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Professional Sports

Chiefs holding virtual competition for punting job LEAWOOD, Kan. — It's a good thing an NFL kicking operation requires no more than three players. by Associated Press Published May. 21 2020 @ 12:00am

NFL studying helmet face guard that works like surgical mask ATLANTA — With an eye toward getting back on the field during a pandemic, the NFL is working on a helmet face guard that might provide the same sort of protection as a surgical mask. by Associated Press Published May. 20 2020 @ 11:55pm

NFL conditionally reinstates Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith FRISCO, Texas — Aldon Smith will be able to take part in team activities with the Dallas Cowboys after the NFL on Wednesday conditionally reinstated the pass rusher from an indefinite suspension for off-field issues. by Associated Press Published May. 20 2020 @ 11:50pm

U.S. Open loses part of identity without qualifying The U.S. Open lost a big part of its identity. And it has nothing to do with par. For years, the USGA has boasted — and rightly so — it was the most democratic of all majors. Half of the 156-man field had to go through some form of qualifying just to get a tee time. by Associated Press Published May. 20 2020 @ 11:35pm

Cross-border leagues seen as idea for post-pandemic soccer GENEVA — With soccer clubs losing revenue during the pandemic, one industry leader said Wednesday the idea of creating multi-nation leagues will be revived. by Associated Press Published May. 20 2020 @ 11:30pm

NASCAR set for first Wednesday start since 1984 DARLINGTON, S.C. — Whenever Joey Logano doesn't cross the finish line first at a NASCAR Cup Series race, he says he tends to have the same thought: "Golly, I wish I could do that again." by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 11:00pm

Belmont set for June 20, leads off Triple Crown Horse racing's Triple Crown will look different this year from start to finish. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 10:55pm

WNBA teams to cut rosters to 12 by May 26 NEW YORK — WNBA teams will have to get their rosters down to 12 by next Tuesday so players can get paid starting June 1, a person familiar with the situation said. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 10:55pm

Xfinity Series' return postponed by rain DARLINGTON, S.C. — Noah Gragson couldn't wait to get back to Xfinity Series racing at Darlington. Instead, he and the rest of the competitors will have to wait until Thursday after heavy rain postponed the series' first race since March, when the coronavirus pandemic shut down sports. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 10:55pm

Chiefs' Hill ends year-long reclamation of himself The steady stream of nurses filing out of St. Luke's Hospital for close to an hour was finally slowing down, which was altogether fortunate, because the young man with thighs like tree trunks was running out of food to give them. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 12:30am

U.S. Open no longer 'open,' eliminates qualifying for golf major tourney The U.S. Open might feel more like a closed shop this year. The COVID-19 pandemic, which already has postponed the U.S. Open at Winged Foot from June to September, has forced the USGA to do away with qualifying for the first time since 1924. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 12:25am

LeBron: 'Definitely not giving up on the season' LeBron James reiterated Monday he is hopeful the NBA season can resume, with the caveat the health and well-being of players won't be jeopardized by a return to play. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 12:20am

NHL players concerned as pause lingers Veteran New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider said Monday a growing number of players are concerned the NHL will announce a "drop-dead" deadline for returning to play as the coronavirus pandemic lingers with summer coming up fast. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 12:15am

NASCAR managed small miracle in problem-free return The odds were against NASCAR flawlessly executing its reopening plan, which was a potential standard-setting moment for other professional leagues to follow in this new normal of sports. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 12:10am

California clearing the way for pro sports California Gov. Gavin Newsom thinks pro sports could be back playing in his state — without fans — in early June. by Associated Press Published May. 19 2020 @ 12:05am

Harvick wins at Darlington as NASCAR returns to racing This was a 400-mile drive unlike any other in modern day NASCAR. The grandstands were completely empty. There wasn't a single tailgate inside the track. Everyone wore face coverings — some with the team logos, others opting for plain disposable medical masks. It was nothing close to the corporate sponsorship, pomp and patriotic traveling circus that symbolizes NASCAR. by Associated Press Published May. 18 2020 @ 12:30am

McIlroy delivers winner as live golf returns to TV Rory McIlroy delivered the money shot Sunday as live golf returned to television for a Skins game that revealed plenty of rust and raised more than $5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. by Associated Press Published May. 18 2020 @ 12:20am

Lefty Tagovailoa a rarity at QB in the right-handed NFL When Tua Tagovailoa signed his rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins, the left-handed quarterback from Alabama didn't have to worry about smudging his signature. He signed the documents with his right hand. Yes, the NFL's latest lefty QB is a natural right-hander, one whose father, Galu, turned him into a (sometimes) southpaw in his youth. by Associated Press Published May. 18 2020 @ 12:15am

NASCAR fans outside Darlington: 'Time to hear the engines' Tammy Gandy grew up around Darlington Raceway and remembers a time when the greats like Richard Petty would show up each year at her aunt's house for some homemade biscuits. by Associated Press Published May. 18 2020 @ 12:10am

Bye buy games? G5 could lose millions in Power Five payouts In 2018, with his school facing the possibility of cutting staff to make up a huge shortfall in state funding, Northern Illinois athletic director Sean Frazier added a football game at Florida State to the Huskies' schedule. The road trip came with a $1.6 million payout to NIU. by Associated Press Published May. 18 2020 @ 12:05am

Press Box: NASCAR gives all sports fans a reason to celebrate Finally, a reason to cheer. We'll take it. Even from afar. by By Paul Newberry/AP Sports Columnist Published May. 18 2020 @ 12:00am

The Shots: Ehlo, Russell playing a role in 'The Last Dance' Craig Ehlo still believes he played great defense. Bryon Russell has long insisted he got shoved. by Associated Press Published May. 17 2020 @ 11:55pm

Press Box: Boys of Summer may not hit the field this year You may not like what he said, but that doesn't mean Blake Snell was wrong. by Tom Rackers Published May. 17 2020 @ 12:35am