John Harbaugh says no Giants QB decision yet after J.J. McCarthy replaces Jameis Winston
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy took over as the New York Giants’ quarterback after Jameis Winston threw his second interception of the game early in the fourth quarter against New Orleans, then led them on three scoring drives to get within seven points in the final minute. McCarthy threw for 243 yards in just over 11 minutes, including a TD pass to Isaiah Likely after getting picked off on his first possession. Coach John Harbaugh said after the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the Saints that it was too early to say whether Winston or McCarthy would start next weekend at Houston.
Miami is No. 1 in AP Top 25 for 1st time since ’02, No. 2 BYU’s ranking best since ’84 title season
Miami is now No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 2002. No. 2 BYU has reached its highest ranking since its 1984 national championship season. Notre Dame and Georgia remain in the top five despite close losses. This week, five of the top seven teams lost, marking a first in the AP poll’s 90-year history. Miami and BYU benefited most from the chaos, joined by Ohio State in a tightly packed top three.
Valkyries star Gabby Williams counts possessions, keeps track of everything to lead late in games
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Late in games, Gabby Williams starts counting. She constantly computes math in her head, all while handling the pressure of being the one to regularly take big shots for the Golden State Valkyries. Better Williams than coach Natalie Nakase, that’s for sure. She doesn’t do math. The Dream had been outstanding down the stretch during their first two series, both sweeps, to reach the franchise’s fourth finals. Yet Atlanta is still yet to win a finals game. Coach Karl Smesko can’t wait for his team to find a way to bounce back Monday night in Game 2.
Bills’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson apologizes after his ejection for spitting at a Raiders player
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has apologized to his teammates after being ejected from Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders for spitting on an opponent just before halftime. Gardner-Johnson says he let his emotions take over and he needs to be better. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct following an exchange with a group of Raiders players, including tight end Brock Bowers. Referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter that the umpire saw Gardner-Johnson spitting. Bills coach Joe Brady says such an incident “can’t happen” and “is going to be addressed.”
Flag? Possession? Extra second? Late-game officiating drama was talk of college football yet again
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Notre Dame might have deserved one more play at the end of its game at BYU. Florida State was furious over how referees saw its two Hail Mary completions for would-have-been touchdowns in double overtime against Miami. And once again, end-of-game officiating was under fire. Dramatic — and sometimes controversial — endings were the story of a wild college football Saturday, with late-game calls deciding some outcomes and potentially even having an effect on how the College Football Playoff shapes up a couple months from now.
Reddick wins in Phoenix as NASCAR Cup Series championship tightens after miserable day for Larson
AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tyler Reddick earned his sixth win of the NASCAR season at Phoenix Raceway, boosting his position in the Cup Series championship standings. On Sunday, Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota overtook Chase Briscoe with 17 laps to go. Kyle Larson, the leader, had a rough day, finishing 34th after hitting the wall due to a flat tire. Larson’s lead is now just five points over Christopher Bell as they head to Talladega next week. Denny Hamlin and others remain in contention. Joey Logano won both stages, collecting 20 points. The Cup Series continues with three races left in the season.
OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could join rare club of back-to-back-to-back NBA MVPs this season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has a shot at winning his third consecutive NBA MVP award this season. Only three players have ever achieved that feat. Despite his focus on team success and championships, Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual performance stands out. He leads the NBA in scoring over the past two seasons and has received more than 75% of first-place MVP votes. Thunder general manager Sam Presti has praised his work ethic and emotional awareness. If the Thunder remain contenders, Gilgeous-Alexander will likely be a top MVP candidate again, emphasizing leadership over individual accolades.
Kings guard Ben Simmons tears his Achilles tendon in practice
Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in practice, ending his comeback attempt this season with the Sacramento Kings before the season even started. The Kings said Simmons hurt himself during a live drill and will need to undergo surgery three days before the season opener Wednesday night on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers. Simmons signed a one-year deal with Sacramento this summer as he tried to revive his career.