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. …
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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.
For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.
The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.
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UPCOMING
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FBN--SUPER BOWL
FORMATS: Text, Photo
1. WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-WHY THE PATRIOTS WILL WIN
2. DESCRIPTION: Analysis of the Patriots chances of winning the Super Bowl. By Kyle Hightower.
3. UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EST
4. WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-WHY THE SEAHAWKS WILL WIN
5. DESCRIPTION: Analysis of the Seahawks’ chances of winning the Super Bowl. By Andrew Destin
6. UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EST
7. WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-KUHRS MOMENT
8. DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif.. -- Zak Kuhr thought he was simply reuniting with Mike Vrabel when he was hired to be the Patriots inside linebackers coach this past offseason. But when defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with cancer prior to the start of the season, Vrabel – who’d hired Kuhr during his stint with the Tennessee Titans – tapped him to be the de facto coordinator while Williams concentrated on his treatment. Kuhr has proven up to the task, bringing some different wrinkles to a defense that has allowed just one touchdown this postseason. By Kyle Hightower. 800 words, photos.
9. UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EST
10. WITH: FBN--SUPER BOWL-SEAHAWKS-SPECIAL TEAMS
11. DESCRIPTION: As much attention as quarterback Sam Darnold, the NFL’s leading receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks’ defense have all received, what’s flown under the radar is how stellar Seattle’s special teams have been. Whether it’s Jason Myers breaking the record for most points in a season by a kicker or Rashid Shaheed scoring three touchdowns in the return game, including one in the postseason against the 49ers, the Seahawks have dominated on special teams. The mastermind behind it all is special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, who has all the makings of a future NFL head coach. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.
12. UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EST
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BKC--NCAA-ALABAMA-BEDIAKO
DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The NCAA and Alabama center Charles Bediako’s attorneys meet in court as a judge decides whether he can continue to play this season. By Kennington Lloyd Smith.
UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BBC--FLORIDA-O’SULLIVAN
DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan discusses his return from a leave of absence and his season-ending tirade last June. By Mark Long.
UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-OLYMPICS BREAK
DESCRIPTION: The Winter Olympics come at a time for the Vegas Golden Knights, who have struggled recently. By Mark Anderson. 700 words, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Text
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GLF--PHOENIX OPEN
DESCRIPTION: Chris Gotterup has a two-shot lead heading into the second round of the Phoenix Open, where Scottie Scheffler will need to go low to extend his cuts-made streak to 66 straight. By John Marshall. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--T25-UCONN-ST JOHN’S
DESCRIPTION: In the first Big East showdown this season between the league’s top two teams, third-ranked UConn (22-1, 12-0) carries an 18-game winning streak into Madison Square Garden for its highly anticipated matchup with No. 22 St. John’s (17-5, 10-1), which has won eight in a row. By Mike Fitzpatrick. 300 words, with photos.
UPCOMING: By 02/06/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--BROWNS-SCHWARTZ
Jim Schwartz resigns as Browns’ defensive coordinator after being passed over for head coach
SUMMARY: Jim Schwartz has resigned as the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator after three seasons. The team announced Friday that he handed in his letter of resignation on Thursday. Schwartz led one of the league’s top defenses but was upset about being passed over for the head coach job. The Browns hired Todd Monken as head coach on January 29. Monken said Tuesday that he had spoken with Schwartz but didn’t have an update on his return. Schwartz was under contract for one more season. Cleveland led the league in total defense in 2023 and ranked fourth this season. Myles Garrett had 23 sacks, breaking the NFL single-season record.
WORDS: 363 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 12:59 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:608ff7b4ded956ab7ad602178712931a&mediaType=text
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OLY--SKI-WOMEN’S DOWNHILL
Lindsey Vonn tests injured left knee in Olympic downhill training, pumps fist after successful run
SUMMARY: A week after rupturing the ACL in her left knee, Lindsey Vonn opened her chase for Olympic gold at the age of 41 with an aggressive and successful training run down the Olympia delle Tofane downhill course. The American got tight with her line midway down and only narrowly cleared a gate but she led at the final checkpoints, then stood up out of her tuck before the finish. She traded fist pumps and a hug with teammate Breezy Johnson. Vonn tore the ACL a week ago but she plans to race with a large brace on her injured knee. The downhill is Sunday.
WORDS: 758 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 12:42 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:822361a38964e20cacc944e562464844&mediaType=text
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FBN--HALL OF FAME
Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headline a Hall of Fame class missing Bill Belichick
SUMMARY: Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick. Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors. Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors. But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach.
WORDS: 1026 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 12:42 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b8363ac4c7913b0340f9553cbb4c64c&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL AWARDS
Matthew Stafford edges Drake Maye for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award
SUMMARY: Matthew Stafford edged Drake Maye for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award on Thursday night in the closest race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-winners in 2003. Stafford received 24 of 50 first-place votes while Maye got 23. But Maye has a chance to go home this week with a Vince Lombardi Trophy. He leads the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
WORDS: 1331 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 12:41 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1f6a4d94a8ffcdd5844855c5d4ba510a&mediaType=text
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FBN--OBIT-JURGENSEN
Sonny Jurgensen, the strong-arm QB whose personality made him a beloved football figure, dies at 91
SUMMARY: Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen has died. He was 91. A spokesperson said Friday the team was informed by Jurgensen’s family about his death. Jurgensen was one of the most beloved figures in Washington football history. That went from his time with the team in 1964 through a lengthy broadcasting career alongside Sam Huff that ended in 2019. Jurgensen threw for more than 3,000 yards in a season five times with Washington and the Philadelphia Eagles during his nearly two-decade NFL career from 1957-1974.
WORDS: 1038 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 12:28 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4729d1ffe16843019bd3e4a285f728fb&mediaType=text
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US--SUPER BOWL ADS-PREVIEW
This year’s Super Bowl commercials feature AI, weight-loss drugs and celebrities galore
SUMMARY: As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the battle off the field for advertisers to win over 120 million-plus viewers will be just as heated as the rivalry on the field. Dozens of advertisers are pulling out all the stops for Super Bowl 60. They are hoping that audiences tuning in will remember their brand names as they stuff their ads with celebrities ranging from Kendall Jenner (Fanatics Sportsbook) to George Clooney (Grubhub), and tried-and-true ad icons like the Budweiser Clydesdales. This year’s trends include health and telehealth companies advertising weight loss drugs and advertisers showcasing AI.
WORDS: 1317 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 12:25 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b7ac3c1b7cf7b614ef69abbb5d6d7cf&mediaType=text
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FBN--SUPER BOWL-CONFETTI STORM
Meet the man behind the Super Bowl’s annual confetti blizzard
SUMMARY: Noah Winter has attended more Super Bowls than Tom Brady, but not as a player. Winter is the mastermind behind the confetti spectacle at the end of each game. His company, Artistry in Motion, has been creating the colorful celebrations in the winning team’s colors since the 31st Super Bowl, in 1997. Winter began his career in lighting design and pyrotechnics before transitioning to confetti for Disney and major concerts. The confetti is made from recycled materials and is biodegradable. Winter’s team makes sure the confetti drops precisely when the game ends. And in the right colors.
WORDS: 914 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 11:57 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7ada39848898523ba548f440b0caa5e1&mediaType=text
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BBI--WBC ROSTERS
Lindor, Correa off Puerto Rico’s WBC roster over insurance coverage, Báez for marijuana test
SUMMARY: Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa are not on Puerto Rico’s roster for the World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues. Javy Báez is also absent after a positive marijuana test in 2023. Defending champion Japan features stars like Shohei Ohtani, while the U.S. boasts a strong lineup with Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. Japan defeated the U.S. in the 2023 final. This year’s tournament runs from March 5-17 across multiple cities, with the final in Miami. Insurance policies have impacted player eligibility, affecting major league participation in events like the Olympics.
WORDS: 867 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 11:34 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5fb5c5719f62e06f396f9a6a4264a7a2&mediaType=text
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OLY--VANCE
Vance attends Olympic skating, then meets with Italian Prime Minister Meloni
SUMMARY: Vice President JD Vance met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Milan on Friday, part of his trip to the Olympics. Before their meeting, Vance visited the Milano Ice Skating Arena with his family and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They watched the opening session of the team figure skating competition. Later, Vance and Meloni held talks at the Prefettura di Milano, followed by a private lunch. Meloni at first spoke in Italian, prompting Vance to joke about having learned Italian since his last visit in May. Vance praised Italy’s hosting of the Olympics and expressed excitement about attending events in Milan.
WORDS: 567 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 11:16 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0f6bb47f31b010212087683e9eaf9c5c&mediaType=text
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OLY--OPENING CEREMONY-GUIDE
What to know about the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony on Friday
WORDS: 562 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 11:06 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d704990962d2e83c3b0cefd3c6704b94&mediaType=text
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US--SUPER BOWL-SUPER FANS
They will have been to all 60 Super Bowls. This year is possibly their last
SUMMARY: Three fans who have attended every Super Bowl since 1967 are going again this year. But two of them say it might be their last time. Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan and Tom Henschel of Florida are the last remaining members of the exclusive club of people who have never missed the big game. But this year’s Super Bowl is a little bittersweet: Crisman and Henschel say advancing age and mobility issues mean this is probably their final trip. Eaton, however, plans to keep going as long as he can.
WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 10:40 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f290334469146305909f07fcec9096bd&mediaType=text
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OLY--FIG-TEAM EVENT
Chock and Bates rock as reigning champ US leads team figure skating event at Milan Cortina Olympics
SUMMARY: Madison Chock and Evan Bates set the tone for the U.S. Figure Skating team at the Milan Cortina Olympics with a high-energy rhythm dance to Lenny Kravitz music. They earned the best score in the world this season on Friday. Alysa Liu kept the momentum going for the Americans into Day 2 of the team event. Chock and Bates scored 91.06 points, opening the three-day competition. The U.S. leads with 25 points, followed by Japan with 23 and Italy with 22. The competition continues Saturday with the men’s short program, after which the top five teams advance. The free dance follows with the men’s, pairs and women’s short programs on Sunday.
WORDS: 824 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 9:55 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fcdfb483425293e1415deb0bdac8d63&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-STEWART-DAYTONA
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart is back at Daytona. This time, Smoke is bringing his family
SUMMARY: Tony Stewart is making a return to NASCAR, 10 years after his last race. The 54-year-old will race in the Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway. Stewart, now a family man, will have his wife Leah Pruett and their 15-month-old son Dominic with him. He says he’s excited to show his son his racing career, even if the toddler won’t remember. Stewart’s return is part of Ram’s “free agent program,” which aims to spotlight proven drivers and rising stars. Despite past tensions with NASCAR, Stewart is eager to help reignite excitement for the sport.
WORDS: 981 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 9:22 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fb5104278cfd1343f1ae5cfadb29853a&mediaType=text
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BKW--NYU-WINNING STREAK
NYU coach Meg Barber leads Violets to brink of record-breaking Division III winning streak
SUMMARY: NYU coach Meg Barber was a player for the Violets when rival Washington University of St. Louis was approaching the Division III winning streak record. Now Barber has NYU two victories away from breaking the longtime mark held by Washington University of 81 consecutive wins set from 1998-2001. The Violets will have a chance to tie the record Friday night when they visit Case Western University. A win there would set up a chance to break it Sunday at Carnegie Mellon.
WORDS: 817 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 6:15 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:44a498c201156d0fbb5544e553a3a86e&mediaType=text
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OLY--MILAN CORTINA-OPENING CEREMONY
The Milan Cortina Olympics will start with a four-site and two-cauldron opening ceremony
SUMMARY: An unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture is scheduled to officially start the Milan Cortina Games. The Olympics return to Italy on Friday 20 years after it last hosted them in Turin. This is the most spread-out Olympics in history, with competition venues dotting an area of about a space roughly the size of the entire state of New Jersey. The main hub Friday is in Milan at San Siro soccer stadium. There also will be three other site for athletes to march, some carrying their country’s flag: Cortina in the heart of the Dolomite mountains; Livigno in the Alps; Predazzo in the autonomous province of Trento.
WORDS: 573 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 3:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e98f512c4dd8328bff2da166224740fa&mediaType=text
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BKN--LAKERS-DONCIC INJURED
Luka Doncic to have an MRI after leaving Lakers’ game against 76ers with left hamstring injury
SUMMARY: NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic left the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against Philadelphia with a leg injury. Doncic limped to the locker room with 3:03 left in the first half after apparently hurting his left leg on the far end of the court moments earlier. He didn’t return to the court when the second half began. Doncic leads the league with 33.4 points per game in his first full season with the Lakers. The Slovenian superstar is also second with 8.7 assists. He was also selected for his sixth All-Star game, voted in as a starter.
WORDS: 621 - MOVED: 02/06/2026 2:01 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:775c25d44654391104565be405268e25&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW ___
—OLY--Winter Olympics Coverage
—FBN--Super Bowl
—SOC--English Roundup
—BKC--T25-Houston-BYU