10/06 Sports Brief

Ex-NFL QB Mark Sanchez faces felony in fight that authorities say was over parking

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is facing a felony battery charge for what authorities say was a fight over parking. Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the upgraded charge Monday, saying it carries a potential sentence of one to six years in prison. The incident happened early Saturday in Indianapolis. A police affidavit alleges the 38-year-old Sanchez, smelling of alcohol, confronted a 69-year-old truck driver. The driver pulled a knife to defend himself. The former New York Jet was pepper-sprayed and stabbed multiple times. He remains hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

Silver says WNBA deal will get done, but relationship issues with the players must be repaired

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says a new collective bargaining agreement with WNBA players will be reached, but acknowledged relationship issues that must be repaired following recent criticisms of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Those reached a high point last week when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier said the league had the “worst leadership in the world,” and they have threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix that began days afterward. Silver says the WNBA is “going through growing pains” and has issues that have to be addressed that aren’t just economic.

Trial underway over Angels’ alleged role in baseball pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ overdose death

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels are facing a court trial over whether the team is responsible for the drug overdose death of one of its star pitchers. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday. The family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the team after he died from an overdose on a team trip to Texas in 2019. An Angels official was convicted of providing a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill to Skaggs that caused his death. The team says Skaggs should have been aware of the risks of taking painkillers not as they are prescribed and mixing them with alcohol.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon apologizes to Demercado following heated sideline exchange

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says he apologized to Emari Demercado after a heated sideline conversation following the running back’s costly, unforced fumble. Demercado looked like he had a 72-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter against Tennessee that would have increased the Cardinals’ lead to 28-6. Instead, he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, and the Titans were awarded a touchback. Video circulated on social media showed Gannon yelling in Demercado’s face before swiping his arm downward, appearing to jostle Demercado. Gannon said Monday that he regrets his reaction because his job is to remain calm during games.

Trump and Infantino: How a friendship is shaping the World Cup

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino agreed to hold the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. This decision was forged during a conversation at a Club World Cup match. The draw, scheduled for Dec. 5, will decide the matchups for the tournament hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Trump’s relationship with Infantino has grown over the years, despite their different backgrounds. As the World Cup approaches, questions remain about immigration policies and potential changes to host cities.

Aces’ championship experience could be crucial as they take 2-0 WNBA Finals lead to Phoenix

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces have shown resilience as they head into Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. The Aces won both home games in the series and aim for their third championship in four years. The Finals are now a best-of-seven series for the first time. Key players like A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray remain crucial for the team. Coach Becky Hammon emphasizes staying focused and not getting complacent. The Aces have beaten the Mercury five out of six times this season, but the Mercury are determined to fight back.