Holidays
FILE - In this June 27, 2020, file phohto, Chicago Red Stars' Julie Ertz, second from left, holds Casey Short, center, while other players for the team kneel during the national anthem before an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match against the Washington Spirit at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah. The National Women's Soccer League revised its anthem policy after most players knelt during the anthem before season-opening games last weekend at the Challenge Cup. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
Discourse over national anthem looms for NBA, other leagues

By Schuyler Dixon Jul. 03, 2020 02:55 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2018, file photo, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference in Irving, Texas. The NFL, which has raised $44 million in donations through its Inspire Change program, announced the additional $206 million commitment Thursday, June 11, 2020, targeting what it calls “systemic racism” and supporting “the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.” (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
NFL plans to observe Juneteenth as league holiday

By Rob Maaddi Jun. 12, 2020 04:47 PM EDT

In this Sept. 22, 2019 file photo Nike logos adorn the gloves of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Cleveland. Nike, the NFL and other businesses are giving their employees a paid day off on Juneteenth for the first time, the latest example of how American employers are responding to protests that have placed additional attention on racial injustice in the U.S. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a note Friday, June 12, 2020 that its offices would be closed June 19. (AP Photo/David Richard, file)
Nike, NFL and others to start giving workers Juneteenth off

By Joseph Pisani Jun. 12, 2020 04:45 PM EDT

FILE - In this March 16, 2003, file photo, Ricky Craven, right, crosses the finish two-thousandths of a second ahead of Kurt Busch to win the NASCAR Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. The 70-year-old raceway will host the return of NASCAR Cup Series racing, among the biggest events so far as sports makes a halting comeback from a global shutdown forced by the coronavirus pandemic. (Alison Sidlo/The Morning News via AP, File)
The Latest: Mahomes to celebrate virtual grads at Texas Tech

By The Associated Press May. 15, 2020 11:22 AM EDT

FILE - In this May 26, 2019, file photo, Simon Pagenaud, of France, leads the field through the first turn on the start of the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in Indianapolis. It is finally May and acceptable to declare this a crummy year for Roger Penske to have purchased Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The iconic track was scheduled to open this week for racing, but everything has been put on hold, including the Indianapolis 500, because of the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
The Latest: Indy high school to hold graduation at Speedway

By The Associated Press May. 05, 2020 05:05 PM EDT

Houston Texans players De'Andre Hopkins, left, and Kenny Stills, right, shop for Christmas clothes with Jadon Cofield and Miracle Washington-Tribble, center right, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, at Galleria Mall in Houston. The two teens are beneficiaries of Eight Million Stories, a Houston program which helps 14-18-year-olds who have either quit or been kicked out of school continue their education, find employment and receive emotional support. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Two Houston teenagers get Hopkins/Stills shopping spree

By Kristie Rieken Dec. 24, 2019 02:07 AM EST

Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) celebrates a touchdown behind New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Injuries deplete Chicago Bears receiving group

By Gene Chamberlain Nov. 26, 2019 07:34 PM EST

AP Sportlight

Compiled By Paul Montella Nov. 24, 2019 09:46 AM EST
Nov. 25 1925 — Red Grange, playing his first game as a professional with the Chicago Bears, is held to 36 yards in a 0-0 tie with the...

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, center, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns 9/22/2019

Sep. 22, 2019 08:44 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 19, 1999, file photo, Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair points to the stands as he crosses the goal line for a fourth-quarter 3-yard touchdown during the Titans' 30-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans retiring Eddie George's No. 27 and the No. 9 of the late Steve McNair has turned from a simple halftime ceremony into a celebration and team reunion. (AP Photo/John Russell, FIle)
George challenges Titans to seize moment as team honors past

By Teresa M. Walker Sep. 12, 2019 05:55 PM EDT

In this Nov. 28, 2010, photo, Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen looks on prior to the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the Denver Broncos, in Denver. Denver Broncos owner Bowlen dies at age 75, family says in statement released by team.(AP Photo/Joe Mahoney, File)
Pat Bowlen was not your typical NFL owner

By Arnie Stapleton Jun. 14, 2019 03:30 PM EDT

New England Patriots' Tom Brady high fives some kids during Opening Night for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Media night more like a mosh pit and Mardi Gras

By Barry Wilner Jan. 28, 2019 10:36 PM EST

FILE - In this July 20, 2018 file photo, a pedicab driver dressed as a character from the anime franchise "Dragon Ball" gestures as he carries passengers during Comic-Con International in San Diego. "Dragon Ball” is a revered anime that has influenced pop culture for years, earning praise from the likes of Michael B. Jordan, Ronda Rousey and Chris Brown, showing up in end zone celebrations and even at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With the new film "Dragon Ball Super: Broly" releasing this week in the U.S., the franchise’s popularity with its famous and non-famous fans is likely to grow. (Photo by Christy Radecic/Invision/AP, File)
Celebs, athletes give 'Dragon Ball' pop culture super status

By Jonathan Landrum Jr. Jan. 15, 2019 03:38 PM EST

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is brought down as he scrambles against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
With Colts' playoff drought over, Luck takes center stage

By Michael Marot Jan. 01, 2019 08:09 PM EST