WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce has joined forces with Midwestern grocery retailer Hy-Vee for the upcoming football season through 2025 for promotional and charitable campaigns supporting Kelce’s foundation 87 &amp; Running. Beginning this season, Hy-Vee will donate $1,000 to 87 &amp; Running for every touchdown scored by the Pro Bowl tight end. Hy-Vee will also carry Kelcebranded product with part of the proceeds benefitting 87 &amp; Running and support other events incorporating Kelce’s newly built Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough.

“I’m excited to be partnering with Hy-Vee because from the start they were interested in how they could support my foundation and the work we do in the community,” Kelce said. “I also know how impactful the HyVee brand is. By working together, we’ll be able to connect with a lot of Chiefs’ Kingdom across the Midwest, which is important to me.”

In addition to the charitable components, Kelce will appear in Hy-Vee’s promotional materials including&nbsp;commercials, store appearances and social campaigns.

“When we saw the outreach that Travis was doing in his local community, we knew we wanted to support his efforts,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Not only is Travis talented on the field, he also serves as a true role model and sports icon for the families who visit our stores, making him a great partner for us at Hy-Vee.”

Kelce’s foundation 87 &amp; Running was established in 2015 with the mission of empowering underserved youth to achieve success by providing resources and support to their communities and cultivating their talent and interest in the areas of education, business, athletics, STEM and the arts. Partnering with Kansas City cornerstone Operation Breakthrough, Kelce and his foundation’s newest project is the Ignition Lab - a coworking space where teens will have the support, resources, and opportunity to explore careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures, and gain real-world experience.

Hy-Vee has more than 280 grocery stores throughout eight Midwestern states. The retailer is also a sponsor of the Kansas City Chiefs

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce has joined forces with Midwestern grocery retailer Hy-Vee for the upcoming football season through 2025 for promotional and charitable campaigns supporting Kelce’s foundation 87 &amp; Running. Beginning this season, Hy-Vee will donate $1,000 to 87 &amp; Running for every touchdown scored by the Pro Bowl tight end. Hy-Vee will also carry Kelcebranded product with part of the proceeds benefitting 87 &amp; Running and support other events incorporating Kelce’s newly built Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough.“I’m excited to be partnering with Hy-Vee because from the start they were interested in how they could support my foundation and the work we do in the community,” Kelce said. “I also know how impactful the HyVee brand is. By working together, we’ll be able to connect with a lot of Chiefs’ Kingdom across the Midwest, which is important to me.”In addition to the charitable components, Kelce will appear in Hy-Vee’s promotional materials including&nbsp;commercials, store appearances and social campaigns.“When we saw the outreach that Travis was doing in his local community, we knew we wanted to support his efforts,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Not only is Travis talented on the field, he also serves as a true role model and sports icon for the families who visit our stores, making him a great partner for us at Hy-Vee.”Kelce’s foundation 87 &amp; Running was established in 2015 with the mission of empowering underserved youth to achieve success by providing resources and support to their communities and cultivating their talent and interest in the areas of education, business, athletics, STEM and the arts. Partnering with Kansas City cornerstone Operation Breakthrough, Kelce and his foundation’s newest project is the Ignition Lab - a coworking space where teens will have the support, resources, and opportunity to explore careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures, and gain real-world experience.Hy-Vee has more than 280 grocery stores throughout eight Midwestern states. The retailer is also a sponsor of the Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Travis Kelce Teams Up with Midwestern Retailer Hy-Vee

CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Lynch and four relievers held the Chicago White Sox in check, and Emmanuel Rivera’s line drive was misplayed into an early two-run double that helped the Kansas City Royals hang on for a 3-2 victory. Kansas City won its second consecutive game, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the ninth time in their last 14. Chicago has scored two runs or fewer in three of its past four games. Jake Brentz worked a hitless ninth inning for his first major league save. Jose Abreu homered for the White Sox.

CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Lynch and four relievers held the Chicago White Sox in check, and Emmanuel Rivera’s line drive was misplayed into an early two-run double that helped the Kansas City Royals hang on for a 3-2 victory. Kansas City won its second consecutive game, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the ninth time in their last 14. Chicago has scored two runs or fewer in three of its past four games. Jake Brentz worked a hitless ninth inning for his first major league save. Jose Abreu homered for the White Sox.

Lynch, 4 relievers lead Royals to 3-2 win over White Sox

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - It was a star studded court, full of Jayhawk greats old and new.

“When I saw the line up of of who was playing this year, I realized they were definitely going to be the show tonight.” Todd Reesing, former Kansas quarterback, said. “But, it was a lot of fun to be out here. Obviously to see the level of talent, to see these guys shoot the ball around the way they move, I’m glad I stuck to football.”

But, the most important stars weren’t on the floor.

“You know, this place means the world to all of us that come back and show the love and support and the love that we got here, you’ve got to give it back” Devonte’ Graham, former Kansas guard, said.

Children battling cancer were honored during the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic. Thousands of dollars were raised to help their fight.

“Sports has the opportunity to inspire, Reesing said. “When we use that for a good cause like this, there’s nothing better.”

For the stars on the floor, playing for something bigger than sports was meaningful.

“It’s more what we got,” Graham said. “They’re the most courageous, strong individuals. It changes the way you look at life. Because everybody complains about a lot of stuff then you seee things like these kids going through what they go through what they go through and it just makes you take a step back and realize just how grateful you should be and how powerful and strong they are and how they affect a lot of people.

By WIBW TV's Mitchell SummersLAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - It was a star studded court, full of Jayhawk greats old and new.“When I saw the line up of of who was playing this year, I realized they were definitely going to be the show tonight.” Todd Reesing, former Kansas quarterback, said. “But, it was a lot of fun to be out here. Obviously to see the level of talent, to see these guys shoot the ball around the way they move, I’m glad I stuck to football.”But, the most important stars weren’t on the floor.“You know, this place means the world to all of us that come back and show the love and support and the love that we got here, you’ve got to give it back” Devonte’ Graham, former Kansas guard, said.Children battling cancer were honored during the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic. Thousands of dollars were raised to help their fight.“Sports has the opportunity to inspire, Reesing said. “When we use that for a good cause like this, there’s nothing better.”For the stars on the floor, playing for something bigger than sports was meaningful.“It’s more what we got,” Graham said. “They’re the most courageous, strong individuals. It changes the way you look at life. Because everybody complains about a lot of stuff then you seee things like these kids going through what they go through what they go through and it just makes you take a step back and realize just how grateful you should be and how powerful and strong they are and how they affect a lot of people.

Jayhawks greats honor children battling cancer in Rock Chalk Roundball Classic

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State sophomore running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;has earned a spot on his third preseason watch list in 2021 as he was named to the initial list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list, SPORTyler announced Thursday.

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the nation’s college offensive player of the year who has ties to the state of Texas by either being born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas High School and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year college.

Vaughn was one of 13 semifinalists for the award as a true freshman in 2020, a year he was named the National True Freshman of the Year by 247Sports, an Honorable Mention All-American and Freshman All-American by multiple outlets and the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.

A product of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn rushed for 642 yards and seven touchdowns on 123 carries last season to go along with 434 receiving yards on 25 catches and two touchdowns. He was one of only three players in the nation to tally at least 600 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards on the year, joining fellow running backs Travis Etienne (Clemson) and Najee Harris (Alabama), both of whom were first-round selections in the 2021 NFL Draft.

K-State reports to preseason camp on Thursday, and the Wildcats’ first practice is set for Friday. The doors to Bill Snyder Family Stadium will open to fans on Saturday as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/8/2/fans-invited-to-saturdays-k-state-football-practice.aspx" target="_blank">for the final 45 minutes of practice</a>.

Kansas State beings its 2021 slate on Saturday, September 4 with the Allstate Kickoff Classic against Stanford inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised by FS1 and kicks off at 11 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the game – in addition to season and single-game tickets for the Wildcats’ seven-game home schedule – by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-221-CATS.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State sophomore running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;has earned a spot on his third preseason watch list in 2021 as he was named to the initial list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list, SPORTyler announced Thursday.The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the nation’s college offensive player of the year who has ties to the state of Texas by either being born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas High School and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year college.Vaughn was one of 13 semifinalists for the award as a true freshman in 2020, a year he was named the National True Freshman of the Year by 247Sports, an Honorable Mention All-American and Freshman All-American by multiple outlets and the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.A product of Round Rock, Texas, Vaughn rushed for 642 yards and seven touchdowns on 123 carries last season to go along with 434 receiving yards on 25 catches and two touchdowns. He was one of only three players in the nation to tally at least 600 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards on the year, joining fellow running backs Travis Etienne (Clemson) and Najee Harris (Alabama), both of whom were first-round selections in the 2021 NFL Draft.K-State reports to preseason camp on Thursday, and the Wildcats’ first practice is set for Friday. The doors to Bill Snyder Family Stadium will open to fans on Saturday as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/8/2/fans-invited-to-saturdays-k-state-football-practice.aspx" target="_blank">for the final 45 minutes of practice</a>.Kansas State beings its 2021 slate on Saturday, September 4 with the Allstate Kickoff Classic against Stanford inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised by FS1 and kicks off at 11 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the game – in addition to season and single-game tickets for the Wildcats’ seven-game home schedule – by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-221-CATS.

K-State’s Vaughn Earns Nod on Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - A Douglas Co. jury has found former University of Kansas men’s basketball player Silvio De Sousa not guilty on an aggravated battery charge.

The Douglas Co. District Attorney’s office confirmed the verdict to 13 NEWS, saying this ends the case.

<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/08/03/trial-begins-former-jayhawk-silvio-de-sousas-aggravated-battery-case/" target="_blank">Jury selection in the trial&nbsp;</a>began Tuesday.

De Sousa was accused of hitting a man in the face early New Year’s Day 2020 outside a bar in downtown Lawrence. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2020/11/12/alleged-de-sousa-victim-has-permanent-eye-damage/">victim claims</a>&nbsp;he can no longer see out of his eye because of the encounter.

Before entering the courthouse Tuesday morning,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/08/03/trial-begins-former-jayhawk-silvio-de-sousas-aggravated-battery-case/" target="_blank">De Sousa had a message for his fans</a>.

“I’m standing here today and I just want to say thank you for standing with me and sticking with me, it means a lot,” he exclusively told 13 NEWS. “I’m excited about today. It’s going to be great, I’ve got great feelings about it, and at the end of the day no one on this planet can judge me, only God can judge me.”

This is a developing story. 13 NEWS will have additional information as it becomes available.

By WIBW TV's Melissa BrunnerLAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - A Douglas Co. jury has found former University of Kansas men’s basketball player Silvio De Sousa not guilty on an aggravated battery charge.The Douglas Co. District Attorney’s office confirmed the verdict to 13 NEWS, saying this ends the case.<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/08/03/trial-begins-former-jayhawk-silvio-de-sousas-aggravated-battery-case/" target="_blank">Jury selection in the trial&nbsp;</a>began Tuesday.De Sousa was accused of hitting a man in the face early New Year’s Day 2020 outside a bar in downtown Lawrence. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2020/11/12/alleged-de-sousa-victim-has-permanent-eye-damage/">victim claims</a>&nbsp;he can no longer see out of his eye because of the encounter.Before entering the courthouse Tuesday morning,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/08/03/trial-begins-former-jayhawk-silvio-de-sousas-aggravated-battery-case/" target="_blank">De Sousa had a message for his fans</a>.“I’m standing here today and I just want to say thank you for standing with me and sticking with me, it means a lot,” he exclusively told 13 NEWS. “I’m excited about today. It’s going to be great, I’ve got great feelings about it, and at the end of the day no one on this planet can judge me, only God can judge me.”This is a developing story. 13 NEWS will have additional information as it becomes available.

Jury finds former KU player De Sousa not guilty

Few college football coaches know the mental and physical grind that comes with navigating an extended playoff better than Chris Klieman. The Kansas State coach was formerly at FCS juggernaut North Dakota State, where teams routinely play for national titles in a division where that means playing 15-plus games. 

Klieman says it's a grind but you find a way to get through it when a title is on the line. 

The College Football Playoff is considering expanding from four to 12 teams to determine its champion, reserving six spots for the highest-ranked conference champions with the rest going to at-large selections.

By Associated PressFew college football coaches know the mental and physical grind that comes with navigating an extended playoff better than Chris Klieman. The Kansas State coach was formerly at FCS juggernaut North Dakota State, where teams routinely play for national titles in a division where that means playing 15-plus games. Klieman says it's a grind but you find a way to get through it when a title is on the line. The College Football Playoff is considering expanding from four to 12 teams to determine its champion, reserving six spots for the highest-ranked conference champions with the rest going to at-large selections.

Expanded playoffs means more games and ... more injuries?

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dániel Sallói had a goal and an assist to help Sporting Kansas City beat Los Angeles FC 4-1 on Wednesday night. Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Luis Martins also scored for Kansas City. Sporting moved into a tie with Seattle atop the Western Conference standings with 33 points. Daniel Musovski scored for Los Angeles.

By Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — Dániel Sallói had a goal and an assist to help Sporting Kansas City beat Los Angeles FC 4-1 on Wednesday night. Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Luis Martins also scored for Kansas City. Sporting moved into a tie with Seattle atop the Western Conference standings with 33 points. Daniel Musovski scored for Los Angeles.

Pulido, Sallói lead Sporting KC to 4-1 win over LAFC

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;For the second time in as many seasons, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;has earned a spot on the watch list for the Manning Award, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Thursday.

The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting.

Aside from Thompson, other previous Wildcats up for the award include 2012 finalist Collin Klein and 2014 preseason candidate Jake Waters.

Thompson, who was injured in the third game of 2020 and out for the remainder of the season, is a career 30-game starter who ranks in the top 10 in school history of 15 career categories. He is just the second player in school history to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards – joining Ell Roberson – and with 979 more passing yards this year he can become the first to hit the 6,000/1,000 marks.

Thompson’s inclusion on the watch list for the Manning Award is his third of the preseason as he was also on the initial watch lists for the Maxwell Award and Wuerffel Trophy.

A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson leads an experienced offense entering 2021 that returns 28 letterwinners and 11 players that made at least four starts in 2020. The Wildcats bring back every start along the offensive line from a year ago, 97.1% of its passing yardage and 78.4% of its rushing yardage.

The Wildcats report to preseason camp on Thursday prior to their practice on Friday. K-State will open the doors to Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/8/2/fans-invited-to-saturdays-k-state-football-practice.aspx" target="_blank">fans to watch the final 45 minutes of practice</a>.

K-State’s 2021 campaign opens on Saturday, September 4 in the Allstate Kickoff Classic against Stanford inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised by FS1 and kicks off at 11 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the game – in addition to season and single-game tickets for the Wildcats’ seven-game home schedule – by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-221-CATS.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;For the second time in as many seasons, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;has earned a spot on the watch list for the Manning Award, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Thursday.The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting.Aside from Thompson, other previous Wildcats up for the award include 2012 finalist Collin Klein and 2014 preseason candidate Jake Waters.Thompson, who was injured in the third game of 2020 and out for the remainder of the season, is a career 30-game starter who ranks in the top 10 in school history of 15 career categories. He is just the second player in school history to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards – joining Ell Roberson – and with 979 more passing yards this year he can become the first to hit the 6,000/1,000 marks.Thompson’s inclusion on the watch list for the Manning Award is his third of the preseason as he was also on the initial watch lists for the Maxwell Award and Wuerffel Trophy.A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson leads an experienced offense entering 2021 that returns 28 letterwinners and 11 players that made at least four starts in 2020. The Wildcats bring back every start along the offensive line from a year ago, 97.1% of its passing yardage and 78.4% of its rushing yardage.The Wildcats report to preseason camp on Thursday prior to their practice on Friday. K-State will open the doors to Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2021/8/2/fans-invited-to-saturdays-k-state-football-practice.aspx" target="_blank">fans to watch the final 45 minutes of practice</a>.K-State’s 2021 campaign opens on Saturday, September 4 in the Allstate Kickoff Classic against Stanford inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised by FS1 and kicks off at 11 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the game – in addition to season and single-game tickets for the Wildcats’ seven-game home schedule – by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-221-CATS.

K-State’s Thompson Earns Nod on Manning Award Watch List

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1. Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games. Royals starter Carlos Hernández yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago. Pérez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying his career high.

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1. Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games. Royals starter Carlos Hernández yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago. Pérez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying his career high.

Pérez hits 2-run HR as Royals roll to 9-1 win over White Sox

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State All-American&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;will play with the Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, which will run from Sunday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 17 at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Beasley will be joined at the Summer League tournament by former Wildcats&nbsp;Barry Brown, Jr.&nbsp;(Orlando Magic) and&nbsp;Xavier Sneed&nbsp;(Charlotte Hornets).

Beasley and the Trail Blazers open their Summer League schedule on Sunday (August 8) at 5 p.m., CT against Sneed and the Hornets on NBA TV. The Blazers will then play the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, August 10 at 10 p.m., CT on ESPNU followed by matchups with the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, August 12 at 5 p.m., on NBA TV and the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, August 14 at 8 p.m., on NBA TV.

Each team in the Summer League will play four preliminary games with the two teams with the best records meeting in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 17 at 8 p.m., CT. The remaining 28 teams will play a fifth and final game on either Monday, August 16 or Tuesday, August 17.

A full schedule complete with times and broadcast information for the Trail Blazers can be found below.

Beasley has not played in the NBA since playing in 26 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018-19 season. He most recently played professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019, averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in helping the squad to the 2019 CBA Championship.

The 11-year NBA pro, who will wear No. 50, will be joined on the 15-man Blazers’ summer league roster by 2021 NBA Second Round Draft pick&nbsp;Greg Brown III&nbsp;(Texas), along with rookies&nbsp;Jordon Crawford&nbsp;(Bowling Green),&nbsp;Mark Vital&nbsp;(Baylor),&nbsp;Trendon Watford&nbsp;(LSU) and&nbsp;Kaleb Wesson&nbsp;(Ohio State). Other notable players on the squad include veterans&nbsp;Kenneth Faried&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emmanuel Mudiay. The team will be led by Blazers assistant coach&nbsp;Roy Rogers.

Beasley has played for seven NBA franchises in a professional career that spans 11 seasons and includes stints with the Miami Heat (2008-10; 2013-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Houston Rockets (2015-16), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18) and the L.A. Lakers (2018-19). He has played in 609 games in his NBA career, averaging 12.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.

Perhaps the greatest one-year player in school history, Beasley became the 11th and most recent first team All-American and the first Wildcat to be the consensus National Freshman of the Year during the 2007-08 campaign, as he posted the third-most points (866) and second-most rebounds (408) by a freshman in NCAA history. The recipient of the 2008 Pete Newell Big Man of the Year given annually to the nation’s top Big Man by the NABC, he became just the second consensus first team All-American in school history and the first since&nbsp;Bob Boozer&nbsp;earned the recognition in back-to-back seasons in 1958 and 1959.

Beasley led the nation in 40-point games (3), 30-point, 10-rebound (13), 20-point, 10-rebound games (22), rebounding average (12.4 rpg.) and double-doubles (28). He broke the then NCAA freshman mark for double-doubles and was just the 11th player in NCAA Division I history to post 28 or more double-doubles in a single season. He set 30 school records and 17 Big 12 marks, including single-season points (866), scoring average (26.2 ppg.), 30-point games (13), 20-point games (26), double-doubles (28) and rebounds (408).

Beasley became the second-highest draft pick in school history, as he was selected with the second pick by the Miami Heat in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Extensive coverage of the MGM Summer League team can be found on&nbsp;nba.com/summer-league/2021

<a>Portland Trail Blazers Summer League schedule</a>

Sunday, August 8&nbsp;(Cox Pavilion/Las Vegas)

5 p.m. – Portland vs. Charlotte (NBA TV)

Tuesday, August 10&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)

10 p.m. – Portland vs. L.A. Clippers (ESPNU)

Thursday, August 12&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)

5 p.m. – Portland vs. San Antonio (NBA TV)

Saturday, August 14&nbsp;(Cox Pavilion/Las Vegas)

How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State All-American&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;will play with the Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, which will run from Sunday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 17 at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.Beasley will be joined at the Summer League tournament by former Wildcats&nbsp;Barry Brown, Jr.&nbsp;(Orlando Magic) and&nbsp;Xavier Sneed&nbsp;(Charlotte Hornets).Beasley and the Trail Blazers open their Summer League schedule on Sunday (August 8) at 5 p.m., CT against Sneed and the Hornets on NBA TV. The Blazers will then play the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, August 10 at 10 p.m., CT on ESPNU followed by matchups with the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, August 12 at 5 p.m., on NBA TV and the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, August 14 at 8 p.m., on NBA TV.Each team in the Summer League will play four preliminary games with the two teams with the best records meeting in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 17 at 8 p.m., CT. The remaining 28 teams will play a fifth and final game on either Monday, August 16 or Tuesday, August 17.A full schedule complete with times and broadcast information for the Trail Blazers can be found below.Beasley has not played in the NBA since playing in 26 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018-19 season. He most recently played professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019, averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in helping the squad to the 2019 CBA Championship.The 11-year NBA pro, who will wear No. 50, will be joined on the 15-man Blazers’ summer league roster by 2021 NBA Second Round Draft pick&nbsp;Greg Brown III&nbsp;(Texas), along with rookies&nbsp;Jordon Crawford&nbsp;(Bowling Green),&nbsp;Mark Vital&nbsp;(Baylor),&nbsp;Trendon Watford&nbsp;(LSU) and&nbsp;Kaleb Wesson&nbsp;(Ohio State). Other notable players on the squad include veterans&nbsp;Kenneth Faried&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emmanuel Mudiay. The team will be led by Blazers assistant coach&nbsp;Roy Rogers.Beasley has played for seven NBA franchises in a professional career that spans 11 seasons and includes stints with the Miami Heat (2008-10; 2013-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Houston Rockets (2015-16), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18) and the L.A. Lakers (2018-19). He has played in 609 games in his NBA career, averaging 12.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.Perhaps the greatest one-year player in school history, Beasley became the 11th and most recent first team All-American and the first Wildcat to be the consensus National Freshman of the Year during the 2007-08 campaign, as he posted the third-most points (866) and second-most rebounds (408) by a freshman in NCAA history. The recipient of the 2008 Pete Newell Big Man of the Year given annually to the nation’s top Big Man by the NABC, he became just the second consensus first team All-American in school history and the first since&nbsp;Bob Boozer&nbsp;earned the recognition in back-to-back seasons in 1958 and 1959.Beasley led the nation in 40-point games (3), 30-point, 10-rebound (13), 20-point, 10-rebound games (22), rebounding average (12.4 rpg.) and double-doubles (28). He broke the then NCAA freshman mark for double-doubles and was just the 11th player in NCAA Division I history to post 28 or more double-doubles in a single season. He set 30 school records and 17 Big 12 marks, including single-season points (866), scoring average (26.2 ppg.), 30-point games (13), 20-point games (26), double-doubles (28) and rebounds (408).Beasley became the second-highest draft pick in school history, as he was selected with the second pick by the Miami Heat in the 2008 NBA Draft.Extensive coverage of the MGM Summer League team can be found on&nbsp;nba.com/summer-league/2021<a>Portland Trail Blazers Summer League schedule</a>(All times Central)Sunday, August 8&nbsp;(Cox Pavilion/Las Vegas)5 p.m. – Portland vs. Charlotte (NBA TV)Tuesday, August 10&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)10 p.m. – Portland vs. L.A. Clippers (ESPNU)Thursday, August 12&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)5 p.m. – Portland vs. San Antonio (NBA TV)Saturday, August 14&nbsp;(Cox Pavilion/Las Vegas)8 p.m. – Portland vs. Phoenix (NBA TV)How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Beasley to Play for Trail Blazers in NBA Summer League

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor has been added to the College Football Playoff selection committee, replacing Texas AD Chris Del Conte. 

The CFP's announcement comes less than a week after Texas and Oklahoma announced they would be leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025. The 13-member selection committee is comprised of mostly sitting athletic directors along with former players and coaches. 

Each Power Five Conferences is represented by an active athletic director. With Texas in the process of leaving the conference, the Big 12 nominated Taylor to replace Del Conte.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616616695148.png" alt="Gene Taylor-photo courtesy KSU" />
 <figcaption>Gene Taylor-photo courtesy KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas (AP) — Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor has been added to the College Football Playoff selection committee, replacing Texas AD Chris Del Conte. The CFP's announcement comes less than a week after Texas and Oklahoma announced they would be leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025. The 13-member selection committee is comprised of mostly sitting athletic directors along with former players and coaches. Each Power Five Conferences is represented by an active athletic director. With Texas in the process of leaving the conference, the Big 12 nominated Taylor to replace Del Conte.

KSU athletic director replaces Texas AD on CFP committee

CHICAGO (AP) — Dylan Cease allowed one hit in six scoreless innings, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Tuesday night. Tim Anderson and Andrew Vaughn homered for AL Central-leading Chicago, which had dropped three of four at fourth-place Kansas City last week. Cease walked two and threw 103 pitches, allowing only Edward Olivares’ leadoff single in the third inning, to nab his first win since June 30. Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet and Ryan Tepera completed the three-hitter.

CHICAGO (AP) — Dylan Cease allowed one hit in six scoreless innings, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Tuesday night. Tim Anderson and Andrew Vaughn homered for AL Central-leading Chicago, which had dropped three of four at fourth-place Kansas City last week. Cease walked two and threw 103 pitches, allowing only Edward Olivares’ leadoff single in the third inning, to nab his first win since June 30. Michael Kopech, Garrett Crochet and Ryan Tepera completed the three-hitter.

Cease blanks Royals for 6 innings, White Sox win 7-1

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State guard&nbsp;Barry Brown, Jr.&nbsp;has accepted an invitation to play for the Orlando Magic Summer League Team, which will participate in the upcoming MGM Resorts NBA Summer League from Sunday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 17 at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Brown joins former Wildcat teammate&nbsp;Xavier Sneed, who will play for the Charlotte Hornets in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, beginning on Sunday (August 8).

Brown and the Magic begin their Summer League schedule on Monday, August 9 at 7 p.m., CT against the Golden State Warriors on NBA TV. The team will play games on consecutive days on ESPN2 beginning with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, August 11 at 5 p.m., CT followed by the Boston Celtics on Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m., CT. They will conclude the Summer League with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, August 15 at 7 p.m., CT, which will air on NBA TV.

Following the four preliminary games of all 30 NBA teams, the two teams with the best records will meet in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 17 at 8 p.m., CT. The remaining 28 teams will play a fifth and final game on either Monday, August 16 or Tuesday, August 17.

Brown, who will wear No. 55, will be joined on the 20-man summer league roster by 2021 NBA First Round Draft picks&nbsp;Jalen Suggs&nbsp;(Gonzaga) and&nbsp;Franz Wagner&nbsp;(Michigan) as well as 2020 First Round Draft pick&nbsp;Cole Anthony&nbsp;(North Carolina). Other notable players on the squad include&nbsp;Ignas Brazdeikis&nbsp;(Michigan),&nbsp;Tahj Eaddy&nbsp;(USC),&nbsp;Jaire Grayer&nbsp;(TCU),&nbsp;R.J. Hampton&nbsp;(New Zealand Breakers),&nbsp;D.J. Hogg&nbsp;(Texas A&amp;M),&nbsp;Justin Jackson&nbsp;(Maryland),&nbsp;Shakur Juiston&nbsp;(Oregon),&nbsp;Yante Maten&nbsp;(Georgia),&nbsp;Asbjorn Midtgaard&nbsp;(Wichita State/Grand Canyon),&nbsp;Jon Teske&nbsp;(Michigan), and&nbsp;Jeremiah Tilmon&nbsp;(Missouri). The team will be led by Magic head coach&nbsp;Jamahl Mosley.

This will be Brown’s second stint in the NBA Summer League, having played with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 6 games.

Brown recently finished his first professional season overseas, playing for Ludwigsburg in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), which is the highest level of professional basketball in Germany. He ranked third on the team in scoring (12.7 ppg.), while connecting on 50.3 percent from the field.

After finishing his K-State career in 2019, Brown signed a contract with the Timberwolves’ G-League affiliate – the Iowa Wolves – where he played in 43 games with 13 starts and averaged 13.6 points on 45.6 percent shooting, including 39.3 percent from 3-point range, to go with 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

The 2019 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection, Brown led the Wildcats in nearly every statistical category in 2018-19, including scoring (14.6 ppg.), double-digit scoring games (28), 20-point games (7) and steals (65). He left K-State in the Top 10 in 13 career categories, including first in games played (139) and steals (254), fourth in double-digit scoring games (91) and fifth in scoring (1,781).

Extensive coverage of the Magic Summer League team can be found on NBA.com/Magic.

<a>Orlando Magic Summer League schedule</a>

Monday, August 9&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)

7 p.m. – Orlando vs. Golden State (NBA TV)

Wednesday, August 11&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)

Thursday, August 12&nbsp;(Cox Pavilion/Las Vegas)

Sunday, August 15&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State guard&nbsp;Barry Brown, Jr.&nbsp;has accepted an invitation to play for the Orlando Magic Summer League Team, which will participate in the upcoming MGM Resorts NBA Summer League from Sunday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 17 at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.Brown joins former Wildcat teammate&nbsp;Xavier Sneed, who will play for the Charlotte Hornets in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, beginning on Sunday (August 8).Brown and the Magic begin their Summer League schedule on Monday, August 9 at 7 p.m., CT against the Golden State Warriors on NBA TV. The team will play games on consecutive days on ESPN2 beginning with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, August 11 at 5 p.m., CT followed by the Boston Celtics on Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m., CT. They will conclude the Summer League with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, August 15 at 7 p.m., CT, which will air on NBA TV.Following the four preliminary games of all 30 NBA teams, the two teams with the best records will meet in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 17 at 8 p.m., CT. The remaining 28 teams will play a fifth and final game on either Monday, August 16 or Tuesday, August 17.Brown, who will wear No. 55, will be joined on the 20-man summer league roster by 2021 NBA First Round Draft picks&nbsp;Jalen Suggs&nbsp;(Gonzaga) and&nbsp;Franz Wagner&nbsp;(Michigan) as well as 2020 First Round Draft pick&nbsp;Cole Anthony&nbsp;(North Carolina). Other notable players on the squad include&nbsp;Ignas Brazdeikis&nbsp;(Michigan),&nbsp;Tahj Eaddy&nbsp;(USC),&nbsp;Jaire Grayer&nbsp;(TCU),&nbsp;R.J. Hampton&nbsp;(New Zealand Breakers),&nbsp;D.J. Hogg&nbsp;(Texas A&amp;M),&nbsp;Justin Jackson&nbsp;(Maryland),&nbsp;Shakur Juiston&nbsp;(Oregon),&nbsp;Yante Maten&nbsp;(Georgia),&nbsp;Asbjorn Midtgaard&nbsp;(Wichita State/Grand Canyon),&nbsp;Jon Teske&nbsp;(Michigan), and&nbsp;Jeremiah Tilmon&nbsp;(Missouri). The team will be led by Magic head coach&nbsp;Jamahl Mosley.This will be Brown’s second stint in the NBA Summer League, having played with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 6 games.Brown recently finished his first professional season overseas, playing for Ludwigsburg in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), which is the highest level of professional basketball in Germany. He ranked third on the team in scoring (12.7 ppg.), while connecting on 50.3 percent from the field.After finishing his K-State career in 2019, Brown signed a contract with the Timberwolves’ G-League affiliate – the Iowa Wolves – where he played in 43 games with 13 starts and averaged 13.6 points on 45.6 percent shooting, including 39.3 percent from 3-point range, to go with 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game.The 2019 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection, Brown led the Wildcats in nearly every statistical category in 2018-19, including scoring (14.6 ppg.), double-digit scoring games (28), 20-point games (7) and steals (65). He left K-State in the Top 10 in 13 career categories, including first in games played (139) and steals (254), fourth in double-digit scoring games (91) and fifth in scoring (1,781).Extensive coverage of the Magic Summer League team can be found on NBA.com/Magic.<a>Orlando Magic Summer League schedule</a>(All times Central)Monday, August 9&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)7 p.m. – Orlando vs. Golden State (NBA TV)Wednesday, August 11&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)5 p.m. – Orlando vs. Cleveland (ESPN2)Thursday, August 12&nbsp;(Cox Pavilion/Las Vegas)6 p.m. – Orlando vs. Boston (ESPN2)Sunday, August 15&nbsp;(Thomas &amp; Mack Center/Las Vegas)7 p.m. – Orlando vs. Houston (NBA TV)How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Brown to Play for Orlando Magic Summer League Team

The Big 12 Conference released its 2021 Big 12 Preseason team via a media release on Tuesday. The full release can be read below:

&nbsp; The Big 12 Conference has announced the 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 Soccer team, as voted by the league’s head coaches. Oklahoma State led all squads with three selections. Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia each had two honorees, while K-State and Texas had a selection. Eleven of the 13 individuals on the preseason team were 2020 All-Big 12 performers. The 2020 Big 12 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year were represented on the preseason ledger. TCU junior Grace Collins, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, was selected at forward while Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Brewster of West Virginia was recognized at defender. Oklahoma State’s three selections were midfielder Olyvia Dowell, defender Kim Rodriguez and midfielder Grace Yochum. There was a three-way tie at the goalkeeper spot with Baylor’s Jennifer Wandt, Texas Tech’s Madison White and West Virginia’s Kayza Massey. The remaining five honorees were Baylor’s Taylor Moon (F), K-State’s Brookelynn Entz (MF), TCU’s Brandi Peterson (D), Texas’ Julia Grosso (MF) and Texas Tech’s Kirsten Davis (F). The Big 12 preseason poll will be announced on Wednesday. The 2021 season opens on Thursday, August 19 with Conference action starting on Thursday, September 23.

The Big 12 Conference released its 2021 Big 12 Preseason team via a media release on Tuesday. The full release can be read below:&nbsp; The Big 12 Conference has announced the 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 Soccer team, as voted by the league’s head coaches. Oklahoma State led all squads with three selections. Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia each had two honorees, while K-State and Texas had a selection. Eleven of the 13 individuals on the preseason team were 2020 All-Big 12 performers. The 2020 Big 12 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year were represented on the preseason ledger. TCU junior Grace Collins, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, was selected at forward while Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Brewster of West Virginia was recognized at defender. Oklahoma State’s three selections were midfielder Olyvia Dowell, defender Kim Rodriguez and midfielder Grace Yochum. There was a three-way tie at the goalkeeper spot with Baylor’s Jennifer Wandt, Texas Tech’s Madison White and West Virginia’s Kayza Massey. The remaining five honorees were Baylor’s Taylor Moon (F), K-State’s Brookelynn Entz (MF), TCU’s Brandi Peterson (D), Texas’ Julia Grosso (MF) and Texas Tech’s Kirsten Davis (F). The Big 12 preseason poll will be announced on Wednesday. The 2021 season opens on Thursday, August 19 with Conference action starting on Thursday, September 23.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628021345190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Big 12 Preseason Soccer Team Announced

The commissioners of the Pac-12 and Big 12 are discussing how the two conferences might benefit from working together or maybe even merging. Two people with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press about the talks between Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and George Kliavkoff from the Pac-12. The Big 12 is trying to rebound after learning Texas and Oklahoma plan to leave for the Southeastern Conference in 2025. The Big 12 has to start looking at how to move forward without their flagship programs immediately.  The Pac-12 has not indicated it is in a rush to add members.

By the Associated PressThe commissioners of the Pac-12 and Big 12 are discussing how the two conferences might benefit from working together or maybe even merging. Two people with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press about the talks between Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and George Kliavkoff from the Pac-12. The Big 12 is trying to rebound after learning Texas and Oklahoma plan to leave for the Southeastern Conference in 2025. The Big 12 has to start looking at how to move forward without their flagship programs immediately. The Pac-12 has not indicated it is in a rush to add members.

Big 12/Pac 12 are discussing possible alliance

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State guard&nbsp;Xavier Sneed&nbsp;has received an invitation to play for the Charlotte Hornets Summer League Team, which will participate in the upcoming MGM Resorts NBA Summer League from Sunday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 17 at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sneed and the Hornets open their Summer League schedule on Sunday (August 8) at 5 p.m., CT against the Portland Trail Blazers on NBA TV, which will be followed by a matchup with the Sacramento Kings at 5 p.m., CT on Monday, August 9, also on NBA TV. The squad will then play the San Antonio Spurs at 2 p.m., CT on Thursday, August 12 in a game that will air on either ESPNews or ESPNU before concluding the slate against the Toronto Raptors at 6 p.m., CT on Saturday, August 14 on NBA TV.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State guard&nbsp;Xavier Sneed&nbsp;has received an invitation to play for the Charlotte Hornets Summer League Team, which will participate in the upcoming MGM Resorts NBA Summer League from Sunday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 17 at the Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.Sneed and the Hornets open their Summer League schedule on Sunday (August 8) at 5 p.m., CT against the Portland Trail Blazers on NBA TV, which will be followed by a matchup with the Sacramento Kings at 5 p.m., CT on Monday, August 9, also on NBA TV. The squad will then play the San Antonio Spurs at 2 p.m., CT on Thursday, August 12 in a game that will air on either ESPNews or ESPNU before concluding the slate against the Toronto Raptors at 6 p.m., CT on Saturday, August 14 on NBA TV.Following the four preliminary games of all 30 NBA teams, the two teams with the best records will meet in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 17 at 8 p.m., CT. The remaining 28 teams will play a fifth and final game on either Monday, August 16 or Tuesday, August 17.

Sneed Joins Charlotte Hornets Summer League Team

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;Fans can get a sneak peak of the 2021 K-State football team this Saturday, August 7, as the Wildcats open the doors to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the final 45 minutes of practice.

Gates to the stadium will open at 11:45 a.m. Fans are asked to park in the west lot and enter through Gates B or D.

The open practice will also lend another opportunity for fans to tour the Shamrock Zone as it will be open during the final 45 minutes of practice. Additionally, a table will be set up on the concourse inside Gate B for fans who want to purchase season or single-game tickets for the 2021 season.

K-State kicks off the 2021 campaign on Saturday, September 4 as the Wildcats take part in the Allstate Kickoff Classic against Stanford at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, which will be broadcast by FS1, kicks off at 11 a.m.

The Wildcats open their seven-game home slate on September 11 by hosting Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. before taking on Nevada on September 18 at 1:05 p.m. Both of those games will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;Fans can get a sneak peak of the 2021 K-State football team this Saturday, August 7, as the Wildcats open the doors to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the final 45 minutes of practice.Gates to the stadium will open at 11:45 a.m. Fans are asked to park in the west lot and enter through Gates B or D.The open practice will also lend another opportunity for fans to tour the Shamrock Zone as it will be open during the final 45 minutes of practice. Additionally, a table will be set up on the concourse inside Gate B for fans who want to purchase season or single-game tickets for the 2021 season.K-State kicks off the 2021 campaign on Saturday, September 4 as the Wildcats take part in the Allstate Kickoff Classic against Stanford at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, which will be broadcast by FS1, kicks off at 11 a.m.The Wildcats open their seven-game home slate on September 11 by hosting Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. before taking on Nevada on September 18 at 1:05 p.m. Both of those games will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

Fans Invited to Saturday’s K-State Football Practice

&nbsp;The Dodgers got left-hander Danny Duffy and cash from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named. 

The 32-year-old Duffy is on the 10-day injured list with a strained left flexor and last pitched on July 16. He is 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA this season.

&nbsp;The Dodgers got left-hander Danny Duffy and cash from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named. The 32-year-old Duffy is on the 10-day injured list with a strained left flexor and last pitched on July 16. He is 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA this season.

Royals trade Danny Duffy

KANSA CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals won their eighth game in 10 tries Thursday afternoon, blanking the first-place White Sox 5-0. Salvador Perez and Michael A. Taylor both homered, and Carlos Hernandez got the win, pitching 6.o shutout innings, while allowing just four hits.&nbsp;

The Royals improved to 45-56 on the season, climbing to within 14.0 games of Chicago in the AL Central and 11.0 of the AL Wild Card race as the trade deadline is less than 24 hours away. Now the question looms; will the Royals trade away pieces and build for the future? Or, will General Manager Dayton Moore hold on to the current team and hope to make a late-season push?&nbsp;

The Royals will now head on the road for a three game set at Toronto, in the Blue Jays return to Canada after more than a year of playing its home games in Florida due to the Coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

By Jackson SchneiderKANSA CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals won their eighth game in 10 tries Thursday afternoon, blanking the first-place White Sox 5-0. Salvador Perez and Michael A. Taylor both homered, and Carlos Hernandez got the win, pitching 6.o shutout innings, while allowing just four hits.&nbsp;The Royals improved to 45-56 on the season, climbing to within 14.0 games of Chicago in the AL Central and 11.0 of the AL Wild Card race as the trade deadline is less than 24 hours away. Now the question looms; will the Royals trade away pieces and build for the future? Or, will General Manager Dayton Moore hold on to the current team and hope to make a late-season push?&nbsp;The Royals will now head on the road for a three game set at Toronto, in the Blue Jays return to Canada after more than a year of playing its home games in Florida due to the Coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Royals shut out Sox, win 5-0

(WIBW) - The Big 12 has sent a “cease and desist” letter to ESPN aiming to stop the network from communicating with league members on conference realignment, according to multiple reports.

<a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1420492649442709510?s=20" target="_blank">Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel</a>&nbsp;first reported the news. Max Olson of&nbsp;The Athletic&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/max_olson/status/1420506740324503555?s=20" target="_blank">tweeted a copy of the letter&nbsp;</a>Wednesday afternoon.

“It has come to my direct attention that ESPN, the current business partner of the Big 12 Conference, has taken certain actions that are intended to not only harm the Big 12 Conference but to result in financial benefits for ESPN,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby wrote.

“The Big 12 Conference demands that ESPN immediately cease and desist all actions that may harm the Conference and its members and that it not communicate with the Big 12 Conference’s existing Members or any other NCAA Conference regarding the Big 12 Conference’s Members, possible conference realignment, or potential financial incentives or outcomes related to possible conference realignment,” the letter reads.

The Big 12 and ESPN agreed to a media rights deal in 2019 that lasts until 2025.

Texas and Oklahoma<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/07/27/texas-oklahoma-submit-request-join-southeastern-conference/" target="_blank">&nbsp;formally requested membership&nbsp;</a>to the SEC Tuesday after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/07/26/texas-oklahoma-take-step-toward-possibly-leaving-big-12/" target="_blank">notifying the Big 12</a>&nbsp;they would not be renewing that media rights deal on Monday.

By WIBW's Marleah Campbell(WIBW) - The Big 12 has sent a “cease and desist” letter to ESPN aiming to stop the network from communicating with league members on conference realignment, according to multiple reports.<a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1420492649442709510?s=20" target="_blank">Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel</a>&nbsp;first reported the news. Max Olson of&nbsp;The Athletic&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/max_olson/status/1420506740324503555?s=20" target="_blank">tweeted a copy of the letter&nbsp;</a>Wednesday afternoon.“It has come to my direct attention that ESPN, the current business partner of the Big 12 Conference, has taken certain actions that are intended to not only harm the Big 12 Conference but to result in financial benefits for ESPN,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby wrote.“The Big 12 Conference demands that ESPN immediately cease and desist all actions that may harm the Conference and its members and that it not communicate with the Big 12 Conference’s existing Members or any other NCAA Conference regarding the Big 12 Conference’s Members, possible conference realignment, or potential financial incentives or outcomes related to possible conference realignment,” the letter reads.The Big 12 and ESPN agreed to a media rights deal in 2019 that lasts until 2025.Texas and Oklahoma<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/07/27/texas-oklahoma-submit-request-join-southeastern-conference/" target="_blank">&nbsp;formally requested membership&nbsp;</a>to the SEC Tuesday after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/07/26/texas-oklahoma-take-step-toward-possibly-leaving-big-12/" target="_blank">notifying the Big 12</a>&nbsp;they would not be renewing that media rights deal on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here is the cease &amp; desist letter the Big 12 sent to ESPN. Bob Bowlsby alleges ESPN is actively working with and encouraging other conferences to attempt to poach Big 12 members. <a href="https://t.co/fb224elCtd">pic.twitter.com/fb224elCtd</a>&mdash; Max Olson (@max_olson) <a href="https://twitter.com/max_olson/status/1420506740324503555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Breaking: The Big 12 has sent a &quot;cease and desist&quot; letter to ESPN. The letter demands ESPN end &quot;all actions that may harm the conference and its members and that it not communicate with the Big 12 Conference&#39;s existing members.... 1/2&mdash; Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1420492649442709510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Report: Big 12 sends “cease and desist” letter to ESPN

It took an extra inning but the Junction City Brigade defeated the Midwest A's12-7 in 10 innings Thursday night in Belton, MO. The win allowed the Brigade to sweep the A's in the Mid Plains League championship series 2-0 to claim the Cowdin Cup that goes to the league champion.

Junction City scored three runs in the top of the 9th inning to take a 7-4 lead but the A's scored three in the bottom of the ninth to force the extra inning where Junction City scored five runs in the top of the 10th to help secure the victory.

This is the fifth Cowdin Cup championship in the history of the Brigade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627530919068.jpeg" alt="( Photo courtesy of Cecil Aska )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo courtesy of Cecil Aska )</figcaption>
 </figure>It took an extra inning but the Junction City Brigade defeated the Midwest A's12-7 in 10 innings Thursday night in Belton, MO. The win allowed the Brigade to sweep the A's in the Mid Plains League championship series 2-0 to claim the Cowdin Cup that goes to the league champion.Junction City scored three runs in the top of the 9th inning to take a 7-4 lead but the A's scored three in the bottom of the ninth to force the extra inning where Junction City scored five runs in the top of the 10th to help secure the victory.This is the fifth Cowdin Cup championship in the history of the Brigade.

Brigade win the Cowdin Cup Championship

Junction City got strong pitching from Cade Phelps and Austin Gerrity enroute to a 5-0 win over the Midwest A's in the game one of&nbsp; the Mid Plains League championship series at Rathert Field Tuesday night. Game two in the best two out of three series is set for Belton, Missouri at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Junction City scored two runs in the fourth inning and with the help of home runs by Thomas Beiswanger and Garrett Redden scored three more runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp;

If a game three of the series is necessary it will be played at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Junction City got strong pitching from Cade Phelps and Austin Gerrity enroute to a 5-0 win over the Midwest A's in the game one of&nbsp; the Mid Plains League championship series at Rathert Field Tuesday night. Game two in the best two out of three series is set for Belton, Missouri at 7 p.m. Wednesday.Junction City scored two runs in the fourth inning and with the help of home runs by Thomas Beiswanger and Garrett Redden scored three more runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp;If a game three of the series is necessary it will be played at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Brigade win game one of the championship series

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.

She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.

When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.

The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.

Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. <a href="https://t.co/6ILdtSQF7o">pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1420266286441922562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re thinking of you, Simone. ❤️ Your strength and courage to focus on your wellbeing is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being the leader you are. <a href="https://t.co/Jnaa96AKse">pic.twitter.com/Jnaa96AKse</a>&mdash; Team USA (@TeamUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/1420306841351819265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

Superstar Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.

Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.

So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.

The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.

Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.

“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.

In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.

Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.

Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.

Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”

Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.

The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.

She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.

“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.

“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”

Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.

“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.

In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.

The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.

The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.

Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement: &quot;Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.&quot; Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.Perhaps in more ways than one.In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”-------TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.Great Britain edged Italy for bronzeThe U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.---------TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.