Bills' Hamlin still in critical condition, continues recovery
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. >> Doctors described Damar Hamlin's neurological function as “excellent” Saturday, as the Buffalo Bills safety continued making progress in his recovery after having to be resuscitated on the field in a game at Cincinnati on Monday.
In providing their daily update on Hamlin, the Bills said the player continues to breathe on his own but remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Hamlin took a major step forward in his recovery on Friday when he was taken off a ventilator and showed an ability to speak.
There was a tweet on the 24-year-old's verified Twitter account Saturday evening saying that any love put into the world comes back three times as much and thanking all who have “reached out and prayed.” It also said that the response to his injury will make Hamlin stronger. The tweet was followed by a heart-shaped emoji and “3.” BROWNS LEAVE CLOWNEY BEHIND >> Jadeveon Clowney's season is officially over — not that there was much of a question.
The Cleveland Browns did not bring Clowney on their trip to Pittsburgh for the season finale after the defensive end was sent home from practice Friday for biting remarks he made about the organization and coaching staff.
Before departing, the Browns officially downgraded Clowney to out.
Baseball
PHILLIES ACQUIRE ALL-STAR >> The Philadelphia Phillies
acquired All-Star reliever Gregory Soto and utility player Kody Clemens, son of seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for infielder Nick Maton, outfielder Matt Vierling and catcher Donny Sands.
Soto, an AL All-Star the last two years, had career highs with 30 saves and 64 games last season with 60 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old lefthander has a career record of 8-20 with 50 saves in 186 appearances over four years with the Tigers.
Golf
MORIKAWA LEADS BIG >>
Collin Morikawa seized on the stretch of scoring holes on the back nine at Kapalua to pull away from the elite field, making four birdies over his final five holes for an 8-under 65 and a
six-shot lead in the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Morikawa was at 24-under 195, six shots clear of U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Texas Open winner J.J. Spaun.
Skiing
SHIFFRIN STILL CHASING RECORD >>
Mikaela Shiffrin's pursuit of Lindsey Vonn's women's World Cup wins record will go on for at least another day.
Shiffrin finished tied for sixth in a giant slalom to end her winning streak at five races.
Shiffrin remained at 81 career wins — one victory away from Vonn's mark of 82 victories.
Soccer
DESCHAMPS EXTENDS CONTRACT >>
After leading France to another World Cup final, coach Didier Deschamps
is signing up for another shot at the title, prolonging his contract to July 2026.
Deschamps, a World Cup winner as a player, took over as coach of Les Bleus in July 2012 and led France to the World Cup title in 2018, beating Croatia in the final.
Tennis
DJOKOVIC INJURED, MAKES FINAL >>
Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the Adelaide International final despite sustaining a leg injury during the match.
In the seventh game of the first set, Djokovic caught his left foot when sliding for a ball and immediately began stretching out his hamstring. He took a medical timeout.
Djokovic will play Sebastian Korda in Sunday's final.