CONROE, Texas (AP) — Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was arrested Thursday on a felony warrant,...

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CONROE, Texas (AP) — Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was arrested Thursday on a felony warrant, according to the Montgomery County Jail records.
This was second arrest in two months for the 34-year-old Ward. He also was arrested June 12 at his home in Magnolia, Texas, for allegedly assaulting and threatening a woman. 
It was unclear if the second arrest was related to the first.
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Ward has been on the Texans' physically unable to perform list and has not taken part in training camp. He agreed to a one-year extension through this season
If he plays for Houston, it will be Ward's third season with the team. He played his first nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
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AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nfl">https://apnews.com/hub/nfl</a>
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HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Jimmie Ward #20 of the Houston Texans lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Texans' Jimmie Ward arrested for 2nd time in 2 months

TORONTO (AP) — Ben Shelton won the National Bank Open on Thursday night for the third and biggest...

TORONTO (AP) — Ben Shelton won the National Bank Open on Thursday night for the third and biggest title of his young career, rallying to beat 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3).The 22-year-old Shelton, seeded fourth, became the first American winner in the Masters 1000 hard-court event since Andy Roddick in 2003. Shelton also won on hard courts in Tokyo in 2023 and on clay in Houston last year.“It’s a surreal feeling,” Shelton said. “It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Shelton will move up a spot to a career-high sixth in the world. He beat Khachanov a night after topping second-seeded Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American semifinal match.“I feel like it was a perfect storm for me this week,” Shelton said. “A lot of tight matches and long matches. I played some of the best tennis that I’ve played this year.”The winner had seven of his 16 aces in the third set, and ended the match by winning 14 consecutive points on serve. He held at love to force the final-set tiebreaker.“He went for his shots, trusted the work that he’s put in and he executed,” said Bryan Shelton, his father and coach. “Sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t. But it’s always nice when you can leave a tournament and hold a trophy up in your hands because it’s rare.”The 29-year-old Khachanov has seven career victories — all on hard courts. In the semifinals, he survived a match point in another third-set tiebreaker against top-seeded Alexander Zverev.“It’s a positive, a great tournament, a great run,” Khachanov said. “I had some great battles and great wins against top guys.”Top-ranked Jannik Sinner — the 2023 winner in Toronto — and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz skipped the expanded event as they prepare the U.S. Open.Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool won the all-English doubles final, saving four match points in a 6-3, 6-7 (5), 13-11 victory over Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski. The second-seeded Wimbledon champions have won 19 straight matches.___AP tennis: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennis">https://apnews.com/hub/tennis</a>

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 7 : Ben Shelton of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's singles final against Karen Khachanov on day thirteen of the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 7, 2025.

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Shelton rallies in Toronto final to win 1st Masters 1000 title

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. (AP) — Houston safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson appeared to suffer a sig...

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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. (AP) — Houston safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson appeared to suffer a significant leg injury Thursday as the Texans practiced at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.
According to reports, Gardner-Johnson tried to tackle receiver John Metchie and after making contact fell to ground and began writhing in pain. The medical staff tended to him as the team and coaches surrounded him. He was eventually helped by the medical staff to a cart while it appeared that he couldn’t put any pressure on his right leg.
Coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that he didn’t have any update on his condition, but said it was difficult to watch it happen.
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“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and doesn’t get up quickly,” he said. “I’m always nervous as a head coach anytime I see anybody hit the ground. It’s tough to watch. So, we’ll see — we’ll evaluate C.J., see where he is, but no update at this time.”
Gardner-Johnson is in his first year in Houston after he was acquired from the Eagles in March in exchange for left guard Kenyon Green. He was expected to be the team’s starting free safety after the Texans lost Eric Murray in free agency to the Jaguars.
A fourth-round pick in 2019, Gardner-Johnson tied a career high last season with six interceptions for the Eagles. He spent his first three seasons with the Saints before joining the Eagles for the 2022 season. He played for the Lions in 2023 before returning to Philadelphia last season.
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AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/NFL">https://apnews.com/NFL</a>
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 22: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. The Commanders defeated the Eagles 36-33. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

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Texans' Gardner-Johnson carted off at practice after leg injury

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could miss a big portion of the upcoming season after...

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could miss a big portion of the upcoming season after undergoing surgery Thursday for a torn ACL.The 22-year-old center-back, a mainstay in Enzo Maresca's lineups last season, sustained the knee injury early this week in pre-season training, the Premier League club said."Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase," the team said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The England international made 35 Premier League starts last season for Chelsea, which qualified for the Champions League. He also helped the team win the Club World Cup title last month — keeping Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele in check — and earlier the UEFA Conference League title.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 28: Levi Colwill #6 of Chelsea FC looks on prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Chelsea defender Colwill undergoes ACL surgery

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) — The U.S. was knocked off the top spot in FIFA’s latest women’s ranking...

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) — The U.S. was knocked off the top spot in FIFA’s latest women’s rankings by world champion Spain.Spain regained the No. 1 position despite losing to England in the final of the European Championship last month.The U.S. held the top position since August last year after winning gold at the Paris Olympics. Spain was No. 1 from December 2023 to June last year after its World Cup triumph.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The latest rankings were released by world governing body FIFA on Thursday.England, which has won back-to-back Euros and lost to Spain in the final at the 2023 World Cup, moved up one place to fourth.Brazil dropped three positions and is seventh despite successfully defending the Copa America to win its ninth continental title.Sweden and France were big movers after impressive showings at the Euros.Sweden rose three places and is third after being eliminated on penalties by England in the quarterfinals.France moved up four places to sixth after also losing in the quarterfinals.___AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a>

Spain's Mariona Caldentey (hidden) celebrates with Alexia Putellas (right) Olga Carmona (top) and team-mates after scoring their side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. Picture date: Sunday July 27, 2025.

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Spain overtakes USWNT for top spot in FIFA rankings

TORONTO (AP) — Eleventh-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia outlasted top-seeded Alexander Zverev of...

TORONTO (AP) — Eleventh-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia outlasted top-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4) on Wednesday night to reach the National Bank Open Open final.“Today was a real close one,” Khachanov said. “I was match-point down, if the ball touches the net and drops over we wouldn’t be talking now.”The 29-year-old Khachanov, a seven-time winner on the ATP Tour, will face the winner of the all-American second semifinal between second-seeded Taylor Fritz and fourth-seeded Ben Shelton.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>“I had to dig deep and lift my level," Khachanov said. “It was a very demanding, very mental, very physical match. So I’m very happy to get the win after losing some easy ones to him in recent years.”Zverev, the 2017 champion with 24 tour titles, is ranked third in the world. He ended up the top seed with top-ranked Jannik Sinner — the 2023 winner — and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz skipping the hard-court tournament.___AP tennis: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennis">https://apnews.com/hub/tennis</a>

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 6 : Karen Khachanov celebrates a point against Alexander Zverev of Germany during the men's singles semifinals on day twelve of the 2025 National Bank Open at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 6, 2025.

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Khachanov outlasts top-seeded Zverev in Toronto

Athletics reliever José Leclerc, who was shut down for the season July 25, underwent successful s...

Athletics reliever José Leclerc, who was shut down for the season July 25, underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder, the club said Wednesday.Dr. Keith Meister performed the procedure in Arlington, Texas. The A's said Leclerc, who's been on the injured list since April 23, will remain in Dallas to go through rehabilitation.Leclerc, 31, appeared in 10 games for the A's this season after signing a one-year, $10 million contract in January. He posted a 6.00 ERA with eight strikeouts over nine innings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leclerc has a career record of 12-21 and 41 saves with a 3.34 ERA in 369 1/3 innings in 360 games with 481 strikeouts since breaking in with Texas in 2016. He was with the Rangers through the 2024 season.

DENVER, CO - APRIL 04: José Leclerc #37 of the Athletics pitches in the snow during the game between the Athletics and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Athletics' Leclerc undergoes successful shoulder surgery

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies placed infielder Thairo Estrada on the 10-day injured list bec...

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies placed infielder Thairo Estrada on the 10-day injured list because of a right hamstring strain.Colorado recalled infielder Adael Amador from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday before closing out a three-game series with Toronto.Estrada has also spent time on the injured list this season with a fractured right wrist and a sprained thumb. He's batting .253 over 39 games in his first season with the Rockies.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old Amador is batting .184 with Colorado. He hit .270 with seven homers for Albuquerque.

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 2: Tanner Gordon #29 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first for an out in the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field on August 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Rockies place Estrada on IL with hamstring strain

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Jayson Tatum was at spotted practice on Wednesday - just not on a basket...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Jayson Tatum was at spotted practice on Wednesday - just not on a basketball court.The Celtics star made an appearance at the New England Patriots' joint training camp practice with the Washington Commanders.Tatum, who had surgery in May to repair the ruptured right Achilles tendon injury he suffered in Boston's Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks, was seen walking without a boot or brace.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jayson Tatum is here at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a> practice. <a href="https://t.co/DP4uRL2DGP">pic.twitter.com/DP4uRL2DGP</a>— Kayla Burton (@Kay_Breezy22) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kay_Breezy22/status/1953108172081668596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>It's a welcome sign for Tatum as he continues a rehabilitation that is expected to keep him out most - if not all - of next NBA season. Tatum mostly stood on the sideline during his appearance Wednesday, interacting with Patriots players and Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels.Tatum has been seen in multiple social media videos working out in the weight room at the Celtics’ team practice facility.Boston president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in June that the All-Star is progressing well following surgery. But asked about whether the team had put a potential timeline on Tatum’s return, Stevens was definitive that there would be no rushing the star’s recovery process.___AP NBA: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nba">https://apnews.com/nba</a>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a shot in the first quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City.

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Celtics' Tatum seen without boot or brace at Patriots training camp

ESPN announced a partnership with WWE, including the streaming rights to WrestleMania, on the hee...

ESPN announced a partnership with WWE, including the streaming rights to WrestleMania, on the heels of an agreement with the NFL.In a deal announced Wednesday, ESPN becomes the U.S. domestic home for WWE Premium Live Events. WrestleMania will be part of ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service starting in 2026.The deal comes a day after the NFL and ESPN entered into a nonbinding agreement. Under the terms, ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In addition to WestleMania, WWE’s Premium Live Events include Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank."WWE's agreement with ESPN is a pivotal moment for our millions of fans across the United States: the leader in sports entertainment partnering with the biggest brand in sports media," Nick Khan, president of WWE, said in a statement. "Bringing WWE's flagship events to ESPN's platform is tremendously exciting. We know the sky is the limit."Added Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN: "This agreement, which features the most-significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future."ESPN is expected to launch its direct-to-consumer service before the end of September. The service would give consumers access to all ESPN programs and networks for $29.99 per month.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Fans watch WrestleMania 41 Sunday at Cosm Los Angeles on April 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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ESPN announces partnership with WWE that includes streaming WrestleMania

LONDON (AP) — The rematch of British boxers Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn has been scheduled fo...

LONDON (AP) — The rematch of British boxers Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn has been scheduled for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Nov. 15, nearly seven months after their spirited first meeting.Eubank Jr. won a unanimous decision over Benn in a 12-round middleweight bout, more than 30 years after their fathers shared the ring in two memorable slugfests.Saudi sports promoter Turki Alalshikh announced the rematch Wednesday through Ring Magazine, which he owns. Eubank Jr. and Benn also posted the news on their Instagram accounts.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>On April 26, also at Tottenham, Eubank (35-3) handed Benn (23-1) his first professional loss in a brawl for bragging rights. All three judges scored the non-title fight 116-112.Their bout was originally set for 2022 but was scrapped after Benn’s voluntary urine test showed trace amounts of the fertility drug Clomiphene, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels while burning fat.Benn argued successfully that his consumption of eggs elevated his testosterone levels.At their first media face-to-face before the April fight, Eubank pulled out an egg and smacked it on Benn’s face. The British Boxing Board of Control fined him 100,000 pounds ($130,000).

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Chris Eubank and Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26, 2025 in London, England.

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Eubank, Benn reach deal for rematch Nov. 15 in London

Ever since the NFL announced it was looking to sell NFL Network and other media assets, ESPN had ...

Ever since the NFL announced it was looking to sell NFL Network and other media assets, ESPN had been seen as one of the favorites to make a deal.Nearly five years later, a framework is finally in place.The NFL announced Tuesday night that it has entered into a nonbinding agreement with ESPN. Under the terms, ESPN will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The league and ESPN still have to negotiate a final agreement and get approval from NFL owners. The agreement will also have to undergo regulatory approvals."Sometimes great things take a long time to get to the point where it's right. And we both feel that it is at this stage," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a call with The Associated Press.Along with the sale of NFL Network, the NFL and ESPN will have a second nonbinding agreement where the NFL will license to ESPN certain NFL content and other intellectual property that can be used by NFL Network and other assets that have been purchased."We have been talking about it in earnest for the last few years. But interestingly enough, we started talking about this over a decade ago but nothing really ended up happening. And we got back at it when I came back to Disney after my retirement," Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a call with the AP.What ESPN getsESPN is expected to launch its direct-to-consumer service before the end of September. The service would give cord-cutters access to all ESPN programs and networks for $29.99 per month. The addition of more NFL programming increases the value.Many viewers will receive the service for free as part of their subscription to cable, satellite and most streaming services."When I came back to Disney and assessed essentially the future of ESPN, it became clear that ESPN had to launch a bigger and more robust and digital or direct-to-consumer product, not only for the sake of ESPN's business, but for the sports fan," Iger said. "And obviously, when you start thinking about high-quality sports content, your eyes immediately head in the direction of the NFL because there's really nothing more valuable and more popular than that."NFL Network — which has nearly 50 million subscribers — would be owned and operated by ESPN and would be included in ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product.The NFL RedZone channel would be distributed by ESPN to cable and satellite operators. However, the NFL will continue to own, operate and produce the channel as well as retain the rights to distribute the channel digitally. ESPN would also get rights to the RedZone brand, meaning RedZone channels for college football and basketball or other sports could be coming in the future.NFL Fantasy Football would merge with ESPN Fantasy Football, giving ESPN the official fantasy football game of the league.NFL Network will still air seven games per season. Four of ESPN's games, including some that are in overlapping windows on Monday nights, would move to NFL Network. ESPN will license three additional games that will be carried on NFL Network.What the NFL receives (and retains)The league gets a 10% equity stake in ESPN. Aidan O’Connor, a senior vice president at the Prosek Partners marketing firm, estimates the value of that would be $2.2 billion to $2.5 billion.ESPN is currently 80% owned by ABC Inc. as an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The other 20% is owned by Hearst. Once the deal is official and approved, the breakdown of ESPN will be 72% ABC Inc., 18% Hearst and 10% NFL.This isn't the first time the league has had an equity stake in a digital or communications business. It had that in the past with Sirius Satellite Radio and SportsLine. The NFL could also have equity in the newly formed "Paramount Skydance Corporation," which owns CBS, due to the league's partnership with Skydance."This is new as far as a partner now operating a business that we built, ran and grew," said Hans Schroeder, the NFL's executive vice president of media distribution. "It'll also be a little bit new again with some of the dynamics here, but we'll continue to balance that in a really arm's length way where we'll think about how we manage and work across to all our partners."The league will continue to own and operate NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the official websites of the 32 teams, the NFL Podcast Network and the NFL FAST Channel (a free ad-supported streaming channel)."The moves align with the NFL's longstanding ambition to reach $25 billion in annual revenue by 2027 — a target first set in 2010, when league revenue stood at approximately $8.5 billion," O'Connor said. "Financially, the move also signals to investors that ESPN is doubling down on differentiation and content stickiness by offering a scarce and premium product in a crowded marketplace. Intentionally ceding equity to the NFL transforms ESPN from a media licensee into a true platform partner — with few properties rivaling the league in terms of cultural significance, appointment viewing, audience reach, and monetization efficiency."No major changes yetViewers will likely not see any immediate impacts until next year once everything is approved.Besides ESPN, the biggest winner in this could be NFL Network, which had seen reductions in original programming the past couple years. "Total Access," the network’s flagship show since its launch in 2003, ended in May 2024 amid a series of layoffs and cost-cutting moves. "Good Morning Football" also moved from New York, where it had been since its start in 2016, to Southern California last year.NFL Network moved to a broadcast facility across the street from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in 2021."The thing that's exciting for us is that we have put a lot into the network. I think it’s been very effective for fans. We know it’s in good hands," Goodell said. "They're innovative, they recognize great production and know how to produce it. They will do a fantastic job of operating the network and taking it to another level."

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 13: The ESPN Monday Night Football logo on a camera before the NFL Wild Card Playoff football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams on January 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

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ESPN is acquiring NFL Network, RedZone rights in deal giving NFL stake in network

MONTREAL, Canada (AP) — Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has spoken out about the deluge o...

MONTREAL, Canada (AP) — Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has spoken out about the deluge of hateful abuse she received online from frustrated gamblers after losing a match in Canada, including messages wishing her death and celebrating Russia killing her compatriots.Following her straight-sets loss to Naomi Osaka in the quarter-finals of the National Bank Open on Tuesday night, Svitolina posted screenshots of the messages on Instagram.The abuse was directed at her, while other racial slurs also targeted her husband, the French tennis player Gael Monfils, who is Black. One abuser hoped that Russia "kills all you (expletive) Ukrainians" in the war raging in Svitolina's country.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"To all the bettors: I'm a mum before I'm an athlete," Svitolina wrote in her Instagram story. "The way you talk to women — to mothers — is SHAMEFUL. If your mothers saw your messages, they'd be disgusted."Earlier this year, British player Katie Boulter said she received death threats during the French Open targeting her and her family, while the WTA and ITF called on betting companies to do more to stem the flood of online abuse players face on social media.Boulter told the BBC in an interview that online abuse has become the norm and that she thinks many of the messages are sent by people who are placing bets on tennis matches.Her comments coincided with the WTA and ITF publishing a first season-wide report into online abuse, showing that 458 tennis players were targeted by more than 8,000 abusive comments and posts on social media in 2024. The report said 40% of the abuse came from "angry gamblers."___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MONTREAL, CANADA - AUGUST 05: Elina Svitolina of Ukraine reacts after giving up a point against Naomi Osaka of Japan during their quarterfinals singles women's match on Day Ten of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open at IGA Stadium on August 5, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Svitolina faces hateful abuse after loss, blames 'shameful' gamblers

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton completed the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Premier Lea...

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton completed the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Premier League rival Chelsea on Wednesday.The 26-year-old midfield player joined for a reported fee of around 25 million pounds ($33 million) and has signed a five-year contract."Everton's one of the biggest clubs in the country, and I think that in the next couple of years, the future is going to be bright. It was an easy decision in the end to come here and play for this club," Dewsbury-Hall said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Everton has been busy in the transfer market this offseason, with Dewsbury-Hall the fifth major signing after Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Adam Aznou.Dewsbury-Hall established himself at Leicester before joining Chelsea in 2024. But he made only two Premier League starts last season, 19 in all competitions.He said the move to Everton had given him the "motivation and the extra determination to show everybody, to prove a point."___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 13: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Chelsea celebrates during award cerimony of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Dewsbury-Hall wants 'to prove a point' after joining Everton from Chelsea

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Aaron Judge was back in the lineup as the designated hitter for the New Y...

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Aaron Judge was back in the lineup as the designated hitter for the New York Yankees on Tuesday night following a 10-day stint on the injured list with a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow.There's still no clarity on when the All-Star slugger will return to the outfield.Judge went 0-for-3 batting third in a 2-0 loss to the Texas Rangers. Manager Aaron Boone said Judge is supposed to start a throwing program Wednesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boone all but ruled out Judge returning to the outfield as early as the next couple of days."I don't want to get ahead of myself," Boone said. "See how that first day goes. From there, we'll probably have a better idea after a day or two of that."Asked how long he thought the first throwing program would last, Judge said, "No idea. But we'll see how it goes tomorrow and hopefully I can get out there. Because we need all the big boys in the lineup."Boone said the leading hitter in the majors came away from a trip to the team's spring training facility in Tampa, Florida, ready to swing the bat — and test the capabilities of his arm."I think he's been pretty upbeat about it," Boone said. "I think down in Tampa, did a lot of things. Didn't throw, but did a lot of things in kind of preparation for that throwing. So far, so good. So hopefully when he does start that throwing program, it goes well and he can progress fairly quickly."Judge played for the first time since July 25 coming off the elbow strain. An MRI showed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament and he had a platelet-rich injection July 27, when he was placed on the IL in a move retroactive to the previous day. The first time Judge said he felt pain in the elbow was July 22 at Toronto, after he made a strong throw home when George Springer singled to right. Judge is hitting .339, still comfortably leading the majors, is tied for fourth with 37 homers and is fifth with 85 RBIs.New York has lost five in a row, and the Yankees have fallen to third place in the AL East behind Toronto and Boston. They were in first place to start July, but are six games behind the Blue Jays. They hold the second wild-card spot but are just a half-game ahead of the Rangers, who have spent most of the season under .500."We've got some work to do," Judge said. "A lot of things to clean up. But the boys in here are fired up to change all that and get things right. We’ve got a great ballclub in here. It’s a lot of mistakes all around. Some mental mistakes, some physical mistakes. We’ve got to fix them now."Judge's return was part of a bevy of roster moves, headlined by the Yankees sending reliever Jake Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre just five days after acquiring the right-hander from Colorado before the trade deadline.Bird allowed seven runs — six earned — in two innings over his first three appearances with the Yankees, capped by Josh Jung's three-run homer in the 10th inning of the Rangers’ 8-5 victory in the series opener."I think he got quite a bit of work there in the first half, a lot of success," Boone said. "And he's had some struggles lately. We still think really highly of him and think he’s not only going to help us this year in the short term but certainly in the long term, too. So hopefully this is something that does give him that little bit of a reset."The Yankees put newly acquired outfielder Austin Slater on the IL with a left hamstring strain. Slater, traded by the Chicago White Sox last week, exited in the second inning Monday night after running out a fielder's choice grounder.New York also activated right-hander Mark Leiter Jr., who has been out almost a month with a stress fracture in his leg. Right-hander Yerry de los Santos was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and right-hander JT Brubaker was designated for assignment.Giancarlo Stanton, who has been the Yankees' starting DH for all of his 32 games this season, was displaced by Judge in the lineup. His 10th homer was a two-run shot in the fourth Monday that gave the Yankees a 5-4 lead over the Rangers. He missed the first 70 games of the season with inflammation in the tendons of both elbows.Stanton was the potential tying run as a pinch-hitter in the ninth Tuesday night, but grounded into a double play started by a diving stop from Texas shortstop Corey Seager."That’s the tough part," Boone said before the game. "G's been in such a good place now for really most of the time he's been back. Just feel like he's putting together real consistent at-bats where he's a real threat all the time. That'll be tough to navigate these first few days."

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone and Aaron Judge #99 look on during batting practice prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Judge: Yankees need to fix mistakes now

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Athletics' Shea Langeliers has become the fourth catcher to have two three-...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Athletics' Shea Langeliers has become the fourth catcher to have two three-homer games after belting three against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. Langeliers hit in the leadoff spot for the first time and cashed in quickly, homering off MacKenzie Gore to open the game. After a single and a groundout, Langeliers led off the fifth with another homer off Orlando Ribalta.Langeliers hit another leadoff homer in the seventh off Andry Lara, joining Johnny Bench, Gary Carter and Travis d'Arnaud as the only catchers to have two career three-homer games. Langeliers joins d'Arnaud as the only catchers in major league history to have a three-homer game from the leadoff spot and has 22 on the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shea Langeliers THREE-HOMER GAME! 😳 <a href="https://t.co/gMgxfGbbaz">pic.twitter.com/gMgxfGbbaz</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1952895008157081732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Langeliers also is third catcher in the last 120 years to have three homers and at least five hits in a game, joining Yasmani Grandal (2016), Victor Martinez (2004) and Walker Cooper (1949).Langeliers also hit three homers on April 9, 2024, in a 4-3 win at Texas. The 27-year-old added a double in the eighth inning and is 5 for 6 with three RBIs, four runs scored and 15 total bases. The hits and runs are both career highs.The A's had a season-high 24 hits in the 16-7 win over Washington.___AP MLB: <a href="https://apnews.com/MLB">https://apnews.com/MLB</a>

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 05: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics celebrates in front of Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals after hitting a double during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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A's Langeliers joins elite list of catchers with 2nd career 3-HR game

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Storm acquired All-Star guard Brittney Sykes from the Washington Mysti...

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Storm acquired All-Star guard Brittney Sykes from the Washington Mystics on Tuesday for Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke and a first-round pick in the 2026 draft.Sykes averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals for the Mystics this season to earn her first All-Star selection. She'll join a strong lineup that features Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor. Seattle (16-13) is currently in sixth place in the standings.Clark has played more than 300 games for the Storm in two stints with the team and helped the franchise win two WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This season she's averaging just 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds. Clark has been impactful off the court over the years in the city starting the organization’s annual toy drive benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital.Cooke averaged just over 10 minutes a game this season and has shot a career-best 38.2% from behind the 3-point arc. She was the No. 10 pick in the 2023 draft by Los Angeles. She spent two seasons there before coming to Seattle.Washington (13-15) is a game out of the playoffs at the moment.The league's trade deadline is Thursday.___AP WNBA: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball</a>

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 3: Brittney Sykes #20 of the Washington Mystics looks on during the game against the Atlanta Dream on August 3, 2025 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Storm acquire Sykes from Mystics for Clark, Cooke, 1st-round pick

PORTO, Portugal (AP) — Jorge Costa, who captained Porto to the 2004 Champions League title, died ...

PORTO, Portugal (AP) — Jorge Costa, who captained Porto to the 2004 Champions League title, died Tuesday of cardiac arrest, the club said. He was 53.Costa, a central defender who made 50 international appearances for Portugal, was Porto's director of football at the time of his death.The club's said in its announcement that Costa embodied Porto's values: "dedication, leadership, passion, and an unwavering spirit of conquest."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Portuguese media reported that Costa sustained cardiac arrest at the club's training center and was transported to Sao Joao Hospital.Costa's finest achievement in his playing career was as captain of Jose Mourinho's Porto team that was a surprise winner of the Champions League in 2004. A year earlier, he lifted the second-tier UEFA Cup.Costa also helped Porto win eight Portuguese league titles.He spent a short period on loan at English team Charlton in the 2001-02 season."To hear of a life taken at 53 is never nice to hear, but he's a former teammate who had such a great standing in the game and captained a Champions League winning side," said Steve Brown, chair of Charlton's ex-players' association. "He was loved at Charlton, a man mountain of a player and a great guy too."___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FC Porto's Jorge Costa organizes his defence

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Jorge Costa, Champions League-winning captain of Porto, dies at 53

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs has undergone a surgical procedure...

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs has undergone a surgical procedure on his knee that will keep him out of training camp for now.Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday he didn’t want to speculate on when Hobbs might return. <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/source-packers-cornerback-nate-hobbs-has-knee-surgery">Green Bay Packers on SI</a> first reported Hobbs’ injury and said he could return in about three weeks.“I’m not going to put a timetable on it, but, unfortunately, he had to have something cleaned up,” LaFleur said. “We’re hoping to get him back here sooner than later.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hobbs didn’t practice on Friday or Saturday. LaFleur said he believed the injury occurred during a collision in training camp.The Packers signed Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million contract in March after he spent his first four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 26-year-old Hobbs started 38 games, forced three fumbles and intercepted three passes during his time in Las Vegas.Hobbs is expected to help the Packers absorb the loss of two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, who <a href="https://apnews.com/article/green-bay-packers-5d88c8484aa7be7be1dff543ab5b5d8d">got released</a> in June and has since signed with the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-jaire-alexander-lamar-jackson-33cbfdc030e94b440e6cb0c873d5b6a7">Baltimore Ravens.</a> The Packers entered training camp with Keisean Nixon, Hobbs and Carrington Valentine as their top three cornerbacks.The Packers have attempted to boost their cornerback depth by having wide receiver <a href="https://apnews.com/article/green-bay-packers-b1fbede003a080b8d8e1925380c22265">Bo Melton</a> work primarily on defense in training camp. They also added a familiar face Monday by signing <a href="https://apnews.com/article/green-bay-packers-83eddef82442f1204e7359efbcec87b3">Corey Ballentine,</a> three days after the Indianapolis Colts released him.Ballentine, 29, made seven starts and appeared in 37 regular-season games and three playoff contests with the Packers from 2022-24. He contributed primarily on special teams last season.“(He’s) a guy that’s got experience and knows our system not only on defense but on ‘we-fense,’" LaFleur said, referring to the nickname the Packers have for special teams. “Really excited to see him.”___AP NFL: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/NFL">https://apnews.com/hub/NFL</a>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 29: Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on December 29, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Packers' Hobbs remains out of practice after knee procedure

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona has opened a disciplinary proceeding against Marc-Andre ter Stegen saying...

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona has opened a disciplinary proceeding against Marc-Andre ter Stegen saying the goalkeeper refused to sign a medical report about his back injury, according to a person with knowledge of the proceeding.The person who spoke to the The Associated Press on Tuesday did not want to be named because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly.The club needed Ter Stegen to sign the report so it could be sent to the Spanish league in order to clear some salary-cap space and more easily register other players without breaching financial fair play rules.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the club and the goalkeeper are at odds about the recovery time for the surgery that took place last week to deal with recurring lower back ailments.Ter Stegen said ahead of the surgery that the recovery time would be about three months. The club did not give an official timetable for the recovery process, saying only that the operation was "successful" and that "his recovery will determine when he can return."Depending on the length of the recovery process, Barcelona could clear a percentage of Ter Stegen's salary from its cap, making more room to add other players to the squad.The club signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in June. Its other goalkeepers are veteran Wojciech Szczesny and Inaki Pena.The league has to evaluate the report before approving the official time of recovery.Ter Stegen, one of the team's captains, did not immediately speak publicly after Barcelona said it opened the disciplinary proceeding. He and the club had been expected to meet to discuss the situation in the coming days.The 33-year-old German goalkeeper missed nearly all of last season because of a tendon rupture in his knee, and in 2023 he missed about two months because of another back operation. Pena and the 35-year-old Szczesny started in place of Ter Stegen during his knee injury.It wasn't clear what type of sanction Ter Stegen was facing for not signing the report.Barcelona, the defending Spanish league champion, arrived back in Spain on Tuesday after completing a preseason tour in Asia.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 25: Marc Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at Estadio de San Mames on May 25, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.

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Report: Barca punishing Ter Stegen for refusing to sign medical report

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