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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BE WELL-EXTRA ELECTROLYTES

DESCRIPTION: The increasing popularity of endurance sports like ultramarathons has produced an array of electrolyte powders, drinks and homemade recipes purporting to offset the physical demands of intense training. Casual athletes, people who struggle to drink enough water daily and beverage companies seeking new customers have taken the products mainsteam. But who actually needs electrolyte supplementation and why?

UPCOMING: By 02/28/2026 5:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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GLF--LPGA SINGAPORE

DESCRIPTION: Third round of the LPGA Singapore tournament and second on the so-called Asian Swing in three weeks. It will be played at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong course.

UPCOMING: By 02/28/2026 5:00 a.m. EST, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich visits Borussia Dortmund in a Bundesliga “Klassiker” which could play an outsized role in the title race. Bayern can go 11 points clear with a win. Third-place Hoffenheim takes on St. Pauli and Bayer Leverkusen hosts Mainz.

UPCOMING: By 02/28/2026 2:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR-AUSTIN-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas — Shane Van Gisbergen was so dominant on road courses last season, NASCAR’s first road race of 2026 seems like it’s already settled: SVG in a runaway. Connor Zilisch doesn’t quite see it that way. The 19-year-old already has a very impressive road resume of his own and expects to challenge his Trackhouse teammate through every turn on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas. By Jim Vertuno

UPCOMING: By 02/28/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--NFL COMBINE

DESCRIPTION: Offensive linemen talk to reporters Saturday during the NFL’s annual scouting combine. By Michael Marot. 700 words, more on merit, with photos. Availability runs from 8 a.m.-noon ETS.

UPCOMING: By 02/28/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKC--T25-KANSAS-ARIZONA

DESCRIPTION: No. 14 Kansas faces No. 2 Arizona in the Jayhawks’ first visit to McKale Center in nearly 20 years. By John Marshall. 300 words, photos. Starts at 4 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 02/28/2026 7:00 p.m. EST

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--NUGGETS-THUNDER SCRUM

Tempers flare between Nuggets and Thunder as Dort is ejected after fouling Jokic

SUMMARY: Tempers flared in the fourth quarter between Oklahoma City and the Denver Nuggets and resulted in the ejection of the Thunder’s Lu Dort. Dort fouled Denver’s Nikola Jokic in the midst of a tight game and Jokic got in Dort’s face. A scrum ensued, and Jokic and Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams were called for offsetting technical fouls. Dort was issued a Flagrant 2 and ejected. Oklahoma City won 127-121 in overtime.

WORDS: 146 - MOVED: 02/28/2026 1:09 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97f285e218dc2c89fb520fd0f78c90d5&mediaType=text

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BKN--CELTICS-SEASON-HIGH SHOOTING

Celtics post one of NBA’s best offensive performances as they await Jayson Tatum’s possible return

SUMMARY: The Celtics have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams since returning from the All-Star break. They can add one of the best offensive performances in league history to their list of accomplishments as they await a possible return of star Jayson Tatum to action. Boston shot a season-high 66.7% from the field in their 148-111 win over the Brooklyn Nets. It was the second-best field goal percentage in team history, falling just short of the 67.9% they shot against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 21, 1984. The Celtics also shot 64.7% from the 3-point line Friday, which equated to an 80.8% effective field goal percentage – the highest in NBA history.

WORDS: 576 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 11:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1d597fb8d59ffaf95aacc36080c2763e&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-CBA

WNBA players’ union sends offer to league with revenue sharing, housing concessions, AP source says

SUMMARY: The WNBA players’ union sent a counterproposal to the league Friday night for a new collective bargaining agreement that included some concessions on revenue sharing and housing — two key areas on which the sides differ — according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Friday night on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. The union’s proposal came a week after it received one from the league. The WNBA told the union Monday that it needs to get a deal in place by March 10 to start the season on time, another person familiar with the discussions told the AP. That person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Monday because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

WORDS: 499 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:79fdccb9a5c13a325e7f89645a119d1a&mediaType=text

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BKN--CAVALIERS-PISTONS-BLARING HORN

Blaring horn after a power surge delays Pistons and Cavaliers in 3rd quarter

SUMMARY: The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn Friday night after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. During a timeout with the Pistons leading 65-64 in a 122-119 overtime victory, the horn sounded to signal the teams to return to the floor. However, it kept blasting despite frantic work from workers at Little Caesars Arena. The teams returned to the benches for a few minutes and were eventually told to go back on the floor to warm up. After 13 minutes, the arena staff shut down the entire overhead scoreboard and the horn stopped to loud cheers. The scoring crew used a manual airhorn when play resumed.

WORDS: 175 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b709df698df91529299adb4d365c62c&mediaType=text

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BKC--ALABAMA-BEDIAKO

Alabama Supreme Court denies Charles Bediako’s request to play for Alabama again

SUMMARY: The Alabama Supreme Court has denied a request by former professional basketball player Charles Bediako to play for the University of Alabama again this season while he appeals his eligibility case against the NCAA. According to online court records, the high court on Friday denied Bediako’s emergency motion for an interim injunction so he could play again for the Crimson Tide. Bediako said an expedited decision was needed because the end of the regular season and postseason tournaments are fast approaching. An email seeking comment was left with Bediako’s lawyer after regular business hours.

WORDS: 396 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 10:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c6f099f6cddb925b368d3851d703ce22&mediaType=text

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HKW--OLYMPIANS-INJURIES

PWHL teams place Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Erin Ambrose on long-term IR

SUMMARY: Olympians Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Erin Ambrose have all been placed on long-term injured reserve by their PWHL clubs after sustaining injuries during the Milan Cortina Games. The Seattle Torrent announced Friday that Knight, a five-time Olympian and captain of the United States team that won gold, will be out of the lineup indefinitely. Minnesota Frost captain Coyne Schofield was placed on long-term injured reserve on Friday retroactive to Feb. 19 with an upper-body injury. The moves by the Torrent and Frost came a day after the Montreal Victoire announced that Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve for a lower‑body injury suffered while representing Canada.

WORDS: 349 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 8:12 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ffaeb38e048ce0a17f48bccbcc4ced9a&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL COMBINE

All eyes focused on Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza as QBs take center stage at NFL scouting combine

SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza possesses all the traits NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. He’s smart, mobile, makes fast reads and quick releases. He has a strong arm and prototypical size. He has three years of starting experience and a national championship, too. But the once lightly recruited Mendoza learned long ago not to take anything for granted. So if the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in April ’s draft fulfills those expectations, he’ll eagerly embrace the pressure to succeed. And if the quarterback-needy Las Vegas Raiders do the unthinkable and bypass Mendoza, the former Indiana star won’t fret. Instead, the Boston-born Mendoza hopes to steal a page from Tom Brady’s playbook.

WORDS: 917 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 6:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:435a31664054ffaa5d9ba65cd9fef60b&mediaType=text

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GLF--COGNIZANT CLASSIC

Smotherman still leads, Koepka makes the cut at PGA National after second round of Cognizant Classic

SUMMARY: Brooks Koepka and alternate Ben Silverman rebound at the Cognizant Classic and reach the weekend at PGA National. On Friday, Koepka fired a 5-under 66 and jumped inside the cut at 2 under. He says he does not come to tournaments just to make cuts. He hit few fairways but sank more putts and made six birdies. Silverman shot 67 after getting in when Will Zalatoris withdrew hurt. Silverman says he feels the home energy near Jupiter. A.J. Ewart and Mackenzie Hughes also made big moves.

WORDS: 697 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 6:33 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6ae5b0eba16ac264d0377e6eca0164f5&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-JGR-GABEHART LAWSUIT

Judge delays decision on restraining order preventing Chris Gabehart from joining Spire Motorsports

SUMMARY: A federal judge did not issue a ruling on whether to impose a temporary restraining order preventing former Joe Gibbs Racing competition director Chris Gabehart from working for rival NASCAR team Spire Motorsports. Susan C Rodriguez, a U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, said attorneys who represent JGR, Gabehart and Spire have the weekend to potentially come up with a resolution that both sides can agree upon. The sides have until Sunday night to reach a deal. If not, she said she will make her ruling in court on Monday.

WORDS: 925 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 5:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:859c6f3723c02c77cfbb0062090ebb17&mediaType=text

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US--COLLEGE SPORTS LAWSUITS

No end in sight for battles over eligibility and player contracts in college sports, experts say

SUMMARY: Athletes and college sports administrators continue to end up in court less than a year after the House vs. NCAA class-action lawsuit was settled. Legal experts see no end in sight without federal legislation codifying rules on NIL and eligibility or a a totally new structure for the enterprise. Duke and Cincinnati sued quarterbacks who entered the transfer portal alleging breach of contract. More athletes are suing the NCAA to gain extra eligibility years. Attorney Mit Winter says federal law, a Supreme Court ruling or collective bargaining will stop the chaos.

WORDS: 993 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 5:37 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:729b150b9719028aabd966aa4d5c81ed&mediaType=text

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FBN--FALCONS-LEWIS DISMISSED

Falcons dismiss assistant coach LaTroy Lewis, who has been named a suspect in a sexual assault case

SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have dismissed assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis, just hours before he was named as a suspect in a sexual assault case. The dismissal came shortly after the Falcons said Friday they were looking into allegations that recently surfaced on social media. A direct message seeking comment was sent to Lewis on social media. The allegations date to Lewis’ time at the University of Michigan, where he served as a graduate assistant for the 2022 season before being promoted to assistant defensive line coach for the next two seasons.

WORDS: 554 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 5:11 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:57b1f028b4792801e307dc85ea9ca0e4&mediaType=text

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OLY--HKO-GOLD MEDAL FUROR-EXPLAINER

A golden sweep by Team USA in Olympic hockey led to celebrations that got complicated and political

SUMMARY: The United States swept both Olympic hockey gold medals only to see the celebrations turn into a political flashpoint. The men took a locker room call from President Donald Trump, who joked he would need to also invite the women’s team to the White House. Later, a doctored White House TikTok upset American player Brady Tkachuk. Both teams stressed that they back each other’s runs to gold.

WORDS: 990 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 5:08 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b13efe20883b42196eacc0f069a2c6ff&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS-PICKENS TAG

Cowboys place franchise tag on George Pickens as focus shifts to talks on a long-term deal

SUMMARY: The Dallas Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on George Pickens, a move that would guarantee the receiver $27.3 million in 2026 while the sides work on a long-term contract. The Cowboys had been expected to use the tag on Pickens since last fall when he began to flourish in his breakout 2025 season. He was coming off a trade from Pittsburgh, where his career got off to a rocky start. The money is guaranteed if Pickens signs the one-year tender. The deadline for a long-term contract is July 15. It would replace the one-year deal.

WORDS: 665 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 3:33 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:56ef99213a56919767faf4c40efeb13c&mediaType=text

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CAR--INDYCAR-PALOU SETTLEMENT

Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing end McLaren contract fight after $12 million ruling

SUMMARY: Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing have settled the driver’s contract fight with McLaren Racing. Four-time IndyCar champion Palou says he mishandled it. In January, he was ordered by London’s High Court to pay McLaren more than $12 million after a five-week trial in which the F1 team argued Palou backed out of two different deals. McLaren was initially seeking closer to $30 million and said after the ruling it would still pursue legal fees from Palou. Ganassi says “I cannot condone what happened and I’m glad the matter is over.”

WORDS: 613 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 3:30 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:40b9dc589b37165b1faa729b400da73c&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL COMBINE-PAVIA

Diego Pavia to throw at the NFL combine, betting big despite size concerns

SUMMARY: Quarterback Diego Pavia says he plans to throw at the NFL scouting combine, even as Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza waits for his pro day on April 1. Pavia shared his plans on Friday, a day before quarterbacks run drills. He said he will skip other on-field work at the combine and will do those later at Vanderbilt’s pro day on March 18. Scouts see him as a later-round pick because of his height. He measures just under 5-foot-10. Pavia says his mental processing sets him apart. He also joked about maturing at age 24.

WORDS: 318 - MOVED: 02/27/2026 2:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b219ebfc562bc8d58d51733b8cc39022&mediaType=text