PAUL NEWBERRY

AP National Writer
FILE - Mercedes-Benz stadium is seen, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Atlanta. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will host the opening game and South Florida's Hard Rock Stadium gets the final when Copa América returns to the United States in 2024. A joint announcement was made Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, by CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, the governing bodies of South American and North American soccer, respectively. Other sites and scheduling for the 16-team tournament will be revealed later.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)
SEC extends agreement to keep football championship in Atlanta at least through 2031
The Southeastern Conference championship game will remain at Mercedes-Benz Stadium through at least 2031.
 
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart yells to linebacker Chaz Chambliss (32)during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
No. 1 Georgia is top dog and looking to stay there as it faces No. 8 Alabama for SEC title
When Kirby Smart returned to his alma mater as head coach, Alabama was the top dog in college football. Now, the roles are reversed.
 
FILE - Argentina's Lionel Messi scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 18, 2022. Sotheby's is to auction off six first half shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina's winning run at the soccer World Cup in Qatar in 2022, including the one in the final, and thinks they could become the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever sold at potentially more than $10 million. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)
Atlanta to host opening game, Miami gets the final for 2024 Copa América
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will host the opening game and South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium gets the final when Copa América returns to the United States in 2024.
 
FILE - Cleveland Guardians pitcher Reynaldo López reacts after getting San Francisco Giants' Blake Sabol to hit a pop out to end the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in San Francisco. The Atlanta Braves signed right-hander Reynaldo López to a $25 million, three-year contract on Monday, Nov. 20, that includes an $8 million club option for 2024.(AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)
Braves sign hard-throwing reliever Reynaldo López to a $30 million, 3-year contract
While the search continues for starting pitching, the Atlanta Braves have added another reliever to their bullpen with the signing of right-hander Reynaldo López to a $30 million, three-year contract.
 
FILE - Ryan Murphy of the U.S. prepares to compete during the men's 200m backstroke final at the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Friday, July 28, 2023. Fifteen years ago, Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics wearing a revolutionary swimsuit known as the Speedo LZR Racer. The super suit era lasted only one more year, wiped out by a ludicrous assault on the record book, but it still matters what the swimmers are wearing. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)
While the suits are no longer super, swimming attire still has a big impact at the pool
Fifteen years ago, Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics wearing a high-tech swimsuit with a catchy name, the Speedo LZR Racer.
 
Pedestrians take an escalator along the Las Vegas Strip beside rigging and fencing installed ahead of the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix auto race Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Column: Formula One has gone all-in on America with Las Vegas race. It is no sure bet
Formula One has gone all-in on America, and the biggest gamble of all begins this weekend when the globe-trotting racing series returns to Las Vegas.
 
Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) scores against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Randle, Brunson lead Knicks to a 116-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Brunson scored 24 points, including a pull-up jumper with 18.8 seconds remaining, and the New York Knicks held on for a 116-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
 
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Stumbling Falcons head into bye week with 3 straight losses and questions everywhere
It’s starting to feel like Arthur Smith is coaching for his job with the Atlanta Falcons. After three straight losses, including a final-play setback to the woeful Arizona Cardinals, the 4-6 Falcons head into their bye week with questions everywhere.
 
Georgia running back Kendall Milton (2) runs for a touchdown against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Bowers returns, No. 1 Georgia routs No. 10 Ole Miss 52-17 to punctuate another SEC East title
 
FILE - Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs the ball after a catch against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Bowers has been selected to The Associated Press midseason All-America team, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.(AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
Georgia star TE Brock Bowers returns for No. 1 Bulldogs after ankle surgery
Georgia star Brock Bowers has returned for the No. 1 Bulldogs after missing just two games recovering from ankle surgery. The dynamic tight end showed no signs of a high ankle sprain as he warmed up for the game against No. 10 Ole Miss.
 
FILE - Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Minneapolis. The NCAA banned in-person advanced scouting in 1994 in part because not every school could afford to do it. Now Michigan is being investigated by the NCAA for a sign-stealing scheme that allegedly involved people secretly being sent to record opponents’ games. No. 2 Michigan and the Big Ten acknowledged the investigation Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)
Column: College football keeps its head in the sand and winds up with a silly scandal
AP Sports Columnist Paul Newberry thinks the absurd signs they hold up on the sidelines to send in plays show just how far college football is behind the times.
 
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) celebrates with Kamari Lassiter (3) and Julian Humphrey (12) after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
No. 1 Georgia faces another tough test against high-scoring No. 10 Ole Miss
After breezing through much of the season, No. 1 Georgia is facing a much tougher November. Next up: No. 10 Ole Miss, which is looking to snap the Bulldogs’ 26-game winning streak.
 
FILE - Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Washington. The Atlanta Braves took another blow to their injury-plagued rotation, placing right-hander Charlie Morton on the 15-day injured list Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. The move means the 14-game winner won't be eligible to pitch in the NL Division Series.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Braves bring back RHP Morton for $20 million, decline $9 million option for OF Rosario
The Atlanta Braves have exercised a $20 million option for pitcher Charlie Morton, bolstering a shaky rotation for the NL East champions. But they declined a $9 million option for outfielder Eddie Rosario.
 
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts along the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Column: After a decade of success, Dabo Swinney is suddenly under fire at Clemson
AP Sports Columnist Paul Newberry writes that Dabo Swinney is a bit testy these days. He was once the hottest college football coach in all the land, the guy who seemed poised to supplant Nick Saban as the G.O.A.T. of the sideline.
 
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Joe Jimenez (77) works in the sixth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Braves re-sign pitcher Jiménez to a $26 million, three-year contract, further bolstering bullpen
The Atlanta Braves have re-signed right-handed reliever Joe Jiménez to a $26 million, three-year contract, further bolstering their bullpen. Jiménez is set to make $8 million next season and $9 million in each of the final two years of the deal.
 
James Madison defensive lineman Jalen Green (10) celebrates after the team's NCAA college football game against Old Dominion on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
No. 23 James Madison looks to extend perfect season, heads to Atlanta to face Georgia State
James Madison had made quite an impression moving up to college football’s top division, even if the No. 23 Dukes won’t be rewarded for it.
 
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Dejounte Murray ties career high with 41 points, rallies Hawks past Timberwolves 127-113
Dejounte Murray matched his career high with 41 points and the Atlanta Hawks bounced back from a 19-point halftime deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-113.
 
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) is hit by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens (50) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles
The Atlanta Falcons insist they don’t have a quarterback controversy. Good luck persuading anyone else of that.
 
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett (97) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons DT Grady Jarrett out for season with knee injury
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is out for the season with a knee injury. Coach Arthur Smith confirmed the news at his Monday news conference.
 
Georgia Tech fans swam the field after defeating North Carolina in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bzemore)
No. 17 North Carolina loses again, falls to Georgia Tech in 46-42 shootout
Haynes King threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Brett Seither with 4:28 remaining and Georgia Tech handed No. 17 North Carolina its second straight loss, knocking off the Tar Heels in a 46-42 shootout.
 
FILE - Dave Nelson of the Washington Senators makes his way toward the dugout as fans begin to storm the field in Washington, Oct. 1, 1971. The Senators forfeited the game to the Yankees due to fan actions. From their beginnings as a hastily assembled replacement team for the nation’s capital in 1961, through a whole lot of losing seasons and one excruciatingly close-but-no-cigar call, the Senators II-turned-Rangers have labored longer than any franchise in America’s four major sports leagues without a championship on their resume. (AP Photo/Jim Palmer, File)
Column: From Senators II to Rangers, this franchise is long overdue for a championship
They are The Franchise Formerly Known as the Second Version of the Washington Senators. If there’s ever been a team that’s due for a championship, it’s the Texas Rangers.
 
Dejected North Carolina players walk off the field after an upset loss to Virginia at the end of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
No. 17 North Carolina looks to bounce back from shocking loss as it faces Georgia Tech
North Carolina had its sights on an Atlantic Coast Conference championship, maybe even a spot in the College Football Playoff. Then, it all came crumbling down.
 
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Pierce Johnson throws during the seventh inning of Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Braves re-sign RHP Pierce Johnson to $14.25 million, 2-year contract with option for ’26
The Atlanta Braves have re-signed reliever Pierce Johnson to a $14.25 million, two-year contract in the first offseason move for the team that posted baseball’s best record this season. Johnson will make $7 million each of the next two seasons.
 
FILE - With tears in his eyes, Damon Stoudamire points to acknowledge the presence of his sons Brandon and Damon Stoudamarie Jr. at a press conference where he was introduced as the new Georgia Tech NCAA college basketball head coach in Atlanta, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Damon Stoudamire is hoping to succeed where three others failed before him. Once a powerhouse in the college basketball world, Georgia Tech has struggled for nearly two decades to become relevant again. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)
Damon Stoudamire is the latest coach looking to make Georgia Tech relevant again
Damon Stoudamire is hoping to succeed where three others failed before him. Once a powerhouse in the college basketball world, Georgia Tech has struggled for nearly two decades to become relevant again.
 
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) runs out of the pocket against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Falcons find themselves in a most unusual position - first place in the NFC South
First place is a strange place to be for the Atlanta Falcons. Yep, seven games into an up-and-down season, the Falcons hold the top spot in the NFC South with a 4-3 record. Never mind that it’s probably the NFL’s weakest division.
 
Lois Garlow (18) of the Haudenosaunee Nationals lacrosse team plays during a match against Canada at the World Games in Birmingham, Ala., July 24, 2022. Members of the Haudenosaunee are hopeful they will have a chance to play the sport their people invented when lacrosse returns to the Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Paul Newberry)
Column: Haudenosaunee deserves a lacrosse team of its own at the 2028 Olympics
They call it the “medicine game,” which is a bit of a misnomer because lacrosse is more than just a game to the Haudenosaunee people. Much more.
 
James "Jim" Poole, American pitcher for Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles, is shown in this 1993 photo. (AP Photo)
Column: Remembering Jim Poole for more than just one pitch in the World Series
Sure, there was that one pitch on baseball’s biggest stage, the one that clipped a little too much of the plate, the one that Jim Poole would’ve loved to have back.
 
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) passes the ball under pressure by Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Desmond Ridder, Arthur Smith facing well-deserved scrutiny after an ugly Falcons loss
When Matt Ryan waved to the appreciative Atlanta crowd from the broadcast booth, it was a reminder of a time when the Falcons didn’t have any concerns at quarterback. That’s no longer where things stand.
 
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers kneels on the turf after being injured in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Georgia TE Brock Bowers is having ankle surgery. He likely will be sidelined at least a month
Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers is expected to be sidelined at least a month after sustaining a high ankle sprain that will require surgery.
 
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) makes the catch against Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (25) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Howell throws 3 TD passes, Commanders pick off three Ridder passes in 24-16 win over Falcons
Sam Howell threw three short passes for touchdowns, Washington intercepted Desmond Ridder three times and the Commanders have snapped a three-game losing streak with a 24-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
 
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