Maybe this might get Mike Trout back into the playoffs.

Major League Baseball is tossing around plenty of ideas these days to start up a shortened season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic — a DH in the National League, neutral-site games, personal rosin bags for pitchers.

Now comes a proposal that would truly upend the sport: Up to 16 playoff teams.

More than half the 30 clubs advance. No need to finish over .500, probably. This skewed season, heck, perhaps 35 wins in 76 games or so could be enough to play into October.

What’s next, the Winnipeg Jets in the World Series?

OK, we’ve heard this before, that an extra wild-card team or two represents the NHL-ization of baseball. But to some, an expansion from 10 playoff clubs to 16 would mean the end of civilization as we know it.

Longtime manager Jim Riggleman chuckled at that notion.

“I think that whatever they come up with this year to play, anything goes. That’s fine,” he said. “But moving forward into next year, I wouldn’t be in favor of that many teams making the playoffs. I don’t think many players would be, either.”

“To say that 16 of 30 teams are playoff teams,” he said, “you’ve got to raise the bar higher than that.”

Other sports are accustomed to a plethora of postseason hopefuls.

The NBA has been putting 16 of 30 teams in the playoffs. The NHL welcomes 16 of 31. The NFL will bump up from 12 squads to 14 of 32 this season.

For Aaron Judge, Clayton Kershaw, Juan Soto and others on elite teams, an expanded playoff field and extra games might make it tougher to bring home the trophy. In its offer to players Monday, MLB didn’t specify how a playoff format would work with as many as eight teams in each league for this year and 2021.

For Josh Bell, Joey Votto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and more whose clubs often are way behind, this could be an opportunity. Get off to a surprising 15-6 start in a dramatically shortened season, there’s a chance.

No doubt, a lot of Trout fans wouldn’t mind that. The three-time AL MVP and eight-time All-Star has never won a playoff game in his career — he made it only once, when his Angels were swept by Kansas City in the 2014 Division Series.

Would this definitely lead to subpar clubs in the playoffs?

Put it this way: If eight teams had qualified for the playoffs in each league from 1995 (when wild cards started) through 2019, a total of 46 MLB clubs at or below .500 would have made it, the Elias Sports Bureau said. That’d average out to just under two per season.

Only once has a big league team reached the playoffs with a losing record. George Brett, Willie Wilson and the 1981 Royals went 50-53 overall, but qualified for an expanded postseason because of a 30-23 mark in the second half of a strike-split season.

Veteran skipper Bobby Valentine is OK with extra playoff teams — with a caveat.

“More the better this year,” he wrote in an email to The Associated Press, “but they should have copied the Japanese league.”

Valentine, who managed in Japan, pointed out the early playoff rounds there are hugely tilted. As in, those matchups automatically start at 1-0.

“The winner of the division gets a win in each round in advance. So there is real incentive to play every game hard,” he said. “If it is best-of-three, winner has to win one game. Wild card and other teams need to win two.”

For much of major league history, only the AL and NL pennant winners after the regular season got to advance — straight to the World Series. The postseason field became four in 1969 when division play began, then doubled to eight with wild cards in 1995. In 2012, extra wild cards boosted the playoff field to 10.

To Riggleman, who managed San Diego, the Cubs, Seattle and Washington, it’s already gone far enough.

“When wild cards first started, I wasn’t sure that I would like it, but I did,” he said. “But I didn’t like having more than one wild card in each league. It was like you played all year, you won (a) wild card, and now we lose one game and we’re out?”

“Beyond this season, talking about 16, I wouldn’t have that many teams in the playoffs,” he said. “You can water it down too much.”

Maybe this might get Mike Trout back into the playoffs.Major League Baseball is tossing around plenty of ideas these days to start up a shortened season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic — a DH in the National League, neutral-site games, personal rosin bags for pitchers.Now comes a proposal that would truly upend the sport: Up to 16 playoff teams.More than half the 30 clubs advance. No need to finish over .500, probably. This skewed season, heck, perhaps 35 wins in 76 games or so could be enough to play into October.What’s next, the Winnipeg Jets in the World Series?OK, we’ve heard this before, that an extra wild-card team or two represents the NHL-ization of baseball. But to some, an expansion from 10 playoff clubs to 16 would mean the end of civilization as we know it.Longtime manager Jim Riggleman chuckled at that notion.“I think that whatever they come up with this year to play, anything goes. That’s fine,” he said. “But moving forward into next year, I wouldn’t be in favor of that many teams making the playoffs. I don’t think many players would be, either.”“To say that 16 of 30 teams are playoff teams,” he said, “you’ve got to raise the bar higher than that.”Other sports are accustomed to a plethora of postseason hopefuls.The NBA has been putting 16 of 30 teams in the playoffs. The NHL welcomes 16 of 31. The NFL will bump up from 12 squads to 14 of 32 this season.For Aaron Judge, Clayton Kershaw, Juan Soto and others on elite teams, an expanded playoff field and extra games might make it tougher to bring home the trophy. In its offer to players Monday, MLB didn’t specify how a playoff format would work with as many as eight teams in each league for this year and 2021.For Josh Bell, Joey Votto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and more whose clubs often are way behind, this could be an opportunity. Get off to a surprising 15-6 start in a dramatically shortened season, there’s a chance.No doubt, a lot of Trout fans wouldn’t mind that. The three-time AL MVP and eight-time All-Star has never won a playoff game in his career — he made it only once, when his Angels were swept by Kansas City in the 2014 Division Series.Would this definitely lead to subpar clubs in the playoffs?Put it this way: If eight teams had qualified for the playoffs in each league from 1995 (when wild cards started) through 2019, a total of 46 MLB clubs at or below .500 would have made it, the Elias Sports Bureau said. That’d average out to just under two per season.Only once has a big league team reached the playoffs with a losing record. George Brett, Willie Wilson and the 1981 Royals went 50-53 overall, but qualified for an expanded postseason because of a 30-23 mark in the second half of a strike-split season.Veteran skipper Bobby Valentine is OK with extra playoff teams — with a caveat.“More the better this year,” he wrote in an email to The Associated Press, “but they should have copied the Japanese league.”Valentine, who managed in Japan, pointed out the early playoff rounds there are hugely tilted. As in, those matchups automatically start at 1-0.“The winner of the division gets a win in each round in advance. So there is real incentive to play every game hard,” he said. “If it is best-of-three, winner has to win one game. Wild card and other teams need to win two.”For much of major league history, only the AL and NL pennant winners after the regular season got to advance — straight to the World Series. The postseason field became four in 1969 when division play began, then doubled to eight with wild cards in 1995. In 2012, extra wild cards boosted the playoff field to 10.To Riggleman, who managed San Diego, the Cubs, Seattle and Washington, it’s already gone far enough.“When wild cards first started, I wasn’t sure that I would like it, but I did,” he said. “But I didn’t like having more than one wild card in each league. It was like you played all year, you won (a) wild card, and now we lose one game and we’re out?”“Beyond this season, talking about 16, I wouldn’t have that many teams in the playoffs,” he said. “You can water it down too much.”

A plethora for playoffs: MLB proposes up to 16 teams advance

HutchCC has landed a big one! Florida State&nbsp;four-star defensive tackle signee&nbsp;Emanuel 'Manny' Rogersis expected to enroll at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, according to a source with direct knowledge of his college plans.

Per the same source, the Jensen Beach (Fla.) product failed to fully qualify academically to enroll at FSU.

The plan is for Rogers to ultimately end up at FSU after his stint at Hutchinson Community College. FSU is aware of his plans to go to Hutchinson and intentions to eventually end up on campus at FSU, per the same source mentioned above. That individual also added that FSU and Hutchinson Community College have been in contact with one another pertaining to Rogers.

His placement at Hutchinson was described as a ‘best case scenario’ as those providing guidance to Rogers in this situation have a relationship with the staff, specifically head coach&nbsp;Drew Dallas, at the junior college.

A report date to Hutchinson C.C. for Rogers was not yet known.

Rogers committed to FSU in June of 2019. He signed with the Seminoles in December of 2019.&nbsp;

He was considered the No. 38 defensive tackle in the 2020 class according to the 247Sports.com Composite Rankings.

HutchCC has landed a big one! Florida State&nbsp;four-star defensive tackle signee&nbsp;Emanuel 'Manny' Rogersis expected to enroll at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, according to a source with direct knowledge of his college plans.Per the same source, the Jensen Beach (Fla.) product failed to fully qualify academically to enroll at FSU.The plan is for Rogers to ultimately end up at FSU after his stint at Hutchinson Community College. FSU is aware of his plans to go to Hutchinson and intentions to eventually end up on campus at FSU, per the same source mentioned above. That individual also added that FSU and Hutchinson Community College have been in contact with one another pertaining to Rogers.His placement at Hutchinson was described as a ‘best case scenario’ as those providing guidance to Rogers in this situation have a relationship with the staff, specifically head coach&nbsp;Drew Dallas, at the junior college.A report date to Hutchinson C.C. for Rogers was not yet known.Rogers committed to FSU in June of 2019. He signed with the Seminoles in December of 2019.&nbsp;He was considered the No. 38 defensive tackle in the 2020 class according to the 247Sports.com Composite Rankings.

2020 Florida State Defensive Tackle signee not expected to enroll, heading to HutchCC

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has made another try to start the coronavirus-delayed season in early July, proposing a 76-game regular season, expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to as many as 16 and allowing players to earn about 75% of their prorated salaries.

<a href="https://apnews.com/e186e3d25f616e287bd8fe12b928d550">Players have refused cuts beyond what they agreed to in March</a>&nbsp;shortly after the pandemic began, part of baseball’s again acrimonious labor relations. The arduous negotiations have jeopardized plans to hold opening day around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and provide entertainment to a public still emerging from months of quarantine.

MLB’s latest proposal would guarantee 50% of players’ prorated salaries over the regular season, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.

The proposal would eliminate all free-agent compensation for the first time since the free-agent era started in 1976. It also would forgive 20% of the $170 million in salaries already advanced to players during April and May.

“If the players desire to accept this proposal, we need to reach an agreement by Wednesday,” Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter to union negotiator Bruce Meyer that was obtained by The Associated Press. “While we understand that it is a relatively short time frame, we cannot waste any additional days if we are to have sufficient time for players to travel to spring training, conduct COVID-19 testing and education, conduct a spring training of an appropriate length, and schedule a 76-game season that ends no later than Sept. 27.”

“While we are prepared to continue discussion past Wednesday on a season with fewer than 76 games, we simply do not have enough days to schedule a season of that length unless an agreement is reached in the next 48 hours,” he added.

There was no immediate response from the union, which is likely to view the plan as a step back because of the large percentage of salaries not guaranteed.

“There’s social unrest in our country amid a global pandemic. Baseball won’t solve these problems, but maybe it could help,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/whatwouldDOOdo/status/1270075902626496515" target="_blank">Washington pitcher Sean Doolittle tweeted</a>. “We’ve been staying ready &amp; we proposed 114 games — to protect the integrity of the game, to give back to our fans &amp; cities, and because we want to play.”

“It’s frustrating to have a public labor dispute when there’s so much hardship. I hate it,” he said. “But we have an obligation to future players to do right by them. We want to play. We also have to make sure that future players won’t be paying for any concessions we make.”

While there is no chance players would accept this proposal as is, the offer dropped the sliding scale teams embraced last month that would have left stars with just a fraction of their expected pay. The latest proposal figures to spark more talks that could lead to opening day at some point in July.

Players agreed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0c">March 26</a>&nbsp;for prorated salaries that depend on games played, part of a deal for a guarantee of service time if the season was scrapped.

MLB says it can’t afford to play in ballparks without fans and on May 26&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea330800b6886f0396d3b000680584e">proposed an 82-game schedule.</a>&nbsp;The union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37af758bdd54bbfba85ed359dfd85df4">countered five days later with a 114-game schedule</a>&nbsp;at prorated pay that would extend the regular season by a month through October.

<a href="https://apnews.com/4d50060f444a6e5b18d8f9be5612b220">MLB is worried a second wave of the virus would endanger the postseason</a>&nbsp;— when MLB is scheduled to receive $787 million in broadcast revenue.

Teams estimate the new offer would guarantee $1.43 billion in compensation: $955 million in salaries, including an allowance for earned bonuses; $393 million if the postseason is played — half the broadcast revenue — for a 20% bonus for every player with a big league contract; $50 million for the regular season postseason pool normally funded with ticket money; and $34 million for the forgiven advances.

Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole, who have the highest salaries of $36 million each, would have been guaranteed $5.58 million each under the initial MLB proposal with the chance to earn up to about $8 million, and $25.3 million apiece in the union plan. They would be guaranteed $8,723,967 each under the latest offer and would get $12,190,633 apiece if the postseason is completed.

A player at the $563,500 minimum could earn up to $244,492 and those at $1 million — about half those on current active rosters — could get up to $389,496.

MLB estimates its revenue would drop from $9.73 billion last year to $2.75 billion this year with a 76-game season. Adding prorated shares of signing bonuses, option buyout, termination pay, assignment bonuses and benefits, MLB says players would get 70.2% of revenue, up from 46.7%. Also factoring in signing bonuses for amateurs in the draft this week and international players, MLB projects players would get 86.2%, up from 52.1%.

Expansion of the playoffs would make a major change for MLB’s 30 clubs. Postseason teams doubled to four with the split of each league into two divisions in 1969, then to eight with the realignment to three divisions and the addition of a wild card in 1995, a year later than planned due to a players’ strike. The postseason reached its current 10 with the addition of a second wild card and a wild-card round in 2012.

Players proposed expanding the playoffs to 14 teams in both 2020 and ’21. The MLB plan also would cover the next two seasons. It doesn’t specify a format other than as many as eight clubs per league.

Free agent compensation has long caused bitter fights since the arbitration decision in December 1975 that struck down the reserve clause — it led to an eight-day strike during spring training in 1980 and a 50-day strike during the 1981 season. Compensation had been narrowed in recent years but still caused some free agents to have fewer bidders and sign later, such as pitchers Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel in 2019.

MLB proposed dropping the loss of draft picks and international signing bonus pool allocation for signing a qualified free agent.

All players would have the right to opt out and not play, but only high-risk individuals would be treated as if injured and would receive salary and service time.

Players’ distrust of MLB stems from accusations of service time manipulation to delay eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration; payroll paring for rebuilding the union calls tanking; slow free-agent markets; and five years of relatively flat salaries.

MLB’s frustration with the union has built since Tony Clark took over after Michael Weiner died in late 2013. Management complains the union procrastinates responding to proposals and then causes hectic deadline negotiations.

Halem sent Meyer an angry letter Wednesday, and Meyer replied in kind Friday.

“I am not going to respond to the assertions and mischaracterizations in your letter because we are well past the point that exchanging letters is a constructive use of our limited time,” Halem wrote Monday. “To be clear, we are neither shutting down negotiations nor requesting that the association negotiate against itself.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has made another try to start the coronavirus-delayed season in early July, proposing a 76-game regular season, expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to as many as 16 and allowing players to earn about 75% of their prorated salaries.<a href="https://apnews.com/e186e3d25f616e287bd8fe12b928d550">Players have refused cuts beyond what they agreed to in March</a>&nbsp;shortly after the pandemic began, part of baseball’s again acrimonious labor relations. The arduous negotiations have jeopardized plans to hold opening day around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and provide entertainment to a public still emerging from months of quarantine.MLB’s latest proposal would guarantee 50% of players’ prorated salaries over the regular season, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.The proposal would eliminate all free-agent compensation for the first time since the free-agent era started in 1976. It also would forgive 20% of the $170 million in salaries already advanced to players during April and May.“If the players desire to accept this proposal, we need to reach an agreement by Wednesday,” Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter to union negotiator Bruce Meyer that was obtained by The Associated Press. “While we understand that it is a relatively short time frame, we cannot waste any additional days if we are to have sufficient time for players to travel to spring training, conduct COVID-19 testing and education, conduct a spring training of an appropriate length, and schedule a 76-game season that ends no later than Sept. 27.”“While we are prepared to continue discussion past Wednesday on a season with fewer than 76 games, we simply do not have enough days to schedule a season of that length unless an agreement is reached in the next 48 hours,” he added.There was no immediate response from the union, which is likely to view the plan as a step back because of the large percentage of salaries not guaranteed.“There’s social unrest in our country amid a global pandemic. Baseball won’t solve these problems, but maybe it could help,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/whatwouldDOOdo/status/1270075902626496515" target="_blank">Washington pitcher Sean Doolittle tweeted</a>. “We’ve been staying ready &amp; we proposed 114 games — to protect the integrity of the game, to give back to our fans &amp; cities, and because we want to play.”“It’s frustrating to have a public labor dispute when there’s so much hardship. I hate it,” he said. “But we have an obligation to future players to do right by them. We want to play. We also have to make sure that future players won’t be paying for any concessions we make.”While there is no chance players would accept this proposal as is, the offer dropped the sliding scale teams embraced last month that would have left stars with just a fraction of their expected pay. The latest proposal figures to spark more talks that could lead to opening day at some point in July.Players agreed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0c">March 26</a>&nbsp;for prorated salaries that depend on games played, part of a deal for a guarantee of service time if the season was scrapped.MLB says it can’t afford to play in ballparks without fans and on May 26&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea330800b6886f0396d3b000680584e">proposed an 82-game schedule.</a>&nbsp;The union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37af758bdd54bbfba85ed359dfd85df4">countered five days later with a 114-game schedule</a>&nbsp;at prorated pay that would extend the regular season by a month through October.<a href="https://apnews.com/4d50060f444a6e5b18d8f9be5612b220">MLB is worried a second wave of the virus would endanger the postseason</a>&nbsp;— when MLB is scheduled to receive $787 million in broadcast revenue.Teams estimate the new offer would guarantee $1.43 billion in compensation: $955 million in salaries, including an allowance for earned bonuses; $393 million if the postseason is played — half the broadcast revenue — for a 20% bonus for every player with a big league contract; $50 million for the regular season postseason pool normally funded with ticket money; and $34 million for the forgiven advances.Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole, who have the highest salaries of $36 million each, would have been guaranteed $5.58 million each under the initial MLB proposal with the chance to earn up to about $8 million, and $25.3 million apiece in the union plan. They would be guaranteed $8,723,967 each under the latest offer and would get $12,190,633 apiece if the postseason is completed.A player at the $563,500 minimum could earn up to $244,492 and those at $1 million — about half those on current active rosters — could get up to $389,496.MLB estimates its revenue would drop from $9.73 billion last year to $2.75 billion this year with a 76-game season. Adding prorated shares of signing bonuses, option buyout, termination pay, assignment bonuses and benefits, MLB says players would get 70.2% of revenue, up from 46.7%. Also factoring in signing bonuses for amateurs in the draft this week and international players, MLB projects players would get 86.2%, up from 52.1%.Expansion of the playoffs would make a major change for MLB’s 30 clubs. Postseason teams doubled to four with the split of each league into two divisions in 1969, then to eight with the realignment to three divisions and the addition of a wild card in 1995, a year later than planned due to a players’ strike. The postseason reached its current 10 with the addition of a second wild card and a wild-card round in 2012.Players proposed expanding the playoffs to 14 teams in both 2020 and ’21. The MLB plan also would cover the next two seasons. It doesn’t specify a format other than as many as eight clubs per league.Free agent compensation has long caused bitter fights since the arbitration decision in December 1975 that struck down the reserve clause — it led to an eight-day strike during spring training in 1980 and a 50-day strike during the 1981 season. Compensation had been narrowed in recent years but still caused some free agents to have fewer bidders and sign later, such as pitchers Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel in 2019.MLB proposed dropping the loss of draft picks and international signing bonus pool allocation for signing a qualified free agent.All players would have the right to opt out and not play, but only high-risk individuals would be treated as if injured and would receive salary and service time.Players’ distrust of MLB stems from accusations of service time manipulation to delay eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration; payroll paring for rebuilding the union calls tanking; slow free-agent markets; and five years of relatively flat salaries.MLB’s frustration with the union has built since Tony Clark took over after Michael Weiner died in late 2013. Management complains the union procrastinates responding to proposals and then causes hectic deadline negotiations.Halem sent Meyer an angry letter Wednesday, and Meyer replied in kind Friday.“I am not going to respond to the assertions and mischaracterizations in your letter because we are well past the point that exchanging letters is a constructive use of our limited time,” Halem wrote Monday. “To be clear, we are neither shutting down negotiations nor requesting that the association negotiate against itself.”

MLB offers 76-game season, playoffs rise up to 16 teams

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Monday

ATLANTA (AP) — Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Zook has died at age 72. He teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end in the 1970s. Zook died Saturday in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer. Initially a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, Zook wound up in Atlanta after a pair of trades. He was with the Falcons from 1969-75, lining up on the right while Humphrey held down the left side. Zook made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any “unethical behavior or bias” based on race after being accused by several former players of contributing to what they allege is systemic racism in the program. Doyle was placed on administrative leave Saturday. The move was made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program. Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program and attributed many to Doyle. The 51-year-old assistant coach issued a statement Sunday on Twitter in which he disputes the claims.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle has been placed on administrative leave after several black former players posted on social media about what they described as systemic racism in the program.Head coach Kirk Ferentz made the announcement Saturday night, calling it “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program in a video posted on the team’s Twitter account. Dozens of former players took to social media to detail the troubling issues they allege they saw and experienced while playing at Iowa. The 51-year-old Doyle has been Iowa’s strength and conditioning coach since 1999, when Ferentz took over the football program.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The robust TV experience available to sports fans has caused a decline in ticket sales for years, and now the coronavirus pandemic is forcing leagues to have games without them at all. But once they are allowed back in the stadium, ensuring fans are safe while also being entertained will be of paramount importance. That could mean the implementation of new tech such as sound-recognition apps and touchless payment systems, many of which could benefit those watching from home just as much as those in the arena.

Harvick wins as NASCAR recognizes social unease following death of Floyd

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Kevin Harvick is a winner at the site of his first NASCAR Cup victory.

Harvick turned in another dominating run at Atlanta Motor Speedway, cruising to victory over Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. Harvick won for the second time since NASCAR returned from the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, adding to his emotional victory at Darlington in the first race back.

Harvick came into the day having led 1,138 laps on the 1.54-mile Atlanta trioval, far more than any other driver in the 40-car field.

He now has 51 wins — breaking a tie with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson for the 12th spot on the career list. Three of those triumphs have come at Atlanta Motor Speedway, including in 2001 and 2018.

Busch ended up second, followed by Truex, Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin. Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was seventh in what may have been his final Atlanta appearance. Johnson plans to retire as a driver after the season.

NASCAR acknowledged the social unrest in the country and vowed to do a better job of addressing racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed drivers and teams on the track before the race, saying. "The black community and all people of color have suffered in our country, and it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change. Our sport must do better. Our country must do better."

Bubba Wallace donned a black T-shirt with the words "I Can't Breathe" and "Black Lives Matter." Wallace is the only African American in the top-level series.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ken Riley was a ball-hawk defensive back in the NFL before serving as a head coach and athletic director at his alma mater, Florida A&amp;M.

The school has announced that Riley died early Sunday morning at 72. No cause of death was given.

Riley was a four-year starting quarterback at Florida A&amp;M and a Rhodes Scholar candidate before he was taken by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. Moved to cornerback by head coach Paul Brown, Riley had 65 career interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns in a 15-year career with the Bengals. He also recovered 18 fumbles, and his interception total ranks fifth in NFL history.

Although named a First Team All-Pro three times and a second teamer on two other occasions, Riley still hasn't been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite his impressive statistics. He landed on the All-Pro First Team in 1983, his final season.

Riley coached the Rattlers from 1986-93, going 48-39-2 with two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. He took A&amp;M to the second-ever Heritage Bowl, losing to Grambling State in 1992.

ATLANTA (AP) — Former NFL defensive end John Zook has died in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.

Zook originally was taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round in 1969 but was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end from 1969-75. Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.

Zook played his last four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring after the 1969 campaign.

His brother, Dean Zook, confirmed the death to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Former University of Florida and NFL wide receiver Reche Caldwell was fatally shot Saturday night in his hometown.

Caldwell's mother confirmed her son's death to the Tampa Bay Times, saying police told her they believe her son was ambushed outside his home in a possible robbery attempt.

Caldwell was drafted by San Diego in the second round in 2002. He had 152 catches for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns in six NFL seasons — four with the Chargers and one each with New England and Washington.

Caldwell was awaiting sentencing this month after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, along with several other former NFL players. He also served prison time on a 2014 drug charge.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay is turning its men's basketball program over to Will Ryan.

Athletic director Charles Guthrie has announced that the school and the 41-year-old Ryan have agreed to a deal in principle, though final contract details are still being worked out.

The son of former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan comes to Green Bay after posting a 14-13 record in his lone season as the head coach at Division II program Wheeling in West Virginia.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any "unethical behavior or bias" based on race.

Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program, attributing many of them to Doyle. He was placed on administrative leave Saturday, part of a decision made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called "a defining moment" for Iowa's football program.

Boxer Mayer tests positive for COVID-19, out of return bout

UNDATED (AP) — Junior lightweight contender Mikaela Mayer has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been pulled from the co-main event of Las Vegas' first major boxing card since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayer announced her positive test on social media two days before her scheduled bout against Helen Joseph in the Top Rank show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The former U.S. Olympian is asymptomatic but says she tested positive for the virus on Saturday. The rest of Mayer's camp has tested negative, including her longtime coach.

In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:

— Sports fans again will be able to fill stadiums in New Zealand after the government removed restrictions on public gatherings imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will move from midnight Monday to alert level 1 under which life returns almost to normal, though border restrictions remain in force. New Zealand has succeeded in eradicating the coronavirus; as of Monday it had no active cases of Covid-19 and hadn't recorded a new infection for 17 days.

— Spanish league president Javier Tebas said Sunday he is in favor of having fans back in stadiums as soon as regions are cleared by health authorities. However, that contradicts an earlier message by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said it wouldn't be fair for some clubs to have fans and others not. Spain has been gradually lifting confinement restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some regions have entered advanced stages that could allow them to have matches with at least some fans in the stadiums.

New tennis tournament in France aiming for younger audience

PARIS (AP) — With discussions ongoing over whether the U.S. Open or the French Open can even take place later this year, a new digitally friendly tennis tournament starts Saturday in southern France with four Top 10-ranked players involved.

Co-founder Patrick Mouratoglou hopes the Ultimate Tennis Showdown can change the way tennis is viewed by allowing a younger audience to access the raw feelings of players.

The UTS features ATP Finals winner Stefanos Tsitsipas and U.S. Open semifinalist Matteo Berrettini. There will be 10 players with matches every weekend for five weeks in a round robin format.

Matches will be streamed live with organizers saying every sight and sound will be captured.

ATLANTA (AP) — Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Zook has died at age 72. He teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end in the 1970s. Zook died Saturday in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer. Initially a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, Zook wound up in Atlanta after a pair of trades. He was with the Falcons from 1969-75, lining up on the right while Humphrey held down the left side. Zook made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any “unethical behavior or bias” based on race after being accused by several former players of contributing to what they allege is systemic racism in the program. Doyle was placed on administrative leave Saturday. The move was made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program. Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program and attributed many to Doyle. The 51-year-old assistant coach issued a statement Sunday on Twitter in which he disputes the claims.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle has been placed on administrative leave after several black former players posted on social media about what they described as systemic racism in the program.Head coach Kirk Ferentz made the announcement Saturday night, calling it “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program in a video posted on the team’s Twitter account. Dozens of former players took to social media to detail the troubling issues they allege they saw and experienced while playing at Iowa. The 51-year-old Doyle has been Iowa’s strength and conditioning coach since 1999, when Ferentz took over the football program.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The robust TV experience available to sports fans has caused a decline in ticket sales for years, and now the coronavirus pandemic is forcing leagues to have games without them at all. But once they are allowed back in the stadium, ensuring fans are safe while also being entertained will be of paramount importance. That could mean the implementation of new tech such as sound-recognition apps and touchless payment systems, many of which could benefit those watching from home just as much as those in the arena.Update on the latest in sports:NASCAR-ATLANTAHarvick wins as NASCAR recognizes social unease following death of FloydHAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Kevin Harvick is a winner at the site of his first NASCAR Cup victory.Harvick turned in another dominating run at Atlanta Motor Speedway, cruising to victory over Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. Harvick won for the second time since NASCAR returned from the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, adding to his emotional victory at Darlington in the first race back.Harvick came into the day having led 1,138 laps on the 1.54-mile Atlanta trioval, far more than any other driver in the 40-car field.He now has 51 wins — breaking a tie with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson for the 12th spot on the career list. Three of those triumphs have come at Atlanta Motor Speedway, including in 2001 and 2018.Busch ended up second, followed by Truex, Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin. Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was seventh in what may have been his final Atlanta appearance. Johnson plans to retire as a driver after the season.NASCAR acknowledged the social unrest in the country and vowed to do a better job of addressing racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death.NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed drivers and teams on the track before the race, saying. "The black community and all people of color have suffered in our country, and it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change. Our sport must do better. Our country must do better."Bubba Wallace donned a black T-shirt with the words "I Can't Breathe" and "Black Lives Matter." Wallace is the only African American in the top-level series.FOOTBALL-OBIT-RILEYFormer Bengals star Ken Riley dead at 72ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ken Riley was a ball-hawk defensive back in the NFL before serving as a head coach and athletic director at his alma mater, Florida A&amp;M.The school has announced that Riley died early Sunday morning at 72. No cause of death was given.Riley was a four-year starting quarterback at Florida A&amp;M and a Rhodes Scholar candidate before he was taken by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. Moved to cornerback by head coach Paul Brown, Riley had 65 career interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns in a 15-year career with the Bengals. He also recovered 18 fumbles, and his interception total ranks fifth in NFL history.Although named a First Team All-Pro three times and a second teamer on two other occasions, Riley still hasn't been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite his impressive statistics. He landed on the All-Pro First Team in 1983, his final season.Riley coached the Rattlers from 1986-93, going 48-39-2 with two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. He took A&amp;M to the second-ever Heritage Bowl, losing to Grambling State in 1992.NFL-OBIT-ZOOKEx-Falcons DE Zook diesATLANTA (AP) — Former NFL defensive end John Zook has died in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.Zook originally was taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round in 1969 but was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end from 1969-75. Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.Zook played his last four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring after the 1969 campaign.His brother, Dean Zook, confirmed the death to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.FOOTBALL-OBIT-CALDWELLReche Caldwell fatally shotTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Former University of Florida and NFL wide receiver Reche Caldwell was fatally shot Saturday night in his hometown.Caldwell's mother confirmed her son's death to the Tampa Bay Times, saying police told her they believe her son was ambushed outside his home in a possible robbery attempt.Caldwell was drafted by San Diego in the second round in 2002. He had 152 catches for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns in six NFL seasons — four with the Chargers and one each with New England and Washington.Caldwell was awaiting sentencing this month after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, along with several other former NFL players. He also served prison time on a 2014 drug charge.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-GREEN BAY-RYANGreen Bay picks Ryan as new hoops coachGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay is turning its men's basketball program over to Will Ryan.Athletic director Charles Guthrie has announced that the school and the 41-year-old Ryan have agreed to a deal in principle, though final contract details are still being worked out.The son of former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan comes to Green Bay after posting a 14-13 record in his lone season as the head coach at Division II program Wheeling in West Virginia.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-IOWA-STRENGTH COACHIowa coach denies racial misconductIOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any "unethical behavior or bias" based on race.Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program, attributing many of them to Doyle. He was placed on administrative leave Saturday, part of a decision made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called "a defining moment" for Iowa's football program.VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAYERBoxer Mayer tests positive for COVID-19, out of return boutUNDATED (AP) — Junior lightweight contender Mikaela Mayer has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been pulled from the co-main event of Las Vegas' first major boxing card since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.Mayer announced her positive test on social media two days before her scheduled bout against Helen Joseph in the Top Rank show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.The former U.S. Olympian is asymptomatic but says she tested positive for the virus on Saturday. The rest of Mayer's camp has tested negative, including her longtime coach.In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:— Sports fans again will be able to fill stadiums in New Zealand after the government removed restrictions on public gatherings imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will move from midnight Monday to alert level 1 under which life returns almost to normal, though border restrictions remain in force. New Zealand has succeeded in eradicating the coronavirus; as of Monday it had no active cases of Covid-19 and hadn't recorded a new infection for 17 days.— Spanish league president Javier Tebas said Sunday he is in favor of having fans back in stadiums as soon as regions are cleared by health authorities. However, that contradicts an earlier message by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said it wouldn't be fair for some clubs to have fans and others not. Spain has been gradually lifting confinement restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some regions have entered advanced stages that could allow them to have matches with at least some fans in the stadiums.TENNIS-NEW TOURNAMENTNew tennis tournament in France aiming for younger audiencePARIS (AP) — With discussions ongoing over whether the U.S. Open or the French Open can even take place later this year, a new digitally friendly tennis tournament starts Saturday in southern France with four Top 10-ranked players involved.Co-founder Patrick Mouratoglou hopes the Ultimate Tennis Showdown can change the way tennis is viewed by allowing a younger audience to access the raw feelings of players.The UTS features ATP Finals winner Stefanos Tsitsipas and U.S. Open semifinalist Matteo Berrettini. There will be 10 players with matches every weekend for five weeks in a round robin format.Matches will be streamed live with organizers saying every sight and sound will be captured.

Monday Sports Headlines

ATLANTA (AP) — John Zook, who teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end, has died. He was 72.

His brother, Dean Zook,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ajc.com/blog/further-review/goodbye-john-zook-classic-falcon/9X9bDd5uUq3kBZY8jFJ4AO/" target="_blank">confirmed the death</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former player died Saturday in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.

Initially a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams out of Kansas, Zook wound up in Atlanta after a pair of trades, first to Philadelphia, then to the Falcons.

Zook was with Atlanta from 1969-75, lining up on the right while Humphrey held down the left side. The team has scant success, with only two winning seasons and no playoff appearances during that time, but the duo was recognized as one of the team’s few strong suits.

Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.

“The most fun I had the whole time I played football was the time John and I had that season when we were both selected to the Pro Bowl,” Humphrey told the Atlanta newspaper. ”We figured out we were better together than we were individually.”

Zook was dealt to St. Louis in 1976, spending his last four seasons with the Cardinals.

Zook had four career interceptions and notably recorded the first safety in Falcons history in 1971.

He grew up in Larned, Kansas. Attended Kansas University.

ATLANTA (AP) — John Zook, who teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end, has died. He was 72.His brother, Dean Zook,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ajc.com/blog/further-review/goodbye-john-zook-classic-falcon/9X9bDd5uUq3kBZY8jFJ4AO/" target="_blank">confirmed the death</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former player died Saturday in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.Initially a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams out of Kansas, Zook wound up in Atlanta after a pair of trades, first to Philadelphia, then to the Falcons.Zook was with Atlanta from 1969-75, lining up on the right while Humphrey held down the left side. The team has scant success, with only two winning seasons and no playoff appearances during that time, but the duo was recognized as one of the team’s few strong suits.Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.“The most fun I had the whole time I played football was the time John and I had that season when we were both selected to the Pro Bowl,” Humphrey told the Atlanta newspaper. ”We figured out we were better together than we were individually.”Zook was dealt to St. Louis in 1976, spending his last four seasons with the Cardinals.He played 144 games, with 134 starts.Zook had four career interceptions and notably recorded the first safety in Falcons history in 1971.He grew up in Larned, Kansas. Attended Kansas University.

Longtime Atlanta Falcons DE John Zook dies at age 72

Rob Dreher - KWBW Program Director

Baseball is back in small towns across Kansas and this weekend the Buhler Nationals senior team went 6-0 and won the Hutchinson Showcase Champions Tournament.

Buhler won the championship defeating the South Central Gassors in the finals by a score of 9-1.

Buhler's pitching ace Bradley Neil threw a complete game.&nbsp; Ryan Henderson, upcoming Buhler Senior is drawing serious attention from HutchCC hit long home run.

Earlier in the tournament Buhler handled the Hutch Colts 7-1.

The Nationals are coached by Bret Konrade and Jason Henderson.

Rob Dreher - KWBW Program DirectorBaseball is back in small towns across Kansas and this weekend the Buhler Nationals senior team went 6-0 and won the Hutchinson Showcase Champions Tournament.Buhler won the championship defeating the South Central Gassors in the finals by a score of 9-1.Buhler's pitching ace Bradley Neil threw a complete game.&nbsp; Ryan Henderson, upcoming Buhler Senior is drawing serious attention from HutchCC hit long home run.Earlier in the tournament Buhler handled the Hutch Colts 7-1.The Nationals are coached by Bret Konrade and Jason Henderson.

Buhler Nationals win Hutchinson Showcase Champions Tourney

NEW YORK (AP) — There's a lot of money at stake as Major League Baseball and players continue to battle over plans to start the coronavirus-delayed season.

An analysis by The Associated Press has determined the New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers would each save more than $100 million as part of management's proposal when compared to the players' plan.

Set to earn $36 million each, Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would get $25.3 million under the union's plan and $5.6 million under the teams' proposal.

The Yankees would pay players $155 million under the union's plan and $48 million under management's proposal.

MLB has proposed a six-tier sliding scale of cuts starting at 10% and rising to 90% for the amounts of salaries above $10 million, followed by prorating based on an 82-game season. Players proposed prorating for a 114-game regular season schedule stretching through October without any further salary reductions.

Players agreed on March 26 to accept prorated shares of their salaries during a shortened season, part of a deal that guaranteed $170 million in advances and service time even if the season is scrapped.

UNDATED (AP) — Some NFL players say they are scared about returning to practices and games during the coronavirus outbreak.

But they also say they trust the health protocols the league's medical staff is developing so that practices can resume, and games can return. Those safeguards will certainly include frequent tests for COVID-19.

The offseason programs have all been conducted remotely since the NFL shuttered team facilities in March in response to the pandemic.

Coaches have been allowed back into the buildings but players who aren't recovering from injuries likely won't be allowed back until training camps begin in July.

In other news concerning the coronavirus pandemic:

— Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were among the clubs who stepped up their preparations for the Premier League's return by holding practice matches on Saturday. Man. U held an intrasquad match and Arsenal rolled past second-tier Charlton, 6-0. Clubs are attempting to build up players' fitness before the league resumes on June 17 following a 100-day suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

— The pandemic caused a delay to the Spanish League season with 11 games remaining, but it also allowed Barcelona striker Luis Suárez to rejoin his team when the schedule resumes on June 13. Suárez had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Jan. 12 and hasn't played since. The club said Saturday that he will be available for Barcelona's first match in almost three months, at Mallorca.

Coaches speak out on Floyd...More negotiations scheduled before season resumes

UNDATED (AP) — A few-based NBA head coaches spoke out Saturday about their hopes the league visibility will be an asset again in the hope for actual social change following the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says he's "embarrassed as a white person" that Floyd could die in such a "nonchalant" manner. Popovich says the best teaching moment was the look on the officer's face. He added that white people must help lead the charge for change.

Miami's Erik Spoelstra (SPOHL'-struh) says he doesn't think anyone is ready to move on, and we shouldn't. Said Spoelstra: "If anything, many times before, so tragically, there would be a similar incident of social injustice like this and then two weeks later people forget about it. This will be an opportunity for the entire association to land in one spot ... to keep this conversation going and use our platform to make sure that this doesn't go away."

Orlando coach Steve Clifford also seems convinced that the league's players and coaches will take some sort of action when the season resumes. Clifford said he thinks everybody's priority and hope right now is that they can all be part of the change that's so necessary in the count. He added that, "We'll have a collective platform where everyone can collectively send a message condemning racism, racial injustice, calling for police accountability. There will be a platform and I think we're all thinking that way."

The Players Association voted unanimously Friday to approve a plan in which 22 teams move into the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando, Florida, next month. Those teams are currently sitting in a playoff slot or within six games of a postseason berth.

The season is set to resume July 31, with playoffs starting in mid-August and leading up to an NBA Finals that could stretch until Oct. 12.

The NBA has told teams that playoff seeding will be based on winning percentage, and that any tiebreakers necessary after that will follow the usual procedures.

— The Chicago Bulls' new top basketball executive isn't ready to make any announcements about the coaching staff. Arturas Karnisovas still has not met in person with head coach Jim Boylen. And that's something he would like to do before going public with any decisions. Boylen's future is the biggest issue hanging over the Bulls, whose season ended when the NBA's Board of Governors approved a 22-team format to restart the pandemic-interrupted season next month in Orlando. The Bulls have missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons. Boylen has a 39-84 record in just under two years.

NASCAR looks to steer clear of protests over George Floyd

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — The only African American driver in NASCAR's Cup series is expressing frustration that so many drivers were reluctant to speak out concerning the outrage over the death of George Floyd.

Bubba Wallace said on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast that "a few drivers — a very few — have given their opinion on the day's matter" and said he appreciated that. Wallace added that "the silence from the top drivers in our sport is beyond frustrating" ... saying, "everybody thinks redneck, Confederate flag, racists", and that he hates it because he believes that NASCAR can be so much more.

Wallace said he encouraged other drivers to take up the cause in a sport with a checkered racial history. Fans have an affinity for displaying Confederate flags, and driver Kyle Larson was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing two months ago for casually uttering a racial slur during a virtual race.

Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson reached out to Wallace to ask what he could do, saying that's a big question for him right now.

"When you sit down and listen, you realize there's a lot of injustices taking place across a broad spectrum. As a representative of our sport and just a citizen, it's really time to listen.

UNDATED (AP) — Broncos coaches and players marched and spoke out against racism and police brutality at a protest in downtown Denver on Saturday.

The players wore black shirts with the fist of power image and "Justice for George Floyd" emblazoned on the front. The words, "If you ain't with us, you against us" were inscribed on the back.

All wore face masks in accordance with coronavirus mitigation efforts. Most of the players' masks were black with the phrase "I can't breathe" in white lettering.

Safety Kareem Jackson was instrumental in organizing the team's appearance at Civic Center Park on the 10th day of demonstrations sparked by the death of Floyd, a handcuffed black man in Minneapolis who died after a white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle has been placed on administrative leave after several black former players posted on social media about what they described as systemic racism in the program.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz made the announcement Saturday night and called it "a defining moment" for Iowa's football program in a video posted on the team's Twitter account. Ferentz said he saw difficult and heartbreaking posts on social media and appreciated the former players' candor. He added that he has been reaching out to many of them individually to hear more about their experiences in their program.

Dozens of former players took to social media in the past few days to detail the troubling issues they allege they saw and experienced while playing at Iowa.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — IndyCar was finally able to begin a schedule delayed three months by the coronavirus.

Five-time season champion Scott Dixon took the checkered flag at Texas Motor Speedway, his fourth win at the 1 ½-mile, high-banked oval. The 39-year-old New Zealander raced to his 47th career victory and matched A.J. Foyt's record of 18 seasons with a win.

Dixon sped off following a restart with three laps left. He surged ahead following a caution caused when young teammate Felix Rosenqvist crashed. Dixon finished 4.4 seconds ahead of Simon Pagenaud (PA'-zheh-noh).

Defending IndyCar champion and polesitter Josef Newgarden finished third.

UNDATED (AP) — The first U.S. male gymnast to win a world championship gold medal has died.

The family of Kurt Thomas says he died Friday at age 64. He had a stroke May 24, caused by a tear of the basilar artery in the brain stem.

After competing in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Thomas won the floor exercise in the 1978 world championships for the first U.S. men's title. He successfully defended the floor exercise title and won the horizontal bar in the 1979 worlds.

Thomas lost a chance for Olympic gold when the United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics. He then turned professional, starred in the 1985 movie "Gymkata" and worked as a television commentator.

Update on the latest in sports:VIRUS OUTBREAK-MLB PROPOSALAnalysis shows a lot of money at stakeNEW YORK (AP) — There's a lot of money at stake as Major League Baseball and players continue to battle over plans to start the coronavirus-delayed season.An analysis by The Associated Press has determined the New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers would each save more than $100 million as part of management's proposal when compared to the players' plan.Set to earn $36 million each, Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would get $25.3 million under the union's plan and $5.6 million under the teams' proposal.The Yankees would pay players $155 million under the union's plan and $48 million under management's proposal.MLB has proposed a six-tier sliding scale of cuts starting at 10% and rising to 90% for the amounts of salaries above $10 million, followed by prorating based on an 82-game season. Players proposed prorating for a 114-game regular season schedule stretching through October without any further salary reductions.Players agreed on March 26 to accept prorated shares of their salaries during a shortened season, part of a deal that guaranteed $170 million in advances and service time even if the season is scrapped.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEWSUNDATED (AP) — Some NFL players say they are scared about returning to practices and games during the coronavirus outbreak.But they also say they trust the health protocols the league's medical staff is developing so that practices can resume, and games can return. Those safeguards will certainly include frequent tests for COVID-19.The offseason programs have all been conducted remotely since the NFL shuttered team facilities in March in response to the pandemic.Coaches have been allowed back into the buildings but players who aren't recovering from injuries likely won't be allowed back until training camps begin in July.In other news concerning the coronavirus pandemic:— Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were among the clubs who stepped up their preparations for the Premier League's return by holding practice matches on Saturday. Man. U held an intrasquad match and Arsenal rolled past second-tier Charlton, 6-0. Clubs are attempting to build up players' fitness before the league resumes on June 17 following a 100-day suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.— The pandemic caused a delay to the Spanish League season with 11 games remaining, but it also allowed Barcelona striker Luis Suárez to rejoin his team when the schedule resumes on June 13. Suárez had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Jan. 12 and hasn't played since. The club said Saturday that he will be available for Barcelona's first match in almost three months, at Mallorca.NBA-NEWSCoaches speak out on Floyd...More negotiations scheduled before season resumesUNDATED (AP) — A few-based NBA head coaches spoke out Saturday about their hopes the league visibility will be an asset again in the hope for actual social change following the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says he's "embarrassed as a white person" that Floyd could die in such a "nonchalant" manner. Popovich says the best teaching moment was the look on the officer's face. He added that white people must help lead the charge for change.Miami's Erik Spoelstra (SPOHL'-struh) says he doesn't think anyone is ready to move on, and we shouldn't. Said Spoelstra: "If anything, many times before, so tragically, there would be a similar incident of social injustice like this and then two weeks later people forget about it. This will be an opportunity for the entire association to land in one spot ... to keep this conversation going and use our platform to make sure that this doesn't go away."Orlando coach Steve Clifford also seems convinced that the league's players and coaches will take some sort of action when the season resumes. Clifford said he thinks everybody's priority and hope right now is that they can all be part of the change that's so necessary in the count. He added that, "We'll have a collective platform where everyone can collectively send a message condemning racism, racial injustice, calling for police accountability. There will be a platform and I think we're all thinking that way."The Players Association voted unanimously Friday to approve a plan in which 22 teams move into the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando, Florida, next month. Those teams are currently sitting in a playoff slot or within six games of a postseason berth.The season is set to resume July 31, with playoffs starting in mid-August and leading up to an NBA Finals that could stretch until Oct. 12.The NBA has told teams that playoff seeding will be based on winning percentage, and that any tiebreakers necessary after that will follow the usual procedures.Elsewhere in the NBA:— The Chicago Bulls' new top basketball executive isn't ready to make any announcements about the coaching staff. Arturas Karnisovas still has not met in person with head coach Jim Boylen. And that's something he would like to do before going public with any decisions. Boylen's future is the biggest issue hanging over the Bulls, whose season ended when the NBA's Board of Governors approved a 22-team format to restart the pandemic-interrupted season next month in Orlando. The Bulls have missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons. Boylen has a 39-84 record in just under two years.NASCAR-RACIAL TENSIONSNASCAR looks to steer clear of protests over George FloydHAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — The only African American driver in NASCAR's Cup series is expressing frustration that so many drivers were reluctant to speak out concerning the outrage over the death of George Floyd.Bubba Wallace said on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast that "a few drivers — a very few — have given their opinion on the day's matter" and said he appreciated that. Wallace added that "the silence from the top drivers in our sport is beyond frustrating" ... saying, "everybody thinks redneck, Confederate flag, racists", and that he hates it because he believes that NASCAR can be so much more.Wallace said he encouraged other drivers to take up the cause in a sport with a checkered racial history. Fans have an affinity for displaying Confederate flags, and driver Kyle Larson was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing two months ago for casually uttering a racial slur during a virtual race.Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson reached out to Wallace to ask what he could do, saying that's a big question for him right now."When you sit down and listen, you realize there's a lot of injustices taking place across a broad spectrum. As a representative of our sport and just a citizen, it's really time to listen.AMERICA PROTESTS-BRONCOSBroncos march for FloydUNDATED (AP) — Broncos coaches and players marched and spoke out against racism and police brutality at a protest in downtown Denver on Saturday.The players wore black shirts with the fist of power image and "Justice for George Floyd" emblazoned on the front. The words, "If you ain't with us, you against us" were inscribed on the back.All wore face masks in accordance with coronavirus mitigation efforts. Most of the players' masks were black with the phrase "I can't breathe" in white lettering.Safety Kareem Jackson was instrumental in organizing the team's appearance at Civic Center Park on the 10th day of demonstrations sparked by the death of Floyd, a handcuffed black man in Minneapolis who died after a white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-IOWA-RACISM ALLEGATIONSIowa football assistant placed on leaveIOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle has been placed on administrative leave after several black former players posted on social media about what they described as systemic racism in the program.Head coach Kirk Ferentz made the announcement Saturday night and called it "a defining moment" for Iowa's football program in a video posted on the team's Twitter account. Ferentz said he saw difficult and heartbreaking posts on social media and appreciated the former players' candor. He added that he has been reaching out to many of them individually to hear more about their experiences in their program.Dozens of former players took to social media in the past few days to detail the troubling issues they allege they saw and experienced while playing at Iowa.INDYCAR RESUMESDixon wins IndyCar openerFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — IndyCar was finally able to begin a schedule delayed three months by the coronavirus.Five-time season champion Scott Dixon took the checkered flag at Texas Motor Speedway, his fourth win at the 1 ½-mile, high-banked oval. The 39-year-old New Zealander raced to his 47th career victory and matched A.J. Foyt's record of 18 seasons with a win.Dixon sped off following a restart with three laps left. He surged ahead following a caution caused when young teammate Felix Rosenqvist crashed. Dixon finished 4.4 seconds ahead of Simon Pagenaud (PA'-zheh-noh).Defending IndyCar champion and polesitter Josef Newgarden finished third.GYMNASTICS-OBIT-THOMASKurt Thomas diesUNDATED (AP) — The first U.S. male gymnast to win a world championship gold medal has died.The family of Kurt Thomas says he died Friday at age 64. He had a stroke May 24, caused by a tear of the basilar artery in the brain stem.After competing in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Thomas won the floor exercise in the 1978 world championships for the first U.S. men's title. He successfully defended the floor exercise title and won the horizontal bar in the 1979 worlds.Thomas lost a chance for Olympic gold when the United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics. He then turned professional, starred in the 1985 movie "Gymkata" and worked as a television commentator.

Sunday Sports Headlines

NEW YORK (AP) — Major league players and owners continue to fire salvos instead of fastballs.

Players accused teams of "depriving America of baseball games" as part of a money fight created by the coronavirus pandemic. They raised the possibility baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred might push ahead with a shortened season over the union's objection.

Union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer has sent a letter to Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem threatening that an attempt to play without an agreement could lead players to block any attempt to expand the playoffs and deny consent to neutral-site games in the postseason.

Major League Baseball made its initial economic proposal on May 26, offering an 82-game regular season schedule and a sliding scale of cuts beyond the prorated shares of salaries the sides agreed to on March 26.

Players responded on Sunday with a 114-game regular season schedule running through October and no additional cuts. Each player would get about 70% of his original salary under the union's plan and roughly 22-47% under MLB's proposal, including $200 million tied to the postseason being completed.

Management quickly rejected the union plan and said it would not offer a counterproposal given the insistence of the players' desire for a longer season that would spill into November. Among MLB's objections concerns November baseball that could be canceled by a second wave of COVID-19.

Goodell says league erred by thwarting protests

NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said his league made a mistake.

Goodell said the league was wrong for not listening to players fighting for racial equality and encouraged them to peacefully protest. He made his strongest statement on the issues many players passionately support, one day after 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') and several of his peers released a video demanding the league condemn racism.

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to take a stand against police brutality and racial injustice in 2016, he was mostly alone. Politicians, owners and fellow players criticized him, fans burned his jersey and he was booed even at home. Four years later, his protest is widely viewed as prescient. Global opinion has shifted so much that more people are vilifying those who attack Kaepernick or misrepresent his stance.

Now, Goodell said, "I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country."

Elway joins call for change after George Lloyd's killing

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos general manager John Elway is adding his voice to calls for change in the aftermath of a black man's killing in Minnesota while in police custody. Elway says in a lengthy Twitter post that he spent the week listening to his players and decided he had been wrong in his views of race relations since his playing days. Elway says he now realizes that he has to join his players and coaches in speaking out against racism, police brutality and injustices in the black community. Elway says he's no longer staying on the sideline.

'Today we say no more': Jaguars march to sheriff's office

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a stand against inequality and police brutality.

The players, their families, coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell marched from their stadium to the steps of the local sheriff's department.

The Jaguars started their march at 9:04 a.m. local time Friday to signify the local 904 area code.

The protest comes two days after owner Shad Khan spoke against racism in a letter on the team website.

Wide receiver Chris Conley wore a "Black Lives Matter" T-shirt. He said: "Today we say no more. Today we see a nation that can't await change, a city that won't sit still or be quiet."

NEW YORK (AP) — Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') is among more than a dozen NFL stars who united to send a passionate video message to the league about racial inequality.

The 70-second video was released on social media platforms Thursday night and includes Saquon Barkley, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham Jr., Deshaun Watson, Ezekiel Elliott, Jamal Adams, Stephon Gilmore and DeAndre Hopkins, among others.

The video closes with the players demanding the NFL state that it condemns "racism and the systemic oppression of black people," and that the league "admit wrong in silencing" players from peacefully protesting. The players also want the league to state: "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter."

AMERICA PROTESTS-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-SOUTH CAROLINA

UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina coach Will Muschamp and football players joined others in a protest march from the Governor's Mansion on Friday.

The march of several hundred people went the nearly 2 miles from the governor's residence to the State House. South Carolina quarterback Jay Ulrich carried a sign, "Matter is the minimum. Black lives are worthy. Black lives are beloved. Black lives are needed." It is the seventh straight day of rallies in South Carolina following the death of George Floyd.

Patriots pledge $1 million to social justice causes

Update on the latest in sports:MLB-LABOR STANDOFFPlayers holding firm in battle with MLBNEW YORK (AP) — Major league players and owners continue to fire salvos instead of fastballs.Players accused teams of "depriving America of baseball games" as part of a money fight created by the coronavirus pandemic. They raised the possibility baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred might push ahead with a shortened season over the union's objection.Union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer has sent a letter to Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem threatening that an attempt to play without an agreement could lead players to block any attempt to expand the playoffs and deny consent to neutral-site games in the postseason.Major League Baseball made its initial economic proposal on May 26, offering an 82-game regular season schedule and a sliding scale of cuts beyond the prorated shares of salaries the sides agreed to on March 26.Players responded on Sunday with a 114-game regular season schedule running through October and no additional cuts. Each player would get about 70% of his original salary under the union's plan and roughly 22-47% under MLB's proposal, including $200 million tied to the postseason being completed.Management quickly rejected the union plan and said it would not offer a counterproposal given the insistence of the players' desire for a longer season that would spill into November. Among MLB's objections concerns November baseball that could be canceled by a second wave of COVID-19.NFL-RACISMGoodell says league erred by thwarting protestsNEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said his league made a mistake.Goodell said the league was wrong for not listening to players fighting for racial equality and encouraged them to peacefully protest. He made his strongest statement on the issues many players passionately support, one day after 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') and several of his peers released a video demanding the league condemn racism.When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to take a stand against police brutality and racial injustice in 2016, he was mostly alone. Politicians, owners and fellow players criticized him, fans burned his jersey and he was booed even at home. Four years later, his protest is widely viewed as prescient. Global opinion has shifted so much that more people are vilifying those who attack Kaepernick or misrepresent his stance.Now, Goodell said, "I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country."NFL-BRONCOS-ELWAYElway joins call for change after George Lloyd's killingENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos general manager John Elway is adding his voice to calls for change in the aftermath of a black man's killing in Minnesota while in police custody. Elway says in a lengthy Twitter post that he spent the week listening to his players and decided he had been wrong in his views of race relations since his playing days. Elway says he now realizes that he has to join his players and coaches in speaking out against racism, police brutality and injustices in the black community. Elway says he's no longer staying on the sideline.NFL JAGUARS PROTEST MARCH'Today we say no more': Jaguars march to sheriff's officeJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a stand against inequality and police brutality.The players, their families, coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell marched from their stadium to the steps of the local sheriff's department.The Jaguars started their march at 9:04 a.m. local time Friday to signify the local 904 area code.The protest comes two days after owner Shad Khan spoke against racism in a letter on the team website.Wide receiver Chris Conley wore a "Black Lives Matter" T-shirt. He said: "Today we say no more. Today we see a nation that can't await change, a city that won't sit still or be quiet."AMERICA PROTESTS-NFL PLAYERS VIDEONEW YORK (AP) — Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') is among more than a dozen NFL stars who united to send a passionate video message to the league about racial inequality.The 70-second video was released on social media platforms Thursday night and includes Saquon Barkley, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham Jr., Deshaun Watson, Ezekiel Elliott, Jamal Adams, Stephon Gilmore and DeAndre Hopkins, among others.The video closes with the players demanding the NFL state that it condemns "racism and the systemic oppression of black people," and that the league "admit wrong in silencing" players from peacefully protesting. The players also want the league to state: "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter."AMERICA PROTESTS-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-SOUTH CAROLINAGamecocks march for FloydUNDATED (AP) — South Carolina coach Will Muschamp and football players joined others in a protest march from the Governor's Mansion on Friday.The march of several hundred people went the nearly 2 miles from the governor's residence to the State House. South Carolina quarterback Jay Ulrich carried a sign, "Matter is the minimum. Black lives are worthy. Black lives are beloved. Black lives are needed." It is the seventh straight day of rallies in South Carolina following the death of George Floyd.NFL-PATRIOTS SOCIAL JUSTICE PLEDGEPatriots pledge $1 million to social justice causesBOSTON (AP) — The New England Patriots say team owner Robert Kraft's family is pledging $1 million to local grassroots organizations to promote social justice causes.A statement and video released on the team's website Friday says the money will be distributed over the next 10 months in $100,000 monthly donations. The recipients will be chosen in collaboration with Patriots players.The groups selected will be those "fighting for equity, working to end systemic racism and creating meaningful change in our community."The video says, "change always begins with listening." The recipients will be invited to speak with the team's executive staff and senior management across the Kraft Group's businessesVIRUS OUTBREAK-NFLMore than half of NFL coaching staffs not at team facilitiesUNDATED (AP) — More than half of the 32 NFL teams did not have their coaching staffs back at their facilities Friday even though the league has approved such returns where local governments allow them.NFL teams have been performing all their offseason duties virtually since their facilities were closed by Commissioner Roger Goodell in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.The league is taking a slow approach to reopening those team buildings, with the latest step allowing coaching staffs to return. Only players currently rehabilitating injuries are allowed at the complexes.AMERICA PROTEST-BLACK GIRL SURFERSSurfers 'paddle out,' circle up in memory of George FloydSANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Surfers around the world held large and small memorials on the water in honor of George Floyd. A paddle-out is a Hawaiian tradition to celebrate a life and mourn its passing. The events Friday were organized by a group called Black Girls Surf to draw attention to the police killing of Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis last week and to share the pain they are feeling with devotees of a sport that has not always welcomed them.More than 200 surfers took to the water in Santa Monica, California, where they formed a massive circle past the waves and chanted Floyd's name nine times to mark the nearly nine minutes his neck was pinned to the ground by the knee of a white officer.&nbsp;NBA-NETS-DURANTDurant will wait until next seasonNEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant's Brooklyn Nets debut won't occur until this winter.The Nets forward says he won't play if the season resumes, telling The Undefeated, "My season is over."Durant ruptured an Achilles tendon a year ago for Golden State in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto. He says it was decided after the injury that he would wait until the following season to return to action. He also had COVID-19 this year.The Nets currently hold the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.TOKYO OLYMPICS-DEADLINEFormer Olympic minister says March is deadline for TokyoTOKYO (AP) — Next spring has been set as a possible deadline by a local lawmaker for deciding if the postponed Tokyo Olympics can go ahead.That's the judgment of former Japanese Olympic minister Toshikai Endo. Japanese television NHK quoted him at a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.The Tokyo Olympics are to open on July 23, 2021. They were postponed this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.Endo is the latest powerful politician to speak out this week about the games, bracing the Japanese public for possible changes and costs.Tokyo Governor Yurkio Koike said Thursday the games were likely to be downsized and undergo many changes.SPORTS-VIRUS OUTBREAKMemorial could be first PGA event with fans on handUNDATED (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has approved a plan for Muirfield Village Golf Club to have at least some fans for the Memorial in July. That would make it the first PGA Tour event with a crowd since the tour was shut down March 13 by the coronavirus. DeWine says plans submitted for the tournament were approved by local officials. He said on Twitter that casinos, racinos, amusement parks and water parks will be able to open on June 19.In other sports developments related to the coronavirus outbreak:— Soccer was back and so were the spectators in Vietnam when the top domestic league resumed after the coronavirus shutdown. Fans were allowed into Ho Chi Minh City's scoreless draw with Hai Phong among three matches. But, unlike Germany's Bundesliga and South Korea's K-League, which returned to action in May with empty arenas, more than 1,000 fans attended the V-League game. Despite sharing a long land border with China, Vietnam, with a population of almost 100 million, has recorded just 328 cases and not a single recorded death.— Oakland Athletics owner John Fisher has decided to pay his team's minor league players after all, saying he made a mistake. The San Francisco Chronicle first reported the billionaire's intentions and quoted his apology. A club spokeswoman says Fisher also is establishing a fund to help furloughed employees.— Liverpool could win the Premier League title at home after all. Police originally indicated they wanted the Reds' second game after the restart against Crystal Palace to be staged at a neutral venue because of concerns that supporters could congregate outside Anfield. But the league now says the game on June 24 is scheduled to be at Liverpool's home stadium. Liverpool leads Manchester City by 25 points and is two wins from ending its 30-year title drought.— Italian top-flight soccer clubs are asking for no title winner or relegations if the season is stopped again. One of the ideas the Italian federation is planning in case of another stop is the use of an algorithm to decide the final classification. Italian media reported 16 of the 20 Serie A teams voted in favor of not relegating anyone and not assigning the league title unless it is mathematically certain. A final decision is expected to be made during the next FIGC council meeting on Monday.— The Italian soccer federation says teams will be allowed up to five substitutions in matches, although there will still be only three pauses to bring players off the bench. Italian competitions will adopt the temporary rules change when they resume next week. If matches go into extra time and teams haven't used all five of their substitutes, they can make a fourth interruption at the end of regular time or between the two halves of extra time. The Italian Cup will be completed next week before Serie A is set to resume on June 20.— The Asian qualifying tournament for the World Cup is set to resume in October after the coronavirus pandemic forced games in March and June to be postponed. The Asian Football Confederation says it agreed with FIFA (FEE'-fah) to schedule two dates in October and two in November to complete the current groups. Twelve teams will advance to a further group stage next year.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-CLEMSON-ROSSRoss to miss 2020 season following back surgeryCLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross had surgery on Friday for a congenital fusion in his spine that will keep him off the field this upcoming season.Ross was being monitored for a shoulder injury suffered in March, but head coach Dabo Swinnery X-rays revealed that two vertebrae in his spine were fused and he had a bulging disc.Ross had a team-high 66 receptions last season for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-KANSAS-BEATYKansas reaches settlement with ex-coachLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced has reached a settlement with David Beaty.The former football coach had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract. The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.The two sides had been in a legal battle since shortly after Kansas fired Beaty near the end of the 2018 season. His contract called for a $3 million buyout, but the school refused to pay it after discovering potential NCAA infractions during routine end-of-season interviews with Beaty's coaching staff.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-OKLAHOMA STATENCAA hits Oklahoma St with postseason ban in corruption caseUNDATED (AP) — The Oklahoma State men's basketball team has been hit by numerous penalties by the NCAA infractions committee, making it the first school to be punished following the federal corruption investigation into the sport.Penalties include a one-year postseason ban for the team for next season. The ruling includes three years of probation, a $10,000 fine and a reduction in basketball scholarships for the program.The punishment comes the day former Oklahoma State assistant men's basketball coach Lamont Evans was found by the infractions committee to have violated ethical-conduct rules by accepting up to $22,000 in bribes from financial advisers.Schools like Kansas, North Carolina State, Louisville, South Carolina and Southern California were investigated for corruption.Oklahoma State issued plans to appeal, saying it was "stunned by the severity of the penalties and strongly disagrees with them."COLLEGE BASKETBALL-TEXAS STATE-RACISM ALLEGATIONSTexas State to look into allegations of racismSAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) — Texas State has ordered an investigation into a former basketball player's allegations of racist remarks by coach Danny Kaspar.Athletic director Larry Teis calls the allegations deeply troubling and said the investigation would be handled through the school's Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX.Former Bobcats point guard Jaylen Shead posted the allegations on Twitter late Thursday, accusing Kaspar of singling out black players with racist taunts and threatening to have a foreign player deported.Shead transferred to Washington State before last season.BOXING-OBIT-RADEMACHERPete Rademacher, 1956 Olympic boxing champion, dies at 91CLEVELAND (AP) — Olympic boxing champion Pete Rademacher has died at age 91.Rademacher won a gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Games and fought Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight title in his first professional bout. Rademacher is the only boxer to fight for a championship in his first pro bout.He knocked Patterson down in the second round before being counted out in the sixth. &nbsp;Rademacher had dementia for years and his brain will be donated for medical research.