LAWRENCE, Kan. — Three legendary Jayhawks - John Hadl, Gale Sayers and Mike McCormack were named to the East-West Shrine Bowl All-Century Team on Tuesday, as part of the East-West Shrine Bowl 100-year celebration at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is celebrating its 100th year in 2025 and is the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. The 100-year celebration features an exhibit and panel discussion at the College Football Hall of Fame taking place on Tuesday, as well as the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, 2025, culminating in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 30, 2025. For more information on the East-West Shrine Bowl, click here.

Hadl and Sayers are members of the College Football Hall of Fame, while Sayers and McCormack are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. All three played legendary careers at the University of Kansas, where they are all members of the Kansas Football Ring of Honor.

An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.

Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.  He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.

Sayers, the "Kansas Comet," established himself throughout his collegiate and professional career as one of the great running backs in the history of football. A two-time All-America selection for the Jayhawks, Sayers concluded his KU career with 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. Sayers led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he was in the lineup. He also led the team in receiving and punt returns as a junior and senior.

Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season. He also had a 96-yard kickoff return in a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma his senior season. Sayers was a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears (and Kansas City Chiefs). He led the league in rushing in 1966 and 1969. He retired in 1972 with a career total of 4,956 rushing yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 at age 34, the youngest person ever selected.

McCormack, one of KU's greatest offensive tackles, was named an All-Big Seven lineman as a junior and senior and was a member of the league's all-sophomore team in 1948. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He began his pro football career with the NFL's 1951 New York Yanks, where as a rookie he earned the starting right tackle spot. That year he earned the first of six trips to the Pro Bowl, before being called into military service.

McCormack was the Cleveland Browns' offensive right tackle for eight years from 1955 through 1962. During that period, the Browns' forward wall played a major role in assuring a balanced offensive approach and McCormack, equally adept as a blocker on rushing plays and as a quarterback protector, was a stabilizing factor throughout the period.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734526516032.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. — Three legendary Jayhawks - John Hadl, Gale Sayers and Mike McCormack were named to the East-West Shrine Bowl All-Century Team on Tuesday, as part of the East-West Shrine Bowl 100-year celebration at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.The East-West Shrine Bowl is celebrating its 100th year in 2025 and is the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. The 100-year celebration features an exhibit and panel discussion at the College Football Hall of Fame taking place on Tuesday, as well as the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, 2025, culminating in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 30, 2025. For more information on the East-West Shrine Bowl, click here.Hadl and Sayers are members of the College Football Hall of Fame, while Sayers and McCormack are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. All three played legendary careers at the University of Kansas, where they are all members of the Kansas Football Ring of Honor.An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973. He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.Sayers, the "Kansas Comet," established himself throughout his collegiate and professional career as one of the great running backs in the history of football. A two-time All-America selection for the Jayhawks, Sayers concluded his KU career with 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. Sayers led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he was in the lineup. He also led the team in receiving and punt returns as a junior and senior.Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season. He also had a 96-yard kickoff return in a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma his senior season. Sayers was a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears (and Kansas City Chiefs). He led the league in rushing in 1966 and 1969. He retired in 1972 with a career total of 4,956 rushing yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 at age 34, the youngest person ever selected.McCormack, one of KU's greatest offensive tackles, was named an All-Big Seven lineman as a junior and senior and was a member of the league's all-sophomore team in 1948. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He began his pro football career with the NFL's 1951 New York Yanks, where as a rookie he earned the starting right tackle spot. That year he earned the first of six trips to the Pro Bowl, before being called into military service.McCormack was the Cleveland Browns' offensive right tackle for eight years from 1955 through 1962. During that period, the Browns' forward wall played a major role in assuring a balanced offensive approach and McCormack, equally adept as a blocker on rushing plays and as a quarterback protector, was a stabilizing factor throughout the period.

🏈 Three Jayhawks are All-Century, according to Shrine Bowl

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Junior Bennett Stirtz's 3-pointer with 4 seconds left in overtime spoiled Kansas State's spirited comeback, as Drake remained unbeaten with a 73-70 overtime win in the 13th Wildcat Classic on Tuesday night before 9,210 fans at the T-Mobile Center.

Down by as many as 20 points in the first half, K-State (6-4) rallied to take the lead with 9:04 remaining on a layup by senior David N'Guessan. The Wildcats led 60-57 with 4:32 to play before the Bulldogs (10-0) tied it at 63-all with 23 seconds remaining to force overtime.

In the extra session, Drake jumped out to a 70-64 lead with less than 2 minutes left before K-State once again rallied to tie it at 70-all on a 3-pointer by senior Coleman Hawkins with 13 seconds. However, on the ensuing possession, Stirtz connected on the game-winning 3-pointer with 4 seconds to play before senior Max Jones' desperation 3-pointer was off the mark at the buzzer.

The loss was the first in overtime in head coach Jerome Tang's coaching career (13-1), including his first at K-State (12-1). He was a perfect 13-0 in his head coaching career prior to tonight's extra-session loss, which included one overtime win as interim head coach at Baylor in 2013 to go with 12 while at K-State (2022-present).

Hawkins was one of four Wildcats to score in double figures with a team-high 16 points on 6-of-9 field goals to go with 5 rebounds and team-highs in assists (5), steals (4) and blocks (2). He has now registered at least 4 assists and 2 steals in 7 of 10 games this season, while he has grabbed 5 or more rebounds on 7 occasions and has had 4 games of at least 2 blocks.

Hawkins was joined in double figures by senior David N'Guessan (13 points), senior Max Jones (12 points) and junior Dug McDaniel (10 points). N'Guessan has now scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games dating back to last season, including all 10 this season.

For the game, the Wildcats connected on 50 percent (26-of-52) from the field, including 38 points in the paint, while hitting on 33.3 percent (7-of-21) from 3-point range and 55 percent (11-of-20) from the free throw line. The team had 21 assists on 26 made field goals.

Drake hit on 49 percent (24-of-49) of its field goals, including 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from 3-point range, and made 16 of 22 attempts (72.7 percent) from the free throw line.

Stirtz finished with 22 points, while fellow transfer Mitch Mascari added a game-high 25 points, as he converted on 8-of-11 field goals, including 8-of-10 from beyond the arc. They were joined in double figures by sophomore Cam Manyawu, who added 11 points. Graduate Isaiah Jackson led the way with team-highs in assists (8) and rebounds (8).

K-State will conclude non-conference play on Saturday night, as the Wildcats travel to Wichita, Kan., to take on in-state rival Wichita State (8-2) at Koch Arena. Tip is set for 6 p.m., CT on ESPN+. This will be the final game in a 4-game series that began in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734526337818.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Junior Bennett Stirtz's 3-pointer with 4 seconds left in overtime spoiled Kansas State's spirited comeback, as Drake remained unbeaten with a 73-70 overtime win in the 13th Wildcat Classic on Tuesday night before 9,210 fans at the T-Mobile Center.Down by as many as 20 points in the first half, K-State (6-4) rallied to take the lead with 9:04 remaining on a layup by senior David N'Guessan. The Wildcats led 60-57 with 4:32 to play before the Bulldogs (10-0) tied it at 63-all with 23 seconds remaining to force overtime.In the extra session, Drake jumped out to a 70-64 lead with less than 2 minutes left before K-State once again rallied to tie it at 70-all on a 3-pointer by senior Coleman Hawkins with 13 seconds. However, on the ensuing possession, Stirtz connected on the game-winning 3-pointer with 4 seconds to play before senior Max Jones' desperation 3-pointer was off the mark at the buzzer.The loss was the first in overtime in head coach Jerome Tang's coaching career (13-1), including his first at K-State (12-1). He was a perfect 13-0 in his head coaching career prior to tonight's extra-session loss, which included one overtime win as interim head coach at Baylor in 2013 to go with 12 while at K-State (2022-present).Hawkins was one of four Wildcats to score in double figures with a team-high 16 points on 6-of-9 field goals to go with 5 rebounds and team-highs in assists (5), steals (4) and blocks (2). He has now registered at least 4 assists and 2 steals in 7 of 10 games this season, while he has grabbed 5 or more rebounds on 7 occasions and has had 4 games of at least 2 blocks.Hawkins was joined in double figures by senior David N'Guessan (13 points), senior Max Jones (12 points) and junior Dug McDaniel (10 points). N'Guessan has now scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games dating back to last season, including all 10 this season.For the game, the Wildcats connected on 50 percent (26-of-52) from the field, including 38 points in the paint, while hitting on 33.3 percent (7-of-21) from 3-point range and 55 percent (11-of-20) from the free throw line. The team had 21 assists on 26 made field goals.Drake hit on 49 percent (24-of-49) of its field goals, including 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from 3-point range, and made 16 of 22 attempts (72.7 percent) from the free throw line.Stirtz finished with 22 points, while fellow transfer Mitch Mascari added a game-high 25 points, as he converted on 8-of-11 field goals, including 8-of-10 from beyond the arc. They were joined in double figures by sophomore Cam Manyawu, who added 11 points. Graduate Isaiah Jackson led the way with team-highs in assists (8) and rebounds (8).K-State will conclude non-conference play on Saturday night, as the Wildcats travel to Wichita, Kan., to take on in-state rival Wichita State (8-2) at Koch Arena. Tip is set for 6 p.m., CT on ESPN+. This will be the final game in a 4-game series that began in 2021.

🏀 Drake wins over K-State in Kansas City

WICHITA, Kan. — Kansas City led for all but seven minutes of game time in a 74-64 win over Wichita State Tuesday night in Charles Koch Arena.

Wichita State (8-3) trailed by 14 at halftime and as many as 23 in the second half to the 6-7 Roos out of the Summit League. This is the second straight season Wichita State has suffered a loss to a program out of the Summit League (South Dakota State in 2023).

Xavier Bell scored a game-high 21 points on a night when he reached 1,000 career points. He was 9-for-15 from the floor. Justin Hill added 12 points.

Wichita State suffered its worst shooting performance of the season from three-point range, missing 16-of-19 attempts (15.8 percent). For the second straight game the free throw line haunted the Shockers, going 13-for-24 (54.2 percent). Over the last two games Wichita State is 26-for-46 from the line (56.5 percent).

Defensively, Wichita State allowed the opposing team to shoot better than 50 percent from the field. Kansas City finished at 52.8 percent.

Wichita State committed only six turnovers compared to Kansas City's 14 and outscored the Roos off turnovers, 21-4. Most of those came late in the second half when the Shockers started pressing to get back into the game.

Kansas City outrebounded the Shockers by seven, including 10 offensive rebounds.

The Shockers took a 7-5 lead with 13:47 left in the first half, but would not lead again. One of Kansas City's eight three-pointers on the night put the Roos in front with 13:15 remaining in the half and would not look back.

Their lead grew to double digits for the first time with 10:23 to go in the first half. The Shockers pulled back within three behind a 9-2 spurt, but a 17-6 run sent the Roos into the locker room with a 38-24 cushion.

The Roos pushed the margin to 23 with 5:39 to go, seemingly putting the game away, but Wichita State wouldn't pack it in. A frantic final push saw the Shockers trim the deficit to nine in the blink of an eye.

With the crowd finally involved Wichita State couldn't get out of its own way, missing free throws and giving up key offensive rebounds.

Wichita State and Kansas State square off in the Roundhouse Saturday night at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734526012236.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. — Kansas City led for all but seven minutes of game time in a 74-64 win over Wichita State Tuesday night in Charles Koch Arena.Wichita State (8-3) trailed by 14 at halftime and as many as 23 in the second half to the 6-7 Roos out of the Summit League. This is the second straight season Wichita State has suffered a loss to a program out of the Summit League (South Dakota State in 2023).Xavier Bell scored a game-high 21 points on a night when he reached 1,000 career points. He was 9-for-15 from the floor. Justin Hill added 12 points.Wichita State suffered its worst shooting performance of the season from three-point range, missing 16-of-19 attempts (15.8 percent). For the second straight game the free throw line haunted the Shockers, going 13-for-24 (54.2 percent). Over the last two games Wichita State is 26-for-46 from the line (56.5 percent).Defensively, Wichita State allowed the opposing team to shoot better than 50 percent from the field. Kansas City finished at 52.8 percent.Wichita State committed only six turnovers compared to Kansas City's 14 and outscored the Roos off turnovers, 21-4. Most of those came late in the second half when the Shockers started pressing to get back into the game.Kansas City outrebounded the Shockers by seven, including 10 offensive rebounds.The Shockers took a 7-5 lead with 13:47 left in the first half, but would not lead again. One of Kansas City's eight three-pointers on the night put the Roos in front with 13:15 remaining in the half and would not look back.Their lead grew to double digits for the first time with 10:23 to go in the first half. The Shockers pulled back within three behind a 9-2 spurt, but a 17-6 run sent the Roos into the locker room with a 38-24 cushion.The Roos pushed the margin to 23 with 5:39 to go, seemingly putting the game away, but Wichita State wouldn't pack it in. A frantic final push saw the Shockers trim the deficit to nine in the blink of an eye.With the crowd finally involved Wichita State couldn't get out of its own way, missing free throws and giving up key offensive rebounds.Up NextWichita State and Kansas State square off in the Roundhouse Saturday night at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

🏀 Kansas City wins in Wichita over Shockers

HAYSVILLE, Kan.,-The Hutch High Salthawk basketball teams swept Campus Tuesday night with both teams earning convincing wins.

Hutch High girls continued their unbeaten streak with a convincing 50-17 win over Campus, while the Salthawk Boys used a smothering defensive effort in the second half to defeat the Colts 57-25.

Kaia Smith led the Salthawk girls with 16 points while Tenley Keeton came off the bench to chip in 10 points for scoring honors as the 3-0 Salthawks took a 27-7 lead and ran away from the Colts to win easily.

Campus was lead by junior guard Addison Wood with 7 points.

Hutch High had eight different plays score on Tuesday night with senior forward Taishaun Govain leading the pack with 11 points. Lucas Whitt scored 9 while Levi Kepler and Lamar Govain added 8 apiece. Danny Boone and Terrell King each had 7 points.

Hutch High held Campus to only two baskets in the second half plus only four free throws in the third quarter. Landon Brown and Tamarien Moore led Campus with eight points each.

Leading by eight at halftime, the Salthawks were able to force a running clock in the final quarter by extending the lead to 46-20 before outscoring Campus 11-4 in the final quarter for the win.

Hutchinson returns home on Friday to close out 2024 by hosting Arkansas City at the SAC with varsity games beginning at 6pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607562367682.jpeg" alt="hutch-high Basketball sweeps Campus" />
 <figcaption>hutch-high Basketball sweeps Campus</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYSVILLE, Kan.,-The Hutch High Salthawk basketball teams swept Campus Tuesday night with both teams earning convincing wins.Hutch High girls continued their unbeaten streak with a convincing 50-17 win over Campus, while the Salthawk Boys used a smothering defensive effort in the second half to defeat the Colts 57-25.Girls Recap:Kaia Smith led the Salthawk girls with 16 points while Tenley Keeton came off the bench to chip in 10 points for scoring honors as the 3-0 Salthawks took a 27-7 lead and ran away from the Colts to win easily.Campus was lead by junior guard Addison Wood with 7 points.Boys Recap:Hutch High had eight different plays score on Tuesday night with senior forward Taishaun Govain leading the pack with 11 points. Lucas Whitt scored 9 while Levi Kepler and Lamar Govain added 8 apiece. Danny Boone and Terrell King each had 7 points.Hutch High held Campus to only two baskets in the second half plus only four free throws in the third quarter. Landon Brown and Tamarien Moore led Campus with eight points each.Leading by eight at halftime, the Salthawks were able to force a running clock in the final quarter by extending the lead to 46-20 before outscoring Campus 11-4 in the final quarter for the win.Hutchinson returns home on Friday to close out 2024 by hosting Arkansas City at the SAC with varsity games beginning at 6pm.

🏀 Hutch High romps past Campus Colts

AP Sports Summary for December 18th, 2024:

Giannis, Bucks use 3-point barrage to beat Thunder 97-81 for NBA Cup title

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Everyone has a lucky number in Las Vegas. For the Milwaukee Bucks, it was 3. And the NBA Cup was their prize. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points to go along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 points and the Bucks connected on 17 3-pointers on the way to beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the NBA Cup title game on Tuesday night.

Falcons name rookie Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017. Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night. Morris calls it "a football decision" and says the team is focused on preparing to face the New York Giants on Sunday. The Falcons (7-7) ended a four-game losing streak with Monday night's ugly 15-9 win at Las Vegas. Cousins passed for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The 36-year-old was signed in the offseason for $100 million guaranteed.

New York Yankees acquire outfielder Cody Bellinger from Cubs for pitcher Cody Poteet

NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Cody Bellinger has been acquired by the New York Yankees from the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Cody Poteet. Chicago will send the Yankees $5 million as part of the trade. The 29-year-old Bellinger, whose father Clay helped the Yankees win World Series titles in 1999 and 2000, could play center field next year as Aaron Judge returns to right following the departure of Juan Soto to the Mets. Bellinger also can play first base, a position that opened when Anthony Rizzo became a free agent.

Michael Vick accepts head coaching job at Norfolk State

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Michael Vick has agreed to become the head coach at Norfolk State in a return to football for the former NFL star, who has never coached at any level. The 44-year-old Vick announced on his Facebook page on Tuesday night that he has accepted the job. Norfolk State did not immediately confirm the hiring of Vick, who grew up in nearby Newport News. Vick starred in college at Virginia Tech and was a four-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons for Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh. He served 18 months in federal prison in the prime of his career after pleading guilty to his role in a dogfighting ring.

RFK Stadium site provision included in federal spending bill, a win for the Commanders and NFL

The Washington Commanders are another step closer to the possibility of returning to the franchise's old home in the nation's capital. A provision to transfer the land that is the site of the old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia is included in Congress' short-term spending bill, which is expected to pass. It's a significant victory for the organization and the NFL after controlling owner Josh Harris and Commissioner Roger Goodell lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill on the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. The Commanders are considering places in the district, Maryland and Virginia to build a new stadium in the coming years.

NBA announces All-Star tournament plan for this season: 4 teams, 3 games, 1 night

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA's All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco. And scoring is sure to be down — way, way, way down. This season's format announced Tuesday is a four-team, three-game, one-night tournament, three teams of eight All-Stars apiece and the fourth team being the winner of the Rising Stars challenge for first- and second-year players. The winning team in all games will be the first to score 40 points.

From Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles to a new hockey league, women's sports had a pivotal year

Record numbers of basketball fans filled arenas to watch the rookie seasons of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unfold. Simone Biles captivated the world at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Coco Gauff made women's tennis history. It was all part of a pivotal year for women in sports, both financially and culturally, and after a steady rise in popularity and reach over the past few years, the women's game is more valuable than ever. The WNBA had one of its most successful seasons ever, and new leagues and athletes in other sports have been able to capitalize on that momentum.

The group behind a new European soccer competition has resurfaced. Here's what they propose

The group behind a breakaway European soccer competition to rival the Champions League has resurfaced. The Madrid-based A22 Sports Management is back with a new incarnation of the proposed European Super League, which is now being called the Unify League. A22 is seeking to change the face of soccer in its most lucrative market by creating a rival for UEFA's club competitions. It is nearly four years since the initial Super League plan was ambitiously launched and quickly aborted. The rebels have been emboldened by a successful legal challenge last year and now are back with a new name for the competition and a new business model. It remains to be seen who signs up for the project.

MLB study: Velocity, max efforts likely causing pitching injuries; rule changes should be considered

NEW YORK (AP) — A yearlong study by Major League Baseball has concluded rising velocities, pitch shaping and emphasis on maximum effort are the likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries and recommended exploring rules changes to address the problem. The 62-page report says the trends extend to high school and youth baseball because of the incentive to get noticed by professional scouts. The study says there is no evidence linking the pitch clock to injuries. Illustrated with 26 tables of data, the report was based on interviews with more than 200 people that included former players, front office executives and orthopedic surgeons.

Lions have been hit hardest by rash of injuries, though NFL says overall amount has decreased

Patrick Mahomes is battling another ankle injury. Josh Allen has a banged-up shoulder. Geno Smith is dealing with a knee issue. Those are just the quarterbacks who got injured in Week 15. The Detroit Lions keep losing players at an alarming rate. Other teams are dealing with injuries to key players. It's often not the best team that's standing at the end, but the one that was healthiest going into the playoffs.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, December 18th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, December 18th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 18th, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8625701/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Giannis, Bucks use 3-point barrage to beat Thunder 97-81 for NBA Cup titleLAS VEGAS (AP) — Everyone has a lucky number in Las Vegas. For the Milwaukee Bucks, it was 3. And the NBA Cup was their prize. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points to go along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 points and the Bucks connected on 17 3-pointers on the way to beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the NBA Cup title game on Tuesday night.Falcons name rookie Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB, benching veteran Kirk CousinsATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017. Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night. Morris calls it "a football decision" and says the team is focused on preparing to face the New York Giants on Sunday. The Falcons (7-7) ended a four-game losing streak with Monday night's ugly 15-9 win at Las Vegas. Cousins passed for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The 36-year-old was signed in the offseason for $100 million guaranteed.New York Yankees acquire outfielder Cody Bellinger from Cubs for pitcher Cody PoteetNEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Cody Bellinger has been acquired by the New York Yankees from the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Cody Poteet. Chicago will send the Yankees $5 million as part of the trade. The 29-year-old Bellinger, whose father Clay helped the Yankees win World Series titles in 1999 and 2000, could play center field next year as Aaron Judge returns to right following the departure of Juan Soto to the Mets. Bellinger also can play first base, a position that opened when Anthony Rizzo became a free agent.Michael Vick accepts head coaching job at Norfolk StateNORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Michael Vick has agreed to become the head coach at Norfolk State in a return to football for the former NFL star, who has never coached at any level. The 44-year-old Vick announced on his Facebook page on Tuesday night that he has accepted the job. Norfolk State did not immediately confirm the hiring of Vick, who grew up in nearby Newport News. Vick starred in college at Virginia Tech and was a four-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons for Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh. He served 18 months in federal prison in the prime of his career after pleading guilty to his role in a dogfighting ring.RFK Stadium site provision included in federal spending bill, a win for the Commanders and NFLThe Washington Commanders are another step closer to the possibility of returning to the franchise's old home in the nation's capital. A provision to transfer the land that is the site of the old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia is included in Congress' short-term spending bill, which is expected to pass. It's a significant victory for the organization and the NFL after controlling owner Josh Harris and Commissioner Roger Goodell lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill on the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. The Commanders are considering places in the district, Maryland and Virginia to build a new stadium in the coming years.NBA announces All-Star tournament plan for this season: 4 teams, 3 games, 1 nightLAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA's All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco. And scoring is sure to be down — way, way, way down. This season's format announced Tuesday is a four-team, three-game, one-night tournament, three teams of eight All-Stars apiece and the fourth team being the winner of the Rising Stars challenge for first- and second-year players. The winning team in all games will be the first to score 40 points.From Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles to a new hockey league, women's sports had a pivotal yearRecord numbers of basketball fans filled arenas to watch the rookie seasons of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unfold. Simone Biles captivated the world at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Coco Gauff made women's tennis history. It was all part of a pivotal year for women in sports, both financially and culturally, and after a steady rise in popularity and reach over the past few years, the women's game is more valuable than ever. The WNBA had one of its most successful seasons ever, and new leagues and athletes in other sports have been able to capitalize on that momentum.The group behind a new European soccer competition has resurfaced. Here's what they proposeThe group behind a breakaway European soccer competition to rival the Champions League has resurfaced. The Madrid-based A22 Sports Management is back with a new incarnation of the proposed European Super League, which is now being called the Unify League. A22 is seeking to change the face of soccer in its most lucrative market by creating a rival for UEFA's club competitions. It is nearly four years since the initial Super League plan was ambitiously launched and quickly aborted. The rebels have been emboldened by a successful legal challenge last year and now are back with a new name for the competition and a new business model. It remains to be seen who signs up for the project.MLB study: Velocity, max efforts likely causing pitching injuries; rule changes should be consideredNEW YORK (AP) — A yearlong study by Major League Baseball has concluded rising velocities, pitch shaping and emphasis on maximum effort are the likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries and recommended exploring rules changes to address the problem. The 62-page report says the trends extend to high school and youth baseball because of the incentive to get noticed by professional scouts. The study says there is no evidence linking the pitch clock to injuries. Illustrated with 26 tables of data, the report was based on interviews with more than 200 people that included former players, front office executives and orthopedic surgeons.Lions have been hit hardest by rash of injuries, though NFL says overall amount has decreasedPatrick Mahomes is battling another ankle injury. Josh Allen has a banged-up shoulder. Geno Smith is dealing with a knee issue. Those are just the quarterbacks who got injured in Week 15. The Detroit Lions keep losing players at an alarming rate. Other teams are dealing with injuries to key players. It's often not the best team that's standing at the end, but the one that was healthiest going into the playoffs.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Milwaukee	97	Oklahoma City	81	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal OT	Pittsburgh	3	Los Angeles	2	Final	Montreal	6	Buffalo	1	Final	Tampa Bay	5	Columbus	3	Final	Carolina	4	N-Y Islanders	0	Final	Nashville	2	N-Y Rangers	0	Final	New Jersey	4	St. Louis	1	Final	Chicago	3	Washington	2	Final OT	Boston	4	Calgary	3	Final	Ottawa	3	Seattle	0	Final	Winnipeg	4	San Jose	3	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(25)Memphis	42	West Virginia	37	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Tennessee	84	W. Carolina	36	Final	(2)Auburn	100	Georgia St.	59	Final	(5)Duke	68	George Mason	47	Final	(7)Florida	90	North Carolina	84	Final	(17)Mississippi	74	Southern U.	61	Final	(18)UCLA	111	Prairie View	75	Final	(20)Michigan St.	77	Oakland	58	Final	(22)Dayton	66	UNLV	65	Final	South Carolina	91	(25)Clemson	88	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Philadelphia	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	Dallas	7:30 p.m.			Florida	at	Minnesota	9:30 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Utah	10 p.m.			Winnipeg	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		California	at	(24)UNLV	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(6)Alabama	at	North Dakota	9 p.m.			Butler	at	(9)Marquette	9 p.m.			Xavier	at	(11)UConn	7 p.m.			Nicholls	at	(13)Gonzaga	9 p.m.			(24)Michigan	at	(14)Oklahoma	9 p.m.			Toledo	at	(15)Houston	8 p.m.			(21)Memphis	at	Virginia	7 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

Wichita Classical 50, Trinity Catholic 36

Central Christian Academy 40, Fairfield 30

Southern Coffey County 47, Tyro Christian 23

Wichita Classical 62, Trinity Catholic 51

Central Christian Academy 67, Fairfield 57

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard for Tuesday, December 17th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard for Tuesday, December 17th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP ScoreboardGirls BasketballHutchinson 50, Campus 17Buhler 55, McPherson 44Wichita Classical 50, Trinity Catholic 36Salina South 49, Newton 22Hesston 60, Smoky Valley 42Hoisington 51, Sterling 39Haven 60, Nickerson 4Halstead 37, Hillsboro 28Lyons 45, Sedgwick 41Minneapolis 48, Ellsworth 35Central Christian 50, Macksville 44Central Christian Academy 40, Fairfield 30Oxford 37, Pretty Prairie 32Little River 55, Moundridge 43Inman 68, Kingman 36Remington 48, Elyria Christian 43Berean Academy 50, Sacred Heart 48Stafford 41, Centre 39Argonia 36, Cunningham 28Norwich 53, Udall 49St. John 40, Larned 35Central Plains 86, Chase 3Ellinwood 67, Ell-Saline 30Skyline 46, Kinsley 40Western Plains 48, Pawnee Heights 27Trinity Academy 38, Cheney 25Andale 44, Rose Hill 23Great Bend 31, Emporia 21Burlington 59, Iola 32Anderson County 47, Frontenac 16Oswego @ CrestUniontown 53, Yates Center 19Southern Coffey County 47, Tyro Christian 23Jayhawk-Linn 45, Central Heights 31Girard 57, Chanute 26St. Paul 53, Galena 39Flinthills @ Altoona-MidwayMarion 34, Canton-Galva 31 (12/16)Eureka 69, Humboldt 32 (12/16)Boys BasketballMcPherson 70, Buhler 30Wichita Classical 62, Trinity Catholic 51Hutchinson 57, Campus 25Salina South 58, Newton 47Hesston 56, Smoky Valley 35Sterling 62, Hoisington 40Haven 62, Nickerson 28Hillsboro 77, Halstead 66Lyons 71, Sedgwick 34Ellsworth 50, Minneapolis 43Macksville 61, Central Christian 51Central Christian Academy 67, Fairfield 57Oxford 77, Pretty Prairie 53Moundridge 66, Little River 38Kingman 47, Inman 44Remington 48, Elyria Christian 47Sacred Heart 40, Berean Academy 35Stafford 72, Centre 41Peabody-Burns 67, Burrton 32Cunningham 77, Argonia 37Norwich 66, Udall 36St. John 50, Larned 36Central Plains 82, Chase 11Ell-Saline 66, Ellinwood 36Skyline 61, Kinsley 47Western Plains 43, Pawnee Heights 34Cheney 59, Trinity Academy 25Andale 67, Rose Hill 47Great Bend 56, Emporia 49Burlington 68, Iola 61Anderson County 60, Frontenac 57Oswego 54, Crest 35Uniontown 51, Yates Center 40Jayhawk-Linn 32, Central Heights 31Chanute 70, Girard 43Galena 74, St. Paul 26Flinthills 63, Altoona-Midway 42Canton-Galva 58, Marion 50 (12/16)Humboldt 61, Eureka 16 (12/16)

🏀 EAGLE Media Scoreboard from Tuesday games

CANYON, Texas — Hutchinson Community College sophomore running back Waymond Jordan Jr. has been named the JUCOWeekly National Player of the Year, presented at a banquet inside of the Legacy Hall at West Texas A&amp;M University.

The sophomore from Pensacola, Fla. has ran the ball 193 times for 1,532 yards and 20 touchdowns through the first 11 games of the season. He will have one more time to shine under the lights of Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in the national championship game on Wednesday.

Jordan Jr. ranks No. 3 on the single-season rushing list, 101 yards away from moving passing Jamison Palmer (1576) and Terrell Lane (1632) for first place. He ranks No. 2 on the single-season rushing touchdowns list with 20, one away from tying Mack Herron for first. He also is No. 2 on the single-season rushing average per attempt at 7.9 yards, 0.4 yards away from tying Larry Powell for first.

Championship coverage begins Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. with Countdown To Kickoff from Bain-Schaeffer Stadium in Canyon, Texas. Sean Boston, Daren Dunn and Steve Carpenter will have exclusive interviews with Drew Dallas, Scott Strohmeier and Josh Gooch ahead of the 7:32 p.m. kickoff.

<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">LISTEN LIVE BEGINNING DEC. 18 AT 6:30 PM!</a>

The game can be heard on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio</a> 1450 AM/98.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734488915045.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>CANYON, Texas — Hutchinson Community College sophomore running back Waymond Jordan Jr. has been named the JUCOWeekly National Player of the Year, presented at a banquet inside of the Legacy Hall at West Texas A&amp;M University.The sophomore from Pensacola, Fla. has ran the ball 193 times for 1,532 yards and 20 touchdowns through the first 11 games of the season. He will have one more time to shine under the lights of Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in the national championship game on Wednesday.Jordan Jr. ranks No. 3 on the single-season rushing list, 101 yards away from moving passing Jamison Palmer (1576) and Terrell Lane (1632) for first place. He ranks No. 2 on the single-season rushing touchdowns list with 20, one away from tying Mack Herron for first. He also is No. 2 on the single-season rushing average per attempt at 7.9 yards, 0.4 yards away from tying Larry Powell for first.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734475435567.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Championship coverage begins Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. with Countdown To Kickoff from Bain-Schaeffer Stadium in Canyon, Texas. Sean Boston, Daren Dunn and Steve Carpenter will have exclusive interviews with Drew Dallas, Scott Strohmeier and Josh Gooch ahead of the 7:32 p.m. kickoff.<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">LISTEN LIVE BEGINNING DEC. 18 AT 6:30 PM!</a>The game can be heard on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio</a> 1450 AM/98.5 FM.

🏈 Jordan Jr. named JUCOWeekly Trophy winner

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas graduate center Hunter Dickinson and senior guard Zeke Mayo have earned Big 12 men's basketball weekly honors, the conference office announced Monday. Dickinson is the Big 12 Player of the Week, while Mayo is the co-Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in a vote by a media panel which covers the league.

This is the second occasion this year where Dickinson and Mayo earned Big 12 honors in the same week.

Dickinson recorded his fifth double-double of the season (53rd career) with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a career-high eight assists in Kansas' 75-60 win over NC State on Dec. 14. Dickinson was playing at a +30 efficiency while on the court for KU and shot 9-of-13 (69.2 percent) from the field and connected on both of his free throw attempts. Dickinson also picked two steals, blocked a shot and did not turn the ball over once. Since at least 1996-97, Dickinson is the first player with a 21-point, 14-rebound, 8-assist and 0-turnover performance against any opponent. Dickinson is also the first player in Big 12 history with that stat line.

This is the ninth Big 12 weekly honor for Dickinson, including his sixth Big 12 Player of the Week honor and third of 2024-25. Last year, Dickinson was a two-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week while at Kansas. Career-wise, this is the eighth time Dickinson has been named his league's player of the week.

Mayo dropped a season-high 26 points on a season-high nine made field goals and five three-pointers. Mayo shot a 9-of-14 (64.3 percent) clip from the field, which included connecting on 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) shots from beyond the arc. The 26 points marked Mayo's second game this season with 20+ points, and the 31st of his career. Mayo also pulled down three rebounds and dished out two assists in his eighth-consecutive start for the Jayhawks.

A transfer from South Dakota State, this marks the seventh weekly award for Mayo in his college basketball career and his second while at Kansas (Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Week – Nov. 11, 2024).

No. 8 Kansas (8-2) will host Brown on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2:00 p.m. (Central) at Allen Fieldhouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734439151550.jpeg" alt="Dickinson Mayo" />
 <figcaption>Dickinson Mayo</figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas graduate center Hunter Dickinson and senior guard Zeke Mayo have earned Big 12 men's basketball weekly honors, the conference office announced Monday. Dickinson is the Big 12 Player of the Week, while Mayo is the co-Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in a vote by a media panel which covers the league.This is the second occasion this year where Dickinson and Mayo earned Big 12 honors in the same week.Dickinson recorded his fifth double-double of the season (53rd career) with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a career-high eight assists in Kansas' 75-60 win over NC State on Dec. 14. Dickinson was playing at a +30 efficiency while on the court for KU and shot 9-of-13 (69.2 percent) from the field and connected on both of his free throw attempts. Dickinson also picked two steals, blocked a shot and did not turn the ball over once. Since at least 1996-97, Dickinson is the first player with a 21-point, 14-rebound, 8-assist and 0-turnover performance against any opponent. Dickinson is also the first player in Big 12 history with that stat line.This is the ninth Big 12 weekly honor for Dickinson, including his sixth Big 12 Player of the Week honor and third of 2024-25. Last year, Dickinson was a two-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week while at Kansas. Career-wise, this is the eighth time Dickinson has been named his league's player of the week.Mayo dropped a season-high 26 points on a season-high nine made field goals and five three-pointers. Mayo shot a 9-of-14 (64.3 percent) clip from the field, which included connecting on 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) shots from beyond the arc. The 26 points marked Mayo's second game this season with 20+ points, and the 31st of his career. Mayo also pulled down three rebounds and dished out two assists in his eighth-consecutive start for the Jayhawks.A transfer from South Dakota State, this marks the seventh weekly award for Mayo in his college basketball career and his second while at Kansas (Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Week – Nov. 11, 2024).No. 8 Kansas (8-2) will host Brown on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2:00 p.m. (Central) at Allen Fieldhouse.

🏀 Dickinson, Mayo earn weekly honors

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas football announced on Monday that Brandon Shelby has been named the Jayhawks' defensive backs coach. Shelby joined KU in 2024 as an analyst following 13 seasons at Indiana.

"We're excited to announce Brandon Shelby as our defensive backs coach," head coach Lance Leipold said. "Brandon has a proven track record of developing and recruiting at a high level. He's an experienced coach at the power-four level and did an excellent job this fall with our program and the development of our secondary. I am confident that he will do a great job in leading our defensive backs."

Shelby has more than 18 years of coaching experience, following 13 years at Indiana. While at with the Hoosiers, Shelby served as Indiana's assistant head coach/cornerbacks coach from 2021-23 and was a part of four bowl games in his time at Bloomington. Shelby was the fourth-longest tenured assistant coach in IU history, the longest-tenured cornerbacks coach in the Big Ten East, and the second-longest tenured assistant in the conference overall. Over his time in Bloomington, Shelby had four cornerbacks lead the league in pass breakups and three paced the conference in passes defended.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Leipold for the opportunity to continue being a part of KU Football and contributing to such an exceptional program," Shelby said. "As a member of the defensive staff, I'm excited to lead the secondary and mentor the student-athletes who proudly represent the crimson and blue. I'm eager to help build something truly remarkable here at KU. Let's get to work – Rock Chalk!"

In 2020, Shelby coached Tiwan Mullen to become the first IU cornerback in program history to earn first team All-American honors. The Hoosiers led the conference and finished second nationally with 17 interceptions, eight of which were accounted for by cornerbacks.

Shelby served as Indiana's cornerbacks coach from 2011-14 and 2016-20, coaching the secondary for one season in 2015. Prior to his time at Indiana, Shelby spent the 2010 season as cornerbacks coach at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

In 2009, Shelby coached the secondary at Portland State University and managed the defensive backs at the University of San Diego in 2008.

Shelby began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, as a defensive assistant in 2006. The Sooners won the Big 12 Championship and went on to play in the Fiesta Bowl that season. Shelby spent the 2007 campaign as a graduate assistant at the University of Arizona before moving on to San Diego.

Shelby participated in the inaugural Future Coaches Academy in San Antonio in January 2007, a workshop held in conjunction with the NCAA, American Football Coaches Association, the Black Coaches Association, and the National Football League. He also completed a Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Houston Texans in June 2017.

Shelby was a standout defensive back at Oklahoma, where he participated in two BCS National Championship games and three-straight BCS bowl games. As a four-year letterman (2001-04), he earned both All-Big 12 honors and Academic All-Big 12 honors. In 2002, he tied a then-Oklahoma record with four sacks for a defensive back.

Shelby graduated from Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in business management in 2004 and a master's degree in human relations in 2005. Brandon and his wife, Jennifer, have one son, Kaysen, and one daughter, Londyn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734438934537.jpeg" alt="Brandon Shelby-Image Courtesy KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Shelby-Image Courtesy KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas football announced on Monday that Brandon Shelby has been named the Jayhawks' defensive backs coach. Shelby joined KU in 2024 as an analyst following 13 seasons at Indiana."We're excited to announce Brandon Shelby as our defensive backs coach," head coach Lance Leipold said. "Brandon has a proven track record of developing and recruiting at a high level. He's an experienced coach at the power-four level and did an excellent job this fall with our program and the development of our secondary. I am confident that he will do a great job in leading our defensive backs."Shelby has more than 18 years of coaching experience, following 13 years at Indiana. While at with the Hoosiers, Shelby served as Indiana's assistant head coach/cornerbacks coach from 2021-23 and was a part of four bowl games in his time at Bloomington. Shelby was the fourth-longest tenured assistant coach in IU history, the longest-tenured cornerbacks coach in the Big Ten East, and the second-longest tenured assistant in the conference overall. Over his time in Bloomington, Shelby had four cornerbacks lead the league in pass breakups and three paced the conference in passes defended."I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Leipold for the opportunity to continue being a part of KU Football and contributing to such an exceptional program," Shelby said. "As a member of the defensive staff, I'm excited to lead the secondary and mentor the student-athletes who proudly represent the crimson and blue. I'm eager to help build something truly remarkable here at KU. Let's get to work – Rock Chalk!"In 2020, Shelby coached Tiwan Mullen to become the first IU cornerback in program history to earn first team All-American honors. The Hoosiers led the conference and finished second nationally with 17 interceptions, eight of which were accounted for by cornerbacks.Shelby served as Indiana's cornerbacks coach from 2011-14 and 2016-20, coaching the secondary for one season in 2015. Prior to his time at Indiana, Shelby spent the 2010 season as cornerbacks coach at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.In 2009, Shelby coached the secondary at Portland State University and managed the defensive backs at the University of San Diego in 2008.Shelby began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, as a defensive assistant in 2006. The Sooners won the Big 12 Championship and went on to play in the Fiesta Bowl that season. Shelby spent the 2007 campaign as a graduate assistant at the University of Arizona before moving on to San Diego.Shelby participated in the inaugural Future Coaches Academy in San Antonio in January 2007, a workshop held in conjunction with the NCAA, American Football Coaches Association, the Black Coaches Association, and the National Football League. He also completed a Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Houston Texans in June 2017.Shelby was a standout defensive back at Oklahoma, where he participated in two BCS National Championship games and three-straight BCS bowl games. As a four-year letterman (2001-04), he earned both All-Big 12 honors and Academic All-Big 12 honors. In 2002, he tied a then-Oklahoma record with four sacks for a defensive back.Shelby graduated from Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in business management in 2004 and a master's degree in human relations in 2005. Brandon and his wife, Jennifer, have one son, Kaysen, and one daughter, Londyn.

🏈 Shelby named KU DB coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs waived RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire on Monday. He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 draft, but ran for just 1,845 yards and 12 touchdowns while appearing in 48 games over four years in Kansas City. The well-liked Edwards-Helaire dealt with injuries and personal issues throughout his career and had not appeared in a game this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686767391043.jpeg" alt="Edwards-Helaire" />
 <figcaption>Edwards-Helaire</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs waived RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire on Monday. He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 draft, but ran for just 1,845 yards and 12 touchdowns while appearing in 48 games over four years in Kansas City. The well-liked Edwards-Helaire dealt with injuries and personal issues throughout his career and had not appeared in a game this season.

🏈 Chiefs waive Edwards-Helaire

AP Sports Summary for December 17th, 2024

Vikings win 7th straight to forge tie for NFC North lead with 30-12 blowout of reeling Bears

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement a smothering performance by the Minnesota defense, and the Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory. Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown from Sam Darnold in the first quarter. The Vikings are 12-2, matching Detroit atop the division. The Bears took their eighth straight loss and fell to 4-10.

Jefferson turns TD celebration into Moss tribute during Vikings win: 'We love you Randy'

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Jefferson raced across the back of the end zone, leaped to catch the pass from Sam Darnold and launched into his latest touchdown celebration after an early score for the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the dance with a special tribute to one of his greatest inspirations, Randy Moss. Moss revealed last week his diagnosis of cancer in his bile duct that was removed with a six-hour surgery and kept him hospitalized for six days. Jefferson and the Vikings made sure to share their love and support for the Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver at their game against Chicago.

FIFA set to announce its top players in men's and women's soccer in 'The Best' awards

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA's "The Best" awards are about to take place when the top men's and women's soccer players of 2024 will be announced based on voting by fans, the current captains and coaches of all national teams, and media representatives. It is FIFA's version of the older and more prestigious Ballon d'Or prize. Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is on an 11-player shortlist for the best men's player. He was so disappointed to lose out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d'Or in October that he snubbed the ceremony. Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati won the best women's player for 2023 and is seeking back-to-back FIFA prizes. The FIFA ceremony starts at 1700 GMT Tuesday in Doha.

Chelsea confirms FA has contacted Mykhailo Mudryk after 'adverse finding' in player's doping test

Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk, one of the most expensive players in soccer history, had an "adverse finding" in a routine urine test, the Premier League club said. The Ukraine international, who was bought by Chelsea for $108 million in 2023, was contacted by the English Football Association following the finding. Mudryk said he had "never knowingly" taken banned substances, Chelsea said in a statement. The FA did not comment on the situation when approached by The Associated Press and Chelsea did not say if he had been suspended. Mudryk was last included in a Chelsea squad as an unused substitute on Dec. 1.

Kirk Cousins acknowledges he must play better if Atlanta Falcons are to make a playoff push

LAS VEGAS (AP) — If the Atlanta Falcons are going to make a playoff push, coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins both know the 13-year veteran needs to improve his play over the last three games of the season. Cousins was a lackluster 11-of-17 passing for 112 yards with one touchdown and an interception during Monday night's 15-9 victory over the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. He entered with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions over his previous four starts.

Cousins and Falcons do just enough to beat Raiders 15-9 and keep pace with Bucs in NFC South

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kirk Cousins threw his first touchdown pass in five weeks and the Atlanta Falcons did just enough to beat the struggling Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 and keep pace in the NFC South race. The Falcons are 7-7. They ended a four-game losing streak to remain a game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. Las Vegas is 2-12 after losing its 10th consecutive game. It's the NFL's longest active skid, and the Raiders are tied with the New York Giants for the league's worst record.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has high-ankle sprain, status for Houston remains unclear, AP source says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain and his status for this week's game against Houston remains in question, a person familiar with the results told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce any updates. The testing confirmed what the Chiefs had initially expected. They did not have any usual availability Monday, but are scheduled to resume practice Tuesday ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Texans. Mahomes was hurt late in the Chiefs' win over Cleveland on Sunday. Carson Wentz finished the game.

Florida county poised to vote on financing for new $1.3B ballpark for the Rays

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — After two costly delays, the Pinellas County Commission is set to vote on its share of financing for a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark. Rays officials say they're confident of approval this time. The overall plan was approved by the county commission and city of St. Petersburg officials this summer, but votes on the funding for the deal have been repeatedly postponed. The St. Petersburg City Council voted earlier this month to approve its share of the bonds necessary to build the new 30,000-seat ballpark. Now it's up to the county to decide Tuesday whether to ante up.

The Bucks-Thunder NBA Cup final will have a lot of money at stake

LAS VEGAS (AP) — When the Milwaukee Bucks clinched their spot in the NBA Cup championship game, plenty of the team's younger and lesser-paid players were exuberant in the locker room. They'll have a chance at a trophy. They'll also have a chance at their biggest payday of their careers. The NBA Cup final — the Bucks vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder — is Tuesday in Las Vegas, with $308,983 in additional prize money going to each of the players on the winning team. For the league's superstars, that money might represent a game's pay. For much of the league, it's a colossal sum.

Michael Vick talks to Sacramento State and Norfolk State about head coaching jobs

Michael Vick has talked to at least two schools about becoming a college head coach. Sacramento State president Dr. Luke Wood said Monday he has spoken with Vick about the opening at his school, and the Virginian-Pilot reported that Norfolk State has also interviewed the former NFL sensation to be its next coach. Wood says Vick expressed interest in the open job at Sacramento State, which is trying to make the move from the FCS level to the FBS if the school can get an invitation to join either the Pac-12 or Mountain West Conference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, December 17th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, December 17th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 17th, 2024<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8624931/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Vikings win 7th straight to forge tie for NFC North lead with 30-12 blowout of reeling BearsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement a smothering performance by the Minnesota defense, and the Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory. Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown from Sam Darnold in the first quarter. The Vikings are 12-2, matching Detroit atop the division. The Bears took their eighth straight loss and fell to 4-10.Jefferson turns TD celebration into Moss tribute during Vikings win: 'We love you Randy'MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Jefferson raced across the back of the end zone, leaped to catch the pass from Sam Darnold and launched into his latest touchdown celebration after an early score for the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the dance with a special tribute to one of his greatest inspirations, Randy Moss. Moss revealed last week his diagnosis of cancer in his bile duct that was removed with a six-hour surgery and kept him hospitalized for six days. Jefferson and the Vikings made sure to share their love and support for the Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver at their game against Chicago.FIFA set to announce its top players in men's and women's soccer in 'The Best' awardsDOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA's "The Best" awards are about to take place when the top men's and women's soccer players of 2024 will be announced based on voting by fans, the current captains and coaches of all national teams, and media representatives. It is FIFA's version of the older and more prestigious Ballon d'Or prize. Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is on an 11-player shortlist for the best men's player. He was so disappointed to lose out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d'Or in October that he snubbed the ceremony. Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati won the best women's player for 2023 and is seeking back-to-back FIFA prizes. The FIFA ceremony starts at 1700 GMT Tuesday in Doha.Chelsea confirms FA has contacted Mykhailo Mudryk after 'adverse finding' in player's doping testChelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk, one of the most expensive players in soccer history, had an "adverse finding" in a routine urine test, the Premier League club said. The Ukraine international, who was bought by Chelsea for $108 million in 2023, was contacted by the English Football Association following the finding. Mudryk said he had "never knowingly" taken banned substances, Chelsea said in a statement. The FA did not comment on the situation when approached by The Associated Press and Chelsea did not say if he had been suspended. Mudryk was last included in a Chelsea squad as an unused substitute on Dec. 1.Kirk Cousins acknowledges he must play better if Atlanta Falcons are to make a playoff pushLAS VEGAS (AP) — If the Atlanta Falcons are going to make a playoff push, coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins both know the 13-year veteran needs to improve his play over the last three games of the season. Cousins was a lackluster 11-of-17 passing for 112 yards with one touchdown and an interception during Monday night's 15-9 victory over the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. He entered with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions over his previous four starts.Cousins and Falcons do just enough to beat Raiders 15-9 and keep pace with Bucs in NFC SouthLAS VEGAS (AP) — Kirk Cousins threw his first touchdown pass in five weeks and the Atlanta Falcons did just enough to beat the struggling Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 and keep pace in the NFC South race. The Falcons are 7-7. They ended a four-game losing streak to remain a game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. Las Vegas is 2-12 after losing its 10th consecutive game. It's the NFL's longest active skid, and the Raiders are tied with the New York Giants for the league's worst record.Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has high-ankle sprain, status for Houston remains unclear, AP source saysKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain and his status for this week's game against Houston remains in question, a person familiar with the results told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce any updates. The testing confirmed what the Chiefs had initially expected. They did not have any usual availability Monday, but are scheduled to resume practice Tuesday ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Texans. Mahomes was hurt late in the Chiefs' win over Cleveland on Sunday. Carson Wentz finished the game.Florida county poised to vote on financing for new $1.3B ballpark for the RaysTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — After two costly delays, the Pinellas County Commission is set to vote on its share of financing for a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark. Rays officials say they're confident of approval this time. The overall plan was approved by the county commission and city of St. Petersburg officials this summer, but votes on the funding for the deal have been repeatedly postponed. The St. Petersburg City Council voted earlier this month to approve its share of the bonds necessary to build the new 30,000-seat ballpark. Now it's up to the county to decide Tuesday whether to ante up.The Bucks-Thunder NBA Cup final will have a lot of money at stakeLAS VEGAS (AP) — When the Milwaukee Bucks clinched their spot in the NBA Cup championship game, plenty of the team's younger and lesser-paid players were exuberant in the locker room. They'll have a chance at a trophy. They'll also have a chance at their biggest payday of their careers. The NBA Cup final — the Bucks vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder — is Tuesday in Las Vegas, with $308,983 in additional prize money going to each of the players on the winning team. For the league's superstars, that money might represent a game's pay. For much of the league, it's a colossal sum.Michael Vick talks to Sacramento State and Norfolk State about head coaching jobsMichael Vick has talked to at least two schools about becoming a college head coach. Sacramento State president Dr. Luke Wood said Monday he has spoken with Vick about the opening at his school, and the Virginian-Pilot reported that Norfolk State has also interviewed the former NFL sensation to be its next coach. Wood says Vick expressed interest in the open job at Sacramento State, which is trying to make the move from the FCS level to the FBS if the school can get an invitation to join either the Pac-12 or Mountain West Conference.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	121	Charlotte	108	Final OT	Detroit	125	Miami	124	Final	Cleveland	130	Brooklyn	101	Final	Chicago	122	Toronto	121	Final	Denver	130	Sacramento	129	Final	L.A. Clippers	144	Utah	107	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Dallas	3	Washington	1	Final	Florida	6	Edmonton	5	Final	Vancouver	3	Colorado	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	30	Chicago	12	Final	Atlanta	15	Las Vegas	9	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Milwaukee	at	Oklahoma City	8:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Buffalo	at	Montreal	7 p.m.			Columbus	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Los Angeles	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			N-Y Islanders	at	Carolina	7:30 p.m.			N-Y Rangers	at	Nashville	8 p.m.			New Jersey	at	St. Louis	8 p.m.			Washington	at	Chicago	8:30 p.m.			Boston	at	Calgary	9 p.m.			Ottawa	at	Seattle	10 p.m.			Winnipeg	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(25)Memphis	at	West Virginia	9 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		W. Carolina	at	(1)Tennessee	7 p.m.			Georgia St.	at	(2)Auburn	8 p.m.			George Mason	at	(5)Duke	7 p.m.			North Carolina	at	(7)Florida	7 p.m.			Southern U.	at	(17)Mississippi	7 p.m.			Prairie View	at	(18)UCLA	9:30 p.m.			Oakland	at	(20)Michigan St.	7 p.m.			UNLV	at	(22)Dayton	7 p.m.			(25)Clemson	at	South Carolina	7 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

HAYSVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk Basketball teams will travel to Haysville tonight to battle the Campus Colts.

Catch all the action on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm</a> with the award winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew, consisting of Glen Grunwald with the play-by-play call and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato with in-depth analysis. Pregame starts at 5:45pm followed by the opening tip at 6pm. The Hutch High boys game will follow at around 7:30pm.&nbsp;

The video broadcast of both games will also available on the <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/team/26735/girls-varsity-basketball/schedule?date=2024-12-01T06%3A00%3A00.000Z&amp;range=Month&amp;s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2NmRmNTg0ZDM5NThmZmZhY2ViMzYxZmI%3D&amp;ss=2024">Hutch High hudl.tv fan page.</a>&nbsp; The game will be delayed broadcast on the NFHS Network later tonight.

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/haysville/organization/149/campus-high-school">The Campus video stream on the home school's channel</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734435459068.png" alt="Game Day-Hutch @ Campus tonight." />
 <figcaption>Game Day-Hutch @ Campus tonight.</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYSVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk Basketball teams will travel to Haysville tonight to battle the Campus Colts.Catch all the action on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm</a> with the award winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew, consisting of Glen Grunwald with the play-by-play call and Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato with in-depth analysis. Pregame starts at 5:45pm followed by the opening tip at 6pm. The Hutch High boys game will follow at around 7:30pm.&nbsp;The video broadcast of both games will also available on the <a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/hutchinson/organization/8/hutchinson-high-school/team/26735/girls-varsity-basketball/schedule?date=2024-12-01T06%3A00%3A00.000Z&amp;range=Month&amp;s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2NmRmNTg0ZDM5NThmZmZhY2ViMzYxZmI%3D&amp;ss=2024">Hutch High hudl.tv fan page.</a>&nbsp; The game will be delayed broadcast on the NFHS Network later tonight.Girls Game vs Campus on hudl.tv:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1821976?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Boys Game vs Campus on hudl.tv:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1862540?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div><a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/haysville/organization/149/campus-high-school">The Campus video stream on the home school's channel</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧🎥🏀 Hutch High travel to Campus Tonight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain, additional testing confirmed, and his status for this week's game against Houston remains in question, a person familiar with the results told The Associated Press on Monday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce any updates. The Chiefs did not have any usual availability Monday, but are scheduled to practice Tuesday ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Texans.

Mahomes was hurt when his ankle was rolled up on while being tackled by the Browns' Dalvin Tomlinson on a fourth down play late in the Chiefs' 21-7 win Sunday. Mahomes limped to the sideline and Carson Wentz played the rest of the way in his place, but the two-time MVP insisted afterward that he would have lobbied to play if the Browns had gotten within one score.

"I feel like I could have finished the game in different circumstances," Mahomes said afterward, "but I thought the smart decision, I think we talked about, was to put Carson in, and he's played a lot of football, and he finished the game well."

Mahomes has a history of ankle injuries, including a similar one against Jacksonville in Week 1 of the 2019 season. But perhaps most memorable was the playoffs in the 2022 season, when Mahomes hurt his ankle in a divisional-round win over the Jaguars, then played through the pain in beating Cincinnati for the AFC title and Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

"I mean, they're all different. Every injury is different," Mahomes said. "You know what you have to do to get back. And I think that is the most important thing. And now we just get back to the rehab part — the treatment part — and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team."

Indeed, the schedule is doing the Chiefs no favors. They have one less day of recovery this week because of their Saturday game against Houston, then they have another short week with a trip to Pittsburgh scheduled for Christmas Day.

"We'll just see how it goes," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after Sunday's game. "We are going to go day to day as we go through it. I don't know how much swelling he has or any of that, so we don't know what will come."

The Chiefs (13-1) have a two-game lead over Buffalo for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, though the Bills hold the tiebreaker. The Texans have clinched the AFC South while the Steelers lead the AFC North and have clinched a playoff berth.

Kansas City wraps up the regular season with a trip to the Broncos, who are also closing in on a spot in the postseason.

If the Chiefs play it safe by resting Mahomes on Saturday — and even next week against Pittsburgh — they feel confident in the ability of Wentz to win a game. He was a Pro Bowl pick in 2017 during his first five seasons in Philadelphia, and he is 47-45-1 as a starter, including his year in Indianapolis, another in Washington and a single spot start last season for the Rams.

Wentz, who signed a $3.325 million contract with Kansas City to replace Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes' backup, completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards and helped the Chiefs run out the clock against the Browns on Sunday.

"I have a lot of trust with Carson," Mahomes said. "I mean, he's played football and he's won football games and put him out there and they did a great job moving the football running time off the clock, and putting us in position to win the football game."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733924642454.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass as Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass as Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain and his status for this week's game against Houston remains in question, a person familiar with the results told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce any updates. The testing confirmed what the Chiefs had initially expected. They did not have any usual availability Monday, but are scheduled to resume practice Tuesday ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Texans. Mahomes was hurt late in the Chiefs' win over Cleveland on Sunday. Carson Wentz finished the game.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain, additional testing confirmed, and his status for this week's game against Houston remains in question, a person familiar with the results told The Associated Press on Monday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce any updates. The Chiefs did not have any usual availability Monday, but are scheduled to practice Tuesday ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Texans.Mahomes was hurt when his ankle was rolled up on while being tackled by the Browns' Dalvin Tomlinson on a fourth down play late in the Chiefs' 21-7 win Sunday. Mahomes limped to the sideline and Carson Wentz played the rest of the way in his place, but the two-time MVP insisted afterward that he would have lobbied to play if the Browns had gotten within one score."I feel like I could have finished the game in different circumstances," Mahomes said afterward, "but I thought the smart decision, I think we talked about, was to put Carson in, and he's played a lot of football, and he finished the game well."Mahomes has a history of ankle injuries, including a similar one against Jacksonville in Week 1 of the 2019 season. But perhaps most memorable was the playoffs in the 2022 season, when Mahomes hurt his ankle in a divisional-round win over the Jaguars, then played through the pain in beating Cincinnati for the AFC title and Philadelphia in the Super Bowl."I mean, they're all different. Every injury is different," Mahomes said. "You know what you have to do to get back. And I think that is the most important thing. And now we just get back to the rehab part — the treatment part — and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team."Indeed, the schedule is doing the Chiefs no favors. They have one less day of recovery this week because of their Saturday game against Houston, then they have another short week with a trip to Pittsburgh scheduled for Christmas Day."We'll just see how it goes," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after Sunday's game. "We are going to go day to day as we go through it. I don't know how much swelling he has or any of that, so we don't know what will come."The Chiefs (13-1) have a two-game lead over Buffalo for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, though the Bills hold the tiebreaker. The Texans have clinched the AFC South while the Steelers lead the AFC North and have clinched a playoff berth.Kansas City wraps up the regular season with a trip to the Broncos, who are also closing in on a spot in the postseason.If the Chiefs play it safe by resting Mahomes on Saturday — and even next week against Pittsburgh — they feel confident in the ability of Wentz to win a game. He was a Pro Bowl pick in 2017 during his first five seasons in Philadelphia, and he is 47-45-1 as a starter, including his year in Indianapolis, another in Washington and a single spot start last season for the Rams.Wentz, who signed a $3.325 million contract with Kansas City to replace Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes' backup, completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards and helped the Chiefs run out the clock against the Browns on Sunday."I have a lot of trust with Carson," Mahomes said. "I mean, he's played football and he's won football games and put him out there and they did a great job moving the football running time off the clock, and putting us in position to win the football game."

🏈 Mahomes has high-ankle sprain, status for Houston remains unclear

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado and Notre Dame's Xavier Watts are repeat first-team selections on The Associated Press All-America team. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty was the only unanimous pick after he amassed one of the highest single-season rushing totals in history. A total of 24 schools are represented on the first team with Texas and Miami having two players apiece selected by a panel of AP Top 25 voters. The Southeastern Conference had the most players on the first team with six.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado was a first-team selection at two spots and a second-team pick at another on The Associated Press All-America team announced Monday.

Hunter and Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts were repeat first-team selections, and Boise State's Ashton Jeanty was the only unanimous pick after he posted one of the highest single-season rushing totals in college football history.

A total of 24 schools are represented on the first team, selected by a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Texas and Miami had two players apiece on the first team.

Hunter, named the AP player of the year last week, is regarded as one of the greatest two-way college athletes since football shifted away from such players in the 1940s. He was named first-team cornerback, first-team all-purpose player and second-team receiver.

The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, has totaled 1,443 snaps on offense, defense and special teams over 12 games, according to Pro Football Focus. He played at least 120 snaps in 10 games, including a season-high 170 against Texas Tech on Nov. 9. His snaps were limited in two other games because of injury.

Hunter, who announced last month he would enter the 2025 NFL draft, said he would play in Colorado's game against BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.

As a receiver, Hunter finished the regular season ranking among the national leaders with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 21 catches that went 20-plus yards lead the country.

As a cornerback, he made 31 tackles and was among the national leaders with 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. His biggest defensive play came in the Buffaloes' overtime win over Baylor when his hard hit on Dominic Richardson near the goal line forced a fumble on the final play.

Notre Dame's Watts has five interceptions, tied for most among safeties, and he's responsible for six of the Irish's nation-leading 28 takeaways. Against Southern California, he became the first Notre Dame player to return an interception 100 yards. His 12 career picks are most by a Notre Dame player since 1996.

Boise State's Jeanty has run for 2,497 yards, the fourth-most ever in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and he went over 200 yards in six games. His 29 rushing touchdowns are tied for the national lead.

Wide receivers — Nick Nash, San Jose State, senior, 6-3, 195, Irvine, California; Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, junior, 6-5, 212, Waimanalo, Hawaii; Xavier Restrepo, Miami, senior, 5-10, 198, Coconut Creek, Florida.

Tackles — Kelvin Banks, Texas, junior, 6-3, 320, Humble, Texas; Will Campbell, LSU, junior, 6-6, 323, Monroe, Louisiana.

Guards — Addison West, Western Michigan, senior, 6-3, 305, Cary, Illinois; Willie Lampkin, North Carolina, senior, 5-11, 290, Lakeland, Florida.

Center — Jake Slaughter, Florida, junior, 6-5, 308, Sparr Florida.

Tight end — Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, junior, 6-4, 230, Canton, Ohio.

Quarterback — Cam Ward, Miami, senior, 6-2, 223, West Columbia, Texas.

Running backs — u-Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, junior, 5-9, 215, Jacksonville, Florida; Cam Skattebo, Arizona State, senior, 5-11, 215, Rio Linda, California.

Kicker — Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana-Lafayette, senior, 6-2, 252, Clute, Texas.

All-purpose — Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.

Edge rushers — Abdul Carter, Penn State, junior, 6-3, 252, Philadelphia; Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, senior, 6-2, 247, Williamstown, New Jersey.

Interior linemen — Mason Graham, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 320, Mission Viejo, California; Walter Nolen, Mississippi, junior, 6-3, 305, Powell, Tennessee.

Linebackers — Jay Higgins, Iowa, senior, 6-2, 232, Indianapolis; Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, graduate, 6-1, 225, West Seneca, New York; Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, junior, 6-2, 225, Moorpark, California.

Cornerbacks — Jahdae Barron, Texas, senior, 5-11, 200, Austin, Texas; Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.

Safeties — Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, graduate, 6-0, 203, Omaha, Nebraska; Caleb Downs, Ohio State, sophomore, 6-0, 205, Hoschton, Georgia.

Defensive back — Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, junior, 6-3, 227, Irmo, South Carolina.

Punter — Alex Mastromanno, Florida State, senior, 6-1, 241, Melbourne, Australia.

Wide receivers — Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia; Tre Harris, Mississippi, senior, 6-3, 210, Lafayette, Louisiana; Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, freshman, 6-3, 215, Miami Gardens, Florida.

Tackles — Spencer Fano, Utah, sophomore, 6-5, 304, Spanish Fork, Utah; Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, senior, 6-6, 317, Kenova, West Virginia.

Guards — Tyler Booker, Alabama, junior, 6-5, 325, New Haven, Connecticut; Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, senior, 6-4, 320, Cypress, Texas, and Dylan Fairchild, Georgia, junior, 6-5, 315, Cumming, Georgia.

Center — Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State, graduate, 6-4, 305, Buford, Georgia.

Tight end — Tyler Warren, Penn State, senior, 6-6, 261, Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Quarterback — Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, senior, 6-2, 215, Dallas.

Running backs — Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, junior, 6-0, 220, Clayton, North Carolina; Kaleb Johnson, Iowa, junior, 6-0, 225, Hamilton, Ohio.

Kicker — Dominic Zvada, Michigan, junior 6-3, 180, Chandler, Arizona, and Alex Raynor, Kentucky, senior, 6-0, 185, Kennesaw, Georgia.

All-purpose — Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh, junior, 5-8, 175, Miami Gardens, Florida.

Edge rushers — Kyle Kennard, South Carolina, senior, 6-5, 254, Atlanta; Mike Green, Marshall, sophomore, 6-4, 238, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Interior linemen — Derrick Harmon, Oregon, junior, 6-5, 310, Detroit; Alfred Collins, Texas, senior, 6-5, 320, Bastrop, Texas.

Linebackers — Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, sophomore, 6-3, 235, Denton, Texas; Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, senior, 6-4, 243, Windermere, Florida; Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh, sophomore, 6-0, 225, East Orange, New Jersey.

Cornerbacks — Nohl Williams, California, senior, 6-1, 200, Oxnard, California; Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, sophomore, 6-0, 193, Whitehouse, Texas.

Safeties — Malaki Starks, Georgia, junior, 6-1, 205, Jefferson, Georgia; Malachi Moore, Alabama, graduate, 6-0, 201, Trussville, Alabama.

Defensive back — Michael Taaffe, Texas, junior, 6-0, 195, Austin, Texas.

Punter — Brett Thorson, Georgia, junior, 6-2, 235, Melbourne, Australia.

Wide receivers — Tai Felton, Maryland, senior, 6-2, 186, Ashburn, Virginia; Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, senior, 6-4, 215, South Miami, Florida; Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, sophomore, 6-1, 195, Allen, Texas and Eric Rivers, Florida International, senior, 5-11, 174, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Tackles — Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon, junior, 6-4, 315, Seattle; Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, senior, 6-3, 330, Kansas City, Missouri.

Guards — Tate Ratledge, Georgia, senior, 6-6, 330, Rome, Georgia; Paolo Gennarelli, Army, sophomore, 6-1, 310, Campton Hills, Illinois.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734371776534.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP College Football WriterHeisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado and Notre Dame's Xavier Watts are repeat first-team selections on The Associated Press All-America team. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty was the only unanimous pick after he amassed one of the highest single-season rushing totals in history. A total of 24 schools are represented on the first team with Texas and Miami having two players apiece selected by a panel of AP Top 25 voters. The Southeastern Conference had the most players on the first team with six.Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado was a first-team selection at two spots and a second-team pick at another on The Associated Press All-America team announced Monday.Hunter and Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts were repeat first-team selections, and Boise State's Ashton Jeanty was the only unanimous pick after he posted one of the highest single-season rushing totals in college football history.A total of 24 schools are represented on the first team, selected by a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Texas and Miami had two players apiece on the first team.Hunter, named the AP player of the year last week, is regarded as one of the greatest two-way college athletes since football shifted away from such players in the 1940s. He was named first-team cornerback, first-team all-purpose player and second-team receiver.The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, has totaled 1,443 snaps on offense, defense and special teams over 12 games, according to Pro Football Focus. He played at least 120 snaps in 10 games, including a season-high 170 against Texas Tech on Nov. 9. His snaps were limited in two other games because of injury.Hunter, who announced last month he would enter the 2025 NFL draft, said he would play in Colorado's game against BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.As a receiver, Hunter finished the regular season ranking among the national leaders with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 21 catches that went 20-plus yards lead the country.As a cornerback, he made 31 tackles and was among the national leaders with 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. His biggest defensive play came in the Buffaloes' overtime win over Baylor when his hard hit on Dominic Richardson near the goal line forced a fumble on the final play.Notre Dame's Watts has five interceptions, tied for most among safeties, and he's responsible for six of the Irish's nation-leading 28 takeaways. Against Southern California, he became the first Notre Dame player to return an interception 100 yards. His 12 career picks are most by a Notre Dame player since 1996.Boise State's Jeanty has run for 2,497 yards, the fourth-most ever in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and he went over 200 yards in six games. His 29 rushing touchdowns are tied for the national lead.First-team All-Americans (by conference)SEC — 6ACC — 5Big Ten — 5Big 12 — 4MAC — 3Mountain West — 2Sun Belt — 1Independent — 1First-team offenseWide receivers — Nick Nash, San Jose State, senior, 6-3, 195, Irvine, California; Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, junior, 6-5, 212, Waimanalo, Hawaii; Xavier Restrepo, Miami, senior, 5-10, 198, Coconut Creek, Florida.Tackles — Kelvin Banks, Texas, junior, 6-3, 320, Humble, Texas; Will Campbell, LSU, junior, 6-6, 323, Monroe, Louisiana.Guards — Addison West, Western Michigan, senior, 6-3, 305, Cary, Illinois; Willie Lampkin, North Carolina, senior, 5-11, 290, Lakeland, Florida.Center — Jake Slaughter, Florida, junior, 6-5, 308, Sparr Florida.Tight end — Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, junior, 6-4, 230, Canton, Ohio.Quarterback — Cam Ward, Miami, senior, 6-2, 223, West Columbia, Texas.Running backs — u-Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, junior, 5-9, 215, Jacksonville, Florida; Cam Skattebo, Arizona State, senior, 5-11, 215, Rio Linda, California.Kicker — Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana-Lafayette, senior, 6-2, 252, Clute, Texas.All-purpose — Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.First-team defenseEdge rushers — Abdul Carter, Penn State, junior, 6-3, 252, Philadelphia; Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, senior, 6-2, 247, Williamstown, New Jersey.Interior linemen — Mason Graham, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 320, Mission Viejo, California; Walter Nolen, Mississippi, junior, 6-3, 305, Powell, Tennessee.Linebackers — Jay Higgins, Iowa, senior, 6-2, 232, Indianapolis; Shaun Dolac, Buffalo, graduate, 6-1, 225, West Seneca, New York; Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, junior, 6-2, 225, Moorpark, California.Cornerbacks — Jahdae Barron, Texas, senior, 5-11, 200, Austin, Texas; Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia.Safeties — Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, graduate, 6-0, 203, Omaha, Nebraska; Caleb Downs, Ohio State, sophomore, 6-0, 205, Hoschton, Georgia.Defensive back — Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, junior, 6-3, 227, Irmo, South Carolina.Punter — Alex Mastromanno, Florida State, senior, 6-1, 241, Melbourne, Australia.Second-team offenseWide receivers — Travis Hunter, Colorado, junior, 6-1, 185, Suwanee, Georgia; Tre Harris, Mississippi, senior, 6-3, 210, Lafayette, Louisiana; Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, freshman, 6-3, 215, Miami Gardens, Florida.Tackles — Spencer Fano, Utah, sophomore, 6-5, 304, Spanish Fork, Utah; Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, senior, 6-6, 317, Kenova, West Virginia.Guards — Tyler Booker, Alabama, junior, 6-5, 325, New Haven, Connecticut; Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, senior, 6-4, 320, Cypress, Texas, and Dylan Fairchild, Georgia, junior, 6-5, 315, Cumming, Georgia.Center — Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State, graduate, 6-4, 305, Buford, Georgia.Tight end — Tyler Warren, Penn State, senior, 6-6, 261, Mechanicsville, Virginia.Quarterback — Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, senior, 6-2, 215, Dallas.Running backs — Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, junior, 6-0, 220, Clayton, North Carolina; Kaleb Johnson, Iowa, junior, 6-0, 225, Hamilton, Ohio.Kicker — Dominic Zvada, Michigan, junior 6-3, 180, Chandler, Arizona, and Alex Raynor, Kentucky, senior, 6-0, 185, Kennesaw, Georgia.All-purpose — Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh, junior, 5-8, 175, Miami Gardens, Florida.Second-team defenseEdge rushers — Kyle Kennard, South Carolina, senior, 6-5, 254, Atlanta; Mike Green, Marshall, sophomore, 6-4, 238, Williamsburg, Virginia.Interior linemen — Derrick Harmon, Oregon, junior, 6-5, 310, Detroit; Alfred Collins, Texas, senior, 6-5, 320, Bastrop, Texas.Linebackers — Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, sophomore, 6-3, 235, Denton, Texas; Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, senior, 6-4, 243, Windermere, Florida; Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh, sophomore, 6-0, 225, East Orange, New Jersey.Cornerbacks — Nohl Williams, California, senior, 6-1, 200, Oxnard, California; Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, sophomore, 6-0, 193, Whitehouse, Texas.Safeties — Malaki Starks, Georgia, junior, 6-1, 205, Jefferson, Georgia; Malachi Moore, Alabama, graduate, 6-0, 201, Trussville, Alabama.Defensive back — Michael Taaffe, Texas, junior, 6-0, 195, Austin, Texas.Punter — Brett Thorson, Georgia, junior, 6-2, 235, Melbourne, Australia.Third-team offenseWide receivers — Tai Felton, Maryland, senior, 6-2, 186, Ashburn, Virginia; Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, senior, 6-4, 215, South Miami, Florida; Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, sophomore, 6-1, 195, Allen, Texas and Eric Rivers, Florida International, senior, 5-11, 174, Chattanooga, Tennessee.Tackles — Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon, junior, 6-4, 315, Seattle; Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, senior, 6-3, 330, Kansas City, Missouri.Guards — Tate Ratledge, Georgia, senior, 6-6, 330, Rome, Georgia; Paolo Gennarelli, Army, sophomore, 6-1, 310, Campton Hills, Illinois.Center — Jacob Gardner, Colorado State, graduate, 6-4, 300, Rancho Cucamonga, California.Tight end — Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse, junior, 6-5, 236, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Quarterback — Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, graduate, 6-0, 200, Mililani, Hawaii.Running backs — Dylan Sampson, Tennessee; junior, 5-11, 201, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; RJ Harvey, UCF, senior, 5-9, 208, Orlando, Florida.Kicker — Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State., senior, 6-1, 190, Coolidge, Georgia.All-purpose — Brashard Smith, SMU, 5-10, 196, senior, Richmond Heights, Florida.Third-team defenseEdge rushers — Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech, senior, 6-3, 252, Portsmouth, Virginia; Mikail Kamara, Indiana, junior, 6-1, 265, Ashburn, Virginia.Interior linemen — Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech, graduate, 6-1, 290, Raleigh, North Carolina; Kenneth Grant, Michigan, junior, 6-3, 339, Gary, Indiana.Linebackers — Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi, junior, 6-1, 235, Cordele, Georgia; Barrett Carter, Clemson, senior, 6-1, 230, Suwanee, Georgia; Jalon Walker, Georgia, junior, 6-2, 245, Salisbury, North Carolina.Cornerbacks — Chandler Rivers, Duke, junior, 5-10, 180, Beaumont, Texas; Will Johnson, Michigan, junior, 6-2, 202, Detroit.Safeties — Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, graduate, 6-1, 210, Tucson, Arizona; Jalen Catalon, UNLV, senior, 5-11, 205, Mansfield, Texas.Defensive back — Mello Dotson, Kansas, senior, 6-1, 190, Daytona Beach, Florida.Punter — Eddie Czaplicki, Southern California, senior, 6-1, 207, Charlotte, North Carolina.