Football season is on the horizon, and for the Oklahoma Sooners, it starts on a Friday.Norman Public Schools and the University of Oklahoma already announced in-person class closures for that day due to expected heavy traffic, so it's safe to say anyone going to the game may want to plan ahead.OU released a new game day driving maps and recommended protocols to improve traffic flow in Norman, particularly around the stadium. The map was developed alongside the Norman and OU police departments. The map shows preferred routes to multiple parking lots and road closures.Here is what OU recommends fans do to avoid delays and reduce stress.OU football game day traffic tipsPlan ahead, review traffic routes, parking locations and expected congestion areas;Identify the most efficient route to Norman based on your starting location before game day;Heavy traffic is expected several hours before kickoff, allow extra time to travel;Follow posted game day traffic signs and direction from law enforcement and traffic personnel;Know your parking destination before you arrive;Expect delays near campus due to increased pedestrian traffic, road closures and high vehicle volumes;Monitor traffic conditions before departing;Carpool when possible;Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists and game day traffic control;Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows and take keys with you. Don't leave valuables in plain view;Always stay clear of railroad tracks.Oklahoma vs. UTEPWhen: 7 p.m. FridayWhere:Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial StadiumStreaming:SEC Network+Line:Sooners by 40.5Over/under:50.5Oklahoma vs. UTEP tickets for football season openerTicket prices for the Oklahoma vs UTEP matchup at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium start at $54 onVividSeatsand $55 onStubHub. Prices in the lower bowl range from $59 to 672.To see a full list of ticket prices, visitStubHub.Oklahoma football 2026 scheduleAll times are CentralFriday, Sept. 4: vs. UTEP, 7 p.m. (SEC Network+)Saturday, Sept. 12: at Michigan, 11 a.m. (Fox)Saturday, Sept. 19: vs. New Mexico, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)Saturday, Sept. 26: at Georgia, TBDSaturday, Oct. 10: vs. Texas, 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN)Saturday, Oct. 17: vs. Kentucky, TBDSaturday, Oct. 24: at Mississippi State, TBDSaturday, Oct. 31: vs. South Carolina, TBDSaturday, Nov. 7: at Florida, TBDSaturday, Nov. 21: vs. Texas A&M, TBDSaturday, Nov. 28: at Missouri, TBDIsa Almeida is a trending reporter for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Isa? She can be reached at ialmeida@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at@ialmeidasports. Support Isa's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU game day traffic map shows best routes, parking ahead of Friday football opener

What SEC's lawsuit against LSU means for Lane Kiffin, former NFL players and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The SEC is not backing down when it comes to former NFL players returning to play college football. On Thursday, the conference filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama against both LSU and Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin.According to On3 Sports, the lawsuit specifically names LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, the school's president Wade Rousse, as well as head coach Lane Kiffin. The lawsuit comes just days before LSU is set to take on the Clemson Tigers on Saturday night to open the 2026 season.The move is an immediate escalation of the battle that has been brewing between the SEC and LSU and Lane Kiffin. Kiffin and LSU recently signed former NFL players Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright last week, which resulted in the conference passing a rule barring former professional athletes from returning to play college football.Let's take a look at the new lawsuit and what it means for LSU and Kiffin.MORE:How good are LSU's pro players, really?SEC files lawsuit against LSU, Lane KiffinAccording to Pete Nakos of On3Sports, the conference is asking the court to enter a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants from violating the Conferences First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conferences purpose and mission.The new suit was filed on the same day that a Baton Rouge appeals court is hearing arguments from the SEC against the temporary restraining order granted last week that allowed Harris and Wright to return to LSU. Harris was playing for the New Orleans Saints last month, but was cut in early August.Wright had been playing for the Cleveland Browns, but was waived on Aug. 23, allowing him to sign with LSU. LSU was also reportedly interested in signing former EDGE rusher Jack Pyburn, who was playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being waived by Tampa last week, he has since joined the Kansas City Chiefs and remains in the NFL. Both Harris and Wright played for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season.Defendants waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes to play football for LSU during the 2026-27 season," the complaint, obtained by On3, reads. "Including players who had signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.MORE:8 reasons why we still love CFB heading into 2026What SEC lawsuit means for LSU and moreFor now, the lawsuit is an attempt to prevent both Harris and Wright from playing for LSU, which takes on Clemson at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday in Baton Rouge. Both Wright and Harris have reportedly been practicing with the Tigers in the week leading up to the game, so it appears that Coach Kiffin could indeed be planning to play both guys.As Nakos points out, SEC teams have 24 hours before a game to submit their full rosters, so this lawsuit comes in the nick of time.In an ironic twist, the SEC's Greg Sankey was testifying in Baton Rouge at the same time the lawsuit was filed:Interesting nugget: As the SEC's federal lawsuit against LSU was filed and became public, commissioner Greg Sankey was on the stand testifying in the preliminary injunction hearing in a Baton Rouge court.You cannot make it up. https://t.co/93164jK0Ph Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 3, 2026The SEC filing federally against LSU always loomed as the most likely option. The timing 42 minutes after the state court hearing started was a surprise. A buzz went through the courtroom, where theres no electronics for media, as a plaintiffs attorney revealed the suit https://t.co/kDhTwUoxdr Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 3, 2026Lane KiffinFor now, the SEC puts Kiffin directly in its crosshairs with the lawsuit in naming him as a defendant. The first-year Tigers head coach has vehemently defended his signing of the players. Last week, emphasized that if LSU didn't sign these players, another team would."At the end of the day, because of these rulings, they're either going to play for you or they're going to play for someone else around the country," Kiffin told reporters at a press conference. "So we've made the decision to recruit them like probably most people are."Kiffin said this week that while he struggled with the decision to add Wright and Harris, he met with his teams leadership council, which consists of veteran players about them joining the team.And every one of them is emphatic about, They can help us win, bring them,'" Kiffin said via The Athletic. We have a team thats practiced together, worked together, all offseason. But let me say, this is how it works at the next level, and this is how the real world works. They can bring employees into certain jobs to help the company. So that made me feel a little better in the struggle and being torn back and forth.Lane Kiffin said he makes every decision in the best interest of players that sit in my team room and not for my reputation. pic.twitter.com/MrayR6SWK8 Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) September 1, 2026The SEC, as well as commissioner Greg Sankey, has been outspoken about former NFL players returning to college. Sankey came out against former pro players returning to college in a filing last month in the court case. Via ESPN:Sankey asked Judge Ronald Johnson in East Baton Rouge Parish court to uphold NCAA rules that prevent athletes from returning, saying the decision is "essential to the integrity of college sports." He wrote that allowing pros back into NCAA competition would undermine the "fundamental principles" of college sports and unfairly harm high school students looking to join a college team as well as other teams that have followed the existing rules."These rules are grounded in the principle that athletics are an integral part of the academic experience," Sankey wrote. "The rules align the time permitted for college athletics with the pursuit of an undergraduate education and further the important purpose of preserving opportunities for future student-athletes to participate in college sports."LSU head basketball coach Will Wade also signed former Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis to his roster, despite him signing contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics' G League team earlier this summer.Former NFL playersFor now, it's unclear whether or not Harris or Wright will play for LSU on Saturday, despite them having practices. Although there is not an updated depth chart for LSU just yet, Harris and Wright would be projected to be on the second team for the Tigers.During Harris' senior season at Ole Miss in 2025, he had a breakout year, making 15 starts for Ole Miss and finishing with 58 total tackles with 27 solo stops. He added a career-high three sacks with an interception. During Wright's senior season at Ole Miss, he had his best season as a senior year as a full-time starter, getting a career-high 39 receptions for 635 yards with five touchdowns, averaging 16.3 yards per reception.LSU football programThe SEC was reportedly already weighing harsh punishments for schools like LSU that defy the conference's rules on signing former players. According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports earlier this week, the conference was weighing "extreme measures" such as boycotting competition against the Tigers, sanctioning the school with probation or even expulsion, as well as filing a lawsuit. So it appears that the SEC has chosen the latter of the two.MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:Ranking every college football team 1-138College football coach hot seat rankingsRanking college football coaches 1-138 for 2026 season7 most compelling transfers for the 2026 season

Official: RB Leipzig midfielder heads out on loanRB Leipzig have announced that Arthur Vermeeren has joined Royal Antwerp on loan.The Belgian midfielder will spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season at his former club.Vermeeren came through the ranks at Royal Antwerp before joining Atltico Madrid in January 2024.Six months later, he moved to Leipzig on an initial loan deal, which was later made permanent.The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Olympique de Marseille.

College football Week 1 kicks off Thursday night and continues throughout the weekend, but the off-field drama hasnt stopped. After an offseason filled with lawsuits, injunctions, and eligibility chaos, another turn has been taken just as the season begins.The SEC and LSU are now at the center of a legal battle over the eligibility of former professional players returning to college football. It could have significant consequences for the future of college athletics. According to multiple reports, the SEC has officially filed a federal lawsuit against Lane Kiffin and LSU.The controversy centers around LSUs pursuit of DaeQuan Wright and Zxavian Harris. They are former Ole Miss players who entered the NFL Draft process and later signed with NFL teams. Wright signed with the Cleveland Browns, while Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints.MORE: College Football SEC power rankings entering Week 1Both players later sought to return to college football after receiving temporary legal relief. This potentially restored another season of eligibility. LSU, which hired Kiffin after his successful run at Ole Miss, quickly became involved in the situation.Jul 23, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)SEC standing their groundThe SEC responded by adopting a policy prohibiting member schools from adding athletes who had signed professional contracts. Additionally it addresses those who entered professional sports. The conference also threatened significant penalties against schools and coaches that violated the policy.Kiffin has remained aggressive in his pursuit of the former professional players. He has argued that LSU should be able to explore every avenue available to improve its roster.That approach has put the Tigers directly at odds with the conference. Wright has already joined LSU, while Harris has committed to the Tigers, creating an unprecedented situation just before LSUs season opener against Clemson.MORE: Tennessee chancellor says enough is enough, SEC wont budge on NFL-CFB ruleDefendants waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes to play football for LSU during the 2026-27 season, including players who had signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. the SEC said in its complaint filed Thursday.Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end DaeQuan Wright (8) scores a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The legal battle could now determine more than the status of a handful of players. It could establish how conferences handle athletes who briefly enter professional sports before attempting to return to college, potentially creating a precedent that affects college football for years to come.For now, the SEC is following through on their promise to take this any length necessary. A judge is expected to decide whether the temporary restraining order would remain in place until a trial date is set. If the injunction is granted, it would give LSU legal standing to play Harris and Wright.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

Yankees receive slightly worrying Anthony Volpe injury update at Triple-A originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Yankees have been struggling to figure out their shortstop and third base position this season, as Jose Cabellero, Ryan McMahon, Anthony Volpe, and recently George Lombard Jr. have all been getting opportunities on the left side of the infield.Of those four, Volpe is the one down in Triple-A right now, working his way back, but not from injury, but rather from his struggles in the Majors this season, with a .647 OPS not being good enough.Unfortunately, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, the Yankees now do have to worry about Volpe because he sustained a forearm injury after getting hit by a pitch during Wednesday's Triple-A game.Anthony Volpe has a forearm injury after getting hit by a pitch"Anthony Volpe left last night's game in Triple-A with a right forearm contusion, a source tells ESPN," Castillo reports. "He was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning and initially stayed in the game, stealing a base and lining out in his next at-bat before he exited in the sixth inning."This update from Castillo on Volpe is a little bit worrying, as he's now dealing with a left forearm contusion following a hit-by-pitch.But, if there's one thing Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief over, it's that he stayed in the game initially. He would not have been able to stay in the game if it were a more severe injury.MORE:Yankees predicted to get Aaron Judge back soon, but with a catchIt wasn't just running the bases either, which is something a forearm injury wouldn't impact. He actually took another at-bat before leaving the game.There is still reason to worry, as any injury is always something that should be treated carefully. In Volpe's case, this forearm issue might not last a while, but it's going to impact him long enough to make a return to the big leagues a bit of a question mark.In 41 games in the minor leagues this season, he has an .803 OPS, which includes an impressive .856 OPS in 32 games at Triple-A.As the Yankees try to figure out their left side of the infield, they now have to factor in Volpe's left forearm contusion, which hopefully shouldn't be a long-lasting issue.More MLB news:Jose Berrios extremely unlikely to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue JaysBo Bichette likely not to opt out of Mets $42 million contractHow Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year awardKevin McGonigle is runaway favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year for TigersPhillies' Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913

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Greg Rajan: The following Rockets games this upcoming season will also air on NBA TV (Games are SCHN broadcasts in the Houston market): Oct. 31 vs. Oklahoma City, Nov. 28 vs. Philadelphia, Dec. 30 at Golden State, Feb. 14 vs. Denverx.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Oct. 31 vs. Oklahoma City, Nov. 28 vs. Philadelphia,

NBA on ESPN: "[Uncle Dennis] ran [Kawhi Leonard's] life. ... They just don't have the proof that [Kawhi] had the knowledge [of what was going on]." @ShamsCharania gives more details on Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers after the NBA announced their punishment.x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "[Uncle Dennis] ran [Kawhi Leonard's] life. ... They