MLB:
The Cleveland Indians are removing the divisive Chief Wahoo logo from their jerseys and caps starting in the 2019 season. The decision follows numerous discussions with Major League Baseball and Commissioner Rob Manfred. The team has been transitioning away from Chief Wahoo in recent years amid growing pressure to drop the big-toothed, smiling, red-faced caricature. Manfred said the team conveyed to him that some fans have a "long-standing attachment" to the logo, but the Indians agreed that it's "no longer appropriate for on-field use."
The Kansas City Royals have re-signed shortstop Alcides Escobar to a $2.5 million contract for this season, a deal that allows him to earn another $1.5 million in bonuses. He agreed to remain with the ballclub after joining first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas, outfielder Lorenzo Cain and pitcher Jason Vargas in hitting the open market. Escobar hit .250 with six homers, 54 RBIs and a career-high 102 strikeouts last season. The Royals also acquired bullpen help by getting right-handers Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer from the Athletics for designated hitter Brandon Moss and left-hander Ryan Buchter. Moss hit a disappointing .207 with 22 homers and 50 RBIs for Kansas City last year.
NFL:
Center Eric Wood's retirement is on hold over questions regarding whether the Buffalo Bills are allowed to ask the player to return a portion of the contract bonus Wood received in signing a two-year extension in August, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. According to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, teams can ask for a portion of bonus money to be returned if a player retires before his contract expires.
The Panthers will interview Marty Hurney, Jimmy Raye III and Lake Dawson for the team's general manager position. Panthers team spokesman Steven Drummond said all three candidates will interview this week. Hurney is currently the Panthers interim GM, but his contract expires June 30.
A New Jersey community has raised enough money to send a beloved school bus driver and die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan to the Super Bowl. A group of parents and students surprised Gary Kelmer with the present when he pulled up to the last stop on his bus route on Monday in Mount Laurel. Parents Amy and Izaak Smith wanted to raise money as a way to thank "Mr. Gary" for his daily kindness. They raised more than $5,000 in just a few days on the fundraising site GoFundMe.
Thousands of New England Patriots fans have given their heroes a rousing send-off before the team headed to Minnesota to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Quarterback Tom Brady was the last of several players Monday who thanked the fans for their support all season before dropping the mic and walking off stage.
Super Bowl festivities in Minnesota are in full swing, with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles kicking off their week in the spotlight at media night. The Patriots were first on the stage at Xcel Energy Center, the hockey rink and home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. Tom Brady led his teammates onto the stage, wearing a black wool stocking cap and a wide smile.
Patriots safety Devin McCourty says he thinks this offseason will include a more open and meaningful dialogue between NFL players and league officials after a series of player-led demonstrations during the national anthem this season attempted to raise awareness for social issues.
Carson Wentz soaks in the experience at Super Bowl media night and supports his teammates. The MVP candidate can't play against the New England Patriots, but is doing everything he can to help backup Nick Foles.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he's reconsidering whether to continue a long-running weekly radio appearance after a host made disparaging remarks about his daughter. Brady cut short his interview on Monday with WEEI. The five-time Super Bowl champion doesn't want the host fired.
NBA:
Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker is set to return to the court Friday against the New York Knicks, nearly a year after being sidelined with the second major left knee injury of his career. The Bucks announced Monday night that Parker was medically cleared.
Tyler Nelson scored 32 points and Aidas Kavaliauskas had a double-double to help Fairfield beat Iona 103-100 in overtime. Nelson, who made 7 of 8 free throws in overtime, has four games with at least 30 points this season.
NHL:
The New York Islanders will split their regular-season home games between Long Island's Nassau Coliseum and Brooklyn's Barclays Center starting next season while a new arena is built at Belmont Park. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the arrangement Monday. The hockey team played at the Coliseum for years before moving to Brooklyn in 2015. A new arena isn't expected to open for three years.
NCAA:
Roman Penn scored 18 points, Ahsante Shivers had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench and Siena beat Saint Peter's 59-57 in triple overtime. Thomas Huerter Jr., who was 2 of 7 from the line, made 1 of 2 free throws on Siena's final possession of the game.
Abdul Lewis had 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting and Anthony Tarke made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 16 seconds to help NJIT beat Kennesaw State 74-71 after blowing a 21-point lead. Tarke finished with 18 points and eight rebounds and Lewis also grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn continues to lead the way in The Associated Press women's basketball poll. The Huskies (20-0) are once again the unanimous No. 1 team receiving all 32 votes from the national media panel. The top five remained unchanged this week with Mississippi State, Baylor, Louisville and Notre Dame following UConn.
Olympics:
U.S. Olympic men's hockey captain Brian Gionta will tune up for South Korea with his hometown Rochester Americans. The American Hockey League team has signed Gionta to a one-game professional tryout contract, and he's expected to play against Toronto on Friday.
Car Racing:
Former Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Jerry Sneva has died at 69, according to the speedway. The younger brother of 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner Tom Sneva made five career starts at the Brickyard and captured rookie honors with his 10th-place finish in 1977.
PGA:
Jason Day sank an 18-inch birdie putt on the sixth playoff hole to beat Alex Noren and win the Farmers Insurance Open in front of empty grandstands on No. 18 at Torrey Pines. Day and Noren had to return Monday morning after grinding through five playoff holes Sunday before it got too dark to continue. They finished with a tie with Ryan Palmer at 10 under through regulation before Palmer bowed out on the first extra hole.
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