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--ON FOOTBALL-COACH OPENINGS

DESCRIPTION: The NFL coaching carousel may not be done spinning. Seven teams are seeking a new head coach after Baltimore fired John Harbaugh on Tuesday. A couple more could join the search if their team is one-and-done in the playoffs. Harbaugh’s sudden availability after 18 seasons with the Ravens could create another opening.By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--SHANAHAN VS FANGIO

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Kyle Shanahan has tried to hire Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers multiple times without being able to pull it off. Now Shanahan’s Niners have to contend with Fangio’s defense for the Philadelphia Eagles in a wild-card game Sunday. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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OLY--SKI-WINTER OLYMPICS-DIVERSITY-TEAM JAMAICA

DESCRIPTION: BEAVER CREEK, Colo. -- Brooklyn-born triplets Henniyah, Helaina, and Henri Rivers do everything together, including ski racing. Now the teenagers are hoping to represent Jamaica at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. By Pat Graham. By Pat Graham. 800 words, photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 7:00 a.m. EST, Video, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo

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CAR--DAKAR RALLY

DESCRIPTION: Stage five of the Dakar Rally on Thursday is the second half of the marathon stage to Ha’il.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 8:55 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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SOC--SPANISH LEAGUE-BATTLING CLOUDFLARE

DESCRIPTION: MADRID -- As soon as the ball starts rolling in the Spanish league, the game is on for some 50 analysts who get behind their computers and other devices to start looking for signs of online piracy. They identify the pirated content and take the steps needed to take them off air, including notifying internet intermediaries like Cloudflare. And that’s when the real fight begins for the Spanish league. La Liga has been one of the most active European leagues fighting piracy and audiovisual fraud, but it says it found a tough opponent when it comes to Cloudflare.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 9:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP SEMIS-SABAN

DESCRIPTION: It’s been two years since Nick Saban last took the field as a coach, but he still has his hands all over the College Football Playoff, regardless of how it shakes out. Five of the 12 CFP teams this year are led by a coach who served directly under Saban at one time or another. Four of them are still in the race. By Maura Carey. 600 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-DEFENSES

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana linebacker Isaiah Jones insists there’s no real secret to the Hoosiers defensive success. They prepare hard, follow the coaches’ instructions, stick to the fundamentals and trust each player to do their jobs. It’s as old-school as it gets, which is hardly a surprise in coach Curt Cignetti’s program. But when No. 1 Indiana faces No. 5 Oregon in Friday night’s Peach Bowl, each of these stingy defenses will have something to prove. By Michael Marot. 800 words, with photos by 2 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-HOMETOWN HERO

DESCRIPTION: The play was dubbed “Trojan.” It was senior night for Oregon, which was facing USC in the final regular season home game at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks were up 21-14 late in the first half.This was senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher’s moment. A football walk-on who originally enrolled at Oregon on a baseball scholarship, the Eugene native had been begging for his chance to carry the ball on offense all season. By Anne M. Peterson.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-DUELING QUARTERBACKS

DESCRIPTION: The first meeting between Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore wasn’t pretty. It was two years ago, before the Pac-12’s demise. Mendoza was quarterback at California, while Moore started for UCLA in the final game of the regular season. Cal went on to win 33-7. Mendoza, who started the season as Cal’s third-string QB, threw for a pair of touchdowns with a pair of interceptions. Moore was also picked off twice. By Anne M. Peterson.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--CFP-FIESTA BOWL

DESCRIPTION: No. 6 Ole Miss and Trinidad Chambliss take on No. 10 Miami and Carson Beck in an underdog Fiesta Bowl for a trip to the College Football Playoff national championship game. By John Marshall. 700 words, photos. 7:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-BYE

DESCRIPTION: RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks are entering the 2026 NFL playoffs with the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and riding all sorts of momentum. They have all the confidence in the world in veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, who has his fair share of baggage, to lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL WITH ROB MAADDI-WILD-CARD WEEKEND

DESCRIPTION: Titans Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons talks about his fourth straight Pro Bowl season, being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award and says Tennessee has a bright future because of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Audio, Text

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FBN--FALCONS-BLANK

DESCRIPTION: Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his plans to hire a new coach and general manager, as well as a new president of football operations, in a news conference on Thursday. By Charles Odum. 550 words, photos. News conference scheduled to begin at 11:20 a.m.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FIG--US CHAMPIONSHIPS

DESCRIPTION: The second day of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships takes place at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. World champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates headline the dance field while Ilia Malinin begins pursuit of Olympic glory in the men’s short program. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos. Rhythm dance starts 4 p.m. CT; men’s short program starts 7:15 p.m. CT.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BBO--ARBITRATION

DESCRIPTION: Tarik Skuba and Randy Arozarena head more than 150 players set to exchange proposed salaries in arbitrations with their teams. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 500 words, photos, by 9 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 01/08/2026 9:00 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--STEVE KERR-SCOLDED BY MOM

Steve Kerr’s mom not happy with him for outburst leading to ejection

SUMMARY: Steve Kerr upset his mother. Ann Kerr was mortified by the behavior of her 60-year-old son, for the first time in quite a while. She didn’t approve of Kerr’s ejection in the fourth quarter of a one-point loss to the Clippers on Monday night, when the Warriors coach was held back from the officials by Gary Payton II, Gui Santos and assistant Terry Stotts. Kerr received back-to-back technical fouls and his fifth career ejection after becoming angry with official John Collins over a missed goaltending call.

WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 01/08/2026 1:20 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:367af5049f1538d55df39a509be876b9&mediaType=text

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HKN--OBIT-HALL

Glenn Hall, whose NHL goalie starts streak may never be broken, dies at age 94

SUMMARY: Glenn Hall, a Hockey Hall of Famer whose streak of 502 consecutive starts as a goaltender remains an NHL record, has died at age 94. A spokesperson for the Chicago Blackhawks confirmed the team was informed of Hall’s death from his family. A league historian in touch with Hall’s son, Pat, said Hall died at a hospital in Stony Plain, Alberta, on Wednesday. A pioneer of the butterfly style of goaltending of dropping to his knees, Hall backstopped Chicago to the Stanley Cup in 1961. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the playoffs in 1968 with St. Louis when the Blues reached the final before losing to Montreal.

WORDS: 742 - MOVED: 01/08/2026 1:19 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b94d7576d5fad2bae93144c9df568cb9&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-PERFECT CYCLONES

Ames native Tamin Lipsey a big part of first 15-0 start for No. 3 Iowa State

SUMMARY: Iowa State senior point guard Tamin Lipsey grew up near campus in Ames and says he’s been a Cyclone his entire life. Now he’s part of something the program had never done before. Third-ranked Iowa State is 15-0 for the first time following a 70-60 victory at Baylor. Lipsey scored 24 points, overcoming some early foul trouble that kept him on the bench for nearly eight minutes in the first half. Joshua Jefferson had 19 points and 17 rebounds for the Cyclones. Their 15-0 start and 15-game winning streak are both school records, surpassing a 14-0 start by the 2013-14 team.

WORDS: 665 - MOVED: 01/08/2026 12:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fc795668d07f2877638d3a58d6941d30&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAIDERS-CROSBY SURGERY

Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby undergoes knee surgery

SUMMARY: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby underwent successful left knee surgery. Crosby shared a photo on social media from his hospital bed, expressing optimism for a full recovery. He injured his knee mid-season but continued to play until being placed on injured reserve with two games left. Crosby recorded 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss this season. He signed a three-year extension worth $106.5 million in March. Raiders general manager John Spytek praised Crosby’s dedication, saying he embodies what it means to be a Raider.

WORDS: 287 - MOVED: 01/08/2026 12:31 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ab070fd6ddaa1dd26ce6b0aac8f1abe&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-SPURS

Johnson and Wembanyama fuel Spurs to win over Lakers 107-91, despite Doncic’s 38 points

SUMMARY: Keldon Johnson had 27 points, Victor Wembanyama added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists from Luka Doncic to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-91 on Wednesday night. San Antonio captured the battle for second place in the Western Conference despite shooting 4 for 24 on 3-pointers. LeBron James did not play. Jake LaRavia, with 16, and Jaxson Hayes, with 10, were the only other Lakers to score in double figures against the Spurs.

WORDS: 319 - MOVED: 01/08/2026 12:27 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5e74cdd861f7d1ba9e37cde527390558&mediaType=text

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FIG--US CHAMPIONSHIPS

Amber Glenn sets record at U.S. Figure Skating Championships, leads over world champ Alysa Liu

SUMMARY: Two-time defending champion Amber Glenn has set the record for a women’s short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Her performance Wednesday night gave her the lead world champion Alysa Liu heading into the free skate. Liu had broken the record mere minutes earlier with a score of 81.11 points at the home of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. But then Glenn took the ice and was flawless from an opening triple axel to her finishing combination spin, earning 83.05 points. Earlier in the night, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov began defense of their U.S. pairs title with a near-perfect short program

WORDS: 867 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 11:46 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7515f4c51b42c50fc6081bc8b7d97396&mediaType=text

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BKN--JAZZ-THUNDER

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 46 points as Thunder halt rare skid with OT win over Jazz

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 46 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 129-125 in overtime Wednesday night to snap a two-game losing skid. Gilgeous-Alexander calmly made a shot from near the free-throw line at the regulation buzzer to force overtime, then scored nine points in the extra period. The reigning MVP increased his streak of games with at least 20 points to 109, the second-longest run in NBA history. Chet Holmgren had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Jalen Williams scored 17 points and Ajay Mitchell added 16 for defending champion Oklahoma City. Lauri Markkanen had 29 points and 13 rebounds for Utah. Keyonte George added 25 points and 11 assists.

WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 11:04 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:35e212df14f0095e98974866901ba994&mediaType=text

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BKN--CLIPPERS-KNICKS

Towns bounces back with strong game as the Knicks beat the Clippers 123-111 to snap a 4-game skid

SUMMARY: Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points, 11 rebounds and a season-high seven assists, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and the New York Knicks snapped their four-game losing streak with a 123-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Towns bounced back from a miserable game Monday in Detroit, when he had just six points and six turnovers in the Knicks’ 121-90 loss that gave them their longest losing streak of the season. OG Anunoby added 20 points and Deuce McBride had 16 for the Knicks. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points for the Clippers, who lost for just the second time in nine games.

WORDS: 313 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 10:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0949f0558368fde7b17d40dfc7c787c8&mediaType=text

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BKN--WIZARDS-HAWKS TRADE

Hawks agree to trade high-scoring guard Trae Young to Wizards, AP source says

SUMMARY: Trae Young’s time with the Atlanta Hawks is over. A person with knowledge of the move says the Hawks have agreed to trade Young to the Washington Wizards for a package including veteran CJ McCollum. Corey Kispert is also heading from Washington to Atlanta. The person who confirmed the deal spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval as of Wednesday night. The Wizards held McCollum and Kispert out of their loss at Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Young was on the bench in street clothes for the Hawks’ game against visiting New Orleans.

WORDS: 670 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 10:33 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c28824278550bc1f37f5100446845fba&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-UCONN-PROVIDENCE

No. 4 UConn rallies past Providence late for 103-98 victory in overtime

SUMMARY: Braylon Mullins scored eight of his career-high 24 points in overtime and fourth-ranked UConn rallied past Providence 103-98 for its 11th consecutive victory. Silas Demary Jr. had 23 points, 15 assists and five steals for the Huskies, who trailed by 11 with under three minutes remaining in regulation. But they went on a 9-0 run and then tied it at 89 on a putback by Tarris Reed Jr. with 13 seconds left. Alex Karaban also scored 23 for UConn, which shot 18 of 32 from 3-point range. Reed had 20 points and eight rebounds. Ryan Mela led the Friars with 19 points off the bench.

WORDS: 348 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 10:26 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13f09d175f61cea5fcef449740cc6eeb&mediaType=text

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FIG--US CHAMPIONSHIPS-EFIMOVA CITIZENSHIP

Figure skater Alisa Efimova’s Olympic dream hinges on last-minute U.S. citizenship approval

SUMMARY: Alisa Efimova hopes to represent the United States at the Milan Cortina Olympics, but she needs to become a citizen first. She and her pairs partner, Misha Mitrofanov, delivered a stellar performance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday. Efimova is from Finland. She and Mitrofanov were married in February 2024, and she received a green card in July of that year. She is seeking a waiver of the required three-year waiting period for citizenship. The finalized U.S. squad for the Winter Games will be announced on Sunday, and Mitrofanov says they are hoping for “a last-minute miracle.”

WORDS: 838 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 9:17 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12e25b7e6d0986a29d9dce82e44ec01f&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL PLAYOFFS-BETTING

NFL playoff odds: Multiple road teams favored in unusual wild-card round

SUMMARY: The NFL playoffs could see an unusual number of road favorites this weekend. As of Wednesday, four road teams are favored at BetMGM Sportsbook. Green Bay is a narrow favorite at Chicago, and the same is true for Buffalo at Jacksonville. That means there’s a chance those road teams won’t be favored by kickoff. The Los Angeles Rams are bigger favorites at Carolina, and Houston is favored at Pittsburgh. There were only three road favorites all of last postseason, according to Sportradar. And even in the games this weekend where the home team is favored, the lines aren’t that big.

WORDS: 832 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 8:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c4def3cc7d72392138b3b7e12e720760&mediaType=text

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HKN-MAMMOTH-WINTER CLASSIC

Utah Mammoth to host the 2027 NHL Winter Classic against the Colorado Avalanche

SUMMARY: The Utah Mammoth will host the 2027 Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium against the Colorado Avalanche. It’s set to be the first outdoor game for the franchise formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes and before that the Winnipeg Jets. It’s the last in the NHL that has not yet taken part. The exact date has not yet been announced for the game at the home of the University of Utah football team. Owners Ryan and Ashley Smith have been praised by Commissioner Gary Bettman for just about everything they’ve done since buying the team and relocating it to Salt Lake City.

WORDS: 407 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 7:13 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d65defdd86f46ca41d38f779d18e566e&mediaType=text

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FBN--BROWNS-SANDERS BURGLARY

3 arrested in burglary of Browns QB Shedeur Sanders’ home, but 1 suspect remains at large

SUMMARY: The Medina County Sheriff’s Office says three people have been arrested in connection with the Nov. 16 burglary at Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ home. A fourth suspect remains at large, with a warrant issued for his arrest. Sanders’ home in Granger Township was burglarized while he played in the Browns’ game against the Baltimore Ravens. Around $200,000 in property was stolen. Surveillance footage shows masked people entering and leaving the home. Sanders joined a list of NFL players whose homes have been targeted during games, including Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes.

WORDS: 277 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 6:32 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:28b9cdfb6756a096d77ec2b83fba8733&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARLINS-CUBS TRADE

Cubs acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Marlins

SUMMARY: The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins in their first major offseason move. Chicago is sending outfielder Owen Caissie and minor leaguers Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon to Miami for Cabrera, who went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in a career-high 26 starts and 137 2/3 innings last year. Caissie could compete for a starting job with the Marlins after making his major league debut in August.

WORDS: 453 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 6:29 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0720ebe8b00b7361da2406f4054fb04&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS-JERRY JONES

Jerry Jones wants to be the owner with the most Super Bowls, but the Cowboys have a long way to go

SUMMARY: Jerry Jones’ lofty Super Bowl goal sounds like more than his Dallas Cowboys can handle. Jones wants to be the owner with the most NFL championships despite New England’s Robert Kraft having twice as many as his three. The Cowboys haven’t even sniffed an NFL championship in the past 30 of 37 years under Jones. Dallas is coming off consecutive losing seasons, and Jones is 83. Even he acknowledges he might not have many NFL drafts left. And this one will be huge to try to fix one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

WORDS: 752 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 6:10 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:84ffb1f6047dcdcbf41c410af43a1a95&mediaType=text

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FBN--PRO PICKS-WILD-CARD WEEKEND

Pro Picks: 4 road teams are favorites in wild-card weekend

SUMMARY: The NFL’s wild-card weekend features a rematch of the 2022 NFC championship game, two division rivals facing off and a team with a losing record playing a home game. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and their inconsistent offense are home against Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the injury-depleted San Francisco 49ers. Philly ended Purdy’s impressive rookie season three years ago by knocking him out of the NFC title game in the first quarter and then forced him back in to hand off after giving backup Josh Johnson a concussion in a lopsided victory. The Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers as the NFC North rivals meet for the third time in six weeks.

WORDS: 1504 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 6:06 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb56dd0fd5cb8fad0c0ff4b2c1c5fc22&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA-SPRAGUE RESIGNS

Derek Sprague steps down as CEO of PGA of America to care for his family in New York

SUMMARY: Derek Sprague is leaving the PGA of America as CEO after one year to tend to his family. Sprague was the first club professional in 20 years to be appointed CEO of the organization. He also was the first past PGA president to become CEO. Sprague says he was home in upstate New York last month when he realized he needed to be home to care for his mother and his mother-in-law. The PGA of America hopes to have a replacement in the coming weeks. Sprague says he will stay on as an adviser to help with the transition.

WORDS: 503 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 6:00 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6b0f6826e26e2c4100a42750d560698&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-REGULAR SEASON RATINGS

NFL sees 2nd-highest regular season average viewership since 1988 at 18.7 million, up 10% from 2024

SUMMARY: The NFL has averaged 18.7 million viewers per game this season, marking the second-highest average since 1988. This is a 10% increase from last season. Nielsen’s new Big Data + Panel methodology, which includes out-of-home viewers and smart TV data, has contributed to this rise. All five weekly NFL packages saw viewer increases. Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” had the largest gain at 16%. CBS had the most-watched slate among the afternoon games, averaging 21.25 million viewers. NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” averaged 23.5 million viewers, continuing its primetime dominance. Streaming platforms like Peacock and Paramount Plus also saw significant boosts.

WORDS: 931 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 5:32 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f78636ee03d23c100832d42af803f833&mediaType=text

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BKN--HEAT-ROZIER CONTRACT

Heat guarantee final $1.7M of Terry Rozier’s contract and may seek to trade him

SUMMARY: The Miami Heat have decided not to waive Terry Rozier. Wednesday’s decision keeps Rozier, who faces federal gambling charges, on Miami’s roster for now. By not waiving him, the Heat have guaranteed the final $1.7 million of his $26.6 million salary for this season. Miami may try to trade Rozier’s contract before the NBA’s Feb. 5 deadline. However, it’s unclear if the NBA will allow the move. Rozier was arrested in October and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to illegal gambling. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said he’s willing to work with the Heat to resolve the situation.

WORDS: 608 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 5:20 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d29a901291b6b23b1d0e2df19581fc80&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAVENS-FUTURE

Analysis: The stakes are high as the Ravens move on from the stability of the Harbaugh era

SUMMARY: In three decades of existence, the Baltimore Ravens have had two primary owners, two general managers and three head coaches. Stability like that is hard to achieve in the NFL and should not be taken for granted. Now the franchise heads down an uncertain path after firing John Harbaugh. It’s a risk owner Steve Bisciotti clearly felt was worth taking. As is often the case when a coach is fired, those who were spared will be under even more scrutiny. In Baltimore, that’s Lamar Jackson and general manager Eric DeCosta.

WORDS: 724 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 4:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:208cd386948e74895ddc0e9825396c3c&mediaType=text

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FBC--ALABAMA-SIMPSON-NFL

Ty Simpson declares for NFL draft after one season as Alabama’s starting QB

SUMMARY: Ty Simpson has declared for the NFL draft. Simpson leaves Alabama after one season as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Simpson could be one of the top quarterbacks drafted in April. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is seen as the likely No. 1 selection. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and completed 64.5% of his passes this season. He threw for 28 touchdowns with five interceptions, and he ran for two scores. Alabama lost to Mendoza and top-ranked Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Simpson suffered a cracked rib that knocked him out of that game.

WORDS: 229 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 4:52 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c4802f67adca01eaace15062a5f4b726&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHARGERS-HARBAUGH

Jim Harbaugh predicts brother John will return to NFL coaching soon but he hopes it’s in the NFC

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh believes his brother John will soon return to coaching. John Harbaugh was fired as coach of the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons, including a Super Bowl win. The Ravens finished 8-9 this season, missing the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh expressed surprise at his brother’s dismissal, praising him as the best coach he knows. John Harbaugh’s record in Baltimore was 193-124, including the postseason. With seven NFL head coaching jobs open, Jim Harbaugh is confident his brother will find a new opportunity soon, but Jim says he hopes it’s in the NFC. The Chargers play in the AFC.

WORDS: 338 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 4:36 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1ad04d4ba677cf29060bd992c01a4e1c&mediaType=text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Why 2025 is the year of the first-round quarterback in the NFL

WORDS: 1235 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 3:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:21d1dd5bf6794dcaad9645eb79d3b085&mediaType=text

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TEN--UNITED CUP-QUARTERFINALS

Coco Gauff’s two wins lead the defending champion Americans into the United Cup semifinals

SUMMARY: After a singles loss and social media drama earlier in the week, Coco Gauff did all her talking on court in the United Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Gauff won twice — once in singles and then a clinching victory in mixed doubles — to send the Americans into the semifinals in Sydney on Saturday. Gauff beat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to give the defending champion United States a 1-0 lead over Greece. Taylor Fritz had a chance in his singles match to clinch the quarterfinal against Stefanos Tsitsipas, but lost 6-4 7-5. In the deciding mixed doubles, Gauff and Christian Harrison beat Tsitsipas and Sakkari 4-6, 6-4, 10-8.

WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 01/07/2026 2:54 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:63cc3ba93e4ae984bf6f302ed169563d&mediaType=text

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