Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
U.S. sports betting soars 23.6%
Americans are gambling on sports in record numbers, which has coincided with a rapid increase in the number of people turning to support for serious gambling addictions. The American Gaming Association reported a 23.6 percent rise in sports betting in the United States in 2024, with Americans placing $147.9 billion in sports bets.
TaylorMade signs Kai Trump to endorsement deal
TaylorMade Golf signed an endorsement deal with one of the best golfers in the Trump Family. University of Miami commit Kai Trump, the oldest granddaughter of President Donald Trump, agreed to an NIL deal with the prominent golf apparel and equipment giant.
Rublev beats Auger-Aliassime
Former winner Andrey Rublev reached the final of the Qatar Open on Friday with a 7-5 4-6 7-6(5) win over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, and will meet Jack Draper in the decider after the Briton beat Czech Jiri Lehecka. Rublev, winner in 2020, took the opening set with a break in the final game, before Auger-Aliassime broke the Russian fifth seed’s serve early in the second set and hit three aces in the final game to serve out for the set.
Blue Jackets activate Jenner, Marchenko off IR
The Columbus Blue Jackets activated captain Boone Jenner and fellow forward Kirill Marchenko off injured reserve on Friday. Jenner, 31, has missed the team’s first 56 games of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury on Oct. 4. He underwent surgery five days later.
Tigers OF Baddoo (hand) out
Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken right hand. Baddoo had his hamate bone operated on Thursday, according to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.
