Sports News Round-up: Kansas coach Bill Self, Tannehill faces an uphill challenge, Pacquiao plans

"All my coaches want to figure out a way of how to lessen my minutes. I keep telling them I'm strong enough to play most minutes.

 

Jury deliberations to begin Monday in basketball corruption trial

Kansas coach Bill Self was aware of -- and requested -- an improper payment to at least one recruit, an attorney representing one of three men charged in a pay-for-play scheme reiterated in closing arguments on Thursday. In his statement that lasted one hour and 10 minutes, attorney Michael S. Schachter, representing Adidas executive James Gatto, said his client was acting on behalf of Self in trying to help lure recruits to the schools.

NFL notebook: Dolphins' Tannehill not facing surgery

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill faces an "uphill challenge" in his recovery from a shoulder injury and is unlikely to play next Thursday against the Houston Texans, according to a report by ESPN. Tannehill was ruled out of Miami's Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions by coach Adam Gase on Wednesday. Tannehill did not throw during the open portion of Wednesday's practice, and backup Brock Osweiler, who started last Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears, took all of the first-team reps.

Pacquiao plans to fight Broner in U.S. return

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is ready to get back in the ring in the United States for the first time since 2016 -- against American Adrien Broner. Pacquiao announced Thursday in a news conference in Manila that he wants to defend his secondary welterweight world title in January. The fight against Broner, which Pacquiao indicated is "90 per cent" done, is expected to be held in Las Vegas on either Jan. 12 or Jan. 19, according to ESPN.

New city, same goal for LeBron: a championship

LeBron James had a message for his new coach, Luke Walton, after the Los Angeles Lakers' shootaround Thursday morning: He doesn't want to rest. "I'm always fresh," James said in advance of the team's season opener in Portland, per ESPN. "All my coaches want to figure out a way of how to lessen my minutes. I keep telling them I'm strong enough to play most minutes."

Former USA Gymnastics boss arrested for Nassar evidence-tampering

Steve Penny, the former USA Gymnastics president, was arrested on Wednesday night in Tennessee on charges he tampered with evidence in the case of Larry Nassar, the disgraced team doctor convicted of sexually assaulting athletes, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Penny is due to be extradited to Walker County in Texas to face allegations he removed documents from the USA Gymnastics national team training centre there, the U.S. Marshals Service's statement said.

Take 5: Battle in Baltimore highlights Week 7

Sunday brings the second matchup in three weeks featuring the league's best scoring offence and best scoring defence, this time when the New Orleans Saints (36 points per game) visit the Baltimore Ravens (12.8 allowed per game). This one should look entirely different than the Jaguars-Chiefs clash of Week 5, mostly because the Ravens' defence is built on disguises and blitzes, unlike the straightforward Jacksonville defence. The multiplicity will put a heavy burden on New Orleans up front.

Riley: Heat 'pulling the plug' on Butler trade talks

Miami Heat president of basketball operations Pat Riley told the team's players that he is "pulling the plug" on trade talks involving Jimmy Butler, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. Butler, the disgruntled Minnesota Timberwolves star, requested a trade before finally reporting for the start of his final season before he hits free agency. Discussions between Minnesota and Miami reportedly hit a snag last week.

Price-less: Red Sox KO Astros to reach World Series

J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers clubbed home runs, David Price twirled six scoreless innings, and the Boston Red Sox eliminated the defending champion Houston Astros with a 4-1 victory in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday. The Red Sox claimed the final four games of the series by punishing the Astros' stellar pitching with an endless string of quality plate appearances. They bested Astros ace Justin Verlander (1-1) to secure their first AL pennant in five years, setting a date opposite either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series starting next Tuesday in Boston.

Holdout Steelers RB Bell supports teammates from afar

Le'Veon Bell likely has more than a few detractors in the Pittsburgh Steelers' front office. However, in the locker room, and specifically when it comes to fellow running back James Conner, the sentiment is pro-Bell.

Broncos pound Cardinals, end four-game losing streak

The visiting Denver Broncos returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the first quarter and coasted to a 45-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night in Glendale, Ariz. Emmanuel Sanders caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown and threw for another, as Denver (3-4) snapped a four-game losing streak. Broncos quarterback Case Keenum went 14 of 21 for 161 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

(With inputs from agencies.)