MLB free agents: Braves snag Nick Markakis to replace Jason Heyward

Atlanta finds a new right fielder and is now set up to trade one of its other outfielders.

MLB free agents: Braves snag Nick Markakis to replace Jason Heyward

Atlanta finds a new right fielder and is now set up to trade one of its other outfielders.

Hockey legend Beliveau dies at 83

Hockey legend Beliveau dies at 83

Hockey legend Beliveau dies at 83

Hockey legend Jean Beliveau dies at 83

The Quebec native was an integral part of the Habs' success in the 1950s, '60s and early '70s.

Hockey legend Jean Beliveau dies at 83

The Quebec native was an integral part of the Habs' success in the 1950s, '60s and early '70s.

MLB free agents: Torii Hunter returning to Twins

The outfielder was drafted by the club in 1993.

MLB free agents: Torii Hunter returning to Twins

The outfielder was drafted by the club in 1993.

Jets' offense

Ground-and-pound returned Monday night, but even that couldn't prevent a costly Geno Smith turnover.

Jets' offense

Ground-and-pound returned Monday night, but even that couldn't prevent a costly Geno Smith turnover.

Dolphins outlast Jets in brutal Monday Night Football game

Miami gets the W. That's all that matters to them.

Dolphins outlast Jets in brutal Monday Night Football game

Miami gets the W. That's all that matters to them.

Police, Rams can't agree on definition of 'apology'

The chief of the St. Louis County police says VP Kevin Demoff made the apology Monday morning.

Police, Rams can't agree on definition of 'apology'

The chief of the St. Louis County police says VP Kevin Demoff made the apology Monday morning.

Rams exec apologizes to county cops for 'hands up, don't shoot' gesture

The chief of the St. Louis County police says VP Kevin Demoff made the apology Monday morning.

Rams exec apologizes to county cops for 'hands up, don't shoot' gesture

The chief of the St. Louis County police says VP Kevin Demoff made the apology Monday morning.

Lester Watch

The left-hander, it seems, is too expensive for Atlanta.

Lester Watch

The left-hander, it seems, is too expensive for Atlanta.

Kids' night in Minnesota: Young Bucks, Wolves collide

A potentially big part of the NBA's future was on display in Minnesota.

Jeers and cheers: Martin St. Louis returns to Tampa

A string of boos interrupted by an emotional video tribute in the first period.

Jeers and cheers: Martin St. Louis returns to Tampa

A string of boos interrupted by an emotional video tribute in the first period.

Rick Pitino reaches 700 coaching victories; 800 in his sights

On to the next milestone.

Twins' Phil Hughes dealing with tweets for namesake late cricketer

The Minnesota right-hander tries to clear up the confusion.

Twins' Phil Hughes dealing with tweets for namesake late cricketer

The Minnesota right-hander tries to clear up the confusion.

LeBron takes over, Cavs roll past Wizards

King James rules in Cleveland.

With Pop sidelined, Messina makes historic move up

Ettore Messina temporarily replaces Gregg Popovich as Spurs coach.

Raiders-Rams game could wind up in Indianapolis

The NFL is making contingency plans as violent protests near downtown St. Louis continue.

Raiders-Rams game could wind up in Indianapolis

The NFL is making contingency plans as violent protests near downtown St. Louis continue.

'Tired' Derrick Rose misses second half of Bulls' loss

He wasn't hurt, but he was too fatigued to play a full back-to-back.

RGIII out, McCoy back in as Redskins' starting QB

Washington coach Jay Gruden making a change to Colt McCoy with five games remaining.

RGIII out, McCoy back in as Redskins' starting QB

Washington coach Jay Gruden making a change to Colt McCoy with five games remaining.

Red Sox owner: We'll pay luxury tax to add Lester, other pieces

It's only money. Boston has a lot of it.

Red Sox owner: We'll pay luxury tax to add Lester, other pieces

It's only money. Boston has a lot of it.

Adrian Peterson, LeBron James weigh in on Ferguson

Peterson made it personal; LeBron tried to be encouraging.

Adrian Peterson, LeBron James weigh in on Ferguson

Peterson made it personal; LeBron tried to be encouraging.

About the Bills having a tough time away from Buffalo: Yeah, not so much

Buffalo blasts the Jets on Monday night at Ford Field.

About the Bills having a tough time away from Buffalo: Yeah, not so much

Buffalo blasts the Jets on Monday night at Ford Field.

Mane objective: Jets' Chris Ivory brought down by the hair

The Bills defender has a lot of pull.

Mane objective: Jets' Chris Ivory brought down by the hair

The Bills defender has a lot of pull.

Robert Woods obviously learned from Odell Beckham Jr.

Robert Woods obviously learned from Odell Beckham Jr.

LeBron's frustration mounts as Cavaliers' struggles continue

James took plays off in the fourth quarter as the Cavs were losing to the Wizards.

Mavs blast Lakers

Kobe's crew gets waxed by Dirk and Co.

AK going away?

Brooklyn seems poised to move on from the veteran forward.

Mavs blast Lakers

Kobe's crew gets waxed by Dirk and Co.

A Nation divided? Nerlens Noel drops Eric Bledsoe in wake of Kentucky-Sixers crack

Noel denies his flagrant 1 had anything to do with Bledsoe saying UK could beat Philly.

LeBron's frustration mounts as Cavaliers' struggles continue

James took plays off in the fourth quarter Friday night as the Cavs were losing to the Wizards.

Pablo Sandoval rumors: Red Sox offering five years, $95 million

Boston's getting serious about signing Kung Fu Panda.

Pablo Sandoval rumors: Red Sox offering five years, $95 million

Boston's getting serious about signing Kung Fu Panda.

Judge again blocks New Jersey from accepting wagers on sports

A federal judge again rules in favor of professional leagues and the NCAA.

MLB rumor: White Sox reportedly agree to two-year, $25M deal with Adam LaRoche

Chicago finds a lefthanded-hitting replacement for Adam Dunn.

MLB rumor: White Sox reportedly agree to two-year, $25M deal with Adam LaRoche

Chicago finds a lefthanded-hitting replacement for Adam Dunn.

NHL changes course, gives Kings cap relief for Voynov suspension

The LA defenseman has been suspended since his arrest on charges he assaulted his wife. His $4.17 million cap hit will be treated the same as if he were on long-term injured reserve.

NHL changes course, gives Kings cap relief for Voynov suspension

The LA defenseman has been suspended since his arrest on charges he assaulted his wife. His $4.17 million cap hit will be treated the same as if he were on long-term injured reserve.

Raiders' sack dance goes on and on and on . . .

So long, in fact, that they were still in the Chiefs' backfield when the next play was about to start.

Raiders' sack dance goes on and on and on . . .

So long, in fact, that they were still in the Chiefs' backfield when the next play was about to start.

Adrian Peterson: 'Won't ever use a switch again'

The suspended Vikings running back expresses remorse and defiance in a lengthy interview.

Adrian Peterson: 'Won't ever use a switch again'

The suspended Vikings running back expresses remorse and defiance in a lengthy interview.

MLB trade rumors: Dodgers acquire Peralta from Rays to improve 'pen

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, trims $2.5 million from its payroll by shipping the right-hander to LA as part of a four-player deal.

MLB trade rumors: Dodgers acquire Peralta from Rays to improve 'pen

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, trims $2.5 million from its payroll by shipping the right-hander to LA as part of a four-player deal.

A's serve up a neat welcome to Billy Butler

Oakland is just eating up the fact it has a DH with a sweet nickname.

A's serve up a neat welcome to Billy Butler

Oakland is just eating up the fact it has a DH with a sweet nickname.

Raiders get into win column, finally, by upsetting Chiefs

Oakland won't go 0-16 this season.

Raiders get into win column, finally, by upsetting Chiefs

Oakland won't go 0-16 this season.

Jay Bruce trade rumors: Reds reportedly talking with Padres about right fielder

It's not clear how serious those discussions have been.

Jay Bruce trade rumors: Reds reportedly talking with Padres about right fielder

It's not clear how serious those discussions have been.

DeSean Jackson Mystery Theater: 'Epic' dodge by Redskins WR

The Redskins receiver leaves 'em guessing about who he was calling out last weekend.

DeSean Jackson Mystery Theater: 'Epic' dodge by Redskins WR

The Redskins receiver leaves 'em guessing about who he was calling out last weekend.

Jon Lester rumors: Red Sox make better offer; too little, too late?

The offers are beginning to come in.

Jon Lester rumors: Red Sox make better offer; too little, too late?

The offers are beginning to come in.

MLB rumors: Marlins making a run at Adam LaRoche

Miami reportedly wants to upgrade at first base.

MLB rumors: Marlins making a run at Adam LaRoche

Miami reportedly wants to upgrade at first base.

Jerry Rice

Yeah, he said that, Richard Sherman, Darrelle Revis and Patrick Peterson.

Jerry Rice

Yeah, he said that, Richard Sherman, Darrelle Revis and Patrick Peterson.

We meet again: LeBron-Spurs showdown tops night of rematches, reunions

LBJ throws away a chance to beat the Spurs in the closing seconds.

Ron Hextall delivers a verbal slash to Flyers after loss to Rangers

The Philly GM makes the Claude Giroux nonsense disappear with a mini-postgame tirade.

Ron Hextall delivers a verbal slash to Flyers after loss to Rangers

The Philly GM makes the Claude Giroux nonsense disappear with a mini-postgame tirade.

We meet again: LeBron-Spurs showdown tops night of rematches, reunions

LBJ throws away a chance to beat the Spurs in the closing seconds.

Jerry Tarkanian in hospital again after episode at home

The former UNLV coach suffered breathing problems Wednesday morning.

Welcome back, Swaggy P: Lakers win with Nick Young on court

Swaggy P returns to the court in style.

Two for one: Panthers' Rocco Grimaldi has a day to remember

The Panthers forward wraps up his whirlwind hockey tour by playing in front of family and friends in LA.

Two for one: Panthers' Rocco Grimaldi has a day to remember

The Panthers forward wraps up his whirlwind hockey tour by playing in front of family and friends in LA.

Welcome back, Swaggy P: Lakers win with Nick Young on court

Swaggy P returns to the court in style.

Reports: A's sign Billy Butler to three-year, $30 million contract

Oakland orders a Country Breakfast.

Reports: A's sign Billy Butler to three-year, $30 million contract

Oakland orders a Country Breakfast.

Miami ends Florida's home winning streak at 33

The Gators' run at the O'Dome ends against the Hurricanes.

YES! Charleston Southern hoops team wins at buzzer, football team goes wild

We're behind you, guys.

How to wipe out a turnover: make a huge block

The Wildcats forward cleans up his own mess.

Danny Manning pacing himself early in tenure as Wake coach

The first-year coach didn't want to dive into video study right after Friday's season opener.

Rays-Diamondbacks trade: RHP Hellickson headed to Arizona

Jeremy Hellickson moves to the National League in a deal that had been discussed for much of the offseason.

Rays-Diamondbacks trade: RHP Hellickson headed to Arizona

Jeremy Hellickson moves to the National League in a deal that had been discussed for much of the offseason.

Scott Boras denies meeting with Anthony Bosch to cover up failed Manny Ramirez drug test

The agent offers his version of events after Newsday reported that Boras and Bosch met in 2009.

Scott Boras denies meeting with Anthony Bosch to cover up failed Manny Ramirez drug test

The agent offers his version of events after Newsday reported that Boras and Bosch met in 2009.

Adam Silver supports legalized sports betting, even as NBA opposes N.J. law

The commissioner says it's up to Congress to make changes. That isn't about to happen.

Barry Zito wants back into baseball after a year off

The left-hander was last seen toiling for the Giants.

Barry Zito wants back into baseball after a year off

The left-hander was last seen toiling for the Giants.

MLB stars on Kenta Maeda: 'He can pitch in the big leagues'

The Japanese ace makes another favorable impression against big league hitters.

MLB stars on Kenta Maeda: 'He can pitch in the big leagues'

The Japanese ace makes another favorable impression against big league hitters.

Andrew Wiggins abuses James Harden twice, then gets rejected by Dwight Howard

The Timberwolves rookie shows off his athletic ability against the Rockets in Mexico City.

Melo can only watch as J.R. Smith badly misses final shot

Yeah, we were bewildered, too. OK, not really, because J.R. Smith.

Mets GM: We're OK with Flores at SS if we can't get someone else

The Mets will make the best of it if Wilmer Flores is their opening day shortstop.

Mets GM: We're OK with Flores at SS if we can't get someone else

The Mets will make the best of it if Wilmer Flores is their opening day shortstop.

Yankees-Pirates trade: Bucs add Cervelli amid Martin contract talks

Pittsburgh addresses its catching situation while Russell Martin explores the free-agent market.

Yankees-Pirates trade: Bucs add Cervelli amid Martin contract talks

Pittsburgh addresses its catching situation while Russell Martin explores the free-agent market.

Clippers' Blake Griffin to be charged with battery in Las Vegas

The Clippers forward will return to Sin City for a Dec. 8 court date.

Brandon Marshall: Bears' confidence is shot right now

The wide receiver tries to rally his team even as he admits it doesn't feel too good about itself.

Brandon Marshall: Bears' confidence is shot right now

The wide receiver tries to rally his team even as he admits it doesn't feel too good about itself.

MLB trade rumors: Orioles making Ubaldo Jimenez available

Baltimore doesn't seem keen on keeping the right-hander around for three more seasons.

MLB trade rumors: Orioles making Ubaldo Jimenez available

Baltimore doesn't seem keen on keeping the right-hander around for three more seasons.

Conflicting reports about Jordan Zimmermann-to-Cubs talks

The Cubs and Nats reportedly have (or haven't) discussed names, one of which might be that of a middle infielder.

Conflicting reports about Jordan Zimmermann-to-Cubs talks

The Cubs and Nats reportedly have (or haven't) discussed names, one of which might be that of a middle infielder.

MLB trade rumors: Gretzky, Shaq, Montana ... Tulo?

Troy Tulowitzki's agent constructs his own Mount Rushmore of traded guys.

MLB trade rumors: Gretzky, Shaq, Montana ... Tulo?

Troy Tulowitzki's agent constructs his own Mount Rushmore of traded guys.

J.J. Putz makes transition from mound to D-backs' front office

The former closer will work with president/CEO Derrick Hall after wrapping up a 12-year big league career.

J.J. Putz makes transition from mound to D-backs' front office

The former closer will work with president/CEO Derrick Hall after wrapping up a 12-year big league career.

Doc Rivers puts Clippers on blast after Warriors blast them

Clippers' coach says Golden State is the better team "by a lot" right now after Wednesday's blowout.

Doc Rivers puts Clippers on blast after Warriors blast them

LA's coach says Golden State is the better team "by a lot" right now after Wednesday's blowout.

Report: Rockies ready to listen to trade offers for Tulo, CarGo

Is Colorado finally ready to part with its superstar hitters so it can rebuild?

Report: Rockies ready to listen to trade offers for Tulo, CarGo

Is Colorado finally ready to part with its superstar hitters so it can rebuild?

Josh Smith's dunk tries go horribly wrong

The Pistons forward suffered the indignity of having his stuff sent back into his lap.

Wisconsin forward receives an extra season from NCAA, at a price

The cost: four missed games, including two regular-season contests.

Radio row: Michael Kay calls Mike Francesa a liar on multiple occasions

"Keep my name out of your mouth," the ESPN Radio/YES host says to the WFAN legend.

Radio row: Michael Kay calls Mike Francesa a liar on multiple occasions

"Keep my name out of your mouth," the ESPN Radio/YES host says to the WFAN legend.

Election Day: Royals legend Frank White earns political victory

The former Kansas City second baseman is elected to a county legislature in Missouri.

LA's new GM

One of Billy Beane's lieutenants is about to move up the baseball ranks.

LA's new GM

One of Billy Beane's lieutenants is about to move up the baseball ranks.

MLB Gold Glove Awards 2014: Royals, Orioles dominate AL squad

The best in their field, as voted by MLB managers and coaches.

MLB Gold Glove Awards 2014: Royals, Orioles dominate AL squad

The best in their field, as voted by MLB managers and coaches.

Giants slow-play replay challenge, pay dearly

Have to be faster on the draw, Big Blue coaches.

Giants slow-play replay challenge, pay dearly

Have to be faster on the draw, Big Blue coaches.

More woes for Indiana program: Three players suspended for off-court incidents

Hoosiers coach Tom Crean announced four-game suspensions for Troy Williams, Stanford Robinson and Emmitt Holt.

Larry Sanders almost puts the ball in the wrong basket

Milwaukee's center got a little confused.

Cavs take first matchup with Bulls; James big in OT, Rose hurt

Cavs 1, Bulls 0 in the Battle for the East.

Red Wings fans stand up and cheer for Gordie Howe

Detroit fans send their best wishes to Mr. Hockey.

Red Wings fans stand up and cheer for Gordie Howe

Detroit fans send their best wishes to Mr. Hockey.

Lakers forward Julius Randle suffers broken leg in NBA debut

Randle was hurt in the fourth quarter of a lopsided loss to the Rockets.

Yordano Ventura's Game 6 cap, with Oscar Taveras tribute, headed to Hall of Fame

The Royals right-hander was a friend of the late Cardinals outfielder.

Yordano Ventura's Game 6 cap, with Oscar Taveras tribute, headed to Hall of Fame

The Royals right-hander was a friend of the late Cardinals outfielder.

Kemba's deal

Charlotte reportedly beats the Friday deadline for agreeing to a contract with its point guard.

Cardinals use Busch Stadium lights to pay tribute to Oscar Taveras

Right field is illuminated on the day of Taveras' funeral in the Dominican Republic.

Cardinals use Busch Stadium lights to pay tribute to Oscar Taveras

Right field is illuminated on the day of Taveras' funeral in the Dominican Republic.

Kemba's deal

Charlotte reportedly beats the Friday deadline for agreeing to a contract with its point guard.

Anthony Duclair looks like he belongs with tying goal during Rangers' rally

The kid shows he can score at the highest level.

Anthony Duclair looks like he belongs with tying goal during Rangers' rally

The kid shows he can score at the highest level.

Rays, predictably, deny report of talks about move to Montreal

They had to say that, of course.

Rays, predictably, deny report of talks about move to Montreal

They had to say that, of course.

Opponent offers to forfeit game in response to shooting at high school

Oak Harbor is willing to give Marysville Pilchuck the win, which would allow MP to be a top seed in the group playoffs.

East Lansing Rock City: Another over-the-top Tom Izzo Midnight Madness stunt

The annual masquerade in East Lansing takes a hard (rock) turn.

Potentially big blow to Bruins: Reported knee injury for Zdeno Chara

Bad news for the B's.

Potentially big blow to Bruins: Reported knee injury for Zdeno Chara

Bad news for the B's.

Reports: Zach Mettenberger to start for Titans against Texans

The rookie out of LSU will try to show the club he can be its long-term solution at quarterback.

Reports: Zach Mettenberger to start for Titans against Texans

The rookie out of LSU will try to show the club he can be its long-term solution at quarterback.

Brandon Belt runs Giants out of inning in Game 2

Brandon Belt wandered off second base, then got caught in between, Oops.

Brandon Belt runs Giants out of inning in Game 2

Brandon Belt wandered off second base, then got caught in between, Oops.

Nikola Vucevic, Magic closing in on four-year, $53M contract extension

Orlando makes a big commitment to its young big man.

Report: Ray Rice files wrongful termination grievance against Ravens

The running back also is seeking reinstatment by the NFL.

Report: Ray Rice files wrongful termination grievance against Ravens

The running back also is seeking reinstatment by the NFL.

SHR shakeup

The 10 and 41 teams are trading places.

Reports: Goodell could shorten Aldon Smith's suspension

The Niners star might be back as early as the Niners' eighth game.

Reports: Goodell could shorten Aldon Smith's suspension

The Niners star might be back as early as the Niners' eighth game.

New Jets WR Percy Harvin: 'Some things did happen' in Seattle

He says his run-ins with former teammates in Seattle are "in the past."

New Jets WR Percy Harvin: 'Some things did happen' in Seattle

He says his run-ins with former teammates in Seattle are "in the past."

Steelers' blitz

Pittsburgh needs just five plays to score 21 points late in the second quarter.

Steelers' blitz

Pittsburgh needs just five plays to score 21 points late in the second quarter.

Subban's goal

Could someone get a glove on him next time?

Subban's goal

Could someone get a glove on him next time?

Newly retired Brian Roberts open to reunion with Orioles

No hard feelings.

Newly retired Brian Roberts open to reunion with Orioles

No hard feelings.

Geno dinged

Crisis averted? Smith missed one play.

Geno dinged

Crisis averted? Smith missed one play.

Pierre Garcon: Richard Sherman 'just another player'

Two can play that game.

Pierre Garcon: Richard Sherman 'just another player'

Two can play that game.

Calvin Pace: NFL 'had it out for' Jets with schedule

The linebacker is not pleased with having to play the Broncos and Patriots in a five-day span.

Calvin Pace: NFL 'had it out for' Jets with schedule

The linebacker is not pleased with having to play the Broncos and Patriots in a five-day span.

Marshall sounds off

"We were a quarterback away from having a team," the Bears wide receiver told reporters. Looking at you, Chad Henne.

Marshall sounds off

"We were a quarterback away from having a team," the Bears wide receiver told reporters. Looking at you, Chad Henne.

NLCS: A.J. Pierzynski takes a dive, and not into McCovey Cove

The Cardinals catcher got his timing wrong after getting hit in the head by a bat.

NLCS: A.J. Pierzynski takes a dive, and not into McCovey Cove

The Cardinals catcher got his timing wrong after getting hit in the head by a bat.

World Series 2014 TV schedule: Royals vs. Giants

It's Kansas City vs. San Francisco in the Fall Classic.

World Series 2014 TV schedule: Royals vs. Giants

It's Kansas City vs. San Francisco in the Fall Classic.

Braves' GM

Assistant GM John Coppolella and Royals GM Dayton Moore are the top remaining candidates.

Braves' GM

Assistant GM John Coppolella and Royals GM Dayton Moore are the top remaining candidates.

Dyson's trash talk

KC's fourth outfielder/pinch runner isn't about to let Ryan Flaherty shut him up.

Dyson's trash talk

KC's fourth outfielder/pinch runner isn't about to let Ryan Flaherty shut him up.

NLCS Game 3

San Francisco leads the best-of-seven series two games to one.

NLCS Game 3

San Francisco leads the best-of-seven series two games to one.

Rajon Rondo breaks hand

Rajon Rondo is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after breaking his hand.

Derrick Rose to donate to Chicago charity

After School Matters works with an estimated 15,000-plus kids in the city.

Appel 'uproar'

Astros catcher Jason Castro says players aren't upset with Mark Appel, the 'Stros' top draft pick last year, working out at Minute Maid Park before heading off to his Double-A club.

MLB Trade Rumours

A King Felix-David-Price-Hisashi-Iwakuma trio in the rotation would stack up might nicely in the American League.

State of the Rox

Rockies owner Dick Monfort is a straight shooter, so it's not shocking to see him say that Coors Field is bad for his team's starting pitchers.

NIS TV crew

The Heat and Nets are playing in their nickname jerseys in Brooklyn. Not to be outdone, the ESPN announce team of Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy has its own swag.