Oregon gets top billing in College Football Playoff's opening rankings, Ohio St 2nd and Georgia 3rd
Undefeated Oregon got top billing in the first set of rankings on the road to college football's new, 12-team playoff. A 13-member selection panel released its first top-25 list, and saw what most of the country has seen this year -- that with a 9-0 record, five wins in the Big Ten by three touchdowns or more, and a key victory over Ohio State, coach Dan Lanning's Ducks are the best in the country. Ohio State was ranked second, Georgia third and Miami fourth in the first of six weekly polls the committee will release.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has surgery to repair labrum tear in shoulder after World Series injury
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani had arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to repair a labrum tear in his left shoulder, following an injury the Los Angeles Dodgers star suffered during Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 26. The Dodgers say the Japanese two-way player is expected to be ready for spring training in February. Ohtani injured his nonthrowing shoulder while sliding into second base on a stolen base attempt, which resulted in a shoulder dislocation. He returned to play the next three games, helping the Dodgers beat the Yankees in five games to win the championship. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.
NFL trade deadline: Commanders acquire Lattimore; Lions get Za'Darius Smith; Steelers add Williams
The NFC East-leading Washington Commanders made a move to help them stay in first place. The Detroit Lions got their edge rusher. The injury-plagued Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers added receivers. Hours before the NFL's trade deadline at 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, the Commanders got four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the struggling Saints, three people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the deal. The NFC North-leading Lions kicked off deadline day by acquiring defensive end Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.
Which move is better when down 1 late? Kick the extra point or go for 2?
Whenever a team is trailing by seven points late in an NFL game and driving, the talk quickly turns to whether it will go for 2 and the win if it happens to score a touchdown. Tampa Bay, New England and Seattle all opted against it in Week 9 and ended up as overtime losers. The situations weren't entirely identical, with the Seahawks scoring with 51 seconds left, the Patriots on the final play with an exhausted Drake Maye and the Buccaneers with 27 seconds left and Patrick Mahomes on the other side. But the decisions and the outcomes were the same.
College football Week 11: 'Bama-LSU, Georgia-Mississippi carry high stakes for SEC and playoff races
The first College Football Playoff rankings are out and now the jockeying for position begins. Two SEC teams just outside the top 12 can enhance their chances of appearing on the bracket. Mississippi is No. 16 in The Associated Press poll and CFP rankings. The Rebels host Georgia. The Bulldogs are No. 2 in the AP poll and No. 3 in the CFP. LSU hosts Alabama in a rivalry that heated up over their time together in the old SEC West. LSU is No. 14 in the AP poll and No. 15 in the CFP. Alabama is No. 11 in both.
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy apologizes after lashing out at critics
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy apologized on social media for comments he made about his team's critics during a media session. Oklahoma State was one of the favorites to contend for the Big 12 title this season, but the Cowboys are alone in last place heading into Saturday's game at TCU. Gundy is in unfamiliar territory. He has 169 wins in 20 seasons, and his team has 18 straight bowl appearances. The Cowboys have lost six in a row and must win out to avoid a losing season.
76ers' Joel Embiid is suspended by the NBA for three games for shoving a newspaper columnist
NEW YORK (AP) -- Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been suspended by the NBA for three games without pay for shoving a member of the media. Embiid's suspension will begin with the next regular-season game for which he is eligible and able to play. The 2023 NBA MVP has yet to play this season because of what the 76ers call left knee management. Embiid shouted at and eventually shoved a newspaper columnist in a locker room altercation Saturday night. He took issue with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who mentioned the seven-time All-Star's late brother and his son -- both named Arthur -- in columns questioning Embiid's professionalism and effort not being in shape after playing in the Paris Olympics.
U.S. Nordic combined salvages program with grant from International Ski and Snowboard Federation
The United States Nordic combined program has been salvaged for the upcoming World Cup season, receiving desperately needed financial help from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. FIS gave Nordic Combined USA a grant last week, a contingency the Colorado-based nonprofit needed to enter a new partnership with its Norwegian counterpart. Americans who compete internationally in a sport that encompasses ski jumping and cross-country skiing lost funding for training and coaching from USA Nordic Sport last June. That decision sent athletes, their parents and supporters of the sport scrambling to save the season for the U.S. men and women.
Real Madrid, Manchester City both humiliated in Champions League, Liverpool enjoys Alonso's return
European heavyweights Real Madrid and Manchester City have both suffered big defeats in the Champions League. Defending champion Madrid was humbled 3-1 at home by AC Milan, while Erling Haaland missed a penalty and City squandered a fourth-minute lead as it lost 4-1 at Sporting Lisbon. It was Rúben Amorim's last home game in charge of Sporting before he takes over as Manchester United coach. Luis Diaz scored a hat trick and Cody Gakpo grabbed another goal as Liverpool defeated German champion Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield, marring Xabi Alonso's return to his old home.
Jerry Jones says Dak Prescott is likely headed to IR, but owner isn't giving up on Cowboys' season
FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says quarterback Dak Prescott is likely to miss at least four games with a move to injured reserve because of his strained hamstring. Jones also says he isn't giving up on the season as the Cowboys trade for Carolina receiver Jonathan Mingo. Prescott sustained the injury in the second half of a 27-21 loss to Atlanta. The Cowboys play NFC East rival Philadelphia on Sunday. Cooper Rush will replace Prescott. Rush is 5-1 filling in for the franchise QB. Jones says "there's no question that Dak's injury is a setback. But we've seen Cooper do it."