Trump discourages Iranian soccer team from attending the World Cup, citing safety concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he doesn't think it'd be “appropriate” for the Iranian soccer team to attend this year's World Cup. The Republican president on Thursday cited “their own life and safety” as reasons the team's members should not attend as the U.S. co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada. Trump's message seems to depart from what he relayed Tuesday at the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino says Trump assured him Iranian players and coaches would be welcome despite the war that broke out after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began last month. Iranian leaders say it’s “not possible” for their country to participate in the World Cup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 20 points for 127th straight game, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has broken Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with 20 points or more, extending his streak to 127. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard hit two free throws in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics to reach 19 points. With the crowd on its feet, Gilgeous-Alexander pump-faked several times and drilled a jumper over Baylor Scheierman from beyond the free-throw line with 7:04 left in the period to push his total to 21. Chamberlain’s record had stood since 1963. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and nine assists as the Thunder beat the Celtics 104-102.
Luka Doncic scores 51, LeBron James returns from injuries to lead Lakers past Bulls 142-130
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, LeBron James had 18 points in his return after missing three games because of injuries, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a strong third quarter to defeat the Chicago Bulls 142-130 on Thursday night. Doncic scored 50 points for the first time as a Laker following the blockbuster trade that sent him from Dallas to Los Angeles in February 2025. Josh Giddey scored 27 points and Matas Buzelis had 22 for the short-handed Bulls, who have alternated wins and losses over their past six games following 11 straight losses in February.
Big 12 ditching slippery glass floor for hardwood for rest of tournament
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 Conference is ditching its slippery new glass floor for hardwood for the final two days of the tournament. In a statement Thursday night, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said: “After consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament.” The surface is produced by ASB GlassFloor and has been used at the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe. There were numerous instances where players appeared to slip, even slightly, when trying to plant.
NFL free agency: Panthers, 49ers, Patriots, Jets and Rams are early winners
NFL free agency spending has reshaped the early pecking order, with a few teams gaining real momentum and others taking hits. On Monday, big moves included the Panthers adding Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to build an elite defense. The 49ers added Mike Evans and extra line help. The Patriots kept spending to upgrade key spots. The Jets brought Geno Smith back and loaded up on defense. The Rams strengthened their secondary. The Buccaneers slipped after losing Evans and defensive starters. The Eagles and Jaguars also dropped back after losing major pieces.
Vikings sign Kyler Murray in their latest QB pivot, bringing in competition for J.J. McCarthy
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have signed Kyler Murray. They focused their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick from the 2019 NFL draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals. Murray visited Vikings headquarters before agreeing to join them just one day after being cut by the Cardinals. Arizona owes him $36.8 million in guaranteed salary this season. The Vikings have been seeking a challenger or replacement for J.J. McCarthy. Murray has an AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, two Pro Bowl selections and a 67% career completion percentage.
Paralympians ski in shorts and T-shirts, and some ask: Shouldn’t these Games be earlier?
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — At this month’s Milan Cortina Paralympics, some athletes competed in shorts, T-shirts and even tank tops. One skier lamented conditions as “tropical,” while a snowboarder complained about soft, slow snow he thought put him at a disadvantage. And some worried about something more important: their safety. They are now asking the same question as the International Olympic Committee: Should these Games be moved to earlier in the year when cold temperatures are more reliable? The International Paralympic Committee says moving the dates sounds easier than it could be, but it may be necessary to ensure the best conditions.
No. 1 Duke edges Florida State 80-79 in ACC Tournament after Seminoles' buzzer-beater rims out
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Isaiah Evans made seven 3-pointers and finished with a career-high 32 points, Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Cameron Boozer added 23 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 1 Duke survived a scare from Florida State to beat the Seminoles 80-79 on Thursday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinals. The Seminoles had a chance at an upset after Chauncey Wiggins blocked Boozer with seven seconds left, but Robert McCray V’s 3 at the buzzer rimmed out. Maliq Brown came up with two huge defensive plays to turn the momentum of the game for Duke, had a 19-2 run in the second half after trailing by eight with 13 minutes left.
Sepp Straka part of 4-way tie at the top at The Players Championship in wild weather
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Sepp Straka kept getting into trouble and saving pars. And then he chipped in for eagle late in his round at The Players Championship for a 67 and a share of the lead when he left the TPC Sawgrass. Austin Smotherman has a 15-foot birdie putt in the morning to take the lead. It was too dark to continue. Rory McIlroy's back wasn't a problem as he made it to the first tee. Collin Morikawa experienced back pain on his second hole and had to withdraw. There was plenty of drama, but only an even-par 72 for Scottie Scheffler.
WNBA and its players' union meet for a 3rd straight day as they seek new labor deal
NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA and its players’ union have met for a third consecutive day, hoping to come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. The sides had two marathon bargaining sessions over the last two days that ended late at night. Union president Nneka Ogwumike said Wednesday that players are “feeling movement.” The main sticking point is still revenue sharing. Eight proposals had been exchanged over the first two days and in the latest proposal, the league increased its salary cap offer for the first year to $6.2 million — up from $5.75 million in previous negotiations.
