AP – Sports
July 2, 2026
A red card means trouble and controversy at the World Cup: Here’s what to know
The Americans are seeing red over the biggest red card so far in the World Cup. The United States celebrated a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina but fans and players were angry and frustrated by a second-half red card that sent off star striker Falorin Balogun. he will miss the next match against Belgium on Monday. The penalty was called after the referee watched a video replay. The red card also ignited debate over whether it was too harsh and whether other players, most notably Argentina’s Lionel Messi, have unfairly avoided similar punishment.
Tiger Woods’ hospital records will be handed over to prosecutors in Florida DUI case, judge rules
STUART, Fla. (AP) — A judge has ruled that prosecutors are allowed to review medical records related to Tiger Woods’ March vehicle crash and subsequent arrest in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence. Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement last week between Woods’ defense attorney and the State Attorney’s Office that allows prosecutors to request records from Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where Woods was taken following the March 27 crash. The judge signed off on a similar agreement in May that grants prosecutors access to all prescription medication records for the legendary golfer at a Palm Beach pharmacy from the start of the year through the end of March. Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence.
Alex Ovechkin declares ‘I’m back!’ and re-signs with Capitals to return for a 22nd NHL season
Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals. The league’s career goal-scoring record holder inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. Ovechkin turns 41 in September. He has 929 goals after scoring 32 in his 40-year-old season. The Russian superstar broke Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals in April 2025. He had said in recent months he was waiting until the offseason to decide whether to return or retire. Ovechkin in a news release sent out by the Capitals declared, “I’m back.”
Princess Kate greets fans at Wimbledon and sits next to Andy Murray to watch the tennis
LONDON (AP) — Princess Kate met tennis fans lining up in Wimbledon’s famous Queue and sat next to Andy Murray in a day of rooting on British players at the grass-court Grand Slam. The princess early last year announced her cancer was in remission. She’s the patron of the All England Club. Kate also met with children from a local program that supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Kate last year was at Centre Court on consecutive days to present the winners’ trophies to singles champions Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner.
Novak Djokovic says ‘people need to cool off a little bit with judgment’ on Serena Williams
LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic knows just what it means to have to live up to lofty expectations after years of titles and trophies. He’s 39 and is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who now plays only sparingly. So he’s better positioned than almost anyone else to analyze what Serena Williams must have been feeling after losing the first singles match that she played in nearly four years at the All England Club earlier this week. Djokovic says “people always expect you to play at your best because they’re used to seeing you dominate the sport for many years.” Djokovic adds that”people need to cool off a little bit with judgment and criticism and everything. Let’s just enjoy the greatness.”
Caitlin Clark voted to start third straight WNBA All-Star Game, joined by two Fever teammates
NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark was voted to start her third straight WNBA All-Star Game and will be joined by Indiana Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. It’s the second time in four years that three players from the same team were chosen to start the game, with Las Vegas doing it in 2023. Clark wasn’t able to play in last year’s game that the Fever hosted because she was injured right before it. Clark and Mitchell will be joined this year in the backcourt by Paige Bueckers and rookie Olivia Miles. It’s the fourth consecutive year that a rookie was chosen as an All-Star starter. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jessica Shepard, Natasha Howard and Gabby Williams were selected for the frontcourt for the game that will be played in Chicago on July 25.
What polling shows about Americans’ interest in the World Cup and USMNT
WASHINGTON (AP) — New polling from Ipsos Sports, provided exclusively to The Associated Press, shows that the World Cup has excited soccer fans and piqued many Americans’ interest, even as the sport continues to face an uphill climb to reach mainstream popularity in the United States. The poll was conducted June 26-28, after the U.S. advanced from the group stage but before they won against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout round. About 6 in 10 soccer fans were “extremely” or “very” excited about the U.S. advancing to the knockout round, much higher than the 25% of Americans overall who said the same. About half of soccer fans say the U.S.’s role in co-hosting the World Cup is going at least “very” well, but there’s less enthusiasm for FIFA’s role.
StubHub sued by fans who say ticket cancellations crushed dreams of going to World Cup
NEW YORK (AP) — After weeks of complaints from frustrated fans, StubHub is being sued by customers who say the ticket reseller’s inability to fulfill orders crushed their dreams of going to World Cup. Julia Reeker Moghal and Reuben Renteria, both of California, sued the ticketing giant this week in federal court in New York, alleging that “false and misleading” sales practices left them without the tickets they purchased for group stage matches last month. The lawsuit, which seeks to become a class action, says Moghal and Renteria are among hundreds or even thousands of World Cup fans who purchased tickets only to find out that they “did not exist, were revoked without any forewarning, or had been erased.” StubHub declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Anisimova avoids Wimbledon upset with 20 aces in win over Kenin. Swiatek and Zverev also advance
LONDON (AP) — Amanda Anisimova served three of her 20 aces in the deciding tiebreaker to hold off Sofia Kenin 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (3) and reach the third round at Wimbledon as Kate, the Princess of Wales, visited the All England Club. Anisimova who was consoled by Kate a year ago after being routed by Iga Swiatek in the final trailed 3-1 in the third set before she broke back in the sixth game against her fellow American. Swiatek beat 2021 Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova in straight sets and next meets Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala who beat Maya Joint. There were straight-set victories on the men’s side for Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.
Jaylen Brown still processing how he became a former Boston Celtic after stunning trade with 76ers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jaylen Brown says he’s still processing his trade from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and a five-time All-Star, is being traded for Paul George and draft picks. The deal was revealed Wednesday but still needs league approval. Brown expressed mixed emotions, highlighting his respect for Boston and its fans. He also noted feeling underappreciated after being included in previous trade talks. The 76ers gain a star to pair with Joel Embiid, alongside Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Brown looks forward to earning respect in Philadelphia.
