Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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ADVISORIES
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Details about the AP Sports Year End package, including Male and Female Athletes of the Year, can be found here.
The Associated Press is introducing a new game recap format for NBA, NHL and college basketball games. Details can be found here.
The AP is retiring the BBA and BBN slugs for baseball coverage beginning with the 2024-25 offseason. Details can be found here.
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UPCOMING
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BKC--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK
DESCRIPTION: Following a quiet couple of weeks, the college basketball ramps back up in full force with four games between ranked teams on Saturday. By John Marshall. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 3 a.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 05:00 a.m. EST, Text
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TEN--BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL
DESCRIPTION: World No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has started her Brisbane International singles campaign with a 6-4, 6-0 win Tuesday over Renata Zarazua of Mexico.
SENT: By 12/31/2024 05:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK
DESCRIPTION: Rutgers coach Coquese Washington has seen the Big Ten grow over the years from her time leading Penn State to now being in charge of the Scarlet Knights. Her team is going through a rough part of the conference schedule with three straight games against top 10 opponents with games this week at No. 8 Maryland and home against fourth-ranked USC. Rutgers lost to No. 10 Ohio State on Sunday. The Big Ten added No. 1 UCLA and USC this season making a strong conference even better. There are currently four schools from the conference in the top 10. Having UCLA and USC as travel partners makes for a daunting week for everyone in the conference. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Upcoming: 450 words.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 06:00 a.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-ROSE BOWL-SMITH
DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES -- Jeremiah Smith isn’t just the next great Ohio State wide receiver. Cornerback Denzel Burke believes Smith will be the best receiver in school history. Smith is certainly on that trajectory after smashing Cris Carter’s records for receptions, yardage and touchdown catches by a Buckeyes freshman. The Miami Gardens, Florida product should only add to his 63 grabs, 1,037 yards and 12 scores against No. 1 Oregon in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 06:00 a.m. EST, Text
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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
DESCRIPTION: DENVER -- Count Sean Payton among those second-guessing his decision to go for the tie and not the win at the end of regulation at Cincinnati last weekend. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 08:00 a.m. EST, Text
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HKN--BRUINS-CAPITALS
DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON -- The Boston Bruins look to string together back-to-back wins when they visit Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in a New Year’s Eve matinee. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos, breakouts on merit.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 12:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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BKC--T25-WEST VIRGINIA-KANSAS
DESCRIPTION: LAWRENCE, Kan. — West Virginia plays Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts 1 p.m. CT.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 02:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--SUN BOWL
DESCRIPTION: Louisville plays Washington at Sun Bowl. UPCOMING: 350 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 02:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--COMMANDERS-MAKING THE PLAYOFFS
DESCRIPTION: LANDOVER, Md. -- The Washington Commanders are in the playoffs in their first season with general manager Adam Peters, coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels. The turnaround comes after they went 4-13 in 2023 under the old regime overseen by Ron Rivera. Defensive tackle Daron Payne forecasted it in January. Punter Tress Way saw it coming when Peters started free agents who tormented Washington over the years. Newcomers and holdovers alike figured it out along the way as they watch Daniels adjust to the NFL and the rest of the roster coalesce around him. By Stephen Whyno. UPCOMING: 950 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 02:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKN--BUCKS-PACERS
DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers play their final home game in 2024 on Tuesday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers are coming off an impressive win at Boston. The Bucks have lost two in a row. UPCOMING: 300 words, with photos. Game time is 3 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 03:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS
DESCRIPTION: Nick Sirianni’s dilemma should be an easy decision. Team goals come before individual accomplishments. Resting Saquon Barkley and key starters to prepare for the playoffs has to be the priority for the Philadelphia Eagles. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 03:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- Texas is returning to Atlanta for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, looking for a better result than its last trip. After losing to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference title game, the Longhorns have their sights on a bigger prize as they take on surprising Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. By National Writer Paul Newberry. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos by 3 p.m. EST. With: FBC--CFP-Peach Bowl Preview-Capsule.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 03:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBC--TEXAS BOWL
DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — Baylor looks to extend its winning streak to seven games when the Bears meet LSU in the Texas Bowl in the first game between these teams since the 1985 Liberty Bowl. UPCOMING: 600 words. Photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 03:30 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--RELIAQUEST BOWL
DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — No. 11 Alabama faces Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. By Fred Goodall. UPCOMING: 500 words, Game starts at 12 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 03:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--PRO PICKS-WEEK 18
DESCRIPTION: The NFC’s No. 1 seed, three division titles and one wild-card spot are still up for grabs in Week 18. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 04:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--VIRGINIA TECH-DUKE
DESCRIPTION: Virginia Tech plays Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium. UPCOMING: 250 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 04:30 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: NEW ORLEANS -- Notre Dame playing Georgia in the Sugar Bowl has a classic ring to it, and for good reason. They clashed in the Superdome to close out the 1980-81 season and will return to face one another in the same venue on Wednesday night in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. By Brett Martel. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 05:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON’S MVP BID
DESCRIPTION: OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A third MVP would put Lamar Jackson even with all-time greats like Tom Brady and Jim Brown, and although Josh Allen is still the favorite this year, Jackson’s stats are becoming tough to ignore. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 5 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 05:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--LIONS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The Detroit Lions will have a short week to prepare for a high-stakes game against Minnesota, playing for the NFC’s No. 1 seed in their regular season finale. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 06:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CITRUS BOWL
DESCRIPTION: ORLANDO, Fla. — No. 14 South Carolina plays No. 21 Illinois in the Citrus Bowl. By Philip Rossman-Reich. UPCOMING: 500 words. Game starts at 3 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 06:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--49ERS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers await word on the extent of an elbow injury to quarterback Brock Purdy following a loss to Detroit. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 07:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-FIESTA BOWL
DESCRIPTION: No. 8 Boise State returns to the site of its greatest win to face No. 5 Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. By John Marshall. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Starts at 7:30 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 11:00 p.m. EST, Text
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HKN--BLUES-BLACKHAWKS
DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — Jordan Kyrou and the St. Louis Blues play Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field in the NHL Winter Classic. It’s the first Winter Classic rematch after the franchises also played in the 2017 game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. By Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 5 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 08:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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BKN--CAVALIERS-LAKERS
DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — LeBron James plays his first game since turning 40 against a familiar foe as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Cleveland Cavaliers. By Joe Reedy. 300 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2024 09:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--LIONS-49ERS
Lions beat the 49ers 40-34 in a tune-up for Week 18 division showdown
SUMMARY: Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes and the Detroit Lions tuned up for their Week 18 division showdown against Minnesota by beating the San Francisco 49ers 40-34. Goff threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown in the final minute of the third quarter following the first of Kerby Joseph’s two second-half interceptions against Brock Purdy in a rematch of last season’s NFC title game won by San Francisco. That proved to be enough for the Lions to extend their franchise record for wins in a season as they beat the 49ers on the road for the first time since 1975.
WORDS: 928 - MOVED: 12/31/2024 01:27 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f03c46c482a93aa239b6f4e3b497e69f&mediaType=text
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US--LAX RUNWAY-GONZAGA PLANE
A jet carrying the Gonzaga men’s basketball team ordered to stop to avoid collision at LAX
SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed a runway as another flight was taking off at Los Angeles International Airport. The plane operated by Key Lime Air was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as a Delta aircraft took off Friday. No one was injured. Gonzaga was in Los Angeles for its game against UCLA on Saturday. Key Lime Air did not respond to a request for comment Monday. Los Angeles World Airports referred a media inquiry to the FAA, and a Delta spokesperson said there were no problems for its aircraft.
WORDS: 516 - MOVED: 12/31/2024 01:24 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b04ef8777113ae179a1a0b9d2415b741&mediaType=text
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FBN--49ERS-PURDY
Brock Purdy’s elbow was ‘on fire’ after hit but he says his surgically repaired ligament is fine
SUMMARY: Brock Purdy hurt his surgically repaired throwing elbow late in a loss to the Detroit Lions, the latest blow in an injury-plagued season for the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy said his elbow was initially “on fire” after getting hurt on a sack late in a 40-34 loss and he will need to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Purdy said initial tests showed no damage to the ulnar collateral ligament he hurt in a 2022 NFC title-game loss at Philadelphia, and he hopes to play the season finale on Sunday.
WORDS: 578 - MOVED: 12/31/2024 01:21 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4184f13b1dc0025c70a9ae014055128f&mediaType=text
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BKN—NUGGETS-JAZZ
Westbrook has ‘perfect’ triple-double, 0 turnovers in Nuggets’ 132-121 win over Jazz
SUMMARY: Russell Westbrook became the second player in NBA history to have a triple-double with zero turnovers and shoot 100% from the field and the free-throw line in the Denver Nuggets’ 132-121 win over the Utah Jazz. Westbrook finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He shot 7 for 7 from the field and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line to join Domantas Sabonis in the history books. Nikola Jokic also had a triple-double with 36 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists, and Jamal Murray had 10 assists to go along with 20 points. Jordan Clarkson scored 24 for the Jazz.
WORDS: 339 - MOVED: 12/31/2024 12:19 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:894c09f0e3aac5b1c9ea69eea8cf6854&mediaType=text
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BBO--SASAKI
Roki Sasaki might visit 1 or 2 teams before deciding which club he wants to sign with
SUMMARY: Prized Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki might visit one or two teams before deciding which club he wants to sign with. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, says 20 teams submitted information to the 23-year-old right-hander, who listened this month to presentations from clubs with a two-hour limit at the office of Wasserman Media Group in Los Angeles. Sasaki returned to Japan and is considering how he wants to proceed ahead of the signing window, which runs from Jan. 15-23. Wolfe said Sasaki is likely to narrow the field but might meet with one or two more clubs.
WORDS: 846 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 09:08 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d062c703597796af6aa6679ae510e8ea&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-ROSE BOWL-OLDER QUARTERBACKS
The upperclassmen: Oregon, Ohio St. leaned on well-traveled veteran QBs to reach Rose Bowl, CFP
SUMMARY: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel is in his sixth season with his third top program. Ohio State’s Will Howard is in his fifth year at his second school. Combined, they’ve thrown 3,192 collegiate passes for 230 touchdowns even before they meet in the Ducks-Buckeyes rematch that doubles as the most anticipated of the four College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Gabriel is among the biggest proponents of what has become the new normal. Quality players can make hefty NIL money while playing elite college football to their full eligibility instead of filling out an NFL depth chart.
WORDS: 802 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 08:18 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:62e40a36f66975131c3b42e34c71a842&mediaType=text
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BKC--FLORIDA STATE-HAMILTON-LAWSUIT
Six former Florida State players sue coach Leonard Hamilton over failed NIL payments
SUMMARY: Six former Florida State basketball players are suing Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton and alleging he failed to make good on a promise to get each of them $250,000 in name, image and likeness compensation. Darin Green Jr., De’Ante Green, Cam’Ron Fletcher, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears and Jalen Warley filed suit Monday in Leon County Circuit Court. The former players allege Hamilton promised them the money from his “business partners.” The lawsuit says they walked out of a practice last season over the missed payments and intended to boycott a game against Duke. The suit says they ended up playing amid a guarantee they would be paid but never were. The university says it’s still investigating but knows of “no unfulfilled commitments by FSU.”
WORDS: 448 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 06:38 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6210df389eb8287576aa848646ec6ea8&mediaType=text
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BKN--LEBRON AT 40-WHAT’S NEXT
On his 40th, LeBron James says he could play “another 5 or 7 years.” He won’t stay around that long
SUMMARY: LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday by saying he could still play at an elite NBA level for another five to seven years if he wanted. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar also said Monday he has no intention of staying in basketball that long. James has always vowed to leave the game before his skills declined, but they’ve shown no signs of doing so as he joins the small group of NBA players to suit up past 40. James also said it’s “kind of laughable, really,” when he thinks about how he has lasted for a record-tying 22 seasons.
WORDS: 699 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 06:28 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:65e0a225655a63796b62b1fc076d7970&mediaType=text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
Dismal Man United loses again at home as Ipswich upsets Chelsea in Premier League
SUMMARY: Manchester United has lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the Premier League on another chastening night for new coach Ruben Amorim. Alexander Isak scored for the sixth game in a row and Joelinton made it two as Newcastle overwhelmed a ragged United. Chelsea remains one place and three points above fifth-place Newcastle even after a 2-0 defeat at lowly Ipswich. The Blues had much of the play but could not find their range as Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson gave Ipswich its first home win of the season. A late goal from Tariq Lamptey gave Brighton a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa. Villa is in ninth place and Brighton is 10th.
WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 05:53 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2caa49c612d92145160cdf6006541317&mediaType=text
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US--FBI-ATHLETE HOME BURGLARIES
FBI issues warning to leagues about organized crime groups targeting pro athletes
SUMMARY: The FBI is warning sports leagues about crime organizations targeting professional athletes. This comes following a string of burglaries at the homes of prominent NFL and NBA players. ABC News obtained an FBI report outlining how homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches and cash. The NFL and NBA already had issued security alerts to their players after the break-ins, some of which have come when players were with their teams for road games. Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete to fall victim.
WORDS: 323 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 05:12 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1f1fa84bcab6ba49cc127949c8688816&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-FIESTA BOWL PREVIEW
No. 8 Boise State and No. 5 Penn State look for next step in College Football Playoff quarterfinals
SUMMARY: Boise State has taken that long-awaited next step, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time, 17 years after a program-shifting win. Awaiting the No. 8 Broncos in the desert is another team that made a breakthrough. No. 5 Penn State also is in its first CFP playoff, shaking its can’t-win-the-big-game reputation with a victory over SMU. The prize in Tuesday’s Fiesta Bowl: a trip to the CFP semifinals. Boise got here behind Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. The Nittany Lions earned their spot behind a stout defense and one of the nation’s best tight ends in Tyler Warren.
WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 03:41 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd136570d9f2b49c1d20a676d5ea4cac&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-CFP PICKS
College Football Playoff picks: Broncos and Sun Devils embrace their underdog roles in quarterfinals
SUMMARY: The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are here and six of the eight teams are no strangers to the big stage. Boise State and Arizona State are out to show they belong. They’re top-four seeds as conference champions and both are double-digit underdogs. The Broncos arrived for Tuesday’s Fiesta Bowl wearing T-shirts saying “Please Count Us Out” in capital letters. Penn State is an 11-point favorite. Texas is a 12 1/2-point favorite against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on Wednesday. Other New Year’s playoff games are Ohio State-Oregon in the Rose Bowl and Notre Dame-Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
WORDS: 964 - MOVED: 12/30/2024 01:48 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7020eb9e5775aa64afd61540c9d0730e&mediaType=text
