Category: Sports

Washington releases 2019 1st-round pick Dwayne Haskins

Washington releases 2019 1st-round pick Dwayne Haskins
By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer
Washington has released 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins the day after he committed three turnovers in a loss to Carolina. Haskins started in place of injured quarterback Alex Smith despite being disciplined for violating COVID-19 protocols by partying with several people without a mask. Haskins was 14 of 28 with two interceptions and a fumble against the Panthers before being benched for Taylor Heinicke. Haskins was 1-5 as the starter this season. Coach Ron Rivera earlier Monday said either Smith or Heinicke would start the regular-season finale at Philadelphia with the NFC East title on the line. Washington’s previous regime drafted Haskins 15th overall last year.

Steelers rally past Colts to end skid, lock up AFC North

Steelers rally past Colts to end skid, lock up AFC North
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are AFC North champions. Finally. Ben Roethlisberger overcame a month-long malaise to throw for 342 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the Steelers locked up the division title with a stunningly improbable 28-24 victory. Listless and lifeless for weeks thanks to a three-game losing streak that followed an 11-0 start, Pittsburgh (12-3) somehow got it together over the final 25 minutes against the Colts (10-5). Indianapolis missed a chance to inch closer to a playoff berth when it let a 17-point third-quarter lead slip away.

Baseball Hall of Famer, knuckleballer Phil Niekro dies at 81

Baseball Hall of Famer, knuckleballer Phil Niekro dies at 81
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) — Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro has died at the age of 81 after a long fight with cancer. Niekro pitched well into his 40s with a knuckleball that baffled big league hitters for more than two decades, mostly with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves announced his death, saying he died Saturday night in his sleep. Niekro won 318 games over his 24-year career, which ended in 1987 at age 48 after he made one final start with the Braves. Niekro also pitched for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays late in his career.

Pirates’ Polanco breaks wrist in winter ball, OK for spring

Pirates’ Polanco breaks wrist in winter ball, OK for spring
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco broke a bone in his right wrist playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. The Pirates said Polanco has a small nondisplaced fracture of the triquetrum bone and that the wrist will be immobilized for a short time. The 29-year-old Polanco is expected to be 100% by the start of spring training. Polanco batted just .153 with seven homers and 22 RBIs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He tested positive for the coronavirus during the team’s summer camp.

Colts, Steelers meet while heading in opposite directions

Colts, Steelers meet while heading in opposite directions
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts are surging. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reeling. Still, both teams will have plenty at stake when they meet at Heinz Field. The Colts have won five of six games to move into the lead in the AFC South. The Steelers have lost three in a row since their 11-0 start. Indianapolis can clinch a playoff berth with a win and losses by either Baltimore or Miami. Pittsburgh can lock up the AFC North with a victory but will need its offense to get going. The Steelers are averaging just 16 points a game during their current skid.

Pirates trade slugger Josh Bell to Nationals

Pirates trade slugger Josh Bell to Nationals
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Josh Bell is heading to the Washington Nationals. The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded the slugging first baseman to Washington for pitching prospects Will Crowe and Eddy Yean. The 28-year-old Bell was an All-Star in 2019 following a torrid first half in which he hit .302 with 27 home runs and 84 RBIs. That form has been elusive over the last year-plus. Bell hit .233 with 10 home runs during an injury-shortened second half of 2019 and hit just eight home runs while batting a career-low .233 in 57 games for the Pirates in 2020.

Struggling Steelers in midst of historic collapse

Struggling Steelers in midst of historic collapse
By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer
The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone from dreams of matching the perfect 1972 Miami Dolphins to searching for another win. After winning their first 11 games for the first time in franchise history, the Steelers were upset at home two weeks ago against Washington. That was followed by a loss at fellow AFC contender Buffalo before a humbling 27-17 defeat to last-place Cincinnati. The last team to start 11-0 and then lose three straight was the 1969 Rams in a 14-game season. The skid carried over to the playoffs with a loss to Minnesota, a fate the Steelers would like to avoid.

Steelers HOF Linebacker Kevin Greene Passes Away

HOF linebacker, pass rush great Kevin Greene dies at 58
By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer
Hall of Fame linebacker Kevin Greene, considered one of the fiercest pass rushers in NFL history, has died. He was 58. Greene died Monday, according to the family and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Greene finished his career with 160 sacks, which ranks third in league history behind only Bruce Smith and Reggie White. He also had 23 forced fumbles, 26 fumble recoveries and five interceptions.

Indians manager Francona says team’s name change “correct”

Indians manager Francona says team’s name change “correct”
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — Manager Terry Francona praised the Cleveland Indians for trying to “do the right thing” by changing their name. Francona complimented the team’s decision to drop its name after 105 years, a switch that came after months of internal discussions and  meetings with numerous groups. Francona said he’s proud of the team’s decision to “do something that is correct,” The team announced its decision on Monday, ending a process that began even before owner Paul Dolan’s announcement in July that the club would do a thorough review of its name. The team will be called Indians for at least one more season until a new name is chosen.