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--NFL-PLAYER CARE
DESCRIPTION: Eric Lee, Johnson Bademosi and Brandin Dandridge are among former players who’ve used the NFL’s Player Care Foundation to prepare for the next chapter of their lives after football. The program started in 2018 and it helps connect former players with relevant job opportunities and resources, including resume reviews, career coaching, job matching and interview coaching. The former players are also able to participate in certification programs and mock interviews and attend a career fair held each year at the Super Bowl. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS
DESCRIPTION: The NFL is seeing a decline in punts, with the 2025 season on track to set a record for the fewest punts per game. This trend is driven by new kickoff rules, K-balls, and increased fourth-down aggressiveness. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 900 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKW--WOMEN’S POLL AT 50-TOP PLAYER
DESCRIPTION: No one will ever top what Breanna Stewart did in college at UConn, winning four national championships and the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament each time. Her success sets her apart as the Greatest Of All Time, at least in the eyes of nearly a dozen players and coaches at a USA Basketball camp earlier this month. When asked who they believe tops their list of college players during the last 50 years of the women’s poll era, Stewart was their choice. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Upcoming: 650 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text
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FBC--CITRUS BOWL
DESCRIPTION: Michigan plays Texas in the Citrus Bowl with the Wolverines reeling from the firing of its coach and the Longhorns eager for offseason momentum after failing to make the playoff. By Doug Ferguson. 450 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKW--T25-UCLA-PENN ST
DESCRIPTION: No. 4 UCLA visits Penn State in a Big Ten game on New Year’s Eve. Game begins at 2 p.m. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON
DESCRIPTION: All eyes will be on Lamar Jackson’s status when the Ravens take the field for practice ahead of their showdown for the AFC North title at Pittsburgh. By Noah Trister. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 6:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-COTTON BOWL
DESCRIPTION: The 10th-seeded Miami Hurricanes play defending national champion Ohio State in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. 650 words. AP photos staffing, sidebars on merit.
UPCOMING: By 12/31/2025 7:30 p.m. EST, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BKN--PISTONS-LAKERS
LeBron James loses on his 41st birthday as Cunningham leads the Pistons past the Lakers, 128-106
SUMMARY: LeBron James scored 17 points on his 41st birthday, but Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 11 assists while leading the Detroit Pistons to a 128-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. James hit three 3-pointers and added four assists and four rebounds in the 1,577th regular-season game of his unprecedented 23rd season, but he spent the final minutes of his birthday game sitting with his arms folded on the bench. The top scorer in league history is the 12th player to appear in an NBA game at 41 or older. Marcus Sasser scored 19 points and Isaiah Stewart had 15 for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons.
WORDS: 338 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 1:33 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1f183fd49d38ed4e155c0e7f1eacb294&mediaType=text
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FBC--ALAMO BOWL
Seals and Payne rally TCU past No. 16 USC for 30-27 overtime victory in Alamo Bowl
SUMMARY: Ken Seals passed for 258 yards and the game-winning touchdown in overtime as TCU rallied to beat No. 16 Southern California 30-27 in the Alamo Bowl. After being sacked for a 10-yard loss on second down, Seals was facing third-and-20 from the 35 when he found running back Jeremy Payne with a short toss in the left flat. Payne caught the ball at the line of scrimmage and wriggled past four defenders, breaking multiple tackles as he bolted down the sideline into the end zone. A sixth-year senior completing his collegiate career, Seals was named Offensive MVP for leading his hometown team to victory. Payne had six catches for 50 yards and the game-ending score. He also rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
WORDS: 530 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 1:29 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c13a023707c3c3458bda1146771840c9&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-EDGECOMBE WINNER
Rookie VJ Edgecombe drops 3-pointer with seconds left in OT to give 76ers victory over Grizzlies
SUMMARY: By rookie VJ Edgecombe’s calculation, he mistimed his game-winner in overtime. Edgecombe, the 6-foot-4 guard out of Baylor, connected on a 25-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds left, capping a 25-point night, and giving Philadelphia a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, brought the Sixers back into the game in the fourth quarter. He scored 13 points in the period, going 5 of 10 from the field, including 3 of 4 from outside the arc.
WORDS: 319 - MOVED: 12/31/2025 12:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac4743ef5da520f0360473f5a84bd040&mediaType=text
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BKN--76ERS-GRIZZLIES
Edgecombe’s 3-pointer in closing seconds gives 76ers a 139-136 overtime victory over Grizzlies
SUMMARY: VJ Edgecombe scored 25 points, including a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime to give the Philadelphia 76ers a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a tight game. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 34 points each, but it was Edgecombe who carried Philadelphia through the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points in the period. Ja Morant led Memphis with 40 points, including 18 in the fourth to bring Memphis back into the game. Cedric Coward finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds. Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 15 points each, and Jackson grabbed 12 rebounds.
WORDS: 335 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 11:11 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:61f6578cda45f6727e57b156fc647fb2&mediaType=text
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BBO--ANGELS-RENDON
Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon agrees to restructure final year of his $245 million contract
SUMMARY: Anthony Rendon has agreed to restructure the final year of his $245 million, seven-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Angels hadn’t announced any developments with Rendon, who didn’t play last season following hip surgery. The team and Rendon have amended the deal to restructure the remaining $38 million owed in 2026, presumably spreading the money over time.
WORDS: 447 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 11:01 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b5e8aff89c80f612deb5820bf6e8aec0&mediaType=text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
Arsenal will end the year top of the Premier League after 4-1 statement win over Villa
SUMMARY: Arsenal ensures it will end the year top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win with all goals scored in the second half. The victory was even more impressive considering Arsenal was missing key midfielder Declan Rice with a knee injury and Villa was playing on the back of 11 straight victories in all competitions. Arsenal’s fourth goal was scored by substitute Gabriel Jesus one minute after coming on to highlight the depth of coach Mikel Arteta’s bench. The win moved Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City and six clear of third-place Villa. Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth. Manchester United was held 1-1 at home to rock-bottom Wolverhampton.
WORDS: 912 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 7:21 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b9bfbbaab82c69a9f7c87d6fba6f61c&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW
No. 3 Georgia is eager to make better Sugar Bowl memories while No. 6 Ole Miss eyes payback
SUMMARY: For the Georgia Bulldogs and coach Kirby Smart, last year’s Sugar Bowl brought waves of sadness that had more to do with life — and the loss of it — than football. Fate has the third-ranked Bulldogs back in the big Easy one year later to take on No. 6 Mississippi in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Smart says it’s hard not to think about the Bourbon Street attack that killed 14 and delayed last year’s Sugar Bowl, or his father’s death following that game. But he says his team is happy to be back. Mississippi’s only loss this season came at Georgia in October. The winner of the rematch advances to a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.
WORDS: 1085 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 6:29 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f5b0fc4471a34d8e8f2719ae593c8f5f&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA ELIGIBILITY
NCAA tries to clarify NBA stance after Baylor’s addition of 2023 draft pick prompts criticism
SUMMARY: The NCAA says it won’t grant eligibility to any player who had signed an NBA contract after Baylor’s midseason addition of a 2023 draft pick who had been playing professionally in Europe prompted criticism from coaches across college basketball. The Bears recently signed 7-footer James Nnaji of Nigeria. He was drafted by Detroit before a series of trades that left the 21-year-old’s draft rights with the New York Knicks. The NCAA says players also aren’t eligible if they sign two-way NBA contracts with links to G League affiliates. G League players without NBA contracts have been eligible. International players with varying backgrounds have played college basketball for years.
WORDS: 721 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 6:24 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b624e1d5b4910d9b4b90afc99a3f589f&mediaType=text
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BKN--NUGGETS-JOKIC HURT
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee and will be evaluated in 4 weeks
SUMMARY: Nikola Jokic is set to miss a few weeks due to a hyperextended left knee. The Denver Nuggets disclosed the injury on Tuesday. The three-time MVP will be re-evaluated in four weeks. This is a relief for the Nuggets, as the injury is not season-ending and doesn’t require surgery. Jokic got hurt during Denver’s loss in Miami on Monday. He ranks fifth in NBA scoring this season and leads in rebounds and assists. Denver, currently third in the Western Conference, faces challenges with Jokic out, especially with other key players already sidelined. Coach David Adelman emphasizes team unity during this period.
WORDS: 845 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 5:56 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b1e6f2f6c7cdcb164be2aa1d9aa6f978&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-INDIANA FANDOM
Indiana football’s rise to national title contender rewards fans who endured decades of losing
SUMMARY: Indiana football is rewriting its reputation and giving Bloomington something to be excited about. A team that was once an afterthought in its community has unleashed a new brand of Hoosiers fans, who are travelling in masses from Bloomington to Pasadena to witness the program’s biggest game since 1968. Top-seeded Indiana will face No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Hoosiers football has reached new heights over the past two years under Curt Cignetti, and they look to reach new heights this postseason.
WORDS: 776 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 5:14 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbd4e7548f147d8350da31798835f02b&mediaType=text
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FBN--BUCACNEERS-NEED HELP
Buccaneers are focused on playing the Panthers, knowing they’ll need help to win the NFC South
SUMMARY: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed up for practice on Tuesday for the first time since losing control of their playoff hopes. After a major collapse, the Buccaneers need help to get in. First, they must beat Carolina on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak. Then, the Falcons have to lose or tie the Saints on Sunday. If that happens, the Buccaneers (7-9) would secure their fifth straight NFC South title and second with a losing record under coach Todd Bowles.
WORDS: 454 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 5:09 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:23d1fe2ba9400627c4323b9b5decf01a&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-ROSE BOWL PREVIEW
Role reversals: Alabama returns to the Rose Bowl as a CFP underdog to face powerhouse Indiana
SUMMARY: Nick Saban coached his final game for Alabama just two years ago in the Rose Bowl when his Crimson Tide lost to Michigan. Alabama is returning to that storied turf this week as underdogs against unbeaten Indiana, which has become the sport’s newest powerhouse in the two years since the Saban era ended. Alabama is in the Playoff for the first time under coach Kalen DeBoer, who realizes he’ll never win over his new fan base without a strong national title run. It’s a decade too soon to know whether Curt Cignetti is building the sport’s next titan, but there’s no denying his first two seasons have been more impressive than Saban’s start at Alabama.
WORDS: 974 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 5:01 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:239d21de48a8cc5e8a2b62984cd72a7b&mediaType=text
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US--PATRIOTS-DIGGS-STRANGULATION CHARGE
Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs faces strangulation charge, denies allegations
SUMMARY: New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef. News of the charges emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs’ lawyer said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money. The 32-year-old NFL veteran joined New England this season after a trade from Houston. Diggs has been a standout player for the Patriots this season, helping his team clinch the AFC East title.
WORDS: 597 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 5:00 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b90b18384193dbd98043ceca3dedb8e&mediaType=text
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FBN--COWBOYS-TREVON DIGGS
Cowboys waive cornerback Trevon Diggs to end tumultuous finish to his Dallas career
SUMMARY: The Cowboys have waived cornerback Trevon Diggs. The move ends a tumultuous final season a game early in a Dallas career that never lived up to the promise of a 2021 All-Pro performance that included 11 interceptions. The move came five days before Dallas’ season finale Sunday at the New York Giants. Diggs will be a free agent after clearing waivers. Diggs missed eight games after sustaining a concussion in an accident at home. The team said Diggs’ delayed return was more about issues with the 27-year-old’s knees.
WORDS: 515 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 4:51 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:195dbf785aff623f5dccb97e3d2ab3c4&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-SMITH VS. HOMETOWN HURRICANES
Jeremiah Smith opted for Ohio State, and now faces his hometown Hurricanes in CFP Cotton Bowl
SUMMARY: Ohio State coach Ryan Day is certainly glad to have All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith on his team. The sophomore from Miami was the nation’s top recruit when he signed with the Buckeyes two years ago. Smith and Ohio State now play the Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night. Smith acknowledges there is some emotion facing his hometown team. Smith has 156 catches, 2,401 yards, 26 touchdowns and a national title in 28 games over two seasons with Ohio State. Miami is in the CFP for the first time.
WORDS: 782 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 3:49 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e393b5f42e26789d206bd3b3b1f425ae&mediaType=text
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FBC--NORTHWESTERN-KELLY
Chip Kelly lands new job as Northwestern’s offensive coordinator after firing by Raiders
SUMMARY: Former Oregon and Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly has been hired as Northwestern’s offensive coordinator. The move comes on the heels of the Las Vegas Raiders firing Kelly as offensive coordinator after just 11 games. But he had a successful run as coach at Oregon from 2009 to 2012. He led the Ducks to a 46-7 record and a national championship game appearance. Kelly then spent four years as an NFL coach, including three with Philadelphia and one with San Francisco. He returned to the college ranks as UCLA’s coach from 2018-23 before spending last year at Ohio State. He helped the Buckeyes win the national championship as offensive coordinator under Ryan Day.
WORDS: 722 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 2:47 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a10055b99c789c04a4f333426441dde5&mediaType=text
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FBN--STEELERS-TOMLIN
Steelers could have T.J. Watt back for ‘AFC North championship’ showdown against Ravens
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers could have linebacker T.J. Watt back for their Week 18 showdown against Baltimore for the AFC North title. Coach Mike Tomlin says he’s optimistic Watt will return after missing three games because of lung surgery. The Steelers need to win or tie the Ravens to earn their first division crown since 2020. While Watt could return, tight end Darnell Washington is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a broken arm. The game could be the final one for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though the 42-year-old four-time MVP expects the Steelers to recover and beat the Ravens.
WORDS: 818 - MOVED: 12/30/2025 1:47 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a993a280a1a32a901bb80199e57414c5&mediaType=text
