Sports

NCAA basketball players and gamblers are charged for allegedly rigging games

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Federal prosecutors are investigating a major betting scheme involving NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games. The investigation has implicated 26 people, including over a dozen college basketball players who allegedly tried to fix games. Prosecutors say gamblers recruited players with promises of big payments for underperforming. The fixers then bet against the players’ teams, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf calls it an “international criminal conspiracy.” The indictment, filed in Philadelphia, includes bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges. The scheme involved more than 39 players from over 17 NCAA Division I teams, affecting more than 29 games.

Adam Silver: NBA, FIBA pushing forward with plans for new league in Europe. But things take time

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reaffirmed plans to launch a new league in Europe in partnership with FIBA. Speaking before the Memphis-Orlando game in Berlin, Silver emphasized the growing popularity of basketball in Germany, which holds the World Cup and EuroBasket titles. The league aims to start by October 2027 with a potential 16-team model. Silver noted discussions with interested clubs, media companies, and sponsors. Target countries include Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Turkey. Silver stressed the need for a long-term perspective, as new arenas and significant investments are required.

Postal Service unveils new Muhammad Ali stamp in champ’s hometown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Postal officials have unveiled a commemorative stamp of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in Louisville, Kentucky. The stamp features a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali in his prime as a fighter. The Postal Service has printed 22 million of these stamps, which went on sale Thursday. Bob Costas hosted the unveiling event, honoring Ali in his hometown. His widow, Lonnie Ali, spoke about the stamp’s significance. Ali, known for his brash poetry and philanthropy, died in 2016. The stamp sheet also features a photo of Ali in a pinstripe suit, recognizing his work as an activist and humanitarian.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: ‘I want to be ready for Week 1′ after ACL surgery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes plans to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Mahomes had surgery in December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. He said Thursday his rehab is “hitting all the checkpoints” to get him back for summer workouts and possibly training camp. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL on Dec. 14, ending his season. The recovery time is about nine months. Mahomes is doing most of his rehab in Kansas City with the Chiefs’ top physical therapist. He also travels to Dallas for checks with his surgeon.

John Harbaugh and the Giants are working on a deal to make him their coach, AP sources say

John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are working on an agreement to make him the team’s head coach, three people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been finalized. Harbaugh interviewed in person with the Giants on Wednesday, spending hours at the team facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Super Bowl-winning coach was believed to be the team’s top candidate.

49ers’ Brock Purdy gets another chance at Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks D that shut him down in Week 18

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Two of Brock Purdy’s worst performances in an otherwise stellar career came when he matched up against a Mike Macdonald-coached defense. Now thanks to one of his more memorable moments when he led the short-handed San Francisco 49ers to a fourth-quarter comeback in a wild-card win at Philadelphia, Purdy gets another chance against Macdonald’s defense. The 49ers will take on Seattle on Saturday night in a divisional round matchup two weeks after the Seahawks clinched the division title by shutting down Purdy and the San Francisco offense in a 13-3 win.

Cincinnati Reds and pitcher Pierce Johnson complete $6.5 million, 1-year contract

CINCINNATI (AP) — Right-hander Pierce Johnson and the Cincinnati Reds have completed their $6.5 million, one-year contract. A 34-year-old entering his ninth big league season, Johnson gets a $5.5 million salary this year as part of a deal that includes an $8 million mutual option for 2027 with a $1 million buyout. He can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for games pitched and $375,000 for games finished. Johnson was 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 65 games last year for Atlanta, a season that included a streak of 26 batters retired over nine games from April 19 to May 10.

NBA hopes Ja Morant can play in Grizzlies-Magic game at London on Sunday

The NBA hopes Memphis guard Ja Morant will play Sunday after missing Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic with a right calf issue. Morant was in Berlin with his team, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about his participation in London. Silver acknowledged Morant’s global following and wished he could have played Thursday. The Grizzlies are expected to update Morant’s status Saturday. Meanwhile, trade speculation surrounds Morant as Memphis struggles in the standings. Morant sidestepped questions about his future with the team. He’s averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists this season.

Fernando Mendoza hopes to cap an incredible journey with Indiana’s 1st national title

Fernando Mendoza arrived on Indiana’s campus last January carrying huge expectations for himself and the program. Outsiders almost immediately dubbed the new, highly touted transfer as the quarterback who could lead Indiana’s football program to unprecedented heights. Some even suggested Mendoza was a Heisman Trophy candidate who could emerge as the top prospect in the 2026 NFL draft. But the grounded grandson of Cuban immigrants ignored the chatter and focused instead on proving himself all over again. Now the first Heisman winner in Indiana history stands one win away from delivering the program’s first national championship and all he wants to do is share the spotlight with his coaches and teammates.

Carson Beck’s college career set to end when Miami faces Indiana in College Football Playoff finale

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Carson Beck’s college football journey ends Monday night in the national championship game. Beck, who enrolled at Georgia at 17, has faced criticism and injury but now leads Miami against Indiana. Despite doubts, Miami has won seven straight games. Beck’s leadership shone in the CFP semifinal, leading a game-winning drive against Mississippi. Inspired by Tom Brady highlights, Beck stayed calm under pressure. His college record stands at 37-5, with impressive stats. Beck reflects on his career, grateful for the challenges and opportunities. His final college game offers a chance to end on the highest of high notes.