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--STEELERS-INJURIES
DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — A brief hospital visit won’t keep Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf from playing next week against Miami. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Metcalf shouldn’t miss any time despite spending Sunday evening in a Baltimore hospital with an abdominal issue following a victory over Baltimore. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 350 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS
DESCRIPTION: The Bears can go from first to out of the playoffs. The Texans could make a Super Bowl run. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--VANDERBILT-PAVIA
DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Diego Pavia has gone from the quarterback who arrived at Vanderbilt through the transfer portal in 2024 to the charter Southeastern Conference’s first Heisman Trophy finalist. The brash and confident Pavia is the guy rival fans can’t stand and the Commodores couldn’t love more. Coach Clark Lea calls Pavia “the heartbeat” of the program and the best player in the country. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 5 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--VILLANOVA-MICHIGAN
DESCRIPTION: ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Second-ranked and unbeaten Michigan hosts Villanova, which is off to a 7-1 start under first-year coach Kevin Willard. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 300 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:30 p.m. EST, Text
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BKN--KNICKS-RAPTORS
DESCRIPTION: The Knicks and Raptors play a quarterfinal game in the NBA Cup.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 8:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKN--HEAT-MAGIC
DESCRIPTION: ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Heat and Magic play a quarterfinal game in the NBA Cup.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 9:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKC--T25-CLEMSON-BYU
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa and No. 10 BYU face Clemson in the opening game of the Jimmy V Classic doubleheader at Madison Square Garden. By Larry Fleisher.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 9:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--T25-FLORIDA-UCONN
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Fifth-ranked UConn (8-1) plays No. 18 Florida (5-3) in the second game of the Jimmy V Classic doubleheader at Madison Square Garden. The Gators edged the Huskies in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season on the way to a national championship, after UConn won the previous two titles. By Larry Fleisher.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 11:30 p.m. EST, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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SOC--FIFA-ETHICS COMPLAINT
Soccer peace prize for Trump triggers complaints about Infantino to FIFA ethics investigators
SUMMARY: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s public support for Donald Trump and a peace prize awarded to the U.S. president are the subjects of formal complaints to the global soccer body’s ethics investigators. FairSquare, a London-based human rights nonprofit, said Tuesday it filed requests for investigations into Infantino’s alleged breaches of FIFA’s statutory duty to be politically neutral. FIFA said its ethics committee does not comment on potential ongoing cases, and could not confirm receiving the complaint. It is unclear if the case will be taken up. Infantino has aligned FIFA with Trump and the U.S. government ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
WORDS: 399 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:43 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97809f8fd4570eff4d85e5c5f40a8b83&mediaType=text
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SOC--MLS-MVP-MESSI
It’s Messi. Repeat, Messi. The Inter Miami star is MLS’ first back-to-back MVP winner
SUMMARY: Lionel Messi has become the first back-to-back MVP in Major League Soccer history. The 38-year-old Argentine star was announced Tuesday as this year’s winner of the league’s top individual honor. This achievement adds to Messi’s long list of career accomplishments. He scored 29 goals and made 19 assists during the regular season and led Inter Miami to its first MLS Cup title. Messi joins Preki as the only two-time MVP in MLS history. Inter Miami’s value has soared since Messi’s arrival, and he recently signed a three-year extension with the team.
WORDS: 1061 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:29 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ea0907f5d2c46bcc16fc784f4ac0808&mediaType=text
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SOC--ARGENTINA-POLICE RAIDS
Police raid Argentine soccer clubs and AFA as part of investigation into alleged money laundering
SUMMARY: Argentine federal police have raided the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association and at least 17 soccer clubs. This is part of an investigation into their alleged ties with a financial services company accused of money laundering and tax evasion. The raids, ordered by federal judge Luis Armella, took place on Tuesday. Authorities are searching for contracts and documentation related to the financial firm Sur Finanzas. Some top clubs involved include Independiente, Racing, and San Lorenzo. The investigation stems from a complaint by the Customs Revenue and Control Agency, alleging illicit transactions totaling approximately $560 million.
WORDS: 313 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:22 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0487f601df9342d33435d9178803ee21&mediaType=text
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FBN--COLTS-RIVERS
Colts sign 44-year-old Philip Rivers to practice squad with 2 quarterbacks injured, AP source says
SUMMARY: The Indianapolis Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet made an official announcement. Rivers took his last NFL snap with the Colts in a playoff loss following the 2020 season. He announced his retirement in January 2021. The move comes less than 24 hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Indy’s starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, would miss the rest of this season with a torn right Achilles tendon and that backup Riley Leonard injured his right knee.
WORDS: 183 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:19 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb5da29198ff9b1a5cad036a2c2bac18&mediaType=text
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BBO--PHILLIES-SCHWARBER
Schwarber going back to Philadelphia on a $150 million, five-year contract, according to reports
SUMMARY: Kyle Schwarber is going back to Philadelphia. Multiple outlets are reporting that Schwarber has agreed to a $150 million, five-year contract with the Phillies. ESPN was the first to report on the deal, citing unidentified sources. Schwarber’s contract with Philadelphia could lead to more activity at baseball’s winter meetings as his other suitors execute their alternative plans. Schwarber is coming off a terrific season with the Phillies, setting career highs with an NL-best 56 homers and a major league-high 132 RBIs.
WORDS: 488 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:10 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d8b4301c59fd9d755bf0328ae605370a&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT
NASCAR commissioner testifies to frustrating negotiations in Michael Jordan’s antitrust trial
SUMMARY: NASCAR’s commissioner has testified in Michael Jordan’s federal antitrust trial against the racing series. The trial focuses on a new revenue-sharing model that took over two years of negotiations. Jordan’s financial advisor, Curtis Polk, led the teams’ demands for increased revenue, permanent charters and a voice in governance. The deal presented in September 2024 lacked permanent charters and governance input. Only 23XI Racing, owned by Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign, leading to the lawsuit. NASCAR’s commissioner, Steve Phelps, testified that the teams’ demands could have bankrupted NASCAR. The trial continues with more testimonies expected.
WORDS: 795 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:06 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:741382ed5885257858d592543df2a501&mediaType=text
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YE--MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Shohei Ohtani is the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year for record-tying 4th time
SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani has won The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees. Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members. The AP award has been given out since 1931. The Japanese baseball superstar’s two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers. Among Ohtani’s goals for 2026 are staying healthy so he can play in every game and to keep working on his English-speaking skills so he bridge the gap with his U.S. fans.
WORDS: 1188 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:00 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b337a5fa88b75daa3349174022c91cf1&mediaType=text
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FBC--HEISMAN FINALISTS
Notre Dame’s Love, Indiana’s Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Pavia, Ohio State’s Sayin named Heisman finalists
SUMMARY: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin are the finalists for the Heisman Trophy given to the top player in college football. The Heisman Trophy Trust announced this year’s four finalists Monday night. They are invited to New York for the award presentation Saturday night. Mendoza and Sayin lead teams ranked 1-2 in the College Football Playoff bracket.
WORDS: 300 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 12:59 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e74bc50a5e0ed3b8187f634d4654dcb4&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS-DÍAZ
Díaz agrees to $69M, 3-year deal with World Series champion Dodgers, AP source says, leaves Mets
SUMMARY: A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that reliever Edwin Díaz has agreed to $69 million, three-year contract with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. A three-time All-Star who turns 32 on March 22, Díaz joins a Dodgers bullpen that struggled last season, causing the team to shift rookie Roki Sasaki to closer in the postseason. Relying on a 97-98 mph fastball and slider, Díaz became a fan favorite at Citi Field, where horns blared and fans danced when he entered games to “Narco” by Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet.
WORDS: 398 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 12:32 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f48d8cadcbdce582fca4397330f20e57&mediaType=text
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FBC--AP ALL-BIG TEN
AP All-Big Ten: Indiana’s Cignetti repeats as coach of year; Hoosiers and Buckeyes dominate 1st team
SUMMARY: Indiana and Ohio State dominated The Associated Press All-Big Ten honors. The Hoosiers’ Curt Cignetti repeated as coach of the year, quarterback Fernando Mendoza took two individual awards and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin each received one. The Big Ten champion Hoosiers and Ohio State combined to put 13 players on the 27-man first team. Mendoza was named offensive player of the year and top first-year transfer, Downs was defensive player of the year and Sayin the freshman of the year.
WORDS: 1171 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 12:16 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dc305580173bdc31a3547d9a62fac6e8&mediaType=text
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OLY--CORTINA’S CURLERS
Curling has a strong bond with Winter Olympics co-host Cortina
WORDS: 634 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 11:51 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0e52cbf51cd39ffade126fd3f983bfe&mediaType=text
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SOC--LIVERPOOL SALAH
No words this time, just a photo from Mohamed Salah as his Liverpool future hangs in doubt
SUMMARY: With uncertainty hanging over his Liverpool career, Mohamed Salah sent out another message. This time without any words. Following the fallout from his explosive comments on Saturday, Salah posted a picture for his 85 million followers across Instagram and X of him alone in the gym at Liverpool’s training complex. Sitting on a workout bench in front of a mirror, Salah is expressionless as he holds his phone up to take a selfie. Dropped from Liverpool’s squad to play Inter Milan in the Champions League, the Egypt international shows he is still putting in the work at the gym after reporting for training.
WORDS: 605 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 10:38 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7e9638b39aee384158b0de13a0e22df9&mediaType=text
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CB--DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-WANDER FRANCO
Dominican court orders new trial for Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco in sexual abuse case
SUMMARY: An appeals court in the Dominican Republic has ordered a new trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco,. He was convicted earlier this year of sexually abusing a minor and had received a two-year suspended sentence. Tuesday’s ruling comes after Franco’s attorneys had pushed to have his conviction suspended and sentencing overturned, while prosecutors had been seeking a five-year sentence. The appeals court ruled in favor of Franco. He was arrested last year after being accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time, and of transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.
WORDS: 432 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 10:35 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cdc5f2479e6b3e1b5a4bc00323e3be7c&mediaType=text
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SOC--ITALIAN ROUNDUP
AC Milan back on top of Serie A thanks to Christian Pulisic double
SUMMARY: AC Milan has returned to the top of Serie A. American striker Christian Pulisic’s second-half double gave Milan all three points after it had gone 2-0 down in 17 minutes. Adrien Rabiot scored the other goal that takes Milan above Napoli on goal difference. Parma beat Pisa 1-0 with a penalty from Adrian Benedyczak and Genoa’s good run under new coach Daniele De Rossi continued when a late goal from Brooke Norton-Cuffy earned a 2-1 victory over Udinese. The win lifted Genoa into 14th place. Pisa is third-bottom.
WORDS: 478 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 8:45 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2375763e21a5f8e9a2a205847fd1e304&mediaType=text
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BKN--AROUND THE NBA
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle closing in on 1,000 wins, and it’ll be a moment for the NBA to savor
SUMMARY: Rick Carlisle is on the brink of a major milestone in NBA coaching history. He is set to achieve his 1,000th career win, becoming the 11th coach to do so. Carlisle, who currently coaches Indiana, has a career record of 999-878. He joins a prestigious group that includes Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson. On Monday, Indiana defeated Sacramento 116-105. Carlisle’s coaching style has evolved, but his commitment to playing the right way remains. His teams have made more three-pointers than any other coach’s teams. Miami’s Erik Spoelstra could be the next to reach this milestone.
WORDS: 818 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4205d3a6ec8e0bfd1339ef51bad93214&mediaType=text
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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
Kevin Stefanski and Andy Reid both make head-scratching fourth-quarter decisions that lead to losses
SUMMARY: Kevin Stefanski has chosen Shedeur Sanders as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for the season’s final stretch. On Sunday, Sanders led the Browns with four touchdown drives and 364 passing yards. However, he was on the sideline during a crucial 2-point conversion attempt that against Tennessee. The Browns lost the chance to tie when a Wildcat formation play failed. Stefanski took responsibility for the decision. Sanders expressed a desire to have the ball in his hands during critical moments. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s Andy Reid faced criticism for a risky fourth-down call that contributed to the Chiefs’ loss to Houston.
WORDS: 865 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:74053115a7496c1f06c023eae85b1b63&mediaType=text
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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP
Salah-less Liverpool plays Inter in Champions League. Barcelona, Bayern, Chelsea all in action
SUMMARY: After leaving Mohamed Salah at home, Liverpool needs to show it can win without the Egyptian forward as Arne Slot’s team takes on Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. On a night when Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Tottenham are all in action, the focus is on Liverpool after Salah said Saturday it “seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.” Liverpool’s response was to leave him out of the squad for its trip to Italy.
WORDS: 288 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 4:49 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c503196745ab59f56a2e38180f853ee9&mediaType=text
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FBN-EAGLES-TURNOVERS
Chargers, Eagles in giving mood with three-turnover play
SUMMARY: Unable to wrap your hands around the season’s hottest gift? The Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles feel your pain. Three turnovers on a single play Monday night unfolded like a white elephant gift exchange. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts finished the night with four interceptions and a fumble, including a pick that ended the Chargers’ 22-19 victory in overtime. Hurts’ second-quarter pass to A.J. Brown was intercepted by Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand at the Los Angeles 17-yard line. Hand fumbled at the 24-yard line when he was hit by the Eagles’ Will Shipley. Hurts had the ball return to his hands at the 33 but he fumbled it when he was hit by the Chargers’ Jamaree Caldwell. The Chargers’ Troy Dye secured the ball tightly at the 43-yard line.
WORDS: 533 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:48 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7a00ab2055c147241552e28c5eab2ebd&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW ___
—YE--Top Female Athlete
—SOC--Champions League Roundup
—FBN--Inside The Numbers
—BKC--T25-Minnesota-Purdue
—BKW--T25-Iowa-Iowa St
