ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 01: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a two run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on October 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves are heading to Los Angeles and they’ve done so by finally getting one over on a Philadelphia Phillies ballclub that has been a thorn in their side for not just this season but for the past few seasons as well.

Middletown’s #7 Nick Cyril carries for a big gain as Bristol Eastern’s #12 Caden Jones defends during a CIAC high school football game at Middletown High School in Middletown, Conn., Thursday, October 1, 2026. Cyril scored a touchdown on the play. (Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media)

MIDDLETOWN – One look at Middletown High School’s offensive and defensive lines makes it clear that the Blue Dragons know their way around the weight room. But there’s also a cerebral aspect to their bruising style of play.

LAS VEGAS — The series between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces grew increasingly physical and intense, and in an elimination game it led to a bloodied Caitlin Clark.
With 3:18 left, Clark jumped for a rebound as Jewell Loyd reached up next to her. As Loyd was coming down, her right arm struck Clark in the mouth, causing her upper gums to bleed on the left side of her mouth.
Clark leaned over on the ground before exiting up the tunnel.

Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
On Thursday, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and Oregon Live reported that the Portland Trail Blazers planned to hire Braiden Bell as the team’s new television play-by-play announcer.
By Thursday night, the Trail Blazers announced that Bell, formerly a broadcaster for the Phoenix Mercury, would not be moving forward in the role after concerning, years-old social media posts resurfaced.

Anzelo Tuitavuki, Fetuli Paea and Fine Inisi will hope to play at the 2027 World Cup with Tonga [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
There was a house at Ebbw Vale’s Eugene Cross Park that affectionately became known as The Tongan Embassy.
The Pacific Islands influence remains strong in Gwent, to the extent that three Tongans will feature in Dragons’ United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against Scarlets in Newport on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Centres Fine Inisi and Fetuli Paea are entering their second seasons with the Rodney Parade club and have been joined by wing Anzelo Tuitavuki.

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray celebrates converting an and-one during a WNBA Playoff Game against the Indiana Fever on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS — The Aces defeated the Fever, 94-83, in a WNBA game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 1, 2026, and The Sporting Tribune’s Paige Kuwata was there to capture the following Images.

Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd celebrates a successful three-point shot with the crowd during a WNBA Playoff Game on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Houston high school football scoreboard (Staff illustration)

The Week 6 Houston-area and statewide Texas high school football scores from Thursday’s games as compiled by the Associated Press.

Josh Adams has played 72 internationals for Wales [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Wales wing Josh Adams says he would love to play in a third World Cup as he targets a first trip to Australia next year.
It is exactly a year until Wales play their opening game against Zimbabwe in Adelaide on 2 October, before further pool games against Tonga and England.
“I’m desperate to go, but there is loads of rugby to be played and months ahead of us,” said Adams, looking ahead to the tournament.

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All-NBA center Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract to return to the Pistons, agent Chafie Fields told ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers became the 18th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal Thursday night.

Steelers vs. Browns Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Week 4 Game originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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The Steelers didn’t have much time to celebrate their Week 3 win against the Bengals, as they are heading to Cleveland to face the Browns on Thursday night.
Pittsburgh bounced back from an ugly loss to New England with a 30-27 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday. Now, the Steelers are looking to secure their second win of the season against an AFC North opponent.

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (non-injury) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 1.
SOURCE: 49ers.com

Why it Matters: McCaafrey was back at practice after receiving his routine day off to start the week. He topped 100 total yards on 19 touches and scored in Week 3, and even with the 49ers keeping his workload in check, McCaffrey is putting up strong numbers.

Details on Jayson Tatum’s emerging leadership behind closed doors are starting to make their way into the media. And that was the subject of a recent clip put together by the folks behind the “NBC Sports Boston” YouTube channel put together a clip from a recent episode of their “Celtics Insiders” podcast, which featured cohosts Marc D’Amico and Abby Chin breaking down what they have heard and seen about Tatum’s leadership at Boston’s 2026-27 training camp.
They also get into some behind-the-scenes input from Mike Conley.

NHL goals by goalies: Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin joins minuscule group of goaltenders that have lit the lamp originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The NHL season is barely underway, but the league already has one of the highlights of the season courtesy of New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin.
In the Rangers 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night, Shesterkin joined elite company as he became the latest goalie to score a goal in an NHL game.

Pistons’ Jalen Duren makes final decision on $200M contract offer ending months-long dispute originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren have been throwing jabs at each other throughout the entire summer. Most of the time, it felt like Duren wanted to be done with Detroit as the organization refused to give him the contract he wanted.
On Monday, the Pistons had media day, and the All-Star center did not show up after declining the offer.

Who is Ray Kerr? Meet 7-Eleven employee turned Braves pitcher who outdueled Aaron Nola in MLB postseason originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Atlanta Braves needed a hero to step up in Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies, so they turned to a 32-year-old journeyman reliever.
BRaves manager called upon Ray Kerr to get the start vs. Philadelphia, hoping the lefty could help neutralize Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber before Grant Holmes handled the bulk work.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are running out of healthy bodies on defense against the Cleveland Browns. First, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon went down with a foot injury and now starting cornerback Jamel Dean is questionable to return with a ankle injury. The Browns lead the Steelers 21-7 heading into halftime.
With Joey Porter Jr. traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Dean assumes the permanent role as the Steelers No. 1 cornerback. Dean was signed as a free agent this offseason from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers had lightbulb moment before Browns game that led to Joey Porter Jr. trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Joey Porter Jr. situation was discouraging long before the Pittsburgh Steelers actually traded him to the Dallas Cowboys, but the organization took time to explore all its options. Finally, the Black and Gold decided they had reached a point of no return and could not realistically keep the 26-year-old cornerback for another week.
“The Cowboys intensified talks about a Joey Porter Jr.

The Dallas Cowboys are going all-in on pursuing a Super Bowl run this season. That was made clear when Jerry Jones and the front office got a deal done with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday to acquire star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick.
Porter instantly improves one of the biggest needs for the Cowboys. They have had issues in their secondary this season.
While another major need is clear on the defensive line and stopping the run, Dallas got better with the trade for Porter.

A lot of excitement in Northeast Ohio for the Cleveland Browns versus Pittsburgh Steelers, playing for the AFC North lead on Thursday Night Football. The Browns started with the ball after kickoff, but went three-and-out. A very good Corey Bojorquez punt pushed the Steelers back, but QB Aaron Rodgers picked apart Cleveland’s defense in front of a raucous crowd at Huntington Bank Field.
With Pittsburgh’s offense just past midfield, DT Mason Graham was injured. The star defender was engaged with a blocker when another lineman fell on his leg late in the play.

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman believes that no-trade clauses are no longer being used as “originally intended,” and instead, players are using them to force moves to specific teams after requesting a trade.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said his squad is united behind him as they shrugged off Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock exit from the camp to beat Denmark 4-2 on Thursday.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse envisions LeBron James setting the table for the offense this season. “I consider him a great offense creator,” Nurse said.

The Saints put running back Travis Etienne on injured reserve, which will sideline him for at least the next four games.

Joey Porter Jr. says he hopes to make his debut for the Cowboys on Sunday, when they play the Texans.

Jericho High School has canceled the remainder of its varsity football season three games in after injuries left the team without enough healthy players to safely continue.
It is the fourth Long Island school to cancel its varsity football season this year. Amityville, Port Jefferson and Holy Trinity have also canceled their seasons.
Jericho’s decision came after players were injured during a Friday night game, according to Superintendent Dr. Robert Kravitz.
“Some of our senior students got hurt.

Jacob Misiorowski held hitters to a .157 batting average this season, the lowest by any pitcher with at least 100 innings since 1990. The San Diego Padres get their first crack at him at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday in Milwaukee. It’s the last game of the four on the Division Series’ opening day, MLB announced Thursday.
The Cleveland Guardians host the Chicago White Sox at 1 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at 4 p.m. ET against an opponent they won’t know until late Thursday night. The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are the undercard for Misiorowski at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Mark traveled from Neptune all the way to Prudential Center with his wife and 7-month old son. Sporting a Devils jersey and a helmet with a flashing red light on top, he was excited to see what his favorite hockey team would do with the new season.
“It’s the best night of the entire season,” he said. “It’s the best night until April when we get into the playoffs.”
Hundreds of Devils fans filled Championship Plaza outside Prudential Center on Oct. 1 for pregame festivities that included Devils players walking the red carpet and signing autographs for fans.

The Kentucky Wildcats are getting prepared to head to Columbia as they face off with Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks. In what has become a pivotal game for the Gamecocks, the Cats are going to look to spoil the party and move to 4-1 on the season.
However, for the first time this season, some injuries have started to stack up, especially at key positions.
In tonight’s update, DJ Miller remained doubtful alongside starting long-snapper Cole Marszalek. Jordan Castell was removed from the list and looks to be good to go for Saturday.

Christian Gonzalez’s Practice Absence Creates Bigger Patriots Problem Against Bills originally appeared on NESN.
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Christian Gonzalez’s shoulder injury could force the Patriots to change more than one assignment against Buffalo.
New England’s top cornerback missed practice for the second consecutive day Thursday, leaving his availability uncertain ahead of Sunday’s divisional matchup.

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It was a tale of two golfers late in the day Thursday at the Bank of Utah Championship.
Birdies and eagles were flying all over the Tom Weiskopf-designed Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. But the shot of the day came courtesy of Jordan Smith.
After back-to-back birdies on Nos. 7 and 8 (he started at the 10th) Smith was 238 yards out after a 350-yard drive. From there, his second shot just cleared a greenside bunker and then rolled up to the cup, gently clinking the flagstick before dropping down for a 2 on the par 5.

It all comes down to this for the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces. After A’ja Wilson and the Aces dominated in Game 1, Caitlin Clark led the Fever to a fiery Game 2 win to avoid elimination and send the series back to Vegas. While the Aces have home-court advantage as the higher seed, head coach Becky Hammon said Game 3 “might as well be on the street … Anything can happen in those game scenarios.”
Last season, this matchup in the semifinals went to overtime of Game 5 before the Aces closed it out and rolled to another championship.

Netherlands stage late comeback to deny Greece victory
The Netherlands recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Greece in Thessaloniki, extending their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 19 games.
Greece started strongly and thought they had taken the lead through Christos Tzolis, but his effort was ruled out for offside before an injury forced the forward off.
The hosts eventually broke through in the 23rd minute. Fotis Ioannidis collected Georgios Masouras’ flick-on before advancing into the area and calmly finding the bottom corner.

Oct. 1—MITCHELL — Looking to stay unbeaten against Eastern South Dakota Conference opponents this season, the Mitchell High School football team heads to Watertown.
Though it’s a showdown with a familiar foe, the days of playing at Watertown Stadium are gone, as Friday marks the first meeting between the Kernels and Arrows at the new football facility that opened in 2025 across from Watertown High School.
Here’s what to know ahead of the Kernels’ contest against the Arrows:
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: Allen Mitchell Athletic Complex, Watertown.

Kansas State has reached a settlement with former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, more than seven months after the school fired the coach.
The deal will reportedly pay Tang $12 million of the $18.7 million buyout he was owned from his contract. Tang is currently working an assistant coach for Baylor under head coach Scott Drew.
Kansas State let Tang go in February, ending a four-year tenure in which he accrued a 71-57 record with a single NCAA Tournament appearance in his first year.

September has been a great month for former Oregon Ducks across the NFL. With three alums starting under center and more making game-winning plays for their franchises on Sunday, the Ducks have made a massive impact on the early part of the NFL season.
The Ducks have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball at the next level, but some of the defensive stars really shined in the first month of the season. Nobody, however, shined brighter than safety Jevón Holland, who is breaking out as a superstar in his second season with the New York Giants.

The Cleveland Browns announced their inactives for tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns and Steelers had a combined five players ruled out, and Pittsburgh actually just traded one of those players, dropping that number to four.
First, let’s start off with the good news: after missing this past Sunday’s game, cornerback Tyson Campbell is back and ready to start. Grant Delpit, who was a bit banged up, is also ready to play.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 29: A general view of Wild Card Abbvie on deck circle before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s the deciding game 3 between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves Thursday afternoon. RHP Aaron Nola will start for the Phillies while the Braves will give the ball to LHP Ray Kerr.

Mar 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at midcourt at the Crypto.com Arena.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers named Derrin Horton their new public address announcer Thursday, appointing the veteran sports broadcaster to succeed the late Lawrence Tanter beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Horton will make his debut Oct. 8 when the Lakers host the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena.

The #Lakers are adding Derrin Horton as the team’s new PA announcer, succeeding the late legendary Lawrence Tanter. pic.twitter.

The Saints are placing running back Travis Etienne on injured reserve, which will sideline him for at least the next four games.

The Fever star discusses Ron Swanson’s narration and the irony she hopes you get in Nike’s ad campaign.

Las Vegas hosts Indiana on Thursday with the winner advancing to the WNBA semifinals. Here’s what could decide the game.

On Pardon the Interruption, Tony Kornheiser and

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Victor Wembanyama has landed a number of high-profile endorsements since landing in the NBA. It appears he has no plans to add betting or prediction market companies to that stable.
Speaking with reporters Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs star was asked if he would consider working with such companies. His answer was an unequivocal no, via Jared Weiss of The Athletic:

“Absolutely not. I will never do that. Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it. Everybody does whatever they want, but without me.