Jared Goff and Lions clinch playoff spot, beating Packers 34-31 on last-second field goal
DETROIT (AP) -- Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, Jake Bates made a 35-yard field goal as time expired and the Detroit Lions clinched a playoff spot with a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The NFC-best Lions broke a franchise record with their 11th straight win, including two over the Packers. Detroit coach Dan Campbell went for it on fourth down five times, including with 1 yard to go at the Green Bay 21 with 43 seconds left. David Montgomery ran for 7 yards on that play, ensuring the Lions could kick the go-ahead field goal without giving the Packers the ball again.
NBA returning to China for pair of Suns-Nets preseason games in 2025, AP source says
The NBA is returning to China next season. The league has struck a deal to play preseason games there more than five years after the league was effectively banned for Commissioner Adam Silver not punishing Daryl Morey for tweeting support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. A person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity says an agreement will be announced on Friday. The person requested anonymity because neither the NBA nor Chinese officials have spoken publicly on the matter. Brooklyn and Phoenix will play games in China's gambling hub of Macao on Oct. 10, 2025, and again two days later.
North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources say
North Carolina has interviewed former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick for its head coaching position. That's according to two people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school isn't commenting publicly on its search. Belichick's interview was first reported by Inside Carolina. It comes a week after the school fired its winningest all-time coach in 73-year-old Mack Brown. The 72-year-old Belichick completed a 24-season run with the Patriots after last season and has been linked to NFL jobs.
Pride, bragging rights and more than $115M at stake when final college playoff rankings come out
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- There's more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football's first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. When it's all said and done, the teams that make the title game will bring $20 million to their conferences, all of which distribute that money, along with billions in TV revenue and other sources, in different ways.
Move over Magic: Nuggets star Nikola Jokic goes past Johnson on career list with 139th triple-double
CLEVELAND (AP) -- There are moments when Nikola Jokic does things on the court that seem to defy reason -- almost magical. On Thursday, he passed a player who had the same skill. Denver's superstar center moved past Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and into third place on the career list for triple-doubles by recording his 139th in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-time MVP finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some easy shots and the Nuggets couldn't defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers. Jokic now trails only teammate Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson on the career triple-doubles list.
Scottie Scheffler has new putting grip and trails Cameron Young by 3 in Bahamas
NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) -- Scottie Scheffler has a new putting grip, and it helped him shoot a 5-under 67 in the first round of the Hero World Challenge. He trails Cameron Young by three shots in the 20-man invitational hosted by Tiger Woods. Young was playing for the first time since the BMW Championship more than three months ago and found great success on and around the greens of Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas. He made four birdie putts from 15 feet or longer for his 64. Justin Thomas was two shots back. Thomas and his wife welcomed a daughter a few weeks ago.
Luis Severino and Athletics agree to $67 million, 3-year contract, AP sources say
Two people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press that right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics have agreed to a $67 million, three-year contract. Severino can opt out and become a free agent again after the 2026 season. Severino's deal is the largest for the low-budget franchise, topping a $66 million contract for third baseman Eric Chavez covering 2005-10. Severino, who turns 31 on Feb. 20, was a free agent for the second straight offseason after going 11-7 with a 3.91 ERA in his only season with the New York Mets.
George Russell accuses Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behavior as F1 feud deepens
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Mercedes driver George Russell has accused Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behavior as a dispute between the two at last week's race in Qatar deepened. Russell says that "someone needs to stand up to a bully like this" in comments broadcast by Sky Sports. Verstappen said Sunday he had "lost all respect" for Russell over an incident in qualifying for last week's Qatar Grand Prix that saw the Red Bull driver dropped behind Russell on the grid.
Messi and Inter Miami to open Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al Ahly
MIAMI (AP) -- Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will open the Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al Ahly, with Palmeiras and Porto also part of that group for the tournament that will take place in the U.S. next year. The draw was held Thursday in Miami, with the 32 teams finally finding out their first three opponents in the newly expanded event. The tournament will be held in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, using 12 stadiums in 11 different cities. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the same stadium that will play host to the 2026 World Cup final.
Tottenham joins list of top Premier League teams to lose at Bournemouth as fans jeer Postecoglou
Manchester City, Arsenal and now Tottenham. The list of top Premier League teams beaten at Bournemouth this season is growing. Dean Huijsen took advantage of Tottenham's weakness at set pieces to head home a 17th-minute winner in Bournemouth's 1-0 victory. Some Spurs fans appeared to vent their frustration at manager Ange Postecoglou when he went over to them after his team's insipid display. Bournemouth climbed into ninth, a point and a place above Tottenham. Title contenders Man City and Arsenal both slipped to their first losses of the campaign at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium. Alex Iwobi scored goals early and late to lead Fulham to a 3-1 win over Brighton in the other game. Fulham climbed to sixth place.