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NFL and referees agree on a 7-year collective bargaining agreement, avoiding potential work stoppage

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association have agreed on a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement that avoids a potential work stoppage and use of replacement officials. The deal runs through the 2032 NFL season. The league began the onboarding process for replacement officials last month because negotiations weren’t progressing. But they won’t be necessary. A stalemate in 2012 resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement referees were used.

Jets, running back Breece Hall agree to a 3-year, $45.75 million contract extension, AP source says

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the New York Jets and running back Breece Hall have agreed on a three-year contract extension worth $45.75 million. The deal Friday makes Hall the third-highest paid running back in the NFL. The Jets had used the franchise tag on Hall and the new contract pays him $15.25 million per year. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets didn’t announce the extension. Hall rushed for a career-high 1,065 yards last season, despite missing the final game because of a knee issue.

76ers to donate 500 tickets for each remaining 2nd-round home playoff game to blunt Knicks’ takeover

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers are donating 500 tickets for each remaining home second-round playoff game to local community groups. The move aims to keep more Sixers fans in the arena and prevent a New York Knicks takeover. The team previously tried to limit ticket sales through Ticketmaster to fans in the Philadelphia area. On Friday, 250 frontline medical personnel and 250 local educators were attending Game 3. For Sunday’s Game 4, 500 moms and children from various organizations will attend. The Knicks currently lead the series 2-0. Joel Embiid has urged Sixers fans not to sell their tickets, emphasizing the importance of their support.

MLB’s rookie class is making an impressive impact in early season games

PHOENIX (AP) — Major League Baseball’s rookie class looks like it might be a special one. A group of talented young hitters led by Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt have played well through the season’s first 1 1/2 months. Most of the top rookie performers have been at the plate but young pitchers like Nolan McLean and Parker Messick have also made a good impression. Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said young players are more prepared to handle the big leagues than ever before.

Marlins No. 2 prospect Robby Snelling set for MLB debut vs. Nationals

MIAMI (AP) — Robby Snelling was already receiving autograph requests from young Marlins fans 24 hours before his first Major League Baseball start. The Marlins sure hope that will become a new norm for their No. 2 pitching prospect, who was called up this week from Triple-A Jacksonville to make his MLB debut Friday against the Washington Nationals. The left-handed Snelling, selected 39th by San Diego in the 2022 amateur draft, was dealt to Miami in a 2024 package that sent Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing to the Padres.

Djokovic beaten by a Croatian qualifier 18 years younger than him at the Italian Open

ROME (AP) — Novak Djokovic has been beaten by a Croatian qualifier 18 years younger than him at the Italian Open. It was Djokovic’s first match after two months out due to a right shoulder injury. The 20-year-old Dino Prizmic defeated the record 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 with an ace on his first match point. The 38-year-old Djokovic hadn’t played since losing to Jack Draper in the fourth round in Indian Wells, California, in March. Djokovic had taping on his right shoulder that was revealed when he changed shirts between sets.

A domestic battery case against Chiefs assistant Dave Merritt is dismissed without prejudice

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A misdemeanor domestic battery case against Chiefs assistant Dave Merritt has been dismissed without prejudice. This comes less than three weeks after Merritt entered a plea of not guilty and was released from jail in Johnson County, Kansas. The 54-year-old Merritt has been with the Chiefs since 2019 and has helped teams win five Super Bowls, including his time with the Giants. He participated in the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp last weekend. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Saturday that Merritt has been very up-front about the situation and emphasized letting law enforcement handle the process.

F1 leaders agree to make engine design change for 2027 season

PARIS (AP) — Formula 1 leaders have agreed to an engine design change for 2027 that will slightly increase internal combustion output. F1 started the year with big changes including a 50-50 split in power between a traditional engine and the onboard battery pack. But driver criticism was immediate. Governing body the FIA says it met with teams and F1 officials in an online session Friday and that the changes have been agreed in principle.

From Grandoli to the World Cup: The neighborhood club where Messi’s journey started

ROSARIO, Argentina (AP) — In a few weeks, 38-year-old Lionel Messi is expected to play in his sixth World Cup for Argentina, though he hasn’t officially confirmed it. His story began in a lower-middle-class district of Rosario, Argentina’s third-largest city. It was in 1992 when his maternal grandmother took 5-year-old Lionel to watch his older brother play for the Grandoli youth team. How Messi ended up on the pitch to began his storied career has become part of the club’s lore and they will be watching him again on soccer’s biggest stage.

Marathon marks a turning point for a Palestinian runner released from an Israeli prison

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Thousands of runners participated in a marathon in the occupied West Bank on Friday, including Mohamad Al-Assi. The 27-year-old from Dheisheh refugee camp finished second, after restarting his training only six months ago after he spent 32 months in an Israeli prison. The marathoner was among those who completed loops through the Bethlehem area, including along the wall separating Israel from the occupied West Bank. Organizers say the marathon highlights the restrictions facing the territory, where checkpoints can disrupt even routine commutes and where land is increasingly taken by expanding Israeli settlements and outposts.

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