National Sports - The Morning Sun

Nebraska NCAA college pole vaulter Jessica Gardner poses Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. As has been the case with other female athletes who are monetizing their social media followings, it's typical for her looks to be the subject of comments on her videos, comments that can range from genuinely complimentary to inappropriate — or worse. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

College athlete influencers confront security concerns

The number of college athletes who are monetizing their social media followings has grown over the past 18 months. The NCAA cleared the way for athletes to cash in on their celebrity in July 2021. … more

By ERIC OLSON | 3/27/23

Englands' Harry Kane reacts during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Harry Kane has a decision to make about his future

Harry Kane likely knew what was awaiting him after he celebrated becoming England’s all-time leading scorer. Confirmation of Antonio Conte’s departure from Tottenham by “mutual agreement” … more

By JAMES ROBSON | 3/27/23

Houston Astros' Jose Abreu hits a double to score Jeremy Pena during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

José Abreu, Trea Turner among key players in new spots

José Abreu and Trea Turner are among a group of key players who could have a big impact on new teams this season. Abreu has been one of baseball’s most consistent performers since his big league … more

By JAY COHEN | 3/27/23

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) celebrates a goal by right wing Gabriel Vilardi with teammates as St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) lays on the ice during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Kings set franchise record with point in 12th straight game

Viktor Arvidsson had two goals for the second straight game, Adrian Kempe also scored twice and the Los Angeles Kings extended their point streak to a franchise-record 12 games in a 7-6 win over the … more

By DAN GREENSPAN | 3/27/23

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) steps back before shooting a 3-point basket as Louisville guard Morgan Jones (24) closes in on defense during the second quarter of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)

Caitlin Clark leads Iowa to first Final Four since 1993

Caitlin Clark put on a show with 41 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to help No. 2 seed Iowa beat fifth-seeded Louisville 97-83 and send the the Hawkeyes to their first women's Final Four in 30 … more

By DOUG FEINBERG | 3/26/23

Tyler Reddick steers through Turn 15 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Circuit of the Americas, Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

Reddick survives late restarts to earn NASCAR victory COTA

Tyler Reddick scored his first victory with new team 23XI Racing by holding on over multiple late restarts to win in triple overtime Sunday at Circuit of the Americas. The race was the first on a … more

By JIM VERTUNO | 3/26/23

New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe rounds the bases after hitting a two run homer in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Friday, March 24, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Top prospect Volpe, 21, wins Yankees' starting shortstop job

Anthony Volpe grew up watching Derek Jeter star at shortstop for the New York Yankees. Now, the 21-year-old is getting the chance to be the Yankees’ opening day shortstop Thursday against the San … more

By MARK DIDTLER | 3/26/23

FILE - Tottenham's head coach Antonio Conte listens during a news conference ahead of a Champions League, round of 16, first leg soccer match between AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. Tottenham announced that manager Antonio Conte has left the Premier League club "by mutual agreement." (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham by mutual agreement

Antonio Conte has left his position as Tottenham manager by mutual agreement. The Premier League club has announced the Italian's departure and appointed his assistant Cristian Stellini as acting … more

By JAMES ROBSON | 3/26/23

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Bulls spoil LeBron's return with 118-108 win over Lakers

LeBron James scored 19 points off the bench in his return from a monthlong injury absence, but Zach LaVine scored 32 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 118-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. … more

By GREG BEACHAM | 3/26/23

Florida Atlantic's Isaiah Gaines (5) holds the trophy as Florida Atlantic players celebrate after defeating Kansas State in an Elite 8 college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament's East Region final, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Final Four newcomers: Grab your name tag at the door

Everyone’s heard of UConn. The rest of the participants in next weekend's Final Four may need name tags. When they travel to Houston to play for the national title, Florida Atlantic and San Diego … more

By EDDIE PELLS | 3/26/23

Atlanta Braves pitcher Dylan Dodd throws in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in North Port, Fla., Saturday, March 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Braves rookies get rotation spots with Wright headed to IL

The Atlanta Braves will open the season with two rookie left-handers in their rotation while giving right-hander Kyle Wright more time to prepare for his first start. Wright was told he would start … more

3/26/23

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Doncic, Mavericks suffer another costly loss to the Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets overcame a 40-point outing from Luka Doncic to defeat Dallas for the second time in three days 110-104. It also is another costly blow to the Mavericks’ playoff hopes. Gordon … more

By STEVE REED | 3/26/23

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, left, and forward Anthony Davis chat as they sit on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday, March 24, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LeBron James returns but doesn't start after month's absence

LeBron James has returned to the Los Angeles Lakers after a monthlong injury absence, but he was held out of the starting lineup. The Lakers declared James available for their game against the … more

By GREG BEACHAM | 3/26/23

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Charlotte Hornets forwards P.J. Washington (25) and Gordon Hayward (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Doncic picks up 16th technical, faces 1-game suspension

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has picked up his 16th technical foul of the season and now faces a one-game suspension. Unless the NBA office rescinds the technical, Doncic will be forced to sit … more

3/26/23

Englands' Harry Kane, left, makes an attempt to score past Ukraine's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Kane extends England goals record in 2-0 win against Ukraine

Harry Kane’s golden touch continued for England as he struck a record-extending 55th goal for his country in a 2-0 win against Ukraine. The Tottenham striker had already surpassed Wayne Rooney as … more

By JAMES ROBSON | 3/26/23

UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after cutting down the netting from the 82-54 win against Gonzaga of an Elite 8 college basketball game in the West Region final of the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

UConn's return to prominence has been a family affair

Dan Hurley got choked up when asked about his dad on the eve of UConn’s Sweet 16 game. Tears flowed again before the Huskies’ Elite Eight game, this time from thinking about what he considers his … more

By JOHN MARSHALL | 3/26/23

Oxford, right, and Cambridge pass under Hammersmith Bridgeduring the 168th Men's Boat Race 2023 on the River Thames, London, Sunday March 26, 2023. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP)

Double win for Cambridge over Oxford in annual Boat Race

It’s four wins out of five for Cambridge in one of England’s oldest sporting events after it powered to victory over Oxford in the men’s Boat Race. And it was a bold move by Cambridge cox … more

3/26/23

Protesters wave Palestinian flag during a protest in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 20, 2023. Hundreds of conservative Muslims have marched to the streets Monday in Indonesia's capital to protest against the Israeli team's participation in the FIFA World Cup Under-20 in Indonesia.(AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Indonesia's issues with Israel delay FIFA U20 World Cup draw

FIFA has postponed the men’s Under-20 World Cup finals draw because of host nation Indonesia’s issues with Israel having qualified. The Indonesian soccer federation has confirmed the postponement … more

By GRAHAM DUNBAR | 3/26/23

Manchester City's Phil Foden reacts during the English FA Cup quarter final soccer match between Manchester City and Burnley at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, March 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

England star Phil Foden misses game after appendix surgery

England player Phil Foden has been ruled out of the European Championship qualifier against Ukraine after having his appendix removed hours before kickoff. The Football Association said the … more

3/26/23

In a photo provided by Benoit Photo, The Chosen Vron and jockey Hector I. Berrios, left, battle Indian Peak, with Juan Hernadez, as The Chosen Vron goes on to win the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes horse race Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif. (Benoit Photo via AP)

Horse racing's national anti-doping program starts Monday

Horse racing’s efforts to clean up the sport and level the playing field are taking another step forward with the launch of a new anti-doping program. It’s an attempt to centralize the drug … more

By BETH HARRIS | 3/26/23