Sports briefs
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Trump fetes
Dodgers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump has celebrated the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House, calling the team “one of the great brands anywhere in the world.”
Thursday’s event marked the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series win and second White House annual visit, after they edged the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 last November. Trump expressed excitement about meeting Shohei Ohtani and compared him to Babe Ruth. The Dodgers gave Trump a jersey and a replica World Series ring.
The president mused about whether to report the gift and said the war in Iran had prevented him from following baseball this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team is aiming for a three-peat.
Raiders sign
Mendoza
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) -- Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. The Raiders hold a fifth-year option.
Mendoza was the last of the Raiders’ 10 draft picks to sign. He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday.
Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback.
Panthers lose
Scourton
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on the first day of training camp and will be placed on injured reserve, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet announced the news. It’s a huge blow for the Panthers, who were counting on Scourton to be a top pass rusher opposite recently signed free agent Jaelan Phillips.
Cuban’s group
acquires stake
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- An investment group that includes ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has bought a minority stake in the Athletics in anticipation of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Thursday’s announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. John Fisher is the majority owner of the A’s and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Athletics are currently playing in West Sacramento, California.
Norway may
file complaint
GENEVA (AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in clearing Folarin Balogun from a mandatory one-game ban at the World Cup is set to provoke a formal complaint to FIFA ethics investigators. The Norway soccer federation says its board of directors will consider filing the complaint at its next meeting.
That’s likely on Aug. 6. Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness has told London daily The Times: “We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error.”
After Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a one-game ban for Balogun’s red-card tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina was deferred so he could play against Belgium in the last 16.
Tyreek Hill
still ailing
(AP) -- Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s NFL future remains uncertain as he said on social media this week he still has no power in his left leg, almost 10 months after suffering significant damage in a season-ending knee injury.
Hill provided a video update on YouTube on his continued comeback attempt after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and dislocated left knee in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29.
The 32-year-old Hill was released by Miami on Feb. 16 and revealed in the social media update he is not ready to resume his career.
Kane rejoins
Blackhawks
CHICAGO (AP) -- Patrick Kane has rejoined the Chicago Blackhawks, agreeing to a $16 million, two-year contract with his first NHL team. The 37-year-old Kane became one of the NHL's most dynamic players while spending his first 15-plus seasons in Chicago, helping the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships.
He ranks among the franchise's career leaders with 446 goals, 779 assists and 1,225 points.
Kane isn't same player he was during his first stint with the Blackhawks. But he had 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season. He has recorded at least 50 points in 18 of his 19 seasons.