US Open, Mychal Kendricks, Rafael Nadal, Tiger Woods: Sports round-up

Oversized tennis balls have become synonymous with the U.S. Open like New York City streets and traffic, with the felt-covered souvenirs providing fans a keepsake and can't-miss target for player autographs.

At U.S. Open, love for tennis balls is jumbo sized

Oversized tennis balls have become synonymous with the U.S. Open like New York City streets and traffic, with the felt-covered souvenirs providing fans a keepsake and can't-miss target for player autographs. Whether at the completion of a featured match or practice session on a faraway court, a tangle of children's outstretched arms can always be seen reaching over walls or gates in the hope a player will sign their giant souvenir.

Kendricks pleads guilty to insider trading

Former NFL linebacker Mychal Kendricks faces up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty Thursday to charges of insider trading. Kendricks, 27, admitted before a federal judge in Philadelphia that he swapped cash, NFL tickets and access to parties with a Wall Street-connected associate for nonpublic, market-shifting information.

Nadal, Djokovic one win from renewing rivalry in New York

Defending U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal and twice winner Novak Djokovic are one victory away from renewing their rivalry in the final with both expected to get through their semis on Friday. World number one Nadal faces big-serving Argentine third seed Juan Martin del Potro while sixth seed Novak Djokovic meets Japanese 21st seed Kei Nishikori bidding to secure a seventh trip to the showcase match at Flushing Meadows.

A new era in Cleveland begins with old nemesis Steelers

Telling Ben Roethlisberger the Browns are a rival to the Pittsburgh Steelers goes about as far as inviting a Cleveland resident to hop in the lake in January. Roethlisberger has more wins in Cleveland's First Energy Stadium than any Browns quarterback and is 22-2 all-time against the Browns.

Court revives ex-NFL players' painkiller lawsuit

A group of retired NFL players who claim they suffered permanent damage or addiction from the team-aided use of opioids and painkillers had their lawsuit against the league reinstated by an appeals court Thursday. A federal judge had dismissed the proposed class-action lawsuit filed by former Chicago Bears stars Richard Dent, Jim McMahon, and others in 2014, finding that the collective bargaining agreement between NFL owners and players preempted the players' complaints and provided other avenues for resolution.

Buccaneers battling Brees, Saints' home dominance minus Winston

For the last four seasons, the New Orleans Saints have started the regular season 0-2, and only last year was they able to climb out of that deep, early hole, to make the playoffs, winning eight consecutive games to get there. The Saints came within one bizarre defensive breakdown in the final seconds against Minnesota in the divisional playoffs from playing in the NFC Championship game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Two Florida International players injured in the shooting

Florida International running back Anthony Jones and offensive lineman Marshawn Miller were injured Thursday in a drive-by shooting in South Florida, according to police. Jones was shot in the face and back, and Miller was shot in the arm in an apparent drive-by shooting in the Miami suburb of Opa-Locka, according to Opa-Locka police chief James Dobson.

Woods, McIlroy share lead for the first time on PGA Tour

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy broke new ground when they tied for the first-round lead at the BMW Championship in Pennsylvania on Thursday. Despite 18 major championships between them, the pair had never shared the lead after any round on the PGA Tour until they carded matching eight-under-par 62s in oppressive humidity on the Aronimink course, west of Philadelphia.

Veteran forward Diaw announces retirement

Veteran forward Boris Diaw announcement his retirement on Thursday after 14 NBA seasons. Diaw made his announcement on Twitter, which included a link to a French-speaking video also featuring former San Antonio Spurs teammate Tony Parker and former NBA player Ronny Turiaf.

NFL notebook: Steelers resolute in Bell holdout

Even if the team enters the season without its All-Pro running back, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not planning to change their position in the ongoing standoff with Le'Veon Bell. While rumors circulated that a trade could be the only solution in Bell's holdout, NFL Network reported Thursday the Steelers will not rescind the franchise tag or trade Bell.

(With inputs from Reuters)