Category Archives: Sports

North Carolina begins its journey under Bill Belichick with a spotlight – and plenty of uncertainty

North Carolina begins its journey under Bill Belichick with a spotlight – and plenty of uncertainty

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick’s arrival in college as put the spotlight on North Carolina. Belichick is making his first college coaching stop after leading the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles as a head coach. Belichick’s hiring marks a bet and increased investment in football for the school. That includes paying Belichick $10 million guaranteed for three years in a five-year deal. The Tar Heels are picked to finish eighth in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference. They open the season on Labor Day in a college version of Monday night football against TCU.… Continue Reading

Chimaev wins UFC middleweight belt by unanimous decision

Chimaev wins UFC middleweight belt by unanimous decision

CHICAGO (AP) — Khamzat Chimaev continued his dominance in the UFC, capturing the middleweight belt by defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319. With a smile on his face, Chimaev (15-0) shot out of his corner in the first round with a takedown of Du Plessis (23-3) in the opening seconds and had Du Plessis on his back for almost the entire first round. Despite the ground control by Chimaev, Du Plessis was able to avoid significant damage in the first round. All three judges scored the fight 50-44.… Continue Reading

C.J. Stroud’s TD pass helps Texans defeat Panthers 20-3 in preseason

C.J. Stroud’s TD pass helps Texans defeat Panthers 20-3 in preseason

HOUSTON (AP) — C.J. Stroud throws a touchdown pass in his preseason debut, helping the Houston Texans secure a 20-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. Stroud, who didn’t play last week, completes 6 of 8 passes for 44 yards in two series. He connects with Nico Collins for a 5-yard touchdown, giving the Texans a 7-0 lead. Nick Chubb runs five times for 25 yards in his Texans debut. Carolina’s Bryce Young struggles, going 0 for 2 and getting sacked once. The Texans defense shines with two interceptions in the second half, sealing the victory.… Continue Reading

Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud reunite at joint practice, reflect on NFL journeys

Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud reunite at joint practice, reflect on NFL journeys

HOUSTON (AP) — Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been linked since being drafted first and second in the 2023 NFL draft. The two California natives became friends in middle school, competing in football and basketball. On Thursday, they reunited when Stroud’s Houston Texans hosted Young’s Carolina Panthers for a joint practice. Both quarterbacks focused on drills but took time to catch up afterward. Young expressed pride in Stroud’s success, while Stroud praised Young’s consistency. Despite Stroud’s playoff success, he remains irked by a 2023 loss to Young’s Panthers and hopes for a rematch.… Continue Reading

A way-too early guess at who will make the College Football Playoff this season

A way-too early guess at who will make the College Football Playoff this season

Now in its second year with an expanded bracket, 12 teams will make the College Football Playoff to close out the 2025-26 season. Five of those slots will go to conference champions. The rest — at-large bids to be handed out by the 13-person committee. The AP looks at those that should be making plans for the playoffs. They include Georgia, Texas, defending champion Ohio State and, yes, Alabama after barely missing the field last season.… Continue Reading

Texas is No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25 for first time, edging Penn St, Ohio St; 10 SEC teams ranked

Texas is No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25 for first time, edging Penn St, Ohio St; 10 SEC teams ranked

Texas is No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 for the first time. The Longhorns narrowly edged out Penn State in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Texas received 25 first-place votes, while Penn State received 23. The Nittany Lions have their highest preseason ranking since they were No. 1 to open 1997. The Southeastern Conference leads with 10 teams in the Top 25. The Big Ten has two of the top three teams for the third straight year. The Big 12 has four ranked teams and the ACC has three.… Continue Reading

Jen Pawol breaks MLB’s gender barrier as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game

Jen Pawol breaks MLB’s gender barrier as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game

ATLANTA (AP) — Jen Pawol has made history as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in the major leagues. Pawol worked as the first base umpire for Saturday’s first game of a split doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. She made her first call in the third inning. Pawol worked third base in the second game of the doubleheader and will be in the spotlight when she calls pitches behind the plate in Sunday’s final game of the series. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough and Braves bench coach Walt Weiss greeted Pawol when lineups were exchanged at home plate.… Continue Reading

Browns’ Shedeur Sanders impressive in NFL preseason debut, tosses 2 TD passes in win over Panthers

Browns’ Shedeur Sanders impressive in NFL preseason debut, tosses 2 TD passes in win over Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders impressed in his NFL preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers. On Friday night, Sanders threw two touchdown passes in the first half to Kaden Davis. His father and former college coach, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, celebrated on social media. Sanders finished the half with 103 passing yards and no turnovers and with the Browns leading 14-7. Carolina’s mistakes helped his performance, including a muffed punt leading to a touchdown. Sanders showed both promise and areas for improvement against the Panthers’ first-team defense. Injuries at quarterback give Sanders the opportunity to start, with Joe Flacco projected as the regular-season starter.… Continue Reading

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn not seriously injured in car accident, is day to day with thumb injury

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn not seriously injured in car accident, is day to day with thumb injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn escaped serious injury after a car accident on Wednesday morning on the way to the team’s stadium. He injured his left thumb and missed a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns. Panthers coach Dave Canales says Horn will be evaluated daily. Horn will not play in Friday night’s preseason game against the Browns, but the team hopes he can play against Houston on August 16. Horn was alone in his car when the accident happened near the stadium. He was evaluated by team medical personnel and later seen joking with teammates on the sideline.… Continue Reading

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to play in Browns preseason opener against Panthers

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to play in Browns preseason opener against Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rookie Shedeur Sanders will play for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night with the recently-signed Tyler Huntley. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced the decision before the team’s joint practice with the Panthers. He hasn’t determined who will start. Veteran Joe Flacco is healthy but will not play. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will not play either because of injuries. Sanders was drafted in the fifth round. Despite being fourth on the depth chart, injuries to other Browns QBs have contributed to this opportunity. Panthers head coach Dave Canales previously said Bryce Young will start against the Browns.… Continue Reading

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