Judge keeps NCAA’s restrictions on NIL in place

A judge on Tuesday kept in place for now the NCAA’s rules prohibiting name, image and likeness compensation from being used as a recruiting inducement, denying a request for a temporary restraining order by the states of Tennessee and Virginia. The attorneys general of those states filed a federal antitrust lawsuit in the Eastern District of Tennessee last week that challenged the NCAA’s NIL rules, after it was revealed the University of Tennessee was under investigation by the association for potential infractions.

A preliminary injunction hearing is set for Feb. 13.

Former gymnastics champ Gabby Douglas to return

Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic all-around gymnastics champion, will return to competition for the first time in nearly eight years at the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, on Feb. 24.

The 28-year-old Douglas, who made the announcement on NBC News NOW on Tuesday, was a teenager when she competed in London and became the first Black woman to win the Olympic title. She hasn’t competed since helping the U.S. win team gold at the 2016 Olympics.

Southern Miss coach Jay Ladner hospitalized

HATTIESBURG, Miss. >> Southern Mississippi coach Jay Ladner was hospitalized Tuesday after suffering what the school described as a “heart-related medical emergency.” Officials said Ladner is expected to make a full recovery, but will step away from the team for now. Associate head coach Juan Cardona will act as head coach while Ladner recuperates.

Capitals’ Kuznetsov enters player assistance program

ARLINGTON, Va.>> Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, and the team is now preparing for the stretch run of the season without him. Kuznetsov will be away from the team indefinitely while he receives care. Under the terms of the program, he can return to the team for practice and then games when cleared by administrators.

Royals sign SS Witt Jr. to 11-year, $288M deal

KANSAS CITY, Mo>> The Royals officially signed 23-year-old shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to a mammoth 11-year deal worth more than $288.7 million guaranteed, easily the longest and richest contract in club history. It includes a three-year, $89 million team option that would drive the value to more than $377 million and keep Witt with the Royals through the 2037 season.

Altuve, Astros agree to new deal adding $125 million

José Altuve and the Houston Astros agreed to a $125 million, five-year contract that covers 2025-29. Altuve has a $26 million salary for 2024 in the final season of a $163.5 million, seven-year deal. The eight-time All-Star second baseman would have been eligible for free agency after this year’s World Series.

Players sweep 5 salary arbitration decisions

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.>> Players swept five salary arbitration decisions against major league teams on Tuesday, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went to a hearing against Toronto that will set a record whether the star first baseman wins or loses. Baltimore outfielder Austin Hays and pitcher Jacob Webb won their cases along with Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, Houston utilityman Mauricio Dubón and New York Mets reliever Phil Bickford.