National Sports - The Morning Sun

Jordan Spieth, of the United States, watches his hit from the sand on the third hole during the third round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club, in New Providence, Bahamas, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Jordan Spieth pushes back on report that Patrick Cantlay is calling shots in PGA Tour negotiations

Jordan Spieth is pushing back on a report that Patrick Cantlay has seized control of PGA Tour board negotiations over the proposed agreement with the backers of LIV Golf. Sports Illustrated says … more

By DOUG FERGUSON | 12/8/23

Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. pose for a photo with the Heisman Trophy, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in New York. The Heisman Trophy will be announced Saturday, Dec. 9. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

This year's Heisman finalists are an ode to college football's portal/NIL era with 3 transfer QBs

This year’s Heisman Trophy ceremony is an ode to the new era of college sports, transformed by the transfer portal and NIL. Three of the four finalists are transfer quarterbacks who blossomed into … more

By RALPH D. RUSSO | 12/8/23

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott meets with reporters after the team's NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. The Bills won 32-6. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes )

Sean McDermott says he feels support from team as he again addresses 9/11 hijacker comments

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott says he recognizes his mistakes while also noting he still has the support of the team in light of a questionable comparison he made four years ago in crediting the … more

12/8/23

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy responds to questions during a news conference after the team's NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

McCarthy back with Cowboys after appendectomy, set to call plays against Eagles

Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is back with the team after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. The procedure came four days before he planned to be the sideline for an NFC East showdown with … more

By SCHUYLER DIXON | 12/8/23

FILE - Spain's Jon Rahm, right greets United States' Phil Mickelson on the 1st tee during a practice round for the British Open Golf Championships at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Open starts Thursday, July 20. Rahm has been saying that he plays golf for history and for legacy, not for money. And now he's playing for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League in a shocking departure from the PGA Tour. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File)

Column: So much for peace and harmony in the world of golf as Jon Rahm heads to LIV

So much for peace and harmony in the world of golf. Jon Rahm’s defection from the PGA Tour to Saudi-funded LIV shows just how fractured the sport remains, even as it faces an end-of-the year … more

By PAUL NEWBERRY | 12/8/23

FIOLE - Spain players celebrates after winning the Women's World Cup soccer final against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. The U.S. Soccer Federation and Mexico Football Federation submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, competing against an expected proposal from Brazil and a joint Germany-Netherlands-Belgium plan. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

US and Mexico submit joint bid to host 2027 Women's World Cup

The U.S. Soccer Federation and Mexico Football Federation submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, competing against an expected proposal from Brazil and a joint … more

12/8/23

FILE - Incoming NCAA president Charlie Baker speaks during the NCAA Convention, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, in San Antonio. Baker wants to create a new tier of Division I where athlete can be paid by schools. The new subdivision for schools with the most athletic resources could offer unlimited educational benefits, enter into name, image and likeness partnerships with athletes and compensate them through a trust fund (AP Photo/Darren Abate, File)

The NCAA is looking at how to get athletes paid. That likely won't solve its legal headaches

NCAA President Charlie Baker’s call for sweeping changes in compensating athletes comes with the organization facing a series of high-profile lawsuits. Baker says some schools should be required to … more

By JOHN ZENOR and CLIFF BRUNT | 12/8/23

FILE - Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

MLS commissioner says 2023 was undeniably the Year of Messi but season also had other high points

The 2023 Major League Soccer season was undeniably the year of Lionel Messi. The World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived at Inter Miami this summer and changed the league. … more

By ANNE M. PETERSON | 12/8/23

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma yells at players on his bench during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma forced to change strategy after injuries and 5-3 start

UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma thought he had put together the pieces to make a strong run at a 12th national championship this season. Even after losing a potential starter in 6-foot-5 … more

By PAT EATON-ROBB | 12/8/23

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) yells after a play against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a semifinal in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Haliburton and Pacers to meet James and the Lakers for the NBA's In-Season Tournament title

Tyrese Haliburton can change his own narrative on Saturday night. And LeBron James gets a chance to add yet another prize to his legacy. It’s a game that doesn’t count in the standings but still … more

12/8/23

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates after scoring against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Analysis: If a kicker once won the AP NFL MVP award, Tyreek Hill or another non-QB can win it

Tyreek Hill’s record-breaking pace this season has led to a persistent question that’s become a hot topic on debate shows. Can Hill become the first wide receiver to win the AP NFL MVP award? … more

By ROB MAADDI | 12/8/23

Southern California guard Bronny James warms up before an NCAA college basketball game against Gonzaga Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Sam Morris)

USC's Bronny James returns to full-contact practice for 1st time since cardiac arrest

Bronny James has returned to full-contact practice for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest in July, paving the way for the son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James to make his … more

By BETH HARRIS | 12/8/23

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after making a 3-point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a semifinal in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

LeBron James scores 30 points, Lakers rout Pelicans 133-89 to reach tournament final

LeBron James scored 30 points in less than three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers steamrolled the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 on Thursday night to reach the championship game in the NBA In-Season … more

By MARK ANDERSON | 12/7/23

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Bailey Zappe throws for 3 TDs, Patriots damage Steelers' playoff hopes with 21-18 win

Bailey Zappe threw three first-half touchdown passes, and the New England Patriots snapped a five-game skid while damaging the playoff hopes of the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 21-18 victory. Zappe … more

By WILL GRAVES | 12/7/23

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cam Talbot (39) is congratulated for the team's shutout win over the Montreal Canadiens by Drew Doughty (8) and Blake Lizotte (46), after an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Kings blank Canadiens 4-0, set the NHL record with their 11th straight road win to open season

Quinton Byfield had two goals and an assist, Cam Talbot earned a shutout and the Los Angeles Kings beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 Thursday night for their NHL record 11th road victory to open the … more

12/7/23

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, front right, defends during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

NBA In-Season Tournament not lacking in the Las Vegas glitz and glamour

When league officials decided to play the semifinals and championship game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, they knew it wouldn’t be an understated affair. And it hasn’t … more

By MARK ANDERSON | 12/7/23

FILE -Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz coaches against Iowa during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in State College, Pa. Duke has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its head coach, a person with direct knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Thursday night, Dec. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Duke hires Penn State DC and ex-Miami coach Manny Diaz to lead Blue Devils, AP source says

A person with direct knowledge of the move says Duke has hired Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz as its head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on on condition of anonymity … more

By RALPH D. RUSSO | 12/7/23

Pacers beat Bucks 128-119 to advance to NBA In-Season Tournament final

Tyrese Haliburton scored 27 points and the Indiana Pacers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 128-119 on Thursday to advance to the championship game int the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. On Saturday … more

By W.G. RAMIREZ | 12/7/23

Jacksonville Jaguars fans cheer the team during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Jags employee charged with stealing $22M gambled away 99% of funds, plans guilty plea, lawyer says

A former Jacksonville Jaguars financial manager accused of stealing more than $22 million from the franchise has a gambling addiction and plans to plead guilty to resolve federal charges filed … more

By MARK LONG | 12/7/23

FILE - Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) plays against the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game Oct. 8, 2023 in Minneapolis. Hicks is aiming to return to the field this season after a scary injury to his right leg sent him to a hospital for emergency surgery. Hicks took a blow to the shin during a routine tackle during a game last month. He developed swelling, pressure and intense pain in a condition called compartment syndrome that can cause severe damage or death if left untreated. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs, File)

Vikings LB Jordan Hicks aims to return this season after surgery for painfully scary leg injury

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is aiming to return to the field this season after a scary injury to his right leg sent him to a hospital for emergency surgery. Hicks took a blow to the … more

By DAVE CAMPBELL | 12/7/23