VOLGOGRAD, Russia (AP) Being a defending champion at the World Cup has proven to be a tough challenge in recent years. Four of the last five winners, including Germany this year, have failed to get out of the group stage of the next tournament. The one exception was ... Read More

DALLAS (AP) The Carolina Hurricanes acquired defenseman Dougie Hamilton on Saturday as part of a blockbuster trade with the Calgary Flames at the NHL draft. Carolina got Hamilton, winger Micheal Ferland and prospect Adam Fox from Calgary for center Elias Lindholm ... Read More

CLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Browns have signed offensive lineman Greg Robinson, a 2014 first-round draft pick with the Rams. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Robinson was the No. 2 overall pick that year out of Auburn. Robinson failed to live up to expectations with Los Angeles ... Read More

PLAYERS TO PICK UP MIKE SOROKA (SP, Atlanta Braves, 38 percent owned in Yahoo) – Soroka returned from the disabled list Wednesday, and despite being on a pitch limit, he made the most of his return to the mound against the Mets. He allowed just one hit and ... Read More

WASHINGTON (AP) Stanley Cup champions just want to have fun. They’re doing so right now. The Washington Capitals took the Stanley Cup through the MGM Grand and to a dance club on the Las Vegas Strip. They took it to a popular bar not far from ... Read More

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich says Andrew Luck is getting close to start throwing a football. Luck did not work out with his teammates on the final day of offseason workouts and is not expected to begin throwing until after next week’s three-day minicamp ... Read More