PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper singled, doubled and homered, Trea Turner doubled, homered and drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-6. Alec Bohm also went deep for defending NL champion Philadelphia, which entered holding the second wild-card spot. Freddy Fermin homered twice for the Royals, who had won seven consecutive games.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper singled, doubled and homered, Trea Turner doubled, homered and drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-6. Alec Bohm also went deep for defending NL champion Philadelphia, which entered holding the second wild-card spot. Freddy Fermin homered twice for the Royals, who had won seven consecutive games.

Royals lose to the Phillies

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.

Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.

“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.

Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.

“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.

Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.

The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.

In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.

Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.

Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.

Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Naeher saves it, but it&#39;s ruled over the line. Sweden advances. 🇺🇸 ✅✅✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ 🇸🇪 ✅✅❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688154109772460032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our time Down Under comes to an end. 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Visa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Visa</a> <a href="https://t.co/X2g0NHqg38">pic.twitter.com/X2g0NHqg38</a>&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688155300904529920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.It was tense from the opening whistle.Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in earliest Women's World Cup exit ever

Dealing a crushing combination to the Pac-12 on Friday, the Big Ten announced Oregon and Washington would be joining the conference next August, and the Big 12 completed its raid of the beleaguered league by adding Arizona, Arizona State and Utah.

The day began with hope and nine members for the Pac-12. It ended with the Pac-12 — with roots that date back a century and more NCAA championships than any other — down to four schools and facing extinction because it was unable to land a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-conference-realignment-kliavkoff-yormark-f20da516e6cb1a41caed0d9fcede0755">media rights agreement to match its competitors.</a>

“Today's news is incredibly disappointing for student-athletes, fans, alumni and staff of the Pac-12 who cherish the over 100-year history, tradition and rivalries of the Conference of Champions,” the conference said in a statement. “We remain focused on securing the best possible future for each of our member universities.”

The super-conference era has arrived in college sports, and it has swallowed the Pac-12 — the conference that produced Jackie Robinson, John Elway, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Barry Bonds.

After the Big Ten paved the way Friday morning for the Pacific Northwest rivals to join, the Ducks were first to make it official with a unanimous vote by the school's 13 trustees. The Big Ten a short time later said its presidents' council had voted to accept Oregon along with Washington and become an 18-team coast-to-coast conference, with four West Coast members.

“Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends, and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country,” Oregon President John Karl Scholz said.

The Big 12, meanwhile, had three more Pac-12 schools in its sights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big12-realignment-2544098240ffaa73309fc3a73ff6cff6">a week after luring away Colorado.</a>

Arizona's entry was approved Thursday night, but the Big 12's long-brewing expansion plan was far from complete.

Once it became apparent on Friday that Oregon and Washington were leaving the Pac-12, Arizona State and Utah didn't have much choice but to jump, too. The Big 12 presidents OK'd the Sun Devils and Utes, and soon after the conference made it official. The Big 12 will be a 16-team conference, spanning from Florida to Arizona, in the fall of 2024.

"We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State and Utah to the Big 12,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark, whose aggressive approach in his first year on the job has sent shock waves across major college sports. “The Conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their presidents, athletic directors, student-athletes and administrators.”

Beyond this school year, the Pac-12 is down to: Stanford, California, Oregon State and Washington State.

The Big Ten's latest grab from its Rose Bowl partners comes a little more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-california-f81832a258fc3bed53ef86ff0ba25291">a year after it landed Southern California and UCLA</a>. The Big Ten will be the largest conference in major college sports, spanning 15 states from New Jersey to Washington.

“The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions, and we are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage,” Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said.

Pac-12 leaders met early Friday to determine if its remaining schools would accept the potential media rights deal with Apple that Commissioner George Kliavkoff presented this week.

Two people with knowledge of the discussion between the Big Ten and Oregon said the Ducks were leaning toward staying in the Pac-12 late Thursday, boosting the possibility that others would stay put, too.

Instead, Oregon officials notified the Pac-12 early Friday they were still uncomfortable with the Apple deal and the school would be re-engaging with the Big Ten.

“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers," Washington State President Kirk Schulz and athletic director Pat Chun said Friday before its Apple Cup rival announced it was leaving, "While we had hoped that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility, and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State athletics. We’ve prepared for numerous scenarios, including our current situation.”

Former Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren had encouraged member schools to add Oregon and Washington after the conference landed the Los Angeles schools last summer, the blow that began the Pac-12’s descent.

Less than two weeks ago, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said his presidents and chancellors wanted to him to focus on USC and UCLA’s transition and not more expansion. Now, the Pac-12's two biggest remaining brands and perennial football powers are heading for a new home. Oregon's and Washington's closest new conference neighbor, — not including the L.A. schools — the University of Nebraska, will be more than a 1,600-mile drive away.

The Ducks and Huskies will receive a reduced payout, Scholz confirmed, compared to current Big Ten members and to USC and UCLA, which are projected to receive more than $60 million each in media rights revenue from the league starting next year. A person familiar with the negotiations said the Ducks and Huskies would receive about $30 million per year for its first six years in the conference, with annual escalators and the ability to draw on future payments.

Washington and Oregon were charter members of the Pacific Coast Conference in 1916, the organization that eventually became the Pac-8, then 10, then 12.

While the USC and UCLA decisions to leave started the Pac-12's demise, last fall's move by the Big 12 and Yormark to get an early extension of its media rights deals with ESPN and Fox was key.

That left a thin market for Kliavkoff and the Pac-12, which ended up with the streaming-heavy proposal with Apple that would have left its schools lagging behind a paywall and other Power Five conferences in revenue.

Less than a month before a football season kicks off that is expected to feature one of the strongest and most exciting group of Pac-12 teams in years, it very well might be the conference's last.

Dealing a crushing combination to the Pac-12 on Friday, the Big Ten announced Oregon and Washington would be joining the conference next August, and the Big 12 completed its raid of the beleaguered league by adding Arizona, Arizona State and Utah.The day began with hope and nine members for the Pac-12. It ended with the Pac-12 — with roots that date back a century and more NCAA championships than any other — down to four schools and facing extinction because it was unable to land a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-conference-realignment-kliavkoff-yormark-f20da516e6cb1a41caed0d9fcede0755">media rights agreement to match its competitors.</a>“Today's news is incredibly disappointing for student-athletes, fans, alumni and staff of the Pac-12 who cherish the over 100-year history, tradition and rivalries of the Conference of Champions,” the conference said in a statement. “We remain focused on securing the best possible future for each of our member universities.”The super-conference era has arrived in college sports, and it has swallowed the Pac-12 — the conference that produced Jackie Robinson, John Elway, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Barry Bonds.After the Big Ten paved the way Friday morning for the Pacific Northwest rivals to join, the Ducks were first to make it official with a unanimous vote by the school's 13 trustees. The Big Ten a short time later said its presidents' council had voted to accept Oregon along with Washington and become an 18-team coast-to-coast conference, with four West Coast members.“Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends, and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country,” Oregon President John Karl Scholz said.The Big 12, meanwhile, had three more Pac-12 schools in its sights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big12-realignment-2544098240ffaa73309fc3a73ff6cff6">a week after luring away Colorado.</a>Arizona's entry was approved Thursday night, but the Big 12's long-brewing expansion plan was far from complete.Once it became apparent on Friday that Oregon and Washington were leaving the Pac-12, Arizona State and Utah didn't have much choice but to jump, too. The Big 12 presidents OK'd the Sun Devils and Utes, and soon after the conference made it official. The Big 12 will be a 16-team conference, spanning from Florida to Arizona, in the fall of 2024."We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State and Utah to the Big 12,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark, whose aggressive approach in his first year on the job has sent shock waves across major college sports. “The Conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their presidents, athletic directors, student-athletes and administrators.”Beyond this school year, the Pac-12 is down to: Stanford, California, Oregon State and Washington State.The Big Ten's latest grab from its Rose Bowl partners comes a little more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-california-f81832a258fc3bed53ef86ff0ba25291">a year after it landed Southern California and UCLA</a>. The Big Ten will be the largest conference in major college sports, spanning 15 states from New Jersey to Washington.“The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions, and we are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage,” Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said.Pac-12 leaders met early Friday to determine if its remaining schools would accept the potential media rights deal with Apple that Commissioner George Kliavkoff presented this week.Two people with knowledge of the discussion between the Big Ten and Oregon said the Ducks were leaning toward staying in the Pac-12 late Thursday, boosting the possibility that others would stay put, too.Instead, Oregon officials notified the Pac-12 early Friday they were still uncomfortable with the Apple deal and the school would be re-engaging with the Big Ten.“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers," Washington State President Kirk Schulz and athletic director Pat Chun said Friday before its Apple Cup rival announced it was leaving, "While we had hoped that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility, and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State athletics. We’ve prepared for numerous scenarios, including our current situation.”Former Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren had encouraged member schools to add Oregon and Washington after the conference landed the Los Angeles schools last summer, the blow that began the Pac-12’s descent.Less than two weeks ago, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said his presidents and chancellors wanted to him to focus on USC and UCLA’s transition and not more expansion. Now, the Pac-12's two biggest remaining brands and perennial football powers are heading for a new home. Oregon's and Washington's closest new conference neighbor, — not including the L.A. schools — the University of Nebraska, will be more than a 1,600-mile drive away.The Ducks and Huskies will receive a reduced payout, Scholz confirmed, compared to current Big Ten members and to USC and UCLA, which are projected to receive more than $60 million each in media rights revenue from the league starting next year. A person familiar with the negotiations said the Ducks and Huskies would receive about $30 million per year for its first six years in the conference, with annual escalators and the ability to draw on future payments.Washington and Oregon were charter members of the Pacific Coast Conference in 1916, the organization that eventually became the Pac-8, then 10, then 12.While the USC and UCLA decisions to leave started the Pac-12's demise, last fall's move by the Big 12 and Yormark to get an early extension of its media rights deals with ESPN and Fox was key.That left a thin market for Kliavkoff and the Pac-12, which ended up with the streaming-heavy proposal with Apple that would have left its schools lagging behind a paywall and other Power Five conferences in revenue.Less than a month before a football season kicks off that is expected to feature one of the strongest and most exciting group of Pac-12 teams in years, it very well might be the conference's last.

Schools leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12 and Big Ten

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer tossed eight innings of three-hit ball and Bobby Witt Jr. and Drew Waters hit homers to help the Royals beat the Mets 9-2 to wrap up their second consecutive series sweep. Singer allowed only three singles without a walk while striking out four Thursday. Carlos Carrasco took the loss for the Mets after allowing six runs in six innings. The Royals had won just four of their first 33 series this season, but they squeaked out three wins over Minnesota before taking three from the Mets, a National League club they had never swept in franchise history.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer tossed eight innings of three-hit ball and Bobby Witt Jr. and Drew Waters hit homers to help the Royals beat the Mets 9-2 to wrap up their second consecutive series sweep. Singer allowed only three singles without a walk while striking out four Thursday. Carlos Carrasco took the loss for the Mets after allowing six runs in six innings. The Royals had won just four of their first 33 series this season, but they squeaked out three wins over Minnesota before taking three from the Mets, a National League club they had never swept in franchise history.

Royals complete sweep of the Mets

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;As the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) continues to announce its awards watch lists, Kansas State had two more honors on Thursday with senior quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;landing on the initial list for the Wuerffel Trophy and senior wide receiver/kick returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks&nbsp;being named a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award.

Howard is a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy for a second-straight season as the top college football player who serves others, celebrates their positive impact on society and inspires greater service in the world. Brooks is a candidate for the Hornung Award for a second time (2021) as the award presented to the most versatile player in college football.

A product of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard’s mention on the Wuerffel Trophy list is the ninth-straight season a Wildcat has been up for the award since its inaugural season of 2015. Fellow quarterback Skylar Thompson was a candidate for the award in both 2020 and 2021, while Denzel Goolsby (2019), Dalton Risner (2017-18) and Dante Barnett (2015-16) were also up for the award. Risner was a finalist for the honor in 2018.

One of the main reasons he is being honored for his work off the field is his driving force behind K-State’s Get in the Game/Be the Match bone marrow registry drive each of the last two years, which has presented an opportunity for student and faculty on the K-State campus to be connected with a blood cancer patient in need of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. For his efforts with that program, Howard and K-State assistant head coach&nbsp;Van Malone&nbsp;earned the Get in the Game Impact Award presented by the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation.

Brooks’ inclusion on the Hornung Award watch list marks the third-straight season a Wildcat is represented and the eighth time since the award began in 2010. Past candidates include running back Daniel Thomas (2010) and wide receivers/kick returners Tyler Lockett (2013 and 2014), Tramaine Thompson (2013), Byron Pringle (2017) and Malik Knowles (2022).

A native of Lee’s Summitt, Missouri, Brooks is an accomplished punt returner in addition to being a mainstay at wide receiver throughout his career. Now in his sixth season, Brooks is one of only 12 players in Big 12 history and one of five in school history with 1,000 receiving yards and 600 punt return yards in a career. He enters his final campaign ranked second in school history in punt return touchdowns (4), fifth in both punt return average (14.6) and punt return yards (641), and eighth in punt return attempts (44). He is also tied for seventh in school history in career receptions (129), while he is 255 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns and 227 all-purpose yards shy of entering K-State’s career top-10 list in each category.

Kansas State is in its first week of 2023 preseason camp as the Wildcats’ first practice was held on Wednesday morning. It was the first of 16 practices during preseason camp prior to the first day of the fall semester on Monday, August 21. K-State opens the 2023 campaign by hosting SEMO in a 6 p.m. contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, September 2.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;As the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) continues to announce its awards watch lists, Kansas State had two more honors on Thursday with senior quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;landing on the initial list for the Wuerffel Trophy and senior wide receiver/kick returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks&nbsp;being named a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award.Howard is a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy for a second-straight season as the top college football player who serves others, celebrates their positive impact on society and inspires greater service in the world. Brooks is a candidate for the Hornung Award for a second time (2021) as the award presented to the most versatile player in college football.A product of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard’s mention on the Wuerffel Trophy list is the ninth-straight season a Wildcat has been up for the award since its inaugural season of 2015. Fellow quarterback Skylar Thompson was a candidate for the award in both 2020 and 2021, while Denzel Goolsby (2019), Dalton Risner (2017-18) and Dante Barnett (2015-16) were also up for the award. Risner was a finalist for the honor in 2018.One of the main reasons he is being honored for his work off the field is his driving force behind K-State’s Get in the Game/Be the Match bone marrow registry drive each of the last two years, which has presented an opportunity for student and faculty on the K-State campus to be connected with a blood cancer patient in need of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. For his efforts with that program, Howard and K-State assistant head coach&nbsp;Van Malone&nbsp;earned the Get in the Game Impact Award presented by the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation.Brooks’ inclusion on the Hornung Award watch list marks the third-straight season a Wildcat is represented and the eighth time since the award began in 2010. Past candidates include running back Daniel Thomas (2010) and wide receivers/kick returners Tyler Lockett (2013 and 2014), Tramaine Thompson (2013), Byron Pringle (2017) and Malik Knowles (2022).A native of Lee’s Summitt, Missouri, Brooks is an accomplished punt returner in addition to being a mainstay at wide receiver throughout his career. Now in his sixth season, Brooks is one of only 12 players in Big 12 history and one of five in school history with 1,000 receiving yards and 600 punt return yards in a career. He enters his final campaign ranked second in school history in punt return touchdowns (4), fifth in both punt return average (14.6) and punt return yards (641), and eighth in punt return attempts (44). He is also tied for seventh in school history in career receptions (129), while he is 255 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns and 227 all-purpose yards shy of entering K-State’s career top-10 list in each category.Kansas State is in its first week of 2023 preseason camp as the Wildcats’ first practice was held on Wednesday morning. It was the first of 16 practices during preseason camp prior to the first day of the fall semester on Monday, August 21. K-State opens the 2023 campaign by hosting SEMO in a 6 p.m. contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, September 2.

K-State Garners Two More Watch List Designations Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Walker balked home the winning run in the 10th inning and the Kansas City Royals rallied past the New York Mets 7-6 for their season-best fourth straight victory. Hours after the retooling Mets traded star pitcher Justin Verlander and two other players to cap a stunning deadline selloff, they blew a 6-4 lead provided by rookie Francisco Álvarez’s two-run homer in the top of the 10th. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI double in the bottom half and MJ Melendez tied it with a run-scoring single off Brooks Raley. Following a two-out throwing error by rookie third baseman Brett Baty, Melendez scored when Walker balked with the bases loaded. Pete Alonso hit his 31st homer for the Mets and added an RBI single.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Walker balked home the winning run in the 10th inning and the Kansas City Royals rallied past the New York Mets 7-6 for their season-best fourth straight victory. Hours after the retooling Mets traded star pitcher Justin Verlander and two other players to cap a stunning deadline selloff, they blew a 6-4 lead provided by rookie Francisco Álvarez’s two-run homer in the top of the 10th. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI double in the bottom half and MJ Melendez tied it with a run-scoring single off Brooks Raley. Following a two-out throwing error by rookie third baseman Brett Baty, Melendez scored when Walker balked with the bases loaded. Pete Alonso hit his 31st homer for the Mets and added an RBI single.

Royals edge the Mets

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Three Kansas State football players –&nbsp;Cooper Beebe,&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kobe Savage&nbsp;– landed on watch lists for awards presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the organization announced Monday.

Beebe and Leveston are up for the Outland Trophy – which is presented to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman – and Savage is on the initial watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy – which honors the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.

Kansas State is the only Big 12 school with multiple players represented on the Outland Trophy watch list, and it marks the second-straight season that Beebe has been named a preseason candidate for the award. Savage’s inclusion on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list marks the 12th&nbsp;time in the last 13 seasons the Wildcats have had at least one candidate for the award.

A Preseason All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation, Beebe has started 35 career games, including all 14 last season at left guard as he was named a First Team All-American by multiple outlets in addition to earning the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award from the league’s coaches. Leveston started all 14 games last season at left tackle en route to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades. The duo helped K-State lead an offensive unit that ranked 15th&nbsp;nationally with 208.3 rushing yards per game, the Wildcats’ best national ranking since 2003 (No. 9) and best mark since 2016 (231.8).

Savage shined during his first year after transferring in from Tyler JC as he earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and picked up votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award despite missing the final four games of the year due to injury. Savage tied for fourth on the team with 58 tackles to go along with three interceptions, 3.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Kansas State’s first practice for 2023 preseason camp is slated for Wednesday morning. It will be the first of 16 practices during preseason camp prior to the first day of the fall semester on Monday, August 21. The Wildcats kick off the 2023 season by hosting SEMO inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, September 2 in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Three Kansas State football players –&nbsp;Cooper Beebe,&nbsp;KT Leveston&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kobe Savage&nbsp;– landed on watch lists for awards presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the organization announced Monday.Beebe and Leveston are up for the Outland Trophy – which is presented to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman – and Savage is on the initial watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy – which honors the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.Kansas State is the only Big 12 school with multiple players represented on the Outland Trophy watch list, and it marks the second-straight season that Beebe has been named a preseason candidate for the award. Savage’s inclusion on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list marks the 12th&nbsp;time in the last 13 seasons the Wildcats have had at least one candidate for the award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690919823342.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Preseason All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation, Beebe has started 35 career games, including all 14 last season at left guard as he was named a First Team All-American by multiple outlets in addition to earning the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award from the league’s coaches. Leveston started all 14 games last season at left tackle en route to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades. The duo helped K-State lead an offensive unit that ranked 15th&nbsp;nationally with 208.3 rushing yards per game, the Wildcats’ best national ranking since 2003 (No. 9) and best mark since 2016 (231.8).Savage shined during his first year after transferring in from Tyler JC as he earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and picked up votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award despite missing the final four games of the year due to injury. Savage tied for fourth on the team with 58 tackles to go along with three interceptions, 3.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690919873974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State’s first practice for 2023 preseason camp is slated for Wednesday morning. It will be the first of 16 practices during preseason camp prior to the first day of the fall semester on Monday, August 21. The Wildcats kick off the 2023 season by hosting SEMO inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, September 2 in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

Three Wildcats Named to FWAA Award Watch Lists

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;After guiding the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship in 2022, Kansas State quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;was one of 85 players selected to the initial watch list for the 87th&nbsp;Maxwell Award as the outstanding player in college football, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690891404099.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;After guiding the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship in 2022, Kansas State quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;was one of 85 players selected to the initial watch list for the 87th&nbsp;Maxwell Award as the outstanding player in college football, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.

K-State’s Howard Named to Maxwell Award Watch List

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs will rely on a pair of new offensive tackles to protect Patrick Mahomes this season. They signed ex-Tampa Bay tackle Donovan Smith to handle the left side and former Jacksonville tackle Jawaan Taylor to handle the right during free agency. They replace Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie, who signed elsewhere. The Chiefs also used a third-round pick for Oklahoma's Wanya Morris, who will compete at both positions and potentially provide depth this season. The hope is that Smith and Taylor can help Mahomes avoid the type of injury that nearly derailed their Super Bowl run last season.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs will rely on a pair of new offensive tackles to protect Patrick Mahomes this season. They signed ex-Tampa Bay tackle Donovan Smith to handle the left side and former Jacksonville tackle Jawaan Taylor to handle the right during free agency. They replace Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie, who signed elsewhere. The Chiefs also used a third-round pick for Oklahoma's Wanya Morris, who will compete at both positions and potentially provide depth this season. The hope is that Smith and Taylor can help Mahomes avoid the type of injury that nearly derailed their Super Bowl run last season.

Chiefs will go with new offensive tackles

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have added veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals. The major league-leading Braves sent left-hander Taylor Hearn to Kansas City for the 28-year-old Lopez, who can play shortstop, second base and third. Hearn was designated for assignment by Texas on July 19. He was traded to Atlanta last week for cash, and he got one out in his only appearance with the Braves on Saturday. Lopez hit .213 with 13 RBIs in 68 games with Kansas City this season.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have added veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals. The major league-leading Braves sent left-hander Taylor Hearn to Kansas City for the 28-year-old Lopez, who can play shortstop, second base and third. Hearn was designated for assignment by Texas on July 19. He was traded to Atlanta last week for cash, and he got one out in his only appearance with the Braves on Saturday. Lopez hit .213 with 13 RBIs in 68 games with Kansas City this season.

Royals trade Lopez to the Braves

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.’s grand slam in the 10th inning gave the Kansas City Royals an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Witt finished 4 for 5 with six RBIs, falling a triple short of the cycle and pulling out the game for the Royals after they blew a 4-2 lead in the ninth. Brady Singer struck out a season-high 10 in five innings for the Royals, who needed their 13th comeback win of the season after Jorge Polanco’s two-run double with two outs in the ninth tied it at 4-all.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.’s grand slam in the 10th inning gave the Kansas City Royals an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Witt finished 4 for 5 with six RBIs, falling a triple short of the cycle and pulling out the game for the Royals after they blew a 4-2 lead in the ninth. Brady Singer struck out a season-high 10 in five innings for the Royals, who needed their 13th comeback win of the season after Jorge Polanco’s two-run double with two outs in the ninth tied it at 4-all.

Grand slam lifts the Royals to a win

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado is leaving the Pac-12 to return to the conference the Buffaloes jilted a dozen years ago, and the Big 12 celebrated the reunion with a two-word statement released through Commissioner Brett Yomark:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1684677566001557504?s=20">“They’re back.”</a>

“The landscape of collegiate sports is ever-evolving, and the University of Colorado Boulder has determined the Big 12 is the best future fit for our athletic teams,” CU President Todd Saliman said after the board of regents voted 9-0 in a special remote meeting Thursday to approve the conference switch in 2024.

Colorado becomes the third school to leave the Pac-12 in the last year; UCLA and USC are joining the Big Ten next year, leaving the Pac-12, at least for the moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-kliavkoff-yormark-conference-realignment-c78bcca0b15dc48f58ec8b0980628d43">with only nine member schools for the 2024-25 season.</a>

Colorado is expected to take in $31.7 million in annual television revenue over the course of the Big 12's new deal, but Chancellor Philip DiStefano and athletic director Rick George insisted that money wasn't the only factor in CU becoming the first Power Five school to return to the conference it had left.

“A decision this big has to do with a lot more than just money,” George said, emphasising that the Buffaloes will get greater exposure playing in earlier time slots and by returning from road games at a more reasonable hour.

“CU Boulder is a national university, and by spanning three time zones, the Big 12 is very much a national conference,” added DiStefano. “The national exposure that joining the Big 12 provides will shine a spotlight not only on our incredible student-athletes, but also on our groundbreaking research that really changes the world.”

While some of the regents expressed disappointment about leaving the Pac-12, they said the shifting sports landscape left CU no option but to rejoin the conference where they were a founding member before heading West in 2011.

One lure for the Buffaloes bolting the Big 12 in the first place was the school's large West Coast alumni base, a factor mitigated by the impending departures of the Trojans and Bruins.

“The Pac-12 is a great conference with vital institutions and it was a privilege to be a member for the last 12 years,” DiStefano said. “While it’s difficult to leave, we’re excited about what the future holds for CU Boulder as we start our next era in the Big 12.”

Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, athletic directors and Commissioner George Kliavkoff were scheduled to convene Thursday to discuss the next moves for the conference, two people with knowledge of the meeting told AP on condition of anonymity because the conference is not making its internal moves public.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-yormark-open-for-business-b8b0f3a27b8dc95791e3704a5610a421">about his desire to expand the conference</a>&nbsp;and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. A person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP the school and league&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">had been in contact for more than a month</a>&nbsp;about a potential departure from the Pac-12.

There could be more defections from the Pac-12, which has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA and with negotiations for a new media rights contract dragging on. Current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year just about the same time the three schools leave.

The Big 12 last year came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-entertainment-sports-7a6ff1cb356d89377609c47d99505bc3">six-year extension worth more than $2 billion that runs through 2030-31</a>.

The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year, leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.

“I will tell you, there’s tremendous benefits for being in the Big 12 for the direction that Coach Prime is going as it relates to recruiting, being able to play in Orlando, against UCF, where he’s recruited very heavily,” George said. “The state of Texas has always been a priority for us and now (we're) playing four teams in that area. And then just up north, Oklahoma State.”

Chris Yuhl, a Los Angeles attorney and 1983 CU graduate who attends home and road football games, said he disagrees with the move from a fan standpoint but understands why it happened.

“It’s like Rick George and Phil DiStefano are at a craps table and have a hot hand, getting Deion and doing what they did here,” Yuhl said. “We went from nobody wanting CU last October to being the first girl everyone wants to dance with in the Big 12 right now.”

The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year. A second person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">told AP the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools</a>&nbsp;with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.

Although the Big 12 landscape is different this time around with the additions of BYU, Central Florida, Houston and Cincinnati, the Buffaloes have several rivalries to renew.

"Iowa State is thrilled to welcome the University of Colorado back into the Big 12 Conference," Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard said. “The Cyclones and Buffaloes enjoyed a spirited rivalry for more than 60 years in the Big 7, Big 8 and early years of the Big 12, so we are excited to resume competing with them next year.”

George said he will seek a seventh home game to replace what were non-conference games at Houston in 2025 and Kansas State in 2028.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado is leaving the Pac-12 to return to the conference the Buffaloes jilted a dozen years ago, and the Big 12 celebrated the reunion with a two-word statement released through Commissioner Brett Yomark:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1684677566001557504?s=20">“They’re back.”</a>“The landscape of collegiate sports is ever-evolving, and the University of Colorado Boulder has determined the Big 12 is the best future fit for our athletic teams,” CU President Todd Saliman said after the board of regents voted 9-0 in a special remote meeting Thursday to approve the conference switch in 2024.Colorado becomes the third school to leave the Pac-12 in the last year; UCLA and USC are joining the Big Ten next year, leaving the Pac-12, at least for the moment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac12-big12-kliavkoff-yormark-conference-realignment-c78bcca0b15dc48f58ec8b0980628d43">with only nine member schools for the 2024-25 season.</a>Colorado is expected to take in $31.7 million in annual television revenue over the course of the Big 12's new deal, but Chancellor Philip DiStefano and athletic director Rick George insisted that money wasn't the only factor in CU becoming the first Power Five school to return to the conference it had left.“A decision this big has to do with a lot more than just money,” George said, emphasising that the Buffaloes will get greater exposure playing in earlier time slots and by returning from road games at a more reasonable hour.“CU Boulder is a national university, and by spanning three time zones, the Big 12 is very much a national conference,” added DiStefano. “The national exposure that joining the Big 12 provides will shine a spotlight not only on our incredible student-athletes, but also on our groundbreaking research that really changes the world.”While some of the regents expressed disappointment about leaving the Pac-12, they said the shifting sports landscape left CU no option but to rejoin the conference where they were a founding member before heading West in 2011.One lure for the Buffaloes bolting the Big 12 in the first place was the school's large West Coast alumni base, a factor mitigated by the impending departures of the Trojans and Bruins.“The Pac-12 is a great conference with vital institutions and it was a privilege to be a member for the last 12 years,” DiStefano said. “While it’s difficult to leave, we’re excited about what the future holds for CU Boulder as we start our next era in the Big 12.”Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, athletic directors and Commissioner George Kliavkoff were scheduled to convene Thursday to discuss the next moves for the conference, two people with knowledge of the meeting told AP on condition of anonymity because the conference is not making its internal moves public.Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-yormark-open-for-business-b8b0f3a27b8dc95791e3704a5610a421">about his desire to expand the conference</a>&nbsp;and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. A person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP the school and league&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">had been in contact for more than a month</a>&nbsp;about a potential departure from the Pac-12.There could be more defections from the Pac-12, which has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA and with negotiations for a new media rights contract dragging on. Current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year just about the same time the three schools leave.The Big 12 last year came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-entertainment-sports-7a6ff1cb356d89377609c47d99505bc3">six-year extension worth more than $2 billion that runs through 2030-31</a>.The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year, leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.“I will tell you, there’s tremendous benefits for being in the Big 12 for the direction that Coach Prime is going as it relates to recruiting, being able to play in Orlando, against UCF, where he’s recruited very heavily,” George said. “The state of Texas has always been a priority for us and now (we're) playing four teams in that area. And then just up north, Oklahoma State.”Chris Yuhl, a Los Angeles attorney and 1983 CU graduate who attends home and road football games, said he disagrees with the move from a fan standpoint but understands why it happened.“It’s like Rick George and Phil DiStefano are at a craps table and have a hot hand, getting Deion and doing what they did here,” Yuhl said. “We went from nobody wanting CU last October to being the first girl everyone wants to dance with in the Big 12 right now.”The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year. A second person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colorado-pac12-big-12-conference-realignment-yormark-kliavkoff-09b3d9604505b23e311564fac677971d">told AP the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools</a>&nbsp;with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.Although the Big 12 landscape is different this time around with the additions of BYU, Central Florida, Houston and Cincinnati, the Buffaloes have several rivalries to renew."Iowa State is thrilled to welcome the University of Colorado back into the Big 12 Conference," Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard said. “The Cyclones and Buffaloes enjoyed a spirited rivalry for more than 60 years in the Big 7, Big 8 and early years of the Big 12, so we are excited to resume competing with them next year.”George said he will seek a seventh home game to replace what were non-conference games at Houston in 2025 and Kansas State in 2028.

Colorado is returning to the Big 12

The Junction City Brigade defeated the Midwest A's 17-1 Thursday night in Belton, Missouri. The win gives Junction City the Cowdin Cup championship,

This is the third consecutive Mid Plains League championship for Junction City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690542301249.jpeg" alt="Junction City Brigade ( Photo courtesy of the Junction City Brigade )" />
 <figcaption>Junction City Brigade ( Photo courtesy of the Junction City Brigade )</figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Brigade defeated the Midwest A's 17-1 Thursday night in Belton, Missouri. The win gives Junction City the Cowdin Cup championship,This is the third consecutive Mid Plains League championship for Junction City.

Brigade capture the Cowdin Cup chamionship

If Colorado is ready to leave the Pac-12, the Big 12 is ready to welcome the Buffaloes back to the conference they left 12 years ago.

Big 12 presidents and chancellors voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept Colorado as a new member, clearing the way for the school to leave the Pac-12 and rejoin its former league, a person with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 was not making its expansion plans public. ESPN first reported the vote.

Colorado still needs to go through a formal process on its campus in Boulder and officially apply for membership. The university’s board of regents has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon with&nbsp;<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/co/cu/Board.nsf/Public">athletics operations on the agenda</a>.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-yormark-open-for-business-b8b0f3a27b8dc95791e3704a5610a421">about his desire to expand the conference</a>&nbsp;and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. A second person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations, also speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP the school and league have been in contact for more than a month about a potential departure from the Pac-12; the person said it was unclear if CU had come to a decision.

A Colorado departure could lead to more defections from the Pac-12, which has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten and with negotiations for a new media rights contract dragging on. Current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year.

The Los Angeles schools are in their last go-round as Pac-12 members this year and it could be Colorado’s, too. With contractual agreements running out, the Buffaloes would be positioned to rejoin the Big 12 in 2024; the league last year it came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-entertainment-sports-7a6ff1cb356d89377609c47d99505bc3">six-year extension worth more than $2 billion that runs through 2030-31</a>.

Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff had said at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac-12-football-usc-ucla-riley-kelly-kliavkoff-deb9eed068b4d34ce486139277625791">football media days</a>&nbsp;last week that the 10 remaining conference members were committed to staying together. Text messages to Kliavkoff and Colorado athletic director Rick George were not returned.

Colorado was an original member of the Big 12 in 1996, and joined the Pac-12 in 2011. The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year, leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.

The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year. The second person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions said the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.

Big 12 leadership has also discussed the possibility of trying to add UConn, which won the men’s NCAA basketball tournament earlier this year, and Gonzaga, a basketball powerhouse that does not have a football team, the person said. The Big 12 has been the strongest men’s basketball conference in the country over the last few seasons, and Yormark has said he believes the sport could be a source of untapped value in future media rights deals.

If Colorado is ready to leave the Pac-12, the Big 12 is ready to welcome the Buffaloes back to the conference they left 12 years ago.Big 12 presidents and chancellors voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept Colorado as a new member, clearing the way for the school to leave the Pac-12 and rejoin its former league, a person with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 was not making its expansion plans public. ESPN first reported the vote.Colorado still needs to go through a formal process on its campus in Boulder and officially apply for membership. The university’s board of regents has a special meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon with&nbsp;<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/co/cu/Board.nsf/Public">athletics operations on the agenda</a>.Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has spoken for months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-football-yormark-open-for-business-b8b0f3a27b8dc95791e3704a5610a421">about his desire to expand the conference</a>&nbsp;and add schools in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. A second person familiar with the Big 12’s expansion aspirations, also speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP the school and league have been in contact for more than a month about a potential departure from the Pac-12; the person said it was unclear if CU had come to a decision.A Colorado departure could lead to more defections from the Pac-12, which has seemed vulnerable to more poaching after losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten and with negotiations for a new media rights contract dragging on. Current deals with ESPN and Fox expire after this school year.The Los Angeles schools are in their last go-round as Pac-12 members this year and it could be Colorado’s, too. With contractual agreements running out, the Buffaloes would be positioned to rejoin the Big 12 in 2024; the league last year it came to an agreement with ESPN and Fox on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-entertainment-sports-7a6ff1cb356d89377609c47d99505bc3">six-year extension worth more than $2 billion that runs through 2030-31</a>.Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff had said at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pac-12-football-usc-ucla-riley-kelly-kliavkoff-deb9eed068b4d34ce486139277625791">football media days</a>&nbsp;last week that the 10 remaining conference members were committed to staying together. Text messages to Kliavkoff and Colorado athletic director Rick George were not returned.Colorado was an original member of the Big 12 in 1996, and joined the Pac-12 in 2011. The Buffaloes’ football team has had only one winning record over a full season since joining the Pac-12, and went 1-11 last year, leading to the hiring of former NFL star Deion Sanders.The Big 12 has 14 members this year, but Texas and Oklahoma are leaving for the Southeastern Conference next year. The second person familiar with the Big 12’s discussions said the conference would ideally like to expand to 16 schools with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado all coming over from the Pac-12 to create a Western wing of the league.Big 12 leadership has also discussed the possibility of trying to add UConn, which won the men’s NCAA basketball tournament earlier this year, and Gonzaga, a basketball powerhouse that does not have a football team, the person said. The Big 12 has been the strongest men’s basketball conference in the country over the last few seasons, and Yormark has said he believes the sport could be a source of untapped value in future media rights deals.

Possibility of Colorado joining the Big 12 arises

The Junction City Brigade defeated the Midwest A's 16-7 in game one of the best two out of&nbsp; three Cowdin Cup championship finals. Game two is Thursday night in Belton, Missouri.&nbsp;

The Junction City Brigade defeated the Midwest A's 16-7 in game one of the best two out of&nbsp; three Cowdin Cup championship finals. Game two is Thursday night in Belton, Missouri.&nbsp;

Brigade win game one in the championship series

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, leading the Cleveland Guardians past the Kansas City Royals 8-3. Ramírez has 22 multi-homer games in his career, including two this season. He homered into the right field seats in the first and cleared the wall in center in the fourth for his 16th of the season. Ramírez was 3 for 4 with a check-swing infield hit in the sixth and a walk in the second followed by a stolen base, and he scored three runs. He was finally retired on a groundout in the eighth.

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, leading the Cleveland Guardians past the Kansas City Royals 8-3. Ramírez has 22 multi-homer games in his career, including two this season. He homered into the right field seats in the first and cleared the wall in center in the fourth for his 16th of the season. Ramírez was 3 for 4 with a check-swing infield hit in the sixth and a walk in the second followed by a stolen base, and he scored three runs. He was finally retired on a groundout in the eighth.

Royals fall to the Guardians

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

In an official joint press release put out by the three teams on Wednesday, the Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Topeka Tropics announced that they will be leaving the Champions Indoor Football League effective immediately.

The Beef and Bandits will vacate the CIF as two of its founding members, having played in the league since 2015 while the Tropics, who joined as an expansion team in 2022 will leave after just two seasons.

Ownership from all three franchises each issued brief statements, expressing that among other things, they believe this move will “grow and elevate the fan experience, brand and business.”

The statement also revealed that in addition to the three teams deserting the CIF, two new expansion teams from Colorado and Texas that had previously signed letters of intent have now elected not to join the Champions Indoor Football League.

As it stands, the CIF is still home to five remaining members, including the Salina Liberty, who remain alongside the Gillette Mustangs, Billings Outlaws, Southwest Kansas Storm, and Rapid City Marshalls.

To read the full release click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCityBandits/posts/pfbid03MAA5C62A2Nffj8ES1kcwM34eopBxQremJWDjHg2HzLGPyBasYGP3bdqM2YjbitFl">here</a>.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618021366432.png" alt="Coverage of Champions Indoor Football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Champions Indoor Football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>In an official joint press release put out by the three teams on Wednesday, the Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Topeka Tropics announced that they will be leaving the Champions Indoor Football League effective immediately.The Beef and Bandits will vacate the CIF as two of its founding members, having played in the league since 2015 while the Tropics, who joined as an expansion team in 2022 will leave after just two seasons.Ownership from all three franchises each issued brief statements, expressing that among other things, they believe this move will “grow and elevate the fan experience, brand and business.”The statement also revealed that in addition to the three teams deserting the CIF, two new expansion teams from Colorado and Texas that had previously signed letters of intent have now elected not to join the Champions Indoor Football League.As it stands, the CIF is still home to five remaining members, including the Salina Liberty, who remain alongside the Gillette Mustangs, Billings Outlaws, Southwest Kansas Storm, and Rapid City Marshalls.To read the full release click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCityBandits/posts/pfbid03MAA5C62A2Nffj8ES1kcwM34eopBxQremJWDjHg2HzLGPyBasYGP3bdqM2YjbitFl">here</a>.

Beef, Bandits and Tropics to Leave CIF

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Rob Heil, a two-time K-State graduate and K-State Athletics employee since September 2017, has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development and will lead the Ahearn Fund staff, athletics director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;announced today.

Heil, most recently an Associate Athletics Director for Development, is taking over for Josh McCowan, who left K-State to become the Deputy Athletics Director for Athletics Advancement at Mississippi State in June.

“We are excited to have Rob lead our Ahearn Fund staff and our department’s fundraising efforts,” Taylor said. “Rob obviously has established tremendous relationships with our donor base, and the transition to him leading our Ahearn team will be seamless. He has a great plan to continue on the fundraising success that we experienced under Josh, and I look forward his input and vision as a member of our senior staff.”

A native of Olathe, Kansas, Heil has worked 18 years in intercollegiate athletics during his time at K-State and the University of Texas. Since his arrival, he has helped grow the Ahearn Fund’s annual fundraising efforts, including a school-record $58.9 million in overall pledges and cash gifts during Fiscal Year 2022.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Rob Heil, a two-time K-State graduate and K-State Athletics employee since September 2017, has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development and will lead the Ahearn Fund staff, athletics director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;announced today.Heil, most recently an Associate Athletics Director for Development, is taking over for Josh McCowan, who left K-State to become the Deputy Athletics Director for Athletics Advancement at Mississippi State in June.“We are excited to have Rob lead our Ahearn Fund staff and our department’s fundraising efforts,” Taylor said. “Rob obviously has established tremendous relationships with our donor base, and the transition to him leading our Ahearn team will be seamless. He has a great plan to continue on the fundraising success that we experienced under Josh, and I look forward his input and vision as a member of our senior staff.”A native of Olathe, Kansas, Heil has worked 18 years in intercollegiate athletics during his time at K-State and the University of Texas. Since his arrival, he has helped grow the Ahearn Fund’s annual fundraising efforts, including a school-record $58.9 million in overall pledges and cash gifts during Fiscal Year 2022.

Rob Heil Selected to Lead K-State Athletics’ Fundraising Efforts

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie catcher Bo Naylor had his first career two-homer game and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 5-1, handing Royals pitcher Zack Greinke his 16th consecutive road loss. Naylor hit a 430-foot solo shot to right in the third inning and a 397-foot blast to right-center in the fifth to score Myles Straw for his first home runs at Progressive Field. Greinke gave up four runs in five innings and remained winless on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he pitched for Houston at Angel Stadium. In 27 subsequent away starts, he is 0-16 with a 6.43 ERA. Guardians starter Aaron Civale worked a season-high eight innings, allowing one run on five hits.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie catcher Bo Naylor had his first career two-homer game and drove in three runs as the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 5-1, handing Royals pitcher Zack Greinke his 16th consecutive road loss. Naylor hit a 430-foot solo shot to right in the third inning and a 397-foot blast to right-center in the fifth to score Myles Straw for his first home runs at Progressive Field. Greinke gave up four runs in five innings and remained winless on the road since Aug. 13, 2021, when he pitched for Houston at Angel Stadium. In 27 subsequent away starts, he is 0-16 with a 6.43 ERA. Guardians starter Aaron Civale worked a season-high eight innings, allowing one run on five hits.

Guardians top the Royals

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Purdue and reigning national player of the year Zach Edey will open the Maui Invitational in November against Gonzaga. Tennessee also will play Syracuse, Kansas faces host Chaminade and UCLA plays Marquette in the bracket. The bracket sets up a potential semifinal matchup between the Jayhawks and Bruins, who have a combined 15 national titles. Kansas added Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson during the offseason and has won the Maui Invitational twice. Gonzaga returns for the first time since winning the 2018 title.

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Purdue and reigning national player of the year Zach Edey will open the Maui Invitational in November against Gonzaga. Tennessee also will play Syracuse, Kansas faces host Chaminade and UCLA plays Marquette in the bracket. The bracket sets up a potential semifinal matchup between the Jayhawks and Bruins, who have a combined 15 national titles. Kansas added Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson during the offseason and has won the Maui Invitational twice. Gonzaga returns for the first time since winning the 2018 title.

Jayhawks will play in the Maui Invitational

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman released a statement to fans on Tuesday morning via social media addressing talks of a new stadium timeline and its possible location.

You can find more information regarding the new ballpark and the Royals' plans for the ballpark <a href="https://kcballparkdistrict.com/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689331165610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman released a statement to fans on Tuesday morning via social media addressing talks of a new stadium timeline and its possible location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690296061612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690296077296.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can find more information regarding the new ballpark and the Royals' plans for the ballpark <a href="https://kcballparkdistrict.com/">here</a>.

⚾ Royals chairman and CEO gives new details on stadium timeline, location

The Junction City Brigade will play the Midwest A's in the Cowdin Cup playoff finals in the Mid Plains League. Game one of the best two out of three series will be played at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rathert Field.&nbsp;

Game two will be hosted by the A's Thursday night and game three if necessary, will be Friday night at Rathert Field.

The Brigade advanced to the championship finals with a 4-3 win over Baldwin City Monday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655206192592.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Brigade will play the Midwest A's in the Cowdin Cup playoff finals in the Mid Plains League. Game one of the best two out of three series will be played at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rathert Field.&nbsp;Game two will be hosted by the A's Thursday night and game three if necessary, will be Friday night at Rathert Field.The Brigade advanced to the championship finals with a 4-3 win over Baldwin City Monday evening.

Brigade advance to the championship finals

Men's college basketball traditional powers Kansas and North Carolina will play each other in regular-season games in 2024 and 2025, the schools announced Monday.

The first meeting will be Nov. 8, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas, and the second Nov. 14, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The teams will square off for the first time since Kansas beat the Tar Heels 72-69 in the 2022 NCAA title game in New Orleans.

Kansas has won four straight in the series, all in the NCAA Tournament under coach Bill Self. The teams have split 12 games since they first met in the 1957 national championship game.

Kansas' 2,385 all-time wins are the most in college basketball history. North Carolina ranks third with 2,347 wins. The teams have combined for 10 national titles.

Men's college basketball traditional powers Kansas and North Carolina will play each other in regular-season games in 2024 and 2025, the schools announced Monday.The first meeting will be Nov. 8, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas, and the second Nov. 14, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.The teams will square off for the first time since Kansas beat the Tar Heels 72-69 in the 2022 NCAA title game in New Orleans.Kansas has won four straight in the series, all in the NCAA Tournament under coach Bill Self. The teams have split 12 games since they first met in the 1957 national championship game.Kansas' 2,385 all-time wins are the most in college basketball history. North Carolina ranks third with 2,347 wins. The teams have combined for 10 national titles.

Jayhawks and Tar Heels will play in basketball

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs held their first full-squad workout of training camp Sunday under a bright sunny sky and without All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Coach Andy Reid says he’s not worried yet about the absence of his star lineman, who has yet to report for camp.

“We’ll just see how things go here down the road,” Reid said following Sunday’s practice. “There had been communication, we’ll see where it goes from here and we’ll take it. If you’re not here, we just keep moving, and that’s how we roll. We don’t worry a lot about that. We let it take care of itself and we got great people working on that.”

Jones has yet to report to camp as he seeks a new contract. The 29-year-old is due to make $19.5 million in base salary this season and carries a salary cap hit of almost $28.3 million.

The Chiefs are also motivated to renegotiate his contract. The NFL Players Association public salary cap report Sunday showed the club with just more than $1 million in available cap space.

General manager Brett Veach prefers maintaining a balance of 5 to 10 million in cap space during this time of the year. Hashing out a new long-term extension with Jones would keep him in Kansas City beyond the 2023 season while providing the club with much-needed salary cap relief.

Jones is seeking a new deal that would make him the second-highest-paid player in the league at his position.

Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams currently leads defensive tackles with an annual average salary of $31.67 million. There’s a big gap, however, between Donald and the No. 2 highest-paid tackle, Quinnen Williams. The New York Jets signed Williams to an extension earlier this month averaging $24 million per year.

That leaves a sizable target zone in which a new extension for Jones might fit. His absence from camp suggests the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, and Reid hinted at a change in tone when asked about his communication with the star defensive tackle.

“It’s been good up to just a bit ago,” Reid said. “They’re doing their thing, we’re doing our thing. And we’ll just see where it goes from there.”

While the Chiefs have handed out large contracts to superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Mahomes is currently the seventh-best-paid quarterback at $45 million per year and Kelce ranks No. 3 among tight ends at $14.3 million per season.

Club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Sunday he’s not focused on where players rank in salary. He also trusts Veach to make the right decision.

“We really don’t think about it in the context of who’s the highest-paid player in the league, we think about in the context of the Kansas City Chiefs, and what’s best for the organization, not only this year but as we go forward,” Hunt said.

“One of the challenges in the National Football League is the salary cap. And it makes it tough to keep a championship team together. That’s something that Brett and his staff have really focused on. I think they’ve done a fantastic job.”

Daniel Wise, who entered the NFL from Kansas as an undrafted free agent in 2019, stepped into Jones’ place Sunday with the team’s starting defense. Wise has never had a sack in 17 games in the NFL. Jones, meanwhile, has 65 sacks since 2016, trailing only Donald (83) among defensive tackles during that time.

Safety Justin Reid said he’s excited to see young players such as Wise get an opportunity to showcase their skills. The absence of Jones isn’t a distraction, he added.

“He’s a professional, let him do his thing,” Reid said. “I’m focused on the guys here taking care of the (defensive back) room making sure that our young guys are ready to play.”

Middle linebacker Nick Bolton said the leadership of Jones is one thing the team will miss in his absence during camp.

“(It’s) most definitely one of the things I know he brings to the table,” Bolton said. “But again, at the same time, we’re working with the guys we got here, we’re going to come in every single day, put our best efforts forward. And when it gets here, we’ll make sure everybody’s up to speed and competing with him.”

NOTES: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney tweaked his knee returning a punt during warmups and was held out of the remainder of practice as a precaution. Rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris suffered a hamstring strain Friday during the team’s rookie camp and did not practice Sunday. ... Starting running back Isiah Pacheco wore a yellow non-contact jersey Sunday as he returns from offseason surgeries on his shoulder and hand. He did not take part in the 11-on-11 scrimmage Sunday. “We’ll just see where he’s at,” Reid said. “As he goes, he’s got that, you got to kind of watch it, because he’s got that personality, where he’s 100 miles an hour on every play, that’s the reason we put the yellow jersey on him. So he doesn’t do anything crazy to himself, but yet, he wants to stay in football shape, especially for that position, that running back position."

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs held their first full-squad workout of training camp Sunday under a bright sunny sky and without All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.Coach Andy Reid says he’s not worried yet about the absence of his star lineman, who has yet to report for camp.“We’ll just see how things go here down the road,” Reid said following Sunday’s practice. “There had been communication, we’ll see where it goes from here and we’ll take it. If you’re not here, we just keep moving, and that’s how we roll. We don’t worry a lot about that. We let it take care of itself and we got great people working on that.”Jones has yet to report to camp as he seeks a new contract. The 29-year-old is due to make $19.5 million in base salary this season and carries a salary cap hit of almost $28.3 million.The Chiefs are also motivated to renegotiate his contract. The NFL Players Association public salary cap report Sunday showed the club with just more than $1 million in available cap space.General manager Brett Veach prefers maintaining a balance of 5 to 10 million in cap space during this time of the year. Hashing out a new long-term extension with Jones would keep him in Kansas City beyond the 2023 season while providing the club with much-needed salary cap relief.Jones is seeking a new deal that would make him the second-highest-paid player in the league at his position.Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams currently leads defensive tackles with an annual average salary of $31.67 million. There’s a big gap, however, between Donald and the No. 2 highest-paid tackle, Quinnen Williams. The New York Jets signed Williams to an extension earlier this month averaging $24 million per year.That leaves a sizable target zone in which a new extension for Jones might fit. His absence from camp suggests the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, and Reid hinted at a change in tone when asked about his communication with the star defensive tackle.“It’s been good up to just a bit ago,” Reid said. “They’re doing their thing, we’re doing our thing. And we’ll just see where it goes from there.”While the Chiefs have handed out large contracts to superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Mahomes is currently the seventh-best-paid quarterback at $45 million per year and Kelce ranks No. 3 among tight ends at $14.3 million per season.Club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Sunday he’s not focused on where players rank in salary. He also trusts Veach to make the right decision.“We really don’t think about it in the context of who’s the highest-paid player in the league, we think about in the context of the Kansas City Chiefs, and what’s best for the organization, not only this year but as we go forward,” Hunt said.“One of the challenges in the National Football League is the salary cap. And it makes it tough to keep a championship team together. That’s something that Brett and his staff have really focused on. I think they’ve done a fantastic job.”Daniel Wise, who entered the NFL from Kansas as an undrafted free agent in 2019, stepped into Jones’ place Sunday with the team’s starting defense. Wise has never had a sack in 17 games in the NFL. Jones, meanwhile, has 65 sacks since 2016, trailing only Donald (83) among defensive tackles during that time.Safety Justin Reid said he’s excited to see young players such as Wise get an opportunity to showcase their skills. The absence of Jones isn’t a distraction, he added.“He’s a professional, let him do his thing,” Reid said. “I’m focused on the guys here taking care of the (defensive back) room making sure that our young guys are ready to play.”Middle linebacker Nick Bolton said the leadership of Jones is one thing the team will miss in his absence during camp.“(It’s) most definitely one of the things I know he brings to the table,” Bolton said. “But again, at the same time, we’re working with the guys we got here, we’re going to come in every single day, put our best efforts forward. And when it gets here, we’ll make sure everybody’s up to speed and competing with him.”NOTES: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney tweaked his knee returning a punt during warmups and was held out of the remainder of practice as a precaution. Rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris suffered a hamstring strain Friday during the team’s rookie camp and did not practice Sunday. ... Starting running back Isiah Pacheco wore a yellow non-contact jersey Sunday as he returns from offseason surgeries on his shoulder and hand. He did not take part in the 11-on-11 scrimmage Sunday. “We’ll just see where he’s at,” Reid said. “As he goes, he’s got that, you got to kind of watch it, because he’s got that personality, where he’s 100 miles an hour on every play, that’s the reason we put the yellow jersey on him. So he doesn’t do anything crazy to himself, but yet, he wants to stay in football shape, especially for that position, that running back position."

Star defensive lineman misses opening of training camp

Junction City will host Baldwin City at 7 p.m. Monday at Rathert Field. The winner of the game will advance to the Cowdin Cup playoff finals.

Junction City fell to Baldwin City Sunday, leaving their semifinal round series tied at one game apiece.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655294168954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City will host Baldwin City at 7 p.m. Monday at Rathert Field. The winner of the game will advance to the Cowdin Cup playoff finals.Junction City fell to Baldwin City Sunday, leaving their semifinal round series tied at one game apiece.

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