KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — With a rash of injuries to his starting rotation, Royals manager Matt Quatraro put together a plan to rely exclusively on his bullpen when Kansas City played the Atlanta Braves in their series finale on Wednesday.

He never could have imagined nine relievers would execute it so perfectly, nor tie a major league record in the process.

But by the time struggling reliever Sam Long escaped a two-on, no-out jam by retiring three straight Braves in the top of the 10th, and Salvador Perez slapped a single to right to score MJ Melendez in the bottom half and give&nbsp;the Royals a 1-0 win, they had done exactly that: tied a big league record by using nine total pitchers in a shutout.

The only other club to use that many in a shutout was Cleveland, which also did it in a 10-inning game in 2016.

“Not only did they pitch incredibly well today,” Quatraro said, “but they had a huge workload these last four or five days. I can't credit them enough, and keeping in the right frame of mind down there, and just the plan these guys had to execute.”

The nine Royals pitchers combined to allow five hits and one walk while striking out 10.

Long finished off — he of the 7.40 ERA this season — to earn the victory. It came 2 hours, 38 minutes after fellow reliever Angel Zerpa, pitching on no rest, breezed through the first inning and into the second to set the tone.

Jonathan Bowlan was the only Royals reliever to retire more than three batters, going two full innings. John Schreiber struck out the side in the fourth. Hunter Harvey escaped a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth. And the two primary Kansas City closers, Lucas Erceg and Carlos Estévez, made some important pitches and plays in the late innings.

Erceg allowed a pinch-hit single to Drake Baldwin with one out in the eighth, then watched pinch runner Luke Williams swipe second base. But he bounced back to retire Jurickson Profar and Matt Olson and keep the game scoreless.

Estévez managed to snare a liner by Michael Harris II that appeared destined for a one-out single in the ninth.

“I'm glad he caught it,” Quatraro said. “You're going to throw a shutout, you need some good defense behind you.”

They certainly needed them the way Joey Wentz was pitching for the other side.

Wentz, who was claimed off waivers by the Braves earlier this month, allowed one hit and three walks over 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts in a return home. Wentz was born in Lawrence, Kansas, and played at Shawnee Mission East High School in the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village, where had one of the best prep baseball careers in Kansas history.

The Braves drafted Wentz in the first round in 2016, but he has largely failed to live up to expectations. He has bounced around several clubs, including Pittsburgh and Minnesota this year, and had a 5.76 ERA heading into his fourth start for Atlanta.

“We never could solve him,” Quatraro said.

Yet they didn't need to the way the Kansas City bullpen was performing.

The Royals had the luxury of relying on their relievers with a day off Thursday before their series this weekend in Toronto. And they needed to rely on them with injuries beginning to take their toll on their starting rotation.

Cole Ragans, an All-Star last year, has been on the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain, and Michael Lorenzen recently joined him with a left oblique strain. Then on Monday, the Royals announced that All-Star left-hander Kris Bubic would be placed on the IL with his own rotator cuff injury, one likely to end his season.

So, it fell upon a Royals bullpen that wound up with only one player — Thomas Hatch — still available by the time Perez singled off Daysbel Hernández in the 10th inning to give Kansas City the victory.

“It wasn't easy. There was danger at times there,” Quatraro said. “But you go backwards and see what Sammy did there, and to really execute — that was enormous. But even more so than the 10 shutout innings, the workload they have had and they way they responded, especially a day game after a night game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753966126317.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Steven Cruz throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Steven Cruz throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — With a rash of injuries to his starting rotation, Royals manager Matt Quatraro put together a plan to rely exclusively on his bullpen when Kansas City played the Atlanta Braves in their series finale on Wednesday.He never could have imagined nine relievers would execute it so perfectly, nor tie a major league record in the process.But by the time struggling reliever Sam Long escaped a two-on, no-out jam by retiring three straight Braves in the top of the 10th, and Salvador Perez slapped a single to right to score MJ Melendez in the bottom half and give&nbsp;the Royals a 1-0 win, they had done exactly that: tied a big league record by using nine total pitchers in a shutout.The only other club to use that many in a shutout was Cleveland, which also did it in a 10-inning game in 2016.“Not only did they pitch incredibly well today,” Quatraro said, “but they had a huge workload these last four or five days. I can't credit them enough, and keeping in the right frame of mind down there, and just the plan these guys had to execute.”The nine Royals pitchers combined to allow five hits and one walk while striking out 10.Long finished off — he of the 7.40 ERA this season — to earn the victory. It came 2 hours, 38 minutes after fellow reliever Angel Zerpa, pitching on no rest, breezed through the first inning and into the second to set the tone.Jonathan Bowlan was the only Royals reliever to retire more than three batters, going two full innings. John Schreiber struck out the side in the fourth. Hunter Harvey escaped a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth. And the two primary Kansas City closers, Lucas Erceg and Carlos Estévez, made some important pitches and plays in the late innings.Erceg allowed a pinch-hit single to Drake Baldwin with one out in the eighth, then watched pinch runner Luke Williams swipe second base. But he bounced back to retire Jurickson Profar and Matt Olson and keep the game scoreless.Estévez managed to snare a liner by Michael Harris II that appeared destined for a one-out single in the ninth.“I'm glad he caught it,” Quatraro said. “You're going to throw a shutout, you need some good defense behind you.”They certainly needed them the way Joey Wentz was pitching for the other side.Wentz, who was claimed off waivers by the Braves earlier this month, allowed one hit and three walks over 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts in a return home. Wentz was born in Lawrence, Kansas, and played at Shawnee Mission East High School in the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village, where had one of the best prep baseball careers in Kansas history.The Braves drafted Wentz in the first round in 2016, but he has largely failed to live up to expectations. He has bounced around several clubs, including Pittsburgh and Minnesota this year, and had a 5.76 ERA heading into his fourth start for Atlanta.“We never could solve him,” Quatraro said.Yet they didn't need to the way the Kansas City bullpen was performing.The Royals had the luxury of relying on their relievers with a day off Thursday before their series this weekend in Toronto. And they needed to rely on them with injuries beginning to take their toll on their starting rotation.Cole Ragans, an All-Star last year, has been on the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain, and Michael Lorenzen recently joined him with a left oblique strain. Then on Monday, the Royals announced that All-Star left-hander Kris Bubic would be placed on the IL with his own rotator cuff injury, one likely to end his season.So, it fell upon a Royals bullpen that wound up with only one player — Thomas Hatch — still available by the time Perez singled off Daysbel Hernández in the 10th inning to give Kansas City the victory.“It wasn't easy. There was danger at times there,” Quatraro said. “But you go backwards and see what Sammy did there, and to really execute — that was enormous. But even more so than the 10 shutout innings, the workload they have had and they way they responded, especially a day game after a night game.”

Nine pitchers, one shutout: How the Royals made history against the Braves with a 1-0 victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez drove in MJ Melendez with a single leading off the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Atlanta Braves 1-0 on Wednesday while matching a major league record by using nine total pitchers in the shutout.

Sam Long (1-2) was the last of the relievers for Kansas City. He had runners on the corners with nobody out in the 10th before striking out Sean Murphy and Eli White and getting Luke Williams to line out to left field.

Kansas City put Melendez on second base as a pinch runner in the bottom half, and Perez rapped the second pitch from Daysbel Hernandez (4-2) into the gap in right field to give the Royals the win.

The only other club to use nine pitchers in a shutout was Cleveland, which also did it in a 10-inning game in 2016.

Joey Wentz, claimed off waivers by the Braves earlier this month, dazzled while pitching a mere 25 minutes away from Shawnee Mission East High School, where he put together one of the best prep pitching careers in Kansas history.

The former first-round draft pick has largely failed to live up to expectations, and he carried a 5.76 ERA into his fourth start for Atlanta. But Wentz allowed just one hit and three walks over 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven.

With their rotation ailing, the Royals countered with a contingent of relief pitchers.

Angel Zerpa started on no rest and pitched into the second, and Jonathan Bowlan was their only reliever who retired more than three batters — he went two innings. John Schreiber struck out the side in the fourth, and Hunter Harvey escaped a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth by recording three consecutive outs.

Long's escape in the 10th set up Perez's winning hit in the bottom half.

The low-scoring affair came after the Braves won the series-opener 10-7 and the Royals won 9-6 on Tuesday night.

The Braves have not announced their starter for Thursday in Cincinnati, though newly acquired RHP Carlos Carrasco is likely to get the ball. The Royals have the day off before opening a series Friday night in Toronto.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753965991387.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates as he runs to first after hitting an RBI single to win the baseball game during the 10th inning against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates as he runs to first after hitting an RBI single to win the baseball game during the 10th inning against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez drove in MJ Melendez with a single leading off the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Atlanta Braves 1-0 on Wednesday while matching a major league record by using nine total pitchers in the shutout.Sam Long (1-2) was the last of the relievers for Kansas City. He had runners on the corners with nobody out in the 10th before striking out Sean Murphy and Eli White and getting Luke Williams to line out to left field.Kansas City put Melendez on second base as a pinch runner in the bottom half, and Perez rapped the second pitch from Daysbel Hernandez (4-2) into the gap in right field to give the Royals the win.The only other club to use nine pitchers in a shutout was Cleveland, which also did it in a 10-inning game in 2016.Joey Wentz, claimed off waivers by the Braves earlier this month, dazzled while pitching a mere 25 minutes away from Shawnee Mission East High School, where he put together one of the best prep pitching careers in Kansas history.The former first-round draft pick has largely failed to live up to expectations, and he carried a 5.76 ERA into his fourth start for Atlanta. But Wentz allowed just one hit and three walks over 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven.With their rotation ailing, the Royals countered with a contingent of relief pitchers.Angel Zerpa started on no rest and pitched into the second, and Jonathan Bowlan was their only reliever who retired more than three batters — he went two innings. John Schreiber struck out the side in the fourth, and Hunter Harvey escaped a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth by recording three consecutive outs.<h2>Key moment</h2>Long's escape in the 10th set up Perez's winning hit in the bottom half.<h2>Key stat</h2>The low-scoring affair came after the Braves won the series-opener 10-7 and the Royals won 9-6 on Tuesday night.<h2>Up next</h2>The Braves have not announced their starter for Thursday in Cincinnati, though newly acquired RHP Carlos Carrasco is likely to get the ball. The Royals have the day off before opening a series Friday night in Toronto.

Perez's single in 10th lifts Royals over Braves 1-0. KC ties record by using 9 pitchers in shutout

Slugger Eugenio Suarez is headed to the Seattle Mariners and flame-throwing reliever Jhoan Duran has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies during a busy Wednesday ahead of Major League Baseball’s trade deadline on Thursday. Suarez hit 36 homers for the D-backs this season while Duran is one of MLB’s elite relievers. In other deals, the New York Yankees acquired veteran outfielder Austin Slater while the New York Mets added relievers Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers. There are several prominent players available before the deadline, including Cleveland outfielder Steven Kwan and Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller.

Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN, according to a person familiar with the decision. The decision follows his recent settlement of a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman during their relationship. Sharpe's last appearance on ESPN was in late April when the lawsuit was filed. No details of the settlement have been released. The lawsuit sought $50 million. Sharpe called the accusations false and hoped to return for the NFL season. Instead, ESPN decided to part ways with the Hall of Fame tight end. Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving FS1's "Undisputed" and was a panelist on "First Take."

CINCINNATI (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is hopeful that he will be able to make his next mound start after his outing Wednesday night was cut short by cramping in his right hip. Ohtani was scheduled to go four innings on a hot, humid night against the Cincinnati Reds. But he left without recording an out in the fourth after he threw six straight balls, including two consecutive wild pitches. The 31-year old reigning NL MVP said he started to cramp in the first inning. Ohtani and manager Dave Roberts both blamed the cramping on the weather.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal prosecutors say former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested along with five other people on suspicion of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at a Los Angeles mansion owned by Arenas. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Wednesday that all six defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business. His attorney said he hadn’t had much time to speak with his client and couldn’t comment on the case. The 43-year-old Arenas is also charged with making false statements to federal investigators.

SINGAPORE (AP) — Léon Marchand is out to break his own world record in the 200-meter individual medley at the swimming world championships in Singapore. If you missed it, Marchand only set the record Wednesday in the semifinals at the worlds — 1 minute, 52.69 seconds. That shattered the old mark of 1:54.00 held by American Ryan Lochte since 2011. Of course, Marchand’s victory is almost assured. The only question is by how much. A four-time gold medalist a year ago in the Paris Olympics, Marchand will share the stage on Day 5 with Canada’s Summer McIntosh.

NEW YORK (AP) — Perhaps nobody was happier the Yankees won Wednesday night than catcher Austin Wells, after his embarrassing mental lapse on the bases cost New York an opportunity in the ninth inning. Anthony Volpe hit a tying homer off Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks with one out in the ninth, then Wells singled and advanced to second base when Trent Grisham tried to bunt for a hit. Grisham was thrown out at first for the second out and credited with a sacrifice. Wells, however, thought the inning was over and wandered off the bag. He got tagged in a rundown for the third out, sending a back-and-forth game to extra innings as fans in the Yankee Stadium crowd of 45,355 groaned.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado defensive back Carter Stoutmire sees Deion Sanders as more than just a coach. Sanders has returned to the team after battling bladder cancer, and his presence has lifted spirits. Stoutmire, whose father played in the NFL with Sanders, expressed relief at his return. Sanders revealed Monday that doctors removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer. His return has energized the team. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston praised Sanders' leadership, noting his impact on and off the field. Sanders emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, a message that resonated with Livingston.

The biggest event in harness racing celebrates a centennial anniversary this weekend with the 100th running of the Hambletonian. The trotters race at the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey still has the sport's richest purse at $1 million with more than $9 million expected to be wagered. That's a long way from the nearly $75,000 on the line in the first rendition of the Hambletonian in 1926 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. The race named after the founding sire of standardbred horses sustained through the Great Depression and World War II and evolved to remain prominent thanks to an influx of international interest.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City police officer killed during a shooting at a Manhattan office tower is being laid to rest. The funeral of Officer Didarul Islam will take place Thursday at Parkchester Jame Masjid Funeral Home in the Bronx. The 36-year-old will then be buried at a cemetery in New Jersey. Islam was among four people fatally shot Monday in a midtown building housing the National Football League’s headquarters. The gunman also shot and wounded a fifth victim before killing himself. An immigrant from Bangladesh, Islam had worked his way up the nation’s largest police force, serving as a school safety agent before becoming a patrol officer. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Detroit 7 Arizona 2 Final Chicago White Sox 9 Philadelphia 3 Fina lKansas City 1 Atlanta 0 Final Houston 9 Washington 1 Final Cleveland 5 Colorado 0

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 13 Minnesota 1 Final Toronto 9 Baltimore 8 Final N.Y. Yankees 5 Tampa Bay 4 Final Texas 6&nbsp; L.A. Angels 3 Final Athletics 5 Seattle 4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Chicago Cubs 10 Milwaukee 3 Final Pittsburgh 2 San Francisco 1 Final San Diego 5 N.Y. Mets 0 Final Cincinnati 5 L.A. Dodgers 2 Final Miami 2 St. Louis 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Slugger Eugenio Suarez is headed to the Seattle Mariners and flame-throwing reliever Jhoan Duran has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies during a busy Wednesday ahead of Major League Baseball’s trade deadline on Thursday. Suarez hit 36 homers for the D-backs this season while Duran is one of MLB’s elite relievers. In other deals, the New York Yankees acquired veteran outfielder Austin Slater while the New York Mets added relievers Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers. There are several prominent players available before the deadline, including Cleveland outfielder Steven Kwan and Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller.Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN, according to a person familiar with the decision. The decision follows his recent settlement of a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman during their relationship. Sharpe's last appearance on ESPN was in late April when the lawsuit was filed. No details of the settlement have been released. The lawsuit sought $50 million. Sharpe called the accusations false and hoped to return for the NFL season. Instead, ESPN decided to part ways with the Hall of Fame tight end. Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving FS1's "Undisputed" and was a panelist on "First Take."CINCINNATI (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is hopeful that he will be able to make his next mound start after his outing Wednesday night was cut short by cramping in his right hip. Ohtani was scheduled to go four innings on a hot, humid night against the Cincinnati Reds. But he left without recording an out in the fourth after he threw six straight balls, including two consecutive wild pitches. The 31-year old reigning NL MVP said he started to cramp in the first inning. Ohtani and manager Dave Roberts both blamed the cramping on the weather.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal prosecutors say former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested along with five other people on suspicion of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at a Los Angeles mansion owned by Arenas. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Wednesday that all six defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business. His attorney said he hadn’t had much time to speak with his client and couldn’t comment on the case. The 43-year-old Arenas is also charged with making false statements to federal investigators.SINGAPORE (AP) — Léon Marchand is out to break his own world record in the 200-meter individual medley at the swimming world championships in Singapore. If you missed it, Marchand only set the record Wednesday in the semifinals at the worlds — 1 minute, 52.69 seconds. That shattered the old mark of 1:54.00 held by American Ryan Lochte since 2011. Of course, Marchand’s victory is almost assured. The only question is by how much. A four-time gold medalist a year ago in the Paris Olympics, Marchand will share the stage on Day 5 with Canada’s Summer McIntosh.NEW YORK (AP) — Perhaps nobody was happier the Yankees won Wednesday night than catcher Austin Wells, after his embarrassing mental lapse on the bases cost New York an opportunity in the ninth inning. Anthony Volpe hit a tying homer off Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks with one out in the ninth, then Wells singled and advanced to second base when Trent Grisham tried to bunt for a hit. Grisham was thrown out at first for the second out and credited with a sacrifice. Wells, however, thought the inning was over and wandered off the bag. He got tagged in a rundown for the third out, sending a back-and-forth game to extra innings as fans in the Yankee Stadium crowd of 45,355 groaned.BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado defensive back Carter Stoutmire sees Deion Sanders as more than just a coach. Sanders has returned to the team after battling bladder cancer, and his presence has lifted spirits. Stoutmire, whose father played in the NFL with Sanders, expressed relief at his return. Sanders revealed Monday that doctors removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer. His return has energized the team. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston praised Sanders' leadership, noting his impact on and off the field. Sanders emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, a message that resonated with Livingston.The biggest event in harness racing celebrates a centennial anniversary this weekend with the 100th running of the Hambletonian. The trotters race at the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey still has the sport's richest purse at $1 million with more than $9 million expected to be wagered. That's a long way from the nearly $75,000 on the line in the first rendition of the Hambletonian in 1926 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. The race named after the founding sire of standardbred horses sustained through the Great Depression and World War II and evolved to remain prominent thanks to an influx of international interest.NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City police officer killed during a shooting at a Manhattan office tower is being laid to rest. The funeral of Officer Didarul Islam will take place Thursday at Parkchester Jame Masjid Funeral Home in the Bronx. The 36-year-old will then be buried at a cemetery in New Jersey. Islam was among four people fatally shot Monday in a midtown building housing the National Football League’s headquarters. The gunman also shot and wounded a fifth victim before killing himself. An immigrant from Bangladesh, Islam had worked his way up the nation’s largest police force, serving as a school safety agent before becoming a patrol officer. FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Detroit 7 Arizona 2 Final Chicago White Sox 9 Philadelphia 3 Fina lKansas City 1 Atlanta 0 Final Houston 9 Washington 1 Final Cleveland 5 Colorado 0AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Boston 13 Minnesota 1 Final Toronto 9 Baltimore 8 Final N.Y. Yankees 5 Tampa Bay 4 Final Texas 6&nbsp; L.A. Angels 3 Final Athletics 5 Seattle 4NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Chicago Cubs 10 Milwaukee 3 Final Pittsburgh 2 San Francisco 1 Final San Diego 5 N.Y. Mets 0 Final Cincinnati 5 L.A. Dodgers 2 Final Miami 2 St. Louis 0

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

It’s one of the most highly anticipated times of the year – the start of the school year and coming of fall high school sports. The excitement, however, is somewhat tempered at the moment as the heat continues to persist and fall is more than a month away. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The advent of year-round school schedules has pushed the start of practices for fall sports – and activities like band – into the heart of summer with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees in many parts of the country.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a result, schools must be prepared to help the millions of students deal with the oppressive heat and humidity during the coming weeks for football, soccer, cross country, field hockey and other sport practices. Including those students in marching band, more than five million individuals will be on the fields and courts prepping for fall activities.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, several high school athletes have already been involved in heat-related emergencies as practices have started in some parts of the country, including two fatalities, according to Dr. Kristen Kucera, director of the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR). We also are aware of several band members needing heat-related medical assistance after practicing in the heat.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Historically, most heat-related fatalities and catastrophic events have occurred during pre-season practices. And with several weeks remaining before first games of the 2025 fall season, steps must be taken to reduce the risk of additional catastrophic events. In fact, as often noted in NFHS materials, heat-related fatalities are 100 percent preventable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The NFHS had an opportunity earlier this week, with an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/videos/502d9c43-d59f-4e77-b5c8-07e281cd4ce7?utm_source=connatix&amp;utm_medium=share&amp;utm_campaign=link">appearance on AccuWeather.com</a>, to discuss available resources and steps being taken to minimize risk of heat illness. We appreciated the opportunity to share ways that schools can reduce the risk of heat illness with viewers across the country. &nbsp;

The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) continues to distribute information to member state associations. As we noted during the AccuWeather session, heat concerns are not related just to football. Any student participating in an outdoor sport or activity in the heat is vulnerable to heat illness, including marching band, cheer and players practicing in hot gyms without air conditioning.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Even with one million participants in high school football, death from heat stroke is preventable with proper precautions and timely intervention. Coaches, athletic directors and athletic trainers must have effective prevention plans in place so that student participants are fully protected from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The NFHS SMAC and the NFHS Learning Center continue to offer many educational tools to assist schools in developing a proper heat acclimatization and heat illness prevention program. In addition, many state associations have developed state-specific guidelines for dealing with heat issues and safety challenges.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SMAC has developed a “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919613/nfhs-heat-acclimatization-april-2022-final.pdf">Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement</a>” which is available on the NFHS website.&nbsp; This document contains seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. In addition, the SMAC’s “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919614/nfhs-hydration-position-statement-april-2022-final.pdf">Position Statement and Recommendations for Maintaining Hydration to Optimize Performance and Minimize the Risk for Exertional Heat Illness</a>” is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS website.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Venue and sport/activity specific emergency action plans (EAP) for interscholastic activities play a pivotal role in preemptively addressing and responding to potential risks and emergencies. The SMAC’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.nfhs.org/umbraco/media/7213372/nfhs-smac-emergency-action-plans-eap-position-statement-final-10-7-24.pdf">“Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Interscholastic Activities Position Statement”</a>&nbsp;is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS Website.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the NFHS Learning Center, the NFHS offers a&nbsp;free&nbsp;online course entitled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nfhslearn.com/courses/heat-illness-prevention-2">Heat Illness Prevention</a>.&nbsp;This course, which is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfhslearn.com/">www.nfhslearn.com</a>, also reviews the seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. More than 3.4 million Heat Illness Prevention courses have been accessed. In addition, to address the necessary precautions for participants in marching band, the NFHS has a free course entitled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nfhslearn.com/courses/band-safety">Band Safety</a>.

Among the fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program are 1) a slow progression in activity level – duration and intensity; 2) adjusting workouts as heat and humidity increase, including close monitoring and a prompt response to developing problems; and 3) proper hydration.

Four other Learning Center courses should be a part of the preseason planning for all key members of the school’s team:&nbsp;The Collapsed Student,&nbsp;Sudden Cardiac Arrest,&nbsp;Concussion in Sports&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emergency Action Planning for Afterschool Programs.

&nbsp;As an additional resource, the NFHS Foundation previously distributed more than 5,000 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) devices to high schools across the country. The WBGT measures the heat stress in direct sunlight, accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. High schools can use the thermometer’s reading to help determine if the weather is appropriate to hold outdoor activities. The NFHS Foundation provides a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLFrERMJ-40">video</a>&nbsp;on proper use of WBGT.&nbsp;If the available devices indicate that the weather is a risk to the health of students, practices must be cancelled.&nbsp; &nbsp;

School leaders must also make sure that AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are available in key locations in the school, and that an Emergency Action Plan has been established and rehearsed. There have been several cases on high school sports fields and courts the past two years where quick action on the part of individuals saved lives, and we hope that trend continues. As a part of preseason planning, coaches and administrators should consider another Learning Center course –&nbsp;CPR &amp; AED Training. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

We encourage all school leaders – coaches, band directors, athletic directors and others – to take the&nbsp;free&nbsp;online courses –&nbsp;Heat Illness Prevention&nbsp;and&nbsp;Band Safety&nbsp;– at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfhslearn.com/">www.nfhslearn.com</a>. It could be the best investment of time this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Karissa Niehoff NFHSIt’s one of the most highly anticipated times of the year – the start of the school year and coming of fall high school sports. The excitement, however, is somewhat tempered at the moment as the heat continues to persist and fall is more than a month away. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The advent of year-round school schedules has pushed the start of practices for fall sports – and activities like band – into the heart of summer with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees in many parts of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a result, schools must be prepared to help the millions of students deal with the oppressive heat and humidity during the coming weeks for football, soccer, cross country, field hockey and other sport practices. Including those students in marching band, more than five million individuals will be on the fields and courts prepping for fall activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, several high school athletes have already been involved in heat-related emergencies as practices have started in some parts of the country, including two fatalities, according to Dr. Kristen Kucera, director of the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR). We also are aware of several band members needing heat-related medical assistance after practicing in the heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Historically, most heat-related fatalities and catastrophic events have occurred during pre-season practices. And with several weeks remaining before first games of the 2025 fall season, steps must be taken to reduce the risk of additional catastrophic events. In fact, as often noted in NFHS materials, heat-related fatalities are 100 percent preventable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The NFHS had an opportunity earlier this week, with an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/videos/502d9c43-d59f-4e77-b5c8-07e281cd4ce7?utm_source=connatix&amp;utm_medium=share&amp;utm_campaign=link">appearance on AccuWeather.com</a>, to discuss available resources and steps being taken to minimize risk of heat illness. We appreciated the opportunity to share ways that schools can reduce the risk of heat illness with viewers across the country. &nbsp;The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) continues to distribute information to member state associations. As we noted during the AccuWeather session, heat concerns are not related just to football. Any student participating in an outdoor sport or activity in the heat is vulnerable to heat illness, including marching band, cheer and players practicing in hot gyms without air conditioning.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even with one million participants in high school football, death from heat stroke is preventable with proper precautions and timely intervention. Coaches, athletic directors and athletic trainers must have effective prevention plans in place so that student participants are fully protected from heat-related illnesses and injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The NFHS SMAC and the NFHS Learning Center continue to offer many educational tools to assist schools in developing a proper heat acclimatization and heat illness prevention program. In addition, many state associations have developed state-specific guidelines for dealing with heat issues and safety challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SMAC has developed a “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919613/nfhs-heat-acclimatization-april-2022-final.pdf">Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement</a>” which is available on the NFHS website.&nbsp; This document contains seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. In addition, the SMAC’s “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfhs.org/media/5919614/nfhs-hydration-position-statement-april-2022-final.pdf">Position Statement and Recommendations for Maintaining Hydration to Optimize Performance and Minimize the Risk for Exertional Heat Illness</a>” is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS website.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Venue and sport/activity specific emergency action plans (EAP) for interscholastic activities play a pivotal role in preemptively addressing and responding to potential risks and emergencies. The SMAC’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.nfhs.org/umbraco/media/7213372/nfhs-smac-emergency-action-plans-eap-position-statement-final-10-7-24.pdf">“Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Interscholastic Activities Position Statement”</a>&nbsp;is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS Website.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the NFHS Learning Center, the NFHS offers a&nbsp;free&nbsp;online course entitled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nfhslearn.com/courses/heat-illness-prevention-2">Heat Illness Prevention</a>.&nbsp;This course, which is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfhslearn.com/">www.nfhslearn.com</a>, also reviews the seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. More than 3.4 million Heat Illness Prevention courses have been accessed. In addition, to address the necessary precautions for participants in marching band, the NFHS has a free course entitled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nfhslearn.com/courses/band-safety">Band Safety</a>.Among the fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program are 1) a slow progression in activity level – duration and intensity; 2) adjusting workouts as heat and humidity increase, including close monitoring and a prompt response to developing problems; and 3) proper hydration.Four other Learning Center courses should be a part of the preseason planning for all key members of the school’s team:&nbsp;The Collapsed Student,&nbsp;Sudden Cardiac Arrest,&nbsp;Concussion in Sports&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emergency Action Planning for Afterschool Programs.&nbsp;As an additional resource, the NFHS Foundation previously distributed more than 5,000 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) devices to high schools across the country. The WBGT measures the heat stress in direct sunlight, accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. High schools can use the thermometer’s reading to help determine if the weather is appropriate to hold outdoor activities. The NFHS Foundation provides a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLFrERMJ-40">video</a>&nbsp;on proper use of WBGT.&nbsp;If the available devices indicate that the weather is a risk to the health of students, practices must be cancelled.&nbsp; &nbsp;School leaders must also make sure that AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are available in key locations in the school, and that an Emergency Action Plan has been established and rehearsed. There have been several cases on high school sports fields and courts the past two years where quick action on the part of individuals saved lives, and we hope that trend continues. As a part of preseason planning, coaches and administrators should consider another Learning Center course –&nbsp;CPR &amp; AED Training. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We encourage all school leaders – coaches, band directors, athletic directors and others – to take the&nbsp;free&nbsp;online courses –&nbsp;Heat Illness Prevention&nbsp;and&nbsp;Band Safety&nbsp;– at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfhslearn.com/">www.nfhslearn.com</a>. It could be the best investment of time this year.

As Practices Begin for Fall Sports and Marching Band, Steps Must be Taken to Prevent Heat Illness

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the concussion protocol Wednesday, one day after the second-year pro banged his head while trying to make a catch during training camp at Missouri Western State University.

Worthy is expected to be a big part of the Kansas City offense after a dynamic rookie season in which he took advantage of the long injury absences of Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice to put up some big numbers. He finished with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns, then had 19 catches for 287 yards and three more scores in three playoff games.

Brown also missed practice Wednesday after hurting his ankle the previous day. So did fellow wide receiver Skyy Moore, who is dealing with a hamstring injury that could make it more difficult for him to make the team.

The Chiefs breezed through a quick workout Wednesday before getting Thursday off. They return for three more days of practice before another day off Monday. Those breaks could give some of their injured players, including offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (knee), an opportunity to recover ahead of their preseason opener on Aug. 9 in Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753898515493.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy signs autographs during Back Together Weekend at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy signs autographs during Back Together Weekend at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the concussion protocol Wednesday, one day after the second-year pro banged his head while trying to make a catch during training camp at Missouri Western State University.Worthy is expected to be a big part of the Kansas City offense after a dynamic rookie season in which he took advantage of the long injury absences of Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice to put up some big numbers. He finished with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns, then had 19 catches for 287 yards and three more scores in three playoff games.Brown also missed practice Wednesday after hurting his ankle the previous day. So did fellow wide receiver Skyy Moore, who is dealing with a hamstring injury that could make it more difficult for him to make the team.The Chiefs breezed through a quick workout Wednesday before getting Thursday off. They return for three more days of practice before another day off Monday. Those breaks could give some of their injured players, including offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (knee), an opportunity to recover ahead of their preseason opener on Aug. 9 in Chicago.

Chiefs place WR Xavier Worthy in concussion protocol a day after he banged his head in practice

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals designated Rich Hill for assignment on Tuesday, a week after the 45-year-old left-hander pitched in the first game of his 21st big league season.

Hill went 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA in two starts with Kansas City. The Royals were his 14th team, matching Edwin Jackson for the major league record.

Kansas City also brought up right-hander Thomas Hatch from Triple-A Omaha before its game against Atlanta.

Hill allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cubs-rich-hill-oldest-e09c2d43a7a83309e1cf9696c3e80d71">in a 6-0 loss</a>&nbsp;at the Chicago Cubs a week ago. He became the oldest player to start a major league game since May 27, 2012, when lefty Jamie Moyer tossed his final game with Colorado at age 49.

He also started for Kansas City on Monday against Atlanta, issuing six walks while surrendering four runs in four innings&nbsp;in a 10-7 loss.

Hill made his major league debut with the Cubs in 2005. He is 90-76 with a 4.02 ERA in 388 games, including 250 starts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753880458416.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals designated Rich Hill for assignment on Tuesday, a week after the 45-year-old left-hander pitched in the first game of his 21st big league season.Hill went 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA in two starts with Kansas City. The Royals were his 14th team, matching Edwin Jackson for the major league record.Kansas City also brought up right-hander Thomas Hatch from Triple-A Omaha before its game against Atlanta.Hill allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cubs-rich-hill-oldest-e09c2d43a7a83309e1cf9696c3e80d71">in a 6-0 loss</a>&nbsp;at the Chicago Cubs a week ago. He became the oldest player to start a major league game since May 27, 2012, when lefty Jamie Moyer tossed his final game with Colorado at age 49.He also started for Kansas City on Monday against Atlanta, issuing six walks while surrendering four runs in four innings&nbsp;in a 10-7 loss.Hill made his major league debut with the Cubs in 2005. He is 90-76 with a 4.02 ERA in 388 games, including 250 starts.

Kansas City Royals designate 45-year-old LHP Rich Hill for assignment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel hit a pivotal three-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as the Kansas City Royals beat Atlanta 9-6 on Tuesday night after Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. exited&nbsp;with tightness in his right Achilles tendon.

Seth Lugo (8-5) won his first start since&nbsp;agreeing Monday to a $46 million, two-year contract&nbsp;for 2026 and ’27. Pasquantino finished with three hits and two RBIs.

Bobby Witt Jr. also drove in two runs for the Royals, and Jonathan India had a two-run double.

Marcell Ozuna homered and knocked in three for Atlanta, and Austin Riley also went deep. But right-hander Erick Fedde (3-11) fell behind 4-0 after two innings in&nbsp;his Braves debut.

Acuña left in the sixth inning after chasing down a ball in right field. He will be placed on the 10-day injured list, the Braves said.

Pasquantino hit a solo homer in the first, and Isbel gave Kansas City a 7-3 lead with his bases-clearing double in the sixth. Witt added a run-scoring single and Pasquantino an RBI double to make it 9-3.

Lugo took a shutout into the sixth, but got only two more outs. He was charged with three runs and seven hits while striking out five and walking four.

Carlos Estévez, the fifth Royals reliever, got three outs for his 28th save.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth, Hunter Harvey retired Jurickson Profar on a flyball to preserve a 4-3 lead for the Royals before they scored five times in the bottom half.

The Royals have scored at least five runs in seven of their last 11 games, something they accomplished only 21 times prior to the All-Star break.

The Braves will send LHP Joey Wentz (2-2, 5.76 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. The Royals hadn't announced a scheduled starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753880379789.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel is doused by teammates after their baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel is doused by teammates after their baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel hit a pivotal three-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as the Kansas City Royals beat Atlanta 9-6 on Tuesday night after Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. exited&nbsp;with tightness in his right Achilles tendon.Seth Lugo (8-5) won his first start since&nbsp;agreeing Monday to a $46 million, two-year contract&nbsp;for 2026 and ’27. Pasquantino finished with three hits and two RBIs.Bobby Witt Jr. also drove in two runs for the Royals, and Jonathan India had a two-run double.Marcell Ozuna homered and knocked in three for Atlanta, and Austin Riley also went deep. But right-hander Erick Fedde (3-11) fell behind 4-0 after two innings in&nbsp;his Braves debut.Michael Harris II had three hits.Acuña left in the sixth inning after chasing down a ball in right field. He will be placed on the 10-day injured list, the Braves said.Pasquantino hit a solo homer in the first, and Isbel gave Kansas City a 7-3 lead with his bases-clearing double in the sixth. Witt added a run-scoring single and Pasquantino an RBI double to make it 9-3.Lugo took a shutout into the sixth, but got only two more outs. He was charged with three runs and seven hits while striking out five and walking four.Carlos Estévez, the fifth Royals reliever, got three outs for his 28th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth, Hunter Harvey retired Jurickson Profar on a flyball to preserve a 4-3 lead for the Royals before they scored five times in the bottom half.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have scored at least five runs in seven of their last 11 games, something they accomplished only 21 times prior to the All-Star break.<h2>Up next</h2>The Braves will send LHP Joey Wentz (2-2, 5.76 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. The Royals hadn't announced a scheduled starter.

Isbel and Pasquantino power Royals to 9-6 win over Braves after Acuña exits with injury

NEW YORK (AP) — Investigators are piecing together more details about how a former high school football player who blamed the game for his mental health problems carried out a deadly attack on an office building that is home to the NFL. Authorities say Shane Tamura killed four people on Monday before killing himself. Officials say he had a handwritten note claiming he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known at CTE, and accused the league of hiding the dangers of brain injuries linked to contact sports. Investigators plan to question a man who supplied gun parts for the AR-15-style rifle used in the attack, including the weapon’s lower receiver.

BOSTON (AP) — The man who killed four people in the New York City skyscraper that is home to NFL headquarters carried a note blaming the league for his mental health problems. Shane Tamura played football in high school. He said in the three-page note found in his wallet that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that can’t be diagnosed until death, and implored those who found him to study his brain. CTE has been linked to concussions in contact sports. The disease has been diagnosed in more than 100 former NFL players and arisen as an existential threat to the United States’ most powerful pro sports league.

NEW YORK (AP) — Players and coaches around the NFL reacted with shock and sadness Tuesday after a gunman killed four people at the New York office building housing the league's headquarters. Brian Daboll of the New York Giants, Aaron Glenn of the Jets, Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears and Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons offered their thoughts and prayers to the victims of Monday's shooting. Mayor Eric Adams said the gunman was trying to target NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator. Tennessee Titans NFLPA representative Jeffery Simmons cited the importance of mental health in conversations with fellow players.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The gunman in the deadly shooting at a New York City office tower had a background in casino surveillance and once held a private security guard license. Authorities say 27-year-old Shane Tamura drove from Las Vegas to New York to carry out the attack on Monday. They say he was targeting the NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator. Tamura killed four people then took his own life. He left a note blaming the NFL for brain injuries linked to contact sports. He claimed to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Police are investigating his mental health history and how he acquired firearms used in the attack.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani had another first in his MLB career. Ohtani struck out in his first four plate appearances Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, the first time he has done that in his eight seasons in the majors. It is the sixth time the Japanese superstar and reigning NL MVP has struck out four times in a game. It is the second time this season, with the other coming against San Diego on June 17. Despite Ohtani’s tough night at the plate, the Dodgers rallied for a 5-4 victory on an RBI double by Will Smith in the ninth inning.

The Trump administration has pushed to remove transgender athletes from Olympic sports. They provided a legal brief to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) explaining how this move aligns with the Ted Stevens Act. This guidance led the USOPC to change its policy, requiring national governing bodies to update their participation rules. Olympic legal expert Jill Pilgrim believes the policy could face legal challenges if a transgender athlete is excluded. The USOPC's new policy replaces one based on data and science. The committee aims for compliance by the end of the year, amid criticism and legal uncertainties.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is heading for the 10-day injured list. Acuña was removed from Tuesday night’s loss at Kansas City with tightness in his right Achilles tendon. Acuña experienced the discomfort after chasing down a ball in right field. He’ll be evaluated further on Wednesday. Acuña said he initially felt pain while running the bases on Monday night. The discomfort returned after he ran for a foul ball in the sixth inning Tuesday night. Later in the inning, a ball was hit over his head and he gave chase. He left the game after the sixth.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Trey Hendrickson is ending his holdout and will report to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. Hendrickson is an All-Pro defensive end who led the NFL in sacks last season with 17 1/2. He is seeking a long-term extension with guaranteed money that matches what the league's top pass rushers are earning. Even after he reports to camp, he is unlikely to participate in practice until a deal is in place.

MONTREAL (AP) — Coco Gauff made a winning return to competition, even though some old serving woes came back with her. Gauff had to overcome 23 double-faults to win for the first time since the French Open final, outlasting fellow American Danielle Collins 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2) in the second round of the National Bank Open in Montreal on Tuesday night. Gauff hadn’t played since losing in the first round at Wimbledon and appeared to have made a change to her serving grip during her time away. She struggled with it during the match, hitting some serves that were well long and others that were soft and easily pounced on by the powerful Collins.

SINGAPORE (AP) — Katie Ledecky has ceded a tiny bit of ground in other events, but she’s still unbeatable in the 1,500-meter freestyle. She won it again Tuesday in the swimming world championships in Singapore, finishing in 15 minutes, 26.44 seconds. Simona Quadarella of Italy took silver in 15:31.79 – a European record – with bronze for Lani Pallister of Australia in 15:41.18 in a very quick-paced race. Ledecky was ahead of her world-record pace through 1,250 meters, pushed early by Pallister. It was Ledecky’s second medal in these games after taking bronze in the 400 free behind Canadian Summer McIntosh. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Cleveland 10 Colorado 4 Final Detroit 12 Arizona 2 Final Philadelphia 6 Chicago White Sox 3 Final Kansas City 9 Atlanta 6 Final Houston 7 Washington 4

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Baltimore 16 Toronto 4 Final Baltimore 3 Toronto 2 Final N.Y. Yankees 7 Tampa Bay 5 Final Boston 8 Minnesota 5 Final Athletics 6 Seattle 1 Final L.A. Angels 8 Texas 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Cincinnati 4 Final Milwaukee 9 Chicago Cubs 3 Final Miami 5 St. Louis 0 Final Pittsburgh 3 San Francisco 1 Final San Diego 7 N.Y. Mets 1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Investigators are piecing together more details about how a former high school football player who blamed the game for his mental health problems carried out a deadly attack on an office building that is home to the NFL. Authorities say Shane Tamura killed four people on Monday before killing himself. Officials say he had a handwritten note claiming he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known at CTE, and accused the league of hiding the dangers of brain injuries linked to contact sports. Investigators plan to question a man who supplied gun parts for the AR-15-style rifle used in the attack, including the weapon’s lower receiver.BOSTON (AP) — The man who killed four people in the New York City skyscraper that is home to NFL headquarters carried a note blaming the league for his mental health problems. Shane Tamura played football in high school. He said in the three-page note found in his wallet that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that can’t be diagnosed until death, and implored those who found him to study his brain. CTE has been linked to concussions in contact sports. The disease has been diagnosed in more than 100 former NFL players and arisen as an existential threat to the United States’ most powerful pro sports league.NEW YORK (AP) — Players and coaches around the NFL reacted with shock and sadness Tuesday after a gunman killed four people at the New York office building housing the league's headquarters. Brian Daboll of the New York Giants, Aaron Glenn of the Jets, Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears and Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons offered their thoughts and prayers to the victims of Monday's shooting. Mayor Eric Adams said the gunman was trying to target NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator. Tennessee Titans NFLPA representative Jeffery Simmons cited the importance of mental health in conversations with fellow players.LAS VEGAS (AP) — The gunman in the deadly shooting at a New York City office tower had a background in casino surveillance and once held a private security guard license. Authorities say 27-year-old Shane Tamura drove from Las Vegas to New York to carry out the attack on Monday. They say he was targeting the NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator. Tamura killed four people then took his own life. He left a note blaming the NFL for brain injuries linked to contact sports. He claimed to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Police are investigating his mental health history and how he acquired firearms used in the attack.CINCINNATI (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani had another first in his MLB career. Ohtani struck out in his first four plate appearances Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, the first time he has done that in his eight seasons in the majors. It is the sixth time the Japanese superstar and reigning NL MVP has struck out four times in a game. It is the second time this season, with the other coming against San Diego on June 17. Despite Ohtani’s tough night at the plate, the Dodgers rallied for a 5-4 victory on an RBI double by Will Smith in the ninth inning.The Trump administration has pushed to remove transgender athletes from Olympic sports. They provided a legal brief to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) explaining how this move aligns with the Ted Stevens Act. This guidance led the USOPC to change its policy, requiring national governing bodies to update their participation rules. Olympic legal expert Jill Pilgrim believes the policy could face legal challenges if a transgender athlete is excluded. The USOPC's new policy replaces one based on data and science. The committee aims for compliance by the end of the year, amid criticism and legal uncertainties.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is heading for the 10-day injured list. Acuña was removed from Tuesday night’s loss at Kansas City with tightness in his right Achilles tendon. Acuña experienced the discomfort after chasing down a ball in right field. He’ll be evaluated further on Wednesday. Acuña said he initially felt pain while running the bases on Monday night. The discomfort returned after he ran for a foul ball in the sixth inning Tuesday night. Later in the inning, a ball was hit over his head and he gave chase. He left the game after the sixth.CINCINNATI (AP) — Trey Hendrickson is ending his holdout and will report to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. Hendrickson is an All-Pro defensive end who led the NFL in sacks last season with 17 1/2. He is seeking a long-term extension with guaranteed money that matches what the league's top pass rushers are earning. Even after he reports to camp, he is unlikely to participate in practice until a deal is in place.MONTREAL (AP) — Coco Gauff made a winning return to competition, even though some old serving woes came back with her. Gauff had to overcome 23 double-faults to win for the first time since the French Open final, outlasting fellow American Danielle Collins 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2) in the second round of the National Bank Open in Montreal on Tuesday night. Gauff hadn’t played since losing in the first round at Wimbledon and appeared to have made a change to her serving grip during her time away. She struggled with it during the match, hitting some serves that were well long and others that were soft and easily pounced on by the powerful Collins.SINGAPORE (AP) — Katie Ledecky has ceded a tiny bit of ground in other events, but she’s still unbeatable in the 1,500-meter freestyle. She won it again Tuesday in the swimming world championships in Singapore, finishing in 15 minutes, 26.44 seconds. Simona Quadarella of Italy took silver in 15:31.79 – a European record – with bronze for Lani Pallister of Australia in 15:41.18 in a very quick-paced race. Ledecky was ahead of her world-record pace through 1,250 meters, pushed early by Pallister. It was Ledecky’s second medal in these games after taking bronze in the 400 free behind Canadian Summer McIntosh. FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Cleveland 10 Colorado 4 Final Detroit 12 Arizona 2 Final Philadelphia 6 Chicago White Sox 3 Final Kansas City 9 Atlanta 6 Final Houston 7 Washington 4AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Baltimore 16 Toronto 4 Final Baltimore 3 Toronto 2 Final N.Y. Yankees 7 Tampa Bay 5 Final Boston 8 Minnesota 5 Final Athletics 6 Seattle 1 Final L.A. Angels 8 Texas 5NATIONAL LEAGUE Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Cincinnati 4 Final Milwaukee 9 Chicago Cubs 3 Final Miami 5 St. Louis 0 Final Pittsburgh 3 San Francisco 1 Final San Diego 7 N.Y. Mets 1

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KUAthletics.com LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football redshirt senior&nbsp;Bryce Foster&nbsp;was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced on Tuesday. Foster is one of 50 returning standout interior linemen.

The recipient of the 2025 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 12. The official trophy presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 21, 2026 in Omaha, Neb.

Foster is one of nine centers selected to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, along with 16 offensive tackles, 15 guards and 10 defensive tackles. Foster is also one of 10 representatives from the Big 12 Conference and Kansas' first representative on the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List since Hakeem Adeniji in 2019.

Foster, of Katy, Texas, was recently named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team, after being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team following the 2024 season. Foster started all 12 games and helped pave the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowed just 10 sacks as a unit in 2024. Following the 2024 football season, Foster earned Second Team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, as part of the Kansas track and field team.

Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.

The FWAA will announce six or seven&nbsp;Outland Trophy semifinalists on Nov. 19 at a reception in Omaha, and those players will then be pared down to three finalists announced on Nov. 25 on ESPN.&nbsp;The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from those finalists who will be part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends and edge rushers are not eligible.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. For a third year now, the FWAA will announce an Outland Trophy&nbsp;National Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week's honored player will be added at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753815462116.jpeg" alt="KUAthletics.com" />
 <figcaption>KUAthletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>KUAthletics.com LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football redshirt senior&nbsp;Bryce Foster&nbsp;was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced on Tuesday. Foster is one of 50 returning standout interior linemen.The recipient of the 2025 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 12. The official trophy presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 21, 2026 in Omaha, Neb.Foster is one of nine centers selected to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, along with 16 offensive tackles, 15 guards and 10 defensive tackles. Foster is also one of 10 representatives from the Big 12 Conference and Kansas' first representative on the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List since Hakeem Adeniji in 2019.Foster, of Katy, Texas, was recently named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team, after being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team following the 2024 season. Foster started all 12 games and helped pave the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowed just 10 sacks as a unit in 2024. Following the 2024 football season, Foster earned Second Team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, as part of the Kansas track and field team.Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.The FWAA will announce six or seven&nbsp;Outland Trophy semifinalists on Nov. 19 at a reception in Omaha, and those players will then be pared down to three finalists announced on Nov. 25 on ESPN.&nbsp;The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from those finalists who will be part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends and edge rushers are not eligible.Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. For a third year now, the FWAA will announce an Outland Trophy&nbsp;National Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week's honored player will be added at that time.

Bryce Foster Named to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Nearly six years ago, when the Kansas City Chiefs were just beginning their rise to prominence, Chris Jones tweaked a muscle in practice bad enough that coach Andy Reid made the difficult decision to hold him out of a playoff game against Houston.

Jones wanted to play. In fact, he tried to push through the injury in warmups. But Reid was steadfast, and the Chiefs didn't need him in the end. After spotting the Texans a 24-0 lead, Patrick Mahomes &amp; Co. caught fire, and&nbsp;Kansas City rolled to a 51-31 victory. And when Jones returned the next week,&nbsp;the Chiefs handily beat the Titans&nbsp;for the AFC championship — two wins that ultimately propelled them to&nbsp;their first Super Bowl title&nbsp;in five decades.

It turns out the backstory to the injury explains a lot about why Jones, now&nbsp;a 31-year-old veteran&nbsp;preparing for his 10th season in the league, has become a three-time All-Pro and one of the game's premier defensive players.

He's competitive. He's relentless. And he doesn't suffer fools gladly.

You see, in practice, hitting the quarterback is strictly verboten. It's why QBs usually wear a different-colored jersey, yellow in the case of Kansas City. Yet pulling back as a defender whose instincts are honed to bring down whomever has the ball can be a difficult challenge, even more so when it's Patrick Mahomes dancing around the pocket, almost as if he's mocking you.

“So we were in a battle,” Jones recalled, after&nbsp;a recent training camp practice&nbsp;in the brutal heat and humidity that seems to engulf Missouri Western State University this time of year, "and I had to show Pat that I can really catch you.

“I just chill,” — usually, Jones added— “because we have to stay 5 to 10 yards away from the quarterback. And it got serious one day, and I ended up pulling a (muscle). And I was like: ‘You know what, Pat? You got it.’”

Yes, the affable Jones had been so competitive that, even in a midweek practice against his own teammates, he managed to hurt himself before what to that point had been the most important game of a championship season.

“Now,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said, “we've got a special rule for Chris on that.”

The so-called Chris Rule is quite simple: Once he beats the offensive line in practice, he must stand there.

“Patrick does some crazy stuff back there. It gets very competitive,” Jones said, sounding downright exasperated. “You know you can't touch the quarterback, so the quarterback can stand and hold the ball for five or six seconds during the play.”

You can see how that could become annoying. Even infuriating.

Fortunately for Jones, there are no Chris Rules when games begin. And that is decidedly unfortunate for opposing QBs, who have become keenly aware of his game-wrecking ability. Jones followed a 15 1/2-sack season three years ago and 10 1/2 the next with five sacks last season, a number made more modest only because the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Jones was faced with constant double- and triple-teams, and those in turn allowed many of his teammates to get to the quarterback instead.

George Karlaftis had eight sacks last season, helping to earn him a four-year, $93 million deal a couple of weeks ago. Tershawn Wharton produced a career-best 6 1/2, which earned him a three-year, $30 million contract with Carolina.

“I've watched (Jones) over the years,” said Jerry Tillery, who signed with the Chiefs in the offseason to play alongside him, “and that's somebody at the top of our game who's doing it the best. To watch this guy work and to be with him — I think that type of player is somebody who can raise everybody's level.”

Jones acknowledged that his game has had to evolve over the years, especially the past six, since those days of trying to chase Mahomes around practice. He still is one of the strongest players in the league, capable of beating a woebegone offensive lineman with brute force, but he now has the priceless benefit of experience on his side.

His explosive athletic ability paired with some nuance and craft has made for quite a combination.

“I mean, he’s as dynamic as they come,” Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady said.

On the superheated training fields of Missouri Western, about an hour's drive north of Arrowhead Stadium, that dynamism can still last only as long as it takes Jones to beat the man in front of him — sometimes a fraction of a second. Then, according to the Chris Rules, Jones will dutifully stand up and watch the rest of the play unfold.

“Over time,” Jones said, “you get to see the younger guys are faster. You're a little slower. You don't move the same. So you have to cherish these moments. Cherish these individuals you get to battle with every day, and enjoy the practice.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753815224654.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones acknowledges fans as he jogs between drills during Back Together Weekend at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones acknowledges fans as he jogs between drills during Back Together Weekend at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Nearly six years ago, when the Kansas City Chiefs were just beginning their rise to prominence, Chris Jones tweaked a muscle in practice bad enough that coach Andy Reid made the difficult decision to hold him out of a playoff game against Houston.Jones wanted to play. In fact, he tried to push through the injury in warmups. But Reid was steadfast, and the Chiefs didn't need him in the end. After spotting the Texans a 24-0 lead, Patrick Mahomes &amp; Co. caught fire, and&nbsp;Kansas City rolled to a 51-31 victory. And when Jones returned the next week,&nbsp;the Chiefs handily beat the Titans&nbsp;for the AFC championship — two wins that ultimately propelled them to&nbsp;their first Super Bowl title&nbsp;in five decades.It turns out the backstory to the injury explains a lot about why Jones, now&nbsp;a 31-year-old veteran&nbsp;preparing for his 10th season in the league, has become a three-time All-Pro and one of the game's premier defensive players.He's competitive. He's relentless. And he doesn't suffer fools gladly.You see, in practice, hitting the quarterback is strictly verboten. It's why QBs usually wear a different-colored jersey, yellow in the case of Kansas City. Yet pulling back as a defender whose instincts are honed to bring down whomever has the ball can be a difficult challenge, even more so when it's Patrick Mahomes dancing around the pocket, almost as if he's mocking you.“So we were in a battle,” Jones recalled, after&nbsp;a recent training camp practice&nbsp;in the brutal heat and humidity that seems to engulf Missouri Western State University this time of year, "and I had to show Pat that I can really catch you.“I just chill,” — usually, Jones added— “because we have to stay 5 to 10 yards away from the quarterback. And it got serious one day, and I ended up pulling a (muscle). And I was like: ‘You know what, Pat? You got it.’”Yes, the affable Jones had been so competitive that, even in a midweek practice against his own teammates, he managed to hurt himself before what to that point had been the most important game of a championship season.“Now,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said, “we've got a special rule for Chris on that.”The so-called Chris Rule is quite simple: Once he beats the offensive line in practice, he must stand there.Just stand there.“Patrick does some crazy stuff back there. It gets very competitive,” Jones said, sounding downright exasperated. “You know you can't touch the quarterback, so the quarterback can stand and hold the ball for five or six seconds during the play.”You can see how that could become annoying. Even infuriating.Fortunately for Jones, there are no Chris Rules when games begin. And that is decidedly unfortunate for opposing QBs, who have become keenly aware of his game-wrecking ability. Jones followed a 15 1/2-sack season three years ago and 10 1/2 the next with five sacks last season, a number made more modest only because the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Jones was faced with constant double- and triple-teams, and those in turn allowed many of his teammates to get to the quarterback instead.George Karlaftis had eight sacks last season, helping to earn him a four-year, $93 million deal a couple of weeks ago. Tershawn Wharton produced a career-best 6 1/2, which earned him a three-year, $30 million contract with Carolina.“I've watched (Jones) over the years,” said Jerry Tillery, who signed with the Chiefs in the offseason to play alongside him, “and that's somebody at the top of our game who's doing it the best. To watch this guy work and to be with him — I think that type of player is somebody who can raise everybody's level.”Jones acknowledged that his game has had to evolve over the years, especially the past six, since those days of trying to chase Mahomes around practice. He still is one of the strongest players in the league, capable of beating a woebegone offensive lineman with brute force, but he now has the priceless benefit of experience on his side.His explosive athletic ability paired with some nuance and craft has made for quite a combination.“I mean, he’s as dynamic as they come,” Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady said.In games, anyway.On the superheated training fields of Missouri Western, about an hour's drive north of Arrowhead Stadium, that dynamism can still last only as long as it takes Jones to beat the man in front of him — sometimes a fraction of a second. Then, according to the Chris Rules, Jones will dutifully stand up and watch the rest of the play unfold.“Over time,” Jones said, “you get to see the younger guys are faster. You're a little slower. You don't move the same. So you have to cherish these moments. Cherish these individuals you get to battle with every day, and enjoy the practice.”

Chiefs' Chris Jones: The backstory behind the 'Chris Rule,' and what's made him a three-time All-Pro

A man stalked through a Manhattan office tower firing a rifle on Monday,&nbsp;killing four people&nbsp;including a New York City police officer, and wounding a fifth before taking his own life, officials said. The shooting&nbsp;took place at a skyscraper&nbsp;that is home to the headquarters of both the National Football League and Blackstone, one of the world’s largest investment firms, among other tenants.

Investigators believe that he was trying to&nbsp;target the NFL headquarters&nbsp;but took the wrong elevator, Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday. A rambling note found on his body suggested he had a grievance against the NFL over an unsubstantiated claim that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a&nbsp;degenerative brain disease&nbsp;that has been linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma common in contact sports like football.

President Donald Trump says he’s been briefed on the deadly shooting and “my heart” is with the families of the four people killed. In a post on his social media site, Trump said he trusts that law enforcement will “get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence.”

Flags lowered to half-staff in NYC to honor shooting victims, mayor says

In a post on social media, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he has ordered all flags on city buildings to be lowered to half-staff until further notice to honor the slain officer and the other shooting victims.

NFL commissioner says an employee remains hospitalized in stable condition

Roger Goodell said in a memo to staff Tuesday that “all of our employees are otherwise safe and accounted for,” following the shooting at the league’s headquarters in Manhattan.

Goodell praised the swift law enforcement response and honored the NYPD officer who was killed in the attack.

Employees in New York were instructed to work remotely Tuesday or take the day off, he said, and additional security will be in place.

“Every one of you is a valued member of the NFL family. We will get through this together,” Goodell said.

Adams said one challenge of the investigation has been that Tamura only arrived in New York shortly before the shooting, leaving few clues in the area.

“We are going to communicate with federal and state partners in Las Vegas to drill down on this as much as possible including looking at his social media pages, anything that he may have in his home, so that we can continue to piece this investigation together,” Adams said.

The mayor said it’s also a challenge for law enforcement, “dealing with those who come from areas with lax gun laws that allow individuals to have these high-powered weapons into cities like New York that have strong gun laws.”

Statement from Blackstone on employee who was killed in the shooting

Blackstone on Tuesday said an employee, Wesley LePatner, a senior managing director, was among those killed in the shooting.

“Words cannot express the devastation we feel,” the firm said in a statement. “Wesley was a beloved member of the Blackstone family and will be sorely missed. She was brilliant, passionate, warm, generous, and deeply respected within our firm and beyond.”

LePatner was Blackstone’s global head of core+ real estate and chief executive officer of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, according to the firm’s website. She spent more than a decade at Goldman Sachs before joining Blackstone in 2014.

A 2003 Yale graduate, LePatner served on the boards of several organizations, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Blackstone said.

Trump says he’s been briefed on deadly NYC shooting, says his heart is with the families of the four people killed

In a post on his social media site, Trump said he trusts that law enforcement will “get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence.”

Trump, who is currently in Scotland, said “my heart” is with the families of those who were killed at a Manhattan office building, including a New York City police officer.

The gunman was targeting NFL headquarters, mayor says

Investigators believe Shane Tamura was trying to get to the NFL offices after shooting several people in the building’s lobby but accidentally entered the wrong set of elevator banks, Adams said in interviews on Tuesday.

Police said Tamura had a history of mental illness, and a rambling note found on his body suggested he had a grievance against the NFL over an unsubstantiated claim that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He had played football in high school in California nearly two decades ago.

The note claimed he had been suffering from CTE — the&nbsp;degenerative brain disease&nbsp;that has been linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma common in contact sports like football — and said his brain should be studied after he died, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

It also specifically referenced the National Football League, the person said.

A motive has not been determined but investigators were looking into, based on the note, whether he might’ve specifically targeted the building because it is home to the NFL’s headquarters.

Witnesses said they heard ‘rapid fire’

Nekeisha Lewis was eating dinner with friends on the plaza when she heard gunfire.

“It felt like it was a quick two shots and then it was rapid fire,” she told The Associated Press.

Windows shattered and a man ran from the building saying, “Help, help. I’m shot.” Lewis said.

Jessica Chen told ABC News she was watching a presentation with dozens of other people on the second floor when she “heard multiple shots go off in quick succession from the first floor.”

She and others ran into a conference room and barricaded tables against the door.

“We were honestly really, really scared,” she said, adding that she texted her parents to tell them that she loves them.

Some finance workers at an office building down the block were picking up dinner at a corner eatery when they heard a loud noise and saw people running.

“It was like a crowd panic,” said Anna Smith, who joined the workers pouring back into the finance office building. They remained there for about two hours before being told they could leave.

Adams said officials are still ‘unraveling’ what took place

Officers found a rifle case, a revolver, magazines and ammunition in Tamura’s car, Tisch said. They also found medication that belonged to Tamura, she said.

She said an initial investigation shows his vehicle traveled across the country, passing through Colorado on July 26, then Nebraska and Iowa on July 27. The car was in Columbia, New Jersey, as recently as 4:24 p.m. Monday. He drove into New York City shortly thereafter, she said.

Rudin is one of the largest privately owned real estate companies in New York City. The company dates back to 1925 and is still managed by members of the Rudin family.

Tisch said there were no indications so far that Tamura had prior connections to the real estate industry or to the city.

No one answered the door at the address listed for Tamura in Las Vegas.

A man stalked through a Manhattan office tower firing a rifle Monday,&nbsp;killing four people, including a New York City police officer, and wounding a fifth before taking his own life, officials said.

The gunman, identified by authorities as Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, had a ‘documented mental health history,’ according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, but his motive was still unknown.

“We are working to understand why he targeted this particular location,” Tisch said.

Surveillance video showed the man exiting a double-parked BMW just before 6:30 p.m. carrying an M4 rifle, then marching across a public plaza into the building. Then, he started firing, Tisch said, killing a police officer working a corporate security detail and then hitting a woman who tried to take cover as he sprayed the lobby with gunfire.

The man then made his way to the elevator bank and shot a guard at a security desk and shot another man in the lobby, the commissioner said.

The man took the elevator to the 33rd floor offices of the company that owned the building, Rudin Management, and shot and killed one person on that floor. The man then shot himself, the commissioner said. The building, 345 Park Avenue, also holds offices of the financial services firm KPMG.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753800708326.jpeg" alt="The ambulance carrying the body of Didarul Islam exits NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Hospital during the dignified transfer of the slain officer, who was shot and killed by a gunman Monday evening, early Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)" />
 <figcaption>The ambulance carrying the body of Didarul Islam exits NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Hospital during the dignified transfer of the slain officer, who was shot and killed by a gunman Monday evening, early Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)</figcaption>
 </figure>A man stalked through a Manhattan office tower firing a rifle on Monday,&nbsp;killing four people&nbsp;including a New York City police officer, and wounding a fifth before taking his own life, officials said. The shooting&nbsp;took place at a skyscraper&nbsp;that is home to the headquarters of both the National Football League and Blackstone, one of the world’s largest investment firms, among other tenants.Investigators believe that he was trying to&nbsp;target the NFL headquarters&nbsp;but took the wrong elevator, Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday. A rambling note found on his body suggested he had a grievance against the NFL over an unsubstantiated claim that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a&nbsp;degenerative brain disease&nbsp;that has been linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma common in contact sports like football.President Donald Trump says he’s been briefed on the deadly shooting and “my heart” is with the families of the four people killed. In a post on his social media site, Trump said he trusts that law enforcement will “get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence.”Here's the latest:<h2>Flags lowered to half-staff in NYC to honor shooting victims, mayor says</h2>In a post on social media, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he has ordered all flags on city buildings to be lowered to half-staff until further notice to honor the slain officer and the other shooting victims.<h2>NFL commissioner says an employee remains hospitalized in stable condition</h2>Roger Goodell said in a memo to staff Tuesday that “all of our employees are otherwise safe and accounted for,” following the shooting at the league’s headquarters in Manhattan.Goodell praised the swift law enforcement response and honored the NYPD officer who was killed in the attack.Employees in New York were instructed to work remotely Tuesday or take the day off, he said, and additional security will be in place.“Every one of you is a valued member of the NFL family. We will get through this together,” Goodell said.<h2>Adams says gunman left few clues</h2>Adams said one challenge of the investigation has been that Tamura only arrived in New York shortly before the shooting, leaving few clues in the area.“We are going to communicate with federal and state partners in Las Vegas to drill down on this as much as possible including looking at his social media pages, anything that he may have in his home, so that we can continue to piece this investigation together,” Adams said.The mayor said it’s also a challenge for law enforcement, “dealing with those who come from areas with lax gun laws that allow individuals to have these high-powered weapons into cities like New York that have strong gun laws.”<h2>Statement from Blackstone on employee who was killed in the shooting</h2>Blackstone on Tuesday said an employee, Wesley LePatner, a senior managing director, was among those killed in the shooting.“Words cannot express the devastation we feel,” the firm said in a statement. “Wesley was a beloved member of the Blackstone family and will be sorely missed. She was brilliant, passionate, warm, generous, and deeply respected within our firm and beyond.”LePatner was Blackstone’s global head of core+ real estate and chief executive officer of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, according to the firm’s website. She spent more than a decade at Goldman Sachs before joining Blackstone in 2014.A 2003 Yale graduate, LePatner served on the boards of several organizations, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Blackstone said.<h2>Trump says he’s been briefed on deadly NYC shooting, says his heart is with the families of the four people killed</h2>In a post on his social media site, Trump said he trusts that law enforcement will “get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence.”Trump, who is currently in Scotland, said “my heart” is with the families of those who were killed at a Manhattan office building, including a New York City police officer.<h2>The gunman was targeting NFL headquarters, mayor says</h2>Investigators believe Shane Tamura was trying to get to the NFL offices after shooting several people in the building’s lobby but accidentally entered the wrong set of elevator banks, Adams said in interviews on Tuesday.Police said Tamura had a history of mental illness, and a rambling note found on his body suggested he had a grievance against the NFL over an unsubstantiated claim that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He had played football in high school in California nearly two decades ago.The note claimed he had been suffering from CTE — the&nbsp;degenerative brain disease&nbsp;that has been linked to concussions and other repeated head trauma common in contact sports like football — and said his brain should be studied after he died, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.It also specifically referenced the National Football League, the person said.A motive has not been determined but investigators were looking into, based on the note, whether he might’ve specifically targeted the building because it is home to the NFL’s headquarters. <h2>Witnesses said they heard ‘rapid fire’</h2>Nekeisha Lewis was eating dinner with friends on the plaza when she heard gunfire.“It felt like it was a quick two shots and then it was rapid fire,” she told The Associated Press.Windows shattered and a man ran from the building saying, “Help, help. I’m shot.” Lewis said.Jessica Chen told ABC News she was watching a presentation with dozens of other people on the second floor when she “heard multiple shots go off in quick succession from the first floor.”She and others ran into a conference room and barricaded tables against the door.“We were honestly really, really scared,” she said, adding that she texted her parents to tell them that she loves them.Some finance workers at an office building down the block were picking up dinner at a corner eatery when they heard a loud noise and saw people running.“It was like a crowd panic,” said Anna Smith, who joined the workers pouring back into the finance office building. They remained there for about two hours before being told they could leave.<h2>Adams said officials are still ‘unraveling’ what took place</h2>Officers found a rifle case, a revolver, magazines and ammunition in Tamura’s car, Tisch said. They also found medication that belonged to Tamura, she said.She said an initial investigation shows his vehicle traveled across the country, passing through Colorado on July 26, then Nebraska and Iowa on July 27. The car was in Columbia, New Jersey, as recently as 4:24 p.m. Monday. He drove into New York City shortly thereafter, she said.Rudin is one of the largest privately owned real estate companies in New York City. The company dates back to 1925 and is still managed by members of the Rudin family.Tisch said there were no indications so far that Tamura had prior connections to the real estate industry or to the city.No one answered the door at the address listed for Tamura in Las Vegas.<h2>What to know about the shooting</h2>A man stalked through a Manhattan office tower firing a rifle Monday,&nbsp;killing four people, including a New York City police officer, and wounding a fifth before taking his own life, officials said.The gunman, identified by authorities as Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, had a ‘documented mental health history,’ according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, but his motive was still unknown.“We are working to understand why he targeted this particular location,” Tisch said.Surveillance video showed the man exiting a double-parked BMW just before 6:30 p.m. carrying an M4 rifle, then marching across a public plaza into the building. Then, he started firing, Tisch said, killing a police officer working a corporate security detail and then hitting a woman who tried to take cover as he sprayed the lobby with gunfire.The man then made his way to the elevator bank and shot a guard at a security desk and shot another man in the lobby, the commissioner said.The man took the elevator to the 33rd floor offices of the company that owned the building, Rudin Management, and shot and killed one person on that floor. The man then shot himself, the commissioner said. The building, 345 Park Avenue, also holds offices of the financial services firm KPMG.

The Latest: Gunman targeted the NFL headquarters in Manhattan, mayor says

The Barton Community College men's basketball program is offering basketball camps August 6-7 for youth grades 2nd through 8th.

"Camp with the Champs" is open to girls and boys of all skill levels in a two-day event offering a one-of-a-kind chance to have fun while learning and training from 2024 NJCAA Men's Basketball National Champion team members Myles Thompson, Cooper Jackson, Stefan Spray, and Ring Malith.

Participants have the option to attend one session at $40 per person or both days at $65.

Camp times for each session are:Grades 2nd through 5th: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Grades 6th through 8th: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Camp Highlights - Elite Player Mentors Campers will receive instruction from standout Cougar athletes, including members of the 2024 Championship team, bringing collegiate-level expertise and leadership.

Expert-Led Sessions The curriculum includes skill development (dribbling, shooting, defense) and game IQ drills. Participants will gain invaluable feedback through high-energy, hands-on coaching designed around the Cougars core values; Emphasis includes teamwork, sportsmanship, and fundamentals which are the core traits that define Barton's championship culture.

Camp Location The camp will be held at Barton's elite athletic venues, campers will have access to full courts, top-tier equipment, and its exciting game day venue.

Who Should Attend? From grade school to middle school either preparing for the upcoming season or even those just looking to finetune their skills. Camp with the Champs welcomes players of all levels.

The Barton Community College men's basketball program is offering basketball camps August 6-7 for youth grades 2nd through 8th."Camp with the Champs" is open to girls and boys of all skill levels in a two-day event offering a one-of-a-kind chance to have fun while learning and training from 2024 NJCAA Men's Basketball National Champion team members Myles Thompson, Cooper Jackson, Stefan Spray, and Ring Malith.Participants have the option to attend one session at $40 per person or both days at $65.Camp times for each session are:Grades 2nd through 5th: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Grades 6th through 8th: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Camp Highlights - Elite Player Mentors Campers will receive instruction from standout Cougar athletes, including members of the 2024 Championship team, bringing collegiate-level expertise and leadership.Expert-Led Sessions The curriculum includes skill development (dribbling, shooting, defense) and game IQ drills. Participants will gain invaluable feedback through high-energy, hands-on coaching designed around the Cougars core values; Emphasis includes teamwork, sportsmanship, and fundamentals which are the core traits that define Barton's championship culture.Camp Location The camp will be held at Barton's elite athletic venues, campers will have access to full courts, top-tier equipment, and its exciting game day venue.Who Should Attend? From grade school to middle school either preparing for the upcoming season or even those just looking to finetune their skills. Camp with the Champs welcomes players of all levels.