FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is doubling down on his preference to stay with only five automatic qualifiers if the College Football Playoff does expand from 12 to 16 teams as many expect after this season, instead of each of the four power conferences being guaranteed multiple bids.

“We have the responsibility to do what’s right for college football ... not what's right for one or two or more conferences,” Yormark said Tuesday at Big 12 football media days. “I think 5-11 is fair. Earn it on the field, assuming we want to expand. I love the current format, but if we’re going to expand, let’s do it in a way that’s fair and equitable and gives everyone a chance.”

While the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will have more of a say on the playoff format starting in 2026, when ESPN's $7.8 billion contract kicks in, Yormark believes&nbsp;the 5-11 format&nbsp;would be good for now and in the future. He said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips feels the same way, and is expected to express that during his league's media days in two weeks.

“We do not need a professional model because we are not the NFL,” Yormark said. "We are college football and we must act like it."

In the&nbsp;12-team format&nbsp;still in place for this season, the five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the playoff. The difference this year is that the top four highest-ranked champions are no longer guaranteed the top four seeds that come with first-round byes.

Among&nbsp;potential 16-team formats&nbsp;would be four automatic qualifiers from both the SEC and Big Ten, and two each for the Big 12 and ACC. The Big 12 last season had only conference champion Arizona State make the playoff last season.

“We want to earn it on the field," Yormark said. “It might not be the best solution today for the Big 12, given your comments about (automatic qualifiers), but long term, knowing the progress we’re making, the investments we’re making, it’s the right format for us.”

Yormark, who is going into his fourth year as Big 12 commissioner, believes that the&nbsp;landmark NCAA House settlement&nbsp;will have a positive impact for all conferences, especially if the&nbsp;College Sports Commission&nbsp;works the way it is intended in enforcing the rules in the remade system.

“It will. I have a lot of faith in Bryan Seely,” Yormark said of the former Major League Baseball executive named CEO of the new CSC. “It should create a level playing field, and I'm not giving that up.”

The Big 12 was already in transition and still at 10 teams when Yormark arrived in 2022. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joined the league the following year.

Texas and Oklahoma, who won football national championships while in the Big 12, completed their&nbsp;long-planned move to the SEC&nbsp;last year. That is when Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah came into what is now a 16-team Big 12.

"I think parity matters, and I think ultimately over time, and that’s hopefully sooner than later, there’ll be a couple of our schools that will emerge, you know, as elite schools that are always part of the conversations at the highest levels. And that’s what we’re working towards,” Yormark said. “But it starts with parity and being competitive top to bottom. And I think we’re there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752066475109.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks at the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)</figcaption>
 </figure>FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is doubling down on his preference to stay with only five automatic qualifiers if the College Football Playoff does expand from 12 to 16 teams as many expect after this season, instead of each of the four power conferences being guaranteed multiple bids.“We have the responsibility to do what’s right for college football ... not what's right for one or two or more conferences,” Yormark said Tuesday at Big 12 football media days. “I think 5-11 is fair. Earn it on the field, assuming we want to expand. I love the current format, but if we’re going to expand, let’s do it in a way that’s fair and equitable and gives everyone a chance.”While the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten will have more of a say on the playoff format starting in 2026, when ESPN's $7.8 billion contract kicks in, Yormark believes&nbsp;the 5-11 format&nbsp;would be good for now and in the future. He said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips feels the same way, and is expected to express that during his league's media days in two weeks.“We do not need a professional model because we are not the NFL,” Yormark said. "We are college football and we must act like it."In the&nbsp;12-team format&nbsp;still in place for this season, the five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the playoff. The difference this year is that the top four highest-ranked champions are no longer guaranteed the top four seeds that come with first-round byes.Among&nbsp;potential 16-team formats&nbsp;would be four automatic qualifiers from both the SEC and Big Ten, and two each for the Big 12 and ACC. The Big 12 last season had only conference champion Arizona State make the playoff last season.“We want to earn it on the field," Yormark said. “It might not be the best solution today for the Big 12, given your comments about (automatic qualifiers), but long term, knowing the progress we’re making, the investments we’re making, it’s the right format for us.”Yormark, who is going into his fourth year as Big 12 commissioner, believes that the&nbsp;landmark NCAA House settlement&nbsp;will have a positive impact for all conferences, especially if the&nbsp;College Sports Commission&nbsp;works the way it is intended in enforcing the rules in the remade system.“It will. I have a lot of faith in Bryan Seely,” Yormark said of the former Major League Baseball executive named CEO of the new CSC. “It should create a level playing field, and I'm not giving that up.”The Big 12 was already in transition and still at 10 teams when Yormark arrived in 2022. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joined the league the following year.Texas and Oklahoma, who won football national championships while in the Big 12, completed their&nbsp;long-planned move to the SEC&nbsp;last year. That is when Pac-12 schools Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah came into what is now a 16-team Big 12."I think parity matters, and I think ultimately over time, and that’s hopefully sooner than later, there’ll be a couple of our schools that will emerge, you know, as elite schools that are always part of the conversations at the highest levels. And that’s what we’re working towards,” Yormark said. “But it starts with parity and being competitive top to bottom. And I think we’re there.”

Big 12 commissioner doubles down on preference for 5-11 playoff model if CFP expands

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;a 421-foot drive&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.

Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;a 458-foot shot&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;in next-week's Home Run Derby.

Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.

Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.

Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.

The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.

Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.

The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.

The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.

The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.

The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752066306444.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Tuesday night.Rookie Jac Caglianone homered for the Royals,&nbsp;a 421-foot drive&nbsp;leading off the second inning that was his first extra-base hit in 14 games at Kauffman Stadium. He had been 5 for 46 at home before Tuesday.Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz tied it in the fourth with&nbsp;a 458-foot shot&nbsp;over the fountains in right field on the day he was announced as a participant&nbsp;in next-week's Home Run Derby.Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead with a homer in the top of the seventh before Loftin's drive made it 3-2.Bryan Reynolds tied it with an RBI grounder in the eighth.Maikel Garcia singled leading off the ninth against Dennis Santana (2-2) and Salvador Perez followed with a base hit. With one out, Isaac Mattson came in and gave up Loftin's game-ending hit on a 1-0 fastball.The Pirates fell to 0-5 to start their nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star Break. Kansas City has won five of six.Carlos Estevez (3-2) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City.The Pirates' Mitch Keller and the Royals' Seth Lugo, both rumored to be trade candidates before the July 31 deadline, were nearly identical through six innings. Each allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Pirates loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Lucas Erceg, who gave up Reynolds' tying fielder's-choice grounder and then retired Gonzales on another groundball.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals had their second straight multi-homer game after not having done that all season.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams complete their three-game series Wednesday night with Pittsburgh's Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) facing Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36).

Nick Loftin hits 2-run homer in 7th, walk-off single in 9th as Royals beat Pirates 4-3

MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Longtime Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after a 20-year stint that included eight Formula 1 drivers’ titles. Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision in a statement Wednesday, but thanked Horner for his work and said he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.” Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls will replace Horner. Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005.

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark's other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A'ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.

DENVER (AP) — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That's according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.

BALTIMORE (AP) — The New York Mets consider Juan Soto to be a bona fide All-Star, regardless of the snub he received from those who selected the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic on July 15. Soto, in his first year with the Mets, has performed well enough to earn the respect of his manager and teammates. In their opinion, he’s deserving of a place in the All-Star Game. Manager Carlos Mendoza says, "He’s an All-Star for us.” Soto drove in the winning run with a sharp single on the first pitch of the 10th inning. That capped a night in which he went 3 for 5 to raise his batting average to .269 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs.

LONDON (AP) — Players walking to play at Wimbledon’s second-biggest stadium, known as No. 1 Court, are passing through a hallway renovated this year to display memorabilia and photos from the arena’s history. All England Club collections manager Malin Ludin says the goal was to create a more inspiring place for players and create a sense of occasion. She also said one of the goals was to look good on television. There are match-worn outfits from Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray and Tim Henman. Not all of the athletes heading to compete at No. 1 Court notice, but some do.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been added to Monday's Home Run Derby in Atlanta. He joins Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton and James Wood. Cruz is known for his powerful homers, and he hit his 16th of the season Tuesday night at Kansas City. On May 25, he hit a homer with a record-breaking 122.9 mph exit velocity. That was the fastest since Statcast started tracking in 2015. The 26-year-old Cruz hit a career-best 21 homers last season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Patrick Bailey’s entrance into the Major League Baseball record books began with a tight swing that sent a fastball from Phillies reliever Jordan Romano into Triples Alley. It ended with Bailey chugging his way around third base then getting mobbed at home plate by his teammates after becoming the third catcher in major league history to hit a game-ending, inside-the-park home run. It was also the first time in nearly nine years that a player has hit a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in the majors. Cleveland’s Tyler Naquin was the last to do so on Aug. 19, 2016.

NEW YORK (AP) — Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Shohei Ohtani greeted Jacob Misiorowski with a leadoff homer, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie phenom got the last word. After allowing Ohtani’s 431-foot blast, Misiorowski responded with another dominant outing. He struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Misiorowski fanned Ohtani in the third inning. The 6-foot-7 right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in five major league starts. He's already beaten Paul Skenes and now he's outdueled Clayton Kershaw.

INTERLEAGUE Final Boston 10 Colorado 2 Final N.Y. Mets 7 Baltimore 6 Final Kansas City 4 Pittsburgh 3 Final Minnesota 8 Chicago Cubs 1 Final Athletics 10 Atlanta 1

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 4 Tampa Bay 2 Final Toronto 6 Chicago White Sox 1 Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Seattle 3 Final Cleveland 10 Houston 6 Final Texas 13 L.A. Angels 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final Miami 12 Cincinnati 2 Final St. Louis 4 Washington 2 Final San Diego 1 Arizona 0 Final San Francisco 4 Philadelphia 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Longtime Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been fired after a 20-year stint that included eight Formula 1 drivers’ titles. Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision in a statement Wednesday, but thanked Horner for his work and said he will “forever remain an important part of our team history.” Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls will replace Horner. Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005.NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark's other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A'ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.DENVER (AP) — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That's according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.BALTIMORE (AP) — The New York Mets consider Juan Soto to be a bona fide All-Star, regardless of the snub he received from those who selected the NL squad for the Midsummer Classic on July 15. Soto, in his first year with the Mets, has performed well enough to earn the respect of his manager and teammates. In their opinion, he’s deserving of a place in the All-Star Game. Manager Carlos Mendoza says, "He’s an All-Star for us.” Soto drove in the winning run with a sharp single on the first pitch of the 10th inning. That capped a night in which he went 3 for 5 to raise his batting average to .269 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs.LONDON (AP) — Players walking to play at Wimbledon’s second-biggest stadium, known as No. 1 Court, are passing through a hallway renovated this year to display memorabilia and photos from the arena’s history. All England Club collections manager Malin Ludin says the goal was to create a more inspiring place for players and create a sense of occasion. She also said one of the goals was to look good on television. There are match-worn outfits from Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray and Tim Henman. Not all of the athletes heading to compete at No. 1 Court notice, but some do.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been added to Monday's Home Run Derby in Atlanta. He joins Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton and James Wood. Cruz is known for his powerful homers, and he hit his 16th of the season Tuesday night at Kansas City. On May 25, he hit a homer with a record-breaking 122.9 mph exit velocity. That was the fastest since Statcast started tracking in 2015. The 26-year-old Cruz hit a career-best 21 homers last season.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Patrick Bailey’s entrance into the Major League Baseball record books began with a tight swing that sent a fastball from Phillies reliever Jordan Romano into Triples Alley. It ended with Bailey chugging his way around third base then getting mobbed at home plate by his teammates after becoming the third catcher in major league history to hit a game-ending, inside-the-park home run. It was also the first time in nearly nine years that a player has hit a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in the majors. Cleveland’s Tyler Naquin was the last to do so on Aug. 19, 2016.NEW YORK (AP) — Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Shohei Ohtani greeted Jacob Misiorowski with a leadoff homer, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie phenom got the last word. After allowing Ohtani’s 431-foot blast, Misiorowski responded with another dominant outing. He struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Misiorowski fanned Ohtani in the third inning. The 6-foot-7 right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in five major league starts. He's already beaten Paul Skenes and now he's outdueled Clayton Kershaw.FinalsINTERLEAGUE Final Boston 10 Colorado 2 Final N.Y. Mets 7 Baltimore 6 Final Kansas City 4 Pittsburgh 3 Final Minnesota 8 Chicago Cubs 1 Final Athletics 10 Atlanta 1AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 4 Tampa Bay 2 Final Toronto 6 Chicago White Sox 1 Final N.Y. Yankees 10 Seattle 3 Final Cleveland 10 Houston 6 Final Texas 13 L.A. Angels 1NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final Miami 12 Cincinnati 2 Final St. Louis 4 Washington 2 Final San Diego 1 Arizona 0 Final San Francisco 4 Philadelphia 3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez were named the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year on Monday.

The Big 12 announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league, the day before the&nbsp;Big 12 Football Media Days&nbsp;started in Frisco, Texas.

There was no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to&nbsp;win the conference&nbsp;championship game.

Leavitt completed 216 of 350 passes (61.7%) for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions as a redshirt freshman last season when the Sun Devils made the 12-team College Football Playoff in their Big 12 debut. The former Michigan State transfer also ran for 443 yards and five TDs.

Rodriguez was the Big 12's leading tackler with 126 total tackles, and his 77 solo stops were also the most in the league. He had 7 1/2 tackles for loss, and all five of his sacks came in Big 12 play.

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico, was selected as the Big 12's top newcomer. He was the Mountain West Conference leader last season with 3,934 total yards last season, 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751981041029.jpeg" alt="Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with teammates after the team's win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)" />
 <figcaption>Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with teammates after the team's win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas (AP) — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez were named the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year on Monday.The Big 12 announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league, the day before the&nbsp;Big 12 Football Media Days&nbsp;started in Frisco, Texas.There was no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to&nbsp;win the conference&nbsp;championship game.Leavitt completed 216 of 350 passes (61.7%) for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions as a redshirt freshman last season when the Sun Devils made the 12-team College Football Playoff in their Big 12 debut. The former Michigan State transfer also ran for 443 yards and five TDs.Rodriguez was the Big 12's leading tackler with 126 total tackles, and his 77 solo stops were also the most in the league. He had 7 1/2 tackles for loss, and all five of his sacks came in Big 12 play.Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico, was selected as the Big 12's top newcomer. He was the Mountain West Conference leader last season with 3,934 total yards last season, 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing.

Arizona State QB Leavitt and Texas Tech LB Rodriguez are preseason Big 12 players of year

KStateSports.com MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State junior linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and senior tight end&nbsp;Will Swanson&nbsp;earned nods on the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Monday.

Both players are coming off All-Big 12 seasons as Romaine earned second-team honors and Swanson was an honorable mention pick.

A product of Hillsboro, Missouri, Romaine played in every game a year ago with 12 starts, leading the team with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in tackles as he also earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades from the Associated Press.

Romaine tallied the most tackles in a season by a Wildcat since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017 thanks to at least five stops in 11 games, including a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. His first in the line of 12-tackle performances against the Mountaineers were the most by a Wildcat in a single game since Daniel Green had 13 at Baylor in 2020.Swanson, who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team as a fullback/H-Back, made four starts among his 13 games played last season, hauling in nine receptions for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in receiving touchdowns, helping the K-State tight end unit to a nation-best 13 touchdowns. A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Swanson was also a vital part of a K-State ground attack that ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12 in rushing yards per carry (6.08) in addition to ranking 11th&nbsp;in the country and second in the conference in rushing yards per game (215.5).

K-State takes part in 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days, powered by Microsoft Copilot, on Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Representing the Wildcats along with head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;are&nbsp;Avery Johnson,&nbsp;Taylor Poitier,&nbsp;Cody Stufflebean,&nbsp;VJ Payne&nbsp;and Romaine. Fans can watch Big 12 Media Days on both ESPNU and ESPN+, while coverage throughout the day will be available on K-State's social media channels.

KStateSports.com MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State junior linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;and senior tight end&nbsp;Will Swanson&nbsp;earned nods on the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 team as voted on by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Monday.Both players are coming off All-Big 12 seasons as Romaine earned second-team honors and Swanson was an honorable mention pick.A product of Hillsboro, Missouri, Romaine played in every game a year ago with 12 starts, leading the team with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in tackles as he also earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades from the Associated Press.Romaine tallied the most tackles in a season by a Wildcat since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017 thanks to at least five stops in 11 games, including a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. His first in the line of 12-tackle performances against the Mountaineers were the most by a Wildcat in a single game since Daniel Green had 13 at Baylor in 2020.Swanson, who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team as a fullback/H-Back, made four starts among his 13 games played last season, hauling in nine receptions for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in receiving touchdowns, helping the K-State tight end unit to a nation-best 13 touchdowns. A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Swanson was also a vital part of a K-State ground attack that ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12 in rushing yards per carry (6.08) in addition to ranking 11th&nbsp;in the country and second in the conference in rushing yards per game (215.5).K-State takes part in 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days, powered by Microsoft Copilot, on Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Representing the Wildcats along with head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;are&nbsp;Avery Johnson,&nbsp;Taylor Poitier,&nbsp;Cody Stufflebean,&nbsp;VJ Payne&nbsp;and Romaine. Fans can watch Big 12 Media Days on both ESPNU and ESPN+, while coverage throughout the day will be available on K-State's social media channels.

Romaine, Swanson Named to Preseason All-Big 12 Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night.

Cameron (3-4) struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham's two-run shot in the third.

Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.&nbsp;Witt hit his 13th homer, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Witt finished off a seven-game trip Sunday by extending his club-record hitting streak on the road to 25 games.

Perez hit his 11th&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out pitch from Andrew Heaney in the first for his 15th homer and a 1-0 lead. Nick Loftin hit his second, a one-out solo shot off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth. Heaney (4-8) threw 76 pitches and allowed four runs in three innings.

Pham's homer was his third. It snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Bowlan allowed Alexander Canario's RBI single in the ninth to finish for Kansas City.

Cameron didn't surrender a hit after Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third.

The Royals hit more home runs in their first home game of July than they did in the month of June.

Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.64) starts Tuesday opposite Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751979529750.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates on second after hitting a one-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates on second after hitting a one-run double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night.Cameron (3-4) struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham's two-run shot in the third.Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.&nbsp;Witt hit his 13th homer, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth. He added a sacrifice fly in the sixth.Witt finished off a seven-game trip Sunday by extending his club-record hitting streak on the road to 25 games.Perez hit his 11th&nbsp;homer, a solo shot to left in the fifth for a five-run advantage. He hit his 24th double off the top of the wall in left to drive in a run for a 3-2 lead in the third.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out pitch from Andrew Heaney in the first for his 15th homer and a 1-0 lead. Nick Loftin hit his second, a one-out solo shot off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth. Heaney (4-8) threw 76 pitches and allowed four runs in three innings.Pham's homer was his third. It snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead.Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Bowlan allowed Alexander Canario's RBI single in the ninth to finish for Kansas City.Key momentCameron didn't surrender a hit after Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third.Key statThe Royals hit more home runs in their first home game of July than they did in the month of June.Up nextPirates RHP Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.64) starts Tuesday opposite Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65).

Witt Jr. and Perez homer to back Cameron's strong start as Royals beat Pirates 9-3

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks offered the job to Brown last week and announced Monday that he would be taking over the team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 25 years. They decided to fire Thibodeau despite that and eventually picked Brown, who wasn’t out of work long after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings during last season. Brown had led the Kings to the postseason in 2023 and was voted the Coach of the Year.

Paolo Banchero has agreed to the richest contract in Orlando Magic history. According to a person with knowledge of the agreement, his five-year extension is worth $239 million and could reach about $287 million should he become eligible for a supermax deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not revealed by Banchero or the Magic. Banchero was the rookie of the year in 2022-23 and an All-Star the following season. He has led the Magic to two straight playoff appearances.

Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton has been announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. It will take place next Monday, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Buxton joins Nationals outfielder James Wood, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton has 20 homers this season. He's from Baxley, Georgia, and was the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft. New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the event.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers won’t be rushing guard Tyrese Haliburton back to the court next season as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Monday in a news conference that Haliburton "will not play next year." Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had surgery June 23 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. It was a historic postseason for Haliburton, who turned in an array of buzzer-beating winners, incredible plays and some unprecedented stat lines. The Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned champions after beating the Pacers 103-91.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres got his 2,000th career hit Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a sharp single off the glove of diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The milestone hit came against starter Zac Gallen leading off the fourth inning. Machado received a standing ovation from the crowd at Petco Park, where he’s been a fan favorite since joining the Padres as a free agent in 2019. The All-Star third baseman singled to left field in the first for his 1,999th hit and homered in the eighth, but San Diego lost 6-3.

LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner has advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite hurting his right elbow on a fall and dropping the first two sets. That's because Sinner's opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had to quit with an injured pectoral muscle. Sinner hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament until falling behind No. 19 seed Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5 Monday night. But at 2-all in the third set, Dimitrov stopped playing. It’s the third time Dimitrov failed to complete a Grand Slam match this season. He also did it at the Australian Open in January and the French Open in May.

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic has overcame an uncharacteristically unsteady start to avoid what would have been his earliest exit at Wimbledon since 2016. Djokovic took the last five games and 14 of the final 15 points to come through for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 11th-seeded Alex de Minaur in the fourth round Monday. Djokovic's bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam trophy will continue against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli. No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 10 Ben Shelton, 18-year-old Mirra Andreev, Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic also won their fourth-round matches on Monday, when Roger Federer sat in the Royal Box at Centre Court.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season for the Minnesota Twins highlighted by his consistent presence in the lineup. He has started 73 games in his healthiest season in years. Buxton’s all-around performance includes 20 home runs, 15 steals and his usual Gold Glove-caliber defense. He is also savoring his selection to the All-Star Game that will be held next week in his home state of Georgia. Buxton's only setback this season was a concussion that cost him 11 games in May. He's on pace to play in the second-most games of his injury-altered career.

SAGAMIHARA, Japan (AP) — One is known as “The Monster,” the other “Big Bang.” The bout between champion boxers Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani is already being billed as Japan’s “fight of the century.” And the date hasn’t even been set. Sports pundits are hailing what’s happening these days as the golden age of Japanese boxing. For a period last year, all four division bantamweight champions were Japanese. The Ring magazine’s latest Top Ten pound-for-pound ranking has three Japanese fighters, including Inoue and Nakatani. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Kansas City 9 Pittsburgh 3 Final Boston 9 Colorado 3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 5 Tampa Bay 1 Final Toronto 8 Chicago White Sox 4 Final Cleveland 7 Houston 5 Final L.A. Angels 6 Texas 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 5 Cincinnati 1 Final Milwaukee 9 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final San Francisco 3 Philadelphia 1 Final Arizona 6 San Diego 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown, turning to the two-time NBA Coach of the Year after firing Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks offered the job to Brown last week and announced Monday that he would be taking over the team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 25 years. They decided to fire Thibodeau despite that and eventually picked Brown, who wasn’t out of work long after getting fired by the Sacramento Kings during last season. Brown had led the Kings to the postseason in 2023 and was voted the Coach of the Year.Paolo Banchero has agreed to the richest contract in Orlando Magic history. According to a person with knowledge of the agreement, his five-year extension is worth $239 million and could reach about $287 million should he become eligible for a supermax deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms were not revealed by Banchero or the Magic. Banchero was the rookie of the year in 2022-23 and an All-Star the following season. He has led the Magic to two straight playoff appearances.Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton has been announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. It will take place next Monday, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Buxton joins Nationals outfielder James Wood, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton has 20 homers this season. He's from Baxley, Georgia, and was the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft. New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the event.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers won’t be rushing guard Tyrese Haliburton back to the court next season as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Monday in a news conference that Haliburton "will not play next year." Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had surgery June 23 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. It was a historic postseason for Haliburton, who turned in an array of buzzer-beating winners, incredible plays and some unprecedented stat lines. The Oklahoma City Thunder were crowned champions after beating the Pacers 103-91.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres got his 2,000th career hit Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a sharp single off the glove of diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The milestone hit came against starter Zac Gallen leading off the fourth inning. Machado received a standing ovation from the crowd at Petco Park, where he’s been a fan favorite since joining the Padres as a free agent in 2019. The All-Star third baseman singled to left field in the first for his 1,999th hit and homered in the eighth, but San Diego lost 6-3.LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner has advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals despite hurting his right elbow on a fall and dropping the first two sets. That's because Sinner's opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had to quit with an injured pectoral muscle. Sinner hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament until falling behind No. 19 seed Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5 Monday night. But at 2-all in the third set, Dimitrov stopped playing. It’s the third time Dimitrov failed to complete a Grand Slam match this season. He also did it at the Australian Open in January and the French Open in May.LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic has overcame an uncharacteristically unsteady start to avoid what would have been his earliest exit at Wimbledon since 2016. Djokovic took the last five games and 14 of the final 15 points to come through for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 11th-seeded Alex de Minaur in the fourth round Monday. Djokovic's bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam trophy will continue against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli. No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 10 Ben Shelton, 18-year-old Mirra Andreev, Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic also won their fourth-round matches on Monday, when Roger Federer sat in the Royal Box at Centre Court.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season for the Minnesota Twins highlighted by his consistent presence in the lineup. He has started 73 games in his healthiest season in years. Buxton’s all-around performance includes 20 home runs, 15 steals and his usual Gold Glove-caliber defense. He is also savoring his selection to the All-Star Game that will be held next week in his home state of Georgia. Buxton's only setback this season was a concussion that cost him 11 games in May. He's on pace to play in the second-most games of his injury-altered career.SAGAMIHARA, Japan (AP) — One is known as “The Monster,” the other “Big Bang.” The bout between champion boxers Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani is already being billed as Japan’s “fight of the century.” And the date hasn’t even been set. Sports pundits are hailing what’s happening these days as the golden age of Japanese boxing. For a period last year, all four division bantamweight champions were Japanese. The Ring magazine’s latest Top Ten pound-for-pound ranking has three Japanese fighters, including Inoue and Nakatani. Finals

INTERLEAGUE Final Kansas City 9 Pittsburgh 3 Final Boston 9 Colorado 3AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Detroit 5 Tampa Bay 1 Final Toronto 8 Chicago White Sox 4 Final Cleveland 7 Houston 5 Final L.A. Angels 6 Texas 5NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Miami 5 Cincinnati 1 Final Milwaukee 9 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final San Francisco 3 Philadelphia 1 Final Arizona 6 San Diego 3

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.

Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.

Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.

Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.

Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.

Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.

John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.

DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.

Witt's homer in the fifth was the first hit by either team.

Witt's road hitting streak ties for the second-longest in the last 10 years, behind the 32-game streak by the Dodgers' Trea Turner from 2021-22. Marcus Semien also had a hit in 26 straight road games for Toronto in 2021.

Kansas City LHP Andrew Heaney (4-7, 4.16 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Arizona RHP Zac Gallen 6-9, 5.45) opens a four-game series at San Diego on Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751884081285.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Lorenzen struck out seven in seven dominant innings, Bobby Witt Jr. homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Sunday.Lorenzen (5-8) kept the Diamondbacks off-balance all afternoon with a mix of mid-90s fastballs and changeups. He struck out the side in the first inning and didn’t allow a hit until Randal Grichuk’s two-out double in the fifth.Lorenzen allowed two hits and walked one.Witt hit a solo homer off Anthony DeSclafani (0-1) in the fifth inning to extend his team-record road hitting streak to 26 games. Salvador Perez also hit a solo homer in the Royals' fourth win in six games.Arizona had three hits and didn't get a runner past second base to lose for the fourth time in five games.Witt's homer with one out in the fifth — hit 12th of the season — was the first hit off DeSclafani. Perez followed with his 10th later in the inning.John Rave chased DeSclafani with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Kyle Isbel followed with another to put Kansas City up 4-0.DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits and struck out six in four innings.Key momentWitt's homer in the fifth was the first hit by either team.Key statWitt's road hitting streak ties for the second-longest in the last 10 years, behind the 32-game streak by the Dodgers' Trea Turner from 2021-22. Marcus Semien also had a hit in 26 straight road games for Toronto in 2021.Up nextKansas City LHP Andrew Heaney (4-7, 4.16 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Arizona RHP Zac Gallen 6-9, 5.45) opens a four-game series at San Diego on Monday night.

Lorenzen dominant in 7 innings, Witt homers in Royals' 4-0 win over Diamondbacks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo have been fired by the Washington Nationals amid their sixth consecutive losing season since they won the 2019 World Series. The move came hours after a 6-4 loss in Washington on Sunday completed a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. The Nationals are 37-53 and last in their division. The only National League club with a worse record in 2025 is the Colorado Rockies. Rizzo had overseen the roster since 2009, and Martinez had been in the dugout since 2018. This was his first managing job at any level of baseball.

HOUSTON (AP) — Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Chris Richards put the U.S. ahead in the fourth minute Sunday night in Houston, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament. But Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup. Álvarez's goal was confirmed by the VAR, and Mexico held on from there to defend its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the U.S.

Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets is official and officially record-setting. The deal got approved by the NBA on Sunday as part of a complicated seven-team transaction, one where a slew of other trade agreements got folded into one massive package. Involved in the deal: Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Minnesota, Golden State, Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Lakers. It includes a total of 13 players — the headline moves include Durant going to Houston from Phoenix, the Rockets sending Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Suns, and the Rockets acquiring Clint Capela from the Hawks.

NEW YORK (AP) — Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been selected for his 11th All-Star Game, joining the roster as a Legend Pick by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. At 37, Kershaw is the oldest National League All-Star for the July 15 game at Atlanta’s Truist Park while 22-year-old James Wood is the youngest overall. There are 19 first-time All-Stars and five 23 or younger, with Wood joined by Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz and elected starters Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jacob Wilson.

LONDON (AP) — The All England Club is blaming human error for a glaring mistake by the electronic system that replaced human line judges this year at Wimbledon. The CEO of the club, Sally Bolton, said Monday that the ball-tracking technology was inadvertently deactivated by someone for three points at Centre Court during Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s three-set victory over Sonay Kartal in the fourth round a day earlier. On one, a shot by Kartal clearly landed past the baseline but wasn’t called out by the automated setup because it had been shut off. Bolton declined to say who made the mistake or how, exactly, it occurred or whether that person would face any consequences or be re-trained.

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Law-abiding pedestrians wait for the green woman kicking a soccer ball before they cross the road during the Women’s European Championship. Authorities in the Swiss city of Basel have installed 12 of the altered pedestrian crossing lights at locations frequented by soccer fans while the country hosts the nearly month-long tournament. Some are located near the soccer stadium, others near the train station. Nicole Ryf-Stocker, spokesperson for Basel’s transport department, says. “They will stay until the end of the Women’s Euro - maybe even a few days longer.”

CHICAGO (AP) — Shane van Gisbergen has completed a sweep on the Chicago Street Course, winning the NASCAR Cup Series race on the tricky downtown circuit. It was van Gisbergen’s second victory of the season and his third career Cup win. The Trackhouse Racing driver also won in Chicago in 2023, becoming the first driver to take his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963. Ty Gibbs was second, and Tyler Reddick finished third. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. It was a dominant weekend for van Gisbergen, a three-time champion in Australia’s Supercars. The 36-year-old New Zealand native won Saturday’s Xfinity Series race from the pole.

LONDON (AP) — Wimbledon is planning a major expansion that includes an 8,000-seat stadium and 38 other grass courts near its current grounds. It would allow the All England Club to hold its qualifying event on-site like the other major tournaments do. Players such as Novak Djokovic say it's a great idea. But some local residents disagree. They say it would be bad for the environment, and that the former golf course on which Wimbledon wants to build should be turned into open space for public use. And that’s why the proposal goes to the U.K.’s High Court for a judicial review Tuesday as the quarterfinals get started at the tournament.r

SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — It's win or bust for Brian Campbell on the PGA Tour. Campbell won for the second time this season and both have been in playoffs. He shot a 67 in the final round of the John Deere Classic and beat Emiliano Grillo on the first extra hole when the Argentine went over the green and made bogey. Most peculiar about Campbell's year is he hasn't finished inside the top 30 except for those two wins. David Lipsky had a chance to join the playoff when he made eagle on the 17th. But he took bogey on the last hole.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The PGA Tour says Ed Fiori has died. He is best known for taking down a 20-year-old Tiger Woods in 1996 at the Quad City Classic. The tournament is called the John Deere Classic now. Fiori was a 43-year-old veteran with three tour wins when he trailed Woods going into the final round. It was Woods' third tournament as a pro. Woods had a quadruple bogey and a four-putt double bogey and gave up the lead. Fiori wound up winning his fourth and final tour title. The tour says he had been battling cancer. Fiori was 72.

INTERLEAGUE Final Baltimore 2 Atlanta 1 Final Boston 6 Washington 4 Final N.Y. Yankees 6 N.Y. Mets 4 Final Colorado 6 Chicago White Sox 4 Final Kansas City 4 Arizona 0 Final Seattle 1 Pittsburgh 0 Final Houston 5 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final San Diego 4 Texas 1 Final San Francisco 6 Athletics 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Toronto 3 L.A. Angels 2 Final Detroit 7 Cleveland 2 Final Tampa Bay 7 Minnesota 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 Miami 1 Final Philadelphia 3 Cincinnati 1 Final Chicago Cubs 11 St. Louis 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo have been fired by the Washington Nationals amid their sixth consecutive losing season since they won the 2019 World Series. The move came hours after a 6-4 loss in Washington on Sunday completed a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. The Nationals are 37-53 and last in their division. The only National League club with a worse record in 2025 is the Colorado Rockies. Rizzo had overseen the roster since 2009, and Martinez had been in the dugout since 2018. This was his first managing job at any level of baseball.HOUSTON (AP) — Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Chris Richards put the U.S. ahead in the fourth minute Sunday night in Houston, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament. But Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup. Álvarez's goal was confirmed by the VAR, and Mexico held on from there to defend its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the U.S.Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets is official and officially record-setting. The deal got approved by the NBA on Sunday as part of a complicated seven-team transaction, one where a slew of other trade agreements got folded into one massive package. Involved in the deal: Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Minnesota, Golden State, Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Lakers. It includes a total of 13 players — the headline moves include Durant going to Houston from Phoenix, the Rockets sending Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Suns, and the Rockets acquiring Clint Capela from the Hawks.NEW YORK (AP) — Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been selected for his 11th All-Star Game, joining the roster as a Legend Pick by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. At 37, Kershaw is the oldest National League All-Star for the July 15 game at Atlanta’s Truist Park while 22-year-old James Wood is the youngest overall. There are 19 first-time All-Stars and five 23 or younger, with Wood joined by Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz and elected starters Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jacob Wilson.LONDON (AP) — The All England Club is blaming human error for a glaring mistake by the electronic system that replaced human line judges this year at Wimbledon. The CEO of the club, Sally Bolton, said Monday that the ball-tracking technology was inadvertently deactivated by someone for three points at Centre Court during Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s three-set victory over Sonay Kartal in the fourth round a day earlier. On one, a shot by Kartal clearly landed past the baseline but wasn’t called out by the automated setup because it had been shut off. Bolton declined to say who made the mistake or how, exactly, it occurred or whether that person would face any consequences or be re-trained.BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Law-abiding pedestrians wait for the green woman kicking a soccer ball before they cross the road during the Women’s European Championship. Authorities in the Swiss city of Basel have installed 12 of the altered pedestrian crossing lights at locations frequented by soccer fans while the country hosts the nearly month-long tournament. Some are located near the soccer stadium, others near the train station. Nicole Ryf-Stocker, spokesperson for Basel’s transport department, says. “They will stay until the end of the Women’s Euro - maybe even a few days longer.”CHICAGO (AP) — Shane van Gisbergen has completed a sweep on the Chicago Street Course, winning the NASCAR Cup Series race on the tricky downtown circuit. It was van Gisbergen’s second victory of the season and his third career Cup win. The Trackhouse Racing driver also won in Chicago in 2023, becoming the first driver to take his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963. Ty Gibbs was second, and Tyler Reddick finished third. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. It was a dominant weekend for van Gisbergen, a three-time champion in Australia’s Supercars. The 36-year-old New Zealand native won Saturday’s Xfinity Series race from the pole.LONDON (AP) — Wimbledon is planning a major expansion that includes an 8,000-seat stadium and 38 other grass courts near its current grounds. It would allow the All England Club to hold its qualifying event on-site like the other major tournaments do. Players such as Novak Djokovic say it's a great idea. But some local residents disagree. They say it would be bad for the environment, and that the former golf course on which Wimbledon wants to build should be turned into open space for public use. And that’s why the proposal goes to the U.K.’s High Court for a judicial review Tuesday as the quarterfinals get started at the tournament.rSILVIS, Ill. (AP) — It's win or bust for Brian Campbell on the PGA Tour. Campbell won for the second time this season and both have been in playoffs. He shot a 67 in the final round of the John Deere Classic and beat Emiliano Grillo on the first extra hole when the Argentine went over the green and made bogey. Most peculiar about Campbell's year is he hasn't finished inside the top 30 except for those two wins. David Lipsky had a chance to join the playoff when he made eagle on the 17th. But he took bogey on the last hole.PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The PGA Tour says Ed Fiori has died. He is best known for taking down a 20-year-old Tiger Woods in 1996 at the Quad City Classic. The tournament is called the John Deere Classic now. Fiori was a 43-year-old veteran with three tour wins when he trailed Woods going into the final round. It was Woods' third tournament as a pro. Woods had a quadruple bogey and a four-putt double bogey and gave up the lead. Fiori wound up winning his fourth and final tour title. The tour says he had been battling cancer. Fiori was 72.Scores

INTERLEAGUE Final Baltimore 2 Atlanta 1 Final Boston 6 Washington 4 Final N.Y. Yankees 6 N.Y. Mets 4 Final Colorado 6 Chicago White Sox 4 Final Kansas City 4 Arizona 0 Final Seattle 1 Pittsburgh 0 Final Houston 5 L.A. Dodgers 1 Final San Diego 4 Texas 1 Final San Francisco 6 Athletics 2AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Toronto 3 L.A. Angels 2 Final Detroit 7 Cleveland 2 Final Tampa Bay 7 Minnesota 5NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Milwaukee 3 Miami 1 Final Philadelphia 3 Cincinnati 1 Final Chicago Cubs 11 St. Louis 0

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

SEATTLE (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino had a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. tied the score 1-1 with a single to center field with one out and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Pasquantino grounded a single to right field drive in both runners, with Witt scoring after&nbsp;making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh&nbsp;to give the Royals a two-run lead.

Seth Lugo (6-5) allowed just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke got two outs each, and Carlos Estévez pitched 1 1/3 innings to get his 24th save. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone in the ninth and had runners on second and third after a wild pitch with one out, but struck out Julio Rodríguez and got Raleigh to ground out to end the game.

Jorge Polanco homered in the fourth inning to put the Mariners up 1-0, and also had two doubles,.

Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, made his first big league start since May 10 and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three.

Casey Legumina (4-4) walked the first two batters to begin the seventh inning and was replaced by Carlos Vargas, who gave up the run-scoring hits to Witt and Pasquantino.

The Royals capitalized on consecutive walks by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India against Legumijna to start the seventh, setting the stage for Witt and Pasquantino.

Witt has now hit safely in his last 23 road games, breaking Hal McRae's 42-year-old Kansas City record.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) opens a three-game series at Arizona against Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) faces Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (7-4, 2.93).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751631856431.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hits a two-run single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hits a two-run single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino had a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday night.Bobby Witt Jr. tied the score 1-1 with a single to center field with one out and then stole second base to put two runners in scoring position. Pasquantino grounded a single to right field drive in both runners, with Witt scoring after&nbsp;making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh&nbsp;to give the Royals a two-run lead.Seth Lugo (6-5) allowed just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke got two outs each, and Carlos Estévez pitched 1 1/3 innings to get his 24th save. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone in the ninth and had runners on second and third after a wild pitch with one out, but struck out Julio Rodríguez and got Raleigh to ground out to end the game.Jorge Polanco homered in the fourth inning to put the Mariners up 1-0, and also had two doubles,.Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, made his first big league start since May 10 and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three.Casey Legumina (4-4) walked the first two batters to begin the seventh inning and was replaced by Carlos Vargas, who gave up the run-scoring hits to Witt and Pasquantino.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals capitalized on consecutive walks by Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India against Legumijna to start the seventh, setting the stage for Witt and Pasquantino.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt has now hit safely in his last 23 road games, breaking Hal McRae's 42-year-old Kansas City record.Up nextRoyals LHP Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) opens a three-game series at Arizona against Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) faces Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (7-4, 2.93).

Pasquantino hits two-run single in 7th inning as Royals beat Mariners 3-2

KUAthletics.com LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football had eight players selected to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 teams, highlighted by seniors&nbsp;Bryce Foster&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dean Miller&nbsp;picked as All-Big 12 first team selections.

Kansas had eight selections total to the Athlon Preseason All-Big 12 teams, including Foster (Offensive line, First Team), Miller (Defensive end, First Team),&nbsp;Daniel Hishaw Jr.&nbsp;(Running back, &nbsp;Second Team),&nbsp;Laith Marjan&nbsp;(Kicker, Second Team),&nbsp;Kobe Baynes&nbsp;(Offensive line, Third Team),&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr.&nbsp;(Wide receiver, Fourth Team), DJ Withers (Defensive line, Fourth Team) and&nbsp;Joseph Sipp Jr.&nbsp;(Linebacker, Fourth team).

All of Kansas' selections are first-time honorees by Athlon, while Foster was named First Team Preseason All-Big 12 by Phil Steele Magazine, Marjan earned Second Team honors and Miller earned Third Team honors.

Foster, a native of Katy, Texas, enters his redshirt senior season after starting all 12 games and paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit in 2024. Foster was named Second Team All-Big 12 at the end of the 2024 season, before competing in track and field for the Jayhawks, earning Second Team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.

Miller enters the 2025 season following a breakout junior campaign, in which he was named Second Team All-Big 12 for compiling a career-high 6.0 sacks, which were tied for the sixth most in the Big 12 Conference. Miller started all 12 games at defensive end, adding 32 tackles and 10.0 tackles-for-loss.

Hishaw Jr. enters his redshirt senior season as Kansas' leading returning rusher, carrying 65 times for 376 yards and three touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2024. Hishaw was named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List in 2023 and 2024.Marjan, a transfer from South Alabama, was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award and was named Second Team All-Sun Belt in 2024. Marjan connected on 16-of-17 field goals in 2024 with his only miss coming from beyond 50 yards and was 42-of-44 on extra points. Baynes has started 14 games at guard for the Jayhawks over the past two seasons, including 12 in 2024 and three in 2023.

Selected to the Fourth Team, Henderson Jr. enters his first season at KU after three seasons at Alabama, where he played in 33 games for the Crimson Tide. Sipp Jr. arrives to Kansas from Bowling Green, where he was an All-MAC First Team selection in 2024. Sipp appeared in 37 games as a Falcon, compiling 171 tackles and 15 tackles-for-loss over his career. Withers started seven games at defensive tackle in 2024 for the Jayhawks, recording a career-high 21 tackles and 4 tackles-for-loss.

The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025.

KUAthletics.com LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football had eight players selected to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 teams, highlighted by seniors&nbsp;Bryce Foster&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dean Miller&nbsp;picked as All-Big 12 first team selections.Kansas had eight selections total to the Athlon Preseason All-Big 12 teams, including Foster (Offensive line, First Team), Miller (Defensive end, First Team),&nbsp;Daniel Hishaw Jr.&nbsp;(Running back, &nbsp;Second Team),&nbsp;Laith Marjan&nbsp;(Kicker, Second Team),&nbsp;Kobe Baynes&nbsp;(Offensive line, Third Team),&nbsp;Emmanuel Henderson Jr.&nbsp;(Wide receiver, Fourth Team), DJ Withers (Defensive line, Fourth Team) and&nbsp;Joseph Sipp Jr.&nbsp;(Linebacker, Fourth team).All of Kansas' selections are first-time honorees by Athlon, while Foster was named First Team Preseason All-Big 12 by Phil Steele Magazine, Marjan earned Second Team honors and Miller earned Third Team honors.Foster, a native of Katy, Texas, enters his redshirt senior season after starting all 12 games and paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit in 2024. Foster was named Second Team All-Big 12 at the end of the 2024 season, before competing in track and field for the Jayhawks, earning Second Team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.Miller enters the 2025 season following a breakout junior campaign, in which he was named Second Team All-Big 12 for compiling a career-high 6.0 sacks, which were tied for the sixth most in the Big 12 Conference. Miller started all 12 games at defensive end, adding 32 tackles and 10.0 tackles-for-loss.Hishaw Jr. enters his redshirt senior season as Kansas' leading returning rusher, carrying 65 times for 376 yards and three touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2024. Hishaw was named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List in 2023 and 2024.Marjan, a transfer from South Alabama, was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award and was named Second Team All-Sun Belt in 2024. Marjan connected on 16-of-17 field goals in 2024 with his only miss coming from beyond 50 yards and was 42-of-44 on extra points. Baynes has started 14 games at guard for the Jayhawks over the past two seasons, including 12 in 2024 and three in 2023.Selected to the Fourth Team, Henderson Jr. enters his first season at KU after three seasons at Alabama, where he played in 33 games for the Crimson Tide. Sipp Jr. arrives to Kansas from Bowling Green, where he was an All-MAC First Team selection in 2024. Sipp appeared in 37 games as a Falcon, compiling 171 tackles and 15 tackles-for-loss over his career. Withers started seven games at defensive tackle in 2024 for the Jayhawks, recording a career-high 21 tackles and 4 tackles-for-loss.The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State. The season-opener serves as the first of seven games coming to Lawrence in 2025.

Eight Jayhawks Named to Athlon Preseason All-Big 12 Teams

MADRID (AP) — Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother were killed in a car accident in Spain, police have said. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota and his brother were found dead after their car went off a road near the northwestern city of Zamora. Police were investigating the causes. They said there were no other vehicles involved. The 28-year-old Jota and his brother, 25-year-old André Silva, both Portuguese players, were in the car. Jota also played for Portugal’s national team. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw has reached an incredible milestone, becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. On Wednesday night, he struck out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox with a slider in the sixth inning. The 37-year-old Dodgers pitcher joins an elite group, including just three other left-handers, to achieve this feat. Fans at Dodger Stadium gave Kershaw a standing ovation as he tipped his cap and acknowledged his family in the stands. Despite not earning the win, Kershaw expressed gratitude for his teammates and the moment, calling it a special achievement in his 18th season.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers will have three fan-elected starters in the All-Star Game, with first baseman Freddie Freeman and catcher Will Smith joining designated hitter Shohei Ohtani as winners in final ballot totals. Detroit will have three fan-picked starters for the first time since 2007 after second baseman Gleyber Torres along with outfielders Riley Greene and Javier Báez were voted in at their positions for the July 15 game at Atlanta’s Truist Park. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs were picked for the NL outfield along with Ronald Acuña Jr. of the host Braves.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, sources tell the Associated Press. The Portland Trail Blazers bought out Ayton’s contract last weekend, and he will now team up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic for the upcoming season. Ayton, a 7-footer and former No. 1 overall pick, averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over seven NBA seasons. His addition addresses the Lakers’ need for size in the paint after trading Anthony Davis. Ayton, who turns 27 this month, brings experience but has yet to make an All-Star appearance in his career.

LONDON (AP) — One tennis player's public lament about feeling alone after a loss at Wimbledon has revived the conversation about mental health in the sport. Three-time Grand Slam runner-up Alexander Zverev discussed his state of mind after a first-round exit at the All England Club this week. Other competitors were asked Wednesday about Zverev’s words and some said they could empathize. Some offered advice. When Naomi Osaka opened up about her anxiety and depression at the 2021 French Open, it sparked a conversation in sports — and society at large — about mental health and the importance of addressing such issues.

NEW YORK (AP) — A person with knowledge of the details says the New York Knicks have offered their coaching job to Mike Brown and are working to finalize a deal with the two-time NBA Coach of the Year. Brown would replace Tom Thibodeau, who was fired last month despite leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. He had his second interview with the Knicks on Tuesday before the job was offered, the person told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because details of the search were to remain private.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The U.S. men's soccer team advanced to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico after a 2-1 win over Guatemala. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said the sellout crowd of 22,423 at Energizer Park, which rooted overwhelmingly for the visitors, was “like to play in Guatemala." Diego Luna scored in the fourth and 15th minutes for the U.S., giving him three goals in the tournament. Sunday's final in Houston will be the Americans’ last competitive match before next year’s World Cup.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Diego Luna scored twice in the first 15 minutes, and the United States hung on to beat Guatemala 2-1 to reach its first CONCACAF Gold Cup final since 2021. Luna put the U.S. ahead with a left-footed shot in the fourth minute, then scored with his right in the 15th for his third goal in two games. Olger Escobar scored in the 80th for Guatemala. The U.S. plays defending champion Mexico for the title Sunday at Houston.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Raúl Jiménez scored in the 50th minute off an assist from 16-year-old Gilberto Mora and Mexico advanced to its 12th CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Honduras. El Tri advanced to play the United States in the final on Sunday night in Houston for the eighth meeting in the title game between the two countries with Mexico owning a 5-2 edge. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, the U.S. seven and Canada one.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Claire Hutton scored her first international goal as the U.S. beat Canada 3-0 in a friendly. Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan also found the net. The Americans have five straight wins by a combined score of 18-0 since losing to Brazil in April. Hutton's goal came in the 36th minute off a corner kick by Rose Lavelle, who also helped set up Coffey's earlier goal. This was the third game in seven days for the U.S., following two 4-0 wins over Ireland. The Americans face South Korea and Japan in September. Finals

Final Detroit 11 Washington 2 Final Boston 5 Cincinnati 3 Final Minnesota 2 Miami 1 Final Washington 9 Detroit 4 Final Cincinnati 8Boston 4 Final Atlanta 8 L.A. Angels 3 Final Chicago Cubs 5 Cleveland 4 Final Houston 5 Colorado 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Chicago White Sox 4

Final Tampa Bay 6 Athletics 5 Final Toronto 11 N.Y. Yankees 9 Final Texas 6 Baltimore 0 Final Seattle 3 Kansas City 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 5 St. Louis 0 Final Milwaukee 7 N.Y. Mets 2 Final San Diego 6 Philadelphia 4 Final Philadelphia 5 San Diego 1 Final N.Y. Mets 7 Milwaukee 3 Final San Francisco 6 Arizona 5

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MADRID (AP) — Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother were killed in a car accident in Spain, police have said. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota and his brother were found dead after their car went off a road near the northwestern city of Zamora. Police were investigating the causes. They said there were no other vehicles involved. The 28-year-old Jota and his brother, 25-year-old André Silva, both Portuguese players, were in the car. Jota also played for Portugal’s national team. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw has reached an incredible milestone, becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. On Wednesday night, he struck out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox with a slider in the sixth inning. The 37-year-old Dodgers pitcher joins an elite group, including just three other left-handers, to achieve this feat. Fans at Dodger Stadium gave Kershaw a standing ovation as he tipped his cap and acknowledged his family in the stands. Despite not earning the win, Kershaw expressed gratitude for his teammates and the moment, calling it a special achievement in his 18th season.NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers will have three fan-elected starters in the All-Star Game, with first baseman Freddie Freeman and catcher Will Smith joining designated hitter Shohei Ohtani as winners in final ballot totals. Detroit will have three fan-picked starters for the first time since 2007 after second baseman Gleyber Torres along with outfielders Riley Greene and Javier Báez were voted in at their positions for the July 15 game at Atlanta’s Truist Park. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs were picked for the NL outfield along with Ronald Acuña Jr. of the host Braves.EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, sources tell the Associated Press. The Portland Trail Blazers bought out Ayton’s contract last weekend, and he will now team up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic for the upcoming season. Ayton, a 7-footer and former No. 1 overall pick, averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over seven NBA seasons. His addition addresses the Lakers’ need for size in the paint after trading Anthony Davis. Ayton, who turns 27 this month, brings experience but has yet to make an All-Star appearance in his career.LONDON (AP) — One tennis player's public lament about feeling alone after a loss at Wimbledon has revived the conversation about mental health in the sport. Three-time Grand Slam runner-up Alexander Zverev discussed his state of mind after a first-round exit at the All England Club this week. Other competitors were asked Wednesday about Zverev’s words and some said they could empathize. Some offered advice. When Naomi Osaka opened up about her anxiety and depression at the 2021 French Open, it sparked a conversation in sports — and society at large — about mental health and the importance of addressing such issues.NEW YORK (AP) — A person with knowledge of the details says the New York Knicks have offered their coaching job to Mike Brown and are working to finalize a deal with the two-time NBA Coach of the Year. Brown would replace Tom Thibodeau, who was fired last month despite leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. He had his second interview with the Knicks on Tuesday before the job was offered, the person told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because details of the search were to remain private.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The U.S. men's soccer team advanced to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico after a 2-1 win over Guatemala. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said the sellout crowd of 22,423 at Energizer Park, which rooted overwhelmingly for the visitors, was “like to play in Guatemala." Diego Luna scored in the fourth and 15th minutes for the U.S., giving him three goals in the tournament. Sunday's final in Houston will be the Americans’ last competitive match before next year’s World Cup.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Diego Luna scored twice in the first 15 minutes, and the United States hung on to beat Guatemala 2-1 to reach its first CONCACAF Gold Cup final since 2021. Luna put the U.S. ahead with a left-footed shot in the fourth minute, then scored with his right in the 15th for his third goal in two games. Olger Escobar scored in the 80th for Guatemala. The U.S. plays defending champion Mexico for the title Sunday at Houston.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Raúl Jiménez scored in the 50th minute off an assist from 16-year-old Gilberto Mora and Mexico advanced to its 12th CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Honduras. El Tri advanced to play the United States in the final on Sunday night in Houston for the eighth meeting in the title game between the two countries with Mexico owning a 5-2 edge. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, the U.S. seven and Canada one.WASHINGTON (AP) — Claire Hutton scored her first international goal as the U.S. beat Canada 3-0 in a friendly. Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan also found the net. The Americans have five straight wins by a combined score of 18-0 since losing to Brazil in April. Hutton's goal came in the 36th minute off a corner kick by Rose Lavelle, who also helped set up Coffey's earlier goal. This was the third game in seven days for the U.S., following two 4-0 wins over Ireland. The Americans face South Korea and Japan in September. Finals

INTERLEAGUEFinal Detroit 11 Washington 2 Final Boston 5 Cincinnati 3 Final Minnesota 2 Miami 1 Final Washington 9 Detroit 4 Final Cincinnati 8Boston 4 Final Atlanta 8 L.A. Angels 3 Final Chicago Cubs 5 Cleveland 4 Final Houston 5 Colorado 3 Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Chicago White Sox 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Tampa Bay 6 Athletics 5 Final Toronto 11 N.Y. Yankees 9 Final Texas 6 Baltimore 0 Final Seattle 3 Kansas City 2NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 5 St. Louis 0 Final Milwaukee 7 N.Y. Mets 2 Final San Diego 6 Philadelphia 4 Final Philadelphia 5 San Diego 1 Final N.Y. Mets 7 Milwaukee 3 Final San Francisco 6 Arizona 5

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;Julio Rodriguez hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning&nbsp;and Randy Arozarena drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Rodriguez, who left the bases loaded in the fifth inning, atoned for that missed opportunity by hitting a first-pitch cutter from reliever Steven Cruz, who entered for Angel Zerpa (3-1), to the left side. Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia got a piece of Rodriguez’s hit before it ricocheted past him, allowing the Mariners to take a 2-1 lead.

Arozarena, who hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to center in the seventh. The Mariners needed that extra run as the Royals closed within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Salvador Perez.

Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) struck out two in one inning of relieft and closer Andres Munoz picked up his 19th save.

With runners on first and third in the top of the first inning, Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right. Kansas City scored just one run in the inning, but could have scored more had Caglianone's ball fallen for a hit.

Arozarena has homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his major league career.&nbsp;He also homered in three straight American League Division Series games with the Tampa Bay Rays from Oct. 5-7 in 2020.

Seattle RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) goes against Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74) in the finale of the four-game set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751542425728.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Seattle Mariners' Randy Arozarena hits a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Seattle Mariners' Randy Arozarena hits a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;Julio Rodriguez hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning&nbsp;and Randy Arozarena drove in two runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night.Rodriguez, who left the bases loaded in the fifth inning, atoned for that missed opportunity by hitting a first-pitch cutter from reliever Steven Cruz, who entered for Angel Zerpa (3-1), to the left side. Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia got a piece of Rodriguez’s hit before it ricocheted past him, allowing the Mariners to take a 2-1 lead.Arozarena, who hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to center in the seventh. The Mariners needed that extra run as the Royals closed within a run in the eighth inning on an RBI single from Salvador Perez.Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas (3-5) struck out two in one inning of relieft and closer Andres Munoz picked up his 19th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>With runners on first and third in the top of the first inning, Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone lined out sharply to right. Kansas City scored just one run in the inning, but could have scored more had Caglianone's ball fallen for a hit.<h2>Key stat</h2>Arozarena has homered in three consecutive regular-season games for the first time in his major league career.&nbsp;He also homered in three straight American League Division Series games with the Tampa Bay Rays from Oct. 5-7 in 2020.<h2>Up next</h2>Seattle RHP Bryan Woo (7-4, 2.93 ERA) goes against Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74) in the finale of the four-game set.

Julio Rodriguez delivers a go-ahead RBI single to lift the Mariners past Royals 3-2

Winners were announced for the 2025 Pitch Hit &amp; Run competition held in Great Bend on July 1. More than 80 children participated at the Great Bend Sports Complex, showing off their baseball and softball skills.

Scores will be submitted to the Pitch Hit &amp; Run website on Thursday and the Great Bend Recreation Commission and Great Bend Optimist Club will hear back from them sometime in August on if any of the local participants qualify for the Team Competition at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City.

7/8-year-old Baseball Maverick Divilbiss - 765 Points

7/8-year-old&nbsp;Softball                 Luxe Wells - 710 Points

9/10-year-old&nbsp;Baseball     Briggs Keiswetter - 1,080 Points

9/10-year-old Softball                Paisley Panning - 870 Points

11/12-year-old Baseball    Braun Keiswetter - 1,190 Points

11/12-year-old Softball Marilyn Schenek - 995 Points

13/14-year-old Baseball   Aden Rexwinkle - 825 Points

13/14-year-old Softball Baze Hogan - 1,000 Points&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751467619807.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Winners were announced for the 2025 Pitch Hit &amp; Run competition held in Great Bend on July 1. More than 80 children participated at the Great Bend Sports Complex, showing off their baseball and softball skills.Scores will be submitted to the Pitch Hit &amp; Run website on Thursday and the Great Bend Recreation Commission and Great Bend Optimist Club will hear back from them sometime in August on if any of the local participants qualify for the Team Competition at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City.7/8-year-old Baseball Maverick Divilbiss - 765 Points                        7/8-year-old&nbsp;Softball                 Luxe Wells - 710 Points9/10-year-old&nbsp;Baseball     Briggs Keiswetter - 1,080 Points                    9/10-year-old Softball                Paisley Panning - 870 Points11/12-year-old Baseball    Braun Keiswetter - 1,190 Points                    11/12-year-old Softball Marilyn Schenek - 995 Points13/14-year-old Baseball   Aden Rexwinkle - 825 Points                    13/14-year-old Softball Baze Hogan - 1,000 Points&nbsp;&nbsp;

Winners announced from Great Bend's Pitch Hit & Run competition

WASHINGTON (AP) — The University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday modified a trio of school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and said it would apologize to female athletes “disadvantaged” by her participation on the women’s swimming team, part of a resolution of a federal civil rights case.

The U.S. Education Department and Penn announced the voluntary agreement of the high-profile case that focused on Thomas, who last competed for the Ivy League school in 2022, when she became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title.

The department investigated Penn as part of the Trump administration’s broader attempt to remove transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports, concluding the university in Philadelphia had violated the rights of female athletes.

Under the agreement, Penn agreed to restore all individual Division I records and titles to female athletes who lost to Thomas and send a personalized apology letter to each of those swimmers, the Education Department said.

By Tuesday afternoon, the Penn website showed other athletes holding the school's top times in Thomas' events. The site was annotated with a note that read, “Competing under eligibility rules in effect at the time, Lia Thomas set program records in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle during the 2021-22 season.”

“While Penn’s policies during the 2021-2022 swim season were in accordance with NCAA eligibility rules at the time, we acknowledge that some student-athletes were disadvantaged by these rules,” Penn President J. Larry Jameson said. “We recognize this and will apologize to those who experienced a competitive disadvantage or experienced anxiety because of the policies in effect at the time.”

As part of the settlement, the university must also announce that it “will not allow males to compete in female athletic programs” and it must adopt “biology-based” definitions of male and female, the department said.

In his statement, Jameson said Penn has always been in compliance with NCAA and Title IX rules as they were interpreted at the time, and that the university has never had its own policies around transgender athlete participation. The school has followed changes to eligibility guidelines as they were issued earlier this year, he said. The NCAA changed its participation policy for transgender athletes in February, limiting competition in women’s sports to athletes who were assigned female at birth.

“Our commitment to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all of our students is unwavering,” Jameson said. “At the same time, we must comply with federal requirements, including executive orders, and NCAA eligibility rules, so our teams and student-athletes may engage in competitive intercollegiate sports.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon called it a victory for women and girls.

“The Department commends UPenn for rectifying its past harms against women and girls, and we will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IX’s proper application and enforce it to the fullest extent of the law,” McMahon said in a statement.

Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines thanked President Donald Trump on social media and wrote of the settlement, “ Are pigs flying?" Gaines has said she started her activism against transgender athletes competing in women's sports after sharing a locker room with Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships.

The Education Department opened its investigation in February and concluded in April that Penn had violated Title IX, a 1972 law forbidding sex discrimination in education. Such findings have almost always been resolved through voluntary agreements. If Penn had fought the finding, the department could have moved to refer the case to the Justice Department or pursued a separate process to cut the school’s federal funding.

In February, the Education Department asked the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFSHSA, to restore titles, awards and records it says have been “misappropriated by biological males competing in female categories.”

The most obvious target at the college level was in women’s swimming, where Thomas won the national title in the 500-yard freestyle in 2022.

The NCAA has updated its record books when recruiting and other violations have stripped titles from certain schools, but the organization, like the NFSHSA, has not responded to the federal government's request and did not respond to emails seeking comment Tuesday. It was not clear how either would determine which events had a transgender athlete participating years later.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday modified a trio of school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and said it would apologize to female athletes “disadvantaged” by her participation on the women’s swimming team, part of a resolution of a federal civil rights case.The U.S. Education Department and Penn announced the voluntary agreement of the high-profile case that focused on Thomas, who last competed for the Ivy League school in 2022, when she became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title.The department investigated Penn as part of the Trump administration’s broader attempt to remove transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports, concluding the university in Philadelphia had violated the rights of female athletes.Under the agreement, Penn agreed to restore all individual Division I records and titles to female athletes who lost to Thomas and send a personalized apology letter to each of those swimmers, the Education Department said.By Tuesday afternoon, the Penn website showed other athletes holding the school's top times in Thomas' events. The site was annotated with a note that read, “Competing under eligibility rules in effect at the time, Lia Thomas set program records in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle during the 2021-22 season.”“While Penn’s policies during the 2021-2022 swim season were in accordance with NCAA eligibility rules at the time, we acknowledge that some student-athletes were disadvantaged by these rules,” Penn President J. Larry Jameson said. “We recognize this and will apologize to those who experienced a competitive disadvantage or experienced anxiety because of the policies in effect at the time.”As part of the settlement, the university must also announce that it “will not allow males to compete in female athletic programs” and it must adopt “biology-based” definitions of male and female, the department said.In his statement, Jameson said Penn has always been in compliance with NCAA and Title IX rules as they were interpreted at the time, and that the university has never had its own policies around transgender athlete participation. The school has followed changes to eligibility guidelines as they were issued earlier this year, he said. The NCAA changed its participation policy for transgender athletes in February, limiting competition in women’s sports to athletes who were assigned female at birth.“Our commitment to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all of our students is unwavering,” Jameson said. “At the same time, we must comply with federal requirements, including executive orders, and NCAA eligibility rules, so our teams and student-athletes may engage in competitive intercollegiate sports.”Education Secretary Linda McMahon called it a victory for women and girls.“The Department commends UPenn for rectifying its past harms against women and girls, and we will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IX’s proper application and enforce it to the fullest extent of the law,” McMahon said in a statement.Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines thanked President Donald Trump on social media and wrote of the settlement, “ Are pigs flying?" Gaines has said she started her activism against transgender athletes competing in women's sports after sharing a locker room with Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships.The Education Department opened its investigation in February and concluded in April that Penn had violated Title IX, a 1972 law forbidding sex discrimination in education. Such findings have almost always been resolved through voluntary agreements. If Penn had fought the finding, the department could have moved to refer the case to the Justice Department or pursued a separate process to cut the school’s federal funding.In February, the Education Department asked the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFSHSA, to restore titles, awards and records it says have been “misappropriated by biological males competing in female categories.”The most obvious target at the college level was in women’s swimming, where Thomas won the national title in the 500-yard freestyle in 2022.The NCAA has updated its record books when recruiting and other violations have stripped titles from certain schools, but the organization, like the NFSHSA, has not responded to the federal government's request and did not respond to emails seeking comment Tuesday. It was not clear how either would determine which events had a transgender athlete participating years later.

UPenn updates swimming records set by Lia Thomas, settling with feds on transgender athletes case

By MAURA CAREY AP sports writer

The NCAA's House settlement era opened Tuesday, with athletic programs across the country free to start paying millions to their athletes in the biggest change in the history of college athletics.

The end of the NCAA's longstanding amateur model is certain to cause headaches and disputes among powerhouse schools and smaller colleges alike. Scattered among them, however, is a handful of schools that have decided to wait it out at least a year to see how things develop, including legal risks and Title IX concerns.

The Ivy League removed itself from the conversation early, saying in January that its eight schools — which do not award athletic scholarships — will not participate. Military rules bar Navy, Air Force, and Army from compensating athletes through name, image and likeness deals. But alongside the academies are others choosing to watch the settlement unfold from the sidelines during year one.

The deadline for schools to opt out was Monday. There were very few announcements. Among them: Nebraska-Omaha and Montana.

“Although we welcome the approval and intent of the settlement, our mission remains to protect the interests of our current student-athletes while honoring UNO’s core values as we transition to a new era,” the university wrote in a statement. “Opting in at this stage ... would simply introduce new and unresolved variables at a time when clarity is critical.”

Omaha cited Title IX compliance as a reason, which according to attorney Mit Winter, a college sports legal expert, should be a legitimate concern for any university opting in and deciding to share up to $20.5 million with its athletes over the next year alone.

“A lot of people think Title IX doesn’t mandate that the rev-share dollars be paid out the same way that athletic scholarships have to be paid out, which is proportional to the male-female student population,” Winter said. “Most (Power Four) schools, 90- to 95% of their $20.5 million are going to go to male athletes — football and basketball in most cases.”

Another noteworthy opt-out is Montana, whose football team consistently competes at a high level. Athletic director Kent Haslam informed multiple outlets of the university’s decision, which comes as archrival Montana State opts in.

“It’s not like we’ve been sitting on this extra pot of revenue that now, magically, we’ll be able to share,” Haslam told the Montana Kaimin in April.

Winter said even a year on the sideline could hurt.

“It makes it much harder to compete in recruiting if schools you’re competing against are able to pay their athletes up to $20.5 million and you’re not able to pay them anything,” Winter said. “In my view, Montana State just gave themselves a huge advantage in recruiting over Montana.”

By MAURA CAREY AP sports writerThe NCAA's House settlement era opened Tuesday, with athletic programs across the country free to start paying millions to their athletes in the biggest change in the history of college athletics.The end of the NCAA's longstanding amateur model is certain to cause headaches and disputes among powerhouse schools and smaller colleges alike. Scattered among them, however, is a handful of schools that have decided to wait it out at least a year to see how things develop, including legal risks and Title IX concerns.Call them the opt-outs.The Ivy League removed itself from the conversation early, saying in January that its eight schools — which do not award athletic scholarships — will not participate. Military rules bar Navy, Air Force, and Army from compensating athletes through name, image and likeness deals. But alongside the academies are others choosing to watch the settlement unfold from the sidelines during year one.The deadline for schools to opt out was Monday. There were very few announcements. Among them: Nebraska-Omaha and Montana.“Although we welcome the approval and intent of the settlement, our mission remains to protect the interests of our current student-athletes while honoring UNO’s core values as we transition to a new era,” the university wrote in a statement. “Opting in at this stage ... would simply introduce new and unresolved variables at a time when clarity is critical.”Omaha cited Title IX compliance as a reason, which according to attorney Mit Winter, a college sports legal expert, should be a legitimate concern for any university opting in and deciding to share up to $20.5 million with its athletes over the next year alone.“A lot of people think Title IX doesn’t mandate that the rev-share dollars be paid out the same way that athletic scholarships have to be paid out, which is proportional to the male-female student population,” Winter said. “Most (Power Four) schools, 90- to 95% of their $20.5 million are going to go to male athletes — football and basketball in most cases.”Another noteworthy opt-out is Montana, whose football team consistently competes at a high level. Athletic director Kent Haslam informed multiple outlets of the university’s decision, which comes as archrival Montana State opts in.“It’s not like we’ve been sitting on this extra pot of revenue that now, magically, we’ll be able to share,” Haslam told the Montana Kaimin in April.Winter said even a year on the sideline could hurt.“It makes it much harder to compete in recruiting if schools you’re competing against are able to pay their athletes up to $20.5 million and you’re not able to pay them anything,” Winter said. “In my view, Montana State just gave themselves a huge advantage in recruiting over Montana.”For schools opting in – and that’s the vast majority across Division I -- there is a host of questions. Some are logistical: Many donor-backed collectives are disbanding or being brought in-house, a key change in fundraising. Schools are getting familiar with reporting and enforcement details for NIL deals over $600, and both school and athlete are getting crash courses on contracts that read more like the are from the NFL and other pro sports leagues.Plenty of opt-ins won’t reach the $20.5 million cap that will rise over the next decade. But regardless of finances, most schools have chosen to partake in the settlement to stay competitive in an evolving college sports landscape.“There are a lot of schools that feel the obligation to opt in to remain competitive," said Michael Rueda, an attorney leads the sports and entertainment division at the Withers law firm. "I do think it offers a bit more structure for some of those larger schools that have been spending a lot of time trying to build a collective and raise money so that they could keep their best athletes. And then there are other schools that just aren’t in the same category. From a dollars and cents perspective, it just doesn’t make sense across the board.”With limited resources and difficulties adapting to NIL ventures, Rueda said smaller schools face significant challenges against deep-pocketed universities.“I would envision that a lot of those schools can’t even fathom how to make this jump yet,” Rueda said. “They were struggling even before this trying to understand how institutional NIL worked. They probably were just coming to terms with how some of that stuff might have been feasible for them, and now you’re completely changing the game. And so they have to get up to speed and figure out what this looks like for a school of that size with limited resources, budget staff and all that.”