Category: Sports

LOS ANGELES — Sometimes it’s better to keep your mouth shut on the basketball court, as Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis learned the hard way Thursday night against Luka Doncic.

The Dallas Mavericks superstar erupted for 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists after Buzelis engaged him in some unwelcome verbal exchanges during their 142-130 victory over the Bulls.

“It always feels special,” Doncic commented following his eighth career 50-point performance. “I obviously haven’t had a 50-point game in a year, so it was very special. I mean, in the second quarter, I kind of felt it. You know, somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up.”

The NBA’s current scoring champion refused to reveal exactly what Buzelis said to him, explaining, “I would say that I would definitely get a tech.”

When reporters asked Buzelis if he gained any wisdom from his verbal sparring with Doncic, the second-year player responded simply: “Probably not to talk to him.”

Doncic was already performing at a high level before the trash talk began, dropping 12 points in the opening quarter. However, after Buzelis decided to engage verbally in the second period, Doncic responded by hitting 5 of 6 shots for another 12 points in that frame.

The Slovenian star continued his dominance with 17 third-quarter points before adding 10 more in the final period on just four field goal attempts. His final shooting line showed 17 of 31 from the floor, including an impressive 9 of 14 from beyond the arc and 8 of 9 from the free-throw line.

Mavericks head coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s ability to transform opponent hostility into personal motivation as a “unique trait.”

“It’s not just the fact that he response to a rough play or trash talking, it’s that he can channel it, and he can channel it while still doing all the other things that needs to be done,” Redick explained. “That’s obviously reflective of, you know, his defensive rebounding, his assists, his steals. Again, another game where he gets a high assist number with low turnovers.”

Buzelis chose particularly poor timing for his verbal challenge, as Doncic had been averaging 39.5 points during Dallas’s previous three victories while LeBron James was sidelined with a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis. This hot streak included a 44-point explosion against Indiana just days earlier.

With this latest scoring outburst, Doncic now has 13 games of 40 or more points in 82 regular-season appearances for the Mavericks, placing him ninth in franchise history. Eleven of those performances have occurred this season alone.

The Ole Miss Rebels continued their improbable SEC Tournament run Thursday night, stunning seventh-seeded Georgia 76-72 in Nashville behind strong performances from A.J. Storr’s 19 points and Malik Dia’s 17-point contribution.

The 15th-seeded Rebels (14-19) appeared to have the game well in hand, building a commanding 55-32 advantage with 13 minutes left on the clock. However, Travis Perry contributed 16 points with four three-pointers, while Ilias Kamardine chipped in eight points, four assists, and four steals as Ole Miss watched their comfortable margin nearly evaporate.

Georgia mounted a furious comeback using aggressive full-court pressure, orchestrating a devastating 22-2 scoring surge that brought them within 57-54 with 7:35 remaining. The Bulldogs continued their charge when Kanon Catchings converted a layup to cut the deficit to just 60-58, but that would be as close as they would get.

The defeat ends a strong stretch for Georgia (22-10), which had captured three consecutive victories and five of their last six contests. The Bulldogs are still expected to receive an NCAA Tournament invitation despite the setback.

This marked the second straight tournament game where Ole Miss controlled from start to finish, following their 76-66 opening-round triumph over Texas. The Rebels had endured a disastrous regular season finale, dropping 12 of their final 13 games. They now advance to face second-seeded Alabama, ranked 15th nationally, in Friday’s quarterfinal round.

In other SEC Tournament action, Oklahoma dominated Texas A&M 83-63 as Nijel Pack tallied 20 points with four three-pointers before exiting due to injury. The 11th-seeded Sooners (19-14) overwhelmed the sixth-seeded Aggies with contributions from Xzayvier Brown (16 points, six rebounds), Derrion Reid (15 points, 10 rebounds), and Tae Davis (14 points). Oklahoma built a 22-point halftime cushion to secure their sixth straight victory and will meet third-seeded Arkansas Friday.

Kentucky survived Missouri 78-72 as Otega Oweh’s 21 points and clutch plays at both ends lifted the ninth-seeded Wildcats past the eighth-seeded Tigers. Denzel Aberdeen added 16 points and seven assists while Collin Chandler contributed 15 points and three steals for Kentucky (21-12). Missouri’s Mark Mitchell exploded for 32 points and seven rebounds, including 23 second-half points that helped the Tigers briefly erase a 16-point deficit.

No. 25 Tennessee defeated Auburn 72-62 behind Nate Ament’s outstanding all-around performance of 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in his return from a leg injury. The fifth-seeded Volunteers (22-10) used a decisive 20-0 run late in the game to pull away from the Tigers. Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 15 points and three steals for Tennessee, which will face fourth-seeded Vanderbilt in the quarterfinals. Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford scored 28 points but committed five turnovers for the 12th-seeded Tigers (17-16).

Led by Brayden Burries’ 21-point performance, top-seeded Arizona dominated throughout their 81-59 quarterfinal victory over eighth-seeded UCF on Thursday in Kansas City, securing their spot in the Big 12 tournament semifinals.

The Wildcats (30-2) controlled the game from the opening tip, never allowing UCF to take the lead. Tobe Awaka contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Koa Peat also added 12 points. Ivan Kharchenkov chipped in 10 points for Arizona.

UCF (21-11) was paced by Themus Fulks’ 14 points, with Jordan Burks and Chris Johnson each contributing 10 points. Despite the loss, the Knights are anticipated to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Arizona will meet fifth-seeded Iowa State in Friday evening’s opening semifinal matchup.

No. 5 Houston 73, BYU 66

Kingston Flemings paced four Houston players in double digits as the Cougars separated from BYU in their quarterfinal contest.

Emanuel Sharp contributed 13 points, Joseph Tugler recorded 12 points with a team-leading eight boards, and Chris Cenac Jr. scored 10 points while shooting 5-of-6 from the field for second-seeded Houston (27-5). The victory marked the Cougars’ fourth consecutive win and their third Big 12 semifinal appearance in three seasons in the conference.

Freshman standout AJ Dybantsa posted a game-high 26 points, extending his streak to 13 consecutive games with at least 20 points, while Robert Wright III added 15 points and a game-best five assists for 10th-seeded BYU (23-11).

No. 7 Iowa State 75, No. 16 Texas Tech 53

Tamin Lipsey’s 20-point effort powered the fifth-seeded Cyclones past the fourth-seeded Red Raiders in dominant fashion.

Joshua Jefferson posted 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists as Iowa State erased an early 12-point disadvantage in the quarterfinal battle. Dominykas Pleta provided 11 points from the bench as the Cyclones (27-6) delivered their second impressive showing in consecutive days.

LeJuan Watts recorded 12 points and seven rebounds while Christian Anderson added 10 points for Texas Tech (22-10). The Red Raiders have gone 3-3 following the season-ending ACL injury to key player J.T. Toppin.

No. 14 Kansas 78, TCU 73

Darryn Peterson netted 16 of his 24 points in the second half, lifting the Jayhawks to a gritty victory over the Horned Frogs.

Despite shooting just 5-for-17 from the field, Peterson compensated by connecting on 13 of 16 free throw attempts during 37 minutes of play. He also grabbed eight rebounds and recorded three steals for third-seeded Kansas (23-9), which will battle second-seeded and fifth-ranked Houston in Friday’s late semifinal.

David Punch topped sixth-seeded TCU (22-11) with 24 points, including 18 in the final half, plus 10 rebounds. Liutauras Lelevicius scored 14 points and Jayden Pierre contributed 11 points with a team-high three three-pointers for the Horned Frogs, whose six-game victory streak came to an end.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history Thursday night, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary streak while powering his team to a nail-biting 104-102 victory against the Boston Celtics at home.

The reigning league MVP extended his remarkable run to 127 straight games with at least 20 points, eclipsing Chamberlain’s 63-year-old NBA milestone. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the night with 35 points in the historic performance.

Boston entered the contest without key players, as Jayson Tatum was held out for injury management following his recent return from a 10-month layoff due to an Achilles injury. Derrick White also remained sidelined with a right knee injury.

Despite the absences, Jaylen Brown kept the Celtics competitive throughout the evening, contributing 34 points along with seven assists and six rebounds in the losing effort.

The game’s final moments delivered high drama as both superstars traded crucial baskets. Gilgeous-Alexander put Oklahoma City ahead with a clutch pull-up jumper with 29.6 seconds on the clock, only to see Brown answer back with a turnaround fadeaway that knotted the score at 102-102.

After Gilgeous-Alexander’s pass to Alex Caruso resulted in a missed corner three-pointer, Thunder center Chet Holmgren secured the offensive rebound and drew a foul from Sam Hauser while attempting the putback.

Holmgren calmly sank both free throws with just 0.8 seconds remaining, sealing the victory when Payton Pritchard’s desperation three-point attempt fell short at the final buzzer.

The Thunder’s star guard dominated the fourth quarter with 14 points and completed his historic night with nine assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

Oklahoma City stretched their current winning streak to seven games, while Boston suffered their second consecutive loss following a strong 5-1 run.

The record-breaking moment came midway through the third quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander entered halftime with 17 points. After converting two free throws to move within one point of the milestone, he made history on the Thunder’s following possession with a 20-foot jumper over defender Baylor Scheierman, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Julius Halaifonua achieved his first career double-double with 21 points and a personal-best 10 rebounds, leading 11th-seeded Georgetown to a commanding 78-64 upset victory over third-seeded Villanova in Thursday’s Big East tournament quarterfinal round.

The Hoyas (16-17) secured their first semifinal berth since their unexpected championship run in 2021 as an eighth seed. Georgetown’s next challenge will be second-seeded and sixth-ranked UConn, which dominated Xavier 93-68 earlier Thursday.

Contributing to Georgetown’s success, Jeremiah Williams finished with 14 points while Kayvaun Mulready also added 14, including a crucial eight consecutive points that helped the Hoyas build a commanding double-digit advantage in the second half. Malik Mack contributed 12 points despite struggling with 4-of-15 shooting, though he delivered a clutch three-pointer with 76 seconds remaining in the opening half to tie the game.

The Wildcats (24-8) saw their hopes of reaching the semifinals end, marking their continued absence from that stage since capturing the 2022 championship during Jay Wright’s farewell season. Duke Brennan paced Villanova with 14 points and six rebounds, while Tyler Perkins contributed 13 points and Bryce Lindsay added 11. However, promising freshman Acaden Lewis and reserve Devin Askew struggled significantly, combining for just 12 points on poor 5-of-21 shooting.

UConn 93, Xavier 68

Solo Ball’s 19-point performance powered the second-seeded Huskies to a dominant start-to-finish victory over 10th-seeded Xavier in the quarterfinals.

The Huskies (28-4) maintained double-digit leads for the game’s final 28 minutes and 35 seconds, extending their semifinal streak to six consecutive years since returning to the Big East in 2020-21. Tarris Reed contributed significantly with 17 points and a season-high 14 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the campaign.

Xavier’s Filip Borovicanin posted a career-best 22 points, but the Musketeers have now lost all three matchups against UConn this season by a total margin of 80 points. Roddie Anderson III added 15 points, while Tre Carroll endured a difficult outing, managing just 12 points on 2-of-10 shooting.

St. John’s 85, Providence 72

Zuby Ejiofor delivered 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as 13th-ranked St. John’s cruised past Providence in quarterfinal action.

The Big East Player of the Year honoree shot efficiently at 9-of-14 from the field and contributed three blocks, while three Red Storm teammates each scored 14 points: Oziyah Sellers, Bryce Hopkins and Ian Jackson. Top-seeded St. John’s (26-6) advances to face Seton Hall in Friday’s semifinals.

The Red Storm controlled the boards decisively, out-rebounding ninth-seeded Providence 51-30, including a dominant 18-4 advantage on offensive rebounds. Hopkins, a former Providence player, grabbed 13 total rebounds with six coming on the offensive end.

Seton Hall 72, Creighton 61

Adam “Budd” Clark posted 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Jacob Dar delivered a spectacular second-half performance to propel fourth-seeded Seton Hall past fifth-seeded Creighton.

After not seeing action in the first half, Dar erupted for a season-high 16 points and five rebounds in just 15 second-half minutes, helping the Pirates (21-11) maintain their slim NCAA Tournament aspirations.

Creighton (15-17) dropped below .500 for the first time since the 2014-15 season and will miss March Madness for the first time since 2019. Josh Dix topped all scorers with 22 points, Nik Graves added 15 points and five assists, and Austin Swartz chipped in 10 points for the Bluejays.

LOS ANGELES — In a thrilling Thursday night matchup, Luka Doncic delivered a masterful 51-point performance while collecting 10 rebounds and dishing out nine assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a commanding 142-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The win was made even sweeter by LeBron James’ return to action after sitting out three games due to injury concerns.

The stellar outing marked Doncic’s first time reaching the 50-point milestone since joining the Lakers through a major trade from Dallas back in February 2025. This explosive performance represents his 13th game scoring 40 or more points in just 82 appearances wearing purple and gold, placing him ninth on the franchise’s all-time list.

Supporting the dynamic duo, Austin Reaves contributed 30 points while Deandre Ayton posted 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his 20th double-double this season. The triumph extends Los Angeles’ current hot streak to four consecutive victories, marking their best run since they won seven straight games between November 14-30.

The victory propelled Los Angeles past the idle Houston Rockets into the third position in the competitive Western Conference standings.

Chicago received strong efforts from Josh Giddey, who tallied 27 points, and Matas Buzelis, who added 22 points. The undermanned Bulls have been inconsistent lately, trading wins and losses over their last six contests after enduring a brutal 11-game losing streak throughout February.

James appeared rusty early on following his absence due to a right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot. The 41-year-old superstar managed just three points in the opening half, converting a layup and free throw with 54 seconds left before halftime. However, that sequence seemed to ignite the veteran, as he caught fire in the third quarter by making all five of his field goal attempts for 11 points in the period, finishing with 18 points overall.

The Bulls stayed competitive throughout much of the contest thanks to excellent three-point shooting from Giddey and Buzelis, who combined to hit 10 of their 20 attempts from beyond the arc. Their hot shooting in the second quarter helped keep Chicago within striking distance. Overall, the Bulls connected on 15 of 36 three-point attempts.

Looking ahead, Chicago will travel to face the Clippers on Friday, while the Lakers will welcome the Nuggets to Los Angeles on Saturday.

OKLAHOMA CITY — NBA history was made Thursday night as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed a legendary milestone that had remained untouched for over six decades.

Gilgeous-Alexander shattered Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive games scoring 20 or more points, reaching his 127th straight game during the Thunder’s 104-102 victory over the Boston Celtics.

The record-breaking moment arrived in the third quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander converted two free throws to reach 19 points. With the Oklahoma City crowd rising to their feet in anticipation, the star guard used several pump fakes before sinking a jumper over Boston’s Baylor Scheierman from just inside the free-throw line with 7:04 remaining in the quarter, bringing his total to 21 points.

The Thunder guard concluded the evening with 35 points and nine assists in the thrilling two-point victory.

Chamberlain’s previous mark had remained intact since 1963, and initially it appeared Gilgeous-Alexander might face difficulty reaching the milestone. He remained scoreless until the midpoint of the opening quarter, though he managed 10 points by the period’s end and had accumulated 17 by halftime.

Last season’s MVP winner has maintained remarkable consistency for the defending champion Thunder, potentially positioning himself for another MVP honor. After claiming the scoring championship last year, he currently ranks second in league scoring this season while Oklahoma City holds the NBA’s top record.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised his star player’s unwavering dedication before the game.

“That’s the impressive thing about him,” Daigneault said. “Human nature is that you have success, you ease a little bit, and he’s the opposite. He tastes it, he wants more, he wants to come back for seconds.”

Chamberlain’s original streak spanned from 1961 to 1963, including every contest of the 1961-62 campaign for the Philadelphia Warriors — the same season featuring his legendary 100-point performance in 1962. The Hall of Famer’s consecutive games streak concluded on January 20, 1963, when officials ejected him after only four minutes while playing for the San Francisco Warriors against St. Louis.

Gilgeous-Alexander had matched Chamberlain’s record Monday night, posting 35 points against the Denver Nuggets along with career-high 15 assists and nine rebounds, capped by the game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds.

“He puts the work behind it, does it consistently,” Daigneault explained. “He’s a perfectionist when it comes to his craft. He’s got an unbelievably high bar for himself, and yet, he’s incredibly empathic with his teammates.”

During his remarkable run, Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded five games of 50 or more points, highlighted by a career-best 55-point performance against Indiana in this season’s second game. His last sub-20 point outing occurred on October 30, 2024, when he managed 18 points versus San Antonio.

Earlier this season, Gilgeous-Alexander had already surpassed Chamberlain’s second-longest streak of 92 consecutive games. The Thunder have compiled an impressive 103-24 record throughout Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic run.

The achievement caps a remarkable week for NBA scoring accomplishments, as Miami’s Bam Adebayo tallied 83 points Tuesday night — the second-highest total in league history behind Chamberlain’s century mark.

WASHINGTON — A compelling and controversial story has emerged from the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, featuring two exceptional Chinese-American athletes whose similar backgrounds led to dramatically different choices about national representation.

Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, 22, and figure skater Alysa Liu, 20, share remarkable parallels in their personal histories. Both were born in California to Chinese immigrant families and raised by single parents. Each athlete delivered outstanding performances at last month’s Winter Games, earning gold medals for their respective countries.

However, their decisions about which nation to represent have sparked intense public discourse about patriotism, financial motivations, and political values across both America and China.

Gu made the choice to compete under China’s flag, while Liu proudly represents the United States. These contrasting decisions have ignited passionate discussions about allegiance that extend far beyond sports.

Chinese audiences largely celebrate Gu for embracing her Chinese heritage and bringing honor to what many consider the motherland. However, Liu has also gained admirers in China for what they perceive as her authentic personality and independent spirit — recognition that subtly acknowledges her father’s participation in the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy movement that ultimately brought him to America.

American reactions to Gu’s choice have been more critical, with political figures including Vice President JD Vance expressing disapproval. The controversy has even prompted legislative action, with one congressional proposal suggesting a 100% tax on athletes like Gu who compete for nations such as China and Russia.

“Any American who works with a foreign adversary has not only betrayed our country but must be stripped of all benefits from doing so,” declared Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican.

Gu’s journey largely reflects China’s remarkable economic transformation, as the nation’s impressive growth has created attractive opportunities for individuals with Chinese ancestry to return for enhanced financial prospects.

Born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother employed in the financial sector, Gu’s father remains unidentified publicly. She represented China in both the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympics, securing lucrative endorsement contracts worth millions from major Chinese corporations and international companies targeting the Chinese marketplace.

During the 2022 Beijing Games, where she captured two gold medals and one silver, Gu achieved celebrity status in China, affectionately nicknamed “Frog Princess.” Social media users eagerly shared videos of her enjoying traditional Chinese snacks, and her recent performances in Italy received widespread attention and praise throughout China.

Gu has consistently maintained that her decision to represent China stems primarily from her desire to encourage female participation in freestyle skiing — believing China offers greater growth potential for the sport than the United States — rather than purely financial considerations.

Nevertheless, questions surrounding Gu’s citizenship status have created controversy and affected her public image. Citizens on both sides question her loyalty and speculate whether she surrendered her American passport to comply with Chinese regulations prohibiting dual citizenship. Gu has avoided addressing these inquiries directly, leaving her citizenship status unclear.

Hu Xijin, formerly an editor at a Chinese Communist Party newspaper, contended that China’s priority should be attracting talented individuals like Gu, viewing this as a victory over the United States.

“Today’s China is stronger, and it can provide Gu with interests that cannot be realized if she represented Team U.S.A.,” Hu posted on social media. “She has the sharp judgment to pick Team China, and this is the magnetic effect resulted from China’s growth.”

For Liu, representing China was never a consideration.

Liu was born to Arthur Liu via surrogacy. Unlike Gu’s mother, Liu’s father escaped China while being pursued by authorities for his role in the 1989 student demonstrations that concluded with violent suppression in central Beijing, forcing numerous student protesters into exile. Military forces killed hundreds, possibly thousands, while ending the protests on June 3-4, 1989.

“Chinese people still have no freedom of speech, no freedom of religion, and there are still political prisoners in China,” Arthur Liu recently stated to Nikkei Asia. “Clearly, I wouldn’t allow my daughter to compete for such a government.”

While Chinese officials welcomed Gu with favorable media coverage and millions in government training support, Liu said he permitted his daughter to compete in Beijing during 2022 only after receiving safety guarantees from the State Department and U.S. Olympic Committee. The FBI had informed him that both he and his daughter were targets of a Chinese government surveillance operation. Alysa Liu finished sixth in women’s singles skating that year.

This time, she made history by becoming the first American woman to claim Olympic figure skating gold in 24 years. News of her achievement spread rapidly across Chinese social media, earning praise such as “free spirit” and “more genuine.” However, some users remained loyal to Gu and argued that Liu’s victory held no significance for Chinese people.

As Liu’s prominence grew, her father’s background surfaced on Chinese social media platforms, though references were typically brief and indirect since the 1989 Tiananmen Movement — commonly referred to as “6-4” for the crackdown date — remains an extremely sensitive political subject in China 37 years later. While some praised the elder Liu as a freedom advocate, others condemned him.

The frequent comparisons between his daughter and Gu prompted Arthur Liu to address the topic directly.

“Everyone is entitled to her own ambition,” the father explained during a YouTube conversation with Zhang Boli, another former student activist. “The two have chosen different paths, and people immediately see the contrast. The contrast is so sharp that people cannot help but comment.”

When asked about these comparisons recently, Alysa Liu told Newsweek: “Oh, my God, I think this discourse is really silly because we’re both half Chinese.”

American criticism of Gu during this Olympic cycle appeared to intensify following comments from Vance, who told Fox News during the Games that “I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America.”

Gu responded to these remarks by saying, “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet,” according to USA Today.

Beyond Ogles’ proposed legislation, Rep. Lisa McClain, a Michigan Republican, criticized Gu for lacking “the respect for the country which has given them so much to represent that country.”

Nationality changes are common in competitive athletics, and other Chinese Americans or Chinese Canadians have competed for Team China. However, none have generated the public controversy that Gu has, observed Susan Brownell, a University of Missouri-St. Louis professor who specializes in Chinese sports and Olympic competition. “It does really appear,” she noted, “that part of the issue here is if you’re good enough to beat the U.S.”

Badiucao, a Chinese-Australian artist, captured this comparison through two illustrations: one depicting Alysa Liu skating triumphantly alongside the Statue of Liberty, the other showing Gu wrapped in an oversized, blood-stained Chinese banknote with Mao Zedong’s image watching over her shoulder.

“In a world of Eileen Gu,” the artist wrote, “be Alysa Liu.”

Multiple sources confirmed Tuesday that the New York Giants have reached agreement with cornerback Greg Newsome II on a one-year deal that could reach $10 million in value.

The 25-year-old defensive back entered the NFL as Cleveland’s first-round selection in 2021 before being dealt to Jacksonville this past October. The Browns received cornerback Tyson Campbell and exchanged late-round draft selections in that trade. Newsome hit free agency when the season concluded.

During the 2024 campaign, Newsome appeared in 17 contests with 16 starting assignments split between Cleveland and Jacksonville, recording 29 total tackles along with one interception and six pass breakups.

Across his four-year professional career spanning 71 games with 58 starts, Newsome has accumulated 207 tackles, one quarterback sack, and four interceptions, including one returned for a score.

The signing addresses a significant need for New York after losing Cor’Dale Flott, who chose to join Tennessee on Monday with a three-year, $45 million agreement rather than return to the Giants.

The Minnesota Timberwolves face a critical matchup on Tuesday evening, but it won’t be the only game capturing their attention.

While the team prepares to battle the Los Angeles Lakers in their ongoing playoff push, they’ll also be keeping tabs on a completely different sport happening in Houston. Instead of basketball action, they’ll be watching for home runs and strikeouts as one of their own takes center stage in the World Baseball Classic.

The unique situation stems from assistant coach Micah Nori’s son, Dante Nori, who has emerged as a standout performer for Team Italy in the international tournament. Italy faces off against the United States on Tuesday evening, with the game beginning just hours before Minnesota tips off against Los Angeles.

“I will be watching the Timberwolves,” Micah Nori said. “But at 6 o’clock Pacific time, I will be focused on the Italians and the Americans in the WBC, for sure.”

While Minnesota remains laser-focused on securing the best possible playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, head coach Chris Finch, co-owner Alex Rodriguez — who brings considerable baseball expertise to the organization — and other team members have rallied around supporting their colleague’s family achievement.

“My family is obviously locked in on it, but so is our organization,” Micah Nori said. “It sounds crazy, but so many guys are locked in. Our head coach is a big fan, and I can’t tell you how many people send videos or pictures of them watching Dante’s game. It means a lot. It is a welcome distraction, if you will, one that has you just get away from the grind a little bit.”

Through Italy’s first two tournament contests, Dante Nori has compiled an impressive 5-for-7 batting performance, highlighted by a two-home run showcase in Italy’s victory over Brazil on Saturday.

According to his father, Dante’s baseball destiny became apparent remarkably early. By age 4, Micah recognized his son’s athletic future lay on the diamond rather than the hardwood, often redirecting young Dante from his toy basketball hoop to pick up a baseball bat instead.

Dante offers a slightly different timeline, explaining his sport selection became clear during middle school when he realized his height would plateau around 5-foot-9.

“It was a very easy choice,” Dante Nori said. “Just keep the cleats on and play baseball.”

Representing Italy on the international stage holds deep significance for the Nori family, and the baseball connection runs much deeper than casual interest.

Baseball excellence spans generations in the Nori household. Grandfather Fred Nori spent three seasons playing college baseball at Indiana before pursuing professional opportunities. Micah Nori also competed for the Hoosiers, posting a team-leading .365 batting average during his senior campaign. Though Butch Carter eventually recruited him into basketball as an advance scout for the Toronto Raptors, Micah later returned to Indiana as a coach before rejoining NBA circles permanently.

“Being around all these great NBA players your whole life, it helps you out listening to them, seeing their work ethic, seeing what they had to do to get there,” Dante Nori said. “And then the standpoint of getting to rep that name — Italia — across your chest, you’re playing for your ancestors, you’re playing for your family, especially my grandpa Fred. Him getting to watch is really special. All of that, it’s just all coming together. It’s sweet.”

The Nori family appreciates the unique advantage of having Rodriguez — a 14-time All-Star, three-time MVP, World Series champion, and 696-career home run hitter — as part of their extended basketball family.

Rodriguez’s baseball pedigree provides invaluable mentorship opportunities, creating an ideal blend of professional sports guidance across both basketball and baseball.

“Alex has been great the few times that Dante and he have crossed paths when Dante was in Minnesota, even when he was in high school,” Micah Nori said. “Alex is always taking time to give Dante some advice. And I think that’s been huge. Just the fact that Dante has been fortunate enough to grow up in professional locker rooms, he realizes that they’re just people but he sees the work ethic. And that’s why I think he gets to the WBC and just focuses on playing his game. He’s not distracted or overwhelmed by it all.”

TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was forced to exit Thursday evening’s matchup with the Anaheim Ducks following a knee-to-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.

The incident occurred during the second period as Matthews attempted to maneuver past Gudas in the offensive zone. The collision sent a direct impact to Matthews’ left leg, causing him to fall to the ice surface. The U.S. Olympic team captain remained on the ice momentarily before teammates and staff assisted him off to the team’s locker room.

Officials issued Gudas a major penalty along with a game misconduct for the play. The Czech defenseman previously made headlines for a hit that forced Canadian captain Sidney Crosby out of Olympic competition during quarterfinal action.

Prior to the injury, Matthews had broken out of a lengthy scoring slump, netting his first goal in 12 contests during a man-advantage opportunity earlier in the same period. The star center has recorded 27 goals and 26 assists across 60 games during the current campaign.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama will be absent from Thursday evening’s contest between San Antonio and the Denver Nuggets after experiencing discomfort in his right ankle.

The All-Star player’s status was initially uncertain before team officials made the final decision following his pregame preparation routine.

The towering 7-foot-4 French athlete completed his warmup session approximately 25 minutes ahead of his usual schedule. Following free-throw practice and a consultation with San Antonio’s medical staff, he departed the court.

The Spurs enter the matchup riding an impressive five-game winning streak and boasting a remarkable 16-1 record across their most recent 17 contests, positioning them second in the Western Conference with a 48-17 record. Denver currently holds the fifth position in the West at 40-26.

The French center recently earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors after guiding San Antonio to a perfect 4-0 record during the week concluding March 8. His performance included averages of 26 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per game.

For postseason award consideration, Wembanyama needs to participate in 13 of San Antonio’s remaining 16 regular season games. League regulations mandate players compete for a minimum of 20 minutes across 65 games during the standard 82-game campaign.

The sophomore star has appeared in 51 contests this season. His total reaches 52 games when including his participation in the NBA Cup Final, which doesn’t impact regular season records or individual statistics but counts toward the 65-game threshold.

Meanwhile, Spurs forward Harrison Barnes returns to action Thursday after missing five consecutive games with a left ankle problem. Barnes had previously maintained a streak of 364 straight game appearances before his recent absence.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has left the possibility open for renewed pursuit of edge rusher Maxx Crosby, though he considers such a move unlikely given how far along the team is in their free agency strategy.

Dallas was among the teams in contention when Baltimore Ravens struck a deal to send two first-round draft selections to Las Vegas Raiders for Crosby, but the Ravens withdrew from the agreement one day before it could be finalized.

Following news that Crosby appeared Baltimore-bound, Dallas moved to secure edge rusher Rashan Gary from Green Bay in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft selection on free agency’s opening day this week.

The Cowboys’ pass rush situation has remained unsettled since they traded young standout Micah Parsons to the Packers for two first-round picks one week before last season began.

“We’re pretty far down the road relative to what our plans are,” Jones stated Thursday during questioning about Crosby at a promotional event for an IndyCar series street race scheduled to pass the Cowboys’ 80,000-capacity Arlington stadium. “So while I don’t anticipate it, I don’t want to rule anything out.”

Dallas continues working to reconstruct a defensive unit that ranked among the league’s weakest last season. The team brought in Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator and added safety Jalen Thompson, who played his initial six NFL seasons in Arizona.

MIAMI — Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra delivered a defiant response Thursday to critics questioning his team’s approach during the closing moments of Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance.

The veteran coach made his position crystal clear regarding any criticism.

“I apologize to absolutely no one,” Spoelstra declared Thursday. “Period.”

Adebayo’s remarkable 83-point outburst now stands as the second-highest individual scoring performance in NBA history, falling just 17 points short of Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point record and surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81-point milestone by two. The Heat’s big man attempted 43 field goals during Tuesday’s 150-129 victory against Washington, while establishing new NBA records with 36 successful free throws on 43 attempts from the charity stripe.

The game’s conclusion turned chaotic as Washington employed up to four defenders on Adebayo while Miami continued feeding him the basketball. The Heat also committed intentional fouls on four separate occasions during the final moments, extending the contest to create additional scoring chances for their center.

Spoelstra emphasized that criticism overlooks the natural progression of Adebayo’s explosive night: 31 first-quarter points, 43 at intermission, 62 after three periods, 70 with 9:05 remaining, and 77 with 3:26 left on the clock. Miami’s first intentional foul to regain possession occurred with just 1:40 remaining.

“There was a moment, and when there’s a moment in time like that, it’s carpe diem,” Spoelstra explained, referencing the Latin phrase meaning “seize the day.” “You have to go for it, and that was just thrilling. And I’m honored that we were all able to be a part of it.”

Several NBA coaches have publicly supported Miami’s decision, including Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and Denver’s David Adelman, who saw nothing wrong with the Heat maximizing an already extraordinary scoring display.

Adelman praised Adebayo’s professionalism throughout the league and found the rare scoring explosion entertaining.

“He made the extra pass in the fourth quarter when he had 60. He blocked a shot. He was still playing the game,” Adelman noted. “When you get to 70, I’m sorry, man, like all bets are off. … I thought it was really cool.”

Washington coach Brian Keefe appeared frustrated Tuesday evening with the game’s final minutes. When asked about the situation Thursday before facing Orlando, Keefe kept his response brief.

“We’re focused on today,” Keefe stated.

Spoelstra revealed he had spoken with Adebayo before the game about maintaining intensity. Miami entered the contest without several key contributors including Norman Powell, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, and Kel’el Ware due to various injuries.

“It’s a Tuesday night game against a team where they’re not playing for anything, where their organization is trying to lose,” Spoelstra explained. “We’ve already lost a game in that kind of situation. … I spoke to Bam about I want, as our best player and team captain, for him to be locked in and ready. And, he sure was.”

The coach admitted that keeping Adebayo on the court during the final minutes of a lopsided contest was uncommon — the star player exited for good with 1:08 left. However, Spoelstra argued that unforgettable moments represent exactly what supporters want to witness, describing how “a really magical night just appeared out of nowhere.”

In Spoelstra’s view, such a special evening requires no explanations or regrets.

“It doesn’t take away anything from our organization, how we feel about Bam, how special that night was,” Spoelstra said. “Our fan base is electrified by this moment.”

The head coach’s unwavering support for Adebayo stems from their strong relationship, exemplified by a gesture following Miami’s disappointing home loss to Sacramento on December 6th. The defeat came one day before Spoelstra’s annual 5K charity run supporting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, scheduled for early Sunday morning. Despite scoring only nine points in the Kings loss amid the team’s struggles, Adebayo appeared at the event without being asked.

The unexpected show of support deeply moved Spoelstra.

“He was there, not to run, just to support,” Spoelstra recalled. “Just to support and let people know that he was supporting this cause. That says enough about him as a human being. That’s why I’ll do anything for him as a competitor and as his head coach.”

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Hunter Greene faces a lengthy recovery period after being scheduled for elbow surgery on Wednesday, with doctors estimating he could be out of action for as long as four months into the season.

Medical staff discovered bone chips and loose bodies in Greene’s throwing arm after the 26-year-old left spring training last week complaining of elbow stiffness that required an MRI examination.

The right-hander posted a 7-4 record with a 2.76 earned run average during the previous season, playing a key role in Cincinnati’s successful bid for a National League wild card spot and their first postseason berth since 2020.

Despite being restricted to just 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings pitched — both career lows — Greene’s blazing fastball averaged 99.5 mph, topping all major league pitchers who threw at least 1,250 pitches. His 296 pitches clocked at 100 mph or faster ranked second league-wide, trailing only Mason Miller’s 422.

Injuries plagued Greene’s previous campaign when he was sidelined on May 9 with a right groin strain. After returning on May 23 for three starts, the same injury forced him back onto the injured list until August 13.

Now in his fifth major league season, Greene earned his first NL All-Star selection in 2024, compiling a 9-5 record with a 2.75 ERA across 26 starts. He struck out 169 batters in 150 1/3 innings despite missing time that year due to elbow discomfort.

The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Kyler Murray, the former top overall draft selection, on a one-year contract agreement.

Minnesota made the announcement Thursday, just one day following Murray’s official departure from the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent his entire seven-year professional career.

Murray confirmed his move to Minnesota by posting on his X social media account, showing himself wearing Vikings uniform with the message “Skol.”

Despite Arizona remaining responsible for Murray’s $36.8 million salary obligation for the 2026 season following his release, the mobile quarterback will earn $1.3 million from the Vikings, which represents the minimum salary for players with seven or more years of experience.

Multiple reports indicate the contract contains a no-tag provision, preventing Minnesota from using the franchise tag on Murray following the 2026 campaign.

Murray earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and secured Pro Bowl selections during his second and third seasons, but his performance has declined significantly over the past four years.

During the 2025 season, Murray appeared in just five games—a career low—before landing on injured reserve due to a foot injury. He completed passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions, while managing only 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, both career lows.

Murray has completed a full regular season schedule only once during the previous five years (2024). Throughout his 87 career starts, he holds a 38-48-1 record while completing 67.1% of his attempts for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdown passes and 60 interceptions, plus 3,193 rushing yards with 32 rushing touchdowns.

His postseason experience consists of a single playoff appearance, where he threw two interceptions without a touchdown pass during a 34-11 wild-card defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

Murray will now compete with current starter J.J. McCarthy for Minnesota’s top quarterback role in the upcoming season. McCarthy, selected 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, also dealt with injury issues last season during his debut campaign after missing all of 2024 with a torn meniscus.

McCarthy started 10 games during 2025, connecting on 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while adding 181 rushing yards and four rushing scores.

Human rights organizations are pressing FIFA to guarantee that the 2026 World Cup delivers on promises of inclusivity and safety, expressing alarm that current U.S. immigration policies and press freedom issues could compromise the tournament’s accessibility.

The Sport & Rights Alliance highlighted that FIFA’s leadership had committed to hosting a “safe, welcoming and inclusive” event through its Human Rights Framework, but noted that current political rhetoric and immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration may discourage participation from fans, media professionals, and various communities.

“Football brings the world together — but not if U.S. visa bans and mass deportation raids keep immigrants, workers, journalists, communities, and fans away,” the advocacy coalition stated in correspondence to FIFA President Gianni Infantino made public Thursday.

The upcoming World Cup will mark the first edition featuring 48 participating nations and will take place throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with competitions scheduled across 16 designated host cities.

When questioned about these concerns, White House officials emphasized the administration’s commitment to tournament success.

“President Trump is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded to inquiries.

The advocacy groups also called on FIFA to collaborate with hosting nations to guarantee media and fan access while ensuring the competition honors fundamental rights including freedom of expression, press liberty, and protections for workers and local populations.

“With weeks until kick-off, most of the 16 World Cup host committees still have not released the Human Rights Action Plans they are supposed to produce,” the coalition noted. “It is impossible to manage human rights risks without identifying them and putting in place systems to manage them.”

The Detroit Lions have struck a deal to bring in running back Isiah Pacheco from the Kansas City Chiefs to fill the backup role behind Jahmyr Gibbs, according to a source familiar with the agreement announced Tuesday.

The signing comes after Detroit sent David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and fourth- and seventh-round draft selections. Montgomery had reportedly grown unhappy with his secondary role behind Gibbs.

Pacheco brings four years of NFL experience from Kansas City, where he accumulated 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while contributing to two Super Bowl championship teams. His departure from Kansas City became possible after the Chiefs secured Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III with a three-year, $45 million contract during the early stages of free agency.

In other NFL roster moves, the Green Bay Packers are making changes in their secondary by bringing in cornerback Benjamin St-Juste on a two-year, $10.5 million deal while preparing to release Nate Hobbs just one year into his four-year, $48 million contract.

Sources speaking to The Associated Press requested anonymity since these transactions cannot become official until Wednesday, when the NFL’s new league year officially begins.

Hobbs struggled with injuries and performance issues during his first season in Green Bay after leaving Las Vegas. The 26-year-old defender suffered a knee injury during training camp and was later benched midseason, managing just five starts across 11 games with only two pass breakups. He missed Green Bay’s playoff loss to Chicago and revealed after the season that he tore a medial collateral ligament in late December against Baltimore.

St-Juste spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, participating in approximately 35% of defensive snaps while also contributing significantly on special teams. The 28-year-old defender has recorded two interceptions during his five-year career, which began in Washington after being selected in the third round of the 2021 draft.

Kansas City also made additional signings to address their defensive needs, agreeing to a three-year, $24.5 million contract with former Baltimore safety Alohi Gilman and a two-year, $11 million deal with receiver Tyquan Thornton, who became their primary deep threat during Baltimore’s disappointing 6-11 campaign that ended their decade-long playoff run.

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured running back Rico Dowdle with a two-year, $12.25 million agreement, reuniting him with new head coach Mike McCarthy. The pair previously worked together in Dallas, where Dowdle made history as the first undrafted Cowboys running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards during McCarthy’s final season there in 2024.

After signing with Carolina last year, Dowdle delivered standout performances including 206 yards against Miami and 183 rushing yards plus a 36-yard touchdown reception against his former Dallas team, finishing the campaign with 1,076 total yards.

Pittsburgh is also monitoring a potentially more significant reunion for McCarthy, as 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not yet decided whether to return for what would be his 22nd NFL season and second with the Steelers. Rodgers and McCarthy spent over 12 seasons together in Green Bay, capturing a Super Bowl title during the 2010 season.

The Buffalo Bills reached a three-year contract extension with tight end Dawson Knox that will provide salary cap relief. The seventh-year player was entering his final contracted season and was set to count $17 million against Buffalo’s cap space.

The New York Giants secured cornerback Greg Newsome after losing starter Cor’Dale Flott to Tennessee during the opening day of free agent negotiations. New York also signed safety Ar’Darius Washington, marking the third player to follow new coach John Harbaugh from Baltimore, joining tight end Isaiah Likely and All-Pro punter Jordan Stout.

Minnesota retained two-time All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola for what will be his seventh season with the Vikings. The 38-year-old specialist holds the distinction of being the only long snapper to earn three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2022 through 2024.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have expanded their ownership structure after majority owner Tom Dundon transferred portions of the NHL franchise to three new minority investors.

Team officials revealed Thursday that former professional hockey player Bobby Farnham, along with businessmen Brett Jefferson and Marc Grandisson, have become part of the organization’s ownership collective.

“Brett, Marc and Bobby are accomplished business executives whose experiences and knowledge will help us continue to grow our team’s success and impact,” Dundon stated. “Brett lives in the (area) and Marc will soon relocate to Raleigh, so their influence will be locally-based. As a former NHL player, Bobby is uniquely positioned to help our ownership group as we move forward.”

While the franchise chose not to reveal the purchase price, industry publication Sportico indicated last week that Dundon had reached an agreement to transfer 12.5% ownership valued at roughly $332.5 million, based on a $2.66 billion team valuation.

Dundon assumed control as Carolina’s primary owner in 2018 and secured complete ownership in 2021 after purchasing remaining shares from Peter Karmanos and other investors. This past summer, he spearheaded an investment group that acquired the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers from Paul Allen’s estate.

Jefferson established his own asset management company, while Grandisson built his career as an insurance industry leader before retiring. The 37-year-old Farnham appeared in 67 NHL contests during his playing career before transitioning into private investment work.

According to the team, all three new owners will be presented to fans before Carolina hosts Pittsburgh on Wednesday evening.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have emerged as the top Super Bowl contender following their acquisition of All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in a major trade deal.

The two-time championship winner is welcoming the pressure of helping Los Angeles return to football’s biggest stage after coming close in back-to-back seasons against the eventual title winners.

“Like I said, this team is ready to go,” McDuffie said. “I don’t think I’m coming in here with a team that doesn’t understand the value that they have. So those little nuggets that I feel like I can just pour into guys that can get us over the hump, I’m going to do everything I can because that’s the end goal. And I know it’s the end goal bringing me in is the Lombardi Trophy, so everything we do to bring a ring back to this city is what I’m going to do.”

The Rams officially welcomed McDuffie during Thursday’s press conference after completing the major deal with Kansas City. Los Angeles sent the Chiefs the 29th overall selection, plus fifth and sixth-round picks in the upcoming April draft, along with next year’s third-round choice. McDuffie subsequently inked a four-year extension making him the league’s top-paid cornerback, securing his services with his childhood team until 2030.

With three Super Bowl appearances across four seasons in Kansas City, the 25-year-old defender understands the fine line between championship glory and disappointment.

Los Angeles finished 12-5 during the previous campaign but fell to eventual Super Bowl winner Seattle 23-17 in the NFC title game. Their struggles covering elite receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba during crucial moments prevented them from earning the conference’s top seed and reaching the championship contest.

By bringing in McDuffie alongside his former Kansas City teammate Jaylen Watson through free agency, the Rams believe they can flip those disadvantageous matchups in their direction.

Throughout 56 regular season contests, McDuffie has broken up 34 passes, recorded two picks, and created eight fumbles. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and second-team recognition this past season. The versatile defender can line up outside or in the slot, though safety Quentin Lake has excelled at the nickel position under defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

“It don’t matter where you put me,” McDuffie said. “I’ll play safety. I’ll put my hand in the dirt. Like, I hope I don’t have to. But, really, I’m just out here wanting to play ball, you know. And no matter where you put me, I’m going to work, day in and day out, to make sure that I do my job at a very high level, and that’s the guy you’re getting.”

McDuffie’s exceptional short-range agility allows him to shadow “small shifty guys,” according to Watson’s assessment, which distinguishes his skill set. However, Watson, who secured a three-year deal worth $34 million guaranteed, may prove equally valuable with his 6-foot-2, nearly 200-pound build ideal for battling receivers like new division rival Mike Evans.

“Me and Trent complement each other so well,” Watson said. “My strengths are the big receivers. So we should be pretty diverse. We should be able to match up pretty well against a lot of different looks we get.”

Both players entered the NFL together in 2022, with Kansas City selecting Watson from Washington State 222 spots after choosing his Apple Cup opponent McDuffie.

Watson initially hoped to begin his pro career in Kansas City but figured the selections of McDuffie and fourth-rounder Joshua Williams would block that path, until the Chiefs picked him in round seven.

Four years down the road, Watson entered free agency targeting opportunities to help solve the Rams’ defensive weaknesses.

“Then they traded for Trent, and I knew he was going to be the highest-paid in the league, I was like, ‘Not going to the Rams.’ So, yeah, it’s a full circle moment,” said Watson, who has defended 24 passes and intercepted three over 53 regular season games.

Both McDuffie and Watson are prepared for the heightened expectations their arrivals will create in Los Angeles.

“Doesn’t matter what’s on paper,” Watson said. “You got to do what you got to do, take care of what’s in front of you one game at a time, and hopefully when it’s all said and done we can get there.”

The New England Patriots have secured wide receiver Romeo Doubs with a four-year, $70 million contract, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday.

The 25-year-old pass catcher accumulated 202 receptions across four seasons in Green Bay, highlighted by exceptional postseason showings.

Doubs nearly powered the Packers past Chicago in January’s wild-card matchup, hauling in eight passes for 124 yards despite the loss. The former fourth-round selection from 2022 established personal bests during Green Bay’s 2023 wild-card victory over Dallas, recording 151 receiving yards and one touchdown.

New England plans to part ways with Stefon Diggs after just one campaign with the franchise. Diggs topped the team with 85 catches in 2025, while no other Patriots receiver exceeded Mack Hollins’ 46 receptions.

During the 2025 season, Doubs posted 55 catches for a personal-best 724 yards and six scores. He found the end zone three times in a tie contest against Dallas.

However, Green Bay faces salary cap constraints and has already committed to extending fellow 2022 draft mate Christian Watson for one year. Watson was selected 34th overall in the second round of 2022.

The Packers also invested their 2025 first-round selection on receiver Matthew Golden, while Jayden Reed approaches his rookie contract’s final season. When both were available in 2024, Reed drew 75 targets compared to Doubs’ 72. Despite missing significant time due to collarbone and foot ailments last season, Reed paced Green Bay with 55 catches in 2024.

New England used a second-round pick on receiver Tyquan Thornton (50th overall) in 2022, but released him during the 2024 campaign. Thornton spent last season with Kansas City and re-signed with the Chiefs on Monday.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — While leaving Tampa Bay after 12 seasons proved difficult for Mike Evans and his family due to deep community ties, selecting his next destination was much simpler for the veteran wide receiver.

Evans conducted thorough research on potential teams during free agency before making his choice Monday following a video conference with San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.

“I did my research on a lot of teams that I was looking at. I was looking at contenders, guys with good quarterbacks obviously,” Evans explained Thursday. “So I was looking at here, Buffalo Bills, teams that needed a number one wide receiver. This was my number one spot on my own. And then I talked to John and Kyle and it solidified it for me. I’ve always been a fan of Kyle. He just talked about how he sees me in this offense and it just made me even happier. It was a no-brainer really after I got on the phone with him.”

Despite earning over $150 million throughout his career, Evans rejected a higher financial offer from Tampa Bay, according to his representative, choosing instead to sign a three-year deal with San Francisco valued at up to $60.4 million with $16.3 million guaranteed.

The veteran receiver revealed that a recruiting conversation with All-Pro tight end George Kittle sealed his final choice.

“I love money, obviously, like everybody else. But the money was not the biggest factor for me,” he stated. “It was just football and something that I can be excited about. I’m super excited. Every time I come to Levi’s Stadium and I see how the crowd is and I’ll see the energy that they bring and the rich history of the San Francisco 49ers, it just excites me. So I feel like it’s given me a second wind in my career. That’s why I chose to come here.”

Evans is recovering from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign where he appeared in just eight contests and missed the 1,000-yard milestone for the first time in his dozen-year professional career.

San Francisco required a reliable pass-catcher after deciding to release Brandon Aiyuk, who was placed on the reserve/left squad list last season when he ceased attending rehabilitation sessions for a knee injury that had kept him out since October 2024. Despite signing a four-year, $120 million extension before the 2024 season, Aiyuk’s $27 million guarantee for 2026 had been voided.

Evans will join a receiving corps that includes 2024 first-round selection Ricky Pearsall, experienced player Demarcus Robinson, and developing talents Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins. Jauan Jennings, who led the team’s receivers last season, remains unsigned as a free agent.

The new 49er expressed admiration for San Francisco’s 12-5 record and playoff victory despite significant injuries to key players including Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Kittle, Pearsall, and quarterback Brock Purdy.

“They always compete, even with the injuries last year,” he noted. “I feel like they were one piece away and I think that I’m that piece. I look forward to coming here and proving that.”

Evans made NFL history by becoming the first player to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his initial 11 seasons, reaching that milestone in the 2024 season finale.

However, injuries have limited his availability over the past two campaigns, causing him to miss three games in 2024 and nine last season due to hamstring and broken collarbone issues. His 2025 statistics included just 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time second-team All-Pro has accumulated 866 career receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. Evans ranks tenth all-time in touchdown catches, while his 11 seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards trail only Jerry Rice’s record of 14.

“I always feel like I got to prove something,” Evans concluded. “I always felt like I can be better. I want to show that I’m still who people believe that I am, and that’s one of the best to ever do it.”

HOUSTON (AP) — Team USA skipper Mark DeRosa acknowledged Thursday that his early declaration about the United States securing a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal spot before playing Italy was simply an “overly confident statement,” emphasizing he understood nothing was certain at that moment.

DeRosa had made those comments on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” program prior to Tuesday’s shocking 8-6 defeat to Italy that put America’s WBC destiny in jeopardy. The Americans ultimately secured their spot in Friday’s quarterfinal against Canada after Italy defeated Mexico 9-1 on Wednesday.

“It’s just an overly confident statement on ‘Hot Stove,’ period, the end,” DeRosa acknowledged. “And it’s my fault. I felt good about where we were after Mexico.”

The manager also discussed how the star-laden American squad gets a clean slate now that the Italian defeat didn’t end their championship aspirations.

“New lease on life for the boys, certainly,” he stated. “I put ourselves in a tough spot. Tip our hat to Vinnie Pasquantino and Italy, truly. Went into that game a little overly confident and got a huge wake-up call.”

DeRosa’s pre-game comments drew significant criticism following the loss, especially considering he benched regular starters Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, Alex Bregman, Brice Turang and Byron Buxton. The Americans needed a victory over Italy to secure their quarterfinal berth automatically. The defeat left them dependent on various tiebreaker scenarios while awaiting Wednesday’s Italy-Mexico outcome.

On Thursday, he defended those lineup choices. DeRosa explained he wanted to give opportunities to Ernie Clement and Paul Goldschmidt since they might play crucial bench roles later. He also noted restrictions on pitcher usage due to “guardrails” established by MLB organizations, who typically limit their players’ workload at the WBC because of injury risks.

“When I looked at the lineup, I felt confident going in – bottom line,” DeRosa stated. “I mean, I also look at it from a player’s perspective. Like, Bryce Harper was struggling a little bit. I know it’s three games, but from the dugout – I played with him for a long time – so it’s like, ‘OK, maybe we get him off his feet a day. We get Goldy in there. We allow (Harper) to work with Sean Casey, Matt Holliday, maybe something clicks. And we get him right back in there and going.’”

DeRosa had also noted before Tuesday’s contests that some American players were “dragging.” Team transportation departed later than scheduled following Monday’s victory over Mexico as players remained in the clubhouse celebrating their triumph.

“Listen, us hanging out in a clubhouse is everything I ever dreamed of creating,” DeRosa said. “You’ve got to buy into this thing super quick and try and create a team. For those players to invite the coaches in and for us to spend time together and enjoy a huge win that we hadn’t had in 20 years was something that, I looked around the room and it was super special to me.

“We did not lose sight of the fact that we had to go out and play well against Italy. They played a hell of a game. They smacked us in the mouth early. They got up big. We went into that game prepared to win it. I think there’s a couple false narratives out there. But, no, I was well aware that we had to win that game based on all the scenarios that could take place.”

The United States is implementing roster adjustments to its pitching rotation as they transition from pool competition into the quarterfinal round.

Left-handed pitcher Tim Hill along with right-handers Will Vest and Tyler Rogers are replacing two-time Cy Young Award recipient Tarik Skubal, Michael Wacha and Ryan Yarbrough. DeRosa confirmed that southpaw Matthew Boyd has also departed the American team to rejoin the Chicago Cubs’ spring training facility.

“And I completely understand that,” DeRosa commented. “There’s a lot of pressure from the parent clubs to get these guys ramped up for the start of the season.

“If he’s going to be the opening day starter for the Cubs, we had to guarantee him innings — the game’s got to dictate now. Pool play is a different animal. Trying to weave our way through it from a pitching standpoint, all bets are off now.”

More than a decade after selecting Geno Smith in the NFL draft, the New York Jets are welcoming back the veteran quarterback as they continue searching for stability at the position.

According to reports, the Las Vegas Raiders and Jets finalized a deal on Tuesday that sends the 35-year-old Smith back to his original professional team. In exchange, New York will give up a sixth-round selection in the 2026 draft (pick 208).

As part of the agreement, the Jets will also obtain a seventh-round pick (219th overall) alongside Smith, who had been expecting his release from Las Vegas before Wednesday’s start of the league year.

To facilitate his return to New York, Smith reportedly modified his existing contract terms. According to ESPN, Las Vegas will cover the majority of his remaining salary, leaving the Jets with a financial obligation barely above the veteran minimum wage.

Smith was originally chosen by New York in the second round (39th selection) during the 2013 draft after his college career at West Virginia. During his initial four-year stint with the franchise, he posted a 57.9% completion rate while throwing for 5,962 yards and 28 touchdowns against 26 interceptions across 33 appearances (30 as a starter) between 2013 and 2016.

Las Vegas is expected to address their quarterback needs by selecting Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the upcoming draft.

The Raiders faced pressure to move Smith quickly due to an $8 million guaranteed payment scheduled to become official on March 13.

During the previous season, Smith struggled significantly, leading the league with 17 interceptions while completing 67.4% of his attempts for 3,025 yards and 15 scores in 15 starting assignments. Las Vegas managed just two victories in games Smith started, finishing 2-13, and he absorbed a league-high 55 sacks.

Throughout his professional career, Smith has completed 65.2% of his throws for 22,168 yards with 124 touchdowns and 89 interceptions over 109 regular-season contests (98 starts) while playing for the Jets, New York Giants (2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018), Seattle Seahawks (2020-24), and Raiders.

Smith’s lone postseason experience came during the 2022 campaign with Seattle, when the Seahawks fell to the San Francisco 49ers 41-23 in an NFC wild-card matchup. That same year, he earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year recognition and received Pro Bowl honors in both 2022 and 2023.

The spouse of St. Louis City SC soccer player Eduard Lowen has passed away following her fight against brain cancer, the team confirmed Monday. Ilona Lowen was 28 years old at the time of her death, local media outlets reported.

St. Louis City SC shared news of her passing through an official statement on their social media platforms.

“We grieve alongside Edu and all those impacted by this loss and ask the CITY community to keep them in your prayers during this difficult time. Ilona was a beautiful example of love, humility, and kindness and will be deeply missed,” the club statement said, in part.

Medical professionals discovered the brain cancer in 2024 following Ilona’s complaints of intense headaches. Following several surgical procedures, physicians informed the family that the disease had reached Stage 4 and was beyond treatment options. She had previously received a diagnosis for a non-cancerous brain tumor.

The 29-year-old midfielder has remained absent from competition this season, though he attended his team’s season opener where he discussed his obligations to his spouse and his commitment to supporting her.

“We get a lot of support from family, from friends, but sometimes there are just moments and things that only I can take care of and I want to take care of because, obviously, I’m the husband,” he said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “There are just certain responsibilities that sometimes force me or also I want to step away and take care of her. Sometimes there are just unexpected things that happen.”

The German-born Eduard Lowen competed professionally in his home country before joining St. Louis City in 2022. Throughout 71 regular-season Major League Soccer appearances, including 62 as a starter, he has recorded 17 goals and contributed nine assists.

A rare baseball card featuring New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has shattered modern collecting records after selling for an unprecedented $5.2 million.

The sports memorabilia company Fanatics Collect revealed Thursday that it facilitated the private transaction involving a 2013 Judge Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor card. This unique item bears the player’s signature and represents the only card of its kind ever produced. Both the purchaser and seller have chosen to keep their identities confidential.

“We’re incredibly honored to have brokered this record-breaking deal and to be part of such a momentous moment in hobby history,” Fanatics Collect said in a statement.

This sale surpasses the previous modern baseball card record of $3.936 million, which was paid in 2020 for a singular 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor card signed by Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

Another notable recent sale involved a Shohei Ohtani card featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star, which fetched $3 million this past December.

The Judge collectible has experienced explosive growth in value since its last transaction through a Fanatics Premier auction in 2022, when it sold for $324,000. This card was produced four years prior to Judge’s official rookie card releases, coinciding with the Yankees’ selection of Judge as their first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft.

The 33-year-old Judge first appeared in the major leagues during August 2016. His impressive career achievements include earning 2017 American League Rookie of the Year honors, capturing three AL MVP awards (2022, 2024, 2025), and making seven All-Star appearances.

During his most recent season, Judge dominated offensive statistics across Major League Baseball, posting a .331 batting average, .457 on-base percentage, and .668 slugging percentage while leading the American League with 124 walks.

While this represents a record for modern baseball cards, it doesn’t claim the top spot among all sports collectibles. According to Card Ladder, the highest-priced card sale ever recorded was $12.9 million for a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant dual NBA Logoman patch autograph card, sold through Heritage auction on August 23, 2025.

The most expensive baseball card remains a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded SGC 9.5, which commanded $12.6 million on August 28, 2022, ranking second among all card sales.

Judge’s card, currently tied for seventh place overall, may not maintain its modern-day record status for long. Fanatics Collect is presently conducting an auction for a 2025 Topps Chrome Dual MVP Ohtani & Judge Gold MLB Logoman Auto 1/1 card. The auction concludes March 19, with current bids already surpassing seven figures.

PHILADELPHIA — When NBA players chase the legendary records of Wilt Chamberlain, his nephew Olin keeps his television tuned in and his phone close by, ready for the family group chat to explode with excitement.

Each time someone threatens to surpass one of “Uncle Dippy’s” achievements — that’s what family members called the late basketball icon — the relatives start buzzing with anticipation.

The next opportunity arrives Thursday evening as Oklahoma City’s reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faces Boston, attempting to extend his consecutive games with 20 or more points to 127. This would eclipse Chamberlain’s record of 126 straight games set between 1961 and 1963, during which he never scored fewer than 20 points throughout the entire 1961-62 season while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors.

From his Philadelphia residence, 50-year-old Olin — whose father Oliver was Wilt’s brother — enthusiastically supports Gilgeous-Alexander’s pursuit while working to preserve Chamberlain’s memory through a memorial scholarship program. Breaking one record doesn’t concern him, Olin explains, since Chamberlain still owns approximately 60 NBA records.

“He has so many that one won’t affect it,” Olin Chamberlain said with a laugh. “He left such a legacy.”

Current NBA superstars continue generating headlines that feature Chamberlain’s name and accomplishments.

Since 1962, Chamberlain’s single-game scoring record of 100 points remains untouched.

Miami’s Bam Adebayo moved into second place Tuesday night against Washington with 83 points, while also establishing new league records for free throws made and attempted in one contest. This performance once again highlighted Chamberlain’s dominance 53 years after his final season. Kobe Bryant holds third place with 81 points.

“Wilt, me, then Kobe, which sounds crazy,” Adebayo said.

The Chamberlain family takes pride in everything Wilt accomplished both during games and in his community involvement.

Michelle Smith, another of Chamberlain’s nieces, emphasized how the former 76ers legend actively participated in community activities and always honored autograph requests. She believes her uncle would enthusiastically support Gilgeous-Alexander’s record attempt and encourage others to challenge the 100-point milestone, unlike some former players who prefer their records to stand forever.

“His name is there already. It’s a chance for somebody to come up and break a record and be known to break his records,” said Smith, whose 90-year-old mother Selena was Wilt’s sister. “They feel good about it, as well. They made him like a God in basketball, so when people break his records, they feel some kind of way. They feel great like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m up next to Wilt now.’”

Many of Chamberlain’s achievements remain virtually impossible to match in today’s NBA.

Several scoring records appear completely unreachable: highest points per game average in one season (50.4 during 1961-62); most 50-point performances in a single season (45 in 1961-62); most career regular-season games with 60 or more points (32); and most career regular-season 50-point games (118).

“When people begin to speak about Wilt, they just can’t believe all that he accomplished,” said Chamberlain’s friend and 76ers’ executive advisor to the CEO, Sonny Hill. “He never gets his just due. It’s almost like he just scored 100 points. Well, 100 points is not the greatest thing that he did. He had a season where he averaged 50.”

The 89-year-old Hill — who nicknamed his friend “Dip” — first encountered Chamberlain when both were 12 years old competing in Philadelphia’s Baptist Church league. Hill describes Chamberlain as resembling a Paul Bunyan-like figure in sports mythology, partly because limited video exists from his prime playing years. Similar to questioning the moon landing, some people have doubted Chamberlain’s 100-point game due to the era, despite existing radio coverage from that night in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Hill appreciates performances like Adebayo’s and streaks like Gilgeous-Alexander’s because they introduce Chamberlain to younger fans.

“It’s another way of saying, well there was a Wilt Chamberlain,” Hill said.

However, some of Chamberlain’s records have been surpassed. Most recently, Joel Embiid established the 76ers’ scoring record with 70 points in January 2024, breaking Chamberlain’s franchise mark of 68 points that had lasted since December 16, 1967.

“Wilt never did this?” Embiid said in astonishment after the game.

Next comes the record Gilgeous-Alexander has pursued since scoring 30 points against Portland on November 1, 2024.

“It keeps the Big Fella’s legacy alive when people get close to a record or even break a record,” Olin Chamberlain said. “I’m not one of those people that says, hey, I don’t want to see anything broken. Don’t get me wrong, that 100-point game, that’s a legacy record. But the game is changing, these guys want to see their peers in the record books.”

Smith monitors the family chat where she says with laughter her cousins “bust it up and take it to another level.” There, they cheer for Adebayo, Gilgeous-Alexander, and all others pursuing Chamberlain’s records and his treasure trove of incredible achievements.

“We are so proud to have that legacy because everyone doesn’t,” Smith said. “To continue to just have him not being forgotten is key. His legacy and who he was is and who he was is still out there. People are still talking about him and want to still talk about him and know about him. That’s the key.”

Cleveland made significant roster moves Thursday, cutting ties with veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin while bringing back their record-breaking punter Corey Bojorquez.

The Browns parted ways with the 31-year-old Conklin, a two-time All-Pro selection whose recent seasons have been marred by persistent injuries. Last season proved particularly challenging for the lineman, who appeared in only eight contests before missing the final two games due to back-to-back concussions.

Conklin’s injury struggles have been ongoing since joining Cleveland as a free agent in 2020. Over his four-year tenure with the Browns, he was unavailable for 44 out of 101 possible games. Despite these setbacks, the team had committed to him with a four-year, $60 million contract extension in December 2020, later restructured to run through the 2025 season.

The Michigan State product entered the NFL as Tennessee’s first-round draft pick in 2016, selected eighth overall. During his rookie campaign, he earned both first-team All-Pro honors and a spot on the All-Rookie team. He repeated his All-Pro achievement in 2020. Throughout his career, Conklin maintained perfect availability when healthy, starting every regular season game he played – 114 total – plus seven playoff contests.

Meanwhile, the Browns secured their special teams standout by re-signing Bojorquez, whose 2024 performance dominated NFL punting statistics. The 29-year-old specialist topped the league with 91 punts covering 4,165 yards, producing a 45.8-yard average per kick.

Bojorquez has established himself as one of Cleveland’s most consistent performers, setting multiple franchise punting records. His 49.4-yard average and 42.5-yard net average, both achieved in 2023, represent team single-season bests. This past season, he added another Browns record with 36 punts landing inside the 20-yard line.

The veteran punter brings extensive experience from stops with Buffalo (2018-20) and Green Bay (2021) before joining Cleveland. Across his seven-year career spanning 124 games, he has averaged 47.1 yards per punt on 546 attempts totaling 25,695 yards, with 205 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

Team USA has made significant changes to its pitching staff ahead of the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, replacing three hurlers including starter Tarik Skubal with a trio of relief specialists.

The roster adjustments see Skubal, Michael Wacha, and Ryan Yarbrough departing the squad as manager Mark DeRosa shifts focus to bolstering his bullpen options. Skubal’s departure follows his predetermined plan to return to Detroit Tigers spring training after limited tournament action.

Taking their places are three seasoned relievers: Detroit’s Will Vest, Toronto’s Tyler Rogers, and New York Yankees’ Tim Hill. The additions provide DeRosa with enhanced flexibility for late-inning situations as Team USA potentially faces three games starting with Friday’s quarterfinal matchup against Canada.

Skubal contributed three innings during his sole WBC outing, helping secure a win against Great Britain before following through on his pre-tournament commitment to rejoin Tigers camp.

The incoming relievers bring substantial experience to the roster. Vest, a 30-year-old Houston native who will compete on home soil, recorded 23 saves last season while posting a 3.20 ERA across 250 1/3 career innings with Detroit.

Rogers, 35, was a workhorse for Toronto last year with 81 appearances, compiling an impressive 1.98 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 77 1/3 innings pitched.

Hill, 36, contributed a solid 3.09 ERA during his campaign with the Yankees last season.

The Detroit Red Wings will be without team captain Dylan Larkin and forward Andrew Copp for a minimum of two weeks after both players suffered leg injuries, coach Todd McLellan revealed on Thursday.

Larkin hasn’t played since last Friday’s 3-1 defeat against the Florida Panthers, where he contributed one assist while logging 17 minutes and 28 seconds of playing time. The Olympic team member for the United States was observed clutching his knee following an awkward tumble during the game’s final period.

Copp sustained his injury when teammate Tomas Nosek collapsed onto his left leg in the second period of Tuesday’s 4-3 defeat to Florida.

The 29-year-old Larkin has accumulated 55 points this season through 63 games, scoring 28 goals while adding 27 assists.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Copp has tallied 37 points across 65 games in the 2025-26 campaign, netting eight goals and recording 29 assists.

The New York Jets have completed a trade to bring back quarterback Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Smith, who the Jets originally selected in the second round of the 2013 draft, is returning to New York along with a seventh-round draft pick. In exchange, the Jets are sending a sixth-round selection to Las Vegas. The transaction cannot become official until the new league year begins Wednesday.

The move gives the Jets their new starting quarterback as they look to improve after finishing 3-14 in head coach Aaron Glenn’s first season. ESPN has reported that Smith and the Jets have agreed to restructure his contract, which previously had two years and $66 million remaining.

For Las Vegas, the trade allows them to receive compensation for a player they likely would have released anyway. The Raiders are expected to target Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is widely projected to be selected first overall in the upcoming NFL draft. The additional draft pick gives Las Vegas 11 total selections in this year’s draft.

Smith’s departure from Las Vegas comes after a difficult season where he was sacked 55 times and threw 17 interceptions, both league-high totals. The struggles came despite reuniting with former Seattle coach Pete Carroll, who had brought Smith to the Raiders but was subsequently fired after the season.

The 35-year-old quarterback will now work under offensive coordinator Frank Reich, whom Glenn hired in January. Smith will have talented weapons at his disposal, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who is recovering from a knee injury, and running back Breece Hall, who recently received the franchise tag after surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his four-year career.

With Smith’s arrival, Justin Fields, who started nine games for the Jets last season, will likely move to a backup role or potentially be released. The team’s quarterback room currently includes Brady Cook, who struggled in four starts as a rookie to end the season, and Bailey Zappe, with Tyrod Taylor set to become a free agent.

This represents another chapter in Smith’s lengthy NFL journey. He originally became the Jets’ starter as a rookie when Mark Sanchez suffered a preseason shoulder injury. His initial tenure in New York ended dramatically in 2015 when teammate IK Enemkpali broke his jaw during a locker room altercation in training camp.

Following his Jets departure, Smith played for the Giants, where he made headlines by ending Eli Manning’s 210-game consecutive starts streak when coach Ben McAdoo chose him as the starter against the Raiders. After tearing his ACL in 2016, Smith spent time with the Chargers before finding success in Seattle.

Under Carroll’s guidance with the Seahawks, Smith revitalized his career, initially backing up Russell Wilson before taking over as the starter in 2022. That season, he earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors after throwing a career-high 30 touchdown passes and leading Seattle to three straight winning seasons.

Throughout his career, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has accumulated 22,168 passing yards with 124 touchdowns and 89 interceptions, including 28 touchdown passes during his original stint with the Jets.

Smith becomes the second former Jets player to return to the organization this week. The team also agreed to terms with linebacker Demario Davis on a two-year, $22 million contract with $15 million guaranteed. Davis, originally a Jets third-round pick in 2012, spent the past eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

Prior to acquiring Smith, the Jets had concentrated on defensive improvements during the early free agency period. They completed a trade for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from Miami and added linebacker Davis, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.

The Minnesota Vikings are meeting with quarterback Kyler Murray as they explore their options at the position, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Arizona released Murray on Wednesday when the new league year started, even though they still owed him $36.8 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season.

The Thursday meeting comes as Minnesota searches for solutions at quarterback, with current starter J.J. McCarthy facing questions about his development after a rookie season marred by injuries and inconsistent play. Coach Kevin O’Connell appears to view Murray as a legitimate option to either compete with or potentially replace their 2024 first-round selection.

Despite recent injury setbacks and concerns about his dedication to the game, Murray brings impressive credentials including two Pro Bowl appearances, a 67% completion rate throughout his career, and substantial mobility with 3,193 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground.

Murray’s professional journey began promisingly after capturing the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. He earned AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and seemed to elevate Arizona’s prospects early in his tenure. His highlight reel includes memorable moments like the “Hail Murray” in 2020, when he found DeAndre Hopkins for a dramatic game-winning score against Buffalo as time expired. In 2021, Murray threw for 400 yards in a Week 2 victory over Minnesota, helping Arizona jump to a 10-2 start before ending the season 11-6.

The Cardinals rewarded Murray with a massive five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022, guaranteeing $160 million. However, the relationship soured quickly after the deal was finalized. Arizona initially included an unusual provision requiring four hours of “independent study” during game weeks, which they later removed amid controversy. The incident raised doubts about Murray’s work habits and damaged his standing with the organization.

A torn ACL in his right knee ended Murray’s 2022 season prematurely, forcing him to miss significant time in 2023 as Jonathan Gannon took over coaching duties from Kliff Kingsbury. The 2024 season showed improvement with Murray and Gannon working together, as Arizona went 8-9 and remained in playoff contention until late in the year.

This past season unraveled quickly for both Murray and the Cardinals. A right foot injury limited him to just five games, though doctors initially expected only a brief recovery period. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett stepped in effectively during Murray’s absence, who was eventually placed on injured reserve. Arizona finished with the league’s worst record at 3-14, leading to Gannon’s dismissal.

Following news of his release last week, Murray posted on social media expressing disappointment that he guided the team to just one playoff appearance across seven seasons – a wild-card loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

“I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it,” Murray wrote.

McCarthy’s development has been hampered by a series of setbacks after missing his entire rookie year recovering from knee surgery. In 2025, he dealt with an ankle sprain, concussion, and broken hand that restricted him to 10 starts and only eight completed games. Even when healthy, accuracy issues were significant enough to prompt Minnesota to explore other options despite McCarthy showing flashes of potential.

After relying on Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer as backups last season, O’Connell and the Vikings recognized they need better depth behind McCarthy heading into 2026. McCarthy himself appears to understand his starting position may be in jeopardy.

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has raised questions about whether Iran’s national soccer team should participate in the upcoming World Cup, expressing safety concerns while the two nations remain engaged in conflict.

Writing on his social media platform Thursday, Trump stated: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Trump’s comments appear to contradict his earlier stance delivered to FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a Tuesday White House meeting, where he reportedly assured the soccer official that Iranian players and coaching staff would be welcomed to the tournament.

An unnamed White House source had previously confirmed that Trump conveyed welcoming messages regarding Iran’s World Cup participation during his conversation with Infantino.

The White House has not yet provided clarification on what specific dangers Trump was referencing when he mentioned concerns about “their own life and safety,” particularly following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran that commenced on February 28.

Iranian officials announced earlier this week that participating in this year’s World Cup would be “not possible” for their country.

Iran is among the 48 nations scheduled to compete in the tournament and has matches planned in Inglewood, California against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a group stage finale against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The World Cup will run from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While Iran remains under U.S. travel restrictions implemented as part of the Trump administration’s immigration policies since June, athletic teams and their coaching staff are granted exemptions, meaning the Iranian squad would legally be permitted entry into the United States.

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey faces a minimum three-week absence after sustaining a tendon injury to his right pinky finger, the team confirmed on Tuesday.

The injury happened during Saturday’s 126-116 defeat against Atlanta when Maxey collided with teammate Adem Bona with just 16 seconds left on the clock. Currently averaging 29.0 points and 6.7 assists per game, Maxey’s absence comes at a challenging time for Philadelphia, which holds the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 34-30 record. The team has struggled recently, dropping four of their past five contests.

Team officials confirmed that Maxey sought opinions from several hand specialists before the decision was made. Medical staff will reassess his condition in three weeks to determine his readiness to return.

Philadelphia’s injury woes extend beyond Maxey, as the team faced Memphis on Tuesday without several key players. Center Joel Embiid remains out with a right oblique strain, marking his fifth straight missed game. Coach Nick Nurse indicated Embiid would undergo another evaluation later this week. Additionally, Paul George continues serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, with approximately two weeks remaining before his potential return.

Success in free agency doesn’t always translate to championship glory.

However, it certainly provides a solid foundation.

Across the league, NFL franchises have invested billions during the free agency period, banking on their new signings to enhance their Super Bowl aspirations.

Several more aggressive organizations — including the Raiders and Titans — would welcome any improvement in competitiveness following disappointing campaigns.

The period has featured multiple unexpected developments, notably a canceled major trade that would have moved star pass rusher Maxx Crosby away from the Raiders.

Here are the early standouts and disappointments:

The NFC South champions bolstered their roster by securing pass rusher Jaelan Phillips ($120 million) and linebacker Devin Lloyd ($45 million), landing two premier talents at crucial defensive positions. These additions complement interior defender Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn, creating a formidable defensive unit with elite players at every level for Carolina.

However, the Panthers saw departures including defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson, running back Rico Dowdle, and center Cade Mays.

San Francisco made a major splash by landing six-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans from Tampa Bay through a three-year contract potentially worth $60.4 million, though only $16.3 million is guaranteed for the first year, according to an anonymous source familiar with the deal since details weren’t publicly released. The organization also brought in defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa via trade with Dallas for a third-round selection, while adding versatile tackle Vederian Lowe and center Brett Toth, plus retaining tight end Jake Tonges and kicker Eddy Piniero.

At 32 years old, Evans remains capable of elite performance within coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, providing Brock Purdy with a premier receiving option.

San Francisco did lose receiver Kendrick Bourne in the process.

Following last year’s outstanding offseason that helped New England improve by 10 victories and reach the Super Bowl, the organization continued their aggressive approach by acquiring receiver Romeo Doubs ($70 million), guard Alijah Vera-Tucker ($42 million), Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard ($9 million), pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones ($39.5 million), fullback Reggie Gilliam, tight end Julian Hill, safety Mike Brown, and linebacker K.J. Britt.

The Patriots moved center Garrett Bradbury via trade while losing defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, tight end Austin Hooper, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

With Geno Smith returning to New York, the organization focused on defensive improvements by acquiring veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat through separate trades, while signing two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Demario Davis and pass rusher Joseph Ossai ($34.5 million).

Additional signings included defensive tackle David Onyemata, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, safety Dane Belton, and cornerback Nashon Wright, providing Aaron Glenn with multiple new defensive pieces. Left guard Dylan Parham addresses an offensive line need while backup tackle Max Mitchell returns.

New York lost linebacker Quincy Williams, guards Vera-Tucker and John Simpson, plus kicker Nick Folk.

Following their trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles added cornerback Jaylen Watson and retained safety Kam Curl to strengthen their secondary further.

Tight end Tyler Higbee returns for additional depth while long snapper Joe Cardona joins to contribute on special teams.

Tampa Bay lost Evans not due to financial reasons but because he sought a fresh opportunity and believes San Francisco offers a better championship path. Their defense also lost starting cornerback Jamel Dean and defensive lineman Logan Hall.

The Buccaneers responded by signing Robinson to strengthen their defensive front, plus linebacker Alex Anzalone, running back Kenneth Gainwell, and backup quarterback Jake Browning.

The consecutive NFC East champions appear on this list due to losing three defensive starters: Phillips, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and safety Reed Blankenship.

Philadelphia countered by signing cornerback Riq Woolen and tight end Johnny Mundt while retaining tight end Grant Calcaterra.

The organization extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis and faces decisions on several young defensive stars who helped dominate Kansas City in the Super Bowl two seasons ago. Philadelphia cannot retain everyone, though general manager Howie Roseman consistently finds ways to replace departing talent.

The AFC South champions lost Lloyd, running back Travis Etienne, and cornerback Greg Newsome.

Their additions include backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. while retaining cornerback Montaric Brown and linebacker Dennis Gardeck.

Jacksonville faces additional offseason work ahead.

A high school hockey player delivered an unforgettable performance on the ice Wednesday night, scoring a dramatic double-overtime goal that sent his team to the championship game just weeks after enduring unimaginable tragedy.

Colin Dorgan, a senior with the Blackstone Valley Co-op team, found the back of the net on a breakaway to defeat Portsmouth 3-2 in the semifinal matchup. The victory was especially meaningful as Dorgan wore a commemorative patch honoring three family members who were fatally shot at a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island last month.

The February 16th attack claimed the lives of Dorgan’s mother Rhonda, his brother Aidan, and his grandfather Gerald, who succumbed to his wounds after the incident. Colin was playing on the ice with his team when the violence erupted in the stands during the game.

Authorities identified the gunman as Robert Dorgan, who took his own life at the scene. The suspect also used the aliases Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, according to police reports.

Following the tragic events, Rhode Island suspended all high school athletics for one week. When Blackstone Valley returned to competition earlier this month, team members wore heart-shaped emblems on their uniforms displaying the initials of the three victims.

“It was the greatest moment of my life,” Dorgan shared with WPRI-TV after his clutch goal sealed the playoff win.

Investigators determined the shooting was a targeted assault against family members. The attack was cut short thanks to brave bystanders who tackled and restrained the shooter while spectators evacuated the facility.

Two additional individuals were wounded in the incident: Linda Dorgan, who is Rhonda’s mother, and Thomas Geruso, a close family friend.

Matt Snell, the bruising running back who delivered the crucial touchdown in the New York Jets’ historic 1969 Super Bowl victory, passed away Tuesday morning in New York at age 84.

The Jets confirmed Snell’s death, marking the loss of a key figure in one of professional football’s most memorable upsets when New York defeated the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl III.

During that legendary game, Snell broke through for a 4-yard scoring run off left tackle in the second quarter, putting the Jets ahead 7-0 and marking the first time an AFL squad had taken the lead in any Super Bowl matchup.

The Jets executed their “19 Straight” run-blocking strategy flawlessly against Baltimore, with Snell accumulating 121 rushing yards on 30 attempts – establishing a Super Bowl rushing record at the time, though Joe Namath claimed the game’s Most Valuable Player honors.

“Matt Snell will forever hold a special place in the history of the New York Jets,” team owner Woody Johnson stated. “He was the embodiment of toughness, selflessness and belief — traits that defined our organization’s proudest moments. His performance in Super Bowl III was nothing short of legendary.”

“Against the odds, Matt set the tone with his physical running, delivering the Jets’ lone touchdown and helping secure one of the most important victories in sports history,” Johnson added.

Born in Carle Place on Long Island, Snell remained with his hometown region throughout his nine-season professional career following an outstanding college tenure at Ohio State. Though the New York Giants – his childhood favorite team – selected him in the fourth round of the 1964 NFL draft, he opted to join the Jets after they chose him third overall in the AFL draft and offered immediate playing opportunities.

Snell made his mark immediately during his rookie campaign in 1964, one season before Namath’s arrival. He captured AFL Rookie of the Year honors after accumulating 945 rushing yards, highlighted by a franchise-record 180-yard performance on 31 carries against Houston. Both rushing achievements remain Jets rookie standards.

Throughout his career, Snell earned three AFL All-Star selections and first-team All-AFL recognition in 1969, establishing himself as an exceptional ball carrier with reliable receiving skills and devastating pass-blocking ability.

However, Snell’s aggressive playing style resulted in numerous injuries, particularly during his later seasons. A torn knee cartilage in 1967 sidelined him for seven contests. In 1970, an Achilles tendon tear limited him to just three games. Knee problems in 1971 and a ruptured spleen the following year restricted him to only nine total games over those two seasons.

Following his retirement after the 1972 season, Snell compiled 4,285 career rushing yards – still fourth in franchise history – along with 24 rushing touchdowns, 193 receptions for 1,375 yards and seven receiving scores.

Post-football, Snell transitioned to Wall Street as a partner with Defco Securities Inc. He gained television recognition as the original spokesman for Miller Lite beer’s famous “Tastes Great, Less Filling” advertising campaign. Later, he established his own New Jersey-based construction business.

Despite his football achievements, Snell largely distanced himself from his playing days, typically declining interviews and avoiding contact with his former organization. When the Jets inducted both Snell and backfield partner Emerson Boozer into their Ring of Honor in 2015, Snell declined to attend the ceremony.

In Bob Lederer’s 2018 book “Beyond Broadway Joe: The Super Bowl Team That Changed Football,” Snell disclosed his resentment toward the team. He alleged the Jets failed to honor a commitment from former part-owner Sonny Werblin guaranteeing Snell a lifelong position with the organization if they won the championship. Werblin’s partners, including Leon Hess, bought him out before the Super Bowl-winning season.

“It may be that no one in Jets management knew about Sonny’s promises to me, but in 1974, there was a recession and I was in line for a construction job,” Snell explained in Lederer’s book. “I asked the Jets for a reference. They told me they didn’t do that for players. They said they couldn’t do it! Can you believe that? I can’t prove it, but I don’t think any of that would have ever happened if Sonny were in charge. That’s why I don’t get along with the organization now.”

Born August 18, 1941, in Garfield, Georgia, Snell relocated to New York during his youth. He starred at Carle Place High School, earning induction into the school’s athletic hall of fame, before achieving greater recognition at Ohio State. Initially serving as a lead blocker for players like Paul Warfield and Bob Ferguson, he later moved to defensive end before transitioning to starting fullback as a senior, when he received the Buckeyes’ MVP award.

Ohio State honored Snell in 2000 by naming him to their all-century football team as a defensive end.

Survivors include his wife Sharon, son Beau, daughter Jada, grandson Donte, and great-nephew Benny Snell Jr., who previously played running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The New York Mets dominated the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 on Tuesday in Port St. Lucie, Florida, powered by the first spring training home runs from Jorge Polanco and Francisco Alvarez.

Alvarez delivered an impressive performance, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Polanco went 2-for-2 at the plate. Brett Baty also contributed significantly with a 2-for-3 showing and two RBIs as the Mets collected 14 hits total. Starting pitcher David Peterson dominated through four innings, giving up only two hits and one run while striking out three batters.

The Cardinals’ lone run came courtesy of Nelson Velazquez’s solo home run in the opening frame. Victor Scott II managed a double as St. Louis was limited to just three hits overall. Cardinals starter Jared Shuster struggled, giving up seven hits including both New York long balls and four runs in the losing effort.

Tigers 7, Red Sox 2

Riley Greene launched a two-run blast off Sonny Gray in the second frame to propel Detroit over Boston in Fort Myers, Florida.

Wenceel Perez recorded two hits in three at-bats while Corey Julks made a significant impact off the bench, driving in three runs with a two-run homer and sacrifice fly for Detroit. Tigers starter Tyler Madden was effective over 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits despite issuing three walks.

Gray struck out four batters in his four-inning outing but surrendered three hits, two runs and one walk for Boston, which managed only four singles. Rookie outfielder Braiden Ward swiped two more bases, bringing his spring total to an impressive 16 steals in just 35 plate appearances.

Astros 7, Orioles 6

Tyler Whitaker delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning, scoring Collin Price to give Houston a dramatic victory over Baltimore in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Baltimore’s Coby Mayo continued his torrid spring, going 4-for-4 with five RBIs to push his average to .500. Mayo’s performance included a two-run homer off Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. in the second inning, and he also stole a base. Orioles starter Levi Wells pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits.

McCullers struck out four in three innings while giving up three hits, two runs and one walk. Cam Smith went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Houston, while Jack Winkler delivered a bases-clearing double in the sixth to give the Astros a 5-4 advantage.

Yankees 4, Phillies 2

Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones each connected for solo homers to power New York past Philadelphia in Clearwater, Florida.

Dominguez hit his second spring homer in the first inning off Tanner Banks, followed by Jones’ fourth of the spring in the second against Jonathan Bowlan. Yankees starter Luis Gil was effective over 3 1/3 innings, striking out four while allowing four hits and two runs, with only one earned.

J.T. Realmuto paced Philadelphia with a 2-for-3 performance that included his first homer of the spring. Bryan De La Cruz also went 2-for-3 and drove in the other Phillies run. Lou Trivino (0-1), the sixth of seven Philadelphia pitchers, took the loss after surrendering two runs and two hits in the sixth inning.

Twins 6, Rays 5

David Banuelos’ three-run double was the highlight of a six-run eighth inning that lifted Minnesota over Tampa Bay in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Matt Wallner ignited the comeback with his first spring homer as the Twins recorded five of their six hits in the decisive eighth frame. Starter Joe Ryan was outstanding through three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks.

Tampa Bay starter Steven Matz threw four shutout innings with three strikeouts, one hit and one walk. Kenneth Piper collected two doubles and drove in two runs while Ray Delgado contributed a two-run single for the Rays.

Blue Jays 7, Braves 0

Dylan Cease teamed with six relievers to throw a six-hit shutout as Toronto blanked Atlanta in Dunedin, Florida.

Cease recorded three strikeouts over three innings while surrendering two singles. Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland were among six major league regulars who each tossed a scoreless inning. Riley Tirotta connected for a solo homer while Brandon Valenzuela capped the scoring with a three-run blast in the seventh.

Jose Azocar provided Atlanta’s only extra-base hit with a fourth-inning triple. Prospect JR Ritchie limited opponents to one hit during his four-inning appearance, though he walked four and allowed two runs.

Nationals 7, Marlins 5

Daylen Lile and Brady House connected for consecutive homers in the second inning to fuel Washington’s victory over Miami in Jupiter, Florida.

Johnathon Thomas added a solo blast leading off the eighth to break a 3-3 deadlock and give the Nationals the lead permanently. Starter Foster Griffin struck out four over three innings while surrendering three hits and one run.

Miami starter Eury Perez fanned seven and walked two in his three-inning outing, with the Lile and House homers being the only hits and runs he allowed. Ethan O’Donnell contributed a two-run homer in the eighth while Jesus Bastidas added two hits and one of Miami’s four stolen bases.

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has the opportunity this week to join an exclusive club as just the second player ever to capture The Players Championship three times, but he’s still wrestling with an important equipment choice.

While it might seem unusual for golf’s top-ranked player to experiment with his driver at such a crucial time, Scheffler remained characteristically calm when addressing the situation Tuesday at TPC Sawgrass.

“I mean, is it an uncomfortable time of year to be working on it? I mean, not really,” Scheffler said. “I think you’re always kind of looking for ways that you can get better. So I’m always looking for ways that I can improve my game.”

The 29-year-old had been using a TaylorMade Qi10 driver for an extended period but made the switch to the company’s newer Qi4D model at last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, joining Rory McIlroy and other top professionals. The change didn’t yield immediate results, as Scheffler managed only a tie for 24th place and failed to break 70 in any round.

“So I think when you look at the driver, I think there’s always little things you can do to improve, but you got to toe the line, I think, between improving and sticking with the stuff that also works really well,” Scheffler said. “So there’s always that kind of fine line in golf. Like you see guys trying to get a bunch of speed and then it’s like, OK, we gained a bunch of speed but now the irons are getting a little bit worse; I’m having trouble with my distance control. There’s always a little bit of give and take.”

Scheffler acknowledged that newer equipment technology comes with both advantages and disadvantages for his playing style, noting he was “still kind of working through” his choice between the two driver options.

When pressed about whether he would stick with the newer driver for this week’s tournament, often called the unofficial fifth major, Scheffler joked, “That was a really long-winded way of saying no comment. I don’t know if you could pick up on that.”

The recent struggles mark an unusual stretch for Scheffler, who has failed to crack the top 10 in his last two tournaments. This represents a notable departure from his dominant 2024 campaign, when he recorded top 10 finishes in 15 consecutive events beginning with the Houston Open in late March. That remarkable streak included victories at the PGA Championship, the Open Championship, the Memorial, and the BMW Championship.

Although Scheffler began this season with a victory at The American Express, he has experienced slower tournament starts in recent weeks.

Scheffler claimed The Players Championship titles in both 2023 and 2024, becoming the first golfer to win consecutive editions of the PGA Tour’s premier event. McIlroy ended that streak last year by defeating J.J. Spaun in a playoff.

The defending champion believes TPC Sawgrass presents a more diverse set of challenges compared to most tour venues throughout the season.

“I think when you look at this golf course, I think you see a variety of winners, and you also don’t see one style of player winning this tournament a bunch of times,” Scheffler said. “When you look at the golf course, I think it’s so unique in a sense of, the way modern golf is kind of trending, I think this place you kind of take some steps back where the areas to hit into are small. And there’s certain holes where you can definitely take advantage of your length if you’re a longer hitter. But there’s also some holes where you got to get the ball in play, and you have to be able to curve the ball both directions.”

The course is best known for its intimidating island green at the par-3 17th hole, which Scheffler playfully mentioned when asked if Sawgrass needed additional water hazards.

“There’s a lot of water out there,” he said with a laugh. “There’s one hole that’s surrounded by water, in fact.”

Fourth-ranked professional golfer Collin Morikawa was forced to exit The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on March 12 after suffering a back injury just one hole into the tournament, according to PGA Tour officials.

The golfer, who entered this week’s premier PGA Tour event as a top contender, successfully completed the opening par-four 10th hole at TPC Sawgrass with a par before his tournament came to an abrupt end at the next tee box.

At the par-five 11th hole, Morikawa took a practice swing and immediately grabbed his back with his right hand. Officials observed him walking to a golf cart, removing his hat, and placing both hands on his head before being driven away from the course.

The golfer had been enjoying strong recent form, capturing victory at last month’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for his seventh career PGA Tour win. He maintained that momentum with top-10 performances at both the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational tournaments.

MIAMI — Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo delivered a career-defining performance Tuesday evening that rewrote the franchise record books before halftime even arrived.

During the opening 12 minutes against the Washington Wizards, Adebayo erupted for 31 points, shattering Miami’s previous mark for most points scored in any single quarter. That explosive start also matched the team’s existing record for first-half scoring before the second period had even begun.

By intermission, Adebayo had accumulated 43 points, establishing a new Heat benchmark for any half-game performance. His first-half total surpassed his previous career-high of 41 points — which had been achieved across an entire contest against Brooklyn on January 23, 2021.

The big man’s shooting display was remarkably efficient, connecting on 13 of 24 field goal attempts, 12 of 14 free throw tries, and an impressive 5 of 11 three-point shots during the opening two quarters.

Prior to Tuesday’s contest, Adebayo’s season-high stood at 32 points. He equaled that mark with a free throw attempt with 5:53 remaining in the second quarter, simultaneously breaking Miami’s first-half scoring standard.

Adebayo’s 31-point quarter represented the league’s highest-scoring individual quarter since Karl-Anthony Towns netted 32 for Minnesota during a third quarter at San Antonio on March 14, 2022.

Beyond Towns and Adebayo, only three additional players have reached the 31-point threshold in a single quarter over the past three decades.

Klay Thompson holds the NBA record for any quarter with 37 points for Golden State against Sacramento in the third quarter on January 23, 2015.

Kevin Love tallied 34 for Cleveland against Portland in the first quarter on November 23, 2016.

Carmelo Anthony contributed 33 for Denver against Minnesota in the third quarter on December 10, 2008.

Miami’s previous first-quarter scoring record belonged to LeBron James, who scored 25 points at Cleveland on March 18, 2014. James also held the franchise’s only other 25-point quarter, which came during his team-record 61-point performance against Charlotte on March 3, 2014.

Before Tuesday’s breakout, Adebayo had never exceeded 19 points in any single quarter throughout his career.

Adebayo’s 43-point opening half ranks as the NBA’s second-highest total in at least 30 seasons, dating back to when digital play-by-play tracking began during the 1996-97 campaign.

Towns previously held the modern era’s top mark with 44 points for Minnesota against Charlotte on January 22, 2024.

The all-time NBA record for first-half scoring remains 53 points, a mark shared by Denver’s David Thompson and San Antonio’s George Gervin. Both players achieved the feat on April 9, 1978 — the final day of that regular season — as they competed in separate games to determine the league’s scoring champion.

HENDERSON, Nevada — Baltimore Ravens officials have withdrawn from a previously negotiated trade agreement that would have brought Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby to the Ravens organization in exchange for two first-round draft selections.

According to Raiders management, the trade arrangement had been finalized last Friday but required completion when the NFL league year officially commenced on Wednesday. On Tuesday night, Las Vegas announced that Baltimore had pulled out of the agreement, with team officials declining to elaborate further.

The 28-year-old defensive end had undergone surgical repair of a torn meniscus in his left knee during January, which would have required him to successfully complete a medical examination before the trade could proceed. The injury forced him to miss his team’s final two regular season contests, though he had initially wanted to continue playing despite the condition.

During a recent guest spot on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Crosby stated he was “ahead of schedule” in his recovery process.

Baltimore had viewed acquiring Crosby as the final component needed to elevate their championship aspirations, while Las Vegas planned to use the draft compensation as part of their organizational rebuilding strategy.

Last season, Crosby recorded 10 quarterback sacks along with a personal-best 28 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, marking his fourth campaign with double-digit sack totals across his seven-year professional career.

The Ravens, now under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, are operating in championship-contending mode with three-time All-Pro quarterback Lamar Jackson leading their offense. Adding Crosby would have provided substantial improvement to a defensive unit that managed just 30 sacks last season, ranking them in a tie for 28th league-wide.

Las Vegas currently holds the top selection in the upcoming draft and is anticipated to choose Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders have been particularly active during the opening of free agency, reaching agreements with multiple new players and reportedly arranging to send quarterback Geno Smith to the New York Jets, according to sources familiar with the transactions who requested anonymity since deals cannot be officially completed until Wednesday.

The Raiders’ most significant acquisition was securing three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum with a three-year contract worth $81 million, including $60 million in guaranteed money, luring him away from Baltimore to Las Vegas.

A Barcelona presidential candidate is demanding that soccer legend Lionel Messi come forward with the real story behind his failed return to the Spanish club.

Victor Font, who is challenging current president Joan Laporta in this weekend’s election, wants Messi to respond publicly to explosive allegations made by former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez.

Hernandez recently claimed that Laporta deliberately prevented Messi’s comeback in 2023 due to concerns about a potential power conflict. The accusations have created turbulence ahead of Sunday’s presidential vote, where Barcelona’s member-owners, known as “socis,” will choose their next leader.

“I don’t think Messi will say anything between now and Sunday, but I hope he does,” Font stated on Tuesday. “I hope he tells the truth so that the socis don’t go to the polls misled by Laporta and blinded by the smoke screen of hope generated by Hansi Flick and the young players.”

Barcelona appeared to have reached a deal with Messi after his exit from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, potentially bringing the Argentine star back to the club where he spent the majority of his career from 2003 to 2021.

However, Messi ultimately chose to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer instead.

Laporta has maintained that Messi’s decision was motivated by a desire for privacy, influenced by the player’s father, Jorge.

But Hernandez has contradicted this narrative, claiming Laporta was afraid of entering into a “war” with the player and has accused the president of being dishonest.

The conflicting accounts are particularly significant given that Laporta won his current position partly by pledging to retain Messi in 2021, a commitment that ultimately failed when the Argentine superstar departed for PSG instead.

TJ Burch delivered when it mattered most, netting 16 of his total 19 points after halftime as top-seeded Wright State mounted a comeback from a 12-point deficit in the final 10 minutes to edge third-seeded Detroit Mercy 66-63 in Tuesday night’s Horizon League championship game in Indianapolis.

The Raiders (23-11) secured their fifth NCAA Tournament berth and first since 2022. Kellen Pickett contributed 17 points while Michael Imariagbe added 12 points, with both players grabbing seven rebounds apiece for Wright State.

Bench player Logan Woods made his only two field goals count when they mattered most, drilling a pair of three-pointers in the final 2:11 to transform a deadlocked contest into a six-point advantage that Detroit couldn’t overcome. Wright State’s defense clamped down, limiting their opponents to just three successful field goals over the final 9:51.

Detroit Mercy (17-15) was seeking their first NCAA Tournament return since 2012. Orlando Lovejoy led all scorers with 26 points for the Titans, while TJ Nadeau contributed 21 points, including a personal 10-0 scoring streak early in the second half that created a double-digit lead.

Hofstra 75, Monmouth 69

First-year player Preston Edmead exploded for 26 points and connected on a crucial three-pointer late in the second half, propelling the third-seeded Pride over the fourth-seeded Hawks in the CAA championship game in Washington.

Edmead’s long-range shot with 3:26 remaining extended the lead to 64-58, but Hofstra (24-10) wasn’t finished yet after Justin Ray’s three-pointer narrowed the gap to 66-65 with 1:18 left on the clock. German Plotnikov (10 points) answered with his own three-pointer 20 seconds later for Hofstra, which will return to March Madness for the first time since 2001 after their 2020 CAA championship was nullified by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent tournament cancellation.

Kavion McClain posted 19 points, six assists and four three-pointers for Monmouth (19-15), with his fourth coming on a four-point play with nine seconds remaining that brought his squad within two before Cruz Davis (12 points) and Plotnikov sealed the victory at the free-throw line.

Long Island 79, Mercyhurst 70

The top-seeded Sharks topped the third-seeded Lakers in the NEC championship game in New York and will advance to their inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance. LIU had already secured the automatic bid since Mercyhurst cannot participate in postseason play due to their transition to Division I status.

Malachi Davis and Greg Gordon both recorded 24 points and four assists for LIU (24-10). Mason Porter-Brown provided 14 points and three steals coming off the bench while Jamal Fuller registered 10 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. The Sharks maintained control throughout without leading by more than nine points, shooting an impressive 55.8% from the field.

Bernie Blunt III dominated with 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting while Qadir Martin posted 20 points and 14 rebounds for Mercyhurst (17-17).

FIFA announced Tuesday evening that Iran’s national soccer team is expected to receive permission to enter the United States for World Cup competition, despite current military tensions between the two nations.

The Iranian squad has matches scheduled in Inglewood, California against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a group stage finale against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament spans from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Recent statements from Iranian leadership had cast uncertainty over whether the team would participate due to the ongoing conflict.

FIFA’s leader Gianni Infantino revealed he held discussions with President Donald Trump Tuesday evening regarding tournament preparations and received confirmation that Iran would be granted entry to the US.

“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino stated. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

The FIFA president maintains strong ties with Trump, who received FIFA’s first-ever peace award, which critics suggest was designed specifically for the former president.

Iranian supporters were previously prohibited from US entry under the initial travel restrictions implemented by the Trump administration.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” Infantino remarked, expressing gratitude to Trump “for his support.”

FIFA’s World Cup chief operating officer stated earlier this week that the competition is “too big” for postponement due to international instability stemming from the US and Israeli conflict with Iran.

Heimo Schirgi, the CEO, explained that FIFA maintains constant surveillance of the Iranian situation.

“We basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution,” Schirgi commented. “And the World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.”

AJ Dybantsa delivered a dominant 40-point performance Tuesday night, leading BYU to a commanding 105-91 win over Kansas State in the opening round of the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

The standout player also grabbed nine rebounds and recorded six assists in the impressive victory. Kennard Davis Jr. contributed significantly with 15 points, primarily in the second half, while Robert Wright III chipped in 14 points during the first half alone. The 10th-seeded Cougars improved to 22-10 and will take on seventh-seeded West Virginia in Wednesday night’s second round.

Kansas State, entering as the 15th seed with a 12-20 record, received strong efforts from P.J. Haggerty who tallied 27 points. Nate Johnson contributed 19 points with 14 coming in the opening half, and Khamari McGriff added 13 points to the losing effort.

BYU finished the first half strong with a 7-0 scoring run, featuring back-to-back fast-break dunks from Dybantsa, giving them a narrow 50-49 halftime advantage. The Cougars seized control early in the second half when Aleksej Kostic and Davis connected on consecutive three-pointers, stretching their lead to 56-49 and maintaining the advantage throughout the remainder of the contest.

In other tournament action, 12th-seeded Arizona State defeated 13th-seeded Baylor 83-79, with Anthony “Pig” Johnson contributing 19 points off the bench. The Sun Devils (17-15) will face fifth-ranked Iowa State on Wednesday afternoon.

Andrija Grbovic scored 14 points for Arizona State, while Santiago Trouet recorded 13 points and nine rebounds. Baylor (16-16) was paced by Cameron Carr’s 25 points and seven rebounds, with Isaac Williams IV adding 15 points and Tounde Yessoufou contributing 14.

Cincinnati kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive with a 73-66 victory over Utah. Ninth-seeded Cincinnati (18-14) got 19 points from Jalen Celestine and a strong all-around effort from Baba Miller, who posted 11 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. The Bearcats will face eighth-seeded UCF in Wednesday’s second round.

Moustapha Thiam recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cincinnati, which has won seven of its last nine games. Utah (10-22) concluded their season on a six-game losing streak, with Terrence Brown leading all scorers with 22 points and Keanu Dawes adding 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Oklahoma State advanced with a 92-83 win over Colorado behind Anthony Roy’s 24 points and Christian Coleman’s 17 points and 14 rebounds. The 14th-seeded Cowboys (19-13) controlled the boards 44-34 and outscored the 11th-seeded Buffaloes 40-30 in the paint, earning a matchup with sixth-seeded TCU on Wednesday night.

Jaylen Curry added 15 points and five rebounds for Oklahoma State. Colorado (17-15) received 22 points and eight rebounds from Bangot Dak, while Barrington Hargress finished with 18 points and nine assists.

Buffalo’s Jack Quinn delivered a three-goal performance and added an assist as the Sabres dominated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 on Tuesday night, stretching their league-leading winning streak to eight consecutive games.

Jason Zucker contributed one goal and one assist, while defenseman Rasmus Dahlin dished out three assists in the victory. Additional scoring came from Alex Tuch and Beck Malenstyn as Buffalo improved to an impressive 29-6-2 record since December 9th. The win also pushed the Sabres four points ahead of Tampa Bay for the Atlantic Division lead.

San Jose received offensive contributions from Alexander Wennberg, who tallied one goal and one assist, along with goals from Keifer Sherwood and rising star Macklin Celebrini, whose 33rd goal leads the team. The loss marked the Sharks’ eighth defeat in their last 11 contests, posting a 3-5-3 record during that stretch.

Buffalo has been explosive offensively throughout their winning streak, averaging 4.5 goals per contest, and they maintained that pace early against the Sharks.

Bruins 2, Kings 1 (OT)

Charlie McAvoy netted the overtime winner just 39 seconds into the extra period, scoring on a backhand shot to give Boston victory over Los Angeles at home. Mark Kastelic delivered a long pass to David Pastrnak, who set up McAvoy’s slot drive for the decisive goal. The triumph extended Boston’s home winning streak to 13 games and kept them in the second Eastern Conference wild-card position. Mason Lohrei also found the net while Jeremy Swayman turned away 14 shots. Drew Doughty’s goal with six minutes remaining in regulation sent the game to overtime, and Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves for Los Angeles.

Hurricanes 5, Penguins 4 (SO)

Jackson Blake converted the decisive shootout attempt as Carolina overcame a late two-goal collapse to defeat Pittsburgh in Raleigh. The Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes got regulation goals from Logan Stankoven, Mark Jankowski, Seth Jarvis, and Alexander Nikishin, with Frederik Anderson making 24 saves. Carolina has captured eight victories in their past 10 outings. Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust scored twice, with Anthony Mantha and Noel Acciari adding goals. Erik Karlsson recorded two assists while Stuart Skinner stopped 39 shots.

Islanders 4, Blues 3 (OT)

Mathew Barzal scored 2:11 into overtime to cap a remarkable New York comeback victory in St. Louis. The Islanders remain perfect in overtime this season at 10-0-0. Trailing 3-0 at the midway point, New York rallied with three goals to force extra time, with Barzal assisting on two of those scores. Calum Ritchie recorded one goal and one assist, while Bo Horvat and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each scored. Ilya Sorokin made 20 saves. St. Louis saw their four-game winning streak end despite Jimmy Snuggerud’s goal and two assists. Robert Thomas added two assists, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway scored, and Joel Hofer made a career-best 46 saves.

Canadiens 3, Maple Leafs 1

Rookie Oliver Kapanen and Philip Danault scored first-period goals to lift Montreal over struggling Toronto at home. Jake Evans sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final 28 seconds. Jakub Dobe made 17 saves and improved to 11-1-2 over his last 14 appearances. William Nylander scored for Toronto in the second period, and Joseph Woll stopped 30 shots. The Maple Leafs have now lost eight straight games since the Olympic break.

Panthers 4, Red Wings 3

Carter Verhaeghe scored the tying and winning goals just 1:15 apart in the final moments as Florida rallied for a home victory over Detroit. With goaltender Daniil Tarasov pulled for an extra attacker, Verhaeghe fired a shot through traffic to tie the game with 1:30 remaining. Matthew Tkachuk, who assisted on the tying goal, then found Verhaeghe again for the winner in the closing seconds. The Panthers have now beaten Detroit twice in five days after losing four consecutive meetings.

Additional Results:

Alexis Lafreniere recorded a hat trick and Jonathan Quick earned his 65th career shutout as the Rangers blanked Calgary 4-0. Dallas extended their point streak to 13 games with a 2-1 victory over Vegas behind Jake Oettinger’s 26 saves. Nashville rallied for a 4-2 win at Seattle, with rookie Ryan Ufko scoring his first NHL goal and Juuse Saros making a season-high 43 saves.

Columbus swept their season series against Tampa Bay with a 5-2 victory, led by Conor Garland’s second consecutive two-goal performance. Connor McDavid scored the go-ahead goal and added an assist as Edmonton defeated Colorado 4-3. Minnesota cruised to a 5-0 shutout win over Utah, with Filip Gustavsson stopping all 25 shots. Anaheim scored three times in 1:44 during the second period to defeat Winnipeg 4-1.

Kawhi Leonard exploded for 45 points while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers continued their scorching March performance, demolishing the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128 in Inglewood, California.

The victory marked another milestone for the surging Clippers, who improved their March record to 6-1 with contributions from Darius Garland’s 21 points and Jordan Miller’s 14. At 33-32, Los Angeles made NBA history by becoming the first franchise ever to climb above .500 in the same season after falling 15 games below that mark. Leonard’s explosive night represented his fifth 40-point game this season and his second such performance against Minnesota.

Los Angeles established a new season-high point total and extended their impressive home record to 15-5 since December 20, while getting revenge for a 94-88 home defeat to the Timberwolves on February 26.

Despite Anthony Edwards’ 36-point effort and Naz Reid’s 18 points, Minnesota suffered their third straight defeat. Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Jaylen Clark each contributed 11 points for the Timberwolves, who have fallen from third to fifth in the Western Conference standings during their current losing streak.

Pelicans 122, Raptors 111

Trey Murphy III’s game-leading 28 points propelled New Orleans past visiting Toronto, securing the Pelicans’ seventh victory in their last 10 contests.

Dejounte Murray delivered a season-best 27 points while Zion Williamson contributed 19 for New Orleans, which connected on 51.5% of their field goal attempts.

The triumph overshadowed the homecoming of former Pelicans standout Brandon Ingram, playing his first season in Toronto after six years in New Orleans. Ingram tallied 22 points, while Immanuel Quickley added 25 as Toronto dropped their fourth game in five outings.

Magic 128, Cavaliers 122

Desmond Bane’s 35-point outburst, including five crucial points in the final 18 seconds, lifted Orlando over visiting Cleveland for the Magic’s fifth consecutive victory.

Paulo Banchero recorded 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Tristan da Silva chipped in 23 points for the ascending Magic, who climbed into a fifth-place tie in the Eastern Conference with Toronto. Cleveland holds fourth place, three games ahead of both teams.

James Harden posted 30 points in his highest-scoring performance since joining Cleveland via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, adding five rebounds and eight assists. Donovan Mitchell contributed 25 points and Keon Ellis provided 20 points off the bench for the Cavaliers.

Knicks 134, Jazz 117

Jordan Clarkson tallied 17 of his season-high 27 points during a crucial final 16-minute stretch as New York erased an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat Utah in Salt Lake City.

Jalen Brunson scored 28 points for the Knicks and completed a three-point play that gave New York the lead permanently at 96-94 with 1.6 seconds remaining in the third quarter. OG Anunoby added 22 points and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points while Mohamed Diawara provided 10 points from the bench.

Brice Sensabaugh led Utah with 29 points as five Jazz players reached double figures. Utah connected on 14 of their initial 18 three-point attempts — including eight consecutive makes in the opening quarter — before cooling down and suffering their 17th loss in 22 games.

Nuggets 129, Rockets 93

Nikola Jokic recorded 16 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, Jamal Murray led all scorers with 30 points, and host Denver defeated Houston to narrow the gap in Western Conference positioning.

Houston began the evening third in the West, holding a 1.5-game advantage over sixth-place Denver. Four franchises currently sit within one game of the third seed. Christian Braun scored 19 points, Cameron Johnson added 17 and Tim Hardaway Jr. provided 14 for Denver, which captured the season series 3-1.

Amen Thompson scored 16 points, Josh Okogie had 12, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each tallied 11, and Alperen Sengun finished with 10 for Houston, coming off a home victory over Toronto on Tuesday.

Hornets 117, Kings 109

Miles Bridges scored nine of his 26 points during a pivotal third-quarter surge, LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel combined for 11 three-pointers and 54 points, and Charlotte overcame a halftime deficit to win in Sacramento.

In a matchup between teams that had won 24 hours earlier, Ball led the way with 30 points, Knueppel added 24 and Brandon Miller contributed 20 for Charlotte, which captured their eighth victory in the past 10 games.

DeMar DeRozan erupted for a season-high 39 points for Sacramento, whose rare two-game winning streak ended. After trailing by five at halftime and being tied 73-73 in the sixth minute of the third period, Charlotte seized control for good with an 11-2 run.

In a thrilling finish at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Charlotte, N.C., Ryan Conwell emerged as the decisive factor for 24th-ranked Louisville, netting five crucial points during the game’s final 77 seconds to secure a 62-58 triumph over SMU in Wednesday’s second-round matchup.

Despite missing freshman star Mikel Brown Jr., the Cardinals found offensive contributions from multiple sources, with Conwell finishing with 16 points total. Adrian Wooley contributed 14 points while Isaac McKneely added 10 to the winning effort. The Mustangs went scoreless over the game’s final 2 minutes and 43 seconds.

The sixth-seeded Cardinals (23-9) will face third-seeded Miami (24-7) in Thursday’s quarterfinal round, marking a rematch of Saturday’s regular-season finale that Louisville won on the road.

For the 11th-seeded Mustangs (20-13), Jaron Pierre Jr. topped all scorers with 17 points. Jaden Toombs contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, while Corey Washington chipped in 10 points. However, leading scorer Boopie Miller struggled significantly, managing just eight points on 4-of-17 shooting after averaging 19.5 points per game during the season. Miller missed all eight of his three-point attempts, part of SMU’s overall 9-for-27 performance from beyond the arc.

NC State 98, Pittsburgh 88

The Wolfpack dominated with exceptional shooting in their second-round triumph over the Panthers, led by Quadir Copeland’s outstanding 24-point, eight-assist performance.

NC State’s balanced offensive attack featured Ven-Allen Lubin with 18 points, Paul McNeil Jr. contributing 15, Tre Holloman adding 14, and both Darrion Williams and Matt Able scoring 12 points each. The Wolfpack connected on an impressive 60.8% of their field goal attempts and drained 13 of 23 three-point shots. Seventh-seeded NC State (20-12), winning just their second game in eight outings, earned a Thursday quarterfinal meeting with 10th-ranked, second-seeded Virginia.

Pittsburgh’s 15th-seeded squad (13-20) received a stellar 27-point effort from Cameron Corhen, who shot 9-for-12 from the field. Nojus Indrusaitis connected on five three-pointers and Omari Witherspoon each tallied 19 points, while Barry Dunning Jr. added 11. Despite shooting 57.1% as a team, the Panthers couldn’t match NC State’s offensive firepower.

Florida State 95, California 89

Robert McCray V’s explosive 30-point, eight-assist performance powered the eighth-seeded Seminoles past the ninth-seeded Golden Bears in their tournament clash.

Florida State (18-14) received additional scoring from Lajae Jones with 15 points and Chauncey Wiggins with 14. Kobe MaGee provided a crucial spark off the bench, scoring all 13 of his points in the opening half. The hot Seminoles have captured 10 victories in their past 12 games under rookie head coach Luke Loucks and will challenge top-seeded Duke in Thursday’s quarterfinals.

California’s tournament run likely ended their NCAA Tournament hopes, as the Golden Bears entered the week listed among the “next four out” in ESPN’s bracket projections. Dai Dai Ames paced Cal (21-11) with 27 points, while Chris Bell added 17, Justin Pippen scored 15, John Camden contributed 11, and Lee Dort recorded seven points alongside 18 rebounds.

Clemson 71, Wake Forest 62

The fifth-seeded Tigers used their characteristic defensive intensity and balanced scoring to eliminate the 13th-seeded Demon Deacons, with RJ Godfrey leading the way with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Clemson’s depth showed as Nick Davidson, Ace Buckner, Butta Johnson, and Dillon Hunter each scored eight points, while Chase Thompson added nine. The Tigers (23-9) advance to meet fourth-seeded North Carolina in Thursday evening’s quarterfinal as they chase their first ACC tournament championship since the event began in 1954.

Clemson’s signature aggressive defense created 12 turnovers while holding Wake Forest to 44.0% shooting from the field. The Tigers protected the basketball with just four turnovers and received a 34-20 scoring advantage from their bench players over the Deacons’ reserves. Juke Harris led Wake Forest (17-16) with 22 points.

The Big East tournament opened with dramatic fashion Wednesday in New York as Xavier’s Jovan Milicevic delivered a clutch performance, netting 21 points to lead the 10th-seeded Musketeers past seventh-seeded Marquette, 89-87.

Milicevic’s decisive moment came with 1:14 on the clock when he drove to the basket for a go-ahead layup that broke an 80-80 deadlock. The senior guard shot efficiently throughout the contest, connecting on 7 of 11 field goal attempts and draining 4 of 7 three-point shots. His scoring output fell just two points short of his career-best performance, which ironically came against these same Golden Eagles in a February matchup that Xavier won 96-88.

The Musketeers (15-17) had to recover after watching a 10-point advantage evaporate before Milicevic’s heroics. Isaiah Walker sealed the victory by converting two free throws with eight seconds remaining, sending Xavier to Thursday night’s quarterfinal round against second-seeded UConn.

Marquette received a strong effort from Royce Parham, who tallied 22 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Big East Freshman of the Year Nigel James Jr. contributed 18 points but endured shooting struggles, managing just 6 of 17 attempts from the field. Chase Ross chipped in 16 points for the Golden Eagles (12-20), who connected on 11 three-pointers out of a season-high 40 attempts while shooting 42.5% overall.

In other tournament action, Providence mounted an impressive comeback to defeat Butler 91-81. Stefan Vaaks erupted for a personal-best 28 points, including a career-high eight three-pointers, as the Friars erased a 16-point first-half deficit. Ryan Mela added a career-high 23 points on outstanding 10-of-14 shooting, while Jaylin Sellers bounced back from a poor first half to score 19 of his 23 points after intermission. The Friars (15-17) earned a Thursday afternoon quarterfinal date with top-seeded St. John’s.

Butler (16-16) was paced by Michael Ajayi’s double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds, though he played the final 10-plus minutes in foul trouble with four personal fouls. Finley Bizjack managed 17 points despite connecting on only 5 of 15 shot attempts.

Georgetown completed the opening round action with a 63-56 victory over DePaul. Reserve center Vince Iwuchukwu dominated with 17 points and 14 rebounds to propel the 11th-seeded Hoyas past the sixth-seeded Blue Demons. Jeremiah Williams also scored 17 points before fouling out late, while Malik Mack added 16 points. Georgetown (15-17) has now won consecutive games following a seven-game losing streak and will face third-seeded Villanova in Thursday night’s quarterfinals.

DePaul (16-16) got 16 points from bench player Layden Blocker, though he shot just 5 of 14 from the field. NJ Benson contributed 12 points, but CJ Gunn struggled significantly, scoring only seven points on 3-of-13 shooting.

The Ole Miss Rebels delivered a stunning blow to Texas’ March Madness aspirations Wednesday night, controlling the entire game in a 76-66 upset victory during the opening round of the SEC Tournament in Nashville. The loss puts the Longhorns in a precarious position as they await Selection Sunday.

Leading the charge for the 15th-seeded Rebels (13-19) was Malik Dia, who poured in 23 points in the wire-to-wire victory. AJ Storr contributed 18 points while Ilias Kamardine added 16 for Ole Miss, which managed the win despite connecting on just one of ten attempts from beyond the arc. James Scott rounded out the scoring with 10 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the Rebels earned a Thursday matchup against seventh-seeded Georgia.

For the 10th-seeded Longhorns (18-14), Dailyn Swain delivered a double-double performance with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan Pope contributed 16 points and Matas Vokietaitis added 10, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent Texas from falling into dangerous territory regarding their NCAA Tournament chances, which will be determined during Sunday’s selection show.

Texas made a late push to steal the victory, cutting a nine-point deficit to just three points at 66-63 with 4:07 left on the clock. Camden Heide converted a three-point play before Pope drained a three-pointer to fuel the comeback attempt. However, Ole Miss responded immediately with six consecutive points to seal the outcome.

In other first-round SEC Tournament action, Auburn enhanced their tournament resume with a convincing 79-61 triumph over Mississippi State. Kevin Overton led the Tigers with 22 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while KeShawn Murphy added 15 points and nine boards. The Tigers (17-15) will take on fifth-seeded Tennessee (21-10) in Thursday’s second round.

Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, who had torched Auburn for 46 points in their regular season meeting, was held to 22 points on inefficient 8-of-25 shooting. The Bulldogs (13-19) saw their season come to an end.

Kentucky kept their tournament hopes alive with an 87-82 victory over LSU, led by Otega Oweh’s 23 points and eight rebounds. The Wildcats (20-12) took care of the basketball with only five turnovers while Brandon Garrison shot 7-of-9 from the field for 17 points. LSU’s Max Mackinnon led all scorers with 28 points in the losing effort for the Tigers (15-17).

Oklahoma continued their hot streak with an 86-74 win over South Carolina, extending their winning streak to five games. Nijel Pack knocked down five three-pointers en route to 24 points for the 11th-seeded Sooners (18-14), who overcame a 13-point first-half deficit. The victory sets up a Thursday night clash with sixth-seeded Texas A&M as Oklahoma fights to keep their tournament dreams alive.

The most controversial play in World Series history has finally been put to rest by an official Major League Baseball investigation, revealing the dramatic finish wasn’t nearly as close as millions of viewers believed.

The heated debate centered around whether Isiah Kiner-Falefa should have taken a more aggressive lead off third base, the third base coach’s conservative positioning, and whether IKF should have run through home plate rather than sliding.

“I’ll think about it until the day I leave this earth,” Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider lamented.

The heart-stopping Game 7 conclusion appeared to leave the Blue Jays just inches away from defeating the defending champion Dodgers. Television coverage showed Los Angeles catcher Will Smith’s cleat briefly lifting off home plate before making contact again, creating the impression of a razor-thin margin.

However, that dramatic moment was irrelevant according to MLB’s findings.

“After reviewing all relevant angles, the replay official definitively determined the catcher’s foot was touching the plate when the ball contacted the interior of his mitt,” stated the official MLB report recently shared with The Associated Press.

This conclusive analysis reveals Smith maintained contact with home plate when he secured the ball, meaning Kiner-Falefa was already ruled out at that moment.

Rather than the perceived inches separating Toronto from victory in the ninth inning’s bottom half, the actual distance was closer to three feet.

“I never felt my foot come off,” Smith explained during a World Baseball Classic practice session this month. “I didn’t really realize it (was close) until I saw the replay, so I wasn’t trying to go back and touch it.”

The three-time All-Star acknowledged he hadn’t reviewed MLB’s official replay center report.

“I just cared that he was out,” Smith stated.

MLB’s Statcast technology lacks precise measurements for this specific play, though tracking data positioned IKF’s center of mass approximately five feet from home plate, with his extended left leg reaching closer.

“I’ve seen that video 3,000 times and 1,500 of them it looks like Will is off the plate. You know what I mean?” Schneider commented at December’s winter meetings, one month following the heartbreaking 5-4 defeat in 11 innings. “And the other half it looks like he’s on. So, that’s how close it was.”

Kiner-Falefa, who recently joined the Boston Red Sox, addressed the lingering controversy at his introductory press conference. Critics questioned his conservative 7.8-foot lead off third base throughout the offseason. He explained the Blue Jays had instructed him to remain close to the bag.

“Didn’t realize that it was actually going to be that close of a play,” he said. “If I was a step further, yeah, I would have been safe. But I wasn’t.”

The official report confirms he required several additional feet, not mere inches.

Miguel Rojas’ solo homer with one out in the ninth inning’s top half tied the score at four runs. Toronto loaded the bases with one out in their half, positioning Kiner-Falefa on third as a pinch-runner replacing Bo Bichette.

During Daulton Varsho’s at-bat against Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, third base coach Carlos Febles marked the basepath with his cleats, indicating how far Kiner-Falefa should lead off. This appeared unusually conservative, leading many supporters to blame this decision for costing Toronto the championship. Team officials explained their concern about Smith attempting a pickoff throw to third base.

Varsho’s ground ball caused the positioned Rojas to stumble briefly backward, but he recovered to deliver an accurate throw home. Following Smith’s catch, his back right foot momentarily lifted off the plate before reconnecting. Kiner-Falefa slid toward home, concentrating on preventing Smith from completing a double-play throw to first base.

Home plate umpire Jordan Baker called the runner out, prompting Toronto to challenge the decision. Replay official Dan Iassogna, an experienced crew chief with three World Series appearances, upheld the original call.

Television broadcasts clearly captured Smith’s foot re-establishing contact with the plate while Kiner-Falefa’s foot remained several inches away. Many spectators believed this represented the crucial moment, but the official report confirms IKF was already eliminated.

Smith’s 11th-inning home run helped secure the Dodgers’ consecutive championship. He has mentally revisited the home plate sequence multiple times, crediting his teammate’s defensive effort.

“I think it was more of an impressive play by Miggy in that situation. Tough hop,” he said. “All I had to do was catch the ball and get my foot down.”

Two NFL quarterbacks may represent exceptional value opportunities in free agency if they can return to their previous high-level performance.

Despite NFL franchises spending massive amounts during the opening days of free agency negotiations, the Atlanta Falcons secured Tua Tagovailoa for just $1.2 million – the league minimum for veterans. Meanwhile, Miami remains responsible for $54 million of his contract.

Kyler Murray presents a similar opportunity at $1.3 million for any interested team, as Arizona will pay $36.8 million of his guaranteed remaining compensation.

While neither quarterback likely possesses championship-caliber ability like last year’s Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks found in free agency, both players don’t need to capture a title to provide significant value.

Atlanta hasn’t made the postseason since 2017 but competes in the NFC South, where they matched Carolina and Tampa Bay’s 8-9 record last season, missing the division crown only on tiebreakers. The franchise boasts offensive weapons including All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson. Should Tagovailoa help break their playoff absence, his minimal salary would represent tremendous value.

The 28-year-old former first-round selection from 2020 endured his most challenging NFL campaign recently but maintains a 44-32 record as a starting quarterback. In 2023, Tagovailoa topped the league with 4,624 passing yards and earned Pro Bowl recognition.

Surrounded by Robinson, receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, Tagovailoa inherits quality offensive talent. Two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski must help unlock his abilities. Stefanski previously guided Cleveland to playoff appearances with both Baker Mayfield and Joe Flacco.

Tagovailoa might flourish within Stefanski’s offensive scheme, provided he maintains his health, overcomes recent struggles, and sharpens his ball-handling decisions.

Murray, who has earned two Pro Bowl selections, could join a franchise ready for immediate success. Both Minnesota and Pittsburgh represent potential destinations.

The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round draft choice who posted a 6-4 record across 10 starts last season. However, his starting position isn’t secured, making Murray an attractive alternative for a roster with talent throughout.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell earned 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year honors after helping Sam Darnold resurrect his career while leading the team to a 14-3 record. Among innovative offensive coordinators capable of maximizing Murray’s abilities, O’Connell ranks highly.

Pittsburgh also presents possibilities for Murray, particularly if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return. The Steelers have strengthened their offense through free agency, trading for receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to join DK Metcalf while signing running back Rico Dowdle. Head coach Mike McCarthy captured a Super Bowl with young Rodgers in Green Bay 16 years ago and could provide Murray similar opportunities.

Multiple veteran quarterbacks remain available, except Daniel Jones, who received Indianapolis’s transition tag. The Colts retain matching rights for any offers he receives.

Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Carson Wentz, and Joe Flacco are among available options. Rodgers also remains unsigned, though he’ll likely either return to Pittsburgh or announce retirement.

Geno Smith would have entered free agency Wednesday after Las Vegas planned his release, but the Jets acquired him through trade. New York hasn’t achieved a winning season since 2015.

Tuesday night delivered a harsh reminder that nothing in the NFL is final until paperwork is officially signed.

The Las Vegas Raiders experienced this reality firsthand when the Baltimore Ravens withdrew from a major trade agreement involving star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

According to a source familiar with Baltimore’s choice who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press due to the confidential nature of medical information, Crosby did not pass his physical examination.

The defensive star had undergone surgical procedures in January to address a meniscus tear in his left knee. The injury forced him to sit out the season’s final two contests, despite his desire to continue playing at that time.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Crosby’s surgery, shared with ESPN that the player is “doing very well in the early part of his rehab and recovery from surgery to treat a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. He is certainly on track in his planned program.”

Baltimore clearly felt uncomfortable proceeding with Crosby’s medical situation, particularly given that two first-round draft selections were part of the proposed exchange.

The Ravens swiftly changed course, reaching terms with four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson on a four-year, $112 million agreement, according to an anonymous source who informed the AP. This individual requested anonymity since contracts cannot be officially completed until the league year starts at 4 p.m. EDT.

Since Monday’s legal tampering period began, NFL franchises have pledged billions in spending on free agents and trade acquisitions.

Yet all these arrangements remain unofficial until the new league year commences, meaning trades can fall through and free agents may reverse their commitments. Such developments are simply part of the business.

A notable example occurred in 2015 when running back Frank Gore initially accepted Philadelphia Eagles’ terms before ultimately signing with the Indianapolis Colts two days afterward.

Gore, a seasoned veteran seeking championship opportunities, reconsidered after Philadelphia traded quarterback Nick Foles and allowed star receiver Jeremy Maclin to join Kansas City following his initial agreement.

Baltimore has previously canceled similar arrangements, backing away from deals with defensive tackle Michael Brockers in 2020 and receiver Ryan Grant in 2018 due to comparable concerns.

The Ravens now retain their 14th overall draft selection for next month’s draft while hoping Hendrickson can return to his pre-injury performance levels from last season.

Las Vegas must now determine their approach with Crosby following apparent tensions between the player and organization. Part-owner Tom Brady might potentially help repair the relationship between Crosby and team management. New head coach Klint Kubiak wasn’t present during last season’s difficulties, and general manager John Spytek has consistently expressed his preference to retain the elite pass rusher.

The Raiders have been active in free agency, allocating over $250 million to acquire three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, receiver Jalen Nailor, and additional players.

With approximately $112 million in salary cap room entering free agency according to overthecap.com, Las Vegas has the financial flexibility to accommodate Crosby’s contract. He signed a three-year extension last year valued at $106.5 million with $91.5 million guaranteed, temporarily making him the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback.

Should the Raiders still pursue trading Crosby, securing equivalent value will prove challenging given his medical concerns. They may need to wait for further recovery progress or accept conditional trade terms. Potential arrangements could involve a second-round pick converting to a first-round selection if Crosby plays a specified number of snaps, with a third-round pick becoming a second-round choice. Teams often employ creative structuring in such situations.

Other franchises like the Eagles, Bears, Bills, Jaguars, or additional teams might show interest in Crosby. The outcome depends on Las Vegas’ willingness to compromise on return value. The rebuilding Raiders have added several new players and are anticipated to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall draft pick.

Would they benefit from keeping Crosby through 2026? Absolutely. Would they be better served without him? That depends entirely on what they receive in return.

YouTube celebrity turned professional boxer Jake Paul faces an extended absence from the ring after undergoing a second surgical procedure on his jaw following his devastating December loss to Anthony Joshua.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday during a press conference for the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event, Paul revealed the lengthy recovery timeline ahead of him.

“I got my second surgery recently and the doctor said it will be four, five or six months to even be able to spar to see how the bone is healing,” Paul explained to the media. “So that puts us maybe late this year or early next year for a fight.”

The social media star’s jaw was broken in two places during his December 19 matchup against Joshua, which officials stopped in the sixth round. Paul, who now holds a 12-2 professional record, received his first surgical treatment the day after the fight, followed by the recent February procedure.

Upon his eventual return to competition, the internet personality plans to make a significant change by dropping down from heavyweight competition.

“Definitely will be a cruiserweight,” Paul stated. “Joshua’s punches hurt way more than people in my weight class. That’s where I’m best at, for sure, and where I want to continue to climb in the rankings and make some statements.”

Team Canada punched their ticket to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals Wednesday night with a commanding 7-2 victory over Cuba in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The victory propelled Canada to the top of Pool A standings with a 3-1 record, tied with host nation Puerto Rico but holding the crucial head-to-head advantage. Cuba needed a win to advance but fell short at 2-2 in pool play.

Canada’s next challenge comes Friday when they square off against Team USA, which finished second in Pool B, in Houston.

Canadian pitcher Cal Quantrill dominated on the mound through five innings, surrendering just two hits and one unearned run. The strikeout parade continued as Quantrill recorded five strikeouts while reliever James Paxton added six more, combining for 11 of Canada’s 13 total strikeouts.

Abraham Toro provided the power with a home run, while Otto Lopez delivered the key blow with a two-run single. Owen Caissie contributed with both a sacrifice fly RBI and a run-scoring single. Brothers Bo and Josh Naylor each drove in runs as well.

For Cuba, Ariel Martinez managed an RBI single and collected three of the team’s five hits. Yoan Moncada’s double stood as the lone extra-base hit for the Cuban squad.

In Miami, the Dominican Republic completed a perfect 4-0 sweep of Pool D with a 7-3 triumph over Venezuela, though both teams had already secured quarterfinal spots before the first pitch.

Juan Soto launched the opening salvo with a first-inning home run, sparking a four-homer barrage for the Dominicans. Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. also went yard, with Tatis delivering the knockout punch via a three-run blast in the fourth inning that built a 7-3 advantage.

Guerrero paced the Dominican offense with a 3-for-4 performance, while Marte, Soto, and Tatis each collected two hits.

Venezuela mounted a late rally with two ninth-inning runs courtesy of a Luis Arraez sacrifice fly and an Elvis Alvarado error, but Alvarado recovered to induce a game-ending double play from Salvador Perez.

Maikel Garcia starred for Venezuela with a perfect 4-for-4 night including an RBI double. Starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez struggled through 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits while striking out five.

The Dominican Republic will face South Korea, Pool C’s runner-up, on Friday, while Venezuela takes on Pool C champion Japan on Saturday. Both quarterfinal matchups will take place in Miami.

Iran’s potential exit from the upcoming World Cup has created an unprecedented situation for FIFA, forcing soccer’s governing body to consider replacement options for the first time in the modern tournament era.

Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali declared Wednesday that Iran cannot participate in the World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada. The tournament is scheduled to begin in early June.

Donyamali cited the February 28 air strikes by the U.S. and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the reason for the withdrawal. These attacks have sparked a broader regional conflict that continues to escalate.

The announcement came just hours after FIFA President Gianni Infantino had received assurances from President Trump that Iran was “welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

FIFA had been counting on Iran’s national team, known as Team Melli, to play their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, despite the ongoing tensions.

According to World Cup regulations, Article Six addresses team withdrawals and grants FIFA complete authority to select any replacement nation. The organization could also choose not to replace Iran at all.

James Kitching, who previously served as FIFA’s Director of Football Regulatory, explained the situation to Reuters: “There’s no modern precedent for this and, according to FIFA’s own tournament regulations, they have full discretion to do whatever they want in the case of a team withdrawing.”

“That means, for example, a team that withdraws wouldn’t have to be replaced by a team from the same confederation, or even replaced at all. Whether either of those scenarios would be politically tenable is a different question,” Kitching added.

He also noted that while regulations include penalties for withdrawing teams, FIFA would likely waive sanctions given the current conflict circumstances.

Iran earned their World Cup spot by winning Group A in Asian qualifying’s third round last year, marking their fourth consecutive tournament qualification. If FIFA seeks a replacement, an Asian team would be the logical choice.

Iraq remains in contention through intercontinental playoffs scheduled for Mexico this month, though the Middle East travel restrictions are hampering their preparations. The United Arab Emirates, which lost to Iraq in November’s eliminator, has also been mentioned as a possible substitute.

Iraq’s coach Graham Arnold has suggested FIFA delay their March 31 playoff match against either Bolivia or Suriname, proposing the game be moved to just before the World Cup begins.

“Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the US – the winner of that game stays on and the loser goes home,” Arnold told the Australian Associated Press Monday.

“In my opinion, it also gives FIFA more time to decide what Iran is going to do. If Iran withdraws, we go into the World Cup and it gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, the chance to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname,” he continued.

FIFA has not yet responded to Donyamali’s withdrawal statement. An Asian Football Confederation source indicated they are “closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with FIFA” regarding Iran’s potential replacement.

“Matters relating to the World Cup fall under FIFA’s remit,” the source stated. “At this stage, it would be premature to speculate further.”

Given the high value of World Cup positions, the Asian confederation will likely push strongly for any replacement to come from their region.

With European playoff matches also concluding at the end of March, Kitching expects FIFA to postpone major decisions until early April.

“I would expect a decision is not going to be made until after the final playoffs are finished and for FIFA to take a pragmatic and consultative approach to the situation,” he said.

A professional basketball player is speaking out about alleged threats from her former boyfriend, an NFL rookie, in court documents filed for protection.

Rickea Jackson, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, successfully obtained a temporary restraining order against James Pearce Jr., a first-year player with the Atlanta Falcons, according to reports from ESPN and TMZ released Wednesday.

The protective order came after an incident on February 7 in Doral, Florida, where authorities say Pearce deliberately crashed his car into Jackson’s vehicle multiple times. Police report that Pearce then struck an officer with his car before driving away from the scene.

Law enforcement subsequently took Pearce into custody on multiple serious charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing police, and aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer.

In her sworn statement to the court, Jackson detailed a pattern of threatening behavior. “James has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion,” she wrote according to the reports.

Jackson also revealed that Pearce attempted to pay her significant sums of money before the February confrontation – offering $75,000 for a single visit or $200,000 “to remain in a relationship with him.” She has indicated her willingness to provide testimony against him in legal proceedings.

The court’s protective order prohibits Pearce from making any contact with Jackson and requires him to stay at least 500 feet away from her residence and workplace, plus 100 feet from her car. A court hearing to determine whether the order should become permanent is scheduled for April 21.

ESPN’s reporting indicates that police received at least seven additional 911 calls in the months leading up to the February incident, with callers reporting that Pearce was stalking or harassing an unidentified girlfriend.

The 22-year-old Pearce was Atlanta’s first-round draft selection in 2025, chosen 26th overall. During his rookie campaign, he posted impressive statistics with 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, five pass deflections and 26 tackles across 17 games with three starts, earning him third place in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting.

Jackson, age 24, was selected fourth overall by Los Angeles in the 2024 WNBA Draft. In her second professional season, she averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists over 38 games with 37 starts, finishing ninth in league MVP voting.

Baltimore successfully secured their coveted pass rusher by signing Trey Hendrickson to a massive four-year, $112 million deal, while Maxx Crosby remains with Las Vegas and Daniel Jones has locked in a new contract with Indianapolis during a hectic opening to the NFL’s new league year.

Wednesday’s most significant transaction occurred when Baltimore finalized their agreement with the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end just one day after withdrawing from a potential trade with the Raiders for Crosby due to medical concerns, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press.

The Cincinnati standout earned All-Pro honors in 2024 after topping the league with 17 1/2 sacks. Though injuries limited him to just seven contests this past season where he recorded four sacks, Hendrickson has achieved double-digit sack totals four times over his last five campaigns.

Baltimore’s swift change of direction came after Tuesday evening’s unexpected turn of events when the organization withdrew from a trade arrangement that would have sent two first-round selections to Las Vegas.

An individual with inside knowledge of Baltimore’s choice confirmed to the AP that Crosby did not pass his medical examination. The source requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of medical information.

The Raiders defender underwent surgical repair of a torn meniscus in his left knee during January. The injury forced him to miss his team’s final two regular season contests, despite his desire to continue playing through the ailment.

Las Vegas, which has been among the most active spenders during the early free agency period, now faces uncertainty regarding Crosby’s future. The organization maintains sufficient salary cap flexibility to retain the five-time Pro Bowl selection at his $30 million salary if alternative trade options don’t materialize. Sources confirmed Crosby returned to the team’s Nevada headquarters on Wednesday.

Jones and Indianapolis reached agreement on a two-year deal potentially worth $100 million, a knowledgeable source told the AP. The individual requested anonymity as the contract had not received official announcement.

The quarterback will earn $88 million across the next two seasons with $50 million in guaranteed money, avoiding the $37.8 million transition tag. Performance bonuses could add another $12 million to the total value.

Jones guided Indianapolis to an impressive 10-game stretch before the bye week. Following the break, he continued playing despite a hairline fracture in his left leg before sustaining a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.

The signal-caller established personal bests in passer rating (100.2) and completion percentage (68%) while Indianapolis ranked fifth league-wide in scoring at 28.9 points per contest before his injury.

All sources provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity agreements since organizations have not formally announced these transactions or developments.

Washington finalized terms with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson on a one-year, $12 million contract featuring $10.3 million guaranteed, his representation at Athletes First confirmed. Following their last-place defensive ranking, the Commanders also secured agreements with linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Amik Robertson after missing out on Hendrickson to Baltimore.

Additionally, Baltimore and Buffalo both modified their star quarterbacks’ contracts to generate additional salary cap flexibility for the new league year.

While Baltimore had hoped to complete a contract extension with Lamar Jackson before Wednesday’s league year commencement, that goal remains unmet. Instead, the Ravens restructured Jackson’s existing deal to create cap room, according to a source with knowledge of the arrangement who spoke anonymously due to the contract’s pending finalization.

Jackson has two remaining years on the five-year, $260 million agreement Baltimore awarded him in 2023.

Buffalo’s adjustment with Josh Allen creates approximately $12 million in crucial salary cap relief as the team enters the NFL’s new year, according to someone familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the AP.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Star tight end Travis Kelce has officially committed to another season with the Kansas City Chiefs, signing a contract that brings him back to catch passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes once again.

The Chiefs confirmed Wednesday that they’ve secured the four-time All-Pro for his 14th NFL campaign as the new league year began and pending agreements became official. The 36-year-old veteran chose to postpone retirement plans and extend his outstanding career, which features three Super Bowl championships, rather than conclude on last season’s disappointing 6-11 finish.

Kelce’s one-year agreement is valued at $12 million, with performance bonuses potentially increasing the total compensation to $15 million.

“You always need to take a step back, breathe and let the emotions of the season settle down and see where the body is,” Kelce explained during his Tuesday visit to “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Man, I’m still in love with this game. I still love going to work, putting on the pads, grinding it out and just playing the game.”

The veteran pass-catcher had expressed his preference for staying in Kansas City dating back to the NFL scouting combine if he chose to continue playing.

“My best opportunity was playing for the Chiefs yet again and running this thing back,” Kelce explained. “There’s a lot of pieces in Kansas City that I just absolutely love and I can’t wait to get back in the building with them.”

Kelce revealed that his fiancee, global music sensation Taylor Swift, influenced his choice to continue his football career.

“We share the same love for what we do, and fortunately we’ve had this desire since we were kids in our selective professions,” Kelce explained. “It’s amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new melodies and, on top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does.

“Of course that’s motivating. That’s motivating for anybody to see, let alone my fiancée, knowing that I’m going through something where I’m trying to figure out exactly what the future holds for me.”

For the Chiefs organization, the opportunity to retain Kelce meant he could continue working under head coach Andy Reid and alongside close friend Mahomes — who aims to be healthy for the season opener following late-season knee surgery for a torn ligament.

The prospect of reuniting with Eric Bieniemy, who has returned as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator following Matt Nagy’s departure, also appealed to Kelce.

Kansas City’s front office was willing to allow Kelce the necessary time for his decision while hoping for resolution by the start of the new league year to establish budget parameters for free agency and roster planning before the NFL draft.

“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach stated at last month’s scouting combine. “Coach (Reid) had mentioned he’s had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ crew, we’ve had some good dialogue there.

“Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back and we’ll just let that process play out.”

Retirement thoughts first surfaced for Kelce before the previous season began, but he quickly determined he didn’t want his career ending with a Super Bowl defeat to Philadelphia. He intensified his offseason training regimen and returned in peak physical condition, ultimately recording 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Questions remain about whether Kelce can maintain that production level as he approaches his 37th birthday in October.

“The biggest thing coming back was that we’ve got to be even more hungrier than we’ve been before. Talking to Pat and Coach Reid and the guys, it’s pretty (evident) there’s a lot of ‘dog’ mentality right now to get this thing fixed,” Kelce said. “That mentality itself is already motivating me to get to where I need to be during the season.”

A former University of Michigan football coach has filed a federal lawsuit challenging his dismissal during the height of a major NCAA investigation into alleged cheating by the program.

Chris Partridge, who coached linebackers for the Wolverines, filed the legal action Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Michigan against the university, its governing board, and athletic director. The suit claims his November 2023 dismissal was unwarranted and violated his constitutional due process rights.

According to the court filing, Partridge’s “termination was wholly unjustified and without legitimate cause.” The lawsuit further alleges that “The University of Michigan unjustly terminated Partridge’s employment and spread false and damaging information regarding his professional conduct, tarnishing Partridge’s hard-earned reputation and inflicting irreparable harm on to his career and personal well-being.”

University officials have not yet responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press. The Big Ten Conference also declined to provide a statement regarding the litigation.

The coaching staff termination occurred while NCAA investigators were examining claims that Connor Stalions, a former Michigan employee, had organized an elaborate scheme to spy on opposing teams. The allegations centered on Stalions buying game tickets and dispatching individuals to record rival teams’ sideline signals, a practice prohibited under NCAA rules. Stalions stepped down from his position earlier in November 2023.

NCAA investigators concluded in 2025 that Stalions had indeed run the scouting operation for multiple years. The investigation also uncovered recruiting rule violations, resulting in substantial financial penalties for the university. However, Partridge was mostly exonerated of any direct involvement in the misconduct.

Following his termination, speculation mounted about the true reasons behind Partridge’s departure. He addressed the situation through social media, stating he had no awareness of any illegal scouting activities and explaining that his firing stemmed from allegedly violating university orders not to discuss the investigation with “anyone associated with the program.”

In his social media statement, he also clarified: “Additionally, at no point did I destroy any evidence related to the ongoing investigation.”

Since leaving Michigan, Partridge joined the Seattle Seahawks as their outside linebackers coach and recently celebrated with the team after their Super Bowl victory last month.

The legal documents reveal that university officials told Partridge his termination resulted from advising a player to “get an attorney,” which allegedly violated instructions against communicating with athletes during the probe.

While Partridge acknowledges making that statement to a player, his lawsuit argues that coaching staff members were never explicitly prohibited from player communication, which would have made normal football operations impossible.

“Partridge was a scapegoat who was wrongly fired simply because he told a player he had the right to have counsel,” the lawsuit states.

The suit also accuses the university of damaging his professional reputation through deliberate misinformation. It claims athletics department staff and at least one board member falsely told media that Partridge was dismissed for “destroying evidence.” This information was subsequently published by multiple news outlets, including reporting that cited Yahoo Sports claiming Partridge “allegedly tried to cover up evidence.”

Partridge’s dismissal came just before Michigan captured the national football championship. The day following his firing, university leaders and Big Ten officials reached an agreement allowing then-head coach Jim Harbaugh to serve his final two-game suspension in exchange for the conference dropping its sign-stealing investigation.

The lawsuit requests monetary damages to be decided during trial proceedings, along with efforts to restore Partridge’s professional standing and reputation.

McNeese’s sixth-year veteran Javohn Garcia delivered a spectacular performance, scoring a personal-best 31 points to lead the second-seeded Cowboys to a dominant 76-59 victory over top-seeded Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference championship game, securing their third consecutive tournament title and automatic bid to March Madness.

Garcia was nearly unstoppable, connecting on 11 of his 18 field goal attempts and sinking 5 of 8 three-point shots as McNeese (28-5) controlled the game from start to finish, maintaining their lead throughout while pushing their winning streak to 10 games. Supporting Garcia’s stellar effort, Larry Johnson contributed 18 points while Tyshawn Archie delivered a well-rounded performance with 17 points, five assists, and five steals.

For Stephen F. Austin (28-5), Keon Thompson led the scoring with 18 points, while Kam Burton chipped in 10 points. The Lumberjacks struggled offensively, shooting just 37.3% from the field and managing only 5 of 21 three-point attempts (23.8%). The two teams had split their regular-season meetings.

In Patriot League action, second-seeded Lehigh captured their first NCAA Tournament berth in over a decade with a convincing 74-60 triumph over fourth-seeded Boston University. Nasir Whitlock spearheaded a well-distributed offensive effort with 18 points for the Mountain Hawks.

Lehigh (18-16) received strong contributions across the roster, with Joshua Ingram and Edouard Benoit each adding 15 points, while Hank Alvey recorded 14 points alongside a game-leading nine rebounds and five assists. The Mountain Hawks established control early and maintained a double-digit advantage for the final 13 minutes and 20 seconds.

Boston University (17-17) was paced by Ben Defty’s 21 points and eight rebounds, with Michael McNair adding 14 points and Chance Gladden contributing 11. Despite entering the contest ranked fifth nationally in three-point shooting percentage at 40.0%, the Terriers experienced a cold shooting night from beyond the arc, converting just 1 of 16 three-point attempts.

Netflix has selected veteran broadcaster Matt Vasgersian to serve as the primary voice for the streaming platform’s inaugural Major League Baseball coverage.

The experienced announcer will call the action when the New York Yankees travel to face the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on March 25, marking Netflix’s first venture into live regular-season baseball broadcasting. Vasgersian is anticipated to continue as the primary play-by-play voice for Netflix’s complete MLB programming lineup throughout the season.

The streaming service has assembled a broadcast crew featuring established baseball personalities alongside its new in-house talent. Elle Duncan will serve as the main host, joined by former stars Albert Pujols and Anthony Rizzo providing analysis from the studio. In the broadcast booth, Vasgersian will work alongside former pitchers CC Sabathia and Hunter Pence, while Lauren Shehadi handles field reporting duties.

This assignment adds to Vasgersian’s already busy schedule. The announcer will continue his established role with MLB Network while also covering NBC’s Opening Day broadcast on March 26, featuring the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Starting in May, he’ll join Peacock’s “MLB Sunday Leadoff” broadcast team. Meanwhile, NBC’s new “Sunday Night Baseball” programming will feature Jason Benetti as the primary announcer, with rotating local analysts selected based on the teams playing.

Baseball fans heading to Arizona’s Cactus League spring training games may want to pack extra sunscreen and water bottles as an extreme heat wave approaches the desert.

Central Arizona is bracing for potentially record-breaking temperatures over the coming 10 days, with the mercury expected to climb into the 90s by week’s end and possibly exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit next week.

Phoenix National Weather Service meteorologist Katherine Berislavich reported Wednesday that forecasters predict approximately a 55% probability of temperatures surpassing 105 degrees by next Wednesday, March 18. Those odds increase to 70% for March 19 and jump to 85% for March 20.

The Phoenix metropolitan area hosts 15 of Major League Baseball’s 30 franchises for their exhibition season. While MLB doesn’t control spring training schedules, individual teams have the flexibility to shift daytime contests to evening hours if conditions warrant.

Spring training traditionally features afternoon games where spectators enjoy comfortable temperatures typically ranging from the 70s to 80s.

Should temperatures fall short of 105 degrees, triple-digit heat remains highly probable. Phoenix’s earliest 100-degree reading occurred on March 26, 1988 — the sole instance of the city reaching that milestone during March.

The sweltering conditions may challenge even elite professional athletes. Arizona Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo acknowledged awareness of the approaching heat and indicated possible scheduling modifications.

“We know it’s going to be smoking hot next week, but we’ve got to get work done,” Lovullo stated. “There’s nothing that you can do sometimes to replace going out and actually doing it. We’ll find a way to get it done and make sure these athletes are healthy, strong, hydrated and ready for the next day.”

“But we may make some adjustments.”

NEW YORK — Professional women’s basketball officials and player representatives continued contract negotiations Wednesday following an exhausting overnight bargaining session that concluded at 5 a.m. without reaching an agreement on a new collective bargaining deal.

The lengthy discussions wrapped up early Wednesday morning after 12 hours of talks, but both parties reconvened that afternoon and were still meeting as evening approached.

Speaking Wednesday morning, union executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson expressed optimism, noting there were “a lot of conversations going in the right direction.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert briefly addressed media outside the Manhattan hotel hosting the negotiations.

“It’s complex, but we’re working towards a win-win deal like we’ve been saying, transformational deal for these players. That balances all the things we’ve been trying to balance with continued investment by our owners,” Engelbert stated. “So, we’re working hard towards that and still have work to do.”

The players’ union brought executive committee members Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark and Brianna Turner to join Jackson and union staff. League representatives included Engelbert, head of league operations Bethany Donaphin and New York Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai. Connecticut Sun president Jen Rizzotti joined Wednesday’s negotiating team.

During the overnight marathon session, neither party departed the hotel. The following day, both groups stepped outside during breaks to enjoy Manhattan’s unusually mild mid-March weather.

According to a source close to the negotiations who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, both parties have been presenting proposals during the past two days of bargaining.

Major disagreements center on revenue sharing arrangements and housing provisions, along with disputes over franchise player designations and benefits for former players.

League officials previously stated that at minimum, a preliminary agreement would need completion by Tuesday to maintain the planned season schedule.

“We’ve got to get this deal done. We’ve got to get it done soon,” Engelbert told reporters without accepting questions.

Once negotiators reach an agreement in principle, the league indicates several weeks will be required to finalize the collective bargaining agreement. Following completion, expansion drafts for new Portland and Toronto franchises would occur between April 1-6, based on a timeline provided to the Associated Press.

Teams would issue free agent qualifying offers, including franchise tags, on April 7-8. Organizations would then have three days to negotiate with more than 80% of players entering free agency. The signing window would run from April 12-18.

Training camps would begin the following day, allowing the season to commence May 8.

However, reaching that timeline requires resolving the revenue sharing structure. The union’s recent proposal requested an average of 26% of gross revenue throughout the contract period, starting at 25% in year one. League officials called that figure unrealistic.

The WNBA’s latest offers have proposed more than 70% of net revenue, with increases tied to continued league growth.

Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta revealed his disappointment after the team’s ambitious plan to create a dominant pass-rushing combination fell apart this week.

The Ravens had envisioned fielding Pro Bowl edge rushers Maxx Crosby from Las Vegas and newly-acquired Trey Hendrickson simultaneously, which could have dramatically enhanced their defensive capabilities.

However, by Tuesday morning, those aspirations crumbled when Baltimore abandoned its agreement to obtain Crosby from the Raiders, just one day prior to finalizing a substantial free-agent deal with Hendrickson.

“Nobody’s more upset about this than me — gutted by it, actually,” DeCosta stated during Wednesday’s press conference at the team’s facility. “And so a regret, a big regret for me, but we will move on as a football team.”

Last Friday, Baltimore had committed to trading two first-round draft selections to Las Vegas in exchange for Crosby, with the transaction scheduled to become official when the NFL’s new league year commenced Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Ravens conducted Crosby’s mandatory physical examination after he visited their facility. The defensive end had undergone knee surgery in January, and various media outlets reported that Baltimore could not proceed with the agreement following their review of the medical evaluation.

While DeCosta acknowledged Crosby’s visit to the facility, he stated the organization “couldn’t complete the process.” He refused to provide additional details regarding Crosby, who has accumulated 69.5 sacks across 110 career games.

The aftermath proved swift and dramatic as Baltimore quickly shifted focus to Hendrickson, who boasts 81 sacks in 117 regular-season contests. The Ravens secured a four-year, $112 million contract with the former Cincinnati star less than 24 hours after abandoning the Crosby deal.

This rapid sequence of events led many to speculate that Baltimore reconsidered the financial commitment to Crosby and opted for an alternative pass rusher. DeCosta disputed this interpretation, emphasizing that the organization intended to pursue both players.

According to DeCosta, discussions with Hendrickson began Monday after learning that center Tyler Linderbaum was traveling to Las Vegas, and these conversations initially centered on complementing Crosby rather than replacing him.

“We live in that age of skepticism,” DeCosta commented. “I’ve got a responsibility to the Ravens, to this community, to our fans and to (majority owner) Steve Bisciotti to do what we think is best for the club.”

DeCosta minimized concerns about potential lasting consequences from the collapsed trade, noting that his phone continues to ring with opportunities and maintaining that the Ravens’ league-wide relationships remain intact.

While the PGA Tour has stepped back from calling this week’s tournament the “fifth major,” most professional golfers would acknowledge that capturing victory at TPC Sawgrass ranks as the second-most prestigious prize in golf after the four major championships.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy’s participation remains uncertain as he deals with back spasms, while two-time winner Scottie Scheffler looks to make history by becoming only the second golfer alongside Jack Nicklaus to claim three Players Championship titles. The tournament consistently attracts golf’s biggest stars, with 47 of the world’s top 50 players competing in this year’s field.

Golf analysts are offering their tournament predictions and wagering recommendations for this week’s competition.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Venue: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, March 12-15

Golf Course: TPC Sawgrass (Par 72, 7,352 Yards)

Prize Money: $25 million (Champion receives $4.5 million)

Current Title Holder: Rory McIlroy

FedEx Cup Points Leader: Collin Morikawa

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television Coverage: Thursday-Friday: 1-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday: 2-7 p.m. (NBC); Sunday: 1-6 p.m. (NBC)

Online Streaming (ESPN+): Thursday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ET; Saturday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Social Media: @ThePlayers

WAGERING RECOMMENDATIONS

Robert MacIntyre over Brooks Koepka (-190 at DraftKings): Koepka’s tournament history shows his strongest result was a tie for 11th place in 2018 across six appearances, indicating poor performance at TPC Sawgrass. MacIntyre currently sits eighth in world rankings and achieved a ninth-place finish at this venue last season, despite recent inconsistent play.

Playoff Finish (+350 at BetMGM): Recent tournament history shows five of the last six championships were determined by single-stroke margins, with TPC Sawgrass’s challenging final holes creating dramatic finishes.

Water Balls on 17th Hole Over 37.5 (-265 at DraftKings): Since 2003, players have hit 1,068 balls into the water hazard on the famous 17th hole. The peak was 93 balls in 2007, while recent years have averaged 39. The reduced field size keeps expectations moderate for this popular betting option.

TOP CONTENDERS

Scottie Scheffler (+450 at BetMGM) captured back-to-back victories in 2023-24 and pursues historic status as only the second three-time champion alongside Jack Nicklaus. Despite recent first-round struggles, Scheffler maintains the tour’s longest active streak with 69 consecutive made cuts. His odds have slightly increased from the opening +400 despite leading in total betting action at 9.7%.

Rory McIlroy (+1600) has won twice at TPC Sawgrass but arrived Wednesday after pulling out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to back spasms. His tournament participation will be determined Thursday morning before the opening round.

Collin Morikawa (+1600) tops the FedExCup standings following strong recent performances including a seventh-place tie at the Genesis, fifth place at the Arnold Palmer, and victory at Pebble Beach. Bettors have made him the biggest liability, backing him with 8.2% of total wagers and 12.6% of prize money bets. His odds have dropped significantly from the opening +2200.

Ludvig Aberg (+2000) finished third at Bay Hill and placed eighth here in 2024 before missing the cut last year. The Swedish rising star has seen his odds improve from +2800 and ranks as the second-biggest betting liability with 6.6% of total bets and 7.5% of prize money.

Chris Gotterup (+4500) presents attractive odds as the only golfer with two victories this season. Public support has made him the third-largest liability with 4.4% backing in both betting categories.

Sepp Straka (+4500) offers longshot value despite his ninth-place world ranking. He tied for second at Pebble Beach and finished 13th last week.

TOURNAMENT FACTS

All six recent champions entered the week ranked within the top 10 globally.

This marks the first of five tournaments this season awarding 750 FedExCup points to the winner, with victory earning a five-year PGA Tour exemption.

Players in their twenties have captured seven of the first nine events this season.

Joel Dahmen, Taylor Moore, Seamus Power and Andrew Putnam earned field spots through their FedExCup standings after the Cognizant Classic.

Since 2016, only three golfers have converted 54-hole leads into victories: Jason Day (2016), Webb Simpson (2018) and Scottie Scheffler (2023).

Brooks Koepka joins the field through the Returning Member Program. The field expanded to 123 players with additions of Patton Kizzire and Seamus Power, still marking the smallest tournament field in history.

2021 champion Justin Thomas makes his second appearance since returning from November back surgery.

Fourteen first-time participants include seven tour rookies.

Greg Norman’s 1994 score of 264 remains the tournament record.

MIAMI — With Miami holding a commanding 25-point advantage over Washington and under three minutes remaining, the contest appeared decided. However, when Bam Adebayo received an offensive foul call during those final moments, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra immediately challenged the decision with unusual intensity.

The reason became clear: Adebayo had already tallied 77 points, and Miami desperately wanted to help him reach even greater heights.

The Heat center ultimately finished with 83 points Tuesday evening, claiming the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history. His total surpassed Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point effort while falling short of Wilt Chamberlain’s untouchable 100-point record.

“The thing you love about it, and why everybody roots for Bam, is because he does all the winning things,” Spoelstra said. “He does the things that aren’t recognized. He puts his body out there, he’s available, he is a rugged competitor.”

While Miami celebrated their 150-129 victory, Adebayo’s historic night drew mixed reactions across the basketball world. Critics immediately questioned the legitimacy of his extraordinary statistics, which included 43 field goal attempts, 22 three-point shots, and NBA records of 36 successful free throws on 43 attempts.

Former Heat guard Jason Williams expressed skepticism on social media, saying: “Look, bruh had 83 points. Bruh shot 43 foul shots. I don’t know if I shot 43 foul shots in one season.” Records show Williams attempted just 41 free throws combined during his final two NBA campaigns.

Multiple instances occurred during the game’s closing minutes where Heat players intentionally fouled Washington to regain possession and continue feeding Adebayo. This strategy mirrored what Philadelphia employed during Chamberlain’s historic 100-point performance against New York on March 2, 1962.

“We had three guys collapsing around him to keep him from getting close to the basket, but he took us with him with his tremendous strength,” Knicks player Darrall Imhoff said following Chamberlain’s record night. “Late in the game, the Warriors fouled us deliberately to regain possession and that guy really tore down the floor to keep his record assault going.”

Washington responded by surrounding Adebayo with multiple defenders in the final period, sometimes assigning four players to guard him. The Wizards also resorted to fouling other Heat players to prevent Adebayo from scoring, though they primarily targeted him directly. He was fouled 26 times — the highest total for any player over the past two decades and 12 more than his previous career high.

“The fourth quarter just turned into not a real basketball game,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said.

Adebayo’s scoring progression showed remarkable consistency through three quarters: 31 points in the first, 12 in the second, and 19 in the third, giving him 62 points entering the final period. Washington’s defensive adjustments proved futile against his dominant performance.

“The whole first 3 1/2 quarters … I was like, all right, they’re just going to let me go,” Adebayo said. “And then, you turn around and you’ve got four people guarding you.”

Miami’s fourth-quarter strategy centered entirely on maximizing Adebayo’s scoring opportunities, similar to how Los Angeles approached Bryant’s 81-point game on January 22, 2006. The Lakers took 38 second-half shots that night, with Bryant attempting 28. In the fourth quarter alone, he took 13 of their 17 shots and all 13 free throw attempts.

“We left him in,” then-Lakers coach Phil Jackson said following Bryant’s performance, “until he got to 80.”

Not everyone celebrated when news of Adebayo’s achievement spread. Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter delivered what he called “a rather melancholy footnote in NBA history” when informing the Los Angeles crowd that Adebayo had surpassed Bryant’s total, drawing boos from some fans.

Houston’s Kevin Durant acknowledged the physical demands of attempting 43 shots in a single game, noting Adebayo’s visible exhaustion afterward. The Heat star’s red jersey appeared significantly darker than his teammates’ uniforms by game’s end, completely saturated with perspiration despite typically changing at halftime.

“It doesn’t matter how you get there. All that matters is that you got it,” Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “Like in 30 years from now, nobody’s going to remember how many free throws he shot. I don’t think I remember how many shots Kobe had or how many free throws he made or 3s. All you remember is 81. Wilt, 100. At the end of the day, he got 83 points.”

Statistical analysis reveals how rare Adebayo’s sustained excellence was throughout the contest. Over the past 30 seasons, players have scored at least 15 first-quarter points 2,873 times during regular season and playoff games combined.

Among those strong starts, players maintain that production by scoring double digits in the second quarter only 9.5% of the time. Just 3.3% manage double-digit scoring in both the second and third quarters, while merely 0.8% achieve double figures in every quarter.

Adebayo’s performance created global social media buzz, with “Bam” and “Kobe” alternating as the top trending topics on X throughout Tuesday evening.

The timing held special significance, as Tuesday marked exactly 15 years since Bryant’s frustrating loss to Miami on March 10, 2011. Following that defeat, Bryant remained on the court for a 90-minute shooting session while his teammates went to dinner, punishing himself for his poor performance.

Despite never meeting Bryant personally, Adebayo wore his signature sneakers for years and treasures a Bryant jersey received at the 2020 All-Star Game, distributed roughly one month after the Lakers legend died in a helicopter accident.

“Someone I idolized,” Adebayo said. “This is crazy to me.”

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry will remain out of action for at least another 10 days while recovering from persistent right knee problems, the team announced Wednesday.

The veteran guard, who celebrates his 38th birthday this Saturday, has already been absent for 15 straight games due to patellofemoral pain syndrome. Following his latest medical evaluation, team officials report that Curry continues making positive strides in his recovery and has resumed individual basketball workouts on the court, which will gradually increase in intensity.

Medical staff will reassess Curry’s condition in 10 days, after which he would typically need to complete a structured return-to-play protocol involving practice sessions and full-contact scrimmages before receiving clearance for game action.

This timeline means Curry will be unavailable for at least six more contests, including Golden State’s road matchup in Atlanta on March 21, leaving just 11 regular season games remaining after that point.

The Warriors had originally anticipated Curry’s return following the All-Star break, though he opted to skip this year’s All-Star festivities due to his injury.

Curry’s absence has been felt significantly by Golden State, as he leads the team with 27.2 points per game. His last appearance came on January 30 against Detroit, and the Warriors have posted a disappointing 5-10 record during his current injury stint, with an overall mark of 9-17 when he’s unavailable this season.

The team’s struggles continued Tuesday night with a 130-124 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls at home, marking their third consecutive defeat and fifth loss in their last six outings.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has entered free agency for the first time in his career.

The Cardinals parted ways with Murray on Wednesday, concluding his seven-year tenure with the organization and opening the door for him to join a new team.

According to reports, the Minnesota Vikings have identified Murray as a top target. Murray isn’t the sole veteran quarterback to hit the market on Wednesday’s opening day of the league year.

The Atlanta Falcons also parted ways with Kirk Cousins, cutting short his Atlanta career after just two years of a four-year, $180 million contract he inked when departing Minnesota in March 2024.

Arizona’s decision to cut Murray before March 15 allowed the team to limit their 2026 financial commitment to $36.8 million. Had they waited until Saturday, a $19.5 million guarantee would have become active. The team used a post-June 1 designation for Murray, a financial strategy that spreads his remaining contract impact across two seasons for salary cap management.

The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback was sidelined for 12 contests last season due to a foot ailment and has completed a full regular-season schedule only once over the past five seasons.

Murray, who was selected first overall in the 2019 draft after winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy, worked under two different head coaches during his Arizona tenure. The team recently brought in Mike LaFleur as their third coach, replacing Jonathan Gannon.

In Indianapolis, the Colts lifted the transition tag from Daniel Jones after the quarterback agreed to a two-year, $88 million deal.

Jones was experiencing a career resurgence before suffering a leg injury last season. His attempt to continue playing while injured ultimately led to a season-ending Achilles tear in December.

During 13 games in 2025, Jones completed 68.0 percent of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Throughout his career, Murray has accumulated 121 touchdown passes against 60 interceptions across 87 regular-season appearances. Should he select Minneapolis as his destination, Murray would potentially team up with running back Aaron Jones, who recently agreed to a restructured one-year contract to remain with Minnesota.

Reports suggest Cousins could be among the veteran options Arizona considers. He has a connection with LaFleur from their Washington days, where Cousins started his NFL journey backing up Robert Griffin III.

In Atlanta, the Falcons signed former Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year agreement. With Cousins no longer in the picture and Michael Penix Jr. recovering from ACL surgery, Tagovailoa provides new head coach Kevin Stefanski with an experienced starter should Penix not be ready for the season opener.

The New York Jets acquired Geno Smith from Las Vegas before the Raiders could release the 35-year-old signal-caller. NFL Network reported that Smith received a $1 million increase to his $18.5 million salary to facilitate the deal, with Las Vegas covering more than $13 million in 2006.

Baltimore secured a pass rusher just one day after the Maxx Crosby deal collapsed due to a failed physical examination.

The Ravens landed Trey Hendrickson on a four-year contract reportedly valued at $112 million. The 31-year-old Hendrickson appeared in seven games last season before core muscle surgery ended his campaign.

After leading the NFL with 35 total sacks in 2023-24, Hendrickson managed just 4.0 sacks in his injury-shortened 2025 season.

Safety Kevin Byard III rejoined Mike Vrabel in New England, inking a one-year, $9 million contract with the Patriots.

Byard topped the NFL with seven interceptions last season while playing for Chicago. He previously suited up for Vrabel’s Tennessee squad, which selected him in the third round of 2016. Vrabel led the Titans from 2018 through 2023.

New England also brought in wide receiver Romeo Doubs from Green Bay on a four-year deal and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker from the Jets on a three-year contract.

Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Buffalo, according to multiple reports.

He joins wide receiver DJ Moore, who Buffalo officially obtained from Chicago in exchange for a second-round selection. These signings were enabled by quarterback Josh Allen, who restructured his deal to create over $12 million in salary cap room, per multiple reports.

Miami officially released Chubb on Wednesday with a post-June 1 designation, and he quickly signed with the AFC East rival Bills.

Chubb carried a $31.2 million cap hit for 2026, and Miami made several roster cuts to meet Wednesday’s 4 p.m. ET salary cap deadline.

Chubb paced Miami with 8.5 sacks in 2025. Buffalo’s Joey Bosa remains a free agent and is not anticipated to return.

Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo joined the Washington Commanders, who had an active day filling roster needs.

Okonkwo posted career-high statistics with Tennessee in 2025, recording 56 catches for 560 yards. He has scored eight touchdowns across 68 games since Tennessee drafted him in the fourth round of 2022.

Additional moves confirmed by teams as official Wednesday transactions:

Cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded from Kansas City to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2026 first-round pick (29th overall), a 2026 fifth-round selection, a 2026 sixth-round choice, and a 2027 third-round pick.

Linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean both signed three-year deals with Las Vegas.

Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce re-signed on a one-year contract worth a reported $12 million.

The Jets acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins.

Cleveland obtained right tackle Tytus Howard from Houston in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Pittsburgh defensive end Cameron Heyward re-signed on a one-year deal worth a reported $18 million.

Center Elgton Jenkins signed a two-year contract worth a reported $24 million with Cleveland.

Baltimore Ravens have landed one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, signing four-time Pro Bowl defender Trey Hendrickson to a massive four-year contract worth $112 million, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The source requested anonymity since the deal cannot be officially completed until the new league year begins at 4 p.m. Eastern time.

This signing comes after Baltimore withdrew from a major trade deal for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby on Tuesday night. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Crosby did not pass his medical examination. The source spoke anonymously due to the confidential nature of medical information.

With the failed Crosby trade behind them, Baltimore retained the pair of first-round selections they would have sent to Las Vegas and immediately shifted focus to landing the top available pass rusher in free agency.

The 31-year-old Hendrickson earned All-Pro recognition with Cincinnati in 2024, topping the league with 17.5 quarterback sacks. His 2023 campaign was limited to just seven contests due to injury concerns, during which he recorded four sacks.

Throughout his nine-year professional career split between New Orleans and Cincinnati, Hendrickson has accumulated 81 career sacks. He has achieved double-digit sack totals in four different seasons, including back-to-back 17.5-sack campaigns in 2023 and 2024.