Sports Headlines
New York Yankees update long-standing facial hair policy to allow ‘well-groomed’ beards
Dustin Satloff/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- The New York Yankees' long-standing policy against facial hair has finally been cut short.Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner, the son of legendary Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, shorn back the policy of having no facial hair below the lip, aka no beards, in a statement on Friday morning."In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees -- spanning several eras -- to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback," Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement on X. "These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years.He continued, ... Read More
Connor McDavid scores in OT to give Canada 3-2 win over United States in 4 Nations Face-Off final
BOSTON (AP) — When they played “O Canada” for the second time, there were no American fans left in the arena to boo. Instead, the Canadian team stood at the blue line, arm in arm, player and coach, wearing their championship hats while the maple leaf flag was lowered behind the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy and the national anthem reverberated across the Americans' home ice. The fans who remained, many of them in their red Team Canada jerseys, sang along. Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime to give Canada a 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday night as the North American rivals turned what had been a tune-up for the 2026 Olympics into a geopolitical brawl over ... Read MoreMavericks add 7-2 center Moses Brown to depleted frontcourt
DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks have signed 7-foot-2 center Moses Brown to a 10-day contract, adding an option to a depleted frontcourt missing injured star Anthony Davis and others. A journeyman who spent part of the 2021-22 season with the Mavericks, Brown has averaged 15.6 points and 14.9 rebounds with the New York Knicks' G League team this season. He also played nine games for the Indiana Pacers. The Mavericks, who announced the deal Thursday, return from the All-Star break Friday night at home against New Orleans. The addition of Brown comes with Davis sidelined by a groin injury sustained in his Dallas debut after the seismic trade that sent fellow superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. ... Read MoreAnthony Davis out at least 2 more weeks, but Mavs say he’s making good progress with groin injury
DALLAS (AP) — If the Dallas Mavericks can get mostly healthy by mid-March, there should be time for the defending Western Conference champions to play their way into a decent playoff position. Coach Jason Kidd understands it might be a big “if.” “You're never guaranteed to be healthy,” Kidd said Thursday after the Mavericks announced that recently acquired star Anthony Davis will be out at least two more weeks but is making “good progress” in recovery from a groin injury sustained in his Dallas debut. “Beginning of the season, we had injuries right off the bat,” Kidd said. “And so it would be great to get healthy. But if we're not healthy, we've got to deal with the cards that ... Read MoreSpurs beat the Suns 120-109 hours after losing star Wembanyama due to a blood clot in his shoulder
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — De'Aaron Fox scored 11 straight points in the final three minutes and finished with 26 as San Antonio beat the Phoenix Suns 120-109 Thursday night, hours after learning Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was done for the season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Fox added nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks as the Spurs won the opener of a two-game set in Austin, a city they covet as part of a mega-region that they’ve been cultivating for years. Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie each scored 15 points for San Antonio. Stephon Castle had 10 rebounds and Chris Paul 10 assists. Royce O'Neale scored 27 to lead Phoenix, which lost its ... Read MoreZack Martin is retiring after a decorated career at guard for the Cowboys, AP sources say
Zack Martin is retiring after a decorated career that included seven All-Pro seasons at right guard with the Dallas Cowboys, two people with knowledge of the decision said Thursday. Martin informed Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones of his decision in a meeting Thursday, one of the people told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement was planned. The 34-year-old Martin didn't make it through his 11th and final season with the Cowboys because of an ankle injury that eventually required surgery. He said when he was shut down after 10 games that he wasn't ready to make a decision on returning. The question of retirement came up when Martin held out in the preseason in ... Read MoreReliever Luke Jackson can boost pay to $4 million in 1-year contract with Texas Rangers
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Reliever Luke Jackson is guaranteed $1.5 million in his one-year contract with the Texas Rangers and can earn up to $4 million if he closes regularly for the team. Jackson's deal announced Monday includes $1.75 million in performance bonuses for games and $750,000 for games finished. A 33-year-old right-hander, Jackson would get $75,000 for 20 games, $100,000 for 25, $125,000 for 30, $150,000 for 35, $175,000 for 40, $225,000 for 45, $250,000 for 50, $300,000 for 55 and $350,000 for 60. Jackson also would earn $50,000 for 25 games finished, $100,000 for 30, $150,000 for 35, $200,000 for 40 and $250,000 for 45. He has 19 major league saves, including 18 with Atlanta in 2019. Texas ... Read MoreRobot umpires are getting their first MLB test during spring training
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A computerized system that calls balls and strikes is being tested during Major League Baseball spring training exhibition games starting Thursday after four years of experiments in the minor leagues. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is an advocate of the Automated Ball-Strike System, which potentially as early as 2026 could be used to aid MLB home plate umpires, but not replace them. Starting in 2024, MLB focused testing on a challenge system in which the human umpire makes each original call. Data from the spring training test could cause MLB to make alterations to the system for Triple-A games this season. How does the Automated Ball-Strike System work? Stadiums are outfitted with cameras that track each pitch ... Read MorePirates and veteran lefty Andrew Heaney agree to a 1-year deal
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to terms Thursday with veteran left-hander Andrew Heaney on a one-year deal. The agreement is worth $5.25 million and is pending Heaney passing a physical. The 33-year-old Heaney is 51-62 with a 4.45 ERA during his 11-year career, mostly with the Los Angeles Angels. Heaney spent the last two seasons with the Texas Rangers, winning a career-high 10 games in 2023 while helping the Rangers win their first World Series. Heaney went 5-14 with a 4.28 ERA in 32 games in 2024. The Pirates were in the market for a veteran — preferably a lefty — to join a starting rotation dominated by right-handers and led by reigning National League Rookie of the ... Read MoreESPN and Major League Baseball will end their national television deal after 2025 season
ESPN's coverage of Major League Baseball games — at least in its current form — will conclude at the end of the 2025 season. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro informed baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday morning that the network was opting out of the final three years of its contract, two people told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because because they weren’t authorized to discuss financial matters. ESPN and MLB both made statements Thursday night confirming the end of the current rights deal. There was a March 1 deadline for MLB and ESPN to opt out of the final three years of their contract. The sides agreed to a seven-year deal in 2021 that averaged $550 million per ... Read MoreTexas regents give women’s basketball coach Schaefer 3-year contract extension
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a three-year contract extension for women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer through the 2029-2030 season on Thursday. Schaefer, 63, is in his fifth season at Texas and has led the Longhorns to three Elite Eight finishes. Texas (26-2) is ranked No. 2 and tied for first in the Southeastern Conference as the Longhorns contend to be one of the four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Schaefer’s current annual base salary of $2.3 million remains the same through the 2026-27 season, then goes up $100,000 each year of the extension to $2.6 million by 2030. Schaefer is 135-34 at Texas. He also led Mississippi State to the ... Read MoreFormer Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player at World Cup
Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images(MADRID) -- Former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault of stemming from his nonconsensual kiss of footballer Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 World Cup Final.Spain beat England 1-0, taking home the 2023 World Cup title. Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent during the team's trophy ceremony, which was captured on video and in photos.Rubiales was suspended from his position in August 2023 after the incident. Nearly the entire coaching staff has resigned amid the controversy.Rubiales had claimed that the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso publicly denied that claim.After refusing to resign amid pressure from the Spanish government, players, soccer clubs and officials, he later resigned from his position. In October ... Read More
U.S. and Canada want to put the new Cold War on ice and play a 4 Nations hockey final for the ages
BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. and Canadian hockey teams tried to skate back the geopolitical tension that has infiltrated the 4 Nations Face-Off as they looked ahead to the championship game Thursday night for what has turned into one of the best international hockey tournaments in decades. Setting aside the animosity that has been building over tariff talks, anthems and annexation, the players and coaches said they wanted to leave their fans with an appreciation for the game like the one they picked up from iconic events like the United States’ “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics. “That event in USA Hockey inspired a generation of players: my generation,” said U.S. coach Mike ... Read MoreLuka Doncic frustrated by his rough shooting game, but the Lakers believe he’ll find his rhythm soon
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic couldn't find his shot in his third game with the Los Angeles Lakers, and LeBron James couldn't make up for it. Yet the Lakers all say they aren't worried after their embarrassing 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Doncic scored 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting, including a 1-for-9 performance on 3-point attempts. The Slovenian superstar added 11 rebounds and eight assists, but also committed six turnovers and five personal fouls while playing 33 minutes in his longest performance since joining the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with Dallas. “Obviously, it's going to take a little time,” Doncic said. “Today, a lot of rustiness from my part. Started the game with like ... Read MoreMarshall Faulk Presents New Orleans Youth With Epic Mural
NEW ORLEANS, La., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NFL Hall of Famer and Foundation for a Drug-Free World spokesperson Marshall Faulk returned to his roots at G.W. Carver High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, to unveil a powerful new mural in the school’s gymnasium. This was part of a week of activities before and during the Super Bowl. The mural is a collaboration between G.W. Carver High School, Foundation for a Drug-Free World and Marshall Faulk, to stand as a lasting inspiration for students to stay focused, pursue excellence, and make positive choices for their future. It prominently features the school’s ram mascot, a tribute to G.W. Carver High’s enduring spirit, alongside its motto: “Exceed ... Read MoreLearn a few laundry secrets from the baseball pros — the clubhouse staffers who wash MLB uniforms
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — From the pinstripes of New York all the way to the Dodger blues of Los Angeles, there is a strong connection among the clubhouse staffers who wash the dirt-caked, hard-worn uniforms of the major leagues. Just like the players who wear the jerseys. “The clubhouse community is really close,” says Riley Halpin, 29, a clubhouse attendant for the San Francisco Giants. “There's not a guy in the league I don't think that I can't call with a laundry question that won't answer it,” says Kiere Bulls, a home clubhouse manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates. On the eve of another season — as players throw their spring training apparel into hampers on wheels in Arizona and Florida ... Read MoreSpringer likely to share leadoff spot for Blue Jays, will see some time in left field this season
DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — His spot at the top of the batting order no longer secure and his statistics trending downward, George Springer has plenty to prove as he enters the penultimate season of his six-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager John Schneider plans to give the veteran right fielder some reps in left field this season and says the leadoff spot will likely be “a fluid situation.” “He’s open to anything and everything, which is awesome,” Schneider said. “So it’s just trying to use him appropriately.” Springer, 35, posted strong numbers in his first year with Toronto — an injury-riddled 2021 season — but his statistics have been on a steady decline since. He hit .267 with ... Read MoreOklahoma G Jeremiah Fears in NBA lottery conversation after starting college a year early
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — On some nights, Jeremiah Fears looks like a can't-miss future NBA star. On others, Oklahoma's young floor general looks more like a true freshman who started college a year early and is still figuring things out. The fluctuation is understandable, considering Fears reclassified and didn’t turn 18 until after he arrived on campus. Either way, the 6-foot-4 point guard, who averages 15.5 points per game and is projected as a lottery pick in many mock drafts, is moving too fast to dwell on his age. “When I step on the floor, it’s basically like, I’m just playing a game I love,” he said. “That’s what I try to keep my focus on, and not really necessarily ... Read MoreKario Oquendo scores 25 and SMU routs Notre Dame 97-73 for sixth ACC road win
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Kario Oquendo scored 25 points and SMU throttled Notre Dame 97-73 on Wednesday night as the Mustangs improved to 6-1 on the road in their first season in the ACC. SMU (20-6, 11-4) shot 72% in the first half, making 21 of 30 shots. A 9-0 run and a 10-0 run gave the Mustangs a 25-5 lead halfway through the period and they went on to lead 50-25 at halftime. Oquendo had 15 points without missing a shot, going 6 for 6 from the field with two 3-pointers and making his only free throw. Braeden Shrewsberry scored 12 points in the first half for the Fighting Irish (11-15, 5-10), but they shot only 32% and ... Read MoreThompson scores career-high 25 in leading Oklahoma State over UCF 104-95 despite Hall’s 34
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 14 of his career-high 25 points in the second half and Oklahoma State beat UCF 104-95 despite 34 points from Keyshawn Hall on Wednesday night. Thompson made 10 of 15 shots in leading the Cowboys (13-13, 5-10 Big 12). Abou Ousmane added 17 points despite sitting out much of the second half before fouling out. Arturo Dean scored 16 points, Khalil Brantley 15 and Marchelus Avery 10. Hall made 9 of 20 shots and was 14 of 17 from the line. Darius Johnson added 23 points — 19 in the second half — and Mikey Williams 14 for the Knights (13-13, 4-11), who lost their seventh straight. They were without starting big man ... Read MoreTexas Rangers will stream broadcasts after seasons of difficult access to games
ARLINGTON (AP) —The Texas Rangers are making their regional game broadcasts available directly to consumers in a streaming package they say is the first step in providing multiple viewing options after several seasons of access issues. The MLB team announced Wednesday that it entered into a multiyear agreement with A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC) to stream Rangers regional games on the Victory+ service starting this year. That is the same streaming service that took over regional broadcasts for the NHL's Dallas Stars this season. While Stars games and extra content are streamed for free, access for Rangers games will cost $100 for the full season. “The Rangers’ partnership with Victory+ as our direct-to-consumer provider is a tremendous first step ... Read MoreTop of page
