DANY BAY

Falcons Pearce Arrest

Pearce's charges include fleeing police after what Doral police said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce was arrested after crashing his car. His charges include two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.

Pearce posted bond of $20,500 Sunday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

"We look forward to working with the State Attorney's office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth," Pearce's attorney, Jacob Nunez, said in a statement released to The Associated Press on Monday.

"Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well."

Nunez declined further comment.

Pearce was given a pre-trial stay-away order from Jackson. Pearce and Jackson's relationship began when both played at Tennessee. Jackson sat beside Pearce at the 2025 NFL draft.

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The Falcons said in a statement Saturday they are aware of the arrest. "We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time," the team said.

The charges could threatenPearce's futurewith the team.

The Falcons traded their 2026 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 26 overall pick in last year's draft used to select Pearce. He then set a Falcons rookie record with a team-leading 10 1/2 sacks. The Falcons set a team record with 57 sacks, one year after finishing next to last in the league with only 31.

Despite the improved pass rush, the Falcons finished 8-9 for their eighth consecutive losing season. Second-year coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot were fired. New president of football Matt Ryan has helped reshape the team's leadership, including the hirings of coachKevin Stefanskiand general managerIan Cunningham.

Ryan, Cunningham and Stefanski already faced difficult offseason decisions, including the possible release of veteran quarterbackKirk Cousinsdespite starter Michael Penix Jr.'s uncertain status for the start of the season as he recovers from a knee injury. Pearce's arrest and uncertain legal ramifications add significant difficulty to the challenge of building the team's first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The Red Sox acquired Durbin, the Brewers' starting third baseman last season, along with utilityman Andruw Monasterio and catcher/third baseman Anthony Siegler from Milwaukee in exchange for pitchers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, plus infielder David Hamilton. The Red Sox also received a 2026 competitive balance draft pick in the deal.

Durbin, 25, had a solid rookie season for the Brew Crew in 2025, slashing .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases. He underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery in October but should be ready for spring training.

$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> $200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

MLB's $200+ million contracts

$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)

Durbin can also play second base, which was his primary position in the minor leagues. He and Monasterio join an infield mix that also includes prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell, along with veterans Romy Gonzalez and free agent signee Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Two players out of that group will likely fill the second- and third-base spots in Boston, with veteran Trevor Story as the everyday shortstop.

Brewers' return in Caleb Durbin trade

In return, the Brewers reacquired Hamilton, who played mostly second base last year in Boston but could compete for Durbin's spot at third. However, he's coming off a poor offensive season in 2025 in which he hit .198/.257/.333 in 194 plate appearances, though he did have 22 stolen bases in 28 attempts.

The Brewers originally drafted Hamilton in 2019, but sent him to Boston with outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. for outfielder Hunter Renfroe before the 2022 season.

The left-handed Harrison, 24, came to Boston last season as part of the Rafael Devers deal with San Francisco. He appeared in just three games with the Red Sox, posting a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings.

Over 42 major league appearances (37 starts), Harrison has a 4.39 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Red Sox-Brewers trade: Caleb Durbin, Kyle Harrison part of 6-man deal

Oklahoma St Arizona Basketball

Tommy Lloyd's Wildcats (23-0) claimed all 59 first-place votes in the latest poll, making them the unanimous choice for a fourth consecutive week. That comes after Arizona — one of two unbeaten teams left in Division I — wonat rival Arizona State, then returned home to beatOklahoma State by 37 points.

Michigan (22-1) remained at No. 2, marking the sixth time in Arizona's current reign that the Wolverines sat right behind the Wildcats.

There's been little question as to those two teams being regarded as the nation's best, though the major analytics data sites have preferred a reverse order. KenPom, Evan Miyakawa and Bart Torvik all rank Michigan ahead of Arizona.

The top tier

Houston (21-2) moved up five spots to No. 3 after winsagainst UCFandat BYU, returning Kelvin Sampson's Cougars inside the top 5 after a November stint that included a week at No. 1.

Duke held its position at No. 4 for a third consecutive week despitelosing at rival North Carolina on Seth Trimble's last-second 3-pointer.

Iowa State was fifth, followed by UConn after the Huskies slid three spotsfollowing their loss to St. John's that ended an 18-game win streak. Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan State rounded out the top 10, with the Illini also falling three spotsafter their overtime road loss to the Spartans.

St. John's jumped five spots to No. 17 to match Houston for the week's biggest jump after the UConn win, which pushed the Red Storm's winning streak to nine games entering this week.

No. 11 UNC, No. 14 Florida and No. 15 Virginia all climbed three spots.

In all, nine teams moved up from last week's position.

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No. 12 Gonzaga and No. 22 BYU shared honors for the week's biggest tumble by falling six spots. The Zags suffered their first loss since November bylosing at Portland, while the Cougars enter this week having lost four straight and five of six.

No. 19 Vanderbilt fell four spotsafter a home loss to Oklahoma, which dropped the Commodores to 3-4 since a 16-0 start.

Seven teams fell from their position last week while remaining in the poll.

Eight teams held their position from last week, including No. 20 Clemson, No. 21 Arkansas, No. 23 Miami (Ohio ) — the nation's other unbeaten team — and No. 24 Louisville.

Comings and goings

Kentucky was the week's lone addition at No. 25, returning to the poll for the first time since early December in a season that started with a No. 9 preseason ranking.

The Wildcats have won eight of nine, with Saturday'shome win against Tennesseeknocking the Volunteers out of the poll (from No. 25).

Conference watch

The Big 12 has a national-best six ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten and the Atlantic Coast Conference with five each. Of those leagues, the Big 12 and Big Ten each have four teams inside the top 10.

The Southeastern Conference is next with four ranked teams, followed by the Big East with two. The West Coast Conference, Atlantic-10 and Mid-American Conference each have one.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphereandhere(AP mobile app). AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

"He's fine. But after the game, what happened was I came back in the locker room and I see he's got a bloody lip and he's disheveled and he didn't know what happened," Scheyer told reporters Monday. "He got trampled on the floor. That was my main concern after the game and that's why I said what I said.

"It was not a good situation. But he's doing better, he's fine. Ready to move on. I don't have anything more to say other than that was a very unsafe situation for him, our staff, our families, our players."

Tar Heels fans stormed the court twice, once prematurely after Seth Trimble's go-ahead 3-pointer with four-tenths of a second left on the clock and once again when the game was officially over.

North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham apologized to Scheyer after the game, and the school was fined $50,000 by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

North Carolina coach Hubert Davis confirmed Monday morning that he had also been in contact with Scheyer about the incident.

While the loss was Duke's first since Dec. 20, snapping a 10-game winning streak, Scheyer was far more frustrated about the safety issue when talking to reporters after the game.

"For me, it's hard for me to talk about the game when I was most concerned just for the safety of our players after the game," Scheyer said Saturday. "I don't want to make it about that because Carolina, they played a great game to win, and that's a heartbreaking loss for our team.

"I got staff members that got punched in the face. My family pushing people away, trying to not get trampled. And that's not what this game is about. You give them all the credit in the world. It's not about the game, but obviously that was a scary ending, and this rivalry is not about that."

--Field Level Media