Sports

The Pacers are in the NBA Finals. The Fever have Caitlin Clark. In Indy, basketball is booming

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Rick Carlisle used the line after the Indiana Pacers won the Eastern Conference title earlier this month, the one that is the official motto for the state’s basketball Hall of Fame and surely has been uttered for generations. “In 49 other states, it’s just basketball,” Carlisle said. “But this is Indiana.” It’s true: Basketball never loses importance here. But these days, the state — and Indianapolis especially — probably feels like the center of the basketball universe.

On first 4-game losing streak since 2007, US looks unprepared with World Cup a year away

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The U.S. conceded four goals in the first half, failed to get a shot on target and were embarrassed in a 4-0 blowout loss to Switzerland in a friendly. Heading into their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the Americans are on a four-game losing streak for the first time since 2007 and have dropped four consecutive home games for just the third time and first since 1988. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino blamed himself for Tuesday’s loss for picking a starting lineup that included four players with two or fewer international appearances.

Aaron Rodgers says his decision to play in Pittsburgh this season was ‘best for my soul’

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers says his decision to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers is centered on his love for the game. The four-time NFL MVP signed a one-year deal to join the Steelers earlier this month and joined his new teammates on the field for the opening day of minicamp. The 41-year-old Rodgers spent most of his time getting to know his surroundings, but head coach Mike Tomlin said Rodgers is the team’s starting quarterback. Rodgers said the decision to come back for a 21st season was not driven by ego but what was best for his soul.

Yankees’ Aaron Judge hits third-longest homer of MLB season, a 469-foot shot in first inning vs KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge has hit the third-longest homer in the majors this season in the first inning of the Yankees’ game against the Royals. It was a 469-foot shot to left field on Tuesday night that landed on top of the Kansas City franchise’s Hall of Fame. Judge’s two-run homer had an exit velocity of 117.9 mph, tying it for the third-hardest hit ball in the majors. It was his 24th of the season, and came two days after the two-time and reigning MVP hit a pair of homers in a loss to the Red Sox. Judge hit one 468 earlier this seaosn. Mike Trout has the longest homer at 484 feet, while Angels teammate Logan O’Hoppe hit one 470.

Deion Sanders says ‘everything is OKAY’ after not attending football camps in Boulder, Colorado

DENVER (AP) — Deion Sanders posted on social media that “everything is OKAY” after not being able to attend football camps in Boulder, Colorado, so far this spring. The Colorado coach’s health has come into question because of his extended absence. Sanders thanked al the well wishers on X for all their thoughts and prayers. He added that once he arrives back in Boulder he will give updates. The 57-year-old Sanders has dealt with issues surrounding his left foot since having two toes amputated in 2021 because of blood clot issues while at Jackson State.

Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs keeping his discussions with team about viral boat video private

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs is declining to share specifics about his conversations with coach Mike Vrabel and the team in the aftermath of a viral video that showed him passing what appeared to be a bag of pink crystals to women on a boat last month. He confirmed the occurrence of internal discussions, but wouldn’t say want those conversations entailed. But he says he has made progress on returning from offseason knee surgery and plans to get full medical clearance in time for the start of training camp in late July.

Aaron Rodgers is off the free agent and dating markets. Steelers QB says he recently got married

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers added another ring to his collection before he even signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time NFL MVP quarterback and Super Bowl champion said Tuesday after his first practice with the Steelers that he got married “a couple months ago.” Rodgers wore a wedding ring when he signed with the Steelers and again during drills on Tuesday. Rodgers has revealed little about his bride. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” last fall, he mentioned he was dating a woman named Brittani but offered no other details.

NBA Finals are shifting to Indianapolis, with the Pacers and Thunder tied 1-1 going into Game 3

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder showed their bounce-back capability in Game 2. The Indiana Pacers know they better do the same in Game 3. The NBA Finals resume Wednesday night with the series tied at a game apiece, the matchup shifting to Indianapolis for what will be the first finals game in that city in 25 years. And the Pacers know it’s on them to respond after Game 2 wasn’t much of a contest. It’s obviously possible: The Pacers haven’t lost back-to-back games in three months, going 9-0 after losses in that span. This would be a good time for them to extend that run.

Top prospect Roman Anthony gets first career hit in second MLB game

BOSTON (AP) — Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony hit a two-run double on Tuesday night in Boston’s game against Tampa Bay for his first career base hit. A day after going hitless with an RBI groundout in his major league debut, Anthony came up with runners on second and third in the first inning and drove the ball to left to give the Red Sox a 2-0 lead. The 21-year-old second-round draft pick is the top-rated prospect in all of baseball. Anthony’s call-up on Monday was so sudden his parents didn’t have time to make the trip from Florida, but they were at Fenway Park on Tuesday night to see his second game.

Micah Parsons shows up for minicamp with Cowboys, has lengthy chat with Jerry Jones

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Micah Parsons has shown up for mandatory minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys. He had about a 30-minute conversation with owner Jerry Jones on the practice field while his teammates were going through drills. The two-time All-Pro edge rusher says none of the conversation with Jones was about the contract extension Parsons hopes to sign soon. Parsons is going into the final year of his rookie contract. Parsons’ presence wasn’t constant during the voluntary portion of the offseason. But he says he has no plans to skip mandatory sessions, including at training camp in California next month.