Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement from Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he won’t play for Portugal anymore. He’s ended an international career that spanned six World Cups, a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record. Ronaldo shared the news on Thursday in a video message. He says it is time to pass on the No. 7 shirt. He expressed gratitude for his 23 years with the national team. Ronaldo’s final appearance for Portugal was in a 1-0 win over Wales in September. He plans to continue playing at the club level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, aiming for his 1,000th career goal.
FIFA Council member Tashima to run as election candidate against Infantino, Japanese media report
TOKYO (AP) — Kohzo Tashima intends to run for FIFA president against Gianni Infantino, according to Japanese media. If confirmed, Tashima would be the first serious rival since Infantino’s controversial plan in July to sell stakes in future World Cup profits. The Japanese newspaper Asahi reported that Tashima announced his intention to run in the election next March, with unanimous support from JFA board members. Tashima, a former Japan national team player, has been on FIFA’s ruling committee since 2015. Candidates need backing from five of FIFA’s 211 member federations and must pass an eligibility check.
Miami star WR Malachi Toney has a high ankle sprain and needs surgery, AP source says
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Malachi Toney, the star receiver for top-ranked Miami and a Heisman Trophy candidate, has been scheduled for surgery to address a high ankle sprain and will be sidelined for multiple weeks, a person with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday night. The initial timeline for Toney’s recovery won’t be known until after the surgery, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the player nor the school revealed those details publicly. It is a huge blow to the Hurricanes (8-0, No. 1 College Football Playoff), who play a showdown game at No. 4 Notre Dame (7-1, No. 11 CFP) on Saturday — and now will do so without one of the nation’s most dynamic players.
Lions linebacker Jack Campbell says he has full movement in lower body after suffering neck injury
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell says he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body days after he was carted off the field on a backboard during a game against the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell suffered a neck injury early in the fourth quarter of the 19-15 win over the Vikings on Sunday. He was alert and breathing when he was taken to the hospital, where he has been recovering since his injury. Campbell says “I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic.”
Eagles making a quarterback change to Joe Milton for their game Sunday against the Giants
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles are turning to Joe Milton as their starting quarterback Sunday against the New York Giants. Milton has appeared in five NFL games in relief, including the Dallas Cowboys’ season finale at the Giants in January. The Eagles made the move two days after coach Nick Sirianni had said they were sticking with Tanner McKee after Jalen Hurts was sidelined for the season because of blood clots. McKee was 0-3 since taking over as the starter, and Philadelphia has lost six in a row after winning its first two games.
Jaylen Brown scores season-high 30 points and makes key block in 76ers’ 112-106 win over Pistons
DETROIT (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 30 points and made a key block in the final minute, helping the Philadelphia 76ers hold on for a 112-106 win over the Detroit Pistons. Joel Embiid had 26 points and 15 rebounds, and LeBron James added 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as the Eastern Conference-leading Sixers improved to 8-1. Their lone loss came at home against Detroit. Cade Cunningham had 26 points and 11 assists, and Duncan Robinson scored 27 for the Pistons, who lead the Central Division with a 6-2 record.
Dosunmu scores 21 and Kuminga sparks late surge in Timberwolves’ 117-107 win over Rockets
HOUSTON (AP) — Ayo Dosunmu had 21 points and Jonathan Kuminga powered a fourth-quarter run that allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to pull away for a 117-107 win over the Houston Rockets. Minnesota led by two before a 3-pointer from Kuminga, a steal by Dosunmu and a tip-in by Kuminga made it 111-104 with about two minutes remaining. Kevin Durant made two free throws for Houston before another 3 by Kuminga extended the lead to 114-106 with less than a minute to go. LaMelo Ball scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Minnesota. Alperen Sengun had his 13th career triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Rockets as they lost for just the second time this season.
Valkyries’ victory celebration includes Oakland where team practices, San Francisco where games are
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gabby Williams hopped off a double-decker bus and began dancing through the streets, blowing a whistle to the beat and slapping high-fives with fans all while keeping her WNBA Finals MVP trophy safely tucked in her left arm. Then she called for teammate Kiah Stokes to join her and they popped Champagne and enjoyed it among the first group in the Valkyries’ victory parade on a picture-perfect afternoon along San Francisco’s waterfront. The celebration came after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 on Saturday night in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.
Report: LIV’s financial backer dropping plan for new league in 2027
LIV Golf’s future is in doubt after a Financial Times report that its main investor is dropping plans for LIV 2.0. The Times reports BC Partners Credit is backing out because it doesn’t have enough of the player support it needs. A bankruptcy hearing previously scheduled is Thursday. The report says the focus could shift to LIV liquidating its assets. LIV Golf lost Saudi Arabia funding in April after having spent more than $5 billion since 2022. LIV filed for bankruptcy in September. Since announcing plans for a new version, top players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have bailed.
Questions arise over the emergency treatment given to Spanish soccer player in fatal collision
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The emergency medical treatment that the Spanish soccer player who died following a hard in-game collision is falling under scrutiny. Spain’s National Police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died on Tuesday a day after absorbing a heavy hit by the opposing team’s goalkeeper during a match in Spain’s second division and being rushed to a hospital. Separately, medical professionals and Spain’s media are also wondering if the immediate attention De Miguel received on the field was adequate.