CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s football program is getting a spotlight this season under new coach Bill Belichick. In a video posted by the program Sunday, Belichick told the team that Hulu will feature the Tar Heels as they play through his first season as a college coach. Belichick led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. UNC kicks off its season on Labor Day against TCU in a college version of Monday Night Football.… Continue Reading
ATLANTA (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s coming to the Ryder Cup. And he thinks U.S. captain Keegan Bradley should be playing in the Sept. 26-28 matches against Europe. Trump posted on his social media site that he would be at Bethpage Black for the opening round. The Ryder Cup already is the most flag-waving, raucous event in golf. It has gone up a notch this time because of the venue. Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island is notorious for having the rowdiest fans. Bradley is debating whether he should be the first playing captain in the Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1963.… Continue Reading
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Blaney wins a thrilling race at Daytona International Speedway, securing a spot in NASCAR’s playoffs and keeping Alex Bowman’s championship hopes alive. Blaney was 13th with two laps to go but surged ahead to win by a narrow margin. His victory denies other drivers a chance at the playoffs. The race was intense, with the first 19 cars finishing within half a second of Blaney. This win breaks an 11-race losing streak for Team Penske and Ford. The playoffs begin next Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE N.C. (AP) — Taylor Moton is staying in Carolina. The Panthers announced Friday they’ve given their durable longtime right tackle a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season. Moton will make $44 million over the next two years including $40 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team typically does not release financial details of contracts. The deal means the Panthers have all five starting offensive linemen under contract at least through the 2026 season.… Continue Reading
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — At least a couple of offshore bookmakers are offering odds on games at the Little League World Series. Team managers, and Little League itself, are not pleased. In news conferences throughout the Little League World Series, U.S. team managers have voiced their displeasure with gambling on their games — players at the tournament top out at 12 years old. Little League International also released a statement last week denouncing sports betting on youth competition.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Skylar Thompson shined in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 19-10 preseason victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. Thompson, a former Miami Dolphin, completed 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown to Lance McCutcheon. Rookie Ben Sauls kicked four field goals. The Steelers played some starters, while the Panthers rested theirs. Steelers defensive end Derrick Harmon left the game with a knee injury. Mason Rudolph started for the Steelers, finishing 6 of 8 with an interception. Jack Plummer threw a touchdown for the Panthers. Both teams open the season Sept. 7.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Dave Doeren is entering his 13th season at N.C. State. He’s the winningest coach in program history and is tied for the sixth-longest tenure of any coach in the Bowl Subdivision ranks. Yet he’s still chasing a 10-win season or a trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game after close calls before. This year’s team is picked to finish 10th in the 17-team ACC race. N.C. State opens the season Aug. 28 against East Carolina in an instate rivalry. It’s a rematch of the bowl game won by ECU last season.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick’s arrival in college as put the spotlight on North Carolina. Belichick is making his first college coaching stop after leading the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles as a head coach. Belichick’s hiring marks a bet and increased investment in football for the school. That includes paying Belichick $10 million guaranteed for three years in a five-year deal. The Tar Heels are picked to finish eighth in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference. They open the season on Labor Day in a college version of Monday night football against TCU.… Continue Reading
CHICAGO (AP) — Khamzat Chimaev continued his dominance in the UFC, capturing the middleweight belt by defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319. With a smile on his face, Chimaev (15-0) shot out of his corner in the first round with a takedown of Du Plessis (23-3) in the opening seconds and had Du Plessis on his back for almost the entire first round. Despite the ground control by Chimaev, Du Plessis was able to avoid significant damage in the first round. All three judges scored the fight 50-44.… Continue Reading
HOUSTON (AP) — C.J. Stroud throws a touchdown pass in his preseason debut, helping the Houston Texans secure a 20-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. Stroud, who didn’t play last week, completes 6 of 8 passes for 44 yards in two series. He connects with Nico Collins for a 5-yard touchdown, giving the Texans a 7-0 lead. Nick Chubb runs five times for 25 yards in his Texans debut. Carolina’s Bryce Young struggles, going 0 for 2 and getting sacked once. The Texans defense shines with two interceptions in the second half, sealing the victory.… Continue Reading