From hoops to oysters: Inside the unexpected second acts of WNBA stars
Although the WNBA is bringing in more money than ever, many players still find themselves financially unsteady when the final whistle blows. Former WNBA star Sue Wicks found her next calling in oyster farming on New York’s East Moriches Bay. Wicks has worked as a commentator, college basketball coach and at a fitness start-up since retiring from the WNBA in 2002. She says she feels lucky to again find a career “that works for my soul.” But the reality is that even a successful run as one of the world’s best basketball players didn’t earn her enough to fully retire.
Veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly returns to Diamondbacks on a $40 million, 2-year deal, AP source says
PHOENIX (AP) — Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has agreed to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million, two-year deal, according to a person familiar with the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced and is pending a physical. The right-hander spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career with the Diamondbacks before the pending free agent was dealt to the Texas Rangers at this year’s trade deadline in July. He was good for both teams, finishing with a combined 12-9 record and 3.52 ERA. Kelly’s return to Arizona isn’t a huge surprise considering he’s a Scottsdale native and played in college at Arizona State.
Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player
NEW YORK (AP) — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935. Mendoza beat Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
Man City and Aston Villa win to stay in touch with Premier League leader Arsenal
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City and Aston Villa both won to keep the pressure on Premier League leader Arsenal. Nottingham Forest pulled further away from the relegation zone with a 3-0 against Tottenham and Sunderland beat Newcastle 1-0 in the Tyne-Wear derby after an own-goal from Nick Woltemade. Arsenal had extended its lead at the top of the standings to five points with a 2-1 win against Wolves on Saturday. But a day later its closest rivals both responded with victories - second-place City winning 3-0 at Crystal Palace and Villa, in third, twice coming back to beat West Ham 3-2 at the London Stadium. City is two points behind Arsenal and Villa is a point further back.
New Zealand skier Alice Robinson wins World Cup super-G; Lindsey Vonn 4th
ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — New Zealand’s Alice Robinson has won a World Cup super-G for her first career victory in the discipline. Robinson finished 0.08 seconds ahead of Romane Miradoli of France and 0.19 ahead of Sofia Goggia of Italy. The 41-year-old American standout Lindsey Vonn was fourth 0.27 behind. It was in a downhill on Friday that Vonn became the oldest winner in the circuit’s history. Mikaela Shiffrin missed the final gate of her first speed race in nearly two years. Saturday's downhill winner Emma Aicher fell but appeared uninjured. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 6-22.
Michigan expands investigation after firing Sherrone Moore, AP source says
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The law firm hired by the University of Michigan to investigate former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with a staffer will continue its probe of the program and is prepared to expand its inquiry throughout the athletic department. That's according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details. Michigan fired Moore on Wednesday, when the school said an investigation uncovered his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He is married with three daughters.
Michigan search includes Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, AP source says
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The firm hired by Michigan to search for a football coach to replace Sherrone Moore has contacted representatives for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because they were not authorized to share details of the search. Moore was fired on Wednesday, when the school said an investigation uncovered his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Two days later, Moore was charged with three crimes.
A rarity: The Thunder lose. OKC falls to 24-2 after loss to San Antonio in NBA Cup semifinals
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Oklahoma City's 16-game winning streak has ended with a 111-109 loss to San Antonio in the NBA Cup semifinals. The Thunder, now 24-2 this season, missed their chance at the Cup. Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the team's lackluster performance, while Thunder guard Jalen Williams emphasized the opportunity for growth. Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found the loss an exciting challenge, likening it to a learning experience. Despite shooting struggles and turnovers, the Thunder remain optimistic. They face San Antonio again on December 23 and Christmas Day, offering a chance for redemption.
Horvath to Heidenreich on 4th-and-goal leads No. 22 Navy to a 17-16 win over Army
BALTIMORE (AP) — Navy has beaten Army for a second straight season. Blake Horvath threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich with 6:32 remaining — on fourth-and-goal — and the 22nd-ranked Midshipmen rallied for a 17-16 win on Saturday. Horvath turned the ball over twice, and his fumble near the goal line nearly spoiled Navy’s key drive. But Heidenreich fell on the ball, and Horvath found him when Navy gambled and went for it on fourth down. With President Donald Trump in attendance, the Midshipmen won the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for a second straight season.
Williams throws 4 TD passes and Washington has 5 INTs in 38-10 rout of Boise State in LA Bowl
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Demond Williams Jr. threw three of his four touchdown passes in the second quarter, and Washington had five interceptions as the Huskies kicked off bowl season with a 38-10 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl. Denzel Boston made a 78-yard TD catch for Washington’s first score before Dezmen Roebuck, Raiden Vines-Bright and Quentin Moore caught TD passes for the Huskies in the school’s fourth victory in its last five bowl games. Coach Jedd Fisch’s Huskies had no players opt out of bowl participation from their solid Big Ten roster, and it showed in their overwhelming performance against the Mountain West champion Broncos.
