Sports

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest Jr. was arrested in connection with an assault at a Southern California nightclub. A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department statement says the incident occurred Dec. 9 at a West Hollywood club and witnesses identified McGinest as one of the people who were involved.

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers have released veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins in advance of their Monday night game with the Los Angeles Rams. Watkins had 13 receptions for 206 yards and no touchdowns in his lone season with the Packers. The 29-year-old Watkins caught

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A person with knowledge of the matter says Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a sprained right shoulder and his status for Philadelphia’s game at Dallas is uncertain. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the injury. Hurts

By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer PITTSBURGH (AP) — Nick Patti could start for Pittsburgh when the Panthers face No. 18 UCLA in the Sun Bowl. The Panthers are looking for a new starter after Kedon Slovis opted to enter the transfer portal. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said he is holding an open competition between

PARIS (AP) — Thousands of fans in central Paris have cheered the arrival home of a France team that lost one of the greatest World Cup finals. Kylian Mbappé and his teammates were still visibly disappointed a day after the shootout loss to Argentina when they arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport on Monday night.

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer Even before an epic final won by Lionel Messi and Argentina, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was calling it “the best World Cup ever” in Qatar. There was clear self-interest to declare the success of a tournament that was politically fraught for most of the 12 years since the wealthy

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins has been released from the hospital and was seeing specialists Monday, a day after he was carted from the field with a neck injury during a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Matt Eberflus called the news “encouraging,” but had few details about the

PARIS (AP) — France forward Karim Benzema has posted a message on social networks indicating that he is retiring from internationals, a day after the national team lost the World Cup final without him. After raising the Ballon d’Or award as the world’s top player to crown his remarkable rise, Benzema’s dream of winning the

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies gave general manager Sam Fuld a contract extension that will take him through the 2025 season. The National League champion Phillies also extended the contracts of assistant general managers Ned Rice and Jorge Velandia through the 2025 season. The 41-year-old Fuld has been with the Phillies since November 2017

By IAN HARRISON Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Chris Bassitt didn’t need the Toronto Blue Jays to sell him on what they were building. The All-Star right-hander already had done his research and decided which teams he was willing to engage in free agency. Toronto showed serious interest from the start of the process, Bassitt

LYON, France (AP) — American businessman John Textor has completed his takeover of French league club Lyon. The sale was initially set for September but was pushed back several times. Under the deal, Textor’s Eagle Football is acquiring a stake of 77.49% in the club. The agreement with Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings provides for a

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Led by Kareem Reid’s 20 points, the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs defeated the Bob Jones Bruins 116-55 on Monday. The Runnin’ Bulldogs are now 5-7 on the season.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs and right-hander Jameson Taillon have finalized a four-year contract worth roughly $68 million. The announcement Monday comes nearly two weeks after the sides agreed to the deal. The Cubs also have added All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson and 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger this offseason. The 31-year-old Taillon is coming

By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. decided they had unfinished business at Alabama, even if it won’t include another shot at a national championship. The fifth-ranked Crimson Tide stars chose to stick around for the Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 against No. 11 Kansas State instead of joining other

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Medical examiners say the death of Cincinnati Bengals analyst Adam Zimmer was caused by chronic alcohol use. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office in Minnesota released the finding Friday. Zimmer had been found dead in October at age 38 at his home in Minnesota. Zimmer was a former Minnesota Vikings co-defensive coordinator

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Led by Leon Ayers III’s 20 points, the Bowling Green Falcons defeated the Fairmont State Falcons 93-74 on Monday. The Falcons are now 5-7 with the victory .

By LARRY FLEISHER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Kodai Senga was officially introduced at a press conference Monday at Citi Field after finalizing a $75 million, five-year contract with the Mets. They will hold a similar presser for Justin Verlander on Tuesday morning. Senga opened his press conference by introducing himself with a message

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer St. John’s is ranked in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll for the first time since 2015. The Red Storm is No. 25 after winning its first 11 games to match a school record. South Carolina remains a unanimous No. 1, receiving all 28 first-place votes from a national