime by tying the game 6:27 into the third period. Jordan Greenway also scored. Luukkonen finished with 22 saves.

WORDS: 881 - MOVED: 05/19/2026 12:53 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:769f1e8dc5b0c3ee10341c750056175b&mediaType=text

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FBC--BIG TEN MEETINGS

Big Ten on a roll at spring meetings, trying to solve playoff stalemate and other college problems

SUMMARY: Leaders in the Big Ten opened their annual spring meeting with nothing more than the future of their business on the agenda. And the conference that currently holds the national football and both basketball titles looks to be winning in other areas, too. Their idea for a 24-team College Football Playoff, once considered outlandish, now has the support of three of the Power 4 conferences. That’s only one piece of a bigger puzzle in college sports, which also needs to find fixes for eligibility rules and its new enforcement arm, the College Sports Commission.

WORDS: 1085 - MOVED: 05/19/2026 12:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9bc7e3d14c52a5f5bd7e08c9249e953d&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPURS-THUNDER

Wembanyama has 41 points, 24 rebounds and Spurs top Thunder 122-115 in 2OT to open West finals

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama had 41 points and 24 rebounds, Dylan Harper finished with 24 points and a team playoff-record seven steals, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in a double-overtime classic to open the Western Conference finals. Wembanyama sealed it with a pair of dunks in the final minute, one of them leading to a three-point play as the Spurs stole home-court advantage and beat the Thunder for the fifth time in six meetings this season. Alex Caruso scored 31 points, the second-highest scoring game of his career, for the Thunder. Oklahoma City’s nine-game playoff winning streak dating to Game 7 of last season’s Finals was snapped.

WORDS: 573 - MOVED: 05/19/2026 12:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1cb14e4088a0ec7bdc3defb93ff79658&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-PADRES

Michael King’s strong start, Mason Miller’s big finish send Padres to 1-0 victory over Dodgers

SUMMARY: The San Diego Padres snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers’ five-game winning streak with a 1-0 victory. Miguel Andujar homered off Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the first inning, and Michael King struck out nine during seven sharp innings of four-hit ball. Mason Miller finished the Padres’ five-hitter in their fourth consecutive victory, but only after San Diego’s vaunted closer walked his first two batters on nine pitches on the way to his 15th save. Shohei Ohtani had two hits for the Dodgers in a pitching-dominated first game of the season between these Southern California rivals.

WORDS: 337 - MOVED: 05/19/2026 12:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6e106c9870513e3efc02fc96c314b1a&mediaType=text

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HKN--CONFERENCE FINALS LOOKAHEAD

NHL sets the table for conference finals with heavyweights racing for the Stanley Cup

SUMMARY: Big boy hockey has arrived in the third round of the NHL playoffs with three of the top five favorites going in still playing in the conference finals. League-best Colorado faces its stiffest test so far against Vegas in the West, with the Avalanche nursing some injuries to important players like No. 1 defenseman Cale Makar. Carolina is the beast of the East, and the Hurricanes are a perfect 8-0 through two rounds. They’ll play Montreal after the Canadiens beat Buffalo in overtime in Game 7.

WORDS: 905 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 11:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f10ff8a4ef93314fd5ca3c265139a11f&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-CROW-ARMSTRONG-FAN

Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong apologizes for the words he used during a heated exchange with a fan

SUMMARY: Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong says he regrets the words he used during a heated exchange with a fan. The incident occurred in the fifth inning of Sunday’s 9-8 loss to the crosstown White Sox at Rate Field. Crow-Armstrong was getting up from the warning track after making an unsuccessful attempt to haul in Miguel Vargas’ two-run double when he was heckled by a woman standing beyond the fence. The 24-year-old Crow-Armstrong responded with a vulgar message punctuated by an expletive. Cubs manager Craig Counsell says Crow-Armstrong made a mistake.

WORDS: 468 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 11:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e30af3da60a97d90fa0212c73988eb28&mediaType=text

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TEN--BILLIE JEAN KING GRADUATES

Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA

SUMMARY: Billie Jean King celebrated earning a college degree 65 years after first taking classes. The 82-year-old sports icon has received her bachelor’s in history from Cal State Los Angeles. She walked across the stage with about 6,000 others in the Class of 2026. King is the first in her family to graduate. She emphasized that it’s never too late to pursue education. She initially enrolled in 1961, but left to pursue a legendary tennis career. Despite her many successes, she always had a nagging feeling about not earning her degree. King now hopes to inspire others to continue learning.

WORDS: 642 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 11:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f45e32d3f48820924e85d64d2a64412e&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDY 500

Alexander Rossi still hoping to compete in Indianapolis 500 after crash leads to hand surgery

SUMMARY: Alexander Rossi had surgery to repair minor injuries to his left hand Monday night following a crash earlier in the day during practice for the Indianapolis 500. Ed Carpenter Racing said Rossi, the 2016 race winner, hopes to drive in Friday’s final practice and again in Sunday’s race, even though his health status is still under evaluation. Rossi was taken from Indianapolis Motor Speedway to a hospital after his car spun going through the second turn on the track’s 2.5-mile oval and hit the outside wall. The crash also collected Pato O’Ward and Romain Grosjean.

WORDS: 606 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 11:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a42147f349e9494cb57b826477c2c0b&mediaType=text

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BKL--MYSTICS-WINGS

Fudd scores season-high 12, Bueckers adds 18 to lead Wings past Mystics 92-69

SUMMARY: Top draft pick Azzi Fudd scored a season-high 12 points off the bench and Paige Bueckers added 18 points and seven assists as the Dallas Wings beat the Washington Mystics 92-69 on Monday night. Arike Ogunbowale scored 16 points and Jessica Shepard added 12 points, 16 rebounds and six assists for Dallas (2-2), which won its first home game in three attempts this season. The Wings scored 23 points off 18 turnovers and led by as many as 25 points. Shakira Austin led Washington (2-2) with 12 points and Lauren Betts scored 11 off the bench. Kiki Iriafen had nine points and 10 rebounds.

WORDS: 240 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 10:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:121fe8f3c58d25c92eabb176f09e73c2&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS MOVES

Dodgers’ Blake Snell will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies from elbow in bid to return sooner

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell will undergo surgery Tuesday to remove loose bodies from his elbow, general manager Brandon Gomes said. The Dodgers are optimistic that the procedure will allow Snell to return to the mound earlier than other treatment options. The Dodgers have signed veteran reliever Jonathan Hernández and optioned reliever Chayce McDermott back to the minors after one appearance. Hernández opted out of his minor league contract with Philadelphia on Monday after making 13 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, going 1-0 with an 4.80 ERA and 22 strikeouts over 15 innings.

WORDS: 660 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 10:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3639ffdf0ccb2d2d101a90e1320ef782&mediaType=text

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FBN--STEELERS-RODGERS

Aaron Rodgers hits the practice field after signing 1-year deal to stay with the Steelers

SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers didn’t waste time getting back to work with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time MVP quarterback was on the field for voluntary organized team activities just minutes after signing a one-year deal to return for a 22nd season. The signing reunites Rodgers with first-year Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy. The two previously worked together in Green Bay, where they won a Super Bowl against Pittsburgh in the 2010 season. Last season, the 42-year-old quarterback led Pittsburgh to an AFC North title, throwing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

WORDS: 740 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 6:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:af9203fd7f5ec7a64c9ca0b3c0edb501&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Arsenal on the verge of Premier League title after beating Burnley

SUMMARY: Arsenal has closed in on a first Premier League title in 22 years by beating Burnley 1-0 in its penultimate game of the campaign. Kai Havertz got the first-half goal. The win means second-placed Manchester City must end Bournemouth’s 16-game unbeaten run on Tuesday to take the title fight into the final weekend. Even so, Arsenal will be crowned champion if it beats Crystal Palace away on Sunday. The goal against already relegated Burnley came from a corner, the source of so many crucial Arsenal goals this season. Havertz rose highest to head in a delivery from Bukayo Saka in the 37th minute.

WORDS: 409 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 6:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d41c6e396459bcaab4e0bbe73d7f9a1&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-BRAZIL SQUAD

Neymar picked for Brazil’s World Cup squad despite doubts on fitness

SUMMARY: Neymar has made Brazil’s World Cup squad. Many local analysts and former footballers deemed the selection unlikely only days ago. The 34-year-old Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top goal-scorer with 79 but he has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his left ACL in October 2023. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad also features Brazil’s main players in recent years; Vinicius Júnior and Raphinha.

WORDS: 393 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 5:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:56c11c2aac864c9a5aad6b4669729ad7&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP-RAI

Aaron Rai leans on humble roots and hard work to become a major champion

SUMMARY: Aaron Rai recalls watching VHS tapes of Tiger Woods when he was a boy growing up in England. So it was incredible for him to see his name on the Wanamaker Trophy after his astonishing charge to win the PGA Championship. Rai played the final 10 holes in 6 under. The only player who did better than that to win a major was Jack Nicklaus in the 1986 Masters. Rai zoomed past some of golf’s best players. He says everyone in golf has an amazing journey to become a major champion. But his stands out for humility and hard work.

WORDS: 942 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 5:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:55da52369e6f2953fc138711c698d256&mediaType=text

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CB--BAHAMAS-RICK FOX

Former NBA champ Rick Fox appointed opposition senator in the Bahamas after election loss

SUMMARY: Retired three-time NBA champion Rick Fox has been appointed a senator for the main opposition party in the Bahamas after losing a bid for a legislative seat in last week’s general election. The opposition Free National Movement Party on Monday named Fox as one of its four allotted senators. Voters in the Bahamas are allowed to elect candidates to the House of Assembly, but members of the Senate are appointed. Both the government and opposition are allowed to appoint whomever they see fit as senators, including candidates who lost at the polls. Fox retired from the NBA in 2004.

WORDS: 285 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 5:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:545eef1a0eea52ad529cf66ebe2c6a3f&mediaType=text

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BKN--CAVALIERS-KNICKS PREVIEW

Knicks, Cavaliers open East finals at Madison Square Garden, where they began with high expectations

SUMMARY: Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers were sent to face Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in a nationally televised season opener and to kick off Christmas, NBA schedule makers clearly viewing that as the Eastern Conference’s marquee matchup. Good guess, it turns out. The Cavaliers and Knicks will be back Tuesday under the same bright lights of Madison Square Garden where they began the season, this time for Game 1 of the conference finals. The Knicks have been on a record-setting playoff rampage. The Cavaliers, bolstered by the acquisition of James Harden, surged late in the season and ousted Detroit in the second round.

WORDS: 891 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 5:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:154af83d32f713ac4fad5a21b1ee2927&mediaType=text

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HKO--WORLDS

Canada beats Denmark and Crosby tallies 4 assists in third-period surge at hockey worlds

SUMMARY: Canada has scored five goals in the final period against Denmark in a 5-1 victory at the ice hockey world championship in Switzerland. Sidney Crosby assisted on four of them. The Group B game in Fribourg was a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal where Denmark stunned Canada. Canada needed 28 shots to break the deadlock against Denmark goalie Nicolaj Henriksen, who was playing his first game at the worlds. Porter Martone scored the opener 28 seconds into the third period. The U.S. has lost to Finland 6-2 in Group A where Switzerland won 6-1 over Germany. The Czech topped Sweden 4-3 in Fribourg.

WORDS: 536 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 5:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f600f71639e37651a6d7f670f793e999&mediaType=text

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FBC--SAM HOUSTON-PLAYER DEATH

Sam Houston football player William Davis dies; no cause of death disclosed

SUMMARY: Sam Houston football player William Davis died over the weekend. The school in Huntsville, Texas, announced he died on Saturday but did not disclose where or cause of death. Davis joined the Bearkats for spring practice after playing at West Virginia last season. Davis would have been a seventh-year player for the Bearkats. He was from South Boston, Virginia, and spent his first five years of college at Division II Virginia Union. He started 20 of 36 games at safety for Virginia Union and had nine interceptions. He appeared in one game at West Virginia last season.

WORDS: 277 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 3:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7c5a0e8144e3a1ef5d96dabd85f61cd&mediaType=text

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FBN--JAGUARS-MEYER-ARBITRATION

Former Jaguars coach Urban Meyer loses arbitration case against NFL team, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person familiar with the legal outcome says former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer lost his multimillion-dollar arbitration case against the NFL team that fired him with cause in 2021. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because both sides signed non-disclosure agreements preventing them from discussing the case publicly. The person said the case was settled in 2025. On3 first reported it Monday. Jaguars owner Shad Khan fired Meyer with cause in December 2021, hours after former Jaguars player Josh Lambo said Meyer kicked him during practice months earlier. It was the latest in a long list of embarrassments across Meyer’s 11 months in Jacksonville. Meyer challenged the firing, sending the dispute to arbitration.

WORDS: 439 - MOVED: 05/18/2026 2:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0baac3f78022c9e722d4f35160730738&mediaType=text

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