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AP Sports Digest

Posted 9/24/25

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. …

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AP Sports Digest

Posted

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.

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UPCOMING

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FBN--NFL-IRELAND-GAELIC GAMES

DESCRIPTION: Ireland’s indigenous sports are called Gaelic games, and Gaelic football in particular features kicking skills that can transfer to American football via placekicking and punting. A growing number of Gaelic football players are giving American football a shot. By Ken Maguire.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-ALABAMA’S ROAD WOES

DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- No. 17 Alabama has a hurdle to clear this week: winning on the road. The Crimson Tide are 2-5 away from home since the start of last season — including stunning losses at Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Florida State -- and would love to reverse the trend at fifth-ranked Georgia.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PUCK DROP-COACHING CAROUSEL

DESCRIPTION: Three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville is back in the NHL as coach of the Anaheim Ducks, four years since resigning from his post with Florida in the wake of an investigation into Chicago’s 2010 sexual assault allegations and his role in it. Two-time Cup winner Mike Sullivan is now in charge of the New York Rangers, the Dallas Stars brought back Glen Gulutzan to look to break through in the West and a handful of teams take on challenges with new coaches after another busy summer of changes behind the bench. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-RUNNING HARD

DESCRIPTION: SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Jeremiyah Love was a preseason All-American. Jadarian Price has rushed for more touchdowns. Together they form one of the nation’s most dangerous running combinations at No. 22 Notre Dame. By Curt Rallo UPCOMING: 600 words, with photos by 2 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 11:28 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKN--MEDIA DAY-SUNS

DESCRIPTION: PHOENIX — It’s a fresh start for the Phoenix Suns, who rebuilt their roster during the offseason after trading away 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant and buying out the contract of Bradley Beal. Four-time All-Star Devin Booker will be the centerpiece going forward under new coach Jordan Ott. By David Brandt. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos from 10 a.m. PT press conference.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--GIANTS-DART

DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Jaxson Dart is now the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, getting the job four games into his rookie year after Russell Wilson struggled and the team got off to an 0-3 start. Given the desperate straits, Dart is getting thrown into the fire against a top-10 NFL defense with the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers up next. One plus for Dart is he’s likely to receive significant support from fans, some of whom were chanting for him last weekend. By Stephen Whyno. 550 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 4:35 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--ACES-FEVER OFFICIATING

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever complained about how Game 2 was officiated Tuesday night and both teams prepare to head to Indianapolis for Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs semifinals series. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Nottingham Forest travels to Real Betis in a return to European competitions after three decades while Nice hosts Rome and Rangers meet Genk in the opening games of the Europa League.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 5:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: The New York Giants have drafted Jaxson Dart, and he is set to take over as starting quarterback. Despite signing Russell Wilson, the Giants are moving quickly with Dart, reflecting a trend where highly drafted quarterbacks start early. More than two-thirds of first-round quarterbacks since 2011 have started within their first four weeks. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1100 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-RECEIVERS

DESCRIPTION: HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is giving different receivers chances to make plays, and any one is capable of stepping in any particular game. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--MARINERS CLINCH

Surging Mariners clinch playoff berth and close in on AL West title

SUMMARY: The surging Seattle Mariners have clinched a spot in the postseason, but they hope the real celebrations are yet to come. Seattle earned the playoff berth with a dramatic 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies after getting some help from the New York Yankees, who beat the Chicago White Sox earlier Tuesday evening. Josh Naylor provided the big hit, a bases-clearing double with two outs in the eighth inning after Seattle had generated little offense against the major league-worst Rockies. The Mariners now have their eye on their first AL West title since 2001. Seattle moved four games ahead of the Houston Astros in the division.

WORDS: 493 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 1:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3139f1e9863253ff1b6f1c00ad613091&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani has 3rd straight dominant outing on mound with 6 scoreless innings

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani is showing his dominance on the mound as October baseball nears. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star had his third straight scoreless outing on Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. His fastball consistently hit the 98-100 mph range, even reaching 101.2 mph. Ohtani gave up five singles and started an athletic double play to end the fifth inning. The 31-year-old is building up his pitch count after elbow surgery kept him off the mound last season. He worked five hitless innings in his previous outing. This was Ohtani’s 100th mound start in the big leagues.

WORDS: 228 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 1:12 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:06cc064a4a7fb5604facdd0a80984dac&mediaType=text

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BKL--FEVER-ACES

Wilson scores 25 points as Aces even WNBA semifinal series at 1-1 with blowout win over Fever

SUMMARY: A’ja Wilson bounced back with 25 points and nine rebounds, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 90-68 win over the Indiana Fever. The victory evens the WNBA semifinals playoff series. The best-of-five series moves to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday night. Wilson also achieved a playoff career-high with five steals. NaLyssa Smith added 18 points, while Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd each contributed to the win. Despite being short-handed, the Fever have proven tough, upsetting Atlanta in the quarterfinals and now heading home with a chance to close out the series.

WORDS: 599 - MOVED: 09/24/2025 1:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cbde30212847e9ed57e8f27e954ecd86&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-CLINCH

Yankees head to postseason for 8th time in 9 seasons with AL East race still up for grabs

SUMMARY: The New York Yankees are headed to the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons. But first, there’s plenty to play for over the final days of the regular season. New York secured its spot in the postseason with a 3-2, come-from-behind win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night on José Caballero’s RBI single with two out in the ninth inning that scored team captain Aaron Judge with the winning run. While the win clinched at least an AL wild card, the Yankees closed within a game of East Division-leading Toronto after the Blue Jays lost 4-1 to Boston. New York and Toronto, which won the season series over the Yankees, have five regular-season games remaining with the division crown very much up for grabs.

WORDS: 777 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 11:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cfde7660a521a8471f1262588d70b0b7&mediaType=text

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BBO--GUARDIANS-FRY INJURED

Guardians’ David Fry hospitalized after being hit in face by pitch during crucial win over Tigers

SUMMARY: Guardians designated hitter David Fry was expected to be hospitalized overnight after he being hit in the face by a pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal in the sixth inning of Cleveland’s 5-2 win over the Tigers. The victory moved the Guardians into a tie for first place in the AL Central. Fry squared around to try to bunt a 99 mph fastball from Skubal and the pitch struck him in the nose and mouth area. As Fry collapsed and grabbed his bloodied face, a visibly shaken Skubal threw off his glove and cap as Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt and trainers rushed onto the field.

WORDS: 717 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 11:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:373c7eaf4bf4260a449d56e8875dbada&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-YANKEES

Yankees rally past White Sox 3-2, clinch playoff berth and close within 1 game of Toronto in AL East

SUMMARY: José Caballero’s RBI single with two out in the ninth inning scored Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2, securing their eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons. With the win, the Yankees moved within a game of AL East-leading Toronto and reached the postseason for the 60th time in team history. It was New York’s second victory in 61 games when trailing through eight innings. Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells opened the ninth inning with singles off Brandon Eisert. After Trent Grisham bounced into a double play, Judge drew his second intentional walk. Cody Bellinger followed with a walk and Volpe scored on a wild pitch. Caballero then looped a single that dropped in front of center fielder Brooks Baldwin as Judge scored the winning run.

WORDS: 363 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 10:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cb20cecd9f43092fe148b786f30a7aef&mediaType=text

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BKL--LIBERTY-BRONDELLO

New York Liberty part ways with championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello

SUMMARY: The New York Liberty will not renew coach Sandy Brondello’s contract for next season. Brondello led the Liberty to its first WNBA championship in 2024, but the team struggled with injuries to star players Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu this year. New York earned the No. 5 seed in the playoffs and lost in the first round to the Phoenix Mercury. Brondello was the winningest coach in franchise history, going 107-53 in her four seasons with the team. The Liberty got off to a franchise-best start, winning nine straight games, only to stumble over the next few months as injuries took their toll.

WORDS: 653 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 9:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e85403be699e9ace379043f17a2ee9e&mediaType=text

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FBC--SEC SCHEDULING

SEC unveils league matchups for the next four seasons and keeps most rivalries intact

SUMMARY: The Southeastern Conference announced league matchups for the next four years and designated three annual opponents for each of its 16 teams. The nine-game slates retain several traditional rivalries and renew some old ones. And there are no more lengthy waits to play everyone. The new format begins next year and runs through 2029, with the SEC having the option to tweak it every four years to maintain competitive balance. Each team will play three opponents annually and rotate through the remaining 12. The setup ensures that rotating teams square off every other year and every team plays at every SEC venue at least once over a four-year span.

WORDS: 471 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 7:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:35125dfe948720f570b34ae7b0acc2a0&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-SHAW

Cubs 3B Shaw says he’s ‘not concerned at all’ about backlash for attending Charlie Kirk memorial

SUMMARY: Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw insists he has no regrets about missing a game to attend the memorial for his friend Charlie Kirk, saying he had an invitation from the right-wing commentator’s widow and permission from the team to attend the event in Glendale, Arizona. Shaw says Kirk’s widow Erika texted asking him to attend the event, and that he was “not concerned at all” about any backlash toward him for going. He says he and Kirk lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona and connected through their faith. Kirk, a Chicago area native, would text Shaw after Cubs games. He posed for a photo with Shaw and Chicago infielder Michael Busch on the Cubs’ dugout following a game at Wrigley Field in August. Shaw missed a 1-0 loss at Cincinnati on Sunday.

WORDS: 237 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd292c6a9c92434eadcb0963e2ca8d73&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROBOT UMPIRES

MLB will use robot umpires in 2026

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s 11-man competition committee has approved use of the Automated Ball/Strike System in the major leagues in 2026. Human umpires will still call balls and strikes, but teams can challenge two calls per game. Challenges must be made by a pitcher, catcher or batter. A team retains its challenge if successful. Reviews will be shown as digital graphics on outfield videoboards. Adding robot umps could reduce ejections, as most are related to balls and strikes. The Automated Ball/Strike System has been tested in the minor leagues since 2019. The challenge system allows for ABS without eliminating pitch framing, a skill for catchers. This is MLB’s first major rule change since 2024.

WORDS: 1072 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 7:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d70c6431d1cccfcf7a6e69e3ce47b417&mediaType=text

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FBC--OKLAHOMA STATE-GUNDY

Oklahoma State fires football coach Mike Gundy after 20-plus years

SUMMARY: Mike Gundy, one of college football’s most colorful coaches over the last two decades, has been fired by Oklahoma State. Gundy, who played quarterback at the school in the late 1980s, had a career record of 170-90 at his alma mater. He posted winning records every season from 2006 to 2023 but had losing records in his final two years. Gundy became head coach in 2005 and helped the Cowboys compete with better-funded programs. However, the team struggled recently, losing 11 of their last 12 games. Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg says “we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard.”

WORDS: 1002 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 5:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f282d9f1c2cf80abef11a481788ee241&mediaType=text

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FBN--INSIDE THE HEADSET

Amid the chaos during NFL games, coaches aim to maintain calm inside the headset

SUMMARY: Amid the chaos on the sideline and the frenzy within the stadium, there must be calm inside a coach’s headset during NFL games. It’s a loud, intense, pressurized environment where communication is essential. Quarterbacks need to hear the plays that are called into their helmet speaker through a one-way radio in order to relay it to the rest of the offense. Likewise, a designated defensive player has to get the call and provide it to his teammates in the huddle. Technology matters, and a slip up could be the difference between winning and losing.

WORDS: 890 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 5:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:db088e27738fe3611ee680f45fd3ec8c&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-QB CHANGE

Jaxson Dart to start at quarterback for the Giants against the Chargers, AP sources say

SUMMARY: The New York Giants are turning to rookie Jaxson Dart to start at quarterback in their next game Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press. Dart replaces Russell Wilson after an 0-3 start to the season. Wilson is expected to dress as the backup with Jameis Winston remaining third on the depth chart. Coach Brian Daboll was noncommittal Monday about who his QB would be after Wilson threw two interceptions in a loss to Kansas City. Dart now is set to make his first NFL start after getting a handful of snaps the past two weeks.

WORDS: 419 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 5:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9fc5598019290586e0d72f047d45aafa&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP

Scottie Scheffler is No. 1 in the world and one of 12 at the Ryder Cup

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler has been the No. 1 player for the last 28 months and he’s handled being a target better than anyone since Tiger Woods. But this is the Ryder Cup and being No. 1 as an American hasn’t always worked so well. Woods was in that spot five times and only twice had a winning record. Dustin Johnson managed only one win when he was the top-ranked player. Scheffler doesn’t think much about his role at Bethpage Black except that his job is to win points. Justin Thomas says the U.S. team looks at Scheffler as one of 12.

WORDS: 1032 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 5:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fad14e902a4b10b6c1a1c7e7de999508&mediaType=text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

Loser of the Ravens-Chiefs matchup faces difficult road to Super Bowl contention

SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens entered the season with Super Bowl-or-bust goals. One of them will be 1-3, unless they tie this week. Coming off a 38-30 loss at home to Detroit on Monday night, Baltimore will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Sunday in a matchup that’s critical for both teams. The 2001 New England Patriots are the only team to start 1-3 and win the Super Bowl. It’ll be a difficult challenge for the losing team to rebound.

WORDS: 763 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 4:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f11f0685e11f1e642167b7d16b1d8812&mediaType=text

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FBC--NCAA-JERSEY AD PATCHES

Sponsor patches on college uniforms would raise millions but some ADs are in wait-and-see mode

SUMMARY: The leader of a major college athletics multimedia rights holder believes sponsor patches will soon appear on team jerseys. Schools are under pressure to find new revenue sources in this era of revenue-sharing with athletes. Learfield President and CEO Cole Gahagan says power conference schools could earn hundreds of millions once NCAA approval is granted. Sponsor patches are common in international soccer and major U.S. sports leagues. The NCAA’s recent decision to allow ads on football fields makes uniform patches seem inevitable. Apparel contract exclusivity could be a potential holdup.

WORDS: 760 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 4:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3c418b367b6d9cddd02b009d3c3b44ca&mediaType=text

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TEN--NADAL-FAKE VIDEOS

Rafael Nadal alerts about fake videos of him offering financial advice

SUMMARY: Rafael Nadal is warning about fake online videos of him offering financial advice. He also cautions about the risks of artificial intelligence. Nadal says on Tuesday he has never endorsed the videos or their messages. He explained on LinkedIn that fake videos using AI have been circulating. These videos imitate his image and voice, falsely attributing investment advice to him. Nadal calls it misleading advertising, unrelated to him. He’s emphasizing the need for society to distinguish between real and manipulated content. He also urges ethical and responsible use of technology.

WORDS: 216 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 3:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6bc8dc78c8c65fcca8ef09a6c22d7d0b&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-RYDER CUP

Ryder Cup money for the American players is about good charity and bad optics

SUMMARY: The Americans are an easy target for Europe at the Ryder Cup. It has nothing to do with them being outplayed. It’s about how much they’re getting paid. Europeans have been sniping at the U.S. team for a plan that gives them $300,000 for charity and a $200,000 stipend. The American players say it’s all going to charity. But it’s a bad look and leaves them open to criticism because of all the money in golf. The PGA of America has been paying them for 26 years with all the money designated for charity. This has always been about principle.

WORDS: 1060 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 2:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8280d134a29a195a54cca893443b3851&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

Week 3 NFL chaos: Blocked kicks, walk-off field goals, and a 336-pound hero

WORDS: 853 - MOVED: 09/23/2025 2:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e19054dff930380ec31bb5ee3379b01&mediaType=text

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