Sports

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer By mid-January, LeBron James could be the NBA’s scoring king. The NBA schedule is out and 1,230 games are set to be played between Oct. 18 and April 9. They’ll take place in four countries with Mexico and France playing host to regular-season contests along with the U.S. and

By MITCH STACY AP Sports Writer CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says he’s trying to gain back the weight and strength he lost after having surgery to remove his ruptured appendix three weeks ago. The goal is for the QB to be mobile and sharp by the time Cincinnati opens the regular

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — A day after a pair of fights resulted in five players being kicked out of the first joint practice between the Panthers and Patriots, two more incidents — including one in which a female fan was struck after a scrum spilled into the spectator area

By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports Writer NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Brent Venables has shown steady, early confidence as Oklahoma’s new head football coach. Those who work with him say that shouldn’t be a surprise. Retired coaches Bill Snyder of Kansas State and Bob Stoops of Oklahoma both say Venables has learned a lot in his

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Team Penske signed Ryan Blaney to a multiyear contract extension ahead of his final push to make NASCAR’s playoffs. Blaney has been part of the Penske organization since he was 19 and ran three races in 2012 in the Xfinity Series. He’s been part

By ROB MAADDI and TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writers Two people familiar with the negotiations tell the AP that talks between the NFL and NFL Players Association on a discipline settlement for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson have progressed. It’s uncertain whether the two sides will reach a deal. The sides are seeking a compromise

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer Super Bowl MVP Chuck Howley and All-Pro defenders Joe Klecko and Ken Riley are finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2023. The defenders who starred in the 1960s, 70s and 80s were announced as the three senior candidates for next year’s Hall of Fame

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Writer ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jon Daniels is out as president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers after 17 years leading the club. Team owner Ray Davis says Daniels was relieved of his duties immediately Wednesday after the decision was made not to renew his contract at the end

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Oakland Athletics have released veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus. Andrus, who turns 34 next week, hit .237 with eight homers and 30 RBIs in 106 games in his second season with the A’s. He was acquired in a trade with Texas in February 2021. Last-place Oakland also recalled infielder Sheldon Neuse

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Derwin James signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers Wednesday morning, making him the NFL’s highest-paid safety. The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed salary. James is going into his fifth season. He was on the field Wednesday when

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Duane Brown was simply exploring his job options two weeks ago while visiting the New York Jets and seeing if they might be a good fit. Right tackle Mekhi Becton went down with a season-ending knee injury a few days later and

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has received a police caution after footage was posted online of the Manchester United forward appearing to knock a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand at a Premier League match in April. Merseyside Police said Wednesday that “the matter has now concluded.” The 37-year-old soccer great was interviewed

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi has joined Marquee Sports Network as an game analyst for the Chicago Cubs, one of his former teams. Marquee says Girardi will join Jon Sciambi and former big league pitcher Jim Deshaies in the booth for this weekend’s series against Milwaukee. He also will work next

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — No. 4 Clemson’s run of six straight Atlantic Coast Conference titles and College Football Playoff berths came to an end last season. But the Tigers say no worries. They are calling on their “The Avengers” defensive line to lead their return to championship form. Clemson’s

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the deal say Derwin James has agreed to a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid safety. The people say the deal includes $42 million in guaranteed salary. James is