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UPCOMING

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BBO--FEMALE UMPIRE

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA — Jen Pawol is set to become the first woman to umpire in Major League Baseball when she works a split doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins on Saturday. Pawol is expected to work the bases in Saturday’s games and the plate on Sunday. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. First game scheduled for 1:15 p.m. With game story.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--WOMEN’S AMATEUR

DESCRIPTION: BANDON, Ore. — Lyla Loudenbaugh and Megan Ganne are among the semifinalist for Saturday’s matches in the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes. UPCOMING: 400 words.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tommy Fleetwood takes the lead into the weekend at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first PGA Tour postseason event. UPCOMING: 700 words photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--MARINERS-ICHIRO

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE — Ichiro Suzuki will have his No. 51 retired by the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez and Jackie Robinson as the only numbers retired in franchise history. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--COWBOYS-RAMS

DESCRIPTION: INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Brian Schottenheimer makes his head coaching debut when his Dallas Cowboys open the preseason against Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams, who won’t suit up any key players. By Greg Beacham. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Starts 7 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--CHIEFS-CARDINALS

DESCRIPTION: GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals host the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday in the preseason opener for both teams. The Cardinals are expected to play their starters, including quarterback Kyler Murray, for part of the game. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos from 8 p.m. EDT kickoff.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-DODGERS

DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — Blake Snell starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays in a matchup of division leaders. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Begins 9 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 08/09/2025 11:59 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--LIONS-FALCONS-INJURY

Lions-Falcons preseason game ends early after serious injury to Detroit’s Morice Norris

SUMMARY: Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was in stable condition after he was attended to for about 20 minutes and taken off the field in an ambulance Friday night against Atlanta, with the preseason game ending with 6:31 to go after the players let the clock run. Norris was hurt with 14:50 to go trying to tackle Atlanta running back Nathan Carter. Lions coach Dan Campbell asked for prayers for the 24-year-old Norris. Campbell said Norris had his mother with him at the hospital. Norris — the former Fresno State player listed as Detroit’s second-team safety — hit Carter with his facemask facing the running back’s midsection, and the defender’s head snapped back after making the hit. The Lions led 17-10 when played was stopped.

WORDS: 806 - MOVED: 08/09/2025 12:59 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f9baca7cfb761a0cfa6b11ecccc243f&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROCKIES-KARROS

Kyle Karros, son of 1992 NL Rookie of the Year Eric Karros, hits RBI single in first MLB at-bat

SUMMARY: Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is off to a strong start in the National League, following in his dad’s footsteps. The 23-year-old hit an RBI single in his first big-league at-bat Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Karros has moved quickly through the Rockies’ minor-league system after being drafted in the fifth round in 2023. He was batting .301 with six homers this season, mostly at Double-A and Triple-A. His dad, Eric Karros, hit 284 homers over a 14-year career, mainly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

WORDS: 203 - MOVED: 08/09/2025 12:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ad64befce875f6fbb762e671e850c8e1&mediaType=text

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BBO--SCHERZER VS KERSHAW

Scherzer and Kershaw square off in rare duel of 3,000-strikeout club members

SUMMARY: Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw went toe-to-toe for six innings in a vintage duel Friday night. The 41-year-old Scherzer, pitching for Toronto, made his 465th career start. Kershaw, 37, started his 443rd game — all for the Los Angeles Dodgers over 18 seasons. Both have won three Cy Young Awards and are likely headed to the Hall of Fame. Kershaw allowed one run and seven hits, striking out four. Scherzer gave up two runs and six hits, striking out five. A two-run homer by Mookie Betts gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. It was the fourth time Scherzer and Kershaw have opposed each other. Before the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised both pitchers for their competitiveness and unique styles.

WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 08/09/2025 12:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d49bdeb80bc7ae709ec80f5eaa94d165&mediaType=text

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FBN--SUSPENDED GAMES-INJURIES

Detroit Lions’ Morice Norris injury raises memories of similar recent NFL incidents

SUMMARY: The sight of Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris being carted off the field during a preseason game at Atlanta raised memories several recent similar incidents occurring in both NFL preseason and regular-season outings. The most frightening happened in January 2023 when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field after attempting to make a routine tackle during the first quarter of a regular-season game at Cincinnati. The last time a preseason game was stopped before completion actually happened in consecutive weeks in August 2023.

WORDS: 277 - MOVED: 08/09/2025 12:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3171e5ab76689d6bb0507792d53e1ce5&mediaType=text

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FBN--PATRIOTS-BRADY STATUE

Patriots unveil statue of Tom Brady, QB who led them to 6 Super Bowl wins, before exhibition opener

SUMMARY: Tom Brady’s statue, weighing six tons and standing 17 feet tall, has been unveiled outside the New England Patriots’ stadium. Brady, a three-time NFL MVP and seven-time champion, retired in 2023 as the league’s most-decorated player. The Patriots inducted him into their Hall of Fame last year, waiving the usual waiting period. The statue, created by sculptor Jeff Buccacio, features a hexagonal granite base and a 12-foot figure of Brady. During the ceremony, Brady humorously referenced his former coach Bill Belichick and took a playful jab at the New York Jets. Fans and former teammates attended the event.

WORDS: 562 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 11:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29bc291378462bc15809196247a2d5b6&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-SANDERS DEBUT

Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders throws 2 TD passes in first half of NFL preseason debut vs Panthers

SUMMARY: Shedeur Sanders has made an impressive NFL debut with the Cleveland Browns. On Friday night, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. His father, Deion Sanders, celebrated his performance on social media. Sanders expressed mixed feelings, calling it a dream come true but admitting he could have played better. The Browns have been dealing with injuries at quarterback, giving Sanders the opportunity to start. Despite some early challenges, he showed promise and even caught the attention of NBA star LeBron James. Sanders was initially projected to go higher in the draft but fell to the fifth round.

WORDS: 768 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 10:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f503b54a2db882ab32f834169bb6a573&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAIDERS-OBSCENE GESTURES

Raiders’ Smith and Crosby make obscene gestures toward Seahawks fans

SUMMARY: Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and defensive end Maxx Crosby were caught on video making obscene gestures toward Seattle Seahawks fans. This happened before their preseason game on Thursday night. Videos of the incident circulated on social media on Friday. In one clip, Crosby and Smith appear to respond to taunting fans with gestures as they enter the field. A fan’s sign read, “Bigger Bust — Geno Or Jamarcus Russell?” Smith was the Seahawks’ starter for three seasons before joining the Raiders. The game ended in a 23-23 tie.

WORDS: 246 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 10:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4c7de3597b600ab1b568053965a2eeef&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHARGERS-SLATER HURT

Chargers OL Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury ‘a gut punch,’ Jim Harbaugh says

SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Chargers are moving forward without Rashawn Slater. The offensive lineman has been sidelined for the season due to a torn patellar tendon. Coach Jim Harbaugh described the injury as a “gut punch” on Friday. Slater was injured Thursday during practice, just two weeks after signing a $114 million contract extension. Joe Alt will move from right to left tackle, while Trey Pipkins will take over at right tackle. Running back Najee Harris is still recovering from an eye injury. In Sunday’s preseason game against New Orleans, Taylor Heinicke will start at quarterback, with Trey Lance getting most of the snaps.

WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 8:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:33df35a5c4e53d161ee2a7a845bcc6e9&mediaType=text

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FBN--COLTS-RICHARDSON

Colts QB Anthony Richardson is day-to-day after injuring finger, AP source says

SUMMARY: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is considered day-to-day with a dislocated pinkie. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the injury who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the team hadn’t yet made an official statement. It’s unclear when Richardson will practice next. Indy did not hold practice Friday and is scheduled to do so Saturday. Richardson was injured on the second possession of the Colts’ preseason game against the Ravens on Thursday night. In other injury news, the Colts closed the day by making a series of moves including placing running back Salvon Ahmed and cornerback Justin Walley on the season-ending injured reserve list.

WORDS: 489 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 7:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:516a04392f4ae02d7acda637583d38f4&mediaType=text

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BBO--BREWERS-MURPHY PANCAKES

Pocket pancakes? Brewers selling ballpark flapjacks after Pat Murphy’s viral moment

SUMMARY: The Milwaukee Brewers are bringing manager Pat Murphy’s strange eating habits to fans. Murphy went viral in a recent interview for pulling a pancake out of his uniform pocket and taking a bite — sharing the flapjack with the reporter — as he detailed different ways he shoves food into his pockets to snack on in the dugout. The moment has spawned quite the movement in Milwaukee. The ballpark announced Friday that “Murph’s Pocket Pancakes” will be sold at American Family Field during Sunday games for the rest of the season, starting with this weekend’s series against the New York Mets.

WORDS: 380 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 7:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:139f19eb624e9ce9445f592a7b4ab2f5&mediaType=text

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GLF--ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

Tommy Fleetwood finds his groove and builds a big lead at PGA Tour playoffs opener

SUMMARY: Tommy Fleetwood is giving himself another chance at finally winning on the PGA Tour. The English star had four straight birdies on the back nine for the second straight day. He shot 64 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship for a four-shot lead before the round was interrupted by storms. Collin Morikawa and Akshay Bhatia were four behind. Justin Rose also was four back and had two holes remaining when he returns Saturday morning. Fleetwood had a tour title get away from him in June at the Travelers Championship. He has won big tournaments in Europe, just not on the PGA Tour.

WORDS: 901 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 6:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:383afc15202507d642abcc9f1a5086a7&mediaType=text

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BKL--FEVER INJURIES

Indiana Fever to face Chicago Sky without Caitlin Clark, 2 other key injured players

SUMMARY: The Indiana Fever will face the rival Chicago Sky on Saturday without Caitlin Clark and two other key players who suffered season-ending injuries in Thursday’s loss at Phoenix. Clark has not played since injuring her right groin in the second-to-last game before the All-Star break. Coach Stephanie White still has not provided a timetable for Clark’s return. But her continued absence has now been complicated by the additional losses of Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald. Colson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the first quarter of Thursday’s game. McDonald suffered a broken bone in her right foot during the same game.

WORDS: 203 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 6:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:43d3478236cb0562c4d6538956a63599&mediaType=text

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BKL--SEX TOY SECURITY

How does the WNBA deal with sex-toy throwers? What to know about arrests and security

SUMMARY: The WNBA is still struggling with a string of sex-toy disturbances. In the past week and a half, sex toys have been thrown on court during games in Atlanta on July 29, Chicago on Thursday night and Aug. 1 and Los Angeles on Aug. 5, with the most recent object nearly hitting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during Indiana’s game against the Sparks. Sex toys were also thrown at games in New York and Phoenix last Tuesday and at a second game in Atlanta last Friday, but didn’t reach the court. The distractions have created unexpected challenges for the league, the teams and the players, but also for arena security. Here’s what to know.

WORDS: 1072 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 6:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71479d687f0850e4c503525c80dfec50&mediaType=text

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HKN--PANTHERS-TKACHUK

Panthers’ Tkachuk says he’s undecided on whether to have surgery to address last season’s injuries

SUMMARY: Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said he is still undecided whether to get surgery this offseason to address the significant injuries he suffered in the the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. Tkachuk told ESPN in a story posted Friday that while he’s hoping to return to the ice soon after playing the Stanley Cup playoffs with a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia injury, he could miss a couple months if he has surgery. Tkachuk revealed he sustained the injuries while playing for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Despite the injuries, he had 23 points in 23 playoff games. The Panthers begin the regular season against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7.

WORDS: 298 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 5:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6c56cb399c8d515ac84f53c41bba2ad4&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLORADO-SANDERS

Deion Sanders feels like ‘my old self’ after treatment for bladder cancer, concentrating on football

SUMMARY: Deion Sanders appreciates questions about his health after a recent scare. The Colorado coach says he feels healthy and vibrant. Sanders has returned to the team after treatment for bladder cancer. He’s focused on preparing for the season opener against Georgia Tech on August 29. A key task is deciding between quarterbacks Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter. Sanders says the team will play a different style of offense this year. He’s taking his time to evaluate the quarterbacks, with a hand from Byron Leftwich. Sanders, who turns 58 on Saturday, says he’s enjoying life and learning to trust his instincts more.

WORDS: 632 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 5:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7cf9de45a5d3dc115561d44963545d49&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-HOW-TO-WATCH

How to watch the NFL in 2025: Streaming services, exclusive dates

SUMMARY: Catching NFL games on TV has become complicated due to various streaming services and exclusive online broadcasts. For those without cable, YouTubeTV with NFL Sunday Ticket offers many out-of-market games. Other options include Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. NFL+ provides live local and prime time games, with a premium version offering replays. Thursday night games are on Amazon Prime, while ESPN’s new package includes “Monday Night Football.” Peacock streams Sunday night games and some exclusives. Paramount+ covers CBS games, and Fox One offers Fox broadcasts.

WORDS: 400 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 5:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1784047265cfe5c32adfb054d5ad970e&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-TRACKHOUSE-VAN GISBERGEN

Trackhouse Racing signs Shane van Gisbergen to multiyear extension

SUMMARY: Shane van Gisbergen has earned a multiyear extension with Trackhouse Racing after making the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs as a rookie. The team announced Friday that the Auckland, New Zealand, native will continue “for years to come.” No further terms were released. With victories from the pole position at Mexico City, Chicago and Sonoma Raceway, van Gisbergen has secured the fourth seed in the 2025 playoffs with three races remaining in the regular season.

WORDS: 374 - MOVED: 08/08/2025 4:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:062d8998697d00c39ccdaba423c722c6&mediaType=text