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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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-PARITY OR POOR?
DESCRIPTION: Some call it parity. Others consider it bad football. No matter how it’s viewed, the NFL is providing plenty of close games, thrilling comebacks, big upsets and late-minute heroics. It keeps viewers entertained - or at least tuned in until the end. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. UPCOMING: 670 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--BUCCANEERS-GRIZZARD
DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may need another new offensive coordinator if the offense continues its success.By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. UPCOMING: 530 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT
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FBN--STEELERS-TJ’S PROTEGE
DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — Nick Herbig grew up as the youngest of three boys in Hawaii, where one of the family’s many mantras was “no whining.” The undersized Steelers outside linebacker never has. Now he’s in the process of stepping out of the shadow of mentor/teammate T.J. Watt and into the spotlight. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BKN--BUCKS-TURNER
DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE — Like everyone else in the NBA, Myles Turner says he wants to win it all. But he left Indiana via free agency to sign a four-year, $108.9 million contract with Milwaukee even though the Pacers have eliminated the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs each of the last two seasons. Turner feels he can be the difference-maker and the Bucks made a big bet on him as they attempted to get younger and more athletic. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 6:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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BBO--POSTSEASON
BBO--NLDS-CUBS-BREWERS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs have the momentum. The Milwaukee Brewers have the home field. The two NL Central rivals face off one more time Saturday with an NL Championship Series appearance at stake. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT
BBO--ALDS-TIGERS-MARINERS
DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners are hoping home field is an advantage against Detroit in Game 5 of their AL Division Series after splitting two games on the road. By Luke Olson. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game scheduled top start at 8:08 EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT
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SOC--ECUADOR-US
DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas — The United States plays Ecuador in the first of six friendlies remaining before coach Mauricio Pochettino calls in players for his pre-World Cup training camp. 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
DESCRIPTION: PHOENIX — The Las Vegas Aces can earn their third championship in four seasons by beating the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night. The Aces took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Wednesday thanks to four-time MVP A’ja Wilson’s last-second jumper. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBC--SOUTH FLORIDA-NORTH TEXAS
DESCRIPTION: DENTON, Texas — North Texas, off to its first 5-0 start since 1959, hosts 24th-ranked South Florida in a matchup of Group of Five teams who could potentially be in the College Football Playoff mix. By Stephen Hawkins. 500 words, photos. Game starts 7:30 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/10/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BBO--NLDS-BREWERS-CUBS
Boyd and Happ lead the Cubs past the Brewers 6-0 to send the NLDS to a deciding Game 5
SUMMARY: Matthew Boyd pitched two-hit ball into the fifth inning, and the Chicago Cubs shut down the Milwaukee Brewers for a 6-0 victory that pushed their NL Division Series all the way to a decisive Game 5. Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker and Michael Busch homered for Chicago, delighting a rollicking Wrigley Field crowd of 41,770. Busch went deep for the second straight game and third time in the series. The Cubs were on the brink of elimination after they dropped the first two games of the NLDS in Milwaukee. But they held on for a 4-3 victory Wednesday before making the most of a sharp performance by Boyd and four relievers in Game 4. Next up is the finale of the best-of-five series back in Milwaukee on Saturday night.
WORDS: 736 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 1:43 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e895035126730b99c2ea0f03339feead&mediaType=text
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BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-KERKERING
Orion Kerkering’s wild throw ends Phillies’ season and perhaps closes a window to win
SUMMARY: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering received support from his teammates after a costly error led to their elimination from the NL Division Series. Kerkering made a wild throw past home plate, allowing the Los Angeles Dodgers to secure a 2-1 victory in 11 innings and win the best-of-five series 3-1. Phillies players reassured Kerkering, emphasizing the loss wasn’t solely his responsibility. Philadelphia, with 96 wins this season, could lose Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez as free agents this offseason.
WORDS: 892 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 1:29 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e7766b764eaa185c30409dc35088583&mediaType=text
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BKC--OBIT-SISTER JEAN
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola Chicago’s beloved chaplain, dies at 106
SUMMARY: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain for Loyola Chicago’s men’s basketball team, has died at 106. The university announced her death on Thursday night. She became an international celebrity during the team’s 2018 Final Four run and there was even a bobblehead of her likeness. Health issues led her to step down in August, but she remained an adviser. Loyola President Mark C. Reed praised her as a source of wisdom and grace for over 60 years. Sister Jean published a memoir in 2023 sharing life lessons.
WORDS: 1182 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 12:45 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c62b012d44463744202ddc20fcdd2bf6&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-HURTS’ MISTAKES
Jalen Hurts throws an interception among mistakes that lead to the Eagles’ 2nd consecutive loss
SUMMARY: Jalen Hurts overthrowing DeVonta Smith on what could have been an easy touchdown and getting intercepted punctuated the Philadelphia Eagles’ second consecutive loss. It was Hurts’ first interception of the season. The Eagles’ defense also struggled, and Saquon Barkley’s late fumble sealed the defeat at the New York Giants. But Hurts contributed to the Eagles going 1 of 9 on third down, and the Super Bowl MVP quarterback’s struggles exemplify what’s going wrong with the defending champions.
WORDS: 553 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 12:34 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:631d6017d8bac50326859b850af4b35f&mediaType=text
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BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-DODGERS
Dodgers advance to NLCS, beat Phillies 2-1 on Kerkering’s 11th-inning error
SUMMARY: Orion Kerkering made a wild throw past home instead of tossing to first after mishandling Andy Pages’ bases-loaded comebacker with two outs in the 11th inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 to win their NL Division Series 3-1. Kerkering hung his head and put hands on knees after his throw sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto as pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim crossed the plate, advancing the Dodgers to the NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee. Realmuto had pointed to first when the two-hopper hit off Kerkering’s glove and rolled just in front of the mound.
WORDS: 802 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 12:27 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:af672515e8130d1e6408cb29ac07b6d2&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-GIANTS
Cam Skattebo runs for 3 TDs and Jaxson Dart shines as the Giants beat the Eagles 34-17
SUMMARY: Cam Skattebo ran for three touchdowns as he and fellow rookie Jaxson Dart led the New York Giants to a 34-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Dart had a 20-yard touchdown run and a 35-yard passing TD to Wan’Dale Robinson. The Giants, now 2-4, also sacked Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts three times. Hurts threw his first interception of the season, contributing to the Eagles’ second consecutive loss.
WORDS: 796 - MOVED: 10/10/2025 12:23 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:de94653d6dd6d6d6e98aa0282a9fc499&mediaType=text
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US--PAUL PIERCE ARREST
Former NBA player Paul Pierce found asleep in car, arrested for alleged DUI
SUMMARY: Former NBA player Paul Pierce has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on a Los Angeles highway after he was found asleep behind the wheel. California state police arrested Pierce on Tuesday night after responding to an unrelated car crash on U.S. Highway 101. They saw a Range Rover SUV stopped in the road south of the crash and found Pierce asleep at the wheel. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested him on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Pierce did not immediately respond to an Instagram message for comment.
WORDS: 243 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 8:45 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5ffeb761f0e8c8fc1f26e6e5c016bd48&mediaType=text
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FBC--NORTH CAROLINA-BELICHICK
Bill Belichick’s 1st season at North Carolina has run into problems on and off the field
SUMMARY: Bill Belichick’s first season at North Carolina has run into problems both on and off the field. The Tar Heels are 2-3 but have lost in lopsided fashion in all three of their games against power-conference opponents. UNC announced the suspension of an assistant coach for rules violations on Thursday. The school said it is also investigating further into more potential concerns. UNC is off this week and next plays at California on Oct. 17. Belichick issued a terse statement late Wednesday saying he was “fully committed” to building the UNC program.
WORDS: 1086 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 7:38 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b1ec4637060d074cd8c58e2a1067a83f&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA-GM POLL
NBA GMs overwhelmingly pick Thunder to repeat as champions, Jokic for MVP
SUMMARY: NBA general managers overwhelmingly expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to be the league’s first repeat champion in nearly a decade. Denver’s Nikola Jokic is their pick to reclaim the MVP award, and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra is once again the pick as best coach. Those were among the findings of the league’s annual preseason polling of general managers, the results of which were released Thursday. The Thunder got 80% of the vote in response to the question of which team would win this season’s title. No team has gone back-to-back since Golden State in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
WORDS: 641 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 7:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1c954c156f1ea325e0a1f40a7cf5435&mediaType=text
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BBO--OBIT-GREENWELL
Mike Greenwell, longtime Red Sox outfielder who finished second in 1988 MVP voting, dies at 62
SUMMARY: Mike Greenwell, an outfielder who played 12 seasons with the Boston Red Sox and finished second in the 1988 American League MVP voting, has died. He was 62. Greenwell’s wife, Tracy, says he died Thursday morning in Boston. Greenwell was a county commissioner in Lee County, Florida, and the county manager also announced his death. Known as “the Gator,” Greenwell played his entire career for Boston. He won the 1988 Silver Slugger Award and finishing second in that year’s MVP voting to Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco. After Canseco later acknowledged using steroids that season, Greenwell asked, “Where’s my MVP?”
WORDS: 691 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 7:06 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e9eb22ac90df467aee4c072393335cb&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES-CARTER
Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is not playing against the Giants because of a heel injury
SUMMARY: Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is not playing in the reigning Super Bowl champions’ game at the New York Giants because of a heel injury. Carter was made inactive for the Thursday night game after showing up on the injury report with the heel ailment on Wednesday and being listed as questionable. Ruled out prior to traveling for Philadelphia were left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) and tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique).
WORDS: 168 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 7:04 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a477918e81ba7a2d850e68ff49be3324&mediaType=text
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BKN--LAKERS-NO LEBRON
LeBron James will miss opening night of his record 23rd NBA season due to sciatica
SUMMARY: LeBron James will miss opening night of his record 23rd NBA season due to sciatica that will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. The Los Angeles Lakers announced James’ condition on Thursday. The 40-year-old superstar will be sidelined at least until the end of October. Sciatica is pain originating in the nerves running from the buttocks and down the legs. James has the issue on his right side. James has yet to participate in a full practice since the Lakers opened training camp. An hour later, the Lakers announced James is likely to miss at least their first five or six games, and possibly several more.
WORDS: 599 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 5:39 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ba4ed8bbdaa864d681650e451e7bd8c5&mediaType=text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-WITH ROB MAADDI-WEEK 6
LISTEN: Bijan Robinson appreciates respect from his peers, praises Michael Penix Jr.’s poise
SUMMARY: Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl running back Bijan Robinson says he appreciates praise from peers like Saquon Barkley and wants to be the best he can be for his teammates and fans. Robinson is impressed with quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s poise and has high praise for veteran backup Kirk Cousins.
WORDS: 2073 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 4:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d890627dddc1e873bc2c343bf1eda445&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-MIAMI-IRVIN
Why is Michael Irvin the most famous cheerleader in college football? Miami can’t get enough of him
SUMMARY: Michael Irvin is bringing his legendary energy to the Miami Hurricanes’ sidelines. The 59-year-old Hall of Famer, known for his time with the Hurricanes and the Dallas Cowboys, has become a passionate cheerleader for his alma mater. Irvin says he’s committed to showing current players what dedication looks like. He believes alumni should demonstrate the commitment they expect from the team. Irvin’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s not alone. Plenty of other former Miami stars are also supporting the team. Irvin’s connection with Miami coach Mario Cristobal goes back decades, and he believes Cristobal can lead the Hurricanes to greatness.
WORDS: 1034 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 4:01 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff303e4789f2c8144c72838618740f4f&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS-ACES-DOMINANCE
Dominance of the Las Vegas Aces threatens to make short work of WNBA’s expanded finals
SUMMARY: The Las Vegas Aces are in position to make short work of the WNBA’s expanded playoff schedule. A’ja Wilson’s turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining lifted the Aces over the Phoenix Mercury for a thrilling 90-88 win on Wednesday night. It also gave Las Vegas a 3-0 lead in the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals in league history. The Aces would already be celebrating their third championship in four seasons in the previous best-of-five format. In 2025, there’s more work to do. Game 4 is on Friday night in Phoenix.
WORDS: 609 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 3:50 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a2b9f6252c29b0324d1ac0932366d897&mediaType=text
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FBN--CHIEFS-JONES
Chris Jones owns up to mistake in Chiefs’ loss to Jaguars: ‘It’s a teaching point for me,’ he says
SUMMARY: Chris Jones has owned up to his mistake in the Chiefs’ loss to Jacksonville. The All-Pro defensive tackle thought Trevor Lawrence was down and stopped on the play when the quarterback scrambled to his feet and scored the winning touchdown with 23 seconds left, giving the Jaguars a 31-28 victory. Jones called it a teaching moment and emphasized the importance of playing until the whistle. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo noted the team got caught up in the moment. Jones has faced criticism but says he grades himself differently. Chiefs players, including Patrick Mahomes, have defended him this week.
WORDS: 622 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 2:39 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1c24efbaf1b9630f934c2a5bb989cc39&mediaType=text
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FBC--FLORIDA ST-FRESHMAN SHOT
FSU’s Ethan Pritchard is ‘alert, responsive and able to communicate’ as his recovery continues
SUMMARY: Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is “alert, responsive and able to communicate” after being shot in the back of the head following the team’s season opener in late August. Pritchard was being released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and moved to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for the next stage in his recovery. Four people were arrested in connection to the shooting. Authorities say Pritchard was “not doing anything wrong” when he was ambushed outside an apartment complex in a case of mistaken identity.
WORDS: 294 - MOVED: 10/09/2025 2:33 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d2ac6dfe0e62297f859d4f182317503a&mediaType=text
