SPORTS HEADLINES

Falcons’ Bijan Robinson agrees to a 3-year extension that makes him the NFL’s top-paid running back

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson through the 2030 season that makes the fourth-year player the NFL’s highest-paid running back. Robinson reposted the NFL’s Instagram post detailing the extension on Tuesday morning, writing “God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!” The extension is worth up to $75 million with incentives, with $51 million guaranteed. The base value of $66.75 million gives Robinson a $22.25 million average per year that makes him the league’s top-paid running back.

Former FIFA VP Prince Ali cites ‘blackmail’ by Infantino-led soccer body over unpaid prize money

GENEVA (AP) — Former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has criticized the soccer body’s leadership headed by Gianni Infantino describing prize money withheld from his Jordan national team as a kind of blackmail. Prince Ali says the Jordanian federation he leads still hasn’t been paid money due for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup last December in Qatar. The prince says during the World Cup this summer he was told endorsing Infantino would help resolve the issue. Infantino is fighting to save his 11-year presidency amid a backlash to his now-failed plan for selling investors a stake in future World Cup profits.

Chicago Bears right tackle Darnell Wright lands 4-year, $116 million contract, AP source says

CHICAGO (AP) — Standout right tackle Darnell Wright has agreed to lucrative contract extension with the Chicago Bears. A person familiar with negotiations says Wright has agreed to a four-year, $116 million contract. The deal includes $93 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details had not been announced by Wright or the team. Wright was the 10th overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Tennessee. He anchored an offensive line that helped the Bears rank third in the NFL in rushing last season and win the NFC North.

Baseball’s trade deadline: The Dodgers (and Red Sox?!) are going for it. Is anybody else?

By the time the trade deadline passed, the Dodgers had taken their big swing by landing Tarik Skubal. The Red Sox had thrown caution to the wind, sending prospects every which way to acquire Adley Rutschman and others. Other contenders took a more tepid approach. Milwaukee added right-hander Dustin May. The New York Yankees made a solid pickup in infielder Luis García Jr., but general manager Brian Cashman said they tried for Skubal and Rutschman and didn’t get either. Atlanta was fairly quiet. Detroit and Baltimore became sellers despite being very much in the playoff race.

Yankees call up top prospect George Lombard Jr to play shortstop, activate outfielder Heliot Ramos

NEW YORK (AP) — George Lombard Jr. was returning from a long trip for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Monday when the highly touted shortstop found out he was joining the Yankees Heliot Ramos was working out while he prepared to play for the Giants against the Rangers when the outfielder discovered he was getting traded to the Yankees. On Tuesday both were in the lineup for the Yankees as Lombard batted eighth and played shortstop while Ramos hit fourth and played left field against the CardinalsTo make room for Lombard and Ramos, shortstop Anthony Volpe and outfielder Jasson Domínguez were optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre following Monday’s 13-7 loss.

A new football title chase lies ahead as women’s flag football closes in on NCAA championship status

The NCAA has women’s flag football on the fast track to becoming a championship sport. There could be a national title game as early as spring 2028, before the LA Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut. More than 120 schools are slated to field a team this academic year. A vote in January by Division I, II, and III officials could cement the sport’s inclusion. Schools are already recruiting and game-planning to build championship rosters. The NFL has thrown its weight behind the sport, sponsoring teams and tournaments, and USA Football is developing players to bring home an Olympic medal.

PGA Tour regular season ends what has been a strange year of no one dominating

Billy Horschel was full of optimism at the start of the year. He comes to the final event of the PGA Tour’s regular season outside the top 100 in the FedEx Cup and with no guarantees of keeping his full card. The tour preaches balance and meritocracy and that much is evident. Chris Gotterup has more wins than Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy combined. Three of the majors champions were ranked outside the top 30. That hasn’t happened in 17 years. And it’s been three months since anyone inside the top 10 in the world won on the PGA Tour.

Chiefs’ Bieniemy checks in at camp as wife’s shooting leaves offensive coordinator’s return unclear

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been checking in more with the team during training camp. His return to coaching remains unclear after his wife was shot at their Virginia home. Bieniemy’s son has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Court appearances have been delayed for him pending a mental health evaluation. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says Mia Bieniemy’s condition is improving. Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is practicing fully after knee surgery, showing no setbacks as the Chiefs continued with padded practices at training camp.

Cleveland Sirens unveil name and branding for expansion WNBA team

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Sirens introduced their name and branding during an event at Rocket Arena on Tuesday. The WNBA’s 16th team will begin play in 2028. Cleveland was home to one of the league’s original franchises when the WNBA started in 1997, but the Rockers folded in 2003 when owner Gordon Gund could not find a new buyer. Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee for Cleveland’s return to the WNBA.

Serena and Venus Williams to play doubles together at the Cincinnati Open

MASON, Ohio (AP) — The Williams sisters are back playing doubles tennis ahead of the U.S. Open. Serena and Venus Williams are set to take part in the Cincinnati Open that begins next week after receiving a wild-card entry. They last played a doubles match together at the 2022 U.S. Open. It is their first time teaming up in the hard-court tune-up tournament in Mason, Ohio. Venus Williams is set to play mixed doubles at the U.S. Open alongside Alexander Bublik. She and her younger sister playing at Cincinnati is the latest step in Serena’s comeback at age 44 after losing at Wimbledon in her first singles match in nearly four years.