AP
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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FBN--NFL-HEAD-PROTECTION
DESCRIPTION: Arizona Cardinals left tackle Jayden Williams is among a slowly growing number of NFL players who has tried wearing the Guardian Cap during games this season. Williams said a little extra added protection couldn’t hurt, but some experts believe the cap gives players a false sense of security. By David Brandt. 1100 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Rarely has a procedural penalty been so subtle yet so consequential as the false start by Kansas City right tackle Jaylon Moore in the Chiefs’ 28-24 loss at Denver. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 725 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--NFL-EUROPEAN LEAGUES
DESCRIPTION: As the NFL keeps expanding internationally, European American football continues to try to capitalize on the growing interest in the sport across the continent. But a split in the domestic leagues this season undermined efforts of sustainably developing the game.
UPCOMING: By 11/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text, FilePhoto
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GLF--PALMER JUNIOR TOUR
DESCRIPTION: David Blitzer always has an eye on sports properties as the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. What got his attention recently was youth, specifically golf, with participation levels soaring. It led to the creation of the Arnold Palmer Junior Golf Tour. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. 750 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/03/2026 8:00 a.m. EST, Text, FilePhoto
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FBN--NFL-EUROPEAN LEAGUES-TOMSULA
DESCRIPTION: A former San Francisco 49ers head coach who lasted one season on the job after replacing Jim Harbaugh is trying to make American football work in Europe. Jim Tomsula, who led the 49ers to a 5-11 season in 2015, is leading one of the European domestic leagues trying to capitalize on the growing interest in the sport abroad. By Tales Azzoni. With FBN--NFL-European Leagues
UPCOMING: By 11/03/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP RANKINGS
DESCRIPTION: The College Football Playoff releases its initial rankings for the upcoming 12-team postseason tournament. By Eddie Pells. Rankings to be released at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN.
UPCOMING: By 11/03/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Text, FilePhoto
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--BEARS-SEAHAWKS
Caleb Williams and Jeffery Simmons lead the Bears past the Seahawks 34-17
SUMMARY: Caleb Williams threw a touchdown pass on the opening drive and Jeffery Simmons delivered just what Chicago needed on defense as the Bears beat the Seattle Seahawks 34-17. Williams was extremely efficient for the Bears against one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses, committing no turnovers, taking just one sack and throwing for 247 yards while completing 71% of his passes. Williams’ play helped set up three short touchdown runs by D’Andre Swift and that proved to be more than enough against Sam Darnold and the Seahawks, thanks to the impact Simmons had on the defense.
WORDS: 956 - MOVED: 11/03/2026 12:55 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:db6943d180ef1a25f4b5031eda3c963f&mediaType=text
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BKN--HEAT-LAKERS
Luka Doncic scores 42 points in another brilliant game, leading the Lakers past the Heat 138-117
SUMMARY: Luka Doncic had 42 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 138-117 victory over the Miami Heat. Doncic scored at least 37 points in his fifth consecutive game, hitting six 3-pointers and showing off his playmaking skill one night after he had 45 points and 15 assists in a win over Toronto. Austin Reaves scored 27 points and Walker Kessler added 15 points and 15 rebounds for the 6-2 Lakers. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for the Heat, who opened a five-game West Coast road trip with their fifth loss in seven games
WORDS: 375 - MOVED: 11/03/2026 12:35 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:06353c00a4db1980a5fc2de32c5ea8a0&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-LEBRON WINE
A toast to a win? LeBron James takes a sip of wine after crashing into 76ers fan
SUMMARY: At 41 years old and still playing at an elite level, some might say LeBron James is aging like a fine wine.Well, maybe having some wine during Monday’s contest helped his game, too.After coming up empty on a fastbreak, James crashed into a 76ers fan behind the basket and took a a sip of the fan’s wine during Philadelphia’s 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
WORDS: 292 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 11:45 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c3cb582caa8d3dd627b73adef1127770&mediaType=text
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BKC--NORTH CAROLINA-MALONE’S DEBUT
Michael Malone gets win No. 1 at blueblood North Carolina. It wasn’t an easy night
SUMMARY: North Carolina won its debut under Michael Malone with a tougher-than-expected tussle with Western Carolina on Monday night. Malone led the NBA’s Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023. Now he’s leading a blueblood program with six NCAA championships and a record 21 trips to the Final Four. After this one, retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams and North Carolina athletic director Steve Newmark presented Malone with a game ball for his first win with the Tar Heels.
WORDS: 876 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 11:29 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:131d093bb3906ea81c26f096b62df359&mediaType=text
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BBO--BBWAA AWARDS FINALISTS
The Miz among 4 members of World Series champion Brewers who are finalists for major BBWAA awards
SUMMARY: Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski is among four members of the World Series champions who are finalists for baseball’s biggest individual awards. The Miz was one of the top three vote-getters in balloting for the NL Cy Young Award by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America at the conclusion of the regular season. Finalists for all the major BBWAA awards were announced Monday night. Winners will be revealed next week. Gold Glove second baseman Brice Turang is in the running for National League MVP, and Brewers skipper Pat Murphy could become the first person to win three consecutive Manager of the Year awards. Milwaukee closer Trevor Megill is a finalist for NL Relief Pitcher of the Year, a new category this year in both leagues.
WORDS: 447 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 11:08 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd98eef009c3a00fe603a476d3c5946f&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA ELIGIBILITY
Courtroom chaos hits college basketball as dozens play after judges block NCAA eligibility rules
SUMMARY: The college basketball season tips off with many players unexpectedly gaining an extra year of eligibility. They have received injunctions from courts in various states after the NCAA adopted a new five-year eligibility model that did not apply to them as they wrapped up their playing careers last season. As of last week, the NCAA reported about 200 lawsuits involving 850 athletes. So far, most of the courts — though not all — have sided with athletes seeking another year of eligibility. But nothing has been definitively decided as the season gets underway, leaving coaches to wonder whether their players will remain eligible through March.
WORDS: 1318 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 10:55 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cec9148121c0063f215208dea58f4e18&mediaType=text
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BBO--FREE AGENTS
Bednar, Suzuki and Arozarena are among 8 MLB players receiving $23.15 million qualifying offers
SUMMARY: New York Yankees closer David Bednar, Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and Seattle outfielder Randy Arozarena were among eight players who received $23.15 million qualifying offers from their teams. Milwaukee first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers and Baltimore left-hander Trevor Rogers also received the offers along with Minnesota catcher Ryan Jeffers, Pittsburgh second baseman Brandon Lowe and San Diego left-hander Adrian Morejon. Players have until Nov. 17 to accept. Qualifying offers began after the 2012 season, and only 18 of 157 prior offers have been accepted. The figure is determined by the average of the top 125 major league contracts this year.
WORDS: 1255 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 10:48 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fced9fc82c69fbf265f1173205730433&mediaType=text
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BKN--PACERS-SIX PLAYERS
5 starters, 1 sub: Pacers down to 6 players because of injuries and rest but nearly beat Hawks
SUMMARY: Indiana had a starting five on Monday night. And a reserve. It was nearly enough. The Pacers had 11 players, representing about 93% of their payroll, sidelined because of injuries and other reasons for their game against the Atlanta Hawks. And they almost won anyway. With only six players, Indiana cut a 15-point second-half deficit to two in the final minutes before falling 108-104. All six Indiana players logged between 34 and 45 minutes. The Pacers had nothing left at the end. Indiana’s Braden Smith grabbed a defensive rebound with about a minute left and then had to exit because of cramps.
WORDS: 877 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 10:46 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1054fb90b509d0989fbfca10f980f821&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-DODGE RETURNS
Dodge announces its return to the NASCAR Cup Series beginning at the Daytona 500
SUMMARY: Dodge is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, a year earlier than initially expected. The Stellantis-owned Dodge brand announced its return at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Monday. Dodge will once again give the Cup Series four manufacturers, joining Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota in fielding entries to compete in a 36-race schedule that begins in mid-February and crowns a champion in early November. Kaulig Racing will use the Dodge Charger to field a two-car team beginning at the Daytona 500. AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to fill those seats.
WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 9:44 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2bf57a300989c1d7e4d4b853d8a03757&mediaType=text
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BKC-T25--FLORIDA-MIAMI
Thomas Hauck’s 19 points and 10 rebounds lead No. 1 Florida past No. 14 Miami, 77-67
SUMMARY: Thomas Haugh had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the No. 1 Florida Gators to a 77-67 win over the No. 14 Miami Hurricanes in the season-opener for both programs. Rueben Chinyelu added six points and 14 rebounds for the Gators, who this time left Benchmark International Arena with a win. In the same building on March 22, Iowa ended Florida’s season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Acaden Lewis had 24 for the Hurricanes in his first game since transferring from Villanova.
WORDS: 344 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 9:04 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:55d05969560f09ee139e0ab3b49a40d8&mediaType=text
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FBN--COWBOYS ANALYSIS
The criticism mounts for Brian Schottenheimer as the Cowboys keep finding ways to lose
SUMMARY: Owner Jerry Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott tried to shield coach Brian Schottenheimer from mounting criticism after the Dallas Cowboys again failed to put together consecutive victories. The latest loss was the most crushing of Schottenheimer’s season-plus in charge. The Cowboys matched the biggest blown fourth-quarter lead in franchise history at 14 points in Arizona’s 33-30 overtime victory. Questions about Schottenheimer’s job security had already come up this season. Jones said he wasn’t considering an in-season change. Prescott bristled at suggestions that Schottenheimer is solely to blame for the team’s woes.
WORDS: 937 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 6:34 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39c17b6a45fb4c22db3606391096b137&mediaType=text
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FBN--CARDINALS-MINSHEW
Gardner Minshew selected as Cardinals’ starting QB; Jacoby Brissett demoted to 3rd string
SUMMARY: Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur says veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew will take over as the starter. Minshew replaced Jacoby Brissett and led a 14-point comeback for a 33-30 overtime win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. LaFleur believes Minshew provided the needed spark for the struggling offense. Minshew threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns after entering the game late in the third quarter. Rookie Carson Beck will be the backup, while Brissett moves to third string for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Minshew is on a one-year deal. Beck was a third-round pick out of Miami.
WORDS: 416 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 5:32 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7db092bb42bf3bd24276429dce4f8c3e&mediaType=text
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HKO--FINLAND-RUSSIA
Finland says its national teams won’t play against Russia in hockey tournaments
SUMMARY: The Finnish Ice Hockey Association says its national teams will not play against Russia in international tournaments as long as the war in Ukraine is ongoing. That stance by Finland and reportedly also Latvia comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russian teams beginning with the world juniors that begins in late December in western Canada. A message sent to the IIHF seeking comment and clarification on what Finland boycotting games against Russia would mean was not immediately returned.
WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 4:49 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:605630936d80f9041a41dabba56ab4ad&mediaType=text
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BKL--FEVER-CLARK-CHILDREN’S BOOK
A quote on a mirror in Caitlin Clark’s childhood home inspires her new children’s book
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark has been an avid reader since she was a kid, thanks in huge part to her mother. Now the Indiana Fever star can add writer to her ever-growing resume with a new children’s book, “EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams,” that comes out Tuesday. It’s a picture book that’s written in rhyming verse. Clark first thought about not having it rhyme, but she said it just worked better. The book focuses on teamwork, perseverance and the love of those around her, including her family, friends and teammates. Clark’s book is based on a quote on a mirror that’s still in her childhood bedroom.
WORDS: 526 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 4:36 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f43b4bf553d0bbf282bb63f67ed3f4ba&mediaType=text
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HKN--LIGHTNING-KUCHEROV
Lightning star Nikita Kucherov says trade request stems from disrespect and lack of communication
SUMMARY: Reigning NHL MVP Nikita Kucherov requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning because he feels disrespected by a lack of communication with general manager Julien BriseBois. Kucherov will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018 before he helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup twice, led the NHL in scoring three times and won the Hart Trophy in 2018-19 and 2025-26.
WORDS: 427 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 4:28 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:02e7b79fe8d9ef8ff4763b7268e33776&mediaType=text
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BKN--THUNDER-WESTBROOK
Thunder to honor former league MVP Russell Westbrook by retiring his No. 0 in February
SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Thunder will honor former league MVP Russell Westbrook by retiring his No. 0 in February. The 37-year-old Westbrook played 11 of his 18 NBA seasons with Oklahoma City and retired as team leader in games, points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals and minutes. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012, reached the playoffs nine times and made four Western Conference Finals appearances. He was named MVP for the 2016-17 season after averaging a league-best 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.63 steals to become the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season.
WORDS: 266 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 4:05 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a14bb388e61324fdab9abe4a764ff4dc&mediaType=text
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FBN--PACKERS-JACOBS
Coach Matt LaFleur says Packers anticipate keeping Josh Jacobs on their roster
SUMMARY: Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur says the Packers plan to keep Josh Jacobs on their roster following the news of previous allegations against the three-time Pro Bowl running back. Jacobs has pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. LaFleur says that “we’re going to allow the NFL to do its process, but I would anticipate him being a member of us moving forward.” The Hobart-Lawrence (Wisconsin) Police Department released records from their investigation of Jacobs’ battery case that included the accounts of three other women who reported similar incidents from years before.
WORDS: 811 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 3:56 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8065169e840ed0873b31fa5c45d49f7&mediaType=text
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US--BBO-SPORTS BETTING-ARRESTS
Fraud trial underway in New York for Cleveland Guardians pitchers, including star reliever
SUMMARY: The trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz is underway in New York on charges that they colluded with gamblers who made hundreds of thousands of dollars betting on individual pitches. Their careers and possibly their freedom are at stake in the jury trial that began Monday with jury selection in in Brooklyn federal court. Several professional baseball players, including catchers and baseball executives, are among witnesses likely to testify. Clase is the Guardians’ former closer while Ortiz was a starter when they were charged in November 2025. Both have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges and are on non-disciplinary leave from the club without pay.
WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 11/02/2026 3:41 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff6c3977b322a84fb6e8922be98cf351&mediaType=text
