Sports

LeBron James becomes the oldest player to have a triple-double in NBA history

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to have a triple-double, accomplishing the feat for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. James had 28 points and 12 assists when he grabbed his 10th rebound with 2:06 to play in the Lakers’ 124-104 victory. James got a standing ovation when he checked out moments after grabbing his final rebound to complete his 123rd career triple-double, fifth-most in NBA history. At 41 years and 44 days old, James broke the record held by Karl Malone, who recorded a triple-double for the Lakers when he was 40 years and 127 days old.

Tankers beware: Jazz fined $500,000, Pacers $100,000 by NBA for player participation policy breach

The NBA fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 for sitting healthy stars late in close games. The league announced the decision on Thursday. The Jazz kept key players out of recent fourth quarters, even though games were tight. The NBA said the players could have kept playing. Utah has also faced past fines tied to resting Lauri Markkanen. The Pacers were fined $100,000 for holding out Pascal Siakam and other starters. The policy targets teams that chase better draft odds by losing on purpose.

Bravo! Act I of the Winter Olympics’ visit to Italy has been filled with drama, catharsis and tears

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — The Winter Olympics in Italy feel like an opera, with big emotions driving the story as much as the sport. From American skier Lindsey Vonn’s crash in the women’s downhill to Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych’s political statement to U.S. skier Breezy Johnson’s wedding proposal, the opening week of the Games has not lacked for memorable moments. The Winter Olympics have, in a way, held up a mirror to the host country. Underneath all the emotion, however, is the hard work that has long served as the bedrock athletes have relied on to get to this moment in their careers.

Prediction markets love sports, but the feeling isn’t exactly mutual

CHICAGO (AP) — Sports are a big part of prediction markets. So big that even sportsbooks have moved into the business. While some leagues are cashing in, others are taking a more cautious approach. The rapid growth of sports offerings on prediction markets — called event contracts — has captured the attention of the four major North American sports, along with the NCAA and other organizations. Kalshi and Polymarket are the two biggest platforms, but they have plenty of company. More are on the way, too. Almost eight years after a Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for legalized sports gambling across the country, the increased presence of prediction markets has received a mixed response in sports.

Norway’s Klaebo makes history on skis, ties all-time Winter Olympics gold record

TESERO, Italy (AP) — Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has won an eighth gold medal in cross-country skiing at the Milan Cortina Olympics, tying an all‑time Winter Games record. The 29‑year‑old claimed victory Friday in the men’s 10 kilometer interval‑start race, for his third gold at the 2026 games. He ties the record shared by three other Norwegian athletes, all retired: Marit Bjoergen and Bjoern Daehlie in cross-country skiing and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen in the biathlon.

American ‘Quad God’ Ilia Malinin carries 5-point lead into the free skate at Milan Cortina Olympics

MILAN (AP) — Ilia Malinin enters the Olympic men’s free skate as the clear favorite, and he holds a strong lead after the short program. On Friday night at the Milan Cortina Games, he carries a five-point edge over Yuma Kagiyama and Adam Siao Him Fa. Malinin has gone more than two years without losing. The free skate also fits him better. It has more jumping chances, and he plans seven quad jumps. His rivals plan four. The other big question is his quad axel. He is the only skater who lands it in competition. Malinin also owns team gold, helping the Americans clinch their second straight title earlier during the Winter Games.

Norwegian biathlete wins another Olympic bronze medal, 3 days after confessing his infidelity

ANTERSELVA, Italy (AP) — Norwegian biathlete Strula Holm Laegreid won his second bronze medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics — three days after making an unexpected personal confession during a post-race interview. Laegreid was third in Friday’s sprint race. He also won bronze in the 20-kilometer individual race on Tuesday but tearfully revealed during a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. Quentin Fillon Maillet of France won the sprint race for his second gold medal of the Milan Cortina Games and fourth overall. Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen of Norway took silver. Fillon Maillet dedicated his victory to his girlfriend “because we are expecting a baby.”

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty to assault allegation

BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from an alleged dispute with his former private chef. According to a police report, the woman told officers Diggs struck her and attempted to choke her during an argument about unpaid wages in early December. Diggs’ attorney has denied the allegations, calling them unsubstantiated and tied to a financial dispute. The Patriots have said they support Diggs. Friday’s arraignment comes days after the team’s 29-13 loss to Seattle in Super Bowl LX.

World Cup means slashed wages and displacement for some workers in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City are cutting into the livelihoods of sex workers and street vendors near Azteca Stadium. Workers along Calzada de Tlalpan say city projects aimed at sprucing up ahead of the soccer tournament have slashed their incomes. Sex workers say a new bike lane blocks cars from pulling over and nighttime metro closures leave them stranded. Advocacy groups say promised aid has not appeared. Vendors in pedestrian tunnels say officials have ordered them out for renovation projects. Many fear “social cleansing,” in which cities push informal workers aside to impress visitors.

Trump pardons 5 former NFL players for crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players for crimes that include perjury, counterfeiting and drug trafficking. White House pardon adviser Alice Marie Johnson announced the pardons on X Thursday night. She says Trump supports second chances. The White House did not return a request for comment on the reasons for the pardons. The players include Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon.