AP Sports SummaryBrief at 10:59 a.m. EST

Family rep: Hamlin’s recovery moving in positive direction

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The marketing representative for Damar Hamlin says the Buffalo Bills safety’s recovery is moving in “a positive direction” two days after he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a game against Cincinnati. Jordon Rooney says the family remains optimistic but that he was unable to go into further detail on Hamlin’s status. On Tuesday, the Bills said Hamlin was under sedation and listed in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

NFL players, communities rally for Bills safety Damar Hamlin

The NFL and its fans are rallying in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who remains in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital after going into cardiac arrest on the field. Players and coaches from around the league were overcome with emotion while watching Hamlin be resuscitated back to life Monday night during Buffalo’s game at Cincinnati. Hamlin’s uncle, Dorrian Glenn, told CNN that his nephew had to have his heart re-started twice — once on the field, and once at the hospital. Glenn says there were some encouraging signs Tuesday, including doctors reducing the amount of oxygen Hamlin was receiving.

NFL balances emotions, tight schedule after Hamlin shock

The NFL has informed the Bills and Bengals their suspended game will not be resumed this week while the Week 18 schedule remains unchanged. The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the pivotal Bills-Bengals game at a later date. The game was suspended Monday night in the first quarter when Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest. The 24-year-old Hamlin remained in critical condition a day after the Bills said his heart stopped after making a tackle in the opening quarter of a game against the Bengals. Medical staff restored his heartbeat during frantic moments on the field before he was loaded into an ambulance. Players from both teams were crying and praying during an emotional scene on the field.

Fans give millions to Damar Hamlin’s toy drive for kids

Damar Hamlin’s goal was simple: He wanted to raise $2,500 online to buy toys for needy kids. It took about two years. Then came Monday, when the Buffalo Bills safety was critically injured and needed his heart restarted on the field in a chilling scene during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He instantly became one of the biggest stories in sports, and thousands of people found his GoFundMe page. The result was roughly $5.5 million donated in the first 24 hours after his injury. And the number is climbing.

UFC President Dana White seen on video slapping his wife

LAS VEGAS (AP) — TMZ has released video of UFC Pesident Dana White slapping his wife, Anne. The two were on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, last month. White told the website he was “embarrassed” and concerned for how his three children are affected. The video shows the couple arguing before Anne White slaps her husband, who slaps back before others intervene. Anne White said in a statement to TMZ that her husband’s actions were “out of character” and that both had been drinking. A UFC spokesman declined to comment or issue a statement to The Associated Press.

US men’s coach Berhalter admits kicking future wife in 1991

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Soccer Federation is investigating men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter for a 1991 confrontation in which he kicked the woman who later became his wife. The federation says it learned of the allegation on Dec. 11 and hired the law firm Alston & Bird to investigate. The USSF says Berhalter and his wife Rosalind had “spoken openly” about the matter. Berhalter admits to the kick in a statement Tuesday. The USSF says it will announce “in the coming days” who will coach the team for exhibitions against Serbia on Jan. 25 and Colombia three days later.

AP source: Panthers owner, Jim Harbaugh discuss coaching job

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — According to a person familiar with the situation, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has talked to University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh about the team’s head coaching position. The person characterized the talks as a conversation, not a job interview. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday because the team does not normally release details of its coaching search. The Panthers were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday after a 30-24 loss to Tampa Bay. Steve Wilks is currently serving Panthers interim head coach. Under Harbaugh, the San Francisco 49ers reached the NFC championship game three straight years from 2011 to 2013 and lost Super Bowl 47 to Baltimore.

3 NFL teams look for rare trip from 2-6 start to playoffs

Falling into a 2-6 hole near the midpoint of a season is usually a recipe to look to the future for NFL teams, with only two teams ever climbing out of that hole to reach the postseason. Headed into Week 18 of this season, three teams that lost six of their first eight games remain in the playoff hunt. Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South with a win over Tennessee or it could sneak in as a wild-card team with a loss and lots of help. Detroit and Pittsburgh have more complicated paths, needing wins and help from others to clinch their wild-card berths.

NBA says Mitchell’s desperation score shouldn’t have counted

Donovan Mitchell sent the best game of his career to overtime with an incredible play. A little too incredible, the NBA said. Mitchell’s desperation basket that forced overtime — off an intentionally missed free throw — and extended what became his 71-point effort for the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 145-134 win over the Chicago Bulls shouldn’t have counted, the NBA said Tuesday. The reason: Mitchell stepped “over the plane of the free throw line before the ball touches the basket ring,” the league said. That’s a violation and Chicago should have been awarded possession with a two-point lead.

Pelé buried at cemetery in Brazilian city he made famous

SANTOS, Brazil (AP) — Brazil said a final farewell to Pelé on Tuesday, burying the legend who unified the bitterly divided country. Pelé was placed in his final resting place as millions of fans around the world mourned. Newly inaugurated President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid his respects at the Vila Belmiro stadium where Pelé played much of his career. Pelé was buried in Santos, the city where he became famous. Mass was held at the Vila Belmiro stadium before the casket was ushered through the streets. Pele died Thursday at age 82.