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: 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 sidelined 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. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. 740 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKN--AROUND THE NBA
DESCRIPTION: 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. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKN--PELICANS-QUEEN
DESCRIPTION: NEW ORLEANS — Rookie Derik Queen is increasingly becoming a bright spot in the New Orleans Pelicans’ otherwise difficult start to this season. Queen scored 33 points to go with 10 rebounds and 10 assists against San Antonio for his first triple double in just his 25th NBA game on Mondya night. The Pelicans traded up to draft Queen 13th overall in a deal criticized by NBA analysts because New Orleans dealt away first-round picks this year and next to get him. Queen has now scored 30 points twice this season and he has averaged better than 12 point and six assists. Interim coach James Borrego says Queen has exhibited impressive poise and productivity for a rookie. By Brett Martel. UPCOMING: 480 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKC--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK
DESCRIPTION: Arizona gets another big test in its first game at No. 1 this season when it faces No. 12 Alabama on Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama, in the C.M. Newton Classic. It continues a grind for the Wildcats that already includes four wins over ranked opponents. The Crimson Tide have had a similarly tough schedule, its only losses coming to current top-10 teams Purdue and Gonzaga. Other big games in the Top 25 this week include fifth-ranked UConn taking on No. 18 Florida at Madison Square Garden. By Dave Skretta. UPCOMING: 775 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK
DESCRIPTION: Maryland has been snake-bitten by injuries as of late, losing three players to season-ending surgeries already this season. Guards Lea Bartelme, Ava McKennie and Kaylene Smikle all are out with knee injuries for the undefeated seventh-ranked Terrapins. Maryland has two weeks to figure out life without Smikle as the Terrapins’ next Big Ten game isn’t until Dec. 29 against Wisconsin. The Terrapins play Delaware State and Central Connecticut before that. The Big Ten had nine teams ranked in the AP Top 25 on Monday, matching the most ever in the poll that the conference set last year. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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YE--TOP MALE ATHLETE
DESCRIPTION: In 2025, this male athlete had the best year in sports. Text, photo.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 7:00 a.m. EST, Video, Text, Photo
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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-DEFINING SHOTS
DESCRIPTION: Big moments call for big shots, and there were plenty of them in 2025 when Scottie Scheffler dominated, Rory McIlroy got the major that mattered to him and new major champions arrived when they least expected it. The annual year in review based on shots from every club in the bag. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 1,100 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 11:00 a.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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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT
DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Michael Jordan’s attorneys were under pressure Tuesday to complete their presentation in the federal antitrust trial against NASCAR that is plodding so slowly the judge has repeatedly admonished both sides. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. Court can go to 6 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 12/09/2025 8:00 p.m. EST, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--EAGLES-CHARGERS
Chargers’ Dicker kicks winning field goal, Jefferson’s interception seals 22-19 OT win over Eagles
SUMMARY: Cameron Dicker kicked a decisive 54-yard field goal, leading the Los Angeles Chargers to a 22-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chargers overcame a penalty that gave the Eagles a chance on 4th and 4. Tony Jefferson intercepted Jalen Hurts at the 1-yard line to seal the victory. Hurts threw four interceptions, and the Eagles committed five turnovers. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles have now lost three in a row and are 8-5. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 138 yards and a touchdown and Dicker had five field goals. Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made four field goals, but it wasn’t enough. The Chargers improved to 9-4.
WORDS: 760 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:34 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97dc0f94497f0e486e1ed4d0d3d4f87d&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: 401 - MOVED: 12/09/2025 1:25 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7a00ab2055c147241552e28c5eab2ebd&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA CUP-QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
NBA Cup quarterfinals this week: Heat-Magic, Knicks-Raptors, Suns-Thunder, Spurs-Lakers
SUMMARY: Eight NBA teams are competing for the NBA Cup and a chance to head to Las Vegas for the semifinals. The Oklahoma City Thunder also have a shot at history. Quarterfinal games are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, with Miami facing Orlando, New York against Toronto, Phoenix playing Oklahoma City, and San Antonio taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Thunder beat the Suns, they’ll tie Golden State for the best 25-game start in NBA history. Players on quarterfinalist teams have already secured bonuses, with more money at stake as they advance. All games are available on Amazon Prime.
WORDS: 1019 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 10:44 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5174079a1a7c611f1e09444ae7a7e854&mediaType=text
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FBN--COLTS-JONES OUT
Colts bringing Philip Rivers for workout with top quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard hurt
SUMMARY: The Indianapolis Colts may be turning back the clock with their top two quarterbacks hurt. They’re bringing in 44-year-old Philip Rivers for a workout Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the details confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday night. The person requested anonymity because no official announcement had been made. Rivers last played in the NFL in 2020 and has been coaching an Alabama prep team since 2021. The move comes hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed quarterback Daniel Jones has a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon and that and backup Riley Leonard hurt his right knee in Sunday’s loss at Jacksonville. Indy has lost three straight and four of five as its once-promising playoff hopes have faded quickly.
WORDS: 893 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 10:21 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8250ec951ea5498a20b2a0b16e554b1a&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: 12/08/2025 9:12 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e74bc50a5e0ed3b8187f634d4654dcb4&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI-WBC
Roberts says World Baseball Classic a ‘very delicate’ matter for Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki
SUMMARY: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t sure about restrictions for Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in the World Baseball Classic. Ohtani had elbow surgery in September 2023 and helped the Dodgers win the World Series. Roberts says discussions about their participation are ongoing. Ohtani, a four-time MVP, might focus on hitting rather than pitching for Japan in the WBC. Roberts emphasized the importance of representing their country but acknowledged potential costs. The Dodgers plan to have Ohtani in the starting rotation next season, with a flexible schedule to keep him rested.
WORDS: 840 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 7:04 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:67906ba24dc157bb4eef31eaa9fb8e4b&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT
Economist says NASCAR owes $364.7M to teams in antitrust case
SUMMARY: An economist testified in Michael Jordan’s federal antitrust trial against NASCAR that the racing series owes a combined $364.7 million in damages to the two teams suing it over a revenue-sharing dispute. Edward Snyder testified as a professor of economics who worked in the antitrust division of the Department of Justice. He has testified in more than 30 cases. He gave three reasons in Monday’s testimony why NASCAR is a monopoly participating in anticompetitive business practices. Snyder used a complex formula to determine those damages for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports from 2021-25.
WORDS: 897 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 6:57 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:29dd4c3022ea493a13ae120703004a59&mediaType=text
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US--SPORTS BETTING-ARRESTS
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleads not guilty to sports betting charges
SUMMARY: Miami Heat player Terry Rozier has pleaded not guilty to charges he helped gamblers placing bets on his performance in NBA games. The 31-year-old point guard formally entered the plea during his arraignment in Brooklyn federal court Monday on federal wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges. Prosecutors say Rozier conspired with friends to help them win bets on his performance in a March 2023 game when he played for the Charlotte Hornets. Rozier, through his attorney, has denied any wrongdoing. The Ohio native was one of three current or former NBA players ensnared in a sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports.
WORDS: 557 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 6:17 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:31a7232f92dbeebe7c3451d980a60932&mediaType=text
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BBO--HALL OF FAME-BONDS-CLEMENS
Hall of Fame chair thinks Bonds, Clemens denied entry by committee for same views held by writers
SUMMARY: Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens face only one more chance to enter baseball’s Hall of Fame under current rules. Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark believes the contemporary era committee evaluates the Steroids Era like baseball writers. Bonds and Clemens received fewer than five votes from the committee that elected Jeff Kent. Clark says discussions among writers influence the committee. Candidates with fewer than five votes are ineligible for the next three-year cycle. If Bonds and Clemens fail again in 2031, they would be barred from future ballots unless rules change. This opens spots for other candidates.
WORDS: 418 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 5:20 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9c883548563ebfb3f08c11c967de153f&mediaType=text
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FBN--JETS-BOYD
A person of interest is in custody in connection with the shooting of New York Jets’ Kris Boyd
SUMMARY: Police say a person of interest is in custody in connection with the shooting of New York Jets player Kris Boyd. A New York Police Department spokesperson on Monday did not say what role, if any, the person is believed to have had in the shooting. No charges have been filed. Boyd was shot in the abdomen just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 16 in Midtown Manhattan. The shooter fled the scene. It was not clear what happened before the shooting. The Jets signed Boyd this year. He was expected to play a key role in a revamped special teams unit but was injured during practice this summer.
WORDS: 184 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 5:20 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c143eff3e1bccf5f3945bfed86a29bd0&mediaType=text
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SOC--ITALIAN ROUNDUP
AC Milan back on top of Serie A thanks to Christian Pulišić double
SUMMARY: AC Milan has returned to the top of Serie A. American striker Christian Pulišić’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: 12/08/2025 5:08 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2375763e21a5f8e9a2a205847fd1e304&mediaType=text
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OLY--HKO-SMALLER ICE
Hockey at the Winter Olympics will be played on shorter ice than NHL dimensions
SUMMARY: Hockey at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will be played on slightly shorter ice than NHL regulation size. The rinks will measure 60 meters by 26 meters, approved by the International Ice Hockey Federation. The IIHF confirmed the dimensions, stating they should not impact safety or gameplay quality. Construction of the main arena in Milan is behind schedule, with test events planned for January. The men’s tournament is set for February 11-22, and the women’s from February 5-19.
WORDS: 716 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 5:02 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2e90170eccd6886f75109aa31167379a&mediaType=text
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SOC--LIVERPOOL-SALAH
Liverpool coach Arne Slot’s only response to Mohamed Salah was to say, ‘You’re not traveling’
SUMMARY: Liverpool coach Arne Slot says he hasn’t spoken to Mohamed Salah since the forward’s public criticism of the club. Salah has been left out of the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan. Slot mentioned the only communication was informing the Egypt star he wouldn’t travel. On Saturday, Salah expressed frustration after being benched for the third consecutive game. He said he felt unsupported by the club and that he didn’t have any relationship with Slot. The Dutch coach says he is surprised by Salah’s comments, noting the forward has been respectful and hardworking.
WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 12/08/2025 2:40 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0505e089a3b41b82934963d7c8d30544&mediaType=text
