Clark to join bid for NWSL team

WNBA star Caitlin Clark has joined Cincinnati’s bid for a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team. Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati heads the group trying to bring a women’s pro team to the city. The club issued a statement confirming that Clark, a rookie for the Fever this season, had joined in the effort. “The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group in pursuit of bringing women’s professional soccer to our city,” a team statement said. “Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region and influence as an athlete and a role model for women and girls around the world, make her a vital part of our compelling bid to become the 16th team in the NWSL.” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has said the league plans to announce the 16th team by the end of the year. She announced Friday there are three finalists: Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver. The league’s 15th team will begin play in 2026 in Boston. The Pride and the Spirit play Saturday for this season’s NWSL championship.

Garrett sends message to Steelers

Myles Garrett didn’t want an apology from T.J. Watt. Instead, he demanded respect. Garrett showed Watt why he’s the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recording three sacks in a dominant first half that set the tone for the Browns’ shocking 24-19 win over the Steelers on Thursday night. It was the kind of performance Garrett had numerous times last season, when he was voted the league’s top defensive player over Watt, the Steelers edge rusher who had more sacks and seemed to have an issue with finishing second. Watt won the award in 2021. On the night Garrett received the award, Watt posted on social media, “Nothing I’m not used to.” The post received 5.5 million views. Earlier this week, Garrett responded to Watt’s slight by saying, “I’ve never complained about the trophy not being at my house and vice versa.” Garrett felt disrespected and took it out on the Steelers. “I was really focused on going out there and playing the very best ball I could,” Garrett said. “But, yeah, I wanted to make it known that I’m the guy. I’m the No. 1 edge defender.”

SMU rewards Lashlee with extension

SMU and coach Rhett Lashlee have agreed on a contract extension with the No. 13 Mustangs on track for a trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and possible playoff bid in their league debut. The school announced the deal Friday, a day before SMU (9-1, 6-0 ACC) visits Virginia with a chance to clinch a spot in the conference championship game with a victory. Terms were not disclosed. The Mustangs are also 13th in the College Football Playoff rankings that will determine the 12-team field. The ACC winner will be on track for an automatic playoff bid and possible first-round bye. SMU is 27-10 in Lashlee’s three seasons, including 18 victories in the past 20 games. The Mustangs won the American Athletic Conference championship in their final season in that league last year. The school’s inaugural season in the ACC started a little rough with a big deficit as a heavy favorite at Nevada before the Mustangs rallied to win. Then a nine-game home winning streak ended with a loss to BYU in SMU’s third game, although the Cougars won their first nine games before falling to Kansas. —AP