By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The bitter fight between NASCAR and two of its teams who have filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock-racing giant spilled into public view Thursday during an acrimonious hearing that included the disclosure of expletive-laden emails and text messages from team owner Michael…… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina will start Gio Lopez at quarterback against TCU in Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut. Belichick announced the decision during a news conference on Wednesday. Lopez transferred from South Alabama and joined the team after spring drills. Belichick praised Lopez’s progress and said he would get most of the practice reps leading up to the game. Lopez threw for over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last year while also proving to be a mobile threat. The Tar Heels’ quarterback room also includes veteran Max Johnson and two freshmen.… Continue Reading
N.C. State and East Carolina meet Thursday to open the season in a testy instate series. The Pirates beat the Wolfpack in the Military Bowl to end last season. That game included a late on-field brawl. Both teams have returning quarterbacks in ECU’s Katin Houser and N.C. State’s CJ Bailey.… Continue Reading
ATLANTA (AP) — Cameron Young watched a couple of key changes pay huge dividends. One was a new Pro V1 golf ball that helped him manage spin. That was right before his first tour victory. Another was changing caddies. He went to close friend and former Wake Forest teammate Kyle Sterbinsky. Young says Sterbinsky was debating whether to keep grinding on smaller tours. Two weeks turned into two months and they’ve been on a roll. He says Sterbinsky reads greens better than most players. In other golf news, Tiger Woods has a new corporate deal with Insperity. Will that lead him to a PGA Tour Champions event?… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s football program is getting a spotlight this season under new coach Bill Belichick. In a video posted by the program Sunday, Belichick told the team that Hulu will feature the Tar Heels as they play through his first season as a college coach. Belichick led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. UNC kicks off its season on Labor Day against TCU in a college version of Monday Night Football.… Continue Reading
ATLANTA (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s coming to the Ryder Cup. And he thinks U.S. captain Keegan Bradley should be playing in the Sept. 26-28 matches against Europe. Trump posted on his social media site that he would be at Bethpage Black for the opening round. The Ryder Cup already is the most flag-waving, raucous event in golf. It has gone up a notch this time because of the venue. Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island is notorious for having the rowdiest fans. Bradley is debating whether he should be the first playing captain in the Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1963.… Continue Reading
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Blaney wins a thrilling race at Daytona International Speedway, securing a spot in NASCAR’s playoffs and keeping Alex Bowman’s championship hopes alive. Blaney was 13th with two laps to go but surged ahead to win by a narrow margin. His victory denies other drivers a chance at the playoffs. The race was intense, with the first 19 cars finishing within half a second of Blaney. This win breaks an 11-race losing streak for Team Penske and Ford. The playoffs begin next Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE N.C. (AP) — Taylor Moton is staying in Carolina. The Panthers announced Friday they’ve given their durable longtime right tackle a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season. Moton will make $44 million over the next two years including $40 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team typically does not release financial details of contracts. The deal means the Panthers have all five starting offensive linemen under contract at least through the 2026 season.… Continue Reading
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — At least a couple of offshore bookmakers are offering odds on games at the Little League World Series. Team managers, and Little League itself, are not pleased. In news conferences throughout the Little League World Series, U.S. team managers have voiced their displeasure with gambling on their games — players at the tournament top out at 12 years old. Little League International also released a statement last week denouncing sports betting on youth competition.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Skylar Thompson shined in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 19-10 preseason victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. Thompson, a former Miami Dolphin, completed 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown to Lance McCutcheon. Rookie Ben Sauls kicked four field goals. The Steelers played some starters, while the Panthers rested theirs. Steelers defensive end Derrick Harmon left the game with a knee injury. Mason Rudolph started for the Steelers, finishing 6 of 8 with an interception. Jack Plummer threw a touchdown for the Panthers. Both teams open the season Sept. 7.… Continue Reading