NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disputed the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it’s a “ridiculous theory.”

Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-goodell-international-47862fd499887c37bfc1d21ea63c7645">international expansion</a>, Tom Brady’s dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday.

The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago.

The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers, including Fox broadcasters Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, considered egregious.

A questionable spot on Josh Allen’s sneak on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 32-29 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game became a major point of contention.

“A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they get a new life,” Goodell said during his 48-minute news conference inside the Saints’ locker room. “I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion and is a reminder for us on how important officiating is. I think the men and women officiating the NFL are outstanding. We have the highest possible standards. It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day it’s something we have to work at, how do we make our officiating better.”

Goodell said the league evaluates officials in several ways.

“It’s not just the performance on the field but things that go on in their own lives.” Goodell said. “We monitor that very closely in a number of ways. .... It’s a tough job, a really hard job. I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of people to getting it right, doing the best job they possibly can. And I’m proud of the work they do.”

NFL executive Kimberly Fields told The Associated Press last week the league plans to engage its Competition Committee on technology to take virtual line-to-gain measurements next season, but officials will continue to spot the football.

“What this technology cannot do is take the place of the human element in determining where forward progress ends,” Fields said. “There will always be a human official spotting the ball. Once the ball is spotted, then the line-to-gain technology actually does the measurement itself.”

Goodell said the league will continue to work with partners to develop the technology needed to potentially help with spotting the ball in the future.

Goodell said he doesn’t believe the NFL’s policies to promote diversity are in conflict with the Trump administration’s efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.

The NFL has rules in place that require teams to interview diverse candidates for key coaching and front office positions as part of the Rooney Rule that has been in place for more than two decades.

Several NFL owners contributed to Donald Trump’s campaign or conservative causes during the 2024 election cycle.

“Our owners participate in everything that we do,” Goodell said. “Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice. There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.

“We also believe we are doing the right thing for the NFL and our policies are consistent with the current administration as well as the last administration.”

The NFL is aiming to have a team outside the United States.

“I do think there’s potential that someday we will have an international franchise. If we do, it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there,” Goodell said.

The NFL has made a big effort to expand its footprint worldwide with games played in England, Germany, Mexico and Brazil in recent years with a game scheduled for 2025 in Spain.

But as of now, the Super Bowls have been played in NFL stadiums and international sites haven’t been considered.

A Super Bowl outside of North America would present challenges in terms of time zones for the U.S.-based broadcasters.

Goodell said there’s “a lot of work to be done” before the NFL possibly expands its season to 18 regular-season games.

The league hasn’t had formal negotiations with the players’ union about adding a game to the season but Goodell said he has had informal discussions with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr.

The NFL added a 17th game and cut the preseason from four games to three before the 2021 season and Goodell has indicated an interest in eventually adding another regular-season game.

“If we do, 18 and 2 might be a possibility,” he said. “We know fans love football and they want more football. But we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart with the balance and how we deal with that.”

Goodell said changes the league has made in terms of equipment, and training in the offseason and preseason have helped reduce the number of concussions and other injuries, making adding an additional game more palatable.

The league will consider whether rules surrounding Tom Brady’s role as an analyst for Fox and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders need to be altered in any way.

Brady was officially approved as a minority owner of the Raiders in Las Vegas and played a big role during the team’s search for a new coach and general manager last month that led to the hiring of Pete Carroll and John Spytek.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion is also in his first season as an analyst for Fox and is under rules that prevent his access to team facilities and production meetings with players and coaches.

Brady is under the same tampering rules as any other member of the league and has checked in frequently to make sure he isn’t violating any rules.

“I think he’s serious that he separates these two and he doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict,” Goodell said.

The NFL plans to look into the “serious” allegations that Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct with several massage therapists.

Nine massage therapists from five spas and wellness centers have told the Baltimore Banner that Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct during sessions from 2012-16.

Tucker said in a statement last week that he has never received any complaints from a massage therapist or been told he was not welcome at a spa or other place of business.

“They are obviously serious issues and he is taking that seriously as are we,” Goodell said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738676769092.jpeg" alt="NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Matt York)" />
 <figcaption>NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a news conference, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Matt York)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disputed the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it’s a “ridiculous theory.”Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-goodell-international-47862fd499887c37bfc1d21ea63c7645">international expansion</a>, Tom Brady’s dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday.The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago.The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers, including Fox broadcasters Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, considered egregious.A questionable spot on Josh Allen’s sneak on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 32-29 victory over Buffalo in the AFC championship game became a major point of contention.“A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they get a new life,” Goodell said during his 48-minute news conference inside the Saints’ locker room. “I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion and is a reminder for us on how important officiating is. I think the men and women officiating the NFL are outstanding. We have the highest possible standards. It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day it’s something we have to work at, how do we make our officiating better.”Goodell said the league evaluates officials in several ways.“It’s not just the performance on the field but things that go on in their own lives.” Goodell said. “We monitor that very closely in a number of ways. .... It’s a tough job, a really hard job. I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of people to getting it right, doing the best job they possibly can. And I’m proud of the work they do.”NFL executive Kimberly Fields told The Associated Press last week the league plans to engage its Competition Committee on technology to take virtual line-to-gain measurements next season, but officials will continue to spot the football.“What this technology cannot do is take the place of the human element in determining where forward progress ends,” Fields said. “There will always be a human official spotting the ball. Once the ball is spotted, then the line-to-gain technology actually does the measurement itself.”Goodell said the league will continue to work with partners to develop the technology needed to potentially help with spotting the ball in the future.<h2>Diversity</h2>Goodell said he doesn’t believe the NFL’s policies to promote diversity are in conflict with the Trump administration’s efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.The NFL has rules in place that require teams to interview diverse candidates for key coaching and front office positions as part of the Rooney Rule that has been in place for more than two decades.Several NFL owners contributed to Donald Trump’s campaign or conservative causes during the 2024 election cycle.“Our owners participate in everything that we do,” Goodell said. “Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice. There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.“We also believe we are doing the right thing for the NFL and our policies are consistent with the current administration as well as the last administration.”<h2>International expansion</h2>The NFL is aiming to have a team outside the United States.“I do think there’s potential that someday we will have an international franchise. If we do, it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there,” Goodell said.The NFL has made a big effort to expand its footprint worldwide with games played in England, Germany, Mexico and Brazil in recent years with a game scheduled for 2025 in Spain.But as of now, the Super Bowls have been played in NFL stadiums and international sites haven’t been considered.A Super Bowl outside of North America would present challenges in terms of time zones for the U.S.-based broadcasters.<h2>18-game season</h2>Goodell said there’s “a lot of work to be done” before the NFL possibly expands its season to 18 regular-season games.The league hasn’t had formal negotiations with the players’ union about adding a game to the season but Goodell said he has had informal discussions with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr.The NFL added a 17th game and cut the preseason from four games to three before the 2021 season and Goodell has indicated an interest in eventually adding another regular-season game.“If we do, 18 and 2 might be a possibility,” he said. “We know fans love football and they want more football. But we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart with the balance and how we deal with that.”Goodell said changes the league has made in terms of equipment, and training in the offseason and preseason have helped reduce the number of concussions and other injuries, making adding an additional game more palatable.<h2>Tom Brady</h2>The league will consider whether rules surrounding Tom Brady’s role as an analyst for Fox and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders need to be altered in any way.Brady was officially approved as a minority owner of the Raiders in Las Vegas and played a big role during the team’s search for a new coach and general manager last month that led to the hiring of Pete Carroll and John Spytek.The seven-time Super Bowl champion is also in his first season as an analyst for Fox and is under rules that prevent his access to team facilities and production meetings with players and coaches.Brady is under the same tampering rules as any other member of the league and has checked in frequently to make sure he isn’t violating any rules.“I think he’s serious that he separates these two and he doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict,” Goodell said.<h2>Justin Tucker</h2>The NFL plans to look into the “serious” allegations that Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct with several massage therapists.Nine massage therapists from five spas and wellness centers have told the Baltimore Banner that Tucker engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct during sessions from 2012-16.Tucker said in a statement last week that he has never received any complaints from a massage therapist or been told he was not welcome at a spa or other place of business.“They are obviously serious issues and he is taking that seriously as are we,” Goodell said.

🏈 Roger Goodell says perception that officials favor the Chiefs is a ‘ridiculous theory’

AP Sports Summary for February 4th, 2025:

NFL emails reveal extent of Saints' damage control for clergy sex abuse crisis

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Hundreds of internal emails show executives of the New Orleans Saints were far more involved than previously known in providing public relations help to Catholic Church leaders as they confronted a clergy sex abuse crisis. The emails sharply undercut assurances the Saints provided five years ago when they asserted they had provided only "minimal" assistance to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Survivors of clergy abuse say they're disgusted by the team's involvement. The Saints said in a statement Saturday that the team does not condone sex abuse. They also criticized the media for using leaked emails to misconstrue what they called "a well-intended effort."

Chiefs and Eagles handle the Super Bowl opening night spectacle like they've been here, done that

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl opening night like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. Travis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift. Been here, done that. That's how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week. The Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren't fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren't used to the circus atmosphere. Saquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett requests to be traded so he can have chance at Super Bowl

CLEVELAND (AP) — Star defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns with the hope of better positioning himself to play in a Super Bowl. That's according to a statement he sent to media outlets. The Browns finished last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record and general manager Andrew Berry said last week that he would not trade Garrett. Garrett is under contract with the Browns for two more seasons under a five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2020.

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

NEW YORK (AP) — Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by Major League Baseball for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games and for intentionally deleting electronic messages pertinent to the league's investigation. MLB opened the investigation last February when it was brought to its attention by the sportsbook, and Hoberg did not umpire last season. While MLB said the investigation did not uncover evidence Hoberg personally bet on baseball or manipulated games, MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill recommended on May 24 that Hoberg be fired. Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday he upheld Hill's decision. Among the highest-rated umpires at judging the strike zone, Hoberg can apply for reinstatement no earlier than 2026 spring training.

Medics attend to fan who collapsed courtside at Spurs, Grizzlies game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Medics attended to a fan who collapsed courtside before the San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies game. The teams were preparing for the opening tipoff Monday night when attention turned to the courtside seats. Medics were working on the man on the floor as both teams were sent back to the locker rooms and the game was delayed. The man was taken out of the arena on a stretcher after about seven minutes. The game started after a 45-minute delay.

Young's fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left lifts Hawks to slump-busting 132-130 win over Pistons

DETROIT (AP) — Trae Young made a 23-foot fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left and scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, lifting the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-130 win over the Detroit Pistons. Young helped the Hawks end an eight-game losing streak. Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 14 assists for the Pistons, who failed to attempt a shot on their final possession. Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter had 20 points and rookie Zaccharie Risacher added 17 points. Detroit's Tobias Harris scored 22, Jalen Duren had 18 points and nine rebounds and Malik Beasley scored 18.

Roger Goodell says perception that officials favor the Chiefs is a 'ridiculous theory'

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shot down the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it's a "ridiculous theory." Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season, international expansion, Tom Brady's dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday. The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago. The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers considered egregious.

Chiefs' Butker enters his 5th Super Bowl confident in his kicking and his beliefs

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Harrison Butker is expressing confidence in his kicking and in the stances he's taken on some sensitive issues as he enters his fifth Super Bowl. Butker says he never expected to be as well known as he is as a kicker. He says playing for the Chiefs in four Super Bowls and winning three NFL titles has helped give him a big platform. Last offseason, he generated headlines and drew his share of criticism for his stance against Pride month and abortion. But he says he doesn't feel the need to apologize for anything and feels like God has prepared him to feel confident in who he is.

'Strive for greatness' was LeBron's message to Doncic in 2018. And as teammates, that won't change

Luka Doncic came to the NBA in 2018 calling LeBron James his idol. The first time they went head-to-head, Doncic asked James during the game if he could have his jersey. And after that game, Doncic headed to the Los Angeles Lakers locker room to pick up the souvenir. James wrote a message on the purple jersey. "Strive for greatness," James scrawled, those words being his longtime mantra. Here they are, almost seven years later, set to strive for more greatness — together.

Maryland's slow Big Ten start is in the past. Now the 18th-ranked Terps are rolling

Maryland enters February with momentum and an AP Top 25 ranking. The Terrapins cracked Monday's poll at No. 18 for the program's first appearance since February 2023. Maryland has won four straight and six of seven. They have games this week against Ohio State and Rutgers. That's part of an AP Top 25 schedule that includes No. 1 Auburn playing No. 6 Florida. There's also No. 2 Duke facing what could be its toughest Atlantic Coast Conference test with Saturday's trip to Clemson.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		(11)Marquette	at	(12)St. John's	6:30 p.m.	

		(14)Kentucky	at	(25)Mississippi	7 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, February 4th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, February 4th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for February 4th, 2025:NFL emails reveal extent of Saints' damage control for clergy sex abuse crisisNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Hundreds of internal emails show executives of the New Orleans Saints were far more involved than previously known in providing public relations help to Catholic Church leaders as they confronted a clergy sex abuse crisis. The emails sharply undercut assurances the Saints provided five years ago when they asserted they had provided only "minimal" assistance to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Survivors of clergy abuse say they're disgusted by the team's involvement. The Saints said in a statement Saturday that the team does not condone sex abuse. They also criticized the media for using leaked emails to misconstrue what they called "a well-intended effort."Chiefs and Eagles handle the Super Bowl opening night spectacle like they've been here, done thatNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl opening night like a two-minute drill, providing rapid-fire answers to one question after another. Travis Kelce passed on an inquiry about popping the question to Taylor Swift. Been here, done that. That's how the Kansas City Chiefs handled the annual extravaganza that kicks off Super Bowl week. The Philadelphia Eagles were here two years ago so they weren't fazed by the silliness either, though their most dynamic player is new to the wild experience that could overwhelm teams that aren't used to the circus atmosphere. Saquon Barkley got his first taste of this made-for-television spectacle. Nick Sirianni received letters, and a kiss from Chad Johnson. Jalen Hurts even cracked a smile or two.Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett requests to be traded so he can have chance at Super BowlCLEVELAND (AP) — Star defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns with the hope of better positioning himself to play in a Super Bowl. That's according to a statement he sent to media outlets. The Browns finished last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record and general manager Andrew Berry said last week that he would not trade Garrett. Garrett is under contract with the Browns for two more seasons under a five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2020.Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseballNEW YORK (AP) — Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by Major League Baseball for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games and for intentionally deleting electronic messages pertinent to the league's investigation. MLB opened the investigation last February when it was brought to its attention by the sportsbook, and Hoberg did not umpire last season. While MLB said the investigation did not uncover evidence Hoberg personally bet on baseball or manipulated games, MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill recommended on May 24 that Hoberg be fired. Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday he upheld Hill's decision. Among the highest-rated umpires at judging the strike zone, Hoberg can apply for reinstatement no earlier than 2026 spring training.Medics attend to fan who collapsed courtside at Spurs, Grizzlies gameMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Medics attended to a fan who collapsed courtside before the San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies game. The teams were preparing for the opening tipoff Monday night when attention turned to the courtside seats. Medics were working on the man on the floor as both teams were sent back to the locker rooms and the game was delayed. The man was taken out of the arena on a stretcher after about seven minutes. The game started after a 45-minute delay.Young's fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left lifts Hawks to slump-busting 132-130 win over PistonsDETROIT (AP) — Trae Young made a 23-foot fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left and scored 17 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, lifting the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-130 win over the Detroit Pistons. Young helped the Hawks end an eight-game losing streak. Cade Cunningham had 30 points and 14 assists for the Pistons, who failed to attempt a shot on their final possession. Atlanta's De'Andre Hunter had 20 points and rookie Zaccharie Risacher added 17 points. Detroit's Tobias Harris scored 22, Jalen Duren had 18 points and nine rebounds and Malik Beasley scored 18.Roger Goodell says perception that officials favor the Chiefs is a 'ridiculous theory'NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shot down the perception that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, saying it's a "ridiculous theory." Goodell addressed several topics, including diversity, an 18-game season, international expansion, Tom Brady's dual role as a broadcaster and co-owner and more during his annual news conference that kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday. The Chiefs are going for a three-peat Sunday in a rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Kansas City 38-35 two years ago. The two-time defending champions have benefited from calls that have gone their way in the playoffs. There were two roughing-the-passer penalties during a 23-14 victory over Houston in the divisional round that viewers considered egregious.Chiefs' Butker enters his 5th Super Bowl confident in his kicking and his beliefsNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Harrison Butker is expressing confidence in his kicking and in the stances he's taken on some sensitive issues as he enters his fifth Super Bowl. Butker says he never expected to be as well known as he is as a kicker. He says playing for the Chiefs in four Super Bowls and winning three NFL titles has helped give him a big platform. Last offseason, he generated headlines and drew his share of criticism for his stance against Pride month and abortion. But he says he doesn't feel the need to apologize for anything and feels like God has prepared him to feel confident in who he is.'Strive for greatness' was LeBron's message to Doncic in 2018. And as teammates, that won't changeLuka Doncic came to the NBA in 2018 calling LeBron James his idol. The first time they went head-to-head, Doncic asked James during the game if he could have his jersey. And after that game, Doncic headed to the Los Angeles Lakers locker room to pick up the souvenir. James wrote a message on the purple jersey. "Strive for greatness," James scrawled, those words being his longtime mantra. Here they are, almost seven years later, set to strive for more greatness — together.Maryland's slow Big Ten start is in the past. Now the 18th-ranked Terps are rollingMaryland enters February with momentum and an AP Top 25 ranking. The Terrapins cracked Monday's poll at No. 18 for the program's first appearance since February 2023. Maryland has won four straight and six of seven. They have games this week against Ohio State and Rutgers. That's part of an AP Top 25 schedule that includes No. 1 Auburn playing No. 6 Florida. There's also No. 2 Duke facing what could be its toughest Atlantic Coast Conference test with Saturday's trip to Clemson.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Washington	124	Charlotte	114	Final	Atlanta	132	Detroit	130	Final	New York	124	Houston	118	Final	Oklahoma City	125	Milwaukee	96	Final	Sacramento	116	Minnesota	114	Final	Memphis	128	San Antonio	109	Final	Denver	125	New Orleans	113	Final	Indiana	112	Utah	111	Final	Golden State	104	Orlando	99	Final OT	Portland	121	Phoenix	119	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Ottawa	5	Nashville	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(16)Kansas	69	(8)Iowa St.	52	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Dallas	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Boston	at	Cleveland	7:30 p.m.			Houston	at	Brooklyn	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Miami	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Indiana	at	Portland	10 p.m.			L.A. Lakers	at	L.A. Clippers	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Columbus	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			Florida	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Boston	7 p.m.			New Jersey	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Ottawa	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Vegas	at	N-Y Islanders	7:30 p.m.			Carolina	at	Winnipeg	8 p.m.			Edmonton	at	St. Louis	8 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Toronto	at	Calgary	9 p.m.			Colorado	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.			Detroit	at	Seattle	10 p.m.			Dallas	at	Anaheim	10:30 p.m.			Montreal	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Oklahoma	at	(1)Auburn	9 p.m.			Oklahoma St.	at	(5)Houston	8 p.m.			Vanderbilt	at	(6)Florida	7 p.m.			(7)Purdue	at	Iowa	7 p.m.			(9)Michigan St.	at	UCLA	10 p.m.			(11)Marquette	at	(12)St. John's	6:30 p.m.			Baylor	at	(13)Texas Tech	9 p.m.			(14)Kentucky	at	(25)Mississippi	7 p.m.			(20)Arizona	at	BYU	11 p.m.			Indiana	at	(21)Wisconsin	9 p.m.

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Monday

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas had just turned the ball over in the first half against Iowa State on Monday night when it suddenly popped loose again along the sideline, and Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. made perhaps the hustle play of the game.

With&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1886609755818615246">a textbook baseball slide</a>, Harris managed to corral the ball and throw it from his rear to teammate Hunter Dickinson, who in turn tossed the ball ahead to David Coit. After a couple of dribbles, Coit unloaded a pass from the midcourt line that KJ Adams leaped into the air and slammed for a dunk that seemed to shake the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.

It was a play that underscored a rare fact about the Jayhawks at this point in the season.

They were playing with a sense of desperation.

Zeke Mayo scored 17 points and Dickinson added 14 points and nine rebounds as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-score-big-12-8a5ff246c16167421c51dbbdd5564890">the No. 16 Jayhawks roared to a 69-52 win over eighth-ranked Iowa State.</a>&nbsp;But it was the defense, which nearly shut down the Cyclones' prolific backcourt, and the hustle on both ends of the floor that allowed Kansas to remain in the regular-season Big 12 title hunt.

Kansas (16-6) moved into a tie with Iowa State (17-5) at 7-4 in the league, 2 1/2 games back of Houston and Arizona.

“We talked about a mindset of just, you know, how much can we trust each other? And how much do we enjoy playing with each other?” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I don't think the emphasis was defense. I think the emphasis was, ‘If our head is right and we play with freedom, we can look pretty good at times,’ and that is what happened tonight.”

The Jayhawks held Iowa State to just 3-for-21 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. And while the Cyclones only turned the ball over seven times, just about all of them — like that alley-oop dunk by Adams — turned into fast-break points.

“There's probably not a place or a team or a program that does a better job than what Kansas does in transition,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “If you have a turnover and how they turn it into points — we had very few turnovers but you feel like every one that we had turned into a layup or a dunk at the other end.”

While the Jayhawks, who blew a 19-point halftime lead at Baylor last weekend, thrived with their backs against the wall, Iowa State lost its third consecutive game while struggling without injured forward Milan Momcilovic in the lineup.

Momcilovic, who hurt his non-shooting hand last month, went through pregame warmups and could be back soon.

“He continues to do the things he needs,” Otzelberger said. “I do think he’ll be back in the next few weeks. But it's a day-to-day situation. Today was the first step for him, feel what it feels like to go through the game warmup. But we’ll see. I don't want to rush him back. I want it to be on the timeline that's on his best interest and whenever that is he'll be ready to go.”

Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson were held to 11 points apiece by Kansas, and it took a whole lot of shots for them to get there. The trio of Cyclones was 13 of 42 from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Meanwhile, leading scorer Curtis Jones was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.

“It sucks for sure. Losing is not ideal,” Jones said, “but I mean, we did some things well. We got 17 offensive rebounds, only had seven turnovers. It's just really shots weren't falling. We clean up free throws, make a couple 3s, it's a different game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738643896535.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard AJ Storr (2) puts up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard AJ Storr (2) puts up a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas had just turned the ball over in the first half against Iowa State on Monday night when it suddenly popped loose again along the sideline, and Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. made perhaps the hustle play of the game.With&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1886609755818615246">a textbook baseball slide</a>, Harris managed to corral the ball and throw it from his rear to teammate Hunter Dickinson, who in turn tossed the ball ahead to David Coit. After a couple of dribbles, Coit unloaded a pass from the midcourt line that KJ Adams leaped into the air and slammed for a dunk that seemed to shake the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.It was a play that underscored a rare fact about the Jayhawks at this point in the season.They were playing with a sense of desperation.Zeke Mayo scored 17 points and Dickinson added 14 points and nine rebounds as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-score-big-12-8a5ff246c16167421c51dbbdd5564890">the No. 16 Jayhawks roared to a 69-52 win over eighth-ranked Iowa State.</a>&nbsp;But it was the defense, which nearly shut down the Cyclones' prolific backcourt, and the hustle on both ends of the floor that allowed Kansas to remain in the regular-season Big 12 title hunt.Kansas (16-6) moved into a tie with Iowa State (17-5) at 7-4 in the league, 2 1/2 games back of Houston and Arizona.“We talked about a mindset of just, you know, how much can we trust each other? And how much do we enjoy playing with each other?” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I don't think the emphasis was defense. I think the emphasis was, ‘If our head is right and we play with freedom, we can look pretty good at times,’ and that is what happened tonight.”The Jayhawks held Iowa State to just 3-for-21 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. And while the Cyclones only turned the ball over seven times, just about all of them — like that alley-oop dunk by Adams — turned into fast-break points.“There's probably not a place or a team or a program that does a better job than what Kansas does in transition,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “If you have a turnover and how they turn it into points — we had very few turnovers but you feel like every one that we had turned into a layup or a dunk at the other end.”While the Jayhawks, who blew a 19-point halftime lead at Baylor last weekend, thrived with their backs against the wall, Iowa State lost its third consecutive game while struggling without injured forward Milan Momcilovic in the lineup.Momcilovic, who hurt his non-shooting hand last month, went through pregame warmups and could be back soon.“He continues to do the things he needs,” Otzelberger said. “I do think he’ll be back in the next few weeks. But it's a day-to-day situation. Today was the first step for him, feel what it feels like to go through the game warmup. But we’ll see. I don't want to rush him back. I want it to be on the timeline that's on his best interest and whenever that is he'll be ready to go.”Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Joshua Jefferson were held to 11 points apiece by Kansas, and it took a whole lot of shots for them to get there. The trio of Cyclones was 13 of 42 from the field and 2 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc.Meanwhile, leading scorer Curtis Jones was held to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.“It sucks for sure. Losing is not ideal,” Jones said, “but I mean, we did some things well. We got 17 offensive rebounds, only had seven turnovers. It's just really shots weren't falling. We clean up free throws, make a couple 3s, it's a different game.”

🏀 Kansas shuts down Iowa State in desperation game for both teams

Voice of the Blue Dragons, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC women's basketball head coach, John Ontjes, freshman Jaden Wilson, and then men's basketball head coach, Kyle Fisher, for the seventh edition of DragonTalk of the 2024-25 basketball season.

DragonTalk is live at Chick-fil-A in Hutchinson each Monday during the basketball season from 6-7 p.m. and airs live on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731377147711.png" alt="Basketball DragonTalk logo" />
 <figcaption>Basketball DragonTalk logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Voice of the Blue Dragons, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC women's basketball head coach, John Ontjes, freshman Jaden Wilson, and then men's basketball head coach, Kyle Fisher, for the seventh edition of DragonTalk of the 2024-25 basketball season.DragonTalk is live at Chick-fil-A in Hutchinson each Monday during the basketball season from 6-7 p.m. and airs live on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).<div><iframe title="DragonTalk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Feb. 3, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cxt2e-17e5737-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: DragonTalk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher

Southern Cal’s second loss of the season dropped the Trojans to seventh in The Associated Press Top 25&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">women’s basketball poll</a>&nbsp;Monday.

The previously No. 4 Trojans were shocked in Iowa when the Hawkeyes beat them 76-69 Sunday on a day Caitlin Clark’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clark-jersey-retired-iowa-2d656348e94e8fd9579efb067e7200bf">jersey was retired</a>. USC’s only other loss came at home to Notre Dame in November.

UCLA, South Carolina and Notre Dame remained the top three teams in the rankings. The Bruins received all 32 first-place votes in the poll from a national media panel, picking up the one that the Gamecocks garnered last week.

The Bruins beat Minnesota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ucla-womens-basketball-score-9834be9a4d862ac380ce3c7373cf4bd9">79-53</a>&nbsp;in their lone game last week to remain as the only unbeaten team in the country. South Carolina knocked off then-No. 18 Tennessee and Auburn. The victory over the Tigers on Sunday came on a day when the Gamecocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aja-wilson-south-carolina-jersey-retired-af36ef9bad52813190676247b6722be2">retired the jersey</a>&nbsp;of A’ja Wilson.

Texas, UConn and LSU all moved up a spot to follow the Fighting Irish. Ohio State, TCU and Duke remained eight through 10.

No. 11 Kentucky has its best ranking in four years behind first-year coach Kenny Brooks. The Wildcats (19-2), who last were ranked this high in 2021, have their bye week before hitting a tough stretch of the SEC schedule to close the regular season. They still have games left against South Carolina, LSU, Texas and Tennessee.

The only two losses this season came against North Carolina on Dec. 5 and Texas A&amp;M on Jan. 23.

With no new teams in the poll this week, the Southeastern Conference remained atop the standings with eight teams ranked. The ACC had seven. The Big Ten was next with five. The Big 12 has four ranked teams and the Big East one.

No. 9 TCU at No. 12 Kansas State, Wednesday. First place in the Big 12 will be on the line when the Horned Frogs visit the Wildcats. Both teams are 9-1 in conference play.

No. 5 UConn at No. 19 Tennessee, Thursday. These two will renew their rivalry with the Huskies visiting the Lady Vols. It will be the first time that UConn sees Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell’s pressing style.

No. 2 South Carolina at No. 4 Texas, Sunday. The Longhorns will try and avenge a 17-point loss in Columbia last month. South Carolina has a one-game lead in the standings on the Longhorns, Kentucky and LSU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699875693382.jpeg" alt="AP Top 25" />
 <figcaption>AP Top 25</figcaption>
 </figure>Southern Cal’s second loss of the season dropped the Trojans to seventh in The Associated Press Top 25&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">women’s basketball poll</a>&nbsp;Monday.The previously No. 4 Trojans were shocked in Iowa when the Hawkeyes beat them 76-69 Sunday on a day Caitlin Clark’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clark-jersey-retired-iowa-2d656348e94e8fd9579efb067e7200bf">jersey was retired</a>. USC’s only other loss came at home to Notre Dame in November.UCLA, South Carolina and Notre Dame remained the top three teams in the rankings. The Bruins received all 32 first-place votes in the poll from a national media panel, picking up the one that the Gamecocks garnered last week.The Bruins beat Minnesota&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ucla-womens-basketball-score-9834be9a4d862ac380ce3c7373cf4bd9">79-53</a>&nbsp;in their lone game last week to remain as the only unbeaten team in the country. South Carolina knocked off then-No. 18 Tennessee and Auburn. The victory over the Tigers on Sunday came on a day when the Gamecocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aja-wilson-south-carolina-jersey-retired-af36ef9bad52813190676247b6722be2">retired the jersey</a>&nbsp;of A’ja Wilson.Texas, UConn and LSU all moved up a spot to follow the Fighting Irish. Ohio State, TCU and Duke remained eight through 10.<h2>Rising Wildcats</h2>No. 11 Kentucky has its best ranking in four years behind first-year coach Kenny Brooks. The Wildcats (19-2), who last were ranked this high in 2021, have their bye week before hitting a tough stretch of the SEC schedule to close the regular season. They still have games left against South Carolina, LSU, Texas and Tennessee.The only two losses this season came against North Carolina on Dec. 5 and Texas A&amp;M on Jan. 23.<h2>Conference breakdown</h2>With no new teams in the poll this week, the Southeastern Conference remained atop the standings with eight teams ranked. The ACC had seven. The Big Ten was next with five. The Big 12 has four ranked teams and the Big East one.<h2>Games of the week</h2>No. 9 TCU at No. 12 Kansas State, Wednesday. First place in the Big 12 will be on the line when the Horned Frogs visit the Wildcats. Both teams are 9-1 in conference play.No. 5 UConn at No. 19 Tennessee, Thursday. These two will renew their rivalry with the Huskies visiting the Lady Vols. It will be the first time that UConn sees Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell’s pressing style.No. 2 South Carolina at No. 4 Texas, Sunday. The Longhorns will try and avenge a 17-point loss in Columbia last month. South Carolina has a one-game lead in the standings on the Longhorns, Kentucky and LSU.

🏀 K-State women drop 1 spot in AP Top 25 women's poll

Auburn and Duke remain 1-2 atop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll</a>&nbsp;for the third straight week, while Maryland is back in the rankings for the first time in nearly two years.

Bruce Pearl’s Tigers (20-1) held the No. 1 ranking for the fourth consecutive week in Monday’s poll and the third in a row as the unanimous choice. Auburn has claimed 246 of 248 first-place votes over the past month while remaining unbeaten in a rugged Southeastern Conference with nine ranked teams.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cooper-flagg-johni-broome-auburn-duke-5c55b16fd47329334664c77dbdd1681c">Auburn’s only loss</a>&nbsp;came to Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils (19-2), who enter the week with the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/duke-unc-rivalry-b85f9850a9726b7b3f81ff7cdc1c18ad">rolling past rival North Carolina</a>.

The two teams offered the only stability after 15 teams in last week’s AP Top 25 lost last week, with three of those losing twice.

Alabama moved up a spot to No. 3, followed by Tennessee jumping four spots to No. 4 in an SEC-heavy top tier. Houston climbed one spot to No. 5 despite an overtime loss to now-No. 13 Texas Tech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-houston-score-1a8c559b27c8df129f20317273317b7d">to end a 33-game home winning streak</a>.

Florida was next at No. 6, followed by Purdue, Iowa State, Michigan State and Texas A&amp;M to round out the top 10.

Texas Tech (17-4) had the biggest jump among last week’s ranked teams, rising nine spots to 13th after beating TCU at home and then beating the Cougars despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-mccasland-ejected-1450da6c1408b46ea1d6173e7c322af2">coach Grant McCasland and forward JT Toppin being ejected early</a>.

Two-time reigning national champion UConn climbed six spots to No. 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-marquette-score-70936d0994bc0bd8ca926cec5a0a5d8e">after winning at Marquette</a>, while Missouri jumped five spots to No. 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-mississippi-state-t25-score-1f7371a84907af0d435bef890ca492cc">after beating Mississippi State</a>.

In all, 10 teams moved up from their positions last week. That included Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team rising three spots to No. 12, the highest ranking for the program since finishing the 1999-2000 season at No. 9.

Mississippi State had the week’s biggest tumble, falling eight spots to No. 22 after home losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-mississippi-state-score-c2ae1de9979ae505e170a2b26d317a62">to Alabama</a>&nbsp;and Missouri. Iowa State joined the Bulldogs in a two-loss week, falling five spots after losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-arizona-basketball-score-2e3379622e274ea7a89dddfdffb98263">to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-iowa-state-score-ac57eae2bcd41cecd7e2cdbd4152247f">Kansas State</a>.

No. 16 Kansas and No. 23 Illinois also fell five spots, pushing the list of sliding teams to 10.

No. 18 Maryland, No. 20 Arizona and No. 24 Michigan were the week’s three new additions.

Kevin Willard’s Terrapins (17-5) jumped into the poll at No. 18 after pushing its winning streak to four games, a stretch that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-illinois-t25-score-68e577ea9f778145baeb083610bdb68d">winning at then-No. 17 Illinois</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-wisconsin-basketball-score-df97fc5aa1e1d0e0c887317c3030e3e1">beating then-No. 17 Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;at home last week.

That gave Maryland its first poll ranking in nearly two years, the last coming with a week at No. 21 in late February 2023.

Arizona (15-6) returned to the poll for the first time since November. The Wildcats opened the year at No. 10 and peaked at ninth, but they’re back in after winning 11 of 12 — including against Iowa State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-iowa-state-caleb-love-8596dbce0d7593574230e50c7a4cbc37">after Caleb Love hit a halfcourt shot to force overtime</a>.

Michigan (16-5) has two previous stints in the poll this season, peaking at No. 14 in early December.

Oregon was one of the three departures from this week’s poll, falling out from No. 16 after being one of the trio to lose twice last week by falling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-ucla-score-c174e2e68d57f143f28edd7fdabf9965">at UCLA</a>&nbsp;and at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-nebraska-score-3a1f066a1cf37b0645b983fe3e2a6cc4">to Nebraska</a>. Louisville (No. 21) and Vanderbilt (No. 24) also fell out after losses to unranked foes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699875693382.jpeg" alt="AP Top 25" />
 <figcaption>AP Top 25</figcaption>
 </figure>Auburn and Duke remain 1-2 atop&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll</a>&nbsp;for the third straight week, while Maryland is back in the rankings for the first time in nearly two years.Bruce Pearl’s Tigers (20-1) held the No. 1 ranking for the fourth consecutive week in Monday’s poll and the third in a row as the unanimous choice. Auburn has claimed 246 of 248 first-place votes over the past month while remaining unbeaten in a rugged Southeastern Conference with nine ranked teams.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cooper-flagg-johni-broome-auburn-duke-5c55b16fd47329334664c77dbdd1681c">Auburn’s only loss</a>&nbsp;came to Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils (19-2), who enter the week with the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/duke-unc-rivalry-b85f9850a9726b7b3f81ff7cdc1c18ad">rolling past rival North Carolina</a>.The two teams offered the only stability after 15 teams in last week’s AP Top 25 lost last week, with three of those losing twice.<h2>The top tier</h2>Alabama moved up a spot to No. 3, followed by Tennessee jumping four spots to No. 4 in an SEC-heavy top tier. Houston climbed one spot to No. 5 despite an overtime loss to now-No. 13 Texas Tech&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-houston-score-1a8c559b27c8df129f20317273317b7d">to end a 33-game home winning streak</a>.Florida was next at No. 6, followed by Purdue, Iowa State, Michigan State and Texas A&amp;M to round out the top 10.<h2>Rising</h2>Texas Tech (17-4) had the biggest jump among last week’s ranked teams, rising nine spots to 13th after beating TCU at home and then beating the Cougars despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-mccasland-ejected-1450da6c1408b46ea1d6173e7c322af2">coach Grant McCasland and forward JT Toppin being ejected early</a>.Two-time reigning national champion UConn climbed six spots to No. 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-marquette-score-70936d0994bc0bd8ca926cec5a0a5d8e">after winning at Marquette</a>, while Missouri jumped five spots to No. 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-mississippi-state-t25-score-1f7371a84907af0d435bef890ca492cc">after beating Mississippi State</a>.In all, 10 teams moved up from their positions last week. That included Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team rising three spots to No. 12, the highest ranking for the program since finishing the 1999-2000 season at No. 9.<h2>Sliding</h2>Mississippi State had the week’s biggest tumble, falling eight spots to No. 22 after home losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-mississippi-state-score-c2ae1de9979ae505e170a2b26d317a62">to Alabama</a>&nbsp;and Missouri. Iowa State joined the Bulldogs in a two-loss week, falling five spots after losses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-arizona-basketball-score-2e3379622e274ea7a89dddfdffb98263">to Arizona</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-iowa-state-score-ac57eae2bcd41cecd7e2cdbd4152247f">Kansas State</a>.No. 16 Kansas and No. 23 Illinois also fell five spots, pushing the list of sliding teams to 10.<h2>Welcome</h2>No. 18 Maryland, No. 20 Arizona and No. 24 Michigan were the week’s three new additions.Kevin Willard’s Terrapins (17-5) jumped into the poll at No. 18 after pushing its winning streak to four games, a stretch that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-illinois-t25-score-68e577ea9f778145baeb083610bdb68d">winning at then-No. 17 Illinois</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-wisconsin-basketball-score-df97fc5aa1e1d0e0c887317c3030e3e1">beating then-No. 17 Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;at home last week.That gave Maryland its first poll ranking in nearly two years, the last coming with a week at No. 21 in late February 2023.Arizona (15-6) returned to the poll for the first time since November. The Wildcats opened the year at No. 10 and peaked at ninth, but they’re back in after winning 11 of 12 — including against Iowa State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-iowa-state-caleb-love-8596dbce0d7593574230e50c7a4cbc37">after Caleb Love hit a halfcourt shot to force overtime</a>.Michigan (16-5) has two previous stints in the poll this season, peaking at No. 14 in early December.<h2>Farewell (for now)</h2>Oregon was one of the three departures from this week’s poll, falling out from No. 16 after being one of the trio to lose twice last week by falling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-ucla-score-c174e2e68d57f143f28edd7fdabf9965">at UCLA</a>&nbsp;and at home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-nebraska-score-3a1f066a1cf37b0645b983fe3e2a6cc4">to Nebraska</a>. Louisville (No. 21) and Vanderbilt (No. 24) also fell out after losses to unranked foes.

🏀 KU drops 5 spots to No. 16 in AP Top 25 men's poll

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jbjqb-17e3b2f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Big weekend for K-State, not so much for KU; Busy weekend for HutchCC 

• DragonTalk w/ John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher live from Chick-fil-A - 6 p.m. (KWBW)

• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) • K-State MBB at Arizona State - 8 p.m. pregame, 9 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

• HutchCC WBB/MBB at Coffeyville - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)

• Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW) • Jerome Tang Show - 7 p.m. (KHMY)

• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Salina South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

• K-State MBB vs. Kansas - Noon pregame, 1 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Chiefs vs. Eagles (Super Bowl) - 5:30 p.m. kickoff (KWBW)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>Monday, Feb. 3• DragonTalk w/ John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher live from Chick-fil-A - 6 p.m. (KWBW)Tuesday, Feb. 4• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) • K-State MBB at Arizona State - 8 p.m. pregame, 9 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)Wednesday, Feb. 5• HutchCC WBB/MBB at Coffeyville - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)Thursday, Feb. 6• Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW) • Jerome Tang Show - 7 p.m. (KHMY)Friday, Feb. 7• Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Salina South - 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)Saturday, Feb. 8• K-State MBB vs. Kansas - Noon pregame, 1 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)Sunday, Feb. 9Chiefs vs. Eagles (Super Bowl) - 5:30 p.m. kickoff (KWBW)

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (Feb. 3-Feb. 9)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were once the loveable NFL underdogs, led by the good-natured coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reid-sirianni-mahomes-hurts-eagles-chiefs-75d11ffabf6763e440ad3307f09b13fe">who couldn’t win the big one</a>, the plucky quarterback with the Kermit the Frog-like voice, and the superstar tight end with charisma to spare.

Five years after their first trip to the Super Bowl in five decades, though, things have changed.

As the Chiefs prepare to face the Eagles next Sunday in New Orleans with an opportunity to win their record third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, football fans are seeing Andy Reid’s bushy mustache popping up on TV commercials.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-a19ae7e164318c2f9b961f322ab94bd0">They are hearing Patrick Mahomes’ voice</a>&nbsp;seemingly everywhere. And Travis Kelce? He’s only dating the biggest pop star on the planet.

All of that and more has contributed to a profound sense of Chiefs fatigue that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-saquon-barkley-a8504b2b4640df6757cebb3df827edc5">turned many NFL fans against them</a>.

“Chiefs fatigue was inevitable,” explained Mike Lewis, author of “Fandom Analytics” and a professor of marketing at Emory University. “Pre-Mahomes, the Chiefs were an afterthought of a team; a small-market team was never a consistent winner. As the Chiefs grew into a dynasty, they became rivals to multiple teams, adversaries to overcome. 

“In 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-dynasty-kansas-city-d16a308684d97a6be2d269c8d56404be">Chiefs are perhaps the main rivals</a>&nbsp;for the Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Chargers and any other team that aspires to championships. Now, the Chiefs are the team that prevents other fandoms from reaching the promised land.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indeed, the Chiefs have long been the rivals of the Raiders and Broncos, who play in the same division. But that team tucked away in Middle America also has become the biggest thorn in the side of the Bengals, whom they’ve played in consecutive AFC title games, and the Bills, whose season they have ended in four of the past five years.

Including this one.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-kansas-city-chiefs-afc-championship-score-c9187ccf15160bd5eabba73086ee9a42">Kansas City once again denied a Buffalo</a>&nbsp;a spot in the Super Bowl with a 32-29 win in the AFC title game.

“Fandom, at a fundamental level, is about identity. Being a fan is being part of community,” Lewis said. “When an NFL fan’s team wins, he wins. Likewise, when his team loses, he loses. All dynasties inspire fatigue and good-natured hate because it is tiring to lose to the same guys over and over.”

In that respect, Lewis said, the Chiefs have taken on the role that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady held for more two decades — another once-floundering franchise that found the right mix of coach and quarterback and became a dynasty.

“If you’re a Pittsburgh fan and it’s 10 years ago, and the Chiefs are floundering and they have a good year here or there, it’s easy to be like, ‘I kind of like the Chiefs too,’ because they don’t threaten your team,” said Dr. Dan Wann, who teaches psychology and studies fandom at Murray State University.

“When that team gets successful and passes you,” Wann said, “it goes from, ‘Oh, isn’t that cute?’ to ‘They beat our (butt) again.’ It changes the perspective. Think of the Cubs; they were the loveable losers. And then they started winning.”

Mahomes and Kelce are the most visible members of the most successful franchise in the NFL, so of course they hear what fans say about them, especially when the quarterback and tight end team up for celebrity golf tournaments and other events.

They have their share of fans. Everyone still wants their photo or autograph. But they also hear plenty from the detractors.

“I try not to listen to it too much,” Mahomes said. “I try to to embrace who we have in this locker room, the personalities and how we enjoy playing football, and I believe if we play football the right way and compete, I’ll always have my guys’ backs.”

Even when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-officials-32d9e03356c9f43581c7b1b0d6951620">conspiracy theorists</a>&nbsp;claim that NFL officials are calling games so that Kansas City will win.

That was one of the prevailing storylines from the AFC title game, though almost every data point — whether it be number of penalties, penalty yardage or the time in the game in which the flags flew — proved the exact opposite.

Still, there were several Chiefs players, including linebacker Drue Tranquill, who spoke out against the perceived favoritism on social media.

“Yeah, I don’t care,” Reid said of the conspiracies, quite matter-of-factly. “I don’t get into that. I don’t use it with the guys.”

Nevertheless, all those detractors seem to have galvanized the Chiefs, just as they have their fan base. Take the Kansas City-based streetwear brand Made Mobb, which sells&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mademobb.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorl0eUo9NMhJPVQ30GWbP4o9g_BvbZHVEozOO6MP_0Pny0d8M02" target="_blank">a line of shirts and hoodies</a>&nbsp;in Chiefs colors that read simply: “Villains.” Another apparel company, Charlie Hustle, has shirts that read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charliehustle.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooHjUtRYrUIwty76vvm56q6BZ6jZDpMkaA04LAcaIZFxKN_Eq67" target="_blank">“Kansas City Versus The World.”</a>

Turn on the TV and there is Reid, chowing down on “chicken nuggies” or drawing up the “bundlerooskie” for insurance company State Farm. Or Mahomes, pitching Subway sandwiches, watching TV with the Coors Light bear or slinging a ball around the field in his Oakley sunglasses. Or Kelce, hosting game shows and dropping in on “Saturday Night Live.”

None of which is surprising when you consider that a study by digital marketing agency Hennessey Digital late last year found that Kelce was&nbsp;<a href="https://licensinginternational.org/news/swift-kelce-effect-drives-record-popularity-for-nfls-most-marketable-players/" target="_blank">the NFL’s most marketable player</a>. Mahomes was right behind his good buddy at No. 2.

It’s all fun for Chiefs fans, who are rightfully proud of their own. It’s oversaturation for fans of other NFL franchises.

“Athletes and other entertainers need to be wary, every time you turn around, there they are. It can start to grate on peoples’ nerves,” Wann said. “People are going to be like, ‘Oh, my gosh. Them again?’ A good example is the Yankees. They are always the Saturday game of the week, and people get tired of it. I don’t know if it’s jealousy or too much of a good thing.”

Some of that oversaturation is a byproduct of Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, which has created thousands if not millions of new Chiefs fans, but which also has alienated other NFL fans. Over the past 18 months, they’ve grown weary of game broadcasts constantly showing Swift in stadium suites, often with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kansas-city-chiefs-houston-texans-468b074fb9dc4f03b743593670ffdf86">celebrity pals such as WNBA star Caitlin Clark</a>.

At least, that’s their perception. The reality is Swift had 54 seconds of screen time during the CBS broadcast of last year’s Super Bowl, when the Chiefs rallied to beat San Francisco in overtime. The entire broadcast lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes.

“These guys bring ratings and impressions,” Lewis said, “but to other fandoms, it feels like rivals are tormenting them. Not only do they regularly lose to Mahomes, but they also have to see him and hear his ‘non-traditional’ voice in ad after ad. Kelce is the future Hall of Famer with movie star looks and is dating Taylor Swift. No fan wants to see their rivals living this well.

“Taylor is part of the story as well,” Lewis added. “She brings Swifties and anti-Swifties.”

They in turn become pro-Chiefs and anti-Chiefs.

There are plenty of the former. There are becoming more and more of the latter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738064300346.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid holds the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid holds the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were once the loveable NFL underdogs, led by the good-natured coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reid-sirianni-mahomes-hurts-eagles-chiefs-75d11ffabf6763e440ad3307f09b13fe">who couldn’t win the big one</a>, the plucky quarterback with the Kermit the Frog-like voice, and the superstar tight end with charisma to spare.Five years after their first trip to the Super Bowl in five decades, though, things have changed.As the Chiefs prepare to face the Eagles next Sunday in New Orleans with an opportunity to win their record third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, football fans are seeing Andy Reid’s bushy mustache popping up on TV commercials.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-a19ae7e164318c2f9b961f322ab94bd0">They are hearing Patrick Mahomes’ voice</a>&nbsp;seemingly everywhere. And Travis Kelce? He’s only dating the biggest pop star on the planet.All of that and more has contributed to a profound sense of Chiefs fatigue that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-saquon-barkley-a8504b2b4640df6757cebb3df827edc5">turned many NFL fans against them</a>.“Chiefs fatigue was inevitable,” explained Mike Lewis, author of “Fandom Analytics” and a professor of marketing at Emory University. “Pre-Mahomes, the Chiefs were an afterthought of a team; a small-market team was never a consistent winner. As the Chiefs grew into a dynasty, they became rivals to multiple teams, adversaries to overcome. “In 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-dynasty-kansas-city-d16a308684d97a6be2d269c8d56404be">Chiefs are perhaps the main rivals</a>&nbsp;for the Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Chargers and any other team that aspires to championships. Now, the Chiefs are the team that prevents other fandoms from reaching the promised land.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, the Chiefs have long been the rivals of the Raiders and Broncos, who play in the same division. But that team tucked away in Middle America also has become the biggest thorn in the side of the Bengals, whom they’ve played in consecutive AFC title games, and the Bills, whose season they have ended in four of the past five years.Including this one.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-kansas-city-chiefs-afc-championship-score-c9187ccf15160bd5eabba73086ee9a42">Kansas City once again denied a Buffalo</a>&nbsp;a spot in the Super Bowl with a 32-29 win in the AFC title game.“Fandom, at a fundamental level, is about identity. Being a fan is being part of community,” Lewis said. “When an NFL fan’s team wins, he wins. Likewise, when his team loses, he loses. All dynasties inspire fatigue and good-natured hate because it is tiring to lose to the same guys over and over.”In that respect, Lewis said, the Chiefs have taken on the role that the Patriots of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady held for more two decades — another once-floundering franchise that found the right mix of coach and quarterback and became a dynasty.“If you’re a Pittsburgh fan and it’s 10 years ago, and the Chiefs are floundering and they have a good year here or there, it’s easy to be like, ‘I kind of like the Chiefs too,’ because they don’t threaten your team,” said Dr. Dan Wann, who teaches psychology and studies fandom at Murray State University.“When that team gets successful and passes you,” Wann said, “it goes from, ‘Oh, isn’t that cute?’ to ‘They beat our (butt) again.’ It changes the perspective. Think of the Cubs; they were the loveable losers. And then they started winning.”<h2>Embrace the hate</h2>Mahomes and Kelce are the most visible members of the most successful franchise in the NFL, so of course they hear what fans say about them, especially when the quarterback and tight end team up for celebrity golf tournaments and other events.They have their share of fans. Everyone still wants their photo or autograph. But they also hear plenty from the detractors.“I try not to listen to it too much,” Mahomes said. “I try to to embrace who we have in this locker room, the personalities and how we enjoy playing football, and I believe if we play football the right way and compete, I’ll always have my guys’ backs.”Even when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-officials-32d9e03356c9f43581c7b1b0d6951620">conspiracy theorists</a>&nbsp;claim that NFL officials are calling games so that Kansas City will win.That was one of the prevailing storylines from the AFC title game, though almost every data point — whether it be number of penalties, penalty yardage or the time in the game in which the flags flew — proved the exact opposite.Still, there were several Chiefs players, including linebacker Drue Tranquill, who spoke out against the perceived favoritism on social media.“Yeah, I don’t care,” Reid said of the conspiracies, quite matter-of-factly. “I don’t get into that. I don’t use it with the guys.”Nevertheless, all those detractors seem to have galvanized the Chiefs, just as they have their fan base. Take the Kansas City-based streetwear brand Made Mobb, which sells&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mademobb.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorl0eUo9NMhJPVQ30GWbP4o9g_BvbZHVEozOO6MP_0Pny0d8M02" target="_blank">a line of shirts and hoodies</a>&nbsp;in Chiefs colors that read simply: “Villains.” Another apparel company, Charlie Hustle, has shirts that read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charliehustle.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooHjUtRYrUIwty76vvm56q6BZ6jZDpMkaA04LAcaIZFxKN_Eq67" target="_blank">“Kansas City Versus The World.”</a><h2>Fascination and oversaturation</h2>Turn on the TV and there is Reid, chowing down on “chicken nuggies” or drawing up the “bundlerooskie” for insurance company State Farm. Or Mahomes, pitching Subway sandwiches, watching TV with the Coors Light bear or slinging a ball around the field in his Oakley sunglasses. Or Kelce, hosting game shows and dropping in on “Saturday Night Live.”None of which is surprising when you consider that a study by digital marketing agency Hennessey Digital late last year found that Kelce was&nbsp;<a href="https://licensinginternational.org/news/swift-kelce-effect-drives-record-popularity-for-nfls-most-marketable-players/" target="_blank">the NFL’s most marketable player</a>. Mahomes was right behind his good buddy at No. 2.It’s all fun for Chiefs fans, who are rightfully proud of their own. It’s oversaturation for fans of other NFL franchises.“Athletes and other entertainers need to be wary, every time you turn around, there they are. It can start to grate on peoples’ nerves,” Wann said. “People are going to be like, ‘Oh, my gosh. Them again?’ A good example is the Yankees. They are always the Saturday game of the week, and people get tired of it. I don’t know if it’s jealousy or too much of a good thing.”Maybe a little bit of both.Some of that oversaturation is a byproduct of Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, which has created thousands if not millions of new Chiefs fans, but which also has alienated other NFL fans. Over the past 18 months, they’ve grown weary of game broadcasts constantly showing Swift in stadium suites, often with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kansas-city-chiefs-houston-texans-468b074fb9dc4f03b743593670ffdf86">celebrity pals such as WNBA star Caitlin Clark</a>.At least, that’s their perception. The reality is Swift had 54 seconds of screen time during the CBS broadcast of last year’s Super Bowl, when the Chiefs rallied to beat San Francisco in overtime. The entire broadcast lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes.“These guys bring ratings and impressions,” Lewis said, “but to other fandoms, it feels like rivals are tormenting them. Not only do they regularly lose to Mahomes, but they also have to see him and hear his ‘non-traditional’ voice in ad after ad. Kelce is the future Hall of Famer with movie star looks and is dating Taylor Swift. No fan wants to see their rivals living this well.“Taylor is part of the story as well,” Lewis added. “She brings Swifties and anti-Swifties.”They in turn become pro-Chiefs and anti-Chiefs.There are plenty of the former. There are becoming more and more of the latter.

🏈 Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate

AP Sports Summary for February 3rd, 2025:

Luka Doncic heads to the Lakers and Anthony Davis goes to the Mavs in blockbuster trade

Luka Doncic has been traded by the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. The deal was announced Sunday after trade talks that took place over about a month and were kept extremely tight-lipped. Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are headed to the Lakers, while Davis and Max Christie are going to Dallas. The Utah Jazz also are involved in the deal. The trade may come at a serious price for Doncic, who now can't sign a five-year supermax extension this summer that could have been worth around $345 million.

Doncic releases emotional farewell message to Dallas after trade sends him to Lakers

Luka Doncic released an emotional farewell to Dallas on the same day a trade sending him from the Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a swap for fellow All-NBA player Anthony Davis was finalized. Doncic said in a letter to the city Sunday that he "wanted so badly to bring you a championship" and that he thought he'd spend his career in Dallas.

De'Aaron Fox to join Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio as part of 3-team trade, AP sources say

Victor Wembanyama has a new point guard. De'Aaron Fox is on his way out of Sacramento and headed to San Antonio. Fox is one of the centerpieces of a three-team trade agreed to by three teams. The deal sends Zach LaVine from Chicago to Sacramento, Zach Collins from San Antonio to Chicago and Kevin Huerter from the Kings to the Bulls. That's according to two people with knowledge of the discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has yet to be approved by the league.

Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hate

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Not long ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were the plucky underdog that hadn't been to the Super Bowl in five decades. But times have certainly changed around the NFL. Next week, the Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the big game, trying to win the Lombardi Trophy for a record third consecutive year. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and even coach Andy Reid are showing up everywhere, whether it be television advertisements, made-for-TV events or even game shows. The result of the success and the oversaturation is this: That one-time underdog is suddenly the NFL juggernaut that NFL fans love to hate.

Rory McIlroy overpowers Pebble Beach and wins in a runaway

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Rory McIlroy brought some life to a sleepy start to the PGA Tour season. Combine his appeal with the glorious views of Pebble Beach, and he delivered a command performance. McIlroy won the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am by two shots with a 66. He pulled away from a pack of contenders with two birdies early on the back nine. And then he effectively sealed it by smashing a drive and hitting 7-iron to 25 feet for eagle on the par-5 14th. McIlroy won for the 27th time on the PGA Tour. Shane Lowry birdied the 18th to finish second.

Fans at Raptors game continue trend of booing US national anthem at pro sporting events in Canada

TORONTO (AP) — Fans at a Toronto Raptors game have continued an emerging trend of booing the American national anthem at pro sporting events in Canada. Fans of the NBA's lone Canadian franchise booed the anthem Sunday after similar reactions broke out Saturday night at NHL games in Ottawa, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. Those instances happened hours after U.S. President Donald Trump made his threat of import tariffs on America's northern neighbor a reality. Trump declared an economic emergency in order to place taxes of 25% on imports from Canada. U.S. national anthem boos in Canada are rare, but not unheard of especially when tied to world events.

Chase Elliott wins Clash at Bowman Gray and sets sights on following it with Daytona 500 victory

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR returned to its roots with a fight-free preseason exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium and a popular victory with Chase Elliott winning The Clash on Sunday night. Elliott won his heat Saturday night to start from the pole and essentially dominate on the quarter-mile track where NASCAR's Cup Series last raced in 1971. NASCAR's reigning most popular driver won The Clash for the first time in his career and joined his father, Bill, as winner of the unofficial season-opener. Bill Elliott won The Clash in 1987 and then parlayed that victory into a win in the Daytona 500 one week later. Chase Elliott gets his chance to repeat his father's dominance when NASCAR's season officially opens Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

Iowa honors Caitlin Clark by retiring her number and hanging it in the rafters

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark wasn't back in her home arena to play a game. Still, the "butterflies," the former Iowa guard said, were quite similar. Clark returned to Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday to have her jersey number 22 retired in a ceremony after the Hawkeyes' 76-67 win over No. 4 USC, one season after she completed her historic college career. The jersey retirement concluded Clark's chapter with the Hawkeyes, where she became college basketball's all-time leading scorer while leading Iowa to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA national championship game the last two seasons.

Olympic sprinting champion Noah Lyles says he's ready to race Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill

BOSTON (AP) — Olympic sprinting champion Noah Lyles says he wants to race Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill next. The 100-meter gold medalist in Paris celebrated his victory in the 60 meter race at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on Sunday by pulling the bib off his back and showing the message: "Tyreek Could Never." That's a response to Hill claiming on a podcast in August that he could beat Lyles in a race. Lyles told NBC after the race that he accepted the challenge. Hill responded on social media: "Get a load of this guy."

Shields outpoints Perkins to win 1st undisputed heavyweight bout in women's boxing

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Claressa Shields unanimously outpointed Danielle Perkins on Sunday night in the first undisputed heavyweight bout in women's boxing to remain undefeated. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with titles in five divisions, was in control of the fight from the start. She knocked down Perkins, landing a right hand on her chin with 15 seconds left in the 10th and final round. The 29-year-old Shields improved to 16-0 with three knockouts. The 42-year-old Perkins, who led St. John's basketball team in blocked shots two decades ago, won her first five fights before losing to Shields.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, February 3rd, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, February 3rd, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for February 3rd, 2025:Luka Doncic heads to the Lakers and Anthony Davis goes to the Mavs in blockbuster tradeLuka Doncic has been traded by the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. The deal was announced Sunday after trade talks that took place over about a month and were kept extremely tight-lipped. Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are headed to the Lakers, while Davis and Max Christie are going to Dallas. The Utah Jazz also are involved in the deal. The trade may come at a serious price for Doncic, who now can't sign a five-year supermax extension this summer that could have been worth around $345 million.Doncic releases emotional farewell message to Dallas after trade sends him to LakersLuka Doncic released an emotional farewell to Dallas on the same day a trade sending him from the Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a swap for fellow All-NBA player Anthony Davis was finalized. Doncic said in a letter to the city Sunday that he "wanted so badly to bring you a championship" and that he thought he'd spend his career in Dallas.De'Aaron Fox to join Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio as part of 3-team trade, AP sources sayVictor Wembanyama has a new point guard. De'Aaron Fox is on his way out of Sacramento and headed to San Antonio. Fox is one of the centerpieces of a three-team trade agreed to by three teams. The deal sends Zach LaVine from Chicago to Sacramento, Zach Collins from San Antonio to Chicago and Kevin Huerter from the Kings to the Bulls. That's according to two people with knowledge of the discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has yet to be approved by the league.Once the plucky underdog, the Kansas City Chiefs have become the NFL juggernaut fans love to hateKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Not long ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were the plucky underdog that hadn't been to the Super Bowl in five decades. But times have certainly changed around the NFL. Next week, the Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the big game, trying to win the Lombardi Trophy for a record third consecutive year. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and even coach Andy Reid are showing up everywhere, whether it be television advertisements, made-for-TV events or even game shows. The result of the success and the oversaturation is this: That one-time underdog is suddenly the NFL juggernaut that NFL fans love to hate.Rory McIlroy overpowers Pebble Beach and wins in a runawayPEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Rory McIlroy brought some life to a sleepy start to the PGA Tour season. Combine his appeal with the glorious views of Pebble Beach, and he delivered a command performance. McIlroy won the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am by two shots with a 66. He pulled away from a pack of contenders with two birdies early on the back nine. And then he effectively sealed it by smashing a drive and hitting 7-iron to 25 feet for eagle on the par-5 14th. McIlroy won for the 27th time on the PGA Tour. Shane Lowry birdied the 18th to finish second.Fans at Raptors game continue trend of booing US national anthem at pro sporting events in CanadaTORONTO (AP) — Fans at a Toronto Raptors game have continued an emerging trend of booing the American national anthem at pro sporting events in Canada. Fans of the NBA's lone Canadian franchise booed the anthem Sunday after similar reactions broke out Saturday night at NHL games in Ottawa, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. Those instances happened hours after U.S. President Donald Trump made his threat of import tariffs on America's northern neighbor a reality. Trump declared an economic emergency in order to place taxes of 25% on imports from Canada. U.S. national anthem boos in Canada are rare, but not unheard of especially when tied to world events.Chase Elliott wins Clash at Bowman Gray and sets sights on following it with Daytona 500 victoryWINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR returned to its roots with a fight-free preseason exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium and a popular victory with Chase Elliott winning The Clash on Sunday night. Elliott won his heat Saturday night to start from the pole and essentially dominate on the quarter-mile track where NASCAR's Cup Series last raced in 1971. NASCAR's reigning most popular driver won The Clash for the first time in his career and joined his father, Bill, as winner of the unofficial season-opener. Bill Elliott won The Clash in 1987 and then parlayed that victory into a win in the Daytona 500 one week later. Chase Elliott gets his chance to repeat his father's dominance when NASCAR's season officially opens Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.Iowa honors Caitlin Clark by retiring her number and hanging it in the raftersIOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark wasn't back in her home arena to play a game. Still, the "butterflies," the former Iowa guard said, were quite similar. Clark returned to Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday to have her jersey number 22 retired in a ceremony after the Hawkeyes' 76-67 win over No. 4 USC, one season after she completed her historic college career. The jersey retirement concluded Clark's chapter with the Hawkeyes, where she became college basketball's all-time leading scorer while leading Iowa to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA national championship game the last two seasons.Olympic sprinting champion Noah Lyles says he's ready to race Dolphins receiver Tyreek HillBOSTON (AP) — Olympic sprinting champion Noah Lyles says he wants to race Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill next. The 100-meter gold medalist in Paris celebrated his victory in the 60 meter race at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on Sunday by pulling the bib off his back and showing the message: "Tyreek Could Never." That's a response to Hill claiming on a podcast in August that he could beat Lyles in a race. Lyles told NBC after the race that he accepted the challenge. Hill responded on social media: "Get a load of this guy."Shields outpoints Perkins to win 1st undisputed heavyweight bout in women's boxingFLINT, Mich. (AP) — Claressa Shields unanimously outpointed Danielle Perkins on Sunday night in the first undisputed heavyweight bout in women's boxing to remain undefeated. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with titles in five divisions, was in control of the fight from the start. She knocked down Perkins, landing a right hand on her chin with 15 seconds left in the 10th and final round. The 29-year-old Shields improved to 16-0 with three knockouts. The 42-year-old Perkins, who led St. John's basketball team in blocked shots two decades ago, won her first five fights before losing to Shields.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Detroit	117	Dallas	102	Final	L.A. Clippers	112	Charlotte	104	Final	Chicago	122	Toronto	106	Final	Denver	137	Philadelphia	134	Final	Boston	118	New Orleans	116	Final	San Antonio	144	Milwaukee	118	Final	Phoenix	130	Golden State	105	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Buffalo	4	Nashville	3	Final	Dallas	5	Vancouver	3	Final	Colorado	5	St. Louis	0	Final OT	Columbus	3	Utah	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(10)Purdue	81	Indiana	76

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — With Olympic flag football three years away, this much is becoming clear: the U.S. team should want a former LSU receiver on its roster.

The four ex-Tigers competing in the Pro Bowl Games scored a combined eight touchdowns in a flag football contest that capped the NFC’s third consecutive victory over the AFC, 76-63 on Sunday.

Rookie Malik Nabers of the New York Giants found the end zone twice for the NFC, and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson also scored. Jefferson caught six passes for 46 yards. Nabers finished with five receptions for 62 yards.

“We’re on top for sure,” Jefferson said. “It is definitely great to see the guys having fun out here, scoring touchdowns, just making big plays. That’s what we normally do, so it’s good to see us coming out here and doing the same thing.”

The NFC essentially sealed the win by returning two interceptions for touchdowns in the second half, giving coach Eli Manning a third consecutive win over big brother and AFC coach Peyton. Arizona’s Budda Baker and Minnesota’s Byron Murphy delivered the big defensive plays in a made-for-TV event designed to showcase offense.

Jared Goff, who got the NFC off to a strong start with his near-perfect performance in a skills competition Thursday, completed 10 of 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Goff and Murphy earned MVP honors.

Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield added three TDs on eight completions for the NFC, his second one going to Nabers.

Former LSU guys in the end zone ended up being the biggest trend in a game that lacked drama.

Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase scored three times, including a 45-yarder from Russell Wilson late, and Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. added two more for the AFC. Chase celebrated his third with a backflip and then performed “the Griddy” that his former college teammate, Jefferson, helped popularize.

The NFC started the day with a 14-7 lead after six skills competitions worth up to three points each Thursday night. The conference added to its lead by winning the “Great Football Race” and dominated an old-fashioned tug-of-war competition Sunday.

With Dexter Lawrence of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay’s Vita Vea and Seattle’s Leonard Williams anchoring the strength test, the AFC got yanked into a foam pit twice in a best-of-three event.

Speed thrills, and Dallas Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin put on a show. Eli Manning used Turpin as a pass rusher, and his quickness was evident throughout the game. He pressured quarterbacks regularly, forcing them into mistakes, and seemingly pulled flags with ease. He finished with five tackles, including a sack.

Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons spent time between the first and second quarters playing cards on the AFC bench. They eventually put the deck down and watched a skill game called “Punt Perfect.”

But it was fairly common to see players finding ways to pass the time in the game’s laid-back atmosphere. Mayfield, Buccaneers teammate Tristan Wirfs and Dallas’ Micah Parsons posed for pictures holding their babies on the NFC sideline. Cleveland’s Jerry Jeudy spent much of the game signing autographs on the AFC sideline.

Jacksonville’s Logan Cooke edged Detroit’s Jack Fox wowed teammates and fans in double overtime of “Punt Perfect.” It may have been the most dramatic finish of the Pro Bowl Games.

“At the end of the day, everyone came here for a punt-off,” Cooke quipped.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548601014.png" alt="(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" />
 <figcaption>(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — With Olympic flag football three years away, this much is becoming clear: the U.S. team should want a former LSU receiver on its roster.The four ex-Tigers competing in the Pro Bowl Games scored a combined eight touchdowns in a flag football contest that capped the NFC’s third consecutive victory over the AFC, 76-63 on Sunday.Rookie Malik Nabers of the New York Giants found the end zone twice for the NFC, and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson also scored. Jefferson caught six passes for 46 yards. Nabers finished with five receptions for 62 yards.“We’re on top for sure,” Jefferson said. “It is definitely great to see the guys having fun out here, scoring touchdowns, just making big plays. That’s what we normally do, so it’s good to see us coming out here and doing the same thing.”The NFC essentially sealed the win by returning two interceptions for touchdowns in the second half, giving coach Eli Manning a third consecutive win over big brother and AFC coach Peyton. Arizona’s Budda Baker and Minnesota’s Byron Murphy delivered the big defensive plays in a made-for-TV event designed to showcase offense.Jared Goff, who got the NFC off to a strong start with his near-perfect performance in a skills competition Thursday, completed 10 of 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Goff and Murphy earned MVP honors.Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield added three TDs on eight completions for the NFC, his second one going to Nabers.Former LSU guys in the end zone ended up being the biggest trend in a game that lacked drama.Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase scored three times, including a 45-yarder from Russell Wilson late, and Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. added two more for the AFC. Chase celebrated his third with a backflip and then performed “the Griddy” that his former college teammate, Jefferson, helped popularize.The NFC started the day with a 14-7 lead after six skills competitions worth up to three points each Thursday night. The conference added to its lead by winning the “Great Football Race” and dominated an old-fashioned tug-of-war competition Sunday.With Dexter Lawrence of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay’s Vita Vea and Seattle’s Leonard Williams anchoring the strength test, the AFC got yanked into a foam pit twice in a best-of-three event.<h2>Turpin shines — on defense</h2>Speed thrills, and Dallas Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin put on a show. Eli Manning used Turpin as a pass rusher, and his quickness was evident throughout the game. He pressured quarterbacks regularly, forcing them into mistakes, and seemingly pulled flags with ease. He finished with five tackles, including a sack.<h2>Sideline shuffle, anyone?</h2>Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons spent time between the first and second quarters playing cards on the AFC bench. They eventually put the deck down and watched a skill game called “Punt Perfect.”But it was fairly common to see players finding ways to pass the time in the game’s laid-back atmosphere. Mayfield, Buccaneers teammate Tristan Wirfs and Dallas’ Micah Parsons posed for pictures holding their babies on the NFC sideline. Cleveland’s Jerry Jeudy spent much of the game signing autographs on the AFC sideline.<h2>Scintillating finish for punters</h2>Jacksonville’s Logan Cooke edged Detroit’s Jack Fox wowed teammates and fans in double overtime of “Punt Perfect.” It may have been the most dramatic finish of the Pro Bowl Games.“At the end of the day, everyone came here for a punt-off,” Cooke quipped.

🏈 NFC beats AFC in Pro Bowl 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jaelyn Glenn scored 19 points, Taryn Sides added 14 points and they combined for nine 3-pointers in No. 11 Kansas State’s 91-64 rout of in-state rival Kansas on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548136344.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jaelyn Glenn scored 19 points, Taryn Sides added 14 points and they combined for nine 3-pointers in No. 11 Kansas State’s 91-64 rout of in-state rival Kansas on Sunday.Glenn made 5 of 8 3-pointers and Sides came off the bench to make 4 of 9 from deep. Zyanna Walker scored 13 points and Temira Poindexter added 12 points for the Wildcats (21-2, 9-1 Big 12). Sides had eight of their 26 assists on 34 made shots. K-State shot 59% overall and made 15 of 23 3-pointers.The Wildcats blew it wide open with a 30-point third quarter with Sides making 3 of 4 3-pointers and Glenn going 2 of 3 from deep. K-State shot 59% in the third and led 67-38 heading to the fourth quarter.Sania Copeland scored all 17 of her points in the fourth quarter to help Kansas to a 26-24 advantage.Elle Evans scored 13 points and Laia Conesa added 12 for the Jayhawks (14-8, 4-7).K-State led 20-17 after one quarter, then Glenn and Walker scored five points each in a 10-0 run to start the second quarter. The teams traded baskets for much of the rest of the quarter and the Wildcats led 37-25 at halftime.Kansas State returns home for a first-place showdown with No. 9 TCU on Wednesday. Kansas visits No. 21 West Virginia on Wednesday.