BRISTOL, Connecticut—ESPN announced Thursday it is eliminating about 500 jobs worldwide, including about 300 through layoffs.

The cuts amount to about 10% of the employees at the sports network and are due largely to the impact of the pandemic on its business and the “tremendous disruption in how fans consume sports.”

“In the short term, we enacted various steps like executive and talent salary reductions, furloughs and budget cuts, and we implemented innovative operations and production approaches, all in an effort to weather the COVID storm,” Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, wrote in an email to employees. “We have, however, reached an inflection point.”

In addition to the layoffs, the company is planning to leave about 200 vacant positions unfilled.

ESPN did not say how many of the job cuts would come at its Bristol, Connecticut, campus, but said they would not be concentrated in any one area. On-air talent, the vast majority having personal contracts, is not expected to be heavily affected. But some of those contracts could be allowed to expire.

The company said it has more than 5,000 employees, including about 4,000 in Bristol.

The Disney subsidiary has recently been moving toward more direct-to-consumer offerings, including its ESPN+, a streaming service that has grown to about 8.5 million subscribers.

Pitaro said the discussions on how to reposition the company in a changing media landscape predate COVID-19, but said the pandemic had accelerated those discussions.

“Placing resources in support of our direct-to-consumer business strategy, digital, and, of course, continued innovative television experiences, is more critical than ever,” he wrote. “However, building a successful future in a changing world means facing hard choices. Making informed decisions about how and where we need to go – and, as always, in the most efficient way possible — is by far the most challenging job of any leadership team.”

Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/apf-entertainment">Entertainment</a>

The layoffs come three years after ESPN cut about 250 jobs, including journalists and on-air talent.

BRISTOL, Connecticut—ESPN announced Thursday it is eliminating about 500 jobs worldwide, including about 300 through layoffs.The cuts amount to about 10% of the employees at the sports network and are due largely to the impact of the pandemic on its business and the “tremendous disruption in how fans consume sports.”“In the short term, we enacted various steps like executive and talent salary reductions, furloughs and budget cuts, and we implemented innovative operations and production approaches, all in an effort to weather the COVID storm,” Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, wrote in an email to employees. “We have, however, reached an inflection point.”In addition to the layoffs, the company is planning to leave about 200 vacant positions unfilled.ESPN did not say how many of the job cuts would come at its Bristol, Connecticut, campus, but said they would not be concentrated in any one area. On-air talent, the vast majority having personal contracts, is not expected to be heavily affected. But some of those contracts could be allowed to expire.MORE ENTERTAINMENT STORIES:<ul>
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 </ul>The company said it has more than 5,000 employees, including about 4,000 in Bristol.The Disney subsidiary has recently been moving toward more direct-to-consumer offerings, including its ESPN+, a streaming service that has grown to about 8.5 million subscribers.Pitaro said the discussions on how to reposition the company in a changing media landscape predate COVID-19, but said the pandemic had accelerated those discussions.“Placing resources in support of our direct-to-consumer business strategy, digital, and, of course, continued innovative television experiences, is more critical than ever,” he wrote. “However, building a successful future in a changing world means facing hard choices. Making informed decisions about how and where we need to go – and, as always, in the most efficient way possible — is by far the most challenging job of any leadership team.”Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/apf-entertainment">Entertainment</a>The layoffs come three years after ESPN cut about 250 jobs, including journalists and on-air talent.

ESPN announces 300 layoffs, citing ‘disruption’ amid virus

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Louisville Slugger ® and MLB Network announced tonight that Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;has been named an American League Silver Slugger™&nbsp;Award winner for 2020.&nbsp;

This marks Perez’s third such honor (also 2016, 2018), joining Hall of Famer&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;as the only other Royal to garner three Silver Slugger™&nbsp;Awards (which were established in 1980). He also becomes the 12th&nbsp;Major League catcher to earn the award three times or more and first since&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(2006, 2008-10, 2013).

Perez, who is also a six-time All-Star and a five-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner, set career highs in batting average (.333) and slugging percentage (.633) in 2020, and despite playing in just 37 of 60 games, led the Royals in homers (11) and go-ahead RBI (8), while ranking second in RBI (32) and extra-base hits (23). His 11 home runs were tied for third most in Major League history by a player who appeared in 37 games or fewer, trailing only&nbsp;Frank Thomas&nbsp;(12 HR in 34 games) in 2005 (when he battled multiple injuries) and&nbsp;Ted Williams&nbsp;(13 HR in 37 games) in 1953 (when he missed most of the season after serving in the Korean War). All 11 of his home runs came as a catcher, matching&nbsp;JT Realmuto&nbsp;for the most in the Majors as a catcher this season, while Perez’s batting average (.348), slugging percentage (.681) and OPS (1.048) as a catcher were all tops in the Majors (min. 100 AB).&nbsp;

Perez returned to the Royals after missing the entire 2019 season due to “Tommy John surgery” on March 6, 2019. He was on the Injured List this season from Aug. 21-Sept. 11 due to swelling in his left eye. From the time of his return to the end of the season, he ranked tied for second in the Majors in RBI (20), extra-base hits (13) and total bases (50), was third in slugging (.806) and tied for third in homers (7). He led the Majors in batting average (.451, 23-for-51) from Sept. 11-24.

Louisville Slugger® Silver Slugger™ Award winners are decided by a vote of MLB managers and coaches who select the players they determine to be the best offensive producers at each position in the American and National Leagues. Each team receives four (4) votes; the manager and three coaches of their choice. They base their votes on a combination of offensive statistics including batting average, on-base percentage, runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage, as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value. The accounting firm of Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP&nbsp;verifies the tabulation of balloting.

Below is a list of the 10 Royals to win a Louisville Silver Slugger Award (instituted in 1980):

George Brett – 1980, 1985, 1988 (1980 &amp; ’85 at third base, 1988 at first base)

Salvador Perez – 2016, 2018, 2020 (catcher)

Billy Butler – 2012 (designated hitter)

Kendrys Morales – 2015 (designated hitter)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604621547087.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Salvey Perez - Image courtesy of KC Royals Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Salvey Perez - Image courtesy of KC Royals Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Louisville Slugger ® and MLB Network announced tonight that Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;has been named an American League Silver Slugger™&nbsp;Award winner for 2020.&nbsp;This marks Perez’s third such honor (also 2016, 2018), joining Hall of Famer&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;as the only other Royal to garner three Silver Slugger™&nbsp;Awards (which were established in 1980). He also becomes the 12th&nbsp;Major League catcher to earn the award three times or more and first since&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(2006, 2008-10, 2013).Perez, who is also a six-time All-Star and a five-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award winner, set career highs in batting average (.333) and slugging percentage (.633) in 2020, and despite playing in just 37 of 60 games, led the Royals in homers (11) and go-ahead RBI (8), while ranking second in RBI (32) and extra-base hits (23). His 11 home runs were tied for third most in Major League history by a player who appeared in 37 games or fewer, trailing only&nbsp;Frank Thomas&nbsp;(12 HR in 34 games) in 2005 (when he battled multiple injuries) and&nbsp;Ted Williams&nbsp;(13 HR in 37 games) in 1953 (when he missed most of the season after serving in the Korean War). All 11 of his home runs came as a catcher, matching&nbsp;JT Realmuto&nbsp;for the most in the Majors as a catcher this season, while Perez’s batting average (.348), slugging percentage (.681) and OPS (1.048) as a catcher were all tops in the Majors (min. 100 AB).&nbsp;Perez returned to the Royals after missing the entire 2019 season due to “Tommy John surgery” on March 6, 2019. He was on the Injured List this season from Aug. 21-Sept. 11 due to swelling in his left eye. From the time of his return to the end of the season, he ranked tied for second in the Majors in RBI (20), extra-base hits (13) and total bases (50), was third in slugging (.806) and tied for third in homers (7). He led the Majors in batting average (.451, 23-for-51) from Sept. 11-24.Louisville Slugger® Silver Slugger™ Award winners are decided by a vote of MLB managers and coaches who select the players they determine to be the best offensive producers at each position in the American and National Leagues. Each team receives four (4) votes; the manager and three coaches of their choice. They base their votes on a combination of offensive statistics including batting average, on-base percentage, runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage, as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value. The accounting firm of Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP&nbsp;verifies the tabulation of balloting.Below is a list of the 10 Royals to win a Louisville Silver Slugger Award (instituted in 1980):George Brett – 1980, 1985, 1988 (1980 &amp; ’85 at third base, 1988 at first base)Salvador Perez – 2016, 2018, 2020 (catcher)Willie Wilson – 1980, 1982 (outfield)Hal McRae – 1982 (designated hitter)Frank White – 1986 (second base)Gary Gaetti – 1995 (third base)Dean Palmer – 1998 (third base)Billy Butler – 2012 (designated hitter)Kendrys Morales – 2015 (designated hitter)Eric Hosmer – 2017 (first base)

Royals' Salvador Perez wins third Silver Slugger™ Award

🏈Around the Brackets for Week #9 of Kansas High School Football

No. 14 Oklahoma State and Kansas State are preparing to play a big game with each team coming off its first Big 12 loss. Even though they missed the chance for a November matchup of squads without a conference defeat, the outcome between the Cowboys and Wildcats could have a significant impact on who plays in the Big 12 championship game. This Saturday is the only one in November when all 10 conference teams are scheduled to play. No. 17 Iowa State is the only other Big 12 team with just one conference loss. The Cyclones are home against Baylor.

No. 14 Oklahoma State and Kansas State are preparing to play a big game with each team coming off its first Big 12 loss. Even though they missed the chance for a November matchup of squads without a conference defeat, the outcome between the Cowboys and Wildcats could have a significant impact on who plays in the Big 12 championship game. This Saturday is the only one in November when all 10 conference teams are scheduled to play. No. 17 Iowa State is the only other Big 12 team with just one conference loss. The Cyclones are home against Baylor.

🏈  No. 14 Oklahoma St and K-State square off after 1st B12 loss

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was a major factor in turning Arrowhead Stadium into a polling place Tuesday, going so far as footing half the bill to help cover the cost of 40 voting machines and other necessities that allowed people of Jackson County to vote there. He said Wednesday that everything went smoothly and he hopes that it can continue to be used long into the future.

UNDATED (AP) — It wasn't long ago that there was a bit of mystery about who Michigan State's starting quarterback would be, but Rocky Lombardi was the pick. And he's off to a nice start. Lombardi threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns last weekend in an upset victory over Michigan. There are few better ways to win over Spartans fans. Lombardi, who started three games at quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2018, now looks as if he'll hold that role for a lot longer. This weekend's game at Iowa is a bit of a homecoming for Lombardi. He's from Clive, Iowa.

UNDATED (AP) — A season of league-only games in the Southeastern Conference isn't for the meek _ or the mediocre. The league has reached the halfway point of the 10-game season with four teams ranked in the top 10 _ No. 2 Alabama, No. 5 Georgia, No. 7 Texas A&amp;M and No. 8 Florida &nbsp;_ and nine with losing records. Only the Crimson Tide remains unbeaten, having already decisively beaten the Bulldogs and Aggies.&nbsp;

49ers shut facility after player tests positive

UNDATED (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have shut down their facility after receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus. The team said the positive test came back Wednesday morning and Bourne immediately went into self-quarantine after getting the diagnosis. He was later placed on the COVID-19 list.

The team's game against Green Bay on Thursday night is still set to be played, according to a person familiar with the plans.

The Packers are also dealing with coronavirus issues. Running backs A.J. Dillon and Jamaal Williams are on the COVID-19 list.

San Francisco will also be missing several key players Thursday due to injuries. They include Jimmy Garoppolo (gah-RAH'-puh-loh), George Kittle, Raheem Mostert, Nick Bosa and Richard Sherman.

— The New York Giants have acquired wide receiver Dante Pettis on waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. The Giants announced the move late Wednesday, a day after Pettis was released by the Niners. Pettis will be in the six-day COVID-19 protocol so he will not count on the roster. He will be eligible to play when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 15. 

— Mitchell Trubisky's brief appearance last week was a painful one for the Chicago Bears' former starting quarterback. Trubisky injured his right shoulder when he was tackled running the ball on his lone snap in an overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints. Trubisky came on in the first quarter on Sunday in his first appearance since he was replaced by Nick Foles during the Week 3 win at Atlanta. 

— Two more Denver Broncos players have been placed on the NFL's COVID-19/reserve list. They are starting defensive end Shelby Harris and practice squad offensive lineman Darrin Paulo. Harris came into close contact with an infected individual and self-reported. He will have to have five consecutive days of negative coronavirus tests to be able to return to the team. Paulo is infected with the novel coronavirus. Both players are isolating at their homes. The Broncos have now had three players, three assistant coaches and two executives go under COVID-19 protocols in the past 2 1/2 weeks. 

— Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The list was created for players who test positive for the coronavirus or who have been in close contact with anyone infected. The Lions put linebacker Jarrad Davis on the list the previous day. Before the Lions announced Stafford's status, coach Matt Patricia said there was no need to shut down the team's training facility. 

— The Chicago Bears could be missing four starters on their offensive line when they visit the Tennessee Titans this week, after placing right tackle Bobby Massie on injured reserve and right guard Germain Ifedi on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday. The Bears also placed backup tackle Jason Spriggs on the COVID list. 

— The Baltimore Ravens are short-handed at practice this week after moving two starting offensive linemen to injured reserve and placing eight players on the COVID-19 reserve list. For Sunday's AFC clash against the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore will be without left offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and right guard Tyre Phillips, who are on injured reserve. Baltimore also must find a replacement for All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who has tested positive for the coronavirus. If the other seven players on the reserve/COVID-19 list test negative on Saturday, they can face the Colts.

— Panthers coach Matt Rhule is "very hopeful" Christian McCaffrey will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs after the running back went through his first padded practice on Wednesday since Week 2. He's still listed as designated to return from injured reserve, so he wasn't given an injury designation after practice.

— Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has surgery scheduled to repair a torn knee ligament that ended his season. Andrew Berry, the team's general manager and executive vice president, said Beckham will have the procedure "early next week." Beckham tore a knee ligament in an Oct. 25 game at Cincinnati. Beckham's loss is a major blow to the Browns, who have a bye this week and host Houston on Nov. 15. While there is continued speculation about Beckham's future, Berry said he still sees the three-time Pro Bowler as part of the club's long-term plans. 

— In a string of moves this week, the Tennessee Titans released outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. Some bad snaps also cost long snapper Beau Brinkley his job. General manager Jon Robinson says the team made the moves to help win games, not send messages.

— NFL and NFL Players Association data for the week of Oct. 25-31 show eight new confirmed positive COVIC-19 tests among players, and 17 new confirmed positives among other personnel. A total of 42,916 tests were administered to 7,884 players and team personnel. There were 16,814 tests administered to 2,511 players; 26,102 tests were administered to 5,373 personnel. 

— The Miami Dolphins' top two running backs are sidelined by injuries. Myles Gaskin sat out Wednesday's practice with a knee injury that could sideline him for several weeks, and Matt Breida is nursing a hamstring injury. Gaskin has been the Dolphins' best backfield threat with 585 yards rushing and receiving, but they rank 28th in the NFL in rushing and next to last in yards per attempt at 3.6. The injuries could mean more playing time Sunday at Arizona for Jordan Howard.

Bauer's agent says he is rejecting $18.M qualifying offer

UNDATED (AP) — Trevor Bauer's agent says the pitcher is rejecting the Cincinnati Reds' $18.9 million qualifying offer. 

The 29 year old right-hander was given the offer on Sunday and had until Nov. 11 to make his decision. Bauer was 5-4 with a National League-leading 1.73 ERA, striking out 100 and walking 17 in 73 innings. 

Bauer was among six players given qualifying offers, joined by George Springer, DJ LeMahieu, J.T. Realmuto, Marcus Stroman and Kevin Gausman.

— Ed Sedar is transitioning into a new role as an adviser to the Brewers' coaching staff after working as a first-base or third-base coach in Milwaukee for the last 14 seasons. That move marked the biggest change as the Brewers announced their 2021 coaching staff Wednesday. Sedar had been the Brewers' first-base coach from 2007-10 and third-base coach from 2011-20. Quintin Berry will take over as a base coach next season after working as the Brewers' minor league outfielder and baserunning coordinator from 2019-20.

Stars standouts Seguin, Bishop face 5-month surgery rehabs

UNDATED (AP) — Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (SAY'-gihn) and goaltender Ben Bishop both face about five months of rehabilitation and recovery after surgery. Seguin had surgery Monday in New York to repair a torn labrum in his hip. The six-time All-Star played with the injury during the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Western Conference champions. Bishop had surgery Oct. 21 in Missouri to repair torn meniscus in his right knee. He also had surgery in May and didn't play after a first-round playoff game against Colorado on Aug. 31. 

Seguin led the team with 50 points in the regular season. The six-time All-Star had two goals and 11 assists in 26 playoff games, with no goals and six assists the last 15 games.

Bishop didn't play after a first-round playoff game against Colorado on Aug. 31 because he never fully recovered from a previous knee surgery in May during the season's 4 1/2-month pause because of the coronavirus pandemic. Bishop has three years left on his $29.5 million, six-year contract.

— The New York Islanders and restricted free agent defenseman Ryan Pulock have agreed to terms on a two-year deal. The Islanders and the 26-year-old Pulock reached the deal on Wednesday, avoiding an arbitration hearing. Pulock had 10 goals and 25 assists in 68 games last season. The first-round draft pick in 2013 added two goals and eight assists in 22 playoff games as the Islanders made it to the Eastern Conference final. Pulock led Islanders defensemen in scoring in each of the past two seasons. He has 31 goals and 77 assists in 234 NHL games.

Nadal earns 1,000th win, reaches 3rd round at Paris Masters

PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal has become only the fourth man to reach 1,000 career wins after beating fellow Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters. 

The 20-time Grand Slam champion joined Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl as the only male players to reach the 1,000-win mark since the Open era began in 1968. 

The 34-year-old Nadal achieved a double milestone in Paris this year having won the French Open last month to tie Federer on 20 major titles. 

Louisville-Virginia postponed due to Cardinals' virus cases

UNDATED (AP) — Louisville has paused all football activities and its Saturday game at Virginia has been postponed at least a week due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Louisville's athletic director says the program has 10 players who have tested positive for COVID-19 and five players in quarantine because of contact tracing. Nine Louisville players, mostly on defense, were held out of last week's 42-35 loss to Virginia Tech. Coach Scott Satterfield said afterward that some of the absences were COVID-19-related.

Johnson back following COVID-19 and trying to play catch-up

HOUSTON (AP) — Dustin Johnson is playing the Houston Open as his final preparation for the Masters. He just didn't realize it would amount to a crash course. Johnson recovered from COVID-19, which knocked him out of two big tournaments in Las Vegas and California. 

This will be his first competition since he tied for sixth in the U.S. Open on Sept. 20. 

The one upside is that Johnson doesn't have to be tested for the coronavirus again for three months. Considering he still doesn't know how he caught the virus, he says he would be nervous if he had to wait on the result at Augusta.

Horse racing seeking to implement variety of safety reforms

UNDATED (AP) — A movement is underway in horse racing to clean up the sport by enacting uniform safety standards that everyone in the industry would have to abide by. An integrity and safety bill is being reviewed by the Senate that could put national standards in place by the start of 2022.

Meanwhile, different states and tracks are implementing rules to address concerns about doping, medication and optics. National rules would make it safer for horses and level the playing field for all involved and could preserve the long-term health of the sport.

The rules include eliminating performance-enhancing substances, restricting the use of an anti-bleeding medication and placing limits on the use of a bronchodilator that can enhance muscle development. There would also be restrictions on how — and how many times — a jockey can whip a horse consecutively during a race.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was a major factor in turning Arrowhead Stadium into a polling place Tuesday, going so far as footing half the bill to help cover the cost of 40 voting machines and other necessities that allowed people of Jackson County to vote there. He said Wednesday that everything went smoothly and he hopes that it can continue to be used long into the future.UNDATED (AP) — It wasn't long ago that there was a bit of mystery about who Michigan State's starting quarterback would be, but Rocky Lombardi was the pick. And he's off to a nice start. Lombardi threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns last weekend in an upset victory over Michigan. There are few better ways to win over Spartans fans. Lombardi, who started three games at quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2018, now looks as if he'll hold that role for a lot longer. This weekend's game at Iowa is a bit of a homecoming for Lombardi. He's from Clive, Iowa.UNDATED (AP) — A season of league-only games in the Southeastern Conference isn't for the meek _ or the mediocre. The league has reached the halfway point of the 10-game season with four teams ranked in the top 10 _ No. 2 Alabama, No. 5 Georgia, No. 7 Texas A&amp;M and No. 8 Florida &nbsp;_ and nine with losing records. Only the Crimson Tide remains unbeaten, having already decisively beaten the Bulldogs and Aggies.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-NEWS49ers shut facility after player tests positiveUNDATED (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have shut down their facility after receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus. The team said the positive test came back Wednesday morning and Bourne immediately went into self-quarantine after getting the diagnosis. He was later placed on the COVID-19 list.The team's game against Green Bay on Thursday night is still set to be played, according to a person familiar with the plans.The Packers are also dealing with coronavirus issues. Running backs A.J. Dillon and Jamaal Williams are on the COVID-19 list.San Francisco will also be missing several key players Thursday due to injuries. They include Jimmy Garoppolo (gah-RAH'-puh-loh), George Kittle, Raheem Mostert, Nick Bosa and Richard Sherman.In other NFL news: — The New York Giants have acquired wide receiver Dante Pettis on waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. The Giants announced the move late Wednesday, a day after Pettis was released by the Niners. Pettis will be in the six-day COVID-19 protocol so he will not count on the roster. He will be eligible to play when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 15. — Mitchell Trubisky's brief appearance last week was a painful one for the Chicago Bears' former starting quarterback. Trubisky injured his right shoulder when he was tackled running the ball on his lone snap in an overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints. Trubisky came on in the first quarter on Sunday in his first appearance since he was replaced by Nick Foles during the Week 3 win at Atlanta. — Two more Denver Broncos players have been placed on the NFL's COVID-19/reserve list. They are starting defensive end Shelby Harris and practice squad offensive lineman Darrin Paulo. Harris came into close contact with an infected individual and self-reported. He will have to have five consecutive days of negative coronavirus tests to be able to return to the team. Paulo is infected with the novel coronavirus. Both players are isolating at their homes. The Broncos have now had three players, three assistant coaches and two executives go under COVID-19 protocols in the past 2 1/2 weeks. — Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The list was created for players who test positive for the coronavirus or who have been in close contact with anyone infected. The Lions put linebacker Jarrad Davis on the list the previous day. Before the Lions announced Stafford's status, coach Matt Patricia said there was no need to shut down the team's training facility. — The Chicago Bears could be missing four starters on their offensive line when they visit the Tennessee Titans this week, after placing right tackle Bobby Massie on injured reserve and right guard Germain Ifedi on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday. The Bears also placed backup tackle Jason Spriggs on the COVID list. — The Baltimore Ravens are short-handed at practice this week after moving two starting offensive linemen to injured reserve and placing eight players on the COVID-19 reserve list. For Sunday's AFC clash against the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore will be without left offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and right guard Tyre Phillips, who are on injured reserve. Baltimore also must find a replacement for All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who has tested positive for the coronavirus. If the other seven players on the reserve/COVID-19 list test negative on Saturday, they can face the Colts.— Panthers coach Matt Rhule is "very hopeful" Christian McCaffrey will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs after the running back went through his first padded practice on Wednesday since Week 2. He's still listed as designated to return from injured reserve, so he wasn't given an injury designation after practice.— Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has surgery scheduled to repair a torn knee ligament that ended his season. Andrew Berry, the team's general manager and executive vice president, said Beckham will have the procedure "early next week." Beckham tore a knee ligament in an Oct. 25 game at Cincinnati. Beckham's loss is a major blow to the Browns, who have a bye this week and host Houston on Nov. 15. While there is continued speculation about Beckham's future, Berry said he still sees the three-time Pro Bowler as part of the club's long-term plans. — In a string of moves this week, the Tennessee Titans released outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. Some bad snaps also cost long snapper Beau Brinkley his job. General manager Jon Robinson says the team made the moves to help win games, not send messages.— NFL and NFL Players Association data for the week of Oct. 25-31 show eight new confirmed positive COVIC-19 tests among players, and 17 new confirmed positives among other personnel. A total of 42,916 tests were administered to 7,884 players and team personnel. There were 16,814 tests administered to 2,511 players; 26,102 tests were administered to 5,373 personnel. — The Miami Dolphins' top two running backs are sidelined by injuries. Myles Gaskin sat out Wednesday's practice with a knee injury that could sideline him for several weeks, and Matt Breida is nursing a hamstring injury. Gaskin has been the Dolphins' best backfield threat with 585 yards rushing and receiving, but they rank 28th in the NFL in rushing and next to last in yards per attempt at 3.6. The injuries could mean more playing time Sunday at Arizona for Jordan Howard.MLB-NEWSBauer's agent says he is rejecting $18.M qualifying offerUNDATED (AP) — Trevor Bauer's agent says the pitcher is rejecting the Cincinnati Reds' $18.9 million qualifying offer. The 29 year old right-hander was given the offer on Sunday and had until Nov. 11 to make his decision. Bauer was 5-4 with a National League-leading 1.73 ERA, striking out 100 and walking 17 in 73 innings. Bauer was among six players given qualifying offers, joined by George Springer, DJ LeMahieu, J.T. Realmuto, Marcus Stroman and Kevin Gausman.In other MLB news: — Ed Sedar is transitioning into a new role as an adviser to the Brewers' coaching staff after working as a first-base or third-base coach in Milwaukee for the last 14 seasons. That move marked the biggest change as the Brewers announced their 2021 coaching staff Wednesday. Sedar had been the Brewers' first-base coach from 2007-10 and third-base coach from 2011-20. Quintin Berry will take over as a base coach next season after working as the Brewers' minor league outfielder and baserunning coordinator from 2019-20.NHL-NEWSStars standouts Seguin, Bishop face 5-month surgery rehabsUNDATED (AP) — Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (SAY'-gihn) and goaltender Ben Bishop both face about five months of rehabilitation and recovery after surgery. Seguin had surgery Monday in New York to repair a torn labrum in his hip. The six-time All-Star played with the injury during the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Western Conference champions. Bishop had surgery Oct. 21 in Missouri to repair torn meniscus in his right knee. He also had surgery in May and didn't play after a first-round playoff game against Colorado on Aug. 31. Seguin led the team with 50 points in the regular season. The six-time All-Star had two goals and 11 assists in 26 playoff games, with no goals and six assists the last 15 games.Bishop didn't play after a first-round playoff game against Colorado on Aug. 31 because he never fully recovered from a previous knee surgery in May during the season's 4 1/2-month pause because of the coronavirus pandemic. Bishop has three years left on his $29.5 million, six-year contract.In other NHL news:— The New York Islanders and restricted free agent defenseman Ryan Pulock have agreed to terms on a two-year deal. The Islanders and the 26-year-old Pulock reached the deal on Wednesday, avoiding an arbitration hearing. Pulock had 10 goals and 25 assists in 68 games last season. The first-round draft pick in 2013 added two goals and eight assists in 22 playoff games as the Islanders made it to the Eastern Conference final. Pulock led Islanders defensemen in scoring in each of the past two seasons. He has 31 goals and 77 assists in 234 NHL games.TENNIS-PARIS MASTERS-NADALNadal earns 1,000th win, reaches 3rd round at Paris MastersPARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal has become only the fourth man to reach 1,000 career wins after beating fellow Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters. The 20-time Grand Slam champion joined Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl as the only male players to reach the 1,000-win mark since the Open era began in 1968. The 34-year-old Nadal achieved a double milestone in Paris this year having won the French Open last month to tie Federer on 20 major titles. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWSLouisville-Virginia postponed due to Cardinals' virus casesUNDATED (AP) — Louisville has paused all football activities and its Saturday game at Virginia has been postponed at least a week due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Louisville's athletic director says the program has 10 players who have tested positive for COVID-19 and five players in quarantine because of contact tracing. Nine Louisville players, mostly on defense, were held out of last week's 42-35 loss to Virginia Tech. Coach Scott Satterfield said afterward that some of the absences were COVID-19-related.GOLF-JOHNSONJohnson back following COVID-19 and trying to play catch-upHOUSTON (AP) — Dustin Johnson is playing the Houston Open as his final preparation for the Masters. He just didn't realize it would amount to a crash course. Johnson recovered from COVID-19, which knocked him out of two big tournaments in Las Vegas and California. This will be his first competition since he tied for sixth in the U.S. Open on Sept. 20. The one upside is that Johnson doesn't have to be tested for the coronavirus again for three months. Considering he still doesn't know how he caught the virus, he says he would be nervous if he had to wait on the result at Augusta.HORSE RACING-U.S. SENATEHorse racing seeking to implement variety of safety reformsUNDATED (AP) — A movement is underway in horse racing to clean up the sport by enacting uniform safety standards that everyone in the industry would have to abide by. An integrity and safety bill is being reviewed by the Senate that could put national standards in place by the start of 2022.Meanwhile, different states and tracks are implementing rules to address concerns about doping, medication and optics. National rules would make it safer for horses and level the playing field for all involved and could preserve the long-term health of the sport.The rules include eliminating performance-enhancing substances, restricting the use of an anti-bleeding medication and placing limits on the use of a bronchodilator that can enhance muscle development. There would also be restrictions on how — and how many times — a jockey can whip a horse consecutively during a race.

Sports Headlines for Thursday

🎙 AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

UNDATED (AP) — Iowa State's Breece Hall is averaging 150 yards per game and will go into the 17th-ranked Cyclones' home game against Baylor on Saturday as the nation's leading rusher. The sophomore from Wichita, Kansas, has gone over 100 yards in all six games, his four runs of at least 50 yards are most in the country and his 11 rushing touchdowns rank second. Coach Matt Campbell said Hall is an elite talent who has improved since breaking out as a freshman last year. Hall said he's not surprised by the type of season he's having.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston. Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove, and fourth straight, in his final major league season. Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo earned the honor for the third straight year in the pandemic-shortened season and fourth time overall. He was joined for the first time by Cubs shortstop Javier Báez.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL's last unbeaten team, have maintained the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Kansas City Chiefs were again close behind as they remained No. 2. The Seattle Seahawks gained a spot to No. 3 after routing San Francisco. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved up two spots to No. 4 and the Baltimore Ravens slipped two places to round out the top five.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Longtime college basketball coach Jeff Meyer has announced his retirement because of family considerations and COVID-19 concerns. Meyer followed LaVall Jordan from Michigan to Butler in 2017 after the Bulldogs hired Jordan as head coach. Will Vergollo, the team's basketball analyst, has been promoted to assistant coach. Meyer spent 41 seasons as a basketball coach including 16 as the head coach at Liberty. He also served as an assistant at Purdue, Indiana, Missouri, Winthrop and South Florida.&nbsp;

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos say general manager John Elway and team president Joe Ellis have tested positive for COVID-19. The team says both Elway and Ellis are experiencing mild symptoms and will work from home in self-isolation. 

The team said no players or coaches came into close contact with either Elway or Ellis recently.

The Broncos have had three assistant coaches go under the league's COVID-19 protocols — Curtis Modkins, Mike Munchak and Ed Donatell — in addition to right guard Graham Glasgow. There were also others in the building who have been infected by the coronavirus.

— The NFL is expanding the sideline area to give teams more space to distance and mask usage is now mandatory before and after games and at halftime. The updates to the COVID-19 protocols were sent to clubs in a memo on Tuesday, a day after the league learned two players who played in games Sunday tested positive. The league also is strongly encouraging players to wear masks whenever they come off the field. Teams in intensive protocol are prohibited from holding in-person coaching and personnel meetings.

—The Dallas Cowboys have placed quarterback Andy Dalton on the reserve COVID-19 list on Tuesday, keeping him out a second straight game after he was sidelined by a concussion. Dalton will be the first Dallas player to go on the COVID-19 list since before the season. 

—The Green Bay Packers have placed running back Jamaal Williams and rookie linebacker Kamal Martin on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The move comes one day after Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon went on the same list. The reserve/COVID-19 list is for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been in close contact with an infected person.

Bucs activate Antonio Brown from reserve/suspended list

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Antonio Brown has been activated from the reserve/suspended list and is set to practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time on Wednesday.

The Bucs signed the former Pittsburgh, Oakland and New England receiver last week and expect him to make his debut with his team when the Bucs host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. 

Brown was suspended for the first eight games of the season for multiple violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday he's not sure how much Brown will play this week, but that he'll definitely have a role in the game plan. To make room on the roster for Brown, the Bucs waived wide receiver Cyril Grayson.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-WISCONSIN

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — No. 10 Wisconsin has canceled Saturday's football game with Purdue as COVID-19 cases within the team continue to rise. 

School officials announced Tuesday that three more players and two additional staffers have tested positive since Saturday. That brings the program's total number of active cases to 27. The total includes 15 players and 12 staffers. 

This marks the second straight week that Wisconsin has canceled a football game due to the outbreak. The Badgers had been scheduled to visit Nebraska on Oct. 31. Neither game will be rescheduled.

In other virus-related developments in college football:

— Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence will travel with the top-ranked Tigers to Notre Dame this week, although he will not play due to the coronavirus. Coach Dabo Swinney says Lawrence is doing well, participating in team meetings in preparation to play the fourth-ranked Fighting Irish on Saturday night. Swinney says Lawrence will be through with his 10-day quarantine, but must still sit out due to the cardiac testing protocol the ACC has for those athletes who contract COVID-19. Lawrence tested positive last week and missed his team's 34-28 comeback victory over Boston College last week. 

— No. 8 Florida reported no new COVID-19 positives in the past week, the first time since September the team's coronavirus numbers have remained steady. The Gators administered 50 tests over the last seven days and found no positives. It could be huge news for the team's upcoming game against fifth-ranked Georgia in Jacksonville. Florida played without 15 players last week against Missouri, with some of those missing being ruled out because of COVID-19 results and contact tracing.

Arenado, Gordon each win 8th Gold Glove; Betts gets 5th

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row on Tuesday, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston.

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove — and fourth straight — in his final major league season.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo earned the honor for the third straight year in the pandemic-shortened season and fourth time overall. He was joined for the first time by Cubs shortstop Javier Báez.

Cincinnati catcher Tucker Barnhart won for the second time and first since 2017. St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong won for the second year in a row, six days after the Cardinals allowed him to become a free agent rather than exercise his $12.5 million option for 2021. 

St. Louis left fielder Tyler O'Neill, Atlanta pitcher Max Fried and San Diego center fielder Trent Grisham were first-time winners in the National League.

Gordon and Cleveland catcher Roberto Pérez were the only players to repeat in the AL. They were joined by seven first-time winners, including Indians second baseman César Hernández. The others were Seattle first baseman Evan White and shortstop J.P. Crawford, Texas third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa and right fielder Joey Gallo, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Griffin Canning.

The 36-year-old Gordon announced his retirement in September. He joined Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and first baseman Wes Parker (both in 1972) as the only position players to win a Gold Glove in their last big league season, according to Sportradar.

Gold Gloves are presented annually by Rawlings. Because of the shortened season, the awards were based on the Society for American Baseball Research's Defensive Index. 

About 3,500 spectators can attend South Carolina basketball games

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina men's and women's basketball have received approval from the state to have about 3,500 spectators at games this season. 

The school said no one will be able to sit in the first five rows around the court to help keep spectators and teams safe amid the continuing novel coronavirus pandemic. 

Teams will sit on opposite sides of the court as well. 

2-time Hawks NBA All-Star 'Fast Eddie' Johnson dies at 65

UNDATED (AP) — Eddie Johnson, the two-time All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks whose career was shortened by arrests which led to a ban from the NBA and life sentence in prison, has died. He was 65.

Johnson passed away on Oct. 26. His death was confirmed Tuesday by Rocker-Cusack Mortuary in Leesburg, Florida.

Johnson was a third-round pick from Auburn by the Hawks in the 1977 NBA draft. He became an immediate contributor and then starter for the Hawks.

Due to his explosive first step, Johnson earned the nickname "Fast Eddie" and averaged 15.1 points in 10 NBA seasons. He set a career high by averaging 19.1 points for the Hawks in the 1980-81 season. He started in the 1980 and 1981 All-Star Games.

The Hawks traded Johnson to Cleveland for Johnny Davis on Feb. 10, 1986. Johnson signed with Seattle in 1987. He received a lifetime suspension from the NBA in 1987 for his cocaine use.

Johnson was 53 when, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website, he received a mandatory life sentence in 2008 after he was found guilty of sexual assault on an 8-year-old girl. 

Johnson was serving the life sentence at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton, Florida when an undisclosed illness led to his death. The mortuary said Johnson will be buried at Weirsdale (Florida) Community Cemetery on Saturday.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a four-year contract. 

The 26-year-old Mantha has played five seasons in the NHL — all with Detroit. He scored 16 goals with 22 assists last season, ranking third on the team with 38 points. That was despite playing only 43 games because of injury problems.

Mantha scored a career-high 25 goals in 2018-19. 

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Former Ohio State and WNBA coach Nancy Darsch has died. She had Parkinson's disease and died Monday. 

Darsch started her college coaching career as an assistant at Tennessee under Pat Summitt. 

Darsch led the Buckeyes from 1985 to 1997. Her teams made seven appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In 1993, Ohio State went 28-4 and went to the national title game, where it lost to Texas Tech. 

Darsch went on to the WNBA and was the inaugural coach of the New York Liberty in 1997. The Liberty called her a "a pioneer of this game." 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>UNDATED (AP) — Iowa State's Breece Hall is averaging 150 yards per game and will go into the 17th-ranked Cyclones' home game against Baylor on Saturday as the nation's leading rusher. The sophomore from Wichita, Kansas, has gone over 100 yards in all six games, his four runs of at least 50 yards are most in the country and his 11 rushing touchdowns rank second. Coach Matt Campbell said Hall is an elite talent who has improved since breaking out as a freshman last year. Hall said he's not surprised by the type of season he's having.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston. Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove, and fourth straight, in his final major league season. Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo earned the honor for the third straight year in the pandemic-shortened season and fourth time overall. He was joined for the first time by Cubs shortstop Javier Báez.NEW YORK (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL's last unbeaten team, have maintained the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Kansas City Chiefs were again close behind as they remained No. 2. The Seattle Seahawks gained a spot to No. 3 after routing San Francisco. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved up two spots to No. 4 and the Baltimore Ravens slipped two places to round out the top five.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Longtime college basketball coach Jeff Meyer has announced his retirement because of family considerations and COVID-19 concerns. Meyer followed LaVall Jordan from Michigan to Butler in 2017 after the Bulldogs hired Jordan as head coach. Will Vergollo, the team's basketball analyst, has been promoted to assistant coach. Meyer spent 41 seasons as a basketball coach including 16 as the head coach at Liberty. He also served as an assistant at Purdue, Indiana, Missouri, Winthrop and South Florida.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-VIRUS OUTBREAK-BRONCOSElway, Ellis test positiveENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos say general manager John Elway and team president Joe Ellis have tested positive for COVID-19. The team says both Elway and Ellis are experiencing mild symptoms and will work from home in self-isolation. The team said no players or coaches came into close contact with either Elway or Ellis recently.The Broncos have had three assistant coaches go under the league's COVID-19 protocols — Curtis Modkins, Mike Munchak and Ed Donatell — in addition to right guard Graham Glasgow. There were also others in the building who have been infected by the coronavirus.In other NFL virus related news:— The NFL is expanding the sideline area to give teams more space to distance and mask usage is now mandatory before and after games and at halftime. The updates to the COVID-19 protocols were sent to clubs in a memo on Tuesday, a day after the league learned two players who played in games Sunday tested positive. The league also is strongly encouraging players to wear masks whenever they come off the field. Teams in intensive protocol are prohibited from holding in-person coaching and personnel meetings.—The Dallas Cowboys have placed quarterback Andy Dalton on the reserve COVID-19 list on Tuesday, keeping him out a second straight game after he was sidelined by a concussion. Dalton will be the first Dallas player to go on the COVID-19 list since before the season. —The Green Bay Packers have placed running back Jamaal Williams and rookie linebacker Kamal Martin on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The move comes one day after Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon went on the same list. The reserve/COVID-19 list is for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been in close contact with an infected person.NFL-BUCCANEERS-BROWNBucs activate Antonio Brown from reserve/suspended listTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Antonio Brown has been activated from the reserve/suspended list and is set to practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time on Wednesday.The Bucs signed the former Pittsburgh, Oakland and New England receiver last week and expect him to make his debut with his team when the Bucs host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. Brown was suspended for the first eight games of the season for multiple violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday he's not sure how much Brown will play this week, but that he'll definitely have a role in the game plan. To make room on the roster for Brown, the Bucs waived wide receiver Cyril Grayson.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-WISCONSINWisconsin cancels another gameMADISON, Wis. (AP) — No. 10 Wisconsin has canceled Saturday's football game with Purdue as COVID-19 cases within the team continue to rise. School officials announced Tuesday that three more players and two additional staffers have tested positive since Saturday. That brings the program's total number of active cases to 27. The total includes 15 players and 12 staffers. This marks the second straight week that Wisconsin has canceled a football game due to the outbreak. The Badgers had been scheduled to visit Nebraska on Oct. 31. Neither game will be rescheduled.In other virus-related developments in college football:— Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence will travel with the top-ranked Tigers to Notre Dame this week, although he will not play due to the coronavirus. Coach Dabo Swinney says Lawrence is doing well, participating in team meetings in preparation to play the fourth-ranked Fighting Irish on Saturday night. Swinney says Lawrence will be through with his 10-day quarantine, but must still sit out due to the cardiac testing protocol the ACC has for those athletes who contract COVID-19. Lawrence tested positive last week and missed his team's 34-28 comeback victory over Boston College last week. — No. 8 Florida reported no new COVID-19 positives in the past week, the first time since September the team's coronavirus numbers have remained steady. The Gators administered 50 tests over the last seven days and found no positives. It could be huge news for the team's upcoming game against fifth-ranked Georgia in Jacksonville. Florida played without 15 players last week against Missouri, with some of those missing being ruled out because of COVID-19 results and contact tracing.MLB-GOLD GLOVESArenado, Gordon each win 8th Gold Glove; Betts gets 5thST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row on Tuesday, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston.Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove — and fourth straight — in his final major league season.Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo earned the honor for the third straight year in the pandemic-shortened season and fourth time overall. He was joined for the first time by Cubs shortstop Javier Báez.Cincinnati catcher Tucker Barnhart won for the second time and first since 2017. St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong won for the second year in a row, six days after the Cardinals allowed him to become a free agent rather than exercise his $12.5 million option for 2021. St. Louis left fielder Tyler O'Neill, Atlanta pitcher Max Fried and San Diego center fielder Trent Grisham were first-time winners in the National League.Gordon and Cleveland catcher Roberto Pérez were the only players to repeat in the AL. They were joined by seven first-time winners, including Indians second baseman César Hernández. The others were Seattle first baseman Evan White and shortstop J.P. Crawford, Texas third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa and right fielder Joey Gallo, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Griffin Canning.The 36-year-old Gordon announced his retirement in September. He joined Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and first baseman Wes Parker (both in 1972) as the only position players to win a Gold Glove in their last big league season, according to Sportradar.Gold Gloves are presented annually by Rawlings. Because of the shortened season, the awards were based on the Society for American Baseball Research's Defensive Index. VIRUS OUTBREAK-SOUTH CAROLINAAbout 3,500 spectators can attend South Carolina basketball gamesCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina men's and women's basketball have received approval from the state to have about 3,500 spectators at games this season. The school said no one will be able to sit in the first five rows around the court to help keep spectators and teams safe amid the continuing novel coronavirus pandemic. Teams will sit on opposite sides of the court as well. NBA-OBIT-EDDIE JOHNSON2-time Hawks NBA All-Star 'Fast Eddie' Johnson dies at 65UNDATED (AP) — Eddie Johnson, the two-time All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks whose career was shortened by arrests which led to a ban from the NBA and life sentence in prison, has died. He was 65.Johnson passed away on Oct. 26. His death was confirmed Tuesday by Rocker-Cusack Mortuary in Leesburg, Florida.Johnson was a third-round pick from Auburn by the Hawks in the 1977 NBA draft. He became an immediate contributor and then starter for the Hawks.Due to his explosive first step, Johnson earned the nickname "Fast Eddie" and averaged 15.1 points in 10 NBA seasons. He set a career high by averaging 19.1 points for the Hawks in the 1980-81 season. He started in the 1980 and 1981 All-Star Games.The Hawks traded Johnson to Cleveland for Johnny Davis on Feb. 10, 1986. Johnson signed with Seattle in 1987. He received a lifetime suspension from the NBA in 1987 for his cocaine use.Johnson was 53 when, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website, he received a mandatory life sentence in 2008 after he was found guilty of sexual assault on an 8-year-old girl. Johnson was serving the life sentence at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton, Florida when an undisclosed illness led to his death. The mortuary said Johnson will be buried at Weirsdale (Florida) Community Cemetery on Saturday.NHL-RED WINGS-MANTHARed Wings sign Mantha for four yearsDETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a four-year contract. The 26-year-old Mantha has played five seasons in the NHL — all with Detroit. He scored 16 goals with 22 assists last season, ranking third on the team with 38 points. That was despite playing only 43 games because of injury problems.Mantha scored a career-high 25 goals in 2018-19. BASKETBALL-OBIT-NANCY DARSCHFormer coach Nancy Darsch dead at 68PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Former Ohio State and WNBA coach Nancy Darsch has died. She had Parkinson's disease and died Monday. Darsch started her college coaching career as an assistant at Tennessee under Pat Summitt. Darsch led the Buckeyes from 1985 to 1997. Her teams made seven appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In 1993, Ohio State went 28-4 and went to the national title game, where it lost to Texas Tech. Darsch went on to the WNBA and was the inaugural coach of the New York Liberty in 1997. The Liberty called her a "a pioneer of this game." Nancy Darsch was 68 years old.

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This is exactly the way Royals left fielder&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;would want to leave the game -- with more gold for his mantel.

Gordon captured his eighth career American League Gold Glove Award from Rawlings on Tuesday night, tying Royals Hall of Famer Frank White for the most Gold Gloves by a player in franchise history.

“It was never a goal of mine to win awards,” Gordon said in a Zoom call with reporters. “That is just is icing on the cake for all the work you put in.

“But Frank White was my first coach in Double-A in 2006, and it’s something I’ll cherish to share that honor with him.”

Gordon, who retired after this past season following a 14-year career (all with Kansas City), finished with 102 outfield assists, the most in MLB from 2010-20.

Gordon said winning another Gold Glove doesn’t mean he regrets retiring.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Gordon said. “It’s definitely a nice going-away present. I didn’t think I’d win it. I got a late call this year -- usually it’s a little earlier, so I didn’t think I’d won.

“It was great news. It was more of a surprise than in other years.”

“Maybe it was myself thinking that I didn’t play as well as I wanted to,” Gordon said, “or I didn’t play in as many games as I wanted to. Maybe that’s what it was. Besides in 2011, the other years I thought I would win it, but not this year.”

The 36-year-old Gordon committed only 18 errors in 12,032 2/3 career innings in the outfield.

This year’s Gold Glove Awards were based solely on defensive statistics, with no voting by peers or coaches. Gordon had zero errors and four outfield assists, and he was at plus-one in&nbsp;<a href="http://m.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/defensive-runs-saved" target="_blank">defensive runs saved</a>.

“I didn’t know this was how they would grade this one,” Gordon said, “but it was all based on stats. And the stats didn’t lie, I guess.”

This was the fourth consecutive year that Gordon won a Gold Glove. He is the third position player to win the award in his final Major League season, according to Sportradar, joining outfielder Roberto Clemente and first baseman Wes Parker, who both won in 1972.

“I had one more spot left on my shelf in the trophy room for this,” Gordon said. “This will fit perfectly, and it’s time to call it quits.”

Royals second baseman Nicky Lopez, who led all American League second basemen with plus-six&nbsp;<a href="http://m.mlb.com/glossary/statcast/outs-above-average" target="_blank">outs above average</a>, was also a Gold Glove finalist. Cleveland’s Cesar Hernandez won the award.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This is exactly the way Royals left fielder&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;would want to leave the game -- with more gold for his mantel.Gordon captured his eighth career American League Gold Glove Award from Rawlings on Tuesday night, tying Royals Hall of Famer Frank White for the most Gold Gloves by a player in franchise history.“It was never a goal of mine to win awards,” Gordon said in a Zoom call with reporters. “That is just is icing on the cake for all the work you put in.“But Frank White was my first coach in Double-A in 2006, and it’s something I’ll cherish to share that honor with him.”Gordon, who retired after this past season following a 14-year career (all with Kansas City), finished with 102 outfield assists, the most in MLB from 2010-20.Gordon said winning another Gold Glove doesn’t mean he regrets retiring.“Maybe, maybe not,” Gordon said. “It’s definitely a nice going-away present. I didn’t think I’d win it. I got a late call this year -- usually it’s a little earlier, so I didn’t think I’d won.“It was great news. It was more of a surprise than in other years.”Why was it a surprise?“Maybe it was myself thinking that I didn’t play as well as I wanted to,” Gordon said, “or I didn’t play in as many games as I wanted to. Maybe that’s what it was. Besides in 2011, the other years I thought I would win it, but not this year.”The 36-year-old Gordon committed only 18 errors in 12,032 2/3 career innings in the outfield.This year’s Gold Glove Awards were based solely on defensive statistics, with no voting by peers or coaches. Gordon had zero errors and four outfield assists, and he was at plus-one in&nbsp;<a href="http://m.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/defensive-runs-saved" target="_blank">defensive runs saved</a>.“I didn’t know this was how they would grade this one,” Gordon said, “but it was all based on stats. And the stats didn’t lie, I guess.”This was the fourth consecutive year that Gordon won a Gold Glove. He is the third position player to win the award in his final Major League season, according to Sportradar, joining outfielder Roberto Clemente and first baseman Wes Parker, who both won in 1972.“I had one more spot left on my shelf in the trophy room for this,” Gordon said. “This will fit perfectly, and it’s time to call it quits.”Royals second baseman Nicky Lopez, who led all American League second basemen with plus-six&nbsp;<a href="http://m.mlb.com/glossary/statcast/outs-above-average" target="_blank">outs above average</a>, was also a Gold Glove finalist. Cleveland’s Cesar Hernandez won the award.

Gordon's 8th Gold Glove matches KC record

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The novel coronavirus has reached the highest levels of the Denver Broncos organization with general manager John Elway and team president Joe Ellis testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The Broncos said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1323680669361270784?s=20" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that both Elway and Ellis have minor symptoms but are “doing well’ and will continue to work from home and in self-isolation and participate in virtual meetings while their health is monitored.

The team said contract tracing measures show that no players or coaches came into close contact with either Elway or Ellis recently.

“Based on a review of contact tracing data with the league, we are confident these cases originated independently outside team facilities,” the Broncos said. “There were minimal close contacts identified for each (no players or coaches) and those individuals have been notified.”

“While our facilities are closed for Election Day, coaches are conducting their game preparations today remotely as a precaution,” the team added. “Our organization will remain in communication with the NFL, making all decisions in consultation with the league and based on guidance from medical experts.”

The Broncos have had three assistant coaches go under the league’s COVID-19 protocols — Curtis Modkins, Mike Munchak and Ed Donatell — in addition to right guard Graham Glasgow. Others at the team’s headquarters also have been infected by COVID-19 in recent weeks.

The Broncos have been under the league’s enhanced COVID-19 protocols since Modkins’ infection. Those extra measures include increased distancing, face coverings on the practice field and inside the team’s facilities for players and coaches and remote team meetings. Position groups can still meet in person.

With those extra mitigation measures and only one Broncos player on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list, the league believes “there is not ongoing transmission among players and the day-to-day operations” in Denver, NFL chiefs medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said Tuesday. “But it’s something that we’re going to have to continue to monitor very carefully.”

Sills said the Broncos have “done an excellent job in implementing our intensive protocols to minimize exposure within the team facility.”

He said the spikes in overall coronavirus cases across the country, including Colorado, “increases vulnerability” for NFL teams. “And we have to look at where we think are likely sources of infection and so to date we’ve not seen transmission as extensively within the (Broncos) building there as we have coming from outside,” Sills said.

“But again, we are taking additional steps in Denver as we have in other situations to try to block off any transmission or any vulnerability and continue to monitor that.”

Modkins, the team’s running backs coach, returned to work last week after recovering from his infection. Munchak, their offensive line coach, was out all last week and Donatell, the team’s defensive coordinator, went under COVID-19 protocols Sunday morning, skipping the Broncos’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Glasgow was diagnosed on Friday, and the Broncos canceled their on-field workouts that afternoon and isolated two other O-linemen, backup guard Austin Schlottmann and starting right tackle Demar Dotson, as a precaution.

Schlottmann and Dotson returned to practice Saturday and played against the Chargers. Schlottmann replaced Glasgow at right guard.

Ellis began feeling ill Sunday morning and contacted the team’s medical staff. As a precaution, he watched the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-denver-broncos-los-angeles-chargers-football-denver-88d076edfa1f52b157ae50435079bddc">Broncos’ 31-30 comeback victory&nbsp;</a>over the Los Angeles Chargers from home, the first time in 26 years he’d missed a Broncos home game.

Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/NFL">NFL</a>

Ellis continued working from home Monday and received a positive COVID-19 test Tuesday morning, as did Elway, who left work for home Monday after he began experiencing mild symptoms of the infection, the team said.

As part of the NFL’s COVID-19 safety protocols put in place so the league could try to play the 2020 season during the pandemic, the Broncos have had all their employees tested daily for the virus. Players, coaches and other employees also wear contract tracing devices to help curb any outbreaks.

The Broncos (3-4) are scheduled to return to work Wednesday morning to continue preparations for their game Sunday at Atlanta (2-6).

The Broncos’ best player, linebacker Von Miller, was the first major North American sports star to announce he’d contracted the coronavirus this spring. Denver safety Kareem Jackson also was infected last summer. And on July 30, the Broncos placed fullback/tight end Andrew Beck on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which is intended for players who have tested positive for the virus or who are quarantining after being in close contact with an infected individual. Beck returned to the team on Aug. 17.

Miller is on IR following ankle surgery and hopes to return to action next month.

The Broncos were affected by the New England Patriots’ COVID-19 outbreak last month when their game at Gillette Stadium was pushed back, first by a day and then by a week, when Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore, among others, were infected.

That meant the Broncos’ Oct. 18 home game against Miami had to get pushed back to Nov. 22, when they were scheduled to host the Chargers. The Chargers’ game was moved up to Nov. 1, which was originally supposed to be the Broncos’ bye.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The novel coronavirus has reached the highest levels of the Denver Broncos organization with general manager John Elway and team president Joe Ellis testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.The Broncos said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1323680669361270784?s=20" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that both Elway and Ellis have minor symptoms but are “doing well’ and will continue to work from home and in self-isolation and participate in virtual meetings while their health is monitored.The team said contract tracing measures show that no players or coaches came into close contact with either Elway or Ellis recently.“Based on a review of contact tracing data with the league, we are confident these cases originated independently outside team facilities,” the Broncos said. “There were minimal close contacts identified for each (no players or coaches) and those individuals have been notified.”MORE NFL STORIES:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-virus-outbreak-marlon-humphrey-health-cleveland-browns-9d0eeda5cecb76ac680ed5a1579eef47">–&nbsp;Ravens' Humphrey says he has virus; Packers also have 1 case</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-san-francisco-richard-sherman-solomon-thomas-dee-ford-fb4db37f405c436cc2ea7da202cb4b00">–&nbsp;AP source: Garoppolo, Kittle out indefinitely for 49ers</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-chicago-bears-new-orleans-saints-chicago-football-8587007d19bab6ab10137788f247bdc7">–&nbsp;Bears WR Wims suspended 2 games for punching Saints player</a></li>
 </ul>“While our facilities are closed for Election Day, coaches are conducting their game preparations today remotely as a precaution,” the team added. “Our organization will remain in communication with the NFL, making all decisions in consultation with the league and based on guidance from medical experts.”The Broncos have had three assistant coaches go under the league’s COVID-19 protocols — Curtis Modkins, Mike Munchak and Ed Donatell — in addition to right guard Graham Glasgow. Others at the team’s headquarters also have been infected by COVID-19 in recent weeks.The Broncos have been under the league’s enhanced COVID-19 protocols since Modkins’ infection. Those extra measures include increased distancing, face coverings on the practice field and inside the team’s facilities for players and coaches and remote team meetings. Position groups can still meet in person.With those extra mitigation measures and only one Broncos player on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list, the league believes “there is not ongoing transmission among players and the day-to-day operations” in Denver, NFL chiefs medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said Tuesday. “But it’s something that we’re going to have to continue to monitor very carefully.”Sills said the Broncos have “done an excellent job in implementing our intensive protocols to minimize exposure within the team facility.”He said the spikes in overall coronavirus cases across the country, including Colorado, “increases vulnerability” for NFL teams. “And we have to look at where we think are likely sources of infection and so to date we’ve not seen transmission as extensively within the (Broncos) building there as we have coming from outside,” Sills said.“But again, we are taking additional steps in Denver as we have in other situations to try to block off any transmission or any vulnerability and continue to monitor that.”Modkins, the team’s running backs coach, returned to work last week after recovering from his infection. Munchak, their offensive line coach, was out all last week and Donatell, the team’s defensive coordinator, went under COVID-19 protocols Sunday morning, skipping the Broncos’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers.Glasgow was diagnosed on Friday, and the Broncos canceled their on-field workouts that afternoon and isolated two other O-linemen, backup guard Austin Schlottmann and starting right tackle Demar Dotson, as a precaution.Schlottmann and Dotson returned to practice Saturday and played against the Chargers. Schlottmann replaced Glasgow at right guard.Ellis began feeling ill Sunday morning and contacted the team’s medical staff. As a precaution, he watched the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-denver-broncos-los-angeles-chargers-football-denver-88d076edfa1f52b157ae50435079bddc">Broncos’ 31-30 comeback victory&nbsp;</a>over the Los Angeles Chargers from home, the first time in 26 years he’d missed a Broncos home game.Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/NFL">NFL</a>Ellis continued working from home Monday and received a positive COVID-19 test Tuesday morning, as did Elway, who left work for home Monday after he began experiencing mild symptoms of the infection, the team said.As part of the NFL’s COVID-19 safety protocols put in place so the league could try to play the 2020 season during the pandemic, the Broncos have had all their employees tested daily for the virus. Players, coaches and other employees also wear contract tracing devices to help curb any outbreaks.The Broncos (3-4) are scheduled to return to work Wednesday morning to continue preparations for their game Sunday at Atlanta (2-6).The Broncos’ best player, linebacker Von Miller, was the first major North American sports star to announce he’d contracted the coronavirus this spring. Denver safety Kareem Jackson also was infected last summer. And on July 30, the Broncos placed fullback/tight end Andrew Beck on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which is intended for players who have tested positive for the virus or who are quarantining after being in close contact with an infected individual. Beck returned to the team on Aug. 17.Miller is on IR following ankle surgery and hopes to return to action next month.The Broncos were affected by the New England Patriots’ COVID-19 outbreak last month when their game at Gillette Stadium was pushed back, first by a day and then by a week, when Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore, among others, were infected.That meant the Broncos’ Oct. 18 home game against Miami had to get pushed back to Nov. 22, when they were scheduled to host the Chargers. The Chargers’ game was moved up to Nov. 1, which was originally supposed to be the Broncos’ bye.

Broncos GM Elway, team president Ellis positive for COVID-19

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12953&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12954&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Conor Riley</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12955&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Brian Anderson</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=12956&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Steve Stanard</a>

Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts" target="_blank">Wildcats Uncut</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select assistant coaches met with members of the media via Zoom on Tuesday as the Wildcats prepare to host No. 14/12 Oklahoma State on Saturday. A complete transcript of Klieman’s press conference – which was also streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – and assistants are posted below. Players were unavailable on Tuesday due to an NCAA mandated day off. The Wildcats and Cowboys kick at 3 p.m. on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in a game televised by FOX.

“Good afternoon everybody. It’s kind of a different day around here for a Tuesday. All of our players are off for the election. We visited about that a number of times, and I’m excited for our guys to be able to express their opinions and views on the election and be able to vote. We had a practice on Sunday coming off of a long road trip. We came back and had about an hour-long practice on Sunday evening, didn’t have a lot of time to gather a bunch of information as far as Oklahoma State game planning wise, but we were able to get a few things done. Yesterday, which typically would’ve been our first practice of the week, just basically in helmets and jerseys. We put on shoulder pads and had a typical Tuesday on Monday and were able to get some good work done with the guys. From a coaching staff standpoint, we’re a little behind from a game-planning perspective. We’re kind of getting caught up on that throughout the day today, and then we’ll reconvene with the guys tomorrow and have a pretty heavy practice just putting all the final game plans in that we would typically do on Tuesday will be on Wednesday now. Interesting week in how we have to handle it, but I know the guys are handling it well.”

On if Oklahoma State is more complete this season...

“They’re a good football team this year for sure. We’ve watched cutups of last year, and they handled us relatively easily at their place last year. They’re a really experienced defense that flies around, very aggressive and don’t miss tackles. They’re going to blitz you and put constant pressure on you. Offensively, we have our hands full because they can beat you at every level in the fact that the quarterback can beat you with his arm or his feet. Two great running backs. One everybody knows about, but they have two really talented running backs. At wide receiver, I think they have one of the best wide receivers in the country in (Tylan) Wallace, so we’ll have our hands full trying to come up with a great plan. You can’t stop them, but you have to slow them down.”

On the West Virginia offensive attacking the middle of the field last week...

“They had success in whatever ways they wanted to. We didn’t play very well. Give those guys credit. They were able to run the football, which opens things up in the middle because your linebackers are coming downhill a little bit more. Then, the play action can get you behind. One play in particular, we got caught in a pressure, dropped coverage and they got a 58-yard play. That was more of a bust than anything else, but we need to play better in all phases.”

On the progress of defensive back AJ Parker and tight end Briley Moore...

“AJ practiced limited yesterday, so it was good to see him out there. Briley, we didn’t practice him yesterday, but he’s doing all of his treatments. I know he’s starting to feel a little bit better. Hopefully we’ll have more of an idea on Wednesday or Thursday with both those guys.”

On if it just wasn’t their day or if there were bigger issues at West Virginia...

“Good question. I don’t know. We’ll find out how we respond when adversity strikes. We’ll find out the character and resolve of our guys. You have to attack the adversity. We didn’t play well. It was on the road, and we fell behind and had a hard time digging ourselves out of it. All that being said, in the second quarter, we had our opportunities. We could’ve been in a competitive game or even potentially ahead, and instead they made the plays and we didn’t. You have to evaluate that and make your corrections, but you can’t sit and dwell on it because you need to move on. In this league, everybody has the ability to put points on the board and everybody has the ability to play good enough defense and stop you. We just need to learn from it, get better and move forward.”

On the health of running back Deuce Vaughn...

“I thought he was healthy, yeah. He was fine. He didn’t practice a bunch last week because of an issue, but he was healthy for the game. Once again, as talented as that young man is, you have to find ways to take him away. West Virginia did that. We thought we had some creative ways to get him the football, but we couldn’t have time to throw it or whatever else happened. So, once again, give West Virginia the credit they deserve.”

On Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard...

“We gave up the explosive play via the run last year. We cannot do that to be successful. We have to limit those explosive plays. We need to tackle better. We need to fit things better. We didn’t fit things very well in the run game last year. Obviously, that’s been a point of emphasis and will continue to be throughout the week. We have to make sure that he doesn’t have a huge day, or everything opens up. If he has a huge day, then we’re stacking the box with more and more guys, and then it creates all sorts of other issues. We have to come up with a great game plan, and that’s what today is. We were able to piece together a few things yesterday, but today from a coaching-staff standpoint, we need to go through all the tape to see what gives us the best chance to be successful.”

On the disruptive defensive players needing to step up against Oklahoma State...

“We feel one of the strengths of our team is our defensive line. You’re right, Wyatt Hubert and Drew Wiley have played really well for us. Khalid Duke is playing well. Bronson Massie and Eli Huggins, and (we) keep rotating guys in. We have to play really well up front to try to slow down Oklahoma State a little bit. Playing a number of linebackers and defensive backs, we have to continue that rotation. Oklahoma State wants to play 100 plays against you. We need to make sure that we’re able to stay fresh, and that’s one thing we’ve been able to do is rotate a lot of guys at all levels of the defense. We’re going to have to do the same thing because it’s a game where they’re going to want to run up-tempo and try to get a bunch of plays. We need to make sure we have fresh athletes in there.”

On the Oklahoma State punt team against the K-State return unit...

“Hopefully we can get them to punt a few times. That’s the first thing. You’re 100 % right. We have to do a great job at the line of scrimmage to get our punt return started. That’s what we always talk about is just getting it started. If we can get it started and not get it disrupted by guys going down quickly and forcing a fair catch, Phillip (Brooks) is a pretty talented guy. Guys understand leverages and using their tools in blocking players, and Phillip reads those things really well. For us to be successful, we need to be able to flip the field somewhere along the line, whether that’s a punt return, kick return or whatever it may be, so that we can get a shorter field for our offense.”

On if he thought about going for a touchdown instead of a field goal early against West Virginia...

“You can easily say, in hindsight, that we should’ve gone for a touchdown there. Early in the game, trying to get points as well as we just had three shots from the two-yard line and didn’t get in. So, maybe from a rhythm and momentum standpoint, if we take another shot and don’t get in there, maybe it would’ve even hurt our confidence more. Bottom line is we can’t put ourselves in that position. We’re 2nd&nbsp;and Goal at the two or whatever it was, and we can’t get in the end zone. We need to be able to score. That’s been kind of where we’ve been the last few weeks. We had a couple of short fields against KU and didn’t get touchdowns and had to settle for field goals. The way we’re going to play and the way we need to play, we need to be able to convert those into touchdowns in the red zone. Whether it’s that play or another play in different games, we have to be more productive and get touchdowns.”

On how quarterback Will Howard responds to mistakes in practice...

“He’s good in that respect. Coach (Collin) Klein does a great job, and we go on to the next play and coach on the run and get him schooled up and we move on to the next play. You have to have a short memory a little bit. You have to have it in the back of your mind. You can’t have mistakes where you’re turning the football over, but we still have to push the ball down field. We still have to be able to run the correct routes for him to get the ball out on time. We have to be able to protect so he knows he’s going to have a cleaner pocket to throw the football. It’s a culmination of things where maybe it was an errant throw to maybe a wrong route or maybe a busted protection, and then all the sudden hands are all over you and maybe you get a tipped ball or something. You have to realize that this kid is a true freshman that’s playing high level football and learning on the run. More than anything, I like the way he handles things and like the way he handles himself. He’s leading our offense whether it’s a 55-14 or a 37-10. That can’t change because he has to be the catalyst that leads the offense.”

On what defensive tackle Drew Wiley means to the defense...

“I think he’s been the MVP of the defense this year. He plays a ton of snaps. He loves to play the game, and that’s what’s so fun to watch is Drew loves to practice and compete. He likes to go to meetings and the walk throughs. He has a great time with the guys. He’s disruptive. He’s tough to block one on one. He’s doing things in the run game. He’s doing things in the pass game. We’re starting to design a lot of things around him because he is such a playmaker. We knew he was going to be a good player this year. We were really confident in that. He’s been our most productive guy for six games. I’m so excited in his senior season that he’s having this great a year.”

On Drew Wiley taking steps forward in conditioning and preparation...

“He has that will and desire to compete and be his best. He was a part-time player, at least last year for us, the year I had with him because we had (Jordan) Mittie and (Trey) Dishon in there, so he was a rotating guy. He said, ‘I’m going to be the guy, I’m going to be the Trey Dishon or the Mittie that is a playmaker’. He’s a really competitive guy and works so hard at it whether at the weight room or at practice. He doesn’t take any plays off. So, for a younger player to watch Drew Wiley compete everyday and on every play, it’s a great thing for a young kid to model your game off of what Drew Wiley does.”

On the challenges Oklahoma State’s offense provides...

“It’s really challenging. That’s why we have to do a great job of what we call complimentary football. We have to be able to stay on the field offensively and be able to churn out first downs, even if it’s not a scoring drive. We have to be able to take four or five minutes off the clock, get some first downs and limit some of their opportunities. If they’re getting 100 plays, we’re in trouble. That’s what they want to have, so for us, we have to be able to slow down the rush. You can’t just sit in Cover 2 the whole game and let them run the football, but in the same respect, we have to pick and choose our chances on when we’re going to be aggressive with a run blitz or whatever it may be because you have some receivers on the edge that can make plays.”

On communicating with Will Howard after Saturday’s game...