Ex-FSU players file suit vs. Hamilton

Six former Florida State basketball players sued Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton on Monday, alleging he failed to make good on a promise to get each of them $250,000 in name, image and likeness compensation. The plaintiffs — Darin Green Jr., De’Ante Green, Cam’Ron Fletcher, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears and Jalen Warley — filed suit in Leon County (Fla.) circuit court. The former players allege Hamilton promised them the money from his “business partners.” The lawsuit says they walked out of a practice last season over the missed payments and intended to boycott a Feb. 17 game against Duke. They ended up playing — the Seminoles lost 76-67 — amid a guarantee from Hamilton that they would be paid but never were, according to the suit. “Though our inquiry is not yet complete, at this point we know of no unfulfilled commitments ... to the athletes,” Florida State said in a statement. The complaint includes multiple text-message exchanges between players and some between players and Hamilton. None of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit remain with the team.

Commanders earn postseason berth

Jayden Daniels is running all over opponents and away with the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. His legs are arguably as big a reason the Commanders are heading to the playoffs as his right, throwing arm. “That guy’s an absolute beast,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said Sunday night after Daniels, above, torched his team for 127 yards on 16 carries in a 30-24 Commanders win in OT. “He’s a tough tackle. He’s hell on wheels.” Daniels’ wheels have become the key to the Commanders’ running game, even as Brian Robinson Jr. has struggled to regain the foothold he had earlier this season. The rookie quarterback has been the team’s leading rusher in half of their games, including four of the last five, and his mobility opens up everything for the NFL’s fifth-highest-scoring offense. “He is a dangerous player — and not by design that some of these runs took place,” coach Dan Quinn said. “I cringe sometimes, but I also know what the competitor is, too.” Commanders tight end Zach Ertz said after the victory that Daniels is “the most mature rookie I’ve ever been around.”

Kyrgios, Djokovic partnership a hit

Exchanging smiles, laughs and flashy shots, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios teamed up in doubles on Monday as they both returned to the court in preparation for the Australian Open. The two former Wimbledon final opponents reached the second round of the Brisbane International with a 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 win against Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies. It was Kyrgios’ first match in 18 months due to injuries, while Djokovic missed the season-ending ATP Finals last month with an unspecified injury. They had the crowd on their feet several times at Pat Rafter Arena, including when Djokovic flicked an around-the-net backhand winner during the first set. Djokovic then turned to point at a grinning Kyrgios, who slapped Djokovic’s outstretched hand in celebration. “That’s just an iconic Novak moment,” said Krygios, above, who treated the crowd to some shot-making of his own. When the 29-year-old Aussie won another point following another extravagant shot — playing the ball between his legs — he jogged around the court with a grinning Djokovic chasing after him. —AP