NCAA committee to discuss streamlined, age-based eligibility rules, AP sources say
The Associated Press has learned an NCAA panel is scheduled to discuss potential changes to eligibility rules that would incorporate age into the process. Two people with knowledge of the situation told AP the proposal would give athletes five years of eligibility with the clock starting at the earliest of two dates: either when they turn 19 or graduate high school. The people did not want their names used because the NCAA hasn’t publicly discussed the proposal.
Angels' Jorge Soler and Braves' Reynaldo López receive suspensions following brawl
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López each received seven-game suspensions from Major League Baseball on Wednesday after they were ejected following their participation in a brawl. Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations, also announced the players received undisclosed fines. The suspensions were scheduled to begin with Wednesday’s game but will be on hold as each player is appealing. MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association reached an agreement to have López’s suspension reduced to five games, effective immediately.
Golf has been secondary for Scottie Scheffler of late. It's hard to know what to expect at Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has two kids and two Masters titles. He’s the favorite in this week’s tournament, as he tends to be for all majors these days. But his family life has been more exciting than his golf recently. His son Bennett turns 2 next month, and Remy was born less than two weeks ago. It was hard to tell which of the kids was more of a hit at Wednesday’s family friendly Par 3 Contest at Augusta National. Remy was carried by Meredith in a baby wrap, and Bennett knocked the ball around with a blue toy club.
8-year-old Frankie Fleetwood steals the show during Par 3 Contest on the eve of the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tommy Fleetwood's 8-year-old son Frankie nearly stole the show at Augusta National on Wednesday. The youngster went viral last year when he lamented his failure to clear Ike's Pond on the ninth hole of the Par 3 Contest. All eyes were on him as Frankie tried twice, nearly making it both times but watching his ball splash in the pond instead. Tommy Fleetwood, meanwhile, had one of the four aces during the Par 3 Contest. Aaron Rai won it at 6 under, though nobody has won the event and gone on to win the Masters.
James Pearce Jr. not at Falcons' voluntary offseason workouts, coach Kevin Stefanski says
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski says James Pearce Jr. has not reported to Atlanta's voluntary workouts. Stefanski says the program is voluntary, and they’re in constant communication with Pearce's representation. Pearce was arrested in February near Miami after an incident involving his former girlfriend. He faces several charges, including aggravated battery and stalking. His status with the Falcons has been uncertain since the arrest. The Falcons' front office remains tight-lipped during the ongoing investigation. Pearce led the team with 10.5 sacks in 2025, significantly boosting their pass rush.
Connor McDavid's hat trick leads the Oilers to a 5-2 win over the Sharks
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Connor McDavid scored his 15th career hat trick and finished with five points, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks that moved them into sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division. McDavid controlled the game almost from the start, scoring on a power play in the first period and then twice in the second to make it 5-2. He also assisted on power-play goals by Vasily Podkolzin and Jack Roslovic to extend his NHL-leading point total to 133. Macklin Celebrini scored his 42nd goal for San Jose.
WNBA free agency opens with $1.4 million franchise tags for Ionescu, Collier and Plum
NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier and Los Angeles’ Kelsey Plum were all extended franchise tags by their WNBA teams worth potentially $1.4 million as free agency opened up. By giving the “core” designation to those players, their teams have exclusive negotiating rights. Players can negotiate different terms to help their teams sign other players to fit under the new salary cap. Other players giving the “core” designation include Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell, Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale, Atlanta’s Allisha Gray, Chicago’s Ariel Atkins and Seattle Ezi Magbegor. Expansion franchises Portland and Toronto offered franchise tags to Bridget Carleton and Marina Mabrey, respectively.
Sue Bird to serve as an NBC studio analyst for WNBA broadcasts this season
NEW YORK (AP) — Hall of Famer Sue Bird watched the WNBA on NBC growing up. Now she’ll be part of the WNBA broadcasts on the network for this upcoming season. The four-time WNBA champion will be a studio analyst and host a series of feature stories throughout the league’s 30th season which begins on May 8. The NBC broadcasts will also feature “Roundball Rock” — John Tesh’s iconic theme song that was the soundtrack of the network’s coverage of the NBA from 1990 until 2002. NBC brought the song back this year when it took over broadcasting the NBA again.
Pirates sign teenage shortstop Konnor Griffin to a 9-year deal worth at least $140 million
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Konnor Griffin has signed a nine-year, $140 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This deal with the 19-year-old shortstop is the largest in club history. The announcement comes after Griffin made his big league debut. The contract includes escalators that could increase its value to $150 million. Owner Bob Nutting says the deal is a “meaningful commitment” by the team to a player who's expected to play a significant role in the club's long-term future. Griffin agreed to the deal hours after producing the first multi-hit game of his young career in a 7-1 victory over San Diego that gave the Pirates their sixth win in seven games.
Qatar's Diamond League track meet put back from May to June amid ongoing uncertainty
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Diamond League track meet in Qatar has been postponed from next month to June 19 if conditions allow amid ongoing uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The Doha meet had been set to open the season for track’s elite series on May 8, as it typically has in recent years, but the postponement means Shanghai’s meet on May 16 starts the series instead. The Diamond League says it took the decision “in the interests of athlete and spectator safety.” Its statement was issued hours after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel.
