Sports

By The Associated Press As they wait for star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to return from knee surgery, the World Series champion Atlanta Braves are off to a slow start at 7-10. Following a day off, they send left-hander Max Fried to the mound at home in a series opener against the Chicago Cubs. Fried

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 22 and the Boston Celtics completed a four-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first team to reach the second round of the playoffs with a 116-112 victory. Marcus Smart added 20 points and 11 assists

By RICH ROVITO Associated Press MILWAUKEE (AP) — Luis González hit his first major league homer, a two-run drive with two outs in the ninth inning that sent the San Francisco Giants over the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2. The Giants went 8-3 on their four-city trip and made the most of their one-game visit to Milwaukee.

By SARAH RANKIN Associated Press RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s attorney general has launched an inquiry into the Washington Commanders following allegations of financial improprieties raised by a congressional committee. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares disclosed his office’s investigation in a letter to a team lawyer. Miyares called it his “responsibility” to look into the

NEW YORK (AP) — A businessman who was one of the early investors in a failed professional football league called the Alliance of American Football has pleaded guilty to charges accusing him in $600 million cryptocurrency scheme. Reginald Fowler was charged with bank fraud, wire fraud and other offenses that prosecutors say contributed to the

LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — Bethany College officials are investigating an allegation that someone associated with its baseball program intentionally contaminated the water cooler used by the opposing team. Athletic director Laura Moreno confirmed the investigation and declined further comment. Kansas Wesleyan athletic director Steve Wilson said a foreign substance was discovered in the cooler during

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer Ja Morant has been named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. The Memphis Grizzlies guard was rookie of the year in 2020 and now adds his second major award in three seasons. Morant is the first Grizzlies player to receive the award. He scored a career-best 27.4 points per game

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots now have a pick in every round of the upcoming draft following a trade with the Texans. New England dealt a fifth-round pick (170th overall) to Houston for a sixth-round pick (183rd overall) and seventh-round pick (245th overall). Following the deal the Patriots now have at least one pick

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has a history of making deals early in drafts and has more trade options than usual this year with four of the top 59 overall picks. The Packers already were picking 28th and 59th before they acquired

By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated Press LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jack Eichel came to Las Vegas to get back on the ice and get into the playoffs. Eichel’s desire to reach the playoffs for the first time in his seven-year career hasn’t been fulfilled, though the Golden Knights are mathematically still alive entering the final week

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer The Atlantic Coast Conference changed significantly last football season with Pitt winning the league title, Wake Forest winning the Atlantic Division and conference powerhouse Clemson largely out of the championship picture by mid-October. Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi and Demon Deacons coach Dave Clawson believe their teams worked hard this

By DENISE LAVOIE AP Legal Affairs Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A jury has been selected in the civil trial of a man who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2010 death of University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love. A wrongful death lawsuit brought by Love’s mother seeks to hold George Huguely V

LONDON (AP) — Leeds has moved five points clear of the relegation zone by drawing at Crystal Palace 0-0 in the English Premier League. The team coached by American Jesse Marsch has been sucked back into the relegation fight by the improved form of Burnley and has some tough opponents among its remaining five games.

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer Coordinator changes and heavy player personnel losses made it a spring of uncertainty for the top Big Ten defenses. Start with Wisconsin. The Badgers have been in the national top five in total defense three straight years. They must replace eight of their top 10 tacklers. Penn State