Late Night Goes Live for Bruising Presidential Debate

By Trish Bendix from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/33fatPV

Chris Wallace Struggled to Rein In an Unruly Trump at First Debate

By Michael M. Grynbaum from NYT Business https://ift.tt/3iiezuQ

Technical glitch halts trading on Japan's exchanges

Stock markets in Tokyo and other cities suffered a day-long suspended trading session on Thursday.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2HI0XfT

Google Pixel phone 'designed for economic downturn'

The Pixel 5 loses several headline features of last year's flagship phone to hit a lower price tag.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/30k9CeW

New on Sports Illustrated: Former President Barack Obama Attends Game 1 of NBA Finals as Virtual Fan

The stars were out in (virtual) full force for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and Heat.

In a typical year, Game 1 of the NBA Finals featuring the Lakers at the Staples Center would be certain to be an A-list affair. Usual suspects like Jack Nicholson, Flea and James Goldstein would certainly be there, along with plenty of other Hollywood dignitaries. Alas, the pandemic has robbed us of that spectacle, but that doesn't mean the stars didn't show up along the screens inside the NBA bubble.

Among the esteemed guests in attendance as a virtual fan on Wednesday was former president Barack Obama, a noted basketball fan. Obama's Bulls did not quite make it to the NBA Finals, though he was logged on and dressed as a neutral observer.

Alongside the 44th president were Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce and James Worthy, among others.

This is Obama's second interaction with the NBA zeitgeist during the pandemic. He made a notable appearance during ESPN's 10-part The Last Dance documentary, which examined the Bulls' Michael Jordan dynasty. It's unclear whether Obama has a rooting interest this year, though we can keep an eye out for him at future games.

New on Sports Illustrated: Heat look to subdue Lakers in Game 1 of NBA Finals

For Miami to knock off the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday near Orlando, the Heat need to be at the top of their game.

Heat forward Jimmy Butler said even that might not be enough.

"We're going to have to play damn near perfect because they're such a good team and they do so many things well," Butler said after the Heat's series-clinching 125-113 win Sunday over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

"Obviously, you know the star power that they have. We're not going to back down, though. ... We're going to lock into this film and we're going to be ready to go. I think it will be some must-see TV."

Bam Adebayo sparked Miami's victory over Boston with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Butler scored 22 points and Tyler Herro added 19 for the Heat, who will be seeking their fourth NBA title.

The Heat won their last one in 2013, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh led them to the second of back-to-back titles by beating the San Antonio Spurs. Miami also captured the 2006 NBA crown over the Dallas Mavericks.

Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel said this year's version of the Heat will be a handful. Like the Lakers, they are 12-3 in the playoffs.

"They have three All-Star-level players in Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic," Vogel said, according to the Miami Herald. "When healthy, Dragic is an All-Star-level player. They (acquired) a Hall of Famer in Andre Iguodala.

"They have shooting, they have toughness. No surprise they've had such a successful postseason run. Very impressed with what they've been able to do beating three teams convincingly that if we played 82 games were on pace to win 50 games," Vogel added.

James led the way with 38 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his 27th triple-double of the postseason in Los Angeles' 117-107 win over Denver in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

His performance helped put the Lakers in their first NBA Finals since 2010, when Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol lifted them past the Celtics in seven games for their 16th title. Boston has a league-best 17.

James, who missed the playoffs last season in his first year with the Lakers, scored 16 points in the fourth quarter.

"(James) just took over," said Anthony Davis, who contributed 27 points.

"He told us it was his time, told me it was his time and everybody just kind of got out of the way, just let him be him and he brought it home for us. He's always capable of doing that. He makes the right plays, he makes the right reads."

Davis said the goal this season was to get James back to the Finals and his fourth ring. James, Davis said, wants to get him his first.

"We don't want to let each other down," Davis said. "We know why I came here. We want to win a championship. We're four wins away. A step closer to our goal."

--Field Level Media

New on Sports Illustrated: Another Year, Another October Nightmare for Twins

There are many ways to quantify how long it's been since the Minnesota Twins won a playoff game.

Three hundred twenty-three men have pulled on Twins jerseys since Oct. 5, 2004. They hail from all six inhabited continents. They range from 5’8” to 6’11”. One of them played alongside Steve Carlton, who made his major league debut in 1962; one of them made his major league debut on Wednesday. They span, in some ways, the spectrum of human experience, but they all have one thing in common: Since that crisp Tuesday night 16 years ago, they have not won a postseason game in a Minnesota uniform.

Wednesday’s 3–1 loss to the Astros was the Twins’ 18th straight playoff defeat, which extended their North American sports record. It knocked them out of yet another postseason. The streak has now stretched across seven playoff series: the 2004 American League Division Series, the ’06 ALDS, the ’09 ALDS, the ’10 ALDS, the ’17 AL wild-card game, the ’19 ALDS and now the ’20 AL wild-card series. It continues to defy explanation.

The Twins should have lost some—perhaps even all—of those series. They play in the AL Central, so they often emerge as the winners of a weak division. This means they are often unworthy of their opponents and also that they are often the visiting team. Six of those losses have come at Yankee Stadium.

Still, to lose every game? Only 14 teams have ever lost 18 straight games, and those were all bad teams floundering through the regular season. Minnesota employed two-time Cy Young Award–winner Johan Santana and MVPs Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, all at their peaks, in the mid- to late-aughts. The team won 96 games in 2006 and 101 last season. Since the Twins last won a playoff game, every team in baseball has won at least one except for the Mariners, who at least have the excuse that they have not made the playoffs since ’01. The odds of losing 18 straight coin flips are 1 in 262,144. You are

more likely to be attacked by a raccoon.

The defeats have accumulated quietly enough that even Twins manager Rocco Baldelli did not realize his new franchise’s record of futility when he arrived before the 2019 season—and after 13 consecutive postseason losses.

“Every team is very different every year,” Baldelli said after No. 18. “And our organization, we haven’t been successful in the playoffs lately at all. And that is a reality for all of the fans and for everyone who follows the organization and cares about the Twins. I'm aware of it now.”

So are the players, but for them, the more relevant number than 18 is two. They played 60 games in this pandemic-abbreviated season, many of them living apart from their families in an effort to keep them safe. They won 36 of those games, accumulating the league's best home record (24-7). Then they hosted the Astros, who finished 29–31 and would not have made the playoffs had they not been expanded to include 16 teams, for a best-of-three series at Target Field. And the Twins found themselves swept away within 27 hours.

They led Tuesday’s game 1–0 heading into the seventh inning. With two outs, righty Tyler Duffey allowed three straight singles to tie the game. Then, with two outs in the top of the ninth, shortstop Jorge Polanco sidearmed a throw that dragged second baseman Luis Arráez off the bag to load the bases. Reliever Sergio Romo walked in the go-ahead run and was pulled from the game. His replacement, Caleb Thielbar, allowed two more when the next batter, Michael Brantley, singled. The Twins lost 4–1.

They never led in Game 2. They never really threatened, either. With men on first and second in the fifth, DH Nelson Cruz cracked a double to tie the game at one, but, desperate to make something happen, third-base coach Tony Diaz sent both runners home. The second, Arráez, made the third out of the inning. The Twins would not score again.

One by one they trailed into the press conference room afterward, eyes red-rimmed, voices tight. They acknowledged the bizarreness of this season, in which a team receives almost no benefit from winning its division.

“It’s kind of weird that we’re already out and some teams have yet to play a game,” said Duffey, who pitched the ninth.

They tried to explain what had gone wrong for a team that hit the sixth-most home runs in baseball this season but did not go deep once against Houston. Cruz thought the team struggled without the energy of a packed playoff house. Center fielder Max Kepler thought they were tentative in their swings. Baldelli thought they pressed in their at bats.

“It just felt like regardless of what was going on or what part of the order was coming up, we just couldn't put it together and push any runs across,” he said.

In the end, they finished with more bats slammed in frustration than flipped in celebration.

Some of these players have won postseason games: Third baseman Josh Donaldson, who signed a four-year, $92 million deal this offseason but injured his right calf last week and didn't play against Houston, has made it to two ALCSes. Righty Kenta Maeda, lefty Rich Hill, reliever Tyler Clippard and backup catcher Alex Avila have each won a pennant. Cruz has won two. Marwin González has won a World Series. Reliever Sergio Romo has won three. But none of Minnesota’s young core—righty José Berrios, third baseman Miguel Sanó, Polanco, left fielder Eddie Rosario, center fielder Byron Buxton— ever has. They will have to try again next year. No one has ever lost 19 straight playoff games. But if anyone can do it, it’s the Twins. 

White House Blocked C.D.C. Order to Keep Cruise Ships Docked

By Sheila Kaplan from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3n3Zz7r

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Russia offers to host Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks

The offer comes as Azerbaijan vows to fight for full control of the disputed Armenian-majority area.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3igkNeY

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: 'It Was a Doozy': Braves' 13-Inning Win Over Reds Is Extreme Version of 2020 Baseball

The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves needed four hours, 39 minutes to score one run in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. That's baseball in 2020.

A baseball game was scheduled for Truist Park in Atlanta Wednesday and a Bingo game broke out, or so it seemed if you’re the type who needs constant action. The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves needed four hours, 39 minutes to score one run in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. Thirty-seven batters struck out—as many whiffs in one afternoon as in the entire 1990 World Series, the last time Cincinnati played in the Fall Classic.

A ball was put in play on average once every five minutes, 21 seconds, or the entire album version of Midnight Train to Georgia with another 43 seconds to spare.

And yet … let Braves starting pitcher Max Fried provide the proper clinical review of what transpired:

“It was a doozy.”

Braves starter Max Fried threw seven scoreless innings against the Reds in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.

Here are the scores of the first eight postseason games this year: 4-1, 4-1, 3-1, 12-3, 3-1, 1-0, 5-1, 5-3. After a season in which batting average hit an all-time low in the DH era and walks, strikeouts and homers accounted for an all-time record 36% of all turns at-bat, you were expecting something else with seasons on the line?

Some runs will shake loose once we get to the five consecutive games in the Division Series and seven straight games in the League Championship Series. But with No. 1 and 2 starters and rested bullpens, the Wild Card Series is a swing-and-miss festival—46% of the batters Wednesday in Atlanta did not put the ball in play.

My kingdom for a single, which Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman provided in the 13th inning—Bingo!—to give Atlanta its 1-0 doozy of a win.

Freeman is a good place to start to explain what is going on. If you truly want to understand why so few balls are hit into play, you must understand Freeman’s day. He faced four pitchers in six plate appearances. Their 2020 rates of strikeouts per nine innings were 12.3, 12.1, 9.4 and 12.8. He saw 29 pitches, only eight of which were fastballs, and those rare fastballs averaged 96 miles per hour.

At one point Freeman grabbed his tablet, which is pre-loaded with information on pitchers, and compared it to radar readings he was seeing on the scoreboard.

“Everyone was throwing three or four miles per hour harder than they normally throw, even on our side,” Freeman said. “It’s postseason baseball.”

Back in the old days when the New York Yankees were winning championships, their hitters would talk about running up the pitch count of the starting pitcher to dip quickly into bullpens, exposing sinker-slider middlemen tossing 89 mph. These days you can drill down as deep as you want into the bullpen and you will not find any relief from extreme velocity and spin. Everyone has closer’s stuff. The soft-tossing sinker-slider guy is virtually extinct.

The last of eight Braves pitchers Wednesday, A. J. Minter, was throwing 98-mph fastballs and 86-mph cutters. The last of six Reds pitchers, Amir Garrett, has one of the nastiest sliders in baseball.

“That guy kills lefties,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said.

Reds reliever Amir Garrett "kills lefties."

Reds manager David Bell summoned Garrett to get Freeman with runners on first and third and one out in the 13th. There was no doubt about how Garrett was going to attack Freeman: a barrage of sliders.

Here is how nasty Garrett’s slider is on left-handed hitters. Since Sept. 10, 2019, Garrett had thrown 102 sliders to lefties. Nobody got a hit off one. Not one. They were 0-for-21 against the pitch. Over the past two seasons lefties hit .084 against the Garrett slider.

Decreasing Freeman’s chances further, shadows covered the hitting area while the hitting background was bathed in sunshine on the cloudless day—the worst possible hitting environment. The ballpark lights were on but offered little help.

“You know you’ve been playing a long time,” Freeman said, “when you have a noon game and they turn the lights on.”

Bell ordered a five-man infield. Freeman looked for something even a little bit up in the zone to hit a sacrifice fly into the two-man outfield. Garrett’s fourth straight slider obliged. With an abbreviated stroke that fit the situation—just put the ball in play—Freeman served a single into centerfield for a run that was 96 batters in the making.

“This is what it’s all about in the postseason,” Freeman said. “The numbers I saw on the iPad show pitchers are throwing even harder. They have a little extra in the tank.”

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman celebrates after hitting a walk-off single in the 13th inning of his team's 1-0 win over the Reds in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.

The Reds’ staff led the world in strikeouts. Trevor Bauer, when he wasn’t mocking the Tomahawk chant of Braves fans or asking people to please pay attention to him (Freeman: “We noticed everything he did. That’s okay.”) was positively brilliant in how he used his variety of pitches, especially some of the nastiest breaking stuff in the game. Raisel Iglesias hit 99 mph. Michael Lorenzen was throwing 94-mph cutters.

It’s never been more difficult to be a hitter. Freeman’s day proved it, getting whipsawed from Bauer to Iglesias to Lorenzen to Garrett.

You can mock the strikeouts all you want. You can yearn for hitters who control the bat the way Tony Gwynn did. But you have to pay attention to the depth and quality of pitching, especially in the postseason, when pitchers use fewer setup pitches and rely more on their “kill” pitch.

It sounded odd to hear a 26-year-old pitcher give the game a high compliment by calling it a “doozy,” which The Farmer’s Almanac says derived from “daisy” about 100 years ago. But Fried happened to be right.

Tension can be as exhilarating as action. The game was packed with tension, especially as the Reds kept making outs on the bases when they weren’t leaving runners out there. Both pitching staffs made a tremendous amount of clutch pitches. This was an extreme version of baseball in 2020: one great arm after another keeping the ball out of play while building drama. There is more to come.

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

Coronavirus: How Italy has fought back from virus disaster

Italy was the first country in Europe to be overwhelmed by the virus but is so far keeping it in check.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3cWPWmJ

Nigeria turns 60: Can Africa's most populous nation remain united?

Nigeria's greatest challenge on its 60th anniversary remains its diversity, writes Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3cNmUFH

Rwanda's clothing spat with the US helps China

As the African nation continues to ban the import of used US clothes, China takes advantage.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3jm74Vk

New on Sports Illustrated: Chris Mack Is Bringing Fire Back to Kentucky-Louisville Rivalry With Jab at John Calipari

Lately, the Wildcats vs. the Cardinals had lost a bit of its edge. But now Chris Mack is fully prepared to take on John Calipari.

You like Duke–North Carolina? We all do. Great games, great teams, great entertainment.

But if you want piss and vinegar with your college basketball rivalry instead of wine and cheese, you must salute the hate of Kentucky-Louisville. You must respect the petty. You must embrace the enmity of two fan bases that really, really—no, really—despise each other.

Remember,

two senior citizens fought at a dialysis clinic over the rivalry in 2012, before their teams met in the Final Four. Until they do that on Tobacco Road, those fancy pants programs can stand down.

Lately, the Wildcats vs. the Cardinals had lost a bit of its switchblade, streetfight edge. For one thing, Kentucky has played hammer to Louisville’s nail—the Cats have won three straight and six of the last seven. For another, the coaches had stopped doing their chippy part: Rick Pitino got tired of John Calipari’s goading and tried simply ignoring him; David Padgett was an interim coach who barely had his feet on the ground before absorbing a pummeling from Cal; and for the past two years, Chris Mack was just warming up to the task of combating Cal.

Now? Consider Mack fully lathered.

Mark Dec. 26th on your calendar—sources told Sports Illustrated that likely is when the 2020 game will be played, though it hasn’t been announced. Boxing Day might literally be boxing day when Mack and Calipari get together in the Yum Center.

Tuesday evening, Mack released a two-minute Twitter video savaging Calipari and Kentucky for alleged scheduling shenanigans surrounding this year’s game. It was a bravura performance.

“Cards fans, your fearless leader Coach Mack,” he said, launching his oratory. “I keep getting asked, ‘Coach, are we playing THE game? Are you scared? Are you a chicken? You won’t play Kentucky?’”

Dramatic pause.

“As for the UK series, here’s the thing: I want to do what’s most convenient for John and his program. You do believe that, right? That I want to do what’s best for John?”

Provocative! Go on.

“Never mind the fact that we had a mutually agreed upon date of Dec. 12 to play the game, and never mind the fact that they backed out of the 12th, because they were returning from London on Dec. 6 after playing Michigan. Thought it was too close to the 12th. Never mind the fact that that Dec. 6 game got canceled—no trip to London. Can we play that game on the 12th? Never mind the fact that they scheduled Notre Dame in lieu of playing us on the mutually agreed upon date of Dec. 12. Never mind the fact that they called ESPN and tried to change one of our ACC games without our knowledge or permission.”

Indiana fans and former coach Tom Crean, having gone through the scheduling wringer with Calipari and Kentucky a few years ago, nod knowingly. Now, is that flurry of jabs 100% accurate? We’ll see what Kentucky says when Cal responds—bet the house, he will respond. But know this: Cal has never been shy about calling the suits in Bristol to apply some pressure and get things in his favor. That part is 100% believable.

Now back to Mack:

“Never mind the fact that Coach Stoops and his football program at the University of Kentucky honored that request in football, to move Louisville’s home game from 2020 to 2021. If you could do it in football, seems like you could do it in basketball. Never mind the fact that the University of Cincinnati asked us to do the same exact thing that we’re asking Kentucky to do, and we honored that request.”

Some explanatory backstory here: With the pandemic wreaking havoc on scheduling, Mack ruminated on a podcast last week about playing this year’s Kentucky-Louisville game at a neutral site, then pushing back the contract so Louisville would benefit (monetarily and competitively) from a full house in ’21 as opposed to playing Kentucky in an empty or nearly-empty 22,000-seat arena. (That’s the reason why Cincinnati asked to move its game against Louisville back a season.)

Apparently, Mack’s podcast comments prompted this from Calipari Tuesday, according to The Courier-Journal: “If they choose not to play, then we’ll plug in another team. We already have that team set." And that, in turn, appears to be what set Mack off later in the day.

And now, the dramatic conclusion of Chris Mack Goes Off.

“Listen, I don’t want to stand in the way of college basketball’s best rivalry. Whatever is most convenient for Coach Cal …”

Slams fist on table.

“… We’ll do it. See you in the Yum Center. Go Cards.”

And with that, the dying embers of the rivalry roared back to blast furnace force. The edge is back. The heat is on.

Do you see Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams bickering in public? You do not. It helps that the Atlantic Coast Conference schedules their games against each other, so they don’t have to. It also helps that each coach is secure in his station, with eight national championships between them and many years on the job.

Here in the commonwealth of Kentucky? The default position is not playing nice. When the two sides do play nice, it feels fake. It often is fake. In a state without pro sports, the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry is all-consuming. In a state with some distinct demographic differences between the fan bases, the culture war is real.

These are reasons why Calipari was the perfect addition. He thrives on conflict and is most comfortable in a fight, which is why he perceives so many enemies. He needs them.

This time, Cal didn’t even have to go looking for a fight.

And let it be said that Mack isn’t one to back down from a scrap. When he coached at Xavier, the deeply contentious rivalry with Cincinnati was at or near peak viciousness. (It included one major in-game brawl, resulting in long player suspensions, while Mack was coaching the Musketeers and Mick Cronin was coaching the Bearcats.)

That Chris Mack hasn’t been the one we’ve seen going up against John Calipari the previous two Decembers. But he made a theatrical appearance Tuesday. And now, as Cal likes to say, the most heated and hateful rivalry in college basketball is on like Donkey Kong.

New on Sports Illustrated: Messi Says Push to Leave Barca Was 'With Club's Best Interests in Mind'

Barcelona star Lionel Messi said that he acted with his team's best interests in mind this summer as he tried to leave the Spanish club.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi said that he acted with his team's best interests in mind this summer as he tried to leave the Spanish club. 

Speaking in his first interview since he announced he was remaining with the club, Messi took responsibility for any mistakes he might have made this summer. 

"I take responsibility for my errors and if they existed, it was only to make FC Barcelona better and stronger," he

told Diario Sport.

"After so many disagreements, I would like to bring an end to everything. We all have to be united and assume that the best is yet to come."

In early September, Messi announced his decision to stay with the club despite expressing his desire to leave Barcelona by way of a now infamous burofax.

Messi's contract with Barcelona included a €700 million (approximately $835 million) release clause that proved prohibitive.

Messi's frustrations with the club boiled over following an 8–2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. Manchester City was rumored to be a potential landing spot, with a reunion with manager Pep Guardiola a likely draw. 

Messi returned to training with Barcelona in early September, saying he wasn't happy with the club, but would rather stay than get into a legal battle with the “club of his life.”

He will remain with the club at least until the end of his contract in June 2021. 

 "I wanted to send a message to all the socios and fans that follow us. If at any moment, any of them were annoyed by something that I said or did, let there be no doubts that anything I did was always with the club's best interests in mind," Messi told Diario Sport.

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

Joyce Echaquan: Outcry in Canada over treatment of dying indigenous woman

A nurse is sacked after Joyce Echaquan filmed herself in hospital apparently being insulted by staff.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3i9FGIA

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

What Polls Say About the 2020 Race as Biden and Trump Square Off

By Giovanni Russonello from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3jgyzzu

Biden and Trump’s First Debate: What to Watch For

By Shane Goldmacher and Adam Nagourney from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3jgWfUa

How to Watch the First Presidential Debate

By The New York Times from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/30j5eg9

Compact Nuclear Fusion Reactor Is ‘Very Likely to Work,’ Studies Suggest

By Henry Fountain from NYT Climate https://ift.tt/2S5ZOkg

New on Sports Illustrated: Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders Players Shown at Charity Event Without Masks

Raiders players were seen on video without masks during the indoor charity event while talking with guests, who also weren’t wearing masks.

LAS VEGAS — Several Las Vegas Raiders players attended a charity event held by teammate Darren Waller that might have violated league rules for the coronavirus pandemic.

The Darren Waller Foundation held a fundraising event at a country club just outside Las Vegas on Monday to help young people overcome drug and alcohol addiction.

Players were seen on video without masks during the indoor event while talking and mingling with guests, who also weren’t wearing masks.

Among the players in attendance were quarterbacks Derek Carr and Nathan Peterman, tight ends Jason Witten and Foster Moreau, and Waller.

Rules from the NFL and NFLPA limit what players are allowed to do away from the facility this season to try to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Among the banned activities are music concerts or entertainment events, house gatherings of more than 15 people without everyone wearing masks or attending an indoor night club with more than 10 people in the club.

The Raiders, the NFL and a representative from Waller’s foundation didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The event came the night before the NFL announced that the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings had to suspend in-person activities because three Titans players and five personnel tested positive for the coronavirus following a game between the teams on Sunday.

This is the latest possible infraction of the COVID-19 protocols by the Raiders early this season. A person familiar with the punishments said coach Jon Gruden was fined $100,000 and the team fined $250,000 because he failed to wear his mask properly on the sideline during a Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints.

The team is also being investigated for allowing an unauthorized team employee in the locker room after the Saints game.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the league hadn’t made any announcement.

Gruden also said after the Saints game that he had the coronavirus in July and stressed that the team is taking it seriously.

As Covid-19 Closes Schools, the World’s Children Go to Work

By Jeffrey Gettleman and Suhasini Raj from NYT World https://ift.tt/30fNz9o

Trump and Biden: What to watch for in first presidential debate

One is aggressive, the other amiable - but both share a similar weakness. We break down what to look for.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3cFUOME

Chinese teacher sentenced to death for poisoning nursery children

A Chinese court said she put poison into the porridge of her colleague's students in an act of revenge.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2Gkab16

New on Sports Illustrated: Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban Reaches Out to Help Delonte West

Cuban reportedly picked up West outside a Dallas gas station on Monday.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reached out to help former NBA point guard Delonte West on Monday, according to ESPN's

Tim MacMahon. 

The story was first reported by TMZ. 

West, 37, disclosed in 2015 he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008. He has since battled drug addiction and homelessness, and West was seen "panhandling at an intersection in Dallas," last week, per MacMahon. 

Cuban has reportedly offered to pay for West to enter a drug rehabilitation facility, an effort that is supported by the ex-point guard's family and friends. 

West averaged 9.7 points per game in eight NBA seasons. The St. Joseph's product last played for Dallas in 2012. 

New on Sports Illustrated: Andy Reid Is an Unstoppable Magician

The Chiefs' win over the Ravens on Monday did well to showcase the expanding brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, but it subtly reminded us Andy Reid might just be entering his prime.

When the Chiefs reached Baltimore’s 5-yard line, the first-round running back exited the field and was replaced by the team’s 5-9 burner of a wide receiver in the backfield. Patrick Mahomes took the snap and rolled right toward Tyreek Hill and the Ravens followed, collectively drifting toward the play’s apparent focal point like metal shavings near a magnet.

Then Mahomes stopped and underhanded a football to fullback Anthony Sherman, who, after a brief chip block, was essentially standing stationary in the right upback position where he’d started the play. All of Baltimore had overcommitted, and Sherman, the least likely of the play’s five eligible wide receivers, walked into the end zone.

Monday’s win over the Ravens did well to showcase the constantly expanding brilliance of Patrick Mahomes; double-pump fakes, sidearm fastballs and, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, a touchdown pass that traveled more than half a football field in the air before dropping in the perfect locale (the second-most air yards on a completion in 2020).

But more subtly, it again reminded us that Andy Reid is an unstoppable hypnotist; a play-caller who may just be entering his prime at age 62 with a lifetime of football obsession to draw from. What is the rest of the NFL going to when, on any given down, the play is like the aforementioned score—something you’ve never seen before? How do you study film on the Kansas City Chiefs when the director is a madman?

In the most anticipated matchup of the 2020 regular season to date, Reid trotted out the first recorded instance of a four-receiver stack in NGS' five-year history, where a quartet of wide receivers lined up on top of one another sitting at one side of the formation. He rolled out a wildcat read-option tossback. He deployed dizzying backfield motion. He unpacked the defense for Mahomes before the start of every snap.

The announcers described it as “at will” scoring by the Chiefs, but that would imply a lack of resistance from a Ravens defense that came into this week with the third-highest DVOA (defense adjusted value over average) in football. Before facing the Chiefs, the Ravens were first in points allowed, first in turnovers caused, first in rushing touchdowns allowed, first in turnover percentage and first in points per drive allowed. So the truth is that Baltimore was simply undressed before every snap, with Reid utilizing this strange rolodex of play-calls to manipulate the various pieces as he saw fit.

The Chiefs might be the first team in modern offensive NFL history to consistently transcend the idea of a “scheme.” The Patriots may have been the first defensively. Look across the NFL and it’s not impossibly difficult to digest a coach’s style and glean a general idea of what they’re going for given the available personnel, field location, down and distance. With Reid marionetting the most physically gifted quarterback in recent memory, the possibilities are endless and create an impossible reality for defensive coordinators trying to condense their week of preparation. And, if all else fails, so many of the defense’s resources are devoted to covering each and every possible occurrence that there is no one to prevent Mahomes from just rolling off the edge and scrambling for 10 yards with the breezy gait of a park jogger.

It says a lot about Reid that, late in the third quarter, he went back to Sherman on a critical fourth-and-1 but simply ran a dive handoff that was stuffed (and allowed the Ravens to climb back into a game that was out of contention). It was a rare glimpse at the conventional. Reid is targeted for his diversions here at the same frequency that milquetoast coaches are praised for their once-in-a-Halley’s-Comet ventures into something truly creative and worthwhile.

That is the burden of being Reid. The benefit is coming back a few drives later with a touchdown pass to the left tackle to put the team up by 14 points, further vexing the next helpless victim who has to come up with a way to shut Reid down. 

American Could Face Prison in Thailand After Posting Negative Reviews of a Resort

By Richard C. Paddock from NYT World https://ift.tt/3kTlSuJ

Trump Deflects Questions About Taxes, but First Debate Has a New Issue

By Peter Baker and Michael D. Shear from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3mZTZD9

George Pell: Cardinal to return to Rome for first time since acquittal

The ex-Vatican treasurer is to return to Rome for the first time since being acquitted of sexual abuse.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/36bTuA1

New on Sports Illustrated: USMNT Grouped With Canada at 2021 Gold Cup After Concacaf's First Proper Draw

The 2021 Gold Cup isn't until next July, but the roadmap for the competition is set–with a couple of wrinkles coloring the next edition of Concacaf's championship.

In the past, Concacaf hand-picked its Gold Cup groups based on commercial and competitive considerations. This year, however, in advance of the 16th regional championship, a proper draw was conducted for the first time. And for the USA, it delivered a tantalizing rematch with Alphonso Davies and Canada.

Canada was responsible for the low point of USA coach Gregg Berhalter’s tenure, an emphatic 2-0 Nations League triumph in Toronto last October. Although Berhalter and Co. exacted a bit of revenge the following month in Orlando, Canada is an up-and-coming team that should represent a stiffer-than-usual group-stage test. It is the only nation other than the USA or Mexico to win a Gold Cup. The Americans also will face Martinique, and a qualifier to be determined, in the group stage of next summer’s regional championship.

Typically, Mexico and the USA have been kept apart purposely until the Gold Cup final. Now they could face each other in the semis as well, depending on how the group stage concludes. Mexico was drawn with El Salvador, surprise 2019 quarterfinalist Curaçao (now coached by Guus Hiddink) and a qualifier.

The 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup will take place July 10 through August 1 at venues yet to be announced. Mexico is the reigning champion, and the USA will be going for its seventh crown. Costa Rica and Honduras are the other seeded countries in the 16-team group stage.

Next summer’s tournament includes two new wrinkles. Qatar, the Asian champion and 2022 World Cup host, was invited by Concacaf as a guest (it’s also playing in next year’s Copa América). In addition, a 12-team preliminary knockout stage running July 2-6 will determine the final three group-stage participants.

Here are the qualifying-round matchups, full groups and knockout pairings:

*The Trinidad & Tobago Football Association was suspended last week by FIFA. If the suspension isn’t lifted by the evening of Dec. 18, T&T will be replaced in the preliminary round by the national team from Antigua and Barbuda, which was the next highest-ranked side in last year’s Nations League.

Quarterfinals

A1 vs. D2

C1 vs. B2

D1 vs. A2

B1 vs. C2

Semifinals

A1/D2 vs. C1/B2

D1/A2 vs. B1/C2

Final

A1/D2/C1/B2 vs. D1/A2/B1/C2

If it seems like Concacaf staged this draw a bit earlier than necessary—the Gold Cup doesn’t kick off for more than nine months—it should be forgiven. All involved, administrators and coaches, are probably desperate for something to do. International soccer was forced to yield as the club game slowly returned, and multiple events—including the Nations League final four and the start of World Cup qualifying—were postponed. Last week, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced that the USA wouldn’t play next month either. Its most recent game was Feb. 1. And Mexico hasn’t taken the field since November 2019.

Under the best-case scenario, the USA hopes to play two friendlies in Europe in November (one at Wales and one against a team to be determined), finishing out a year of unprecedented adversity with just three games total.

Compared to that, if the coronavirus cooperates, 2021 will feel impossibly busy. There’s a friendly window in March, followed by a gauntlet comprising the rescheduled Nations League finals (early June), the Gold Cup and then, most likely, the start of World Cup qualifying in early September. Qualifying windows will follow in October and November. In all, the USA could wind up playing Concacaf rivals in up to 14 official games across three competitions next year.

Here’s a closer look at the USA’s group-stage opponents:

Canada

FIFA rank: 73

Gold Cup history: The USA and Canada have met four times at the Gold Cup, with the Americans holding a 3-0-1 advantage. The 2002 and 2007 games came in the semifinals, the first being decided in the USA’s favor on penalties, the second clouded by controversy over an offside call on Atiba Hutchinson that robbed Canada of a stoppage-time equalizer.

Last meeting: USA 4, Canada 1 in the Concacaf Nations League, November 2019

Martinique

FIFA rank: NR (Not a FIFA member)

Gold Cup history: The USA and Martinique have played twice in the Gold Cup’s group stage, in 2003 and 2017. The USA won both games.

Last meeting: USA 3, Martinique 2 in the Gold Cup, July 2017

Haiti/St. Vincent and the Grenadines/Bermuda/Barbados

FIFA rank: 86/167/168/162

Coronavirus: Global Covid-19 death toll passes one million

UN chief António Guterres calls it "an agonising milestone" as the fight to stem the virus continues.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3n2VmRt

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

BTS to become multi-millionaires after label goes public

The South Korean K-pop group will become multi-millionaires after their label Big Hit goes public.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/339oHlm

Ai Weiwei: 'Too late' to curb China's global influence

The Chinese artist and dissident says the West should have worried about China decades ago.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3cEqwd4

Kangana Ranaut: The star taking on Bollywood

Why is Kangana Ranaut on a warpath with many of her colleagues?

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3i9t7Nh

New on Sports Illustrated: Bengals-Eagles Preview

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with adversity far earlier than usual. The Cincinnati Bengals are right where they've been for a while.

One of the teams should earn their first win Sunday - unless they tie - when the Bengals visit the Eagles.

An 0-2 start for the first time in five years with a difficult schedule upcoming has Philadelphia in a desperate spot in September. They've been in dire positions the past two Decembers and ended up in the playoffs.

''I think adversity hits in many different ways,'' Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. ''It's just a matter of how all the guys respond, how the coaches respond. And I think from a coaching standpoint, we've got to react positively to everything and get the guys going.''

The Bengals are looking to avoid their third 0-3 start in four years. They haven't had a winning season since 2015.

''Everybody's itching for the first win, and it's time to get that win,'' rookie quarterback Joe Burrow said. ''Everybody feels it in the building. There's some urgency.''

RUN OVER

The Bengals finished last against the run in 2019, allowing 149 yards per game. They overhauled the defense with an eye on stopping the run, but have been even worse in the first two games. The Chargers ran for 155 yards in an opening 16-13 win, and the Browns piled up 215 on the ground, putting it away with a fourth-quarter touchdown drive that consisted of all runs. They've been missing tackle Geno Atkins, sidelined both games with a shoulder injury, but it's much more than just the line. There have been missed tackles all around that turned short gains into long runs.

''We've struggled to stop the run, so you don't get that many attempts to get after the quarterback,'' end Carl Lawson said. ''Missed tackling is a big thing.''

CRITICIZING CARSON

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has struggled, tossing multiple picks in consecutive games for the first time in his career. Play-calling, inexperienced receivers and blocking in Week 1 have contributed to his inconsistency. But Pederson was critical of his franchise quarterback and fickle fans have piled on in Philadelphia.

''I'm not going to change anything drastically, by any means, it's just being smart and we'll be just fine,'' Wentz said. ''I'm confident in myself that I'll be just fine, and we'll take care of business.''

UP FRONT

Both teams have been plagued by injuries on the offensive line. For Cincinnati, Jonah Williams started at left tackle after missing his rookie season with a shoulder injury and has struggled at times. Right guard Xavier Su'a-Filo went on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in the opener. The lack of cohesion has left Burrow under steady pressure and left little room for Joe Mixon to run. Against the Browns, he was limited to 46 yards on 16 carries.

''We want to be more efficient in the run,'' center Trey Hopkins said. ''The way our games have gone, we've not always been in position to run the ball in some instances. In some instances we weren't very efficient at all. We weren't good enough. We weren't playing up to our standards.''

The Eagles lost left tackle Andre Dillard for the season in training camp. They lost three-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks in June. Three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson missed Week 1. Left guard Isaac Seumalo will miss a few weeks with a knee injury.

HITTING THE ROAD

This is the Bengals' first game outside Ohio. They lost at home to the Chargers with no fans in Week 1 and lost at Cleveland - 250 miles north - in front of 6,000 fans last Thursday.

''It's certainly not the same as going on the road and having trouble with your communications,'' Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. ''I think that's the biggest thing of going on the road, having to work with silent cadence and all the communication stuff that comes with it. Obviously that's not really an issue when you're playing in an empty stadium or with 6,000 people.''

GOING DEEP

Burrow hasn't connected on many longer passes - he was 0-for-5 on deep throws in Week 1 - and that's a point of emphasis for the Bengals. Both the Chargers and Browns played deep coverage to try to make Burrow throw a lot of short stuff, which he did very well.

Wentz hit Jalen Reagor on a 55-yard play in Week 1, but didn't throw long last week. Reagor is out several weeks with a thumb injury.

---

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL

New on Sports Illustrated: Lions-Cardinals Preview

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has an intriguing personality, mixing introverted tendencies with supreme confidence that has helped Arizona push to a 2-0 start for the first time in five years.

Teammates love that the soft-spoken Murray works hard and is humble. They also love his unique swagger.

''It's not my first time dealing with success in my lifetime,'' Murray said. ''This is part of the game. We work hard in the offseason, we work hard to practice to win. We expect to win.''

Now the impressive Cardinals host the struggling Lions on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. Detroit has lost its first two games and given up the most yards rushing in the NFL.

That doesn't bode well for stopping Murray, who is the first quarterback in NFL history to run for at least 150 yards and three touchdowns in the season's first two games. He ran for scores of 14 yards and 21 yards in a 30-15 win over Washington last week, darting and dancing around defenders on the way to the end zone.

''He's like a punt returner back there,'' Lions defensive end Trey Flowers said. ''Any type of space he has, he takes advantage of it. He makes the most athletic guys miss.''

Arizona's success isn't just because of Murray and new receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has 22 catches through two games. The rebuilt defense is giving up just 17.5 points per game, which ranks second in the NFL.

Detroit gave up 42 points in a loss to the Green Bay Packers last week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is once again putting up big numbers, but it's not been enough to overcome the mediocre defense.

Embattled coach Matt Patricia is 9-24-1 in two-plus seasons as a first-time NFL head coach. The Lions have lost 11 times after leading in the fourth quarter under Patricia. That doesn't even count last year's 27-27 tie against the Cardinals, which came after Detroit blew an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Losing three in a row to start the season would make a return to the playoffs unlikely. But that's not even a concern at the moment.

''We're not focused on the playoffs,'' Lions receiver Danny Amendola said. ''We're focused on the Cardinals.''

KENNARD SWITCHES SIDES

Arizona gave up the most total yards in the NFL last season, so it rebuilt that side of the ball by adding a handful of free agents in the offseason, including linebackers Devon Kennard and De'Vondre Campbell and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips. The Cardinals also drafted linebacker Isaiah Simmons with the No. 8 overall pick.

Kennard played the past two seasons with the Lions, starting 15 games in both 2018 and 2019. He had one of his best games with Detroit against Arizona in 2019 with three sacks of Murray, who was playing his first NFL game.

Now Kennard will be going after Stafford. The linebacker got his first sack with the Cardinals in last week's win over Washington.

DIRECT DIALOGUE

Arizona's second-year coach Kliff Kingsbury is like most in the NFL when he says it's strange playing in front of empty stadiums. It's not an ideal situation, but it does make for better communication.

If Kingsbury wants to convey a message to someone on the field in 2020, all he has to do is raise his voice.

''I can literally yell at the receivers or running back or quarterback and get his attention,'' Kingsbury said. ''He can look over, and we can have some communication or dialogue from the sideline, which hasn't been possible in the past.''

LARRY FROM STATE FARM

Arizona's veteran receiver Larry Fitzgerald needs just two catches in Sunday's game to set the NFL record for most career receptions at one stadium. He has 645 at State Farm Stadium. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice had 646 during his career at Candlestick Park.

SAVVY STAFFORD

Matthew Stafford, drafted No. 1 overall by Detroit in 2009, seems to keep his emotions in check no matter how long the team's losing streak is or when the team has had success during his career.

''It doesn't mean that inside I'm not pissed at times or pumped at times,'' said Stafford, whose career record is 69-81-1 in the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. ''All of that is in there, but I have to make sure I move on to the next play. It does me no good to get lost in my emotions.''

FOR KICKS

Detroit is off to such a tough start that its punter has been one of its best players so far. Jack Fox, an undrafted rookie last year, has helped the Lions rank second in the NFL with a net average of 51.3 yards on punts over the first two games of his NFL career.

''I'd love for him to have a really calm day and only hold for extra points and field goals,'' Stafford said.

---

AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Detroit contributed to this story.

---

More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL

New on Sports Illustrated: Cowboys-Seahawks Preview

SEATTLE (AP) Russell Wilson has made a career of coming through late in games, to the tune of 32 fourth-quarter and overtime comebacks with Seattle.

Dak Prescott is trying to catch up, although few will match the outrageous comeback Prescott led a week ago that helped Dallas avoid an 0-2 start to the season.

''Dak does such a great job. He remains poised, remains confident. He seems to have always done that over his career,'' Wilson said. ''I just got a lot of respect for how he approaches the game.''

Wilson and Prescott will be in the spotlight Sunday when the Seahawks host the Cowboys in a big NFC showdown that could end up being a shootout.

Two of the most potent offenses in the league will be facing defenses that have underperformed throughout and have injury concerns. And the quarterbacks are coming off two of the best games of their careers, Wilson throwing for five touchdowns against New England and Prescott using his arm to lead a late rally to beat Atlanta.

It could be the recipe for big days from both Wilson and Prescott, even if they aren't focused on their matchup.

''I've got all of the faith in my defense going out there and doing their job,'' Prescott said. ''But for me, it's about staying focused in on what the Seattle Seahawks' defense is going to give us, how we execute. That's the premier focus and the only focus within a game plan no matter who the quarterback is.''

Wilson's first two games have immediately thrust him to the head of the MVP conversation as part of Seattle's 2-0 start. He has nine touchdowns passes and just 11 incompletions. His lone interception was a ball that should have been caught by Greg Olsen, was tipped in the air for a Pick-6.

The two other times in league history a QB had nine TDs and one or zero interceptions through two weeks - Patrick Mahomes in 2018 and Peyton Manning in 2013 - they each went on to win the MVP award.

And of Wilson's nine TDs, six have been of 15 yards or more and three of 35 yards or longer.

''His long ball accuracy has been off the charts the first two weeks,'' Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. ''He's had a number of big-time dime throws. The biggest thing is just try to keep the big plays to a minimum.''

Prescott's 450 yards passing last week was the third-highest total of his career, and the Cowboys needed all of them to rally from 12 points down in the final eight minutes. Prescott was 13 of 19 for 182 yards, one TD pass and one TD run on the Cowboys last three possessions of the comeback.

It was the 10th time in his career he's led a comeback in the fourth quarter or overtime.

''There's nothing that he doesn't do well,'' Seattle coach Pete Carroll said.

INJURY WOES

Both Dallas and Seattle have major injury concerns, most of them on the defensive side.

Dallas will be without linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (broken collarbone) and cornerbacks Anthony Brown (ribs) and Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring). Rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs is also a question mark after showing up on the injury report with a shoulder issue.

''I don't think it's much of a challenge because they've done a great job of bringing guys in here that understand the defense, understand how to play the game,'' said Joe Thomas, who replaced Vander Esch. ''A few veteran guys that can come in and step up and play, to hold it down until those guys get back.''

Seattle lost outside linebacker/pass rusher Bruce Irvin and starting nickel cornerback Marquise Blair to major knee injuries last week. Ugo Amadi will step in for Blair, while how Seattle fills Irvin's role is unclear.

STEADY ELLIOTT

Ezekiel Elliott is still looking for his first 100-yard game, but the two-time rushing leader has been more than steady. Elliott had both Dallas touchdowns in the season-opening loss to the Rams, and the first one against the Falcons. He's third in the NFL with 185 yards rushing - the most through two games in his five seasons - and has another 64 yards receiving.

''I think I've had a good start this year, laid a good foundation for the season both as a runner and a blocker and out of the backfield,'' Elliott said.

CATCHING ON

One of the unique aspects of Wilson's five TD performance last week was that all the touchdown passes went to different players. Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, Freddie Swain, David Moore and Chris Carson all took turns finding the end zone on passes from Wilson. For Carson, Seattle's starting running back, it was his third TD catch of the season, matching his career total entering the year.

EXPLOSION

A big key could end up being whether Seattle can shut down the Cowboys' explosive plays. Dallas leads the NFL with 41 plays of 10 yards or more through the first two games. Seattle has allowed the most plays of 10 yards or more with 47.

''They have some explosive guys on their side. They can make a lot of plays,'' Seattle safety Jamal Adams said. ''We have to do a good job of doing our thing, and plastering them and covering them.''

---

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL

New on Sports Illustrated: Chiefs-Ravens Preview

It's the defending Super Bowl champions against a team that's won 14 straight regular-season games.

Or, maybe it's a preview of the AFC title game - a matchup many expected to see last January. Most of all, the intrigue surrounding Monday night's game between the Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) and Baltimore Ravens (2-0) is directed at the quarterbacks: 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes and 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson.

''When those two quarterbacks are on the field, it's magic on both sides,'' Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. ''I see every week what Lamar can do, and I always see some highlight or something of what Mahomes can do. So, when you have two superstar quarterbacks like that, it's going to be a fun game.''

Mahomes last season led the Chiefs to their first NFL championship since 1970 and was the Super Bowl MVP. Jackson guided the Ravens to a 14-2 regular-season record, set the league mark for yards rushing by a quarterback and directed the most prolific running attack in NFL history. Baltimore closed the regular season with 12 straight wins to earn the top seed in the AFC, but bowed out with an upset loss at home to Tennessee.

That helped Mahomes and the Chiefs to go the distance, and they'll be bringing an 11-game winning streak into Monday night's showdown.

Jackson is 21-3 as a starter during the regular season, with two of those losses coming against Kansas City and Mahomes in 2018 (27-24 in overtime) and 2019 (33-28). But, even though this is the first game in NFL history featuring two MVPs under the age of 26, Jackson waved off the notion that this is solely about him versus Mahomes.

''I don't have to focus on Mahomes. I've got to focus on their defense, I've got to focus on scoring, I've got to focus on my job,'' Jackson insisted. ''My defense has to worry about him.''

Oh, there's plenty of reason for the Baltimore defense to be concerned, even though the unit has been exceptional thus far in lopsided wins over Cleveland and Houston. Mahomes threw for 377 yards and two TDs in that 2018 game, and last year pierced the Ravens for 374 yards and three scores.

''He has all these tools, and he has so much talent around him,'' Humphrey said. ''With Mahomes, as good as he is in the pocket, he's just as good - probably better - outside the pocket, which is the craziest thing about his game. So, preparing for him, it's really tough.''

GETTING THEIR KICKS

Not only does this game feature two of the league's best quarterbacks, but two of the finest kickers will be ready to roll if a late field-goal try is required for the win.

Kansas City's Harrison Butker banged home two field goals of 58 yards last week in an overtime win over the Chargers. He's been perfect so far this season, led the league in scoring last year and has amassed 445 points in his career, most ever by a kicker after 47 games.

Justin Tucker, meanwhile, is the most accurate kicker in NFL history (90.9% on field goals). He's never missed from inside 29 yards, is 226 for 237 from inside 49 yards and has clicked on 71% of his tries from at least 50 yards.

NO HOME CROWD

The Ravens have been waiting since 2017 to have a Monday night game at home, and now that they got one, they'll be forced to play without the backing of their fans. Attendance will be zero because of the pandemic.

So, the Ravens won't enjoy the advantage the Chiefs had while playing at home against Baltimore in each of the past two seasons. This will be the third straight game for the Ravens without fans in the stadium.

''Sometimes you say, `We'll play them anywhere. We'll play them in a parking lot. We'll play them anywhere. No fans, we don't care,''' coach John Harbaugh said. ''Well, here we are. We're playing basically in a parking lot right now - with no fans.''

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, ''It's weird. I've been doing this a couple weeks now and you get out there and it seems like you can hear every penny drop.''

LOOK AND SEE

One of the problems the Kansas City offense has faced through the first two games of the season has been defenses that have showed completely different looks from the past. Teams that have run man coverage have gone to zones, and the blitz looks that Houston and Los Angeles have used in the past have been replaced - all in an effort to confuse Mahomes.

Expect the Ravens to do the same thing given how much they've played each other the past few years.

''It's going to be all about execution,'' Mahomes said. ''When you play a defense like this that's very mobile, multiple, you have to be ready to go and have answers for everything. Whenever they give us an un-scouted look, try to have a positive game, go to the sideline and try to figure it out.''

FUNDAMENTALS

Without much offseason or preseason games, and limited hitting to practice it, tackling has been a problem for the Chiefs this season. They know how important it will be against the mobile Jackson and the Ravens' productive ground game.

''Coach Reid did an unbelievable job in camp trying to make things normal,'' defensive tackle Chris Jones said, ''but we just have to stay on that. We missed a lot of tackles last week and that's a big focus this week, wrap up and finish plays.''

----

AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta in Kansas City contributed to this story.

----

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL

Fighting Flares Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

By Andrew E. Kramer from NYT World https://ift.tt/3j7L7c9

An Editor’s Note on the Trump Tax Investigation

By Dean Baquet from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2EDAIWN

By Lowering the Debate Bar for Biden, Has Trump Set a Trap for Himself?

By Annie Karni and Maggie Haberman from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3n3Lnvx

How to Keep the Coronavirus at Bay Indoors

By Apoorva Mandavilli from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3kUSlRg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Photos: From Childhood to Notorious R.B.G.

By Marie Fazio and Judith Levitt from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/30cwrkO

New on Sports Illustrated: Resilient Stars aim to shock Lightning in Game 6

The never-say-die Dallas Stars need two more victories to complete what some believed to be an impossible task just a couple of months ago: win the Stanley Cup.

Whether they can actually complete that feat against the Tampa Bay Lightning, however, remains to be seen.

Thanks to a double-overtime victory on Saturday to force Game 6 on Monday in Edmonton, the Stars are still alive in the Stanley Cup Final. However, they still trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series against a Lightning team that is a perfect 6-0 in games following a loss in the playoffs.

Even after twice managing victories in the finals, the Stars are facing a huge uphill climb.

"I think we enjoy being called underdogs and every person, really this whole time we've been in the bubble, seeming to choose the other team we're playing," said Stars forward Tyler Seguin, who collected three assists in Saturday's 3-2 comeback victory.

"We relish that. We believe in each other, we've got a confident group and we don't want to leave the bubble, so we're having fun."

The Lightning look to rebound from a disappointing defeat in which they squandered a third-period lead, dominated the first overtime period and then lost thanks to Corey Perry's tally. That said, there appears to be no panic heading into their second chance to clinch the second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

"We've been pretty good about responding after losses," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "We've been doing this for over two months, so we've got a good idea what's ahead of us and how to respond."

Sure, the Lightning will look to make some adjustments for the potential Cup-clinching affair, but the message remains to stay the course that's helped them get this far.

"We knew it was going to be a hard series and we had some good looks in overtime and throughout the game," defenseman Victor Hedman said. "It wasn't our night, and they scored, so at the end of the day, we look forward to (the) next game."

For historical reference, the Lightning have never lost a series in which they have held a 3-1 lead, including all three previous rounds this year. In fact, none of the nine series in which they had that edge even required a Game 7.

The onus is on the Stars to drum up a couple more victories in a do-or-die scenario.

The good news for Dallas, however, was the lesson learned from Saturday's game. After clinging by their collective fingernails in the first overtime, the Stars were every bit as good as the Lightning in the second OT. They earned their win because they were more aggressive instead of sitting back and letting Tampa Bay carry the play.

"We didn't have the right mindset that we normally have going into overtime in that first overtime," Stars interim coach Rick Bowness said. "You can't be afraid to lose, and we were playing not to lose, and we talked about it after the (first) overtime.

"We got to play to win. Play to win and you lose, you lose, but we're going to go for it."

There was one bit of news regarding the Lightning on Sunday. Cooper said captain Steven Stamkos won't play any more during the series. Stamkos returned for Game 4, his first game in seven months after requiring core muscle surgery. He scored a goal, but didn't take a shift after the first period.

"Hopefully the next time you see him on the ice is during a trophy presentation," Cooper said.

--Field Level Media

New on Sports Illustrated: Mitrita's 2 goals help New York City beat FC Cincinnati 4-0

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) Alexandru Mitrita scored his first two goals of the season and New York City FC beat Cincinnati 4-0 on Saturday night.

The game was played after FC Cincinnati announced that an unidentified player had tested positive and was in isolation. Defender Nick Hagglund later confirmed via social media that he contracted COVID-19.

The 25-year-old Mitrita scored 12 goals last season but has seen his role reduced this season, making six starts in 10 scoreless appearances before Saturday.

Mitrita re-directed a pass from Anton Tinnerholm and blasted a right-footer inside the post from the top of the box to open the scoring just 30 seconds into the game - the fastest goal in franchise history.

Tinnerholm slipped a side-netter between goalkeeper Spencer Richey and the post in the 25th minute and Mitrita's left-footer from the center of the area gave New York City (6-6-3) a 3-0 lead in the 43rd.

Cincinnati (3-7-3) had just 36.5% possession and was outshot 12-4 in the first half.

Jesus Medina capped the scoring in the 88th minute.

New on Sports Illustrated: Figueroa scores in 89th, Houston Dynamo tie Nashville SC 1-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Maynor Figueroa scored on header in the 89th minute to help the Houston Dynamo to a 1-1 draw with Nashville SC on Saturday.

Nashville (4-5-4) is unbeaten in five straight matches at Nissan Stadium. The Dynamo (3-4-7) stretched their winless streak to five in their first meeting with Nashville.

Darwin Quintero floated a cross to Figueroa, who flicked his shot from close range just inside the left post.

Daniel Rios scored from inside the 6-yard box on a cross from Derrick Jones in the 49th minute for Nashville. Rios had an apparent goal in the 33rd but it was reversed on his offside penalty.

Rios, the 25-year-old first-ever Nashville signing, has scored his two MLS career goals in consecutive games. He now leads the expansion team in goals scored.

Joe Willis made seven saves for Nashville. Marko Maric had two for the Dynamo.

New on Sports Illustrated: Timbers-Whitecaps FC Preview

Giovanni Savarese hopes Portland Timbers can make the most of their away match against Vancouver Whitecaps being played at their own Providence Park home.

With Canadian teams unable to host matches north of the border, the Timbers will benefit from home comforts for their designated road trip.

It is a second straight Cascadia Cup clash for Portland, who are aiming to build on a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders in midweek.

"We're coming from a very important result against a good team, a team that is our rival, a team [against whom] we needed to accumulate three points," Savarese said.

"At home, it's something we didn't do in the two previous matches. It gives us the confidence to make sure that we continue to go in the same direction.

"Now, after three days, we play again against Vancouver. But the good thing is that, even though it's an away game, we'll play in Providence Park.

"We have to make sure we utilizes it in the best possible way, making sure that at home we're the strongest team.

"We showed that in the previous match against Seattle. We have to stay on the path, with the same mentality."

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps are reeling from a 6-0 defeat at Los Angeles FC, meaning coach Marc dos Santos has little time to worry about the surroundings.

"After the game against LA, the last thing I think about is where flags are going to be and where we're getting changed," he said. "That's the last of my concerns right now, preparing this game. I don't know where flags are going to be - I don't really care - and I don't know if we'll use the home locker room.

"It's [the media's] job to evaluate. Is this really a home game? That's my question."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecaps - Lucas Cavallini

Canada international Cavallini has struggled to find his feet in MLS. After netting his second goal of the season off the bench against Real Salt Lake, he started at LAFC but managed just a single shot, with his average position on halfway. He needs to get involved on Sunday.

Portland Timbers - Yimmi Chara

Cavallini might hope his MLS career takes off in a similar fashion to Chara's. The winger had to wait for his first Portland goal but, since he was teed up by brother Diego against San Jose Earthquakes, now has three in three - including the derby winner at home to Seattle.

KEY OPTA FACTS

- The Whitecaps had won three straight against Portland before losing 3-1 in the most recent meeting between the sides in August 2019. Those three wins came after winning just four of the first 22 MLS meetings between the sides (D7 L11).

- Vancouver suffered the joint-worst defeat in club history on Wednesday, 6-0 at LAFC. It was the third time the Whitecaps have conceded six times in a match, also conceding six in a 6-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City in 2018 and a 6-1 defeat to LAFC in 2019.

- Portland are behind Seattle Sounders for the top spot in the Western Conference only on goal difference as both teams sit on 21 points. Portland are just one point off the best 13-match start in club history as they collected 22 points in 13 matches to begin the 2013 and 2018 campaigns.

- The Whitecaps and Timbers have held the least possession of any teams in MLS this season, Vancouver keeping 40.8 per cent, lowest in MLS, and Portland 44.3 per cent. Only Inter Miami (363.8) attempt fewer passes per match than Vancouver (378.4).

- Jeremy Ebobisse's past three MLS goals have all been scored via headers (four including MLS is Back knockouts) as he is the only player with three headed goals this season. Since the start of the 2019 season, Ebobisse has scored eight headed goals, more than any other player in the competition.

New on Sports Illustrated: Orlando City-FC Dallas Preview

Oscar Pareja claimed Orlando City were facing "the best two teams in the West" this week, with the Lions now confident of claiming all six points on offer.

Orlando faced a grueling stretch that took them first to Sporting Kansas City and then, this Sunday, to FC Dallas.

Pareja felt at the start of the week these were the top two outfits in the Western Conference, but Orlando claimed a 2-1 win at Sporting KC. According to striker Daryl Dike, buoyed by that success, they now believe they can win again at Dallas, Pareja's former club.

"We've had seven unbeaten games on the trot," he said. "We went to a strong Sporting Kansas City side and proved we can compete against anybody. We know FC Dallas will be a strong side, but at the same time, we're also a very strong side. I think we'll be able to cope with it.

"We expect ourselves to go out and get the three points."

Pareja is maintaining his focus despite the return to familiar surroundings, saying: "It is special, yes, but at the end of the day, i''s a game that comes just like the next one.

"We're trying to prepare and do the same as we have done."

There will be fans present and Pareja's replacement Luchi Gonzalez, whose side were beaten 1-0 by Atlanta United on Wednesday, anticipates a positive response.

"I know that Oscar will have great emotion to be in this stadium and he will surely have a good reception because he did very positive things here," Gonzalez said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Dallas - Matt Hedges

A rather harsh handball call marred Hedges' impressive defensive display against Atlanta United. He contributed four clearances and a block and will hope to prove his worth again against Orlando's dangerous attack.

Orlando City - Nani

After a slow start to September, Orlando's captain is back on top form. Nani had a goal and an assist against Chicago Fire and then created the winner at Sporting KC with a gorgeous pass in behind. Dallas must more effectively track runners when the winger's in possession.

KEY OPTA FACTS

- Orlando recorded their first win over Dallas in MLS with a 2-0 home victory in August last year. Dallas won three of their first four matches against Orlando, including both in Frisco by a 6-0 aggregate score.

- Dallas have won their past three home matches and have lost only one of their seven at home this season (W4 D2). A win over Orlando would give Dallas their first four-match home winning streak since June to July 2018.

- Orlando are on a club-record seven-match unbeaten run (W5 D2), surpassing the previous mark of six straight with a 2-1 win at Sporting KC on Wednesday. Orlando's 25 points and 25 goals are both the most they have had through 13 matches of an MLS season.

- Franco Jara has scored an MLS-high five goals in September, scoring in four of his five starts this month, including his past three starts in a row. Jara has scored in both of Dallas' home matches this month.

- Benji Michel has scored in four of his past five MLS matches, including both away games in that time. Michel could become just the third Orlando player to score in three straight away matches after Nani (April to June 2019) and Cyle Larin (July to August 2016).

New on Sports Illustrated: La-Lafayette edges Georgia Southern on 53-yard field goal

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) Louisiana-Lafayette transfer kicker Nate Snyder had missed three of his four collegiate field goal attempts in the Ragin' Cajuns' first two games, but head coach Billy Napier didn't lose confidence.

''I watch him every day, and he's lights out,'' Napier said after Snyder's 53-yard field goal on the game's final play gave No. 19 ULL a 20-18 Sun Belt Conference win over upset-minded Georgia Southern here Saturday. ''You can see the leg talent when he kicks off. He's a very talented young man who had just made some technical errors. You don't make a 53-yarder if you don't have confidence.''

The Ragin' Cajuns (3-0, 2-0 Sun Belt) looked on the way to their first loss when Georgia Southern quarterback Shai Wertz hit Khaleb Hood with a 28-yard touchdown pass and Dalton Anderson with a two-point conversion with 54 seconds left to give the Eagles (1-1, 0-1) an 18-17 lead.

ULL quarterback Levi Lewis completed three passes for 47 yards in a desperation final drive, including an 18-yarder to running back Trey Ragas to the Eagle 36. From there Snyder, who hit a 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter to tie the game but missed a 34-yarder at the end of the first half, lined up for easily the longest field goal try of his college career.

''I knew that we would be able to drive down and get a kick,'' the Indiana transfer said. ''I just felt like it was going to be a long one and thinking I really needed to hammer the ball. The misses I'd had, I'd been trying to aim it.''

His game-winner was down the middle with room to spare to give the Cajuns their third straight comeback win.

''The second I hit it, I knew it was good,'' Snyder said. ''I was halfway to the sideline before it went through.''

Lewis, who threw for 290 yards, including connecting with Errol Rogers on a 27-yard touchdown pass with 10:34 left to give ULL its first lead at 17-10. The Cajuns dodged a bullet when Eagle receiver Beau Johnson fumbled through the end zone for a touchback at the end of a 57-yard completion that was ruled a touchdown and overturned on replay with 2:48 left.

Werts, who threw for a career-high 255 yards and completed his final seven passes, led a 61-yard drive in the final two minutes that he ended with his scoring pass to Hood. After a time out, Werts evaded one tackler before hitting Anderson for the two-point conversion.

Werts set up the Eagles' first score with a 61-yard pass to Wesley Kennedy III before J. D. King's two-yard scoring run on the first play of the second period. The Cajuns, who were missing eight starters mostly due to coronavirus quarantines, came back with an 83-yard drive and Ragas scored from 10 yards out to make it 7-7 at halftime.

''We played a little short-handed,'' Napier said. ''We didn't pay with near the roster we had in the opener (a 31-14 road win over then-ranked Iowa State), ''but we had a lot of players who played for the first time that stepped up and had a significant role. I'm proud of the young guys that stepped up.''

THE TAKEAWAY

Georgia Southern: The Eagles' option attack took a back seat Saturday to the arm of Werts, whose previous career high was 190 yards passing. He had four completions of 30 or more yards.

Louisiana-Lafayette: The Ragin' Cajuns rallied from behind for a third straight time after trailing Iowa State at halftime and going into overtime before downing Georgia State last weekend. Lewis has now thrown for 569 yards in ULL's last two games.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

ULL will likely drop in the poll even with the victory, since Big Ten Conference teams will start being ranked in next week's AP poll.

BALL CONTRO:

Georgia Southern controlled the ball for more than 35 minutes, was 8-of-14 on third downs and had six drives of 50 or more yards, but got no points out of three drives inside the ULL 25-yard-line. ''They had a good plan and they force you to do a lot of things,'' Napier said. ''The option and the play-action challenge your eye discipline and creates issues, and Werts is a dangerous player.''

UP NEXT

Georgia Southern returns to the state of Louisiana next Saturday to face Louisiana-Monroe. ULL is open next Saturday and will travel to meet Appalachian State in a Wednesday, Oct. 7, game that matches the preseason Sun Belt favorites in the West and East Divisions.

New on Sports Illustrated: Week 4 Waiver Wire: Justin Jefferson Headlines List of Must Add Fantasy Football Free Agents

There's plenty of productive players for fantasy football players to grab off the Week 4 waiver wire.

Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire

Considering the devastating week of injuries in Week 2, the action in Week 3 offered a much-needed reprieve for fantasy football players. Bye weeks don’t start for another week but fantasy managers need to always keep their head on a swivel when it comes to attacking the free agency pool. Here’s the list of players to consider adding off this week’s waiver wire.

Quarterbacks

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings: After throwing for less than 115 yards and three interceptions in Week 2, Cousins found some of his mojo against the Titans in Week 3. The Minnesota passer tossed three touchdowns and 251 yards against Tennessee. With Houston on the schedule in Week 4, Cousins is a decent streamer option.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals rookie quarterback had his second consecutive 300-yard game, but this time it didn’t take over 60 passing attempts to get there. Burrow gained 312 yards and two touchdowns off 31 completions against the Eagles. The exciting rookie takes on a Jaguars defense in Week 4 that just got carved up by Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Other quarterbacks to consider: Nick Foles, Chicago Bears; Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins

Running Backs

Carlos Hyde-Seattle Seahawks: Starting running back Chris Carson exited the game with a leg injury late in the 4th Quarter and did not return. He left the field with some help from team trainers and headed right into the medical tent. Will have to pay close attention to the reports on Monday and Tuesday regarding Carson’s injury but if he is forced to miss anytime, Carlos Hyde will enter RB2 territory and with the Seahawks offense firing on all cylinders, has the potential of an RB1. Of course, that potential is all predicated on Carson’s availability for Week 4 when the Seahawks travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins. 

Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins: Forget Jordan Howard. Forget Matt Breida. Myles Gaskin is the Miami running back to have on fantasy football teams. Gaskin was every bit a workhorse in Week 3, handling 22 rushing attempts and five catches which amounted to 95 yards from scrimmage. That’s the type of volume we’d expect to see from someone like Ezekiel Elliott. Take advantage while possible as Gaskin is available in 53% of leagues.

Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots: Not once. Not twice. But three times! That’s how many times the Patriots rusher hit pay dirt in Week 3. Burkhead had 98 yards from scrimmage off six rushing attempts and seven catches. Two of his runs went for scores as did one of his receptions. New England plays an up-tempo Chiefs team in Week 4 which should yield a lot of scoring opportunities for the versatile Patriots back.

Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers: The 12 rushing attempts for a net 15 yards is nothing to get excited about. But then when you factor in the three catches for 54 yards and two total touchdowns, fantasy football players should consider grabbing the 49ers running back. He was fourth on the depth chart but now has a tremendous opportunity with Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert both injured.

Other running backs to consider: Brian Hill, Atlanta Falcons

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: Earlier in the week on the Sports Illustrated fantasy football podcast, Corey Parson and crew asked what it will take for the Vikings to “free” Justin Jefferson. Apparently, it only took us asking nicely, as Jefferson ran roughshod over Tennessee's secondary in Week 3. The rookie caught seven passes for 175 yards and a touchdown against the Titans. As noted above, Minnesota plays the Texans in Week 4 in a wide receiver-friendly matchup.

Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills: While Stefon Diggs and John Brown are getting a lot of attention from fantasy football players, Beasley was flying under the radar despite gaining 158 yards over the first two weeks. That will likely change now that he hit the century mark in Week 3. Beasley caught six passes for 100 yards and looks to be in-sync with quarterback Josh Allen.

James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers: The stat line won’t impress most people and rightfully so. Washington only gained 36 yards off five catches. But with Diontae Johnson suffering a concussion in Week 3, Washington could see more burn in Week 4 against a Vikings defense that just got scorched by Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.

Adam Humphries, Tennessee Titans: If in a PPR-League, Humphries is a good depth player to add to your receiving corps. He’s caught at least four passes in the first three weeks of action and has back-to-back weeks of seven targets. Titans top playmaker A.J. Brown is expected to miss a few more games with a bone bruise which puts Humphries in line to start alongside Corey Davis.

Other wide receivers to consider: Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers; Braxton Berrios, New York Jets; Andy Isabella, Arizona Cardinals; Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles; Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders; Kalif Raymond, Tennessee Titans

Tight End

Mo Allie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts: Apparently his 111-yard performance in Week 2 was not a fluke because the former basketball player balled out again in Week 3, catching three passes and a touchdown in the Colts' easy victory over the Jets.

Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears: The 33-year-old tight end looked like his former, younger, dominant self in Week 3. Graham hauled in 6-of-10 targets for 60 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons and seemed to find a nice rhythm with Nick Foles. Graham could be considered a tight end streamer the next three weeks with matchups against the Colts, Buccaneers, and Panthers.

Other tight ends to consider: Drew Sample, Cincinnati Bengals

This is proving to be a wild fantasy season and it's no time to panic. Michael Fabiano and our team of high-stakes winners are here to help answer your waiver, trade and starting lineup questions in our Premium Football Chat. It's time to join the club! Become a member of SI Fantasy Plus for as low as 34 cents a day!

TikTok: US judge halts app store ban

District Judge Carl Nichols has issued a temporary injunction preventing a ban on TikTok downloads.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3i6NMld

The South African cleric taking on the church over a rapist priest

Reverend June Major has gone on hunger strike twice to demand that the church take action against her alleged attacker who still practises as a priest

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/33a1tvE

Meng Wanzhou: The PowerPoint that sparked an international row

The top Huawei executive's closely watched extradition case returns to court on Monday.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3cBCggr

'You're an opera singer? But you're not white...'

The story of Emmanuel "Onry" Henreid and the unexpected duet that went viral.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/335y2dU

New on Sports Illustrated: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 4

Finding the right players to grab off the waiver wire is crucial to fantasy football success. Sports Illustrated's Michael Fabiano lists more than a dozen players to add from the free agency pool.

Although there wasn't as many injuries in Week 3 compared to Week 2, there's still plenty of players to consider adding from the waiver wire before the NFL action kicks-off in Week 4. Sports Illustrated's fantasy football analyst Michael Fabiano highlights more than a dozen players to consider adding from the free agency pool.

This is proving to be a wild fantasy season and it's no time to panic. Michael Fabiano and our team of high-stakes winners are here to help answer your waiver, trade and starting lineup questions in our Premium Football Chat. It's time to join the club! Become a member of

SI Fantasy Plus for as low as 34 cents a day!

The woman who quit smoking and built a global hypnotherapy firm

Grace Smith used hypnosis to give up smoking, and it inspired her to take up the profession.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2GhWIH3

Why India needs to worry about post-Covid care

Experts say India needs more post-Covid care centres as many patients are reporting lasting symptoms.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/347ddho

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

New on Sports Illustrated: Jets-Colts Preview

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indianapolis Colts used the offseason to beef up their defense.

They traded for Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. They moved defensive tackle Denico Autry to defensive end. They signed Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

After two games, a franchise known for winning shootouts suddenly has the league's top-ranked defense. Hey, it's a promising start.

''Nobody cares if you're the top defense Week 1, Week 2, Week 3. Nobody gives a care,'' Pro Bowl linebacker Darius Leonard said. ''But when you get to Week 15, Week 16, that's when everybody's talking about who has the No. 1 defense. So we've got to go out and maintain that (ranking).''

Facing the league's lowest-ranked offense Sunday could help Indy (1-1) stay on top a little longer.

Coming off a game in which the Colts picked off three passes, recorded three sacks and held Minnesota to 175 total yards, the fewest in six years, they will try to build momentum against the New York Jets (0-2) with up to 7,500 fans in attendance.

What's gone wrong for the Jets?

They have the fewest yards per game (265.5) in the league, their only first-half points have come on two field goals and they're 27th in third-down conversions (36%).

And this week, they could be without receivers Breshad Perriman (ankle) and Jamison Crowder (hamstring), too.

But they're not giving in.

''We have to stay together,'' said Frank Gore, who spent three seasons in Indy and is the No. 3 rusher in NFL history. ''When we get opportunities to make a play, we need to make a play. I feel like I could have played better and done things to help this team early on. Everybody has to look at each other and know that. Each man has to do better for this team.''

Meanwhile, they're facing a foe that prefers to grind it out and play keep away on offense, and allowing its defense to do what it does best.

''That's the No. 1 goal each week, to stop the run and make the quarterback beat us with his arm,'' Leonard said. ''And let our defense be great.''

INDIANAPOLIS JETS

Gore isn't the only Jets player returning to Indy this weekend.

He's one of eight players on the active roster who suited up for the Colts. The others are offensive lineman Josh Andrews, defensive end Henry Anderson, linebacker Tarell Basham, safety Matthias Farley and cornerbacks Quincy Wilson, Nate Hairston and Pierre Desir.

Cornerback Arthur Maulet and long snapper Thomas Hennessy also spent time with Indy, and Jets assistant general manager Rex Hogan was the Colts' vice president of player personnel in 2017-18.

Colts coach Frank Reich said he'll make some minor adjustments.

Just don't expect to hear much about grudges.

''For me, it's about going and trying to get on track,'' Desir said. ''I want to do everything I can to help the team. We're working every day and as a defense, fixing the things that need to be fixed.''

THE TRADE

The pre-draft deal between Indianapolis and the Jets in 2018 had a major impact on both teams.

New York used the No. 3 overall selection on quarterback Sam Darnold.

By sliding back three spots and acquiring two extra second-round picks from the Jets in 2018 and another in 2019, general manager Chris Ballard found some key cogs.

Indy used the Jets' picks on two-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and right tackle Braden Smith in 2018, then selected starting cornerback Rock Ya-Sin in 2019. They dealt the Jets' other second-rounder in 2018 to Philadelphia, swapping spots while acquiring an extra fifth-rounder. Ballard used those picks on defensive end Kemoko Turay and running back Jordan Wilkins.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Jets coach Adam Gase is already facing outside criticism for the team's lackluster game-day performances and now some defensive players are concerned about practices, too.

After last week's loss, safety Bradley McDougald said players - particularly the defense - need to show more intensity in practice, an assertion supported by linebacker Avery Williamson. McDougald reiterated his point this week, but clarified that he wasn't criticizing the coaches. Instead, he wants teammates to improve their focus.

''I think if we go down the line and ask that question to anybody on this team, I think everybody would agree,'' McDougald said. ''We've had slow practices, we've had down practices, and that is players moving slow, or players not making the plays that we're expected to be able to make.''

MILE MARKER

Colts quarterback Philip Rivers could celebrate a handful of major milestones this weekend.

The eight-time Pro Bowler needs five completions to pass Hall of Famer Dan Marino (4,967) for No. 5 on the NFL's career list, one touchdown pass and 152 yards passing to become the sixth player in league history with 400 TDs and 60,000 yards. He also needs one more win to break a tie with Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton (124) for No. 8 all-time.

---

AP Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak Jr. in Florham Park, New Jersey, also contributed to this report.

---

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL