Google's Jeff Dean explains why latency and cost make Flash Google's production tier for AI search, and why models are built to retrieve, not memorize.
The post Why Google Runs AI Mode On Flash, Explained By Googleβs Chief Scientist appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
Figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics wraps up this week with the women's singles free skate competition. A winner among the best women's skaters will be crowned on Thursday after the free skate, or long program. At the conclusion of the women's short program, Japan's Ami Nakai was in first place in the women's singles competition, followed by her Japanese teammate Kaori Sakamoto, and Team USA's Alysiu Liu was in third. Also representing Team USA are Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito; the three women are known collectively as the "Blade Angels," and they'll all be competing in the free skate.
You can tune in to the women's free skate on Peacock and NBC starting at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 19, and it will also re-air on USA at 1:30 a.m. ET.Β
For a complete schedule of every figure skating event at this year's games, a rundown of who is on Team USA, and how to watch, keep scrolling. And if you want to learn even more about every event at this year's Winter Games, here's a guide to everything you need to know about the Milan Cortina Games.Β
Date: Thursday, Feb. 19
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Milano Ice Skating Arena
TV channels: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, DirecTV and more
The entire women's free skate will be available to stream on Peacock. You can also tune in at 10:30 a.m. to watch the women's free skate warm-ups.Β
The women's free skate figure skating competition will be broadcast on NBC at 1 p.m. ET. The free skate will re-air on USA at 1:30 a.m. ET. You can stream both on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and more.
These are the sixteen skaters on Team USA's figure skating team:
Amber Glenn (Women's Singles)
Isabeau Levito (Women's Singles)
Alysa Liu (Women's Singles)
Ilia Malinin (Men's Singles)
Maxim Naumov (Men's Singles)
Andrew Torgashev (Men's Singles)
Madison Chock and Evan Bates (Ice Dance)
Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko (Ice Dance)
Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik (Ice Dance)
Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea (Pairs)
Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe (Pairs)
Thursday, February 19
Women's Free Skate: 1 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, re-air at 1:30 a.m. on USA)
Saturday, February 21
Exhibition Gala: 2 p.m. (Peacock only)
Exhibition Gala: 2:55 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
Exhibition Gala: 3:50 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
Kevin Durant has found himself at the center of more "burner" account accusations, the latest that swirled on social media while the Houston Rockets standout played in his 16th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.
The 37-year-old's alleged to be behind direct messages from an anonymous account that criticized players and coaches he's accompanied during a career that's seen him win two titles and one league MVP award.
"I know you gotta ask these questions, but Iβm not here to get into Twitter nonsense,β Durant told reporters after Houstonβs practice on Wednesday. "I'm just here to focus on the season, keep it pushing. But I get you have to ask those questions.
Durant added: "My teammates know what it is. Weβve been locked in the whole season. ... We had a great practice today, looking forward to this road trip."
Kevin Durant today at Rockets practice:
β Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) February 18, 2026
βIβm not here to get into Twitter nonsense. My teammates know what it is, weβve been locked in the whole season.β pic.twitter.com/tX3vMtdBGV
At the moment, there's no evidence that actually links these critical comments to Durant. Still, social media ran rampant with the theory, circulating screenshots of an anonymous user who, among other things, blamed Rockets All-Star center Alperen ΕengΓΌn for his defense, said that they couldn't trust forward Jabari Smith Jr. to make a shot or get a stop and took a dig at former Phoenix Suns star teammate Devin Booker.
Durant is quick to quip, confront and discuss with everyday social media users from his own verified account, which currently has 19.3 million followers. He isn't afraid to stir the pot online or engage with casual fans. Many love him for that kind of engagement, which he willingly offers and most NBA stars don't.
Durant was asked at this year's All-Star Weekend media availability on Saturday if he'd rather give up video games or Twitter, now known as X, for the rest of his life.
"I'm gonna go Twitter," Durant said before continuing jokingly, "because they don't deserve to hear this God-level-like talk I'm giving to them. They take it for granted."
But Durant has used burner accounts before.
In 2017, Durant posted in the third-person from his personal account, throwing shade on the Oklahoma City Thunder and then-head coach Billy Donovan while explaining his decision from the previous year to leave the team that drafted him for the Golden State Warriors, a Western Conference foe and the league's crown jewel at the time.
Durant owned his mistake and apologized for it in the aftermath of the social media storm he caused.
In 2019, according to The Athletic, Durant said in an interview on ESPN's "The Boardroom" that he used anonymous accounts as a way to speak out and dodge the notoriety that's often impossible to hide from as an NBA player.
Durant is playing in his 18th NBA season. He's played for five franchises.
Now with the Rockets, he's still among the best in the league. He's shooting above 50% from the field and north of 40% from 3. His 25.8 points per game are tops on the team.
While fourth in the West, the 33-20 Rockets will need a strong push to grab the No. 2 seed like they did ahead of last year's playoffs.
Durant's trying to tune out the noise, even if it's once again loud and scrutinizing his social-media presence.
Vikings rumor pinpoints former $84 million Pro Bowl quarterback as Minnesota's top target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Vikings will be in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason to compete with J.J. McCarthy, and it looks like the franchise could be reuniting with an old friend to fill the need.
According to SportsBoom's Jason La Canfora, executives around the league believe Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota once he is cut by the Atlanta Falcons is a realistic possibility.
La Canfora also added a nugget about McCarthy, stating that league sources have told him that the Michigan product is tricky to develop.
"There is now a growing sentiment among NFL executives in the market for quarterbacks that Cousins could very well end up back with the Vikings," La Canfora said. "McCarthy has proven to be difficult to be develop, according to multiple league sources, with his erratic play playing no small role in the franchise recently moving on from its general manager."
McCarthy had a rough 2025 season filled with injuries and erratic play. His abysmal showing in his technical rookie year played a part in the firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mendasa, who used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on the young signal-caller.
It's clear Minnesota needs to bring in another quarterback to compete with McCarthy, and Cousins would be the perfect signing.
The 37-year-old already has experience in Kevin O'Connell's offense, and played well in eight starts for the Falcons in 2025, tossing 10 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 5-3 record.
Due to his age, Cousins will be cheap to sign, but he can still be a viable starter. Adding the four-time Pro Bowler to push McCarthy would be a logical move byΒ Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' de facto general manager.
On Wednesday, TMZreleased an exclusive report revealing a civil lawsuit has been filed against Kansas City Chiefsβ wide receiver Rashee Rice by Dacoda Jones β Riceβs βlongtime partner and mother of his childrenβ β alleging abuse, specifically from December 2023 to July 2025.
Jones β who has two children with Rice β says she was also subject to βother violent and abusive behaviors,β which included the Chiefsβ wideout throwing things at her, βpunching walls, and breaking furniture.β
Jones claims the abuse caused βbleeding, swelling, bruising, and other pain and physical injury to her neck, face, mouth, arms, legs, chest, and shoulder.β
To make matters worse, Dacoda says most of the abuse occurred while she was pregnant.
These allegations are from the lawsuit filed against Chiefs WR Rashee Rice by the mother of his children in Dallas County District Court on Monday. pic.twitter.com/O5vQcyKufh
β Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) February 18, 2026
Just under two hours after that news broke, Jesse Newell of The Athleticshared the expressed allegations submitted by Jones and her representatives directly from the lawsuit, corroborating the disturbing details referenced through the initial report.
Here's the Chiefs' statement regarding Rashee Rice: βThe club is aware & remains in communication with the National Football League.β https://t.co/4x4zIja3sn
β Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) February 18, 2026
Roughly three hours after TMZβs report, the Chiefs released the following statement regarding Rice, per Nate Taylor of ESPN.
βThe club is aware & remains in communication with the National Football League.β
The filing comes just over a month after the Plaintiff Jones used Instagram to publicly allege the claims from this lawsuit, including graphic photos as evidence. It prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, reported by USA Today at the time.
It is unclear whether Riceβs ex-girlfriend has filed a police report associated with the allegations. Police in Overland Park, Kansas told USA TODAY that they responded to a call at Riceβs home in 2024 but that no abuse report was filed. The Dallas Police Department, where Rice previously lived, told USA TODAY, βIt is not our practice to look up individuals by name.β
That wonβt stop the NFL from investigating.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Jan. 8, an NFL spokesman said, βWe have been in contact with the club about the matter which will be reviewed under the leagueβs personal conduct policy.β
At the time, the organization put out the following statement through Taylor after the accusations were made publicly on social media.
βThe club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League,β the Chiefs said in a statement. βWe have no further comment at this time.β
That NFL investigation is still active and will likely stay open while this filing goes through the court process. We will keep you updated with the latest information as it is reported.
A trio of Utah residents took silver in the menβs speedskating team pursuit at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Tuesday.
Ethan Cepuran, Casey Dawson and Emery Lehman completed the course in 3:43.71 β 4.51 seconds behind gold medalists Italy.
A PODIUM FINISH π₯
β Utah 2034 (@utah2034) February 17, 2026
Congratulations to the reigning world record holders Utahβs Casey Dawson, Ethan Cepuran & Emery Lehman! pic.twitter.com/CX2LJitcRR
βThereβs always going to be bitterness. We came out here to win. The last four years was the dream to get gold at these Games. Today, we put in the effort we could and we tried our best. We put it all out there on the ice,β Lehman told the media afterward. βIβm just proud of these boys. We skated the hardest we could, and ultimately it didnβt work out in our favor. A medal is a medal; weβre always going to be proud about that.β
The three Americans had beaten China by 7.93 seconds in the semifinals held earlier Tuesday, with a time of 3:44.29, to advance to the finals. China then beat the Netherlands to win bronze.
Team USA has a strong win in semifinals and is headed to the Gold Medal race vs. Italy! pic.twitter.com/CQodBV63k3
β NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026
βYou canβt just be the best going in, you have to be the best on the day you compete,β Lehman said. βItaly was the best today and in every round. Theyβre the fastest time, theyβre the best team. You could say we lost gold, but I think theyβre just more prepared for the Olympics. They won that gold medal, and I think we earned our silver medal.β
Cepuran credited the home crowd of Italian fans as well as the βawesomeβ American fans.
βWe knew it was going to be a battle through and through and that none of this was a given, none of this is guaranteed from the quarterfinal to the semi to the final. We had to be showing up each and every time on that line to make this happen. At the end of the day, weβre walking away with hardware, which is awesome,β he said.
Cepuran, Dawson and Lehman earned praise from gold medalistAndrea Giovannini, who told the media that the Americans inspired the Italian team.
βThe Americans have really been an inspiration for us because in this four-year period, in these last two years, they have almost always won. They forced us to do everything in training, even (coach) Maurizio (Marchetto) kept inventing different trainings to try to raise the level,β Giovannini said in his Olympics press conference.
He added that he knew the gold was Italyβs halfway through the final, βbut I want to make a mention precisely for the American team because it forced us, inspired us to raise our level.β
After seven years together, this was the trioβs final Olympics as a team.
βItβs a little bittersweet because you want to go out on top and send Emery off with a bang. Thereβs nothing like being able to celebrate across the line. Thatβs the thing that I miss most already, just being able to celly (celebrate) a little bit. Those are the moments that will stick with me forever,β Cepuran said. βJust being able to go across the line, put your hands up and just be like, βheck, yeah, we did it.ββ
Cepuran, Dawson and Lehman won bronze together at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, which Dawson spoke about on Tuesday.
βIn Beijing, that bronze-medal match made us bitter. We wanted to be in the gold-silver (final). So making that gold-silver match, being against Italy, (is) something that weβll always look back on and be like, βWe did thatβ. So itβs super cool,β he said.
Dawson hopes to βkeep the legacy going.β
βWe have a new generation of skaters coming up. For me personally, Iβll probably be focusing more on individual events over the next four years,β he said. βWe have a couple of younger skaters that we need to develop. No one nearly strong enough yet, but weβre trying to get them there.β
Klint Kubiak continues hiring former Denver Broncos assistant coaches.
Kubiak, the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, has hired Zach Azzanni as the team's new wide receivers coach. Kubiak had two stints in Denver, overlapping with Azzanni in 2018 and again in 2022. They will now reunite in Las Vegas as Azzanni is following Kubiak to the Raiders.
Azzanni, 49, coached Broncos receivers from 2018-2022. Since leaving the club in 2023, Azzanni has spent time with the New York Jets (2023) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2024-2025) before returning to the AFC West. Las Vegas will mark his fifth team in the NFL, and his fourth team in a five-year span.
Azzanni is the fourth ex-Broncos coachΒ Kubiak has hired, joining assistant head coach Mike McCoy, special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis and senior offensive advisor Rick Dennison. Kubiak also retainedΒ ex-Denver defensive coordinatorΒ Joe Woods as his pass game coordinator.
Social: FollowΒ Broncos WireΒ onΒ FacebookΒ andΒ Twitter/X!Β Did you know:Β These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Raiders hire a 4th ex-Broncos assistant coach
Rockets' Kevin Durant responds to burner account allegations originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Houston Rockets star forward Kevin Durant made some headlines over All-Star weekend, but not necessarily for a good reason.
Durant was accused of using a burner account on Twitter (I still refuse to call it X) to bash some of his current teammates in Houston, including Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
The Rockets returned to practice on Wednesday, and unsurprisingly, Durant was asked about the accusations, but he opted not to touch the topic.
βI know you got to ask these questions, but Iβm not here to get into Twitter nonsense. β¦ My teammates know what it is, weβve been locked in the whole season,β Durant said.
You canβt blame Durant for sidestepping the question, as itβs not something that he really needs to address publicly. If there is any friction in the locker room as a result of the, letβs call it a scandal for the lack of a better word, then Durant can address that internally with his teammates.
This story will be updated.Β
More NBA news:Β
USA-Canada women's hockey gold medal game deemed not 'high demand' by Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Is it a surprise? Not at all.
But when Team USA and Canada meet in the women's hockey gold medal game on Thursday, it'll be one of the most-anticipated clashes of these entire 2026 Winter Olympics.
Tell that to the organizers.
For media members looking to cover the championship showdown, the game has been deemed not to be a "high demand" event.
MORE:Β Jake Canter had a 20% chance to live, but he just won an Olympic medal
As far as logistics, that just means media seating is first come, first serve.
The only "high demand" event on the Olympic hockey slate is the men's gold medal game. At an event like that, the press coordinator will organize where media members can sit so as to ensure the highest-priority outlets get appropriate seating.
The womenβs hockey Olympic Gold Medal final between Canada and USA is not considered a βhigh demandβ event, meaning media attending will get spots in the press box on a first come first serve basis.
β Claire Hanna (@clahanna) February 18, 2026
The only hockey game considered βhigh demandβ is the Menβs hockey final.β¦
MORE:Β A dog stole the show at the finish line of cross country skiing
It doesn't mean anything in particular about how the game will actually be covered.
The domestic broadcasts will throw their full resources at this huge game, which begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Thursday (7:10 p.m. local time in Milan).
At minimum, though, it's an odd language choice that isn't a great look.
They must feel, essentially, that seating for media members won't be oversaturated. Still, though, it's a huge gold medal game. Seems like the Olympics could've been safe on this one and deemed it "high demand," because for most sports fans, that's exactly what it is.
Mets' offseason was MLB's most confusing for nine reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Mets did some major renovations with the roster this offseason. They let a lot of players leave, traded others, and added a ton of talent both to the pitching staff and the lineup.
There are plenty of moves the Mets made, and didn't make (Kyle Tucker), that shaped this offseason. But while the roster looks a lot different, the offseason was a very confusing one for the Mets.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic shared the opinion of 36 MLB insiders - ranging from scouts, managers, coaches, and executives - on the best and worst subtractions this offseason. The Mets dominated the lists, both positively and negatively, for a very confusing offseason.
When asking about the "most irreplaceable subtractions of the winter," the Mets had three players make the list. Pete Alonso was second with 10 votes, while Edwin Diaz finished seventh with three votes.
Both losses were tough for the Mets and will be difficult to replace. But the Mets traded for Freddy Peralta, who received four votes and was tied for fifth.
On one hand, the Mets had two of the worst losses this offseason, while they were able to bring in one of the other top irreplaceable players this offseason.
Things only get even stranger. Stark also asked these 36 MLB insiders what the best subtractions of the offseason were. Another angle here is that these players were good players to trade away or cut ties with this offseason.
Stark's poll found nine votes cast for players leaving the Mets this offseason, specifically veterans such as Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, Ryan Helsley, and even one vote for Alonso.
More:Β Mets trade rumor on Brett Baty, Mark Vientos is unexpected update from Pirates
Letting those players walk, or in the case of McNeil and Nimmo, trading them away, were good moves in the eyes of MLB insiders around baseball.
However, while the Mets received praise for letting those players walk, they also found a way to add players who were positive subtractions around the league.
Marcus Semien was the second-ranked player in the offseason's best subtractions, as the Texas Rangers' moving on from Semien was praised by five MLB insiders.
That's not all, as Luis Robert Jr. (3 votes) and Devin Williams (2 votes) were also named as players who were good subtractions this offseason.
The Mets' offseason was incredibly confusing. They made a ton of roster moves, and made some great additions and additions by subtraction.
But, they also lost two key players in Alonso and Diaz, while adding a few questionable players like Semien, Williams, and Robert Jr.
Mitch Marner scored in overtime as Canada saw off the Czech Republic 4-3 on Wednesday to advance to the Olympic men's ice hockey semi-finals.
The other favourites for the title, the United States, face Sweden in their quarter-final later on Wednesday.
Both Canada and the USA have rosters packed with players from the NHL, who are competing at an Olympics for the first time since 2014.
Canada had cruised through the preliminary round and handed the Czechs a 5β0 defeat just six days ago.
But the Czechs, the 2024 world champions, provided a very different kind of resistance this time, taking the lead twice until Marner netted the crucial goal.
"(It was) adrenaline: trust in your skill that you work on so hard," said Marner.
"You just trust yourself to make a play there, and I was lucky enough to score."
Macklin Celebrini put Canada ahead within four minutes, before Lukas Sedlak levelled four minutes later.
The Czech Republic pulled ahead thanks to David Pastrnak's first goal of the tournament after a quarter of an hour.
The Canadians raised their game in the second period, outshooting their opponents 17 to 5. But they lacked precision in the final touch and only a blatant foul by Michal Kempny opened up the space for Nathan MacKinnon to make it 2β2.Β
- Crosby blow -
Canada lost captain Sidney Crosby, a two-time Olympic champion in 2010 and 2014, who hurt his leg and did not return to the game.
The Czechs gradually tilted the balance back in the final period and regained the lead 3-2, with a blistering counter finished off by Ondrej Palat.Β
The Canadian reply came with a long-range shot from Nick Suzuki before Marner delivered the winner.
"Somebody told me once we're in the entertainment business. If you don't find that entertaining, I don't know what makes your heart go," said Cooper.
"Everybody had faith. It was quite calm out there, and it paid off."
Defending champions Finland also scraped through to the final four by beating Switzerland 3-2 in overtime, while Slovakia thrashed Germany 6-2.
Artturi Lehkonen was the hero for Finland who had trailed by two goals as he scored the overtime winner in the three-on-three extra period.
The Slovaks, bronze medallists four years ago, dominated at the end of the first period with Pavol Regenda scoring after 19 minutes.
The rest of the game was a Slovak demonstration of skill, with Milos Kelemen and Oliver Okuliar scoring two quick-fire goals before Dalibor Dvorsky grabbed a fourth just after half an hour.
Germany's 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) MVP Leon Draisaitl set up Lukas Reichel to keep their hopes alive after 35 minutes but that was quickly extinguished at the start of the final period by Regenda's second goal.
To round things off, Tomas Tatar responded to Frederik Tiffels's power-play score after 50 minutes with a goal of his own.Β
cfe-ea/gj
In a recent report, journalist Pete OβRourke claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are trailing Arsenal for on-loan Aston Villa winger Jadon Sancho. It has been stated that Spurs have fallen behind the Gunners in the race to land the Manchester United wide player next summer.
The 25-year-old has caught the eye at times during his loan spell at the West Midlands club, but has struggled to be consistent for them in the Premier League. Sancho has found the back of the net once and secured one assist in 25 matches for Aston Villa this season across various competitions.
The English wide player has got a wealth of experience at the highest level and would be a real asset in Tottenhamβs squad next season if they manage to get a deal done for him next summer.
His current contract at his parent club, Manchester United, will run out at the end of this campaign, which could open the door for Spurs to sign him on a free transfer at the end of this campaign.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND β JANUARY 25: Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St Jamesβ Park on January 25, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sancho has got the pace to cause some headaches for his marker out in the wide areas. He has got the vision to create some inviting chances in and around the opponentβs penalty area and is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The English talent can even chip in by scoring and creating some important goals for his team in the final third. Sancho is primarily a left-winger but can also function as a right-sided wide player if needed. However, he has to find a way to be more consistent with his productivity up top.
We can expect Sancho to add more firepower to Tottenham boss Igor Tudorβs attack. He is good enough to serve a useful presence in the North London clubβs match-day squad.
At 25, Sancho has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for Spurs to consider this summer. With all things considered, Tudor should focus on going all out to sign the English sensation on a free transfer later this year.
Barcelona are in desperate need of reasons for optimism after two dramatic defeats at the hands of Atletico Madrid and Girona. By the time March rolls around, they could well be nearing a fully fit squad with the exception of Andreas Christensen.
There was concern over defender Eric Garcia at Montilivi, after he was removed with 15 minutes to go. Garcia, Barcelonaβs most used player this season, was taken off as an injury precaution, but it seems his muscles were fatigued more than anything, and MD say that an injury has been ruled out.
Image via Eric Alonso/Getty Images
More promising still, Barcelona could have Pedri Gonzalez back against Levante this weekend. The Spain midfielder has missed their last seven games through a hamstring tear, and Barcelona had won all five of their games without him until last week, but his absence was glaring in both Madrid and Girona.
There is positive news say Diario AS though β Pedri could return to action against Levante on Sunday. The plan is that he will come off the bench to play 15 minutes if all goes well, and he could be back in the starting line-up against Villarreal the following week. He will have been out for a month on Sunday, after an initial diagnosis of four to six weeks out.
Meanwhile the other two injured players are Gavi and Marcus Rashford. The England international has missed their last two games with knee pain, although it was an impact injury, and the expectation is that he will be able to play against Levante too. Gavi might be eased back in more slowly, after missing the past six months, but is now training with the ball again. He could also be back in action in March.
Losing a star player late in a promising season is a story Jimmer Fredette knows all too well. Fresh off BYUβs 80-67 victory at No. 6 San Diego State on Feb. 26, 2011, the Cougars (27-2) surged to No. 3 in the AP Top 25. Flying high as the nationβs leading scorer, the last thing Fredette expected was a plot twist that flipped the script.
When word came down that center Brandon Davies was suspended due to an honor code infraction, the Cougars were rerouted off the road to the Final Four and sent down a crooked path full of uncertainty.
βIt wasnβt easy at first,β Fredette told the βYβs Guysβ livestream show this week. βThat first week was definitely difficult. There is some shock value. That next game we played after Brandon, we got crushed.β
New Mexico rolled into the Marriott Center and stunned the Cougars 82-64.
βIt was one of those things where we were trying to figure things out,β Fredette said. βWe picked ourselves back up and said, βHey listen, (Brandon) is out. Weβve got to figure this out. We still have goals and aspirations that we know we can reach with this team.β
The clarion call to everyone on the roster was for each player to do more.
Three days later, BYU responded by pounding Wyoming 102-78. As expected, Fredette scored 38 points, but Charles Abouo surprised the Cowboys by adding a career-high 25, including 21 in the second half.
The Cougars opened the Mountain West Conference Tournament in Las Vegas with a 64-58 victory against TCU. Fredette scored 24 points. Abouo added 14 and Noah Hartsock contributed 10.
BYU avenged its loss to New Mexico the following night with an 87-76 victory. Fredette scored a program-record 52 points, but the Cougars still needed Jackson Emeryβs 14 and Kyle Collinsworthβs 11 and nine rebounds to advance past the Lobos.
Kawhi Leonard and No. 7 San Diego State caught BYU out of gas in the title game, but the Cougars rebounded in the NCAA Tournament. Fredette produced the bulk of the points and each night, a different supporting cast member elevated their performance to complement him.
Fredette scored 32 in BYUβs 74-66 first-round victory against Wofford, while Abouo, Hartsock and Logan Mangusson each added 10. During the Cougarsβ 89-67 blowout of Gonzaga, Fredette delivered 34, Emery had 16 and Hartsock and Stephen Rogers both scored 10.
The season ended in the Sweet 16 with an 83-74 overtime loss to Florida. Fredette finished with 30 points and Collinsworth, a guard posing as Daviesβ replacement, pulled down 15 rebounds.
BYUβs 34-5 record remains the best in program history. It is also remembered as the year that could have been so much more. They didnβt go as far as they hoped, but with Davies out, the Cougars stepped up their efforts and went as far as they could.
Losing Richie Saunders to a season-ending knee injury has the current No. 23 Cougars (19-6, 7-5) at a similar crossroads, but they are not without a blueprint to follow.
βI believe this team has the same capability to do that, but guys are going to have to step up,β Fredette said. βYou are going to have to define specific roles for guys and say, βWhen you come in, this is what you do. We need you to shoot the basketball. When you are open, you are not passing up a shot, you are shooting itβ β because that is what Richie did. He gave us that shooting threat, that scoring threat.β
Scoring is only part of what made Saunders so valuable.
βWe need someone hustling on that offensive glass, getting us extra possessions, tipped balls. Those are difficult to do but you can control them if you get guys out there that are willing to play hard and have that type of motor β those are things that Richie brought that are gonna be missed,β Fredette said. βAJ (Dybantsa) and Rob (Wright) are the guys who are going to have to lead this squad now. That two-headed monster is going to have to score a lot of points and make plays.β
The first post-Saunders test is Wednesday at No. 4 Arizona (7 p.m. MST, ESPN). The second is Saturday at the Marriott Center against No. 6 Iowa State (8:30 p.m. MST, ESPN). With the NCAA Tournament four weeks away, the Cougars have time to adapt to the new script and keep their story going.
Watching Saundersβ season get cut short triggered memories of the freak leg injury that knocked Fredette out of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
βMy heart goes out to Richie. To see that happen and go down like that is heart-wrenching. For someone who has dealt with an injury during a really prominent time, itβs not easy,β Fredette said. βI hope that he knows we are thinking of him. We love him and if anybody is going to get back and be a great basketball player again and still reach all the goals he wants to reach, itβs going to be Richie because of his work ethic and determination. I hope he understands that. Itβs far from over for him, but itβs a very tough thing to see.β
Back home in Colorado after a whirlwind weekend in Provo where BYU retired Fredetteβs No. 32 jersey on Saturday, the 2011 National Player of the Year reflected on the scene that topped them all.
βThe best moment was when the jersey was unveiled. That makes it so real, and it was just hanging up there and that thing is never coming down,β Fredette said. βYou can picture it. You can envision it, but when it really happens, all of a sudden β itβs just up there and itβs gonna be up there forever. That moment was great when I was just sitting there hugging my kids, watching them, and counting it down. That is something that is going to be engrained into my mind and heart forever. BYU truly went all-out and I absolutely appreciate it.β
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts βYβs Guysβ at ysguys.com and is the author of the childrenβs book βC is for Cougar,β available at deseretbook.com.
Real Madrid win overshadowed by new racism controversy
Vinicius reports racist insult during Benfica match
Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist insult during Real Madridβs Champions League win over Benfica in Lisbon.
Real Madrid took important step toward Champions League last 16 after beating Benfica away on Tuesday but the focus quickly shifted to a new racism controversy involving Vinicius Junior.
The match was stopped for around 10 minute after Vinicius informed referee Francois Letexier that Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni had directed racist insult at him. Vinicius claimed he was called βmonkeyβ
Prestianni who appeared to cover his mouth while speaking, has denied making any racist comment.
This incident marked first time Vinicius has accused opposing player of racism. Until now most previous cases involved fans, mainly in Spain.
Despite scoring fine goal in Lisbon, the Brazilian winger once again found himself at the center of attention for reasons unrelated to football.
His complaint triggered the standard UEFA anti-racism protocol leading to temporary halt in play.
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has faced repeated racist abuse.
Some of the most serious cases include:
January 2023: A doll resembling Vinicius was hung from bridge near Real Madridβs training ground by Atletico Madrid supporters.May 2023: Racist chants at Mestalla Stadium during match against Valencia which sparked global outrage.2025: Five Valladolid fans were convicted of hate crime for racist abuse during 2022 match, a first of its kind in Spain related to football stadium insults.
More recently, racist chants were also reported outside the stadium of Albacete during Copa del Rey tie.
Vinicius later wrote on X that racists are βcowardsβ who hide their words. He repeated his stance that he is fighting racism, not suffering from it.
Teammate Kylian Mbappe publicly backed him and called for Prestianni to be banned from the competition saying such behavior should not be tolerated in the Champions League.
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United recently.
The Englishman came through Manchester Cityβs academy, but he is actually a Man Utd supporter.
And with Bruno Fernandes coming towards the end of his prime, Palmer would be an ideal replacement.
One of Palmerβs friends has now added to the speculation with a bold claim about the Chelsea star.
Cole Palmer has spent the last few days on holiday in Dubai, resting ahead of a busy end to the season.
As well as seeing his girlfriend and Chelsea teammates Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella, he also spent time with his friend, Tunde.
Tunde has since posted a picture of them on his Instagram story with a controversial caption.
βOne day, I will get CP back to United, back home where he belongs,β Tunde wrote. βGo ask him who his favourite team is.β
One can only assume that Tunde has spoken to Palmer about joining United one day, which will greatly concern Chelsea fans.
A potential move for Cole Palmer would be almost impossible for Manchester United to complete, even if he wants to go.
The 23-year-old signed a two-year contract extension with improved terms in June 2024, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
With seven years remaining on his deal after this season, Chelsea would not be under any obligation to facilitate a move.
Therefore, United would probably have to pay even more than Liverpoolβs British record transfer fee of Β£125 million for Alexander Isak.
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If Notre Dame is to have the season that many pundits are projecting them to have, they could see an old familiar face on the opposite sideline in a College Football Playoff bracket.
The Oklahoma Sooners are expected to hire former Notre Dame assistant Deland McCullough as its new running backs coach, according to multiple reports, after he spent last season in the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders. CBS Sports first reported the expected hire.
McCullough helped shape one of the country's most productive backfields from 2022-2024 at Notre Dame. Under his watch, Audric EstimΓ© delivered a 1,341-yard, 18-touchdown season in 2023. Also, Jeremiyah Love has emerged as a dynamic threat in the Irish offense and later finished near the top of Heisman Trophy voting. Love is now projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
SOURCE: Oklahoma is expected to hire Deland McCullough as its new running backs coach. He spent last season as the Raiders RB coach and previously coached at USC, Notre Dame, Indiana and with the Chiefs. Would be a good get for OU if the deal gets finalized. CBS first reportedβ¦
β Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 18, 2026
At Oklahoma, McCullough will replace former Sooners star DeMarco Murray, who left earlier this month to become running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. The highly respected McCullough returns to the college game after one season in Las Vegas and places a coach with strong Notre Dame ties on the staff of a perennial playoff contender. In 2025, the Sooners had a record of 10-3 campaign and made a CFP appearance.
For Irish fans, McCulloughβs latest stop underscores the continued demand for Notre Dameβs coaching talent and ensures another high-profile program is being shaped, in part, by a recent South Bend architect.
Contact/Follow usΒ @IrishWireNDΒ on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page onΒ FacebookΒ to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Former Notre Dame position coach returns to college with CFP contender
Steve Lavin is out as the University of San Diego men's basketball coach following an 11-17 start to the season, On3's Pete Nakos reports.
The former UCLA and St. John's head coach joined the Toreros for the 2022-23 season. Under his watch, USD produced one winning season in four, an 18-15 campaign in 2023-24. USD fell to 6-27 last season and was off to a 5-10 start in WCC play prior to Wednesday's news of his dismissal.
Lavin's dismissal concludes far the worst coaching stint of his career after he previously found relative success with two traditional basketball powers.Β
Lavin, 61, coached UCLA for seven seasons from 1996-2003. The Bruins made the NCAA tournament in each of his first six seasons. UCLA fired him after a 10-19 campaign in 2002-03, his first and only with a losing record with the Bruins. UCLA went 145-78 under Lavin, but never advanced beyond the Elite Eight.
Lavin returned to head coaching with St. John's in 2010. St. John's went 92-72 with Lavin as head coach and made the NCAA tournament twice in five seasons β his first and his last. St. John's tournament appearance in 2011 under Lavin was its first in nine seasons as Lavin helped return the previously proud program to relevance.
Per the school, Lavin and St. John's mutually agreed to part ways following a first-round NCAA tournament exit in 2015. Program icon Chris Mullin took his place.Β
In between his coaching stints, Lavin has worked as a college basketball broadcast analyst.Β
Tyreek Hill teases possible reunion with Chiefs after Dolphins releease originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Could a reunion between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyreek Hill be in the cards this offseason?
We can't say for sure, but Hill, who was cut loose by the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, is at least teasing the possibility of that happening.
In a recent post to his Snapchat, Hill posted a photo of himself with a Kansas City geotag, which means he was in town. A profile photo in the top left of the post featured Hill in his Chiefs uniform, also.
Hill has made it no secret that he would like to return to Kansas City.
In a cryptic post on social media in January, Hill said he would like "to go home," which many took as a clear message he wants a reunion with the Chiefs.
"Since we putting in request I want to go home," Hill said on X.
Tyreek Hill geotags that he is in Kansas City.
β David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 18, 2026
He also has a Snapchat profile picture of himself in a Chiefs uniform, as seen in top-left corner of the below post. pic.twitter.com/ueyA1PeC2S
On paper, a reunion between the Chiefs and Hill makes sense, as Kansas City needs more firepower at wide receiver.
However, there could be multiple roadblocks that present that from happening.
Hill is coming off a season in which he suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL. As a result, there are doubts about Hill being able to play at all in 2026.
He's also going to be 32 years old on March 1, so there's no telling what Hill will have left in the tank when he does get healthy.
Then there's the off-the-field stuff.
Hill is being investigated by the NFL over domestic violence allegations from his estranged wife and if the league finds wrongdoing, Hill will face a suspension.
While it's fun to think about a Hill-Chiefs reunion, Kansas City should avoid it.
The Chiefs don't have a win-now roster and need to go through a transition year or two in order to get their financial house in order and get younger. Bringing in a 32-year-old wide receiver doesn't exactly fit what the Chiefs need right now.
ESPN analyst makes stunning call on future of Chiefs' Travis Kelce originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The future of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is one that many are eagerly awaiting to see a resolution.
Will he play on in 2026? Or will the future Hall of Famer ride off into the sunset with Taylor Swift?
Those are the two options, and for most of Chiefs Kingdom, seeing No. 87 run around again is something they want to see.
But not everyone does.
ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum offered his thoughts on what he would do with Kelce on SportsCenter.
"I would move on from Travis Kelce," Tannenbaum said. "When you're in the front office, you have to project what a player is going to do, not what they've done. Travis Kelce is a first ballot Hall of Famer, but when you watch him and make an honest and sober evaluation of his 2025 performance, clearly his best days are behind him.
"If I was Kansas City, I would make the right, albeit difficult, decision, move on from Travis Kelce."
MORE:Super Bowl champion makes incredible Chiefs free agency plea
Head coach Andy Reid has stated that the Chiefs will wait and see what Kelce decides, not the other way around.
And Tannenbaum, a former general manager in the NFL, has made it clear he thinks Kelce's best is behind him, and at 36 years old, that is low-hanging fruit.
No, Kelce isn't the player he once was, but he had a better season in 2025 than he did in 2024, and he led the Chiefs in yards, targets, receptions and was joint-first in TDs. So, the production is still there.
Should the Chiefs force Kelce's decision and move on? That is quite the conversation starter.
Forward Jordan Burks took charge, matching his career high with 23 points to go along with seven rebounds in the Knightsβ 82-71 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs on Tuesday night.
Burks got off to a hot start, nailing four threes in the first half and had 16 points heading into the break. Senior Guard Themus Fulks said Burks is essential to the Knightsβ success every game, even beyond his scoring ability.
βHeβs important every night,β Fulks said. βI hate that it doesnβt show up all the time on the stat sheet because people donβt give him his flowers unless he has a lot of points or hits a lot of threes. Heβs a focal point for our team, and without him we probably wouldnβt be in this position.β
#UCF heads to the court to face off against TCU. The Knights are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to West Virginia at home Saturday. Forward Jamichael Stillwell, who was a game-time decision, will start tonight. pic.twitter.com/CMl4ay2hLK
β Steven Brown (@StevenB_Reports) February 18, 2026
UCF got off to an early lead and did not let up the entire game. Besides the first 14 seconds tied at zero, the Knights held the lead for the entire game.
UCF controlled a 42-28 lead at halftime in large part thanks to its defense. The Horned Frogs shot just 34% from the field in the first half and were 2-11 from beyond the arc.
UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins said the Knights did a good job of executing defensively in the first half.
βWe just really concentrate on how we need to defend,β Dawkins said. βEvery team comes out with a game plan, and our game plan was to understand who their personnel was and try to defend them accordingly, and I thought we did a good job of that in the first half.β
Forward Jamichael Stillwell returned for the Knights after missing the last game due to injury. Last game, Stillwell watched from the bench as his team surrendered a 14-point lead to West Virginia.
As TCU went on a 9-0 run in the second half to cut the Knightsβ lead to 10 points, Stillwell was available this time around to staunch the Horned Frogsβ momentum with an opportunity to right the mistakes from last game.
βI think Coach called a timeout, and he said in the timeout, βThe basketball gods put us in this situation again,β so you really donβt get time to redo things,β Stillwell said. βThat was a time to redo it, and we pulled it out this time.β
TCU head coach Jamie Dixon said he had a feeling Stillwell was ready to go for this matchup, despite being listed as a game-time decision entering the game.
βIβm not very bright,β Dixon joked. βBut I knew that one was coming. We did everything anticipating he was going to play.β
The Knights now turn their attention to their upcoming road trip to Utah. UCF will play Utah on Saturday night at 9 p.m. and then BYU on Tuesday at 11 p.m.
For the first time since 2023, the New England Patriots are entering an offseason with stability at the head coaching position. Mike Vrabel, arrived in Foxborough last offseason, will be back with the organization after leading it to a 14-3 record and Super Bowl berth.
But while Vrabel will not be going anywhere anytime soon, his staff is set to experience some turnover. Not every assistant will be back for the 2026 season, while some internal reshuffling is in the cards as well.
In order to not get lost amid the news and rumors, we set up this up-to-date Patriots Coaching Staff tracker.
B.J. Edmonds (TBD): A former cornerback at Arkansas State, Edmonds served as a defensive graduate assistant at Kansas Wesleyan and Utah State before a two-year stint as a defensive assistant at Duke. In January, he was hired to coach running backs at Southern Miss but just a month later is headed to the NFL and the Patriotsβ staff in an as-of-yet undisclosed role. | News
Robert Kugler (assistant offensive line coach): One of the few holdovers from the 2024 to the 2025 coaching staffs, Kugler served as assistant O-line coach under both Jerod Mayo and Mike Vrabel. His work caught the eye of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hired him as tight ends coach under their new regime. | News
Milton Patterson (defensive assistant): An experienced college coach who spent several seasons in various roles at Florida A&M, Patterson arrived in New England last offseason to work as a defensive assistant. His stint on the Patriotsβ staff lasted only one season, though. | News
Terrell Williams (TBD): Williams was hired as Patriots defensive coordinator last year, but he struggled with medical issues for much of 2025. After having to work remotely for much of the offseason following an undisclosed βhealth scareβ he was able to serve in his role for only one game: Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September and subsequently left the team. He has since been declared cancer free but will not resume his role as DC. Instead, he has been moved to a βhigh-ranking roleβ on Mike Vrabelβs staff. | News | Analysis
Zak Kuhr (promoted to defensive coordinator): Another offseason addition under Mike Vrabel in 2025, Kuhr stepped up in light of Terrell Williamsβ medical episodes. He served as his on-the-ground replacement in the offseason and later was chosen as defensive play caller during the season. Kuhr did an admirable job and as a consequence was promoted from his inside linebackers coaching job to full-time DC. | News | Analysis
Vinny DePalma (promoted to inside linebackers coach): Formerly a linebacker at Boston College, DePalma came to the Patriots during the 2024 offseason. He spent the next two seasons as a defensive assistant working primarily with the linebacker position, and his promotion to inside linebackers coach was therefore only natural. | News | Analysis
Ephraim Banda (for defensive coordinator): Banda started his coaching career at the college level before making the move to the NFL as the Brownsβ safety coach in 2023. Despite Cleveland struggling to play winning football particularly the last two years, the teamβs defense β including his position group β kept playing at a fairly high level. As a consequence of this and the organization making a change at head coach and defensive coordinator this offseason, Banda has started receiving some interest from other clubs.
Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda was among the coaches interviewed for New Englandβs defensive coordinator role. | Source
Southern Miss running backs coach B.J. Edmonds has been hired by the Patriots in an undisclosed role. | Source
Defensive assistant Milton Patterson will not be back with the Patriots in 2026. | Source
With Zak Kuhr moving up the ranks, so does Vinny DePalma: New Englandβs defensive assistant is expected to take over as the Patriotsβ new inside linebackers coach. | Source
Zak Kuhr, who called defensive plays for a majority of the 2025 season, has been promoted to the Patriotsβ defensive coordinator role. | Source
A young up-and-comer in NFL coaching ranks, quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant will not be going anywhere this offseason. | Source
The Patriots have decided to promote defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to a βhigh-rankingβ role on their coaching staff. | Source
Robert Kugler, who served as an offensive line assistant for the Patriots in 2024 and 2025, is headed to the Steelers. He will serve as Pittsburghβs tight ends coach. | Source
Patriots assistant Thomas Brown will not be hired as Cardinals head coach; Arizona has brought in Mike LeFleur to serve in that role. | Source
Mike McDaniel is set to become Chargers offensive coordinator, meaning that Patriots assistant Thomas Brown will not get the job he previously interviewed for. | Source
The Cardinals requested to interview Patriots tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for their vacant offensive coordinator position. | Source
The Cardinals requested to interview Patriots tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for their vacant head coaching position. | Source
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has offered a candid assessment of the state of Italian football on the European stage following a disastrous set of results for Serie A clubs.
The comments come in the wake of a bruising week for Italian sides in the Champions League play-offs, where Juventus suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray and Atalanta fell to Borussia Dortmund. These losses have intensified the debate surrounding the competitiveness of Italian teams against their continental peers.
Speaking to Sky Sport, as relayed by TMW, Marotta addressed the recent struggles and the changing landscape of the leagueβs financial structure. When asked if there is too much focus on balance sheets rather than results, Marotta stated: βI donβt entirely agree. Our football has been in decline for a decade, the presence of funds arrived in a difficult historical moment. If we imagine that the two Milanese clubs are foreign-owned, it means that without that the situation would have been even worse. Since Oaktree arrived we have made greater investments compared to recent years. The model has changed, but I am not skeptical about the arrival of funds. There is fund and fund, it must be evaluated who wants to create a virtuous path and not just a speculative one. We are lucky.β
Marotta also looked to move past the recent controversy surrounding the Derby dβItalia against Juventus, choosing to focus on Interβs own European task: βLetβs not get into the controversy or we wonβt come out of it. Certainly this is a pitch that has problems, it is an old-generation synthetic and there are difficulties in adhering with the shoe when you run. But we must adapt to this situation as well.β
He concluded by expressing his hope for a turnaround in fortunes for the remaining Italian representatives: βI donβt want to add anything more, itβs a page that left bitterness in general. Letβs close it and think about this beautiful Champions League match, very difficult, hoping that the Italian teams manage to pass the round.β
Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder in the coming transfer windows.
With the futures of almost all of the Redsβ currently midfielders questionable, the club may end up investing in multiple options in one window, much like they did in the 2023-24 season.
Several players are on Liverpoolβs shortlist, with the club looking to build on the progress they made last summer.
A lot can change between now and the summer however, and it looks like Arne Slotβs side might not even get the opportunity to move for one of their targets, with the player set to sign a new deal and end any transfer speculation.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is set to sign a new deal in Turin, ending Liverpoolβs pursuit before it had even really taken off.
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Thuram has been on the Redsβ radar for a long time, and was a target before he made the move to Italy.
The report states that Thuram was once again a target for Slotβs side ahead of the summer window, but that the Frenchman has chosen to reaffirm his commitment to Juve and will sign a new contract before the season is over.
The 24-year-old has become a mainstay in Turin since his arrival, and is widely regarded as one of the top midfielders in Serie A.
Thuram signing a new deal is no doubt a blow to Liverpool, and it will narrow their options for the summer, but the Frenchman wasnβt believed to be top of the Reds' list and the clubβs rebuild looks set to continue as planned.
Kees Smit, Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson and Warren Zaire-Emery are just some of the names that make up Liverpoolβs midfield shortlist, and sales will likely dictate how many bodies the club add to the midfield.
American billionaire Leon Cooperman has deepened his investment in Manchester United, a new report has revealed.
After a turbulent 14 months under Ruben Amorim, United now appear to finally be getting back on track, with interim head coach Michael Carrick leading the charge.
United sacked Amorim in December last year, bringing an end to a turbulent spell marked by his rigid adherence to a tactical formation, fallings out with players, and a string of inconsistent performances and results. The final straw was his public outbursts, in which he appeared to be challenging the United hierarchy.
In his final press conference, after the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road, Amorim insisted that he joined United to be the manager, rather than the head coach. He also strongly hinted at cracks in his relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, winning four and drawing one of the five games he has taken charge of.
In an extremely short time, he has implemented a front-footed and aggressive style of play that has galvanised supporters.
At present, the Red Devils sit in fourth place in the Premier League table and firmly within the frame to finish in the guaranteed Champions League spots.
All eyes have been on what is happening on the pitch and now, there is some news off it.
According to the Independent, American billionaire Leon Cooperman has upped his stake in United.
Itβs understood that Cooperman now owns 5.2 percent of the clubβs Class A shares, which are valued in excess of $50m.
The newspaper adds, βCooperman is the founder of Omega Advisors, a New York-based investment firm. There is no sense he is planning a takeover of United.β
βCoopermanβs recently acquired shares were not bought from Ratcliffe or the Glazer family but a British investment firm, Lindsell Train, has cut its stake in United.β
Ratcliffe and the Glazer family hold most of the Class B shares, which carry weighted voting rights of 10 votes per share, compared to just one vote for standard Class A shares.
Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the worldβs leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
The frustration was obvious for Vic Schaefer after the No. 4 Texas women lost by double figures at No. 5 Vanderbilt.
βWe've got no heart,β the Longhorns coach said in a blunt analysis.
He hasn't been alone, on the men's or women's side, when it comes to coaches angrily calling out their teams in the pressure-packed final month of the regular season.
The list has included No. 21 Tennessee's Kim Caldwell on the women's side and Colorado men's coach Tad Boyle. Then there was Kansas State's Jerome Tang, whose postgame comments after a lopsided loss at Cincinnati stood out in their intensity β and were ultimately cited by the school's athletic director when Tang was fired Sunday night.
It's a delicate dance for coaches, finding the balance between tough-love motivation and a softer-touch inspiration. Look no further than Schaefer, who went from letting his players have it after the loss to Vanderbilt to praising their response when they beat Tennessee three days later.
βI do think there's some motivating factors when you get in front of a microphone and talk about ... individual standards and program standards,β first-year Florida State men's coach Luke Loucks said this week. "But I also think itβs our responsibility as coaches to get the most out of our group. That's why we get paid a lot of money to do this.
"If it were easy to do, we wouldnβt get paid as much as we get paid. So we have to find ways to squeeze the orange, so to speak.β
Indeed, itβs a long-running test for coaches in finding the right message to reach their players. Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.
That was true even before todayβs transfer-portal era creating more yearly roster churn with fewer holdovers. But in any era, saying it publicly rather than in a team meeting or a closed-door practice magnifies the spotlight and potential blowback.
This month has offered plenty of examples:
βCaldwell after a 93-50 road loss to No. 3 South Carolina for the worst loss in program history on Feb. 8: βWe just had a lot of quit in us tonight, and that's been something that's been consistent with our team. ... I have a team that will just quit on you.β
βBoyle after a 78-44 loss at No. 13 Texas Tech on Feb. 11: βI'm embarrassed by our performance. ... We deserve to be on a 6 a.m. flight out of Lubbock, commercial, Southwest β whatever airline you choose. We don't deserve a charter plane back to Boulder tonight.β
βTang after a 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11: βThese dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year.β
βSchaefer after the 86-70 loss at Vanderbilt last Thursday: βI just thought they were tougher, they were more physical, more aggressive, we whined, we complained. We just have no heart. ... Itβs probably the softest team Iβve had in years.β
Some call-βem-out deliveries live on for years.
Notably, Pat Knight held nothing back in February 2012 after his Lamar menβs team lost at Stephen F. Austin, starting when he walked in and dismissed player Mike James from the news conference, saying: βYou donβt have a clue what it takes to win.β
βWeβve got the worst group of seniors right now that Iβve ever been associated with. Their mentalityβs awful, their attitudeβs awful,β Knight said, even referencing off-court problems of βclassroom, drugs, being late for stuff.β
Clemson menβs coach Brad Brownell understands the challenge of finding the right message amid rising frustration. Now in his 16th year, heβs the longest-tenured Atlantic Coast Conference coach after a multiyear sideline overhaul that includes retiring Hall of Fame titans such as Dukeβs Mike Krzyzewski, North Carolinaβs Roy Williams and Syracuseβs Jim Boeheim.
βI think every so often, itβs OK to talk about your guys in a way that, hey, you expect more out of them, weβve got to do a little better,β Brownell said. βBut at the same time, obviously, our jobs are trying to inspire our players. Weβre trying to bring out the best in them.
βSo thereβs a fine line with all of it. Obviously when coaches are winning, hey man, itβs tough love and we enjoy all the banter. But when coaches are losing, everything they say is looked at much more critically. And so I do think as a coach, you better keep that in mind.β
Tang's comments, in particular, stood out as a viral moment even before the firing days later.
The Wildcats followed the loss to Cincinnati by playing with no names on the backs of their jerseys in Saturday's loss at No. 2 Houston. Tang said he was pleased with the team's preparation after the loss to the Bearcats, and said he even had players Abdi Bashir Jr. and Nate Johnson take the lead on scouting work for the Cougars.
βI thought it was the right message,β Bashir said. βI don't think Coach Tang said anything wrong. I think that people forgot why we're here. I think we needed to be reminded of that, like we're here to play for K-State. I think they responded the right way. Nobody took no hard feelings toward it.β
A day later, Tang was out of a job, coming with the Wildcats (11-15) near the bottom of the Big 12 three years after Tangβs first team made the NCAA Elite Eight. Athletic director Gene Taylor said the school was firing Tang for cause β a designation that could reduce or eliminate Tang's buyout β while pointing to contract terms about conduct that βcould potentially bring embarrassment."
Taylor later said Tang's comments about the players βreally concerned me.β
βBasically his comments about the student-athletes and the negative reaction to those comments from a lot of sources, both nationally and locally, is where I thought we needed to make the decision,β Taylor said.
Both Caldwell and Schaefer saw some positive response to their tough assessments.
Caldwell's Lady Vols beat Missouri by 45 points four days after the South Carolina debacle. As for Schaefer, his Longhorns regrouped after the Vanderbilt loss to beat Tennessee 65-63. And the coach had gone from saying he would call AD Chris Del Conte to apologize for his players' performance to praising their response.
βThis team has a ton of heart,β Schaefer said. βI want to make sure y'all know that, we just didn't play with any on Thursday, in my opinion.β
Schaefer, who turns 65 next month, said he was βtoo far down the road to changeβ his belief that he must teach accountability.
βWhen they leave me, they go out in the real world, they understand: 'Hey, you can't show up for work and give that effort at my job because I might get fired,'β he said. "I think my kids understand that.
βI hope they do. I hope they know how much I love them and I care about them. ... Sometimes you just have to have those real conversations.β
___
AP freelancers Al Lesar in Tennessee and Jeremy Rakes in Texas contributed to this report.
___
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Yankees want Ryan McMahon to learn a new position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees traded for Ryan McMahon last July because he's an impressive third baseman.
They're now wondering whether he can add a new position to his talents.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Wednesday that they'd like McMahon to get some reps at shortstop this spring. The idea would be that he could be a backup option there if needed.
McMahon has played three innings at shortstop in his MLB career, all in 2020.
He has also played 750 games at third base, 244 gams at second base and 70 games at first base.
MORE:Β There's one question Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin needs to answer
McMahon was a 2024 All Star for the Rockies when he had a strong first half en route to a .722 OPS for the season.
In 2025, his combined OPS was .693. He mostly struggled once joining the Yanks.
New York had an even worse situation at third base before acquiring McMahon, though, so he'll likely have a long leash over there before the Yanks would even consider something different.
The Yankees will be without starting shortstop Anthony Volpe to begin the season due to injury. Jose Caballero will likely be the Opening Day starter.
It's not clear who would potentially play third base if McMahon played short -- maybe Amed Rosario? Regardless, Boone wants another option in his back pocket.
Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock is leaving his alma mater to join the Seattle Seahawks as running backs coach and senior offensive assistant, ending a seven-year run with the Huskies, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
For Notre Dame fans, Hammock is best known for engineering Northern Illinoisβ stunning 16-14 upset of No. 5 Notre Dame in South Bend in 2024, a result widely regarded as one of the biggest shocks of that college football season and NIUβs first win over a top-10 opponent.
In the aftermath of that game, Hammock and Irish coach Marcus Freeman formed a bond, with Hammock offering feedback and support that Freeman later accepted. βWeβve talked on the phone multiple times, exchanged text messages,β Hammock said last fall, adding that he wants to see Freeman win a national championship.β
BREAKING: NIU head coach Thomas Hammock is leaving for an administrative offensive assistant role with the Seattle Seahawks, @Brett_McMurphy reports.https://t.co/DJTbktl4wJpic.twitter.com/Bp0c6zmIhm
β On3 (@On3) February 18, 2026
Hammock previously served as running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2014β18, where he worked alongside current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, a relationship that helped pave his return to the NFL. NIU defensive coordinator Rob Harley is expected to serve as interim head coach.
Contact/Follow usΒ @IrishWireNDΒ on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page onΒ FacebookΒ to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: MAC head coach with a Notre Dame upset is leaving college for the NFL
Less than a month after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are for sale. The team confirmed as much in an announcement today.
"The Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, consistent with Allen's directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy," the statement read.
"The Estate has selected investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to lead the sale process, which is estimated to continue through the 2026 off-season. NFL owners must then ratify a purchase agreement," it continued.
Estate of Paul G. Allen Begins Sale Process for Seattle Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Toj3CjClzP
β Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 18, 2026
Allen, co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation, purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for $194 million. Allen died in 2018 at age 65 and team ownership was transferred to the Allen estate, managed by his sister Jody.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald was asked about a potential sale of the franchise leading up to Super Bowl 60.
"To go with the sale and the ownership... nothing's changed from two weeks ago or nothing's changed since I interviewed for the job with Jody two years ago," Macdonald said.
It obviously wasn't a distraction as the Seahawks earned a dominant 29-13 win.
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Macdonald went on to praise Jody's presence in the franchise.
"Jody is a fantastic owner," he said. "Supportive, steadfast in what she believes and what she wants the Seahawks team to be and what it should mean to our community.
And she can kind of see through the fog that sometimes maybe in the first year I had a hard time doing. So to have that type of guidance and that type of support has meant a lot. So I can say this: I love having Jody as our owner."
The Allen Estate also owns the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and is a minority owner of MLS's Seattle Sounders FC.
This could be the third NFL team sale in the last five years. In 2024, the Washington Commanders were sold for $6.05 billion, the richest sale in NFL history. In 2022, the Denver Broncos were sold for $4.65 billion.
As of August 2025, Forbes valued the Seahawks franchise at $6.7 billion. That valuation put them at 14th league-wide. That would reset the record for the richest sale in NFL history if it holds.
Valuations from Forbes as of August 2025.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seahawks for sale: Here's how much Super Bowl champions are valued at
Headed into the 2024-25 season, Isi Ozzy-Momodu was an incoming Maryland womenβs basketball transfer alongside Christina Dalce. Head coach Brenda Frese and the coaching staff made a conscious decision to mesh their strong personalities.Β
βThey made us roommates last year,β Ozzy-Momodu said. βThat fueled the craziness between us.βΒ
While recovering from a torn ACL that season, Ozzy-Momoduβs job was to extend her personality to the rest of the team.Β
A main target was Sarah Te-Biasu, the breakout star of last yearβs team.Β
βSarah was very quiet. I would [see] that she would laugh in private,β Ozzy-Momodu said. βIβm like, she canβt be quiet and sitting up next to me because she was my locker buddy. I brought out her crazy side, too.βΒ
Ozzy-Momoduβs ability to light up the room has helped her become a leader and change the teamβs dynamic. Despite this being her first season on the court, her two years in College Park have helped mold the locker room.
Dalce graduated after the 2024-25 campaign. With Ozzy-Momodu stepping into an increased on-court role β a similar one to Dalceβs β itβs her goal to make her attitude rub off on her teammates.Β
β[Isi is] a naturally loud person, which is a good thing in our case,β Kyndal Walker said. βSheβs energy all the time β¦ Sheβs a good leader for our team.β
Frese described her as βmore excited about her teammatesβ success than her own.β That mentality translates on and off the court.Β
Off the court, she likes to take her teammates on adventures, finding her ideas on TikTok. One example was bringing Te-Biasu, Walker and Ava McKennie on a roller-skating trip β where she admittedly fell over.
Ozzy-Momoduβs adventurous approach connects to her basketball journey.
Ozzy-Momoduβs life in basketball was not in the cards at first. It took until her final year at the City of London Basketball Academy to decide that she wanted to play at the next level.Β
When Ozzy-Momodu originally took up basketball, it was an escape from her surroundings.Β
βI grew up in southeast London, one of the craziest parts of London,β Ozzy-Momodu said. βAround the time when I started basketball, it was really good because that was when gang wars were happening. I had basketball to keep me away from that.β
Ozzy-Momodu had two main basketball influences: her childhood coach, Jackson Gibbons, and her sister, Ire. The older Ozzy-Momodu also played college basketball, both with Robert Morris and Eastern Michigan. Ireβs basketball career was what Isi said βreally influenced my basketball career.β
Gibbons helped Ozzy-Momodu find a role in American junior college. She played at two of them before joining the Terps.Β
Ozzy-Momodu first went to Eastern Florida in 2022-23, where she won the conference title before falling in the NJCAA tournament.Β
But after a successful season, Ozzy-Momodu needed more competition. She discovered Gulf Coast State. With the Commodores, she experienced a breakout season, averaging 16.7 points and 11.6 rebounds. But her season ended abruptly with an ACL injury.
It was still time to make the jump to Division I regardless. And Brenda Frese made the call.
Missing all of last season added to Ozzy-Momoduβs journey and allowed her to completely assume her off-the-court leadership role. Sheβs been unafraid to reveal her personality to the world, doing postgame cartwheels, crazy dances and sometimes being introduced as the βQueen of London.βΒ
βIβm just very impulsive, I just do things,β Ozzy-Momodu said.Β
On the court, Ozzy-Momodu has also been impactful β sheβs averaging 8.1 points and 6.7 rebounds as a full-time starter. Her energy has been a major asset in helping Maryland pick up its key wins this season.Β
But sheβs also aided others in overcoming difficult times, and has preached taking a step back.Β
βWhen it gets too serious, thatβs when I start to try to lighten the mood,β Ozzy-Momodu said. βMost of the time weβre too focused, thatβs when we get into our headsβ¦ we just need to be ourselves at that point, which is calm and collected.βΒ
She knows when to turn it on and off, but her mentality is clear. Her success this season has been predicated on βlaughs, positivity β¦ just being funny.βΒ
Maryland has had high highs and low lows this season, but one thing is clear β the vibe starts and ends with Ozzy-Momodu.Β
βIf Iβm in a bad mood, itβs going to be a bad practice, because my mood is very contagious,β Ozzy-Momodu said. βI just always try to make sure I cover with a positive attitude.β
When it comes to NFL branding, the Tennessee Titans have generally stuck to what they know.
Going back to the Titansβ days as the Houston Oilers, the primary logo has changed twice and the colors are intact, even as uniform schemes have changed through the years. Compare that to the Washington Commanders, who appeared to be testing a logo change β it would be the team's eighth β on their website recently.
Branding has come into focus after a Tennessee Titans logo leak raised questions about whether the team is considering a change.Β
That hasnβt been confirmed. Maybe the better question after the Titans new logo leak is β why change now?Β
More: Here's what'll matter for Titans at NFL combine. Hint: It's not 40-yard dash times
More: Titans mock draft roundup: 13 experts torn between 5 1st-round options
The Titans would love to write a new, victorious chapter into the organizationβs history book as losses have piled up in recent seasons. NFL teams in similar positions have historically turned to rebranding for a fresh start.
The New England Patriots had a stunning rebrand in 1993 going from βPat the Patriotβ and his three-point stance to the βFlying Elvisβ head Pats fans know today. The Miami Dolphins instituted a similar change in 2013, removing the football helmet from its dolphin logo.Β
At the time of the change, the Patriots were fresh into the coach Bill Parcells era after a period of poor results on the field. The Dolphins were in a similar place, with three winning seasons in 10 years before the rebrand.Β
That brings us to the Titans, who have suffered four consecutive losing seasons and recently sat at home and watched Mike Vrabel β whom Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk fired in 2024 β coach the Patriots in this yearβs Super Bowl.Β
There, of course, was the first uniform redesign when the team moved from Houston to Nashville. The Titans eventually ditched the oil rig logo in place of their current shield-and-flame.
The Titans unveiled new uniforms again in 2018 with three primary uniform color combinations β Navy home jerseys, white away jerseys and an alternate Titans light blue jersey β and new fonts.Β This ushered in navy as a more primary color.
The old white helmet with two navy blue stripes was replaced with a navy blue one with a two-toned silver stripe similar to the Titans sword. It also had a metallic silver face mask. The uniforms had a subtle nod to the sword throughout.Β
The Titans freshened things up in 2009, 2023 and 2024 by wearing throwback Houston Oiler uniforms.Β
Powder blue, red, white and silver colors have remained pretty consistent with the franchise going back to the Bum Phillips days in Houston.Β
Powder blue was the most prominent color.Β
The Oilers tinkered with white, blue and silver helmets.Β
The organization still includes much of that scheme into todayβs design, though the look is much different.Β
Tyler Palmateer covers high school sports for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.
He also contributes to The Tennessean's high school sports newsletter, The Bootleg. Subscribe to The Bootleg here.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans uniform redesign would not be a first
Houston Rockets All-Star forward Kevin Durant deflected questions about a possible social media burner account, though he did not deny the legitimacy of any claims.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Feb. 18 following a practice, Durant was asked about speculation that an account on X, formerly known as Twitter, might belong to Durant. The account handle, @gethigher77, was created in August 2021 and has just 75 followers and is following 75 other users. The account recently went private.
Over the All-Star break, screenshots emerged that showed the account openly criticizing current and former teammates of Durant.
βI know youβve got to ask these questions, but Iβm not here to get into Twitter nonsense,β Durant said. βIβm just here to focus on the season, keep it pushing, but I get why you have to ask those questions.β
More: NBA All-Star Game winners and losers: US vs World format is an upgrade
When pressed further and asked whether he had addressed the matter with his Rockets teammates, Durant once again deflected.
βMy teammates know what it is,β he said. βWeβve been locked in the whole season. We enjoyed our break. We had a great practice today, and we look forward to the road trip.β
The Rockets, who are 33-20 and in a tight race near the top of the Western Conference, are set to go on a two-game trip to Charlotte and New York.
The screenshots from the @gethigher77 account led to speculation over the weekend that the tone and speech patterns were similar to messages Durant has used in the past from his verified accounts.
The images show direct messages sent from the account that seemingly disparage Rockets All-Star center Alperen ΕengΓΌn and forward Jabari Smith Jr. Those direct messages are in the first person and imply that the Rockets are βthis (expletive) ass team.β The messages also use offensive epithets.
βYour franchise player canβt shoot or defend,β one message reads, seemingly alluding to ΕengΓΌn. βThat's a wayyyyyyy bigger issue than my turnovers. Remember, these guys are your future.β
βI canβt trust Jabari to make a (expletive) shot or get a stop,β another message reads, before calling Smith a common epithet against people with a learning disability.
Itβs important to stress that there has been no direct evidence tying Durant to the account and that the supposed link is, at this point, merely internet speculation.
Known to be active on his social media channels, particularly when responding to other users or trolls, Durant even said during a 2019 interview with ESPN that he used burner accounts.
βI wasnβt used to that amount of attention from playing basketball,β Durant said then. βI wanted a place where I could talk to my friends without anybody butting in on my conversations or mixing my words or taking everything out of context because I enjoyed that place.β
Previously, in 2017, Durant was seemingly caught using a burner account when a fan addressed his official account and Durant responded by speaking in the third person.
Then, in July 2023, after the launch of Threads, Durant posted a message to Twitter, saying: βOn threads with the burner. Come find me.β
During a press conference Saturday, Feb. 14 at All-Star media day, Durant was asked if he was forced to give up X or video games for the rest of his life, which one he would choose.
βDamn,β Durant said then. βIβm going to go Twitter. Iβm going to go Twitter, because they donβt deserve to hear this God-level talk Iβm giving to them. They take it for granted, cuz.β
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin Durant burner account: Rockets star addresses speculation
On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Don Amancio discuss:
Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively over on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid.
Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means forΒ β β β β β β β β β Real Madridβ β β β β β β β β Β fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you.
The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and itβs podcasts, going.
Hosts this week:
Kiyan Sobhani (β β β β β β β β β @KiyanSoβ β β β β β β β β )
Don Amancio (β β @DonShelby__β β )
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden made headlines after his home debut by saying loyalty is overrated after joining his fourth different franchise since 2022.
βItβs basketball, the whole quote on quote loyalty thing is, I think itβs overrated,β Harden said last week.
βI think this is a business at the end of the day, and itβs a lot of money involved and a lot of decisions that have to be made. If a player isnβt producing, or if you donβt see him in your future, you know, if the front office, some of them have to do a job and want to keep their job. So they feel like they got to do whatβs best keep their job, and they trade players.β
Donovan Mitchell was asked about those comments after practice on Wednesday and agreed with Harden. Loyalty in sports isnβt what it ideally should be, but many factors go into why it isnβt.
βI think as a sports fan, and as a diehard Mets fan, would I love for Jacob deGrom to still be here? Yeah,β Mitchell said. βYou know, certain situations, itβs not always going [to work out]. Itβs not always like that. For him to be honest with you guys and give that answer, I respect that. This is a business.β
And there are competiting interest at play, even internally.
βYou canβt blame a guy for wanting to maximize his opportunity, maximize his life-changing money for his family,β Mitchell said. βOn the flip side, itβs that weird side in sports where itβs like, this is a business, but thereβs also the concept of, βHey, I want to be here forever.β Thereβs always that with every athlete.β
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Spida shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homageβs Cavs gear HERE.
Mitchell has seen how this dynamic works, even if he personally hasnβt changed teams as much as Harden has.
There were reports that Mitchell was open to being traded from the Utah Jazz back in 2022. It was also clear that this was something that the Jazz felt was in their best interest after they werenβt able to advance out of the second round with their team built around Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
βThis season wasnβt very much fun this year,β Jazz CEO Danny Ainge said a few months before the team traded Mitchell. βThis draft wasnβt fun. Free agency wasnβt very much fun. Youβre over the tax, no draft picks, and our team loses in the first round. It wasnβt fun for us. We want it to be fun for our fans and our players, but we just havenβt had much flexibility to do anything over the last little while.β
Whether or not this was ultimately the right move for Utah is up for debate. What isnβt, is the fact that they felt that their core wasnβt good enough to win, and it was time to move on.
In many instances, itβs in the teamβs and the playerβs best interest to open up a new chapter. And in the NBA, things can change quickly, as Darius Garland found out.
βYou look at my situation in Utah,β Mitchell said, βyou go from being the one seed and the next thing you know (he snaps), itβs like that. It just happens. With DG, it was the same thing. The Jimmy Butler situation, the Dame [Lillard] situation, thereβs other situations. Itβs so fragile. Everything is so fragile. One day could be great, the next day (snaps again) can be like that.β
Some of Hardenβs exits have been messy and seemingly not as mutually beneficial as youβd ideally like. Thatβs part of Hardenβs complicated legacy and the business of sports.
βI donβt know his exact experience,β Mitchell said. βAll I know, is pretty much what you guys know. But I do know thereβs certain things that can kind of skew that. β¦ Not just speaking of him, but as a whole in sports.
βSo I really respect the fact that he was honest. I think a lot of guys relate to that. I think it also gives fans a unique insight on like, hey, thereβs so much love here for sure, but thereβs also things that can get in the way.β
Michail Antonio is in talks with Qatari club AlβSailiya as well as Championship side Charlton Athletic as he looks to return to regular football following his near-fatal car crash.
The former West Ham striker is keen to return to regular football and is currently training at Charlton's base in southβeast London.
Negotiations with both clubs are ongoing.
The 35-year-old featured for Jamaica at June's Concacaf Gold Cup after recovering from the accident, which happened in December 2024.
West Ham released Antonio in August and he later had a short spell training with Leicester City before suffering a minor setback.
After Charlton's defeat by Portsmouth on Saturday, manager Nathan Jones said there was "nothing yet" to announce, but added that "the wheels are still in motion".
In an exclusive interview with the BBC in March 2025, the forward said he felt like he was "close to dying" after the crash in Essex and that he believes he has been given "another chance at life".
"I shattered my femur bone in four different places," he said.
"I had one single keyhole surgery. They put a pole in my thigh with four bolts, so screws and bolts to knit it back together.
"My first surgeon said he didn't want me to put any weight on my leg for three months, which is around about now, and you can see that I am walking.
"We got a second specialist who said I needed to start putting weight on it, increasing from 10% up to 100% within three weeks.
"But I kept my crutches for a further two weeks. Overall, they say it will be between six to 12 months before my leg starts healing properly."
Anthony Gordon's words proved rather prescient.
"In the Champions League, teams are much more open," he said just a few weeks ago. "They all try to play."
Never was that more apparent than on Wednesday night.
This was a new stage for both sides, neither of whom had reached the knockout stages of the Champions League before.
But the gulf in class was staggering.
Eddie Howe showed Qarabag huge respect by naming a strong side, but the Newcastle head coach also knew the hosts would leave gaps.
Gordon, in particular, exploited them as he led the line.
The forward was so hungry that, even after scoring his hat-trick, he grabbed the ball as designated penalty-taker to take the spot-kick for his fourth rather than giving it to Nick Woltemade.
Kieran Trippier, the stand-in captain, still appeared to be a little annoyed about that as the pair exchanged words after trudging off the field at half-time.
But it summed up Gordon's ruthless streak.
In truth, Gordon and his team-mates could have scored even more on a night Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski still, somehow, emerged with credit after making some fine saves.
Newcastle had 22 shots, 14 efforts on target and 39 touches inside the opposition box, but the visitors ultimately had to settle for just the six goals.
With the tie as good as over, Howe will now have the luxury of being able to rotate for the second leg at St James' Park next week - though you suspect Gordon will still be desperate to add to the 10 goals he has scored in the competition this season.
FORT MYERS, Fla. β In the wake of devastating injury news for starter Pablo LΓ³pez, who has an elbow injury that seems likely to require season-ending Tommy John surgery, the phrase βnext man up,β has been continuously thrown around in the Twinsβ clubhouse.
The Twins believed that their rotation depth was a strength this seaosn and now theyβll have to tap into it earlier than expected. As it sits now, with LΓ³pez out of the picture, the Twins have seven starting pitchers in the mix for five rotation spots, with some spots solidified and some up for grabs.
With Joe Ryan and Taj Bradley headed off to compete in the World Baseball Classic next month, the Twins should get an extended look at some of their rotation options. Hereβs a look at that group.
Ryan established himself as an all-star starter last season, and with LΓ³pez out, he is at the top of the Twinsβ rotation. The 29-year-old made 30 starts last year for the first time in his career, threw a career-high 171 innings and finished with a 3.42 earned-run average.
βIf I can provide some guidance and some help for guys that need it, absolutely, Iβm always going to be there,β Ryan said.
Ober is looking forward to this season after a difficult 2025 campaign marred by a hip issue that eventually forced a monthlong stint on the injured list.
He finished the season with a 5.10 earned-run average. He allowed 30 home runs, 14 in June alone. It was a far cry from the results the Twins have come to expect out of the right-hander, who has been among their most consistent in the previous few years.
The Twins acquired Bradley from the Rays in the trade deadline deal that sent Griffin Jax to Tampa Bay, and let him briefly acclimate to the organization at Triple-A before calling him up.
Aside from Ryan and Ober, Bradley has the most big league experience of the younger group, spending much of the past three seasons pitching at the major league level. He made six starts with the Twins in August and September to mixed results, but the early returns in camp have been promising.
β(There) were so many things Taj did well (Monday),β manager Derek Shelton said earlier this week. βHis stuff looked really good, first and foremost. Hitters did not get great swings on him.β
Woods Richardson made one major league appearance in each 2022 and 2023 before staking out claim to a rotation spot in 2024.Β The starter made 28 starts for the Twins that year and 22 (23 games) for the Twins last year.
Many of his starts were limited to five innings or fewer last year, but he had a particularly strong finish, posting a 2.33 ERA across 27 innings pitched while turning in a couple of his longest outings of the year. The 25-year-old enters this year out of minor league options.
Matthews, who is slated to start the Twinsβ spring training opener on Friday against the Gophers, made 16 starts last season for the Twins, missing a period of time with a shoulder strain. Though he started the season in Triple-A, Matthews spent much of the summer pitching for the Twins.
Festa was hampered by shoulder issues throughout 2025, eventually receiving Botox injections late last season to treat a case of thoracic outlet syndrome. Festa has been throwing bullpen sessions, but his health is still a question mark early on. Between injuries and stints at Triple-A, Festa made 11 appearances in the majors, 10 starts, last year and posted a 5.40 ERA.
Abel, 24, was acquired as part of the return for Jhoan Duran at the last trade deadline. He made 10 major league appearances last year, eight starts, and could be the most likely candidate to begin the season back in Triple-A.
Shelton was raving about what he saw from Abel on Tuesday, citing his βelectric stuff,β and the fact that the first pitch out of his hand was a 98 mph sinker to Byron Buxton.
βIβm coming in here and competing for a spot,β Abel said. βWhether I make it or not, Iβm just here every day to get better and compete.β
The Dallas Mavericks said star Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the NBA season as he continues to recover from knee surgery in March.
Nine-time All-Star Irving hasn't played this season as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.
"This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one," Irving said in a statement. "I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process.
"I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows."
The Mavericks said that Irving is making "steady progress in rehabilitation and will remain actively engaged with the team through the remainder of the season".
ESPN reported that the Mavericks hope that Irving will be able to return to practice before the end of the season so that he can begin building on-court chemistry with sensational rookie Cooper Flagg.
The Mavs began preparations to rebuild around Flagg when they traded 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a multi-player deal at the trade deadline this month.
The deal also involved multiple future draft picks, including a first-round pick from Oklahoma City in this year's draft.
The Mavs are currently 12th in the Western Conference and at 19-35 are seven games outside of the play-in.
bb/jc
The behavior of a couple of Nebraska fans towards the Purdue men's basketball bench on Feb. 10 resulted in penalties for multiple Pinnacle Bank Arena spectators.
Nebraska said two spectactors were ejected from their seats in the student section. One was ejected for throwing an object which hit individuals on the Purdue bench in the first half. That individual's tickets were revoked and they were permanently banned from obtaining tickets to any Cornhuskers athletic events.
In a separate incident, another fan was ejected after continuing to use "inappropriate and unsportsmanlike" language towards the Purdue bench after being warned. That second fan also removed two water bottles from the "team bench" -- the statement does not specify which team -- and threw them to someone in the crowd near where they had been seating.
That individual had their tickets revoked and received a one-year ban from obtaining tickets to Cornhuskers athletic events.
Nebraska said it is continuing to investigate a separate incident involving a still-unidentified individual.
In that incident, something was thrown towards Purdue's bench and landed on the playing floor in the final seconds of the overtime. Soon after, Nebraska's Jamarques Lawrence slipped in that area and turned the ball over. The play helped the Boilermakers clinch an 81-78 victory.
Nebraska said it worked with Pinnacle Bank Arena and law enforcement for a "thorough" review of the fan behavior incidents.
"Nebraska Athletics is committed to providing a safe and secure fan experience at all athletic events, with priority on the well-being of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and game officials," Nebraska said in its release. "Any individuals in attendance who conduct themselves in a manner inconsistent with our fan code of conduct may face penalties including ejection from the event, loss of tickets and the ability to purchase tickets in the future."
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Nebraska bans fan who threw object at Purdue basketball bench
The behavior of a couple of Nebraska fans towards the Purdue men's basketball bench on Feb. 10 resulted in penalties for multiple Pinnacle Bank Arena spectators.
Nebraska said two spectactors were ejected from their seats in the student section. One was ejected for throwing an object which hit individuals on the Purdue bench in the first half. That individual's tickets were revoked and they were permanently banned from obtaining tickets to any Cornhuskers athletic events.
In a separate incident, another fan was ejected after continuing to use "inappropriate and unsportsmanlike" language towards the Purdue bench after being warned. That second fan also removed two water bottles from the "team bench" -- the statement does not specify which team -- and threw them to someone in the crowd near where they had been seating.
That individual had their tickets revoked and received a one-year ban from obtaining tickets to Cornhuskers athletic events.
Nebraska said it is continuing to investigate a separate incident involving a still-unidentified individual.
In that incident, something was thrown towards Purdue's bench and landed on the playing floor in the final seconds of the overtime. Soon after, Nebraska's Jamarques Lawrence slipped in that area and turned the ball over. The play helped the Boilermakers clinch an 81-78 victory.
Nebraska said it worked with Pinnacle Bank Arena and law enforcement for a "thorough" review of the fan behavior incidents.
"Nebraska Athletics is committed to providing a safe and secure fan experience at all athletic events, with priority on the well-being of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and game officials," Nebraska said in its release. "Any individuals in attendance who conduct themselves in a manner inconsistent with our fan code of conduct may face penalties including ejection from the event, loss of tickets and the ability to purchase tickets in the future."
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Nebraska bans fan who threw object at Purdue basketball bench
The New York Rangers are currently positioned to make two firstβround selections in the 2026 NHL Draft. Getting these picks right is a hugely important part of their current retool, since the Rangers prospects pipeline is not exactly overflowing with talent.
The Rangers have their own first-round pick, which likely is a lottery pick considering that they are 30th out of 32 teams in the NHL standings with 25 games remaining this season. They acquired the other selection from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the KβAndre Miller trade last summer.
That pick comes with a condition. It must be the better of either Carolinaβs pick or one from the Dallas Stars, since the Hurricanes own each pick in 2026. Carolina and Dallas are two of the top five teams in the NHL at the Olympic break, so either way, this pick will be near the end of the first round when it transfers to the Rangers.
Previously, we analyzed why the Rangers should consider selecting a high-end defensemen, like Chase Reid from the Soo Greyhounds, with their own first-rounder. Now, weβll take a look at this second first-round selection.
Depending on whom you ask, this draft class ranges from average to very good. Weβre leaning toward the latter, which should allow the Rangers to draft for need rather than simply taking the best player available late in the first round.
To that end, one of their biggest needs is a scoring center, and there are several strong options in that range.
The best option here is Niagaraβs Ryan Roobroeck, the younger brother of towering center Dylan Roobroeck, whom the Rangers selected in the sixth round (No. 178 overall) of the 2023 draft. Listed at 6βfootβ4, Ryan is big, though certainly not as tall as his 6-foot-7 brother, who scored 20 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford of the American Hockey League last season.
Younger brother Ryan is a natural goal scorer, one whoβs second on Niagara with 30 goals in 49 games, including 10 on the power play and six gameβwinners, though heβs currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Last season, Roobroeck led Niagara with 41 goals and 87 points, and heβs one shy of 100 goals over three seasons in the OHL.
ROOBS ON THE REBOUND π₯
β Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) February 7, 2026
Hometown boy, Ryan Roobroeck, opens the scoring in London.
πΊ: @FloHockey + @yourtvniagara#DogCountry | #NHLDraftpic.twitter.com/4PZNMyFbFR
His wrist shot is one of the best in the draft class, and heβs made noticeable strides in his foot speed and defensive reads, turning himself into a reliable twoβway forward. With his scoring touch, he may beat his brother to the NHL.
But there are some concerns here. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked No. 27 among North American skaters, a drop from earlier projections which listed him to go in the middel of the first round.
Our second option is Egor Shilov of the Victoriaville Tigres, whoβs ranked No. 17 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 17βyearβold center (6βfootβ1, 185 pounds) posted a 23β39β62 line so far in 47 games and brings a creative, playβdriving presence down the middle.
Who else than Egor Shilov? π―
β QMJHL (@QMJHL) February 15, 2026
The prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft notches his 24th of the campaign! @TigresVicto#NHLProspectspic.twitter.com/gyb31d4Dlk
Shilov can run a power play, skates with speed and skill, and shows poise with the puck. His passing touch stands out, though heβs not shy about shooting when the lane is there. He thrives under pressure, but heβll need to tighten his defensive game and improve on face-offs. Even so, he projects as a future topβsix center.
Itβs unlikely he falls to the bottom of the first round, but if he does, Ilia Morozov is a homeβrun pick for the Rangers. The 17βyearβold Miami (Ohio) center is already 6βfootβ3 and 205 pounds and plays with the maturity of a veteran. Heβs No. 8 on Central Scoutingβs list of top NA skaters.
At just 17 years old, freshman Ilia Morozov is helping build a new chapter at @MiamiOH_Hockey!
β The NCHC (@TheNCHC) January 22, 2026
We go #InsideTheNCHC to learn about his path from Russia to Oxford, his early jump to college hockey, and his immediate impact with the RedHawks π΄βͺ#theNational // #RiseUpRedHawkspic.twitter.com/GKeRg6thcu
Morozov is a true 200βfoot player who fits seamlessly into a threeβzone system. He may not have Shilovβs pure playmaking ability, but heβs an offensive threat who has steadily improved while facing top competition in the NCHC. Heβs strong on the forecheck, uses his size effectively, and looks like a player who will reach the NHL before age 20.
The freshman has 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 30 games, and blocked 21 shots at the other end of the rink.
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The last week of NCAA D1 wrestling duals is upon us, which means there are precious few collegiate contests for us wise and learned wrestling fans to enjoy. Thankfully, there are some excellent dual meets still on the docket, one of the most prominent of which is Cornell vs NC State, which is going down this Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time in Raleigh, North Carolina.Β
The Big Red will travel south from Ithaca, New York to the Reynolds Coliseum sporting an 8-6 dual meet record and riding a three dual winning streak. The Wolfpack are 14-4 on the season and will be honoring their seniors at home during their last competition of the regular season. Cornell is sticking around Tobacco Road for a dual at Duke University on Sunday, which will close out the regular season for both squads.Β
125: #5 Vincent Robinson, NC State vs Greg Diakomihalis, Cornell
133: #18 Zach Redding, NC State vs #17 Tyler Ferrara, Cornell
141: #10 Ryan Jack, NC State vs #6 Vince Cornella, Cornell
149: #4 Koy Buesgens, NC State vs #2 Jaxon Joy, Cornell
157: Luca Felix, NC State vs #2 Meyer Shapiro, Cornell
165: #10 Will Denny, NC State vs Benny Rogers, Cornell
174: #7 Matthew Singleton, NC State vs #2 Simon Ruiz, Cornell
184: Donald Cates, NC State vs Louis Cerchio, Cornell
197: Patrick Brophy, NC State vs Aiden Hanning, Cornell
285: #2 Isaac Trumble, NC State vs #30 Ashton Davis, Cornell
Neither program has put out an official preview or set of probables at the time of publication, so some questions marks remain. Felix Luca has been getting most of the starts for NC State at 157 since the team lost Jackson Arrington to injuries in December, though coach Pat Popilizio has other options.
Cornell head coach Mike Grey has been using both freshman Cy Kruse and junior Ashton Davis at heavyweight. Who will ulimatley get that nod is TBD. Grey also had to bump Louis Cerchio up from 165 to 184 to take over for Christian Hansen, who suffered a season ending injury in December. You can read more about Cerchio's move in the latest edition of the Big Red Insider.Β
And if you want to learn more about NC State's seniors who are being honored Friday night, the Wolfpack Insider has more details. Both insiders were composed by the prolific Brian Reinhardt.
The marquee bout of the evening is at 149, where two underclassmen are set to collide in a top five matchup.Β
Joy is a grey shirt freshman who spent a gap year after high school at the Spartan Combat RTC. He's 21-0 on the season against D1 opponents, with his only loss this season coming at the Clarion Open to high school phenom, Bo Bassett, though Joy balanced out that loss with a pin over #9 Ethan Stiles at the same event.
The Ohio native then went on a tear at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, notching four ranked wins over #17 David Evans, #16 Eligh Rivera, #6 Collin Gaj, and #5 Kaleb Larkin (at 157) on his way to a title. Joy is a terror in the top position, with an inventive cradle series that has been the bane of many opponents this season, as evidenced by Joy's ten falls of either the pin or technical variety.Β
Watch Joy's win over Larkin:
Buesgens, meanwhile, has been a revelation for the Wolfpack this season. The redshirt sophomore from Minnesota followed up on his solid but unspectacular redshirt freshman campaign, that saw him go 16-13 on the season and 0-2 at NCAAs, with an 18-2 record agains D1 opponents that includeds wins over #6 Gaj, #7 Casey Swiderski and #5 Aden Valencia, with his only losses coming at the hands of Gaj (revenge from the National Duals Invitational at a late January dual meet) and Stiles.Β
This Koy-Joy matchup will be one of the most consequential bouts of the weekend, and could also decide the outcome of the dual meet.Β
There's not much of a drop off from the 149 bout to what we could see at 174 in this dual.Β
Singleton had his breakout season last year when he placed seventh at NCAAs. Before that, Singleton was redshirting after being thrust into the starting lineup as a true freshman at 165lbs in 2023. Singleton has been consistent this season, going undefeated at the National Duals Invitational, which included a pin over #6 Alex Facundo.
Watch Singleton defeat Facundo in Tulsa:
The Georgia native did get tripped up in his last dual and fell to Pitt's Luca Augustine in sudden victory, though he could still boast of a 13-2 record afterwards.Β
For as good as Singleton has been lately, grey shirt sophomore Simon Ruiz has been slightly better. He placed fifth at NCAAs, which included a 10-0 major of Singleton in the consolation quarterfinals. Ruiz and Singleton split their two previous meetings during the 2024-25 season. The Wolfpacker prevailed 6-1 at the CKLV in early December 2024, but it was the Big Redder who emerged victorious just a few weeks later, 6-5 in a dual meet.Β
This season, Ruiz, a graduate of New Jersey parochial powerhouse Delbarton, has an unblemished record, defeating all opponents, including Facundo, #14 Jared Simma, and #15 Myles Takats, and running his season record up to 12-0.Β
Singleton will have an opportunity to even their collegiate series to 2-2, while Ruiz will be able to tilt the record even further in his favor.Β
Our third and final projected top ten matchup of the evening. Both wrestlers are in their final year of eligibility and will be looking to leave it all on the mat (though it should be noted that Cornella may have another year of eligibility if he transfers to a non-Ivy school as a grad student).Β
Injuries have derailed Cornella's sophomore and junior seasons. The Cornell captain from Colorado was unable to continue his postseason after getting injured at the 2024 EIWAs. That was after a solid grey shirt and freshman campaign that saw him go 1-2 at the 2023 NCAAs.Β
Cornella spent the entire 2024-25 season off the mat and then only came back to action in the second semester of the current 2025-26 season. It didn't take long for Vince to shake off the mat rust as he hit the ground running, piling up a 15-1 record with the sole loss coming narrowly to Lehigh's Luke Stanich, 5-4.Β
Watch Cornella defeat Ivy rival CJ Compostoo in the Southern Scuffle finals:
Ryan Jack didn't do much wrestling last season either, as the redshirt senior from Danbury, Connecticut, took a redshirt and only competed unattached in two Opens. This season, he's 12-5 and on a mission to replicate his breakout 2024 season that saw him climb to the 7th place step on the NCAA podium.Β
Though his record is not as impressive as Cornella's, four of Jack's five losses were by one or two points, with only a tech-fall loss to #1 Jesse Mendez breaking that trend. This should be a close bout between two savvy veterans who still have something to prove.Β
125: Robinson, NC State over Diakomihalis, Cornell by major - NCSU 4, CU 0
133: Ferrara, Cornell over Redding, NC State by decision - NCSU 4, CU 3
141: Cornella, Cornell over Jack, NC State by decision - CU 6, NCSU 4
149: Joy, Cornell over Buesgens, NC State by decision - CU 9, NCSU 4
157: Shapiro, Cornell over Felix, NC State by major - CU 13, NCSU 4
165: Denny, NC State over Rogers, Cornell by major - CU 13, NCSU 8
174: Singleton, NC State over Ruiz, Cornell by decision - CU 13, NCSU 11
184: Cerchio, Cornell over Cates, NC State by decision - CU 16, NCSU 11
197: Hanning, Cornell over Brophy, NC State by decision - CU 19, NCSU 11
285: Trumble, NC State over Davis, Cornell by major - CU 19, NCSU 15
Bonus points will be crucial, and pins and techs will come at a premium. If Cornell wins the close lighter weight bouts, Shapiro could make things very tough for a Wolfpack come back with a tech or pin at 157, which he is very capable of.Β
If it comes to that, it will be up to Denny and Singleton to get things back on course for NC State. Singleton is the only 'upset' I'm predicting but I see that more of a toss up. Similarly, the Wolfpack should be in competitive bouts at 184 and 197, although I am leaning toward Cornell in those bouts like I am in the lighterweights.Β
The goal for NC State is to keep things within striking distance for Isaac Trumble, as the Wolfpack anchor is absolutely capable of getting six team points if that's what was needed.Β
Now let's see what A.I. thinks is going to happen.Β
Predicted Match Outcomes & Team Points
MatchΒ Β Β WinnerΒ Β Β Points
125Β Β Β NC State (Dec)Β Β Β 3
133Β Β Β Cornell (Dec)Β Β Β 3
141Β Β Β Cornell (Dec)Β Β Β 3
149Β Β Β Cornell (Bonus)Β Β Β 4
157Β Β Β Cornell (Tech/Major)Β Β Β 5
165Β Β Β NC State (Dec)Β Β Β 3
174Β Β Β Cornell (Dec)Β Β Β 3
184Β Β Β Cornell (Dec)Β Β Β 3
197Β Β Β NC State (Dec)Β Β Β 3
285Β Β Β NC State (Tech)Β Β Β 4
Team Score Projection:
NC State: ~19
Cornell: ~27
Pretty similar, though the robot did not want to pick an upset at 174. It also can't add very well, but I'm going to leave in what ChatGPT said just as a warning not to take these robo-predictions to seriously!
And we all get to find out what actually happens this Friday. See you then!
The Los Angeles Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches at the plate, leaving manager Dave Roberts with a tough choice ahead of the 2026 season: Who bats where in the order?
On Wednesday, Roberts made clear where his head is at regarding Mookie Betts, saying he expects Betts to bat third, as reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Dave Roberts is leaning towards using Mookie Betts as his every day No. 3 hitter. Said that won't change regardless of opposing pitcher handedness. Roberts is still figuring out his No. 2 and No. 4 hitters, but Shohei Ohtani will remain leadoff.
β Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 18, 2026
Betts has previously batted in the No. 2 spot, but with the addition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker and a dip in offensive production in 2025, heβs being moved back a spot.
Shohei Ohtani is expected to keep his leadoff spot, Roberts added.
Betts had a down year at the plate in 2025, but he spent this past offseason retooling his swing.
βMore just rewiring my mechanics, my brain, the motor patterns,βΒ Betts explained, as reported by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.Β βI think it kind of got out of whack early on, and once I got out of whack early, it was just like a snowball effect.β
With a bounce-back year at the plate and continued strong performance at shortstop, Betts could be a contender for the top player in the National League, an expectation Roberts has embraced.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confidently said that he believes Mookie Betts will be in the MVP conversation this season in his morning media scrum.
β Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 18, 2026
Big year loading for Mookie ? pic.twitter.com/Uk333fALu4
βMookie [Betts] will be in the MVP conversation this year,β Roberts predicted, as reported by Jack Vita of the Los Angeles Times.
Betts struggled in 2025, but thatβs largely in relation to his own success.
He slashed .258/.326/.406. Compare that to 2024, when he slashed .289/.372/.491.
Before his time with the Dodgers, though, he led Major League Baseball in batting average and slugging.
In 2018, he slashed .346/.438/.640 en route to an American League MVP award.
Will history repeat itself in 2026? Only time will tell, but all indications thus far are positive for the Boys in Blue.
Do you think Mookie Betts will be MVP caliber again in 2026?
The Minnesota Golden Gophers finally saw themselves rewarded for their 8-game winning streak when they came in at #23 in both the AP and Coaches polls this week. The last time the Gophers were ranked 13 months ago it was just one week and out for Minnesota. For the Gophers to avoid that fate this time it will take at least one ranked win at home as Minnesota ends their regular season home schedule with a pair of ranked opponents beginning Wednesday night with a visit from the #10 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Itβs the Gophers annual breast cancer awareness game as well and they will be wearing their pink uniforms that are available to be bid on in an auction with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. Bids can be placed HERE. Wednesday nightβs game will tip off at 7 PM and will stream on B1G+.
Minnesota has done a fairly good job of keeping their opponentβs star players in check during their 8-game winning streakβbut that job will be significantly tougher Wednesday night against Ohio Stateβs Jaloni Cambridge. One of if not the favorite to win Big Ten Player of the Year, Cambridge was named to the Naismith Trophyβs late season watch list for National Player of the Year. Cambridge is second in the conference in scoring (22.8 ppg) and is also top 10 in steals (2.0 spg) and assists (4.5 apg). In conference play, Cambridge leads the Big Ten with 26.1 points per game. She is shooting 53% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc in Big Ten play this season. She has eleven games this season with 25 or more points including 29 in a one point loss to Maryland last Saturday. She averages nearly nine more point per game than any other Buckeye. If the Gophers canβt keep her in check, it could get ugly fast. But if they can, and force other players to need to account for her scoring, then Minnesota could pick up another huge home ranked win.
Ohio State does one of the things that the Gophers have struggled all season with and thatβs apply strong full court pressure. The Buckeyes are second in the Big Ten in steals and have forced their opponents to over 22 turnovers per game this season. Minnesota generally is very safe with the ballβthey turn the ball over just 11 times per game, the best in Big Ten play. But they have struggled against a stiff full court press. It cost them a win over Maryland, it nearly cost them a win over USC, and Iowa made significant strides in coming back against the Gophers before they finally put them away. This is a massive opportunity for the Gophers, and if they blow it because they canβt handle the full court pressure yet again it will be very disappointing.
This is a game where the Buckeyes will match up will with the Gophers guards in speed and skill. They also have some size, so there will not be any distinct advantage for Sophie Hart and Finau Tonga in the paint. Where the Gophers will need to make up ground will be to dominate the rebounding totals. Minnesota averages three more rebounds per game that the Buckeyes, and Ohio State will give up plenty of rebounds. The Gophers also average nearly 3.5 more offensive rebounds that Ohio State per game. The Gophers need to get those boards and win the second chance points. Minnesotaβs best looks from beyond the arc all night will likely come from offensive rebounds and kickouts to open shooters. Minnesota needs to knock those shots down and use that to their advantage.
Minnesota is on a roll and is extremely tough at home, but this is a very tough matchup for the Gophers. If Minnesota can do all the little things right a win is definitely possible, but the Buckeyes have only lost four games all season, all to ranked teams in UCONN, UCLA, Iowa and Maryland. Ohio State has dominated the Gophers in the recent past, but cracks are showing. Ohio State currently holds a 14-game win streak over the Gophers. Minnesota last beat the Buckeyes at home in 2016. It took then-ranked No. 5 Ohio State to overtime and won 90-88. But last season the Gophers took the Buckeyes to overtime in Columbus before falling 87-84. The potential is thereβthe Gophers just need to close. But I think they come up just a bit short yet again. Ohio State wins 84-79.
Minnesota celebrates Senior Night in their home regular season finale when they take on #18 Michigan State at 5 PM Sunday.
Brian Daboll worked with the second quarterback drafted in 2025 before being fired as the Giants' head coach and he'll get a chance to work with the first one in his new job.
Daboll was hired as the Titans' offensive coordinator after they tabbed Robert Saleh as their new head coach and the former MetLife Stadium denizens will be coaching a team that has 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward running the offense. Ward's rookie season was upset when head coach Brian Callahan was fired, but he found his footing in the final weeks of the season and turned in his most consistent run of success to close out the year.
At a Wednesday press conference in Nashville, Daboll said Ward's presence was a "big factor" in his decision to accept the Titans' offer.
"He's a young, athletic quarterback who has accuracy," Daboll said, via the team's website. "He can make plays on the move, and do a great job when if the play doesn't look great, all of a sudden it looks great because of his ability. He's smart, and I look forward to working with him, and building this thing together, along with the other pieces we have in play, and the pieces we'll go get. . . . I think [Cam] can do a lot of things, but he's going to have to put the work in, which I know he will. And, we'll do stuff that he's comfortable with."
Daboll got some head coaching interviews during last month's searches and pushing Ward to a higher level in 2026 would be a good selling point if he wants to move back into a top job in the near future.
A little over a month ago, 2027 four-star defensive lineman Zane Rowe placed the Oregon Ducks within his top three schools alongside the Oklahoma Sooners and TCU Horned Frogs, the closer options for the Denton, TX, native.
On Wednesday, Rivals reported that Rowe has released a commitment date of March 13, with a different set of finalists than previously believed. Oregon and Oklahoma are still among the final four, but TCU has been bumped out for North Carolina and Washington.
Rowe is worth the push for all four programs, as he's the No. 12 edge and No. 90 player overall in the 2027 class per 247 Sports Composite. He competes for Denton Guyer High School and is the No. 11 player in the state of Texas.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder visited Eugene on Jan. 24 and apparently liked what he saw, as Oregon is considered among the favorites to land his commitment on March 13.
π¨NEWSπ¨ 4-star DL Zane Rowe will announce his commitment on March 13, @samspiegs and @Hayesfawcett3 reportβοΈ
β Rivals (@Rivals) February 18, 2026
His finalists are North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon and Washington.
Read: https://t.co/lNmGZGj2aEpic.twitter.com/gIObhyxoKD
Rowe spoke with Rivals on what he enjoyed about the program, first lauding their business connections on the West Coast before diving into their development on the field.
"They also have great development," Rowe said. "They have two DE going in the first round and another coming back for his senior year, so the depth chart is playing a big role. Theyβre recruiting my family and me, and came to visit me at school and showed my parents and me the plan. They showed their track record with Texas guys like Dakorien Moore. For them to come to DFW and then go play in Eugene, thatβs the furthest you can go from Texas, so if you have success and thrive there, itβs a big deal to me."
It would be a big deal if head coach Dan Lanning could land a commitment from Rowe, who would immediately be the top-ranked player in the Ducks' 2027 class that features just one other four-star, though Cameron Pritchett is the No. 21 edge as opposed to Rowe's No. 11 ranking.
Contact/FollowΒ @Ducks_WireΒ on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onΒ FacebookΒ to follow ongoing coverage of OregonΒ DucksΒ news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 2027 4-star DL Zane Rowe announces commitment date, Ducks in the mix
In a stunning move on Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks hired a sitting head coach from a current FBS program to join their offensive staff.
The Northern Illinois Huskies will embark on their first season in the Mountain West Conference without a familiar face as their head coach, Thomas Hammock, will join the Seahawks as their running backs coach and a senior offensive assistant. The move comes after the franchise parted ways with former running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu in January following a leave of absence.
BREAKING: NIU head coach Thomas Hammock is leaving for an administrative offensive assistant role with the Seattle Seahawks, @Brett_McMurphy reports.https://t.co/DJTbktl4wJpic.twitter.com/Bp0c6zmIhm
β On3 (@On3) February 18, 2026
Hammock and the Huskies are coming off a 3-9 season, but the veteran coach has led the program to three winning seasons in the past five, with the Huskies making bowl appearances in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He has been at the helm of the program since 2019 and will finish his tenure at the school with a 35-47 record.
The Huskies also became the first-ever MAC team to beat a Top 5 opponent under his leadership with a win over No. 5 Notre Dame in 2024 β that Fighting Irish squad would finish the year as the College Football Playoff runners-up after losing to Ohio State in the National Championship, earning a record of 14-2 on the year.
It will be Hammock's second stint in the NFL. Before coaching with the Huskies, he served as the running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2014-2018, working under John Harbaugh. Between the college and NFL ranks, Hammock has spent 23 years in coaching, including 14 years as a running backs coach and seven years as a head coach.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Seahawks poach successful Division One head coach in surprise hire
Steph Chambers/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Caitlin Clark isn't playing games when it comes to her sweet tooth.
Lebron James recently made headlines for admitting that he gave up a particular dessert while preparing for the NBA season, and the WNBA star, 24, hilariously commented on ESPN's Instagram post about it on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
The NBA legend, 41, revealed during this week's episode of βMind the Gameβ that while he was out for the team's first 14 games of 2025 while coping with sciatica, he abstained from eating his beloved chocolate chip cookies and stopped drinking wine.
Caitlin Clark/Instagram
"I wasnβt playing obviously as the season started," James told Steve Nash on the show. "So I needed to give up something. I gotta sacrifice something β and I actually did two things that I love, that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert."
The The Los Angeles Lakers superstar made clear: "I completely took it out."
ESPN posted the clip of James in conversation with Nash when he made his cookie confession, along with the headline that announced his ban on the dessert and alcoholic beverage, prompting a flurry of comments βΒ including one from the Indiana Fever star.
"Iβd rather retire than do this. This is why heβs him," Clark wrote on the Instagram post.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty
James missedΒ 14 gamesΒ at the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, including opening night of his record 23rd NBA season, due to a right-side sciatic nerve injury sustained around early August. He returned to the court onΒ Nov. 18.
While the cookie and wine ban was initially implemented for the month of November to better his back from injury, James revealed that he opted to keep up the healthy habit through December.
"I kept going," he said on the show. "I didnβt have my first drink and my first piece of dessert until New Yearβs. New Yearβs Day. So I ended up going basically two months."
Kevin C. Cox/Getty
While cutting cookies from his diet was a challenge, the basketball icon said giving up wine was no cake walk either.
"Not playing, being a little stressed, I maybe wanted a glass here. A glass there,β he shared, adding, "But it was good to give my body a break."
Clark, meanwhile, is a huge cookie fan. She even went viral for naming the sweet treat when a reporter asked her to share something she likes to do that comes close to her love for basketball during a press conference in May 2024.
"I like warm chocolate chip cookies, so I guess that... making those," she said with a laugh in response.
Read the original article on People
LOS ANGELES β It's time for the final event of the PGA Tour's west coast swing.Β
The Genesis Invitational kicks off on Thursday from Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, marking the second straight signature event on Tour. The Tiger Woods-hosted tournament marks the final one before the Tour heads to Florida for a month and gears up for The Players Championship.Β
Like it is every time he's in the field, Scottie Scheffler will be the man to beat. The top-ranked golfer in the world has racked up three straight top-four finishes on Tour this season, starting with his blowout win at The American Express last month. He was briefly tied for the lead last last week at Pebble Beach, too, but couldn't quite overcome a rough opening round. Scheffler is, naturally, a +300 favorite to win at BetMGM.
Rory McIlroy is back for a second straight start on Tour. He finished T14 last week, though was five shots back of winner Collin Morikawa. Tommy Fleetwood, Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele are among the other big names in the field this week.
If Scheffler can put together a full week, he's already proven that he's nearly impossible to beat. Even if he slips up early, recent history shows he'll likely find a way to be in contention come Sunday.Β
Here's everything you need to know to keep up with the Genesis Invitational, and how much money is up for grabs this week.
Dates: Feb. 19 - 22
Course: Riviera Country Club | Los Angeles, California
2025 Winner: Ludvig Γ
berg
FedExCup Points: 700
Purse: $20 million
All times ET
Thursday & Friday
4 p.m. β 8 p.m. | Golf Channel
Saturday
1 p.m. β 3 p.m. | Golf Channel
3 p.m. β 7 p.m. | CBS
Sunday
1 p.m. β 3 p.m. | Golf Channel
3 p.m. β 6:30 p.m. | CBS
1. $4 million
2. $2.4 million
3. $1.4 million
4. $1 million
5. $840,000
6. $760,000
7. $700,000
8. $646,000
9. $600,000
10. $556,000
11. $514,000
12. $472,000
13. $430,000
14. $389,000
15. $369,000
16. $349,000
17. $329,000
18. $309,000
19. $289,000
20. $269,000
21. $250,000
22. $233,000
23. $216,000
24. $200,000
25. $184,000
26. $168,000
27. $161,000
28. $154,000
29. $147,000
30. $140,000
31. $133,000
32. $126,000
33. $119,000
34. $114,000
35. $109,000
36. $104,000
37. $99,000
38. $94,000
39. $90,000
40. $86,000
41. $82,000
42. $78,000
43. $74,000
44. $70,000
45. $66,000
46. $62,000
47. $58,000
48. $56,000
49. $54,000
50. $52,000
51. $51,000
52. $50,000
53. $49,000
54. $48,000
55. $47,000
56. $46,000
57. $45,000
58. $44,000
59. $43,000
60. $42,000
61. $41,000
62. $40,000
63. $39,000
64. $38,000
65. $37,000
66. $36,000
67. $35,000
68. $34,000
69. $33,000
70. $32,000
71. $31,000
72. $30,000
On four-goal hero Anthony Gordon, who now holds the record for most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League campaign: "He was really good in that first half. He started the press, a number of his goals came from his attitude off the ball.
"He could have had more, but a very good display."
On not getting complacent at 4-0 up: "We wanted to keep the momentum in the second half. The game changed and they played lower on the pitch which made it more difficult for us.
"Overall it's a great day for us. We know the tie isn't dead or over but we are in a great position."
CI Games release Lords of the Fallen 2βs PC system requirements CI Games has released Lords of the Fallen 2βs PC system requirements on the Epic Games Store, unveiling the levels of PC power that gamers will require to run this action-RPG sequel. On PC, Lords of the Fallen 2 (LOTF2) is expected to launch [β¦]
The post Is your PC ready for Lords of the Fallen 2? appeared first on OC3D.
MeliΓ‘ Hotels InternationalΒ has introduced its Paradisus global luxury all-inclusive brand in Asia with the opening ofΒ Paradisus by MeliΓ‘ Bali. Located in Nusa Dua, the southern coast of Bali, Indonesia, the resort brings a new style [β¦]American Airlines has introduced a series of digital upgrades that allow customers to manage checked luggage earlier in the booking process while offering lower online fees for some baggage purchases. The new tools, rolled out [β¦]JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) will add nonstop service between Houstonβs George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and New Yorkβs John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), once again connecting the two major cities with JetBlueβs award-winning service and [β¦]Pegasus Airlines has significantly increased its technical maintenance capacity and capabilities by opening its new aircraft maintenance centre at Istanbul Sabiha GΓΆkΓ§en Airport. With an infrastructure based on digitalisation, efficiency and sustainability, the hangars will [β¦]Penangβs tourism sector received a significant boost with the arrival of Spring Airlinesβ inaugural direct flight from Shanghai, reinforcing the stateβs growing popularity among Chinese travellers and strengthening air connectivity in conjunction with theΒ Visit Malaysia [β¦]
The decentralized exchange has begun offering crypto perpetual swaps after receiving a test license from Bermudaβs regulator, operating under DAO governance and formal oversight.
Ethereum onchain data and a bear pennant on the daily chart suggest that bears may target the $1,100 level. Would a dip to that zone represent a generational buy opportunity?
Starboard Value said that βtime is of the essence,β stressing urgency in Riot getting βmore material deals completedβ related to AI and HPC.
Technical charts show Bitcoin price hanging on to softening support in the $68,000 to $65,000 zone, and a breakdown below the level could usher in new lows in the $50,000 range.
New Keyrock research finds not all newly created money impacts risk assets due to how fresh liquidity flows through the economy.
Two-year Bitcoin hodlers "absorbed" seller pressure in recent weeks, according to new research, but most analysts still expect new macro BTC price lows.
The French banking groupβs digital asset unit deploys EUR CoinVertible on a third public blockchain, alongside Ethereum and Solana.
Although US President Donald Trump was not slated to appear at today's event, it will include two senators, the CFTC chair, and industry leaders.
Spain β Recently, the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) made a joint proposal regarding the Spanish aviation sector. Specifically, the organizations suggest for the next five years, (from 2027 to 2031) there to be a proposed annual reduction for the Spanish airport charges to be 4.9% (not including the rate of inflation) one time as a means to sustain Spainβs economic advantage keeps Spain as a viable option for international travel.
The Spanish airports are primarily operated by AENA, the countryβs leading airport operator. AENA had previously proposed a 3.8% increase in charges per year over the next five years under the Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III). However, the IATA and ALA have strongly opposed this proposal, arguing that AENAβs traffic forecasts have been inaccurate for years, resulting in excess charges imposed on airlines and passengers.
The crux of the disagreement stems from AENAβs underestimation of passenger traffic growth during previous regulatory periods. From 2017 to 2025, passenger numbers exceeded AENAβs forecasts by an average of 15.3%, excluding the pandemic years. This gap between forecasts and actual traffic resulted in AENA earning an estimated β¬1.3 billion in excess regulated returns, which were ultimately passed on to airlines and consumers in the form of higher charges.
In the most recent year available (2024), AENAβs regulated return reached 10.2%, exceeding its expected return by four percentage points. This meant that nearly β¬400 million was overpaid by airlines and passengers alone, further highlighting the growing frustration with AENAβs financial practices.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATAβs Regional Vice President for Europe, expressed his concerns, stating that AENA had manipulated the regulatory system for years, earning millions of euros more than it should have, to the detriment of passengers, airlines, and the Spanish economy. He emphasized that this practice must end, warning that if AENAβs proposal were granted, it would result in the highest regulated return of any comparable airport operator in Europe, describing it as unsustainable and unrealistic.
IATA and ALAβs proposed 4.9% reduction in airport charges, however, would not hinder AENA from fulfilling its planned β¬10 billion investment program, which is designed to enhance Spainβs airport infrastructure. According to studies commissioned by both organizations from global consultancies Steer and CEPA, passenger traffic in Spain is expected to grow by around 3.6% annually on average, much higher than AENAβs more conservative estimate of 1.3%.
Under this more optimistic forecast, AENA would still be able to meet its financial obligations and fund the β¬10 billion investment plan, all while earning a return of 6.35% on capital. This return would be higher than what was originally intended under DORA II and would still provide reasonable returns to shareholders.
Schvartzman emphasized the broader economic benefits of the proposal, stating that a 4.9% reduction in charges would enhance Spainβs competitiveness as an international destination, driving investment and job creation across the wider economy. He added that, at the same time, AENA would still be able to fund its β¬10 billion investment plan and provide reasonable returns to its shareholders, describing it as a win-win situation for passengers, Spain, and the aviation industry.
IATA and ALA argue that reducing airport charges would not only benefit airlines and passengers but also lead to greater economic growth for Spain. The proposal seeks to strike a balance between sustainable airport investments and ensuring that Spain remains a competitive and attractive destination for international travelers.
By offering a more reasonable return on capital and reducing the financial burden on airlines, the industry could experience greater investment opportunities, including new routes and infrastructure developments that could further boost Spainβs economic competitiveness. Moreover, the reduction in charges would make flying more affordable for passengers, stimulating demand for air travel and supporting the broader tourism sector.
The Spanish aviation industry is at a pivotal moment. With AENAβs proposal for increased charges and the IATA and ALAβs counterproposal for a reduction, regulators will need to carefully consider the evidence and make decisions that will affect not only the airline industry but also the Spanish economy at large.
As Spain approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, maintaining a competitive edge in global tourism and air travel is paramount. The right decision on airport charges will play a significant role in ensuring that Spain continues to attract visitors from around the world while providing high-quality, efficient airport services.
As negotiations continue, IATA and ALA are hopeful that regulators will take into account the potential benefits of reducing airport charges for both the aviation sector and the broader Spanish economy. A reduction in fees would allow airlines to pass on savings to consumers, encouraging growth in the tourism industry while still enabling AENA to fulfill its ambitious investment plans.
Spainβs aviation landscape stands at a crossroads, and the coming years will be critical in determining how airport charges are regulated. By aligning charges with the growth of passenger traffic, Spain can ensure that its airports remain competitive on the global stage while still maintaining the high standards of service and infrastructure that travelers expect.
As we move toward 2027 and beyond, the aviation industry and the Spanish economy will benefit from more reasonable airport charges, fostering a thriving, competitive environment for both passengers and airlines alike.
The post Spainβs Airport Charges Could See 4.9% Annual Reduction: Airlines Urge Change for Competitive Growth in 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.OTM 2026 in Mumbai presented Bintan and Singapore as two main attractions which enabled Indian visitors to travel between energetic world cities and peaceful tropical islands that existed one hour away from each other. Indian visitors to the Singapore Pavilion found it natural to extend their travel methods by flying to Singapore and using ferry service to reach Bintanβs quiet beaches which they wanted to experience.
Bintan Resorts made its OTM debut inside the Singapore Pavilion, underlining how closely the two destinations are working together in the Indian market. The joint presence aimed to position Bintan as Singaporeβs island next door, turning a classic city-break into a short, easy island holiday without the need for complex planning or long-haul flights.
At OTM 2026, Bintan Resorts focused on expanding its trade network and strengthening relationships with Indiaβs outbound travel community, using the Singapore Pavilion as a high-visibility platform. The team engaged with tour operators, OTAs, MICE planners and wedding specialists from across key Indian cities, spotlighting Bintan as an add-on to Singapore rather than a standβalone, hardβtoβaccess island.
Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan Resorts, noted that India remains one of the destinationβs most dynamic growth markets, and said the joint participation with Singapore Tourism helped showcase a twin-destination proposition while reinforcing long-term trade partnerships across India. He indicated that beyond trade outreach, Bintan aims to build stronger B2C visibility this year, so that more Indian travellers recognise the islandβs mix of resort luxury, active experiences and value-led pricing.
For Singapore Tourism Board, India continues to be a key source market, with the destination promoting its vibrant city experiences, family attractions and strong MICE infrastructure through VisitSingaporeβs international marketing platforms. By aligning with Bintan at OTM, Singapore Tourism added an island component to its pitch, reinforcing Singaporeβs role as a gateway hub for regional travel in Southeast Asia.
Bintan welcomed over 13,000 Indian visitors in 2025, a figure that has encouraged the destination to sharpen its India strategy for 2026. Travel patterns show demand across family holidays, couplesβ getaways, wellness retreats and small groups, reflecting the broader shift in Indian outbound travel towards shorter, experience-led breaks.
For 2026, Bintan Resorts is prioritising the FIT segment, aiming to attract independent travellers and small groups who value flexibility, along with a stronger push into MICE and destination weddings. Trade partners at OTM were briefed on how city-plus-island itineraries can be packaged efficiently, pairing Singaporeβs events and business meetings with postβevent stays on Bintanβs beaches and golf courses.
A key message at OTM was Bintanβs ease of access from Singapore, which directly addresses Indian travellersβ preference for simple, time-efficient journeys. After flying into Singapore, visitors can board a direct ferry to Bintan, reaching the island in about one hour via Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, which serves Bintan Resorts.
Indian passport holders are eligible for visa-on-arrival when entering Indonesia, including Bintan, subject to prevailing regulations and payment at the ferry terminal, making the process relatively straightforward for short leisure trips. This combination of a well-connected Singapore gateway, a short sea crossing and simplified entry formalities allows Indian travellers to plan twin-destination holidays without navigating multiple complex visas or long internal transfers.
While Bintan is often imagined as a classic sun, sand and sea escape, its tourism pitch at OTM 2026 leaned strongly into experiences that resonate with todayβs Indian traveller. The islandβs northern coastline is home to a cluster of integrated resorts, beachfront properties and four golf courses designed by renowned architects, alongside spas, water sports and family-friendly attractions.
Signature events such as the Bintan Triathlon, Mandiri Bintan Marathon and Tour de Bintan have positioned the island as a hub for active, wellness-oriented holidays, appealing to travellers who want their beach break to include a sense of challenge or purpose. These curated events dovetail with VisitSingaporeβs broader focus on immersive experiences and lifestyle-driven itineraries, allowing Indian travellers to build a narrative-rich trip that moves from urban food trails and attractions in Singapore to cycling routes, races and seaside wellness on Bintan.
For MICE and weddings, Bintan offers integrated event spaces, beachfront lawns and team-building environments that can complement Singaporeβs world-class convention and exhibition facilities, giving planners the option of a split-city-and-island programme within a compact time frame.
Bintan Resorts enters 2026 with a clear view that India is not just an emerging market, but a long-term partner whose travellers are shaping the islandβs offerings and strategy. Trade visitors at OTM were told that as Indian outbound travel continues to favour short-haul, experience-rich holidays, Bintan and Singapore are jointly positioned to satisfy both the appetite for international sophistication and the need for easy, restorative downtime by the sea. The people in the Oxford Theater Market 2026 did their final talks, which showed that Indian travelers andagents already planned their trips from Singapore to watch the sunset at Bintanβs beaches.
The post Bintan And Singapore Tourism Join Forces At OTM 2026 To Court Indian Travellers: All You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Palm Springs, California, a favorite winter destination for Canadian snowbirds, is experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers in 2026 as Canadians continue to boycott travel to the U.S. under President Trumpβs administration. Despite the regionβs typical appealβsunny skies, golf courses, and the famed poolside martinisβa significant shift in Canadian travel habits has left local businesses grappling with fewer visitors this winter.
The travel boycott, which began more than a year ago in response to Trumpβs immigration policies and political tensions between Canada and the United States, continues to impact Palm Springs and other U.S. destinations. Lois Chapman, a longtime visitor from Ontario, noted that her flight from Toronto in early February 2026 was mostly empty, with many Canadians choosing to stay home rather than travel to the U.S.
Chapman, who was volunteering at Modernism Week in Palm Springs, mentioned that the Canadian boycott was driven by frustrations with Trumpβs rhetoric and immigration policies. βCanada feels hurt by the situation,β Chapman explained, noting that the political climate in the U.S. was a primary factor in her decision to shorten her usual trip to Palm Springs.
The impact of the Canadian boycott is tangible for Palm Springsβ tourism sector. Kenny Cassady, Director of Business Development for Acme House Co., a company managing vacation rental properties in the area, described the situation as increasingly uncertain. Normally, Canadian snowbirds would make long-term bookings well in advance, providing a measure of stability for hotels and Airbnb owners. However, this year, many of those visitors have either canceled or reduced their stay length, opting for more spontaneous domestic travel instead.
βCanadians have always been a reliable source of tourism dollars for us, and now, with fewer long stays, weβre all feeling the pressure,β Cassady said. βItβs been a lot of last-minute bookings, primarily from domestic travelers.β
This tourism slump is not just a seasonal inconvenience; itβs creating long-term challenges for local businesses. As snowbirds account for a significant portion of Palm Springsβ visitor base during the winter months, their absence leaves a noticeable gap in the local economy. Retailers, restaurants, and other tourism-dependent businesses are struggling to adjust to this sudden change.
The strained U.S.-Canada relationship has led many Canadians to reevaluate their travel plans to the U.S. Trumpβs statements, which have included mocking Canada and even threatening to annex the country, have led to a polarized response from Canadian residents. As McKenzie McMillan, a travel advisor based in Vancouver, pointed out, Canadians have changed their travel behavior, with many opting for Mexico and the Caribbean instead of traditional U.S. destinations.
McMillan explained that demand for leisure trips to the U.S. is now βvery low,β especially for Canadians looking to avoid extra scrutiny at the border and navigating the risks of Trumpβs immigration policies. For many Canadians, the decision to avoid the U.S. has become a form of protestβone that has left Palm Springs and other U.S. tourist destinations struggling with lower-than-expected visitor numbers.
In Palm Springs, where Canadians have traditionally played a huge role in supporting the local economy, the effects of this boycott are becoming increasingly visible. McKenzie McMillan noted that many of her clients, while still interested in U.S. destinations, are hesitant to make the trip due to political and safety concerns. βIβve never seen Canadians so determined to stay home or go elsewhere,β he said, adding that the growing resolve to avoid the U.S. is reshaping how Canadians approach international travel.
This ongoing trend has had a devastating impact on tourist-dependent regions like Palm Springs. Not only are hotels and vacation rental companies facing cancellations, but local businesses that have long relied on the spending power of Canadian tourists are now adjusting to the new reality of fewer cross-border visits. For restaurants and tourist attractions in Palm Springs, this decline in Canadian travelers means less business and fewer opportunities for growth during the typically busy winter months.
While the Canadian boycott is still ongoing, it remains uncertain how long it will last. U.S. travel officials have attempted to counter this trend with marketing campaigns targeting Canadian tourists, including efforts by Visit California to assure travelers that California is βmore than 2,000 milesβ from Washington D.C. However, many Canadians remain unconvinced, especially those living in areas like Vancouver, where the U.S. influence feels particularly close. The campaignβs success has been limited, and the reluctance to visit the U.S. is still deeply entrenched.
Palm Springs Councilman Ron DeHarte emphasized that the region must remain committed to welcoming Canadian visitors while also working to maintain its allure in the face of these challenges. Despite these efforts, Canada-U.S. relations are still a key issue for tourism in regions like Palm Springs.
For Palm Springs, the absence of Canadian snowbirds marks a significant moment in the regionβs tourism history. The decline in Canadian visitors, driven by political tensions and immigration concerns, has altered the dynamics of one of the cityβs most important visitor demographics. While some businesses are adapting, itβs clear that the ongoing boycott is having long-lasting effects on the local economy.
For Palm Springs, the future of Canadian tourism is uncertain, and it will require careful attention to local marketing and economic resilience in the months and years to come. Until then, many Canadians will continue to look elsewhere, with Mexico and the Caribbean seeing a significant uptick in bookings.
The post Impact of Canadian Boycott: Palm Springs Sees Drop in Visitors Due to Political Tensions with US appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Viking has recently unveiled a series of new river cruise itineraries for 2027, focusing on the iconic Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. These exciting new voyages are designed to cater to the growing demand for cultural, historical, and culinary experiences in the heart of the United States. With an emphasis on authentic local experiences, these new itineraries promise to offer travelers a unique and immersive way to explore the American heartland.
In response to travelersβ desires for deeper cultural connections and unforgettable experiences, Viking has designed two new itineraries that will explore the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in unprecedented detail. One of the standout options is a 15-day voyage called βBayous, Blues & Bluegrass,β which takes passengers on a journey between New Orleans and Louisville. The route offers an exploration of the culture, music, and cuisine that define these iconic regions, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Southern hospitality along the way.
For travelers looking for a shorter but equally rich experience, Viking has also introduced the eight-day βMississippi & Ohio River Explorerβ itinerary. This voyage travels between Memphis and Louisville, showcasing the history and charm of both rivers with stops in Tennessee and Kentucky. Guests will have the opportunity to explore these scenic areas and enjoy Vikingβs luxurious amenities during their journey.
For those seeking to immerse themselves even further in the majestic Mississippi River, Viking has introduced a comprehensive 22-day voyage titled the βMississippi River Odyssey.β This itinerary covers the full length of the Mississippi River, taking guests from the vibrant city of New Orleans to the historic St. Paul, Minnesota. The journey offers a complete exploration of the riverβs diverse landscapes, from the Southern bayous to the majestic bluffs in the upper reaches of the river.
In addition to the long-distance voyages, Viking also offers two eight-day cruises dedicated to specific sections of the Mississippi River. These include the βLower Mississippiβ route, traveling between New Orleans and Memphis, and the βUpper Mississippiβ voyage, which runs between St. Louis and St. Paul. Both options provide travelers with a unique perspective of the riverβs beauty, along with the convenience of shorter travel times.
All of Vikingβs Mississippi River cruises will be operated aboard the state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi, a 193-passenger ship featuring all-outside staterooms. This vessel combines Vikingβs signature Scandinavian design with luxurious amenities, providing guests with the utmost comfort and relaxation during their river journey. The shipβs modern design, along with its thoughtfully crafted itineraries, makes it a perfect choice for travelers looking to experience the history and charm of the Mississippi River in style.
Vikingβs commitment to providing an exceptional experience on the Mississippi River reflects the companyβs understanding of what travelers are seeking. By offering cruises that include enriching cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and local culinary delights, Vikingβs new Mississippi River voyages for 2027 promise to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey for those looking to explore the heart of the United States.
One of the most appealing aspects of these new itineraries is the opportunity to visit several historic and culturally rich destinations along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The βBayous, Blues & Bluegrassβ route, for example, takes guests through New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant music scene and diverse cuisine. Louisville, the final stop on the journey, is famous for its horse racing and bourbon, providing a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.
Similarly, the βMississippi & Ohio River Explorerβ route will take guests to iconic cities like Memphis, known for its rich musical history, and Louisville, where visitors can enjoy world-class dining and unique cultural experiences. These locations are not only scenic but also deeply tied to the history of the United States, making them an essential part of the voyage.
The longer βMississippi River Odysseyβ route also features a variety of captivating stops, including Baton Rouge, Natchez, and St. Louis, each offering distinct attractions that reflect the diverse heritage of the riverβs surrounding regions.
Vikingβs new voyages also highlight the untapped potential of the Mississippi River as a prime destination for river cruising. While the river has long been associated with Americana, it has often been overlooked as a major cruising destination. However, these new itineraries demonstrate Vikingβs commitment to unlocking the full potential of the river, providing travelers with an immersive experience that goes beyond just sightseeing.
For many, the Mississippi River represents the heart and soul of the United States, and Vikingβs new itineraries bring this iconic waterway to the forefront of American river cruising. With its focus on local culture, history, and cuisine, these voyages offer travelers the chance to experience the essence of the river in a way that is both intimate and enriching.
Vikingβs unveiling of new Mississippi River voyages for 2027 offers an exciting new way for travelers to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the American heartland. Whether opting for a shorter eight-day journey or the epic 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey, guests will have the opportunity to experience this iconic waterway in comfort and style. With its carefully crafted itineraries, Viking is poised to redefine American river cruising, providing a luxurious yet authentic way to explore the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
The post Unveil the Hidden Charms of the Mississippi And Ohio Rivers in 2027 with Vikingβs All-New Epic River Cruises! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.The Caribbean now has a new Nobu Beach Inn located on the island of Barbuda. Nobu Hospitality has now partnered with other businesses to open this beachfront accommodation. They opened the Nobu Barbuda restaurant in 2020, which has increased their popularity and presence on the island. Nobu Beach Inn is located on the southwestern side of the island and will allow you to enjoy and experience βbarefoot luxuryβ with no other distractions. The construction is expected to finish in 2026. The finished Nobu Beach Inn will have a variety of construction that will allow you to be sustainable with the island, as well as relaxed and refreshed. There will be plenty of activities, such as adventure, wellness, and relaxation on the island.
Robert De Niroβs project Nobu Beach Inn has a personal connection to him. More than 30 years ago, De Niro discovered Barbuda while on a boating trip and has respected the island and wished to build a resort. The resort would have engulfed the natural beauty of the island and blended with it. Partnering with James Packer and Daniel Shamoon, De Niro was able to make this retreat a reality with a mixture of luxury and modest sustainable accommodation that has now honored Barbudaβs history and created a new place for visitors to enjoy.
De Niro is passionate about the venture and hopes to establish a location where visitors can appreciate a thorough design that prioritizes their comfort and peace. The design of the resort aims to achieve a balanced approach to the islandβs beauty and the simple design that complements nature.
Nobu Beach Inn, a Luxurious Beachfront Retreat
Nobu Beach Inn will span over 400 acres, with 36 rooms across 17 villas. The resort will include sustainable design and integrated villas that provide an oceanfront view and blend with the natural materials. Each villa will create an environment of integrated comfort. The villas will be designed to provide a unique experience that lasts a lifetime.
Five-Star Dining and Amenities
The resort will include an oceanfront grill that serves locally sourced fish and an omakase sushi bar with a sponsorship of Nobu. The residents will be offered a choice of five-star restaurants to dine in or to be served at the beachfront.
Nobu Beach Inn will feature an oceanfront pool, indoor and outdoor spa facilities, and extensive fitness offerings. To enhance wellness, guests will have access to visiting practitioners, fitness consultants, and chefs, ensuring complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Furthermore, a kidsβ club and outdoor cinema will be available.
Barbudaβs Natural Wonder
Nobu Beach Innβs dedication to nature goes beyond architecture. The resort will have a fully equipped water sports center and offer water skiing, dinghy sailing, and kite surfing. For those who are more relaxed, the resort will provide sunset cruises, beach picnics, fishing, scuba diving, and yacht or sailboat excursions to the nearby islands.
Nobu Beach Innβs architecture will encourage guests to engage with Barbudaβs surroundings by creating winding paths and sand trails through natural areas, enhancing the landscaping and calm areas to relax.
Nobu Beach Inn will include 25 luxurious beachfront residences in addition to its hotel accommodations. These residences will give Nobuβs expanding residential portfolio even more options, including turnkey ownership. The residences will include your choice of four or five-bedroom beachfront bungalows, and the residences can be customized to your liking. Each casual accommodation will include a pool and gardens, and pathways will be constructed to surround the home, providing maximum privacy and comfort.
All owners of these beachfront homes will have access to the full service and amenities of the associated resort. Owners can also choose to add their home to the resortβs rental program, giving them a flexible investment opportunity. For a starting price of $12 million USD, beachfront residences are a very exclusive opportunity to be one of a limited number of owners of the Caribbeanβs last unspoiled beachfront.
Barbuda and Nobu Beach Inn
The recent opening of the Burton Nibbs International Airport, located in Barbuda, has opened up direct private access, connectivity for inter-island transfers, and now also offers rapid access for travelers with private jets. International travelers utilizing the V.C. Bird International Airport located in Antigua are now able to access direct flights to/from North America and Europe. In addition, Nobu Beach Inn is located only 10 mins away via helicopter.
The Beach Inn at Barbuda is sure to attract wealthy clientele. Additionally, the Beach Inn will attract travelers interested in health and wellness and those seeking peace and tranquility.
Nobu Beach Inn Opening Soon
Nobu Beach Inn will open soon and is expected to be one of the best luxury Caribbean hotels. Guests will be able to enjoy the first-class luxury offered by the Nobu brand while experiencing the Caribbeanβs natural beauty and culture. Nobu Beach Inn will also highlight the brandβs commitment to sustainable & local community-focused tourism and world-class service.
De Niroβs vision for Nobu in Barbuda is soon to expand with the opening of Nobu Beach Inn, which will create new possibilities for travelers and locals alike. Not only will Barbuda be gaining a new & stunning beachfront hotel, but also exclusive residences and services, making Nobu Beach Inn one of the most sought-after destinations for years to come.
Conclusion
Opening in late 2026, the Nobu Beach Inn will combine magnificence with sustainability, revealing the natural beauty of Barbuda. With stunning beachfront villas, fine dining, wellness, and activities galore, the resort will offer a unique experience. As Nobu Beach Inn becomes part of the Nobu legacy and one of the most precious Caribbean islands, it will draw the most distinguished investors looking for an exclusive getaway.
The post Nobu Beach Inn: The New Luxury Destination Every Traveler In The Caribbean Needs appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Washington, DC Renowned for its exceptional service and luxury accommodations, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has once again secured the coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. This remarkable distinction solidifies the hotelβs reputation as the only Five-Star property in the nationβs capital, underscoring its continued excellence in the luxury hospitality sector. The award celebrates over twenty years of sustained superior service, craftsmanship, and guest experiences that have set the hotel apart as a benchmark in Washington, DCβs high-end hospitality scene.
Since opening in 1979, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has stood as an iconic figure in the cityβs hospitality landscape. Located in the heart of historic Georgetown, the hotel has been instrumental in shaping the global success of the Four Seasons brand. Combining timeless design with innovative service and an urban setting, it continues to set the standard for luxury in Washington, DC. Over the years, the hotel has garnered a reputation for delivering impeccable service, and this latest Forbes Travel Guide recognition is a testament to its enduring legacy.
Forbes Travel Guideβs Five-Star rating is awarded to properties that meet an exacting set of criteria, focusing heavily on service quality and overall guest experience. With a team of anonymous professional inspectors visiting locations across the globe, the guide evaluates properties on up to 900 objective standards. For a hotel to receive a Five-Star rating, it must demonstrate flawless service, luxurious amenities, and an extraordinary experience. In this instance, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC met these criteria with distinction.
The hallmark of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC is its dedication to personalized service. Guests can expect a bespoke, thoughtful experience, where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations. From tailored concierge services to personalized room arrangements, the hotelβs commitment to guest satisfaction is unparalleled. This ongoing focus on delivering exceptional service continues to elevate the propertyβs status, making it a sought-after destination for discerning travelers visiting the nationβs capital.
The hotelβs Spa and Fitness Centre exemplifies its commitment to providing holistic well-being for guests. Spread across three expansive floors, the wellness center boasts nature-inspired interiors, creating a tranquil environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Featuring state-of-the-art treatment rooms, an intimate couplesβ suite with a deep soaking tub, a co-ed relaxation lounge, and a serene indoor lap pool, the facility is designed to cater to both physical and mental restoration. This serene sanctuary allows guests to unwind fully during their stay, enhancing the overall luxury experience offered by the hotel.
Culinary offerings at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC are equally remarkable, with award-winning dining options such as Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. The hotelβs signature steakhouse is celebrated for its expertly prepared prime cuts, handcrafted cocktails, and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Guests can indulge in a memorable dining experience that pairs exceptional flavors with impeccable service, further elevating the luxury experience at the hotel. This attention to culinary excellence complements the hotelβs broader commitment to providing guests with unforgettable stays.
As Four Seasons celebrates its 65th anniversary, the company continues to lead the global luxury hospitality industry, with an unmatched track record of Five-Star ratings. For the eleventh consecutive year, Four Seasons holds the highest number of Five-Star distinctions in the world, with 62 ratings across 42 hotels and resorts, 16 spas, and 4 restaurants. This consistent recognition highlights the brandβs ongoing commitment to excellence and its dominant position in the luxury hospitality market.
The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award is not just a mark of luxury; it is a reflection of the hotelβs continued efforts to push the boundaries of excellence in hospitality. As a leader in the sector, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC exemplifies what it means to offer a world-class experience, ensuring that every guest enjoys not just a stay, but an unforgettable journey in the nationβs capital.
In line with Four Seasonsβ broader commitment to sustainable luxury, the Washington, DC property integrates eco-friendly practices into its daily operations. The hotel strives to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of luxury and comfort. From energy-efficient designs to sustainable food sourcing, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC ensures that guests enjoy a luxurious experience that also supports responsible travel.
With this prestigious recognition, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC solidifies its position as a cornerstone of luxury hospitality in the nationβs capital. As the city continues to attract both business and leisure travelers, the hotel remains a top choice for those seeking sophisticated accommodations, impeccable service, and an extraordinary experience. The latest Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide only reaffirms that Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC will continue to lead the way in Washingtonβs luxury hospitality sector for years to come.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DCβs continued Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide underscores its unwavering commitment to luxury, service, and guest satisfaction. This prestigious award highlights the hotelβs exceptional standing in the global hospitality arena and its role as the only Five-Star hotel in Washington, DC. With its comprehensive wellness offerings, culinary excellence, and refined ambiance, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC sets the standard for luxury accommodations in the capital.
The post The Mystery Behind the Magic How Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC Continues to Hold Its Ground as the Only Five-Star Hotel in the Capital! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Golf enthusiasts will find irresistible golf courses which connect Lisbon, Casablanca and Lanzarote to Atlantic Horizons expedition of Swan Hellenic which serves as a mobile golf course designed for travelers who want both cultural experiences and the sensation of a perfect golf swing. The new sailing from Lisbon to Fuerteventura will launch on 7 September 2026 which features a six-night journey aboard the small expedition ship SH Diana and offers an extra package of five championship golf courses which visitors can enjoy between their time in medinas and their Atlantic Ocean views and their peaceful ocean periods.
The Atlantic Horizons, Lisbon to Fuerteventura voyage has been crafted as a compact cultural route, linking Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands with guided explorations in port and unhurried evenings back on board. Now, an addβon golf package allows guests to book either the full fiveβcourse experience or individual rounds in advance, turning a classic coastal itinerary into a dedicated golf holiday at sea.
Swan Hellenic positions the voyage as a way for guests to see what others donβt, pairing lesserβvisited Atlantic ports with curated experiences and expertβled talks on board. Company leadership has suggested that nothing about the brand is just par for the course, indicating that the new golf element is intended as a natural extension of its cultureβdriven style rather than a boltβon excursion list.
The golfing journey opens at Palmares Golf Resort in Lagos, where Robert Trent Jones Jr.βs 27βhole layout combines three loops, Alvor, Lagos and Praia with sweeping sea views that many travelling golfers build whole itineraries around. The course is known for its blend of parkland undulations and linksβstyle dunes, giving cruise guests a first round that feels firmly rooted in the Algarveβs sunβdrenched coastal scenery.
From there, SH Diana sails south to Casablanca for a round at Tony Jacklin Casablanca, an 18βhole parβ72 set in the Bouskoura Forest. Here, strategic lakes, immaculate fairways and a tranquil woodland setting offer a different tempo, inviting players to shift from beachside vistas to a more contemplative, treeβlined round without sacrificing the sense of being on a special journey.
In Essaouira, guests head ashore to play Gary Playerβs Golf de Mogador, a course praised for its coastal dunes and Atlantic breezes, before returning to a city where whitewashed walls, souks and seaβsprayed ramparts reward those who linger after their last putt. Further south, Agadirβs Golf du Soleil offers Championship and Tikida courses, giving golfers a choice of layouts while nonβgolfers tap into spa time or beachside excursions laid on by the line.
The final round is staged at Costa Teguise Golf in Lanzarote, a John Harris design framed by a dormant volcano and more than 3,000 palms. Views out to the Atlantic reinforce that this is not a landβlocked golf break but a roving itinerary where every course day is followed by evenings on deck, stargazing or planning the next port over a drink rather than packing and unpacking between hotels.
Swan Hellenicβs official programme details highlight that the golf package has been set up with convenience firmly in mind, including transfers, green fees, manual trolleys, warmβups and refreshments, with optional eβtrolleys or eβcarts available subject to local conditions. The company also builds in full care services such as baggage handling, golf shoe care and club cleaning, allowing guests to travel lighter and move from cabin to course without fuss.
Pace of play is deliberately relaxed, with around four and a half to five hours allocated for each 18βhole round on foot, which will appeal to travellers who prefer to savour the walk and course design rather than rush for a scorecard. When time allows, practiceβrange sessions with complimentary balls are included, and the line notes that there is even a voyage golf award to add a touch of friendly competition to the sailing.
SH Diana, Swan Hellenicβs largest and most modern expedition ship, serves as the floating clubhouse for the voyage, combining iceβstrengthened capabilities with a deliberately intimate guest capacity. On board, guests can expect Scandinavianβinfluenced interiors, multiple dining venues and an Observation Lounge designed for lectures and destination briefings, reinforcing the lineβs identity as a cultural expedition specialist rather than a traditional megaβship operator.
The companyβs broader 2025β2026 programme emphasises offβtheβbeatenβtrack destinations and inβdepth cultural calls, and Atlantic Horizons fits within this philosophy by pairing golf with time in medinas, coastal promenades and historic quarters. For guests travelling with nonβgolfing partners or friends, this means shore days can be tailored: one can head to the fairways, the other into souks, galleries or guided city walks, with both back on board for dinner.
The golf package is priced at USD 375 per course or USD 1,500 for all five rounds, with additional play available to book for those who want extra time on selected courses. Travellers who confirm their cruise before the end of February are being offered an Elevated Expeditions promotion featuring free WiβFi upgrades, onboard credit and savings on cruise fares, with leadβin pricing from around USD 4,025 for the voyage itself.
For European tourism stakeholders and destination marketers, the product neatly taps two growth trends at once: golf tourism and smallβship cultural cruising. Ports such as Lagos, Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadir and Lanzarote can expect to welcome guests who are not only likely to spend on green fees and clubβhouse lunches, but who may also extend their stays preβ or postβcruise in local hotels and resorts, bringing additional value beyond the call itself.
For many travellers, the appeal of this LisbonβtoβCanary Islands route will lie in the chance to wake up to different Atlantic views knowing that their tee time, transfers and postβround logistics have all been quietly handled in the background. Golfers who might once have pieced together a multiβstop land itinerary across Portugal, Morocco and Spain now have another option: to let a small expedition ship do the moving for them, while they focus on the feel of the course underfoot and the character of each port.
The project insiders believe that Swan Hellenic considers this project as a permanent commitment which displays strong interest from travelers who desire their upcoming vacation to provide both luxurious experiences and meaningful activities which include stories that extend from Moroccan medinas to Lanzarote fairways. The September departure of the ship from Lisbon will create a silent atmosphere among guests who believe that their sporting activities constitute an integral part of their Atlantic voyage which they will remember forever after the last putt falls.
Image Credit: Swan Hellenic SH Diana
The post Swan Hellenic Stuns Tourists With A Luxury Golf Escape Linking Portugalβs Algarve, Moroccoβs Coasts And Lanzaroteβs Lava Landscapes appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Brisbane Airport launches vibrant Lunar New Year 2026 festivities, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a 17.4 percent surge in flight capacity to key Asian hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taipei, set to supercharge tourism flows between Queensland and Asia. Interactive exhibitions, lion dance performances, and prize activations fill the International Terminal through February 20, 2026, coinciding with record twenty-one percent year-on-year growth in mainland China arrivals in 2025. This momentum positions Brisbane as a premier tourism gateway, channeling high-spending Chinese visitors into local experiences and extending their stays for cultural immersions across the region.
Brisbane Airport reports massive increases, with China Southern Airlines boosting seats by 66.9 percent, China Eastern by 39.8 percent, and Cathay Pacific plus EVA Air each up 33.3 percent compared to last yearβs Lunar New Year period. These enhancements target family reunions and festive travels, linking Brisbane directly to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taipei during peak migration. The expansions will propel tourism by easing access for millions, driving economic infusions into Queensland hospitality, retail, and attractions as Asian travelers extend trips beyond family visits.
The International Terminal bursts with Lunar New Year spirit through red carpets, thematic displays, and cultural activations from 8am-11am and 6pm-9pm daily until February 20. Lion dances and interactive prizes create festive energy, blending tradition with modern travel. These elements heighten Brisbane tourism by immersing inbound passengers in Australian-Asian fusion, encouraging immediate spending at duty-free Lunar New Year collections like Penfolds wines and Glenmorangie whiskies.
Brisbane Airport introduces a dedicated WeChat Mini Program offering Mandarin-language guidance for pre-trip planning, navigation, and post-arrival tips. This digital tool supports seamless journeys for Chinese visitors, from visa info to local transport. Enhanced connectivity will amplify tourism impacts, as second-largest inbound market China sustains high per-capita spending, fueling Brisbaneβs twenty-five million annual visitor forecast for 2026.
Integrating with BrisAsia Festival 2026, Brisbane Airport feeds festival-goers into events like Fortitude Valleyβs February 21 Chinatown celebrations featuring dragon dances, firecrackers, and markets. Sunnybank Plazaβs February 28 rooftop party adds drone shows and fireworks atop Asian dining hubs. These tie-ins will diversify Brisbane tourism, drawing diaspora and newcomers to multicultural precincts, boosting off-peak revenues through extended tourism circuits.
Chinese arrivals rank as Brisbane Airportβs top inbound international group by spend, with 2025βs twenty-one percent growth signaling sustained vigor into the Year of the Horse. Increased seats to Shanghai and Guangzhou promise more business-leisure hybrids, supporting jobs in aviation, hotels, and tours. Tourism boards anticipate ripple effects, as high-value guests explore Gold Coast beaches, Sunshine Coast hinterlands, and Brisbaneβs riverfront from airport proximity.
Brisbane Airport Duty Free rolls out fifteen percent discounts on Lunar New Year editions until March 3, 2026, spanning K-Beauty, premium spirits like Hennessy VSOP, and Penfolds Cabernet sets. Online pre-orders enable click-collect-fly convenience for departing celebrants. Promotions will spike tourism retail, capturing outbound Asian travelers while inbound ones stock festival gifts, enhancing overall passenger economics.
Lion and dragon dances pulse through the terminal, captivating families and solo adventurers alike. Prize draws reward participation, tying into Year of the Horse themes of momentum and prosperity. Such spectacles position Brisbane Airport as a cultural hub, priming tourism mindsets for Queensland adventures and fostering repeat visits via memorable first impressions.
With connections to thirty-five global spots, Brisbane Airport forecasts robust Year of the Horse traffic, prioritizing Asia amid rising demand. Strategic capacity aligns with Queenslandβs tourism recovery, linking Hong Kongβs vibrancy and Taipeiβs heritage to Australian icons. This network will balance inbound Chinese surges with outbound Aussies chasing Shanghai festivals, creating bidirectional tourism vitality.
Brisbane Airportβs initiatives promote eco-conscious travel, from efficient routing to cultural showcases minimizing waste. Aligning with government sustainability goals, events encourage public transport to terminals. Long-term, amplified Asia tourism will fund green infrastructure, ensuring Brisbane welcomes future waves responsibly while celebrating traditions.
Brisbane Airportβs Lunar New Year 2026 activations herald a prosperous era, blending aviation prowess with festive heritage. By super-sizing flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Taipei, it cements Queenslandβs Asia-Pacific stature. Vibrant terminals and digital aids will sustain tourism booms, turning transient travelers into lifelong advocates for Brisbaneβs warmth and wonders.
The post Brisbane Airport Ignites Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrations Boosting Asia Tourism Connections appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Princess Cruises has announced special promotions for its 2026 voyages to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada/New England. To celebrate 250 years of America, Princess Cruises has a limited time sale for up to $600 in instant savings, along with $99 deposits and free 3rd and 4th guests in staterooms on select cruises. This limited time sale is a great time for first time promotional guests to cruise with Princess and view Americaβs most famous landmarks and national parks.
As Americaβs 250th birthday draws closer, Marie Lee, the chief marketing officer of Princess Cruises, expressed how meaningful it is to celebrate this milestone by visiting the landmarks and natural wonders that helped shape the nation. In a press release, Lee stated that the 2026 sailings offer travelers the opportunity to explore a range of destinations, from the awe-inspiring wilderness of Alaska to the tropical allure of Hawaii and the historic coastal towns of New England. These voyages will allow guests to experience the places that are central to Americaβs story, all while enjoying the signature Princess experience the company is renowned for.
The newly launched Princess Signature Sale is available on a variety of cruises departing from U.S. homeports. It includes popular 2026 sailings to destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada/New England. Highlights of the sale include the following:
In addition to discounted fares and exclusive offers, guests sailing with Princess Cruises throughout the year will have the chance to partake in special onboard entertainment, themed programming, and festive food and beverage experiences in honor of Americaβs 250th birthday. The company is ensuring that guests fully immerse themselves in the spirit of this historic year with celebratory experiences at sea.
One of the special commemorative offerings is a Pendleton blanket, designed to reflect the stunning landscapes of Glacier Bay National Park. Another exclusive item is the βCelebrating America 250 by Princessβ collector pin, which serves as a keepsake for those who join in the anniversary celebrations.
Other onboard offerings will include additional commemorative merchandise that guests can take home to remember their unforgettable cruise experience during Americaβs milestone anniversary.
Princess Cruises is also gearing up for its largest Alaska season in 2026, which will be highlighted by the debut of the brand-new Star Princess. This addition to the fleet will provide guests with an enhanced cruising experience through the wild landscapes of Alaska. The 2026 season will see the line operate eight ships, with 180 departures and 19 destinations across Alaska, allowing travelers to explore the region by sea.
Princess Cruises will also offer more than 20 cruisetour options, combining sea and land experiences for an immersive adventure through Alaskaβs scenic wilderness. One of the most exciting new options is the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour, which blends a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights ashore. This once-in-a-lifetime tour takes guests to five national parks, including Glacier Bay National Park, Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway.
The National Parks Expedition Tour allows guests to experience Alaskaβs majestic national parks like never before, blending the grandeur of sea voyages and land explorations. The cruise also features scenic rail travel, providing stunning views of the Alaskan landscape as it winds through mountain ranges and across pristine wilderness.
Princess Cruises is proud to offer these specially designed sailings, allowing guests to celebrate Americaβs anniversary in style. Whether embarking on an Alaskan adventure, a Hawaiian escape, or a coastal exploration of New England, travelers will have the opportunity to witness some of the most scenic and historically significant regions of the United States.
In addition to offering exceptional itineraries, Princess Cruises ensures that all guests receive the signature service and luxury the line is known for, making these voyages a fitting way to mark a historic moment in American history.
Princess Cruises is making 2026 a year to remember with special offers, unforgettable onboard experiences, and exciting new itineraries that take you to the heart of America. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, the cruise line is inviting guests to journey through the stunning natural wonders and historic landmarks that have shaped the nation. And, of course, youβll enjoy the comfort, luxury, and memorable moments that Princess Cruises is known for, making each trip truly exceptional.
Whether youβre an experienced cruiser or stepping aboard for the first time, thereβs no better time to book your Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada/New England sailing. Join the celebration and make Americaβs 250th anniversary an unforgettable experience, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime aboard a Princess Cruise.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Anniversary Sale Period | Now through March 17, 2026 |
| Ship Highlights | Star Princess, Royal Princess, Majestic Princess, Emerald Princess |
| Special Onboard Offerings | Pendleton blanket, Celebrating America 250 pins |
| New Alaska Season Highlights | Eight ships, 180 departures, 19 destinations |
| Special Tours | 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour |
Viking Cruises has released new river cruise itineraries for the 2027 season. Among these are two new fully immersive experiences for the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Cruises will embark from the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi for each new offering, where passengers will experience the culture, history, and music of the Midwest and Southern United States. New cruise offerings include the 15-day βBayous, Blues & Bluegrassβ experience from Louisville to New Orleans, and the 8-day βMississippi & Ohio River Explorerβ experience from Louisville to Memphis. These new experiences will provide travelers with some of the oldest and most historically important food and music regions of the country.
New Itineraries Announced for Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
Viking has announced new itineraries for the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Their new packages will offer customers the opportunity to travel to and learn about the history of the cities and towns that are rich with the culture and history of the country. The company notes that many of the cities are closer to home for the customers, which means they may have the opportunity to visit some of the cities that, while they may have been previously overlooked, are rich in history. Aspen has also included the cities of New Orleans, Memphis, and Louisville in her itinerary, which will also serve those customers who wish to visit the cradle of our nationβs music, food, and history.
New Itineraries
Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass (15 Days; New Orleans β Louisville)
The most exciting itinerary for 2027 is probably the 15-day βBayous, Blues & Bluegrassβ cruise, starting from New Orleans and ending in Louisville. This cruise allows the participants to explore the culture of the Deep South, and for the first time, to travel along the Mississippi River, where the guests will encounter grand, historical, antebellum Southern estates and, most notably, Vicksburg where the guests will experience the history of the Civil War, and Greenville, the birthplace of the blues, and Tennessee, the barbecue capital of the United States, and the bourbon country of Kentucky. This itinerary is meant to celebrate the musical and culinary traditions of the South.
Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer (8 Days; Memphis β Louisville)
Those looking for a shorter trip can book the βMississippi & Ohio River Explorer,β which is an 8-day trip from Memphis to Louisville. This trip will allow travelers to experience both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and the scenic wetlands, historic towns, and culturally rich cities that are located along both rivers. Learn about B.B. King and Elvis Presley in Memphis and later in Kentucky, experience the craftsmanship of the Louisville Slugger and the famous bourbon distilleries. This shorter trip provides a perfect introduction to the American heartlandβs rich history.
Other Notable Itineraries
Along with these new options, Viking is continuing popular Mississippi River voyages, which include the 22-day βMississippi River Odyssey,β which features travel from New Orleans to St. Paul. This long journey takes travelers the entire length of the Mississippi River and provides the opportunity to see grand mansions, Civil War era locations, and eat the famous regional food, including the popular barbecue located in Memphis.
If you appreciate the intricate cultural tapestry that the Lower Mississippi showcases, the βMississippi Delta Explorerβ has an 8-day voyage from New Orleans to Memphis. The cruise highlights the formative years of the Southern States, including the French history of Natchez and the Vicksburg battlefield. Guests will enjoy the local music and the made-famous regional Cajun and Creole dishes.
For those interested in stories of American pioneers, the βHeartland of Americaβ itinerary has an 8-day cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul. Guests will be visiting and participating in the footsteps of Louis and Clarke, and learning about the Norwegian drift to the Midwest while sampling the local Wisconsin cheese and craft beer.
The Viking Mississippi: A New Way to Explore the Mississippi River
The Viking Mississippi is the latest riverboat, offering the latest in modern European design. Captaining 386 passengers, the Viking Mississippi provides 193 superior outside staterooms to ensure that all guests have staterooms facing the beautiful views of the American rivers. Viking has tailored the design of the Mississippi to ensure all guests have the greatest experience. With the addition of large and wide public areas, guests have space to relax and take in the beauty of the river.
The Viking Mississippi is the first to offer state-of-the-art technology and modern design for the Mississippi, and when combined with the luxury and comfort of Viking Ocean and River vessels, the Viking Mississippi provides the ultimate cruising experience.
Booking River Cruises with Viking
As part of an ever-increasing demand for domestic travel, Viking Cruises is focusing on American river cruising in the United States. Viking Cruises offers itineraries in the United States that please people of all interests, including history, music, and food. Viking offers itineraries on rivers that most Americans hold dear to their heart, with a lot of American history, providing offers on itineraries to the most visited and important places in America. Viking is providing people with an opportunity to travel to important places in American history. Viking river cruises focus on American history and bring people to travel to important places on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Viking Cruises and Travel Offers
Viking River Cruises has recently opened its menus for the 2027 calendar year. Due to the Viking Savings Event, exclusive offers are valid for a short while. Offers for customers, customers in North America are receiving an all-inclusive cruise for a massive 35 % discount, and an international flight at no charge. Bookings for cruises with these incentives will end on February 28, 2027, and will begin on February 28, 2027. Customers who have traveled with Viking in the past will have additional savings when booking these special offers.
The Viking Savings Event applies to a variety of itineraries spanning Vikingβs river, ocean, and expedition cruises, even including select sailings in 2026 to 2028. To book these time-sensitive offers, guests can reach out to Vikingβs customer service team or travel advisors.
Final Thoughts
Vikingβs new itineraries for 2027 on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers open the doors for members to travel to a variety of new culturally and historically impressive destinations in the United States. Viking river cruises for the United States will likely be some of the best American experiences for members, whether that is traveling to enjoy the lively sounds of the blues in Greenville, or enjoying the fine craft of bourbon on a river cruise in Kentucky. These new itineraries will be a great addition for the Viking Mississippi and will contribute to the ever-expanding modern developments in river cruising for Vermont, and provide even more incredible experiences to members in the country.
The post Embark On A Cultural Journey Through Americaβs Heartland With Vikingβs New River Cruises appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Google has launched its latest midrange phone, the Pixel 10a. It looks very similar to last yearβs Pixel 9a, with most of the specs staying the same. Only a few small upgrades have been added.
Pixel 10a has a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 60β120Hz refresh rate. The screen is now brighter, reaching up to 3000 nits.Β The phone still runs on the Google Tensor G4 chip with 8GB RAM.Β
Also, the camera setup is similar as it offers 48MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP front camera. It comes with storage options of 128GB and 256GB.
Pixel 10aβsΒ 5100mAh battery lasts over 30 hours normally, or up to 120 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. Other features include IP68 water resistance, Gorilla Glass 7i, and Android 16 with 7 years of updates.
Image via Google
The Pixel 10a faces competition from the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. Samsungβs phone has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, and several AI features. These make the Galaxy S25 FE feel more premium, especially for users who want a bigger screen and better camera performance.
The price of the Pixel 10a has not changed from last year. It is $499 for the 128GB model and $599 for the 256GB model. Some users may feel paying full price for small upgrades is not very exciting. On the other side, you can grab the Galaxy S25 FE at $449 on Amazon.
Pixel 10a is a reliable phone with minor improvements and long-term software support. However, if you want a larger display or more advanced cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may be a better choice for midrange buyers.
The post Pixel 10a launched with familiar specs to compete with Galaxy S25 FE appeared first on Sammy Fans.
While everyone is busy obsessing over the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultraβs new camera sensors, there is one hardware change that I think is actually going to change how we use our phones in public. Itβs called the Smart Privacy Display, and for anyone who spends their morning on a crowded train, itβs a total game-changer.
We have all been there. You are sitting in a cafe or stuck in an elevator, and you can practically feel the person next to you reading your private messages or looking at your bank balance. Usually, the only fix is to stick a cheap, plastic privacy film over your screen. But letβs be honest, those things are terrible. They dim your screen, ruin your viewing angles even when you are alone, and make a $1,300 premium phone look like a budget device from 2010.
Samsungβs approach is technically different because itβs built directly into the display hardware through a tech it is calling Flex Magic Pixel.
How it actually work? Unlike a third-party protector, this βsmartβ display can actually control how light leaves each pixel. If you are looking at the screen head-on, it looks perfect, no loss in color, brightness, or sharpness. But the moment someone tries to peek from an angle, the pixels shift the light, making the screen look totally black or hidden to them.
The most impressive part is that you can customize everything in this feature. You can set specific rules in the One UI settings to protect only the sensitive stuff. Or you only want it to trigger when a private notification pops up, or when you are typing in a one-time password (OTP).
Samsung even teased this recently with an official video of a girl reading a βspicyβ book on the subway, she tapped a toggle called Zero-Peeking Privacy, and her nosy neighbor was totally blocked out.
In addition to these features, thereβs even an Auto Privacy mode that uses your location to realize you are in a public spot, like a bus or a busy airport, and it automatically activates. Thanks to its integration into the glass, it doesnβt mess with your 2600-nit peak brightness like those third-party protectors do.
Final Words:
I am currently using the S25 Ultra as my primary phone. I am doing everything on my phone, including banking, messages, emails, and even reading books.
When you are in a public place like a small restaurant, people peeking at the screen is a real issue. This privacy feature gives real peace of mind without extra accessories. This makes me happy because itβs a new idea and Samsung is the one showing everyone how to do it.
Rumor has it that even Apple is looking at similar tech for its future devices. If big companies are already getting in line, that shows how game-changing it could be.
The S26 Ultra will obviously have the usual speed and camera boosts, but for those of us who travel or just value our privacy, this privacy screen tech is probably the most practical reason to upgrade this year.
What do you think? Would the Smart Privacy Display make you feel more comfortable using your phone anywhere? Or is it a nice extra but not a must-have? Drop your thoughts on our X handle @thesammyfans, love to hear from the Samsung community! Stay tuned for the full reveal at Galaxy Unpacked soon. The future of phone privacy looks brighter (and more private) than ever. Sorry Apple!
The post Why Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultraβs Smart Privacy Display could change how you use your phone in public appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold launched in the US in late January and sold out in minutes, due to incredibly low stock levels. We recently heard that the company would restock the device in the US before the end of this month, and today Samsung has confirmed this. [#InlinePriceWidget,14292,1#] The Galaxy Z TriFold will once again be in stock in the US this Friday, on February 20, at 10 AM Eastern / 7 AM Pacific. The company has sent out email notifications about the restocking to those who signed up for more information on the company's website. Unfortunately, Samsung hasn't given...
Today we are unboxing a very special phone - the Slate Grey Honor Magic8 RSR Porsche Design. This is the latest in a series of Honor smartphone collaborations with Porsche, and it follows in the same footsteps - you get the maxed-out variant of Honor's current flagship, give it a dash of Porsche design, and make the retail package exquisite. Speaking of, you get a 120W charger, a slim, vegan leather-clad case, a braided USB-A to USB-C cable, and a Porsche-themed SIM tool. Case, 120W charger, and a custom SIM tool Porsche doesn't settle for less than the best, so this...
Vinicius has been in the discussion over the last few hours because of another controversy related to racism. He claimed that Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni insulted him in a derogatory way after his goal in Real Madridβs Champions League victory, which sparked a debate.
Many figures shared their opinions on social media. A notable voice defending Vinicius was fellow Brazilian LuisΓ£o. The former defender, who previously played for Benfica, commented on a post made by the Portuguese club defending Prestianni.
LuisΓ£o wrote: βThis jersey is too big. I love Benfica. Itβs my second skin. You must be worthy of wearing this sacred jersey. This text makes it worse. Prestianniβs post makes it worse because itβs a lie. In soccer you win with courage and fighting spirit. It was racist. Iβm ashamed of that.β
The former player also replied to users who disagreed with him: βI defend the club and I have experience; I know what Iβm talking about. I donβt judge anyone. I think Benfica is too big to get involved in this, whether itβs true or not. From my experience, I know itβs true.β
The alleged incident involving Prestianni brought more attention to the situation. Another point of discussion was the eight-minute stoppage by the referee. Former referee Mark Clattenburg spoke about it in his role with Amazon Prime.
He explained how the situation unfolded: βOnce Vinicius makes a comment to the referee, he has to follow the protocol. He has to follow the rules established by UEFA when these types of things happen.β
Clattenburg also shared his view on how Vinicius handled the moment after scoring: βVinicius didnβt help himself very much. He made it harder for the referee. He scored a wonderful goal. What he must do is celebrate it and then move to his side.β
Beyond the controversy, there was a match for a place in the Champions League round of 16. Real Madrid took the first step with a 1-0 victory, while Benfica will try to overturn the result.
The second leg of the playoff is scheduled for next Wednesday in Madrid. Before that match, Real Madrid will visit Osasuna in La Liga to defend their lead. Benfica are set to face AVS in the Primeira Liga.
Liverpool have fortified their roster with world-class players, yet they havenβt managed to shine this season, struggling to secure a spot for UEFA Champions League qualification. Consequently, Arne Slotβs team are reportedly planning to make significant changes to the squad, eyeing the addition of a Premier League star midfielder ahead the 2026-27 season. However, the Reds encounter stiff competition from PSG.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain highly attentive to Morgan Rogers, as he is viewed as a difference-making talent. However, they face strong competition from PSG, who see him as their ideal creative midfield addition. Under contract with Aston Villa until 2031, the 23-year-old star could be set for a multimillion-dollar transfer above $100 million, given his status as a cornerstone of the team.
Even though coach Arne Slot already has Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz operating in similar roles, Rogers would not necessarily clash with either of them. The Englishman would thrive as an attacking midfielder, the German could shift to the left wing, and the Hungarian could anchor the base of midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, offering more tactical flexibility, while also providing cover in the event of a potential departure of Curtis Jones.
Not only Liverpool and PSG are interested in Morgan Rogers. Due to his impressive impact in the Premier League, the 23-year-old star has also attracted attention from Manchester United and Arsenal. Although Aston Villa arenβt in a financial rush, they might be open to selling him for a substantial offer as part of a rebuilding strategy. However, the English side may prefer to transfer him to the French side, avoiding the reinforcement of a direct rival.
Throughout the 2025β26 season, Liverpool have struggled offensively, with their new signings falling short of expectations. However, since they are young players, the front office will maintain a strong commitment to Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. In a bold move, they are considering a significant investment in Morgan Rogers, hoping to revitalize the team. To make this happen, they may part ways with three important players.
With the Englishmanβs outstanding level, Aston Villa could demand more than $80 million for his transfer, as he has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. The Reds appear willing to pay that amount for him. To facilitate this move, they are reportedly open to the departures of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Mohamed Salah, as their performances have not met expectations and their exits could help finance the signing of the 23-year-old star.
Alongside Rogers, Liverpool may need further reinforcements in attack, as they would lack dribbling wingersβa reported necessity for Arne Slot. With that in mind, the Reds could be forced into another multi-million-dollar investment, as they require greater squad depth to compete again for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldoβs son recently made headlines with his participation in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament, where he represented the national team at U-16 level. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding his famous surname, he delivered solid performances that justified the growing hype around his development.
He began the tournament with a strong cameo against Japan, providing a decisive assist in aΒ 3-0 victoryΒ and nearly scoring on two occasions shortly after coming on. He then started against the Netherlands, playing the first half of aΒ 1-0 win, before coming off the bench in the final against Germany, where his team secured aΒ 3-1 victory to lift the trophy.
This triumph markedΒ his third international title in less than a year, following earlier youth-level successes in 2025. Even without scoring, his presence contributed to the collective success of the squad, reinforcing his growing importance within the setup.
As Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. continue to share parallel soccer journeys, a new question is quietly taking shape: which national team will Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. ultimately choose if he reaches senior level? Due to FIFA eligibility rules, family heritage, and residency history, he has five possible options.
Through his fatherβs nationality, Ronaldo Jr. is automatically eligible to represent Portugal, and he has already played for the Portuguese youth setup. Given Cristiano Ronaldoβs legendary status with the national team, this path is widely viewed as the most natural and symbolic choice.
Ronaldo Jr. was born in California in 2010, which grants him U.S. citizenship and eligibility to play for the United States national team. With the American team on the rise and co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, his potential commitment would be a massive sporting and commercial boost.
During Cristiano Ronaldoβs historic spell at Real Madrid, the family lived in Spain for several years. Under Spanish law and FIFA regulations, a player who lived in a country for three years before the age of 10 can apply for citizenship, making Spain another realistic option.
Ronaldo Jr. also spent several years in England during his fatherβs second stint at Manchester United. While residency requirements are more complex, there is a pathway for eligibility through extended residence and formalities.
Finally, Ronaldo Jr. could represent Cape Verde through his grandmotherβs heritage. While this is considered the least likely choice, it remains a fascinating option that highlights his diverse background.
For now,Β Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. continues to represent Portugal at youth level, following a familiar path while keeping his long-term options open. His recent success at the Algarve tournament confirms that his progress is based on performance, not just pedigree.
Whether he ultimately commits to one nation or another remains a future decision. What is already clear, however, is thatΒ Ronaldo Jr. is no longer just a famous nameβhe is a developing footballer with real international stakes ahead.
Lionel Messi has been one of the most frequently mentioned names throughout Barcelonaβs presidential campaign. All candidates have addressed his situation, offering different views on the role he could play at the club moving forward. In this case, the Argentine forward was brought up in relation to the possible signing of Erling Haaland.
βIn the coming days we will explain the proposal we have been working on for years to reconcile with Messi,β Marc Ciria said this week in an interview with Cadena SER. βWe know that Messiβs future is linked to Barcelona. He wants to heal the emotional wound with the club and become a strategic partner.β
Those comments are consistent with what the candidate has said in recent months. Barcelona not only remain indebted to Messi after the turbulent circumstances of his 2021 departure, but they also view him as essential in building the clubβs sporting structure for the years ahead.
That includes the transfer strategy. When asked about the possible signing of elite stars, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Ciria was clear: βTo sign Haaland, we must bring Messi back as a strategic partner.β
Marc Ciriaβs recent statements make clear his belief that repairing the relationship with Lionel Messi is essential to planning Barcelonaβs sporting future. The presidential candidate has expanded on that logic in the past.
βMessiβs return would generate 200 million euros,β Ciria said in a December interview, pointing specifically to the Argentine forwardβs commercial value. βThe increase in revenue that this deal would provide is essential. An agreement with Messi is almost vital for Barca.β
Based on those remarks, Ciriaβs plan envisions Lionel Messiβs return generating significant revenue that would allow Barcelona to navigate the financial struggles of recent years. In turn, the Spanish club would be in a position to seriously negotiate the signing of top-tier stars such as Erling Haaland β a move that currently appears financially out of reach.
Alongside those interview remarks, Marc Ciria this week presented an action plan that includes diagnoses and proposed solutions to Barcelonaβs current challenges. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi played a central role.
βWe are very aware of what moves the hearts of the fans. And Messi still makes them beat,β the candidate said. βLeo has never fully left, and thatβs why we want him to return with everything he represents. We have a plan.β Those words were accompanied by a mural in Barcelona depicting Messi holding the No. 10 jersey alongside the message: βLooking forward to seeing you again.β
Anthony Gordon went on a rampage on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, helping Newcastle United surge ahead of Qarabag in style by scoring four goals before halftime. After such an astonishing individual display, questions arose about how many times the competitionβs all-time leading scorers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have achieved such a feat.
The game started quickly for the Magpies, with Dan Burn threading a pass through for Gordon to open the scoring after 122 seconds, the fastest goal by any Newcastle player in the history of the competition. Then in the 32nd minute, after Harvey Barnes was fouled in the box, Gordon added his third goal of the night from the penalty spot.
Shortly after play resumed, Qarabag gave the ball away, and following a failed touch from a defender, Gordon pounced, rounded goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski and scored Newcastleβs fourth to complete his hat trick. Just before halftime, the winger was brought down inside the box again and, as the designated taker, calmly slotted home his fourth of the match.
Now sitting second in the scoring table just behind Kylian MbappΓ© (13), Gordon has made history for the English side, becoming the first player in club history to score four goals in a European match. In addition, with 10 goals in the 2025-26 edition, he has also become Newcastleβs all-time leading scorer in the Champions League as well as the clubβs single-season record holder.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stand as the two greatest scorers in Champions League history, each producing elite performances for more than a decade. However, Gordon appears to have something on them in this particular category.
Neither Ronaldo nor Messi has ever scored four goals in the first half of a Champions League match. Both superstars have recorded four-goal games, but none of those came within the opening 45 minutes.
In fact, Gordon is only the second player ever to accomplish the feat in Europeβs top competition. The first was Luiz Adriano, who, while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, scored four first-half goals against BATE Borisov before adding a fifth after the break during the 2014-15 group stage.
Still, Ronaldo and Messi have their own remarkable four-goal records. Ronaldo netted four against MalmΓΆ FF in a 20-minute span (39th to 59th minute), while Messi produced his haul in a dazzling display against Arsenal in 2009, scoring in the 21st, 37th, 42nd and 88th minutes.
For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi defined an era, rewriting records, winning Ballon dβOrs, and shaping the identity of the club and the club wherever they played. Now, in 2026, the spotlight is slowly shifting from the legends themselves to the next generation. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Ciro Messi are beginning to make headlines in their own right, and recent youth tournaments across Europe and the United States have reignited the debate over which family might produce the next global superstar.
While Cristiano Jr. has been closely followed by scouts and media during his recent international exploits, Lionel Messi quietly watched a special moment unfold from the sidelines as his youngest son celebrated a major youth triumph. The parallel narratives unfolding on different continents have reminded fans that the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is far from overβit is simply evolving into a new chapter.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has become a central figure in youth soccer conversations following his participation in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament with Portugalβs U-16 national team. Carrying one of the most famous surnames in the sport, the 15-year-old has been under intense scrutiny, but his performances have started to justify the attention.
He began the tournament with a strong cameo against Japan, providing a decisive assist in aΒ 3-0 victoryΒ and nearly scoring twice with dangerous attempts shortly after entering the match. His progress continued with a starting role in aΒ 1-0 win over the Netherlands, where he played the first half and contributed to a disciplined team performance. Portugal later defeated GermanyΒ 3-1 to lift the tournament trophy, with the 15-year-old winger coming off the bench for around 20 minutes in the decisive match.
The unbeaten campaign marked another milestone in his development, adding to an already impressive youth rΓ©sumΓ©. This was his third international trophy in less than a year, following U-15 and U-16 triumphs in 2025. Even without scoring, his contributions underlined a growing maturity and consistency that have caught the attention of scouts, federations, and fans alike.
While Ronaldo Jr. was lifting silverware in Europe, another emotional story has been quietly unfolding across the Atlantic. Lionel Messi, now a global icon and the face of soccer in the United States, has been present to witness his youngest sonβs milestone moment in youth soccer.
In a prestigious American youth tournament, Inter Miamiβs academy team, featuring Ciro Messi, produced a standout campaign that ended in silverware. The moment was particularly symbolic, with the 38-year-old Argentine superstar watching from the stands as a proud father rather than a player.
Ciro Messi has won his first trophy. πpic.twitter.com/UMUJyw8oWw
β Messi Fanatic (@MessiFanatic_) February 17, 2026
Ciro Messi played a key role in his teamβs success, helping them lift a major youth trophy at the Weston Cup. The scene of Messi celebrating his sonβs achievement resonated with fans around the world, highlighting a softer side of the soccer legend.
For Messi, the moment represented more than just a youth title. It was a glimpse into the future of his own soccer legacy. Once a shy boy from Rosario who conquered the world, Messi is now watching his children grow within the sport that defined his life.
The look on Messiβs face after Ciro lifted the Weston Cup was priceless. π€© pic.twitter.com/RGRpOI99d4
β MC (@CrewsMat10) February 17, 2026
Ciro, still very young, is already showing signs of soccer talent. He plays as a forward in Inter Miamiβs youth setup and has demonstrated an eye for goal that inevitably invites comparisons to his father. In a recent academy match, he scored one of his trademark goals and followed it with a rehearsed celebration that contrasted sharply with Messiβs famously understated style.
The MLS TV schedule features 30 teams. Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, won the 2025 MLS Cup to become the most recent champion.
The MLS season kicks off in February, with the regular season running through October. The MLS Cup Playoffs follow soon after.
With a total of 30 teams in the league, each team plays a total of 34 games. Seventeen of those are at home, and 17 are on the road for an even split. Almost all games now are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The broadcasting landscape for Major League Soccer has evolved into a streamlined, all-in-one experience. As of the 2026 season, the standalone βMLS Season Passβ is no longer a separate subscription. Instead, every single Major League Soccer match has been fully integrated into the standard Apple TV subscription.
For a single monthly price of $12.99, fans now receive complete access to the entire Apple TV library of original content alongside every MLS regular-season game, the MLS Cup Playoffs, and the Leagues Cup. There are no longer separate fees or standalone passes required to follow the league.
While Apple TV is the primary home for every game, FOX Sports remains the linear television partner for 2026.
Full-season ticket members for any MLS club continue to receive a complimentary subscription. In 2026, this benefit has been upgraded to include a full year of the complete Apple TV service, giving season ticket holders access to all movies, shows, and MLS matches in one place.
Major League Soccerβs journey is a tale of perseverance and unwavering dedication. Since its 1996 debut, the league has transformed from a domestic experiment into a global player, proving that American soccer culture is both distinct and flourishing.
MLS began in 1993 as a promise made for hosting the 1994 World Cup. Launching in 1996 with just 10 teamsβincluding iconic original clubs like the LA Galaxy, D.C. United, and New York Red Bullsβthe league initially struggled to find its footing. Despite losing over $250 million in its first five years, the league survived through strategic expansion and the birth of soccer-specific stadiums.
The 21st century saw a seismic shift in how the world views MLS. While the βBeckham Ruleβ in 2007 first brought international eyes to the league, the 2023 arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF officially ended the βretirement leagueβ myth.
The 2026 season represents the most significant year for soccer in North America.
It remains unclear when Gervonta Davis will return to the ring, but one unbeaten star has already vowed to knock βTankβ out if given the chance. Davis has not won a professional boxing contest since June 2024, with a draw against Lamont Roach Jr. being his only outing within the last 20 months, followed by [β¦]
The post Unbeaten former champion promises he will be the first to KO Gervonta Davis appeared first on Boxing News.
Eddie Hearn has hit back at Dana Whiteβs most recent dig as the war of words between the two men continues. Matchroom chief Hearn and UFC CEO White had been on good terms prior to Whiteβs entry into boxing, but the pair have gone back and forth in recent weeks after Zuffa began staging their [β¦]
The post Eddie Hearn responds to Dana Whiteβs recent criticism as rivalry intensifies appeared first on Boxing News.
Δ°stanbul'a 'bizim Εehrimiz' diyerek TΓΌrk futbolseverleri ayaΔa kaldΔ±ran, her fΔ±rsatta provokatif tavΔ±rlarΔ±yla ΕimΕekleri ΓΌzerine Γ§eken Yunan armatΓΆr Evangelos Marinakis, bu kez Nottingham Forest'Δ±n sahibi olarak KadΔ±kΓΆy'e ayak basΔ±yor. FenerbahΓ§e camiasΔ±, 2021'den beri biriken hesabΔ± kesmek ve sahanΔ±n gerΓ§ek sahibini gΓΆstermek iΓ§in tek yΓΌrek oldu!
FenerbahΓ§e, bu akΕam UEFA Avrupa Ligiβnde Nottingham ForestβΔ± aΔΔ±rlΔ±yor. Bu maΓ§ sarΔ±-lacivertli camia iΓ§in ucu 2021 yΔ±lΔ±na dayanan bir haysiyet ve intikam randevusu.
Her Εey 30 EylΓΌl 2021βde baΕladΔ±. Marinakisβin o dΓΆnemki diΔer takΔ±mΔ± Olympiacos, Δ°stanbulβda FenerbahΓ§eβyi 3-0 maΔlup ettiΔinde, Yunan iΕ insanΔ± diplomatik sΔ±nΔ±rlarΔ± aΕan Εu provokatif aΓ§Δ±klamayΔ± yapmΔ±ΕtΔ±:
- Δ°stanbulβda, kendi Εehrimizde bΓΆyle bir galibiyet almak Γ§ok ΓΆnemliydi. Bu zaferi tΓΌm Yunan halkΔ±na armaΔan ediyorum.
Δ°stanbul iΓ§in kullandΔ±ΔΔ± "bizim Εehrimiz" ifadesi, TΓΌrk spor kamuoyunda "Megali Idea" gΓΆndermesi olarak yorumlanmΔ±Ε ve infiale yol aΓ§mΔ±ΕtΔ±.
Yollar 2023-2024 sezonunda Konferans Ligiβnde tekrar kesiΕti. Marinakis, Pireβdeki ilk maΓ§ta ve Δ°stanbulβdaki rΓΆvanΕta protokol tribΓΌnΓΌndeki aΕΔ±rΔ± sevinΓ§ gΓΆsterileri ve imalΔ± tavΔ±rlarΔ±yla ateΕi kΓΆrΓΌkledi.
Olympiacosβun penaltΔ±larla turu geΓ§ip kupaya uzanmasΔ±yla birlikte, baΕarΔ±sΔ±nΔ± yine "Yunan kimliΔi ve tarihi" ΓΌzerinden TΓΌrkiye'ye gΓΆndermeler yaparak kutladΔ±.
BugΓΌn KadΔ±kΓΆyβΓΌn Γ§imlerine Γ§Δ±kacak olan sadece bir Δ°ngiliz takΔ±mΔ± deΔil, Marinakisβin yatΔ±rΔ±mΔ± ve kibri. FenerbahΓ§e taraftarΔ±, "Koca Sakal" dediΔi Marinakisβe sahanΔ±n gerΓ§ek sahibinin kim olduΔunu gΓΆstermeye hazΔ±r.
FenerbahΓ§e, tribΓΌn baskΔ±sΔ±yla Marinakisβin takΔ±mΔ±nΔ± sΓΌrklase etmek istiyor. YΓΆnetim ve teknik heyet, bu maΓ§Δ± sadece bir grup mΓΌsabakasΔ± deΔil, bir "onur maΓ§Δ±" olarak gΓΆrΓΌyor. 50 bin taraftarΔ±n, 2021βden beri biriken hesabΔ± kapatmak iΓ§in stadΔ± bayram yerine Γ§evirmesi bekleniyor.
FenerbahΓ§e Opet KadΔ±n Basketbol TakΔ±mΔ±, FIBA Avrupa Ligi yarΔ± final play-in ilk maΓ§Δ±nda Δ°spanya'nΔ±n Spar Girona ekibi ile karΕΔ± karΕΔ±ya geldi. MΓΌcadeleyi 87-69 kazanan FenerbahΓ§e seride 1-0 ΓΆne geΓ§ti.
Fenerbahçe Opet Kadın Basketbol Takımı, FIBA Avrupa Ligi yarı final play-in ilk maçında İspanya'nın Spar Girona ekibini, 87-69 yenerek seride 1-0 âne geçti.
EΕleΕmede 2 galibiyete ulaΕacak ekibin tur atlayacaΔΔ± serinin ikinci mΓΌsabakasΔ±, 25 Εubat ΓarΕamba gΓΌnΓΌ Δ°spanya'da oynanacak.
Salon: Γlker ve Etkinlik
Hakemler: Sonia Teixeira (Portekiz), Josip Jurcevic (HΔ±rvatistan), Sinisa Prpa (SΔ±rbistan)
FenerbahΓ§e Opet: Williams 10, Meesseman 16, Rupert 20, McBride 18, Allemand 5, Milic 14, Sevgi Uzun 4, Olcay ΓakΔ±r, Tuana Vural
Spar Girona: Jocyte 13, Holm 6, Quevedo 3, Coulibaly 10, Bibby 12, Guerrero 8, Mendes 2, Carter 12, Lopez 3
1. Periyot: 19-14
Devre: 37-35
3. Periyot: 67-55
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 26. haftasΔ±nda Manisa FK evinde BandΔ±rmaspor'u aΔΔ±rladΔ±. Manisa FK mΓΌcadeleyi 3-2 kazandΔ±.
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 26. haftasΔ±nda Manisa FK, konuk ettiΔi BandΔ±rmaspor'u 3-2 maΔlup etti.
Stat: Manisa 19 MayΔ±s
Hakemler: Hakan Γlker, ΓaΔrΔ± YΔ±ldΔ±rΔ±m, Emrah TΓΌrkyΔ±lmaz
Manisa FK: Vedat KarakuΕ, Ayberk Karapo, Herelle, Ada Δ°bik (Dk. 70 Kubilay SΓΆnmez), Umut Erdem, Toure, Vargas (Dk. 90+1 Osman Kahraman), Benrahou, Lindseth (Dk. 90+1 Cissokho), Yusuf Talum, Diony
BandΔ±rmaspor: Arda ΓzΓ§imen, OΔuz Ceylan, Kerim AlΔ±cΔ±, AtΔ±nΓ§ Nukan, Hountondji, MΓΌcahit Albayrak (Dk. 70 Enes AydΔ±n), Fall (Dk. 83 Enes Γimemre), Yusuf Can Esendemir, Muhammed GΓΌmΓΌΕkaya (Dk. 84 Emirhan Acar), Kehinde (Dk. 53 Amaral), Tanque
Goller: Dk. 25 Kerim AlΔ±cΔ±, Dk. 58 Amaral (BandΔ±rmaspor), Dk. 60 Vargas, Dk. 64 Diony, Dk. 90 Benrahou (Manisa FK)
SarΔ± kartlar: Dk. 58 Umut Erdem, Dk. 90+3 Yusuf Talum (Manisa FK), Dk. 63 Fall, Dk. 90+5 Emirhan Acar (BandΔ±rmaspor)
Basketbol Ziraat BankasΔ± Erkekler TΓΌrkiye KupasΔ± Γ§eyrek final karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nda Anadolu Efes ile BahΓ§eΕehir Koleji karΕΔ± karΕΔ±ya geldi. Anadolu Efes, BahΓ§eΕehir Koleji'ni 88-67 yenerek adΔ±nΔ± DΓΆrtlΓΌ Final'e yazdΔ±rdΔ±.
Basketbol Ziraat BankasΔ± Erkekler TΓΌrkiye KupasΔ± Γ§eyrek final karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nda Anadolu Efes, BahΓ§eΕehir Koleji'ni 88-67 yenerek adΔ±nΔ± DΓΆrtlΓΌ Final'e yazdΔ±rdΔ±.
Anadolu Efes, organizasyonun yarΔ± finalinde 20 Εubat Cuma gΓΌnΓΌ BeΕiktaΕ GAΔ°N ile saat 17.15'te karΕΔ± karΕΔ±ya gelecek.
YarΔ± finalin diΔer mΓΌcadelesinde ise FenerbahΓ§e Beko ile TΓΌrk Telekom, aynΔ± gΓΌn saat 20.45'te karΕΔ±laΕacak.
Salon: Sinan Erdem
Hakemler: HΓΌseyin Γelik, Kaan BΓΌyΓΌkΓ§il, Seher AyΕe Nur YazΔ±cΔ±oΔlu
BahΓ§eΕehir Koleji: Homesley 14, Furkan HaltalΔ±, Flynn 14, Ponitka 4, Cavanaugh 3, Ford 9, Mitchell 1, Δ°smet AkpΔ±nar 6, Williams 16, GΓΆktuΔ BaΕ
Anadolu Efes: Loyd 13, Weiler-Babb 4, Dozier 10, Poirier 6, Ercan Osmani 10, Εehmus Hazer 18, Lee 17, Swider 6, Erkan YΔ±lmaz 2, Jones 2, David Mutaf
1. Periyot: 4-24
Devre: 24-41
3. Periyot: 41-58
Sean Dyche'Δ±n sonunu getiren kΔ±sΔ±r dΓΆngΓΌ, Vitor Pereira'nΔ±n taktik zekasΔ±yla kΔ±rΔ±labilir mi? Premier Lig'in fizik gΓΌcΓΌ yΓΌksek Nottingham kadrosu, FenerbahΓ§e'nin teknik kapasitesine karΕΔ± KadΔ±kΓΆy'de 'savunma duvarΔ±' ΓΆrmeye hazΔ±rlanΔ±yor. Nottingham Forrets'in artΔ±larΔ± ve eksilerini Fotospor deΔerlendirdi.
Nottingham Forest'Δ±n baΕΔ±nda Sean Dyche'Δ±n sonunu getiren o meΕhur Wolves (0-0) maΓ§Δ± kadrosuyla FenerbahΓ§e karΕΔ±sΔ±na Γ§Δ±kmasΔ±, kaΔΔ±t ΓΌzerinde beklenmese de Vitor Pereira'nΔ±n sΓΌrprizine kesin gΓΆzΓΌyle bakΔ±lsa da Fotospor olarak bir deΔerlendirme yapmak istedik.
Dyche'Δ±n kovulduΔu Wolves maΓ§Δ±nda Forest tam 35 Εut Γ§ekmiΕ ancak gol bulamamΔ±ΕtΔ±. Stefan Ortega gΓΌven verdi. Milenkovic ve Morato fiziksel olarak Γ§ok gΓΌΓ§lΓΌ bir ikili. FenerbahΓ§e'nin gezgin forvet hattΔ± bu ikiliye karΕΔ± hava topu mΓΌcadelesine girmeyecek. Sangare ve Anderson "Γ§apa" gΓΆrevinde baΕarΔ±lΔ±lar ama yaratΔ±cΔ±lΔ±klarΔ± kΔ±sΔ±tlΔ±.
Lucca (2.01m) tam bir hedef santrfor. Kanatlarda Hudson-Odoi ve Hutchinson ise Γ§ok sΓΌratli. EΔer FenerbahΓ§e savunmasΔ± Γ§izgiye yakΔ±n yakalanΔ±rsa, bu iki oyuncu ciddi kontra atak tehdidi oluΕturur.
Vitor PereiraβnΔ±n Nottingham Forestβtaki ilk maΓ§Δ±nΔ±n eski takΔ±mΔ± FenerbahΓ§eβye karΕΔ± olmasΔ±, maΓ§Δ± bir taktik savaΕΔ±na dΓΆnΓΌΕtΓΌrΓΌyor. Pereira, DycheβΔ±n aksine 3βlΓΌ savunma (3-4-3 veya 3-5-2) tercihleriyle bilinir. Dyche'Δ±n kadrosundaki Neco Williams ve Ola Aina, Pereira'nΔ±n sisteminde hΓΌcumcu kanat-bek olarak Γ§ok daha etkili olabilirler.
Pereira, FenerbahΓ§eβnin camia yapΔ±sΔ±nΔ± ve taraftar baskΔ±sΔ±nΔ± en iyi bilen hocalardan biri. MaΓ§Δ±n KadΔ±kΓΆy'de olmasΔ± durumunda oyunu soΔutacak hamleleri ΓΆnceden planlayacaktΔ±r. Forest aynΔ± kadro ve bitiricilik sorunuyla Γ§Δ±karsa, FenerbahΓ§e'nin bu savunma duvarΔ±nΔ± sabΔ±rla aΕma ΕansΔ± yΓΌksek. Ancak Pereira, Lucca'yΔ± doΔru besleyecek bir sistem kurarsa, Δ°ngiliz ekibi KadΔ±kΓΆy'den sΓΌrpriz bir beraberlikle dΓΆnebilir.
Galatasaray'da 2026 MayΔ±s ayΔ± iΓ§in seΓ§im kazan kaynamaya devam ediyor. Fatih Terim'in 'BΓΌyΓΌk devrimler gΓΌrΓΌltΓΌyle gelmez' sΓΆzΓΌ bir baΕkanlΔ±k manifestosu olarak yorumlanΔ±rken; RAMS Park kulislerinde Mehmet AΔar destekli dev bir koalisyonun ayak sesleri duyuluyor.
Galatasarayβda 2026 MayΔ±s ayΔ±ndaki seΓ§im sΓΌreci yaklaΕΔ±rken, RAMS Park'taki Galatasaray-Juventus maΓ§Δ± kulisleri de hareketlendirdi. Fatih Terim'in geΓ§tiΔimiz gΓΌnlerde dile getirdiΔi "BΓΌyΓΌk devrimler gΓΌrΓΌltΓΌyle gelmez" sΓΆzΓΌ, taraftarlar ve ΓΌyeler tarafΔ±ndan bir "baΕkanlΔ±k manifestosu" olarak yorumlanΔ±yor.
Fotosporβun haberine gΓΆre, Terimβin bu gizemli mesajΔ±, mevcut Dursun Γzbek yΓΆnetimine karΕΔ± kurulan ve Mehmet AΔarβΔ±n da desteklediΔi iddia edilen "dev koalisyonun" habercisi olabilir.
Mevcut baΕkan Dursun Γzbek, 2026 seΓ§imleri iΓ§in stratejisini Εimdiden belirlemiΕ durumda. Γzbekβin yeni dΓΆnemde;
mevcut yΓΆnetimden Metin ΓztΓΌrk ve Δ°brahim HatipoΔlu'nu liste dΔ±ΕΔ± bΔ±rakmayΔ±, yerine camianΔ±n aΔΔ±r toplarΔ±ndan Mehmet AΔar'Δ± listesine dahil ederek "Γ§ok daha gΓΌΓ§lΓΌ" bir yΓΆnetim kurmayΔ± hedeflediΔi belirtiliyor.
Dursun Γzbekβin planlarΔ±nda taraftarΔ±n sevgilisi Erden Timur ismi hala kritik bir yer tutsa da, Timur'un Εu an devam eden hukuki sΓΌreΓ§ler nedeniyle cezaevinde bulunmasΔ± bu birlikteliΔi zorlaΕtΔ±rΔ±yor.
Γzbek, geΓ§tiΔimiz gΓΌnlerde Timur'u ziyaret ederek "AramΔ±za dΓΆnecek" mesajΔ± verse de, seΓ§im listesindeki yeri belirsizliΔini koruyor. Haberlerde Mehmet AΔarβΔ±n ismi hem Dursun Γzbekβin listesiyle hem de Fatih Terimβin olasΔ± baΕkanlΔ±k adaylΔ±ΔΔ±yla anΔ±lΔ±yor.
Ancak RAMS Parkβtaki son gΓΆrΓΌntΓΌ, AΔarβΔ±n ibreyi eski dostu Terimβe Γ§evirdiΔi ve "Δ°mparator"un baΕkanlΔ±k yolundaki en bΓΌyΓΌk destekΓ§isi olacaΔΔ± yΓΆnΓΌndeki iddialarΔ± gΓΌΓ§lendiriyor. Galatasarayβda "BΓΌyΓΌk Devrim"in ayak sesleri duyulurken; Mehmet AΔar ve Fatih Terimβin birleΕmesi seΓ§imi bambaΕka bir ortama sΓΌrΓΌkleyebilir.
FenerbahΓ§e ve Trabzonspor arasΔ±nda buzlar eriyor, dev takasΔ±n fitili ateΕleniyor! BaΕkanlar el sΔ±kΔ±ΕtΔ±: OΔuz AydΔ±n Trabzon yolcusu, Batagov KadΔ±kΓΆy'e geliyor. Trabzon'da deΔiΕen rΓΌzgarlar deplasman yasaΔΔ±nΔ± bitirirken, Oosterwolde'nin 'beklenmedik sakinliΔi' transfer baskΔ±sΔ±na baΔlanΔ±yor.
FenerbahΓ§e ve Trabzonspor arasΔ±ndaki ezeli rekabette tarihi bir dΓΆnΓΌm noktasΔ±na giriliyor. Saha iΓ§indeki gerginliklerin yerini kulΓΌpler arasΔ± iΕ birliΔine ve tribΓΌnlerde saΔduyuya bΔ±rakmasΔ± bekleniyor.
Hafta sonundaki maΓ§Δ±n ardΔ±nda Trabzonβdaki gΓΆzlemler ve yerel atmosfer, iki kulΓΌp arasΔ±ndaki iliΕkilerin normalize olmaya baΕladΔ±ΔΔ±nΔ±n gΓΆstergesi gibiydi.
Γzellikle son dΓΆnemde Galatasaray ile Trabzonspor arasΔ±nda yaΕanan medya ve kulΓΌp bazlΔ± gerginlikler, Trabzon halkΔ±nΔ±n tepkisini sarΔ±-kΔ±rmΔ±zΔ±lΔ± camiaya yΓΆneltmesine neden olmuΕ durumda. Trabzon Εehri, Galatasaray karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±na kilitlenmiΕken; FenerbahΓ§eβye olan sert bakΔ±ΕΔ±n yumuΕadΔ±ΔΔ± gΓΆzlemleniyor. Bu yumuΕamanΔ±n bir sonucu olarak, ΓΆnΓΌmΓΌzdeki sezondan itibaren FenerbahΓ§e ve Trabzonspor arasΔ±ndaki deplasman yasaΔΔ±nΔ±n kaldΔ±rΔ±lmasΔ± gΓΌndemde.
Transfer piyasasΔ±nΔ± sarsacak haber ise kulΓΌp baΕkanlarΔ± dΓΌzeyinde geldi. Sezon sonu iΓ§in iki kulΓΌp arasΔ±nda ΓΆnemli bir oyuncu takasΔ± planlanΔ±yor:
- OΔuz AydΔ±n: Trabzonspor yolcusu. Arseniy Batagov: FenerbahΓ§e yolcusu.
BaΕkanlarΔ±n bu takas ΓΌzerinde prensip anlaΕmasΔ±na vardΔ±ΔΔ± ve sezon sonunda imzalarΔ±n atΔ±lacaΔΔ± belirtiliyor.
Batagovβun transfer ihtimali, sezon sonunda takΔ±mdan ayrΔ±lmasΔ± beklenen Jayden Oosterwolde ΓΌzerindeki baskΔ±yΔ± da artΔ±rmΔ±Ε durumda. Oosterwoldeβnin Trabzonspor maΓ§Δ±nda sakin tavrΔ± dikkat Γ§ekerken, spor kamuoyunda "Δ°steyince sakin kalabiliyorsa, ΓΆnceki maΓ§larda neden bu agresifliΔi gΓΆsterdi?" sorularΔ± sorulmaya baΕlandΔ±.
Bu geliΕmeler, TΓΌrk futbolunda uzun sΓΌredir ΓΆzlenen "fair-play" ruhunun yeniden canlanmasΔ± adΔ±na bΓΌyΓΌk bir fΔ±rsat olarak gΓΆrΓΌlΓΌyor.
FenerbahΓ§e derbisi sonrasΔ± tΓΌm sorumluluk Fatih Tekke'nin omuzlarΔ±na kaldΔ±. YΓΆnetim kanadΔ±ndaki sessizlik camiayΔ± ayaΔa kaldΔ±rdΔ±. BaΕkan ErtuΔrul DoΔan'Δ±n yalnΔ±z bΔ±rakΔ±lmamasΔ± gerektiΔini savunan bordo-mavili camia "YΓΆnetim neden topa girmiyor?" diye soruyor. Kriz anlarΔ±nda zayΔ±flayan iletiΕim stratejisi bir ΓΆzlemi gΓΌndeme getirdi.
FenerbahΓ§e karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nΔ±n ardΔ±ndan Trabzonspor camiasΔ±nda hakim olan sessizlik, eleΕtiri oklarΔ±nΔ± yΓΆnetime Γ§evirdi. MaΓ§Δ±n bitiΕ dΓΌdΓΌΔΓΌyle birlikte saha iΓ§indeki ve dΔ±ΕΔ±ndaki tΓΌm yΓΌkΓΌ Teknik DirektΓΆr Fatih Tekke sΔ±rtlanΔ±rken, camia artΔ±k sadece teknik kadronun deΔil, yΓΆnetimin de daha aktif bir rol ΓΌstlenmesini bekliyor.
MaΓ§ sonu yaptΔ±ΔΔ± aΓ§Δ±klamalarla kulΓΌbΓΌn haklarΔ±nΔ± savunan ve "doΔru olanΔ± yaptΔ±" dedirten Fatih Tekke, tek baΕΔ±na elini taΕΔ±n altΔ±na koydu. Ancak kamuoyunda oluΕan genel kanΔ±; bu yΓΌkΓΌn sadece teknik direktΓΆrΓΌn ve baΕkanΔ±n omuzlarΔ±nda kalmamasΔ± gerektiΔi yΓΆnΓΌnde.
Bordo-mavili taraftarlar BaΕkan ErtuΔrul DoΔanβΔ±n aΓ§Δ±klamalarΔ±nΔ±n kΔ±ymetli olduΔunu ancak yΓΆnetim kurulunun diΔer ΓΌyelerinin de sΓΌrece dahil olmasΔ± gerektiΔini vurguluyor. KulΓΌbΓΌn sadece baΕkan dΓΌzeyinde deΔil, farklΔ± kollarla daha aktif bir iletiΕim yΓΌrΓΌtmesi Εart.
KulΓΌbΓΌn tarihinde yer alan "BasΔ±n Sorumlusu YΓΆnetici" modelinin son yΔ±llarda terk edilmesi, kriz anlarΔ±nda iletiΕimi zayΔ±flatΔ±yor. Mevcut sessizliΔin kulΓΌbe bir fayda saΔlamadΔ±ΔΔ±, aksine yΓΆnetimsel bir boΕluk algΔ±sΔ± yarattΔ±ΔΔ± belirtiliyor.
Trabzonsporβun iΓ§inden geΓ§tiΔi bu kritik sΓΌreΓ§te, camia yΓΆnetimin topyekΓ»n sahaya inmesini ve kulΓΌbΓΌn haklarΔ±nΔ± savunurken daha koordineli bir duruΕ sergilemesini bekliyor.
Samsunspor Teknik Direktârü Thorsten Fink, UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 play-off turu ilk maçında yarın konuk olacakları Shkendija maçı hakkında açıklamalarda bulundu.
Samsunspor Teknik DirektΓΆrΓΌ Thorsten Fink, UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 play-off turu ilk maΓ§Δ±nda yarΔ±n konuk olacaklarΔ± Shkendija maΓ§Δ±na iliΕkin, "Biz de yarΔ±n elbette kazanmak istiyoruz. TakΔ±mΔ±mΔ±zda Γ§ok iyi oyuncularΔ±mΔ±z var. Elbette oyuncularΔ±mΔ±zΔ±n galibiyete inanmalarΔ± gerekiyor." dedi.
Fink ve Samsunspor'un DanimarkalΔ± futbolcusu Carlo Holse, ΓskΓΌp National Arena Todor Proeski StadΔ±'nda dΓΌzenlenen basΔ±n toplantΔ±sΔ±nda aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulundu.
Samsunspor'a yeni geldiΔini hatΔ±rlatan Fink, "Samsunspor ile sadece 2 idmana Γ§Δ±ktΔ±m. Samsun'a geldiΔimde Γ§ok iyi takΔ±m gΓΆrdΓΌm. Herkes Γ§ok iyi Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±yor. Samsunspor'da peΕ peΕe gelmiŠüçüncΓΌ Alman hocayΔ±m. Benden ΓΆnce Markus Gisdol, Thomas Reis geldi. Ben de üçüncΓΌ Alman hoca oldum. Ben de baΕarΔ±yΔ± devam ettirmek istiyorum. GeliΕimle birlikte kulΓΌbe ve takΔ±ma pozitif enerji vermeye Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±yorum. Tabii ki 3 Alman hocanΔ±n peΕ peΕe baktΔ±ΔΔ±mΔ±zda Alman hocalar Samsunspor'da iyi iΕler Γ§Δ±karmΔ±Ε. Oyuncularla Γ§ok fazla Γ§alΔ±Εma fΔ±rsatΔ±mΔ±z olmadΔ±. Yeni gΓΆreve geldiΔimiz iΓ§in küçük detaylarΔ± deΔiΕtirmeye Γ§alΔ±ΕtΔ±k." deΔerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Her zaman genΓ§leri A takΔ±ma kazandΔ±rma hedefinde olduΔunu vurgulayan Fink, "Her zaman genΓ§leri A takΔ±ma kazandΔ±rmak gibi bir felsefem olmuΕtur, bu benim motivasyon kaynaΔΔ±mdΔ±r. TakΔ±mΔ±mdan beklediΔim aΓ§Δ±kΓ§asΔ± topa sahip olmak ve baskΔ± kurmakla alakalΔ± olacaktΔ±r. Tabii üçüncΓΌ bΓΆlgede de baskΔ± kurmak zorundayΔ±z ve pozisyon ΓΌretmeliyiz. Ebetteki vizyonumuz gereΔi hedeflerimiz olacaktΔ±r. Bu hedefler doΔrultusunda hem kΔ±sa hem uzun vadeli hesaplar yapmamΔ±z lazΔ±m. TaraftarlarΔ±mΔ±zΔ±n keyif alacaΔΔ± futbol oynamak istiyoruz. BaΕarΔ± maΓ§ kazanmak mΔ±dΔ±r, yoksa gΓΌzel oynamak mΔ±dΔ±r? Bence bu daha ΓΆnemli. Bence taraftarΔ±mΔ±z oynayacaΔΔ±mΔ±z oyundan keyif alacaktΔ±r. Hedefimiz SΓΌper Lig'de ilk 5'te olacaktΔ±r. ΓnΓΌmΓΌzde Γ§ok iyi takΔ±mlar olduΔunu gΓΆrΓΌyoruz, tabii bu hedefimizi deΔiΕtirmeyecek." ifadesini kullandΔ±.
Fink, hem Avrupa Ligi hem de Konferans Ligi'nde gΓΆrev alma ΕansΔ± yakaladΔ±ΔΔ±nΔ± vurgulayarak, ΕunlarΔ± kaydetti:
"Her zaman topa sahip olmaya Γ§alΔ±Εan ve kendi oyununu oynayan bir takΔ±m kurmaya Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±rΔ±m. GeΓ§iΕ oyununu da mΓΌmkΓΌnse oynamaya Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±rΔ±z. TakΔ±mΔ±mdan da bunu beklerim. Ancak gΓΆreve 2 gΓΌn ΓΆnce geldik ve Γ§ok fazla deΔiΕiklikler yapma ΕansΔ± bulamadΔ±k. Shkendija takΔ±mΔ±na baktΔ±ΔΔ±mΔ±zda 2,5 yΔ±ldΔ±r aynΔ± teknik direktΓΆrleri olan hocalarΔ± var. Onlar ne yapmak istediklerini net bir Εekilde biliyor. Biz de yarΔ±n elbette kazanmak istiyoruz. TakΔ±mΔ±mΔ±zda Γ§ok iyi oyuncularΔ±mΔ±z var. Elbette oyuncularΔ±mΔ±zΔ±n galibiyete inanmalarΔ± gerekiyor. YarΔ±n bizim iΓ§in, kulΓΌbΓΌmΓΌz iΓ§in ve Εehrimiz iΓ§in Γ§ok ΓΆnemli bir karΕΔ±laΕma olacak. Turu geΓ§mek iΓ§in oynamamΔ±z gereken 2 karΕΔ±laΕma var. YarΔ±nki karΕΔ±laΕmadan iyi sonuΓ§ almamΔ±z Γ§ok Γ§ok ΓΆnemli çünkΓΌ daha sonrasΔ±nda kendi evimizde mΓΌsabaka olacak. YarΔ±nki karΕΔ±laΕmanΔ±n sonucu Εu aΓ§Δ±dan da Γ§ok ΓΆnemli. 1 hafta daha fazla taktik Γ§alΔ±Εma ΕansΔ± bulacaΔΔ±z. Ondan sonra taraftarlarΔ±mΔ±z ΓΆnΓΌnde isteΔimiz oyunu sergileyeceΔiz. Γok ΓΆnemli detaylar var, bunlarΔ± dΓΌzeltmemiz gerekiyor. BunlarΔ± yaparsak zaten baΕarΔ±lΔ± oluruz diye dΓΌΕΓΌnΓΌyorum."
KΔ±rmΔ±zΔ±-beyazlΔ± takΔ±mΔ±n tecrΓΌbeli oyuncusu Carlo Holse ise, yeni dΓΆnem iΓ§in Shkendija karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nΔ±n ΓΆnemli bir fΔ±rsat olabileceΔini belirterek, "YarΔ±n oynayacaΔΔ±mΔ±z karΕΔ±laΕma yeni dΓΆnem iΓ§in iyi bir baΕlangΔ±Γ§ olabilir. UmarΔ±m hem yarΔ±nki hem de bir sonraki maΓ§ta istediΔimiz performansΔ± gΓΆsterir ve bu kΓΆtΓΌ gidiΕatΔ± sonlandΔ±rΔ±rΔ±z." dedi.
Basketbol Ziraat BankasΔ± Erkekler TΓΌrkiye KupasΔ± Γ§eyrek final karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nda BeΕiktaΕ GAΔ°N, deplasmanda TOFAΕ ile karΕΔ±laΕtΔ±. Rakibini 91-100 maΔlup eden BeΕiktaΕ adΔ±nΔ± DΓΆrtlΓΌ Final'e yazdΔ±rdΔ±.
Basketbol Ziraat BankasΔ± Erkekler TΓΌrkiye KupasΔ± Γ§eyrek final karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nda BeΕiktaΕ GAΔ°N, deplasmanda TOFAΕ'Δ± 100-91 yenerek DΓΆrtlΓΌ Final'e yΓΌkseldi.
Siyah-beyazlΔ±lar, BahΓ§eΕehir Koleji-Anadolu Efes karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nΔ±n galibiyle yarΔ± finalde karΕΔ±laΕacak.
Salon: TOFAΕ
Hakemler: Emin MoΔulkoΓ§, Alper AytuΔ KΓΆselerli, Γzge ΕentΓΌrk Bayraktar
TOFAΕ: Perez 11, YiΔitcan Saybir 20, Blazevic 16, Besson, Furkan Korkmaz 20, Floyd 7, ΓzgΓΌr Cengiz 11, Whaley 2, SadΔ±k Kabaca, Kidd 4
BeΕiktaΕ GAΔ°N: Mathews 19, Dotson 18, Kamagate 10, YiΔit Arslan 4, Morgan 2, SertaΓ§ ΕanlΔ± 6, Berk UΔurlu 7, Anthony Brown 30, Thomas, Vitto Brown 4
1. Periyot: 30-23
Devre: 53-48
3. Periyot: 70-77
Fenerbahçe Beko Erkek Basketbol Takımı'nda Nicolo Melli ameliyat edildi.
FenerbahΓ§e Beko'nun Δ°talyan oyuncusu Nicolo Melli, saΔ ayak tarak kemiΔindeki kΔ±rΔ±k nedeniyle ameliyat edildi.
KulΓΌpten yapΔ±lan aΓ§Δ±klamada, Melli'nin dΓΌn oynanan Safiport Erokspor karΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nda sakatlandΔ±ΔΔ± hatΔ±rlatΔ±larak, "Sporcumuzun AtaΕehir Medicana Hastanesi'nde yapΔ±lan kontrollerinde tarak kemiΔinde kΔ±rΔ±k tespit edilmiΕtir. Deneyimli sporcumuz planlanan tedavi sΓΌreci kapsamΔ±nda bugΓΌn baΕarΔ±lΔ± bir ameliyat geΓ§irmiΕtir. Nicolo Melli'ye geΓ§miΕ olsun dileklerimizi iletiyor, en kΔ±sa sΓΌrede saΔlΔ±ΔΔ±na kavuΕmasΔ±nΔ± temenni ediyoruz." denildi.
BeΕiktaΕ'Δ±n BaΕakΕehir maΓ§Δ±nda sakatlanan golcΓΌsΓΌ El Bilal Toure'den kΓΆtΓΌ haber geldi. Son 4 yΔ±lda 84 maΓ§ kaΓ§Δ±ran Malili yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ±n en az 1 ay sahalardan uzak kalmasΔ± beklenirken, kritik 15 milyon Euro'luk satΔ±n alma opsiyonunun geleceΔi de belirsizliΔe girdi.
BeΕiktaΕβΔ±n sezon baΕΔ±nda bΓΌyΓΌk umutlarla kadrosuna kattΔ±ΔΔ± Malili forvet El Bilal Toureβden kΓΆtΓΌ haber geldi. BaΕakΕehir maΓ§Δ±nda sakatlanan yΔ±ldΔ±z oyuncunun durumu, camiada endiΕe yaratΔ±yor.
BaΕakΕehir mΓΌcadelesinin henΓΌz 33. dakikasΔ±nda sol arka ΓΌst adalesini tutarak kendini yere bΔ±rakan Toure, yapΔ±lan mΓΌdahalelere raΔmen oyuna devam edemedi. Δ°lk belirlemelere gΓΆre yΔ±ldΔ±z oyuncunun en az 1 ay sahalardan uzak kalmasΔ± bekleniyor. Kesin sΓΌre, yarΔ±n yapΔ±lacak son tetkiklerin ardΔ±ndan netlik kazanacak; ancak iyileΕme sΓΌrecinin uzama ihtimali de bulunuyor.
24 yaΕΔ±ndaki futbolcunun kariyerindeki sakatlΔ±k geΓ§miΕi ise oldukΓ§a dΓΌΕΓΌndΓΌrΓΌcΓΌ. Toure, BeΕiktaΕβa gelmeden ΓΆnceki son 4 yΔ±lda tam 84 maΓ§ kaΓ§Δ±rdΔ±.
Atalanta dΓΆnemi: Transfer olduΔu sezonunda 32 maΓ§.
Stuttgart dânemi: Geçen sezon 28 maç.
BeΕiktaΕ performansΔ±: Bu sezon Εu ana kadar sadece 3 maΓ§ kaΓ§Δ±rmΔ±ΕtΔ±.
Daha ΓΆnce Mali Milli TakΔ±mΔ±βnda ayak tarak kemiΔi kΔ±rΔ±lan oyuncu, doktor tavsiyesiyle baskΔ±yΔ± azaltmak iΓ§in ΓΆzel tabanlΔ±k kullanmaya baΕlamΔ±ΕtΔ±. BeΕiktaΕβΔ±n Atalantaβdan kiraladΔ±ΔΔ± Toureβnin geleceΔi, performansΔ±na ve saΔlΔ±ΔΔ±na baΔlΔ±. 15 Milyon Euro'ya BeΕiktaΕ isterse satΔ±n alma hakkΔ±nΔ± kullanabilir. Oyuncu 15 gol atarsa opsiyon otomatik devreye girer. Tapusu alΔ±nΔ±rsa, bir sonraki satΔ±Ε iΓ§in serbest kalma bedeli 40 Milyon Euro.
Futbol ΓΌzrΙ AzΙrbaycan Γ§empionu βQarabaΔβ bu gΓΌn UEFA Γempionlar LiqasΔ±nΔ±n (ΓL) pley-off mΙrhΙlΙsindΙ ilk oyununa Γ§Δ±xΔ±b.
Arena.az xΙbΙr verir ki, AzΙrbaycan Γ§empionu 1/8 finala vΙsiqΙ uΔrunda Δ°ngiltΙrΙ tΙmsilΓ§isi βNyukaslβla ΓΌz-ΓΌzΙ gΙlib.
SΓΆzΓΌgedΙn komandalar arasΔ±ndakΔ± ilk oyun BakΔ±dakΔ± Tofiq BΙhramov adΔ±na Respublika stadionunda baΕ tutub. GΓΆrΓΌΕΓΌ NorveΓ§dΙn olan hakimlΙr briqadasΔ± idarΙ edib. MatΓ§Δ±n baΕ hakimi Espen Eskos olub.
Qurban Qurbanovun kollektivi qitΙnin Ιn nΓΌfuzlu klub turnirinin cari mΓΆvsΓΌmΓΌndΙ uΔurlu Γ§Δ±xΔ±ΕΔ± ilΙ diqqΙt Γ§Ιkirdi. AΔdam klubu ΓL-in Liqa mΙrhΙlΙsindΙ 8 oyuna topladΔ±ΔΔ± 10 xalla Ιn gΓΌclΓΌ 24 komanda arasΔ±nda yer alaraq pley-offda iΕtirak hΓΌququ qazanmΔ±ΕdΔ±. βNyukaslβ isΙ ΓL-in Liqa mΙrhΙlΙsindΙ 14 xalla 12-ci yeri tutmuΕdu.
Δ°ngiltΙrΙ tΙmsilΓ§ilΙri ilΙ oyunlarda adΙtΙn Γ§ΙtinliklΙ ΓΌzlΙΕmiΕ βQarabaΔβ βNyukaslβla gΓΆrΓΌΕdΙ uΔursuz gediΕata son qoymaq, ingilislΙr ΓΌzΙrindΙ ilk qΙlΙbΙsini qazanmaq arzusundaydΔ±. 1/8 finala vΙsiqΙ qazanmaq yolunda da tΙmsilΓ§imizin ilk oyunu qalib baΕa vurmasΔ± bΓΆyΓΌk ΓΆnΙm kΙsb edirdi. Ζks halda βNyukaslβ kimi gΓΌclΓΌ komandanΔ± sΙfΙrdΙ mΓΌbarizΙdΙn kΙnarlaΕdΔ±rmaq daha da mΓΌΕkΓΌlΙ Γ§evrilΙcΙkdi. Lakin 7 qolun qeydΙ alΔ±ndΔ±ΔΔ± qarΕΔ±laΕmada AzΙrbaycan Γ§empionu bΓΆyΓΌk hesabla uduzaraq mΙrhΙlΙ adlamaq ΕanslarΔ±nΔ±n ΓΌstΓΌndΙn bΓΆyΓΌk bir xΙtt Γ§Ιkib.
UEFA Γempionlar LiqasΔ±
Pley-off mΙrhΙlΙsinin ilk oyunu
18 fevral
βQarabaΔβ β βNyukaslβ 1:6
Qollar: Elvin CΙfΙrquliyev, 55 βΒ Antoni Qordon, 3; 32-pen; 34; 45-pen. Malik Tiav, 9. Yakop MΓΆrfi, 72.
HakimlΙr: Espen Eskos, Yan Erik Enqan, Δ°sak Elias BaΕevkin, Siqurd Krinqstad (NorveΓ§).
VAR: Rob Diyperink (Niderland).
AVAR: Dennis Hiqler (Niderland).
Hakim-inspektor: Matteo Simone Trefoloni (Δ°taliya).
UEFA nΓΌmayΙndΙsi: Δ°qnas MarΓ§inkeviΓ§yus (Litva).
BakΔ±. Tofiq BΙhramov adΔ±na Respublika stadionu. Saat 21:45.
QarabaΔ: 99. MateuΕ Koxalski, 2. Mateus Silva, 8. Marko YankoviΓ§, 9. Xoni Montiel, 10. Abdullah Zubir (k), 13. BΙhlul MustafazadΙ, 15. Leandro Andrade, 17. Kamilo Duran, 35. Pedro Bikalyo, 44. Elvin CΙfΙrquliyev, 81. Kevin Medina.
Ehtiyat oyunΓ§ular: 89. Amin Ramazanov, 97. Fabian BuntiΓ§, 3. Samuel Mmae, 11. Emmanuel Addai, 18. Dani Bolt, 20. Kadi Borges, 21. Aleksey KaΕuk, 22. Musa QurbanlΔ±, 27. Toral Bayramov, 30. Abbas HΓΌseynov, 32. HikmΙt CΙbrayΔ±lzadΙ, 55. BΙdavi HΓΌseynov.
BaΕ mΙΕqΓ§i: Qurban Qurbanov.
Nyukasl: 1. Nik Pope, 2. Kiran Trippyer, 3. Lyuis Holl, 8. Sandro Tonali, 10. Antoni Qordon, 11. Harvi Barnes, 12. Malik Tiav, 20. Antoni Elanqa, 27. Nik Voltemade, 28. Co Uillok, 33. Dan BΓΆrn.
Ehtiyat oyunΓ§ular: 26. Con Ruddi, 32. Aaron Ramsdeyl, 58. Aydan Harris, 7. Joelinton, 18. Uilyam Osula, 23. Yakop MΓΆrfi, 37. Aleks MΓΆrfi, 41. Yakop Remsi, 61. Leo Εahar, 62. Εon Niv.
BaΕ mΙΕqΓ§i: Eddi Hau.
Bu gΓΌn basketbol ΓΌzrΙ AzΙrbaycan Kubokunda 2025/2026-cΔ± illΙr mΓΆvsΓΌmΓΌnΓΌn 1/4 final mΙrhΙlΙsinΙ start verilib.
Arena.az xΙbΙr verir ki, ilk oyun gΓΌnΓΌndΙ iki qarΕΔ±laΕma baΕ tutub.
ΖvvΙlcΙ, βSumqayΔ±tβ βOrduβ ilΙ ΓΌz-ΓΌzΙ gΙlib. BakΔ± Δ°dman SarayΔ±nda baΕ tutmuΕ gΓΆrΓΌΕ βOrduβnun 93:74 hesablΔ± qΙlΙbΙsi ilΙ yekunlaΕΔ±b.
Saat 19:00-da isΙ eyni mΙkanda βSabahβ βQubaβ ilΙ ΓΌz-ΓΌzΙ gΙlib. Bu oyunda da βSabahβ 113:76 hesablΔ± qΙlΙbΙyΙ sevinib.
Qeyd edΙk ki, βOrduβ nΓΆvbΙti mΙrhΙlΙdΙ mΙhz βSabahβla oynayacaq.
Basketbol ΓΌzrΙ AzΙrbaycan Kubokunda yarΔ±mfinal mΙrhΙlΙsinin qalan iki oyunu sabah keΓ§irilΙcΙk. βGΙncΙβ β βNeftΓ§iβ duelindΙ sevinΙn tΙrΙf βAbΕeron Lionsβ β βΕΙkiβ qarΕΔ±laΕmasΔ±nΔ±n qalibinΙ rΙqib olacaq.
Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has expressed his eagerness to move on from the controversy surrounding Alessandro Bastoni and Pierre Kaluluβs red card in the Derby dβItalia as his side focus on tonightβs Champions League play-off against Bodo/Glimt.
Speaking on Sky, Marotta discussed several topics.
First he was asked about the debate surrounding tonightβs stadium, with Bodo/Glimtβs home pitch being an artificial turf. It has caused problems for some teams visiting the Norwegian side but Marotta dismissed it was any breaking news:
βWe donβt want to get into controversy, we know this is an old-school synthetic pitch that inevitably is problematic. We must adapt to this situation too.β
Speaking about the Bastoni debate, the Inter president said:
βI donβt want to add anything else, this is a chapter that left a bitter taste in the mouth. We want to focus on this very difficult match, hoping that all the Italian teams can go through to the next phase in Europe.β
Marotta then addressed ongoing issues within Italian football, that he described as βgoing backwards in terms of quality, results and appeal.β
He added that βThe foreign funds arrived during a moment of difficulty and complexity in the Calcio world, and if not for them, the Milanese clubs would be in a much worse situation.β
βSince Oaktree took over, we invested, and can consider ourselves fortunate in that sense. I am not sceptical about foreign funds owning clubs at all. Obviously, they must also have the desire to invest and not just have speculative interests.β
Marotta was then asked to talk about Aleksandar Stankovic, who is enjoying a fantastic season with Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge.
Stankovic joined the Belgian side last summer but the Nerazzurri kept a buy-back clause in his contract.
With his performances improving month-on-month, it seems fairly likely that Inter will activate said clause.
On the matter, Marotta said:
βHe is from a fine football family and is doing very well. We have the option to buy him back, and we didnβt put that in the deal for no reason.
βIt is premature to talk about it now, weβll see what happens. He is our player and is having a wonderful experience in the Belgian league and Champions League.β
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Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has spoken to Prime Video ahead of Interβs Champions League play-off first leg against Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt.
In the interview, he said that βthere can be no alibis or excusesβ when asked about playing in freezing conditions on an artificial turf in Norway β stating that βthe pitch shouldnβt worry us, we have to be mentally and physically ready to play in these conditions.β
He warned his side not to underestimate their opposition tonight, describing the Norwegian clubβs βintensity that they are capable of on this pitch.β
Chivu said Bodo/Glimt have βproven themselves with the results theyβve achieved and beyond,β with all quotes via FCInterNews.
Finally, the Romanian coach underlined that the play-off covers two legs.
βThere are two games to play, you have to play with maturity and understanding in these conditions. And you have to remember that it will be played over two legs. You have to do everything to secure qualification.β
Milan director Igli Tare shrugs off Scudetto talk ahead of tonightβs rescheduled clash with Como and assures Rafael Leao βis doing much better physically.β
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
This Week 24 fixture was meant to be on February 8, but the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza needed to prepare for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
For many months, the plan was to move the entire match over to Perth, Australia, until negotiations with the local authorities broke down.
Instead, it was just shuffled along by 10 days once San Siro was back in action.
DAZN Italia reporters on the touchline asked Tare before kick-off if this match would be potentially decisive to keep clinging to the Scudetto dream.
βWe are not clinging to anything, as there are 14 more rounds to go including this one. We must try to give a sense of consistency to the work weβve done so far. It wonβt be easy, but a win tonight would be very important for the table,β replied the Milan director.
βIt is absolutely not crucial for the Scudetto, there is such a long way to go, but we are coming off back-to-back wins and we want to keep building that momentum.β
Leao returns to the starting XI with Christopher Nkunku, though Adrien Rabiot is suspended, with Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek only fit for the bench.
βThe positive thing about Leao is that in the last 10 days he is doing much better physically. The issue remains, but heβs certainly stronger now, you can see it in training. We never doubted his qualities.β
Tare was also asked about the controversy over Alessandro Bastoniβs simulation to get Pierre Kalulu sent off in Inter 3-2 Juventus last week, but the former Lazio striker was not interested in getting drawn into the debate.
βThese are things that happened in the past and will happen again in future. It is not good for football, we must all take a step back and try to let the referees do their work in the best possible way.
βThereβs no point discussing this now, we want to look at the next 90 minutes with positivity.β
Cesc Fabregas gives hints who is playing False 9 for Como this evening against Milan, warning they must βnot just keep the ball, but hurt them when we have the chance.β
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
This fixture was originally meant to be on February 8, but had to be moved because San Siro was being used for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
After months of negotiations with the Australian authorities to shift it over to Perth, those plans were abandoned and it was simply delayed by 10 days.
βIf we need to motivate lads in a night like this, then we have a problem,β joked Fabregas on DAZN Italia.
βWe are coming off a day that didnβt go well with Fiorentina, but the great thing about football is that it gives you the chance to make up for it four days later in an incredible stadium like this.β
Como have eliminated Napoli from the Coppa Italia on penalties and will face Inter in the semi-final next month, but in the last two Serie A games were held 0-0 by 10-man Atalanta and lost 2-1 at home to Fiorentina.
βWe are not a team built to play twice a week, so we need to spread out some of the playing time, as weβve been playing regularly for a while now. I think the lads are doing well, we rotated in the past and the lads responded well, so I have faith in everyone.β
Milan beat Como 3-1 on January 15, despite having far less possession, so Fabregas makes adjustments here with a three-man defence and no recognised centre-forward.
Will Maxence Caqueret, Nico Paz or Martin Baturina be the False 9 this evening?
βThey are all sort of False 9, weβll see mobility, the way we play means creating spaces that we think can be useful to hurt Milan. When one player vacates that space, another can occupy it,β replied Fabregas.
βThis is about not just keeping the ball, but trying to hurt Milan when we have the chance.β
Vincenzo Italiano hopes Bologna have βturned a cornerβ after their crisis and can build on that in the Europa League play-off with SK Brann. βIt was an odd game in the group phase.β
The first leg kicks off in Bergen, Norway, on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
The Rossoblu plane arrived quite late and there was no time for a pitch inspection, but the coach was already concerned with what he could see of the turf.
βItβs dark, but the pitch still doesnβt look in perfect condition, so weβll be able to evaluate it tomorrow,β Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
βThis is the first leg, we need to get a result that can allow us to do our best in the home match and go through to the next phase of the competition.β
Brann have been focusing only on preparing for this game, as the Norwegian domestic tournaments are currently on their winter break.
These sides met at the Stadio DallβAra in the Europa League group phase, ending 0-0 despite Charalampos Lykogiannis getting sent off after just 23 minutes.
βThey have been in a training retreat in Spain to prepare for this important match. We already faced them in the group phase, but I expect a different atmosphere on their own turf, we already saw other teams struggled here. We must adapt straight away to all the difficulties that it presents,β added Italiano.
βIt was an odd game in the group phase, as we went down to 10 men straight away, but even then we did really well. Itβs a long game for the play-off, it is decided over 180 minutes, so weβll see what happens.β
Bologna had been in an epic crisis, crashing out of the Coppa Italia and sliding down the Serie A standings, but got back on track at the weekend with a 2-1 victory away to Torino.
βIt was important to end that run of defeats in Serie A, but we must also try to build on that in Europe and the league, as we lost ground there and must show that we have turned a corner. Winning helps you to work with enthusiasm and confidence.
βThe Europa League is a good tournament, it is satisfying to go far, and gives you the self-belief that we can also take to Serie A. We had cared about the Coppa Italia too, but unfortunately we went out there.β
Lykogiannis is out injured for this trip, with Lorenzo De Silvestri and Torbjorn Heggem cup-tied.
βI think teams involved in many competitions are always forced to evaluate the fixture list and the fitness levels, so we are forced to rotate,β concluded Italiano.
Bologna squad for Brann
Pessina, Ravaglia, Skorupski; Casale, Heggem, Lucumi, Joao Mario, Miranda, Vitik, Zortea; Ferguson, Freuler, Moro, Pobega, Sohm; Bernardeschi, Cambiaghi, Castro, Dallinga, Dominguez, Odgaard, Orsolini, Rowe
Bodo/Glimt welcome Inter on a freezing cold February evening in Norway, in what promises to be an interesting match as the two sides tussle in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie β Nerazzurri head coach Cristian Chivu has decided to start Matteo Darmian in a surprising move.
The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET) and you can follow all the action from that game, and Milanβs Serie A clash against Como, on our Live Blog.
The Serie A leaders looked strong for most of the Champions League league phase but narrowly missed out on a place in the top eight β which would have seen them bypass this tricky play-off tie altogether.
However, the cards have been dealt and Chivu has opted to rotate his team in part for the match.
La nostra formazione
Forza Nerazzurriβ Inter
The second leg will decide the Nerazzurriβs fate in the competition next Tuesday at San Siro, but they will hope to get themselves off to a good start this evening.
Bodo/Glimt:Β Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Inter:Β Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Akanji; Darmian, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Pio Esposito, Lautaro
Milan have Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku upfront for the rescheduled Serie A clash with Comoβs Nico Paz and Martin Baturina.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
This Week 24 fixture was meant to be on February 8, but moved because the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza needed to prepare for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
For many months, the plan was to move the entire match over to Perth, Australia, until negotiations with the local authorities broke down.
Instead, it was just shuffled along by 10 days once San Siro was back in action.
Milan are unbeaten in Serie A since the opening weekend, and are the only side keeping up with leaders Inter after winning four of the last five.
Adrien Rabiot was sent off against Pisa and is therefore suspended, with Santiago Gimenez a long-term absentee.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic are also not at 100 per cent, but Rafael Leao returns to the starting XI with Nkunku.
Ardon Jashari is also back in midfield with Luka Modric and Samuele Ricci, forming a new trio.
Como are becoming a truly ambitious club in only their second season back in Serie A under coach Cesc Fabregas.
They knocked Napoli out of the Coppa Italia on penalties last week and will face Inter in the semi-finals next month.
Their Serie A form stuttered a little lately, held 0-0 by 10-man Atalanta with a last-gasp saved Nico Paz penalty, then suffering a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina.
Alvaro Morata was sent off in that match and is therefore suspended against his former club, with Assane Diao and Edoardo Goldaniga injured.
Martin Baturina has flourished in recent months, but Maxence Caqueret steps in to provide more physicality to the attack, using Nico Paz as a centre-forward ahead of a three-man defence.
Como have lost all three of their Serie A meetings with Milan since returning to the top flight in 2024, including a 3-1 home result back on January 15 with heroics from Mike Maignan.
Milan: Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Athekame, Jashari, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Leao
Como: Butez; Kempf, Ramon, Diego Carlos; Van Der Brempt, Perrone, Sergi Roberto, Vojvoda; Caqueret, Baturina; Nico Paz
Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie as their primary target to bolster the left flank, according to reports from CalcioMercato.
The Italian giants are reportedly preparing for a summer shake-up that could see current wing-back Andrea Cambiaso depart the Allianz Stadium.
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Cambiaso, who is under contract until 2029, has had an inconsistent first half of the 2025/26 campaign.
Despite a flashes of brilliance, including a goal in the recent 3-2 Derby dβItalia loss to Inter Milan, the Ligurian defender has struggled for consistency.
With a valuation of approximately β¬40 million, Juventus are reportedly open to a sale if an appropriate offer arrives, with several Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Bayern Munich previously linked to the 25-year-old.
If Cambiaso leaves, Juventus management has already identified the βchosen oneβ to take his place.
Destiny Udogie is no stranger to Serie A, having risen through the ranks at Hellas Verona before becoming a breakout star at Udinese.
His blend of technical finesse and a βgreat physical structureβ makes him an ideal fit for the Bianconeriβs tactical evolution.
At 23, Udogie fits the profile of the young, dynamic talent Juventus is looking to build around.
The club is reportedly βready to sink the blowβ and launch a formal pursuit should Cambiasoβs departure materialize this summer.
Since moving to North London, Udogie has established himself as a key figure in Tottenhamβs squad.
He also played a key role in Spursβ UEFA Europa League win in 2025, demonstrating remarkable versatility.
Under the current setup at Spurs, he has matured defensively while maintaining the explosive forward runs that characterised his time in Italy.
However, with a contract running until 2030, Tottenham holds all the leverage.
While Juventus view him as the perfect homecoming candidate, pryng the βpowerhouseβ away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would likely require a fee significantly higher than the β¬18m Spurs initially paid for his services.
Spurs could see several star players leave this summer after what has been an awful domestic season.
Cristian Romero is one of them. Romero has been left frustrated with the clubβs situation and is linked with a summer exit.
Several clubs including Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid are said to be keen on signing him.
Micky van de Ven is another star defender linked with a move away and Liverpool have emerged as surprise contenders to sign him as a long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement.
Β
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Felix Nmecha has performed well for Borussia Dortmund and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are positioning themselves for a summer for the German midfielder, as per FussballDaten. It remains to be seen where he will end up. The player has a contract with the German club until 2028, and he could cost around β¬45-55 million.
The German club rates the 25-year-old highly, and they will not let him leave for cheap. It remains to be seen whether the interested parties are prepared to pay up. Nmechaβs βhomegrownβ status makes him an attractive prospect.
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Tottenham are looking to add more physicality and robustness in the middle of the park. They believe that the German could be an ideal fit for their fast-paced playing style.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been scouting the player over the last five matches and believe he could be the ideal acquisition for their long-term project.
As for Manchester United, they believe that he could be a quality alternative to Casemiro, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. The former Manchester City Academy player could fill the void left by the Brazilian international.
All three clubs have the financial muscle to pay his asking price, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Even though the β¬45-55 million asking price might seem like a premium right now, the 25-year-old could end up justifying the investment in future.
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AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.
Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in securing his signature. According to a report from Defensa Central, Liverpool have made initial contact to sign the talented young midfielder, and the player is in discussion over a potential move.
On the other hand, Real Madrid have yet to make any effort to sign the player. Smit has tremendous potential and could prove an excellent acquisition for Liverpool.
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The report claims that Liverpool could make an enormous offer to secure the services of the Netherlands midfielder before anyone else.
Liverpool are the first to speak to the Dutchman regarding any potential move, and they are looking to finalise the deal as quickly as possible in order to avoid any potential complications.
Real Madrid and Arsenal could use more quality in the middle of the park as well, and the 20-year-old would be an excellent long-term investment for them. It remains to be seen whether Liverpoolβs efforts will encourage them to make a move in the coming weeks. Smit will add more technical ability, control, and creativity in the middle of the park for the Gunners.
Smit is an elite prospect with a bright future and could develop into a star. Signing him for the right amount of money in the summer could prove to be a masterstroke in the long run.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League or La Liga will be exciting for the young midfielder. He will look to compete at the highest level, and all three clubs could be attractive destinations for him. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.
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Manchester United are interested in signing the Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The South American has been excellent for Liverpool since joining them in 2023. He is currently one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and Manchester United are hoping to secure his signature.
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They would be prepared to offer a player and cash to get the deal done. According to a report from Fichajes, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Mason Mount are on the list of expendables, and they could be used as makeweights in the deal to sign the World Cup winner.
All three players have struggled to make their Mark at Manchester United this season, and it is unlikely. Liverpool will accept them as part of the deal to sell one of their best players.
Mac Allister might not be too keen on joining Manchester United either. If he leaves Liverpool, he will want to join a bigger club where he can fight for major trophies. Manchester United are not at the level required to win league titles or the UEFA Champions League. Joining them might seem like a step down for the player.
Also, Liverpool will not want to sanction his departure to a direct rival.
It remains to be seen how the situation develops. The player has also been linked to clubs like Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to sanction his departure. Any fee is likely to exceed β¬80 million, and it remains to be seen whether any club is willing to make a concrete proposal to sign the player.
Ideally, Liverpool should keep their best players so they can build a formidable team. The South American is certainly an important player for them, and they cannot afford to lose him.
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Manchester Unitedβs leadership is reportedly reeling from a βsellerβs remorseβ of significant proportions.
According to a report from The Mirror, Old Trafford chiefs have been left deeply frustrated by the financial terms of the deal that sent homegrown star Marcus Rashford to Barcelona last summer.
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What originally looked like a necessary parting of ways has transformed into a strategic nightmare for the United board.
The crux of Unitedβs frustration lies in the fine print. At the time of the loan, United agreed to a βfirst optionβ clause allowing Barcelona to make the move permanent for a maximum of Β£26m.
With Rashfordβs current market value now estimated to be closer to Β£50m, the United hierarchy realises they have effectively undervalued their asset by half.
Adding insult to injury, the report suggests Barcelona may attempt to exploit Rashfordβs public desire to stay in Spain to negotiate that Β£26m figure even lower, even though the club finds the value the agreed price of exceptional value.
Marcus Rashford, whose got shunned at Man United after falling out with former manager Ruben Amorim, has undergone a stunning career revival since arriving at the Camp Nou on an initial loan basis.
The change of scenery appears to have been exactly what the 28-year-old forward needed. In 34 appearances for the Spanish giants, Rashford has netted 10 goals and assisted another 13, re-establishing himself as one of Europeβs most clinical transitions threats.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 426 | 138 | 79 |
| Barcelona | 34 | 10 | 13 |
| Aston Villa | 17 | 4 | 6 |
Marcus Rashford stats via Transfermarkt
His resurgence hasnβt just caught the eye of the CulΓ©s; it has also earned him a recall to the England national team under Thomas Tuchel.
With Rashford very likely to leave the club for Barcelona in the summer, where will this transfer mistake count in the growing list of Manchester Unitedβs recent transfer fails.
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Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the French international midfielder Khephren Thuram.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, both teams are looking to improve their midfield and have identified the 24-year-old as a target. Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the international, and they have been keeping tabs on him since his days with OGC Nice.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has been monitoring the player for quite some time and believes he could elevate their midfield.
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Thuram has done quite well since joining Italian club Juventus, and he has no plans to leave the club yet. The report claims that he could commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract. The development will come as a blow to Manchester United and Liverpool.
They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 24-year-old could have been ideal. He is excellent at carrying the ball, bringing physicality and defensive steel to the team. He has been a complete midfielder for Juventus.
At 24, there is plenty of room for improvement, and with experience, he could develop into a top-class player. There is no doubt that he is good enough to play for the biggest clubs in the world. It will be interesting to see if he decides to sign an extension with the Italian outfit. It would certainly close any potential door to the Premier League for now.
Meanwhile, Manchester United and Liverpool need more quality in the middle of the park, and they should move on to other targets if they fail to sign the Frenchman.
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Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are also interested in signing the 20-year-old Swedish international midfielder. They are long-term admirers of the player, and they have been tracking his progress for quite some time.
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Bergvall has performed well for Tottenham since joining, and he is highly rated at the club. They will not want to sanction his departure, especially to a Premier League rival.
It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Aston Villa make a move for him at the end of the season. Liverpool has registered an interest in signing the player, and the club hierarchy is monitoring his progress.
Tottenham rate the player highly, and they believe heβs one of the best young talents in European football right now. They are looking to build for the future, and they simply cannot afford to lose an elite prospect like him. It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Aston Villa test their resolve with an offer at the end of the season.
Tottenham are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. They could lose key players in the summer, especially if they finish in the bottom half of the league table. It will be interesting to see if the 20-year-old midfielder is attracted to the idea of joining a bigger club in the summer.
Liverpool could use more technical ability in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old could be an excellent education. He will add creativity and goals in the middle of the park. They are one of the biggest clubs in the country, and the opportunity to play for them could be hard to turn down for the youngster.
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Scott Parker revealed he was βhugely disappointedβ in his Burnley side after their FA Cup exit to Mansfield Town last weekend. The Clarets lost 2-1 to the League One outfit on Saturday, marking the first time since 2016-17 they have been eliminated from the FA Cup by a side in the third tier or lower [β¦]
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has backed Dominik Szoboszlai to lead the club in the future. The 25-year-old midfielder signed for the Reds ahead of the 2023-24 season, helping them win the Premier League title last season as well as reaching the EFL Cup final, where they lost to Newcastle United. Though Arne Slotβs side [β¦]
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New research published in the journal Injury Epidemiology highlights a shift in the motivations behind gun ownership in the United States. Following the 2024 presidential election, fewer gun owners reported possessing firearms to advance political objectives. However, a growing number of owners, particularly Republicans, cited the need for protection at political rallies and protests as a primary reason for owning a gun.
The landscape of gun ownership in America has evolved substantially over the past few decades. βOver time, weβve been noticing shifts in Americansβ reasons for owning guns,β said study author Julie A. Ward, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University.
βIt used to be that if you asked gun owners why they own a gun or guns, the main reason you would hear was βfor huntingβ. Over time, hunting has stayed an important reason for many gun owners, but weβve also seen growth in other reasons. Now, for example, βprotection from other peopleβ or for potential use in political or ideological conflict is increasingly common.β
βIn a nationally representative survey we fielded in 2023, we saw that 85% of newer gun owners (meaning, people who purchased their first gun since 2020) said that at least one political violence related reason for gun ownership was personally important to them.β
βRoughly 60% of these newer gun owners cited defensive reasons (meaning, to protect themselves from political violence) and a similar portion cited assertive reasons (meaning, to advance an important political objective of their own). These proportions were nearly double what we saw among longer-term gun owners that year.β
βKnowing this β we wondered what changes we might see in Americansβ reasons for gun ownership two years later β following these hints of potential growth in owning guns for use in political conflict and on the heels of a 2024 US Presidential election that involved very high levels of political aggression and violence,β Ward explained.
βThese are very real-world questions that we were trying to answer: What reasons do US gun owners give for their personal gun ownership? And, have those reasons changed since 2023 β either overall or by political affiliation? Understanding gun ownersβ interests and concerns in this time of escalating tensions is critical for figuring out what we need to do to keep people safe.β
To investigate this, the researchers analyzed data from the National Survey of Gun Policy. This is a recurring survey that tracks public opinion on firearms and related policies. The study utilized two specific waves of the survey. The first wave was collected in January and February of 2023. The second wave was collected in January 2025, shortly before the presidential inauguration.
The total sample consisted of 2,003 adults who personally owned firearms. The participants were split evenly between the 2023 and 2025 groups. To ensure the findings applied to the general public, the researchers used statistical weighting. This is a method that adjusts the survey data so that the demographics of the respondents match the age, race, and gender makeup of the entire country.
Participants in the study were presented with a list of ten potential reasons for owning a gun. They were asked to rate how important each reason was to them personally. The options covered a wide range of motivations. These included traditional reasons like hunting or recreational target shooting.
The list also included specific questions regarding political violence. For example, participants were asked if they owned a gun βfor protection at demonstrations, rallies, or protests.β Another option asked if they owned a gun βto advance an important political objective.β This phrasing implies using the firearm as a tool to force a political outcome rather than just for safety.
The researchers found a notable decline in the number of people owning guns for offensive political purposes. In 2023, roughly 35 percent of gun owners said that advancing a political objective was an important reason for ownership. By 2025, that number had dropped significantly to 22 percent.
βWe found that as political violence escalated nationally, large majorities of Democrat, Independent, and Republican gun owners were rejecting such violence,β Ward told PsyPost. βCompared with responses in 2023, in 2025, we saw significantly fewer gun owners endorsing gun ownership to βadvance an important political objectiveβ across each of these political groups.β
In contrast, the researchers observed a rise in gun ownership motivated by a desire for protection in political spaces. In 2025, 42 percent of all gun owners said protection at demonstrations or rallies was an important reason for ownership. This was an increase from 35 percent in 2023.
This shift was largely driven by Republican gun owners. The data showed that 51 percent of Republican respondents in 2025 cited protection at rallies as a key reason for owning a gun. This was a significant jump from 40 percent in 2023.
βThis tells us there is growing concern among gun owners for personal safety in spaces that are used for political speech,β Ward said. βThe problem is, even when motivated by defensive interests, increased gun carrying doesnβt reduce a populationβs risk for gun-related harms β it increases it.β
βIt is especially urgent that policymakers act on these safety concerns. For example, policies that regulate gun carrying in sensitive spaces are a strategy that can protect First and Second Amendment rights at the same time. For public safety and for democracy, it is critical that that people not only feel safe β but actually also are safe β when they are exercising their right to free speech.β
Republicans also reported increases in other protective motivations. In 2025, 97 percent of Republican gun owners cited home protection as an important reason, up from 93 percent. Additionally, concern regarding police violence increased within this group. About 34 percent of Republicans cited protection against police as a reason for ownership in 2025, compared to 25 percent in 2023.
The researchers also found a resurgence in hunting as a motivation. Among all gun owners, 81 percent listed hunting as important in 2025. This was an increase from 74 percent in the previous survey.
βWe think there may be some interesting explanations for why we see these differences happening together,β Ward told PsyPost. βOne may relate to marketing β linking consumerism (related to buying more or different guns) to threat messaging and to personal identities can be a powerful way to increase gun sales. And, those types of messages donβt come at us randomly. Social media and newsfeed algorithms can use political identity to shape the messages we see. How those exposures shape how we feel about our own gun ownership could be an important direction for future research.β
There are some limitations to this study that should be considered. The research compared two different groups of people at two different times. It did not track the same individuals over the two-year period. This means the study describes changes in the overall population, but it cannot pinpoint if specific individuals changed their minds.
βThe results we report are both statistically significant and practically significant,β Ward noted. βMany of these differences were double-digit percentage point shifts. Itβs also important to note that the way this large survey was designed means these results are representative of the population of gun owners nationwide.β
There is also the potential for social desirability bias. This is a phenomenon where survey takers give answers they believe are socially acceptable, rather than what they truly feel. However, the anonymous nature of the survey helps to reduce this likelihood.
Future research could examine the underlying causes of these shifts. Scientists suggest investigating how media consumption and political marketing influence fears of victimization. Understanding why specific groups feel unsafe at political events could help policymakers design better security measures.
The study, βGun ownership for political protection or armed political expression: a nationally representative analysis of differences in 2025 vs. 2023,β was authored by Julie A. Ward, Rebecca A. Valek, Vanya C. Jones, Lilliana Mason, and Cassandra K. Crifasi.
Pixel 10a is here! Our newest, most durable A-series phone has our best-in-class camera system and many of our most advanced AI tools, powered by our custom-built Googleβ¦Meta also shut down the separate Messenger app for Windows and Mac last year.Β
Reddit is already seeing an influx of interest in the event.Β
The platform's add-on subscription has become a valuable revenue driver for the business.
The deal will ensure that Meta can access the latest hardware for its expanding AI projects.Β
YouTube's also bringing its AI chatbot to Connected TV devices.
Microsoft Advertising is rolling out multi-image ads for Shopping campaigns in Bing search results, giving ecommerce brands a richer way to showcase products and capture shopper attention before the click.
Whatβs new. Advertisers can now display multiple product images within a single Shopping ad, letting shoppers preview different angles, styles or variations directly in search.
The format is designed to make ads more visually engaging and informative, helping consumers compare options quickly without leaving the results page.
How it works:
Why we care. Multi-image ads could increase engagement and purchase intent by presenting a fuller picture of a product. More visuals can highlight features, colors and design details that a single image might miss.
Discovery. The feature was first spotted by digital marketer Arpan Banerjee who shared spotting it on LinkedIn.
The bottom line. Multi-image Shopping ads give retailers more creative flexibility and shoppers more context at a glance β a shift that could improve ad performance and reshape how products compete in search results.
A new applied learning path from Microsoft Advertising is designed to help marketers get more value from Performance Max campaigns through hands-on, scenario-based training β not just theory.
Whatβs happening. The new Performance Max learning path bundles three progressive courses that focus on real-world setup, optimization and troubleshooting. The structure is meant to let advertisers learn at their own pace while building practical skills they can immediately apply to live campaigns.
Each course targets a different stage of expertise, from beginner fundamentals to advanced strategy and credentialing.
Whatβs included:
Course 1: Foundations
Course 2: Hands-on setup
Course 3: Advanced implementation
How it works. The third course introduces embedded support features that let learners access targeted educational resources mid-assessment via a βHelp me understandβ option. Users can review specific concepts in context and return directly to their questions.
The benefit. Learners can spend more time on weak areas while quickly progressing through familiar material.
Credential payoff. Completing the advanced course unlocks the chance to earn a Performance Max badge. The credential signals proficiency in implementing and optimizing PMax campaigns and applying best practices in real-world scenarios.
The badge is digitally shareable and verifiable through Credly, making it easy to display on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
Why we care. This update from Microsoft Advertising makes it faster and easier to build real, job-ready skills for running Performance Max campaigns β not just theoretical knowledge. The applied, scenario-based training helps marketers avoid common setup mistakes, optimize campaigns more confidently, and improve performance in live accounts.
Plus, the shareable credential adds professional credibility, signaling proven expertise to clients and employers.
The bottom line. The new learning path aims to close the gap between training and execution. By combining applied scenarios, embedded support and credentialing, it offers a structured route for advertisers to build confidence β and prove it β in Performance Max campaign management.
Championship strugglers Leicester City have confirmed former player Gary Rowett as their new manager until the end of the season.
BBC Radio Leicester reported earlier that the 51-year-old, who was sacked as Oxford boss two months ago, took training at the Foxes on Wednesday.
Rowett replaces Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked three weeks ago and his first game in charge will be at Stoke City on Saturday.
Leicester are third from bottom in the Championship, two points adrift of the safety line with 14 games left.
"I'm really proud to be the new Leicester City manager and to have the opportunity to work with and lead a really talented group over the coming months," Rowett told the club website.
"It's very clear to us all what needs to be achieved between now and the end of the season and the work begins immediately.
"I'm looking forward to building connections with the players, with the staff at the club and with the fans β all of which will be vital to helping us secure the results we need."
Rowett, who spent two years as a player in the East Midlands after joining from Birmingham City in 2000, has previously managed five clubs in the Championship.
He took charge of Birmingham, Derby County, Stoke City, Millwall and most recently Oxford, where he had almost a year in charge before his dismissal in December 2025.
Former Foxes team-mate Callum Davidson will be Rowett's assistant.
Leicester lost all four games under interim boss Andy King, and have also been docked six points in that time, having been found guilty of breaching spending rules after a protracted legal battle.
The points penalty, combined with a seven-game winless run that has included six defeats, has plunged Leicester into the drop zone.
They dropped into the bottom three on Saturday, with Blackburn Rovers leapfrogging them by beating Queens Park Rangers while the Foxes were knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton.
"Gary is a manager with deep knowledge of the Championship and experience of the situation we now face in these final 14 games of the season β a fight for survival in the division," Foxes chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said.
"It is a task on which the entire club is focused, and we will provide Gary with every support to help us find the solutions we need.
"I'm grateful to Andy King for the professionalism and dedication with which he has prepared the team for recent matches in challenging circumstances.
"Together with the current group of first-team staff, he will remain a valued part of our coaching team, providing important continuity from which Gary and Callum can help to build."
Bodo Glimt and Inter meet in a Champions League play-off duel in the first leg.
This is how both teams line up...
Haikin - Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan - Evjen, Berg, Fet - Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Sommer - Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni - Darmian, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto - Pio Esposito, Lautaro MartΓnez
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in πͺπΈ here.
How LeBron James could still be NBA's highest paid player on minimum salary originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LeBron James will be a free agent this summer, and his future with the Los Angeles Lakers is unclear.
James may well end his legendary career where it began by signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason. However, the Cavaliers have very little cap space -- so as presently constructed, Cleveland cannot come close to matching James' $52.6 million salary, one of the highest in the NBA.
MORE:Β Lakers predicted to tip off post-LeBron James era by drafting former All-Star's son
In order to return triumphantly to Cleveland and set the stage for one of the grandest retirement tours in NBA history, James will have to make some sacrifices. He will perhaps have to sign a contract for the veteran's minimum.
But by auctioning off the streaming rights to his "farewell tour," James could end up surpassing Stephen Curry in earnings next season, just as Curry is set to become the NBA's first $60 million per year player.
Anthony Lima, a host on 92.3 "The Fan" sports radio in Cleveland, wrote Wednesday on X that media executives think James can net between $40 million and $75 million by getting streaming platforms to bid for the rights to televise his final NBA season (if 2026-27 indeed is his swan song).
I talked to a few execs in media world about how much LeBron could get for the rights to his farewell tour in a streaming bidding war.
β Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) February 18, 2026
Was told $40-75 million.
So yes, he could play for vet minimum next year on a title contender and still get compensation for his value.
Addβ¦
"Add in final year of one-off marketing deals and itβs a no-brainer," Lima said. "Basically entire season would be brought to you by 'LeBron James and Friends.'β
If nothing else, it is food for thought -- and don't think that James hasn't considered a possibility like this one already.
Jets expected to move on from brother of Quinnen Williams in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets have a few key free agents that they need to make decisions on. Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the trickiest ones to figure out, as his injury struggles recently make him a big question mark.
Breece Hall, on the other hand, is sure to draw plenty of attention on the open market. With such a future in store for Hall, the Jets might just franchise tag him to ensure he doesn't leave.
But when it comes to the brother of Quinnen Williams, linebacker Quincy Williams, his future with the Jets looks to be decided. As ESPN's Rich Cimini notes, the Jets and Williams are expected to go their separate ways this offseason.
"Williams, a five-year starter for the Jets who was first-team All-Pro in 2023, is likely to move on," Cimini writes.
The veteran linebacker has been with the Jets since the 2021 season, and got to play alongside his brother before Quinnen was shipped off to the Dallas Cowboys at the 2025 NFL trade deadline for a package the Jets couldn't refuse.
Now, the Jets are looking to move on from Quincy, though the circumstances of their split are a bit different from what they were with the superstar DT.
More:Β Jets rumor links New York to $12 million Super Bowl-winning QB after Frank Reich hire
The older Williams' brother is set to hit free agency and depart after a shaky 2025 season, where he wasn't a fan of the scheme and made just 12 starts.
While the 30-year-old linebacker won't receive a lot of interest in free agency, especially following his rough season, a reunion with Robert Saleh in Tennessee or a trip to Dallas to reunite with his brother could be in store for Williams this offseason.
But, based on Cimini's report, it doesn't look like Williams will be returning to the Jets this offseason after his contract was voided after the 2025 NFL season.
Linebacker Quay Walker has been a controversial figure among Green Bay Packers fans from the day he was drafted in the first round back in 2022. And now the 57-game starter and 2025 team captain is about to become an unrestricted free agent when his rookie deal expires in March.
There have been highs and lows, some promising streaks and some maddening inconsistencies, but what do the stats say about the body of work he has put together in Green Bay, and has he improved over his four pro seasons?
The biggest consistent strength of Walkerβs game has been his ability to get ball carriers on the ground.
Tackling is still the most fundamental part of playing linebacker, and Walker rarely misses tackles, ranking in the 72nd percentile among NFL linebackers since 2022 in missed tackle rate, and the 88th percentile since 2023.
He also has a knack for forcing incompletions in coverage, ranking in the 71st percentile since entering the league. There are issues with Walkerβs playmaking, as we will come to, but he has been able to break up passes fairly regularly, including six this past season.
It may come as a surprise to Packers fans that there is nothing in Walkerβs overall profile that rises to the level of a crippling weakness, or something that he does worse than the vast majority of linebackers.
Penalties are his worst statistical category, with Walker ranking in the 33rd percentile since 2022. He had discipline issues especially early in his career, although the linebacker has been able to clean these up over time, which we will get to.
The only other areas Walker has been consistently below average are interceptions/forced fumbles, and average depth of tackle, ranking in the 39th percentile for both. This probably speaks to the issue with Walker. He is not a bad player, but he is not a playmaker who is lighting up the box score with turnovers or tackles for loss. He only has one career interception and three forced fumbles. All of the forced fumbles came as a rookie.
As mentioned, Walker has shown better focus and discipline recently, and his penalties per defensive snap played has improved every year.
Walker ranked in the 10th percentile as a rookie, improving to the 42nd, 48th and then a career best 65th percentile in 2025. The linebacker has only been flagged twice since 2024.Β
His run defense has improved over time as well, and he had a career high ranking in tackles per snap, missed tackle rate and stop rate (tackles resulting in a failure for the offense).
With no interceptions or forced fumbles in the last two years, Walkerβs impact in the takeaway department has gone from unremarkable to nonexistent in the last couple of years.
Walker does have 11 career sacks on his resume based on PFF's numbers, but he was also less impactful as a pass rusher snap to snap in 2025, ranking in the 33rd percentile or lower in QB hurries/hits, pass rush win rate and PFF's pass rush productivity metric.
He also arguably had his worst year in coverage. Despite the high number of PBUs, Walker allowed a passer rating of 122.9 in coverage and ranked 79th out of 87 linebackers in yards allowed per snap.
On balance, Walker has been a just above average linebacker in his Packers career, but he has not lived up to his draft pedigree and the 2025 season was possibly his least effective.
He is a good run defender and is not a liability in coverage, but he is not the playmaker Green Bay thought they were getting. Walker is more like a No. 2 linebacker than someone you want as the leader and tone-setter.
Based on what he has put together over four years, Walker is not the type of player the Packers should be looking to pay a significant contract to and letting him move on in free agency next month seems like the right move.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Quay Walker statistical analysis: It's time for Packers to move on
March is fast approaching, conference tournaments are on the horizon, and we need your help to decide our menβs player of week for Feb. 9-15 by voting in the poll below.
Here are our top five menβs candidates and a recap of their outstanding performances from across week 14 of the college basketball season.
George Washington has been up-and-down all year long and is currently sitting on 15-12 record overall and 6-8 in Atlantic 10 play at ninth-place. It is now battling injuries late in the season. With the Revolutionaries battling a four-game losing streak at the start of last week, Hunger stepped up in a dramatic way to lead a pair of wins over Rhode Island and George Mason.
Despite averaging just 8.5 PPG, Hunger opened last Tuesday with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting, grabbed six rebounds and dished two assists to knock off the Rams 75-70. Three days later, he notched a career-high 31 points and shot 10-for-14 and a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the arc. He also grabbed 10 rebounds to complete a double-double to help defeat the Patriots 72-53.
Just a season ago, Parker was an unknown forward out of Columbia College, an NAIA program based in Columbia, Mo. Parker averaged a double-double as a senior there and receive a plethora of Division-I interest before committing to Austin Peay and helping the Governors to a 19-6 record, 13-1 in the ASUN.
This past week, he dropped a career-high 39 points, went 11-for-23 from the floor, 14-for-17 at the free throw line and grabbed nine rebounds to beat ASUN preseason favorite Queens. Parker followed that up with an additional 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots and a steal as the Governors ousted Bellarmine, 90-70.
After looking like one of the nationβs top mid-majors early into the 2025-26 campaign, Northern Colorado has had its struggles in the Big Sky and lost seven of its first eight games in league. However, it seems the Bears are now back on track, sparked by six straight wins from Denker and Co., including two significant victories at home last week.
Against Sacramento State and the eccentric scoring of Prophet Johnson, Denkerβs ball handling was elite, finishing with a double-double of 22 points, 16 assists and seven rebounds. The 16 dishes from Denker is now a program record for Northern Colorado and a personal career-high.
With first-place Portland State visiting on Saturday, Denker once again came through on the biggest stage with 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to defeat the Vikings 77-65.
Head coach Brian Wardle is well on his way to a fourth straight season with 20+ wins as Bradley currently sits 18-9 overall and 11-5 in the Missouri Valley at second-place in the standings. The sophomore emergence of Jaquan Johnson has been a major reason why: standing just 5-foot-11, heβs become one of the nationβs most dynamic mid-major guards.
This past week, he led an upset of the conferenceβs first-place team in Belmont, beating out the Bruins 95-84 in overtime with 31 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. On the road at Southern Illinois just days later, Johnson managed 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in a double-digit win over the Salukis.
Under head coach Patrick Sellers, Central Connecticut State has become the picture of consistency in the NEC and is right back in the mix once this season. The Blue Devils are now second place in league and will likely host a game in the NEC Championship thanks to the sophomore leap the Smith has taken.
This past week, Smith dropped a career-high 40 points on 13-of-20 shooting and a perfect 11-for-11 at the free throw line as Central Connecticut State downed New Haven on the road, 81-76. On a trip to FDU two days later, he managed 17 points and a pair of rebounds to skate past the Knights, 63-57, for the Blue Devilsβ fourth straight win.
Vinicius Jr. racism incident in Benfica vs. Real Madrid: Explaining Champions League incident, Mourinho reaction originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
JUMP TO:
The much-anticipated Champions League playoff clash between Benfica and Real Madrid was plunged into controversy amid ugly scenes after halftime of the first leg at Estadio da Luz.
Vinicius Jr. gave Madrid the lead in spectacular fashion in Lisbon. During his goal celebration, objects were thrown at the Brazil international, and Vinicius was booked by the referee for his actions as he danced provocatively up against the corner flag.
This angered the Benfica players, who were unhappy with the celebration, which occurred right in front of the home supporters. In the ensuing melee involving players from both sides, an incident of alleged racist abuse was then reported by the match referee.
Here's everything we know about the incident and the ongoing fallout.
In the 50th minute, Vinicius cut inside Amar Dedic and fired a sensational shot beyond Anatoliy Trubin and into the far corner.
He ran away in celebration, cupping his ear to the Benfica crowd before dancing at the corner flag in front of a booing and jeering section of the home support. Some objects were thrown towards Vinicius and the celebrating group of Madrid players.
The Brazil forward then broke from the huddle and pumped his fist in the direction of the home supporters again. At that point, referee Francois Letexier beckoned Vinicius away from the stands and veteran Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi confronted the goalscorer.
Vinicius continued to revel in the moment. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni approached him at which point Vinicius was booked. Gianluca Prestianni then said something to Vinicius with his shirt covering his mouth. After this, tempers clearly flared on the Madrid side. Kylian Mbappe was among those angered, and team-mate Antonio Rudiger sought to calm the France forward.
Next, Vinicius ran towards Letexier and seemingly gestured in Prestianni's direction. At that point, the referee made the crossed arms signal above his head to indicate an incident of racist abuse had been reported. At that stage, arguments between the players continued and members of the coaching staff entered the field.
One of the Real Madrid backroom team was sent off in the immediate aftermath. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho talked to Vinicius, their arms around one another's backs. Vinicius spoke into the Benfica coach's ear before Mbappe came to join the conversation.
π¨π Vinicius Jr tells the referee and then JosΓ© Mourinho that Gianluca Prestianni has racially abused him.
β Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2026
Vini said Prestianni racially insulted while covering his mouth with the shirt.@JosePadi_ π₯ pic.twitter.com/ffhgLgWB1P
Vincius took some time sitting away from the fracas on the Madrid bench but rejoined his team-mates when the match resumed after a 10-minute delay.
Before fulltime, Mourinho was sent off for berating Letexier over an unrelated matter, shown a second yellow card which likely sees him suspended for the return leg at the Bernabeu.
Speaking after the match, Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho insisted he would not take sides, having heard two different versions of events from Vinicius Jr. andΒ Gianluca Prestianni.
However, the former Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea boss also criticised Vinicius for inciting an angry reaction with his goal celebration.
"These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately, he was not just happy to score that astonishing goal, and then the game was over," he told Amazon Prime.
"When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way. Yes [he incited the crowd and my players], I believe so. Then the words that they exchanged, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent. I don't want to say, 'I believe in Prestianni, I don't believe in Vinicius' because they both told me two completely different things. I want to be independent, and I don't comment about it."
But Mourinho had more comments which, instantly, felt unhelpful. First, he relayed how he told Vinicius that the most famous person in Benfica's history was the great Eusebio, as if a person alleging racist abuse at the Lisbon club in 2026 should give pause to the fact that their best-ever player was the standout performer at the 1966 World Cup. More troublingly, Mourinho inferred Vinicius was in some way responsible for the previous instances of racism he has endured in Spain.Β
"I told Vinicius that when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate," he continued. "And then, when he was arguing about racism, I told him that the biggest person in the history of this club was Black [Eusebio] and this club, the last thing that it is, is racist. If, in his mind, there was something in relation to thatβ¦this is Benfica.
"There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. In every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always."
Speaking as a pundit on Amazon Prime's coverage, former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf expressed disappointment at Mourinho's remarks.
"I have huge respect for Jose as a coach and as a person. I think he's still emotional, but I think he made a big mistake today by justifying racist abuse," Seedorf said. "I'm not saying that was the case today but he mentioned something much more than only today. He mentioned that Vinicius, wherever he goes, these things happen. So he's actually saying that it's okay when Vinicus provokes you, that it's okay to be abusive and racist. And I think that's very wrong.
"We should never, ever in any circumstances justify racist abuse. Vincius has had enough of that unjustifiable behaviour from many people. I know Mourinho, by heart, he would agree with me. But I think he expressed himself a bit unfortunately because we should not tell the people at home or who come to the stadium that if someone makes a dance or whatever, then it's okay to be abusing the person with racism.
"It would have helped if Mourinho had simply said that any racist abuse is wrong. He's not a racist, for sure. He doesn't have to defend this beautiful club. We need to see the bigger picture. People are looking and watching, and he's a huge personality in the world of sports. I hope he will reflect on this and maybe correct it a little bit."
Vinicius did not speak to reporters after the match but posted a reaction on his Instagram account.
"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are," he wrote. "But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish."
Vinicius Junior says on his Instagram stories
β James Benge (@jamesbenge) February 17, 2026
"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish." pic.twitter.com/UmL96QjmYO
Similarly, Prestianni did not speak publicly but Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni reported a troubling claim allegedly made by the Benfica player in the aftermath.
βThe truth is that it cannot happen," Tchouameni said. "Weβve been told that the boy called him βmonkeyβ with the shirt covering his mouth. Then he says he didnβt say anything, that he said βf****tsβ, but it doesnβt matter."
As is so often, wearyingly the case in these instances, we maybe never get to the bottom of who said what to whom. But the claim that Prestianni denied racist abuse by claiming he instead made homophobic abuse adds another bleak layer to the whole episode.
Kylian Mbappe, who was so visibly angered by the incident, said that Prestianni repeatedly racially abused Vinicius.
"He said βVinΓcius is a monkeyβ five times... I heard it, there are players from Benfica that heard it too," said the France forward.
"I can't comment on it too much because it's probably an ongoing investigation at this point. But what's happened tonight is a disgrace to football. It's over shadowned the performance, especially after such an amazing goal.
"Vini has been subjected to this a few times throughout his career and for it to happen tonight and ruin the night for us as a team is a disgrace. It's a disgrace to football. There's no place for it in football or society. It's disgusting.
"Obviously, it's upset him. As people, we come here to do a job, we enjoy what we do. And when something like that happens, it ruins the night for all of us. We stuck together as a team, we dug deep and got the win. Most of all, I think we're all proud of the way we handled it in a hostile environment."
"You have to ask Vini and Benfica's players. It's not a question for me.
"Everyone can see what happened with Prestianni. He put his shirt in his mouth and now you have to ask him.Β
"We need to fight against racism; it's the most important thing in football. We support Vini, of course. We have to fight against this type of attitude. If we don't respect each other, it's very difficult.
"Vinicius wanted to play, to help the team to fight until the end."
"Well, we canβt be sure, but all the teammates who were close say that something ugly was said, something you cannot say. Lots of people have been fighting a long time about these things. Vini is one of those who have fought that battle.
"If it keeps happening, I, personally, think it is lamentable. With all the cameras in football TV, if it was not captured⦠if you cover your mouth to say something, it is because you are saying something which is not right.
"Itβs lamentable. In the end, Iβm proud of my teammates today, and proud of Vini, who kept going and played a spectacular game."
Immediately after the match, former match referee and current Sky Sports analyst Mark Clattenburg had some odd comments about the incident. Most notably, Clattenburg criticised Vinicius Jr. for his celebration and claimed that the Brazilian "has made this situation very, very difficult" for the referee.
Those comments were not received well, as many believed Clattenburg was placing blame on Vinicius for the racial abuse he received instead of directing his critiques towards the source of the abuse.
Clattenburg received enough backlash that he decided to release an apology the following day.
"Nothing justifies racism in sport or in life," Clattenburg wrote on social media. "I'm grateful to have a chance to follow up on last night. I got it wrong, I'm sorry.
"It was live TV, my job is to respond in the moment and the words I used were clumsy and not right. I'm already learning from this and appreciate my colleagues who covered the situation with class throughout."
After the match concluded and the managers and players had their say, Benfica doubled down on defending their player Gianluca Prestianni.
First, the club released a statement by Prestianni who said that he was "misunderstood" in the incident and claiming that Real Madrid players directed "threats" in his direction.
"I want to clarify that at no time did I address racist insults to the player Vinicius Jr, who unfortunately misunderstood what he thinks he has heard. I was never racist and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players."
Following that, Benfica then posted a video to the club's social media, attempting to show that the Real Madrid players could not have heard the alleged racist comments properly.
Como demonstram as imagens, dada a distΓ’ncia, os jogadores do Real Madrid nΓ£o podem ter ouvido o que andam a dizer que ouviram. pic.twitter.com/7JF9AVuhEM
β SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) February 18, 2026
Major League Soccer is set to kick off its 31st season this weekend (if you can believe it), with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami primed to defend their 2025 MLS Cup crown against 29 other teams in a World Cup year.
MORE β 2026 World Cup schedule | World Cup groups | World Cup stadiums
It's been 32 years since the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, marking the launch of MLS in 1996. Now, more than three decades later, MLS is not only still standing, but making significant strides to become one of the world's most intriguing (and unpredictable) leagues from one year to the next.
Messi isn't the only mega-star chasing silverware in 2026, as LAFC's Heung-min Son (12 goals, 4 assists in 13 appearances including playoffs) and Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller (8 goals, 3 assists in 12 appearances) are back for their first full season in MLS after making a profound impact upon arrival last summer.
To say that soccer is hot in North America right now, would be an understatement.
Dates: February 21 to November 7 (regular season)
How to watch: Apple TV (worldwide)
Saturday, February 21
St. Louis City vs Charlotte FC β 2:30 pm ET
FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United β 4:45 pm ET
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Real Salt Lake β 7:30 pm ET
DC United vs Philadelphia Union β 7:30 pm ET
Orlando City vs New York Red Bulls β 7:30 pm ET
Houston Dynamo vs Chicago Fire β 8:30 pm ET
Austin FC vs Minnesota United β 8:30 pm ET
FC Dallas vs Toronto FC β 8:30 pm ET
Nashville SC vs New England Revolution β 8:30 pm ET
LAFC vs Inter Miami β 9:30 pm ET
Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew β 10:30 pm ET
San Diego FC vs CF Montreal β 10:30 pm ET
San Jose Earthquakes vs Sporting KC β 10:30 pm ET
Sunday, February 22
LA Galaxy vs New York City FC β 7 pm ET
Seattle Sounders vs Colorado Rapids β 9:15 pm ET
NEW YORK (AP) β The opening of New York City FC's Etihad Park has been pushed back a half-season to the start of Major League Soccer's 2027-28 schedule.
When the team broke ground in December 2024 for the 25,000-seat venue adjacent to the New York Mets' Citi Field, NYCFC said the stadium would open for the 2027 season. The projected opening will now be in the summer of 2027, when the MLS switches its schedule to a summer-to-spring calendar to match most European leagues.
In the league's truncated transition season of 2027, each MLS team will play a 14-game regular-season schedule followed by playoffs. NYCFC will continue to play most home games that season at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.
Since taking the field in 2015, NYCFC has played home games mostly at those venues along with some at the home of the rival New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey, and Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.
The new stadium will be a site of soccer matches during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Major League Soccer teamβs controlling owner is City Football Group, the parent company of Englandβs Manchester City. The Premier League teamβs venue was renamed Etihad Stadium in July 2011.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Champions League: Gordon scores his fourth and Newcastle's fifth in first half at Qarabag
New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has added someone to his coaching staff to work with 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty, reportedly hiring Iowa running backs coach Omar Young to the same position in Las Vegas, per CBS Sportsβ Matt Zenitz and David Eickholt.
The #Raiders are set to hire University of Iowa running backs coach Omar Young, sources tell me and @DavidEickholt.
β Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 18, 2026
Before Iowa, Young worked at the NFL level with the Patriots and Bears. pic.twitter.com/TQBUOKAkDT
Letβs get to know Young better.
Previous job:
He was the Hawkeyesβ running backs coach for one season (2025).
Age:
Young is 42 years old and turns 43 in September. Also, he was born in Oakland and went to high school in Berkeley.
Coaching experience:
Youngβs experience has primarily been in the college ranks, including last year, but he has been an NFL coach for six seasons. His first NFL job was with the Cleveland Browns as an offensive assistant coach in 2015, then he spent two years (2017-2018) with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive quality control coach before taking the same position with the Chicago Bears in 2022. Young became the Bearsβ wide receivers coach and assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023, and was an offensive assistant coach for the New England Patriots in 2024.
Kubiak ties:
Kubiak and Young have never worked together, but the latter did work with the Raidersβ new offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko in Chicago, when Janocko was the quarterbacks coach.
Why the Raiders are interested:
Young has a lot of coaching experience at several levels, ranging from the junior college ranks to the NFL. Iowa ran a lot of wide zone this past season, so he has some familiarity coaching running backs in Kubiakβs rushing scheme. The Hawkeyes rushed for 2,300 yards and 4.8 yards per carry as a team in 2025, with running back Kamari Moutlon leading the way by racking up 878 yards (5.2 ypc) and five touchdowns. It also helps that Young spent two seasons with Janocko. Clearly, Kubiak and Janocko are comfortable with the Oakland nativeβs ability to develop Jeanty in their offense.
Jake Paul has long admired Ronda Rousey, to the point where he once expressed a desire to step into the cage with her just to see what it would be like.
Now, in a new video featuring their first conversation, an old clip from 2016 has resurfaced where Paul can be heard jokingly calling for a fight against her. βIβm here in my YouTube studio,β he said at the time. βAnd Iβm calling you out right now! Okay? Me and you Ronda. Get back into the ring, get back into MMA.β
While recovering from a broken jaw sustained against Anthony Joshua in their December Netflix bout, Paul is teaming up with former UFC CFO Nakisa Bidarian and the streaming platform to organise whatβs shaping up to be a major event for MMA fans.
The hype surrounding Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano is already ramping up fast. Their first announcement video has pulled in more than 7 million views on Instagram within just a few hours.
A clip posted on the Most Valuable Promotions Instagram page shows Jake Paul taking a video call with Rousey, marking their first meeting, even if it was only virtual. The boxer is currently in Italy for the Winter Olympics, where his girlfriend Jutta Leerdam has already picked up two medals.
During the chat, Paul mentioned how much of a fan heβd been over the years and Rousey responded by saying she was looking forward to meeting him as well. MVPβs social team then found an old clip from years ago to highlight that connection, cutting it together with their call.
Paul told her: βMe, Logan [Paul] and our dad were like your biggest fans. We actually started doing some judo because you inspired us.β She smiled at that and said she could help him out if he ever wanted to get back into training.
A video resurfaced from Jake Paulβs early YouTube days shows him calling out Ronda Rousey. He was still a Disney actor at the time, and both he and his brother Logan were just starting to blow up online by posting daily vlogs.
βRonda, if you ever watch my videos I will fight you and put it on video,β a young Paul joked. βI actually used to do MMA and I know youβd probably whoop me, but it would still be a good video so Ronda if youβre out there, letβs fight.β
Paul didnβt get into boxing until 2018 but has since fought several big names from the MMA world. He stopped Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley early in his career before wins over Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and most recently Mike Perry.
Read more:
UEFA announced it has opened an investigation into allegations from Real Madrid forward VinΓcius JΓΊnior that a racist slur was directed his way by Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica during Tuesday's Champions League match.
The match was delayed for 10 minutes in the second half following VinΓcius JΓΊnior's goal after referee FranΓ§ois Letexier initiated UEFA's anti-racism protocol. After the Real Madrid star celebrated taking the lead, Benfica players were seen getting upset with him.Β
During the skirmish, VinΓcius JΓΊnior was seen walking past Prestianni before immediately approaching Letexier with the allegation.Β
"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with a shirt to show how weak they are," VinΓcius JΓΊnior said in a statement on social media. "But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my family's life. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why.
"On the other side, there was only a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don't like to appear in situations like this, especially after a great victory when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it is necessary."
Kylian MbappΓ© said he heard Prestianni call VinΓcius JΓΊnior a "monkey" five times.
BAILA @vinijr and please never stop.
β Kylian MbappΓ© (@KMbappe) February 17, 2026
They will never tell us what we have to do or not. βπ½
The 20-year-old Prestianni has denied the allegations.
βI want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard," Prestianni said in a statement. "I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino released a statement saying that he was "shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism" and praised the referee for activating the anti-racism protocol. There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society," Infantino said on social media. "We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account."
If Prestianni is found guilty of racial abuse, he faces a potential 10-match ban per UEFA's guidelines.
Benfica and Real Madrid will meet again next Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff at Estadio BernabΓ©u in Madrid.
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) β The No. 2 official of the baseball players' association was shaken by the events culminating in the resignation of union head Tony Clark and said the change in leadership will not alter bargaining preparations ahead of talks in which Major League Baseball is expected to push for a salary cap.
βJust on a personal level I think weβre all fairly devasted by things that have happened in the last 48, 72 hours,β deputy executive director Bruce Meyer said Wednesday. βIβm not going to go beyond that in terms of personal feelings, but itβs fair to say that we were all personally upset, concerned about Tony. But I think this was something that the players determined had to happen at this particular point in time."
A former All-Star first baseman who headed the union since 2013, Clark resigned Tuesday just months ahead of the expected start of bargaining for a labor contract to replace the deal that expires Dec. 1.
He was asked to resign by the union's eight-man executive subcommittee after an investigation by the unionβs outside counsel discovered evidence Clark had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, a union employee since 2023, a person familiar with the unionβs deliberations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because that was not announced.
βThe information that really led to this came out within the last ... 72 hours or so,β Meyer said. βSo this is not something that has been kind of sat on. When the information came out the players on the subcommittee made their feelings known. And Tony, to his credit, heβs always been about the players first and Tony decided to take the action he did in the interest of the players.β
Clark did not respond to a text seeking comment.
The start of annual tour of spring training camps by union officials was pushed back a day and began Wednesday with the Kansas City Royals.
The union's executive board was to meet online for the second straight day and Royals player representative John Schreiber said he expects a decision late Wednesday on a successor to lead the union through collective bargaining.
βWeβll see how the meeting goes today,β Schreiber said. "Weβre going on the right path and weβll have a decision shortly.β
Meyer, hired by Clark in 2018, headed the 2021-22 negotiations that led to an agreement on March 10 that ended a 99-day lockout. Meyer was promoted to deputy executive director in July 2022.
βI donβt anticipate that anybodyβs going to be leading negotiations other than me,β Meyer said.
Clark's departure took place during a probe by the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, into OneTeam Partners, a licensing company founded by the union, the NFL Players Association and RedBird Capital Partners in 2019.
βThere have been some issues hanging over, as you know, and in some respects itβs good to get them out of the way sooner rather than later,β Meyer said.
Meyer said the union's entire executive board of 72 players is eligible to vote for executive director: the executive subcommittee, 30 major league team player representatives and 34 minor leaguers, who have been represented by the union since 2022.
MLB appears on track to propose a salary cap, which possibly could lead to a work stoppage that causes regular-season games to be canceled for the first time since 1995.
βWe donβt expect anything to change in terms of bargaining,β Meyer said. βWeβve been preparing for bargaining for years. Players have been preparing. Players know whatβs coming. At the end of the day leadership is important and leadership comes and goes, but what remains is the players. At the end of the day, itβs the players who determine the direction of the union. At the end of the day, itβs the players who determine our priorities and bargaining. Those priorities obviously have not changed and will not change."
The union said it will resist a salary cap.
βOur position and the historic position of this union for decades on a salary cap is well known,β Meyer said. βItβs the ultimate restriction. Itβs something that owners in all the sports have wanted more than anything and in baseball in particular thereβs a reason for that, because itβs good for them and not good for players.β
The 64-year-old Meyer spent 30 years at Weil, Gotshal & Manges before joining the NHL Players Association in 2016 as senior director of collective bargaining, policy and legal. He wouldn't say whether he wants to succeed Clark as union head.
Meyer wouldn't directly address whether the union intends to restrict the hiring of family members.
βI think itβs fair to say there are issues that will be addressed,β he said. βThere are various issues that will be evaluated, re-evaluated with the advice of counsel and, as always, at the direction of players.β
___
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
The online application process for the 2026 U.S. Open has started, and if you think you've got enough game to compete at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, here's your chance.
The U.S. Golf Association made the announcement on Wednesday. The 126th U.S. Open will be June 18-21 in Southampton, New York, and except for the 49 golfers who are qualified (as of Feb. 18), getting to Shinnecock is likely to be an arduous task.
More: Every men's golf major venue in 2026: Royal Birkdale back on the big stage
Making it to the 156-man field is a two-stage process: non-exempt players will first head to one of the 110 local qualifiers (18 holes). Then it's on to final qualifying at one of 13 sites, with 10 in the U.S. and one each in Canada, Japan and England. Many golfers will be exempt into final qualifying.
The 10 U.S. final qualifying stages (36 holes) will be split up, with one in Dallas on May 18 and the other nine on June 8, a day known as Golf's Longest Day.
Go to champs.usga.org for entry applications and the full list of qualifying sites. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 8. The catch: golfers must have a handicap of 0.4 or less, or be a professional, to enter qualifying.
The USGA reports that over the last 22 years, on average, about half the golfers in the U.S. Open made it there after advancing through one or both qualifying stages.
There are 25 categories for full exemptions into the U.S. Open.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: USGA opens application process for 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock
Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season to recover from ACL surgery, the team announced Wednesday.
Irving, who has not played this season, sustained a torn ACL in his left knee March 3. He had ACL reconstruction surgery March 26.
"This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one," Irving said in a news release. "I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.
"And I wanted to send a huge shoutout to all of my brothers and sisters out there who've torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day. Thank you for the inspiration. No fear!"
The nine-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game over 50 appearances in 2024-25.
The Mavericks (19-35), who said Irving will remain "actively engaged with the team," sit in 12th place in the Western Conference. They will look to snap a nine-game losing streak when they take on the sixth-place Minnesota Timberwolves (34-22) at 7:30 p.m. EST Friday in Minneapolis.
Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant is going underrated as a free agent in offseason projections due to broadcast angles and the generationally loaded defensive back room he just played in.
PFF posted an article labeling an underrated free agent at each defensive position group, and picked Coby Bryant for safety. Their grading system has been high on his contributions the last two seasons, giving him a 72.7 grade in 1,163 snaps since the start of 2024- good enough to rank 15th/66 and 22nd/65 safeties whoβve played at least 50% of an average teamβs snaps. Playing a ton on his rookie contract already makes him valuable, and being above-average while doing so has gone relatively uncelebrated within the Seahawks community- but the fact that he did it immediately after switching to the position from cornerback? Thatβs what makes it so underrated.
The most interesting part of the PFF article, though, is that they βitβs likely he has not quite reached his full potential as a defensive back.β They mention that heβs only turning 27 in March and think he has a bright career as an above-average safety for years to come. This reminds me of something Mike Macdonald said about his defensive structure during the playoffs-
βIf you can defend the run in split-safety, thatβs some high-powered stuff.β
Bryant was essential to this exact high-powered stuff the Seahawksβ head coach is talking about, but itβs easy to see why fans might not know so, and PFF does. The broadcast cameras donβt always show the two high safeties in their frame of view, so it looks like Bryant is just getting to the run plays late. In reality, heβs coming downhill at an elite level and enabling the players who show up on the screen to make the flashier plays.
Bryant isnβt even a top 4 defensive back by name-brand recognition on the roster- heβd be behind Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Tariq Woolen, and Julian Love- but heβs been awesome in the roles heβs given. The common argument youβll hear ahead of free agency is that the Seahawks βseemed fineβ when Ty Okada stepped in, which looked the case to the untrained eye- but losing a player like Bryant could prove his impact to be bigger than is now realized.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks safety Coby Bryant is an underrated NFL free agent
Cincinnati Bengals legend and team ambassador Chad Johnson is, in many ways, just like fans of the team.Β
And right now, being a fan of the Bengals means thinking about blockbuster offseason scenarios.Β
Think, the what if? around the Bengals trading for Maxx Crosby.Β
Johnson cut right to the chase recently on social media, directly throwing out a fun little question at the Las Vegas Raiders superstar:Β
Maxx do you like Skyline Chilliβ https://t.co/aeCRuhmiRr
β Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 17, 2026
RELATED: 6 Bengals veterans who wonβt be on Zac Taylorβs roster next year
Itβs all in good fun and nothing more, of course. Crosby is 28 years old and obviously still elite. But heβs also on a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with the Raiders. Las Vegas would want a godfather offer, including at least one first-round pick, to pry him away.Β Β
The Bengals are front and center in these ideas at all because of the sense of urgency around the franchise right now and the possible franchise tag standoff with Trey Hendrickson.Β
In theory, the Bengals could end up doing a tag-and-trade thing with Hendrickson. But it would be extremely out of character for the franchise. And if it were to happen, it wouldnβt be such a blockbuster move.Β
Alas, Johnson doing this is a fun little offseason thing during a quiet period. Why not?
RELATED: Bengals' key offseason dates for NFL free agency, draft and more
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals legend gets to work recruiting Maxx Crosby
Despite four consecutive losses and a losing record in conference play, the Auburn Tigers are still in position to make the NCAA Tournament.
According to ESPN's Bracketology by Joe Lunardi, the Tigers are projected to be a No. 8 seed in the South Regional. The projection is a positive outlook for Auburn compared to USA TODAY's projections, which slates Auburn as a No 10 seed.
Lunardi has Auburn matching up against No. 9 Indiana. The No. 1 seed projected in that bracket is the UConn Huskies, and they would play the winner of Appalachian State and Bethune-Cookman in a First Four matchup. Auburn defeated Bethune-Cookman in the season opener, 95-90 in overtime. Keyshawn Hall scored 28 points in his Auburn debut and attempted 18 shots from the free-throw line.
For Auburn to remain in the field of 68, it will need to snap its four-game losing streak on Wednesday at Mississippi State. Auburn currently sits at 14-11, and is 5-7 in the SEC. The current slide featured losses to Tennessee, Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. Before this current losing streak, Auburn had won four games in a row, with victories over South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida, and Texas. Auburn has six games remaining on the schedule with matchups at Mississippi State, versus Kentucky, at Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU, and at Alabama. They will need to start a new winning streak to go dancing.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire onΒ X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Phillip on Twitter@PJordanSports
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn basketball's place in latest ESPN Bracketology
Newcastle United are preparing plans to reshape their attacking options this summer and are monitoring Nottingham Forest winger Omari Hutchinson, according to a report by Sports Boomβs Ekrem Konur.
The report said Eddie Howeβs scouting team is tracking the 22-year-old as they look to address the issues and depth on the right wing ahead of next season.
Newcastle underwent significant change last summer, with several departures and additions reshaping the squad, but it hasnβt quite worked as most expected.
Anthony Elanga, also coming from Nott Forest, has struggled with consistency since his arriva and he has no goals and just one assist in 22 Premier League appearances this season.
Those numbers contrast with his previous campaign, when he registered six goals and 12 assists and did more than enough to merit its acquisitionβto no avail.
Sports Boom reported that Hutchinson fits the profile Newcastle are seeking to fill the winger vacancy with a talented player that can actually produce on the pitch.
Hutchinson is technically strong, capable of working his magic in tight spaces, and able to operate across the front line in a multi-position profile that fits Howeβs preferences.
Nottingham Forest, however, signed Hutchinson for a club-record Β£37.5 million from Ipswich Town last summer and that might signal a long-term belief in his development and a massive price tag in case someone like NUFC comes calling about the playerβs availability next summer.
Newcastle would be required to present what Sports Boom described as a compelling package if they choose to pursue a deal, although, on a more positive note, the report also noted that Hutchinson shares representation with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, which could offer a potential link in negotiations.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mountain West fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Dallas Cowboysβ defense has undergone a staggering transformation in just a few short years. It wasnβt that long ago when the Cowboys boasted a top-five unit that specialized in takeaways and suffocating pressure, allowing only 18.5 points per game in 2023. Fast forward to now, and the unit has plummeted to the bottom of the league. Last year, they gave up a league-worst 511 points and third-worst 6,409 yards. The fall from a perennial top ten DVOA powerhouse to a group that looks like they are playing in slow motion is absolutely jarring.
The departure of Dan Quinn to Washington has been the greatest smoking gun as to why things have abruptly changed, but coaching only tells half the story. While Quinnβs aggressive nature and infectious energy turned around a broken unit, the sheer drain of talent has left the roster looking like a K-Mart department store. Some teams occasionally lose a superstar player, some suffer bad luck with a career-changing injury, or others just lose a few key contributors that turned out to be more costly than expected. In the case of the Cowboys defense, theyβve endured all of that, and to a great extent. And to make matters worse, the teamβs response in filling those voids has consisted of underperforming draft picks, disappointing trades, and their go-to low-cost free agent signings.
To really wrap your mind around just how significant these changes have been, letβs run through whatβs happened over the last few years. Weβll start slow, but brace yourself. By the time weβre done, almost an entire defensive unit of quality starters will vanish before your eyes.
Kicking things off was a departure that was out of the Cowboysβ control. Leighton Vander Esch was the disciplined heart of the linebacker corps, serving as a reliable tackler who could navigate through traffic. When healthy, his range and football IQ allowed him to diagnose plays quickly, making him a crucial part of the run defense. His career was unfortunately hampered by recurring neck issues, but his presence provided a level of stability that the current group lacks. Trying to find a linebacker with his combination of size and awareness has proven to be a difficult task. Failed replacements like Damone Clark, Markquese Bell, and Kenneth Murray have been costly, while the one-year rental of Eric Kendricks turned out okay. It also didnβt help that draft pick hit DeMarvion Overshown has sparingly seen the field over his first three seasons due to his own health issues.
Another subtle departure is Jayron Kearse, who surprisingly became the Swiss Army knife of the secondary, utilizing his massive frame to cover tight ends and stuff the run. His hybrid ability allowed the Cowboys to stay in sub-packages without sacrificing physicality at the line of scrimmage. He had a knack for making splash plays in crucial moments. Some might not think much of Kearse, but his presence was felt. In 2022, he had a fringe Pro Bowl season where he had two picks, a fumble recovery, 10 pass breakups, and over 100 tackles, including nine for a loss.
Itβs strange to think about now, but there once was a time when the defensive end depth was so good that it was hard to get Dorance Armstrong on the field. His departure didnβt seem like much at the time, but he was a good player. His ability to provide consistent pressure as a rotational player made the pass rush relentless for four quarters, as well as being a highlight reel on special teams. After moving on to Washington, he proved that his success was no fluke by continuing to produce high sack totals and splash plays. Watching him thrive elsewhere is a bitter pill for Dallas, especially considering how they have fallen on hard times along the edge.
The final unsung departure is that slow, undersized corner that never seemed to impress any of the many coaches. For years, Jourdan Lewis was the grit of the Cowboysβ defense, known for his physicality and relentless effort in the slot. Despite his smaller stature, he never shied away from sticking his nose into the run game or battling the leagueβs slickest playmakers. His toughness provided a necessary edge to the defensive backfield as he was the type of player who would try to tackle a freight train if it meant getting off the field on third down.
Moving on to the All-Pro portion of this list of departures, we start with a player who isnβt actually gone. DaRon Bland burst onto the scene with incredible closing ability and instincts that led to a record-breaking number of pick-sixes. He showed great poise for a young player, proving he could lock down receivers both in the slot and be surprisingly respectable on the perimeter. Unfortunately, a lingering foot injury has been his kryptonite and detoured his upward rise, turning him into the Clark Kent version of cornerbacks. Bland is still here, but he just hasnβt been that same player as of late.
From one All-Pro pre-injury corner to another, there might not be a sadder fall than what we witnessed with Trevon Diggs. His sophomore season in the league was nothing short of sensational as he hauled in an impressive 11 interceptions. His instincts and ball-hawking skills made him the ultimate risk/reward player, as he consistently baited quarterbacks into mistakes that turned into big moments for the Cowboys. Before his devastating knee injury, he was one of the most exciting corners to watch, but all that came to a crashing halt. Diggs rapid decline caused the Cowboys to cut him loose before the season ended last year, which was rather damning considering the poor state of the teamβs cornerback group.
DeMarcus Lawrence has long been the unsung hero of the Dallas front, providing a rare balance of elite edge setting and pass rush production. As the teamβs Tank in the trenches, he consistently graded out as one of the best run-defending ends in the league while still generating high-pressure numbers. He was a strip-sack specialist who lived to take the soul away from opposing quarterbacks. For years, Lawrence was the steady hand that kept the defense honest and proved he could be a key piece to a Super Bowl-winning team, even though that ended up being with Seattle.
And finally, weβve reached the gut punch portion of this article. What more needs to be said about the loss of Micah Parsons? The Cowboys traded away the leagueβs most explosive pass rusher. Since entering the league, he has consistently ranked at the top of the charts in pressure rate and pass rush win rate, and has never had a year when heβs had less than a dozen sacks. His ability to line up anywhere on the line of scrimmage forces coordinators to lose sleep, yet the Cowboysβ front office felt they could rest easier by turning their most dynamic playmaker into multiple players who can help this football team. While the final verdict has yet to be handed down, thereβs no doubt that the defense is suffering without him.
The Cowboysβ defense has endured a massive talent drain over the last few years. While the front office tried to fill the gaps with low-cost signings, trades, and draft picks, those efforts so far have fallen way short of the standards set during the Quinn era. The result is a unit that lacks the cohesion, speed, and turnover production that once made them feared. In just a few short years, the defense has gone from being a brick wall to a bead curtain, and everyone in the league is just meandering right through it. An improved coaching staff should help, but theyβll need to bring in some reinforcements if this unit is to have a fighting chance.
In just a few short years, the defense of the Dallas Cowboys looks considerably different. pic.twitter.com/nAOPhuF72C
β Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) February 16, 2026
Tuesdayβs Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica at Estadio da Luz has been marred by a shameful display of racism.
After Vinicius Junior scored a sensational goal in the 50th minute, he was allegedly targeted by Benficaβs Gianluca Prestianni with racist slurs.
The incident was severe enough that referee Francois Letexier triggered the official anti-racism protocol, suspending play for 10 minutes as tensions boiled over between both sets of players and coaching staffs.
According to MARCA, Real Madrid are not standing idly by. The club have officially begun a process of gathering both visual and audio information regarding the events.
While the investigation includes the interaction between Prestianni and Vinicius, the club are also scrutinising the stands, where racist gestures were observed from specific sections of the home support following the goal celebration.
Real Madrid wonβt be holding any prisoners as club look to investigate the Vinicius racism incident. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The clubβs hierarchy is taking a nuanced approach, however. Madrid do not intend to generalise these isolated incidents of behaviour to the entire Benfica fanbase or the Portuguese institution itself.
In fact, the club acknowledged that the general atmosphere was appropriate for a historic European rivalry, admitting that such behaviour can unfortunately occur in any stadium, including the Bernabeu.
Despite the measured tone toward Benfica as a club, Real Madridβs support for its players is absolute.
Both Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe have received the full backing of the club for their actions on the pitch and their subsequent statements in the mixed zone.
The two players themselves have shown great bonhomie, with Vinicius being moved by Mbappeβs decision to defend him publicly and call out Prestianni during the post-match press interaction.
Although it may be hard to tell with the unseasonably warm weather this winter in the Mile High City, spring is in the air and on the horizon. Pitchers and catchers reported to the Rockiesβ complex in Scottsdale, Arizona last week, with position players reporting yesterday. The first game of spring training is this coming Friday, and the 2026 season of Major League Baseball will be here before we know it.
The new-look Colorado Rockies front office and coaching staff have emphasized competition and the earning of positions over the off-season. Theyβve brought in plenty of players who could complete for virtually every positionβsave for center field, catcher, and shortstopβand the prospects and youngest Rockies will have to earn their way into starting roles.
However, that doesnβt mean prospects wonβt be given a chance to show their stuff.
A sizeable handful of prospectsβmany of them listed in our PuRPs rankingsβreceived non-roster invites to camp this year to showcase how they might be part of this organizationβs future. Weβll start by looking at the young pitchers.
Konnor Eaton (No. 28 PuRP, Pre-Season 2026) and Sean SullivanNo. 8 PuRP, Pre-Season 2026) are the two southpaw prospects with non-roster invites this spring.
Eaton, 23, was the Rockiesβ sixth round pick out of George Mason University in the 2024 draft. In his professional debut season, he pitched just 11 innings, all of which were out of the bullpen. However, his workload both in college and in 2025 are that of a starter.
Eaton made 23 starts with the High-A Spokane Indians last season with a solid 3.56 ERA over 121 1/3 innings and struck out 125 batters before a late season promotion to Double-A Hartford. With the Yard Goats he made another four starts over 18 2/3 innings and posted a 5.30 ERA with 24 strikeouts. While with Spokane, he earned Northwest League Pitcher of the Week in late June after pitching back-to-back Quality Starts with 11 strikeouts in each game.
The 6β3β lefty is most likely to return to Hartford to start the 2026 season, but his ability to strike out batters and limit walks throughout his minor league career so far show promise. He misses bats with a low-to-mid 90s fastball and a high-spin sweeping slider with late horizontal break. He also has a changeup in development.
Sullivan, 23, had his 2025 season delayed after having off-season hip surgery. When he made it to Double-A Hartford in mid-May, he hit the ground running with a stupendous season.
The 2023 second round pick out of Wake Forest made 18 starts for the Yard Goats, posting a 3.14 ERA over 97 1/3 innings of work and 95 strikeouts to 24 walks. Sullivan did seem to run out of gas at the end of the season. In his final four starts, he pitched more than four innings just once and had a combined ten strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings. He had previously been on a streak of tallying five or more strikeouts in 11 of his last 12 starts.
With no experience over Double-A, Sullivan will likely start his 2026 campaign with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. However, he is virtually a lock to make his Major League debut at some point this year.
With Gabriel Hughes (No. 12 PuRP, Pre-Season 2026) now on the 40-man roster to protect him from this off-seasonβs Rule 5 draft, the right-handed pitching prospects left with non-roster invites fly a bit under the radar.
25-year-old reliever Brayan Castillo started his 2025 season with Double-A Hartford and was a reliable strikeout machine out of the Yard Goatsβ bullpen. In 26 appearances, he struck out 40 batters, walked 17, and gave up only one home run on his way to a 2.12 ERA over 34 innings.
Castillo was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque, where his debut was less than stellar. In his first Pacific Coast League game against the Reno Aces, he yielded five earned runs on four hitsβincluding a home runβwith a walk and a strikeout over 2/3 of an inning. However, he was lights out for the rest of the season. Castillo gave up earned runs in just two of his final 14 appearances and struck out 23 batters over 17 1/3 innings.
Also headed to Rockies camp is Eiberson Castellano, a 24-year-old from Venezuela who originally hails from the Philadelphia Phillies system. Castellano was selected by the Minnesota Twins in last yearβs Rule 5 draft, but was returned to the Phillies after failing to make the Opening Day roster in spring training. He was allowed to become a minor league free agent at the end of the season.
What makes Castellano intriguing is his young age and the fact that heβs not far removed from a strong 2024 campaign. In 22 appearancesβincluding 20 startsβacross the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Double-A Reading Fightinβ Phils, Castellano posted a 3.99 ERA with 136 strikeouts and 29 walks over 103 2/3 innings. He was named the Phillies organizationβs best minor league pitcher for his efforts.
Castellano struggled in 2025 pitching mostly for Double-A Reading. Battling both injuries and his own command, he carried a 5.14 ERA in 20 appearances and only made one start. While he did strike out 39 batters in 36 1/3 innings, he also walked 17 and carried a bloated 9.5 hits per nine innings.
A healthy Castellano then attended the Arizona Fall League with the Surprise Saguaros and made a solid four starts, striking out 18 batters with a 3.86 ERA over 14 innings.
Castellano can work both as a starter or from the bullpen and has done both extensively in his young professional career. His lively four-seam fastball rises late and can hit up to 98 MPH, and his excellent low-80s curveball featured a whopping 49% whiff rate in 2024. He also has a promising changeup.
With a full 40-man roster, multiple veteran signings in Jose Quintana, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Michael Lorenzen brought in over the off-season, and Rule 5 protections like Gabriel Hughes and Welinton Herrera on the inside track, itβs difficult to see a path where any of the non-roster invite pitchers make the Opening Day roster.
However, with a long season ahead and the Rockies looking to evaluate talent and establish a new floor, strong performances this spring could indicate who goes where for minor league assignments and who might be on the short list for an eventual call-up.
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when youβre commenting. Thanks!
Arsenal play Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League tonight and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has decided to deploy Bukayo Saka as a number 10, according to Team News and Ticks. The Gunners account, famous for leaking team news about the Emirates Stadium club on the internet and followed by the likes of Dharmesh Sheth, David Ornstein, Fabrizio Romano and Gary Jacobs on X (formerly known as Twitter), has been a trusted source concerning all things Arsenal for months.
They claimed this evening shortly before the official line-up for the Wolves game that the forward will be playing centrally in midfield. Noni Madueke will be playing in attack alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli. Arteta played Saka as a number 10 against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday, with an injury to Riccardo Calafiori during the warm-up changing his plans.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was due to play in midfield in the game but dropped back to left-back after the Italian defender got injured. Arteta brought Saka, who had been initially named on the bench, in to play in midfield as a number 10, claiming after the match he could play there more regularly going forward.
The Chicago Bears have been searching for a franchise quarterback for a long, long time. No one is disputing that.
But when do fans know when the team actually has one?
Itβs sort of one of those βyou know it when you see itβ deals. But what are the measures of a franchise quarterback?
Is it stats? Passing yards? Touchdowns? Lack of interceptions?
Simply wins?
Is it the given collective thought at the beginning of each season that βthat guy, that guy is the starting QB, no matter what?β
Or is it games started?
There is no right or wrong answer here. In fact, I think itβs a combination of some of these different ideas.
I also think the Bears have their franchise quarterback for the first time inβ¦wellβ¦
Health is never a given in football. Itβs a brutally violent sport, and any play can change the trajectory of a career.
Availability is one measure of a franchise quarterback. It has to be.
Some players can earn that designation without having the best availability. Look at Joe Borrow, for example. Heβs been in the league for six seasons and has played every game in only half of them.
There are plenty of reasons for that. And a player only has so much control over their bodyβs ability to absorb hit after hit and/or heal.
Bringing it back to Chicago, one of their past franchise quarterbacks had this issue. Jim McMahon was a great quarterback. He won a lot of games. But he could never stay healthy.
In seven seasons with the Bears, he never played 16 games in one season and only twice started 11 or more games.
He made 16 consecutive starts from week 10 of the 1983 season to week 10 of 1984.
But for other players, their availability is a defining trait. Brett Favre, for example. Peyton Manning, too.
Manning started every game from 1998 through 2010. After missing the 2011 season, he started every game from 2012 through the first nine games of the 2015 season.
And availability can raise the overall resumΓ© of an otherwise above-average QB.
Peytonβs two-time Super Bowl champion brother, Eli, whose legacy is often debated, started every game from week 11 of his rookie year in 2004 until week three of his final season in 2019.
Joe Flacco, the meme of βis he elite,β started every game during his first seven years in Baltimore and only missed 14 games total in his 11-year run with the Ravens.
But for Chicago, the lack of quarterback talent has hit as much as a lack of health.
Quarterbacks came and went, often through benchings due to poor play, but injuries, too.
Rex Grossman never developed, but he also didnβt get much of a chance. After sitting for the first 13 games of his career, he started just five games before a knee injury knocked him out. The next season he broke his ankle, limiting him to just two games and one start.
He came into the Super Bowl season with only seven career starts. That year he started every game, but his knack for turnovers never went away and after just 19 consecutive starts, he was benched.
And I donβt need to go on. Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields, Kyle Orton and Eric Kramer.
Each of them had flashes, but also obvious shortcomings that said βheβs not the guy.β
Then there was Jay. Polarizing as ever. He had talent, but also trusted his arm too much at times.
After starting his first 20 games with the Bears, he seemed to always get dinged up. He started 21 straight games until his broken thumb at the end of 2011.
And then there was his unceremonious benching at the end of 2014, which ended any shot at breaking the Bearsβ single-season passing record and ended a 17-straight start streak.
Itβs a pretty short list of Bears QBs with a starting streak of any length.
According to a FOX graphic put up during the Dec. 14 game against the Cleveland Browns, the longest starting streaks in franchise history are Bob Avellini (42) and Bill Wade (37).
Starts are a bit of a weird thing to track. Up until the 1950s, it wasnβt really thought of as a stat, so to speak. Or at least one that mattered. Looking back at Bears teams from the 1940s, Hall of Fame QB Sid Luckman wasnβt credited with starting every game of any of those seasons, even when he appeared in all 12 games.
But QBs werenβt really playing the position in a modern way either, with the T-formation. The Bears had multiple players attempting passes. Luckman was just doing it the most.
As the game evolved and the sport became more mainstream, things like starts did start to get tracked more.
Expanding beyond just Avellini and Wade, here are the other Bears QBs to start at least 20 games, without putting Caleb in (yet). With an assist from Jack Silverstein for helping me track these down.
27 β Jim Harbaugh β91-β92
26 β Vince Evans β80-β81
26 β Ed Brown β55-β57
25 β Bobby Douglass β72-β73
22 β Mitch Trubisky β17-β18
21 β Jay Cutler β10-β11
20 β Cutler β09-β10
20 β Erik Kramer β β95-β96
Avellini and Wade played in the 14-game season era. Ed Brown during the 12-game season.
Caleb arrived in 2024 and was the first rookie quarterback in modern franchise history to be the no-doubt week one starter. No veteran to sit behind, no one else to push him in a competition.
While that season didnβt go well, Caleb did start every game. And in his historic sophomore season, he did it again.
After just two seasons in Chicago, and thanks to the extended NFL regular season, Williams has now started 34 straight regular-season games and 36 straight, including postseason.
The above lists do not include postseason starts, but even that would add only one for each of Harbaugh, Wade and Avellini. Cutler and Trubisky missed games in the season that Chicago made the playoffs.
Caleb is already solidly in third place, and as long as he stays healthy, by the middle of October, he could be setting a new record.
In addition to setting a single-season passing yards record for the franchise, Williams is also the first QB to have consecutive seasons with at least 20 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions. His two seasons with 20 or more TD passes is tied with Luckman for the second-most in franchise history behind Cutlerβs four.
Following 2025, I think it would be hard to find a fan who doesnβt think the Bears have found their quarterback. Caleb is already rewriting Chicagoβs record books in multiple areas.
Availability is just one.
Chase Field is now the fourth-oldest ballpark in the National League, younger only than Wrigley, Dodger Stadium and Coors. As is well-recorded, the park is suffering from a range of different ailments, not least the struggles of the air-conditioning to keep up with the ever-increasing heat of Phoenix summers. This is something which could take multiple off-seasons to address, but is just one of a number of upgrades, fixes and general changes that the team is looking to carry out. Thereβs a new scoreboard for 2026, but what other updates or modifications would you like to see to our home field?
Letβs go wild, and presume money is no object. Though βrelocating it to Tucsonβ is probably slightly outside the realm of possibility, much though our southern members might want that! But otherwise? Have at it. Should the capacity be reduced? For Chase is now the second-largest capacity in the majors, behind just the Death Star. How should that be done? What facilities and features would you like to add to the park? This can be large scale β nacho slides? β or go down to finer elements, for example any specific food and beverages which you want to add to the offerings at Chase.
Morez Johnson Jr. isnβt the flashiest of all players. He doesnβt lead this Michigan basketball team in any statistical category. He isnβt a 7-foot giant and doesnβt shoot many threes. He is also usually not the one to be involved in postgame interviews. Yet, he might be the most pivotal player on this squad.
When Johnson decided to transfer from Illinois to Michigan last summer, most Michigan fans assumed they were getting a rim-running, put-back only type of scorer. How wrong they were. Johnsonβs offensive game is that of a distributor, and a back-to-the-basket scorer, and a lob threat at any and all times.
Johnson is the second-leading scorer on this team with 13.5 points per game. On top of that, he is hyper-efficient as he shoots 67 percent from two and has even made five three-pointers this season. Heβs also playable in late-game situations because heβs an excellent 79 percent from the free throw line.
With all that being said, defense is where Johnson really shines. A key component of Dusty Mayβs preferred defensive strategy is the ability to switch 1-4 while keeping Aday Mara on the opposing center. This strategy taxes Michiganβs power forwards more than anyone else. While much improved defensively, Will Tschetter still struggles to switch onto guards as a backup 4. However, itβs seamless for Johnson.
During the Purdue game on Tuesday night, it was impossible not to notice that in the final few minutes, it was Yaxel Lendeborg and Johnson guarding Purdueβs ball-handlers. While you certainly wouldnβt hope for that to be the case the entire game, itβs an ultimate luxury May has. Johnsonβs lateral quickness and recovery speed allows for him to guard just about anyone on the court.
On the season, Johnson is averaging 7.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game. However, the box score isnβt where his impact is primarily felt β itβs Johnsonβs agility that allows Mara to remain paint-bound for most of the game. Itβs Johnsonβs rebounding ability that allows Lendeborg to get out on the break and not bang around down low so much. Most importantly, Johnsonβs post presence means Michigan can put Mara on the bench late in games to avoid other teams playing the hack-a-Mara game.
Am I saying Johnson is the best player on this Michigan team? No, that honor goes to Lendeborg. What I am saying is Johnson is the most irreplaceable because of what his skills allow his teammates to produce. Without Johnsonβs presence, several other Wolverines become one-dimensional and this is an entirely different team that weβre talking about.
Johnson is exactly the type of player that a team needs to be a national title contender.
The Kansas City Royals were on the brink of making the playoffs last season, they were in it until the final week of the season, despite the myriad of starting pitching injuries and hitters underperforming.
Things like that happen in baseball, everything doesnβt work out the way you want or plan for them to go. Last season, the usual suspects, Bobby Witt Jr., Salvy, Vinnie were all great. The bullpen for the most part was exceptional.
It was leaps by players like Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel. Taylor Clarke had a surprisingly good year, considering his expectations at the beginning of the season. Steven Cruz was a revelation out of the bullpen before suffering an injury. It was βroleβ players or βsecondaryβ guys like this that helped the Royals get to another winning season of baseball.
There are plenty of candidates for the 2026 squad that could fill this role of surprise hero or big part of the team. Names like Jac Caglianone, Carter Jensen, Jonathan India come to mind immediately for me. Jac and Jensen are obviously still really young, so I donβt like calling them βroleβ players or βsecondaryβ players, but the Royals are relying on those two to be huge parts of the team this season, so I feel like they fit into the category still.
The point being, outside the main cast of superstars that the Royals have, who would you pick to have a big 2026 season?
Is what Gunner Olszewski brings to the table enough for him to earn a chance to make the New York Giants roter in 2026?
That is up to head coach John Harbaugh, maybe with an assist from general manager Joe Schoen.
Players who have the ability to be plus returners on both kickoffs and punts have value. Olszewski, a 29-year-old six-year veteran has shown that ability. He isnβt dynamic, but he can handle both jobs and occasionally fill in at wide receiver.
Among 59 players who handled at least 15 kickoff returns in 2025, Olszewskiβs 26.2 yards per return average was 25th, just above league average. His punt return average of 9.2 yards placed him 18th among 28 qualifiers with at least 15 returns. All in all, he was roughly league average combining both skills.
Olszewski cost just $1.17 million in 2025 with no money guaranteed at signing, so he certainly isnβt expensive.
Harbaughβs special teams with the Baltimore Ravens were not average. Under the direction of Chris Horton, now the Giantsβ special teams coordinator, Baltimoreβs special teams were usually among the leagueβs best. A ceiling as an average returner might not be good enough for the Giantsβ new regime.
I have no issue with giving Olszewski a similar minimum contract with no guaranteed money and letting him compete for a job.
At PSG, more is now known about Ousmane DembΓ©lΓ©'s health status
PSG: News on Ousmane DembΓ©lΓ©
On Tuesday evening, Ousmane DembΓ©lΓ© was substituted for DΓ©sirΓ© DouΓ© during the AS Monaco vs PSG clash in the first leg of the Champions League play-off. This Wednesday, the French press provided an update on the 2025 Ballon d'Or contender.
After just 27 minutes of play against AS Monaco (2-3) on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, Ousmane DembΓ©lΓ© was forced off due to injury. The Frenchman is not expected to be sidelined for long.
Indeed, according to information from LβΓquipe, Ousmane DembΓ©lΓ© was reassuring about the condition of his left calf on Wednesday, although further tests are still needed to confirm the exact nature of the injury. Both DembΓ©lΓ© and PSG are hoping for a return to action in about ten days' time.
Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin is the talk of spring training, and itβs easy to see why.
MLBβs No. 1 prospect has been blasting baseballs into oblivion on the field and impressing everybody off of it. Everyone who comes in contact with him has something great to say about him, from teammates and coaches to reporters and talking heads.
That includes former star pitcher Trevor May, who recently explained why heβs keeping an eye on Griffin this spring.
βHeβs a stud. This guy is ridiculous, and I want to see what he looks like in a big league spring training against big league pitching,β May said on βFoul Territory.β βEveryoneβs so high on him alreadyβ¦He is a five-tool player across the board. Shortstop, six-foot-fiveβ¦The guy rakes, and heβs a freak athlete. I want to see how quickly he hits the Major Leagues.β
"These types of guys don't come along very often."@IamTrevorMay is looking forward to seeing what Konnor Griffin can do, as the Pirates' offense could certainly use the boost. pic.twitter.com/mL1xElBGbA
β Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 14, 2026
Many people are wondering that, too, as Griffin fights to make the Opening Day roster. If he does, he could make his MLB debut as soon as next month.
If not, his debut will still likely come at some point this season. He may just need a bit more seasoning in the Minor Leagues after playing only 21 games at Double-A last year.
While May is excited to watch Griffin play, heβs also heard great things about the 19-year-old phenom off the field.
βThere have been people talking very highly about his training and how hard he works,β May added. βI want to see it. These types of guys donβt come along that often, to be that young and be that polished, especially for a team that desperately needs it.β
Heβll get to see Griffin play soon enough. Itβs only a matter of time.
More Pirates: Paul Skenes Showers Pirates Top Prospect With Lofty Praise
The post Former Star Pitcher Canβt Wait For Konnor Griffinβs Pirates Debut appeared first on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Time and time again I have criticized Chris Ballard, so this time I will leave in writing what I would (or at least try to) do if I were in his shoes. A lot more than we know happens behind the scenes, so take this with a grain of salt.
Its February 18th, Wednesday. Suddenly the earth starts shaking beneath your feet and after a weird dizziness you realize you are now Coltsβ general manager Chris Ballard! Lucky you! You are a millionaire with perhaps one of the best jobs in the world, but your seat is as hot as it gets. You need to deliver, and you have just one more season, or at least thatβs what the owner says, to get your NFL franchise to the playoffs. This is what I would do, of course you might disagree with some decisions, and you might agree with some. In the end, only time will truly tell.
Tough decisions, but they need to be made, not only because of the cap savings they would imply, but also because it would actually send a message to the rest of the team. Michael Pittman Jr. is a tough guy to judge, even himself saying that he has not played up to the massive extension he got a couple of seasons ago. For being paid like a top 20 wide receiver, MPJ has come nowhere close to that level of production, and despite the argument that he has never had quarterback consistency in his career, neither did Alec Pierce. If he is open to a potential restructure then perhaps he can remain with the team, but it is going to be difficult. He could also be traded to a wide receiver needy team, like the Las Vegas Raiders for example.
Kenny is also a really tough decision, because the fanbase loves him, and he is one of the longest tenured Colt on the team, but the production is just not there any more. Not only that, but the Colts have Justin Walley back from injury, who could demand snaps in the slot, and veteran Mike Hilton came in on a vet minimum deal and played well. With just way too many holes on the roster, the Colts just cannot afford to pay an underperforming slot cornerback that much money.
Zaire should not be such a tough decision to make, production is definitely not up to par, and getting rid of him will also send a message to the rest of the team. Slow linebackers that cannot cover a tight end or running back to save their lives are not worth that amount of money, even less a captain badge on their jerseys.
Age is catching up to Buckner, and injuries too. Neck injuries are no joke, and Buckner had a really tough one that required surgery. Restructuring a contract is never an easy task, but it could work best for both parties as Buckner gets to play his final years on a more competitive team and the Colts can use the money saved up to re-sign some impending free-agents.
There is little telling what Daniel Jonesβ contract with be. On one hand, he was the starting quarterback for one of the best offensives in the NFL before his injury, and looked the best he ever looked in his career, while also still being young for a quarterback. On the other hand, he is coming off a torn Achilles, struggled with injuries throughout his career, and even more concerning, it seemed like opposing defenses were already figuring him out before the injury happened. Jones has gone on record saying he wants to stay in Indy, and if I were Ballard I would like to keep him around because no other reasonable quarterback gives you a better chance to win games next year than DJ. My prediction is something along the lines of 3-year, 30M a year deal. Anything below that would be a win in my books.
Alec Pierce and Nick Cross are the two players that the Colts cannot afford to let walk. Pierce has improved every single year as a wide receiver, and has shown the tools necessary to take over games as the true #1 receiver. The risk here is that the argument can be made that the opposing teamβs #1 cornerback was mostly shadowing MPJ (think Derek Stingley Jr. for example), but it is as simple as if I had to choose just one for the next four seasons I would take Pierce and not look back. Pierce has already shown his willingness to stay here, and talked about his relationship with Daniel Jones, so that is already a big plus.
Nick Cross was the Coltsβ breakout player in the 2024-25 season, and had yet another good year. He is a versatile box-safety that is great against the run, and can actually cover tight ends. The Colts do not have a single player like him on the roster, and they are not easy to find, so keeping him in a Coltsβ uniform is imperative.
Even though Laiatu Latu has shown improvements, the Colts still need a proper pass-rusher alongside him. Kwity Paye was not a factor at all against the pass, and veteran standout Trey Hendrickson, who already has a past with both Anarumo and new Coltsβ defensive line coach, is set to be a free-agent. The cap space could be complicated here, especially after re-signing Jones, Pierce, and Cross, but as we all know cap space is a mere illusion, and when your job is as on the line as Ballardβs is right now, he needs to get it done, no matter the cost.
The Colts do not have their first round pick because of the Sauce Gardner trade that happened mid-season, but this seems like a deep defensive draft, and the Colts need a ton of help on defense. First of all they need to find their linebacker of the future, and no-one fits better than Missouriβs Josiah Trotter here. While not the best coverage linebacker here (still much, much better than Zaire Franklin), Trotter is much more explosive and actually shows the ability to get off blocks in the run game. Having all cornerbacks healthy would allow Anarumo to deploy a hypothetically re-signed Nick Cross much more in the box, with Bynum as the single high safety, that would allow Trotter not to be forced to handle the other teamβs most dangerous receiving threat.
The case for Darrell Jackson Jr. and Tim Keenan III is rather similar: Buckner and Stewart are not getting any younger, and the Colts need to start thinking about life without them. Getting those two guys would also help alleviate some of the load off the veteran duoβs shoulders, while also getting them ready for the starting job in a couple years.
The United States and Canada are going head-to-head tomorrow for the Olympic womenβs hockey gold medal game, but that intense rivalry just got more heated with rumors spreading that two star players on the opposing teams just broke up.
Neither Team Canadaβs Daryl Watts nor Team USAβs Caroline Harvey has come out as queer or publicly admitted they are dating, but that hasnβt stopped rumors from swirling that the rivals broke up.
Fans have speculated for a while that the pair have been secretly dating β though there is no evidence to back up this assertion β but after a TikTok Live, social media has become convinced the two ended their relationship while at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
from Fauxmoi
An out-of-context clip of the TikTok Live with Harvey and teammate Leila Edwards is making the rounds on social media, where Edwards can be heard answering a fan question by saying, βYes, Caroline is single.β
Is this the confirmation that Harvey and Watts were dating that fans have been waiting for? Not really. Harvey may have confirmed sheβs single, but didnβt say she was newly single or give the name of the person she was previously dating.
But this hasnβt stopped fans on social media from treating the breakup as fact.
βA USA Hockey star and her Hockey Canada gf breaking up before the Gold Medal Game is levels of lesbianism once thought to be incomprehensible,β someone posted.
βLesbian couple Daryl Watts and Caroline Harvey broke up before the gold medal game tomorrow. If Heated Rivalry fans could do anything other than whine about the Tkachuks for five minutes theyβd be so interested in this,β another fan wrote.
The bottom line is that while the Live may have gotten rumors about the supposed couple swirling again, neither athlete has publicly disclosed that they are LGBTQ+.
Intense speculation about a celebrityβs sexuality is never a good idea and has forced celebrities to come out before they were ready in the past. Let's not forget what happened to actor Kit Connor. But one thing is certain, with nine confirmed out and proud players hitting the rink, this game is going to be one that sapphics don't want to miss.
This article originally appeared on Pride: USA-Canada Olympic women's hockey rivalry gets spicy with a rumored lesbian breakup
Milan and Como meet in the matchday they have pending due to the celebration of the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, each in search of different objectives.
This is how both teams line up...
Butez - Kempf, Jacobo RamΓ³n, Diego Carlos - Van Der Brempt, Perrone, Sergi Roberto, Vojvoda - Caqueret, Baturina - Nico Paz
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in πͺπΈ here.
Mitch Marner goal video: Canada star's dazzling overtime winner helps Canada avoid Czechia upset scare originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Team Canada is heading to the men's Olympic ice hockey semifinals.Β
Canada matched up with Czechia in the quarterfinals, and it was a tighter game than many anticipated. Czechia actually had a lead well into the third until Nick Suzuki scored with less than five minutes left in the game to tie it up at three.
Olympic men's ice hockey in the quarterfinals utilizes a different overtime system. After a commercial break, the third period ends, and it goes to a 10-minute 3-on-3 sudden death format. One minute and 22 seconds into overtime, Canada's Mitch Marner found the back of the net for the win.Β
Here is more on Marner's game-winning goal.Β
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule
Marner is normally someone you would expect to assist a goal, rather than score it, but he decided to take matters into his own hands. The Vegas Golden Knights winger took the puck straight down the middle of the ice, weaving through defenders. He went toward the left post and had the goalie locked in on him. He went with a backhand and somehow had the perfect angle to sneak it inside the far post past Czechia goalie Lukas Dostal, who had the near post covered.Β
MITCH MARNER CALLS GAME IN OT. π¨π¦π₯#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/8nCO7eg2fa
β NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026
To add to the highlight-reel goal, Marner had fallen to the ice while shooting, but got up elated before going to celebrate with his team.
Marner was asked if it was the biggest hockey goal he has ever scored. He said, "Yeah, probably, it's hard not to say it isn't.Β Obviously, it's a do-or-die game and one of the biggest tournaments of your life. So, yeah, it'd be cool to, you know, after this tournament, look back on something like that, but we got some work still to do.β
MORE: How did Canada beat Czechia?
Canada beat Czechia 4-3 in overtime.Β
Team Canada took the early lead as Macklin Celebrini scored just 3:05 into the first period. Czechia responded with a goal by Lukas Sedlak and David Pastrnak to end the first period up 2-1. Nathan Mackinnon scored halfway through the second to tie it up. Ondrej Palat put Czechia up with about eight minutes to go in the game, and Suzuki scored with less than four minutes left to keep Canada in the game.Β
Marner scored the game-winner early in overtime to send Canada to the semifinals.Β
The Cleveland Browns head into the 2026 NFL draft with a few extra draft picks and a few too many needs, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Almost every Browns mock draft will include the team adding multiple offensive linemen, wide receivers, and maybe even a quarterback. NFL free agency and trades could help fill some of those needs, but Cleveland will be expected to add offense on top of offense in this yearβs draft.
The Browns defense, with new DC Mike Rutenberg, has a lot of talent and is likely to deploy a few more blitzes in 2026. One big change for Clevelandβs defense could be using more single-high safety looks, instead of splitting them.
In a post on Substack (subscriber, $), Cory Kinnan noted that Arizona safety Genesis Smith could be the perfect fit to play the role that Jessie Bates did for Rutenberg with the Atlanta Falcons. While Ronnie Hickman has played the role of free safety, along with Grant Delpit, he does not have the kind of range that might be a better fit for Rutenberg. According to Kinnan, Smith does:
He is expected to test off the charts next week at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his ability to cover ground over the top is unmatched in this class.
Kinnan has Smith ranked as his 32nd overall prospect. The Consensus Big Board has Smith much lower, 93rd, which would put him in a position for the Browns to select in the third or fourth round. Mock drafts have Smith being selected everywhere between 18th overall and the fourth round.
How would you feel about the Browns using a Day 2 pick on a safety to replace Hickman? Do you think a true free safety is needed in Cleveland?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below
U.S. media coverage of Winter Olympians Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu treated their nationality decisions as measures of allegiance rather than parallel career choices, according to a University of Michigan study published in January.
The analysis found that while Kimβs representation of the U.S. was framed as a natural extension of the American dream, Guβs decision to compete for China during the 2022 Beijing Olympics was repeatedly situated within debates over patriotism and U.S.-China tensions. References to loyalty and national alignment appeared far more frequently in coverage of Gu than in reporting on Kimβs Olympic appearances in 2018 and 2022.
Celebrated insider, scrutinized outsider
Kim, the daughter of Korean immigrants, was born and raised in California and declined an invitation to join South Koreaβs national team before winning gold in snowboarding at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and again in Beijing in 2022. Media coverage frequently described her as an βAll-American teenager,β emphasizing her immigrant family background as part of a broader narrative of American opportunity and inclusion.
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Gu, also born and raised in California to a Chinese immigrant mother and white American father, trained within the U.S. ski system before announcing in 2019 that she would represent China. At the Beijing Games, she won two gold medals and one silver. The study found that U.S. reporting consistently foregrounded her nationality decision, often introducing it early in articles and returning to it throughout coverage. Commentary regularly invoked phrases such as calls to βpick a side,β framing her athletic career within a binary of insider versus outsider.
Both athletes are currently competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where 25-year-old Kim has won silver in womenβs snowboard halfpipe and 22-year-old Gu has earned silver in freestyle skiing slopestyle, with additional events including womenβs big air and halfpipe still ahead for Gu later in the Games.
Loyalty, race and academic framing
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Researchers concluded that both athletes experienced what they describe as βconditional belonging,β meaning their acceptance as American was tied to perceived national loyalty. Kimβs alignment with Team USA reinforced her portrayal as an emblem of national success. Guβs choice to represent China, however, was frequently cast as suspect or strategic, with some commentary suggesting profit or political symbolism.
The study also identified recurring references to academic credentials and family sacrifice in coverage of both athletes. Reports highlighted Kimβs connection to Princeton University and Guβs admission to Stanford University, along with mentions of high SAT scores and strong parental support. These elements reflected what the authors describe as the persistence of the βmodel minorityβ stereotype, where athletic excellence was intertwined with expectations of academic achievement and filial devotion.
βDespite the fact that Chloe Kim is an American citizen, she had to worry about hate crimes because of her appearance and her Asian identity,β said Doo Jae Park, the studyβs corresponding author. The findings document how sports coverage during two Olympic cycles became a site where national belonging for Asian American athletes was publicly negotiated through the lens of loyalty.
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Trending on NextShark: Asian American Olympiansβ nationality choices cast as 'loyalty tests' by media: study
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After Big E suffered a career-threatening neck injury on "WWE SmackDown" in 2022, fans questioned if the former world champion would ever be able to return to the ring until this past October, when he officially considered himself retired from professional wrestling.Β However, Big E recently shared that heΒ didn't initially think the broken neck would keep him out of action long-term, until learning about the specific fracture he endured.
In an interview with "The Takedown on SI,"Β Big E explained that when doctors started to refer to his neck injury as a "Jefferson Fracture," a break that has a severe impact on the C1 vertebra, he knew it was time to hang up his boots for good.
"I wasn't in pain, I wasn't concussed at all, I didn't have any real nerve issues. I was like, 'Okay, we'll heal up.' And they told me initially, I think it was eight weeks being in a neck brace, and you should be good to go," he explained. "My C1 was broken in two places, and oftentimes, when that happens, the C1 will heal like cartilage. So in those gaps, it'll form cartilage instead of ossifying, instead of forming new bone ...Β the doctor almost damn near begged me like, 'Hey, please, even if you get your all go, you're clear, you're allowed to get back in the ring, please really reconsider it' ...Β And when I told him, 'I think I'm definitely leaning towards being done,' he almost quite literally breathed a sigh of relief."
Big E continued to explain that it's sobering to watch legends return around WrestleMania season every year, stating that many veterans are suffering from pain despite not being too old of age, and is glad that he chose not to gamble with his health.
Read more: WWE Botches That Left Wrestlers Seriously Injured
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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.
NCAA rejects latest Colorado-Syracuse joint spring game proposal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NCAA has denied a waiver request from Deion Sanders and Colorado and Syracuse that would have allowed the programs to hold joint spring practices in 2026, according to USA TODAY Sports.Β
Under current NCAA legislation, spring games or practices between two Football Bowl Subdivision programs are prohibited unless specific relief is granted. The NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee voted during a Jan. 22 video conference to reject the request, citing an ongoing comprehensive review of the college football calendar.
Sanders and Syracuse coach Fran Brown had proposed a joint practice format modeled after the NFL, where teams frequently practice against one another during training camp. Sanders previously described the concept as a potential βpilot programβ that could modernize spring football.
The Buffaloes and Orange also sought similar relief in 2025. That request was denied because it was submitted late in the spring practice window. This yearβs proposal was filed earlier but was rejected for broader policy reasons.
Committee chair Mark Alnutt, the athletic director at the University at Buffalo, told USA TODAY Sports the group did not want to grant an exception for two schools while a subcommittee conducts a βdeep diveβ into potential calendar changes, including the structure of spring practice.
βCircumstances do not warrant relief of the legislation,β the NCAA wrote in its rationale.
More:Β Shedeur Sandersβ jersey retirement was 'breaking point' for Colorado legend
The governing body left open the possibility of future changes, noting a subgroup may consider legislation that would permit joint practices across the membership.
Colorado will not appeal the decision. Syracuse will hold its annual spring game April 11, while Colorado opens spring practice March 2.
It's bottom hosting top at Molineux on Wednesday as Wolves host Arsenal in a rearranged Premier League game due to Arsenal's involvement in the League Cup final in March.
This is a chance for Arsenal to momentarily stretch their lead atop the table to seven points, albeit they will have played a game more than second-place Manchester City.
WATCH β Wolves v Arsenal
For live updates and highlights throughout Wolves vs Arsenal, check out PST's live blog coverage below.
Goalscorers: None
Sa - Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci - Thcatchoua, Andre, A. Gomes, Mane, H. Bueno - Bellegarde, Armstrong
Raya - Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie - Zubimendi, Rice, Saka - Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Kick off time:3pm ET Wednesday (February 18)
Venue:Molineux β Wolverhampton
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League table and are on nine points after Rob Edwards' side somehow grabbed a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest last week. They also won 1-0 at Grimsby Town in the FA Cup on Sunday to reach the last 16 of that competition as they try and salvage some positives from a dire season. Wolves sit 18 points from safety in the Premier League with 12 games to go.
Arsenal drew at Brentford last Thursday to drop points in the title race and they're now just four points ahead of Man City. They hammered Wigan 4-0 in the FA Cup on Sunday to reach the last 16 and the quadruple is well and truly on as they face City in the League Cup final at Wembley in March. But the pressure is showing and Mikel Arteta needs his side to take care of business at Wolves.
Hwang Hee-chan and Toti Gomes are out through injury, while Andre could feature. Wolves made some decent January additions with Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes coming in and Wolves they will be desperate to keep picking up points and finish on at least 12 this season so they don't equal Derby County's record as the worst team in the Premier League history. Given their remaining fixtures, they may have to wait for the last few weeks of the season to try and get a few more points on the board.
Arteta is bemoaning injuries starting to pile up again with Martin Odegaard going down, plus Riccardo Calafiori injured in the warm up ahead of the FA Cup win against Wigan on Sunday and Ben White coming off during that game. Mikel Merino is out, while Kai Havertz has also suffered another setback. Arteta tried Saka and Eze in a more central role at the weekend and that could be something we see more of in the final months of the season as Noni Madueke continues to dazzle on the right wing.
This feels like it will be tighter than most people expect, but Arsenal will just about get the job done. Wolves 1-2 Arsenal.
Lille midfielder AndrΓ© Gomes is βset to leave,β announced his coach Bruno Genesio at a press conference. A substitute during the away match against FC Metz on 6th February (0-0), the 32-year-old player has not been selected for tomorrowβs Europa League match against Red Star Belgrade.
Sidelined from the first team due to multiple physical problems, the Portuguese international, who has 29 caps to his name, has played only seven minutes in two Ligue 1 appearances this season. So, a year and a half after returning to northern France, the time now seems right for him to turn the page and discover a new league.
Having notably played for FC Barcelona, Everton and SL Benfica, Gomes is now reportedly set to join Columbus Crew SC, who finished twelfth in the Major League Soccer table last season. Under contract with Les Dogues until next June, the 2016 European champion is expected to be released in the coming hours.
GFFNΒ |Β LΓ©o Aschi
Knicks' OG Anunoby to return against Pistons despite strange injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Knicks will be near full strength for Thursday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden.Β
Guard Miles McBride remains sidelined after undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury. However, OG Anunoby is ready to return after missing the Knicks' last four games before the All-Star break.Β
Anunoby's weird injury includes dealing with pain in his right foot after undergoing a toenail avulsion.Β
"OG says he's ready to play tomorrow," the New York Post's Stefan Bondy wrote Wednesday. "He's getting better. His toenail hasn't grown back yet, however, and he doesn't know why it was ripped off."Β
Anunoby is clearly confused about what led him to this rare injury.Β
According to foot and ankle specialists, basketball players are susceptible to a toenail avulsion due to "intense trauma or injury" tight footwear, and repetitive jumping and landing.Β
As one of the Knicks' best defenders, Anunoby stays active and often guards opposing teams' best players. How will he fare without one of his toenails? New York is about to find out.Β
Matchroom Boxing will continue to be a featured core of DAZNβs boxing business for the foreseeable future as the company has just announced that theyβve reached a five-year deal extension with the streaming platform which is said to demonstrate DAZNβs ongoing commitment to delivering the best boxing content in the world as they look to continue βraising the barβ (and probably their subscription price π).
βDAZN will continue to deliver a non-stop calendar of premium events supported by year-round original content to take fans inside the stories, camps and rivalries. Together, DAZN and Matchroom Boxing will continue to drive boxingβs evolution and deliver a premium experience to fans around the world,β they mentioned in a press release.
Matchroom, being one of the worldβs biggest boxing promotional companies, has the roster to largely float DAZNβs boxing business on its own, so there should be plenty of fight cards to supply to the network, even if all of them wonβt deliver on the value many subscribers would hope for. DAZN has recently introduced a new βUltimateβ subscription service that includes a guaranteed number of PPV events each year, although the quality of those designated PPV fights are completely up to their discretion.
CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers got back at it in practice on Wednesday looking to prepare for the final 28 games of the regular season in an attempt to prepare for what they hope will be a long playoff run in April and May.
The key to all of it will be big man Joel Embiid who missed the final two games before the All-Star break due to right knee injury management. One has to assume that the Sixers will have Embiid when they take on the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, but with that being said, the injury report on Wednesday will be the deciding factor on tht.
As far as practice is concerned, coach Nick Nurse did say the big fella was a participant, but he also needs to meet with the doctors.
"He was out there," said Nurse. "He looked pretty good. He's got a meeting, I think, here shortly with the doctors and stuff here this afternoon. So, we'll know a little bit more about where he is, but he was out there a little bit today. He looked pretty good."
Before a Feb. 11 matchup with the New York Knicks, Nurse did say that Embiid had reported soreness in the knee. One has to wonder if that's the reason why he has a meeting with the doctors, but at the same time, Nurse isn't exactly sure on what's going on with the 2023 MVP winner.
"I don't know," Nurse added. "I think, again, this is just a scheduled meeting with the doctors today. So, I think that they need to check everything out and see where he is. So, we'll know more later."
The Sixers have lost six of their last seven games in which Embiid doesn't play. His presence on the floor is a big help for this group and Philadelphia has to hope he can play on Thursday against the Hawks.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers injury news: Latest on Joel Embiid after practice on Wednesday
The Detroit Lions aren't going anywhere on your radio dial.
The Lions and local sports radio station WXYT-FM (97.1) announced a multi-year extension of their partnership Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The station has broadcast all Lions games since 2021, when the Lions left WJR-AM (760) for a more sports-centric audience.
The team was with 97.1 previously, but left in 2016 after the team grew angry withΒ popular drive-time host Mike Valenti.
At the time, CBS Detroit senior vice president and market manager Debbie Kenyon said in a statement that the sticking point in negotiations with the Lions wasΒ the station'sΒ "refusal to be censored in talking about the teamΒ and making honest assessments on the air about this team."
Now an Audacy station, Kenyon said of the new agreement in a release, "This extension underscores our deep commitment to the team and to delivering the most authentic and highest quality game-day experience to the dedicated Lions fans across the region and beyond."
"This is a partnership that ensures a strong connection to our fans through the most prominent sports station in the area for years to come," Lions president Rod Wood said in a release.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him atΒ dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him onΒ Bluesky,Β XΒ andΒ InstagramΒ at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions extend radio partnership with 97.1 The Ticket
If theΒ Jacksonville JaguarsΒ choose to address the running back position in free agency, who are the best available free agent options for them?
Of course, one of the top free agent backs is the Jaguars' own Travis Etienne. One would think that if the Jaguars are going to splurge on the running back position in free agency, it would be to re-sign Etienne.
But if Etienne ends up elsewhere, then the likely plan for the Jaguars is to go into the new year leaning heavily on Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, which could very well be the plan.
In this scenario, that doesn't mean that the running back position won't be added to, depth and competition for that third spot on the depth chart will be needed, but I would guess that Jacksonville isn't planning on devoting a ton of salary cap resources to this unit.
With 11 draft picks, Jacksonville could also address running back in the draft.
Like every team, the Jaguars have the opportunity to create more cap space, but are currently in a tight situation.
With help fromΒ Pro Football Focus'Β free agency big board, here are the top available players at running back.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars free agency: Best running back options if Travis Etienne leaves
The first player from the Green Bay Packers on PFF's Top 101 players from the 2025 season is All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney, who landed at No. 66 overall. PFF is releasing the top 101 players from last season in 20-player groups, and the list will be complete by Friday, Feb. 20. Through players ranked No. 101 to No. 41, McKinney is the only Packer.
McKinney, who was a first-team All-Prin in 2024 and second-team All-Pro in 2025, ranked No. 56 in 2024 and No. 57 in 2023.
McKinney intercepted only two passes in 2025 after picking off a career-high eight in 2024, but the former New York Giant was still a highly effective player in coverage, against the run and as a tackler.
From PFF: "McKinney remains one of the best defensive backs in football, even though his interception total dipped in 2025. He pulled in only two picks, but his nine pass breakups were tied for the second most at the position. His 77.4 PFF overall grade ranked ninth among safeties in 2025."
McKinney had a PFF grade above 75.0 as a run defender (82.8), in coverage (77.4) and as a tackler (90.6). Among safeties with at least 400 snaps played in 2025, McKinney ranked seventh against the run, ninth in coverage and first as a tackler. He allowed only one touchdown pass into his coverage and missed only five tackle attempts, with a passer rating against of 63.9 and a missed tackle percentage of 4.5 (career-best). His nine pass breakups (not counting interceptions) also set a new career high.
While his interceptions fell, McKinney was only targeted 32 times across 665 coverage snaps in 2025. Quarterbacks weren't willing to challenge him down the field in fear of turnovers.
McKinney won't be the only Packer on the list. Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Zach Tom and Christian Watson all had final PFF grades over 80.0 in 2025, and Micah Parsons ranked third among all defensive players with at least 400 snaps played in overall PFF defense grade.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers S Xavier McKinney lands at No. 66 on PFF's Top 101 players of 2025 list
The first Drink Las Vegas festival will take place from September 24 to September 27 in 2026. The festival will create a beverage paradise for drinkers which will occupy four major Las Vegas Strip hotels. The event, which MGM Resorts International hosts together with a21 experiential event agency and PRP sports management company, will showcase a unique celebration that features cocktails, spirits, and culinary arts.
Spanning Bellagio, ARIA, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Park MGM, the festival will offer over 50 exclusive events designed to educate, engage, and entertain guests. Whether you are a casual enthusiast or an industry professional, this event will highlight the intersection of drinks and culinary craft, celebrating the innovators pushing the boundaries of modern beverage culture.
The Drink Las Vegas festival will feature dynamic tastings, signature cocktail events, masterclasses, and panel discussions with top industry leaders. Attendees will have the chance to engage with renowned mixologists, chefs, sommeliers, and celebrity figures from the food and beverage world. From cutting-edge cocktail culture to curated dining experiences, Drink Las Vegas aims to redefine how people experience beverage culture.
Ryan Abboushi, President of Entertainment at MGM Resorts, commented, βThis event is all about bringing together the best minds in the beverage world to spark conversation, share ideas, and highlight the incredible creativity in this space. Thereβs no better place to celebrate cocktail culture than in Las Vegas, where innovation is always at the forefront.β
The festival will feature a variety of exciting events designed to appeal to all types of drink and food lovers. Some key highlights include:
In addition to the events taking place across the four resorts, the festival will also host late-night pop-ups and secret speakeasy-style experiences that will add an element of surprise and exclusivity to the weekend.
As the festival will take place in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, the diverse programming is designed to appeal to both industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering something for everyone. Whether youβre looking to deepen your knowledge of mixology or simply enjoy a night of delicious cocktails and top-tier cuisine, Drink Las Vegas will be the event of the year.
As the festival date approaches, further details regarding ticketing, room packages, talent announcements, and more will be released. With such an impressive lineup of events and experiences, Drink Las Vegas is set to become one of the cityβs signature annual events, highlighting the best of modern mixology, culinary artistry, and beverage innovation.
For more information and to stay updated on ticket releases, visit drinklasvegas.com or follow along on Instagram at @drinklasvegas.
The first Drink Las Vegas event will introduce a revolutionary celebration that showcases both high-quality cocktails and exceptional culinary arts. The festival will take place at premier luxury hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, which will showcase top international mixologists, chefs and industry experts to create an authentic festival atmosphere. The festival in the downtown area serves as an essential event for people who love exceptional drinks, remarkable food and memorable experiences.
The post Las Vegas Welcomes the Drink Las Vegas Festival: A New Standard for Cocktail Culture appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Pittsburgh joins San Diego, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Washington County and Waynesboro as U.S. cities rewriting tourism rules, and now Pittsburgh joins San Diego, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Washington County and Waynesboro again in a powerful shift shaking American travel. This story explains how U.S. cities, U.S. cities, and more U.S. cities are using tourism marketing grants to spark a nationwide travel boom. Moreover, as Pittsburgh joins San Diego, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Washington County and Waynesboro, the tourism marketing grants strategy grows louder, stronger, and impossible to ignore. Therefore, Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story and uncover why these cities, these cities, and these cities are changing tourism forever.
The tourism industry in the United States is entering a bold new phase. Cities are no longer waiting for travellers to arrive on their own. They are actively investing money to attract them. This is where tourism marketing grants USA become powerful weapons. These grants help cities sell their stories. They help events grow. They help hotels fill rooms. Pittsburgh is leading this movement with a sharp new marketing strategy. Other cities are following fast. From California to Virginia, destination marketing organisations are using funding to shape travel demand. This shift is changing how tourism works in America. It is planned. It is targeted. And it is aggressive.
Tourism is not accidental anymore. It is engineered. Travel choices are influenced by digital ads, events, festivals, and storytelling. Cities that invest in visibility win. Tourism marketing grants USA allow destinations to compete on a national and global stage. These grants help small festivals become major attractions. They help unknown neighbourhoods gain attention. They create reasons to travel. In a post-pandemic world, competition for visitors is intense. Marketing grants give cities control. They allow tourism boards to guide visitor flow. This ensures economic growth. It also protects local culture. Tourism funding has become a growth engine.
Pittsburgh has reinvented itself. Once known for steel, it is now known for culture. VisitPittsburgh has taken a strategic step by launching marketing grants focused on festivals and cultural events. This approach is smart. Events bring people. People spend money. The cityβs tourism marketing grants USA strategy supports mid-sized events with strong visitor potential. These grants focus on promotion, not just production. That matters. Marketing is what brings outsiders. VisitPittsburgh understands that a festival without promotion is invisible. By funding marketing, the city ensures reach, impact, and hotel stays. This is modern tourism thinking.
The Pittsburgh model is clear and focused. Grants are given to events that can attract visitors from outside the region. These events must prove value. They must show growth potential. Marketing support includes digital campaigns, media exposure, and branding assistance. This is not charity. It is investment. VisitPittsburgh uses tourism marketing grants USA to maximise return. Every pound spent is expected to bring more pounds back. This model turns culture into commerce. It also builds long-term destination value. Pittsburgh is not selling attractions. It is selling experiences.
Albuquerque stands out by using tourism marketing grants USA to amplify culture. The city understands that travellers want authenticity. Visit Albuquerque funds events and projects that showcase local traditions, food, and art. This creates emotional connections. The tourism grants support marketing, storytelling, and visibility. Albuquerqueβs funding model includes different grant levels. Small ideas can grow. Big events can expand. This layered approach helps innovation. It also spreads tourism benefits across the city. Albuquerque proves that cultural pride and tourism growth can move together.
Marketing brings visitors. Visitors bring money. Albuquerqueβs tourism marketing grants USA focus on events that increase overnight stays. This is key. Overnight visitors spend more. They use hotels. They eat out. They shop. Grants are awarded to projects that prove this impact. The city tracks performance. This data-driven approach strengthens future funding. Albuquerque uses tourism funding as a business tool. It supports creative ideas while protecting public value. This balance makes the programme strong and sustainable.
Colorado Springs faces a common problem. Some places get crowded. Others are ignored. Tourism marketing grants USA help solve this. Visit Colorado Springs uses grant funding to promote lesser-known neighbourhoods. This strategy spreads visitors across the region. It reduces pressure on popular sites. It also shares economic benefits. Marketing campaigns highlight local stories, hidden attractions, and community voices. This builds a richer destination image. Colorado Springs shows that smart tourism funding can manage growth, not just increase it.
Tourism is about stories. Colorado Springs understands this deeply. Its tourism marketing grants USA support storytelling projects. These projects humanise destinations. They make places relatable. Travellers connect with people, not just landscapes. By funding storytelling, the city builds trust and curiosity. This approach attracts conscious travellers. It also encourages longer stays. When visitors explore more areas, they stay longer. This is how marketing grants turn into economic impact.
San Diego operates at a different scale. Its tourism marketing grants USA system is massive. Funded by hotel assessments, the city reinvests visitor money into promotion. This creates a powerful cycle. Tourism funds tourism. Grants support major events, sports tourism, and large-scale marketing campaigns. San Diego competes globally. Its funding model allows it to stay visible year-round. This consistency matters. It keeps the city top-of-mind for travellers. San Diego proves that sustained marketing wins long-term tourism battles.
San Diegoβs tourism funding is strategic. Hotels contribute because they benefit. Marketing drives demand. Demand fills rooms. Tourism marketing grants USA are awarded to projects that guarantee returns. Events must prove they attract visitors. Data is central. Performance is tracked. This business-minded approach protects the system. It ensures accountability. San Diegoβs model is often studied by other cities. It shows how tourism can fund itself when managed well.
Washington County may not be a major city, but its tourism vision is strong. The county uses tourism marketing grants USA to promote heritage, events, and experiences. Funding comes from hotel taxes. This ensures visitors support promotion. Grants focus on attracting non-local travellers. Local advertising is not funded. This sharp focus protects value. Washington County also invests in infrastructure that supports tourism. Marketing and development work together. This integrated approach strengthens long-term growth.
Washington County shows the importance of rules. Tourism marketing grants USA must have purpose. Grants are not given randomly. They follow strategy. Clear criteria protect public money. They also guide applicants. This transparency builds trust. It encourages better projects. When tourism funding is structured, outcomes improve. Washington Countyβs approach proves that even smaller regions can compete with clarity and focus.
Waynesboro uses small tourism marketing grants USA to create big results. The cityβs BOOST programme supports local events and experiences. Grants are small, but targeted. They focus on attracting visitors from outside the region. This ensures economic impact. Waynesboro understands its scale. It does not try to compete with major cities. Instead, it amplifies niche experiences. Art, culture, and community events become travel reasons. This grassroots approach builds organic tourism growth.
Micro-grants change behaviour. They empower creators. They encourage marketing thinking. Waynesboroβs tourism marketing grants USA help local organisers think bigger. Marketing support teaches them to reach new audiences. This skill remains even after funding ends. The city gains long-term capacity. Tourism becomes a shared responsibility. This bottom-up model strengthens resilience. It proves that tourism growth does not always need big budgets.
Across the United States, a pattern is clear. Tourism marketing grants USA are shaping destination strategy. Cities are no longer passive. They are proactive. Grants allow precision. They target seasons, audiences, and behaviours. This reduces waste. It increases impact. Tourism boards act like marketers, not just promoters. They analyse data. They test campaigns. They scale success. This professionalisation is transforming the travel industry.
Marketing creates demand. Demand sustains tourism. Tourism marketing grants USA ensure visibility in a crowded market. Travellers have choices. Cities must stand out. Grants help destinations tell their stories louder and clearer. They also protect local culture by guiding visitor flow. This balance is crucial. Unmanaged tourism harms communities. Managed tourism grows economies. Grants are the tools that enable management.
The lesson is simple. Tourism growth is planned. Pittsburgh, Albuquerque, San Diego, and others prove this. Tourism marketing grants USA allow cities to invest with intent. They turn events into attractions. They turn culture into currency. They turn visitors into repeat guests. Cities that ignore marketing fall behind. Cities that fund it strategically lead. This is the future of destination management.
Tourism will keep evolving. Digital platforms will grow. Competition will increase. Tourism marketing grants USA will become more important. Cities will refine targeting. Sustainability will matter more. Grants will support responsible travel. They will protect communities while boosting economies. The cities discussed here are not experiments. They are blueprints. They show what works.
Tourism marketing grants USA are no longer optional. They are essential. Pittsburghβs bold move places it among smart destinations. Alongside Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, San Diego, Washington County, and Waynesboro, it shows how funding shapes travel futures. These cities are not waiting for tourists. They are inviting them. Loudly. Strategically. Successfully.
The post Pittsburgh Joins San Diego, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Washington County and Waynesboro as U.S. Cities Unleashing Tourism Marketing Grants to Spark a Nationwide Travel Boom appeared first on Travel And Tour World.There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the sun sets over the High Atlas Mountains. The air turns a deep indigo, the scent of cedarwood and cumin drifts from the nearby medinas, and for a moment, time feels like it has folded in on itself. This is Moroccoβa destination that doesnβt just ask for your attention; it demands your soul.
Recognizing the worldβs growing hunger for authentic, deeply rooted experiences,Β Central HolidaysΒ has officially debuted a stunning new line of travel programs to Morocco for 2026. Building on a legacy that dates back to 1972, this collection isnβt just a list of hotels and bus routes; it is a meticulously handcrafted invitation to step inside the βliving cultureβ of North Africa.
The 2026 Morocco collection is designed around the philosophy that every traveler is unique. Central Holidays has moved away from βcookie-cutterβ tourism, instead offering a spectrum of experiences that range from expansive cross-country expeditions to intimate city escapes.
1. Morocco In-Depth: The Grand TourΒ For those who want to see the tapestry in its entirety, the βIn-Depthβ programs are a masterclass in travel planning. These itineraries weave together the βImperial CitiesββFez, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakechβwith the raw, untamed beauty of the Sahara. You might find yourself wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Fezβs ancient medina in the morning and, by the following night, watching the Milky Way from a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
2. City Stays & Cultural EscapesΒ Not everyone has two weeks to spare. Central Holidays has introduced βCultural Escapesβ focused on hubs like Casablanca and Marrakech. These programs are perfect for the traveler who wants a βhome baseβ to explore at a relaxed pace. They offer the perfect balance: professionally guided sightseeing to hit the historical highlights, paired with generous leisure time to haggle for textiles, sip mint tea, or enjoy a traditional Hammam.
3. The Gateway to Africa: Multi-Country JourneysΒ Understanding that Morocco is a crossroads of civilizations, Central Holidays also offers extended journeys that pair Morocco with neighboring Mediterranean or African destinations. These are seamless, cross-cultural adventures that highlight the shared history and distinct differences between the Maghreb and beyond.
What sets these programs apart is the human connection. Mayye Osman, Director of Regional Strategy at Central Holidays, notes that Morocco is a destination that rewards curiosity. βOne moment youβre exploring ancient medinas or sipping mint tea with artisans, and the next youβre watching the sun set over the Sahara,β says Osman.
The 2026 itineraries are designed to turn travelers intoΒ participants. This might mean a private cooking class with a local βDadaβ (traditional chef), a meeting with a master calligrapher, or a visit to a rural womenβs argan oil cooperative. These arenβt just stops on a map; they are moments of human exchange that stay with a traveler long after the suitcase is unpacked.
In an era of automated booking engines, Central Holidays remains fiercely βadvisor-first.β Morocco is a complex destinationβlogistics involving desert transport, riad bookings, and mountain trekking require boots-on-the-ground expertise.
To support the travel advisor community, Central Holidays has launched an exclusive incentive. Advisors can earn anΒ extra $100 per personΒ on all new Morocco bookings requested and deposited after February 1, 2026 (for travel departing by December 31, 2026). This initiative reflects the companyβs commitment to being a true partner, providing advisors with the specialized knowledge and βbehind-the-scenesβ support needed to build high-stakes, once-in-a-lifetime trips.
With more than 50 years of experience, the companyβs expansion into Morocco follows the same βdepth and purposeβ strategy seen in their recent Turkish expansions. By utilizing local destination specialists and maintaining strong on-the-ground relationships, they ensure that the βCentral Holidays Styleββseamless, luxurious, and rootedβis felt at every turn of the road.
Whether you are looking for a private luxury riad in the heart of the βRed Cityβ or a group exploration through the cinematic Kasbahs of Ouarzazate, the 2026 Morocco programs offer a doorway into a world of sensory wonder.
The post Experience the Magic of Morocco: Central Holidays Unveils Immersive 2026 Travel Programs appeared first on Travel And Tour World.2026 Tourism in Focus conference in the Solomon Islands will introduce βStrategic Transitionβ as the key theme of the event, offering a comprehensive reflection on the significant developments shaping the nationβs tourism landscape. Taking place at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel this Thursday, the conference will delve into the next phase of the tourism sectorβs evolution, marking an important milestone for the industry.
The βStrategic Transitionβ theme is designed to reflect a new direction in the Solomon Islandsβ tourism industry, one that emphasizes sustainable growth and modernization. This theme builds on the progress made by Tourism Solomons and signals the countryβs ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more resilient tourism sector.
A key component of this transition is the evolution of the destination brand, moving away from the successful βSolomons Isβ identity, which was launched in 2018, towards a refreshed and vibrant branding: βHapi Islesβ. The new brand highlights the warmth and culture of the Solomon Islands while offering a contemporary feel that aligns with current international marketing trends. This shift not only reflects the countryβs unique identity but also aims to better capture the interest of global travelers.
The introduction of βStrategic Transitionβ is well-timed, coming on the heels of the Tourism Solomons Organisational Strategic Plan (2023-2025), which concluded on December 31, 2025. This transition also aligns with the Ministry of Culture & Tourismβs National Policy and the National Tourism Strategy, which are currently underway to further solidify the long-term growth of the tourism industry. Together, these strategic plans aim to promote sustainable development while focusing on enhancing the overall visitor experience in the Solomon Islands.
A crucial aspect of the Strategic Transition is the improvement of regional air connectivity, which is considered key to facilitating greater access for international visitors. The increased availability of Qantas flights from Brisbane, along with new Solomon Airlines services into Papua New Guinea, will offer travelers same-day connections to Asia, making the Solomon Islands more accessible for international tourists.
In addition to these regional developments, Fiji Airways has also expanded its services into four major U.S. cities and Canada, creating additional pathways and potential partnership opportunities for the Solomon Islands. This expanded connectivity opens new avenues for tourism, making it easier for visitors from North America and Australia to explore the islands.
At the industry level, operators within the Solomon Islandsβ tourism sector are undergoing a digital transformation, which is expected to improve visibility and create more distribution opportunities. This shift toward embracing digital platforms will help local businesses increase their reach to a global audience, ensuring that the Solomon Islands remains competitive within the broader Pacific tourism market.
Furthermore, new Minimum Industry Standards (MCT) are being introduced to elevate the quality and professionalism within the tourism sector. These updated standards aim to promote sustainable growth and enhanced visitor experiences, ensuring that the industry operates with a focus on high-quality services and environmental sustainability.
In the broader context, βStrategic Transitionβ goes beyond just branding and connectivity. It represents intentional progress across multiple facets of the tourism industry, from policy to infrastructure, all geared toward coordinated, sustainable growth. By aligning key elements like tourism policy, destination branding, regional air connectivity, and industry standards, the Solomon Islands is positioning itself for long-term success in the global tourism market.
The βStrategic Transitionβ also highlights the nationβs commitment to balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. As part of the countryβs tourism growth, the Solomon Islands plans to maintain its pristine environment, making it an attractive destination for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism.
The 2026 Tourism in Focus conference is not only a pivotal event for the tourism industry within the Solomon Islands but also a significant milestone for the nation as it takes the next step in its tourism journey. The event will provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and tourism operators to discuss new ideas, share insights, and collaborate on driving the sector forward.
As the Solomon Islands positions itself to become a premier destination in the Pacific, the Strategic Transition will serve as a cornerstone for the countryβs broader tourism strategy. With a clear focus on sustainability, regional connectivity, and enhanced visitor experiences, the Solomon Islands is ready to embrace the future of tourism.
The βStrategic Transitionβ marks the beginning of an exciting era for the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands. With the evolution of its brand to βHapi Islesβ, improved regional connectivity, and a renewed focus on digital growth and industry standards, the Solomon Islands is set to attract a new generation of travelers seeking an authentic and unique experience. As the country looks toward a sustainable and prosperous future, 2026 will be a defining year for Solomon Islands tourism, paving the way for even greater achievements in the years to come.
The Tourism in Focus 2026 conference is just the beginning of a new chapter for the Solomon Islands, as it charts a course toward a vibrant, sustainable tourism industry that captures the hearts and imaginations of visitors from around the world.
The post Solomon Islands Unveils βStrategic Transitionβ for 2026 Tourism in Focus Conference: The Future of Tourism Growth appeared first on Travel And Tour World.In a devastating turn for the airline industry, Spirit Airlines now joins Corporate Air, PLAY Airlines, Braathens International Airways, Voepass, and Azul Airlines in the growing list of carriers that filed for bankruptcy in the past year. This shocking series of airline bankruptcies has sent ripples through the US tourism sector, leaving travelers facing fewer options and rising ticket prices. Spirit Airlines, one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the US, has been forced to restructure under Chapter 11, following a year of intense financial pressure. But Spirit is not alone. Corporate Air, a regional carrier, PLAY Airlines, operating between the US and Europe, and even the Brazilian giants Voepass and Azul Airlines have all succumbed to the harsh realities of the aviation industry.
These bankruptcies, particularly Spirit Airlinesβ filing, highlight the ongoing struggles within the US tourism sector, which is now witnessing a massive shake-up. Corporate Air, PLAY, and others, once key players in their respective regions, have had to cease operations, leading to fewer affordable flight options for US travelers. As these airlines join forces in their financial turmoil, it is clear that the US tourism industry faces a new wave of challenges. Donβt miss this crucial update as we dive into the latest impacts of these bankruptcies on the US tourism sector and beyond.
| Airline | Country/Region | Bankruptcy Type | Filing / Cessation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | United States | Chapter 11 restructuring (second filing) | Aug 29, 2025 |
| Corporate Air | United States | Chapter 11 restructuring | Sep 2025 |
| PLAY Airlines | Iceland | Insolvency / operational shutdown | Sep 2025 |
| Braathens International | Sweden | Bankruptcy, ceased operations | Sep 2025 |
| Voepass | Brazil | Judicial restructuring | Early 2025 |
| Azul Linhas AΓ©reas | Brazil | ChapterΒ 11 protection (US filing) | May 2025 |
| Ravn Alaska | United States | ChapterΒ 11 (parent company) | Jan 26, 2026 (related to 2025 cessation) |
The airline industry in the US and across the Americas is in free fall. Major players have crumbled under the weight of crushing financial burdens. These airline bankruptcies, including some of the most well-known names in US travel, have sent shockwaves through the US tourism sector. With the US being a major global hub for travel, these closures could reshape the future of US tourism. As travel routes vanish, passengers are left in the lurch. How did we get here? What will the US tourism sector do next? The unfolding crisis is far from over.
Spirit Airlines, once the dominant ultra-low-cost carrier in the US, has now entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in a year. The news hit the US tourism sector like a bombshell. With mounting debt, intense competition, and poor management decisions, Spirit couldnβt maintain its foothold in the industry. The US travel market had already been volatile, but this latest bankruptcy highlights just how fragile the industry truly is. Spiritβs financial troubles stemmed from failed merger talks and the inability to keep its operations profitable during tough times.
In fact, Spirit Airlinesβ downfall is a stark warning for the entire US tourism sector. With so many companies struggling to stay afloat, how much longer can the US tourism sector continue to thrive? The collapse of such a large carrier has already disrupted US travelβfewer flights, higher fares, and a massive reduction in domestic travel options. Airlines like Spirit are supposed to be the backbone of budget-conscious US travelers, but now they too are crumbling under financial pressure.
Spirit Airlines has been one of the most significant players in the US travel sector. Known for its ultra-low-cost business model, Spirit was a major budget-friendly airline catering to both domestic and international US travelers. However, in 2025, Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time, marking a significant turning point for the airline.
The first filing came in 2025, as the airline was unable to manage its mounting operational costs and losses in revenue. These pressures led to Spiritβs decision to restructure and attempt to regain its footing in a highly competitive market. Unfortunately, the airlineβs struggles continued throughout 2025 and into 2026, leading to additional operational and financial strain.
A major factor contributing to Spiritβs continued financial difficulties is its loss of a key co-branded credit card partnership with Mercury Financial, effective from March 2026. Credit card partnerships are a crucial revenue stream for low-cost airlines like Spirit, as they contribute significantly to the airlineβs income, particularly through loyalty programmes and passenger spending. Losing this partnership further tightens Spiritβs liquidity, exacerbating its ability to recover.
Additionally, Spirit Airlines is downsizing its fleet by selling several Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, which has led to a reduction in the number of routes and flights available to passengers. This downsizing directly impacts US tourism, as Spirit was a major low-cost option for travelers heading to domestic and international destinations. The airlineβs struggles reflect the overall weakness of the US airline industry, highlighting the growing challenges for budget-conscious US travelers.
Corporate Air, a small US carrier that primarily served regional markets, filed for bankruptcy in September 2025. The airlineβs insolvency, which stemmed from a shrinking fleet and unsustainable debt, shocked passengers who depended on the carrier for their flights. With an operating fleet reduced to just three aircraft, Corporate Airβs bankruptcy filing was inevitable. This incident proves that even the most niche airlines in the US tourism sector are not immune to the financial pressures plaguing the industry.
If these regional carriers continue to collapse, the US tourism sector could face massive disruptions. US travelers, especially in underserved regions, will find themselves without affordable flight options. This will further strain the already stressed US travel market, and the effects will ripple through US tourism, affecting everything from business travel to leisure tourism.
While Spirit Airlinesβ bankruptcy is one of the most significant, Corporate Air, a regional carrier based in the United States, has also been hit hard by the financial pressures facing the industry. Corporate Air filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2025, following years of struggling to maintain a profitable fleet. The airline was a significant player in regional markets, offering domestic flights between small and medium-sized cities in the US. However, as competition increased and fuel prices rose, Corporate Air found it difficult to operate profitably.
Corporate Airβs bankruptcy filing further disrupts US tourism by reducing regional flight options. Regional carriers like Corporate Air are often the lifeline for travelers in underserved parts of the country, providing crucial connections between smaller cities and major hubs. With Corporate Air now in bankruptcy, passengers in these regions will find it more difficult and expensive to travel, creating a gap in the market that will likely be filled by larger carriers with higher fares and more limited availability.
Icelandic low-cost carrier PLAY Airlines was supposed to be the savior of the budget travel market, but in September 2025, it collapsed under financial strain. PLAY Airlines, once poised to expand its US routes, is now just another bankruptcy casualty in the US tourism sector. This news is devastating for US travelers hoping to snag cheap flights to Iceland and beyond. With the airline now shuttered, US-based tourists will have fewer choices when it comes to European connections, especially in the budget travel segment.
The bankruptcy of PLAY Airlines is a global wake-up call for the US tourism industry. If smaller carriers continue to fall, travelers will face higher ticket prices and reduced options. The US tourism sectorβs reliance on international carriers is a looming issue, and this collapse only highlights the urgent need for reform within the industry.
The collapse of PLAY Airlines directly affects US tourists heading to Iceland and Europe, as the airline provided affordable options for flights between the US East Coast and Reykjavik. Without PLAY, US tourists heading to Iceland and other European destinations now have fewer affordable options, likely pushing them to rely on more expensive carriers.
Additionally, PLAY Airlinesβ closure affects the broader US tourism sector, as it was one of the most prominent carriers serving a vital international route between the US and Europe. US travelers now have fewer low-cost choices for traveling internationally, which may contribute to higher airfare prices across the US-Europe corridor.
In Brazil, Voepass Airlines filed for judicial restructuring in early 2025, while Azul Linhas AΓ©reas filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. Both of these Brazilian airlines had key operations serving the US tourism sector, with Azul having significant international routes. The financial turmoil in Brazilβs aviation market is spilling over into US tourism. Passengers who once relied on affordable Brazilian carriers for US-bound flights are now facing reduced routes and higher airfares.
Azulβs Chapter 11 filing in the US sends shockwaves through US tourism. With a large portion of its revenue tied to US routes, this bankruptcy threatens the stability of the US tourism sector. If major airlines like Azul canβt stay afloat, what hope do smaller US carriers have?
Brazil has also seen its share of airline bankruptcies and financial restructurings. Voepass Linhas AΓ©reas, a regional carrier in Brazil, filed for judicial restructuring in early 2025. Similarly, Azul Linhas AΓ©reas, one of Brazilβs largest carriers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in May 2025.
Both airlines were crucial players in US tourism, particularly for Brazilian tourists traveling to the US. Azul, in particular, operated numerous international routes from Brazil to the US, providing affordable options for Brazilian travelers heading to cities like New York, Miami, and Orlando. The financial difficulties faced by Azul and Voepass are likely to reduce the number of flight options available for Brazilian travelers to the US, increasing competition for seats and raising airfares in the process.
The collapse of these Brazilian carriers further highlights the vulnerability of international airlines to economic downturns and financial pressures, which are being exacerbated by rising fuel costs and tightening travel regulations. For US tourism, the loss of these carriersβ routes can disrupt the steady flow of Brazilian touristsβa significant market for the US tourism sector.
| Airline | Country/Region | Bankruptcy Status | Filing/Closure Date | Impact on US Tourism | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | United States | Chapter 11 (Second Filing) | August 2025 | Major disruptions, flight cancellations, higher fares, fewer options for budget-conscious US travelers. | Loss of co-branded credit card partner; downsizing fleet and staff as part of restructuring. |
| Corporate Air | United States | Chapter 11 (Restructuring) | September 2025 | Reduced regional flight options in the US, limited impact on long-haul services, mainly affects regional US tourism. | Struggling to maintain fleet, bankruptcy triggered by operational and financial mismanagement. |
| PLAY Airlines | Iceland | Insolvency / Operational Cessation | September 2025 | Reduced connections between Iceland and the US; fewer low-cost options for US tourists heading to Europe. | Directly impacted US tourism to Iceland and Europe, operational closure affecting European budget travel. |
| Voepass Linhas AΓ©reas | Brazil | Judicial Restructuring (Brazil) | Early 2025 | Limited international routes to the US, affecting Brazilian tourism to the US. | Affected by contract disputes and operational challenges with regional partners. |
| Azul Linhas AΓ©reas | Brazil | Chapter 11 (US Filing) | May 2025 | Major cuts to US-bound routes from Brazil, reduced options for Brazilian travelers to the US. | Struggling with debt; restructuring in the US to protect international operations. |
| Ravn Alaska | United States | Chapter 11 (Parent Company) | January 2026 (related to 2025) | Direct impact on regional US tourism, especially in Alaska. Limited regional flights and service disruptions. | Operational shutdown in Alaska due to financial pressures. |
| Lufthansa (Europe) | Germany | Strike-induced cancellations and operational disruption | February 2026 | Increased cancellations affecting US-bound flights; operational disruptions impacting US tourism via European hubs. | Pilots and cabin crew strikes disrupting flights, affecting American and European routes. |
| Southwest Airlines | United States | No bankruptcy but financial restructuring | Ongoing (2025 into 2026) | Financial restructuring focused on strengthening its position in the US tourism sector, aiming to stabilize operations. | Strong outlook with increasing capa |
Ravn Alaska, once a major regional carrier in the US, filed for bankruptcy in January 2026, just months after its parent company entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2025. The airlineβs collapse severely impacts regional US tourism, especially in Alaska and other underserved areas. With fewer flights, passengers will find themselves scrambling for alternative travel options in the rugged US tourism market.
Ravnβs collapse is a clear indication of how fragile US regional carriers are in todayβs economic climate. If regional carriers cannot stay afloat, US travelers will face fewer options, longer travel times, and higher costsβall of which could stifle the US tourism sector. The implications of Ravnβs downfall will be felt across the country, especially in remote regions where the airline was one of the only viable carriers.
The Alaska-based regional carrier, Ravn Alaska, filed for bankruptcy in early 2026 following months of operational difficulties and growing financial strain. Regional airlines like Ravn are crucial to the US tourism sector, especially in remote areas such as Alaska, where air travel is the primary mode of transportation. Ravnβs bankruptcy disrupts US regional tourism, particularly for travelers looking to explore Alaska or other remote US destinations.
Ravn Alaskaβs financial challenges highlight the broader issue facing smaller US carriers, which struggle to compete with larger, more established airlines. With fewer regional options available, US tourism will face higher costs and limited availability in some of the most beautiful, yet underserved regions of the country. This situation exacerbates the overall US tourism crisis, with many tourists looking for more budget-friendly options in regional markets now left stranded.
The wave of airline bankruptcies in 2025 presents a dire situation for the US tourism sector. As major US airlines, regional carriers, and international partners fall apart, US travelers are left to bear the brunt. The US tourism sector, heavily reliant on a diverse network of carriers to serve international and domestic routes, is now struggling to stay afloat.
US tourism will feel the immediate consequences of these bankruptcies. Less competition means fewer choices for US travelers. And with fewer choices come skyrocketing prices. As airlines continue to struggle, passengers may find themselves facing a reduced flight network, increased fares, and less flexibility.
The collapse of Spirit Airlines, Corporate Air, PLAY Airlines, and others proves that the US tourism sector is vulnerable. The ripple effects will continue to disrupt US travel for years to come. The entire industry must take note: if these bankruptcies continue, the US tourism sector could be in danger of collapse.
The bankruptcies of 2025 are a clear warning sign to the US tourism sector. Airlines across the USA are collapsing under financial pressure. The US travel market is about to face its biggest crisis in decades. If the US tourism sector wants to avoid disaster, it needs to step up. Passengers are already seeing the impact: less choice, higher prices, and fewer flights.
There is hope, though. With proper restructuring and new innovations in the US tourism industry, itβs possible that the US tourism sector can bounce back. However, the road to recovery will not be easy. The US tourism market must focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits. If airlines donβt adapt to new realities, the US tourism sector may never recover.
The wave of bankruptcies in 2025 serves as a warning shot to the US tourism industry. Major airlines are struggling to survive, and the future of US travel looks uncertain. The US tourism sector needs to act quickly. Airlines must adapt or face the consequences. Itβs time for US travelers to brace themselves for a potentially rocky road ahead. The US travel market, already under strain, now faces the greatest threat it has ever seen.
The post Spirit Joins Corporate Air, PLAY, Braathens, Voepass, Azul Airlines Filed for Bankruptcy Last Year, New Update is Here appeared first on Travel And Tour World.In 2025, Mexicoβs hotel market reached new heights, propelled by a surge in domestic demand and consistent booking patterns. Domestic travelers now account for over 55% of hotel check-ins, reflecting a growing trend of Mexicans opting for longer stays and booking their trips in advance. This shift in travel behavior has been fueled by the desire for nearby experiences and greater flexibility, allowing travelers to plan with more confidence. Hotels have benefited from more predictable revenue, with steady bookings throughout the year, even in typically quieter months like December, further highlighting the strength of the domestic tourism sector.
Data from the Hotel Booking Trends study by SiteMinder reveals that the share of domestic guests increased by 2.12 percentage points from 2024, reaching 55.64% of all hotel check-ins. This upward trend reflects the broader movement toward in-country travel, with Mexicans increasingly choosing domestic destinations. The study, based on over 130 million global bookings, shows that domestic tourism continues to be a major driver of Mexicoβs tourism recovery, indicating a long-term shift in the market.
Looking ahead, the trend appears set to continue. A survey revealed that seven out of ten Mexicans plan to travel domestically in 2026, drawn by the appeal of local experiences and the added flexibility that comes with traveling closer to home.
Longer Stays and Early Bookings
Mexicoβs domestic tourism also reflects a global shift toward longer stays and earlier planning. The country ranked fourth worldwide in multi-night bookings, with 37% of hotel stays lasting more than two nights. This places Mexico just behind Colombia, Portugal, and Spain. Moreover, travelers have been increasingly booking their accommodations in advance, with the average booking window reaching 28.48 daysβmarking the fourth consecutive year of growth in this area.
Hotel rates in Mexico have remained stable. The average daily rate was $218.90, with December proving to be the most lucrative month, as average room rates soared to $265.92.
The rise in advance bookings has contributed to a more predictable revenue stream for hotels. This trend is a structural shift in Mexicoβs tourism patterns, as domestic travelers are increasingly opting for early planning, allowing hotels to forecast demand more accurately. As a result, hotels can capitalize on this trend by offering early booking incentives and additional perks, such as complimentary experiences.
Balanced Demand Across the Year
The demand for hotel rooms in Mexico has become more evenly distributed throughout the year. December accounted for 9.49% of hotel arrivals, just slightly surpassing March, which had 9.45%. This shift reduces the traditional reliance on peak season months, allowing for a more consistent flow of guests throughout the year.
Rates also showed consistency throughout the week. Fridays were the most expensive days, with an average rate of $232.07, while Tuesdays were the cheapest, at $209.46. This price difference was notably smaller than in other major markets like the United States or Ireland, reflecting a more even pricing structure in Mexico.
Key Booking Channels
The study also identified the most popular booking channels for Mexican travelers. These included global platforms such as Expedia Group, Booking.com, and Airbnb, as well as regional sites like Despegar.com, PriceTravel, and Hotelbeds. Direct bookings through hotel websites were also a significant source of revenue, as were global distribution systems (GDS) and Keytel.
In 2025, Mexicoβs hotel market shattered records, driven by a surge in domestic demand as travelers booked longer stays and planned trips further in advance. Consistent booking trends throughout the year, including a profitable December, highlighted the strength of the domestic tourism sector.
The SiteMinder report, which analyzes booking behavior across 20 major global tourist destinations, draws on data from the platformβs extensive network, which serves over 50,000 hotels worldwide. With these insights, the report provides a valuable perspective on shifting travel trends and how hotels can adapt to meet changing demands.
The post Mexicoβs Hotel Market Shatters Records in 2025 with Strong Domestic Demand and Consistent Booking Trends appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Fred.β―Olsen Cruise Lines and Liverpool Cruise Port have announced a new collaborative ESG initiative for the 2026 cruise season that focuses on sustainability, community engagement and maritimeβrelated awareness programs across the Liverpool waterfront. The partnership β revealed in an official press release and cruise industry reports β builds on more than two decades of Fred.β―Olsenβs usage of Liverpool as a homeport, and is intended to combine environmentally focused actions and social impact projects that align with international awareness days and local community needs. This joint programme reflects the growing emphasis on responsible cruising and destination stewardship within the travel and cruise sectors, offering passengers and local residents alike tangible benefits from coordinated environmental and social efforts.
The 2026 ESG and community engagement programme between Fred.β―Olsen Cruise Lines and Liverpool Cruise Port (LCP) encompasses a series of planned activities tied to recognised maritime and environmental dates, including:
In addition to these observanceβlinked activities, the programme includes communityβfocused support such as assistance for Alder Hey Childrenβs Hospital, provision of community defibrillators, and collaborative efforts to improve health, safety and wellbeing across the port estate with key local stakeholders involved.
The partnership is supported by Liverpool authorities and community entities including Liverpool City Council, Mersey Maritime, Peel Ports and Sefton Council (Green Sefton) β reflecting a multiβstakeholder approach to sustainable placeβbased initiatives that benefit both the cityβs environment and its residents.
The cruise industry has faced increasing scrutiny over environmental impact, emissions and social responsibility from travellers, regulators and destination communities. In response, many cruise lines β including Fred.β―Olsen β have embraced sustainability agendas that extend beyond shipboard practices to include community and destination partnerships. While Fred.β―Olsen emphasises responsible cruising and minimising environmental impact across its fleet, this new collaboration with Liverpool Cruise Port marks an expanded commitment to community engagement within the cruise travel ecosystem.
By aligning cruise operations with local sustainability and social programmes, Fred.β―Olsen and Liverpool are seeking to translate industryβwide ESG commitments into practical, measurable actions on the ground, thereby enhancing the travel experience while also benefiting the host cityβs residents and environment.
Travellers who embark on Fred.β―Olsen cruises from Liverpool or visit the port during the 2026 season may observe and participate in community and sustainability activities that enrich their travel experience beyond the traditional cruise itinerary.
By integrating ESG actions into its homeport operations, Liverpool is signalling to global travellers that responsible tourism and sustainable destination management are core facets of its cruise hospitality. This improves the appeal of Liverpool as a cruise gateway for those who value environmentally and socially conscious travel choices.
While the ESG partnership enhances sustainability and local engagement, passengers should temper expectations regarding direct travel perks; many activities focus on community and environmental outcomes that may not directly influence dayβtoβday onboard services or itinerary elements.
ESG programmes are inherently iterative and their full impact may unfold over months or years, meaning shortβterm travellers might observe planning stages or early initiatives rather than fully matured outcomes.
The partnership centres on Liverpool and the UK cruise market; travellers departing from other homeports might not directly benefit from the Liverpoolβfocused ESG activities, although broader sustainability practices remain relevant fleetβwide.
The launch of a sustainability and community engagement partnership between Fred.β―Olsen Cruise Lines and Liverpool Cruise Port for the 2026 cruise season illustrates the increasing integration of ESG principles into cruise travel and destination management. By coordinating awarenessβlinked activities, community support projects and environmental initiatives, the collaboration sets a practical example of how cruise lines and port authorities can work together to enhance local outcomes while meeting global sustainability expectations. For travellers, this partnership enriches the travel narrative by offering opportunities to engage with responsible tourism practices and communityβfocused programmes that resonate with modern travel values. As the cruise industry evolves, such collaborations may become a benchmark for how travel providers and destinations jointly shape sustainable tourism experiences.
The post Fred. Olsen Partners with Liverpool Port to Launch New ESG Initiatives for 2026 Cruise Season appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Nobu Hospitality has announced Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda, a low-density luxury resort spanning four hundred acres and two miles of beachfront on the islandβs southwest coast near Princess Diana Beach, expected to transform tourism by late 2026. The development includes thirty-six bedrooms in seventeen individual villas, alongside twenty-five beachfront residences starting at dollar twelve million, a beach club, oceanfront pool, spa, kids club, outdoor cinema, tennis and padel courts, gym, and watersports center. This project builds on the existing Nobu Barbuda restaurant opened in 2020, positioning Barbuda tourism for a premium influx that supports local economies through high-end stays, dining revenues, and adventure activities while emphasizing sustainability.
Nobu Beach Inn features single-story bungalows crafted from natural, sustainable materials integrated into lush landscaping with meandering sand pathways. The seventeen villas offer private beach access, while residences comprise four- or five-bedroom beachfront bungalows connected by pools and gardens, customizable for owners who can join the rental program. These offerings will elevate Barbuda tourism by attracting affluent investors and vacationers, generating ongoing tourism income via turnkey ownership and resort-shared amenities, fostering long-term community prosperity in Antigua and Barbuda.
Dining highlights include an oceanfront grill showcasing local seafood and an omakase sushi bar complementing the signature Nobu cuisine at the established beachfront restaurant. Guests will enjoy fusion of global flavors with Barbudaβs fresh catches, served in toes-in-the-sand settings. Such culinary draws will boost tourism by positioning Barbuda as a gourmet destination, increasing visitor dwell times and expenditures on farm-to-table experiences that highlight Caribbean ingredients and support regional fisheries.
The resort provides indoor-outdoor spa treatments, evolving wellness programs with visiting practitioners, yoga spaces, open-air gym, and fitness sessions. A watersports center offers dinghy sailing, water skiing, kite surfing, sailboat sunset cruises, fishing, scuba diving, beach picnics, and trips to neighboring islands. These facilities will invigorate Barbuda tourism through active pursuits that showcase marine biodiversity, drawing eco-adventurers and promoting responsible tourism practices that preserve coral reefs and beaches vital to Antigua and Barbudaβs ecosystem.
Designed to blend seamlessly with Barbudaβs environment, the low-density layout minimizes footprint across the expansive site, using eco-materials that honor the islandβs natural beauty. Landscaping by landscape architects emphasizes native plants and pathways that protect dunes and wildlife habitats. This approach will advance sustainable tourism in Barbuda, setting a model for luxury developments that regenerate rather than deplete resources, aiding post-hurricane recovery and climate resilience for Antigua and Barbuda tourism.
A kids club and outdoor cinema cater to families, while tennis, padel courts, and beach club foster social gatherings in a private club-like atmosphere overlooking the ocean. Visiting DJs, chefs, and fitness experts curate pop-up events for dynamic stays. These elements will diversify Barbuda tourism, appealing to multigenerational groups and events, extending peak season stays and amplifying off-season tourism through cultural infusions that celebrate Caribbean heritage.
Burton Nibbs International Airport, operational since October 2024, welcomes private jets, with VC Bird International Airport in Antigua offering nonstop flights from North America and Europe, three hours from Miami, four from New York or Toronto, seven-and-a-half from London. A quick ten-minute helicopter or speedboat from Antigua ensures effortless arrivals. Enhanced connectivity will supercharge Barbuda tourism by slashing barriers, attracting international high-net-worth travelers and spurring ancillary services like transfers and lounges in Antigua and Barbuda.
The innβs operations will create jobs in hospitality, maintenance, guiding, and culinary arts, prioritizing local hires to build skills in luxury service. Partnerships with island suppliers for seafood, produce, and crafts embed the resort in the economy. This infusion will catalyze Barbuda tourism growth, diversifying beyond traditional beach vacations into wellness and adventure niches, vital for Antigua and Barbudaβs 2026 outlook amid global luxury demand.
Nobu Beach Inn embodies a heartfelt commitment to preserving Barbudaβs unspoiled allure, one of the Caribbeanβs last pristine beaches, through low-impact luxury. Pre-sales for residences and plots signal strong investor interest, funding phased development. Ultimately, the project will redefine tourism in Barbuda, blending Nobu elegance with island serenity to draw celebrities and discerning guests, ensuring sustainable prosperity for generations in Antigua and Barbuda.
Image Credit: NOBU RESTAURANTS
The post Barbuda Tourism Soars with Nobu Hospitalityβs New Beach Inn Announcement on Pristine Shores: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.There was a time when a βtrip to Europeβ meant three weeks of hauling a massive suitcase across six different borders. But as we move through 2026, the travel landscape has shifted. The grand tour is being replaced by theΒ βMicro-Breakββhyper-focused, three-to-four-day sprints that prioritize depth over breadth.
According to recent data from Euronews and industry analysts, short-form travel is the fastest-growing segment in the European market. Driven by a desire for βmain character momentsβ and a more sustainable approach to flying, travelers are swapping the month-long odyssey for frequent, high-impact long weekends.
Here is where the continent is heading for a quick escape this year.
February 2026 belongs to Milan. As the co-host of theΒ 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the city is buzzing with an energy that goes far beyond its famous fashion runways. While the worldβs eyes are on the slopes of Cortina, Milan has become the ultimate urban base camp.
Travelers are flocking here for βSport-Cationβ weekendsβspending the morning taking in the Gothic majesty of the Duomo and the afternoon catching high-stakes hockey or figure skating events. With new flight options from carriers like JetBlue and American Airlines making the city more accessible, Milan is proving that itβs more than just a gateway to the Alps; itβs the heartbeat of 2026.
If 2025 was the year of KrakΓ³w, 2026 is the year ofΒ Warsaw. For travelers feeling the pinch of rising costs in Western Europe, Polandβs capital offers a breath of fresh, affordable air.
Warsaw has undergone a culinary transformation. Beyond the world-class pierogis, the city is now home to a thriving international foodie scene that rivals London or Berlin at a fraction of the cost. The recent opening of theΒ Varso Towerβthe tallest building in the EUβhas given the city a new skyline and a must-visit observation deck. Itβs the perfect spot for a traveler who wants a mix of sobering history and modern, high-rise luxury.
For those looking to escape the βovertourismβ headlines of Venice or Barcelona, Ljubljana has become the gold standard for sustainable short trips. Sloveniaβs capital is one of the greenest cities on earth, featuring an entirely car-free center and a pace of life that feels intentionally slow.
The trend for 2026 is theΒ βRail-and-RelaxβΒ weekend. Thanks to improved cross-border train routes, travelers from Austria and Italy are skipping the airport entirely. A long weekend here typically involves a morning coffee by the Ljubljanica River followed by a quick 40-minute trip to the iconic Lake Bledβgiving you both a city break and a nature retreat in under 72 hours.
Just an hour away from the crowded terminals of Barcelona liesΒ Lleida, a city that Euronews highlights as a βhidden treasureβ for 2026. As major hubs introduce new tourist taxes and cruise limits, savvy travelers are heading inland.
Lleida offers a window into an older, more authentic Spain. With its hilltop cathedral-fortress, the Seu Vella, and proximity to the Romanesque churches of the Vall de BoΓ (a UNESCO site), itβs a paradise for history buffs. It represents a growing 2026 trend:Β βSecond-City Tourism,βΒ where travelers choose smaller, overlooked destinations to find a more genuine connection with local culture.
Germanyβs second city is having a moment, specifically in itsΒ HafenCityΒ district. The 2026 draw is the brand-newΒ UBS Digital Art Museum, a massive installation from the team behind Tokyoβs world-famous teamLabs.
Hamburg has perfected the βhigh-lowβ weekend. You can spend your Saturday immersed in cutting-edge digital art and your Sunday morning at the legendary Altona Fish Market. Itβs a city that rewards the curious, making it a top pick for those who want their short trip to feel like an intellectual adventure.
Why the shift toward short trips? Itβs not just about the money. In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, a long weekend provides a βresetβ without the stress of a massive logistical undertaking. Travelers in 2026 are looking forΒ βImmersive Intimacyββtheyβd rather know one neighborhood in Warsaw deeply than see ten countries through a bus window.
By choosing these shorter, often rail-based trips, we are also collectively reducing our carbon footprint. Travel is becoming more about theΒ qualityΒ of the encounter than the number of stamps in the passport.
The post The Rise of the European Micro-Break: Top Destinations for Your Next Long Weekend in 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Australiaβs cruise scene is about to get a serious flavour boost, thanks to Carnival Cruise Lineβs new dining venues aboard the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. These ships, homeported in Sydney and Brisbane, are introducing a range of exciting new restaurants, making them more enticing than ever for both local cruisers and international travellers. If youβre planning a cruise Down Under, get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!
The premium dining scene on these ships is expanding, offering a mix of classic favourites and fresh, new flavours designed to suit every palate. Whether youβre craving premium steak, fresh sushi, or gourmet burgers, Carnivalβs latest upgrades promise a worldβclass experience. And theyβve only just begunβthese changes mark the beginning of a new era for cruising in Australia.
Carnival is raising the stakes in Australiaβs cruise food scene with the introduction of its signature steakhouse: Fahrenheit 555. This isnβt just any steakhouseβthis is where premium cuts of beef, succulent seafood, and gourmet mains await you. Say goodbye to the old Lukeβs Bar and Grill and get ready to indulge in worldβclass meals at sea, starting 5 May 2026. Whether youβre a steak connoisseur or a lover of fine dining experiences, this restaurant is set to redefine luxury at sea.
Expect an elevated dining experience that brings together top-tier service and exquisite flavours. Itβs not just a mealβitβs an experience. (Fahrenheit 555 will replace Lukeβs Bar and Grill on both ships). If youβve ever wanted to enjoy the taste of prime beef or savour an extensive wine list while cruising the magnificent Australian coastline, this is the place to be!
Calling all sushi aficionadosβCarnival has brought a mouth-watering sushi option to Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Enter Bonsai Sushi Express, the new made-to-order sushi haven thatβs about to become your goβto place for fresh, delicious sushi on the high seas. From sashimi to poke bowls and salads, this venue offers a modern take on Asian cuisine. Expect bold flavours, fast service, and a chance to dive into some of the finest sushi you can find at sea.
This culinary addition is sure to cater to those looking for a healthy and trendy option while cruising. Whether youβre craving a quick snack or a full sushi meal, Bonsai Sushi Express has something for everyone, and itβs now ready for you to try aboard both Australia-based ships.
If youβve ever craved a delicious burger while cruising, Carnival Topside Grill is here to satisfy your hunger. This exciting new specialty burger restaurant is bringing all the juicy, mouthβwatering goodness to both ships. Picture gourmet burgers, crispy fries, and refreshing shakes as part of a laid-back, easygoing dining experience. Ideal for families, solo travellers, or groups looking for a quick, satisfying meal, Carnival Topside Grill will offer a relaxed yet delicious dining atmosphere.
You can look forward to the best burgers at sea, prepared just the way you like them. And letβs not forget the family-friendly vibe, perfect for enjoying a casual meal after a day of exploring.
These restaurant upgrades are not just about elevating the dining experience on board; theyβre about attracting more visitors to Australiaβs growing cruise tourism sector. Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter are already popular choices for local cruisers as well as international visitors, and these dining innovations will only enhance their appeal. In fact, Sydney and Brisbane are among the top Australian cruise homeports, and these upgrades align perfectly with the Australian governmentβs efforts to support the booming cruise tourism industry.
These new dining venues are set to attract a wide range of tourists, from luxury travellers seeking fine dining experiences to families looking for casual but high-quality options. As a result, these changes will not only enhance guest experiences but also have a positive impact on Australiaβs local economies, boosting tourismβrelated sectors like hospitality and excursions.
Carnivalβs decision to introduce Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi Express, and Carnival Topside Grill is part of a larger trend of expanding culinary choices for cruisers. With dining increasingly becoming a central part of the vacation experience, these upgrades are a response to travellersβ growing demands for specialty food offerings at sea. As more people look for experiences that combine luxury dining and relaxation, Carnival is rising to the occasion by providing a more diverse and exciting range of options for Australian cruisers.
This evolution of Carnivalβs Australiaβbased ships helps position Carnival Cruise Line as a leading choice for foodie cruises and ensures that its vessels are in line with the latest trends in cruise tourism, catering to the everβevolving tastes of todayβs travellers.
By integrating these new dining venues aboard its Australian ships, Carnival is adding to the luxurious and diverse cruise offerings already available. As passengers embark on their Australian cruise adventures, they will now find an array of dining experiences that cater to every craving and culinary preference, making cruising Down Under even more irresistible.
If youβre looking for an unforgettable food experience while cruising Australiaβs coastlines, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will be the ships to sail on. With premium steakhouses, sushi bars, and casual burger joints, these ships are raising the bar for what it means to dine on the high seas.
The post Discover the Exciting New Dining Experiences on Carnival Adventure and Carnival EncounterβAustraliaβs Cruises Just Got Tastier! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Β© <p>Explora Journeys</p>
Samsung is bringing back the Galaxy Z TriFold in the US. This phone is very popular because it folds three times and turns into a small tablet. When it first launched, it sold out in less than 20 minutes. Many people were not able to buy it. Now, Samsung is giving customers another chance.
The Galaxy Z TriFold will be available again on Friday, February 20, at 10 am ET (7 am PT). It will be sold on Samsungβs official website. If you want to buy it, you should be ready before the sale starts.
Since it sold out very fast last time, it may sell out quickly again. Reports say Samsung is making fewer than 100,000 units, so the supply is limited.
Image β Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is different from normal smartphones. It has a 6.5-inch screen on the outside. When you unfold it completely, it becomes a large 10-inch tablet. This big screen is great for watching movies, reading, browsing the internet, or working. The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor.Β
The Galaxy Z TriFold starts at $2,899, which makes it very expensive. It is made for people who want both a phone and a tablet in one device. Β The phone is unique and special, so it may sell out again very quickly. Stay tuned for more information.
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While Real Madrid secured an important victory against Benfica, the result took a back seat. During the match, VinΓcius Jr. reported racist acts allegedly committed by Gianluca Prestianni. In response, UEFA has already taken action by opening an investigation into the situation. Meanwhile, the Brazilian has been receiving consistent support from several former players, with Thierry Henry among the most recent to issue strong criticism of the young Argentine.
βWe donβt know what Prestianni has said, because he was very courageous by putting his shirt over his mouth to make sure that we werenβt going to see what he saidβ¦Vinicus can tell us his side, and Prestianni, Iβm sure, will not tell us what he actually saidβ¦ Letβs see how big of a man Prestianni is. Tell us what you said. You must have said something, because you canβt go to Mbappe and say, βI didnβt say anythingβ,β Thierry Henry said, via CBS Sports.
Even though it is quite difficult to prove that Gianluca Prestianni engaged in racist acts against Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, he is being heavily judged for covering his mouth while arguing. In response, UEFA will launch an investigation based on the testimony of both players, also including statements from other players as witnesses to what happened. Nevertheless, the legend Thierry Henry has called for transparency from the Argentine star.
Along with Henryβs statements, former player Micah Richards joined in, strongly criticizing the young Argentine star: βPrestianni is a coward. Heβs an absolute coward. No one will ever know what he said, only him and Vinicius Junior. But to pull your shirt over your mouth and now weβre having a conversation about whether he said it or notβ¦Viniβs reaction shows it is something serious,β he said, via CBS Sports.
Although he arrived at Benfica as a highly rated young prospect, Gianluca Prestianni has not managed to live up to expectations at the club. Not only has he remained far from shining in terms of goal-scoring output, but he has also failed to stand out at a collective level. On top of that, VinΓcius Jr.βs racism accusations have tested the patience of several Portuguese club supporters, who are now calling for his departure, while UEFAβs ruling could ultimately determine his future.
In case UEFA finds Prestianni guilty, Benfica fans could intensify their push for him to leave the team. Moreover, he could find it quite difficult to secure a new club in Europe, as being associated with racist acts is something few sides would be willing to take on. Added to this, his underwhelming performances would only compound the situation, given that he has not managed to be decisive during his time at the Portuguese club.
The American sensation Christian Pulisic is reportedly making waves in the European transfer market anew, with rumors swirling that he may be making a triumphant return to the Premier League. As the season reaches its decisive phase and the 2026 World Cup approaches, the forwardβs future has emerged as a major storyline, with an English giant monitoring his situation closely and Milan facing crucial decisions about their squadβs long-term direction.
The Rossoneri have enjoyed Pulisicβs best version in Italy, and his rise has naturally reignited interest from England. Yet, as summer approaches, the question remains: is a sensational return to the Premier League really on the cards?
Since arriving at San Siro in 2023, the American has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency in England, he has reinvented himself in Serie A, becoming a central figure in Milanβs attack and a fan favorite. His performances have been consistent, productive, and increasingly influential in decisive moments.
Across his spell in Italy, Pulisic has registered 42 goals and 22 assists in 121 appearances, an impressive return for a player often deployed on the wing or as a creative playmaker. At just 27 years old, he is entering what many consider the prime years of his career, which explains why Premier League clubs are once again circling.
Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been linked with a move. Each club sees Pulisic as a potential solution to attacking inconsistencies, valuing his versatility, technical ability, and experience at the highest level. Reports suggest that some English clubs view him as a βseriousβ candidate to refresh their offensive options, while others have kept him on their radar for several seasons.
The timing of this speculation is no coincidence. With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Pulisic is expected to be one of the tournamentβs marquee names, both on and off the pitch. A strong international showing could significantly boost his market value and attract even more interest.
Players heading into a World Cup often become prime targets for clubs looking to secure proven performers with global appeal. For Pulisic, a standout tournament on home soil could be career-defining, potentially triggering a bidding war among Europeβs elite. His profile as a USMNT leader and global star makes him a commercially attractive signing as well.
While speculation continues, Milanβs internal stance has now become clearer. Despite interest from England and reports suggesting the player could be open to a return,Β Milan is likely to reject any approaches for Pulisic this summer, according to Football Insider. βPremier League clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all taken an interest in Christian Pulisic, but AC Milan are likely to reject any approaches,βΒ the report reveals.
The club is said to be planning a contract renewal and sees Pulisic as a cornerstone of their project, particularly as they aim to compete domestically and in Europe. With no urgent financial pressure, the Rossoneri are not inclined to sell one of their top performers, especially with the World Cup potentially increasing his value further.
With Lionel Messi as captain, Argentina national team won the 2022 World Cup with a squad full of players who had flown under the radar for years before the tournament. After lifting the trophy, a former FC Barcelona prospect revealed that one of his Albiceleste teammates once failed a trial with the club β and did so with a blunt assessment: βHe was very bad.β
Back when he was 17 and still part of Boca Juniorsβ youth system, Nahuel Molina traveled to Spain for a trial hoping to make the leap to Europe, specifically with one of the gameβs biggest clubs. However, one player who did pass that trial, Γric Montes, later claimed Molina fell well short of the standard Barcelona expected.
In an interview with Spanish outlet Post United, Montes recalled details of that trial a decade ago: βDuring one preseason, three Argentinians came in for trials and didnβt meet the level β they were very bad. I later found out that Nahuel Molina was one of them.β
Even though the identities of the other two Argentines never became public, Montes said none of them matched the clubβs expectations to stay. He also highlighted the contrast between his own path and Molinaβs. βTo show you how things are, he was a βMatao.β Look at the Matao now and look at me,β Montes added, using Spanish football slang for a player considered limited or low-level.
While Montes remained at Barcelonaβs academy after the trial, he never made his debut in Spainβs first division. In contrast, Molina eventually broke through after joining AtlΓ©tico Madrid in 2022 and went on to win multiple trophies alongside Messi with Argentina β a striking turnaround from that failed trial in Spain.
The careers of Molina and Montes serve as a reminder of how quickly a playerβs trajectory can change, even after time inside one of soccerβs most prestigious academies. Though he never debuted for Boca Juniorsβ first team, the Argentine right back moved to Europe with Udinese in 2020 before later joining AtlΓ©tico Madrid to then conquer the World Cup, while Montesβ career took a far different path.
He never broke into Barcelonaβs senior squad and instead went on loan to lower-division Spanish clubs such as Peralada, Cultural Leonesa, Albacete, GimnΓ stic, and Manresa before retiring at 27 because of a serious knee injury. βYou leave the Barcelona bubble and start to realize what real life is,β he reflected.
Los Angeles FC made their official debut of the 2026 season this Tuesday with a commanding 6-1 victory over Real EspaΓ±a of Honduras in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Son Heung-min was the star of the match, helping him reach an impressive record.
βHeung-Min Son is only the second player to provide three assists and score a goal in the first half of a Champions Cup match,β said sports statistics expert MisterChip on his X account, clarifying that this stat only applies to the modern era of the tournament, since its restructuring in 2008.
The South Korean forward was key to LAFCβs victory. In the 11th minute, he assisted David Martinez for the 2-0 lead, and moments later scored a penalty himself to extend the advantage. He then set up Denis Bouanga for the fourth goal and contributed to Timothy Tillmanβs fifth goal before halftime.
In nearly two decades of Concacaf Champions Cup history, only once had a player produced such a first-half performance. The only precedent is Argentine forward Franco Jara, who posted the same numbers during Pachucaβs 11-0 win over Police United of Belize in 2016.
After that brilliant first half, LAFC slowed down after the break, which showed in the matchβs pace. The hosts allowed Real EspaΓ±a to reduce the deficit early in the second half, and coach Marc Dos Santos decided to give several key players rest.
Son Heung-min was substituted in the 62nd minute for Nathan Ordaz and was off the field when Bouanga scored LAFCβs sixth and final goal. The forwardβs exit was clearly intended to preserve his fitness ahead of crucial upcoming matches.
Next week, LAFC will face the second leg against Real EspaΓ±a in California, aiming to secure qualification to the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. But before that, they have an even tougher challenge: the MLS 2026 season opener on Saturday against Inter Miami. Messiβs availability, however, remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.
In addition to his key contributions to LAFCβs 6-1 win over Real EspaΓ±a, Son Heung-min also etched his name into his countryβs soccer history. With his penalty goal, he became the first South Korean player to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The Scudetto battle is on the line in a pivotal Serie A matchup against Como at San Siro, and Christian Pulisic is back in the spotlight as Milan gets ready for the match. With the pressure mounting and the season entering a defining phase, questions surrounding his absence from the starting lineup have sparked intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
This clash arrives at a pivotal moment for Milan, which is chasing its arch-rival Inter at the top of the table and cannot afford to drop points. Yet, as kickoff approaches, one of its most influential attacking players is missing from the starting XI.
The rescheduled Matchday 24 fixture takes place on February 18 at San Siro, originally postponed due to the stadiumβs involvement in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. For the Rossoneri, this match represents a chance to cut the gap to its city rivals and keep its title ambitions alive.
The opposition arrives under Cesc Fabregas with European ambitions of its own, seeking revenge after a recent defeat and aiming to climb into the top six. The clash is loaded with narrative threads, tactical duels, and historical context, with the hosts boasting a dominant record in the fixture and an impressive unbeaten run this season.
A defence split like a balance sheet π@pulisic audits the gap and deposits at the far post π°β½
β AC Milan (@acmilan) February 18, 2026
Brought to you by @cfigroup_en pic.twitter.com/EhUr29i4lA
Whatβs more, Milan enters the match unbeaten in 23 consecutive league games, with its only defeat coming on the opening day, while Como is winless in its last three outings.
Midway through the buildup, the reason for Pulisicβs absence emerged, and it centers on fitness concerns rather than tactical exclusion. βAside from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others feel quite well. Saelemaekers is available, and I hope the same goes for Pulisic, because he still feels discomfort. Letβs see if heβll be there,βΒ boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted ahead of the match.
The American star has been dealing with persistent physical discomfort, which has affected his availability and consistency throughout the season. While he has returned to action in recent weeks, the club is carefully managing his workload to avoid aggravating existing issues, including recurring muscle problems.
Reports suggest that Allegri faced a decision between several attacking options and opted to prioritize player management, especially with other forwards like Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek competing for starting roles.
Despite his physical struggles, Pulisic remains one of the clubβs most productive players this season.Β He has scored 10 goals in all competitions, underlining his importance to Allegriβs tactical system and his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
The 27-year-oldβs absence from the starting lineup is not a sign of diminished status but rather a reflection of careful management. Allegriβs cautious approach suggests that the American winger is expected to play a crucial role in the decisive phase of the season, once fully fit.
Throughout his professional career, Vinicius Jr has exposed various racist incidents in different stadiums. Not only players but also fans have been sanctioned, setting an important precedent in the sport. Despite this, the Brazilian has once again reported alleged episodes of discrimination, this time involving Gianluca Prestianni. In response, FIFA is discussing a major regulatory change within the Playersβ Voice Panel following this latest episode.
In an interview with Sky Sports, former player and member of the Playersβ Voice Panel, Mikael Silvestre revealed that they are looking for ways to sanction players who talk by covering their mouths. However, he clarified that it is one thing to cover your mouth to talk about tactics with your teammates and quite another to cover it while arguing with an opponent. This will not be easy, as he said they will need to talk to the referees to know what they can and cannot do.
Far from being an established measure, the Playersβ Voice Panel remains uncertain about these possible actions, as FIFA has not announced any official changes. They seek more transparency in discussions between rivals, as there would be evidence of what was discussed, avoiding debate about its authenticity. What is certain is that racism has no place in soccer, and several measures have already been taken to eliminate these acts from the sport.
FIFA has taken firm action to eliminate racist behavior from soccer. In 1962, the rejection of racial discrimination was first formally included in its statutes. Alongside this, FIFA established the Disciplinary Code and the Code of Ethics, launching the βSay No To Racismβ campaign to enforce stricter sanctions. In May 2024, Gianni Infantino set a precedent by leading the introduction of various on-field protocols, which have given greater visibility to the issue.
To combat racism in soccer, Infantino announced the adoption of five pillars: regulations and sanctions, action on the field, criminal cases, education, and a joint stance of players. In addition, they announced that a βno racismβ gesture would be implemented to activate the protocol. Along with this, a three-step protocol is followed: detention, suspension, and definitive abandonment of the match. Finally, extreme sanctions are included.
With this in mind, enforcing sanctions on players who obscure their mouths during disputes could greatly increase transparency within the sport. Ensuring that all spoken words are recorded would be instrumental in investigating future allegations of racism. However, implementing this change would demand significant collaboration with referees to establish clear guidelines on the types of sanctions to be enforced.
is set for his toughest test yet as he steps up to cruiserweight to challenge Gilberto βZurdoβ Ramirez for the unified titles at 200lbs, should he be successful, there is another champion that is keen to face him. Benavidez became the youngest super-middleweight champion in history when he defeated Ronald Gavril for the WBC strap [β¦]
The post David Benavidez offered new world title shot if he can beat Zurdo Ramirez: βThatβs the one I wantβ appeared first on Boxing News.
Eddie Hearnβs Matchroom Boxing has secured a new five-year deal with DAZN in the United States and the United Kingdom Matchroom signed a major deal with DAZN back in 2021 for the same term, moving its entire stable from Sky Sports. In the time since, the streaming platform has continued to build its boxing output, [β¦]
The post Matchroom and DAZN sign new five year deal appeared first on Boxing News.
ZamanΔ±nda "parayΔ± 10 numaraya yatΔ±rΔ±rΔ±m" diyen Sergen YalΓ§Δ±n'Δ±n fikri 180 derece deΔiΕti. Serkan ReΓ§ber'in 'Yemezsek atarΔ±z' formΓΌlΓΌne ikna olan Sergen YalΓ§Δ±n, bΓΌtΓ§eyi Agbadou ve Murillo gibi isimlere yatΔ±rdΔ±. TakΔ±mΔ±n beyni ise SΓΌper Lig'den uygun maliyetli Olaitan hamlesiyle çâzΓΌldΓΌ.
BeΕiktaΕβta teknik direktΓΆr Sergen YalΓ§Δ±n ΓΆnderliΔinde gerΓ§ekleΕen Ocak revizyonu, sadece isimlerin deΔil, bir felsefenin de deΔiΕimine sahne oldu. Agbadou, Hyeon-gyu Oh, Murillo ve Olaitan gibi nokta atΔ±ΕΔ± takviyelerle Γ§ehresi deΔiΕen siyah-beyazlΔ±larda, transfer bΓΌtΓ§esinin harcanma Εekline dair Γ§arpΔ±cΔ± detaylar gΓΌn yΓΌzΓΌne Γ§Δ±ktΔ±.
Normal Εartlarda Sergen YalΓ§Δ±nβΔ±n futbol mantalitesinde aslan payΔ±, her zaman oyunun yΓΆnΓΌnΓΌ tayin edecek olan "10 numara" pozisyonuna ayrΔ±lΔ±yordu. Ancak iddialara gΓΆre sportif direktΓΆr Serkan ReΓ§ber, YalΓ§Δ±nβΔ± alΔ±ΕΔ±lmΔ±ΕΔ±n dΔ±ΕΔ±nda bir stratejiye ikna etmeyi baΕardΔ±.
ReΓ§berβin, "EΔer kolay gol yemezsek, bu takΔ±m her tΓΌrlΓΌ golΓΌ bulur ve kazanΔ±r. Bu yΓΌzden parayΔ± savunmaya yatΔ±ralΔ±m" tezi, transferdeki ana rotayΔ± belirledi. Bu strateji doΔrultusunda bΓΌtΓ§enin bΓΌyΓΌk bir kΔ±smΔ±, savunma hattΔ±nΔ± saΔlama almak adΔ±na Agbadou ve Murillo gibi isimlere harcandΔ±.
TakΔ±mΔ±n "beyni" olmasΔ± beklenen yaratΔ±cΔ± oyuncu rolΓΌ ise, SΓΌper Lig tecrΓΌbesiyle bilinen ve maliyeti oldukΓ§a uygun olan Olaitan ile doldurularak bΓΌyΓΌk bir tasarruf saΔlandΔ±.
Giden oyuncularΔ±n yarattΔ±ΔΔ± boΕluΔu doldurmak ve maaΕ yΓΌkΓΌnΓΌ dengede tutmak hiΓ§ de kolay olmadΔ±. Ancak yapΔ±lan bu operasyonla hem maliyet dΓΌΕΓΌrΓΌldΓΌ hem de Sergen YalΓ§Δ±nβΔ±n hΓΌcum gΓΌcΓΌ, saΔlam bir savunma temeli ΓΌzerine inΕa edildi. BeΕiktaΕ, bu yeni "ΓΆnce savunma" anlayΔ±ΕΔ±yla ligin en direnΓ§li takΔ±mlarΔ±ndan biri olmayΔ± hedefliyor. Serkan ReΓ§ber ve Sergen YalΓ§Δ±n arasΔ±ndaki bu stratejik ortaklΔ±k, sezonun kaderini belirleyecek gibi gΓΆrΓΌnΓΌyor.
Galatasaray altyapΔ±sΔ±nΔ±n parlayan yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ± ΓaΔrΔ± Balta iΓ§in FenerbahΓ§e pusuda! 18 yaΕΔ±na bastΔ±ΔΔ±nda 4 milyon TL'lik yetiΕtirme bedeliyle transferi planlanan genΓ§ yetenek, ailesi ve avukatΔ± aracΔ±lΔ±ΔΔ±yla radikal bir karar alarak sarΔ±-kΔ±rmΔ±zΔ±lΔ±lar ile baΔlarΔ±nΔ± kopardΔ±.
Galatasaray altyapΔ±sΔ±nda yetiΕen ΓaΔrΔ± BaltaβnΔ±n geleceΔi, hem hukuk mΓΌcadelesine hem de ezeli rakip FenerbahΓ§e'nin takibine takΔ±lmΔ±Ε durumda. SarΔ±-lacivertli kulΓΌbΓΌn, ΓaΔrΔ± BaltaβnΔ±n durumunu yakΔ±ndan takip ettiΔi belirtiliyor. FenerbahΓ§eβnin stratejisi Εu Εekilde:
Oyuncu 18 yaΕΔ±na geldiΔinde Galatasaray ile yeni bir profesyonel sΓΆzleΕme imzalamazsa serbest kalacak. FenerbahΓ§e, bu durumda sadece 4 milyon TL tutarΔ±ndaki yetiΕtirme bedelini ΓΆdeyerek genΓ§ yeteneΔi kadrosuna katmayΔ± hedefliyor.
ΓaΔrΔ± BaltaβnΔ±n avukatΔ±, oyuncunun ailesiyle birlikte aldΔ±ΔΔ± radikal kararΔ± kamuoyuna duyurdu. YaΕanan sΓΌreΓ§ten genΓ§ futbolcunun psikolojik olarak olumsuz etkilenmemesi adΔ±na ΓaΔrΔ±βnΔ±n artΔ±k Galatasaray ile idmanlara Γ§Δ±kmayacaΔΔ± kulΓΌbe resmi olarak bildirildi.
Avukat, bu durumun sadece tek bir oyuncu ΓΆzelinde olmadΔ±ΔΔ±nΔ±, asΔ±l meselenin "gelecek kuΕak futbolcularΔ± hizaya getirme" Γ§abasΔ± olduΔunu iddia ederek kulΓΌp politikalarΔ±na eleΕtirel bir yaklaΕΔ±m sergiledi.
Bu kriz, TΓΌrk futbolunda kulΓΌplerin genΓ§ yetenekleri elde tutma yΓΆntemlerini ve oyuncu haklarΔ±nΔ± yeniden tartΔ±Εmaya aΓ§tΔ±. AvukatΔ±n "hizaya getirme" vurgusu, altyapΔ±lardaki sΓΆzleΕme dayatmalarΔ±na karΕΔ± bir baΕkaldΔ±rΔ± niteliΔi taΕΔ±yor.
FenerbahΓ§e'de taΕlar yerinden oynuyor! Ankara merkezli bir ajans tarafΔ±ndan sarΔ±-lacivertli kulΓΌbe sunulan dev projeye gΓΆre; Maltepe'de inΕa edilecek yeni stadyum kompleksiyle kulΓΌbΓΌn kasasΔ±na yΔ±lda 300 milyon Euro girmesi hedefleniyor. Galatasaray'Δ±n Seyrantepe modeline benzer bir sΓΌrecin kapΔ±larΔ±nΔ± aralayan bu teklif, kulΓΌbΓΌn finansal geleceΔini tamamen deΔiΕtirebilir.
FenerbahΓ§eβde bir yandan sezon sonu yapΔ±lacak seΓ§im sonrasΔ± yΓΆnetim dinamikleri tartΔ±ΕΔ±lΔ±rken, diΔer yandan kulΓΌbΓΌn geleceΔini Εekillendirecek gayrimenkul ve tesis projelerinde sΔ±cak geliΕmeler yaΕanΔ±yor.
BΓΌyΓΌk umutlarla duyurulan Maltepe Futbol Akademisi projesinde iΕler durma noktasΔ±na gelirken, Ankara kaynaklΔ± yeni bir "stadyum" hamlesi gΓΌndeme bomba gibi dΓΌΕtΓΌ.
Ali KoΓ§ yΓΆnetiminin vizyon projelerinden biri olan ve EylΓΌl 2025βte temel atma tΓΆreni gerΓ§ekleΕtirilen Maltepe Futbol Akademisi projesinde sessizlik hakim.
AyrΔ±ca Hamdi AkΔ±n'Δ±n planladΔ±ΔΔ± stadΔ±n bΓΌyΓΌtΓΌlmesi iΓ§in projede de frene basΔ±ldΔ±. Eski baΕkan Ali KoΓ§ 2026 yΔ±lΔ±nΔ±n Nisan veya MayΔ±s aylarΔ±nΔ± iΕaret etmiΕti. Ancak gelen son bilgiler, projenin Εu anki haliyle baΕlama noktasΔ±ndan Γ§ok uzak olduΔunu gΓΆsteriyor. KulΓΌp kulislerinde mevcut Sadettin Saran yΓΆnetiminin Εu aΕamada bu konuyu ΓΆncelikleri arasΔ±na almadΔ±ΔΔ± konuΕuluyor.
AsΔ±l Γ§arpΔ±cΔ± iddia ise Ankara ΓΌzerinden bir ajans aracΔ±lΔ±ΔΔ±yla FenerbahΓ§eβye sunulan yeni proje teklifi. Δ°ddiaya gΓΆre; GalatasarayβΔ±n Ali Sami Yenβden Seyrantepeβye geΓ§iΕ sΓΌrecine benzer bir model FenerbahΓ§e iΓ§in masada.
Maltepeβde tahsis edilecek (ya da Akademi'nin yapΔ±ldΔ±ΔΔ± alan) geniΕ bir alan. Modern bir stadyum ve ticari alanlar. FenerbahΓ§eβnin kasasΔ±na yΔ±llΔ±k yaklaΕΔ±k 300 milyon Euro net gelir girmesi hedefleniyor.
Bu teklif, FenerbahΓ§eβnin hem finansal darboΔazdan Γ§Δ±kmasΔ± hem de dΓΌnyanΔ±n en modern spor komplekslerinden birine sahip olmasΔ± anlamΔ±na gelebilir. Ancak Γlker Stadyumuβnun tarihi dokusundan ayrΔ±lma fikri ve Maltepeβdeki mevcut akademi projesinin akΔ±beti, camia iΓ§inde bΓΌyΓΌk bir tartΔ±ΕmanΔ±n fitilini ateΕleyecek gibi gΓΆrΓΌnΓΌyor.
FenerbahΓ§e'de haftalardΔ±r sΓΌren Edson Alvarez bilmecesi operasyonla noktalandΔ±! 1 AralΔ±k'tan bu yana dinmeyen aΔrΔ±lar 'kemik hasarΔ±' ΕΓΌphesini doΔururken, ameliyat kararΔ± sezonun geri kalanΔ±nΔ± riske attΔ±. Peki yΓΆnetim kiralΔ±k sΓΆzleΕmesini feshedip forvet almak isterken bu operasyona kim taΕ koydu?
FenerbahΓ§eβde uzun sΓΌredir belirsizliΔini koruyan Edson Alvarez bilmecesi, kulΓΌpten yapΔ±lan resmi aΓ§Δ±klamayla yeni bir boyut kazandΔ±. 1 AralΔ±kβtan bu yana dinmeyen aΔrΔ±larΔ± nedeniyle takΔ±mdan uzak kalan MeksikalΔ± yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ±n, "kemik hasarΔ±" ΕΓΌphesiyle ameliyat masasΔ±na yatmasΔ±, "Sezonu kapattΔ± mΔ±?" sorularΔ±nΔ± beraberinde getirdi.
SΓΌrecin baΕΔ±ndan bu yana Alvarezβin durumu hakkΔ±nda farklΔ± iddialar gΓΌndemi meΕgul ediyordu. Fotosporβun haberine gΓΆre, oyuncunun aΔrΔ±larΔ±nΔ±n dinmemesi ΓΌzerine saΔlΔ±k heyeti ameliyat ihtimalini masaya yatΔ±rmΔ±ΕtΔ±. Ancak bu karar, oyuncunun sezonu tamamen kapatmasΔ± riskini taΕΔ±yordu.
Bu noktada akΔ±llara gelen en bΓΌyΓΌk soru ise Εuydu:
- Ameliyat Εart mΔ±ydΔ±? Konservatif (ameliyatsΔ±z) tedavi ile sΓΌreΓ§ geΓ§iΕtirilebilir miydi? KulΓΌp, riskleri minimize etmek adΔ±na planlΔ± operasyon yolunu seΓ§erek tartΔ±Εmalara son noktayΔ± koydu.
GΓΌndemi sarsan asΔ±l iddia ise yΓΆnetim katΔ±ndaki planlamayla ilgili. Δ°ddialara gΓΆre FenerbahΓ§e yΓΆnetimi, sakatlΔ±ΔΔ± uzun sΓΌrecek olan Alvarezβin sΓΆzleΕmesini feshedip kadroda yer aΓ§arak bir forvet transferi yapmayΔ± planlΔ±yordu. Ancak bu plan hem Alvarez hem de teknik direktΓΆr Tedesco tarafΔ±ndan engellendi.
Bonservisi aslΔ±nda West Ham United'da bulunan ancak kiralΔ±k olarak sarΔ±-lacivertli formayΔ± giyen Alvarezβin ameliyatΔ±nΔ±n nerede gerΓ§ekleΕtiΔi konusunda resmi bir lokasyon belirtilmedi. Ancak rehabilitasyon sΓΌrecinin tamamen FenerbahΓ§e saΔlΔ±k ekibi kontrolΓΌnde yΓΌrΓΌtΓΌleceΔi aΓ§Δ±klandΔ±.
FenerbahΓ§e, sakatlΔ±ΔΔ± bilinen bir risk olmasΔ±na raΔmen oyuncunun kiralΔ±k sΓΆzleΕmesini feshedip devre arasΔ±nda forvet transferi yΓΆnetim hatasΔ± olarak kabul edilebilir.
Εampiyonlar Ligi'nde tarihi gece! Galatasaray, Δ°talyan devi Juventus'u 5-2 ile sahadan silerken, Avrupa futbol kamuoyu tek bir noktada birleΕti. - Hakem maΓ§Δ± erken bitirmeseydi skor 6 hatta 7 olurdu. 90. dakikada 8 kiΕiyle pres yapan, 5. golden sonra 6'yΔ± isteyen Torreira ve HollandalΔ± hakemin "merhamet" kokan +2 dakikalΔ±k uzatmasΔ±... Tarihi gecenin perde arkasΔ±!
GalatasarayβΔ±n Εampiyonlar Ligiβnde Juventusβu 5-2 maΔlup ederek sahadan sildiΔi karΕΔ±laΕmanΔ±n yankΔ±larΔ± dinmek bilmiyor. MaΓ§Δ±n ardΔ±ndan Avrupa basΔ±nΔ±nda ve futbol kamuoyunda en Γ§ok konuΕulan konu, sarΔ±-kΔ±rmΔ±zΔ±lΔ±larΔ±n iΕtahΔ± ve maΓ§Δ±n HollandalΔ± hakeminin tartΔ±ΕmalΔ± uzatma kararΔ± oldu.
MaΓ§Δ±n 90. dakikasΔ±nda skor 5-2 olmasΔ±na raΔmen GalatasaraylΔ± 8 futbolcunun hala Juventus yarΔ± sahasΔ±nda gol aramasΔ±, sahadaki baskΔ±nΔ±n sembolΓΌ oldu.
5. golden sonra Lucas TorreiraβnΔ±n arkadaΕlarΔ±na baskΔ± yapmalarΔ± iΓ§in baΔΔ±rarak 6. golΓΌ istemesi, sarΔ±-kΔ±rmΔ±zΔ±lΔ±larΔ±n tarihi bir fark peΕinde olduΔunu gΓΆsterdi.
Avrupa futbol Γ§evrelerinde, oyunun ikinci yarΔ±da Γ§ok kez durmasΔ±na raΔmen hakemin yalnΔ±zca +2 dakika eklemesi "Juventusβu daha aΔΔ±r bir hezimetten kurtarma Γ§abasΔ±" olarak yorumlandΔ±.
GalatasaraylΔ± yΓΆneticiler, maΓ§Δ±n sΓΌresini kasten kΔ±sa tuttuΔu gerekΓ§esiyle HollandalΔ± hakem hakkΔ±nda UEFA gΓΆzlemcisine sΓΆzlΓΌ uyarΔ±da bulundu.
Juventusβun yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ± Khephren Thuram, maΓ§ sonu yaptΔ±ΔΔ± aΓ§Δ±klamada Galatasaray atmosferine ve baskΔ±sΔ±na boyun eΔdiklerini itiraf etti:
- Rakibi tebrik ediyorum. Atmosfer inanΔ±lmazdΔ±, burada 10 kiΕi kalmak Γ§ok zor. 5. golden sonra bile hala pozisyon buluyorlardΔ±. Skoru kabullenmekten baΕka Γ§aremiz kalmadΔ±.
Juventusβa bu organizasyon tarihinde ilk kez bir maΓ§ta 5 gol attΔ±ran teknik direktΓΆr olarak tarihe geΓ§en Okan Buruk, maΓ§ sonu basΔ±n toplantΔ±sΔ±nda temkinli ama gururluydu:
- Juventus bu organizasyonda ilk kez 5 gol yedi. TaraftarΔ±mΔ±z harikaydΔ±, onlara teΕekkΓΌr ederim. Ancak henΓΌz hiΓ§bir Εey bitmedi, ayaklarΔ±mΔ±z yere saΔlam basmalΔ±.
MaΓ§Δ±n normal Εartlarda en az 5-6 dakika uzamasΔ± gerektiΔini savunan futbol otoriteleri, "EΔer maΓ§ 2 dakika deΔil de 10 dakika uzasaydΔ±, Galatasaray tabelayΔ± 6 hatta 7βye taΕΔ±rdΔ±" gΓΆrΓΌΕΓΌnde birleΕiyor.
Galatasaray'Δ±n Avrupa zaferleri sadece futbolcularΔ± deΔil, teknik direktΓΆr Okan Buruk'u da devlerin radarΔ±na soktu. AkΔ±cΔ± Δ°talyancasΔ± ve Δ°ngilizcesiyle Avrupa basΔ±nΔ±nΔ± bΓΌyΓΌleyen Buruk, Juventus galibiyeti sonrasΔ± Δ°talya pazarΔ±nda zirve yaptΔ±. Εimdi ise gΓΆzler, Antonio Conte'nin koltuΔunun sallandΔ±ΔΔ± Napoli'de!
Galatasarayβda sadece sahadaki yΔ±ldΔ±zlar deΔil, kulΓΌbedeki dahi de AvrupaβnΔ±n radarΔ±na girdi. SarΔ±-kΔ±rmΔ±zΔ±lΔ±larΔ±n tarihi Juventus zaferi sonrasΔ± Okan Buruk, teknik direktΓΆrlΓΌk piyasasΔ±nda adeta bir "Avrupa devi" muamelesi gΓΆrmeye baΕladΔ±.
Okan Burukβu meslektaΕlarΔ±ndan ayΔ±ran en bΓΌyΓΌk ΓΆzelliklerden biri, saha dΔ±ΕΔ±ndaki donanΔ±mΔ±. Δ°talyan kanallarΔ±na akΔ±cΔ± bir Δ°talyanca, Δ°ngiliz basΔ±nΔ±na ise kusursuz bir Δ°ngilizce ile rΓΆportajlar vermesi, Avrupa kulΓΌplerinin dikkatini Γ§eken en bΓΌyΓΌk "artΔ±" puan oldu.
Juventus galibiyeti, Burukβun Δ°talyaβdaki piyasasΔ±nΔ± zirveye taΕΔ±dΔ±. GeΓ§miΕte AS Roma, Inter ve Milan gibi devlerle ismi anΔ±lan baΕarΔ±lΔ± teknik adam iΓ§in Εimdi de Napoli iddialarΔ± gΓΌndemde. Γzellikle Antonio Conteβnin koltuΔunun sallandΔ±ΔΔ± bu dΓΆnemde, Burukβun adΔ± ciddi bir alternatif olarak Δ°talyan basΔ±nΔ±nda yΓΌksek sesle konuΕuluyor.
Juventus maΓ§Δ±nΔ±n devre arasΔ±nda takΔ±mΔ± ateΕleyen o konuΕma, Burukβun galibiyet Εifrelerini ortaya koyuyor:
- Beyler... Sert baskΔ±ya devam edeceΔiz. Oyun planΔ±nda en ufak deΔiΕiklik yok! AynΔ± takΔ±m Γ§Δ±kΔ±yoruz. Gol ve golleri bulacaΔΔ±z! KaybedeceΔimiz hiΓ§bir Εey yok. Γnde basΔ±yoruz ve bu maΓ§Δ± alΔ±yoruz.
talkSPORTβa konuΕan Buruk, sempatik tavΔ±rlarΔ± ve tarihsel referanslarΔ±yla Δ°ngilizlerin de takdirini topladΔ±. Liverpool ve Tottenhamβa karΕΔ± gΓΌzel anΔ±larΔ± olduΔunu hatΔ±rlatan Buruk, eski hocasΔ± Graeme Souness hakkΔ±nda gΓΌlerek ΕunlarΔ± sΓΆyledi:
- Souness benim favorilerimden biri... Onunla TΓΌrkiye KupasΔ±'nΔ± kazandΔ±k ve o meΕhur bayraΔΔ± FenerbahΓ§e stadΔ±na dikmiΕti.
TakΔ±mΔ±n yΔ±ldΔ±zlarΔ±ndan Noa Lang de hocasΔ±na olan hayranlΔ±ΔΔ±nΔ± gizlemiyor. GenΓ§ yΔ±ldΔ±z, Ziggoβya verdiΔi demeΓ§te Εu ΓΆvgΓΌleri dizdi:
- Galatasaray'da harika bir hocam var, Okan Buruk'a gerçekten minnettarım.
HollandalΔ± yΔ±ldΔ±z Noa Lang iΓ§in transfer operasyonu dΓΌΔmesine erken basΔ±ldΔ±! Bonserviste 10 milyon Euro'luk indirim hedefleyen yΓΆnetim, DΓΌnya KupasΔ± riskine karΕΔ± iΕi bitirmek istiyor. Γte yandan Lang'dan BarΔ±Ε Alper YΔ±lmaz ve Osimhen iΓ§in Γ§arpΔ±cΔ± itiraflar geldi.
Transfer gΓΌndeminin merkezindeki Noa Lang iΓ§in hareketlilik erken baΕladΔ±. HollandalΔ± yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ±n hem saha iΓ§indeki performansΔ± hem de Galatasaray'Δ±n yΔ±ldΔ±zlarΔ±na yΓΆnelik ΓΆvgΓΌ dolu sΓΆzleri spor kamuoyunda geniΕ yankΔ± buluyor.
KulΓΌp yΓΆnetimi, Noa Lang transferini Γ§Δ±kmaza sokmamak iΓ§in elini Γ§abuk tutma kararΔ± aldΔ±. 30 milyon Euro'luk yΓΌksek bonservis bedelini aΕaΔΔ± Γ§ekmek iΓ§in tΓΌm opsiyonlar zorlanacak.
EΔer bonservis bedeli 20 milyon Euro seviyesine indirilirse, yΓΆnetim hiΓ§ dΓΌΕΓΌnmeden imzayΔ± attΔ±racak. Erken davranΔ±lmasΔ±nΔ±n en bΓΌyΓΌk sebebi, LangβΔ±n Hollanda Milli TakΔ±mΔ± ile DΓΌnya KupasΔ±βna gitme ihtimali. Turnuva sonrasΔ± performansΔ±yla deΔerinin katlanacaΔΔ± ve 30 milyon Euroβya dahi alΔ±namayacaΔΔ± korkusu, sΓΌreci hΔ±zlandΔ±rΔ±yor.
HollandalΔ± oyuncu, Ziggo'ya verdiΔi rΓΆportajda Galatasaray'Δ±n iki kilit ismine dikkat Γ§ekerek samimi aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulundu:
- BarΔ±Ε Alperβi Γ§ok beΔeniyorum. MaΓ§tan ΓΆnce yanΔ±na gidip ona 'Bak Γ§ok gΓΌΓ§lΓΌsΓΌn' demiΕtim. GerΓ§ekten Γ§ok tehlikeli bir oyuncu ve her takΔ±mΔ±n ihtiyaΓ§ duyacaΔΔ± tΓΌrden bir isim.
- Victor Osimhen gerçek bir winner (kazanan).
Saha dΔ±ΕΔ±ndaki huzuru performansΔ±na da yansΔ±yan Lang iΓ§in eΕinden de destek gecikmedi. EΕinin TikTok ΓΌzerinden yaptΔ±ΔΔ± "2 gol ve harika duygular, seninle gurur duyuyorum!" paylaΕΔ±mΔ±, oyuncunun moralinin ne kadar yΓΌksek olduΔunu kanΔ±tlar nitelikte.
Juventus maΓ§Δ±ndaki 'orkestra ΕefliΔi' sadece taraftarΔ± deΔil, Brezilya Milli TakΔ±mΔ± yetkililerini de mest etti! Δ°statistiklerin efendisi Gabriel Sara iΓ§in geri sayΔ±m baΕladΔ±! SambacΔ± yetkililer, 'Orta SahanΔ±n ProfesΓΆrΓΌ'nΓΌ yerinde izlemek iΓ§in Δ°stanbul'daki rΓΆvanΕ maΓ§Δ±na Γ§Δ±karma yapmaya hazΔ±rlanΔ±yor.
GalatasarayβΔ±n Juventus karΕΔ±sΔ±nda aldΔ±ΔΔ± tarihi galibiyetin ardΔ±ndan, Gabriel SaraβnΔ±n sergilediΔi "istatistik resitali" Brezilya Milli TakΔ±mΔ± yetkililerini harekete geΓ§irdi. Torinoβda devleΕen Sara iΓ§in rΓΆvanΕ maΓ§Δ±, milli takΔ±m kapΔ±sΔ±nΔ± aΓ§acak anahtar olacak.
GalatasarayβΔ±n Juventus karΕΔ±sΔ±nda aldΔ±ΔΔ± galibiyetin ardΔ±ndan, Gabriel SaraβnΔ±n performansΔ± ve takΔ±m arkadaΕlarΔ±ndan aldΔ±ΔΔ± ΓΆvgΓΌler gecenin en Γ§ok konuΕulan konularΔ± arasΔ±nda yer aldΔ±.
Ancak asΔ±l bomba, maΓ§Δ±n ardΔ±ndan patladΔ±. SergilediΔi oyunla "Orta Sahadaki ProfesΓΆr" lakabΔ±nΔ±n hakkΔ±nΔ± veren Sara iΓ§in Brezilya Milli TakΔ±m yetkililerinin Torino'daki rΓΆvanΕ maΓ§Δ±na geleceΔi ΓΆΔrenildi.
Juventus maΓ§Δ±nda orta sahada tam bir "orkestra Εefi" gibi hareket eden Sara, sadece oyun kurmakla kalmadΔ±; sahadaki tΓΌm oyuncular arasΔ±nda Εu istatistiklerde zirveye yerleΕti:
En Γ§ok topla buluΕan oyuncu
En Γ§ok isabetli pas yapan isim
En Γ§ok kilit pas atan oyuncu
En Γ§ok isabetli orta yapan isim
0.70 xA (Asist Beklentisi) ile sahanΔ±n en yaratΔ±cΔ± oyuncusu.
MaΓ§ sonu aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulunan Gabriel Sara, bireysel baΕarΔ±sΔ±ndan ziyade takΔ±m ruhuna dikkat Γ§ekerek ΕunlarΔ± sΓΆyledi:
- Hayalini kurduΔunuz tΓΌrden ΓΆzel bir geceydi. Sahada gΓΆsterdiΔimiz baΔlΔ±lΔ±k ve ruh iΓ§in bu takΔ±mla gurur duyuyorum. AyaklarΔ±mΔ±z yere basmaya devam ediyor; hiΓ§bir Εey bitmiΕ deΔil. TΓΌm odaΔΔ±mΔ±z rΓΆvanΕ maΓ§Δ±nda.
MaΓ§Δ±n dΓΆrdΓΌncΓΌ golΓΌ ΓΆncesinde yaptΔ±ΔΔ± baskΔ±yla asisti kapan Victor Osimhen, pozisyonu anlatΔ±rken takΔ±m arkadaΕΔ±na esprili bir gΓΆnderme yapmayΔ± ihmal etmedi:
Pres sayesinde asist yapıyorum, gittikçe Sara'ya benziyorum!
Bir zamanlar Diego Simeone'nin 100 atta 140 milyon Euro'yu gΓΆzden Γ§Δ±kardΔ±ΔΔ± iddia edilen Victor Osimhen iΓ§in artΔ±k paranΔ±n hΓΌkmΓΌ bitti! Galatasaray formasΔ±yla Γ§Δ±ktΔ±ΔΔ± 33 iΓ§ saha maΓ§Δ±nda yenilgi yΓΌzΓΌ gΓΆrmeyen NijeryalΔ± dev, sadece 75 milyon Euro'luk bir transfer deΔil; Avrupa devlerinin ΓΆnΓΌne Γ§ekilmiΕ aΕΔ±lmaz bir sete dΓΆnΓΌΕtΓΌ.
Galatasarayβda Victor Osimhen kasΔ±rgasΔ± sadece TΓΌrkiyeβyi deΔil, Avrupa devlerini de Γ§aresiz bΔ±rakΔ±yor. Bir dΓΆnem Diego Simeoneβnin kadrosuna katmak iΓ§in her yolu denediΔi, 100-140 milyon Euro bandΔ±nda deΔer biΓ§ilen NijeryalΔ± sΓΌper yΔ±ldΔ±z iΓ§in artΔ±k dengeler deΔiΕti. O, sadece 75 milyon Euro'luk bir transfer deΔil; o artΔ±k dΓΌnyanΔ±n en pahalΔ± ve ulaΕΔ±lamaz forveti olarak parΓ§alΔ± formayla tarih yazΔ±yor.
Atletico Madrid teknik direktΓΆrΓΌ Diego Simeoneβnin uzun sΓΌredir hayallerini sΓΌsleyen Osimhen iΓ§in Madrid ekibinin gΓΌcΓΌ artΔ±k yetmiyor. GalatasarayβΔ±n 75 milyon Euro ΓΆdeyerek gerΓ§ekleΕtirdiΔi bu "rekor transfer", sadece bir imza deΔil, AvrupaβnΔ±n transfer piyasasΔ±na Γ§ekilmiΕ bir set oldu.
Okan Burukβun "TΓΌm paramΔ±zΔ± ona harcadΔ±k ama karΕΔ±lΔ±ΔΔ±nΔ± fazlasΔ±yla veriyor" dediΔi yΔ±ldΔ±z oyuncu, piyasa deΔerini ve sahadaki etkisini ΓΆyle bir noktaya taΕΔ±dΔ± ki, 100 milyon Euroβlar bile artΔ±k onu yerinden oynatmaya yetmiyor.
Juventus maΓ§Δ±nda sergilediΔi hΔ±rs, savunmaya yaptΔ±ΔΔ± o akΔ±lalmaz 100 metrelik depar ve atΔ±lan 3 goldeki baΕrolΓΌyle Osimhen, "neden dΓΌnyanΔ±n en iyisi" olduΔunu kanΔ±tladΔ±.
Osimhenβin sahada olduΔu 33 iΓ§ saha maΓ§Δ±nda Galatasaray henΓΌz bileΔi bΓΌkΓΌlmedi.
24 Galibiyet
9 Beraberlik
Juventus karΕΔ±sΔ±nda alΔ±nan galibiyete raΔmen topu kaleden hemen alΔ±p santraya koΕan Osimhen, sahadaki mentaliteyi Εu sΓΆzlerle ΓΆzetledi:
- ΓçüncΓΌ golden sonra topu hemen aldΔ±m çünkΓΌ bu takΔ±mlara karΕΔ± 2-3 gol yeterli deΔil. SΓΌrpriz yapabilirler. Daha fazla atmalΔ±ydΔ±k, takΔ±mΔ± bu yΓΌzden motive etmeye Γ§alΔ±ΕtΔ±m.
Saha iΓ§inde bir canavara dΓΆnΓΌΕen NijeryalΔ±, saha dΔ±ΕΔ±nda ise tam bir aile adamΔ±. ArkadaΕΔ±nΔ±n oΔlunu yanΔ±ndan ayΔ±rmayan ve "BΓΌyΓΌk bir ailem var, burada gerΓ§ekten Γ§ok mutluyum" diyen yΔ±ldΔ±z oyuncu, taraftarΔ±n sadece golcΓΌsΓΌ deΔil, aynΔ± zamanda sevgilisi oldu.
KiΕi voleybolΓ§ular arasΔ±nda tΙΕkil edilmiΕ AzΙrbaycan Γ§empionatΔ±nda (YΓΌksΙk Liqa) bu gΓΌn 14-cΓΌ turun oyunlarΔ±na yekun vurulub.
Arena.az xΙbΙr verir ki, turun sonuncu oyun gΓΌnΓΌndΙ iki qarΕΔ±laΕma baΕ tutub.
HΙr iki qarΕΔ±laΕma FΓΆvqΙladΙ Hallar Nazirliyinin idman zalΔ±nda tΙΕkil olunub.
βAzΙrreylβlΙ qarΕΔ±laΕan βOrduβ 3:2 (22:25, 26:28, 25:20, 25:21, 15:11) hesablΔ± qΙlΙbΙ qazanΔ±b. βXilasediciβ isΙ βNeftΓ§iβni 3:0 (25:23, 25:18, 25:21) hesabΔ± ilΙ ΓΌstΙlΙyib.
XatΔ±rladaq ki, ΓΆtΙn gΓΌn AbΕeron Olimpiya Δ°dman KompleksindΙ keΓ§irilmiΕ ilk oyunda da βMuroβ βGΙnclΙrβ ΓΌzΙrindΙ 3:0 hesablΔ± qΙlΙbΙyΙ sevinmiΕdi.
YΓΌksΙk Liqa
14-cΓΌ tur
18 fevral
βOrduβ β βAzΙrreylβ 3:2 (22:25, 26:28, 25:20, 25:21, 15:11)
FΓΆvqΙladΙ Hallar Nazirliyinin idman zalΔ±.
βNeftΓ§iβ β βXilasediciβ 0:3 (23:25, 18:25, 21:25)
FΓΆvqΙladΙ Hallar Nazirliyinin idman zalΔ±.
UEFA Γempionlar LiqasΔ±nΔ±n pley-off mΙrhΙlΙsi Γ§ΙrΓ§ivΙsindΙ keΓ§irilΙcΙk βQarabaΔβ β βNyukaslβ matΓ§Δ±nΔ±n start heyΙtlΙri bΙlli olub.
Arena.az xΙbΙr verir ki, sΓΆzΓΌgedΙn komandalar arasΔ±ndakΔ± ilk oyun bu gΓΌn BakΔ±dakΔ± Tofiq BΙhramov adΔ±na Respublika stadionunda baΕ tutacaq.
GΓΆrΓΌΕΓΌ NorveΓ§dΙn olan hakimlΙr briqadasΔ± idarΙ edΙcΙk. MatΓ§Δ±n baΕ hakimi FIFA referisi Espen Eskos olacaq.
UEFA Γempionlar LiqasΔ±
Pley-off mΙrhΙlΙsinin ilk oyunu
18 fevral
βQarabaΔβ β βNyukaslβ
HakimlΙr: Espen Eskos, Yan Erik Enqan, Δ°sak Elias BaΕevkin, Siqurd Krinqstad (NorveΓ§).
VAR: Rob Diyperink (Niderland).
AVAR: Dennis Hiqler (Niderland).
Hakim-inspektor: Matteo Simone Trefoloni (Δ°taliya).
UEFA nΓΌmayΙndΙsi: Δ°qnas MarΓ§inkeviΓ§yus (Litva).
BakΔ±. Tofiq BΙhramov adΔ±na Respublika stadionu. Saat 21:45.
QarabaΔ: 99. MateuΕ Koxalski, 2. Mateus Silva, 8. Marko YankoviΓ§, 9. Xoni Montiel, 10. Abdullah Zubir (k), 13. BΙhlul MustafazadΙ, 15. Leandro Andrade, 17. Kamilo Duran, 35. Pedro Bikalyo, 44. Elvin CΙfΙrquliyev, 81. Kevin Medina.
Ehtiyat oyunΓ§ular: 89. Amin Ramazanov, 97. Fabian BuntiΓ§, 3. Samuel Mmae, 11. Emmanuel Addai, 18. Dani Bolt, 20. Kadi Borges, 21. Aleksey KaΕuk, 22. Musa QurbanlΔ±, 27. Toral Bayramov, 30. Abbas HΓΌseynov, 32. HikmΙt CΙbrayΔ±lzadΙ, 55. BΙdavi HΓΌseynov.
BaΕ mΙΕqΓ§i: Qurban Qurbanov.
Nyukasl: 1. Nik Pope, 2. Kiran Trippyer, 3. Lyuis Holl, 8. Sandro Tonali, 10. Antoni Qordon, 11. Harvi Barnes, 12. Malik Tiav, 20. Antoni Elanqa, 27. Nik Voltemade, 28. Co Uillok, 33. Dan BΓΆrn.
Ehtiyat oyunΓ§ular: 26. Con Ruddi, 32. Aaron Ramsdeyl, 58. Aydan Harris, 7. Joelinton, 18. Uilyam Osula, 23. Yakop MΓΆrfi, 37. Aleks MΓΆrfi, 41. Yakop Remsi, 61. Leo Εahar, 62. Εon Niv.
BaΕ mΙΕqΓ§i: Eddi Hau.
Futbol ΓΌzrΙ Fransa Γ§empionatΔ±nda (Liqa 1) mΓΌbarizΙ aparan βRennβ komandasΔ±nda baΕ mΙΕqΓ§i HΙbib Beye ilΙ yollar ayrΔ±lΔ±b.
Arena.az xΙbΙr verir ki, bu barΙdΙ klubun mΙtbuat xidmΙti mΙlumat yayΔ±b.
TΙrΙflΙr arasΔ±ndakΔ± mΓΌqavilΙyΙ qarΕΔ±lΔ±qlΔ± razΔ±lΔ±q ΙsasΔ±nda xitam verilib. KomandanΔ±n son turlarda ardΔ±cΔ±l 3 mΙΔlubiyyΙt yaΕamasΔ± BeyeyΙ baΔΔ±ΕlanmayΔ±b.
HΙbib Beye 2025-ci ilin yanvar ayΔ±ndan βRennβΙ rΙhbΙrlik edirdi. Komanda onun rΙhbΙrliyi altΔ±nda 39 oyun keΓ§irib, 18 qΙlΙbΙ qazanΔ±b, 7 heΓ§-heΓ§Ι vΙ 14 mΙΔlubiyyΙt gΓΆrΓΌb.
ArtΔ±q βRennβin yeni baΕ mΙΕqΓ§isi dΙ mΙlumdur. Liqa 1 tΙmsilΓ§isini bundan sonra 54 yaΕlΔ± mΓΌtΙxΙssis Frank Hayse ΙvΙz edib. TΙrΙflΙr arasΔ±nda mΓΌddΙti 2027-ci ilin yayΔ±na qΙdΙr nΙzΙrdΙ tutulan mΓΌqavilΙ imzalanΔ±b.
XatΔ±rladaq ki, Hayse son olaraq βNitsaβnΔ± Γ§alΔ±ΕdΔ±rΔ±b. O, 2024-cΓΌ ilin yanvar ayΔ±ndan βNitsaβya rΙhbΙrlik edirdi. Liqa 1 tΙmsilΓ§isi bu mΙΕqΓ§ini 2025-ci ilin sonunda istefaya gΓΆndΙrmiΕdi. Hayse daha ΓΆncΙ βLansβda da baΕ mΙΕqΓ§isi kimi Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±b.
βRennβ hazΔ±rda 34 xalla Liqa 1-in yarΔ±Ε cΙdvΙlindΙ 6-cΔ± pillΙdΙ qΙrarlaΕΔ±b.
Fiorentina have a decimated squad for their Conference League play-off against Jagiellonia, as the conditions do not bode well.
The first leg kicks off on Thursday at the Stadion Miejski w Bialymstoku in Bialystok at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
The decider will then be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence next week.
Coach Paolo Vanoliβs mood was boosted by last weekβs unexpected 2-1 Serie A victory away to Como, which lifted them out of the Serie A relegation zone.
However, it came at a cost, because they had to leave several top players behind for this trip to Poland due to fitness concerns.
David De Gea suffered a dislocated finger on his left hand during the win over Como, while January signing Manor Solomon has flu symptoms.
Moise Kean, Dodo, De Gea and Manor Solomon remain in Florence, along with injured Albert Gudmundsson and Tariq Lamptey.
Marco Brescianini, Oliver Christensen and Daniele Rugani are not on the UEFA squad list for this stage of the competition, so are ineligible.
It means Vanoli has had to call up eight players from the Fiorentina youth team, including two goalkeepers.
Luca Lezzerini should therefore play his first UEFA match for the Viola since the 3-2 Europa League defeat to PAOK in November 2016.
No risks will be taken with the most important players, considering the conditions in Poland, where it has been snowing heavily.
This is not a synthetic or even hybrid pitch, so it has suffered more than most from the freezing temperatures.
Balbo, Bertolini, Bonanno, Braschi, Comuzzo, Deli, Fabbian, Fagioli, Fazzini, Fortini, Gosens, Harrison, Kouadio, Leonardelli, Lezzerini, Magalotti, Mandragora, Ndour, Parisi, Piccoli, Pongracic, Ranieri, Sadotti
Milan are working hard to sign Luka Modric to a new one-year contract extension, after the legendary Croatian midfielder continues to play an important role for the Rossoneri.
The Croatian veteran has been a huge hit in Lombardy, after signing from Real Madrid last summer on a free transfer in a one-year deal.
So far this season, he has played nearly 2000 minutes for Massimiliano Allegriβs side, in all competitions, scoring twice, assisting three more and being an ever-present cog in the Rossoneri machine.
According to CalcioMercato, there is a βgrowing optimismβ at Milan that Modric will agree to a new deal, after Allegri has developed a reported βrelationship of great mutual respect and trustβ with the former Madrid midfielder.
The Croatian will turn 41 in September and it looks increasingly likely that he will continue into yet another year of football β for a man who in his own words just loves playing the sport.
There is already a clause in his contract that allows the club to trigger a one-year extension, with a higher salary of around β¬4.5 million, if the club qualify for the Champions League.
Of course, the former Ballon dβOr winner also wants guarantees that he will continue to play a starring role for the club β not content to just sit on the bench.
Inter make a chilly trip to Bodo/Glimt this evening, in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off clash against the Norwegian side.
The match promises to be interesting for a number of reasons, with cold temperatures and an artificial pitch for the Nerazzurri to contend with β and the Serie A side have four players at risk of missing the second leg if they receive a booking tonight.
As noted by FCInterNews, Lautaro Martinez, Francesco Acerbi, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Alessandro Bastoni are all in danger of a one-match ban.
For players like Martinez, Mkhitaryan and Bastoni especially, being without them in the return leg could become a problem if Inter do not pick up a comfortable result in Norway.
However, that is easier said than done.
It is a tricky place for any team to go in the Champions League and strong teams like Manchester City have already slipped up in the freezing cold city of BodΓΈ.
Inter hoped to avoid having to participate in the play-offs but just missed out on a place in the top eight of the league phase, giving them an awkward play-off tie against an unpredictable team.
Follow all the action from the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from the club, and they have identified his replacement.Β
They want to sign the 28-year-old Argentine defender Marcos Senesi to replace Romero, as per Fichajes. The experienced defender has shown his quality in the Premier League with Bournemouth, and he could be an excellent addition to Tottenham.
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He will be a free agent in the summer, and the opportunity to secure his signature on a bargain cannot be passed up. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done. The player is reportedly on the radar of clubs like Barcelona as well.
Barcelona are certainly a bigger club compared to Tottenham, and they could offer him the platform to fight for titles. It will be interesting to see how Tottenham convince the player to join them instead.
Senesi has played his best football in the Premier League, and he could be tempted to continue in England. However, Tottenham must convince him of their ambition and their project. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Romero has been a key player for Tottenham, and they need to replace him properly if he decides to leave. Signing a reliable Premier League performer to replace one of the players could be a wise decision. The 28-year-old could settle in quickly and make an immediate impact.
Tottenham has had a disappointing season so far and is fighting for survival in the Premier League. They will need to raise their performance levels and finish in a respectable position if they want to attract quality players in the summer.
The post Tottenham identify compatriot as ideal replacement amid starβs exit rumours appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Real Madrid attacker Endrick.Β
The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Lyon and has been excellent for the French outfit, with five goals and an assist in six matches. His performance has attracted Manchester Unitedβs attention, and they believe he could be a quality long-term investment. According to Fichajes, they are leading the race to complete the deal.
Chelsea are also interested in Endrick.
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Other English clubs are monitoring his progress as well, which has accelerated Manchester Unitedβs efforts, and they are now looking to wrap up the move quickly. They are aware that Real Madrid will not sell the player cheaply, and they will have to pay a premium to complete the deal.
The Brazilian was regarded as a world-class talent when he moved to Spain. He struggled to secure regular opportunities at Real Madrid, and he has now shown his quality at Lyon. He will be desperate for regular opportunities, and joining Manchester United could be exciting for him. They might be able to offer him more opportunities than Real Madrid.
The report claims that Real Madrid could make a substantial profit from the player. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United follows up on their interest with an official offer to complete the deal.
They need more creativity and cutting-edge in the final third, and the 19-year-old could be the ideal fit for them. If they can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, the deal could look like a masterstroke in future. Manchester United have done well to groom young players in the past, and they could help the Brazilian fulfil his potential.
The opportunity to play regularly in England will be exciting for the player as well.
The post Man United plot summer raid for 19-year-old wonderkid lighting up top league appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah is likely to be on his way out of the club in the summer.
The Egyptian has been an exceptional performer for the team, and Liverpool will need to replace him properly. The club hierarchy has identified Michael Olise as the replacement for the Egyptian.
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According to a report from Fichajes, they are fully aware of the fact that Bayern Munich are unwilling to sell the French attacker. Therefore, they are prepared to make a historic effort to get the deal done. Liverpool could offer close to β¬200 million in order to sign the international attacker. It will be interesting to see if Bayern Munich is ready to accept the offer in the summer.
Olise is one of the best attacking players in the world, and he has been exceptional for the German club. He has the qualities used to do well in the Premier League as well, and there is no doubt that he could be the ideal replacement for Salah.
It remains to be seen as the situation develops.
Liverpool will be hoping to fight for major trophies, and they need elite players at their disposal. The French International would be a defining acquisition for them.
Olise has previously shown his quality in England with Crystal Palace. The opportunity to return will be exciting for him. He will look to prove his quality in the Premier League once again. Apart from his ability to create opportunities and find the back of the net, he will also bring explosive pace and unpredictability to the team. He will certainly hope that the two clubs can finalise an agreement quickly. He will look to sort out his long-term future and focus on his football once again.
The post Liverpool board approve β¬200m gamble to reinvent key area this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Earlier this week, developers RocketWerkz and GRIP Studios announced that the console release for the popular survival game, ICARUS, would be delayed by one month, from its initial February 26, 2026, release date to March 26, 2026. Along with announcing the delay, the studios also confirmed that the team would host a Reddit AMA on r/Survival Gaming, during which DayZ creator Dean Hall (who is also the creator of ICARUS) called on consumers to help "normalize delaying games." The statement doesn't come in the form of an answer from Hall, but rather as a preface before the AMA even kicks [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/dayz-creator-calls-on-consumers-to-help-normalize-delaying-games/
Today, Canadian developer Neojac Entertainment (known for the games Junk Survivor and Athos) announced that its next game, Frontier Legends, will debut this Spring on Early Access. As you could probably guess from the title, it is a Western game, and also an open world title with survival and adventure elements. It casts players as a greenhorn settler fresh off the train, dropped into the rugged and unforgiving American West with nothing but ambition and a will to survive. Players can then become a hunter tracking game through dense wilderness, a trader running goods between settlements, a lawman keeping order [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/frontier-legends-open-world-survival-western-game-launches-early-access-this-spring/
If you needed any reference as to how far behind Apple currently is in the ongoing AI race, look no further than the miniscule AI capabilities that the iPhone maker just rolled out with much fanfare for its Apple Music app, and then compare them with Google's latest model that is now creating entire tracks from scratch. Apple Music now uses AI to create playlists as Google's models are now building entire 30-second song tracks As we noted recently, with the iOS 26.4 update, the Apple Music app will let you create a playlist with a text-based prompt. Basically, you [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/google-just-put-apple-musics-ai-shenanigans-to-shame/
Highguard has become one of the most talked-about games to kick off 2026, but all for the wrong reasons. After its maligned reveal at The Game Awards, despite its launch drawing 97K concurrent players on Steam alone, those players didn't stick around, and it lost the vast majority of its player base almost immediately. It was review-bombed on Steam, and barely two weeks after it had arrived on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, "most" of the team at developer Wildlight Entertainment had been laid off. After one of the laid-off developers took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/ex-highguard-staff-share-concept-art-and-videos-of-unreleased-in-engine-characters/
More mechanically complex than its predecessor, Transport Fever 3 lets players realize their tycoon dreams and build entire industries from the ground up.
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/freight-eningly-good-transport-fever-3-pc-hands-on-preview/
The stereotype of the eccentric genius with radical political views is a common trope in fiction. A new study challenges this assumption by suggesting that highly intelligent adults may hold political views that are remarkably similar to the general population. Researchers found that adults identified as gifted in childhood largely share the same political outlooks as their non-gifted peers, with one specific exception regarding conservatism in men. These findings were published in the scientific journal Intelligence.
Society often looks to gifted individuals to solve major problems. These individuals frequently occupy leadership roles in economics, science, and politics. Because they hold positions of influence, understanding how they view the world is a matter of public interest.
Researchers have spent decades trying to understand the link between cognitive ability and political belief. Some past theories suggested that higher intelligence leads to left-wing or liberal views. Other theories proposed that intelligent people might favor economic conservatism.
The results of these past studies have been inconsistent. This inconsistency led a team of researchers to investigate the matter using a long-term approach. They wanted to see if distinct political patterns emerge when comparing gifted adults to a control group of average intelligence.
The lead author of the study is Maximilian Krolo from the Department of Educational Science at Saarland University in Germany. He collaborated with JΓΆrn R. Sparfeldt, also from Saarland University, and Detlef H. Rost from the Department of Psychology at Philipps-University Marburg.
The team based their research on the βCognitive Complexity-Openness Hypothesis.β This concept suggests that people with higher intelligence are generally more open to new experiences. They are also thought to be better equipped to handle complex or nuanced ideas.
If this hypothesis holds true, gifted individuals might reject rigid political dogmas. They might gravitate toward more flexible or moderate positions. The researchers aimed to test if this theoretical flexibility translates into specific political preferences in adulthood.
To do this, the authors utilized data from the Marburg Giftedness Project. This is a longitudinal study based in Germany that tracks the development of individuals over time. The project began during the 1987-1988 school year.
The initial phase involved examining over 7,000 third-grade students. The researchers administered standardized intelligence tests to this large group. These tests measured reasoning abilities and the speed at which the students processed information.
From this large pool, the team identified a group of gifted students. These students had an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of 130 or higher. In the general population, an IQ of 100 is considered average.
The researchers then selected a control group of non-gifted students. This group had IQ scores near 100. The researchers ensured this control group matched the gifted group in other ways, such as gender ratios and socioeconomic background.
This matching process was designed to ensure fair comparisons. It allows researchers to be more confident that any differences found later are actually due to intelligence differences.
Six years later, when the students were in the ninth grade, the team tested them again. This re-evaluation confirmed the cognitive status of the participants. It ensured that the classification of βgiftedβ or βnon-giftedβ remained accurate as the children entered adolescence.
The current study focuses on these same individuals roughly 35 years after they were first identified. The participants were now adults with an average age of about 43. The researchers sent them surveys to assess their political orientations.
A total of 87 gifted adults and 71 non-gifted adults completed the survey. The response rate was notably high for a study spanning so many decades. This level of participation helps strengthen the reliability of the data.
The survey measured political views in two different ways. The first method was a simple single-dimensional scale. Participants were asked to place themselves on a spectrum ranging from left (1) to right (10).
The second method was more detailed. The researchers used the βPolitical Ideologies Questionnaireβ to measure four distinct dimensions of political thought. These dimensions allowed for a more precise understanding of specific beliefs.
The first dimension was economic libertarianism. This viewpoint emphasizes free markets and individual liberty in economic matters. People who score high here often view merit-based inequality as fair.
The second dimension was conservatism. This outlook values tradition and social stability. High scorers usually believe that shared culture and established rules are necessary to prevent societal fragmentation.
The third dimension was socialism. This perspective focuses on equality of outcome. It emphasizes protecting disadvantaged groups and may advocate for social changes to reduce exploitation.
The fourth dimension was liberalism. In this context, liberalism refers to placing a high value on individual autonomy. It suggests that people should be free to live as they please provided they do not harm others.
The researchers analyzed the survey data using statistical methods called Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). They checked for differences between the gifted and non-gifted groups. They also looked for differences based on sex.
On the simple left-right scale, the results showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Both the gifted and non-gifted adults tended to place themselves near the center of the spectrum. This suggests a general tendency toward moderation in both groups.
The researchers then analyzed the four specific dimensions of the detailed questionnaire. For economic libertarianism, socialism, and liberalism, the analysis again showed no statistical difference between the groups. Giftedness did not appear to push individuals toward or away from these specific ideologies.
However, a distinct pattern emerged regarding the dimension of conservatism. The researchers found an interaction effect between giftedness and sex. This means the relationship between intelligence and conservatism depended on whether the participant was male or female.
Specifically, non-gifted men scored higher on conservatism than gifted men. The non-gifted men were more likely to endorse values related to tradition and strict social order. Gifted men were less likely to hold these traditional conservative views.
This difference was not observed among the women in the study. Gifted women and non-gifted women showed similar levels of conservatism. The divergence was unique to the male participants.
The researchers used supplementary Bayesian analyses to verify these results. Bayesian analysis is a statistical technique that weighs the strength of evidence for different models. These additional tests supported the initial findings.
The team interpreted the findings through the lens of cognitive flexibility. They suggest that non-gifted men might rely more on traditional perspectives when processing complex social issues. This reliance could lead to higher conservatism scores.
On the other hand, gifted men may possess greater cognitive flexibility. This allows them to process diverse perspectives more easily. Consequently, they may be less inclined to adhere to rigid traditional norms.
The lack of difference in the other categories supports the βcenteringβ hypothesis. This is the idea that intelligent individuals often avoid extreme political positions. They may see extreme views as oversimplifications of a complex reality.
The authors also noted that the German political context might play a role. Germany has a βsocial market economyβ that blends capitalism with social welfare. This cultural environment might encourage a consensus around moderate views for everyone, regardless of intelligence.
As with all research, there are limitations to the study that must be considered. The sample size was relatively small, which is common in studies that last for decades. A larger sample might have detected smaller effects that this study missed.
Additionally, the study was conducted exclusively in Germany. Political terms like βliberalβ or βconservativeβ can have different meanings in different countries. The results might not apply perfectly to the political landscape of the United States or other nations.
The study also relied on self-reported beliefs. While honest reporting is assumed, people sometimes describe themselves differently than their actions might suggest.
Future research could address these limitations by looking at actual behavior. For instance, scientists could examine voting records or party memberships. This would help determine if these internal orientations translate into real-world political action.
Despite the limitations, the study offers a clear message. High intelligence does not automatically lead to radical or distinct political views. Gifted adults appear to be as politically diverse and moderate as the rest of the population.
The one notable exception regarding male conservatism warrants further investigation. It highlights how intelligence and gender might interact to shape how people value tradition.
Ultimately, this research suggests that while gifted individuals may process information differently, their political conclusions are not fundamentally alien. They navigate the same societal debates as everyone else. Their minds may be exceptional, but their politics are often quite ordinary.
The study, βExploring exceptional minds: Political orientations of gifted adults,β was authored by Maximilian Krolo, JΓΆrn R. Sparfeldt, and Detlef H. Rost.
ChatGPT heavily favors the top of content when selecting citations, according to an analysis of 1.2 million AI answers and 18,012 verified citations by Kevin Indig, Growth Advisor.
Why we care. Traditional search rewarded depth and delayed payoff. AI favors immediate classification β clear entities and direct answers up front. If your substance isnβt surfaced early, itβs less likely to appear in AI answers.
By the numbers. Indigβs team found a consistent βski rampβ citation pattern that held across randomized validation batches. He called the results statistically indisputable:
At the paragraph level, AI reads more deeply:
The big takeaway. Front-load key insights at the article level. Within paragraphs, prioritize clarity and information density over forced first sentences.
Why this happens. Large language models are trained on journalism and academic writing that follow a βbottom line up frontβ structure. The model appears to weight early framing more heavily, then interpret the rest through that lens.
What gets cited. Indig identified five traits of highly cited content:
About the data. Indig analyzed 3 million ChatGPT responses and 30 million citations, isolating 18,012 verified citations to examine where and why AI pulls content. His team used sentence-transformer embeddings to match responses to specific source sentences, then measured their page position and linguistic traits such as definitions, entity density, and sentiment.
Bottom line. Narrative βultimate guideβ writing may underperform in AI retrieval. Structured, briefing-style content performs better.
The report. The science of how AI pays attention
Google Ads has launched a new Results tab inside its Recommendations section that shows advertisers the measured performance impact after they apply bid and budget suggestions.
How it works. After an advertiser applies a bid or budget recommendation, Google analyzes campaign performance one week later and compares it to an estimated baseline of what would have happened without the change. The system then highlights the incremental lift, such as additional conversions generated by raising a budget or adjusting targets.
Where to find it. Impact reporting appears in the Recommendations area of an account. A summary callout shows recent results on the main page, while a dedicated Results tab provides a deeper breakdown grouped by Budget and Target recommendations, with filtering options for each.
Why we care. Advertisers can now see whether Googleβs automated recommendations actually drive incremental results β not just projected gains β helping teams evaluate the business value of platform guidance.
What to expect. Results are reported as a seven-day rolling average measured across a 28-day window after a recommendation is applied. Metrics focus on the campaignβs primary bidding objective β such as conversions, conversion value, or clicks.
Between the lines. The feature adds a layer of accountability to automated recommendations at a time when advertisers are relying more heavily on platform-driven optimization.
Spotted by. Hana KobzovΓ‘ founder of PPCNewsFeed who shared a screenshot of the help doc on LinkedIn.
Help doc. Even though there isnβt a live Google help doc, a Google spokesperson has confirmed that thereβs an early pilot running.
The post Is Litecoinβs (LTC) Price Rally OverβOr Is a Surprise Breakout Coming? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Litecoin isnβt the market favorite it once was. Since the beginning of the year, the price has dropped more than 36%, sliding to around $45 before showing signs of life during the recent market bounce. Even with that recovery, LTC price remains stuck below $55, a level that now acts as a ceiling rather than support. The broader signals still lean cautious, and momentum hasnβt fully shifted in favor of the bulls.Β
That said, the chart structure suggests this compression could resolve higher. If buyers manage to push past $55 with strength, a move toward $70β$75 could quickly come into play.
Litecoinβs open interest tells a clear story of fading conviction. Over the past few months, both price and open interest have trended lower, signaling long liquidation rather than aggressive new short positioning. In simple terms, traders are stepping away instead of building fresh bets. The steady decline in OI suggests deleveraging and reduced speculative participation, which often accompanies weak momentum phases.
Interestingly, previous spikes in open interest were followed by sharp price swings, but the current environment shows contraction instead of expansion. This drop in participation reflects caution across derivatives markets. It explains why LTC struggles to sustain recoveries; without rising open interest, breakout attempts lack the fuel needed for a sustained move higher.
On the 4-hour chart, Litecoin is forming a tightening structure just beneath the $55β$56 resistance zone. Price continues to print higher lows along the rising trendline near $49β$50, suggesting buyers are gradually stepping in. However, the horizontal resistance around $55 remains firm, creating a developing ascending triangle setup.
Momentum indicators reflect indecision. The MACD is flattening near the zero line, showing weakening bearish pressure but no strong bullish expansion yet. Meanwhile, RSI hovers around the mid-40s to 50 region, signaling neutral momentum without clear dominance. If bulls manage a clean breakout above $56 with volume, LTC could target $61β$62 next. On the downside, a breakdown below $49 would invalidate the structure and expose $45 support.
The Litecoin price is sitting at a make-or-break level. The structure still favors a potential upside breakout, but momentum hasnβt fully confirmed it yet. As long as the price continues to defend the rising trendline near $49β$50, bulls retain a short-term edge. A decisive move above $56 could quickly shift sentiment and open the path toward $61 and possibly $65 if follow-through builds.
However, failure to hold the trendline would weaken the setup significantly. A breakdown below $49 would likely trigger renewed selling pressure, dragging LTC back toward $45. For now, patience is keyβthe next breakout or breakdown should define Litecoinβs direction for the coming sessions.
The post The XRP Flywheel Effect: Why Price Discovery May Become Inevitable as Corridors Flip appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
XRP is once again at the center of market discussions after new commentary from analysts highlighted how the long-term expansion of Rippleβs global payment network could eventually translate into higher public ledger activity and stronger price momentum for the token.
According to Jesse from Apex Crypto Insights, a factor investors often misunderstand is that most current payment activity on Rippleβs network does not yet use XRP directly. Instead, many banks and financial institutions rely on fiat-based settlement rails within RippleNet because they provide faster processing, lower costs than traditional systems like SWIFT, and eliminate cryptocurrency volatility risks. As a result, a large portion of institutional payment flows remains invisible to the public XRP Ledger today.
He describes Rippleβs expansion strategy as a multi-stage adoption cycle designed to gradually integrate XRP into global payment infrastructure.
Stage one (2017β2023): Institutional onboarding: During the early phase, Ripple focused on convincing banks and payment providers to adopt its technology using fiat-only settlement systems. This approach allowed institutions to benefit from faster and cheaper cross-border payments without needing to hold crypto assets. While this helped grow RippleNetβs global footprint, it meant that most transaction volume did not yet contribute to demand on the public XRP ledger, keeping direct price impact limited.
Stage two (2023β2026): On-demand liquidity expansion: The second phase, now underway, involves introducing On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solutions that use XRP as a bridge asset between currencies. In an ODL transaction, funds are converted into XRP on one exchange, transferred across the ledger within seconds, and converted back into the destination currency. Each activation of a new payment corridorβsuch as U.S. dollar to peso or yenβturns previously private fiat-only volume into public XRP transaction activity.
Several corridors are already using this system at scale, including the Mexico corridor through Bitso since 2019 and expanding adoption across regions such as Asia-Pacific and parts of Latin America. Analysts note that as more corridors adopt ODL, daily XRP transaction flows could grow significantly, tightening spreads and increasing liquidity across exchanges.
Stage three: Network effects and liquidity flywheel: As more institutions shift to XRP-based settlement, liquidity is expected to deepen further, lowering transaction costs and encouraging additional corridors to adopt the technology. Over time, this βflywheel effectβ could create sustained demand growth, particularly if major G20 currency corridorsβsuch as U.S. dollar to euro or yenβmove toward full ODL usage.
Although most RippleNet transactions today do not directly use XRP, analysts argue that the existing private payment volume effectively acts as potential future demand. Once institutions become comfortable with Rippleβs infrastructure and regulatory clarity improves, the economic incentive to reduce settlement costsβoften estimated at 60% to 90% savingsβcould drive a gradual shift toward XRP-based liquidity solutions.
The expansion of automated market makers (AMMs), decentralized exchange liquidity, and institutional participation in providing XRP liquidity pools could further amplify transaction activity. In such a scenario, rising payment flows, increased trading activity, and growing speculative interest could collectively contribute to stronger price discovery over time.
βXankΙndiβ Futbol Klubunda yeni tΙyinat rΙsmilΙΕib.
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36 yaΕlΔ± mΓΌtΙxΙssis daha ΙvvΙl 2020β2025-ci illΙrdΙ βSΙbailβ futbol klubunun mΓΌxtΙlif yaΕ qruplarΔ±nda Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±b. O, 2025-ci ildΙ isΙ βΕΙfaβ klubunda qapΔ±Γ§Δ±-mΙΕqΓ§i vΙzifΙsindΙ fΙaliyyΙt gΓΆstΙrib.
βQarabaΔβ UEFA Γempionlar LiqasΔ±nΔ±n pley-off mΙrhΙlΙsinin ilk oyununda bu gΓΌn βNyukaslβΔ± qΙbul edΙcΙk.
Futbolpress.az xΙbΙr verir ki, saat 21:45-dΙ start gΓΆtΓΌrΙcΙk oyuna komandalar aΕaΔΔ±dakΔ± heyΙtlΙ Γ§Δ±xacaqlarβ¦
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Tennessee senior quarterbackΒ Joey Aguilar is attempting to gain eligibility to play for the Vols in 2026.
After being granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA for eligibility on Feb. 4, he had a preliminary injunction hearing in Knox County Chancery Court on Feb. 13. Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty did not make a ruling on Feb. 13 for Tennesseeβs signal-caller.
Aguilar will compete in the NFL scouting combine, according to Chris Low of On3.
"Still hopeful of winning in court, Tennesseeβs Joey Aguilar is headed to the NFL combine just in case, and will preserve his eligibility by staying for a shorter window, only 48 hours," Low announced.
TheΒ NFL scouting combineΒ will take place Feb. 23βMarch 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Former Tennessee defensive backΒ Colton Hood, defensive backΒ Jermod McCoy, tight endΒ Miles Kitselman, defensive linemanΒ Bryson Eason, defensive linemanΒ Joshua JosephsΒ and wide receiverΒ Chris Brazzell IIΒ were invited to the 2026 NFL scouting combine.
More: 2026 Tennessee football schedule, opponents, game dates
Follow Vols Wire onΒ FacebookΒ andΒ XΒ (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee's Joey Aguilar will compete at NFL scouting combine
TESERO, Italy (AP) β A surprise participant in Wednesdayβs action at the Milan Cortina Olympics had four legs and zero concern for race times.
As elite cross-country skiers pushed to the finish in the womenβs team sprint heats, a dog wandered onto the course and ran with athletes down the straightaway.
Racers stayed focused as spectators cheered on the canine intruder before it crossed the finish line and was restrained by venue officials.
The dog had slipped away from a local owner while out on a nearby walk, officials later said.
The incident came on the same day and the same course where Olympic history was made: Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway won his record 10th gold medal and his fifth of the Milan Cortina Games.
___
AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
The Up'Ards have extended their lead to 2-0 on the second day of an ancient football game played in a town in Derbyshire.
Royal Shrovetide Football, which began in the 12th Century, sees two teams - the Up'Ards and Down'Ards - compete to move a ball to opposite ends of Ashbourne.
There was late drama on Tuesday after the Up'Ards took a 1β0 lead when the ball was goaled by Craig Brown at 21:30 GMT, just 30 minutes before the first day's action came to a close.
The ball was goaled for a second time by the Up'Ards at 17:15 on Wednesday.
Play resumed for day two at 14:00 GMT on Ash Wednesday, with both teams bracing for cold conditions to sweep in as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow across Derbyshire.
The historic event has taken place every year since at least 1667, often seeing a hundreds-strong scrum attempt to tap the ball three times at one of the goals at either end of the three-mile long pitch.
The game starts at 14:00 on both days with the ball "turned up" from a specially-constructed plinth in Shawcroft car park in the town centre.
If one of the teams manages to "goal" the ball before 18:00, a new ball will be released and play will restart, otherwise the game will end.
Roads will be closed around the town from 13:30 until 22:00 on Wednesday for as long as play continues.
Community directory, Discover Ashbourne, said the closures would be for as short a time as the game allowed but "could potentially last for hours".
Those attending the game are advised to use the park and ride facility at the Airfield Industrial Estate, and people are warned not to park anywhere in the "play zone" or they risk their car being damaged.
Much of Tuesday's play was in the Shawcroft car park before finally heading out towards Clifton, which is the south side of the town - home to the Down'Ards.
Despite a warning being in place, a parked car was left with significant damage after being caught in the surge of players trying to get the ball.
With the first day of play looking like it was going to be a stalemate, the ball quickly shifted to Sturston, on the north side of the town, before Craig Brown goaled the ball.
After scoring late on Tuesday, Brown was lifted on to the shoulders of his teammates down to The Greenman pub as day one ended Up'Ards 1-0 Down'Ards.
Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
Swansea Council has applied for a High Court injunction to halt the proposed deal between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media to buy rivals Cardiff.
Ospreys are under threat of being removed from the professional tier with owners Y11 the WRU's preferred bidders to buy Cardiff from the governing body.
The WRU wants to cut one professional men's side in Wales with Ospreys now in the firing line if Y11 buy Cardiff.
The WRU has been asked to comment.
Swansea Council, which wants to redevelop the St Helen's ground for the Ospreys, said it is seeking an urgent court hearing, which could happen as soon as this week.
The decision to apply for the injunction was taken by the Council's cabinet on Monday with cross-party support.
"The proposed deal between the WRU and Y11 to buy Cardiff Rugby would mean the end of the Ospreys as a men's professional regional rugby team playing in the URC," said a Swansea Council spokesperson.
"We are seeking an injunction to prevent this deal going ahead so that further discussions can take place while the current four team regional structure remains in place.
"The injunction would give all parties the opportunity to consider other options for the future of regional rugby in Wales.
"We believe this is a reasonable and proportionate action given the risk to the future of the Ospreys and the impact that would have on Swansea and the wider region.
"Players, supporters, residents, community clubs and local businesses stand together in support of the Ospreys remaining as one of Wales' four professional regional rugby sides."
In a separate action earlier this week, the council formally asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate the proposed deal between the WRU and Y11.
The council's concerns focus on the proposed reduction of professional teams from four to three, the process for allocating licences, and the potential for one ownership group to control two Welsh clubs.
Arsenalβs growing belief in their pursuit of silverware has been driven by unity and collective purpose, according to goalkeeper David Raya (30), who says the squadβs togetherness could prove decisive in the closing months of the season. The Spaniard pointed to the harmony within the dressing room as a defining strength, crediting manager Mikel Arteta and his staff for fostering an environment where players feel connected both on and off the pitch.
βThe whole squad is bonded together,β Raya said, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports. βWe are literally like friends and team-mates at the same time. It makes everything easier, and it gives you confidence when you step onto the pitch.β That cohesion has been reflected in Arsenalβs performances, with players stepping up when called upon and maintaining momentum across competitions.
Attention now turns to their game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Arsenal will look to extend their advantage at the top. Raya believes recent performances, including dominant cup displays, have reinforced confidence throughout the squad, particularly among returning players and those seeking greater involvement.
He also stressed the importance of staying present during a pivotal period. βIf you think too far ahead, you lose focus,β Raya said. βWe know what we want to achieve. We want to make it a special season for the club and the supporters.β
GFN | Finn Entwistle
Diego Simeone highly impressed by Ademola Lookman's play
AtlΓ©tico Madrid: Ademola Lookman very special for Diego Simeone
Having just arrived at AtlΓ©tico Madrid a few days ago, Ademola Lookman has already won over Diego Simeone.
Ademola Lookman signed for AtlΓ©tico Madrid during the latest winter transfer window from Atalanta. The Nigerian quickly found his place at AtlΓ©tico Madrid, already netting two goals. Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Club Brugge this Wednesday, Diego Simeone highlighted the unique contribution the Nigerian striker brings to his attacking setup.
"He has different qualities compared to our other forwards. He's more of a specialist in one-on-ones than in combination play, even though he can do that as well, and he immediately made a very good impact on the team," said the Argentine coach.
Said Saibi appointed as new Stade Tunisien head coach
Said Saibi/@La presse
Stade Tunisien has just announced a change at the helm. The Bardolais club has decided to appoint Said Saibi in place of Ammar Souayeh.
Ammar Souayeh was relieved of his duties following the victory over Olympique de BΓ©ja (3-1). During that match, Stade Tunisien fielded five foreign players, contrary to current league regulations, a move that could prove costly with the official complaint lodged by the Storks.
Souayeh defended himself by stating that he was not responsible for administrative matters and that it was not his fault, but that was not enough for him to keep his position as head coach.
The club, currently third in the Tunisian Ligue Pro 1 (41 points), just four points behind the league leaders and with a game in hand, has decided to bring in Saibi, the former CA coach.
Saibi will take charge of the team for the first time in the capital derby this Saturday (1 p.m.) against EspΓ©rance Sportive de Tunis.
Morocco is facing a backlash after being accused of preparing to kill millions of dogs in an effort to βcleanβ its streets in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
More than 3 million stray dogs in the country are at risk of being killed, according to animal rights groups that have compiled photos and documents, claiming some executions have already taken place.
The reports have drawn concern from Oscar-nominated actor and campaigner Mark Ruffalo, who called the allegations a βmoral failureβ.
βKilling millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, itβs a moral failure,β Ruffalo wrote in a post on X.
βHumane solutions exist, and choosing compassion over violence is a responsibility we all share.β
The Moroccan embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no culling of stray dogs and reiterating the countryβs commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.
But the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) claims that 300,000 animals were being killed every year through methods including shooting, poisoning and other violent means before the announcement Morocco will be co-hosting with Spain and Portugal in four years.
βAfter the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,β the IAWPC said in a report.
βAs a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of 3 million dogs.β
In August, the country proposed a bill that would lead to prison sentences of between two and six months for anyone who βintentionally kills, tortures or injures a stray animal in any mannerβ but anyone caught βsheltering, feeding or treatingβ animals also risks a fine or prison time for repeat offenders.
βIt is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 Fifa World Cup,β a spokesperson said of the reports last year.
Fifa said it is working with the IAWPC to submit recommendations on animal welfare to Moroccan authorities.
βWith the bidding process now completed, Fifa is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,β a Fifa spokesperson told the publication.
The IAWPC claim methods include βpoisoning with strychnine either through directly injecting into the dog or through placing it in foodβ.
Rifles and pistols are used to shoot dogs by gunmen patrolling the streets looking for the animals, the campaign group also alleges.
βThe dogs are left to bleed out, often thrashing around and screaming in agony,β it said in a petition.
βTheir bodies are often left to rot where they fall. Dogs are also hunted down and trapped with medieval clamping devices and thrown into the back of trucks with other terrified dogs.
βThese dogs are taken to be killed in βfake dispensariesβ. They are either burned in incinerators or taken and dumped in mass graves. Not all dogs are dead when dumped.β
An investigation by The Athletic last month reported on a βkill centreβ β an abattoir where animals were killed on the edge of popular tourist hotspot Marrakech.
The top priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers new coaching staff led by Mike McCarthy is sorting out who will play quarterback in 2026. There's a chance that Aaron Rodgers returns for 2026 but this is at best a stopgap situation as he had a very average 2025 season.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL draft, this is a questionable quarterback group but the Steelers' hand could be forced if free agency doesn't yield an option better than what the Steelers already have.
Here are our favorite options for the Steelers in almost every round of the upcoming draft.
First round - None
Second round - Ty Simpson - Alabama
Third round - Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss
Fourth round - Garrett Nussmeier - LSU
Fifth round - Drew Allar - Penn State
Sixth round - Cole Payton - North Dakota State
Seventh round - Cade Klubnik - Clemson
None of these options inspire a lot of confidence and at this point, it would probably be better for the Steelers to pass on a quarterback completely in this draft, regardless if Rodgers returns or not.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: A quarterback in (almost) every round of the 2026 NFL draft for the Steelers
Happy Wednesday. I have the Canada/Czechia game on this morning. As Iβm watching, it is tied in the second. It is far too intense at the moment.
The Jaysβ news of the morning is that Anthony Santander told reporters that MRIs, last season, didnβt show the tear in his shoulder, but when he started up hitting this winter, there was pain. And then the MRI showed the labrum. It would have been much better if the tear had been found last year.
Iβm sure no one is more frustrated than Santander. It canβt be much run to be dealing with something that could have been fixed eight months ago. And very frustrating not to be able to perform at the level youβre being paid for. Then, of course, you have guys like me complaining about you.
This morning, Anthony Santander said that MRIs last year did not show the full extent of his shoulder injury. His shoulder felt 90% in the playoffs, but when he ramped back up in Jan, it became clear he needed surgery.
β Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) February 18, 2026
The #BlueJays OFer on the frustration of the situation: pic.twitter.com/8WD2JZWgqR
So Tony Clark resigned as the MLBPAβs executive director, apparently because he was having an affair with his sister-in-law (is that his wifeβs sister, or his brotherβs wife? Which would be worse?), not because he was stealing money from the MLBPA (though apparently heβs being investigated for that). Though Iβm wondering why an affair is something that you resign from a job over? Get divorced, yes. I have a feeling it was some from column A and some from column B, but admitting to stealing from the MLBPA would be admitting to a crime that could bring jail time.
The MLBPA will have to find someone for the job quickly, as negotiations for a new CBA are coming up soon. The Owners will push for a salary cap. The players, of course, donβt want that.
OOPSY has posted their top 100 prospects list, at FanGraphs. There are four Jays on the list:
Mitch Bannon, in the Athletic, says that Arjun Nimmala has added 15 pounds and looks more muscular than last year. Apparently, he lost a fair bit of weight during last season, and he tired as the season went on. I can put on 15 pounds over the winter, but it ainβt muscle.
One more period of hockey ahead. I would have liked a blowout for Canada, but this is exciting. Hopefully, they wonβt cut away from the game at the end to show us something else. I was happily watching the womenβs curling at the gym when, just as the Canada skip threw her first rock in the final frame, they switched to speed skating. Nothing against speed skating, but they could have shown us that 10 minutes later, and it would have still seemed βliveβ to us.
South Carolina lawmakers revived their push to dismantle the South Carolina High School League on Tuesday, advancing a bill that would replace the 113βyearβold organization with a stateβcontrolled athletics association.
The proposal had been paused at the end of the 2025 session after legislators agreed to give the league time to address concerns about safety protocols and inconsistent enforcement of transferβeligibility rules. Those changes never materialized, House Education Chairwoman Shannon Erickson said.
Frustrated lawmakers unanimously moved the bill forward, arguing that years of complaints from parents, coaches and administrators show the league is no longer accountable. βItβs just time to fix it,β said Rep. Jeff Bradley, RβHilton Head Island.
Jerome Singleton, the leagueβs longtime president, denied accusations of selective enforcement and inadequate safety standards, telling the SC Daily Gazette that families can appeal decisions through an established process.
Under the bill, an 11βmember board appointed by state leaders would oversee a new statewide association responsible for rules, championships and eligibility. Students would be guaranteed one immediate transfer in both middle and high school, a response to ongoing disputes over athletes being sidelined for a year under current rules.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: A bill to abolish its athletic association has been advanced in S.C.
Bisexual alpine skier Breezy Johnson is responding to backlash from fans who thought her boyfriend stole her limelight when he got down on one knee at the Olympics.
A few days after Johnson won her first gold medal for Team USA at the women's downhill event on Feb. 8, her boyfriend, Connor Watkins, proposed to her at the finish line of the women's super-G on Thursday.
Most fans have been celebrating the huge life moment she shared with viewers, but others have accused Watkins of stealing Johnsonβs thunder, claiming that his proposal pulled the spotlight when everyone should have been focused on her athletic milestone.
But Johnson disagrees and isnβt mincing words about it.
"I think there's a lot of armchair quarterbacks out there that were like, 'Oh my gosh, he's stealing her moment.' ... "Let's not yuck other people's yum," Johnson said in an interview with USA Today. "This is what I wanted. He wasn't stealing anything. That moment had happened days ago with the gold medal. For me, it was a really cool moment to bring the two loves of my life together and have that special moment."
She continued, "Just because it's not what you want ... Doesn't mean you have to make a comment about it.β
Despite the internet's misconceptions, gold medalist Breezy Johnson wanted to get engaged at the Olympics. "For me, it was a really cool moment to bring the two loves of my life together," she said.
Johnson reiterated this point in a post on Threads where she shut down criticism of Watkins.
βGuys! When your girlfriend asks to get engaged at the Olympics to combine the two loves of her life... listen,β she wrote. βThanks for armchair qbing my moment but maybe do more research than reading one headline! Thanks!!!β
Johnson also told Todaythat she had always dreamed of βgetting engaged at the Olympics,β but that the real thing was even better than she ever could have hoped for.
"I mean, that was my hope!" she said. "But it's definitely a lot more crazy with everything just happening all at once, and the reality of it is so different than the way you imagined, and so much better.β
Johnson isnβt the only queer Olympian to get engaged during the Milano Cortina Winter Games, Team USA womenβs hockey captain Hilary Knight also proposed to longtime girlfriend, Olympic speed skater Brittany Bowe.
This article originally appeared on Pride: βBisexual skier Breezy Johnson breaks silence on backlash to getting engaged at the Olympics
The Florida High School Athletic Association will be voting on a proposal to use MaxPreps rankings to rank and seed teams for the football state championships.
FHSAA executive director Craig Damon has recommended the Board of Directors approve the proposal at its meeting on Feb. 23.
The FHSAA has been using its own formula to determine rankings and seeding, which has been wildly different from MaxPreps at times.
The FHSAA will have two fewer classes in 2026. The board initially voted to eliminate one class, then later determined to merge the Rural Class with Class 1A.
With the Open Division, an elite eight-team bracket, starting in 2026, using just one set of rankings would relive confusion.
Based on the final regular season FHSAA power rankings in 2025, the eight teams in the Open Division would have been DeLand, Cardinal Mooney, Vero Beach, Buchholz, Miami Northwestern, Mandarin, Carrollwood Day and Bolles.
MaxPreps' final regular season rankings included St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami Central and Chaminade-Madonna in the top eight.
The FHSAA has not yet officially announced how it will determine the eight teams in the Open Division, but Damon told the USA TODAY Network in December that he is open to a human oversight committee to ensure the best teams are selected.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: FHSAA considering using MaxPreps rankings for football playoff seeding
February 2026 is a bittersweet month for ex-Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin. He won a Super Bowl a week and a half ago β and was not retained by the 2026 Seattle Seahawks this week.
Seattle moved on from Griffin, and the veteran corner now hits free agency as teams ponder depth charts.
The veteran defender must now contemplate retirement or hope to latch onto a different squad sometime before the start of Week 1.
The Seahawks have begun post-Super Bowl roster tweaks.
Griffin Out in SEA
Griffin was not immediately retained by Seattle this week, and this wouldβve been the time to re-up the relationship.
NFL writer Erik Anderson noted, βThe NFLβs daily personnel notice shows the Seahawks had four practice-squad contracts expire, including Pro Bowl defensive backs Quandre Diggs and Shaquill Griffin, a quiet but telling move that leaves both veterans free to sign elsewhere as Seattle heads into the free-agency window. Even though this is mostly a procedural transaction, Diggs and Griffin are recognizable because theyβve been real NFL starters.β
βGriffin is a former Seahawk starter and past Pro Bowler who also cycled back into the organization during the season. So when their practice-squad deals expire, fans see the names and assume a major βparting waysβ moment. The more accurate framing is: Seattle didnβt immediately lock them into the offseason roster via futures contracts, at least not yet.β
Luckily for Griffin, his 2025 decision to join the Seahawksβ roster included Lombardi trophy smiles.
A Small Role in 2025
The Seahawks signed Griffin in 2026 primarily for practice squad duty β so, insurance. He wound up playing 77 defensive snaps and was targeted 8 times by opposing quarterbacks. Griffin didnβt play in the postseason, either, but the man still earned a Super Bowl ring as part of the 2026 roster.
Seattle drafted Griffin in Round 3 nine years ago. He brought his career full circle by getting a ring with the team that brought him into the business β even if he rarely played. Call it bittersweet for a well-respected veteran defender.
Career with the Vikings
In his only season with Minnesota in 2024, Griffin provided steady and dependable play, even if he wasnβt a dominant force. His 75.8 passer rating allowed led the team, indicating that quarterbacks struggled to complete passes when targeting him.
Griffin appeared in all 17 games, starting three, and played 572 defensive snaps, representing approximately 50% of the teamβs defensive workload.
His best season came in 2019, his third year in the NFL, when he earned a Pro Bowl selection after performing as one of the leagueβs top cornerbacks.
Griffinsβ full NFL resume:
And his Pro Football Focus grades:
Griffin said about being back in Seattle a few months ago, βIt felt like old times. I think the last person that was here when I was here that is still on the team is Jarran Reed. The defense they embrace me with open arms, and thatβs all I can ask for. I was going to go out there and play my heart out for them, and it worked out.β
βSo funny thing, I had a couple people here, but since I found out that I was playing so late, I didnβt have to buy that many tickets. It wasnβt weird. Iβve been here before. The last time I was here was with Houston. We made sure we put the belt on them then and put the belt on them now, so it felt great. Itβs no love lost from those guys. I have a lot of guys that I played with over there.β
Whatβs Next?
Griffin will likely encounter a 2026 offseason similar to last year β no real interest in the first few waves of free agency due to his age. Heβll probably audition for a team or two this summer, hoping to latch onto a 90-man roster and then vie for a spot when 53-man trimdowns are announced.
In all likelihood, assuming he doesnβt retire with his shiny finger hardware, Griffin will end up on a teamβs practice squad again and battle for placement on gameday rosters β just like in 2025. It might even be the Seahawks again when the dust settles.
Heβll turn 31 this summer.
Team Canada β and much of the hockey world β was dealt a frightening moment on the Olympic stage as Sidney Crosby exited the game with an apparent injury, casting immediate uncertainty over Canadaβs gold medal hopes. The incident occurred midway through the second period when Crosby absorbed contact along the boards while battling for a loose puck. He appeared to favor one side as he skated slowly toward the bench before heading directly down the tunnel with a team trainer.
Crosby did not return to the bench for the remainder of the period, and the team later announced he would not return to the game. No official diagnosis was immediately provided, but the early departure instantly shifted the tone inside the arena β and across social media β as fans awaited further updates on the captainβs condition.
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Crosbyβs presence in international play has always carried enormous weight. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated players of his generation, Crosby is synonymous with Canadian hockey excellence. His leadership, vision, and clutch scoring have defined previous Olympic runs, most memorably during Canadaβs golden era on the world stage.
Without him, Team Canada faces a dramatically different outlook. The roster remains stacked with elite talent, but Crosbyβs ability to dictate tempo and stabilize high-pressure moments is irreplaceable. In tightly contested international tournaments β where a single bounce can determine a medal β that loss could loom large.
If Crosby is forced to miss extended time, Canadaβs forward lines will need to be reshuffled quickly. Veterans will be expected to shoulder more responsibility, and younger stars may be thrust into larger roles than originally anticipated.
Beyond tactics, however, the emotional impact may be just as significant. Crosby has long served as the heartbeat of Canadian international hockey. Seeing him depart the Olympic stage under uncertain circumstances is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in tournament play.
For now, the hockey world waits. Team Canada officials are expected to provide further medical updates in the coming hours. Until then, one question hangs over the tournament: will Sidney Crosby return, or has Canadaβs Olympic path just become far more difficult?
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The post Sidney Crosby exits olympic hockey game with scary injury appeared first on The Big Lead.
Arizona has found another key assistant coach.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Cardinals are hiring Pete Kwiatkowski to be their defensive line coach.
Kwiatkowski, 59, was previously the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Texas. He was fired after the conclusion of the programβs 2025 season, replaced by Will Muschamp.
This will be Kwiatkowskiβs first nil coaching job. He previously was an assistant at Washington, Boise State, Montana State, Eastern Washington, and Snow College.
As she prepares to compete for another gold medal, U.S. Olympic hockey star Hilary Knight has proposed to fellow U.S. Olympian, speed skater Brittany Bowe.
Both are athletes on Team U.S.A. at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics this year. They are one of at least five queer couples competing this year. Knight shared a video on Instagram of her proposing to Bowe. In the video, the two athletes are seen in Italy, where Knight drops to one knee; after Bowe nods, Knight gives her a ring. The video also shows Bowe showing off the ring while Knight lifts her in the air.
"Olympics brought us together," Knight wrote. "This one made us forever."
Several fellow Olympians and athletes congratulated Knight and Bowe on the post.
"OMGGGG I WANT TO FLIP TABLES I WANT TO SCREAM I WANT TO CRY," wrote former figure skater Adam Rippon. "I am also OBSESSED with how gay it is to propose in sweats. I LOVE YOU GIRLS!"
"Ahhhhhhh yayayay! Happy days," Olympic bronze medalist and rugby star Ilona Maher wrote.
"Congratulations from both of us!" wrote tennis legend Billie Jean King, referencing her and her wife, another former tennis pro, Ilana Kloss. Knight and Team U.S.A. are preparing for the gold medal game against Canada in hockey tomorrow. Knight previously won three silver medals and one gold.
Bowe previously won two bronze medals in speed skating, one in 2018 in PyeongChang and one in 2022 in Beijing. This year, she finished 4th in the 1,000-meter race and has the 1,500-meter race on Friday.
Both athletes have said this will be their final Olympics, per AP News.
This article originally appeared on Out: U.S. Olympians Hilary Knight and Brittany Bowe just got engaged
Troubling news out of Milan, where Sidney Crosby suffered an apparent leg injury in Team Canadaβs quarterfinal game in the 2026 Olympics against Czechia that has knocked him out of the game.
Crosby took a heavy hit in the second period from Czech defender Radko Gudas and had his legs buckle under him. Seconds later, Gudas and forward Martin Necas crashed into Crosby along the boards. Crosby would slowly skate to the bench right after that, favoring his right leg. After staying on the bench doubled over and receiving assistance from a trainer, Crosby slowly walked back to the lockerroom.
Sidney Crosby has went to the locker room after two HEAVY hits from Czechia pic.twitter.com/qUv9soYk64
β B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 18, 2026
Crosby has been out since that point and didnβt return in the second period, while his teammates and countrymen have struggled with the pesky Czechs. Canada fell behind 2-1 in the game, their first time even losing during a best-on-best Olympic game since 2010 before finding a tying goal with the game tied after two periods.
This will be a developing story, weβll update if Crosby is able to return for the third period or when any news comes out about his status or condition.
Lewis Hamilton is confident of overcoming his incredibly disappointing debut season with Ferrari in the 2026 Formula 1 campaign as his βDNA is now withinβ the SF-26.
The seven-time world champion made a blockbuster move to the Scuderia last year, but he ultimately underwhelmed by finishing sixth in the standings, 86 points behind team-mate Charles Leclerc with zero grand prix victories.
Hamilton often cut a dejected figure in 2025 and at one stage he even called him βuselessβ, saying Ferrari should βprobably change driverβ after qualifying 12th in Hungary - far from his worst result that season.
He claimed that one of the factors behind his poor form was the SF-25 being developed without his input, given he was with Mercedes at the time, stressing how long it takes to adapt to new surroundings.Β
His shining light was always the 2026 regulation change, often saying he wants to give his βDNAβ to this yearβs Ferrari and Hamilton believes that has happened after four days of Bahrain pre-season testing.Β
βI spent a lot of time rebuilding over this winter, refocusing, really getting my body and my mind to a much better place,β said the 41-year-old on Wednesday.
βI generally feel in the best place that I've been in a long, long time with rearranging things within my team and then with the car, I think we started off quite well so far.
βAnd it's just an exciting time with this new generation of car as well, because it's all brand new, we're all trying to figure it out on the go.
βLast year we were locked into a car that ultimately I inherited. This is a car that I've been able to be a part of developing on the simulator for the last 10 months, eight months and so like a bit of my DNA is within it. So, I'm more connected to this one for sure.β
The rearrangements Hamilton speaks of includes a change in race engineer as Riccardo Adami has moved on - his replacement remains to be announced - while the Briton even split with his manager Marc Hynes. That is amongst other various tweaks and so Hamilton is now confident of taking that next step in 2026, whichβll be the final year of his current contract.
βMy belief in the team is still absolutely the same, 100% faith in this team and what they're capable of,β he added.
βThat's why I joined the team. I knew it wasn't going to be an overnight thing where we'd have success immediately. That's why I signed a longer deal, because I knew it was more often than not, it's a process.
βSo yeah, I feel like we've also learned a huge amount from last year as a team and there have been changes that we've made. Everyone's constantly keen to make improvements and be better. I think we're working better together than ever before. So I'm excited for that moving forward.β
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Mark Pope is attempting to pull off the unthinkable, a feat Mark Stoops never had a prayer of achieving. Heβs turning Kentucky into a football school.
Seriously, after Kentucky lost to Georgia inside Rupp Arena on Feb. 17 for the first time since 2009, spring practice canβt get arrive quickly enough in the Bluegrass State.
OK, so one look at the Rupp environment tells you Big Blue Nation remains ravenous for hoops β and particularly hungry for a team that plays better than this one did in an 86-78 upset loss that serves as the latest rebuke of Popeβs second season.
John Calipari once made sure everyone, including Stoops, knew Kentucky is "a basketball school," and Georgia is a football school.
Well, that makes this weird, then.
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Kentucky is unranked and not about to be ranked after a home loss to a bubble team.
βWe feel like we got a beautiful Ferrari, and we canβt wait to take it for a spin,β Pope told reporters before the season.
Those mega millions bought a team that keeps stalling.
What went wrong against Georgia?
βWe were not good defensively,β Pope said.
Also:
βDisappointing effort.β
And:
βThey got us on our heels.β
Yep, this too:
βWe fell apart.β
One more:
βYou cannot take plays off in this league. You canβt get distracted.β
Other than that, coach, how was the game?
In Popeβs defense, multiple injuries havenβt helped Kentucky. Also, thereβs no quit in these βCats, at least. Kentucky nearly rallied past another double-digit deficit, just as it did in a pair of critical victories against rival Tennessee.
Kentucky is consistent. Itβs perfected the art of falling behind by big margins and then furiously trying to erase the deficits.
Question is, why was Kentucky losing by double digits to Georgia in the first place?
Maybe, because Popeβs team had 13 turnovers. Or, because Georgia drilled 14 3-pointers.
Best thing you can say about this Kentucky season is it could be worse. These are tough times for basketball royalty. Take it from UCLA. The Bruins are a bubble team. After their latest loss, Mick Cronin said he could βgive a ratβs assβ about Michigan Stateβs student section, as UCLAβs cantankerous coach popped off at a reporter. At least Kentuckyβs coach isnβt a jerk.
Speaking of ass, the Bruins played like it in a 23-point loss to the Spartans.
This came on the same night North Carolina lost by 24 points to rival NC State.
Banners hanging inside historic arenas donβt carry the weight they once did. Just donβt tell blue-blooded fans that. Though the Wildcats are still pointed toward the NCAA Tournament, this is not the product Kentucky expects, and Pope knows that better than most. Heavy is the head that wears his alma materβs crown.
Hey, itβs not all bad around Kentucky. The snow finally melted. How long βtil fall?
New football coach Will Stein signed a top-10 transfer class.
As for Popeβs 2026 recruiting class, well, it doesnβt include a single commitment.
Not that Calipari is keeping score. Well, maybe he is. Heβs got three five-stars lined up for Arkansas.
What day do the shoulder pads go on in Lexington?
Stoops, Steinβs predecessor, could tell you all about just how much Kentucky invested in basketball and how much he wished it invested in his football program. In Stoopsβ final seasons, he bemoaned Kentuckyβs football cheapness.
That didnβt stop Stein from lining up Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey, whoβs got the potential to be Kentuckyβs most exciting quarterback in years.
βWe have plenty of (money) here,β Stein said after Kentucky hired him.
Thereβs a refreshing new energy at the head of a football program that badly needed it.
Used to be in Kentucky, Midnight Madness would provide a necessary distraction from the doldrums of football season. Times change. Whenβs the spring game?
Blake ToppmeyerΒ is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him atΒ BToppmeyer@gannett.comΒ and follow him on XΒ @btoppmeyer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After latest Mark Pope loss, is Kentucky now a football school?
The Kentucky high school basketball postseason will tip off Sunday with the start of district tournament play.
District champions and runners-up will advance to regional tournaments. Regional champions will advance to the Sweet 16s at Rupp Arena in Lexington, with the girls tournament set for March 11-14 and the boys tournament slated for March 18-21.
Here are the pairings and schedules for the Louisville-area district tournaments that will be played Feb. 22-27. Seeds are in parentheses.
Wednesday β Holy Cross (4) vs. Fairdale (1), 6 p.m.; Valley (3) vs. Pleasure Ridge Park (2), 7:30 p.m.
Friday β Final, 7:45 p.m.
Sunday β Iroquois (5) vs. Western (4), 2 p.m.
Tuesday β Iroquois-Western winner vs. Butler (1), 6 p.m.; Doss (3) vs. DeSales (2), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday β Southern (5) vs. Bullitt Central (4), 4 p.m.
Tuesday β Southern-Bullitt Central winner vs. North Bullitt (1), 6 p.m.; Bullitt East (3) vs. Moore (2), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 7 p.m.
Sunday β Fern Creek (5) vs. Whitefield Academy (4), 3 p.m.
Tuesday β Fern Creek-Whitefield Academy winner vs. Jeffersontown (1), 5:45 p.m.; Evangel Christian (3) vs. DuBois (2), 7:15 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 7 p.m.
Monday β Francis Parker (4) vs. Manual (1), 5 p.m.; Shawnee (3) vs. Central (2), 6:30 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday β Collegiate (4) vs. St. Xavier (1), 6 p.m.; Brown (3) vs. Male (2), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 7 p.m.
Tuesday β Atherton (4) vs. Trinity (1), 5:30 p.m.; Waggener (3) vs. Seneca (2), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 7:30 p.m.
Monday β Portland Christian (5) vs. Kentucky Country Day (4), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday β Portland Christian-Kentucky Country Day winner vs. Ballard (1), 6 p.m.; Christian Academy (3) vs. Eastern (2), 7:30 p.m.
Friday β Final, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday β Oldham County (3) vs. South Oldham (2), 8 p.m.
Friday β Final, Oldham County-South Oldham winner vs. North Oldham (1), 8 p.m.
Monday β Shelby County (5) vs. Anderson County (4), 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday β Cornerstone Christian (6) vs. Spencer County (3), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday β Shelby County-Anderson County winner vs. Woodford County (1), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday β Cornerstone Christian-Spencer County winner vs. Collins (2), 7:30 p.m.
Friday β Final, 8 p.m.
Tuesday β Fairdale (4) vs. Valley (1), 6 p.m.; Holy Cross (3) vs. Pleasure Ridge Park (2), 7:30 p.m.
Friday β Final, 6 p.m.
Monday β Western (4) vs. Butler (1), 6 p.m.; Iroquois (3) vs. Doss (2), 7:30 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 6 p.m.
Sunday β Southern (5) vs. Moore (4), 2 p.m.
Monday β Southern-Moore winner vs. Bullitt East (1), 6 p.m.; Bullitt Central (3) vs. North Bullitt (2), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday β Final, 7 p.m.
Monday β Whitefield Academy (4) vs. Mercy (1), 5:45 p.m.; Jeffersontown (3) vs. Fern Creek (2), 7:15 p.m.
Wednesday β Final, 6 p.m.
Monday β Presentation (5) vs. Shawnee (4), 8 p.m.
Tuesday β Presentation-Shawnee winner vs. Central (1), 5:30 p.m.; Francis Parker (3) vs. Manual (2), 7 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 6 p.m.
Monday β Collegiate (3) vs. Male (2), 5:30 p.m.; Brown (4) vs. Assumption (1), 7 p.m.
Wednesday β Final, 7 p.m.
Monday β Waggener (4) vs. Sacred Heart (1), 5:30 p.m.; Seneca (3) vs. Atherton (2), 7 p.m.
Thursday β Final, 5:30 p.m.
Monday β Eastern (5) vs. Portland Christian (4), 6 p.m.
Thursday β Eastern-Portland Christian winner vs. Ballard (1), 6 p.m.; Kentucky Country Day (3) vs. Christian Academy (2), 7:30 p.m.
Friday β Final, 6 p.m.
Tuesday β Oldham County (3) vs. North Oldham (2), 6 p.m.
Friday β Final, Oldham County-North Oldham winner vs. South Oldham (1), 6 p.m.
Monday β Shelby County (5) vs. Collins (4), 6 p.m.
Tuesday β Cornerstone Christian (6) vs. Woodford County (3), 6 p.m.
Wednesday β Shelby County-Collins winner vs. Spencer County (1), 6 p.m.
Thursday β Cornerstone Christian-Woodford County winner vs. Anderson County (2), 6 p.m.
Friday β Final, 6 p.m.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
More high school basketball: Sacred Heart taken down by GRC in KHSAA girls basketball title game rematch
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA basketball district tournament 2026 schedule for Louisville, Ky
A notable New York sports commentator offered up an intriguing idea this week. Is Carlos Mendozaβs replacement as New York Mets manager lying in wait on his staff?
Mendoza had a tough act to follow when he had to replace Buck Showalter as the manager of the NY Mets in 2024. However, in his debut season in Queens after being the bench coach for the New York Yankees, the 46-year-old led the club on a magical journey to the NLCS. It seemed like the team had found the man to be their skipper for the next decade.
Then the narrative on Mendoza completely changed in 2025. After adding Juan Soto to the roster that went to the 2024 NLCS, the NY Mets looked like one of the best teams in MLB over the first half. However, the manager could not pull the right levers and save them from a stunning late-season collapse that resulted in completely missing the playoffs.
While there were rumblings that the teamβs awful finish could cost Mendoza his job, the team instead chose to retain him but completely change his coaching staff. One of the interesting hires they made in October was Kai Correa. A man who has been a bench coach and interim manager for the San Francisco Giants and was a key part of the Cleveland Guardiansβ staff in 2024.
Correa is seen by many as an MLB coach on the rise, and at just 37 years old, he is a bit of a wiz kid in the industry. That is why popular WFAN morning radio host Gregg Giannotti suggested this week that Correa was hired to specifically take over for Mendoza if the NY Mets get off to a rough start in 2026.
βI think if the Mets get off to a bad start, or, letβs say, they are under .500 around Memorial Day, that Carlos Mendoza will be fired and this guy Kai Correa is going to be the manager,β Giannotti claimed. βI said it the second they hired this guy because he has no connection to the current Mets or Carlos Mendoza.
βHe is an analytics guy who has risen through the ranks. Itβs almost as if David Stearns said, βLetβs get this guy on our staff now because in a couple of years heβs going to be a manager somewhere else.β
It is a sensible idea. And there is no doubt that Mendoza will be on a very short leash and must get results with a very expensive and talented NY Mets roster.
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The Arizona Cardinals are retaining another of their defensive assistants. According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, they are retaining Matt Feeney, who was their outside linebackers coach last year.
Feeney was hired last year, replacing Rob Rodriguez. Josh Sweat had a great year, logging a career-high 12 sacks in his first season with the Cardinals.
Prior to getting hired by the Cardinals, he spent three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, two seasons as defensive quality control coach and one as assistant defensive backs coach. Prior to that, he was a college defensive coordinator at Akron.
He joins linebackers coach Cristian Garcia as defensive assistants being retained under Nick Rallis, who was retained as defensive coordinator by new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify,Β YouTubeΒ orΒ Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals retaining OLB coach Matt Feeney in 2026
The postseason has arrived for Northwestern womenβs swimming and diving, who have travelled north to the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center for the Big Ten Womenβs Swimming and Diving Championships. With competition ranging from Feb. 18-21, the βCats will compete against some of the nationβs fastest programs, such as No. 4 Michigan, No. 6 Indiana and No. 11 Ohio State.
For a building Northwestern program, the meet represents a chance to make a statement against a deep, nationally competitive field. This unranked Wildcat squad will be largely uncompetitive at NCAA Division I Championships, making this meet the most important of the season for Rachel Stratton-Millsβ squad. For four days in Minnesota, the fate of the season will be on the line for the βCats.
The meet will be taking place Feb. 18-21 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatics Center at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The meet is a 25-yard short-course meet.
Wednesday finals (Feb. 18, 4 p.m.): 200-yard medley relay, 800-yard freestyle relay
Thursday finals (Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m.): 100-yard butterfly, 400-yard individual medley, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke, 1-meter diving
Friday finals (Feb. 20, 5:30 p.m.): 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard breaststroke, 500-yard freestyle, 50-yard freestyle, 3-meter diving, 400-yard medley relay
Saturday finals (Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m.): 200-yard individual medley, 1650-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard backstroke, platform diving, 400-yard freestyle relay
** Note: All individual swimming and diving events will have prelims the morning of the finals session for the event.
The meet will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus for all four days of competition.
No. 4 Michigan Wolverines
No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers
No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes
No. 12 USC Trojans
No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers
No. 22 UCLA Bruins
No. 25 Minnesota Golden Gophers
Also receiving votes: Northwestern Wildcats (10)
Not receiving votes: Purdue, Nebraska, Penn State, Iowa, Illinois and Rutgers
The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) full top-25 February rankings can be found HERE.
1. Ohio State (1338.5 points)
2. Indiana (1255.5 points)
3. Michigan (1149.5 points)
4. Wisconsin (849 points)
5. USC (835 points)
More in-depth meet information can be found on the Minnesota Golden Gophersβ website page for the meet. Live results can be found on the Meet Mobile app or http://sidearmstats.com/minnesota/swim/index.htm. Additionally, SwimSwam, the worldβs leader in specialized swimming coverage, will be releasing live results, analysis and storylines from the meet at their central page for the competition.
Note: Individual swimmers are only allowed to swim a maximum of three individual events at Big Ten Championships. Meet entries arenβt due until the end of the day, so some assumptions were made about what events top swimmers will swim.
Winner: Michigan
Michiganβs Sims-Sim-Kendall-Fack relay posted the conferenceβs top time of 1:33.26 in November. The Wolverinesβ top time stands a second ahead of any other relay team this season. Though, Indianaβs DeWitt-Laegreid-Grana-Paegle will make sure the race isnβt a landslide Wolverines victory, Michigan should take gold.
Winner: USC
USC is the heavy-favorite in the 800-yd freestyle relay, with its top conference time of 6:53.17 a full two seconds faster than second place Indiana. After placing third last year in the event, USC returned its fastest two legs Claire Tuggle and Minna Abraham to the relay this year. With a breakout season from Justina Kazan and the addition of graduate Miami-transfer Nicole Maier, this group is poised for gold.
Winner: Alex Shackell (Indiana)
Top Northwestern finisher: Kat Nikonova
Olympian Alex Shackellβs career-best 49.49 will be hard to beat. Miranda Grana and Michiganβs Brady Kendall went one-two in the event last year, separated by 0.80. This year, both Grana and Kendall have both gotten close to a second faster, with Grana maintaining close to a second of separation on Kendall. Shackell, the favorite, should win, but I think the Hoosiers will go one-two, with Grana grabbing silver.
For Northwestern, Nikonova could final with a good swim. Her 52.50 was the 12th fastest time in the conference this season. Assuming not all eleven above her will swim the event, a low 52 swim in prelims will likely place her top eight.
Winner: Bella Sims (Michigan)
Top Northwestern finisher: Hana Shimizu-Bowers
Sims is the heavy-favorite to win not only at Big Ten Championships, but at NCAA Division I Championships in a few weeks. Sims currently holds the top time in the country, posting a blistering 3:58.02 in November, seven seconds faster than any other Big Ten competitor.
Winner: Minna Abraham (Indiana)
Top Northwestern finisher: Sydney Smith
Indianaβs Abraham placed second in the event last year, and has gotten seven tenths of a second faster this year, posting a 1:40.47 at the Texas Hall of Fame Invitational. If Sims were to swim the event, she would be my pick, but I think Wolverines head coach Matt Bowe will enter Sims into the 100-yd backstroke instead.
Winner: Letitia Sim (Michigan)
Top Northwestern finisher:
Michiganβs Letitia Sim and Ohio Stateβs Maria Ramos Najji will duke it out for first place in this event. Separated by 0.12 thus far this season, this event is truly up for grabs. I like Simβs experience in the event to get the job done, but it could go either way.
Winner: Avery Worobel (Purdue)
Top Northwestern finisher: Caroline Li
Ohio State had a hold on the event last year, placing one-two, but their lead divers graduated in the off-season, paving the way for Purdueβs Avery Worobel to take the event this year. The sophomore placed fourth last year with a score of 310.00, but has already scored a conference best 327.45 in competition this year which would have placed her second in 2025.
Winner: Indiana
Iβm picking the Hoosier upset in this event. Michigan has the conferenceβs top time by 0.84, but the Hoosier team of Liberty Clark, Mya DeWitt, Grace Hoeper and Kristina Paegle can go lower than its November 1:26.83. Paegle especially should be significantly faster. She was 21.54 at the OSU Invitational, just 0.02 faster than her individual best time of 21.56, despite having a relay start.
Winner: Maggie Wanezek (Wisconsin)
Top Northwestern finisher: Grey Davis
Indianaβs Grana and Wisconsinβs Maggie Wanezek will be the eventβs top contenders as the only three Big Ten swimmers to post sub-50-second times so far this season. Grana was faster during the regular season, but I think Wanezek is due for a big sophomore championship swim. Give me the Badger.
Winner: Letitia Sim (Michigan)
Top Northwestern finisher:
Just a year ago, Sim suffered heartbreak in this event, touching third with a 2:07.28, just 0.06 seconds out of gold. This year, Sim will get redemption. She has been three-quarters of a second faster during the season, posting a 2:06.52 in November, and has a chance to be even faster this week. Ohio Stateβs Najji will challenge, but is better in the 100-yd event than the 200.
Winner: Bella Sims (Michigan)
Top Northwestern finisher: Zoe Nordmann
If Sims is anywhere close to her career best 4:28.64, she should win the event in a landslide. Hannah Bellard will grab second for the Wolverines, while Ohio Stateβs Mila Nikanorov should finish third.
Northwesternβs Nordmann has a chance to final in this event. Her 4:41.11 from November slots her 10th in the conference standings. Sheβll need at least a mid-1:40 to final.
Winner: Brady Kendall (Michigan)
Top Northwestern finisher: Kat Nikonova
As always, the 50-yd freestyle will be a dash to the finish line, with four swimmers β two Hoosiers and two Wolverines β in contention for the title. Though Clark and Paegle will challenge the whole way, my pick is Michiganβs Brady Kendall, who should have the most speed in the event if able to replicate her 21.34 from earlier this season.
Winner: Daryl Wright (Purdue)
Top Northwestern finisher: Isabella Chen
Wright, a senior, is one of the biggest outright event favorites in these championships, with a 370.75 top score that lapped the field by 21.75 points in the regular season. Purdue sweeps the short diving events.
Winner: Michigan
Michiganβs 3:25.54 from the CSCAA Challenge is the second fastest time in the country, behind only Virginia, who has won five consecutive national titles. With a lineup including potential event winners Bella Sims, Letitia Sim, Brady Kendall and Leila Fack, the Wolverines should win this one by a couple of seconds.
Winner: Rosie Murphy (UCLA)
Top Northwestern finisher: Grey Davis
Upset watch in the 200-yd IM! UCLAβs Murphy has seen incredible progression in the 200-yd IM this season, jumping from a 1:56.66 at last yearβs conference championships to a 1:54.89 at the Ohio State invitational just nine months later. Michiganβs Letitia Sim is the favorite and placed second last year with a 1:54.64 last year. But, something tells me that Sim may be a bit tired on the last day of the meet, while Murphy will be fresh and ready for a big swim in her main event.
Winner: Emma Finlin (Ohio State)
Top Northwestern finisher: Zoe Nordmann
The two first-place contenders in this event are both Buckeyes, Finlin and Mila Nikanorov. Finlin was significantly faster in the regular season, however, posting a 15:55.09 that was close to three-seconds faster than Nikanorov. Iβve got Finlin.
Nordmann in this event is the βCatsβ best chance to get on the podium this week. Nordmann swam a career best 16:04.59 earlier this season, that will seed her fourth entering the meet. Nebraskaβs Gena Jorgenson, seeded third, will likely grab the bronze, but if she has a bad race, and Nordmann is able to pull off a miracle high-16:02, Northwestern could get a βCat on the podium.
Winner: Liberty Clark (Indiana)
Top Northwestern finisher: Kat Nikonova
Crow Canyon Club Sharks product Clark should get her first career Big Ten event win in the 100-yd freestyle. The Indiana sophomore will be seeded a full half-second faster than the rest of the field. If she swims her best, the event should be hers.
Winner: Alex Shackell (Indiana)
Top Northwestern finisher: Hana Shimizu-Bowers
Interestingly, Shackell, who went to the Paris Olympics for the 200-meter butterfly, will not be the top qualifier in the event. Michiganβs Bellardβs 1:50.72 will be the top time, though Shackell is still the favorite. The Indiana freshman will have to be on her game to hold off Bellard, but at her top speed, Shackellβs career best 1:50.15 will be untouchable.
Winner: Bella Sims (Michigan)
Top Northwestern finisher: Gretchen Braun
Three gold medals for Sims! Sims was no faster than 1:51.26 in the regular season this year, but her best time of 1:47.11 from NCAA Division I Championshipβs last year trumps the field by over a second. Wanezek will compete, but Sims is inevitable.
Winner: Ella Roselli (Indiana)
Top Northwestern finisher: Lydia Georgopoulou
Mia Prusiecki, the sophomore Buckeye, is the top qualifier, but Indianaβs Ella Roselli has much needed experience in an event where it will be crucial. Roselli, a junior, was a finalist last year placing sixth. Anchoring her experience, she should be able to surpass Prusiecki on Saturday.
Georgopoulou claims the seventh best score for the regular season for the βCats. If she matches her best, she will likely be an event finalist, with a chance to elevate as high as fourth place with a breakout performance.
Winner: Indiana
At this point, the meet should already be decided for Michigan, but if it isnβt, this event will take center stage as the Hoosiers and Wolverines are the two top qualifiers. Separated by just 0.49 in the regular season, I like the Hoosiers to dip below 3:08, led by powerful swims from Clark and Shackell.
In reality, this meet is between Michigan and Indiana, with the two top six powerhouse programs projected to win roughly 75% of the meetβs events. There are many races, such as the 200-yd medley relay, 400-yd freestyle relay and 50-yd freestyle that are up for extremely close contention between the Wolverines and the Hoosiers. The way that these critical events flip will decide the meet, though I think Michigan has just a little bit more star power at the top. Matt Bowe acquired star Florida-transfer Bella Sims in the offseason, and she has been the conferenceβs best swimmer, set to win three individual events and power the Wolverines to a couple of relay victories. Though Michigan is definitely the favorite because of Sims, this meet will be tightly contested all four days, so donβt count out the Hoosiers.
If everything falls as projected, Northwestern should finish seventh, improving two places upon their ninth place finish last season. Though the βCats wonβt be extremely competitive for any podium finishes, potential finals appearances from Nordmann in the 500-yd and 1650-yd freestyle, Georgopoulou in platform diving and Nikonova in the 100-yd butterfly will boost Northwesternβs standing in the team competition. Michigan, Indiana, USC, Wisconsin, UCLA and Ohio State are locks to finish above the βCats, but Northwestern should finish above Minnesota and Purdue, though the Boilermakersβ prowess in short-platform diving could present a challenge.
NBA legend LeBron James recently revealed how he plans to continue playing at the highest level after altering his dietary habits.
However, Jamesβ eating strategies arenβt cut out for everyone, including one of the top stars in the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark noticed what James said about his new dietary patterns on the βMind The Gameβ podcast and was quick to provide a hilarious response. The Indiana Fever guard jokingly stated that she loves her cookies enough to risk her career.
MORE: Kevin Durantβs alleged burner accounts bash countless NBA stars
While Clark is preparing with the rest of the WNBA for its upcoming season, James has made it crystal clear that he wants to double down on his new eating habits.
That includes cutting out chocolate chip cookies and drinking wine in order to keep the Los Angeles Lakers talent in top shape. Earlier in the 2025-26 season, James missed several games with various injuries.
Based on Clarkβs reactions though, sheβs not willing to go to the same lengths in order to sustain the success that one of the NBA GOATs has underwent.
βIβd rather retire than do this,β Clark wrote on Instagram. βThis is why heβs him.β
MORE: LeBron Jamesβ comments on Cavsβ recent moves fuel reunion rumors
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark celebrates with fans after scoring a 3-pointer against the Connecticut Sun.
Last season, Clark and the Fever made a deep run in the WNBA postseason but several of their stars were sidelined due to injury. That includes Clark and Sophie Cunningham, who have becomes the faces of the franchise.
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The post Caitlin Clark gives hilarious response to LeBron Jamesβ eating habits appeared first on The Big Lead.
Having Jon Jones and/or Conor McGregor on the UFC White House card seems like a no-brainer thing to do, if you can, right? Not according to Chael Sonnen.
This summer, the UFC is planning to host an event on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring a lineup that promotion CEO Dana White has hyped as one of the best ever. For such a unique, one-off event, anyone and everyone has reached out to White, hoping to land a spot on the card, including Jones and McGregor. In fact, Jones has gone as far as begging.
While the UFC wants to stack the card with the best possible fights today, including multiple title fights, Sonnen is of the belief that placing Jones and McGregor on the card would be a mistake.
Aside from not having a pay-per-view cost to offset the high salaries of those two big names (even though the billion-dollar price tag Paramount+ just paid for the promotion's broadcast rights seems like it would be able to cover it), Sonnen thinks that the White House event will bring in so many new eyes, the promotion would be better off putting talent that will be around for multiple fights so those fans can see them compete again.
"You're going to have more eyeballs on this than we've ever had in the history of the UFC," Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. "So, if you're on the second floor of the UFC, it is not just to deliver to your fanbase, it's to expose these new fans and to make them fans, and do as close as you can to get them to hardcore as you can.
"And what you can't do is to expose them to something that you can't show them again. I don't know if you're going to get Conor McGregor to make another walk. I don't know. Gun-to-head type scenario β No. You're never going to see Conor again. But even if you can get Conor to do another walk, you're not going to get him to make another two."
Sonnen makes an interesting point, as White has stated he expects this event to be the most-watched in UFC history. Giving new fans the opportunity to see fighters they could potentially watch for years to come would keep their interest longer than one night.
"I can do this big thing for you, and put you at the White House, and bring all these new eyeballs and really expose you, and you're a really rare talent," Sonnen said. "I'm going to then leave the White House. I need you to come over here, right? Where the semi-trucks are pulling the octagon, and the tent's getting set up, and the beer's getting poured, and the popcorn's getting popped. Those are the guys that I'm going to expose to this new audience, and then those guys are going to be on the radio on Monday. Those guys are going to make appearances next Saturday. Those guys are going to be around.
"Those guys are going to be what the new audience sees and says, 'Hey, that's the guy. That's the guy that I watch. That's the guy that I'm interested in.' Those guys aren't going to know what a Royce Gracie is. They're not going to know what a Ken Shamrock is. They're not going to know what a Daniel Cormier or a Chael Sonnen is. It's just the way that it goes. It's brand new fans."
While White has said matchmaking for the White House event is already done, there have been no official fight confirmations. As of now, there are only unconfirmed rumors about the fight card, including matchups and the number of fights.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Analyst: Why Jones, McGregor shouldn't fight at UFC White House
Two of hockeyβs powerhouses clash in Milan when the USA takes on Sweden.
The United States has won all three games by multiple goals, and my USA vs. Sweden predictionsΒ expect another dominant performance from the Americans.
Letβs take a closer look at my free Olympic hockey betting picks for Wednesday, February 18.
USA vs Sweden Best bet: USA -1.5 (-110 at Fanatics)
Team USA has scored 16 goals through three games, finding the back of the net at least five times in each.
Those goals were well earned, as the Americans controlled 71.9% of the slot shot share, the largest of any team in the tournament. Thatβs no small feat, even in a relatively weak group.
Sweden has allowed nearly twice as many chances as the USA β albeit over one extra game β and wonβt have a reigning Vezina winner between the pipes to bail them out.
With the USA possessing so many high-end finishers, it will generate the needed separation to cover the spread.
Elimination games tend to be played a little tighter to the vest. We saw that firsthand in the qualification round, with all four matchups featuring six goals or fewer.
Connor Hellebuyck (.952 save percentage) has lived up to his reputation in this tournament, while Sweden has allowed an average of 2.5 goals per game.
Team USA should win with some breathing room, but donβt expect this to turn into a trackmeet.
| Location | Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milano, Italy |
| Date | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 3:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
Liverpool have a golden transfer opportunity and it's one they simply must take.
There's a lot on Liverpool's agenda heading into the summer. This season, after all, hasn't been the flawless title procession it once appeared to be.
After all, the Reds had a title-winning squad heading into last summer and then spent over Β£400m on new signings. The idea was to take the backbone of that squad and future-proof it.
Instead, they've gone backwards. Liverpool are struggling to finish inside the UEFA Champions League places and must find some consistency before the campaign ends. Long before it ends, in fact.
And after that comes another summer where Liverpool will continue their rebuild. We're expecting moves in midfield, on the wing and at centre-back.
Getting so much done without repeating the 2025 spend won't exactly be easy, though. But there is an opportunity that makes things easier.
One that hasn't often been there often in recent years.
There is an incredible battle against relegation this season. Both Wolves and Burnley look like goners but the third spot is very much open.
Fulham will feel relatively safe being 10 points clear, but below them lie Crystal Palace, Brighton, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
It's questionable whether Leeds boast any players Liverpool would actively want, but the five others absolutely do. And they could potentially be up for grabs at cut-price fees. Saving money like that is exactly what the club need right now, given the number of stars they hope to sign this summer.
Date, time, channels and lineups for Wolves vs Arsenal
Wolves/@Wolves
Wolverhampton hosts Arsenal in an early fixture for Matchday 31 of the Premier League.
The Wolves sit at the bottom of the table with just 9 points from 26 games. Meanwhile, the Gunners hold a 4-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the standings.
This English Premier League clash is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT
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Wolverhampton: Jose Sa - Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Krejci - Rodrigo Gomes, Joao Gomes, Angel Gomes, Mane, Hugo Bueno - Arokodare, Armstrong.
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has confirmed that defender Anna Sandberg will be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.
Skinner spoke to reporters ahead of Unitedβs Champions League play-off second leg tie with Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
United will head into the meeting at the Progress with Unity Stadium with a healthy 3-0 advantage, having put Atletico to the sword in the reverse fixture last week.
The Reds ran riot in Spain, with goals from Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard and Julia Zigiotti Olme securing them the victory and ensuring they have one foot into the last eight.
Sandberg started the game but she was forced off at half-time with what was initially believed to be a calf issue. Now, Skinner has confirmed that it is actually a knee injury and the Swede could be out for up to eight weeks as she recovers.
The United boss told journalists, βThereβs a little bit of a tidy up that needs to be done around Annaβs meniscus. From the time frame weβve been given, the best is four, the middle is six and obviously the worst case is eight.β
βIf it was eight, she would probably be back three or four games before the end of the season.β
βWeβre hopeful we can get it to six but wonβt take any risk. Sheβs a young player so weβll make sure sheβs rehabbed effectively.β
Skinner also issued updates on Jayde Riviere, Fridolina Rolfo and Terland. Terland will not be available to face Atletico due to illness. Meanwhile, there is a chance that Riviere and Rolfo will be included in the matchday squad but itβs not guaranteed.
Despite holding a 3-0 aggregate lead, Skinner insisted that he and his players would approach the game as if the score were still 0-0.
βThereβs no balance. We have to go to win the game. Atletico showed their quality in the first leg. I felt we were ruthless when we needed to be.β
βIt was a difficult pitch for both teams so we expect a slightly different game, but reality is we are preparing to go and win. We have to give absolutely everything.β
βThereβs only one game that matters and thatβs that game tomorrow so if you win it youβre guaranteed to go through, so thatβs the mindset. There isnβt any 3-0, not the cliche but itβs 0-0 and we have to start the game properly.β
He continued, βWe have a good lead, but weβre not complacent hereβ¦ we donβt do complacency. We find ways to win. Thatβs what my team do fantastically well.β
βIn order to stay away from complacency, you must have process, you must have a focus, and really thatβs what weβll be running on. This is how you beat them, we know how to do it, think logically and donβt get drawn into an emotional game.β
Asked whether United are being underestimated in the Champions League, Skinner answered, βIf they are, I hope they continue to do so. I just donβt think anyone would like to play us because we are unpredictable in the way that we play. If you do one thing to try and stop us, we try and do something else to try and counteract that.β
βI believe we are a team that believes in each other and that we have the strongest team spirit. We want to represent at this stage, we want to be in the knock out stages, thatβs why weβre here. I said that to the girls this morning and they say it back to me every time.β
βWeβre not here to just play at it, weβre here to try and take people on, so long may that continue and hopefully if we can progress in this game, we play Bayern and that will be another fantastic time.β
Recognising that Atletico have no choice but to come out on the front foot, Skinner called on his side to stay composed and make the most of the space they are given, insisting they must be ruthless in front of goal.
Featured image Michael Campanella via Getty Images
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Franck Haise has officially joined Stade Rennais this Wednesday, effectively replacing Habib Beye, who has been dismissed last week. The former RC Lens manager was the favorite to take over from the Senegalese head coach, who is on his way to succeed Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille. The 54-year-old is making a return to Stade Rennais after spending six years withΒ Les Rouge et NoirΒ as a youth coach, between 2006 and 2012.
Haise was introduced to the media today at Rennesβ Roazhon Park, alongside club president Arnaud Pouille and Sporting Director LoΓ―c DΓ©sirΓ©. βI am very happy to be here, and I sincerely mean it. This club has been important in my career, and I hope it will continue to.β
Haise said that it is not the first time that Rennes have tried to poach him, although all the conditions werenβt right for him to make his return in Brittany, until now. βFor once, I was a free agent, and Rennes made a choice. There arenβt many clubs that would have brought me out of my break. In this case, it was obvious that I would say yes.β
Haise said that hopes to lead Rennes back into European competition next season, which is a βlegitimate ambitionβ for the club, as well as offer entertaining football to match-going Rennes fans. βWe donβt always succeed, but it must be one of our quests in any case.βΒ Rennes play Auxerre away on Sunday.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval β reporting fromΒ Rennes
The Ravens' off-season is officially underway after Jesse Minter introduced Declan Doyle (offensive coordinator), Anthony Weaver (defensive coordinator), and Anthony Levine Sr. (special teams coordinator) to the Baltimore media and fans.
Doyle will take over the reins from the new Browns head coach, Todd Monken. The requirements are to get a two-time MVP into the Super Bowl sooner rather than later, and he'll have plenty of talent at the skill positions to get the Ravens back into the thick of the AFC playoff discussions.
With a new staff in Baltimore, the Ravens can conduct off-season training on April 6, and Doyle was asked about offensive players participating in OTAs.
Doyle on (voluntary) OTAs: βWe would expect (players) to be here.β Added that with a new offense, etc., itβs important in order to achieve goal of a championship. #Ravens
β Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) February 18, 2026
Last season, star quarterback Lamar Jackson was battered and missed four games, going 192-302 passing (63.6 completion percentage) for 2,549 yards (196.1 per game), 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 103.8 passer rating.
On Wednesday, Doyle discussed improving Jackson's footwork and efficiency while still allowing his quarterback to play the role of "Superman" when needed.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Declan Doyle shares his expectations for player participation at OTAs
Is a single-car spin enough to label a driver dangerous? Should NASCAR require results before allowing drivers onto superspeedways? Or does bringing new fans into the sport justify the risk?
Those questions went off like fireworks across the garage and online following opening weekend at Daytona International Speedway, after social media personality Garrett Mitchell and NASCAR driver Natalie Decker were both involved in some pretty nasty-looking incidents that just reignited all kinds of criticism of how NASCAR handles driver approval.
Some fans were quick to point out that you can have many race wins and still cause a big wreck at Daytona. Even guys like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch have managed to trigger some major crashes over the years. Others asked a harsher question: is NASCAR approving really about being any good behind the wheel or is it just about marketability?
For veteran spotter Freddie Kraft, the answer was blunt.
MitchellΒ , known to his fans as Cleetus McFarland, was approved for the Truck Series season-opener in Daytona, after passing a high-speed test. But his debut ended quickly. He lost control coming out of Turn 4 and he crashed out just six laps inΒ , finishing last
Kraft called it βdumb luckβ that the crash did not take out others. βThis is gonna be very unpopular, and Iβm sorry, but what are we doing? Are we trying to get the best racecar drivers on the racetrack, or are we trying to get the biggest social media following?β Kraft said on Door Bumper Clear.Β
βThe system should not be based on participation; it needs to be based on results. This guy ran two plate races last year, wrecked in both of them, wrecked half the field in one of them trying to do a restart.β
βWeβre just lucky the other night that he didnβt wipe out the Truck fieldβ¦ It was just dumb luck. We talk about safety. Iβm sure heβs a great guy, he seems like a phenomenal person. But heβs not ready for what heβs doing. So, you canβt approve these people to go out there.β
Kraft even brought up the ARCA crash that Decker was involved in, where she hit Sam Mayer after an earlier incident. Sadly for Decker, her series results arenβt exactly what youβd call encouraging. Every time she raced, sheβs finished 22nd or worse.
The veteran spotter placed responsibility only on NASCAR. β First of all, how did she ever get approved? Sheβs run 13 races and averaged a 29th-place finish, piling in the wrecks on top of that,β Kraft said.Β
βAt what point do you look and say, βAlright, we made a mistake approving this person, now we need to take it back.ββ¦ The system is broken.β
Those comments also touched on a bigger issue: is it ever a good idea to use superspeedways as a learning environment for drivers?Β
But not everyone agreed with Kraftβs conclusion. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. felt strongly that Mitchellβs best bet would be to focus on getting more experience under his belt.Β
βIs he ready to race trucks right now? No. Will he be? Could he be? Yes, I would if I was NASCAR, I would be doing everything I could to get him better. And what he needs is more ARCA races. He needs to race short track asphalt,β Earnhardt said.Β
He made a point that Daytona, arguably the toughest track in the sport, demands a level of experience that you canβt just teach. βWhat happened to him at Daytona could happen to anyone, happen to me, could happen to anyone. But I just think that he needs a bigger library of experience,β he added.
The fans are right in the middle, torn apart. The people who support Mitchell see him as a kind of throwback personality, bringing a real authentic vibe to the sport and bringing in a whole new crowd, with nearly 60,000 tuning in to watch his in-car footage during the race.Β
On the other hand, the critics just canβt buy into the idea that being popular is enough to get you in the driverβs seat. They argue itβs Daytona, of all places, where you really want to have some experience under your belt before you even step out on the track.
At its core, the debate forces a tough question: should NASCAR protect the ladder or open the door?
Because the answer may define who gets to race and why for years to come.
Related Headlines
Hilary Knight's engagement to Brittany Bowe brings Olympics relationship full circle at 2026 Games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Hilary Knight is competing in her fifth and final Winter Olympics at the Milan 2026 Winter Games.
Although she plans to retire from international competition after these Games, she intends to continue her professional career in the Professional Womenβs Hockey League. Knight serves as captain of the Seattle Torrent, an expansion team she joined in June 2025.
She has put together an impressive international career. Knight is a 10-time world champion and has won one Olympic gold medal (2018) and three silver medals (2010, 2014, 2022).
As captain of Team USA, she has guided the team to the gold medal game against Canada. During this tournament, Knight tied the all-time U.S. womenβs Olympic records for goals (14) and total points (32).
A medal in tomorrowβs final would make her the most decorated American hockey player in Olympic history, with five total medals.
There is also exciting news off the ice.
The Sporting News reported that Knight is engaged to Brittany Bowe.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS:Β Live medal trackerΒ |Β Viewer's guideΒ |Β Day-by-day schedule
Knight is happily engaged to her long-term partner, Brittany Bowe, who is also a talented Team USA Olympian.
Bowe is a highly decorated American speed skater who holds two Olympic bronze medals. She is currentlyΒ competing in her fourth and final (much like Knight) Winter Olympics at theΒ 2026 Milan Games.
To date in Milan, Bowe secured fourth place in the 1000m event, narrowly missing the podium by 0.6 seconds.Β Her final Olympic competition will be theΒ 1500m event scheduled for Friday, February 20, after whichΒ she intends to retire from the sport.
MORE:Β Team USA women's hockey has a massive reason to believe vs. Canada
On Wednesday, February 18, Knight happily announced her engagement toΒ fellow Team USA Olympian and speedskaterΒ BoweΒ after a special proposal at the Olympic Village in Milan.
Hilary Knight and Brittany Bowe: A #WinterOlympics love story. β€οΈπ₯Ή
β NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026
(via IG/hilaryknight) pic.twitter.com/9xrX4Z5Snd
Knightβs heartfelt proposal took place at the Olympic Village, and she shared a touching video of the moment with the caption, "Olympics brought us together. This one made us forever."
MORE:Β Explaining the offsides rule in hockey
The two first met at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, but their relationship truly grew during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, especially as they took walks together to navigate COVID-19 restrictions.
On Wednesday, February 18, Knight joyfully announced her engagement toΒ fellow Team USA Olympian and speedskaterΒ BoweΒ after a memorable proposal at the Olympic Village in Milan.
Currently, the couple resides and trains together in Utah.
The Falcons have hired Shawn Heinlen as director of college scouting, the team announced Wednesday.
Heinlen, who is entering his 27th year in the league, spent the past four seasons as an area scout with the Browns.
After a brief stint as a consultant for the Reeseβs Senior Bowl from 2017-18, he served four seasons as a southwest area scout for the Eagles.
Heinlen was with the Bills for 16 seasons, starting his NFL career as a training camp intern for them in 1999.
Heinlen joined the league office as a player personnel analyst in 2000 before returning to Buffalo in 2001 as a college scouting administrator for three seasons (2001-03). He then served as a college area scout for the club from 2003-17.
Action is starting to pick up in spring camp as the beginning of Grapefruit League play looms ahead this weekend. The Tigers will kick off their 2026 spring schedule on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET on the road against the Yankees. Then theyβll welcome in the Orioles and the Twins on Sunday and Monday at home, also set for 1:05 p.m. ET start times.
On Wednesday morning, the tentative pitching plan for the first three games was reported by Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic Detroit. Keider Montero will kick things off against the Yankees. Jack Flaherty and minor league lefty Bryan Sammons are scheduled to face the Orioles on Sunday, and Tarik Skubal will make his spring debut on Monday against the Twins. Free agent acquisition Drew Anderson will also pitch on Monday. And of course this is all subject to change.
Saturdayβs game is set to be broadcast on what is now Tigers TV, while the games on Sunday and Monday will only be on the radio with Dan Dickerson on the mic.
Justin Verlander was back in game throwing a bullpen after being away over the weekend on a personal matter. He and Dillon Dingler had some conversations about setups behind the plate and how the future Hall of Famer likes his targets set. They also talked a bit about angles to hitters on either side of the plate.
You can check that out below, and as a bonus we have Josue BriceΓ±o taking Tarik Skubal deep in a live BP session. Even in practice, you love to see that from the 21-year-old top 100 ranked slugging prospect. Hitting a tank to right off the best left-hander in the game is a nice note for the Tigers #4 ranked prospect.
Canada Olympic curling results 2026: Updated scores for men's, women's and mixed doubles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 Winter Games are here, which means that it is time for curling to be played on the world stage.Β
Team Canada will be heavily represented at the Olympics, with participants in the men's, women's and mixed doubles curling events. The men's team will be represented by Brad Jacobs, Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, Ben Hebert and Tyler Tardi.Β
The women's team will consist of Rachel Homan, Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, Sarah Wilkes and Rachelle Brown. Gallant from the men's team will pull double duty and be half of the mixed doubles team, and will be joined by Jocelyn Peterman.Β
Team Canada won't have to wait long to begin its curling competitions. Even though the 2026 Winter Games opening ceremony isn't until Friday, February 6, Team Canada will play its first mixed doubles curling match on Wednesday, February 4. The men's team will begin a week later on Wednesday, February 11, with the women's team having its first match on Thursday, February 12.Β
Team Canada won the gold medal for mixed doubles curling in 2018. The men's and women's teams last won their most recent gold medals at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.Β
Here are the latest curling results for Team Canada in the 2026 Winter Games.Β
MORE: Full 2026 Winter Games events schedule
Here is Team Canada's schedule and results for mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Games.Β
Canada went 4-5 in the preliminary round and failed to reach the playoff portion of the event, finishing in fifth place.Β
Wednesday, Feb. 4
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Canada 10, Czechia 5 |
Thursday, Feb. 5
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Canada 6, Norway 3 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Canada 7, Italy 2 |
Friday, Feb. 6
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 7,Β Canada 5 |
Saturday, Feb. 7
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Great Britain 7, Canada 5 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Estonia 8, Canada 6 |
Sunday, Feb. 8
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles:Β Sweden 7, Canada 6 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: South Korea 9, Canada 5 |
Monday, Feb. 9
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Canada 8,Β Switzerland 4 |
MORE:Β UpdatedΒ Olympic mixed doubles curling standings
Here is Team Canada's schedule and results for men's curling at the 2026 Winter Games.Β
Wednesday, Feb. 11
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 7,Β Germany 6 |
Friday, Feb. 13
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin:Β Canada 6, USA 3 |
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 8,Β Sweden 6 |
Saturday, Feb. 14
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Switzerland 9,Β Canada 5 |
Sunday, Feb. 15
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 5,Β China 5 |
Monday, Feb. 16
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 8, Czechia 2 |
Tuesday, Feb. 17
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 9,Β Great Britain 5 |
Wednesday, Feb. 18
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 8, Italy 3 |
Thursday, Feb. 19
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:05 a.m. | Men's Round-Robin: Norway vs. Canada |
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Semifinal 1 |
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Semifinal 2 |
Friday, Feb. 20
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Bronze Medal Game |
Saturday, Feb. 21
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Gold Medal Game |
Here is Team Canada's schedule and results for women's curling at the 2026 Winter Games.Β
Thursday, Feb. 12
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Canada 10, Denmark 4 |
Friday, Feb. 13
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: USA 9,Β Canada 8 |
Saturday, Feb. 14
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Great Britain 7,Β Β Canada 6 |
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin:Β Switzerland 8, Canada 7 |
Monday, Feb. 16
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Canada 10, China 5 |
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Canada 9,Β Japan 6 |
Tuesday, Feb. 17
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Canada 8,Β Sweden 6 |
Wednesday, Feb. 18
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:05 p.m. | Women's Round-Robin: Canada vs. Italy |
Thursday, Feb. 19
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Round-Robin: Canada vs. South Korea |
Friday, Feb. 20
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Semifinal 1 |
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Semifinal 2 |
Saturday, Feb. 21
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Bronze Medal Game |
Sunday, Feb. 22
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:05 a.m. | Women's Gold Medal Game |
MORE: Latest news on Lindsey Vonn after Olympic tune-up crash
All draws involving Team Canada will be streamed for free on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports website. There will also be traditional television coverage of the matches through CBC, TSN and Sportsnet.Β
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby went limping into the locker room during Canadaβs Olympic quarterfinal game against Czechia.
Crosby, also the captain for Team Canada, took three hard hits early in the second period. He was favoring his right leg on the ice after being sandwiched against the boards and two Czechia players.
He was then seen doubled over on the bench soon after the third hit, then went limping down into the locker room, still favoring his right leg.
Itβs unclear if Crosby will return.
This is a developing story that will be updated as Channel 11 learns more.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Junior catcher Carson Tinney had a breakout performance with his first two home runs in burnt orange and white and the No. 3 Texas Longhorns rebounded from some early struggles to score 12 runs over the final three innings in a 14-4 run-rule victory over a game Lamar Cardinals team on Tuesday at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
As the late, legendary head coach Augie Garrido said, the two things that youβre constantly fighting in baseball are boredom and frustration with the Longhorns battling frustration early in the game.
Sophomore right-hander Jason Flores earned the midweek start and was throwing strikes with his fastball sitting between 94 and 97 miles per hour, but didnβt get the results to show for it in his second and final inning. After issuing a full-count walk to lead it off, the Lamar batters stayed on the baseball in shooting a double down the left-field line, a double down the right-field line, and a single up the middle to score two runs. Flores left the game when he hit the next batter.
βWhen itβs competitive like that, I can live with that,β Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle said. βIβll take that outing every time of Jason throwing strikes.β
Schlossnagle turned to redshirt junior left-hander Ethan Walker, whose ability to throw strikes from a low arm slot makes up for his lack of velocity. The Walters State transfer got out of the second inning and pitched a clean third to hand the ball to hulking freshman right-hander Sam Cozart, one of the prize recruits for the Horns in the 2025 recruiting class.
The 6β6, 260-pounder wasnβt overpowering with his fastball, which was 92 to 94 mph, but Cozart was able to throw his deep arsenal of pitches for strikes, only needing 54 pitches to go the final four innings in allowing one run on three hits with four strikeouts and zero walks.
βWhat Cozart did is what heβs done every day since heβs been on campus β throw strike multiple pitches for strikes, be in control himself, and mature beyond his years,β Schlossnagle said.
The maturity was apparent in Cozartβs matter-of-fact approach in the post-game press conference addressing a question about his role on the pitching staff.
βWe donβt have roles. Weβre always just dominating the zone, we go out and we do our job and we sit down and we do what weβre told. If weβre told to go back out, weβll go out, get three outs, and then do it again. So Iβll never have a role. Always just dominate the zone and go out and compete my ass off,β Cozart said.
With Cozartβs consistency and the run-rule finish in seven innings, Schlossnagle and pitching coach Max Weiner werenβt able to get other key bullpen pieces into the game like freshmen right-handers Brett Crossland and Brody Walls and junior left-hander Haiden Leffew, but those are good problems to have, especially in comparison to where the pitching staff was last season.
At the plate, the early frustration was a result of players consistently taking the right approach at the plate and hitting the ball hard without anything to show for it as the Cardinals made some strong plays in the field.
But the Texas hitters are simply too good to be held down by the Lamar staff for an entire game.
The first big blow came from Tinney, the Notre Dame transfer who only had one hit over the weekend. In the second inning, the 6β4, 240-pounder hit a laser of a line drive for his first home run at Texas, which came off the bat at 116 mph and traveled 391 feet despite a launch angle of just 16 degrees.
the first (of many) for our guy π£#HookEm | @carson_tinneypic.twitter.com/MstE7jpOij
β Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) February 17, 2026
Tinney estimated that his first home run was the highest exist velocity heβs achieved in a game.
After senior third baseman Temo Becerra added another run in the second inning on a single up the middle to score junior first baseman Casey Borba, it wasnβt until the fifth inning that the Horns broke the game open with a six-run frame entering heading into it trailing 4-2.
Becerra and sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez both drove in runs with triples, junior center fielder Aiden Robbins had an RBI groundout, senior right fielder Jayden Duplantier knocked in Becerra with an infield single, and junior left fielder Ashton Larson had an RBI double to left-center.
Duplantier was in the game because freshman right fielder Anthony Pack Jr. had to depart with cramping issues.
The second home run for Tinney came in the sixth inning, another line drive with an 18-degree launch angle that landed 423 feet from home plate with an exit velocity of 112 mph.
nope not a replay just a second @carson_tinney homer π£#HookEmpic.twitter.com/vAlwxfI3Sq
β Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) February 18, 2026
Tinney finished 2-for-3 with two walks and three runs scored.
βYou saw what heβs capable of doing tonight. I think he needed that β home-run hitters need to see the ball go out of the ballpark, as does their coach,β Schlossnagle said.
The Texas onslaught continued in the seventh inning as the Longhorns chipped away with the help of an error by the Cardinals pitcher with two on and two out. That mistake led to one run on the error and Duplantier drove in another by taking a bases-loaded before freshman left fielder Maddox Monsour delivered the first hit of his career on the Forty Acres, a walk-off triple down the right-field line.
MadHacks called game π€#HookEm | @madhacksmonsourpic.twitter.com/nBm8WbyrsL
β Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) February 18, 2026
For the weekend series, Texas hosts Michigan State, which is coming off a surprising series win over then-No. 8 Louisville on the road to open the season. First pitch on Friday is at 6:30 p.m. Central on SEC Network+.
USA Olympic curling results 2026: Updated scores for men's, women's and mixed doubles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Team USA will be well represented in the 2026 Olympics, with teams competing in several high-profile events. One of the fan favorites from the Winter Games is curling.Β
Team USA earned a berth in the men's and women's tournaments by winning an Olympic qualification event. The United States has won only two curling medals in its history. The men's team won the gold medal at the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, while the women's team in Turin in 2006 took home the bronze.Β
The United States is still looking for its first-ever medal in women's curling and in mixed doubles. This year, Team USA has a team competing in all three events in the sport, giving them their best chance in years at competing for the gold medal.Β
Here are the latest results and updated scores for Team USA's men's, women's, and mixed doubles curling teams at the 2026 Winter Games.Β
MORE: Full Olympic event schedule at the 2026 Winter Games
Thursday, Feb. 5
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 8, Norway 6 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 7, Switzerland 4 |
Friday, Feb. 6
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 7,Β Canada 5 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 8,Β Czechia 1 |
Saturday, Feb. 7
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Great Britain 6, United States 4 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: South Korea 6, United States 5 |
Sunday, Feb. 8
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 5, Estonia 3 |
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: USA 8, Sweden 7 |
Monday, Feb. 9
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles: Italy 7,Β USA 6 |
| FINAL.Β | Mixed Doubles Semifinals: USA 9, Italy 8 |
Tuesday, Feb. 10
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Mixed Doubles Gold Medal Game: Sweden 6, USA 5 |
Wednesday, Feb. 11
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: USA 8,Β Czechia 7 |
Thursday, Feb. 12
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Switzerland 8, USA 3 | Peacock |
Friday, Feb. 13
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Canada 6, USA 3 | USA,Β Peacock |
Saturday, Feb. 14
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: USA 8,Β Germany 6 | Peacock |
Sunday, Feb. 15
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: USA8,Β Sweden 5 | Peacock |
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: USA 10, Norway 8 | Peacock |
Tuesday, Feb. 17
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: China 8,Β USA 5 | Peacock |
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Italy 8, USA 5 | Peacock |
Wednesday, Feb. 18
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Men's Round-Robin: Great Britain 9, USA 2 | Peacock |
Thursday, Feb. 19
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Semifinal 1 | Peacock |
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Semifinal 2 | Peacock |
Friday, Feb. 20
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Bronze Medal Game | Peacock |
Saturday, Feb. 21
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 p.m. | Men's Gold Medal Game | CNBC,Β Peacock |
Thursday, Feb. 12
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: USA 8,Β South Korea 4 | Peacock |
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Sweden 9, USA 4 | Peacock |
Friday, Feb. 13
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: USA 9,Β Canada 8Β | Peacock |
Saturday, Feb. 14
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: USA 7,Β Β Japan 4 | Peacock |
Sunday, Feb. 15
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: USA 6,Β China 5 | Peacock, CNBC (8:30 a.m.) |
Monday, Feb. 16
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Italy 7,Β USA 2 | Peacock |
Tuesday, Feb. 17
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: USA 10,Β Denmark 3 | Peacock |
Wednesday, Feb. 18
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL | Women's Round-Robin: Great Britain 8,Β USA 7 | Peacock |
Thursday, Feb. 19
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Round-Robin: USA vs. Switzerland | Peacock |
Friday, Feb. 20
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Semifinal 1 | Peacock |
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Semifinal 2 | Peacock |
Saturday, Feb. 21
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 8:05 a.m. | Women's Bronze Medal Game | Peacock |
Sunday, Feb. 22
| Time (ET) | Event | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 a.m. | Women's Gold Medal Game | Peacock |
MORE: Latest updates on Lindsey Vonn after Olympic tune-up crash
Here is who will be representing the United States in curling at the 2026 Winter Games.
Mixed doubles
Men
Women
Team USA's curling events will all be live-streamed on Peacock. Some of the events will be televised, and if they are, will air on the USA Network or CNBC. NBC Olympics has the full curling schedule and you can filter events by TV only or TV and streaming.Β
Ice Bradyβs season is officially over. On Tuesday, UConn womenβs basketball announced that the redshirt junior forward underwent successful surgery to repair a knee injury at UConn Health on Monday. She will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
Brady played in the Huskiesβ first two games but sat out the win over Loyola Chicago on Nov. 12 with knee inflammation. Afterwards, Auriemma described the issue as βnothing seriousβ.
βShe has some inflammation in her knee. Itβs been bothering her for a little bit now,β he said. βJust gonna wait, day-to-day, and see if it comes down.β
Apparently, it never did. Back in mid-January, Auriemma indicated that neither Brady nor Morgan Cheli, who has not played at all this season, would return.
βIf they are (back), Iβd be pleasantly surprised,β he said at the time.
Brady missed her entire true freshman season with a dislocated patella in her right knee β the same one that kept her out this year. She should receive a medical redshirt and retain two seasons of eligibility. Brady, now in her fourth year with the program, will participate in UConnβs senior day ceremonies on Sunday alongside Caroline Ducharme, Azzi Fudd, Ayanna Patterson and Serah Williams.
In her career, sheβs averaged 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds in 73 career games.
This is the fifth straight year in which UConn has suffered at least one season-ending injury.
Sidney Crosby injury update: Latest news on Canada captain after leaving quarterfinal game vs. Czechia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Even at 38 years old, Sidney Crosby came into the 2026 Winter Olympics as one of the focal points of the entire men's hockey tournament.
With NHL players returning to the Olympics, Crosby was one of the biggest names set to be on the ice for Canada, and as the captain of his squad, he was also pursuing the mark for most career points by a Canadian NHL player at the Olympics, which he claimed.
However, in Wednesday's quarterfinals matchup against Czechia, Crosby left the ice with an apparent injury, and he was later ruled out for the game. Canada went on to win, but Crosby's status moving forward remains uncertain.
Here's the latest on Crosby.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule
Crosby took two big hits against Czechia, one against the glass between two opponents. After taking a hit fromRadko Gudas, Crosby went to the bench in some pain.
He did not return to the game against Czechia, per Elliote Friedman, ruled out with a lower body injury.
Here's a look at photos from the hits Crosby took:
Sidney Crosby has went to the locker room after two HEAVY hits from Czechia pic.twitter.com/qUv9soYk64
β B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 18, 2026
He then proceeded to go back to the locker room.
Sidney Crosby has gone to the locker room after two big hits from Czechiaπ€π€ pic.twitter.com/r2wcoaLICH
β Everything Hockey (@EHClothing) February 18, 2026
Crosby's exit came with Canada trailing 2-1 in the matchup around the 15-minute mark of the second period; elimination in the 2026 Winter Olympics bracket was at stake in the game.Β
Per Mollie Walker, it wasΒ Macklin Celebrini who replaced Crosby on Canada's power play soon afterward, which then led to a Nathan MacKinnon goal tying the matchup at two.
Postgame, Jon Cooper said he did not have an update on Crosby, but did say that the star's injury was motivation for the rest of Team Canada, hoping to help him play in another game.
Jon Cooper didnβt have an update on Crosby but he did say much of the talk in the room in the 2nd intermission among the players was:
β Kyle Bukauskas (@sportsnetkyle) February 18, 2026
βThis will not be Sidβs last game at the Olympics.β
MORE:Updates, highlights from Canada vs. Czechia
Crosby left Wednesday's quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Czechia with an apparent injury after taking multiple big hits on the ice.
The Team Canada captainΒ was hit between Czechiaβs Radko Gudas and Martin Necas, and soon after, he was slow to go back to the bench before heading to the locker room. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Crosby did not return to the ice on Wednesday against Czechia. His status moving forward is unknown, depending on whether or not Canada can advance in the bracket without him.
Jon Cooper said after Wednesday's game that he did not have an update on Crosby's status heading into the Olympic semifinals.Β
Bengals are best fit for Chiefs' free agent 250-pound, 218-tackle linebacker originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cincinnati Bengals have needs all across their defense the front office needs to address this offseason. While the pass rusher and safety rooms might draw the most attention, the linebacker room also needs some upgrades.
Rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter didn't work out in 2025, so the Bengals need to now explore free agent options at the position.
That need is why ESPN's Matt Bowen named the Bengals as the best fit for free agent Kansas City Chiefs 250-pound linebacker Leo Chenal.
"With his ability to pressure and walk up into the front, Chenal would give defensive coordinator Al Golden more flexibility within his game plans," Bowen writes.
Chenal's best team fit is with the Bengals, according to Bowen. With how the Bengals need help in every way on the defensive side of the ball, adding someone versatile like Chenal makes a lot of sense.
The 250-pound linebacker is 25 years old, a two-time Super Bowl champion, and has racked up seven sacks and 218 tackles in his four years in the NFL.
He also has one interception, and just this past season allowed a passer rating of 88.4, the best mark he's had in coverage in his career.
More:Β Bengals urged to overhaul 'horrific' position group this offseason
Despite having two linebackers entering their sophomore season, the 25-year-old Chenal (born on October 26th) would make the linebacker room younger. Knight is also 25 years old, but he was born on July 21st, making him a few months older than Chenal.
The Bengals, in signing Chenal, could be getting younger despite just drafting a player last year. Chenal is also a good starter, as he's a capable pass rusher and is good against the run.
With massive needs on the defensive side of the ball, someone like Chenal, who can be a chess piece in the middle of the formation for Golden, would be a great free-agent target for the Bengals this offseason.
Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Kyrie Irving will officially miss the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his ACL last March, per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.
Irving has yet to play this season after the spring 2025 injury, but Sharania said that Irving is giving himself more time to fully heal for the 2026-27 season.
Will he still be a Mavericks player by then? Who's to say, but Irving should return by the fall. He will have missed more than a year of basketball and will be 34 by the time the 2026-27 season starts.
How much will he have left in the tank? We're eager to find out.
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the season to allow himself additional time to fully heal from the torn ACL he suffered last March. Irving will make his return for the 2026β27 season. pic.twitter.com/hfqAiRTPP4
β Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2026
We'll be watching to see what happens with Irving this fall.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kyrie Irving injury update: Why not returning to Mavs this season?
Leicester City are set to appoint former player Gary Rowett as their new head coach as the club fight to avoid relegation from the Championship, BBC Sport has reported. The 51-year-old took training on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as the permanent successor to Marti Cifuentes, who was dismissed last month after a run of poor results deepened the clubβs relegation concerns.
Rowett returns to familiar surroundings, having spent two years at Leicester as a player after joining from Birmingham City in 2000. He arrives with extensive Championship experience, having previously managed Birmingham, Derby County, Stoke City, Millwall, and most recently Oxford United, where he was sacked in December following a difficult spell. Leicester hope his experience in the division will prove vital as they attempt to steady their season.
The Foxes are currently third from bottom, two points from safety, and their position has been worsened by a six-point deduction for breaching spending rules. They have also lost all four matches under interim boss Andy King, extending a run of poor form that has left confidence low.
With 14 matches remaining, Rowett faces an immediate challenge to stabilise results and restore belief. Leicester are now turning to a familiar figure in the hope he can guide the club away from danger and secure their Championship status.
GFN | Finn Entwistle
While Harry Kane has been dominating the headlines for Bayern Munich with his excellent goalscoring capabilities, the Bavarians have several other players performing at a high level, crucial to their strong run of form.
One such star happens to be Michael Olise, who has been in near-unstoppable form this season for the Bundesliga champions.
Indeed, the 24-year-old Frenchman has already racked up 13 goals and 25 assists from 34 matches across all competitions.
Oliseβs exploits with Bayern Munich have attracted the interest of Liverpool, who see him as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, reports TEAMTALK.
However, the former Crystal Palace winger does not wish to return to the Premier League at this point in his career.
Michael Olise has been excelling at Bayern Munich. (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)
But that does not mean that he wishes to spend his entire career at Bayern Munich. Instead, the report claims that the 24-year-old attacker wants to play and test himself in Spain at some point in his career.
Whatβs more, both La Liga giants β Barcelona and Real Madrid β are fully aware of Oliseβs long-term ambitions.
For now, neither of the two Spanish behemoths has shown a direct interest in signing the French international.
Meanwhile, Olise himself remains fully committed to Bayern Munich, where he is contracted until 2029, with the club trying to extend it further.
However, the winger sees Spain as a potential future destination for himself, and it could spark a contest between Barcelona and Real Madrid if he decides to move.
Ukraine's national sports minister said Wednesday that officials from the country would not attend the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, in protest over a decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags.
The International Paralympic Committee has lifted a ban in place for three years on athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus competing under their national flags. The ban was issued in response to Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Β
"The IPC can confirm that NPC [National Paralympic Committee] Russia has been awarded a total of six slots: two in Para alpine skiing (one male, one female), two in Para cross-country skiing (one male, one female), and two in Para snowboard (both male)," the committee said in a statement. "NPC Belarus has been awarded four slots in total, all in cross-country skiing (one male and three female)."
The 2026 Paralympics begin on March 6.
Immediately after the invasion in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee effectively barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in Olympic and Paralympic Games under their national flags.Β
A decision the following year permitted athletes from those countries to participate in Olympic Games as neutral competitors, but national symbols, including flags, anthems and team uniforms, remained prohibited.Β
Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, strongly condemned the decision and said officials from the country would not take part in any Paralympic events, though Ukrainian athletes would still compete.
"The decision by the Paralympics organisers to allow killers and their accomplices to compete at the Paralympic Games under national flags is both disappointing and outrageous," he wrote on social media.Β
He stressed that Ukrainian athletes β who have often performed well in Paralympic competition, finishing second on the medals table at the 2022 Beijing Games β would not take part in the boycott.
Some European officials also condemned the decision to let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under their flags - which could, if the country takes a gold medal, see the first playing of Russia's national anthem at an Olympic or Paralympic event in years.
European Union Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef said he would join Ukraine in boycotting the Paralympics opening ceremony, calling the decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under their national flag "unacceptable."
"While Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues, I cannot support the reinstatement of national symbols, flags, anthems and uniforms that are inseparable from that conflict," Micallef said.
Lisa Nandy, the U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, also condemned the decision.Β
"Allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags while the brutal invasion of Ukraine continues sends a terrible message," Nandy said, calling it "completely the wrong decision" and urging the IPC to "reconsider this decision urgently."
The debate highlights the challenge for Games organizers of keeping the Olympics as free as possible of politics. Earlier this month, Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Winter Olympics for wearing a "helmet of memory" depicting Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia.Β
CBS News has asked the International Paralympic Committee to comment on the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags.
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dies at 95
Jorge Prado will not compete in Round 7 of the SuperMotocross World Championship in Arlington, Texas, due to excessive swelling in his shoulder. Prado crashed last week in Seattle, Washington, during the second qualification session. He posted the fastest lap in time trials during the first session, which stood as the fastest time overall.
"Jorge Prado will sit out Arlington this Saturday while continuing to recover from his crash last weekend," Red Bull KTM posted on social media. "No major injuries have been determined, but excessive swelling and irritation in his right shoulder joint will take more time to heal up. We hope to see you back for Daytona, Jorge!"
Prado entered Seattle seventh in the championship standings. He withdrew before the feature and dropped three positions after failing to earn points.
Prado has shown significant improvement in Monster Energy Supercross as he becomes more accustomed to the tighter tracks that define the stadium series. He began the season with a podium finish (third) in Anaheim 1 and added another top-five two weeks ago in Glendale, Arizona.
Since he is not currently in contention for the Supercross championship, the team does not feel pressure to field an entry until Prado is ready to return.
"If youβre fighting for the championship, then itβs tough," team manager Ian Harrison said last week after the Seattle race. "You have to deal with it, youβve got to suck it up and go, but heβs not in that position right now. This was his 12th Supercross in his career, so thereβs no reward in having him crash again and really get hurt. So thatβs how we looked at it tonight."
Nvidia plans to βsurprise the worldβ at GTC 2026 Next month, Nvidia will host its annual GTC (GPU Technology Conference).Β According to Korean media (as reported byΒ WCCFTECH), Nvidiaβs CEO, Jensen Huang, said the company plans to announce a chip that will βsurprise the worldβ at the event. Unfortunately, Huang did not provide any details about the [β¦]
The post Jensen Huang claims that Nvidia will βsurprise the worldβ with a new chip at GTC 2026 appeared first on OC3D.
Warsaw Chopin Airport kicked off 2026 with over 1.7 million passengers in January, marking a twelve percent increase from January 2025βs over 1.5 million. International traffic dominated at over 1.6 million passengers, underscoring Poland tourism momentum. This strong performance signals robust tourism recovery, drawing more visitors to Warsawβs historic sites and extending to Krakow and Gdansk.
The airport handled over fourteen thousand passenger flights and over fifteen thousand total operations, with peak days like January 4 seeing sixty-seven thousand travelers. Domestic numbers reached 115,541, but global routes drove growth. Such figures enhance Poland tourism accessibility, facilitating easier access to cultural festivals and natural attractions nationwide.
Following 2025βs all-time high of over twenty-four million passengers, a fourteen percent YoY rise, Warsaw Chopin Airport sustains upward trajectory. Infrastructure upgrades like CT scanners and biometric gates supported stability amid volumes. This legacy propels tourism, positioning Warsaw as Europeβs rising hub for leisure and business explorers.
Over ninety-three percent of January traffic was international, reflecting expanded networks by LOT Polish Airlines. New long-haul routes connect Warsaw to Asia and Americas, boosting inbound tourism. Enhanced connectivity impacts Poland tourism positively, increasing stays in Warsawβs vibrant districts and radiating to Baltic coasts.
Record daily throughput on early January weekends highlights capacity resilience despite Mazovia school holidays. On-time performance held amid surges, thanks to remote stands and security enhancements. Efficient handling supports seamless tourism flows, encouraging spontaneous trips to Polandβs UNESCO gems like Auschwitz and Wroclaw.
LOT Polish Airlines spearheaded growth with aggressive route additions, aligning with national aviation strategy. Fleet modernization aids high load factors on key European links. Airline expansions directly amplify Poland tourism, attracting premium visitors for events like Warsawβs Chopin concerts and adventure pursuits.
Government plans for the Central Transport Hub (CPK) near Warsaw gain validation from Chopinβs metrics, eyeing forty-five million annual capacity by late 2020s. Chopin serves as interim growth engine, bridging to megaproject. This vision elevates tourism prospects, promising ultra-modern gateways for Polandβs heritage and eco-destinations.
Warsaw Chopin Airport ascended to twenty-sixth among Europeβs top airports for 2026, driven by volumes and upgrades. Steady charter and scheduled rises affirm structural demand. Higher rankings enhance Poland tourism allure, drawing rankings-conscious travelers to Warsawβs Old Town and Tatra Mountains.
New security tech and e-gates mitigate queues, targeting thirty million yearly capacity. Remote stands optimize space without compromising service. These bolster tourism reliability, ensuring Warsaw remains competitive against Vienna and Prague for Central European stopovers.
January cargo jumped twenty-one percent, complementing passenger surges and signaling economic vitality. Logistics efficiency aids tourism peripherally via supply chains for hotels. Dual growth underscores Polandβs hub status, supporting extended visitor experiences in Warsaw and Mazovia regions.
Eco-upgrades at Warsaw Chopin Airport, including efficient stands, align with green aviation goals. Passenger rise correlates with sustainable packages promoting rail-air hybrids. Greener ops impact Poland tourism favorably, appealing to conscious travelers exploring Bialowieza Forest and Baltic dunes.
Januaryβs winter consistency previews summer peaks, with historic June 2025 at 2.3 million passengers. Capacity builds ensure handling of holiday charters. Preparedness sustains tourism peaks, maximizing arrivals for Warsawβs Christmas markets and summer festivals.
Though secondary, domestic growth connects Warsaw to Gdansk and Zakopane, vital for internal tourism. Improved frequencies aid Poles and expats. Balanced traffic fosters nationwide tourism circuits, from city breaks to mountain retreats.
Corporate surges alongside leisure reflect diversified demand at Warsaw Chopin. Biometrics streamline professionals, freeing time for MICE events. Business influx cross-pollinates Poland tourism, blending conferences with cultural side trips in Warsaw.
Modernization roadmap eyes sustained double-digit growth toward CPK handover. Phased scanner rollouts promise frictionless security. Forward planning secures tourism trajectory, cementing Warsaw Chopin Airport as Polandβs tourism powerhouse.
Traffic overflows benefit Katowice and Krakow airports, decongesting Warsaw. National network resilience distributes tourism evenly. Inter-hub links enhance Polandβs appeal as a multi-city European destination.
Long-haul expansions link Warsaw to Seoul and New York, elevating status beyond Europe. High loads on transcontinentals draw distant leisure seekers. Global ties supercharge Poland tourism, introducing exotic markets to Masurian Lakes and Silesian castles.
1.75 million passengers inject vitality into Mazovia, supporting jobs in aviation and hospitality. Local suppliers thrive on influx. Economic ripple amplifies Warsawβs tourism ecosystem, funding urban renewals and attractions.
Januaryβs twelve percent leap extends nineteen-month streak of highs, eyeing over twenty-six million yearly. Consistent outperformance validates investments. Momentum promises transformative Poland tourism growth, spotlighting Warsaw globally.
The post Warsaw Chopin Airport Logs Passenger Surge in January, Supercharging Poland Tourism: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Contour Airlines will begin its operations through South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD) by introducing nonstop flights which will transport passengers from El Dorado to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The service will start on March 16 2026 to provide essential access to one of the busiest airports in the United States which operates as a hub for worldwide travel from El Dorado and its nearby regions.
The new route will be operated on Contour Airlinesβ 30-seat regional jets, providing a comfortable and premium flying experience. Passengers will enjoy additional legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, and one free checked bag with every fare, ensuring a relaxing journey from start to finish.
The introduction of this nonstop service is a significant milestone for the residents of El Dorado and the surrounding region. This new route not only connects South Arkansas to the major Dallas hub but also expands travel opportunities by offering seamless connections to destinations across the United States and around the world through Contourβs interline partnerships. With airlines like Alaska, American, JetBlue, and United Airlines, passengers can easily transfer beyond Dallas-Fort Worth to explore various global cities.
Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines, emphasized the airlineβs commitment to connecting underserved regions with major travel hubs. βThis new service highlights Contourβs dedication to providing convenient, reliable air travel options while maintaining the high level of comfort and service our customers expect,β he said. The new route reflects the airlineβs growing focus on offering accessible air travel solutions for smaller communities.
Contour Airlinesβ new El Dorado to Dallas Fort Worth service will operate with the following schedule:
This schedule provides ample opportunities for travelers to book convenient flights that fit their plans, whether they are looking to head out in the morning or return later in the day.
The new nonstop flights will not only enhance regional connectivity but will also support the economic development of the region. According to Paul Choate, Mayor of El Dorado, the new service will provide much-needed stability and access to a wider array of destinations. βHaving dependable jet service will provide stability to our ability to reach any destination we desire,β he said. He also pointed out the positive impact it will have on the local industrial community, which often requires easy access to major cities for business purposes.
With this new flight route, El Dorado residents will have better access to national and international destinations, making it easier to conduct business, visit family, or enjoy leisure travel.
Contour Airlines is known for providing a premium service on its regional jets. Passengers will enjoy leather seating with extra legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey whether traveling for business or leisure. In addition to the free checked bag and complimentary snacks and beverages, Contourβs premium service offers a high standard of care that differentiates it from other regional carriers.
The launch of the El Dorado to Dallas Fort Worth route is just one part of Contour Airlinesβ ongoing expansion. The airline has been working to strengthen its network of services, connecting underserved regions to major cities and hubs. The airlineβs growing partnership with major carriers such as Alaska, American, JetBlue, and United Airlines ensures that passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience with access to numerous global destinations.
With more regional routes in the pipeline, Contour Airlines is poised to continue providing reliable and convenient travel options for smaller communities across the United States.
Contour Airlines has begun nonstop flights between El Dorado, Arkansas and Dallas Fort Worth, Texas which will enhance travel options for South Arkansas residents. The new route provides the region better travel options through its comfortable flights and premium travel experience and direct access to worldwide destinations. The airline extends its network to provide US communities better access to travel options and increased flight opportunities.
The post Contour Airlines Launches Nonstop Service from El Dorado, AR to Dallas Fort Worth, TX: What You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.The opening of independent Vietnamese kitchen Ladudu today will bring a warm atmosphere to Wembley, London, UK because local families and adventurous travelers can enjoy their comforting noodle soup and aromatic curry dishes and home-style Vietnamese service. The restaurant at 10 Quay Walk Stonebridge will transform the developing waterside area into a required Vietnamese dining destination which offers customers both daytime meals and interactive cooking sessions and sauce products to take home.
Ladudu is the brainchild of founder Teresa Le, who first introduced her Vietnamese home cooking to Londoners through private lessons before opening a muchβloved restaurant in West Hampstead in 2011. The name Ladudu refers to papaya leaf in Vietnamese and reflects the brandβs roots in fresh, healthy cooking, while Teresa has explained that the philosophy behind her food centres on βhappy, healthy, and heartyβ dishes made with balance in mind.
From the new canalside kitchen, guests can expect a menu of classic Vietnamese comfort foods such as aromatic pho, vibrant salads, stirβfries and rich curries, alongside matcha drinks and homemade desserts. Vegan choices and weekly specials are designed to appeal both to Londonβs diverse residents and to international visitors exploring the cityβs food scene, offering an approachable introduction to Vietnamese flavours at lunchtime.
While Ladudu began life as a restaurant and later as a sauces and seasonings producer, the new Grand Union opening brings those strands together with a clear mission to share Vietnamese food culture more widely in the UK. By focusing on restaurantβquality dishes that feel like home cooking, the team aims to give firstβtime visitors to Vietnamese cuisine an accessible experience, while offering enough regional detail and depth of flavour to satisfy seasoned food travellers.
The restaurant opens daily from 11:00 to 17:00, except Tuesdays, making it an easy lunchtime stop for tourists exploring Wembley Stadium, the designer outlet and the wider regeneration area. With its canalside location and relaxed daytime feel, Ladudu is positioned as a gentle entry point into Vietnamese cooking, where visitors can taste, learn and then take flavours home, turning a simple meal into a part of their UK travel story.
Laduduβs role at Grand Union extends beyond serving food, with the restaurant designed as a community hub and cultural touchpoint. A private dining area will host familyβfriendly workshops and interactive cooking classes, giving locals and visitors the chance to prepare and enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes while learning more about ingredients and traditions.
For families travelling with children, a dedicated play area complete with a miniature kitchen offers a space where younger guests can safely explore their own interest in cooking while adults dine nearby. The team hopes that by making Vietnamese cuisine approachable for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, the restaurant will help normalise these flavours as part of everyday life in northβwest London.
Teresaβs journey with Ladudu began in 2009 with home cooking lessons and expanded into a busy West Hampstead restaurant that became known for its fresh, fastβpaced Vietnamese dishes. After several successful years, the restaurant closed in 2017 so the business could focus on developing sauces and seasonings, drawing on recipes refined in the kitchen to help people cook restaurantβstyle dishes at home.
Those sauces now form a key part of the new Wembley offer, with Ladudu selling its signature products on site so guests can recreate their favourite dishes after their visit. The brandβs stated goal is to save home cooks time without compromising on flavour, encouraging them either to prepare authentic Vietnamese meals or to add a SouthβEast Asian twist to everyday recipes, subtly extending the reach of Vietnamese cuisine into British home kitchens.
In keeping with its homely ethos, Ladudu sources vegetables and halal beef and chicken from suppliers in nearby Park Royal, just across from Grand Union. This approach supports west London producers while allowing the team to maintain freshness and traceability, something increasingly valued by both London residents and international visitors who seek out more responsible, localβminded dining options.
For Berkeley Group, which is delivering Grand Union, Ladudu joins a curated mix of independent cafΓ©s, nurseries, gyms and community spaces designed to make the canalside location feel like a selfβcontained destination. The developerβs managing director has said that backing local entrepreneurs is central to the neighbourhood vision, and the restaurant is viewed as a key contributor to a setting where people can live, eat, work and socialise in one place.
The Vietnamese restaurant Ladudu now operates its business because the Grand Union development in Wembley area brings new residential properties and independent shops to the neighborhood. The restaurant presents a complete experience because it offers canalside views and childrenβs play areas and cooking classes and customers can take home their sauces. The restaurant will become a dining destination because London residents bring their guests to experience Vietnamese cuisine while international visitors learn about the cityβs dining culture through its hidden local restaurants.
Image Credit: Ladudu
The post Ladudu Transforms London Into A Gateway To Vietnamese Cuisine For Adventurous Tourists: Hereβs What You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Recent official airline schedule updates and filings with aviation regulators have confirmed that Korean Air will not resume Boeing 747β8 service between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and London Heathrow (LHR) in 2026. The doubleβdeck, wideβbody βJumbo Jetβ has been replaced on the route by the Boeing 777β300ER, marking a shift in capacity and signalling the formal end of the Boeing 747βs scheduled commercial service on UK routes. Although this change reflects normal airline capacity management, it also carries symbolic weight: with this transition, the United Kingdomβs era of scheduled 747 passenger service comes to a close. This article explains the development in detail from verified airline filings, timetable data and international aviation schedules, and outlines what it means for travellers, the industry and longβhaul air travel trends.
According to official schedule data published by Korean Air and confirmed through airline booking systems and regulatory schedule filings, the airlineβs flagship Boeing 747β8 aircraft β previously slated to operate regularly between Seoul and London β will no longer serve the London Heathrow route in 2026. Instead, the Boeing 777β300ER will operate yearβround on the longβhaul connection between these key global hubs.
This update effectively removes scheduled Boeing 747 service between Korea and the United Kingdom, leaving the Boeing 777β300ER as the primary aircraft type on the route. In recent years, operating conditions, market demand, aircraft economics and fleet rationalisation have influenced Korean Air and other international carriers to adjust the deployment of larger quadβjet aircraft such as the 747 in favour of more efficient twinβengine types like the 777 and Airbus A350.
The Boeing 747 β once the backbone of intercontinental travel β has been gradually retired by major carriers worldwide in favour of newer, more fuelβefficient aircraft. The 747β8, the final iteration of the iconic airliner, represented one of the last largeβcapacity commercial jets still in scheduled service. However, a combination of market realities has hastened its removal:
1. Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs
Modern twinβengine jets like the Boeing 777β300ER and Airbus A350 deliver better fuel burn, reduced emissions and lower direct operating costs than fourβengine jets such as the 747.
2. Demand Patterns Have Changed
Postβpandemic recovery has seen a shift towards more frequent services with flexible capacity rather than very large aircraft that are profitable only when consistently full.
3. Fleet Modernisation Strategies
Korean Air β like many global carriers β continues to modernise its longβhaul fleet to maintain competitiveness, streamline maintenance and improve sustainability.
The Boeing 747 earned legendary status over its nearly 50βyear commercial history. For decades it was the symbol of international travel, enabling high volumes of passengers and cargo on intercontinental sectors. In the United Kingdom, the 747 was a familiar sight at Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow and other major airports, connecting the UK to North America, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
With Korean Airβs 747 departure from scheduled London services, no major airline will operate Boeing 747 passenger flights regularly to or from the United Kingdom in 2026. This marks a historic closing chapter for one of the most iconic airframes in commercial aviation history.
From a travelβindustry perspective, the change affects passengers in both practical and symbolic ways. Here are the key travel advantages and disadvantages linked to the transition:
Greater Fuel Efficiency and Lower Emissions
The Boeing 777β300ER offers improved environmental performance, aligning with increasing traveller interest in sustainable travel and airline industry commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
More Consistent Service Levels
Operating a highβdemand route with a modern, widely used aircraft type enhances reliability, parts availability and operational flexibility.
Potentially More Frequency Options
Modern twinβengine aircraft can enable more frequent services due to better economics, giving travellers more schedule choice and flexibility.
Loss of Jumbo Jet Experience
For aviationβminded travellers and those nostalgic for classic wideβbody flight experiences, the retirement of the 747 from UK routes ends an era of travel culture marked by the iconic βQueen of the Skies.β
Seat Map and Cabin Tweaks
Although the Boeing 777β300ER remains a capable longβhaul aircraft, cabin layouts differ from the 747β8. Some travellers prefer the unique upperβdeck experience offered aboard the 747.
Cultural Icon Departing Regular Service
The Boeing 747 was not just an aircraft; it was a travel landmark. Passengers who appreciated its history now transition to an era where even its final variants are increasingly rare.
The phaseβout of the Boeing 747 from UK routes exemplifies broader trends in global aviation:
MarketβDriven Fleet Rationalisation
Airlines are increasingly favouring aircraft that balance capacity with efficiency. Twinβengine widebodies dominate longβhaul fleets due to cost and environmental advantages.
Sustainability Imperatives
Regulators, airline alliances and industry groups such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) promote fleet renewal as part of wider decarbonisation strategies influencing aircraft deployment decisions.
Passenger Expectations
Modern aircraft like the Boeing 777 offer advanced inβflight entertainment systems, improved cabin pressurisation and quieter interiors β features that align with traveller preferences in 2026.
The replacement of Korean Airβs Boeing 747β8 service from Seoul to London with the Boeing 777β300ER marks a significant moment in British aviation history. As the United Kingdom sees the conclusion of scheduled 747 passenger flights, the global airline industry moves toward a more efficient, sustainable future driven by modern aircraft. For travellers, this change brings operational advantages and aligns with environmental trends, even as it closes the chapter on a beloved era in air travel.
This development underscores how airlines adapt to market realities, longβterm fleet strategies and evolving passenger expectations β shaping the way global travellers connect across continents in the years ahead.
The post Korean Air Ends Boeing 747 Service to the UK as Boeing 777 Takes Over SeoulβLondon Route appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Spirit Airlines travel updates are creating waves in the travel industry as the budget carrier navigates financial restructuring. Global travellers who rely on low-cost flights should pay attention to these changes, as they can affect routes, flight schedules, and loyalty benefits. The airline is adjusting its operations while attempting to maintain affordable fares for tourists exploring major U.S. destinations, from Las Vegas to Miami. Understanding these updates can help travellers plan smarter, avoid disruptions, and still enjoy the cost-saving benefits Spirit is known for.
One key element of Spirit Airlines travel updates involves fleet adjustments. The airline has decided to reduce the number of planes in its active fleet to lower operating costs. Certain aircraft are being returned to lessors or retired, which may lead to fewer flight options on less busy routes. Tourists planning trips to secondary airports or regional destinations should check schedules early and book in advance to ensure availability. Despite these reductions, Spirit continues to operate its main routes, allowing travellers to access top U.S. destinations with minimal interruption.
Spirit Airlines travel updates also include strategic route reductions. Some smaller markets are being temporarily or permanently cut to focus on high-demand destinations. This may impact travellers looking to fly to mid-sized U.S. cities, requiring alternative plans. Major tourist hubs such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Chicago continue to receive flights, maintaining Spiritβs presence in key travel corridors. Travellers should plan carefully and consider combining flights or alternative transportation to reach less-serviced destinations while benefiting from budget fares.
Another critical aspect of Spirit Airlines travel updates is the impact on loyalty programmes. The airlineβs partnership with certain co-branded credit cards has ended, affecting how travellers earn points or redeem rewards. Frequent flyers and tourists who rely on accumulated points should check their accounts for updated terms and available benefits. Being aware of these changes can help visitors make informed choices about travel spending, upgrades, and booking strategies, ensuring they get the most value from flights and reward programmes.
Operational adjustments and restructuring may temporarily affect flight schedules. Spirit Airlines travel updates advise travellers to allow extra time for airport procedures and potential delays. Checking real-time flight alerts and maintaining flexible itineraries are highly recommended, especially during peak travel periods. Tourists should also prepare contingency plans, including travel insurance, to protect against sudden cancellations or changes. Smart planning can mitigate disruptions and allow travellers to continue exploring U.S. destinations smoothly.
Global travellers can make the most of Spirit Airlines travel updates by following a few key tips. Firstly, monitor flight schedules and any official announcements from the airline. Secondly, book in advance, particularly for popular destinations, to secure low fares. Thirdly, keep an eye on loyalty benefits and adjust spending on co-branded cards accordingly. Lastly, remain flexible with travel plans and consider alternative routes or airports to reach your desired locations. These strategies help travellers maintain budget-friendly experiences even during periods of operational change.
Despite financial and operational adjustments, Spirit Airlines continues to offer affordable travel options. Budget-conscious tourists can still explore major U.S. cities, beaches, and entertainment hubs without breaking the bank. By staying informed about Spirit Airlines travel updates, understanding route changes, and planning ahead, travellers can enjoy seamless trips while benefiting from the airlineβs low fares. Strategic planning and awareness of operational changes are essential for maximizing travel opportunities in 2026.
Spirit Airlines travel updates highlight the importance of proactive planning for global tourists. Adjustments to routes, fleet, and loyalty programmes may present challenges, but travellers who remain vigilant and flexible can continue to enjoy affordable U.S. travel. By monitoring flight schedules, considering alternative destinations, and keeping travel insurance in place, visitors can navigate the changes effectively. Spirit Airlines remains a key player in budget aviation, and with careful preparation, tourists can continue to take advantage of its low-cost services to explore Americaβs top destinations.
The post Spirit Airlines Travel Updates 2026: Essential Guide for Global Travellers Navigating Route Cuts, Credit Card Changes, and Low-Cost Flights Across the USA appeared first on Travel And Tour World.The United Airlines travel competition with American Airlines is capturing global attention. This rivalry is most visible at Chicago OβHare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. Both airlines are expanding their flights and routes, upgrading services, and offering loyalty perks. Tourists travelling through Chicago are in a unique position to benefit from this contest. More flight options, better schedules, and improved loyalty rewards are now available. Whether you are a frequent flyer or a holidaymaker, this airline battle can influence your travel experience and even help you save money while travelling across the USA and beyond.
Chicago OβHare is a central hub for domestic and international travellers. Millions pass through each year to reach destinations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the USA. The airline competition at this airport means more flights and more convenient timings for global travellers. United has been adding new routes and increasing flight frequency to meet growing demand. American Airlines has also expanded its services, providing travellers with more alternatives. Tourists can now find direct flights to popular destinations, shorter layovers, and flexible schedules. The rivalry ensures that travellers have more choices than ever before when planning trips to or through Chicago.
As United Airlines competes, it is increasing daily flights and opening new destinations. Tourists can now enjoy direct connections from Chicago to key cities such as London, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo. American Airlines is responding by adding flights on high-demand routes. More routes mean travellers can plan multi-city itineraries, enjoy shorter travel times, and benefit from competitive pricing. Global tourists can also take advantage of seasonal promotions and special offers that are often introduced during periods of intense airline competition. For holidaymakers, this translates to more convenience, more choice, and better value when booking flights.
Loyalty programs play a big role in this airline rivalry. Unitedβs MileagePlus and Americanβs AAdvantage are designed to reward frequent flyers. Tourists can earn miles for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. These miles can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, or priority boarding. When airlines compete aggressively, they often introduce extra incentives for travellers. For international tourists, joining the right loyalty program can make a significant difference in travel comfort and cost. The competition encourages both airlines to offer improved rewards and promotions, giving travellers a chance to maximise their benefits while flying.
This competition is not only about routes and flights. Both airlines are improving passenger experiences to attract travellers. Lounges are being upgraded, customer service enhanced, and premium services expanded. Tourists travelling on long-haul or connecting flights can enjoy better comfort, quicker boarding, and more in-flight amenities. The intense rivalry ensures that airlines remain focused on passenger satisfaction. This means travellers now have access to smoother journeys, more flexible flight options, and added conveniences that were not as widely available before.
Global tourists can make the most of this airline competition with a few smart strategies. Always compare flights from United and American before booking. Consider loyalty programs to earn rewards and access upgrades. Book early to secure the best seats and flight timings. Monitor new routes as both airlines continue to expand. By staying informed and planning strategically, travellers can take advantage of more flights, better schedules, and rewarding loyalty benefits. This is an excellent opportunity for holidaymakers, business travellers, and globetrotters seeking the best travel value.
The United Airlines travel competition at Chicago OβHare creates tangible benefits for travellers. More routes, increased flight frequency, enhanced loyalty programs, and improved passenger services all contribute to a better travel experience. Tourists flying through Chicago now have the advantage of choice, flexibility, and convenience. Whether planning a family holiday, a business trip, or an international adventure, travellers can leverage this airline rivalry to maximise comfort, reduce costs, and enjoy a seamless journey. Chicago has become more than just a gateway; it is now a hub where global travellers can gain real advantages thanks to airline competition.
For tourists worldwide, the competition between United Airlines and American Airlines is a welcome development. It has reshaped travel from Chicago OβHare, offering more options, greater convenience, and attractive rewards. By planning carefully, joining loyalty programs, and monitoring new routes, travellers can turn this rivalry into a powerful tool for smarter travel. Global holidaymakers now have a reason to watch the skies over Chicago β and reap the benefits of one of the most competitive airline battles in the USA.
The post Epic United Airlines vs American Airlines Showdown at Chicago OβHare: A Global Travellerβs Guide to Smarter Flights and Reward Perks appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Porter Airlines is expanding with new routes to Austin and Chicago OβHare. They are also adding a seasonal service from Ottawa to Deer Lake, Newfoundland. They are trying to connect more cities in Canada and the US and improve travel options for their customers. They want to enhance travel for either business or pleasure for customers to visit more attractions in North America.
New Seasonal Service to Deer Lake
Porter is starting in Deer Lake, Newfoundland, on June 10. They are trying to strengthen their Canadian flights. There will be 5 flights a week for the peak season. Deer Lake will give travelers more access to western Newfoundland. They will also have flights to Toronto Pearson and Halifax.
Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 aircraft will be used for this route and have free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Porter Airlinesβ services to Deer Lake allow passengers to visit one of the most beautiful destinations in Canada and strengthen Porterβs commitment to improving domestic connectivity.
New Austin, Texas Destination
Porter Airlines has also announced that Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will have year-round service starting May 21, 2026. This will be Porter Airlinesβ first service to Austin, Texas, and fourth service to the United States. Service will be five (5) times per week, offering direct service to downtown Toronto and the bustling downtown Austin.
During the expansion to Austin, the airport also works to promote other service options. Local leaders were thrilled to have Porter Airlines as a new partner at AUS. This route enables direct service from Austin to Toronto, and from there, passengers have convenient access to Porter Airlines services throughout Canada.
Chicago-OβHare as a New Gateway
Porter Airlines has plans to expand to Chicago. Beginning September 6, 2026, Porter Airlines will relocate from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Chicago OβHare International Airport (ORD), which is a huge improvement considering that OβHare is not only the main airport located in Chicago but also one of the busiest airports in the entire country.
Porter Airlines will provide travelers to Chicago with some extra traveling options by introducing 3 daily flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to OβHare. Additionally, the new OβHare flights can be used with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, which is scheduled to open shortly at Billy Bishop, making the airport experience much better.
Porter Airlines has made it optional to strengthen the connections between the two biggest hubs in North America, and it will offer, in the near future, potential partnership of other carriers to connect flights in Chicago OβHare.
Porter Airlines Signature Service on New Routes
Porter Airlines is expanding its service to more destinations. Passengers enjoy Porterβs unique services and professional services; there are no middle seats on their aircraft, and complimentary wine, beer, and premium snacks are served in glassware. Furthermore, complimentary fast Wi-Fi will be provided to all users on Porterβs new Embraer E195-E2, so users will be able to work in the air.Β
Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting of Porter Airlines, explains that the company is making investments to improve customer satisfaction. New routes and expanded services will allow customers the same level of care and service, providing customers with an improved travel experience.
Reactions to Porter Airlinesβ Expansion
Porter Airlinesβ expansion has enthusiastic supporters among local leaders in the U.S. and Canada. The Toronto Port Authority, which manages Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, recognizes the new service to Chicago OβHare and the growing Toronto and Chicago connection as an opportunity for their customers to easily travel to one of the most significant business hubs in North America. They mentioned that the new U.S. Preclearance facility at Billy Bishop will also allow for greater travel options.
In Deer Lake, the new Porter service has been described as an economic stimulus for the community and improved travel access for residents and visitors. Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority President and CEO noted the new service as part of a long-range goal for improved air service.
The new route to Austin has also generated positive comments from Toronto Pearson, Canadaβs largest and busiest airport. Toronto Pearsonβs Chief Commercial Officer noted that the new services will enhance passenger choice and access to important markets.
Porter Airlinesβ Commitment to Growth
Porter Airlines has an enormous amount of confidence when it comes to expanding its new routes over the course of a few months. Changes to their flights concern the service standard(s) with the addition of new destinations. Porter has positioned themselves for the most competitive markets of travel in the U.S. and Canada.
Brand USAβs Chris Heywood remarked that added services for Porter will continue and sharpen the relevance of the cross-border reach for both Canadian and U.S. citizens. Porter is meeting the high demand for international travel with more routes and destinations, given that more Canadians are traveling to the U.S. now than in previous years.
Conclusion
Porter Airlines is expanding into Austin, Chicago OβHare, and Deer Lake, which will result in more connected cities and, on top of that, more options for travelers. These new routes also offer Porterβs commitment to a convenient, comfortable, elevated travel experience. There will also be travel options for business and leisure travel. There will be better connections and an increase in options for top North American destinations. The continued growth of the airline will result in seamless travel.
The post Discover The Best Of North America With Porter Airlinesβ New Flights To Austin, Chicago, And Deer Lake appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Australia Based Hospitality Management Company Davidson Hospitality Group has strategically reshaped its leadership structure, promoting Patrick Broderick and Harry Carr to newly created roles and appointing Kathryn Collins to a key marketing position. These leadership changes are designed to enhance the companyβs commercial services function and solidify its position in the hospitality industry.
Davidson Hospitality has appointed Patrick Broderick as Senior Vice President, Commercial Optimization. With over 37 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Broderickβs promotion is a significant move for the company. He joined Davidson in 2021 as Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management for Davidson Resorts. Prior to his time at Davidson, Broderick had a distinguished career at Marriott International, where he held various leadership roles, including Vice President of Sales for the region overseeing more than 60 Marriott hotels, including 18 resorts and luxury properties.
Broderickβs extensive background in sales and revenue management aligns perfectly with his new role, where he will now oversee all aspects of commercial optimization for Davidson Hotels and Davidson Resorts. His leadership is expected to streamline operations and elevate the companyβs performance in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Broderickβs track record, especially in managing over $2 billion in revenue, positions him as a pivotal figure within Davidson Hospitalityβs executive team.
Harry Carr, who has been with Davidson since the launch of the Pivot vertical in 2016, has also been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Optimization. Carrβs leadership and strategic direction have been instrumental in expanding the Pivot brand, beginning with the repositioning of Hotel Zephyr in San Francisco. Under his leadership, Pivot has grown from one hotel to a significant lifestyle portfolio within Davidson Hospitalityβs diverse offerings.
Carr has more than 30 years of experience across both independent and branded hotel environments, which includes tenure at SBE, Viceroy Hotel Group, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Starwood and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. In his new role, Carr will be responsible for overseeing Pivot and other high-profile properties within the Davidson portfolio. His proven track record in revenue management and brand development makes him an invaluable asset to Davidson Hospitality as the company continues to expand its presence in the hospitality market.
Kathryn Collins has been appointed as the new Vice President of Marketing at Davidson Hospitality. Collins comes to the company from Remington Hospitality, where she served as Senior Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy. She has a strong background in both digital strategy and brand marketing, having previously led brand initiatives for the luxury technology startup Bryte. Her experience in driving brand strategy and marketing execution across diverse industries will help Davidson strengthen its marketing efforts and reach new audiences.
At Davidson Hospitality, Collins will oversee tactical marketing execution for the company, focusing on enhancing the brandβs presence in the marketplace. With over 12 years of experience at Marriott International and her extensive leadership experience in digital strategy, Collins is well-positioned to drive the companyβs marketing initiatives forward. Her MBA from the University of Florida and B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Louis University add further value to her expertise.
The promotions of Patrick Broderick, Harry Carr and the appointment of Kathryn Collins reflect Davidson Hospitality Groupβs commitment to internal talent development and its forward-looking approach to leadership. By leveraging the extensive industry experience and strategic vision of these leaders, Davidson Hospitality is poised to continue delivering outstanding results across its portfolio. As the company enhances its commercial and marketing functions, Broderick, Carr and Collins are expected to make significant contributions to Davidson Hospitalityβs growth and success in the competitive hospitality landscape.
The post Australia Based Davidson Hospitality Group Welcomes Patrick Broderick, Harry Carr and Kathryn Collins with Extensive Experience to itβs Leadership Team, New Update appeared first on Travel And Tour World.On the evening of 18 February 2026, Hong Kong kicked off the Chinese New Year festivities with the βProsperity Gallops Across Hong Kongβ fireworks display, a magnificent celebration sponsored exclusively by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The event created a colorful display that illuminated Victoria Harbour as the Year of the Horse began. The city of Conghua in Guangzhou participated in the celebrations by presenting an impressive drone and fireworks display which received backing from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The Year of the Horse campaign includes these events which seek to honor the cultural importance of horses and horse racing in the region.
The Hong Kong fireworks display was a breathtaking 23-minute spectacle, with 31,888 pyrotechnic shells launched into the night sky. The display featured horse-themed imagery and auspicious symbols, such as horseshoes and the βHKJCβ and βWINβ logos, to bring blessings for the new year. Crowds gathered along the iconic Victoria Harbour to watch this majestic celebration, with the atmosphere filled with energy and excitement.
At the heart of this grand spectacle was the Hong Kong Jockey Clubβs dedication to promoting the rich history and ongoing importance of horse racing and equestrian sports. As part of the Year of the Horse campaign, the Clubβs fireworks display celebrated the role of horses in Hong Kongβs cultural and sporting life. The theme of the fireworks, with symbols of galloping horses and symbols of good fortune, was designed to bring joy and prosperity to the community as Hong Kong begins its journey into the Year of the Horse.
In his remarks at the event, HKSAR Chief Executive The Hon John KC Lee highlighted the significance of this year as the start of the countryβs 15th Five-Year Plan. He noted that Hong Kongβs growth and alignment with the national development strategy will play an important role in the cityβs future success. He expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for sponsoring the fireworks display and wished prosperity for both Hong Kong and China in the coming year.
In Conghua, Guangzhou, the Year of the Horse celebrations continued with a unique fusion of technology and tradition. The Hong Kong Jockey Club sponsored a captivating drone and fireworks performance that lit up the skies with 1,200 drones creating vivid horse racing imagery, complemented by the lively bursts of fireworks. This display, which took place from the first day of the Chinese New Year on 17 February, also embraced the cultural significance of horses, bringing a sense of joy and anticipation for the year ahead.
The collaboration between Hong Kong and Guangdong exemplified the strong cultural ties and shared celebrations that unite the region. The impressive visuals conveyed messages of good fortune, with horse racing motifs and symbols of happiness, reflecting the spirit of the Year of the Horse and the communityβs aspirations for the year ahead.
Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Jockey Clubβs Year of the Horse campaign will continue to promote equine culture and community engagement. One of the key highlights will be the opening of the Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou in October, marking a milestone in the development of the national equine industry in the Greater Bay Area. The Hong Kong Jockey Clubβs commitment to equestrian sports and its role as a significant cultural and economic contributor will remain central to the year-long celebrations.
The Year of the Horse campaign also includes a wide range of cultural, sporting, and family-friendly events, further strengthening ties within the community. These activities offer a unique opportunity for tourists to experience the excitement of horse racing and the rich cultural traditions surrounding the sport. Whether through thrilling races, spectacular equestrian events, or family-oriented activities, the campaign is designed to unite people from all walks of life while showcasing the regionβs equestrian heritage.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club shows its dedication to local cultural heritage through its funding of the fireworks and drone displays which serve as major attractions during Hong Kong and Guangdongβs Year of the Horse festivities. The Chinese New Year celebrations began with these bright shows which demonstrated how horses serve as important cultural symbols for the Hong Kong community and other areas. The Year of the Horse campaign will deliver happiness and wealth and community harmony through its various upcoming events and festivities which will occur during the entire year.
The post Guangzhou and Hong Kong Unite in Spectacular Year of the Horse Fireworks and Drone Display appeared first on Travel And Tour World.The global travel landscape is shifting faster than ever, and todayβs tourism news is packed with exciting, critical updates that every traveler and industry insider must know. Americaβs hospitality battle has never been more intense, with cities across the U.S. offering new and innovative travel experiences in a bid to capture touristsβ attention. From revamped hotels to exclusive packages, America is transforming how we think about luxury stays and unforgettable experiences.
Meanwhile, Californiaβs snowstorm season is set to impact travel plans for many this winter. As the state braces for heavy snowfall, travelers are urged to stay updated on weather warnings and potential travel delays. This is crucial for anyone planning a winter getaway to Californiaβs famous ski resorts or those passing through the stateβs major airports.
But thatβs not allβEuropeβs biometric travel headaches are causing more friction than ever at international airports. With increased security measures and complex entry requirements, European travelers face a tougher journey. These biometric rules are reshaping how people move through the continent, and understanding them is essential for smoother, hassle-free travel.
Stay with us to discover the full scope of these critical updates and more! Read on to keep yourself ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of travel.
Asia is currently facing a major travel disruption, with flight gridlocks affecting millions of passengers across the continent. But whatβs behind the chaos? Increased demand, a shortage of air traffic controllers, and logistics challenges have left travelers stuck on the ground for longer than ever. Whether itβs delayed or canceled flights, overcrowded airports, or limited flight options, the travel experience in Asia is undergoing a massive overhaul.
In this article, we dive deep into the causes, the long-term consequences for airlines, and how travelers can navigate these turbulent skies. Read More About Asiaβs Flight Gridlock
The Arctic has become the new frontier for adventurers seeking raw, unspoiled landscapes. From glacial formations to remote wildlife, this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience for those brave enough to venture north. But with climate change threatening the environment, how long will this pristine beauty remain accessible? This section explores the opportunities, challenges, and growing interest in Arctic tourism. Explore the Arctic Travel Trends
From New York to Los Angeles, the United States is experiencing a fierce hospitality battle as cities ramp up tourism campaigns for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hotels, resorts, and even local businesses are offering more personalized and immersive experiences to stay competitive in the hospitality industry. This section delves into how American cities are gearing up for a tourism boom like never before.
Find out which cities are leading the charge and whatβs in store for tourists seeking both adventure and luxury. Discover Americaβs Hospitality Battle
Europe has long been the go-to destination for travelers seeking rich history, culture, and scenic beauty. However, new trends suggest a sharp decline in long-haul European trips. Factors such as tighter visa regulations, biometric travel rules, and an increasing focus on short-haul travel are changing the way we view European vacations. Is this the end of the era for lengthy European getaways?
Weβll break down whatβs contributing to this shift and what it means for both travelers and the European tourism industry Read About the Decline of Long-Haul European Trips
Winter 2026 is bringing heavy snowstorms to California, joining the ranks of the usual snow-heavy states like Oregon, Washington, and Montana. But how is the tourism and travel industry coping with this massive weather change? This section will discuss the ripple effect on airlines, roadways, and the winter tourism market. Get ready to explore the impact of these snowstorms on travel plans across the region. Read About Californiaβs Snowstorm Season
Kansas is on the rise, with cities like Wichita, Overland Park, and Shawnee unlocking their unique travel potential. From historic sites to exciting cultural events, this state is preparing to be a top contender in U.S. tourism. Learn how Kansas is attracting travelers and what it has to offer in 2026. Whether youβre seeking adventure or relaxation, Kansas has it all. Explore the Transformation of Kansas Travel
With the rising demand for specialized medical treatments, Florida, California, and Texas are becoming leaders in medical tourism. The stateβs top hospitals and health facilities are attracting international visitors seeking top-tier medical procedures, spa treatments, and wellness experiences.
This section dives into the benefits of medical tourism and why more people are choosing Florida for their healthcare needs. Find Out More About Floridaβs Medical Tourism Surge
Branson, Missouri, is working its way back into the spotlight as a major U.S. tourist destination. With new attractions, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, Branson is reclaiming its place as a tourism powerhouse. This segment explores the revitalization efforts in Branson and why itβs making waves in the travel community. Learn More About Bransonβs Tourism Revival
The cities of Los Angeles, New York, Kansas, and New Jersey are teaming up to introduce tourism campaigns for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This effort is expected to bring millions of visitors to the U.S. to witness the worldβs biggest sporting event. Learn how these cities are preparing to host travelers from across the globe. Read About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Tourism Campaigns
The post Americaβs Hospitality Battle, Californiaβs Snowstorm Season, and Europeβs Biometric Travel Headaches and Much More in Daily Tourism News appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Β© <p>Universal</p>
Β© <p>Silverton Mountain</p>
Googleβs Gemini has become even more powerful. Until now, it could generate text, images, videos, and code. With the latest update, Gemini can now create full songs, including lyrics and music, and even design album art. All it takes is a text or image prompt, and Gemini turns it into a complete track.
This new feature is powered by Google DeepMindβs Lyria 3, a text-to-audio AI model. Earlier versions of Lyria could only make short instrumental clips or experimental music.
Now, Gemini can create 30-second songs that sound like real music, with layered instruments and melodies. It can also generate lyrics, so each track is a complete musical piece.
Source β Samsung
Also, Google has made sure that copyright issues are avoided. Each AI-generated track comes with a hidden SynthID to show it was created by AI. The songs are checked against existing music to prevent copying. The companyΒ also says that it trained Gemini without copying artistsβ work.
The new music feature is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. It works for both free and paid Gemini users, although available credits depend on the subscription. The feature is also coming to Dream Track for YouTube Shorts to make it easier for creators to make music quickly.
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I am so over being the only Android guy in the room. Whenever my friends want to share photos from a trip, I usually end up getting some blurry, compressed version over WhatsApp or a Google Drive link that nobody ever wants. Itβs basically been a decade of feeling like a second-class tech citizen.
But in the February 2026 update, Google changed everything for the Pixel 9 series users. Google has now enabled the Quick Share share feature to transfer photos using AirDrop on iPhone.
To use this feature, just hit the share button, tap on Quick Share, and your iPhone will appear right away. On iPhone screen, it looked just like a normal AirDrop, and just tap βAcceptβ. Five seconds later, you will have the full 4K video. No apps, no links, no drama.
Is there a catch? A small one. You still have to tell the iPhone user to turn on βEveryone for 10 minutesβ because Apple is still being Apple about security. Also, if you are using a Pixel 9a, you are out of luck for now since this update is only for the main Pixel 9 series.
Honestly, it is not 100% perfect, and you have to stay pretty close for the Bluetooth to stay connected. But itβs the biggest win I have had with this phone in a long time. If you have a Pixel 9, go tap on that update button in your settings right now. Itβs a total game changer.
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Samsung Galaxy S26 series is approaching, and one of its key attractions will be the optimized design. The phone lineup will consist of three models: Standard, Plus, and Ultra. Whilethe difference may not be significant compared to the previous generation, consumers will be able to spot the difference between the two generations.
If you are wondering whatβs unique is heading our way this year, then you are still in the right place. Here, I will walk you through the top design changes of the Galaxy S26 series.
Standard
Plus
Ultra
The standard model is bigger than its predecessor, due to the improvement in screen size. The display is expected to be 6.3 inches over 6.2 inches in the S25, adding some weight.
The Plus model is the same as the last generation, but the upcoming Ultra model will have more height and width, while offering a slightly slim and lightweight design.
The S26 Ultra model will have more rounded corners than the previous model. Last year, Samsung deleted those pointy corners and brought a modern look to the top-end flagship. However, the company has decided to increase the radius.
The screen will remain flat on these three models, but the Ultra will offer slimmer bezels on all sides. Itβs observed in press render leaks that the display will have a slightly larger hole-punch.
The sides have power and volume adjustment keys. The bottom includes a charging port, speakers, andaΒ SIM card tray. Other sides includes atennas. The Ultra model will have an S-Pen slot.
One of the biggest changes in this Galaxy S26 series design could be the frame material. This year, all three phones may appear with an aluminium frame, including the S26 Ultra. This high-end phone has been using Titanium for the past two years.
Samsung has adopted a new look for the rear camera. While retaining the arrangement, the phones will now use a new camera bump that pretty much resembles the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Overall, the design looks better than the S25 Ultra, especially those crowns.
Since the Ultra is adopting larger corner curves, the S-Pen will also tweak its clicker head for a seamless design. Check the image below to understand the difference.
These are the major design changes in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, unveiling at the Unpacked event. Besides, Samsung also has new technological breakthroughs that will also be unpacked at the event.
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The Infinix Note Edge 5G, which was unveiled in global markets early last month, has now arrived in India. It is claimed to be the first handset in the country to be powered by the Dimensity 7100 chipset. It claims to have an AnTuTu score of over 7,50,000 and can be configured with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. The phone sports a 6.78-inch curved LTPS AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display is rated to deliver up to 4,500 nits of peak brightness and is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. It also gets an in-display...
Inter Miami are just days away from officially starting their 2026 season. They will make their Major League Soccer debut this Saturday on the road against Los Angeles FC, and all eyes are on Lionel Messiβs fitness.
The 38-year-old forward had raised concerns last week after a muscle issue kept him out of the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, forcing that match to be postponed to February 26. That situation also cast doubt on Messiβs availability for the MLS opener, but those worries now appear to be easing.
βLionel Messi is in this morningβs training,β journalist Jose Armando reported Wednesday on his official X account. The report was quickly followed by a video showing the Argentine star taking part in ball exercises. βLionel Messi in very good spirits and back with his teammates.β
This is reassuring news for Inter Miami, who just a few days ago were genuinely concerned about the fitness of their most important player at a crucial moment of the year. Still, these positive signs have not yet been accompanied by official confirmation regarding Messiβs availability for Saturdayβs match, which will likely depend on how he feels during the remaining training sessions this week.
Lionel Messi de muy buen Γ‘nimo y de regreso con sus compaΓ±eros.
β JosΓ© Armando (@Jarm21) February 18, 2026
La ΓΊnica ausencia de Inter Miami es Sergio ReguilΓ³n quien sigue sin realizar trabajos en cancha.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/RXe97WnKcO
From past seasons, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have learned important lessons. In both 2024 and 2025, the forward missed games due to muscle problems that, rather than resolving quickly, lingered for several weeks. In his eagerness to return to competition, Messi sometimes accelerated his recovery timeline, which in certain cases proved counterproductive.
This year, the risk could be even greater. Beyond club commitments, Messi faces two major challenges with Argentina: the March Finalissima against Spain and the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June to July.
The forward has not yet confirmed his participation in the tournament in North America and has made it clear that the decision will depend on how he feels physically. Any muscle discomfort will need careful attention to avoid aggravating injuries that could potentially affect his chances of playing with Argentina.
While Lionel Messiβs fitness is Inter Miamiβs biggest concern right now, it is not the only one. Just three days before the MLS opener against LAFC, the Herons received important news regarding another star of the squad.
βGerman Berterame received his work permit. He is already training with the team and will be available this weekend,β Jose Armando wrote Wednesday. βThe only absence for Inter Miami is Sergio Reguilon, who is still not doing on-field work.β With this scenario, head coach Javier Mascherano will have almost all of his players available to start the 2026 MLS season.
Vinicius once again found himself at the center of a heated controversy during a tense European night, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching closely as soccerβs governing bodies moved to address yet another racism allegation. The incident unfolded during a high-stakes Champions League playoff clash, prompting immediate reactions from officials, players, and fans, and reigniting the debate over discrimination in modern soccer.
As the clubs battled for continental progression, the spotlight quickly shifted from tactics and goals to a serious allegation that could carry significant consequences for all involved.
The controversy erupted during the Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid on Tuesday, when Vinicius scored and celebrated near the corner flag. Moments later, a confrontation occurred between the Brazilian forward and opposing player Gianluca Prestianni, who pulled his shirt over his mouth before allegedly making discriminatory remarks.
The Brazilian winger immediately reported the incident to the referee, triggering UEFAβs anti-discrimination protocol and briefly halting the match. The incident overshadowed the fixture, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Spanish side, denting the Portuguese clubβs hopes of advancing.
@tntsports pic.twitter.com/Fp4yhjWbg9
β β (@YrcQo) February 18, 2026
UEFA later confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the allegations.Β βThe official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where issues are reported, proceedings are opened and, if they lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website,βΒ the governing body stated.
Following the match, Vinicius addressed the situation publicly, expressing frustration and disbelief.Β βRacists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are. Nothing that happened today is new to me in my life and in my familyβs life,βΒ he wrote on social media, while also questioning the yellow card he received for celebrating his goal.
Benfica, though, denied any racist intent and described the exchange as a misunderstanding during a tense moment, but the allegation reignited broader discussions about racism in European soccer and the effectiveness of existing disciplinary mechanisms.
π¨ VINICIUS JUNIOR ON IG:
β Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 17, 2026
βRacists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show their weakness.
But they also count on the protection of others who, in theory, have the obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened here was new in my⦠pic.twitter.com/VoBIGrTz8v
In the middle of the growing storm, FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivered a powerful and uncompromising response, condemning the alleged incident in the strongest terms. βI was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinicius Junior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF,βΒ Infantino said.Β βThere is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society β we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.β
Infantino also highlighted FIFAβs ongoing initiatives to combat discrimination.Β βAt FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Playersβ Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur,βΒ he added.
π¨ FIFA President, Infantino on IG. pic.twitter.com/YpXiOl1aac
β Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 18, 2026
The head of the governing body also praised the refereeβs handling of the situation, acknowledging the importance of immediate action during matches.Β βI commend referee FranΓ§ois Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the game and address the situation,βΒ he noted.
Infantino concluded by reaffirming soccerβs stance against discrimination:Β βFIFA and soccer show full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!β
| WHO | Wolverhampton vs Arsenal |
| WHAT | English Premier League |
| WHEN | 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT β’ Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| WHERE | Peacock Premium |
| STREAM | WATCH NOW |
Matchday 31 delivers high drama as Arsenal protect their four-point lead atop the table against relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners sit on 57 points, ahead of Manchester City, and could stretch that gap to seven with a win.
Facing one of the best European teams this season will be the Wolves, who stuck on nine points from 26 matchesβare desperate for a lifeline. Title hopes and survival dreams collide in this must-see Premier League clashβdonβt miss it.
| WHO | Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen |
| WHAT | UEFA Champions League |
| WHEN | 3pm ET / 12pm PT β’ Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| WHERE | Paramount+ and ViX |
| FREE TRIAL | WATCH NOW |
A coveted spot in the Round of 16 hangs in the balance as Bayer Leverkusen square off with Olympiacos in what shapes up as one of the toughest matchups to call this round. Leverkusenβs experience in one of Europeβs top domestic leagues gives them a slight edge on paper, but their uneven performances in this competition have left the door open for an upset.
Olympiacos, thriving throughout the 2025/2026 season, view this as a prime opportunity to make a statement by knocking out a talented yet unpredictable German side. With everything on the line and momentum swinging both ways, this is a high-stakes European showdown you wonβt want to miss.
| WHO | Bodo/Glimt vs Inter |
| WHAT | UEFA Champions League |
| WHEN | 3pm ET / 12pm PT β’ Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| WHERE | Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, UniMΓ‘s, TUDN, and ViX |
| FREE TRIAL | WATCH NOW |
After missing automatic Round of 16 qualification by just one point, Inter Milan enter the knockout stage determined to prove they remain true title contenders following last seasonβs runner-up finish. Standing in their way will be Bodo/Glimt.
The fearless Norwegian side have already shown they can challenge Europeβs elite and wonβt shy away from the spotlight. With pride, momentum, and a place in the next round on the line, this is a clash you wonβt want to miss.
Following their emphatic victory in the previous Champions League match, Benfica arrived with high ambitions of defeating Real Madrid. However, they were beaten by a stunning goal from Vinicius Jr., who later reported alleged racist acts by Gianluca Prestianni. While UEFA has already taken action on the matter, the Argentine remains firm in his innocence, issuing a strong response on social media.
βIf so many people claim that I supposedly made a racist comment toward VinΓcius JΓΊnior, why didnβt anyone else react? Accusing someone of something serious is not right, especially when it isnβt trueβ¦ Everyone is pointing the finger at me just because I covered my mouth with my shirt, when they know that all football players cover their mouths to talk. Donβt try to make things up anymore,β Gianluca Prestianni said, via X.
In line with the Argentineβs statements, Benfica have decided to unconditionally support their player: βSport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its full support and belief in the version presented by Gianluca Prestianniβ¦ the team regrets the smear campaign targeting the player.β Additionally, they have uploaded several videos to demonstrate that no other Real Madrid player could have heard the conversation between Prestianni and Vinicius, denying Mbappeβs version.
Although UEFA has decided that the Ethics and Discipline Inspector will investigate Gianluca Prestianni, he could still be available for the second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. According to SkySports, the investigation could take more than a few days, meaning the Argentine could be part of the squad if coach JosΓ© Mourinho considers it appropriate. However, he could end up being suspended for more than 10 matches if found guilty.
After his arrival from VΓ©lez Sarsfield as a highly touted young prospect, Gianluca Prestianni set high expectations among Benfica fans, who anticipated a strong performance. In his first season, he scored just two goals and provided three assists in 19 matches. Rather than improving, he has managed only two goals and two assists in 30 matches this season, leaving supporters disappointed with his overall impact.
Given this situation, coach JosΓ© Mourinho might consider keeping Prestianni on the bench in favor of Dodi LukΓ©bakio. Beyond just his underwhelming performance, his altercation with Vinicius Jr. could disrupt the teamβs balance, potentially detrimental during matches. At just 20 years old, he faces a significant challenge to solidify his position in the starting lineup as he contends with a faction of fans who are increasingly critical of his continued presence in the team.
Arsenal has been knocking on the Premier League titleβs door for a few years. After coming up short to Manchester City and Erling Haalandβs scoring ability over the last two seasons, they are now four points clear in the race. This sustained success has been largely linked to Bukayo Saka, who has extended his contract.
The right winger has delivered on expectations since breaking into the first team. With his dribbling and creativity, he has turned his left foot into a major weapon for Mikel Artetaβs side. That is why the club did not hesitate to secure his future with a new deal.
Saka will now earn Β£300,000 per week (approximately $380,000), which equals about $19.8 million annually, according to BBC. The contract runs through 2031, bringing stability for the fans. However, this large figure is still not the highest in the Premier League. For comparison, Haaland earns Β£500,000 per week (approximately $635,000), the equivalent of about $33 million per year, after signing a deal last year that runs for a decade.
Arteta has kept the team competitive regardless of injuries, and having depth in almost every position can be decisive in a long and demanding season for a club chasing multiple trophies like Arsenal.
For Saka, the current season has not been ideal statistically. In the Premier League he has scored 4 goals in 22 matches, a drop compared to the previous years.
His numbers in other competitions also do not stand out. He has no goals in one FA Cup match and one in four Carabao Cup appearances. In Europe he has played six matches and scored two goals. Saka has appeared in 33 matches with seven goals this season, but his importance to the lineup remains unquestioned.
The path to a Premier League title still includes Manchester City as the main rival. Arsenalβs current advantage is four points, reduced from six after the recent draw with Brentford reopened the race.
A return to stronger form looks necessary because there will be little margin for error. Arsenal visit Wolverhampton on Wednesday in the Premier League, then face Tottenham Hotspur in a Sunday derby, before closing the month against Chelsea.
| WHO | AC Milan vs Como |
| WHAT | Serie A |
| WHEN | 2:45pm ET / 11:45pm PT β’ Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| WHERE | Paramount+ and DAZN |
| FREE TRIAL | WATCH NOW |
The Serie A race heats up as AC Milan face Como in a matchup packed with implications near the top of the table. Milan sit on 53 points, eight behind leaders Inter Milan, and need a win to cut that gap to five and stay firmly in the title chase.
Como, meanwhile, are pushing for Europe with 41 points; three points would move them into the Conference League spot and within two of Juventus, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle on both sides.
has earned widespread praise following his super-lightweight world title victory, but former two-division champion says thereβs another 140lb contender heβd steer clear of before facing the Newark southpaw. Two weeks ago, Stevenson dominated Teofimo Lopez to obtain the WBO super-lightweight crown and, after being stripped of the WBC lightweight world title during the aftermath, the [β¦]
The post Tim Bradley names the fighter heβd avoid even more than Shakur Stevenson: βHeβll humiliate youβ appeared first on Boxing News.
Temsilcimiz FenerbahΓ§e, UEFA Avrupa Ligi'nde yarΔ±n Nottingham Forest ile karΕΔ±laΕacak. Nottingham Forest'in teknik direktΓΆrΓΌ Vitor Pereira mΓΌcadele ΓΆncesi aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulundu.
Nottingham Forest Teknik Direktârü Vitor Pereira, UEFA Avrupa Ligi'nde Fenerbahçe ile oynanacak maç âncesi Chobani Stadı'nda basın toplantısı düzenledi.
Vitor Pereira'nΔ±n aΓ§Δ±klamalarΔ± ΕΓΆyle:
-Burada olmak benim iΓ§in bΓΌyΓΌk bir onur. Tekrar KadΔ±kΓΆy'de olmaktan dolayΔ± Γ§ok mutluyum. Sadece FenerbahΓ§e ile yaΕadΔ±ΔΔ±m gΓΌzel Εeyleri hatΔ±rlΔ±yorum. KulΓΌple ΓΆzel bir baΔΔ±m var. UmarΔ±m maΓ§tan keyif alΔ±rΔ±z. Taraftarlarla gΓΌzel bir baΔ kurduk. AnΔ±larΔ±mda hep bunlar var. YarΔ±n fantastik bir atmosfer olacak. Ama biz Premier Lig'de oynuyoruz. Premier Lig'de de fantastik atmosferler var. FenerbahΓ§e, bΓΌyΓΌk bir kulΓΌp. Futbola Γ§ok tutkuyla baΔlΔ±lar. Enerjisi yΓΌksek bir atmosfer ve maΓ§ olacak. Tekrar burada olmak Γ§ok gΓΌzel.
-FenerbahΓ§e maΓ§Δ±, aslΔ±nda kalitemizi kendimize ispatlamak iΓ§in bir fΔ±rsat. Γok iyi bir takΔ±mΔ±m var. FenerbahΓ§e'nin de Γ§ok iyi bir takΔ±m olduΔunun farkΔ±ndayΔ±m. Benim beklediΔim maΓ§tan keyif almak. Organize ve cesur Εekilde mΓΌcadele edip sahadaki yetenekleri izlemek.
-OynamayΔ± sevdiΔim bir taktik var ama iki gΓΌnde bir takΔ±mΔ±n taktiΔini deΔiΕtiremezsin. Ama ilk gΓΌnden bir kimlik oluΕturmaya Γ§alΔ±ΕtΔ±m. Oyuncular da bu fikirle ΓΆnemli olabileceklerini dΓΌΕΓΌnΓΌrlerse hedeflerimize ulaΕabiliriz.
Galatasaray'Δ±n NijeryalΔ± yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ± Victor Osimhen The Players' Tribune hayatΔ±na dair aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulundu. Sevilen futbolcunun zorlu Γ§ocukluΔu dikkat Γ§ekti.
Galatasaray'Δ±n NijeryalΔ± yΔ±ldΔ±zΔ± Victor Osimhen The Players' Tribuneβde yayΔ±mlanan yazΔ±da Γ§ocukluk yΔ±llarΔ±ndan baΕlayan zorlu yaΕamΔ±nΔ± anlattΔ±.
Osimhen'in aΓ§Δ±klamalarΔ± ΕΓΆyle:
-Kimse benim adΔ±mΔ± bilmemeliydi. Bunu okuyor olman bile TanrΔ±βnΔ±n lΓΌtfunun bir kanΔ±tΔ±. Annem ben henΓΌz bebekken ΓΆldΓΌ. SanΔ±rΔ±m 3 yaΕΔ±ndaydΔ±m. Annemi hatΔ±rlayacak kadar bΓΌyΓΌk deΔildim. Onunla ilgili aklΔ±mda kalan tek Εey, beni kollarΔ±nda tutmasΔ±.
"TANRIM BU NASIL BΔ°R HAYAT!"
-Ben, 6 kardeΕim ve babam; Lagosβta bir gecekondu mahallesinde, tek odalΔ± bir evde yaΕΔ±yorduk. Mahallemin adΔ± Olusosun, belki duymuΕ olabilirsin. AfrikaβnΔ±n en bΓΌyΓΌΔΓΌ olan, meΕhur bir atΔ±k alanΔ±nΔ±n hemen yanΔ±nda. Oraya gΓΌnde 10.000 ton çâp dΓΆkΓΌldΓΌΔΓΌnΓΌ sΓΆylΓΌyorlar. Kimyasal atΔ±klar. KΔ±rΔ±k televizyonlar. AklΔ±na gelebilecek her Εey.
-Mahallemizdeki Γ§oΔu insan atΔ±k alanΔ±nda bulduΔu çâpleri satarak geΓ§iniyordu ama küçüklΓΌΔΓΌmde babam ΕofΓΆrlΓΌk yapardΔ±. Annem ΓΆldΓΌkten sonra bu iΕi kaybetti ve bir karakolun mutfaΔΔ±nda bulaΕΔ±kΓ§Δ± olarak Γ§alΔ±Εmaya baΕladΔ±. Ama bu iΕ kiramΔ±zΔ± ΓΆdemek iΓ§in yeterli deΔildi.
-YaklaΕΔ±k 12 yaΕΔ±ndayken bir geceyi hatΔ±rlΔ±yorum; Ev sahibi artΔ±k sabrΔ±nΔ± yitirmiΕti ve dairemizin elektriΔini kesti. Tek bir odada, yedi kiΕi, televizyon yok, Δ±ΕΔ±k yok, kapkaranlΔ±k. DΔ±ΕarΔ± Γ§Δ±ktΔ±ΔΔ±mΔ± hatΔ±rlΔ±yorum; bir bataklΔ±ΔΔ±n yanΔ±na oturdum, gerΓ§ekten bir bataklΔ±k, ve aΔlamaya baΕladΔ±m.
-TanrΔ±βya sordum, βBu nasΔ±l bir hayat?'
-Drenaj kuyusu i?i bile yapΔ±yordum. Ne olduΔunu biliyor musunuz? Avrupaβda pek yok. Ama Afrikaβda, kazdΔ±ΔΔ±n kuru bir kuyu gibi bir Εey.
-Birinin merdivenle kuyunun Γ§ok derinlerine inmesi gerekir. Bir diΔeri de yukarΔ±da, karanlΔ±k deliΔin iΓ§ine bakarak durur ve βAΕaΔΔ±da her Εey yolunda mΔ± kardeΕim?β diye baΔΔ±rΔ±r.
-Ben yukardaki adam deΔildim. DiΔer adamdΔ±m. Pis iΕ.
-AΔabeyim Andrew en zor iΕi yapΔ±yordu. Sabah 3βte kalkΔ±p sokakta spor gazetesi satΔ±yordu.
-Bazen eve gazete getirirdi. KapaΔΔ±nda Didier Drogba ya da Zlatan Ibrahimovic olurdu. Onlara hayranlΔ±kla bakardΔ±m.
Sanki baΕka bir dΓΌnyada yaΕΔ±yorlardΔ±.
Benim iΓ§in futbol, Γ§alΔ±ΕmadΔ±ΔΔ±m zamanlarda yaptΔ±ΔΔ±m bir Εeydi. Sorun Εu kiβ¦ ben hep Γ§alΔ±ΕΔ±yordum.
"O Δ°KΔ° PARMAK HAYATIMI KURTARDI!"
-15 yaΕΔ±ma geldiΔimde Nijerya U-17 seΓ§meleri iΓ§in Lagosβta denemelere gittim. YΓΌzlerce Γ§ocuk vardΔ±. Top bile yoktu. Sadece koΕturuyorlar, yavaΕ olanΔ± eliyorlardΔ±.
HayatΔ±m iΓ§in koΕtum. Aylar sonra son 30βa kaldΔ±m. 27 isim aΓ§Δ±klandΔ±. 3 kiΕi elendi. Ben o 3 kiΕiden biriydim.
Hayalim ΓΆlmΓΌΕtΓΌ. Tekrar denemeler olacaΔΔ±nΔ± ΓΆΔrendim. Abuja 9 saat uzaktaydΔ±. Param yoktu. Bir mahalle menajeri araba buldu. Babam sadece Εunu sΓΆyledi:
βGitmen gerekiyor.β
-SΔ±rt Γ§antam ve iki kΔ±yafetle yola Γ§Δ±ktΔ±m. Stadyumun ΓΆnΓΌnde yΓΌzlerce Γ§ocuk vardΔ±. Δ°lk gΓΌn sahaya Γ§Δ±kamadΔ±m. Δ°kinci gΓΌn bir antrenΓΆr baΔΔ±rdΔ±:
βYeΕil forma! 15 dakikan var.β
15 dakikada 2 gol attΔ±m.
Ama ismim yine okunmadΔ±.
Tam arabaya binecekken birileri baΔΔ±rdΔ±:
βYeΕil formadaki!β
TakΔ±m doktoru iki parmaΔΔ±nΔ± kaldΔ±rarak beni iΕaret etmiΕti.
O iki parmak hayatΔ±mΔ± kurtardΔ±.
GALATASARAY Δ°TΔ°RAFI
-Napoliβden ayrΔ±ldΔ±ΔΔ±mda kaΓ§ kiΕinin bana, βTΓΌrkiyeβye gitme. Delirdin mi?β dediΔini biliyor musun?
-Eski bir menajerim bile bana, βHayΔ±r, hayΔ±r, hayΔ±r. Oraya gitme. AkΔ±llΔ±ca bir hamle deΔil.β dedi. Ama ben kafamla deΔil, Kalbimle dΓΌΕΓΌnΓΌrΓΌm. Galatasarayβda oynamak istiyordum. Napoliβde yaΕadΔ±ΔΔ±m o duygudan sonra, herhangi bir kulΓΌbe nasΔ±l gidebilirim? Δ°mkansΔ±z. SΔ±kΔ±cΔ±β¦
"Δ°NANMIYORSANIZ VAN DIJK'A SORUN!"
-TΓΌrkiye'ye uΓ§madan ΓΆnce her Εeyi TanrΔ±'nΔ±n ellerine bΔ±raktΔ±m. UΓ§ak indiΔinde, gece yarΔ±sΔ± ΓΆzel bir havaalanΔ±nda beni bekleyen 3.000 Gala hayranΔ± vardΔ±. UΓ§uΕumu takip ediyorlardΔ±! Δ°nsanlar beni kollarΔ±nΔ± aΓ§arak karΕΔ±ladΔ±lar. Bu duygu paradan daha deΔerli.
-Bana inanmΔ±yorsanΔ±z, Van Dijk'e sorun. Liverpool'la oynadΔ±ΔΔ±mΔ±z Εampiyonlar Ligi maΓ§Δ±ndan sonra onunla konuΕuyordum ve "AdamΔ±m, bu nasΔ±l bir atmosfer!?" dedi.
"Abi, dürüst olmak gerekirse, buraya hiç gelmeseydim ve biri bana bunu anlatsaydı, inanmazdım," dedim.
Galatasaray Teknik DirektΓΆrΓΌ Okan Buruk, Δ°ngiltere'de katΔ±ldΔ±ΔΔ± bir radyo programΔ±nda Juventus zaferine dair aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulundu.
Galatasaray, UEFA Εampiyonlar Ligi play-off maΓ§Δ±nda Juventus'u 5-2 maΔlup ederek bΓΌyΓΌk bir baΕarΔ±ya imza atmΔ±ΕtΔ±. Teknik direktΓΆr Okan Buruk bugΓΌn Δ°ngiltere'de Talk Sport'un canlΔ± radyo yayΔ±nΔ±na baΔlandΔ± ve aΓ§Δ±klamalarda bulundu.
Okan Buruk'un aΓ§Δ±klamalarΔ± ΕΓΆyle:
-Galatasaray iΓ§in, oyuncularΔ±m iΓ§in ve benim iΓ§in tarihi bir geceydi. Ben de futbolcuyken Δ°talya'da, Inter iΓ§in oynamΔ±ΕtΔ±m. DΓΌΕman gibi deΔildik ama Juventus ile Inter arasΔ±nda her zaman bir rekabet vardΔ±. DΓΌn gece Juventus'u 5-2 yendik. Δ°lk yarΔ± 2-1 gerideydik ama ikinci yarΔ±nΔ±n skoru 4-0 oldu bizim iΓ§in. MuhteΕem bir sonuΓ§ oldu ilk maΓ§ iΓ§in.
-Εampiyonlar Ligi bambaΕka bir hikaye, bambaΕka bir seviye. Bu seviyenin takΔ±mΔ± olan Juventus'a karΕΔ± kazandΔ±k. TΓΌrk futbolu adΔ±na harika bir gece oldu."
-Rakip takΔ±mΔ± Γ§ok iyi analiz ettik. Stadyumun atmosferi ve Δ°stanbulβdaki ortam gerΓ§ekten muazzam bir deneyim. Orada olmanΔ±z, bu atmosferi hissetmeniz gerekiyor. Bu hem benim iΓ§in hem de oyuncularΔ±mΔ±z iΓ§in bΓΌyΓΌk bir deneyimdi. AynΔ± Εekilde rakip oyuncular iΓ§in de ΓΆyle. Bu durum oyunumuzu ciddi Εekilde etkiliyor. TaraftarlarΔ±mΔ±zla birlikte hΓΌcum ediyor, birlikte savunma yapΔ±yoruz.
OSIMHEN'E ΓVGΓ
-MuhteΕem bir gece oldu bizim iΓ§in. FutbolcularΔ±m Εampiyonlar Ligi maΓ§larΔ±nΔ± bekliyor. TΓΌrk Ligi maΓ§larΔ±na bΓΆyle konsantre olamΔ±yorlar, Εampiyonlar Ligi maΓ§larΔ±na Γ§ok daha iyi konsantre oluyorlar. 90 dakika boyunca oynayan tΓΌm oyuncularΔ±m harika performans sergiledi.
-Victor Osimhen, muhteΕem bir futbolcu. Bence tam bir takΔ±m oyuncusu; skoru iΓ§in oynamayan bir oyuncu. Gollerini atΔ±yor, asistlerini yapΔ±yor, ΓΆn alanda sΓΌrekli baskΔ± yapΔ±yor. Tam bir takΔ±m oyuncusu. Harika bir karakteri var. Onu Napoli'den transfer edebilmek, Galatasaray iΓ§in bir hayaldi. Onun iΓ§in 75 milyon Euro ΓΆdedik, bu TΓΌrk futbolunda rekor bir ΓΌcretti. TΓΌm paramΔ±zΔ± onun iΓ§in harcadΔ±k.
"MOURINHO ESKΔ° SEVΔ°YESΔ°NDE DEΔΔ°L"
-HenΓΌz bitmedi. Δ°lk maΓ§Δ±n ikinci yarΔ±sΔ±nΔ± 4-0 kazandΔ±k ama ΓΆnΓΌmΓΌzde bir 90 dakika daha var. 0-0 gibi baΕlamalΔ±yΔ±z. Δ°lk maΓ§Δ± dΓΌΕΓΌnmeden oynamalΔ±yΔ±z."
-Bir FenerbahΓ§e maΓ§Δ±ndan sonra Mourinho bana dokunmuΕtu, biraz gergindi. Mourinho tarzΔ± budur, Γ§ok agresiftir. O ΓΆzel biridir biliyorsunuz, dΓΌn gece de kΔ±rmΔ±zΔ± kart gΓΆrdΓΌΔΓΌnΓΌ izledim. Bu onun stili. Γok bΓΌyΓΌk bir teknik direktΓΆr. Eskisi gibi aynΔ± seviyede deΔil ama dΓΌnya futbolunun hala en iyi teknik direktΓΆrlerinden biri hala. Ona saygΔ± duyuyorum, sadece ona deΔil tΓΌm meslektaΕlarΔ±ma saygΔ± duyuyorum.
-(Benfica - Real Madrid maΓ§Δ±nda Prestianni'nin Vinicius'a yaptΔ±ΔΔ± Δ±rkΓ§Δ±lΔ±k) Bu Δ±rkΓ§Δ±lΔ±k olaylarΔ±nΔ± hiΓ§ anlayamΔ±yorum. Ben TΓΌrkiye'de yaΕΔ±yorum. TΓΌrkiye'de Δ±rkΓ§Δ± olaylarΔ± hiΓ§ yoktur. AnlayamΔ±yoruz, bir insan diΔer insana nasΔ±l bΓΆyle Δ±rkΓ§Δ± sΓΆzler sarf edebilir. Bilemiyorum ama umuyorum bΓΆyle olaylar biter."
-Davinson Sanhez Γ§ok iyi durumda, Juventus'a karΕΔ± da gol attΔ±. Hem iyi oyuncu hem iyi karakter, harika bir takΔ±m oyuncusu.
-UmarΔ±m Juventus'u geΓ§eriz ve Liverpool ya da Tottenham'a karΕΔ± oynarΔ±z. GeΓ§en sene Tottenham'Δ± yenmiΕtik, bu sene Liverpool'u yendik. Kimle oynayacaΔΔ±z bilmiyorum ama iki takΔ±ma karΕΔ± da harika anΔ±larΔ±mΔ±z var.
-Souness, birlikte Γ§alΔ±ΕtΔ±ΔΔ±m ve en sevdiΔim teknik direktΓΆrlerden biridir. BΓΌyΓΌk teknik direktΓΆr, bΓΌyΓΌk bir isim. Bayrak olayΔ± nedeniyle Galatasaray tarihine geΓ§miΕ birisidir. TΓΌrkiye KupasΔ±'nΔ± kazanmΔ±ΕtΔ±k ve o da Galatasaray bayraΔΔ±nΔ±, FenerbahΓ§e sahasΔ±na dikmiΕti.
Torino have confirmed that Scottish forward ChΓ© Adams will miss up to three weeks after being pulled out of training and undergoing medical examinations that revealed a fresh injury.
According to the official statement from the Turin club, Adams has βundergone medical examinations that have revealed a partial sprain in the soleus muscle of his right leg.β
In short, it means that the forward will miss around 20 days of football, putting him out of action for Sundayβs trip to Genoa and the match against Lazio on March 1.
It will then be touch-and-go as to whether or not he is available for the match against Napoli after that.
It is a frustrating setback for the forward especially, who will want to be in prime condition for this summerβs World Cup.
Fortunately, Scotland qualified automatically and therefore Adamsβ injury comes as no real blow to the national set-up, other than concerns if it becomes a reoccurring issue in the run-up to the tournament in North America & Mexico.
Former Juventus midfielder Massimo Mauro has claimed that whilst there is nothing special about struggling left-backs Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal, there is a deeper rooted problem at the club in that they are missing the βfive or six players who control the game, the ones theyβve always had.β
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mauro said βCambiaso isnβt a leader, heβs just a normal person.β
However, he added that βneither he nor [Juan] Cabal are Juventusβ problem β rather the lack of five or six players who control the game, the ones theyβve always had.β
Mauro, on the whole, was not impressed by the players at Juventusβ disposal and claimed that βthe coach [Luciano Spalletti] is the only one the club need to keep.β
Juventus were humbled in a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Galatasaray on Tuesday night, with two goals from former Napoli man Noa Lang and a Juan Cabal red card adding insult to injury. Cabal had only come on for Cambiaso at half-time and it took him twenty minutes to pick up two yellow cards, putting a massive dent in the Bianconeriβs hopes of staying in the Champions League.
It would now take a miracle in Turin for Juventus to qualify for the next round but former players like Mauro remain unconvinced that the club have what it takes to pull it out of the bag.
On the upside, elimination from the continental competition would allow the Bianconeri to focus their efforts on a top four place in Serie A.
Milan are preparing to host Como at San Siro this evening, as the Rossoneri look to increase their pressure on league leaders Inter and prevent their rivals from running away in the Scudetto race. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to miss the match, with Christopher Nkunku ready to pair with Rafael Leao in attack.
The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) and provides the Rossoneri with a fascinating challenge in Cesc Fabregasβ tricky Como side.
According to Sky Sport, via CalcioMercato, Loftus-Cheek is struggling with his overall fitness and is not ready to lead the line for Milan.
Loftus-Cheek has scored in back-to-back games for the Rossoneri, playing in the front two but now Nkunku will step in to replace him.
The Frenchman has been inconsistent to say the least, since his big money move from Chelsea last summer.
However, Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping that Nkunku can step up in what may turn out to be a pivotal game in the race for the Scudetto.
Vinicius Junior scored a glorious winner as Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1-0 in a bad-tempered first leg of their Champions League play-off tie at the Estadio da Luz. Tuesdayβs match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes as the action was paused for 10 minutes in the immediate aftermath of Viniciusβ 50th-minute strike. The Brazilian appeared outraged [β¦]
The post Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius scores wondergoal but chaotic scenes mar first-leg win appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius scores wondergoal but chaotic scenes mar first-leg win appeared first on Soccer News.
Thereβs been some outstanding goalkeeping on display in the Champions League playoffs this week. Who did it best? Three top saves π§€@QatarAirways | #LetsFly pic.twitter.com/SVwu3TRLJi β UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2026
The post Trubin, Courtois, Safonov β Top saves in Champions League playoff first-leg encounters (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Trubin, Courtois, Safonov β Top saves in Champions League playoff first-leg encounters (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.
Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, with Hungary boss Marco Rossi recently stating that it was a youth dream for his sideβs captain to play for Los Blancos. However, Szoboszlaiβs agent Matyas Esterhazy has moved swiftly to play such claims down, insisting that his client remains focused solely on Liverpool, [β¦]
The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.
Verdict: Rayan over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to extend on their sensational European charge this weekend, Bournemouth will travel to east London on Saturday evening when they meet West Ham. West Ham Starting with the hosts, although West Ham might open Saturdayβs fixtures sat three points adrift in the [β¦]
The post Prediction: West Ham vs Bournemouth β Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Prediction: West Ham vs Bournemouth β Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
Publisher Nacon and developer Big Bad Wolf have debuted a new gameplay trailer for Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, just ahead of when players will get a chance to try out the game themselves when a demo is released as part of Steam Next Fest on February 23, 2026. The trailer digs into one of the game's core mechanics, investigations, as the player character Noah investigates an underwater mining station that, at least at first glance, seems to be abandoned. The trailer showcases the dark corridors of the mining station and shows Noah exploring the hallways, scanning and analyzing clues, before [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/cthulhu-the-cosmic-abyss-gameplay-trailer-ahead-of-steam-next-fest-demo/
NVIDIA has sold off its 'last bits' of stake in ARM this week, coming a long way from actually acquiring the company a few years ago. NVIDIA's x86 Deal With Intel Is an 'Indirect Indication' That ARM Alone Cannot Handle the Agentic AI Buildup NVIDIA's partnership with ARM has been pivotal in the modern-day AI buildout, as the company's CPU architecture has enabled it to deliver impressive offerings under the Grace Hopper and Blackwell lineups. More importantly, ARM will also play an essential role in NVIDIA's upcoming Vera CPUs, as the importance of such processing units has been rising significantly. [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nvidia-closes-the-arm-chapter-by-selling-its-remaining-stake/
The near-constant dribble of leaks over the past few weeks left little to imagination when it comes to the Pixel 10a. And now, Google has finally launched its latest Pixel-branded budget smartphone, bringing to the proverbial table a relatively hefty battery, albeit housed within the now-archaic form factor, but embellished with a number of handy AI features. Behold Google's Pixel 10a Physical features The Pixel 10a features a "perfectly flat" plastic back, where the camera module sits flush with the rear plane. It also has a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass, with a 6.3-inch FHD+ AMOLED "Actua" screen that [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/google-pixel-10a-goes-live-with-the-same-archaic-form-factor-tensor-g4-chip-and-hefty-discounts/
An ad for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been banned in the UK after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed that it was "irresponsible and offensive" for centring around humour that was "generated by the humiliation and the implied threat of painful, non-consensual penetration" of a man in the ad. Spotted by the BBC, the ad in question is part of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's 'Replacers' ad campaign, which featured Hollywood actors like Terry Crews, Nikki Glaser, and Peter Stromare. While there are several 'Replacers' ads, the one that got banned depicts Glaser and Stromare's characters [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/irresponsible-and-offensive-call-of-duty-black-ops-7-ad-banned-in-uk-for-joking-about-sexual-violence/
The semiconductor business belonging to Samsung is experiencing a comeback wave, with the major contributor to this segment being increased RAM and NAND flash prices because of the ongoing shortage, which the Korean giant has capitalized on. However, the company isnβt stopping here because it has set lofty goals towards accumulating a healthy margin for the year, with estimates projecting that an operating profit of $69 billionΒ or a 121 percent annual increase will be attained in 2026. To reach this figure, a new report states that Samsung will make adjustments to its strategies and production lines for its semiconductor division [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/samsung-semiconductor-business-aiming-for-50-percent-profit-margin/
The latest Windows 11 Release Preview build shows what to expect in the next feature drop, and it will mostly include taskbar updates. Windows 11's New Taskbar Improvements Bring a Built-in Speed Test and Other Enhancements Microsoft has rolled out its latest Windows 11 builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918 to the Release Preview Channel, which has confirmed various refinements in the OS. As per the blog post, Microsoft is testing a new wave of updates for the Windows 11 taskbar as well as for the core experience in general in the Release Preview Channel. One of the most convenient and useful [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/microsoft-adds-built-in-internet-speed-test-for-windows-11-taskbar-in-latest-preview-build/
Although soaring RAM prices haven't yet had a widespread impact on the prices of current-generation consoles, it's highly probable that console manufacturers will eventually be forced to raise hardware prices. However, Sony has plans in place to minimize the effects of these high component costs, though it's definitely not good news for all current PlayStation 5 owners. As reported by Automaton, during Sony's latest earnings call, CFO Lin Tao addressed the current situation, stating that the company has secured the memory needed for the end-of-the-year sales season in the next fiscal year. However, the company plans to "minimize" the impact [β¦]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/playstation-5-price-increases-monetizing-install-base/
The payment software company has integrated stablecoin settlement into its existing payments stack, combining USDG, USDP and USDC with traditional rails.
The ECB is set to begin selecting EU-licensed payment providers for its digital euro pilot this quarter, with the 12-month pilot set to kick off in the second half of 2027.
The EU regulated blockchain earlier than most major economies. Its sandbox now tests whether dialogue unlocks innovation inside legal fences.
The exploit saw the Moonwell protocol exploited for $1.78 million after cbETH was mispriced at $1.12 instead of about $2,200, intensifying debate around AI-co-authored smart contracts.
Social engineering and impersonation-related scams were the most frequent attack vectors targeting crypto investors in AMLBotβs investigations last year.
Loneliness acts as more than a fleeting emotional state; it functions as a persistent filter that alters how the human brain processes the social world. New research published in the journal Biological Psychology provides evidence that this condition changes the neural mechanisms responsible for evaluating threats and regulating emotions.
The study demonstrates that applying a mild, targeted electrical current to the frontal lobe can help lonely individuals perceive negative social scenes as less distressing. These findings offer a new perspective on the disconnect between how lonely people react to their environment physiologically and how they consciously perceive those reactions.
Social isolation is widely recognized as a risk factor for a variety of physical and mental health issues. These range from increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease to a higher likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Psychologists have long sought to understand the cognitive machinery that drives these negative outcomes. One prominent framework is the Evolutionary Theory of Loneliness. This theory suggests that isolation triggers a state of hypervigilance. The lonely brain becomes obsessively tuned to social signals in an effort to reconnect with others.
This constant scanning for social cues can lead to a depletion of cognitive resources. When the brain is busy monitoring for threats, it may have less capacity remaining to manage or regulate emotional responses. Szymon MΔ ka and his colleagues at the Institute of Psychology within the Polish Academy of Sciences designed a study to test these theoretical mechanisms. MΔ ka and senior author Εukasz Okruszek had previously noted a paradox in their research. They observed that lonely individuals often display strong physiological reactions to negative social cues. Despite this bodily response, these same individuals frequently report feeling lower levels of emotional arousal compared to non-lonely people.
This discrepancy suggests that loneliness might not simply break the brainβs ability to regulate emotion. Instead, it may disrupt the self-monitoring processes that allow a person to accurately interpret their own internal state. To investigate this, the researchers focused on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This region of the brain sits just behind the forehead and acts as a control center for executive functions. It plays a primary role in top-down processing, which is the ability of higher-level thoughts to regulate lower-level emotional impulses.
The research team recruited 120 participants for the experiment. They stratified these volunteers into two distinct groups based on their scores on the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. One group consisted of sixty individuals who reported high levels of loneliness. The other group consisted of sixty individuals who reported low levels of loneliness. The researchers aimed to see if manipulating the activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could alter how these groups processed negative imagery.
To manipulate brain activity, the researchers employed a technique known as transcranial direct current stimulation. This non-invasive method involves placing electrodes on the scalp to deliver a weak electrical current to specific brain areas. The current can temporarily increase or decrease the excitability of the neurons underneath. In this study, participants attended two separate sessions. In one session, they received active anodal stimulation, which generally enhances neuronal activity, applied to either the left or right side of the prefrontal cortex. In the other session, they received a sham stimulation.
The sham condition served as a control. The device would ramp up to mimic the physical sensation of the stimulation starting but would then turn off. This ensured that the participants could not distinguish between the active and control sessions. This double-blind design prevented the participantsβ expectations from influencing the results. While receiving the stimulation, participants sat before a computer screen while wearing a cap equipped with sensors to record electroencephalography, or EEG, data.
The researchers presented the participants with a series of images. Some of these pictures depicted negative social content, such as scenes of violence or accidents. Others depicted negative non-social content, such as spiders or snakes. Neutral images were also included as a baseline. For each image, the participants received one of two instructions. They were told either to simply βwatchβ the image passively or to βreappraiseβ it. Cognitive reappraisal is a strategy where a person mentally reframes a situation to reduce its emotional impact. For example, a participant might view a bloody scene and remind themselves that it is a fake scene from a movie.
After viewing each image, participants rated how negative they felt and how intense their emotional arousal was. Simultaneously, the EEG sensors recorded event-related potentials. These are specific changes in the brainβs electrical activity that occur in response to a stimulus. The researchers were particularly interested in the Late Positive Potential. This is a brain wave pattern that typically reflects the amount of attention and cognitive resources the brain is dedicating to an emotional stimulus.
The analysis revealed a specific effect regarding how stimulation influenced the lonely group. When highly lonely participants received active stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, they rated negative social images as less unpleasant compared to the sham condition. This change in perceived valence occurred during the passive watching condition. This suggests that boosting activity in the left frontal lobe helped lonely individuals dampen their immediate, automatic negative evaluation of social threats.
The physiological data provided a layer of complexity to these behavioral findings. Despite the lonely participants reporting that they felt less negativity, their brain wave patterns did not show a corresponding drop in activity. The electrical markers of emotional processing remained similar between the active and sham conditions for this group. This finding aligns with the researchersβ earlier hypothesis regarding a disconnect in self-awareness. It appears that loneliness may impair the ability to map internal physiological responses onto conscious feelings. The stimulation altered the subjective report without necessarily changing the underlying neural magnitude of the threat response.
The study also yielded results regarding the general mechanism of cognitive reappraisal across all participants. When the researchers analyzed the data for the entire sample, they found that active stimulation enhanced the neural modulation associated with reappraisal. Specifically, there was a larger difference in the Late Positive Potential between the reappraisal condition and the passive watching condition during active stimulation. This effect was specific to social stimuli.
This indicates that the stimulation successfully helped the brain engage the neural circuits required to regulate emotions. However, a divergence appeared here as well. While the brain data showed enhanced regulation, the participants rated the images as more negative during the reappraisal trials under active stimulation than they did under sham stimulation. This implies that while the brain was working harder to reframe the images, the participants subjectively felt that their attempts at regulation were less effective.
The authors interpret these findings as evidence that the left and right sides of the prefrontal cortex may have distinct roles. Previous studies have often linked the right side to deliberate cognitive control and the left side to more automatic emotional processing. The current results support the idea that the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex helps modulate spontaneous affective evaluations. For lonely individuals, whose automatic processing of social threats may be biased, stimulation of this region provided a specific benefit in reducing subjective distress.
There are limitations to the study that warrant consideration. The use of electrical stimulation during EEG recording can introduce noise into the data, which requires extensive processing to remove. This can sometimes affect the clarity of the brain signals. The experimental task was also relatively brief to fit within the time window where the electrical stimulation is most effective. In daily life, regulating emotions in response to social isolation is a prolonged process that may not be fully captured by looking at a picture for a few seconds.
Additionally, the study relied on young adult participants. It is not yet clear if these findings would apply to older adults, who are often the focus of loneliness research. The researchers also note that they did not include a direct measure of metacognition, or thinking about thinking. Future studies would benefit from asking participants to explicitly evaluate how well they think they are tracking their own emotions.
Despite these caveats, the research highlights that loneliness is not merely a problem of feeling too much or regulating too little. It involves a complex mismatch between the brainβs automatic reactions and the individualβs conscious experience of the social world. By showing that targeted brain stimulation can shift these subjective evaluations, the study opens potential avenues for understanding how neural interventions might one day support therapies for social isolation.
The study, βTargeted neuromodulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex alleviates altered affective response evaluation in lonely individuals,β was authored by Szymon MΔ ka, Marta Chrustowicz, and Εukasz Okruszek.
Lyria 3 is now available in the Gemini app. Create custom, high-quality 30-second tracks from text and images.Learn more about Googleβs new Pixel 10a, its latest A-series Pixel phone.We need to have a talk about KPIs and AI search.
Iβve observed numerous SEO professionals on LinkedIn and at conferences talking about βranking No. 1 on ChatGPTβ as if itβs the equivalent of a No. 1 ranking on Google:
On Google, being the first result is often a golden ticket.
Going from No. 2 to No. 1 in Google search will often result in 100%-300% increases in traffic and conversions.
This is almost certainly not the case with AI responses β even if they werenβt constantly changing.
Our teamβs research shows AI users consider an average of 3.7 businesses before deciding who to contact.
Being the first result in that list on ChatGPT isnβt the golden ticket it is in Google search.
This being the case, the focus of AI search really should be on βinclusion in the consideration setβ β not necessarily being βthe first mentioned in that setβ β as well as crafting what AI is saying about us.
Over the past several months, my team has spent more than 100 hours observing people use ChatGPT and Googleβs AI Mode to find services.
One thing came into focus within the first dozen or so sessions: User behavior on AI platforms differs from Google search in ways that extend far beyond using βnatural languageβ and having conversations versus performing keyword searches.
Which is overstated, by the way. About 75% of the sessions we observed included βkeyword searches.β
One key difference: Users consider more businesses in AI responses than in organic search.
It makes sense β itβs much easier to compare multiple options in a chat window than to click through three to five search results and visit each site.
Dig deeper: From searching to delegating: Adapting to AI-first search behavior
In both Google AI Mode and ChatGPT, users considered an average of 3.7 businesses from the results.
This has strong implications for the No. 1 result β as well as No. 4.
The value of appearing first drops sharply β and the value of appearing lower rises β when, in 75% of sessions, users also consider businesses in Positions 2 to 8.
Whatβs driving conversions isnβt your position in that list.
First of all, these arenβt rankings.
They are a list of recommendations that will likely get shuffled, reformatted from a list to a table, and completely changed, given the probabilistic nature of AI.
That aside, AI chat makes it much easier to scan and consider more options than Google search does.
Letβs look at the Google search results for βfractional CMO.β
If a user wants to evaluate multiple fractional CMO options for their startup, itβs more work to do so in Google Search than in ChatGPT.
Only two options appear above the fold, and each requires a click-through to read their website content.
Contrast this with the experience on ChatGPT.
The model gave them eight options, along with information about each one.
Itβs easy to read all eight blurbs and decide whom to explore further.
Which leads to the other thing we really need to focus on: what the model is saying about you.
Many search marketers focus on rankings and traffic, but rarely on messaging and positioning.
This needs to change.
In the case of the response for an ophthalmologist in southern New Jersey, you get an easily scannable list:
Roughly 60% make their entire decision based on the response, without visiting the website or switching to Google, according to our study.
So how do you drive conversion?
Deliver the right message β and make sure the model shares it.
Dr. Lanciano may be the best glaucoma specialist in the area. But if the model highlights Ravi D. Goel and Bannett Eye Centers for glaucoma care, and thatβs what the user needs, theyβll go there.
Bannett Eye Centers appears last in the AI response but may still win the conversion because of what the model says about it β something that rarely happens in Google Search.
Visibility doesnβt pay the bills. Conversions do. And conversions donβt happen when customers think someone else is a better fit.
Dig deeper: How to measure your AI search brand visibility and prove business impact
Weβre still thinking about AI search the way weβve thought about SEO.
In SEO, the top result captures most of the traffic. In AI search, it doesnβt.
AI users consider more available options.
Responses β and their format β change dramatically with each request.
βWinningβ in AI search means getting into the consideration set and being presented compellingly.
Itβs not about being first on a list, especially if whatβs said about you misses the mark.
In other words, SEOs who think like copywriters and salespeople will drive outcomes for their organizations.
Dig deeper: Is SEO a brand channel or a performance channel? Now itβs both
The Polestar 4 Estate will enter the global market in Q4 2026. Three more EVs from the Volvo offshoot will start sales by 2028.
The post Polestar 4 Estate will enter global markets in Q4 2026, 3 more EVs to come appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.
The post βEveryone Should Watch This Signalβ: XRP RSI Suggests Bottom Is In, $10 Seen Next appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The price of XRP is currently trading near $1.46, and some analysts say an important technical signal is starting to appear that could shape the tokenβs next major move. According to crypto analyst CryptoBull, investors should pay close attention to the Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the weekly and monthly charts, which is now showing unusually low readings.
What makes this signal interesting is that the RSI has fallen even lower than the levels seen during the 2020 market bottom, when XRP traded near $0.11. In simple terms, the RSI measures how strong or weak buying momentum is. When the indicator drops to extreme lows, it often means that selling pressure may be reaching exhaustion, creating conditions where prices can eventually recover.
EVERYONE take a close look so you understand why #XRP has bottomed and the next target prices are very high: the RSI on the weekly and monthly timeframe is BELOW the 2020 bottom of $0.11. The upside for the RSI is huge and it will put price well above $10 very soon. pic.twitter.com/hsqbN4KZb0
β CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) February 17, 2026
Because of this rare setup, the analyst argues that XRP may already be forming a long-term bottom, and if momentum begins to recover, the next phase of the market cycle could push prices significantly higher. Some projections shared by the analyst show that, over time, XRP could aim for double-digit price levels, with $10 being discussed as a possible long-term milestone if broader crypto market conditions turn bullish.
In the near term, XRP is moving in a relatively narrow range between $1.46 and $1.50, showing signs of stability after recent volatility. The next important resistance level sits near $1.54, where a breakout could signal stronger buying interest. At the same time, support levels around $1.41 and $1.37 remain key zones traders are watching in case of temporary pullbacks.
XRP may also be entering the early stages of a new growth cycle. These long-term patterns often take years to develop, but once momentum returns, they can lead to powerful price movements driven by renewed investor interest and expanding market participation.
While short-term price swings are likely to continue, the combination of historically low RSI readings, steady price consolidation, and improving market sentiment is drawing attention from traders who believe XRP could be preparing for a much larger move in the next phase of the crypto market cycle.
The post Hyperliquid News Today: $29M DeFi Policy Center Launches in Washington, CEO Named appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Hyperliquid has launched the Hyperliquid Policy Center (HPC), a nonprofit research and advocacy group based in Washington D.C. The Hyper Foundation is backing the initiative with 1 million HYPE tokens, currently worth around $29 million.
Crypto lawyer Jake Chervinsky has been named the founding CEO. Chervinsky previously served as Chief Legal Officer at both the Blockchain Association and venture firm Variant.
He announced on X, βHPC is an independent research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that DeFi can flourish in the United States. The future of finance will be decentralized.β
Hyperliquid processed over $250 billion in perpetual futures volume last month alone, making it one of the largest decentralized exchanges in crypto. But perpetual derivatives, while hugely popular in offshore markets, are still largely absent from regulated U.S. finance.
Chervinsky pointed out that current U.S. financial regulations were not written for decentralized technology like Hyperliquid. HPC will focus on working with lawmakers and regulators to build clear rules for DeFi and on-chain market infrastructure.
The Hyper Foundation said it is βconfident that under Chervinskyβs leadership, the Hyperliquid Policy Center will have a meaningful impact in favor of clear regulations for decentralized finance.β
Chervinsky is joined by Policy Counsel Brad Bourque, formerly of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and Policy Director Salah Ghazzal, who previously served as Policy Lead at Variant.
HPC is currently hiring for Chief of Staff, Head of Communications, and Head of Government Relations.
HYPE is trading at around $29.20 with a market cap of approximately $7.5 billion. The token is down roughly 51% from its all-time high of $59.39, which it hit in September 2025.
The policy center launch comes just a week after Hyperliquid Strategies Inc. spent $129.5 million to buy 5 million more HYPE tokens at an average price of $25.9 per token.
With Congress currently working through the CLARITY Act and DeFi regulation still a major sticking point in the Senate, the timing of HPCβs launch lines up directly with one of the most active periods for crypto policy in Washington.
Also Read: Paxos Warns Banks Are Wrong About Stablecoins After GENIUS Act
The post Chainlink Back in Pre-Breakout Accumulation ZoneβWill LINK Price Stay Below $10? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Chainlink price is once again trading at a critical turning point. After losing most of its gains, it slipped back into a price zone that previously acted as a prolonged accumulation base before the 2023 breakout. That shift alone changes the short-term narrative from expansion to compression.
Momentum has cooled, bullish continuation attempts have stalled, and traders are now watching whether this is a temporary reset or the early stages of a broader range-bound phase. The key question isnβt just whether LINK can bounce, but whether it can reclaim higher structure and rebuild strength above major resistance. Until that happens, the bias tilts toward consolidation rather than immediate breakout continuation.
On the weekly chart, LINK has slipped back into the same $6β$10 accumulation range that formed after the May 2022 breakdown. Back then, price entered the range after a sharp rejection, RSI dropped below 50, and volatility contracted for months before a base was established. The current setup looks similar. Momentum has faded again, RSI is hovering in the weak zone, and upside attempts are getting rejected near dynamic resistance.
The Gaussian Channel shows trend exhaustion rather than expansion, reinforcing the shift from trending to ranging conditions. $8 is immediate support for the LINK price rally, followed by the range floor near $6. A breakdown below $6 could open $4.50β$5. On the upside, LINK must reclaim $10 on a weekly close to target $12 and potentially $15. Until then, consolidation remains the dominant bias.
Chainlink is at a structural crossroads. While the current setup resembles the 2022β23 accumulation phase, one key difference could prevent a prolonged range: a strong market-wide expansion led by Bitcoin. If BTC breaks into sustained price discovery and liquidity flows back into large-cap altcoins, LINK could invalidate the slow-accumulation thesis much faster. A decisive reclaim of $10 with expanding volume would signal early strength and open the path toward $12β$15. However, without a broader risk-on catalyst, LINK is more likely to remain range-bound, building energy before its next major move.
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