Sports

Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs faces strangulation charge, denies allegations

BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef. News of the charges emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs’ lawyer said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money. The 32-year-old NFL veteran joined New England this season after a trade from Houston. Diggs has been a standout player for the Patriots this season, helping his team clinch the AFC East title.

AP sources: In ‘Nassar 2.0,’ Olympics watchdog failed to close abuse case against gymnastics coach

DENVER (AP) — Young gymnasts were sounding warnings about a coach as far back as 2017. That’s the same year the U.S. Center for SafeSport was created in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal. People familiar with the case involving Sean Gardner told The Associated Press he had agreed to a permanent ban from coaching early this year but the center never closed the deal. The people spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation by SafeSport and said Gardner’s case got tangled in office politics that included allegations of retaliation. SafeSport says putting Gardner on temporary suspension was effectively the same as a permanent ban. Gardner has pleaded not guilty to federal child pornography charges and is awaiting trial.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee and will be evaluated in 4 weeks

MIAMI (AP) — Nikola Jokic is set to miss a few weeks due to a hyperextended left knee. The Denver Nuggets disclosed the injury on Tuesday. The three-time MVP will be re-evaluated in four weeks. This is a relief for the Nuggets, as the injury is not season-ending and doesn’t require surgery. Jokic got hurt during Denver’s loss in Miami on Monday. He ranks fifth in NBA scoring this season and leads in rebounds and assists. Denver, currently third in the Western Conference, faces challenges with Jokic out, especially with other key players already sidelined. Coach David Adelman emphasizes team unity during this period.

Cowboys waive cornerback Trevon Diggs to end tumultuous finish to his Dallas career

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Cowboys have waived cornerback Trevon Diggs. The move ends a tumultuous final season a game early in a Dallas career that never lived up to the promise of a 2021 All-Pro performance that included 11 interceptions. The move came five days before Dallas’ season finale Sunday at the New York Giants. Diggs will be a free agent after clearing waivers. Diggs missed eight games after sustaining a concussion in an accident at home. The team said Diggs’ delayed return was more about issues with the 27-year-old’s knees.

Chip Kelly lands new job as Northwestern’s offensive coordinator after firing by Raiders

Former Oregon and Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly has been hired as Northwestern’s offensive coordinator. The move comes on the heels of the Las Vegas Raiders firing Kelly as offensive coordinator after just 11 games. But he had a successful run as coach at Oregon from 2009 to 2012. He led the Ducks to a 46-7 record and a national championship game appearance. Kelly then spent four years as an NFL coach, including three with Philadelphia and one with San Francisco. He returned to the college ranks as UCLA’s coach from 2018-23 before spending last year at Ohio State. He helped the Buckeyes win the national championship as offensive coordinator under Ryan Day.

Role reversals: Alabama returns to the Rose Bowl as a CFP underdog to face powerhouse Indiana

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Saban coached his final game for Alabama just two years ago in the Rose Bowl when his Crimson Tide lost to Michigan. Alabama is returning to that storied turf this week as underdogs against unbeaten Indiana, which has become the sport’s newest powerhouse in the two years since the Saban era ended. Alabama is in the Playoff for the first time under coach Kalen DeBoer, who realizes he’ll never win over his new fan base without a strong national title run. It’s a decade too soon to know whether Curt Cignetti is building the sport’s next titan, but there’s no denying his first two seasons have been more impressive than Saban’s start at Alabama.

Concerns over roads in Nigeria after crash that injured Anthony Joshua and killed 2 associates

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Tributes have been paid after the crash that injured British former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two close associates. There were also growing concerns about Nigeria’s roads following the deadly crash near Lagos on Monday. Joshua was under “observation” while recovering from minor injuries following the crash, his promoter said. The high-profile accident has prompted serious concerns about road safety on Nigerian highways, where accidents are common. Experts say a combination of factors including a network of dilapidated roads, lax enforcement of traffic laws, and indiscipline by drivers, produces the grim statistics.

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is now Sir Scott Dixon after receiving a knighthood in New Zealand’s New Year honors list. Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, is recognized for services to motor sport. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024. Dixon says “I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them.” Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.

Steelers could have T.J. Watt back for ‘AFC North championship’ showdown against Ravens

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers could have linebacker T.J. Watt back for their Week 18 showdown against Baltimore for the AFC North title. Coach Mike Tomlin says he’s optimistic Watt will return after missing three games because of lung surgery. The Steelers need to win or tie the Ravens to earn their first division crown since 2020. While Watt could return, tight end Darnell Washington is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a broken arm. The game could be the final one for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though the 42-year-old four-time MVP expects the Steelers to recover and beat the Ravens.

Jeremiah Smith opted for Ohio State, and now faces his hometown Hurricanes in CFP Cotton Bowl

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ohio State coach Ryan Day is certainly glad to have All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith on his team. The sophomore from Miami was the nation’s top recruit when he signed with the Buckeyes two years ago. Smith and Ohio State now play the Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night. Smith acknowledges there is some emotion facing his hometown team. Smith has 156 catches, 2,401 yards, 26 touchdowns and a national title in 28 games over two seasons with Ohio State. Miami is in the CFP for the first time.