Madison Booker helps Texas reach its first women’s Final Four since 2003 with 58-47 win over TCU
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Madison Booker scored 18 points and No. 1 seed Texas used its stifling defense to reach the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003, beating well-traveled point guard Hailey Van Lith and second-seeded TCU 58-47. The Longhorns will face defending champion South Carolina on Friday night in Tampa, Florida, for a spot in the national title game. Texas won a regional final for the first time under coach Vic Schaefer, who previously made two Final Four trips with Mississippi State. The Longhorns’ 35 wins are one more than its only national title-winning squad had in 1986 under Jody Conradt, who was in the stands Monday night.
Garrett Crochet agrees to $170 million, 6-year deal with Red Sox, AP source says
Ace left-hander Garrett Crochet has agreed to a record-breaking $170 million, six-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday night on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. ESPN was the first to report on the agreement. Crochet’s contract kicks in next year, and he can opt out after the 2030 season. It is the largest deal ever for a pitcher with four-plus years of major league service time.
Braves’ Jurickson Profar gets 80-game PED ban, calls it ‘most difficult day’ of his career
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games without pay for performance-enhancing drug use. Major League Baseball announced that Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG). The suspension of Profar is effective immediately. Barring postponed games, Profar would be eligible to return June 29 against Philadelphia and would lose $5,806,440 of his $12 million salary. He is also ineligible for the postseason. Profar apologized in a statement and said he would never knowingly take a banned substance. He calls it “the most difficult day” of his career. Profar was an All-Star last season with San Diego.
Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles to enter transfer portal instead of WNBA draft, AP source says
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Olivia Miles has decided to enter the transfer portal and play another college season instead of going to the WNBA. That’s according to a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday night because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter. The 5-foot-10 guard had spent her entire college career at Notre Dame and was a projected lottery pick in the draft, which takes place in New York on April 14. Instead she’ll join the more than 1,000 women’s basketball players in the portal and will be one of the most sought-after.
Torpedo bat designer says it’s more about the players than the bat model
MIAMI (AP) — For the MIT-educated physicist behind the torpedo bat, it’s more about the talent of the players than their lumber at the plate. The torpedo model — a striking design in which wood is moved lower down the barrel after the label and shapes the end a little like a bowling pin — became the talk of major league baseball over the weekend. Aaron Leanhardt, a former physics professor at the University of Michigan who is being credited with the design, says “it’s about the batter not the bat.” Leanhardt, a field coordinator for the Marlins, says the origin of the torpedo bat dates to 2023, when he worked for the Yankees.
Tush push is the hottest topic at the NFL league meetings
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The “tush push” is the hottest topic at the NFL’s annual meetings this week. Team owners, coaches and general managers have gathered at a posh resort to discuss several potential rule changes, including the Green Bay Packers’ proposal to eliminate a play that’s become a short-yardage staple for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers cited player safety and pace of play as reasons for banning the tush push. NFL executive Troy Vincent said last month there have been zero injuries reported as a result of the play. Any rule change must be approved by 24 out of 32 team owners. Tampa Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles made it clear last month he wouldn’t support a ban.
Milwaukee pays tribute to Bob Uecker in Brewers’ first home game since his death
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers were conducting a moment of silence before their home opener to honor Bob Uecker when one fan decided keeping quiet wasn’t the best way to pay tribute to the lovable loquacious broadcaster. The spectator instead shouted “We love you, Ueck.” Fans, players and executives simply couldn’t hold back their appreciation for the man who died Jan. 16 at the age of 90 after broadcasting Brewers games for the last 54 seasons and arguably becoming the most recognizable figure in franchise history.
Celtics beat Grizzlies 117-103 and complete the first 6-0 trip in franchise history
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 14 rebounds, Al Horford scored 26 points and the Boston Celtics swept a six-game road trip for the first time in franchise history with a 117-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Victories at Utah, Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, San Antonio and Memphis eclipsed the previous road win streak of five in February 1973. The run also helped Boston tie a franchise record with 32 road wins, accomplished in 1972-73 and 1974-75) and trailing Chicago (33, 1995-96) and Golden State (34, 2015-16). Kristaps Porzingis added 19 points as Boston won its ninth straight and closed out a 13-1 March. Ja Morant scored 26 points for the Grizzlies.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is talking to Aaron Rodgers, but he’s comfortable starting Mason Rudolph
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mike Tomlin is staying in touch with Aaron Rodgers and is comfortable with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph was 3-1 for the Steelers in 2023 with the loss coming in a wild-card game against Buffalo. Pittsburgh has a new offensive coordinator since Rudolph last played for the team. The offense had mixed results under Arthur Smith last season. Tomlin, who spoke to Pittsburgh reporters a day earlier, addressed a large group of media members surrounding his table during a 30-minute availability for all AFC coaches.
The NHL and Rogers agree on 12-year, $7.7 US billion media rights deal in Canada, AP source says
The NHL has reached an agreement with Rogers Communications on a 12-year, $7.7 US billion media rights agreement in Canada. A person familiar with the deal confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. The contract is the latest source of revenue for the league as the salary cap continues to climb. The previous deal reached in November 2013 was worth $5.2 billion CAD over 12 years. The NHL contracted with ESPN and Turner Sports in 2021 for the current U.S. TV and streaming rights deal for $4.5 billion over seven years combined.