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

DENVER -- Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was still preaching the gospel of opportunity and belief Thursday night, but in the wake of an ugly 12-9 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in which he threw two interceptions, Wilson did not mince words on his play."It's very simple -- at the end of the day I've got to be better, I've got to play better," Wilson said. "The defense played their butts off tonight, we had some key good drives. ... At the end of the day throwing two interceptions can't happen. Can't happen. I let the team down tonight."Wilson threw his second interception with just over two minutes to play in regulation when the Broncos had a chance to put the game away. And his errant throw on fourth-and-inches from the Colts' 6-yard line in overtime, when he didn't see an open KJ Hamler and tried to squeeze the ball in to Courtland Sutton instead, was the last play of the game.The Broncos, Wilson and coach...

2 hours ago

WHEN ALABAMA'S NICK Saban and Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher traded barbs this year over payments to college football players through name, image and likeness deals, Saban called for transparency, and Fisher said his team was an open book."I have nothing to hide. I have nothing to hide. And our program has nothing to hide," Fisher said at a May 19 news conference. "Be interesting if everyone could say that."Saban, who had accused Texas A&M of having "bought every player" during recruiting, advocated for transparency on May 31: "I'm all for players making as much as they can make," he said. "I also think we've got to have some uniform transparent way to do that."ESPN sought to take the coaches and other universities up on the notion that NIL information should be more transparent, asking a sampling of 23 universities -- 20 from Power 5 conferences -- to release their NIL-related documents or data. Across the board, schools provided few to no records. In the case of Saban's Alabama,...

2 hours ago

DENVER -- Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was still preaching the gospel of opportunity and belief Thursday night, but in the wake of an ugly 12-9 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in which he threw two interceptions, Wilson did not mince words on his play."It's very simple -- at the end of the day I've got to be better, I've got to play better," Wilson said. "The defense played their butts off tonight, we had some key good drives. ... At the end of the day throwing two interceptions can't happen. Can't happen. I let the team down tonight."Wilson threw his second interception with just over two minutes to play in regulation when the Broncos had a chance to put the game away. And his errant throw on fourth-and-inches from the Colts' 6-yard line in overtime, when he didn't see an open KJ Hamler and tried to squeeze the ball in to Courtland Sutton instead, was the last play of the game.The Broncos, Wilson and coach...

October 07

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols said he almost called it quits this summer before going on a tear that helped him become just the fourth player in major league history to reach 700 career home runs.Pujols told MLB.com in a story published Thursday night that he contemplated an early retirement in June after another rough start to the season. The future Hall of Famer was slashing .198/.294/.336 and had hit just four homers with 17 to go to hit 700."No, I did, I swear I did," Pujols said of weighing retirement. "There were some times when I [asked] myself that, many times."But after tweaking how he was holding the bat in early July, something clicked. Pujols went on to slash .314/.377/.681, becoming one of the best hitters in baseball to close the season while mashing 20 homers in just over three months."When you have good people around you and they are encouraging you and you realize that God has opened so many doors for you, man, it puts things back...

October 06

HENDERSON, Nev. -- On Thursday, Victor Wembanyama's teammates pulled him aside and showed him a video of LeBron James calling the projected No. 1 pick in next summer's NBA draft "a generational talent" and "an alien."Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 talent from France who has wowed spectators and NBA execs alike in his first trip to America this week, said he still has more work to do before he deserves such high praise."It's obviously an honor to see such great people talk like this about me, but it really doesn't change anything," he said after leading his Metropolitans 92 squad to a 112-106 win over G League Ignite at Dollar Loan Center. "I was like, 'Oh that's cool.' But no more. I have to try to stay focused. The thing is ... I didn't do anything yet."With Scoot Henderson, the projected No. 2 pick in next summer's draft and leader of G League Ignite, sidelined with a knee injury early in the game, Wembanyama was the main event Thursday. He finished with 36 points, 11...

October 06

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban said there's no structural damage to quarterback Bryce Young's right throwing shoulder and that he threw some in practice Wednesday, but Saban said a final decision on Young's playing status for Saturday's game against Texas A&M might not come until pregame warmups."Bryce has been practicing, and all week, he's been saying that he could play," Saban told ESPN on Thursday. "But that's going to be a medical decision. We've still got some time, and I want to talk more to Bryce. He's the only one who knows how he feels because it's going to be a pain-tolerance thing."He's a tough kid and great competitor. We'll see where he is on game day."Saban said the plan from Alabama's medical staff was for Young not to throw on Thursday and instead rest his shoulder."There was no reason for him to throw a lot this week, because if he does, it's not going to get better. It's just going to aggravate it," Saban said. "Our doctors...

October 06

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields ranks last in the NFL in completions (34), attempts (67), passer rating (58.7) and interception percentage (6). As a team, Chicago is 32nd in total passing and passing yards per game and is at the bottom of other statistical passing categories, including the fewest first downs earned by passing (17) and tied for the lowest number of touchdown passes (2).The first four games of Fields' second season with the Bears have been challenging by any stretch. But that's not how offensive coordinator Luke Getsy described it on Thursday."I don't think he's had a rough month," Getsy said. "I think he's gotten better each week. I think he's growing tremendously. And you know, it's not easy. We're playing good football teams, and it's not easy to become the level of quarterback that he wants to become, and I know that he can become."The important thing is that we stay focused, keep our eyes on that progress or on...

October 06

TAMPA, Fla. -- Despite experiencing some discomfort in his right shoulder and finger that forced him to miss practice Wednesday, quarterback Tom Brady said he will play Sunday against the Atlanta Falconsas the 2-2 Buccaneers try to secure their first home win of the season."It feels great," Brady said Thursday with a smile. "I'll be there Sunday."Brady suffered a shoulder injury on a strip sack by cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in the first half of the Bucs' 41-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefson Sunday night. He did not miss a snap in that game, but appeared to be in discomfort and at one point backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert was warming up on the sidelines.By this Thursday though, the injury did not appear to bother him. During the portion of practice that was open to the media, Brady went through his usual throwing routine with no problems. And Wednesday has typically been Brady's day off so far this season, although previously...

October 06

SAN FRANCISCO -- Draymond Green apologized to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday morning for an altercation with Jordan Poole the day before, general manager Bob Myers said.Green subsequently left the training facilities and is not expected back until Saturday. The Warriors are still in the process of disciplining Green, but Myers said he does not expect him to miss any games due to punishment."These things happen. Nobody likes it, we don't condone it, but it happens," Myers said. "Draymond apologized to the team. Jordan was there in the room. ... As far as any suspension, punishment, fine, we will handle that internally."Green threw a punch at Poole at practice Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.The altercation began when the two started trash-talking and verbally sparring during practice. It escalated when they started shoving each other and culminated with Green punching Poole, sources said.Throughout his career, Green has been...

October 06

Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson has a broken bone in his throwing hand, sources told ESPN Radio's Ian Fitzsimmons on Thursday.Johnson, who suffered the injury to his left hand in last week's loss to Mississippi State, could miss the remainder of the season, sources said.The junior has thrown for 517 yards and three touchdowns for the Aggies, who'll take on No. 1 Alabamaon Saturday. He was 18-of-25 passing for 201 yards and a touchdown against Mississippi State before leaving in the fourth quarter. He was also sacked four times.Johnson, a transfer from LSU, took over the starting job in the third game of the season against Miami after coach Jimbo Fisher moved on from Haynes King, who started the first two games.King replaced Johnson in Saturday's 42-24 loss to Mississippi State, going 6-of-13 for 49 yards with two interceptions.

October 06

Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson has a broken bone in his throwing hand, sources told ESPN Radio's Ian Fitzsimmons on Thursday.Johnson, who suffered the injury to his left hand in last week's loss to Mississippi State, could miss the remainder of the season, sources said.The junior has thrown for 517 yards and three touchdowns heading into Saturday's game against No. 1 Alabama.

October 06

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Andy Reid probably doesn't have much of a future in acting, but Patrick Mahomes liked the job the Kansas City Chiefs coach did in his latest State Farm TV commercial."I made State Farm ask him first because I was scared," Mahomes said. "Once they asked him, he kind of came to me and asked me if I wanted him to do it. Obviously I did because I know how much personality he has. ... People don't see it. They see the coach. They don't see how funny he is."Once I got in there, he actually got to start before me and then I came in and I mean, he did a great job. I think he stole the show and I'm just trying to hold on to my State Farm partnership now [because] he was really good."In the commercial, Reid draws mustaches on players with a pen while they're sleeping on a team flight. Mahomes approaches Reid with a handlebar mustache drawn on him and complains, "Coach, it happened again."With pen in hand, Reid replies: "I'm going to get to the...

October 06

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has missed the past month with a significant injury in his non-throwing shoulder, will make his return to the field against rival Oklahoma on Saturday, sources told ESPN on Thursday.He's expected to start against the Sooners in the Red River Showdown on Saturday in Dallas (noon ET, ABC).Ewers has been dressing for Texas' games since his injury on Sept. 10, but this is the first game that he's been healthy enough to play. Ewers has been a full participant in practice all week with no limitations, sources told ESPN.His return aligns with the initial expected four-to-six-week timeline after suffering a significant SC sprain -- where the sternum meets the clavicle -- against Alabama on Sept. 10.Ewers' return provides another daunting offensive weapon for Texas against a struggling Oklahoma defense. He will play alongside Texas tailback Bijan Robinson -- the consensus top NFL draft prospect at the...

October 06

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Versatile veteran Landon Collins is returning to the New York Giants, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.Collins is being signed to the team's practice squad to start, with the expectation that he could be used in a variety of roles in coordinator Wink Martindale's aggressive defense.The Giants' second-round pick in 2015 has played both safety and, in recent years, linebacker. He spent the previous three seasons in Washington.Collins' career started promisingly for the Giants. He finished third in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting in the 2016 season, when he had 125 tackles, 4.0 sacks and 5 interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown the last time New York played in London.The Giants (3-1) return to London this week and will play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.Collins is expected to meet the Giants overseas, a source confirmed to ESPN.NFL reporter Josina Anderson first reported that Collins...

October 06

A unique football-versus-MMA matchup has been added to the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva undercard.Former NFL All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell will face ex-UFC fighter Uriah Hall in a pro boxing match Oct. 29 in Glendale, Arizona.The four-round contest has been contracted at 195 pounds and neither man can be above 200 pounds on weigh-in day, per officials. Bell and Hall, who are making their professional boxing debuts, will wear 10-ounce gloves. The card is being promoted by Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and distributed by Showtime pay-per-view."I'm just as excited to watch Hall versus Bell as I am for Paul versus Silva," Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said. "You have a legitimate top-10 MMA striker versus a world-class athlete who has proven he has true boxing skills and knockout power. This fight elevates our pay-per-view to a new level and these guys will undoubtedly put on an unforgettable fight for the fans in the stands and those tuning in."Bell...

October 06

The Official World Golf Ranking governing board is reviewing LIV Golf's new alliance with the MENA Tour but said in a statement Thursday that it won't make a ruling before the start of LIV Golf's next two events, in Thailand and Saudi Arabia.LIV Golf officials hoped its newly formed partnership with the little-known MENA Tour, a developmental circuit that has staged events in the Middle East and North Africa and has been recognized by the OWGR since 2016, would allow its players to earn world ranking points, starting with this week's LIV Golf Invitational Thailand.In the statement, the OWGR said "the first two tournaments in this [MENA] series appeared to be the same as the LIV Golf Invitational Series tournaments in Bangkok and Jeddah. The communication from the MENA Tour included a starting field data file for the Bangkok tournament, confirming that to be the case.""Notice of the changes given by the MENA Tour is insufficient to allow OWGR to conduct the customary...

October 06

LAS VEGAS -- After wowing the crowd at T-Mobile Arena, scoring 23 points in 17 minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-115 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James saved his biggest play for the postgame news conference Wednesday night.Asked about the NBA hosting the exhibition game in Las Vegas, James used the occasion to make a personal plea to commissioner Adam Silver, angling to be first in line to own the team if the league ever expands to Sin City."I would love to bring a team here at some point. That would be amazing. I know Adam is in Abu Dhabi right now, I believe," James said, alluding to the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks' preseason trip to the United Arab Emirates that Silver is attending. "But he probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players."So, I want the team here, Adam. Thank you."Wednesday was not the first time James has expressed interest in owning a team in...

October 06

LAS VEGAS -- After wowing the crowd at T-Mobile Arena, scoring 23 points in 17 minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-115 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James saved his biggest play for the postgame news conference Wednesday night.When asked a question about the NBA hosting the exhibition game in Las Vegas, James used the occasion to make a personal plea to commissioner Adam Silver, angling to be first in line to own the team if the league ever expands to Sin City."I would love to bring a team here at some point. That would be amazing. I know Adam is in Abu Dhabi right now, I believe," James said, alluding to the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks' preseason trip that Silver is attending. "But he probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players."So, I want the team here, Adam. Thank you."Wednesday was not the first time James has expressed interest in owning a team in Las Vegas, but this...

October 06

PHILADELPHIA -- Less than five weeks since being acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a stunning blockbuster of a trade to cap a frenetic offseason in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell made his debut for the Cavaliers Wednesday in Cleveland's preseason opener.And, after finishing with 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range, to go with five assists in 19 minutes in a 113-112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center, Mitchell admitted the idea of putting on a different jersey than the Utah Jazz one he wore the first five years of his career will take some getting used to."One hundred percent," Mitchell said with a smile, when asked if it felt weird wearing a different jersey for the first time. "It just didn't feel real ... it still didn't hit me yet."Mitchell said he spent Monday looking out the window of the Four Seasons high above downtown Philadelphia, and that it was only then that it really sunk in that he...

October 06

As NBA executives consider the transformative impact 7-foot-4 French prospect Victor Wembanyama's performance on Tuesday could impose on the NBA's tanking and trade market this season, his agent insists that there's no plan to listen to some team executives who suggest shutting down the projected No. 1 pick until the 2023 NBA draft in June."NBA people are telling me to shut him down, and we are not going to shut him down," Bouna Ndiaye told ESPN on Wednesday. "If we came with that kind of talk to [Wembanyama], he will look at us and say, 'What are you talking about?' He'll never agree to that. He wants to compete and get better. With Victor, it's basketball first and everything else second. He was so pissed off that he lost."Wembanyama's brilliance was met with a spectacular performance out of G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson, who is expected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. In the history of potential 1-2 draft-pick matchups, it has been rare to have both players...

October 06

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The fan who ran onto the field during the Los Angeles Rams' loss at the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night filed a police report against Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner.Shortly before halftime of the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, a fan ran across the field with what appeared to be a device letting out pink smoke. Rams linebacker Takkarist McKinley came toward the person then Wagner stepped in and laid him out with a big hit.Santa Clara Police Department Lt. Cuong Phan confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the police report was filed Tuesday afternoon. Because this is an active investigation, information will be limited, Phan said.According to TMZ Sports, the individual is an activist for the Berkeley, California-based animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere and was trying to "raise awareness for a trial involving the alleged theft of pigs from a factory farm."Wagner said Wednesday he is aware...

October 06

PHILADELPHIA -- Less than five weeks since being acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a stunning blockbuster of a trade to cap a frenetic offseason in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell made his debut for the Cavaliers Wednesday in Cleveland's preseason opener.And, after finishing with 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-4 from 3-point range, to go with five assists in 19 minutes in a 113-112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center, Mitchell admitted the idea of putting on a different jersey than the Utah Jazz one he wore the first five years of his career will take some getting used to."One hundred percent," Mitchell said with a smile, when asked if it felt weird wearing a different jersey for the first time. "It just didn't feel real ... it still didn't hit me yet."Mitchell said he spent Monday looking out the window of the Four Seasons high above downtown Philadelphia, and that it was only then that it really sunk in that he...

October 05

Golden State Warriors' All-Star Draymond Green threw a punch at teammate Jordan Poole at practice on Wednesday, sources told ESPN.The two players had been verbally sparring prior to some pushing, which escalated when Green took a swing and made contact with Poole, sources said. Team officials are reviewing the episode.Poole wasn't hurt by the punch and completed his workout before leaving the practice floor on Wednesday, sources said.Green has a history of challenging teammates, past and present, in practice and game settings. It is possible there could be some punishment meted out to Green for escalating the practice encounter Wednesday.The Athletic was first to report the incident.

October 05

NEW YORK -- Jeff McNeil stayed on top without taking a swing.Nursing a four-point lead in the big league batting race, McNeil was not in the New York Mets' lineup Wednesday for their regular-season finale against Washington. He only played defense after entering late and finished with the highest average in the majors -- one point ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman."It's definitely a dream come true,'' McNeil said. "This is one of my goals in baseball is to win a batting title.''Mets manager Buck Showalter said it was his decision to sit McNeil as New York prepped for a wild-card playoff series versus the San Diego Padres that begins Friday night."Wouldn't put that on him,'' Showalter said. "The most important thing is Friday. Everything else takes second.''Showalter, however, hinted McNeil could have come off the bench earlier if he needed a hit or two to hold off Freeman for the National League batting...

October 05

NEW YORK -- Jeff McNeil, held out of the New York Mets' starting lineup in their 9-2 winagainst Washingtonon Wednesday, officially won the National League batting title after the Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freemancame up short in his bid to overtake McNeil on the last day of the regular season.Mets manager Buck Showalter said it was his decision to sit McNeil as New York prepped for a wild-card playoff series versus the San Diego Padres that begins Friday night."Wouldn't put that on him," Showalter said. "The most important thing is Friday. Everything else takes second."Nursing a four-point lead in the big league batting race entering play Wednesday, McNeil entered on defense in the eighth but did not come to the plate and finished with a .326 average that was the highest in the majors -- one point ahead of Freeman.Needing to go 4-for-4 on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies in order to catch...

October 05

CHICAGO -- Luis Arraez won the AL batting title, hitting a third-inning double after walking twice to finish the season at .316, and the Minnesota Twins rolled to a 10-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.Arraez was all but assured of topping the Yankees' Aaron Judge for the batting crown when the day began. He removed any doubt by walking in his first two plate appearances and then hit a drive that barely cleared the glove of right fielder Gavin Sheets before he was lifted for a pinch-runner."It's amazing," Arraez said. "This was one of my goals. I'm living a dream right now. This is amazing for me because I worked hard for this."Judge, who sat out the Yankees' season finale, batted .311 with an AL-record 62 homers and a league-leading 131 RBIs."I couldn't sleep last night, just thinking and thinking about it," Arraez said.Arraez, 25, became the fifth Twin to win a batting title, joining Rod Carew (seven), Tony Oliva and...

October 05

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The fan who ran onto the field during the Los Angeles Rams' loss at the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night filed a police report against Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner.Shortly before halftime of the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, a fan ran across the field with what appeared to be a device letting out pink smoke. Rams linebacker Takkarist McKinley came toward the person then Wagner stepped in and laid him out with a big hit.Santa Clara Police Department Lt. Cuong Phan confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the police report was filed Tuesday afternoon. Because this is an active investigation, information will be limited, Phan said.According to TMZ Sports, the individual is an activist for the Berkeley, California-based animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere and was trying to "raise awareness for a trial involving the alleged theft of pigs from a factory farm."Wagner said Wednesday he is aware...

October 05

ASHBURN, Va. -- Five weeks after being shot twice in the leg, Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson returned to where he most wanted to be: the football field.He performed the mundane tasks, running in and around dummy bags on the ground, taking handoffs in drills and even running some scout team."It was a beautiful day for me," Robinson said.The Commanders running back practiced for the first time since being shot Aug. 28 while going out to dinner in the District of Columbia. The police report called it a robbery or a carjacking.Robinson remains on the non-football injury list, but now that he's practicing the Commanders have 21 days to place him on the active roster, or keep him on NFI.Washington coach Ron Rivera has not ruled out Robinson playing against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. But, with another game four days later, Rivera said they would be careful. They'll see how he feels Thursday and measure his progress by using a...

October 05

A South Carolina postal worker who was injured in a collision involving Clemson defensive back Fred Davis II has filed a lawsuit against Davis and teammate Malcolm Greene, alleging the two were racing at the time of the accident.The lawsuit, filed by Karen Lorraine Alvarez in Pickens County, South Carolina, alleges that on July 21, 2021, Davis, driving a 2021 Dodge Charger, and Greene, driving a Ford, were witnessed driving "at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of lanes, and the defendants appeared to be racing their vehicles."Davis was arrested and charged with misdemeanor reckless driving after the crash, with subsequent tests showing he was driving 115 mph before the crash. The collision, which occurred on US Highway 129 outside Clemson, overturned Alvarez's mail truck and pushed it into oncoming traffic.Greene's vehicle was not involved in the collision, and he was not charged with a crime at the time of the incident.According to...

October 05

OAKLAND, Calif. -- — The Los Angeles Angels have hired Phil Nevin as manager for the 2023 season, removing his interim title and giving him a one-year contract Wednesday before the final game of the regular season. The Angels will miss the playoffs for an eighth straight year. Nevin was promoted from third-base coach when Joe Maddon was fired in June with the Angels mired in what became a club-record 14-game losing streak. ″It certainly means a lot," Nevin said. "It wasn’t exactly how I envisioned these things happening, but I know I’ve been given a heck of an opportunity with some special people that I’ve created relationships with now for the last six, seven months.” Nevin learned he got the job when general manager Perry Minasian reached out Tuesday night. “Called into the principal’s office, and I’ve been on the wrong end of those a lot," Nevin said. "As he’s telling me, he's starting to build up, I could sense...

October 05

MIAMI -- Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel isn't ignorant of the criticism surrounding how quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was handled following an apparent head injury against the Bills on Sept. 25; he's aware of what people's opinions are.But he says he isn't wasting thought on them.Speaking to local media Wednesday, McDaniel said any skepticism about whether he or the Dolphins were negligent in allowing Tagovailoa to play against the Cincinnati Bengals, four days after suffering the apparent head injury against the Bills, would be "crumbling" if it were coming from the people he's in service to. Anything outside the Dolphins' building, he said, is also outside of his control."Everything's reactionary anyway," he said. "So if people want to [give their opinion], whatever. ... If I'm spending time thinking about that, let's say Monday night for five seconds -- that's five seconds that I'm not thinking about all the other things that relate to the team and the...

October 05

As NBA executives consider the transformative impact 7-foot-4 French prospect Victor Wembanyama's performance on Tuesday could impose on the NBA's tanking and trade market this season, his agent insists that there's no plan to listen to some team executives who suggest shutting down the projected No. 1 pick until the 2023 NBA draft in June."NBA people are telling me to shut him down, and we are not going to shut him down," Bouna Ndiaye told ESPN on Wednesday. "If we came with that kind of talk to [Wembanyama], he will look at us and say, 'What are you talking about?' He'll never agree to that. He wants to compete and get better. With Victor, it's basketball first and everything else second. He was so pissed off that he lost."Wembanyama's brilliance was met with a spectacular performance out of G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson, who is expected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. In the history of potential 1-2 draft-pick matchups, it has been rare to have both players...

October 05

The owner of a sports memorabilia auction house said he offered $2 million to the fan who caught New York Yankees star Aaron Judge's American League-record 62nd home run.JP Cohen, president of Memory Lane Inc. in Tustin, California, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he has texted and emailed Cory Youmans, the man who caught Judge's milestone shot Tuesday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Cohen said Youmans has not yet replied."I feel the offer is way above fair, if he is inclined to sell it," Cohen said in a telephone interview with the AP on Wednesday.Youmans grabbed the historic souvenir on the fly as it sailed into the front row of section 31 in left field during the Yankees' game against the Texas Rangers. The homer pushed Judge past Roger Maris for the AL season record -- a mark many consider baseball's "clean" standard because the only National League players who hit more have been tarnished by ties to steroids.Youmans,...

October 05

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor will miss the first game of his college or pro career after being ruled out for Thursday night's road contest against the Denver Broncos.Taylor suffered a badly twisted ankle late in the Colts' 24-17 loss to the Tennessee TitansSunday and did not return to the game. He had been undergoing constant rehab since in an effort to make it back for Thursday night, even suggesting on Tuesday that a decision on his availability might come shortly before kickoff.But, in the end, the third-year back was unable to overcome the injury."I definitely do plan to play, but if you can't go you can't go," Taylor said Tuesday. "That's why you have to get as much treatment as you can."The Colts have been struggling to generate a consistent running game even with Taylor in the lineup, so his absence will not make things any easier. The Colts enter Week 5 ranked 27th in rushing yards per game (87.8)...

October 05

MIAMI -- Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel isn't ignorant of the criticism surrounding how quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was handled following an apparent head injury against the Bills on Sept. 25; he's aware of what people's opinions are.But he says he isn't wasting thought on them.Speaking to local media Wednesday, McDaniel said any skepticism about whether he or the Dolphins were negligent in allowing Tagovailoa to play against the Cincinnati Bengals, four days after suffering the apparent head injury against the Bills, would be "crumbling" if it were coming from the people he's in service to. Anything outside the Dolphins' building, he said, is also outside of his control."Everything's reactionary anyway," he said. "So if people want to [give their opinion], whatever. ... If I'm spending time thinking about that, let's say Monday night for five seconds -- that's five seconds that I'm not thinking about all the other things that relate to the team and the...

October 05

BEREA, Ohio -- Myles Garrett returned to practice Wednesday, for the first time since crashing his car Sept. 26.The Cleveland Browns star pass rusher sat out Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons after suffering left shoulder and right biceps injuries in the accident."He's a big part of what we do, so good to have him back out there," coach Kevin Stefanski said.Stefanski said the team would see how much Garrett could do in practice, "then get a good feel for where he is." But returning to practice puts Garrett potentially on track to return for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.Garrett suffered a left shoulder sprain and a right biceps strain as well as cuts and bruises after his vehicle went off the side of the road and flipped over. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported over the weekend that Garrett's shoulder injury is expected to hinder him for the next two-to-four weeks.Garrett was issued a citation...

October 05

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor will miss the first game of his college or pro career after being ruled out for Thursday night's road contest against the Denver Broncos.Taylor suffered a badly twisted ankle late in the Colts' 24-17 loss to the Tennessee TitansSunday and did not return to the game. He had been undergoing constant rehab since in an effort to make it back for Thursday night, even suggesting on Tuesday that a decision on his availability might come shortly before kickoff.But, in the end, the third-year back was unable to overcome the injury."I definitely do plan to play, but if you can't go you can't go," Taylor said Tuesday. "That's why you have to get as much treatment as you can."The Colts have been struggling to generate a consistent running game even with Taylor in the lineup, so his absence will not make things any easier. The Colts enter Week 5 ranked 27th in rushing yards per game (87.8)...

October 05

Wide receiver Cole Beasley has decided to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons, his agent said Wednesday."He is ready to be with his family after playing 11 seasons and it's time to be a full-time dad and husband," agent Joel Turner told ESPN."His wife and kids are still back home in Texas. They came out for the first game, went through the evacuation last week which the Tampa Bay organization hasn't received near the credit they deserve for the way they handled [Hurricane Ian] -- nothing but first class by the Glazer family, [general manager] Jason [Licht] and [coach] Todd [Bowles]. He doesn't want to be separated from them anymore. He loves his wife and kids and wants to be with them."Beasley, 33, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on Sept. 20, and was called up to the active roster four days later. He saw action in two games -- against the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs -- with four catches for 17 receiving yards....

October 05

There will be more than the undisputed middleweight championship on the line when Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields fight at the O2 Arena in London next Saturday.The WBC has announced it has created the Elizabethan Belt to award to the winner of Shields-Marshall in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Sept. 8.Queen Elizabeth II's death ended up postponing the Marshall-Shields fight -- and the entire card -- after the British Boxing Board of Control decided to push all fights off of the weekend following her death. The fights were rescheduled for Oct. 15."I think the belt is brilliant, The WBC always pulls out the stops," Marshall said in a statement. "It's one of a kind and it's staying in the UK. How can she walk away with that? That can't leave this country, it wouldn't be right."The purple belt has small markings of both the flags of the United States (Shields) and Great Britain (Marshall) on the sides with Queen Elizabeth's name, crown and years of her life in...

October 05

CINCINNATI -- Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said he is very familiar with concussionlike symptoms and that head injuries are an inherent cost of playing football.In his weekly podcast appearance, Burrow said he hasn't had any long-term issues from concussions but conceded that he has likely suffered at least one during his career and has even forgotten entire chunks of a game before."I've had some where I don't remember the second half or I don't remember the entire game or I know I got a little dizzy at one point," Burrow told "The Colin Cowherd Podcast.""But nothing long-lasting."Burrow went on to say that those issues are part of playing the sport."You're going to have head injuries," Burrow told the podcast. "You're going to tear your ACL. You're going to break your arm. That's the game that we play. That's the life that we live. And we get paid handsomely for it. I think going into every game, we know what we're getting ourselves...

October 05

LIV Golf is forming a strategic alliance with the little-known MENA Tour in hopes of securing Official World Golf Ranking points for its players.The MENA Tour, a feeder circuit that has staged tournaments in the Middle East and North Africa, had been shuttered for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic before staging a tournament in May. Founded by the Dubai-based Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation in 2011, the MENA Tour was recognized by the OWGR governing board in May 2016.In a news release on Wednesday, the MENA Tour said the "alliance will boost the MENA Tour's development programs and immediately qualify LIV Golf for OWGR points, starting with the LIV Golf Thailand event at Stonehill this week.""This is a very exciting day for the MENA Tour and our players," MENA Tour commissioner David Spencer said in a statement. "Through this alliance, our players will now have enhanced playing opportunities and stronger pathways. This is great news for the future of many young...

October 05

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Quarterback Blake Bortles, who led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a division title and the AFC Championship Game after the 2017 season, says he has retired.Bortles, the No. 3 overall pick in 2014, announced his retirement on an episode of the "Pardon My Take" podcast."I quietly... I didn't tell anybody, I retired," he said Wednesday, when asked if he was in good shape to sign with an NFL team. "I guess you guys are kind of the first to hear it publicly."Bortles had an up-and-down career with the Jaguars. He is second in Jaguars history in passing yards (17,646) and passing touchdowns (103) in 72 starts. His inconsistency was the reason the franchise decided to move on and signed Nick Foles in free agency in March 2019.Bortles set single-season franchise records in passing yards (4,428) and passing touchdowns (35) in his second season, but he followed that with a disastrous 2016. His mechanics -- especially his elongated delivery --...

October 05

Conor Benn will still fight Chris Eubank Jr. on Saturday according to his promoter, Matchroom, despite confirmation on Wednesday that Benn has failed a random drug test for the banned substance clomifene.Since Benn has yet to be banned by authorities, Matchroom says the fight at the O2 Arena in London will go ahead as planned."The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed," Matchroom said in a statement Wednesday."Indeed, Mr. Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight."Mr. Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Board of Boxing Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. Mr. Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD."Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information, and wish to proceed with the bout...

October 05

Conor Benn will still fight Chris Eubank Jr. on Saturday according to his promoter Matchroom, despite confirmation on Wednesday that Benn has failed a random drugs test for the banned substance clomifene.Benn has tested positive for clomifene, a women's fertility drug, which can reportedly increase production of testosterone if taken on a daily basis by men.But, as he is yet to be banned by authorities, Matchroom says the fight at the O2 Arena in London, England,will still go ahead on Saturday."The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed," Matchroom said in a statement Wednesday."Indeed, Mr Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight."Mr. Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Board of Boxing Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. Mr Benn has passed all...

October 05

On the 10th day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the ninth day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the eighth day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the seventh day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the sixth day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the fifth day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the fourth day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the third day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the second day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … On the first day of Christmas, Page 2 gave to me … Hampton Stevens is a contributor to Page 2 and ESPN The Magazine and is based in Kansas City, Mo. He also writes for Playboy.com, Maxim, the Atlantic Online and other outlets. Back to Page 2 | Comment

October 05

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The American League has a new single-season home run king.New York Yankees star Aaron Judge launched his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday night on the road against the Texas Rangers, breaking the AL record he shared with Roger Maris.After depositing a Tim Mayza sinker into the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen to tie Maris' mark last Wednesday, Judge went without a home run during the Yankees' final regular-season homestand -- a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. Back on the road, Judge, who had gone 2-for-9 with two singles in two games against the Rangers through Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader, took Texas pitcher Jesus Tinoco deep in the first inning of the nightcap to reach No. 62."It's a big relief. I think that everyone can sit back down in their seats and watch the ballgame, you know? No, but it's been a fun ride so far," Judge said. "Getting a chance to do this, with the team we've got, the...

October 05

Jim Redmond, who helped his injured son Derek finish the 1992 Olympics 400 metres semifinal -- in what was one of sport's most memorable moments, has died aged 81. Derek, who was in fine form heading into the Barcelona Games, had posted the fastest time in his heat but tore his hamstring on the back straight. But instead of seeking medical attention, he attempted to hobble to the finish line.As he rounded the curve, he was joined by his father Jim who barged past track officials and waved them away, holding his inconsolable son and crossing the line together as the fans at the stadium gave them a standing ovation."Our thoughts are with Derek Redmond and his family following the death of his father, Jim," the Olympic Games said on Twitter on Tuesday."Together, they brought us one of the most inspirational moments in Olympic history."Team GB said: "Rest in peace Jim Redmond, father to Derek, whose Olympic moment will never be forgotten."Two decades after...

October 05

HENDERSON, Nevada -- With Chris Paul and A'ja Wilson watching courtside, French basketball star Victor Wembanyama, the uncanny 7-foot-5 center and projected No. 1 NBA draft pick, put on a show in a 37-point performance Tuesday night at the Dollar Loan Center against the G League Ignite and Scoot Henderson, the projected No. 2 pick.Henderson scored 28 points and led his team to a 122-115 victory.At halftime, Wembanyama's Metropolitans 92 team, a pro squad from France, was down 71-52 before his second-half burst helped his team take the lead and battle the Ignite down the stretch."At some point, it was just about taking over because our team needed players to step up because we were down [21 points], I think," said Wembanyama, who admitted playing longer quarters for the first time (games in Europe are 40 minutes versus 48 minutes in the NBA and G League) affected his stamina. "Coming back from such a lead, it's a tough task. ... There are times, you got...

October 05

HENDERSON, Nevada -- With Chris Paul and A'ja Wilson watching courtside, French basketball star Victor Wembanyama, the uncanny 7-foot-5 center and projected No. 1 NBA draft pick, put on a showcase in a 37-point performance Tuesday night at the Dollar Loan Center against the G League Ignite and Scoot Henderson, the projected No. 2 pick.Henderson scored 28 points and led his team to a 122-115 victory.At halftime, Wembanyama's Metropolitans 92 team, a pro squad from France, was down 71-52 before his second-half burst helped his team take the lead and battle the Ignite down the stretch."At some point, it was just about taking over because our team needed players to step up because we were down [21 points], I think," said Wembanyama, who admitted playing longer quarters for the first time (games in Europe are 40 minutes versus 44 minutes in the NBA and G League) affected his stamina. "Coming back from such a lead, it's a tough task. ... There are times, you...

October 05

CHICAGO -- The Zion Williamson show is officially back. Even if it was just for a preseason viewing.The New Orleans Pelicans forward returned to the court Tuesday night, scoring 13 points in a 15-minute performance at the United Center in a 129-125 win over the Chicago Bulls.Earlier on Tuesday, Williamson told ESPN his mindset was to treat this like just another preseason game, but he admitted it was hard to ignore the messages blowing up his phone and appearing on social media about the year-plus he missed.Williamson showed flashes of his old self during the contest. He drove baseline on Bulls forward Patrick Williams for a slam. He had what some on the Pelicans bench thought should have been a chase-down block just a minute earlier in the first quarter on Williams that was ruled goaltending. Still, he was flashing the skills that made him a household name.After Tuesday's game, he said he was most excited about playing the game he loves. That didn't...

October 05