National Sports

Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty has been cleared of allegations that he punched a 13-year-old boy in the back after a photo shoot, police said.

TORONTO — Potential host cities for the 2026 World Cup have got their marching orders for the next stage of the selection process. Yahoo reported last week that U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro had sent a letter to the 17 potential U.S.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released American quarterback Chris Streveler on Monday so he can pursue NFL opportunities. Streveler, 25, was scheduled to become a free agent Feb. 11. Streveler spent the last two seasons with Winnipeg.

OTTAWA — Willie O'Ree is hopeful that one day sport will be free of racism and bigotry, but thinks it's still a long way off.

TORONTO — The Maple Leafs sent Kasperi Kapanen a strong message. Now it's up to him to respond. Toronto scratched the speedy winger for Saturday night's game against the Ottawa Senators after Kapanen showed up late for the previous day's 12 p.m.

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has been named NBA Eastern Conference coach of the month for January. Nurse guided the Raptors to a 12-3 record last month, including a conference-best 9-1 record on the road.

MONTPELLIER, France — Vasek Pospisil set up an all-Canadian matchup with Denis Shapovalov with a first-round win Monday at the Open Sud de France.

MIAMI — Patrick Mahomes needed just the waning minutes of Super Bowl 54 to end a whole lot of frustration. A championship 50 years in the making for the Kansas City Chiefs. A two-decade wait for an NFL title for coach Andy Reid.

Sunday's Games Super Bowl 54 At Miami Gardens, Fla.

NEW YORK — Seizing their opportunity to make a cultural statement, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira infused the Super Bowl halftime show with an exuberance and joy that celebrated their Latina heritage.