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NFL suspends
2 officials
NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL has suspended a line judge two games for swearing at Arizona tight end Trey McBride. Jeff Seeman was caught on camera cursing at McBride during the Cardinals’ loss at the New York Giants on Sunday.
The incident drew the ire of union leader JC Tretter, a retired offensive lineman who played eight seasons. Referee Adrian Hill was also suspended one game for inappropriate behavior in the Miami-Minnesota game. Hill yelled at Eric Wilson and pointed for him to get away after the Vikings linebacker tried to help him to his feet after a collision knocked him over.
Sale will
start Game 3
ATLANTA (AP) -- Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale will be fully rested when he is expected to start in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Braves manager Walt Weiss had six relievers combine to give up six hits in Sunday’s 3-2 win that tied the series 1-1.
Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, is expected to start for the Dodgers.
Weiss says getting the Game 2 win in the bullpen game, with Ray Kerr as the opener, and having extra rest for Sale was the “best-case scenario” for the Braves’ chances.
Ovechkin plans
retirement
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington Capitals captain and career goal-scoring record holder Alex Ovechkin said this will be his final season in the NHL. Ovechkin said it was important to his family to let his fellow teammates know first.
He signed a one-year contract and is playing at age 41 after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s career goal-scoring record in April 2025. Ovechkin in his locker room address said it was sad and a hard decision but hopes the Capitals can make the playoffs one final time with him playing. He wanted to make the announcement before the home opener Wednesday.
Colorado fans
frustrated
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- Deion Sanders is still capturing hearts at Colorado, but wins aren’t following. Colorado’s recent 29-7 loss to Texas Tech highlights ongoing challenges. Sanders, who arrived before the 2023 season, has a record of 18-24.
A key booster, Rob Wilhite, praises Sanders for revitalizing the program but acknowledges the need for more financial support. Colorado struggles in the name-image-likeness era, losing players to wealthier programs. Despite the setbacks, Sanders brings energy and attention to the team.
However, the Buffs face a quarterback crisis and risk sliding back into irrelevance. Fans are frustrated, and Sanders admits they deserve better.
NBA tests
technology
NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA is experimenting with two pieces of technology in the leadup to the season. Select exhibition games will include a smart basketball that has a Bluetooth sensor in it and can collect data for use in real-time officiating decisions.
Officials in select games will also use wrist wearables to communicate with the replay center in designated situations, including replay reviews, scoring changes and clock malfunctions.
The wearables went through what the NBA called a successful pilot program during the summer league. The technology will not extend into the regular season.
Messi set
for farewell
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, marking the end of an era. The 39-year-old superstar leaves behind a remarkable legacy including a World Cup title and a record 125 goals.
Despite Messi’s retirement national coach Lionel Scaloni remains optimistic about Argentina’s future. The team has already shown promise with recent victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Emerging talents like Nicolás Paz and Franco Mastantuono are stepping up. Fans are confident Argentina will continue to thrive without Messi. The next big test will be the 2028 Copa América.
ACC still
wants respect
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi is frustrated with the ACC’s lack of respect in college football polls. After Pittsburgh’s win against Virginia Tech, Narduzzi urged AP Top 25 voters to pay attention.
While voters did bump unbeaten Pitt into the polls at 25, Narduzzi believes critics consistently overlook the conference as a whole. Narduzzi thinks some of the issues stem from people focusing on ‘brand name’ in conferences like the Big Ten and SEC. Narduzzi added he feels the ACC’s achievements are overlooked.
Pitt’s bid for the ACC to gain more respect continues when the 5-0 Panthers host North Carolina.
Medvedev
disqualified
BEIJING (AP) -- Daniil Medvedev has struck a spectator with a ball and been disqualified from his semifinal against Novak Djokovic at the China Open in Beijing. The spectator was helped out of the arena holding a hand over his left eye. Medvedev says “I feel terribly sorry for him actually and I just hope he’s OK.”
Medvedev adds of the spectator that “hopefully I can meet him and make up for it somehow.” Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3 when Medvedev hit the ball into the stands in apparent frustration.
Djokovic extended his perfect career record at the China Open to 33-0. Djokovic will face ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final.