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LARRY LAGE

Sports writer

Lage has been the Michigan Associated Press Sports Editor since 2000, serving as a beat writer for eight teams in pro and college. He has covered the Winter Olympics four times, most recently as the ski jumping and Nordic combined writer at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games.
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his goal against the Buffalo Sabres in the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Red Wings beat Sabres 4-1, ending 7-game losing streak to boost chance at a wild-card spot
Patrick Kane scored a tiebreaking goal late in the second period and James Reimer stopped 25 shots, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres in a matchup of teams vying for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
 
Michigan head coach Juwan Howard talks to his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan fired Howard on Friday, March 15, 2024, after five seasons, 82-67 record and two NCAA Tournament. trips.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Michigan fires Juwan Howard, the former Fab Five star, after five seasons coaching men’s basketball
Michigan has fired coach Juwan Howard after five seasons, parting ways with the former Fab Five star whose return to his alma mater included a Big Ten title and advancing in two NCAA Tournaments before closing with two straight disappointing seasons.
 
Winner Jarl Magnus Riiber of Norway, center, second placed Johannes Lamparter from Austria, left, and third placed Kristjan Ilves from Estonia celebrate after the men's 10km combined, during the Cross-Country Ski World Cup, in Holmenkollen, Norway, Sunday, March 10, 2024. (Terje Pedersen/NTB Scanpix via AP)
Nordic combined star Jarl Magnus Riiber soaring and skiing toward finish in record-breaking season
Jarl Magnus Riiber might be the most dominant athlete in any sport right now. If Nordic combined wasn’t a niche sport, the world would be well aware of what Riiber has been doing since October.
 
Arizona Coyotes center Liam O'Brien loses the puck and falls over Detroit Red Wings right wing Christian Fischer (36) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Coyotes win 4-1 against suddenly slumping Red Wings, who have fallen out of NHL wild-card spot
Rookie Logan Cooley had a short-handed goal in the first period, Michael Carcone broke a tie midway through the second and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1.
 
FILE - Tony Alford, Assistant Head Coach for Offense, Running Backs, watches against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Nov. 30, 2019. A person with direct knowledge of the move says Michigan is finalizing a deal hire Alford. The person spoke Wednesday, March 13, 2024 to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because contract details and university approval were still being worked out. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)
Michigan hires running backs coach and run-game coordinator Tony Alford away from rival Ohio State
Michigan hired running backs coach and run-game coordinator Tony Alford away from rival Ohio State. Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore pulled off a bold move in building his first staff after Jim Harbaugh’s departure, adding one of Ryan Day’s top assistants at Ohio State.
 
FILE - Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Las Vegas. The Detroit Lions and cornerback Amik Robertson agreed to a $9.25 million, two-year contract with $1.5 million in incentives, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced Tuesday, March 12, 2024, a day before the new league year begins.(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Lions bolster secondary by adding Amik Robertson on a $9.25M, 2-year deal, AP source says
A person familiar with the situation says the Detroit Lions and cornerback Amik Robertson agreed to a $9.25 million, two-year deal containing $1.5 million in incentives.
 
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) brings the ball up court as Charlotte Hornets guard Vasilije Micic (22) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 11, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Cade Cunningham’s 22 points, 8 assists help Pistons top Hornets 114-97 to take 3-game season series
Cade Cunningham scored 12 of his 22 points in the first quarter to help the Detroit Pistons build a double-digit lead and he finished with eight assists in a 114-97 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.
 
FILE - Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport walks off the field after an NFL football game, Sep. 14, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Detroit Lions agreed to a $10.5 million, one-year contract with edge rusher Davenport, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke Monday, March 11, 2024, on condition of anonymity because it had not been finalized. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz, File)
Lions agree to deals with Marcus Davenport, Graham Glasgow; acquire Carlton Davis, AP sources say
The Detroit Lions addressed three pressing needs Monday, two days before the new league year begins.
 
FILE - Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver addresses the media, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Detroit. Weaver responded to a heckling fan in the stands with an expletive-laced response and pointed him out to security at Little Caesars Arena. The heated exchange occurred during Detroit’s 142-124 loss at home to the Dallas Mavericks, Saturday, March 9, 2024, and was shared on social media. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Pistons GM Troy Weaver has expletive-laced response to heckling fan in the stands
Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver had an expletive-laced response to a heckling fan in the stands and pointed the man out to security at Little Caesars Arena.
 
FILE San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. The defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights acquired Hertl from San Jose in what so far stands as the biggest deal made on the final day of NHL trading, Friday, March 8, 2024.(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
NHL trade deadline winners include Golden Knights, Panthers, Hurricanes and Kyle Okposo
NHL teams combined to make 23 trades on Friday and dealt a total of 33 players along with more than 20 draft picks before the league’s deadline.
 
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, center, and his son, Steven Izzo, left, are interviewed by the Big Ten Network's Andy Katz following an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Tom Izzo’s son, Steven, suits up for last home game at Michigan State in 53-49 win over Northwestern
Tom Izzo’s son Steven Izzo suited up in a Michigan State home uniform at the Breslin Center for the last time in a 53-49 win over Northwestern on Wednesday night.
 
Emmanuel Moseley agrees to 1-year deal to re-sign with Lions to add cornerback depth, AP source says
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions, according to a person familiar with the situation.
 
New York Islanders center Kyle Palmieri (21) reacts as the goal by teammate center Brock Nelson (29) bounces out of the net after a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Brock Nelson scores twice and Islanders beat Red Wings 5-3 to snap Detroit’s 6-game winning streak
Mathew Barzal had a tiebreaking goal with 6:02 left in the third period and Brock Nelson scored twice, lifting the New York Islanders to a 5-3 win that ended the Detroit Red Wings’ six-game winning streak.
 
Detroit Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher (37) scores against the Washington Capitals during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Steve Yzerman’s patient plan paying off for the rolling Red Wings, who may end NHL playoff drought
Steve Yzerman’s patient plan to turn around the Detroit Red Wings looks like it may be paying off. The Red Wings routed Washington 8-3 on Tuesday night, winning six straight games for the first time in nearly five years with its first eight-goal game since 2017.
 
Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond (23) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Gostisbehere scores 2, surging Red Wings rout Capitals 8-3 for 1st 6-game winning streak since 2019
Shayne Gostisbehere scored in each of the first two periods and the Detroit Red Wings went on to rout the Washington Capitals 8-3, giving them a six-game winning streak for the first time in nearly five years.
 
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) dunks on Michigan forward Will Tschetter (42) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Zach Edey matches season high with 35 points, helps No. 3 Purdue bounce back and beat Michigan 84-76
Zach Edey matched a season high with 35 points and had 15 rebounds, helping No. 3 Purdue bounce back from a rough start to beat Michigan 84-76.
 
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots over the defense of Detroit Pistons guard Monte Morris during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Paolo Banchero has 3-point play in final second to lift Magic past Pistons, 112-109
Paolo Banchero broke a tie with a three-point play with 0.8 seconds left and finished with 15 points in the Orlando Magic’s 112-109 victory over the NBA-worst Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) participates in spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Shohei Ohtani won’t play in Dodgers’ spring training opener, stays away from live batting practice
Shohei Ohtani did not participate in live batting practice Sunday, and his Los Angeles Dodgers spring training debut is on hold.
 
Michigan State guard A.J. Hoggard (11) is cheered on by center Mady Sissoko (22) and teammates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Hoggard scores 23, Michigan State bounces back to beat No. 10 Illinois 88-80
A.J. Hoggard had 23 points to lead Michigan State over No. 10 Illinois 88-80. The Spartans rallied from an eight-point deficit over the last six-plus minutes to earn the win and bounce back from a 59-56 loss to Minnesota earlier this week.
 
Detroit Pistons guard Alec Burks (14) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Knicks bolster bench by acquiring Burks and Bogdanovic from Pistons
The New York Knicks have acquired some needed scoring punch in Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons.
 
Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) drives on Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl (5) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan beats No. 11 Wisconsin 72-68, avoiding another 2nd-half collapse under coach Juwan Howard
Dug McDaniel scored 16 points and made three free throws over the final 19 seconds to help Michigan hold on for a 72-68 win over No. 11 Wisconsin.
 
Detroit Pistons guard Monte Morris (5) goes up for a shot between Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, left, and guard Max Strus, right, in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Pistons add Fontecchio from Jazz, deal Morris to Timberwolves before trade deadline, AP source says
The Detroit Pistons have dealt Monte Morris to the Minnesota Timberwolves and acquired Simone Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz, according to a person familiar with the deals on the eve of the NBA trade deadline.
 
San Francisco 49ers' defensive end Nick Bosa, center right, gets the second of two sacks against Detroit Lions' quarterback Jared Goff, center left, in the second quarter of the NFC Championship NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Lions GM Brad Holmes says franchise has more than one chance to compete for Super Bowl title
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes wrapped up his team’s season and looked ahead to the future for the franchise, speaking for 11-plus minutes and delivering a message before taking a question at his news conference Monday.
 
FILE - Detroit Lions offensive guard T.J. Lang looks on during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants in Detroit, Aug. 17, 2018. Former NFL offensive lineman T.J. Lang says no one discussed mental health 15 years ago at the start of his career. A lot has changed. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
NFL players steadily have used more mental health resources since the pandemic, league and union say
Former NFL offensive lineman T.J. Lang says no one discussed mental health 15 years ago at the start of his career. A lot has changed.
 
Michigan State guard Tyson Walker (2), left, is pressured by Michigan guard Nimari Burnett during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Juwan Howard and Michigan plummet in Big Ten; Tom Izzo and Spartans make push toward NCAA Tournament
Tom Izzo celebrated win No. 700 of his Hall of Fame career at Michigan State and delivered a message to fans in the stands, saying the Spartans aren’t “dead” yet after routing rival Michigan 81-62 on Tuesday night.
 
Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, left, listens as Colt Keith answers a question during a press conference about his contract extension at the MotorCity Casino Hotel Tiger Club in Detroit Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. The Detroit Tigers made an unusual bet on a player with no major league experience, agreeing Sunday to a six-year contract with the 22-year-old that guarantees the infield prospect $28,642,500. (Robin Buckson/Detroit News via AP)
Tigers and 22-year-old Colt Keith hope they have a win-win deal for player without MLB experience
The Detroit Tigers and Colt Keith hope they have struck a win-win deal. Detroit is banking on Keith, who hasn’t faced a major league pitch, becoming a star and the 22-year-old infielder is guaranteed to make more than $28 million even if he’s a bust.
 
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson addresses the media at the NFL football team's training facility, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Lions OC Ben Johnson is staying, turning down possible chance to be NFL head coach, AP sources say
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has decided to stay with the team and turn down potential opportunities to be an NFL head coach next season, two people familiar with the situation tell The Associated Press.
 
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell gives his end-of-season news conference Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Lions lament the one that got away after blowing big lead with a chance to reach first Super Bowl
The Detroit Lions had their best season in generations. They’re not ready to celebrate at the moment.
 
Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore addresses the crowd during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Michigan and Iowa, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Moore, who had been offensive coordinator, was hired to replace Jim Harbaugh, who left for the Los Angeles Chargers. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Jim Harbaugh pushed for Michigan to hire Sherrone Moore after leaving to lead Chargers
Michigan is giving Sherrone Moore a shot, hoping he can sustain at least some of the success coach Jim Harbaugh had toward the end of his nine-season run with college football’s winningest program.
 
Michigan acting coach Sherrone Moore reacts to a video replay during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan hired Moore on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, to replace coach Jim Harbaugh, giving the 37-year-old offensive coordinator an opportunity to lead college football's winningest program. The school made the move two days after Harbaugh bolted to lead the Los Angeles Chargers. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
Michigan promotes offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to replace Jim Harbaugh as head coach
Michigan has hired Sherrone Moore to replace coach Jim Harbaugh, giving the 37-year-old offensive coordinator an opportunity to lead college football’s winningest program.
 
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