SPORTS HEADLINES

Panthers lose OLB Nic Scourton to torn ACL on first day of training camp, AP source says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on the first day of training camp and will be placed on injured reserve, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet announced the news. It’s a huge blow for the Panthers, who were counting on Scourton to be a top pass rusher opposite recently signed free agent Jaelan Phillips.

Trump will welcome the World Series champion Dodgers to the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is welcoming Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House. Trump says Ohtani is “just about the best pitcher in baseball and just about the best hitter in baseball.” Thursday’s event in the Rose Garden celebrates the team’s second consecutive World Series title. The Dodgers celebrated their 2024 win with Trump in April 2025. Championship baseball teams have been coming to the White House since 1869, when President Ulysses S. Grant welcomed the Cincinnati Red Stockings.

Trump role in World Cup red-card ruling for Balogun pushes Norway toward FIFA ethics complaint

GENEVA (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in clearing Folarin Balogun from a mandatory one-game ban at the World Cup is set to provoke a formal complaint to FIFA ethics investigators. The Norway soccer federation says its board of directors will consider filing the complaint at its next meeting. That’s likely on Aug. 6. Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness has told London daily The Times: “We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error.” After Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a one-game ban for Balogun’s red-card tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina was deferred so he could play against Belgium in the last 16.

Even Lane Kiffin likes the ‘Lane Kiffin Rule’ that would prohibit in-season coaching moves

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Even Lane Kiffin supports the “Lane Kiffin Rule.” That rule is a Congress-proposed provision that would fix the longstanding problem of college coaches bailing on their teams while the season is still going. The LSU coach, whose move from Mississippi last season lit up his sport, spoke at SEC Media Days. He says a law that outlawed in-season moves could be helpful for future coaches who find themselves in his situation. Kiffin says “I do hope for future people, that’s fixed so that you’re not in that same predicament.”

Raiders sign No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to a 4-year, $57.27M contract

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. The Raiders hold a fifth-year option. Mendoza was the last of the Raiders’ 10 draft picks to sign. He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback.

Tyreek Hill is running but says he has ‘no power in my left leg’ 10 months after serious knee injury

Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s NFL future remains uncertain as he said on social media this week he still has no power in his left leg, almost 10 months after suffering significant damage in a season-ending knee injury. Hill provided a video update on YouTube on his continued comeback attempt after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and dislocated left knee in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29. The 32-year-old Hill was released by Miami on Feb. 16 and revealed in the social media update he is not ready to resume his career.

Patrick Kane rejoins the Chicago Blackhawks, agreeing to a $16 million, 2-year contract

CHICAGO (AP) — Patrick Kane has rejoined the Chicago Blackhawks, agreeing to a $16 million, two-year contract with his first NHL team. The 37-year-old Kane became one of the NHL’s most dynamic players while spending his first 15-plus seasons in Chicago, helping the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships. He ranks among the franchise’s career leaders with 446 goals, 779 assists and 1,225 points. Kane isn’t same player he was during his first stint with the Blackhawks. But he had 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season. He has recorded at least 50 points in 18 of his 19 seasons.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro not with team for game against Tigers due to personal matter

DETROIT (AP) — Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro was not with the team due to a personal matter on Thursday night when it started a series against the Detroit Tigers. The Royals, who did not give details, said they expect Quatraro back soon. Paul Hoover was the team’s acting manager for the series-opening game in Detroit. During the offseason, Kansas City gave Quatraro a three-year contract extension that runs through 2029 with a team option for 2030. He replaced Mike Matheny after the 2022 season and has led the Royals to a 267-322 record over three-plus seasons.

NASCAR driver Alex Bowman to retire from full-time racing after 2027 season

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Alex Bowman will retire from full-time racing following the 2027 season. Bowman had been in the final year of his contract at powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports. He signed a one-year extension before announcing his future plans on Thursday. The 33-year-old Bowman missed four races earlier this season because of vertigo and also was sidelined in 2022 because of a concussion and the following year because of a back injury. He says “the sport asks a lot of you, and I’ve learned it’s important to listen to your body and make the right choices for yourself.”

Blue Jackets sign goaltender Jet Greaves to $15 million, 3-year deal through the 2028-29 season

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Jet Greaves to a three-year, $15 million contract through the 2028-29 season. The 25-year-old Greaves finished 26-19-9 with a 2.60 goals-against average last season to become the fifth goaltender in franchise history to win 25 games in a season. He