CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha before Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Cubs in Chicago.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker both got the day off to rest sore right knees.

The Royals and Cubs have Thursday off, giving the two All-Stars two days to recover. Witt and Tucker were available to pinch-hit Wednesday.

Loftin was injured in fifth inning of Kansas City's 6-0 loss at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. He was struck in the head as he tagged out Pete Crow-Armstrong as Crow-Armstrong tried to reach third after lining an RBI double to right.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro described Loftin's condition as a “very mild concussion" that was detected after the game. Loftin is batting .216 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 37 games.

The 26-year-old Melendez appeared in 16 games with Kansas City earlier this year after playing in 412 with the Royals over the previous three seasons. He made the opening day roster, but was assigned to Omaha on April 19 after batting .085 with one homer and one RBI.

In 72 games with Omaha, Melendez had a .252 batting average with 13 homers and 43 RBIs.

Witt apparently exacerbated his nagging knee soreness when he twisted out of the way of Matthew Boyd's inside pitch during a fourth-inning at-bat on Tuesday. Witt was Kansas City's designated hitter and remained in the game.

Tucker fouled a pitch off his knee in the first inning on Tuesday. He stayed in the game, playing right field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752497094197.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nick Loftin hits a single to score the game-winning run during the ninth inning of a baseball game. against the New York Mets, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nick Loftin hits a single to score the game-winning run during the ninth inning of a baseball game. against the New York Mets, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha before Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Cubs in Chicago.Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker both got the day off to rest sore right knees.The Royals and Cubs have Thursday off, giving the two All-Stars two days to recover. Witt and Tucker were available to pinch-hit Wednesday.Loftin was injured in fifth inning of Kansas City's 6-0 loss at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. He was struck in the head as he tagged out Pete Crow-Armstrong as Crow-Armstrong tried to reach third after lining an RBI double to right.Royals manager Matt Quatraro described Loftin's condition as a “very mild concussion" that was detected after the game. Loftin is batting .216 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 37 games.The 26-year-old Melendez appeared in 16 games with Kansas City earlier this year after playing in 412 with the Royals over the previous three seasons. He made the opening day roster, but was assigned to Omaha on April 19 after batting .085 with one homer and one RBI.In 72 games with Omaha, Melendez had a .252 batting average with 13 homers and 43 RBIs.Witt apparently exacerbated his nagging knee soreness when he twisted out of the way of Matthew Boyd's inside pitch during a fourth-inning at-bat on Tuesday. Witt was Kansas City's designated hitter and remained in the game.Tucker fouled a pitch off his knee in the first inning on Tuesday. He stayed in the game, playing right field.

Royals place infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on concussion IL, recall MJ Melendez

CHICAGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit two of Kansas City’s four two-run homers and doubled on a 3-for-4 afternoon, leading the Royals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Wednesday.

Salvador Perez and rookie Tyler Tolbert also went deep as the Royals took two of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Tolbert’s homer was his first in the majors.

Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit solo shots for Chicago, which entered tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central and the best record in the majors.

Pasquantino’s pair of 400-foot-plus drives gave him two multi-homer games this season, three for his career and upped his season total to 17. He entered with just one hit in his previous 16 at-bats.

Seth Lugo (7-5) tossed six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. The right-hander stuck out six and walked two before three relievers wrapped up the win.

The 35-year-old Perez has five homers in his last five games and cracked three in the series to give him a team leading 18.

Chicago's Colin Rea (8-4) was tagged with six runs, five earned, on six hits in five innings, ending his four-start winning streak.

Pasquantino drove his second homer off Rea’s full-count down-the-middle curve in the fifth to up the Royals lead to 6-2. Tolbert put it out of reach in the sixth, making it 8-2 with a drive off reliever Drew Pomeranz.

Tolbert left the game in the bottom of the eighth with muscle cramping.

Rea had allowed only five runs over 23 2/3 innings in his four previous starts for an ERA of 1.90.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54) on Friday in Kansas City.

Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (7-3, 2.40) starts Friday at Rate Field against the White Sox, who send RHP Adrian Houser (5-2, 1.89) to the mound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753362703712.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hits a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hits a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit two of Kansas City’s four two-run homers and doubled on a 3-for-4 afternoon, leading the Royals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Wednesday.Salvador Perez and rookie Tyler Tolbert also went deep as the Royals took two of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Tolbert’s homer was his first in the majors.Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit solo shots for Chicago, which entered tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central and the best record in the majors.Pasquantino’s pair of 400-foot-plus drives gave him two multi-homer games this season, three for his career and upped his season total to 17. He entered with just one hit in his previous 16 at-bats.Seth Lugo (7-5) tossed six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. The right-hander stuck out six and walked two before three relievers wrapped up the win.The 35-year-old Perez has five homers in his last five games and cracked three in the series to give him a team leading 18.Chicago's Colin Rea (8-4) was tagged with six runs, five earned, on six hits in five innings, ending his four-start winning streak.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino drove his second homer off Rea’s full-count down-the-middle curve in the fifth to up the Royals lead to 6-2. Tolbert put it out of reach in the sixth, making it 8-2 with a drive off reliever Drew Pomeranz.Tolbert left the game in the bottom of the eighth with muscle cramping.<h2>Key stat</h2>Rea had allowed only five runs over 23 2/3 innings in his four previous starts for an ERA of 1.90.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54) on Friday in Kansas City.Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (7-3, 2.40) starts Friday at Rate Field against the White Sox, who send RHP Adrian Houser (5-2, 1.89) to the mound.

Vinnie Pasquantino hits two of Royals' four homers, Kansas City tops Cubs 8-4

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos suffered an undisclosed injury at the end of Wednesday’s practice and was flown to a hospital on a helicopter. The injury happened in the final minutes of Day 1 of the Dolphins’ training camp. The team said Matos was airlifted in stable condition. It did not release information on the injury. The 24-year-old Matos is in his second year in the NFL. He went undrafted in 2024 but signed with the Dolphins as a free agent through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He has only been playing football since 2022 when he walked on at South Florida.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani homered for the fifth consecutive game on Wednesday, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record. Ohtani, who leads the National League with 37 home runs, homered in the first inning off Minnesota Twins starter Chris Paddack. He hit a slow curveball 441 feet to center. He carried the bat midway down the first-base line and then did a bat flip. This is the seventh time in Dodgers history that a player has homered in five consecutive games. Ohtani joins Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, Shawn Green and Roy Campanella in that club.

Summer McIntosh is set to compete in five individual events at the world swimming championships in Singapore. The 18-year-old Canadian, who won three gold medals at the Paris Olympics last year, also plans to participate in relays and will be potentially swimming up to 15 races in eight days. McIntosh broke three world records in June, including the 400-meter freestyle. She aims to win her first world title in that event on Sunday where she’ll face American Katie Ledecky. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi is also making waves with record-breaking times for her age.

A 12-year-old Little Leaguer is “distraught” at the prospect of missing his team’s first state tournament game because he was suspended for flipping his bat after hitting a game-winning home run. But his father says Little League Baseball promotes bat-flipping celebrations on its social media accounts that don't result in punishment. Now, Marco Rocco's family has gone to court to seek an emergency temporary restraining order that will allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that starts on Thursday. The Haddonfield, New Jersey player was suspended after flipping his bat after hitting as winning home run in a game on July 16.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts considers Michael Jordan a friend, and he values his advice. Jordan, who won six NBA titles, shared wisdom with Hurts after the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl win. On Wednesday, during the first day of training camp, Hurts said Jordan used every word but "repeat" when discussing the upcoming season. The Eagles, including coach Nick Sirianni and offensive lineman Jordan Mailata, are focused on resetting for 2025. Hurts, who won Super Bowl MVP, said the season is a blank canvas. He hasn't been seen wearing his Super Bowl ring, emphasizing his focus on the future.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — So much of the attention going into New York Giants training camp is on first-round pick and quarterback of the future Jaxson Dart. But coach Brian Daboll made it clear the plan hasn't changed and that Russell Wilson is the starter. Wilson took all of the first-team snaps in the first practice of camp, with Dart and journeyman Jameis Winston rotating second and third. Daboll won't say whether the backup job to Wilson is up for grabs this preseason. General manager Joe Schoen deferred to the coaching staff to determine when it might be time to turn to Dart.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Next week, college football coaches can put the recruiting promises they’ve made to high school seniors on paper. Then, the question becomes whether they can keep them. Uncertainty over interpretations of a key element of the lawsuit settlement that’s reshaping college sports has placed recruiters on a tightrope. They need clarity about whether the third-party collectives that ruled name, image, likeness payments over the first four years of NIL can be treated as a workaround of the $20.5 million cap on what schools can now pay players directly or whether they’ll simply become a small cog in the new system.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years. The move to the San Diego area doesn't eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027. But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game. MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team’s next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams’ winning return to the professional tennis tour also came with a surprise announcement: She is engaged. After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. He is Andrea Preti, who is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB. The 45-year-old Williams hadn’t played in a tournament in 16 months until entering the event in Washington. She won a doubles match on Monday and a singles match on Tuesday, before losing in doubles on Wednesday She plays singles again Thursday.

INTERLEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 6 Detroit 1 Final N.Y. Mets 6 L.A. Angels 3 Final Kansas City 8 Chicago Cubs 4 Final Milwaukee 10 Seattle 2 Final Houston 4 Arizona 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 4 Minnesota 3 Final Boston 9 Philadelphia 8

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Cleveland 3 Baltimore 2 Final Toronto 8 N.Y. Yankees 4 Final Texas 2 Athletics 1 Final Chicago White Sox 11 Tampa Bay 9

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Cincinnati 5 Washington 0 Final Miami 3 San Diego 2 Final San Francisco 9 Atlanta 3 Final Colorado 6 St. Louis 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos suffered an undisclosed injury at the end of Wednesday’s practice and was flown to a hospital on a helicopter. The injury happened in the final minutes of Day 1 of the Dolphins’ training camp. The team said Matos was airlifted in stable condition. It did not release information on the injury. The 24-year-old Matos is in his second year in the NFL. He went undrafted in 2024 but signed with the Dolphins as a free agent through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He has only been playing football since 2022 when he walked on at South Florida.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani homered for the fifth consecutive game on Wednesday, tying a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record. Ohtani, who leads the National League with 37 home runs, homered in the first inning off Minnesota Twins starter Chris Paddack. He hit a slow curveball 441 feet to center. He carried the bat midway down the first-base line and then did a bat flip. This is the seventh time in Dodgers history that a player has homered in five consecutive games. Ohtani joins Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, Shawn Green and Roy Campanella in that club.Summer McIntosh is set to compete in five individual events at the world swimming championships in Singapore. The 18-year-old Canadian, who won three gold medals at the Paris Olympics last year, also plans to participate in relays and will be potentially swimming up to 15 races in eight days. McIntosh broke three world records in June, including the 400-meter freestyle. She aims to win her first world title in that event on Sunday where she’ll face American Katie Ledecky. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi is also making waves with record-breaking times for her age.A 12-year-old Little Leaguer is “distraught” at the prospect of missing his team’s first state tournament game because he was suspended for flipping his bat after hitting a game-winning home run. But his father says Little League Baseball promotes bat-flipping celebrations on its social media accounts that don't result in punishment. Now, Marco Rocco's family has gone to court to seek an emergency temporary restraining order that will allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that starts on Thursday. The Haddonfield, New Jersey player was suspended after flipping his bat after hitting as winning home run in a game on July 16.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts considers Michael Jordan a friend, and he values his advice. Jordan, who won six NBA titles, shared wisdom with Hurts after the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl win. On Wednesday, during the first day of training camp, Hurts said Jordan used every word but "repeat" when discussing the upcoming season. The Eagles, including coach Nick Sirianni and offensive lineman Jordan Mailata, are focused on resetting for 2025. Hurts, who won Super Bowl MVP, said the season is a blank canvas. He hasn't been seen wearing his Super Bowl ring, emphasizing his focus on the future.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — So much of the attention going into New York Giants training camp is on first-round pick and quarterback of the future Jaxson Dart. But coach Brian Daboll made it clear the plan hasn't changed and that Russell Wilson is the starter. Wilson took all of the first-team snaps in the first practice of camp, with Dart and journeyman Jameis Winston rotating second and third. Daboll won't say whether the backup job to Wilson is up for grabs this preseason. General manager Joe Schoen deferred to the coaching staff to determine when it might be time to turn to Dart.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Next week, college football coaches can put the recruiting promises they’ve made to high school seniors on paper. Then, the question becomes whether they can keep them. Uncertainty over interpretations of a key element of the lawsuit settlement that’s reshaping college sports has placed recruiters on a tightrope. They need clarity about whether the third-party collectives that ruled name, image, likeness payments over the first four years of NIL can be treated as a workaround of the $20.5 million cap on what schools can now pay players directly or whether they’ll simply become a small cog in the new system.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR will hold a street race on Naval Base Coronado in Southern California next June as a replacement for its downtown Chicago event that ran the last three years. The move to the San Diego area doesn't eliminate a return to Chicago, where NASCAR will still maintain an office and effort an eventual return, perhaps as early as 2027. But the shift next year will allow NASCAR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy by hosting all three of its national series over a three-day weekend on June 19-21.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game. MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team’s next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game.WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams’ winning return to the professional tennis tour also came with a surprise announcement: She is engaged. After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. He is Andrea Preti, who is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB. The 45-year-old Williams hadn’t played in a tournament in 16 months until entering the event in Washington. She won a doubles match on Monday and a singles match on Tuesday, before losing in doubles on Wednesday She plays singles again Thursday.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 6 Detroit 1 Final N.Y. Mets 6 L.A. Angels 3 Final Kansas City 8 Chicago Cubs 4 Final Milwaukee 10 Seattle 2 Final Houston 4 Arizona 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 4 Minnesota 3 Final Boston 9 Philadelphia 8AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Cleveland 3 Baltimore 2 Final Toronto 8 N.Y. Yankees 4 Final Texas 2 Athletics 1 Final Chicago White Sox 11 Tampa Bay 9NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Cincinnati 5 Washington 0 Final Miami 3 San Diego 2 Final San Francisco 9 Atlanta 3 Final Colorado 6 St. Louis 0

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City's Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball's oldest active player on Tuesday night.

His Royals teammates didn't make the 45-year-old left-hander's start against the Cubs any easier.

Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston. He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one before Jonathan Bowlan took over for the sixth with Chicago leading 3-0.

The&nbsp;Cubs went on to win 6-0&nbsp;with Hill taking the loss.

Hill labored in the second inning when he threw 31 pitches and allowed two unearned runs as the Royals let him down defensively and Chicago took a 2-0 lead.

“He battled his butt off out there,” manager Matt Quatraro said. "It was tough work out there early.

“He had a couple of walks in there, but he made a lot of competitive pitches. Some of them didn't go his way, but we didn't play tight enough behind him to keep it where it was. Otherwise he's probably looking at one, maybe no runs."

After Dansby Swanson led off second with a single, third baseman Nick Loftin dropped Ian Happ’s sharp grounder on a potential double-play ball. First baseman Salvador Perez then thew out Happ at second on Justin Turner’s grounder, but bobbled Jonathan India’s return throw on what should have been a double play.

Matt Shaw had a run-scoring infield single and Nico Hoerner drove in one on a fielder’s choice.

“You know, the second inning was a little bit of a grind to get through,” Hill said. “But overall, I felt like the ball came out of my hand pretty much the way I wanted to.”

Hill settled in for his final three innings. He retired eight of nine before Carson Kelly singled with two outs in the fifth and Pete Crow-Armstrong lined an RBI double over right-fielder Jac Caglianone.

The Cubs also stole four bases off Hill, including a double steal by Turner and Shaw in the second.

Hill was selected from Triple-A Omaha before the game. In corresponding moves, the Royals optioned right-hander Andrew Hoffman to Omaha and designated outfielder Tyler Gentry for assignment.

Hill's start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson's record.

Hill 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.

Hill is filling a spot in the Royals rotation for Michael Lorenzen, out with a left oblique strain. Quatraro didn't say when he might pitch next.

“It's easy to say that you love it, but when you know you have more to give, it's tough to walk away,” Hill said.

At 45 years and 133 days, Hill became the oldest player in Royals history, passing Hall-of-Fame right-hander Gaylord Perry, who appeared in two games with Kansas City in 1983 after he turned 45.

The 6-foot-5 Hill began his career with the Cubs, making his big-league debut with a one-inning relief appearance against the Florida Marlins on June 15, 2005. He gave up two runs and three hits.

Hill had been at Omaha after signing a minor-league free-agent deal with the Royals in May. He was 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in nine starts at Omaha.

A Boston native, Hill appeared in four games last season for the Red Sox. Without spring training, he started his preparation at home in Massachusetts.

“You know going into this season, is knowing there was something left and knowing I could contribute to a ball club,” Hill said

He made 11 postseason starts during his four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including two World Series starts in 2017 and another in 2018. He went 11-5 during the latter regular season.

Hill entered 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA in 368 career MLB games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753275749672.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City's Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball's oldest active player on Tuesday night.His Royals teammates didn't make the 45-year-old left-hander's start against the Cubs any easier.Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston. He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one before Jonathan Bowlan took over for the sixth with Chicago leading 3-0.The&nbsp;Cubs went on to win 6-0&nbsp;with Hill taking the loss.Hill labored in the second inning when he threw 31 pitches and allowed two unearned runs as the Royals let him down defensively and Chicago took a 2-0 lead.“He battled his butt off out there,” manager Matt Quatraro said. "It was tough work out there early.“He had a couple of walks in there, but he made a lot of competitive pitches. Some of them didn't go his way, but we didn't play tight enough behind him to keep it where it was. Otherwise he's probably looking at one, maybe no runs."After Dansby Swanson led off second with a single, third baseman Nick Loftin dropped Ian Happ’s sharp grounder on a potential double-play ball. First baseman Salvador Perez then thew out Happ at second on Justin Turner’s grounder, but bobbled Jonathan India’s return throw on what should have been a double play.Matt Shaw had a run-scoring infield single and Nico Hoerner drove in one on a fielder’s choice.“You know, the second inning was a little bit of a grind to get through,” Hill said. “But overall, I felt like the ball came out of my hand pretty much the way I wanted to.”Hill settled in for his final three innings. He retired eight of nine before Carson Kelly singled with two outs in the fifth and Pete Crow-Armstrong lined an RBI double over right-fielder Jac Caglianone.The Cubs also stole four bases off Hill, including a double steal by Turner and Shaw in the second.Hill was selected from Triple-A Omaha before the game. In corresponding moves, the Royals optioned right-hander Andrew Hoffman to Omaha and designated outfielder Tyler Gentry for assignment.Hill's start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson's record.Hill 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.Hill is filling a spot in the Royals rotation for Michael Lorenzen, out with a left oblique strain. Quatraro didn't say when he might pitch next.And Hill clearly wants to.“It's easy to say that you love it, but when you know you have more to give, it's tough to walk away,” Hill said.At 45 years and 133 days, Hill became the oldest player in Royals history, passing Hall-of-Fame right-hander Gaylord Perry, who appeared in two games with Kansas City in 1983 after he turned 45.The 6-foot-5 Hill began his career with the Cubs, making his big-league debut with a one-inning relief appearance against the Florida Marlins on June 15, 2005. He gave up two runs and three hits.Hill had been at Omaha after signing a minor-league free-agent deal with the Royals in May. He was 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in nine starts at Omaha.A Boston native, Hill appeared in four games last season for the Red Sox. Without spring training, he started his preparation at home in Massachusetts.“You know going into this season, is knowing there was something left and knowing I could contribute to a ball club,” Hill saidHe made 11 postseason starts during his four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including two World Series starts in 2017 and another in 2018. He went 11-5 during the latter regular season.Hill entered 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA in 368 career MLB games.

Rich Hill becomes oldest player in majors at 45 with start against Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.

Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn't allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single.

Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter.

Hill (0-1)&nbsp;became the oldest active player in baseball&nbsp;after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. The left-hander threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one.

It was the debut of Hill's 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record.

Hill and the Royals fell behind 2-0 in the second when the Royals committed two errors, botching potential double plays. Crow-Armstrong doubled in a run off Hill in the fifth.

The Cubs put the game away with three runs in the seventh off Jonathan Bowlan.

After Loftin singled in the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on Freddy Fermin’s bloop and John Rave’s bunt single. Swanson snared Kyle Isbel’s broken-bat liner at shortstop, then dived to tag out Fermin before he could get back to second for an inning-ending double play.

The Cubs stole six bases in the game, including four off Hill. That included a double-steal by Justin Turner and Shaw in the second, Chicago scored its final run with on double-steal with Kyle Tucker stealing home and Suzuzki second base in the seventh.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753275660940.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill, right, talks with pitching coach Brian Sweeney during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill, right, talks with pitching coach Brian Sweeney during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn't allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single.Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter.Hill (0-1)&nbsp;became the oldest active player in baseball&nbsp;after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. The left-hander threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one.It was the debut of Hill's 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record.Hill and the Royals fell behind 2-0 in the second when the Royals committed two errors, botching potential double plays. Crow-Armstrong doubled in a run off Hill in the fifth.The Cubs put the game away with three runs in the seventh off Jonathan Bowlan.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Loftin singled in the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on Freddy Fermin’s bloop and John Rave’s bunt single. Swanson snared Kyle Isbel’s broken-bat liner at shortstop, then dived to tag out Fermin before he could get back to second for an inning-ending double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cubs stole six bases in the game, including four off Hill. That included a double-steal by Justin Turner and Shaw in the second, Chicago scored its final run with on double-steal with Kyle Tucker stealing home and Suzuzki second base in the seventh.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.

Matthew Boyd sharp for 11th win, Cubs blank Royals and Rich Hill 6-0.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu, a three-time All-Pro who was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist, said on the day the Saints opened training camp Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons.

“As I hang up my cleats, I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way,” Mathieu wrote in an Instagram post that was shared by the team. “This isn’t goodbye — it’s just the next chapter.”

Mathieu, 33, was raised by his grandparents in New Orleans, then became a star football player and track athlete for St. Augustine High School. He played at LSU, where his toughness — along with a blond patch in his hair — earned comparisons to the honey badger, a carnivorous mammal known to fight off much larger predators like lions and hyena.

Mathieu was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the Cotton Bowl as a freshman and the MVP of the SEC championship game as a sophomore, when he finished fifth in the Heisman voting and claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player in college football.

Mathieu was kicked off the LSU team before the 2012 season for failing repeated drug tests and entered a drug rehab program a week later. After sitting out a season, the Arizona Cardinals picked him in the third round of the 2013 draft.

In five years with the Cardinals, one with the Texans, three with the Chiefs and three with the Saints, Mathieu intercepted 36 passes, running four back for touchdowns, and forced seven fumbles. He was a member of Kansas City’s 2019 championship team.

“From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing,” he wrote. “Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.

“To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753275432814.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs' Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Kansas City Chiefs won 31-20. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs' Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Kansas City Chiefs won 31-20. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu, a three-time All-Pro who was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist, said on the day the Saints opened training camp Tuesday that he is retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons.“As I hang up my cleats, I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way,” Mathieu wrote in an Instagram post that was shared by the team. “This isn’t goodbye — it’s just the next chapter.”Mathieu, 33, was raised by his grandparents in New Orleans, then became a star football player and track athlete for St. Augustine High School. He played at LSU, where his toughness — along with a blond patch in his hair — earned comparisons to the honey badger, a carnivorous mammal known to fight off much larger predators like lions and hyena.Mathieu was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the Cotton Bowl as a freshman and the MVP of the SEC championship game as a sophomore, when he finished fifth in the Heisman voting and claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player in college football.Mathieu was kicked off the LSU team before the 2012 season for failing repeated drug tests and entered a drug rehab program a week later. After sitting out a season, the Arizona Cardinals picked him in the third round of the 2013 draft.In five years with the Cardinals, one with the Texans, three with the Chiefs and three with the Saints, Mathieu intercepted 36 passes, running four back for touchdowns, and forced seven fumbles. He was a member of Kansas City’s 2019 championship team.“From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing,” he wrote. “Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.“To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined.“I hope I made you proud out there.”

Saints safety, former Chief Tyrann 'Honey Badger' Mathieu retires after 12 NFL seasons

WASHINGTON (AP) — There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks. That she’s 45, for one thing. Only one woman, Martina Navratilova, ever has won a tour-level singles match while older; her last victory came at 47 in 2004. That Williams hadn’t entered a tournament anywhere in 16 months. That she needed surgery for uterine fibroids. And when asked Tuesday night after beating her 23-year-old opponent, Peyton Stearns, 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open what message others might take away from that performance and that result, Williams was quick to provide an answer about there being no limits for excellence.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has barred transgender women from competing in women’s sports. The committee is citing an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order, signed in February, threatens to cut funding for organizations allowing transgender athletes in women’s sports. The policy is listed under the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy and follows a similar move by the NCAA earlier this year. National governing bodies for various sports like swimming and track and field are expected to comply with the directive.

ROME (AP) — Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner has rehired Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach nearly a year after firing him for his role in the top-ranked player’s doping case. The move comes after Sinner recently removed fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio from his team. A statement from Sinner’s team says “Umberto has played an important role in Jannik’s development to date and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level.” Ferrara purchased the product that led to Sinner's three-month ban earlier this year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams has become the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova. Williams delivered some of her familiar big serves and groundstrokes at age 45 while beating Peyton Stearns — a player who is 22 years younger — by a 6-3, 6-4 score at the DC Open. Tuesday night's victory in Washington was the first for Williams in nearly two years. Navratilova was 47 in 2004 when she won for the final time. The former No. 1-ranked Williams had not played singles in an official match since March 2024 in Miami, missing time while having surgery to remove uterine fibroids.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Big Ten commissioner is reiterating the league’s preference for multiple automatic qualifiers in the next version of the College Football Playoff, increasing the likelihood of a showdown with the Southeastern Conference when the format for 2026 is decided. Commissioner Tony Petitti says any change that adds at-large bids and increases the discretion and role of a selection committee — a format the SEC and others have shown a preference for — “will have a difficulft time getting support of the Big Ten.”

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington’s NFL franchise used to be in the news all the time for reasons other than football. That seemed to have changed under new team ownership, but President Donald Trump’s remarks about the team name and possibly holding up a stadium deal are making waves just as training camp opens. Still, Commanders general manager Adam Peters made clear Tuesday — at a news conference with coach Dan Quinn a day before the team’s first training camp practice — that he doesn’t expect any of that sort of outside conversation to interfere with their real jobs.

ATLANTA (AP) — Rafael Devers has made his debut at first base for the San Francisco Giants. Tuesday night's start at Atlanta was the slugger's first at the position that he refused to play for his previous team, the Boston Red Sox. Boston traded Devers to San Francisco in June after his relationship with management deteriorated less than two years into a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed in 2023. After the trade, Devers said he felt he had “earned some respect” because of his production in Boston. But he added that he'd be happy to play first for the Giants.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City’s Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball’s oldest active player. His Royals teammates didn’t make the 45-year-old left-hander’s start against the Cubs any easier. Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston. He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one. He left with Chicago leading 3-0. Hill’s start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record. Hill 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.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference is entering the 2025-26 sports season having moved past uncertainty from its legal fight with member schools Clemson and Florida State. Earlier this year, the league reached a settlement in those cases that reshaped the league's revenue-sharing model. The league also saw ESPN pick up the option to extend its base-rights media deal with the league. That's why commissioner Jim Phillips described recent months as “the restabilization of a great league" in an interview with The Associated Press. Phillips spoke at the opening of the league's preseason football media days.

Contract squabbles. Quarterback competitions. Comeback quests. Those will be just a few of the storylines to watch during NFL training camp. When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons report on Wednesday, all 32 teams will be ready to go. Each one is 0-0 and can dream about winning the Super Bowl. It’s a much more realistic thought for some teams than others. Still, it’s a long road that requires key players staying healthy, plenty of luck and exceptional performances in the biggest moments. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Philadelphia 4 Boston 1 Final Pittsburgh 8 Detroit 5 Final N.Y. Mets 3 L.A. Angels 2 Final Chicago Cubs 6 Kansas City 0 Final Seattle 1 Milwaukee 0 Final Houston 3 Arizona 1 Final Minnesota 10 L.A. Dodgers 7

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Tampa Bay 4 Chicago White Sox 3 Final Cleveland 6 Baltimore 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 5 Toronto 4 Final Texas 6 Athletics 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Washington 6 Cincinnati 1 Final Miami 4 San Diego 3 Final San Francisco 9 Atlanta 0 Final Colorado 8 St. Louis 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks. That she’s 45, for one thing. Only one woman, Martina Navratilova, ever has won a tour-level singles match while older; her last victory came at 47 in 2004. That Williams hadn’t entered a tournament anywhere in 16 months. That she needed surgery for uterine fibroids. And when asked Tuesday night after beating her 23-year-old opponent, Peyton Stearns, 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open what message others might take away from that performance and that result, Williams was quick to provide an answer about there being no limits for excellence.COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has barred transgender women from competing in women’s sports. The committee is citing an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order, signed in February, threatens to cut funding for organizations allowing transgender athletes in women’s sports. The policy is listed under the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy and follows a similar move by the NCAA earlier this year. National governing bodies for various sports like swimming and track and field are expected to comply with the directive.ROME (AP) — Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner has rehired Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach nearly a year after firing him for his role in the top-ranked player’s doping case. The move comes after Sinner recently removed fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio from his team. A statement from Sinner’s team says “Umberto has played an important role in Jannik’s development to date and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level.” Ferrara purchased the product that led to Sinner's three-month ban earlier this year.WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams has become the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova. Williams delivered some of her familiar big serves and groundstrokes at age 45 while beating Peyton Stearns — a player who is 22 years younger — by a 6-3, 6-4 score at the DC Open. Tuesday night's victory in Washington was the first for Williams in nearly two years. Navratilova was 47 in 2004 when she won for the final time. The former No. 1-ranked Williams had not played singles in an official match since March 2024 in Miami, missing time while having surgery to remove uterine fibroids.LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Big Ten commissioner is reiterating the league’s preference for multiple automatic qualifiers in the next version of the College Football Playoff, increasing the likelihood of a showdown with the Southeastern Conference when the format for 2026 is decided. Commissioner Tony Petitti says any change that adds at-large bids and increases the discretion and role of a selection committee — a format the SEC and others have shown a preference for — “will have a difficulft time getting support of the Big Ten.”ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington’s NFL franchise used to be in the news all the time for reasons other than football. That seemed to have changed under new team ownership, but President Donald Trump’s remarks about the team name and possibly holding up a stadium deal are making waves just as training camp opens. Still, Commanders general manager Adam Peters made clear Tuesday — at a news conference with coach Dan Quinn a day before the team’s first training camp practice — that he doesn’t expect any of that sort of outside conversation to interfere with their real jobs.ATLANTA (AP) — Rafael Devers has made his debut at first base for the San Francisco Giants. Tuesday night's start at Atlanta was the slugger's first at the position that he refused to play for his previous team, the Boston Red Sox. Boston traded Devers to San Francisco in June after his relationship with management deteriorated less than two years into a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed in 2023. After the trade, Devers said he felt he had “earned some respect” because of his production in Boston. But he added that he'd be happy to play first for the Giants.CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas City’s Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball’s oldest active player. His Royals teammates didn’t make the 45-year-old left-hander’s start against the Cubs any easier. Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston. He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one. He left with Chicago leading 3-0. Hill’s start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record. Hill 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.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference is entering the 2025-26 sports season having moved past uncertainty from its legal fight with member schools Clemson and Florida State. Earlier this year, the league reached a settlement in those cases that reshaped the league's revenue-sharing model. The league also saw ESPN pick up the option to extend its base-rights media deal with the league. That's why commissioner Jim Phillips described recent months as “the restabilization of a great league" in an interview with The Associated Press. Phillips spoke at the opening of the league's preseason football media days.Contract squabbles. Quarterback competitions. Comeback quests. Those will be just a few of the storylines to watch during NFL training camp. When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons report on Wednesday, all 32 teams will be ready to go. Each one is 0-0 and can dream about winning the Super Bowl. It’s a much more realistic thought for some teams than others. Still, it’s a long road that requires key players staying healthy, plenty of luck and exceptional performances in the biggest moments. FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Philadelphia 4 Boston 1 Final Pittsburgh 8 Detroit 5 Final N.Y. Mets 3 L.A. Angels 2 Final Chicago Cubs 6 Kansas City 0 Final Seattle 1 Milwaukee 0 Final Houston 3 Arizona 1 Final Minnesota 10 L.A. Dodgers 7AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Tampa Bay 4 Chicago White Sox 3 Final Cleveland 6 Baltimore 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 5 Toronto 4 Final Texas 6 Athletics 2NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Washington 6 Cincinnati 1 Final Miami 4 San Diego 3 Final San Francisco 9 Atlanta 0 Final Colorado 8 St. Louis 4

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are making progress in stadium negotiations with lawmakers on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line, though it remains unclear whether the team will stay at Arrowhead Stadium or ultimately move elsewhere.

The Chiefs recently were granted an extension to an end-of-June deadline for a financing package from the state of Kansas, an indication that the NFL franchise’s potential move from its longtime home in Missouri is a legitimate possibility.

Missouri has countered with a funding package signed by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe following a special session of the state legislature.

“We've had more meetings, more discussions,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said Tuesday. “At this point it's literally — you're taking an agreement this long and whittling it down to this paragraph and this line, and we need an agreement on this, and we're doing this on both sides. You're in that process where you're not sure which way it will go.”

The Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals have played for more than five decades at the Truman Sports Complex on the east side of Kansas City, Missouri, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. But leases with Jackson County are due to expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been trying to plot a course forward for years.

Last year, Jackson County voters&nbsp;defeated a sales tax extension&nbsp;that would have helped to finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium — the home of the Chiefs — and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City.

Now, the franchises are pursuing their own paths in landing a stadium deal.

In the case of Missouri, legislation has authorized bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums in the state, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.&nbsp;Lawmakers in Kansas&nbsp;have authorized up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums to be built in their state.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has acknowledged a deep sentimental attachment to Arrowhead Stadium, which was built by his father and team founder Lamar Hunt when he moved the franchise from Dallas.

But the most visible face of the Chiefs ownership family also is an astute businessman, and he understands the importance of revenue streams generated by a new facility. So while a comprehensive renovation of Arrowhead remains a possibility, so does an enclosed stadium that could fulfill Hunt's desire to one day host the Super Bowl, Final Four and other big events.

The Royals, meanwhile, have made it clear that renovations to Kauffman Stadium are not going to happen.

Principal owner John Sherman has expressed a desire for downtown baseball, and options there still exist. But news surfaced about a month ago that an affiliate of the Royals purchased the mortgage on a large property in the southern Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, raising the possibility of building a new stadium and ballpark district there.

“Our job, and the team around me, is to get the two best possible partnerships figured out down to the detail,” Donovan said, shortly before the Chiefs took the field for their first full-squad workout on training camp at Missouri Western. “At that point we go to the Hunt family and say, ‘Here are the options. What do you want to do?’

“It’s the detail of those deals. What deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, a future perspective? What makes the most sense for our fans and the next generation? There are a lot of strong arguments on both sides.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669408667473.png" alt="A red-clad crowd packs Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play (Eric Thomas/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption>A red-clad crowd packs Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play (Eric Thomas/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are making progress in stadium negotiations with lawmakers on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line, though it remains unclear whether the team will stay at Arrowhead Stadium or ultimately move elsewhere.The Chiefs recently were granted an extension to an end-of-June deadline for a financing package from the state of Kansas, an indication that the NFL franchise’s potential move from its longtime home in Missouri is a legitimate possibility.Missouri has countered with a funding package signed by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe following a special session of the state legislature.“We've had more meetings, more discussions,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said Tuesday. “At this point it's literally — you're taking an agreement this long and whittling it down to this paragraph and this line, and we need an agreement on this, and we're doing this on both sides. You're in that process where you're not sure which way it will go.”The Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals have played for more than five decades at the Truman Sports Complex on the east side of Kansas City, Missouri, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. But leases with Jackson County are due to expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been trying to plot a course forward for years.Last year, Jackson County voters&nbsp;defeated a sales tax extension&nbsp;that would have helped to finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium — the home of the Chiefs — and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City.Now, the franchises are pursuing their own paths in landing a stadium deal.In the case of Missouri, legislation has authorized bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums in the state, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.&nbsp;Lawmakers in Kansas&nbsp;have authorized up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums to be built in their state.Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has acknowledged a deep sentimental attachment to Arrowhead Stadium, which was built by his father and team founder Lamar Hunt when he moved the franchise from Dallas.But the most visible face of the Chiefs ownership family also is an astute businessman, and he understands the importance of revenue streams generated by a new facility. So while a comprehensive renovation of Arrowhead remains a possibility, so does an enclosed stadium that could fulfill Hunt's desire to one day host the Super Bowl, Final Four and other big events.The Royals, meanwhile, have made it clear that renovations to Kauffman Stadium are not going to happen.Principal owner John Sherman has expressed a desire for downtown baseball, and options there still exist. But news surfaced about a month ago that an affiliate of the Royals purchased the mortgage on a large property in the southern Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, raising the possibility of building a new stadium and ballpark district there.“Our job, and the team around me, is to get the two best possible partnerships figured out down to the detail,” Donovan said, shortly before the Chiefs took the field for their first full-squad workout on training camp at Missouri Western. “At that point we go to the Hunt family and say, ‘Here are the options. What do you want to do?’“It’s the detail of those deals. What deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, a future perspective? What makes the most sense for our fans and the next generation? There are a lot of strong arguments on both sides.”

Chiefs press on with stadium negotiations on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Rashee Rice will be a full participant in training camp, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Sunday, three days after the standout wide receiver was&nbsp;sentenced to 30 days in jail&nbsp;after authorities said he and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash that left multiple people injured on a Dallas highway last year.

Whether he will be able to fully participate in the regular season remains to be seen.

Reid said on the eve of camp beginning that he has not been told by the NFL whether Rice will serve a suspension, though it is widely expected. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy acknowledged last week "we have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review.”

“We're going to progress as normal with him,” Reid said on the campus of Missouri Western State University. “He'll go in and take all the reps that he'll normally take. We always rotate that position. Depending on what happens here with the future — whoever needs to play will step in and know what they are doing and be in good shape to do it.”

Rice pleaded&nbsp;guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury in the March 30, 2024, crash. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.

The Dallas County District Attorney's Office said that the 25-year-old Rice, who will have some flexibility in when he must serve the jail time, also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.

Rice was driving a&nbsp;Lamborghini Urus SUV&nbsp;at 119 mph (191 kph) when he made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash on North Central Expressway, prosecutors said, Rice failed to check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles and fled on foot.

Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”

Rice got off to a flying start to his second NFL season last year, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the quarterback accidentally dived into Rice's leg as they were trying to make the tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.

Rice wound up&nbsp;missing the rest of the season, which culminated in a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

After spending the season rehabbing the injury, Rice was able to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program, and Reid said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-0fb0078ed2171c5447352202c2dacbcd">would not be limited by the injury</a>&nbsp;in training camp. That begins with testing and meetings on Tuesday, followed by the first full-squad workout on Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to hit triple digits.

“We'll keep an eye on that,” Reid said of Rice's knee injury. “As far as pulling back because of suspensions or whatever, you know, we're going forward. And then we'll monitor him as far as (the injury) goes.”

In other news, Reid said that cornerback Kristian Fulton and right tackle Jawaan Taylor — who are dealing with their own knee injuries — would begin the season alongside tight end Tre Watson on the physically unable-to-perform list.

Fulton&nbsp;signed a two-year, $20 million contract&nbsp;to solidify the secondary while Taylor is expected to start at right tackle.

Reid also said&nbsp;first-round pick Josh Simmons, who is coming off a torn patellar tendon at Ohio State, would not be limited at the start of training camp. The Chiefs hope that Simmons is able to prove he can handle the job at left tackle, where a rotating cast of characters was unable to protect Mahomes' blind side last season.

With Taylor on the PUP list, the Chiefs will start with Simmons at left tackle and Jaylon Moore — who&nbsp;signed a two-year, $30 million deal&nbsp;in free agency — at right tackle. But it's possible that Moore could push Simmons for the starting job on the left side during training camp in what could be the biggest position battle for the defending AFC champions.

"We evaluate these guys every day," Reid said. “Whether it's a light practice or a hard day, they're evaluated, and graded, and so on. We’ll see how it all sorts out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753101453709.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice carries after a catch during warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice carries after a catch during warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sept. 15, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Rashee Rice will be a full participant in training camp, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Sunday, three days after the standout wide receiver was&nbsp;sentenced to 30 days in jail&nbsp;after authorities said he and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash that left multiple people injured on a Dallas highway last year.Whether he will be able to fully participate in the regular season remains to be seen.Reid said on the eve of camp beginning that he has not been told by the NFL whether Rice will serve a suspension, though it is widely expected. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy acknowledged last week "we have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review.”“We're going to progress as normal with him,” Reid said on the campus of Missouri Western State University. “He'll go in and take all the reps that he'll normally take. We always rotate that position. Depending on what happens here with the future — whoever needs to play will step in and know what they are doing and be in good shape to do it.”Rice pleaded&nbsp;guilty to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury in the March 30, 2024, crash. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors said, Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.The Dallas County District Attorney's Office said that the 25-year-old Rice, who will have some flexibility in when he must serve the jail time, also was required to pay the victims for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, which totaled about $115,000.Rice was driving a&nbsp;Lamborghini Urus SUV&nbsp;at 119 mph (191 kph) when he made “multiple aggressive maneuvers around traffic” and struck other vehicles, prosecutors said. After the crash on North Central Expressway, prosecutors said, Rice failed to check on the welfare of those in the other vehicles and fled on foot.Rice said in a statement issued by his attorney that he’s had “a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole.”Rice got off to a flying start to his second NFL season last year, catching 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. But in Week 4, after Patrick Mahomes had thrown an interception, the quarterback accidentally dived into Rice's leg as they were trying to make the tackle, tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.Rice wound up&nbsp;missing the rest of the season, which culminated in a loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.After spending the season rehabbing the injury, Rice was able to participate in the Chiefs' offseason program, and Reid said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-0fb0078ed2171c5447352202c2dacbcd">would not be limited by the injury</a>&nbsp;in training camp. That begins with testing and meetings on Tuesday, followed by the first full-squad workout on Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to hit triple digits.“We'll keep an eye on that,” Reid said of Rice's knee injury. “As far as pulling back because of suspensions or whatever, you know, we're going forward. And then we'll monitor him as far as (the injury) goes.”In other news, Reid said that cornerback Kristian Fulton and right tackle Jawaan Taylor — who are dealing with their own knee injuries — would begin the season alongside tight end Tre Watson on the physically unable-to-perform list.Fulton&nbsp;signed a two-year, $20 million contract&nbsp;to solidify the secondary while Taylor is expected to start at right tackle.Reid also said&nbsp;first-round pick Josh Simmons, who is coming off a torn patellar tendon at Ohio State, would not be limited at the start of training camp. The Chiefs hope that Simmons is able to prove he can handle the job at left tackle, where a rotating cast of characters was unable to protect Mahomes' blind side last season.With Taylor on the PUP list, the Chiefs will start with Simmons at left tackle and Jaylon Moore — who&nbsp;signed a two-year, $30 million deal&nbsp;in free agency — at right tackle. But it's possible that Moore could push Simmons for the starting job on the left side during training camp in what could be the biggest position battle for the defending AFC champions."We evaluate these guys every day," Reid said. “Whether it's a light practice or a hard day, they're evaluated, and graded, and so on. We’ll see how it all sorts out.”

Chiefs' Rashee Rice to participate in training camp despite jail sentence

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4 on Monday night.

Chicago’s Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second, but the rookie lefthander was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed all four Cubs runs and seven hits while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.

Ben Brown (4-7), recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth.

Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth. The two scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.

Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBIs.

Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.

Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.

The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0 for 11.

Cubs LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753189809235.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Monday, July 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez hits a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Monday, July 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4 on Monday night.Chicago’s Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second, but the rookie lefthander was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed all four Cubs runs and seven hits while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.Ben Brown (4-7), recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth.Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth. The two scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBIs.Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0 for 11.Up nextCubs LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

Perez, Caglianone and Rave homers power the Royals to a 12-4 win over the Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals plan to call up 45-year-old pitcher Rich Hill from the minors for a start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, marking the left-hander's 21st season in the majors.

Hill has been at Triple-A Omaha after joining the Royals as part of an offseason trade. He is 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in nine starts at Omaha.

Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro confirmed the club’s plans after&nbsp;Monday night’s 12-4 win&nbsp;over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Hill appeared in four games last season for Boston. A start on Tuesday will make him the oldest active player in baseball.

Hill made 11 postseason starts during his four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including two World Series starts in 2017 and another in 2018. He went 11-5 during the latter regular season.

Hill is 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA in 368 career MLB games. He has pitched 1,409 innings and has struck out 1,428.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753189727672.jpeg" alt="Boston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Aug. 31, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill throws against the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Aug. 31, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals plan to call up 45-year-old pitcher Rich Hill from the minors for a start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, marking the left-hander's 21st season in the majors.Hill has been at Triple-A Omaha after joining the Royals as part of an offseason trade. He is 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in nine starts at Omaha.Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro confirmed the club’s plans after&nbsp;Monday night’s 12-4 win&nbsp;over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.Hill appeared in four games last season for Boston. A start on Tuesday will make him the oldest active player in baseball.Hill made 11 postseason starts during his four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including two World Series starts in 2017 and another in 2018. He went 11-5 during the latter regular season.Hill is 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA in 368 career MLB games. He has pitched 1,409 innings and has struck out 1,428.

Royals calling up 45-year-old pitcher Rich Hill from minors for a start against the Cubs

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is serious about wanting the NFL's Washington Commanders to go back to the name Redskins. Leavitt said Monday that Trump's threats to hold up a stadium deal for the team were not a joke. Trump posted on social media on Sunday that he wanted to see the Commanders and Major League Baseball's Cleveland Guardians return to Native American names that each team abandoned years ago. Leavitt called Trump a “nontraditional president" whose opinion she said is supported by many sports fans.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams has competed at a tournament for the first time in more than a year — and in doubles for the first time in nearly three — and has come out with a victory. Williams and partner Hailey Baptiste defeated 2014 Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 on Monday at the DC Open. The stands were full and the crowd included NBA star Kevin Durant. Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and another 14 major trophies in doubles with her younger sister Serena. Venus is 45 and hadn't played a match on tour since March 2024.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gave up his first home run of the season but quickly answered with a two-run shot of his own. On Monday night, Minnesota's Byron Buxton hit a 410-foot homer on Ohtani's second pitch. In the bottom of the inning, Ohtani responded with a 441-foot blast, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Ohtani became the first Dodgers pitcher to homer in the first inning since 1977. He allowed one run and four hits over three innings, striking out three. Ohtani is building back from elbow surgery and has now homered in three straight games for the struggling Dodgers.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Paul is rejoining the Los Angeles Clippers for what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season. The 12-time All-Star was a free agent after playing all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season. He was the first NBA player to achieve this in his 20th season or later. Paul had expressed a desire to play near his family in Los Angeles. He joins a veteran roster featuring stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Paul previously played six seasons with the Clippers, where he set the franchise record for assists.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Edmundo Sosa’s teammates on the Philadelphia Phillies mobbed him beyond first base after a 3-2, walk-off win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. In the moment, it didn’t matter to him that he’d gotten there thanks to a call of catcher’s interference. Sosa won the game when, with the bases loaded and no out in the 10th inning, his check swing on a 2-2 pitch struck the glove of catcher Carlos Narvaez. The Phillies dugout called for a review, which showed the contact, allowing Sosa to take first and automatic runner Brandon Marsh to score the winning run.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — It hit Damian Lillard as he drove home with his kids after signing a contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was coming home. Lillard’s three children accompanied him to sign his three-year, $42 million deal with the Blazers over the weekend. The contract includes a no-trade clause and he can opt out after two seasons. Lillard spoke at a news conference on Monday evening, saying it's meaningful to return to the city where he's spent most of his adult life. The 35-year-old is unlikely to play this season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Fever thought Caitlin Clark’s return might solve their wild first-half ride. They were getting healthy, beating good teams and starting to meet expectations. Then the two-time All-Star got hurt again in the final minute of last Tuesday’s game at Connecticut. Indiana lost by double digits the next night to defending champion New York. Clark missed last weekend’s All-Star festivities in Indianapolis and is likely to sit out Tuesday night when the Fever again play the Liberty. It’s all creating uncertainty about Clark and Indiana’s championship aspirations.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee leaders are pushing lawmakers for tweaks to legislation that would regulate college sports by adding guarantees that schools will spend the same percentage on Olympic programs in the future as they do now. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland told The Associated Press that a letter she and chair Gene Sykes sent to members of Congress last week was intended to restart a conversation about the SCORE Act, which currently calls for schools to sponsor at least 16 teams. That’s a number that conforms with current NCAA rules for Power Four schools.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Will Levis will have season-ending shoulder surgery, keeping him from competing for playing time in his third season with the Titans. The Titans announced Monday that Levis made his decision after consulting with doctors and his representatives. The Titans report Tuesday for training camp. The Titans said in a statement they support Levis' decision to focus on his long-term health. Tennessee opens the preseason until Aug. 9 at Tampa Bay with the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Denver. The Titans used the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Cam Ward in April after going 3-14 with Levis struggling as a starter.

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones did not have any updates on the status of contract negotiations with star defensive end Micah Parsons ahead of the start of training camp. Jones expressed confidence a potential hold-in by the 26-year-old Parsons would not impact the team's preparations. The contract impasse with Parsons comes after Dallas went 7-10 last season after protracted negotiations of new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The 82-year-old Jones also said Monday he has no plans to step down as GM.

INTERLEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 3 Detroit 0 Final Philadelphia 3 Boston 2 Fina lN.Y. Mets 7 L.A. Angels 5 Final Kansas City 12 Chicago Cubs 4 Final Milwaukee 6 Seattle 0 Final Houston 6 Arizona 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Minnesota 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Cleveland 10 Baltimore 5 Final Toronto 4 N.Y. Yankees 1 Final Texas 7 Athletics 2 Final Chicago White Sox 8 Tampa Bay 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final San Diego 2 Miami 1 Final Washington 10 Cincinnati 8 Final Atlanta 9 San Francisco 5 Final St. Louis 6 Colorado 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is serious about wanting the NFL's Washington Commanders to go back to the name Redskins. Leavitt said Monday that Trump's threats to hold up a stadium deal for the team were not a joke. Trump posted on social media on Sunday that he wanted to see the Commanders and Major League Baseball's Cleveland Guardians return to Native American names that each team abandoned years ago. Leavitt called Trump a “nontraditional president" whose opinion she said is supported by many sports fans.WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams has competed at a tournament for the first time in more than a year — and in doubles for the first time in nearly three — and has come out with a victory. Williams and partner Hailey Baptiste defeated 2014 Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 on Monday at the DC Open. The stands were full and the crowd included NBA star Kevin Durant. Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and another 14 major trophies in doubles with her younger sister Serena. Venus is 45 and hadn't played a match on tour since March 2024.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gave up his first home run of the season but quickly answered with a two-run shot of his own. On Monday night, Minnesota's Byron Buxton hit a 410-foot homer on Ohtani's second pitch. In the bottom of the inning, Ohtani responded with a 441-foot blast, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Ohtani became the first Dodgers pitcher to homer in the first inning since 1977. He allowed one run and four hits over three innings, striking out three. Ohtani is building back from elbow surgery and has now homered in three straight games for the struggling Dodgers.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Paul is rejoining the Los Angeles Clippers for what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season. The 12-time All-Star was a free agent after playing all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season. He was the first NBA player to achieve this in his 20th season or later. Paul had expressed a desire to play near his family in Los Angeles. He joins a veteran roster featuring stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Paul previously played six seasons with the Clippers, where he set the franchise record for assists.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Edmundo Sosa’s teammates on the Philadelphia Phillies mobbed him beyond first base after a 3-2, walk-off win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. In the moment, it didn’t matter to him that he’d gotten there thanks to a call of catcher’s interference. Sosa won the game when, with the bases loaded and no out in the 10th inning, his check swing on a 2-2 pitch struck the glove of catcher Carlos Narvaez. The Phillies dugout called for a review, which showed the contact, allowing Sosa to take first and automatic runner Brandon Marsh to score the winning run.PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — It hit Damian Lillard as he drove home with his kids after signing a contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was coming home. Lillard’s three children accompanied him to sign his three-year, $42 million deal with the Blazers over the weekend. The contract includes a no-trade clause and he can opt out after two seasons. Lillard spoke at a news conference on Monday evening, saying it's meaningful to return to the city where he's spent most of his adult life. The 35-year-old is unlikely to play this season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Fever thought Caitlin Clark’s return might solve their wild first-half ride. They were getting healthy, beating good teams and starting to meet expectations. Then the two-time All-Star got hurt again in the final minute of last Tuesday’s game at Connecticut. Indiana lost by double digits the next night to defending champion New York. Clark missed last weekend’s All-Star festivities in Indianapolis and is likely to sit out Tuesday night when the Fever again play the Liberty. It’s all creating uncertainty about Clark and Indiana’s championship aspirations.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee leaders are pushing lawmakers for tweaks to legislation that would regulate college sports by adding guarantees that schools will spend the same percentage on Olympic programs in the future as they do now. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland told The Associated Press that a letter she and chair Gene Sykes sent to members of Congress last week was intended to restart a conversation about the SCORE Act, which currently calls for schools to sponsor at least 16 teams. That’s a number that conforms with current NCAA rules for Power Four schools.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Will Levis will have season-ending shoulder surgery, keeping him from competing for playing time in his third season with the Titans. The Titans announced Monday that Levis made his decision after consulting with doctors and his representatives. The Titans report Tuesday for training camp. The Titans said in a statement they support Levis' decision to focus on his long-term health. Tennessee opens the preseason until Aug. 9 at Tampa Bay with the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Denver. The Titans used the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Cam Ward in April after going 3-14 with Levis struggling as a starter.OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones did not have any updates on the status of contract negotiations with star defensive end Micah Parsons ahead of the start of training camp. Jones expressed confidence a potential hold-in by the 26-year-old Parsons would not impact the team's preparations. The contract impasse with Parsons comes after Dallas went 7-10 last season after protracted negotiations of new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The 82-year-old Jones also said Monday he has no plans to step down as GM.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 3 Detroit 0 Final Philadelphia 3 Boston 2 Fina lN.Y. Mets 7 L.A. Angels 5 Final Kansas City 12 Chicago Cubs 4 Final Milwaukee 6 Seattle 0 Final Houston 6 Arizona 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Minnesota 2AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Cleveland 10 Baltimore 5 Final Toronto 4 N.Y. Yankees 1 Final Texas 7 Athletics 2 Final Chicago White Sox 8 Tampa Bay 3NATIONAL LEAGUE Final San Diego 2 Miami 1 Final Washington 10 Cincinnati 8 Final Atlanta 9 San Francisco 5 Final St. Louis 6 Colorado 2

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agreed to a four-year, $93 million contract that includes $62 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday, keeping one of the best young players on the roster through the 2030 season.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, which was agreed to the same day that the players reported to training camp at Missouri Western State University, is still pending a physical.

“He's a heck of a player and he's done a great job here, and he's profiting from that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “And our team has profited from him being around. So it's a win-win.”

It is the second high-profile contract that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has finished in the past week. The Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-trey-smith-contract-e5eb206475631a54933a321f6271478b">signed Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith</a>&nbsp;to a four-year, $94 million extension on Tuesday, setting the market for his position.

Karlaftis, the second of two first-round picks by the Chiefs in the 2022 draft, has started 44 of his 49 regular-season games for them. His best season came two years ago, when he had 10 1/2 sacks while starting every game, while he had eight sacks in 16 games last season, helping the Chiefs to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.

Karlaftis has rings from the first two of them. The Chiefs lost to the Eagles in their latest Super Bowl in February.

“I mean, he's always been a consistent player. Always a relentless player,” Reid said. “You know what you're going to get with George. He's smart. Relentless. You can trust him. You can trust that he's going to be there and do the right things.”

Karlaftis is the first of a heralded 2022 draft class in Kansas City to sign a new contract, though he's not expected to be the last.

The Chiefs are interested in signing their initial first-round pick that year, Trent McDuffie, to a long-term deal. The cornerback was a first-team All-Pro two years ago and a second-team pick last year, and he has emerged as not only one of the premier slot defenders in the NFL but a versatile, capable defensive back who can player just about anywhere on the team.

What could complicate the negotiations is the fact that the Jets recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-sauce-gardner-contract-e11d183c65c44ced4a3ce9d5bcdf5f95">signed cornerback Sauce Gardner</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $120.4 million extension. McDuffie is likely to demand a contract that meets or potentially exceeds that deal.

“The tough job is to juggle all that, the financial part of it,” Reid said, “but we love having that. Continuity is a big thing with your young players. Veach has done a real nice job with his group in the drafts, so you sort all of that out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753101235628.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis celebrates a sack against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis celebrates a sack against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agreed to a four-year, $93 million contract that includes $62 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday, keeping one of the best young players on the roster through the 2030 season.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, which was agreed to the same day that the players reported to training camp at Missouri Western State University, is still pending a physical.“He's a heck of a player and he's done a great job here, and he's profiting from that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “And our team has profited from him being around. So it's a win-win.”It is the second high-profile contract that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has finished in the past week. The Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-trey-smith-contract-e5eb206475631a54933a321f6271478b">signed Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith</a>&nbsp;to a four-year, $94 million extension on Tuesday, setting the market for his position.Karlaftis, the second of two first-round picks by the Chiefs in the 2022 draft, has started 44 of his 49 regular-season games for them. His best season came two years ago, when he had 10 1/2 sacks while starting every game, while he had eight sacks in 16 games last season, helping the Chiefs to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.Karlaftis has rings from the first two of them. The Chiefs lost to the Eagles in their latest Super Bowl in February.“I mean, he's always been a consistent player. Always a relentless player,” Reid said. “You know what you're going to get with George. He's smart. Relentless. You can trust him. You can trust that he's going to be there and do the right things.”Karlaftis is the first of a heralded 2022 draft class in Kansas City to sign a new contract, though he's not expected to be the last.The Chiefs are interested in signing their initial first-round pick that year, Trent McDuffie, to a long-term deal. The cornerback was a first-team All-Pro two years ago and a second-team pick last year, and he has emerged as not only one of the premier slot defenders in the NFL but a versatile, capable defensive back who can player just about anywhere on the team.What could complicate the negotiations is the fact that the Jets recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-sauce-gardner-contract-e11d183c65c44ced4a3ce9d5bcdf5f95">signed cornerback Sauce Gardner</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $120.4 million extension. McDuffie is likely to demand a contract that meets or potentially exceeds that deal.“The tough job is to juggle all that, the financial part of it,” Reid said, “but we love having that. Continuity is a big thing with your young players. Veach has done a real nice job with his group in the drafts, so you sort all of that out.”

Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agree to 4-year, $93M contract, AP source says

MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.

Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.

Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.

Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.

In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.

Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.

After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.

The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.

Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753101597159.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez, left, and first baseman Salvador Perez (13) walk from the field after defeating the Miami Marlins in a baseball game, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez, left, and first baseman Salvador Perez (13) walk from the field after defeating the Miami Marlins in a baseball game, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.<h2>Key moment</h2>After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.<h2>Up next</h2>Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

Bubic pitches 5 scoreless innings, Perez homers to help the Royals beat the Marlins

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is the champion golfer of the year and one step closer to the career Grand Slam. The world's No. 1 player dominated the British Open on Sunday at Royal Portrush. He led by as many as seven shots and shot a 68 to win by four shots. Scheffler won his second major of the year after the PGA Championship. Now he goes to the U.S. Open next year with a chance to complete the Grand Slam. Harris English was runner-up. Rory McIlroy started slowly and never had a chance before an adoring gallery in his native Northern Ireland.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions already have kicked off training camp. Rookies for several other teams have also reported. All veterans across the league are due this week. The NFL season is underway. The road to San Francisco for Super Bowl 60 begins in the grueling summer heat. Some teams have new coaches. A couple of old coaches have new teams. Star players have switched uniforms. There are position battles to determine. And, plenty of storylines to watch. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles aim for a repeat. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs look to rebound after being denied the first three-peat in Super Bowl history.

CLEVELAND (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening to hold up a stadium deal for Washington's football team if it doesn't restore its old name. Trump said Sunday on his social media site that the Washington Commanders should revert to the Redskins and the Cleveland Guardians should return to the Indians. Later in the day, he threatened the NFL team's stadium deal. The Commanders and Guardians changed their names in 2022 after years of debate over logos and names considered offensive. Both teams have stated they have no plans to change them back.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The more Scottie Scheffler keeps winning, the more comparisons there are to Tiger Woods. Scheffler thinks they're a little silly. He notes Woods has 15 majors. Scheffler won the British Open at Royal Portrush and now has four. But the comparisons come from numbers like winning majors by comfortable margins. And being No. 1 in the world. There also was a moment at Royal Portrush that drew another comparison. Scheffler was playing against par because the competition couldn't catch him. That's how Woods was when he won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2000.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is the champion golfer of the year and one step closer to the career Grand Slam. The world's No. 1 player dominated the British Open on Sunday at Royal Portrush. He led by as many as seven shots and shot a 68 to win by four shots. Scheffler won his second major of the year after the PGA Championship. Now he goes to the U.S. Open next year with a chance to complete the Grand Slam. Harris English was runner-up. Rory McIlroy started slowly and never had a chance before an adoring gallery in his native Northern Ireland.The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions already have kicked off training camp. Rookies for several other teams have also reported. All veterans across the league are due this week. The NFL season is underway. The road to San Francisco for Super Bowl 60 begins in the grueling summer heat. Some teams have new coaches. A couple of old coaches have new teams. Star players have switched uniforms. There are position battles to determine. And, plenty of storylines to watch. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles aim for a repeat. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs look to rebound after being denied the first three-peat in Super Bowl history.CLEVELAND (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening to hold up a stadium deal for Washington's football team if it doesn't restore its old name. Trump said Sunday on his social media site that the Washington Commanders should revert to the Redskins and the Cleveland Guardians should return to the Indians. Later in the day, he threatened the NFL team's stadium deal. The Commanders and Guardians changed their names in 2022 after years of debate over logos and names considered offensive. Both teams have stated they have no plans to change them back.PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The more Scottie Scheffler keeps winning, the more comparisons there are to Tiger Woods. Scheffler thinks they're a little silly. He notes Woods has 15 majors. Scheffler won the British Open at Royal Portrush and now has four. But the comparisons come from numbers like winning majors by comfortable margins. And being No. 1 in the world. There also was a moment at Royal Portrush that drew another comparison. Scheffler was playing against par because the competition couldn't catch him. That's how Woods was when he won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2000.DOVER, Del. (AP) — Denny Hamlin went back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway, holding a late lead through a rain delay and an overtime finish Sunday for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver's series-best fourth victory of the season. Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan. Hamlin has 58 NASCAR Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The 44-year-old Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his first career Cup championship. Hamlin held off JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth.Authorities say an Ole Miss freshman football player has been killed in a shooting in Tennessee. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says law enforcement officials found 18-year-old Corey Adams with a gunshot wound late Saturday in a vehicle in Cordova on the outskirts of Memphis. Four other unidentified men were injured in the shooting. Authorities are investigating the death as a homicide. Adams, a New Orleans native, had been a highly touted defensive lineman. The football program at the University of Mississippi says in a social media post it is “devastated” to learn of Adams' death.ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson appeared to practice without any limitiations on Sunday morning, when Detroit kicked off training camp with its first practice. The only difference was a black sleeve that covered and supported much of his surgically repaired left leg. Hutchinson says he doesn't think anybody in the game of football will ever be as grateful when I come back in that first game. San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy may beg to differ.Tarik Skubal has strengthened his case for a second straight AL Cy Young Award. On Sunday night, he struck out 11 batters with no walks in Detroit's 2-1 win over Texas. If Skubal wins, he’ll be the first American League pitcher to claim back-to-back Cy Youngs since Pedro Martinez for the Red Sox in 1999 and 2000. The Tigers snapped a six-game losing streak with the victory and still hold the best record in baseball. Skubal now leads the AL in ERA at at 2.1854.WASHINGTON (AP) — Venus Williams is back on the tennis scene and ready to compete for the first time in more than a year but she wishes her younger sister Serena were with her at the DC Open. The tournament begins Monday in Washington. This is the first tour event for Venus Williams in more than a year. She turned 45 last month. She owns seven Grand Slam singles titles and another 14 in doubles that she won alongside Serena. Serena hasn't played since she retired after the 2022 U.S. Open.ATLANTA (AP) — Aaron Judge hit the first home run of his MLB career the day after Alex Rodriguez retired. Now, the two are tied on the Yankees’ all-time home run list. Judge hit his 351st career homer in a 4-2 win over the Braves on Sunday, moving into a tie with A-Rod for sixth place in Yankees history. Judge trails Yankee greats Babe Ruth (659), Mickey Mantle (536), Lou Gehrig (493), Joe DiMaggio (361) and Yogi Berra (358) in career homers for New York. Judge’s homer on Sunday was his 36th of the season.FinalsINTERLEAGUEFinal Toronto 8 San Francisco 6 Final N.Y. Yankees 4 Atlanta 2 Final Chicago White Sox 7 Pittsburgh 2 Final L.A. Angels 8 Philadelphia 2 Final Kansas City 7 Miami 4 Final Boston 6 Chicago Cubs 1 Final Minnesota 7 Colorado 1AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Baltimore 5 Tampa Bay 3 Final Cleveland 8 Athletics 2 Final Houston 11 Seattle 3 Final Detroit 2 Texas 1NATIONAL LEAGUE Final San Diego 8 Washington 1 Final N.Y. Mets 3 Cincinnati 2 Final Arizona 5 St. Louis 3 Final Milwaukee 6 L.A. Dodgers 5