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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.

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UPCOMING

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US--BY WOMEN-FOR WOMEN

DESCRIPTION: Laura Youngson has made a significant impact by addressing inequality in sports for women and girls. In 2017, she organized a high-altitude soccer match on Mount Kilimanjaro, highlighting the issue. The event led to a documentary and a Guinness World Record. However, Youngson noticed the players wore men’s cleats, which inspired her to launch IDA Sports, creating cleats specifically for women. This move is part of a broader trend where companies like Moolah Kicks and Liv Cycling focus on women’s needs in sports. By Anne M. Peterson. UPCOMING: 950 words, photos, graphic.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Graphic, Alternate Headlines, Photo, Text

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FBN—BEHIND THE CALL

DESCRIPTION: Week 5 in the NFL was all about dramatic comebacks. Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars to a thrilling 31-28 victory over the Chiefs, overcoming a 14-0 deficit. The Chiefs, who excelled in close games last season, have struggled this year. The Eagles, Cardinals, Dolphins, Giants, and Chargers also let double-digit leads slip away. This ties an NFL record for most double-digit comebacks in a single week. The Broncos, Titans, Panthers, Saints, and Commanders all rallied from big deficits to win. The weekend started with San Francisco’s overtime win against the Rams when members of the Colorado Avalanche donned Rams uniforms. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--KICKING BALLS

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Field goals from 50 yards have become routine. The best kickers in the NFL are even making kicks from 60 yards and beyond, leading to questions about whether the balls are juiced. Not quite. But there is a major difference this year with teams getting the chance to prepare kicking balls before game day and practice with the same balls they use in games. That has contributed to the longer kicks and has many wondering just how far is possible for a field goal. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--LIGHTNING-LAST CHANCE?

DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — The Lightning haven’t come close to lofty expectations since falling two wins shy of a three-peat in 2022. Anything less than a Stanley Cup isn’t considered a success for this franchise but the window could be closing on Tampa Bay’s core group. By Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

    1. WITH: BBO--ALDS-BLUE JAYS-YANKEES

      2. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Carlos Rodón starts for the New York Yankees, who try to stave off elimination in the AL Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, who start Shane Bieber. 400 words, photos.

      3. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT

    4. WITH: BBO--NLDS-BREWERS-CUBS PREVIEW

      5. DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO -- Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio and the Milwaukee Brewers will try to complete a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs when their division series shifts to Wrigley Field on Wednesday. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. By Matt Carlson.

      6. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT

    7. WITH: BBO--ALDS-MARINERS-TIGERS

      8. DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers are hoping home field is an advantage against Seattle in Game 3 of their AL Division Series after splitting two games on the road. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos.

      9. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT

    10. WITH: BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-DODGERS PREVIEW

      11. DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers return home with a commanding 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies, who face elimination in the best-of-five NL Division Series. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

      12. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN AT 40

DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON — With his goal-scoring record secured, Alex Ovechkin now enters a season of uncertainty. The 40-year-old Washington star is in the final year of his contract, and although he showed last season he can still put up big numbers, it may not be long before the Capitals have to contemplate a roster without him. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-BIG TEN-YOUNG QBS

DESCRIPTION: ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood is one of many young quarterbacks getting a chance to play in the Big Ten this season. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--GM HOT SEATS

DESCRIPTION: Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams is on his third coach in five years, a stretch in which he’s watched several former Sabres – Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart – win Stanley Cups while Buffalo’s playoff drought has reached an NHL record 14th season. Adams finds himself on the hot seat entering the final year of his contract. He may not be alone with Detroit’s Steve Yzerman and Anaheim’s Pat Verbeek in similar positions. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--WNBA-FINALS-MERCURY

DESCRIPTION: PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury have already overcome two deficits in a playoff series so far in the postseason. Now in the WNBA Finals, they’re in another hole. The Mercury are down 2-0, but hope more attention to defense and a boost from the home crowd make a difference. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PENGUINS-RANGERS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins open the NHL season at former coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 300 words, photos. Breakouts on merit.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--NLDS-CUBS-BREWERS-CHOURIO

Brewers’ Chourio hits 3-run homer in Game 2 of NLDS after hurting his hamstring in series opener

SUMMARY: Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio returned to the lineup and hit a three-run homer in Game 2 of an NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs on Monday night after tightness in his right hamstring caused him to exit the series opener. Chourio sent an 0-2 pitch from Daniel Palencia over the center-field wall with two outs in the fourth inning. Chourio’s 419-foot drive extended Milwaukee’s lead to 7-3. Chourio went 3 for 3 with three RBIs in Milwaukee’s 9-3 Game 1 victory Saturday before leaving in the second inning.

WORDS: 667 - MOVED: 10/07/2025 1:43 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:418bff110b7bfc9a33e18713f8473608&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-DODGERS-PHILLIES

Blake Snell shines on mound and Dodgers hold off Phillies 4-3 for 2-0 lead in NLDS

SUMMARY: Blake Snell allowed one hit in six shutout innings, striking out nine, and the Los Angeles Dodgers barely turned back Philadelphia’s late rally for a 4-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 2 of their NL Division Series. Freddie Freeman made a game-saving defensive play at first base and Shohei Ohtani delivered an RBI single that helped the Dodgers take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five playoff. Will Smith had a two-run single in a four-run seventh. The defending World Series champs can reach their 17th National League Championship Series with a Game 3 win Wednesday back home in Los Angeles.

WORDS: 945 - MOVED: 10/07/2025 1:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3dd49622c58b4b3798173546bea9dfc2&mediaType=text

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FBN--MISTAKE-PRONE CHIEFS

Mistake-prone Chiefs blame themselves for crushing loss at Jaguars

SUMMARY: Kansas City won’t have to dig deep to figure out where things were awry in Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes had an interception returned 99 yards for a touchdown and the Chiefs were flagged 13 times for 109 yards in a 31-28 loss to the Jaguars. Four of those penalties came in the final 1:45. The mounting mistakes proved to be the difference in a back-and-forth game, the fifth one of the NFL’s Week 5 decided in the final 30 seconds. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says “it’s the score that matters, and we’ve got to take care of business there.”

WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 10/07/2025 1:26 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1e2891c8ee32b4ada73f4060fa0d4d7&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-CUBS-BREWERS

Lineup and Misiorowski-led bullpen provide power as Brewers beat Cubs 7-3 for 2-0 lead in NLDS

SUMMARY: Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio each hit a three-run homer, William Contreras added a solo shot and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-3 to move one win from a trip to the National League Championship Series. The Brewers have a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five Division Series, which shifts to Wrigley Field in Chicago for Game 3 on Wednesday. Milwaukee is attempting to win a postseason series for the first time since reaching the NLCS in 2018. Vaughn and Chourio hit the first two three-run homers in Brewers postseason history.

WORDS: 727 - MOVED: 10/07/2025 1:13 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3047448a1faacc6053a0bdc0b01c6690&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-JAGUARS

Trevor Lawrence’s wild run lifts the Jaguars to a 31-28 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

SUMMARY: Trevor Lawrence tripped, got up and scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining, and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28. The crazy ending halted the Jags’ eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs. Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers. But he was nearly perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars. Devin Lloyd returned an interception 99 yards for a score for Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns and Kareem Hunt ran for two scores for the Chiefs.

WORDS: 895 - MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:28 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:960da44818584c72c37c3234cbb946bb&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-ON THE BRINK

Phillies’ high-priced stars Harper, Schwarber, Turner flop in NLDS and face elimination in Game 3

SUMMARY: Bryce Harper says the Phillies need to “flip the script” after struggling in the NL Division Series against the Dodgers. Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and others have been underperforming, going 5-for-35 with 13 strikeouts and no home runs through two games. The Phillies lost 4-3 on Monday, putting them one loss away from elimination. Manager Rob Thomson believes the players are trying too hard instead of focusing on base hits. With ace Zack Wheeler sidelined, Aaron Nola will start Game 3. The Phillies have lost five of their last six playoff games at home.

WORDS: 925 - MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:02 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e755bc2f1c8c1c40cece8940e80e11ec&mediaType=text

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FBN--MARK SANCHEZ-STABBING

Ex-NFL QB Mark Sanchez faces felony in fight that authorities say was over parking

SUMMARY: Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is facing a felony battery charge for what authorities say was a fight over parking. Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the upgraded charge Monday, saying it carries a potential sentence of one to six years in prison. The incident happened early Saturday in Indianapolis. A police affidavit alleges the 38-year-old Sanchez, smelling of alcohol, confronted a 69-year-old truck driver. The driver pulled a knife to defend himself. The former New York Jet was pepper-sprayed and stabbed multiple times. He remains hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

WORDS: 662 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 10:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:779e3e7c8a746b6218dfda8fcdb8d153&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALDS-BLUE JAYS-YANKEES

Yankees would accomplish a rare feat if they come back down 0-2 in best-of-5 series vs. Blue Jays

SUMMARY: The Yankees are facing a tough challenge as they trail 0-2 against Toronto in their AL Division Series. The Blue Jays have dominated, scoring the most runs of any team in its first two postseason games. Historically, teams with a 2-0 lead in a best-of-five series have won 80 out of 90 times. Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasizes focusing on winning each pitch. Carlos Rodón will pitch for the Yankees on Tuesday night in Game 3 at home, while Shane Bieber will start for Toronto. The Blue Jays have been wearing retro caps since September 25, and they are undefeated in them since the switch.

WORDS: 700 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 7:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ea8c971d01cdb352543bb61c0d8b81f9&mediaType=text

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HKN--20 YEARS OF SHOOTOUTS

Shootouts have become a fabric of the NHL since they were implemented 20 years ago

SUMMARY: It has been 20 years since the National Hockey League introduced shootouts to replace tie games, adding excitement for fans and players. Erik Christensen, a top shootout scorer, acknowledges the entertainment value, though some purists miss ties. The introduction of 3-on-3 overtime in 2015 reduced shootouts, with only 5.9% of games ending this way last season. Points from shootouts can impact playoff chances, adding pressure. While some players thrive under this pressure, others, like Martin Brodeur, dislike the format, feeling it’s more of a skills competition than true hockey.

WORDS: 1025 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 6:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a9b8c4ffe3705dd6da0e90c22844b9f1&mediaType=text

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US--SKAGGS DEATH TRIAL

Trial underway over Angels’ alleged role in baseball pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ overdose death

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Angels are facing a court trial over whether the team is responsible for the drug overdose death of one of its star pitchers. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday. The family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the team after he died from an overdose on a team trip to Texas in 2019. An Angels official was convicted of providing a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill to Skaggs that caused his death. The team says Skaggs should have been aware of the risks of taking painkillers not as they are prescribed and mixing them with alcohol.

WORDS: 667 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 6:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ee6589ef4aebee1d2def01217a03aaab&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-ACES EXPERIENCE

Aces’ championship experience could be crucial as they take 2-0 WNBA Finals lead to Phoenix

SUMMARY: The Las Vegas Aces have shown resilience as they head into Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. The Aces won both home games in the series and aim for their third championship in four years. The Finals are now a best-of-seven series for the first time. Key players like A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray remain crucial for the team. Coach Becky Hammon emphasizes staying focused and not getting complacent. The Aces have beaten the Mercury five out of six times this season, but the Mercury are determined to fight back.

WORDS: 642 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 6:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1539230038e7278ead2ccbac40551312&mediaType=text

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FBN--CARDINALS-GANNON

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon apologizes to Demercado following heated sideline exchange

SUMMARY: Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says he apologized to Emari Demercado after a heated sideline conversation following the running back’s costly, unforced fumble. Demercado looked like he had a 72-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter against Tennessee that would have increased the Cardinals’ lead to 28-6. Instead, he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, and the Titans were awarded a touchback. Video circulated on social media showed Gannon yelling in Demercado’s face before swiping his arm downward, appearing to jostle Demercado. Gannon said Monday that he regrets his reaction because his job is to remain calm during games.

WORDS: 300 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 6:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf1b7a45c5cc85da8a73178a36a04c06&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS

NASCAR teams urge settlement as trial looms for Michael Jordan’s antitrust suit against series

SUMMARY: Michael Jordan has expressed willingness to settle an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. The case involves his team, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports. They are challenging NASCAR’s charter system, which guarantees team spots and revenue. The system is crucial to NASCAR’s business model. A trial is set for December, but a settlement could prevent significant changes to the sport. NASCAR has filed for summary judgment, and key figures like Roger Penske and Joe Gibbs are urging resolution. The lawsuit could reshape NASCAR’s structure, impacting teams and the sport’s future.

WORDS: 1061 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 4:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd3fd7391280604b4518e64a3295f43e&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA LABOR-SILVER

Silver says WNBA deal will get done, but relationship issues with the players must be repaired

SUMMARY: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says a new collective bargaining agreement with WNBA players will be reached, but acknowledged relationship issues that must be repaired following recent criticisms of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Those reached a high point last week when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier said the league had the “worst leadership in the world,” and they have threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix that began days afterward. Silver says the WNBA is “going through growing pains” and has issues that have to be addressed that aren’t just economic.

WORDS: 600 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 3:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3cedc07494a8ab656046af66d4adc599&mediaType=text

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FBN--DOLPHINS ANALYSIS

McDaniel says there’s ‘no time to waste’ in effort to save reeling Dolphins’ season

SUMMARY: The Miami Dolphins have dropped to 1-4 after a 27-24 loss to Carolina on Sunday. Coach Mike McDaniel says the team needs a collective mission to correct things urgently. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa echoes this, emphasizing the need for urgency. The Dolphins have scored at least 21 points in their last four games, but their rushing defense is struggling. They’ve allowed 871 yards on the ground through five games. Injuries are also a concern, with LB Tyrel Dodson and CB Cornell Armstrong Jr. sidelined. The Dolphins face the Chargers next, hoping to turn their season around.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 3:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3df999f276e8ffc1b28c19c82628b53d&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-BADER OUT

Harrison Bader out of Phillies’ Game 2 starting lineup vs Dodgers because of groin injury

SUMMARY: Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Harrison Bader is out of the starting lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series because of a groin injury. Bader was injured running the bases in the Phillies’ Game 1 loss. On Monday, manager Rob Thomson said imaging showed no major tear or strain in Bader’s groin. There is a possibility he could pinch hit against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Bader sidelined, the Phillies started Brandon Marsh in center field and right-handed hitters Otto Kemp in left field and Nick Castellanos in right against Dodgers lefty Blake Snell.

WORDS: 229 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 3:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dd2eb6d641596ff7d351dc7b30397954&mediaType=text

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HKN--OILERS-MCDAVID

Connor McDavid signs a two-year, $25 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers

SUMMARY: Connor McDavid has signed a contract extension to remain with the Edmonton Oilers. The three-time MVP and the only NHL organization he has played with finalized a two-year, $25 million contract Monday on the eve of the start of the season. McDavid will count $12.5 million against the salary cap from 2026-28, the same he has had since 2019. The deal for the best hockey player in the world does not come close to approaching the richest contract in league history agreed to last week when Minnesota signed Kirill Kaprizov for $136 million over eight years.

WORDS: 607 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:77681446f37af41adbaf4128d446a2c3&mediaType=text

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BKN--ALL-STAR GAME-CLIPPERS INVESTIGATION

NBA won’t move All-Star Game out of LA as it investigates Clippers over Kawhi Leonard deal

SUMMARY: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says there is “no contemplation” of moving the All-Star Game out of the Los Angeles Clippers’ home arena as it investigates whether the team circumvented salary cap rules in regards to Kawhi Leonard. The league said it was opening the investigation last month. But no matter the findings, the NBA’s midseason festivities at Intuit Dome won’t be affected. Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season. The All-Star Game will be televised by NBC on Feb. 15.

WORDS: 283 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 2:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aace1d2ab428c412221dbe7a9641fe76&mediaType=text

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CYC--ISRAEL PREMIER TECH

Cycling team Israel Premier Tech rebrands and drops national identity

SUMMARY: Cycling team Israel Premier Tech has announced it is changing its name and moving away from its national identity. The decision comes less than two weeks after the team was excluded from a race in Italy over concerns about pro-Palestinian protests, and less than a month after the Spanish Vuelta was repeatedly disrupted by protests against Israel Premier Tech. The team says co-owner Sylvan Adams “has chosen to step back from his day-to-day involvement and will no longer speak on behalf of the team, instead focusing on his role as President of the World Jewish Congress, Israel.”

WORDS: 258 - MOVED: 10/06/2025 1:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:52e6fdc5d9c2ed873aec06fc97ae987d&mediaType=text

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