AP Sports Digest

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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UPCOMING

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

DESCRIPTION: A trendy preseason pick to go far in the postseason, the Detroit Lions won’t be playing beyond Sunday’s finale at Soldier Field. One of their fans, however, continues to have a big impact on the NFL’s playoff picture heading into the final weekend of the regular season. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-ALABAMA-DEFENSE

DESCRIPTION: Alabama’s defense is filled with comeback and redemption stories. There’s safety Bray Hubbard. There’s linebacker Deontae Lawson. There’s fellow linebacker Justin Jefferson. The trio leads the way for a unit that seems determined to make amends for a disappointing season last year. 635 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

DESCRIPTION: The NBA is dealing with a wave of injuries affecting top players. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Boston’s Jayson Tatum might miss the season, too. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Lakers’ LeBron James, and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams have all missed significant time. Now, Denver’s Nikola Jokic is sidelined after a knee injury. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: As the calendar changes to 2026, conference play gets into full swing this week. A handful of power four schools have had strong non-conference seasons and now will be their opportunity to show that they can play with the top teams in their league. Alabama and Georgia both are undefeated heading into Southeastern Conference play, going a combined 20-0 at home so far this season. They are two of the dozen unbeaten teams left in women’s college basketball. The Crimson Tide visit No. 3 South Carolina on New Years’ day while the Bulldogs play at 15th-ranked Ole Miss. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-LONG LAYOFFS

DESCRIPTION: No. 1 Indiana spent the past few weeks reveling in the luster of the best season in school history. Now, it’s time to get back to work. After celebrating their first Big Ten title in more than 50 years singing the school’s fight song and snapping photos of the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner in Times Square, the No. 1 seeded Hoosiers want to show the college football world that last year’s early exits by the top four seeds was simply a fluke. And the other top three seeds — Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech — all hope to do the same when the playoffs resume. By Michael Marot. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 6:10 a.m. EST, Text

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OLY--SAFESPORT-GYMNASTICS COACH

FORMATS: Alternate Headlines, Photo, Text

WITH: OLY--SAFESPORT-GYMNASTICS COACH

DESCRIPTION: A new Associated Press investigation reveals the agency in charge of investigating sex abuse in the U.S. missed a chance to turn now-arrested coach Sean Gardner’s temporary suspension into a lifetime ban. It’s a key failure in a case one person at the center called “Nassar 2.0,” in reference to Larry Nassar, whose own case brought abuot the creation of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. By Eddie Pells.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 8:00 a.m. EST

WITH: OLY--SAFESPORT-GYMNASTICS COACH TAKEWAYS

DESCRIPTION: Takeaways from a new Associated Press investigation revealing the agency in charge of investigating sex abuse in the U.S. missed a chance to turn now-arrested coach Sean Gardner’s temporary suspension into a lifetime ban. By Eddie Pells.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 8:00 a.m. EST

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-TOUR TALES

DESCRIPTION: Scottie Scheffler’s ruthless win over his caddie at Cypress Point. Miyu Yamashita rehearsing and sweating out her first public speaking in English. All are part of this year’s edition of “Tales from the Tour.” By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 1,200 words, photos. With GLF--Golf Notes.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 10:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--FALCONS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: The Atlanta Falcons are left with a final regular-season game against New Orleans in their lost season following Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Major questions await about the futures of coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. By Bill Trocchi. 650 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Six matches in the Premier League, including first-place Arsenal hosting third-place Aston Villa with just three points separating the title contenders. By Jerome Pugmire. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBC--MUSIC CITY BOWL

DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Volunteers play the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday with each team needing a win hoping to push themselves into the final AP Top 25 rankings. By Teresa M. Walker. 500 words, photos. Game starts at 5:30 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 9:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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BKN--PISTONS-LAKERS

DESCRIPTION: Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons visit Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. By Greg Beacham.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 10:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBC--ALAMO BOWL

DESCRIPTION: USC plays TCU in the Alamo Bowl. 450 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 12/30/2025 11:59 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKO--WORLD JUNIOR

BC’s James Hagens scores twice, US beats Slovakia 6-5 in world junior hockey

SUMMARY: Boston College forward James Hagens scored in a 1:03 span late in the second period and early in the third and the United States overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Slovakia 6-5 on Monday night in the world junior hockey championship. Hagens tied it at 4 with 45 seconds left in the second, then gave the Americans the lead 18 seconds into the third. The United States matched Sweden at 3-0 in Group A play ahead of their New Year’s Eve showdown. In the early game, Sweden had four power-play goals in an 8-1 romp over Germany.

WORDS: 500 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 1:20 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b127e62b2d1b1fd19d09c607b3f96b11&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-FALCONS

Robinson runs for 195 yards as Falcons recover to upset Rams 27-24 on 51-yard field goal by Gonzalez

SUMMARY: Zane Gonzalez kicked a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Falcons recovered after blowing two 21-point leads to upset the Los Angeles Rams 27-24. Bijan Robinson’s 93-yard touchdown run was the longest in Atlanta history. Jessie Bates III scored on a 34-yard interception return. The Falcons led 21-0 at halftime. Matthew Stafford recovered from throwing three interceptions to help the Rams pull even a 24-24. Stafford’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua tied the game. Robinson rushed for 195 yards and set the Falcons record for most scrimmage yards in a season.

WORDS: 961 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 12:55 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:731bf26a1d9587b6a1222084289d43c9&mediaType=text

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GLF--TIGER WOODS AT 50-PHOTO GALLERY

A look at Tiger Woods’ life as he turns 50, in photos

WORDS: 133 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 12:01 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:46cea636624aaf144bd8983a48e7518d&mediaType=text

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BKN--NUGGETS-JOKIC HURT

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hurts left knee, limps off court at halftime in Miami

SUMMARY: Denver star Nikola Jokic limped off the court at halftime during the Nuggets’ game in Miami on Monday night. He appeared to hurt his left knee with about three seconds left before the intermission. Jokic was alone under the basket and stepped forward to help Denver’s Spencer Jones defend a drive by Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. While backtracking, Jones stepped on Jokic’s left foot, and it seemed like the center’s knee buckled. Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, collapsed to the court, grabbing at the knee and writhing in pain. He was helped to his feet and seemed to be in pain as he went to the locker room.

WORDS: 662 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 11:45 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:977d15bbecd2b1954125618a4b6105e5&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF PICTURE

Panthers-Buccaneers matchup on Saturday isn’t quite winner-take-all

SUMMARY: The NFC South can only be decided on Saturday if Carolina beats Tampa Bay. Atlanta’s 27-24 victory over the Rams on Monday night means the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup isn’t quite winner-take-all. If Carolina wins, the Panthers (8-8) would secure the division title. If the Buccaneers (7-9) win, they will clinch their fifth straight division crown only if the Falcons lose or tie the Saints on Sunday. The Panthers hold the three-team tiebreaker if all three teams finish 8-9. The Buccaneers win the two-team tiebreaker with Carolina. Atlanta was eliminated in Week 14.

WORDS: 844 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 11:31 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2d97bbdffd5510ff0245edeb14408e81&mediaType=text

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US--HOUSE FIRE-NASCAR DRIVER

Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured

SUMMARY: Officials say the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived. Gaston County officials said Monday that firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story home near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic. Officials say 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin and 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin were found outside the home suffering from catastrophic injuries. Officials say Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital and Mary Lou Hamlin was being treated at a burn center.

WORDS: 392 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 8:52 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b3dcf4d0ee95278259943338d666319&mediaType=text

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SOC--AFCON-ROUNDUP

Host Morocco and South Africa join Egypt in Africa Cup knockout stage as Salah gets a rest

SUMMARY: Host nation Morocco and South Africa have advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations’ knockout stage. Egypt star Mohamed Salah got a rest with his team already through. Morocco made sure of its place in the last 16 with a 3-0 rout of Zambia. It ensures the hosts top Group A to stay on course for having all their knockout games in Rabat’s near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will also stage the final on January 18. Mali also progressed from Group A. Oswin Appollis moved South Africa into the last 16 with a 3-2 win over Zimbabwe.

WORDS: 735 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 7:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f332a9b07f5e3255b137619f23be12cb&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-FREEMAN

Marcus Freeman will return to Notre Dame after having his contract restructured, school confirms

SUMMARY: Notre Dame confirmed coach Marcus Freeman had his contract restructured and he will coach the Fighting Irish in 2026. SI.com first reported Freeman’s revised contract and that he notified two NFL teams that had contacted him about jobs that he would stay at Notre Dame. SI.com reported Freeman’s contract was extended one year, through 2031. Financial terms were not available. Freeman is 43-12 in four-plus seasons as head coach of the Irish. Notre Dame won 10 straight games following an 0-2 start and opted to not play in a bowl when it was passed over for a College Football Playoff spot.

WORDS: 287 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 6:36 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5e3b350dd84111281e1498979f027158&mediaType=text

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BOX--ANTHONY JOSHUA-NIGERIA

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is ‘stable’ after 2 die in car accident in Nigeria

SUMMARY: Anthony Joshua, the two-time former world heavyweight champion from Britain, is in a stable condition in the hospital after being involved in a car crash in Nigeria that killed two people who were close friends and team members. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing said on X that Joshua “sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment” and he will “remain there for observation.” It named Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele as the two passengers who had died. The crash occurred Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at about 11 a.m. local time. Nigeria is the homeland of Joshua’s parents. Joshua recently beat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami. Paul says he’s “praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted” by the accident.

WORDS: 637 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 5:43 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eca19ca3cc21e51ec5aa9d9a67f5f7c1&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS REPRIEVE

Harbaugh hopes Jackson can return after Huntley’s big win: ‘If Lamar’s ready to go, he’s playing.’

SUMMARY: Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh says he’ll have a better sense Wednesday about quarterback Lamar Jackson’s status for Sunday night’s game at Pittsburgh that will decide the AFC North title. Tyler Huntley helped Baltimore keeps its playoff hopes alive, replacing an injured Jackson for last weekend’s win at Green Bay. But Harbaugh said Monday if Jackson is ready, he’ll play Sunday. Jackson has been nursing a back injury from two weekends ago against New England. The Green Bay game was the fourth game he’s missed this season.

WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 5:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e33164ca745cce876d1787cdd6612641&mediaType=text

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FBC--USC-NOTRE DAME RIVALRY

USC’s Lincoln Riley says Notre Dame is to blame for discontinuation of rivalry with the Trojans

SUMMARY: USC coach Lincoln Riley emphatically stated that Notre Dame is responsible for the pause in the near 100-year rivalry with the Trojans. Riley assigned blame Monday in San Antonio as No. 16 USC prepares to take on TCU in the Valero Alamo Bowl. A joint press conference with Horned Frogs coach Sonny Dykes was the first time Riley had a chance to speak about the discontinuation of the series, and the Trojans coach had a lot to say. In place of USC, Notre Dame announced a home-and-home series with BYU for 2026 and 2027.

WORDS: 611 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 5:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83dcbf75068867fc0bf1e685f8ac0330&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-CFP PICKS

College Football Playoff picks: Buckeyes, Red Raiders, Hoosiers, Bulldogs are expected to advance

SUMMARY: Something to watch in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals will be how sharp the teams that got first-round byes are early in their games. No. 2 seed Ohio State will have had 24 days between games and No. 1 Indiana, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Texas Tech each will have had 25-day layoffs. The 2024 quarterfinals were nothing short of a disaster for the top four seeds. The extended time off was the common denominator. The AP is picking Ohio State, Texas Tech, Indiana and Georgia to advance to the semifinals.

WORDS: 941 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 4:36 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7c89bbcb169b7b9b39c8cfa8634db5f4&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-REID

Andy Reid plans to return as Chiefs coach next season

SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says he plans to return next season, dismissing any retirement rumors. On Monday, he joked about his status with the franchise he’s led to three Super Bowl titles. Reid, 67, is used to fielding questions about his future after the Super Bowl, but this season, Kansas City is 6-10 and out of playoff contention. Reid signed a five-year extension in April 2024. He spent 14 seasons with the Eagles before joining the Chiefs, where he’s had great success with quarterbacks Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes. Reid has 307 wins, needing 18 more to pass George Halas for third on the NFL’s all-time list.

WORDS: 401 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 3:51 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:550acc74573aa52aeacfe16c91b8441c&mediaType=text

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FBC--CFP-SUGAR BOWL-SECOND CHANCE

Ole Miss defense looks to redeem a humiliating showing against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl

SUMMARY: Redemption will be on the minds of Mississippi Rebels defensive players when they meet third-ranked Georgia at Thursday’s Sugar Bowl in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. Ole Miss defensive back Wydett Williams Jr. says the Rebels all wanted to play the Bulldogs again. Mississippi’s defense posted a season-worst performance during a 43-35 loss at Georgia on October 18. Georgia and No. 6 seed Ole Miss were traveling on Monday to New Orleans, where they will make final preparations for their rematch in the Superdome. Georgia gained 510 yards of offense and didn’t punt once while handing OIe Miss its only loss this season.

WORDS: 775 - MOVED: 12/29/2025 2:04 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a88c4d6144ff5196a89cc9427c7e031&mediaType=text