UNDATED (AP) — For a lot of minor league umpires, this is shaping up as a rough year. More and more, it's looking as if there won't be any minor league season because of the coronavirus pandemic. That means no income right now for the 236 umps who work everywhere from Triple-A ball down to the rookie leagues. And with no games, they're left without a significant way to improve their craft. That could force some of them to make their toughest call. Either wait until next spring to continue a career of umpiring or leave baseball and find another line of work.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally. The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. The switch was mentioned in court papers in a suit by minor leaguers against Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation, on Nov 19. That corporation became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Two-time NCAA all-around champion gymnast Maggie Nichols and Heisman Trophy runner-up Jalen Hurts are the Big 12 Athletes of the Year. That gives Oklahoma a sweep of the conference’s top individual awards for the third time in five years. It was the second time for Nichols to be honored as the Big 12′s top female athlete. Nichols also became “Athlete A” when she dropped her anonymity in 2018 to help others who were abused by former U.S. team doctor Larry Nassar speak up. Nichols competed at the elite level for USA gymnastics before arriving at Oklahoma in the fall of 2016 and winning 11 NCAA trophies.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Former Georgetown guard Mac McClung has signed with Texas Tech following junior Davide Moretti's departure from the Red Raiders to play professionally at home in Italy. McClung had put his name in the transfer portal after removing it from consideration from the NBA draft. He has two seasons of college eligibility remaining after leading the Hoyas with 15.7 points a game this past season. He played in only 21 of Georgetown’s 32 games because of a right foot injury.

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott reeled in Kevin Harvick with 27 laps remaining and closed out the win at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday night. Elliott was charging hard on Harvick with about 35 laps remaining when he asked if he had enough fuel to make it to the finish. He stayed on the track and came away with his first Cup win of the season. Elliott shook off a pair of tough losses to finish about 2.2 seconds ahead of runner-up Denny Hamlin.

UNDATED (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says racing will be allowed to resume in the state without spectators. The governor says NASCAR will race at Martinsville Speedway on June 10, and that other forms of auto racing and horse racing also are cleared to resume. NASCAR was originally scheduled to make its first of two stops at Martinsville in early May, but the event was postponed because of the outbreak.

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have added another option at running back by signing veteran Carlos Hyde to a one-year. Hyde is coming off the best season of his career after rushing for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns with Houston. It was his first 1,000-yard NFL campaign. Hyde’s addition is a significant move after leading rusher Chris Carson suffered a significant hip injury late last season. Coach Pete Carroll has indicated Carson should be healthy for the season.

CHARLOTTE, (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Eli Apple after losing free agent James Bradberry to the Giants. Apple has started 48 games during four NFL seasons but has never lived up to the billing of being the 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft out of Ohio State. He recorded 58 tackles and one forced fumble while starting 15 games for the Saints last season.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has found a Connecticut policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports is illegal. The office says the policy violates Title IX, the federal civil rights law guarantees equal education opportunities for women, including in athletics. The ruling comes in response to a complaint filed last year by several female track athletes, who argued that two transgender runners who were identified as male at birth had an unfair physical advantage. The dispute also is the subject of a federal lawsuit.

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott was able to celebrate a victory that capped a very busy stretch for NASCAR.

Elliott reeled in Kevin Harvick with 27 laps remaining and closed out the win at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Elliott was charging hard on Harvick with about 35 laps remaining when he asked if he had enough fuel to make it to the finish. He stayed on the track and came away with his first Cup win of the season.

Elliott shook off a pair of tough losses to finish about 2.2 seconds ahead of runner-up Denny Hamlin. Ryan Blaney was third, followed by Ricky Stenhouse and Kurt Busch.

The rain-delayed event closed a frantic 12-day stretch that featured four Cup races, two each in North and South Carolina.

Elliott's victory was the first for a Chevrolet driver in NASCAR's return to Cup racing since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the sport.

NFL owners table onside kick alternative proposal

UNDATED (AP) — NFL owners approved several rules on Thursday without accepting an alternative to the onside kick.

Owners have tabled a proposal that would have offered a fourth-and-15 play as an alternative to the onside kick. Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay said there were more clubs receptive to the onside kick alternative than in the past and it will be further explored and likely brought up again.

Owners approved testing expanded use of video replay in the preseason to aid in officiating, and they also increased the number of players who may be designated for return from the injured list during a season from two to three.

The owners voted to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful extra points.

Also approved was the competition committee's recommendation to expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but has not had time to avoid or ward off contact of an opponent.

Another approved recommendation stops teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running. That's an issue that came up several times in 2019, including during the postseason.

Using video replay for pass interference calls was dropped after a one-year experiment that led to more uncertainty than clarity.

A proposal to have a booth judge serve as an eighth official on each crew was tabled.

UNDATED (AP) — Organizers have canceled the Boston Marathon for the first time in its 124-year history due to social distancing requirements of the coronavirus outbreak.

The race had endured through two World Wars, a volcanic eruption and a previous pandemic. The race draws a field of 30,000 and already had been postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14. It will be replaced by a virtual event in which participants who verify that they ran 26.2 miles on their own will receive their finisher's medal.

The Boston Marathon began in 1897 and has been the longest-running annual marathon in the world.

In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:

— NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is hopeful that coaches will be able to return to their team facilities by next week. Goodell also said during today's owners conference call that the virtual offseason is being extended for two more weeks. NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said the league's first consideration is of course the health and safety of the public and the players and the employees and the people who will be participating.

— Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says racing will be allowed to resume in the state without spectators. The governor says NASCAR will race at Martinsville Speedway on June 10, and that other forms of auto racing and horse racing also are cleared to resume. NASCAR was originally scheduled to make its first of two stops at Martinsville in early May, but the event was postponed because of the outbreak.

— The John Deere Classic is canceling what would have been its 50th straight anniversary as a PGA Tour event. Tournament director Clair Peterson says there were too many hurdles to overcome from the pandemic. The John Deere would have been the fifth PGA Tour event on the revised schedule. The tour had said the first month would be played without fans, leaving it possible for the Deere to have them.

— Sports agent Scott Boras is recommending that his clients refuse Major League Baseball's attempt to cut salaries during negotiations with the players' association. He is claiming that team financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic have their origin in management debt financing. Boras wrote in an email obtained by The Associated Press that players should not alter terms of the March 26 agreement between MLB and the union that called for players to reduce their salaries to a prorated rate based on a shortened season. MLB on Tuesday proposed a series of tiered reductions that would cause top stars to receive the biggest cuts.

— At least 10 major league franchises have informed minor leaguers they'll continue to provide allowances after the May 31 expiration of Major League Baseball's policy guaranteeing those players $400 per week. The San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners are promising payments through August. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles have pledged to do so through at least June. The White Sox are even providing those stipends to 25 minor league players recently released.

— Live horse racing is slated to resume in Maryland this weekend with a three-day session at Laurel Park, which will remain closed to the general public. The Maryland Jockey Club says it has received approval from the Maryland Racing Commission to launch its Summer 2020 meet with live racing on Saturday, but fans are forbidden from entering the track until clearance is received from the state. All races on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be streamed live on the Laurel Park website.

— Texas will soon allow outdoor pro sports events to have spectators, but their numbers will be strictly limited. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has revised a decision to let pro sports leagues host events without fans starting in June as part of the states' move to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. Abbott's new order allows outdoor stadiums to host fans up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Leagues will have to apply to state health officials to be allowed to have fans. Indoor events will still be without spectators.

— Major League Soccer gave its teams the go-ahead to begin small voluntary group training sessions outdoors, the next step in the league's effort to return to action. The group sessions must comply with local public health and government restrictions. Teams must submit club-specific plans to the league for the sessions. A maximum of six players may be assigned to a single group. All other health and safety measures required when MLS teams began individual training must still be maintained. A league-wide moratorium on full team training remains in effect through next Monday.

— The English Premier League plans to restart on June 17 after a 100-day shutdown with new staggered kickoffs to maximize broadcast slots as fans are prevented from attending games. The clubs agreed Thursday that the competition should resume with a Wednesday night doubleheader featuring Manchester City playing Arsenal and Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United. After those makeup games are played, the 30th round will start on Friday, June 19 provided authorities approve safety plans.

— Three players from English soccer clubs Blackburn and Fulham have tested positive for the coronavirus. Blackburn says captain Elliott Bennett was found to be infected with COVID-19 after testing negative last Friday. Bennett says he doesn't "feel unwell" and doesn't have any symptoms. Fulham says two players tested positive but did not name them

— Italy's top soccer league will resume on June 20. Italy's sports minister gave Serie A the green light to resume after a meeting with Italian soccer authorities on Thursday. A medical protocol for matches was approved by a technical scientific committee earlier.

— The Hungarian soccer federation says matches in the country can once again be held with spectators in the stadiums. The announcement comes on the back of a government decree allowing the option. Organizers are obliged to keep three seats empty between each occupied seat and no fan may sit directly behind or in front of another.

— Elite sports made a comeback in Australia for the first time since March 22 as the Parramatta Eels beat the Brisbane Broncos 34-6 in the National Rugby League Thursday. No fans were allowed into the 52,500-seat stadium in Brisbane because of strict social distancing rules but the game was broadcast across Australia.

— The European Tour is planning to resume its season close to home. The tour says it has targeted the British Masters in England on July 22 as the restart. That would be followed by five new tournaments in England and Wales that will be called the "U.K. Swing." The new events will have a prize fund of 1 million euros. European Tour chief Keith Pelley says the plans depend on the U.K. lifting quarantine restrictions, but he's confident that will happen.

— The Dutch Grand Prix has become the fourth Formula One race canceled this season because of the pandemic. Organizers of the first Dutch GP since 1985 chose not to host it without spectators. F1 wants to start the season in July with no spectators at races.

— Fans will be allowed in the stadiums when the Russian soccer league restarts next month. Spectators will be allowed to attend matches if they don't exceed 10% of the stadium's capacity. The Russian league previously announced it would resume games on June 21. There's no word on what regulations would apply to the fans allowed into Russian stadiums or how the limited number of tickets would be allocated.

Hyde signs with Seahawks, Apple goes to Panthers

UNDATED (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have added another option at running back by signing veteran Carlos Hyde to a one-year.

Hyde is coming off the best season of his career after rushing for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns with Houston. It was his first 1,000-yard NFL campaign.

Hyde's addition is a significant move after leading rusher Chris Carson suffered a significant hip injury late last season. Coach Pete Carroll has indicated Carson should be healthy for the season.

— The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Eli Apple after losing free agent James Bradberry to the Giants. Apple has started 48 games during four NFL seasons but has never lived up to the billing of being the 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft out of Ohio State. He recorded 58 tackles and one forced fumble while starting 15 games for the Saints last season.

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia has picked up another high-profile transfer to compete for its starting quarterback job, landing former Southern California starter JT Daniels.

Daniels started for the Trojans in 2018 but lost his job to Kedon Slovis last season after going down with a knee injury. Daniels will battle for playing time with graduate transfer Jamie Newman, who left Wake Forest to play his final college season with a program that has been a consistent national contender under coach Kirby Smart.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Former Georgetown guard Mac McClung will play at Texas Tech after Davide Moretti's departure from the Red Raiders to play professionally at home in Italy.

Coach Chris Beard said McClung had officially signed with the Red Raiders.

The junior had put his name in the transfer portal after removing it from consideration from the NBA draft. McClung led the Hoyas with 15.7 points a game last season, while also averaging 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

Williamson attorneys looking to block suit

MIAMI (AP) — Attorneys for NBA rookie Zion Williamson are seeking to block his former marketing agent's effort to have the ex-Duke star answer questions about whether he received improper benefits before playing for the Blue Devils.

In a Florida court filing last week, Williamson's attorneys say those questions are "nothing more than a fishing expedition aimed at tarnishing Williamson's reputation." They added the accusations are designed to "maximize potential embarrassment and media coverage in an attempt to improperly gain settlement leverage."

Connecticut transgender policy found to violate Title Nine

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has found a Connecticut policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in women's sports is illegal. The office says the policy violates Title IX, the federal civil rights law guarantees equal education opportunities for women, including in athletics.

The ruling comes in response to a complaint filed last year by several female track athletes, who argued that two transgender runners who were identified as male at birth had an unfair physical advantage. The dispute also is the subject of a federal lawsuit.

Williams considers full sale of struggling Formula 1 team

OXFORD, England (AP) —Williams is considering selling its storied Formula One team.

The Williams Grand Prix Holdings group says it is looking at a range of options as part of a "new strategic direction." That includes selling a minority or majority stake and even "a potential sale of the whole company."

The group is in preliminary discussions with some parties regarding a potential investment in the company. Williams was founded in 1966 and is the third most successful team in the sport with nine constructors' titles and seven drivers' titles.

Williams has struggled in recent years. It finished in last place in the constructors' standings in 2018 and '19.

UNDATED (AP) — For a lot of minor league umpires, this is shaping up as a rough year. More and more, it's looking as if there won't be any minor league season because of the coronavirus pandemic. That means no income right now for the 236 umps who work everywhere from Triple-A ball down to the rookie leagues. And with no games, they're left without a significant way to improve their craft. That could force some of them to make their toughest call. Either wait until next spring to continue a career of umpiring or leave baseball and find another line of work.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally. The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. The switch was mentioned in court papers in a suit by minor leaguers against Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation, on Nov 19. That corporation became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.IRVING, Texas (AP) — Two-time NCAA all-around champion gymnast Maggie Nichols and Heisman Trophy runner-up Jalen Hurts are the Big 12 Athletes of the Year. That gives Oklahoma a sweep of the conference’s top individual awards for the third time in five years. It was the second time for Nichols to be honored as the Big 12′s top female athlete. Nichols also became “Athlete A” when she dropped her anonymity in 2018 to help others who were abused by former U.S. team doctor Larry Nassar speak up. Nichols competed at the elite level for USA gymnastics before arriving at Oklahoma in the fall of 2016 and winning 11 NCAA trophies.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Former Georgetown guard Mac McClung has signed with Texas Tech following junior Davide Moretti's departure from the Red Raiders to play professionally at home in Italy. McClung had put his name in the transfer portal after removing it from consideration from the NBA draft. He has two seasons of college eligibility remaining after leading the Hoyas with 15.7 points a game this past season. He played in only 21 of Georgetown’s 32 games because of a right foot injury.CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott reeled in Kevin Harvick with 27 laps remaining and closed out the win at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday night. Elliott was charging hard on Harvick with about 35 laps remaining when he asked if he had enough fuel to make it to the finish. He stayed on the track and came away with his first Cup win of the season. Elliott shook off a pair of tough losses to finish about 2.2 seconds ahead of runner-up Denny Hamlin.UNDATED (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says racing will be allowed to resume in the state without spectators. The governor says NASCAR will race at Martinsville Speedway on June 10, and that other forms of auto racing and horse racing also are cleared to resume. NASCAR was originally scheduled to make its first of two stops at Martinsville in early May, but the event was postponed because of the outbreak.RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have added another option at running back by signing veteran Carlos Hyde to a one-year. Hyde is coming off the best season of his career after rushing for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns with Houston. It was his first 1,000-yard NFL campaign. Hyde’s addition is a significant move after leading rusher Chris Carson suffered a significant hip injury late last season. Coach Pete Carroll has indicated Carson should be healthy for the season.CHARLOTTE, (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Eli Apple after losing free agent James Bradberry to the Giants. Apple has started 48 games during four NFL seasons but has never lived up to the billing of being the 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft out of Ohio State. He recorded 58 tackles and one forced fumble while starting 15 games for the Saints last season.HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has found a Connecticut policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports is illegal. The office says the policy violates Title IX, the federal civil rights law guarantees equal education opportunities for women, including in athletics. The ruling comes in response to a complaint filed last year by several female track athletes, who argued that two transgender runners who were identified as male at birth had an unfair physical advantage. The dispute also is the subject of a federal lawsuit.Update on the latest sportsNASCAR-CHARLOTTEElliott gets first Cup win of seasonCONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott was able to celebrate a victory that capped a very busy stretch for NASCAR.Elliott reeled in Kevin Harvick with 27 laps remaining and closed out the win at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Elliott was charging hard on Harvick with about 35 laps remaining when he asked if he had enough fuel to make it to the finish. He stayed on the track and came away with his first Cup win of the season.Elliott shook off a pair of tough losses to finish about 2.2 seconds ahead of runner-up Denny Hamlin. Ryan Blaney was third, followed by Ricky Stenhouse and Kurt Busch.The rain-delayed event closed a frantic 12-day stretch that featured four Cup races, two each in North and South Carolina.Elliott's victory was the first for a Chevrolet driver in NASCAR's return to Cup racing since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the sport.NFL-RULE CHANGESNFL owners table onside kick alternative proposalUNDATED (AP) — NFL owners approved several rules on Thursday without accepting an alternative to the onside kick.Owners have tabled a proposal that would have offered a fourth-and-15 play as an alternative to the onside kick. Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay said there were more clubs receptive to the onside kick alternative than in the past and it will be further explored and likely brought up again.Owners approved testing expanded use of video replay in the preseason to aid in officiating, and they also increased the number of players who may be designated for return from the injured list during a season from two to three.The owners voted to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful extra points.Also approved was the competition committee's recommendation to expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but has not had time to avoid or ward off contact of an opponent.Another approved recommendation stops teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running. That's an issue that came up several times in 2019, including during the postseason.Using video replay for pass interference calls was dropped after a one-year experiment that led to more uncertainty than clarity.A proposal to have a booth judge serve as an eighth official on each crew was tabled.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSBoston marathon canceledUNDATED (AP) — Organizers have canceled the Boston Marathon for the first time in its 124-year history due to social distancing requirements of the coronavirus outbreak.The race had endured through two World Wars, a volcanic eruption and a previous pandemic. The race draws a field of 30,000 and already had been postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14. It will be replaced by a virtual event in which participants who verify that they ran 26.2 miles on their own will receive their finisher's medal.The Boston Marathon began in 1897 and has been the longest-running annual marathon in the world.In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:— NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is hopeful that coaches will be able to return to their team facilities by next week. Goodell also said during today's owners conference call that the virtual offseason is being extended for two more weeks. NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said the league's first consideration is of course the health and safety of the public and the players and the employees and the people who will be participating.— Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says racing will be allowed to resume in the state without spectators. The governor says NASCAR will race at Martinsville Speedway on June 10, and that other forms of auto racing and horse racing also are cleared to resume. NASCAR was originally scheduled to make its first of two stops at Martinsville in early May, but the event was postponed because of the outbreak.— The John Deere Classic is canceling what would have been its 50th straight anniversary as a PGA Tour event. Tournament director Clair Peterson says there were too many hurdles to overcome from the pandemic. The John Deere would have been the fifth PGA Tour event on the revised schedule. The tour had said the first month would be played without fans, leaving it possible for the Deere to have them.— Sports agent Scott Boras is recommending that his clients refuse Major League Baseball's attempt to cut salaries during negotiations with the players' association. He is claiming that team financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic have their origin in management debt financing. Boras wrote in an email obtained by The Associated Press that players should not alter terms of the March 26 agreement between MLB and the union that called for players to reduce their salaries to a prorated rate based on a shortened season. MLB on Tuesday proposed a series of tiered reductions that would cause top stars to receive the biggest cuts.— At least 10 major league franchises have informed minor leaguers they'll continue to provide allowances after the May 31 expiration of Major League Baseball's policy guaranteeing those players $400 per week. The San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners are promising payments through August. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles have pledged to do so through at least June. The White Sox are even providing those stipends to 25 minor league players recently released.— Live horse racing is slated to resume in Maryland this weekend with a three-day session at Laurel Park, which will remain closed to the general public. The Maryland Jockey Club says it has received approval from the Maryland Racing Commission to launch its Summer 2020 meet with live racing on Saturday, but fans are forbidden from entering the track until clearance is received from the state. All races on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be streamed live on the Laurel Park website.— Texas will soon allow outdoor pro sports events to have spectators, but their numbers will be strictly limited. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has revised a decision to let pro sports leagues host events without fans starting in June as part of the states' move to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. Abbott's new order allows outdoor stadiums to host fans up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Leagues will have to apply to state health officials to be allowed to have fans. Indoor events will still be without spectators.— Major League Soccer gave its teams the go-ahead to begin small voluntary group training sessions outdoors, the next step in the league's effort to return to action. The group sessions must comply with local public health and government restrictions. Teams must submit club-specific plans to the league for the sessions. A maximum of six players may be assigned to a single group. All other health and safety measures required when MLS teams began individual training must still be maintained. A league-wide moratorium on full team training remains in effect through next Monday.— The English Premier League plans to restart on June 17 after a 100-day shutdown with new staggered kickoffs to maximize broadcast slots as fans are prevented from attending games. The clubs agreed Thursday that the competition should resume with a Wednesday night doubleheader featuring Manchester City playing Arsenal and Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United. After those makeup games are played, the 30th round will start on Friday, June 19 provided authorities approve safety plans.— Three players from English soccer clubs Blackburn and Fulham have tested positive for the coronavirus. Blackburn says captain Elliott Bennett was found to be infected with COVID-19 after testing negative last Friday. Bennett says he doesn't "feel unwell" and doesn't have any symptoms. Fulham says two players tested positive but did not name them— Italy's top soccer league will resume on June 20. Italy's sports minister gave Serie A the green light to resume after a meeting with Italian soccer authorities on Thursday. A medical protocol for matches was approved by a technical scientific committee earlier.— The Hungarian soccer federation says matches in the country can once again be held with spectators in the stadiums. The announcement comes on the back of a government decree allowing the option. Organizers are obliged to keep three seats empty between each occupied seat and no fan may sit directly behind or in front of another.— Elite sports made a comeback in Australia for the first time since March 22 as the Parramatta Eels beat the Brisbane Broncos 34-6 in the National Rugby League Thursday. No fans were allowed into the 52,500-seat stadium in Brisbane because of strict social distancing rules but the game was broadcast across Australia.— The European Tour is planning to resume its season close to home. The tour says it has targeted the British Masters in England on July 22 as the restart. That would be followed by five new tournaments in England and Wales that will be called the "U.K. Swing." The new events will have a prize fund of 1 million euros. European Tour chief Keith Pelley says the plans depend on the U.K. lifting quarantine restrictions, but he's confident that will happen.— The Dutch Grand Prix has become the fourth Formula One race canceled this season because of the pandemic. Organizers of the first Dutch GP since 1985 chose not to host it without spectators. F1 wants to start the season in July with no spectators at races.— Fans will be allowed in the stadiums when the Russian soccer league restarts next month. Spectators will be allowed to attend matches if they don't exceed 10% of the stadium's capacity. The Russian league previously announced it would resume games on June 21. There's no word on what regulations would apply to the fans allowed into Russian stadiums or how the limited number of tickets would be allocated.NFL-NEWSHyde signs with Seahawks, Apple goes to PanthersUNDATED (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have added another option at running back by signing veteran Carlos Hyde to a one-year.Hyde is coming off the best season of his career after rushing for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns with Houston. It was his first 1,000-yard NFL campaign.Hyde's addition is a significant move after leading rusher Chris Carson suffered a significant hip injury late last season. Coach Pete Carroll has indicated Carson should be healthy for the season.In other NFL news:— The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Eli Apple after losing free agent James Bradberry to the Giants. Apple has started 48 games during four NFL seasons but has never lived up to the billing of being the 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft out of Ohio State. He recorded 58 tackles and one forced fumble while starting 15 games for the Saints last season.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-GEORGIA-DANIELSGeorgia gets USC transfer DanielsATLANTA (AP) — Georgia has picked up another high-profile transfer to compete for its starting quarterback job, landing former Southern California starter JT Daniels.Daniels started for the Trojans in 2018 but lost his job to Kedon Slovis last season after going down with a knee injury. Daniels will battle for playing time with graduate transfer Jamie Newman, who left Wake Forest to play his final college season with a program that has been a consistent national contender under coach Kirby Smart.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-TEXAS TECH-McCLUNGMcClung transferring to Texas TechLUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Former Georgetown guard Mac McClung will play at Texas Tech after Davide Moretti's departure from the Red Raiders to play professionally at home in Italy.Coach Chris Beard said McClung had officially signed with the Red Raiders.The junior had put his name in the transfer portal after removing it from consideration from the NBA draft. McClung led the Hoyas with 15.7 points a game last season, while also averaging 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.NBA-WILLIAMSON-SUITWilliamson attorneys looking to block suitMIAMI (AP) — Attorneys for NBA rookie Zion Williamson are seeking to block his former marketing agent's effort to have the ex-Duke star answer questions about whether he received improper benefits before playing for the Blue Devils.In a Florida court filing last week, Williamson's attorneys say those questions are "nothing more than a fishing expedition aimed at tarnishing Williamson's reputation." They added the accusations are designed to "maximize potential embarrassment and media coverage in an attempt to improperly gain settlement leverage."TRANSGENDER ATHLETES-HIGH SCHOOLConnecticut transgender policy found to violate Title NineHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has found a Connecticut policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in women's sports is illegal. The office says the policy violates Title IX, the federal civil rights law guarantees equal education opportunities for women, including in athletics.The ruling comes in response to a complaint filed last year by several female track athletes, who argued that two transgender runners who were identified as male at birth had an unfair physical advantage. The dispute also is the subject of a federal lawsuit.F1-WILLIAMS-FOR SALEWilliams considers full sale of struggling Formula 1 teamOXFORD, England (AP) —Williams is considering selling its storied Formula One team.The Williams Grand Prix Holdings group says it is looking at a range of options as part of a "new strategic direction." That includes selling a minority or majority stake and even "a potential sale of the whole company."The group is in preliminary discussions with some parties regarding a potential investment in the company. Williams was founded in 1966 and is the third most successful team in the sport with nine constructors' titles and seven drivers' titles.Williams has struggled in recent years. It finished in last place in the constructors' standings in 2018 and '19.

Friday Sports Headlines

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas will soon allow outdoor pro sports events to have spectators, but the numbers will be strictly limited, under a new order Thursday from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

Abbott revised a decision to let pro sports leagues host events without fans starting in June as part of the state’s move to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Abbott’s new order allows outdoor stadiums to host fans up to 25% of their normal capacity. Leagues will have to apply to state health officials to be allowed to have fans. Indoor events will still be without spectators.

The change came the same day Texas reported a one-day high in new cases with 1,855 reported Thursday. Texas now has 59,776 confirmed cases through nearly 990,000 viral and coronavirus antibody tests. It has 1,601 deaths, a one-day increase of 39. The actual number of cases is likely far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

IndyCar is set to open its season at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on June 6, but track president Eddie Gossage said that even under the new rule, the Genesys 300 race will still not include fans.

“Nobody wants to have the stands filled with fans more than me but we’re just not in a position to do that yet,” Gossage said in a written statement, noting the race will be broadcast live on NBC. “While the state will permit us to operate at 25 percent of capacity, there are still too many unanswered questions for an event that is just one week away.”

PGA Tour has previously said it plans to restart its season at Colonial in Texas on June 11-14 without fans attending.

Major League Baseball has proposed starting its season in early July at regular-season ballparks, if necessary without fans. Abbott’s order, however, may not impact the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros because “stadiums with retractable roofs are not considered to be outdoors,” health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said.

State health officials did not immediately respond to questions on whether any leagues or event organizer have asked to be allowed to have spectators.

The state has set up several guidelines, including a recommendation that spectators and employees keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone not from their household. If that is not feasible, other measures such as face coverings and sanitation protocols should be followed.

Athletes will not be required to wear masks, but the guidelines encourage them to be worn on the sidelines.

The order does not address college sports events.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. However, most patients recover.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas will soon allow outdoor pro sports events to have spectators, but the numbers will be strictly limited, under a new order Thursday from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.Abbott revised a decision to let pro sports leagues host events without fans starting in June as part of the state’s move to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.Abbott’s new order allows outdoor stadiums to host fans up to 25% of their normal capacity. Leagues will have to apply to state health officials to be allowed to have fans. Indoor events will still be without spectators.The change came the same day Texas reported a one-day high in new cases with 1,855 reported Thursday. Texas now has 59,776 confirmed cases through nearly 990,000 viral and coronavirus antibody tests. It has 1,601 deaths, a one-day increase of 39. The actual number of cases is likely far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.IndyCar is set to open its season at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on June 6, but track president Eddie Gossage said that even under the new rule, the Genesys 300 race will still not include fans.“Nobody wants to have the stands filled with fans more than me but we’re just not in a position to do that yet,” Gossage said in a written statement, noting the race will be broadcast live on NBC. “While the state will permit us to operate at 25 percent of capacity, there are still too many unanswered questions for an event that is just one week away.”PGA Tour has previously said it plans to restart its season at Colonial in Texas on June 11-14 without fans attending.Major League Baseball has proposed starting its season in early July at regular-season ballparks, if necessary without fans. Abbott’s order, however, may not impact the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros because “stadiums with retractable roofs are not considered to be outdoors,” health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said.State health officials did not immediately respond to questions on whether any leagues or event organizer have asked to be allowed to have spectators.The state has set up several guidelines, including a recommendation that spectators and employees keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone not from their household. If that is not feasible, other measures such as face coverings and sanitation protocols should be followed.Athletes will not be required to wear masks, but the guidelines encourage them to be worn on the sidelines.The order does not address college sports events.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. However, most patients recover.

Texas to allow some fans at outdoor pro sports events

BOSTON (AP) — Organizers canceled the Boston Marathon on Thursday for the first time in its history, bowing to the social distancing requirements of the coronavirus outbreak and ending a 124-year run that had persisted through two World Wars, a volcanic eruption and even another pandemic.

The race, which draws a field of 30,000 and already had been postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14, will be replaced by a virtual event in which participants who verify that they ran 26.2 miles (42.2 km) on their own will receive their finisher’s medal.

“It became clear as this crisis developed that Sept. 14 was less and less plausible,” Mayor Marty Walsh said at a news conference outside City Hall, where runners traditionally gather for a pre-race pasta dinner.

“This is a challenge, but meeting tough challenges is what the Boston Marathon is all about,” Walsh said, invoking the response to the finish line bombings seven years ago. “It’s a symbol of our city’s and our commonwealth’s resilience. So it’s incumbent upon all of us to dig deep, like a marathon runner, like we did in 2013, and keep that spirit alive.”

Although the title of Boston Marathon champion is contested by a few dozen elite athletes, the field includes more than 30,000 recreational and charity runners, with as many as 1 million people lined up along the course trek from Hopkinton to Boston’s Back Bay. That presented organizers with a social distancing problem that won’t be solved by the fall.

“There’s no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity,” Walsh said. “While our goal and our hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14 or any time this year.”

The longest-running annual marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon began in 1897 when 15 men drew a starting line in the dirt in Ashland and headed for the city to commemorate the first modern Olympic Games the previous year. In 1918, the format was modified to a relay due to World War I; the 2013 race was stopped when two bombs exploded at the finish line, several hours after the winners had finished but while many recreational runners were still on the course.

Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk said the race also had to adjust when temperatures along the course approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in 2012; ten years ago, ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded air travel and prevented many European runners from coming to Boston.

“There is a pretty rich history of accommodation and addressing reality. This is this year’s reality,” Grilk said.

“The spirit of Boston and the spirit of the Boston Marathon is to be strong and to be smart. When necessity drives you in a direction you might not have liked, you need to have the strength, the wisdom and the guidance from public officials to do what’s right.”

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

The race was scheduled in April on the state holiday to commemorate the battles in Lexington and Concord that marked the start of the Revolutionary War. Traditionally, the Red Sox have scheduled their first pitch for that morning so baseball fans could wander over to Kenmore Square after the game to see the runners pass by with one mile to go.

In announcing postponement in March, Walsh cited the desire to salvage the estimated $211 million pumped into the city’s economy each year. The B.A.A. and marathon runners also raise about $40 million for charity.

The B.A.A. said those who paid the entry fee for this year’s race can get their money back. They will also have a chance to participate in the virtual marathon, which they can run between Sept. 7-14. A downloadable “virtual toolkit” will include a printable finish line and winner’s tape.

Those who provide proof of a finish in less than 6 hours will receive a program, T-shirt, medal and runner’s bib.

The Sept. 12 B.A.A. 5K also was canceled.

Qualifying times for this year’s race will be eligible for the 2021 Boston Marathon, which is scheduled for April 19. The 125th anniversary edition is scheduled for April 18, 2022.

BOSTON (AP) — Organizers canceled the Boston Marathon on Thursday for the first time in its history, bowing to the social distancing requirements of the coronavirus outbreak and ending a 124-year run that had persisted through two World Wars, a volcanic eruption and even another pandemic.The race, which draws a field of 30,000 and already had been postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14, will be replaced by a virtual event in which participants who verify that they ran 26.2 miles (42.2 km) on their own will receive their finisher’s medal.“It became clear as this crisis developed that Sept. 14 was less and less plausible,” Mayor Marty Walsh said at a news conference outside City Hall, where runners traditionally gather for a pre-race pasta dinner.“This is a challenge, but meeting tough challenges is what the Boston Marathon is all about,” Walsh said, invoking the response to the finish line bombings seven years ago. “It’s a symbol of our city’s and our commonwealth’s resilience. So it’s incumbent upon all of us to dig deep, like a marathon runner, like we did in 2013, and keep that spirit alive.”Although the title of Boston Marathon champion is contested by a few dozen elite athletes, the field includes more than 30,000 recreational and charity runners, with as many as 1 million people lined up along the course trek from Hopkinton to Boston’s Back Bay. That presented organizers with a social distancing problem that won’t be solved by the fall.“There’s no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity,” Walsh said. “While our goal and our hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14 or any time this year.”The longest-running annual marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon began in 1897 when 15 men drew a starting line in the dirt in Ashland and headed for the city to commemorate the first modern Olympic Games the previous year. In 1918, the format was modified to a relay due to World War I; the 2013 race was stopped when two bombs exploded at the finish line, several hours after the winners had finished but while many recreational runners were still on the course.MORE SPORTS STORIES:<ol>
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 </ol>Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk said the race also had to adjust when temperatures along the course approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in 2012; ten years ago, ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded air travel and prevented many European runners from coming to Boston.“There is a pretty rich history of accommodation and addressing reality. This is this year’s reality,” Grilk said.“The spirit of Boston and the spirit of the Boston Marathon is to be strong and to be smart. When necessity drives you in a direction you might not have liked, you need to have the strength, the wisdom and the guidance from public officials to do what’s right.”Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/apf-sports">Sports</a>The race was scheduled in April on the state holiday to commemorate the battles in Lexington and Concord that marked the start of the Revolutionary War. Traditionally, the Red Sox have scheduled their first pitch for that morning so baseball fans could wander over to Kenmore Square after the game to see the runners pass by with one mile to go.In announcing postponement in March, Walsh cited the desire to salvage the estimated $211 million pumped into the city’s economy each year. The B.A.A. and marathon runners also raise about $40 million for charity.The B.A.A. said those who paid the entry fee for this year’s race can get their money back. They will also have a chance to participate in the virtual marathon, which they can run between Sept. 7-14. A downloadable “virtual toolkit” will include a printable finish line and winner’s tape.Those who provide proof of a finish in less than 6 hours will receive a program, T-shirt, medal and runner’s bib.The Sept. 12 B.A.A. 5K also was canceled.Qualifying times for this year’s race will be eligible for the 2021 Boston Marathon, which is scheduled for April 19. The 125th anniversary edition is scheduled for April 18, 2022.

Boston Marathon canceled for 1st time in 124-year history

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR’s grueling return to racing finally ended with a Cup victory for Chase Elliott.

Elliott raced to his first win of the season Thursday night in the rain-delayed event at Charlotte Motor Speedway to close a frantic 12 days for NASCAR. The event, postponed Wednesday night, was the fourth Cup race since the series resumed racing May 17.

Elliott had two frustrating losses in that span.

“Man this is a tough week, we’ve had some tough losses,” Elliott said from the frontstretch.

He was trying to race for the lead at Darlington Raceway last week when Kyle Busch wrecked him, and a caution with two laps remaining Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600 cost Elliott the victory. He pitted from the lead, took four tires and couldn’t get back to the front in the two-lap overtime sprint.

There was little suspense in this one. Elliott reeled in Kevin Harvick with 27 laps remaining and closed out the victory. Elliott also won the Truck Series race Tuesday night at Charlotte to give him a pair of victories in a four-race stretch at the track located just a few minutes away from Hendrick Motorsports headquarters.

Elliott was charging hard on Harvick with about 35 laps remaining when he asked if he had enough fuel to make it to the finish. Crew chief Alan Gustafson replied, “Yup. Go hard.”

“It’s not the Coke 600, but any win is tough to get,” Elliott said.

Denny Hamlin finished second in a Toyota with three crew members sitting at home under suspension for an infraction Sunday night. Ryan Blaney was third in a Ford.

Elliott’s victory was the first for a Chevrolet driver in NASCAR’s return to Cup racing. Harvick won the first race back in a Ford, Hamlin won the second race in a Toyota and Brad Keselowski won the 600 in a Ford.

But Elliott and his Hendrick teammates have been very strong since the series came back from a 10-week shutdown for the coronavirus pandemic. Elliott, Alex Bowman, William Byron and seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson have all led laps — a huge boost for a team that has been rebuilding for much of the last three seasons.

The rescheduled Thursday event was disrupted by lightning and rain for nearly 75 minutes after 30 laps had been completed.

NASCAR next goes to Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Sunday for a fifth Cup race in 15 days as the series attempts to reschedule eight events in a frantic stretch of racing through Southern states.

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR’s grueling return to racing finally ended with a Cup victory for Chase Elliott.Elliott raced to his first win of the season Thursday night in the rain-delayed event at Charlotte Motor Speedway to close a frantic 12 days for NASCAR. The event, postponed Wednesday night, was the fourth Cup race since the series resumed racing May 17.Elliott had two frustrating losses in that span.“Man this is a tough week, we’ve had some tough losses,” Elliott said from the frontstretch.He was trying to race for the lead at Darlington Raceway last week when Kyle Busch wrecked him, and a caution with two laps remaining Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600 cost Elliott the victory. He pitted from the lead, took four tires and couldn’t get back to the front in the two-lap overtime sprint.There was little suspense in this one. Elliott reeled in Kevin Harvick with 27 laps remaining and closed out the victory. Elliott also won the Truck Series race Tuesday night at Charlotte to give him a pair of victories in a four-race stretch at the track located just a few minutes away from Hendrick Motorsports headquarters.Elliott was charging hard on Harvick with about 35 laps remaining when he asked if he had enough fuel to make it to the finish. Crew chief Alan Gustafson replied, “Yup. Go hard.”Elliott did just that.“It’s not the Coke 600, but any win is tough to get,” Elliott said.Denny Hamlin finished second in a Toyota with three crew members sitting at home under suspension for an infraction Sunday night. Ryan Blaney was third in a Ford.Elliott’s victory was the first for a Chevrolet driver in NASCAR’s return to Cup racing. Harvick won the first race back in a Ford, Hamlin won the second race in a Toyota and Brad Keselowski won the 600 in a Ford.But Elliott and his Hendrick teammates have been very strong since the series came back from a 10-week shutdown for the coronavirus pandemic. Elliott, Alex Bowman, William Byron and seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson have all led laps — a huge boost for a team that has been rebuilding for much of the last three seasons.The rescheduled Thursday event was disrupted by lightning and rain for nearly 75 minutes after 30 laps had been completed.NASCAR next goes to Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Sunday for a fifth Cup race in 15 days as the series attempts to reschedule eight events in a frantic stretch of racing through Southern states.

Chase Elliott ends week of misery with overdue Cup victory

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally.

The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. The switch was mentioned Monday in a filing with the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals by Major League Baseball’s law firm in its defense of a lawsuit by minor leaguers claiming they are not being paid minimum wage.

Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, had been a defendant in the suit, which was filed in 2014. That company filed a certificate of conversion with the Missouri secretary of state on Nov. 19 to convert to Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation. Then the newly named corporation converted to Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Sherman’s group acquired 100% of Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC on Nov. 25, a deal thought to be valued at $1 billion. The LLC becomes a defendant in the suit.

An unopposed motion to substitute parties was filed by Proskauer Rose.

Many entities maintain a legal base in Delaware. The Royals have a Class A minor league team in Wilmington

“Corporate laws are much more universal in Delaware,” Royals spokesman Mike Swanson said.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally.The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. The switch was mentioned Monday in a filing with the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals by Major League Baseball’s law firm in its defense of a lawsuit by minor leaguers claiming they are not being paid minimum wage.Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, had been a defendant in the suit, which was filed in 2014. That company filed a certificate of conversion with the Missouri secretary of state on Nov. 19 to convert to Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation. Then the newly named corporation converted to Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.Sherman’s group acquired 100% of Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC on Nov. 25, a deal thought to be valued at $1 billion. The LLC becomes a defendant in the suit.An unopposed motion to substitute parties was filed by Proskauer Rose.Many entities maintain a legal base in Delaware. The Royals have a Class A minor league team in Wilmington“Corporate laws are much more universal in Delaware,” Royals spokesman Mike Swanson said.

Not in Missouri anymore: Royals move legal home to Delaware

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Wednesday’s NASCAR Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been rained out and rescheduled for Thursday night. The starting order for the second Cup race at Charlotte this week was set based on the finishing order of the Coca-Cola 600 but with an inversion. Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Alex Bowman will start from the pole, while Coca-Cola 600 winner Brad Keselowski will start 20th.

UNDATED (AP) — Baseball players will take at least a few days and possibly until next week to respond to Major League Baseball’s proposed sliding scale of salary slashing. But people familiar with their deliberations tell The Associated Press that players appeared likely to propose increasing the number of regular-season games this year while holding to their demand for full prorated salaries. One of the people said many players were angered by the proposal teams made Tuesday.

UNDATED (AP) — Basketball Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo told ESPN that the enshrinement ceremony for Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and five others will be delayed until the spring of 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony was to have taken place in Springfield on Aug. 29. Bryant, Garnett and Duncan all got into the Hall in their first year as finalists, as did WNBA great Tamika Catchings.

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is keeping coach Jeff Blashill despite missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Yzerman told reporters his previously announced plans to keep Blashill behind the bench have not changed. The Red Wings won an NHL-low 17 games this season and are 153-194-52 under Blashill.

UNDATED (AP) — The final deadline to nominate horses to the rescheduled Triple Crown series is June 3. Owners and trainers can make 3-year-old thoroughbreds eligible for the three-race series at a cost of $3,000. That’s half the original price as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which is forcing the series to be run out of order for the first time since 1931. The late nominations were originally due March 30 but were postponed until the Triple Crown races were rescheduled.

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA has been sued by the owners of the building that houses the NBA Store, who say the league owes more than $1.2 million after not paying rent in April or May. The NBA responded by saying it doesn’t believe the suit has merit since the league was forced to close the New York store due to the coronavirus pandemic. The suit claims NBA Media Ventures, LLC is required to pay $625,000 of its $7.5 million annual fee on the first day of each month under teams of its lease.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley sent an email to Ray Anderson last season alleging the Arizona State athletic director minimized sexual harassment allegations by the wives of three athletic staff members against a school booster. In the email obtained by Yahoo Sports, Hurley accused Anderson on Dec. 8 of disregarding the safety of and showing no sensitivity toward the women. Hurley also accused Anderson of coming up with a numeric scale to judge the harassment claims by the women, including Hurley's wife

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Wednesday’s NASCAR Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been rained out and rescheduled for Thursday night. The starting order for the second Cup race at Charlotte this week was set based on the finishing order of the Coca-Cola 600 but with an inversion. Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Alex Bowman will start from the pole, while Coca-Cola 600 winner Brad Keselowski will start 20th.UNDATED (AP) — Baseball players will take at least a few days and possibly until next week to respond to Major League Baseball’s proposed sliding scale of salary slashing. But people familiar with their deliberations tell The Associated Press that players appeared likely to propose increasing the number of regular-season games this year while holding to their demand for full prorated salaries. One of the people said many players were angered by the proposal teams made Tuesday.UNDATED (AP) — Basketball Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo told ESPN that the enshrinement ceremony for Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and five others will be delayed until the spring of 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony was to have taken place in Springfield on Aug. 29. Bryant, Garnett and Duncan all got into the Hall in their first year as finalists, as did WNBA great Tamika Catchings.DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is keeping coach Jeff Blashill despite missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Yzerman told reporters his previously announced plans to keep Blashill behind the bench have not changed. The Red Wings won an NHL-low 17 games this season and are 153-194-52 under Blashill.UNDATED (AP) — The final deadline to nominate horses to the rescheduled Triple Crown series is June 3. Owners and trainers can make 3-year-old thoroughbreds eligible for the three-race series at a cost of $3,000. That’s half the original price as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which is forcing the series to be run out of order for the first time since 1931. The late nominations were originally due March 30 but were postponed until the Triple Crown races were rescheduled.UNDATED (AP) — The NBA has been sued by the owners of the building that houses the NBA Store, who say the league owes more than $1.2 million after not paying rent in April or May. The NBA responded by saying it doesn’t believe the suit has merit since the league was forced to close the New York store due to the coronavirus pandemic. The suit claims NBA Media Ventures, LLC is required to pay $625,000 of its $7.5 million annual fee on the first day of each month under teams of its lease.TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley sent an email to Ray Anderson last season alleging the Arizona State athletic director minimized sexual harassment allegations by the wives of three athletic staff members against a school booster. In the email obtained by Yahoo Sports, Hurley accused Anderson on Dec. 8 of disregarding the safety of and showing no sensitivity toward the women. Hurley also accused Anderson of coming up with a numeric scale to judge the harassment claims by the women, including Hurley's wife

Thursday Sports Headlines

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State sophomore forward Kaosi Ezeagu (Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP) has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach Bruce Weber announced on Wednesday (May 27).

A 6-foot-10, 245-pound transfer from UTEP, Ezeagu enrolled at K-State on January 17 for the Spring 2020 semester and was able to practice with the team. He sat out the remainder of the 2019-20 season and was expected to do so for the Fall 2020 semester before earning the waiver. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

"We are excited for Kaosi that he was able to gain this waiver and become immediately eligible," said Weber. "When we signed him, I thought he filled a big need, giving us an older, experienced big guy that has played Division I basketball. He made big strides on the court and in the weight room this past semester and helped raise the physicality and competitive spirit in practice. He really helped push (departing senior) Mak (Mawien) down the stretch. We are appreciative to Coach (Rodney) Terry, his staff and UTEP for supporting this waiver."

Prior to enrolling at K-State, the native of Brampton, Ontario played one season at UTEP for head coach Rodney Terry in 2018-19. He played in all 29 games for the Miners as a true freshman, averaging 3.2 points on a team-best 56.9 field goal percentage (37-of-65) with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game. He led the team with 24 blocked shots and registered at least 2 blocks in eight contests with a season-high 3 against Rice on February 23, 2019. Twice he scored in double figures, including 10 in his first game against UTPB on November 16, 2018 and a season-best 12 against Middle Tennessee State on March 6, 2019.

Ezeagu started each of the Miners' last seven games, averaging 3.9 points on 47.8 percent shooting (11-of-23) with 4.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. He nearly had a double-double in his final home game against Middle Tennessee State with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting with 9 rebounds in a season-best 29 minutes.

Ezeagu was born in the Bahamas but went to prep school in Brampton, Ontario (a suburb of Toronto, where he was rated one of the top prep players in Canada after averaging 11.4 points and 10.4 rebounds at GTA Prep at Mississauga Secondary School in 2017-18. The only player in the league to average a double-double, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year by the National Preparatory Association. He was also selected as the co-MVP of the Signature All-Canadian Showcase.

Ezeagu joins an acclaimed recruiting class that includes community college transfers Rueadale "Rudi" Williams (Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail [N.C]/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College) and Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) as well as high school seniors Davion Bradford (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville, Luke Kasubke (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade, Seryee Lewis (Chicago, Ill./Compass Prep [Ariz.], Selton Miguel (Orlando, Fla./West Oaks Academy) and Nijel Pack (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).

The seven-man recruiting class ranks among the best in the country by several recruiting services, including No. 17 by Rivals.com and No. 30 by 247Sports.com. Historically speaking, it is the highest rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Three players (Selton Miguel, Nijel Pack and Davion Bradford) are rated among the Top 150 players by both 247Sports and Rivals, while Williams and Linguard are both ranked among the best community college signees by 247Sports.

kstatesports.comMANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State sophomore forward Kaosi Ezeagu (Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP) has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach Bruce Weber announced on Wednesday (May 27).A 6-foot-10, 245-pound transfer from UTEP, Ezeagu enrolled at K-State on January 17 for the Spring 2020 semester and was able to practice with the team. He sat out the remainder of the 2019-20 season and was expected to do so for the Fall 2020 semester before earning the waiver. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining."We are excited for Kaosi that he was able to gain this waiver and become immediately eligible," said Weber. "When we signed him, I thought he filled a big need, giving us an older, experienced big guy that has played Division I basketball. He made big strides on the court and in the weight room this past semester and helped raise the physicality and competitive spirit in practice. He really helped push (departing senior) Mak (Mawien) down the stretch. We are appreciative to Coach (Rodney) Terry, his staff and UTEP for supporting this waiver."Prior to enrolling at K-State, the native of Brampton, Ontario played one season at UTEP for head coach Rodney Terry in 2018-19. He played in all 29 games for the Miners as a true freshman, averaging 3.2 points on a team-best 56.9 field goal percentage (37-of-65) with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game. He led the team with 24 blocked shots and registered at least 2 blocks in eight contests with a season-high 3 against Rice on February 23, 2019. Twice he scored in double figures, including 10 in his first game against UTPB on November 16, 2018 and a season-best 12 against Middle Tennessee State on March 6, 2019.Ezeagu started each of the Miners' last seven games, averaging 3.9 points on 47.8 percent shooting (11-of-23) with 4.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. He nearly had a double-double in his final home game against Middle Tennessee State with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting with 9 rebounds in a season-best 29 minutes.Ezeagu was born in the Bahamas but went to prep school in Brampton, Ontario (a suburb of Toronto, where he was rated one of the top prep players in Canada after averaging 11.4 points and 10.4 rebounds at GTA Prep at Mississauga Secondary School in 2017-18. The only player in the league to average a double-double, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year by the National Preparatory Association. He was also selected as the co-MVP of the Signature All-Canadian Showcase.Ezeagu joins an acclaimed recruiting class that includes community college transfers Rueadale "Rudi" Williams (Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail [N.C]/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College) and Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) as well as high school seniors Davion Bradford (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville, Luke Kasubke (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade, Seryee Lewis (Chicago, Ill./Compass Prep [Ariz.], Selton Miguel (Orlando, Fla./West Oaks Academy) and Nijel Pack (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).The seven-man recruiting class ranks among the best in the country by several recruiting services, including No. 17 by Rivals.com and No. 30 by 247Sports.com. Historically speaking, it is the highest rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Three players (Selton Miguel, Nijel Pack and Davion Bradford) are rated among the Top 150 players by both 247Sports and Rivals, while Williams and Linguard are both ranked among the best community college signees by 247Sports.

Ezeagu Earns Waiver to Play Immediately in 2020-21

Financially challenged schools considering cutting sports in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic are making difficult decisions of who gets to keep playing and who doesn’t.

The choices aren’t just about money when they involve women’s sports. And while Title IX doesn’t prevent women’s sports from being eliminated, the federal law is a huge part of the conversations.

“I wouldn’t say that women’s sports are more at risk,” said attorney Timothy J. O’Brien, who is based in Maine with a practice focused on employment and college sports law. “I would say that all sports in an economic downturn will be scrutinized. But it should be done in a fair and equitable manner so at the end of the day the institution is compliant with Title IX.”

The civil-rights law, which applies to each gender, is credited with expanding women’s opportunities and participation in sports.

With the shutdown of college and professional sports in March amid the pandemic, it’s unclear how many schools will be able to have sports on reopened campuses this fall. Some – including Appalachian State, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Furman and Old Dominion – have already cut non-revenue sports programs, but any move must ensure equitable treatment of remaining men’s and women’s athletics programs to comply with Title IX.

Established in 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds, such as student financial aid. It applies to sports by ensuring men and women have equitable participation opportunities, as well as access to scholarships.

While schools are facing financial hardships, Boston-based attorney Janet P. Judge said that fact doesn’t nullify Title IX responsibilities.

“Title IX still applies,” said Judge, who focuses on sports and civil rights law. “It’s a federal law that still applies. It’s not suspended because there are financial challenges for the institutions.”

Schools are reviewing guidelines with college athletics facing an uncertain financial future – including big-budget programs that rely on football as the revenue driver through lucrative TV deals and the ability to fund lower-profile sports. There was also the hit from the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament, which meant far less money distributed to Division I schools.

O’Brien, who joined Judge in co-authoring the NCAA gender equity manual, said schools are “keenly aware” that decisions can’t be based solely on which programs cost the most money with the least return. That’s because any decision to cut sports can affect the “delicate balancing act” in complying with Title IX when it comes to the school’s gender breakdown of athletes and sports, he said.

Still, it doesn’t mandate schools offer men’s and women’s programs that are mirror images. As an example, NCAA guidelines require Football Bowl Subdivision schools to sponsor at least 16 varsity sports with a minimum of six for men or mixed-gender teams, and eight for women.

O’Brien said compliance can be measured in multiple ways, including whether the overall sports program’s gender breakdown is proportionate to that of the general student body.

“That’s really the focal point of the analysis: what’s left, not what was eliminated?” O’Brien said.

Like O’Brien, Judge does not believe women’s programs are at more risk because it “would be difficult” for schools to comply with Title IX while widely cutting women’s sports. So far, they’re right; more men’s programs (16) have been cut than women’s (four) in Division I as of Tuesday, according to a count by The Associated Press.

Old Dominion said in early April it would discontinue wrestling, saving about $1 million. The school said that decision followed a six-month outside study of its athletics program that included Title IX compliance considerations, with athletics director Camden Wood Selig saying the decision to cut a sport “became even more clear” with the pandemic.

Later that month, Cincinnati eliminated a men’s soccer program in existence since 1973.

In May, Florida International dissolved its men’s indoor track and field program. Akron eliminated three sports — men’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s tennis — to save $4.4 million. Bowling Green followed with the shutdown of baseball to reduce the athletics department’s operating budget by $2 million.

Last week, Furman cut baseball and men’s lacrosse, while East Carolina eliminated four sports — men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis — in a plan to save $4.9 million.

And Tuesday, Appalachian State cut men’s soccer, men’s tennis and men’s indoor track and field in a plan to reduce the budget by $5 million for the 2021 fiscal year.

There are other financial considerations, too.

Wake Forest athletics director John Currie noted that non-revenue sports frequently have athletes on partial scholarships, meaning a team roster could have the equivalent of numerous athletes paying full tuition. So cutting a sport might reduce expenses for an athletics department yet cause a net revenue loss for a school more broadly.

It’s just one example, he said, of detailed evaluations any school must make while also fulfilling its Title IX requirements.

Meeting that threshold is not optional, though Currie noted a harsh reality: “Not every school can be everything to everybody.”

“Allocation of resources is among the most difficult decisions that leaders have to make, and the prioritization of how they’re going to allocate those resources,” Currie said. “Because there’s lots of great things we could do. We can’t do everything, if we want to do things in an excellent fashion.

“Despite what people want to believe, college athletics as a whole is an enterprise with some business principles. It’s not a business, because there’s no business that operates a predominant number of its programs at a net loss.”

Financially challenged schools considering cutting sports in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic are making difficult decisions of who gets to keep playing and who doesn’t.The choices aren’t just about money when they involve women’s sports. And while Title IX doesn’t prevent women’s sports from being eliminated, the federal law is a huge part of the conversations.“I wouldn’t say that women’s sports are more at risk,” said attorney Timothy J. O’Brien, who is based in Maine with a practice focused on employment and college sports law. “I would say that all sports in an economic downturn will be scrutinized. But it should be done in a fair and equitable manner so at the end of the day the institution is compliant with Title IX.”The civil-rights law, which applies to each gender, is credited with expanding women’s opportunities and participation in sports.With the shutdown of college and professional sports in March amid the pandemic, it’s unclear how many schools will be able to have sports on reopened campuses this fall. Some – including Appalachian State, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Furman and Old Dominion – have already cut non-revenue sports programs, but any move must ensure equitable treatment of remaining men’s and women’s athletics programs to comply with Title IX.Established in 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds, such as student financial aid. It applies to sports by ensuring men and women have equitable participation opportunities, as well as access to scholarships.While schools are facing financial hardships, Boston-based attorney Janet P. Judge said that fact doesn’t nullify Title IX responsibilities.“Title IX still applies,” said Judge, who focuses on sports and civil rights law. “It’s a federal law that still applies. It’s not suspended because there are financial challenges for the institutions.”Schools are reviewing guidelines with college athletics facing an uncertain financial future – including big-budget programs that rely on football as the revenue driver through lucrative TV deals and the ability to fund lower-profile sports. There was also the hit from the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament, which meant far less money distributed to Division I schools.O’Brien, who joined Judge in co-authoring the NCAA gender equity manual, said schools are “keenly aware” that decisions can’t be based solely on which programs cost the most money with the least return. That’s because any decision to cut sports can affect the “delicate balancing act” in complying with Title IX when it comes to the school’s gender breakdown of athletes and sports, he said.Still, it doesn’t mandate schools offer men’s and women’s programs that are mirror images. As an example, NCAA guidelines require Football Bowl Subdivision schools to sponsor at least 16 varsity sports with a minimum of six for men or mixed-gender teams, and eight for women.O’Brien said compliance can be measured in multiple ways, including whether the overall sports program’s gender breakdown is proportionate to that of the general student body.“That’s really the focal point of the analysis: what’s left, not what was eliminated?” O’Brien said.Like O’Brien, Judge does not believe women’s programs are at more risk because it “would be difficult” for schools to comply with Title IX while widely cutting women’s sports. So far, they’re right; more men’s programs (16) have been cut than women’s (four) in Division I as of Tuesday, according to a count by The Associated Press.Old Dominion said in early April it would discontinue wrestling, saving about $1 million. The school said that decision followed a six-month outside study of its athletics program that included Title IX compliance considerations, with athletics director Camden Wood Selig saying the decision to cut a sport “became even more clear” with the pandemic.Later that month, Cincinnati eliminated a men’s soccer program in existence since 1973.In May, Florida International dissolved its men’s indoor track and field program. Akron eliminated three sports — men’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s tennis — to save $4.4 million. Bowling Green followed with the shutdown of baseball to reduce the athletics department’s operating budget by $2 million.Last week, Furman cut baseball and men’s lacrosse, while East Carolina eliminated four sports — men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis — in a plan to save $4.9 million.And Tuesday, Appalachian State cut men’s soccer, men’s tennis and men’s indoor track and field in a plan to reduce the budget by $5 million for the 2021 fiscal year.There are other financial considerations, too.Wake Forest athletics director John Currie noted that non-revenue sports frequently have athletes on partial scholarships, meaning a team roster could have the equivalent of numerous athletes paying full tuition. So cutting a sport might reduce expenses for an athletics department yet cause a net revenue loss for a school more broadly.It’s just one example, he said, of detailed evaluations any school must make while also fulfilling its Title IX requirements.Meeting that threshold is not optional, though Currie noted a harsh reality: “Not every school can be everything to everybody.”“Allocation of resources is among the most difficult decisions that leaders have to make, and the prioritization of how they’re going to allocate those resources,” Currie said. “Because there’s lots of great things we could do. We can’t do everything, if we want to do things in an excellent fashion.“Despite what people want to believe, college athletics as a whole is an enterprise with some business principles. It’s not a business, because there’s no business that operates a predominant number of its programs at a net loss.”

Title IX major factor for colleges looking at sports cuts

The athletic department at the University of Kansas has told donors it will make across-the-board pay cuts and furloughs as it faces a budget shortfall of up to 20 percent, even if full football and basketball seasons are played.

Jayhawks athletic director Jeff Long said in an email that employees making less than $50,000 will face a three-week furlough this summer; those making up to $149,000 can choose between a 10-day furlough or a pay cut of either 3.5% or 5% depending on their salary; those making up to $299,000 can choose a 10-day furlough or cut of either 7.5% and 10%; and those making $300,000 or more will take a 10% pay cut.

Long joined football coach Les Miles and basketball coach Bill Self in taking pay cuts in April. When those are combined with the latest cuts, Long said the athletic department would save about $1.15 million.

“We prolonged enacting measures that impact our people as long as we could,” Long said in the email, “but it has become clear that the across-the-board reductions were necessary for the short and long-term financial needs of this department.”

The athletic department at the University of Kansas has told donors it will make across-the-board pay cuts and furloughs as it faces a budget shortfall of up to 20 percent, even if full football and basketball seasons are played.Jayhawks athletic director Jeff Long said in an email that employees making less than $50,000 will face a three-week furlough this summer; those making up to $149,000 can choose between a 10-day furlough or a pay cut of either 3.5% or 5% depending on their salary; those making up to $299,000 can choose a 10-day furlough or cut of either 7.5% and 10%; and those making $300,000 or more will take a 10% pay cut.Long joined football coach Les Miles and basketball coach Bill Self in taking pay cuts in April. When those are combined with the latest cuts, Long said the athletic department would save about $1.15 million.“We prolonged enacting measures that impact our people as long as we could,” Long said in the email, “but it has become clear that the across-the-board reductions were necessary for the short and long-term financial needs of this department.”

Kansas athletics facing imposing budget woes

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Former DePaul guard Jalen Coleman-Lands is joining Iowa State as a graduate transfer. He averaged 11.1 points per game for the Blue Demons last season. He will be eligible immediately pending his graduation from DePaul. Coleman-Lands began his career at Illinois, where he led the team in 3-pointers made in each of his two seasons. The Indianapolis native was granted a sixth year by the NCAA in early April after sitting out the 2017-18 season as a transfer and being limited to just nine games in 2018-19 because of injury.

UNDATED (AP) —The NHL will abandon the rest of the regular season and go straight into the playoffs with 24 teams instead of 16 if it is able to resume play.

The decision, announced Tuesday by Commissioner Gary Bettman, is not a guarantee that games are coming back. The NHL and the NHL Players' Association must still figure out health and safety protocols and solve other issues, including where to play.

Still, ironing out the format represents significant progress since global sports were largely shut down in March as the coronavirus outbreak turned into a pandemic. Bettman has said the goal has always been to play again and award the Stanley Cup, but details remain uncertain.

Instead of limiting the Cup chase to the usual 16 teams that qualify for the playoffs, the league and players agreed to expand the field to 24 of its 31 teams because of the unusual circumstances.

The top four teams in each conference ranked by points percentage will play separate round-robin tournaments to determine seeding. The remaining 16 teams will be seeded by conference.

Games are expected to be played in two hub cities and Bettman said and 10 are in the running: Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, Dallas, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis/St. Paul in the U.S. and Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

Dolphins owner says there will be a 2020 season

MIAMI (AP) — Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says there definitely will be an NFL season in 2020.

In an interview on CNBC, Ross says the question is whether there will be fans in the stadiums.

The NFL has said it expects to play a full schedule beginning Sept. 10 but is preparing contingency plans in case the coronavirus pandemic makes venue changes or games without fans necessary.

Ross says the NFL's flexibility will allow the league to start on time. He says the country needs sports entertainment.

Players call MLB economic proposal `extremely disappointing'

NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie at the major league minimum would make a higher percentage of his salary than multimillionaire stars like Mike Trout or Gerrit Cole under a sliding-scale proposal by big league teams that players found "extremely disappointing."

Major League Baseball made the proposal to the players' union on Tuesday during a digital meeting rather than the 50-50 revenue-sharing plan that owners initially approved for their negotiators on May 11. In addition, the union said "the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols" aimed at starting the pandemic-delayed season around the Fourth of July.

Salaries in the major leagues range from $563,500 at the minimum to $36 million each for Trout, the three-time MVP outfielder on the Los Angeles Angels, and Cole, the pitcher signed by the New York Yankees as a free agent. According to a study by The AP, 369 of 899 players have salaries of $600,000 or less, according to the rosters frozen in March.

The Oakland Athletics are placing their scouts and selected other front office employees on furlough and cutting the salaries of other executives as part of a cost-cutting move in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A person familiar with the plans said Tuesday that the furloughs will begin next week, although the team's amateur scouts are expected to stay on through the draft June 10-11. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the moves.

The furloughs will apply to professional and amateur scouts and other front office employees on the business side. The A's will continue to pay the health care, 401K and pension costs for their employees.

World TeamTennis hoping to play before fans within weeks

UNDATED (AP) — World TeamTennis says it is planning to allow up to 500 spectators at outdoor matches during its three-week season from July 12 to Aug. 2 at a resort in West Virginia.

All tennis events sanctioned by the ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation are on hold at least until late July because of the coronavirus pandemic. But World TeamTennis is not affiliated with those tours and no ATP or WTA ranking points are available for its matches.

World TeamTennis is increasing its prize money to $5 million. That is $1.5 million more than for its 2019 season.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Former DePaul guard Jalen Coleman-Lands is joining Iowa State as a graduate transfer. He averaged 11.1 points per game for the Blue Demons last season. He will be eligible immediately pending his graduation from DePaul. Coleman-Lands began his career at Illinois, where he led the team in 3-pointers made in each of his two seasons. The Indianapolis native was granted a sixth year by the NCAA in early April after sitting out the 2017-18 season as a transfer and being limited to just nine games in 2018-19 because of injury.Update on the latest in sports:VIRUS OUTBREAK-NHLNHL to move straight into playoffsUNDATED (AP) —The NHL will abandon the rest of the regular season and go straight into the playoffs with 24 teams instead of 16 if it is able to resume play.The decision, announced Tuesday by Commissioner Gary Bettman, is not a guarantee that games are coming back. The NHL and the NHL Players' Association must still figure out health and safety protocols and solve other issues, including where to play.Still, ironing out the format represents significant progress since global sports were largely shut down in March as the coronavirus outbreak turned into a pandemic. Bettman has said the goal has always been to play again and award the Stanley Cup, but details remain uncertain.Instead of limiting the Cup chase to the usual 16 teams that qualify for the playoffs, the league and players agreed to expand the field to 24 of its 31 teams because of the unusual circumstances.The top four teams in each conference ranked by points percentage will play separate round-robin tournaments to determine seeding. The remaining 16 teams will be seeded by conference.Games are expected to be played in two hub cities and Bettman said and 10 are in the running: Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, Dallas, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis/St. Paul in the U.S. and Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NFL-ROSSDolphins owner says there will be a 2020 seasonMIAMI (AP) — Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says there definitely will be an NFL season in 2020.In an interview on CNBC, Ross says the question is whether there will be fans in the stadiums.The NFL has said it expects to play a full schedule beginning Sept. 10 but is preparing contingency plans in case the coronavirus pandemic makes venue changes or games without fans necessary.Ross says the NFL's flexibility will allow the league to start on time. He says the country needs sports entertainment.VIRUS OUTBREAK-BASEBALLPlayers call MLB economic proposal `extremely disappointing'NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie at the major league minimum would make a higher percentage of his salary than multimillionaire stars like Mike Trout or Gerrit Cole under a sliding-scale proposal by big league teams that players found "extremely disappointing."Major League Baseball made the proposal to the players' union on Tuesday during a digital meeting rather than the 50-50 revenue-sharing plan that owners initially approved for their negotiators on May 11. In addition, the union said "the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols" aimed at starting the pandemic-delayed season around the Fourth of July.Salaries in the major leagues range from $563,500 at the minimum to $36 million each for Trout, the three-time MVP outfielder on the Los Angeles Angels, and Cole, the pitcher signed by the New York Yankees as a free agent. According to a study by The AP, 369 of 899 players have salaries of $600,000 or less, according to the rosters frozen in March.In other MLB news:The Oakland Athletics are placing their scouts and selected other front office employees on furlough and cutting the salaries of other executives as part of a cost-cutting move in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.A person familiar with the plans said Tuesday that the furloughs will begin next week, although the team's amateur scouts are expected to stay on through the draft June 10-11. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't announced the moves.The furloughs will apply to professional and amateur scouts and other front office employees on the business side. The A's will continue to pay the health care, 401K and pension costs for their employees.WORLD TEAMTENNIS-FANSWorld TeamTennis hoping to play before fans within weeksUNDATED (AP) — World TeamTennis says it is planning to allow up to 500 spectators at outdoor matches during its three-week season from July 12 to Aug. 2 at a resort in West Virginia.All tennis events sanctioned by the ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation are on hold at least until late July because of the coronavirus pandemic. But World TeamTennis is not affiliated with those tours and no ATP or WTA ranking points are available for its matches.World TeamTennis is increasing its prize money to $5 million. That is $1.5 million more than for its 2019 season.NASCAR-BUSCH-MASKSKyle Busch supports wearing a mask in publicCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch says he supports wearing a mask in public so "we all can take care of our neighbor" amid the coronavirus pandemic. It's a rare instance of the two-time NASCAR champion wading into a social issue.Busch entered the debate after images from short tracks over the weekend showed packed grandstands with little social distancing and few people wearing masks.He retweeted a photo from South Alabama Speedway in Ozark, Alabama, and added his own message. Busch applauded fans for supporting their local short tracks but suggested mandatory masks for admission for "healthier practices."The reigning Cup Series champion rarely speaks on non-racing issues.In other developments related to the coronavirus:—Iowa State athletic director Jaime Pollard is telling Cyclones fans that football home games will be played at no more than 50% capacity at Jack Trice Stadium, pending a change in state and local health guidelines. That means no more than 30,000 fans. About 22,000 season tickets have been renewed, leaving about 8,000 seats to be filled.— Formula One carmaker McLaren says 1,200 jobs will be lost across its entire group's operations because of the coronavirus outbreak. It was not immediately clear how the cuts would affect the group's F1 operation. The sport has yet to start its 2020 season amid the pandemic. The cuts represent about a quarter of the group's workforce.— New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted that as long as the NFL's Giants and Jets and the NHL's Devils follow health and medical protocols, they could open training camps or even hold competition. The NFL's preseason and training camps wouldn't begin until midsummer — teams are doing virtual workouts in place of the usual on-field activities because of the coronavirus pandemic.— The top men's soccer league in Ukraine will resume Saturday in empty stadiums after a suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Ukrainian Premier League says it has received approval from the country's health ministry to restart. No games have been played since March 15.COLLEGE ADMISSIONS-BRIBERYProsecutors say guilty plea coming in college bribery caseUNDATED (AP) — A Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to bribing Georgetown University's former tennis coach to get his daughter admitted as a fake athletic recruit.Robert Repella pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 10 months in prison and a $40,000 fine.Charging documents released Tuesday say Repella paid Georgetown tennis coach Gordon Ernst $50,000 in 2017 to get his daughter admitted as an athlete.Repella is the 55th person to be charged in the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal.NBA-WIZARDS-WALLWall says he's fully recoveredWASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Wizards point guard John Wall says he is fully recovered after two operations that sidelined him for the past 1½ years. He also says he is "itching" to get back on the court next season.The five-time All-Star has not played in an NBA game since December 2018. Surgery for bone spurs in his left heel ended that season and while he was working his way back from that, he tore his left Achilles tendon and needed another operation in 2019.That held Wall out for all the current season, which was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.He spoke during a video call to discuss his relief program to help pay rent for people in the nation's capital affected by the coronavirus pandemic.BAFFERT-HORSE DRUG TESTSReports: 2 horses trained by Bob Baffert fail drug testsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Published reports say that two horses from the barn of two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert have tested positive for a banned substance.The New York Times and Louisville Courier-Journal have cited unidentified sources in reporting the positive tests occurred during the recent meet at Oaklawn in Arkansas.The Times says one of the horses to test positive for lidocaine was Charlatan, considered a top contender for the Belmont Stakes in June.Baffert says he's disappointed the Arkansas Racing Commission has violated its rules about confidentiality until the stewards have weighed in with a ruling.&nbsp;