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Nate Tice, Matt Harmon & Charles McDonald are LIVE from San Francisco to give their final thoughts and predictions for Super LX as they find the strengths and weaknesses of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

The trio kick things off with the latest non-Super Bowl news from around the NFL, including Jay Glazer hinting at a potential Maxx Crosby departure on Yahoo Sports Daily and Philadelphia Eagles offensive line guru Jeff Stoutland departing, leaving Philly with major shoes to fill.

Next, the three hosts dive into the Super LX matchup, previewing each side of the ball’s top matchups to watch, key injuries, predictions for the game and more.

Later, Prime Vision’s Sam Schwartzstein joins the group to give his analytical insights on the game before Nate, Matt, Charles and Sam give their final Hail Mary bold predictions for the game.

The show wraps up with conversations with Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels & Bijan Robinson.

(2:00) - Latest NFL news: Maxx Crosby out? Jeff Stoutland leaves Eagles

(14:10) - Patriots offense vs. Seahawks defense

(27:40) - Seahawks offense vs. Patriots defense

(40:10) - Sam Schwartzstein breaks down Super Bowl LX

(46:40) - Hail Mary bold predictions

(56:00) - Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels & Bijan Robinson interviews.

(Kevin Sabitus & Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

🖥️ Watch thisfull episode on YouTube

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone couldn’t hide his elation after a 5-0 win over Real Betis put the team into the Copa del Rey semi-finals, with the Colchoneros’ coach highlighting the role of new signing Ademola Lookman in particular.

When asked if the Nigeria international would need an adaptation period, Simeone responded, “he’s a big lad, he’s already 28 years old!”

“He came to help us, and we hope to help him too so that he can continue to grow,” Simeone said. “He has different qualities to the players we have, and he will make us better.”

Diego Simeone on the feeling after a big win

“The team played very well. Betis had started well, but the goal from a set piece gave us confidence in our game. With a lot of hard work and quality play, we were able to maintain that level in the first half.”

Simeone on the performance

“There were important things. The team has been playing important matches, and the goal puts us in a better position. In the second half, we continued with better intentions. This isn’t stopping. We need to rest quickly because we’re playing on Sunday.”

Simeone on tactical changes

“We don’t just stick to one way of playing. The team is prepared to play in different ways and that’s what we’re going for.”

Simeone on Pablo Barrios’ injury

“Pablo is a key player in midfield. He’s very important to us. We try to look after him as best we can, but today he got injured and there will be room for another teammate who can give their best.”

Simeone on Rodrigo Mendoza’s debut

“Rodrigo came to play in midfield and he will certainly help us. He’s just starting out, we told him that age doesn’t matter here, talented players who work hard to play do so whether they’re 35 or 20. It’s normal that Mateu (Alemany) is happy, like everyone else.”

Simeone on Julián’s absence due to a virus

“He had a bad night, a difficult morning, he came, he wanted to be there, but we understood that it wasn’t good to put him on because the effort wasn’t going to be good for his condition.”

The Los Angeles Clippers ended up trading away center Ivica Zubac for a major haul at the NBA Trade Deadline, starting a full-on rebuild.

The Clippers received back Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round picks in the deal: an unprotected 2029 selection and a 2026 first-round pick protected between No. 1 and No. 4, or No. 10 and No. 30.

If the Pacers do not convey in 2026, the Clippers get the Pacers’ first-rounder in 2031.

Mathurin and Jackson are both promising players with different ceilings, though they are still not key pieces for title contention. Mathurin has the potential to become an elite wing scorer and would benefit from learning under Kawhi Leonard.

On the other hand, Jackson is a rotational energy big man who can provide quality minutes from the bench — especially as a rebounder and pick-and-roll big.

What does the trade mean for the Clippers?

Zubac was arguably the second-best player for Los Angeles over the past two years, serving as a quality big man who offers size in the paint.

With his loss, the team is worse, but the upside is much higher, especially with Mathurin able to take a load off Leonard. More crucially, the Clippers get back draft capital, something that the team has lacked over the years as they pushed their chips in the middle for consistent title contention.

The post Clippers Begin Retooling By Trading Fan Favorite to Pacers appeared first on LA Sports Report.

After igniting the global fan base with three captivating editions of ONE Friday Fights so far this year, ONE Championship keeps the fire burning with its most explosive installment yet.

The world’s largest martial arts organization will broadcast ONE Friday Fights 141 live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, February 6, and over two dozen MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing rising stars will compete for a chance to earn a life-changing contract.

In the main event, Thai knockout artist Samingdam NF Looksuan aims for his fourth straight win and the coveted six-figure deal. But he runs into battle-hardened veteran Komawut FA Group, who is desperate to leave the historic arena with a victory and get his back off the wall.

The co-main event features a bantamweight Muay Thai war that promises to deliver fireworks, as surging 18-year-old striker Detchawalit Silkmuaythai meets ONE Flyweight Myanmar MMA Tournament Champion Saw Min Min.

Plus, teenage superstar Johan Ghazali, former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Daniel Puertas, and Chilean sensation Francisca “Miss Scarface” Vera make their highly anticipated returns.

For up-to-the-minute results on every MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing match at ONE Friday Fights 141, check below.

Source

The Boston Celtics have made some cost-cutting moves at the NBA Trade Deadline. One of those moves was to part ways with Chris Boucher, with Brad Stevens sending him to the Utah Jazz. Boucher joined the Celtics during the summer, but struggled to crack Joe Mazzulla's rotation, suiting up for nine games and averaging 2.3 points and 2 rebounds.

By trading Boucher, the Celtics shave another $2.3 million off their cap sheet. Unfortunately, the move wasn't enough to get Boston below the tax line, although they're only marginally above it at this point. Furthermore, Boston now has two open roster spots and should be expected to be active in the buyout market.

In a recent episode of the "How 'Bout Them Celtics?" podcast, host Sam LaFrance broke down the Celtics decision to part with Boucher, the impact the move will have on Boston's flexibility and the ability to round out the roster in the coming weeks.

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded video above.

Watch or listen to the "Celtics Chronicle" podcast on:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Spotify: https://bit.ly/40JRevf

Apple: https://apple.co/45sAUBG

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: What to make of the Celtics trading Chris Boucher

The Western Athletic Conference, which, for those who aren’t in the loop, is merging with the ASUN this summer, is making the wrong kind of headlines ahead of such a move.

The league, which has just seven teams competing this season in each of men’s and women’s basketball, is currently in a civil dispute with Utah Valley over an unpaid exit fee of $1 million as the school nears its exit to the Big West this summer as part of a shift in the league. The WAC’s first public punishment was to ban the first-place Wolverines from competing in any WAC-sanctioned postseason tournaments. There is an open suit as the league seeks the money it claims it is owed.

The league escalated its public shaming of Utah Valley on Feb. 5. Starting with Utah Valley’s men’s basketball home game against Abilene Christian, the WAC announced that it won’t allow any home UVU games to be broadcast on ESPN+, the league’s streaming host. The WAC claims that outgoing UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez wrote in January that the school refused to pay the hefty exit fee.

The broadcast punishment was also cited in the lawsuit, but was announced by the WAC commissioner, Rebekah Ray, on the league’s Twitter/X account on Feb. 5 via a quote graphic with the replies turned off.

To be frank, this move is petty. The WAC’s issue is with the Utah Valley administration and whatever reason it has for not paying the exit fee. This move hurts the student-athletes who have zero control over their admins’ choices. It hurts the fans who are enjoying a great season, and it hurts college basketball.

If the WAC keeps the Wolverines out of the conference tournament, then it is almost a guarantee they’d miss the NCAA Tournament. Utah Valley, a member of the men’s Never Made the Tournament Club, entered Feb. 5 with a 16-6 overall record and a 6-3 record in WAC play, good for a three-way tie for first-place in a seven-team conference. The women’s team is 3-6 in the conference and 10-10 overall this season.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Clippers were one of the biggest sellers at the NBA trade deadline. Los Angeles moved on from veteran players James Harden and Ivica Zubac.

At the NBA trade deadline, the Clippers made two huge trades with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers.

With the Cleveland trade, the Clippers sent James Harden to the Cavaliers. In return, Los Angeles received Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick.

The Clippers traded Ivica Zucab and Kobe Brown to the Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2026 first-round pick (1-4 and 10-30 protected), a 2029 first-round pick and a second-round pick.

Darius Garland fills the void

Darius Garland was a two-time all-star and a key contributor during his tenure with the Cavaliers. Garland spent his last four seasons as the number two option behind Donovan Mitchell. This is a role that can blend alongside star Kawhi Leonard in the Clippers system.

Similar to Harden’s playstyle, Garland is an effective scorer but a defensive liability. While Harden averages more points this season, Garland is the more efficient player. Garland shoots 45.1% as Harden shoots an inefficient 41.9% from the floor.

A more efficient scorer that requires fewer shots would be beneficial to the Clippers. Leonard can still generate most of the offensive possessions while Garland can be plugged in. Los Angeles still has their offensive identity even with Garland currently injured.

For the late season stretch, a player recovering from a toe sprain should be transitioned into the system. The Clippers aren’t in desperate need for Garland to return to the court right away. Especially with the other young scorer the Clippers brought in from Indiana.

Ben Mathurin is the prize

From the Clippers and Pacers package, the cornerstone piece for LA was Ben Mathurin. He was a good wing scorer and an integral piece for the Pacers 2025 finals run. While Indiana has plummeted to the bottom of the standings, Mathurin is still performing at a great level.

So far this season, Mathurin is averaging a career high in points, rebounds, and assists. Complement that production with a 37.2% from three-pointers, Mathurin is an offensive weapon that the Clippers could use.

As a premier three-point shooter, Mathruin adds an extra level of floor spacing to this team. For a team that ranks outside the top 15 in three pointers, perimeter shooting is desperately needed. Mathruin makes 2.1 threes per game, which would currently rank in the top three on the Clippers’ roster.

Although Mathruin can help with the perimeter, he can provide an extra boost in overall scoring. He can score as the second option and even as a third option when Garland suits up. Mathurin is the versatile scorer that is a flexible option for this offense.

At just 23 years old, Ben Mathruin has showcased his offensive prowess as an NBA player. Mathurin is currently a great complimentary piece and has the potential to be an all-star quality player. The Clippers not only secured a scoring wing for this season but a game changer for years to come.

Headed to a young direction

Both of these trades have something in common; the Clippers are looking to the future. Yet, Los Angeles brought in capable players to help the current roster compete for this season.

Instead of relying on 36-year-old Harden, Los Angeles went with the scoring guard that is a decade younger. When healthy, Garland is a proven all-star guard on playoff level teams. Garland is a second option that expands a longer competitive window for the Clippers.

This was also the absolute peak of Zubac’s trade value and got a good haul for the 28-year-old. Despite losing some size, the Clippers improved the perimeter with a young player with untapped potential. Along with a young wing, the Clippers managed to get draft capital as well.

Criticisms may rise about how the Clippers are tampering with the current roster, but these moves are for the long run. Los Angeles is no longer putting all their eggs in Leonard’s basket to stay healthy. The Clippers are maximizing their star now while also preparing for a foundation without Kawhi Leonard.

Barcelona will come up against a familiar face on Saturday when they take on Real Mallorca. The Catalan giants will come up against Jan Virgili, who left the club for Mallorca in the summer on a five-year contract.

Virgili has gone on to catch the eye, scoring a brilliant goal for Spain’s Under-21s, and contributing five assists so this season for a struggling Real Mallorca side.

There has already been talk that he could move on at the end of the season, with Barca holding a right of first refusal for any transfer involving Virgili, meaning they can bring him back if they want to.

Virgili sent out a prety heartfel message when he left, telling fans he “will never stop loving these colors,” which suggests he could easily be tempted back to Catalunya.

Diario Sport say that Virgili’s name has been popping up at Barcelona when the club have been planning for the future.

Barcelona also have the option to make Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent, but it has been noted that Virgili is nine years younger than the Englishman and would be a lot cheaper.

No decisions have been made yet but Virgili certainly has a chance to show Barca what he can do at Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.

It's not that Alfie Davis doesn't consider Usman Nurmagomedov a good fighter. He just doesn't think the PFL lightweight champion is anything special.

Davis (20-5-1) will get a chance to back up his belief when he challenges Nurmagomedov (20-0) for his 155-pound title in the PFL Dubai (ESPN app) main event Saturday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Davis earned this opportunity after winning three consecutive fights in four months to claim the PFL lightweight tournament crown. Those wins came against Clay Collard, former Bellator champion Brent Primus and upset of Nurmagomedov teammate Gadzhi Rabadanov in the final.

Heading into PFL Dubai, the vibes around Davis are high.

"My fighting style is quite unpredictable because, at times, I don’t know what I’m going to do either," Davis said. "When I get into a flow state, start dancing and enjoying myself, things come out. It makes me a hard fighter to game plan for and to find training partners to replicate. The Dagestanis have this aura about them that they’re unbeatable killers, but we all know everyone is human, a team is a team. This is the fight business. You only get what you put in."

To that end, Davis isn't overly impressed with Nurmagomedov's wrestling – at least when comparing him to his coach, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, and others in his camp such as UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov.

"People say he’s a great wrestler. I do think he has good wrestling, but his pedigree was not actually wrestling," Davis said. "He started wrestling in his later teens. He’s not like the other Dagestanis. And when you look at him, he doesn’t have great driving (double-leg takedowns). He’s got more cheeky trips. And even on the floor he’s not good at holding. Paul (Hughes) managed to get up every single time. He’s more of a back taker and stall on the back.

"What Usman does well is he steals exchanges very well. This is why he’s not got a huge amount of KOs. He doesn’t go for the kill. He wins on taking the exchanges in the fight and stealing rounds. If you were to put him in a wrestling match with good wrestlers, I don’t think he’d fare well. I think he’s a decent grappler, but I think there are ways to exploit what he does."

Whether or not Davis can do that will be revealed Saturday.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Dubai: Alfie Davis feels ready for Usman Nurmagomedov's wrestling

Ex-WWE tag team champion Gzim Selmani — who performed under the name Rezar as part of the Authors of Pain — has officially booked his bare-knuckle fighting debut.

The 31-year-old fighter, who previously competed in MMA including a brief one-fight stint in Bellator, is set to face Daniel Curtin at the upcoming BKFC card in Newcastle, England on March 14.

Promotion officials announced the matchup after Selmani signed with the company and was first rumored to make his debut on Saturday’s KnuckleMania VI event. Instead, Selmani is set to make his debut appearance in March in a heavyweight matchup.

Former BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill is headlining the card against Ghost McFarlane.

Selmani spent two different stints with WWE while performing in the tag team with Sunny Dhinsa, who went by the name Akam. The Authors of Pain were one-time champions with the promotion and after being released from WWE in 2020, both were re-signed under new deals to return in 2023.

That run lasted for two years with Selmani and Dhinsa released again in 2025.

Now Selmani is resuming his combat sports career after going 4-2 in MMA, which included a knockout loss to current UFC heavyweight Ante Delija. Selmani last fought in 2014 when he suffered a TKO loss in Bellator before he turned his full attention to pro wrestling.

Now Selmani is seeking a fresh start with BKFC and he’ll now prepare for his debut in March.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Kiermaier worked with current Dodgers prospect Zach Erhard throughout the offseason.

“Appreciate [Kevin Kiermaier] taking the time to work with [Zach Erhard] this offseason,” Michael Dillon, who represented Kiermaier in the majors and currently represents Erhard, wrote via Instagram. “It’s the little adjustments on and off the field that separate the good from the great. Z is well on his path to being great.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mike Dillon (@michaelctdillon)

When Did Kevin Kiermaier Play for the Dodgers?

Kiermaier spent the first 10 years of his 12-season MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays before electing free agency after 2022. He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the following season, and remained there for 2024 as well.

The Dodgers came knocking for Kiermaier at the trade deadline in 2024, and got their man in exchange for Ryan Yarbrough and cash.

The veteran played 34 games for the Dodgers after the trade, posting a .564 OPS during his stay in L.A. with a single home run and eight RBIs. He made four appearances in the 2024 postseason, and didn’t reach base in either of his two plate appearances throughout. He officially retired in February. 2025, and joined the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant.

What the outfielder lacked in his bat, he made up for with the glove, though. Kiermaier won four Gold Gloves during his time in MLB, as well as the Platinum Glove in 2015 — the only season in which he ever received MVP votes.

Who is Zach Erhard?

Erhard, 23, ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 27 prospect at the end of last season, and had a solid year in the minor leagues.

The 23-year-old came to the Dodgers in the trade which sent Dustin May to the Red Sox, and played exclusively in Double-A after the move.

He had an .857 OPS in 34 games with Double-A Tulsa last season, and could very well move his way up the minor league ladder next season.

Training with one of the best defensive outfielders of the generation is sure to move Erhard in the right direction, and can hopefully continue to blossom into a player the Dodgers can integrate into the roster in the future.

Pitchers and catchers report exactly one week from today with the rest of the squad following right behind them on Tuesday, February 17. Today, the Colorado Rockies announced their 2026 non-roster invitees.

They have chosen to invite eight pitchers and 12 position players, and 11 of the NRI’s joined the Rockies from different organizations. Below is a full list of the Rockies’ non-roster invitees, their PuRPs rankings (if applicable), and/or which organization they were part of last season.

Left-Handed Pitchers

• Konner Eaton (No. 28 PuRP, Pre-Season 2026)
• Adam Laskey (Miami Marlins)
• Parker Mushinski (Cleveland Guardians)
• Sean Sullivan (No. 9 PuRP, Mid-Season 2025)

Right-Handed Pitchers

• Valente Bellozo (Miami Marlins)
• John Brebbia (Boston Red Sox)
• Eiberson Castellano (Philadelphia Phillies)
• Brayan Castillo

Catchers

• Bryant Betancourt
• Cole Messina
• Kyle McCann (Athletics)
• Brett Sullivan (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Infielders

• Nicky Lopez (Chicago Cubs)
• T.J. Rumfield (New York Yankees)

Outfielders

• Drew Avans (Milwaukee Brewers)
• Cole Carrigg (No. 6 PuRP, Mid-Season 2025)
• Jared Thomas (No. 8 PuRP, Mid-Season 2025)

Utility Players

• Charlie Condon (No. 2 PuRP, Mid-Season 2025)
• Vimael Machín (Baltimore Orioles)
• Chad Stevens (Los Angeles Angels)

Workouts start next week, but the first game isn’t until February 20. Which of these players are you most surprised to see? Are there any players you think were snubbed? Let us know in the comments!

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Barcelona have had a good season so far, but there is still a long way to go, as they seek success across all competitions. The sought-after victory would be in the Champions League, which the Catalans have not won since 2015.

As per MD, head coach Hansi Flick firmly believes that his side are capable of winning the competition, although he wants his players to make the step up in order to give themselves the best chance.

“I think we are working to be better every day. We have to improve the little things, even the very small ones, in order to make progress. That’s what it’s about and, of course, we also have a chance of winning the Champions League. It is a very big goal for us and we work every day for it. I know that the fans help us in every game. It’s a good combination, to be all together, and that’s why we’re all fighting for this great title.”

Flick: With Deco I have a great partner

Flick was also asked about further signings he would make to his squad. He understands that transfer business has been difficult, but he is happy with how things have gone so far – despite previous reports stating otherwise.

“I think we have a fantastic team at the moment. Everything we do has to be smart. With Deco I have a great partner and we talk about everything. Each decision also takes into account the financial situation, but above all if that player can improve the team. If he’s a good person, if he’s a good teammate. That’s what we need: good people in this fantastic team.”

Image via FC Barcelona

Flick: Barça is even better than I imagined

Flick also made it clear that he is loving life at Barcelona.

“Barça is even better than I imagined. From the beginning I had the feeling that it was like more than a family and it was like that from day one. I really appreciated the first days and weeks, and now I’ve been here for more than a year and a half. It’s really incredible. The people here are very kind to us, so it’s fantastic.”

Transgender women athletes do not have an inherent advantage over cisgender competitors, according to a new study.

That’s what advocates of trans inclusion have been saying for years, while anti-trans forces have been saying the opposite. Now a report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine,which its authors call “the most comprehensive synthesis to date,” counters the idea of inherent advantage.

The authors, all based at academic and medical institutions in Brazil, looked at 52 studies with 6,485 participants, including 2,943 trans women, 2,309 trans men, 568 cis women, and 665 cis men, ranging in age from 14 to 41. Forty-five of the studies focused on adults, seven on adolescents. Since the authors were reviewing existing studies and not doing new research, their report is what’s known as a meta-analysis.

While current evidence is low and varies in quality, it “does not support theories of inherent athletic advantages for transgender women over cisgender,” the authors wrote.

“Empirical evidence challenges initial concerns that transgender women would dominate women’s sports, largely due to the physiological effects of testosterone suppression therapy,” they noted. “In fact, transgender women remain under-represented in elite athletics, highlighting the lack of dominance by transgender athletes in practice.”

Related:What does the science say about transgender women in sports?

Trans women had higher absolute lean body mass than cis women, the authors found, but there were “no significant differences in physical fitness metrics,” such as upper-body strength, lower-body strength, and maximum oxygen consumption after the trans women underwent one to three years of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Because of differences in the studies, the researchers could not establish “direct correlations between muscle mass and functional strength.”

“in fact, the absence of strength disparities between transgender women and cisgender women found in the current review was consistent and contradicts narratives framing male puberty as conferring irreversible athletic advantages despite [gender-affirming hormone therapy],” they remarked.

They emphasized the need for more research. “Few studies controlled for training history, diet, baseline fitness, physical activity and body composition or previous hormone therapy, potentially hindering the isolated effects of [gender-affirming hormone therapy], since high-dose oestrogen may alter both fat and muscle mass estimates,” they wrote.

Also, studies have focused on “physiological outcomes, with little consideration of the social, psychological and cultural factors that also shape sport performance (eg, stigmatisation, discrimination, access to opportunities, self-concept, self-esteem),” the authors pointed out. Trans people face stigma and discrimination, often leading to negative mental health effects, but “the impact of these sociocultural factors on athletic engagement and achievement remains insufficiently addressed in the available studies and, consequently, in this review,” they continued.

“Finally, there is very little literature involving transgender athletes of any age, across all sport settings and at any competitive level,” they wrote. Therefore, future studies must prioritise transgender athletes, assess sport-specific performance metrics and evaluate long-term (eg, >5 years) physiological and psychological changes, controlling for puberty suppression whenever possible.”

But, they added, “the current data do not justify blanket bans.” Just the same, 27 states have laws barring trans girls and women from competing under their gender identity, and two have regulations to this effect. Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from schools and states with trans-inclusive policies, and some, like the University of Pennsylvania, have given in to his demands. The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments challenging trans bans in Idaho and West Virginia, and the conservative majority appeared likely to uphold those bans. The U.S. Olympic Committee has barred trans women from competing in women's sports.

Related:The trans athletes at the center of Supreme Court cases don’t fit conservative stereotypes

Related:7 takeaways from Supreme Court arguments about bans on trans women and girls in sports

However, the study “refutes the logic behind blanket bans on transgender women in sports,” coauthor Bruno Gualano, a physician and researcher at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, told Spanish newspaper El País.“Most of these policies are based on the assumption that transgender women retain inherent physical advantages and would therefore dominate women’s competitions. The data does not support this idea.”

“Good scientific evidence doesn’t dictate values, but it could guide how we apply them,” Gualano he added. “That’s the role this article aims to play. … We believe the debate should be guided by values fundamental to sport itself, such as fairness, inclusion, and human dignity, rather than sweeping bans.”

This article originally appeared on Advocate: No, trans women don't have inherent advantage over cis women in sports: new study

On an earlier than usual Six Nations opening night, Ireland fluffed their lines in Paris on Thursday, beginning their 2026 campaign with a resounding 36-14 defeat by France that was as bruising to the ego as it was the body.

These sides may have won the past four titles in this competition between them but, for the second season in a row, there was only one winner when they went head-to-head.

An Ireland performance that was described by their head coach Andy Farrell as lacking "intent" continued a number of worrying trends from both the autumn and prior.

Coming into the game as considerable underdogs, the head coach had tried to reframe the changing narrative as his side now being the hunter rather than hunted.

For much of the 80 minutes in Paris, they looked like easy prey for superior opposition.

"It's coming again next week [against Italy]," former Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan told BBC Sport.

"This Irish team are on the ropes and everyone is coming after them - they might be the hunted again. They have to find the answers because Six Nations rugby is ruthless and they need to stop the rot."

• Ruthless France thrash Ireland in Six Nations opener
• France comfortably beat Ireland in Six Nations opener
• Ireland well beaten by France to start Six Nations - reaction

Flat performance leaves questions unanswered

With Farrell rolling the dice in his selection - dropping James Lowe as well as giving Cian Prendergast a rare start - there were interesting subplots aplenty as the game neared.

Such was the nature of the Paris performance, however, that few such themes could be given fair scrutiny.

Ireland had picked a team to compete in the air but rarely challenged in that regard with the new-look back three of Jamie Osborne, Tommy O'Brien and Jacob Stockdale largely on the periphery.

While the loss of both usual starting props to injury, as well as two back-ups on the loose-head side, was unwanted, it gave the opportunity for others to step up and show what they can do, yet the set-piece was rendered a virtual non-factor.

Indeed, Ireland won a scrum penalty in the 45th minute but, such was the lack of pressure elsewhere, it was the first time Les Bleus had drawn a whistle from Karl Dickson.

Discipline had been a key area to improve after the autumn but, while Ireland did concede only six penalties, they frequently did not get close enough to infringe either, with 38 missed tackles on the night.

Ireland's failure to get to grips with the non-negotiables - what Farrell called the "main part of the game" - left little point in sifting through much else.

"I think you make your own luck in this game," said Farrell.

"Without the ball, I thought we lost that battle in the first half. The things like the high ball and winning the scraps on the floor, running through tackles or missing tackles etc - that's the main part of the game.

"We certainly came off second best in that regard in the first half. Our response was gallant, but that's not what we want to be, we don't want to be a responding team. We needed to show it from the get go."

Ireland again look level below the world's best

Irrespective of another World Cup quarter-final exit in 2023 - against, it should be remembered, a New Zealand side who produced a brilliant performance on the night - Ireland felt on par with the very best in the game just a little over two years ago.

They appeared to put paid to any notion of a World Cup hangover when they opened the 2024 Six Nations against France, winning 38-17 against 14 men in Marseille, but it has subsequently been a very different story.

In the nine games since against the four sides currently above them in the world rankings, Ireland have won two and lost seven.

Five of the losses, and none of the wins, have been by margins of 10 points or more and there were times, especially when 29-0 down early in the second half, when this appeared the widest gap of the lot.

Ireland remain admirably consistent in winning the games that they should win. But winning those that they could win increasingly looks like a bridge too far.

Selection policy increasingly called into question

Few sides in the world could cope with losing three players in one position, especially one as specialised as loose-head prop.

Jeremy Loughman had just five caps before Thursday's game, while Michael Milne's only previous Tests were as a replacement against Georgia and Portugal.

While that certainly speaks to Ireland's injury problems, it is worth noting that even before Ireland's loose-head stocks were decimated, Andrew Porter's two primary back-ups, Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy, still have just eight caps between them.

That can be said to be a legacy of the continued reliance on Cian Healy right up to the point of his retirement last year but the situation in not confined to just one position.

Injuries are inevitable. Yet in the main, Ireland's squad - outside their starting XV and a handful of select others - feels underexposed to the highest level of Test rugby.

For instance, reserve scrum-half Craig Casey has been part of the squad for almost five years and won his 25th cap from the bench in the Stade de France but has never started a Six Nations game against opposition other than Italy - he saw only seven minutes of action on Thursday.

Nick Timoney led the resurgence off the bench. The unwaveringly consistent Ulster back row scored his side's first points of the game and led the belated charge at France.

Almost five years after his debut, and six months beyond his 30th birthday, this was his first Six Nations cap.

"You could use the excuses and they are there, the injuries, we haven't the depth of squad to go that deep, but there's been a fundamental thought of relying on the Leinster base and for the last few years that hasn't gone as well for the Leinster team," said O'Callaghan.

"You're trying to integrate players and it's just been too much of a gap."

Tony Jones: According to a source, the Sixers are trending towards agreement with Dominick Barlow on a standard deal. That should get done today

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: According to a source, the Sixers are trending towards …

Law Murray: I asked Koby Altman about the fact that James Harden was eyeing Cavs for what he said was for "several weeks" "James is a savant. He knows our depth intimately. He really understands our dynamic, how we play. (cont'd)...

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: He really understands our dynamic, how we play.

Law Murray: Altman on Harden cont'd: "... And so that excited me even more, the fact that he knew our depth chart really well. And so, all of that together, obviously made us pull the trigger on that."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: And so that excited me even more, the fact that he …

The Boston Celtics have announced they have traded for shooting guard John Tonje in the deal that sent Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz. Per a release circulated by the team, Boston has acquired Tonje from the Jazz in exchange for Boucher, a future second-round draft pick, and cash considerations.

A 6-foot-5 wing averaging 18.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 30.3 minutes per game and shooting 43.9% from the field overall and 35.3% from deep in the G League with the Jazz' affiliate at that level, the Salt Lake City Stars, Tonje looks to be Boston's next developmental project. The 24-year-old was picked up by the Jazz with the 53rd overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft out of Wisconsin with prior stops at Colorado State and Missouri.

At Wisconsin, he was named to the 2024-25 All-American Second Team after breaking Wisconsin records for single-season free throws (231), free-throw percentage (90.9%), and single-game free throws (21).

Tonje also set an NCAA Tournament scoring record with Wisconsin when he put up 37 points against Brigham Young University on March 22, 2025.

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics swap Chris Boucher for John Tonje ahead of 2026 trade deadline

We’re getting closer to Super Bowl 60, sports fans. I’ve already given you my picks for individual player props in the showdown between Seattle and New England. Now, let’s look at three randomly maybe-good novelty bets, from the coin toss to the Gatorade victory cascade for the winning coach. Here we go. Odds are courtesy of DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetOnline

MORE: Betting preview for Super Bowl 60

Opening coin toss outcome

Consenus odds

Heads: −103

Tails −103

Well, at least there’s a 50-50 chance of that happening … unless it’s a two-sided Trump/Kraft coin. You feeling lucky, punks? Go with your gut but don’t punch a hole into a wall if you’re wrong.

The opening coin toss winner to bring home the Lombardi Trophy

In the last 59 Super Bowls, the team that won the opening coin flip has lost 34 games, compared to 25 victories. Coincidence? Karma? Tough bad luck? Who knows. May as well go all in on your team if you believe. Just remember that for eight straight years, from 2015 to 2023, every team that won the coin toss lost in the big game. The Chiefs broke that streak in 2024 by winning the flip and then whalloping the Niners. A year later, though, they won the SB coin toss again and got Hurts by Jalen and the Eagles in Super Bowl 59.

Consenus odds

Seattle Seahawks: −105

New England Patriots −105

Color of the first Gatorade poured over the winning head coach

There are no consensus odds on this one. Because everyone is simply guessing. Orange, Blue, /Yellow/Lime Green have been the ones the last several seasons.

This year I’m going with purple. This is the time when we need red and blue to join together. OK? OK.

Do it for Minnesota, eh?

Current odds: Purple +700

Conclusion

Poke around on those sites I listed. Moolah can be made. Remember to enjoy the game and don’t go crazy. Hope you have a happy Super Bowl Sunday, everybody.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER

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Legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith did not hold back when speaking about the Cleveland Browns and the Shedeur Sanders situation.

Folks around the NFL have thought that Shedeur Sanders was set up for failure from the start by former head coach Kevin Stefanski, who is now the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns recently hired Todd Monken as their new head coach for the 2026 season. When Monken was asked about the QB situation in Cleveland, Monken's comments rubbed some people the wrong way, including NFL Hall of Famers.

Monken stated that he "wasn't ready to hand out the job," and that he was "excited to coach all of the QBs in that room." During an interview with Kay Adams during Super Bowl Week, Emmitt Smith had a lot to say.

“I guess coaches want to make sure guys know there’s no security in their position, and they want them to be as competitive as possible. No one wants to hand anything to them. This is how they’re treating Shedeur. But they handed it [the starting job] to Drake Maye. They also handed it to the kid in Jacksonville [Trevor Lawrence],” Smith said. “What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. So what’s the debate? Are you going to give it to Dillon [Gabriel] again?”

Emmitt Smith went OFF about Shedeur Sanders.

Wowwww. @UpAndAdamsShowpic.twitter.com/7B14clALU2

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) February 5, 2026

In the defense of Trevor Lawrence and Drake Maye, Maye is in the Super Bowl this year, and both were top-three picks in their respective draft classes. The Browns used only a Day 3 pick on Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders only started seven games for the Browns in 2025, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Legendary NFL RB Critiques the Browns/Shedeur: A No-Holds-Barred Take

High school volleyball is adding a second libero.

The National Federation of State High School Associations announced Thursday that teams will be allowed to use up to two liberos in each set, instead of only one. Just one libero, though, can play at a time, but a coach is able to designate up to two liberos prior to each set.

This was one of seven rule changes proposed by the NFHS volleyball rules committee at its annual meeting last month. The NFHS board of directors reviewed and approved the rules changes.

The libero, which is a permanent back-row player identified by a different colored jersey, was added to the high school game for the 2006–07 season, giving teams a position that doesn't require substitutions.

Other rule changes include liberos now being able to wear any color shorts within the uniform rules, stricter bench behavior rules, shorter time between sets, players on the service team not allowed to raise their hands above their heads until the ball is over the net, and video or audio devices are not allowed to be worn by players.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA volleyball: Second libero, NFHS rule changes in high school volleyball

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters

The Opening Ceremony hasn't happened yet, but the 2026 Winter Olympics curling competition is already under way. This Friday, Team USA will compete in not one but two mixed doubles matches, including a highly anticipated matchup against our neighbors to the north, Canada. Team USA vs. Canada will stream live at 4 a.m. ET (and you'll also be able to catch Team USA vs. Czechia at 8:35 a.m.), with all the action happening live on Peacock. 

Here's a complete schedule of all Team USA Curling events at this year's games, along with a rundown of who is competing. 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. 

How to watch the Team USA vs. Canada Curling match at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Date: Friday, Feb. 6

Time: 4:05 a.m. ET

Location: Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium

TV channels: CNBC, USA, NBC

Streaming: Peacock, DirecTV, and more

Where can I stream Curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Where to watch Curling on TV:

The Team USA vs. Canada curling match will stream exclusively on Peacock on Friday and will not be broadcast on TV. Typically, most Team USA curling coverage will be split between CNBC and USA, and the women's final on Feb. 22 will also air on NBC. (To see specific air times, check out the official NBC Olympics broadcast schedule, and toggle your search to "TV Only.") You can stream all of these channels on DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and more. 

How to watch Olympic Curling without cable:

Who is on the Team USA Curling team?

These are the athletes on Team USA's curling team:

• Taylor Anderson-Heide

• Danny Casper

• Korey Dropkin

• Aileen Geving

• Aidan Oldenburg

• Tara Peterson

• Tabitha Peterson Lovick

• Ben Richardson

• Rich Ruohonen

• Corey Thiesse

• Luc Violette

2026 Team USA Olympic Curling Schedule:

Thursday, February 5

• Norway vs. USA (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 4:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 5 p.m. (CNBC)

• Switzerland vs. USA (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 8:35 a.m. (USA, Peacock), re-air at 6:30 p.m. (CNBC)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Friday, February 6

• USA vs. Canada (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 4:05 a.m. (Peacock)

• Czechia vs. USA (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 8:35 a.m. (Peacock, USA)

Saturday, February 7

• Great Britain vs. USA (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 8:35 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9:30 a.m. (USA)

• South Korea vs. USA: 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 7 p.m. (CNBC)

Sunday, February 8

• Mixed Doubles Round Robin: 4:55 a.m. (USA, Peacock)

• USA vs. Estonia (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 8:30 a.m. (USA, Peacock)

• USA. vs. Sweden (Mixed Doubles Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 7 p.m. (CNBC)

Monday, February 9

• Italy vs. USA: 4:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9 a.m. (USA)

• Mixed Doubles Semifinal: 12:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 6:30 p.m. (CNBC), re-air at 8:45 p.m. (USA)

Tuesday, February 10

• Mixed Doubles Bronze Final: 8:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (USA), re-air at 5 p.m. (CNBC)

• Mixed Doubles Gold Final: 12 p.m. (USA, Peacock), re-air at 8 p.m. (CNBC), re-air at 9 p.m. (USA)

Wednesday, February 11

• Czechia vs. USA (Men's Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Thursday, February 12

• South Korea vs. USA (Men's Round Robin): 3:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9:15 (USA)

• USA vs. Switzerland (Men's Round Robin): 8:05 a.m. (Peacock)

• Sweden vs. USA (Men's Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9:30 p.m. (USA)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Friday, February 13

• Canada vs. USA (Men's Round Robin): 3 a.m. (USA, Peacock), re-air at 8 a.m. 

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Saturday, February 14

• Germany vs. USA (Men's Round Robin): 8:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 1 p.m. (CNBC)

• Japan vs. USA (Women's Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 5:30 p.m. (CNBC)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Sunday, February 15

• USA vs. Sweden (Men's Round Robin): 3:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 11 a.m. (CNBC)

• USA vs. China (Women's Round Robin: 8:05 a.m. (Peacock, CNBC)

• Norway vs. USA (Men's Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 8 p.m. (CNBC)

Monday, February 16

• USA vs. Italy (Women's Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Tuesday, February 17

• USA vs. China (Men's Round Robin): 3:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 8 a.m. (USA)

• Denmark vs. USA (Women's Round Robin): 8:05 a.m. (Peacock)

• USA vs. Italy (Men's Round Robin): 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9:30 p.m. (USA)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Wednesday, February 18

• USA vs. Great Britain (Women's Round Robin): 3:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9:15 a.m. (USA)

• USA vs. Great Britain (Men's Round Robin): 8:05 a.m. (Peacock)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Thursday, February 19

• Switzerland vs. USA (Women's Round Robin): 8:05 a.m. (Peacock)

• Men's Semifinal: 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 8 p.m. (USA)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Friday, February 20

• Switzerland vs. USA (Women's Round Robin): 5 a.m. (USA)

• Women's Semifinal: 8:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (USA)

• Men's Bronze Final: 1:05 p.m. (Peacock), re-air at 1 a.m. (USA)

• Best of Curling: 5 p.m. (CNBC)

Saturday, February 21

• Women's Bronze Final: 8:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 10:20 a.m. (USA), re-air at 4 p.m. (CNBC)

• Best of Curling: 1 p.m. (CNBC)

• Men's Gold Final: 1 p.m. (Peacock, CNBC)

Sunday, February 22

• Women's Gold Final: 5:05 a.m. (Peacock), re-air at 7 a.m. (NBC, USA), re-air at 1:30 (USA)

More ways to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics

Shams Charania: The Sacramento Kings are signing rookie center Dylan Cardwell to a four-year deal, agent Corey Marcum tells ESPN. The deal includes two fully guaranteed years. Cardwell has averaged 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20 minutes this season.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Kings ink Dylan Cardwell to four-year deal

The Ravens are building a dominant coaching staff, and Jesse Minter just landed another tough, hard-nose coach on the defensive side of the football. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports that the Ravens are nearing a deal to hire University of Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito to the same position.

Esposito just completed his second season as defensive line coach for the University of Michigan in 2025, and the expectation was that he'd remain on the new coach, Kyle Whittingham's staff. He was named to the position on March 29, 2024, and is in his 22nd year of collegiate coaching. Esposito was hired away from the University of Memphis after Michigan's initial choice for the job, Greg Scruggs, was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

In Esposito's first year with the program in 2024, the defensive line was the Wolverines' strength. All-American defensive tackles Mason Graham (consensus first team) and Kenneth Grant (third team) were finalists for the Nagurski and Outland Trophies. Graham (first-team, 7.0 TFL), Grant (second, 6.5), and edge Josaiah Stewart (second, 13 with 8 sacks) were All-Big Ten picks. Nine different defensive Wolverines linemen recorded stops in opponents' backfields. Michigan finished fifth in the nation in rushing defense and held eight opponents under 100 yards on the ground. Overall, the unit ranked 10th in total defense and 20th in sacks.

The Ravens are close to a deal to hire University of Michigan DL Coach Lou Esposito, per sources. He’ll coach the Ravens DL.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 5, 2026

Prior to joining the Michigan staff, Esposito was named co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at the University of Memphis (spring 2024), after spending the previous 14 seasons at Michigan. Esposito served as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Western Michigan for seven seasons (2017-23), working with the defensive line (2017-19) and ends (2020-23). It was his second stint with the Broncos (2010-12).

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens nearing deal to hire Lou Esposito as defensive line coach

Mike Tirico doesn’t have many firsts left in what has been an extraordinary broadcast career.

However, this isn’t a normal February for Tirico.

On Sunday, Tirico will call his first Super Bowl. Immediately following the conclusion of the Seattle-New England game, Tirico will transition to his role as NBC’s primetime host for Olympic coverage. That will make Tirico the first to call a Super Bowl and serve as the main Olympic host in the same year.

“Nothing can match this winter. You don’t even think about dreaming of doing something like this because it’s stupid to think that this is reality. But I’m so excited for it and very blessed to be a part of it,” Tirico said.

Tirico’s unique February began Sunday, when he called a Los Angeles Lakers-New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden to launch NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball” package. The NBA returned to NBC this season for the first time since 2022.

It is the third time NBC has had the Winter Games and the Super Bowl in the same year, but only the second time both have overlapped on the same Sunday.

When the Patriots faced the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52, the opening ceremony for the PyeongChang Games was five days away. Tirico did a remote hit from South Korea during the Super Bowl pregame show.

Tirico was the Super Bowl pregame host in 2022 when the game was in Los Angeles. After the presentation of the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Rams, he did the Olympic primetime show from a set outside the stadium.

"For him to have this moment in time where he’s going to do the Super Bowl, he’s going to be the lead voice in the Olympics, he’s going to be the lead voice in the NBA — I can barely keep these two teams straight in my mind. How he keeps all of that inside that computer brain of his, I have no idea, but there’s nobody like him,” said Cris Collinsworth, who will be doing his sixth Super Bowl as an analyst.

Tirico becomes the 13th announcer to handle play-by-play duties for a Super Bowl, and the fourth to do it for NBC. Dick Enberg called eight of NBC’s 20 previous Super Bowls, while Curt Gowdy did seven, and Al Michaels called the last five.

One reason Tirico left ESPN for NBC in 2016 was the chance to eventually do a Super Bowl. Tirico was the voice of “Monday Night Football” from 2006 through ’15, but it wasn’t until the NFL’s current broadcast contracts began in 2023 that ESPN joined the rotation of Super Bowl broadcasters. ESPN will have next year’s game.

Sunday will be Tirico’s 290th NFL game, excluding preseason, according to NBC.

“I think if you call one (NFL game), you hope that this is one that you get to call eventually, and that opportunity is not lost on me. I’m extraordinarily grateful to all the people who’ve helped me get to this point,” he said. “We all work towards things in life, and maybe once we get there, we don’t appreciate the view. So just try to be part of this in a different, more magnetic way to make sure that these images, these days, stick. Just to enjoy it."

Even with extra time to prepare, Tirico has used the same approach as always. As soon as Seattle defeated San Francisco in the NFC championship game on Jan. 25, he was in his office, getting his game charts together and analyzing the backup quarterbacks.

Tirico will have plenty of storylines for Sunday, from Mike Vrabel turning around the Patriots in his first year as coach to quarterback Sam Darnold leading Seattle to the Super Bowl after signing as a free agent from Minnesota.

No matter how the game goes, producer Rob Hyland is confident Tirico will paint the perfect picture. Hyland pointed to Tirico telling the story of Baltimore rookie kicker Tyler Loop leading into a last-minute kick during the regular-season finale at Pittsburgh, without videotape, as evidence of Tirico’s performance.

“I think Mike has become, in my opinion, the best storyteller in live television. He told that kicker story in 25 seconds, and you really understood a lot about him, a lot about the Ravens organization, why they moved on from Justin Tucker,” Hyland said. “I think Mike’s ability to tell stories has only gotten better every single year since he’s been a part of NBC, and I think that’s an area where he is the best at what he does.”

As soon as Sunday night’s Olympic show ends, Tirico will join a group of NBC personnel on a plane from Northern California to Italy. He is expected to begin reporting from Milan during Tuesday’s daytime coverage.

Besides Tirico, Gowdy, Greg Gumbel, and Jim Nantz have also done the Super Bowl and served as Olympic primetime hosts. The other three, though, didn’t do it the same year.

This will be Tirico’s fifth Olympics as primetime host and his third for a Winter Games. Before joining NBC, he covered the FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships for ESPN. Those month-long events helped shape how he approaches the hectic pace of the 16 days of the Olympics.

“Usually when I get to Olympics or World Cups, I’ve found myself on a really good schedule, getting your daily routine dialed in and just maintaining that because I think it maintains your sanity. Your sleep isn’t too long, but it’s quality sleep, you get a workout, and you get good meals, and you find the comforts that you need, and you make your way through it.”

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

What the Los Angeles Rams do with Puka Nacua's impending contract extension will be among the most-followed storylines of the offseason. While Nacua isn't a free agent until the end of the 2026 season, he's eligible for a new deal this offseason — his third in the NFL.

The Rams will reportedly prioritize Nacua's extension for this offseason rather than wait until the following year, but that still doesn't solve the problem of finding a contract that works for both sides. Nacua is coming off a career season where he led the NFL with 129 receptions and finished with 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's caught 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in just three seasons and holds the NFL record for most yards per game at 95.3.

Rams general manager Les Snead seems very cognizant of this reality. He told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Timesthat he and the team are looking for a "win-win solution" with Nacua's contract, considering all the variables around the young receiver's careers and trajectory at the position.

“He’s evolved into one of the best,” Snead said of Nacua. “It seems like, ‘OK, that’s a pretty simple contract because it’s pretty self-explanatory where you fall in the ecosystem and the hierarchy.’

“But there’s also so many variables … that go into that, that make it more complex than it would seem on the surface level. So again similar to a few players that we’ve had in the past … that have been at that level in the ecosystem, you’ve got to begin communication and begin working through it to come up with a win-win solution.”

What are those variables? That remains to be seen.

On the team side, it's all about the salary cap and impending deals for other players. Steve Avila, Kobie Turner and Byron Young are also eligible for extensions in 2026, but players like Cobie Durant, Akhello Witherspoon and Tyler Higbee are impending free agents now. Matthew Stafford may way a pay bump after an MVP-caliber season. Players like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske will be looking for near deals in the near future, too, and receiver Davante Adams will be a free agent after the 2026 season.

From a contractual standpoint, it stands to reason that Nacua could command market-setting numbers.

ESPN insider Dan Graziano predicted Nacua will sign a four-year, $156 million extension with $90 million guaranteed, which is No. 2 in average annual value, right below Ja'Marr Chase but ahead of Justin Jefferson. Would Nacua be comfortable with the second-most money at his position? That will all come out in the negotiations.

The best thing going for L.A. right now is that the team isn't in a time crunch. In theory, they could take these negotiations all the way through the 2026 season. That doesn't seem likely, though, given we quick to hand out deals to Alaric Jackson and Kyren Williams when they needed to, and then paid Nate Landman and Quentin Lake before they became impending free agents.

Additionally, the Rams have the franchise tag in their back pocket for if Nacua stands firm on his number throughout the year.

A "win-win solution" would be in the best interest of both sides, though.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams looking for 'win-win solution' with a Puka Nacua extension

The New York Jets hired Frank Reich to be their offensive coordinator earlier this week.

The Jets also need to acquire a new starting quarterback this offseason. Naturally, those with connections to Reich will be discussed as Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn plan to find Justin Fields' successor.

Carson Wentz could emerge as an option. Wentz was the Philadelphia Eagles' No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 NFL draft when Reich was their offensive coordinator. He developed into an MVP candidate as a sophomore in 2017, the year the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl with Nick Foles at quarterback.

Wentz arguably never bounced back from that devastating setback, but Reich coached him for two seasons (2016-17) in Philadelphia.

When Reich became the Indianapolis Colts' head coach in 2018, he acquired Wentz to be his starting quarterback in 2021. Familiarity between coach and quarterback is present in abundance here.

Wentz only lasted one season in Indianapolis, as his second act alongside Reich wasn't nearly as successful.

Wentz has bounced around the league since, but started five games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, going 2-3 as a starter while throwing more touchdowns (6) than interceptions (5). He's now slated for free agency.

The Jets should aim higher at quarterback, but the connection between Reich and Wentz could force a conversation.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Will Frank Reich make the Jets pursue Carson Wentz at QB?

Ray Allen of the Seattle SuperSonics shoots against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 1, 2006, at Key Arena in Seattle. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

With the NBA considering a possible expansion, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson met Thursday with the league’s commissioner to offer assistance in returning the SuperSonics to Seattle.

Ferguson had reached out to set what his spokesperson called an introductory meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. The two didn’t meet in person.

“As a kid, the governor grew up attending many Sonics games, and attending the Lenny Wilkens basketball camp,” spokesperson Brionna Aho said in an email. She said Ferguson and Silver “had a good conversation, and the governor offered to be helpful.”

Aho clarified later that Ferguson specifically “offered to be helpful in bringing back the Sonics.”

Ferguson’s public calendar was updated Wednesday afternoon, showing an 11:15 a.m. meeting Thursday with Silver. This set off alarm bells for local basketball fans yearning for their team back 18 years after the Sonics left. 

The NBA didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Late last year, Silver indicated the league would decide in 2026 whether to pursue expansion, while floating Seattle and Las Vegas as two likely destinations. Seattle has been awaiting news of a return of its beloved SuperSonics for years, with no luck. 

The city lost the team, owned by Starbucks executive Howard Schultz, to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Oklahoma City Thunder won its first NBA title last season.

Five years later, Seattle sports fans had hoped they’d get a team to return when the Sacramento Kings reportedly reached a deal with a local ownership group, including Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, to buy the Kings and relocate. But other NBA owners rejected the relocation attempt, keeping the team in Sacramento. 

Ballmer has since purchased the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Expanding the NBA back to Seattle is expected to cost an ownership group billions of dollars, as franchise values have surged alongside lucrative media rights deals. But current team owners would have to approve, and more teams means they’d be giving up a slice of their revenue. 

Since the Sonics left, Seattle has replaced the aging Key Arena with the state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena, with the hopes of adding professional men’s basketball to the NHL’s Kraken, WNBA’s Storm and Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Torrent that currently call the arena home. Climate Pledge has hosted NBA preseason games in recent years.

As governor, Ferguson has shown his fandom for Seattle sports teams, especially as the Mariners and Seahawks have had playoff success since he took office last year. He even mentioned wanting to see the return of the SuperSonics in his State of the State address last month. 

“We know that our work in professional sports is not done until we bring the Seattle SuperSonics back home,” Ferguson said.

The league has also expressed interest in international expansion, to cities like Mexico City and Vancouver, which had a team until it moved to Memphis in 2001.

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It’s the first time in ACC history that two 11-0 teams have squared off against one another. Let’s make it 15 in a row.

Go Cards.

The Schuylkill League boys basketball playoffs are set to tip off Saturday at Pottsville’s Martz Hall.

Nativity BVM (11-11; 8-7) stunned Lourdes on Tuesday to secure the third and final spot in the Division II standings, and will match up with Pottsville (16-6; 12-2) in the quarterfinal opener at 5 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s something that we set out to do at the beginning of the year,” Nativity coach Brady Burke said after securing the playoff berth. “Anytime you get the chance to go to the league playoffs, it’s a big deal. The kids really wanted it and it showed tonight.”

READ ABOUT THE GIRLS’ MATCHUPS: Schuylkill League playoffs

Blue Mountain (15-7; 10-4) and Schuylkill Haven (15-6; 9-5) are meeting for the second quarterfinal game at 6:30 p.m.

Minersville (20-1; 13-1) won the Division I regular season crown and Tri-Valley (19-1; 13-0) won Division II. Both received first round byes in the league playoffs.

Tri-Valley will match up with either Pottsville or Nativity in the semifinals on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Minersville will face Schuylkill Haven or Blue Mountain in the second semifinal matchup, immediately following the first game.

“Minersville’s had good teams, and last year they shared the title with Mahanoy Area, so this year our goal was to win the division. We came out and did it so goal number one is accomplished,” Minersville coach Chris George said. “We have four new starters and a brand new coaching staff. Coach (Dave) Mullaney set the principles here, and it was a challenge, but guys bought in and I’m really happy for them.”

The Schuylkill League Championship is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at Martz Hall.

Pottsville vs. Nativity BVM

Pottsville defeated Minersville in last year’s Schuylkill League title game before going on to win the District 11 Class 5A Championship.

This time around, the Crimson Tide are led by first-year head coach Tyler Heffner and seven seniors — Brody Herndon, Juleon Bainbridge, Grady Leskin, Christian Alvarez, Ryder Bowers and Brandon Viars.

Nativity just squeaked into the league tournament with a 71-68 overtime win at Lourdes on Tuesday. Trey Keating scored 34 points and hit seven 3-pointers, three of them in the fourth quarter and overtime.

“We didn’t make it easy. We had motivation going into today, and it was a rocky start, and we knew making the league playoffs would mean so much to us,” Keating said Tuesday. “We were able to battle back and take it to overtime to get the job done.”

The Hilltoppers have won six of their last nine matchups — the most recent league wins coming against Lourdes, Tamaqua and Shenandoah Valley — and qualified for the league tournament despite being outscored 61-60 by opponents this season.

“We just had to get in,” Burke said. “We feel like we can go toe to toe with anyone in the league. As long as we play our game and keep it close you saw tonight what can happen.”

Keating is Nativity’s leader offensively. He enters postseason play with 2,240 career points and is averaging 23.8 points per game. Keating has scored 640 points this season and is averaging 29.1 points per game. He’s number four in the state and number one in the District 11 and Schuylkill County rankings.

The Crimson Tide have won eight of their last 11 games and ended the regular season with league wins against Mahanoy Area, Pine Grove and Panther Valley.

Christian Alvarez leads Pottsville with 17.5 points per game and Ryder Bowers has averaged 11 points per game. Davey Kunstek has posted 9.8 rebounds per game.

“Just having my teammates and coaches trust is important,” Alvarez said. “They look at me to get to the bucket and make plays, and that’s what I do. Just being smart with the ball and waiting to get our shots is important.”

The last time Pottsville and Nativity met was a 61-55 home win for the Crimson Tide on Feb. 10, 2024. Pottsville won the District 11 5A Championship last year with a 33-30 win over Bangor. The last time the Crimson Tide won a District 11 Championship was in 2021-22 and then during the 2018-19 season prior to that.

Schuylkill Haven vs. Blue Mountain

Schuylkill Haven finished in second place in the Division II standings and Blue Mountain placed third in Division I.

Blue Mountain entered the playoffs on a five-game winning streak, with recent league wins against Mahanoy Area, Pine Grove and North Schuylkill.

Tyeirre Meade led the way with 25 points in the 76-35 win over the Golden Bears on Feb. 3. Cohen Werner added 18 points in that game, while Cohen Kirby scored 12 and Beck Henninger added 11 points.

“We’re bonding and building as a team,” Blue Mountain’s Cohen Kirby said after clinching a playoff spot. “We need that going into leagues, and we can’t play selfish. When we play as a team we play better.”

The Eagles have found a strategy that works for them, and will look to continue using it in the postseason.

“Just setting our own pace and making the other team uncomfortable is what’s worked best for us this season,” Blue Mountain coach Dustin Werdt said. “As long as we can dictate the pace of the game we’re alright.”

The Hurricanes have won four of their last six games, with recent league wins over Lourdes, Williams Valley, Marian Catholic and Weatherly.

Alan Evans has been the Hurricanes go-to scoring target this season, and is joined by a supporting cast of Justin Watcher, Brady Kelly and Brayden Diehl.

Schuylkill Haven has outscored its opponents by an average of 63-54, while Blue Mountain has outscored the competition by an average of 60-44.

Schuylkill Haven clinched a spot in the league playoffs after beginning the season on a six-game winning streak and winning 11 of their first 12 games.

“Our guys have really worked hard, they’re unselfish and all five guys have really good hands and catch a bad pass,” Schuylkill Haven coach Fran Murphy said. “That’s been the key is finishing around the basket when we get a pass.”

Nate Boudreau dove all over the Derryfield School court for loose balls and relentlessly went for steals, finishing with four in the Cougars’ 52-46 NHIAA Division III loss to Hopkinton on Tuesday.

Boudreau, a Salem resident, fellow senior co-captain Sammy Fazelat, of Bedford, and first-year coach Mitchell Roy have turned Derryfield into a unified — and competitive — team following a 2-16 campaign last year.

Derryfield will take a 9-6 record into its home bout with St. Thomas Aquinas (11-2) on Friday night (6).

“We’re just putting 100% effort in no matter what — diving on loose balls, ripping the ball — whatever we need,” Boudreau said after the loss. “We’re fighting and dying to win and that’s much different this year.”

Before he received a long email from Roy during the offseason, Boudreau was going to quit the team and focus on baseball.

Over Derryfield’s difficult 2024-25 season, Boudreau lost his love for basketball, he said. But Roy’s email convinced him to stay and, after Derryfield’s first few summer league games, Boudreau said he and Roy had the best bond that he’s ever had with a coach.

“Before you can connect with them as basketball players, you’ve got to try to connect with them as people,” said Roy, who coached Division I Alvirne last year and Division IV Profile for four years before that. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care,’ so I wanted them to know I really care about them and I want to build something special here.”

Derryfield last made the playoffs during the 2023-24 season while in Division IV.

In recent years, there was tension among players, Fazelat said. Cliques developed.

That changed. Through practices, summer and fall league competition and overnight trips for weekend offseason tournaments, the Cougars came together.

“In previous seasons, when Nate and I were underclassmen, the offense kind of revolved around one guy,” Fazelat said, “and then last year we were playing a lot of pickup (style) because we never played together before. ...This year, we’re much more in sync with each other. We know what we’re doing and we play more effectively that way because we’re not just trying to find the quickest way to the hoop.”

Boudreau and Fazelat played big roles in the players taking to Roy’s approach.

Fazelat is a lead-by-example kind of captain while Boudreau is a vocal leader. They went to almost every one of the team’s offseason activities, Roy said.

Roy assigned the team’s freshmen, Mitch Labbe and Juelrick Phanor, to Boudreau and senior Liam Cesar, respectively.

“Basically, everything I do, coach makes him (Labbe) mirror me,” Boudreau said. “We have such a great relationship. I bring him to practice every now and then and I try to get him in the gym. ... Anything he asks me, I’m always willing to answer no matter what.”

Fazelat said the team’s young players have been surprisingly adept.

He and Boudreau’s usual advice to them is to get out of their heads. “It’s not lack of skill we need to coach them up on,” Fazelat said. “It’s mostly just mental performance.”

The captains said Derryfield has yet to reach its full potential. They’re excited to see where the program can go both this season and beyond.

It wouldn’t be the first time Roy turned a team around.

Profile improved over each of Roy’s four years leading the program, capped by a 27-0 record and Division IV title in 2024.

Players like sophomore Jake Larson, who scored a team-high 17 points against Hopkinton, junior Keith Townsend and Labbe show great promise, Boudreau said.

“It’s going to be great for years to come,” Boudreau said. “I can’t wait to come back next year and watch some games.”

Central/West girls on a roll

The senior-heavy Manchester Central/West girls have rebounded nicely from their 1-4 start to the season. The co-op team has won seven straight games since then.

Central/West coach Mike Wenners said he has a good group of girls this year, led by seniors Tianna Mann, Marley Oates, Leyla Mohamed and Nancy Sipora.

Mann, Oates and Mohamed are four-year players in the program and were freshmen when the team went 0-18 during the 2022-23 season.

Sipora did not play for the team last year.

“Good thing about the four of them is they’re good examples for the younger kids as far as how you want to practice, how you want to play, that type of stuff,” Wenners said.

While the team will make mistakes and has areas where it can improve, it has a roster filled with athletes, Wenners said.

“They’re multi-sport kids and whenever you have athletes, you know you’ll be able to play some defense,” he said. “We have to work on finishing, shooting — — all the basketball skills. But the effort and the ‘want to’ is there. And when you have that, good things will happen.”

Gaudette out at Memorial

Lauren Gaudette is no longer the Manchester Memorial girls coach. Gaudette took over the Division I program last year, after former coach Greg Cotreau left to become the head girls coach at Souhegan.

Gaudette said in an email that she had no comment on her departure.

Memorial athletic director Jordan D’Onofrio did not respond to an email requesting a statement on the situation.

The Crusaders, now coached by Miguel Frett, are 1-10 entering their home game against Dover on Friday night (6:30).

Unwelcome guest in the stands

The Manchester Memorial at Manchester Central boys rivalry game last Friday night was briefly put on pause due to a disturbance in the bleachers.

The culprit? A rodent.

Fans bolted the bleachers for the floor, but returned to their seats after being told they could either do that or “we’re all going home.”

It’s a good thing they did. In the most tightly contested game I’ve seen this season, Memorial beat Central 70-68 in an overtime thriller. The game featured 20 lead changes and 14 ties.

1,000 and counting

Alvirne senior Garrett Hall, St. Thomas Aquinas senior Emma Toriello and Epping senior Blake Snyder each scored their 1,000th career points recently.

Hall reached the milestone as part of his game-high 21-point outing in the Broncos’ 60-55 win over Nashua North. Toriello did so in the Saints’ 48-35 Division III victory over Berlin, posting a game-high 19 points. Snyder poured in 43 points, including the 1,000th of his career, in the Blue Devils’ 72-20 Division IV win over Sunapee.

Junior goalie Kyle Bennett became Goffstown’s all-time wins leader in the Grizzlies’ 2-1 victory over Merrimack/Hollis-Brookline/Derryfield School on Wednesday night.

Bennett stopped 20 shots for his 23rd career victory. Warhawks goalie Liam Gagne made 27 saves.

The Grizzlies erased a 1-0 deficit with two second-period goals, by Owen St. Onge and Connor Bernard, both assisted by Zack Tarrier.

In winning its fifth straight game, Goffstown improved to 8-3-0 in Division II. The Warhawks, who received a first-period goal from Colin Hamlin, dropped to 6-6-1.

With the 2025-26 Schuylkill League girls basketball regular season officially in the rearview mirror, six teams will look to claim Schuylkill League crowns beginning this Saturday in the Schuylkill League playoffs.

In Division I, the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes claimed the top spot after an 18-4 regular season, including 13-1 in league play. The Hurricanes will look to claim their second straight league title after defeating North Schuylkill 38-31 in last year’s league championship game.

READ ABOUT THE BOYS’ MATCHUPS: Schuylkill League playoffs

The No. 2 seed in Division I is the North Schuylkill Spartans with a 15-6 regular season, including 11-3 in the Schuylkill League. The Spartans have one regular-season game remaining before Saturday’s quarterfinal matchups. The No. 3 seed in the division belongs to the Tamaqua Blue Raiders, who finished the regular season with a 16-6 record overall and 10-4 in the Schuylkill League.

In Division II, the Lourdes Red Raiders enter the playoffs as the favorite to win the league thanks to a 20-1 overall record, including a perfect 14-0 in Schuylkill League action.

Behind Lourdes is the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears at 17-5 overall and 12-2 in the league, while the third seed belongs to the Marian Catholic Fillies, who went 12-9 overall and 9-5 in league play, besting Williams Valley for the final spot.

The quarterfinals will get underway at Martz Hall on Saturday at 2 p.m. as North Schuylkill takes on Marian Catholic. The winner will face top-seeded Lourdes on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Martz Hall. Then, at 3:30 p.m., Mahanoy Area will face off against Tamaqua in the second quarterfinal matchup, with the winner taking on Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The league championship game is currently slated for Friday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at Martz Hall.

North Schuylkill vs. Marian Catholic

North Schuylkill enters the Schuylkill League playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the bracket, winning eight of its last 10 games, not including Thursday night affair against Loyalsock Township, taking place after deadline.

The Spartans fell to both Blue Mountain and Schuylkill Haven last week in a pair of league matchups, but bounced back with a 60-45 win over Williamsport, a 51-28 win over Tamaqua, and a 67-31 win over Lehigh Valley Academy.

The Spartans will be led by the defending Schuylkill League Player of the Year, Mya Conti, who is coming off a 30-point effort in the Spartans’ win over LVA.Marian, who finished second in the District 11 Class 2A girls power rankings this regular season behind Williams Valley, had more of an up-and-down season than North Schuylkill but won each of its last three league games to clinch a spot in the Schuylkill League playoffs.

That included defeating Williams Valley 39-31 in Tower City as well as beating Shenandoah Valley 48-31, derailing what was a Blue Devils team playing great basketball over the last several weeks, making a push of their own.

Schuylkill League player of the year candidate Addy Marek leads the Fillies this season, averaging 16.5 points per game, while DeAnna Pugh has averaged 11.1 points per game.

Mahanoy Area vs. Tamaqua

Very quietly, Mahanoy Area was one of the most consistent teams in the Schuylkill League this season with a 17-5 overall record and dominated league play to the tune of 12-2.

The Golden Bears won five of their last six regular-season games, a 55-38 loss to Lourdes being their only blemish. Their only other Schuylkill League loss this season was to Schuylkill Haven, 44-42.

The Bears have three legitimate scorers any given night in Felicia Bro and Ella Connolly, as well as Naomi Kowalick making them one of the deeper teams in the playoffs in terms of scorers. Don’t be surprised if Mahanoy Area makes a run to the championship game this postseason.

Standing in the Golden Bears’ way is the Tamaqua Blue Raiders.

Tamaqua, for the third straight year, was one of the Schuylkill League’s top teams, this time etching their third straight season of 16 or more wins.

The Blue Raiders have won six of their last eight games with losses to Lehighton (51-40) and North Schuylkill (51-28). They did, however, pick up strong wins in that time over Blue Mountain and Pine Grove while also beating North Schuylkill earlier this season 46-43. They also notably narrowly fell to Schuylkill Haven in mid-January, 39- 35.

Lauren Ligenza has been a double-double machine at times this season for the Blue Raiders, with nine, while averaging 13.4 points per game. The Blue Raiders also receive consistent scoring from Millie Black, who is averaging 13.7 points per game this season.

Lakers urged to fire general manager Rob Pelinka after flawed trade season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers got better on Thursday. 

By swapping disappointing veteran guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick for proven Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Luke Kennard, the organization filled its perimeter shooting void. 

However, the Lakers’ roster is still flawed, and because Los Angeles failed to address its other needs, Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes it’s time for the franchise to move on from general manager Rob Pelinka.

“The Los Angeles Lakers must move on from Rob Pelinka after he traded Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick for Luke Kennard ahead of the deadline,” Watts wrote Thursday.

“He failed to address his team's two biggest needs. They sit 25th in defensive rating. The purple and gold desperately needed a perimeter defensive stopper and a rim protector. Instead, they got a shooter known for his subpar defense and struggles to impact winning in the playoffs.”

“Luka Doncic has thrived playing with floor spacers. Kennard is an elite shooter, but his volume was down in Atlanta. Fans are glad to see Gabe Vincent go after a disastrous tenure in LA. The Lakers hope Kennard shoots more in a new uniform, but this continues a troubling trend for Pelinka.”

Whether Lakers fans like it or not, Watts does make a compelling argument. While acquiring Leonard was a must-have move from a three-point shooting standpoint, it won’t magically help Los Angeles tighten up their on-ball and low-post defense. 

We all witnessed what happened to the Lakers in last year’s postseason, with no defense to speak of. For those who need a refresher, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves got paint touches whenever they wanted, and Rudy Gobert was dominant in the franchise’s first-round win over the Lakers. 

History could easily repeat itself this postseason, which explains why Watts is frustrated with Pelinka following the end of the trade season. 

Time will tell if landing Kennard will be enough to help the Lakers advance further in the playoffs come April.

More NBA: Celtics cut ties with Jaylen Brown's 6-foot-8 NBA champion teammate via trade to Hornets

Riq Woolen had to wait 153 picks until his name was called in the 2022 NFL Draft, but four years later he has set himself up for a huge pay day in 2026 thanks to posting some of the top coverage stats among all cornerbacks this season. But although Woolen has picked up his play in the second half of the season and will be starting for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday, his temperament and somewhat erratic play could help him reach free agency without a new contract before March.

Given that most see cornerback as the top need on the L.A. Rams, should Les Snead cross enemy lines to target Woolen as a free agent in 2026?

Woolen fell to the fifth round of the 2022 draft because he played at UTSA instead of a major college program and he did not make the transition from receiver to cornerback until 2020. So Woolen was a raw cornerback and that gave teams little assurance that he would even make a roster.

However, he was drafted despite that red flag because Woolen is a freak. His nickname is Riq the Freak.

At 6’4, 210 lbs, Woolen ran a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash, one of the all-time great physical profiles for an NFL cornerback. Early in his career, this athleticism allowed Woolen to immediately start for Pete Carroll on the Seahawks as a rookie and he tied for the league-lead with six interceptions in 2022.

Even though Woolen only has six interceptions in the last three seasons combined, his coverage stats are astounding and far outpace any corner or safety on the Rams. Woolen has never allowed 58% completion to passes in his directions in a season (career: 54.2%) and he only allowed 4.8 yards per target in 2025.

That ranked first among all full-time starting cornerbacks.

On the surface, Woolen is a dream addition for a defense.

Below those numbers, however, is the story of a player who may believe that his extremely unique athleticism allows him to get away with being selfish and less disciplined than others.

Rams fans saw this benefit L.A. first hand in the NFC Championship game when Woolen was flagged for taunting the sideline after a third down stop, resulting in a 15-yard penalty that kept the drive alive.

Woolen is one of the most penalized and undisciplined defensive players in the league. There is solid evidence to support the belief that Woolen has been quietly benched by coaches in each of the last three seasons: 2023, 2024, and 2025. That’s despite playing for multiple different coaches, including Carroll and Mike Macdonald.

But eventually something always happens that allows Woolen to return to the starting lineup, usually an injury by someone else, and then he cleans up his act a little bit and is one of the better corners in the league. Although he’s still susceptible to allowing touchdowns, Woolen is also a risk to throw at because he can make up ground in a hurry.

Is he worth the trouble for the Rams?

If Woolen hits free agency, he will have an active market because there’s a dearth of quality corners and he’s one of the best athletes in football.

Although the top cornerbacks now get $30 million per season, that’s only two guys and nobody else makes more than $25 million.

It’s tough to say how much a team will be willing to pay Woolen to secure his services, but a $24 million per year contract is not unimaginable.

For instance, the Cowboys paid DaRon Bland a $22.5m salary. Couldn’t Woolen match that?

Given that the Rams have cap space and a clear need for a cornerback, wooing Woolen to L.A. (and maybe in the process also gaining some intel on the Seahawks) could be a predictable move for Snead. Maybe a four-year, $96 million contract with $48 million guaranteed is something that the Rams would be willing to do.

There won’t be many options out there for starting cornerbacks and maybe no other free agents with his “track” record…so to speak.

However, if Woolen has been benched while making the salary of a fifth round pick, can any team hope to keep him under control when he’s making $24 million? Or is that just throwing gas on the fire?

The Rams may decide no. But it would be a surprise if they don’t kick the tires.

Although the Magic only made one move ahead of the NBA trade deadline — Orlando sent veteran guard Tyus Jones and two second-round picks to Charlotte in exchange for cash considerations — team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman revealed Thursday the franchise considered making other deals in hopes of improving its roster.

Ultimately, however, the Magic didn’t roll the dice on any other trades beyond moving Jones late Wednesday night.

Weltman doesn’t believe that’s a sign of complacency or due to a lack of aggression by the organization that entered Thursday’s game against Brooklyn 2-8 in its last 10 games and 8th in the East during a season that came with high expectations.

“We’re aggressive 365 days a year,” he said at the AdventHealth Training Center. “And I think we’re not afraid to make bolds as I think last summer showed. The answer to frustration isn’t just to make a move just for the sake of making a move. One thing to understand is the way that our team is set up right now with contracts and timing, for us to make a significant move means that we have to break into the core.

“That core has been excellent when it’s been on the floor together,” he added. “… So, for us to break up that core, it’s going to have to be a significant move. I will tell you, we had some substantiative talks that I thought could have gone somewhere. Obviously they did not, they didn’t materialize but it wasn’t for a lack of pushing, for a lack of urgency. Our mission is to improve this team. We’re never taking a day off from that. It’s just that we’re not going to do something just for the sake of doing it.”

To Weltman’s point, Orlando’s opening night lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. ranked sixth league-wide in net rating (plus-18) among all five-man lineups in the league who had played at least 115 minutes together entering Thursday’s slate of games, according to NBA.com.

But for the second season in a row, the Magic have been plagued by injuries to key players.

Suggs has missed 20 games due to injury, including seven (Dec. 18-29) because of a left hip contusion and eight (Jan. 4-22) with a grade 1 right knee MCL bruise. Banchero has missed 10 games (Nov. 14-Dec. 3) due to a left groin strain. Wagner missed his eighth straight Thursday due to left high ankle sprain injury management after he already sat out 16 (Dec. 9-Jan. 11) due because of the original injury.

Even Carter missed two games due to injury: one (Nov. 23) due to a left ankle sprain and another (Jan. 11) due to a right hip strain.

Among Orlando’s opening night lineup, only Bane had been available for each of the first 49 games of the season.

“It’s concerning,” Weltman said when the Sentinel asked him how concerning it is to him that the team’s core hasn’t been able to remain healthy this season and last. “Every team has injuries, but it’s having these prolonged injuries. All I can say is, these are soft tissue injuries. What can you say? It’s the NBA and this is what happens sometimes.

“I do feel like we’re a little bit ‘Groundhog Day,’ with this season,” Weltman added. “The only thing is, I also think we’re better this year because we added Desmond Bane. So, I hate to keep saying it, but when this team has been healthy, it’s been really good.”

Still, Orlando at times this season has fallen away from its defensive identity, which in turn has stumped its offensive output.

Entering Thursday, the Magic were 16th in defensive rating (114.6) and 20th in offensive rating (113.5), which resulted in a net rating (minus-1.1) that sat 19th, according to NBA.com.

Last year, the team ended the regular season second in defensive rating league-wide (109.1) and 27th in offensive rating (108.9), which left them with a net rating (minus-0.2) that ended 17th in the NBA.

After opening this season 13-8, the Magic have gone 12-16 since Dec. 3.

“I don’t like the state of the team right now,” Weltman said. “We’re not playing well and I think it’s been a little while that we haven’t been playing well. I would imagine our fans our frustrated by the way we’re playing and I’m frustrated with them.

“I remain optimistic about the rest of the season and it’s on us to turn this thing around,” he added. “There’s still over a third of the season left and we’re right in the thick of the race. We’ve got to get it done.”

Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com

The New York Rangers are set to play the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at 7:00 PM EST at Madison Square Garden.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of this matchup: 

Projected Lineup:

Forwards:

Gabe Perreault - Mika Zibanejad -  J.T. Miller

Will Cuylle - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafrenière

Jonny Brodzinski - Noah Laba - Taylor Raddysh

Anton Blidh - Sam Carrick - Matt Rempe

Defensemen:

Vladislav Gavrikov - Braden Schneider

Matthew Robertson - Will Borgen

Urho Vaakanainen - Vincent Iorio

Goaltenders: 

Jonathan Quick

Spencer Martin

Notable Storylines: 

• Jonathan Quick is set to start for the Rangers. 
• The Rangers are coming off of a 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
• The Rangers traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.
• Vincent Iorio is set to make his Rangers debut.
• The Rangers currently hold a 22-28-6 record. 
• The Hurricanes are coming off of a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.

Prior to Friday's Opening Ceremony, the second day of action at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was a good one for Team USA as the women's ice hockey and mixed doubles curling teams won their debuts. Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn showed fans that she intends to pursue a fourth Olympic medal despite a knee injury. However, Finland's women's ice hockey squad had its start delayed due to a norovirus outbreak among the players. 

Here are the top stories of the day:

U.S. women's ice hockey dominates Czechia in opener

Hailey Scamurra scored twice while three of her teammates also added goals in Team USA's 5-1 victory over Czechia. Both teams opened group play with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. 

The game was essentially put out of reach early in the second period. Already holding a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal in the first period from Alex Carpenter, Joy Dunne and Scamurra each scored goals within 83 seconds. Tessa Janecke earned the assists on both scores. Hilary Knight added another goal late in the period to give the U.S. a 4-1 lead. 

Czechia scored its lone goal when Barbora Jurickova left the penalty box and received a pass for a breakaway to cut the deficit to 3-1. But Knight answered shortly thereafter. 

The U.S. will next face Finland on Saturday in Group A play with face-off scheduled for 10:40 a.m. ET. That is, if Finland is healthy enough to compete. (See below.) 

U.S. defeats Norway and Switzerland in mixed doubles curling

Team USA took the ice in mixed doubles curling on Thursday, one day after eight other countries made their debut. 

Facing defending silver medalist Norway, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin took an early 1-0 lead before the Norwegians rallied with three points in the second end of the match. The two teams then battled back and forth, with the U.S. tying the score during the third end before Norway took a two-point lead after the fourth. 

Norway held a 6-4 lead going into the seventh end before Team USA tied the score at 6. In the final end, the U.S. took a two-point lead and Norway's final shot fell short, giving Thiesse and Dropkin the 8-6 victory. 

The U.S. later faced Switzerland in a match that carried far less drama. The Swiss did take a 2-1 lead in the second end, but Team USA rallied to gain two points in the third end when Thiesse knocked away Switzerland's stone. The U.S. increased its lead to 5-2 after the fourth end and employed a defensive strategy through the rest of the match, knocking Switzerland's stones out of the way and creating pressure to make perfect shots. Ultimately, the Swiss couldn't hit the mark and Team USA won 7-4. 

Up next for Thiesse and Dropkin is Canada and the Czech Republic on Friday. 

Lindsey Vonn 'not giving up' Alpine downhill, despite torn ACL

Any doubts that Lindsey Vonn would attack the opportunity to medal in the women's downhill despite suffering a torn ACL in her left knee during a training run were likely silenced by a video posted by the three-time Olympic medalist to social media on Thursday. 

Vonn showed footage of her doing barbell squats, agility drills, side lunges and box jumps while wearing a brace on her injured left knee. If she can handle that work, she can seemingly handle the rigors of the Alpine downhill skiing course, something that doctors have stated is very possible. 

“I’m not giving up, working as hard as I can to make it happen!" Vonn wrote in a caption with the video. "Thank you to my team and everyone for your incredible support. Keep believing.”

Vonn still has to complete a training run to qualify for the starting field in Sunday's downhill event. Weather has created an obstacle with heavy snow canceling Thursday's exercise. But opportunities could still be available Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. 

Finland women's ice hockey postpones opener due to norovirus outbreak

Elsewhere in women's ice hockey group play, Finland and Canada had their opening match postponed due to a norovirus outbreak among the Finnish team. After four sick players forced the team to cancel its Wednesday training session, 14 members of the team were ill on Thursday. Possible exposure to the virus warranted several players being placed into quarantine.

With only 10 available players for Finland and a risk of passing the virus to Canada's team, the International Ice Hockey Federation and the International Olympic Committee decided to postpone the game with Canada until Feb. 12. 

As mentioned above, Finland is scheduled to play the U.S. on Saturday, but it's not yet known whether enough Finnish players will be out of quarantine for the team to play. 

Team USA medals

Highlight of the day 

U.S. snowboarders Red Gerard and Jake Canter looked ready to compete for medals in the Big Air event, each landing backside 1800 jumps during qualifying rounds on Thursday. A backside 1800 involves five full 360-degree horizontal rotations, spinning in a backside direction. 

One more thing

Leading up to Friday's Opening Ceremony, the Olympic torch is making its way through Milan. Three-time snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White was among the athletes to carry the torch on Thursday.

White will next travel to Livigno to watch the snowboarding competition, which begins Saturday with the men's Big Air final.

Team Canada was set to play its opening game of the 2026 Olympic women's hockey tournament in Italy on Thursday. 

Their opponent, Team Finland, was not. 

Finland faced a norovirus outbreak that left 13 members of their roster, including their entire PWHL cohort, sick or quarantined.

The only option, rather than risking the health of Finland's remaining 10 players and potentially spreading the virus to Canada, was to postpone the opening game of the 2026 Olympics for both teams. Ensuring the safety of the players and staff involved is far more important than anything else.

Team USA and Czechia, the other top members of Group A in Milan, still got their feet wet on Thursday, with the U.S. winning 5-1 over Czechia. 

But Canada and Finland now have to wait until Saturday, Feb. 7, to open their tournaments.

Perhaps more important, however, is that their rescheduled game is now slated for Feb. 12, which means Canada and Finland will enter the quarterfinals with less rest than any other nation.

The Canadian roster was already pegged as the underdog versus the United States and has been criticized for being older and slower than hoped. The added physical and mental stress of a quick turnaround after the round-robin games and the reduced rest between the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games could prove costly, even if the decision to postpone was worthwhile.

"The decision was taken following consultations with medical professionals after cases of norovirus were identified within Team Finland," the IOC, IIHF and organizing committee said in a joint statement following the decision. 

"It was made collectively and in accordance with established health and safety principles, with the health and well-being of players, team staff, officials and all tournament participants as the highest priority. While all stakeholders recognize the disappointment of not playing the game as originally scheduled, this was a responsible and necessary decision that reflects the spirit of the Olympic Games and the integrity of the competition."

From 2010 To Present Day: Marie-Philip Poulin And Her Olympic Beginnings In VancouverAhead of her fifth Olympic games, Montreal Victoire and Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin scored once again in Vancouver against the PWHL's Goldeneyes, nearly 16 years after she scored Canada's gold-medal winning goal in 2010.

Canada's challenge now is likely less about when they start their tournament and more about when they'll now finish the round-robin portion of their Olympic tournament.

Czechia will wrap up their round-robin against Canada on Feb. 9, giving them four or five days of rest before their quarterfinal on either Feb. 13 or 14. The USA and Switzerland will play their final round-robin games, against Canada and Finland, respectively, on Feb. 10, guaranteeing each team three to four days' rest. 

Canada, however, will play their make up game one day before the quarterfinals begin.

There's no time for a full recovery if players are banged up, and given Canada's final two round-robin games are now against the USA and Finland, the risk of injury is high.

Canada's roster was constructed based on experience, with 12 players in their 30s. That includes Jocelyne Larocque (37), Natalie Spooner (35), Marie-Philip Poulin (34), and Brianne Jenner (34). 

The 31-year-old Sarah Nurse, meanwhile, has dealt with an injury this season, causing missed time. 

Nurse is not alone on Canada's roster in dealing with serious injury over the last year. That list also includes Ann-Renee Desbiens, Emerance Maschmeyer, Emily Clark, Renata Fast and Spooner.

Italy Opens 2026 Olympics With Women's Hockey Win In Front Of Packed Crowd Of 9,356The hosts, Italy, were dominant in their opening game of the 2026 Olympic women's hockey tournament outplaying, outshooting, and outscoring France for an important win.

While the disruption is not ideal, it's also not new. 

Canada's national program has dealt with disruptions in the past, including a delayed game against Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic due to late test results. This, however, is the first time a game has been pushed so close to the medal round for Canada.

The recipe is there for things to go terribly wrong for Canada, with their margin for rest and recuperation now erased. 

Conversely, Canada could use the extra time to iron out their systems and prepare as a team, a luxury PWHL-heavy teams did not have. How they use the time, and how the shorter period between the round-robin and elimination games plays out, are yet to be seen, but Canadian fans will be closely following the action.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Charles Bediako has a new and notable adversary in his ongoing fight to retain his college eligibility and continue to compete for the Alabama men’s basketball team.

In an NCAA affidavit filed on Thursday, Feb. 5 in Tuscaloosa County (Alabama) Circuit Court, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey asked the court to side with the NCAA’s eligibility rules and rule against Bediako.

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes,” Sankey wrote in the affidavit.

REQUIRED READING: As Alabama loses with Charles Bediako, it reeks of desperation

After playing 82 games across three seasons in the G League, Bediako, who played for Alabama from 2021-23, was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA on Jan. 21 by Judge James Roberts Jr. that made him immediately eligible.

Since his legal victory, Bediako has played in four games for the Crimson Tide, averaging 9.5 points, five rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Alabama has gone 2-2 in those games, dropping them from the top 25 of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Roberts, an Alabama donor, has since recused himself from Bediako’s eligibility case. Bediako’s next hearing is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, one day before the Crimson Tide play on the road against archrival Auburn. The hearing will be heard by Judge Daniel Pruet.

The NCAA is arguing that Bediako’s multiple professional contracts he signed since leaving Alabama after the 2022-23 season make him ineligible to return to the sport, according to the organization’s longstanding eligibility rules.

REQUIRED READING: March Madness bracketology: Houston, Florida rise in NCAA tournament

Sankey agrees with the NCAA’s stance, writing in the affidavit that the rules are “grounded in the principle that college athletics are reserved for current college athletes who are actively pursuing a degree while also participating in college sports and for future college athletes who seek to benefit from the unique educational, athletic, and leadership opportunities provided through college sports.”

Sankey added that granting Bediako eligibility could “open the door to undermining fundamental principles.”

Bediako’s return to college basketball comes during a period of substantial and rapid change in the sport. The 7-footer is one of several former G League players who have been added to a college roster for this season, though Bediako’s the only one who previously played on a Division I team. Former European professional players have joined teams across the country, as well.

In a message posted on social media, Darren Heitner, one of Bediako's representatives, said the NCAA has contradicted its own rules by granting eligibility to players like Santa Clara's Thierry Darlan and BYU's Abdullah Ahmed, both of whom played in the G League, and Baylor's James Nnaji, who played professionally in Europe and was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2023 NBA Draft.

"These waivers demonstrate selective enforcement, undermining Sankey's assertion that inconsistent application fuels disruption," Heitner wrote. "Courts in similar cases have highlighted such inconsistencies as evidence of arbitrary decision-making. Also, Sankey's reliance on outdated principles of amateurism and academic integration is not aligned with the current realities of college athletes and the proliferation of NIL deals."

Heitner added that the affidavit is "littered with conclusory statements that are not tied to specific facts or data."

Greg Sankey's emphasis on the need for consistent application of eligibility rules to avoid disruption in college sports is contradicted by the NCAA's own recent practices.

As evidenced by multiple eligibility grants, the NCAA has waived similar rules for former professional… https://t.co/J9heRpP8JN

— Darren Heitner (@heitner) February 5, 2026

Bediako has become a source of perpetual controversy since his first game back. Several high-profile coaches have blasted the development, including Michigan State's Tom Izzo, who described it as "utterly ridiculous." During a 100-77 loss at reigning national champion Florida, Gators fans chanted "G League dropout" at him throughout the game.

Sankey’s input to the Bediako case comes as several of his conference’s schools are engaged in high-profile eligibility battles, including Mississippi (with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss) and Tennessee (with quarterback Joey Aguilar).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC commissioner Greg Sankey sides with NCAA in Charles Bediako eligibility case

LOS ANGELES -- The Philadelphia 76ers took the floor at Crypto.com Arena for shootaround on Thursday morning, missing a certain young guard on their roster.

Jared McCain was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday afternoon as the Sixers decided to go in a different direction for the future. The second-year guard got off to a slow start as he was working his way back from a serious meniscus injury in his rookie season along with a torn UCL in his right thumb, but he worked hard to get his 3-point shooting percentage back up to 37.8% following a hot stretch shooting the ball.

Sixers Wire talked with 11-year veteran Kelly Oubre Jr. about the McCain move as he opened up on his feelings about the team moving the young guard.

"It sucks," a somber Oubre said. "A trade like that—the business side of basketball sucks. He’s my little brother. He’s everybody’s brother here. It’s bittersweet, man, because you see, he has a lot to grow, and he has a lot of potential to be able to do what he did and showed last year, but he hasn’t been able to find that groove. He was starting to find it and now, he’s on a different team. He’s in a good situation so I’m happy for him."

McCain, 21, will now join a Thunder team that has a lot of players similar in age to him. He will be joining a team that is looking to add to their trophy case after winning the title in 2025 and he has a skill that OKC needs: shooting. It is a good situation for him.

"I really pray that he’s able to find his footing and fit in with those guys over there and join what they got because he is an electric individual off the court," Oubre added. "Just a great person, a great human being, so you wanna see him succeed."

Oubre, a great individual for a team's locker room, was fond of McCain. The two had a good relationship and it can hurt for a veteran like Oubre who watched McCain grow in his year and a half in the league as he now moves on to the Thunder.

With that being said, the Sixers now must move on.

"It’s bittersweet, man, but at the end of the day, we got a game today (Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers)," Oubre finished. "I don’t worry about him finding his groove over there because that’s a young team, they’re all fashionable, they’re all swaggy, so he fits right in with that."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Kelly Oubre Jr. gives his feelings on Sixers trading Jared McCain

Manchester United youngster Jacob Devaney has identified a first-team player he wants to follow in the footsteps of, following his impressive debut for St Mirren.

Devaney’s debut

Devaney secured the first loan spell of his career in the closing stages of the winter transfer window as he sealed a move to St Mirren.

Having impressed in United’s youth ranks, it was deemed that the next logical step in Devaney’s development was to have regular first-team minutes in a competitive environment, hence the club sanctioned a temporary switch to the Scottish Premiership outfit.

Devaney made his debut on Tuesday as St Mirren beat Hearts 1-0.

Having completed his move just one day prior, Devaney was thrust into the starting lineup and played a crucial part in the win. He was instantly given responsibility for set-pieces and provoked a sending-off against the league leaders.

The midfielder managed a pass accuracy of 78%, fired one shot and touched the ball 50 times. He also completed five carries.

Devaney was also brilliant defensively, winning six of the nine ground duels he delved into. He made three clearances and four recoveries before being taken off after 70 minutes.

By all accounts, it was a memorable debut and it appears the 18-year-old has big dreams. He spoke to journalists and revealed that he wants to emulate Kobbie Mainoo, who is now seen as one of the staple players at United.

Devaney’s ambition

Devaney said when asked who he admired as United[as quoted by the Manchester Evening News], “In my position, Kobbie Mainoo is a great one to look up to. He’s done what I want to do, which is go through the academy.”

“My journey might look a bit different to his in coming here, going back and trying to break through. I like to think I back myself. I backed myself here to go in, do well and perform. I feel like I have that confidence to go on and push through. I’ve grown up a United fan so it would definitely be a dream to play for them.”

“Even with the youth teams and Under-21s we get the chance to play at Old Trafford, which is something not many people can say they’ve done. Hopefully I can go on and do it in front of 75,000.”

Devaney revealed Darren Fletcher’s role in his development.

“I’ve worked with Darren. He came in when I was with the Under-14s or Under-15s. The career he has had at United has been amazing. Everyone speaks so highly of him in terms of his footballing ability. Again, with his coaching, we did position-specific sessions with him.”

“He’s a great coach to have around the building for me. Because the move happened so quickly, it was hard to ask about, but I’m sure if I did, he would have recommended it.”

“But John McGinn is a prime example of what is achievable here. He has gone on to Aston Villa and done great things and hopefully I can do similar.”

Devaney said about his debut, “This is the reason I came to St Mirren. I want to challenge myself at this level and improve my all-round game. I’m really proud and hopefully I can bring this into the rest of the season. It’s a lot different playing here compared to playing in front of little crowds or no crowd at all.”

“The football is different but I’ve had experience of it in the EFL Trophy games. I really enjoyed the challenge and hopefully I can kick on from now. United told me they just want me to get used to the style of football. I’m used to very possession-based football.”

He added, “Going into games, we might try and dominate the ball but there may be times where we have to concede having the ball. They just told me to enjoy the challenge and bring the things that I’ve learned back in the summer, and I’ll be a better player for it.”

“The last two days before the game have been long! I was up at five o’clock on Monday morning driving up. I think that’s why I was cramping up before I came off. I’ve really enjoyed it and everyone has been very welcoming towards me. It’s a great set of lads.”

St Mirren return to action on Friday when they face Airdrieonians FC in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is a target for Juventus, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has a release clause in his Al-Nassr contract and Napoli are set to hold talks to extend Scott McTominay's contract.

Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, 25, is Serie A side Juventus' top transfer target for the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Barcelona are considering offering 37-year-old Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, whose deal with them runs out in the summer, a contract extension for another season but on reduced wages. (ESPN)

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is in doubt and the 41-year-old has a £44m release clause in his contract with the Saudi Pro League club. (Athletic - subscription required)

Scotland international Scott McTominay and Napoli are set to hold talks about extending the 29-year-old's contract beyond 2028, with the Serie A club keen to secure the midfielder to a new deal until 2030. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Colombia striker Jhon Duran, 22, is set to join Zenit St Petersburg on loan after ending his season-long stint at Fenerbahce from Al-Nassr.(Talksport)

Feyenoord are among the clubs to have explored a move for England forward Jesse Lingard, who is available on a free transfer after leaving FC Seoul. The 33-year-old's former Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie is in charge of the Dutch club. (Mail)

Leeds United are reportedly targeting a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. It is understood Daniel Farke has been underwhelmed by Brazilian signing Lucas Perri, 28, who arrived at Elland Road in July 2025 for £13.9m. (Teamtalk)

Tottenham's 22-year-old Argentine striker Alejo Veliz, who is on loan at Rosario Central, is set to join Brazilian club Bahia in the summer in a deal worth 9m euros (£7.8m) plus add-ons. (Fabrizio Romano)

Atletico Madrid showed an interest in Spain's 23-year-old attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga in the last couple of days of the winter transfer window but Porto rejected the La Liga club's approach. (Fabrizio Romano)

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Several people have accused a former NBA player and Atlanta Hawks assistant coach persuaded them to invest thousands of dollars by promising large returns, only to leave them unpaid, according to a Channel 2 Action News investigation.

The alleged victims told Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln that Tyrone Hill approached them in social settings and pitched investment opportunities that ultimately failed to pay out. Multiple victims say their combined losses exceed $1 million.

Lincoln spoke with several victims and their attorneys who say Hill lured them in with the promise of “‘generational wealth,’ only to leave them with nothing.”

Several victims said Hill initiated contact at restaurants, lounges or cigar clubs before proposing investments.

“I sat down, had a drink, and we started talking about investments,” said Katrina Stuart, one of the alleged victims.

Ashley Madison said Hill told him he owned a company that serviced airports and encouraged him to invest. Madison said he loaned Hill $35,000 to help manage Hill’s grease trap business, EMC Clean Energy LLC, which had been contracted by the city of Atlanta to service restaurants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Madison said the money has not been repaid.

“As a grown man, he asked me to look in a bank account for money he knew he hadn’t sent,” Madison said.

Stuart said she invested $10,000 after Hill promised a return of $16,000 within six months. She said the money never arrived and that she later confronted Hill at a warehouse in Forest Park. Stuart said a business partner eventually returned $5,000.

“I just want my money, what he owes me,” Stuart said.

Two women who said they invested the largest amounts asked Channel 2 not to identify them. One filed a lawsuit after Hill allegedly failed to return more than $80,000 from her father’s inheritance. The other said she and a business partner invested more than $1 million and were repaid only $30,000.

Court records reviewed by Channel 2 show at least one woman sued Hill for more than $1 million. Her attorney said Hill has paid only a fraction of what he owes.

Another alleged victim said Hill has faced multiple civil lawsuits.

“At that point, you’re just getting in line,” one woman said.

Hill denied intentionally deceiving investors when reached by phone.

“I’m not trying to deceive anyone,” Hill said. “If things work out, I would pay them.”

Hill also said his company is legitimate and told Channel 2 that disputes over unpaid investments should be handled in court.

His attorney sent Channel 2 a statement:

“This matter involves private business disputes that are being addressed through the appropriate legal channels. On advice of counsel, Davis Law Group-Trial Attorneys, Mr. Hill will not be providing any further comment or interviews at this time.”

City officials told Channel 2 that in 2025 Hill, through one of his companies, was removed as a subcontractor from an airport project for improper disposal of grease.

Legal experts say cases like this are often handled as civil matters unless prosecutors can prove intent to defraud, meaning the individual never planned to repay the money. Victims told Channel 2 they hope speaking publicly will draw the attention of law enforcement.

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Indiana men’s basketball did itself a pair of huge favors last week, with a home win over Purdue followed by a road win at UCLA, the first Quad 1 wins of the season for the Hoosiers. There was a chance for a third Tuesday night at USC, but the loss means that Indiana is stuck with just those two wins in the first quadrant for now.

With a shocking win over Michigan State, Minnesota’s NET ranking improved so that Indiana’s loss there is now a Quad 1 loss, leaving the Hoosiers 1-0 in Quad 2 games, but 2-8 in Quad 1 likely won’t cut it come March.

The Hoosiers have eight games left to improve their tournament resume, mainly lacking wins against quality opponents. There are four Quad 1 wins left on the schedule as of now, with two of those being major uphill battles on the road at Illinois and Purdue.

Which brings us to Saturday against Wisconsin, the first of Indiana’s two remaining home games against Quad 1 teams.

Following the loss to USC, Bart Torvik gives Indiana an 89.1% chance to make the NCAA Tournament, likely landing either an eight or nine seed. This assumes the Hoosiers finish out the way Torvik predicts them to, which means winning out at home to finish 11-9 in conference play.

On the other hand, KenPom has Indiana finishing 10-10 in conference play, losing a home game to Michigan State, the other Quad 1 home game left on the schedule. The two models disagree as to the result of that MSU game, but both agree that Wisconsin is the easier of the two remaining Quad 1 games.

If Indiana drops the game against Wisconsin, the Hoosiers likely need to win one of their road games at Purdue or Illinois AND the home game against MSU to feel good on Selection Sunday. That’s also likely the only route back to .500 in conference play, assuming Indiana doesn’t drop one of the easier games left on the slate.

Finishing 10-10 in conference play wouldn’t necessarily doom Indiana to the NIT or the Crown, but it would heighten the pressure of the Big Ten Tournament, an event Indiana has never performed well in.

In normal circumstances, a coach would get a pass for missing the NCAA Tournament in his first year, but, as we’ve pointed out, this is a roster built to win now.

No matter what happens, Darian DeVries is going to have to replace a significant portion of this roster and the large majority of his offensive production. Getting to the NCAA Tournament would serve as an important proof of concept for players in the high school and college ranks that this staff pursues going forward.

Have any thoughts on how important this game is? What about the first season under Darian DeVries in general? Share them below:

Fiorentina gets a chance to snap a 3-game skid when it hosts Torino. The Granata snapped a 4-game skid of its own last week with a close-fought win over Lecce before washing out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. That means the Viola have a rest advantage over their visitors, which of course won’t mean anything if they continue soiling their shorts every weekend. Speaking of which, the reverse fixture ended scoreless after Moise Kean turned in the clubhouse leader for Serie A’s Miss of the Season and gave us our first indication that this year would be cursed.

The match will be played on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at 19:45 GMT/2:45 PM EST at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in beautiful Firenze. There’s currently a severe rain watch on for Tuscany but the skies should be mostly finished dumping their contents by Saturday, although there’ll likely be some intermittent drizzle to ensure the playing surface is fully soaked.

Three things to watch for

1. Set piece struggles cut both ways

I’ve written time and again about Fiorentina’s struggles to defend dead balls this year. David de Gea stays glued to his line at all times and only Robin Gosens is above-average in the air for his position; every other player in the squad struggles to defend high balls. That shortcoming, combined with a physically small roster, means that every opponent is licking its lips whenever it wins a corner or a free kick in the Viola half.

Except, perhaps, for Torino. In a stunning display of set piece futility, il Toro has scored just twice from dead balls (excluding penalties, obviously). That’s fewer than everyone in Serie A, even with Lazio (huh?) and Hellas Verona. It’s not just a statistical quirk, from what I can tell. Torino’s also got an aerially-unimpressive squad despite playing 3 at the back. Marco Baroni could look to get more size in his XI to take advantage of Fiorentina’s obvious shortcomings here but I’m expecting a true battle of futility whenever Andrea Colombo blows the whistle.

2. Torino’s skeleton crew

Torino’s missing something like 12 first team players and is heading into its 3rd game in 7 days. Baroni’s got a fine head of hair but you fear for it a bit as he tries to figure out how to create a lineup. Given his tactical proclivities and the situation, Torino will probably focus on the defensive side of their game first and foremost, sitting deep and attempting to frustrate their hosts while relying more on individual skill from Duván Zapata and Sandro Kulenović up front.

That’s the best way to beat Fiorentina right now, of course. Despite scoring in 3 straight games, the Viola have scored 2+ goals just twice in Serie A this year. Designed (poorly) to hit on the break, they lack the on-ball creativity to solve deep blocks. Albert Guðmundsson slithers in and mostly out of games, Nicolò Fagioli is shackled to a deeper role, and everybody else is a blunt instrument rather than a flickering poniard.

Paolo Vanoli should have Moise Kean ready to start for the first time in a month but the striker will be rusty and is at his best attacking space over the top. My guess is that he’ll deploy his mezzale as box crashers and place the burden of actually breaking Torino down on his wide players. If Torino can push everything down the wings and turn Fiorentina into a crossing team, Baroni will feel he’s obtained a tactical victory. It’s on Vanoli and his players to find an avenue through the middle as well.

3. The fabled front 5

Now that Kean’s back, Vanoli can trot out an XI featuring his 5 most attacking players: Moise up front, Guðmundsson and Manor Solomon on the wings, and Marco Brescianini and Giovanni Fabbian as the mezzale getting forward. In theory, that’s an interesting approach. Solomon can hold the width on the right and combine with Dodô as Kean, Brescianini, and Fabbian provide 3 big targets in the box. On the left, Guðmundsson can drift around and thread balls through to the midfield runners.

In practice, I doubt it’s so simple. For one thing, none of these players has been all that good of late, and the best-laid schemes collapse if the players aren’t good. For another, Torino will, as mentioned earlier, welcome a series of crosses into a packed penalty box if it means denying space in behind and between the lines. Finally, these are all dribblers or off-ball runners rather than passers, maybe excepting Guðmundsson (and what he does best remains a mystery). I don’t think these pieces complement each other and anticipate a lot of kludginess.

Possible lineups

Ted’s Memorial Blind Guess Department

The bookies favor Fiorentina pretty strongly, considering that this is the 3rd-worst team in Serie A, has lost 3 straight, and has taken just 1 more game at home than on the road. To that latter point, the Franchi’s reduced capacity and the team’s own haplessness have squelched the match-day atmosphere. Torino’s been fairly bad on the road too but the bigger problem is all the absences. Quite frankly, though, this looks like a low-scoring draw to me. It’s two bad teams dealing with all kinds of internal problems.

Because of the curse, though, I’ll take Fiorentina to snap its skid and come out with a 2-1 win behind a brace from Kean to exorcise his demons from that first meeting. Picking a Torino scorer is trickier with both Cristiano Biraghi and Giovanni Simeone doubtful but I’ll say it’s Zapata bullying Marin Pongračić to turn home a cross. I’m also expecting a slow, sloppy game, both due to the weather and the relative form of these clubs, with a lot of unpleasant passages of play. Should be uh not fun.

Forza Viola!

A recent update in The Athletic has claimed that Alexis Mac Allister was well-liked by Real Madrid during Carlo Ancelotti's reign and that he could become an option for the Spanish side again as signing a midfielder will be a priority for them in the summer.

Liverpool may be open to selling their Argentine midfielder. Mac Allister has been a brilliant player but it feels like he suits the intensity of the Premier League and Arne Slot's system the least of the current midfield options.

So, letting him go for an alternative would make sense. The only question then becomes on what terms would Liverpool be willing to let him go? And are those terms something Real Madrid would be prepared to pay?

Or there's an alternative solution. There's a world in which the two sides could very well complete a sensational swap deal involving one of Real Madrid's own stars.

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti named the date of Indiana’s upcoming 2026 spring game during an appearance on The Triple Option podcast hosted by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II and Rob Stone.

The Hoosiers’ spring game will take place on Thursday, April 23, the same week of the annual Little 500 races in Bloomington. The format will be similar to the past years, Cignetti added. This year will offer fans a look at new pieces like quarterback Josh Hoover, running back Turbo Richard and cornerback AJ Harris, among others.

The program’s annual spring game made a return under Cignetti in 2024 after it became a scrimmage in 2023. Indiana played spring games in 2024 and 2025 under Cignetti. Fans flocked to this past season’s spring game following the successes of

Unlike past seasons, there will be no spring transfer portal window. Indiana has made key additions during that period in the past, such as signing defensive tackle CJ West in 2024.

Do you plan on attending Indiana’s spring game? Any suggestions for ways to entertain fans? Thoughts on rally towel designs? What about the elimination of the spring transfer portal window? Share them below, and sign up to join the conversation:

Throughout the season, the New England Patriots offensive line has gone out to dinner every Thursday night.

Despite the team spending the week on the road in California as prep for Super Bowl LX continued, they were not going to let a tradition die.

On Wednesday night before families arrived into town from home, the group took their final trip of the season — which included some new guests such as Drake Maye, Hunter Henry, TreVeyon Henderson and more.

“Favorite part of this week is just being with teammates, just being in the hotel for a week, getting to experience a lot of time. We had the O-line dinner last night, and it’s an experience,” Maye said. “You feel like you’re kind of living with your best friends again in college, in training camp, back in high school. You feel like you’re just around your teammates 24-7. It’s something that makes the experience just more special.”

The dinner of choice was Mastro’s Steakhouse in Santa Clara. A high-quality selection of steaks — that included a $200 tomahawk steak and a highly reviewed A5 Wagyu — made it’s way to the table in their private room. One lineman joked he didn’t even want to look at the bill, which is usually paid by a different player each week. Last night’s tab payer remained a mystery.

The group also made sure to get their usual order of Shirley Temples — the only mandatory purchase for each person in attendance in a tradition that started after a dinner at Kosmos, a Greek restaurant in Walpole, ahead of Week 2.

One lineman estimated roughly 50 were purchased last night.

“It was pretty absurd,” center Garrett Bradbury said. “It’s the same routine. We sit down, look at the menu. We get five appetizers of everything on the menu. We get 18 Shirley temples. It was awesome, one of the better dinners we had this year. I think the guys really enjoyed it.”

A seven-year veteran, Bradbury was the one who had initiated the dinners for the unit to bond and build camaraderie together away from the field. It has helped translate to success on it for a unit that featured four new starters.

“I give praise to Garrett Bradberry, first of all,” right tackle Morgan Moses said. “He leads us. He’s our center. We believe in him. He keeps us going and the bond that we build in this offensive line is undeniable. You can see how we talk to one another, how we cheer each other on, how when one guy’s missing for a game, another guy steps in and he feels like he’s a part of this because he worked his ass off to be here. 

“And that’s what it’s about. That’s what it’s about is being brothers and just sticking together.”

On Wednesday night, the fun included the veterans leading some light hazing as rookies were forced to perform their college fight songs. Some players drew better reviews than others.

As the group now turns attention back to football, they hope to end things off with a Super Bowl championship Sunday night. 

“I don’t want the year to end,” rookie left guard Jared Wilson said. “Man, this group is just — I’m a rookie in the NFL, I don’t know how it is every other place, it’s my first year, but if this is what it’s like this is lovely with these guys.”

Repetition is the root of commonality, but there was actually a time when the Dodgers weren’t seen as the prohibitive favorites heading into every playoff series. The stage was quite different back in 2013. Largely propelled by first-year impactful performances from Yasiel Puig and Zack Greinke, a Dodgers squad without the depth we’ve grown accustomed to returned to the postseason for the first time in four years to play a 96-win Braves team. After a playoff hiatus towards the end of the Brian Cox tenure, Atlanta was making the postseason for the third time in the last four years and was the more experienced team.

One big advantage the Dodgers had over the Braves in that particular series was in the form of high-end starting pitching. While Atlanta had a very successful campaign with the likes of Julio Teheran, Mike Minor, and Kris Medlen — the latter faced Clayton Kershaw in Game 1. Los Angeles had two established aces and a number three in Hyun Jin-Ryu that rivaled any team in that period. Now, the depth after those three was very shaky, which led Kershaw to start Game 4 on short rest even though Los Angeles had the lead in the series, but that’s getting ahead of ourselves.

Back then, when pitchers still hit, the Braves only trailed the Rockies in slugging percentage among National League teams, finishing the year at .402. Those numbers were a bit worse against southpaws, which made sense given how lefty-heavy that Braves team was at the top, with the likes of Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, and Brian McCann.

On the road, against a tough opponent, and at the height of his powers, coming off what would be crowned his second Cy Young win in the last three years, Kershaw dominated in a manner that we don’t even see from the aces these days, pushed well beyond the currently acceptable levels, finishing his outing with a whopping 124 pitches.

Setting the tone early, Kershaw finished the opening frame with bookend strikeouts against Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, utilizing that patented down-and-away slider to lefties to punch out Heyward and then blowing a heater by Freeman. Back then, the Kershaw had an easy 95-mph heater he could turn to, something he had to adapt to being without for the second half of his career.

Scoring in every inning between the second and fourth, the Dodgers took a commanding 5-0 lead that felt insurmountable with Kershaw on the mound, particularly with a couple of shutdown frames in the second and third. Trailing 5-1, the Braves had an opportunity to get back into things with Andrelton Simmons up, two on and two out, but once again, that slider bailed him out. Kershaw threw a down-and-in breaking ball to the Braves’ shortstop, who couldn’t help but swing on top of it, thus ending the threat.

Kershaw would leave that game with 12 punchouts, which would remain his career high in the postseason for many years until a marvelous eight-inning performance against the Brewers in 2020, in which he recorded 13 Ks, eventually helping the Dodgers win their first championship that year.

Starting a trend that would remain for the better part of Kershaw’s prime, the Dodgers’ ace was called upon to pitch on three days rest in Game 4 of this series, as the Dodgers hoped to avoid having to go back to Atlanta for a Game 5. Holding his own as he would routinely do in such instances, Kershaw tossed six strong with two unearned runs in a game ultimately decided in the late innings by a Juan Uribe go-ahead homer.

That Dodgers team faltered in the NLCS, but for where it was in its contention window, it had a decent run, and if it even got as far as the NLCS, it owed a lot of it to Kershaw, who played a humongous role in this series against an equally strong Braves team.

Men's Six Nations

France (22) 36

Tries: Bielle-Biarrey 2, Jalibert, Ollivon, Attissogbe Cons: Ramos 4 Pen: Ramos

Ireland (0) 14

Tries: Timoney, Milne Cons: Prendergast 2

Ruthless France inflicted more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders opened their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France.

Having crushed Ireland's title hopes in emphatic fashion in Dublin last year, Les Bleus - with returning captain Antoine Dupont pulling the strings - roared into a 22-0 half-time lead following a one-sided first half that was not without controversy.

France's first try was scored by the electric Louis Bielle-Biarrey, but only after what appeared to be a forward pass in the build-up.

Matthieu Jalibert and Charles Ollivon also crossed in the first half before 2025 top try-scorer Bielle-Biarrey's second secured France's bonus point seven minutes after the interval.

At that point, France looked poised to surpass the 42 points they managed in Dublin last year, but Ireland refused to give in and narrowed the deficit with tries from replacement forwards Nick Timoney and Michael Milne.

The hosts, however, had the final word when Theo Attissogbe capped a thoroughly satisfying evening for the tournament favourites.

The Irish leave the French capital bruised and empty-handed and must regroup in time to face Italy in Dublin on 14 February, with France travelling to Wales the following day.

• Ireland well beaten by France to start Six Nations - reaction

France blow Ireland away in first half

With an extensive injury list, this was always going to be a big ask for Ireland.

Severely depleted at both prop positions and without potential gamebreakers like Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen, Farrell's hand was weakened before he brought his squad back to the scene of their agonising World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand in 2023.

But even if Ireland feel hard done by calls that did not go their way, there is no question that they were simply outplayed at times by a scintillating French outfit driven on by a delighted Parisian crowd.

While Ollivon's knock-on denied France a second-minute try, Bordeaux speedster Bielle-Biarrey beat Jamison Gibson-Park, rode Sam Prendergast's tap tackle and ghosted past Jacob Stockdale to finish a move that featured a suspected forward pass from Nicolas Depoortere to Yoram Moefana.

The high-intensity, unstructured nature of the game suited France's fleet-footed backline, but it was an Irish defensive lapse that led to the home side's second.

After Jamie Osborne was forced to dot the ball down in the Irish in-goal area and concede a scrum, Dupont - making his Test return after suffering a serious knee injury against Ireland last year - popped the ball to Jalibert for the fly-half to mark his first international appearance since last year's Six Nations with a well-taken try.

With Ireland already on the ropes, Ollivon surged past Caelan Doris and slid across the whitewash to give the hosts a commanding halfway lead.

Ireland fight back in vain

When Bielle-Biarrey scampered clear for his second and France's fourth, Ireland looked on course to be on the end of one of their heaviest defeats.

But a gutsy second-half display that echoed November's chaotic defeat by South Africa allowed them to at least get a few scores on the board, with Timoney finishing after a linebreak from his Ulster team-mate Stuart McCloskey.

Then replacement tight-head prop Milne marked his Six Nations debut when he burrowed over after another McCloskey surge.

A third Irish try would have stirred French nerves, but while Farrell's side applied pressure, France's defence stood firm, allowing their backs to finish with a flourish as Attissogbe crossed in the corner to cap a fine French performance and complete a miserable Stade de France return for Ireland.

Without established Test veterans Uini Atonio, Gregory Alldritt, Damian Penaud and Gael Fickou, this was a glimpse into France's destructive potential.

For Ireland, however, they face into a difficult week following their autumn losses to New Zealand and South Africa with another humbling reverse against a fellow member of the world's top five.

Line-ups

France: Ramos; Attissogbe, Depoortere, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Marchand, Aldegheri, Ollivon, Guillard, Cros, Jegou, Jelonch.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Montagne, Auradou, Meafou, Nouchi, Serin, Gourgues.

Ireland: Osborne; O'Brien, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Beirne, C Prendergast, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley.

Match officials

Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)

Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Jordan Way (Aus)

Television match official: Ian Tempest (Eng)

Foul play review officer: Richard Kelly (NZ)

Juventus' 2025/2026 Coppa Italia run has ended in the quarterfinals, with the hosts advancing in Bergamo.

MATCH REPORT

Juventus approached the match with character and intensity, taking control of the game from the start. The first real chance came from the right wing after 15 minutes: Conceicao delivered a powerful cross into the box aiming for a well timed David run but he was unable to convert the chance. Conceicao was once again showing signs of danger shortly after, aggressively progressing with the ball and finding himself one-on-one with Carnesecchi, who saved his shot very well. The Portuguese winger didn't stop there, trying again in the 20th minute, cutting back with his left foot before letting off a powerful shot that crashed against the crossbar. During Juventus's strongest section of the match, Atalanta managed to find the net in the 27th minute with a penalty from Scamacca. The Bianconeri responded immediately: first, Bremer rose in the box following an attacking move, but his header went just wide; Then, following a corner, McKennie was found by David in the box, but the Nerazzurri defense managed to close down the ball just as he was about to shoot. Half-time ended with the home team leading 1-0.

Spalletti's team dominated the first quarter of an hour, maintaining possession. There was a potential great chance for David, but Kalulu's pass into the box was blocked at the last moment. Midway through the second half, Cambiaso created a fine chance for David in the box: the striker laid it off to McKennie, who quickly turned with his left foot, but his shot went just wide of the post. Boga, making his Juventus debut, immediately got into the thick of things and played a perfect pass from the three-quarter line to Kelly, who took his time in the box but failed to direct his header on target. Another clear chance came from the left, with Boga using his powerful acceleration to beat his man before sending an inviting ball into the six-yard box: McKennie attacked the space, but was unable to find the decisive touch just meters from the goal line. In the final minutes, the Bianconeri pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Atalanta counterattacked and scored two goals through Sulemana and Pasalic, sealing the result and ending the Italian Cup run for the Bianconeri.

Gallery | Coppa Italia | Atalanta-Juventus

Last September, former AEW International Champion Will Ospreay underwent successful neck surgery after an MRI revealed that he had two herniated discs. This week on "AEW Dynamite," fans saw Ospreay resurface in a video package proclaiming that he was focused on rebuilding himself physically so he could repay them for their support. According to Dave Meltzer of "Wrestling Observer Radio," that still doesn't mean that "The Aerial Assassin" will be imminently returning to action.

"He ain't coming back anytime soon," Meltzer said. "The last I heard, he was going to start very light training this month, but I mean, it's a long way away. He had major surgery. I know everyone thinks that that means he's going to be back for All In, and I know that that's certainly [the goal]. I don't know if he will or he won't. I know it's the goal. It still feels too quick, but I'm sure that's the goal."

Two weeks ago, reports indicated that Ospreay traveled to Orlando, Florida to get checked out by AEW's medical team backstage at "Dynamite." At the time, it was noted that this meeting merely marked the start of the process for his potential AEW return, though it did signal good news for those that expected him to be sidelined for a full year.

Ospreay last wrestled at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, which emanated from his home country of England on August 24. There, he and several other beloved babyfaces enjoyed a Lights Out Steel Cage match victory over The Young Bucks, Gabe Kidd, Jon Moxley, and Claudio Castagnoli. To write Ospreay off of television, Castagnoli and Moxley then wrapped a chair around his injured neck and stomped on it.

Read more: AEW Stars: Meet Their Spouses & Partners

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

Tonight is the NFL Honors. Where the NFL hands out it's annual awards. Among the awards presented tonight include MVP, Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Rookie of the Year.

As you might suspect, there are no current Raiders among the nominees for any of these awards. However, one of those awards has both a recent Raiders head coach as well as a soon-to-be head coach.

Among those nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year are Patriots OC Josh McDaniels and Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak.

McDaniels was the head coach for the Raiders for 25 games over the 2022-23 seasons before being fired. Then after a season out of football, he joined newly hired Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Kubiak recently interviewed for the Raiders head coach job and is expected to officially be hired as the new head coach in Las Vegas after the Super Bowl.

The two OC's are joined by three defensive coordinators -- Vic Fangio (Eagles), Brian Flores (Vikings), and Vance Joseph (Broncos) as this year's nominees.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: NFL Honors nominees features recent and future Raiders head coaches

PARIS (AP) — France began its Six Nations title defense with five tries and a bonus point after a dominant 36-14 win against Ireland on Thursday.

France scored a tournament-record 30 tries last year and a rout looked on the cards at a rainy Stade de France. France led 29-0 thanks to prolific left winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey's second try, but Ireland rallied with two second-half tries.

Bielle-Biarrey scored the first try in the 12th minute and recalled flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert got the second with just over 20 minutes played.

A slick move worthy of France's backs — but orchestrated at speed by three of its forwards — led to third scored by rampaging lock Charles Ollivon.

Although the opening exchanges were close enough, that was only until Bielle-Biarrey showed just why he was voted the tournament’s best player last year after scoring eight tries.

He broke two tackles down the left wing, including one that briefly dropped him onto his knees, before powering over.

Ramos converted that one but missed his next attempt after Jalibert had cut through a weak tackle from opposite number Sam Prendergast for his fourth international try, one year after a poor performance on his last appearance for France.

A Ramos penalty moved Les Tricolores 15-0 up, and the third try soon followed. Prop Jean-Baptiste Gros picked up a loose ball and passed to lock Mickaël Guillard, who offloaded to give Ollivon his 18th international try, converted by Ramos.

Ireland did not resist for long after the break.

Ramos set up Bielle-Biarrey for his second try with a soccer-style flick with the outside of his foot, sending the jet-heeled winger scampering into the left corner for his 22nd international try in just 23 tests.

Ireland finally got on the board with tries in quick succession from back-rower Nick Timoney and prop Michael Milne, who both came off the bench.

Prendergast's pass allowed center Stuart McCloskey to break the line and he offloaded for Timoney to score, and a strong driving maul allowed Milne to bulldoze over for his try.

Prendergast converted both.

Lock James Ryan flattened Jalibert with a spiteful challenge off the ball in the closing stages. Jalibert recovered and fed Théo Attissogbe in the right corner with seconds left for another converted try.

___

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

France will be out to defend their Six Nations crown as rugby’s annual spring spectacular returns.

Les Bleus pipped England and Ireland to last year’s title and started in style with a big win over Ireland, with Steve Borthwick taking his side to Paris on the final weekend in this year’s tournament.

The removal of one rest weekend has slightly condensed the campaign, which may serve to further underline the competitiveness of a competition that always seems to deliver.

Is this the year Scotland finally get over the hump despite some November struggles? Can Italy claim another statement win or two? And is there any hope for Wales amid questions on and off the field?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Six Nations 2026 schedule

(all times GMT)

Round One

Thursday 5 February: France 36-14 Ireland

Saturday 7 February: Italy vs Scotland (2.10pm, Rome)

Saturday 7 February: England vs Wales (4.40pm, Twickenham)

Round Two

Saturday 14 February: Ireland vs Italy (2.10pm, Dublin)

Saturday 14 February: Scotland vs England (4.40pm, Edinburgh)

Sunday 15 February: Wales vs France (3.10pm, Cardiff)

Round Three

Saturday 21 February: England vs Ireland (2.10pm, Twickenham)

Saturday 21 February: Wales vs Scotland (4.40pm, Cardiff)

Sunday 22 February: France vs Italy (3.10pm, Lille)

Round Four

Friday 6 March: Ireland vs Wales (8.10pm, Dublin)

Saturday 7 March: Scotland vs France (2.10pm, Edinburgh)

Saturday 7 March: Italy vs England (4.40pm, Rome)

Round Five

Saturday 14 March: Ireland vs Scotland (2.10pm, Dublin)

Saturday 14 March: Wales vs Italy (4.40pm, Cardiff)

Saturday 14 March: France vs England (8.10pm, Paris)

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch every match live on the BBC and ITV, who are in the first year of their a new joint agreement for the television rights. Live streams will be available via the BBC iPlayer and ITVX, and viewers can also watch some games on Premier Sports.

As the 2025/26 Premier League season enters its most critical phase, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are searching for any edge to climb their mini-leagues.

Gameweek 25 presents a unique landscape of high-stakes matchups and favorable fixture swings that could define your season.

Whether you are chasing a leader or defending your rank, selecting the best player pick for game week 25 requires a balance of current form and upcoming schedule difficulty.

In this guide, we break down the top assets to target—from Chelsea’s resurgent stars to Arsenal’s defensive stalwarts—to help you lock in those green arrows.

Robert Sanchez – Chelsea

Chelsea has an incredible run of fixtures starting in Gameweek 25, facing Wolves, Leeds, and Burnley.

Sanchez is guaranteed to start all three and has proven to be an elite shot-stopper recently.

Under new head coach Liam Rosenior, the Blues have looked far more solid defensively.

In addition to clean sheet potential, Sanchez is a prime candidate for save points and bonus points, making him a top-tier goalkeeper option among EPL GW-25 FPL player picks.

Gabriel Magalhaes – Arsenal

Arsenal’s defense remains the gold standard, and Gabriel is the jewel in that crown.

Facing Sunderland at home in GW25, followed by a confirmed Double Gameweek in GW26 against Brentford and Wolves, the Brazilian is an essential recruit.

Beyond clean sheet potential, his threat from set-pieces remains elite.

He is currently the highest-scoring defender in the game, averaging 7.2 points per match, making him a premier selection for both the immediate deadline and the long term.

Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

With the Double Gameweek in GW26 on the horizon, tripling up on Arsenal assets is a savvy move.

Timber has become an ever-present figure in the Gunners’ backline this calendar year and offers great potential going forward.

For GW25, Arsenal has a league-high 56% clean sheet probability against Sunderland. Timber ranks second among defenders for goal involvements recently, making him a fantastic value-add for your squad.

Trevoh Chalobah – Chelsea

Having racked up 15 points in his last three appearances, Chalobah is finding excellent form at the right time.

He offers a significant threat from set-pieces and sits in a Chelsea defense primed for clean sheets over the next three weeks.

If you are looking for a guaranteed 90-minute starter in a resurgent backline, Chalobah is a strong defensive player pick.

Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea

Arguably the most in-form midfielder in the league, Enzo Fernandez is currently leading all midfielders in expected non-penalty goal involvement (npxGI).

With Cole Palmer’s minutes being managed, Enzo has even seen an increase in his penalty share.

He is a standout among game week 25 player picks because Chelsea’s schedule is enticing; facing the league’s bottom-dwellers provides a massive ceiling for returns.

Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City

Fresh off a high-profile winter move to the champions, Semenyo has hit the ground running with goals against Wolves and Spurs.

He has quickly become a reliable part of Pep Guardiola’s rotation.

While a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool is a daunting task, Semenyo’s explosive pace and clinical finishing make him a threat against any high line. If any City player is likely to exploit the champions, he is the man.

Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

With 12 points in his last three appearances, Morgan Rogers is finding his stride.

Villa’s upcoming schedule is highly promising, featuring a trip to Bournemouth followed by home games against Brighton and Leeds.

Bournemouth’s defense currently ranks in the top four for goals conceded this season, making Rogers a high-potential differential among your EPL GW-25 FPL player picks.

Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Since Michael Carrick’s appointment, Bruno has been involved in 50% of United’s goals, playing in a more advanced role.

In GW25, United faces a shaky Spurs defense that is currently dealing with an injury crisis.

Bruno is a bonus point magnet and the team’s primary set-piece taker. He isn’t just a top pick; he is a premier captaincy candidate for this weekend.

Declan Rice – Arsenal

As the third piece of an Arsenal triple-up, Declan Rice offers security and points at both ends of the pitch.

With Bukayo Saka currently an injury doubt, Rice’s role on corners and free-kicks becomes even more vital.

He is a “safe” pick who is guaranteed minutes in both games of the upcoming Double Gameweek 26.

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham

Bowen remains the focal point for a West Ham side desperate to climb the table.

He faces a Burnley side that has struggled significantly with goals conceded lately.

As the primary penalty taker and a rare attacker who earns “defensive contribution” points, the West Ham talisman is a sturdy and reliable option to round out your midfield.

Joao Pedro – Chelsea

The Brazilian attacker has been sensational, amassing 30 points over his last three appearances.

Following a clinical brace in Europe and consistent returns in the league, he is easily the best player pick for game week 25 for those seeking a reliable forward.

With Chelsea’s favorable fixtures continuing, he is a “set and forget” asset for the foreseeable future.

Do you have a transfer dilemma? Comment below with your current lineup, and I’ll help you decide on the best move to help you rate my FPL GW-25 team like a pro!

As a result of her legendary women's college basketball head coaching career and work as a color analyst for the Big Ten Network and NBC/Peacock, Lisa Bluder has been honored with the 2026 Joe Lapchick Character Award.

Presented annually since 2007, the Joe Lapchick Character Award celebrates the basketball figures from all levels of men's and women's basketball who have demonstrated honorable character throughout their careers.

This year, Bluder is joined by Notre Dame men's basketball head coach Mike Brey, Yale men's basketball head coach James Jones, and sportscaster and longtime host of "Inside the NBA," Ernie Johnson Jr.

Thank you to the Joe Lapchick Character Award Foundation for this recognition.

— Lisa Bluder (@LisaBluder) February 4, 2026

Bluder spent her final 24 seasons of an incredible 40-year head coaching career with Iowa women's basketball, where she finished as the Hawkeyes' and Big Ten Conference's winningest women's basketball coach (528-254). She retired in 2024 after leading the Hawkeyes to the national championship game in two straight seasons while coaching the legendary Caitlin Clark.

She began her coaching career as the head coach at St. Ambrose University for six seasons (1985-90), leading the Bees to two NAIA Final Four appearances. She then spent 10 years at Drake, where she coached current Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder, before coming to Iowa in 2000.

When she retired from coaching after the Hawkeyes' appearance in the 2024 National Championship Game, she had 894 all-time wins, ranking her No. 3 among active head coaches at the time.

With Bluder scheduled to cover Iowa's (18-4, 9-2 Big Ten) Feb. 5 matchup against Minnesota (17-6, 5-6 Big Ten) from Carver-Hawkeye Arena as color commentator for the Big Ten Network's coverage, she will likely be acknowledged by the Hawkeyes for her latest achievement during the broadcast.

Fans can tune into Bluder's call tonight when Iowa and Minnesota tip off at 6 p.m. CT.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women's basketball legend receives Joe Lapchick Character Award

NBA fans have been lighting up the internet as each trade is announced, eagerly anticipating the next move. The NBA trade deadline isn’t for the weak, and the internet is undefeated when it comes to jokes, chaos, and viral reactions.

From shocking player moves to unexpected deals, social media is buzzing with reactions, memes, and hot takes. Whether celebrating, panicking, or just scrolling for the drama, NBA fans are making it clear: deadline day is pure chaos.

And now that the deadline has officially passed, let's deep dive into what the fans are talking about.

What NBA Trades Are Fans Going Crazy Over?

 

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There have been some trades no one saw coming and some that everyone pretty much anticipated would happen. 

Shams Charania, ESPN Senior NBA Insider, has been working overtime to report each trade and share anticipation on who was possibly next. Some of the big trades fans are discussing include James Harden, Jared McCain, Rob Dillingham, Kristaps Porzingis, Jonathan Kuminga, Lonzo Ball, Chris Paul, Collin Sexton, and Anthony Davis. 

When Charania announced Davis was being traded in what he called “an NBA trade deadline week stunner,” fans immediately took to the comment section of the IG post. 

“Anthony Davis for Khris Middleton and some picks there’s no way,” one fan wrote. Another said, “Congrats Mavericks, you traded Luka for absolutely nothing!” One other fan shared, “Dallas is literally giving up.” 

Fans Joke About James Harden Jumping From Team To Team

 

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Sportscenter shared the news that Harden “is a Cavalier” and that “Cleveland becomes his sixth team in his NBA career” on their IG page. 

It didn’t take fans long to share their thoughts on Harden being traded to the Cavs. 

“This would’ve made the world explode in 2016,” one fan joked. Another asked, “Who won this trade?” And one other shared, “Now LeBron has to return to Cleveland for the Last Dance.” 

One other fan said what many might be thinking right about now - “Around the same time next year, James Harden?”

Jared McCain Gets Traded And NBA Fans Are Divided

One trade that seemed to have mixed reviews right down the middle is Jared McCain. McCain, well known both on the court and on TikTok as a dancing content creator, was traded to Oklahoma City Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers. 

DraftKings wrote, “Thunder are STACKED” in the comment section of Charania’s post. 

One viewer said, “TikToks boutta be egregious.” Another added, “Thunder front office is genuinely insane.” One fan shared, “he’s gonna have SO much fun w this team I already know.” 

McCain has nearly 5 million followers on TikTok. His last post on the app was a few days prior to being traded, but fans are taking to the comment section of that latest video to share some thoughts.

“Go win a ring in OKC,” one person wrote. Another said, “He was supposed to be a Sixer for life.” Many of the comments were positive about the change and welcomed him to OKC. There were also plenty of people sad about McCain leaving Philly and shared that in the comments.

Many NBA Fans Were Waiting In Anticipation To Hear About A Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

 

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the talk of the internet for some time regarding a trade. Most NBA fans were waiting for that big news, but it appears that if he gets traded, it will be during the offseason. 

One fan was clearly tired of Charania talking about the possibility of a trade and took to X to make a bet.

The account BucksRealm shared, “If GA gets moved before the deadline, you can have the deed to my home and my 2025 Grand Cherokee. If nothing happens yet again, you convince ESPN to let me square up with you for just 37 seconds so I can rearrange your entire f-cking face.” 

Shortly after that post, Charania shared, “The Milwaukee Bucks have indicated to teams that they are keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo through the trade deadline and will start making other trades, sources tell ESPN.” 

One Thing Many Fans Didn't Expect: Ja Morant Stays With The Memphis Grizzlies

 

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Many fans not only were watching to see if Antetokounmpo was headed to a new team, but many were watching Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

Charania posted on IG shortly after the deadline passed, "Ja Morant remained with the Memphis Grizzlies past today's NBA trade deadline. Multiple teams were intrigued by Morant's talent but none were willing to make a serious offer, sources said."

"Miami Heat running it back," one fan took to the comments to say. Another added, "He’s coming to Miami in the offseason."

One fan was clearly not amused by the way this trade season went and said, "Is the Trade deadline over? If yes, it gotta be the worst and most boring trade deadlines in recent years."

Real Betis 0-5 Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have become the fourth and final team to book their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, having swept aside Real Betis in emphatic fashion at La Cartuja.

Diego Simeone opted to give a first start to winter transfer window signing Ademola Lookman, who partnered Antoine Griezmann in attack. And on 12 minutes, Los Colchoneros opened the scoring when Koke Resurreccion’s corner was glanced home by David Hancko, although Betis goalkeeper Adrian San Miguel should have done much better.

On the half hour mark, Atleti made it 2-0. Matteo Ruggeri’s pass found Giuliano Simeone, and he made no mistake to double the visitors’ advantage, which soon became three when an incisive counter-attack ended with Pablo Barrios playing in Lookman to score his first goal for his new club on his debut.

Image via Diario AS

Minutes into the second half, Atleti lost Barrios to injury, but they did not let that affect them. Just beyond the hour mark, they made it 4-0 when Lookman slipped in Griezmann, whose thunderous strike slipped through Adrian’s hands and into the back of the net via the woodwork. The visitors were not done yet, as on 83 minutes, they wrapped up their dominant performance with a fifth goal, which was scored by substitute Thiago Almada.

Reasons to be cheerful for Atleti and Simeone

It has not been an easy season for Atleti, who have struggled to keep pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. However, this will be a massive confidence-boosting for them, and it keeps them on pace for a first Copa del Rey title in 13 years.

Atleti join Barcelona, who defeated Albacete on Tuesday, in the semi-finals, as well as Wednesday’s winners Athletic Club and Real Sociedad. All four clubs will find out their opponents for the next stage on Friday, ahead of the first legs taking place next midweek.

Liverpool will pay Chelsea at least £2.8m after a tribunal ruled on the compensation owed for winger Rio Ngumoha (17) following his move from Stamford Bridge.

The Professional Football Compensation Committee has set the initial fee for the 17-year-old, reflecting the cost of his training and development during his time in Chelsea’s academy. The figure could rise further through performance-related add-ons, while Chelsea are also entitled to 20% of any future profit should Liverpool sell the player, BBC Sport reports.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool in September 2024 after opting to leave Chelsea and signed his first professional contract at Anfield a year later. Highly rated throughout his youth career, the England Under-19 international believed his route to senior football would be clearer on Merseyside, despite Chelsea offering assurances and improved terms to keep him.

The decision already appears vindicated. Ngumoha has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season and announced himself in dramatic fashion by scoring a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle on his Premier League debut. At 16 years and 361 days, he became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history.

He also became the club’s youngest ever starter in the FA Cup earlier this year. While Liverpool have not disclosed the length of his contract, the tribunal’s ruling underlines the growing value of one of English football’s brightest young talents.

GFN | Finn Entwistle

Atlético Madrid put on a show in the city of Sevilla, pummeling Real Betis 5-0 to progress to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

With a starting debut handed to new signing Ademola Lookman, Atleti were totally dominant against a pitiful Betis, going three up before half time. Goals from Dávid Hancko, Giuliano Simeone and Lookman himself put the visitors in the driving seat, before Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada added to the fun in the second half.

There were debuts off the bench for Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas too, in what was nearly the perfect night for Diego Simeone, Mateu Alemany and the whole rojiblanco outfit.

Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings for this Copa del Rey quarter-final (with a huge “Betis were awful” asterisk).

Player Ratings

Juan Musso: Made an important save from Ezzalzouli Abde to quell any possibility of a Betis comeback early on in the second half. Wasn’t called upon too much apart from that from a shot-stopping point of view, but liked to keep us all on our toes with his shaky moments with the ball at his feet. 6

Marcos Llorente: The jet plane skeptic had an imperious quality about him tonight, collating all of the best parts of his game into a top performance. His early-career guise as a pivot shone through in the way he moved the ball about his area of the pitch, and his defensive robustness as a remade right back was ever-present as well. He was moved into the right interior position that he dominated the year Atleti last won the league, as a result of Pablo Barrios’ injury. 8

Marc Pubill: We’re getting accustomed to a mature, solid performance from Pubill these days. One half played in the middle of defence, and the other half played over on his favoured right side, the youngster is a gem that we all hope stays at this club for many years. 7

Dávid Hancko: Someone in an Atlético Madrid fan group chat I’m in compared the Slovakian to Diego Godín tonight. As well as it being unfair on the legendary Godín to compare such a new player to his greatness, their profiles are very different to each other. Yes, Hancko has the defensive strength that a top-level center back should have, but he also has the ability to find himself with a shooting opportunity in the opposition’s box from open play. I’m unaware of another Atleti player, past or present, who had that weapon in their arsenal. Hancko opened the floodgates tonight with a well-taken header from a Koke corner, but could have added another from the ground too. 9

Matteo Ruggeri: We saw the best of the Italian in the creation of the team’s second goal. The way Ruggeri played off Baena and Lookman reminded us of why the club went after him in the summer in the first place. His partnership with the newly-arrived Nigerian was crucial to Atalanta’s 2024 Europa League winning team, so let’s hope they are able to replicate such success at this one step up. 8

Koke: The commentators on my totally-legal Colombian stream for this match referred to Koke as “el director de la orquesta” on numerous occasions. The way he conducted his team to dance around their Andalucian counterparts really made the comparison apt. The captain constantly offered himself short when the team needed to work their way out from the edge of their own box. Koke also delivered a gorgeous cross from the first corner of the match to assist Hancko’s header. 8

Pablo Barrios: What a lovely football player. I should probably write more about Pablito, but quite frankly, that’s all that needs to be said. Watching him knock the ball around the Betis midfield gave massive “older cousin at younger cousin’s 10th birthday party” vibes. Plus the way he assisted Lookman with a sweeping ball over to the left after busting a lung to progress the ball down the pitch was very impressive. Heartbreaking to watch him pull up with a hamstring injury just minutes after the restart. Hopefully it’s nothing that keeps the boy out for too long. 8

Álex Baena: The arrival of Lookman has given Baena the chance to join Koke and Barrios in an all-Spanish midfield three that completely dominated Betis with touch, movement and all-round class. Our number 10 certainly looks a lot more effective from a more central position on the ball, filtering angled passes through the defence to Lookman out wide, or straight down the middle to Griezmann to run onto. He often popped up in a deeper playmaking position that we haven’t seen as much of as well.

Could Baena be the player who benefits the most from Atleti finally signing a dribbling left winger? 8

Giuliano Simeone: Rounded off a great team move with a simple tap-in for 2-0. Takes his Copa del Rey total to three in the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see how much of the play is taken away from his right-hand side now that another genuine threat is placed on the left, but the more that the opposition turns their attention toward stopping Lookman, the more space Giuliano will have to cause issues of his own. Off on 66 minutes. 7

Antoine Griezmann: It’s been a long time since I remember seeing the Frenchman start as a solo striker for such a big game, and his evolution as a player over the years was clear in how he played the role. Gone are the days of being able to be put through to finish 1v1 with the keeper, instead a more “associative” (as the Spaniards would say) job was necessary tonight. His finish for Atleti’s fourth was so much fun. Playing from start to finish allowed Julián Alvarez to rest in the absence of Alexander Sørloth. 8

Ademola Lookman: Missed two big chances to put Atleti two up, but made up for it with a moment of individual brilliance in the box to put his new team 3-0 up before half time. A constant option down the left side, Lookman was involved almost every time Atlético went forward, offering a threat to cross with his left foot, or cut inside to shoot with his right. Slipped in an assist for Griezmann too.

Although we’re well aware of his brilliance as shown for Atalanta and the Nigeria national team, there’s still an element of rawness about the winger. Once he settles in Madrid, he could become a real problem for LALIGA defences. 9

Substitutes

José María Giménez: Came on completely cold when Barrios suddenly pulled up, and it showed to begin with. The Uruguayan was loose with his early touches but soon sured himself up for the remainder of the second half. 6

Nahuel Molina: I think Molina came on to play right wing, guys. Someone needs to check the touchline of La Cartuja stadium, because I think his boots are still glued to it. 5

Rodrigo Mendoza: Absolutely loved this guy’s energy off the bench. He appeared across the midfield, flowing off Koke and the forwards, showing some silky touches and confident passes. 7

Thiago Almada: Quality player who created his own fortune with a fantastic run forward, a pass slipped through to Griezmann and when his shot was saved by Adrián, Almada was on hand to slot the ball into a half-empty net. 7

Obed Vargas: Nice to see him already in an Atleti shirt when it seemed he might be instantly loaned out. Nothing to report due to how brief his cameo was. n/a

Law Murray: Koby Altman strongly refutes reports that Cavs were frustrated with Darius Garland's durability and injury prevention, calling it "BS" "He was getting back to a high level of play, and when he got hurt in that Philly game, we've had him for seven years. He's a great worker."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Koby Altman on reports Cavs were frustrated with Darius Garland's durability: That's BS

Law Murray: Altman also added that Garland was on a return to play protocol from his current toe injury. "He was getting over that. He was in a return to play protocol, and so he wasn't far away."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: He was in a return to play protocol, and so he wasn't …

Law Murray: "He's a great, he has a great attitude. And so when you hear stuff like that, it's just, it's not fair to Darius, and it's not true... Believe me, he's invested a lot in his own rehab.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Believe me, he's invested a lot in his own rehab

Joel Lorenzi: Asked Artūras if he’s still staying away from the word rebuild, and he says yes, saying “this is a stage we’re in.” Says he, the Reinsdorfs and Billy Donovan are “in lockstep.”

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Arturas Karnisovas says Reinsdorfs, Billy Donovan, himself are 'in lockstep' with direction of team

Joel Lorenzi: AK, previously not so fixated on acquiring youthful players and assets, on what changed: “The timing. (The) stage we’re in as a team. We started this last year, and going into the season a lot of decisions had to be made. That was a great opportunity for us during trade deadline to get a lot of draft capital.”

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “The timing. (The) stage we’re in as a team. We …

Adam Himmelsbach: According to a league source, the Celtics acquired two-way contract guard John Tonje in the deal that sent Chris Boucher to the Jazz.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: According to a league source, the Celtics acquired …

Milwaukee Bucks: Just In: Conversations have started about @ShamsCharania ’s future, and discussing whether the ESPN Senior NBA Insider’s best fit is staying on Giannis’ All-Star Celebrity team or elsewhere.

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Just In: Conversations have started about @ShamsCharania’s future, and discussing whether the ESPN Senior NBA Insider’s best fit is staying on Giannis’ All-Star Celebrity team or elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/IS6XMlQSPf

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 5, 2026

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: And discussing whether the ESPN Senior NBA Insider’s …

National Signing Day has came and passed, with Michigan State wrapping up its 2026 class this week.

New Spartans head coach Pat Fitzgerald put a bow on the 2026 class with a massive signing of four-star wide receiver Samson Gash on signing day. That signing of Gash helped bolster the Spartans' class and provided a speedy playmaker to spearhead the Michigan State rebuild.

But what was my overall thoughts on this class? Was it a success? How did Fitzgerald do in keeping the pieces together after taking over only a few days before the early signing period? Here are a few takeaways on this 2026 Michigan State football class:

1. Solid save by Fitzgerald and co.

For Michigan State to finish with 19 commitments, including some high-level guys at key positions, is a huge win by Fitzgerald and his staff. Especially considering that he was officially hired just a few days before the early signing period opened.

If you look at some of the other Big Ten schools that went through a coaching change this year, you'll only see rival Michigan finishing with a better class than the Spartans. But that isn't necessarily a fair comparison considering that Sherrone Moore was fired following the early signing period.

2. Don't worry about class ranking

If you're looking strictly at the class ranking, then you could say that this was an underwhelming class for the Spartans. While I'm not going to say you should disregard the ranking -- which was No. 47 nationally and No. 12 in Big Ten -- I don't think you should get too caught up in that number.

Again, Michigan State was in the midst of a transition period with Fitzgerald taking over only a few days before the early signing period. That's a big factor and lead to a few of the Spartans' verbal commits flipping during the period. Additionally, the smaller class number (19 signings) results in a lower ranking -- again, this was impacted by the coaching staff changes right before the early signing period.

This time next year, I'll be expecting a final ranking closer to the top 25, but for this "first" Fitzgerald class, I'm not too worried about it being in the bottom half of the Big Ten.

3. Gash, Campbell, Coffman were major wins

It's not a huge class for the Spartans, but there are some major wins at the top that excite me about the future of the Spartans.

Holding onto Gash over Penn State, Georgia and others was huge for Fitzgerald and his staff. Combine that with retaining four-star offensive tackle Collin Campbell and four-star quarterback Kayd Coffman, and we are looking at three very high-level players at the top of this class. There are some other gems in this well-rounded class as well, but being able to retain the commitments of these three guys will go a long way towards Michigan State's rebuild.

Bonus: Time to look ahead to 2027 class

The book is essentially closed on the 2026 class now, and that means it's time to look ahead to 2027 for Fitzgerald and co. This next class will have a huge impact on the future of Michigan State under his leadership.

The Spartans have already picked up a pair of commitments -- both three-star midwest guys on the offensive side of the ball -- and I'm anticipating we will see a few more sprinkle in before we hit the summer when things really ratchet up. The next few months we will monitor how Fitzgerald is handling recruiting and get an idea of what kind of players he'll be bringing to campus for summer official visits. This will be telling in both where Michigan State currently sits in the recruiting landscape but also the type of players Fitzgerald wants part of his program.

As I said earlier, I'm expecting a larger and higher ranked class this time next year than this year. While the transfer portal is a major part of team's success and rebuilding a program, recruiting still leads the way in building a winning team. Michigan State needs to get back to having top 25 classes and hopefully it'll start with this 2027 class.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three takeaways on Michigan State football's 2026 recruiting class

After he was snubbed in the initial selection for Team Canada’s Olympic roster, Seth Jarvis is headed for Milan Cortina.

Thursday, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced that Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis was named to the 2026 Team Canada Olympic Roster to replace Brayden Point. Jarvis, who leads the Hurricanes in goal this season with 25, won gold with Team Canada in the Four Nations Faceoff last February.

After the final home game before the Olympic break, Jarvis spoke candidly on how he felt about his chances for the Olympics.

“I think I blew that opportunity already, I think that part’s done,” Jarvis said. “I mean, you never know – I’m just trying to play the best hockey I can for the Hurricanes, and whether that results in me somehow ending up in the Olympics, that’d be cool.

“But that’s definitely not my focus; I’m focusing on the guys in here, the team in here, winning however we can.”

Point, who notched a goal and an assist during the Four Nations Faceoff, will be sorely missed for Team Canada – but there couldn’t be a better alternative to cover his spot on the ice in his absence than Jarvis.

In the past, Jarvis has spoken on modeling parts of his game after Point, who is also under six feet tall, and frequently cited him as the player he looks to when working on his offensive game.

Tripp Tracy asked Seth Jarvis what other smaller player in the NHL he looks to for confidence to reach the inside. His answer? Tampa Bay Lightning forward and 4 Nations Faceoff teammate Brayden Point.#CarolinaCulture#FlyTogether#GoBolts#NHLpic.twitter.com/1T88CQL7QW

— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) January 9, 2026

Jarvis, alongside Olympians Jaccob Slavin (USA), Sebastian Aho (Finland), and Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark), will all play in Thursday’s game against the New York Rangers. Frederik Andersen (Denmark) will serve as the backup goaltender for the match.

Also Read:: Hurricanes Game 57: Lines, Notes, and How to Watch vs. Rangers

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MADRID (AP) — Ademola Lookman scored on his Atletico Madrid debut in a 5-0 rout of Real Betis on Thursday that sent Diego Simeone's team to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada also scored for Atletico as it advanced to the last four for the third straight season.

Atletico will try to reach its first Copa final since winning the competition for the last time in 2012-13.

The draw for the semifinals — which also includes Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad — will be on Friday.

Hancko opened the scoring for the visitors in the 12th minute and Giuliano Simeone added to the lead in the 30th before Lookman got his first goal for Atletico on a breakaway in the 37th. Griezmann scored the fourth goal in the 62nd and Almada closed the scoring in the 83rd.

Lookman was signed from Atalanta near the end of the winter transfer window. The 28-year-old Nigeria forward had requested to leave Atalanta citing broken promises and poor treatment.

Atletico and Betis will meet again on Sunday in the Spanish league, with Atletico as the host. Atletico is third in the league, with Betis in fifth place but 10 points behind Atletico.

On Wednesday, Iñaki Williams scored six minutes into stoppage time as Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 at Valencia to reach its sixth Copa semifinal in seven seasons, while Basque Country rival Real Sociedad made it to the last-four for the third straight season by winning 3-2 at Alaves.

On Tuesday, Barcelona beat second-division Albacete 2-1. Albacete had eliminated Real Madrid in the round of 16.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

On a night dominated by tactical control and strategic maturity, FC Barcelona Femení emphatically secured their place in the semifinals of the Copa de la Reina with a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid.

From the very first quarter of an hour, the match followed the expected script: Barça controlled possession, moving the ball patiently and trying to break through on the wings, while the Whites looked for order and quick transitions.

  The first goal came in the 21st minute, when Alexia Putellas rose above everyone after a corner to head the ball in and open the scoring, unleashing the visiting fans’ cheers and forcing Madrid to regroup.   

  Already in the second half, Barça’s dominance became even more pronounced. In the 67th minute, Ewa Pajor finished coolly after a combination on the edge of the box to make it 2-0.   

  Just six minutes later (73rd minute), Salma Paralluelo broke through the lines and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to extend the lead.  

And in the 81st minute, Pajor scored her second goal, finishing from inside the box after an assist that definitively dashed any remaining hopes for the Whites.

Real Madrid tried with overlapping runs from Athenea del Castillo and combinations in the final third, but Barcelona’s solid defense and the inspiration of their goalkeeper extinguished any chance of a comeback.

Thus, Barça not only dominated the scoreboard, but did so with authority, reflecting their superiority in key phases of the game and securing their place in the next round of one of the most prestigious competitions in Spanish women’s football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Blue Jays' Andres Gimenez has some big shoes to fill this upcoming season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the most aggressive teams over the bulk of the offseason. They made a ton of moves that should help improve this team's chances of being contenders once again in 2026. 

However, with all those additions, you cannot overlook the loss of Bo Bichette. While his glove has taken a hit over the years, he has remained one of the best-hitting shortstops around the league. 

Now, the slugger will be suiting up for the New York Mets. He and the club agreed on a three-year, $126 million deal.

MORE: Blue Jays predicted to trade for $3 million All-Star lefty ace to balance righty-dominant lineup, compensate for missing out on Kyle Tucker

Blue Jays' andres Gimenez has some big shoes to fill this upcoming season

Whether the Blue Jays retained Bichette or not, it was looking like Andres Gimenez would be the club's starting shortstop moving forward. He has an excellent glove and has a ton of range to get some balls that other infielders would not be able to get a glove on. 

However, it is his bat that he needs to make an improvement. He is coming off a season where he hit .210/.285/.313 with seven home runs and 35 runs batted in. That is nothing compared to what Bichette did with the bat in his hands last season. 

So, MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan puts the pressure on Gimenez to get the bat going this year. 

"Due to his superior glove, Gimenez likely would have become the Blue Jays' new starting shortstop whether Bo Bichette returned or not. That said, Bichette's departure has made Gimenez's bat more important. While the addition of third baseman Kazuma Okamoto should help mitigate the loss of Bichette, Toronto also needs Gimenez to improve his offensive performance after producing just a 70 wRC+ in 2025."

Gimenez does not have to have a career-year offensively; he just needs to piece together a few more hits, preferably with runners on base. If he can do that, he could put Toronto in a great position to fight for a division title once again.

More MLB news:

• Rays' young pitcher must step up with the loss of Shane Baz
• MLB analyst puts pressure on Cubs' Moises Ballesteros to perform
• The addition of Seranthony Dominguez frees up this exciting young arm for a bigger role
• Austin Hays' introductory comments should fire up White Sox fans
• MLB analyst makes the case for the Phillies to sign 2x All-Star arm

A golden opportunity for Manchester United to finally secure their long-term defensive target, Jules Kounde, is emerging.

Kounde has been on United’s radar since his Sevilla days. Yet it was Barcelona who won the race, prising him away from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in the summer of 2022 for around £48 million.

Right move

At Camp Nou, Kounde’s quality and versatility saw him quickly establish himself as a permanent fixture in the Catalan giants’ line-up, rotating seamlessly between central defence and right-back.

His ability to blend elite athleticism with composure on the ball and tactical intelligence has elevated him into one of the world’s finest defenders. Unsurprisingly, his exploits in Catalonia have made it difficult for United to erase him from their transfer wishlist.

Under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils again attempted to bring him to Old Trafford, but they were unable to pull off a deal. Barcelona, at the time, were unwilling to let one of their best players leave so easily.

A big summer ahead for Kounde and Barcelona

While the Spanish champions have been resisting selling their defender, going so far as to offer him a new five-year deal last year, they now appear ready to make a U-turn.

Fichajes report:

“Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for Jules Koundé in the summer, with his starting price being close to 80 million euros.”

Explaining the shift, the report adds:

“Barcelona is not currently experiencing a period of complete sporting stability, and this situation has put several key players in the squad under scrutiny. Among them is Jules Koundé.”

It is not solely about sporting stability either. The feeling at Camp Nou is that the Frenchman’s performances in recent weeks have dipped, further opening the door to a potential exit.

Likely destination

With Barcelona’s intention to sell now clear, the question turns to where Kounde could move next. Bayern Munich have been linked.

However, the Spanish giants are keen to do business with Premier League sides, believing they are the ones capable of meeting their asking price.

In England, Fichajes note:

“Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all closely monitoring the situation of the French centre-back.”

Naturally, Old Trafford faithful will hope it is United who act decisively and win the race.

If they do, Kounde could be the ultimate replacement for Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, while Harry Maguire is also expected to leave. Who knows? He might be the statement defensive signing Ineos choose to make.

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Atletico Madrid thrashed Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa del Rey quarter-final at Estadio de La Cartuja on Thursday evening, continuing their dominance over Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the competition.

Atleti have now eliminated Betis six times from the Copa del Rey and remain unbeaten in 11 games against them in the competition.

David Hancko gave Atleti the lead in the 12th minute, rising highest to plant Koke’s corner past Adrian.

Shortly after, Atleti almost doubled their lead when debutant Ademola Lookman evaded his markers, but shot wide.

Just before the half-hour mark, Nelson Deossa missed an opportunity to restore parity, rifling a rebound wide.

A minute after Deossa’s missed chance, Atletico doubled their lead as Matteo Ruggeri cut the ball back to Giuliano Simeone, who finished neatly for 2-0.

Lookman increased the visitors’ advantage in the 37th minute, showing clever footwork and composure to blast the ball past the outstretched Adrian.

Antoine Griezmann compounded Betis’ woes in the 62nd minute. After getting teed up by Lookman, the Frenchman rifled into the far corner for 4-0.

Lookman became the first Atleti player to score and assist on his full debut against a La Liga opponent in any competition since the 2013/14 season.

Thiago Almada completed the rout in the 83rd minute, burying a rebound home.

Atleti, along with Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad, have all reached the semi-finals. The draw will take place on Friday.

Stats from OptaJose

And they said that Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibeart couldn’t play together; consider that notion most definitively dismissed. On a night of real Gallic charm, France laid down a Six Nations marker with a display of ambition and attacking skill to rival any that they have produced during the recent restoration of the French monarchy in this competition. Led by their half-backs, the defending champions looked down on a fellow contender and perhaps exiled them for good, leaving Ireland confronting the grim realities of what feels a sharp decline.

These two have shared a few epics in their shared recent duopoly of this championship. This was not an occasion of that type. Virtually from the first peep of Karl Dickson’s whistle, the victor was clear as France found a level that Ireland could not match. With Louis Bielle-Biarrey adding two more tries to his rapidly-swelling tournament tally, France provided the first 29 points of what plenty felt might be a nip-and-tuck contest to cement their place as title favourites.

The hypothesis was that Dupont and Jalibert were an ill-matched half-back pairing, two of rugby’s premier talents never managing to find the symbiosis required at Test level. It was a theory backed up by the evidence of the last two times they had started in partnership: the quarter-final defeat to South Africa at the 2023 World Cup and the insouciant display against England last year. Galthie’s seeming distaste for the fly half had not helped matters, with the relationships built between Dupont and his teammates at Toulouse generally deemed preferable to the considerable gifts Jalibert could bring.

This felt like the first time that both have really clicked in the same French side, each bouncing with ideas and invention, with Jalibert accepting of his role as second. fiddle. It could perhaps be said that France felt the benefit of the bounce of the ball, yet much of their interplay was delicious regardless. It is hoped that Dupont’s usual running-mate Romain Ntamack will be back from a kidney issue for next week’s trip to Wales, but Jalibert could have done little more to stake a claim to remain. Dupont certainly will – France’s win over Ireland last year had ended in agony for the France captain after tearing his ACL; now he could share fully in the ecstasy.

The road to this year’s Six Nations title will surely travel through Paris, with England here on the final weekend. The Stade is a special place on nights like these with the tricolores waving and lights flashing to a Parisian beat, with a glitterball draped from the ceiling only accentuating the discotheque feel. With such an atmosphere and such a side, it will take some team to stop them again.

France did not quite find their groove in November but were soon moving to their music here. It took just two minutes for Bielle-Biarrey to produce his first moment of magic, a gorgeous chip-and-chase which would have led to a try if not for a fumble from a sliding Charles Ollivon at the last. The wing soon took matters out of his teammates hands. A sublime bit of skill from Sam Prendergast saw the fly half hook the ball back into play on the volley to prevent a 50:22, but his failure to find touch gave France a chance in transition. Enter Bielle-Biarrey, ghosting past three would-be tacklers without having to use the full extent of the proverbial phone box.

Prendergast had managed to tap the speedster’s ankle to no avail, though did save a score after intercepting a pass from Nicolas Depoorteere within metres of his own line. His wretched toss thereafter, though, kept Ireland under pressure, and Jalibert glided in down the blindside from the resultant scrum. A Thomas Ramos penalty extended the advantage to 15 points, which felt almost unassailable.

When Ollivon, surer of hand taking a pass from ubiquitous second-row partner Mickael Guillard, finished a lovely move that followed a Jalibert chip, France were pretty much out of sight. They had married daring with discipline – their first penalty conceded did not arrive until the 45th minute. That was two minutes before their fourth try, which was finished off by Bielle-Biarrey following can-can kicks from Dupont and Ramos.

Replacement Nick Timoney broke Ireland’s duck, scooting under the posts on the hour, before Michael Milne punched in to continue the fightback, with Prendergast finding a degree of confidence after the introduction of fellow fly-half Jack Crowley. It was a rally that will hearten Andy Farrell and his staff somewhat, and give hope of better times to come in the campaign, but it felt striking for a game between two top-tier nations to be decided so early. The general trend in international rugby over the last few years has been for tight Tests settled in the final quarter – the sight of a Mexican wave in Paris on the 65-minute mark said plenty. Fittingly, a Frenchman in Theo Attissogbe had the last word.

Ireland had been brutalised by the Springboks in November but escaped with positives in the fight they had shown. There will be fewer for Farrell to find here.

The Colorado Buffaloes' 2025 season can be summed up in one word: disappointing.

Entering the year, there was a belief it would be a stepping-stone season, but no one expected the Buffs to finish with just three total wins and only one in Big 12 play. Deion Sanders' health played a role, as he missed nearly the entire offseason while dealing with cancer, and the team's transfer portal additions largely failed to make an impact, aside from a few. Change was needed heading into 2026, and it has already begun through significant roster and coaching shakeups.

That change continued this offseason as Sanders revamped his coaching staff with several head-turning hires, including Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator, Chris Marve coaching linebackers, Aaron Fletcher working with cornerbacks, Josh Niblett leading the tight ends, and Rashad Rich stepping in as director of recruiting.

Colorado also experienced heavy turnover in the transfer portal, losing a significant number of players while bringing in plenty of new faces. That makes the upcoming depth chart especially intriguing as the Buffs prepare to open the season in Atlanta against Georgia Tech on Sept. 5.

Here at Buffaloes Wire, we take a shot at projecting the depth chart early and often throughout the offseason, and with the transfer portal now closed, it's time for our first look at what the depth chart could resemble heading into spring ball.

First up is the offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback

Starter: Julian Lewis

Backup: Isaac Wilson

Julian Lewis showed real promise down the stretch in 2025, even while operating behind a makeshift offensive line. In new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's system, Lewis has the skill set to pilot a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. Isaac Wilson, the brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson, joins the room as a capable and reliable backup.

Running Back

Starter: Richard Young

Backups: Damien Henderson II, Jaquail Smith, Micah Welch

Henderson II and Smith followed Marion from Sacramento State and already have a firm grasp of his Go-Go offense. Young arrives from Alabama as a former four-star prospect out of Florida. Expect all three backs to be deployed in a variety of sets and looks as the season unfolds.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Danny Scudero, DeAndre Moore Jr., Joseph Williams

Rotation: Kam Perry, Ernest Campbell, Hykeem Williams and Quentin Gibson

Despite losing some quality wide receivers to the transfer portal, Colorado reloaded with legitimate talent for 2026. Scudero led the nation in receiving yards in 2025 at Sacramento State, while DeAndre Moore Jr. finished second on the Texas Longhorns in receiving yards. Both Williams return for the Buffs this season, and Kam Perry and Ernest Campbell arrive as undersized playmakers with elite speed and big-play ability. Gibson fits that mold as well after serving as Colorado's kickoff specialist last year. It's an intriguing group with the potential to generate splash plays at any moment.

Tight End

Starter: Zach Atkins

Backups: Brady Kopetz and Corbin Laisure

Atkins finished 2025 with 20 catches for 149 yards, ranking fifth on the team in receiving. He'll look to carve out a larger role in 2026 within Marion's offense, with added development under new tight ends coach Josh Niblett. Kopetz and Laisure are both big-bodied options who add valuable depth to the room.

Offensive Line

Starters: LT Bo Hughley, LG Yahya Attia, C Demetrius Hunter, RG Jayvon McFadden, RT Larry Johnson III

Backups: T Taj White, T Jayven Richardson, G Jose Soto, G Aki Ogunbiyi, C Sean Kinney

This unit had the makings of one of the best in the Big 12 if Jordan Seaton had stayed instead of departing for LSU this offseason. Even so, it still has the potential to be an excellent group, bringing together experience and talent from across the country. Hughley arrives from Georgia, Hunter transfers in from Houston, and McFadden, the cousin of Jordan Seaton, comes over from Ohio State. Attia and Johnson III also return for the Buffs in 2026.

The depth is equally impressive, with Soto emerging as a potential contender for the starting right guard spot after transferring from Sacramento State and already being familiar with the offense Marion wants to run.

There is plenty of turnover for Colorado heading into 2026. Still, if everything clicks and the transfers mesh quickly, this offense could emerge as one of the Big 12's biggest surprises and most dangerous units.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football 2026 way-too-early offensive depth chart projection

There is something powerfully ancient about the game of rugby: for as long as there have been people, surely, they have locked together in fierce and physical clashes to decide who among them is the most fearsome. It is a game of grit and muscle, won by the people most gifted with heft and speed and the skill to use those things to their own advantage. There might, in short, be nothing less obviously technological, even if the work is intensely technical.

That’s clear as the England team practice their scrum at their training camp outside of Girona, days before the beginning of the Six Nations and the team’s first match, against Wales. The heaving, hefty mass of 16 of the strongest men in the country binding together in an astonishing crush; incredible amounts of human force matched only by the equally incredible amounts of human force on the other side of the scrum. A 32-legged monster set against itself, giving everything to go barely anywhere.

But look up above this sunlit, war-like field and you will see something altogether more dainty. There, in the sky, hovers a drone, looking down on that scrum with elegant exactitude. And up on a hill at the side of the field, watching from afar, stands the drone’s headquarters: an assembled group of cameras, computers and coaches ready to analyse that power with pinpoint precision.

This is the modern game of rugby: powerful players backed by equally powerful equipment, aimed at analysing that team to ensure they are the best they can be. The array of equipment is vast: not only hovering above the field, but on it and beside it, too. Dotted around the training field are a series of iPads, offering instant replays. Up above the training field, on that hill, stands a series of cameras all feeding their video into a set of MacBooks. Analysts sit at those computers, marking up the footage as it arrives so that it can be watched by coaches and turned into immediate feedback for those players.

This kind of analysis isn’t new, of course; that’s what coaches do. But what is new is the technology that powers it: the robustness and the speed of the technology means that the analysis can be provided instantly, and the players can react as it happens.

“There’s a lot of analysis that goes into it these days, and it’s analysis of the opposition but more importantly analysis of us as well. So we review training hard, we review games hard,” says George Ford, an England fly-half.

“And obviously what the tech does is just make that process a lot easier, cleaner, simpler for us. The ability to just upload stuff on iPhones, iPads, whatever it might be – we’re just picking up and off we go straight away,” says Ford, who at age 32 is among the more senior members of the team, a role he embraces by helping out with tactics and with training.

“I think the biggest thing that’s changed – and the most impressive thing these days – is how live that can be. Which helps us as players, because say if we’re training or playing then the analysis guys can show us straight away what it looks like, as it’s happening. So then hopefully we can adapt stuff and find solutions quicker than we did in the past.”

Ford points to the training that’s taking place behind him, that afternoon. As they work on defending, for instance, analysts are watching to ensure that they are properly covering space, if they’re reacting to the right triggers and cues that show what an attacker might be doing. “If we’re not, then they’ll come over straight away and go: look, you need to be maybe five metres that way, and start your movement later. Because sometimes when you’re out there, you feel, but you don’t quite always see it like you can from above.

“Everything’s happening at 100 miles an hour and it’s sometimes hard to see where the space is. It’s difficult to see, or pull yourself out of the game to see the bigger picture, and that gives you a good idea if there’s anything that’s changing or even things you need to keep doing.”

When Ford was growing up, playing at 16 or 17, he got some of the same analysis but it took much longer. “You played on a Saturday, and you won’t see footage until Monday – whereas now, obviously, we’ve seen training while it’s going on, we’re seeing stuff in the game while it’s going on, never mind as you’ve finished. The biggest thing to change I just how instant it can be, how live it can be, and how helpful that is.

“Because the big thing I like doing is seeing if how we feel on the field matches up with what it looks like. Because sometimes you feel something completely different. You come off [the pitch] having a certain thought in your head as to why things happened, and then that might change entirely after you watch the analysis.”

For all of its bellicose heft, rugby can be decided in a matter of moments, and by a matter of metres. But the quick and complicated nature of the play means that understanding those very fine details can be difficult amid a mass of crashing limbs. That is made nowhere more clear than in the scrum, in which players are wrapped in each others’ arms and looking down, and so can struggle to understand exactly what went right and wrong. Once again, technology is improving that, by allowing players to see themselves from the outside. As the players engage with each other to train the scrum, two iPads sit on stands just metres away, ready to provide instant feedback.

“You need to create a connection between: this is what it looks like and this is how it feels – so that we can repeat it, repeat it, repeat it,” says Tom Harrison, a former player and now coach who oversees the scrum. “The scrum is eight blokes, doing the same thing at the same time, and it comes down to split seconds. So the ability to have it on a delayed replay” is key, he says. “There’s immediate feedback on the iPad – so they get up and they’re watching it. You’re giving that feedback from there, straight away.”

The speed of being able to do that work has been transformative, he says. Once, doing that analysis would mean loading it up into a computer, chasing them around the team hotel as they try to recover, “running around with laptops” trying to show players what happened that afternoon. Now, they are able to watch on iPads on a 20-second delay, ready to integrate what they learn not the next day but the next scrum.

There is a huge amount going on in a given rugby game, or training session. Some of the job of Carwyn ‘Caz’ Morgan and his analyst colleagues is knowing what not to look at, to ensure that they are giving proper attention to the right things. As such, they will know the aims of the session and will tailor their work around whatever the team are trying to improve.

“Because there is so much information, you have to sort of use that as an anchor to work towards. You want to look at everything – but it’s about guiding your attention to one specific thing” and seeing how the information is shaped around that, he says, likening it to looking at a specific part of a tree to get a sense of “how everything grows around it,” Morgan says.

The more important this analysis is, however, the more dangerous the loss of it might be. Once, that was a real threat: dying batteries, crashing computers, and a range of other threats meant that analysts had to be constantly aware of their limits. The improvements in the MacBooks they use – they point specifically to the recently introduced Apple Silicon, which dramatically improved not only the power of those computers but also their resilience, by improving battery life – have meant that the feedback is not only quicker but much more reliable.

“We know it's going to work. Even four, five years ago – you weren't quite sure. And if you wanted to push and do a little more, like get an extra angle or something like that, you might crash the whole thing. The robustness has been massive,” Morgan says. A crashing computer could be the difference between winning and losing, he suggests, pointing to a game years ago in which things didn’t work properly.

“We've beating Wales in Cardiff, and things have gone really well,” he remembers. “But the second half we lost, and we couldn't answer the question of why. So we've had a massive push in the last three to four years: how can we be more intuitive? How can we be more engaged in this? That's the skill: to develop that and know what you're looking at.”

The England team are days out from their first game of the Six Nations, against Wales at Twickenham, which will set the tone for the whole competition, and in turn the team’s journey to the World Cup next year. And the training is not just for the players: the analysts too are preparing for that game.

The setup is largely the same in a real game, but the analysts don’t actually need to take video, since they have the six or sometimes eight broadcast feeds that are used to show the match streaming into their Macs, as well as third-party data that is arriving live and fed into custom dashboards. But, once again, the real work can be knowing where not to look.

That focus becomes more important than ever at half time in a big game. There are only 15 minutes to go around, and the coaches and analysts have to share that with all of the other demands on players’ time. Plus “you’ve got all the emotion, there’s a lot on the line”, Caz notes; “the teams are starting to feel each other a little bit”.

“This the only proper intervention you get, so it becomes a really critical piece,” he says. Having the right piece of video on hand to illustrate a coach’s point could be the difference between fixing it for the second half; that second half could be the difference between winning and losing; that could be what decides whether, for instance, England wins the World Cup, as the team hopes to next year. One clip, and one computer to find it, could be the point on which the whole rugby world turns.

The months of waiting came to an end as Arrow McLaren opened the doors to its new home, the McLaren Racing Center, on Wednesday evening in Indianapolis.

Formerly the home of Andretti Global, the team acquired the building in June 2025. Through a fast-paced renovation, the building was expanded and received an immersive lobby, extended the second-floor mezzanine and introduced a state-of-the-art fitness and recovery center.

"We’re very excited to be operating out of the McLaren Racing Center with the space, technology and infrastructure we need all under one roof,” said Tony Kanaan, Arrow McLaren Team Principal.

“Our focus hasn’t changed: continued growth, winning the Indy 500 and fighting for the championship remain the standard as we move forward in our new home. We set the bar high in 2025, and we are only looking higher this season. We’ve got the team in place to keep fighting.”

The McLaren Racing Center, nearly tripling the team’s previous operational footprint, will serve as McLaren Racing’s base of operations in North America. The opening also saw the team unveil the three liveries for its full-time entries, driven by Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel. 

This is their power stance. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qTTFOJ9Qqh

— Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team (@ArrowMcLaren) February 5, 2026

"This event marked a significant milestone and the start of a new chapter for Arrow McLaren,” said Kevin Thimjon, President of Arrow McLaren. “The McLaren Racing Center reflects the legacy our racing teams have built since Bruce paved the way in 1963. We wanted the design to scream McLaren and be a state-of-the-art home for the organization in North America. We are proud to share this moment with our partners and guests.”

Zak Brown “would love” Indy 500 reunion with Fernando Alonso

Mick Schumacher found the limit “pretty early” in maiden oval test

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

NEED TO KNOW

• Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence opened up to PEOPLE about his long-running relationship with his wife, Marissa, on Thursday, Feb. 5
• He recalls meeting his life partner back in fifth grade, saying that it was "close to" love at first sight for them
• The couple exchanged vows in 2021 and welcomed their first child together a few years later in January 2025

Trevor Lawrence has known his wife, Marissa, for most of his life, and they've seen each other through a lot over the years.

Speaking to PEOPLE at Radio Row on Thursday, Feb. 5, the 26-year-old quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars shares that he met his wife of five years when they were both in fifth grade.

"We haven't necessarily been dating since fifth grade," he explains. Regardless, they've "known each other for a long time."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

While they didn't spend all those years as a couple, Lawrence adds that they did date "a little bit" in grade school. They rekindled their relationship in high school and again in college, with him attending Clemson University and Marissa playing soccer at Anderson University.

"You know, from there on we've been going strong," he says about his relationship. All things considered, the NFL star says that it was "close to" love at first sight.

Lawrence also recognizes the value of their longstanding bond, saying, "We've seen each other grow up, and I think that's a really cool thing. And she's seen the best and worst of me, and she stuck around. I'm thankful for that."

"Just to have her in my corner, I think, is so important," he says elsewhere in the conversation. "I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have her, you know, just so much of our life. She manages everything so well. I think it takes a special person to do what she does and to have to kind of balance all the craziness that we go through."

Continuing to praise her, he says, "I mean, all the things that I would ever have wished for in a wife, she is all those things. Yeah. So it's, it's pretty special to have her and, and to know her for so long."

Together, the couple recently expanded their family after welcoming daughter Shae Lynn in January 2025.

"It's gone by really fast," Lawrence says about their first year as parents.

He describes himself as a "fun" and "goofy" dad, saying that his goal is to make his daughter "laugh as much as possible," adding, "That's the best thing: Hearing her laugh and just having fun running around."

Meanwhile, his wife is a bit more disciplined and is in charge of the schedule because "she's really good about that stuff."

Lawrence tells PEOPLE that he dreams of the day that he can play in the Super Bowl. However, this year, he will be watching at home in Florida with friends and family.

He'll rely on Zevo to keep the house bug-free when everyone's over.

"We love to host going back and forth [between inside and outside], and bugs are a problem with all the food," he says. "So it's been awesome for us and our family, and it's been a lifesaver for sure," he adds about the product.

Read the original article on People

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Nobody on the Seattle Seahawks has supported Sam Darnold quite like Ernest Jones IV.

When Darnold threw four interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams in a 21-19 loss in Week 11, Jones had his quarterback’s back. The second-team All-Pro linebacker wouldn’t allow Darnold to take the blame.

“Sam’s been balling,” Jones said after that game. “If we want to try and define Sam by this game, man, Sam’s had us in every game. So, for him to sit there and say, ‘Yo, that’s my fault,’ no, it’s not. There were plays defensively we could have made plays, or opportunities where we could have got stops.

“This is football. He’s our quarterback and we’ve got his back.”

Darnold rewarded his teammate’s faith. He led the Seahawks back from a 16-point, fourth-quarter deficit to an overtime win against Los Angeles in the next meeting and was sensational in Seattle’s 31-27 victory over the Rams in the NFC championship game.

“Like I said, doubt Sam if you want to, Sam’s gonna show you every time,” Jones said afterward. “That’s who we know, and that’s why I stood on that, and I’ll do it all over again.”

Darnold has earned plenty of trust in the locker room in his first season in Seattle after a breakout year in Minnesota. Once considered a bust after the Jets drafted him No. 3 overall in 2018, Darnold — on his fifth team in eight seasons — is one victory away from leading Seattle to the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

Darnold and the Seahawks face Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Sunday in a rematch from a matchup 11 years ago.

Tom Brady and the Patriots won that one, 28-24, after Russell Wilson’s pass from the 1-yard line in the final minute was intercepted by Malcolm Butler.

That gave Brady, coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots the fourth of their sixth Super Bowl rings before the dynasty ended.

First-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, a standout linebacker on three of those championship teams, has quickly turned a team that was coming off consecutive 4-13 seasons into a winner.

Maye has been the catalyst for New England’s impressive turnaround.

“From Day 1, I feel like the guys have really taken what Coach Vrabel has wanted to do with us and have just really applied it to their lives in every single way,” Maye said.

“Whether it’s on the field, off the field, getting treatment, doing little things, making great decisions off the field. I think the biggest thing is just — Coach Vrabel always says he treats us how we treat the team. I think that’s how guys have taken this year, and I think it’s just rallying together and wanting to play for each other. From there on, we just have had fun doing it every single day since, and it’s been a ride. Looking forward to trying to finish it off.”

Brady also was a second-year quarterback when he led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl title in the 2001 season.

They were double-digit underdogs when they beat the Rams. The Pats were favorites in their next eight Super Bowl appearances until now. New England is a 4 1/2-point underdog this time around.

The 23-year old Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft, will be the second-youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl. Ben Roethlisberger was the youngest to win one when he led Pittsburgh to a victory over Seattle in the 2005 season.

Maye has demonstrated plenty of poise in clutch situations. He changed a play and ran a bootleg to extend the drive on third down late in the AFC championship game against Denver to seal a 10-7 victory in the snow.

“I think just as we’ve gone through this entire year in this program, and the more that he’s been out there and the games have kind of built up on us that, really, we’ve done a nice job in those situations,” Vrabel said of Maye’s maturity in big moments. “I think he’s improved in them, and he’s a big part of why we’re here, obviously.”

Of course, both teams are far more than just their quarterbacks.

Darnold has All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, running back Kenneth Walker and Seattle’s defense is the stingiest in the league. The Seahawks allowed the fewest points in the NFL and have standout players at every level. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams, linebacker Jones and cornerback Devon Witherspoon were second-team All-Pros. Safety Nick Emmanwori had a standout rookie season.

Maye has running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and the defense has been dominant in the playoffs.

Only one team will leave Santa Clara, California, with the Lombardi Trophy.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The English Football League's (EFL) 72 clubs are set to discuss introducing a third promotion place from the National League next month.

An all-club meeting is scheduled for 4 and 5 March, though no formal vote is expected at this stage.

Currently, the National League champions are promoted alongside one play-off winner.

This meeting follows the National League's '3UP' campaign, launched a year ago to advocate for the expansion.

An EFL spokesperson said: “Earlier today the EFL board considered recent correspondence received from the National League in respect of its 3UP campaign.

“Following discussion, the board agreed that the most appropriate way to move matters forward was to further discuss alignment requirements with clubs at the all‑club meeting in March.

“The league maintains that this is not a single-issue matter and one which requires detailed consideration of the other related issues and regulations at play, and close cooperation and constructive dialogue across the pyramid.”

For a change to be made, it would require a majority among the 24 Championship clubs and an overall majority among the 72 clubs.

The 2026 Winter Games are already underway, and with them, wagering on the multitude of events that will play out over the next few weeks in northern Italy. 

To be sure, the Olympics (especially the Winter Games) aren’t going to be every bettors’ cup of tea. It’s not the Super Bowl, March Madness, or the World Cup. But the Games are happening, and can be bet on, so people are going to do it, and perhaps more than you think.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) estimated that around US$13 billion was bet on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, a record amount and up more than 20% from the 2021 Tokyo Games and 50% from Rio 2016.

What’s more, these Olympics arrive during an interesting time for online sports betting, which continues to boom.

Among other things, a de facto version of sports wagering has bloomed in the U.S. via federally regulated prediction markets, a significant change from the last Olympics. 

There also continues to be concern about how legal and illegal sports betting is affecting the integrity of all sport, not just the Olympics. Various integrity scandals continue to pop up, prompting concern from lawmakers and regulators. 

“Generally, I would say the risk of competition manipulation in sport is high, and it is a serious issue that needs to be focused on,” Jeremy Luke, president and CEO of Sport Integrity Canada, told Covers on Thursday.

The IOC said there were a few betting-related issues identified during the Paris Games “involving athletes and entourage members.”

After further investigation, though, it was determined “there was no manipulation of competitions and/or intention to manipulate any event in any of these situations.”

Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman are already on a roll at #MilanoCortina2026 ending the reigning Olympic champs 22-game win streak‼️🥌

Read more here: https://t.co/WAhMvCrE6rpic.twitter.com/CdU9gfnzK4

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 5, 2026

So, betting on the Olympics isn’t new, and the IOC is indeed focused on the issue of match-fixing, having already announced several initiatives to ensure events remain on the level. Olympians, too, have been briefed on various betting-related concerns and responsibilities they’ll have, such as not betting on the Games.

In short, while there should be a fair share of money staked on the Olympics, there is confidence that its integrity will remain intact. 

The IOC says it has been tracking betting across all Olympic events since the London Games in 2012 “using advanced analytical tools and human expertise.” 

Those tools will be in place again for the 2026 Games, with further help from outside entities like the International Betting Integrity Association and sportsbook operators themselves.

For example, the IOC announced in December that a “Joint Integrity Unit” (JIU) will operate during the Winter Games “to prevent and address integrity breaches during Milano Cortina 2026.”

“It is designed to ensure rapid and effective information sharing between sports disciplinary bodies and law-enforcement agencies - a system successfully implemented at every edition of the Games since London 2012,” the committee said.

The IOC’s chief ethics and compliance officer, Giuseppe Deleonardis, noted in a press release that “integrity breaches” can range from attempts at match-fixing to bribery to “unethical behaviour by accredited individuals.”

Crash course in competition manipulation

Match-fixing is always a particular concern, though. The IOC noted the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC) has an "Integrity Betting Intelligence System" in place to pick up on any suspicious wagering activity. Given all this, there is confidence that anything untoward will be detected.

“Building upon the experience of many past editions of the Games, and most recently on the strong cooperation with the French stakeholders during Paris 2024, we are fully confident in our ability to monitor the Games effectively, communicate swiftly with partners, and identify potential breaches,” said Friedrich Martens, head of the OM Unit PMC, in a press release.

There are also efforts to prepare athletes on a country-to-country basis. Luke said Sport Integrity Canada designed education modules not just for use by Canadian Olympians, but also trainers and coaches and other members of the Canadian Olympic delegation. 

Those modules help get the audience up to speed on competition manipulation, the obligations of athletes and staff, and where they can turn to report suspicious activity. 

“We ensure that every participant who goes to the Games has gone through that level of education before they go,” Luke said. 

The type of education that athletes and others are receiving has evolved with the business of sports betting as well. For example, the rise of microbetting means athletes need to know that match-fixing could extend to manipulating outcomes within an event itself, such as a single serve in tennis. 

“So I'd say our education is trying to evolve to help people understand what competition manipulation is, how it can manifest, and how it relates to gambling and developments within the gaming world,” Luke said. 

Some athletes may be more aware than others. A player on the Canadian hockey team is likely more versed in sports betting than, say, a cross-country skier. 

An athlete who plays a sport that doesn’t pay much, or at a lower level than a professional, could also pose a greater integrity risk than one earning millions of dollars. 

“So we want to make sure we educate people at that level before they end up on the Olympics team as well,” Luke said.

Only one day to go... In every love story there's a moment when you 'just know'. The air feels different, you smile for no reason... That moment is NOW! Tomorrow, the #MilanoCortina2026 Opening Ceremony kicks off the #WinterOlympics love story, Italian style. 🫶🇮🇹😍 📆… pic.twitter.com/0fkTQu9XsY

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 5, 2026

With all that being said, there may be room for improvement. Canada, for instance, is not a signatory to the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, otherwise known as the Macolin Convention. 

The convention is “a legal instrument and the only rule of international law on the manipulation of sports competitions,” the Council of Europe’s (COE) website explains. 

“It requests public authorities to co-operate with sports organisations, betting operators and competition organisers to prevent, detect and sanction the manipulation of sports competitions,” the COE adds. “It proposes a common legal framework for an efficient international cooperation to respond to this global threat.”

Having that sort of help could come in handy for Canada, the U.S., or Mexico with an event much more heavily bet than the Olympics coming to North America later this year, the World Cup.

“That's a step that we’d really like to see,” Luke said.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Martin Zubimendi drops strong words about Real Madrid

On fire at Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi recently took a jab at Real Madrid.

Long before his move to Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi was one of Xabi Alonso's favorite targets to strengthen Real Madrid. The former Madrid coach believed that Zubimendi's qualities would have been a huge asset to the team.

Martin Zubimendi revealed his thoughts months later. "Real Madrid have enough good players to get the job done, so they don't need me," the Spanish international told Cadena SER.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (32) is closing in on a move to Celtic as the Scottish champions look set to add a high-profile free agent to their squad, according to reports from BBC Sport.

The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder has been without a club since leaving Besiktas in August and, after spending time training with Arsenal, a switch to Celtic Park now appears increasingly likely, although a deal has yet to be finalised.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed this week that talks have taken place and indicated there is genuine interest from both sides. The prospect of a central role and a fresh challenge north of the border has appealed to the 32-year-old, who remains keen to continue his career at the highest possible level.

Oxlade-Chamberlain brings vast experience if the move is completed. He won three FA Cups during a six-year spell at Arsenal before joining Liverpool for £35m, where he collected major honours including the Premier League and Champions League. His career has also been shaped by injury setbacks, with long spells on the sidelines interrupting his time at Anfield.

After a season in Turkey with Besiktas, where he made 46 appearances, a move to Celtic would offer the England international a chance to relaunch his career in a familiar footballing environment, while for Celtic, the potential signing would represent a statement of intent, blending pedigree and experience as they push for the title.

GFN | Finn Entwistle

Aston Villa will clash heads with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this Saturday as they hope to secure a win on the road in the Premier League. The Villans suffered a lackluster 1-0 loss against Brentford recently, so they would be keen on bouncing back by putting in a good showing this weekend.

Unai Emery will set his players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a couple of tweaks to his first team for this game. Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana could both play from the start of this contest.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Bournemouth

Defence

Emiliano Martinez will feature in goal for the Villans after he conceded one goal in his last outing. Ezri Konsa will operate alongside Pau Torres at the centre of the Aston Villa backline as they look to keep a solid shape on the defensive end of the field.

Matty Cash will try to put in a solid performance as the right-back, while Ian Maatsen looks to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings will be named on the bench as they provide cover for the defensive positions.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brentford at Villa Park on February 01, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Midfield

Douglas Luiz will anchor the midfield along with Amadou Onana as they focus on establishing their superiority over the opposition at the centre of the park.

The gifted trio of Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Jadon Sancho will operate just ahead of them as part of the Aston Villa attack. All three of them will have to combine well if the Villans are to create enough chances in the final third.

Ross Barkley and Harvey Elliott will have to settle for a place on the bench as they wait for their chance to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if needed.

Attack

Ollie Watkins will lead the charge for the West Midlands club if he can recover in time for this game.

Leon Bailey will make up the numbers on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the final quarter of the game if the Villans are in need of a goal by then.

It would’ve been unfair to expect the 2026 NBA trade deadline to match its predecessor in sheer tonnage of stunnage; “Luka Dončić got traded out of nowhere in the middle of the night” is a pretty tough act to follow, after all. But despite pundits and observers continuing to wonder aloud about whether the ongoing ripple effects of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, and the myriad challenges facing high-spending teams trying to navigate the strictures of the first and second aprons, the days leading up to Thursday afternoon’s deadline featured a flurry of movement, with the lion’s share of the league finding a way to get active in ways either big or small.

It turns out that, in an environment in which 20 teams participate in the postseason, NBA decision-makers found plenty of ways to hustle and flow within the CBA’s confines. It turns out there were still plenty of front offices committed to trying to add talent for the stretch run. And, of course, it turns out there were plenty of others eager to balance their ledgers and bolster their draft-pick war chests in the hope that tomorrow they’ll find better things.

[Check out the NBA trade tracker for full details on every move]

The result was a breathtaking sprint through the approach to Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET buzzer. And as the pencils-down buzzer drew nearer, the rumors rolled in and the deals got done, I sat here, like Frank T.J. Mackey, quietly judging them.

What follows are my first-draft-of-history impressions of which teams scored and which ones stumbled in this season’s grand NBA roster reshuffling. There will likely be more winners than losers because, between you and me, the world’s tough enough right now, man. Might as well find a scrap or two of joy where you can, you feel me?

We begin with the biggest move of the week — the one that wasn’t made.

Winner: Milwaukee Bucks

At the risk of oversimplifying things: The only reasons to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo were if the two-time MVP absolutely, positively demanded in no uncertain terms that he be dealt by Thursday afternoon, or if another team absolutely, positively bowled Milwaukee over with a Godfather offer too good to refuse.

For all the reporting about Giannis’ representatives communicating in one oblique form or another to the Bucks that the time had come for them to consider unwinding their 13-year relationship in pursuit of a respectful and mutually beneficial conscious uncoupling, or whatever the hell the language was, it appears he never actually said, “I want you to trade me.” (In fact, Antetokounmpo went out of his way on Tuesday to reach out to Bucks beat reporters Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Eric Nehm of The Athletic and tell them that, deep down, in his heart of hearts, he wanted to stay in Milwaukee, win another championship in Milwaukee, and retire a Buck.)

And for all the reporting about the teams most interested in his services, none of them actually had that kind of offer.

The Warriors could sell their post-Stephen Curry draft future, the big-ass salaries of an injured Jimmy Butler and an aging Draymond Green, and a bunch of young players who’ve never looked capable of making Joe Lacob’s purported second timeline viable. The Timberwolves and Knicks never had the draft capital to make a serious push, would’ve had to trade multiple core rotation pieces to try to find it, and never got there. And if the Heat’s best offer was, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald proposed, Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, another young player or two, Terry Rozier’s expiring contract, two first-round picks and two or three swaps … well, you can hardly blame the Bucks for not believing that would set them up for a quick bounce-back to perennial postseason pushes. (It hasn’t worked out all that hot for Miami, after all.)

So the Bucks went through the process, put prospective suitors through their paces, got the lay of the land, found the market wanting … and decided not to take a bad deal just for the sake of content creation, knowing that, when the season ends in just a few short months, plenty more teams will have more draft picks, more financial flexibility and, potentially, more motivation to pony up their best offers after suffering postseason disappointment.

Maybe Jon Horst was never really all that motivated to move. I don’t blame him. Giannis is one of the three or four best players in the world. He’s arguably the most important player in franchise history. Maybe, after years of moves aimed at trying to put together championship-caliber teams around him, the Bucks as presently constituted don’t have much of a future. But I’m not convinced that any of the offers available to them before Thursday would’ve dramatically improved their future outlook, either, and I don’t think sacrificing one of your saints just to turn the page makes sense — as a way to use assets, as a business strategy in your market, as a risk of karmic affront to the basketball gods, or in any other context.

Deciding to walk away from the table on Thursday doesn’t solve the Bucks’ problems. But it didn’t compound them by guaranteeing that the next time Giannis Antetokounmpo takes the court, he does so in another jersey. And that ain’t nothing.

The Most Stressed Out Winner Imaginable: Jon Horst

OK, Mr. General Manager. (“Well, ‘manager.’ We would just say “manager.”) You successfully avoided taking a step off the curb and getting hit by a bus. Now, you get to:

• Try to convince Giannis of the shrewdness of not suiting up for the rest of the season, thus decreasing the Bucks’ chances of winning more than a scant few games for the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season;

• Luck into a top-five pick in what evaluators say has a chance to be a generationally great top of the 2026 NBA Draft;

• Either nail that pick to give Giannis an instant-impact contributor/future superstar to play next to or auction it off to the highest bidder in exchange for multiple high-quality players and more future draft capital;

• Use the multiple first-round picks that you’ll be able to deal come the end of this league year and whatever other assets aren’t nailed down to drastically improve his supporting cast and the Bucks’ overall talent level;

• Present Giannis with the four-year, $275 million maximum-salaried contract extension for which he becomes eligible on October 1;

• Hope you’ve done enough to once again secure his signature on it;

• If you haven’t, begin sifting through a whole new round of offers, and start the process all over again.

Good luck! Enjoy!

Winner: Teams That Will Have More Draft Picks Available This Summer

I’m not saying I’m dialing up those Lakers Photoshops yet. I’m just monitoring the situation.

Winner: Everybody Who Was There for “The Dwightmare”

A bowling-ball-shouldered giant future Hall of Famer no longer sees a championship future with the team he’s been with since he was a teenager; he doesn’t want people to be mad at him for saying so and trying to get himself to a place where he does see said future; everything gets awkward; he doesn’t actually wind up moving at the deadline.

History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.

Loser: All of Us Who Waited Breathlessly, Following the Second-by-Second IV Drip of Sourced Scuttlebutt About Giannis’ Future, Expecting a Resolution by Thursday, Only to Be Told to Put Our Phones Down and Go Home to Our Families

Oh, well. Maybe we’ll learn our lesson next time …

Loser: All of Us Who Are About to Do All of That Again All Summer

… but probably not.

Winner: James Harden

Harden went into the week on a team that, while one of the hottest in the NBA, still projects as a play-in team in the Western Conference, likely drawing dead in the first round of the playoffs (if the Clippers even made it that far); with just $13.3 million of his contract for next season guaranteed; and with an uncertain path to a lucrative multi-year extension that would carry him past his 38th birthday. He exits it as the starting point guard for a team projected to have home-court advantage in Round 1 in the East (and that now ranks as a favorite to win the weaker conference) and with (it is heavily assumed due to his willingness to waive his implied no-trade clause and most of his $2.3 million trade kicker) a pathway to said lucrative multi-year extension.

Harden might not have infinite wiggles. But this week proved definitively that, even after doing this a half-dozen times, the Beard remains inarguably wiggly.

Winner: Donovan Mitchell — Mover, Shaker and Weight-Throwing Motivator

On Tuesday, I theorized that the Cavs’ sudden interest in Harden stemmed from a sudden awareness of the precarity of their position with Mitchell, who is eligible for a contract extension this summer, holds a $53.8 million player option for 2027-28, and could intimate an interest in declining both to threaten an exit from Cleveland if he didn’t feel Koby Altman and Co. were doing everything they could to maximize his chances of winning a championship.

On Wednesday, Jason Lloyd and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported that I was barking up the right tree …

The Cavs began the year as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but the season has not gone according to plan. They were also feeling the pressure from their best player, Donovan Mitchell, to make changes ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline under the threat of a contract extension he may or may not sign [...]

Three league sources said Mitchell, who has one guaranteed season left on his three-year, $150 million deal and a player option for 2027-28, conveyed, either personally or through his representatives, that he did not think the organization should stand pat for the rest of this season and wait for potential moves in the summer.

… a notion that Jake Fischer echoed with some supporting reporting:

"People don't realize the Cavs are in the same position with Donovan as the Bucks are with Giannis," one veteran front office executive told The Stein Line. [...]

Rest assured, then, that the Cavaliers don't make the Darius Garland-for-James Harden swap without Mitchell's blessing.

"If Don wants it, [it's happening]," said one league source with knowledge of the Cavaliers' inner-workings.

Mitchell wanted Harden. He got him.

“We both know that it’s going to be an adjustment,” Mitchell told Tony Jones of The Athletic on Wednesday. “But we’re excited. I’m excited about what he can do for me as a player, and I’m excited about what he can do for our team as a whole. We want the same thing. We both want a championship.”

Whether they’ll be able to reach that lofty goal remains in doubt. What’s now beyond doubt, though: The Cavs are no longer a team built around a “core four,” a confederacy of All-Star equals. They’re Mitchell’s team. They’ll go as he goes — as far as he can take them on the court, and where he insists they move off it.

Loser: The Reputation of Darius Garland’s Feet

Wait. That sounds gross. This one’s dumb. Dump it. Trash it.

Let’s try again:

Loser: Collective Confidence in Darius Garland’s Health

On its face, trading a 26-year-old two-time All-Star for a 36-year-old making the same amount of money sounds nuts. There’s a reason why teams don’t typically trade up in age by a full decade; it’s because older guys are less likely to remain healthy and productive than younger guys. In this case, though, the Cavs eagerly signed up for the older dude.

Maybe there’s nothing to that beyond the reported fact that Mitchell had grown weary of the state of play in Cleveland and that Altman saw an opportunity to upgrade at the position and improve the Cavs’ present-tense chances even if it meant reducing their long-term odds. But — and you’ll have to pardon my Windy fingers here — it feels at least notable that the team that drafted Garland and has employed him since 2019, who would know better than anybody exactly what’s in the medical file regarding the issues with the big toes in both of his feet that hobbled him last postseason and have cost him 26 games and counting this season, decided to move on from him … right before he becomes eligible for a contract extension this summer.

The NBA is an increasingly unforgiving place for small guards, even under the best of circumstances, and the way Garland’s exit from Cleveland unfolded invites at least some skepticism that he’s going to be operating under the best of circumstances. Here’s hoping such skepticism is unfounded; I’m a huge fan of Garland’s game, and he has a huge opportunity to become the cornerstone of the next era of Clippers basketball. I’m just saying: Let’s keep an eye on how long it takes him to come back, what he looks like when he does, and how those wheels fare as he moves into what should be his prime.

Winner (Kinda?): Jonathan Kuminga

He finally got traded! Steve Kerr doesn’t have him to kick around anymore! Now it’s time for him to get all those minutes, touches and scoring opportunities as a starting wing and top offensive option on the …

[checks notes]

… Atlanta Hawks, who have All-Star triple-double machine Jalen Johnson at power forward, former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher at small forward, and Most Improved Player candidate Nickeil Alexander-Walker and defensive demon Dyson Daniels at the guard spots?

Hmm. Well, at least the drive to the arena will look different.

Loser: Everyone Who Had to Write Multiple Columns and Devote Multiple Podcast Segments to The Jonathan Kuminga Saga

It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem; it’s me.

Loser: Golden State Warriors

After Jimmy Butler went down, Antetokounmpo was the only move on the board that seemed like it could’ve meaningfully revitalized their chances of competing for an NBA championship. When it became clear to the Warriors that Milwaukee wasn’t going to open that particular door, they pivoted to Atlanta, shipping out Kuminga and Buddy Hield in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis — who seems like an ideal shot-blocking stretch-5 to put next to Draymond Green, except for the fact that he’s spent much of the last year battlingillness, has missed 35 games this season, and hasn’t suited up in nearly a month.

If Porziņģis is actually able to play down the stretch, he could really help. More likely, though, Golden State’s deadline business amounts to turning Kuminga and Hield into one larger expiring contract, moving Trayce Jackson-Davis for a second-round pick, getting a little bit of breathing room under the second apron, and … that’s about it. Not exactly the most inspiring transaction cycle for a team led by an about-to-be-38-year-old legend still throwing lightning bolts and playing at an All-NBA level. So it goes.

Winner: Ending Your Years-long Skulking at the Bottom of the Standings in Pursuit of Good, Old-Fashioned Decency

Hey there, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz!

I wouldn’t say I’m convinced that dealing for Trae Young and Anthony Davis will suddenly send Washington skyrocketing into contention for home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference next season. (I’m definitely reticent to give the Wiz a big thumbs up for their opportunistic buy-low moves until and unless I know that they haven’t undone that good work by spending like $90 million a season for their new veterans.) I’m more bullish on the prospect of Utah pairing Jaren Jackson Jr. with Lauri Markkanen and a re-signed Walker Kessler in a supersized frontcourt that, flanked by Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, is bursting at the seams with positional size and offensive skill. (Though, for what it’s worth, JJJ certainly has his skeptics.)

In general, though, while I don’t begrudge going-nowhere teams deciding that the best option available to them is a managed retreat, teardown and long rebuild, I also support teams that have been terrible forever trying, at long last, to be good. (I’m a little traditional that way.) Since moving Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz have been functionally irrelevant to the broader NBA discourse; the Wizards have labored in that condition for most of the last several decades. I’m not saying they should start printing the Game 3 playoff programs just yet; I just respect the swing.

Winner: Getting Your Work Done Early, Like a Respectable Deep Seal in the Post (Shouts Out to Thomas Bryant)

Heading into the season, a handful of teams projected to have boatloads of cap space in the summer of 2026. But with the 2026 free agency class heavy on expensive vets on the wrong side of 30, and with cap-space-flush teams like Washington and Utah unlikely to win battles for the affection of sought-after targets against bigger markets and better teams, those teams instead opted for what’s increasingly being called “pre-agency.”

The Wizards swooping in on Young and Davis; the Jazz snagging JJJ.; the Wolves (not a cap-space-flush team, but still qualifying!) dealing for Ayo Dosunmu (whom Minnesota likely wouldn’t have been able to sign this offseason). All of these deals allowed teams to bring in players that they might not have had access to come the summer, giving them both a few-months head start in getting them acclimated to a new structure and, crucially, gaining control over the players’ valuable Bird rights. Making those deals now ensures that those teams don’t wind up scrambling to throw good money after bad later, and affords them a leg up on the arduous process of sketching out a vision for what comes next so that you can hit the ground running next season. Procrastination: so last year.

Winner, Passive Income/Compound Interest Division: Oklahoma City Thunder

The defending NBA champions entered deadline week holding three first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft — belonging to the Clippers (from the 2019 Paul George/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade), the 76ers (from the 2020 Al Horford trade) and the Rockets (from the 2019 Chris Paul/Russell Westbrook trade) — with a top-eight-protected potential fourth coming from the Jazz (from the 2021 Derrick Favors salary dump). But with 15 guaranteed salaries on the books for next year, and with injured recent first-rounders Nikola Topić and Thomas Sorber in line to enter the fold, they don’t really have any place to put all those dudes. Champagne problems for an organization still learning how to open Champagne bottles.

So the Thunder took one of those firsts, plus three second-round picks from their cache of future assets, and turned them into Jared McCain — a player whose struggles in his first 30-odd games after returning from a torn meniscus in his left knee landed him on the outskirts of Nick Nurse’s rotation, but who’s begun to come on of late, knocking down 15 of his last 26 3-pointers in a Sixers uniform.

Oklahoma City — currently sitting atop the West at 40-12, with the NBA’s best defense and a top-four offense — doesn’t exactly need a whole hell of a lot to feel confident in its chances of vying for a second NBA championship. But for a team that ranks 15th in 3-point makes, 16th in 3-point attempts, 15th in 3-point accuracy and 18th in the share of its shots that come from long range, an active and accurate movement shooter — 38.1% from deep on more than 10 attempts per 100 possessions thus far in his career — who can give Mark Daigneault someone else who can create with the ball in his hands in the second unit feels like a worthwhile addition to the portfolio. Particularly when it comes at the fairly negligible cost of never-quite-developed/surplus-to-requirements fourth-year big Ousmane Dieng and what’s likely to be a mid-20s pick that the Thunder would have a hard time rostering next season.

It seems like a pretty reasonable bet that a steady diet of opportunities in what’s proven to be an awfully good developmental system in Oklahoma City could help McCain recover the form that had him looking like the Rookie of the Year favorite before his injury last season. That would make him awfully useful, not only for this year’s title defense, but also over the next several seasons of his cost-controlled rookie-scale contract — especially for a Thunder team that’s about to get extremely expensive.

With extensions for Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren kicking in, the Thunder are about to face a salary crunch that will likely lead to some tough decisions on perimeter players like Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe — another former Sixer sharpshooter who wound up carving out a role for himself in OKC. McCain might be next in line.

And, by the way? With the Clippers shedding two of their three best players and the Jazz adding a two-time All-Star before the deadline, Oklahoma City’s odds of landing a pair of mid-lottery picks look to have increased. It’s pretty cool when, without you doing anything, your money keeps making money. (Shouts out to Benny in “In the Heights.”)

All roads lead here: to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. and Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks enter as the favorite, but there are paths to a New England Patriots victory, which we’ll hit in this Super Bowl edition of the Four Verts column. There’s a lot at stake Sunday. Let’s go over some of the biggest storylines.

Patriots’ offense appears to be outmanned again

New England’s offense has faced some of the toughest defenses the NFL has to offer en route to a Super Bowl berth. In fact, they’ve gotten completely dominated by the Chargers, Texans and Broncos defenses, riding a handful of drives, a defensive touchdown and the help of an overwhelmed backup quarterback in the snow. That’s not to say they don’t deserve to be here. Every team that can weather the storm of attrition to get to this point deserves the ability to play in this game. 

Drake Maye is as good as any player who will play Sunday. The second-year quarterback has earned his stamp as an MVP finalist considering he has done an Atlas-level carrying of the offense this season. The Patriots barely had success in the rain against the Texans and their only touchdown drive against the Broncos came on a short field following a baffling decision by Jarrett Stidham to throw the ball backward for a fumble.

Seattle will be New England’s toughest cohesive test yet, barring an explosion from Maye and the supporting cast around him. The Rams pushed the Seahawks to the brink in the NFC championship game, but Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Sean McVay aren’t walking through that door for the Patriots’ offense. It’s largely going to be up to Maye and a shaky offensive line to stay afloat against a truly dominant defense this season. 

Points will be difficult to come by. Maye will have his moments, but when looking at the non-quarterback players on this offense against the Seahawks’ defense, it’s hard not to see how they don’t get stuffed into a locker for the fourth consecutive game. It’s not unreasonable that the Patriots struggled mightily against the defenses they’ve faced this postseason, but they’ll need a little more help to get a win in what should be a clean weather environment. 

New England needs star defensive trio to dominate

The Patriots are underdogs in the Super Bowl for good reason. When stacking the rosters of the two teams, it’s clear which one recently picked in the top five of the NFL Draft two straight years, and which one has been a fringe playoff team that reached its final form this past offseason. However, the Patriots aren’t a team that’s completely bereft of talent, and they have a few high-level players who can turn the tide for them if they can play to the best of their abilities. In that respect, cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are going to be the lynchpins here.

[Get more Patriots news: New England team feed]

The good thing about these players is they play positions of value and all of them can really impact the game with high-level performances, particularly their duo on the interior. There is no better way to shut down Seattle's offense and make life difficult for the Seahawks than to have immediate disruption on the front lines with Barmore and Williams. Seattle’s interior offensive line is one of the weaker parts of its offense. This soft spot gives those two Patriots a prime opportunity to take over the game and provide some relief to their own offense. 

Specifically, Seattle’s duo of Jalen Sundell and Anthony Bradford will need help against the Patriots’ defensive tackle duo. There’s also a level of natural symbiosis between defensive line play and secondary play where Barmore and Williams taking advantage of this matchup will actually make things easier for Gonzalez, the third member of this defensive trio that New England needs to play well. Pressure forces bad plays and Gonzalez already showed his ability to make plays on the ball by closing out the Broncos’ offense in the AFC championship game with an interception.

Andy Lyons via Getty Images

Gonzalez will have his hands full with a matchup against Jaxson Smith-Njigba, who is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL right now. If he can win just a couple of those battles while Barmore and Williams take advantage of their talent advantage in the trenches, there’s a chance for the Patriots to win.

Those three need to play up to their Pro Bowl billings, because overall this Patriots roster appears to be completely outmatched. If they can do that, New England has a puncher’s chance. Sam Darnold is prone to lapses that lead to turnovers, even though he hasn’t done that yet in the postseason. Getting the ball back to Maye and the offense will be imperative, but that’s easier said than done. 

Sam Darnold needs to make it just one more game

One more game, Sam. Just one more.

While the Seahawks’ offense was flustered over the second half of the season, Sam Darnold has played really clean football through these playoffs. If he can make it one more game without tanking himself and having a classic Darnold implosion, Seattle should cruise to a Super Bowl victory and he can change the narrative on himself. Darnold has become one of the most fascinating quarterbacks in the league because the great heights that he is capable of reaching have not always been attainable for him, mostly due to his own mistakes. So far in the playoffs, he’s been able to avoid them. One more game will cap off the most important three-game run in his career where he’s been able to do one thing everyone has consistently been clamoring for him to do: just play clean!

Darnold has always been one of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in the league. I can say this from personal experience as someone who spent time covering him when he was a member of the New York Jets a few years ago. He often had practices where he looked like the best QB in the league. And then would follow those practices up with some of the sloppiest stuff you will ever see. There’s a reason why he’s on his fifth team and it’s not because of his general ability. It just hasn’t been clean enough. 

Seattle hasn’t asked Darnold to do a high volume of passing through two playoff games, but he’s worked well with what he’s been asked to do. He’s thrown the ball 53 times for 470 yards, four touchdowns and nearly a 70% completion rate. He’s got a passer rating of 122.4 and the only real blemish has been the five sacks on such a small number of dropbacks. However, the most important number for Darnold: zero turnovers.

Darnold has fumbled once, but was able to recover it. That works in the one-game sample sizes of single-elimination playoffs. He needs to do it just one more time. That seems feasible considering what he’s done so far, but there is also the permanent aura of the unknown with Darnold where the bottom could fall out at any time. He has so much to gain from this if he can make it one more game without the intrusive thoughts popping in his head as he’s scanning the Patriots’ coverages. 

Forging new destinies is the theme of Super Bowl LX

There are plenty of established figures in this game between the coaching staffs and the players who can begin to cement and individualize their legacies in this Super Bowl. This game has an extra weight added to it in terms of reputational benefit (or loss) with a win (or loss). With a victory, history and narratives can be forgiven, or forgotten. These are some of the most compelling storylines the Super Bowl generates and with two new(ish) teams in the Super Bowl, it feels like more is on the line than recent years. 

Sam Darnold feels like the obvious, biggest benefactor with a Super Bowl win, as long as he plays cleanly. His career has been mired by puzzlingly bad play, especially considering he has great physical skills and is capable of stringing together great play. However, the ruts are real and they still show up occasionally even though Seattle has won in the rough moments. If Darnold can get through one more game without turning the ball over, paired with a win, he can rewrite the narrative on what people think about him. There’s no better time to cap off what could be the best three-game run of his career. 

Josh McDaniels and Mike Vrabel can write new stories for themselves with a win, considering their previous stops did not end in the most flattering manners. While Vrabel bounced back from how his tenure in Tennessee ended, it’s not like it was completely nonsensical for Tennessee to move on from him. The Titans were stuck in the mud following two middling seasons and never really rebounded from the losses of wide receiver A.J. Brown and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Moving onto then-rookie quarterback Will Levis was not a fruitful endeavor and the Titans’ offense was so bad that the team decided to move in a different direction from Vrabel. That turned out to be a bad decision, considering Brian Callahan lasted only 23 games as head coach, but it was an understandable move at the time.

McDaniels’ firing from the Raiders requires less explanation; they were awful and so was he. However, he can begin to rebuild the narrative around his career if he can provide answers for the Patriots’ offense to survive a raucous, physical Seattle defense. McDaniels can prove to himself and everyone that he can reach the mountaintop of success without the titanic shadows of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady hovering over him. 

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald are new enough here where they shouldn’t be dinged too much with a loss, but they can hit the ground running on their respective careers with a Super Bowl victory in each of their respective second seasons. History can be made and rewritten with a Lombardi Trophy — at least until there’s a shaky 2026 season that turns up the heat on the hot take machine and makes everyone forget, because that’s just what we do now. 

Shams Charania: Ja Morant remained with the Memphis Grizzlies past today's NBA trade deadline. Multiple teams were intrigued by Morant's talent but none were willing to make a serious offer, sources said.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Teams showed interest but no serious offers for Ja Morant

They could not find a trade partner willing to send anything of value back for Ja Morant, who still has two years and more than $87 million remaining on his contract after this season. The inability to find a trade partner brings Morant’s frigid relationship with the Grizzlies’ organization back to the forefront. He had received a one-game suspension earlier this season after openly clashing with head coach Tuomas Iisalo.

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The inability to find a trade partner brings Morant’s …

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Legends don’t chase. They attract 💯😎

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Legends don’t chase. They attract 💯😎 pic.twitter.com/62r1jg93vt

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) February 5, 2026

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Legends don’t chase. They attract