AP Sports

Update on the latest sports 3/6/2023

No timetable for Ja Morant’s return during ‘healing process’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins says there’s no timetable for Ja Morant to return to the team. The two-time All-Star wasn’t in Los Angeles for games against the Clippers and Lakers while the NBA investigates a social media post in which Morant appeared to be holding a gun. Jenkins describes the video as a “very tough moment.” The coach says Morant knows he’s made “difficult decisions and poor choices” that he has to be accountable for. The 23-year-old guard was the subject of another league investigation in recent weeks, but nothing came of it.

NFL combine a TV spectacle, moneymaker; value under scrutiny

The NFL combine is winding down and it’s clear the annual scouting event that’s evolved into a made-for-TV spectacle continues to be a required stop on the road to a pro football career amid concerns it can be a demeaning process with diminishing value. The combine, which launched in 1982 mainly to bring prospects to one location so teams can gather medical information, is a moneymaking machine for the league and another interview/audition for players and a job fair for unemployed coaches looking for a new opportunity. Opinions vary on how necessary it is today.

How will Liverpool and Man United respond to 7-0 rout?

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Liverpool’s 7-0 rout of Manchester United could have a telling impact on the remainder of the season for both teams. Liverpool’s problem this season has been an inability to produce consistent winning runs. That is why a team that competed for four trophies last season is fighting to secure Champions League qualification this year. But such landmark win could be a launchpad. United has responded impressively to previous setbacks this season and manager Erik ten Hag will hope for another rousing response from his players to ensure a campaign that is still full of promise does not unravel.

MLB says Clevinger won’t face discipline in investigation

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Major League Baseball says it won’t impose any discipline against Chicago White Sox right-hander Mike Clevinger after completing an investigation of domestic abuse allegations. In a statement, the commissioner’s office says its investigation included interviews of more than 15 people, including Clevinger and a woman who said she is the mother of Clevinger’s child, as well as thousands of electronic communications and other documents. Clevinger has voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the CBA and to follow any recommendations.

Texas Tech suspends Adams over racially insensitive comment

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech has suspended coach Mark Adams over “an inappropriate, unacceptable, and racially insensitive comment” he made to a player. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt says he was made aware of the incident Friday. The school says Adams was encouraging a player to be more receptive to coaching in a meeting. Adams referred to a Bible verse that addresses slaves serving their masters. The school says Adams addressed the matter with his team and apologized. The school hasn’t said who will fill in for Adams at the Big 12 Tournament.

Durant tiebreaker lifts Suns over Mavs in showcase of stars

DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 37 points and hit the tiebreaking jumper with 11 seconds to go to lift the Phoenix Suns to a 130-126 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in a thrilling showcase of stars for both teams. It was the first meeting between Durant and Dallas’ Kyrie Irving since they were traded by Brooklyn before the deadline last month. Luka Doncic had 34 points for Dallas, but his point-blank shot for a tie in the final seconds rimmed out. Devin Booker scored 36 points. Irving had 30.

Giannis triple-double helps Bucks outlast Wizards 117-111

WASHINGTON (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 23 points, had a season-high 13 assists and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fourth triple-double of the season as the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks outlasted the Washington Wizards 117-111. Jevon Carter added 20 points while shooting 6 of 10 from beyond the arc, and Jrue Holiday scored 19 in Milwaukee’s victory a night after a home loss to Philadelphia snapped a 16-game win streak. Bradley Beal scored 33 points for the Wizards, who remain 10th in the East and in line for the final play-in game spot.

Clark gets triple-double as Iowa blows out OSU for B10 title

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark had 30 points, 17 assists and 10 rebounds in her 10th career triple-double for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who built a 37-point halftime lead and beat Ohio State 105-72 to win the Big Ten Tournament for the second straight year. Monika Czinano scored 26 points on 11-for-12 shooting as the No. 7 Hawkeyes entered the mix for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament with this championship run. Clark had 23 points in the first half. That was one fewer than No. 14 Ohio State. Taylor Mikesell had 24 points and Cotie McMahon added 23 for the Buckeyes.

No. 1 Gamecocks, Cooke top Lady Vols 74-58 for SEC title

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Zia Cooke scored 24 points and Aliyah Boston added 18 as No. 1 South Carolina pulled away in the final two quarters to beat Tennessee 74-58 for the SEC championship. The Gamecocks improved to 32-0 and won their seventh league tournament in the past nine seasons. They’ll head to the NCAA Tournament as clear-cut favorites for a second straight national crown. Third-seeded Tennessee kept it close for 20 minutes, but ran out of gas in the third quarter.

Marcus Ericsson wins rough IndyCar season-opening race

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Marcus Ericsson outlasted the carnage on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg for a surprise victory for Chip Ganassi Racing. It was the fourth career IndyCar victory for the Swedish former Formula One driver. But it was a messy opener in which Jack Harvey was taken to a hospital for observation. Helio Castroneves needed an ice pack and X-rays. A pair of cars went airborne, the leaders crashed each other and the entire Andretti Autosport fleet was eliminated.