April 10, 2026 4:32 am
The Justice Department is investigating the NFL for potential anticompetitive practices, according to a government official. The official, who was not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation by name and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the investigation is “about affordability for consumers and creating an even playing field for providers.” The NFL has not received a notification that the league is being investigated, according to two other people with knowledge of the situation. Those people spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on possible legal matters.
April 10, 2026 2:38 am
The Pirates have unveiled their new City Connect uniform. The team says the Nike uniform embraces the city’s unmistakable black and gold identity, celebrating a unified visual language shared across Pittsburgh’s sports culture. They will be worn for the first time on Friday, April 17, when the Pirates take on the Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park. The team will wear the new uniforms for every Friday home game throughout the 2026 season. The all-black uniforms and unique gold lettering are intentional. The uniform was made to embody the grit, toughness, and pride that define Pittsburgh and its people. The detailing is full of subtle nods to the region that is so closely connected to its baseball team. The uniform combination will include two New Era hat variations: the primary hat is gold with a black brim, and the secondary is black with a gold brim. Each prominently displays a unique Jolly Roger logo with swords in the background to reflect the spirit of a pirate always ready for battle.
April 9, 2026 10:49 am
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Davey Lopes, a longtime Los Angeles Dodgers infielder and premier base stealer, has died. He was 80. The Dodgers say they learned of his death on Wednesday from his former wife, Lin Lopes. Lopes was a four-time All-Star during his 10 years with the Dodgers, playing in four World Series and winning the 1981 championship. He holds the franchise record for most games played at second base and was known for his base-stealing prowess, with 418 steals for the Dodgers. After his playing career, Lopes managed the Milwaukee Brewers and coached for several teams, winning another World Series with the Phillies.
April 8, 2026 2:39 am
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Nick Castellanos hit a two-run double, Jake Cronenworth added a two-run homer and the San Diego Padres beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-2. Castellanos’ double began a four-run seventh inning that broke open a scoreless game and helped San Diego clinch the three-game series. Michael King (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits over six innings while striking out four and walking three for San Diego. Justin Lawrence (0-1) took the loss after giving up four runs on three hits in one inning for Pittsburgh. The game remained scoreless through six innings. Mitch Keller worked six scoreless frames while King limited Pittsburgh to two hits through six innings.
April 9, 2026 4:29 am
The Associated Press has learned an NCAA panel is scheduled to discuss potential changes to eligibility rules that would incorporate age into the process. Two people with knowledge of the situation told AP the proposal would give athletes five years of eligibility with the clock starting at the earliest of two dates: either when they turn 19 or graduate high school. The people did not want their names used because the NCAA hasn’t publicly discussed the proposal.
April 9, 2026 4:27 am
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has two kids and two Masters titles. He’s the favorite in this week’s tournament, as he tends to be for all majors these days. But his family life has been more exciting than his golf recently. His son Bennett turns 2 next month, and Remy was born less than two weeks ago. It was hard to tell which of the kids was more of a hit at Wednesday’s family friendly Par 3 Contest at Augusta National. Remy was carried by Meredith in a baby wrap, and Bennett knocked the ball around with a blue toy club.
April 8, 2026 4:28 am
The Pirates have announced that they have signed infielder Konnor Griffin to a nine-year contract extension that runs through the 2034 season. According to reports, the deal is worth $140 million with escalators that could take it to $150 million. The 19-year old made his major league debut last week at the Pirates home opener. “Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans. It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “Konnor represents everything we value in a player – exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family. This is another important step in the work we have been doing to build a winning team, for this year and going forward.”
April 7, 2026 4:26 am
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes put together his second straight solid start, keeping San Diego hitless until the sixth inning of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 7-1 win over the Padres. Skenes struck out six and walked two in 6 1/3 innings while lowering his ERA to 5.54. The Padres’ first of two hits against the 23-year-old was a clean single to left by Fernando Tatis Jr. with one out in the sixth. Xander Bogaerts homered in the seventh to end Skenes’ night. Oneil Cruz hit a two-run double off Nick Pivetta in the fifth and Nick Gonzales added a two-run single to start a five-run eighth for the Pirates.
April 8, 2026 4:27 am
Fernando Mendoza, expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, will watch the NFL draft with family and friends in Miami, someone with knowledge of the quarterback’s plans said Tuesday. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Mendoza hasn’t made his plans public. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh starting on April 23, and many top players will be there to receive congratulations and a hug from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. But players, even those who are drafted first, sometimes prefer to watch from a different location.
April 8, 2026 4:30 am
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Rory McIlroy thought winning the Masters was one of the greatest days of his career. Returning as the champion is also pretty sweet. He has been taking what amounts to a victory lap ahead of the Masters. And then he gets back to the golf in time for the opening round on Thursday. McIlroy says a weight has been lifted off his shoulders by finally getting that green jacket in his 17th attempt. He expects a difficult test this week, with a forecast for hot and dry weather. McIlroy is trying to become only the fourth back-to-back winner at Augusta National.
