Barcelona will play a preseason game in Japan after contractual dispute with promoter is resolved
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona will now play a preseason game in Japan that it had previously said was canceled after resolving a contractual dispute with the promoter. Barcelona said Friday that its team was traveling to Japan where it will play a friendly against Vissel Kobe on Sunday. The club said that it and the promoter have “resolved all the issues” that had led to Barcelona calling off the game. Barcelona has not named the promoter or given more detail about the dispute. After Japan, Barcelona also plans to visit South Korea to play FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.
Trump signs order to clarify college athletes’ employment status amid NIL chaos
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal authorities to clarify whether college athletes can be considered employees of their schools. The move aims to establish clearer national standards in the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness era. The order seeks to address the chaotic landscape of college sports, where athletes can now earn income from endorsements and schools can pay them directly. Trump’s order also calls for preserving scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports and asks the Justice Department to protect athletes’ rights.
Judge acquits 5 former Canadian junior hockey players in sexual assault case that rattled the nation
LONDON, Ontario (AP) — An Ontario judge has acquitted five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team in their sexual assault case, saying the complainant’s allegations lacked the credibility needed to justify the charges. Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia said Thursday that prosecutors could not meet the onus of proof for the charges against Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote. All five players had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in the encounter that took place in a London, Ontario, hotel room in the early hours of June 19, 2018.
Jets quarterback Justin Fields dislocates toe, team evaluating injury day-to-day
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Jets quarterback Justin Fields has a dislocated toe on his right foot and will be evaluated daily by the team. The announcement came after Fields limped off the practice field Thursday morning and was carted into the facility. This eased initial concerns about him missing significant practice time. Fields, in his first season with the Jets, signed a two-year, $40 million contract in March. Coach Aaron Glenn urged fans to remain calm, emphasizing the team’s depth with veteran Tyrod Taylor as backup. The Jets also have Adrian Martinez and rookie Brady Cook on the roster.
New Jersey Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts his suspension for ‘unsportsmanlike’ bat flip
DEPTFORD, N.J. (AP) — A 12-year-old Little Leaguer who faced suspension from his team’s first state tournament game for flipping his bat after hitting a home run was allowed to play Thursday night. Marco Rocco of Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament. Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what his family was told were actions deemed “unsportsmanlike” and “horseplay.” The family sought and received an emergency temporary restraining order that allowed him to play in the New Jersey state tournament.
Raiders release Christian Wilkins over recovery plan for broken foot
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders have released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The team says Wilkins failed to provide an acceptable recovery plan for his broken foot. He was injured in Week 5 last season and had a setback that kept him from offseason practices. The Raiders announced the decision on Thursday, explaining it was necessary to move forward for the new season. Wilkins was a major free-agent signing last year with a four-year, $110 million contract. ESPN reports the Raiders are voiding the remaining $35.25 million. Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.
Red Bull’s post-Horner era begins with sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix
Laurent Mekies won’t get long to settle in as Red Bull team principal on his first Formula 1 race weekend leading his new team. There’s just one practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday before Red Bull and Mekies get straight into competitive action with qualifying for Saturday’s sprint race. The hectic schedule is an extra challenge as Mekies takes over from Christian Horner, who had led the team since it entered F1 20 years ago until he was abruptly fired just over two weeks ago.
Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has 2 stents inserted to treat blocked arteries
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas basketball coach Bill Self had two stents inserted into his heart to treat blocked arteries Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after he “felt unwell and experienced some concerning symptoms.” The Kansas athletic department released a statement, saying: “The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery. He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon.” The 62-year-old Self directed the final practice of the summer session Thursday morning as he prepares for his 23rd seasons as head coach of the Jayhawks. He missed the 2023 Big 12 and NCAA tournaments because of a heart condition, getting a standard catheterization and having two stents inserted to help treat blocked arteries.