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AP Sports Digest

Posted 6/2/26

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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BKN-NBA FINALS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

    1. WITH: BKN-NBA FINALS COVERAGE

      2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA playoffs

      3. UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

    4. WITH: BKN-NBA FINALS-BETTING ODDS

      5. DESCRIPTION: The San Antonio Spurs are favored to beat the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

      6. UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

    7. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS-BRUNSON

      8. DESCRIPTION: Jalen Brunson is playing for more in these NBA Finals than a chance to be on the best team in the league. If he can lead his team to the title, the point guard will have a case as the best player in New York Knicks history.

      9. UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

    10. WITH: BKN--NBA FINALS-PREVIEW

      11. DESCRIPTION: SAN ANTONIO -- The New York Knicks know they can’t stop San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama. These NBA Finals, which start Wednesday, will likely be decided on how the Knicks fare against Wembanyama’s Spurs teammates. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. Text, photos.

      12. UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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SOF--NCAA-WCWS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Preview of the Women’s College World Series final, a rematch of defending champion Texas and Texas Tech. By Tim Willert.

UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--STEELERS-HOLD INS

DESCRIPTION: Pittsburgh Steeler cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and linebacker Nick Herbig are on the verge of big paydays. The two young stars are skipping all team drills during minicamp to protect their bodies and send a message to management.

UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-MEMORIAL

DESCRIPTION: DUBLIN, Ohio -- The Memorial celebrates 50 years as the tournament Jack Nicklaus built. His inspiration was Augusta National mainly with how to create an experience unlike any other for the players. It’s harder to stand out in this era were players expect more. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 800 words, photos. With Golf Notes and Golf Glance.

UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 4:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BBC--NCAA SUPER REGIONALS-THINGS TO KNOW

DESCRIPTION: A topsy-turvy regional round in the NCAA baseball tournament has set up an intriguing set of eight super regionals featuring seven teams from the Southeastern Conference, just one from the Atlantic Coast Conference and four mid-major programs. By Eric Olson. 750 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN--RAMS-GETTING GARRETT

DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — The Rams were already a Super Bowl contender even before they swung an audacious -- and costly -- trade for Myles Garrett, the greatest pass rusher of his generation. For a full decade now, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have performed this high-wire act of consistently fielding a contending team despite giving up an unusual proportion of their draft assets for established stars. By Greg Beacham. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--WCUP-ENGLAND

DESCRIPTION: England has put its faith in a German coach to try to end its 60-year wait for a trophy. There was outrage when Thomas Tuchel was appointed, but he secured qualification for the World Cup with a perfect winning record and has already proved himself capable of winning the biggest titles at club level. Can he finally lead England back to the top of world soccer? By James Robson. 700 words by 6 a.m. ET. With photos.

UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 10:51 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

    13. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP

      14. DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes host the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. ET.

      15. UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

    16. WITH: HKN--STANLEY CUP-ROSTER BUILDING CONTRAST

      17. DESCRIPTION: From their inception, the Vegas Golden Knights have been aggressive in making one big move after another to assemble the most talented roster money can buy in a salary-cap system. The Carolina Hurricanes have been far more careful, not just in terms of spending but to draft and acquire players to fit into coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system. One will see its method lead to hoisting the Stanley Cup this spring. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

      18. UPCOMING: By 06/02/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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SOC--CAS-MEXICO-FAN CHANT

Ahead of World Cup, Mexico soccer body loses appeals against FIFA fines for fans’ anti-gay chant

SUMMARY: The Mexican soccer federation has lost its latest appeal against FIFA punishments for fans chanting an anti-gay slur at opponents’ players. The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s verdict comes nine days before the World Cup opens in Mexico City. The national team hosts South Africa on June 11 in the storied Azteca Stadium where the chant is often heard. The latest CAS ruling adds to a series of Mexico vs. FIFA appeal cases over more than 10 years about the slur that fans usually aim at the opposing goalkeeper taking a goal kick.

WORDS: 345 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 12:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36fe8f904fe6a973230d28d8e1302ba9&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA FINALS-REFEREES

Curtis Blair, for the 1st time, is among the 12 referees set to work the NBA Finals

SUMMARY: Curtis Blair is the only first-time selection among the 12 referees chosen to work the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. Blair is a two-time alternate but never worked a finals game. The league released the full list of selections on Tuesday. Scott Foster was picked to work his 19th finals, the most among current referees. The other selections besides Foster and Blair: Tony Brothers, Marc Davis, James Capers, Zach Zarba, John Goble, Josh Tiven, James Williams, Courtney Kirkland, Sean Wright and Tyler Ford.

WORDS: 524 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ee47b508c6b5d25627e581d73a02c259&mediaType=text

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TEN--VATICAN-POPE-TENNIS

Pope Leo plays tennis religiously as part of an Augustinian devotion to sports and spirituality

WORDS: 972 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 11:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2214b071d4996a803ee314c5514f99b8&mediaType=text

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TEN--FRENCH OPEN

Andreeva and Kostyuk set up Russia-Ukraine clash in French Open semifinals

SUMMARY: Marta Kostyuk, the top clay player this season and a strong supporter of Ukraine, has reached her first major semifinal at the French Open. She defeated fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in a three-set fight. Kostyuk is the first Ukrainian woman to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros in the professional era. She faces Russian Mirra Andreeva next. The war between Ukraine and Russia adds tension to the matchup. Kostyuk leads their head-to-head 2-0. Andreeva defeated Sorana Cirstea. In men’s play, up-and-coming Rafael Jodar of Spain was powerless against second-seeded Alexander Zverev, losing 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-3. Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic takes on Joao Fonseca of Brazil in the night session.

WORDS: 736 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 11:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:507cce2b859fc382c9fccd8a70c71845&mediaType=text

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US--MUHAMMAD ALI-ANNIVERSARY

Muhammad Ali’s family reflects on the champion boxer’s legacy 10 years after his death

SUMMARY: The wife of late boxing legend Muhammad Ali says his legacy of compassion endures 10 years after his death. Lonnie Ali says he “showed up every day with kindness and empathy in his heart for people who are in need.” The Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, is sponsoring a “Day of Compassion” this week to promote acts of service and caring. Ali died on June 3, 2016, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Earlier this year, his face graced a U.S. Postal Service stamp for the first time.

WORDS: 542 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 10:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c95162ae7ccb0f68e6bd090028293f7f&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-RAMS TRADE

Browns trade 2-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to Rams

SUMMARY: The Cleveland Browns traded two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster deal. The Browns will acquire pass rusher and linebacker Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round selection, a second-round pick in 2028 and a 2029 third-round selection. Garrett is expected to report to the Rams’ facility on Tuesday and have a news conference to discuss the trade. Garrett was not seen at the Browns’ facility during offseason workouts. Coach Todd Monken said two weeks ago he had not had a face-to-face meeting with Garrett since being hired in late January.

WORDS: 1384 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 8:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d4b1e6a527fe3a5aa808b27a5851caa3&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP PREVIEW

Vegas and Carolina rugged and rolling as they open a Stanley Cup Final nearly a decade in the making

SUMMARY: This Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes is nearly a decade in the making for each franchise. Vegas has only been around for nine years, but this is a third trip to the final, three years removed from hoisting the Cup in 2023. Carolina has been building to this in the eight seasons Rod Brind’Amour has been coach but had never gotten past the third round. Two different paths made them NHL powerhouses, and changes over the past several months got them to this showdown for hockey’s hallowed trophy.

WORDS: 1060 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 8:06 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6d57c169590080775efc560d6b554612&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-CONGRESS

Congress asks NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to testify about league’s embrace of streaming services

SUMMARY: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been invited to testify before Congress as the league faces increasing federal scrutiny about its broadcast deals and its recent practice of airing games on paywalled streaming services. Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the commissioner on Monday requesting his appearance at a hearing on June 10. The hearing will look into the league’s TV deals and their compliance with a federal antitrust exemption. Courts have ruled that the 1961 law does not apply to cable or streaming. The NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

WORDS: 460 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 8:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13f518be470d8942a79bad00b77c94fb&mediaType=text

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LT--REL-WCUP-RELIGION OF SOCCER

Why soccer fandom in Latin America feels almost sacred

SUMMARY: Soccer devotion in Latin America extends far beyond the stadium. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, fans across the region describe rituals, beliefs and emotional bonds tied to their teams that resemble forms of collective devotion. In Argentina, supporters perform “cábalas” — repeated actions believed to influence the outcome of a match, In Brazil and Chile, fans speak of clubs and players with language more commonly associated with faith and community. From Boca Juniors tattoos and Maradona images carried like sacred objects to lifelong rituals, soccer fandom becomes a source of identity, belonging and collective joy.

WORDS: 1288 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 7:49 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2450ada0a176988756e585feec6b4d01&mediaType=text

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SOC--AFGHAN WOMEN’S TEAM

After escaping the Taliban and years in exile, the Afghan women’s soccer team rises again

SUMMARY: Fatima Yousufi and Mona Amini escaped the Taliban and found refuge in Australia with dreams of playing international soccer. Afghan players evacuated in 2021 to countries in Europe, the United States and 13 settled in Australia, keeping alive hopes for five years of getting a chance to reunite and represent their country. In April, soccer’s world governing body readmitted the Afghan women’s team to international competition. This week, 23 members of the squad are holding a training camp in Auckland, New Zealand. Yousufi and Amini hope to inspire women and girls in Afghanistan to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

WORDS: 889 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 6:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9c589099dc333d6664fd422faa3e9c11&mediaType=text

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HKN--STANLEY CUP-HOW THEY WERE BUILT

Golden Knights and Hurricanes built their Stanley Cup Final teams in different ways

SUMMARY: From their inception, the Vegas Golden Knights have been aggressive, pillaging the rest of the NHL during the expansion draft and making one big move after another to assemble the most talented roster money can buy in a salary-cap system. The Carolina Hurricanes have been far more careful, not just in terms of spending but to draft and acquire players who fit into coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system. Each team flies in the face of conventional roster building, but one will see its method lead to hoisting the Stanley Cup this spring.

WORDS: 985 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cbdcddb0e162b15571668c7b2401dfef&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA MOCK DRAFT

NBA mock draft: BYU’s Dybantsa headlines top tier with Kansas’ Peterson, Duke’s Boozer, UNC’s Wilson

SUMMARY: BYU star freshman AJ Dybantsa headlines The Associated Press’ initial 2026 NBA mock draft. The first-team AP All-American has long been a favorite to go No. 1, a pick held by the Washington Wizards. He’s joined in the top tier of one-and-done prospects by Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. Next comes a group of freshman guards including Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, Arizona’s Brayden Burries, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Houston’s Kingston Flemings. Michigan is poised to have three Wolverines go in the first round after winning its first NCAA title since 1989. The draft’s first round is set for June 23.

WORDS: 2487 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:22b3192d01498b3f563e74622fc5c5f4&mediaType=text

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HKN--CANUCKS-COACH

Vancouver Canucks hire Manny Malhotra as head coach

SUMMARY: Manny Malhotra has been hired as coach of the Vancouver Canucks. The former Canucks forward takes over for Adam Foote, who was fired May 19 after Vancouver finished last in the NHL during his only season behind the bench. Malhotra becomes the 23rd head coach in franchise history. In a statement Monday night, general manager Ryan Johnson says he knows firsthand what a good teacher, leader and quality person Malhotra is. The pair previously worked together in the minors with the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks, where Malhotra won a Calder Cup championship as coach during the 2024-25 season.

WORDS: 552 - MOVED: 06/02/2026 3:23 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:146641c681f21454301187747980b005&mediaType=text

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MOVING TOMORROW

—BKN--NBA Finals (Game 1)

—SOF--NCAA-WCWS (Game 1)

—TEN--French Open

—SOC--WCup-Young Stars

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