AP Sports SummaryBrief at 1:12 a.m. EST

Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar suspended for 2026 season following second positive drug test

NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the 2026 season by Major League Baseball following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the commissioner’s office said, which means testosterone that was not produced by his body. Because it was a second offense, the length of Profar’s suspension was 162 games. An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance."

Colts place transition tag on Daniel Jones and Breece Hall gets franchise tag from Jets

The Indianapolis Colts placed a transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones and the New York Jets used the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall as teams beat the deadline to place tags on potential free agents. The Colts opted to use the $37.8 million transition tag instead of the $43.9 million franchise tag, opening up the possibility that he could still leave without compensation for Indianapolis. Hall got the $14.3 million franchise tag from New York, meaning the Jets would get two first-round picks as compensation if they didn’t match any potential offer sheet.

With 100 days to go, World Cup faces new challenges with Iran war and Mexico violence

GENEVA (AP) — With 100 days to go until the World Cup, the Iran war has added a new layer of complexity to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. How the conflict will affect the world’s most watched sporting event is the latest issue facing organizers. FIFA was already grappling with cartel violence in one of the Mexican host cities, scaled-back plans for fan festivals in the U.S. and pushback from fans over soaring ticket prices. The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City. It will be the biggest World Cup ever with 48 participating teams.

Cardinals inform 2-time Pro Bowl QB Kyler Murray they plan to release him next week, AP source says

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have informed two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray that they plan to release him at the beginning of the new league year on March 11, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move can’t be officially announced until next week. Murray — who is owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money in 2026 — will be free to sign with any team once he’s released.

Luka Doncic scores 27 points as the Lakers rally past the Pelicans, 110-101

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, LeBron James added 21 points and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past the New Orleans Pelicans 110-101 for their third straight victory. Deandre Ayton had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and 21 turnovers by making a 14-0 run to seize control down the stretch. Zion Williamson scored 24 points in his return from a one-game absence after hurting ankle last Saturday for the Pelicans, who lost for only the second time in six games. The Lakers finished the game on a 24-7 run.

Hurley goes out a winner in what could be his final home game at Arizona State

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State scratched and clawed its was to a 70-60 win over No. 14 Kansas in what may be coach Bobby Hurley's final home game. Arizona State jumped out to a 20-point lead, let the Jayhawks back in it and made all the key plays down the stretch to close out its home schedule with a win. Hurley's contract was not renewed beyond this season, so the Sun Devils will likely need a miracle run through the Big 12 tournament for the coach to keep his job. Hurley led Arizona State to three NCAA Tournaments, including two straight, but didn't win consistently enough. He at least went out with a bang, if this was the end.

No. 19 Miami of Ohio beats Toledo 74-72, extends season-opening winning streak to 30 games

OXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Pete Suder scored 19 points, Antowne Woolfolk added 14 and No. 19 Miami (Ohio) closed within a victory of a perfect regular season with a 74-72 win over Toledo that extended the RedHawks’ season-opening winning streak to 30 games. The RedHawks (17-0 Mid-American Conference) remain the only undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball. Miami extended the best start in program history and added to its school record for wins in a season. Miami also boasts the best start and longest win streak in MAC annals. Brant Byers added 13 points and Luke Skaljac chipped in 12 for the RedHawks. Leroy Blyden Jr. led Toledo (16-4, 10-7) with 21 points and Sonny Wilson added 13.

Scherzer calls daughter's letter to Blue Jays 'the cutest thing you can possibly imagine'

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Max Scherzer says the note his daughter composed that asked the Toronto Blue Jays to re-sign the three-time Cy Young Award winner arose as his kids were writing letters to Santa Claus in December. Scherzer's wife posted the handwritten note on Instagram after the three-time Cy Young Award winner signed a one-year, $3 million contract to stay in Toronto. Scherzer told reporters that “it's the cutest thing you can possibly imagine when you read that.”

San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start WBC opener for Team USA against Brazil

PHOENIX (AP) — San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start on the mound for Team USA in its first World Baseball Classic game Friday night against Brazil, manager Mark DeRosa said Monday. DeRosa added that two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is expected to start Saturday against Britain, followed by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes versus Mexico on Monday. New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday in the final pool-play game against Italy, though he’s dealing with an illness and wasn’t with the U.S. team for Monday’s practice.

Rahm says European tour is 'extorting' LIV players by making them play more events to rejoin tour

Jon Rahm is claiming the European tour is extorting players from LIV Golf by making them play extra tournaments if they want to regain membership. Rahm is in Hong Kong for the next LIV event. The European tour says eight players have accepted a deal in which they pay previous fines and play extra tournaments to regain their membership. Rahm refuses to accept the deal. He says he shouldn't be required to play extra tournaments. Rahm says if the deal was just play four tournaments outside the majors, he would sign the deal. He says he won't play six events.