Texas judge puts SEC's new eligibility rule on hold
Two days after the Southeastern Conference passed a rule barring players from returning to the league from the pros, a Texas judge put that rule on hold in a case involving more than 40 players. It was the latest piece of news in what has turned into a breakneck week of legal wrangling over the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule. The rule does not apply to college players who exhausted their fourth year of eligibility last spring; many are suing across the country for that fifth year.
Good Good to no longer be title sponsor of PGA Tour event and loses Callaway sponsorship
ATLANTA (AP) — The fallout from the Good Good Golf video depicting a man shoving a woman to the ground continues. The PGA Tour confirms the YouTube Golf content creators will no longer be title sponsor of a FedEx Cup Fall event. Callaway Golf has ended its three-year sponsorship. Good Good has said the video that was taken down on the same day it showed up on social media channels was meant as a spinoff from a movie. Criticism was immediate and sharp and led to the growing company losing its name on a PGA Tour event for Austin, Texas, in November.
Min Woo Lee makes Tour Championship debut by matching his career best with 62
ATLANTA (AP) — Min Woo Lee has made a memorable debut at the Tour Championship. He shot a bogey-free 62 at East Lake. That matches his career low on the PGA Tour and gives him a two-shot lead over Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup. Lee's recent form hasn't been great, but he managed to excel in the opening round of the FedEx Cup season's final event. Scottie Scheffler was among four players at 65. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood opened with a 66. Rain softened the greens, leading to low scores across the board. J.J. Spaun withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
Bills close preseason with 28-27 win over Steelers on Buechele's late 2-point conversion
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Ian Wheeler scored on a 2-yard run with 1:06 left, Steve Buechele completed an off-balance pass to Dante Pettis for a 2-point conversion and the Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27 in the preseason finale for each team Thursday night. The Steelers’ last chance to pull ahead ended with Drew Allar’s pass sailing behind tight end Lake McRee on fourth-and-7 with 44 seconds remaining. It was a disappointing finish for Allar in an outing the rookie was attempting to separate himself from Will Howard in the competition for the Steelers’ third-string job. In squandering a 10-point lead over the final seven minutes, the Steelers closed the preseason 1-2. Buffalo was 3-0.
Packers running back Josh Jacobs facing misdemeanor charges of battery, criminal damage to property
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is facing misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from what police described as a physical confrontation with his girlfriend three months ago. Jacobs was arrested May 26 and released from jail the next day as prosecutors decided whether to file charges. Jacobs was back on the field for organized team activities less than a week later and has been with the Packers for training camp. Jacobs’ attorneys issued a statement acknowledging the charges Thursday and saying the allegations will be addressed in court, not in the media.
Braves' Sale demands ball in 9th to cap 1st complete game since 2019 in 1-0 shutout of Dodgers
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss says veteran left-hander Chris Sale was “on a mission” against the Los Angeles Dodgers after learning before the game about the death of a friend. Sale allowed five hits and struck out 11 in a dominant 1-0 win. It was the first complete game and shutout since 2019 for the 37-year-old Sale and it gave the Braves a three-game sweep of the Dodgers in their matchup of National League division leaders. Weiss says the performance was “a perfect example” of how Hall of Famers “are just different.”
MLB proposes limiting free agent signings to a few weeks in December and then from February on
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has proposed limiting free-agent signings to several weeks in December and then from early February on. The plan aims to create an offseason transaction flurry similar to the NFL and NBA. MLB presented the idea to the players' association on Thursday, but it hinges on adopting a salary cap system proposed in May. The union has vowed never to accept this system. Union head Bruce Meyer immediately criticized the plan. MLB also suggests lowering the maximum in-season options to the minor leagues and adopting weekly rosters. Teams would be allowed 14 pitchers when the 26-man roster limit is in effect.
Tampa approves $2.3B deal for a new Rays ballpark
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — City officials have approved a $2.3 billion agreement for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark funded by public and private money. The 4-3 vote Thursday by the Tampa City Council came three months after a tentative deal was reached for a stadium, which would include $967 million in tax money. Hillsborough County Commissioners will vote on the project Friday morning. The Rays ownership reached an agreement earlier this year with Hillsborough College to build the stadium and mixed-use entertainment district on the college campus and to renovate some of the college’s buildings.
Carlos Alcaraz opens US Open title defense against Safiullin, Venus Williams plays Sofia Kenin
NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz will open the defense of his U.S. Open title against an opponent who made a strong run at Wimbledon while the Spaniard was sidelined with an injury. He faces Roman Safiullin in his first singles match since April. Alcaraz has been sidelined with a right wrist injury. Venus Williams plays fellow American Sofia Kenin. Both players received wild cards, with Kenin getting the last one that could have gone to Williams' sister Serena if she chose to play. Main draw play begins Sunday.
A rough night for Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza in 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza saw what it was like Thursday night to face a strong NFL pass rush even against a San Francisco defense comprised of reserves. He was sacked twice and threw an interception in the 49ers’ 18-12 preseason victory over the Raiders. Eddy Piñeiro made all six field goal attempts, including 51- and 54-yarders in the final 1:51 for the 49ers. Mendoza completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, making him 25 of 40 for 240 yards with a touchdown, two interceptions and four sacks for the three preseason games.
