Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello walks on the field before an NCAA College World Series baseball game against Florida State on June 19, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher, file)

SF Giants hire

Tennessee’s Vitello

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants are hiring University of Tennessee coach Tony Vitello as their manager for his first professional coaching job.

It’s a bold gamble by San Francisco executive Buster Posey on a coach with no previous experience in the pros. The 47-year-old Vitello is making the jump after spending his entire career at the college level. He guided the Vols to their first NCAA title last year.

The Giants went 81-81 this season under Bob Melvin. Posey calls Vitello “one of the brightest, most innovative and most respected coaches in college baseball today.”

Bad Bunny won’t

be dropped

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL is not considering dropping Bad Bunny as its Super Bowl halftime headline performer. Commissioner Roger Goodell made that clear Wednesday at the league’s annual fall owners meeting.

Goodell said the league is accustomed to getting blowback for its entertainment choices given the size and breadth of its fan base. The Puerto Rican artist has been vocal in his opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump and his policies. He decided to do a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico, avoiding stops in the mainland U.S. as a form of protest.

Trump on a conservative TV news network called the NFL’s decision crazy and ridiculous.

Mark Sanchez’s

trial date set

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indianapolis judge has confirmed a Dec. 11 trial date for Fox Sports analyst and former NFL player Mark Sanchez. He’s charged with attacking a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel over a parking dispute.

The pretrial conference on Wednesday was brief, and Sanchez, who’s recovering from his injuries, was not present.

The incident happened Oct. 4, and Sanchez has been off the air since. Prosecutors charged him with felony battery and three misdemeanors. Sanchez was stabbed during the altercation.

The truck driver, claiming self-defense, is suing Sanchez and Fox Sports. Sanchez remains free on bond and has not commented on the allegations.

Jayden Daniels

out with injury

WASHINGTON (AP) — Quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the Washington Commanders’ game at the Kansas City Chiefs because of an injured right hamstring and Marcus Mariota will start in his place.

That’s according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team had not officially ruled him out for the Monday night game. Washington has lost two games in a row heading into the contest at Kansas City.

Daniels had an MRI exam a day after leaving in the third quarter of Washington’s 44-22 loss at the NFC East-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Lamar Jackson

back at practice

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson has returned to the practice field for the Baltimore Ravens after missing two games with a hamstring injury.

Jackson initially did not take the field with Baltimore’s other two quarterbacks, but with practice still open to reporters, he came out with his helmet on and did some throwing on Wednesday. The Ravens have been holding out hope that Jackson’s return can help save their season after four straight losses.

Now all eyes will be on the two-time MVP to see what progress he makes this week. The Chicago Bears are in town Sunday.