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AP Sports Digest

Posted 8/29/26

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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TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

    1. WITH: TEN--US OPEN PREVIEW

      2. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- The U.S. Open last year felt like a two-week waiting game until an inevitable Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner final. Now, with Sinner out, Alcaraz just returning from injury and Novak Djokovic perhaps finally showing his age, the last Grand Slam of the season feels like a real toss-up. Same on the women’s side, where two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka comes to New York far off her usual hard-court form.

      3. UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT

    4. WITH: TEN--US OPEN COVERAGE

      5. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the US Open in New York

      6. UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

    7. WITH: TEN--US OPEN-EALA

      8. DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Open is the latest stop on Alex Eala’s tennis tour that looks like it’s ascending to stardom. The 21-year-old fan favorite from the Philippines is less than a month removed from winning her first singles title in Washington. Eala’s matches have become must-see entertainment for the crowd reactions. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

      9. UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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FBC--NORTH CAROLINA-TCU

DESCRIPTION: North Carolina and TCU meet in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday in the first major college game of the 2026 football season. Game starts at noon Eastern. Text, game-day photos.

UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--LIONS-COLTS

DESCRIPTION: The Indianapolis Colts close out the preseason Saturday by hosting the Detroit Lions. Colts coach Shane Steichen plans to play most of his starters as the competition to be Indy’s backup quarterback continues to play out. By Michael Marot. 300 words, with photos. more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--T25-SAN JOSE STATE-USC

DESCRIPTION: San Jose State plays USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. By Greg Beacham. 450 words, more on merit. AP photos staffing.

UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: Third-round coverage of the Tour Championship

UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: NORTON, Mass. — Japanese star Miyu Yamashita took a share of the lead into the weekend at the TPC Boston in the FM Championship. 300 words.

UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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CYC--SPANISH VUELTA

DESCRIPTION: The Spanish Vuelta, the final Grand Tour event of the year, continues with Tadej Pogacar trying to win the race for the first time.

UPCOMING: By 08/29/2026 6:49 a.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--PACKERS-LAFLEUR-JACOBS

LaFleur says he fully anticipates Packers keeping Josh Jacobs while charges are pending

SUMMARY: Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur says there are no plans for the team to release Josh Jacobs as the three-time Pro Bowl running back faces two misdemeanor charges stemming from what police have described as a physical confrontation with his girlfriend. LaFleur said that “I fully anticipate him being a member of our team.” LaFleur said he couldn’t comment on Jacobs’ potential availablity for the Packers’ Sept. 13 season opener at Minnesota. The Brown County (Wisconsin) District Attorney’s office filed misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property against Jacobs on Thursday.

WORDS: 362 - MOVED: 08/29/2026 1:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dcdfdc4014800c9d6f9bff55de966663&mediaType=text

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BBO--PHILLIES-ANGELS

Edmundo Sosa’s pinch-hit grand slam in 9th propels Phillies to a wild 5-3 win over Angels

SUMMARY: Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa hit his first career grand slam with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies roared back for a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Sosa connected just two batters after Wade Meckler reached deep into the right field stands to rob Bryson Stott of a three-run homer. The Phillies moved one game behind the Cubs for the top NL wild-card spot. Reid Detmers yielded one run and eight hits over six resilient innings, but the AL-worst Angels lost their fifth straight with yet another bullpen implosion.

WORDS: 393 - MOVED: 08/29/2026 12:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1e1d8dcd46a1f6416f058a1be3fd8b5e&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-BASERUNNING

Red Sox run themselves into 1-0 loss at Yankee Stadium in series opener

SUMMARY: Ceddanne Rafaela and the Boston Red Sox ran themselves right into a 1-0 loss at Yankee Stadium. In the opener of a critical four-game series, Rafaela committed a costly baserunning blunder in the fifth inning Friday night and then got thrown out at home plate to end the seventh. Shut out for the second consecutive game and seventh time this season, Boston dropped three games behind the Yankees in the race for the top American League wild card and home-field advantage throughout a potential best-of-three playoff series between the longtime rivals.

WORDS: 703 - MOVED: 08/29/2026 12:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f044708a1b9f7af03c08093ef4fa8904&mediaType=text

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BKL--DREAM-REESE

Dream’s Reese has 8th technical of the season rescinded by WNBA, avoiding 1-game suspension

SUMMARY: Atlanta Dream star forward Angel Reese avoided a one-game suspension when the WNBA rescinded her eighth technical foul that was assessed Friday night in a loss to Portland. As a result of the ruling that came a few hours after the game, Reese will be available for the Dream’s game against league-leading Minnesota on Sunday. Reese was tangled up in the paint with the Fire’s Carla Leite as Dream guard Rhyne Howard made a 3-pointer from the right corner during the fourth quarter. Leite was facing the basket and trying to box out Reese, who was directly behind her. Leite had both arms extended backward in an effort to contain Reese, who pushed herself free after Howard’s basket went down. Reese protested the call on the court.

WORDS: 186 - MOVED: 08/29/2026 12:08 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:596ffda637fe524a5975a17351a08c18&mediaType=text

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BBO--RAYS BALLPARK

Tampa Bay Rays set for new $2.3B stadium project after county and city approve financing plan

SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Rays have secured county approval for a financing plan to build a new stadium. This comes a day after city officials approved their part of the $2.3 billion project. he new 31,000-seat stadium will be near Raymond James Stadium and is expected to open in 2029. Rays CEO Ken Babby says the partnership ensures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay. The Rays will contribute at least $1.3 billion. The Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 on Friday for its $796 million share, while the Tampa City Council approved $80 million on Thursday.

WORDS: 421 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 11:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9be9d61b6bfad45b64a8e88cae1b6eb0&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES

Yankees nip rival Red Sox 1-0 in series opener behind Goldschmidt, Bellinger and Schlittler

SUMMARY: Paul Goldschmidt homered, left fielder Cody Bellinger threw out the potential tying run at home plate to end the seventh inning and the New York Yankees edged the Boston Red Sox 1-0 in the opener of a pivotal four-game series. Cam Schlittler shut down his hometown team again, striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings of two-hit ball. The right-hander from Massachusetts overcame five walks, which matched a career high, as the Red Sox stranded 10 runners. New York remained four games behind first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East and moved three ahead of Boston in the race for the top American League wild card and home-field advantage throughout a potential best-of-three playoff series between the longtime rivals.

WORDS: 448 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 11:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9d2011b24df2dc639eb640c4abb7bb13&mediaType=text

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BBO--SKUBAL RETURNS

Tarik Skubal shed tears, pitching in Detroit for 1st time since Tigers traded him to Dodgers

SUMMARY: Tarik Skubal shed some tears, walking on a field that used to be his home turf as the team that traded him away paid tribute to the two-time Cy Young Award winner. Skubal was welcomed with cheers and a smattering of boos in his return to Detroit, pitching for the first time against the middling franchise that traded him to the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. He allowed one run on four hits and struck out seven over six innings, helping the Dodgers beat the Tigers 2-1.

WORDS: 702 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 10:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71b525d87cca9c67eb6d1ed8a501ae08&mediaType=text

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BKL--SUN-FEVER

Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell each score 34 as Fever stay hot with 111-91 victory over Sun

SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell each scored 34 points as the the Indiana Fever got past the Connecticut Sun 111-91 on Friday. The pair scored 30 or more for the fourth game this season, extending their WNBA single-season record for a duo. Clark added 12 assists, marking the fifth time this year she’s had a double-double with at least 30 and 10. Mitchell notched her 24th straight 20-point game in the Fever’s final game before a three-week break for the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Indiana has won seven of nine as Clark, Aliyah Boston, and coach Stephanie White head to Berlin for the tournament. Boston scored 14 points. Diamond Miller finished with 19 points and Nell Angloma had 17 to lead Connecticut, who have lost six of their last eight games.

WORDS: 305 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 10:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69e29dda3b8867a1ee9a30fa0c9860f9&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-TIGERS

Tarik Skubal throws 6 solid innings in 1st start against former team, helping Dodgers top Tigers 2-1

SUMMARY: Tarik Skubal threw six solid innings against his former team, Freddie Freeman hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers held on to beat the Detroit Tigers 2-1 on Friday night. Skubal allowed one run on four hits and struck out seven. He was welcomed back with mostly cheers and a smattering of boos in his first game as a visitor at Comerica Park since being traded. A couple young fans had fitting outfits sporting white Tigers jerseys with 29 and Skubal on the back and a blue Dodgers hat.

WORDS: 334 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 9:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8cecd5481f135304101379222556b3cb&mediaType=text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-MAKAR EXTENSION

Avs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years

SUMMARY: Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a $163.2 million, eight-year extension on Friday that will make him the highest paid player in league history. The terms of the deal were confirmed by his agency, Bartlett Hockey. Makar’s extension is set to be the the richest in NHL history, surpassing eight-year, $136 million extension signed by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September. Makar’s deal runs through the 2034-35 season. The 27-year-old Makar is coming off a season in which he had 20 goals and 59 assists. He finished second to Zach Werenski of Columbus in the Norris Trophy voting, an award that goes to the league’s top defenseman. Makar has won the award twice over his career.

WORDS: 821 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 8:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b307fb172330652649ab6f4acf3b937&mediaType=text

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GLF--TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Ryan Gerard and Viktor Hovland share the 36-hole lead at the Tour Championship

SUMMARY: Ryan Gerard and Viktor Hovland are tied for the lead going into the weekend at the season-ending Tour Championship. Gerard made an 80-foot birdie putt and the other six were inside 6 feet in his round of 65. Hovland shot a 66 to join him at 10-under 130. Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup each shot 67 and were one out of the lead. The group of players two back were Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young. Young was in last place at the start of the day and shot 62 to move back into the mix for the FedEx Cup.

WORDS: 801 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 7:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8571657eb3ee4291756a0d6c31d30f96&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-SABALENKA

No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka shrugs off her recent struggles as she seeks a third straight US Open title

SUMMARY: Aryna Sabalenka has appeared to be having fun everywhere but the tennis court lately. Her Instagram account is filled with photos where she is fashionably dressed in beautiful settings, or lounging in a bikini in relaxing ones. Life looks great. On the court, it’s as bad as it’s been in a while. The top-ranked women’s player hasn’t even gotten past the fourth round of her last few tournaments, and she hardly looks ready to become the first player to win three straight U.S. Open titles since Serena Williams from 2012-14. But Sabalenka sounds confident and is shrugging off criticism.

WORDS: 719 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 6:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:75d9b84185bf8b2bbcd0ab2da0bb3835&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Man City overrun Palace to stay perfect in the Premier League

SUMMARY: Erling Haaland has scored twice and Rayan Cherki has done the same as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 in the Premier League. Haaland scored in the 17th and 84th minutes. Cherki got two in five minutes early in the second half as City overpowered its rival. Palace’s goal came after Yeremy Pino’s free kick rebounded into the net off the back of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The win leaves City on top of the league with six points from its first two games.

WORDS: 389 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 5:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3db224079dea478c83768a8d79ff8155&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-DAYTONA PREVIEW

Brad Keselowski in need of ‘a miracle’ in NASCAR’s regular-season finale at Daytona

SUMMARY: Brad Keselowski needs “a miracle” at Daytona International Speedway to make the Cup Series playoffs. A more likely scenario: his teammate at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Ryan Preece, eking into the postseason with a strong showing at NASCAR’s home track Saturday night. Keselowski and Preece are among five drivers vying for the final three spots in the 10-race Chase for the championship in the summer race at Daytona. Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric and Shane van Gisbergen also are looking to lock down postseason berths in the 400-mile race. The drama is the result of NASCAR changing its playoff format, which no longer guarantees a postseason berth to drivers who win a race during the regular season.

WORDS: 694 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 5:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d871de0e29f4ef04cd68a3fb6b39a054&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI

Shohei Ohtani throws bullpen session as he moves closer to return to mound

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani threw a short bullpen session on Friday as the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star moves closer to a return to the mound. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani threw about 20 pitches in Detroit before the Dodgers played the Tigers. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of a left knee injury. The right-hander is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings this season. He has continued to start at designated hitter and is batting .285 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs.

WORDS: 148 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 5:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:05cb72111403927cbc418d257780ab51&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-OHIO ST-SAYIN

Ohio State QB Julian Sayin takes charge as a team captain, bringing swagger to the huddle

SUMMARY: Julian Sayin’s main focus during Ohio State’s fall camp last year was on winning the starting quarterback job. This season, there’s no doubt on who is commanding the huddle. Sayin was elected as one of Ohio State’s seven team captains while teammates have noticed a more confident and vocal Sayin as the top-ranked Buckeyes prepare to host Ball State in their season opener on Sept. 5.

WORDS: 672 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:278f4971073cd5935671347bf406f0fb&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-QUALIFYING

Japan’s Rei Sakamoto earns a US Open spot, but beats his retiring hero Kei Nishikori to do it

SUMMARY: Rei Sakamoto played his way into the U.S. Open — but only by taking the spot that Kei Nishikori, Japan’s greatest men’s tennis star, hoped to earn for one last Grand Slam appearance. In a changing of the guard match, Sakamoto beat Nishikori 6-4, 7-6 (3) on Friday in the final round of qualifying to earn a place in the main draw. The 20-year-old Sakamoto, like many other players from Japan, considers Nishikori his hero. Nishikori reached the 2014 U.S. Open final, becoming the first Asian man to get that far in a Grand Slam tournament. Nishikori, 36, has said this will be his final season.

WORDS: 652 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 5:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a9bbfb7706c6c351c1eabe7527ba48a8&mediaType=text

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US--JERRY SANDUSKY

Judge will hear recantation of sexual abuse claim against ex-Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky

SUMMARY: A judge has granted a hearing to explore claims that a man wants to recant allegations of sexual abuse years ago by Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky is now 82 years old. He’s been serving a decades-long prison sentence since he was convicted of 45 counts of sexual abuse involving multiple boys in 2012. Sandusky says he’s innocent, but he has repeatedly lost efforts to get a new trial. A man identified in court documents as R.R. says he was coached extensively by authorities. A hearing is set for Sept. 8.

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 4:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:74a5e76741ee22871232fdbf66bfd341&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-ALCARAZ

After being out four months because of injury, Carlos Alcaraz expects to be himself at the US Open

SUMMARY: Carlos Alcaraz is ready for competition after missing more than four months with an injured right wrist. Alcaraz makes his return at the U.S. Open, where he is the defending champion, after the injury led him to skip the French Open and Wimbledon. The 23-year-old Spaniard insists he has not changed anything about his mechanics and would not be back if he didn’t think he could play his game that has already won him seven Grand Slams. Alcaraz opens against Roman Safiullin on Monday.

WORDS: 640 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 4:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a43ab47232cf7b0bcc1f97f7d159218&mediaType=text

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BKL--MERCURY-PLUM

Kelsey Plum and her new Phoenix Mercury teammates work to gain chemistry with an eye on 2027

SUMMARY: The Phoenix Mercury are buzzing with optimism after acquiring Kelsey Plum in a blockbuster trade. Diana Taurasi recently urged Plum to “sign the extension,” drawing cheers from more than 16,000 fans. The Mercury have had a disappointing season, missing the playoffs with a 13-25 record. However, the 32-year-old Plum, a five-time All-Star, could become the team’s new cornerstone. Her one-year contract ends this season, and she hasn’t revealed her plans yet. Despite a calf injury, Plum is building chemistry with her new team, especially with veteran forward Alyssa Thomas, and feels positive about the future.

WORDS: 573 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 4:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:78ba4414ad2daadd2b13e539cb37c62f&mediaType=text

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SOC--UEFA-INFANTINO-WHAT TO KNOW

What to know about the backlash against FIFA President Gianni Infantino

SUMMARY: Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, is facing backlash from European soccer leaders over a failed World Cup investment plan. UEFA is leading the charge, even considering legal action against Infantino for alleged mismanagement. The plan involved selling a stake in World Cup profits to private investors, including Joshua Kushner. FIFA withdrew the proposal after intense criticism. Infantino’s re-election in March 2027 is now uncertain, with many federations withdrawing support. Despite the controversy, no challenger has emerged to oppose him. Infantino’s future plans remain unclear as he continues to meet with FIFA members worldwide.

WORDS: 777 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 3:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5bb5077efa6efb25506a02a720a4304f&mediaType=text

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BKC--FLORIDA-GOLDEN CONTRACT

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden gets another contract extension and a $1.5M raise

SUMMARY: Todd Golden’s third raise in as many years will make him the second-highest paid basketball coach in the Southeastern Conference. The 40-year-old Florida coach signed a one-year extension earlier this month that increased the total value of his deal to $49.5 million. It averages $8.25 million annually and keeps him under contract through the 2031-32 season. Golden’s salary for next season jumps from $6 million to $7.5 million. Only Kansas’ Bill Self, UConn’s Dan Hurley and Arkansas’ John Calipari are slated to make more than Golden next season.

WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 3:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7c6f40ac66f26f53110f995b3fba88a3&mediaType=text

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TEN--US OPEN-GAUFF

Coco Gauff backs her mom for posting about family and friends’ excessive US Open ticket requests

SUMMARY: Coco Gauff did not know her mother was going to post on social media about excessive U.S. Open ticket requests from family and friends. But she stands by the sentiment. Candi Gauff wrote Thursday on Instagram in what she called a blunt but necessary statement that her daughter’s guest tickets were accounted for and chided those who ask for more than two free tickets at a time. Coco at media day on Friday poked fun at family members who come out of the woodwork this time of year and don’t even wish her a happy birthday.

WORDS: 411 - MOVED: 08/28/2026 1:49 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:610174b4b3878a234bb0675fc99917b7&mediaType=text

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