CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Gio Lopez combined for three touchdowns and freshman Demon June rushed for 148 yards and a score as North Carolina beat Richmond 41-6 for its first win at Kenan Stadium under coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels scored on their first four possessions and jumped to a 20-0 lead in the first half.… Continue Reading
The NCAA is investigating potential sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from six schools. The schools themselves are not under investigation. The NCAA’s integrity program flagged unusual betting activities, including athletes betting on their own games and sharing information for betting purposes. The NCAA Committee on Infractions has resolved similar cases, permanently revoking the eligibility of three players from Fresno State and San Jose State for manipulating game outcomes. The NCAA will not name the athletes involved until the investigation concludes. NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized the need for stricter regulations to address integrity risks.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have found promise in first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan. Coach Dave Canales said McMillan met expectations in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although McMillan caught six passes for 58 yards, his speed and handling of assignments impressed the team. He also drew a defensive pass interference, contributing to a 22-yard gain. Despite a missed one-handed catch in the end zone, McMillan remains confident. His performance reassured the Panthers about trading veteran Adam Thielen. McMillan returns to his college grounds on Sunday when the Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals, aiming to build on his debut.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers started their season with a 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This echoes their struggles last season, when they finished 5-12. Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, completed 18 of 35 passes for 154 yards and turned the ball over three times. The Panthers traded away Young’s favorite target, Adam Thielen, before the season. Rookie Tetairoa McMillan showed promise with five catches for 68 yards. The Panthers’ run defense remains a concern, allowing 200 yards rushing. Carolina faces Arizona next Sunday, hoping to improve its performance.… Continue Reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz has reasserted his superiority over Jannik Sinner with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory in the U.S. Open final. Sunday’s showdown was the third Grand Slam tournament in a row where these elite, young rivals met to decide the champion. Alcaraz claimed his second trophy at Flushing Meadows and sixth overall at a major. President Donald Trump sat in a sponsor’s suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium and received a mix of cheers and boos when he offered a wave beforehand and again when he was shown on videoboards after the first set. The match’s start was delayed by about a half-hour because of extra security.… Continue Reading
MADISON, Ill. (AP) — Denny Hamlin won from the pole position at World Wide Technology Raceway, playing the strategy perfectly to lead the final 25 laps in his series-high fifth victory this season. With his 59th career win, Hamlin advanced to the second round of the Cup Series playoffs and joined Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe, who finished second. Hamlin made his final stop with 44 laps remaining, and he cycled to the front on a caution 15 laps later. The Virginia native seized the lead from Brad Keselowski on the restart, delivering the 200th win in NASCAR’s premier series for Toyota.… Continue Reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown pass, Travis Etienne ran for 143 yards and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Carolina Panthers 26-10 to give their new regime a debut victory. Brian Thomas Jr. also ran for a score for Jacksonville, which controlled both lines of scrimmage and kept Lawrence upright all afternoon. The game was delayed 1 hour, 16 minutes because of nearby lightning strikes. Bryce Young turned in another season-opening stinker. He had a TD pass to Chuba Hubbard, two interceptions and a fumble. He also made a head-scratching throw out of the back of the end zone on a fourth-down play.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has started a new chapter as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. After leaving the New England Patriots in January 2024, his relationship with the team has soured. Reports say he banned a Patriots scout from attending practices, Belichick confirmed that on Saturday, stating: “It’s clear I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours.” Belichick won his first game with the Tar Heels on Saturday, beating Charlotte 20-3. Despite the win, Belichick deflected praise, emphasizing the team effort. His debut game on Monday ended in a loss to TCU, drawing criticism from detractors.… Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has secured his first win as a college head coach. North Carolina defeated Charlotte 20-3 on a rainy Saturday. Gio Lopez threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Chris Culliver on the first possession. Davion Gause added a 12-yard rushing score. North Carolina’s defense held Charlotte to 271 yards and forced two turnovers. This victory comes after a tough debut loss to TCU, where North Carolina allowed 48 points. Despite early questions about Belichick’s ability to win at this level, the Tar Heels responded with a solid performance. North Carolina will host Richmond next, while Charlotte will face Monmouth.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — CJ Bailey rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another as North Carolina State defeated visiting Virginia 35-31 in a non-league clash between the two Atlantic Coast Conference teams. Bailey completed 16-of-22 passes for 200 yards and rushed for 44 yards on six carries for the Wolfpack. N.C. State running back Hollywood Smothers added 136 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Virginia was powered by J’Mari Taylor’s 150 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. The Wolfpack outscored Virginia 21-7 in the third quarter after falling behind by 10 points in the first half.… Continue Reading