OFF AND RUNNING

Dani Alves found guilty of rape, sentenced to prison

BARCELONA, SPAIN >> Dani Alves, one of the most successful soccer players of his generation, was found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub and sentenced to four years and six months in prison on Thursday.

The former Brazil and Barcelona right back was convicted in Spain under a new sexual liberty law that emphasizes the lack of consent of the victim as key to determining sex crimes.

A three-judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court convicted the 40-year-old Alves of sexual assault for the incident on Dec. 31, 2022.

NBA

Stewart suspended 3 games for punching Eubanks

NEW YORK>> Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart was suspended three games without pay by the NBA for punching and pushing Phoenix Suns forward/center Drew Eubanks.

Stewart and Eubanks had a confrontation before a game between the Pistons and Suns on Feb. 14. Phoenix police said Stewart was arrested for assault, issued a citation and released.

OLYMPICS

Gabby Douglas return derailed by COVID-19

LOUISVILLE, KY. >> Gabby Douglas’ return to competition is going to have to wait.

The 2012 Olympic gymnastics champion pulled out of this weekend’s Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, after posting on social media that she had tested positive for COVID-19.

The 28-year-old Douglas was planning to compete in three of the four events at Winter Cup, her first meet since the 2016 Olympics, when she helped the Americans win a team gold.

BASEBALL

Pujols hired as manager of club in Dominican Republic

Albert Pujols has been hired as manager of Los Leones del Escogido, a club in the Dominican Republic professional league.

The 44-year-old Pujols hit

703 homers, fourth most in history, over 22 major league seasons, and his 2,218 RBIS are the second most all-time, trailing only Henry Aaron. He retired in 2022.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

SEC suspends Alabama’s Wague for throwing elbow

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. >> Alabama forward Mohamed Wague was suspended for one game by the Southeastern Conference on Thursday for elbowing Florida’s Alex Condon in the back of the head.

Wague, who averages 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for the 13th-ranked Crimson Tide, will miss Saturday’s game at No. 17 Kentucky.

SEC fines LSU $100,000 for fans storming the court

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.>> The Southeastern Conference has fined LSU $100,000 in connection to fans running onto the court after the Tigers’ victory over No. 17 Kentucky, the league announced Thursday.

Tyrell Ward’s basket as time expired gave LSU a 75-74 win on Wednesday night and prompted the court-storming.

NFL

Chiefs sign Araiza, who was sued for alleged rape

KANSAS CITY, MO.>> The Kansas City Chiefs are signing punter Matt Araiza, who was dropped from a lawsuit in December that had been filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State football players in 2021.

The signing was announced by Araiza’s agent, Joe Linta, and confirmed a short while later by the team.