Sports News Roundup: New Jersey sports betting activity, Knaus late to fulfil career dream

Almost from the day he arrived at Hendrick Motorsports 25 years ago, Chad Knaus had a specific ambition: He wanted to be crew chief on Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet. Only one problem:

New Jersey sports betting activity nearly doubles in September

Sports betting activity in New Jersey nearly doubled in the month of September, growing to $183.9 million compared with $95.6 million the prior month, on a wave of new internet wagers and the start of football season, according to figures released on Friday. On-site sports wagers placed at casinos and racetracks rose by $5.1 million to $79 million in the month of September, a 7 per cent increase, data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement showed.

NHL upset Watson's suspension was reduced

The NHL expressed disappointment on Friday that a 27-game suspension for domestic violence issued to Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson was reduced to 18 games one day earlier. Independent arbitrator Shyam Das made the decision Thursday to trim the length of Watson's suspension.

NASCAR notebook: Knaus late to fulfil a career dream

Almost from the day he arrived at Hendrick Motorsports 25 years ago, Chad Knaus had a specific ambition: He wanted to be crew chief on Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet. Only one problem: Ray Evernham had the job. So Knaus began his association with the No. 24 team as a fabricator. He also changed rear tires for Gordon as an original member of the vaunted Rainbow Warriors pit crew and was part of Gordon's championship teams in 1995 and 1997.

Playoffs the goal in LeBron's first season: Lakers' Buss

Success for the Los Angeles Lakers' first season with LeBron James will be measured by whether the team can make the playoffs after a five-year absence, owner Jeanie Buss has told Reuters. James made the move to the Lakers from the Cleveland Cavaliers official in July when the three-time NBA champion signed a four-year $154 million contact.

Thunder's George takes Butler's side in the dispute

Oklahoma City's Paul George says he can somewhat relate to the situation involving shooting guard Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and George has a message. Even in trying to get traded, Butler "wants the best for that organization," George told reporters on Friday, adding that he has spoken with Butler about the drama with the Timberwolves.

49ers apologize to Kaepernick for photo omissions

The San Francisco 49ers apologized on Friday for initially leaving former quarterback Colin Kaepernick out of a photo gallery that displayed exploits of previous games against the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers were celebrating their history against the Packers -- who they play on Monday night -- on the team website with a dozen of photos but none included Kaepernick, who led San Francisco to playoff victories over Green Bay after the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Doping agency denies trying to bully athletes' representative

The World Anti-Doping Agency denied on Friday that it had disrespected or attempted to bully athletes' representative Beckie Scott during a debate in which tensions were "running high" over a decision to reinstate Russia's anti-doping organization. Scott, chair of the WADA Athlete Committee, said in an interview with the BBC that she was "treated with disrespect" and faced "inappropriate" comments and gestures from the WADA executive committee for her opposition to Russia's reinstatement during a September meeting.

Steelers' Watt fined $20,054 for a hit on Ryan

The NFL fined Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt $20,054 for a hit on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in Week 5, according to ESPN. The league office instructed the Steelers to take the fine out of Watt's paycheck if he does not appeal.

Cowboys' Lawrence says he has torn the labrum

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence told reporters Friday he has been playing through a torn labrum in his shoulder the past two seasons. Lawrence is questionable for Dallas' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday as a result of the injury. He aggravated the shoulder hitting Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson early in the Cowboys' 19-16 loss last week.

NFL notebook: 'We believe in Eli,' Giants coach says

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters Friday that the team is not considering benching quarterback Eli Manning. "No," Shurmur said firmly when asked if a change at quarterback is on the table. "We believe in Eli."

(With inputs from Reuters)

(With inputs from agencies.)