Gianni Infantino gets internal support at crisis meeting to remain as FIFA president
FIFA says it has apologized for errors made over Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and that senior staff in attendance at a summit held in Morocco “reaffirmed their full support” for his presidency. World soccer’s governing body attempted to present a unified front amid the turbulence caused by Infantino’s controversial plans, with calls for him to step down. In a statement FIFA said secretary-general Mattias Grafström and members of the management board in attendance at the meeting had given their support to the embattled president.
Indiana Fever continue to thrive on the court despite constant barrage of off-court distractions
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham walked into practice Wednesday with every intention of talking basketball and only basketball. She still couldn’t completely avoid the latest off-court firestorm — her belief trans women should not be competing in women’s sports. While Cunningham declined to directly address the issue that’s created another circus-like environment for the WNBA’s most visible team, the former Missouri star addressed her pregame conversation with Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and challenged media members to find better stories than just the latest controversy. But through it all, the Fever have thrived, going 9-3 since July 1.
Stefon Diggs is signing with the Washington Commanders, AP source says
Stefon Diggs is signing with the Washington Commanders, a person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press. The move gives quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offense a proven, experienced wide receiver. Diggs joins Washington for a 12th year in the NFL after playing last season with New England. Diggs had 99 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in 21 games, counting the Patriots’ playoff run to the Super Bowl. Diggs previously played for Minnesota, Buffalo and Houston during a career that included him being an All-Pro selection in 2020.
LIV Golf has lead investor and planning ahead for another season
LIV Golf says it has a lead investor that will allow the league to plan ahead for 2027 and beyond. The rival league has been in survival mode since March when the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia announced it would no longer pay for LIV after 2026. Saudi money is what allowed the league to pay nine-figure bonuses to lure top players away from the PGA Tour and created $20 million purses. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil did not identify the lead investor. But he says the new league would have players as majority equity holders.
Big changes in horse racing create new questions about the future of the Triple Crown
Two big changes in horse racing unveiled this week create more questions than answers about the future of the sport's most recognizable product, the Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes is moving to three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby in the hopes of getting more horses to run in each of the first two Triple Crown races. For at least one year, that creates just a 13-day gap before the Belmont Stakes and makes it even more likely owners and trainers skip the Preakness. A new championship series for 3-year-olds also includes the Derby and Belmont but leaves out the Preakness in 2027.
Aaron Donald works out for the Rams in latest step on comeback path
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Aaron Donald has formally worked out for the Los Angeles Rams. That's presumably one of the final steps before the superstar defensive tackle decides whether to end his 2 1/2-year retirement. Donald has been training at the Rams’ Woodland Hills training complex and at home for several weeks in his attempt to return to NFL shape. While the Rams have emphasized their willingness to wait indefinitely for Donald to decide, coach Sean McVay has expressed cautious optimism in the past week about the prospect of lining up Donald and Myles Garrett together on a remarkable defensive line.
Yankees star Aaron Judge cleared for light activity and says he will return from injury this season
NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge has been cleared to begin light workout activity, and the New York Yankees captain said he will return this season from the broken rib that’s sidelined him since May 31. The three-time AL MVP was on the field at Yankee Stadium in baseball gear Wednesday afternoon, stretching, jogging and doing shuffle slides with a resistance band. He was given the green light to take a step forward in his recovery progression after undergoing his latest scan Tuesday. Still, it will be a while before Judge is back in the lineup. He must first advance to taking swings, and neither he nor Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered a target date for the slugger’s return.
Suns forward Dillon Brooks agrees to $73 million, three-year extension, AP sources say
PHOENIX (AP) — Two people familiar with the deal say the Phoenix Suns and veteran forward Dillon Brooks have agreed to a $73 million, three-year extension that will keep him with the team through 2030. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal hasn’t been announced. The 30-year-old Brooks averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season, his first with the Suns. He provided scoring and a hard-nosed defensive personality that helped the team make a surprise run to the playoffs. Brooks is entering the final season of an $86 million, four-year deal he signed with the Houston Rockets in 2023.
Lionel Messi scores his first 2 goals since the World Cup as Inter Miami beats San Luis 4-2
MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi scored his first two goals since the World Cup and took the career scoring lead in the Leagues Cup as Inter Miami overcame an early deficit to beat Atlético San Luis 4-2. The match at Nu Stadium was delayed 30 minutes in the second half because of lightning in the area. Messi scored in the 11th and the 44th minutes. He has 14 goals in 12 Leagues Cup matches — one ahead of Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga for most in the tournament’s four-year history. Messi did not score in his first match since the World Cup, a 2-2 draw against Columbus on Saturday.
It'll be Carson Beck vs. Kenny Pickett when Cardinals-Panthers open the NFL's exhibition season
Carson Beck makes his NFL debut and Kenny Pickett starts for his fifth team in four years. Welcome to the NFL preseason. If you want to see starters play, wait until next month when the games count in the standings. Or watch joint practices. The exhibition schedule kicks off Thursday night with Beck and the Arizona Cardinals facing Pickett and the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The preseason is an opportunity for rookies, backups and players fighting for roster spots to get snaps and showcase what they can do. Most first-round picks won’t play much.
