Clemson, Alabama lead coaches’ poll

Clemson is No. 1 in the USA Today preseason coaches’ poll for the first time, followed by Alabama at No. 2.

The defending champion Tigers received 59 of a possible 65 first-place votes and the Crimson Tide got the rest in the poll released Aug. 1.

The Associated Press preseason Top 25 will be released Aug. 19. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16 in the College Football Playoff championship game in January. It was the fourth straight year the Tigers and Tide met in the playoff and third time they played for the national championship. Clemson and Alabama have alternated winning the last four championships.

Georgia was No. 3 in the coaches’ poll, followed by Oklahoma and Ohio State. No. 6 LSU and No. 8 Florida gave the Southeastern Conference four top-10 teams. ANNOUNCED

Major League Baseball issued eight suspensions Aug. 1, two days after the fight at Great American Ball Park.

Three players on each team were suspended, and all elected to appeal. They will be allowed to play until the process is complete.

Reds manager David Bell was suspended six games, starting Aug. 1 when Cincinnati visited Atlanta. Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle was penalized two games, to begin Friday night when the Pirates play the New York Mets.

Puig was suspended for his aggressive actions on what turned out to be his last day with the Reds. The outfielder was later traded to Cleveland, which hosted Houston on Aug 1.

NFL

KALIL JOINS JETS >> Ryan Kalil wasn’t done playing football, after all. The five-time Pro Bowl center snapped out of retirement and agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Jets. The 34-year-old Kalil, who started every game last season for Carolina after playing just six in 2017 because of a neck injury, will need to pass a physical Aug. 2 before signing his contract with New York.