The Sun Belt Conference announced Friday it fined Marshall $100,000 for opting out of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl last month even though the Thundering Herd's roster had been depleted to 41 players after coach Charles Huff's exit to Southern Miss and as many as 36 players entering the transfer portal.

Marshall athletic director Christian Spears told reporters Friday that the university accepted the fine and will move forward, but he made it clear that the well-being of the players was paramount in the decision not to play in the bowl game against American Athletic Conference champion Army on Dec. 28.

Louisiana Tech filled in as a replacement, and Army won 27-6.

"We are excited about the dialogue that's happening nationally right now around some rules changes [specifically, a single portal window that would move to January] to make sure that no other institution, ever, has this happen, but in good conscience, we could not put 41 student-athletes out onto that field, and again, we are always going to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes," Spears said. "But that doesn't take away the fact that a sincere and formal apology is due, and we are very appreciative of being a part of the Sun Belt Conference and the leadership of Commissioner [Keith] Gill and accept the fine that has been imposed."

The Sun Belt, in a statement, said that "while it acknowledges the medical model and best practice guidance adhered to by Marshall as well as their fundamental concern for the health and safety of the remaining eligible student-athletes to compete in a safe and viable manner, the nature and timing of this decision was detrimental to the Sun Belt Conference and its membership, to Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and (broadcast partner) ESPN."

In its statement, the conference added that it "considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment."

Louisiana Tech was announced as a replacement for Marshall on Dec. 14 after Marshall notified bowl officials that it could safely participate in the game. Marshall president Brad Smith told WSAZ-TV last month that of the 41 players available, some were scout-team players and freshmen who had not played. In addition, all three of Marshall's quarterbacks who played during the 2024 season were in the portal, and 17 of the 22 players on the two-deep chart from the Sun Belt championship game were in the portal.

Marshall finished 10-3 and defeated Louisiana 31-3 in the Sun Belt championship game Dec. 7. Huff was named the Southern Miss coach the next day, although there had been reports linking him to the Southern Miss job for at least a week. Marshall and Huff were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension prior to the 2024 season, and Spears said the two had agreed not to have discussions about a new deal during the 2024 season as long as Huff didn't pursue other job openings.

"We had made an agreement that we would wait until the end of the season and we would focus on winning a championship and that's where we remained," Spears told Metro News last month. "Coach [Huff] had a chance to get an opportunity that he felt really good about, and we had an opportunity to go get someone who truly wants to be at Marshall [new coach Tony Gibson]."

The transfer portal opened a day after Huff left for Southern Miss, and in the next two-plus weeks, 17 Marshall players announced their transfers to Southern Miss, including quarterback Braylon Braxton, who was the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year in 2024.

"There was a process put in place by the [Marshall] administration, and they went through that process thoroughly," Huff said at his Southern Miss introductory news conference. "At the end of it, they felt going in another direction was the right decision. That decision was probably made before we won the championship, if that makes sense. It was a mutual decision. It wasn't a knockdown, drag-out."

The lawyer for Xavier Lucas says the ex-Wisconsin player is transferring to Miami, even though the cornerback's former school never entered his name into the portal.

Darren Heitner has been representing Lucas, who indicated on social media last month that Wisconsin was refusing to put his name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk to other schools. Lucas had announced earlier in December that he planned to enter the portal.

The NCAA issued a statement Friday saying that "NCAA rules do not prevent a student-athlete from unenrolling from an institution, enrolling at a new institution and competing immediately."

Yahoo Sports first reported Lucas' plans to transfer to Miami, as well as the NCAA statement.

Wisconsin officials didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Yahoo and the Wisconsin State Journal have reported that Lucas had entered into an agreement to continue playing for Wisconsin before requesting the transfer.

Heitner said in an X post that Lucas had agreed to a memorandum of understanding that was conditioned on the approval of the House settlement -- which calls for schools to pay players directly for use of their name, image and likeness -- and Lucas attending classes no later than this spring. Heitner added that Lucas has since unenrolled from Wisconsin.

Heitner also said that Lucas hasn't received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin this season.

LOS ANGELES -- With Lakers big man Anthony Davis on the bench, a late scratch because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, L.A. held on to beat the Brooklyn Nets 102-101 on Friday.

Austin Reaves scored a career-high 38 points and LeBron James added 29 points and eight assists as the Lakers survived after D'Angelo Russell -- whom they traded to Brooklyn last month -- missed a potential game-winning 3 with 4.6 seconds left.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said his "assumption" is that Davis -- who has played in all but three games for L.A. this season, averaging 25.8 points on 52.3% shooting, 11.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 blocks -- will return Sunday against the LA Clippers.

"He went through his pregame [warmup] and had some soreness in that foot," Redick said. "And out of an abundance of caution, we held him out tonight."

Redick added that he also assumes the team will have Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired in the Nets trade, back for the Clippers game after he missed the past two games after the birth of his son.

Jaxson Hayes started at center with Davis out, collecting six points and nine rebounds in 33 minutes.

Redick complimented Hayes' effort in the Lakers' win Wednesday over the Miami Heat that snapped a three-game losing streak.

"That was his best game that he's had since he returned from injury," Redick said of Hayes, who missed 21 games from mid-November through late December due to an ankle injury. "It's been a long time, obviously, since he felt that pop and that juice that he can provide the activity and all that stuff."

With Hayes bumped to the starting lineup, newly signed two-way center Trey Jemison III filled in as L.A.'s backup big, playing 15 minutes and tallying four rebounds and two blocks.

Jemison said he found out five minutes before the game that Davis was out.

"It's a blessing to get my feet wet, get it out the way," Jemison said. "First game jitters are over with now. It's time to work."

CHICAGO -- Lonzo Ball said the matchups against his brother, LaMelo Ball, were always a treat, but especially Friday night's game, which ended up as a 125-123 victory for the Charlotte Hornets, because it was the first time the two have shared an NBA court since Nov. 29, 2021.

Not only was it the first time in 1,145 days they have matched up against each other, but they also had their middle brother, LiAngelo, sitting in the stands, fresh off signing his new record deal.

"It would've been a lot better if we won," Lonzo said with a laugh after the Bulls' loss. "Playing him, it's definitely bigger than most games for me, just because he is my little brother, man, and I grew up playing with him my whole life."

The gap between matchups comes as both Ball brothers have dealt with injuries over the past few seasons. LaMelo has not played more than 36 games in either of the past two seasons and sat out the first two meetings between the teams this season. But he has played the Bulls four times since that 2021 game, but Lonzo sat out 2 years because of multiple knee injuries before returning this season.

"The journey was amazing too," LaMelo said about his brother's return. "The whole family, it's always amazing whenever I see both my brothers. Great times."

Lonzo finished with 6 points on 2-of-6 shooting with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, and he was a part of the closing lineup for Chicago that came charging back in the fourth quarter.

Charlotte jumped out to a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead, but the Bulls stormed back with a 14-3 run, before falling short down the stretch. The Bulls have lost four consecutive games.

LaMelo led the Hornets with 26 points and nine assists.

"To see the growth has been amazing," Lonzo said about his brother.

Both teams had an off day Thursday, which allowed the three Ball brothers to have dinner in Chicago before Lonzo and LaMelo took the court. It's a moment Lonzo said he cherished, considering how each brother was enjoying his own measure of success at the moment. LiAngelo produced the first hit rap single of 2025.

"He's big time right now," Lonzo said with a laugh. "Those rappers are a little different, man."

LaMelo is leading the league in All-Star voting for guards. And Lonzo is playing significant minutes down the stretch for Chicago after sitting out nearly three years and undergoing an unprecedented cartilage replacement surgery.

"We do what we always do when we see each other, just kicking at the crib, man," Lonzo said. "We kids again, to be honest. Pulled up, I had a chef cook for us, got some good food and just chilled all night."

Then, there was plenty of time for competition and trash talk both during and after Friday's game.

As the two met after the final buzzer, Lonzo reminded LaMelo that they were now tied in their matchups against each other. LaMelo disagreed.

"Our record is 2-2, so I mean he can't be too happy about that," Lonzo said. "But to him, it's 3-1 his way. I don't know how that guy thinks sometimes."

SAN ANTONIO -- The Memphis Grizzlies were without star Ja Morant for Friday night's 140-112 win against the San Antonio Spurs due to right foot soreness.

Morant missed his 18th game this season, making him ineligible to win regular-season NBA awards; players must play at least 65 games to qualify.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins mentioned that Morant had been nursing a foot sprain since a Jan. 9 loss at home to the Houston Rockets.

"Last game against the Spurs he got tangled up, had a little collision there with a Spurs player that really worsened it," Jenkins said.

Morant, 25, led Memphis with a team-high 21 points and 12 assists Wednesday in a 129-115 victory over the Spurs.

Morant tested the sore foot early Friday, but Jenkins said the two-time All-Star was "trending towards out." Morant tested the foot again during pregame warmups, before the Grizzlies staff made the decision to sit him.

The Grizzlies (27-15) improved to 11-7 with Morant out of the lineup. A sixth-year veteran, he is averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 assists and 1.3 steals this season.

DALLAS -- Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat out Friday's 106-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks due to a sprained right wrist.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's scoring leader and an MVP front-runner, was a late addition to the injury report.

The Thunder opted to sit Gilgeous-Alexander after he had an abbreviated warmup routine.

Gilgeous-Alexander wore a wrap on the wrist after Thursday's home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He said he felt some pain after falling during his 40-point performance.

"Was fine this morning and then came to the arena and was a little bit sore," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said before Gilgeous-Alexander tested the wrist during his warmup.

Gilgeous-Alexander played in all 40 games during Oklahoma City's 34-6 start, averaging 31.6 points, 6.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks.

MIAMI -- After playing for the first time in two weeks following his seven-game suspension from the Miami Heat, forward Jimmy Butler said Friday night that he and the franchise "are where we are" regarding their relationship less than three weeks before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

"I guess it's basketball at this point," Butler said after scoring 18 points in 33 minutes in a 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Kasaya Center. "I know what I'm expected to do while I'm here and try to do that to the best of my ability, but we are where we are."

The situation hasn't changed much since the team suspended Butler a couple of weeks ago -- the star forward still wants a trade away from the shores of Biscayne Bay, and the Heat have yet to find an acceptable deal.

Butler, who arrived at the arena for the team's afternoon walk-through, was back in the starting lineup Friday night. He went 7-for-15 from the field and finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a turnover.

"[Got to] get him back acclimated," Heat center Bam Adebayo said of Butler's return. "I mean, we know what Jimmy's capable of, so it's no shock that he found his rhythm at some point, and going forward, I feel like he's going to continue to find his rhythm and we'll keep trying to win games."

In Friday's game, Butler looked far from the player who has driven the Heat to the conference finals three times and the NBA Finals twice in the past five-plus seasons. His average touch length was 2.75 seconds, according to Second Spectrum -- his lowest in any game as a member of the Heat -- and he averaged 1.6 dribbles per touch, which was his second-lowest figure of the season.

When asked about Butler's effort level after the game, however, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra turned the question to Miami's poor defense against the Nuggets and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

"I don't know," Spoelstra said when asked if Butler needs to be more involved offensively. "We haven't seen him obviously in a couple of weeks. He hasn't played a lot of games, so that is likely part of this.

"I know what storylines you're looking for. I'm not feeding into any of that tonight. We got our asses kicked. I know what you want to talk about. I know what I saw out there. From a defensive standpoint, it was not good enough, and that's three straight games now. We found our identity of how we can win games and then [the last] three games, we haven't been able to put that together, commit to that side of the floor, and we've paid the price."

Spoelstra's sentiment was similar to his pregame media session Friday, when he said the Heat were going to treat the game as close to normal as possible.

"We work in a league of complexity," Spoelstra said before the game. "We're in an unusual place right now, but really all it is is complex, and we fully plan on operating within this complexity. It's my job to prepare this team and get it ready to play at a high level, and that's what I'm doing. That's what the plan is.

"My methods for doing it are really none of your business. You're all looking for drama, I'm looking for getting this team ready to play at a high level. And as far as silly questions like, 'What is the temperature of the room?' or 'How is everybody feeling?' That just sounds so dramatic. We're professionals, we're fine. We're ready for tonight's game, and that's the only thing that matters. We're looking forward to getting back on the wood. We've been on the road for a while, and we're complete, so we're looking forward to getting this thing tipped off."

But until Butler is traded, or the trade deadline passes, the questions will continue. When Butler was asked whether the situation could be fixed, or whether he still wanted to find his "joy" again -- which he said after a game against the Pacers on Jan. 2 -- he issued a "no comment" both times.

When Butler was asked what would happen if he was still on the team Feb. 7, he smiled.

"We're playing a lot of 'what-ifs,' ain't we?" Butler said. "I'm going to hoop."

Sources have maintained that the Heat want to find a deal to accommodate Butler's wishes. But the Heat seek a trade that brings back some combination of players who can help the Heat win now, draft capital, movable short-term salary and young talent.

To this point, however, that deal hasn't materialized, and it is far from certain one will before the deadline.

Butler made it clear after Friday's game that he has no issues with his teammates.

"It felt good to get out there and compete and actually run around with these guys," Butler said. "As much as everybody may think, I don't got a problem with these guys. These guys are cool. They're my friends. ... My beef is not with them and never will be. Never has been. But it did feel good to get out there and play some basketball."

ARLINGTON, Texas -- - All-Star shortstop and two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager says he feels great and will be ready to go on the first day of spring training with the Texas Rangers after twice having hernia surgery last year.

"It's a pretty normal offseason, which is nice. First time in a while," Seager said Friday night before the team's annual awards dinner, where he was recognized as player of the year for the Rangers. "It's been good to kind of get in the gym and get in shape again and just kind of be ready."

Seager had a right sports hernia repair on Sept. 13. That was on the opposite side of his abdomen from the first procedure on Jan. 30 that forced him to sit out most of spring training last year, though he was ready for the season opener.

In between those procedures, Seager hit .278 with 30 homers and 74 RBIs in 123 games. After a slow start, he batted .296 with 28 homers and 66 RBIs in 94 games after the start of May.

"It might have been a little easier just because you know what to expect," Seager said of the latest recovery. "You weren't as nervous about certain feelings and stuff like that. So once the six weeks was over, I kind of hit the ground running and I got to kind of build into it slower than I did [last] spring."

Seager dealt with the left hernia issue throughout the postseason when the Rangers won their first World Series title in 2023. He still hit .318 with six homers, 12 RBIs and 15 walks in 17 postseason games.

CHICAGO -- About a month after apologizing for mistakes he made during his playing career, former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa was elected to the team's Hall of Fame along with former first baseman Derrek Lee.

Sosa, 56, called it a "perfect storm" that brought him back to the organization after two decades away.

"I've been out for 21 years," he said Friday night at the Cubs' annual fan convention. "I believe the time was right. I'm looking forward to continuing with the great fans."

Sosa played 13 years for the Cubs, hitting 545 home runs for them, including 63 or more in three separate seasons. But rumors of PED use followed him during and after his career. He seemed to reference them in a statement last month. Previously, the team had intimated he needed to apologize before being welcomed back.

"There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games," he said in December. "I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize."

On Friday, Sosa apologized only for being away from the team for so long. He received a huge ovation when he was announced during opening ceremonies and ran onto the stage with an American Flag.

"People grow up," he said. "That's what happened to me. To give that statement out, it was the right time for me. The response right away was incredible. Now, the door is open, I have to continue to contribute (to the organization)."

Sosa and Lee will be recognized at a game this summer. It'll mark the first time Sosa has been at Wrigley Field in an official capacity since leaving after the 2004 season.

"The fans are supportive -- 90 percent [of them]," Sosa said. "I'm happy to be back here."