Here is the latest Virginia sports news from The Associated Press

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Redskins have announced that A.J. Smith has joined the team as a senior executive. Smith spent nine years as general manager of the San Diego Chargers before he was fired on Dec. 31. Smith joins his son, Kyle, who has been an area scout for the Redskins for the past two seasons.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The case against the Washington Redskins nickname begins again Thursday. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board will hear a petition brought by a group of Native Americans who say the Redskins should lose their federal trademark protection. They cite a law that prohibits registered names that are disparaging, scandalous, contemptuous or disreputable.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Treveon Graham scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half, including the go-ahead basket with 2:58 to play, and VCU beat city rival Richmond 93-82 Wednesday night, avoiding a sweep of the season series. Juvonte Reddic added 16 points for the Rams, who remained in control of at least the second seed in the conference tournament later this month.

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Duke center Elizabeth Williams is the Atlantic Coast Conference's defensive player of the year for the second straight season. The ACC on Wednesday announced its defensive honorees as selected by the league's 12 head coaches.