Pat Graham, AP Sports

The Denver Nuggets couldn't quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noise emanating from a boisterous Timberwolves locker room. Just a loud and painful reminder that their reign as champions was finished.

Flag football's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles only enhances the profile of a sport that's growing by leaps and bounds on the women's side. Flag football is already sanctioned as a varsity sport for girls in eight states, with more seemingly on the way. The sport has also received the backing from the NFL, which sponsors leagues, and nearly two dozen NAIA colleges are now issuing scholarships to female players.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders believes the NCAA or the Rose Bowl should step in and reimburse his players for the items that went missing from the Buffaloes' locker room while they played at No. 20 UCLA over the weekend.

Mikaela Shiffrin's busy offseason has included concerts, building dedications and picking up awards. Now it's time to get back to work for the all-time winningest World Cup ski racer. Shiffrin starts the season this weekend in Soelden, Austria, with a new coach and a new relaxed attitude.