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CAROLINA PANTHERS

Republican wants to require national anthem in Wisconsin

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban agreed to play the national anthem after the NBA reiterated its policy to require the song. “This tradition traces its roots back more than a century – even pre-dating the song’s adoption as the national anthem. No matter the scope, there is no penalty for violating the requirement, so even if the bar league softball team skipped the national anthem, there would be no repercussion under the law. Dan Patrick has said that requiring the national anthem at all Texas venues that receive public funding will be among his top legislative priorities this session. Although playing the national anthem before games is a staple of American sports at the professional and collegiate levels, it is far less common in other countries.

AP source: Panthers to release 2-time Pro Bowl DT Short

FILE - Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short arrives for an NFL football practice at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C., in this Thursday, July 26, 2018, file photo. A person familiar with the situation says the Panthers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. Before the injuries, the 32-year-old Short was a force in the middle, with 270 tackles and 32 1/2 sacks in his first six seasons with the Panthers. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and 2018.

Central Florida retailers gearing up for Super Bowl weekend

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Retailers in Central Florida are preparing for a busy weekend in the lead up to Super Bowl 55 in Tampa. Workers at Academy Sports and Outdoors in Lake Mary ordered additional Tampa Bay Buccaneers merchandise after the team secured its place in the big game last month. AdThe company has also pre-ordered Bucs championship merchandise in the event of a Tampa Bay win. “We’ve got this whole flat bed and that’s Super bowl champ shirts for when they win,” Ketelaar said. All six Academy locations will have official Super Bowl Champs locker room gear for sale when each store opens Monday at 9 a.m.

Veteran tight end Greg Olsen announces retirement

FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 file photo, Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs, during the second half at an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. Veteran tight end Greg Olsen is retiring from the NFL to become a broadcaster. (AP Photo/Bill Feig, File)Veteran tight end Greg Olsen is retiring from the NFL to become a broadcaster. The first tight end with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Olsen, 35, played for the Bears, Panthers and Seahawks. In his nine seasons with Carolina, Olsen made three Pro Bowls, one Super Bowl, had 524 catches for 6,463 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Falcons interview Hackett, Brady for head coaching job

Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady is becoming a popular name for NFL teams seeking to fill head coaching vacancies. A person familiar with the situation says the Chargers, Falcons and Texans have all asked for and received permission from the Panthers to interview Brady for their head coaching jobs. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed a pair of offensive coordinators, Nathaniel Hackett of the Green Bay Packers and Joe Brady of the Carolina Panthers, for their head coaching job. The Falcons conducted a virtual interview with Hackett on Thursday, one day after meeting virtually with Brady. “I think one of the (prerequisites) to being a good head coach is presence in front of a room," Rodgers said.

Saints rout Panthers 33-7 to earn No. 2 seed in NFC playoffs

The Saints (12-4) will host the seventh-seeded Chicago Bears in the wild-card round next Sunday at 4:40 p.m. EST. He also ran for five TDs, but the Panthers struggled to make winning plays late in games all season with Bridgewater at the helm. That leaves questions about his future as the Panthers starting QB, especially with the team having a top 10 draft pick in 2021. UP NEXTSaints: The four-time defending NFC South champions host the Bears next Sunday in the playoffs. Panthers: After failing to make the playoffs for the third straight season, Carolina will look to the NFL draft to upgrade a number of pressing needs.

Washington beaten by Panthers, fails to clinch NFC East

Haskins' failed second chance coupled with a special teams blunder and defensive miscues added up to Washington blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East by losing to the Carolina Panthers 20-13 on Sunday. I should’ve played better.”By the time Heinicke entered early in the fourth quarter with Washington down 14, it was too late. With Christian McCaffrey out again, Curtis Samuel had five catches for 106 yards and was the Panthers' leading rusher with 52 yards on seven carries. 2 pick forced Bridgewater to fumble on a sack in Washington territory early in the third quarter to prevent Carolina from putting up even more points. Washington: Gets another chance to win the NFC East next Sunday at Philadelphia.

The Latest: NFC East will produce sub-.500 champ next week

(AP Photo/Mark Tenally)The Latest on Week 16 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.For the first time since 2014 there will be an NFL playoff team with a losing record. The winner will remain alive in the NFC East playoff race if Washington loses to Carolina. ___6:05 p.m.Washington is well on the way to blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East. ___6 p.m.Eleven teams in the NFC are still harboring hopes of making a playoff run with Week 16 winding down. 1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday night against the Titans and a Seattle loss or tie.

Dwayne Haskins starts for Washington despite breaking rules

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Dwayne Haskins gets his second consecutive start for Washington with quarterback Alex Smith out again because of a right calf injury. Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackon is active against Dallas after missing two months with an ankle injury. Harrison being inactive against the Rams comes as the Seahawks welcome defensive tackle Bryan Mone back from injured reserve following a lengthy stint because of an ankle injury. The Rams were without rookie running back Cam Akers, who had already been ruled out with an ankle injury. Washington: QB Alex Smith, RB Lamar Miller, WR Terry McLaurin, OT David Steinmetz, LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB Thomas Davis.

Panthers fire GM Marty Hurney after another losing season

FILE - In this April 17, 2019, file photo, Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney speaks to the media in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have fired Hurney after the team lost eight of its last nine games and failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marty Hurney is out again as Carolina's general manager. The Panthers are the fifth team this season to fire their general manager, joining the Lions, Jaguars, Texans and Falcons. He was the general manager from 2002-12 before being fired by former owner Jerry Richardson.

Packers outlast Panthers 24-16 for 4th straight victory

Green Bay (11-3) won its fourth straight despite getting outscored 13-3 and outgained 214-49 in the second half. Rodgers called the second half “definitely a stinker for the offense.”“We just know that type of football in the second half is not going to get it done in the playoffs, where we're going,” Rodgers said. Green Bay took a half-game lead over New Orleans (10-3) in the race for the NFC’s best record. We played better after that.”Carolina scored the first 10 points of the second half on Bridgewater’s 13-yard scramble and Slye’s 22-yard field goal. Green Bay hosts Tennessee in another night game on Dec. 27.

The Latest: SEC championship game to have crowd of 16,500

(AP Photo/Morry Gash)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Southeastern Conference championship game between No. This will be the ninth time Alabama and Florida have met in the SEC title game, which has been played in Atlanta since 1994. It was moved to take the place of the Michigan-Ohio State game, which was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Wolverines’ program. ___UConn has postponed a second men’s basketball game as it continues to deal with a player’s positive coronavirus test. Should the game be played, the winner of the Washington-Oregon matchup will be Pac-12 North champions and play in the conference title game on Dec. 18.

The Latest: Warriors' Green, Wiseman sidelined with COVID-19

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and No. I’m not worried about Draymond.”___Eight Carolina Panthers players have been placed on the COVID-19 list, forcing the team to close its practice facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, until Wednesday. The Bears were supposed to play Nicholls State on Tuesday night, but the Colonels had positive COVID-19 tests in their program. 1 Gonzaga was scrapped only 90 minutes before tip Saturday because a player and another person with the Bulldogs’ traveling team tested positive. The announcement comes four days after Louisville announced it was pausing team-related activities indefinitely due to a positive COVID-19 test and contact tracing measures within its program.

Brady, Buccaneers bounce back with 46-23 win over Panthers

Brady threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, Ronald Jones set a franchise-record with a 98-yard touchdown run, and the Buccaneers bounced back from a dreadful defeat with a resounding 46-23 win over the Carolina Panthers. Panthers coach Matt Rhule described Brady’s play as “elite” and “fantastic.”The Bucs ran the ball just five times last week. Tampa Bay racked up 544 yards on offense and outgained the Panthers 322-35 in the second half and outscored them 29-6. Chris Godwin had 92 yards receiving for the Buccaneers (7-3), who swept the season series and handed the Panthers (3-7) their fifth straight loss. Rhule said the Panthers were unaware the ball had hit the ground or else he would have just had Bridgewater spike the ball.

Steelers' Roethlisberger active after virus-related absence

The unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers wound up relatively healthy for their game against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals following a brush with the novel coronavirus. Defensive tackle Tyson Alualu is also back after missing a game with a knee injury. Cincinnati is without running back Joe Mixon, whose lingering foot injury is forcing him to miss a third game in a row. Receiver Cooper Kupp, left tackle Andrew Whitworth and running back Darrell Henderson all were active after missing practices with injuries. Raiders: T Kolton Miller (ankle), DT Maurice Hurst (ankle), QB Marcus Mariota, RB Theo Riddick, G John Simpson, DT Daniel Ross.

The Latest: Quarterbacks drafted No. 1 shine around NFL

The Latest on Week 10 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.From Kyler Murray magic to Alex Smith’s latest milestone, it was quite the day for quarterbacks selected first in the NFL draft. The Cardinals beat Buffalo 32-30 on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray to DeAndre Hopkins with 2 seconds left, dropping the Bills record to 7-3. Brees was shaken up on a sack in the second quarter when Kentavius Street landed on him. 1 pick Joe Burrow, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant with 58 seconds left in the first quarter. Cole had scored on a franchise-record 91-yard punt return in the second quarter.

Rhule: McCaffrey's injury not expected to be season ending

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland (21) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. Rhule said McCaffrey has a separation of the AC joint, which is located at the tip of the shoulder where the shoulder blade and collarbone meet. “I'm anticipating from I know being much more day to day and week to week than that. McCaffrey injured the shoulder in the fourth quarter of Carolina's 33-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. McCaffrey has six touchdowns in the three games he's played this season, including two in a 31-17 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 2.

Panthers list McCaffrey as 'day to day' with shoulder injury

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) celebrates after scoring against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Panthers coach Matt Rhule says running back Christian McCaffrey is “day to day” with a shoulder injury he suffered in the closing seconds of Carolina’s 33-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rhule would not say if McCaffrey has already had an MRI or an X-ray, adding that he should know more about the extent of the injury on Wednesday. McCaffrey left the game for a few plays and was seen holding his shoulder on the sideline. I thought he had some really nice runs, obviously scored a couple touchdowns.”If McCaffrey can't play, Mike Davis would get the start.

Chiefs escape with 33-31 win when Panthers FG is wide right

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs toward the end zone to score against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. Chiefs coach Andy Reid liked it so much that he put it in the game plan. The Panthers' onside kick was recovered by Kansas City, but they used their three timeouts to get the ball back, and Teddy Bridgewater's 23-yard pass to Curtis Samuel with 9 seconds remaining gave them hope. It took nine plays and consumed nearly nine minutes before McCaffrey reached the end zone, keeping the potent Kansas City offense on the sideline. The Panthers still led 17-13 after the teams traded missed field goals to start the second half, but the Chiefs finally hit their offensive stride.

Ryan, Falcons avenge earlier loss to Panthers, 25-17

The Falcons (2-6) have had a penchant for squandering leads this season, coming into the game 1-3 when leading entering the fourth quarter. Carolina was driving late, but Atlanta stalled the rally when Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepted Teddy Bridgewater near the Falcons' 10-yard line with 1:04 remaining. Moore on third and 18 to move the Panthers into Falcons territory. Bridgewater was limited to 176 yards passing as the Panthers (3-5) lost their third straight game without injured Christian McCaffrey. The Falcons avenged a 23-16 loss to Carolina 18 days ago in which Bridgewater threw for 313 yards and two scores and Mike Davis piled up 149 yards rushing.

Reid tells AP he declined Washington's practice squad offer

Free agent safety Eric Reid told The Associated Press he declined an offer to join Washington's practice squad, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)Free agent safety Eric Reid told The Associated Press he declined an offer to join Washington's practice squad. “I just don’t think playing on the practice squad is reflective or indicative of my career,” Reid said in a phone interview on Tuesday. He said he was told Washington wants to give Curl a shot at starting. “I'm just not in a place to play on the practice squad right now,” Reid said, adding that he texted Rivera to let him know his decision.

The Latest: NFL's Washington team not yet allowing fans

___Toledo’s men’s basketball team has halted all activities after six players tested positive this week, the school said Wednesday. The moves don’t necessarily mean those players have tested positive; they could have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive. The LPGA also says a child care provider tested positive at the LPGA Drive On Championship-Reynolds Lake Oconee. ___Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss the Champions League match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. ___UEFA says Bayern Munich will be able to play Atletico Madrid in the Champions League despite a positive coronavirus test for forward Serge Gnabry.

The Latest: UMass-Marshall football game set for Nov. 7

22 Marshall has scheduled a Nov. 7 home football game against Massachusetts, athletic director Mike Hamrick said Monday. ___The Carolina Panthers have closed their facility for the next two days after receiving an “unconfirmed” positive coronavirus test Monday. ___Toledo basketball coach Tod Kowalczyk has tested positive for the coronavirus, the school’s athletic department said Monday. Kowalczyk tested positive on Sunday and will self-isolate for 10 days, he said in a statement. Four players and three staff tested positive last week, and Wasps hasn't trained since last Wednesday for its first appearance in the final since 2017.

Panthers place lineman Larsen on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Carolina Panthers have placed guard/center Tyler Larsen on the reserve/COVID-19 list, five days after he played against the Atlanta Falcons. Falcons defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday after Carolina defeated Atlanta 23-16. Larsen did not start for the Panthers in that game, but did see action as a reserve. The Panthers still practiced on Friday in preparation for Sunday’s home game against the Bears. Seats for the Seahawks game will be available to those with season tickets based on order of account seniority.

Panthers coaches to mask up for 'Sweet Caroline' celebration

Videos from the team’s Twitter account show players gathered in close proximity to Foley — and each other — and singing along without masks on. “.... All of the coaches, including coach Foley who is singing, if it continues, they definitely have to have masks on. I want to make sure we are safe and in compliance.”As for the players, Rhule said that decision will be left up to the team's medical staff. The NFL has fined coaches $100,000 each for not wearing masks on the sideline during games. The Associated Press reached out to the NFL for comment about whether the Panthers locker room singing celebrations were in violation of the league's COVID-19 protocols, but the league has not responded.