Nikola Jokic injury, Denny Hamlin’s family tragedy, Pro Football Hall of Fame

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December 30, 2025

 

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FILE - Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State , Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in State College, Pa.

Rested or rusty? Top four playoff seeds eager to show they are ready as CFP quarterfinals arrive

Last year was the first for the expanded 12-team playoff, and the top four seeds with first-round byes — Oregon, Georgia, Bosie State and Arizona State — all lost in the quarterfinals. This year’s top seeds — Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech — want to prove last year was a fluke. Read More.

In the NBA, 2025 might go down as the year of the injured. Nikola Jokic joined that club at the end

Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton is going to miss the entire season because of the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Boston's Jayson Tatum — who hopes otherwise — might also miss the whole season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs last spring. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James and Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams have all missed big chunks of time this season with various injuries. Read More.

Falcons’ Bijan Robinson runs into the record book vs Rams in Monday Night Football matchup

Bijan Robinson had a Falcons-record 93-yard rushing touchdown Monday night, one of two ways he entered their record book in a Monday Night Football win over the Rams. Read More.

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Beyond the score

FILE - The Chow's Gymnastics & Dance Institute is seen Aug. 4, 2025, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

AP sources: In 'Nassar 2.0,' Olympics watchdog failed to close abuse case against gymnastics coach

Young gymnasts and their parents started raising red flags about a coach as far back as 2017 — the same year a watchdog agency was created in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal that nearly eviscerated USA Gymnastics and damaged the country's entire Olympic movement. Read More.

Tragedy follows triumph for Anthony Joshua leaving the former heavyweight champion’s boxing future uncertain

Fondly known as AJ, Anthony Joshua is one of Britain’s most popular sports personalities. Read More.

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father dies after house fire and his mother is critically injured

The father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived, officials said Monday. Read More.

 

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What's next

FILE - Larry Fitzgerald Jr. holds a ball on the field before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans on Nov. 7, 2022.

Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald lead Pro Football Hall of Fame modern era finalists

Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald headlined a group of four modern era finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Read More.

Women's basketball conference plays begins to heat up with start of new year

As the calendar changes to 2026, conference play gets into full swing this week. A handful of power four schools have had strong nonconference seasons and now will be their opportunity to show that they can play with the top teams in their league. Read More.

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