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Portland fires new announcer

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers fired new play-by-play television broadcaster Braiden Bell on Thursday when inappropriate social media posts that he made as a teenager resurfaced just hours after the team announced his hiring. “The Portland Trail Blazers have zero tolerance for racist, sexist, or harmful comments,” the team said in a statement Thursday night. “Social media posts made by our recently announced play-by-play broadcaster are in clear violation of team and league policies, as well as our values and expectations. Therefore, we will not be moving forward ...

Heisman hopefuls headline Alabama-Mississippi State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Keelon Russell and Kamario Taylor have unbeaten starts and unquestioned spots in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Two of the Southeastern Conference’s most productive young quarterbacks will share a field — and the spotlight — when Russell and No. 7 Alabama visit ...

Badgers seek to build on win

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin showcased how it could respond to adversity when it erased a 17-point deficit last Saturday at then-No. 13 Penn State, delivering the signature victory of coach Luke Fickell’s tenure. Now the Badgers must prove they can handle prosperity, something they generally hadn’t needed to worry about the last couple of years. Wisconsin’s 24-20 triumph moved the Badgers to the verge of the Top 25 — they received the most votes of any unranked team — and raised their potential ceiling as they try to bounce back from consecutive losing seasons. First the ...

Judge’s MLB playoff status uncertain

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge remains uncertain for the AL Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays as he recovers from a calf injury. The three-time AL MVP, who hasn’t played since Sept. 16, took live batting practice Thursday at Yankee Stadium and worked ...

Braves eliminate Phils in deciding Game 3

ATLANTA — Michael Harris II hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Ray Kerr threw 3• scoreless innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Thursday night in the decisive Game 3 of their National League Wild Card Series. Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer in the ...

MLB nixes playing game at national park

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball won’t consider staging a game in western Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred sent a letter Thursday to Teton County Commissioner Chair Mark Newcomb, Jackson Mayor Arne Jorgensen and Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce ...