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UPCOMING

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DARTS-LITTLER EFFECT

DESCRIPTION: Darts has hit the jackpot with Luke Littler and so have his rivals. The Littler effect is still coursing through sport that has been catapulted into the mainstream largely thanks to a teenage phenom who is bringing new audiences to darts and lots more money, too. Belgium’s Mike De Decker, who will defend the World Grand Prix title next week, says the rise in money and standards in darts is mainly because of Littler and that darts “is getting bigger everywhere.” By Steve Douglas. UPCOMING: 450 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United hosts Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday as pressure mounts on coach Ruben Amorim following a troubled start to the season. Defending champion Liverpool travels to Chelsea after back-to-back losses in the Premier League and Champions League. By James Robson. UPCOMING: 700 words by 1600 GMT, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich aims to keep up its winning start to the Bundesliga with a visit to Eintracht Frankfurt. Second-place Borussia Dortmund takes on third-place Leipzig, while Bayer Leverkusen hosts Union Berlin.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-POLL PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: A week ago, six ranked teams lost and four of them were in the top 10 (and two of those went down in double overtime). It led to a major shakeup in the AP Top 25 with just a month to go before the initial College Football Playoff rankings are released. This week’s schedule isn’t loaded the same way, but there were a lot of games with the potential to change the conversation around conference title chases and, yes, the CFP. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 600 words, photos. Will be updated throughout the day.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo

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SOC--ITALIAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: ROME — Inter Milan hosts unbeaten Cremonese, which has already won at the San Siro this season. The promoted club beat AC Milan in its Serie A opener. Atalanta plays Como in a regional derby. UPCOMING: 350 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-MERCURY

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Mercury will try to rebound from their loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The teams meet on Sunday for Game 2. By W.G. Ramirez. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--NLDS-CUBS-BREWERS

DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE — Freddy Peralta pitches for Milwaukee as the NL Central champion Brewers open their postseason by hosting the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of an NL DIvision Series. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. The game starts at 2:08 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 5:15 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--FRENCH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: SOC--French Roundup — Marseille is in good form as it visits rock-bottom Metz looking for a fourth straight league win. In other matches Lens is at Auxerre and Brest faces Nantes. By Jerome Pugmire. UPCOMING: 350 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 6:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-VANDERBILT-ALABAMA

DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 10 Alabama tries to avenge last year’s 40-35 loss at Vanderbilt when the 16th-ranked Commodores and dynamic quarterback Diego Pavia visit Bryant-Denny Stadium.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-PENN STATE-UCLA

DESCRIPTION: PASADENA, Calif. — No. 7 Penn State looks to bounce back from a double-overtime loss to Oregon when the Nittany Lions visit the winless UCLA Bruins. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Begins 3:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-TEXAS-FLORIDA

DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Arch Manning and No. 9 Texas open SEC play at reeling Florida, which has scored 16, 10 and 7 points in three consecutive losses.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--ALDS-YANKEES-BLUE JAYS

DESCRIPTION: TORONTO — The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays open their AL Division Series. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 4:08 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--SANDERSON FARMS

DESCRIPTION: JACKSON, Miss. — Garrick Higgo took a one-shot lead into the weekend in the Sanderson Farms Championship, a Fall Series event that feels like a new start to the South African. UPCOMING: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-KENT STATE-OKLAHOMA

DESCRIPTION: NORMAN, Okla. — No. 5 Oklahoma will see if it can focus during what appears to be a major mismatch at home against Kent State. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 600 words, with photos. Game time 4 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--NLDS-PHILLIES-DODGERS

DESCRIPTION: PHILADELPHIA — The Los Angeles Dodgers head to Philadelphia for Game 1 Saturday of the NL Division Series. By Dan Gelston. UPCOMING. Game starts at 6:38 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-MIAMI-FLORIDA STATE

DESCRIPTION: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — No. 3 Miami tries to add another rivalry win to its College Football Playoff resume when it plays at No. 18 Florida State. The Hurricanes already have victories against Notre Dame and Florida. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

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FBC--MINNESOTA-OHIO STATE

DESCRIPTION: COLUMBUS, Ohio — Top-ranked Ohio State returns home and plays its first Big Ten home night game in two years when it hosts Minnesota. By Joe Reedy. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-MISSISSIPPI STATE-TEXAS A&M

DESCRIPTION: COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Sixth-ranked Texas A&M, off to its best start since 2016, hosts Mississippi State in the second of three consecutive home games. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: HONOLULU — Akie Iwai took the lead into the final round of the LOTTE Championship, with eight players a stroke back and Nelly Korda two behind. UPCOMING: 400 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--ALDS-TIGERS-MARINERS

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners face the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the AL Division Series. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 8:38 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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MMA--UFC 320

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — Magomed Ankalaev defends his light heavyweight championship against top-ranked challenger Alex Pereira in UFC 320. By W.G. Ramirez. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Main card begins at 10 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/04/2025 11:59 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--SUNS-LAKERS

Lakers lose their preseason opener 103-81 to Suns with LeBron James, Luka Doncic sitting out

SUMMARY: Austin Reaves scored 20 points and Bronny James added eight while the Los Angeles Lakers lost their preseason opener 103-81 to the Phoenix Suns with LeBron James and Luka Doncic sitting out. James is progressing deliberately in his return from a minor nerve injury to begin his record 23rd NBA season, while Doncic is also ramping up with caution after his busy summer playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket. Both superstars watched from courtside while the rest of the Lakers lost to the new-look Suns, who jumped to a 27-point lead in the third quarter. Bronny James went 1 for 7 on 3-point attempts.

WORDS: 367 - MOVED: 10/04/2025 12:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ebc8601d465e90de35f6d254e997435f&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS

A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans lead Las Vegas Aces past Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in WNBA Finals opener

SUMMARY: A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans each scored 21 points, and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Game 2 is Sunday in Las Vegas. Evans led an Aces bench that outscored the Mercury’s reserves 41-16. Reserve Jewell Loyd scored 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, and starter Jackie Young had 10. Chelsea Gray had 10 assists. Kahleah Cooper scored 21 points for the fourth-seeded Mercury, 19 in the first half. Sabally added 19 points and Alyssa Thomas had 15.

WORDS: 672 - MOVED: 10/04/2025 12:18 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:704428e5d5a6d6e56e7be5bcf8a9d831&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

Akie Iwai leads at windy Hoakalei, with 8 players a shot back and Nelly Korda 2 behind

SUMMARY: Akie Iwai fought through gusting wind Friday at Hoakalei Country Club to take the third-round lead in the LOTTE Championship, with eight players a stroke back and Nelly Korda two behind. Iwai, the 23-year-old Japanese player who won the Portland Classic in August for her first LPGA Tour title, shot a 1-under 71 in the difficult afternoon conditions to get to 13-under 203. Second-round leader Youmin Hwang followed her career-best 62 on Thursday with a 75 to drop into a tie for second with Minami Katsu, Hyo Joo Kim, Megan Khang, Peiyun Chien, Brooke Matthews, Pornanong Phatlum and Jessica Porvasnik. The second-ranked Korda birdied the 18th for a 69 to get to 11 under.

WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 10:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4197d8274616cac986f66694e9a2191e&mediaType=text

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BBO--RANGERS-SCHUMAKER

Texas Rangers hire Skip Schumaker as manager, signing former Marlins skipper to 4-year deal

SUMMARY: The Texas Rangers have hired Skip Schumaker as their manager. The team agreed Friday night to a four-year contract with the former NL Manager of the Year. Schumaker’s deal was announced after Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, acknowledged earlier in the day that the team was focused on an internal candidate in its search to replace Bruce Bochy. Schumaker had been a senior adviser with the Rangers since last November. He was the 2023 NL Manager of the Year when Miami went 84-78 and made the fourth postseason appearance in club history.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 10:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a0adda28d0b75b40df21accdd827491e&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA COMMISSIONER

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert vows to repair player relationships after criticism by Collier

SUMMARY: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says there’s work to be done to repair relationships with players in the league. But Engelbert also said Friday there were “inaccuracies” in some of the comments attributed to her by Napheesa Collier in a blistering assessment earlier this week. Engelbert said before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals that officiating will be reviewed this offseason by a new “state of the game” committee. She also said talks were scheduled for next week on a new collective bargaining agreement with players. Collier said this week that the WNBA has “the worst leadership in the world” and a commissioner who lacks accountability.

WORDS: 696 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 8:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:55d36c32bfbfb7df5672e084b4b52f16&mediaType=text

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BBO--DIVISION SERIES UMPIRES

Umpires Nate Tomlinson and Dan Merzel to make postseason debuts in the Division Series

SUMMARY: Umpires Nate Tomlinson and Dan Merzel will make their postseason debuts in the Division Series, with Tomlinson working Seattle’s matchup against Detroit and Merzel assigned to Philadelphia’s meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tomlinson, 35, worked his first big league game in 2020 and was hired as a fulltime member of the major league staff in June 2024. Merzel, 38, also made his big league debut in 2020 and was hired to the fulltime staff this year. Both will work right field for Game 1s on Saturday, meaning they won’t have a home plate assignment in the best-of-five series. Lance Barksdale, Dan Bellino, Alan Porter and Mark Wegner will be crew chiefs.

WORDS: 363 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 8:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed3004701fe943277f0670dc24f154c4&mediaType=text

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BBO—ALDS-YANKEES-BLUE JAYS

Blue Jays’ Kevin Gausman set to face Yankees’ Luis Gil in Game 1 of ALDS between division foes

SUMMARY: From April through September this season, the Toronto Blue Jays got the best of the New York Yankees. Thanks to a 6-1 record in their meetings north of the border, the Blue Jays won a tiebreaker for the AL East title by going 8-5 against the Yankees. Starting Saturday, in the first October postseason meeting between these longtime division rivals, they’ll battle for a spot in the ALCS. Kevin Gausman will start Game 1 for the Blue Jays. Yankees manager Aaron Boone picked right-hander Luis Gil to open the ALDS.

WORDS: 767 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 7:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:261ad4e6a9a3610b50bf0f324c1c8c37&mediaType=text

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US--CRAWFORD-POLICE-STOP

A Black champion boxer was held by police at gunpoint. The police chief says he gets the outrage

SUMMARY: The police chief of Omaha, Nebraska, acknowledges that Black people are more likely to be pulled over at gunpoint than other racial groups. This comes amid outrage over boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford being stopped by police after a city celebration in his honor. The incident has reignited tensions between Omaha’s Black community and the police. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer says an internal investigation shows officers did not appear to violate policy during the stop. Crawford and others in the car were handcuffed briefly but released after being cleared as legally carrying firearms. The police chief says video footage of the stop won’t be released unless Crawford agrees.

WORDS: 763 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:20ad51cee46a628ae5014cef896205e2&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-DODGERS-PHILLIES

Shohei Ohtani set to make postseason pitching debut for Dodgers in unfriendly Philadelphia

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani finally makes his postseason pitching debut for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Phillies. The series is loaded with star power, including Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts. Ohtani, who didn’t pitch last season due to elbow surgery, has been impressive this year. He struck out 62 batters over 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA. Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, who’s in the conversation for the NL Cy Young Award, will face Ohtani. Both teams have hefty payrolls, with the Dodgers having the most expensive roster. The Phillies are the betting underdog in the series.

WORDS: 1239 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 5:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e69990bdbeddb370d84d06da1146fe1b&mediaType=text

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FBN--DOLPHINS-HILL VISIT

Tyreek Hill boosts spirits of Dolphins with visit soon after major knee surgery

SUMMARY: Tyreek Hill has made a visit to team headquarters of the Miami Dolphins. The trip lifted the spirits of teammates just four days after a major knee injury that ended the dynamic receiver’s season. Hill sustained significant ligament damage in the Dolphins’ 27-21 victory over the New York Jets. The 31-year-old Hill got attention on social media for appearing upbeat while in the hospital for surgery. That continued after his release with him showing up at Friday’s team meeting.

WORDS: 298 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 5:42 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8009c8372ce0c9bc799335b9850dd8a4&mediaType=text

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FBC--TRADITION GLIMPSES-OSCEOLA & RENEGADE

Chief Osceola and Renegade have dazzled Florida State fans with tribe’s approval for nearly 50 years

SUMMARY: Chief Osceola and Renegade make up one of college football’s grandest traditions. Osceola, a student rider donning war paint and wearing Native American regalia, rides Renegade, a spotted Appaloosa horse, across the field before every Florida State home game. Osceola carries a flaming spear and thrusts it into the ground minutes before kickoff. It’s a tradition that started in 1978 with the approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and has become a must-see spectacle for college football fans. The iconic scene has played out flawlessly hundreds of times over nearly five decades.

WORDS: 797 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 4:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:069b6c8a5db512a8fcd728d806031de1&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON

Ravens rule out Lamar Jackson for Sunday’s matchup against the Texans

SUMMARY: Lamar Jackson has been ruled out for Baltimore’s game against Houston on Sunday after missing a week of practice because of a hamstring injury. Jackson had to leave last weekend’s loss at Kansas City in the second half. Cooper Rush is in line to start for the Ravens, who have lost nine of their last 11 games when Jackson doesn’t play. The two-time MVP has missed only one game since the start of the 2023 season. That was a Week 17 matchup when Baltimore had little to play for. Baltimore also ruled out All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey and All-Pro fullback Patrick Ricard.

WORDS: 312 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 4:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13bb59eb353d707e25ec39c59655dd9f&mediaType=text

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SOC--ITALY-ISRAEL-PROTESTS

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Italy’s soccer training center to oppose game vs. Israel

SUMMARY: Pro-Palestinian Protesters have approached the gates of the Italy soccer team’s training center to demand its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel is not played because of the war in Gaza. The protest was part of a national strike by more than two million people rallying up and down the peninsula. The protesters were also reacting to an aid mission blocked by Israeli forces. Italy is scheduled to host Israel in Udine on Oct. 14. UEFA has been considering suspending Israel over the war. Italy’s players were not at the Coverciano training center in Florence. The squad will convene there on Monday.

WORDS: 309 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 4:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c32e898f826d6547e478dd75248af119&mediaType=text

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FBN--JETS-INJURIES

Jets running back Braelon Allen likely out 8 to 12 weeks with knee injury

SUMMARY: New York Jets running back Braelon Allen faces an eight to 12-week recovery due to a knee injury, coach Aaron Glenn said. Allen was hurt during a kickoff return last Monday in the Jets’ loss to the Dolphins. The injury is believed to be to the MCL in his left knee. Allen is considering whether to rehab or undergo surgery, with both options having the same recovery time. Breece Hall remains the Jets’ top running back, while Isaiah Davis moves up as Allen’s backup. The Jets have also signed veteran Khalil Herbert to add depth. Glenn said Friday that cornerback Michael Carter II is out with a concussion.

WORDS: 620 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 4:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8ce54873fd01815c028d4f0d9e9eb90a&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS ANALYSIS

Sean McVay ‘disgusted’ after Rams let win slip away due to ball security, special teams woes

SUMMARY: Sean McVay was still quite clearly furious with himself on the morning after his Los Angeles Rams blew an eminently winnable game on a short week against short-handed San Francisco. McVay says he’s “disgusted” by the loss on Thursday night. He’ll be simmering through his long weekend because he knows the Rams let a remarkable start to their season slip away with razor-thin losses to the Eagles and the 49ers over the past three weeks. San Francisco beat Los Angeles 26-23 in overtime despite playing without most of its star players, and the game ended with Kyren Williams getting stuffed on fourth-and-1 at the 49ers 11.

WORDS: 904 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 3:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:18f2c3b7a01012dce78103e4c3eeee53&mediaType=text

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BKC--TARLETON STATE-GILLISPIE

Tarleton State places Billy Gillispie on leave after getting anonymous complaint

SUMMARY: Tarleton State says it has placed men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie on temporary administrative leave after receiving an anonymous complaint. The former Kentucky coach who also led the programs at Texas A&M and Texas Tech has been at Tarleton State for five seasons. Gillispie faced allegations of player mistreatment at Texas Tech, where he spent one season. Tarleton State said associate head coach Glynn Cyprien is filling in for Gillispie. The Texans open the regular season Nov. 3 at SMU.

WORDS: 326 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 1:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c97e1e96fa4345cabdb19c5a1c6b165&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-THINGS TO KNOW

The WNBA Finals begin on Friday. Here are some things to know

SUMMARY: WNBA Finals coaches Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts share a South Dakota heritage with both growing up there. Hammon actually played against a team coached by Tibbetts’ father, Fred, when she was in high school. Fred Tibbetts was one of the most successful high school coaches in the state’s history winning 111 games in a row at one point. Although they are the same age, the two didn’t really know each other until both got jobs in the NBA as assistant coaches. Hammon was with the Spurs and Tibbetts with the Cavaliers, Trail Blazers and Magic.

WORDS: 800 - MOVED: 10/03/2025 1:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aa93b4aba2323e29cc6819cd21186408&mediaType=text