
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Ed Berger, who lost his State Senate primary to Dr. Mark Steffen in August, is going to take on the interim General Manager's position for the Kansas State Fair.

"I've always been a strong supporter and proponent of the fair," Berger said. "I've gone to the fair since I was in grade school. I think the only, perhaps, few years when I didn't go to the fair was when I was out in Western Kansas. The fair is so important to Hutchinson, the entire region, the state of Kansas. It really is the showcase for agriculture in the state."

Former General Manager Robin Jennison was a former Speaker of the Kansas House and candidate for governor. Berger doesn't have that kind of profile, but he believes his legislative service will help.

"I think it would be very helpful to have someone that has legislative contacts," Berger said. "Not saying I've got that many, but certainly I think I could be helpful as far as the legislature is concerned."

Berger is looking to fill in, but doesn't appear to have designs on the permanent job.&nbsp;

"It's an interim position," Berger said. "It's until they get a full-time manager. Certainly, that process needs to start sooner than later, get somebody who can take the fair to where it needs to go, take it to new heights."

The contract with Berger is due to be finalized by the Kansas State Fair Board in November.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Ed Berger, who lost his State Senate primary to Dr. Mark Steffen in August, is going to take on the interim General Manager's position for the Kansas State Fair."I've always been a strong supporter and proponent of the fair," Berger said. "I've gone to the fair since I was in grade school. I think the only, perhaps, few years when I didn't go to the fair was when I was out in Western Kansas. The fair is so important to Hutchinson, the entire region, the state of Kansas. It really is the showcase for agriculture in the state."Former General Manager Robin Jennison was a former Speaker of the Kansas House and candidate for governor. Berger doesn't have that kind of profile, but he believes his legislative service will help."I think it would be very helpful to have someone that has legislative contacts," Berger said. "Not saying I've got that many, but certainly I think I could be helpful as far as the legislature is concerned."Berger is looking to fill in, but doesn't appear to have designs on the permanent job.&nbsp;"It's an interim position," Berger said. "It's until they get a full-time manager. Certainly, that process needs to start sooner than later, get somebody who can take the fair to where it needs to go, take it to new heights."The contract with Berger is due to be finalized by the Kansas State Fair Board in November.

Berger: Legislative experience helpful, just looking to fill in

Release from Reno County Health Department


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County Health Department confirms a fourteenth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 21, 2020.

Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.

Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. 

It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

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 </figure>Release from Reno County Health Department
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County Health Department confirms a fourteenth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 21, 2020.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Fourteenth Reno County resident death from COVID-19 confirmed

October 22, 2020 Morning News


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The COVID-19 active case count in Reno County is at 546 as of Wednesday afternoon. There are 218 community cases. 

The number hospitalized is at 16. Eighty-two people have spent time in the hospital since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirty-five have been admitted to the ICU and 11 have been intubated. Thirteen Reno County residents have died.

The community positive test rate is up to 10.90%, with an overall positive test rate of 16.17%.

This week, schools in Reno County remain in the red in the gating criteria.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The COVID-19 active case count in Reno County is at 546 as of Wednesday afternoon. There are 218 community cases. The number hospitalized is at 16. Eighty-two people have spent time in the hospital since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirty-five have been admitted to the ICU and 11 have been intubated. Thirteen Reno County residents have died.The community positive test rate is up to 10.90%, with an overall positive test rate of 16.17%.This week, schools in Reno County remain in the red in the gating criteria.

Case count at 546 as of Wednesday afternoon, 16 hospitalized


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The group of Hutchinson firefighters that were reassigned to the Calwood Fire over the weekend is staying in Colorado.

According to a Facebook post from the department Wednesday, the crew has been assigned to a structure protection group in Lyons, CO. 

They have been allowed a 7-day extension. Their last working day will now be October 28th.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The group of Hutchinson firefighters that were reassigned to the Calwood Fire over the weekend is staying in Colorado.According to a Facebook post from the department Wednesday, the crew has been assigned to a structure protection group in Lyons, CO. They have been allowed a 7-day extension. Their last working day will now be October 28th.

Wildfire crew staying in Colorado

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Supreme Court has refused to address the case of a Hutchinson man who received an eight-year departure from his sentence in the death of a Hutchinson man.&nbsp;

This after the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the sentence against Taylor Lukone. Lukone was given the two-year sentence for a conviction of reckless second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Jose Lopez. Lopez was on a bicycle when Lukone rammed him with a car. The incident happened after a confrontation between the two parties.

At the time, Judge Trish Rose granted her own departure in the case, going against the plea agreement from both the state and the defense. Rose cited Lukone’s lack of criminal history and age as reasons for the 99-month departure.

But the Court of Appeals disagreed and ordered a new sentence that could run from nine to 11 years in prison. The matter moved to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court declined to hear the matter and sent the case back to Reno County where Lukone will be resentenced.

At the time of the ruling, the Court of Appeals stated that the extent of Rose’s departure was not proportionate to the severity level of Lukone's crimes. As a result, Rose’s 99-month departure was outside the framework of the legal standards and statutory limitations placed on it by the KSGA grid. Thus, this constituted an abuse of discretion.

The Court of Appeals ruling went on to say that anger that leads a person to murder someone in revenge is not condoned under the KSGA. And anger unrestrained, like the murder in this case, is required to be punished according to the grid under the KSGA.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Supreme Court has refused to address the case of a Hutchinson man who received an eight-year departure from his sentence in the death of a Hutchinson man.&nbsp;This after the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the sentence against Taylor Lukone. Lukone was given the two-year sentence for a conviction of reckless second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Jose Lopez. Lopez was on a bicycle when Lukone rammed him with a car. The incident happened after a confrontation between the two parties.At the time, Judge Trish Rose granted her own departure in the case, going against the plea agreement from both the state and the defense. Rose cited Lukone’s lack of criminal history and age as reasons for the 99-month departure.But the Court of Appeals disagreed and ordered a new sentence that could run from nine to 11 years in prison. The matter moved to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court declined to hear the matter and sent the case back to Reno County where Lukone will be resentenced.At the time of the ruling, the Court of Appeals stated that the extent of Rose’s departure was not proportionate to the severity level of Lukone's crimes. As a result, Rose’s 99-month departure was outside the framework of the legal standards and statutory limitations placed on it by the KSGA grid. Thus, this constituted an abuse of discretion.The Court of Appeals ruling went on to say that anger that leads a person to murder someone in revenge is not condoned under the KSGA. And anger unrestrained, like the murder in this case, is required to be punished according to the grid under the KSGA.

Supreme Court declines hearing appeal in murder case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The case involving a Hutchinson teen sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing his mother and sister will be before the Kansas Supreme Court next week.

Samuel Vonachen, who is now 21 years old, was tried as an adult and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. Vonachen was convicted&nbsp; of setting fire to the family home in September of 2013. While his father got out of the home, his mother and sister were trapped upstairs.&nbsp;

Police found Vonachen walking toward the house, smelling of gasoline. After interrogation, he admitted to burning down the house. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated arson. The district court granted the state's motion to certify Vonachen as an adult. The jury rejected numerous claims of mental disease or defect and convicted him on all counts. He is not eligible for parole until 2039.

The defense motion before the Supreme Court states that Vonachen's rights were violated due to the state's abolishment of the insanity defense. The motion also states that Vonachen's admission to police should have been suppressed and that admission of the defendant's private writings in the trial should not have been allowed.&nbsp;

The matter will go before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The case involving a Hutchinson teen sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing his mother and sister will be before the Kansas Supreme Court next week.Samuel Vonachen, who is now 21 years old, was tried as an adult and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. Vonachen was convicted&nbsp; of setting fire to the family home in September of 2013. While his father got out of the home, his mother and sister were trapped upstairs.&nbsp;Police found Vonachen walking toward the house, smelling of gasoline. After interrogation, he admitted to burning down the house. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated arson. The district court granted the state's motion to certify Vonachen as an adult. The jury rejected numerous claims of mental disease or defect and convicted him on all counts. He is not eligible for parole until 2039.The defense motion before the Supreme Court states that Vonachen's rights were violated due to the state's abolishment of the insanity defense. The motion also states that Vonachen's admission to police should have been suppressed and that admission of the defendant's private writings in the trial should not have been allowed.&nbsp;The matter will go before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Vonachen case goes before Supreme Court Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) announced Wednesday it will partner with the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation to offer the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program in this area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The program should be live Thursday with an estimated $35 million in funding to support it. The time frame will be extremely short with an estimated end date at the end of November, although an official end date was not announced. SCKEDD says it's in the process of training and signing the required agreement documents with KHRC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

SCKEDD is working to create a needs list of potential clients to begin helping them with rental assistance. SCKEDD offices do remain closed to the public and one-on-one help will be encouraged via phone calls, although in-person meetings with potential clients can be made by appointment only.&nbsp;

The Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP) provides rental assistance to households that have missed one or more rent payments as a result of the COVID pandemic. Landlords and tenants apply via a joint online process.&nbsp;

If the application is approved, the landlord receives rental assistance funds directly from KEPP, applies KEPP funds to the tenant’s account, and waives late fees for the month assistance was awarded. Approved tenants are eligible for a maximum of nine months of assistance, not to exceed $5,000 per household.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) announced Wednesday it will partner with the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation to offer the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program in this area.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program should be live Thursday with an estimated $35 million in funding to support it. The time frame will be extremely short with an estimated end date at the end of November, although an official end date was not announced. SCKEDD says it's in the process of training and signing the required agreement documents with KHRC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SCKEDD is working to create a needs list of potential clients to begin helping them with rental assistance. SCKEDD offices do remain closed to the public and one-on-one help will be encouraged via phone calls, although in-person meetings with potential clients can be made by appointment only.&nbsp;The Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP) provides rental assistance to households that have missed one or more rent payments as a result of the COVID pandemic. Landlords and tenants apply via a joint online process.&nbsp;If the application is approved, the landlord receives rental assistance funds directly from KEPP, applies KEPP funds to the tenant’s account, and waives late fees for the month assistance was awarded. Approved tenants are eligible for a maximum of nine months of assistance, not to exceed $5,000 per household.&nbsp;

SCKEDD to provide rental assistance through Kansas HRC

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is another step closer to having a new Health Department director.&nbsp;

According to Reno County Human Resources Director Renee Harris, five candidates were given online interviews this month. Out of those five, two finalists have been selected. Those finalists will have another interview before the county and a community panel on Oct. 30.&nbsp;

Harris says they hope to have a candidate for the County Commission to consider during the first meeting in November.

The names of the finalists were not disclosed, but Harris did say one candidate was local and one was from outside Reno County.

The new director will replace Nick Baldetti, who recently resigned to take a new position at McPherson College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589983765832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is another step closer to having a new Health Department director.&nbsp;According to Reno County Human Resources Director Renee Harris, five candidates were given online interviews this month. Out of those five, two finalists have been selected. Those finalists will have another interview before the county and a community panel on Oct. 30.&nbsp;Harris says they hope to have a candidate for the County Commission to consider during the first meeting in November.The names of the finalists were not disclosed, but Harris did say one candidate was local and one was from outside Reno County.The new director will replace Nick Baldetti, who recently resigned to take a new position at McPherson College.

Two finalists up for Health Department position

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of deaths in Reno County because of COVID-19 increased to 13 on Tuesday.

The Reno County Health Department confirms a thirteenth local resident with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 has died. That makes nine such deaths in the county this month.&nbsp;

Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.&nbsp;

Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602284404659.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of deaths in Reno County because of COVID-19 increased to 13 on Tuesday.The Reno County Health Department confirms a thirteenth local resident with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 has died. That makes nine such deaths in the county this month.&nbsp;Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.&nbsp;Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Another death attributed to COVID-19 in Reno Co. reported 

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The “Tales from Beyond: Reno County Urban Legends.” program that was scheduled for Friday, October 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reno County Museum has been cancelled.

The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers is extremely important to us and due to indoor space constraints, we must cancel the “Tales from Beyond” program. We are planning to make the “Tales from Beyond” program available online soon. All other events will remain as scheduled at this time.

The Museum will remain open during regular business hours with adjusted hours for the Oodleplex play area for children. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

The Oodleplex closes at 3:00 p.m. daily for sanitizing. 

<figure>
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 </figure>Release from Reno County MuseumHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The “Tales from Beyond: Reno County Urban Legends.” program that was scheduled for Friday, October 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reno County Museum has been cancelled.The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers is extremely important to us and due to indoor space constraints, we must cancel the “Tales from Beyond” program. We are planning to make the “Tales from Beyond” program available online soon. All other events will remain as scheduled at this time.The Museum will remain open during regular business hours with adjusted hours for the Oodleplex play area for children. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.The Oodleplex closes at 3:00 p.m. daily for sanitizing.

Reno County Museum program canceled for Friday

🎙 AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The question told you everything you needed to know about the Dillons Sunflower Showdown in 2020.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1510">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;was asked if he was worried about No. 20&nbsp;Kansas State overlooking Kansas when the Jayhawks arrive in Manhattan for Saturday's 11 a.m. kickoff.&nbsp; Klieman's answer might have revealed even more about the attitude that's pushed a K-State team picked to finish seventh in the Big 12 media poll to a share of first place in the conference.&nbsp; "No. We're not good enough to overlook anybody. Our kids know that. Our guys have to play their tail off to have an opportunity and continue to prepare," Klieman said. "When we prepare really well, we put a good product out on the field. When we don't prepare as well, we don't put as good of a product on the field." K-State has won the last 11 matchups with Kansas, the longest winning streak by either team in the rivalry's 117-year history. Their matchup this season will feature a winless Kansas team for the first time since 2015 and the highest-ranked K-State team since the schools faced off in 2014.&nbsp; Klieman's players didn't give their head coach any reason to worry about searching for extra motivation on Saturday. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7372">Harry Trotter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7351">Jahron McPherson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7333">Wyatt Hubert</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7559">Briley Moore</a>&nbsp;grew up within driving distance of Lawrence. All four players said that during their recruiting process, the phone calls from the Jayhawks were few and far between. "I would like to say that I felt overlooked for a long time by any FBS program," Moore said. "But you know, being so close to Lawrence, I always felt there was a little bit of motivation in not being recruited at all by them." Unpacking the Offense <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7390">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;will start his second game of the season against the Jayhawks and his first since the team announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7371">Skylar Thompson</a>&nbsp;will miss the remainder of the 2020 season. Klieman said that Thompson returned to the program after season-ending surgery during the bye week and was back at practice on Monday. "I just know those guys need his help," Kllieman said. "He sees the field so well. He sees the game. It's slowed down for him as he's played. He'll be a great help to those guys throughout the week and on game day." Howard is stepping into an offense that features the nation's leader in yards per reception, which still feels like a strange way to introduce freshman running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7565">Deuce Vaughn</a>.&nbsp; But&nbsp;Vaughn has thrived as a slot receiver this season, something Klieman mused could be an opportunity to create additional touches for fellow freshman running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7560">Keyon Mozee</a>. "Just trying to spoon feed him in small doses being a young player, but we have a lot of two and three-back sets where he's in the game," Klieman said. "Whether we move him or Deuce or any of our backs around and put them in the slot, all those things are on the table." Receivers Past and Present K-State got some national buzz from Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, after former Wildcat Byron Pringle hauled in a 37-yard catch to help put away Buffalo on Monday night. "He did a great job. He always seems to come up with one big one when he's out there," Reid said. "Great for him and great for Kansas State's recruiting." Klieman said he would take all the help he could get on the recruiting trail, before answering a few questions about his receivers in Manhattan this season, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7342">Malik Knowles</a>. "Maybe get him an easy catch early in the game. You just don't ever know how it's going to go on a week-to-week basis based on where the coverage is going," Klieman said. "Just know that your number is going to be called." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7559">Briley Moore</a>&nbsp;had a similar outlook. The Northern Iowa transfer leads the Wildcats in receptions with 14 catches this season, giving the offense a valuable boost from the tight end spot.&nbsp; "Those guys are grinding. Whenever their name or their number is called, they are going to be ready," he said. "Whenever you have somebody like Deuce that can do all the things he can, you try to get the ball in his hands as many times as possible." One sign those&nbsp;numbers could begin to improve? K-State has three of the Big 12 leaders in receiving yards per reception in 2020, with Vaughn, Moore and wide receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7370">Chabastin Taylor</a>. If the Wildcats can continue to unlock a talented group of wideouts, expect the offense to reach another level this season. "We're trying to find more ways to get them involved, whether it's on some jet sweeps or some reverses, whatever it may be, trying to get as many guys involved as we can," Klieman said. "It's a better problem to have in that we know we're going to continue to improve and get better."&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The question told you everything you needed to know about the Dillons Sunflower Showdown in 2020.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1510">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;was asked if he was worried about No. 20&nbsp;Kansas State overlooking Kansas when the Jayhawks arrive in Manhattan for Saturday's 11 a.m. kickoff.&nbsp; Klieman's answer might have revealed even more about the attitude that's pushed a K-State team picked to finish seventh in the Big 12 media poll to a share of first place in the conference.&nbsp; "No. We're not good enough to overlook anybody. Our kids know that. Our guys have to play their tail off to have an opportunity and continue to prepare," Klieman said. "When we prepare really well, we put a good product out on the field. When we don't prepare as well, we don't put as good of a product on the field." K-State has won the last 11 matchups with Kansas, the longest winning streak by either team in the rivalry's 117-year history. Their matchup this season will feature a winless Kansas team for the first time since 2015 and the highest-ranked K-State team since the schools faced off in 2014.&nbsp; Klieman's players didn't give their head coach any reason to worry about searching for extra motivation on Saturday. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7372">Harry Trotter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7351">Jahron McPherson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7333">Wyatt Hubert</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7559">Briley Moore</a>&nbsp;grew up within driving distance of Lawrence. All four players said that during their recruiting process, the phone calls from the Jayhawks were few and far between. "I would like to say that I felt overlooked for a long time by any FBS program," Moore said. "But you know, being so close to Lawrence, I always felt there was a little bit of motivation in not being recruited at all by them." Unpacking the Offense <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7390">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;will start his second game of the season against the Jayhawks and his first since the team announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7371">Skylar Thompson</a>&nbsp;will miss the remainder of the 2020 season. Klieman said that Thompson returned to the program after season-ending surgery during the bye week and was back at practice on Monday. "I just know those guys need his help," Kllieman said. "He sees the field so well. He sees the game. It's slowed down for him as he's played. He'll be a great help to those guys throughout the week and on game day." Howard is stepping into an offense that features the nation's leader in yards per reception, which still feels like a strange way to introduce freshman running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7565">Deuce Vaughn</a>.&nbsp; But&nbsp;Vaughn has thrived as a slot receiver this season, something Klieman mused could be an opportunity to create additional touches for fellow freshman running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7560">Keyon Mozee</a>. "Just trying to spoon feed him in small doses being a young player, but we have a lot of two and three-back sets where he's in the game," Klieman said. "Whether we move him or Deuce or any of our backs around and put them in the slot, all those things are on the table." Receivers Past and Present K-State got some national buzz from Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, after former Wildcat Byron Pringle hauled in a 37-yard catch to help put away Buffalo on Monday night. "He did a great job. He always seems to come up with one big one when he's out there," Reid said. "Great for him and great for Kansas State's recruiting." Klieman said he would take all the help he could get on the recruiting trail, before answering a few questions about his receivers in Manhattan this season, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7342">Malik Knowles</a>. "Maybe get him an easy catch early in the game. You just don't ever know how it's going to go on a week-to-week basis based on where the coverage is going," Klieman said. "Just know that your number is going to be called." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7559">Briley Moore</a>&nbsp;had a similar outlook. The Northern Iowa transfer leads the Wildcats in receptions with 14 catches this season, giving the offense a valuable boost from the tight end spot.&nbsp; "Those guys are grinding. Whenever their name or their number is called, they are going to be ready," he said. "Whenever you have somebody like Deuce that can do all the things he can, you try to get the ball in his hands as many times as possible." One sign those&nbsp;numbers could begin to improve? K-State has three of the Big 12 leaders in receiving yards per reception in 2020, with Vaughn, Moore and wide receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7370">Chabastin Taylor</a>. If the Wildcats can continue to unlock a talented group of wideouts, expect the offense to reach another level this season. "We're trying to find more ways to get them involved, whether it's on some jet sweeps or some reverses, whatever it may be, trying to get as many guys involved as we can," Klieman said. "It's a better problem to have in that we know we're going to continue to improve and get better."&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 K-State Football Notebook – Kansas Week

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Jayhawks are set for the second-consecutive road trip as they take on the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday, October 24 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The game will kickoff at 11 a.m., and will air on FS1.

The meeting between the Jayhawks and the Wildcats will be the 118th meeting between the two teams, including the 58th in Manhattan. Kansas holds the series advantage over K-State at 66-46-5, including a 28-26-3 record in Manhattan.

The Jayhawks enter their second-straight road game following a defeat at West Virginia. Saturday’s contest marks the third of five road trips for KU.

The Dillons Sunflower Showdown will air on FS1 with Eric Collins and Ben Leber on the call.

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/">Kansas Jayhawks&nbsp;</a>(0-4, 0-3 Big 12) at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football">Kansas State Wildcats&nbsp;</a>(3-1, 3-0 Big 12)

Date/Time:&nbsp;Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 | 11 a.m. CT

Where:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/22/_131476205109639392.aspx">Bill Snyder Family Stadium</a>

Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">Jayhawk Radio Network</a>

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox.com/">FS1</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Jayhawks are set for the second-consecutive road trip as they take on the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday, October 24 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The game will kickoff at 11 a.m., and will air on FS1.The meeting between the Jayhawks and the Wildcats will be the 118th meeting between the two teams, including the 58th in Manhattan. Kansas holds the series advantage over K-State at 66-46-5, including a 28-26-3 record in Manhattan.The Jayhawks enter their second-straight road game following a defeat at West Virginia. Saturday’s contest marks the third of five road trips for KU.The Dillons Sunflower Showdown will air on FS1 with Eric Collins and Ben Leber on the call.<figure>
 <img src="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GameWeek-1.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GAME INFORMATION:</h2><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/">Kansas Jayhawks&nbsp;</a>(0-4, 0-3 Big 12) at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football">Kansas State Wildcats&nbsp;</a>(3-1, 3-0 Big 12)Date/Time:&nbsp;Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 | 11 a.m. CTWhere:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/22/_131476205109639392.aspx">Bill Snyder Family Stadium</a>Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">Jayhawk Radio Network</a><ul>
 <li>Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst), Brandon McAnderson (Sideline), Steve Kincaid (Producer/Engineer), Marc Tuttle (GM)</li>
 </ul>Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox.com/">FS1</a><ul>
 <li>Eric Collins (Play-by-Play), Ben Leber (Analyst).</li>
 </ul>

🏈 GAME PREVIEW: Kansas at Kansas State

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brandon Lowe kept finding his name near the top of Tampa Bay’s lineup even as his offensive struggles continued to mount this postseason.

After Lowe finally busted out in Game 2 of the World Series, the Rays and Dodgers are tied deep in the heart of Texas.

“Sometimes guys, you’ve got to allow them to go through some tough patches,” manager Kevin Cash said. “He will go quiet for a little while, but he can get as hot as anybody in baseball.”

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-two-homer-game" target="_blank">Lowe hit two home runs</a>&nbsp;to the opposite field, Tampa Bay’s bullpen held on late and the Rays beat Los Angeles 6-4 on Wednesday night.

“Yeah, those felt really good,” said Lowe, a 2019 All-Star who led the Rays with 14 homers and 37 RBIs this season. “It felt great to kind of get back and contribute to the team. They’ve been doing so well for the past month — it felt really good to get back and actually start doing stuff again.”

Blake Snell struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings for the Rays and didn’t allow a hit until Chris Taylor’s two-run homer trimmed it to 5-2 in the fifth. The Dodgers threatened to complete a big comeback in the eighth, but Tampa Bay’s relievers held firm.

Lowe and Joey Wendle each had three RBIs for the Rays, whose six runs and 10 hits were their most over the past 11 postseason games.

“I think today was a little bit better indicator of the kind of team that we are,” said Wendle, who had a two-run double and a sacrifice fly. “Just a complete win, complete team win.”

Nick Anderson got four outs for the victory. Diego Castillo earned the save when he struck out Taylor, the only batter he faced.

Pete Fairbanks went 1 2/3 innings and left-hander Aaron Loup threw a called third strike past slugger Cody Bellinger with a runner on second to end the eighth. Loup also retired the first two hitters in the ninth.

“They’ve got some really good pitchers. They got out to that early lead and we just weren’t able to overcome it,” Taylor said. “We did a pretty good job of fighting to the end and we just weren’t able to come up with the big hit we needed.”

After an off day, Game 3 in the best-of-seven Series matches two big-game pitchers starting on extra rest Friday night. Charlie Morton goes for the Rays against Walker Buehler.

Los Angeles was the “home team” for the first two games but will bat first in the next three.

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-solo-home-run-ws" target="_blank">Lowe hit a solo shot to left-center</a>&nbsp;in the first off rookie Tony Gonsolin, putting the American League champion Rays ahead for the first time at this neutral-site World Series with their 27th homer of the postseason — matching a major league record. The second baseman was hitting .107 this postseason, and in an even worse 4-for-48 slide (.083) the past 13 games since the start of the AL Division Series.

“You’ve got to able to be tough-minded and Brandon is. A lot of our guys are,” Cash said. “We owe it to our guys to stick with them.

“Brandon, go ahead and get hot now, feel good about yourself.”

By the time Lowe went deep again in the fifth, his second opposite-field homer of the game — and the entire season — it was 5-0. That one bounced off the top of the left-field wall with a runner on against Dustin May, already the fourth Los Angeles pitcher.

Will Smith and NLCS MVP Corey Seager also homered for the Dodgers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/corey-seager-s-solo-home-run-x6076" target="_blank">Seager’s solo shot in the eighth</a>&nbsp;was his seventh homer and 16th RBI, extending the franchise records he had already set this postseason. It’s the most homers by a shortstop in any MLB postseason.

Snell, the 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner, retired 10 straight before walking Kiké Hernández with two outs in the fifth and Taylor, the No. 9 batter, homered on his 80th pitch. Tampa Bay’s ace was out of the game two batters later, after Mookie Betts walked and Seager singled.

“He was outstanding,” Cash said. “He was awesome. Gave us everything that we needed.”

Anderson got out of the jam with a strikeout of Justin Turner, then gave up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/will-smith-s-solo-home-run-x6103" target="_blank">solo homer to Smith</a>&nbsp;in the sixth.

The Dodgers knew it would be primarily a bullpen game using various arms, instead of bringing back Buehler on short rest after ace lefty Clayton Kershaw threw six strong innings in their 8-3 win Tuesday night in Game 1.

“We didn’t have anybody that was on regular rest,” manager Dave Roberts said afterward, though he said he felt great with Buehler going in Game 3.

Roberts also said Julio Urías, who is 4-0 in four appearances this postseason after getting the last nine outs in the NLCS clincher, will start Game 4. Kershaw would then be ready on regular rest for Game 5.

Los Angeles used seven pitchers, and four of the first five allowed runs. The Dodgers were the first team to use four pitchers within the first four innings of a World Series game since Oakland against Cincinnati in 1990.

Gonsolin gave up Lowe’s first homer and was done after 1 1/3 innings. That was the shortest start in a World Series game since San Francisco’s Jake Peavy gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings of a 10-0 loss at Kansas City in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series.

Snell attacked with breaking pitches in the strike zone, not his usual pattern, against a Dodgers team that doesn’t often chase. But less than a week after an aggressive hook by Cash to take Snell out of Game 6 of the ALCS after four innings, the left-hander still hasn’t completed six innings since July 2019.

“I’m not going to get mad at Cash. He’s got to manage, I’ve got to play. I’ve got to make it harder for him to come out and pull me,” Snell said. “I made it easy with the walk and the homer and then the walk. You can’t blame him. He’s trying to win a World Series game.”

A bobble by Hernández at second base proved costly, taking away a potential inning-ending double play in the fourth before the Dodgers changed pitchers again and gave up two runs. With one out and Randy Arozarena at first, Ji-Man Choi hit a grounder to Hernández, and by time the second baseman gathered the ball to get the force, Seager’s relay throw was late. Manuel Margot then greeted May, the third reliever, with a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/joey-wendle-s-two-run-double" target="_blank">Wendle’s two-run double</a>&nbsp;into the right-center gap for a 3-0 lead.

Snell’s nine strikeouts were the most in a World Series game by a pitcher who didn’t last five innings. ... Lowe became the second player to have a multi-homer game in the World Series after entering with a sub-.200 batting average in that postseason, according to STATS. The other was Orioles slugger Eddie Murray in the 1983 clincher against Philadelphia.

Rays: Morton has won all three of his starts this postseason, including 5 2/3 scoreless innings in the deciding Game 7 of the ALCS against Houston. He faces the Dodgers for the first time since the 2017 World Series, when he pitched the final four innings for the Astros to win Game 7 in relief. The veteran right-hander also pitched in Game 4 of that Series, limiting LA to one run and three hits while striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings.

Dodgers: Buehler threw six shutout innings to win Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta and force Game 7. His only previous World Series start was Game 3 against Boston in 2018, when he fired seven scoreless innings in the only game the Dodgers won.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brandon Lowe kept finding his name near the top of Tampa Bay’s lineup even as his offensive struggles continued to mount this postseason.After Lowe finally busted out in Game 2 of the World Series, the Rays and Dodgers are tied deep in the heart of Texas.“Sometimes guys, you’ve got to allow them to go through some tough patches,” manager Kevin Cash said. “He will go quiet for a little while, but he can get as hot as anybody in baseball.”<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-two-homer-game" target="_blank">Lowe hit two home runs</a>&nbsp;to the opposite field, Tampa Bay’s bullpen held on late and the Rays beat Los Angeles 6-4 on Wednesday night.“Yeah, those felt really good,” said Lowe, a 2019 All-Star who led the Rays with 14 homers and 37 RBIs this season. “It felt great to kind of get back and contribute to the team. They’ve been doing so well for the past month — it felt really good to get back and actually start doing stuff again.”Blake Snell struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings for the Rays and didn’t allow a hit until Chris Taylor’s two-run homer trimmed it to 5-2 in the fifth. The Dodgers threatened to complete a big comeback in the eighth, but Tampa Bay’s relievers held firm.Lowe and Joey Wendle each had three RBIs for the Rays, whose six runs and 10 hits were their most over the past 11 postseason games.“I think today was a little bit better indicator of the kind of team that we are,” said Wendle, who had a two-run double and a sacrifice fly. “Just a complete win, complete team win.”Nick Anderson got four outs for the victory. Diego Castillo earned the save when he struck out Taylor, the only batter he faced.Pete Fairbanks went 1 2/3 innings and left-hander Aaron Loup threw a called third strike past slugger Cody Bellinger with a runner on second to end the eighth. Loup also retired the first two hitters in the ninth.“They’ve got some really good pitchers. They got out to that early lead and we just weren’t able to overcome it,” Taylor said. “We did a pretty good job of fighting to the end and we just weren’t able to come up with the big hit we needed.”After an off day, Game 3 in the best-of-seven Series matches two big-game pitchers starting on extra rest Friday night. Charlie Morton goes for the Rays against Walker Buehler.Los Angeles was the “home team” for the first two games but will bat first in the next three.<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-lowe-s-solo-home-run-ws" target="_blank">Lowe hit a solo shot to left-center</a>&nbsp;in the first off rookie Tony Gonsolin, putting the American League champion Rays ahead for the first time at this neutral-site World Series with their 27th homer of the postseason — matching a major league record. The second baseman was hitting .107 this postseason, and in an even worse 4-for-48 slide (.083) the past 13 games since the start of the AL Division Series.“You’ve got to able to be tough-minded and Brandon is. A lot of our guys are,” Cash said. “We owe it to our guys to stick with them.“Brandon, go ahead and get hot now, feel good about yourself.”By the time Lowe went deep again in the fifth, his second opposite-field homer of the game — and the entire season — it was 5-0. That one bounced off the top of the left-field wall with a runner on against Dustin May, already the fourth Los Angeles pitcher.Will Smith and NLCS MVP Corey Seager also homered for the Dodgers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/corey-seager-s-solo-home-run-x6076" target="_blank">Seager’s solo shot in the eighth</a>&nbsp;was his seventh homer and 16th RBI, extending the franchise records he had already set this postseason. It’s the most homers by a shortstop in any MLB postseason.Snell, the 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner, retired 10 straight before walking Kiké Hernández with two outs in the fifth and Taylor, the No. 9 batter, homered on his 80th pitch. Tampa Bay’s ace was out of the game two batters later, after Mookie Betts walked and Seager singled.“He was outstanding,” Cash said. “He was awesome. Gave us everything that we needed.”Anderson got out of the jam with a strikeout of Justin Turner, then gave up a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/will-smith-s-solo-home-run-x6103" target="_blank">solo homer to Smith</a>&nbsp;in the sixth.The Dodgers knew it would be primarily a bullpen game using various arms, instead of bringing back Buehler on short rest after ace lefty Clayton Kershaw threw six strong innings in their 8-3 win Tuesday night in Game 1.“We didn’t have anybody that was on regular rest,” manager Dave Roberts said afterward, though he said he felt great with Buehler going in Game 3.Roberts also said Julio Urías, who is 4-0 in four appearances this postseason after getting the last nine outs in the NLCS clincher, will start Game 4. Kershaw would then be ready on regular rest for Game 5.Los Angeles used seven pitchers, and four of the first five allowed runs. The Dodgers were the first team to use four pitchers within the first four innings of a World Series game since Oakland against Cincinnati in 1990.Gonsolin gave up Lowe’s first homer and was done after 1 1/3 innings. That was the shortest start in a World Series game since San Francisco’s Jake Peavy gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings of a 10-0 loss at Kansas City in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series.Snell attacked with breaking pitches in the strike zone, not his usual pattern, against a Dodgers team that doesn’t often chase. But less than a week after an aggressive hook by Cash to take Snell out of Game 6 of the ALCS after four innings, the left-hander still hasn’t completed six innings since July 2019.“I’m not going to get mad at Cash. He’s got to manage, I’ve got to play. I’ve got to make it harder for him to come out and pull me,” Snell said. “I made it easy with the walk and the homer and then the walk. You can’t blame him. He’s trying to win a World Series game.”BIG MISTAKEA bobble by Hernández at second base proved costly, taking away a potential inning-ending double play in the fourth before the Dodgers changed pitchers again and gave up two runs. With one out and Randy Arozarena at first, Ji-Man Choi hit a grounder to Hernández, and by time the second baseman gathered the ball to get the force, Seager’s relay throw was late. Manuel Margot then greeted May, the third reliever, with a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/joey-wendle-s-two-run-double" target="_blank">Wendle’s two-run double</a>&nbsp;into the right-center gap for a 3-0 lead.SHORT HOPSSnell’s nine strikeouts were the most in a World Series game by a pitcher who didn’t last five innings. ... Lowe became the second player to have a multi-homer game in the World Series after entering with a sub-.200 batting average in that postseason, according to STATS. The other was Orioles slugger Eddie Murray in the 1983 clincher against Philadelphia.UP NEXTRays: Morton has won all three of his starts this postseason, including 5 2/3 scoreless innings in the deciding Game 7 of the ALCS against Houston. He faces the Dodgers for the first time since the 2017 World Series, when he pitched the final four innings for the Astros to win Game 7 in relief. The veteran right-hander also pitched in Game 4 of that Series, limiting LA to one run and three hits while striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings.Dodgers: Buehler threw six shutout innings to win Game 6 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta and force Game 7. His only previous World Series start was Game 3 against Boston in 2018, when he fired seven scoreless innings in the only game the Dodgers won.

Lowe homers twice, Rays hold off Dodgers 6-4 to even Series

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Le'Veon Bell once carried the ball a league-leading 321 times in a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He doesn't figure to get nearly as many chances with the Kansas City Chiefs. That's just fine with the two-time All-Pro running back, though. Bell has been the focal point of defenses for the majority of his career, whether that was in Pittsburgh or during his short stint with the New York Jets. But now Bell's on a team with so much offensive firepower that he could only marvel while watching them beat the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. "I was just like,' This is unbelievable,'" Bell said.

UNDATED (AP) — The game of the week in the Big Ten has No. 18 Michigan at No. 21 Minnesota on Saturday. The Wolverines' last four seasons have ended with consecutive losses and fans are getting antsy as Jim Harbaugh enters his sixth year. Michigan is breaking in a new quarterback, presumably Joe Milton, in the Little Brown Jug game. Iowa will have a new quarterback for the first time in four years, with Spencer Petras making his starting debut on the road against Purdue. No. 5 Ohio State is a 26-point favorite for its home game against Nebraska.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 17 Iowa State is looking to improve to 4-0 in conference play for the first time in school history _ in any league, not only the Big 12. The Cyclones play at well-rested sixth-ranked Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, who are 2-0 in the Big 12, are coming off consecutive bye weeks after their scheduled open date was followed by their game last Saturday at Baylor being pushed back to December due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Bears program. The Bears are back to play at Texas. No. 20 Kansas State, the only other Big 12 team without a league loss, hosts instate rival Kansas.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — DeVonta Smith could be tearing up the NFL instead of the Southeastern Conference. But he chose to stay in school, delaying NFL riches and essentially gambling on himself. He's not alone. The SEC has a bunch of players who made similar decisions, including Feleipe Franks, Najee Harris, Richard LeCounte, Kelly Mond, Kadarius Toney and Marco Wilson. Most of them have enjoyed some early season success, just not as much as Smith has at Alabama.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A lawsuit says the son of a former University of Nebraska official is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy three years ago. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by the mother of the boy alleges that Jack Eichorst assaulted the victim at a sleepover at the Eichorsts' home in October 2017. The Omaha World-Herald reports the lawsuit names Jack Eichorst and his parents. It seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering of the alleged victim, as well reimbursement of medical and mental health counseling bills. Eichorst attorney Vince Powers says the allegations did not happen. Jack Eichorst was convicted of child pornography possession last year.&nbsp;

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 10 Florida is planning to return to its football facility Monday, nearly two weeks after the program shut down because of a COVID-19 outbreak. Coach Dan Mullen was one of more than two dozen Gators who tested positive for the coronavirus last week. He sounded congested as he said the team had a new positive Wednesday from testing the day before. Mullen remains quarantined at home, living mostly in his bedroom and adjacent office. The Gators host Missouri on Oct. 31. Mullen says he's concerned about the lengthy layoff. Florida will have gone three weeks between games.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The World Series is tied at a game apiece after Brandon Lowe (low) broke out of a three-week slump.

Lowe homered twice and had three RBIs as the Rays downed the Dodgers, 6-4. He put the Rays ahead with a first-inning blast and added a two-run shot that made it 5-0 in the fifth. 

Lowe was hitting just .107 this postseason, including an 0-for-4 performance in Game 1.

Joey Wendle laced a two-run double and a sacrifice fly for Tampa Bay, which bounced back from Tuesday's 8-3 loss.

Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell had a no-hitter until Chris Taylor unloaded a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth. Snell followed that with a walk and another hit before leaving the game without a chance to pick up the victory.

Will Smith hit a solo homer in the sixth and Corey Seager did likewise in the eighth before the Rays' bullpen closed it out. Diego Castillo struck out the only batter he faced to pick up the save.

Van Gundy agrees to become Pelicans' coach

UNDATED (AP) — Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. He will replace Alvin Gentry, who was let go after the Pelicans went 30-42 this season and missed the playoffs. 

Van Gundy spent parts of 12 seasons coaching Miami, Orlando and Detroit, winning 58% of his games and going to the playoffs eight times. Now, he gets the chance to work with No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson. 

Panthers put Slye, 3rd OL on COVID-19 list

UNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have added kicker Joey Slye and offensive tackle Trent Scott to the COVID-19 reserve list, bringing their total number of players on the list to four. Scott becomes the third reserve offensive lineman to be placed on the COVID-19/reserve list in the last six days, joining Tyler Larsen and Michael Schofield. 

The moves don't necessarily mean those players have tested positive; they could have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive. 

The Panthers practiced as usual Wednesday in preparation for their game Sunday at New Orleans.

— The Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test. The Raiders held practice without their starting five as they prepare for a home game against Tampa Bay. 

— A'Shawn Robinson has been designated to return to practice with the Rams this week. He's been on the non-football injury list for unspecified reasons at the start of training camp. The decision moves the new defensive tackle closer to his debut for Los Angeles. 

— Jets quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice for the first time since spraining his throwing shoulder. He could have a chance to play Sunday against the Bills after missing the last two games. 

— A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Jets have traded outside linebacker Jordan Willis to the 49ers. The Jets are also sending a 2021 seventh-round draft pick to the 49ers for a sixth-round selection in 2022. 

— Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores says he regrets that his players found out about the team's switch to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) through social media rather than from him. Tagovailoa, the fifth pick in the April draft, will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams after the Dolphins' bye this week. 

— Washington will allow only friends and family in attendance at FedEx Field on Sunday against the Cowboys, even after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan allowed teams to fill outdoor stadiums to 10% capacity. At 10% capacity, roughly 8,000 fans would be allowed, something that remains possible later this season.

— Veteran defensive end/linebacker Aaron Lynch has unretired and been reinstated to Jacksonville's roster. Lynch walked away in August after just a few days of training camp. 

Penn State coach Pat Chambers resigns after investigation

UNDATED (AP) — Penn State's Pat Chambers has resigned following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by the Nittany Lions' basketball coach. The 49-year-old Chambers had been at the school for nine years and was coming off the team's best season under his directions. 

Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a statement that assistant coach Jim Ferry was being elevated to interim coach for the coming season. 

— Kentucky has announced that the NCAA and Southeastern Conference have granted transfers Olivier Sarr and Jacob Toppin immediate eligibility to play this season. Both post players provide experience for the Wildcats, whose only returning regular is sophomore forward Keion Brooks Jr. The 7-foot Sarr played three years at Wake Forest and averaged 13.7 points, nine rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season. 

Tigers impose penalties involving Beckham, booster

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU has self-imposed penalties for NCAA rules violations by the football program that include a reduction of scholarships and a two-year ban from its athletic facilities for Browns star and former Tigers receiver Odell Beckham Jr. That's according to a report by Sports Illustrated. 

LSU acknowledged it was working with the NCAA and had self-imposed penalties but provided no other details. 

Beckham was seen handing out cash to LSU players on the field after last year's College Football Playoff national championship game, a violation that is considered minor. A more serious violation involves an LSU booster paying $180,000 that was embezzled from a charity to the father of a former LSU football player.

Former Masters champ Scott tests positive for coronavirus

UNDATED (AP) — Former Masters champion Adam Scott has tested positive for the coronavirus and has pulled out of the Zozo Championship at Sherwood. 

Scott is the second high-profile golfer to test positive in as many weeks. World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tested positive last week in Las Vegas. 

— Phil Mickelson was planning to play the Houston Open a week before the Masters. That was before the tournament announced it was selling 2,000 tickets a day. That was enough for Mickelson to say he probably would play on the PGA Champions Tour that week in Phoenix. Mickelson says if the Charles Schwab Cup Championship also has limited spectators, then he probably would go to Houston. 

— Maria Torres has withdrawn from the LPGA Tour event in Georgia this week because her caddie tested positive for the coronavirus. Torres says she has no symptoms but is self-isolating because of their contact. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Petty Motorsports will enter the next chapter of its storied history with driver Erik Jones.

The pairing gives Petty a proven winner to replace Bubba Wallace, who is leaving at the end of the season. His departure could have crippled the cash-strapped Petty organization, but the team instead landed one of the top available talents. 

Jones was dropped by megateam Joe Gibbs Racing in August after six seasons. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Le'Veon Bell once carried the ball a league-leading 321 times in a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He doesn't figure to get nearly as many chances with the Kansas City Chiefs. That's just fine with the two-time All-Pro running back, though. Bell has been the focal point of defenses for the majority of his career, whether that was in Pittsburgh or during his short stint with the New York Jets. But now Bell's on a team with so much offensive firepower that he could only marvel while watching them beat the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. "I was just like,' This is unbelievable,'" Bell said.UNDATED (AP) — The game of the week in the Big Ten has No. 18 Michigan at No. 21 Minnesota on Saturday. The Wolverines' last four seasons have ended with consecutive losses and fans are getting antsy as Jim Harbaugh enters his sixth year. Michigan is breaking in a new quarterback, presumably Joe Milton, in the Little Brown Jug game. Iowa will have a new quarterback for the first time in four years, with Spencer Petras making his starting debut on the road against Purdue. No. 5 Ohio State is a 26-point favorite for its home game against Nebraska.UNDATED (AP) — No. 17 Iowa State is looking to improve to 4-0 in conference play for the first time in school history _ in any league, not only the Big 12. The Cyclones play at well-rested sixth-ranked Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, who are 2-0 in the Big 12, are coming off consecutive bye weeks after their scheduled open date was followed by their game last Saturday at Baylor being pushed back to December due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Bears program. The Bears are back to play at Texas. No. 20 Kansas State, the only other Big 12 team without a league loss, hosts instate rival Kansas.&nbsp;UNDATED (AP) — DeVonta Smith could be tearing up the NFL instead of the Southeastern Conference. But he chose to stay in school, delaying NFL riches and essentially gambling on himself. He's not alone. The SEC has a bunch of players who made similar decisions, including Feleipe Franks, Najee Harris, Richard LeCounte, Kelly Mond, Kadarius Toney and Marco Wilson. Most of them have enjoyed some early season success, just not as much as Smith has at Alabama.&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A lawsuit says the son of a former University of Nebraska official is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy three years ago. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by the mother of the boy alleges that Jack Eichorst assaulted the victim at a sleepover at the Eichorsts' home in October 2017. The Omaha World-Herald reports the lawsuit names Jack Eichorst and his parents. It seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering of the alleged victim, as well reimbursement of medical and mental health counseling bills. Eichorst attorney Vince Powers says the allegations did not happen. Jack Eichorst was convicted of child pornography possession last year.&nbsp;GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 10 Florida is planning to return to its football facility Monday, nearly two weeks after the program shut down because of a COVID-19 outbreak. Coach Dan Mullen was one of more than two dozen Gators who tested positive for the coronavirus last week. He sounded congested as he said the team had a new positive Wednesday from testing the day before. Mullen remains quarantined at home, living mostly in his bedroom and adjacent office. The Gators host Missouri on Oct. 31. Mullen says he's concerned about the lengthy layoff. Florida will have gone three weeks between games.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>MLB-WORLD SERIESRays square seriesARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The World Series is tied at a game apiece after Brandon Lowe (low) broke out of a three-week slump.Lowe homered twice and had three RBIs as the Rays downed the Dodgers, 6-4. He put the Rays ahead with a first-inning blast and added a two-run shot that made it 5-0 in the fifth. Lowe was hitting just .107 this postseason, including an 0-for-4 performance in Game 1.Joey Wendle laced a two-run double and a sacrifice fly for Tampa Bay, which bounced back from Tuesday's 8-3 loss.Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell had a no-hitter until Chris Taylor unloaded a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth. Snell followed that with a walk and another hit before leaving the game without a chance to pick up the victory.Will Smith hit a solo homer in the sixth and Corey Seager did likewise in the eighth before the Rays' bullpen closed it out. Diego Castillo struck out the only batter he faced to pick up the save.Tony Gonsolin took the loss.The series continues Friday.NBA-PELICANS-VAN GUNDYVan Gundy agrees to become Pelicans' coachUNDATED (AP) — Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. He will replace Alvin Gentry, who was let go after the Pelicans went 30-42 this season and missed the playoffs. Van Gundy spent parts of 12 seasons coaching Miami, Orlando and Detroit, winning 58% of his games and going to the playoffs eight times. Now, he gets the chance to work with No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson. NFL-NEWSPanthers put Slye, 3rd OL on COVID-19 listUNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have added kicker Joey Slye and offensive tackle Trent Scott to the COVID-19 reserve list, bringing their total number of players on the list to four. Scott becomes the third reserve offensive lineman to be placed on the COVID-19/reserve list in the last six days, joining Tyler Larsen and Michael Schofield. The moves don't necessarily mean those players have tested positive; they could have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive. The Panthers practiced as usual Wednesday in preparation for their game Sunday at New Orleans.In other NFL news:— The Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test. The Raiders held practice without their starting five as they prepare for a home game against Tampa Bay. — A'Shawn Robinson has been designated to return to practice with the Rams this week. He's been on the non-football injury list for unspecified reasons at the start of training camp. The decision moves the new defensive tackle closer to his debut for Los Angeles. — Jets quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice for the first time since spraining his throwing shoulder. He could have a chance to play Sunday against the Bills after missing the last two games. — A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Jets have traded outside linebacker Jordan Willis to the 49ers. The Jets are also sending a 2021 seventh-round draft pick to the 49ers for a sixth-round selection in 2022. — Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores says he regrets that his players found out about the team's switch to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) through social media rather than from him. Tagovailoa, the fifth pick in the April draft, will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams after the Dolphins' bye this week. — Washington will allow only friends and family in attendance at FedEx Field on Sunday against the Cowboys, even after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan allowed teams to fill outdoor stadiums to 10% capacity. At 10% capacity, roughly 8,000 fans would be allowed, something that remains possible later this season.— Veteran defensive end/linebacker Aaron Lynch has unretired and been reinstated to Jacksonville's roster. Lynch walked away in August after just a few days of training camp. COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWSPenn State coach Pat Chambers resigns after investigationUNDATED (AP) — Penn State's Pat Chambers has resigned following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by the Nittany Lions' basketball coach. The 49-year-old Chambers had been at the school for nine years and was coming off the team's best season under his directions. Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a statement that assistant coach Jim Ferry was being elevated to interim coach for the coming season. NCAA basketball season starts Nov. 25. In other college basketball news:— Kentucky has announced that the NCAA and Southeastern Conference have granted transfers Olivier Sarr and Jacob Toppin immediate eligibility to play this season. Both post players provide experience for the Wildcats, whose only returning regular is sophomore forward Keion Brooks Jr. The 7-foot Sarr played three years at Wake Forest and averaged 13.7 points, nine rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-LSU-PENALTIESTigers impose penalties involving Beckham, boosterBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU has self-imposed penalties for NCAA rules violations by the football program that include a reduction of scholarships and a two-year ban from its athletic facilities for Browns star and former Tigers receiver Odell Beckham Jr. That's according to a report by Sports Illustrated. LSU acknowledged it was working with the NCAA and had self-imposed penalties but provided no other details. Beckham was seen handing out cash to LSU players on the field after last year's College Football Playoff national championship game, a violation that is considered minor. A more serious violation involves an LSU booster paying $180,000 that was embezzled from a charity to the father of a former LSU football player.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSFormer Masters champ Scott tests positive for coronavirusUNDATED (AP) — Former Masters champion Adam Scott has tested positive for the coronavirus and has pulled out of the Zozo Championship at Sherwood. Scott is the second high-profile golfer to test positive in as many weeks. World No. 1 Dustin Johnson tested positive last week in Las Vegas. In other virus-related developments:— Phil Mickelson was planning to play the Houston Open a week before the Masters. That was before the tournament announced it was selling 2,000 tickets a day. That was enough for Mickelson to say he probably would play on the PGA Champions Tour that week in Phoenix. Mickelson says if the Charles Schwab Cup Championship also has limited spectators, then he probably would go to Houston. — Maria Torres has withdrawn from the LPGA Tour event in Georgia this week because her caddie tested positive for the coronavirus. Torres says she has no symptoms but is self-isolating because of their contact. NASCAR-RPM-JONESJones lands iconic No. 43 with RPMCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Petty Motorsports will enter the next chapter of its storied history with driver Erik Jones.The pairing gives Petty a proven winner to replace Bubba Wallace, who is leaving at the end of the season. His departure could have crippled the cash-strapped Petty organization, but the team instead landed one of the top available talents. Jones was dropped by megateam Joe Gibbs Racing in August after six seasons.

Sports Headlines for Thursday

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Sporting Kansas City	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	(Postponed)

AP-Scorecard<h2>Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:</h2>___MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFSFinal	Tampa Bay	6	L.A. Dodgers	4	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Sporting Kansas City	at	Colorado	9 p.m.	(Postponed)___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE		N-Y Giants	at	Philadelphia	8:20 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Portland	at	Seattle	10:30 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Wednesday

🎙 AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

Soccer: Maize 2, Hutch 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Buhler 5, Winfield 3

Volleyball: Nickerson beat Chapman in 3, lost to Smoky Valley in 2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Buhler beat Winfield in 2, beat Augusta in 3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutch beat Valley Center in 2, lost to Maize in 2

Soccer: Maize 2, Hutch 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Buhler 5, Winfield 3Volleyball: Nickerson beat Chapman in 3, lost to Smoky Valley in 2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Buhler beat Winfield in 2, beat Augusta in 3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutch beat Valley Center in 2, lost to Maize in 2

High school results from October 21, 2020

The Hutchinson Salthawk Girl's Volleyball team split with Maize and Valley Center in triangular action yesterday at Maize.&nbsp; Maize took 2 from the Salthawks 25-16, 25-21 but Hutchinson bounced back to take 2 from Valley Center 25-12, 25-16.&nbsp; Hutchinson is now 20-14.&nbsp; Sub-state for the Salthawk girl's will be in Dodge City Saturday, October 24th with seeding announced at 10am today.&nbsp; Winners of Sub-State will play quarter final matches on October 27th with State being held on October 30th in Salina.

Hutch High Soccer dropped a close game at Maize 2-1.

The Salthawks will conclude their regular season at home Thursday night at 6:30pm vs Haysville-Campus.

The Hutchinson Salthawk Girl's Volleyball team split with Maize and Valley Center in triangular action yesterday at Maize.&nbsp; Maize took 2 from the Salthawks 25-16, 25-21 but Hutchinson bounced back to take 2 from Valley Center 25-12, 25-16.&nbsp; Hutchinson is now 20-14.&nbsp; Sub-state for the Salthawk girl's will be in Dodge City Saturday, October 24th with seeding announced at 10am today.&nbsp; Winners of Sub-State will play quarter final matches on October 27th with State being held on October 30th in Salina.Hutch High Soccer dropped a close game at Maize 2-1.The Salthawks will conclude their regular season at home Thursday night at 6:30pm vs Haysville-Campus.

Salthawk Volleyball gets split; Soccer edged by Maize 2-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps motivated by their lousy performance the previous week, or the impending arrival of Le'Veon Bell, the Chiefs ran 46 times for 245 yards in a 26-17 win over the Bills on Monday night. The number of carries matched their most under coach Andy Reid and the yardage total was the fifth most by any of Reid's teams in Kansas City or Philadelphia. It also showed that even when defenses limit Patrick Mahomes by taking away the downfield pass game, they still can find ways to win.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have maintained their spot on top of the latest AP Pro32 poll. The next four spots went to AFC teams. The Kansas City Chiefs inched up a spot to No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up to No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans gained two spots to No. 4 before their key matchup on Sunday in Nashville. The Baltimore Ravens stayed at No. 5.&nbsp;

Fall Classic begins with Dodgers rout of Rays

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are three wins away from their first World Series title in 32 years.

Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts homered to support Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers whipped the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-3 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

The Dodgers went ahead, 2-0 on Bellinger's two-run homer in the fourth before tacking on four more runs in the fifth. Bellinger was fit to play after suffering a right shoulder injury while celebrating his tiebreaking home run in Game 7 of the NLCS two nights earlier.

Bellinger went deep off Tyler Glasnow, who struggled with his command. Glasnow was reached for six runs on three hits and six walks in 4 1/3 innings.

Kevin Kiermaier's solo blast in the fifth pushed Tampa Bay within a run before Betts scored on a fielder's choice in the bottom half to restore L.A.'s two-run lead. Will Smith, Chris Taylor and Kike (KEE'-kay) Hernandez followed with RBI singles.

Betts led off the bottom of the sixth with a blast to widen the gap. Justin Turner and Max Muncy added consecutive doubles to give Los Angeles an 8-1 lead.

Kershaw limited the Rays to two hits and a walk while striking out eight over six innings. Kershaw is 3-1 this postseason.

Manfred likes larger playoff, runner in extras

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he hopes to keep two of this year's innovations: expanded playoffs and starting extra innings with runners on second base. 

Manfred also says the 30 teams combined for $3 billion in operating losses due the pandemic, which caused all 898 regular-season games to be played in empty ballparks without fans. 

After opening day was delayed from March 26 to July 23, MLB and the players' association agreed to expand the number of teams in the playoffs from 10 to 16. Manfred has previously advocated a future expansion of the playoffs to 14 teams.

Ownership committee approves Mets sale to Cohen

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the proposed purchase of 95% of the New York Mets by an entity of billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has been approved by Major League Baseball's ownership committee. 

Baseball's executive council will consider the deal next and is expected to forward it for a vote by all owners. Final approval is likely to take place in the next month. 

The sale values the franchise at $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Former major league umpire Derryl Cousins has died at 74.

Cousins got his spot in the big leagues during the umpires' strike in 1979 and stayed on the job through the 2012 season. He called the World Series in 2005, 1999 and 1988 and also worked seven League Championship Series, five Division Series and three All-Star Games.

Craig Cousins said his brother died at home Monday after a bout with cancer.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps motivated by their lousy performance the previous week, or the impending arrival of Le'Veon Bell, the Chiefs ran 46 times for 245 yards in a 26-17 win over the Bills on Monday night. The number of carries matched their most under coach Andy Reid and the yardage total was the fifth most by any of Reid's teams in Kansas City or Philadelphia. It also showed that even when defenses limit Patrick Mahomes by taking away the downfield pass game, they still can find ways to win.NEW YORK (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have maintained their spot on top of the latest AP Pro32 poll. The next four spots went to AFC teams. The Kansas City Chiefs inched up a spot to No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up to No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans gained two spots to No. 4 before their key matchup on Sunday in Nashville. The Baltimore Ravens stayed at No. 5.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>MLB-WORLD SERIESFall Classic begins with Dodgers rout of RaysARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are three wins away from their first World Series title in 32 years.Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts homered to support Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers whipped the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-3 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.The Dodgers went ahead, 2-0 on Bellinger's two-run homer in the fourth before tacking on four more runs in the fifth. Bellinger was fit to play after suffering a right shoulder injury while celebrating his tiebreaking home run in Game 7 of the NLCS two nights earlier.Bellinger went deep off Tyler Glasnow, who struggled with his command. Glasnow was reached for six runs on three hits and six walks in 4 1/3 innings.Kevin Kiermaier's solo blast in the fifth pushed Tampa Bay within a run before Betts scored on a fielder's choice in the bottom half to restore L.A.'s two-run lead. Will Smith, Chris Taylor and Kike (KEE'-kay) Hernandez followed with RBI singles.Betts led off the bottom of the sixth with a blast to widen the gap. Justin Turner and Max Muncy added consecutive doubles to give Los Angeles an 8-1 lead.Kershaw limited the Rays to two hits and a walk while striking out eight over six innings. Kershaw is 3-1 this postseason.MLB-MANFRED INTERVIEWManfred likes larger playoff, runner in extrasARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he hopes to keep two of this year's innovations: expanded playoffs and starting extra innings with runners on second base. Manfred also says the 30 teams combined for $3 billion in operating losses due the pandemic, which caused all 898 regular-season games to be played in empty ballparks without fans. After opening day was delayed from March 26 to July 23, MLB and the players' association agreed to expand the number of teams in the playoffs from 10 to 16. Manfred has previously advocated a future expansion of the playoffs to 14 teams.MLB NEWSOwnership committee approves Mets sale to CohenARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the proposed purchase of 95% of the New York Mets by an entity of billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has been approved by Major League Baseball's ownership committee. Baseball's executive council will consider the deal next and is expected to forward it for a vote by all owners. Final approval is likely to take place in the next month. The sale values the franchise at $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion.MLB-COUSINS OBITEx-ump Cousins diesPALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Former major league umpire Derryl Cousins has died at 74.Cousins got his spot in the big leagues during the umpires' strike in 1979 and stayed on the job through the 2012 season. He called the World Series in 2005, 1999 and 1988 and also worked seven League Championship Series, five Division Series and three All-Star Games.Craig Cousins said his brother died at home Monday after a bout with cancer.NBA-PACERS COACHPacers hire Bjorkgren as coachINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have hired Nate Bjorkgren as their new coach. The decision ends a search that began when the Pacers fired longtime coach Nate McMillan on Aug. 26. Bjorkgren spent the past two seasons as an assistant to Toronto coach Nick Nurse and was part of the Raptors 2018-19 title run. NBA-CLIPPERS-LUEClippers confirm Lue hiringLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers have confirmed their hiring of Tyronn Lue to replace Doc Rivers as head coach.Lue spent last season working as a Clippers assistant under Doc Rivers, who was L.A.'s head coach for seven years before going to the Philadelphia 76ers a couple weeks ago.Lue was on the Cleveland Cavaliers' staff when he replaced the fired David Blatt during the 2015-16 season. Under Lue's guidance, the Cavs and LeBron James went on to win their first-ever NBA championship.NFL-NEWSAP source: Tagovailoa replaces Fitzpatrick as Miami starterUNDATED (AP) — Rookie Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-uh tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) has been named the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback. A person with knowledge of the decision says the former Alabama star will make his first NFL start on Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams following the team's bye week. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been demoted despite leading the Dolphins to consecutive victories and throwing for three touchdowns in Sunday's 24-0 shutout of the New York Jets.Miami is 3-3 this season.In other NFL news:— The Bears have signed former Notre Dame star linebacker Manti Teo (MAN'-tee TAY'-ow) to their practice squad. Th 2012 Heisman finalist has made 48 starts and 62 appearances over seven seasons with Chargers and Saints, recording 307 tackles and 22 for loss along with 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. — The Rams have signed veteran kicker Kai Forbath from the Bears' practice squad after a rocky start to the season for rookie Samuel Sloman. Los Angeles drafted Sloman in the seventh round last spring, but he has missed three of his 18 extra-point attempts this season. — Panthers starting safety Juston Burris and reserve wide receiver Keith Kirkwood will miss at least the next three games after both were placed on injured reserve. Burris injured his ribs in Carolina's 23-16 loss to the Bears on Sunday, and Kirkwood re-injured a shoulder that had kept him out of action the first five weeks. — The Saints will start having fans in the stands for home games beginning Sunday against the Panthers. The team and the mayor agreed to a phased plan that will start with 3,000 tickets for Sunday's. Attendance would increase to 6,000 fans for November games with San Francisco and Atlanta and up to 15,000 in December for games against Kansas City and Minnesota. The plan is subject to any changes in local health and safety guidelines. VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALLNew Mexico-Colorado State game canceledFORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The Mountain West football game between New Mexico and Colorado State has been canceled due to COVID-19.The Lobos were scheduled to play the Rams on Saturday in Fort Collins, Colorado, but there's a prevalence of the virus in the New Mexico county of Bernalillo. There is no plan to reschedule the game.Elsewhere in college football: — Florida's COVID-19 outbreak seems to be contained. The 10th-ranked Gators reported four new positives since the middle of last week, when they postponed two games because of the novel coronavirus.

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