AP Sports SummaryBrief at 10:19 a.m. EDT | Sports | yakimaherald.com – Yakima Herald-Republic
Inflation, gas prices looming over sports biz, concessions
CHICAGO (AP) — Persistently high inflation and gas prices are looming over sports and the monetary pipeline that resumed when fans returned to games amid the pandemic. The most recent Consumer Price Index Summary from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed an 8.2% rise in costs in September from a year earlier. Increases in the shelter, food, and medical care indexes were among the largest contributors to the rise in costs. Given the industry’s reliance on disposable income, the CPI numbers are a troubling sign for sports business leaders.
FBI probing ex-CIA officer’s spying for World Cup host Qatar
A former CIA officer who spied on Qatar’s rivals to help the tiny Arab country land this year’s World Cup is now under FBI scrutiny and newly obtained documents show he offered spy services that went beyond soccer to try to influence U.S. policy. That’s according to an Associated Press investigation into the work Kevin Chalker and his company Global Risk Advisors did for Qatar. Two people familiar with the FBI probe say it is focused on whether Chalker broke laws related to foreign lobbying, surveillance and exporting sensitive technologies. Chalker’s lawyer says the company never engaged in any unlawful activity.
Belichick says Jones to remain Pats’ starter at QB vs. Jets
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots coach Bill Belichick says Mac Jones will remain the starting quarterback when they visit the New York Jets. Belichick said Jones, who was not listed on the injury report after three straight weeks of dealing with a sprained ankle, had a full workload during New England’s walkthrough Wednesday and is expected to be unrestricted in Sunday’s game. Jones is looking to recover from a rough outing in last week’s 33-14 loss to Chicago. Jones started the game, but lasted only three series and threw an interception before being pulled in favor of Bailey Zappe.
Broncos GM gives vote of confidence to embattled coach, QB
Broncos general manager George Paton gave a vote of confidence to his embattled head coach Nathaniel Hackett and expressed faith that scuffling quarterback Russell Wilson will turn his fortunes around. Paton said he appreciates how Hackett has kept the team from fracturing after a 2-5 start and amidst a four-game losing streak. The Broncos have been in every game thanks to their outstanding defense. But their struggling offense is averaging just 14 points a game. The Broncos face another struggling 2-5 team Sunday when they kick off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London’s Wembley Stadium.
Dan Snyder still hasn’t interviewed for NFL’s investigation
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder still hasn’t been interviewed for the NFL’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against him. Former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White was hired in February to conduct the investigation and the NFL has promised to release a written report of the findings. The league has said there’s no timeline for White to complete the probe. White also handled the league’s investigation into Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross earlier this year. White’s current reviews follows the league’s initial independent investigation by attorney Beth Wilkinson’s firm commissioned in 2020, which found Washington’s workplace culture to be toxic.
AP source: Chiefs get Toney from Giants for 2 draft picks
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs acquired New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney on Thursday for a pair of picks in next year’s draft, a person familiar with the terms of the trade told The Associated Press. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical, said the Giants will get the third-round pick that the Chiefs got as compensation for Ryan Poles becoming the general manager of the Chicago Bears along with a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft that will be hosted by Kansas City. Toney was drafted in the first round by the Giants last year and is under contract through the 2024 season with a fifth-year team option. That makes the trade relatively low risk for the Chiefs.
Analysis: Lakers are going to have to look for some help
The season isn’t even two weeks old. Only 5% of the games have been played. Drawing any conclusions at this point would be ridiculous. Except, perhaps, this one: The Los Angeles Lakers are in trouble. The Lakers are taking an 0-4 record into Friday’s game at Minnesota. They’re at the bottom of the Western Conference, and if Orlando wasn’t 0-5 the Lakers would have the worst record in the NBA. They’re 78-87 since winning the 2020 NBA title. LeBron James is winless after four games for the second time in his career, the other being his rookie season. They need help, and fast.
No US-born Black players on expected World Series rosters
No U.S.-born Black players are projected to be on World Series rosters when the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros meet this week. Only once since Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in 1947 has there been a World Series without at least one Black player. It happened in 1950 when the New York Yankees played the Phillies. Slightly over 7% of players on opening day rosters this season were Black. The Astros and Phillies will announce their 26-man rosters several hours before Game 1 on Friday night at Minute Maid Park.
Rivera would keep Boone, says earlier remarks out of context
Mariano Rivera says he would keep Aaron Boone as New York Yankees manager and remarks he made earlier this week were taken out of context. The Hall of Fame reliever tells The Associated Press that he was speaking generically about teams and managers when he answered questions Tuesday during a videoconference session with Panamanian business executives. Rivera says people “took it out of context.”
Brewers’ president of baseball operations Stearns steps down
MILWAUKEE (AP) — David Stearns is stepping down as the Milwaukee Brewers’ president of baseball operations. Matt Arnold will take over the lead role in overseeing the team’s baseball operations. The team said Stearns will still have an advisory role to owner Mark Attanasio. The Brewers announced the transition Thursday. Arnold has been the Brewers’ senior vice president and general manager since 2020. Stearns led the Brewers’ baseball operations during a run of sustained success. The Brewers’ franchise-record string of four straight playoff appearances ended this season.