Sports

NFLPA interim boss David White tells AP an 18-game regular season is ‘not inevitable’

The interim executive director of the NFL Players Association told The Associated Press an 18-game season is “not inevitable” and he hasn’t had any conversations with the league about expanding the length of the regular season, which increased to 17 games in 2021. David White said he had a productive meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York a couple weeks ago, calling it “a very good start to our relationship” and added they have agreed to an “open and respectful” line of communication. White, who replaced Lloyd Howell last month, addressed various topics in an exclusive 45-minute interview with The Associated Press.

NBA says it will open investigation into report that Clippers broke cap rules with Leonard deal

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NBA says it will investigate if a $28 million endorsement contract between Kawhi Leonard and a California-based sustainability services company allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to circumvent league salary cap rules, following a report by journalist Pablo Torre. The probe will focus on ties between Leonard, the Clippers and a company called Aspiration Fund Adviser, LLC, which filed for bankruptcy this year. It listed several creditors at that time, among them the Clippers (who were owed about $30 million) and a company called KL2 Aspire LLC that was owed $7 million. Leonard is listed as the manager of that company in California filings.

Felix Auger-Alissiame beats Alex de Minaur at the US Open to reach his 1st major semi since 2021

NEW YORK (AP) — Felix Auger-Aliassime has eliminated Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5, 7-6 (4) at the U.S. Open to reach his second Grand Slam semifinal — and second at Flushing Meadows. The No. 25-seeded Auger-Aliassime’s victory in Arthur Ashe Stadium included 22 aces. One came when de Minaur was just one point from taking a two-set lead. Auger-Aliassime’s only other trip to the final four at a major came in New York in 2021 at age 21. The Canadian will face No. 1 Jannik Sinner or No. 10 Lorenzo Musetti on Friday for a berth in the final. No. 8 seed de Minaur dropped to 0-6 in major quarterfinals.

World Cup tickets initially to cost $60-$6,730 but could fluctuate with dynamic pricing

MIAMI (AP) — Ticket prices for next year’s World Cup will range initially from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final, but could change as soccer’s top event adopts dynamic pricing for the first time. The prices are up from a range of $25 to $475 for the 1994 tournament in the United States and for the U.S. dollar equivalent $69 to $1,607 when ticket details were announced for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The initial draw period will be limited to Visa card holders and will run from 11 a.m. EDT on the opening day through 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19.

Russell Wilson brings leadership and quarterback stability to the New York Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants love Russell Wilson’s deep-throwing “moon ball” and his Super Bowl-winning experience. But what he brings more than anything else at age 36 is a steady hand at quarterback. Teammates and coaches rave about Wilson’s consistency. It is something the team could use after going 3-14 last season with uneven play at the most important position. Wilson has spent more than a decade in the NFL working on himself on and off the field and is prepared to be the leader the Giants need.

Spanish Vuelta stage cut short because of disruption by pro-Palestinian protesters near finish line

BILBAO, Spain (AP) — The 11th stage of the Spanish Vuelta was cut short and finished without a winner because of a disruption by pro-Palestinian protesters near the finish line in the Basque Country city of Bilbao. The protesters appeared to be targeting riders from the Israel Premier Tech team. Some attempted to invade the road when the riders of the Israeli team crossed in front of them, prompting organizers and security staff to rush in to try to contain them behind the security fences. Race officials made an announcement to the teams as the riders were near the end of the 98-mile stage that also started in Bilbao.

Novak Djokovic is 38 and bidding for a 25th Slam title. He faces Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open

NEW YORK (AP) — Novak Djokovic is 38 and trying to conquer a much younger man’s game as he heads into the U.S. Open semifinals. It’s been two years since his most recent Grand Slam title, which — to him — must feel like an eternity. Last season was his first without earning at least one since 2017. And Djokovic is clear that, at this point in his career, those big trophies from the sport’s four biggest events are all he really cares about. He faces No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is 22, in the semifinals Friday. Win that, and Djokovic could meet No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is 23, in the final Sunday.

Bird, Fowles and Moore: The most dominant Hall of Fame class in women’s basketball history?

The trio of Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore will be the most dominant class of women’s basketball players to ever enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when they are enshrined this weekend. From Olympic gold medals to WNBA championships and record-setting milestones, as a group, there is no equal. They have combined to win 11 Olympic gold medals, more than any other class ever to enter the Hall of Fame. In the WNBA, the trio were part of 10 WNBA championships with Bird winning four in Seattle and Moore capturing four in Minnesota. Fowles was a big part of the last two with Moore and the Lynx.

NHL to implement a playoff salary cap beginning this season, AP source says

The NHL will implement a playoff salary cap and remove player dress code requirements beginning this season, a person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press. The league and Players’ Association agreed to those changes as part of a new collective bargaining agreement that begins in September 2026. The sides opted to make the playoff cap and dress code policy adjustments immediately rather than waiting another year. Extending the regular season to 84 games, reducing the maximum length of contracts and other changes will go into effect in 2026-27.

No. 21 Alabama looks to step up effort and intensity after lackluster loss in opener

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama felt like it showed a lack of effort in its season-opening loss at Florida State. It definitely showed up during evaluations of the 31-17 setback in Tallahassee. With its lowest ranking in 17 years, No. 21 Alabama is trying to step up its intensity and hustle during practice this week before hosting Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday. It’s all about reclaiming the “Bama standard.” That standard was lacking against the Seminoles, with clips surfacing showing the Tide loafing at times and getting outmuscled on nearly every play. Linebacker Qua Russaw says “everybody sees it watching film. Everybody’s not running to the ball.”