MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut
for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star
right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City
Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and
five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the
24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had
three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda
had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two
hits and a walk.

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer
Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St.
Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL
Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits
while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third
straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first
inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the
Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario
smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his
career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York
Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his
outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan
Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in
the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added
his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever
Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a
chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game,
Soto walked in the ninth.

CHICAGO (AP) — New
York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the
injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said
Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral
ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL.
He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club
should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday.
Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left
during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox
but downplayed the injury after the game.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been
arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his
fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at
Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The
Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round
pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told
police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a
porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they
seized two handguns.

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES,
France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three
Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and
memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60
players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big
stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le
Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there
was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New
Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her
into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

UNDATED (AP) —
Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant
Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins
Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage
throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial
terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be
for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the
agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name
change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time
college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising
costs, including more money going directly to athletes.

UNDATED (AP) — No.
10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best
programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want
even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first
league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff.
Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put
them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the
league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their
championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida
State this season.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.
(AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the
release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former
low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing
scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time
since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were
included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the
school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message
exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate
with the NCAA in its investigation.

Final	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Chicago White Sox	1	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Zebby Matthews threw five crisp innings to win his major league debut
for the Minnesota Twins, who hit Seth Lugo hard to hand the All-Star
right-hander his worst start this season and beat the Kansas City
Royals 13-3. Matthews allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and
five strikeouts in the latest and most meaningful feat for the
24-year-old righty who started the season in Class A. The Twins had
three homers and eight extra-base hits among 15 hits. Jose Miranda
had three hits and two RBIs and Matt Wallner had three runs plus two
hits and a walk.CINCINNATI (AP) —
Hunter Greene allowed one run through seven innings, Jeimer
Candelario hit a two-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St.
Louis Cardinals 4-1 to secure a win of the series between the NL
Central rivals. The hard-throwing Greene (9-4) allowed four hits
while striking out eight and walking one in notching his third
straight win. Spencer Steer had a two-out, RBI single in the first
inning. Ty France led off the second with a homer off the roof of the
Cardinals bullpen in right, his 11th of the season. Candelario
smashed his 19th homer with two outs in the sixth.CHICAGO (AP) —
Juan Soto has hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his
career, connecting in three consecutive at-bats for the New York
Yankees against the Chicago White Sox. The slugger started his
outburst with a two-run shot to left field off starter Jonathan
Cannon in the third inning. Soto tagged Cannon for a solo drive in
the fifth, going the other way again. The four-time All-Star added
his 33rd homer of the season in the seventh off left-handed reliever
Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0. With a
chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game,
Soto walked in the ninth.CHICAGO (AP) — New
York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. appears headed to the
injured list with a left elbow injury, manager Aaron Boone said
Tuesday. The 26-year-old Chisholm has a probable ulnar collateral
ligament injury and Boone said he will “likely” end up on the IL.
He said more physicians are evaluating the elbow and that the club
should have enough information to make a decision by Wednesday.
Chisholm was hurt on a headfirst dive scoring in the fifth. He left
during the seventh inning of Monday’s 12-2 loss to the White Sox
but downplayed the injury after the game.CLEVELAND (AP) —
Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been
arrested and charged with domestic violence after a fight with his
fiancee. Police in Avon, Ohio, say Hall was booked and arraigned at
Avon Lake Municipal Court and was released after posting bond. The
Browns say they are aware of the incident involving the second-round
pick from Ohio State. According to an incident report, the woman told
police that Hall struck her with a baby bottle, dragged her along a
porch and driveway and held a gun to her temple. Police say they
seized two handguns.SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES,
France (AP) — Golf has been part of the Olympics for the last three
Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and
memorable outcomes. Some of that is because of the small fields of 60
players, about half of whom don't get a regular diet on the big
stage. The latest was Scottie Scheffler's remarkable comeback at Le
Golf National to add Olympic gold to an already great year. And there
was Lydia Ko, with an even greater storybook finish. The New
Zealander now has medaled in all three Olympics and her gold got her
into the LPGA Hall of Fame.UNDATED (AP) —
Tennessee has announced a long-term deal with travel-center giant
Pilot that preserves the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins
Field while giving the Knoxville-based company prominent signage
throughout the stadium, including on the playing surface. Financial
terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it will initially be
for up to 20 years. Tennessee athletic director Danny White says the
agreement could be described as a naming rights deal without a name
change for the 101,915-seat stadium. The deal comes as big-time
college sports schools search for new revenue to address rising
costs, including more money going directly to athletes.UNDATED (AP) — No.
10 Florida State got a taste of being back among the country's best
programs in winning the ACC title last season. The Seminoles want
even more this season. The undefeated program that won its first
league crown since 2014 missed out on the College Football Playoff.
Coach Mike Norvell and his players know a similar season would put
them in the field for the expanded, 12-team playoff. Clemson was the
league favorite last season before a 4-4 start ruined their
championship dreams. But the Tigers were picked second behind Florida
State this season.ANN ARBOR, Mich.
(AP) — Michigan coach Sherrone Moore says he looks forward to the
release of his text messages with Connor Stalions, the former
low-level recruiting staffer who resigned amid a sign-stealing
scandal. Moore spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time
since the NCAA alleged he violated rules. The allegations were
included in a confidential notice that the governing body sent to the
school. Two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity said Moore has been accused of deleting text message
exchanges with Stalions. Moore has said he will continue to cooperate
with the NCAA in its investigation.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	2	Chicago
Cubs	1	Final	Washington	9	Baltimore	3	Final	Oakland	9	N.Y.
Mets	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	15	Seattle	1	Final	Houston	3	Tampa
Bay	2	Final	Boston	9	Texas	4	Final	Minnesota	13	Kansas
City	3	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Toronto	6	L.A.
Angels	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	4	St.
Louis	1	Final	Miami	5	Philadelphia	0	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	7	Milwaukee	2	Final	San
Diego	3	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Arizona	4	Colorado	3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 12th Annual Cougar Open took place Friday with thirty-four teams coming together in support of Barton Athletics at Lake Barton Golf Course.

Cougar Booster Club Golf Tournament Chairman Eric GotscheThe annual event organized and sponsored by the Cougar Booster Club chaired by Eric Gotsche, in addition to, the generosity of donors, provides a fundraising activity for Barton Athletics through participation, sponsors, and raffle opportunities.

The four-man scramble team of Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker took home tournament bragging honors with a 57 score to edge out three other teams shooting a 58.

First flight honors were decided between two teams tying at a 61 total with the tandem of Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney taking the tiebreak over LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers.

In the final 2nd Flight of competitors, tiebreaking procedures were also used amongst three teams carding a 66 with honors going to Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans. Finishing second were Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander as the foursome of Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs placed third in the flight.

Small sample of raffle items at the 2024 Barton Cougar Booster Club Golf TournamentThrough the generous donations of sponsors, over $6,000 of valued prizes were also raffled, as well as, offering a multitude of hole prizes.

Individual hole prize winners were:

Mike Settler (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 3)

Jason Wondra (Closest to the pin on hole 5)

Jeferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 7)

Jefferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 9)

Joel Hamlin (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 10)

Owen Ochs (Longest drive on hole 11 – 65 years old and older)

Walt Bouse (Closest to the pin on hole 12)

Alan Crowther (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 14)

Bryce Wells (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 18)

1st (57): Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker

2nd (58): Mike Shettler, Jerry Ney, Craig Smith, and Mark Connell

3rd (58): Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel, Kris Thexton, and Randy Hageman

4th (58): Kory Walters, Chance Haney, Evan Lytle, and Dylan Nevola

1st (61): Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney

2nd (61): LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers

3rd (62): Chris Spray, Maddox Spray, Kip Spray, and Stef Spray

4th (63): Aaron Andrews, Walt Bouse, Jarrod Bouse, and Mitchell Jones

1st (66): Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans

2nd (66): Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander

3rd (66): Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs

4th (67): Chris Smith, Dave Foss, Doug Kaiser, and Alan Crowther

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570691466.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 12th Annual Cougar Open took place Friday with thirty-four teams coming together in support of Barton Athletics at Lake Barton Golf Course.Cougar Booster Club Golf Tournament Chairman Eric GotscheThe annual event organized and sponsored by the Cougar Booster Club chaired by Eric Gotsche, in addition to, the generosity of donors, provides a fundraising activity for Barton Athletics through participation, sponsors, and raffle opportunities.The four-man scramble team of Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker took home tournament bragging honors with a 57 score to edge out three other teams shooting a 58.First flight honors were decided between two teams tying at a 61 total with the tandem of Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney taking the tiebreak over LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers.In the final 2nd Flight of competitors, tiebreaking procedures were also used amongst three teams carding a 66 with honors going to Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans. Finishing second were Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander as the foursome of Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs placed third in the flight.Small sample of raffle items at the 2024 Barton Cougar Booster Club Golf TournamentThrough the generous donations of sponsors, over $6,000 of valued prizes were also raffled, as well as, offering a multitude of hole prizes.Individual hole prize winners were:Cade Canaday (Longest drive on hole 2)Mike Settler (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 3)Jason Wondra (Closest to the pin on hole 5)Jeferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 7)Denny Rolfs (Longest putt on hole 8)Jefferson Davis (Closest to the pin on hole 9)Joel Hamlin (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 10)Owen Ochs (Longest drive on hole 11 – 65 years old and older)Walt Bouse (Closest to the pin on hole 12)Alan Crowther (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 14)Randy Wetzel (Longest putt on hole 17)Bryce Wells (Closest to the pin in two shots on hole 18)Flight WinnersChampionship Flight:1st (57): Ryan Hoffman, Cade Canady, Alex Lomas, and Troy Walker2nd (58): Mike Shettler, Jerry Ney, Craig Smith, and Mark Connell3rd (58): Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel, Kris Thexton, and Randy Hageman4th (58): Kory Walters, Chance Haney, Evan Lytle, and Dylan NevolaFirst Flight:1st (61): Nick Stoss, Brian McMullen, Kourtney Cairney, and Martin Cairney2nd (61): LT Fleske, Randy Moyers, Chuck Richardson, and Alex Moyers3rd (62): Chris Spray, Maddox Spray, Kip Spray, and Stef Spray4th (63): Aaron Andrews, Walt Bouse, Jarrod Bouse, and Mitchell JonesSecond Flight:1st (66): Jason Wondra, Andy Pivonka, Travis Bartley, and Travis Evans2nd (66): Brent Zimmerman, Sawyer Zimmerman, Nick Schwager, and Beau Cavander3rd (66): Rob Bowman, Jace Bowman, DG Keenan, and Austin Jacobs4th (67): Chris Smith, Dave Foss, Doug Kaiser, and Alan Crowther

Thirty-four teams pack annual Booster Club "Cougar Open" Golf Tournament

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

Saturday's preseason game gave Chiefs rookies their first taste of game action after several weeks of training camp in St. Joseph.

One rookie that stood out among the rest was undrafted running back Carson Steele, who has been a hidden gem of sorts through camp.

Steele has run this camp as both a running back and a fullback, and says his goal coming into camp was to be a Swiss army knife

"Try to do it all type of deal and wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in," Steele tells reporters following practice. "So, like implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially being able to catch out of the backfield too, not only run."

Steele scored the lone Chiefs touchdown in the game against Jacksonville, rushing four times for 29 yards.

Steele has been that do it all back and has the potential to give the Chiefs an actual fullback, their first fullback since the retirement of Anthony Sherman.

Head Coach Andy Reid says Steele has been working out at the fullback position as needed.

"We used Noah (Gray) there last year who can still do that, but he's (Steele) got to be a good special teams player, if he's going to make the team, he's got to be a good special teams player, he's to to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he's doing right now," Reid explains. "But he had a productive day."

A handful of injured Chiefs returned to practice on Monday, but there was also a handful that sat out with injuries.

Absent from practice today were Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Bryan Cook (personal), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sickness), McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson. Also sitting out practice, but still at the fields were Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones (shoulder), Wanya Morris (knee), Charles Omenihu (PUP list)

A positive sign for Chiefs fans was the return of safety Justin Reid from the non-injured list, Reid spent most of training camp just out at the fields in a jersey and shorts. Nick Bolton also returned, though he wore the yellow non-contact jersey and also had his left elbow heavily taped. Kadarius Toney was also back at practice on Monday.

Chiefs first round pick Xavier Worthy also got his first bit of actual game action in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.

And after an early injury to receiver Hollywood Brown, Worthy's role in the offense could expand even more, at least for the first few weeks.

Worthy though says even with the injury to Brown, his mindset does not change, and his mindset is to just be the best

"Hollywood's definitely one of the leaders, he shows me a lot, teaches me a lot, but I feel like him just being there regardless is going to help me a lot," Worthy says. "But my mindset is to just be the best regardless."

Worthy was held without a catch or a target in the first preseason game but could be used more this Saturday against Detroit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570455723.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Running back Carson Steele, who scored a touchdown in the Chiefs first preseason game, catches a pass during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Running back Carson Steele, who scored a touchdown in the Chiefs first preseason game, catches a pass during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostSaturday's preseason game gave Chiefs rookies their first taste of game action after several weeks of training camp in St. Joseph.One rookie that stood out among the rest was undrafted running back Carson Steele, who has been a hidden gem of sorts through camp.Steele has run this camp as both a running back and a fullback, and says his goal coming into camp was to be a Swiss army knife"Try to do it all type of deal and wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in," Steele tells reporters following practice. "So, like implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially being able to catch out of the backfield too, not only run."Steele scored the lone Chiefs touchdown in the game against Jacksonville, rushing four times for 29 yards.Steele has been that do it all back and has the potential to give the Chiefs an actual fullback, their first fullback since the retirement of Anthony Sherman.Head Coach Andy Reid says Steele has been working out at the fullback position as needed."We used Noah (Gray) there last year who can still do that, but he's (Steele) got to be a good special teams player, if he's going to make the team, he's got to be a good special teams player, he's to to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he's doing right now," Reid explains. "But he had a productive day."Injury ReportA handful of injured Chiefs returned to practice on Monday, but there was also a handful that sat out with injuries.Absent from practice today were Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Bryan Cook (personal), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sickness), McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson. Also sitting out practice, but still at the fields were Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones (shoulder), Wanya Morris (knee), Charles Omenihu (PUP list)A positive sign for Chiefs fans was the return of safety Justin Reid from the non-injured list, Reid spent most of training camp just out at the fields in a jersey and shorts. Nick Bolton also returned, though he wore the yellow non-contact jersey and also had his left elbow heavily taped. Kadarius Toney was also back at practice on Monday.Chiefs first round pick Xavier Worthy also got his first bit of actual game action in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.And after an early injury to receiver Hollywood Brown, Worthy's role in the offense could expand even more, at least for the first few weeks.Worthy though says even with the injury to Brown, his mindset does not change, and his mindset is to just be the best"Hollywood's definitely one of the leaders, he shows me a lot, teaches me a lot, but I feel like him just being there regardless is going to help me a lot," Worthy says. "But my mindset is to just be the best regardless."Worthy was held without a catch or a target in the first preseason game but could be used more this Saturday against Detroit.

Hidden gem: Undrafted rookie making name known during Chiefs Training Camp

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has earned a spot on the watch list for the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

This is the second consecutive year that Bryant has been honored by the Bednarik Award in the preseason and it becomes the third watch list for him this season. He has previously received watch list selections from the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.

The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.

From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection this season after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two years. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07.

Bryant is tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown and he is eighth in school history with nine career interceptions. He has scored four touchdowns in his career, adding a fumble return and blocked field goal return to his two interception returns. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, four interceptions and 9 pass breakups.

The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570292869.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has earned a spot on the watch list for the 30th Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.This is the second consecutive year that Bryant has been honored by the Bednarik Award in the preseason and it becomes the third watch list for him this season. He has previously received watch list selections from the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection this season after earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in each of the past two years. He has become the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team all-conference honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07.Bryant is tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown and he is eighth in school history with nine career interceptions. He has scored four touchdowns in his career, adding a fumble return and blocked field goal return to his two interception returns. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, four interceptions and 9 pass breakups.The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. PFF provides detailed metrics and performance-based assessments to selection committee staff, with several senior PFF analysts are members of our selection committee. Phil Steele's College Football Preview is generally recognized as the most complete preseason magazine.

KU's Bryant on Bednarik watch list

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

The first full weekend of exhibition games featuring the new dynamic kickoff included two long returns, a significant drop in touchbacks and mass confusion on an odd play that ended up as a rare safety.

The NFL's goals of increasing the rate of returns and bringing back the threat of big plays were mostly accomplished last weekend. The NFL reported 81% of kicks have been returned so far this preseason, even if teams have been a bit guarded in what wrinkles they were willing to show before the start of the regular season.

“You've seen everybody pretty much be vanilla in the preseason with the kickoff and how they’re attacking on kickoff return,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. "I think the key part for us is seeing our guys run down and cover and who can make the space tackles.”

It also was important for everyone to understand the new rules, as evidenced by what happened to the Kansas City Chiefs when they tried to down a ball for a touchback only to have it be ruled as a safety.

The play in question came late in the first half of Kansas City's game at Jacksonville on Saturday when Cam Little's kick for Jacksonville landed in the front of the end zone before bouncing back into the field of play.

Mecole Hardman raced back and kneeled in the end zone before picking up the ball around the 1 and bringing it back over the goal line. Under the old rules, a kickoff that landed in the end zone led to a automatic touchback.

The officials on the field initially ruled the play a touchback but because it was in the final 2 minutes of the first half, it was automatically reviewed. The call was then changed to a safety because Hardman brought the ball from the field of play into his end zone.

“I think it’s a good coaching point for all teams, to really coach our returners in that situation,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “It’s definitely going to be on the coach’s video that’s going to come out this week. It’s really a good teaching moment for everybody, us included, for our returners. It’s just a great way to learn that rule and to learn the game of football.”

The last time there was a safety on a kick return without a lateral came in the 2012 season opener when Darius Reynaud fielded the opening kick for Tennessee against Pittsburgh while standing in the end zone. He brought the ball from the field of play into the end zone and kneeled down, hoping for a touchback. But the play was ruled a safety.

The misplay by the Chiefs was the only score on a kickoff but there were two long returns with Jacksonville's Parker Washington returning a kick 73 yards against Kansas City and Tennessee's Kearis Jackson having a 63-yarder against San Francisco.

“I’m not going to lie; it looked crazy at first," Washington said. “I thought I was supposed to be tackled a long time ago in mine, but it was exciting to be able to make a play like that. It was cool. It gave us confidence to be like, ‘OK, these kick returns are real and it’s going to be an exciting year.’”

There were only 10 kickoff returns of at least 60 yards in the entire 2023 regular season, down from an average of more than 34 per season from 2001-10 before rule changes to increase player safety started making the kickoff obsolete.

That led to the dramatic change this offseason, with the NFL hoping for a significant increase in the rate of returns from the record-low level of 21.8% last season.

For a standard kickoff, the ball is kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40. The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line, cutting down on high-speed collisions.

Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.

There have been only 24 touchbacks so far this preseason and an average starting field position at the 29 yard line — compared to the 23.8 at this point last preseason, when 65% of kicks had been returned. The rate of returns typically falls once the season starts and teams aren't testing out players and schemes in live action, but the 81% rate so far this preseason bodes well for the NFL's hope that at least half of all kicks will be returned.

There was even some confusion about where to line up with the Raiders and Vikings initially setting up 5 yards too far from the end zone on the opening kickoff of their game before the officials corrected them.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was even caught off guard on the long return by the Titans. Used to there being little action on kicks, Shanahan was looking at video on a tablet during the return and got in the way of an official, leading to a 15-yard penalty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723543173763.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) returns a kickoff during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) returns a kickoff during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football WriterThe first full weekend of exhibition games featuring the new dynamic kickoff included two long returns, a significant drop in touchbacks and mass confusion on an odd play that ended up as a rare safety.The NFL's goals of increasing the rate of returns and bringing back the threat of big plays were mostly accomplished last weekend. The NFL reported 81% of kicks have been returned so far this preseason, even if teams have been a bit guarded in what wrinkles they were willing to show before the start of the regular season.“You've seen everybody pretty much be vanilla in the preseason with the kickoff and how they’re attacking on kickoff return,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. "I think the key part for us is seeing our guys run down and cover and who can make the space tackles.”It also was important for everyone to understand the new rules, as evidenced by what happened to the Kansas City Chiefs when they tried to down a ball for a touchback only to have it be ruled as a safety.The play in question came late in the first half of Kansas City's game at Jacksonville on Saturday when Cam Little's kick for Jacksonville landed in the front of the end zone before bouncing back into the field of play.Mecole Hardman raced back and kneeled in the end zone before picking up the ball around the 1 and bringing it back over the goal line. Under the old rules, a kickoff that landed in the end zone led to a automatic touchback.The officials on the field initially ruled the play a touchback but because it was in the final 2 minutes of the first half, it was automatically reviewed. The call was then changed to a safety because Hardman brought the ball from the field of play into his end zone.“I think it’s a good coaching point for all teams, to really coach our returners in that situation,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “It’s definitely going to be on the coach’s video that’s going to come out this week. It’s really a good teaching moment for everybody, us included, for our returners. It’s just a great way to learn that rule and to learn the game of football.”The last time there was a safety on a kick return without a lateral came in the 2012 season opener when Darius Reynaud fielded the opening kick for Tennessee against Pittsburgh while standing in the end zone. He brought the ball from the field of play into the end zone and kneeled down, hoping for a touchback. But the play was ruled a safety.The misplay by the Chiefs was the only score on a kickoff but there were two long returns with Jacksonville's Parker Washington returning a kick 73 yards against Kansas City and Tennessee's Kearis Jackson having a 63-yarder against San Francisco.“I’m not going to lie; it looked crazy at first," Washington said. “I thought I was supposed to be tackled a long time ago in mine, but it was exciting to be able to make a play like that. It was cool. It gave us confidence to be like, ‘OK, these kick returns are real and it’s going to be an exciting year.’”There were only 10 kickoff returns of at least 60 yards in the entire 2023 regular season, down from an average of more than 34 per season from 2001-10 before rule changes to increase player safety started making the kickoff obsolete.That led to the dramatic change this offseason, with the NFL hoping for a significant increase in the rate of returns from the record-low level of 21.8% last season.For a standard kickoff, the ball is kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40. The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line, cutting down on high-speed collisions.Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.There have been only 24 touchbacks so far this preseason and an average starting field position at the 29 yard line — compared to the 23.8 at this point last preseason, when 65% of kicks had been returned. The rate of returns typically falls once the season starts and teams aren't testing out players and schemes in live action, but the 81% rate so far this preseason bodes well for the NFL's hope that at least half of all kicks will be returned.There was even some confusion about where to line up with the Raiders and Vikings initially setting up 5 yards too far from the end zone on the opening kickoff of their game before the officials corrected them.San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was even caught off guard on the long return by the Titans. Used to there being little action on kicks, Shanahan was looking at video on a tablet during the return and got in the way of an official, leading to a 15-yard penalty.

First weekend of new NFL kickoff rule brings 2 long returns and plenty of confusion

USA Gymnastics officials say an arbitration panel won't reconsider a decision asking gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she was awarded in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.

USA Gymnastics says it will continue efforts to let Chiles keep the medal.

“USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”

CAS voided an on-floor appeal from Chiles’ coach that vaulted her to third, saying the appeal came 4 seconds beyond the one-minute time limit for scoring inquiries.

USA Gymnastics disputed the timing, saying Sunday that the agency submitted video evidence to CAS that showed Team USA coach Cecile Landi first appealed 13 seconds before the deadline.

The dispute over such minute details sets up what could be a months- or years-long legal battle over the gymnastics scores.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said Saturday night it would respect the court’s decision and elevate Ana Barbosu of Romania to third. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the ruling Sunday, announcing that it was reallocating the medal.

CAS ruled Saturday that Landi’s inquiry to have 0.1 added to Chiles’ score came outside the one-minute window. The CAS ad hoc committee wrote that Landi’s inquiry came 1 minute, 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted.

The IOC said it will be in touch with the USOPC regarding the return of Chiles’ bronze and will work with the Romanian Olympic Committee to discuss a reallocation ceremony honoring Barbosu. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil won gold and Simone Biles of the U.S. was the silver medalist.

Any appeal could go to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.

Late Monday, rapper Flavor Flav — who has been a prominent celebrity supporter of 2024 Olympians, including discus thrower Veronica Fraley — posted on the social media platform X that he had made a bedazzled bronze medal for Chiles as a potential replacement while the U.S. fights “the Powers that be.” The replacement is in the manner of a clock, which the rapper has worn for decades, since his days with the group Public Enemy.

“Thank you. Means the world," according to a reply posted on the X account of Gina Charles, the gymnast's mother. “She’s not on socials right now as you can imagine. I’ll share it with her.”

By The Associated PressUSA Gymnastics officials say an arbitration panel won't reconsider a decision asking gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she was awarded in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.USA Gymnastics says it will continue efforts to let Chiles keep the medal.“USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”CAS voided an on-floor appeal from Chiles’ coach that vaulted her to third, saying the appeal came 4 seconds beyond the one-minute time limit for scoring inquiries.USA Gymnastics disputed the timing, saying Sunday that the agency submitted video evidence to CAS that showed Team USA coach Cecile Landi first appealed 13 seconds before the deadline.The dispute over such minute details sets up what could be a months- or years-long legal battle over the gymnastics scores.The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said Saturday night it would respect the court’s decision and elevate Ana Barbosu of Romania to third. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the ruling Sunday, announcing that it was reallocating the medal.CAS ruled Saturday that Landi’s inquiry to have 0.1 added to Chiles’ score came outside the one-minute window. The CAS ad hoc committee wrote that Landi’s inquiry came 1 minute, 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted.The IOC said it will be in touch with the USOPC regarding the return of Chiles’ bronze and will work with the Romanian Olympic Committee to discuss a reallocation ceremony honoring Barbosu. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil won gold and Simone Biles of the U.S. was the silver medalist.Any appeal could go to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.Late Monday, rapper Flavor Flav — who has been a prominent celebrity supporter of 2024 Olympians, including discus thrower Veronica Fraley — posted on the social media platform X that he had made a bedazzled bronze medal for Chiles as a potential replacement while the U.S. fights “the Powers that be.” The replacement is in the manner of a clock, which the rapper has worn for decades, since his days with the group Public Enemy.“Thank you. Means the world," according to a reply posted on the X account of Gina Charles, the gymnast's mother. “She’s not on socials right now as you can imagine. I’ll share it with her.”

Jordan Chiles medal inquiry: USA Gymnastics says arbitration panel won't reconsider decision

Coming off their first league title since 2011, the Barton Community College volleyball team has been unanimously picked by member coaches to defend their KJCCC Division I title for the 2024 season.

Tabbed 8th last season after three consecutive runner-up finishes, the Cougars bounced back from a conference season opening loss to rattle off 12 straight KJCCC victories including seven straight in three-set sweep fashion.  Barton concluded the conference season 13-3 and two-game cushion in the league race after its season sweeping of rival Hutchinson with its season ending in the Region VI Semifinals concluding the campaign at 25-6 and ranked 19th nationally.

Defending Region 6/District Champions Colby Community College was tabbed second followed by Dodge City Community College and Butler Community College rounding out the top four predictions.

Head Coach Megan Besecker was named the KJCCC/Region 6 Coach of Year in her first season at the helm leading six Cougars on last year's post-season recognition list.

Besecker and the Cougars return five of those selections for the 2024 season led by NJCAA 2nd Team All-America selection Phoebe Reyes.  Reyes not only was named the KJCCC/Region 6 Freshman of the Year but was voted the overall Player of the Year and returns for a sophomore season following a busy summer on the U21 Dominican Republic NORCECA Continental Team.

Returning nine overall from last season, additional post-season awardees for their sophomore season include first team selections Kassidy Nixon on the outside and middle blocker Anna Wierzbicki being joined by honorable mention setter Elena Stankovic and outside hitter Mya Thompson.

Setter Maurin Reyes returns along with a trio of Cougars hit by injuries at some point last season and return for a comeback year, setter Josie McLean, middle blocker Abigale Hardison, and outside hitter Naya Danenberg whose injury in the Region 6 semifinals left the Cougars scrambling in their season ending defeat.

Additions for the season include Panola College transfer Sara Zuluaga Nohava in the middle, defensive specialist Mina Kaneko, outside hitter Kiara Aristy, middle hitter Aubrey Olander and defensive specialist Macy Nachtigal.

Barton kicked off a trio of scrimmages&nbsp; Monday hosting Division II defending national champion Cowley College, before a Thursday trip to McPherson College 5:00 p.m. followed by a Monday 4:00 p.m. start at Kansas Wesleyan University.

The Cougars have three non-conference weekend tournaments, opening the season August 23 in Garden City followed by three days of action in Dodge City on August 29 with a September 13 two-day meet in Sterling, Colorado.

A three date homestand begins both the Cougars' home and conference opener beginning on Wednesday, September 4, hosting Butler Community College.  Pratt Community College follows on Monday, September 9, with an ensuing Wednesday non-conference hosting of Iowa Western Community College.

Returning from the Sterling trip, Barton will play five conference matches to conclude September with just one home date coming on September 21 against Dodge City Community College.

A busy home slate in October lines up highlighted by defending Region 6 and national qualifier Colby Community College coming to the Barton Gym on Wednesday, October 16.

Post-season play begins on Wednesday, November 6, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 9-10 at the 2024 KJCCC Champion's home venue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542822356.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoComing off their first league title since 2011, the Barton Community College volleyball team has been unanimously picked by member coaches to defend their KJCCC Division I title for the 2024 season.Tabbed 8th last season after three consecutive runner-up finishes, the Cougars bounced back from a conference season opening loss to rattle off 12 straight KJCCC victories including seven straight in three-set sweep fashion. Barton concluded the conference season 13-3 and two-game cushion in the league race after its season sweeping of rival Hutchinson with its season ending in the Region VI Semifinals concluding the campaign at 25-6 and ranked 19th nationally.Defending Region 6/District Champions Colby Community College was tabbed second followed by Dodge City Community College and Butler Community College rounding out the top four predictions.Head Coach Megan Besecker was named the KJCCC/Region 6 Coach of Year in her first season at the helm leading six Cougars on last year's post-season recognition list.Besecker and the Cougars return five of those selections for the 2024 season led by NJCAA 2nd Team All-America selection Phoebe Reyes. Reyes not only was named the KJCCC/Region 6 Freshman of the Year but was voted the overall Player of the Year and returns for a sophomore season following a busy summer on the U21 Dominican Republic NORCECA Continental Team.Returning nine overall from last season, additional post-season awardees for their sophomore season include first team selections Kassidy Nixon on the outside and middle blocker Anna Wierzbicki being joined by honorable mention setter Elena Stankovic and outside hitter Mya Thompson.Setter Maurin Reyes returns along with a trio of Cougars hit by injuries at some point last season and return for a comeback year, setter Josie McLean, middle blocker Abigale Hardison, and outside hitter Naya Danenberg whose injury in the Region 6 semifinals left the Cougars scrambling in their season ending defeat.Additions for the season include Panola College transfer Sara Zuluaga Nohava in the middle, defensive specialist Mina Kaneko, outside hitter Kiara Aristy, middle hitter Aubrey Olander and defensive specialist Macy Nachtigal.Barton kicked off a trio of scrimmages&nbsp; Monday hosting Division II defending national champion Cowley College, before a Thursday trip to McPherson College 5:00 p.m. followed by a Monday 4:00 p.m. start at Kansas Wesleyan University.The Cougars have three non-conference weekend tournaments, opening the season August 23 in Garden City followed by three days of action in Dodge City on August 29 with a September 13 two-day meet in Sterling, Colorado.A three date homestand begins both the Cougars' home and conference opener beginning on Wednesday, September 4, hosting Butler Community College. Pratt Community College follows on Monday, September 9, with an ensuing Wednesday non-conference hosting of Iowa Western Community College.Returning from the Sterling trip, Barton will play five conference matches to conclude September with just one home date coming on September 21 against Dodge City Community College.A busy home slate in October lines up highlighted by defending Region 6 and national qualifier Colby Community College coming to the Barton Gym on Wednesday, October 16.Post-season play begins on Wednesday, November 6, in a hopeful first round hosting followed by the final two rounds taking place November 9-10 at the 2024 KJCCC Champion's home venue.

Barton Volleyball picked to defend conference championship

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown did not need surgery for the shoulder injury he suffered in the team's preseason opener in Jacksonville.

Brown spent Saturday night in a Jacksonville hospital before being released Sunday morning and was not present for Monday’s practice.

“They were able to get the joint back in place without surgery, which is a positive,” Reid said. “We’ll just see on the recovery. He’s back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they got that thing situated.”

Reid said after Saturday’s game that Brown suffered a sternoclavicular posterior dislocation.

Reid also compared Brown’s injury to the same situation former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill dealt with in the 2019 regular-season opener. Hill missed four games before returning.

Reid, however, didn’t commit to a similar timeline for Brown with the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5.

“We’ll see how that goes,” Reid said.

Brown’s absence for upcoming practices — and perhaps Week 1 — leaves a hole in Kansas City’s offense.

The Chiefs signed Brown to a one-year deal in March as part of a retooled wide receiver group. The Chiefs then selected Xavier Worthy in the first round of the draft.

Reid said he believes the team has depth at the position.

“The positive there is he’s going to be back,” Reid said of Brown. “But without him in there — his experience and that in the league — but we’ve also got other guys who can step in and play. We’ll be OK there. We’re pulling for him to get back.”

“Obviously, he’s a key to our offense, so just getting him back,” Worthy said. “I think he’s in pretty good spirits. He’s just looking to come back and get back ready to work.”

The Chiefs have options to play alongside Worthy and Rashee Rice during Brown’s absence. And Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson, among others, could continue rotating with the first-team offense during practices.

But the Chiefs will miss Brown's speed while he is out.

“You miss the aspect of two speedsters on the field,” Worthy said. “Obviously, you got Travis (Kelce), Rashee (Rice), but just him being on the field with me and all the rest, it would be a huge threat.”

NOTES: Defensive lineman Chris Jones (shoulder), running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), offensive tackle Wanya Morris (knee) did not practice Monday. … Safety Justin Reid, who started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, wide receiver Kadarius Toney (ankle) and linebacker Nick Bolton (elbow) practiced Monday. … Reid said rookie guard McKade Mettauer, who suffered a knee injury in the preseason opener, is dealing with an MCL tear. “It wasn’t the ACL, so that’s a positive,” Reid said. “No surgery required. We’ll just see how he does here in the next few days.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542714791.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (5) runs after a catch as cornerback Miles Battle (45) defends during NFL football training camp Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (5) runs after a catch as cornerback Miles Battle (45) defends during NFL football training camp Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown did not need surgery for the shoulder injury he suffered in the team's preseason opener in Jacksonville.Brown spent Saturday night in a Jacksonville hospital before being released Sunday morning and was not present for Monday’s practice.“They were able to get the joint back in place without surgery, which is a positive,” Reid said. “We’ll just see on the recovery. He’s back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they got that thing situated.”Reid said after Saturday’s game that Brown suffered a sternoclavicular posterior dislocation.Reid also compared Brown’s injury to the same situation former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill dealt with in the 2019 regular-season opener. Hill missed four games before returning.Reid, however, didn’t commit to a similar timeline for Brown with the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5.“We’ll see how that goes,” Reid said.Brown’s absence for upcoming practices — and perhaps Week 1 — leaves a hole in Kansas City’s offense.The Chiefs signed Brown to a one-year deal in March as part of a retooled wide receiver group. The Chiefs then selected Xavier Worthy in the first round of the draft.Reid said he believes the team has depth at the position.“The positive there is he’s going to be back,” Reid said of Brown. “But without him in there — his experience and that in the league — but we’ve also got other guys who can step in and play. We’ll be OK there. We’re pulling for him to get back.”Worthy agreed with his coach.“Obviously, he’s a key to our offense, so just getting him back,” Worthy said. “I think he’s in pretty good spirits. He’s just looking to come back and get back ready to work.”The Chiefs have options to play alongside Worthy and Rashee Rice during Brown’s absence. And Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson, among others, could continue rotating with the first-team offense during practices.But the Chiefs will miss Brown's speed while he is out.“You miss the aspect of two speedsters on the field,” Worthy said. “Obviously, you got Travis (Kelce), Rashee (Rice), but just him being on the field with me and all the rest, it would be a huge threat.”NOTES: Defensive lineman Chris Jones (shoulder), running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), offensive tackle Wanya Morris (knee) did not practice Monday. … Safety Justin Reid, who started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, wide receiver Kadarius Toney (ankle) and linebacker Nick Bolton (elbow) practiced Monday. … Reid said rookie guard McKade Mettauer, who suffered a knee injury in the preseason opener, is dealing with an MCL tear. “It wasn’t the ACL, so that’s a positive,” Reid said. “No surgery required. We’ll just see how he does here in the next few days.”

Chiefs' Reid says wide receiver 'Hollywood' Brown won't need surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals to open a key series between the division rivals and close wild card competitors on Monday night.

“If we keep playing like this, a game like today, we’re going to be a good spot at the end of the year,” Castro said.

Pablo López (11-8) finished six innings with two earned runs allowed for his third win in four starts for the Twins. He fell behind on a first-inning home run by Bobby Witt Jr. and an RBI single in the second by Kyle Isbel, who had three hits, but the Twins overwhelmed Royals starter Brady Singer (8-8) after that.

The Twins, who improved to 6-2 against the Royals this season, remained 3 1/2 games behind American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians during the weekend. The third-place Royals dropped to five games back.

“We pay enough attention to it because it’s everywhere: it’s on social media, it’s in the MLB app, it’s on the scoreboard, it’s in every ballpark when you walk in and the scoreboard has standings,” López said. “So you’re aware of it, but we like to be in the mindset that we control our own destiny.”

The Twins (66-52) occupy the second AL wild card spot. The Royals (65-54) control the third spot, with a two-game cushion above the cut in their refreshing push to return to the playoffs for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.

Six consecutive batters reached with two outs against Singer, whose first three starts out of the All-Star break were superb before some vulnerability for the fifth-year right-hander in his last two turns.

After Austin Martin started the onslaught with an RBI single, Castro hit his ninth homer to set a career high as his helmet tumbled off on the exuberant turn around second base. Lewis then unloaded to finish an eight-pitch at-bat for his 15th home run — in just 40 games — this season.

“That’s the inning that messed up the whole night," said Singer, who hadn't given up a homer since July 14. "Obviously I would like to have that back.”

Witt was hit by a 95 mph fastball on the forearm by López, but the major league batting leader — who also has the most games, hits and runs in baseball — was able to stay in.

Royals: 2B Michael Massey batted leadoff after being scratched from the lineup with tightness in his back two days ago. The team had a rare Sunday off after a two-game series against interleague rival St. Louis. Massey had two different stints on the injured list this season with back trouble.

Twins: CF Byron Buxton departed after the fifth inning with discomfort in his right hip.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (13-6, 2.72 ERA) will pitch on Tuesday night. Lugo, who leads MLB in wins and is second in innings, is 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season.

Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews, who began the year in Class A, is scheduled to make his major league debut in the middle game of the series as the rotation gets reshuffled following the injury to Joe Ryan.

Matthews had yet to be added to the roster but was in the clubhouse on Monday afternoon after being summoned from Triple-A St. Paul. The native of North Carolina, an eighth-round draft pick in 2022, was expecting family and friends in a group of at least 20 people to be at Target Field on Tuesday.

“Most of them were kind of in shock. They couldn’t believe this was actually happening because of where I started, but they’re really excited for me,” Matthews said. "They’ve all played a big piece in my journey along the way, so being able to tell them and then having them up here tomorrow will be special.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542270059.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Minnesota Twins' Willi Castro runs the bases on his three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Minnesota Twins' Willi Castro runs the bases on his three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals to open a key series between the division rivals and close wild card competitors on Monday night.“If we keep playing like this, a game like today, we’re going to be a good spot at the end of the year,” Castro said.Pablo López (11-8) finished six innings with two earned runs allowed for his third win in four starts for the Twins. He fell behind on a first-inning home run by Bobby Witt Jr. and an RBI single in the second by Kyle Isbel, who had three hits, but the Twins overwhelmed Royals starter Brady Singer (8-8) after that.The Twins, who improved to 6-2 against the Royals this season, remained 3 1/2 games behind American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game series with the Guardians during the weekend. The third-place Royals dropped to five games back.“We pay enough attention to it because it’s everywhere: it’s on social media, it’s in the MLB app, it’s on the scoreboard, it’s in every ballpark when you walk in and the scoreboard has standings,” López said. “So you’re aware of it, but we like to be in the mindset that we control our own destiny.”The Twins (66-52) occupy the second AL wild card spot. The Royals (65-54) control the third spot, with a two-game cushion above the cut in their refreshing push to return to the playoffs for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.Six consecutive batters reached with two outs against Singer, whose first three starts out of the All-Star break were superb before some vulnerability for the fifth-year right-hander in his last two turns.After Austin Martin started the onslaught with an RBI single, Castro hit his ninth homer to set a career high as his helmet tumbled off on the exuberant turn around second base. Lewis then unloaded to finish an eight-pitch at-bat for his 15th home run — in just 40 games — this season.“That’s the inning that messed up the whole night," said Singer, who hadn't given up a homer since July 14. "Obviously I would like to have that back.”Witt was hit by a 95 mph fastball on the forearm by López, but the major league batting leader — who also has the most games, hits and runs in baseball — was able to stay in.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: 2B Michael Massey batted leadoff after being scratched from the lineup with tightness in his back two days ago. The team had a rare Sunday off after a two-game series against interleague rival St. Louis. Massey had two different stints on the injured list this season with back trouble.Twins: CF Byron Buxton departed after the fifth inning with discomfort in his right hip.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (13-6, 2.72 ERA) will pitch on Tuesday night. Lugo, who leads MLB in wins and is second in innings, is 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season.Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews, who began the year in Class A, is scheduled to make his major league debut in the middle game of the series as the rotation gets reshuffled following the injury to Joe Ryan.Matthews had yet to be added to the roster but was in the clubhouse on Monday afternoon after being summoned from Triple-A St. Paul. The native of North Carolina, an eighth-round draft pick in 2022, was expecting family and friends in a group of at least 20 people to be at Target Field on Tuesday.“Most of them were kind of in shock. They couldn’t believe this was actually happening because of where I started, but they’re really excited for me,” Matthews said. "They’ve all played a big piece in my journey along the way, so being able to tell them and then having them up here tomorrow will be special.”

Twins beat Royals 8-3

UNDATED (AP) —
Georgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football
poll for the second straight year. The Bulldogs received 46
first-place votes to finish comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State,
which got 15 top votes. Oregon is No. 3 while Texas is fourth and
Alabama is fifth. Conference realignment created an unprecedented
preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC has
nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the
ACC has four. Notre Dame, an independent, is ranked seventh.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP)
— Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Marquise
“Hollywood” Brown did not need surgery for the shoulder injury he
suffered in the team’s preseason opener in Jacksonville. Brown
spent Saturday night in a Jacksonville hospital before being released
Sunday morning and was not present for Monday’s practice. “They
were able to get the joint back in place without surgery, which is a
positive,” Reid said. “We’ll just see on the recovery. He’s
back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they
got that thing situated.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run
shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to
an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Twins improved to 6-2
against the Royals this season in opening a key series between the
division rivals and close wild card competitors. The Twins are 6-2
against the Royals this season. They remained 3½ games behind
American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game
series with the Guardians over the weekend. The third-place Royals
dropped to five games back.

MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Mookie Betts welcomes a return to right field even though he believes
he has shown he also can do a fine job at shortstop. The eight-time
All-Star came off the injured list Monday at Milwaukee, playing right
field and batting second for the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing
nearly two months with a broken left hand. The former leadoff hitter
belted a two-run homer off Freddy Peralta with two outs in the third
inning.

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Spencer Steer homered in consecutive at-bats and drove in five runs,
and Elly De La Cruz hit his team-leading 21st homer as the Cincinnati
Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1. Andrew Abbott allowed one run
and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to snap his three-game losing streak.
The left-hander was tagged for 12 earned runs over his previous 13
1/3 innings. Cardinals starter Sonny Gray struck out nine in five
innings, but is winless in three career starts against his former
club. He gave up six runs and five hits, including three homers.
Abbott escaped bases-loaded jams in the second and third. He finished
with six strikeouts and retired 11 straight batters during one
stretch.

BOSTON (AP) — The
Boston Red Sox have suspended Jarren Duran for two games without pay
after he shouted a homophobic slur to a fan behind home plate who
heckled him in a loss to the Houston Astros. The exchange, caught on
a live mic Sunday during the broadcast of the game, occurred when
Duran was at the plate in the sixth inning. Duran issued an apology
through the team Sunday night and again in the clubhouse Monday. The
Red Sox said in a statement that Duran’s salary during the
suspension will be donated to the Federation of Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
As the Olympics close in Paris, Los Angeles has now taken the torch.
The city will become the third to host the games three times. The
last was in 1984, when Los Angeles was as much a star as Olympians
Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton. Olympic organizers will take
advantage of a recent building boom in the city. The nearly new SoFi
stadium will host an opening ceremony that will also incorporate the
century-old Memorial Coliseum. The region has much more public
transportation than it did in '84, but is looking to build much more
by 2028.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) —
Austin Dillon won for the first time in nearly two years in the
NASCAR Cup Series. The race seemed out of reach before he spun Joey
Logano out of the way and then sent Denny Hamlin into the wall as
well. That all happened in the final few seconds at Richmond on
Sunday night. Once the initial celebration ended, Dillon had quite a
bit to answer for. But becoming a NASCAR villain for a few days may
be a small price to pay for such a desperately needed victory.

UNDATED (AP) —
Jason Kelce was destined for a career in the media long before he
partnered with his brother, Travis, to co-host a popular podcast. It
was evident early on after Andy Reid selected Kelce in the sixth
round of the 2011 draft that his dynamic personality would play well
on the other side of the microphone. Kelce became a go-to source for
reporters throughout his 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He’s insightful, eloquent and funny. Kelce has the skills to
succeed in television and he brings credibility to the studio where
he’ll be part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” broadcast
team.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Aaron Rodgers says in a soon-to-be published book that he should have
handled discussing his COVID-19 immunization status differently. The
New York Jets quarterback was still with the Green Bay Packers in
2021 when he told reporters he was “immunized” against the virus
and then tested positive for COVID-19 three months later and had to
be sidelined for 10 days. Rodgers unsuccessfully appealed to the
league that his homeopathic treatment regimen should qualify him as
vaccinated. ESPN reported the four-time NFL MVP says in the book “Out
Of The Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers” that it's one thing
he wishes could have gone differently.

Final	Chicago White
Sox	12	N.Y. Yankees	2	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) —
Georgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football
poll for the second straight year. The Bulldogs received 46
first-place votes to finish comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State,
which got 15 top votes. Oregon is No. 3 while Texas is fourth and
Alabama is fifth. Conference realignment created an unprecedented
preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC has
nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the
ACC has four. Notre Dame, an independent, is ranked seventh.ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP)
— Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Marquise
“Hollywood” Brown did not need surgery for the shoulder injury he
suffered in the team’s preseason opener in Jacksonville. Brown
spent Saturday night in a Jacksonville hospital before being released
Sunday morning and was not present for Monday’s practice. “They
were able to get the joint back in place without surgery, which is a
positive,” Reid said. “We’ll just see on the recovery. He’s
back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they
got that thing situated.”MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Willi Castro had a three-run home run and Royce Lewis hit a two-run
shot in a six-run second inning for the Minnesota Twins on the way to
an 8-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Twins improved to 6-2
against the Royals this season in opening a key series between the
division rivals and close wild card competitors. The Twins are 6-2
against the Royals this season. They remained 3½ games behind
American League Central leader Cleveland after splitting a four-game
series with the Guardians over the weekend. The third-place Royals
dropped to five games back.MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Mookie Betts welcomes a return to right field even though he believes
he has shown he also can do a fine job at shortstop. The eight-time
All-Star came off the injured list Monday at Milwaukee, playing right
field and batting second for the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing
nearly two months with a broken left hand. The former leadoff hitter
belted a two-run homer off Freddy Peralta with two outs in the third
inning.CINCINNATI (AP) —
Spencer Steer homered in consecutive at-bats and drove in five runs,
and Elly De La Cruz hit his team-leading 21st homer as the Cincinnati
Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1. Andrew Abbott allowed one run
and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to snap his three-game losing streak.
The left-hander was tagged for 12 earned runs over his previous 13
1/3 innings. Cardinals starter Sonny Gray struck out nine in five
innings, but is winless in three career starts against his former
club. He gave up six runs and five hits, including three homers.
Abbott escaped bases-loaded jams in the second and third. He finished
with six strikeouts and retired 11 straight batters during one
stretch.BOSTON (AP) — The
Boston Red Sox have suspended Jarren Duran for two games without pay
after he shouted a homophobic slur to a fan behind home plate who
heckled him in a loss to the Houston Astros. The exchange, caught on
a live mic Sunday during the broadcast of the game, occurred when
Duran was at the plate in the sixth inning. Duran issued an apology
through the team Sunday night and again in the clubhouse Monday. The
Red Sox said in a statement that Duran’s salary during the
suspension will be donated to the Federation of Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
As the Olympics close in Paris, Los Angeles has now taken the torch.
The city will become the third to host the games three times. The
last was in 1984, when Los Angeles was as much a star as Olympians
Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton. Olympic organizers will take
advantage of a recent building boom in the city. The nearly new SoFi
stadium will host an opening ceremony that will also incorporate the
century-old Memorial Coliseum. The region has much more public
transportation than it did in '84, but is looking to build much more
by 2028.RICHMOND, Va. (AP) —
Austin Dillon won for the first time in nearly two years in the
NASCAR Cup Series. The race seemed out of reach before he spun Joey
Logano out of the way and then sent Denny Hamlin into the wall as
well. That all happened in the final few seconds at Richmond on
Sunday night. Once the initial celebration ended, Dillon had quite a
bit to answer for. But becoming a NASCAR villain for a few days may
be a small price to pay for such a desperately needed victory.UNDATED (AP) —
Jason Kelce was destined for a career in the media long before he
partnered with his brother, Travis, to co-host a popular podcast. It
was evident early on after Andy Reid selected Kelce in the sixth
round of the 2011 draft that his dynamic personality would play well
on the other side of the microphone. Kelce became a go-to source for
reporters throughout his 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He’s insightful, eloquent and funny. Kelce has the skills to
succeed in television and he brings credibility to the studio where
he’ll be part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” broadcast
team.NEW YORK (AP) —
Aaron Rodgers says in a soon-to-be published book that he should have
handled discussing his COVID-19 immunization status differently. The
New York Jets quarterback was still with the Green Bay Packers in
2021 when he told reporters he was “immunized” against the virus
and then tested positive for COVID-19 three months later and had to
be sidelined for 10 days. Rodgers unsuccessfully appealed to the
league that his homeopathic treatment regimen should qualify him as
vaccinated. ESPN reported the four-time NFL MVP says in the book “Out
Of The Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers” that it's one thing
he wishes could have gone differently.MONDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUEINTERLEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	9	Chicago
Cubs	8	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Houston	6	Tampa
Bay	1	Final	Minnesota	8	Kansas
City	3	Final	Boston	5	Texas	4	Final	Chicago White
Sox	12	N.Y. Yankees	2	Final	Toronto	4	L.A.
Angels	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	6	St.
Louis	1	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	5	Milwaukee	2	Final	Arizona	5	Colorado	4	Final	San
Diego	2	Pittsburgh	1

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The National College Football Awards Association unveils its preseason watch lists for 16 of its awards from Monday, July 29 through Tuesday, August 13. Below is a running list of K-State's watch list members.

Maxwell Award	DJ Giddens and Avery Johnson	Outstanding player in college football

Paul Hornung Award	Dylan Edwards	Most versatile player in college football

Wuerffel Trophy	Austin Moore	Award for community service

Doak Walker Award	DJ Giddens	Best running back

Bednarik Award	Austin Moore	Defensive player of the year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723485081725.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The National College Football Awards Association unveils its preseason watch lists for 16 of its awards from Monday, July 29 through Tuesday, August 13. Below is a running list of K-State's watch list members.Award	Player(s)	Award DescriptionMaxwell Award	DJ Giddens and Avery Johnson	Outstanding player in college footballPaul Hornung Award	Dylan Edwards	Most versatile player in college footballWuerffel Trophy	Austin Moore	Award for community serviceDoak Walker Award	DJ Giddens	Best running backBednarik Award	Austin Moore	Defensive player of the year

K-State's 2024 Watch List Members

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns' proposal to leave the lakefront and play in a new domed stadium in Cleveland's suburbs has hit a major snag.

In a letter sent to team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cuyahoga County officials said Sunday they're backing a proposed $1.2 billion renovation of the team's current stadium and are committed to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”

Earlier this week, the team unveiled renderings for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex to be built in Brook Park, Ohio — about 15 miles south of Cleveland.

The Haslams, who have owned the Browns since 2012, believe a new stadium that could host year-round events, potentially a Super Bowl and Final Fours, would trigger development and economic growth for the entire Northeast Ohio region.

The Browns' proposal came after the city of Cleveland submitted giving $461 million toward a massive renovation of the current 65,000-seat stadium, which was built in 1999, and the re-development of its surrounding property.

In the letter signed by executive Chris Ronayne and council president Pernell Jones Jr., the county argued that a new stadium “does not make fiscal sense” for Cuyahoga's residents and taxpayers.

“Moreover, any proposal that would create an unacceptable risk to the County’s general fund cannot be considered,” the letter stated. "We believe it is our responsibility and in the best interests of our community to prioritize reinvestment in existing public assets.”

In a statement, the Haslams acknowledged a stadium renovation or new project “is incredibly complex.”

“We have been reminded many times that the issues with the current stadium resulted from a rushed process that was not thorough and don’t want that repeated,” they said. “We have received the county’s response and are still in the process of gathering information and doing diligence on both paths. It would be short-sighted for Northeast Ohio to rule out any options at this point for a long-term decision of this magnitude.”

Funding for the dome/complex project figured to be a major challenge with the Haslams proposing a 50-50 private/public partnership in the $2.4 billion project. They proposed bonds could cover the public portion with the money coming from revenue generated by the dome and its surrounding hotels and retail sites.

The Browns' current stadium lease ends after the 2028 season. The team has played on the site since its inception in 1946.

Part of the county's argument is that having the Browns downtown is essential to a vibrant city core, and pointed to public investments in Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, and an expansion at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame as signs of urban development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723484892283.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Cleveland Browns Stadium during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Cleveland Browns Stadium during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns' proposal to leave the lakefront and play in a new domed stadium in Cleveland's suburbs has hit a major snag.In a letter sent to team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cuyahoga County officials said Sunday they're backing a proposed $1.2 billion renovation of the team's current stadium and are committed to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”Earlier this week, the team unveiled renderings for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex to be built in Brook Park, Ohio — about 15 miles south of Cleveland.The Haslams, who have owned the Browns since 2012, believe a new stadium that could host year-round events, potentially a Super Bowl and Final Fours, would trigger development and economic growth for the entire Northeast Ohio region.The Browns' proposal came after the city of Cleveland submitted giving $461 million toward a massive renovation of the current 65,000-seat stadium, which was built in 1999, and the re-development of its surrounding property.In the letter signed by executive Chris Ronayne and council president Pernell Jones Jr., the county argued that a new stadium “does not make fiscal sense” for Cuyahoga's residents and taxpayers.“Moreover, any proposal that would create an unacceptable risk to the County’s general fund cannot be considered,” the letter stated. "We believe it is our responsibility and in the best interests of our community to prioritize reinvestment in existing public assets.”In a statement, the Haslams acknowledged a stadium renovation or new project “is incredibly complex.”“We have been reminded many times that the issues with the current stadium resulted from a rushed process that was not thorough and don’t want that repeated,” they said. “We have received the county’s response and are still in the process of gathering information and doing diligence on both paths. It would be short-sighted for Northeast Ohio to rule out any options at this point for a long-term decision of this magnitude.”Funding for the dome/complex project figured to be a major challenge with the Haslams proposing a 50-50 private/public partnership in the $2.4 billion project. They proposed bonds could cover the public portion with the money coming from revenue generated by the dome and its surrounding hotels and retail sites.The Browns' current stadium lease ends after the 2028 season. The team has played on the site since its inception in 1946.Part of the county's argument is that having the Browns downtown is essential to a vibrant city core, and pointed to public investments in Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, and an expansion at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame as signs of urban development.

Browns' plans for move to new dome stadium hits snag

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Georgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason college football poll for the second straight year as the superconference era begins with the SEC and Big Ten dominating the top 10 of the rankings.

The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes and 1,532 points in the Top 25 released Monday and the SEC powerhouse finished comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State (15 first-place votes and 1,490 points) of the Big Ten.

New Big Ten member Oregon is No. 3, receiving one first-place vote from the panel of 62 media members who cover college football. Texas, which joins Georgia in the Southeastern Conference this season, is fourth.

The Big Ten and SEC each have four teams in the top 10.

Conference realignment has reduced the Power Five to the Power Four, with the Pac-12 whittled to just two schools. The Big Ten now has 18 schools. The Atlantic Coast Conference has 17 football teams, and the SEC and Big 12 each have 16.

All the movement created an unprecedented preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC leads with nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the ACC has four.

Alabama, in its first season without coach Nick Saban since 2006, starts No. 5. No. 6 Mississippi gives the SEC half the top preseason top six.

Independent Notre Dame is the highest ranked team from outside the SEC and Big Ten at No. 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723484624415.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Georgia head coach Kirby Smart speaks during Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Georgia head coach Kirby Smart speaks during Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter</figcaption>
 </figure>By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterGeorgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason college football poll for the second straight year as the superconference era begins with the SEC and Big Ten dominating the top 10 of the rankings.The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes and 1,532 points in the Top 25 released Monday and the SEC powerhouse finished comfortably ahead of No. 2 Ohio State (15 first-place votes and 1,490 points) of the Big Ten.New Big Ten member Oregon is No. 3, receiving one first-place vote from the panel of 62 media members who cover college football. Texas, which joins Georgia in the Southeastern Conference this season, is fourth.The Big Ten and SEC each have four teams in the top 10.Conference realignment has reduced the Power Five to the Power Four, with the Pac-12 whittled to just two schools. The Big Ten now has 18 schools. The Atlantic Coast Conference has 17 football teams, and the SEC and Big 12 each have 16.All the movement created an unprecedented preseason poll with just four conferences represented: The SEC leads with nine ranked teams. The Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five and the ACC has four.Alabama, in its first season without coach Nick Saban since 2006, starts No. 5. No. 6 Mississippi gives the SEC half the top preseason top six.Independent Notre Dame is the highest ranked team from outside the SEC and Big Ten at No. 7.No. 8 Penn State and No. 9 Michigan give the Big Ten four top-10 teams. Florida State from the ACC is No. 10.Title game finalistsThe defending national champion Wolverines said goodbye to coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and 12 other players who were selected in April’s NFL draft. All that attrition led to Michigan receiving the lowest preseason ranking for a defending national champion since 2011, when Auburn was No. 23 after the departure of Cam Newton.Before that, the last time a defending national champion was ranked worse than No. 7 in the following preseason poll was Colorado at No. 13 in 1991.Washington, which lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff championship game, took an even bigger fall after losing its head coach (Kalen DeBoer replaced Saban at Alabama), star quarterback and a mountain of talent to the draft and transfer portal. The Huskies are the first team to reach the CFP and be unranked the following season.Top-ranked 'DawgsGeorgia started last season at No. 1 in pursuit of a record third straight national championship. Coach Kirby Smart's Bulldogs stayed there the whole regular season, and then missed the four-team playoff by losing the SEC title game to Alabama.“We’re dealing with new challenges this year,” Smart said at SEC media days. "We don’t have a chip on our shoulder in terms of people trying to use that as motivation. I’ve never used a failure from the previous year as motivation and never used the success of a previous year as motivation; we won’t do that this year. That’s not who we are. We want to recreate ourselves to stay in the best light we can.”There will be more room for error this season with the playoff expanding from four to 12 teams.The Bulldogs are 42-2 over the last three seasons and loaded again. Quarterback Carson Beck leads the offense and edge rusher Mykel Williams is in line to be the next defensive star at Georgia.Beck is a rarity in college football these days, a star quarterback in his fifth season with the same school who waited three years to become starter. Beck completed 72% of his passes last year, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.“He is a great elder for us and great example of resiliency in college football,” Smart said.Repeating as preseason No. 1 is a recent trend. Going back eight seasons, Alabama had separate streaks of three (2016-18) and two (2021-22) years as preseason No. 1. Clemson was top-ranked in the 2019 and '20 preseason rankings.Georgia will try to become the 12th team since the AP preseason poll started in 1950 to start No. 1 and finish No. 1. The last was Alabama in 2017.