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NCAA revokes eligibility of 6 more college basketball players as it continues sports betting probe

The NCAA has revoked the eligibility of six men’s college basketball players for allegations of sports betting in three separate cases at New Orleans, Mississippi Valley State and Arizona State. The NCAA Committee on Infractions released findings Friday from an investigation that concluded Cedquavious Hunter, Dyquavian Short, Jamond Vincent, Donovan Sanders, Alvin Stredic and Chatton “BJ” Freeman manipulated their performances to lose games, not cover betting lines, ensure certain prop bets were reached or provided information that enabled others to do so during the 2024-25 regular season. In September, the NCAA also banned three college basketball players for betting on their own games at Fresno State and San Jose State.

Marshawn Kneeland’s death highlights the importance of mental health resources for NFL players

It’s OK to not be OK. Every conversation about mental health includes that important statement and a message that tough times don’t last, things will get better and help is available. The NFL and the rest of society have come a long way in dealing with mental wellness. The stigma surrounding it has changed. The “suck it up” and “tough it out” mentality are long gone. Players are encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being. They’re told to seek professional support if needed. They have more resources available to them now. The NFL and NFL Players Association in 2019 made it a requirement to have a licensed behavioral health clinician on the staff of each team.

Ex-NFL player Antonio Brown waives extradition on attempted murder charge, will return to Miami

Former NFL player Antonio Brown will return to Florida after deciding not to contest his extradition from a New Jersey jail on an attempted murder charge. Officials said Friday that Brown waived extradition at a brief court hearing and was awaiting transfer to Miami. He was brought to New Jersey after his arrest by U.S. Marshals in Dubai. Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer after a boxing match on May 16 and firing two shots at a man he had gotten into a fistfight with earlier. Brown was an All-Pro wide receiver with Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and other teams.

Lemon scores through air, on ground in No. 20 USC’s 38-17 win over Northwestern

LOS ANGELES (AP) — No. 20 Southern California stayed in the College Football Playoff race with a 38-17 victory over Northwestern. Makai Lemon had a touchdown catch and a scoring run while making 11 receptions for a career-high 161 yards. Jayden Maiava passed for 299 yards and hit Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane for TDs as the Trojans remained unbeaten at the Coliseum this season. King Miller also rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown. Preston Stone passed for 150 yards and Caleb Komolafe rushed for 118 yards and a score for the Wildcats, who lost for just the second time in six games.

No. 20 USC pulls off fake punt after the Trojans’ 3rd-string QB switches to punter’s uniform number

LOS ANGELES (AP) — No. 20 Southern California pulled off a remarkable fake punt against Northwestern by unexpectedly sending out third-string quarterback Sam Huard in the same uniform number as the Trojans’ punter. Huard came on the field with the punt team and completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines for a first down in the second quarter. The trickery extended the Trojans’ second drive, which ended in a TD run by Jayden Maiava. Huard wore No. 7 earlier this season for the Trojans, but he is listed as No. 80 on the USC roster for this week after the team quietly made the change. USC punter Sam Johnson also wears No. 80.

Tulane beats No. 22 Memphis 38-32 to stay in contention for the Group of 5 spot in CFP

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jake Retzlaff threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns and Tulane held off No. 22 Memphis 38-32 on Friday night to stay in contention for the Group of Five’s spot in the College Football Playoff and dash the Tigers’ hopes. Tulane (7-2, 4-1 American Athletic) survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt as the Tigers fought back from a 21-point third-quarter deficit. Memphis (8-2, 4-2) had won 11 in a row at home. Brendon Lewis passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers. Cortez Braham Jr. caught 11 passes for 113 yards. The Green Wave scored on their first play from scrimmage — a 65-yard pass from Retzlaff to Shazz Preston — and found the end zone on four of their next five possessions.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra grateful for support after fire destroys home

MIAMI (AP) — Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has expressed gratitude for the support he received after a fire destroyed his home. The blaze broke out early Thursday, but fortunately, his children were not at home, and no one was injured. Spoelstra praised the first responders for their efforts, even though the house couldn’t be saved. He declined time off offered by the Heat, saying his kids wanted to attend Friday’s game. Spoelstra also thanked the Heat family for their support, noting that some players’ families are helping his children. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

After missing World Series for personal reasons, Dodgers’ Vesia says his baby daughter has died

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia has shared the news that his daughter, Sterling, has died. Vesia and his wife, Kayla, expressed their grief and love for their daughter in an Instagram post. Vesia missed the World Series due to what the team initially described as a “deeply personal family matter.” Both team’s pitchers wore Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps in tribute. The Vesias thanked the medical staff and both teams for their support. The Dodgers won the World Series in seven games against Toronto.

Trump pardons former Mets great Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges. Strawberry, an eight-time All-Star, struggled with legal and personal issues after his baseball career. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 1995 and went to prison on drug-related charges. A White House official said Trump approved the pardon, highlighting Strawberry’s Christian faith and longtime, post-career sobriety. Strawberry expressed gratitude on Instagram. He emphasized that it wasn’t about politics. Strawberry played for the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants from 1983 to 1999. He was 1983 National League Rookie of the Year and was on four World Series-winning teams with the Mets and Yankees.

No. 25 UNC was down at half to No. 19 Kansas. A dominant 2nd half changed everything

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — No. 25 North Carolina used a dominating second half to rally past No. 19 Kansas on Friday night in a matchup of blueblood programs. It also marked a validation for coach Hubert Davis’ retooling of the roster after the Tar Heels barely made last year’s NCAA Tournament. Freshman Caleb Wilson and Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar were standouts. The Tar Heels also got a strong performance from senior returnee Seth Trimble. UNC had lost five straight meetings to Kansas and hadn’t beaten the Jayhawks since November 2002. UNC had also lost eight of nine against ranked teams last year.