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UPCOMING

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HKN--PREGAME ROUTINES

DESCRIPTION: Before games, Dallas forward Matt Duchene has an identical routine. He blocks out a two-hour window for a nap, eats the same meal of pasta and salmon and spends time reviewing notes he’s made in his journal. Like many NHL players and coaches, Duchene’s just a creature of habit. Little pregame rituals and routines that help them slip into the proper frame of mind for that big game. These familiar patterns can be sleep- or food-related. Or revolve around the way they warm up. Or how they tinker with their hockey sticks. Or be as simple as taking their dog for a walk. Be careful, though, to lump all of these in with superstitions. By Pat Graham. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--CELTICS ADVANCE

DESCRIPTION: BOSTON - The Boston Celtics are a step closer to defending the NBA title they won last season. And they showed they don’t have to rely just on 3-pointers to do it. Their 120-89 win over the Orlando Magic punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they’ll play either the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons. Boston was solid throughout the closeout win, outplaying a physical Magic team that showed why it was the best defending against the 3-point shot the Celtics thrive on. But after making no 3s in the first half, Boston found opportunities via its defense while adjusting to how Orlando employed different methods to limit them offensively. By Kyle Hightower. UPCOMING: 660 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 06:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--PACERS ADVANCE

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Pacers went toe-to-toe for five games with one Central Division rival, the Milwaukee Bucks. They finally delivered the knockout punch Tuesday night — with an 8-0 closing rally to secure a 4-1 series win. Naturally, they weren’t quite ready to discuss starting all over against another division foe, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Some didn’t expect the Pacers still to be standing at this point — even with Milwaukee’s All-Star guard Damian Lillard missing two games and part of a third because of injuries. Just like last year. But the Pacers still feel they have something to prove. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 06:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--HURRICANES ADVANCE

DESCRIPTION: RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes need Andrei Svechnikov to keep playing like he did in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 25-year-old Russian forward had five goals in the first-round series win against the New Jersey Devils. The last came in Tuesday’s 5-4 comeback win in double overtime to help Carolina move on in five games. This is the first time Svechnikov has reached five goals in a single postseason. He also had a career-best nine shots on goal during Tuesday’s comeback win. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 06:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BBN--METS-DAZZLING DEFENSE

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK - Pete Alonso and the major league-leading New York Mets were at their finest in the field Tuesday night. Never known for slick defense, Alonso made a trio of sprawling stops at first base and the Mets put on a dazzling display with their gloves during an 8-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. At the center of it all was a breathtaking fourth inning, when New York turned in three consecutive gems behind starting pitcher David Peterson to set down the Diamondbacks 1-2-3. “That inning was — I’ve never seen something like that. And I’ve heard multiple guys say that,” Peterson said. “The defense was spectacular.” By Mike Fitzpatrick. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 06:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--F1-MIAMI-WOMEN IN CHARGE

DESCRIPTION: For the Miami Grand Prix, someone is charge of all the strategic planning and the budget. Someone else oversees the construction of 163 temporary buildings needed for race weekend. Someone else designs the seating areas and keeps track of all the food and beverage needs. Someone else makes sure that the rich and famous have everything they need and want, from the right drink to the right kind of throw pillow. These jobs make the race happen. And in Miami, they’re all being done by women. By Tim Reynolds. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--MADRID OPEN

DESCRIPTION: MADRID -- Iga Swiatek faces Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff takes on Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. Jack Draper, the top men’s seed left in the tournament at No. 5, faces Tommy Paul. By Tales Azzoni. UPCOMING: 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--SEC-SPRING WRAPUP

DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- More than half the teams in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference have new starting quarterbacks in 2025. Many of the changes were expected. Some of them were needed. By Mark Long. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--DIAMONDBACKS-METS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Diamondbacks newcomer Corbin Burnes, looking for his first win since signing a $210 million contract with Arizona, faces Pete Alonso and the New York Mets at Citi Field. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 10:10 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--CANADIENS-CAPITALS

DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON — Up 3-1 in the series, the Washington Capitals can move on to the second round of the NHL playoffs by winning Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. UPCOMING: 450 words, photos, breakouts on merit.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--CHAMPIONS CUP-WHITECAPS-MIAMI

DESCRIPTION: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are hoping to avoid elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps Wednesday night. It’s the second leg of the semifinals, and the series winner advances to the final against either Cruz Azul or Tigres UNAL on June 1. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos. Game starts 8 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--BLUES-JETS

DESCRIPTION: The St. Louis Blues try to win their third straight game against the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets in their first-round playoff series that is knotted 2-2. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has vowed to be better after being pulled during both losses in St. Louis. UPCOMING: 450 words.

UPCOMING: By 04/30/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--DEVILS-HURRICANES

Aho’s blast pushes Hurricanes past Devils 5-4 in double OT to advance in Stanley Cup Playoffs

SUMMARY: Sebastian Aho hammered a one-timer past Jacob Markstrom at 4:17 of the second overtime to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 on Tuesday night to clinch their first-round playoff series. The score came with the Hurricanes on a four-minute power play on a double-minor high-sticking penalty by Dawson Mercer. Aho’s capper marked the only lead for the Hurricanes in a wild game that pushed them into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Markstrom finished with 48 saves for the Devils while facing a deluge of shots in the third period and first OT.

WORDS: 896 - MOVED: 04/30/2025 1:20 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1f19ad64211e76fe26c9b346162f2b6&mediaType=text

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HKN--WILD-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Howden’s OT goal gives Golden Knights a 3-2 win over the Wild and 3-2 series lead

SUMMARY: Brett Howden scored 4:05 into overtime Tuesday night to give the Golden Knights a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild and put Vegas one game away from advancing out of the Western Conference first round. The Golden Knights take a 3-2 series lead back to St. Paul for Thursday night’s Game 6. Vegas will try to advance to at least the second round for the fifth time in their eight-year history. Minnesota will attempt to avoid another first-round series exit. The Wild’s last series victory occurred in 2015 when the Wild made the second round.

WORDS: 601 - MOVED: 04/30/2025 1:08 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1266c702ca46be2f0070421209a38d97&mediaType=text

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BKN--CLIPPERS-NUGGETS

Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook spark the Nuggets’ 131-115 win over the Clippers

SUMMARY: Jamal Murray erupted for 43 points and Russell Westbrook chipped in 21 in his return from a foot injury, sparking the Nuggets’ 131-115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night that gave Denver a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series. The Nuggets also got 23 from Game 4 hero Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic’s 21st career playoff triple-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.

WORDS: 388 - MOVED: 04/30/2025 12:58 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e5058d93fa6d77b2b241242aa2441f16&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAGIC-CELTICS

Defending champion Celtics close out Magic 120-89 for 4-1 playoff series win

SUMMARY: Jayson Tatum had 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, and the Boston Celtics pulled away after Magic star Paolo Banchero went to the bench with five fouls, beating Orlando 120-89 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The defending NBA champions will play either the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons in the second round. The Knicks lead their series 3-2 despite falling 106-103 earlier Tuesday in New York. Franz Wagner scored 25 points, Banchero had 19 and Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic

WORDS: 512 - MOVED: 04/30/2025 12:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d509e2065e455c02aa5faec981980639&mediaType=text

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BKN--PACERS-HALIBURTON’S FATHER

Tyrese Haliburton scolds his father for sparking postgame fracas after Pacers eliminate Bucks

SUMMARY: Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was so excited about Indiana’s improbable overtime rally that he didn’t realize what led to the postgame scuffle between his teammates and the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Then he got to the locker room, watched the replay and winced when he saw his father, John, on the court, confronting two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Haliburton says he had a talk with his dad and doesn’t agree with what happened. He adds, “I don’t think my pops was in the right at all.” Antetokounmpo says John Haliburton’s behavior was disrespectful.

WORDS: 445 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 11:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6db8fcab8a69e717d52503ecf948c01&mediaType=text

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BKN--PISTONS-KNICKS

Pistons beat Knicks 106-103 in Game 5 to stay alive in the first-round series

SUMMARY: Cade Cunningham had 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and the Detroit Pistons stayed alive in their first postseason appearance since 2019 by beating the New York Knicks 106-103 on Tuesday night in Game 5 of their first-round series. Ausar Thompson added 22 points and Tobias Harris had 17 for the Pistons, who will have a chance to even things up Thursday night at home in Game 6. If they win that, the deciding game would be back at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Detroit, though, has lost an NBA record-tying nine straight home games since 2008.

WORDS: 524 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 11:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:72bcd71fc9b8c3f4754aeeeffe59f7fc&mediaType=text

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BKN--BUCKS-PACERS

Haliburton and Pacers eliminate Bucks from playoffs, closing OT with 8-0 run to win 119-118

SUMMARY: Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers stole one from the Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana forced two turnovers in the final 29 seconds of overtime, and Haliburton blew past Giannis Antetokounmpo for the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds left to give the Pacers a 119-118 victory and a 4-1 series win. The Pacers closed the game with an 8-0 run over the final 40 seconds of OT to eliminate the Bucks in the first round for the second straight season. Haliburton had 26 points and 10 assists as he improved to 9-0 in home playoff games. This chippy series ended fittingly with a shoving match between the teams at midcourt.

WORDS: 672 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 10:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b686a462b314f4f03fde041cf72a9f8f&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Spurs’ Castle wins rookie of the year, joining Wembanyama as back-to-back San Antonio winners

SUMMARY: The San Antonio Spurs have back-to-back rookie of the year award winners. After Victor Wembanyama got all the first-place votes last year, Spurs guard Stephon Castle was named the winner of the rookie award this season. Castle prevailed in one-sided voting over fellow finalists Zaccharie Risacher of Atlanta — the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft — and Jaylen Wells of Memphis.

WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 8:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19ddd5adaf0c2e3df06e9321a9ff4ac7&mediaType=text

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FBN--VIKINGS-MCCARTHY

J.J. McCarthy is ready for the job and the pressure of taking over as QB for the Vikings

SUMMARY: J.J. McCarthy would hardly consider his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings a wasted one even though the torn meniscus in his right knee forced him to begin his career with film study and in the training room. Reviving the gratitude journal he kept in college at Michigan helped shape his perspective. Now that the hard part of rehabilitation is over he’s eager to be the starting quarterback. The Vikings considered bringing in Aaron Rodgers but tabled that with confidence in McCarthy.

WORDS: 739 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 7:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e6b621661f37d8a40613c157b3c064e&mediaType=text

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HKO--PLAYER DEATH-NO CHARGES

Man arrested following death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson won’t face charges

SUMMARY: British prosecutors say a man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face charges. Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on Oct. 28, 2023. A man was arrested two weeks later and though police did not publicly identified him, Petgrave himself said in a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees that he was the subject of an investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service says it decided it would not bring criminal charges because “there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense.”

WORDS: 442 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 7:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac24f4993af3f63040e8c8752f86292d&mediaType=text

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TEN--MADRID OPEN

Swiatek and Sabalenka power into Madrid quarterfinals a day after blackout. Top seed Zverev loses

SUMMARY: Power has been restored at the Caja Magica tennis complex and the Madrid Open resumed with a packed schedule that included second-ranked Iga Swiatek advancing to the quarterfinals. Swiatek defeated Diana Shnaider 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-4 to stay on track to defend her title in the Spanish capital. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka made it into the last eight by defeating Peyton Stearns in straight sets. On the men’s side, top-seeded Alexander Zverev was upset by 21st-ranked Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina.

WORDS: 969 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 6:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:62f3eb256132a57f41bcf11b65a6611a&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIPOFF

Back on their home courts, Lakers and Rockets are both determined to postpone elimination

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick saw the urgency he was anticipating while his team practiced before what could be its final game of a tumultuous season. He said the Lakers were on edge, and they should be. The Lakers aren’t the only high seed with its collective back against the gym wall heading into a high-stakes Wednesday in the NBA playoffs. The third-seeded Lakers and the second-seeded Rockets are both on the brink of elimination when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors in a pair of Game 5s. Los Angeles and Houston are both grateful to be at home.

WORDS: 1027 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 6:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:be7e2fb9870d7aaea440f615c12ec421&mediaType=text

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SOC--ARSENAL-PSG

Dembele’s early goal gives PSG 1-0 win over Arsenal in 1st leg of Champions League semifinals

SUMMARY: Ousmane Dembele’s early goal gave Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. Dembele opened the scoring in the fourth minute after he was left all alone in the Arsenal area and was picked by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a first-time finish that snuck in via the far post. PSG had lost 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the league phase in October but showed no hesitation in taking the game to Arsenal from the start. Instead, it was the hosts that looked affected by the moment in their first Champions League semifinal since 2009.

WORDS: 704 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 6:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:836500db9256439a131dce8ecb7ad9fa&mediaType=text

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BKN--BUCKS-LILLARD

Milwaukee’s Doc Rivers says Damian Lillard won’t ‘go out this way’ after tearing Achilles tendon

SUMMARY: Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers says injured guard Damian Lillard had two points to make when they spoke Tuesday. The 10-time All-Star was shocked to be injured again, after fighting his way back from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. And he intends to come back as strong as ever from his latest injury, a torn left Achilles tendon. Lillard was injured early in Game 3 on Sunday as he tipped the ball to a teammate while falling to the floor. He needed help getting up and to leave the court. Milwaukee confirmed the injury following an MRI on Monday. The 34-year-old Lillard has been one of the league’s top players over his career and is seven-time All-NBA selection.

WORDS: 617 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 6:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bf0c11742407ccc1f49e5b01f9bacb5a&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-LOGANO-CHIPPER JONES

Logano responds to criticism from Hall of Famer, asks ‘Has Chipper Jones ever driven a race car?’

SUMMARY: Joey Logano wondered Tuesday if Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones had ever driven a race car at Talladega after the former Atlanta Braves slugger criticized the NASCAR champion in a series of social media posts. Jones was defending Austin Cindric, winner of Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, after Team Penske teammate Logano unleashed an expletive-laden rant about Cindric during the race. Logano was furious he did not receive the help he needed from Cindric, which allowed rival Toyota driver Bubba Wallace to win the second stage and earn valuable bonus points.

WORDS: 641 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 5:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bd4dcfe183b19433a457d83e3851a0f&mediaType=text

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BKL--WINGS-BUECKERS’ EXPECTATIONS

Paige Bueckers raised expectations and excitement level for Dallas Wings months before WNBA draft

SUMMARY: Paige Bueckers raised the expectations and excitement level for the Dallas Wings and their fans many months before she was even drafted by the WNBA team. It started with the viral video of new Wings general manager Curt Miller’s reaction when the franchise won the draft lottery for the No. 1 overall pick. That was in November, when Bueckers was only three games into the three-time AP All-American’s final season at UConn that ended with the Huskies’ 12th national championship. The Wings quickly sold out their season ticket allotment and have an expanded regional TV broadcast deal to reach 6.2 million homes.

WORDS: 942 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 4:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5962cc1a2b088b6bc7c6346deaebc5f1&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-DONCIC-KOBE MURAL

Luka Doncic donates entire cost of restoring vandalized Kobe Bryant mural in downtown Los Angeles

SUMMARY: Luka Doncic has stepped up to pay the entire expected cost of restoring a vandalized mural depicting Kobe and Gigi Bryant in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers’ new star made a $5,000 donation Tuesday to cover the entire goal of a GoFundMe page created by artist Louie Palsino, who wants to restore the mural. Doncic says it’s important for him to give back to the community. The Slovenian superstar joined the Lakers less than three months ago. Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five championships and becoming the top scorer in franchise history.

WORDS: 223 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 4:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:422ada821f8bf8fbd4aaec57079239f8&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-SWEARING

Is the punishment for cursing in F1 too harsh? Racing boss hints at changes after driver backlash

SUMMARY: The president of Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA has signaled he’ll make “improvements” to punishments for swearing and criticism which have sparked a backlash from F1 drivers. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has posted on Instagram that after “constructive feedback” from drivers across the various event FIA governs, “I am considering making improvements to Appendix B.” That’s the document which lays out the punishments for a range of offenses ranging from physical violence to political statements, swearing and any comments deemed to cause “moral injury or loss” to the FIA.

WORDS: 883 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 3:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2099938e09d23b64b00489aa4da765b5&mediaType=text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide leads to a rare QB double dip by the Browns

SUMMARY: Shedeur Sanders’ slide down the NFL draft was the dominant story of the weekend with one of college football’s most high-profile players lasting until the fifth round. The fact Sanders was taken by the Browns two rounds after they drafted another quarterback in Dillon Gabriel made the entire situation even more rare. The Browns were the first team to draft two quarterbacks in the first five rounds of the NFL draft since Washington did it in 2012, when the team traded up to take Robert Griffin III with the second-overall pick and then drafted Kirk Cousins in the fourth round.

WORDS: 1068 - MOVED: 04/29/2025 1:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8f5432414906672f7105a617c1501e8&mediaType=text