Sports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Lee Smith plans to build a gym and mentor young athletes after announcing his retirement from the NFL. The 34-year-old tight end spent 11 seasons in the league, playing for the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons. He was known mostly for his blocking skills, finishing his career with

MANCHESTER England (AP) — Manchester United has sent Amad Diallo on loan to Scottish champion Rangers for the remainder of the season. The 19-year-old winger joined United from Atalanta in January last year and has made nine appearances in all competitions. Only one of them has come this season. That was in the Champions League

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — One of just 20 special football cards featuring Tom Brady in the year he won his first Super Bowl is coming up for auction. The card was purchased in 2002 by a Maine collector interested in Brady’s Michigan football connection. Troy Thibodeau from Saco River Auction estimates the 2002 Topps Finest

By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger’s NFL career is over. The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has announced his retirement. In a video message, Roethlisberger said it was “time to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats” after 18 seasons, two Super Bowls, countless team records and a likely spot

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — There’s something about playing in Dubai that brings the best out of JB Hansen. The No. 110-ranked Dane shot a bogey-free, 7-under 65 and held a two-stroke clubhouse lead in the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic. Hansen won the Dubai Championship three months ago for the second

BEIJING (AP) — For the thousands of athletes, journalists and others descending on Beijing for the Winter Olympics, China’s strict pandemic measures are creating a surreal and at times anxious experience. China is isolating everyone coming from abroad from any contact with the general public for the duration of the Games, which open next week.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Australia and Japan both put pressure on Group B leader Saudi Arabia in Asian World Cup qualifying. Australia beat Vietnam 4-0 in Melbourne and Japan defeated China 2-0 in Saitama. Australia is in third place in Group B. Japan is one point behind. Saudi Arabia plays Oman later Thursday. The

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are finalizing a deal to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because

BEIJING (AP) — For journalists covering the Beijing Winter Olympics, China’s strict pandemic measures are creating a surreal and somewhat frustrating experience. China requires electronic confirmation of the health status of those participating in or covering the Games. That kept Associated Press photo editor Yirmiyan Arthur on edge during her journey from New Delhi to

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press Thursday morning the Denver Broncos are finalizing a deal to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa has become the latest Brazilian teen sensation. The 15-year-old Endrick has attracted attention from European clubs after thriving in one of Brazil’s most traditional youth tournaments. The Palmeiras player scored in the final and won MVP and best goal at the

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian forward Artem Anisimov is out of isolation after testing negative for the coronavirus and has rejoined the team ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Anisimov has the most NHL experience of any player on the Russian roster with 771 regular-season games played for four teams across 13 seasons. The Russian Hockey Federation

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Ash Barty has ended a 42-year drought by reaching the Australian Open final with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Madison Keys. She needs one more win to become the first Australian woman to win her home Grand Slam title since 1978. Danielle Collins is in

By The Associated Press Ghana has fired coach Milovan Rajevac after its exit from the group stage at the African Cup of Nations. The Black Stars will look to hire a replacement before their two-leg World Cup playoff against Nigeria in March. Four-time champion Ghana finished in last place in its group at the African

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Three-time Olympic champion swimmer Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands has announced her retirement, bringing to an end a career that saw her compete at four Summer Games and win multiple world titles. The 31-year-old Kromowidjojo said in a message posted on Instagram “After 16 years of top sport my professional

BEIJING (AP) — For journalists covering the Beijing Winter Olympics, China’s strict pandemic measures are creating a surreal and somewhat frustrating experience. China requires electronic confirmation of the health status of those participating in or covering the Games. That kept Associated Press photo editor Yirmiyan Arthur on edge during her journey from New Delhi to