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.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts are putting up numbers to rival offenses led by some of the best quarterbacks to play the game like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner. Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders are going the opposite direction, putting up a performance last week so futile that it drew comparisons to an expansion team. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

___

OLY--SKE-UKRAINE-RUSSIAN SLIDERS

DESCRIPTION: Ukraine’s top Olympic sliding contender said he is disappointed and frustrated with the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation’s possible willingness to let Russian athletes compete in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games, saying it would lead to countless issues including safety concerns and doping questions. By Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN--TRADE DEADLINE-HISTORY

DESCRIPTION: The number of midseason trades in the NFL has increased in recent years and there have been many impactful ones from the past. Here’s a look at some of the ones that had the biggest impact on the playoffs from Fred Dean and Mike Haynes in the 1980s to more recent deals for players like Von Miller and Christian McCaffrey. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

___

BKC--BIG 12 MEDIA DAY

DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The road to the Big 12 title once again runs through Houston. The Cougars bring back perhaps the nation’s backcourt and a roster fortified by high-profile recruits as they chase coach Kelvin Sampson’s long-sought national title, which so narrowly eluded them last year. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 4 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 12:06 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

DESCRIPTION: AP College Football Writer Eric Olson makes his picks for Week 9 games involving Top 25 teams. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 1,000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

US TRANSGENDER ATHLETE-MINNESOTA

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Supreme Court is expected to rule Wednesday on whether a transgender athlete should be allowed to compete in the women’s division at powerlifting events. Attorneys for JayCee Copper say she’s protected against discrimination by the Minnesota Human Rights Act.But lawyers for USA Powerlifting say the group had a legitimate reason for barring her from competing in its women’s division, and that there would be a serious negative effect on women’s sports if her arguments prevail. By Steve Karnowski. UPCOMING: 500 words from decision expected to be posted at 10 am CT, photo.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN--NFL OWNERS MEETINGS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is set to speak at the conclusion of the league’s annual fall owners meetings. By Stephen Whyno. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

FBN—MARK SANCHEZ-STABBING

DESCRIPTION: Fox Sports analyst and former NFL player Mark Sanchez had a pretrial hearing in his criminal case Wednesday on charges that he attacked and seriously injured a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel in what prosecutors say was a dispute over a parking place. On merits from hearing scheduled for 1 pm to 1:30 pm ET. File photos.

ON MERITS: By 10/22/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Video, Photo

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES-DODGERS DYNASTY?

DESCRIPTION: TORONTO — Dave Roberts says the Dodgers on “a Mount Rushmore of sports organizations” by winning a third World Series title in six years. Whether they’d be considered a dynasty is subject to debate. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos, by 5 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES-FREEMAN’S ROOTS

DESCRIPTION: Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman is going back to his parents’ home country to play in the World Series. The All-Star first baseman holds dual Canadian-American citizen, but he isn’t expecting a warm welcome in Toronto. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

FBC--ASSESSING PARITY

DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The transfer portal and NIL money have helped level the playing field in college football, and the parity that has made the NFL must-see TV is at its best in the Southeastern Conference where the average margin of victory is on pace for its lowest point for any conference since at least 2000 and on pace with the NFL itself. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

BBO--ANGELS-SUZUKI

DESCRIPTION: ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels introduce former catcher Kurt Suzuki as their fifth manager in the past eight seasons. Suzuki begins his first managerial job at any level in charge of a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2015. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 5 p.m. PDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 8:04 p.m. EDT, Text

___

GLF--LPGA-INTERNATIONAL CROWN

DESCRIPTION: The first round of the LPGA’s International Crown event at the New Korea Country Club.

UPCOMING: By 10/22/2025 8:17 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

HKN--MARCHAND RETURNS

Boston fans still love ‘Little Ball of Hate’ Brad Marchand. The feeling is mutual

SUMMARY: The Little Ball of Hate still has a lot of love back in Boston. Brad Marchand received a standing ovation from the Boston crowd on Tuesday night when he returned to play against his old team for the first time. The crowd cheered him off the ice after the pregame warmups, as the TD Garden DJ played a mashup of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The longtime Bruins forward responded with a stick salute as he headed off via the visitor’s bench. Fans wearing Marchand’s Boston and Florida No. 63 jerseys cheered again during introductions for the former Bruins captain.

WORDS: 1023 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 11:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:77dcc717c6da20baa822a640db813404&mediaType=text

___

HKN--OLYMPIC SENDOFF EVENT CANCELED

NHL cancels Olympic sendoff event. Islanders are set to host All-Star Weekend in ’27, AP source says

SUMMARY: The NHL has canceled an Olympic sendoff event scheduled for February at the New York Islanders’ arena, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. Instead, they plan to hold All-Star Weekend festivities there in 2027. UBS Arena was initially set to host the 2026 All-Star Weekend as a jumping-off point for players heading to Milan. Officials reconsidered the traditional format after the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament earlier this year.

WORDS: 257 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 10:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4cb7697712e9dd4c6e438567f451344d&mediaType=text

___

BKN--NBC-JORDAN

Michael Jordan is going to be part of NBC’s NBA coverage. His reason: to give back to the game

SUMMARY: Michael Jordan has made his debut as a special contributor to NBC Sports’ return to NBA broadcasting. Speaking with Mike Tirico on Tuesday, Jordan said he wants to give back to basketball while prioritizing family time. He emphasized his obligation to share messages of success and dedication. NBC’s broadcast blended past and present, featuring the return of the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme and the voice of the late Jim Fagan. Jordan, now 62, still feels competitive but rarely plays basketball. He shared a recent experience of shooting a free throw for kids, which made him nervous but ended with a successful shot.

WORDS: 546 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 9:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:271ab461e5b8ca9337c72d1d082dc825&mediaType=text

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES-DODGERS PITCHING

Dodgers to start Snell in Game 1, Yamamoto in Game 2 of World Series vs Blue Jays

SUMMARY: Blake Snell will start Game 1 of the World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will pitch in Game 2, according to manager Dave Roberts. This pitching order repeats the strategy used in the NL Championship Series, which the Dodgers swept in four games against the Milwaukee Brewers. Snell had an impressive performance in Game 1 last week, striking out 10 over eight scoreless innings. He became the first Dodger pitcher to complete eight innings while allowing one hit or fewer in a postseason game. Yamamoto threw the first complete game by a Dodgers pitcher in the postseason since 2004.

WORDS: 394 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 7:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:04f96f034359e6df2a7f87bae0be7cf8&mediaType=text

___

US-JACK NICKLAUS-LAWSUIT

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus wins $50M verdict in defamation lawsuit against former business partners

SUMMARY: Professional golf legend Jack Nicklaus has won a $50 million verdict in a defamation lawsuit filed in Florida against his former business partners. A six-person jury in Palm Beach County on Monday found that the Nicklaus Companies had damaged the 18-time major champion’s reputation and exposed him to ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust or contempt. An attorney for Nicklaus says the golfer has spent his life helping others and earning a reputation as not just a great athlete but a great human being and they were pleased with the jury’s decision. Defense attorneys say Nicklaus Companies executives never tried to defame Nicklaus and argue the case was basically a business dispute.

WORDS: 342 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 6:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a752eab8131eb22fff6cb41feae27ac5&mediaType=text

___

US--SKAGGS-DEATH-TRIAL

Angels outfielder Mike Trout testifies he loved late teammate Skaggs and saw no signs of drug use

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout testified Tuesday in a trial over whether the MLB team should be held responsible for the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. The three-time American League most valuable player told the court about his friendship with Skaggs and suspicions of drug use by team communication director Eric Kay. Kay was convicted of providing a fentanyl-laced pill that led to Skaggs’ fatal overdose in 2019. Skaggs’ family has sued alleging the Angels should be held responsible, while the team says the pitcher took the pill in the privacy of his hotel room.

WORDS: 783 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 6:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:010fa75b11a528c3641fa24accda304b&mediaType=text

___

SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

PSG scores seven and Barcelona hit six on a goal-filled night in the Champions League

SUMMARY: Paris Saint-Germain scored seven, Barcelona hit six and Erling Haaland struck his 24th goal of the season on an action-packed night in the Champions League. PSV Eindhoven routed Italian champion Napoli 6-2, while Arsenal and Inter Milan had big wins to maintain their perfect starts in Europe. But it is defending champion PSG that leads the way at the top of the standings after a wild 7-2 win against Bayer Leverkusen in a match that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 6:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c416058a2decc2243b81f697640c9f1&mediaType=text

___

FBN--NFL OWNERS MEETINGS

NFL sees a surge in returns with the new dynamic kickoff. Onside kicks remain a concern

SUMMARY: The NFL is pleased with an increase in kickoff returns because of recent rule changes. The league reports 877 returns this season, a rate of 79.3% that is the highest since 2006 through the first seven weeks. Owners made the kickoff format permanent in April, aiming for more in-play kicks and fewer injuries. Executive VP Troy Vincent mentioned ongoing discussions about onside kicks, as recovery rates are extremely low. The changes have reduced injuries, with slower speeds and fewer concussions. Concerns remain about kickers making tackles. The league is also focusing on playing surfaces after a couple of notable injuries.

WORDS: 1216 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1b40461b4c0a5a1311a620d1bad5410&mediaType=text

___

US--FBN-DOUG-MARTIN-DEATH

Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

SUMMARY: Many questions are unanswered about the death of former NFL running back Doug Martin. He died over the weekend in the custody of Oakland, California, police, who said Martin was involved in a “brief struggle” with officers who took him into custody early Saturday. Martin’s former agent issued a statement that said Martin felt overwhelmed and disoriented and fled his home before entering a neighbor’s home two doors down, where police confronted him. The former agent said the 36-year-old Martin privately battled mental health challenges that impacted his personal and professional life.

WORDS: 938 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3f842872d22a7c7a2f40ea2103064ab&mediaType=text

___

BBO--BLUE JAYS-CANADA-US

Toronto Blue Jays put Canadian stamp on America’s pastime as relations with US remain bitter

SUMMARY: The Toronto Blue Jays have advanced to the World Series and have a chance of claiming the championship of America’s pastime at a time when U.S.-Canada relations remain near historic lows. Canada’s only major league team will have an entire country behind it against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 on Friday night in Toronto. The once-in-a-generation Major League Baseball playoff run comes as Canadians are feeling an undeniable sense of betrayal after U.S. President Donald Trump has talked about making the country the 51st state.

WORDS: 798 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8d8006f75bbae155ab93b891b5c0e95&mediaType=text

___

FBN--JETS-WOODY JOHNSON

Jets owner Woody Johnson blames 0-7 start on QB play and defends coach Aaron Glenn

SUMMARY: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson pointed to quarterback play to explain his team’s 0-7 start. Speaking at the NFL’s annual fall meeting, the 78-year-old expressed faith in Aaron Glenn and praised the first-year coach’s handling of the defense. Johnson deferred to the staff on whether Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor should start at quarterback moving forward. The Jets are last in passing offense and are the only team in the league not to have won a game. Johnson did not answer when asked if he regretted the decision to let Aaron Rodgers leave last offseason.

WORDS: 502 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1801d76eee34621486c1a51aaee67b43&mediaType=text

___

SOC--SPANISH LEAGUE-MIAMI

Game off: Spanish league cancels plans for Barcelona to play regular-season match in Miami

SUMMARY: The Spanish league says plans for Barcelona to play a regular-season game against Villarreal outside Miami in December have been called off. The league said the decision was made because of “uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks.” The league had finally succeeded in getting approval from soccer bodies such as UEFA and the Spanish federation to stage its first regular-season game abroad. But opposition by players, some clubs and fans had grown recently in Spain. The Spanish league “deeply regrets that this project, which represented a historic and unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer, will not be able to move forward.”

WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9dd058b8a58c58763e45b10c55450c25&mediaType=text

___

FBN--VIKINGS-WENTZ

Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress

SUMMARY: Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right ankle. The Vikings play at the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night on the heels of a 28-22 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Vikings determined after McCarthy went through a workout on the field that his ankle wasn’t quite strong enough yet to give him or them the best chance to succeed against the Chargers. The Vikings are 3-3 overall. They are 2-2 with Wentz.

WORDS: 574 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5d944ce26c0b1becdefd9621c47b6230&mediaType=text

___

BBO--WORLD SERIES-OHTANI’S TOP MOMENTS

The must-see moments from Shohei Ohtani’s historic career so far

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani continues to amaze baseball fans with his incredible skills. Known for his talent both as a pitcher and hitter, Ohtani has made history since his days in Japan. Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he and his team are heading to the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. They have a chance to become the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back championships. Ohtani’s performances have left players, managers, and fans in awe. Toronto manager John Schneider says Ohtani is “changing the way the game is being played right now.”

WORDS: 823 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 5:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ec637c168a9ec52c14b18feb3cce8dae&mediaType=text

___

BBO--ANGELS-SUZUKI

Los Angeles Angels hire former catcher Kurt Suzuki as their next manager

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Angels have hired former major league catcher Kurt Suzuki as their next manager. Suzuki spent the past three seasons as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian. Suzuki played 16 seasons in the major leagues for five teams, including the final two with the Angels. Los Angeles pivoted quickly to Suzuki after talks with former slugger Albert Pujols broke down in recent days.

WORDS: 444 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 4:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:794c1e9110e21f5fd41135e3ee058153&mediaType=text

___

FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

The NFL could see another worst to first turnaround this season

SUMMARY: The NFL can see another worst to first turnaround this season. Through seven weeks, two teams that finished last in 2024 are leading their division. Overall, seven teams that missed the playoffs last season have at least four wins. The New England Patriots are leading the AFC East at 5-2, including a big win at Buffalo, a year after going 4-13 under Jerod Mayo. Mike Vrabel has brought a winning culture to New England and Drake Maye has developed into an elite quarterback in just his second season. The San Francisco 49ers are leading the NFC West at 5-2, including a road win over the Los Angeles Rams. They were 6-11 last season.

WORDS: 676 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 4:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8973840fb91ac50385c37860caec1a8b&mediaType=text

___

BBO--BLUE JAYS-SPRINGER’S HOMER

George Springer’s home run was one of the biggest non-World Series plays in baseball history

SUMMARY: George Springer hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning that sent the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the AL Championship series. A stat called championship win probability added (cWPA) — published by Baseball Reference — measures how much a particular play increased or decreased a team’s chance of winning that year’s World Series. Springer’s homer increased Toronto’s chance of winning the World Series by 19.73%. It ranks as one of the 10 biggest non-World Series plays since 1903.

WORDS: 975 - MOVED: 10/21/2025 2:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0372509e72ffea328718df9b4f10d78c&mediaType=text

___