Texas QB Arch Manning apologizes to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe for laughing about fake video of slap

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback Arch Manning has apologized for publicly joking about an AI-altered video that depicted Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe in the moments after Texas’ big win over Ohio State. Manning was asked Monday at a news conference if he’d seen any social media posts about the postgame celebration. He mentioned the fake video clip, called it “hilarious” and laughed about it. The comments drew widespread criticism on social media. Manning publicly apologized to Rowe on Tuesday in a statement on Instagram. Rowe posted a note accepting his apology.

A sweeping college sports overhaul bill clears early hurdle in Senate vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation to broadly regulate college sports has cleared a first major hurdle in the Senate. The Senate voted Tuesday to consider the bill, a significant step forward as senators from both parties have made the legislation a priority. The bill aims to put guardrails around escalating spending in college sports as the industry struggles to adapt to a new model in which schools can pay players. Major conferences, Senate leadership and President Donald Trump have backed the bipartisan bill. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz of Texas said the bill aims to quell “the chaos we have in college sports.”

The Milwaukee Brewers and their brand of selfless baseball are NL Central champions again

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched their fourth straight NL Central title. Ace Jacob Misiorowski admits he’s still trying to figure out how they keep winning. The Brewers have relied on a mix of good pitching, timely hitting and smart baserunning. They have the 19th-highest payroll in baseball and the best record in the majors as the season winds down. The next goal for the Brewers is to finish as the top seed in the National League and earn home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Formula 1 schedules 2027 season-opening race in Bahrain in March despite Middle East uncertainty

Formula 1 plans to open the 2027 season in Bahrain even as uncertainty remains over this year’s races in the Middle East. F1 released a schedule for 2027 on Wednesday starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14 and more events in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. All have long-term contracts to host F1. Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were called off this year due to the Iran war. An extra race in Malaysia next month will have Bahrain Grand Prix branding.

Silver says NBA looked at precedent before doling out Clippers’ penalties for cap circumvention

NEW YORK (AP) — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league looked at precedent before taking away five first-round draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing salary cap rules. He spoke Tuesday at the end of a two-day Board of Governors meeting. Silver pointed to a precedent with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were once docked five picks for similar violations. He acknowledged the decision was difficult because of its impact on fans. The Clippers were found to have circumvented rules on Kawhi Leonard’s behalf. The NBA also has suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year and fined the team $30 million.

Pete Alonso hits 300th homer to tie game in 9th against Mets and gets rare curtain call on road

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso hit plenty of memorable home runs for the New York Mets. This one came at their expense. Alonso launched his 300th career homer Tuesday night, a tying shot in the ninth inning against his former team, and Coby Mayo’s inside-the-park homer in the 11th sent the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-5 victory at Citi Field. With the Orioles clinging to playoff hopes, Alonso connected off Kodai Senga to tie the score 3-all. The pumped-up slugger fired his bat toward the Baltimore dugout and shouted in excitement. He rounded the bases as the Queens crowd of 28,097 roared and then called him out for a rare curtain call on the road. Alonso hit a club-record 264 homers for the Mets before signing with the Orioles last December.

Capitals say Alex Ovechkin was asked to film United Russia ad while home this summer

WASHINGTON (AP) — After Alex Ovechkin appeared in an ad for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, the Washington Capitals said their long-time captain was asked to participate while back in his home country this summer. Team spokesperson Sergey Kocharov says in a statement to The Associated Press that Ovechkin is a Russian citizen who lives in Moscow during the offseason and plans to return there after retiring from his NHL career. Kocharov says Ovechkin is a pillar of the community in Washington and that his and the team’s focus is on the coming season and the impact he makes on and off the ice.

TNT says 1.2 million viewers watched the US beat France in the women’s FIBA World Cup final

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. delivered record ratings for the women’s FIBA World Cup on TNT, with an average of 1.2 million people watching the Americans beat France in the gold medal game. It was the third most-watched women’s World Cup game and it peaked at 1.5 million viewers. The top two also came from this year’s tournament, which ended Sunday. The title game went up against the opening weekend of the NFL season and the U.S. Open men’s final. The WNBA has drawn huge ratings this season, thanks in no small part to Caitlin Clark’s star power.

Sophie Cunningham expresses thoughts on next WNBA commissioner, has discussed them with Adam Silver

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham told reporters that she has discussed the soon-to-be vacant WNBA commissioner’s position with Adam Silver after the NBA commissioner reached out to her. Cunningham spoke at practice Monday as the league remains on its FIBA World Cup break. Current WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently announced she will retire at the end of the year. And while the outspoken Cunningham has plenty of thoughts about what traits are needed in the league’s next leader, she didn’t offer any names for the position. It’s not unusual for Silver to speak with players in either the NBA or the WNBA about issues pertaining to either league. The league declined to comment on the specifics of what Silver and Cunningham discussed.

Paul George understands sentiments after trade, says he’s ready to prove himself with Celtics

BOSTON (AP) — Paul George is embracing his new role with the Boston Celtics after being traded from Philadelphia. George says he understands fans’ disappointment over losing Jaylen Brown but said he’s focused on the opportunity ahead of him. George said he’s in a great place after past injuries and remains motivated as he prepares to join his fifth NBA team.