THE HOT CORNER

2 PRO SOCCER: Players stopped on the field in the sixth minute of Wednesday night’s National Women’s Soccer League games and linked arms in a circle to demonstrate solidarity with two former players who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against a prominent coach. The league returned to the field after calling off last weekend’s games after allegations were leveled against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, who was subsequently fired.

1 PRO SOCCER: English Premier League club Newcastle was sold to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund Thursday after a protracted takeover and legal fight involving concerns about piracy and rights abuses in the kingdom. The $409 million takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund initially collapsed last year over concerns about how much control the kingdom’s leadership would have in the running of Newcastle.

3 HOCKEY: The Colorado 3 Avalanche announced that coach Jared Bednar tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the next two preseason games against the Dallas Stars. Assistant coaches Ray Bennett and Nolan Pratt will take his place on the bench, the team posted Thursday on Twitter.

4 PRO BASKETBALL: The Brooklyn

Nets listed Kyrie Irving as ineligible to play in their home exhibition game today, another strong indication he has not met New York’s vaccination requirement. Irving has not been with the Nets for any of their practices in New York, where professional athletes are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to practice or play.

5 OBITUARY: Gordon Hudson, an

All-american tight end for BYU and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, died Sept. 27 in San Jose, Calif. He was 59. Hudson suited up for the Cougars from 1980-83.