AP Sports Digest

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.

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UPCOMING

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FBC--T25-POLL PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Week 9 in college football features high-stakes matchups that could reshuffle the AP Top 25 poll. The SEC leads the way with three ranked-on-ranked games, highlighted by Ole Miss facing Oklahoma, Missouri at Vanderbilt and Texas A&M hosting LSU. Meanwhile, the Big 12 sees BYU tested by Iowa State, and Houston looks to make a national statement against No. 24 Arizona State. By Maura Carey. Will be updated through the day.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 9:00 a.m. EDT, Text, DigitalPlans, Photo

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FIG--CUP OF CHINA

DESCRIPTION: World champion Alysa Liu and United States champion Amber Glenn’s first figure skating Grand Prix assignment of the season continues as medals are won in all four disciplines.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 10:30 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United hosts Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday looking to build on last week’s morale-boosting win against Liverpool. Liverpool can close the gap on leader Arsenal to one point with a win at Brentford. By James Robson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich can stretch its Bundesliga lead with a win at struggling Borussia Moenchengladbach. Second-place Leipzig visits Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund takes on Cologne. Early report after Bayern’s game, will be updated.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--UCLA-INDIANA

DESCRIPTION: BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — No. 2 Indiana will try to protect the highest ranking in school history for the second straight week when it hosts surging UCLA on Saturday. The Hoosiers are a perfect 7-0 this season and have won a school record 13 straight home games under second-year coach Curt Cignetti. The Bruins, meanwhile, have won three straight under interim coach Tim Skipper. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 500 words, more on merit, with photos. Game time is noon EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-MISSISSIPPI-OKLAHOMA

DESCRIPTION: NORMAN, Okla. — No. 8 Mississippi looks to recover from a loss to Georgia when the Rebels visit No. 13 Oklahoma in a matchup of one-loss SEC teams trying to strengthen their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff. By Cliff Brunt. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at noon EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-MARTINSVILLE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: For half of the remaining field in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Sunday will be a “Must-Win Martinsville” scenario – which is a relief for NASCAR after weathering a race manipulation scandal in last year’s third-round finale that was marred by record-setting fines and suspensions. NASCAR executives have been highly attuned to avoiding a repeat this season at the Virginia short track, having warned drivers and teams about championship-driven shenanigans earlier in the 2025 playoffs and marshaling a beefed-up staff of officials to monitor radio communications for foul play in Sunday’s 500-lap race. By Nate Ryan. 650 words, file photos. With separate on qualifying.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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MMA--UFC 321

DESCRIPTION: ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall faces Ciryl Gane in the main event at UFC 321. Main card begins at 2 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-MISSOURI-VANDERBILT

DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores, with their highest ranking since 1947, host the No. 15 Missouri Tigers. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBO--WORLD SERIES

DESCRIPTION: TORONTO — Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto faces Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman in Game 2 of the World Series. Toronto took a 1-0 lead Friday night behind Addison Barger’s pinch-hit grand slam. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--UTAH CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: IVINS, Utah — PGA Tour Americas star Michael Brennan took the lead into the weekend at Black Desert in the Bank of Utah Championship. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 9:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-TEXAS A&M-LSU

DESCRIPTION: BATON ROUGE, La. — No. 3 Texas A&M looks to improve to 8-0 and win in Tiger Stadium for the first time since 1994 when the Aggies visit No. 20 LSU on Saturday. The Tigers are trying to bounce back from a loss at No. 10 Vanderbilt. By Brett Martel. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/25/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text, DigitalPlans

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--TRAIL BLAZERS-FALLOUT

Trail Blazers take to the court for the first time after coach Chauncey Billups’ arrest

SUMMARY: Stunned by the arrest of head coach Chauncey Billups in a sprawling alleged poker scheme, the Portland Trail Blazers took to the court Friday night under an interim coach as they navigated an unexpectedly tumultuous start to the new season. Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier were among those arrested Thursday for what federal law enforcement officials described as their involvement in various illicit gambling activities. The mood was somber in the Blazers’ locker room before Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. Few players wanted to talk.

WORDS: 717 - MOVED: 10/25/2025 1:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:65428e0c27fc86940c5c4f60417a770b&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-YESAVAGE

Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage holds down Dodgers for 4 innings in historic World Series start

SUMMARY: Standout rookie starter Trey Yesavage didn’t have his best stuff but limited the Los Angeles Dodgers to two runs over four innings for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 of the World Series. The 22-year-old Yesavage was making just his seventh major league appearance. He became the second-youngest pitcher to start a World Series opener behind Brooklyn’s Ralph Branca, who was 21 years, 267 days old for Game 1 in 1947 at Yankee Stadium. Yesavage’s best pitch during a breakout postseason has been his splitter, but he used it sparingly against Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers. Just 10 of his 80 pitchers were splitters.

WORDS: 734 - MOVED: 10/25/2025 1:32 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b5f02d2e60bd6718afc2288efaad703&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES

Barger, Varsho and Kirk lead homer barrage as Blue Jays rout Dodgers 11-4 in World Series opener

SUMMARY: Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, Alejandro Kirk added a two-run homer in a nine-run sixth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays overwhelmed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 1. Daulton Varsho started Toronto’s comeback from a 2-0 deficit with a two-run drive in the fourth off Blake Snell. The longball barrage was fitting as the Fall Classic returned to Toronto for the first time since 1993, when Blue Jays slugger Joe Carter hit the second walk-off homer to end a World Series. Shohei Ohtani hit his first Series home run for the heavily favored Dodgers, seeking to become the first repeat champion since the New York Yankees took three titles in a row from 1998-2000.

WORDS: 1043 - MOVED: 10/25/2025 1:19 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:950023f81d0881d2bf6181c7e0a79752&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-LAKERS

Luka Doncic scores 49 to extend his sizzling season start in Lakers’ 128-110 win over Timberwolves

SUMMARY: Luka Doncic scored 49 points and became the fourth player in NBA history to begin a season with back-to-back 40-point performances, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic followed his 43-point performance in an opening-night loss to Golden State with his highest-scoring effort yet in a Lakers jersey, going 14 for 23 with five 3-pointers while adding 11 rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points and Julius Randle had 26 for Minnesota, which couldn’t slow the Lakers’ offense in a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff series won in five games by the Wolves.

WORDS: 365 - MOVED: 10/25/2025 12:49 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:793bcb31a3db251b5360b2a699e835cb&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani follows historic 2-way show with World Series homer, but Dodgers routed by Jays

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani followed his two-way show for the ages with a homer in the Dodgers’ World Series opener, but he also grounded out with the bases loaded in Los Angeles’ 11-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Trailing 11-2 in the seventh inning, Ohtani hit a soaring two-run shot to right field off Braydon Fisher. It was his fourth homer in two games after connecting three times and striking out 10 as a pitcher in LA’s Game 4 win to clinch their NL Championship Series. Ohtani’s homer Friday didn’t do much for Los Angeles’ chances after a flop by the Dodgers’ pitchers.

WORDS: 527 - MOVED: 10/25/2025 12:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82a109885ab5fb1d3d30969cb489f266&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORLD SERIES ROSTERS

Toronto’s Bichette sparks 9-run, go-ahead rally in World Series debut as he returns from knee injury

SUMMARY: Toronto’s Bo Bichette singled, walked to start a nine-run, go-ahead rally and played second base for the first time in six years as he returned in the World Series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers from a knee injury that had sidelined him since early September. A two-time All-Star shortstop and AL hits leader, Bichette hadn’t played since spraining his left knee in a Sept. 6 collision with New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells. Batting cleanup, he favored the knee and was removed for a pinch runner with the score 2-2 after his leadoff walk against Blake Snell in the sixth. Isiah Kiner-Falefa scored on Ernie Clement’s single off reliever Emmet Sheehan for a 3-2 lead.

WORDS: 926 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 10:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1cc5b96268cfa962ded6cf5995a6fe15&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-NASHVILLE-INTER MIAMI

Messi gets trophy, then has two goals to lift Inter Miami past Nashville 3-1 in playoff opener

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi shines in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Nashville SC, opening the Major League Soccer playoffs. He scores twice and assists Tadeo Allende’s goal. The victory on Friday night comes after Messi’s three-year contract extension was announced. MLS Commissioner Don Garber praises Messi’s impact, presenting him with the Golden Boot for top goal scorer. Messi’s performance has boosted MLS’s popularity and Inter Miami’s value. His new contract could see him playing into his early 40s. Garber calls Messi the “unicorn of unicorns” for his unique talent and competitive spirit.

WORDS: 774 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 10:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b1f94547ccbbc34cc451e6cb5666f51&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPORTS-BETTING-ARRESTS-REAX

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ‘deeply disturbed’ by gambling arrests of Billups and Rozier

SUMMARY: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed shock over the arrests of Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier on gambling-related charges. Speaking on Friday night during Amazon Prime Video’s first broadcast, Silver said he was deeply disturbed by the indictments. The arrests, which happened on Thursday, involve nearly three dozen people, including Billups and Rozier. Rozier is accused of conspiring to help associates win bets based on his performance. Billups faces charges related to rigged poker games. Silver apologized to fans, noting the situation has overshadowed the league’s opening week.

WORDS: 1009 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 9:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d24ea032d40b17b69df63148a2c98e8f&mediaType=text

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HKN--CAPITALS-BLUE JACKETS

Ovechkin scores 899th goal as Capitals beat Blue Jackets 5-1 for 6th win in 7 games

SUMMARY: Alex Ovechkin scored his 899th career goal and added an assist, and the Washington Capitals beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1. John Carlson and Connor McMichael also each had a goal and an assist, and Justin Sourdif and Tom Wilson also scored as Washington got its sixth win in seven games. Logan Thompson stopped 34 shots for his fifth straight win. Denton Mateychuk scored and Jet Greaves finished with 25 saves for the Blue Jackets, who snapped a two-game win streak. Ovechkin pushed Washington’s lead to 2-0 at 1:36 of the third, getting the puck off a faceoff in the right circle on the offensive end and quickly firing it past Greaves to move the NHL career goals leader one away from 900.

WORDS: 361 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 9:44 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3eeffb048205e9a4c0deedc7a736c73b&mediaType=text

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BKN--HEAT-ROZIER-SPORTS BETTING

Terry Rozier’s arrest leaves the Miami Heat stunned, and trying to figure out what happens next

SUMMARY: The Miami Heat are dealing with the absence of Terry Rozier, who has been placed on indefinite leave by the NBA. Federal agents arrested Rozier on Thursday, charging him with involvement in a betting scheme related to a March 2023 game. Heat captain Bam Adebayo expressed the team’s support for Rozier, emphasizing their bond. Coach Erik Spoelstra highlighted Rozier’s positive impact on the team. Rozier has denied wrongdoing. The Heat are now focused on moving forward without him as the league continues without pause.

WORDS: 870 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 9:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3dcfa7247f454beefe86883edbc5d9bd&mediaType=text

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BKN--SPORTS-BETTING-ARRESTS-NBA

The NBA hoped to begin its season on a strong note. Now it faces a gambling scandal

SUMMARY: The NBA has strict rules against betting on its games, and the consequences are clear. Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier are out of the league indefinitely. They were arrested Thursday for involvement in illicit gambling activities. Billups is accused of being part of a poker scheme that cheated victims out of millions. Rozier allegedly shared insider information affecting bets on his performance. Both have been placed on leave by the NBA. The league emphasizes the seriousness of these actions, with Commissioner Adam Silver warning that such behavior puts livelihoods at risk.

WORDS: 1278 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 9:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e39ab0b6b82c3c872e17c3b9cfbc604&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-MEXICAN GP PREVIEW

Max Verstappen hoping Mexico’s high altitude will boost his F1 title chase

SUMMARY: Max Verstappen has been steadily closing the gap on McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the F1 title race. Racing in Mexico City might help him stay in the hunt for a fifth title in a row. Verstappen has won five races in Mexico, including three of the last four. He recently won the United States Grand Prix and has cut the gap to leader Piastri from 104 points to 40 in the last four races. The Mexican Grand Prix is celebrating its 10-year anniversary since returning to the F1 calendar, and fans are expected to fill the stands.

WORDS: 762 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 7:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8e88aea0a37e2266b69c3acdf566e4cf&mediaType=text

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US--SPORTS BETTING-ARRESTS

Experts say criminal intent will be key in prosecuting NBA’s Billups and Rozier in gambling cases

SUMMARY: Gambling is at the center of two blockbuster indictments targeting NBA coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier. But the evidence that will be rolled out by federal prosecutors in the weeks ahead is distinct and separate in each case. Experts say prosecutors will have to prove that Billups, coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Rozier, an NBA veteran, had criminal intent. Billups is charged with taking part in high-stakes poker games that were rigged with sophisticated cheating. Rozier is accused of telling a friend that he would leave a game early, information that could be spread to bettors.

WORDS: 949 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 6:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a8d60ed64e95e7f33abe35f2fb0157e&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Aaronson scores early as Leeds beat struggling West Ham 2-1 in Premier League

SUMMARY: West Ham’s struggles with poor defending continued as the team lost 2-1 at Leeds in the Premier League. Leeds scored twice inside the first 15 minutes through U.S international Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon. Matheus Fernandes scored a late consolation for the Hammers, who stayed in 19th place with only four points from nine games. The London club has now gone four matches without a win since Nuno Espirito Santo took over a month ago. Leeds moves into 13th.

WORDS: 392 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 5:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7455b901b74a5bd7753a26a63191f69&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-GAMBLING REMINDER

NFL reminds players of league gambling policy in light of federal indictments

SUMMARY: The NFL is reminding players they are prohibited from taking part in any form of illegal gambling and betting on league games. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league asked all 32 teams to reiterate key aspects of its gambling policy and make the document readily available to players. The reminder follows an FBI investigation into illicit gambling activities resulted in the arrests of NBA coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and others. NFL players are prohibited from betting on NFL games or sharing confidential team information.

WORDS: 432 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 5:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d96a8f6ccd1e64329be610bbb54f477e&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-DART-CONCUSSION-PROTOCOL

NFL fines Giants, coach Brian Daboll and rookie Cam Skattebo for violating concussion protocols

SUMMARY: The NFL levied three fines totaling $315,000 against the New York Giants for violating concussion protocol by peeking into a medical tent to check on injured quarterback Jaxson Dart during his evaluation two weeks ago. The league fined the team $200,000, fined coach Brian Daboll $100,000 and fined rookie running back Cam Skattebo $15,000 for talking to Dart before his evaluation was complete and creating the perception that they were interfering with the exam. TV cameras caught Daboll and Skattebo poking their heads into the blue injury tent during the Thursday night game against Philadelphia.

WORDS: 310 - MOVED: 10/24/2025 1:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c3ac396bc2e880e0ca769e72801cb3dc&mediaType=text