Rory McIlroy is taking a champion's victory lap at Augusta National ahead of his Masters defense
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Rory McIlroy thought winning the Masters was one of the greatest days of his career. Returning as the champion is also pretty sweet. He has been taking what amounts to a victory lap ahead of the Masters. And then he gets back to the golf in time for the opening round on Thursday. McIlroy says a weight has been lifted off his shoulders by finally getting that green jacket in his 17th attempt. He expects a difficult test this week, with a forecast for hot and dry weather. McIlroy is trying to become only the fourth back-to-back winner at Augusta National.
Fernando Mendoza to watch the NFL draft from Miami with family and friends, AP source says
Fernando Mendoza, expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, will watch the NFL draft with family and friends in Miami, someone with knowledge of the quarterback’s plans said Tuesday. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Mendoza hasn’t made his plans public. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh starting on April 23, and many top players will be there to receive congratulations and a hug from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. But players, even those who are drafted first, sometimes prefer to watch from a different location.
No Dexter Lawrence looms over the start of John Harbaugh's first offseason program as Giants coach
The start of John Harbaugh's first offseason program as coach of the New York Giants comes with a significant absence looming over it. Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was one of three players not present for the voluntary beginning of phase one after word emerged Monday that he requested a trade. Harbaugh estimated the prospects were high for Lawrence to remain with the Giants. Cornerback Paulson Adebo was also absent with no reason given, according to Harbaugh, who is still getting to know his new team as he takes over following 18 years with the Baltimore Ravens.
Michael Malone takes over at North Carolina as the Tar Heels turn to an outsider from the NBA
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina has hired NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to lead the Tar Heels’ basketball program. Malone acknowledged at his introductory news conference on Tuesday that he's an outsider, having not played or coached for the Tar Heels. But he says he thinks the program is “ready to embrace somebody new.” The 54-year-old Malone signed a six-year deal worth $50 million in base salary. He won an NBA title as coach of the Denver Nuggets in 2023 but was abruptly fired near the end of last season. Malone replaces Hubert Davis, who was fired last month after five seasons.
Avalanche clinch top spot in Western Conference and shift focus to bigger goals
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar isn’t ready to plan any parades just yet. Moments after the Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 on Tuesday night to clinch Central Division and top seed in the Western Conference, Bednar was already focusing on the next step toward the ultimate goal of a Stanley Cup. It is the third time in five seasons, and first since 2023, that the Avalanche finished as the top team in the conference. The team lost in the first round of the playoffs that season, but won the organization’s third Stanley Cup after finishing first in the Western Conference in 2022.
Cubs ace Cade Horton headed for elbow surgery, will miss the rest of the 2026 season
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton will miss the rest of the 2026 season after an MRI revealed UCL damage in his right elbow. Manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Horton will have surgery, though the exact procedure won’t be known until doctors go in. Horton, 24, walked off the mound in Cleveland on April 3 after just 17 pitches, his velocity dropping suddenly in the second inning. It will be his second elbow surgery. He went 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA and finished second in 2025 NL Rookie of the Year voting. The Cubs are already without ace Justin Steele.
South Carolina's Staley says it is time to move past her Final Four skirmish with UConn's Auriemma
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley says it is time to move past her Final Four skirmish with UConn coach Geno Auriemma that became the talk of the tournament. Staley released a statement on South Carolina’s X account on Tuesday in which she expressed her respect for Auriemma and said the two have spoken since South Carolina’s 62-48 victory on Friday night. The season ended with UCLA’s runaway 79-51 win over South Carolina in Sunday’s national championship game. Staley says “one moment doesn't define a career” and doesn't change the impact Auriemma has made on the game. Auriemma released a statement on Tuesday night again apologizing and hoping to shift the focus on growing women's basketball.
JJ Redick wants to move on after Mavs contradict his contention of MRI mistake on Austin Reaves
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he just wants to move on after the Dallas Mavericks contradicted his contention that their medical staff incorrectly conducted an MRI on Austin Reaves last weekend. Redick claimed last weekend that the Mavs’ medical team “scanned the wrong area” and had to do two MRIs to identify Reaves' Grade 2 left oblique strain. The Mavs issued a statement saying the scan was performed properly. Redick now says the Lakers got the image they needed, and he wants to move on.
Michigan gets its moment, then the transfer portal opens and the scramble for 2027 begins
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The transfer portal has opened in college basketball, marking a crucial phase for teams aiming for the 2027 title. More than 1,200 players have already entered the portal, with hundreds more expected. Michigan won the NCAA championship with transfers playing key roles. The Big Ten swept the football championship and both Division I basketball titles this year.
Bucks' Doc Rivers hints that grandkids could have say in his coaching future
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers, the NBA’s winningest active coach and someone ranking sixth on the league’s all-time victory list, hinted Tuesday that he might consider giving up his role on the sideline when this tumultuous Bucks season ends. His reason: grandkids. And put simply, he sounds like someone who wants to spent more time with them.
