AP Sports Digest
The highlights of the AP Sports report. An up-to-the minute listing of all stories planned, including games and events, is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom, https://newsroom.ap.org/coverageplan. You can also find a link to Coverage Plan on the left navigation of the Newsroom home page, https://newsroom.ap.org. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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AUDIO HEADLINES
James Harden picks up $35.6 million option with the 76ers, AP source says https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/JamesHardenpicksup356millionoptionwiththe76ersAPsourcesays/7d3bb7ca25524905a361cefdffe83eb9
NFL suspends 3 players indefinitely, fourth gets 6 games for violating gambling policy https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/NFLsuspends3playersindefinitelyfourthgets6gamesforviolatinggamblingpolicy/b04b5cf52e5845798f4f24986f7ee398
Rays beat Diamondbacks 6-1 to win 2 of 3 in series between 1998 expansion teams https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/RaysbeatDiamondbacks6-1towin2of3inseriesbetween1998expansionteams/c1a6c5205123484cb822601475113250
Donaldson, Kiner-Falefa lead Yankees over A’s 10-4 as New York wins 2 of 3 in the series https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/DonaldsonKiner-FalefaleadYankeesoverAs10-4asNewYorkwins2of3intheseries/207daef3a7a34e7c87e45fd8a719794c
All times EDT
TOP STORIES
FBN--NFL-GAMBLING-SUSPENSIONS
INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL has suspended three players indefinitely for violating the league’s gambling policy and a fourth was sidelined for six games. Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts along with free agent Demetrius Taylor received indefinite suspensions through at least this season for betting on NFL games in 2022.. By Michael Marot. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
With: FBN--Sports Betting-Leagues-Explainer (Sent)
BKN—76ERS—HARDEN’S CONTRACT
PHILADELPHIA — James Harden picked up his $35.6 million contract option for next season with the Philadelphia 76ers, with the franchise exploring trades to move the veteran scorer, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. By Dan Gelston. SENT: 700 words, photos.
HKW--PHF-PWHPA-PURCHASE
A new women’s pro hockey league will begin competing in North America as early as January, a development made possible Thursday when a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the Premier Hockey Federation, two people with direct knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. SENT: 820 words, photos.
COMMENTARY
SWM--US NATIONALS-NESTY’S RISE
INDIANAPOLIS — In a sport still struggling to diversify, Anthony Nesty is a significant presence on the pool deck. He overcame long odds to win an Olympic gold medal. He’s worked his way up to become one of America’s top coaches. And he’s a Black man. By National Writer Paul Newberry. SENT: 1,100 words, photos.
NOTABLE
BBO-ALL-STAR STARTERS
NEW YORK — Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is elected to his 11th All-Star Game and four Texas Rangers were chosen by fans for the American League’s lineup for the July 11 game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. SENT: 450 words, photos.
BKN--FREE AGENCY-PREVIEW
It’s time to learn where James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Khris Middleton and more will be playing this coming season. NBA free agency opens Friday, and teams will have to balance the desire to win against the cost of spending big. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. SENT: 900 words, photos.
With: BKN--Free Agency-Players To Watch (sent)
HKN--FREE AGENCY-PREVIEW
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Unlike years past, NHL general managers face a very short turnaround between the end of the two-day draft, which concluded on Thursday, and with the free agency signing period opening on Saturday. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. SENT: 675 words, photos.
TEN--WIMBLEDON PREVIEW
WIMBLEDON, England — Novak Djokovic will try to pull even with Roger Federer by earning title No. 8 at the oldest of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments when Wimbledon begins next week. Djokovic already is one ahead of the injured Rafael Nadal -- and three ahead of the retired Federer -- for the most singles majors won by a man, with 23. By Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich. SENT: 850 words, photos.
With: TEN—Wimbledon-Preview Glance (sent), TEN-Wimbledon-Increased-Security (sent), TEN--Wimbledon-Women’s Capsules (sent), TEN--Wimbledon-Men’s Capsules (sent)
TEN--US-OPEN-WOZNIACKI RETURNING
Caroline Wozniacki, a former No. 1-ranked tennis player and the 2018 Australian Open champion, announced Thursday that she is returning to competition three years after she retired to start a family. By Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich. SENT: 650 words, photos.
GLF--ROCKET MORTGAGE CLASSIC
DETROIT — Taylor Moore and Monday qualifier Peter Kuest shot 8-under 64s to share the first-round lead in the Rocket Mortgage Classic. By Larry Lage. SENT: 600 words, photos.
GLF—US SENIOR OPEN
STEVENS POINT, Wis. — Rod Pampling shot a 3-under 68 at difficult SentryWorld to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the U.S. Senior Open. SENT: 630 words, photos.
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Friday’s EDT Time Schedule
Major League Baseball
Cleveland at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.
San Diego at Cincinnati, 5:10 p.m.
Washington at Philadelphia, 6:05 p.m.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.
Minnesota at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.
Boston at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.
San Francisco at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m.
Miami at Atlanta, 7:20 p.m.
Houston at Texas, 8:05 p.m.
Detroit at Colorado, 8:10 p.m.
L.A. Dodgers at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.
N.Y. Yankees at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m.
Arizona at L.A. Angels, 9:38 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at Oakland, 9:40 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.
WNBA
Washington at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles at Chicago, 8 p.m.
