MLB player Tucupita Marcano faces possible lifetime ban for alleged baseball bets, AP source says
NEW YORK (AP) — San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is under investigation by Major League Baseball for allegedly betting on baseball and could be subject to a lifetime ban, according to a person familiar with the probe. MLB is looking into allegations Marcano bet on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates while on the team’s injured list last season, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Marcano, 24, has not played since tearing his right ACL last July 24. He was claimed by the Padres off waivers on Nov. 2 and placed on the 10-day injured list March 19.
Novak Djokovic wins his record 370th Slam match but isn't sure he can continue at the French Open
PARIS (AP) — Novak Djokovic played through a painful right knee with the help of medicine and come back to beat No. 23 Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the French Open’s fourth round for his record 370th win in a Grand Slam match. Djokovic said after Monday's victory that he is not sure if he can play in the quarterfinals because of his knee. He is the defending champion at Roland Garros. He broke a tie with Roger Federer for the most match wins at major tournaments — and also for the most Slam quarterfinals for a man by reaching the 59th of his career.
Kylian Mbappé finally joins Real Madrid in a union of soccer's top player and club
MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé is finally a Real Madrid player. Real Madrid says it reached a deal with the France star for the next five seasons to bring together one of soccer’s top talents and its most successful club. The announcement comes after years of flirtation by Madrid with the player who inherited the status of the best in the game from Lionel Messi. The 25-year-old forward joins a Madrid team that is already loaded with talent and still celebrating its record-extending 15th European Cup title.
Vikings reach agreement with Jefferson on 4-year extension to give him NFL's richest non-QB contract
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson agreed to a four-year extension that's the richest contract in the NFL for a non-quarterback. Jefferson will get $110 million guaranteed in the deal that’s worth as much as $140 million, with more than $88 million due at signing. Jefferson has the most receiving yards in league history through a player’s first four seasons. He had entered the final year of his rookie deal. The two sides came close to an extension last summer. Jefferson missed seven games last season with a hamstring injury and still reached 1,074 receiving yards.
Larry Allen, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, dies suddenly at 52
DALLAS (AP) — Larry Allen, one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL during a 12-year career spent mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, has died. He was 52. The Cowboys say Allen died suddenly on Sunday while on vacation with his family in Mexico. Allen was named an All-Pro six consecutive years from 1996-2001 and was inducted into the Pro Football of Hall of Fame in 2013. He said few words but let his blocking do the talking. Allen once bench-pressed 700 pounds and had the speed to chase down opposing running backs.
Penn State found 'friction' between coach James Franklin, team doctor; could not determine violation
An internal review by Penn State in 2019 found evidence of “friction” between football coach James Franklin and a now-former team doctor. However, it could not determine whether Franklin violated NCAA rules or Big Ten standards by interfering with medical decisions. The 15-page document from Penn State’s office of ethics and compliance was obtained by The Associated Press. Last week, a Pennsylvania jury awarded $5.25 million to Dr. Scott Lynch after he won a lawsuit against the hospital that employs him. The report left undetermined if actions by Franklin or anyone else at Penn State broke rules. It recommended further inquiry.
Jason Kidd passes on vindication as he leads Mavs to NBA Finals a year after chaotic finish
DALLAS (AP) — Jason Kidd has the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals as a coach 13 years after helping the franchise win its only title as a point guard. The 51-year-old Naismith Hall of Fame player doesn't feel the need for vindication a year after many questions swirled around Kidd and a team that missed the playoffs. He has said Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving needed time to develop after the blockbuster trade for Irving. This season's postseason run has proved him right. The Mavs didn't win a playoff series in the 10 seasons from their title to Kidd's arrival as coach. He has Dallas to five series victories in three seasons.
Celtics have followed 'craziness' of Joe Mazzulla's coaching style straight to the NBA Finals
BOSTON (AP) — Joe Mazzulla was thrust into a job he didn’t expect to have following former Celtics coach Ime Udoka’s suspension just days before the start of training camp last season. Mazzulla stepped up and guided Boston through that franchise-shaking crisis and to the cusp of an NBA Finals berth. Now armed with a coaching staff of his choosing and a style built around 3-pointers and defense, he’s followed that up by leading Boston to its first 60-win regular season since it won it all in 2007-08. Not bad for a 35-year-old who is the youngest head coach to reach the Finals since Bill Russell in 1969.
The matchup is set: Panthers, Oilers will meet in the Stanley Cup Final
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk is about to renew some acquaintances. Connor McDavid is going back to where his NHL career started. The Stanley Cup Final matchup is set: The Florida Panthers, back in the title round for the second consecutive year and seeking their first championship, will take on the Edmonton Oilers — a team looking to return to hockey’s mountaintop for the first time since 1990.
Pavelski may be out of chances to win a Stanley Cup after the Dallas Stars came up short again
Joe Pavelski might be out of chances to win a Stanley Cup title after the Dallas Stars came up short again. It is unclear if the nearly 40-year-old Pavelski wants to give it another try after a combined 1,533 NHL games, plus he is unsigned past this season. Dallas has now ended consecutive seasons in the Western Conference Final with a Game 6 loss. They lost 2-1 at Edmonton, missing a chance to force a Game 7 at home. They were outscored 10-2 over the final 175 minutes of the West final after quickly going ahead 2-0 in Game 4 at Edmonton.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
