Sports News roundup: Mike Matheson's suspension, NHL, Russian anti-doping agency

RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report that outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics, allegations which Moscow denied.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

NHL suspends Panthers' Matheson for body slam

A body slam of an opponent led to Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson receiving a two-game suspension from the NHL on Monday. In the third period Saturday, Matheson checked Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson into the boards, then slammed Pettersson into the ice. No penalty was called on the ice in a game Vancouver won 3-2.

NBA-Opening-night rosters feature 108 international players

The National Basketball Association's 2018-19 season will tip off later on Tuesday with 108 international players from a record-tying 42 countries and territories on opening-night rosters, according to the league. The record for international players (113) and mark for countries and territories (42) were set at the start of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, respectively, the NBA said in a statement.

Former teammates describe chilling Hernandez behaviour: Report

Aaron Hernandez went from jovial to intense in an instant and his behaviour and demeanour were wildly unpredictable on a given day, former teammates of the late New England Patriots tight end told the Boston Globe. In the third of a six-part series on Hernandez, who committed suicide in a prison cell after being convicted of murder, The Globe described a troubled individual who reached out to teammates and coaches for help.

Nurmagomedov challenges Mayweather to fight

After beating Conor McGregor, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to recreate McGregor's most lucrative moment -- a fight against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. Last weekend, Nurmagomedov was alongside Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe when he announced in a video posted on social media, "Let's go, Floyd, we have to fight now. 50-0 vs. 27-0, two guys who never lose. Let's go, why not? Because in the jungle, there's only one king. Of course, I'm the king because (McGregor) cannot drop McGregor, but I drop him easily. Let's go."

FLM All 32: Team-by-team NFL notes

AFC EAST Buffalo Bills: Backup quarterback Nathan Peterman entered the Bills' Week 6 loss to Houston after rookie starter Josh Allen went out with an injury. He threw a touchdown pass to Zay Jones, but then the interception bug bit him again. He threw two, including one that became the game-winning pick-six for the Texans. His career has been defined by interceptions. He threw five in one half last season when he got the starting nod over Tyrod Taylor against the Chargers. In six career games, he has 79 pass attempts with nine interceptions and three touchdowns. "It's tough," Peterman said after the game. "You put everything you have into winning the game. It hurts for my teammates. Everybody out there for 60 minutes, giving it all they had, trying to come in here and help us win and didn't do it today. I'm going to learn from it and take it day-by-day." Head coach Sean McDermott clearly wasn't happy. "Well, we've got to have more respect for the football," McDermott said. "I felt he tried to force the football in those situations. You can't do that. You have to take what the defence gives you."

Brewers blank Dodgers for 2-1 NLCS lead

LOS ANGELES -- The bullpen has been a difference-maker for the Brewers this season, but it is starting pitching that is guiding Milwaukee on the final push toward the club's first World Series berth in 36 years. Jhoulys Chacin delivered 5 1/3 strong innings, and Orlando Arcia hit a two-run home run Monday as the Milwaukee Brewers grabbed the lead in the National League Championship Series with a 4-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Report: Raiders want first-rounder for wide receiver Cooper

The Oakland Raiders would be willing to part with wide receiver Amari Cooper if they can get a first-round draft pick in return, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Monday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported before the Raiders' game on Sunday in London that Oakland was shopping Cooper and fellow former first-round draft pick Karl Joseph ahead of the NFL's Oct. 30 trade deadline.

Suns' Booker set to return from hand surgery for the opener

Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker, just five weeks removed from right-hand surgery, is expected to play in the season opener Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. On Sept. 10, Booker had an operation to repair the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint in his shooting hand. The team estimated his recovery time at six weeks, but he will beat that projection.

WADA to audit Russian anti-doping agency in December

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Tuesday it would audit Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA in December to check it remains compliant following its conditional reinstatement last month. RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report that outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics, allegations which Moscow denied.

NHL roundup: Leafs top Kings for 5th straight win

Kasperi Kapanen scored two goals to help the Toronto Maple Leafs extend their winning streak to five games Monday night with a 4-1 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Kings. Patrick Marleau and Mitch Marner also scored for the Maple Leafs, who have lost once in seven games. Jake Gardiner and Auston Matthews each added two assists.

(With inputs from agencies.)