Sports

Shohei Ohtani hits a grand slam at the World Baseball Classic after putting on a show in BP

TOKYO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani put on a giant show in batting practice hours before he hit a grand slam in the second inning as Japan hammered Taiwan 13-0 in Pool C at the World Baseball Classic. It was Japan’s first game of four in pool play. Ohtani spoke to the crowd after the game, bowing and tipping his cap. “It was a good game and we got off to a good start, so I think it was all because of your support,” he said to rising applause as he spoke in Japanese. Ohtani’s batting practice thrilled many who had traveled from afar to see him. Ohtani drew major Western star power to Japan for the game, with actor Timothée Chalamet and pop singer Bad Bunny in the stands.

Fired Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore reaches plea deal to resolve home invasion case

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors in a criminal case that arose immediately after he was fired for having an inappropriate relationship with his executive assistant. The deal was struck Friday, on the same day that a judge planned to hear a challenge to Moore’s arrest in December on three charges, including felony home invasion. Those charges were dropped in exchange for Moore pleading no contest to trespassing and malicious use of a telecom device.

Iran won’t compete at Milan Cortina Paralympics as its only athlete can’t travel safely to Italy

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Iran will not participate in the Milan Cortina Paralympics because its only athlete set to compete can’t safely travel to Italy amid the intensifying Middle East conflict. The International Paralympic Committee announced the news on Friday. The announcement that Aboulfazl Khatibi won’t compete came just hours ahead of the opening ceremony in Verona. The Games are beginning less than a week since the United States and Israel launched a military attack against Iran. IPC president Andrew Parsons says Paralympic organizers had tried hard to find a safe passage but says “the risk to human life is too high.”

Winter Paralympics: Milan Cortina Games to open amid war in Middle East, boycott over Russian flag

VERONA, Italy (AP) — The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics will officially open later Friday amid the tensions of war in the Middle East and with some countries intending to boycott the opening ceremony because of the return of the Russian flag to the global sports stage. Ukraine is leading the list of countries not attending the opening ceremony in Verona, Italy, to protest the decision of the International Paralympic Committee to allow Russian athletes to compete under their own flag and with their national anthem. The IPC said just hours before the opening ceremony that Iran would not participate in the Paralympics because Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, the country’s only competitor, could not travel safely to Italy.

Messi has long steered clear of politics. Does his visit to Trump’s White House mark a change?

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Assisted by a glittering, pink soccer ball, Lionel Messi crossed yet another frontier with his visit to the White House. Until Thursday, the global soccer superstar had been equally adept at dodging defenders on the field and political leaders. But there he was, walking in with U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Messi was silent throughout, his appearance seemed to speak volumes for a player whose politics have largely been shrouded in mystery. Expert Kirk Bowman say the soccer player is calculated about his image and considered his financial stakes. Inter Miami’s head coach says it’s normal for teams to go to the White House.

Minnesota Wild active on NHL trade deadline day by getting Nick Foligno and Bobby Brink

Nick Foligno is joining his brother Marcus with the Minnesota Wild, who started off NHL trade deadline day by making two moves they hope will finally deliver some playoff success. Minnesota acquired Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of the deadline Friday future considerations, with the rebuilding organization doing its 38-year-old captain a favor by giving him a chance not only to play with his brother but chase the Stanley Cup. The Lightning are getting Corey Perry from Los Angeles. Vincent Trocheck and Robert Thomas are among the players still available.

In Miami, the opening game of the World Baseball Classic was a celebration for Venezuelan fans

MIAMI (AP) — Venezuelan fans are turning the World Baseball Classic in Miami into a celebration. Venezuela played the Netherlands on Friday, and Venezuelan fans packed the lower deck near their country’s dugout. Fans wore jerseys and flags. They painted their faces. Music blasted outside the park long before first pitch. Inside, they cheered from the first pitch. Fans say baseball feels like joy and relief. There was little chatter about Nicolás Maduro two months after a U.S. military operation captured the deposed leader.

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks arrested for suspicion of DUI after traffic stop

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in Scottsdale, Arizona. Police say they conducted a traffic stop in Scottsdale at roughly 1 a.m. Friday and Brooks was arrested after an investigation. He was taken to jail and released following the booking process around 3:30 a.m. The 30-year-old hasn’t played since Feb. 21 because of a fractured left hand. He’s expected to be out until at least late March after having surgery. The Suns say they are aware of the situation and gathering information.

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, QBs Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins are among the top NFL free agents

The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks found their starting quarterback in free agency last year, landing Sam Darnold. The New England Patriots went from worst to first in the AFC East after signing several key veterans who helped them reach the Super Bowl. Winning free agency doesn’t always translate into success on the field. Plenty of moves have backfired over the years. Kirk Cousins and Christian Wilkins are among those who signed big contracts that didn’t work out.

Mexican president visits Jalisco to ease concerns over violence ahead of FIFA World Cup

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is visiting the western state of Jalisco in an attempt to offset fears over the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Her visit follows a wave of violence in the region. Accompanied by her Security Cabinet and senior military commanders, Sheinbaum hosted her morning press briefing from military headquarters in the municipality where “El Mencho” was buried earlier this week under heavy guard and where the stadium slated to host World Cup games is located. “We are here … to tell everyone in Jalisco, all the people of Jalisco, that we are together, that we are working for peace, security, and the well-being of the inhabitants of this beautiful state,” Sheinbaum said.