MILAN (AP) — US defeats Slovakia 6-2 in men's hockey to set up Olympic gold medal matchup with Canada.

Liverpool have made contact with Kees Smit's entourage

Most Liverpool fans would say that the Reds' midfield is the last area that their club should be looking to upgrade.

Players such as Curtis Jones can't even get a look in which proves just how stacked Arne Slot's midfield ranks actually are.

Despite this, according to a report from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Hughes has already made 'contact, with Kees Smit's entourage with view to sign him in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are just some of the other clubs interested in acquiring the 20 year old's services, but, since the Reds have already made their move for the wonderkid, they're the ones leading the way with their moves being 'decisive.'

The report outlines that one of the main reasons why Liverpool have already made their move for Smit is so that they don't miss out on their ideal target due to Real's interest.

This has happened twice in the past with Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni both opting to join Los Blancos over the Reds.

Richard Hughes forcing Liverpool to be the first team to make contact with Kees Smit's agents was a genius move

Even though Smit is one of the most sought-after youngsters in the world at the moment, Liverpool proving that they already have interest in the Dutchman is genius.

He may only be 20 years old but, his quality is second to none and, if the Reds end up being the ones to lead the way, they're likely to have first dibs on the midfielder.

It's hard to deny the fact that Smit's future is going to be the talk of the summer, especially if Alexis Mac Allister or Jones end up exiting L4.

Last term, Liverpool were one of the most dominant teams in the world and, although things only just seem to be clicking between some of their new signings, once everyone is fit and ready to fight next season, they could become dominant once again.

If Hughes manages to sign Smit in the summer, his proactiveness in the market could be one of the best things to happen to the club, especially if he turns out as good as he's said to be.

NEED TO KNOW

• Polish speedskater Kamila Sellier was stretchered off the ice during the women's 1500-meter quarterfinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics
• Sellier was cut below her eye by a competitor's blade
• Racing paused for several minutes as she received medical attention

Polish speedskater Kamila Sellier had to be stretchered off the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics after a crash caused an opponent to inadvertently cut her right beneath her eye.

Sellier, 25, was competing in the women's 1500-meter quarterfinal in short track speedskating on Friday, Feb. 20 when she and two competitors — Italy's Ariana Fontana and American Kristen Santos-Griswold — went down, due in part to an illegal lane pass from Santos-Griswold.

The Polish skater fell to the ice, bleeding severely, as medical staff ran out to help. They held up a white sheet to block her from the crowds as they loaded her into a stretcher, with Sellier giving a thumbs up as she left the Milan arena. The event was paused for several minutes as ice crews worked to clean up her blood on the ice.

Sellier was taken to the hospital for tests, but her eye is okay, Polish officials said, according to the Associated Press.

In the aftermath of the crash, Santos-Griswold was disqualified for her lane pass and did not make the finals. Fontana, meanwhile, had nicks on her speed suit but continued racing, finishing second in the quarterfinal and in the semifinal.

Fontana, a 14-time Olympic medalist, ended up finishing fifth in the final. American Corinne Stoddard took bronze, while South Korea's Gilli Kim and Minjeong Choi won gold and silver, respectively.

Several competitors complained of soft ice that caused problems with racing, including the Netherland's Suzanne Schulting, who did not make it past the semifinals.

"The ice was breaking away," she said. "You saw it when the other girls, they fell too."

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.

Read the original article on People

Yahoo Sports’ 26-and-under power rankings are a remix on the traditional farm system rankings that assess the strength of MLB organizations’ talent base among rookie-eligible and MiLB players. By evaluating all players in an organization entering their age-26 seasons or younger, this project aims to paint a more complete picture of each team’s young core. Our rankings value productive young major leaguers more heavily than prospects who have yet to prove it at the highest level, and most prospects included in teams’ evaluations have already reached the upper levels of the minors.

To compile these rankings, each MLB organization was given a score in four categories:

• Young MLB hitters: scored 0-10; 26-and-under position players and rookie-eligible hitters projected to be on Opening Day rosters

• Young MLB pitchers: scored 0-10; 26-and-under pitchers and rookie-eligible pitchers projected to be on Opening Day rosters

• Prospect hitters: scored 0-5; prospect-eligible position players projected to reach MLB in the next 1-2 years

• Prospect pitchers: scored 0-5; prospect-eligible pitchers projected to reach MLB in the next 1-2 years

We’re counting down all 30 organizations’ 26-and-under talent bases from weakest to strongest, diving into five teams at a time. In addition to the scores for each team in each category, we’ll highlight the key players who fall into each bucket and contributed most to their organization's place in the rankings. Below, we dig into Nos. 20-16.

Read more: 26-and-under rankings Nos. 30-26 | Nos. 25-21

20. Atlanta Braves (total score: 14/30) | 2025 rank: 7

Young MLB hitters (6/10): C Drake Baldwin, OF Michael Harris II
Young MLB pitchers (5/10): RHP Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP Hurston Waldrep, RHP AJ Smith-Shawver
Prospect hitters (0/5): 1B/3B David McCabe, SS John Gil, SS Alex Lodise, OF Pat Clohisy
Prospect pitchers (3/5): RHP Didier Fuentes, RHP J.R. Ritchie, RHP Owen Murphy, LHP Cam Caminiti, RHP Lucas Braun, RHP Ian Mejia

Few teams have tumbled further down our rankings over the past few seasons than the Braves, who have seen the Spencer Strider/Ronald Acuña Jr./Austin Riley core graduate from eligibility. What’s left is a much less certain future. The Braves have struggled to develop and promote minor-league reinforcements, particularly on the position-player front, which has hurt them in recent seasons.

But it’s not all bleak. DrakeBaldwin is the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, for Pete’s sake. The 24-year-old backstop was magnificent at the plate last season and offered more from a defensive perspective than some prognosticators expected. He’s probably never going to win a Gold Glove, but Baldwin absolutely rakes and should settle as one of the better catchers in baseball over the next decade. Sean Murphy’s injury and Atlanta’s decision to move on from longtime DH Marcell Ozuna should provide Baldwin ample playing time going forward.

Michael Harris II is coming off one of the weirdest campaigns in recent memory. The fleet-footed outfielder was his typically excellent self defensively but battled through an all-time awful first half in 2025. His .559 OPS at the end of June was dead last among qualified hitters. But he rebounded enough in the second half (.789 OPS) to finish the year with a respectable statline. Harris’ elite defensive chops mean he has more leeway to struggle at the plate, but he’s always going to be a streaky hitter due to his swing-happy approach. As a whole, that probably makes him more of a great complementary piece than a cornerstone. 

In an earlier draft of these rankings, before the spring training injury bug came a’biting, we had the Braves slotted in a few spots higher. Then news broke that both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are to undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in their elbows. That procedure is not nearly as concerning as Tommy John, but it’s certainly not good news. And Schwellenbach’s issue comes on the heels of an elbow fracture that derailed the second half of his 2025 season. Both guys could still contribute in 2026, but we were inclined to round down based on their recent injuries.

Down on the farm, Atlanta has a handful of arms primed to climb up the ladder. J.R.Ritchie, a 2022 first-rounder, is the likeliest to make a significant impact this season. He experienced a nice velocity bump last year and now projects as a solid No. 4 starter type. DidierFuentes, still just 20 years old,was unfairly thrust into the rotation as an emergency option last season and got absolutely obliterated. More minor-league seasoning could turn him into a usable big-league starter. CamCaminiti is much further away — he hasn’t pitched above Low-A — but the long-limbed lefty might have the highest ceiling of any arm in this system. It’s a strong group.

That’s not the case on the position-player front, where the Braves’ hitting prospects were the only group in all of baseball that received a zero. Atlanta was one of three organizations, alongside Houston and Anaheim, that didn’t have a single position-player prospect on any of the major prospect sites’ top-100 lists. And unlike the Astros and Angels, the Braves didn’t even have a hitter honorably mentioned. It’s a bleak situation. Their second-rounder last year, Alex Lodise, has real juice but tons of chase. Diego Tornes, their top signing from the 2025 international class, is 17 years old. Pat Clohisy stole 99 bases last season but might not have the impact power necessary to be more than a fourth or fifth outfielder.

Some of this drought is defensible. Atlanta’s run of contention has relegated it to the back of the draft’s first round for much of the past decade. The Braves have also used six straight first-round picks (2020-2024) on pitchers. And Baldwin (a third-rounder) turning into what he has turned into almost evens the equation. Still, the team’s issues with hitting development are striking, as are its failures in Latin America. — J.M.

19. New York Yankees (total score: 15/30) | 2025 rank: 26

Young MLB hitters (5/10): OF Jasson Domínguez, C Austin Wells, SS Anthony Volpe
Young MLB pitchers (5/10): RHP Cam Schlittler, LHP Ryan Weathers, RHP Cade Winquest
Prospect hitters (2/5): OF Spencer Jones, SS George Lombard Jr.
Prospect pitchers (3/5): RHP Ben Hess, RHP Bryce Cunningham, RHP Carlos Lagrange, LHP Elmer Rodriguez, RHP Chase Hampton

All three of New York’s young big-league hitters had 2025 seasons to forget. JassonDomínguez failed to capitalize on a batch of early-season playing time and eventually ceded his job to an ascending Trent Grisham. He’s likely to spend much of this year in Scranton or the Yankee Stadium dugout. AustinWells regressed after a breakout 2024, finishing his campaign with a putrid .275 on-base percentage, the ninth-worst mark among players with 400 PAs. He still cranked 21 long balls and remains an elite pitch-framer/game-caller.

Then there’s AnthonyVolpe, the local boy, the prospect prince that was promised. Three years into his big-league career, the offensive impact he showcased in the minors has yet to emerge on a consistent basis. Most concerningly, Volpe’s defensive numbers backed up big-time in 2025. That’s mostly due to a batch of errors on routine plays and not necessarily a decline in his physical abilities, but it’s worrying nonetheless. Offseason surgery to repair a shoulder issue that reportedly dogged him for much of last season could help Volpe get back on track, but the gap between what he is and what he was supposed to be remains enormous. This might be his last year to prove that he’s the Yankees’ shortstop of the future.

Cam Schlittler’s emergence was a major story of New York’s 2025 season, culminating in a historically dominant Game 3 shutout against Boston in the wild-card series, in which he sat 100 mph and punched out 12. His more forgettable outing against Toronto in the ALDS was a reminder that Schlittler, like many other arms, can be a bit too reliant on his high-octane fastball. When that heat is a bit frostier (95-97), Schlittler is hitable, particularly when he can’t find the zone. Whether he can maintain his velocity deeper into starts or find more consistent secondaries will determine whether he’s a midrotation piece or a frontline arm moving forward. Either way, this is a massive win for a seventh-rounder out of Northeastern.

As is often the case with Yankees prospects, GeorgeLombard Jr. and SpencerJones have gotten a ton of press relative to their small-market counterparts. Both are immensely talented but come with unavoidable concerns. For Lombard, it’s all about his ability to hit for average. Few evaluators doubt the raw juice or his defensive skills at short, but he hit just .215 last year across 469 Double-A plate appearances. Even if it clicks for him, he’s going to be a Trevor Story, Willy Adames, Cubs-era Dansby Swanson type of shortstop. If it doesn’t click, he’ll look like a less extreme version of Gabriel Arias.

Speaking of extreme, let’s pivot to Jones, one of the most polarizing hitters of the decade. The 24-year-old clocked 35 homers and posted a .274 average across 116 minor-league games last season. He also struck out at a preposterous 35.4% clip. It is very, very difficult to be an impact big leaguer with that much swing-and-miss, especially if you aren’t a sensational defender. Jones isn’t a butcher in center, but he’s not Pete Crow-Armstrong. The range of outcomes here is cavernous. Jones could be a lefty Aaron Judge clone. Or he could also be in the KBO in two years. It all depends on how he fares against big-league pitching. Evaluators are almost universally skeptical, but we can’t wait to see how it goes.

As always, the Yankees have a handful of pop-up arms down on the farm. Few organizations are consistently better at minor-league pitching development than the Yanks, who frequently flip their pitching prospect depth at the deadline to supplement the big-league club. Elmer Rodriguez was drafted out of a Puerto Rican high school by Boston in the fourth round in 2021 and dealt to the Yankees for Carlos Narváez last winter. He has a nasty, bowling ball sinker that pushed him to a 54.5% ground-ball rate last year (the seventh-highest mark among minor leaguers with at least 100 innings). He probably won’t win any Cy Youngs, but Rodriguez should pitch in the bigs for a long time. 

Carlos Lagrange is a different story. The 22-year-old is a mountain of a man, officially listed at 6-foot-7, 248 pounds. His fastball regularly touches triple digits, and his slider is a true bat-misser. He also doesn’t always know where the ball is going. That’s why, despite having thrown 120 innings last year, Lagrange is probably a reliever when it’s all done and dusted. If it plays out that way, he could become one of the best back-end arms in the league, in a Dellin Betances mold. His stuff is that good. There’s a non-zero chance he contributes to the Yankees’ bullpen this season. — J.M.

Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports

18. Chicago White Sox (total score: 15/30) | 2025 rank: 28

Young MLB hitters (6/10): SS Colson Montgomery, INF Chase Meidroth, C Kyle Teel, INF Miguel Vargas, 1B Munetaka Murakami, C Edgar Quero, UTIL Luisangel Acuña, UTIL Brooks Baldwin, INF Lenyn Sosa, OF Everson Pereira, INF Curtis Mead
Young MLB pitchers (3/10): RHP Shane Smith, RHP Sean Burke, RHP Jonathan Cannon, RHP Grant Taylor, RHP Mike Vasil, RHP Wikelman González, RHP Alexander Alberto, RHP Jedixson Paez
Prospect hitters (2/5): OF Braden Montgomery, 2B Sam Antonacci, INF Caleb Bonemer, INF William Bergolla Jr.
Prospect pitchers (4/5): LHP Hagen Smith, LHP Noah Schultz, RHP David Sandlin, RHP Tanner McDougal, LHP Christian Oppor

Few teams, if any, can match the White Sox in terms of the sheer quantity of 26-and-under players expected to contribute at the major-league level in 2026, a predictable product of Chicago’s rebuild. It’s rare for a team coming off 102 losses to be burgeoning with hope and anticipation for the season ahead, but Chicago has assembled several promising building blocks and is now far enough removed from the catastrophe that was 2024 that vibes on the South Side are surprisingly good. While there’s still ample work to be done (and money to be spent) before this team will be considered a viable contender, the White Sox can no longer be shrugged off as years away from relevance.

A position-player group bereft of talent not long ago has experienced an infusion of upside via all three avenues of acquisition: the draft and development of a potential homegrown star in Colson Montgomery, the hefty Garrett Crochet trade return including Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Braden Montgomery, and the shocking free-agent addition of Munetaka Murakami. Let’s start with the franchise shortstop Montgomery, whose climb to the majors was a slow burn but whose arrival was well worth the wait. His power has long been his calling card, and that was immediately on display, with 21 home runs in 71 games as a rookie, but it was Montgomery’s huge strides with the glove — he rated as a plus defender at shortstop after years of evaluators pegging him as a soon-to-be third baseman — that amplified his star potential. The strikeouts might always be an issue, but shortstops with his kind of pop don’t grow on trees.

Teel and Edgar Quero (also acquired via trade) project as above-average bats for their position, but both catchers will need to improve as defenders for the White Sox to feel comfortable with them as the no-doubt backstop tandem of the future. Meidroth’s elite contact skills and defensive versatility make him one of several useful role players (Brooks Baldwin, Luisangel Acuña, eventually Sam Antonacci) for manager Will Venable to deploy. Miguel Vargas and Lenyn Sosa have notably more offensive upside than the aforementioned role players, but their defensive deficiencies could squeeze them off the roster soon unless they really start to rake. 

Then there’s Murakami, arriving from Japan with a legendary NPB résumé and enormous questions about how his skill set will translate against MLB arms. That skepticism surrounding Murakami makes his value within this project far different than, say, that of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose proven ace status significantly boosted the Dodgers’ young MLB pitchers score the past two years. That said, Murakami’s upside is unrivaled in this org outside of Montgomery, so his presence still bolstered Chicago’s case for a strong score in the young MLB hitters category.

While the bats are in a much better place compared to a year ago, progress on the mound was more uneven for Chicago in 2025. Rule 5 pick turned All-Star Shane Smith was an undeniable win for the front office and coaching staff, but he still projects more as a midrotation or back-end arm than a frontline force; the same can be said about Jonathan Cannon and Sean Burke. Grant Taylor can be an impact reliever if he can stay healthy, but that has proven to be quite a big if.

There’s enviable depth at the upper levels of Chicago’s system, but the most prominent prospect arms turned in a mixed bag of results last season. It seemed likely that at least one of Hagen Smith or Noah Schultz would debut for Chicago in 2025, but Smith’s command struggles and Schultz’s recurring injury interruptions determined otherwise. Getting those two talented southpaws back on track is pivotal for Chicago’s long-term outlook on the mound. On a more positive note, the less-heralded and later-drafted duo of Tanner McDougal (fifth round, 2021) and Christian Oppor (fifth round, 2023) turned in terrific campaigns and have put themselves on the prospect radar. — J.S.

17. Washington Nationals (total score: 15/30) | 2025 rank: 10

Young MLB hitters (7/10): OF James Wood, SS CJ Abrams, OF Daylen Lile, OF Dylan Crews, INF Luis García Jr., 3B Brady House, INF Nasim Nuñez, INF José Tena, CF Jacob Young, OF Robert Hassell III
Young MLB pitchers (2/10): RHP Brad Lord, RHP Cole Henry, LHP DJ Herz, LHP Mitchell Parker
Prospect hitters (3/5): C Harry Ford, 1B Yohandy Morales, SS Seaver King, OF Christian Franklin, OF Andrew Pinckney, SS Eli Willits, INF Gavin Fien, 1B Abimelec Ortiz
Prospect pitchers (3/5): RHP Jarlin Susana, RHP Travis Sykora, RHP Luis Perales, LHP Alex Clemmey, LHP Jackson Kent

It’s a time of substantial change in the nation’s capital, with a new leadership group helmed by 36-year-old president of baseball operations Paul Toboni taking the reins in October. The forward-thinking exec has already begun the long process of modernizing this organization’s processes. That bodes well for the long run, even if this turns out to be a rough year at the big-league level.

But even if the 2026 Nats have no chance to win the World Series, the club can still take meaningful steps forward. That starts and ends with this core of young hitters. James Wood earned an All-Star nod in 2025 but looked exhausted throughout a statistically poor second half. A player this tall and long-limbed is always going to run a high K rate, but his 32.1% mark from 2025 needs to tick down if he’s going to evolve into an MVP candidate. 

Trade rumors have swirled around CJAbrams all winter, but he looks primed to begin the year in D.C. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares with a new, upgraded coaching staff. Abrams hasn’t quite reached his offensive ceiling and remains a very flawed defensive player. Still, there aren’t many 25-year-old shortstops who can hit at an above-average clip. DaylenLile (.845 OPS) was one of the few pleasant surprises of Washington’s abysmal 2025. His bat looks legit, but his defensive numbers were dreadful. Improvement on that front could make him a real difference-maker. 

Dylan Crews, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft behind Paul Skenes, has had a start-and-stop first few years to his MLB career, mostly due to injuries. The talent hasn’t gone anywhere, though, and we think Crews will have a breakout 2026. The rest of this impressively deep group has more warts, as we have big questions about BradyHouse’s hit tool, RobertHassell III’s power and LuisGarcía Jr.’s glove.

A total dearth of young MLB pitching is part of why most prognosticators have the Nats pegged for the NL East cellar. MitchellParker was the second-worst qualified starter by ERA last season. BradLord could develop into a back-end rotation piece but needs to upgrade his secondaries. ColeHenry will start the year as Washington’s closer but is probably more of a seventh- or eighth-inning arm on a contender.

This farm system has taken a big step forward over the past 12 months, thanks to a strong 2025 draft and a handful of big-leaguer-for-prospect trades. HarryFord, acquired this winter for reliever Jose Ferrer, might finish this season as Washington’s primary catcher. He’s tracking like a capable every-day option, with a patience-over-power profile. EliWillits was the No. 1 overall pick last summer, but he only just turned 18 and, despite his immense promise, is years away from big-league impact. The same is true for GavinFien, a 2025 first-rounder acquired in the Gore deal.

Jarlin Susana might have the highest ceiling of any pitcher in the minor leagues, with a triple digit heater and a soul-snatching slider. He’ll miss the first few months due to an injury and might end up in the bullpen. TravisSykora, also injured,is built like an oak tree. He was tracking like a potential No. 2 starter before he hit the shelf.

We believe in this new leadership group and some of the interesting player development hires they’ve made. There’s a chance this system, bolstered by another big draft and maybe an Abrams trade, looks even more stacked a year from now. — J.M.

16. Chicago Cubs (total score: 15/30) | 2025 rank: 17

Young MLB hitters (6/10): OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, INF/OF Matt Shaw, C/DH Moisés Ballesteros
Young MLB pitchers (5/10): RHPCade Horton, RHP Daniel Palencia
Prospect hitters (2/5): OF Kevin Alcántara, 1B Jonathon Long, 3B Pedro Ramirez, 2B James Triantos, INFJefferson Rojas, OF Ethan Conrad
Prospect pitchers (2/5): RHP Jaxon Wiggins, RHP Brandon Birdsell

Fresh off one of the more hot-and-cold offensive seasons in recent memory — 27 homers and 29 steals with a .868 OPS through the end of July; just four homers and six steals with a .533 OPS over the final two months — Pete Crow-Armstrong is a difficult player to forecast. 2025 was an exaggerated manifestation of his immense raw talent being undermined by his swing-at-everything approach. PCA’s game-changing defense in center field and havoc wreaked on the basepaths afford him multiple ways to make the Cubs a better ballclub no matter what he’s doing at the plate. But for the soon-to-be 24-year-old to become more valuable than volatile, he’ll need to dial in a more dependable offensive game plan.

Matt Shaw finished his rookie year strong at the plate but is transitioning to a superutility role in the wake of Alex Bregman’s arrival at the hot corner. Can manager Craig Counsell find Shaw enough at-bats for him to remain a key cog moving forward, or will he ultimately become a trade chip sent to flourish elsewhere? Moisés Ballesteros’ bat is even more promising than Shaw’s, but his defensive polish as a backstop lags far behind, which could limit him to DH duty in the short term, capping his overall value. On the farm, Kevin Alcántara’s physical tools continue to tantalize, but his production has yet to demand at-bats in the majors. Conversely, all Jonathon Long has done in the minors is rake, including a full season of mashing at Triple-A in 2025, but his corner-only glove makes his path to playing time in Chicago rather narrow. 

It’s hard to put too much stock into any reliever because of their inherent volatility, but Daniel Palencia finally translating his elite velocity into reliable high-leverage results was an encouraging development last season; now let’s see if he can do it again. Cade Horton’s 2.67 ERA across 118 innings earned him a narrow runner-up finish to Drake Baldwin in the NL Rookie of the Year race. The run-prevention speaks for itself, but the shape of Horton’s effectiveness, featuring a sharp decrease in strikeout rate from what he demonstrated in college and the minors, was an odd quirk of his introduction to the majors and is worth monitoring entering Year 2. Horton’s season also ended on a sour note, with a rib fracture that rendered him unavailable for October. A healthy Horton should be a fixture in Chicago’s rotation for years to come, but his ability to find more swing-and-miss could determine whether we underrated him in this exercise or properly assessed him as more of a midrotation starter than a frontline one.

The upside of hard-throwing and near-ready right-hander Jaxon Wiggins helps Chicago avoid an especially low score in the prospect pitching category, but beyond him, there’s a severe lack of impressive arms in this system. Wiggins dominated High-A and Double-A hitters last summer before a brief taste of Triple-A in September. Chicago’s rotation looks set with veterans for now, but Wiggins could be a factor later in 2026 — if injuries don’t necessitate his arrival even sooner. — J.S.

One day after being sued by Joe Gibbs Racing over an alleged 'brazen scheme' to steal data from the organization while negotiating his employment separation and a job opportunity with Spire Motorsports, Chris Gaebhart responded with a statement that suggests he intends to challenge his longtime employer in court.

“Yesterday afternoon, Joe Gibbs Racing filed a lawsuit claiming - falsely - that I shared JGR confidential information with Spire Motorsports and/or other unnamed third parties. I feel compelled to speak out today and forcefully and emphatically deny these frivolous and retaliatory claims.”

The claim from Joe Gibbs Racing is that Gabehart, while serving in the capacity as competition director for the organization in 2025, created a folder called ‘Spire’ and synced proprietary information with his personal Google Driver.

Joe Gibbs Racing also accused Gabehart of taking photos of proprietary information with his cell phone and also backing it up to his personal accounts. The lawsuit says that Gabehart continued to access these files even on a day where he had a meeting with Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson.

The lawsuit says JGR was made aware of a discussion for Gabehart to join Spire as Chief Motorsports Officer. JGR claims that it learned much of this information after a third-party forensic examination.

In his statement, Gabehart said that Joe Gibbs Racing was offered an opportunity to conduct a forensic examination on Spire Motorsports but declined. Gabehart said he and his legal representation intend to file a detailed response to the lawsuit in the days to come.

“I look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate to the Court that I have not shared JGR's confidential information with anyone. In fact, I have already demonstrated that to JGR. A third-party forensic expert retained by JGR recently examined my laptop, cell phone and personal Google Drive and found no evidence to support the baseless allegations in JGR's lawsuit. We even offered JGR the opportunity to do a similar review of Spire's systems. JGR refused that offer and filed this spiteful lawsuit instead.

“Stay tuned. We will have much more to say in the legal response we will be filing in the coming days.”

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

HOUSTON — The No. 40 Iowa State women’s golf scorched the grounds around The Woodlands Country Club on Monday and Tuesday of this with a team total of -2, 39 shots better than second place Nebraska who as a team shot a +37.

Nichakorn Pinprayoon captured medalist honors, earning her first career tournament title with a 6-under-par total over three rounds. She posted three consecutive rounds under par and sealed the victory with a bogey-free final round that included two birdies.

Karisa Chul-Ak-Sorn finished second overall after shooting a 1-under-par final round, her best performance of the season. She recorded five birdies in the closing round.

Pammy Chookaew tied for fourth at 2 over for the tournament. She carded four birdies in the final round and finished with a 2-over-par score for the day.

Isabella Yan tied for eighth, marking her best career finish. She shot an even-par final round with multiple birdies to close at 5 over.

Alexandra Vidal posted her lowest round of the tournament at 2 over in the finale, finishing tied for 18th at 10 over. She tallied four birdies in the final round.

Competing as an individual, Keeley Marx also tied for 18th at 10 over. She recorded her best round of the tournament in the final round, shooting 1 over with four birdies.

The Cyclonitas return to the Lone Star state – Humble, specifically – for the Chevron Collegiate hosted by the University of Houston. The two day event is at the Golf Club of Houston and will feature the following universities: Texas State, North Texas, UNC-Wilmington, University of Houston (host), Oregon, North Carolina, Baylor, Maryland, SMU, TCU, UL-Monroe, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, UTSA, Arkansas and Mississippi State.

Texas Golf Throwdown

Feb. 16 and Feb. 17

The Woodlands Country Club

Houston, Texas

Team Scores (Total-Round 1-Round 2-Round 3) (-/+):

1. Iowa State 862 (294-281-287) (-2); 2. Nebraska 901 (302-294-305) (+37); 3. Cincinnati 903 (308-296-299) (+39); 4. Texas State 910 (301-301-308) (+46); 5. Middle Tennessee 913 (303-313-297) (+49); 6. Tarleton State 917 (300-311-306) (+53); 7. UT Arlington 919 (311-298-310) (+55); 8. Oral Roberts 925 (311-305-309) (+61); 9. Texas A&M (B) 926 (311-306-309) (+62); 10. Sam Houston 937 (312-304-321) (+73); 11. St. Thomas (MN) 939 (316-314-309) (+75); 12. Eastern Kentucky 947 (324-308-315) (+83); 13. Austin Peay State 952 (312-316-324) (+88); 14. Murray State 966 (330-318-318) (+102); 15. Montana State 969 (311-332-326) (+105).

Iowa State Results:
Finishing place – Round 1-Round 2-Round 3 – (-/+)
1 – Nichakorn Pinprayoon – 69-71-70 (-6)
2 – Karisa Chul-Ak-Sorn – 75-67-71 (-3)
T-4 – Pammy Chookaew – 73-71-74 (+2)
T-8 – Isabella Yan – 77-72-72 (+5)
T-18 – Alexandra Vidal – 77-75-74 (+10)
T-18 – Keeley Marx – 74-79-73 (+10)

Angel Reese drops Unrivaled media day pics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Angel Reese is officially locked in for her return to Unrivaled action—and she made sure to set the tone before even stepping on the court.

BARBIE HOOPS ARE BACK🌹 pic.twitter.com/31u5e3qz0M

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 19, 2026

Ahead of Rose Basketball Club’s Feb. 20 matchup against Hive Basketball Club, the WNBA Chicago Sky forward shared a series of media day photos across Instagram and X, giving fans an early look at her game-day presence. The post, uploaded on Feb. 18, featured Reese in Rose BC’s teal uniform, along with a preview of her signature Reebok sneakers, the Angel Reese 1.

MORE: Jalen Rose releases Tubi TV show debut, 'South West High'

“BARBIE HOOPS ARE BACK!” Reese wrote in the caption, pairing the statement with an eight-photo carousel that quickly drew reactions from across the sports and entertainment worlds.

Minnesota Lynx guard DiJonai Carrington was among those who responded, commenting, “Literally stunning, WOW!!!” Reality TV personalities Jana Craig and Olandria Carthen also joined in, with Carthen adding, “Let’s go 5!!!!” Reese replied directly, inviting her to a future game: “@olandria so i need you in my jersey at a game soon boo.”

The post arrives just before Reese’s latest appearance with Rose BC, where she’s set to rejoin the team during the ongoing Unrivaled season. The league, which opened its 2026 campaign on Jan. 5, features a 3-on-3 format that highlights fast-paced play and individual production.

Reese made a major impact during Unrivaled’s inaugural season in 2025. She averaged 13.3 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounding while also earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Her performance helped establish her as one of the league’s most dominant interior players.

MORE: WWE star challenges Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion to a match

Outside of Unrivaled, Reese has continued to expand her profile. The Maryland native recently traveled internationally, with stops in Berlin, London, and Sydney, and has also stepped into acting with a role in Season 2 of The Hunting Wives. She’s also maintained her presence in media through her podcast, Unapologetically Angel.

With the Las Vegas Raiders starting to build their coaching staff, they will begin preparing for the 2026 NFL draft next week at the NFL Combine. While they try to build up their draft boards, the number one pick in the draft is uneventful. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the likely pick and will be able to grow with Klint Kubiak as the head coach.

One of the reasons Mendoza will be the pick is his ability to throw the ball downfield accurately. Kubiak is known for explosive plays, with the Seattle Seahawks ranking 3rd in explosive play rate. Whether in the run game or through the air, the team is always finding a way to get chunk plays on offense.

This could allow Mendoza to thrive with his skill set and with the addition of play-action. Check out Mendoza’s deep stats below. He has been consistent when throwing the ball down the field, ranking 5th in completion percentage according to PFF in 2025.

In the play above, you see how Mendoza’s throwing downfield is a plus for his game. Just a beautifully placed football on the post route allows the receiver to run right under the football.

With players who can win downfield, such as Tre Tucker, already on the roster, the Raiders’ offense can finally get the boost it needs with the combo of Mendoza and Kubiak.

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has revealed a critical advantage that Michael Carrick has over former head coach Ruben Amorim.

Carrick flying

Carrick was named caretaker boss in December last year, temporarily replacing Amorim, who was sacked after a turbulent 14 months in charge.

Amorim arrived at United in November 2024 to much fanfare and expectation, but he failed to live up to the hype. Inconsistent results and performances as he went about implementing his controversial 3-4-3 formation were a highlight of his troubled spell.

The Portuguese coach led United to a disappointing 15th-placed finish, the worst in the club’s Premier League history. He also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite overwhelming evidence that he probably wasn’t cut out for the Old Trafford hot seat, the top brass backed him heavily in the summer window.

While there was a slight improvement this term, humbling losses like the 3-1 defeat at Brentford proved that United were far from being out of the woods. This, combined with Amorim’s treatment of some players like Kobbie Mainoo and his explosive press conferences, ultimately prompted United to pull the trigger and relieve him of his duties.

It later emerged that Amorim’s relationship with the United hierarchy had broken down. He was frustrated by what he saw as broken promises in the transfer market, while the club’s chiefs, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, were pushing him to compromise on his tactical approach.

Carrick is enjoying a dream start to life in the dugout.

The United legend has taken charge of five games, winning four and drawing one. In a short span of time, Carrick has implemented a front-footed, aggressive and attack-oriented style of play that has quickly galvanised supporters. At present, the Red Devils are fourth in the table and firmly in the frame to finish within the Champions League spots.

Carrick’s calm and relaxed demeanour has been a welcome sight, a stark contrast to the combative and over-emotional reactions United had become accustomed to under his predecessor.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Dalot named Carrick’s composure as a strength that the players have instantly taken to.

Dalot’s remarks

Dalot said, “I think… the biggest advantage of Carrick right now is him knowing exactly what it is to play for Man United, what it is to be around Carrington, what the people need from you, what the fans expect from you, what this type of game will be, and I think that’s the idea.”

“One of his biggest strengths is the balance that he has. He will never be too high, never be too low. That energy, when he came, he knew exactly what to say to us. And then you can talk tactically. Very key messages, one or two things that you need to go to the game and be aware of, and then just play the game.”

“I think that’s been how we’ve been these last couple of games, and we are being fortunate enough to be playing better than we were playing before.”

Asked to describe Carrick’s DNA, Dalot answered, “I think it’s something that, without the ball, we are closing the middle very well. So we’re allowing them to play a bit more on the outside, and then we make them press.”

“I think we’re defending the box really well, one of the things that we already spoke about, and we have to try to improve is a little bit more intensity pressing, like the middle third, a little bit help up higher the pitch.”

“We can be a little bit more intense pressing, but when we have to defend our box, we defend our box with our lives.”

The defender continued, “And then when we attack, he’s like… you know, if you ask Man United fans what they love about this – fast play, direct, that high tempo, it’s lifting the stadium, and you could see against City the way we played.”

“Even against Spurs, against 10 men, which can become even more difficult than playing against 11, but we had that intensity. We were playing on the front foot, and I think that’s ultimately the DNA of the club.”

Dealing with criticism

Dalot also told Ferdinand how he handles criticism and pressure from outside.

“I think it became a little bit more difficult because of, obviously, what is happening online nowadays. Everybody can say whatever they want.”

“And unless you live in a cave, you’re going to be aware of what is being said or what is happening. But to be honest, because my football career, professional career, was all the time here, I had to learn how to balance that. I had to deal with it.”

Dalot further stated, “What I always say, and I always try to pass to my teammates, [is that] as long as I wear this shirt, I will not hide and I will not play the victim. People will talk about you every single week, and if you play well, they will say you play well.”

“It’s one of the things that I try to put in my head all the time.”

“That’s why you see me, if we lose a game, I will be there. And now, having this responsibility, a little more of being one of the leaders at the club and in the squad, I think that’s my responsibility also.”

Dalot and United are next in action on Monday when they take on Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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Rayan Ait-Nouri says every single training session at City comes with added pressure.

Men's Team

Analysing Newcastle ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash

The 24-year-old joined from Wolves last summer and after a stop-start beginning to the season through injury, has hit a run of form in recent weeks.

Now, with City still in the hunt for four major trophies this season, he has reflected on his City experience so far.

“It’s been very good. I’m very happy to be here and to train every day with this manager,” he said.

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“Training with these players too is very good. I’m happy. It’s different. It’s another level.

“There is more pressure. It’s a very good dressing room.

“I remember I spoke to Riyad Mahrez before I came, and he said the guys are incredible. When I came, everyone was welcoming and it was very important for me.”

Men's Team

How can I watch City v Newcastle on TV?

The Algerian full-back is one of several fresh faces in the squad to arrive in the last three transfer windows.

While he’s getting to grips with life at the Etihad, he reiterated that every day’s a school day when working with Pep Guardiola.

“Every day, you learn a lot. It’s a pleasure to work with him and his staff – Kolo Toure and Pep Lijnders,” said Ait-Nouri.

“We try to give our best every day to push our limit. It’s very good to train with them every day and I feel I have improved a lot of aspects of my game.”

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One Moment in Time: Sergio hits five!

Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, City sit five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

That has placed the Blues firmly in external discussion about the title, but Ait-Nouri is looking any further than each game as it comes.

“I have been in the Premier League for six years now and each game is very hard,” he reflected.

“The league is very tough, each game is difficult. We need to win every game, we play football for that. We need to keep going.

“We try to be focused on ourselves. We will see what happens, but we will fight until the end and give everything – that is the most important thing.”

Be at City v Nottingham Forest!

We welcome Forest to the Etihad Stadium at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 4 March.

And you can be there to see it as Pep Guardiola’s City continue to chase Premier League glory.

Tickets for this game are now on sale to all fans, starting from just £43 for adults and £23 for U18s.

Or, if you fancy something more special, hospitality packages start from just £199 with other experiences tailored for every budget!

Buy your City v Forest tickets here!

Pep Guardiola says Rodri will be pivotal to City’s hopes in the final few months of the 2025/26 season.

Men's Team

Analysing Newcastle ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash

City are still in the hunt for all four major honours, with a Carabao Cup final to come next month while being handily placed in the Premier League and safely through the Champions League and FA Cup so far.

Rodri has featured across all competitions while continuing the final stages of his recovery from a knee injury sustained in September 2024.

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Guardiola has acknowledged that the Spain international hasn’t yet hit the heights that saw him win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but insisted that his character has already been a benefit to the side.

With so much to play for before the end of the campaign, Pep says Rodri’s spirit will help drive the side on as he has done in the past.

“Rodri is Rodri. At his age he’s wiser and understands the game,” he said.

“There are players like Phil that say when he’s on the pitch, he’s not just a mate, he’s a manager and we are better, we feel better. That is experience and timing.

Men's Team

How can I watch City v Newcastle on TV?

“There are players who are defined on bigger stages in difficulties and Rodri is one of them. Like Bernie [Bernardo Silva], Ruben [Dias] and many I had in the past.

“That defines the biggest teams and clubs. We can’t achieve what we have without huge personalities.

“We have seasons and we don’t win 5-0 every weekend. This is a fairytale. People say how good are Man City won a lot of 1-0 games playing rubbish.

“But the personality is there, how they handle this moment comes from them. That’s why we had success.”

Having joined City in 2019 and been a linchpin to some of our biggest ever successes, Rodri is well versed in what Guardiola expects of his players.

With a fresh squad after a raft of new signings in recent transfer windows, Pep is clear on the importance of having experienced players who understand his methods intuitively.

“I have to tell them less because we’ve had 1000 million meetings and games we’ve had together,” he said.

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One Moment in Time: Sergio hits five!

“They can analyse what we’ve done good and bad. I feel meetings now they say ‘Pep, you talk about this same subject?’.

“But there are new players and new details. How many times Rodri and Bernardo play Eddie Howe’s Newcastle?

“Of course, now Gordon is a striker before he was a winger. Woltemade, Wissa and Gordon as the striker so it’s details but know how they will play.”

After making an initial return at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer, Rodri then had to sit out another period through November and December with a hamstring injury.

However, the Spaniard is now putting together a run of games, playing the full 90 minutes in five of our last seven Premier League fixtures.

Guardiola said he was reintroduced too soon first time around, but that the patience to help him recover fully now appears to be paying off.

“We came back too early,” said the boss.

“Our desire to get him back and him. We came back too early and that’s why it was long.

“It was a good lesson. Human has a process, time to recover and others can do it earlier like a Bernardo or Phil and others need more time.

“That’s why it’s 18 months now but he came back earlier. He played at the World Cup and needed more time.

“Still not his best but his mood and how he’s training, he’s a special player.”

Be at City v Nottingham Forest!

We welcome Forest to the Etihad Stadium at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 4 March.

And you can be there to see it as Pep Guardiola’s City continue to chase Premier League glory.

Tickets for this game are now on sale to all fans, starting from just £43 for adults and £23 for U18s.

Or, if you fancy something more special, hospitality packages start from just £199 with other experiences tailored for every budget!

Buy your City v Forest tickets here!

Tage Thompson injury updates: Latest on Team USA star after exiting game vs. Slovakia with foot injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Team USA has blistered Slovakia in Friday's semifinal matchup, setting up the highly-anticipated matchup with Canada. Though, an injury question mark about one of the American stars has risen to the forefront.

Tage Thompson did not return for the 3rd period after suffering an apparent foot injury and was seen walking in the stadium hallways without his skates on. The U.S. star had a power play goal earlier in the game, and his status is now the biggest storyline heading into the final.

Here's the latest updates on Thompson's status ahead of the Canada game.

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule

Tage Thompson injury updates

Thompson did not return to Team USA's semifinal game against Slovakia. He was kept out of the third period for "precautionary reasons."

After blocking a shot, Tage Thompson is being held out of the 3rd period due to precautionary reasons. pic.twitter.com/EqMwKiUtwe

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 20, 2026

Thompson, who missed the Four Nations Faceoff in 2025 (roster decision), has been a revelation this tournament. He had two more points (1G, 1A) in the Slovakia game.

MORE: USA vs. Slovakia updates

What happened to Tage Thompson?

There is still no definitive word on what sidelined Thompson, the U.S. star was seen in the room without his skates during the 3rd period.

Tage Thompson was not on the bench to start the 3rd period and was spotted in the hallways of the arena out of his skates 😳 pic.twitter.com/nFVIRy56eK

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 20, 2026

While early speculation pointed to a shot block off the foot, Team USA has yet to confirm the exact nature of the injury. Whether it’s a break or just severe swelling, the 'precautionary' label is being tested with the Gold Medal game just 36 hours away.

MORE: How 'Free Bird' became Team USA's goal song

Tage Thompson Olympic stats

Thompson has recorded 3 goals and 1 assist for a total of 4 points through 5 games played.

The Buffalo Sabres' star has been the engine of the U.S. power play. Of his 3 goals in the tournament, two of them are on the man advantage.

MORE: Inside the Hughes' family tree

Minnesota United at Austin FC

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
Stream: Apple TV
Radio: KSTP-AM 1500
Weather: 61 degrees, clear skies, 13 mph south wind
Betting line: MNUFC plus-220; draw plus-240; Austin plus-125

Recent matchups: MNUFC went 1-1-1 against Austin in 2025, but the most painful game came in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal in September. The Loons allowed a goal in the 120th minute and the 2-1 loss ruined the club’s best chance to win its first trophy.

Scouting report: Austin finished sixth in the West last season but was dead last in MLS with only 37 goals scored. Austin forward Brandon Vazquez will be sidelined with an ACL injury suffered in July, but Verde signed Facundo Torres from Palmeiras in Brazil for a $9.5 million transfer fee.

Torres will test the Loons’ back line and coach Nico Esteves might see an area to exploit at right back, where MNUFC had a rotation of players in preseason and then signed Kyle Duncan.

Big question: When will James Rodriguez play? Short answer: not on Saturday. The Colombian star just received his work visa on Wednesday and is back in Minnesota working out. His first full week of practice with the first team will be next week.

“It’s hard to put a fixed timeline on any one player because they are all different,” head coach Cameron Knowles said. “But he’s been working hard, and he has a great attitude and he’s been a really good teammate.”

Note: MNUFC has terminated its loan with 21-year-old midfielder Alexis Farina, a source said. He joined in August and didn’t appear for the first team.

Top storyline: Former Loons left back Joseph Rosales was traded to Austin in December and Rosales has this game circled after how he apparently felt wronged Minnesota didn’t complete his transfer to Mexican club Tigres last season.

Absences: Rodriguez (fitness) is out. Diaz (U.S. Green Card) is questionable.

Predicted starting lineup: FW Kelvin Yeboah; AM Tomas Chancalay, AM Joaquin Pereyra, AM Bongi Hlongwane; CM Nectar Triantis, CM Wil Trapp; LB Anthony Markanich, CB Morris Duggan, CB Michael Boxall, RB Carlos Harvey; GK Drake Callender.

Prediction: Knowes’ first game as interim head coach in 2024 — before Eric Ramsay took over weeks later — was a 2-1 win at Austin. Now as the permanent head coach, he can build on the same result. Minnesota, 2-1.

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The news that all of French football had been waiting for has finally broken: Zinedine Zidane will be the next head coach of the French National Team. According to the latest reports, there is already a full verbal agreement between the French star and the French Football Federation (FFF) for "Zizou" to take the reins of "Les Bleus," thus putting an end to years of speculation about his future on the national bench.

The succession after the World Cup

Although the agreement is a fact, the change of command will not be immediate. The plan is for Zidane to take over right after the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In this way, the former Real Madrid coach will succeed Didier Deschamps, marking the beginning of a new era for the world champion team of 1998 and 2018.

A long-term project

Zidane's arrival represents a strategic move for the FFF, which aims to refresh its sporting project with a man who commands absolute respect from both players and fans. After turning down multiple offers from top clubs in recent years, Zidane will fulfill his personal dream of managing his country's team, with the goal of keeping France at the top of international football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Boca arrives with the urgency to win, after drawing against Platense and losing to Vélez.

The Xeneize are in seventh place in Group A, and earning three points is of vital importance to stay close to the top of the overall standings. 

Boca's Starting XI

The coach made several changes, highlighting Cavani's place in the starting lineup, hoping he will find the goals that will bring joy to the fans at La Bombonera. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Betfred Super League

Leeds (22) 46

Tries: McDonnell, Sivo 2, Hankinson, Hall 2, Croft, Newman Goals: Connor 7

York (6) 14

Tries: Vaughan, Thompson, Galeano Goals: Harris

Leeds Rhinos taught newcomers York a harsh lesson in the quality of the Super League with an eight-try thrashing of the newly-promoted Knights at Headingley.

Meeting for the first time since 1995, York, who stunned champions Hull KR in their opening game, competed well in the first half an hour, with the scores level at 6-6 through tries from James McDonnell for Leeds, and Paul Vaughan for York.

But two tries in three minutes from Maika Sivo and Ryan Hall pushed Brad Arthur's side clear, before Chris Hankinson gave the Rhinos a comfortable 22-6 lead at the first-half hooter.

The hosts scored quickly after the restart through veteran Hall again, before further tries from Brodie Croft, Harry Newman, and another from the irrepressible Sivo, gave Leeds their first win of the Super League campaign in front of a raucous home crowd.

York head coach Mark Applegarth will have been well aware of the challenge the top flight would pose to his side, but this was put in sharp focus by the composure and ruthlessness of Leeds' attacking sets.

On occasion they got over with pure brute force, epitomised by Sivo, who scored two tries on his first match in a year with bruising carries.

Hall, who scored his 348th and 349th career tries, demonstrated the experience and guile required at this level, scoring one try from a free-flowing move, and with the second, running 45 metres to run in from an interception.

Jordan Thompson scored a try for York on his 200th appearance, with Scott Galeano going over at the end of the game.

However, this was a performance that highlighted Leeds' potential this season, after an opening weekend loss to Leigh Leopards.

They will hope to take the efficiency and quality of their performance to Las Vegas next week, as they prepare to take on last season's treble winners Hull KR.

Leeds: Miller, Sivo, Newman, Hankinson, Hall, Croft, Connor, Jenkins, Levi, Holroyd, McDonnell, Watkins, Smith

Interchanges: O'Connor, Palasia, Mata'utia, O'Neill

York: Mataafa, Jones-Bishop, Wood, Buchanan, Galeano, Williams, Harris, Va'a, McShane, Vaughan, Griffin, Field, Thompson

Interchanges: Balmforth, Martin, Sangare, Vuniyayawa

Referee: James Vella.

LOS ANGELES - UCLA made headlines after their 23 point loss to Michigan State on Tuesday, but not for the right reasons.

With just a few minutes left in the game and the Bruins already trailing by over 20 points, redshirt senior forward Steven Jamerson II went up to block a dunk attempt by Michigan State senior center Carson Cooper and fouled Cooper in the back. The two players squared up right away, but UCLA head coach Mick Cronin wasn't having any of it. 

In a moment that's now gone viral, Cronin summoned Jamerson II to the bench, yelled in his face, tugged on his jersey and sent his own player to the locker room before officials had even made any announcement. 

Since then, there has been a lot of discourse around the moment, with many criticizing Cronin for shaming Jamerson II in front of not only his teammates, but television cameras. The Michigan State game was a homecoming for Jamerson II, who once unsuccessfully tried to walk on to the Spartans basketball team. 

Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan State's Carson Cooper, right, and UCLA's Steven Jamerson, left, stare each other down after Jamerson's flagrant foul on Cooper during the second half on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

"I don't think the entire world has seen that in a game," sophomore guard Trent Perry said (via UCLA Athletics). "But, it happened and I'm just glad we're able to move forward."

At UCLA's first media availability since the incident, Cronin took the time to apologize for his outburst and mixed in a little humor about Jamerson II's NIL compensation. 

"I apologize to Steve," Cronin said (via UCLA Athletics). "It gives me a chance to tell you guys what a great guy Steve is. He asked me for $10,000 more in NIL because of that, but I told him I'll try to get him another commercial." 

Cronin explained that at the time, he thought that Jamerson II had committed a dirty play on the foul and tried to take out Cooper. The idea of doing that while UCLA trailed so much is what led to Cronin's reaction, he said. 

After the game when he had access to the game film, Cronin realized that the play wasn't at all what he thought it was and he even said that he thought the flagrant foul that Jamerson II received for it was excessive. 

"I thought he tried to wipe the guy out, which to me, that's a bad play. You can't be down 25, you're getting your butt kicked, don't try to take somebody out, hurt somebody on the other team, which is what I thought," Cronin said. "I'm short. I was blocked. I'm on the other end. Their reaction, I thought he tried to crush this kid."

Jamerson II wasn't interviewed during Friday's media availability, but both Perry and senior guard Skyy Clark said that after the game Cronin brought the whole team together and apologized to Jamerson II behind closed doors. 

Perry, who is Jamerson II's roommate, applauded his teammate's maturity in the situation while Clark said that Jamerson II was "in his head about it," but moving forward with the rest of the team.

Clark also said that the team had a player's only meeting after the game to help clear the air, and likely will have another one ahead of their next game on Saturday against No. 10 Illinois.

Cronin has never been one to hide his emotions and with UCLA's rather lackluster season, emotions naturally run high. Cronin's off the cuff nature has made him the star of countless soundbites this season alone, which can inform the public on their opinion of him. 

He's among a dying breed of old-school coaches and that approach to the game doesn't always mesh with the heightened media presence of the modern era, but Clark, who's in his second season playing at UCLA under Cronin, describes his coach as someone that has consistently stood up for his players and while his communication may be abrasive, it's not malicious.

"I say just listen to the message, and not how it's being conveyed," Clark said. "I say if you do that, then you really hear what he's trying to say instead of how he's trying to say it."

Why Canada-USA gold medal men's hockey game starts early at 8 a.m. ET on Sunday originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Hockey fans in North America are throwing up their arms in frustration:

Why does the upcoming gold medal men's hockey game on Sunday start so early?

It'll be Canada and the United States playing for the Olympic championship in Milan. The game will begin at 8 a.m. ET, which is 5 a.m. on the West Coast.

That's earlier than either team has had a game begin all tournament.

But as the more measured among us have pointed out, there's a clear and obvious reason for this.

MORE: Nathan MacKinnon went viral for his Olympic focus that paid off

Why does the gold medal men's hockey game start so early?

It's all about logistics in the host country.

The game will have an opening faceoff of 2 p.m. in Italy, which is a fair start time. It just happens to be six hours ahead, or more, of many of the people watching these two nations from back home.

For starters, they can't predict who will be in that match, so there's only so much they can do.

The Winter Olympics also always schedules the men's hockey gold medal game for the final day of the Games, the same day as the Closing Ceremonies.

MORE: Megan Keller's childhood dreams culminate in a dream come true

The Closing Ceremonies get underway at 8:30 p.m. in Italy (2:30 p.m. ET), and so there would be no way to also have the hockey game be a night game specifically for American viewership.

This is also relatively standard. Past gold medal men's hockey games have begun in the early afternoon on the final day of the Olympics. It'll just vary what time that is in North America depending on what country is hosting the Games.

Maybe it's a tough break for fans of these nations. But alarm clocks were invented for a reason. Apparently that reason is gold medal hockey.

More Olympics news:

• This U.S. luge star was parodied on SNL
• Mikaela Shiffrin just broke the Olympics
• Czechia's go-ahead goal against Canada had 6 skaters on the ice
• U.S. women's hockey star's brothers go viral at Olympics
• Controversy and cursing with Canada curling
• A dog stole the show at the finish line of cross country skiing

COLLEGE STATION — The history between Texas A&M baseball and Penn is limited, but not in the Aggies' favor.

The last time A&M (4-0) and Penn (0-0) met for a weekend series was 2022, when the Quakers took the series 2-1 in College Station. Aggies head coach Michael Earley was part of that staff that season and remembers the weekend all too well.

"I admire their program a ton," Earley said Thursday. "Honestly, it started when they came in here and beat us. The type of players they had... Just talking to Jackson (Appel) and Wyatt (Henseler), like, why were you guys so team (oriented)? Like, it's such a buy-in, and you feel it, and you feel like they're never out of it."

MORE:Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian has missed 2 games. Michael Earley explained why

MORE:A&M's Mike Elko high on new OC Holmon Wiggins: 'Really elite' coach

Both Appel and Henseler began their careers with the Quakers before joining the Aggies in 2024 and 2025, respectively. What A&M saw that during that weekend -- one of the few series losses for a 44-win Aggies team -- led the staff to recruit the pair, Earley said.

Henseler, now with the Washington Nationals organization, is scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Friday's game. Appel, a first-team All-SEC selection, is now in the Chicago White Sox farm system.

Penn kicks off its season this weekend against an A&M team looking to extend its four-game winning streak. The Quakers were 21-20 in 2025, finishing third in the Ivy League.

Stay tuned for updates from the action:

Texas A&M baseball vs Penn: Scoring updates from Friday

Updates to follow first pitch.

Texas A&M baseball vs Penn Game 1 starting lineups

Texas A&M

Updated when made available.

Penn

Updated when made available.

Texas A&M baseball vs. Penn: How to watch Game 1

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Blue Bell Park, College Station

TV/radio: SEC Network+

Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com.

Indiana men’s basketball (17-9, 8-7 Big Ten) is set to take on Purdue (21-5, 11-4 Big Ten) on Friday night on the road in the second of two matchups in the annual in-state rivalry series between the two programs.

The Hoosiers’ last outing was a 71-51 road loss at Illinois. That didn’t hurt Indiana’s bubble positioning too much, there’s only so many teams that can hang with Illinois in Champaign, but there’s value to these opportunities down the stretch and the Hoosiers have to make the most of them to feel good on Selection Sunday.

The Boilermakers’ last outing was a 91-80 home loss to Michigan. That probably sealed Purdue off from competing for the Big Ten’s regular season title, but the Boilers still have quite a bit to play for between rivalry pride and seeding in the coming NCAA Tournament.

Here’s what to know about the game:

Indiana Hoosiers at Purdue Boilermakers

• Game Time/Date: 8 p.m. ET on Friday, February 20
• Game Location: Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana
• TV Channel: FOX
• Streaming: YouTubeTV/FuboTV
• KenPom Spread: Boilermakers by 10

Pregame Reading List

• What does Indiana men’s basketball need to do to make the NCAA Tournament?
• Darian DeVries looks to instill confidence in Nick Dorn: ‘Keep shooting’
• Indiana men’s basketball at Purdue: 5 things to know about the Boilermakers
• Indiana men’s basketball at Purdue: 3 keys to a win over the Boilermakers

Purdue’s seniors have their final regular season game against Indiana tonight with this one taking place in the friendly confines of Mackey Arena. Purdue’s seniors need this win to go to 4-4 overall against the Hoosiers. Purdue needs this win for a number of reasons. First, revenge for the loss in Bloomington. Second, to even up that career total as I said. Three, keep the team on the right track with just a few games remaining. Lastly, it’s IU, we can’t lose to them again. We just can’t. You can check out Casey’s preview of this one to get a closer look at the Hoosiers.

Who: #7 Purdue vs. Indiana

When: Friday, February 20, 2026 – 8:00 p.m. ET

Where: West Lafayette, IN – Mackey Arena – Capacity – 14,240

TV: Fox

Purdue Radio: Purdue Global Radio Network (Rob Blackman, Bobby Riddell)

So come and join your fellow Boilermaker fans in our fan discussion (formerly known as the open thread) as we talk about Purdue versus the Indiana Hoosiers.

Amid a challenging current stretch, BYU needs Rob Wright III’s leadership more than ever right now.

Luckily for the Cougars, being the oldest of 10 siblings has provided Wright with lifelong preparation for such increased responsibility.

“You have to learn how to relate with so many different people,” Wright said Thursday on the “BYU Basketball with Kevin Young” show, referring to his family dynamic.

“It’s kind of similar to being a point guard, honestly. I think that’s what helps me a lot.”

Wright is riding a hot streak, averaging 22.0 points across the past six games — including performances of 30 and 39 points each — while making 54% of his attempts from behind the arc in that same span.

In all, his first campaign in Provo has been outstanding, scoring 18.5 points with 4.8 assists per night and shooting nearly 46% from 3-point range.

Of course, his most famous 3 came back in December at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden, beating the buzzer to secure a dramatic comeback victory over Clemson.

ROB WRIGHT FOR THE WIN

BYU COMES BACK TO STUN CLEMSON pic.twitter.com/xwrO7Qd4dV

— Jackson Payne (@jackson5payne) December 10, 2025

While Wright’s game-winner at the Garden is now an iconic BYU moment and arguably the high point of the season thus far, it was especially meaningful for the Delaware native considering so many of his family members were in attendance to witness the shot live.

“It was super crazy. My whole family was there because it was close to home, (New York) is probably two hours from my house,” Wright said. “So just to have an experience like that and have an opportunity like that, it’s amazing.”

But before he was entering BYU program lore with his heroics, Wright was torching the Cougars as an opponent.

As a freshman at Baylor a year ago, Wright scored a then career-high 22 points with six assists and four rebounds in his first appearance at the Marriott Center, helping the Bears push BYU to overtime before eventually falling to his future squad.

“Like most teams in our league, we couldn’t keep him out of the paint, we couldn’t keep him away from the rim and off the foul line as well,” Cougars coach Kevin Young said of Wright’s electric outing against BYU.

“He’s been able to grow from his experience in our league last year. We talked about how much more efficient he’s playing this year, I think having that year under his belt certainly, you know, points to just how much he’s growing and how mature his game is becoming.”

After earning both All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and All-Freshman status at Baylor, Wright entered the transfer portal last spring and found a fit at BYU, saying he’s glad to have chosen the Cougars.

“I was kind of looking for something new, and then when I got the offer and heard about everything, I just thought that (BYU) would be a nice place for me just to grow both on and off the court,” Wright said.

“... It’s been great. Obviously, we’ve had some adversity this season with a lot of injuries. But I mean, it’s been a good experience for me, the fans have been great. Honestly, I’m enjoying it.”

BYU’s season is clearly at a crossroads, having lost six of its past nine games and now being forced to “reinvent” itself following Richie Saunders’ torn ACL.

But despite the past month of adversity, Young trusts that his point guard can help right the ship before tournament time.

“I had a conversation with (Wright) the other day when Richie went down just talking about how much we need from him as a leader across the board with not just his voice, but his example, you know, and helping to empower the other guys that we need to step up,” Young said. “I sleep great at night knowing that the ball is in his hands.”

Wright, meanwhile, finds excitement in the daunting stretch ahead, with the Cougars hosting No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday as the first of four Quad 1 chances out of five remaining regular-season games.

“(It’s exciting) still having a huge opportunity in front of us,” Wright said. “I mean, the season is not close to being over. We’ve still got five or six games, and then we’ve got the Big 12 tournament. We could build some momentum going into March.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off an impressive win against the Brooklyn Nets. We’ll see if they can keep that going as they take on a surging Charlotte Hornets squad.

I’ll be in the comments throughout the game sharing my thoughts. Come talk with me and the rest of your fellow Cavs fans there.

Go Cavs!

American figure skater Alysa Liu won the gold medal Thursday skating her long program to Donna Summer’s classic tune “MacArthur Park,” and the song’s writer, Jimmy Webb, couldn’t be happier.

“Alysa Liu’s energy and youth breathes yet another life into my song 'MacArthur Park.' I am unbelievably proud to play some small role in her inspiration,” he wrote on Instagram next to video of her performance. “I am so impressed with her demeanor, she makes America proud again. Congratulations on your gold medal, Alysa!”

The late Donna Summer’s official Instagram account also acknowledged Liu’s performance, sharing a clip of her skating on its Instagram Story.

Released in 1978, Summer’s version of Webb’s song spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double Platinum by the RIAA. It appeared on her album Live and More, with the disco hit running over eight minutes long. It earned Summer a Grammy nomination for best female pop vocal performance.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Good afternoon everyone, it’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions. Remember to send in your questions for our weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

ReadingYankee asks:I am starting to worry about the production of Stanton. He is aging and proved less effective in the postseason last year, although it would be foolish to expect his 2024 production again. He has another year or two, and he has not been trusted in the outfield more than a game or two in the last couple seasons. At what point do the Yankees pull the plug on an oft-injured, DH-only type player? And when that happens, what will be their plan for the DH spot?

Much like the offense at large, I’m willing to give some grace to Giancarlo Stanton’s performance in the postseason because of the heater he was on in the regular season, especially given the strong performances he’s shown in nearly every other October run. The team isn’t going to cut bait on one of the veterans of this clubhouse while he still has some juice left in his bat, and his absences aren’t that big of a hit because they free up space for the rest of the team to cycle through quasi-rest days as a DH. Between getting their superstar Aaron Judge some half-days, flexing Ben Rice’s spot in the lineup around, and working in playing time for Jasson Domínguez should he be on the major league roster, there’s plenty of options to fill the gap.

The concern going forward, however, is just how much mileage is actually left on those legs. Stanton’s been a notorious slow-returner from his injuries (which makes the run he put on in 2025 even more incredible), so if he has a season where he’s a frequent flier on the IL instead of going through one big injury, that could spell disaster for his productivity. There’s also the concern that Stanton’s good year was a product of how little he actually had to play, and while there’s a running assumption that he’s going to miss time in every season going forward the goal is to still field the best team possible — if Stanton is gassed from the rigors of a 162-game season by the end of it all, he may not find himself penciled in when the chips are down.

jmack1775 asks:Why did we get Goldy to platoon with Rice when Rice should be an everyday player and learn to be at least passable against lefties? And if the plan is for Rice to catch a significant amount of games and Goldy to fill in at 1b, isn’t Rice’s value diminished at catcher?

Paul Goldschmidt’s place on the team this year is more of a mentor figure for Rice to learn the position, as the Yankees likely see him as their everyday first baseman of the future. He’ll get the lion’s share of starts at the position, and then for the games where Goldschmidt takes over against lefties that frees Rice up to see time behind the plate and still get in the lineup for the experience (and hopefully, improvement). It shouldn’t be a significant amount of games where Rice is catching, since J.C. Escarra is still the backup catcher and Rice will be going in as the defined starter at first as opposed to bouncing around looking for playing time. Was it the ideal fit? No, and the Yankees outright acknowledged this when Aaron Boone discussed the signing, but there are ways that it can work out quite well for New York.

Shoducky asks:What would it take to pry Mason Miller away from the Friars? Would a package of Dominguez and Gil do it?

Trade packages are generally a tricky thing to speculate on considering the strengths of one system aren’t going to be the same as another, and organizations have internal scouting on prospects that differ from the outside publications — that being said, the Padres traded the No. 3 prospect in baseball at the time to acquire Miller as the headliner of a four-player package at last year’s deadline. The Yankees don’t have a prospect anywhere close to that ranking on any board, and even considering that the cost would be lowered with one less year of control on Miller’s contract it’d be a tough pitch for the Padres to listen in on. New York has also shied away from the flashier bullpen additions as of late, both in terms of free agent deals and in trades, with their deal for David Bednar being an exception that still only cost the team their eighth-best prospect. If they wanted to change direction on that they certainly could, but that’s likely a discussion for the summer when there’s a clearer field of targets to acquire.

Arne Slot could have reasons to enjoy comparisons with the distinguished figures who came before him. Even with his side languishing in sixth in the Premier League, he still has the highest win percentage of any Liverpool manager. Unlike Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Jurgen Klopp, to name but three, he claimed the league title in his first season at Anfield. Unlike Rafa Benitez or Gerard Houllier, he has won it at some point in his tenure.

And yet Slot can feel trapped between the reality of his immediate predecessor and the idea of his possible successor. Some Liverpool fans can be seduced by the thought of Xabi Alonso. All will have fond memories of Klopp. Is it a problem for Slot? Not for him; perhaps not for his employers, though the ultimate measure will be whether the Dutchman is still in charge next season.

But an outsider whose allegiances lie with both Everton and Manchester United said Slot lacked both the aura of Klopp and the aura required of a Liverpool manager. Wayne Rooney’s own managerial career could have offered Slot the scope to retort with references to wretched spells at Birmingham and Plymouth, but a reasonable man instead offered a considered answer.

"Comparing people with each other is something everyone has the right to do, but is it fair to compare people with each other? We are all different,” Slot said. “The only thing we have in common, Jurgen and me, is that we both won the league, and that’s not too bad, is it?

“I think the more a manager wins, the more aura he has. I don’t know if this would be the general opinion, then I think people would probably tell you last season I had more aura than this season.”

That was self-deprecating and Slot is conscious that there is a group of managers who have won the World Cup or the Champions League and have a special status. Klopp reached four finals, three of them with Liverpool, making them European champions in 2019. It is a reason why it is not as simple as saying that Slot has won the Premier League as many times as the German.

Equally, with Klopp it was never just about the win percentage or the medal collection. “I think it’s fair to say that Jurgen definitely has aura, yeah,” said Slot. “I can talk about him, not about myself.”

Klopp, along with Shankly, ranks as the most charismatic figure in Liverpool’s history. It was how each galvanised a club. Klopp wielded wit, a capacity to conjure a memorable phrase, and a rare ability to carry people with him, whatever he said and did. Physically huge, he has a force of personality that made him the face of Liverpool more than anyone since Shankly. His brand of charismatic leadership might have equipped him to make a mark in many another field. Slot is a football coach, one who initially prospered with the team Klopp left.

Slot has not tried to be Klopp. Before his first game at Anfield, he insisted there would be none of his predecessor’s trademark fist-pump celebrations. He is less quotable, a man who does not discuss certain topics, who can stick to stock answers on others. He is normally good humoured; a theme in his praise of players can be a wish for them to improve again, whereas, in public, Klopp would often eulogise them, sometimes in exaggerated or entertaining fashion.

Slot’s name has been sung at Anfield, and there are banners about him. Yet online, anyway, some fans have turned against him. He may be more dependent on results to retain support, and Real Madrid’s decision to sack Alonso provided a possible king over the water. For eight-and-a-half years, few Liverpool supporters contemplated regime change.

But it is worth noting that no Borussia Dortmund manager in the last 11 years – not even Thomas Tuchel, hugely talented a tactician as he is, or Edin Terzic, the lifelong fan who took them to the Champions League final – has had the popularity of Klopp. Perhaps that renders any comparison with him unfair.

Alonso, meanwhile, won a Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in extraordinary, unbeaten fashion, but has twice visited Anfield as a manager, losing 4-0 to Slot last season and 1-0 to him this season.

The latter came during a run of 12 games when Liverpool lost nine. It did not prompt them to sack Slot then. Now they have only lost two of the subsequent 19. That run has nevertheless been mixed, as Liverpool’s league position shows. They visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday and, asked if their 3-0 defeat to a side then managed by Sean Dyche was the low point of the season, Slot instead nominated five other games, two of them drawn. As he noted, there have been quite a few lows.

His season has scarcely been straightforward but, unlike Alonso, he has survived. The chances are that many of the Liverpool fans who hope for Alonso’s return in the dugout remember the cerebral, stylish midfielder and have seen rather less of the sides he has managed. They have witnessed Slot’s side, improving but imperfect. They have their history with Klopp. Slot doesn’t have an aura quite like Klopp’s. But then again, neither does anyone else.

Irish Premiership

Coleraine 1 - 0 Ballymena United FT

Watch highlights as Will Patching's goal is enough to see Coleraine defeat Ballymena United by 1-0.

You can find a summary of all of tonight's action here.

Don't forget to follow all of our Irish Premiership coverage on our dedicated Irish League Football page

Betfred Super League

Bradford (24) 28

Tries: Ackers, Blake (2), Aekins Goals: Milnes (6)

Catalans (0) 10

Tries: Faataape, Sexton Goals: Sexton

Bradford Bulls marked their first Betfred Super League home match for 12 years with an emphatic 28-10 win over Catalans Dragons.

Converted tries from Andy Ackers, Waqa Blake and Caleb Aekins were added to by three penalty goals by Rowan Milnes for a 24-0 lead at half-time.

Quickfire scores from Solomona Faataape and Toby Sexton threatened a stunning Dragons comeback in the second half.

But Blake scored again to secure a famous win for the Bulls at Odsal Stadium.

Bradford took an early lead through Ackers, who twisted and turned before powering over the line from close range after Joe Mellor kept the move alive.

Milnes kicked two penalties from under the sticks inside 22 minutes, punishing a string of errors by the Dragons.

The visitors were denied by a no-try call when Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui crossed over but the video referee could not be sure he had successfully touched the ball down on the line.

It proved to be a key moment as Milnes added a third penalty goal before Blake raced away after a swift team move from right to left to score the Bulls' second try.

Aekins then darted through a gap left by the Catalans' front row for a third try.

Three minutes after the break, the Dragons were given a gift when Ethan Ryan's loose pass was pounced on by Faataape, who could not believe his luck as he ran in to score.

Suddenly, momentum was with the visitors, and another Bradford error, this time from Aekins, was punished as Sexton went over, but the conversion attempt went wide to leave the deficit at 14 points.

Ryan almost made amends for his mistake by catching a long Milnes kick inside the Catalans half before setting Esan Marsters away, but the video referee disallowed the try, ruling that Ryan had been tackled during the play.

Blake added his second try moments later after Ryan combined with Milnes to cap an impressive victory.

Bradford: Aekins; Wynne, Marsters, Blake, Ryan; Hooley, Milnes; Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Chamberlain, Fulton, Mellor.

Interchanges: Souter, Scurr, Doro, Peposhi.

Catalans: Staines; Makinson, Cotric, Faataape, Simm; Sexton, Dodd; Satae, Da Costa, Navarrete, Lipowicz, Condon, Leeming.

Interchanges: Fa'asuamaleaui, Allen, Lis, Chan.

Referee: Liam Rush.

Ah, this should have been Joey’s story to tell.

The tale of a gentle soul and a kind heart. Of an observer of the human condition and a chronicler of foibles and triumphs. Of a deeply spiritual man and a deeply weird fascination with the rock band Kiss. Of a father and a friend.

This is a story Joey Knight would have loved to have written.

Instead, he lived it.

Right up until Friday morning.

The longtime sports writer at the Tampa Tribune and Tampa Bay Times passed away at 57 after a two-year tango with cancer. He leaves behind two daughters, a son and an encyclopedic knowledge of all things sports-related in, and around, Tampa Bay.

“I know so often when someone passes away, people will say what a nice or kind person they were. Joey, genuinely, had the kindest heart,” said longtime NASCAR writer Holly Cain, who worked with Knight in the Highlands and Polk County offices of the Tampa Tribune in the early 1990s. “He always made sure everyone around him was kind of in a good place.

“As a journalist, there’s two ways you can go about things. Joey always took the high road and still managed to get whatever he needed. He proved that you don’t have to be tough and hard scrabble to get information. Once he covered somebody long enough, they came to realize that he was just this nice person they could talk to.”

He was the University of Florida beat writer at the Tribune in the late 1990s before coming to the Times, where he covered high schools, the Bucs and USF. Yet, no matter what beat he was on, he always seemed to come back to stories of local characters and athletes. Maybe that’s because he was a fourth-generation Floridian. Maybe it was because his father Alan was the football coach at Zephyrhills High School (and later the principal) in the 1970s.

Whatever the reason, he seemed most content telling stories that would otherwise go unnoticed.

“You have no idea how many people you’ve touched in this business. Hundreds or thousands of locals that he’s written about,” said USF senior writer and sideline reporter Joey Johnston, who worked with Knight at the Tribune. “It’s a crazy thing, and I guess this is a dinosaur-age view, but you would write an article about somebody and then just move on to the next story, but they would clip it out of the newspaper and press it in their scrapbook and consider it one of the highlights of their lives.

“Joey would take the time to find those people, and talk to them and tell their stories.”

His roots in the community ran deep enough that Joey would often call writers with tips about their own beats. He didn’t care about credit; he was more concerned with making sure the information got in the hands, or the phones, of readers.

Was he upbeat? Absolutely. Was he a pushover? Not at all. And there are plenty of people on social media who got into sparring matches with him when he saw posts that he considered incorrect or unfair.

“As a journalist, you can’t be a cheerleader. But I would put his sense of community pride up against anybody’s,” said USF CEO of athletics Rob Higgins. “When we got a big event, he wanted the community to know what a big deal it was. When we hired a new coach, he wanted to make sure (readers) knew the person behind the coaching resume. When one of our local athletes accomplished something great, he wanted to make sure the community knew the trials and tribulations behind it.

“I just have so much respect and admiration for the way he went about his job.”

The last two years were difficult, although anyone outside of Joey’s inner world would have been hard-pressed to recognize this. He kept showing up. At games, in locker rooms, at news conferences. Even after multiple surgeries and treatments that could drain your very essence.

Sitting in the press box at Raymond James Stadium not long ago, he was more at ease than bitter or stoic about his situation.

“I’m OK with this,” he told me. “I’ve had a good life, I’ve got no reason to complain.”

Not long ago, he ventured to Sarasota for a visit with ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale, who was returning to the air after his own battle with cancer and throat issues.

“Great guy who helped me big-time in raising dollars for kids battling cancer,” Vitale wrote in a text message. “Came to my annual gala and wrote about what I wanted to achieve. I really believe Joey’s articles helped us in raising $105 (million) for pediatric cancer research thru the V Foundation. I am so saddened to learn about his passing.”

Maybe he understood it better than those of us always chasing the next headline or scoop. Newspapers turn yellow and fade and end up in the trash or the corner of the garage. It’s relationships that last. It’s your character that people will always recall.

“I don’t think he ever lost his love for local high school kids and the prep scene,” said Tampa Prep’s Joe Fenlon, the winningest basketball coach in state history. “I know prep coverage has gone by way of the Dodo bird and he had to move in a different direction, but he always kept his tentacles local.

“I know this sounds crazy, but he was a very humble humanitarian. Those stories meant something to him. Yes, it was a job and he collected a paycheck. But it was more than that. When you talked to Joey, you felt like you were important.”

John Romano can be reached at jromano@tampabay.com. Follow @romano_tbtimes.

• • •

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Tuesday night’s loss to Georgia is as frustrating as it gets. It’s not a good loss at all. Every ounce of goodwill that Kentucky built up by sweeping Tennessee, beating Arkansas, and taking Florida 12 rounds is temporarily gone. The same pitchforks aimed at Mark Pope earlier this season are now back in full force, albeit temporarily.

However, and this may be a minority opinion, I think Tuesday night may have been more about Georgia winning the game than Kentucky losing the game. Even though the Bulldogs had lost five of six coming in, with four of those losses by 15+ points, we may have underestimated them.

Earlier this season, the Bulldogs were leading the country in averaging nearly 100 points per game. They were getting up and down the court at will, which led to a top-25 ranking late in non-conference play through mid-January.

Georgia is big, athletic, and well-coached. They were due for a bounce-back performance, especially with Jeremiah Wilkinson, their leading scorer, back after missing multiple games with an injury.

That said, Tuesday night’s loss is inexcusable for the Wildcats. Leading 27-19 midway through the first half, that was the time to put the Bulldogs away. Instead, the Bulldogs seized control, eventually growing their lead to as many as 12 points in the second half.

It’s just disappointing all the way around. Missed lay-ups, free throws, turnovers. They all add up. The same issues that plagued this team earlier this season have resurfaced in the last two games. Against Florida is one thing. Georgia? Again, they are better than they appeared coming in, but those issues cannot happen against Georgia.

The reality is, Kentucky got a taste of humble pie Tuesday night. They thought they were in cruise control midway through the first half. Oh, were they wrong. People locally and nationally thought highly of the Wildcats’ effort in Florida to the point that some in the national media were saying this team could make a run to the second weekend.

Two things. One, Mark Pope didn’t sound like a head coach who took Tuesday night’s loss personally. He sounded like he was owning it. I like that.

Two, I think this team has another response in them. They didn’t play poorly Tuesday night. There were multiple times it looked like Kentucky was going to flip the game in their favor in the second half. Then, they had the lapses that featured the issues we’ve been talking about all season.

The last time this team lost two in a row this season, they won five straight games and eight of nine. They can do it again. I think Mark Pope has this team’s attention, and the veterans on this team have the attention of the role and the younger players.

This is still a team capable of beating anybody in the SEC and nationally. It truly is a game-to-game team. There’s still time remaining in the regular season, and plenty of opportunities for Quad 1 wins and résumé boosters.

Still, though, Tuesday night’s loss is inexcusable. Kentucky got a taste of humble pie and a reality check, regardless of whether Georgia is better than we thought.

Now, we’ll see how this team responds, again.

The growing war between Dana White and Eddie Hearn just escalated after a big signing for Zuffa Boxing today.

When the UFC CEO decided to enter the boxing game last year, White made it seem like he would build a powerhouse boxing brand modeled after what he did with his wildly successful MMA company. Which was to give UFC fighters meager wages compared to what many boxers earn.

However, he has already broken away from that UFC strategy with an interesting deal with one of the welterweight division’s top stars. On Friday, Zuffa Boxing announced a deal with English star Conor Benn.

More top talent has signed with Zuffa Boxing! 🥊

Welcome to the fam, @ConorNigel#RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeasonpic.twitter.com/1CaH1DXv1M

— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) February 20, 2026

“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,” Benn said in a press release. “I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.”

The 29-year-old is 24-1 and avenged his lone loss to Chris Eubank Jr. in November by unanimous decision, and scored a pair of knockdowns in the 12th round.

“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” White added. “He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out. He’s ready for a world title next, and I can’t wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He’s going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.”

Some rumors suggest the deal is for just one fight and $10 million. However, that has not been confirmed. Either way, it is a big loss for Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, which served as the home promotion for the last decade.

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NEW YORK — The NBA’s push to curb tanking shifted from theory to urgency Thursday, a change that feels especially relevant for the Nets.

Commissioner Adam Silver informed the league’s 30 general managers that the NBA intends to implement anti-tanking rule changes as soon as next season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The message wasn’t subtle. Silver was described as forceful in stressing the need to safeguard competitive integrity, with league executives continuing a series of conversations that began months ago and have only intensified.

Back in December, the league began floating ideas during Board of Governors discussions, gathering input from owners and general managers on how to eliminate incentives tied to losing. The focus wasn’t on rebuilding itself, but on the gray area that emerges late in the year when draft positioning, protected picks and lineup decisions intersect in ways that can blur competitive intent.

Thursday’s update reflected that same direction, but with sharper edges. Multiple concepts were discussed, including limiting first-round pick protections to only top-four or outside-the-lottery selections, freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline or another late-season checkpoint and preventing teams from drafting in the top four in consecutive years or after consecutive bottom-three finishes. Other proposals included allocating lottery odds based on two-year records, extending the lottery pool to include play-in teams and flattening odds across the board.

The throughline is simple. The league wants fewer incentives to manipulate results once draft math starts to outweigh on-court priorities.

Silver’s comments during All-Star weekend underscored the urgency, calling tanking “worse this year than we’ve seen in recent memory” and noting that every possible remedy was under consideration. That sentiment has extended beyond the league office. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia publicly called the issue “much worse than any prop bet scandal,” while the NBA recently fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for sitting healthy players, reinforcing that moves perceived to compromise integrity won’t be tolerated.

For Brooklyn, the conversation lands differently than it might for some of its peers.

The Nets are rebuilding, but their approach hasn’t leaned on shutdowns or strategic losses. Healthy veterans have played, for the most part. Young players have earned opportunities through performance. Losses have largely come as a byproduct of growth rather than a calculated slide down the standings. That matters in a league trying to protect teams that compete while still developing. Stricter anti-tanking rules could, in many ways, reward that approach.

If late-season results become less tied to draft odds, teams have less reason to manage availability for positioning purposes. A lottery freeze at the deadline, for example, would disconnect April outcomes from draft placement entirely, allowing rebuilding teams to prioritize development without worrying about harming long-term assets. Limiting pick protections or preventing consecutive top-four selections would similarly remove the incentive to hover in the middle ground between competing and quietly preserving draft value.

For a Nets roster built around young guards gaining real-game reps and a coaching staff emphasizing effort, pressure and accountability, that shift would align with habits already in place. The organization’s rebuild has centered on evaluation through competition, not avoidance of it, and a league-wide move toward discouraging manipulation would make that philosophy less of an outlier.

None of the proposals discussed Thursday have been finalized, and Silver made clear that dialogue will continue through the coming months. But the direction feels unmistakable. The league is searching for structural ways to separate rebuilding from tanking, to remove incentives that distort late-season basketball and to restore clarity around player availability.

The Nets have spent this season learning, losing and competing in equal measure, navigating the difficult space between development and results without abandoning effort. If the league succeeds in shrinking the reward for losing on purpose, teams operating in that space may find themselves better positioned than ever.

And in a season defined by growth more than wins, that may be the point.

Britain's Conor Benn has left Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing organisation to join Dana White's Zuffa Boxing promotional company.

The 29-year-old had been with Matchroom since turning professional and beat long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr in a blockbuster rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, having lost their first bout in April.

In a statement on Instagram, Benn said he was "filled with excitement and hunger for what's ahead with Zuffa Boxing" while paying tribute to his former promoters.

"First and foremost I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they have done for me over the past decade," wrote Benn, the son of former two-weight world champion Nigel.

"From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times."

Benn and Eubank Jr were originally set to fight in 2022 but the bout was called off when Benn failed a voluntary drugs test - twice testing positive for the banned substance Clomifene.

That sparked a two-year battle with authorities, before Benn's suspension was lifted in November 2024.

'I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights'

Benn has won 24 of his 25 professional bouts, with his only loss coming against Eubank - whose father Chris Sr fought Nigel Benn twice in the early 1990s.

Victory over Eubank Jr in November has left Conor Benn on the verge of challenging for a world title.

Zuffa Boxing, backed by UFC chief White and Saudi Arabian money, staged its first event in January and has vowed to transform professional boxing.

White's ultimate aim is to sideline the four traditional sanctioning bodies - WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA - and make Zuffa's belt the premier world title alongside the Ring Magazine title, an organisation owned by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.

"Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar," said White. "He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out.

"He's ready for a world title next and I can't wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He's going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers."

Benn said he hoped Hearn could still be involved in future fights, adding: "I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight and I'm ready to give the fans the fights they've been calling for."

Analysis: A move that shocks boxing

Absolutely nobody in boxing had this on their bingo card. There were no whispers, rumours or cryptic social media hints.

Usually when a fighter jumps ship, the outgoing promoter gets ahead of it with a statement or some kind of warning shot - not this time.

White has made no secret of his desire to disrupt boxing's power structure, and securing Benn - a fighter with genuine mainstream appeal, albeit still with doubters - is a statement signing.

Hearn had stood firmly behind Benn throughout the doping saga and was actively manoeuvring him towards a world-title shot. Benn is the mandatory challenger for the winner of Mario Barrios v Ryan Garcia, and has made no secret of his ambition to become a world champion.

So what does this mean for those plans? Zuffa recently signed reigning cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia, yet the long-term vision is one belt, a Zuffa title, and no reliance on the traditional sanctioning bodies.

If that is the direction, what does Benn do now? Will he target becoming the first Zuffa welterweight champion?

Over the past week, White dismissed Hearn's credentials and quipped he works for his father Barry - prompting the younger Hearn to fire back that White's boss is Alalshikh.

From a pure PR standpoint, this is a major win for White. This brewing promotional rivalry just got a whole lot louder.

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"Speedball" Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight are ready to jump in at a moment's notice to help the third member of the AEW World Trios Champions at a moment's notice, and they're looking for some new challengers for their gold. Bailey posted his latest "Speed Vlog" on YouTube, filmed from the "AEW Dynamite" taping in Ontario, California, and he and Knight chatted about Page, and who they could be facing next in the trios division. Bailey explained it was going to be a "chill night" since Page was already in Australia ahead of Grand Slam.

"Hangman, we've always got your back," Knight said. "We're one call away. One flight away. We know that's about, what, 24 hours, but we can get there."

Bailey said they needed some new challengers for the trios championships. Knight said there were a lot of teams ducking them backstage, including one of AEW's most recent signings.

"I mean, we just got the Rascalz. There's a lot more other combinations in there," Knight said. "CRU just got Lacey [Lane] with them, so they can get in there with us, too. I'm waiting for any challenger."

"There's any combinations of the 94 Don Callis Family members... Maybe do LFI again for some gold," Bailey said. "Jet Set Rodeo versus Sky Team. That's a dream match. That's a banger."

Page, Bailey, and Knight won the AEW World Trios Championships on the January 14 edition of "AEW Collision." They defeated The Opps' Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs, ahead of the latter's departure from AEW for WWE. The team, now dubbed "Jet Set Rodeo," have yet to defend the titles.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "Speedball" Mike Bailey on YouTube and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Read more: Kenny Omega's Biggest Heat With Wrestling Personalities

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball will not face charges after a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Uptown Charlotte.

ALSO READ: Hornets’ LaMelo Ball crashes custom Hummer in Uptown

Channel 9 asked for the names of anyone charged or cited in the crash.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said there were no responsive records.

Police have not shared details of what led to the crash.

One person was hurt but not seriously.

Ball was not hurt.

VIDEO: Hornets’ LaMelo Ball crashes custom Hummer in Uptown

Men's Under-20 Six Nations

England (14) 21

Tries: Pearson, Treacey, Lilley Cons: Keylock (2), Davies

Ireland (7) 31

Tries: Fitzpatrick, Neill, Ryan, Byrne Cons: Wood (4) Pens: O'Shea

Ireland leapfrogged England into second place in the Under-20 Six Nations table with a well-deserved win over their rivals in Bath.

It was Ireland's first victory at the Under-20 Six Nations over England in three years and ended the hosts' Grand Slam hopes, while also seriously boosting their own title chances.

Ireland took an early lead through Lee Fitzpatrick's 11-minute try but England soon levelled after 24 minutes when George Pearson went over.

England, who could have gone top with a win, took a 14-7-lead shortly before half-time through Connor Treacey's try.

But Ireland responded through Josh Neill and Daniel Ryan's scores to go up 21-14 before extending their lead even further when Noah Byrne crossed with 10 minutes to go.

Nick Lilley went over for England with nine minutes remaining only for replacement Charlie O'Shea to kick a 76th-minute penalty to put Ireland on the cusp of their win.

England pushed for a late consolation try which would have given them a losing bonus point and a try bonus point and thought they had both when Will Knight crossed, but the television match official intervened and the score was chalked off for a forward pass.

England, who could be as many as six points behind leaders France if the reigning champions beat Italy on Saturday, face Italy in Treviso on Friday 6 March, while Ireland host Wales the following day.

Line-ups

England: Pater, Offiah, Lilley, Worsnip, Pearson, Keylock, Friday; Scola, Staples, Streeter, Williams, Hogg, Ainsworth-Cave, Kelly.

Replacements: Gorleku, Spencer, Tonga'uiha, Williams, Marsh, Newman, Davies, Knight.

Ireland: Byrne, Moloney, Carney, O'Leary, Ryan, Wood, Barrett; O'Connell, Hayes, Neill, McGuire, Finn, Bishti, Fitzpatrick, Doyle.

Replacements: Handley, Foley, McClean, Walsh, Blaney, O'Dwyer, O'Shea, O'Sullivan.

Hicham Boudaoui appeals to Marseille

Olympique de Marseille captivated by Hicham Boudaoui

Olympique de Marseille is already looking ahead to the next transfer window and is closely monitoring the situation of Hicham Boudaoui. The OGC Nice midfielder, under contract until 2027, will enter the final year of his deal in the summer of 2026—a scenario that could prompt Les Aiglons to consider a sale to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

In Marseille, Boudaoui's profile is winning fans thanks to his ability to anchor the midfield and consistently put in hard shifts. The negotiations could be eased by a notable relational factor: Classico agency, which represents Boudaoui and already has strong ties with the Phocaean club.

The financial aspect remains to be resolved. Nice reportedly values the Algerian international at around €30 million, while Galatasaray is also closely tracking the situation.

The legendary Stallions striker pursues his dream of coaching at the highest level.

Aristide Bancé at the CAF B License school

Aristide Bancé continues his journey towards becoming a football coach. After earning his A License from the Ivorian Football Federation, the former Burkina Faso international has now embarked on a new path to obtain the CAF B License.

Aristide Bancé is currently undergoing his training in Côte d'Ivoire to secure the CAF B License. According to information from Foot Africa, he is part of the new cohort recently launched by the Ivorian Football Federation, which includes 50 trainees split between Abidjan and Yamoussoukro.

Aristide Bancé is among the 25 trainees based in the Ivorian political capital. Having already completed all federation levels and obtained the CAF C License, the former Mainz 05 and ASEC Mimosas star is preparing for a decisive stage in his new career and his ambition to coach at the top level.

Spanish news outlet El Desmarque, via Sport Witness, reports that Valencia urgently need help from Leeds United. They want to keep winger Largie Ramazani for good during the next summer transfer window. The Belgian attacker joined the La Liga giants on a season-long loan last summer. However, his first few months at the Mestalla were a real struggle.

He couldn’t find a regular spot in the lineup during that time. In fact, reports in early January suggested the Spanish club even thought about cutting the deal short. The player had stayed stuck at the very bottom of the pecking order. Everything changed when February hit. The forward suddenly found his spark and became a key part of the starting eleven.

Ramazani has recently played a big role in several huge wins for the Spanish side. He even got a nod for the February Goal of the Month after a run of great strikes. This sudden turnaround means the talk around his future has changed completely. It went from a likely January exit to the club desperately wanting him to stay long-term.

Leeds United originally set up the loan without an option to buy. They included penalty clauses that would kick in if the player didn’t get enough time on the pitch. Valencia now find themselves in a tough spot financially.

A permanent move looks unlikely unless the bosses at Elland Road agree to drop their price or change the terms. The Spanish club hope to talk the English side into backing down. Even so, any deal mostly depends on the forward’s performance. He has to keep up this high level until the season ends.

Does Ramazani Still Have a Future in the Leeds United Premier League Project?

VALENCIA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 15: Largie Ramazani of Valencia CF celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and Valencia CF at Ciutat de Valencia on February 15, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old Belgium Under-21 international presents a tricky tactical puzzle for Leeds United. The club currently sit comfortably in the middle of the table as they look toward the 2026/27 season. When the club let him go, many saw it as a sign that his style didn’t fit.

Observers felt he didn’t have the defensive work rate the first team needed. Yet, his recent hot streak in Spain shows he has that X-factor. The squad often misses that kind of spark when games get stale. Analysts suggest Leeds United should see this jump in his value as a big win. They should not feel forced to sell to a cash-strapped Valencia.

If the Belgian keeps scoring and celebrating with his usual somersaults, the recruitment team at Elland Road has a choice to make. They have to decide if they want a big transfer fee or a refreshed player for their own attack. Selling him now might help the finances. However, bringing back a player who has proven he can handle top-tier Spanish teams could give them the extra edge they need.

This variety could help the team push for European spots next year. The Elland Road hierarchy has all the power here. They refused to put a fixed price in the original contract. Keeping him lets the manager look at a more mature, confident winger.

The player has finally learned to perform under pressure in a big league. Leeds United may choose to stand their ground. They could turn down any lowball offers from Valencia, as the player’s current form suggests his price tag will only go up before the summer window opens.

2026 Poland Darts Open: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Euro Tour heads to Poland, with the Poland Darts Open marking the first Euro Tour event to take place in 2026.

As usual, 48 qualifiers will battle it out, starting on Friday, in hopes of advancing to the final on Sunday night.

What to know about the Poland Darts Open

Let's take a look at some of the specifics of the tournament.

2026 Poland Darts Open draw & schedule

Here is the schedule for Friday's action.

MORE: Who is playing at the 2026 Poland Darts Open?

First round (afternoon session)

First round (evening session)

Second round (afternoon session)

Second round (evening session)

Tournament bracket

Here are the matchups for all the rounds this weekend.

Second round

Third round

MORE:Ranking the best PDC Darts moments from 2025: 9-darters to shocking upsets

Prize Money

*Data via Wikipedia

Format

48 players will be in action this weekend, with 16 seeded players receiving automatic byes into the second round action on Saturday.

Each seeded player will play the winner of one of Friday's games, leaving 32 players left after Friday.

Saturday will feature only round two games, determining which 16 players will advance to action on Sunday.

The afternoon session on Sunday will consist of the round of 16 games.

The evening session will consist of the quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds.

The first round, second round, round of 16 and quarterfinal round will all be played in a best-of-11-leg format.

The semifinal round will be best-of-13 legs, and the final will be best-of-15 legs.

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Kristaps Porzingis made his Golden State Warriors debut on Thursday, Feb. 19, during the team's 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics. Coming back from injury, Porzingis found himself operating on a minutes restriction, allowing him to see the court for 17 minutes of playing time. As he continues to ramp up, that minutes restriction will undoubtedly be tweaked.

When speaking with the media after the game, Porzingis spoke on his eagerness to get past his minutes limitation as quickly as possible. The 2024 NBA champion is clearly keen to develop an understanding with his teammates and begin helping the Warriors climb the Western Conference standings.

"I mean, honestly, as quickly as possible. Even tonight, I would have liked to go a little bit longer...I want to still, push myself," Porzingis said. "But I know I have to take it step by step... Just take one game at a time. Had a couple of minutes. Next game, hopefully more, and keep moving from that point on. I felt all right. Far from being in perfect shape."

Porzingis managed to drop 12 points on his former team. However, the Warriors will need from him on the glass, as he begins to get his legs back under him. The hope is that Porzingis will be ready to provide some more solid minutes when the Warriors face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

In the coming weeks, Porzingis will undoubtedly start to get his conditioning back. That's when we will get to see the true impact he can have on Steve Kerr's rotation, and gauge how much of a threat this team can be as we move closer to the postseason.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors' Kristaps Porzingis addresses his minutes restriction

After years of speculation, the Seattle Seahawks are officially for sale. The Paul G. Allen estate announced they would begin the process of selling the team less than two weeks after their triumph in Super Bowl LX. It will be the dawn of a new age for the Seahawks, and that means plenty of unknowns will be on the horizon. But there is one "unknown" that is actually closer to being a "known" and the 12th Man should be aware of it: no, the team is not going to relocate.

I get it, I really do. The trauma inflicted by the SuperSonics leaving town is still an open wound, and it will remain as such until the NBA finally brings an expansion back team to the Emerald City. I also understand the concerns some fans have over this proposed "millionaire tax" that seems to be on the fast track to becoming law in Washington, which would theoretically make it appealing for a new owner to move the team to a more business-friendly state. But the NFL of 2026 is a far different beast than the NBA of 2006. These are night and day different scenarios.

First off, the Seattle-Tacoma media market is the 13th largest in the country. All twelve above them have at least one NFL team, as do five of the next seven after them to round out the top 20. The Seahawks are the only team for four states, and are the team with considerable viewership interest from our friends in Alaska and even British Columbia. There is simply no way the NFL is going to willingly abandon their only presence in such a large region of the country.

For those concerned about the Seahawks relocating, let me say it’s EXTREMELY unlikely! The NFL is not going to give up their only presence in such a massive region of the country.

The Seattle-Tacoma market is the 13th largest in the country. All 12 above them have *at least* one… pic.twitter.com/7nmo1jIr76

— Kole Musgrove (@KoleMusgrove23) February 19, 2026

Secondly, the Seahawks are one of the league's most successful franchises since the last division re-alignment in 2002. They are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for most Super Bowl appearances from an NFC team, and most playoff wins by any squad - trailing only the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. If the Seahawks were a largely irrelevant team, then maybe a new owner mi.... no, wait, that's not true either. In the mid-90's, then-owner Ken Behring attempted to move the team to southern California, and the NFL basically forced him to sell the franchise. And that's when the Seahawks had only one division title and four playoff appearances to their name!

Not to mention the Seahawks still have a lease with Lumen Field through 2031, with three ten-year options to extend their tenure in the stadium. Lumen Field will also be getting roughly $20 million in upgrades this year to meet FIFA World Cup standards.

So rest easy, 12's. The boogieman of Clay Bennett is not going to return. A punitive tax from the state also isn't likely to scare away any mega-billionaires looking to purchase the Seahawks. The team is going to be in the Emerald City for years to come.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks ownership: the team is unlikely to leave Seattle

The final pre-season test confirmed there will be a new Formula 1 when the new season starts in Australia in two weeks' time.

New in the sense of who is at the front - and new in terms of many aspects of the sport and how it works.

So what did the last three days of running in Bahrain, before the teams decamp to Albert Park in Melbourne, say about the reshaped sport - and who are the winners and losers within that?

A best guess at the competitive order

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ended the test with the single fastest lap time in an emphatic way - 0.811 seconds quicker than the next best time, set by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.

Headline times in testing are usually not the place to look to gauge the competitive order, but this did reflect the picture in one important way - Mercedes and Ferrari look like they are going into the new season in the best shape.

Andrea Stella, team principal of world champions McLaren, said on Friday evening: "This test has confirmed that Ferrari and Mercedes look like the teams to beat. McLaren and Red Bull [are] probably very similar, Ferrari and Mercedes a step ahead."

This picture, an impression reflected by many other senior figures up and down the pit lane, comes less from the headline lap times - even if they did show the teams in the order Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull - than the so-called race-simulation runs.

Because the teams fill up their cars with fuel and run a grand prix distance, these have far fewer variables to muddy the picture than single laps.

On Friday evening, Leclerc did the best race simulation of the week, slightly quicker than Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Oscar Piastri the day before, when they set more or less exactly the same time.

Mercedes did not do any race simulations in the second week, only in the first, when track conditions were up to a second slower.

Antonelli set comfortably the fastest race simulation of the first week - a lot faster than Piastri, who was running at the same time.

And his team-mate George Russell - the bookies' pre-season championship favourite - was also impressively quick when running in the hotter, slower conditions earlier in the day.

This is not an exact science, but the cumulation of data is what led to the conclusion reached by Stella and many others.

A complication was that McLaren were not running the latest specification of Mercedes power-unit, which Mercedes were proving out, so can expect an uplift when they switch in Australia to the latest spec.

Another is Red Bull's new engine is said by Russell to have the best deployment of energy, which is such an important facet this season.

Mercedes' biggest concern is reliability. This hit Antonelli much more than Russell, but it's probably fair to say that Mercedes suffered more problems than their major rivals, although Red Bull's new recruit Isack Hadjar did lose a fair bit of his running to issues of one kind or another.

• Relive final day of pre-season testing as Ferrari's Leclerc fastest in Bahrain
• 'Keep calm,' says Domenicali on criticism of new F1 rules
• Norris admits new F1 cars 'not purest form of racing'

Aston Martin in a world of pain

There is no question as to the prize for biggest disappointment so far this year. Aston Martin, starting their new works partnership with Honda, are runaway winners of that.

With design legend Adrian Newey at the helm, Honda - world champions with Red Bull as recently as 2024 - and the money of their billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), all the ingredients for success seem to be there.

But the new car, delayed by the fact Newey did not arrive until March last year, is uncompetitive and difficult, and the engine is lacking power and unreliable. Aston Martin completed the fewest laps of testing, and look like they may even be in worse shape than Cadillac.

Both the internal combustion engine and hybrid elements of the new Honda power-unit are said to be well behind the best.

Several sources told BBC Sport this week that Newey said at Wednesday's meeting of the F1 Commission - a rule-making body comprising all the teams as well as F1 and the FIA - that the Honda power-unit could not even recover energy at the lower limit of 250kw, let alone the higher one of 350kw, which comes into force under certain circumstances in the highly complex rules.

Reliability was so bad that by the start of the final day of the test, Honda had only one battery left, and took the decision to limit running to only short runs. A statement said that was to allow them to study data in between track outings, but in the end Lance Stroll did only six laps all day.

The problems with the engine make it difficult to make any judgement on the car - the Honda is running so badly that it's hard for the team to work out where the car is, and therefore how to improve it.

This is exacerbated by the fact Aston's first in-house gearbox - they have bought them in previously - is not communicating with the engine properly, and keeps behaving oddly, making life even more difficult for the drivers.

For Fernando Alonso, this all must come with an agonising sense of deja vu. He spent three painful years at McLaren when Honda were underprepared when they re-entered F1 in 2015.

And now he faces another one, at the age of 44, and with his contract running out at the end of the year.

Publicly, Alonso is staying optimistic as he said: "Short and medium term, I don't think there is anything that is impossible to fix."

How long it takes, though, is another matter. And one thing Alonso does not have much of is time.

Alpine on the rise

While all the teams are reluctant to say exactly where they think they stand in the competitive order, all are clear that there appears to be three groups of teams - the top four, the midfield, and then Aston Martin and Cadillac at the back.

Among the midfield runners, who are in the region of at least a second a lap slower than the big four, the team poised to make the biggest step seem to be Alpine.

They finished last season last, by the biggest margin ever, partly because they devoted extremely limited resource to last year's car, so they could focus on this year.

Alpine have switched to a Mercedes power-unit, following parent company Renault's decision to end its F1 engine programme. And with the combination of this and a much-improved car appear to have jumped up to the top of the midfield fight.

There is some debate as to whether they or Haas are in the best shape, but either way this is huge progress for the French team.

Racing Bulls are also in this mix at the top of the midfield.

But Williams disappoint

Among the midfield teams, Williams seem to be the biggest losers. Their 2026 car has been a disappointment so far, overweight by a significant margin - said to be anywhere between 25 and 40 kilos - and lacking downforce.

Williams finished fifth last year, and this season was supposed to be the next step in their ambition of a return to the top of F1.

Team principal James Vowles has been saying for two years how much of an opportunity the new rules are to move forward, and was vocal last season as to how early they had switched to the 2026 design and compromised 2025 for exactly this reason.

So this is a major blow.

Audi, which has taken over Sauber for the start of its brand new works programme with its own in-house engine, were expected to have difficulties.

But they appear to be in decent shape and have been quietly impressive in the midfield context, and could well be ahead of Williams, even if a long way from their ultimate ambitions.

Pros and cons of the new cars

The leading drivers have all at various points expressed their dissatisfaction with the new rules, especially the amount of energy management required with the new hybrid power-units.

These feature a near 50-50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical components.

With the amount of hybrid power increased three-fold, a component of the engine that helped recovery energy removed, and the batteries more or less the same size as last year, the cars are energy starved.

This has led to some unusual aspects being added to driving.

These include not going flat out in the run up to the start of a qualifying lap, taking corners in higher gears than is optimum for lap time to keep the turbo spinning, lifting and coasting in qualifying, and even not going flat out at the end of a qualifying lap because it is more time-effective to use the energy elsewhere.

At some circuits, there will be a lot more energy recovery required than others by the various means available. These include recovering while at full throttle, known as "super-clip", and lifting and coasting, as well as the standard method, during braking.

Albert Park is one of these energy-poor circuits.

For a purist, and drivers who want to be on the limit at all times, this is not ideal.

But F1 as a sport has known this was coming ever since the power-unit regulations were created in 2022. And, for now, the drivers are going to have get used to a new normal.

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions as to how to allow the drivers to drive in a more conventional way, but it remains to be seen how these will resolve.

However, having seen the cars on track, and watched them on television, it is highly unlikely the average viewer will notice any difference. They still look like F1 cars, and in some ways are more appealing than last year's.

They are smaller and have less downforce, so they slide more in corners, and look more agile. Many of the fast corners that were rendered bends in straights by last year's cars will become a driving challenge again, such as Abbey at Silverstone.

Russell, while acknowledging the differences from previous cars, said: "The guiding principles are still very much the same. You're pushing the car to the absolute limit. You're trying to brake as hard and late as possible, and carry as much speed through the corners. So far, I'm quite enjoying it."

Mercedes set to win engine row

Off track, one of the main focuses of pre-season has been a row between the engine manufacturers over the rules governing the engines' compression ratio.

It split the engine suppliers into two groups, Mercedes versus the rest - Ferrari, Honda and newcomers Red Bull and Audi.

The row was dismissed earlier this week by Vowles - a Mercedes customer - as "noise that will probably go away", and by Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff as "a storm in a teacup".

And it looks like both will end up being right.

Why have Mercedes been targeted? Because their rivals believe they have found a way of exploiting the rule restricting the compression ratio - a measurement of the cylinder displacement between the two extremes of the piston stroke - to 16:1. The rules dictate it is measured at ambient temperature.

Typically, the compression ratio reduces when engines heat up, and the belief was Mercedes had found a way using materials technology to limit this loss.

Mercedes' rivals have been pushing for a rule that measures it at a higher temperature, in the hope of restricting their perceived advantage.

This could also have allowed the others to set their ambient temperature compression ratio higher than 16:1 so that it was at the limit at a higher temperature, and so improve the performance of their engines relative to Mercedes.

Governing body the FIA has proposed a compromise whereby the ratio is measured both at ambient temperature and 130C.

As this does not achieve the aim Mercedes' opponents wanted, the signs are the other companies may even vote against the proposal that came out of their own campaign. Even if it passes, it seems it will make no difference.

Wolff added: "The way it works, you know, either we stay with the regulations like we are or the e-vote goes ahead with the proposal that came from the FIA. Both are OK for us."

Start-line variability

The new engines are also much harder to get off the line, which many expect will lead to unpredictability at starts.

There were safety concerns about this at the start of the first test - especially the risk of a car slow away being rear-ended by another at high speed.

But these were largely assuaged by a new start line procedure that was trialled at the test, which gives the drivers more time to get the turbos spinning at the optimum speed.

On the face of it, the Ferrari-engined cars seemed to have an advantage - they rocketed past rivals on several occasions during these tests.

But Williams driver Alex Albon said: "I don't think what you're seeing is really what's going to happen. You've got drivers who are finishing long runs, going into a practice start, on a high-mileage tyre that's already gone. So you've seen this chaos of some people getting good starts, bad starts, but actually it's not as bad as that."

And data seen by BBC Sport showed that, actually, of all the starts performed in testing, the Mercedes-engined teams as a bloc had the best starts on average - they were ranked in four of the top five places - followed by Ferrari-powered cars.

Strangely, Racing Bulls were second and Red Bull last, despite having the same Red Bull Powertrains/Ford engine.

Fastest times by team in second pre-season test

1. Ferrari (Charles Leclerc) one minute 31.992 seconds
2. Mercedes (Kimi Antonelli) Mercedes 1:32.803
3. McLaren (Oscar Piastri) 1:32.861
4. Red Bull (Max Verstappen) 1:33.109
5. Alpine (Pierre Gasly) 1:33.421
6. Haas (Oliver Bearman) Haas 1:33.487
7. Audi (Gabriel Bortoleto) 1:33.755
8. Racing Bulls (Arvid Lindblad) 1:34.149
9. Williams (Carlos Sainz) 1:34.342
10. Cadillac (Valtteri Bottas) 1:35.290
11. Aston Martin (Lance Stroll) 1:35.974

Gilbert Burns is coming off four straight losses, two of which ended by knockout, but the promotion believes the former welterweight title challenger still has enough equity in his name to headline the upcoming UFC Winnipeg event on Paramount+, recently made official for Sat., April 18, 2026 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

His opponent will be unranked local hero Mike Malott.

Malott (13-2-1) is 6-1 since graduating Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in late 2021 and is currently the winner of three straight. That includes his unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland last fall in Vancouver. As for Burns (22-9), he’s looking to bounce back from a brutal knockout loss to welterweight wunderkind Michael Morales at UFC Vegas 106.

Winnipeg hasn’t hosted a UFC fight card since the UFC on FOX 26 event back in late 2017. That’s when former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos outlasted ex-welterweight titleholder “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler in a five-round, non-title main event.

Expect more UFC Winnipeg fight card announcements in the coming weeks, if not days.

MILAN (AP) — The United States is 40 minutes away from playing for the gold medal in men’s hockey at the Olympics.

Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson scored in the first period of the semifinal against Slovakia to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Thompson is one of just a handful of newcomers on the team who did not play at the NHL-run 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has stopped all eight shots he faced so far including on a couple of power plays made possible by U.S. penalties.

The U.S. last reached the final in 2010 when it lost to Canada in overtime on Sidney Crosby’s famous golden goal. Canada also awaits this time after rallying to beat Finland in the other semifinal when Nathan MacKinnon scored with 35.2 seconds left.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

The U.S. women’s hockey team is going home with gold, and one lucky fan is going home with a unique souvenir.

On Thursday, Team USA prevailed 2-1 over Canada in overtime to win their third gold medal in Olympic history.

Attending the game was Joseph “Trip” Cillo, a sophomore at North Hills High School, the North Hills School District says.

Halfway through the second period, the puck was sent flying over the glass, and a quick-thinking Cillo caught it.

The district celebrated Cillo’s accomplishment on social media.

“What an INCREDIBLE memory from an historic Olympic game! Way to go, Trip!” the district said.

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Mikel Arteta sees a “tremendous reaction” from his players ahead of a feisty North London Derby as the Gunners look to rectify a disappointing draw away at Wolves.

The title race took an unexpected turn as Arsenal failed to beat relegation-bound Wolves after failing to keep hold of a two-goal lead in stoppage time.

The players and many fans were left bitterly disappointed after having the chance to go seven points clear of title rivals Manchester City.

The point gap is now five points; however, the Cityzens have a game in hand and could close it to two points as they host Newcastle before they play this weekend.

Asked about the reaction to the result at Molineux and ahead of the derby, Mikel Arteta said, “What I’ve seen is a tremendous reaction again, and I’m not surprised at all.

He added, “We have a long season. Chapter 27 says we draw against Wolves in this manner. What I’m very interested in is the next one, it’s what we are made of.”

Positive news still struck the Arsenal camp, as Bukayo Saka signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners.

Arteta was in good spirits about the new deal, he said, “Bukayo’s news, obviously, is great, he’s one of our own. We got him here since he was little. For him to make that decision and the club to be so aligned with him, I think it’s a really positive thing.”

Having been at the club for over six years, Arteta’s tenure has brought the FA Cup since August 2020, but they’re itching for more major glory.

Despite failing to get over the line in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, potential history can be made as the league leaders are still competing in all four competitions this season.

While questions remain over the mentality, Mikel Arteta sees the opportunity to win trophies and compete in title races repeatedly as an exciting time. He elaborated: “I think it’s becoming more and more exciting [to be in title races] because that means that you are closer.

“The more repeatedly you are in these kinds of positions, the more you’re going to win it. The same in the Champions League.

“First of all, you have to be there, and then in April or May, it will be decided who is the best and who can get over the line.”

On availability, there was confirmation of no new injuries and a “big possibility” of Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and German Kai Havertz returning to the matchday squad this Sunday.

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui's status for Japan in the World Baseball Classic could be in doubt after the left-hander ended a batting practice session early due to left groin tightness.

Matsui is considered day to day with what isn't expected to be a long-term issue coming out of Thursday's session, but it could affect his buildup for the WBC, with the opener against Taiwan two weeks away.

“We’ve got to see how he comes out of this day off, and then how he feels tomorrow,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said Friday. “Honestly, I think it puts the WBC in question.”

Defending WBC champion Japan would take a hit in the bullpen without Matsui, a reliable middle-inning option in two seasons with the Padres. The 30-year-old has a 3.86 ERA over 125 appearances.

Stammen said Matsui could be back to playing catch this weekend.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Team GB's Gus Kenworthy says he is "on the right side" after he received death threats for posting a graphic message about the United States' Immigration and Customs Enforcement organisation.

Freestyle skier Kenworthy shared the image - in which 'ICE' was preceded by an expletive - on Instagram a week before he was due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

In January, intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, 37, and fellow Minnesota resident Renee Good, 37, were both killed by ICE agents in the city, sparking protests across the US.

Speaking to BBC Sport about the threats he received, Kenworthy said: "It was tough. No-one wants to read bad things about themselves, things that are threats and violent and scary and homophobic.

"I also took it with a grain of salt. I couldn't imagine writing something like that about someone, especially on a public forum, anyone who does that has something wrong with them.

"I think I'm on the right side."

Kenworthy, 34, was born in Chelmsford but grew up in the US and won silver in the ski slopestyle at the Sochi 2014 Games, before switching allegiance to Team GB in 2019.

He finished sixth in Friday's halfpipe final, while US skier Hunter Hess, who had also spoken out against the actions of ICE, placed 10th.

Before the Games, Hess had said: "Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US."

During qualifying earlier in the day, he made an 'L' sign against his forehead after completing his first run, in response to US President Donald Trump calling him "a real loser".

Speaking to reporters after Friday's qualifiers, Hess said: "I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my entire life to make this moment happen.

"I'm not going to let controversy like that get in my way. I love the United States of America. I cannot say that enough."

President Trump's border tsar said earlier in February that the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota will end.

Tom Homan said Operation Metro Surge had resulted in many illegal immigrants who had committed violent crimes being detained for deportation. But the surge also sparked nationwide protests when US citizens Good and Pretti were killed by immigration officers.

More than 4,000 undocumented immigrants had been arrested, according to Homan, who added that ICE has always had a presence in Minnesota and will continue to have one.

• GB's Kenworthy receives death threats for anti-ICE post

'I'm having fun, I'm not done'

Kenworthy retired after the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and completely walked away from skiing.

He then turned his hand to acting, with credits in Will & Grace and American Horror Story, as well as guest-judging on Ru Paul's Drag Race.

However, the itch to return grew stronger, and last year he announced his return to the sport, though he has had to self-fund his way to the Games given GB Snowsport's athlete funding had already been allocated.

"I called it quits partly because I'd been doing it a long time and I had burnout and was over it, but I was also having some bad head injuries and so it made it easier to walk away," said the five-time World Championship medallist.

"Months after, when those symptoms started to subside and I started to feel myself again, I started [thinking] it wasn't the way I wanted it to finish.

"I kept pushing that feeling away, and finally I was at a point where I was like 'OK, well if you're having that feeling, it's now or never', and I didn't want to live to regret it and wonder what if.

"I decided to just give it a push and make it go, and try and get there. It's been pretty tough, because I didn't have any funding, I wasn't on any national team in order to get assistance, so it's been totally self-funded, myself, my coach, both of our travel, training camps, lift tickets, insurance, all of it, food, lodgings.

"I struggled deciding if it was the right thing to do, but ultimately, money comes and goes, this opportunity won't."

Kenworthy will be 38 when the next Winter Olympics take place in the French Alps in 2030.

When asked by BBC Sport if he will be there, he replied: "I hope so. I'm having fun, I'm not done."

• Day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics
• Full schedule including times of medal events
• Winter Olympics 2026 medal table

NEED TO KNOW

• Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared an update on Travis Kelce's future as he contemplates retirement after a 13-year NFL career entirely with the team
• The coach made it clear that he didn't want to "put words in [Kelce's] mouth" when speaking on the star tight end
• Kelce's two-year extension contract with the Chiefs, signed in 2024, ends next month

Andy Reid is weighing in on Travis Kelce's NFL future.

The Kansas City Chiefs head coach shared an update on the team's communication with their star tight end, 36, who's yet to reveal his anticipated decision on retirement after a remarkable 13-year career in the league.

"There is communication. That’s the main thing," Reid told media during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 20. "That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Trav is," he said of Kelce, whose contract with the Chiefs ends in March 2026.

"I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here," continued Reid. "He’s been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward. We’re proceeding with that, and there is communication."

Kelce has been with the Chiefs since he was selected in the third round with the 63rd overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. He recently wrapped his 13th season with the team, where he's won three Super Bowl titles to date.

The Ohio native's most recent season didn't end on the same high note the franchise has become used to after the last three years. Not only did the team miss playoff contention for the first time in a decade, but Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear.

 Kelce, too, was admittedly frustrated with his own game, which he's spoken about at length in various episodes of his New Heights podcast with his brother and co-host, Jason Kelce.

The Chiefs ultimately finished the season 6-11.

With his two-year contract extension up next month, all eyes have been on Travis since before the team entered its offseason. Various players, staff members, front office folk and Travis himself have commented on his potential retirement.

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt said in a guest spot on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Jan. 27.

"He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play," he continued.

Hunt added, "We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision."

Travis' mom, Donna Kelce, also shared her thoughts on what she'd like to see her son do next season.

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"I just want him to do what he feels comfortable doing," she told TMZ in a video released on Friday, Feb. 13. "He's gotta talk to people in his life to decide what he wants to do."

She added, "So I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens!"

While Kelce has yet to make an explicit decision, he's not against a return. "I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me," he previously said.

Read the original article on People

Due to a lack of salary cap space, the Atlanta Falcons had no choice but to let starting center Drew Dalman walk during the 2025 free agency period. Dalman, a former fourth-round pick who worked his way up to a starting job, signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

This departure left the Falcons in need of a new starting center. Without many options available, the team turned to former backup Ryan Neuzil, signing the veteran to a two-year, $9.5 million contract extension. While Neuzil started eight games in place of an injured Dalman in 2024, he was unproven in a full-time starting role.

When the regular season rolled around, Neuzil more than held his own along Atlanta's offensive line. The 28-year-old finished as Pro Football Focus' sixth-rated center in 2025, earning a PFF grade of 77.4.

Neuzil even outperformed Dalman, who finished two spots behind him in PFF's center rankings. Here's what PFF had to say about Neuzil's performance last season.

Ryan Neuzil ranked No. 6 center in NFL by PFF

"Neuzil took over as the Falcons' starting center in the wake of Drew Dalman’s departure to Chicago, and he emerged as one of the best zone run blockers in the league (83.3 PFF run-blocking grade, fifth)," wrote PFF's Lauren Gray. "Neuzil generated the fourth-best impact-block rate among players on this list (18.4%), as well as the fourth-lowest defeated rate (11.4%)."

Neuzil struggled in pass protection, but so did Dalman, who allowed the third-most QB pressures in 2025. Dalman was ranked No. 8 on PFF's center rankings.

Drew Dalman ranked No. 8 center in NFL by PFF

"Dalman spent his first four seasons in Atlanta before signing a three-year deal with the Bears in 2025," wrote Gray. "Not only did he play every offensive snap for the team this season, but he was also named to his first Pro Bowl. Dalman is another center on this list who has struggled in pass protection, although he earned a career-best 67.3 PFF pass-blocking grade this season. He allowed the third-most pressures at the position (31), at a rate of 4.2% (third highest on this list)."

The Bears have to be happy with Dalman's performance, especially having just made it to the divisional round of the playoffs. However, the Falcons must be feeling great about Neuzil's production, which came at a fraction of the cost.

Atlanta's offensive line is one of the best units in the NFL, and it should only get better with time. Neuzil is proof that you don't always have to break the bank to find production. Drafting and developing talent can be just as effective when done correctly.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Neuzil ranked ahead of Drew Dalman by PFF

The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the standard for any organization looking to build and expand its reach in the Japanese market over the years.

Dating back to the addition of Hideo Nomo, through the time of Hiroki Kuroda as a starting pitcher, to the emergence of fan favorite Kenta Maeda, the Dodgers carry a rich Japanese history that has been developing for more than two decades.

However, things have really taken off over the past few years, with the addition of bona fide Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, then subsequently Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.

The results from those three additions, along with the franchise leaning into the Japanese market, have been staggering — SponsorUnited projects that the Dodgers surpassed $200 million in sponsorship revenue, with 20 Japanese brands among their 76 total sponsors.

As a result of the Dodgers’ financial success and on-field achievements, other teams are paying attention and have been quite up front about wanting to replicate their model for overseas expansion.

The Chicago White Sox, who signed Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract, have seen positive results from tapping into Japan.

Brooks Boyer, the White Sox’s executive vice president and chief marketing and revenue officer, names the Dodgers as a source of inspiration.

“We certainly are not going to get to the Dodgers’ level of things that they do, but we want to craft some partnerships with some Japanese companies to be able to let the country get a chance to see ‘Mune’ in his new home,” Boyer told Sports Business Journal.

“And hopefully we have the brand of baseball that they enjoy watching and they want to follow, because that would certainly add to our sponsors and our reach.”

The Dodgers are helping other teams get into Japan

Additionally, Boyer revealed that Dodgers executive vice presidents Lon Rosen and Bob Wolfe spoke with him about helping guide the organization into their expansion plans.

“They obviously have the unicorn in Shohei, but they have not shied away from teaching us what we should be doing and considering,” Boyer said.

“They’ve been really great with us in giving us a playbook on how to maximize our opportunity here with ‘Mune.’

“What you’ll see is certainly some Japanese companies behind home plate, like you do with any of the other teams that have a prominent Japanese player.

“But we’ll find out if other sponsors are interested in marketing in the local market. We certainly aren’t opposed to that.”

The Dodgers, while constantly being pegged as “bad for baseball,” are bringing eyes and ears to the sport of baseball that have long been ignored.

Dodgers fans should take pride in the standard the organization has set, and the unity the team brings not only across Los Angeles but across the world as well.

NEED TO KNOW

• NBA star LaMelo Ball opened up about the car crash that he was involved in while addressing reporters at a Feb. 19 press conference
• The 24-year-old Charlotte Hornets star said that was "alive and blessed" after the crash, which saw him allegedly collide with another driver while leaving practice on Feb. 18
• Ball was not injured in the crash, but his car did take some damage and reportedly lost its left front wheel in the collision

LaMelo Ball addressed the car crash that he was involved in during a press conference after the most recent Charlotte Hornets game.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the 24-year-old NBA star spoke to reporters following the team's 105-101 loss against the Houston Rockets.

After answering questions about the team's performance, Ball was asked about the two-car crash he was involved in after practice in uptown Charlotte, N.C. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. According to reporting by the Associated Press and WSOC-TV, the athlete's custom camouflage-colored Hummer clipped a Kia sedan while trying to execute a left turn.

When first asked about the accident, Ball said, "Fortunately, everybody is cool, so blessings. God is great."

A member of the press asked Ball about the driver of the other car, who was reportedly "treated for non-life-threatening injuries" at the scene, per The Charlotte Observer.

"I seen her get straight out of the car," he said of the other driver involved.

Addressing the 24 hours between the accident and his return to the court for a game, he said, "I'm just alive and blessed, for real. God is great, like I said."

Sports Illustrated reporter Sean O'Connor denied allegations that Ball cut the interview short after talking about the crash.

"That’s not what happened. The press conference ended and he left. He answered multiple questions about the accident and then left after it was announced that we were done," he wrote in a post shared to X.

NBC Sports corroborated O'Connor's reporting, writing that those present confirmed he'd left the room after the conference was called to a close by a member of the Hornets' PR team.

"It is common at these post-game press conferences for some journalists to still have questions when the team representative ends it," the outlet noted.

Ball was reportedly uninjured after being involved in the accident, which seemingly took place shortly after he was leaving a Hornets practice. The front left wheel of his car came off as a result of the accident.

The Charlotte Sun reported that Ball left the scene of the crash with police permission. He was reportedly picked up by his teammate Brandon Miller and received support from a Hornets security staff member.

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NBC reported that a police report for the accident has not yet been made public.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department told PEOPLE that a public report will not be released "as there was no criminal component in this case."

Read the original article on People

Auburn football is on the shortlist for a top 25 quarterback ahead of the spring practice season.

Will Mencl, a four-star quarterback from Chandler, Arizona, has included Auburn on his top four list as spring football gets underway, alongside Oregon, Miami, and Penn State.

Mencl recently spent time with the new coaching staff at Auburn in January. He recalled his visit to Auburn with Steve Wiltfong of Rivals, describing the visit as "comfortable."

“It was a family feel,” Mencl said in an interview with Rivals. “I enjoyed my time there. I was in a meeting with the OC Joel Gordon for an hour and then we went to lunch and came back for another two hours and it felt like only 15 minutes had passed. He’s someone that is super easy to learn from. Coach (Alex) Golesh is a great person. Had really good conversations with him.”

If Auburn were to sign Mencl to its 2027 signing class, he would be in the mix of a heavy quarterback battle ahead of the 2027 season. USF transfer Byrum Brown is expected to win the starting quarterback job for the 2026 season, his final year of eligibility, and the 2027 race is slated to be between Oregon State transfer Tristan Ti'a, USF transfer Locklan Hewlett, and true freshman Rhys Brush.

Mencl is a 6-3, 205-pound quarterback from Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona. The four-star quarterback is the No. 19 quarterback according to Rivals' industry rating, and is the fifth-highest-rated player from Arizona in the 2027 class.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football among top schools for four-star QB Will Mencl

The Cincinnati Bengals had a few roster moves go public this week. 

Friday, the Bengals officially announced one: The re-signing of cornerback Jalen Davis. 

During the same announcement, the Bengals revealed they have also re-signed running back Kendall Milton.

RELATED: 6 Bengals veterans who won’t be on Zac Taylor’s roster next year

Undrafted out of Georgia in 2024, Milton has been a staple of the Bengals practice squad for two years. His most recent practice squad contract with the Bengals expired in mid-January. 

Now, Milton joins the depth chart with Chase Brown, Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks before the Bengals make any other additions in free agency or the draft.

RELATED: Bengals' key offseason dates for NFL free agency, draft and more

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals make one signing official, announce another

Juventus take on Como as they attempt to secure a victory after four unsuccessful outings, in what has become a challenging period for the club. Their disappointing defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek marked the fourth consecutive match in which they have failed to register a win.

Such a run is far from ideal for a side with ambitions of finishing the season with silverware. As a result, this fixture carries significant importance, with Juventus under pressure to respond positively and restore confidence within the squad.

Pressure Mounts on Juventus

Dropping valuable points in recent weeks has placed Juventus in a difficult position. A team with their expectations cannot afford prolonged inconsistency, particularly at this stage of the campaign. The match against Como, therefore, represents an opportunity to steady the ship and demonstrate renewed focus.

However, the task will not be straightforward. Como has enjoyed an impressive season and has emerged as one of the overachieving teams in Serie A during this campaign. Their objective is to secure a European place, and their performances suggest they are capable of competing with established sides. Notably, they defeated Juventus in the reverse fixture, underlining the challenge that awaits.

Joao Mario (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A Crucial Test Against Como

Recent form further highlights the contrast between the two teams. Como have recorded two wins from their last five matches, while Juventus have managed just one victory in the same period and are without a win in their previous five games. Although Juventus won both meetings last season, current momentum favours their opponents.

Juventus will nevertheless view this encounter as a pivotal moment. Securing three points would not only halt their negative run but also encourage them ahead of their upcoming contest against Galatasaray. Failure to deliver, however, would deepen concerns about their ability to end the season on a positive note.

Prediction

Juventus 2-1 Como

Rafael van der Vaart has outlined his view of what defines a world-class player, agreeing with Wayne Rooney that Arsenal do not currently possess one. The Gunners are on course to win the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup titles this season, and many observers believe their squad contains several individuals worthy of world-class status.

Despite their obvious quality, these players have yet to lead the club to a league title or a major honour in recent seasons. On the pitch, however, they have often demonstrated attributes that supporters argue are sufficient to justify such recognition. Arsenal fans would insist that their team is filled with world-class talents who simply require silverware to validate that label.

Debate Over World-Class Status

At the back, William Saliba has consistently been described as one of the finest defenders in the world, which explains why he was linked with a move to Real Madrid for an extended period. In attack, too, supporters believe there are players capable of being regarded among the elite.

However, Van der Vaart does not share that assessment. He believes the distinction between a star and a genuinely world-class footballer lies in more than technical ability or isolated performances. According to his view, mentality and attitude under pressure are equally decisive factors.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Van der Vaart’s Assessment

As reported by the Metro, he said, ‘Arsenal do not have any world class players – I agree with Wayne Rooney.

‘Perhaps it is better to say that Arsenal have ‘stars’ in their team – they have really good players, but nobody is world class.

‘To be a world class footballer, it’s not just about your performances, you need the attitude on the pitch.

‘When I look at this Arsenal team, they are all ‘Ideal son-in-law’s,’ as we say in Dutch – they can play well but I don’t think any would succeed if they went to Real Madrid because the mentality is much harder and there is a lot more pressure.’

Van der Vaart’s comments add further fuel to the debate surrounding Arsenal’s squad, particularly as expectations continue to rise during a crucial stage of the campaign.

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Baseball

Youngstown St gm 2

• PK Park, Eugene OR
• 2pm PT, B1G+

Softball

South Carolina

• Big League Dreams Park, Cathedral City CA
• 3pm PT, FloCollege livestream

Cal State Fullerton

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The Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios weigh-in video features Ryan Garcia, Mario Barrios, and a host of others stepping on the scale Friday evening in Las Vegas.

In the main event, Ryan Garcia and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios have to hit the limit of 147 pounds for their title fight. Garcia is 1-2, 1 no-contest over his past four fights. Barrios has two straight title defenses thanks to draws, including against 47-year-old legend Manny Pacquiao in his last performance last July.

IBF welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins and WBA super lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell will also compete on the pay-per-view undercard Saturday evening.

The Garcia vs. Barrios weigh-ins happen at 6 p.m. ET.

Check out Garcia vs. Barrios weigh-in results below.

Main card (DAZN at 8 p.m. ET)

Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios

Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte

Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka

Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright

Bektemir Melikuzelv vs. Sena Agbeko

Prelims (MMA Fighting at 6 p.m. ET)

Amari Jones vs. Luis Arias

Joshua Edwards vs. Brandon Colantonio

The Indianapolis Colts' Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen will be speaking at the NFL combine on Tuesday.

Ballard will meet with the media at 4:30 PM ET and Steichen at 5:30 PM ET.

This will be the first time that either has spoken publicly since each of their respective end-of-season press conferences.

After ending the 2025 season on a seven-game losing streak, the Colts missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. However, the belief internally is that the success this team had through the first half of the season can be replicated and sustained, which is in large part why both Ballard and Steichen are back for another season.

Offensively, we saw the full capabilities of the Steichen offense through 10 games, with this unit being one of the most productive in football. And while injuries will never be an excuse, they were a harsh reality for the 2025 Colts.

NFL Combine begins next week in Indy.

Tuesday times for #Colts brass:

-4:30 PM: Chris Ballard
-5:30 PM: Shane Steichen

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 20, 2026

Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon also mentioned how Ballard adapted his roster-building approach last offseason, which included being more aggressive. From the sounds of it, we could see a similar approach this offseason, with the Colts positioned relatively well with the salary cap.

Although Ballard and Steichen will be returning, that doesn't mean there won't be changes made to the roster.

There are some veterans on the team whose statuses for the upcoming season could be viewed as up in the air if the Colts choose to pursue additional salary cap savings.

The defensive side of the ball, in particular, also needs to be reshaped at a few positions. As Ballard put it, there is a need for "more fuel" up front, while getting younger and faster overall on defense will be a priority.

Beyond any roster changes that are made, this Colts team has to learn how to be at its best down the stretch. Irsay-Gordon stressed the need for this team to be able to better handle adversity. Not only last season, but in a few others in recent years, in those must-have-it games late in the year, the Colts have failed to come through.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL combine: When will Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen speak?

Jeremiah Fears has already exceeded expectations in his rookie season. Point guards typically need time to earn a coach's trust, but despite being the fourth youngest player in the league, the seventh overall pick has looked like the franchise PG New Orleans envisioned.

Fears stopped by the Panini Prizm VIP lounge during All-Star Weekend, to talk about how his rookie year has been coming along, what Zion Williamson has meant to him and the other rookies, learning to control his emotions on the court, going from winning at every level to losing in the NBA, and more.

How was your experience at the Rising Stars game?

Jeremiah Fears: It was great being out there having fun, competing, obviously. But at the end of the day, we were still out there having fun, playing against the people we came in with, or the people that came in a year before us. But at the end of the day, it's a brotherhood.

Unfortunately, my team didn't get the championship. But we still ended up making it, and we had so much fun out there playing, and being able to see ourselves, our last name, and stuff like that on the back of those Rising Stars jerseys. It was cool.

How has your rookie season been going for you so far?

JF: It's been pretty good. I've been really excited about how it's been going. It's a long season, so being able to adjust on the fly, being able to adapt, I think that's huge. And just continuing to go out there, have fun, and compete. Because at the end of the day, you dream of playing in the NBA as well, and everybody don't get an opportunity to play in the NBA.

What's the biggest adjustment that you've had to make this season?

JF: Definitely traveling, on the road every two days, every other day. So being able to adjust to all the traveling, getting in late nights, you got to get up, you got to practice at nine in the morning, and stuff like that.

You got to be able to read the scouting report. You got to know tendencies and things players like to do, the opposing team, and their coverages and stuff like that. So being able to adjust on the fly, it's been huge. I think I've been doing an amazing job of adjusting on the fly. So, just looking forward to continuing to keep learning and keep exploring and keep getting better eventually.

In terms of just being on the road, there’s a special connection of bonding with teammates, right? Who do you bond with most on the team?

JF: I would definitely say the rookies, only because we came in together. But I also got a good relationship with all my other teammates as well. They do a pretty good job of keeping the rookies up to date with certain stuff and just talking to us and being in our ear and being that moral support that we need.

How is your relationship with Derik Queen?

JF: He's great. We talk a lot. Just being able to learn each other a lot more. Obviously, we went to different universities, but now we're on the same team, and we're going to be here for a while. So being able to understand each other and figure each other out before it's too late, and just continue to build our relationship and our chemistry.

Do you feel like it's beneficial to you that you both came in together, where you guys have a certain set of expectations coming your way, and you guys go through similar struggles and can talk with each other about them?

JF: Yeah, I think it's huge. Having somebody that you come in with. You guys are both rookies, you know a lot, but you don't know everything, so being able to learn.

Like you said, it's going to be struggles here and there, but at least you have somebody to talk to experiencing the same thing or maybe already experienced what you're going through. So I'm gonna ask him how did he feel about the whole situation, how did he go about the situation. So being able to talk to him about some struggles and how we could get better moving forward, I think that's huge and I think it goes a long way for both of us.

I was talking to Kyshawn George the other day and asked him who was one of his vets on the team last year and this year for him, the most beneficial to him. And he named Jordan Poole, who’s now your teammate. He said the biggest thing Jordan helped with was his confidence - to keep shooting. What has Jordan Poole meant to you?

JF: Man, Jordan Poole's been huge. I mean, he's just been talking to us each and every day, pouring into us. He don't have to do that because he's been in the NBA for a while now. Guys like that, when you prove yourself, you win a championship, and you've shown everybody years and years of what you're capable of, you don't have to continue to pour into the young guys.

But I think that just shows his character and who he is as a person. Because like I said, he won a championship, and he's proven himself many years. So he don't have to give us the advice he does. And he don't have to talk to us and help us out. He could be somebody that's just sitting there and just along for the ride. But I'm kind of glad that he's here, and he continues to help us each and every day.

You were in the starting lineup earlier in the year, and now you're on the bench. What has that been like for you in terms of that adjustment?

JF: Just being able to adjust. I think you can't control every situation. And sometimes the coach might think that the team needs to go in a different direction to help better the team. So I mean, you've got to be able to adjust and go out there and play hard - however many minutes you do get. And I think that'll take you a long way.

At the end of the day, the more you produce with the minutes you do get, coach will eventually realize, yeah, we need him on the floor. We need to continue to keep him on the floor. So I think that's been huge. And just never let something like that shake your confidence. Stay confident. Coach might feel like the older guys should be starting. You got to roll with that. And you got to be ready when your name is, when your time is, if you feel like it's your time.

Has Kevin Looney had a positive impact on you this season?

JF: Yeah, Kevin Looney and DeAndre Jordan. They've been in the NBA a pretty long time. Both won championships. So, I mean, just listen to every piece of advice they give us as well. Maximize questions, picking their brain a little bit, and continue to have fun.

I think that's been the most important thing that they've been telling us. It's not always going to be bad. I mean right now we don't have the best record, so they try to keep us motivated and tell us to continue to stay positive and we can change this thing around. So we're looking forward to changing this thing around and just continuing to stay confident and continue to have fun with it. That's the most important thing.

Some of your counterparts around the league don't have the benefit of having vets on their teams. They can be there simply to give you guys advice on the road, they don't even have to be on the court. How fortunate do you feel having guys like that on your team?

JF: Yeah, very fortunate. Like you said, some people don't have vets that can tell them right from wrong and kind of tell them, give them a heads up what to look out for. And I think that's huge, especially in this era and this day and age. I think you need somebody like that on your team just to be that support and somebody that's constantly in your ear telling you to do the right stuff and making sure you're doing the right stuff.

Me, Derik, and our other rookies, I mean, we are very grateful for our vets because they help us out. And they help us a lot more than they know. It might be something they feel like was so small, but they still in there wanting to tell us. But it just goes a long way.

We just going to continue to keep learning. And then eventually, it's going to be our time to pour into our rookies.

With Zion Williamson, there are a lot of people out there who don’t see what he’s like on a day-to-day basis. You get that opportunity being his teammate. Do you think the public persona of him is 180º from what you see?

JF: Yeah. I think it’s a little biased with some of the stuff you see on the Internet. People might have their own opinions about Zion and who he is as a person, try to attack his character. But I mean, being able to get to know him a little bit, I mean, Zion's been great. He's been talking to us a lot as well. And he's not the person people see on the Internet.

We're just thankful that we got somebody like him to be there to talk to us. And being able to understand his character has been the most important part, though, because you see stuff on the Internet, and you get around him like, 'Oh, I wonder, does he really do stuff like that?' But just being able to understand who he is as a person, not only from basketball, but off the court as well.

With Zion, there was that scuffle you had with Lu Dort, and cameras showed in the hallway how he ran over to comfort you while you were being walked back to the locker room. To have someone like him there for you, what does that mean to you?

JF: Yeah, it's huge. Just knowing he got my back, no matter the situation or what's going on. And I think I could learn a lot from him. And just continuing to put myself around people that want the best for me. And that's gonna continue to teach me the way how it should be done. And I think, like I said, Zion having my back no matter the situation is something that I can take from him and have my teammates back or have maybe my friends or the coaches back, no matter what's going on.

Is that why you have the number zero on your jersey, no fears because you don’t step back to anyone on the court?

JF: Yessir. Being able to attack those challenges, it's going to be some situations and stuff that you just got to face. And you got to make the right decision in those situations, even though you might feel like in a moment you got to do something else. But just being able to make the right decision each and every time, that’s huge.

Are there any teammates that watch anime with him?

JF: Haha, for sure. JP watches anime with him. Trey Alexander, our other rookie. Sadiq [Bey], a little bit. And then there's one more, one or two more that watch a little bit of anime with him. I mean, they talk about it all the time on the plane, getting ready to go to the away games, asking about the new series and stuff like that. But I haven't really got into it as much but I'm pretty sure Zion's gonna try to put me on with a couple shows.

Have they been trying to get you to watch with them?

JF: Yeah, it's like Zion and the rest of those guys like, 'Man Fears, you gotta watch it'. I'm like, I don't know bro, but I think I'll give it a try and see how I like it.

Coming from AAU, high school, college, where you won at all those levels. How difficult has this year been for you in terms of the wins and losses?

JF: Very difficult. You're not used to losing as much. But it's something you can learn from. Being able to lose to understand how to win, I think that's huge. We've been in a lot of very close games. We just got to learn how to finish. And I think once we learn how to finish, we'll be really, really good and we'll end up flipping the switch.

Which goals have you accomplished so far this year and what goals do you have beyond?

JF: I accomplished the Rising Stars so far. There's a couple more that you got to wait till the end of the year to see. Just looking forward to continue to accomplish my goals each and every year. Just try to help my team be the best we can be. And in the future, looking forward to being an NBA champion, being an NBA MVP, and just being able to retire a Hall of Famer.

What goal do you have for this year to finish off?

JF: Rookie of the Year for sure. All-Rookie 1st Team. And I would say probably leading the NBA for rookies in some sort of stat or category.  

What are you doing here with Panini during the All-Star weekend?

JF: Man, I'm here at Panini, at the Panini Lounge, just signing cards, meeting new people, having fun. It's a little arcade over there as well, so just having fun and signing some cards.

Did you collect trading cards as a kid?

JF: I definitely did. I had a couple. It was the majority of the Chicago players I had, though. Derrick Rose, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen. I had a Dennis Rodman card. I had a Ron Harper card. And then after that, I ended up losing them 'cause I ended up moving to another house. So I ended up losing all my cards.

Joakim Noah maybe, no?

JF: Ah, I was close. I didn't get it, but I was close. I was trying to collect all the Bulls players that I knew. I know Joakim, but I ended up losing our cards and then I'm like, all right, I'm done collecting.

How did it feel seeing yourself on one of these cards?

JF: It was a dream come true. Obviously collecting those cards and now being in a position where I have my own card, that's super exciting. I have a couple in my house right now and in my car. And I was just super excited to see myself on one of those cards and then I ended up signing them as well. And I end up giving my parents a couple just because, like I said, it's something every kid dream of. And luckily, I was able to be in a position like this to have my own card.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jeremiah Fears Q&A: 'Being able to lose to understand how to win, I think that's huge'

CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers have been busy as of late as they decided to convert Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker to standard deals which opened up the opportunity to add more depth with the two-way slots that were opened.

One player brought in was 4-year guard Dalen Terry. A former 2022 first-round pick, Terry has yet to find his footing in the league as he averaged only 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 31.9% from deep in his 3.5 seasons with the Chicago Bulls.

Joining the Sixers on a two-way deal, Terry is now looking forward to what's to come and finding his niche in the league.

"I got excited," Terry said on Friday about the opportunity to join the Sixers. "I feel like me coming out of the draft, the 76ers was a team that I liked, and I believe that they loved me too. So just me coming here—obviously, me being in Chicago for a few years, opportunity there was slim, and I think I was just ready for a new start no matter where it was in the NBA."

The Bulls had a number of guys blocking him at his position whether it was Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan in the past or Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosunmu, and Isaac Okoro in this current season. That left Terry with limited opportunity and he is looking forward to new beginnings with the Sixers.

"I feel like I'm just looking around like these guys, they match my energy," he added. "I knew a few of these guys too, just playing against them. Just being NBA, being NBA, being AAU, high school, all that. So it was just cool to come and see a few familiar faces and some new faces as well."

A player with a ton of athleticism and a terrific mindset and attitude, Terry will be looking to help the Sixers in any possible way. It can be a tough transition to join a team midseason, but he is ready for whatever challenge Philadelphia throws at him.

"It's a process," Terry said of the transition. "I think that's what we get paid to do, though. It's just part of the business. Me being traded, obviously, and I find my way here. That's something that you got to learn, and obviously me playing a lot of different positions is pretty tough, but, I mean, that's what we get paid for. That's why we’re the best basketball players in the world."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Dalen Terry opens up on fresh start, new opportunity with Sixers

REUTERS / REUTERS

MILAN — Polish skater Kamila Sellier suffered a serious injury in the sixth quarterfinal of Friday night’s 1500m short-track speed skate and was taken from Assago Ice Skating Arena to a nearby hospital. Polish officials indicated that she was in good spirits, even raising a thumbs-up as she left the arena. 

Late in the quarterfinal, Sellier appeared to lose her footing and slipped, colliding with the United States’ Kristen Santos-Griswold. In the ensuing accident, Santos-Griswold’s skate caught Sellier on the face. Sellier slid into the protective retaining wall, and medical crews raised a sheet around her to protect the scene from the audience. She was stretchered from the ice. 

Konrad Niedźwiedzki, press attache for the Polish speed skating team and a 2014 Olympian, informed reporters at the arena that Sellier had suffered a cut on her cheek and eyelid that required stitches. Other reports indicated that Sellier had potentially fractured a cheekbone and suffered severe swelling.

“We are waiting for what the hospital tests will show,” Niedźwiedzki said, via translation. 

One of Sellier’s teammates, Natalia Maliszewska, appeared visibly shaken as she spoke with reporters. “My thoughts are with her,” Maliszewska said in Polish. “I can’t think of anything else.” 

“These aren't common accidents, but they do happen,” Sellier’s teammate Gabriela Topolska said in Polish. “Kamila already has one of them, from a skate on her face. Kamila has a cut in her skin, with stitches.” 

Sellier has won several European speed-skating medals, most recently a silver medal in the 2000m mixed relay at the European short track speed skating championships in January.

Santos-Griswold was disqualified from the race, which continued after the injury timeout.

Michigan State football is the latest power four school to extend an offer to a big-time wide receiver prospect from the Windy City.

Lawrence Carr of Chicago announced on Friday that he's received an offer from the Spartans. Carr made the offer from Michigan State known by posting on his social media X account on Friday.

Carr is listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, and plays for Kenwood Academy. He has recently seen an uptick of offers on the recruiting trail based on 247Sports.

Carr is currently unrated and unranked on 247Sports, but has received a ton of interest on the recruiting trail. He holds offers from 10 schools, including Michigan State, Arizona State, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Purdue, Wisconsin, Miami (OH), Buffalo and Ball State.

Blessed to receive another offer from Michigan state @CoachHawk_5@AllenTrieu@adamgorney@TomLoy247@CGoffology@KAHS_Football@GregSmithRivals@PrepRedzoneIL@EDGYTIMpic.twitter.com/DTI8ZOuZqz

— Lawrence Carr (@carr_lawre12665) February 20, 2026

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: MSU football offers highly-coveted Chicago WR Lawrence Carr

Lexington (Ky.) four-star cornerback Jordan Haskins has seen enough.

After a handful of visits to schools this fall, a couple more this winter, and stops from coaches at his home, Haskins is ready to announce his commitment. On Friday, he posted on Twitter that he is down to six schools and will make his decision official on March 6.

Among the remaining contenders are: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Kentucky and Virginia Tech.

This developing story will be updated.

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The wife of NBA veteran Russell Westbrook received a message wishing death upon her and her family after the Sacramento Kings guard failed to cash an angry sports bettor’s player prop wager.

Nina Westbrook posted a screenshot of an email she received on Thursday night.

Key Takeaways

• Russell Westbrook failed to cash the bettor’s prop line of 10 points scored on Thursday.
  
  
• Nina Westbrook said that she is growing more concerned for athletes’ safety.
  
  
• The NBA is strongly linked to the gambling industry.

Westbrook and the Kings made their return to the court on Thursday against the Orlando Magic, ending their weeklong hiatus from the All-Star break. The 2016 MVP was held to five points on 2-8 (25%) shooting in an uncompetitive 131-94 loss.

The result prompted a violent written assault from “Joel Molina,” whose vitriol was captured in a screenshot posted to Nina Westbrook’s Instagram story late on Thursday evening. 

The email contains vulgar language.

Nina Westbrook captioned the picture, “The negative effects of sports betting. Brings out the worst in ppl smh.”

Russell Westbrook’s wife shared this disturbing email she received titled “F**k you” pic.twitter.com/OTNPTOvaQp

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 20, 2026

Sports betting is not legal in California, where the Kings reside, and where they played the Magic on Thursday.

'Not an isolated incident'

Early on Friday morning, Nina Westbrook posted a follow-up addressing the email and its public response. She noted that it was not her family’s first time dealing with harassment from angry sports bettors.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident,” she wrote. “It’s something my husband and I consider routine. With that said, I’m sharing this now because I’m growing increasingly concerned for athletes. 

“Gambling is a highly addictive behavior, and people should understand the risks associated with it, especially before introducing it to their children. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but the threatening behavior directed toward athletes and their families after games has proven to be one of the early results of amped up sports betting.”

A growing number of amateur and professional athletes have documented their encounters with angry sports bettors. Cases have ranged from Olympic champions being stalked and verbally assaulted at their competitions to professional athletes being confronted in person over their performances.

The NCAA also found in a study last year that 36% of men’s basketball players reported experiencing social media abuse from sports bettors within the last year. 

Despite the growing wariness, the NBA is still firmly entrenched in the gambling industry.

The NBA has primary sports betting sponsorships with DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Commissioner Adam Silver was also an early proponent of legalizing sports betting, writing in 2014 an op-ed titled “Legalize and Regulate Sports Betting.”

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Liverpool await UEFA Champions League draw details as Round of 16 picture sharpens

Liverpool head towards another decisive moment in the UEFA Champions League season, with the upcoming draw details beginning to take shape after a dramatic set of play off fixtures. While Arne Slot’s side enjoyed a rare week without European action, the results elsewhere have helped narrow the field and offered supporters an early sense of what might lie ahead.

The Reds finished strongly in the league phase, ensuring a seeded position and the comfort of knowing their Round of 16 journey will include a second leg at Anfield. That advantage could prove significant once the knockout intensity rises and margins become tighter.

Round of 16 landscape becoming clearer

Even without kicking a ball, Liverpool’s week carried plenty of intrigue. The bracket alignment alongside Tottenham means the club will face one of four sides emerging from the play off paths, Galatasaray, Juventus, Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid. Each result from the first legs added fresh context to the upcoming UEFA Champions League draw details.

Galatasaray appear to have seized control of their tie with an emphatic three goal first leg lead, placing them firmly in the conversation as a potential Liverpool opponent. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s 3-3 draw away at Club Brugge leaves that route finely balanced, although Diego Simeone’s team remain widely tipped to finish the job in the Spanish capital.

From a tactical perspective, Liverpool’s coaching staff will already be weighing stylistic matchups, travel demands and recent form. Knockout football rarely offers straightforward paths, yet the current trajectory suggests either Galatasaray or Atletico Madrid could be waiting once the dust settles.

Photo: IMAGO

Draw details and streaming options

Attention now shifts to the official UEFA Champions League ceremony in Nyon. UEFA will stage the Round of 16 draw on Friday, February 27, with proceedings expected to begin around 12:00 CET. For supporters keen to follow every twist, the draw details include free streaming through UEFA’s digital platforms, including UEFA.com and the official YouTube channel. UK viewers will also find coverage via major rights holders such as TNT Sports and Discovery+.

These draws tend to move quickly, with seeded teams already placed into predetermined slots on the bracket. That structure means Liverpool will learn not only their opponent but also the order of legs, an element that can subtly influence preparation and rotation plans.

Possible opponents in focus

Galatasaray’s attacking flair and passionate home environment would present a unique challenge, particularly given the club’s recent European pedigree. Atletico Madrid, by contrast, bring a familiar blend of defensive organisation and knockout experience that has troubled English sides before.

Juventus cannot be dismissed either, even if their path currently looks less certain, while Club Brugge’s resilience in earning a 3-3 draw shows they are far from mere outsiders. From Liverpool’s viewpoint, the key will be maintaining momentum domestically while preparing for whichever tactical puzzle emerges from the bowls.

Key dates ahead for Liverpool in Europe

Once the UEFA Champions League draw details are confirmed, focus will quickly return to the pitch. First legs in the Round of 16 are scheduled for March 4-5, with second legs on March 11-12. Those dates mark the true beginning of Liverpool’s latest European push, where squad depth, game management and Anfield’s atmosphere will all play decisive roles.

For now, anticipation builds. The draw may be a ceremony filled with formalities and familiar faces, yet for Liverpool it represents the opening chapter of another high stakes European story.

Oliver Glasner Speaks Out on his Future at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace find themselves at a delicate point in the season, and Oliver Glasner’s latest press conference did little to quiet the speculation. With results sliding and the Austrian already confirming he will leave at the end of the campaign, questions now centre on whether his tenure could end sooner. For supporters and observers alike, the situation feels less about grand statements and more about the everyday reality of Premier League management, where results shape everything.

Press Conference signals uncertainty

When asked directly about his future, Oliver Glasner offered answers that reflected both honesty and caution. Responding to whether he felt confident about leading Crystal Palace until the end of the season, he said: “Let’s see. I always said, as a manager, you always depend on your players. They will get all the support, like always and then we will see.”

That theme continued when the question turned to his own desire to remain in charge. “Let’s see. What the future brings, we never know.” The language suggested a manager aware of the situation around him, yet unwilling to add drama to an already tense environment.

Photo IMAGO

Results driving pressure at Crystal Palace

Football remains brutally simple when form dips. Glasner acknowledged that reality without hesitation. “In football, it’s easy. As a manager, you will stay and you are allowed to stay when the results are OK.

“Football is all about this, and the last months, the results were not good. The performances were not consistently good and that’s it.”

Those words underline why speculation around Crystal Palace continues to grow. Poor performances have dragged the club into a difficult run, and the lack of consistency has left fans wondering whether a change could spark a late improvement.

Dressing room responsibility highlighted

Despite the pressure, Glasner remained clear that the focus stays on the players rather than his own position. When asked about maintaining his standards, he replied: “No. No. Never. That’s why I feel pretty open to talk about because it’s the situation. It’s never about Oliver Glasner. Oliver Glasner’s life will continue in the summer wherever and however it is. Crystal Palace’s life will continue.”

It was a reminder that, in his view, the club’s long term future outweighs any individual storyline. That perspective has defined much of his messaging since confirming his summer departure.

What happens next at Selhurst Park

For now, Oliver Glasner insists he retains the motivation to guide Crystal Palace through the closing months. Asked if he still has the drive to lead the side, his answer was short and direct: “Yes. I feel so. Yes.”

Whether those words translate into a turnaround on the pitch remains the key question. With rumours of an early exit circulating and results yet to improve, the coming weeks could define how this chapter at Crystal Palace is remembered. Stability, performance, and clarity will shape the final stretch, and every match feels significant as the club looks to steady itself before a new era begins.

Good afternoon!

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially re-signed cornerback Keith Taylor, and they also re-signed cornerback Christian Braswell, per his agency. Braswell recorded a career-high 3 pass breakups in 2025 as a backup and primary special teams player. Are you glad to hear the news? Tell us in the comments!

Now, for today’s full roundup.

Jacksonville Jaguars News

Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.

Draft prospects who could blow up at the NFL Combine (Big Cat Country)

Life in Starkville has been tough the past few seasons. But wide receiver Brenen Thompson made a wise decision leaving Oklahoma for Mississippi State last year, enjoying a breakout campaign that saw him break 1,000 yards receiving. Key to that production was his unparalleled speed, with many expecting him to challenge Matthew Golden’s 4.29 second forty from last season. Thompson’s average depth of target (aDOT) last season was an outrageous 18.4 yards – for context, the NFL average is around 11.0.

Tweets of the week: ‘Love you Jax’ (Big Cat Country)

Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.

Roster Moves: Jaguars Re-Sign CB Keith Taylor (Jaguars.com)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed CB Keith Taylor, the team announced today. Taylor joined Jacksonville in December. He was originally selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft and has played in 47 games (five starts) for the Panthers (2021-22), Chiefs (2023-24) and Falcons (2025).

Separation a concern amidst Jaguars’ growth at wide receiver (Action Sports Jax)

According to GPS tracking data provided by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Jaguars ranked 29th with an average targeted separation of just 3.2 yards. Truthfully, even that is a bit overscored as none of the Jaguars starting receivers averaged more than 2.7 yards.

Under-the-radar NFL free agents (CBS Sports)

Yes, Gardeck is very much a part-time player, but when that time comes, he is a relentless pass rusher with a fun mix of speed and spin moves. He had three sacks in just seven games in 2024 and six sacks in 2023 (when he had an 18.3% pressure rate). He’s 31, but there’s not a ton of tread on the tires, and in his role, he brings a ton of value. Some team is going to be very happy it added this high-effort player.

1 Trade We’d Like to See for Every NFL Team (Bleacher Report)

The Jaguars were 18th in pressure percentage last season and 27th in sacks. That sack ranking would have been even worse without Arik Armstead posting 5.5 sacks … Trading for Gervon Dexter Sr. could give them a long-term replacement for Armstead and upgrade the unit as a whole.

Making 32 Bold Predictions for the 2026 NFL Offseason (Sports Illustrated)

The Jaguars will trade Brian Thomas Jr. — While it would not seem likely given that Travis Hunter is, indeed, not changing football forever and will be relegated mostly to defense in 2026, Liam Coen needs wide receivers suited specifically for his system. Trevor Lawrence preferred Parker Washington in gotta-have-it situations a year ago and his specificity may lead him to exploring options that make up for the draft capital Jacksonville lost on the Hunter deal.

Big Cat Country Editor’s Pick

Drumroll, please!

Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft (ESPN)

It is a total rock star year at the linebacker position. Three huge names are entering the fray. Two are rookies from Ohio State: Sonny Styles and the previously mentioned Arvell Reese. One is a free agent out of Jacksonville: Devin Lloyd.

I’ll start with just a dash of cold water. Lloyd is probably not a top-five linebacker in football; I’d say he’s more LB10 or LB12. But he’s almost certainly about to get paid like it. Last year was an enormous offseason for linebacker contracts, as four of the six biggest deals currently in the market were signed by Fred Warner, Zack Baun, Jamien Sherwood and Nick Bolton — and Lloyd comfortably outperformed the latter two last season. I’d argue he outplayed Baun, as well. Lloyd is going to clear $15 million per year, and at that price tag, I’d likely pass if I was a general manager. With that said, Lloyd is still an impactful player. He’s great on blitzes and made a huge step forward in coverage last season.

Today’s NFL Media

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Joey Aguilar will not return to Tennessee football for the 2026 season, a Knoxville judge ruled on Friday afternoon. The veteran quarterback was fighting to follow the same path that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia took last season, which allowed him to return last fall. Aguilar will not get that same chance.

Any appeal here is unlikely, according to most who are familiar with the case.

Aguilar arrived in Knoxville last May following Nico Iamaleava’s decision to transfer after spring practice. With both sides forced into a tough spot, they found each other and it ended up working nicely. Aguilar threw for over 3,500 yards and 24 touchdowns, sparking a revival of the downfield Tennessee passing attack.

However, the NCAA grabs seemingly a rare win in court here. Aguilar now moves on to the NFL Combine where he’ll look to make an impression and find a professional opportunity.

Tennessee now moves on to a quarterback competition. It’ll be redshirt freshman George MacIntyre as the perceived leader, while 5-star, No. 2 overall player Faizon Brandon enters the picture as a true freshman. This puts Josh Heupel in an unfamiliar spot, forced to play a player without any experience at the position. Tennessee also added a depth piece, grabbing Ryan Staub from Colorado out of the portal.

Tennessee’s quarterback battle officially begins now, and will hit the field next month as spring ball begins.

Harris' magnificent second half strike came from around 35 yards out of his own goal and made it 2-0 to Robbie Stockdale's side at Whitley Park, with Sean Neave - fresh from his midweek Champions League bow at Qarabağ - having opened the scoring from the spot before the break.

Substitute Michael Mill's confident finish added extra gloss to the scoreline and secured three Premier League 2 points for the Magpies, who were rarely troubled by their opponents on a chilly evening on Tyneside.

There wasn't much in it in the opening stages, though Harris did produce two fine saves to deny Alfie White in the opening 45. His first stop came after just a couple of minutes when the hosts surrendered possession in the middle of the park, allowing the Cottagers midfielder to advance before firing in a low save which Harris did well to push away.

But Stockdale's charges carried the greater threat. Anthony Munda shot just wide from the edge of the box after Leo Shahar and Neave combined well following a poor clearance from Fulham stopper Alexander Borto, with Shahar then firing in a dangerous cross across goal that narrowly evaded Neave following good work from Seung-soo Park on the left.

The Magpies went ahead after 12 minutes, when Neave's drive to the byline was halted clumsily, leaving referee Garreth Rhodes to point to the spot. The frontman picked himself up to beat Borto with a powerful, low penalty which nestled in the bottom left-hand corner.

The opener gave Newcastle a lift, with Shahar lifting a shot just over shortly after when Kyle Fitzgerald played him in - though the chance was created by a piercing run from Neave, who cut through the visitors' backline at speed. The teenager was involved again, seeing an effort blocked before Scott Bailey lashed an effort just past the upright.

Harris' second fine save from White came after Rory Finneran was robbed of possession in midfield, with the 19-year-old repelling a stinging effort from 25 yards, but it was just a fleeting moment of danger for United, who ended the half on top, with Neave and Bailey both going close.

Just a minute after the restart the contest's defining moment arrived, and in sensational style. With Fulham forward Tom Wingate chasing down a long ball, Harris came out of his box to snuff out the threat - and his perfectly-struck clearance, from deep in his own half, flew over the stranded Borto and bounced in.

It was a remarkable moment and one which further punctured Fulham's hopes of taking anything from the game, with Stockdale's young side in control thereafter. Michael Mills - who was introduced at half time along with Mason Miley in place of Neave and Shahar - had a sight of goal after wriggling past his marker, but Borto did well to smother his attempt.

Finneran took a swipe from distance with his unfavoured left foot and saw a shot charged down after Mills' superb endeavour won the ball back in the corner with Newcastle sought a third, and it duly arrived just after the midway point in the second half when Mills was played in. He cut inside and took aim, with the finish taking a slight deflection on its way in.

Thomas Olyott squandered a glorious chance for a consolation just moments later, skewing horribly wide after a deep cross found him at the far post, but it would have been harsh on Newcastle and on Harris, who added a clean sheet to his stunning goal on a memorable night for the Houghton-le-Spring-born keeper.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris, Leo Shahar (Mason Miley 46), Ciaran Thompson (c), Miodrag Pivaš, Logan Watts, Rory Finneran, Scott Bailey, Anthony Munda, Kyle Fitzgerald (Darren Palmer 76), Seung-soo Park (Isaac Moran 86), Sean Neave (Michael Mills 46)

Subs not used: Tyler Jones

Feb. 20—TACOMA — On day one of the Mat Classic Washington's best from the 3A and 4A competed at the Tacoma Dome, Thursday. Across the boys and girls teams of the Moses Lake Mavericks, seven wrestlers are headed to the semifinals.

"I think the kids did great," Boys Head Coach Jose Tanguma said. "Some matches didn't go our way. Some of our guys thought they were going to go further, but they lost some close matches, but they're holding their heads up high. We've got five in the semis right now, and winning in the constellations. All the guys did great today. They all gave points to the team, but we have a young team still."

Heading into day two, both teams were ranked in the top five out of about 60 schools. The boys are fifth with 83 points and the girls are third with 102.

Boys

Despite having a young team, Tanguma said he was not surprised to see his wrestlers performing so well.

"It doesn't surprise me at all, because I knew what these wrestlers could do, and they showed it today, and we're going to keep fighting to try to climb up that ladder tomorrow," he said.

The semifinalists for the boys are Ian Anderson, Eli Anderson, Conner Duvall, Ian Garza and Jose Villafana. For Eli, making the semifinals in the 215-lb class was an act of redemption. According to him, he just missed out on the placing rounds at last year's Mat Classic.

After a 13-3 majority decision win against Corban Patchett from Spanaway Lake, Eli is headed to the semifinals with a chance at a state championship. Since last year's loss, he has gone to work in the offseason with the goal of making it further this year, he said.

"A lot of summer practices," he said. "Just trying to get myself out there (to get) exposure to different kinds of wrestling and wanting to be the best person out here is something that I've worked to achieve. Like my football coach says, he always says, every day, 'Get 1% better every day.'"

While he is excited to be heading to the semifinals, Eli also earned his 100th win as a Maverick. Tanguma has watched him work for this moment since last year and was complimentary of him at the end of day one.

"I'm proud of the kid. For a freshman wrestling at 215 and getting 100 wins his junior year is a very huge accomplishment. His attitude today for this state tournament is exactly what he's been saying. He's going to leave everything on the mat, and he's going to take what he wants," Tanguma said.

The long days of competition at the Mat Classic challenges a wrestlers endurance. This something Tanguma said he prepared his wrestlers for throughout the season so they would be ready when the time came.

"We had a lot of close matches, and what showed in those is that our kids had the heart today. We put them in the situation in the practice room, and they felt comfortable in the situation, they came out on top today," he said.

Ryder Janke is the only Maverick competing in the consolation bracket on day two, where he can compete for third place. After a competitive 6-3 decision victory over Eastmont's Adrik Kiedrowski, the two had a show of respect.

"Go get third," Kiedrowski told Janke.

Girls

Elyssa Armendariz and Emma Thompson are heading to the semifinals in their respective classes for the Mavericks girls team.

Armendariz competed in the 100-pound class where she earned three wins throughout day one to advance to the semifinals. Her quarterfinals match was against Belyini Pascasio-Umana from Mariner. It was a slow but competitive battle from the start, with neither wrestler scoring a point in the first period.

In the second Armendariz earned a point after an escape. From there, the pace remained stagnant. In the third round, she earned two points for a reversal which gave her a 3-0 lead in the match. She was able to milk the clock until it hit zero, which secured her the victory.

Thompson competed in the 155-lb class where she earned a pinfall victory to advance to the semis. Her opponent Nivayah Henry from Skyview scored most of her points in the first round, which put Thompson in a challenging predicament.

Thompson managed to score four points in the second round to cut the deficit to 4-7, but with the pinfall victory the points became irrelevant as she now will have a chance to pursue a state title on day two.

Competing in the consolation brackets are Anahi Garcia, Izzabella Fredley and Naomi Cruz, who all still have an opportunity to earn third place.

After some rest Thursday night, the Mavericks return to the Tacoma Dome for day two of the Mat Classic as several wrestlers aim to finish strong and bring home some hardware. On day two, the expectations remain the same, Tanguma said.

"I'm going to expect the same thing. What they did today broke a lot of kids' dreams, and tomorrow they're going to continue doing (that)," he said.

A top-of-the-table match at the FC Bayern Campus! On Sunday afternoon, FC Bayern Women host direct rivals Wolfsburg in front of a home crowd for Matchday 19 of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. The game against the Wolves kicks off at 16.20 CET.

Latest news from Bayern

Following the last-minute postponement of FC Bayern Women's away match at Werder Bremen scheduled for Monday evening due to the pitch being unplayable, the double winners used the unexpected break for an intensive week of training. They prepared for their 50th Bundesliga clash with VfL Wolfsburg with real focus and a high workrate.

FC Bayern members’ magazine ‘51’ spoke to head coach José Barcala about how he’s developing the team, among other things:

Barcala: 'My players can go all the way to the moon'

Bayern could hardly have got off to a better start to the year: Three games, maximum points - with a commanding 3-0 win over RB Leipzig, a convincing 4-1 at SC Freiburg and a 6-0 thrashing of Carl Zeiss Jena, the Munich side made a strong start to the new calendar year. That means their confidence ahead of the top-of-the-table clash is very high. With 49 points and an impressive goal difference of +62, the German champions are ensconced firmly at the top of the table and head into the matchday's standout fixture with a comfortable cushion.

The opposition: VfL Wolfsburg

The Wolves suffered a setback in their last Bundesliga match before the top-of-the-table clash with Bayern: Despite taking an early lead in the fourth minute, Stephan Lerch's team were held to a 1-1 draw at second-bottom side Essen. As a result, FCB Women's lead in the table was extended to 11 points - although VfL do have a game in hand.

In the UEFA Women's Champions League, however, things went much better: the team from Lower Saxony faced Juventus in the play-offs to qualify for the quarter-finals. After trailing 2-0 in the first leg, Wolfsburg equalised in dramatic fashion with a last-minute goal from Sarai Linder and booked their place in the next round thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 win in the second leg.

The record of previous meetings between the two teams promises an exciting encounter: in 62 games, the Wolves have won 25 times and Bayern 24 times. FCB Women have won five of the last six matches in the German top flight against the team from Lower Saxony. The Reds also won three consecutive Bundesliga home games against VfL for the first time.

Team news

Head coach José Barcala is still missing the long-term injured Sarah Zadrazil (cruciate ligament rupture) and Lena Oberdorf (cruciate ligament rupture) for the clash. Alara Şehitler (partial cruciate ligament rupture) is also unavailable.

Barcala: "We'll have to deliver a strong performance"

José Barcala: "This game is not a final, but another step in the competition. We're in a good position, but that will no longer count once the whistle goes. It's crucial that we put in a strong performance. It's in our hands and that's what we're focusing on. When things get emotional, we'll have to stay calm, act clearly at key moments and take things one step at a time."

Barbara Dunst: "Games like this always have a high level of intensity. We know what makes them special and look forward to them. It's a head-to-head between two teams that have always been on an equal footing in recent years and have fought hard for every point. I have great respect for Wolfsburg and what they've achieved , but we still want to leave the pitch as winners on Sunday."

🏟️✨ FC Bayern Women face Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League - get your tickets for the home game at the Allianz Arena here!

FCB Women's CL quarter-final to be played on 1 April

We take a closer look at our number 9 ahead of the clash against the Wolves:

Jovana Damnjanović: A tireless presence

Feb. 20—TACOMA — The Mat Classic is underway in the Tacoma Dome. The Moses Lake Mavericks boys and girls squads took to the mats Thursday in the 4A brackets. Here are some highlights from the first day of action. Additional coverage of the state tournament will be available in a later edition.

If you cast your eyes over the FC Bayern women's squad these days, ahead of the next big clash against VfL Wolfsburg (Sunday, 16.20 CET), you'll see international careers, German champions, a two-time European champion. And then your gaze lingers on one year: 2017. Only one player has been with the team without interruption since then and has witnessed every sporting high and low, every reorganisation, every change of coach, every title celebration and every defeat in a final. Jovana Damnjanović is the longest-serving member of the Munich squad. In a business that thrives on acceleration, she has epitomised consistency. For years. Yes – for almost a decade.

Her first Bundesliga match was on 7 September 2013. Back then, Jovi, as everyone calls her, came off the bench for VfL Wolfsburg. Her opponents were Bayern Munich, of all teams. For the 18-year-old from Belgrade, it was the start of a chapter that would later make her one of the Munich side's most recognisable figures. She can still remember that day very clearly: "I came on just after the start of the second half. Bayern were clearly better; we were lucky. Lena Lotzen headed for goal, rounded the keeper, and fluffed her shot. The game finished 1-1. I still have the images in my mind's eye." Now, ahead of the next clash against VfL, her career has once again come full circle.

The one who stayed

Eight and a half years at a club is anything but the norm in modern professional football. The Munich club has invested, created structures and developed international appeal. Anyone who joins FCB today will find a club that sets standards. When Damnjanović arrived in 2017, many things were still in the making. She was 22, had spells at Wolfsburg and SC Sand behind her and had won the Champions League with the club from Lower Saxony. She could perhaps have signed elsewhere, but she opted for Munich. "I was convinced by the project. I was at the Campus on day one and have been part of the development right from the outset. You can't compare what's happening now with back then. Even the Bayern we know today, the players we have, that's a huge difference. We weren't like that back then."

Belgrade in her heart, Munich in everyday life

She was born in Belgrade in 1994. Football isn’t a sport there, but a state of mind. "My childhood was very nice. We, my brother, mum, dad, cousins, all lived in one house. It was noisy, lots of children. I'm thinking of our garden and all the games we played together." The path to football had a random start. "There were a few boys playing in first grade. They ended up with an odd number, so the coach said: 'You, get in goal'. That's how it all started. At home, I said to my mum: 'I'm going to play football now.' She said, 'But you're already doing karate and playing basketball.' I said: 'No, I want to play football'. After two sessions, she came to training for the first time - and saw my passion. Since then, my parents have supported me every day."

Apprenticeship years and triumph in Wolfsburg

The move to VfL Wolfsburg in 2013 was the step up to the European elite. In 2014, she won the Champions League there, albeit as a substitute. A triumph that shaped her self-image and ambitions. At the same time, that period was a school of hard knocks. "I was 18 and spoke no German. I came from Belgrade, a big city of two million people, and moved to a small town in Lower Saxony. It was a big change, football-wise and beyond. But I learnt a lot and won trophies. It was a good start to my career overseas"

Dieser Inhalt kann hier leider nicht dargestellt werden. Zum Anschauen kannst du die Website des FC Bayern München besuchen:Artikel auf fcbayern.com

Then, via a spell at Sand, came the move to the other side, the step to the Bavarian capital. There have been a few favourite moments against VfL since then: "In February 2019, we played here on Campus and ended up winning 4-2 at a time when Wolfsburg were very dominant. We very quickly went 3-0 up. That was our first clear win against them." And: "Two years ago, we won 4-0 in Wolfsburg. It was clear then that we would be champions. Games against them are always special."

The nine in flux

Damnjanović used to be the classic centre-forward, lurking in the penalty area, trapping medium-height crosses and using her physicality. Today, she's more flexible: she switches sides, drops off, overloads wing zones, makes herself available in half-spaces, presses and closes down passing channels. "The coach knows I'm flexible, whether it's on the wing, as a number ten or up front. He puts his trust in me - and I'm currently making the most of it." Our game plan has also changed somewhat: "We used to pass the ball back more often in the final third. Today, we're more daring, take risks and are more direct in front of goal."

Jovi has no need for grand gestures. She shows her loyalty by standing in the dressing room corridor after losing matches, giving younger teammates a pat on the shoulder and completing training sessions with the same intensity as Champions League nights. In a squad brimming with international stars, she is a constant, a reminder, often a driving factor. "I don't want to praise myself, but I don't think I'm unimportant for the team, on and off the pitch." She's right about that, as her teammates consistently confirm her importance within the team.

Coffee as culture

Damnjanović feels at home in Munich. She lives for FC Bayern, for football. And for coffee. Over the past few years, she has gradually developed into the expert she is today. "I slowly got into the world of coffee: first portafilter machine, home roaster, training. Step by step. At some point I thought: it makes sense." Curiosity turned into a project: her own online shop for coffee was launched in 2024, followed by the café in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg in January 2025: "I opened the Nine Fine Roastery." The name is biographical: "I have the number nine. 'Fine' stands for the quality of our beans. My mum was born on 19 September, hence the reference to nine."

Alongside football in the afternoons and mornings, the café is her second great passion. Despite her entrepreneurial spirit, her priority remains clear when asked about her career choice: "I always say: 'I'm a footballer'. That's my main job. Everything else started as a hobby and is now a bit more than that. But as long as I’m playing, football will remain my main job." Despite her professionalism, Jovi never seems aloof, laughs loudly and speaks openly. It's also this special collaborative nature that her teammates and fans have appreciated so much about her for years.

Dieser Inhalt kann hier leider nicht dargestellt werden. Zum Anschauen kannst du die Website des FC Bayern München besuchen:Artikel auf fcbayern.com

She incorporates this form of interaction into her café. You could also say it's a tangible team culture. "When I created the menu, I also incorporated my teammates' ideas about what they like to eat and what was missing in Munich." This resulted in something concrete: “The Stahlmann Bowl is from Linda Dallmann; we developed it together, with berries and oatmeal, among other things." And: "Of course there's also the Gigi Special from Giulia Gwinn."

Even the coffee blends she offers in her online shop carry meaning: "We launched 'Double Meister' when we became champions. Giuli, Lea [Schüller] and I are on the label. A reminder of our friendship." This is how they combine competitive sport, passion and community. Cup for cup.

The clash as a mirror

Now the focus will turn to Sunday. Wolfsburg vs. Bayern is more than just a game: it's a question of supremacy in German women's football, a reminder of finals, league titles won, but also bitter defeats. For Damnjanović, it's also an assessment of the situation. "They are two comparable teams with enormous quality. I don't enjoy these games any more than others, but this clash is always special nonetheless." She clearly expresses her respect: "I'm not saying that we're here and Wolfsburg are there. We're both top teams, it can go either way. We'll have to be at 100 per cent." And the ingredients for victory? "We'll need every player, the starting XI and the bench. We'll have to be efficient, allow Wolfsburg few chances and be extremely careful at set-pieces, where they're very dangerous. But: We are Bayern."

Legacy and the present

Eight and a half years at FC Bayern is a commitment in modern football. Ahead of the clash with VfL, it won't just be a striker taking to the pitch, but a story. It started in Belgrade, gained momentum in Wolfsburg, and found its home in Munich. In a sport that is constantly looking for the next player, she's the one who stayed. This chapter is far from over.

🏟️💫 FC Bayern Women face Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League - get your tickets here!

FCB Women to face Manchester United

Polish speed skater hospitalized after taking blade to face in terrifying Olympic moment originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Polish short-track speed skater Kamila Sellier’s Olympics came to a sudden end on Friday due to a serious injury.

Sellier was cut in the face by an opponent’s skate during the women’s 1,500-meter short-track quarterfinals, forcing her to withdraw from the race. The USA’s Kristen Santos-Griswold, whose blade caused the injury, was penalized for an illegal lane change and did not advance.

Medical staff attended to Sellier immediately as the race was paused.

Here’s what you need to know about Sellier’s condition and the collision.

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule

Kamila Sellier injury updates

Sellier was immobilized on a stretcher after the injury on Friday. Officials blocked her from view of the crowd with a white sheet as medical staffers tended to her, but she was fortunately seen giving a thumbs up as she was taken off the ice.

The injury impacted the area near Sellier's left eye. Santos-Griswold's blade cut Sellier near the eye, and the Polish speed skater quickly started bleeding. Officials had to clear a trail of blood from the ice after the injury.

Fortunately, Sellier's eye appears to be unaffacted. CBC's Devin Heroux reported the 25-year-old avoided an injury to the eye, but he reported that Polish officials believe she might have suffered a facial fracture.

I just interviewed one of the member of the Polish coaching staff.

He tells me he believes Kamila Sellier suffered a facial fracture in the crash.

She’s being taken to hospital.

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) February 20, 2026

While an exact diagnosis is still unclear, Sellier's thumbs up indicated she was conscious and at least felt alright, given the circumstances.

MORE:Latest updates on American skier Nick Goepper after violent crash

What happened to Kamila Sellier?

Sellier took a blade to the face when Santos-Griswold kicked up her leg during a quarterfinal race on Friday. Sellier was already falling to the ice as Santos-Griswold's leg went up, and she collided with Italy's Arianna Fontana after being struck by Santos-Griswold.

Santos-Griswold was penalized for an illegal lane pass, while Fontana was able to continue racing and finished second.

The injury marked an unfortunate end to Sellier's medal hopes, as she was unable to finish and would have been too injured to compete in the semifinals anyway, but she appears to have escaped without an injury to her left eye itself. 

Nebraska (16-11, 5-11) visited the Pacific Northwest on Thursday night to face Oregon (19-9, 7-8). The Huskers, despite holding a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, fell to the Ducks, 80-76, dropping their sixth straight game and remaining winless in February.

Nebraska started strong, shooting over .500 from the floor in the first half to head into the locker room up 37-33. The Huskers expanded their lead to 63-52 less than a minute into the fourth, before everything crumbled. Eliza Maupin suffered an injury, and Amiah Hargrove fouled out, leaving the team shorthanded at forward.

Foul trouble also added to the collapse. Nebraska suffered 10 in the fourth, leading to Oregon shooting 15-of-18 from the line. The Ducks totaled 6-of-8 from the floor in the fourth and 1-of-2 from long range. The Huskers, meanwhile, hit just 3-of-17 in total, 0-of-12 from beyond the arc and 9-of-9 at the foul line.

On the night, Nebraska finished 29-of-68, 6-of-25 and 12-of-13, respectively. Oregon finished 26-of-52, 7-of-17 and 21-of-24. The Huskers coughed up 21 fouls in the loss, 16 in the second half. The Ducks surrendered just 16 fouls all game.

Britt Prince scored a team-high 18 points for Nebraska, shooting 8-of-13 with five assists. Logan Nissley tallied 15 points after going 4-of-10, 3-of-9 from beyond the arc and 4-of-4 from the line. She hauled in a team-high five rebounds and five assists.

Jessica Petrie delivered 12 points off the bench, leading the team at the line by going 5-of-5. Petra Bozan and Hargrove both totaled 11 points, but also four fouls or more. Bozan hit 5-of-6 in the loss, including 1-of-1 from three-point range. Hargrove finished 5-of-10.

Nebraska concludes its road trip in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday against Washington in an afternoon battle. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Fourth-quarter collapse results in Nebraska's 80-76 defeat at Oregon

Constitution Hill - one of National Hunt racing's biggest names - returned to winning ways with a commanding switch to the Flat at the Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes.

Having triumphed in his first 10 races, the once-seemingly unbeatable horse had fallen three times in four outings.

In an attempt to get back on track, trainer Nicky Henderson entered him in the mile-and-a-half Flat race at Southwell, before a possible tilt at March's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, which he won in 2023.

Starting 6-4 favourite and with five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle, the move paid off as the nine-year-old took to the front well before the line and held firm to win by nine-and-a-half lengths from Square Necker and Gambino.

"He felt like a machine," Murphy told ITV afterwards.

"It went to plan. It would've been very easy for me to blast off in front, but I wanted to get in among them and give him an idea of what a Flat race is like.

"For a big horse that's been jumping, he has a lot of speed and he's a joy to ride."

Henderson, meanwhile, said the emphatic display under the Nottinghamshire course's floodlights would "open up a lot of doors".

"We've been through a few tears over the last year or so," he admitted. "It's nice to be back with positive vibes.

"We've got lots to look forward to and lots of decisions to make. There are all sorts of options, including the Champion Hurdle."

He was swiftly made favourite with some bookmakers for this year's race, with The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead also well backed.

Before Friday's contest at Southwell, organisers had increased the prize money to £40,000, but a random ballot left Constitution Hill needing others to withdraw to get a run, with his participation only confirmed on Wednesday.

• Constitution Hill falls again as Golden Ace wins

• Latest horse racing results

The Dallas Cowboys have waived linebacker Logan Wilson according to multiple reports.

Wilson was acquired on the day of the 2025 trade deadline (a little bit before Quinnen Williams) and for the low cost of a seventh-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. It never really worked out for him as he was unable to play his way onto the field after battling a calf injury, and with a new defensive coordinator in place in Christian Parker plus the cap savings that this move provides, the writing was on the wall.

It should be noted that the trade was hardly a failure for the Cowboys. They paid a late draft pick to get a look at a player, they got one, and now they are moving on before being financially tied to him. That is the proper way to assess and try to improve your roster, and sometimes you are going to have misses.

Candidate Vilajoana makes his ambitions clear

Barça presidential race: Kane enters the debate

The campaign for the FC Barcelona presidency is heating up. Running against Joan Laporta, Xavier Vilajoana has brought up a high-profile name: Harry Kane.

According to Vilajoana, the English striker would be the perfect candidate to succeed Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires this summer. Vilajoana insists he wants to focus on developing homegrown talent while also bringing in world-class players to reignite the club’s sporting ambitions.

As is often the case during election season, transfer promises are part of the campaign rhetoric. But in reality, a move for Kane from FC Bayern Munich to Catalonia appears unlikely in the short term.

It's official now!

Transfer: Lamine N'Diaye takes charge of USM Alger

USM Alger (USMA) officially announced on February 20 the appointment of Lamine N'Diaye as the team's head coach until the end of the season.

Lamine N'Diaye is the new head coach of USM Alger. The Senegalese coach has signed with the Algerian club until the end of the current season, with an option to extend his contract if the club's management is satisfied with the results at the season's conclusion.

Just two weeks after leaving TP Mazembe, the 69-year-old coach embarks on a major new challenge. With his vast experience and deep knowledge of African football, he has been chosen to lead the Red and Black back into the race for the Algerian league title. A continental mission also awaits him in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Leonardo Bonucci has paid a glowing tribute to AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri, describing his former Juventus manager as the greatest he has ever worked under.

Speaking in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, via MilanNews, the retired Italy international, who had a brief and largely difficult spell at Milan earlier in his career, was asked to reflect on the coaches who shaped him.

His words on Allegri were unequivocal.

“In terms of intuition, Allegri was the greatest coach I ever had,” Bonucci said.

ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Sometimes he made decisions that seemed absurd, but they produced results. Being a coach allows you to see the full picture, as a player and as a human being. In that sense, Max is a master, a phenomenon. He never speaks negatively. Complaints? Never. He knows how to put players in the best possible conditions.”

Not just Milan coach Allegri, Bonucci has kind words for Gattuso

The retired defender also reflected warmly on another figure with strong Milan connections, Gennaro Gattuso, who coached Bonucci during his time at San Siro.

The defender recalled a period of difficulty and credited the former midfielder’s straightforward approach with helping him rediscover his best form.

“When I had the fortune of being coached by him at Milan, we were coming through a difficult period,” Bonucci said of Gattuso.

ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He told me: ‘Leo, when you’re going through a tough time, you have to keep things simple.’ And so that’s what we did, a 4-3-3, nothing complicated. He gave confidence to all of us.”

Both Allegri and Gattuso remain prominent figures in the Milan conversation, making Bonucci’s reflections particularly timely.

Arsenal will lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as they look to secure a good result in the North London derby. The Gunners were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw away at Wolverhampton Wanderers recently, so they would be eager to return to winning ways this weekend.

Mikel Arteta will set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this clash. Martin Odegaard could play from the start of this game if he can recover in time from a knock.

4-3-3 Arsenal Predicted Lineup To Face Tottenham Hotspur

Defence

David Raya will feature in goal for the Gunners after he conceded two goals in his last appearance. Gabriel will function alongside William Saliba at the centre of the Arsenal backline as they look to keep things solid at the back during the game.

Jurrien Timber will hope to catch the eye as the right-back, while Piero Hincapie hopes to prove his worth 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.

Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: David Raya of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 18, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Midfield

Arteta could opt for a midfield three of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard as they focus on winning the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park and creating some inviting chances in the final third.

Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard will have to settle for a spot on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Gabriel Martinelli will hope to put his pace to good use on the left flank, while Bukayo Saka looks to make a difference as the right-winger if he can pass a late fitness test. Viktor Gyokeres will lead the line for the Gunners up top. He has to find a way to be a constant menace in the final third.

Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus will be named on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the final quarter of the game if the Gunners are in need of a goal by then.

Happy Friday one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of question marks heading into the offseason and the 2026 NFL Draft will be a chance to change some perceptions.

My buddy Charles McDonald and his running mate Nate Tice had a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Yahoo! Sports and have the Cardinals adding offensive line talent.

3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami

The Cardinals have question marks at quarterback under new head coach Mike LaFleur, and could feasibly draft just about any position here and it would make sense given the state of their roster. Other players in this class might rise as pure offensive tackles, but Mauigoa has earned the right for a chance at right tackle at the next level. Mauigoa is a mauling run blocker with clean technique who seldom gets caught out of position. Whether he ends up at right tackle or kicks inside to guard, he is a great fit for a Cardinals team that desperately needs more talent up front to complement left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who has shown flashes of future stardom but got caught up in this franchise’s messiness.

Boring, but makes sense. When you look at the Cardinals offseason needs, fixing their offensive line is a big portion of it.

What would you make of it?

Andy Reid responds to rumors of Chiefs reunion with Tyreek Hill originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their dominant streak in the AFC come to an end in 2025. After making the postseason every season since 2014, including five Super Bowl appearances and three wins, the Chiefs missed the playoffs and finished with a 6-11 record. The lack of true No. 1 receiver hurt Kansas City more so than it had in previous seasons since trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.

Hill, however, has been released by Miami. This comes after suffering a season-ending leg injury in 2025, and Miami looking to begin rebuilding. When asked about a potential reunion with Hill, Andy Reid kept things rather close to the vest.

“I don’t even know if Tyreek [Hill] is healthy right now to do anything," Reid said via Adam Schefter. "I’m sure he’s working hard on that part of it, trying to get all that straightened out. We talk about everything so there’s nothing happening there, but we know what you know and he’s out there cranking away trying to get himself back to where he can play, period.”

Hill was with the Chiefs from 2016-21, earning six Pro Bowl appearances. He helped the Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

More NFL news:

• Buffalo Bills now know the asking price for Brian Thomas Jr.

• Bills trade rumor tracker: Latest updates on Buffalo's deadline pursuits

• 49ers tight end George Kittle begs NFL to do something about MetLife Stadium turf after another serious injury

• Buffalo Bills hire two‑time Super Bowl head coach in key role

• Justin Jefferson teases Buffalo Bills with latest trade comments

ESPN’s Top 100 quarterback list ignores Ohio State’s championship history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Bill Connelly’s Top 100 quarterbacks of the 2000s is an enjoyable, thoughtful read. It’s data-driven, historically aware and bound to spark debate, which is exactly what a list like that should do. But the ESPN rankings also reveal something interesting.

At Ohio State, championships apparently do not move the needle the way statistical dominance does.

Three Buckeye quarterbacks who won national championships as starters are not on the list: Craig Krenzel, Cardale Jones, and Will Howard. Meanwhile, these Ohio State quarterbacks are ranked: C.J. Stroud (No. 22), Justin Fields (No. 34), Troy Smith (No. 40), J.T. Barrett (No. 75), and Braxton Miller (No. 89).

This is not personal. Every Buckeye quarterback on the list earned his place. Smith won the Heisman. Stroud was a two time finalist. Fields finished third in the Heisman voting in 2019 after accounting for 51 total touchdowns. Barrett rewrote the Big Ten record book. Miller was one of the most dynamic players of his era and a two time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Were there Buckeyes snubbed from the list? 

Ohio State offers a fascinating case study. The list celebrates sustained excellence, but does not appear to value championship execution in the same way.

Take the case of Cardale Jones. He was thrust into the starting job late in 2014 as Ohio State’s third string quarterback and responded with one of the most difficult postseason runs in college football history, winning the Big Ten Championship, the College Football Playoff semifinal and the national championship.

The following season, Jones opened as the full time starter and went 8-0 before eventually being replaced by J.T. Barrett. All told, he finished 11-0 as a starter. His overall numbers were modest, but an undefeated record across 11 starts, including three postseason victories on the biggest stage, is rare air. His career numbers do not scream Top 100.

Hype over stats for the top 100 QBs? 

But if peak matters, and it clearly does elsewhere on the list, that stretch qualifies as one of the most consequential quarterback runs of the era.

Krenzel’s resume is even more straightforward. He went 24-3 as a starter, quarterbacked Ohio State to the 2002 national title and was a two time Fiesta Bowl MVP. He was not a statistical marvel. He was a winner. And in Columbus, that season still defines a generation.

More: Dallas Cowboys predicted to trade up for Ohio State star in 2026 NFL Draft

Howard’s resume goes beyond one championship run. At Kansas State, he appeared in 34 games and left as the program’s all time leader in passing touchdowns with 48, helping lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022. He then transferred to the Ohio State Buckeyes for his final season, started all 16 games and guided the Buckeyes to a 14 win campaign and a College Football Playoff national championship. He was named MVP of both the Cotton Bowl and the national championship game.

Ohio State exposes the list’s philosophical trade off. Is it ranking quarterbacks based on how much they produced, or how much they won? Because in Columbus, those are not always the same thing.

More: Former Buckeyes WR says biggest adjustment is actually going to class

This is not about tearing anyone down. At Ohio State, the list rewards production and accolades. It just does not appear to reward the one thing Buckeye fans ultimately remember most, championships. And that is worth examining.

More college football news: 

• Teddy Bridgewater's fiery reaction after Florida passes bill in his name
• Travis Hunter and wife Leanna Lenee announces new addition
• NFL Combine snubs: Championship standouts and postseason MVPs left out
• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• 10 worst Super Bowl halftime shows of all time

Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson has vowed to "continue to seek an end to this debilitating and unnecessary atmosphere of conflict" after a fan protest during Thursday's Europa League game left the Scottish champions fearing disciplinary action.

European governing body Uefa's disciplinary body will review reports from officials at the game against Stuttgart before deciding what, if any, action will be taken after it was held up for more than three minutes when tennis balls were thrown on to the Celtic Park pitch.

It is the latest in a long line of protests this season as fans expressed disappointment at the direction the board of directors have taken the club.

And it proved to be sobering night on the pitch too as Martin O'Neill's side lost the first leg of their knockout play-off 4-1.

• Scotland set to lose second Champions League place
• Celtic's O'Neill seeks 'utopia' after Euro setback
• Celtic v Hibs, Bartley & Chermiti in focus

"Last night was deeply disappointing for the club in many respects," Wilson said. "This started with an orchestrated disruption of the game, causing a delay to an important match.

"Over the past two weeks, I have met with a range of supporters groups and individual supporters.

"I have met in good faith with representatives of the Green Brigade and was hopeful that progress could have been made; indeed this remains the case. I also met in good faith with representatives of the Celtic Fans Collective.

"When I came into this role, I asked for unity inside the stadium to support the team while trying to resolve other issues. I want to see suspensions lifted and differences set aside, but this cannot be unconditional."

Wilson had taken over as interim chairman after former chief executive Peter Lawwell stood down in December citing "abuse and threats".

However, relations appeared to be thawing in January when the Celtic Fans Collective praised Wilson's appeal for unity and appealed for common ground while again calling for changes to the club's hierarchy.

However, the latest tennis ball protest led to criticism from team boss O'Neill.

"Last night's disruption and the reasoning behind it illustrate the difficulty we face and have repeatedly had to contend with," Wilson added.

"This is not intended to deflect from other issues that affect the club and are fully recognised. However, the possibility of further disruptions needs to be addressed urgently.

"Surely the priority must be to give Martin and our players every opportunity to achieve their objectives within the remainder of the season.

"On that basis, I will continue to seek an end to this debilitating and unnecessary atmosphere of conflict."

• Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views
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Top Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Ryan Ward is in his fourth spring training with the team, but after a dominant year in Triple-A last season, he’s hoping to fully break through to the majors.

Ward, an outfielder, played for the Oklahoma City Comets last year, leading the Pacific Coast League in home runs (36), RBIs (122) and total bases (315).

He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and was named to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in November.

With him turning 28 years old in the coming days, Ward has experience in the organization, though he told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain an expiring contract left him with doubts about the future.

Fortunately, “all got answered with one phone call.”

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“I’ve been here for seven years, this will be my eighth year,” Ward told Sonja Chen of MLB.com. “It was starting to get real, like, is it gonna be staying here or going to free agency? So when they called me, and being able to stay here and be with this organization and all the people here, it was really exciting.”

What Does Ward Bring to the Table?

As mentioned, Ward has years of experience in professional baseball, and it was initially thought he could replace Michael Conforto, who left in free agency, but the big-ticket signing of Kyle Tucker filled in that spot.

That said, Ward could be the top option to step in if Tucker, Andy Pages or Teoscar Hernandez are unable to take the field.

Perhaps that’s why the Dodgers kept him despite exploring trade options for the valued prospect.

Ward’s Mindset With MLB Debut on the Line

Ward told McKain that he realizes this spring training could go a long way in determining his baseball future.

“To me it’s like, ‘Okay, you’re going to get your opportunity, you better be ready.’ So [I’m] really taking advantage of all this time and getting myself into the best spot possible to earn that opportunity,” Ward said.

It’s a continuation of his mindset last season. Even as he drew fans’ attention for his MVP season, he was more focused on trying to “kick the door down” and get into the majors.

“I love the sport, I appreciate it more than anything,” he said. “But I’m trying to control what I can control … keep your feet where they are, focus on what’s at hand.”

Wisconsin’s House on Thursday passed a bill that would allow for statewide online sports betting, after Indian Country in November had put the brakes on the bill and its Senate counterpart due to heavy opposition by the commercial industry.

Using a “special order of business,” General Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called the lightly amended HB 601 on the final day of the regular session, and it passed through second and third readings. All votes were by voice, and there was no discussion. The bill was set to immediately be sent to the Senate.

The General Assembly is set to adjourn Friday, leaving little time for the Senate to react, though a “last general floorperiod” session is set for March 17-19, and a “limited business floorperiod” is set April 14-16, so it’s possible that the issue could come up during one of those sessions.

Should the Senate take up the bill — its version was also put on hold in the fall — and Gov. Tony Evers sign it, the state’s tribes would have exclusivity for online sports betting. The bill allows for any bet placed in the state of Wisconsin to be considered made on tribal land if it flows through a server in Indian Country. The only other tribe in the U.S. with such an agreement is Florida’s Seminole Tribe, which has a monopoly on online sports betting in the Sunshine State.

In November, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino CEO and General Manager Dominic Ortiz told the audience of a tribal podcast that the Wisconsin tribes pulled the bill from a floor vote after a heated hearing during which Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) lobbyist Damon Stewart testified against the bill, saying, “This bill won’t get the job done because national brands cannot operate.”

Concern from the commercial industry stems from a requirement in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) that requires a revenue share of 60% to the tribes and 40% to the operator for a partnership agreement. In Wisconsin, tribes are the only qualified wagering license holders, and companies like bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, or FanDuel — all SBA members — would have to partner with one for market access. The split would mean that operators would pay a partner tribe 60% of revenue — a number higher than any state tax rate in the U.S.

If passed, Wisconsin would be unique

In Florida, the same situation exists, and the Seminoles have been live with their Hard Rock Bet platform since November 2023. While the tribe and Hard Rock have indicated that they are open to partnerships, no other commercial operator has entered the state, likely due to the cost from the IGRA-required split.

Ortiz in November said that the commercial industry is “paddling against Niagara Falls in a canoe” due to the rights afforded state-compacted tribes under IGRA. In Wisconsin, the tribes have long had control of Class III gambling via compact, and in 2021, the Oneida Nation was the first to renegotiate its compact to add in-person sports betting.

Each tribe in the state has a “Me-Too Clause” in its compact, meaning that if one tribe renegotiates a new situation, others can follow when their compacts are opened. Since 2021, other tribes in the state have added retail sports betting. The current legislative proposal would apply to all tribes.

Danish international Josefine Hasbo has signed a new contract with Boston Legacy Football Club. After being traded from Gotham FC at the beginning of February, Boston has secured her for the next three years, the Massachussets club announced today.

After playing collegiate soccer for Harvard University (helping them win the Ivy League in 2023) and representing Denmark in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro, she’s ready for NWSL.

“Joining Boston Legacy FC is a very special moment for me,” said Hasbo. “Boston is a city that lives and breathes sports, and I’m excited to help build something that reflects that energy and pride. My time at Harvard gave me a deep connection to this city, and I cannot wait to be part of creating a team that the entire community can believe in.”

Feb. 20—Libby native Konnor Ralph capped his first Winter Olympics with a fifth place finish in Freeski Big Air Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina games. The 23-year-old, who now calls Helena home, was part of a group of outstanding performers in the finals that left broadcasters and fans awestruck. Ralph was seeded last entering the Freeski Big Air medal round, but scored an 86.5 in his first jump. He didn't land his second jump, putting the pressure on for his third and final jump. Ralph didn't disappoint, scoring 91.5 and giving him a total score of 178 that vaulted him into fifth. Norway's Tormod Frostad claimed the gold medal with a total score of 195.50. He landed all of his jumps, including a final round 98.50. Ralph's teammate, Mac Forehand, also enjoyed an outstanding finals as he landed all of his jumps on the way to a silver medal. Forehand scored 193.25, including 98.25 on his last jump. Austria's Matej Svancer grabbed the bronze medal with a 191.25. American Troy Podmilsak was fourth with a score of 184.50, giving the U.S. three of the top five in the event. Ralph has steadily improved his World Cup rankings since he began competing internationally in 2021-22. That season, Ralph ranked 78th overall, including 40th in Freeski Slopestyle. He jumped into the top 20 next year with a No. 19 ranking in Slopestyle. This season, Ralph is ranked No. 4 in Slopestyle and No. 5 in Big Air. Last week, Ralph finished ninth in the Freeski Slopestyle, his first Olympics. Through Wednesday's competition, Team USA is third in the medal count with 24. Seven are gold, 11 are silver and six are bronze. Norway is first with 33 medals, including 15 gold. Host Italy is second with 26, including nine gold medals. Montana's other Olympian, 23-year-old Jake Sanderson of Whitefish, is part of a team that will play in the semifinals Friday with a berth in the gold medal game on the line. Slovakia is the opponent. Sanderson, who plays for Ottawa in the NHL, had two assists against Germany. The U.S. romped through the Group C preliminary round, outscoring Latvia, Denmark and Germany by a combined 16-5. Sweden gave the Americans a tougher game in Wednesday's quarterfinals, with the U.S. winning 2-1 in overtime on Quinn Hughes' goal. The Americans will play Slovakia at 1:10 p.m. Friday in the semifinals. A win puts them in the gold medal game against the winner of the Canada-Finland game, set for 8:40 a.m. Friday. The gold medal game is scheduled to be played at 6:10 a.m. Sunday.

Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images

Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest stars in boxing — and still, he has yet to win a world title.

In an era of the sport that crowns Lewis Crocker, Mario Barrios and Rolando "Rolly" Romero as welterweight world champions, the opportunity has never been greater for Garcia to finally claim one of the sport’s ultimate prizes. On Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Garcia challenges WBC welterweight champion Barrios with the chance to change the narrative of his career.

Barrios enters the fight on the back of successive draws with Abel Ramos and a 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao — results that have done little to cement his authority as champion. If Garcia is ever going to win a world title, this has to be the moment. The question now is whether he can seize it — and in doing so, legitimize himself not just as one of boxing’s biggest attractions, but also as one of its top fighters.

WBC welterweight title: Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia

After failing a drug test for the banned substance ostarine following his no-contest with Devin Haney in April 2024, Garcia was banned from the sport for a year. He returned to challenge Romero for the WBA (regular) welterweight title this past May at Times Square, losing a decision in an easily forgettable fight.

Garcia claimed to have sustained a hand injury going into the Romero bout and required surgery afterward, keeping him out of the ring for another nine months, meaning he has registered just one bout in the past 22 months. Now, coming off a defeat and a drug ban, Garcia somehow walks into another world title shot.

Barrios, the former interim champion, was upgraded to full WBC champion in 2024 and has fought twice since, drawing with Ramos in November of that year and Pacquiao this past July. Fun fact: Neither man involved this weekend has had their hand raised in victory in almost two years — and this is a world title fight.

Garcia's fight with Romero was historically dreadful, with the pair recording the third-lowest combined punch output (490 punches) for a 12-round fight in CompuBox's 40-year history. Although Garcia's fight with Haney was a lot more dramatic, it also set the record for the third-fewest punches thrown in a 12-round fight (499 punches) at the time it took place. 

Garcia-Barrios will almost certainly be another low-output encounter. Both are tall welterweights who are unlikely to close the distance with regularity in this matchup, nor will they force the pace — that isn't what Garcia does, and Barrio will be wary of his foe's power and speed. I expect to see both men utilizing their jabs in this matchup and for it to be fought at long range. Both men can also be hit and hurt, although it is unknown how Garcia's power will carry to 147 pounds. Barrios is not a puncher.

Garcia has been hurt in the body before in fights, as is common for tall fighters with long torsos, most noticeably in a seventh-round knockout defeat at the hands of Gervonta "Tank" Davis in April 2023. Barrios also fought Davis in 2021 and was taken out in the 11th round of their 140-pound title bout.

Barrios' body work and his jab will be his keys to victory. Barrios is slow, which gives Garcia a significant advantage in hand speed. Garcia needs to counter Barrios and land his money punch, which is his lightning-quick left hook. 

Barrios is unlikely to just walk into Garcia's power shots, though, and so Garcia will need to set them up behind feints and jabs — something he was unable to do against Romero. Garcia didn't use his right hand much at all in the Romero fight. The right hand will be key against Barrios because it can help set up the left hook after it. 

But the most important factor in this fight: What version of the unpredictable Garcia is going to show up? At times, he has looked unfocused and caught between styles. Garcia is training with his father, Henry Garcia, for Saturday's fight. The elder Garcia was Ryan's first-ever trainer and could be the man to provide him with the stability and mental comfort that he requires.

If Garcia is focused, disciplined and comes with a game plan, he should get the job done against the unimpressive Barrios. 

Garcia has spent years as one of boxing’s biggest names without the résumé to match. On Saturday night, against one of the weakest champions in the sport, he finally has no excuses left.

Pick: Ryan Garcia

Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images

IBF super lightweight title: Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte

Richardson Hitchins makes the second defense of his IBF super lightweight title against the highly-rated contender Oscar Duarte in the night's chief support.

The unbeaten Hitchins outboxed Liam Paro in December 2024 to capture the belt and made a successful defense this past June against another Australian, George Kambosos.

Duarte edged Kenneth Sims Jr. in a Fight of the Year candidate in an August WBA title eliminator. The Mexican has won four straight fights since being knocked out by Garcia in December 2023.

Hitchins vs. Duarte features one of boxing's most common style matchups — pure boxer vs. pressure fighter. While Hitchins is a tremendous long-range boxer and mover, he will be tested fiercely by Duarte's pressure, volume and body-punching.

Duarte can look to Hitchins' IBF final eliminator with Gustavo Lemos in April 2024 for inspiration. In that fight, Hitchins struggled with Lemos' front-foot aggression and ability to close the space. Ultimately, Hitchins eked out a razor-close decision, but many were left unconvinced. The fight gave weight to the argument that Hitchins struggles with competent pressure fighters — and it's a debate Duarte will put to bed one way or another on Saturday night.

Lemos had faster feet than Duarte and was able to overwhelm Hitchins with volume at times. Duarte, on the other hand, focuses more on power rather than volume. He is muscle-bound and very strong on the inside. Duarte, however, has slow feet and could struggle to close the gap on the longer Hitchins.

One of the most important factors in this fight is the training teams. Duarte has one of the world's best trainers, Robert Garcia, in his corner. Garcia only recently guided Raymond Muratalla to an upset win over Andy Cruz and had a terrific November 2025, with Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez adding another world title to his collection and Vergil Ortiz Jr. making easy work of Erickson Lubin. 

Hitchins' corner, on the other hand, has been more chaotic: A mix of voices, Shakur Stevenson on the phone giving advice, and a lack of clear, tangible instructions in contests where adjustments are necessary — namely, the Lemos bout.

Both men will struggle with the IBF's 10-pound rehydration clause, as both are considered big for the weight class. Hitchis, in particular, has publicly declared that his time 140 pounds is limited and he plans to go up to welterweight. To his advantage, he has experienced the second-day weigh-in for his past three fights, while Duarte has never had to restrict his rehydration. 

When Duarte makes the 140-pound limit on the day before the fight, he will then have to be careful about how much food and fluid he can put back into his body. If he wakes up on the morning of the fight above 150 pounds, he may need a trip to the sauna to cut weight less than 12 hours before he is scheduled to step into the ring.

It's a very tough fight to call. How Hitchins deals with pressure and the weight could be decisive. But the champion has to have the edge in this one.

Pick: Richardson Hitchins

Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images

WBA super lightweight title: Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka

Saturday's third world title fight between Gary Antuanne Russell and Andy Hiraoka was almost canceled on fight week.

Japan's Hiraoka was dealing with a visa issue that was only resolved late Tuesday, so he'll be in the U.S. for just over 48 hours when he enters the ring. Japan is a 10-plus-hour flight from the U.S. and is 17 hours ahead — Hiraoka has very little time to acclimate to the timezone and shake off the jet lag. He will no doubt be doing so while trying to make championship weight, as well. It's far from an ideal situation for Hiraoka, who was already heading into the bout as an underdog.

Russell won a dominant unanimous decision over Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela this past March to capture the WBA super lightweight belt. In the fight before, Russell lost a close split decision to Alberto Puello. 

Hiraoka, who has never tasted defeat, challenges for world honors for the first time. Hiraoka is also suffering from inactivity after recording just one bout in the last two years, which was a ninth-round TKO win over Ismael Barroso in September 2024. 

Russell, a southpaw volume-puncher with crunching power, was able to pour on the pressure on Valenzuela in the second half of their bout, hurting him on multiple occasions. Russell's output and stamina will be an issue for anyone in the 140-pound division. 

Russell's lone loss comes against a left-hander, Puello. In that fight, Russell struggled to let his hands go. He was beaten to the punch by Puello and couldn't pin him down consistently. Hiraoka is a tall, sharp southpaw with the footwork and skills to give Russell some of the same problems.  

Hiraoka's defense will need to be on point to avoid Russell's volume and power. Puello had success punching in between Russell's attacks and countering Russell enough to make him hesitant to throw. Even so, the fight between Russell and Puello was very close and Russell has improved since then. Hiraoka will no doubt attempt to utilize some of the same tactics Puello had success with, but the Japanese fighter is not as compact defensively as Puello, hasn't fought at the world level before, and risks suffering from ring rust due to his prolonged inactivity.

Hiraoka is a very live underdog, but Russell's experience at the top level, coupled with Hiraoka's less-than-ideal fight week circumstances, should tip the odds in favor of the champion.

Pick: Russell

Undercard quick picks

• Super lightweight: Frank Martin def. Nahir Albright

• Super middleweight: Bektemir Melikuziev def. Sena Agbeko

• Middleweight: Amari Jones def. Luis Arias

• Heavyweight: Joshua Edwards def. Brandon Colantonio

• Super featherweight: Mohammed Alakel def. David Calabro

Uncrowned will have full live coverage Saturday night and round-by-round results of the action.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Venus Williams is getting a wild card into the singles and doubles draws for the BNP Paribas Open next month in the Southern California desert.

The 45-year-old will be making her first appearance in the tournament since 2024, when she lost in the first round as a wild card. She's a three-time semifinalist, most recently in 2018. She boycotted the event between 2002 and 2016 after a controversial incident in 2001.

“It’s an honor to award the first wild card of this year’s event to Venus Williams,” tournament director Tommy Haas said Friday. ”Venus is a legend of the game, and one of the most accomplished players our sport has ever seen."

It will be Williams' 10th career appearance in the tournament, which runs March 4-15. A year ago, she was given a wild card, but didn't accept it.

“I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California,” Williams said.

She most recently competed in the Australian Open, losing in the first round in singles and doubles.

Williams is scheduled to compete in the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event in Austin, Texas, that starts Saturday and runs through March 1.

___

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

Liverpool Eyeing Bundesliga Defender as Planning Begins Ahead of Summer Window

Liverpool’s recruitment team appear to be preparing for an important reshuffle on the left side of defence, with a fresh report from German outlet Bild placing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown firmly in the frame. As Andy Robertson edges closer to the final year of his current deal and uncertainty surrounds the wider depth chart, the need for long term succession planning has become increasingly obvious.

Bild claim Brown has emerged as one of Europe’s most closely monitored young defenders, attracting attention from several elite sides. Barcelona and Manchester City scouts are reportedly regular visitors, drawn to a profile that combines attacking ambition with composure in possession. The same report adds that the 22-year-old is also “on the list” at Liverpool, alongside Arsenal and Real Madrid, suggesting the race remains wide open heading into the summer.

From a recruitment perspective, the link makes sense. Liverpool’s model under Arne Slot has leaned towards technically confident full backs capable of stepping into midfield areas, and Brown’s evolving role at Frankfurt aligns with that tactical shift.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad Planning Shapes Recruitment Strategy

Robertson’s contract situation inevitably colours the conversation. With no extension agreed and the 2025-26 expiry looming, Liverpool must decide whether to refresh the position or risk entering a transitional phase without a clear successor. Kostas Tsimikas returning from Roma will present another decision point, while academy option Owen Beck’s injury setbacks have limited internal solutions.

Brown’s development trajectory offers intrigue. Bild report that Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche views the defender as the club’s next major sale, continuing a model that has previously seen high value departures. A reported valuation of around 65 million euros reflects both the competition for his signature and the premium placed on modern full backs who can influence play in central areas.

Under new head coach Albert Riera, Brown has even been deployed as an inverted playmaker during build up phases. That tactical flexibility will not have gone unnoticed at Anfield, where positional fluidity has become a key requirement for defenders operating in advanced systems.

Market Competition Could Drive Summer Battle

Liverpool’s interest, as outlined by Bild, arrives within a crowded field. Barcelona’s stylistic fit and Manchester City’s track record of developing technically gifted defenders represent significant competition. Arsenal and Real Madrid being mentioned reinforces the sense that Brown’s next move could shape a major European storyline.

Frankfurt appear resigned to a departure, mirroring last year’s Hugo Ekitike situation. Brown and Ekitike developed a strong understanding during the 2024-25 campaign, a detail that may further pique Liverpool’s interest given their familiarity with the forward’s trajectory. For Frankfurt, the expectation of a sizeable transfer fee aligns with a business model built on strategic player trading.

From Liverpool’s perspective, any move will hinge on broader squad priorities. A left back capable of inverting into midfield would suit the evolving tactical demands under Slot, yet the club’s recruitment team are known for patience rather than reactionary spending.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, this report sparks immediate curiosity. Nathaniel Brown’s profile sounds tailor made for the tactical evolution many fans have noticed under Arne Slot. The idea of a left back who can drift centrally, dictate possession and still provide width feels aligned with how the current side has begun to reshape its attacking structure.

There is also an emotional element to any discussion around the left back position. Andy Robertson remains a hugely respected figure at Anfield, and supporters will naturally feel conflicted about planning beyond him. Yet football moves quickly, and proactive recruitment has often defined Liverpool’s strongest eras. If Brown truly sits “on the list”, it signals the club are thinking ahead rather than waiting for a decline before acting.

The reported valuation would raise eyebrows among fans who remember more measured spending in previous windows. Some may question whether that fee represents value, especially with other areas of the squad potentially needing reinforcement. However, the growing importance of multifunctional full backs in modern systems means elite options rarely come cheap.

Ultimately, supporters will watch this story closely. Competition from Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid suggests Liverpool would need a compelling sporting project to win the race. For many fans, the prospect of a young, technically gifted defender learning within Slot’s system carries genuine excitement, even if the deal remains at an early stage for now.

49ers' Christian McCaffrey's brother hired by Chargers as running backs coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Christian McCaffrey. He's been a superstar since his debut, and he's on the Hall of Fame track.

But, he's not the only McCaffrey in the NFL. Luke McCaffrey is a wide receiver with the Washington Commanders, but his other brother, Max McCaffrey, is not a player in the NFL. And yet, he's still involved in the league.

The Los Angeles Chargers announced their coaching staff for the 2026 season, and Max McCaffrey, the eldest McCaffrey brother, is now the Chargers' running backs coach.

Max McCaffrey named Chargers RB coach

"Max McCaffrey joins the Bolts as running backs coach after spending the last three seasons (2023-25) as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins under current Chargers Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel," the Chargers announced.

While Christian McCaffrey has carved out a potential Hall of Fame career, Max didn't last long in the NFL as a player. He spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and also with the 49ers.

He didn't have the most successful playing career, but since becoming a coach, he's been carving out a solid resume. McDaniel bringing him to the Chargers is a good sign that he's trusted and has a role in the NFL as a coach.

More: 49ers adding another WR is a 'must' with Brandon Aiyuk all but cut this offseason

The McCaffrey family has very strong ties to the NFL, dating back to Ed McCaffrey's time in the league as a wide receiver. While Christian has been the best player of the McCaffrey brothers, Max is putting together a solid coaching resume.

What makes this such a fun hire for the Chargers is that Christian will be able to play against his brother and the Chargers in Los Angeles during the 2026 season.

49ers-Chargers doesn't have a set date, but it should be a fun matchup between two Super Bowl hopefuls in 2026. And, both teams will have a McCaffrey involved in the running backs, one as a player and the other as a coach.

More 49ers news:

• 49ers' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
• San Francisco 49ers get massive trade update on Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
• 49ers predicted to draft Trent Williams replacement in Round 1 of ESPN mock draft
• The San Francisco 49ers have made a hire for defensive coordinator
• Broncos, Bucs, 49ers listed as top landing spots for $66 million former Pro Bowl tight end
• 49ers predicted to add 77-sack former $135 million Pro Bowl pass rusher to pair with Nick Bosa
• Former Seahawks and 49ers legend believes Niners should trade for top-tier receiver

MILAN (AP) — Canada advanced to the gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after Nathan MacKinnon scored the go-ahead goal with 35.2 seconds in a 3-2 win over Finland on Friday.

The tournament favorite had trailed 2-0 before Sam Reinhart cut the deficit in the second period and Shea Theodore tied it midway through the third period.

Canada was awaiting the result of Friday's other semifinal: United States vs. Slovakia.

The final is Sunday afternoon in Milan, hours before the Olympics closing ceremony.

Sidney Crosby did not play for Canada because of an injury. It was not immediately clear if the 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins star would be available Sunday.

Crosby appeared to injure his right knee in the second period of the quarterfinals against Czechia on Wednesday night.

Finland will play in the bronze medal game on Saturday night.

Rijpma-de Jong gets Dutch another speedskating gold

Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong of the Netherlands won her first Olympic gold, and sixth career medal overall, by finishing first in speedskating’s 1,500 meters.

Rijpma-de Jong finished in 1 minute, 54.9 seconds, as thousands of Dutch fans roared in the stands. She was 0.06 faster than silver medalist Ragne Wiklund of Norway. Canada's Valerie Maltais took bronze.

Earlier at these Games, Dutch women also took gold at shorter distances — Femke Kok in the 500 and Jutta Leerdam in the 1,000.

Japanese star Miho Takagi, who won consecutive silver medals in the 1,500 meters at the past two Olympics, finished sixth.

Canada women stunned in curling semifinals

Sweden beat top-ranked Canada 6-3 to advance to the gold medal game in women's curling. The Swedes, ranked No. 12, will face Switzerland in Sunday's final.

Sweden has won the women’s competition three times since curling returned to the Olympic program in 1998.

Switzerland beat the United States 7-4 in Friday's other semifinal and will be aiming for its first women’s gold at the Olympics.

Canada will play the U.S. for bronze on Saturday.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

As spring quickly approaches and summer visits are right around the corner, there's no better time to take a look ahead at the top prospects in the 2027 class.

First up, USA TODAY High School Sports is focusing on the quarterbacks.

No position is sought after more than the quarterback position, regardless of level. A team's success rests on the shoulders of their signal-callers whether it be in high school, college or the NFL.

As good as the 2026 QB class was, the 2027 class looks like it could rival and maybe even surpass that talent.

Standouts like Elijah Haven have been shining for years while rising stars like Andre Adams have quickly taken the spotlight and risen up the rankings in the last few months.

1. Elijah Haven

School: Dunham School (Baton Rouge, LA.)

Height: 6-5

Weight: 215

Commitment Status: Uncommitted

Summary: The 2025 Gatorade and MaxPreps Player of the Year in Louisiana, Haven led Dunham to a Division III state title in the program's first appearance since 2004. On the season, he completed 72.3% of his passes for 3,931 yards, a state record 62 touchdowns, while also rushing for 794 yards and 11 touchdowns.

2. Kavian Bryant

School: Westwood (Palestine, TX)

Height: 6-4

Weight: 187

Commitment Status: Texas Tech

Summary: A Red Raider pledge since November 1, completed his junior campaign 201-of-277 passing for 3,407 yards and 37 touchdowns with only one interception. He also ran for 740 yards and seven more touchdowns.

3. Jayce Johnson

School:  Lowndes (Valdosta, GA)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 210

Commitment Status: Texas A&M

Summary: Johnson committed to the Aggies last August ahead of his junior season. A true dual-threat quarterback, he passed for 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 658 yards and 14 more touchdowns.

4. Andre Adams

School: Antioch High School (TN)

Height: 6-2

Weight: 180

Commitment Status: Uncommitted

Summary: Adams put up video game-like numbers for the Bears in what was a 10-2 season. He completed 71% of his passes for 3,418 yards and 35 touchdowns with only one interception while also leading the team in rushing with 855 yards and 13 more touchdowns.

5. Trae Taylor

School: Millard South (Omaha, NE)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 186

Commitment Status: Nebraska

Summary: Taylor has been a longtime Nebraska pledge, committing to the Cornhuskers last May. He transferred to Millard South from Carmel Catholic (Mundelein, Ill.), where he threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns and also rushed for 12 touchdowns for the Corsairs.

6. Israel Abrams

School: Montini Catholic (Arlington Heights, IL)

Height: 6-4

Weight: 187

Commitment Status: Uncommitted

Summary: There aren't many quarterbacks in the country who had a better year than Abrams, the Illinois MaxPreps Player of the Year. Leading Montini Catholic to a 14-0 record and the 4A state championship, he completed 68.5% of his passes for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns. On the ground he also totaled 10 touchdowns.

7. Gunner Rivers

School: St. Michael Catholic (Fairhope, AL)

Height: 6-3.5

Weight: 205

Commitment Status: Uncommitted

Summary: Having the last name of Rivers and having a dad who spent several years in the NFL, Gunner has big shoes to fill. So far, he's proven that he can live up to those expectations. For the 13-1 Cardinals, he threw for 3,176 yards and 46 touchdowns while throwing only five interceptions.

8. Peter Bourque

School: Tabor Academy (Marion, MA)

Height: 6-4

Weight: 220

Commitment Status: Uncommitted

Summary: Bourque earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Massachusetts, leading the Seawolves to a 9-0 record. During that stretch, he completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,241 yards and accounted for 33 total touchdowns.

9. Peyton Houston

School: Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, LA)

Height: 5-10.5

Weight: 200

Commitment Status: LSU

Summary: While he may be smaller than other quarterbacks on this list, that didn't stop Houston from producing last season. He threw for 3,836 yards and 42 touchdowns, along with 942 yards and 12 more touchdowns on the ground, for the nine-win Eagles.

10. Colton Nussmeier

School: Marcus (Flower Mound, TX)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 185

Commitment Status: Uncommitted

Summary: The younger brother of LSU standout quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Colton appears to be on his way to a successful college career as well. In eight games, he threw for 1,390 yards and 12 touchdowns.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Elijah Haven headlines top 2027 quarterbacks entering the spring

Team Canada reveals Sidney Crosby's increased chance of playing in gold medal Olympic hockey game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Team Canada has given Sidney Crosby a chance.

The all-time great, and the captain for Canada at these 2026 Winter Olympics, didn't play in Friday's semifinal against Finland due to a lower-body injury sustained two days earlier.

Canada nearly didn't make it through. They trailed Finland 2-0 before rallying and winning on a Nathan MacKinnon goal with 35 seconds left.

But with that late winning goal came the chance for Crosby to still make it back on the ice for these Olympics.

MORE: Nathan MacKinnon went viral for his Olympic focus that paid off

The gold medal game is on Sunday, a 2 p.m. local start in Milan. Canada's game on Friday finished about 7:30 p.m. locally in Italy.

Crosby's got a bit of time to get out there, but not a lot.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared from Canada coach Jon Cooper the simple fact that Crosby has a better chance of playing on Sunday than he did on Friday.

Jon Cooper on Sidney Crosby’s availability for Sunday:

We have 48 hours to determine…he has a better chance of playing that then he did of playing today.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 20, 2026

MORE: Megan Keller's childhood dreams culminate in a dream come true

It seems like it's probably worth it for Canada to dress Crosby on Sunday.

He's the captain, for one, and international roster rules actually provide a bit of cushion.

Canada has been dressed 13 skaters for each game. That means that if Crosby ends up being unable to take all his shifts, you can still have four fully stocked forward lines for Canada.

And if Crosby shows off his clutch gene in the gold medal game, all the better.

More Olympics news:

• This U.S. luge star was parodied on SNL
• Mikaela Shiffrin just broke the Olympics
• Czechia's go-ahead goal against Canada had 6 skaters on the ice
• U.S. women's hockey star's brothers go viral at Olympics
• Controversy and cursing with Canada curling
• A dog stole the show at the finish line of cross country skiing

Barring a highly unlikely series of results, administration-hit Sheffield Wednesday will become the first team in English Football League history to be relegated in February at some point in the next week.

The foundations for this relegation were set last summer when former owner Dejphon Chansiri's chaotic tenure came to a head with numerous missed wage payments.

A large number of the senior squad and manager Danny Rohl left in the summer before the Owls were eventually placed into administration in October.

Two separate points deductions - totalling 18 points - followed, and it has always been a case of when, not if they went down from the Championship this season.

A preferred bidder for the club was selected in December but the Owls remain in administration and are operating under tight restrictions, leaving them with a threadbare squad ill-equipped to compete at this level.

However, few would have thought relegation could come quite as early as this and, to make matters worse, it could in fact now be confirmed at bitter cross-city rivals Sheffield United on Sunday.

How can Owls delay inevitable?

If Sheffield Wednesday win all of their remaining 14 games of the season, they will finish the campaign on 35 points.

Despite that, the Owls will be relegated before Sunday's derby if:

• Blackburn Rovers avoid defeat against Preston North End on Friday and West Bromwich Albion beat Coventry City on Saturday
• Blackburn lose to Preston on Friday, Leicester avoid defeat by Stoke City, and West Brom beat Coventry on Saturday

Another twist is that Blackburn host Leicester on the final day of the season, meaning that if the Foxes draw at Stoke it will guarantee that either one of Blackburn or Leicester will finish on at least 36 points.

Should things fall into place for the Owls, who are still on -7 points, they must then win at Bramall Lane to stop the 'R' from being placed next to their name this weekend.

Winning a derby away from home is a tall task at the best of times but when you consider that Wednesday's only win all season came at Portsmouth in September, they have lost their past nine games in the Championship, and have not so much as scored in the past six Steel City derbies, you get some idea of what Henrik Pedersen's beleaguered men are up against.

"We will do everything to bring a top, top performance to compete with them," Pederson told BBC Radio Sheffield. .

"Of course, we know it will happen some day.

"Nobody understands what this group has been through in the past many months.

"I have a group with a big belief and big motivation, and a group of senior players who are ready to do everything for our fans and stand up and perform.

"They know that 95% will not be enough."

The 18 points Sheffield Wednesday have been deducted are the third highest in a single Football League season.

Derby County were deducted 21 in the 2021-22 campaign but took their fight for Championship survival through to April, while Luton Town were hit with a 30-point penalty in the 2008-09 season but finished on a creditable 26 points as they dropped out of League Two and also won the Football League Trophy.

Looking to avoid the history books

With 14 games to go, Wednesday are also in danger of setting several more unwanted EFL records, including:

• No team has ever ended a season on minus points. The Owls, who have won 11 points from 32 games so far, need seven from 14 matches to avoid this.
• Allowing for three points a game, the fewest points a team has ever picked up in a Football League season is Loughborough with nine in 1899-1900. In more recent times, Derby County went down from the Premier League with 11 points in the 2007-08 season. The all-time low for a 46-game season is Doncaster Rovers' 20 points in 1997-98.
• The record for the most defeats in a 46-game league season also belongs to Doncaster with 34 in the 1997-98 campaign. Wednesday have lost 23 of their first 32 games, meaning 12 defeats in their remaining 14 matches would see them break that record.
• The most consecutive defeats suffered by a team in one season was by Darwen way back in the 1898-99 season with 18. Since the second tier was rebranded as the Championship, the record for the most successive defeats is Rotherham's 10 in the 2016-17 season. Pedersen's side have lost their past nine games.
• In a 46-game season, the fewest wins a team has ever managed is Rochdale's two as they were relegated from the third tier in 1973-74.
• Wednesday's only win this season came away from home, meaning the Owls are now just six games from becoming the first Football League team to go an entire season without a home win.
• The farthest adrift a team has finished is Stoke City in the 1984-85 season. They finished 33 points from safety in the top tier. At present, the Owls are 41 points behind 21st-placed West Brom.

'The game isn't decided on team sheets'

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has said the prospect of relegating their cross-city rivals is "not in his thought process at all".

The Blades fan, who is unbeaten in his seven games against the Owls, said he disagreed with the notion that his side, who are 15th in the table, should cruise to a win.

"We'll have done more preparation on this game than we have on any game this season and all the games other than the play-off final last season," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"I've got complete respect for Henrik and a group of players... there's talk of it being a mismatch or a gimme, whether it's bookies' odds or the narrative in the city... football just doesn't work like that.

"The players have to play with a discipline and a control to win a game of football, to win a local derby."

Wilder added: "We put a slide up about Macclesfield v Crystal Palace and Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City. There are all sorts of examples recently, let alone [in] the 100 years plus of football, the game isn't decided on team sheets.

"We understand it's basically their season on the line, we're not daft. But we've got our fight, and ours has to be bigger than theirs."

• Latest Sheffield Wednesday news, analysis and fan views
• Listen to Sheffield Wednesday content on BBC Sounds

While Gary Player has never been short on confidence, Jack Nicklaus once questioned how well the South African legend would stack up against today’s players.

There is no doubting Player’s place among the greats of the game. He captured nine major titles and added another nine on the senior circuit later in his career.

Player is one of just six golfers to complete the Career Grand Slam. He even went as far as to rank himself third all-time, behind only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

It is always a challenge comparing players from different generations, with advancements in equipment and changes across the sport. Today’s PGA Tour also boasts incredible depth compared to previous eras.

Jack Nicklaus once questioned whether Gary Player would thrive in today’s game

Nicklaus probably has a better sense than most of how his peers might have handled the modern era. And when it comes to Player, he has not always sounded convinced that the game suits him as well as it did back then.

Back in 2008, ‘The Golden Bear’ spoke to Golf Digest and suggested that the South African legend might not have found the same level of success if he were coming up today.

“The pro game used to be 80 percent shotmaking and about 20 percent power. There were certain courses where power was a bigger factor, when the rough was down or the fairways were wide, and I absolutely tried to take advantage of it, because I had that element. I remember one round in New Orleans I drove the ball on the green of three par fours. I used power when it was prudent, and I could switch gears in the middle of a round.

“But from what I see, the pro game has switched to where it’s about 80 percent power and 20 percent shotmaking. Today, a Gary Player, a Ben Hogan, as talented as they were but with smaller statures, would have much less of a chance of being the best in the world.”

How Gary Player’s driving distance compared to Nicklaus and Palmer

Player’s remarkable talent is evident in his career, particularly his international record, which no one can match.

His game was never built around power. According to Golf Monthly, Player once mentioned in an interview that he always expected to be the first to hit into the green when paired with Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Palmer typically drove the ball between 265 and 270 yards, so it is fair to assume Player’s drives were consistently shorter than that range.

Nicklaus recognised early on how much more important distance was becoming in the game. But you would expect someone like the South African star – who always adapted – would have found a way to adjust if he needed to.

He mastered the game as it was played in his time, and the best players tend to find ways to succeed, no matter when they play.

Read more:

While a lacerated spleen kept Mack Hollins off the field from December into January, a payday remained in play.

The New England Patriots have added a $400,000 signing bonus to the veteran wide receiver’s contract for 2026, according to Friday reports from Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti and NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

Hollins, 32, finished his inaugural regular season in Foxborough just four catches shy of hitting a $400,000 incentive. But what was missed has since been honored by head coach Mike Vrabel’s organization as sights set on the new league year.

At the time of his placement on injured reserve, Hollins stood with 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns. He stood there while leading New England’s wideout depth chart with 657 offensive snaps through 15 appearances, including 13 starts.

Activated from injured reserve on the eve of the AFC Championship Game, which marked the earliest return date under NFL rules, Hollins went to catch six passes for 129 yards and one touchdown through playoff starts versus the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.

Arriving at Gillette Stadium last March on a two-year, $8.4 million contract featuring $3.5 million guaranteed, Hollins now moves forward with a cap number of $5.55 million when factoring in the $400,000 sweetener.

Per PatsCap’s Miguel Benzan, that upcoming cap number features $2.9 million in base salary and $1.15 million in signing bonuses. It also features a $150,000 offseason workout bonus, $600,000 in receptions incentives, as well as up to $750,000 in active roster bonuses for the 6-foot-4, 221-pound target.

Entering the NFL in the fourth round of the 2017 draft at No. 118 overall, Hollins spent previous campaigns with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills. The North Carolina Tar Heels product, who earned a Super Bowl LII ring as a rookie, has caught 220 passes for 2,861 yards and 19 touchdowns through 135 career games, counting postseason.

Rio Ngumoha believes that while Mohamed Salah has accomplished a lot for Liverpool since joining from AS Roma, he’s not the best winger in history.

Salah has become one of the most important players in modern Liverpool history, standing out as a major figure over the past decade.

This season, even with his form not always at its peak, Salah has played an important role throughout much of the campaign.

His performance against Brighton was especially impressive. He scored, provided an assist, and won a penalty in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory.

Beyond his contributions in attack, he’s also made noticeable improvements to his defensive work this season.

Rio Ngumoha picks Neymar over Mohamed Salah

Now 33, Salah has scored 251 goals and provided 121 assists during his time at Anfield. He’s also near the top of the Premier League’s all-time scoring charts.

But despite those numbers, Ngumoha doesn’t see him as the greatest winger ever. During a quick-fire Q&A with ESPN, Ngumoha chose Neymar when asked who he thought was the best winger of all time.

Neymar is now playing for Santos back in Brazil but has only managed one league appearance in 2026 due to a knee injury.

Virgil van Dijk among top defenders, says Rio Ngumoha

Elsewhere in the same interview, Ngumoha picked Brazilian Ronaldo as his choice for the best striker ever.

For midfield, he gave the nod to Zinedine Zidane, and didn’t hesitate to name Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as his pick for top defender.

As expected by many, Lionel Messi rounded out his selections as the greatest overall player in football history.

Read more:

Inside the Hughes family tree: How Quinn and Jack can become first Olympic medalists in legendary hockey lineage originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

JUMP TO:

• Who are the Hughes brothers?
• Hughes brothers relationships
• Who are the Hughes brothers' parents?
• Where is the Hughes family from?

The NHL is full of familial connections, and one of the most popular families in the league right now is the Hughes family.

The Hughes brothers have taken the NHL by storm, with two representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. The big stage is no stranger to the Hughes family, as all five members have experience playing hockey at a high level.

Moving forward, the Hughes brothers are expected to grow even more in popularity as they find success both individually and together. Here’s what you need to know about the Hughes family.

MORE:Stanley Cup winners: Complete list of every NHL champion

Who are the Hughes brothers?

Quinn Hughes

Quinn Hughes is the oldest of the brothers, born in October 1999. He was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018 and, after spending two seasons at the University of Michigan, joined Vancouver full time in the spring of 2019.

Quinn spent parts of eight seasons with the Canucks, totaling 432 points in 459 games, and he won the Norris Trophy in 2023–24 as the NHL's best defenseman. In December 2025, the Canucks traded him to the Minnesota Wild.

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Quinn made his Olympic debut for the United States, scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the quarterfinals against Sweden.

QUINN HUGHES! USA WINS! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/WxbCRKxPiO

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

Jack Hughes

The middle Hughes brother is Jack, who was born two years after Quinn in May of 2001. Jack is also the highest-drafted brother in the Hughes family, as the New Jersey Devils took him first overall in the 2019 NHL draft.

Jack skipped college and went straight to the NHL, as he made his Devils debut just months after the draft. As a center, Jack has established himself as one of the top forwards in the NHL, but he has dealt with injuries during the first part of his career.

Like Quinn, Jack is representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

MORE:Stanley Cup winners: Complete list of every NHL champion

Luke Hughes

Luke Hughes is the youngest of the three brothers, as he was born in September of 2003. A defenseman like Quinn, Luke was drafted fourth overall in 2021 by the Devils, joining Jack in New Jersey. However, Luke also attended Michigan for two years before making his NHL debut in 2023.

Unlike his two brothers, Luke didn't find immediate success in the NHL, as he's struggled to find his footing in his first few professional seasons. His best year was his first full season in 2023-24, when he made the all-rookie team for the Devils.

Hughes brothers relationships

Is Quinn Hughes dating Olivia Bonn?

Quinn Hughes and influencer Olivia Bonn are in a rumored relationship, although nothing has been made official. Bonn is a model and an influencer, primarily based in New York.

Is Jack Hughes dating Tate McRae?

Jack Hughes and Tate McRae have not made any official declarations about the relationship, but the two have been spotted in public together. McRae is a Canadian pop star from Calgary who previously dated NHL player Cole Sillinger.

📸| Tate McRae with Jack Hughes in NYC! pic.twitter.com/kegy8DRwTK

— Tate McRae Tour & Updates (@t8mcraetours) December 22, 2025

MORE: Last time Oilers won Stanley Cup: Complete finals, playoff history for Edmonton

Who are the Hughes brothers' parents?

Jim Hughes

Jim Hughes was a hockey player himself, as he played college hockey at Providence College. After his playing career, Jim worked in hockey in other ways, first as an assistant coach for a minor league team in Orlando.

Then, Hughes became an assistant for the Boston Bruins from 2001-2003 before he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. Hughes started as a minor-league coach for Toronto but soon became the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In 2016, Jim left the Maple Leafs to become the director of player development for CAA, working with many of the agency's best hockey players, like Macklin Celebrini.

Jack Hughes explained how his dad's hockey experience impacted the three brothers growing up.

"The things he was telling 20-year-old prospects, he was telling to us when we were 12," Jack said, via ESPN. "Whenever we got the chance to watch a game with my dad, it was like watching video with an NHL coach."

Ellen Weinberg-Hughes

Ellen Weinberg-Hughes is actually the most decorated hockey player in the family. Weinberg-Hughes was born in St. Louis but raised in Dallas, and attended the University of New Hampshire as a three-sport athlete, playing lacrosse, hockey and soccer.

In 1992, Weinberg-Hughes played for the United States women's hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships. After she retired, Weinberg-Hughes got into broadcasting, working on both women's soccer and hockey. She was sideline reporter for ESPN at the 1999 Women's World Cup, and at one point also worked for the big ten network.

Weingberg-Hughes most recently joined the United States Women's ice hockey team as a player development consultant, which is a year-round job. Jim Hughes explained why Ellen was such a strong addition to the women's team.

"Her athletic experience as an athlete and a Hall of Famer at UNH, she's got all that playing experience and all that competitive experience. And then she had 15 years of raising-three-boys experience," Jim told The Athletic. "So when [they] brought Ellen on board, it's been a wonderful addition to the women's Olympic team."

MORE:How does the NHL Draft lottery work?

Where is the Hughes family from?

The Hughes family moved around to accommodate Jim's job changes as an NHL coach. Quinn and Jack were both born in Orlando, but Luke was born in New Hampshire when Jim worked for the Bruins. Eventually, the family settled in Toronto, which is where the three brothers picked up their hockey careers.

UCLA's Mick Cronin apologizes for his behavior during Michigan State loss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin issued a lengthy apology Friday after ejecting his own player during a blowout loss earlier this week, acknowledging he misread the situation and allowed his emotions to spill over.

Cronin said he apologized directly to center Steven Jamerson after sending him to the locker room late in the Bruins’ 82-59 loss to Michigan State Spartans men's basketball on Tuesday night. 

Cronin believed at the time that Jamerson had committed a dirty play when he fouled Michigan State center Carson Cooper on a breakaway dunk with UCLA trailing by more than 20 points.

“It’s the only reason I sent him to the locker room,” Cronin told reporters via SoCal News Group. “I thought he literally made a dirty play and tried to wipe the guy out. … You can’t be down 25 or getting your butt kicked and try to take somebody out.”

After reviewing the tape and hearing public criticism, Cronin said he realized he was wrong. Jamerson was called for a foul and assessed a technical, as was Cooper following the play.

But before officials could review it further, Cronin summoned Jamerson to the bench, grabbed his jersey and escorted him off the floor himself. It was a rare scene that drew national attention.

After the foul, UCLA HC Mick Cronin ejects his own player, Steven Jamerson III. pic.twitter.com/KOFMCDRYjg

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 18, 2026

“In this climate, you have to be careful what you say,” Cronin added. “The brand matters here. The school matters. The last thing I want to do is bring negative publicity to UCLA.”

More:Mick Cronin buyout, contract details as UCLA Bruins coach

However, the damage seems to be significant this time around. "John Wooden would be ashamed," LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke wrote this week about Cronin's antics.

"Cronin is light years from the aura of Coach, and if UCLA cared a whit about the legacy of its legend, it would care that his flame has been completely snuffed by this unworthy keeper. Wooden’s home is now decorated with a pyramid of poop, and one wonders how many humiliations will be required to convince administrators to clean things up."

UCLA (17-9) host No. 10 Illinois on Saturday.

More college basketball news:

• Adrian Autry buyout, contract details as Syracuse Orange coach
• Bruce Pearl sends warning to NBA teams about Kansas' Darryn Peterson
• AJ Dybantsa makes college basketball history never done by NBA stars
• John Calipari says college athletics is broken — Here’s his plan to fix
• Texas Tech's March Madness hopes take major hit with JT Toppin injury

David Nixon wreaked havoc on the field with Kelly Poppinga for two seasons at BYU. The pair of linebackers combined for 277 tackles, including 31.5 tackles for loss during a 24-month stretch between 2006-07 when the Cougars went 22-4.

Nineteen fast years later, Poppinga is preparing to run his first spring practice as BYU’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Head coach Kalani Sitake elevated the former assistant to succeed Jay Hill, who left the Cougars to join Kyle Whittingham’s new staff at Michigan.

Poppinga inherits enormous expectations and a veteran defense that is on their own impressive 23-4 run over the last two seasons. Nixon expects the success to keep flowing.

“When you talk about Jay Hill leaving, no doubt it’s a loss. Jernaro (Gilford) as well. But for the coaches left behind, these are guys that have been an integral part of what those game plans were,” Nixon told the “Y’s Guys” livestream show this week. “They understand what his defense was trying to accomplish and now they are probably going to put their own spin on it. I think they have some fresh ideas that maybe they had to suppress a little. I’ve challenged (Kelly). He’s excited. He’s learned a lot from different coordinators along the way.”

Playing and developing under Bronco Mendehall’s tutelage, and with star Cameron Jensen lining up next to them in 2006 and Bryan Kehl in 2007, the Cougars’ linebacker-led defense was nearly unbeatable.

BYU finished 11-2 in 2006 and routed Oregon 38-8 in the Las Vegas Bowl. The defense allowed just 14.7 points per game with 24 sacks. In 2007, the Cougars went 11-2 again and knocked off UCLA 17-16 in the Las Vegas Bowl. That BYU defense allowed 18.5 points per game with 32 sacks.

As an assistant, Poppinga has been schooled by Mendenhall, Sitake and Hill and additionally mentored by Gary Andersen, who remains on the BYU staff as a senior analyst.

Last season, the No. 11 Cougars allowed 19.1 points per game with 30 sacks. Every mover and shaker is back except for NFL targets Tanner Wall (safety) and Jack Kelly (linebacker). Poppinga replaced Kelly with Cal’s Cade Uluave, the No. 1-rated linebacker in the transfer portal. BYU also retained Raider Damuni and Faletau Satuala to secure the safety spots.

“I think K-Pop brings the same aggressiveness and mentality that Jay had. I think they were aligned when it comes to the physicality and accountability on the defensive side of the ball,” Nixon said. “If I’m Kelly, I’m licking my chops. I think this defense is going to be elite next year.”

Replacing Kingston

The unexpected loss of receiver Parker Kingston gives spring practice a jolt of urgency on offense.

“The story of spring ball is on offense, getting guys out there getting reps to replace Kingston, who is absolutely dynamic. There is no doubt about it,” said Nixon, a BYUtv football analyst. “Trying to find guys who can step up and be that dude. I wouldn’t be surprised going into the fall to see a lot of Bear (Bachmeier) and LJ (Martin) similar to last year and a lot of play-action off of that and that’s where you find your open receiver.”

New faces

Including Uluave, the Cougars will kick off practice next Friday with 33 newcomers. With Carsen Ryan graduated, USC transfer Walker Lyons and Oregon transfer Roger Saleapaga II bring immediate strength to the tight end position. Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper is expected to add instant help to the receivers room.

In addition, freshmen Enoch Watson (quarterback), Jaron Pula (receiver), Legend Glasker (receiver) and Devaughn Eka (running back) are all eyeing opportunities to make early contributions.

“There are a lot of those pieces that have to understand this offense,” Nixon said. “I think that’s where spring ball reps are huge. You can go into the playbook and watch film to try and learn it all, but you have got to get out there in live reps, especially against a solid defense. That’s how you really learn and demonstrate whether you are a playmaker or not.”

Nixon’s top 5 games of 2026

BYU will play seven home games this fall, beginning Sept. 5 against Utah Tech. The Cougars will face five opponents on the road. Here is David Nixon’s top 5 games on the slate.

5.Arizona at BYU, Sept. 12: “It’s the second game of the year. It’s a game where you set the tone. Arizona isn’t a cakewalk. I like those Big 12 games early in the season because you are still fresh out of camp and you are not banged up yet.”

4.BYU at Kansas, Nov. 21: “Second-to-last game of the year. This one scares me a little bit. BYU has struggled against Kansas. Kansas is in our head a little bit. I don’t love playing at Kansas that late in the season. I feel like the weather can get really weird there. That’s the last road test to pass. If you get that one, hopefully BYU is in the Big 12 championship game again. That is a tricky one.”

3.BYU at TCU, Oct. 3: “You look at what BYU did to them last year (44-13), that’s a revenge game. You don’t get smacked like that and take it easy. They will have it circled on their calendar. TCU on the road, I’ve played in that stadium. It’s loud. That’s a tough road game.”

2. BYU at Utah, Nov. 7: “It’s a really interesting game. Everything builds up to that game and to think what could be on the line there, especially this year with what the Utes have coming back as well, I put Utah at No. 2.”

1. Notre Dame at BYU, Oct. 17: “When you talk about having Notre Dame in your stadium, BYU has waited for them to come to (Provo). The fact that BYU was able to get them this year is just awesome. I put that above the Utes. As hard as that it is for me to say because I love that Utah game, I think you have to put Notre Dame up there.”

Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com.

Antonio Conte could hand Alisson Santos a surprise start when Napoli travel to Atalanta on Sunday.

The Serie A clash kicks-off at 15:00 CET on Sunday and January addition Alisson looks set to start, according to Sky Sport, via IlNapolista.

The Brazilian forward, formerly of Sporting Lisbon, has made an immediate impression since arriving at the club, netting a late equaliser off the bench in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Roma.

That cameo appearance may have been enough to convince Conte to hand him a place in the starting XI, with Santos potentially lining up in the front three alongside Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Højlund.

NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach celebrates their side second goal scored by Alisson Santos during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli team news: Conte keeps things fresh amongst injury crisis

In midfield, Eljif Elmas could drop into a deeper role to partner Stanislav Lobotka, with Scott McTominay dropping to the bench as a result.

Fellow Scot Billy Gilmour would then be among the substitutes, likely to feature from the bench.

Matteo Politano may also find himself left out of the starting lineup, with Mazzocchi set to take his place on the right flank.

Gutiérrez is expected to operate on the left side.

NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Alisson Santos of SSC Napoli scores his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

At the back, Conte looks set to continue with a back three of Sam Beukema, Juan Jesus and Alessandro Buongiorno, providing the defensive foundation the Napoli head coach demands.

Between the posts, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is again expected to be preferred to Alex Meret, continuing what has become an established pattern in recent weeks.

Chelsea have just announced a new “principal partner” in the form of IFS, an “industrial AI” company. They become our front of shirt sponsor for the rest of this season.

Friday evenings are typically where you bury bad news – making this interesting timing for Chelsea to announce a new “principal partner”.

Well, that’s just what they’ve done. The new ownership has been rightly battered for failing to find a long term, lucrative front of shirt sponsorship deal, and… they haven’t managed it. IFS industrial AI will be our “principal partner,” but their front of shirt sponsorship, for now, will only be until the end of the season. So don’t open the champagne just yet.

Chelsea make big claims about “statement of intent” with AI

A man with a headset waffles about AI.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with IFS and leverage their leading edge AI software to help propel the club to even greater success,” club president Jason Gannon is quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

“This partnership is a statement of intent to keep leading in this field, harnessing the opportunities advanced technology brings and unlocking the power of AI to improve everything we do on and off the pitch.”

Which is much the same as they said about “Infinite Athlete” a couple of years ago… whatever happened to them?

In other news…

One Chelsea player has turned down a new contract offered to them recently – we’re not sure who it was, but we have a good guess…

Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are at the front of the queue for new deals – unsurprising given their status in the squad. It will be very interesting to see where common ground is found in terms of their salary.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

Things are starting to come together for HC Todd Monken’s Cleveland Browns coaching staff, just days away from the NFL combine kicking off. There has been a lot of reporting about who will be joining Monken in his first-ever head coaching gig, including a number of former Baltimore Ravens coaches.

On Friday, the Browns made the three previously reported coordinator hires official:

• OC Travis Switzer
• DC Mike Rutenberg
• ST coordinator Byron Storer

After giving their coordinators their own announcement, it is likely that the team will make the rest of the coaching staff official by Monday.

In the official press release, Monken spoke about what he was looking for in his coaches:

“You’re always looking for coaches that never forget that we have a job for our players,” Monken said. “That’s first and foremost, and our job is to maximize our players’ measurable skill set. I always say to aspire to be the best coach they’ve ever had.”

Cleveland fans will love that Monken noted that offensive football under him and Switzer will start with running the ball:

“He was our run game coordinator, and that’s where it all starts with your ability to run the football,” Monken said. “So, he’s ready for this challenge. He’s intentional, he’s intelligent and he can teach.”

With Rutenberg, Monken notes that there are differences between his defense and what former DC Jim Schwartz ran, but enough similarities:

“He’d been in a similar system, but not the exact system because Jim (Schwartz) was unique,” Monken said. “And they can say attacking style, but then there’s attacking style, which is what they’ve done here up front. And I think that background of being a four-down attacking style, but not exact, (and) to add some things that they had done before that I thought would mesh really well with the current staff, was a big part of that. And I thought his energy, his ability to teach, his juice, I mean, it popped. It was what I was looking for.”

After a lot of special teams gaffes and struggles under former coordinator Bubba Ventrone, Browns fans are hoping Storer’s “journey” will set the team up better:

“First off, his journey – going to Cal, playing special teams little bit in the NFL, into coaching, out of coaching and into the business world, then back into coaching. Being with one of the best special teams to ever do it in Rich Bisaccia. Matt LaFleur just absolutely standing on the table for him was huge,” Monken said. “Unbelievable presentation when we interviewed him, he was more than ready. It was obvious when I got done interviewing him that we had to have him here.”

You can read more about the three hires on the team’s website.

Now that they are official, how are you feeling about Monken’s 3 coordinators?

Share your thoughts in our comment section below

Los Angeles Dodgers southpaw Jackson Ferris is getting a chance to earn a spot on the 40-man roster with an early starting opportunity in Spring Training.

Ferris, a 22-year-old who was taken in the second round by the Chicago Cubs, has been a quickly emerging prospect with the Dodgers.

He came over via the Michael Busch trade, which sent the infielder to the Cubs, along with reliever Yency Almonte, in exchange for prospects Zyhir Hope and Ferris.

While Ferris and Hope have not made the major league roster yet, both are considered top prospects, while Busch has thrived in Chicago in a trade that looks like a true win-win.

Now 22 and with a solid season of Double-A baseball under his belt, Ferris is hoping to finally break through a crowded position within the Dodgers organization.

Los Angeles has great pitching depth on the whole, with star arms that have experience at the top, and young, promising pitchers waiting in the wings for opportunity.

Ferris is one of those names who are on the bubble and could be next in line to step up during the long regular season.

Jackson Ferris gets his chance

On Friday, Dave Roberts announced that Ferris will start their second minor league game against the San Diego Padres, getting an early chance to make a good first impression.

During an interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Ferris made it clear he wants to force the organization to promote him.

“It’s just trying to like force their hand kind of thing, just go out there and do what I can do, just kind of be the best that I can be and hopefully at the end of the day, like this year could be the year, but like who knows, just go out there and do what I can do,” Ferris told McKain.

Also, he detailed what pitches he is specifically working on to improve.

“I’ve been working on my changeup a lot lately because I just feel like I was fastball-slider mainly the last couple years, so working on my changeup and then adding a spike to my curveball,” Ferris added.

“It’s really helped it like, just get sharper later movement. So both of those two things are what I worked on a lot this past offseason and then early on here in spring.”

Dodgers fans should be excited about Ferris’ potential and what he could do if he makes the roster.

Proposed Braves signing sees Atlanta acquire $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate as emergency replacement for Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep on the 60-day IL, the Atlanta Braves need to find an emergency replacement to add to their starting rotation. Luckily, there’s a guy they’ve been getting linked to a lot recently that’s available.

Fansided’s Robert Murray believes the Braves should sign former All-Star Lucas Giolito, as he could be acquired for a bargain, and brings an arm that performed well in 2025.

MORE: Proposed Padres signing sees San Diego acquire $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate as replacement for Dylan Cease

“The Atlanta Braves are already dealing with injuries to their starting rotation, and there’s a solution staring them right in the face: Giolito. Part of what gave the Braves pause with pursuing other starting pitchers, such as Zac Gallen, is that they were attached to the qualifying offer. Giolito, meanwhile, is not. The fact he’s stayed on the market this long would seemingly suggest that he’s likely to sign a short-term contract that would allow him to test the market next winter. Which could be the perfect opportunity for Alex Anthopoulos to strike, especially with promising young right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep sidelined with elbow injuries,” Murray wrote. 

Giolito finished 2025 with a 10-4 record, a 3.41 ERA, 121 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.290 over 145 innings pitched. Pair him up with Chris Sale and hopefully a bounce-back season from Spencer Strider, and the Braves would have a solid front end for their rotation.

MORE: Proposed Twins signing sees Minnesota acquire $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate ace as insurance for Pablo Lopez

Giolito’s projected to receive a three-year, $61 million deal, but as mentioned earlier, the Braves could get him on a bargain, as his market is pretty much non-existent.

Hopefully, the Braves grab him soon, as there are a couple other teams out there that still need another decent starting pitcher.

MORE MLB NEWS

Proposed Phillies trade sees Philadelphia deal Edmundo Sosa, Orion Kerkering to solve two major roster issues

Braves predicted to be forced into signing $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate after latest Hurston Waldrep injury update

Mets predicted to cut ties with $2.5 million World Series champion, nine-time All-Star closer to make room in Devin Williams-led bullpen

Andy Reid provides update on Travis Kelce’s future amid retirement decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

What the future holds for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce remains up in the air, but he appears to be leaning in one direction as a decision looms in the coming weeks before free agency begins in the second week of March.

Kelce, 36, may have seen a dip in production, but he still recorded 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns this past season, ranking fourth among TE's in receiving yards. 

As it stands, he is set to enter unrestricted free agency, meaning a reunion with the Chiefs would require negotiating a new contract. However, head coach Andy Reid said the two sides remain in steady communication — which appears to be an encouraging sign.

“I’ve said this before, as long as there’s communication, I’m good,” Reid said Friday. “That means people want to move forward, and that’s where I think [Travis] is. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space. He’s been doing this a long time. He can sort all that out as he goes forward, but we’re proceeding with that, and there is communication.”

MORE: The cool reason the Patriots just paid Mack Hollins an extra $400,000

HC Andy Reid says he doesn’t want to put words into Travis Kelce’s mouth… but there’s a lot of positive communication happening. Sounds to me like there’s a great chance he’ll be back for the 2026 season! pic.twitter.com/3aMMpoadUw

— Lexi (@lexiosborne) February 20, 2026

The Chiefs could be headed for significant changes this offseason after missing the postseason for the first time in a decade.

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes — who is rehabbing a torn ACL — restructured his contract this week to free up $43.5 million in cap space ahead of free agency. Since 2021, Mahomes has created roughly $132 million in cap space by restructuring his deal, underscoring both his and the organization’s commitment to remaining competitive.

For Kelce, that commitment will be pivotal. He isn’t coming back for stats, regular-season awards, or even money. If he returns, it will be to compete for another Super Bowl — something he has made clear is the only thing driving him at this stage of his career.

More NFL news: 

• Vikings predicted to have elite 2026 NFL draft prospect fall into their lap in Round 1
• Pittsburgh Steelers predicted to pursue $36 million quarterback via offseason trade
• Bears trade idea from ESPN acquires Maxx Crosby for DJ Moore, first round pick, more
  

LONDON (AP) — Maro Itoje's debut for England was just a matter of time in February 2016.

Eddie Jones was England's brand new coach and trying to manage expectations around the stand-out Saracens second-rower.

Always armed with a colorful phrase, Jones thought of his father's car when he said of Itoje, “He's like a Vauxhall Viva now, we want to make him into a BMW. He's got a lot of work to do but he's got potential.”

Itoje had to Google what a Viva was. He was a 21-year-old politics student writing poetry.

Two days later, he debuted off the bench against Italy in Rome in the Six Nations, replacing James Haskell on the flank. Almost to the day a decade later, Itoje plays his 100th test for England on Saturday against Ireland at Twickenham.

Asked on Friday at the captain's run what was going through his 21-year-old mind at the Stadio Olimpico, he said, "I guess he was thinking how to upgrade from a Vauxhall Viva! I don’t want to drive a Vauxhall Viva for too long!

"It's easy to sit back now and and create a narrative or a story around it, as if it was all planned, etc. At that time I was just looking to try and cement my place in the team. The team was going really well and there was a number of really high-quality locks — Courtney Lawes, George Kruis and Joe Launchbury were all there.

“To reach 100 caps feels amazing. I'm full of pride, full of happiness, joy and excitement.”

Itoje started the next Six Nations match against Ireland, was man of the match against Wales when England clinched the title, and was celebrating a Grand Slam in Paris after his fourth test.

Jones noted how Itoje, at the time, was academically smart but not street smart. And London-born Itoje, a late starter to rugby in high school, admitted he had to learn how to control his emotions before a test match.

“I remember thinking I'm not sure if I can do this every week because I was putting myself through emotional turmoil,” he said. “The game's a huge occasion but obviously building so much emotional energy towards it I probably would have had a heart attack or stroke if I didn’t change my prep.”

‘Sets the standard’

He's got the routine down pat now. Renowned for his durability, relentless energy, can-do attitude and composure under fire, he has carved out one of the great careers.

He added Six Nations titles in 2017 and 2020. He was the youngest British and Irish Lion on the 2017 tour of New Zealand, the Lions player of the series on the 2021 tour of South Africa, and the first Black captain of the Lions last year in Australia.

He's been nominated multiple times for player of the year for the world, Europe and Six Nations.

Jones, while still the England coach, questioned in a 2021 book whether Itoje was suited to be a captain, calling him “very inward-looking.” Itoje thought the claims wrong and unfortunate. He'd captained England to a world junior championship when he was 19. Saracens gave him the captaincy in 2024 and England last year.

He has used his platform to lead off the field, too. He runs a fund to help educate children in Nigeria and Africa, and has an art gallery in Lagos, Nigeria, to showcase young talent.

Itoje will be the ninth Englishman to 100 caps, and the third on the current team after George Ford and Jamie George.

“Maro leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country,” England coach Steve Borthwick said. “We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved.”

___

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

Sometimes NFL storylines write themselves. When a star player has history with a coach, that coach changes jobs, and a contender suddenly needs help at the player's same position, speculation becomes inevitable. That's exactly what has happened with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The connection is obvious, the logic is easy to follow.

For months, the dynamic between the two has fueled speculation about a potential reunion. This time with the New England Patriots instead of the Tennessee Titans.

But speculation and reality aren't always aligned. Brown is firmly established as a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense, and despite outside chatter, there hasn't been much credible indication that Philadelphia is motivated to move him.

Still, when Vrabel's Patriots surged to a Super Bowl appearance behind young quarterback Drake Maye, the dots were too tempting for many to ignore. A proven No. 1 receiver paired with a rising franchise passer? On paper, it made sense.

A.J. Brown shares his true feelings about Mike Vrabel, which have recently evolved.

Brown and Vrabel's relationship has been interesting. Vrabel didn't seem too happy about that draft-night trade in 2022 that sent Brown to the Eagles in the first place. Ultimately, that helped lead to further Tennessee offensive inefficiency, which became part of the reason Vrabel lost his job as Titans head coach in the first place.

It also didn't help that Brown went off in his 'revenge game' of sorts vs. Tennessee in 2022. He was targeted ten times, leading to eight receptions, 119 yards receiving, and two TDs. Vrabel finished the 2023 NFL season with a 6-11 record. The Titans moved on, but there has often been a theory that he was swimming upstream with them.

Those arguments have since been strengthened by his ability to lead a turnaround in Foxborough. The New England Patriots represented the AFC in the Super Bowl earlier in February. Now, the plan transitions to improving on what Vrabel has already built. One of the first tasks seems obvious. Upgrade the receiving corps that will serve as Drake Maye's supporting cast.

Brown's name was connected to the Patriots as a result. It seemingly made sense. Many mentioned their previous working relationship. Some referenced his admission that he grew up as a Patriots fan.

Then, there was that practical joke with the Number 11 Patriots jersey. Remember that? The tease suggested he had been traded, but he was only teasing. He had actually been gifted with a Julian Edelman jersey.

He also called Tom Brady "the best to ever put on a pair of cleats." Brady was also nice enough to send him a jersey, but don't rush into conversations about a trade being a forgone conclusion. Those have been short-circuited lately. Derrick Gunn doesn't see it happening, and Adam Schefter agreed. Brown seems committed to this new direction for the Eagles. He also offered a take recently on Mike Vrabel that we didn't see coming.

During a recent episode of the Dudes on Dudes podcast, one hosted by Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, Brown lamented that his time playing for Vrabel wasn't always rosy.

"I didn't like him, and I admit he knows that."

That doesn't sound like a guy who's interested in a reunion, does it? But a more mature Brown admits now that he understands him better. A great coach saw greatness in a young player and wanted to help him achieve it. Here's his full quote on the subject.

"Vrabe is the type of coach that he's going to call on you in the meetings. He wants to make sure you're staying engaged and he's going to go over the keys to victory of the week. You better know them by the back of your hand. I used to write in my notebook because at the time, I really didn't like Vrabes. I didn't like him, and I admit that he knows that. So, I used to write, 'I hate Vrabes, I hate Vrabes, I hate Vrabes.' I was doing that to pretend like I was taking notes to look like I was engaged. But because he was so hard on me when I was a rookie and I really didn't understand it. So, at the time I told Vrabes like, 'Hey, like I'm humble already. You don't got to humble me.' But I really didn't understand what he was trying to, you know, push me to be."

What makes Brown's recent comments compelling isn't the headline about his dislike of his former coach. It's the growth behind the admission. Time has a way of reframing experiences, especially for elite athletes who later recognize that hard coaching often comes from belief, not criticism.

Brown didn't suddenly rewrite history. He simply acknowledged that what once felt personal was actually developmental. That perspective says as much about his maturity as it does about Vrabel's coaching style.

Still, Brown's stay in Philadelphia seems a reality that will continue. More importantly, none of this sounds like a player preparing to force his way out.

If anything, it reinforces the opposite. Brown understands who helped shape him, but his present, and likely his future, remains with the Eagles. Trade rumors will continue because that's the nature of the NFL spotlight, especially when star players and successful coaches share history.

Still, actions speak louder than speculation, and right now, all signs point to Brown staying exactly where he is, as a centerpiece of Philadelphia's championship pursuit rather than the subject of someone else's rebuild.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: A.J. Brown says he didn't like Mike Vrabel amid Patriots trade rumors

Team USA and Slovakia meet Friday in the men’s ice hockey semifinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, with a berth in the gold medal game on the line. It’s a matchup between a tournament favorite and a surging underdog playing its best hockey at the right time.

MORE: Who is Team USA women’s hockey gold medalist Megan Keller?

• When: Friday, February 20, 2026
• Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
• TV channel: Peacock
• Live stream: Peacock (Watch Live)

The United States punched its ticket to the semifinals with a dramatic 2–1 overtime win over Sweden in the quarterfinals. After the U.S. opened the scoring and absorbed pressure late in regulation, Sweden found an equalizer to force overtime. In sudden death, defenseman Quinn Hughes delivered the game-winner, sending the Americans into the final four.

The United States entered the knockout round after going undefeated (3–0) in group play with wins over Denmark, Latvia, and Germany. Throughout the tournament, balanced scoring and elite goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck have anchored the team’s success. Key offensive contributions from Dylan Larkin and the Hughes brothers have provided the timely production needed in tight playoff settings.

– Watch USA vs Slovakia on Peacock –

lovakia comes into the semifinal after a 6–2 quarterfinal victory over Germany. The Slovaks controlled tempo with aggressive forechecking and quick puck movement, producing multiple goal scorers in what turned into one of the more decisive knockout performances of the round.

Slovakia’s tournament identity has centered on speed and transitional offense. NHL-linked forwards like Juraj Slafkovský and Pavol Regenda have driven the attack, consistently generating chances off turnovers and rush opportunities. Their ability to capitalize on limited scoring windows has been a major factor in reaching their first Olympic men’s hockey semifinal in decades.

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Arne Slot should consider reintegrating Harvey Elliott into Liverpool's squad

When Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan during the dying embers of the summer window, most Liverpool fans thought that would be the last time that the Englishman would be a Liverpool player.

The Villans agreed to pay £35 million for the Fulham academy graduate after he'd played 10 games for the club, but, since Unai Emery has changed his tune on the midfielder, it doesn't seem like he's going to hit that number, resulting in a Liverpool return.

Most fans are expecting him to be moved on by Arne Slot and Richard Hughes in the summer but in reality, he could probably put in a good shift for Liverpool if the Dutchman kept him around.

Elliott was Jurgen Klopp's star boy and even though Slot didn't trust him as much as the German, his talent is undeniable.

The fact that he can be used as a midfielder as well as a winger would also be a massive help for Liverpool, especially since Mohamed Salah could end up exiting L4 when his contract expires in June 2027.

Harvey Elliott could help turn things around at Liverpool

Although injuries may have hindered Elliott's progress throughout his career, when he's on form, there's no stopping him.

The midfielder is only 22 years old and has plenty of time to grow into an even better player than he already is.

He would also help Liverpool out regarding their homegrown situation.

Due to how many foreign players Liverpool have among their ranks, Federico Chiesa had to miss out of Liverpool's Champions League squad because they didn't have enough players in their team who were trained in England before their 21st Birthday.

However, since Elliott was and most of his academy years were spent with Liverpool, he'd be classed as homegrown at the club which is an even bigger bonus.

Slot only has a 23-man squad available to him at the moment but, if someone such as Elliott was brought back, he'd give Slot another option to choose from and he'd also help fill a much needed place in Liverpool's squad.

Of course, there's no knowing what the Reds' plans are for the Englishman but, if they do manage to find a place for Elliott in their team next term, he could end up being exactly what Slot is looking for.

Manchester United are preparing for a major midfield overhaul this summer.

The Red Devils’ engine room has been steady, but it has rarely operated at its absolute best. The prevailing view is that standards in the centre of the park must rise, and rise quickly, if the 20‑time English champions are to reclaim their glory days.

With INEOS’ intention to reinforce United’s midfield now football’s worst‑kept secret, several of Europe’s most in‑form players are being linked with a move to M16.

Napoli raid

One of those names is Scott McTominay. The United academy graduate, now starring for Italian champions Napoli, continues to be linked with a sensational Premier League return.

At Old Trafford, he was more of a squad player, yet in Naples he has blossomed into Serie A’s Most Valuable Player, inspiring the Partenopei to the Scudetto at the first time of asking.

McTominay’s numbers underlined the transformation: 12 goals and four assists in 34 league games, coupled with commanding displays that made last season arguably the finest of his career.

This campaign has been less explosive, with six goals and three assists in 23 league outings, though many attribute that dip to Napoli’s collective struggles rather than his own decline.

Even so, the Scotland international remains one of Europe’s standout midfielders, fuelling speculation of a Premier League homecoming and even a return to Manchester.

McTominay responds to United talk

As anticipation grew among United fans, McTominay poured cold water on the idea with his latest remarks.

“My agent has not communicated with anyone regarding my future,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“He only speaks with me and with the club. He hasn’t said anything to the newspapers. I am extremely happy here and, as far as I am concerned, I am a Napoli player; it is all I think about.

“The future is very important, and I could see myself in Napoli for a long time.” Those words have dashed hopes of a reunion at Old Trafford.

With McTominay seemingly off the table, INEOS have little choice but to look elsewhere. Fortunately, brilliant midfielders such as Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali remain firmly on their radar, each offering the quality and potential to strengthen United’s midfield.