SPORTS SHORTS

NFL: Big Ben expects to retire

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has confided in friends, teammates and other people within the organization that he expects this season to be his final one in Pittsburgh, according to a report from ESPN. Roethlisberger’s public stance has been that he wouldn’t want to play anywhere else, and one source told ESPN that this stance is still the case: his appearance in another NFL city is “highly unlikely.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey, one of the NFL’s most fearsome pass rushers during the 1970s with the Falcons, has died at the age of 77. Humphrey, who also reached the Super Bowl with the Eagles, died unexpectedly Friday night in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn., according to the Hall of Fame, which was informed of his death by his daughter. No cause was given.

The Steelers activated star linebacker T.J. Watt off the COVID-19 list, giving their beleaguered defense a boost before Sunday’s visit by AFC North-leading Baltimore. Broncos leading rusher Melvin Gordon will miss Sunday night’s game with the Chiefs due to hip and shoulder injuries.

NHL: Ovechkin scores 750th goal

Alex Ovechkin scored his 20th goal of the season and the 750th of his NHL career to help the Capitals beat the Blue Jackets, 3-1, and snap a two-game skid. Ovechkin became the second-fastest player to reach the 750-goal mark.

Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell scored in a shootout, and the Panthers continued their string of comebacks by rallying to beat the Blues, 4-3, in Sunrise, Fla.

In Boston, Steven Stamkos scored at 1:31 of overtime, and the Lighting bounced back after blowing a two-goal lead, beating the Bruins, 3-2.

NBA: Ball, Rozier placed in protocol

Starting guards LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier and two other Hornets players entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Starting center Mason Plumlee and reserve forward Jalen McDaniels were also placed in the COVID-19 protocols.

In Milwaukee, Pat Connaughton made seven 3-pointers and scored 23 points in the Bucks’ 124-102 win over the Heat despite playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf injury).

NCAA: Kiffin extends at Ole Miss

Mississippi and Lane Kiffin have agreed to a new contract after the program’s first 10-win regular season. Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter announced what the school described as a new deal. The school didn’t release any details of the contract.

ETC.: COVID depletes Union

The No. 2 seed Philadelphia Union listed 11 players as “out” in the league’s health and safety protocols on their club’s official availability report prior to their showdown against NYCFC on Sunday afternoon in the MLS Eastern Conference final in Chester, Pa.

In Portland, Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno scored, and the Portland Timbers advanced to the MLS Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference final.

Collin Morikawa chipped in for eagle and raced away from a 20-man field in the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Club in Nassau, Bahamas, with an 8-under 64 and a five-shot lead.