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

The Phoenix Suns lost their preseason opener at home to a hot-shooting Adelaide 36ers team from Australia's National Basketball League 134-124 on Sunday night.The Suns, whose last game at Footprint Center was a 33-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, became the first team to lose a preseason game against a non-NBA team since the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 against Real Madrid. Current Mavs superstar Luka Doncic played on that Real Madrid team, scoring 3 points in his squad's 142-137 overtime victory against OKC.The 36ers -- who normally play at the FIBA 3-point line, about 18 inches closer than the NBA's -- shot 24-of-43 from long distance. They were led by Craig Randall, who played briefly at the University of Memphis and then at Tennessee-Martin before a stop in the G League, and Robert Franks, who combined for 67 points and 15 triples between them.Randall connected on 13 of 21...

October 03

ATLANTA -- Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered for the third straight game, Travis d'Arnaud hit a go-ahead two-run single in the third inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 5-3 on Sunday night to win a critical tiebreaker in their season series.The defending World Series champion Braves swept the three-game series and moved two games ahead of New York in the National League East. Any combination of one Atlanta win or one Mets loss would give the Braves their fifth straight division title."It's a clubhouse full of guys who want to win," Olson said. "That's all it's been since the moment I walked in. That's No. 1 on the program."New York will play its final games of the season against the visiting Washington Nationals, who are last in the division. Atlanta will play at the Miami Marlins. Both series start Monday.Should the season end Wednesday in a tie, Atlanta would take the NL East because it...

October 02

Wisconsin fired football coach Paul Chryst on Sunday after the team's 2-3 start.Athletic director Chris McIntosh said in a news conference Sunday night that he met with Chryst in the morning and had an extensive discussion with him, leading to the decision to make a change."It's a big decision and it's got implications that are not lost on me, but really, really thankful to have been able to work side by side with Coach Chryst through some incredibly exhilarating, positive moments, and some tough ones like today," McIntosh said.Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will serve as interim coach.McIntosh, Chryst and Leonhard met with the players Sunday night to inform them of the change."It's my role to have the position of our program always on my mind," McIntosh said. "We just reached a point where today I felt was the right time to make that decision. It's not one I take lightly; it's an incredibly tough day for us all. But I'm incredibly optimistic that today is the first day...

October 02

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aaron Rodgers didn't figure he would play another terrible half on Sunday against the New England Patriots, and the Green Bay Packers quarterback was right.And Packers coach Matt LaFleur hopes he doesn't make what he called "the worst decision of the day" again when it comes to an ill-advised replay challenge.They got away with it -- just barely -- in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win against the Patriots at Lambeau Field. But had they not been facing a third-string rookie quarterback in Bailey Zappe for most of the game, they might not have."This way of winning, I don't think, is sustainable because it puts too much pressure on our defense," Rodgers said. "And obviously, I've got to play better and will play better."While fully appreciating that he is fortunate for his team to be 3-1 heading into next Sunday's game against the New York Giants in London, Rodgers did not shy away from the reality of what...

October 02

LAS VEGAS -- Broncos running back Javonte Williams was taken to the locker room on a cart after he suffered a right knee injury in Sunday's 32-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.Williams, who entered the game as the Broncos' leader in carries and rushing yards, stayed down on the field after a 1-yard loss on the first play of the second half. Athletic trainers checked his right knee before he was helped to the injury tent on the Broncos' sideline.Williams was not able to put his full weight on his leg as he was helped to the sideline. A few minutes later he was taken to the Broncos' locker room on a cart and ruled out for the remainder of the game.Williams left the Broncos locker room in Allegiant Stadium on crutches as some of his teammates offered quiet encouragement. Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said Williams will be sent for an MRI on Monday morning."We're still evaluating,'' Hackett said. " ... We want to be sure we get MRIs and get a...

October 02

PITTSBURGH -- Quarterback Zach Wilson's season debut included a historic touchdown catch, a two-quarter slump that nearly doomed the New York Jets and the biggest fourth-quarter comeback of his young career."That was an ugly win, but that was some of the most fun I've had playing football," Wilson said Sunday after a 24-20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.It was a wild game.The Jets led by 10 points in the first quarter and trailed by 10 in the fourth, but Wilson rallied them with 81- and 65-yard touchdown drives on their final two possessions to pull out their second come-from-behind win on the road. Wilson returned to the huddle after a preseason knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 16. With only three days of full practice, he was predictably rusty (18-for-36, 252 yards, two interceptions), but he made several clutch throws in the fourth quarter.Sunday's game was the first time since 1988 that the...

October 02

Wisconsin fired coach Paul Chryst on Sunday after the team's 2-3 start.Athletic director Chris McIntosh said in a news conference Sunday night that he met with Chryst in the morning and had an extensive discussion with him, leading to the decision to make a change."It's a big decision and it's got implications that are not lost on me, but really, really thankful to have been able to work side by side with Coach Chryst through some incredibly exhilarating, positive moments, and some tough ones like today," McIntosh said.Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will serve as interim coach.McIntosh, Chryst and Leonhard met with the players Sunday night to inform them of the change."It's my role to have the position of our program always on my mind," McIntosh said. "We just reached a point where today I felt was the right time to make that decision. It's not one I take lightly; it's an incredibly tough day for us all. But I'm incredibly optimistic that today is the first day of the...

October 02

Wisconsin has fired coach Paul Chryst after the team's 2-3 start.Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season. The decision came Sunday, a day after Wisconsin lost 34-10 to Illinois, coached by former Badgers coach Bret Bielema. Wisconsin also fell 52-21 to Ohio State on Sept. 24, one of its worst losses in recent memory, and fell 17-14 at home against Washington State on Sept. 10 as a heavy favorite.Chryst, 56, finishes 67-26 in seven-plus seasons at Wisconsin, his alma mater. He won 10 games or more in four of his first five seasons with the Badgers, winning a Cotton Bowl and and an Orange Bowl, and three Big Ten West Division titles. But the program fell off beginning in 2020, going 4-3, before a slow start to the 2021 season, in which the Badgers finished 9-4.According to Chryst's contract, Wisconsin will owe him $16.4 million if he is fired without cause, although a different settlement could be negotiated. Wisconsin's...

October 02

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Down to rookie Bailey Zappe-- their third and final quarterback -- the New England Patriots took the Green Bay Packers to the end of overtime before falling 27-24 at Lambeau Field on Sunday.The Patriots improbably had a chance to win in overtime, stopping quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the opening possession and taking over at their 49-yard line.But they went three-and-out and Rodgers drove the Packers 12 plays, from their own 10-yard line, to set up Mason Crosby's 31-yard winning field goal with the clock hitting zero."In the end, Rodgers was just too good," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He made some throws that only Rodgers could make. ... I thought Bailey competed well."Veteran Patriots backup Brian Hoyer, who started in place of the injured Mac Jones, was knocked out on the second series after taking a hard hit on a sack. Hoyer was evaluated for a head injury, and at the start of the second...

October 02

LAS VEGAS -- Broncos running back Javonte Williams was taken to the locker room on a cart after he suffered a right knee injury in Sunday's 32-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.Williams, who entered the game as the Broncos' leader in carries and rushing yards, stayed down on the field after a 1-yard loss on the first play of the second half. Athletic trainers checked his right knee before he was helped to the injury tent on the Broncos' sideline.Williams was not able to put his full weight on his leg as he was helped to the sideline. A few minutes later he was taken to the Broncos' locker room on a cart and ruled out for the remainder of the game. He left the locker room on crutches afterward.Outside linebacker Randy Gregory also went down in the second half with a knee injury and did not return.Coach Nathaniel Hackett said both Williams and Gregory will get MRIs on Monday morning.Mike Boone replaced Williams in the Broncos' lineup...

October 02

Wisconsin has fired coach Paul Chryst after the team's 2-3 start, sources told ESPN.Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season, sources said. The decision came Sunday, a day after Wisconsin lost 34-10 to Illinois, coached by former Badgers coach Bret Bielema. Wisconsin also fell 52-21 to Ohio State on Sept. 24, one of its worst losses in recent memory, and fell 17-14 at home against Washington State on Sept. 10 as a heavy favorite.Chryst, 56, finishes 67-26 in seven-plus seasons at Wisconsin, his alma mater. He won 10 games or more in four of his first five seasons with the Badgers, winning a Cotton Bowl and and an Orange Bowl, and three Big Ten West Division titles. But the program fell off beginning in 2020, going 4-3, before a slow start to the 2021 season, in which the Badgers finished 9-4.According to Chryst's contract, Wisconsin will owe him $16.4 million if he is fired without cause, although a different settlement...

October 02

NEW YORK -- The hunt for home run No. 62 continues for Aaron Judge.To the disappointment of Yankees fans who attended the team's weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles, the slugger didn't hit his 62nd homer of the season, collecting just one hit in 13 plate appearances, with five strikeouts and five walks."It would have been nice to hit it at home in front of the home fans, but at the end of the day, I've got a job to do," Judge said. "We've got to get ready for the postseason, but the season is not over yet."The anticipation for a potential American League record-breaking home run felt palpable all weekend. Whenever Judge approached the plate, fans at Yankee Stadium stood up and cheered before a silence fell over the crowd right before pitchers began throwing toward the plate. Fans booed every ball thrown by Orioles pitchers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday."I think it's been a lot," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I don't know that it's...

October 02

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh defended his decision to go for a touchdown instead of the go-ahead field goal late in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills and downplayed the emotional sideline outburst with cornerback Marcus Peters that ensued afterward."I felt like it gave us the best chance to win the game because seven [points], the worst that happens is if they go down the field and score -- and I think we'll get them stopped -- but if they go down the field and score a touchdown, the worst thing that can happen is you're in overtime," Harbaugh said.While every player who spoke afterward supported Harbaugh's decision, Peters showed his displeasure by shouting at him on the sideline as the Bills lined up for the winning field goal. After the two exchanged words, Peters had to be pulled away by an assistant coach, and he threw his helmet in frustration. Peters had left the locker room by the time reporters...

October 02

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro -- the 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year -- has agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract extension, his agents, Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of Excel Sports, told ESPN on Sunday.After averaging 20.7 points a season ago, Herro, 22, lands an annual salary worth over $30 million for his rookie scale extension ahead of the Oct. 17 deadline for members of the 2019 NBA draft class.The deal includes $120 million guaranteed with incentives that can bring the contract to a full $130 million, sources said.Herro -- chosen 13th overall -- is the sixth first-round player in the draft class to agree on a rookie extension. That list includes the top three picks: New Orleans' Zion Williamson, Memphis' Ja Morant and New York's RJ Barrett.Herro is a cornerstone player for the Heat's championship aspirations, joining Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler as $100 million-plus players on the Heat's...

October 02

LAS VEGAS -- Broncos running back Javonte Williams was taken to the locker room on a cart Sunday after he suffered a right knee injury on Denver's first play of the second half.Williams, who entered the game as the Broncos' leader in carries and rushing yards, stayed down on the field after a 1-yard loss. Athletic trainers checked his right knee before he was helped to the injury tent on the Broncos' sideline.Williams was not able to put his full weight on his leg as he was helped to the sideline. A few minutes later he was taken to the Broncos' locker room on a cart and ruled out for the remainder of the game.The Broncos trailed the Raiders 19-16 at the time.Mike Boone replaced Williams in the Broncos' lineup on that drive. Melvin Gordon III had split time with Williams over the first three games of the season, but Gordon fumbled in the second quarter and the Raiders' Amik Robertson returned it 68 yards for a touchdown.It was Gordon's...

October 02

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers made the long-anticipated quarterback change Sunday, benching Mitch Trubisky at halftime in favor of rookie Kenny Pickett at Acrisure Stadium. The result was a 24-20 loss to the New York Jets and a huge quarterback dilemma for coach Mike Tomlin.Tomlin was noncommittal on his Week 5 starter, creating the potential for a permanent switch to Pickett, who sparked the Steelers (1-3) in the third quarter before throwing two interceptions in the final 3 minutes, 34 seconds of the game."I'm not going to talk extended as we sit here," Tomlin said after his team blew a 20-10 lead in its second straight loss at home. "We did what we needed to do to put ourselves in position to win the game. We'll do it again. But I'd like to just keep it where we were in terms of what transpire here today. We'll deal with next week, next week."Tomlin said he made the switch because "we needed a spark. We didn't do much in the first half,...

October 02

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, who was starting in place of the injured Mac Jones, was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers on the second series after taking a hard hit on a sack.Hoyer was evaluated for a head injury, and at the start of the second quarter, the team announced he wouldn't return.Rookie Bailey Zappe, the fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky, took over for Hoyer.The Patriots don't have any other quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. One of their emergency options, receiver Jakobi Meyers, is inactive for Sunday's game due to a knee injury.On the play Hoyer was injured, Packers linebacker Rashan Gary surged off the edge against right tackle Isaiah Wynn and barreled into the 36-year-old QB.Hoyer went into the pop-up blue medical tent on the sideline and, after about five minutes, emerged from the tent and walked to the locker room for...

October 02

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols hit his 702nd career homer in the third inning of Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Piratesin St. Louis.Pujols drove a 0-1 pitch from Roansy Contreras deep to center for a solo shot.The 42-year-old Pujols is now fourth on the career home run list behind Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762). The slugger has 23 homers in what he says will be his final season.Pujols hit a two-run double in the first inning. He has 2,214 career RBIs, which ranks second all time behind Aaron's 2,297; Ruth unofficially drove in 2,214 runs as well but many were not counted because the statistic was not recognized by baseball until 1920.Pujols and catcher Yadier Molina, who also is retiring, were honored in a 46-minute ceremony before their final regular-season home game.The pair was given gifts from the team, including a set of golf clubs, a silver plate and one-of-a-kind artist drawings of each player. The two...

October 02

Coloradofired football coach Karl Dorrell on Sunday in the wake of the Buffaloes' 0-5 start to the 2022 season, the university announced Sunday.The school also dismissed defensive coordinator Chris Wilson.Offensive coordinator Mike Sanford will serve as interim coach, the school announced. Sanford is the former head coach at Western Kentucky, where he went 9-16 in two seasons (2017-18).Defensive line coach Gerald Chatman was named the interim defensive coordinator.Dorrell will receive approximately $8.7 million in a buyout, the school said."I want to thank Karl for his hard work in leading our program since 2020," athletic director Rick George said in a statement. "Ultimately, however, the results on the field just did not measure up to our expectations and standards, which made it necessary for us to make this change at this time. It was an extremely difficult decision and I wish Karl all of the best in his future endeavors."Colorado's latest loss was a...

October 02

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones left Sunday's 20-12 win over the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury and returned only because backup Tyrod Taylor was forced from the contest when he was evaluated for a concussion.Jones was injured on a third-quarter sack, with his left ankle appearing to get caught under Bears safety Jaquan Brisker. Jones remained in the game for the remainder of the series (two running plays), but the decision was made to pull him from the contest.Jones tried to run sprints on the sideline under the supervision of the medical staff. He was noticeably limping and temporarily removed from the game. The Giants considered his return questionable at the time.After Taylor took a big hit while running for a first down in the fourth quarter, Jones was forced to return. The Giants, however, did not allow him to throw a pass for the remainder of the contest.Jones ran for a pair...

October 02

BALTIMORE -- Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie did not return to the team's 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens after being placed in the concussion protocol Sunday.Wide receiver is now a position of concern for the Bills. Fellow slot receiver Jamison Crowder was carted off the field with a towel on his head and his left leg in an air cast. He also did not return after suffering the ankle injury. Wide receiver Jake Kumerow was not active Sunday after suffering a high ankle injury in the Bills' Week 3 loss to the Miami Dolphins.Only three other Buffalo wide receivers -- Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and rookie Khalil Shakir-- were active.McKenzie suffered his injury in the third quarter after catching an 8-yard pass over the middle on third down. Multiple defenders were near McKenzie to make the tackle, and teammates immediately called over the athletic training staff to look at the...

October 02

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones left Sunday's 20-12 win over the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury and returned only because backup Tyrod Taylor was forced from the contest when he was evaluated for a concussion.Jones was injured on a third-quarter sack. His left ankle looked to get caught under Bears safety Jaquan Brisker. He remained in the game for the remainder of the series (two running plays), but the decision was made to pull him from the contest.Jones tried to run sprints on the sideline under the supervision of the medical staff. He was noticeably limping and temporarily removed from the game. The Giants considered his return questionable at the time.After Taylor took a big hit while running for a first down in the fourth quarter, Jones was forced to return. The Giants, however, did not allow him to throw a pass for the remainder of the contest.Jones ran for a pair of...

October 02

SEATTLE -- Justin Hollander just completed eight days of his baseball career that will be tough to forget.The executive with the Seattle Mariners finished off a massive contract extension with staff pitching ace Luis Castillo last weekend. On Friday night, he was jumping into the arms and hugging everyone associated with the Mariners after Seattle clinched a playoff spot and ended the longest playoff drought in baseball.And Sunday, the Mariners announced Hollander was being promoted to general manager, making official many of the responsibilities he has taken on over the past several years with the club."It's been a great and incredible week, and this is obviously the cherry on top for me personally," Hollander said Sunday.Hollander, 44, said discussions about the promotion picked up in the past couple of weeks when team chairman John Stanton and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto approached him about the idea.It was the continuation of talks that...

October 02

Coloradofired head coach Karl Dorrell on Sunday in the wake of the Buffaloes' 0-5 start to the 2022 season, the university announced Sunday.The school also dismissed defensive coordinator Chris Wilson.Offensive coordinator Mike Sanford will serve as interim coach, the school announced. Sanford is the former head coach at Western Kentucky, where he went 9-16 in two seasons (2017-18).Defensive line coach Gerald Chatman was named the interim defensive coordinator."I want to thank Karl for his hard work in leading our program since 2020," athletic director Rick George said in a statement. "Ultimately, however, the results on the field just did not measure up to our expectations and standards, which made it necessary for us to make this change at this time. It was an extremely difficult decision and I wish Karl all of the best in his future endeavors."Colorado's latest loss was a 43-20 defeat to Arizona on Saturday. The 23-point loss was the closest game Colorado has played...

October 02

Terry Bradshaw announced Sunday that he has battled cancer two times in the last year.Bradshaw, the Hall of Fame quarterback who is an analyst on Fox's NFL pregame show, discussed his conditions and treatments on the air, referring to an incident that occurred last Sunday in the studio."Last week on this show, I ran out of breath, and Howie [Long] helped me up. And a lot of people are asking what's wrong with me, what's happened to me physically," Bradshaw said. "I just want to address it and let you know what has happened in my life. In November, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I went to the Yale University Medical Center -- surgery, treatment. As of today, I am bladder cancer free. That's the good news."Then in March, feeling good. I had a bad neck. I get an MRI. Now, we find a tumor in my left neck. And it's a Merkel cell tumor, which is a rare form of skin cancer. So I had that surgery done at M.D. Anderson in Houston."Folks, I may not look like my old self, but I...

October 02

Colorado has fired head coach Karl Dorrell in the wake of the Buffaloes' 0-5 start to the 2022 season, sources told ESPN.The school also dismissed defensive coordinator Chris Wilson, per sources. The two coaches were informed Sunday.Offensive coordinator Mike Sanford will serve as interim coach, according to sources. Sanford is the former head coach at Western Kentucky, where he went 9-16 in two seasons (2017-18).Gerald Chatman is expected to be named the interim defensive coordinator, according to a source.Colorado's latest loss was a 43-20 defeat to Arizona on Saturday. The 23-point loss was the closest game Colorado has played so far this season. TCU trounced Colorado 38-13 in the opener, and the Buffaloes haven't really been competitive in any games.Dorrell was in his third season at Colorado. He went 4-8 last year after a solid debut (3-1) during the COVID-19 season of 2020. Colorado suffered significant losses before this season to the transfer portal.Dorrell...

October 02

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, making his season debut after back surgery, was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans after suffering a concussion in the second quarter.Leonard was injured in a collision with teammate Zaire Franklin when the two players converged on tight end Chig Okonkwo, with Leonard taking a shot to the head in the process. Leonard went down and remained on the ground for a few moments before being helped to his feet and taken immediately to the locker room. He appeared to be holding a towel over his face as he left the field, perhaps suggesting a facial injury.Leonard had been recovering from back surgery since June and finally returned to the lineup Sunday after making steady progress in recent weeks.He finished the game with two tackles in the 24-17 loss.Leonard's injury comes ahead of a short week for the Colts. Indianapolis plays at Denver on Thursday...

October 02

PITTSBURGH -- Trailing at halftime on a lackluster performance by their offense, the Steelers made an inevitable move at quarterback Sunday, replacing Mitch Trubisky with rookie Kenny Pickett.The crowd at Acrisure Stadium roared with approval when Pickett, drafted 20th overall, trotted onto the field for the Steelers' first possession in the second half against the New York Jets, who held a 10-6 lead. Energized by Pickett, the Steelers scored 20 unanswered points to take a 20-10 lead before allowing two fourth-quarter touchdowns and losing 24-20.Pickett's first NFL pass ended with an interception, a long throw to wide receiver Chase Claypool that was picked off by safety Jordan Whitehead. Pickett scored his first NFL touchdown on his second series, converting a quarterback sneak on third-and-goal from the 1-yard line.Pickett rushed for another touchdown but threw three interceptions, including on a Hail Mary to seal the...

October 02

Minnesota Vikings rookie safety Lewis Cine will undergo surgery in London to repair a fractured left leg suffered during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, coach Kevin O'Connell said.Cine will remain in the United Kingdom until doctors determine it is safe for him to fly back to Minnesota.O'Connell choked back tears in announcing the details of Cine's injury, which occurred with 1:08 remaining in the first quarter of the Vikings' 28-25 victory. While he was blocking on a punt return, Cine's leg bent unnaturally on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium playing surface, which is transitioned from grass to artificial turf for NFL games.Cine was immediately fitted with an air cast and taken off the field on a cart."Very tough moment for our team," O'Connell said. "[Cine is] obviously a guy that, from Day 1, has been a personal favorite of mine and does everything we've asked. He was continuing to progress in his rookie year and really had a dynamic role...

October 02

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt tweeted Sunday, hours before he was set to play against the Carolina Panthers, that he went into atrial fibrillation Wednesday and had to have his heart shocked back into rhythm Thursday.He sent the tweet at 12:14 p.m. ET. The Cardinals were set to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET.Watt, who is in his second season with the Cardinals, said he will play against Carolina. He was not among the inactive players announced by the Cardinals before the game.He said he tweeted the information because the news of his heart condition and the procedure was leaked.Watt missed practice Wednesday and Thursday for what the Cardinals listed as "calf/illness" on their injury report.According to the Cleveland Clinic, atrial fibrillation is "an irregular heart rhythm that begins in your heart's upper chambers."

October 02

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard is active for Sunday's home game against the Tennessee Titans, meaning the All-Pro is set to make his 2022 debut after recovering from offseason back surgery.Leonard's rehabilitation ends a years-long battle with ankle and leg pain that was, doctors finally discovered, caused partly by nerve issues originating in Leonard's back. The recovery from the back surgery lingered, but Leonard returns just in time for an important AFC South matchup.The Colts' defense is coming off a strong performance in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, and the addition of Leonard figures to be a boost. Leonard was a big reason the Colts were second in the NFL in turnovers in 2021, producing four interceptions, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries on his own.Through three games, the Colts have produced three turnovers, after forcing nearly two per game last season (33 in 17 games).Leonard isn't...

October 02

Jeff Sims threw for one touchdown and ran for another as Georgia Tech, less than a week after seeing its coach and athletic director fired, upset No. 24 Pittsburgh 26-21 on Saturday night.Georgia Tech let athletic director Todd Stansbury and coach Geoff Collins go on Monday, two days after a 27-10 loss to UCF that dropped the Yellow Jackets to 1-3 on the season.Collins was in his fourth season as coach, and the loss to the Knights last week was the Yellow Jackets' ninth straight to FBS opponents dating to last season.But interim coach Brent Key rallied the troops as the Yellow Jackets (2-3, 1-1 ACC) authored their best performance of the season. Though they amassed only 17 first downs and 334 total yards, they possessed the ball for 31:04 in the rain in Pittsburgh and churned out a victory as 21.5-point underdogs."I've known these guys have had it in them all along, and we just needed to get them on the same page," Key said in his postgame,...

October 02

TEMECULA, Calif. -- The day after last season mercifully came to an end for the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook was asked about LeBron James and Anthony Davis repeatedly stating over the course of the year their intent to "let Russ be Russ" in pursuit of team success."Yeah," Westbrook replied bluntly during his exit interview with reporters, "but that wasn't true."With the first week of training camp in the books as James, Davis and Westbrook near their second season together, that approach has been tweaked.Westbrook is empowered to get his, but so are James and Davis when it comes to getting theirs. No more worrying about stepping on each other's toes; if there's a play to make, go make it."I think the biggest thing was everybody trying to be selfless and now everybody is being aggressive," Davis said after practice Saturday at Pechanga Reservation in front of about 200 reservation residents invited as guests. "'Russ, you get it, go.'...

October 02

Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be interviewed early this week in the NFL and NFL Players Association's joint investigation of the injured Miami Dolphins quarterback's quick return to last weekend's game against the Buffalo Bills, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The league and players' association indicated Saturday that their review is ongoing while adding they agree that "modifications to the concussion protocol are needed to enhance player safety."A league official told Schefter that the investigation is expected to last another week or two, and the results will be announced "almost immediately after."Tagovailoa is expected to return to the Dolphins' facility Monday, sources told Schefter, as he continues to go through the concussion protocol after the head injury that forced him to leave Thursday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Images of Tagovailoa's brain are being sent to three independent doctors to obtain as many opinions as possible...

October 02

Los Angeles Chargerspass-rusher Joey Bosa is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with a groin tear, sources told ESPN.Bosa had surgery Thursday -- one day after being placed on injured reserve -- for the same injury that his brother Nick Bosa suffered at Ohio State.Chargers coach Brandon Staley said this past week that Bosa is "not returning in the near future" but that the four-time Pro Bowler is "optimistic and ready to attack it."Even if Bosa is able to return later this season, he likely will not continue operating as a topflight edge rusher given the timeline by which a player's performance is expected to return after a surgery like Bosa's.Without Bosa, the Chargers will turn to Chris Rumph II and linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who has played the edge. The Chargers also claimed Derrek Tuszka on waivers this past week.Bosa has 1.5 sacks in three games this season and has 59.5 career sacks in seven seasons with the Chargers, who...

October 02

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who had the stitch removed from his surgically repaired thumb and began throwing a football this past week, is eyeing next Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams for a possible return, sources told ESPN.The Cowboys want to make sure that Prescott is as close to 100% healthy as possible and could push back his return until Week 6 against the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, sources said.If Cooper Rush continues to play well Sunday against the Washington Commanders and the Cowboys continue winning with the veteran backup under center, it would buy Dallas even more time for Prescott to fully recover. The two-time Pro Bowler initially was expected to miss six to eight weeks after breaking the thumb on opening night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Prescott clearly is progressing nicely, however, after the Cowboys elected not to place him on injured reserve. The seven-year veteran is...

October 02

MIAMI -- The unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills has been fired. Multiple sources said the firing came after it was found the consultant made "several mistakes" in his evaluation.However, the league and its players' union issued a joint statement on Saturday that indicated a review into Tagovailoa's quick return to Sunday's game is ongoing, while also adding they agree that "modifications to the concussion protocol are needed to enhance player safety.""The NFL and the NFLPA agree that The NFLPA's Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL's Head Neck and Spine Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term 'Gross Motor Instability' and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process," the joint statement read."The NFL and NFLPA...

October 02

PITTSBURGH -- Jeff Sims threw for one touchdown and ran for another as Georgia Tech, less than a week after seeing its coach and athletic director fired, upset No. 24 Pittsburgh, 26-21, on Saturday night.Georgia Tech let athletic director Todd Stansbury and coach Geoff Collins go on Monday, two days after a 27-10 loss to UCF that dropped the Yellow Jackets to 1-3 on the season.Collins was in his fourth season as coach, and the loss to the Knights last week was the Yellow Jackets' ninth straight to FBS opponents dating to last season.But interim coach Brent Key rallied the troops as the Yellow Jackets (2-3, 1-1 ACC) authored the performance of the season. Though they only amassed 17 first downs and 338 total yards, they possessed the ball for 31:04 in the rain in Pittsburgh and churned out a victory as 21.5-point underdogs."I've known these guys have had it in them all along, and we just needed to get them on the same page," Key said in his postgame, on-field interview...

October 02

Yan Xiaonan put on a show for the fans -- make that fan, singular -- in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.Yan got the better of Mackenzie Dern in standup fighting and survived relentless grappling threats by her multiple-time jiu-jitsu world champion opponent to earn a majority-decision victory in a meeting of top-10 strawweights headlining a card at UFC Apex.There were no fans or media in attendance for Saturday's card other than Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and guests. Zuckerberg was seen on TV sitting in the front row after arranging to have the building all to himself. UFC president Dana White had denied the existence of an arrangement with Zuckerberg earlier in the week.Yan (16-3, 1 NC), who is No. 5 in ESPN's 115-pound rankings, ended a two-fight losing streak, but the victory did not come without moments of trepidation. In the second and fifth rounds, Dern had Yan in deep trouble on the canvas, transitioning from one submission threat to...

October 01

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Alabamaquarterback Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, injured the AC joint in his shoulder during the first half of Saturday's 49-26 win at Arkansas.Young threw his helmet in frustration, entered the medical tent and later went to the locker room. His parents left their seats in the stands to join him.Young was able to return to the sideline, and Alabama coach Nick Saban said the injury isn't considered serious."I think he's OK," Saban said. "He doesn't have a serious injury. We didn't think he could go back in the game today because I didn't think he had much steam throwing the ball."He's had these [injuries] before and in a few days he starts to respond pretty well. So we'll just have to see how it goes and, you know, play it day-to-day."A possible first-round pick in next year's NFL draft, Young completed 7 of 13 passes for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception before the injury. He was on the sideline...

October 01

MIAMI -- The unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills has been fired. Multiple sources said the firing came after it was found the consultant made "several mistakes" in his evaluation.However, the league and its players' union issued a joint statement on Saturday that said a review into Tagovailoa's quick return to Sunday's game is ongoing, while also adding that they agree that "modifications to the concussion protocol are needed to enhance player safety.""The NFL and the NFLPA agree that The NFLPA's Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL's Head Neck and Spine Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term 'Gross Motor Instability' and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process," the joint statement said."The NFL and NFLPA...

October 01

TEMECULA, Calif. -- The day after last season mercifully came to an end for the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook was asked about LeBron James and Anthony Davis repeatedly stating over the course of the year their intent to "let Russ be Russ" in pursuit of team success."Yeah," Westbrook replied bluntly during his exit interview with reporters, "but that wasn't true."With the first week of training camp in the books as James, Davis and Westbrook near their second season together, that approach has been tweaked.Westbrook is empowered to get his, but so are James and Davis when it comes to getting theirs. No more worrying about stepping on each other's toes; if there's a play to make, go make it."I think the biggest thing was everybody trying to be selfless and now everybody is being aggressive," Davis said after practice Saturday at Pechanga Reservation in front of about 200 reservation residents invited as guests. "'Russ, you get it, go.'...

October 01

Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams has agreed to a two-year, $25.2 million contract extension, tying him to the franchise through the 2024-2025 season, his agent, Darren Matsubara of Wasserman, told ESPN on Saturday.Adams, 29, was entering the final year of his deal, and now is under contract for three years and $43.1 million for a Grizzlies franchise trying to take the next step to championship contention.Adams was eager to reach a deal on an extension, believing in his opportunity to win a championship with the Grizzlies, Matsubara told ESPN.The Grizzlies value Adams on a number of levels, including his cultural impact on a maturing roster and his on-court presence, having led the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage and offensive rebounds per game a season ago.Adams played an integral part in Memphis leading the league in second-chance points last season, and ranked in the top five in screen assists per game in the NBA, according to ESPN Stats & Information...

October 01

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Alabamaquarterback Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, injured the AC joint in his shoulder during the first half of Saturday's 49-26 win at Arkansas.Young threw his helmet in frustration, entered the medical tent and later went to the locker room. His parents left their seats in the stands to join him.But Young was able to return to the sideline and Alabama coach Nick Saban said the injury isn't considered serious."I think he's OK," Saban said. "He doesn't have a serious injury. We didn't think he could go back in the game today because I didn't think he had much steam throwing the ball."He's had these [injuries] before and in a few days he starts to respond pretty well. So we'll just have to see how it goes and, you know, play it day-to-day."A possible first-round pick in next year's NFL draft, Young completed 7 of 13 passes for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception before the injury. He was on the...

October 01

MIAMI -- The unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills has been fired. Multiple sources said the firing came after it was found he made "several mistakes" in his evaluation, sources told ESPN.However, the league and its players' union issued a joint statement Saturday that said a review into Tagovailoa's quick return to Sunday's game is ongoing, while also adding that they agree that "modifications to the concussion protocol are needed to enhance player safety.""The NFL and the NFLPA agree that The NFLPA's Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL's Head Neck and Spine Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term 'Gross Motor Instability' and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process," the joint statement said."The NFL and NFLPA...

October 01

LONDON -- The New Orleans Saints downgraded quarterback Jameis Winston from doubtful to out on Saturday evening in London. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton will start in his place.Winston has been dealing with a back injury since Week 1 and has also had foot and ankle issues. Saints coach Dennis Allen said the accumulation of injuries has built up over the past few weeks.The Saints rested Winston during Wednesday's practice and said they intended to have him practice on Thursday, but he sat out the entire week instead.Allen said the switch to Dalton is purely because of Winston's medical issues and is not related to performance, despite the offensive struggles this season.The Saints will also be without wide receiver Michael Thomas, who injured his foot during last Sunday's game against the Panthers. He did not practice all week. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry and running back Alvin Kamara are questionable to play.The Saints will...

October 01

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will make $30 million in 2023 after he and the team agreed to a one-year contract for next season to avoid arbitration.The contract is the largest ever for an arbitration-eligible player, surpassing the $27 million given to Mookie Betts by the Boston Red Sox in January 2020, a month before he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani's deal is fully guaranteed with no other provisions.Ohtani, who is making $5.5 million this year, will be a free agent after the 2023 season.The Saturday announcement comes amid a 15-game hitting streak and a near no-hit performance Thursday by Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP who regularly accomplishes feats that haven't occurred in the major leagues since Babe Ruth's heyday. He is a strong contender for the MVP award again alongside the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, who has tied the AL home run record and is closing in on the batting Triple...

October 01

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- While answering a question about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's injury situation and player safety, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey took the conversation in another direction Saturday."Player safety should be one of the most important things to talk about," Ramsey said. "It should probably be talked about more. And then s--- like getting fined for socks ... or s--- like getting fined for tights or B.S. or anything like that. ... That needs to not be talked about as much."Ramsey, who said he has been fined every week this season for a uniform violation, said the league should be less concerned about the color of his socks and instead focus on talking more about player safety."That's the stuff that they need to put an emphasis [on]," Ramsey said. "Not freaking, 'Oh his socks are too high' or, 'His socks are too low' or something like that. That's so lame. I'm so beyond that."Ramsey said he gets...

October 01

MIAMI -- The unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills has been fired after it was found he made "several mistakes" in his evaluation, a league source told ESPN.The source said the NFL Players Association exercised its right to dismiss the consultant.The NFLPA and the league each have the right to fire a UNC without agreement from the other party.Tagovailoa briefly left the game after hitting the back of his head on the ground and stumbling while trying to return to the huddle. He was taken to the locker room and tested for a concussion but returned to the game after passing his evaluation. The Dolphins initially listed him as questionable to return with a head injury but later stated that a back injury Tagovailoa suffered earlier in the game caused him to stumble.The NFLPA exercised its right to initiate a review of the league's concussion protocol...

October 01

Oklahomaquarterback Dillon Gabriel left Saturday's game against TCUafter taking a blow to the head on a slide in the second quarter and did not return.TCU beat the No. 18 Sooners 55-24.With Oklahoma trailing 34-10, Gabriel ran around the left end, slid feet-first and was hit hard by TCU linebacker Jamoi Hodge, who lowered a shoulder into Gabriel's helmet. Gabriel laid on the turf for several minutes as players on both teams had to be separated.Hodge was flagged for targeting and ejected.Gabriel, who was 7 of 16 for 12 yards before the injury, walked off the field with help and was later ruled out for the rest of the game. Gabriel was replaced by Davis Beville, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound junior who transferred from Pittthis offseason.Two plays later, the Sooners scored on a 20-yard run by Jovantae Barnes to cut the lead to 34-17.Beville finished 7 of 16 for 50 yards.

October 01