Sports

Americans may love football, but did you know its origins are in medieval England?

"Football" is a word used to refer to different games: American football, the game played at the Super Bowl, where a foot is rarely used to direct the ball. And elsewhere in the world, football refers to what Americans call "soccer." But where does this word really come from?

Italian officials voice outrage at the presence of U.S. ICE agents at the 2026 Olympics

U.S. Homeland Security agents provided security support at past Olympics. But after violence by ICE agents in Minneapolis, some Italian officials say an ICE unit is unwelcome in Milan Cortina.

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter joins those calling for boycott of World Cup in U.S.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is backing a proposed fan boycott of World Cup matches in the United States because of the conduct of President Trump and his administration at home and abroad.

U.S. sled racer Uhlaender says she was unfairly denied sixth Olympic bid

Five-time U.S. Olympian Katie Uhlaender says a point-manipulation scheme blocked her bid to compete in Milan Cortina. U.S. sports officials are backing her bid for a special berth at the Winter Games.

Super Bowl 60 is set and it’s a rematch from 11 years ago: Patriots vs. Seahawks

The Patriots will seek their NFL-record seventh Super Bowl victory when they face the Seahawks on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

U.S. rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

Cheers erupted from a street-level crowd as Alex Honnold reached the top of the spire of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower, about 90 minutes after he started.

Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating Miami

Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season and the national title.

The 2026 Olympics are the most widespread in history. See what’s happening where

Competitions will be hosted at 25 venues spanning an area of more than 8,000 square miles. Here's what's happening at each of the four main clusters.

New York Giants hire John Harbaugh as coach after identifying him as their top choice

Harbaugh joins the Giants 11 days after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens. The Super Bowl champion is now tasked with turning around a beleaguered franchise.

Who are the figure skaters representing Team USA? Key names and backstories to know

Sixteen U.S. figure skaters are competing in all four Olympic disciplines: men's, women's, pairs and ice dance. The team includes a mix of seasoned vets, world champions and rising stars.

America’s top figure skaters dazzled St. Louis. I left with a new love for the sport.

The U.S. Figure Skating National Championships brought the who's who of the sport to St. Louis. St. Louis Public Radio Visuals Editor Brian Munoz left a new fan of the Olympic sport.

Historic upset in English soccer’s FA Cup as Macclesfield beat holders Crystal Palace

The result marks the first time in 117 years that a side from outside the major national leagues has eliminated the reigning FA Cup holders.

U.S. Figure Skating Championships will determine who’s going to the Olympics

This week's competition in St. Louis will skaters tickets to the Milan-Cortina games in February

Alabama can’t stage another CFP comeback, has no answers for Indiana in Rose Bowl rout

The Crimson Tide tried everything possible to stage a historic comeback on the site of so many memorable moments for the program. Star quarterback Ty Simpson having to take himself out of the game in the second half because of a cracked rib did not help matters in what ended up a 38-3 loss to the Hoosiers.

FIFA president defends World Cup ticket prices, saying demand is hitting records

The FIFA President addressed outrage over ticket prices for the World Cup by pointing to record demand and reiterating that most of the proceeds will help support soccer around the world.

The real ping pong champion — and hustler — who inspired ‘Marty Supreme’

Marty Reisman was nicknamed "The Needle" for his slender physique. He dressed well and put on a show.

What to watch for in this weekend’s College Football Playoff first round

An unpredictable and exciting college football season is coming to a close. This weekend's first-round slate is set up for two tight games and two blowouts — but in the playoffs, anything goes.

After outcry over prices, FIFA to sell $60 tickets for the World Cup — with a catch

FIFA said it would sell $60 tickets to the World Cup, including for the final — but only for supporters of qualified teams. And the actual number of available tickets is limited.

Fired Michigan football coach charged with home invasion and stalking

Fired University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore "barged his way" into the apartment of a woman with whom he had been having an affair after she reported the relationship to the school and he lost his job, prosecutors said.

Was Michael Jordan NBA’s GOAT? Phil Jackson reflects on the ‘Masters of the Game’

Legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson and sports writer Sam Smith talk about the stars who helped define the sport, including Jordan, Kobe, Shaq and "bad boy" Dennis Rodman.

Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore jailed, hours after his firing

Moore was jailed on Wednesday, according to court records, hours after he was fired for what the university said was an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member."

Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL, by the numbers

Philip Rivers is coming out of retirement at age 44 for a shot at playing for the Indianapolis Colts, who are struggling to make the playoffs. He last played in the NFL in 2021.

Egypt and Iran object to playing in a Seattle ‘Pride’ match in next year’s World Cup

Local organizers had planned to include the June 26 game with Seattle's Pride celebrations. Then, FIFA announced the match would include Egypt and Iran, two countries where gay rights are nil.

Bama, Miami in, Notre Dame out and Indiana No. 1 in College Football Playoff rankings

Nobody paying attention for the past 24 months would be surprised to see Indiana – yes, Indiana – leading the way into this year's College Football Playoff.

McLaren’s Lando Norris wins first F1 title at season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Red Bull driver and defending champion Max Verstappen won the race with Norris placing third, which allowed Norris to finish two points ahead of Verstappen in the season-long standings.

The World Cup draw is here. Here’s why it matters — and how it will work

FIFA is about to determine which teams all 48 participating countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will face in the group phase of the tournament, which the U.S., Canada and Mexico are co-hosting.

Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains

The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.

Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums

Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.

Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games

The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.

Blue Jays rout Dodgers 11-4 in World Series opener

Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, as the Toronto Blue Jays overwhelmed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener Friday night in Toronto.

Chess body investigating ex-world champion who accused Daniel Naroditsky of cheating

U.S. chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky died this week at age 29. Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik had accused Naroditsky, among others, of cheating in the sport.

NBA coach Chauncey Billups, player Terry Rozier arrested in FBI gambling probe

Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, was investigated by the NBA in 2023 in connection with suspicious gambling activity on a game that he exited early.