ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News, Headlines & Videos (2023)

Former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden, for the first time, publicly addressed the email controversy that cost him his job last October.Gruden, who filed a lawsuit against the NFL last year alleging the league singled him out, spoke Tuesday at the Little Rock Touchdown Club in Arkansas.Gruden, 59, said he was going to be "honest" with the gathering."I'm ashamed about what has come about in these emails, and I'll make no excuses for it," he said. "It's shameful. But, I am a good person. I believe that. I go to church. I've been married for 31 years. I've got three great boys. I still love football. I've made some mistakes. But I don't think anybody in here hasn't. And I just ask for forgiveness and, hopefully, I get another shot."Gruden's emails, which contained racist, anti-gay and misogynistic language, first came to light in a Wall Street Journal article Oct. 8. He was on the sideline for the Raiders that weekend, and The New York Times published an...

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Jackson Statefootball coach Deion Sanders on Tuesday said in an Instagram video that his program and players are now "in crisis mode" when it comes to grappling with the multiple water problems that have afflicted Mississippi's capital city in the past week.Parts of Jackson were without running water Tuesday because flooding exacerbated longstanding problems in one of two water-treatment plants. The city of 150,000 had already been under a boil-water notice for a month because the Health Department found cloudy water that could cause digestive problems. Now, residents are also faced with too much water on the ground after the heavy rainfall in the past week, and not enough safe water coming through the pipes for people to use."We've been hit with a little crisis in the city of Jackson," Sanders said in the video. " We don't have water; water means we don't have air conditioning. We can't use toilets. We don't have water, therefore we don't have ice, which pretty much...

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NEW YORK -- Venus Williams has been eliminated in the first round of her return to the US Open.Williams lost 6-1, 7-6 (5) to Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium on Tuesday afternoon in Arthur Ashe Stadium, where younger sister Serenawon a night earlier.Venus, who turned 42 in June, has not made any pronouncements about her future in tennis, unlike her younger sibling. Asked after Tuesday's match if she plans to "evolve away" from tennis like Serena, Venus replied that she's just focusing on the doubles competition.The Williams sisters will join forces in doubles, teaming up for the first time anywhere since 2018 this week. They were drawn to face the Czech pair of Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova in the first round."It was Serena's idea," Venus said of playing doubles together at the US Open. "She's the boss. I'll do whatever she tells me to do."Asked if it has been emotional for her to watch Serena make these kind of decisions about...

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The Houston Texans made a surprise cut and released veteran running back Marlon Mackon Tuesday.The Texans signed Mack to a one-year deal in March after his four-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Mack was relegated to 32 carries over the past two seasons after hetore his Achilles in 2020 and the emergence of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor last season.The Texans were hoping Mack could recapture the form he showed from 2018-2019 when he rushed for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns to add to the Texans' running back by committee approach this season. Mack rushed for 90 yards in the preseason on 21 carries.But with Mack being released, that opens the door for 2022 fourth-round draft pick Dameon Pierceout of Florida, who impressed the organization throughout training camp, to be the lead running back for the Texans.Pierce rushed for 86 yards in preseason and scored a touchdown in two games. The other lead back in the...

August 30

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- It was about a month ago that San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan began having conversations about what a scenario in which quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo remains with the team might look like.By that time, Garoppolo's right shoulder surgery had ruined any chances of an early offseason trade and, as Shanahan put it Tuesday, the NFL's game of quarterback musical chairs had stopped with most of the other seats filled.In the first week of camp, Shanahan expressed to Garoppolo that if nothing materialized elsewhere, the team would love to welcome Garoppolo back on a reduced contract to be the backup to first-year starter Trey Lance.Even then, Shanahan, Lynch and the Niners never thought what happened Monday -- when the Niners and Garoppolo agreed to a re-worked one-year contract worth about $7 million and up to $16 million with incentives -- was a real possibility."The chances were, to me, it seemed...

August 30

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- One of the big questions of the Buffalo Bills offseason was when cornerback Tre'Davious White would be able to return to the field from a torn ACL. Unfortunately for the Bills, that won't be happening any time soon.The Bills on Tuesday placed White on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the 2022 NFL season. He will miss at least the first four games of the season -- at the Los Angeles Rams, vs. the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football, at the Miami Dolphins and at the Baltimore Ravens.White tore his ACL on Thanksgiving in a night game against the New Orleans Saints, a game played in his home state. During the opening period of training camp, White was visible rehabbing to the side and steadily increasing his workout. There appeared to be optimism that he would return to the field, however, he was last seen working out July 29.There remains a lack of a clear return date....

August 30

The Houston Texans made a surprise cut and released veteran running back Marlon Mack, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.The Texans signed Mack to a one-year deal in March after his four-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Mack was relegated to 32 carries over the past two seasons after hetore his Achilles in 2020 and the emergence of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor last season.The Texans were hoping Mack could recapture the form he showed from 2018-2019 when he rushed for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns to add to the Texans' running back by committee approach this season. Mack rushed for 90 yards in the preseason on 21 carries.But with Mack being released, that opens the door for 2022 fourth-round draft pick Dameon Pierceout of Florida, who impressed the organization throughout training camp, to be the lead running back for the Texans.Pierce rushed for 86 yards in preseason and scored a touchdown in two...

August 30

LOS ANGELES -- - John Wall says he considered taking his own life during a time in the last three years when he was dealing with a torn Achilles and the deaths of family members at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.The 31-year-old guard joined the Los Angeles Clippers this summer and is eager for a return to form this coming season. Wall has played just 40 games over the last three years because of injuries, COVID-19 and his former team, the Houston Rockets, not playing him before he joined the Clippers.Wall discussed his recent past at a garden dedication earlier this month for his late mother at the Salvation Army in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he's from. His mother had been a volunteer at the Wake County location."Darkest place I've ever been in," Wall said. "At one point in time, I thought about committing suicide. I mean, just tearing my Achilles, my mom being sick, my mom passing, my grandma passed a year later, all this in the midst of COVID and at...

August 30

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs released veteran wide receiver Josh Gordonon Tuesday as they trimmed down to their initial 53-man roster.Gordon said a public farewell to the Chiefs and their fans in a pair of tweets Tuesday."Appreciate all the @Chiefs kingdom has done for me and my family this past year. Thanks for the opportunity and the many memories," he tweeted and then added: "Excited to see where the next part of my football journey takes me #itsabusiness #dreamchasing."Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters that, "there's a chance he's potentially back here if it doesn't work out for him somewhere else.''Gordon, 31, led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 2013, when he played for the Cleveland Browns. Since then, Gordon has been suspended by the NFL six times, five for some form of substance abuse, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.Between 2014 and 2020, Gordon missed three full seasons while suspended. Besides...

August 30

PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles acquired defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from the New Orleans Saintson Tuesday.The Eagles received Gardner-Johnson and the Saints' 2025 seventh-round draft pick for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick and the latter of their two sixth-round draft picks in 2024.Gardner-Johnson, who has experience both as a slot corner and safety, is expected to play safety in Philadelphia.The Eagles created an opening at starting safety before the trade by releasing veteran Anthony Harris, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gardner-Johnson will be paired with Marcus Epps in the back end.Gardner-Johnson is in the last year of his rookie deal and was seeking a new contract. He did not fully participate in practice during the beginning of camp, sitting out of team drills and at times just doing walk-throughs, effectively holding in while asking for a new deal.He returned to full participation on Aug. 8 and Allen said at...

August 30

Duke volleyball player Rachel Richardson recounted how a series of racial slurs during a match last week at BYU turned into a national news story and reflected on how it's changed her life in an interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe that aired Tuesday.Richardson posted a statement to Twitter on Sunday, two days after fans yelled racial slurs at her while she was serving. "No athlete, regardless of their race should ever be subject to such hostile conditions," she wrote at the time. BYU banned a fan from all athletic venues on campus Saturday, a day after the match, and said the athletic department has a "zero-tolerance approach to this behavior."The fan was not a student but was sitting in the student section.Richardson told Rowe that the incidents started in the second set when she was serving. She said she's used to crowds trying to intimidate opposing players, but it was different that night."I heard a very strong, negative racial slur," Richardson said. "... So I...

August 30

HOUSTON -- Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander has been placed on the injured list with a right calf injury.The team announced the move Tuesday and said that an MRI on the calf Monday revealed fascial disruption but no muscle fiber disruption.Verlander's stint on the injured list is retroactive to Monday. He was injured in his start Sunday while going to cover first base during a rundown in the third inning against the Orioles.The right-hander, a leading candidate for the AL Cy Young Award, lowered his major-league-leading ERA to 1.84 by throwing three scoreless innings before his exit Sunday.The 39-year-old Verlander returned this season after missing almost two seasons following Tommy John surgery. Entering Sunday's matchup with the Orioles, he was 8-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his past 10 starts.Verlander's 16 wins are tied with Atlanta's Kyle Wright and Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin for most in the majors.Also on Tuesday,...

August 30

LAS VEGAS -- Forward A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces is the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced Tuesday, and leads the WNBA's first and second all-defensive teams.Wilson, in her fifth WNBA season, is playing in the league semifinals against the Seattle Storm, which has three players on the all-defensive teams. Game 2 of the series is Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Storm lead the series 1-0.Wilson received 20 of 56 votes from a national media panel. Connecticut forward Alyssa Thomas was second with 14 votes, followed by Seattle forward Breanna Stewart (13), Minnesota center Sylvia Fowles (four), Washington guard Natasha Cloud and Connecticut forward Jonquel Jones (two each) and Dallas guard Allisha Gray (one).Wilson is joined on the all-defensive first team by Stewart, Fowles, Cloud and Washington guard Ariel Atkins. Fowles, who retired after Minnesota's season ended,...

August 30

MIAMI -- The Dolphins placed starting cornerback Byron Jones on the reserve/physically unable to perform list Tuesday as they finalized their initial 53-man roster, after he missed all of training camp with an Achilles injury.His placement on the PUP list means he will miss at least the team's first four games of the regular season.Jones underwent surgery on his left Achilles tendon in March to clean up a lingering injury he dealt with during the 2021 season. A source told ESPN at the time that Jones was expected to be ready for training camp in July but was never activated off the PUP list.Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was asked about Jones' status before the team's second preseason game and said they remained "hopeful" Jones would be ready for Week 1 and had begun the process of running and doing individual drills separate from the team."He's exactly where we thought he would be at this point with some change of direction stuff being incorporated on a...

August 30

PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles acquired defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from the New Orleans Saintson Tuesday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Eagles received Gardner-Johnson and the Saints' 2025 seventh-round draft pick for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick and the worse of their two sixth-round draft picks in 2024, the source told Schefter.Gardner-Johnson, who has experience both as a slot corner and safety, is expected to play safety in Philadelphia.The Eagles created an opening at starting safety before the trade by releasing veteran Anthony Harris, a source told Schefter. Gardner-Johnson will be paired with Marcus Epps in the back end.Gardner-Johnson is in the last year of his rookie deal and was seeking a new contract. He did not fully participate in practice during the beginning of camp, sitting out of team drills and at times just doing walk-throughs, effectively holding in while asking for a new deal.He returned to full...

August 30

The Brooklyn Nets are finalizing a non-guaranteed one-year deal for free agent forward Markieff Morris, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.The deal is pending a physical, sources said.Morris, 32, averaged 7.6 points and 2.6 rebounds last season for the Miami Heat, as he was limited to 17 games because of a whiplash injury.Morris missed 58 games after he was injured in a Nov. 8 scuffle with Denver's Nikola Jokic.The veteran also has played for the Lakers, Pistons, Thunder, Wizards and Suns since entering the league in 2011, averaging 10.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

August 30

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs are releasing veteran wide receiver Josh Gordon, a source confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.Gordon said a public farewell to the Chiefs and their fans in a pair of tweets Tuesday, appearing to confirm his exit."Appreciate all the @Chiefs kingdom has done for me and my family this past year. Thanks for the opportunity and the many memories," he tweeted and then added: "Excited to see where the next part of my football journey takes me #itsabusiness #dreamchasing."NFL Network first reported that Gordon was being released.Gordon, 31, led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 2013, when he played for the Cleveland Browns. Since then, Gordon has been suspended by the NFL six times, five for some form of substance abuse, according to ESPN Stats & Information .Between 2014 and 2020, Gordon missed three full seasons while suspended. Besides the Chiefs and Browns, he also spent time with the New England...

August 30

A prosecutor on Monday announced a sprawling indictment targeting members of what she said is a violent street gang that has been targeting the Atlanta-area homes of famous athletes -- including Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley-- entertainers and others who flaunt expensive possessions on social media.Ridley, singer Mariah Carey, Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan and Marlo Hampton of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" all had their homes broken into, the indictment says.The 220-count indictment was filed Aug. 22 and charges 26 people, most of whom are accused of violating Georgia's anti-gang and racketeering laws.Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said the crimes alleged in the indictment -- carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery, shootings, home invasions -- were committed by members of the Drug Rich gang, which she said began to emerge in 2016 in a neighboring county. In addition to the celebrity targets, social media influencers...

August 30

ATLANTA -- As Billy Horschel approached the 18th green in Sunday's final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, he couldn't help but wonder whether it was the last time he'd play with his good friend, Cameron Smith, on the PGA Tour.Horschel and Smith both live in Ponte Vedra, Florida. They play golf together and go offshore fishing during their free time."If he happens to go, he would be the biggest loss in my mind because you look at his age and what he's accomplished," Horschel said. "Look at the person he is. He's a great kid and represents himself very well, and he does it the right way. If he happens to go, it would be the biggest loss because I'm biased. He's one of my best friends."Smith, 29, is leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, the new circuit announced Tuesday. Smith is No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking and won the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews in July. Chile's Joaquin Niemann(the 19th-ranked player in the...

August 30

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Running back Kenyan Drake is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, pending a physical, a source confirmed Tuesday morning.Drake, 28, is visiting the Ravens on Tuesday after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders a week ago.The addition of Drake would boost a banged-up Ravens running back group that has struggled this preseason. Starting running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) remains a question mark for Week 1 and top backup Gus Edwards (knee) is out at least for the first four games after being placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.Veteran Mike Davis averaged 3.1 yards per carry in the preseason (40 yards on 13 carries), and backups Justice Hill and rookie Tyler Badie have combined for 81 yards on 31 rushing attempts (2.6-yard average).Drake was released one year after signing a two-year, $11 million deal with the Raiders. By releasing Drake, Las Vegas absorbed a $3.6...

August 30

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson was released from the hospital Monday, one day after being shot twice in an armed robbery attempt.Robinson will meet with Washington's doctors Tuesday at the team's facility to determine the extent of his rehabilitation, according to a source. Washington remains optimistic about his chances of playing this season, but coach Ron Rivera said Monday they're uncertain when he'd be able to return.Robinson was shot in Washington, D.C., early Sunday evening. He underwent surgery and posted an Instagram story that his "surgery went well."Depending on what doctors determine Tuesday, Robinson could be placed on the non-football injury list, which would require him to miss the first four games.On Monday, Rivera said the doctors were positive about his situation."He's very fortunate," Rivera said. "He's doing well. It will be a matter of time before he's back out here. There's no timeline, but...

August 30

ANAHEIM -- A 434-foot drive off Angelsreliever Ryan Tepera etched Aaron Judge's name in the major league history books Monday night, as the New York Yankeesslugger became only the 10th player in MLB historyto record multiple 50-home run seasons.A sold-out Angel Stadium crowd of 44,537 -- one that included his parents and plenty of Yankees fans -- cheered on the California-born Judge with an "M-V-P!" refrain as he circled the bases following his eighth-inning solo blast that bounced off the left-center-field waterfall and trimmed New York's deficit to one in a 4-3 loss.Judge is now on pace to hit 63 home runs this season, assuming he plays in every remaining Yankees game."It's just another number,'' said Judge, who was intentionally walked twice Monday before going deep. "It's great, but I'm kind of upset we lost. It's a close game we could've won.''In 2017, during his Rookie of the Year campaign, Judge smashed 52 long balls,...

August 30

ANAHEIM -- A 434-foot blast off Angelsreliever Ryan Tepera etched Aaron Judge's name in the major league history books on Monday night, as he became only the 10th player in MLB history -- and third member of the storied Yankeesfranchise -- to record multiple 50-home run seasons.A crowd of 44,537 at sold-out Angel Stadium, a great majority of them Yankees fans, cheered Judge on with an "M-V-P! M-V-P!" refrain as he circled the bases following his eighth-inning blast that landed in the left-center-field waterfall and trimmed New York's deficit to 4-3.Judge is now on pace to hit 63 home runs this season, assuming he plays in every remaining Yankee game.In 2017, during his Rookie of the Year campaign, Judge smashed 52 long balls, setting a rookie record that was broken two years later when Pete Alonso hit 53 for the New York Mets.Judge now joins Babe Ruth (4) and Mickey Mantle (2) as the third Yankee to hit 50 or more home...

August 30

NEW YORK -- Serena Williams' expected retirement will have to wait. The 23-time major champion won her first-round match 6-3, 6-3 over Danka Kovinic at the US Open on Monday night."You know, I always just got to do the best that I can," Williams said to the crowd after the match. "I feel so comfortable on this court, in front of everyone here."When I step out on the court, I just want to do my best that I can on that particular day. That's really all I can really do."Since Williams, 40, announced her impending plans to "evolve" from tennis in a first-person essay in Vogue earlier this month, she has been given a farewell tour of sorts, and received standing ovations at both the Canadian Open and the Western & Southern Open.On Monday night, the sold-out crowd here of nearly 24,000 -- which included a laundry list of A-list celebrities and notables, including former President Bill Clinton, Spike Lee, Lindsey Vonn, Bella Hadid, Rebel Wilson, Vera Wang, Mike...

August 30

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett is finalizing a four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million, his agent Bill Duffy of BDA Sports and WME Sports told ESPN on Monday, complicating the franchise's offseason trade pursuit of Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell.Barrett's deal -- which makes him the youngest $100 million player in Knicks history at 22 years old -- pauses several weeks of trade discussions for Mitchell between New York and Utah, and forces the two organizations, if they choose, to start over talks with significantly different considerations because of the poison pill provision now in Barrett's deal.New York president of basketball operations Leon Rose set a Monday night deadline with Utah to reach an agreement on a trade for Mitchell or the Knicks would commit to the Barrett extension, sources said.While the Jazz-Knicks trade talks intensified and the gap on deal points that included Barrett in the package tightened over...

August 29

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett is finalizing a four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million, his agent Bill Duffy of BDA Sports and WME Sports told ESPN on Monday, complicating the franchise's offseason trade pursuit of Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell.Barrett's deal -- which makes him the youngest $100 million player in Knicks history at 22 years old -- ends several weeks of trade discussions on Mitchell between New York and Utah, and forces the two organizations, if they choose, to start over talks with significantly different considerations because of the "Poison Pill" provision now in Barrett's deal.New York president of basketball operations Leon Rose set a Monday night deadline with Utah to reach an agreement on a trade for Mitchell -- or the Knicks would commit to the Barrett extension, sources said.While the Jazz-Knicks trade talks intensified and the gap on deal points that Barrett in the package tightened over the...

August 29

In their first public comments since a civil lawsuit was filed last week accusing former San Diego Statepunter Matt Araiza and two of his then-teammates of gang raping a 17-year-old girl last year, athletic director John David Wicker and football coach Brady Hoke reemphasized the university's position that its response followed guidance from local police.Speaking during a Monday news conference, Wicker defended the school administration's decision to obey the San Diego Police Department's request to delay a campus-led inquiry into the alleged gang rape until authorities finished their criminal investigation. The alleged assault happened last October at a Halloween party at an off-campus residence.Both Wicker and Hoke read prepared statements that condemned the allegations -- which surfaced in detail on Thursday as part of a lawsuit filed in San Diego County Superior Court -- but initially refused to engage with follow-up questions from assembled media."This...

August 29

As Albert Pujols continues to climb the all-time home run list during his farewell season, he's also setting major league records in the process.On Monday night in Cincinnati, the St. Louis Cardinals slugger hit career home run No. 694, and it came against a 450th different pitcher, a big league record.This time, it was Reds reliever Ross Detwiler who was on the wrong end of a drive by Pujols, who lined a 369-foot, two-run homer to right field in the third inning, giving St. Louis an 8-0 lead and breaking a tie with Barry Bonds. The Cardinals won the game 13-4."Obviously, his career speaks for itself," Detwiler said. "All of his numbers are better than anything I've seen in person. It is kind of unbelievable. He's been so good for so long."I got ahead of him. I tried to go high fastball. I didn't get it high enough, and it leaked over the plate a little bit more than I wanted it to. The ball jumps off his bat.''It continued a remarkable run...

August 29

On Friday, Florida A&Mfootball players considered not traveling to North Carolina to play their season opener in Chapel Hill. They eventually decided to play, despite 26 ineligible players, and lost to the Tar Heels, 56-24, in a game that the school earned $450,000 for playing.In the days since, details have surfaced about the unrest, as deficiencies in FAMU's athletic staffing led in part to the ineligible players and the team considering not playing.On Sunday, coach Willie Simmons detailed to ESPN in a phone interview some of the athletic department's shortcomings. He said that the school has just one academic advisor, down from a department of four in 2018 when the school had three advisors and a learning specialist. He also said the school's compliance officer is also the financial aid officer, who was pressed into doing both jobs when the compliance official left and lacks compliance experience.Among the 26 ineligible players included three starters, one of whom...

August 29

Despite what has thus far been a forgettable 2022 season for the Boston Red Sox, the team has no plans to move on from chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom or manager Alex Cora, according to team president and CEO Sam Kennedy."I am very comfortable saying Chaim and Alex will be back," Kennedy told The Athletic on Monday. "And I am very comfortable saying there is a strong belief in the direction of the franchise from our ownership group. That direction is continuing to build for the future, but also continuing to invest at the major-league level."At 62-67, the Red Sox find their playoff hopes fading. They currently reside at the bottom of the AL East -- six games behind the rebuilding Baltimore Orioles -- and eight games back of the second wild-card slot. On Monday, the Red Sox lost for the sixth time in eight games, as Gio Urshela's three-run double in the fifth inning paced a 4-2 win for the Minnesota Twins."We're all incredibly...

August 29

On Friday, Florida A&M University's football players considered not traveling to North Carolina to play their season opener in Chapel Hill. They eventually decided to play, despite 26 ineligible players, and lost to the Tar Heels, 56-24, in a game that the school earned $450,000 for playing.In the days since, details have begun to surface about the unrest, as deficiencies in FAMU's athletic staffing led in part to the ineligible players and the team considering not playing.On Sunday, coach Willie Simmons detailed to ESPN in a phone interview some of the athletic department's shortcomings. He said that the school has just one academic advisor, down from a department of four in 2018 when the school had three advisors and a learning specialist. He also said the school's compliance officer is also the financial aid officer, who was pressed into doing both jobs when the compliance official left and lacks compliance experience.Among the 26 ineligible players included three starters,...

August 29

NEW YORK -- Ukrainian Daria Snigur's first career win on the WTA Tour was a big one. American Coco Gauff's first career win at Arthur Ashe Stadium was an easy one.The 20-year-old Snigur stunned No. 7 seed Simona Halep 6-2, 0-6, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open, then struggled through tears to explain what the victory meant to her family and her country during its war with Russia."No comment, I think, because it's impossible for me now,'' Snigur said. Snigur wore a pin in the colors of Ukraine's flag on her chest and put her hands around it after the final point.Meanwhile, No. 12-ranked Gauff cruised past Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-3. Gauff had lost each of her previous three appearances on Arthur Ashe, including doubles.Snigur was making her first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam after emerging through the qualifying rounds last week.On Wednesday, she joined tennis superstars such as Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, John McEnroe, Iga...

August 29

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers on Monday acquired another playmaker for quarterback Baker Mayfield, trading with Jacksonville for wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., the teams announced.The Panthers gave the Jaguars a 2023 seventh-round pick and a 2024 sixth-rounder for Shenault, a league source told ESPN.Shenault carries a $1,309,643 cap hit in 2022 and $1,659,464 hit in '23.The trade was made 24 hours before NFL teams are required to get their rosters to 53 players. Carolina's was down to 80 on Monday.The Panthers appear set with their top four receivers in DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith, although injuries have been an issue for Marshall since he was selected in the second round last season.Marshall did practice fully Monday, and made a big-time catch down the sideline that showed his speed.The Panthers made the trade in part because offensive coordinator Ben...

August 29

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- After an offseason in which a divorce seemed all but certain, the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo are staying together for one more season.Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday that Garoppolo and the Niners agreed to a restructured one-year contract that is worth $6.5 million in fully guaranteed base salary. The new-look deal contains another total of $500,000 in roster bonuses and playtime bonuses that could boost it by another nearly $9 million for up to a total of $16 million if all bonuses are reached.Garoppolo's restructured contract also includes a no-trade and no-tag clause that ensures Garoppolo will serve as the backup to Trey Lance this season and will then be able to explore unrestricted free agency in 2023.A source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Garoppolo and the 49ers have discussed the option of waiving the no-trade clause if something develops and the 49ers can get compensation, but...

August 29

MIAMI -- The Dolphins released veteran running back Sony Michelon Monday among 13 moves they made before Tuesday's deadline to trim their roster down to 53 players.The Dolphins also released wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, defensive back Quincy Wilson and offensive linemen Adam Pankey. Miami waived offensive lineman Blaise Andries, defensive linemen Niles Scott and Owen Carney Jr., running backs Gerrid Doaks and ZaQuandre White, and cornerback Elijah Hamilton.Linebacker Calvin Munson was placed on injured reserve. Linebacker Darius Hodge and defensive back D'Angelo Ross were waived/injured and will revert to IR if they go unclaimed on waivers.Michel, 27, signed a one-year, $2.1 million with the Dolphins in May after spending a season with the Los Angeles Rams. He was critical for them down the stretch after taking over as the team's starter in Week 13; his 540...

August 29

NEW YORK -- Ukrainian Daria Snigur's first career win on the WTA Tour was a big one.The 20-year-old stunned No. 7 seed Simona Halep 6-2, 0-6, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open, then struggled through tears to explain what the victory meant to her family and her country during its war with Russia.Snigur wore a pin in the colors of Ukraine's flag on her chest and put her hands around it after the final point.Snigur took part last week in the "Tennis Plays for Peace" exhibition in Louis Armstrong Stadium to raise money to aid Ukraine, and she said that might have helped her nerves when she returned to the same court Monday.Halep had won 19 of her past 22 matches and recently returned to the top 10, but the two-time Grand Slam champion has struggled at the US Open throughout her career.Meanwhile, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, No. 12 Coco Gauffcruised past Leolia Jeanjean in straight sets.Third-seeded Maria Sakkari and No. 17 ...

August 29

LSUcoach Brian Kelly knows who will start at quarterback when the Tigers open the season against Florida Stateon Sunday in New Orleans. He's just not willing to say who yet."Everybody here wants to know who the quarterback is. I get that," Kelly told reporters Monday. "But I think it's a tactical advantage for us not to announce it."Kelly went on to say that Florida State having played on Saturday was an "advantage for them." The Seminoles beat Duquesne 47-7."The advantage for us is that we haven't played," Kelly said. "So it doesn't help us to give up any of our cards in that sense."Kelly won't announce whether it's Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels or sophomore Garrett Nussmeier until game day. But whoever the backup is, he said, should be ready to play."There's some great similarities between the two of them in terms of what they're able to do," Kelly said. "They both run extremely well. They both can make plays outside the pocket. And...

August 29

Notre Dameand coach Marcus Freeman are preparing for the first football game of the season against Freeman's alma mater, Ohio State, and are looking for any advantage they can get.When asked at his media availability about his team being a 17.5-point underdog on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), Freeman said he didn't know the stat but would use it for motivation this week."We'll use that in the team meeting today -- it's good to know," Freeman said. "I haven't paid much attention to the spread. But I remember the one time we were on College GameDay, I said just keep making it go up and up."Both teams are ranked as preseason top-five opponents with Ohio State at No. 2 and Notre Dame at No. 5, but the 17.5-point spread by Caesars Sportsbook is just the fourth time in the past 45 years a team has been favored by 17 or more points in an AP top-five matchup. Notre Dame faced Alabamain such an instance in the 2021 College Football Playoff semifinal when the Irish lost...

August 29

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed All-Star right-hander Tony Gonsolin on the 15-day injured list because of a right forearm strain.The Dodgers recalled right-hander Michael Grove in a corresponding move to replace Gonsolin, who was set to start Monday night's game at the Miami Marlins. Grove will now make the start in Gonsolin's place.Gonsolin has anchored the Dodgers' rotation this season, leading the National League with a 16-1 record and a 2.10 ERA. He has 116 strikeouts over 128⅓ innings, and the .169 batting average against Gonsolin is the lowest in MLB this season.The news comes less than a week after Dodgers star right-hander Walker Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, officially ending his season and likely keeping him out for 2023 as well.Grove, 25, has no decisions and a 5.79 ERA in two games (one start) for the Dodgers. He made his MLB debut on May 15 and is facing the Marlins for the first...

August 29

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh referenced the Bible and Solomon when explaining his decision to use different starting quarterbacks in the team's first two games.The eighth-ranked Wolverines will begin with Cade McNamara, who started at quarterback throughout last season, for this week's opener against Colorado State. Sophomore J.J. McCarthy will make his first career start for the Wolverines on Sept. 10 against Hawai'i. Harbaugh on Monday said both quarterbacks will see time in both games, and possibly longer."No person, that's biblical, no person knows what the future holds," Harbaugh said. "It's a process and it's going to be based on performance, but we're not going to withhold any good thing. Both have been tremendous quarterbacks. We think that both are capable of leading our team to a championship."McNamara in 2021 helped Michigan to its first outright Big Ten championship since 2003 and the team's first College Football Playoff...

August 29

Ernie Zampese, offensive coordinator for the Chargers' "Air Coryell" attack in San Diego and for the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl XXX title team, has died at the age of 86.Zampese also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots during his 24 years in the NFL.His son, Ken Zampese, is the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders."We mourn the loss of Ernie Zampese, father of QB coach Ken Zampese, and one of the most innovative offensive minds throughout his long NFL coaching career. Our hearts are with Ken and the entire Zampese family," the Commanders tweeted Monday.Ernie Zampese was recognized earlier this summer by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with an Award of Excellence.Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2006, called Zampese "one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known."He paid tribute again to...

August 29

Notre Dameand coach Marcus Freeman are preparing for the first game of the season against Freeman's alma mater, Ohio State, and are looking for any advantage they can get.When asked at his media availability about his team being a 17.5-point underdog, Freeman said he didn't know the stat but would use it for motivation this week."We'll use that in the team meeting today, it's good to know," Freeman said. "I haven't paid much attention to the spread. But, I remember the one time we were on College GameDay, I said just keep making it go up and up."Both teams are ranked as preseason top-five opponents with Ohio State at No. 2 and Notre Dame at No. 5, but the 17.5-point spread by Caesars Sportsbook is just the fourth time in the last 45 years a team has been favored by 17 or more points in an AP Top-5 matchup. Notre Dame faced Alabamain such an instance in the 2021 College Football Playoff semifinal when the Irish lost to the Crimson Tide 31-14.The Buckeyes are...

August 29

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh referenced the Bible and Solomon when explaining his decision to use different starting quarterbacks in the team's first two games.The eighth-ranked Wolverines will begin with Cade McNamara, who started at quarterback throughout last season, for this week's opener against Colorado State. Sophomore J.J. McCarthy will make his first career start for the Wolverines on Sept. 10 against Hawai'i. Harbaugh on Monday said both quarterbacks will see time in both games, and possibly longer."No person, that's biblical, no person knows what the future holds," Harbaugh said. "It's a process and it's going to be based on performance, but we're not going to withhold any good thing. Both have been tremendous quarterbacks. We think that both are capable of leading our team to a championship."McNamara in 2021 helped Michigan to its first outright Big Ten championship since 2003 and the team's first-ever College Football Playoff...

August 29

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders haven't ruled out running back Brian Robinson's return this season after the rookie was shot twice in his lower body Sunday.Robinson remained hospitalized Monday, but there's a chance he'll be discharged in the afternoon. Robinson posted a story on his Instagram page saying the surgery went well.Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said he has heard Robinson might be discharged Monday. A team official told ESPN that a Monday discharge is possible.Washington coach Ron Rivera said the team will determine whether to place Robinson on the non-football injury list after talking to doctors later Monday. Robinson would miss at least four games if the team makes that move.Rivera was among a contingent of team officials, including co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, as well as a few players, who visited Robinson on Sunday night. Robinson's aunt and uncle, an Air Force colonel stationed in the area, also were at the...

August 29

August 29

The Major League Baseball Players Association took an initial step toward unionizing the minor leagues Sunday night, sending out authorization cards that will allow minor league players to vote for an election that could make them MLBPA members."Minor leaguers represent our game's future and deserve wages and working conditions that befit elite athletes who entertain millions of baseball fans nationwide,'' players' association executive director Tony Clark said Monday in a statement. "They're an important part of our fraternity and we want to help them achieve their goals both on and off the field.''The potential unionization of more than 5,000 minor leaguers is the latest action in a yearslong effort by players who won a $185 million settlement from the league in an unpaid wages class-action lawsuit and have received housing from teams and increased pay in recent years. Minor league players, whose compensation and benefits are not collectively bargained, continue to argue for...

August 29

The Major League Baseball Players Association took an initial step toward unionizing the minor leagues Sunday night, sending out authorization cards that will allow minor league players to trigger an election that could make them MLBPA members, union executive director Tony Clark told ESPN on Sunday night.The potential unionization of the more than 5,000 minor leaguers is the latest action in a years-long effort by players who won a $185 million settlement from the league in an unpaid-wages class-action lawsuit and have received housing from teams and increased pay in recent years. Minor league players, whose compensation and benefits are not collectively bargained, continue to argue for higher salaries, which for a vast majority range from around $5,000 to $14,000. Further, the Senate Judiciary Committee has suggested it will call a hearing to explore MLB's antitrust exemption and its treatment of minor leaguers.Advocates for Minor Leaguers, the group that has spent recent years...

August 29

Minor leaguers have been sent out an authorization card from the MLBPA to allow the player's union to act as their collective bargaining representative,MLBPA executive director Tony Clark confirmed Sunday night.The move marks a monumental step for minor leaguers, who have been unable to collectively bargain for things such as their payment, housing and name, image and likeness.Clark said that player's union is moving forward because they heard from enough minor leaguers about the desire for union representation."Over the course of the last few weeks and really over the course of the last couple years has been a buildup of players offering their voices and their concerns with Advocates for Minor Leaguers continuing to echo and aggregate those voices in a way that have gotten us to this point," Clark told ESPN.In order for the MLBPA to represent minor leaguers and to trigger an election, 30% or more of players will need to vote that they want union representation. If more than...

August 29

Minor leaguers have been sent out an authorization card from the MLBPA to allow the player's union to act as their collective bargaining representative,MLBPA executive director Tony Clark confirmed Sunday night.The move marks a monumental step for minor leaguers, who have been unable to collectively bargain for things such as their payment, housing and name, image and likeness.Clark said that player's union is moving forward because they heard from enough minor leaguers about the desire for union representation."Over the course of the last few weeks and really over the course of the last couple years has been a buildup of players offering their voices and their concerns with Advocates for Minor Leaguers continuing to echo and aggregate those voices in a way that have gotten us to this point," Clark told ESPN.In order for the MLBPA to represent minor leaguers and to trigger an election, 30% or more of players will need to vote that they want union representation. If more than...

August 29

LAS VEGAS -- The Seattle Storm were on the road and down a starter to injury as they began the WNBA semifinals Sunday at No. 1 seed Las Vegas. But the Storm's other four usual starters -- all past No. 1 draft picks -- did what they have made great careers of doing best. And Seattle struck first with a 76-73 victory in Game 1 at a sold-out Michelob Ultra Arena.Guard Jewell Loyd and forward Breanna Stewart, back-to-back top picks by the Storm in 2015 and 2016, had 26 and 24 points, respectively. Both are among the most unstoppable clutch scorers in the league, and they came through again and again Sunday for Seattle.Guard Sue Bird, the team's top selection in 2002, had 12 assists and no turnovers. It was the exact number she needed to break the WNBA career playoff record for assists; Bird now has 342. She is also the career leader in regular-season assists, finishing with 3,234. Bird, who turns 42 in October, will retire at season's end.And...

August 28