Tua Tagovailoa out for Week 17 vs. Patriots

The Miami Dolphins will be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots due to a concussion, head coach Mike McDaniel announced Friday, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Veteran passer Teddy Bridgewater is set to start under center.

Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol Monday when he self-reported symptoms to team doctors following last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers. McDaniel later confirmed Wednesday that the signal-caller did suffer a concussion in the matchup.

Sidney Crosby named Order of Canada

Sidney Crosby's home country gave him one of its highest honors Thursday, elevating the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar to the Order of Canada.

Governor General Mary Simon named Crosby one of 32 new officers and 99 new appointments to the Order "for being one of the greatest hockey players of all time and for supporting community service initiatives for youth."

Crosby has long been one of the NHL's brightest stars. The future Hall of Famer has a lengthy resume of accomplishments, including many on the international stage. Most memorably, he scored the "Golden Goal" in 2010, helping Canada defeat the United States in overtime to win that Olympic tournament.

Devin Booker out 4 weeks

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker suffered a left groin strain in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Denver Nuggets and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the team announced Wednesday.

Booker left the game after just four minutes due to the injury and didn't return. Before Sunday, the three-time All-Star missed three consecutive games due to a groin injury, though it's unclear if the ailment he sustained against Denver is an aggravation of the same issue.

Connor Bedard ties World Junior record

Connor Bedard tied the Canadian world juniors record for most points in a single game after putting up seven in the host country's 11-2 rout of Germany on Wednesday.

Bedard joins Dave Andreychuk, Brenden Morrow, Mike Cammalleri, and Gabriel Bourque as the only Canadians to accomplish the feat.

Braves sign Sean Murphy

Another piece of the Atlanta Braves' core is sticking around for the long haul.

The Braves announced Tuesday the signing of catcher Sean Murphy to a six-year, $73-million extension. The agreement, which delays his eventual free agency by at least two years, also includes a $15-million club option for 2029 with no buyout.

Murphy signed his extension less than a month after Atlanta acquired him from the Oakland Athletics in a three-team trade. He continues a trend of Braves stars forgoing arbitration and free agency in favor of signing a long-term deal with the club that began after general manager Alex Anthopoulos took over in 2018.

Antti Raanta lifts Hurricanes to victory

Antti Raanta made 24 saves for his first shutout since March and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 on Tuesday night for their ninth consecutive victory.

Martin Necas, Jesper Fast, and Jordan Martinook scored to help the Hurricanes extend their franchise-record points streak to 15 games.

Luka Doncic career high 60 points

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic recorded a career-high 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 126-121 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

Doncic's performance is the first 60-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist game in NBA history, according to ESPN's Stats & Info.

The Mavericks were down nine points with 33 seconds remaining when Doncic scored six points, including the game-tying basket off an intentionally missed free throw.

J.J. Watt announces his retirement

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt announced Tuesday that the 2022 season will be his last in the NFL.

Watt tweeted that Sunday's overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was his final home game in the league. Arizona, which has already been eliminated from playoff contention, visits the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers in its final two games this campaign.

Denver Broncos fire coach Nathaniel Hackett

The Denver Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett on Monday after the club went 4-11 through his 15 games as head coach.

"Following extensive conversations with (general manager) George (Paton) and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos," team owner Greg Penner said in a statement. "This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach."

Penner will lead the search for the team's next head coach, with additional support coming from the ownership group. The owner added he has confidence in Paton as general manager.

Tua Tagovailoa in concussion protocol again

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is in concussion protocol, head coach Mike McDaniel announced Monday.

The 24-year-old's status for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots is in question.

McDaniel said he's unsure when Tagovailoa got injured and that no one recognized issues during the Dolphins' 26-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. The quarterback self-reported to team doctors after beginning to experience symptoms Monday.

John Carlson out after slap shot to the head

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson was released from a hospital Saturday and will be out for an indefinite period of time, the club announced.

The Capitals' medical staff is still looking after Carlson, who was taken to hospital Friday night following a slap shot to the side of the head less than a minute into the third period. He left the game and didn't return.

Anthony Davis out indefinitely

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is out indefinitely due to a stress injury in his right foot, the team announced Friday.

The diagnosis was given after further consultation with the team's physicians and outside specialists.

However, Davis has experienced less pain in his injured foot over the past several days and is expected to rest it for another 7-to-10 days before being re-evaluated

Miles Austin suspended for gambling

New York Jets wide receivers coach Miles Austin has been suspended for at least one year for violating the NFL's gambling policy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Rich Cimini.

Austin's attorney Bill Deni released a statement per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo confirming the suspension is for wagering on "table games and non-NFL professional sports." However, gambling on any sport is prohibited for NFL personnel, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Blue Jays acquire Daulton Varsho from Diamondbacks

The Toronto Blue Jays announced they acquired outfielder Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday for top catching prospect Gabriel Morenoand outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Varsho, 26, is coming off a breakout campaign during which he split time at catcher and outfield. He hit .235/.302/.443 with 27 homers and 16 stolen bases while ranking 99th percentile in outs above average and 97th percentile in outfield jump, according to Baseball Savant.

The left-handed hitter posted a 121 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers but a 52 wRC+ against southpaws. He's under team control through the 2026 campaign, and is projected to earn $2.8 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

Alex Ovechkin scores goal 802

Alex Ovechkin has sole possession of second place on the NHL's all-time goals list.

The Washington Capitals sniper scored goals No. 801 and 802 on Friday against the Winnipeg Jets, passing the legendary Gordie Howe.

Brittney Griner released from Russian prison

Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

The deal, the second such exchange in eight months with Russia, procured the release of the most prominent American detained abroad. Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose monthslong imprisonment on drug charges brought unprecedented attention to the population of wrongful detainees.

Aaron Judge signs 9 year $360M with Yankees

Aaron Judge has rendered his verdict.

The New York Yankees are re-signing the reigning American League MVP to a nine-year, $360-million deal, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Chicago Cubs sign Cody Bellinger

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a one-year, $17.5-million contract with former National League MVP Cody Bellinger, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Bellinger's deal contains a mutual option for 2024 that can be bought out for $5.5 million, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times. He'll earn a base salary of $12 million next year.

Nathan MacKinnon out 4 weeks

Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon is expected to miss approximately four weeks with an upper-body injury, the team announced Tuesday. 

MacKinnon appeared to be in discomfort after taking a shot in the first period of Monday's clash against the Philadelphia Flyers. He also took a couple of hits from Scott Laughton next to the Flyers' bench.

The star didn't return to the contest after logging just five minutes of ice time. The Avs lost the game 5-3.

Odell Beckham Jr. escorted off plane by police

Free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was kicked off a plane in Miami on Sunday, Miami-Dade Police said in a statement to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Police said officers were dispatched to the flight after the crew became concerned for the wideout's health. Beckham appeared to be coming in and out of consciousness while attendants tried to wake him to fasten his seat belt, according to the statement.

Passengers had to get off the plane after Beckham refused multiple requests to leave, added police. He then exited "without incident" after being asked to do so by officers.

Justin Jefferson sets new record

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has set a new record for receiving yards in a player's first three seasons with 4,248, passing Hall of Famer Randy Moss' previous mark of 4,163.

Jefferson eclipsed Moss with this highlight-reel grab in a win over the New England Patriots on Thanksgiving night.

Legendary Borje Salming passes away at 71

Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Borje Salming died at 71, the team announced Thursday.

He was diagnosed with ALS in August. 

"The Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Borje Salming," team president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement. "Borje was a pioneer of the game and an icon with an unbreakable spirit and unquestioned toughness. He helped open the door for Europeans in the NHL and defined himself through his play on the ice and through his contributions to the community.

Brewers trade Renfroe

The Milwaukee Brewers traded outfielder Hunter Renfroe to the Los Angeles Angels for right-handers Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero and minor-league left-hander Adam Seminaris, the teams announced Tuesday.

Renfroe joins an Angels outfield mix that includes three-time MVP Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak, and Jo Adell. He'll provide another potent bat alongside Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Anthony Rendon.

Matthew Stafford concussion protocol

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has re-entered the concussion protocol, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Stafford was inactive against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 due to a concussion. He was cleared to play in Week 11 versus the New Orleans Saints but left the game in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion again and didn't return.

Toronto Argos win Grey Cup

The Toronto Argonauts ended the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' reign atop the Canadian Football League and claimed their 18th Grey Cup championship with a wild 24-23 win at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

Lineman Robbie Smith took a critical facemask penalty on a sack of Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collarosto extend their drive but redeemed himself moments later by blocking Winnipeg's 47-yard field-goal attempt with 54 seconds left to seal the upset win.

Justin Verlander looking for big contract

Justin Verlander is looking for a serious payday in free agency.

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane said the right-handed ace wants a deal similar to Max Scherzer's three-year, $130-million contract inked with the New York Mets last offseason, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

"I know him well, so we've been pretty candid," Crane said. "He's looking at the comp, which I think there's only one or two. ... JV's probably got a few years left, and he wants to make the most of it. I think he's going to test the market on that."

Bryce Harper will undergo elbow surgery

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced superstar outfielder Bryce Harper will have surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament next Wednesday, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

Dombrowski added the timetable for Harper's return isn't known yet because the team isn't sure if the procedure will be Tommy John surgery.

Teoscar Hernandez traded to Mariners

Teoscar Hernandez is heading to the West Coast.

The Toronto Blue Jays traded the star outfielder to the Seattle Mariners for reliever Erik Swansonand left-handed pitching prospect Adam Macko, both clubs announced Wednesday.

Hernandez, a two-time Silver Slugger and 2021 All-Star, went deep 25 times with 77 RBIs and an .807 OPS over 131 games for the Blue Jays last season.

Patrik Laine out with sprained ankle

Columbus Blue Jackets sniper Patrik Laine is expected to miss three-to-four weeks due to a sprained ankle sustained on Saturday, the team announced Monday.

Jake Muzzin out indefinitely with spine injury

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin is out indefinitely due to a cervical spine injury and will be re-evaluated in February, the team announced Monday. 

Muzzin hasn't played since Oct. 17, when an awkward collision with Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller forced him to leave the game. The veteran blue-liner has registered one assist in four contests this season.

Muzzin has a history of head and neck injuries. He was stretchered off the ice during the 2020 qualifying round and also missed time last campaign due to concussions.

Babe Ruth glove sold $1.53M

A baseball glove Hall of Famer Babe Ruth wore sold at the annual Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory auction Saturday for a record $1.53 million, according to Dan Hajducky of ESPN.

The piece of memorabilia shattered the previous record for sums paid for a baseball glove, previously held by a mitt once owned by Lou Gehrig, which fetched $387,500 in 1999.

Ruth personally donated the glove to St. Louis Browns third baseman Jimmy Austin. Austin's niece Susan Kolokoff entered the glove for auction.

Patrick Mahomes continues to dominate

Patrick Mahomes threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns, Kadarius Toney showed glimpses of stardom in his second game for the Chiefs and Kansas City rolled to a 27-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Toney, who was acquired a couple of week ago from the Giants, had 33 yards rushing to go with four catches for 57 yards and his first NFL touchdown reception, helping the Chiefs (7-2) win their sixth straight over the Jaguars.

Maple Leafs show Borje Salming some love

The Toronto Maple Leafs showed Borje Salming some love for the second night in a row Saturday with another emotional tribute before their 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks.

The Leafs recognized the trailblazer one night after honoring him ahead of the Hall of Fame game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Toronto iced an all-Swedish starting lineup in a clear nod to Salming, who was diagnosed with ALS in August.

Jack Eichel with the Hat Trick in Buffalo

Jack Eichel had some extra motivation Thursday night, and he certainly played like it.

The Vegas Golden Knights forward notched a hat trick and added an assist in a 7-4 road victory over his former team, the Buffalo Sabres. It was the visitors' ninth consecutive win.

Fans in Buffalo booed Eichel every time he took the ice early in the game, so he responded with a celebratory pose for the crowd after his first goal of the night.

Astros and James Click have parted ways

The Houston Astros and general manager James Click parted ways after the World Series-winning executive rejected a one-year contract offer, the club announced Friday.

Click, whom the Astros hired in February 2020 to replace Jeff Luhnow, was seeking a new contract after his deal ended Oct. 31.

Nike walks away from Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving's relationship with Nike appears to be over for good. 

Nike co-founder Phil Knight addressed the company's decision to suspend ties with the Brooklyn Nets guard during an interview with CNBC's Becky Quick on Thursday.

"Kyrie stepped over the line. It's kind of that simple," Knight said. "He made some statements that we just can't abide by and that's why we ended the relationship. And I was fine with that."

Jacob deGrom interested to join the Rangers

Right-hander Jacob deGrom informed the Texas Rangers that he's interested in signing with the team in free agency, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

The pitcher is expected to seek a pact with an average annual value of $40-million plus, reports Heyman. The four-time All-Star is arguably the top starting pitcher available on the open market after opting out of his deal with the New York Mets.

LeBron James out with groin injury

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James left Wednesday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers with left groin soreness.

James limped to the locker room with 5:41 remaining in the fourth quarter following a shot attempt at the basket. The Lakers lost 114-101.

Justin Verlander seeks free agency

There's another ace available on the open market.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander is now a free agent after declining his $25-million player option for 2023, the MLBPA announced Thursday.

Astros owner Jim Crane saidWednesday that the team is working on bringing the veteran star back.

Dusty Baker confirms he’ll be back in 2023

Dusty Baker confirmed Tuesday that he will return to manage the Houston Astros for the 2023 campaign.

"I'll be back, but we're working on it. It's as simple as that," Baker said, according to Fox 26's Mark Berman.

Baker just guided the Astros to their second World Series championship in franchise history. It was his first as a skipper after 2,093 regular-season victories without one.

Ryan Reynolds interested in buying Ottawa Senators

Deadpool nights could be coming to the Canadian Tire Centre.

Ryan Reynolds confirmed his interest in buying the Ottawa Senators as part of a group during an appearance Monday on "The Tonight Show."

"I am trying (to buy the team)," the Canadian-born actor said. "It's very expensive. So I need a partner with really deep pockets."

The franchise is reportedly valued at $655 million, making it the 27th most valuable team in the NHL, but that figure would likely be much higher if it were to be sold.

Tom Brady reaches 100,000 passing yards

Tom Brady added another remarkable milestone to his legendary career.

With a 15-yard connection to running back Leonard Fournette on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneersquarterback became the first player in NFL history to reach 100,000 passing yards, including the playoffs.

Edwin Diaz signs huge contract

The New York Mets and the All-Star closer are in agreement on a five-year, $102-million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The deal contains an opt-out, a full no-trade clause, and a sixth-year option

Jonathan Huberdeau isn’t happy with his start

Jonathan Huberdeau's start with the Calgary Flames hasn't been disastrous by any means, but the talented winger expects more out of himself. 

"I've still got a lot of work to do. I mean, obviously, it hasn't been easy for me at the beginning of the year. I'm way better than what I am right now," he told reporters Wednesday.

James Harden out with foot injury

Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden is expected to miss a month due to a tendon strain in his right foot, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Harden was walking with a limp in the locker room and declined to speak to the media after Wednesday's loss to the Washington Wizards, according to Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The 10-time All-Star is averaging 22 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds through nine games this season. Philadelphia is 4-5 to start the campaign despite lofty preseason expectations. Harden's co-star, Joel Embiid, has already missed three of the first nine games due to injury recovery and an illness.

Broncos trade Bradley Chubb to Miami Dolphins

The Denver Broncos are trading linebacker Bradley Chubb and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins, the Broncos announced Tuesday. 

In return, the Broncos receive the San Francisco 49ers' 2023 first-round pick (which Miami acquired before the 2021 draft), the Dolphins' 2024 fourth-rounder, and running back Chase Edmonds. The trade is pending physicals.

Brooklyn Nets part ways with Steve Nash

The Brooklyn Nets have parted ways with head coach Steve Nash, the team announced Tuesday.

The move follows a disappointing 2-5 record to open the 2022-23 campaign.

Nash's departure was a mutual decision by the 48-year-old and the franchise, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Nets are reportedly expected to hire suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka as his replacement.

Britt Reid sentenced 3 years in prison

Former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison for driving drunk, speeding and hitting two parked cars last year, leaving a 5-year-old girl with a serious brain injury.

Reid pleaded guilty in September to driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, but prosecutors had agreed to ask for a maximum sentence of four years in prison. Reid sought probation. The injured girl's family had opposed the plea deal.

Ravens pick up Roquan Smith for A.J Klein

The Chicago Bears traded star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for linebacker A.J. Klein as well as second- and fifth-round picks, a source told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.

Kawhi Leonard out against Pelicans

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will miss the team's back-to-back set Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans and Monday against the Houston Rockets due to injury recovery for his right knee, head coach Ty Lue said ahead of Sunday's contest.