Feb. 24 (UPI) — The NBA released its schedule for the second half of the 2020-21 regular season Wednesday, detailing how it plans to have all 30 teams complete their 72-game slates despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The league revealed only the first half of its schedule in early December to allow for flexibility amid the pandemic. To try to ...

Feb. 23 (UPI) — The Atlanta Braves signed former Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb to a non-guaranteed Major League contract for the 2021 season, the team announced Tuesday. The Braves signed Lamb to a one-year, $1 million deal, according to MLB Media. The agreement was reported Sunday, but the contract didn’t become official until the club received the COVID-19 ...

Feb. 22 (UPI) — A high school football player who was caught on video trash-talking current New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has apologized to the former NFL MVP after the exchange between them circulated on social media over the weekend. In an abbreviated part of the video, Newton was repeatedly taunted as an upcoming free agent who was “about ...

Feb. 21 (UPI) — Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond announced Sunday he is opting out of a second consecutive Major League Baseball season because of COVID-19 concerns. “For now, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2021 season,” Desmond wrote on Instagram. “My desire to be with my family is greater than my desire to go back and play baseball ...

Feb. 20 (UPI) — Naomi Osaka used her powerful serve and improved return to beat American Jennifer Brady in 77 minutes and claim her second Australian Open title in three years on Saturday in Melbourne. The No. 3 player in the WTA rankings had six aces, two double faults, won four of five break points and fired 16 winners in ...

Feb. 19 (UPI) — The NCAA will allow a limited number of fans at the 2021 Division I men’s basketball tournament, the governing body of college sports said Friday. NCAA officials said the decision to allow up to 25% capacity at tournament venues, with physical distancing, was made in conjunction with state and local health authorities in Indiana. Attendees will ...

MIAMI, Feb. 19 (UPI) — Pitchers and catchers have reported to MLB training camps to start baseball’s preseason. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres — who made the most high-profile off-season moves — are among the title favorites. The 2021 MLB season, like the 2020 campaign, will include the challenge of teams battling COVID-19, in addition to opponents ...

Feb. 17 (UPI) — Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams in straight sets on Thursday in semifinal play at the Australian Open, earning her a trip to the finals. The Japanese native bested her idol with a 6-3, 6-4 win with fans in the stands for the first time in Melbourne after the city was placed under a five-day snap COVID-19 ...