Wander Franco involved in armed altercation

 

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was involved in an armed altercation in a parking lot in the Dominican Republic countryside and was arrested, police said Monday.

Meregirdo Espinosa, a Dominican police spokesman, told The Associated Press it happened in San Juan de la Maguana, a city that is 116 miles (187 kilometers) west of the Dominican Republic's capital of Santo Domingo. Franco was arrested Sunday. Another man and a woman were also detained, police said.

Espinosa didn't specify who, but said some men in the altercation were carrying firearms.

Dak Prescott season ending surgery

 

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will undergo season-ending surgery Wednesday on his injured hamstring, owner Jerry Jones announced Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

It was previously reported that Prescott was leaning toward having surgery, but the star QB planned to meet with a specialist to get a final opinion in hopes of avoiding a surgical procedure. Prescott is expected to be sidelined for four months.

Tyreek Hill plays with injured wrist

 

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was active against the Los Angeles Rams for Monday Night Football despite having a torn ligament in his wrist, he told Lisa Salters of ESPN.

The Dolphins defeated Los Angeles 23-15 and snapped a three-game losing streak. Hill only had three receptions for 16 yards, but he caught a touchdown in the third quarter to give Miami an 11-point lead.

Kevin Durant OUT 2 weeks

 

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durantwill miss at least two weeks of action after sustaining a left calf strain during Friday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks, the team announced Saturday, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz.

It's unclear when Durant suffered the injury, but he finished Friday's game with 26 points, five boards, four assists, and two blocks in 37 minutes.

The two-time Finals MVP will miss at least seven contests under the recovery timeline provided.

McCaffrey ready to go!

 

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey says he feels "ready to go" ahead of his expected season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"The last eight weeks were extremely unfortunate," McCaffrey said, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. "For me, it's very tough being injured. It's tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it's just not how you planned it. It wasn't expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I'm feeling great now. Ready to go."

Mark Stone OUT with injury

 

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone wasn't in the lineup Friday during his team's 4-3 overtime loss against the Seattle Kraken and is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, the team announced prior to the game.

Stone has been a catalyst for the Golden Knights so far this season, leading the club with 21 points in 13 games. He's on pace to smash his previous career high of 73 points.

Winnipeg Jets make history

 

The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Colorado Avalanche 1-0 on Thursday to become the second team in NHL history to begin a season with at least 13 wins through their first 14 games.

The 2007-08 Ottawa Senators, who began that season 13-1 before their second loss, are the only other team to do so.

Connor Hellebuyck made 35 saves for his second consecutive shutout. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner now has three clean sheets on the season and 40 in his illustrious career.

Thursday night thriller

 

Another tight game, another loss for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's a frustrating pattern that has put the struggling team in danger of missing the playoffs despite the outstanding play of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.

For the second time in two games against the division rival Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals blew a big lead Thursday night and lost 35-34. Cincinnati was on the cusp of reaching .500 following an 0-3 start, but those hopes vanished as quickly as its 14-point lead in the third quarter.

In their previous game against Baltimore last month, the Bengals (4-6) frittered away a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter before losing 41-38 in overtime.

Kyle Hendricks signs with Angels

 

The Los Angeles Angels signed veteran starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Hendricks, 34, is coming off a rough season with the Chicago Cubs in which he posted a 5.92 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 130 2/3 innings.

The righty has spent all 11 of his MLB seasons with the Cubs.

Joel Embiid suspended for shoving reporter

 

The NBA suspended Joel Embiid three games without pay for shoving a media member, the league announced Tuesday.

The incident occurred in the Philadelphia 76ers' locker room following Saturday's defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies.

"Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA," NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in a statement.

Ohtani requires shoulder surgery

 

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear that was sustained when he dislocated his left shoulder in Game 2 of the World Series, the club announced Tuesday.

Ohtani, the NL MVP favorite, is expected to be ready for spring training.

Jason Kelce in trouble with Penn State police

Penn State University police are investigating an altercation between retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and a fan over a cellphone that occurred over the weekend before the game between the Nittany Lions and Ohio State.

The police department's incident log includes an entry registered Saturday in which an “officer observed a visitor damaging personal property.”

PSU public information officer Jacqueline Sheader confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the incident involved Kelce and said that the process is ongoing. The report listed the potential offenses as criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Matthews OUT with injury

 

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury and won't play against the Boston Bruins, the team announced Tuesday.

Matthews has five goals and 11 points through 13 games this season, and he leads the league in shots on goal with 56. He missed time in training camp due to an "upper-body thing," as described by head coach Craig Berube.

"He's been fighting through it a bit," Berube said Tuesday, according to Postmedia's Terry Koshan.

McCaffrey: Sunday Return?

 

The San Francisco 49ers opened running back Christian McCaffrey's practice window Monday as he looks to return from the Achilles/calf injuries that landed him on injured reserve, the team announced.

McCaffrey could potentially make his season debut Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pastrnak benched 3rd Period

 

Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery refused to provide details postgame about why superstar David Pastrnak didn't play a shift in the third period of Sunday's win over the Seattle Kraken.

"Coach's decision in the third period," Montgomery said, per Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub. "That's all I'm gonna comment on."

Pastrnak played 14:21 in the opening two periods, recording seven shots, two giveaways, and one block before his night ended prematurely. He entered the contest as Boston's leading scorer with 11 points in 12 games but was goalless over his last three appearances.

Nacua ejected for punching

 

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was disqualified from Sunday's 26-20 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter.

Nacua seemingly punched Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson after Matthew Staffordthrew an interception and the play was dead. The wideout was flagged for unnecessary roughness following the incident.

Prescott leaves with hamstring injury

 

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons with a hamstring injury, the team announced.

Prescott seemingly sustained the injury while attempting a pass late in the third quarter. Cooper Rushentered the game at QB with Dallas trailing 27-13.

Royals sign Wacha 3 Years

 

The Kansas City Royals announced Sunday they signed starting pitcher Michael Wacha to a three-year contract.

Wacha's deal is worth $51 million and includes a club option for a fourth year as well as incentives that would increase the total value to $72 million, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports.

Kansas City would have likely extended Wacha a qualifying offer had he not exercised his $16-million player option for 2025, Passan adds.

Barzal OUT 4-6 weeks

 

New York Islanders forward Mat Barzal will miss four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury, the club announced Saturday.

The Islanders moved Barzal to long-term injured reserve, while they gave defenseman Adam Pelech the same recovery timetable and placed him on regular IR.

Gerrit Cole opted out of contract

 

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole opted out of his contract, which still had four years and $144 million left on it, sources told Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The Yankees can void the opt-out by adding one year and $36 million to the deal, which would give him $180 million over the next five seasons.

Freeman played World Series with broken rib

 

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman played the entire postseason with broken costal cartilage in his sixth rib, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Freeman also dealt with a much-publicized high right ankle sprain and the continued impact of a fractured middle finger he sustained in August.

The 35-year-old battled through the injuries to win World Series MVP in the Dodgers' victory over the New York Yankees.

Dodgers win World Series

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions after defeating the New York Yankees in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Here are some of the best celebrations of the Dodgers' first World Series title since the shortened 2020 campaign.

Walker Buehler recorded the final out of the series and delivered an all-time great pose after striking out Alex Verdugo to win the Fall Classic.

Jessica Campbell trail blazing

 

Jessica Campbell stood behind the visitors' bench watching that night’s opponent in warm-ups.

The Seattle Kraken assistant coach was focused on the Dallas Stars’ line rushes and defensemen pairs when she noticed a young girl in the stands.

“Just so excited,” Campbell recalled of the face looking back through the glass. “I locked eyes with her in that moment … it hit me that I’m looking at her and she can now see what she can become. I never had that.”

Yankees fan tries to rip glove off

 

A pair of New York Yankees fans were removed from Game 4 of the World Series after they interfered with a catch in foul territory by Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts.

Replay showed the fans grabbing Betts' glove and attempting to rip the ball from it.

Chisholm smells Yankee come back

 

New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. feels like his team got some of its mojo back with Tuesday's Game 4 win to extend the World Series.

"The one thing about us is, we love history, and we love to make history. So, for us, we're out here trying to make history right now," Chisholm said postgame, per SNY. "We know it's never been done (in the World Series), a 3-0 comeback, but we feel like we're the team that can do it."

Rizzo stands up for Judge

 

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo is standing by Aaron Judge despite his postseason struggles.

"He's never let this team down," Rizzo said Tuesday, according to SNY. "His presence, who he is in the clubhouse, what he brings to all of us, he's never let us down."

Judge is hitting .140 in 43 postseason at-bats with 20 strikeouts. He's struggled mightily in the World Series with one hit and seven strikeouts across 12 at-bats over three games.

Rudy Gay retires 17 Seasons

 

Veteran forward Rudy Gay is retiring after 17 seasons in the NBA, he announced Tuesday in The Players' Tribune.

The Houston Rockets selected Gay with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft and subsequently traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gay spent his first seven seasons with the Grizzlies, averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 boards, two assists, and 1.3 steals across 479 appearances. The UConn product made the NBA All-Rookie first team and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. His 8,562 points in a Grizzlies uniform rank fifth on the franchise's all-time leaderboard.

Steelers down Giants MNF

 

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin pulled Calvin Austin III aside before the undersized wide receiver took the field for a punt return in the third quarter of a somewhat lifeless game against the New York Giants.

The Steelers were scuffling. The offense was moving the ball, just not into the end zone. Tomlin knew the 5-foot-9, 162-pound Austin had come close to breaking a big return several times this season. And the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach had a feeling.

Yankees down 3-0 in World Series

 

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone knows his team is facing long odds after going down 3-0 in the World Series with a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3. 

But, as the Yankees embark on a quest to make history, Boone is simplifying his team's goals and just trying to survive one more day.

Lightning welcome Stamkos

 

The Lightning honored franchise icon Steven Stamkos with a touching video tribute in his first game back in Tampa Bay after signing with the Nashville Predators as a free agent this past offseason.

McCaffrey close to returning

 

The San Francisco 49ers could have Christian McCaffrey back at practice as early as next week.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that San Francisco intends to open the 21-day window to activate the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year off injured reserve if he responds well to this week's work, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.

"It's going to be nice getting him back, hopefully," Shanahan added.

49ers tackle more injuries

 

The San Francisco 49ers finished Sunday night's win over the Dallas Cowboys without running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Mason left the contest in the first half with a shoulder injury, while Samuel was sidelined in the second half after injuring his ribs. The tailback and wideout were listed as questionable to return, and though the 49ers never officially ruled them out, they didn't play again.

Samuel's status entering Week 8 was uncertain after he was hospitalized while dealing with pneumonia. However, the one-time Pro Bowler managed to play and posted four catches for 71 yards before exiting the matchup. He also carried the ball four times for 15 yards.

Dodgers interested in Juan Soto

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers must like what they see from New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto in the World Series.

The Dodgers are interested in signing Soto this offseason and intend to make a play for him if interest is mutual, sources told the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

Yankees people don't believe Soto wants to return to the West Coast after his tenure with the San Diego Padres only lasted a season-and-a-half, Heyman reports. They think their biggest threats for Soto in free agency are the New York Mets and, potentially, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ohtani to play Game 3

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani is likely to play in Game 3 of the World Series despite suffering a shoulder subluxation in the previous contest, manager Dave Roberts told ESPN's Karl Ravech on Sunday.

The skipper added Ohtani is "in a great spot" after he left Saturday's Game 2 against the New York Yankees in visible pain.

Roberts didn't elaborate on the MRI results Ohtani received on his shoulder but did say the superstar will go through a standard hitting workout today before the call is made Monday based on pain tolerance, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Ohtani 50th HR Ball sells $4M+

 

Consider it another record for Shohei Ohtani. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers star's 50th home run baseball from September - the one that secured the first 50-50 season in MLB history - sold at auction for a record $4.392 million.

Goldin announced Wednesday that the baseball was the highest sale price for any ball of any sport in history.

LeBron & Bronny James made History

 

LeBron James and Bronny James made history, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game during the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

The tandem took the court at the 4:00 mark of the second quarter of the Lakers' season opener.

Watson to undergo surgery

 

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson will undergo surgery in the coming days to repair a broken ankle, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

There's an outside chance Watson could return for a late-season playoff push, but his campaign is likely over, Fowler adds.

Watson was spotted in the locker room on crutches following the Chiefs' win over the San Francisco 49ers after playing only 59% of the snaps in the contest.

Chris Godwin OUT for season

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin will undergo season-ending surgery on his dislocated ankle this week, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 

Godwin is expected to make a full recovery and return for the 2025 season, Rapoport adds. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024 campaign.

The Penn State product left Monday night's game on a cart with 0:43 left in the fourth quarter of a 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Brandon Aiyuk out for season

The San Francisco 49ers announced Monday that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will miss the rest of the 2024 season after tearing his ACL and MCL.

Aiyuk was carted to the locker room during Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after taking a hit to his right knee. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said postgame that the team was worried Aiyuk had an ACL injury, and an MRI confirmed it Monday.

 

Ohtani & Dodgers reach World Series

 

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is thrilled to have finally reached the World Series.

"This is a place that I've dreamt of playing all of my life," Ohtani told Fox Sports through translator Will Ireton. "To be able to finally come to this stage, be able to play, and hopefully win it is my next goal."

Stanton named MVP

 

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton was named MVP of the American League Championship Series after knocking off the Cleveland Guardians in five games. 

"Anything I can do to help us win," Stanton said. "It's a special moment for me, a special time, but this ain't the trophy I want. I want the next one.”

Stanton came up clutch with four home runs, seven RBIs, and a 1.222 OPS.

Mets force Game 6

Not easy to knock out these New York Mets.

Pete Alonso golfed an early three-run homer and the Mets hammered an ineffective Jack Flaherty, extending the National League Championship Series with a 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 on Friday.

Starling Marte had three doubles, four hits and three RBIs for New York. Francisco Alvarez broke out of a slump with three hits — including an RBI single in a five-run third inning. Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker each laced an RBI triple.

Jay Cutler charged with DUI and handgun possession

 

Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and possession of a handgun after a minor collision on Thursday.

Cutler, 41, was given a $5,000 bond and was released, according to a statement from the Franklin Police Department.

Police say they responded to an accident and it appeared that Cutler's vehicle rear-ended another. Officers detected the smell of alcohol on Cutler, who also had blood-shot eyes and was slurring his words, the police said.

Lindor says they believe

 

Francisco Lindor remains confident in the New York Mets after they were routed by the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-2 in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Thursday.

"If you have no belief, you shouldn't be here," Lindor said after the Dodgers took a 3-1 series lead with the victory, according to SNY.

Raiders to trade Crosby?

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis says there's no chance his team trades All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders dropped to 2-4 with Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and traded receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets on Tuesday. With the NFL Nov. 5 trade deadline approaching, there have been rumors that Las Vegas could focus on its rebuild and deal Crosby to add significant draft capital in exchange for its best player.

"There's so much outside chatter that is not true," Davis recently said, according to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic. "It's not coming from any sources. It's not coming from anything. My basic thing is never to answer all that stuff because, otherwise, you get trapped in this black hole. It's just not happening."

Lions sign McNeill

 

The Detroit Lions and defensive tackle Alim McNeill have agreed on a four-year extension, his agent Mike McCartney announced Tuesday.

The deal is worth $97 million with $55 million in guaranteed money, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Since starting six games as a rookie, McNeill has started all 35 contests he's appeared in since 2022, his second year in the league. He was a third-round selection in 2021.

Paul George out with knee injury

 

The Philadelphia 76ers announced Tuesday that star Paul George will miss at least one week after an MRI revealed a bone bruise and no structural damage in his left knee, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

George would be sidelined for the remainder of the preseason under that timeline and could potentially miss the 76ers' opening-night contest on Oct. 23 versus the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 34-year-old sustained the injury in the second quarter of Monday's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks and did not return. The team diagnosed him with a hyperextended left knee at the time.

Tom Brady to purchase 10% of Raiders

 

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady is expected to be approved as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders during Tuesday's NFL owners meeting, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The league's finance committee has reportedly reviewed Brady's bid and plans to bring it to the other owners to vote on ahead of the meeting. The finance committee unanimously approved Brady as a minority owner, Schefter reports.

Brady's bid needs approval from 24 of the league's 32 owners. The seven-time Super Bowl champion will become the third player in league history to become an owner, following George Halas and Jerry Richardson.

Barkov out 2-3 Weeks

 

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is expected to miss two-to-three weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday, according to team reporter Jameson Olive.

Barkov was helped off the ice after going feet-first into the end boards. He was trying to stop Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is expected to miss two-to-three weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday, according to team reporter Jameson Olive.

Barkov was helped off the ice after going feet-first into the end boards. He was trying to stop forward Tim Stutzle from scoring on an empty net in Thursday's loss to the Ottawa Senators. forward Tim Stutzle from scoring on an empty net in Thursday's loss to the Ottawa Senators.

Cleveland advances to ALCS

 

The Cleveland Guardians advanced to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016 after a thrilling 7-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.

Lane Thomas' go-ahead grand slam off Tigers ace Tarik Skubalin the fifth inning was the difference maker.