ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News, Headlines & Videos (2023)

KHIMKI, Russia -- American basketball star Brittney Griner was back in court on Tuesday for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release.During the hearing, prosecutors called a state narcotics expert who analyzed cannabis found in Griner's luggage. Her defense fielded a specialist who challenged the analysis, charging that it was flawed and didn't conform to official rules.If convicted, the WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist could face 10 years in prison. As her trial has progressed, the Biden administration has faced growing public pressure to get her released.Sources have told ESPN's T.J. Quinn that a verdict and sentence are expected Friday.In an extraordinary move, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week spoke to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction, would go...

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WASINGTON -- Washingtonslugger Juan Soto homered off Max Scherzer in what could be his final game with the Nationals on Monday night.Soto, who walked in his other three plate appearances as the Nationals lost to the New York Mets 7-3, is perhaps the biggest star who could be dealt before Tuesday's trade deadline."I feel good where I'm at,'' Soto said. "I understand it's a business and they need to do whatever they need to do. I'm just another player, another employee here like (former teammate Ryan Zimmerman) used to say.''Several current teammates could also leave Washington as the Nationals, who own the majors' worst record at 35-69 and have lost four of five, look to sell for the second consecutive year.Soto, a two-time All-Star and one of the few pivotal pieces remaining from Washington's 2019 title team, was applauded loudly throughout the night. He walked in the first, moved to third on Josh Bell's double and...

August 02

Tiger Woods turned down an offer between $700 million and $800 million to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman confirmed in an interview that aired Monday night.Norman, appearing on an episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight, said LIV Golf approached Woods, a 15-time major champion, before he was named the new circuit's CEO and commissioner."That number was out there before I became CEO," Norman told Fox News host Tucker Carlson during an interview that took place at this past weekend's LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. "Look, Tiger is a needle mover, right? So, of course you're got to look at the best of the best. They had originally approached Tiger before I became CEO. That number is somewhere in that neighborhood."Woods, 46, has been among the most outspoken supporters of the PGA Tour during its ongoing battle with LIV Golf for the best players in the world. At last month's Open Championship in St....

August 02

The Atlanta Braves acquired Detroit Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman late Monday night, the team announced, adding veteran depth to an already potent lineup.The defending World Series champions also were nearing a deal for Houston Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan, confirming multiple reports.Grossman, 32, was not in the lineup Monday night, when the Tigers lost 5-3 at the Minnesota Twins. He is hitting .205 this season, with two home runs and 23 RBIs in 83 games."I had a blast playing for the Tigers, and it didn't end how I wanted it to, but it's part of this business and I'm on to the next chapter in my baseball career," Grossman said.Detroit received Kris Anglin, a pitcher in Atlanta's minor league system, in exchange for Grossman, who has played both corner outfield spots for Detroit this season.Relief pitcher Will Smith would go to Houston in the deal for Odorizzi, 32,...

August 02

The Atlanta Braves were finalizing deals for Houston Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi and Detroit Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman late Monday night, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan, confirming multiple reports.Relief pitcher Will Smith would go to Houston in the deal for Odorizzi, who started on Sunday during the Astros' 3-2 win over the Mariners. The veteran allowed two hits and struck out a season-high eight in seven scoreless innings vs. Seattle and didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning.Grossman was not in the lineup Monday night, when the Tigers lost to the Twins, 5-3, in Minnesota. He is hitting .205 this season with two home runs and 23 RBIs in 83 games. Detroit would receive Kris Anglin, a pitcher in Atlanta's minor-league system.

August 01

Badly in need of a starting pitcher, the St. Louis Cardinalson Monday nightacquired left-hander Jose Quintana from the Pittsburgh Pirates.St. Louis also received reliever Chris Strattonas part of the deal, while sending Johan Oviedo and Malcom Nunez back to Pittsburgh.Quintana, 33, had bounced around and battled ineffectiveness the previous two seasons before finding his footing with Pittsburgh this year. Ever reliant on command and control, Quintana has looked like the pitcher of his prime, throwing 103 innings of 3.50 ERA baseball with 89 strikeouts and 31 walks.Pittsburgh signed Quintana for $2 million in the offseason, one of the best bargain deals of the winter. It now flips him to a division rival whose pitching depth had taken significant hits with recent injuries to its most talented starter, Jack Flaherty(shoulder), and its big offseason free agent signing, Steven Matz(knee).The Cardinals had inquired...

August 01

Tiger Woods turned down an offer between $700 million and $800 million to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman confirmed in an interview that aired Monday night.Norman, appearing on an episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight, said LIV Golf approached Woods, a 15-time major champion, before he was named the new circuit's CEO and commissioner."That number was out there before I became CEO," Norman told Fox News host Tucker Carlson during an interview that took place at this past weekend's LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. "Look, Tiger is a needle mover, right? So, of course you're got to look at the best of the best. They had originally approached Tiger before I became CEO. That number is somewhere in that neighborhood."Woods, 46, has been among the most outspoken supporters of the PGA Tour during its ongoing battle with LIV Golf for the best players in the world. At last month's Open Championship in St....

August 01

Badly in need of a starting pitcher, the St. Louis Cardinals are finalizing a deal to acquire left-hander Jose Quintana from the Pittsburgh Pirates, sources familiar with the agreement told ESPN on Monday night.Quintana, 33, had bounced around and battled ineffectiveness the previous two seasons before finding his footing with Pittsburgh this year. Ever reliant on command and control, Quintana has looked like the pitcher of his prime, throwing 103 innings of 3.50 ERA baseball with 89 strikeouts and 31 walks.Pittsburgh signed Quintana for $2 million in the offseason, one of the best bargain deals of the winter. It will flip him to a division rival whose pitching depth had taken significant hits with recent injuries to its most talented starter, Jack Flaherty(shoulder), and its big offseason free agent signing, Steven Matz(knee).The Cardinals had inquired across a broad spectrum of starters but landed on Quintana to slot in with ...

August 01

The Houston Astroson Monday acquired first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Oriolesand catcher Christian Vazquez from the Boston Red Sox."Our focus obviously is trying to put ourselves in the best position that we can to compete for a World Series this year, and those are two guys that we think can help us get there," Houston general manager James Click said.The Mancini deal is a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays. Besides Mancini, the Astros received minor league right-hander Jayden Murray from the Rays, who are acquiring outfielder Jose Siri from Houston. The Orioles received minor league right-handers Seth Johnson (from the Rays) and Chayce McDermott (from Houston).The Red Sox received infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez and minor league outfielder Wilyer Abreu from the Astros in exchange for Vazquez.Vazquez, 31, has a .759 OPS with 8 home runs and 42 RBIs this season and will provide...

August 01

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel signed his lucrative three-year contract extension Monday, bringing an end to the question of whether he will remain with the team for the foreseeable future.But Samuel's new deal also brought about plenty of other questions regarding his future, the most pressing of which is: Will the Niners continue to use him in the "wide back" hybrid role that elevated Samuel to first team All-Pro status last season?The answer is yes, according to coach Kyle Shanahan, but the shape that takes will depend on multiple factors."I think [it's] based off of whatever happens," Shanahan said. "From my standpoint schematically, from our team's personnel, from Deebo's, from what we think gives us the best chance to win, if we wanted to move Deebo to running back that would have been something that we were honest about. ... You can't do that with anybody. You've got to do that with a special player and Deebo is a special...

August 01

OXNARD, Calif. -- With questions already surrounding their wide receiver group, the Dallas Cowboys will be without James Washington for 6-10 weeks because of a fractured right foot, according to multiple sources.He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday in Dallas.Washington suffered the injury Monday in the first padded practice of training camp on a deep ball in seven-on-seven drills when it appeared his foot got caught underneath Trevon Diggs. Washington tried to get up but had difficulty putting any weight on his foot before he was tended to by the team's medical staff.Washington was carted to the locker room and went for more tests that revealed the fracture to his fifth metatarsal.Last year, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence missed 10 games after suffering a broken foot in a Week 2 practice. In 2015, Dez Bryant missed five games (six weeks) with a broken foot and had an additional surgery after the season.Michael Gallup is...

August 01

The Atlanta Braves have signed star third baseman Austin Riley to a 10-year, $212 million contract,the most lucrative deal in team history and a surprise given he had three additional seasons under club control.The deal starts in 2023 and runs through the '32 season, and it includes a $20 million club option for 2033. Riley also agreed to donate $2.12 million to the Atlanta Braves Foundation, according to the team.The news comes just weeks after the 25-year-old Riley appeared in his first All-Star Game. He's currentlyhitting .301 with 29 home runs and 68 RBI, with a .964 OPS in 101 games this season. His 61 extra-base hits are the most in the majors, and included 26 in July -- which broke Hank Aaron's previous franchise record by one (1961).Riley currently has the second-shortest odds to win NL MVP at +500, behind only Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals (-140).Riley was a first-round pick of the Braves in 2015.He made his major...

August 01

The Houston Astros acquired first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Oriolesas well as catcher Christian Vazquez from the Boston Red Sox, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.The Mancini deal, announced Monday by the Astros, is a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays. Besides Mancini, the Astros received minor league right-hander Jayden Murray from the Rays, who are acquiring outfielder Jose Siri from Houston. The Orioles received minor league right-handers Seth Johnson (from the Rays) and Chayce McDermott (from Houston).To make room for Siri on their 40-man roster, the Rays designated outfielder Brett Phillips for assignment.Mancini, 30, is hitting .268 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs this season, his sixth with the Orioles (51-51), who have surprised this season and are just three games out of the American League's final wild-card spot entering Monday's games.Vazquez, 31, has a .759 OPS with...

August 01

The Houston Astrosacquired first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Orioleson Monday in a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays.Besides Mancini, the Astros received minor league right-hander Jayden Murray from the Rays, who are acquiring outfielder Jose Siri from Houston. The Orioles received minor league right-handers Seth Johnson (from the Rays) and Chayce McDermott (from Houston).To make room for Siri on their 40-man roster, the Rays designated outfielder Brett Phillips for assignment.Mancini, 30, is hitting .268 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs this season, his sixth with the Orioles (51-51), who have surprised this season and are just three games out of the American League's final wild-card spot entering Monday's games.Mancini has been a bright spot as the Orioles have gone through a difficult rebuild. He earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in the American League last year after missing the...

August 01

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murrayhas tested positive for COVID-19 and is expected to miss a minimum of five days unless he tests negative sooner, coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday.Murray's symptoms were "minor," said Kingsbury, who had just texted with Murray but hadn't talked to him since his positive test. Murray felt "really poor" with cold-like symptoms before taking a test. Murray can return to the field sooner than five days if he tests negative, Kingsbury said.Murray missed Saturday's practice because of a sore wrist and could miss five of six practices this week, or more, if he doesn't return before then. Kingsbury said Murray is the only player to test positive this training camp but that a couple of players tested positive in the spring.

August 01

The Dallas Cowboys are concerned that veteran wide receiver James Washington suffered a Jones fracture in a foot Monday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Washington was carted off the practice field and is undergoing additional testing.Washington signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys as a free agent this offseason after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.With Michael Gallup not expected to be ready to play in Week 1 after tearing an ACL in January, the outside receiver starting spot opposite CeeDee Lamb is up for grabs and Washington was among the players competing for that job.Last season, Washington had 24 receptions for 285 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games.With the Steelers, who selected him the second round of the 2018 draft, Washington had 114 receptions for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns.

August 01

The Houston Astros have acquired first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Orioles in a three-team trade that also involves the Tampa Bay Rays, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Monday.Besides Mancini, the Astros are getting right-hander Jayden Murray from the Rays, who are acquiring outfielder Jose Siri from Houston, sources said. The Orioles are receiving right-handers Seth Johnson (from the Rays) and Chayce McDermott (from Houston), sources said.Mancini, 30, is hitting .268 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs this season, his sixth with the Orioles (51-51), who have surprised this season and are just three games out of the American League's final wild-card spot entering Monday's games.Mancini has been a bright spot as the Orioles have gone through a difficult rebuild. He earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in the American League last year after missing the 2020 season to be treated for stage 3 colon cancer.He joins an...

August 01

The New York Yankees have acquired right-handed starter Frankie Montas and closer Lou Trivino in a deal with the Oakland Athletics, the Yankees announced Monday.The A's are receiving left-handers Ken Waldichuk and J.P. Sears, right-hander Luis Medina and second baseman Cooper Bowman from the Yankees.Waldichuk, 24, was the fifth-highest-ranked prospect in the Yankees' farm system, according to MLB.com.The American League-best Yankees have had a busy deadline, acquiring outfielder Andrew Benintendi and rookie reliever Scott Effross before solidifying an already strong rotation and bullpen with the acquisitions of Montas and Trivino.The trade for Montas is the second involving a highly sought-after starting pitcher this week, following Seattle's acquisition of right-hander Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds for a four-prospect package.Montas, a 29-year-old who is not eligible for free agency until after the 2023...

August 01

The Houston Astros have acquired first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Orioles, sources confirmed to ESPN.Mancini, 30, is hitting .268 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs this season, his sixth with the Orioles (51-51), who have surprised this season and are just three games out of the American League's final wild-card spot entering Monday's games.Mancini has been a bright spot as the Orioles have gone through a difficult rebuild. He earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in the American League last year after missing the 2020 season to be treated for Stage 3 colon cancer.He joins an already formidable lineup for the Astros (67-36), who are atop the AL West standings.Mancini has a .270 average, 117 home runs and 350 RBIs in 701 career games.The news was first reported by The Athletic.ESPN's Jeff Passan and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

August 01

The New York Yankees are finalizing a deal to acquire right-handed starter Frankie Montas and closer Lou Trivino from the Oakland Athletics, sources confirmed to ESPN.The A's are receiving left-handers Ken Waldichuk and J.P. Sears, right-hander Luis Medina and second baseman Cooper Bowman from the Yankees, sources said.Waldichuk, 24, was the fifth-highest ranked prospect in the Yankees' farm system, according to MLB.com.YES Network was first to report details of the trade.The AL-best Yankees have had a busy deadline, acquiring outfielder Andrew Benintendi and rookie reliever Scott Effross before solidifying an already strong rotation and bullpen with the acquisitions of Montas and Trivino.The trade for Montas is the second involving a highly sought-after starting pitcher this week, following Seattle's acquisition of right-hander Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds for a four-prospect package.Montas, a...

August 01

The Milwaukee Brewers traded All-Star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres on Monday afternoon, sending the most dominant reliever in baseball in recent years to a team that has struggled in late-inning situations this season.The deal, which will send left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers, left-handed pitching prospect Robert Gasser, right-hander Dinelson Lamet and outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Brewers, came together after the Brewers fielded extensive interest this week on Hader, sources told ESPN.While the 28-year-old Hader has a career-worst 4.24 ERA, evaluators say his stuff remains elite and that if not for two poor outings on back-to-back days before the All-Star break, his ERA would be under 2.00. In 34 innings this season, Hader has struck out 59 batters, walked 12 and allowed seven home runs."Josh Hader is one of the best closers in the league,'' Padres general manager A.J. Preller said. "He's been there, done that,...

August 01

With the PGA Tour facing perhaps its greatest threat ever from the LIV Golf Invitational Series, it announced a 2022-23 schedule on Monday that includes a record $428.6 million in prize money in official events and another $145 million in bonuses, including $75 million for the FedEx Cup.The 2022-23 schedule, which was released by the PGA Tour on Monday, will include 44 official regular-season tournaments, including the four majors, and three FedEx Cup playoff events.Last week, LIV Golf, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, announced it will expand its series to 14 tournaments in 2023, with 48 players on four-man teams competing for $405 million in prize money.LIV Golf has lured away major champions such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed with guaranteed contracts reportedly worth between $100 million and $200 million, in addition to lucrative purses for its events.The upcoming PGA...

August 01

The Milwaukee Brewers traded All-Star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres on Monday afternoon, sending the most dominant reliever in baseball in recent years to a team that has struggled in late-inning situations this season, sources told ESPN.The deal, which will send left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers, left-handed pitching prospect Robert Gasser, right-hander Dinelson Lamet and outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Brewers, came together after the Brewers fielded extensive interest this week on Hader, sources told ESPN.While the 28-year-old Hader has a career-worst 4.24 ERA, evaluators say his stuff remains elite and that if not for two poor outings on back-to-back days before the All-Star break, his ERA would be under 2.00. In 34 innings this season, Hader has struck out 59 batters, walked 12 and allowed seven home runs.Milwaukee's willingness to deal Hader, after years of considering it -- including in potential deals with the...

August 01

With the PGA Tour facing perhaps its greatest threat ever from the LIV Golf Invitational Series, it announced a 2022-23 schedule on Monday that includes a record $415 million in prize money in official events and another $145 million in bonuses, including $75 million for the FedEx Cup.The 2022-23 schedule, which was released by the PGA Tour on Monday, will include 44 official regular-season tournaments, including the four majors, and three FedEx Cup playoff events.Last week, LIV Golf, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, announced it will expand its series to 14 tournaments in 2023, with 48 players on four-man teams competing for $405 million in prize money.LIV Golf has lured away major champions such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed with guaranteed contracts reportedly worth between $100 million and $200 million, in addition to lucrative purses for its events.The upcoming PGA Tour...

August 01

The New York Yankees acquired right-handed reliever Scott Effross from the Chicago Cubsin exchange for minor league right-handerHayden Wesneskion Monday.Effross, 28, is a sidearmer in the midst of a standout rookie season. In 44 innings, he has a 2.66 ERA, a strikeout-to-walk ratio of more than 4-to-1 and 2.19 FIP (fielding independent pitching), the 10th best in baseball among pitchers with more than 40 innings.Trades for relievers with multiple years of team control has been a focus of teams at this deadline -- and in the case of Effross, he will not reach free agency until after the 2027 season. The Yankees are betting on him retaining his effectiveness, something evaluators believe he can do in spite of a fastball that sits around 90 mph.Effross' excellent command of his fastball and slider (with a unique changeup) has allowed him to strike out 50 batters and walk just 11. His best attribute might be his ability to keep the ball in the ballpark....

August 01

The New York Yankees are in agreement on a deal to acquire right-handed reliever Scott Effross from the Chicago Cubs, sources told ESPN.Right-hander Hayden Wesneski is headed to the Cubs, sources said.Effross, 28, is a sidearmer in the midst of a standout rookie season. In 44 innings, he has a 2.66 ERA, strikeout-to-walk ratio of more than 4-to-1 and 2.19 FIP, the 10th best in baseball among pitchers with more than 40 innings.Trades for relievers with multiple years of team control has been a focus of teams at this deadline -- and in the case of Effross, he will not reach free agency until after the 2027 season. The Yankees are betting on him retaining his effectiveness, something evaluators believe he can do in spite of a fastball that sits around 90 mph.Effross' excellent command of his fastball and slider (with a unique changeup) has allowed him to strike out 50 batters and walk just 11. His best attribute may be his ability to keep the ball in the...

August 01

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will serve a six-game suspension without pay but will not be fined for violating the league's personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson ruled Monday.Robinson issued her ruling in a comprehensive 16-page report. She wrote that the NFL recommended Watson be suspended for the entire 2022 regular season and postseason.The NFL Players Association and the league have until Thursday at 9 a.m. ET to file a written appeal of Robinson's ruling. In a statement Sunday night, the union made it clear that it will "stand by" her decision and urged the NFL to do the same. The league, in a statement Monday, said it was determining its next steps.If an appeal is made, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee "will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,'' per terms of Article 46 in the league's collective...

August 01

The Atlanta Braves designated infielder Robinson Cano for assignment on Monday after acquiring infielder Ehire Adrianza in a trade with the Washington Nationals.Adrianza, 32, was hitting .179 with seven RBIs in 94 plate appearances over 31 games this season. The Nationals acquired outfielder Trey Harris in exchange for Adrianza, who played last season for the Braves and led major league baseball with 16 pinch hits.Cano, who was acquired by the Braves in a trade with the San Diego Padres last month, hit .154 in 27 plate appearances in nine games for Atlanta.Cano, 39, had been hitting .333 with three home runs and 20 RBIs in Triple-A El Paso, the Padres' Triple-A affiliate. But he scuffled in the majors for the Padres, hitting just .091 in 34 plate appearances over 12 games.The New York Metsreleased Cano in May after he hit just .150 with a home run and four RBIs in 43 plate appearances over 12 games. He missed the 2021 season...

August 01

The NBA is investigating possible tampering charges involving the New York Knicks' free agent pursuit and signing of former Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson, sources confirmed to ESPN.Teams weren't allowed to make contact with an agent or a player to discuss a deal prior to 6 p.m. ET on June 30, the opening of free agency. Brunson agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks that night.Brunson has several ties to the Knicks organization. Team president Leon Rose, who made a series of trades following draft night to create enough cap space to sign Brunson, is a prominent former player agent whose first client was Brunson's father, Rick. Rose also represented Jalen Brunson at the beginning of his career. Rick Brunson was recently hired as a Knicks assistant, reuniting him with coach Tom Thibodeau, for whom he also served as an assistant with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.Jalen Brunson, 25, is coming off a...

August 01

Massachusetts is poised to join the sports betting game after the state legislature came to an agreement early Monday morning that will allow licensed sportsbooks in the Commonwealth to offer wagering on professional and amateur sports with some restrictions.Gov. Charlie Baker, who has expressed support for sports betting legalization, has 10 days to act on the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, which passed by a vote of 36-4."I am proud to announce that the Sports Betting Conference Committee has reached an agreement on legislation that will legalize wagering on professional and college sports in Massachusetts, bringing the immense economic benefits of a legal sports betting industry to [Massachusetts]," Ron Mariano, speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, tweeted at approximately 5 a.m. ET Monday.Previous versions of the legislation included bans on betting on collegiate sports and advertising restrictions, which caused much debate and prolonged the process....

August 01

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will serve a six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson ruled Monday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Watson will not be fined, the source told Schefter.Robinson's comprehensive 15-page conclusion stated that though Watson violated the personal conduct policy, there was not enough evidence to justify an indefinite suspension, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Sources told Schefter the ruling relied on 32 previous suspensions under the league's personal conduct policy since 2015. In 21 of those cases, the league suspended the player for six games, including the cases of Derrius Guice and Johnny Manziel. Greg Hardy was suspended for four games.The biggest suspension -- 10 games for Jarron Jones in 2021 -- involved a criminal plea and multiple incidents of domestic violence. The two eight-game suspensions -- of...

August 01

England's Luke Donald was named the European Ryder Cup captain for 2023 on Monday, replacing Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who was stripped of his captaincy after joining the new LIV Golf Invitational Series.Donald, who was part of four winning European teams as a player, will captain the team at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club outside Rome, from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, 2023."I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup Captain for 2023," Donald said in a statement. "It is truly one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon a golfer, to lead a team of your peers and be an ambassador for an entire continent. I feel extremely privileged to have been given that responsibility and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly."Stenson was removed as Ryder Cup captain after signing with LIV Golf on July 20. Stenson won the third LIV Golf event this past weekend at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. He collected more than $4 million in prize...

August 01

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Punter Jake Bailey, a 2020 first-team All-Pro, agreed to a four-year contract with the New England Patriots worth $13.5 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The deal runs through the 2025 season and includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed, per Schefter.Bailey, 25, was entering the final year of his rookie contract, and carried a salary-cap charge of $4.05 million -- the second highest of any punter in the NFL."I'm just so happy and blessed I get a few more years here," Bailey said after Monday's practice, adding that it is a "huge milestone" in his life."Any time there is uncertainty, it's always something in the back of your head. But at our position, you have to be able to compartmentalize and execute, and if you're not able to do that with whatever is distracting you, you're not going to play very long."The extension is expected to lower his cap charge by about $1.85 million, increasing the Patriots' overall cap space to about...

August 01

Kansas City Chiefs left offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. will report to camp Monday and sign his franchise tender, sources told ESPN's Robert Griffin III.The blindside protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be playing on the franchise tag this season after the sides failed to reach a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline.The Chiefs' final offer to Brown was a six-year, $139 million deal that included a $30.25 million signing bonus and $95 million in the first five years of the contract, a source familiar with the offer told ESPN's Adam Schefter.A lack of security with no guaranteed money after the first two years derailed any agreement, sources told Griffin.Brown will earn $16,662,000 on the franchise tag, which represents the average of the top five salaries at his position.Because Brown had not signed his franchise tender, he was not subject to fines for not reporting to camp. He also skipped the team's voluntary workouts and the Chiefs'...

August 01

Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and players' union, is expected to issue a decision Monday on whether Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson violated the league's personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct, sources confirmed to ESPN.Meanwhile, Watson has agreed to settle three of the remaining four active civil lawsuits against him, Houston attorney Tony Buzbee told ESPN's John Barr early Monday morning.If Robinson, a former U.S. district judge, imposes any punishment, either side will have three days to submit an appeal in writing. In that case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee "will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,'' per terms of Article 46 in the collective bargaining agreement.The NFL Players Association already made it clear in a statement Sunday night that it won't appeal."In advance of Judge Robinson's...

August 01

Jerry Jones has said he would never sell the Dallas Cowboys. If he ever changed his mind, Sportico has it valued at $7.64 billion, making it the most valuable franchise across all sports.According to Sportico, the Cowboys have a $630 million advantage on the second-place New York Yankees.Sportico's calculations are derived from interviews with more than 30 bankers, lawyers, team executives, owners and consultants as well as public documents involved in the sport. The average NFL franchise is worth $4.1 billion, up 18% over last year.The Denver Broncos were sold to the Walton-Penner family ownership group for $4.65 billion, according to sources. The sale is expected to be approved at the next meeting of owners. The price is a record paid for a North American sports franchise.Sixteen NFL franchises have been valued at least $4 billion, compared to seven in the other U.S. sports leagues, including four in the NBA and three in MLB.The total value of the NFL's...

August 01

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Ric Flair did his trademark strut. He led the crowd in chanting "Woo!" The legendary pro wrestler even bled, the color red drenching his face and recognizable white hair like it would have in the 1970s or 1980s.And fittingly, Flair's final wrestling match ended Sunday night here at a sold-out Municipal Auditorium with the figure-four leglock, the finishing move that is synonymous with "The Nature Boy." Flair, 73, was the winner, of course, in a tag team match alongside partner and son-in-law Andrade El Idolo against the team of Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. The attendance was nearly 10,000, per broadcast provider Fite TV.Flair was clearly exhausted by the end of his first match since 2011, but he was healthy enough by the end to walk out under his own power and do an interview with longtime wrestling broadcaster Tony Schiavone. After the match, Flair was helped out of the ring, and he greeted his family in the front row, as well as pro-wrestling luminaries The...

July 31

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- After a roller-coaster offseason that included a surprising trade request, a social media scrubbing and a half-dozen other receivers signing lucrative contracts, the final domino fell Sunday when wideout Deebo Samuel agreed to a three-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers.The deal is worth a maximum value of $73.5 million over the three years and includes $58.1 million in guarantees, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Samuel is the seventh wideout this offseason to sign a deal worth at least $24 million per year. Before this season, only DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals had hit that mark.In striking the deal, the Niners and Samuel brought a peaceful end to a turbulent negotiation that saw Samuel request a trade from the Niners in April. Despite that request, San Francisco held firm to its desire to work through whatever issues bothered Samuel and reward him with a significant contract that would keep...

July 31

Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and players' union, is expected to issue a decision Monday on whether Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson violated the league's personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct, sources confirmed to ESPN.And meanwhile, Watson has agreed to settle three of the remaining four active civil lawsuits against him, Houston attorney Tony Buzbee told ESPN's John Barr early Monday.If Robinson, a former U.S. district judge, imposes any punishment, either side will have three days to submit an appeal in writing. In that case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee "will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,'' per terms of Article 46 in the collective bargaining agreement.The NFLPA already made it clear it won't appeal in a statement Sunday night."In advance of Judge Robinson's decision, we wanted to...

July 31

X-rays performed on Julio Rodriguez's right hand were negative, but the Seattle Mariners rookie outfielder was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday."X-rays were negative, but he's really sore. I think everybody agrees he's not going to have a bat in his hand in maybe five days at the earliest -- just letting that calm down," manager Scott Servais said Sunday. "I think everybody knows, your wrist, your hands, how sensitive that area is when you've got to bat. Let's do it right, make sure he's fully healthy when he comes back."Servais said Rodriguez had not yet underwent an MRI but will "probably get some more pictures of it."Rodriguez said Sunday he was thankful that his hand wasn't fractured and said it's "gotta feel right" before he'll be able to return."I just gotta feel that it's right, that the swelling goes down, and just everything it's gotta feel right," he said. "I feel like it's gonna be very soon, but we just want to be careful and make sure...

July 31

Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Boston Celticsdynasty that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career, died Sunday. The Hall of Famer was 88.Russell died "peacefully" with his wife, Jeannine, at his side, a statement posted on social media read. Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon, according to the statement.The statement did not give the cause of death, but Russell,who had been living in the Seattle area, was not well enough to present the NBA Finals MVP trophy in June because of a long illness."But for all the winning, Bill's understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life," the statement said. "From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi's first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar [Evers'] assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ... Bill...

July 31

Right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, who has been sidelined by a lat strain since May 23, will rejoin the Milwaukee Brewersfrom the injured list this week when they play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, manager Craig Counsell said Sunday.It was unclear if Peralta will immediately return to the rotation or first pitch out of the bullpen until he's stretched out. The Brewers currently don't have a starter listed for Saturday when they host the Cincinnati Reds."Freddy will join us in Pittsburgh and then we'll figure out what he's doing to do and when," Counsell told reporters, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "His next outing will be with us. The when is to be determined."Peralta, who is currently on the 60-day injured list, made two rehab starts for Triple-A Nashville, pitching to a 1.69 ERA in 5 1/3 innings pitched in which he allowed four hits, including a home run, and struck out eight, walking none."Freddy's rehab...

July 31

X-rays performed on Julio Rodriguez's right hand were negative, but the Seattle Mariners rookie outfielder will be placed on the injured list, manager Scott Servais told reporters Sunday."X-rays were negative, but he's really sore. I think everybody agrees he's not going to have a bat in his hand in maybe five days at the earliest -- just letting that calm down," Servais said. "I think everybody knows, your wrist, your hands, how sensitive that area is when you've got to bat. Let's do it right, make sure he's fully healthy when he comes back."Servais said Rodriguez had not yet underwent an MRI but will "probably get some more pictures of it."Rodriguez said Sunday he was thankful that his hand wasn't fractured and said it's "gotta feel right" before he'll be able to return."I just gotta feel that it's right, that the swelling goes down, and just everything it's gotta feel right," he said. "I feel like it's gonna be very soon, but we just want to be careful...

July 31

X-rays performed on Julio Rodriguez's right hand were negative, but the Seattle Mariners rookie outfielder will be placed on the injured list, manager Scott Servais told reporters Sunday."X-rays were negative but he's really sore. I think everybody agrees he's not going to have a bat in his hand in maybe five days at the earliest -- just letting that calm down," Servais said. "I think everybody knows, your wrist, your hands, how sensitive that area is when you've got to bat. Let's do it right, make sure he's fully healthy when he comes back."Rodriguez was hit on the back of the hand as he struck out swinging at a pitch in the top of the eighth inning Saturday night in the Mariners' 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros.He played in the field in the bottom half of the inning before being lifted in the ninth.Outfielder Dylan Moore, who left Saturday's game with back spasms, also will be placed on the IL, Servais said. Outfielders Jarred...

July 31

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom will make his 2022 major league debut Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, manager Buck Showalter told reporters Sunday.DeGrom, who has been sidelined all season by a stress reaction in his right scapula, threw 67 pitches over four innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.He told reporters Sunday he was looking forward to making his return."It's been a long time," deGrom said. "This has been a pretty slow process of coming back, so excited to be out there. Nerves haven't really set in yet, but I'm sure Tuesday I'll be pretty nervous."DeGrom has not pitched for the Mets since July 7, 2021, missing the second half of last season with right forearm tightness and a sprained elbow, then going down late in spring training this year with the scapula injury.He has made four minor league rehab starts totaling 12⅔ innings, two at Single-A St. Lucie and two with Syracuse. He has allowed five runs (four earned)...

July 31

X-rays performed on rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez's right hand were negative after he was hit by a pitch in the Seattle Mariners' 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night, general manager Jerry Dipoto told SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio on Sunday.Dipoto said further assessment on Rodriguez's hand was ongoing in Houston on Sunday."Julio appears to be OK. I don't know that he'll be in the lineup today -- maybe, maybe not -- but it appears to be a good portent for the future," Dipoto said.Rodriguez was hit on the back of the hand as he struck out swinging at a pitch in the top of the eighth. He played in the field in the bottom half of the inning before being lifted in the ninth.Abraham Toro pinch-hit for Rodriguez in the ninth and delivered a go-ahead two-run single with two outs off Astros closer Ryan Pressly to help lift the Mariners to victory.Rodriguez was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Saturday night's game and is...

July 31

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Max Verstappen ripped through the field from 10th on the grid to take a memorable victory at an action-packed Hungarian Grand Prix as Ferrari's title chances took another critical blow.Using a superior strategy to his Ferrari rivals and with more outright car performance than Mercedes, Verstappen won the race by 7.8 seconds from Lewis Hamilton, who recovered from seventh to second with a remarkable drive of his own.The victory means Verstappen is now 80 points clear of title rival Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth thanks to a disastrous tyre strategy.Ferrari's championship hopes now look in tatters, with Verstappen's current trajectory putting him on course to take the title with several rounds remaining.The race was indicative of Leclerc's title campaign as he went from leading on lap 31 to 16 seconds off Verstappen by the finish.Leclerc had looked like a contender for victory until Ferrari switched him to the hard compound tyre at his second pit...

July 31

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Max Verstappen ripped through the field from tenth on the grid to take a memorable victory at an action-packed Hungarian Grand Prix as Ferrari's title chances took another critical blow.Using a superior strategy to his Ferrari rivals and with more outright car performance than Mercedes, Verstappen won the race by 7.8 seconds from Lewis Hamilton, who recovered from seventh to second with a remarkable drive of his own.The victory means Verstappen is now 80 points clear of title rival Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth on a disastrous tyre strategy.Ferrari's championship hopes now look in tatters, with Verstappen's current trajectory putting him on course to take the title with several rounds remaining.The race was indicative of Leclerc's title campaign so far as he went from leading on lap 31 to 16 seconds off Verstappen by the finish.Leclerc had looked like a contender for victory until Ferrari switched him to the hard compound tyre at his second pit...

July 31

CHICAGO -- White Sox All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount of money for making helmet-to-hat contact with plate umpire Nick Mahrley during Friday night's game against the Oakland Athletics.Anderson appealed the suspension, making him eligible for the White Sox's 3-2 win over the A's on Saturday. His suspensionwill be held in abeyance until a hearing.Anderson, 29, was unhappy with a first-pitch strike call by Mahrley in the bottom of the seventh inning. The two had words before Mahrley ejected Anderson, who then approached the umpire, making contact between his helmet and Mahrley's cap.The jaw-to-jaw argument went on for a few more moments before manager Tony La Russa came out to take up the fight and was ejected a few moments later.If the appeal is upheld, Anderson will serve his second suspension this season, his first stemming from an incident that occurred in September where he made...

July 31

MANASSAS, Va. -- Tamara Walcott set a World Raw Powerlifting Federation record -- breaking her old one -- with a deadlift world record of 639 pounds at the American Pro powerlifting competition Saturday.Walcott was met with a standing ovation at The Salisbury Center, where the two-day competition concluded. Her latest achievement comes nine months after she set her first deadlift world record, at 636 pounds.On the second day of competition, Walcott moved through the squat and bench press categories before focusing on her heaviest attempts of the day in the deadlift. She began her first deadlift attempt with 275 kilograms (606 pounds) and received approval from all three judges before heading into a heavier second attempt of 290 kilograms (639 pounds).A successful second attempt resulted in a personal best and apparent world record. But the cheers and screams from supporters were cut short after learning Walcott had not cleared her second attempt."I didn't feel defeated...

July 31