National Sports - The Morning Sun

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles speaks during the NFC head coaches availability at the NFL football meetings, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

NFL hits highs in diverse executives, lacks in head coaches

The NFL took another step at the owners meetings to increase diversity throughout the league while continuing to face criticism and a lawsuit for lack of representation among head coaches. Each team … more

By ROB MAADDI | 3/29/23

South Carolina's Brea Beal (12) brings the ball upcourt against Maryland in the second half of an Elite 8 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Greenville, S.C., Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Brea Beal's defense helps lift South Carolina to Final Four

Brea Beal changed her game and became a key piece of South Carolina's run to three straight Final Fours. The defending national champions advanced with an 86-75 win over Maryland, a game that turned … more

By PETE IACOBELLI | 3/29/23

Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a sacrifice fly during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Texas Rangers on Monday, March 27, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

Royals' Sherman optimistic about new ballpark, current team

Royals owner John Sherman believes that plans are progressing toward a new downtown ballpark, which would replace the nearly 50-year-old Kauffman Stadium as early as 2027 or 2028. The club has had … more

By DAVE SKRETTA | 3/29/23

UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after cutting down the netting from the 82-54 win against Gonzaga of an Elite 8 college basketball game in the West Region final of the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Hurley's rebuild complete as UConn returns to Final Four

While three teams are looking for their first NCAA title, UConn is pursuing a return to glory. The Huskies are the biggest name left playing basketball this season. They made the Final Four as a No. … more

By PAT EATON-ROBB | 3/29/23

South Carolina fans celebrate after defeating Maryland in an Elite 8 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Greenville, S.C., Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Women making case in tourney for own March Madness TV deal

The NCAA has gotten mostly positive reviews for its new women's Sweet 16 format during March Madness. Hosting games it two cities instead of the traditional four set attendance records higher TV … more

By DOUG FEINBERG | 3/29/23

The pitch clock runs as New York Mets' Daniel Vogelbach (32) warms up on deck during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

What did players learn about MLB's new rules this spring?

Major League Baseball’s new rules package is set for its regular-season debut Thursday when all 30 teams play their first game. It’ll be the first time many fans see the sport’s sizable list of … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 3/29/23

FILE - Tottenham Managing Director Fabio Paratici sits on the bench during the friendly soccer match between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici will serve a worldwide ban for his part in a false accounting scandal involving Juventus, FIFA confirmed on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

Tottenham official Fabio Paratici to serve worldwide ban

Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici will serve a worldwide ban for his part in a false accounting scandal involving Juventus. Italy’s most famous soccer team was hit with a … more

By JAMES ROBSON | 3/29/23

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente reacts during the Euro 2024 group A qualifying soccer match between Scotland and Spain at the Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

De la Fuente under pressure early as Spain’s new coach

The Luis de la Fuente era in Spain is already being questioned after only two games. A lackluster win and a disappointing loss were enough to put the new coach under the spotlight. Spain needed two … more

By TALES AZZONI | 3/29/23

Florida Atlantic head coach Dusty May cuts the net after Florida Atlantic defeated Kansas State in an Elite 8 college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament's East Region final, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

May Madness: This March, FAU coach has Owls on cusp of title

Dusty May is going to the Final Four and it's safe to say that few might have seen that coming. May had, to be fair, not much better than minimal name recognition when he took the Florida Atlantic … more

By TIM REYNOLDS | 3/29/23

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey yells during the first half of an Elite 8 college basketball game against Miami in the NCAA Tournament in Greenville, S.C., Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

LSU's Mulkey senses reunion in trip to Texas for Final Four

LSU coach Kim Mulkey is returning to Texas for another Final Four. The former Baylor coach says some people with ties to her lengthy tenure in Texas will be in the stands when the Tigers play … more

By SCHUYLER DIXON | 3/28/23

Newcastle's Alexander Isak, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United at the City Ground stadium in Nottingham, England, Friday, March 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Saudi-backed Newcastle's ownership called into question

The ownership of Saudi-backed Newcastle United was under scrutiny when Premier League chief executive Richard Masters was asked by a U.K. Member of Parliament if the organization was investigating … more

By JAMES ROBSON | 3/28/23

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur speaks during the NFC head coaches availability at the NFL football meetings, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

No replay booth reviews for roughing the passer in NFL games

There will be no assist from the replay booth when it comes to the NFL’s roughing the passer rule. The league’s 32 teams declined to adopt a proposal from the Los Angeles Rams that would have … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 3/28/23

NCAA takes seat on bench in the political game

The NCAA has taken a seat on the bench in the political game. The organization that governs college athletics was once at the forefront of hot-button issues such as the Confederate flag and … more

By PAUL NEWBERRY | 3/28/23

FILE - Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris speaks with members of the media during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's practice facility in Camden, N.J., Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Two people with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press a group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales has submitted a fully financed bid for the NFL's Washington Commanders. The Harris/Rales group, which includes basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, is one of multiple bidders involved in the sale process .(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

AP sources: Harris/Rales group submits bid for Commanders

Two people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press a group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales has submitted a fully financed bid for the NFL's Washington Commanders. The … more

By ROB MAADDI and STEPHEN WHYNO | 3/28/23

FILE - IndyCar Series driver Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, laughs as he speaks to reporters at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Pato O'Ward would love to have an IndyCar race in his native country. He will be at the series' closest track this week in Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Pato O'Ward is closest to home when IndyCar runs in Texas

Pato O'Ward so much wants to have an IndyCar race in Mexico, his native country. This week, the series will be at Texas Motor Speedway for its second race of the season. It’s the closest IndyCar … more

By STEPHEN HAWKINS | 3/28/23

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts to his drive on the eighth hole during a round of 16 at the Dell Technologies Match Play Championship golf tournament in Austin, Texas, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Column: End of the WGCs with more to come, minus Match Play

Rory McIlroy is a footnote in World Golf Championships history for hitting the final shot of the series. It was a 6-footer for par at the Dell Match Play, and it was only for third place. The WGCs … more

By DOUG FERGUSON | 3/28/23

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley celebrates with the net after defeating Maryland in an Elite 8 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Greenville, S.C., Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Black female athletes: Having Black female coach is crucial

Black female representation in the coaching and sports administrative ranks has often existed on a minute scale. That's true even in a sport like basketball, which along with track and field has the … more

By ALANIS THAMES | 3/28/23

FILE - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks on the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson said Monday, March 27, 2023, he has requested a trade from the Ravens. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Analysis: Ravens are Lamar Jackson's best, only option

Lamar Jackson’s frustration over contract negotiations reached a boiling point when he announced Monday that he has requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens. Staying in Baltimore might be his … more

By ROB MAADDI | 3/28/23

San Francisco Giants pitcher Sergio Romo (54) walks back to the dugout after being removed during the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in San Francisco, Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Sergio Romo retires as Giant after pitching one final time

Sergio Romo retired as a San Francisco Giant just as he wanted to do. The entertaining reliever and three-time World Series champion called it a career Monday night when he pitched against another of … more

3/28/23

Virginia Tech guard Georgia Amoore (5) shoots over Ohio State guard Rikki Harris during the first half of an Elite 8 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Va Tech women headed to 1st Final Four after topping Ohio St

Elizabeth Kitley scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Georgia Amoore added 24 points and top-seeded Virginia Tech advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history with an 84-74 … more

By TIM BOOTH | 3/27/23