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Lance McCullers gets 24-hour security after online death threats, some aimed at 5-year-old daughter

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston’s Lance McCullers is one of two MLB pitchers whose families have received online death threats this month as internet abuse of players and their families is on the rise. Boston reliever Liam Hendriks posted on social media soon after the incident with McCullers to call out people who were threatening his wife’s life and directing “vile” comments at him. The Astros contacted MLB security and the Houston Police Department following the threats to McCullers and an HPD spokesperson said Thursday that it remains an ongoing investigation. McCullers, who has two young daughters, reached out to the team to inquire about providing security for his family. Astros owner Jim Crane stepped in and hired 24-hour security.

Zion Williamson sued by a woman alleging the Pelicans star committed sexual violence against her

Zion Williamson is being sued by a woman describing herself as a former dating partner and who alleges the New Orleans Pelicans star committed repeated sexual violence against her. The civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court identifies the plaintiff as “Jane Doe.” She claims she began dating Williamson in 2018, when he played at Duke, and alleges that he engaged in abusive behavior toward her in California, Louisiana and Texas from 2020 until their relationship ended in 2023. Williamson’s New Orleans-based attorney, Michael Balascio, calls the claims in the lawsuit “categorically false and reckless,” and accuses the plaintiff of extortion.

Olympic boxing champ Imane Khelif must undergo genetic sex screening to fight for new governing body

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif must undergo genetic sex screening to participate in upcoming events with the sport’s new governing body. World Boxing has announced mandatory sex testing for all of its athletes. The governing body specifically mentioned Khelif when announcing the policy, saying the Algerian gold medal winner must be screened before she will be approved to fight at any upcoming events, including the Eindhoven Box Cup next month in the Netherlands. Khelif won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer amid international scrutiny on her and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, another gold medal winner.

French Open: Only 2 women’s matches have been scheduled at night with Amélie Mauresmo in charge

PARIS (AP) — French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo has been asked again about a lack of women’s matches during the tournament’s night sessions. And Mauresmo again dismissed the questions on Friday. There was one women’s match at night at Roland-Garros in 2022, one in 2023, zero in 2024 and, as of Friday, zero in 2025. The two other Grand Slam tennis tournaments that sell separate tickets for night sessions tend to feature two singles matches for that part of the daily schedule — one involving women and one involving men. Roland-Garros added night sessions starting three years ago.

Champions League trophy has been out of reach for PSG. That could be about to change

MUNICH (AP) — Billions of dollars have been spent. Some of the world’s greatest players have come and gone. But the Champions League title has remained agonizingly out of reach for Paris Saint-Germain. That could be about to change. The Qatari-owned team is one game away from European club soccer’s most prestigious prize, with Inter Milan standing in the way in Saturday’s final in Munich. PSG is the favorite, with one of the most exciting teams in Europe, having produced thrilling performances to beat Manchester City and Liverpool on the way to the final. It feels like its time has finally come.

In college playoff debate, the Arizona St coach with everything to lose says he’ll take his chances

When it comes to the future of the College Football Playoff, there were as many opinions as there were coaches on hand at the Southeastern Conference and Big 12 league meetings in Florida this week. One of the most eye-opening came from Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State. He favors a format that would include 16 teams, five of them automatic bids to the highest-rated conference champions and the rest going as at-large bids. That would be paired with a straight-seeding model that would be adopted for next season’s playoff.

French Open: Swiatek and Sabalenka reach fourth round without dropping a set

PARIS (AP) — Defending champion Iga Swiatek has joined No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round of the French Open and neither player has dropped a set. Three-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka has only once reached the semifinals at the French Open. She beat Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Four-time champion Swiatek defeated Jaqueline Cristian 6-2, 7-5 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen to extend her French Open winning streak to 23 matches.

Mao Saigo fires a 66 to lead US Women’s Open after the 2nd round’s morning groupings

ERIN, Wis. (AP) — Mao Saigo posted a 6-under 66 to lead the U.S. Women’s Open after the second round’s morning groupings at Erin Hills as she looks to win her second major of the year. Saigo’s two-day total of 8-under 136 gives her a three-stroke advantage. Nelly Korda moved into second place during Friday’s morning session by posting a 67. Korda is the world’s top-ranked player. Saigo earned her first LPGA Tour title and won the year’s first major just over a month ago in the Chevron Championship.

Prosecutor says suspect in Liverpool soccer parade ramming used vehicle as a weapon

LONDON (AP) — A prosecutor in Liverpool says that the suspect in the city’s soccer parade ramming deliberately used his vehicle as a weapon to ram into fans celebrating their team’s Premier League championship. Paul Doyle did not enter a plea during his initial appearance Friday in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. Prosecutors have charged him with with dangerous driving and six serious assault charges alleging that he caused or tried to cause grievous bodily harm to the two children and four adults who suffered the worst injuries. The victims were among the 79 people injured Monday during celebrations of Liverpool’s Premier League championship.

Pacers try to wrap up Eastern Conference finals at home after blowing chance against Knicks on road

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers wasted one chance to wrap up the Eastern Conference finals. They don’t intend to let it happen again. On Saturday, two days after an uncharacteristically poor performance on the road, the Pacers will get a second shot to clinch a rare NBA Finals appearance, this time at home against the New York Knicks. The Pacers still lead the series 3-2 after Thursday’s demoralizing 111-94 loss. New York will need another strong defensive effort to slow down Tyrese Haliburton and the high-scoring Pacers to extend the series by forcing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.