National Sports - The Morning Sun

FILE - Javier Castellano, atop Mage, third from left, is seen with others behind the pack as they make the first turn while competing in the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. Horse racing groups are backing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that they hope will replace the federal organization overseeing the sport for just a year. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Horse racing groups introduce competing safety legislation they hope will replace HISA

Horse racing groups are backing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that they hope will replace the federal organization overseeing the sport for just a year. The measure has been … more

By STEPHEN WHYNO | 9/26/23

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, right, takes the ball past Toronto FC defender Kobe Franklin during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Messi's status for US Open Cup final on Wednesday remains unclear

Lionel Messi’s status remains unclear for Inter Miami’s U.S. Open Cup final match against Houston on Wednesday night. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was subbed out of a match against Toronto … more

By TIM REYNOLDS | 9/26/23

Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani watches from the dugout during the third inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Shohei Ohtani headlines majors' soon-to-be free agents, and there's a sizable gap to the next name

There is Shohei Ohtani, and then there is the rest of baseball’s soon-to-be free agents. With the season winding down and the playoffs coming up, it’s almost time for major league teams to go … more

By JAY COHEN | 9/26/23

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Dolphins' McDaniel skirts a shot at history and Raiders' McDaniels opts for a field goal mystery

Miami coach Mike McDaniel was content with his team's 70-20 shellacking of Sean Payton's Denver Broncos and decided against a chip-shot field goal that would have allowed the Dolphins to break the … more

By ARNIE STAPLETON | 9/26/23

Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts, center, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The Philadelphia Eagles' 'tush push' is becoming the NFL's most unstoppable play

The most unstoppable play in the NFL was on full display under the bright lights Monday night. When the Philadelphia Eagles need a yard, they often resort to the “tush push.” Quarterback Jalen … more

By ROB MAADDI | 9/26/23

Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona, center, poses with the team for a photo before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Cleveland. Slowed by major health issues in recent years, the personable, popular Francona may be stepping away, but not before leaving a lasting imprint as a manager and as one of the game's most beloved figures. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

One of game's characters, Guardians manager Terry Francona set to end career defined by class, touch

Terry Francona is set to bow out from baseball. One of the game's most respected managers and colorful figures, the 64-year-old Francona is expected to retire after this season, his 11th with the … more

By TOM WITHERS | 9/26/23

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 19-16. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Coach McVay bemoans 'self-inflicted wounds' in Los Angeles Rams 19-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals

Getting into the end zone seemed tougher for the Rams when it mattered most on Monday night. They suffered a 19-16 loss to the Bengals in their first regular-season rematch of the Super Bowl after … more

By JACOB BENGE | 9/26/23

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson celebrates after making a 54-yard field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Burrow shakes off calf injury, throws for a season-high 259 yards as Bengals beat the Rams 19-16

Joe Burrow shook off a lingering calf injury, throwing for 259 yards as the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Los Angeles Rams 19-16 to get their first win after starting the season with two losses. Joe … more

By MITCH STACY | 9/25/23

Jalen Hurts throws for TD, runs for another as Eagles thump Buccaneers 25-11 to remain unbeaten

Jalen Hurts threw for one touchdown and ran for another to help the Philadelphia Eagles remain unbeaten with a 25-11 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurts also led on his team on a game-ending … more

By FRED GOODALL | 9/25/23

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Joe Burrow starts for Bengals vs. Rams after being questionable with calf injury

Joe Burrow started for the Cincinnati Bengals in Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. The star quarterback has been dealing with a calf injury but was a full participant in warmups … more

9/25/23

New York Yankees' Austin Wells celebrates with Gleyber Torres (25) after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Ginkel falters as Diamondbacks blow 3 leads in 6-4 loss to Yankees and tie Cubs for 2nd wild card

Kevin Ginkel allowed a sacrifice fly to Estevan Florial in the eighth inning as the Arizona Diamondbacks blew three leads in a 6-4 loss to the New York Yankees that dropped them into a tie with the … more

By LARRY FLEISHER | 9/25/23

An Oregon State fan, front, and a Washington State fan hold "Pac-2" signs, representing the two schools that will remain in the Pac-12 after the 2023-2024 academic year after the other schools in the conference announced plans to leave, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

With Pac-12 unsettled, CFP managers meet to make difficult decision on number of reserved bids

College Football Playoff managers will meet this week at the Big Ten offices outside Chicago. With the future of the Pac-12 still unsettled, it will be difficult for them to make a final decision on … more

By RALPH D. RUSSO | 9/25/23

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Jets' commitment to QB Wilson has many fans and media puzzled. But there's no quick or easy solution

Most Jets fans would take anyone at quarterback other than Zach Wilson at this point. They don’t want to hear it’s not all his fault or New York has plenty of problems and not just him. Well, it … more

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. | 9/25/23

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Raiders' Garoppolo is in concussion protocol, putting his start for Chargers game in question

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is in concussion protocol. That puts his status in question for when Las Vegas visits the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Garoppolo was injured in Sunday … more

By MARK ANDERSON | 9/25/23

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is helped off the field after getting injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Chargers' Mike Williams tore his left ACL during Sunday's win, MRI reveals, says AP source

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee. A person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press an MRI … more

By JOE REEDY | 9/25/23

Europe's Captain Luke Donald attends at a press conference at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Guidonia Montecelio, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. The Marco Simone Club on the outskirts of Rome will host the 44th edition of The Ryder Cup, the biennial competition between Europe and the United States headed to Italy for the first time. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

European captain Luke Donald is going with statistics over history at the Ryder Cup

Luke Donald is ignoring history when it comes to starting off the Ryder Cup. The Europeans have opted to play fourballs for the opening session every year since 1997. This year, the European captain … more

By DOUG FERGUSON | 9/25/23

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) sits on the field after he was sacked during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Broncos 70-20. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Sean Payton's Broncos fall apart in 'embarassing' 70-20 loss at Miami

Broncos coach Sean Payton called Sunday’s 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins embarrassing and something that will be tough to rewatch on tape for the players and coaches. Denver gave up nearly 800 … more

By ALANIS THAMES | 9/25/23

United States' Scottie Scheffler attends a training in the practice range of the Marco Simone Golf Club in Guidonia Montecelio, Italy, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. The Marco Simone Club on the outskirts of Rome will host the 44th edition of The Ryder Cup, the biennial competition between Europe and the United States headed to Italy for the first time. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Americans' losing streak in Europe reaches the 30-year mark in the Ryder Cup

The United States won the Ryder Cup in England in 1993. Not many would have guessed that would be its last win on European soil over the next 30 years. The next chance to end that dubious streak … more

By DOUG FERGUSON | 9/25/23

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

102-loss Royals have turned out to be quite the spoilers against playoff-chasing Astros

The Kansas City Royals have lost more than 100 games this year. They've also been a thorn in the side of the defending champion Houston Astros lately. The Royals went 5-1 in two recent series against … more

By NOAH TRISTER | 9/25/23

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, left, greets Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Minneapolis. The Chargers won 28-24. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Analysis: Vikings, Chargers trade inexplicable decisions. Jets' commitment to Wilson still baffling

The Vikings and Chargers traded inexplicable decisions in the final two minutes. The Jets are sticking with a baffling choice for the foreseeable future. After Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley set … more

By ROB MAADDI | 9/25/23