Woods’ win at Masters AP’s story of the year
A green jacket. A heartmelting embrace. A stirring return to the top of golf by one of the sport’s all-time greats.
In choosing Tiger Woods’ victory at the Masters as The Associated Press sports story of the year, voters went with the uplifting escape of a great comeback over options that were as much about sports as the issues that enveloped them in 2019 — politics, money and the growing push for equal pay and equal rights for women. The balloters, a mix of AP member sports editors and AP beat writers, elevated Woods’ rousing victory at Augusta National Golf Club over the runner-up entry — the U.S. women’s soccer team’s victory at the World Cup. That monthlong competition was punctuated by star Megan Rapinoe’s push for pay equality for the women’s team and an ongoing war of words with President Donald Trump.
Gymnastics
State Attorney General Dana Nessel suspended a nearly two-year-long criminal investigation into Michigan State University’s handling of complaints against now-imprisoned serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar, a spokesperson said. The probe, which began under Nessel’s predecessor, has resulted in charges against three former school officials. One was convicted. Two others, including former president Lou Anna Simon, were ordered to trial. Their cases will continue to be prosecuted. It is unclear if or when the probe
College football
Quarterback Cole McDonald capped a stellar performance (493 yards passing, 4 TDs) with a 24-yard TD pass to Nick Mardner with 1:17 remaining, and Hawaii (10-5) beat BYU (7-6), 38-34, in the Hawai’i Bowl late Tuesday night at Aloha Stadium for the Warriors’ first 10-win season since 2010.
• ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff, known for his outgoing and friendly personality, dapper dress and great love of sports, died Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 34.
College basketball
Guard Michael Devoe had 18 points as Georgia Tech (6-6) rode a big second half for a 70-53 victory against Hawaii (8-5) in the third-place game of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu. … Derrick Alston Jr. had 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists as Boise State (8-5) edged UTEP (9-4), 72-67, for fifth. … Ishmael El-Amin scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half as Ball State (7-6) topped Portland (8-7), 61-46, for seventh.