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MLB owners propose banning high school signings, adding an international draft NEW YORK (AP) Baseball owners proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday.
The amateur draft for players residing in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico would be cut from 20 rounds to 12 beginning in 2027 under the proposal Major League Baseball made during a bargaining session with the players association.
An identical 12-round draft would be started for international prospects, a proposal the union has rejected in the past.
US Open starts on soft Shinnecock with strong wind.
Sam Stevens takes the early lead SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y.
(AP) Shinnecock Hills was soft and green as ever for a U.S.
Open.
It was still tough scoring in the windblown start to the U.S.
Open.
Sam Stevens had a 68 among the early starters.
That was good for a one-shot lead over the five other players who managed to break par.
That list includes Rory McIlroy and former British Open champion Brian Harman.
Players recognize the greens were softer and slower than they are used to seeing for golf's toughest test.
But the wind features gusts topping 30 mph so it had to be that way to keep everyone playing.
Well done, young man: 17-year-old Russell's US Open debut impresses 54-year-old partner Harrington SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y.
(AP) As Miles Russells putt neared the hole on the ninth green, Padraig Harrington crouched down for a closer look at the way the ball broke.
Even one of golfs elder statesmen and a three-time major champion could learn something from the way the 17-year-old played Thursday in the first round of the U.S.
Open.
Russell rarely looked like a rookie while shooting a 2-over 72 that left him five shots ahead of his 54-year-old playing partner.
Russell is a Florida State-bound amateur who was making his U.S.
Open debut.
Harrington won all three of his majors before Russell was born in 2008.
College sports bill clears a key Senate hurdle despite SEC, Big Ten opposition WASHINGTON (AP) A bipartisan bill top lawmakers and athletic leaders have described as the best chance to stabilize college sports has cleared a major hurdle in the Senate.
The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance the bill on Thursday.
The Protect College Sports Act would regulate athlete payments, limit players to one unrestricted transfer and stop coaches from changing jobs during a season.
The bill has support from several athletic conferences and the NFL, the NFL Players Association and the U.S.
Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
But the SEC and the Big Ten have not endorsed it.
Support and opposition for the bill crosses party lines.
Switzerland coach uses hydration break to spark late goal barrage in 4-1 World Cup win over Bosnia INGLEWOOD, Calif.
(AP) Substitute Johan Manzambi scored is first World Cup goal on an outstanding volley in the 74th minute and Switzerland erupted late for a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina to take control of its group.
Ruben Vargas scored in the 84th minute for the Swiss shortly after Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving Bosnia with 10 men.
Manzambi scored again in the 90th on a pass from Vargas, and captain Granit Xhaka converted from the penalty spot with the final kick of the game.
Ermin Mahmic scored in the fourth minute of second-half injury time for Bosnia.
NHL clears Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers after review of his Columbus tenure NEW YORK (AP) The NHL says it has completed a review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus and cleared him to coach.
The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players' Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers' interest in hiring Babcock.
The league said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock's employment.
It was not immediately clear if the Oilers would hire the 63-year-old who has not coached in the NHL since 2019.
Babcock coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and '14.
New York Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans and celebs fill the streets NEW YORK (AP) The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade through Manhattans Canyon of Heroes, drawing thousands of fans dressed in the teams blue and orange.
Finals MVP Jalen Brunson hoisted the trophy toward the crowd so they could touch it, while teammates rode floats through the streets or got off to interact with cheering fans.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a big Knicks fan, and celebrities including Spike Lee and Alicia Keys joined the party Thursday.
The parade marks a historic moment for the franchise and city, which did not hold championship parades after the Knicks title wins in the 1970s.
The Big Ten and SEC don't like the college sports bill in Congress.
Can they break away? The Protect College Sports Act has moved forward with Senate committee approval.
However, the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences oppose the bill, seeking revisions.
This opposition fuels speculation about a potential split from the NCAA to form a super league.
U.S.
Sen.
Maria Cantwell emphasizes the need for economic benefits for all.
The Big Ten and SEC dominate financially and athletically, raising concerns about parity.
Cody Campbell, a Texas Tech regent, dismisses the super league idea as impractical.
The bill still requires approval from 60 senators and the House, with legal challenges likely even if it becomes law.
Scheffler shoots 2 over at windy US Open, will need to rebound to complete the career Grand Slam SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y.
(AP) Scottie Scheffler's quest to complete the career Grand Slam is off to a slow start at the U.S.
Open.
He shot 2-over 72 in a windswept opening round on Thursday, leaving him four shots behind the early leader, Sam Stevens.
Scheffler's round started two hours later than scheduled due to a fog delay that held up play.
Then, the wind kicked in and turned Shinnecock Hills into a monster.
The top-ranked player in the world said he never really figured it out.
He'll get another chance at Shinnecock on Friday.
Yan Liu of China shoots 66 in chilly and windy conditions to take LPGA Tour lead BELMONT, Mich.
(AP) Yan Liu of China shot a 6-under 66 in chilly and windy conditions Thursday morning to take the first-round lead in the Meijer LPGA Classic.
Liu closed with a birdie on the par-5 18th at Blythefield Country Club.
The 28-year-old player is winless on the LPGA Tour.
American Jessica Porvasnik and Cassie Porter of Australia were a stroke back.
Jennifer Kupcho was at 68 with Youmin Hwang, Minji Kang, Nastasia Nadaud, Benedetta Moresco and Daniela Darquea.
Amateur star Kiara Romero shot a 72 playing on a sponsor exemption.
Shes the No.
1 amateur in the world and was the low amateur at the U.S.
Womens Open, where she tied for sixth..