Sports

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — A second grand jury in Texas has declined to indict new Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by 22 women and still faces civil lawsuits. The decision was announced shortly after Watson arrived in Cleveland to meet his new team.

By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports Writer Global sailing league SailGP could have a team owned and operated by cryptocurrency enthusiasts as soon as the start of its fourth season in late 2023. SailGP announced a multi-year partnership with blockchain development platform NEAR that will allow sailing and cryptocurrency fans to engage with their favorite teams

By DEBORA REY Associated Press BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Former striker Sergio Aguero has been offered a role on Argentina’s staff at the World Cup in Qatar to serve as a link between the players and the coaches. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed he wants the former Manchester City star to be a middleman in

By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer CHICAGO (AP) — The NCAA Tournament returns to Chicago this weekend, and the Midwest Region semifinals feature four teams that know a little something about defense. Ochai Agbaji and No. 1 seed Kansas take on Nate Watson and Providence on Friday night, followed by Iowa State and Miami in

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier became the first American pairs team to win the figure skating world championship in more than 40 years. They performed a clean program minutes after watching teammate Ashley Cain-Gribble taken off the ice on a stretcher in Montpellier, France. Cain-Gribble fell during a triple

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Sweet 16 at the East region features one game between UCLA and North Carolina and another between Purdue and underdog Saint Peter’s. Saint Peter’s is trying to become the first 15 seed to advance to a regional final. On the other end of the spectrum,

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — USA Luge coach Robert Fegg has resigned after two seasons with the national team. The team failed to medal at the Beijing Olympics last month. Fegg spent four years with USA Luge. The first two of those years were with the junior national team. The former member of the German

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill is fast on the field, fast with his words and fast at making a first impression. The wide receiver who calls himself “Cheetah” raved about new coach Mike McDaniel, revealed that the record-setting value of his new contract nearly made him cry

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a $30 million, three-year contract to help replace the departed Tyreek Hill, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saint Peter’s is riding guard Doug Edert’s stellar play to the Sweet 16. Edert has become a star for the tiny school in Jersey City, New Jersey. Edert has reached an endorsement deal with a chicken wing restaurant. He’s also launched his own T-shirt and sweatshirt

By JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona House has voted to prohibit gender reassignment surgery for minors and ban transgender athletes from playing on girls sports teams. The bill already passed in the state Senate and with Thursday’s vote, Arizona appears poised to join a growing list of Republican-controlled states trying

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — No. 1 South Carolina is leaning on its defense to lead the way in the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks finished third in the country in fewest points allowed this season and have upped the intensity in their first two NCAA games. South Carolina held

By TERESA M. WALKER AP Sports Writer KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Lady Vols seem poised to once again be a force in women’s basketball after the storied program had fallen on some almost unimaginable hard times. There have early tournament exits, players transferring and a loyal coach fired. Coach Kellie Harper helped Tennessee

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Former Portland Timbers midfielder Andy Polo’s contract was paid in full upon his dismissal from the team last month following allegations of domestic violence. Polo’s estranged wife made the abuse allegations on Peruvian television last month. Later it was revealed that sheriff’s deputies were called to the couple’s home last May.

By BETH HARRIS AP Racing Writer ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Bob Baffert has transferred four of his promising 3-year-old colts to other trainers, which will allow them to earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby while the Hall of Fame trainer appeals his 90-day suspension. Baffert transferred Messier, Doppelganger and McLaren Vale to trainer Tim

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer Devlin DeFrancesco wants to change the narrative surrounding the IndyCar rookie as just a rich kid playing racecar driver. The 22-year-old was involved in three incidents last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway and ultimately triggered a three-car crash that ended his race. He said he knows he made

By JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona House has voted to prohibit gender reassignment surgery for minors and ban transgender athletes from playing on girls sports teams. The bill already passed in the state Senate and with Thursday’s vote, Arizona appears poised to join a growing list of Republican-controlled states trying

By HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Amaka Agugua-Hamilton says there is no reason why Virginia can’t be a winner again in women’s basketball. The former Missouri State coach was introduced on the court at John Paul Jones Arena beneath banners hanging in the rafters heralding a strong women’s basketball history.

By JOHN WAWROW AP Sports Writer BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Bills offensive lineman Ryan Bates has agreed to sign an offer sheet with the Chicago Bears. The move puts Buffalo in a position to have to match Chicago’s offer or lose the

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer Rookie of the Year winners Randy Arozarena and Yordan Álvarez and All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette were among 16 players whose contracts were renewed by their teams rather than reach negotiated agreements. Arozarena, the outfielder voted the 2021 AL Rookie award,  was given a $716,600 salary while in the major