Unusual betting patterns surrounding play of Rozier under investigation

MIAMI >> Unusual betting patterns surrounding the play of then-Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier in a game nearly two years ago are now under investigation by federal prosecutors, part of the same probe that led to the lifetime ban of Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, the NBA confirmed Thursday.

Rozier — who played for the Hornets on the date in question, and now plays for the Miami Heat — has not been charged with a crime, nor has he been accused of wrongdoing.

A Lim Kim opens 4-shot lead in LPGA opener

ORLANDO, Fla. >> A Lim Kim shot a bogey-free, 7-under 65 on Thursday to take a four-shot lead in the opening round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, the LGPA Tour season opener.

The 29-year-old Kim, a two-time winner on tour including the U.S. Women’s Open in 2020, birdied three of her final five holes at Lake Nona to separate herself from Patty Tavatanakit and Jin Young Ko, who shot 69.

Lions’ Jared Goff delivers near-perfect performance in the Pro Bowl Games

ORLANDO, Fla. >> Detroit quarterback Jared Goff delivered a near-perfect performance in “passing the test” and helped the NFC take a 14-7 lead over the AFC during the opening night of the Pro Bowl Games.

Goff, Minnesota’s Sam Darnold and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield easily beat the AFC team of QBs comprised of Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, New England’s Drake Maye and Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson.

Scherzer agrees to $15.5M, 1-year deal with Blue Jays

Max Scherzer is joining the Toronto Blue Jays, agreeing to a 15.5 million, one-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.

The 40-year-old Scherzer was limited to nine starts with Texas last year, going 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA. The three-time Cy Young Award winner spent considerable time on the injured list.

Dodgers finalize $13M, 1-year deal with Yates

LOS ANGELES >> The Los Angeles Dodgers added Kirby Yates to their bullpen, agreeing to a $13 million, one-year contract with the veteran right-hander.

Yates joins a refurbished bullpen for the World Series champions, who finalized a $72 million, four-year contract with Tanner Scott last week.

Free agent Brionna Jones to sign with Atlanta Dream

Free agent Brionna Jones is signing with the Atlanta Dream, her agent, Boris Lelchitski, confirmed to The Associated Press.

The three-time All-Star had played her entire career with the Connecticut Sun after being drafted No. 8 in 2017.

Jones will pair with Brittney Griner in the frontcourt.

Utah drops Wasatch, adds Outlaws as third option

SALT LAKE CITY >> The Utah Hockey Club has changed up the three finalists for the permanent team name it will adopt beginning with the 2025-26 season.

The franchise will use fan voting to decide among the Utah Mammoth, Utah Hockey Club and, now, Utah Outlaws.

The team on Thursday announced it was dropping the unpopular Utah Wasatch option.

“It’s clear that Outlaws should be in the mix instead of Wasatch, so we’re swapping it out,” the team posted on social media.