Colts place transition tag on Daniel Jones and Breece Hall gets franchise tag from Jets
The Indianapolis Colts placed a transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones and the New York Jets used the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall as teams beat the deadline to place tags on potential free agents. The Colts opted to use the $37.8 million transition tag instead of the $43.9 million franchise tag, opening up the possibility that he could still leave without compensation for Indianapolis. Hall got the $14.3 million franchise tag from New York, meaning the Jets would get two first-round picks as compensation if they didn’t match any potential offer sheet.
With 100 days to go, World Cup faces new challenges with Iran war and Mexico violence
GENEVA (AP) — With 100 days to go until the World Cup, the Iran war has added a new layer of complexity to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. How the conflict will affect the world’s most watched sporting event is the latest issue facing organizers. FIFA was already grappling with cartel violence in one of the Mexican host cities, scaled-back plans for fan festivals in the U.S. and pushback from fans over soaring ticket prices. The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City. It will be the biggest World Cup ever with 48 participating teams.
Cardinals inform 2-time Pro Bowl QB Kyler Murray they plan to release him next week, AP source says
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have informed two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray that they plan to release him at the beginning of the new league year on March 11, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move can’t be officially announced until next week. Murray — who is owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money in 2026 — will be free to sign with any team once he’s released.
Hurley goes out a winner in what could be his final home game at Arizona State
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State scratched and clawed its was to a 70-60 win over No. 14 Kansas in what may be coach Bobby Hurley’s final home game. Arizona State jumped out to a 20-point lead, let the Jayhawks back in it and made all the key plays down the stretch to close out its home schedule with a win. Hurley’s contract was not renewed beyond this season, so the Sun Devils will likely need a miracle run through the Big 12 tournament for the coach to keep his job. Hurley led Arizona State to three NCAA Tournaments, including two straight, but didn’t win consistently enough. He at least went out with a bang, if this was the end.
Shohei Ohtani is the show again in Japan for the World Baseball Classic
TOKYO (AP) — It’s officially named the World Baseball Classic. But for the Group C games in Japan, simply call it the world according to Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s life-size image is all over the Tokyo Dome, and racks of Ohtani jerseys — about $125 each — dominate the adjacent merchandise center. Japan begins play on Friday against Taiwan with South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic also in the group. Japan is the defending champion and is expected to claim one of the two spots for the quarterfinals in the United States.
Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka announces engagement to Georgios Frangulis
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has announced her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis. Sabalenka has shared a proposal video on Instagram with the words, “You & me, forever.” Fellow players were quick to congratulate her, including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka could face Anisimova in the quarterfinals at the Indian Wells tournament in California, which opens on Wednesday. It marks Sabalenka’s first event since the Australian Open final where she lost to Elena Rybakina in January.
No. 19 Miami of Ohio beats Toledo 74-72, extends season-opening winning streak to 30 games
OXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Pete Suder scored 19 points, Antowne Woolfolk added 14 and No. 19 Miami (Ohio) closed within a victory of a perfect regular season with a 74-72 win over Toledo that extended the RedHawks’ season-opening winning streak to 30 games. The RedHawks (17-0 Mid-American Conference) remain the only undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball. Miami extended the best start in program history and added to its school record for wins in a season. Miami also boasts the best start and longest win streak in MAC annals. Brant Byers added 13 points and Luke Skaljac chipped in 12 for the RedHawks. Leroy Blyden Jr. led Toledo (16-4, 10-7) with 21 points and Sonny Wilson added 13.
Scherzer calls daughter’s letter to Blue Jays ‘the cutest thing you can possibly imagine’
DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Max Scherzer says the note his daughter composed that asked the Toronto Blue Jays to re-sign the three-time Cy Young Award winner arose as his kids were writing letters to Santa Claus in December. Scherzer’s wife posted the handwritten note on Instagram after the three-time Cy Young Award winner signed a one-year, $3 million contract to stay in Toronto. Scherzer told reporters that “it’s the cutest thing you can possibly imagine when you read that.”