The Apple TV Formula 1 channel is now live. The technology giant secured the broadcast rights for the championship in the United States after the deal with ESPN came to an end in 2025.
Here is what you need to know to access the new channel ahead of the 2026 F1 season.
How to watch F1 on Apple TV
Apple TV subscribers will be able to watch every practice, qualifying, sprint race and grand prix. At the time of writing, an Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 annually.
Those who don't pay for Apple TV will be able to watch 'select races' and all practice sessions.
The new F1 channel will now appear in the sidebar on viewers' TVs, as a quick link in the header on the website and as a shortcut via the search tab on an iPhone. The channel will include access to previous and upcoming races, in addition to extra content.
The channel already shows programmes for the three practice sessions, qualifying and the Australian Grand Prix as well as a Weekend Warm-up show. It also offers fans the chance to watch the race highlights for a number of the 2025 races.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari leads at the start
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari leads at the start
How long will Apple TV broadcast F1 in the United States?
Apple secured the F1 broadcast rights for the United States in October 2025, signing a five-year deal from 2026.
“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels,” said Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of F1, when the partnership was announced.
“We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world.
“We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked.
“I want to thank Tim Cook [Apple’s CEO], Eddy Cue [Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services], and the entire Apple team for their vision, enthusiasm and passionate approach to delivering this partnership, and we are looking forward to the next five years together.”
JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Royals are standing firm on prioritising fan safety ahead of IPL 2026 and will only proceed with hosting home matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) here only if the Rajasthan government provides an indemnity waiver. This formal assurance would protect the franchise from liability in the event of any untoward incident, accident or loss of life during their home games, ensuring accountability remains with the venue authorities for any pre-existing safety shortcomings beyond the Royals’ control.
This demand stems directly from a comprehensive 700-page independent audit commissioned by the Royals and conducted by Tata Projects, which assessed the stadium’s condition and identified serious deficiencies.
The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) has largely dismissed most of the audit’s safety concerns, maintaining after its own review that issues are minor and fixable with routine repairs, and that the stadium is fully prepared for IPL duty.
A source in the know said that in light of the tragic crowd crush outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June last year, it is entirely reasonable for the Royals to exercise extreme caution. “It’s obvious to refuse to overlook potential risks at their home venue in the wake of such a recent and devastating incident,” the source said.
The BCCI has faced venue uncertainties for both the Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2026. However, while defending champions RCB have now received formal clearance from the Karnataka government to host their matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royals continue to be locked in a standoff over their Jaipur base.
A BCCI source has underscored ongoing issues at SMS Stadium, calling it ‘significantly lagging behind all other IPL venues in terms of modern facilities, overall fan experience and essential amenities’.
The source added that RSSC received a one-time dispensation to host matches in 2024 due to the absence of a functional Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), with this extended for 2025, but this cannot become a permanent arrangement.
“It’s the franchise, the state cricket body, and the IPL Governing Council that collectively organise and take responsibility for IPL matches. They need to recognise this reality," the source added.
MILAN (AP) — Like a shock to the system, hockey at the Olympics goes from nobody getting eliminated in group play to a single-elimination knockout round until one team is left standing. It's Game 7 every time.
“The anxiety just goes up a little bit,” said Drew Doughty, a three-time Olympian for Canada. “But all these guys on our team are made for these situations.”
With Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby leading the way, Canada looks primed for another run to the gold-medal game after winning each of the previous two Olympics with NHL players in 2014 and 2010. The U.S. could be on a collision course to meet its northern neighbor in the final, but Finland, Slovakia and others are out to spoil the story line that fans in North America are rooting for.
The quarterfinals are up next on Wednesday, with Canada set to face Czechia and the U.S. playing Sweden or Latvia. It’s Finland against Switzerland and Slovakia versus Germany in the other games.
1 Canada vs. 8 Czechia (4:40 p.m. CET/10:40 a.m. EST)
McDavid has nine points in nine periods, Macklin Celebrini has four goals and Canada outscored opponents by 17 in the preliminary round. Top-four defenseman Josh Morrissey looks as though he'll return from his injury absence, and two-time Stanley Cup-winning winger Brad Marchand is available for coach Jon Cooper.
Canada is absolutely the team to beat in Milan, and the Czechs know it all too well from getting beat 5-0 by Crosby and Co. in each team's opener.
“This might be the best team ever," Czechia's David Pastrnak said. “So, maybe let’s put the respect aside a little bit and try to take their game to them. Offensively, their power is incredible. ... We have nothing to lose, so we’re going to go out there and leave it all out there.”
Teammate Martin Necas joked: “We let them win the first one because we knew we weren’t going to win two in a row against Canada.” Rugged defenseman Radko Gudas respects the Canadians, but doesn't want Czechia to fear them.
“If you get intimidated, you don’t have anything (and) you shouldn’t be playing pro hockey," Gudas said. “We’ve got to have 120% of our effort (Wednesday) and be on top of our game throughout the whole game.”
The biggest question for Canada is whether Nathan MacKinnon will play after not practicing Tuesday for what the team called maintenance. MacKinnon took a forearm to the jaw in the game against France on Sunday.
“He’ll play through anything,” Crosby said. "That’s never really in question.”
2 U.S. vs. 7 Sweden (9:10 p.m. CET/3:10 p.m. EST)
Facing Latvia, Denmark and Germany in the preliminary round allowed U.S. coach Mike Sullivan to hone in on his optimal lineup and Connor Hellebuyck to show why he's the clear-cut starting goaltender. Winning 5-1, 6-3 and 5-1 means the Americans have not tested as much as some other top contenders so far.
That changes against Sweden, which had to play in the qualification round and beat Latvia just to get to this stage.
“As this tournament starts to move forward, the stakes get higher,” Sullivan said. “The competition gets stiffer, and I think our guys are excited for that challenge.”
The Swedes are only seeded seventh because they finished third in their group behind Finland and Slovakia based on a goal differential tiebreaker from one they allowed in the final minute of a 5-3 victory in their round-robin finale. Matthew Tkachuk rightfully called them “one of the powerhouses in the world,” so the difficulty level is ratcheting up big time for him and his U.S. teammates.
“We haven’t seen them yet in this tournament, but we’re very well aware of the personnel group that they have,” Sullivan said.
3 Slovakia vs. 6 Germany (12:10 p.m. CET/6:10 a.m. EST)
Slovakia was the beneficiary of Sweden's slip-up, but upsetting Finland last week put Juraj Slafkovsky and his teammates in an advantageous spot in the bracket. Only McDavid had more points in the preliminary round than Slafkovsky, who had six on three goals and three assists.
“They’re a good team,” Germany's Leon Draisaitl said. “They’re a deep team. They finished first in their group for a reason, and for us it’s a matter of finding our game early and getting to it and staying stingy.”
Four years ago in the Beijing bubble, Slafkovsky was tournament MVP when he scored seven goals and led Slovakia to bronze — the country's first Olympic medal in hockey. One more win, and it'll be playing for a medal again.
“The whole nation is watching,” said Dalibor Dvorsky, who scored the tiebreaker-changing goal with 39 seconds left against Sweden. "We just love playing good for our country, and hopefully we can make our fans even more happy in the next two games here.”
Standing in the way are Draisaitl and the Germans, who had little trouble with France in the qualification playoffs. Draisaitl, the 2020 NHL MVP and one of the best players in the world, had a goal and two assists in the 5-1 victory and will be Slovakia's main focal point to content.
“We’ve got to have the head on a swivel, especially with Leon,” Slovakia defenseman Martin Fehervary said.
4 Finland vs. 5 Switzerland (6:10 p.m. CST/12:10 p.m. EST)
Bouncing back from its surprising loss to Slovakia, Finland beat archrival Sweden and ran up the score on Italy to clinch the fourth spot and avoid the extra qualification game. The structure that the Finns typically win with internationally took longer than usual to materialize, but now they look like themselves.
“I think we are ready,” captain Mikael Granlund said. “Whatever comes for us, we want to be at our best.”
Switzerland shut out Italy 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals. Finland will be a tougher test.
“Every time the Finns play a tournament, whether it’s world championships or Olympics, they are always one of the favorites,” Switzerland captain Roman Josi said. "They play really good as a team, so we will have to be at our best.”
UFC 326 needs fights – and now it's got another one.
Veteran lightweights Drew Dober and Michael Johnson will collide on the March 7 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Dober (28-15 MMA, 14-11 UFC) snapped a three-fight skid in October when he finished Kyle Prepolec in come-from-behind fashion. The finish moved him into first place all-time for most lightweight knockouts. Nineteen of Dober's 26 bouts with the promotion have ended inside the distance.
Johnson (24-19 MMA, 16-15 UFC) is one of the longest-tenured fighters on the roster, but has shown no signs of slowing down. He enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak with victories over Darrius Flowers, Ottman Azaitar, and Daniel Zellhuber.
Johnson, 39, was scheduled to fight Alexander Hernandez in January, but the bout was scrapped on fight day due to irregular line movement.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) waits for a play in the third quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The Bengals won, 33-31. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball to bring it up to being in the same ballpark as the quality of the offense. The gulf between the two is actually so large that it may take more than one offseason to bring them together.
Trey Hendrickson has been the big name thrown around. He is the biggest name on the Bengals’ roster that could hit free agency, but that doesn’t mean he’s the only name.
Here are several more pending free agents the Bengals should re-sign not named Trey Hendrickson (in no particular order).
Joseph Ossai, Edge
Ossai always seems to be on the verge of breaking out as a great pass rusher. He seems to have all the right stuff to be a double-digit sack guy, but the most sacks he’s ever had in a single season is five, which is how many he had over the last two years. He wouldn’t shape the defense in a way Hendrickson sticking around for another year potentially could, but if Hendrickson is gone, Ossai being back could help lessen that blow.
Maybe with consistent playing time, he could figure it out?
Joe Flacco, QB
If you told me I’d add Flacco to the list this time last year, I would have told you you’re crazy, but here we are. After looking competent when called upon in 2023, Jake Browning looked like he forgot how to play football in 2025. The Bengals traded for Flacco, and he righted the ship (at least offensively). Browning is a restricted free agent, and Flacco seems like he has another year in him. Hopefully, he’d be up to holding Burrow’s clipboard and not playing a meaningful snap (hopefully) in 2026.
Dalton Risner, G
The Bengals brought in Risner as a free agent on a one-year deal in 2025, and he was a breath of fresh air at the guard position, which hasn’t been great. He allowed only two sacks and started the majority of the season. He also seemed to help in right tackle Amarius Mims’ development. Burrow needs stability in front of him, and signing Risner on a multi-year deal will help give it to him.
Cam Taylor-Britt, CB
There is no question that CTB took a step back in 2025. He was benched multiple times and definitely regressed from where he started his career. That’s the thing, though—he was good at one point. Really good. Two years ago, CTB had four interceptions, broke up another five passes, and had a PFF coverage score of 70.3. I’m not sure what happened, but that guy is maybe still in there somewhere. After the season he had, he likely wouldn’t be too expensive, and, at worst, could be a depth piece.
Jalen Davis, CB
The former 2018 undrafted free agent has had a long career to this point, but the 30-year-old DB has rarely been on anything more than a minimum deal or a practice squad salary, so he should be easy for the Bengals to keep. He can play on the boundary or in the slot, though he’s been more effective in the latter and gave Cincinnati some nice production there down the stretch last season. PFF has him getting a one-year, $1.9 million deal, which sounds like a fair deal for both sides.
Tycen Anderson, S
Anderson hasn’t been able to crack the starting lineup, but he’s been a great special teams ace. Maybe he can get some more time on the field with the defense—because Geno Stone isn’t coming back—but continuity is a big deal, and so are special teams. This is another guy who won’t break the bank and won’t make many headlines, but he’ll do more good than most realize for Darrin Simmons.
Dec 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA;Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Bobby Durkin (3) shoots the ball as Fairleigh Dickinson Knights guard Josiah Francis (15) defends during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Minnesota Golden Gophers Record: 11-11 (4-10) KenPom Rank: 83
Oregon Ducks Record: 9-16 (2-12) KenPom Rank: 97
Tonight will be the 4th game out of five where the Gophers are facing a team below them in the standings. The first three were losses (Penn State, Maryland and Washington). Can Niko Medved’s squad reverse this trend of losing to teams that are winning fewer games?
You may recall last year when the Gophers shocked the ranked Ducks for one of the more exciting wins under Ben Johnson.
The Ducks have fallen on some hard times since then and
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Stop Nate Bittle – Bittle is the West Coast version of Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli. When he is rolling and scoring points, Oregon has been competitive. When he is held in check, they tend to lose. Stopping Washington’s Hannes Steinbach was a key on Saturday…that didn’t go well. Slowing down Bittle is important again.
Find your offensive comfort zone – The offense has stagnated a bit. Perhaps it is because Jaylen Crocker-Johnson wasn’t playing in the last game, maybe it was because we were broke from three or maybe they are just getting worn out. But getting back to cutting and working as a unit to get assisted layups is what we do best.
Make some shots – Obvious…I know. But we cannot go 7/28 from three and expect to win. Make a few shots and the weak Oregon defense opens up.
PREDICTION
It seems unlikely that Crocker-Johnson is playing again tonight, so the iron 6 plus Max Gizzi are going to have to get it done tonight on their own. I just can’t see a win with this group, even against Oregon.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mike Sirota completes a talented group of outfielders developing in the minor leagues, along with Zyhir Hope, Josue De Paula and Eduardo Quintero.
The Dodgers have been been admirers of Sirota, drafting him in the 16th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, but he ended up spurning them for college ball.
He was later drafted in the third round by the Cincinnati Reds, going 87th overall. According to MLB Pipeline, he was pegged to go in the top of the first round before suffering from a slump in his junior year.
At 22, Sirota has only two years of professional baseball under his belt, though his first year was cut short by injury, so he has only one true season as a pro.
He is six feet two inches tall, weighs 188 pounds, and bats and throws with his right hand.
Where does Mike Sirota rank as a prospect?
Sirota sits at fourth in the Dodgers’ MLB Pipeline rankings, No. 60 overall. The Athletic’s Keith Law has him in the same spot in the organization’s rankings, but places Sirota at No. 51 overall.
FanGraphs has Sirota at sixth in Los Angeles’ farm system. Baseball America has Sirota at 45th overall and third in the Dodgers prospect rankings.
Dodgers prospect Mike Sirota of the Great Lakes Loons rounds third-base to home plate in this undated photo. (Great Lakes Loons)
ESPN has Sirota as the No. 55 prospect in baseball, ranking third in the organization.
How did Mike Sirota do in 2025?
Sirota played 115 games in Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, taking 99 at-bats, hitting seven home runs and 24 RBIs, good for a slash line of .354/.443/.687.
He also played with Great Lakes High-A, hitting .316/.458/.556 with six home runs and 30 RBIs to his name.
Mike Sirota Scouting Report
The outfielder will likely end up starting with the Double-A team in 2026, especially considering his age, turning 23 at some point during the season.
MLB Pipeline has Sirota projected to break into the major leagues in 2027, which means he will likely need to work his way up quickly and assertively to meet the timeline, but he is one of the farther-along prospects in the team’s system.
FanGraphs puts Sirota on a similar timeline, projecting a good deal of success in Tulsa next season.
Dodgers prospect Mike Sirota of the Great Lakes Loons steps up in the plate in this undated photo. (Great Lakes Loons)
“Yeah, talking about the hit tool. Now the opposite field hit tool, the complete offensive tool. And he’s a good defensive player too,” Porter said.
“I mean he’s a good athlete. He, he can run, no doubt about that. A guy I’ve actually put out on social media side by side to Paul Molitor. And the reason why I do that is the direct nature of which he gets to the baseball with his swing is just so impressive.
“I mean it, you know, there’s none of this loop to it, there’s none of this, whatever terminology or mechanics you want to preach. It’s none of that. It is as direct as baseball. It’s like it’s straight out of 1985. ‘Hey, we’re just trying to hit line drives, we’re trying to hit the ball the other way, we’re trying to stay inside the baseball.’
“And so I love watching Mike Sirota hit because with two strikes, he’s just as good as any other count because he’s looking to hit the ball the other way, no matter what the count is.
“So the, the offensive game for Mike Sirota, if you were to talk about the ceiling, is that he is going to gather a million hits in what I call the big part of the field.
“So if you go gap to gap, if you’re a hitter like Mike Sirota, you think opposite field gap, and if you’re a little bit early, you go pull side gap. And if you’re Mike Sirota, that’s the big part of the field, and what I like about him is that he’s going to use that big part of the field.
“That’s going to get him a lot of hits. So if you want a guy that’s going to gather a lot of hits, get on base, have a direct swing, put the ball in play, he’s your guy.”
Mike Sirota Grades
Scouting grades are on a 20-80 scale, with 50 being average. These are what scouts believe his potential is.
MLB Pipeline:
Hitting – 55
Power – 55
Base-running – 60
Arm strength- 55
Fielding – 55
Overall: 55 out of 80
FanGraphs
Hitting – 40
Power – 55
Speed – 60
Fielding – 40
Overall: 45 with room to grow
For the current Dodgers prospect rankings, click here.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund and Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund celebrate their team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Borussia Dortmund put in an excellent performance tonight, beating Atalanta 2-0 and giving themselves an excellent chance of progressing to the Champions League knockout stages. Despite coming into the first leg of the Champions League play-offs with barely any centre-backs and a bench full of local children, BVB comfortably outplayed Atalanta and put themselves in a great spot heading into the second leg in Italy next week.
Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, heading home from a Julian Ryerson cross (of course), and he set up Maximilian Beier for Dortmund’s second just before halftime. Dortmund almost made it 3-0 just before halftime, but Waldemar Anton’s header went wayward, and Julian Brandt also saw a difficult volley go over the bar just after the break. But you really couldn’t have asked for much more from BVB tonight. They completely shut down Atalanta and were good value for their 2-0 win.
Dortmund got off to the perfect start to their vital four-game stretch over the next two weeks. Hopefully this will be the confidence boost they need to continue their winning streak to close out February. Here are your nominations for Man of the Match in Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 win against Atalanta.
Serhou Guirassy
A goal and an assist in the first half, this is not the first time Guirassy has put the team on his back lately (though this time the rest of the team followed). Atalanta’s defense couldn’t cope with Guirassy all night long, and even when he couldn’t get good looks on goal he was doing a great job of bringing others into play.
Julian Ryerson
Another Ryerson cross for a Guirassy goal. This combination is dragging BVB kicking and screaming into a title race, and possibly into the Champions League knockout phase. Ryerson was as industrious as ever out of possession, and he created several dangerous chances from set pieces that could have increased Dortmund’s advantage.
Maximilian Beier
Beier worked hard to provide support for Guirassy tonight, and his efforts were rewarded with a goal just before halftime. I thought he did his part defensively and was able to get into some really good positions in and around Atalanta’s penalty area. Another quietly good performance from the German forward.
Felix Nmecha
There were a few different players competing for this fourth spot. I thought Ramy Bensebaini and Jobe Bellingham both made good cases for a nomination, but Felix Nmecha sneaks in ahead of them. Nmecha shielded BVB’s makeshift backline excellently and was a solid contributor in possession too.
Your Thoughts?
What did you think of BVB’s performance tonight? Can they finish the job in the return leg? Let us know in the comments.
Jayden Wareham rescued a point for Exeter with a stoppage-time equaliser against Wycombe in interim manager Dan Green's first game in charge.
Green was in the Grecians' dugout following Gary Caldwell's departure to Wigan on Monday and saw his side get what they deserved in an entertaining clash at St James Park.
Wycombe went in front with their first shot at goal in the 22nd minute. Ewan Henderson picked out Fred Onyedinma in the box, just ahead of Joe Whitworth, and the Chairboys striker rounded the Exeter goalkeeper before firing into an empty net.
The hosts finished the half strongly and Pierce Sweeney headed an Ethan Brierley cross straight at Will Norris.
And at the start of the second half, Ryan Rydel stung the palms of Wycombe goalkeeper Norris with a fierce drive.
Exeter pushed for an equaliser, but found Wycombe hard to break down with the Chairboys.
But just as five minutes of stoppage time was announced, Wareham glanced a fine header into the corner from Akeel Higgins' perfect cross.
Substitute Timur Tutierov could have won it right at the death for Exeter, but shot into the side netting.
The Philadelphia 76ers added to their guard depth over the All-Star break by bringing back a familiar face in the form of Cam Payne. The Sixers acquired Payne from the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2024 deadline and he averaged 9.3 points and 3.1 assists in 31 games with Philadelphia down the stretch.
Payne then left for the New York Knicks in the offseason and averaged 6.9 points in 72 games for the Knicks. He helped them make the Eastern Conference finals before he left for the Indiana Pacers. He was released after the preseason and decided to go play overseas which led to him returning to the Sixers.
It's obvious that Payne made an impact on the Knicks as his former teammate, Josh Hart, took to Twitter and gave his reaction to Payne returning to the league.
Payne will shore up the guard depth behind Tyrese Maxey and give the Sixers a reliable player in the backcourt. He is somebody who can shoot it a bit and give Philadelphia some reliable ball-handling as well.
Left guard Joel Bitonio hasn't announced whether he plans to play in 2026 or not, but he has more time to make that decision before the Browns would face any salary cap ramifications related to his decision.
Jason Lloyd of TheAthletic.com reports that Bitonio and the team have agreed to push the void date of his current contract to just before the start of the 2026 league year in March. The contract was set to void on Monday.
The Browns would incur over $23 million of dead money on their 2026 cap if the contract does void. The extra time allows for the possibility of Bitonio signing an extension with the team that would allow them to avoid that penalty.
Bitonio contemplated retirement after the 2024 season before returning in hopes of going out on a "higher note." Bitonio continued to play well, but the Browns were 5-12 to finish at the bottom of the AFC North once again.
The Chargers added a few coaches with ties to Western Michigan, hiring former defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary to oversee the defense and former linebackers coach Sean Spence in the same role.
With the two in Los Angeles, there is a clear connection to one of their former players and NFL draft prospect edge rusher Nadame Tucker.
"‘dame been a dawg since I’ve met him , just needed a chance to prove it to everyone…. Was amazed when I first seen him in Juco," Caldwell said.
The two were members of the Houston Cougars' defensive line together before Caldwell transferred to Oregon for his final collegiate season in 2024 and was selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tucker was a dominant force during the 2025 season, leading the FBS in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (21.0). His performance earned him the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Tucker has publicly praised O'Leary, stating that playing in his defense allowed him to "play freely" and use a specific technique that compared to the style of Khalil Mack.
Tucker projects a mid-round selection, and he would be a solid addition to a positional room that is lacking depth and pass rush juice.
LIVIGNO, Italy — The ones who know, they'll talk about the words for a long time. Yet, if you didn’t know better – and let’s be honest, most of us would not – they'd sound like some complicated play call an NFL quarterback relays in the huddle:
Left nose butter triple cork 2160 safety.
In freestyle skiing, this is known by another term: Progression.
A new move. A trick so deliciously enticing that Team USA’s Mac Forehand raised both arms and stood with his mouth agape when he landed it cleanly, floored that he’d been able to pull it off at all, much less with an Olympic gold medal on the line. He’d never even practiced it before, he said afterward.
“The nose butter triple 21 has never been done before,” Forehand said. “It was the first night that it has been done – ever. Not even just in contests, I think. Ever.”
Um ... ever?
That's awfully good, right? Seriously, what could be better?
A right nose butter double bio 1620 safety, evidently.
So it was in a snowy freeski men’s big air at Livigno Snow Park. It was one for the ages, right down to the final instant. Norway’s Tormod Frostad one-upped Forehand’s 98.25, getting a 98.50 on his final run to pull ahead of Forehand for good and for gold, winning this stunning duel where neither posted a score worse than a 95 in three attempts.
Truly, neither deserved to lose.
“I think I'm just being biased because he's American,” said teammate Troy Podmilsak, who barely missed the podium in fourth, “but I really wanted to see (Forehand) on the top spot. I thought maybe he did deserve the top spot. But, I mean, I'm not a judge. And I'm not trying to take anything away from Tormod, either. He skied great.”
He needed a huge score... and he GOT IT. Norway's Tormod Frostad delivers a 98.50 on his final run to take home the Gold. 🥇#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/HfUXmgK8qo
Going by the scores, this was the best big air event freestyle skiing has experienced. The judges certainly thought so from their vantage points. Of the 36 scores awarded to the 12 finalists’ three runs, a whopping 15 were 90-plus.
Which was a little surprising, given what had come down in Livigno in the 48 hours leading up the event: Snow!
So much snow. Call it a foot, 18 inches even. The snow just kept falling, and that continued all the way through this event, which went on as planned on a day when everything else on Livigno’s Olympic schedule was postponed by the weather.
Once this big air event started? Outstanding.
Podmilsak was good enough to have a shot to win. He counted scores of 94.00 and 90.50. Fifth-place Konnor Ralph, another American, had a 91.50. Norway’s Birk Ruud, who finished eighth, opened with a 95.00.
The judges perhaps backed themselves into a corner by awarding so many high scores early.
There wasn’t much room to improve.
But wasn't this the awesomeness you want from an Olympic competition? For the top contenders to push themselves and redefine the sport's limits in order to win?
Forehand said it was “terrifying” to stand atop the ramp before his final attempt and plan a trick he’d never done before – no one else either. “You don’t really know how it’s going to work,” he said.
What Forehand did was special, and it’s easy to just look at numbers and see “2160” for him and “1620” for Frostad and assume Forehand’s should have been rated as more difficult, because he rotated more.
But, as Forehand explained, it isn’t that simple.
“His tricks aren't a lot of rotating and a lot of spinning,” Forehand said of Frostad. “... But the way he does it and the approach on takeoff is so unique and so different. I don't think anyone has ever done (his) two tricks, either, before. It's cool to see that, and it's good for our sport. We can only spin so much.”
“It's the worst job to be a judge,” said Ralph, Forehand’s U.S. teammate. “… How do you decide what’s harder when you’ve never done anything?"
Reach sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@gannett.com and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.social
MILAN — Japan has a chance to sweep the women's figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
There was a lot of hype and hope that the United States trio of Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito would storm the podium, but after Tuesday's short program, only Liu has a chance to medal.
The Japanese skaters, however, are all in striking distance.
Ami Nakai is in first place (78.71 points). Kaori Sakamoto is second (77.23) and Mone Chiba finished fourth (74). Only Liu broke up their dominance with a third-place performance (76.59).
They now await Thursday's free skate to determine who takes home a medal.
A wrestler in the Puyallup School District who has been accused of sexual assault will not compete at the state championships this week.
Sean Bessette, spokesperson for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), confirmed to The News Tribune Tuesday that the athlete has withdrawn from the State Wrestling Championships, which are scheduled to take place Thursday through Saturday at the Tacoma Dome.
“I can verify that the [athlete] withdrew from the State Wrestling Championships later this week,” Bessette wrote in an email. “They were replaced by an alternate from the same WIAA District qualifying event.”
The athlete, who is allegedly transgender, has been accused of sexually assaulting a Rogers High School sophomore during a wrestling match on Dec. 6, 2025. The News Tribune previously reported that the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation into the match.
The News Tribune is not naming the athlete accused of sexual assault because she is a minor and has not been convicted of a crime. The News Tribune is also not naming the sophomore who came forward about the assault, because she is a minor and an alleged victim of a sex crime.
Carly Cappetto, spokesperson for PCSO, previously told The News Tribune that a school resource officer assigned to the Puyallup School District did not learn of the incident until Jan. 30. The officer then reviewed video from the match and spoke with the alleged victim on Feb. 3, before submitting the case to the Sheriff’s Office’s sexual assault unit.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it would be investigating the Puyallup School District for allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, allowing transgender athletes inside female locker rooms and “failing to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault.”
Sarah Gillispie, spokesperson for the Puyallup School District, previously declined to share details or discuss specifics about the incident with The News Tribune, saying the matter is under investigation.
“What we can say is that student safety is a top priority and that all reports involving student safety are taken seriously,” Gillispie wrote in an email to The News Tribune on Feb. 10.
What happened at the December wrestling match?
Commentator Brandi Kruse released an interview with the alleged victim on Feb. 9. In a post on Kruse’s “unDivided” website, the alleged victim – a 16-year-old girl – said her opponent got on top of her during the match and pressed her fingers into her vagina.
Kruse published a 17-second video clip, which the 16-year-old’s mother recorded, that includes the moment in the match the girl said she was violated. The Rogers student appears startled and uncomfortable — judging from facial reactions she makes in the direction of her mother — when her opponent’s left arm goes between her legs. It remains there for about seven seconds as the two continue wrestling. The alleged hand contact can’t be seen because it’s obstructed from the camera’s view by the wrestlers.
In the interview, the girl said she was not aware that her opponent – who attends a different school in the Puyallup School District – was transgender until after the match, and that she would have reported it regardless.
The News Tribune previously tried to reach out to the alleged victim and her mother, but did not receive a response. The News Tribune also could not reach the family of the girl accused of sexual assault.
Cappetto previously told The News Tribune that the assault can’t be seen on video, and the investigation remains active.
Sweden's Adrian Kempe (C) scored their first goal in a 5-1 win against Latvia to move into the Olympic men's ice hockey quarter-finals (Alexander NEMENOV)
Two-time Olympic men's ice hockey champions Sweden will face the USA in the quarter-finals of the Milan-Cortina tournament after they beat Latvia 5-1 in a qualification playoff on Tuesday.
Sweden finished in third place in group play, forcing them to come through the play-offs.
But the Swedes, winners at the 1994 and 2006 Winter Games, had no trouble dismissing the Latvians at the Santagiulia Arena to move onto a meeting with the unbeaten Americans on Wednesday.
The other three quarter-finals also take place in a bumper day of action on Wednesday.
The Czech Republic will play Canada, the favourites for the title along with the USA, after defeating Denmark 3-2 in their qualification playoff.
Switzerland progressed to play reigning Olympic champions Finland by beating Italy 3-0.
Germany, led by 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) MVP Leon Draisaitl who opened the scoring, thrashed France 5-1 and will play Slovakia in the last eight.
Both Canada and the USA have rosters full of players from the NHL, who are playing at an Olympics for the first time since 2014.
Team Germany have done it. They are heading to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics quarterfinals and a big contributor was Leon Draisaitl. The Edmonton Oilers star popped off against France which led to 5-1 stomp. They are now enroute to another international matchup to face the Juraj Slafkovsky-led Slovakia but before that Draisaitl notched a historic record.
Edmonton and Germany star etches name in Olympics history
Draisaitl has become the first German NHL player to have a three-point game at the Olympics. He got to do so by spending a game-leading 24:07 time on the ice to help guys Tim Stutzle and JJ Peterka find their groove on offense. It all paid off as these three in the same line were able to generate enough offensive pressure to prevent France from heating up at any point in the game.
"Definitely a step in the right direction today. It's going to get harder; the tournament is getting smaller, and it's getting harder each and every round, so teams are going to get better. We know that. We're aware of that. We’ve got a big task ahead of us tomorrow, so today was a good step. And, yeah, well, we'll get ready for tomorrow," he declared.
As of the moment, Draisaitl and Stutzle have each notched six points for Germany at the Olympics. JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth has gotten four points while Frederik Tiffels has three. Each of them have been blazing at Milano Cortina but there is a big issue that they will have to face.
Fatigue plays a huge role on whether Germany makes it past Slafkovsky's Slovakia. In a span of less than 24 hours, Draisaitl and Co. will have played two games which will surely bang them up. Not to mention, their quarterfinals opponents are physical on defense, offense, and goaltending which means that they will have to go the extra mile at Milano Cortina.
Will Germany be able to replicate the same success?
The Detroit Lions have seen significant turnover on their offensive line in recent years and that could very well continue in 2026.
Among the Lions' cut candidates, according to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, is guard Graham Glasgow, who is entering the final year of his $20 million deal.
"Glasgow now enters his age-34 season, with one year left on his contract," Pouncy said. "With a post-June 1 designation, the Lions could free up $7 million in cap space by moving on. Considering the need to upgrade the center position and the youth added at guard in recent years, this makes the most sense for the team."
Glasgow has spent the vast majority of his time with the Lions at guard, but he was pushed into the starting center role last season after Frank Ragnow retired.
The results were not good. The Lions struggled to run the ball inside and Glasgow posted lackluster run-blocking and pass-blocking grades of 54.3 and 61.3, per Pro Football Focus.
Decline is a serious concern with Glasgow, as the 33-year-old has not looked the same the past two seasons.
However, a possible explanation for that was his move to center in 2025, and then his switching to left guard from right guard in 2024, which Glasgow admitted he wasn't comfortable with.
In Cleveland, all five of the Browns' starting offensive linemen are pending free agents, which leaves the team in need of help all over. We could see Cleveland making a one-year bet on the aging interior lineman if all of the better options choose to sign elsewhere.
The Giants also have a need at guard with Greg Van Roten hitting free agency. The Giants don't have a great cap space situation, so a cheap addition like Glasgow is possible.
As for the Bills, guard David Edwards is set to be a free agent and should be paid handsomely. If Buffalo can't afford to bring him back, which is possible given the Bills' lack of cap space, a cheaper alternative like Glasgow might be necessary.
The last few years have not been good for Glasgow, no doubt, and that will likely hurt his stock in free agency.
But serviceable-at-worst guards still tend to do well on the open market and we suspect Glasgow won't have trouble finding a new home if the Lions cut him.
Whenever Duke and North Carolina play each other, the matchup often determines who wins the ACC, who gets ranked in the AP Top 25 poll, who gets seeded where in March and, potentially, who lands the most coveted recruits.
No. 16 North Carolina defeated No. 3 Duke on a last-second 3-pointer from Seth Trimble to win the game in dramatic fashion. The student section rushed the court and then stormed Franklin Street, like it always does when the Tar Heels beat the Blue Devils in Chapel Hill.
Not only did the win confirm that North Carolina is here to stay as a national power, it also helped secure its future as well. Dylan Mingo, a five-star point guard from Long Island, New York, committed to the Tar Heels shortly after. According to Mingo, UNC’s thrilling victory over Duke was a big reason why.
"I chose North Carolina for North Carolina itself," Mingo said on ESPN's "First Take. "Seeing everything after they won the [Duke] game had a huge impact on my decision. It's so joyful. The players looked so joyful. If you heard Seth Trimble and Caleb Wilson, if you heard them speak after, they talked about how much they loved their community and loved North Carolina. They would do anything for it."
There has been debate the last couple of seasons about whether the Carolina-Duke rivalry has lost its luster. That perception is largely due to people holding onto nostalgia of what it used to look like, combined with Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski retiring in back-to-back seasons, along with the modern age of college basketball driven by the transfer portal and NIL.
However, the game still holds weight, with Mingo making his decision largely based on UNC’s win over Duke and everything that came with it.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
MLB's best pitcher? The answer probably isn't a surprise to Detroit Tigers fans.
ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney released his top-10 list of starting pitchers on Monday, Feb. 16, preluding it with the difficult decision of having to choose between Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
In the end, however, Olney put Skubal on top.
"Skubal has been at the top of the mountain longer than Skenes, who made his major league debut early in the 2024 season," he writes. "Skubal also has back-to-back Cy Young awards, something that hadn't been accomplished by an American League pitcher in about a quarter century."
A third-straight Cy Young, something an AL pitcher has never accomplished, is exactly what Skubal is aiming for in 2026.
Skubal's 2025 season was arguably his best, with the lefty putting up a career-best 2.21 ERA over a career-high 195⅓ innings. He also had MLB's best walk rate among qualified pitchers (1.52 per nine innings) and the third-highest strikeout rate (11.10 per nine innings) on his way to his second-straight AL Cy Young and second-straight playoff appearance with Detroit.
It's those types of numbers and accomplishments that have led Skubal to earn a $32 million salary for the upcoming season, a record for an arbitration-eligible player.
However, Skenes was arguably just as impressive as Skubal in only his second major league season.
Skenes led all qualified MLB starters in ERA (1.97) and FIP (2.36) while pitching to a 10-10 record over 32 starts for a lowly Pirates team. He and Skubal were the starters for the NL and AL in the 2025 All-Star Game and both finished the season with Cy Young Awards in their respective leagues.
The debate between Skubal and Skenes as the best pitcher in baseball is an interesting one. The two pitchers were essentially level in FanGraphs WAR in 2025 (Skubal had 6.6, Skenes had 6.5), with Skubal beating Skenes in strikeouts and walks per nine innings but Skenes beating Skubal in ERA and home run rate.
And at just 23 years old, Skenes is six years younger than Skubal, who is currently entering the final year of team control with the Tigers. For that reason, it would be understandable for a talent evaluator to choose Skenes over Skubal in a long-term scenario.
But Skubal is on top of the mountain for now, chasing history and a ring with the team that drafted him back in 2018.
MLB's best pitcher? The answer probably isn't a surprise to Detroit Tigers fans.
ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney released his top-10 list of starting pitchers on Monday, Feb. 16, preluding it with the difficult decision of having to choose between Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
In the end, however, Olney put Skubal on top.
"Skubal has been at the top of the mountain longer than Skenes, who made his major league debut early in the 2024 season," he writes. "Skubal also has back-to-back Cy Young awards, something that hadn't been accomplished by an American League pitcher in about a quarter century."
A third-straight Cy Young, something an AL pitcher has never accomplished, is exactly what Skubal is aiming for in 2026.
Skubal's 2025 season was arguably his best, with the lefty putting up a career-best 2.21 ERA over a career-high 195⅓ innings. He also had MLB's best walk rate among qualified pitchers (1.52 per nine innings) and the third-highest strikeout rate (11.10 per nine innings) on his way to his second-straight AL Cy Young and second-straight playoff appearance with Detroit.
It's those types of numbers and accomplishments that have led Skubal to earn a $32 million salary for the upcoming season, a record for an arbitration-eligible player.
However, Skenes was arguably just as impressive as Skubal in only his second major league season.
Skenes led all qualified MLB starters in ERA (1.97) and FIP (2.36) while pitching to a 10-10 record over 32 starts for a lowly Pirates team. He and Skubal were the starters for the NL and AL in the 2025 All-Star Game and both finished the season with Cy Young Awards in their respective leagues.
The debate between Skubal and Skenes as the best pitcher in baseball is an interesting one. The two pitchers were essentially level in FanGraphs WAR in 2025 (Skubal had 6.6, Skenes had 6.5), with Skubal beating Skenes in strikeouts and walks per nine innings but Skenes beating Skubal in ERA and home run rate.
And at just 23 years old, Skenes is six years younger than Skubal, who is currently entering the final year of team control with the Tigers. For that reason, it would be understandable for a talent evaluator to choose Skenes over Skubal in a long-term scenario.
But Skubal is on top of the mountain for now, chasing history and a ring with the team that drafted him back in 2018.
Details have emerged about the "comprehensive redesign" by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner of The Links at Spanish Bay.
On Tuesday, Pebble Beach Company and Hanse Golf Course Design revealed those plans to transform the golf course, one of four championship courses at Pebble Beach Resorts. In a news release, Pebble Beach Company said: "After the last round is played on March 17, 2026, the comprehensive redesign will elevate the course’s quality of experience to rival its illustrious neighbors along Pebble Beach’s famed 17-Mile Drive."
The announcement about the upcoming work on Spanish Bay, which opened in 1987, was reported in September 2023 and is now a month out from getting underway.
A news release states that the golf course will be entirely reworked along the Monterey Peninsula coastline. "The finished product will be more fun, playable and strategic for all golfers, while also better suited to challenge today’s elite player," said the release.
Specifically, here's what Hanse and Wagner plan to do:
Relocate several green sites (including Nos. 14 and 18) to create room for an entirely new par 3 that will replace the current No. 13
Expand putting greens by about 40 percent and completely resurface them
Replace the rough in the green surrounds with low-cut turf to offer more recovery options
Widen fairways by about 30 percent after repositioning some fairway bunkers
Reposition and redesign tee complexes which will open sight lines. Forward tees will be reduced by about 500 yards to play at 4,705 total while the championship tees will be about 375 yards longer and will play at 7,115. Par will go from 72 to 71
Redesign the cart paths to better blend into the landscape
The project will also improve the draining and irrigation, have 12 percent irrigated turf and there will be three more acres of environmental habitat than before.
“Working on a project like this is a golf course architect’s dream,” said Hanse, President and Lead Designer of HGCD, in a statement. “The Spanish Bay site is one of the best we’ve seen for golf, one where all your senses are stimulated by the crashing Pacific surf, and we are excited by Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to creating another extraordinary golf experience on the Monterey Peninsula. This opportunity truly brings out the golf fan in me as much as the designer.”
“We are highly confident in the HGCD team and their ability to transform Spanish Bay into a ‘must play’ course for any golfer visiting Pebble Beach," said David Stivers, CEO of the Pebble Beach Company. "We have seen a brilliant vision emerge from the planning stages and look forward to watching it take shape over the coming year.”
Pebble Beach Resorts also owns Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Del Monte Golf Course and The Hay, a nine-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods.
The Links at Spanish Bay is scheduled to reopen for public play on April 17, 2027, about two months before the U.S. Open is held at Pebble. Pebble Beach Resort Reservations is taking bookings for The Links at Spanish Bay.
When the Seattle Seahawks signed wide receiver Cooper Kupp last spring, they inked him to an incredibly team-friendly deal. Seattle gave Kupp $26.5 million guaranteed in his three-year, $45 million contract, with $17.5 of it coming in year one. The remaining $9 million of that $26.5 was set to become fully guaranteed if Kupp was still a Seahawk five days after the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, which was Friday, February 13th.
Oh, would you look at that, we've already past that date, and Kupp is still on the roster.
If Seattle was going to cut Kupp to save some cash, they've missed their window. With the $9 million now fully guaranteed/invested in the two-time Super Bowl champion, it's a fairly strong indicator Kupp is going to be on the roster when the 2026 season comes around. Of course, there would have been no reason for them to move on from the Eastern Washington standout after only one year.
Kupp may not have lit it up statistically (his two touchdowns were a career-low, and his 593 yards and 47 receptions were the lowest since his sophomore season of 2018 when his season was cut short due to a torn ACL) but his presence on the team was felt in more ways than what shows up on a box score. Seattle had one of the youngest rosters in the league, and Kupp helping to provide veteran leadership to the team was invaluable. Not to mention he showed up in the biggest moments during the Seahawks' championship run. Kupp was actually Seattle's leading receiver in two of their playoff games, including Super Bowl LX. He also scored a touchdown against the Rams that ended up being the final points Seattle needed to win the NFC title game.
The Baltimore Ravens will enter the offseason knowing that they have the nucleus of a Super Bowl-contending team in 2026.
Lamar Jackson, Kyle Hamilton, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers are the key players that Jesse Minter will have to build around.
If, and that's a big if, the Ravens can get a clean run on the health of its roster, then we can expect a significant bounce-back in 2026.
For Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, in his latest piece, he's given a reason for fans to hope or mope ahead of the new season.
And for the Ravens, a reason to mope shines a light on something fans might not have been aware of.
"Derrick Henry is 32 years old, Lamar Jackson is 29 and has endured three notable lower-body injuries over the past five years, and All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike’s status is unclear after injuring his neck last September," Verderame wrote.
As long as you have Lamar, the window will be wide open, but there are only so many seasons left in his career.
Granted, Lamar could play until he's 40, but the mobility that has made him such a dangerous weapon will gradually leave him as he gets older.
Somehow, he's 29 years old already, and there isn't even a Super Bowl appearance on his resume.
Will that change under Minter? Given that Lamar isn't getting younger, nor is Henry, the Ravens would be wise to try to capitalize on the four-time MVP's prime.
Ivan Toney leaves the door open for a move back to the Premier League, Liverpool have no plans to sell Dominik Szoboszlai, but Nick Woltemade keen for a move back to the Bundesliga.
Al-Ahli's 29-year-old England striker Ivan Toney has left the door open for a move back to the Premier League. (Sky Sports)
Liverpool have no plans to sell Dominik Szoboszlai despite speculation linking the Hungary midfielder with Real Madrid, with talks progressing over a new contract for the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk)
Germany striker Nick Woltemade is unhappy at Newcastle and the 24-year-old would welcome a move back to Stuttgart or Bayern Munich.(Bild - in German)
Manchester United have no intention of lowering their £26m asking price for 28-year-old England forward Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona. (Mail)
Nicolas Jackson and Chelsea will evaluate their options in the summer with Bayern Munich not expected to trigger an obligation to buy the 24-year-old Senegal striker during his season-long loan in Germany. (Mail - subscription required)
Sunderland will try to sign a new striker this summer to replace 25-year-old French forward Wilson Isidor, who wants to leave the club. (Football Insider)
Atletico Madrid want Argentina striker Julian Alvarez to sign a new contract but the 26-year-old's preferred destination is Barcelona.(Sport - in Spanish)
Tottenham, Crystal Palace and West Ham are among the clubs keen on signing Real Madrid's 32-year-old Germany defender Antonio Rudiger this summer. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old Brazil defender Murillo has emerged as a key target for Chelsea but the Reds' asking price is around £70m.(Caught Offside)
Everton are set to reject any approach for 27-year-old English midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer amid interest from Tottenham.(Football Insider)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is poised to enter free agency this offseason. At 42 years old, Rodgers is a wildcard in the market, as he could choose to retire at any moment.
However, if Rodgers does decide to play another season, the Steelers should consider bringing him back. That said, Rodgers could also attract interest from a team looking to bolster its quarterback position to gain a competitive edge.
Mike DeFabo from The Athletic believes the Minnesota Vikings could be a player in acquiring Rodgers this offseason.
“The Vikings are the other team to keep an eye on, given Rodgers’ connection to Kevin O’Connell and J.J. McCarthy’s underwhelming play in 2025,” DeFabo wrote on Tuesday.
Minnesota took a step back last season by not re-signing quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold went on to win the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, while the Vikings missed the playoffs.
The Vikings are likely to bring in more competition for McCarthy this offseason. Rodgers could be the ideal quarterback to support McCarthy, as he might have the opportunity to sit behind Rodgers for a season and then aim to reclaim the starting position in 2027.
As college football embraces its new era of NIL and the transfer portal, many have questioned the need for a clear and singular point of leadership. The current leadership model leaves each conference to govern themselves. The concern with that model is that it blurs the lines of protocol when more than one conference is involved.
The recent Dabo Swinney tampering press conference is a great example. In that press conference Swinney accused Ole Miss coach Pete Golding of wrongdoing. Under the current model, the ACC has no jurisdiction over the SEC. Nor would the opposite be true. Resulting in the question of how does college football, specifically the Power Four, govern itself?
On a recent appearance on The Hard Count, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko questioned the NCAA’s leadership structure and advocated for a commissioner style model. According to Yahoo Sports, Elko questioned the current governance model. Claiming there is no centralized authority.
Elko argued that college football needs a singular decision maker. Conference realignment, NIL reform and guidelines, playoff expansion as well as changing the football calendar to coincide with the academic calendar have all been ideas debated. All of which would become easier hurdles to clear if there was a singular governing voice.
J.D. Pickell spoke with Elko and asked him if he could tweak one thing about college football, what would it be? “Put somebody in charge,” Elko said. “It’s a $1.2B industry without a singular voice making decisions for the betterment of college football.”
“I think until we get that, we will continue to flounder within some of those areas,” Elko continued. “What’s best for the SEC isn’t always what’s best for the other conferences. At some point, we’re going to have to have somebody making rules for the betterment of college football, enforcement of rules and all of it.”
Elko’s comments fall right in line with similar comments made by Nick Saban, James Franklin, Lane Kiffin, Deion Sanders, Chip Kelly, Gus Malzahn, Sonny Dykes, Mike Gundy and Ryan Day.
Gundy and Sanders have both advocated for not only a Power Four commissioner, but an NFL-forward model. Franklin and others have even advocated for Nick Saban to take on that role as someone every coach and program would respect.
Despite repeated mentions by coaches for the need of a singular college football commissioner, the NCAA has made no announcements or had publicly aware conversations about this topic in any official capacity.
Is Dominik Szoboszlai considering a move to Real Madrid? His agent responds
Midfielder’s future message sent at crucial stage of the season
Is Dominik Szoboszlai considering a move to Real Madrid? His agent responds
Dominik Szoboszlai’s agent rejected Real Madrid transfer talk saying the midfielder is focused on Liverpool this season.
Agent sends clear message to Madrid
Speculation linking Real Madrid with Dominik Szoboszlai has been firmly played down by the player’s agent, Matyas Esterhazy.
Speaking on the NB1 YouTube channel, Esterhazy said transfer rumors are normal when player performs well but made it clear that summer move is not being considered at this stage.
His comments come after reports suggested interest from Real Madrid fuelled by public remarks from Vinicius Junior about regular contact with the Liverpool midfielder.
“This Is Not the Time”
Esterhazy stressed that the focus remains on the current campaign with Liverpool. He explained that the season is at critical point, with Liverpool competing in the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
According to the agent, Szoboszlai has repeatedly spoken about how important the Champions League is to him.
For that reason, discussing possible summer moves now is not appropriate. Esterhazy added that Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and that the Hungarian midfielder has an important role in the squad.
The midfielder is under contract at Liverpool until 2028. However recent reports have suggested there has been no major progress in renewal talks.
Ruud Gullit reveals why he didn’t join Arsenal when they came calling
In England, Ruud Gullit is widely regarded as a Chelsea icon, yet his career might have taken a very different path had he accepted an approach from Arsenal as a teenager.
Growing up in the Netherlands, Gullit’s footballing ability was evident from an early age, attracting attention from across Europe. Even as a youngster, he displayed qualities that would later define him as one of the finest players of his generation. Arsenal were among the clubs keen to secure his signature and support his development.
Early Interest From Arsenal
The Gunners were one of several sides interested in the talented schoolboy and made their intentions clear. Gullit appreciated the recognition but felt the timing was not right to make such a significant move. He believed the interest arrived too early in his career and was reluctant to leave his surroundings at that stage.
He would later go on to represent some of the world’s biggest clubs, including AC Milan, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished players of his era. However, he has now revealed that Arsenal’s approach came during his formative years, when he was still shaping his future in the game.
Credit: Steve Munday/ALLSPORT
Gullit Explains His Decision
Speaking via Metro Sport, Gullit reflected on the opportunity and explained why he chose not to join the north London club. He said:
‘When I was at HFC Haarlem at the age of 17, I heard that Arsenal wanted to sign me.
‘Liam Brady was a scout at the club at the time, and I was made aware of their interest in bringing me to Highbury. There were talks between the two clubs.
‘It was a privilege that such a big club were interested in me at that age, but it was too early for me at that stage in my career, so I turned them down.
‘I just didn’t want to move to the club at that particular point in time.
‘I ended up spending a few more years at Haarlem before moving to Feyenoord, which felt like the right move for me.’
Gullit’s remarks highlight how close Arsenal came to signing a player who would later become one of European football’s most celebrated figures.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 15: Gordon Ryan prepares to battle Nicky Rodriguez during the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3 at UFC APEX on December 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Gordon Ryan may have hit the mats for the last time.
The all-time grappling great appeared to announce a retirement from competition on Monday, writing on Instagram, “For now, I can confidently say, I am done.” The 30-year-old cited his frustration with recurring stomach health issues as his reason for stepping away.
Ryan is widely considered one of the best grapplers of this generation, having won numerous competitions around the world over the past 15 years. He holds wins over a litany of notable contemporaries, including longtime rival Felipe Pena, Nick Rodriguez, Andre Galvao, Marcus Buchecha, Garry Tonon, and Craig Jones.
However, Ryan’s health issues have limited his appearances in recent years and he has not competed since a win over Josh Saunders in June 2024.
“Today marks 10 years at black belt, 10 years on top of the sport, and the probable end to my competitive career,” Ryan wrote. “As many of you know, I’ve had this debilitating and seemingly unfixable stomach issue since recurring staph infections/antibiotics wiped out my good gut biome. Without going into too much boring detail, the problem has gone through phases of better and worse over the years, and has now morphed into a multitude of new problems, including me just getting sick or staph whenever I train hard and compromise my immune system in any way. Because of these issues, I have not been able to train or lift hard since January of 2024, as I just begin dry heaving immediately when I do.
“I competed in ADCC with no camp, at 10 percent of how I should have been operating, and I have seen no improvement in my condition since. This, of course, has been immensely frustrating, as my technical skills are far better than ever, my body is otherwise very healthy, and I’m only 30 (10 years from my prime). I have so much more left to give if I could just fix this one issue.”
Ryan concluded his statement by writing that he is focusing on solving his health issues and growing his gym. He did not rule out a return to competition in the future, and added he hopes to have two more matches against Vinny Magalhaes and then a proper retirement bout against Pena.
Referee activates anti-racism protocol after Vinicius Junior-Gianluca Prestianni argument
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has allegedly been the victim of yet more lamentable racial abuse on the football pitch during Los Blancos clash with Benfica in the Champions League play-off round. This time it appears to have come from one of the players on the pitch with him.
As the players returned to the centre of the pitch to take the kick-off, Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni were involved in a continuance of the arguments that had broken out after Real Madrid’s celebrations. Prestianni, with his shirt over his mouth, said something to Vinicius, after which Vinicius ran to the referee and told him about it. Letexier then activated the anti-racism protocol.
When Vinicius went to tell the referee about it, it seemed he was saying the word ‘monkey’ [mono] to Letexier.
Game stops for ten minutes
As the fallout continued, Vinicius was seen speaking first to manager Alvaro Arbeloa, and then Jose Mourinho. After conversing with both, Vinicius then went to sit on the bench for several minutes, as Letexier went over to explain the sequence to the managers. During that time, one of Benfica’s staff members was sent off.
“It’s not what we saw” – Rosenior’s key attacking tweak hailed by pundit
Marc Cucurella’s role as an inverted full back was a hallmark feature of Enzo Maresca’s time as Chelsea boss. Things have changed.
Jason Cundy was on TalkSport this morning speaking very positively about Liam Rosenior’s impact at Chelsea.
He picked out one tactical switch that’s already quite clear from Enzo Maresca’s time in charge.
Cundy on the Cucurella shift used by Rosenior in his first month
Marc Cucurella battles for possession against Wolves. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
“The inverted full-back is less obvious for me, even though they do and can come inside,” Cundy said.
“But it’s not what we saw with Cucurella [under Maresca] where he’s come in and literally been another striker, it’s a slightly toned-down version of that.”
It’s true, to an extent, but if you’d seen what Cucurella’s replacement Jorrel Hato was doing on Friday night against Hull, you wouldn’t be saying the role has changed that much.
Still, there’s no doubt that our style has changed, and that our formation is now build to get players like Enzo Fernandez and the wingers into dangerous positions rather than relying on Cucurella to join the front line.
You can see Cundy speaking in the Chelsea show on TalkSport embedded here:
The players are away on holidays for the most part now, but this week will finally give Rosenior a little more time on the training pitch when they’re back. There are a couple of free midweeks to come in the near future, and it will be really interesting to see what other innovations the new boss is working on.
In other news…
Enzo Fernandez is having a great season, and the stats show it. He’s top of the league in a key statistic.
Mamadou Sarr made a promising first start for Chelsea – but how many more will he get before the season is out?
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Celtic F.C. vs. VfB Stuttgart Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
VfB Stuttgart face Celtic in a two-legged playoff tie after finishing outside the top eight in the league phase. However, Sebastian Hoeneß’s side will have the home advantage for next week’s return leg.
Celtic
After Aberdeen’s unsuccessful effort the previous season, Hearts are trying their best to end the dominance of Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. It’ll be the first time either of the two giants will not be crowned champions if the league leaders maintain their form in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the legendary Martin O'Neill managed to keep Celtic’s European dreams alive with four points in the last two games of the league phase. The 4-2 victory over Utrecht just about confirmed their place in the playoff spot as one of the unseeded teams.
Stuttgart
As for Stuttgart, Chema Andrés’ late goal against Young Boys secured a fifth Europa League win of the season at the end of last month. However, they have missed out on automatic qualification to the Round of 16 by a single point.
Stuttgart also relied on late goals in their rollercoaster 3-1 win over Köln on Sunday. Their focus will now be back on the continental front before the game away at bottom-placed Heidenheim. The Swabians last reached the Round of 16 in the Europa League in the 2012-13 season.
This is incidentally their first campaign back in the Europa League proper since getting knocked out by Lazio back then. Similarly, in their only previous meetup, Stuttgart were eliminated by Celtic in the Round of 16 stage back when the competition was called the UEFA Cup in 2002-03.
Team News
There are no new injuries in Stuttgart’s squad as Nikolas Nartey could even return to the side after missing the last couple of Bundesliga games. January signing Jeremy Arévalo is not named in the Bundesliga side’s revised Europa League teamsheet. Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović will be expected to start once again after scoring the goals in the weekend’s win.
Arne Engels, who joined the record champions from Augsburg at the start of last season, is among the list of Celtic players who will miss the game due to an injury. Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be unavailable since the transfer went through after the deadline date for submitting the Europa League squad.
Bremen, Germany - February 14: Konrad Laimer of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and FC Bayern München at Weserstadion on February 14, 2026 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
We can add former Bayern Munich and Germany great Lothar Matthäus to the list of folks who think that FC Bayern and Konrad Laimer need to find a way to get a deal done.
“I think the team performed worst in the three or four games without him. Laimer is outstanding as a right-back, which isn’t actually his position, and he also makes an impact going forward. He forms a duo with Michael Olise, similar to Philipp Lahm and Arjen Robben,” Matthäus wrote in his column for Sky Germany (as captured by Abendzeitung). “He feels comfortable in Munich. Why would he choose to go abroad for half a million or a million more, where he would first have to settle in and prove himself again? A professional for whom football is paramount likes to play for a club where everyone has fun and enjoys themselves, and where titles are won. You get all that at FC Bayern, and the quality of life in Munich isn’t so bad either.”
BFW Commentary
Matthäus seems to be echoing a point made in last week’s Weekend Warm-up — Laimer and Bayern are just better together — and Laimer is more valuable to Bayern Munich than he would be elsewhere.
Will the two sides be able to get a deal done?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver and Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen react to a play on the field during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 29, 2024 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Good afternoon!
Here is today’s roundup of the latest news, rumors, and analysis on your Jacksonville Jaguars.
Local links
Study up before your next trip to the watercooler.
With the newness of this year’s draft setup for Jacksonville, we will take a look at what draft pundits think the Jags should be towards the end of the second round. Cleveland owns the rights to the Jags first rounder this year as part of the Travis Hunter trade, so Liam Coen and James Gladstone will have to sit tight for a while before beginning their second draft as a tandem.
After the bye, Washington seemingly attained football enlightenment. Despite ranking 59th in third-down snaps, Washington ranked 3rd in yards (243), 1st in yards per reception (27.0), 1st in yards after catch (109), 3rd in YAC per reception (12.1), and 1st in explosive plays (7) among receivers.
Like the Lions and Browns, the Jaguars have some experience dealing with the Las Vegas Raiders’ front office. They made early contact with them about Jakobi Meyers during training camp and then pulled the trigger at the trade deadline to give both sides what they wanted. Unlike the Lions and Browns, the Raiders have a quality left tackle in Kolton Miller, but they need more.
The Green Bay Packers could look to trade Wyatt if they don’t intend to offer him an extension before his contract expires in 2027. With that being a possibility, former Packers linebacker coach and defensive run-game coordinator Anthony Campanile may push for a reunion via trade. In 2025, the Jaguars allowed the fewest rushing yards, but they finished 27th in sacks. Wyatt can make an impact on passing downs as a disruptive interior defender who gets after the quarterback.
Under Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd had a career-best five interceptions, taking one back for a score. That type of on-the-ball production at linebacker will garner interest in free agency, but I have Lloyd sticking with a Jacksonville unit that ranked top 10 in both scoring and run defense.
The 2025 season was pivotal for Lawrence to prove he could live up to the billing of his draft status. While it took some time for Lawrence to become acclimated to Liam Coen’s offense, once he found his footing, he was dangerous. From Week 13 through the end of the postseason, Lawrence generated a 92.6 overall PFF grade, the highest by any quarterback over that span.
Jacksonville gave Hunter opportunities on both sides of the ball straight away, with some definite bias toward playing wide receiver, but the early results tilted towards a full-time position on defense. Hunter played 323 offensive snaps in his rookie season, earning a 62.2 PFF offensive grade. On defense, he logged 162 snaps and posted a 73.2 PFF defensive grade.
The news of Evans’ intent to continue playing confirms what his teammate, quarterback Baker Mayfield , said in late January: Evans still has ” more in the tank. ” Whether the Buccaneers have enough money in the bank to convince Evans to finish his career in the only place he’s ever known in his NFL career, however, remains to be seen.
What was said to Vini Jr? Real furious after racism scandal
During the Champions League playoff duel between Benfica and Real Madrid, football took a backseat. After the Royals took a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute, the game was interrupted for more than ten minutes.
Background: Goal scorer Vinicius Junior visibly emotional approached referee Francois Letexier. Since he shortly thereafter triggered the racism protocol and stopped the match, it is likely that Vinicius complained about a racist comment from Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni.
The crux: While Prestianni was speaking to the Real star, he held his jersey over his mouth. Thus, Letexier lacked the necessary evidence to penalize Prestianni. However, given this conspicuous action, it is obvious that the Argentine expressed himself offensively.
In any case, the Madrilenians made serious accusations against their opponent after the final whistle. Captain Federico Valverde stated: “When you cover your mouth with your shirt while speaking, you obviously want to say something really ugly.” Prestianni uttered a word “that should never be used. What he said was pathetic."
Real coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed similar sentiments. “Ask Prestianni what he said," he raged. “This is unacceptable. We cannot accept such things.”
Kylian Mbappé was even more specific. Speaking to 'TNT Sports', he said: “Number 25, whose name I don't want to mention because he doesn't deserve it, started saying unacceptable words, but then covered his mouth with his jersey so the cameras couldn't see, and said five times to Vini that he was a monkey."
Vinicius, who was almost continuously booed and had cups thrown at him by the spectators after the interruption, immediately returned to attack mode after the match. “Bernabeu, see you there!!!!!" he wrote meaningfully on 'Instagram'. The famous and notorious Real stadium will host the return match next Wednesday.
Amber Glenn just got the ultimate seal of approval on her Olympic figure-skating routine set to Madonna‘s 1989 Billboard Hot 100-topper “Like a Prayer,” with the Queen of Pop herself sending the athlete into “shock” by recording a special personalized message for her ahead of the women’s short in Milan, Italy.
In footage shared by NBC Sports on Tuesday (Feb. 17), Glenn can barely contain her excitement while pressing play on a clip Madge filmed for her as a surprise. “I just watched you skate to my song ‘Like a Prayer,’ and I have to tell you, I was blown away by it,” the icon tells the skater, who covers her mouth in disbelief while listening. “So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can’t imagine that you would not win. Go get that gold.”
It was a moment before Glenn could formulate a response. “Sorry, I’m in shock,” she says after the video ends. “Oh my God. I’m legitimately shaking.”
She then sends a message directly to Madonna. “My queen, thank you so much,” Glenn says. “You are beautiful, stunning, amazing, and you are an icon forever. Thank you for supporting athletes in their artistic endeavors. I hope I can do the song justice.”
The spontaneous pep talk from Madonna came shortly before Glenn competed on the ice for the women’s short, which ended with the American at 13th place in the overall skater standings. At press time, Team USA’s Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito are at third and eighth.
The 2026 Winter Games kicked off earlier in February. Prior to the women’s short, Glenn competed in the free skate with a routine set to Canadian artist CLANN’s “The Return.”
After the musician also known as Seb McKinnon voiced concern on social media that he hadn’t been asked permission before Glenn used his song in the free skate — ultimately winning a gold medal for her performance — both parties released statements confirming that all had been resolved.
“I discovered Seb McKinnon’s music (CLANN) two years ago and felt a deep connection to it,” she wrote at the time. “The issue of music rights can be complex and confusing. Seems like there was a hiccup in that whole process. I’m glad we cleared things up with Seb and I look forward to collaborating with him.”
"After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL – It's time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything," Woods said on Instagram. "Football has never been a game to me – it has been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream. I cherished every moment my cleats touched the grass. Every time I stepped onto the field, I was determined to leave a piece of myself in every snap."
Woods was a second-round pick of the Bills in 2013 and spent four seasons with the team while posting solid, reliable production.
Woods' career took off in Los Angeles, where he posted two 1,000-yard campaigns, including 1,219 yards in 2018 and 1,134 yards in 2019. He also won a Super Bowl during the 2021 campaign.
After five seasons with the Rams, Woods was traded to the Tennessee Titans, where he spent one season. Woods played his final snaps in the NFL over two seasons with the Houston Texans in 2023 and 2024.
Woods tried to give it a go for a 13th season and latched on with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, but he didn't make it past cutdown day and never signed with another team after that.
Woods will no doubt go down as a franchise great for the Rams and one of the true good guys to play in the NFL.
Malinin endured a disappointing outing in the men's figure skating final on Feb. 13 at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Team USA favorite, also known as the self-proclaimed "Quad God," fell twice during his free skate program and bailed out of several elements, finishing eighth overall and becoming visibly emotional afterward.
Biles knows that kind of setback firsthand. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, the gymnast withdrew from the team competition after experiencing "the twisties," a phenomenon in which gymnasts lose their spatial awareness and often feel disconnected with their bodies during their routines, leaving them at risk of injury.
Drawing from her experience, Biles revealed during an interview with "Today" that she reached out to Malinin privately following his eighth place finish to offer support and perspective on how to move forward.
Getty Images/AP - PHOTO: Olympian Simone Biles at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 16, 2026 and figure skater Ilia Malinin competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Feb. 13, 2026.
"I've definitely had a chance to bump into him," she said. "I've sent him messages on Instagram as well, obviously, it's all been private, because I know what he's going through, and I know most athletes might not be able to relate, and it's really, really hard to watch."
Despite his disappointment, Biles said she believes Malinin will bounce back, calling him an "absolute legend."
"We're all just cheering for him," she said.
Earlier on "Today," Malinin spoke about the pressure he felt heading into Friday's event as a frontrunner, having finished at the top of the field following his short program on Feb. 10.
"Honestly, it's not a pleasant feeling," he said of having the spotlight on him. "It is just a lot on you, so many eyes, so much attention not only from people, or fans, media -- it's just so much, and it really can get to you if you're not ready to fully embrace it."
He added that he wasn't fully prepared for that pressure going into the free skate, but said the experience has given him perspective moving forward.
"In a perfect world, I would like to see AJ Styles return to his home, to TNA," Hardy said. "It's a little selfish for me to ask that, but I know he loves TNA. He feels at home at TNA and right now, TNA is in a position where AJ Styles could greatly elevate the company and he would be a big deal there... I know he is at that point where he's winding down, he doesn't want to work all the time, but there are some matches there that I know he would love to have."
Hardy said that he feels like Styles, despite being a little older at 48, is "so good and healthy," and is in "phenomenal" condition. The TNA Tag Team Champion said he believes Styles can still go at a very high level, and will end up going to TNA to have a few matches, including one previously teased with Frankie Kazarian, a bout that Hardy speculated didn't happen due to the WWE side of things, despite Styles being up for it.
AJ Styles heads down the ramp to the ring for a match against Logan Paul at WrestleMania. - WWE
Hardy said he's sure there are wrestling fans and others who would love to see Styles do something in AEW, as Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels, stars closely linked to the "Phenomenal One's" TNA career, are there. Hardy, who also previously worked for AEW, said that if the company's president, Tony Khan, wants someone to join his company badly enough, he is willing to pay a lot of money to bring someone in. He doesn't think Styles' final match will be in AEW, however.
"If I'm a guessing guy, I still think people who have never worked with WWE, people who have grown up loving pro wrestling and wanting to become a pro wrestler, and they probably got turned on to pro wrestling because of WWE in some way, shape or form, there's just such a loyalty that's still connected with WWE and appreciation about it," Hardy explained. "I guess it just depends on how much of that AJ has now when it's all said and done.
If Styles does make his way back to TNA, Hardy said he doesn't think he'll be at every TV taping or working full-time. He said he sees Styles being more of a part-timer, who comes in to make a big appearance to pop the crowd and increase viewership and ratings.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Tyrese Shade's 11th goal of the season was enough to settle a scrappy encounter with Rotherham as Burton lifted themselves out of the League One relegation zone with a 1-0 win.
Burton grew into the game after a slow start, with Rotherham looking to capitalise on any tiredness in the Brewers squad having played 120 minutes against Premier League club West Ham in the FA Cup at the weekend.
But Shade remained as sharp as a tack midway through the first half. Jake Beesley's ball into the box was scuffed by Kyran Lofthouse with Shade on hand to tuck home into the bottom corner.
Lofthouse came close in the opening seconds of the second half with Cameron Dawson coming to his side's rescue as he saved with his legs.
The visitors were almost gifted an equaliser when goalkeeper Brad Collins raced from his goal but was beaten to the ball by Sam Nombe who could not find the empty net from wide on the right.
Nombe continued to look the Millers' best chance for an equaliser but a header and wayward shot both failed to beat Collins.
Shade rippled the side netting with a snapshot late on as Albion tried to put the game to bed but a first win in six was secured.
A member of the Los Angeles Rams' 2021 Super Bowl team called it a career on Tuesday,
Robert Woods announced on social media that he is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons. The Rams also announced that Woods signed a one-day contract to retire with the franchise that he spent five years with.
"After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL – It's time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything," Woods said on Instagram. "Football has never been a game to me – it has been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream. I cherished every moment my cleats touched the grass. Every time I stepped onto the field, I was determined to leave a piece of myself in every snap."
During his 13-year career, Woods played for five franchises, but he's best known for his time in Los Angeles and with the Buffalo Bills. The 33-year-old tallied two 1,000-yard seasons, both coming with the Rams.
Woods began his career in 2013 as a second-round pick by the Bills.
Robert Woods was a reliable weapon throughout his NFL career. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Ric Tapia via Getty Images
Robert Woods is calling it a career after nearly a decade and a half in the NFL.
The veteran wide receiver announced his retirement Tuesday via Instagram, following a season he spent out of the league after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him in August.
"It's time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything," Woods said. "Football has never just been a game to me — it has been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream. I cherished every moment my cleats touched the grass. Every time I stepped onto the field, I was determined to leave a piece of myself in every snap."
Woods entered the NFL as a second-round pick for the Buffalo Bills after an All-American career at USC. He spent the early stage of his career as a starter on a run-heavy offense, then found his greatest success when he signed with the Rams in 2017.
By receiving yards, Woods posted the four best seasons of his career in his first four seasons with Sean McVay, working as a dangerous No. 2 receiver behind Cooper Kupp. He was on his way to another strong seasons in 2021 when he tore his ACL, leaving the hole that was filled by Odell Beckham Jr. during the Rams' Super Bowl LVI run.
The Rams traded Woods a month after winning the championship and he spent the remainder of his career with a diminishing role on the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans and Steelers. Despite two 1,000-yard seasons, he was never selected to the Pro Bowl.
John Cena enjoying retirement - Jc Olivera/Getty Images
Many may still consider the Dallas Cowboys "America's Team," but for a nearly twenty year period, a strong argument was made that the New England Patriots took over that mantle, thanks to the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick dynasty. As a result, many people outside of the New England bubble became fans of the team. This includes AEW star and current Ring of Honor Women's Pure Champion Deonna Purrazzo, though as it turns out, winning was only part of the reason the New Jersey native rooted for the team.
Appearing on the February 9 episode of "Busted Open Radio" alongside former TNA co-worker Tasha Steelz, Purrazzo revealed her Patriots fandom. She also admitted that it came about not for the right reasons, citing cheerleader, the Patriots winning, and them being the favorite team of future WWE Hall of Famer John Cena, who Purrazzo had a massive crush on at the time.
"If you want to call me a fraud, by all means, because I was a cheerleader in the early 2000s being forced to learn about football, so I could call the proper cheers," Purrazzo said. "And they [the New England Patriots] just happened to be the dynasty and keep winning. And I was like 'Wait a second, John Cena likes that team. They win. And one day, I'm going to marry John Cena. And if I like that team, then we'll have something in common, so he'll like me too.' And then I liked them."
Former Houston Texans wideout Robert Woods is calling it a career.
Woods, who spent two years in Houston as a veteran presence in a rebuilding environment, announced his retirement after 13 NFL seasons. He penned his goodbye and signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.
"After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL – It's time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything," Woods said in a post on his Instagram account. "Football has never been a game to me – it has been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream. I cherished every moment my cleats touched the grass. Every time I stepped onto the field, I was determined to leave a piece of myself in every snap."
Veteran wide receiver Robert Woods announced on Instagram that, after 13 seasons, he is retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/uOuhEr5Q1g
A former second-round pick out of USC by the Buffalo Bills, Woods really hit his stride when he signed with the Rams in 2017, returning to the West Coast for the first time in four years. During his five seasons in L.A., he has most productive stretch of his career, totaling 367 receptions for 4,626 yards and 23 touchdowns in that span.
While he didn't play in the Rams' Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he did claim a ring. After that, Woods was traded from the Rams to the Titans. A year later, he signed a two-year deal with the Texans, totaling 60 catches for 629 yards and a touchdown.
Woods spent last season on the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster but did not record a snap.
Woods finishes his NFL career with 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns across those 12 seasons, starting in 145 of 171 regular-season games played.
Vinicius Jr scored a brilliant second half goal to secure the win and earn Real a one-goal lead to take into their next leg thanks to a curling, dipping strike from the just outside the penalty area on the left side.
But, his strike will be overshadowed by the scenes that followed with Vinicius firstly being shown a yellow card for an exuberant celebration in front of the home fans before the Brazilian then reported an alleged racist comment made against him to the referee.
That resulted in an 11-minute stoppage before the match resumed and Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was sent off for receiving two yellow cards in the game. Madrid host Benfica for the second leg at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.
Over in Turkey, Galatasaray and Juventus played out a seven-goal thriller but it was the home side who took the spoils with a 5-2 victory at RAMS Park.
Gabriel Sara opened the scoring for the hosts before a brace from Teun Koopmeiners saw the Serie A side equalise and then take the lead heading into the half time break.
Second halfgoals from Noa Lang, Davinson Sanchez and Sacha Boey sent Galatasaray into an huge lead and they will travel to Turin with a three-goal lead.
(AFP via Getty Images)
In Germany, striker Serhou Guirassy scored one goal and created another as Borussia Dortmund claimed a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.
The match kicked off 15 minutes late as the Dortmund team bus was caught in traffic, but they were fast out of the blocks as Guirassy put the home side in front inside three minutes with a header at the back post. Max Beier doubled the lead in the 42nd minute with that goal enough to earn victory for the German side.
(REUTERS)
Finally, Champions League holders Paris Saint Germain overcame a horror start and a two-goal deficit to beat 10-man Monaco 3-2 away from home.
Desire Doue came off the bench to spark the comeback and netted two goals and setting one up for Achraf Hakimi to earn a win for the French champions.
Monaco spent most of the second half down to 10 men after Aleksandr Golovin was shown a red card for a studs-up tackle on Vitinha with the referee upgrading his original caution to a sending off after consulting the touchline VAR screen..
The European champions host the return leg in Paris next Wednesday.
It was a bad start in Dortmund, partly because kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes when the hosts were late getting to the stadium due to a traffic jam.
That didn’t seem to affect them, as they scored within three minutes thanks to Serhou Guirassy’s towering header, then the same player set up Maximilian Beier for 2-0 just before half-time.
Palladino trusts Atalanta can fight back
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Nicola Zalewski of Atalanta is challenged by Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Atalanta were forced into changes in Dortmund, as this week both Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere were ruled out for at least a month by injuries.
“It’s a pity we were 1-0 down right from the start, because we knew Borussia Dortmund are a very good team with strong individuals who can attack the space, they put in a cross and we didn’t mark properly on that goal.”
Fabio Capello in the Sky Sport Italia studio warned that playing man for man with that Dortmund attack was a recipe for disaster.
“I agree with that analysis, it’s true that their strikers have a lot of technical and physical qualities,” replied Palladino.
“I was struck by their midfielders too, they are complete players. However, our mentality must be to have courage. We studied our opponents, these matches are also helpful to understand our strengths and their strengths.
“It won’t be easy to turn this around, but I believe, the fans will be pushing us on, and this is why we love football, because it gives you the opportunity to turn things around.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta is challenged by Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Gianluca Scamacca made his return to the starting XI this evening, but seemed visibly rusty, as Nikola Krstovic was livelier when replacing him for the second half.
“We made too many errors and got stuck going down one flank, we were too predictable, too slow moving it around, but we did much better in the second half, with more possession, more movement, more options in attack, more spaces opening up.
“I got the feeling we were in a position to create something in attack, but we were lacking a little quality in the final third, with the final pass. There were things we didn’t do well tonight, we’ll analyse them with the lads and do better next time.
“Also don’t forget we were up against a strong side that is second in the Bundesliga, only six points behind Bayern Munich. I am sad about the result, but I also note they had only two shots on target and scored both of them. We have to think positive, our dream is to go through, and if we don’t manage it, we’ll know that we gave our all. There are many young players in this squad who gained experience from this for the future.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Maximilian Beier of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
It means La Dea have a mountain to climb in the second leg in Bergamo on Wednesday February 25, as they need to win by two clear goals just to force extra time in the Champions League play-off.
“This was just the first half, the second is on our home turf, and just as they put two goals past us this evening, we can do the same in Bergamo,” insisted Palladino.
“The lads know what we need to do, we will get back on our feet and certainly play the second leg with great intensity.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Niko Kovac, Head Coach of Borussia Dortmund, speaks to the media prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
There seemed to be some tension at the final whistle when Palladino stormed off and didn’t shake hands with Borussia Dortmund coach Kovac.
“I don’t like protesting, they were complaining for every single thing on the touchline. I try to leave the referees to do their job, in good and bad, so I just told him he ought to let the referees get on with it.”
The Dallas Cowboys hoped to be able to turn a project into a player when they signed defensive lineman Earnest Brown in 2024. After spending three years in Los Angeles with the Rams, he spent time in 2024 on the practice squads of both the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At the end of a lost season for both teams, the Cowboys signed Brown off the Bucs practice squad to the main roster.
He ended up sticking with the Cowboys into training camp, and although he was released after the preseason, the team re-signed him and kept him on the practice squad for the entirety of the 2025 campaign. He was never called into action, though, as the team remade their defensive tackle rotation on the fly. Brown seemingly made an impression on his coaching staff, as his former defensive line coach has brought him with him to his new team.
Brown has signed with the Tennessee TItans, where he will reunite with DL coach Aaron Whitecotton.
Former Cowboys DT Earnest Brown has signed with the Tennessee Titans. Reunites with Aaron Whitecotton after narrowly missing out on making the 53-man roster coming out of training camp.
The Cowboys ended up with a rather deep cadre of defensive tackles by the end of the 2025 season. A position that started the offseason with a ton of question marks, added Perrion Winfrey early in the spring, Kenny Clark late in the summer and Quinnen Williams mid-season to completely revamp the depth chart. The additions revamped what many thought would be a porous unit and made them rather competitive up the middle of their defensive line.
Brown has appeared in 15 games across his career, and will be looking to notch his first sack if he is able to suit up in a regular season game under new head coach Robert Saleh.
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was arguably the biggest women's fight in MMA a decade ago. A little later than ideal, it seems fans are being treated to a nostalgic fantasy bout when the two pillars of WMMA collide later this year.
'Rowdy' has found success in the WWE and several other business ventures since confirming her departure from the UFC 10 years ago. After spending a good portion of her life away from mixed martial arts, with no true sign of a return, the 39-year-old recently announced that she would be making her way back into the cage, against an old foe.
Aside from a loss to Cris Cyborg, Gina Carano has been flawless in combat sports. Carano cemented herself as a powerhouse throughout her career and competed at a higher weight class than Rousey, giving her a clear weight and power advantage.
The Rousey vs. Carano announcement came as a total surprise, but it has fans already discussing who will come out on top.
"Been waiting so long to announce this," Rousey said on social media. "Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women's combat sport history!"
"And we're partnering with the fighter-first promotion, Most Valuable Promotions, as well as the baddest streamer on the planet, Netflix! This is for all MMA fans, past, present, and future. More to come. Much More."
The news was met with criticism from Rousey's long-term rival, Cris Cyborg.
🤡 all those years of ducking me at 145 when we were both in our prime?!
Surreal moment. I started taking judo because of Ronda Rousey. Now I get to work with her and Gina Carano to bring MMA to Netflix. Here we go…@MostVpromotionspic.twitter.com/zphmZM47kO
Gina the first woman to unlock the doors, Ronda the first woman to kick them out.. And Amanda the woman who helped glue the pieces together! What a moment for Women’s combat sports! 🙏🏼💕🙌🏼👑 https://t.co/2Std4BBZD3
If all goes to plan, the women's legacy fight will take place in the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The pair will lock horns after years of back-and-forth on Saturday, May 16, live on Netflix.
The World Baseball Classic returns for its sixth edition in March, featuring a 20-team field spread across four pools. In all, 47 games will be played over 13 days at four sites: the Tokyo Dome, San Juan Puerto Rico’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium, Miami’s loanDepot Park and Houston’s Daikin Park.
Team Japan, the only nation to win multiple WBC crowns (2006, 2009, 2023), is aiming for its fourth title while the Dominican Republic (2013) and U.S. (2017) are the only other winners of the event. Japan’s roster features 2025 NLCS MVP Shohei Ohtani and 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of the Dodgers, in addition to Angels lefty starter Yusei Kikuchi and Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
The U.S. roster is led by captain Aaron Judge and features both 2025 Cy Young winners in Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. Team USA boasts a combined 65 MLB All-Star Game appearances and four former MVPs in Judge, Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt and Clayton Kershaw.
Most games will be broadcast in the U.S. on the Fox family of networks (Fox, FS1, FS2) and streaming on the Fox Sports app and Tubi.
2026 World Baseball Classic pools
Pool A | Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Canada Colombia Cuba Panama Puerto Rico
Pool B | Daikin Park, Houston
Brazil Great Britain Italy Mexico U.S.
Pool C | Tokyo Dome, Tokyo
Australia Chinese Taipei Czechia Japan South Korea
Pool D | loanDepot Park, Miami
Dominican Republic Israel Netherlands Nicaragua Venezuela
2026 World Baseball Classic schedule
All times Eastern
Pool play
Wednesday, March 4 10 p.m.: Australia vs. Chinese Taipei (FS1)
Thursday, March 5 5 a.m.: South Korea vs. Czechia (FS1) 10 p.m.: Czechia vs. Australia (FS1)
Friday, March 6 5 a.m.: Chinese Taipei vs. Japan (FS1) 11 a.m.: Panama vs. Cuba (FS2) Noon: Venezuela vs. Netherlands (Tubi) 1 p.m.: Great Britain vs. Mexico (FS1) 6 p.m.: Colombia vs. Puerto Rico (FS1) 7 p.m.: Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua (FS2) 8 p.m.: Brazil vs. U.S. (Fox) – Daikin Park 10 p.m.: Czechia vs. Chinese Taipei (FS2)
Saturday, March 7 5 a.m.: Japan vs. South Korea (FS1) 11 a.m.: Canada vs. Colombia (FS2) Noon: Netherlands vs. Nicaragua (Tubi) 1 p.m.: Italy vs. Brazil (Fox app only) 6 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Panama (FS1) 7 p.m.: Venezuela vs. Israel (FS1) 8 p.m.: U.S. vs. Great Britain (Fox) 10 p.m.: South Korea vs. Chinese Taipei (FS2)
Sunday, March 8 6 a.m.: Japan vs. Australia (FS1) Noon: Cuba vs. Colombia (FS2) Noon: Dominican Republic vs. Netherlands (Fox) 1 p.m.: Italy vs. Great Britain (Tubi) 7 p.m.: Israel vs. Nicaragua (Tubi) 7 p.m.: Canada vs. Panama (FS2) 8 p.m.: Mexico vs. Brazil (FS1)
Monday, March 9 6 a.m.: Australia vs. South Korea (FS1) Noon: Israel vs. Dominican Republic (FS1) Noon: Panama vs. Colombia (FS2) 1 p.m.: Great Britain vs. Brazil (Tubi) 7 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Cuba (FS1) 7 p.m.: Nicaragua vs. Venezuela (FS2) 8 p.m.: U.S. vs. Mexico (Fox)
Tuesday, March 10 6 a.m.: Japan vs. Czechia (FS1) 7 p.m.: Netherlands vs. Israel (Fox app only) 7 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Canada (Tubi) 9 p.m.: U.S. vs. Italy (FS1)
Wednesday, March 11 3 p.m.: Cuba vs. Canada (FS1) 7 p.m.: Mexico vs. Italy (Tubi) 8 p.m.: Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic (FS1)
Thursday, March 12 No games
Quarterfinals
Friday, March 13 6:30 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park 8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (Fox) – Daikin Park
Saturday, March 14 3 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – Daikin Park 9 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (Fox) – loanDepot Park
Semifinals
Sunday, March 15 8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park
Monday, March 16 8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park
Championship final
Tuesday, March 17 8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park
Cristiano Ronaldo-Ten Hag feud: Steve McClaren reveals incident that sparked bitter rift
Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has revealed exactly what sparked the bitter fallout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag.
Acrimonious split
Ronaldo left United for the second time in his career on November 22, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
His departure came after he granted an explosive and unauthorised interview to broadcaster Piers Morgan, in which he tore into the club and then-manager Ten Hag.
In a wide-ranging critique, Ronaldo publicly criticised the Glazers for failing to address the club’s infrastructural needs, casting doubt on United’s overall ambitions. He also revealed the deteriorated relationship with Ten Hag, explaining that after being benched, he could not offer respect that was not reciprocated.
Additionally, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed that members of the United hierarchy were trying to force him out of Old Trafford.
McClaren served as Ten Hag’s number two during the Dutch coach’s United tenure and therefore has a first-hand account of why exactly the pair fell out.
McClaren said, “There was a lot of battles on that training field. There was a lot of ‘all I want you to do is this, this and this’. That was Erik’s coaching – Ronnie this is your job.”
“I used to say to Ronnie, ‘all he [Ten Hag] wants you to do is be the first press, make one…two…maybe even three runs, if you feel like it.’ Then recover back to the middle, in case we win the ball, and then we can play to you. That’s all we want you to do.”
“If you can’t do that, you won’t be playing, he won’t pick you. It was a little bit of a fight. Not a fight, but a standoff, who’s going to back down and who is going to win?”
McClaren continued, “Erik stuck to his guns. I think that’s the difference other people would have picked him, other managers would accommodate that behaviour as long as he scores.”
“That control has gone for managers and credit to Erik, Ronnie was still incredibly professional. It happened how it did, they went different ways and I think it was best.”
United currently sit in fourth position in the Premier League table, having won 13 points out of a possible 15 from their last five fixtures under Michael Carrick.
The franchise tag window opened Tuesday, and free agency starts next month. The 2025 season is done, but the NFL does not slow down. Attention has already shifted to trades, roster moves, and the 2026 NFL Draft.
Maxx Crosby’s name keeps coming up in those conversations. The Las Vegas Raiders star has been at the center of trade speculation for weeks now, and the chatter is not fading.
Even with Super Bowl LX still on the schedule, questions about Crosby’s future won’t go away. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport addressed the situation during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
Rich Eisen asked if the trade talk around Crosby was worth taking seriously. Rapoport confirmed there’s substance behind the rumors.
“Yeah, there is reason to bother, this is definitely not nothing. I just don’t know what it is yet. The reason why is like… there will be plenty of times where you see smoke around a player. Then you get to like March 10th, 11th, 12th and then okay now we learn why this player gets traded. I don’t know if that’s going to be the case with Maxx Crosby.”
“This is as complicated a situation as I can remember. I’ll go through the reasons why. One…[the way the season ended] had an effect on him. He wanted to play, it turns out he had a significant knee injury, but he wanted to play and was upset that he did not get to finish on the field with his teammates. …Then he has surgery and it’s not a trim, it’s a repair. It’s… not as major of a repair as it could have been.” Rapoport said.
Crosby had surgery in January for a knee issue that turned out to be more serious than initially expected. His recovery will take months, which means he likely will not be cleared by the time the new league year begins.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) stretches during warmups prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The tension between Crosby and the Raiders became obvious late in the season. The team shut him down despite reports that he wanted to keep playing.
That decision left some frustration on both sides, and it’s fueled speculation that bigger problems exist between the player and the organization.
Still, rumors tend to run faster than facts. Nothing concrete has come out yet, and Raiders fans would be smart to wait before treating the trade talk as inevitable.
Hammy McMillan and Bruce Mouat of Team GB face an early exit from the Winter Olympics after defeat by Canada [PA Media]
Team GB's Winter Olympics curling medal hopes are now in serious jeopardy after Bruce Mouat's world champions were beaten 9-5 by Canada in Cortina.
Arriving in Italy as gold-medal favourites, the British quartet have lost four of their eight matches in a round-robin stage full of maybes and might have beens.
Now, they must beat the United States in their final game on Wednesday (13:05 GMT) and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to reach Thursday's semi-finals and salvage their chances of a podium place.
The 2022 silver medallists have spoken all week of playing well, but coming out on the wrong side of the narrow margins. And that was the case again against their great rivals high in the Dolomites.
A shot here and a shot there was the difference, as Canada kept their shape better in the big moments and confirmed their own progress.
"That wasn't a game where we played well," vice-skip Grant Hardie told BBC Sport. "We made too many mistakes and we're running out of time to put it right.
"I think we can deliver the right result tomorrow and hopefully get into the semis."
Mouat's rink have an excellent record against Brad Jacobs' team, and beat them in the last four of the worlds last spring.
But the Canadians knew they could improve their own chances - and inflict a little revenge - and they started strongly, opening a 3-1 lead after three ends.
The British team are considered the world's best, though, and righted themselves. Capitalising on a slight drop off by their opponents, they took two themselves in the fourth and another two in the six to lead with four to play.
However, the clank of granite went against them in the seventh, an unfortunate bounce leaving Canada the chance of three, which they gladly took.
Mouat and his team needed to respond. They couldn't. Instead, they gave up a steal to leave themselves with a three-point deficit with two ends to play.
It was a deficit that they could not overcome. And now, their aspirations of upgrading their silver medal from Beijing are no longer in their own hands.
GB's women are also in a perilous position, and also must beat the United States on Wednesday (08:05), as well as Japan later in the day (18:05) and Italy on Thursday (13:05) if they are to scrape into the last four.
The first half had been even until the final 10 minutes, when Real Madrid began to up the ante, and had several efforts on goal, but Anatoliy Trubin was equal to them all. The half-time break appeared to have come at the right time for Jose Mourinho’s outfit.
Vinicius Junior opens scoring with incredible goal
However five minutes into the second half, Trubin was left helpless by Vinicius. Cutting in from the left side with a tight angle, Vinicius unleashed a stunning effort into the top corner.
Vinicius walks off the pitch in protest
However the drama was not finished. After an altercation with some of the Benfica players during the celebrations of the goal, the war of words continued. Vinicius was booked, but continued to speak with Gianluca Prestianni. The Brazilian then ran over to the referee, and appeared to say that he was racially abused.
Vinicius told the referee, after which the game was halted for the best part of 10 minutes. Eventually the game got back underway, with only a red card for someone on the Benfica bench.
Brentford Under-21s secured a 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at Wheatsheaf Park on Tuesday evening, snatching the win with a last-minute goal in the Professional Development League.
The visitors had taken the lead in a game of few clear-cut chances, but Brentford battled and their persistence paid off in the closing stages when Ethan Laidlaw calmly converted from the penalty spot and in the dying moments Michel Boni calmly slotted home to seal the win in a tough game.
The west Londoners edged the opening exchanges of the game but it was the young Addicks who took the lead in the game through Ibrahim Fullah. The attacker rolled his defender before striking past Julian Eyestone.
The chances were few and far between in a first period that lacked tempo from both sides following the goal.
The second period improved in intensity and a momentary lapse in concentration from the Charlton backline saw Laidlaw get a glimpse of the goal but Josh Laqeretabua made a goal-saving block to deny the winger what looked like a certain goal.
In one of their few ventures forward, Joseph Wheeler-Henry surged down the byline, beat his defender and was brought down inside the area to win a penalty. Ethan Laidlaw stepped up and confidently converted from the spot.
The goal gave the home side renewed belief and they almost took the lead through second-half substitute Luca Picotto who struck a well-timed shot which only just went wide.
With the last kick of the game, the home side grabbed the winner through Boni who had the simple job of putting into the net following fine play from Laidlaw who rounded the goalkeeper.
The Bees are next in action on Tuesday 24 February as they take on Watford away from home.
Grace Fisk of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Progress with Unity Stadium on February 01, 2026 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Kate McShane - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images) | WSL Football via Getty Images
When the WSL enters its March international break, Liverpool captain Grace Fisk will be available for selection for England’s matches against Ukraine and Iceland. The Lionesses will take the pitch in their Women’s World Cup Qualifiers ahead of the tournament kick-off in Brazil in 2027.
Fisk received her first call-up back in 2020 for the She Believes Cup under Phil Neville, with the English defender having recently returned to football in the UK after a spell in the US.
Prior to 2020 she had extensive experience with the English development teams, first appearing for her country at the U17 level.
She has yet to achieve her first senior cap, however, and will hope to feature in the build-up to the 2027 competition and the tournament itself.
Olympic figure skating may be nearing its conclusion. But there's still time for fireworks in women's singles, the biggest draw in one of the Olympics' biggest sports.
Twenty-nine stars will take the ice during the two-day competition, which will see skaters complete routines in short program and free skate. Few of those talents are as notable — at least as far as U.S. audiences are concerned — as American standout Amber Glenn.
The 26-year-old is something of an anomaly in the field. For starters, Glenn is older than most of her adversaries. She also is openly bisexual and pansexual. Her openness with regards to her sexuality has made her a hit for the viewing public, particularly those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community.
Moreover, Glenn's performances are artful. Her skating style is elegant. But it's also intense.
Glenn's personality comes out when she prances onto the ice. It's especially notable when a famous refrain spills from stadium speakers as she darts from one end of the rink to the other.
With that, here's what you need to know about Glenn's short program — namely, its soundtrack.
Why Amber Glenn uses Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' for short program
Glenn's song of choice for her short program is a familiar track to figure skating enthusiasts of a certain age. When she takes the ice on short, she does so with Madonna's 1989 smash hit, "Like a Prayer."
The song is an iconic one, the focal point in the beloved album of the same name that went on to sell more than 15 million copies worldwide. But it predates Glenn by 10 years. So, why did she feel so drawn to the ditty?
Glenn credits her choreographer, Catherine Hill, with the assist.
"'Like a Prayer' was a suggestion from my choreographer," Glenn told USA Today.
Glenn was initially unconvinced, associating the tune with a children's choir cover of the track that was featured during two sequences in the 2024 film, "Deadpool & Wolverine."
Hill was persistent in her push for Glenn to use the song, however. After parsing through the lyrics, Glenn was sold.
"Eventually, we really explored the meaning behind it and the passion that we could really pour into the program," Glenn said. "I'm really happy with how it came out."
Life is a mystery Everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like home
When you call my name It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer You know I'll take you there
I hear your voice It's like an angel sighing I have no choice I hear your voice Feels like flying I close my eyes Oh God, I think I'm falling Out of the sky I close my eyes Heaven, help me
When you call my name It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer You know I'll take you there
Like a child You whisper softly to me You're in control Just like a child Now I'm dancing It's like a dream No end and no beginning You're here with me It's like a dream Let the choir sing
When you call my name It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer You know I'll take you there
When you call my name It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer You know I'll take you there
Life is a mystery Everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like home
Just like a prayer Your voice can take me there Just like a muse to me You are a mystery Just like a dream You are not what you seem Just like a prayer, no choice Your voice can take me there
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there It's like a dream to me Just like a prayer, I'll take you there It's like a dream to me Just like a prayer, I'll take you there It's like a dream to me Just like a prayer, I'll take you there It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer Your voice can take me there Just like a muse to me You are a mystery Just like a dream You are not what you seem Just like a prayer, no choice Your voice can take me there
Just like a prayer Your voice can take me there Just like a muse to me You are a mystery Just like a dream You are not what you seem Just like a prayer, no choice Your voice can take me there Your voice can take me there Like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there It's like a prayer Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there It's like a prayer Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there It's like a prayer Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there It's like a prayer
Glenn wasn't the only person satisfied with her short program. Madonna praised the 26-year-old for her skating prowess on Instagram on Feb. 10, dubbing Glenn the "Baddie on Ice."
“So proud of this Baddie on Ice”
͢ Madonna shared Amber’s ‘Like a Prayer’ short program on her Instagram story! pic.twitter.com/Dkf03yQB4k
She went one step further ahead of Glenn's women's singles event. The "Queen of Pop" lauded Glenn in a video message shown to the figure skater by NBC Sports staff.
US figure skater Amber Glenn received a special message from one of her biggest fans... Madonna 🤩
"Amber Glenn, I just watched you skate to my song, 'Like a Prayer,' and I have to tell you, I was blown away by it," Madonna said. "You are an incredible skater. So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can't imagine you would not win."
Glenn was taken aback by the gesture.
"I'm in shock, I'm in complete shock." Glenn said as she watched the video. "I'm legitimately shaking. Oh my god."
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 7: Josh Hines-Allen #41 and Greg Newsome II #6 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate a turnover against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field on December 7, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
ESPN’s Matt Bowen updated his top-50 free agents currently set to hit the 2026 market, and he included the best team fits for each one of these individual players, too. One of these players, cornerback Greg Newsome II, was given the Green Bay Packers as his best fit, according to Bowen.
Here’s what he had to say about Newsome:
The Packers’ cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons’ injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme. That’s a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option.
Quarters Family: between 2nd and 3rd in the league
Man Coverage: between 24th and 25th
Traditional Zone: between 26th and 27th
The quarters family of coverages is technically a zone scheme, but it’s better described as a match coverage scheme. Really, Gannon’s defenses disproportionately want to play what amounts to man coverage downfield, but only after routes get about five yards of depth (and they use the quarters tree of coverages to get that done). It’ll be less about having eyes on the quarterback and more about having eyes on a receiver, even though the cornerbacks won’t be in press alignments often. To me, that’s different than traditional zone coverages (like Cover 2 or Cover 3), which Jeff Hafley called at the 8th-highest rate in the NFL over the last two years, where defensive backs really are just covering blades of grass instead of receivers and want to make breaks on the ball based on a quarterback’s body language.
While Newsome ranks as Bowen’s 34th overall free agent of this class, he’s ranked as the 103rd player on the consensus free agent ranking. There, he’s the 11th-ranked cornerback in 2026, compared to 4th for Bowen. Jamel Dean, who is the 18th-ranked overall free agent on the consensus board, did not make the cut for Bowen’s top-50 list.
Bowen also made some landing spot predictions for the Packers’ outgoing free agents:
#8 LT Rasheed Walker: Cleveland Browns
#13 LB Quay Walker: Washington Commanders
#17 QB Malik Willis: Miami Dolphins
#21 WR Romeo Doubs: Las Vegas Raiders
All four of those players should net the Packers at least a fifth-round compensatory draft choice in 2027 (with Rasheed Walker likely bringing Green Bay a fourth-round pick), as long as the team doesn’t offset their losses with free agent additions this cycle.
Russia and Belarus will have a combined 10 para athletes at next month's Milano Cortina Paralympics, the International Paralympic Committee said in a statement on Tuesday.
Both countries were banned from Paralympic competitions after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but regained full membership rights in the IPC after member organisations voted in September 2025 to lift their partial suspensions.
International federations for each sport on the Paralympic Games programme had said they would maintain bans on athletes from those countries, but Russia and Belarus won an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport back in December against the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
"Following the decision by IPC members at September 2025’s IPC General Assembly ... and December’s subsequent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision ... both NPCs were eligible to apply for bipartite slots through FIS for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in the sports of Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing and Para snowboard," the IPC said in a statement.
Russia will have two spots in Para alpine skiing, two in Para cross-country skiing and two in Para snowboard.
"NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Belarus has been awarded four slots in total, all in cross-country skiing (one male and three female)," the IPC added.
While the athletes can compete under their own flags at the Paralympics between March 6 to 15, a limited number of Russian and Belarus athletes are competing as independent neutral athletes without flags or anthems at the ongoing Milano Cortina Winter Games, with the Olympic Committees of the two nations still sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee.
😯 Racist abuse towards Vini Jr? Real match against Benfica halted!
What's happening in Lisbon? In the Champions League playoffs, Benfica is currently facing Real Madrid. After a goalless first half, Real took the lead through Vinicius Jr. in the 50th minute. Then things escalated on the field.
After a provocative celebration by the Madrid player, Benfica's Prestianni responded with some inaudible words towards Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian then angrily ran to the referee. Particularly noteworthy: Prestianni pulled his jersey over his mouth before speaking.
Referee François Letexier then activated the so-called racism protocol and sent both teams towards their benches. This led to scuffles between the teams. A Benfica official was even sent to the stands with a red card.
Subsequently, several teammates had to calm Vini Jr. down and encourage him to continue playing. It took over ten minutes before the game could resume. What exactly Prestianni said towards the Real star remains unclear.
The Colorado Rockies made a big free agent splash a few years ago, shortly after they let Nolan Arenado go in a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kris Bryant came to the Rockies on a huge $182 million deal through the 2028 season. But, once again, he's landed on the injured list and will miss significant time in his Rockies career.
Tomas Harding of MLB.com shared some very candid comments from Bryant, in which the third baseman revealed his stance on a possible retirement, and why he continues to make an effort to return for the Rockies in the face of so many injury issues.
Kris Bryant breaks silence on retirement, future with Rockies, MLB
"Rockies Kris Bryant says the pain in his back won't let him get to baseball activities," Harding reports, "but he continues to consult with doctors and trainers to see what can get him back to playing. He is not retiring, but sticking with rehab."
Bryant, the 34-year-old third baseman, isn't planning to retire just yet. He's still under contract for the next three seasons and is still trying to come back and play.
Since coming to the Rockies in 2022, Bryant hasn't played half a season yet. The most he's played in a season was 80 games in 2023, when he posted -1.0 bWAR with a .680 OPS.
His debut season with the Rockies was a bit more promising, with an .851 OPS and 128 OPS+ before he missed most of the year, playing only 42 games.
That 42-game season in 2022 was the second-most games he's played in a year with the Rockies. In 2024, Bryant played 37 games, putting up -0.7 bWAR with a .623 OPS. This past season, he had a .400 OPS with -0.5 bWAR in just 11 games.
After so many seasons of injury issues, it wouldn't be strange if Bryant retired. He's not planning to do so just yet, but when pressed about why he's still playing, and whether it's worth it to keep trying to come back, his response was very candid.
"I honestly try not to let myself get there, just because, like, when you're going through it every single day, you just try to make it day to day," Bryant said. "I think people out there with chronic pain, you don't want to think about so far in the future, because you're trying to get through the day. So I haven't let myself get there."
This situation for Bryant is a massively unfortunate one, as the former Chicago Cubs infielder, who looked to be on the Hall of Fame track, has had his career hit an abrupt stop since coming to the Rockies amid a chronic back injury.
Alysa Liu competes during the women's single skating short program at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Sarah Stier via Getty Images
MILAN — The Blade Angels have arrived in Milan.
Alysa Liu led Team USA’s much-heralded trio of skating women on the ice for Tuesday night’s short program. The two-time Olympian and reigning world champion, skated a graceful, near-flawless program to Laufey’s “Promise,” recorded a score of 76.59, which put her in second place as she left the ice to a standing ovation from the Assago Ice Skating Arena crowd.
“I kind of liked it,” she said as she skated off the ice.
Only a minor under rotation on a triple axel kept her from going to the top of the leaderboard, ahead of Japan’s Ami Nakai who scored a 78.71.
Isabeau Levito, skating to selections from movies starring Milan’s own Sophia Loren, followed Liu, beginning her routine with a triple flip into a triple toe loop. She executed the remainder of her routine with characteristic controlled, elegant precision. Levito earned a score of 70.84 to place her sixth with several skaters still to perform.
Glenn, Liu and Levito — who collectively have dubbed themselves the “Blade Angels” — rolled into the Milan Cortina Olympics with as much star power and medal pedigree as any figure-skating American women in recent memory.
No American woman has won an individual figure skating medal since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006. Sarah Hughes won gold and Michelle Kwan claimed bronze four years before that. The Blade Angels only have one combined Olympic appearance between them — Liu in 2022 — but together, they’ve amassed an impressive array of world and national championships.
“It’s very special that there’s a woman from figure skating representing each section of the country,” said Johnny Weir, Olympian and NBC commentator. “Isabeau Levito is from South Jersey to southside Philly. Amber Glenn is from Texas, and Alysa Liu from California, and I think it’s cool that there’s those three different perspectives and three different styles in each of those women.”
At the Olympics, they’ve had substantial downtime between events — or, in Levito’s case, before skating any events at all. Liu skated the short program element of Team USA’s gold medal-winning team competition, and Glenn the free skate element. But that competition ended more than a week ago, meaning they’ve been riding the rollercoaster of Olympic excitement and comedown.
They’ve been preparing for this moment, individually and as a group, for years. They know what needs to be said, know what needs to be done.
“As long as we do our programs to the best of our abilities, we cannot control the outcome,” Glenn said recently. “But I think the U.S. ladies have come so, so far in the last two decades, that if we do our jobs in Milan … then more than likely someone’s going to be up there.”
Now that the women’s competition is here, the Blade Angels have a fight on their hands. The event continues with the free skate program on Thursday, featuring the top 24 women from Tuesday night’s round, starting at 1 p.m. Eastern. At stake: a gold medal and immortality in the sport.
Tuesday's Irish Premiership match between Portadown and Cliftonville at Shamrock Park has been abandoned due to floodlight failure.
It had been an entertaining start to the game and the away side led through Joe O'Toole's stunning strike.
However, in the 41st minute, the floodlights failed at Shamrock Park.
After discussions, the players were then taken off the pitch while they attempted to fix the issue but efforts proved unsuccessful.
This is the second time this campaign that the side have had issues with their floodlights after the second half of their Boxing Day derby against Glenavon was delayed by 15 minutes after an issue with the oil filter.
Last season, Glentoran's match against Larne at the Oval was postponed following floodlight failure early in the second half with this match replayed in full at a later date.
"This evening's Sports Direct Premiership fixture has been abandoned in the 41st minute following floodlight failure," a statement from Portadown read.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused with further details released in due course."
Real Madrid's Champions League knockout phase play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior and his team-mates left the field.
After putting the Spanish visitors 1-0 up in the second half at the Estadio da Luz, the Brazilian forward was booked for an excessive celebration.
Following an interaction with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius ran over to referee Francois Letexier while gesturing towards the opposition player.
He then walked off the pitch and was followed by his Real Madrid team-mates, but play restarted 10 minutes later.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: A general view of the video board on stage with The Pick Is In with the Miami Dolphins 13th pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We move on to week three of our Miami Dolphins scouting mock draft. This seven-round projection for the Dolphins is not necessarily about finding the right selection at each pick, but about finding names who might be under consideration. We then take a closer look at what is being said about that player.
As such, I also rule out players who were picked during the last two mocks, because there is no reason to take a second look at a player yet. After the NFL Scouting Combine, I will add those players back into the pool to get an updated look at them with their combine results.
I use Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator to give me the structure of the projection, using the consensus rankings to see who will be on the board for each of Miami’s selections. Trades are allowed during this mock – but I do not create the trade, only respond if one is offered to me.
With that, let’s get into this week’s scouting mock draft:
The Dolphins released wide receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, a move that was expected but does leave the wide receiver depth chart wanting. Tate, who is widely considered the number one receiver on the board this year, falling to Miami at 11 seems ideal. He brings size to the position group immediately, adding a 6-foot-3, 200-pound target to the Dolphins’ offense. I do not know if he could actually be a consideration at 11, or if a team would try to jump up to grab him if he is falling like this, but if he is there, Miami might need not need to think about whose name should be on their draft card.
What they are saying:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Ascending “Z” receiver who continues to step out from the shadow of Ohio State teammate Jeremiah Smith. Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength. He builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks. He can win over the top on verticals or separate over the first two levels with route savvy and separation burst. Tate tracks throws at top speed and makes his adjustments to run under them. He combines timing, body control and catch radius to dominate air space and consistently lands on the winning side of contested catches. Pass catching comes effortlessly with soft, strong hands and he consistently works back on throws to keep ballhawks from hawking. Tate displays rare polish for a player his age and has the talent to become a heralded pro within his first three seasons. –
NFL Draft Buzz: Watch Tate’s tape and you see a receiver who wins with precision, body control, and an understanding of how to attack coverage rather than pure athleticism. Tate profiles as a classic X or movement-Z receiver who will thrive in the intermediate areas where timing and route discipline matter most. His ability to manipulate defenders at the stem, track deep throws, and come down with contested catches gives him a clear path to starting snaps early in his career. The question scouts will debate is whether he represents a true alpha receiver or an elite complementary piece.
Scheme fit matters here. West Coast systems and timing-based offenses will get the most out of what he does well. Tate excels in that 10-to-20-yard range where he can work against zone coverage, find soft spots, and convert third downs. His game reminds me more of Chris Olave than Garrett Wilson when looking at recent Ohio State products. He is a technician who separates with nuance, not a receiver who is going to run past NFL corners consistently. That is not necessarily a limitation, but it does define his role. The combine and pro day will be massive for his draft stock. If that 4.6 number holds up in Indianapolis, it could push him out of the top 15. But if he runs in the low 4.5s and proves the stopwatch wrong, watch his name climb boards in a hurry.
The production, the pedigree, and the polish are all there. Tate played opposite elite talent throughout his college career and still commanded targets when defenses had every reason to take him away. His championship experience, academic profile, and leadership qualities add to the package. There is a floor here that should comfort any team selecting him, even if the ceiling may not quite reach the special category. He is a Day 1 contributor with third-down value who should settle in as a productive starter for years. –
Damian Parson, Bleacher Report: Carnell Tate is next in the Ohio State pipeline of secondary wide receivers capable of emerging as a primary target at the NFL level.
Tate’s height and wingspan offer a quarterback-friendly target. He extends the catch point away from his frame and plucks the ball from the air. Tate is a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point. He has soft, reliable hands and excellent ball tracking skills.
Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Tate joined Ohio State’s program as a 5-star recruit in the 2023 class, per 247Sports. Tate thrives in the WR2 role in the Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense.
Carnell Tate is a ready-made deep threat with the most effortless ball skills in the class. He didn’t drop a single pass this season and hauled in 12 of 14 contested catches, according to PFF. –
Second Round
Pick 43 – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
I did not include an offensive line prospect in last week’s scouting mock draft until the seventh round. This week, I start early with the first of two players to add to the line for Miami. Iheanachor might be a developmental project who needs a little time before he hits his full potential, having only started playing football in college, but he has shown flashes that might make him a first-round pick and a Week 1 starter. If Miami were to select him here with the idea that he competes for the starting right tackle position with Austin Jackson and, if he does not win the spot, they are happy with him sitting for a year to continue to grow into the job. This might be a really strong canidadte if he is on the board in the second round.
What they are saying:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: An ascending, traits-heavy tackle prospect, Iheanachor is a former high school hooper and late-comer to football. He has good length and excellent lean mass. His hands and footwork need refinement, but his range and play strength should translate to any run scheme. There is work to do with pass-protection technique, but strong performances against Texas Tech’s rush duo last season and at the Senior Bowl suggest Iheanachor might be more game-ready than I previously anticipated. In a year light on high-end tackles, Iheanachor’s measurables, athleticism and upside could push him up the board.
NFL Draft Buzz: Watch any Arizona State game and you’ll see it within the first five plays: Iheanachor moves like no 325-pound tackle should be allowed to move. The feet are light, the hips are loose, and there is a natural athleticism baked into everything he does that you simply cannot teach. His pass protection numbers from 2025 tell you he’s already figured out enough to survive at a high level, and the Senior Bowl week confirmed that this wasn’t just a product of Big 12 competition. He held his own against legitimate NFL-caliber rushers in Mobile, and the buzz around him afterwards was well-earned. This is a player whose ceiling is genuinely scary in the best possible way.
Here’s the deal, though. The run blocking is a tier below the pass protection right now, and the technique still has stretches where it looks like a guy who’s only been playing football for five years. Because that’s exactly what he is. The hand placement wanders, the recognition against complex fronts wavers, and there will be possessions where he looks lost before snapping back into dominance on the very next series. That inconsistency is the cost of betting on upside over polish, and whichever team invests in him needs to understand that the bad reps are going to come, especially early. He had a 97.6% career pressure efficiency rate, which is strong, but the 16 penalties and occasional protection breakdowns remind you that the floor can dip when the processing slows down.
The ideal landing spot is a zone-heavy offense with a strong offensive line coach and enough veteran presence on the line that Iheanachor doesn’t have to carry the unit from day one. If he can sit behind an established starter or at least split time during his rookie year while refining his hand technique and protection calls, the payoff could be enormous. His physical tools and competitive fire put him in rare company among the tackles in this class. He is not the most polished blocker available, but he might have the highest ceiling of any of them. In a draft cycle thin on blue-chip tackle talent, that combination of traits and trajectory makes him a legitimate value pick.
Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report: Max Iheanachor is a relative newcomer to football and his lack of experience shows up in unrefined footwork, inconsistent leverage and some glaring losses. However, he has the frame and quickness to develop into a swing tackle and starter during his rookie contract inside a veteran-led NFL offensive line room.
Iheanachor is a 6’6″, 330-pound offensive line prospect, who entered the Arizona State program as a 3-star JUCO recruit in the 2023 class.
Iheanachor started 14 games at right tackle last season and five during the 2023 campaign. He was born in Nigeria where he played soccer and eventually excelled in basketball during high school. Iheanachor did not start playing football until his time at East Los Angeles College (JUCO) in 2021.
The big question is just how much development he will need to take a starting job. He’s only been playing football for five years and just three of those years are in a major college program. It’s possible that Iheanachor can win a starting job right away, but he may also need a year or two before he’s ready to start. While more old school evaluators will want to convert him to left tackle due to his athleticism, teams should view him as a right tackle prospect. Iheanachor has only played right tackle in college, and it isn’t worth it to try and reconstruct his technique for the left side. Instead, teams should keep him where he’s familiar and shorten his learning curve as much as possible.
Regardless, he has “first round” traits that border on “elite.” He might be viewed as a second round pick purely due to his inexperience, but his upside could well get him drafted in the first round. There’s a real chance that Iheanachor becomes the best tackle to come out of this draft class if he lands in a good situation with the right development.
Third Round
Pick 75 – Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan
Moore might not be the flashy, top prospect as an edge rusher this year, but he should be a solid contributor who can continue to develop as he gets more playing time. He is a better pass rusher than a run stopper, but he is not horrible against the run. He uses his explosion off the line as his primary pass rush move, but may find NFL offensive linemen are prepared for that. Getting playing time as a rotational edge while continuing development may be the right answer here.
What they are saying:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Edge prospect with good size and length. Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender. He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency. Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He’s strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it’s time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing. If Moore cranks up the fire on all three downs, he can become a good full-time player. Either way, he projects as a starter capable of racking up pressures.
K.C. Martinez, NFL Draft Buzz: Raw power matched with lightning quickness off the edge defines Moore’s game, but technical refinement stands between him and consistent production at the next level. His pass rush approach often hits a wall when initial burst doesn’t win, leaving him without counters when tackles anchor against his primary moves. The motor never quits, though. Moore runs with the kind of relentless energy that defensive coaches covet, chasing down plays from the backside and fighting through trash to affect quarterbacks. This effort partially masks technique deficiencies, particularly against the run where his pad level rises and compromises his leverage advantage. What makes Moore tantalizing is the foundation of physical gifts that can’t be taught – the bend, the burst, the frame. These traits will earn him early opportunities as a designated pass rusher while his every-down skillset develops. Creative defensive schemes will maximize his versatility by moving him around the formation, creating favorable matchups that leverage his athletic testing against less mobile blockers. Moore’s ceiling ultimately depends on how quickly he can translate his natural tools into refined technique – something that will determine whether he becomes an impact starter or remains a situational player at the next level.
Matt Holder, Bleacher Report:Derrick Moore is a well-put-together pass-rusher who did an excellent job of expanding his repertoire this season to have an impressive senior year. The 6’3″, 260-pound edge defender went from winning almost exclusively with speed to power to adding a nice inside counter move and becoming more explosive this season.
Moore went to Michigan as a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class and was a contributor off the bench, collecting a couple of sacks as a true freshman.
He got more playing time in Year 2, becoming an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection with 34 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks and two passes defended for the National Champs.
As a junior, the Baltimore, Maryland native became a starter and received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors again, collecting 23 tackles, six TFLs, four sacks and two PDs. This year, he cracked double digits in sacks (10), had 30 tackles, 10.5 TFLs and 3 PDs.
Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Moore projects as a rotational edge defender with scheme diversity at the NFL level.
Moore is the type of player that a defensive coordinator should feel good about having on the field in just about any circumstance. He can impact the run and pass, and is disciplined enough to avoid hurting your team. Moore also understands who he is and has tailored his game to fit. He doesn’t throw a huge variety of moves at blockers only to have few of them work. Instead, he’s a tight, focused rusher and a reliable run defender.
However, he is also somewhat limited as an athlete – at least compared to the elite at the position. That could prevent him from ever becoming a truly feared pass rusher, which might be enough to keep him from being a starter. That said, he should still be a very valuable player as a third edge who plays a high volume of snaps to both spell and play alongside starters.
Pick 87 – Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
The Dolphins’ defense under new head coach Jeff Hafley is likely going to run a lot of single-high safety looks, letting a free safety play center field while the strong safety is moved around the defense to create different looks and mismatches. Wheatley’s strong suit is playing as a single-high free safety. He is not pigeon-holed in that role, however, and could be used in coverage and as a run-supporter at times as well. He is not Minkah Fitzpatrick, but he does have some of the Swiss Army Knife traits.
What they are saying:
NFL Draft Buzz:Wheatley has all the tools NFL defensive coordinators covet in today’s passing league – the speed to erase mistakes, the instincts to create turnovers, and the versatility to handle multiple assignments. Watch him trigger from his deep alignment and close on intermediate routes, and you see a player who understands leverage and spacing at an advanced level.
His 6’2″, 200-pound frame combined with that blazing speed gives him the physical toolkit to match up with the league’s new breed of athletic tight ends and slot receivers. The film shows a player who processes information quickly, rarely gets fooled by misdirection, and consistently finds himself around the football. When he commits to being physical in run support, he can absolutely stone runners at the second level. The key word there is “commits” because the aggression comes and goes.
This is a solid starting safety prospect who should develop into a reliable contributor at the next level. The team that drafts Wheatley gets a versatile defensive back who can play strong or free, drop into the slot in dime packages, and occasionally roll down as a robber. He’s already shown the mental toughness to handle big stages, evidenced by his monster performance against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Give him a position coach who demands consistent physicality and a defensive coordinator who understands how to maximize his range and ball skills, and you’re looking at someone who can anchor a secondary for years.
Pick 90 – Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Hecht is a solid center. That is a great statement, and would give Miami a depth option for the position. They could look to use him at guard while serving as the backup center to Aaron Brewer, and he has the athleticism to pull from that position. He will need to add muscle to his build for the NFL level, but a solid interior offensive lineman here is a solid option for the Dolphins.
What they are saying:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com:Hecht lacks ideal mass and length but it will be hard to find a center in this year’s draft with better technique. He plays with well-placed inside hands that help maximize his leverage and core strength. All schemes are available to him but his athleticism will shine when activated in space. He stays sticky to blocks once he connects, but his lack of length will put him on the wrong side of the battle from time to time in both the run and pass phases. Hecht needs to add more muscle mass to his frame but he has the consistency and tape of a future starter.
Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report:Sam Hecht is a thickly built, sturdy, and alert presence at the pivot who won’t overwhelm or wow in space but has solid play strength and clear eyes to hold ground, sort movement, and keep the offense on schedule. Hecht’s mediocre power and recovery skills cap his ceiling, but his consistency on tape this year signals a high floor swing interior backup who can earn a starting job during his rookie contract.
Hecht is a 6’4″, 300-pound interior line prospect who entered the Kansas State program as an unranked recruit in the 2021 class.
Hecht is a two-year starting center who earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors from the coaches after 13 starts in 2024. He was born on April 3, 2003, and accepted his invite to the 2026 Senior Bowl.
Fourth Round
Pick 111 – Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Some will hate considering Raridon here because he has a major injury history – two ACL tears to the same knee in 2021 and 2022. But, he has performed well since those injuries and he could be a developmental option who will find early success if used the right way. He is a willing blocker who will get better with added strength. He makes his money as an inline tight end who can get into the seam and be a threat over the middle of the field. The tight end position has been a work in progress over the past several seasons, which could bring Raridon into consideration here.
What they are saying:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Projects as a “Y” tight end with the ability to play and produce on all three downs. In the pros, Raridon might spend more time with his hand in the ground than he did at Notre Dame. He blocks with solid technique and good tenacity but still needs to add muscle mass to his long frame. The Notre Dame passing attack opened him up on intermediate hash throws against zone but he also has sneaky build-up speed and ball skills to make catches down the field. Raridon needs more experience but is an ascending talent who should become the seventh Notre Dame tight end drafted over the last nine years.
NFL Draft Buzz:Watch enough tape on Raridon and you see a tight end who can contribute right away in specific packages while developing into something more substantial with proper coaching and strength work. His length and ball skills create real matchup problems attacking the middle of the field against zone coverage, exactly the type of weapon coordinators love deploying on second-and-six to generate explosive plays. The blocking has come far enough that he won’t hurt you out there, though asking him to consistently stone defensive ends one-on-one right now might be asking too much. Medical evaluation determines everything with this kid, but assuming doctors sign off on those knees, you’re getting a tight end who can handle three-down work within a couple years.
Raridon fits best in offenses that value vertical passing concepts and deploy multiple tight end sets where his blocking doesn’t need to be elite every snap. Teams running heavy play-action will love how he threatens safeties deep and opens up underneath throwing windows. That size and catch radius make him a legit red zone weapon who can win contested catches, though he’s more effective running past linebackers than boxing out defensive backs in tight quarters. Organizations that use athletic tight ends primarily as receiving weapons while mixing in enough blocking to stay balanced will maximize what he brings. Needs patience early to add functional strength and expand his route repertoire, but the athletic foundation and competitive streak suggest the investment pays off.
Can’t ignore the injury history during evaluations, and some teams will simply pass because two ACL tears on the same knee represent too much risk regardless of what the medical staff says. For organizations comfortable with the reports, Raridon represents solid value as a developmental Y tight end with slot versatility who provides immediate contributions as a receiving weapon. His ceiling depends entirely on how much quality weight he can add without losing his movement skills and whether those knees hold up under NFL punishment. The tape shows enough to warrant a selection somewhere in the fourth or fifth round range, understanding that patience will be required before he becomes a true every-down player. Basketball background suggests the body control and spatial awareness needed at the position, while his football bloodlines indicate he understands offensive line nuances better than most tight ends. Won’t be a star, but he can absolutely carve out a productive NFL career if the medical checks clear and he commits to the weight room work required to maximize that unique frame.
Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report:Eli Raridon has legitimate three-down ability, with a well-rounded game that will help offenses in the run game and add explosives through the air. He’s got the size and speed to be a mismatch against most defenders down the field, and he’s improving his functional strength to create movement on them.
Raridon is a former 4-star recruit who has spent his entire four-year career with the Fighting Irish and is seeing his role in the offense expand in the offense.
Coming into the season, Raridon amassed 16 catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns, but he’s been used as a seam weapon and mismatch for Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr this season. His length and frame give him a leg up on defenders with the ball in the air and as he continues to improve his blocking technique, he’ll be a useful tool in an NFL offensive arsenal.
Fifth Round
Pick 149 – Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
Under Mike McDaniel, Cameron probably would never even appear on the board. At 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, he is not the dynamic, sharp route runner who uses his speed to create separation. He is a bulldozer who is going to give the quarterback a giant target when needed. Cameron is not a number one receiver in the NFL, but he sure could be a major piece of an offense needing a possession receiver to make catches and fight for yardage. He could immediately be a major part of the special teams for the Dolphins, and he could be moved around the offense to take advantage of his size as a wide out, tight end, or running back.
What they are saying:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com:Cameron is built like a big running back and is not shy about using that size, strength and body control to rack up touchdowns in the red zone. He’s smooth in tracking and adjusting to throws. Drops are a rarity. However, he lacks suddenness to beat press and needs plenty of route work to avoid seeing a heavy percentage of contested targets. Proving he can move beyond the relatively simple asks of the Baylor offense will be critical if he is to become more than a backup. Cameron has traits but the development could take some time.
Damian Parson, Bleacher Report: Josh Cameron emerged as Baylor’s top threat in the passing game during the last two season. He combines impressive play-strength, contact balance and yards-after-catch creation to transition into an effective NFL playmaker.
The two-time first-team All-Big 12 wide receiver is a physical route-runner with elusiveness in the open field.
Cameron is a former 0-star recruit who developed into an NFL-caliber target and playmaker. He is a densely-built receiver, who resembles a running back. He projects as a WR2 or third option at the next level.
Nick Falato, New York Giants on SI:Josh Cameron possesses an important blend of short area explosiveness in a dense frame. Cameron uses his frame well at the catch point with solid adjustment ability outside his frame, especially on throws behind him on the horizontal plane.
He’s crafty after the catch with the necessary physical traits to run through arm-tackles. Baylor often used Cameron on deep overs and crossing routes and his football IQ allowed him to find vulnerabilities in zone coverage.
Cameron is also an elite special teams asset as a punt returner; he averaged 20.7 yards per punt return in 2024 and finished his college career with a 14-yard return average.
Cameron’s baseline special team traits will provide value to any team. His upside as a receiver, though, remains questionable due to his lack of elite athletic traits and questions about his ability to defeat press and run a multitude of routes. Still, there’s enough to roll the dice on when it comes to Cameron.
Sixth Round
No Picks
Seventh Round
Pick 227 – Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
The Dolphins need cornerbacks, so waiting until the seventh round to add someone to the position is not ideal – but again, this is not about making the right pick for Miami, but finding out who might be available at each pick. Canady is an interesting prospect because he might just be able to play everywhere in the defensive secondary. He is not the biggest cornerback, but he is extremely athletic and has the versatility to play boundary, field, and nickel or move back to play safety. He could be a chess piece moving around the defense and using his athleticism to make an impact.
What they are saying:
Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report:Jadon Canady builds his game around whatever the defense needs from him. Canady likely sticks at nickel cornerback in the NFL, but his versatility will be valuable at the next level.
He’s a highly versatile player bringing experience at safety, nickel, and cornerback to the defensive back room, along with his jitterbug energy level and physicality. He’s played for three colleges in his career and has made impacts at each stop along the way, and his experience made him a mainstay in Oregon’s defense in his redshirt senior year.
The former 3-star recruit and 3-star transfer is coming off an impressive 2024 at Ole Miss, where he put up a career high in passes defensed with 12. While he didn’t play every down for the Ducks, they wanted him on the field as much as possible to infuse the defense with his energy, football IQ, and toughness.
Angela Miele, Oregon Ducks on SI:With Canady’s performance through the 2025 season, the defensive back could have already boosted his draft stock. On top of his performance this season, Canady has been showing off his skills in the Shrine Bowl, and can continue to prove to the NFL why a team should select him.
Canady’s size, standing at 5-foot-11, could make him undervalued, but he could become an early pick on day three of the NFL Draft. What will make him a key asset to whichever team selects him is his versatility. Being able to rotate around the secondary and with his speed, he can be a steal for a team.
Florida basketball has looked like more than just a top-15 team. Nationally, the Gators are getting talked about like a real threat to make a deep run in March.
ESPN's Jay Bilas created rankings of the best 68 teams in college basketball and placed Florida at No. 7, signaling how much Todd Golden's team has stabilized after an early stretch that tested it against high-level competition.
Bilas notes that Florida took several early losses by two possessions or fewer, and the growing pains showed up most in the backcourt with turnovers and inconsistent perimeter shooting. Now, his read is that Florida has turned that corner and belongs in the contender tier.
The biggest reason is the frontcourt. Bilas grouped the Gators with the Michigan Wolverines and Arizona Wildcats as teams with the best big-man groups in the country, and pointed to Thomas Haugh as the engine behind that physical identity.
For Florida fans tracking the bigger picture, that is the headline: this team has the size and consistency to win in different ways, and it is starting to get evaluated like a legitimate NCAA Tournament factor, not just a good SEC story.
It's a sign of how far Florida has come as the season has taken shape. Here is everything Bilas wrote about the Orange and Blue.
What Bilas said about Florida
"The Gators played an incredibly difficult early-season schedule, and they took some losses, all of them within two possessions. Guard play was the issue, including turnovers and perimeter shooting difficulties — no real surprise, given that it's hardly easy to replace one of the best backcourts in SEC history.
"Yet throughout the early season, Florida made steady progress and seemed so close to being a legit contender. Well, this is a legit contender. The Gators are competing with Michigan and Arizona for the nation's best frontcourt, and Thomas Haugh is the engine behind that quartet of behemoths."
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While the season isn’t over, it already feels safe to say the future is bright for North Carolina next season.
That’s because five-star point guard Dylan Mingo committed to the Tar Heels on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday. Mingo chose UNC over Baylor, Penn State and Washington. For a program trying to bridge the gap between its current core and whatever comes next, this is the kind of recruiting win that can steady everything.
The wait is over: 5-star combo guard Dylan Mingo has officially committed to #UNC.
Mingo, who’s the No. 8 player in the ‘26 class, is Hubert Davis’ third top-10 commit and fifth top-12 commit since 2023. pic.twitter.com/Xto8JpAYT1
Mingo is not just another blue-chip guard. He’s a consensus five-star, ranked the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2026 class, the No. 2 combo guard and the No. 1 player in New York, according to 247Sports. He’s the kind of player you build around — and the kind of player North Carolina needed to land.
He’s not coming alone to Chapel Hill either.
UNC already has a top-25 recruit in forward Maximo Adams, who could slide into the role Caleb Wilson is expected to vacate when he leaves for the NBA after this season. On paper, Adams and Mingo give the Tar Heels just two high school commitments in the 2026 class. In reality, they represent two top-25 talents at positions of clear need.
That number — two — is where some fans might get stuck. How can North Carolina, with all its history and all its resources, stop at just two high school recruits?
In today’s game, there are two simple answers: the transfer portal and returning experience.
In the backcourt alone, Luka Bogavac, Isaiah Denis, Derek Dixon, Kyan Evans and Jonathan Powell are all expected back. The only guard currently set to depart is Seth Trimble, who is out of eligibility. That’s a lot of continuity for a team adding a high-usage guard like Mingo.
Up front, outside of Wilson, the Tar Heels still have options, too. Zayden High, Jarin Stevenson and Henri Veesaar all have eligibility remaining. Like Wilson, Veesaar is drawing NBA interest, with some mock drafts projecting him as a late first-round pick — roughly the basketball equivalent of a late second- or third-round pick in the NFL draft. He could return, but his stock has been trending in the right direction.
Following Dylan Mingo's commitment, here's UNC's updated scholarship chart
That’s the balancing act North Carolina faces now. The staff has to prepare for multiple scenarios: What if Veesaar leaves? What if another underclassman tests the draft waters more seriously than expected? What if someone surprises everyone and comes back? What if a couple of players decide to transfer?
That’s where the portal comes in.
If there are holes on the roster this spring — and in the modern ACC, there usually are — the Tar Heels will do what they’ve already shown they can do: turn to the transfer portal. It’s how they added important pieces like Stevenson and Veesaar in the first place. It’s how they can complement Mingo and Adams without overloading the scholarship count.
In that context, taking only two high school recruits isn’t a sign of complacency. It’s a sign of a program that understands how roster-building actually works in 2026.
A lot of credit has to go to Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, who has landed two top-25 recruits at two positions of need next season. The Tar Heels lacked a true point guard this season and have now found a potential replacement for Wilson. Now he and general manager Jim Tanner have to do the same through the transfer portal.
Could they be the key pieces to keep UNC among college basketball’s elite? Time will tell, and the Tar Heels still have to get through this season.
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Lindsey Vonn reflects on the state of her health after arriving home from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The ski racer detailed her experience at the event after she dropped out of the contest due to an injury she sustained during her stay in Italy.
Lindsey Vonn has since undergone surgeries after the brutal ski incident, which reportedly severely affected her tibia, drawing hundreds of sympathies from concerned fans all over the world.
Lindsey Vonn Breaks Silence On Immobility
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The athlete issued a statement on her X account, noting that she has not stood on her feet in over a week due to being in a hospital bed and thus immobile since the race.
"And although I'm not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing. Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me," she concluded.
Vonn's post was received with positive reactions from fans who praised her for representing the country so proudly while putting her best foot forward.
"Welcome home. Even from a hospital bed, it must feel amazing to be back on familiar soil. Huge respect for pushing through, wishing you a smooth recovery," a commenter noted.
Another well-wisher urged her to take her rehab treatment seriously, emphasizing that such risks are expected due to her status as an athlete and also because greatness never comes easy.
The Ski Racer Admitted Her Participation In The Winter Olympics Was A Risk
Breaking her silence on the situation, US Weekly reported that Vonn informed her fans that her fourth surgery went well and she would like to place some things into the right perspective.
First, she urged her fans to ditch the sad tributes and remain empathetic to her situation with the understanding that she took a risk by going for the competition.
Vonn noted that despite tearing her ACL a few days before the event started, she went in, knowing full well that every skier in the starting gate took the same risk. She noted that even the strongest skier in the world is at the mercy of the mountains and their wishes.
The skier was indeed competing at the World Cup race in Switzerland on January 30 when she tore her ACL, nine days before the winter Olympics started. In an Instagram announcement, Vonn had assured her fans that after extensive consultations, intense therapy, and physical tests coupled with skiing lessons, she was good to go.
The Ski World Cup Winner Praised Team USA In An Emotional Post After Her Surgery
Jeremy Smith/imageSPACE / MEGA
On February 11, The Blast shared that Vonn took to Instagram to tell a deeply personal story about her injury and subsequent surgery, which happened in several phases.
The painful encounter unfortunately ended Vonn's journey in the competition. In a series of images shared on her Instagram, Vonn lay on the hospital bed flanked by medical equipment, her injured leg held by an external fixator, and an encouraging thumbs up from the superstar.
The athlete emphasized that since the injury, success has taken on a new meaning for her, and she has gotten more appreciative of the subtle progress she has been making.
The second image showcased Vonn interacting with the treatment nurse, while the third image spotlighted the overwhelming support received by the athlete so far in carts of colorful flower arrangements.
Vonn was filled with gratitude to the USA team, who stood by her side through the difficult days and continued to give a performance worth cheering for as they carried on without her.
Inside Lindsey Vonn's Painful Crash At The Winter Olympics
The 41-year-old suffered the crushing crash during her Olympic final run, where she lost control after speeding on a hill and crashing into one of the plastic markers lining the track. As shared by athletes, the right leg reportedly hit the ground first and caused a ruckus in the snow as the force threw her forward.
As if that was not enough, Vonn tumbled yet again and slammed her shoulder into the slope before the chaos ultimately ended. Medical crew quickly rushed to the scene as onlookers watched with panic in their eyes and intense concern for the sport star.
Vonn was subsequently airlifted off the mountain by a helicopter and transported directly to the hospital for emergency treatment. A medic who attended to the athlete on the spot detailed that she was in a lot of pain, and the nature of her injury warranted the airlifting.
The legendary skier made her debut in the Olympics over two decades ago in 2002 at Salt Lake City. According to Today, she also competed at the Winter Olympics in 2006, 2010 in Vancouver, and 2018 in PyeongChang.
She missed out on the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 due to a knee injury and made up for it with her fifth appearance at the Milan Cortina Games, although short-lived.
Vonn is a celebrated ski star, with three Olympic medals to her name and the record as the only American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the event in 2010. She won two bronze medals in the super-G and the downhill categories in 2018.
She announced her retirement in 2019, stating that her body was "broken beyond repair" and robbing her of the final season of her dreams. In 2024, she announced her comeback to The New York Times, noting that she had begun training with the United States ski team.
Manchester City insider provides Abdukodir Khusanov future update after position preference comments
A wide-ranging report has revealed whether Abdukodir Khusanov can expect to play a major role for Manchester City next season.
The 21-year-old has impressed under Pep Guardiola since joining from RC Lens for £33.5 million in January 2025 in the wake of a defensive crisis, having made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Blues in his first 12 months at the Etihad Stadium.
Khusanov made a horror start on his full debut for Manchester City in a 3-1 win over Chelsea, making an error less than three minutes into his first start just days after flying to England to allow Noni Madueke to give the west Londoners an early lead.
The Uzbekistan international’s display improved as the first-half went on but Khusanov was taken off for John Stones after 54 minutes, though he has since turned the ship around and gone above and beyond to establish himself as a very capable and reliable deputy to the likes of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in defence.
Khusanov had played 1,589 minutes for Manchester City this season as the Blues vie for silverware on four fronts in the second half of the campaign, having progressed to the Carabao Cup final, FA Cup fifth round and the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
While he is not first choice as of yet for Guardiola, John Stones’ injury-ravaged season has allowed Khusanov to pick up minutes in central defence as well as full-back now and again, though Matheus Nunes seems to have made the right-back position his own this term.
City endured another personnel crisis in defence this January, with Gvardiol and Dias going off with injury in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea to force club officials to recall academy graduate Max Alleyne from loan at Watford and close a £20 million deal to bring Marc Guehi in from Crystal Palace.
Ruben Dias made his first start for Manchester City since January in a 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham last week, with Stones also returning to the starting XI in a 2-0 FA Cup triumph over Salford City at the weekend.
Stones is expected to leave Manchester City when his contract expires in June, with Nathan Ake also facing an uncertain future with just over a year left on his own deal. Alleyne is expected to stay put and be integrated fully into the first-team setup next season.
City will be well-stocked in defence come the end of the season and it is worth asking where Khusanov will rank in Guardiola’s pecking order when the Catalan would also have all of Dias, Gvardiol, Stones, Ake and Alleyne at his disposal.
Khusanov has made it clear he prefers to play in central defence over right-back and despite the competition for places at the back, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News has noted that the Uzbek star can expect to play a key role and gain enough minutes in his preferred position as Manchester City compete on all fronts again next season.
Guardiola has waxed lyrical of Khusanov’s adaptation of life in England in recent months and the Manchester City manager will no doubt look to lean on the assured central Asian star in the run-in, now that Dias and Stones have returned to action.
The Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup is nearly set, with seven teams confirming qualification and one final berth still to be decided.
From Group A, India advanced in dominant fashion, winning all three of their matches.
Group B saw Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe progress after Zimbabwe’s final league game against Ireland was washed out in Kandy. The shared points eliminated the 2021 champions Australia, who cannot catch Zimbabwe on the table.
From Group C, England and West Indies qualified, while Group D representatives are New Zealand and South Africa.
That leaves Pakistan in a must-win situation against Namibia. Victory will send Pakistan through and complete the Super 8 lineup. Any other result will confirm their elimination.
However, there are further permutations. If Pakistan lose, United States national cricket team will qualify. The Netherlands national cricket team also remain mathematically in contention — but only if they defeat India by a massive margin. The challenge for the Netherlands is their net run rate of -1.352, compared to USA’s healthy +0.787, making qualification highly improbable unless there is a dramatic swing in results and NRR.
Super 8 Qualified Teams
India (Group A)
Sri Lanka (Group B)
Zimbabwe (Group B)
England (Group C)
West Indies (Group C)
New Zealand (Group D)
South Africa (Group D)
One spot remaining: Pakistan (if they beat Namibia).
If Pakistan lose: USA qualify.
Netherlands need a huge win over India to stay in contention (NRR factor).
Super 8 Groups
The eight teams will now be split into two further groups in the Super 8 stage:
Super 8 – Group 1 (G1)
India
Zimbabwe
South Africa
West Indies
Super 8 – Group 2 (G2)
TBA (Pakistan/USA/Netherlands)
New Zealand
Sri Lanka
England
The top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the semi-finals, setting up the final sprint towards the T20 World Cup 2026 title.
Victoria Mboko continues to go from strength to strength on the WTA Tour, where she is one of the most exciting players right now.
Mboko has a 13-4 win-loss record in 2026 so far, with her fine efforts including a run to the finals of the Adelaide International and the Qatar Open.
The 19-year-old fell short of a third career title on both occasions, having lifted the trophies in Montreal and Hong Kong in 2025.
Mboko had planned to compete at this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships, but injury has ruled the Canadian out of the WTA 1000 event.
Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Victoria Mboko follows Jennifer Capriati in rapid WTA rise
Mboko has, however, received very positive news amid her injury blow, having just broken the WTA Top 10 for the first time in her career.
Last January, she was remarkably ranked 333rd on the WTA Tour, but now finds herself as the new world number 10.
It’s a rise reminiscent of tennis Hall of Fame member Jennifer Capriati, who also enjoyed a rapid climb towards her rivals.
At 350 days, Mboko has now enjoyed the fastest rise from a Top 200 debut to Top 10 since Capriati in 1990, who took 203 days.
Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
What did Jennifer Capriati achieve on the WTA Tour?
It’s a superb achievement from Mboko, although it does also highlight just how remarkable the career of Capriati was.
The American made it all the way to the top of the WTA rankings, and finished her fantastic career with 14 titles.
That included three Grand Slam titles – two at the Australian Open and one at the French Open – and an Olympic gold medal.
She impressively beat fellow legends Martina Hingis and Kim Clijsters in those major finals, after overcoming Steffi Graf at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
27 Jan 2001: Jennifer Capriati from the USA takes the Australian Open Trophy on a lap of honor after winning the Final of the Australian Open Tennis Championships against Martina Hingis from Switzerland played at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.Capriati defeated Hingis 6-4, 6-3. Mandatory…
Mboko will now be eyeing a hugely successful career too, although the teenager must simply take each tournament as it comes at this stage of proceedings.
She has dealt with her rise superbly thus far, and really doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.
Mboko has already etched her name into her nation’s history, becoming just the fourth Canadian to break the WTA Top 10.
She has joined Carling Bassett-Seguso, Eugenie Bouchard and Bianca Andreescu on that exclusive list.
BREMEN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 14: Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich applauds the fans as he is substituted off for teammate Nicolas Jackson (not pictured) during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and FC Bayern München at Weserstadion on February 14, 2026 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Harry Kane is setting the world on fire. Since coming to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, the striker has been breaking records and playing himself into Ballon d’Or conversations. He is also one of the top earners at the club, and his contract expires in 2027.
Asked if Kane’s contract will be extended, ex-Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeneß said: “Yes, I would definitely make that clear. Harry is a stroke of luck for us. Due to the fact his release clause for summer 2026 has now expired and his contract now runs until summer 2027, we are currently under no pressure.”
The comments came as part of a wider interview on Bild that you can read here (paywalled).
Uli’s statement shows that, despite the fact that Kane is 32, the club is planning to keep him long term. The England captain shows no signs of decline, and it’s possible that his most productive years are still ahead of him. Extending him could net FC Bayern at least three or four more world class seasons.
If that costs a little bit more money, so what? It’s Harry Kane we’re talking about. He deserves every penny.
The historic game has virtually no rules and no referee is involved [PA Media]
Hundreds of people have enjoyed watching a Shrovetide football match as part of a tradition dating back to at least 1762.
The event, in Alnwick, Northumberland, is played on the fields by the River Aln after a procession from the castle.
Several hundred people cheered the players on, with organisers saying it had been a fantastic day carrying on the yearly tradition.
Players representing the parishes of St Michael's and St Paul's attempt to get the ball through large goals known as hales. This year, St Paul's was victorious winning 2-0.
Here are some of our favourite pictures from the action.
The fields were very wet and muddy [PA Media]The football is brought to the pitch by a procession [PA Media]Shrovetide football used to be played in towns around the country [PA Media]The Alnwick Shrovetide Football Committee keeps the tradition going [PA Media]
Red Bull Salzburg coach Thomas Letsch stands on the touchline during the Friendly soccer match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and FC Bayern Munich at the Red Bull Arena. Sven Hoppe/dpa
Austrian leaders Red Bull Salzburg parted ways with German coach Thomas Letsch on Tuesday after they lost and drew their last two league games.
They lead Linzer ASK only on goal difference.
"After careful analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Red Bull Salzburg need a new impetus," sporting director Marcus Mann, who has only been in his post six weeks, said in a statement.
Letsch is paying the price for not winning the league last season when the Austrian heavyweights were pipped by Sturm Graz.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28: New England Patriots cornerback Brandon Crossley (37) walks to the field during New England Patriots training camp on July 28, 2025 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A member of the 2025 New England Patriots rookie class has circled back ahead of the new league year.
The organization announced the re-signing of cornerback Brandon Crossley on Tuesday, bringing the list of futures contracts to 14.
Crossley, 25, first arrived in Foxborough as an undrafted free agent last spring. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound corner played 79 snaps on defense during his rookie preseason on the way having a hand in six tackles, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
After being let go by New England at the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline in August, Crossley cleared waivers and signed to the practice squad at its formation. He returned in November and was released leading up to the AFC wild card versus the Los Angeles Chargers.
Crossley handled 13 starts, 35 tackles and one interception in 2024 at Southern Methodist. The former All-ACC honorable mention spent five years with the Mustangs after beginning his collegiate run at Colorado State in 2019. Across 66 appearances between the programs, he registered 146 tackles, six interceptions and returned both a pick and a fumble recovery for touchdowns.
The Patriots previously reached futures contracts with wide receivers Jeremiah Webb and John Jiles, tight end Marshall Lang, offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, guards Mehki Butler and Andrew Rupcich, defensive tackles Leonard Taylor III and Jeremiah Pharms Jr., linebackers Amari Gainer and Otis Reese, as well as safety John Saunders Jr. following Super Bowl LX. Later last week, running back Elijah Mitchell and offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez headed back to Gillette Stadium on deals for 2026.
Eight members of the AFC champions’ final practice squad have since become street free agents after having their contracts expire.
VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey have formed quite a backcourt duo this season for the Philadelphia 76ers, and their chemistry appears to extend beyond the court based on recent comments by the two at NBA All-Star Weekend.
The third overall pick helped set the tone for the three-game tournament as they eyed the title for their Hall of Fame coach. Edgecombe also wanted to put on a show for his All-Star teammate, who was courtside to watch the festivities at the Intuit Dome.
"Tyrese is my dog, man," Edgecombe said after the game. "He was like, he ain't coming to watch it if I ain't going to play hard. I was like, man, I'm going to play hard, so that's not a waste of his time. I didn't want to waste his time. I know he has a whole lot of stuff he could probably be doing right now, especially being an All-Star. Tyrese is my dog. I love him."
POV: You are Tyrese Maxey watching VJ Edgecombe sink the game-winning free-throws to win @CastrolUSA Rising Stars 🤳
Edgecome and Maxey, who are combining to average 43.8 points per game, have helped lead the Sixers to a 30-24 record, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference. Edgecombe is third among all rookies in scoring, while Maxey ranks sixth in the league.
With the arrival of Edgecombe, along with the contributions of Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes, among others, the Sixers have already surpassed their win total (24) from a season ago after battling injuries all year long.
Maxey, in hindsight, recognized that, as tough as last season was, he likely needed to experience it as part of his overall development in the league. However, as bad as it was, it enabled the organization to draft Edgecombe, which should pay off in the long run.
"The outcome was VJ Edgecombe, who is like a little brother to me now, you know what I mean?" Maxey said on Saturday. "He is great, man. Not just basketball-wise, but for our team personality-wise and culture-wise for our organization, and things that we're trying to turn around. I feel like this year we've done a really good job of turning things around."
This week, Niblett was back, addressing the team and emphasizing the importance of staying focused and having the right vision.
"Vision's gonna fuel you, it is gonna give you a focus," Niblett said. "If your vision is right, your focus will be right...When you have the right vision, you will have the right finish...There's one thing we want to do here and that's win. Whatever it takes."
🔥 Powerful. Coach Niblett. Vision. Inspiring the Team 💛🦬
"Vision's gonna feul you. Its gonna give you focus. When you have the right vision, you will have the right finish. There's 1 thing we want. Win. Whatever it takes" https://t.co/p88ceVUOqCpic.twitter.com/JCcs8FFkqO
Niblett continues to deliver the program with lively, inspirational speeches that clearly draw on his background as an elite high school head coach in the South.
While he has been addressing all position groups over the past month, Niblett, focusing this spring and into the fall, will be getting the most out of a tight end unit that was severely underutilized last season.
Vinicius Junior walks off pitch after alleged racist abuse
Football took a back seat for a few minutes in Lisbon.
Benfica and Real face off in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs this Tuesday. Real opened the scoring against Benfica five minutes into the second half.
Vini Jr. scored a stunning goal after getting past Dedic and firing into the top left corner of Trubin's goal. The Brazilian celebrated with a little "samba" dance in front of one of the corner flags. This earned him a yellow card for possible "disrespect."
📸 FILIPE AMORIM - AFP or licensors
Such a celebration left many Benfica players dissatisfied, and fans started throwing various objects at the Real Madrid star.
Afterwards, Vini Jr. reported being the target of racist abuse, prompting the anti-racism protocol to be triggered.
It is not possible to confirm whether it was a Benfica player or a fan who acted in this way. The match was halted for a few minutes, including a conversation between Vini and Mourinho.
Developing effective and widespread anti-racism protocols has been a major emphasis by global football over the past decade.
While FIFA has championed its three-step process of pause, halt, and abandon a match affected by racial abuse, critics argue that in practice this has not achieved the desired effect.
One of the most troubled regions plagued by instances of such abuse is the Spanish professional league, where a number of black players have reported being subjected to chants, insults, and other targeted abuse across multiple spheres, including at matches, on social media, and throughout daily life.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been vocal in his demands for authorities to stamp out racism, even calling for Spain to be stripped of hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup if the problem is not tackled sufficiently.
Perhaps they have heeded those calls at last. The Spanish federation, along with La Liga, became the first to adopt a new anti-racism procedure in fall of 2024 which FIFA hopes will become standard across all leagues and competitions around the globe.
FIFA has implemented a new gesture for referees and players to signal that racial abuse is occurring during a game.
Per the new guidelines from soccer's governing body, players and referees will have the ability to cross their arms at the wrists in an X to signal an instance of racist abuse. Players may use it to get the referee's attention, while referees can use it to indicate to the viewing public what has occurred.
Should this happen, the referee will immediately begin the three-step process already in place to handle racial abuse. The first of the three steps is to pause the game until the abuse ends, and should it not, the next two steps of suspending the match and abandoning the match will be taken in appropriate measure.
"By crossing their hands at the wrists, players can signal directly to the referee that they are being targeted by racist abuse, prompting the referee to start the anti-discrimination three-step procedure," FIFA explained in its anti-discrimination announcement.
Additionally, if the referee notices or identifies racial abuse themselves, they can also use the gesture to signal that the three-step process is being adopted.
In leagues where the guidelines are adopted, players are able to utilise this gesture when being targeted by racial abuse.
The crossed arms will signal to referees that they are the target of abuse and allow the official to take appropriate action.
Referees themselves can also use the gesture to signal that the match is being affected by racist insults and that the three-step protocol has been initiated.
While nothing fundamental is changing with this guideline, what it will hopefully do is to allow for greater transparency for viewers, which in turn will, theoretically, force referees to take more immediate action when abuse occurs.
As it stands, discussions about racist abuse on the pitch between players and officials are often difficult to identify in the moment, and thus referees can waver in their ability to implement the three-step process. Under this guideline, everyone will immediately know a player has been abused, which will put pressure on the referee to react promptly.
During the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Antonio Rudiger informed the referee of racial abuse by a Pachuca player, at which point the official signaled such by crossing his arms during the stoppage.
O árbitro Ramon Abatti Abel fez o sinal do protocolo antirracismo após uma discussão do Rudiger com o argentino Gustavo Cabral.
— Papo de Boleiros 🇧🇷 (@_papoboleiros) June 22, 2025
When did La Liga, FIFA implement the 'no racism' gesture?
As no specific timeline for implementation was given by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) at the moment of publication, it appeared that La Liga will begin implementing this part of the anti-racism procedures immediately, and that was indeed the case.
"The Royal Spanish Football Federation, together with La Liga, will incorporate the gesture for racist incidents that was approved at the last FIFA Congress held in Bangkok into the Protocol for Action on Public Incidents," said the RFEF in a statement. "An agreement was adopted unanimously to continue fighting racism together and efficiently."
Spain has witnessed a number of instances of racial abuse at football matches, with high-profile incidents both during and around La Liga matches. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has often been the target of racial abuse and has been an outspoken critic of what he considers to be the country's systemic issue with racism. Most notably, Vinicius posited that Spain should lose the right to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup if the problem isn't stamped out.
Steps have been taken towards reducing the problem. In June 2024, three men were jailed for racially abusing Vinicius in a match between Madrid and Valencia at Mestalla in May 2023.
The Brazilian posted on X: "Many people asked me to ignore it, others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just 'play football'. But, as I've always said, I'm not a victim of racism. I am an executioner of racists. This first criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me. It's for all black people.
"Let the other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I'll be here to call them out. Thank you to LaLiga and Real Madrid for helping to bring about this historic condemnation. There's more to come."
Do any other leagues use the 'no racism' gesture?
By the end of the 2024/25 European season, no other top leagues used the crossed-arms gesture, but La Liga was not the first worldwide competition to implement the process.
The gesture is in place at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which is currently in action in Colombia.
It was then implemented for all subsequent FIFA competitions, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States where the Rudiger incident took place.
Vinicius Jr racially abused during Champions League match
Replays showed Gianluca Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt before saying something to Vinicius in the aftermath of his celebration, at which point the Real Madrid star immediately runs to inform the referee what he has heard.
At that point, French referee Francois Letexier made the crossed-arms gesture to indicate there had been racial abuse, and the match was stopped for nearly 10 minutes as the situation was resolved.
How the incident played out in full:
▪️ Vinícius Júnior scores a worldie strike. ▪️ He is booked for celebrating overtly. ▪️ Gianluca Prestianni says something to Vini. ▪️ Vini then charges over to referee who initiates the racism protocol. https://t.co/wUMWvXvRtUpic.twitter.com/2zAag49es1
Throughout the stoppage, Vinicius Jr refused to continue playing the match, and multiple Real Madrid players protested the continued involvement of Prestianni in the match proceedings.
Eventually, the game resumed in the 61st minute, but there was a tense atmosphere in Estadio da Luz as the game continued. The CBS Sports broadcasters commented shortly after that "some of the air has been sucked out" of the match environment with what occurred.
During his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Alabama head coach Nate Oats officially revealed an injury update on Crimson Tide forward Taylor Bol Bowen prior to the Tide’s matchup against Arkansas.
Oats revealed that the junior is likely labeled as day-to-day ahead of tomorrow’s contest. The talented forward was unable to practice yesterday, per Oats, and the Tide could turn to a multitude of playmakers should Bol Bowen be unable to play. The forward has played a crucial role off the Tide’s bench throughout the entire 2025-26 campaign, as Bol Bowen would prove to be a major loss against an extremely talented Arkansas team.
Oats took a moment to share an in-depth update on Bol Bowen’s injury, as the Alabama head coach claims the forward’s length and athleticism could play a major role against the Razorbacks on Wednesday evening.
“Taylor is kind of day-to-day,” Oats said. “He didn’t practice yesterday at all, and today, we had a real light practice that he went through parts of it. We’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow. It’d be great to get him, though, because we need some length and athleticism in this game. So, it’d be great if we get him back."
Bol Bowen currently averages 7.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in his first season with the Crimson Tide. The forward transferred to Alabama following two seasons at Florida State, as Bol Bowen has flashed his true potential on numerous occasions this season.
Alabama will host the Arkansas Razorbacks at Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday evening, as Bol Bowen’s status for the matchup remains up in the air.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, for the past handful of years, have been stuck between being good, but not good enough to win it all.
And that leaves the franchise in the middle of nowhere. They aren't bad enough to get a top draft pick to replenish the roster, and they aren't good enough to cash in and win the Super Bowl.
With Mike Tomlin out and Mike McCarthy in, there was a thought that things could be changing for the franchise, but with Aaron Rodgers rumored to be open to a return in 2026, this has a familiar feel to it for Steelers fans.
And ESPN's Jeremy Fowler stated on SportsCenter over the weekend that he doesn't expect a swift resolution to Aaron's future, and because of that, the Steelers are in between a rock and a hard place.
They have to wait on Rodgers before making any decisive moves at the quarterback position, and as we know, time is money in the NFL.
Is Rodgers the quarterback to get Pittsburgh a Super Bowl trophy in 2026? I think we know the answer to that, don't we? Is the franchise content with being there or thereabouts next season, without actually challenging?
It appears so.
Fans might like to see Will Howard get a shot because even if it doesn't work out and Pittsburgh goes 4-13 in 2026, at least it is something different. If Rodgers returns in 2026, we know what we are getting, and that is a team that won't be seen as a contender.
So, as the franchise waits on Rodgers, they find themselves in quarterback purgatory, and that isn't a spot any organization wants to be.
Why not rip the band-aid off and go in a different direction?
In the interview, which aired during a break in NBC's coverage of figure skating's women's short program, Malinin said it's been an "up and down" last few days for him since his disastrous performance in the men's free skate Feb. 13 that saw him lose the chance to a second Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
He also disclosed that he's received a handful of texts and calls from several decorated athletes, like Simone Biles and Tom Brady. Snoop Dogg also reached out.
"It's honestly been a lot of ups and downs, and of course, following the free skate, it was a little hard at first and trying to realize what happened and how devastating it really was. But looking back at it, I got so much love, so much support, and everyone was there for me, had so many different people reach out to me," Malinin said.
"Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Biles, Snoop. I'm honestly just so honored for that and I feel like it just made my day, honestly."
Both Biles and Brady have been spotted in Milan during the 2026 Winter Games, including in the figure skating arena. Biles, who has won 11 Olympic gymnastics medals during her illustrious career, stood and applauded Malinin with her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens as the first-time Olympian struggled through his free skate performance
Malinin also disclosed that after giving himself a day, he did look at the influx of support messages that he received on social media following his short program.
"I gave myself one day just to kind of be in my own zone, be in my own space, but after that, I kind of just went online, see what people say, and a lot of positive messages, a lot of just love, a lot of just support...," Malinin said. "It just really hit me and it's a reason why I love this sport so much because no matter what happens, it doesn't define who you are as a person. And I think everyone realized that that night and I'm just super grateful to have the support from my team, my fans, my parents, who are also my coaches, and it's just wonderful."
The 21-year-old entered the free skate in first place in the men's singles event, but a few falls and mistakes during his free skate program dropped him all the way down to eighth overall, a shocking result for the "Quad God."
While he didn't win his individual program, Malinin is still walking away from his first Olympics as a gold medalist, as he helped deliver Team USA back-to-back gold medals in the team event.
"It's definitely something that will help me not feel the worst from my Olympic experience, and really just shows how grateful I should be for even stepping on the ice for that team event," Malinin said on helping lead Team USA to gold in the team event. "It was something that I was not sure that I was going to do, but making the decision pretty close to the deadline. I am so grateful that me and all the other teammates we fought and put so much energy, all of it into that game, and it's what gave us this gold medal, and I'm never going to forget that."
Araujo Must Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face VfB Stuttgart
After back-to-back injury-time victories against Livingston and Kilmarnock in the Premiership, Celtic must regroup for Thursday night’s Europa League encounter against VfB Stuttgart. They hold home advantage in the first leg of the playoff round, but their performance needs to improve to match the German side’s standards.
Stuttgart are fighting for a Champions League berth, as the heavyweights like RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are still behind in the Bundesliga standings. While the priority must be to maintain their league position, Sebastian Hoeneß’s men are well capable of making a deep run in Europe, overcoming the Parkhead test before eliminating the Scottish champions at Neckarstadion.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Vfb Stuttgart
Defence
Viljami Sinisalo has been knocking on the door with some decent Cup outings, yet Martin O’Neill is expected to rely on Kasper Schmeichel’s experience in this high-voltage European tie.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 29: Callum McGregor of Celtic interacts with Auston Trusty after the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Julian Araujo has been a revelation since his January move. The on-loan Bournemouth right-back netted a stellar last-gasp winner against Killie, and his flair as a fullback makes him an assured starter over Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston amid Alistair Johnston’s long-term injury. Although Araujo has been included in the Hoops’ Europa League squad, Benjamin Arthur, the other January recruit, misses out despite a lack of depth in the heart of the backline. Liam Scales and Auston Trusy must continue as the central defensive pair; however, fit-again Marcelo Saracchi should be restored down the left, having impressed since his return from injury. Kieran Tierney could be brought in the second half, exercising gametime management to avoid fitness woes.
Midfield
Celtic are lacking depth in the centre of the pitch following Arne Engels’ injury. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has not been registered either, thus forcing O’Neill to rely on Reo Hatate, even though the Japanese ace has struggled of late as a ‘number 8’. Benjamin Nygren, known for his poaching traits, is irreplaceable, as the Swedish star could also switch to a ‘number 10’ role if the gaffer decides to shift Hatate deeper and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Callum McGregor. The skipper must exhibit his expertise as a deep-lying playmaker, whereas Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo are likely to wait for opportunities, being fringe options in the middle of the park.
Attack
Tomas Cvancara must return to the starting XI and spearhead the attack ahead of fellow January recruit Junior Adamu. Daizen Maeda should be shifted down the right, as the in-form Sebastian Tounekti deserves a first-team spot, proving his worth in recent weeks. Besides Adamu, James Forrest and Yang Hyun-jun, as well as Kelechi Iheanacho, might be involved as ‘super subs’, but the club decided not to register Joel Mvuka and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, even though they are fit enough to feature, unlike Callum Osmand and Jota.
Kalulu on Juventus collapse and Bastoni apology: ‘It’s a pity’
Pierre Kalulu insists Juventus cannot hide behind alibis after their 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray, and wants to put the Alessandro Bastoni incident behind him. ‘It’s a pity.’
The Bianconeri had been leading 2-1 at half-time in the first leg of this Champions League play-off, with a Teun Koopmeiners brace overturning the early Gabriel Sara goal.
They went 3-2 down and a man down after the restart, crumbling to a 5-2 loss that gives them a mountain to climb in the second leg on February 25.
Kalulu surprised by Juventus collapse
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Davinson Sanchez of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“Goals keep coming from our own errors, but the most difficult thing to swallow was the second half performance overall,” Kalulu told Sky Sport Italia.
“Even with a red card, we should not have allowed all those scoring opportunities. We need to figure out what happened tonight, but it’s in the past now and in football you must be able to quickly move on to the next match.”
Gleison Bremer limped off with an injury in the first half, while they were also missing Jonathan David, Emil Holm and Dusan Vlahovic. Was the strain of their recent run of big matches to blame for this capitulation?
“No, you cannot hide behind fatigue when dealing with a Champions League fixture. That’s just the way it went today, it’s very difficult to work out what went wrong, but we’ve got to lift our heads and do better in future.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Kalulu was in all the Italian headlines this week after his red card in the 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter, as the second yellow was for a Bastoni simulation.
“Obviously, I was very irritable after that incident, but it is better not to talk too much, because sometimes it doesn’t really help. I just have to focus on the pitch, there are others who can talk about these matters.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano shoots and hits the post during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Champions League: Monaco strike twice early, PSG level by half-time
Paris recover to level 2-2 by half-time in Monaco
Champions League: Monaco strike twice early, PSG level by half-time
Monaco led PSG 2-0 through Folarin Balogun but Paris recovered to make it 2-2 at half-time at Stade Louis II on 17 February.
Monaco start fast, Balogun strikes twice
AS Monaco shocked Paris Saint-Germain in the opening minutes of Champions League playoff first leg in Monaco on Tuesday 17 February scoring after 55 second.
Folarin Balogun headed in from close range after a cross by Aleksandr Golovin giving Monaco an early 1-0 lead.
Monaco doubled the advantage in the 18 minute. PSG lost the ball, Maghnes Akliouche played through pass and Balogun finished low past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov for 2-0.
PSG miss a penalty, Then find a way back
PSG had a big chance to reduce the gap in the 22 minute but Vitinha saw his penalty saved by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn after the spot kick was given for foul by Wout Faes on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Paris kept pushing and got their reward in the 29 minute. Désiré Doué who had just come on for Ousmane Dembélé in the 27 minute scored from the left side of the box after assist by Bradley Barcola to make it 2-1.
PSG then pulled level in the 41 minute when Achraf Hakimi finished from the right side of the box to make it 2-2 before the break.
At half-time, PSG had 77.3% possession and led the shot count 11-6, with 5-3 shots on target.
Monaco picked up two yellow card while PSG had none in first half.
This match is first leg of Champions League playoff, with the return game set for Wednesday at Parc des Princes.
No matter what type of pack-ripper you meet, you can count on being asked the same question: Who do you collect? But what is a collector to do when their favorite player gets traded to a different team? What about a new arrival who takes the team to the next level—but has a rookie card featuring a rival’s jersey? There’s no Fanatics Jersey Assurance in the Hobby, and even if a trade—or Super Bowl win—spikes the price of your card, it might not look right in your display case.
Now that the dust has settled on both NBA Free Agency and the Super Bowl, the team at Mantel took a look at their personal collections to shine a light on the 3 different paths collectors can take when General Managers and big games move the market.
The Team Player
Let’s say you’re like me: a sad Chicago Bulls fan forever tethered to the team thanks to a combination of Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, and a slew of other players who could rock the Madhouse on Madison any day of the week. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself attached to Coby White, the #7 overall pick in the 2019 draft. As he grew into his own, I built a collection around the rising star combo guard. Naturally, I gravitated towards his rookie cards, from RPAs to graded autos—a Noir Shadow Signatures /99 and a Contenders Silver Auto /49, just to name a few.
Then, the day before the trade deadline, my sweet prince is moved to his hometown team. Not only have my cards begun to drop in value, but my shrine display case looks a little… off… now that Coby’s no longer a Bull. Do I sell, take what I can get, and use those funds to buy similar cards from one of the squad’s rising stars like Matas Buzelis—or admit that the Bulls are a poverty franchise and commemorate the glory days by sticking to Jordan cards?
There are worse players to collect than Matas.
Whether you’re a sad Bulls fan like me or a Seahawks fan basking in the glory of that Super Bowl win, the most team-friendly approach is to stick to cards featuring players on their current team. Do the 12s really want a card featuring Darnold wearing Gotham Green? Sure, his rookie cards will always hold the highest value, but if you’re trying to commemorate Darnold’s career comeback, you certainly don’t want to stare at a Jets card. Thankfully, fans have a few options to consider:
Panini NFL Score – 1st of the Line – $125: Is it fair to call this Darnold’s “Seattle rookie card”? It reads oddly, that’s for sure, but grabbing the first-ever card featuring the redheaded QB in a Seahawks jersey feels like it fits the bill.
Panini Phoenix Auto – $275: This set has never screamed “high-end,” but if there ever were an appropriate term for the QB’s career, it was a fiery bird rising from the ashes. It features Darnold in a Seahawks jersey, comes in some nice numbered editions, and can have a (sticker) auto, too.
Panini Prizm Draft Legends – $299.99: I can’t imagine U Dub fans being too thrilled with anything SoCal, but hey, when it comes down to USC and the Jets, maybe the Trojans are the lesser of two evils.
Panini Immaculate – $2,125: For the fan who has had season tickets since the team landed in the PNW five decades ago. This deserves one of those fancy levitating display cases from Airtime.
The Investor
Sure, James Harden is now playing for his sixth team, but maybe this time’s the charm! With the NBA Trade Deadline seeing the bearded former MVP jump ship from LA to Cleveland, fans in “The Land” have a real shot at making it out of the (admittedly weak) East. And while purists wait for Topps to print cards featuring Harden in a Cavs jersey, investors have already jumped on the news.
Over on Alt, Harden is up 1.7% over the past 30 days—not exactly a glowing review of the Cavs’ chances of beating the Thunder, Nuggets, or Rockets, but something to consider given that rookie cards for the future Hall of Fame hooper regularly command thousands of dollars.
Another intriguing example involves former Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen and his new counterpart, Jaren Jackson Jr. After years of borderline abuse toward their fans, the Utah Jazz might finally be turning the corner; they made a splash at the deadline by trading for a star forward and putting together a depth chart that looks, dare I say, good. While the 30-day average for Jackson cards is down 5.3% on Alt—likely due to his season-ending knee surgery—if you’re as hyped as analysts about the prospects of the 2026-27 Jazz, now might be the time to buy into Lauri—or JJJ—rookie cards. In fact, since the trade, five JJJ cards have sold for $1,000 or more on eBay (six, if you count this beauty that went for $990).
The Hobby is a game to some, but for investors out there, staying ahead of the curve is key, and that means taking risks on rising stars. Sometimes it really is about the long game.
The Fan Favorite
Some root for their home team. Others are only in it for the money. But for a select few, it’s all about one thing: their favorite player.
PCs come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most fascinating ones you’ll see here on Mantel revolve around a single athlete—whether that’s a star like new Wizards center Anthony Davis or a small (but mighty) player who rarely makes it onto the court, like 5’7” Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura. In the case of the latter, I would pay stupid sums of money to have a signed copy of a card featuring his jump ball win against 6’5” Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Make it happen, Topps!
These types of collectors are attached to a player in a way that few of us will ever understand. Maybe the player had a magical NCAA tournament run for the collector’s alma mater. Maybe it’s a beloved franchise cornerstone that embodies the organization. Regardless, they’ve got display cases filled with rainbow parallels, rookie cards, and everything in between.
Normally, this angle is all about connecting with a player. However, in some cases, it can impact the market, as is the case with the famous Pokémon collector who is trying to purchase every Kabuto card. Or, you can become Internet famous by cornering the market for Steven Adams cards.
Personal collections come in all shapes and sizes. That’s one of the beauties of this whole card thing. But just like opening up a hobby box, this isn’t for the weak. There will be wins, losses, trades, and more. The cards come and go, but thankfully, there’s always something new to share on Mantel.
Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone pictured during a press conference of Spanish soccer team Atletico Madrid, in Brugge, on Tuesday 17 February 2026. Tomorrow, they will play against Belgian team Club Brugge, a first leg game in the Knockout phase play-offs of the UEFA Champions League tournament. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images) | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Ahead of Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge, coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media for a pre-match press conference.
Simeone was asked specifically about his defenders, and this season’s first-choice pairing of Marc Pubill and Dávid Hancko, of whom he said “I think it’s clear what both of them can contribute, as first and foremost, they have good positional play, I think they both fit in very well on the pitch because of their characteristics.
“They’re both fast, both good at bringing the ball out… They need to improve in some areas, like all footballers, obviously but contributing to this stage of the championship, which is doing the team a lot of good,” he said.
Simeone further broke down the defensive options at his disposal after rotation against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend led to an ugly 3-0 defeat.
“In the last match, José María Giménez didn’t play badly, Clément Lenglet didn’t have a good night, but we’re there trying to get everyone in the best shape, because Dávid Hancko and Marc Pubill alone aren’t enough for everything that’s coming.” Simeone said. “The team belongs to everyone, not just 10 players.”
Diego Simeone on Álex Baena
“He always has a positive attitude, with a willingness to always give his best and a talent that sets him apart from the other midfielders we have. We need more from him and obviously we are going to demand what we see he has.”
Simeone on his personal reflection of the season
“I have a thought that I recently confirmed with my mum after my dad’s death (in 2022), because my mum was calm, she was at peace, and I said to her: how can you be so calm? Dad died. It’s because I gave everything, she told me. I gave all the love I had. That’s why I acted the same way when I had to stop playing and today, in reality, I have no need to look back and say: oh, I’d like to play. No, no, no. When I had to be there, I was there. When I had to play, I played. And when I had to give everything, I gave it. Sometimes I did well, sometimes I did badly, but I always gave 100 percent. And that gives me the peace of mind and tranquillity to face my life, to live in the same way my mum taught me.”
Simeone on motivation and consistency
“The players always go out there motivated. It’s very difficult for a player to go out and play badly. Koke said it, there are times when things go better; the team has a pattern and confidence in their play, and there are games when they don’t. It happens in several leagues. In these past four games, good things and bad things happened to us.”
Simeone on the Champions League
“Watching the Champions League, having always played in it, all the teams are good. There aren’t any bad ones. All the situations that can generate that strength generate calm. All teams are capable of generating that. Like all Champions League matches, especially away from home, we’ll have to play a tough and difficult match and try to get the result we want.”
MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 31: Amare Bynum #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes goes up for a shot on Nolan Winter #31 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half of the game at Kohl Center on January 31, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers look to complete a regular-season sweep of the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday, February 17th. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM on Fox Sports 1, and the Badgers are 1.5-point favorites.
The Badgers now find themselves ranked in the AP Poll for the first time since late November, thanks to a dominating win over then-No. 10 Michigan State, 92-71. The Badgers’ defense was stellar in limiting Michigan State star Jeremy Fears Jr. to only 14 points on 3-of-12 shots from the floor. Nick Boyd was the player of the game for Wisconsin with 20 first-half points and finished with a team-high 29 points in the victory. On Monday, Boyd was named Player of the Week by the Big Ten Conference.
Turning our attention to Ohio State, what has changed for the Buckeyes since our last meeting at the Kohl Center?
Opponent Preview
It has been one step forward and one step backward for Jake Diebler and Ohio State. After their 92-82 loss on January 31st in Madison, the Buckeyes alternated wins at Maryland and at home against USC with losses at home to Michigan and on a neutral court to Virginia. Their 70-66 loss to Virginia in Nashville last Saturday drops them to 0-8 in Quad 1 games and keeps them on the outside looking in for the NCAA tournament.
A big reason why Ohio State has lost its last two games has been rebounding. The Buckeyes were outrebounded in their 82-61 home loss to Michigan, 43-31, and in their loss to Virginia, 43-26.
Bruce Thornton continues to lead the Buckeyes, averaging 20.5 PPG since their loss to Wisconsin. The senior guard has been the leading scorer for Ohio State in their last three games, including a 28-point performance in that loss to Virginia.
The Buckeyes will likely be without second-leading scorer John Mobley Jr., who sustained a hand injury in their 89-82 win over USC back on February 11th. Taison Chatman got the start in Mobley Jr’s sport against Virginia and scored four points on 2-of-5 shots from the floor.
Score Prediction
The Badgers should expect a desperate Buckeyes’ team to play with energy right from the start in front of their home crowd. This is an Ohio State team that needs every win it can gather, or they will miss the NCAA Tournament for the fourth-straight season. That will not sit well with the folks in Columbus.
Wisconsin comes into this game having won four of its last five games at Value City Arena and has shown it can win major road games under Greg Gard. If the Badgers can contain Thornton and win the rebounding battle, then they will come out of Columbus with another road victory.
His posts prompted a lot of response, including one from Indiana Pacers president Kevin Pritchard, not about tanking but about the NBA fan experience.
Cuban's initial post said the NBA should "embrace" tanking, primarily because it gives the fans of losing teams hope. He also emphasized that teams should prioritize the fan experience, so that more people attend and enjoy NBA games, even if their favorite team is struggling.
"The one way to get closer to (the playoffs and championship contention) is via the draft," he wrote. "And trades. And cap room. You have a better chance of improving via all 3, when you tank."
He contends fans aren't too concerned with tanking. (Spelling, punctuation sic)
"You know who cares the least about tanking , a parent who cant afford to bring their 3 kids to a game and buy their kids a jersey of their fave player"
Why the NBA should embrace tanking -
The NBA has kate been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way.
When I got into the nba, they thought they were in the basketball business. They…
This discussion applies to the Pacers this season. They are among five teams with no more than 15 wins at the All-Star break. The NBA fined them $100,000 for leaving key players out of a recent game when, in the league's view, they should have been on the court.
In their final game before the All-Star break, the Pacers rested several key players and trailed the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter before rallying to win.
If the Pacers have picks Nos. 1-4 in the upcoming draft, they keep their pick. However, because of a recent trade they made with the Los Angeles Clippers, they lose their first-round pick if it falls in the Nos. 5-9 range.
Teams with the four worst records in the regular season each get a 14% chance of winning the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, scheduled for May 10. The chances of getting the top pick progressively dwindle from there.
NBA worst records at All-Star break
Team
Record
Sacramento Kings
12-44
Washington Wizards
14-39
New Orleans Pelicans
15-41
Indiana Pacers
15-40
Brooklyn Nets
15-38
Mark Cuban on the NBA salary cap
Cuban's second post had opinions about the NBA's salary cap structure, arguing that getting a top draft pick is by far the best way to build — or rebuild — a team.
Tanking Part 2: Why it’s “worse” now
1. College basketball players are pros. They are paid for performance more than potential. So while the nba values younger players who will continue to develop , they are now playing against bigger, better, higher BBIQ players because…
He concluded with this (spacing, punctuation, capitalization, etc., are sic):
"You can’t tell the truth to your fans.
"If instead , you could say “ this team isn’t what we thought it would be. Injuries. Whatever reason. Our scouts think this upcoming draft is really really good. Top 6 could be all stars. Top 12 strong rotation players. Maybe a break out player.
"We can’t sign a player for more than the tax payer mid level and even then , not the full amount because we are so close to the 2nd apron.
"If we can get a top 4 or 5 pick , we actually can pay that rookie more than we can pay anyone else in the nba. Yes we have to make some moves, to slot him in, but worst case we can (waive and) stretch one or more players.
"Our goal is to win a championship. We are never going to get everything right , but this is our strategy. We wanted to be straight up with you.
"We will be having a strategy session with our season ticket holders (I had these all the time ) and I’ll answer all your questions. And then after that we will have the same with all fans.
"This wasn’t the season we wanted or expected , but I promise you that whoever is on the floor will be playing their hearts out."
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard chimes in
Pritchard chimed in recalling his first NBA fan experience and how it sparked his desire to be involved with the league.
"i went to my first Pacer game with my two buddies when we were 10 years old. Was just an incredible experience but for the life of me I can't remember who won. I do remember, however, seeing Don Buse and Billy Knight up close and i was in awe. From that day forward I wanted to be in the NBA."
Quick note Dustin - i went to my first Pacer game with my two buddies when we were 10 years old. Was just an incredible experience but for the life of me I can't remember who won. I do remember, however, seeing Don Buse and Billy Knight up close and i was in awe. From that day…
His posts prompted a lot of response, including one from Indiana Pacers president Kevin Pritchard, not about tanking but about the NBA fan experience.
Cuban's initial post said the NBA should "embrace" tanking, primarily because it gives the fans of losing teams hope. He also emphasized that teams should prioritize the fan experience, so that more people attend and enjoy NBA games, even if their favorite team is struggling.
"The one way to get closer to (the playoffs and championship contention) is via the draft," he wrote. "And trades. And cap room. You have a better chance of improving via all 3, when you tank."
He contends fans aren't too concerned with tanking. (Spelling, punctuation sic)
"You know who cares the least about tanking , a parent who cant afford to bring their 3 kids to a game and buy their kids a jersey of their fave player"
Why the NBA should embrace tanking -
The NBA has kate been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been that way that way.
When I got into the nba, they thought they were in the basketball business. They…
This discussion applies to the Pacers this season. They are among five teams with no more than 15 wins at the All-Star break. The NBA fined them $100,000 for leaving key players out of a recent game when, in the league's view, they should have been on the court.
In their final game before the All-Star break, the Pacers rested several key players and trailed the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter before rallying to win.
If the Pacers have picks Nos. 1-4 in the upcoming draft, they keep their pick. However, because of a recent trade they made with the Los Angeles Clippers, they lose their first-round pick if it falls in the Nos. 5-9 range.
Teams with the four worst records in the regular season each get a 14% chance of winning the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, scheduled for May 10. The chances of getting the top pick progressively dwindle from there.
NBA worst records at All-Star break
Team
Record
Sacramento Kings
12-44
Washington Wizards
14-39
New Orleans Pelicans
15-41
Indiana Pacers
15-40
Brooklyn Nets
15-38
Mark Cuban on the NBA salary cap
Cuban's second post had opinions about the NBA's salary cap structure, arguing that getting a top draft pick is by far the best way to build — or rebuild — a team.
Tanking Part 2: Why it’s “worse” now
1. College basketball players are pros. They are paid for performance more than potential. So while the nba values younger players who will continue to develop , they are now playing against bigger, better, higher BBIQ players because…
He concluded with this (spacing, punctuation, capitalization, etc., are sic):
"You can’t tell the truth to your fans.
"If instead , you could say “ this team isn’t what we thought it would be. Injuries. Whatever reason. Our scouts think this upcoming draft is really really good. Top 6 could be all stars. Top 12 strong rotation players. Maybe a break out player.
"We can’t sign a player for more than the tax payer mid level and even then , not the full amount because we are so close to the 2nd apron.
"If we can get a top 4 or 5 pick , we actually can pay that rookie more than we can pay anyone else in the nba. Yes we have to make some moves, to slot him in, but worst case we can (waive and) stretch one or more players.
"Our goal is to win a championship. We are never going to get everything right , but this is our strategy. We wanted to be straight up with you.
"We will be having a strategy session with our season ticket holders (I had these all the time ) and I’ll answer all your questions. And then after that we will have the same with all fans.
"This wasn’t the season we wanted or expected , but I promise you that whoever is on the floor will be playing their hearts out."
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard chimes in
Pritchard chimed in recalling his first NBA fan experience and how it sparked his desire to be involved with the league.
"i went to my first Pacer game with my two buddies when we were 10 years old. Was just an incredible experience but for the life of me I can't remember who won. I do remember, however, seeing Don Buse and Billy Knight up close and i was in awe. From that day forward I wanted to be in the NBA."
Quick note Dustin - i went to my first Pacer game with my two buddies when we were 10 years old. Was just an incredible experience but for the life of me I can't remember who won. I do remember, however, seeing Don Buse and Billy Knight up close and i was in awe. From that day…
If I want to take a stroke-and-distance penalty under Rule 18.1 for a tee shot that I don’t want to find (or look for), my understanding is I can if I don’t declare it a provisional. Am I also correct in thinking that I can’t re-tee it? If not, do I drop the ball or place it?— Fred Erickson, via email
Fred, your understanding was correct, right until it wasn’t.
On the first point, yes, if you played from the teeing area and don’t want to find the ball, you can take stroke-and-distance relief and play again from said teeing area.
Regarding not being able to re-tee, wrong: Per Rule 6.2b, you can do so — again, you just need to play the ball from within the teeing area, whether on a tee or on the ground, as you prefer. It may not always pay to look for your ball, but it always pays to look up the appropriate rule.
For more tee-related guidance from our guru, read on …
A friend and I reached a tee box with only one marker. We played from where we thought was reasonable, guessing at the other marker’s location. Was that okay? — Warren Ayala, Anthem, Ariz.
In match play, you and your opponent (or friend or frenemy) can agree on how to decide the issue.
In stroke play, where the distinction becomes more important, contact the committee. Not reachable? Per Rule 6.2b(4), use reasonable judgment to try to play from the two club-length rectangle based on the front and outside edges of the tee marker. Clever committees will dot tee markers’ positions with spray paint for this eventuality.
Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.
The Canadians have a massive rest advantage ahead of the quarter-final matchup with Czechia, who they’ve already handily beaten 5-0 in Group play. This might be the best Canadian team ever iced, and finding an anytime goal scorer with this elite group is easy pickings. Another half-dozen goals is very possible.
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The biggest storyline from Tuesday’s Team Canada skate was the absence of Nathan MacKinnon, officially called a “maintenance day,” though it comes after the late hit he took vs. France — the same sequence that led to the Tom Wilson fight.
If MacKinnon sits, Bo Horvat could move up the middle into a stronger offensive role. A potential unit with Brad Marchand and Seth Jarvis would offer far more scoring upside than the Brandon Hagel / Nick Suzuki / Sam Reinhart line.
Horvat’s speed has already flashed in this tournament, producing two goals despite limited usage — including the third tally in Canada’s 5–0 win over Czechia in the opener.
The second line of Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, and Sidney Crosby has quickly become a trusted trio for coach Jon Cooper, who dubbed them “the stabilizers” at practice this weekend.
Stone and Marner already show strong chemistry — helped by Stone’s Vegas familiarity — and the usage could climb even higher if Nathan MacKinnon sits, pushing this unit into a clear No. 2 role.
Stone logged just 13 minutes last game, but a jump into the 17–19 range is realistic. He’s scored in two of three games, has already beaten Lukáš Dostál in the tournament, and remains a net-front matchup problem for Czechia.
Let’s keep hunting for value with a Canadian long shot in the third spot. There are plenty of options, but we’ll go straight to the bottom of the board for the longest price at +1500 on Devon Toews.
He may be known for his defensive work, but Toews is logging heavy minutes alongside Cale Makar and already found the net against France. With Josh Morrissey working back from injury, this top pair could push well beyond 20 minutes. At this number, Toews is a worthwhile lottery ticket with real ice-time upside.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Winter Olympics showcase some of the most exciting sports, with bobsledding standing out as particularly thrilling.
Athletes race down icy tracks by pushing a sleek sled before jumping in and sprinting to beat the clock.
This sport demands incredible skill and strategy, but the high speeds and steep slopes make it especially exhilarating and daring. This year, the United States proudly sends 14 talented bobsledders.
Two notable competitors were Frank Del Duca and Josh Williamson. They were aiming to end a long dry spell for the U.S. in this event – the last time America won a medal in the 2-man bobsled was a silver in 2014.
Yet, Germany once again dominated, and the United States missed the podium. This marks the second consecutive Winter Olympics where Germany swept the bobsled events.
The Sporting News tracked live results and highlights from the USA's Frankie del Duca-Josh Williamson in the 2-man final.
Olympics bobsled live updates, highlights from 2-man final
3:46 p.m.: Ammour and Schaller put up a 3:41.52 for Germany, which at least guarantees them a medal. The USA will not win a gold medal, and Germany will sweep the podium.
3:44 p.m.: Frankie del Duca and Josh Williamson have potentially their best run and put themselves in the top spot, but it will all come down to what the Germans do.
3:41 p.m.: Tentea and Iordache timed in at 3:42.60 for Romania, which guarantees them a top 5 spot.
3:38 p.m.: Vogt and Ndiaye of Switzerland came in at 3:42.60, securing a spot in the top ten.
3:36 p.m.: Baumgartner and Mircea for Italy had a huge run of 3:42.67. This places the Italians well within the top 10.
3:34 p.m.: Kalenda and Miknis come in at 3:42.68 for Latvia. This locks them into a top-10 spot on the leaderboard.
3:32 p.m.: Hall and Greenwood representative of Great Britain, time in at 3:43.43, which drops them out of the top 10 on the leaderboard.
3:29 p.m.: Treichl and Bertschler of Austria started off the top 10 leaderboard in Heat 4 with a time of 3:43.01. This secures them a top 10 spot.
3:27 p.m.: Markus Treichl and Daniel Bertschler of Austria will kick off the top 10 leaderboard in Heat 4.
3:05 p.m.: Heat 4 begins at the bottom of the results board. Therefore, Germany and the United States will both be heading toward the end of the event.
3:00 p.m.: Start of Heat 4.
2:05 p.m.: Heat 3 is fully finished, now the wait begins for Heat 4, which will be the final.
1:23 p.m.: Treichl and Bertschler for Austria jump into 10th with their time of 2:47.27.
1:20 p.m.: Heinrich and Hauterville of the French placed a 2:47.39 time.
1:19 p.m.: Hall and Greenwood put up a time of 2:47.26 for Great Britain.
1:17 p.m.: Kalenda and Miknis come in at 2:47.07 for Latvia.
1:15 p.m.: Baumgartner and Mircea for Italy had a huge run of 2:47.07.
1:12 p.m.: Vogt and Ndiaye of Switzerland came in at 2:46.96.
1:10 p.m.:Tentea and Iordache timed in at 2:46.84 for Romania.
1:09 p.m.: Frankie del Duca and Josh Williamson had a sloppy go for the U.S. and were not able to catch the Germans.
1:07 p.m.:Ammour and Schaller put up a 2:46.17 to cap Germany's participants.
1:05 p.m.: Friedrich and Schuller followed up with a 2:45.71 for Germany.
1:03 p.m.: Germany, which controls the leaderboard heading into this event, is first to compete. Lochner and Fleischhauer post a 2:44.79.
12:34 p.m.: Almost that time for Frankie del Duca and Josh Williamson of the United States.
Opening Ceremonies for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Deseret News is on the ground in Italy for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, bringing you the most inspirational stories and images from the Winter Games.
Some 3,500 athletes from more than 90 countries will compete in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics. More than 30% of America’s athletes at the 2026 Winter Games have Utah ties.
One of the favorites in United States figure skating to win a medal at the 2026 Olympics is American Alysa Liu. She is expected to be a heavy medal favorite and could even skate well enough to win gold.
But Liu has made quite the journey to get to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Liu was a five-time medalist from 2019-2022, before retiring from figure skating shortly after the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Since her return in 2024, she has already won five medals.
Let's take a look back at her retirement decision and her triumphant return to the sport.
Liu retired in April 2022, just a couple months after participating in the 2022 Winter Olympics. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Liu announced her retirement from skating, citing her 11 years skating on the ice. Liu started skating as a junior at just 10 years old.
She told The San Francisco Chronicle that age 16, she wanted to do things other than skating:
She has been skating since she was 5 and wants her own life. She wants to hang out with her four younger siblings, live at her house in Richmond, apply to college, spend time with friends, get her driver’s license, play the piano, cuddle with her cat Xiao Bao.
All things she couldn’t do while she pursued an Olympic-level skating career.
“I have no regrets,” she said. “I’m sure it would be the opposite, if I stayed in skating. I’d have regrets.”
Leading up to the Beijing Olympics, she had limited time on the ice due to COVID, and even had to train in public parks near her hometown of Oakland, California.
Liu is 20 years old. She was born in Clovis, California, but grew up primarily in Oakland. Her father brought her there to help train at the same place as the great U.S. figure skater Michelle Kwan.
Alysa Liu has competed in just one other set of Winter Olympics, in Beijing in 2022. Her leadup and competing in the games themselves had several setbacks.
She tested positive for COVID during the Olympic trials, forcing her to withdraw. However, she petitioned to join the team, and ultimately made it alongside Mariah Bell and Karen Chen.
The games in Beijing had all sorts of COVID restrictions, as athletes themselves had to be isolated in an Olympic bubble and subject to extensive testing. Although Liu's family is from China, she did not have the opportunity to explore the city thanks to COVID restrictions still being in place.
Liu finished eighth overall in the short program, as the Russia Olympic Committee's Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova took gold and bronze. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto took the silver.
In March after the Olympics, the United States government announced that Liu and her father, Arthur Liu, were the subject of a spying operation by the Chinese government in Beijing during the Olympics. Liu's father left China in exile and moved to the United States in the 1990s due to the persecution of individuals in the 1989 Democracy Movement. Alysa had at least two people escorting her at all times during the games. Via The Guardian:
“They are probably just trying to intimidate us, to ... in a way threaten us not to say anything, to cause trouble to them and say anything political or related to human rights violations in China,” Arthur Liu said. “I had concerns about her safety. The US government did a good job protecting her.”
Arthur Liu said a man called him in November claiming to be an official with the USOPC, and asked for his and his daughters’ passport numbers. He refused to provide the details and said he would call his contact at Team USA the next day.
“I didn’t feel good about it. I felt something fishy was going on,” Arthur Liu said. “From my dealings with the US Figure Skating association, they would never call me on the phone to get copies of our passports. I really cut it short once I realized what he was asking for.”
Liu returned to figure skating in early 2024. She told Cosmopolitan her decision was partially due to her missing the sport, and not feeling challenged enough with school:
"I went through a whole year of school, and during winter break, I went skiing and I realized school was hard, but it was not challenging enough for me," Liu said. "I got into other things, like fashion, but I never went to the gym. Skating gave me something to be strong for. I love having willpower. I used to never care about programs, what you skated to, your dresses, stuff like that. Now, I love skating dresses and helping with the design process. This sport is kind of an outlet for me. I love dance and music, so it’s everything in one."
Since her return, she has racked up some big wins. She won gold medals in 2025 at the World Team Trophy in Tokyo, the 2025 World Championships in Boston and two silvers at the U.S. Championships in 2025 and 2026. She took the gold in Milan during the U.S.'s win in the team event.
Alyssa Liu looked to be one of the up-and-coming names in figure skating. At the age of just 10 years old, she won an intermediate gold medal at the 2016 U.S. Championships.
She won three medals as a junior and competed as a senior, beginning with the 2018-19 season. In 2019, she won gold at the U.S. Championships in Detroit, then defended her title in 2020 in Greensboro. She won silver in the 2019-20 Junior Grand Prix Final, and won bronze at the 2020 World Junior Championships.
In 2022, she won bronze at the World Championships in Montpellier after her first Olympic games. She retired from skating shortly thereafter.
In March 2024, roughly two years after she retired, she announced her return to competitive figure skating.
Galatasaray tear Juventus apart in stunning 5-2 Champions League night
Turkish side take huge step toward last 16
Galatasaray tear Juventus apart in stunning 5-2 Champions League night
Galatasaray claimed stunning 5-2 home win over Juventus in Champions League play-off first leg at RAMS Park.
A wild night in Istanbul
Galatasaray took a huge step toward Champions League last 16 after dramatic 5-2 victory over Juventus on Tuesday 17 February in first leg of the play-off round.
The Turkish side started with high intensity and took the lead in the 15 minute when Gabriel Sara punished a defensive mistake.
Juventus replied almost immediately as Teun Koopmeiners scored in the 16 minute after rebound inside the box.
Juventus then turned the match around before the break. Koopmeiners struck again in the 32 minute finishing quick move with Weston McKennie, to give the Italian side 2-1 lead at half-time despite heavy pressure from the hosts.
Second-half collapse for Juventus
The match changed completely after the restart. Noa Lang made it 2-2 in the 49 minute reacting first after shot came back off the goalkeeper.
Galatasaray then pushed harder and were rewarded again in the 60 minute when Davinson Sanchez headed in from free-kick delivered by Sara.
Juventus’ problems grew worse in the 67 minute when defender Juan Cabal was sent off after picking up second yellow card.
Down to ten men, the visitors struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the home side.
Lang struck again in the 74 minute after another defensive error making it 4-2 and sending the Istanbul crowd into celebration.
Galatasaray finish strong
With Juventus unable to respond, Galatasaray kept pressing. The pressure paid off late on when Sacha Boey scored the fifth goal in the 86 minute effectively putting the tie firmly in the Turkish side’s hands.
Despite several attacking substitutions from both teams, the scoreline did not change again leaving Juventus facing a very difficult task in the return leg.
What comes next
The second leg will be played in Turin on Wednesday 25 February 25 where Juventus will need a big win to keep their European hopes alive.
Galatasaray meanwhile are now close to booking a place in Champions League round of 16.
MILAN (AP) — Brazilian snowboarder Pat Burgener feels complete when he combines his love of the halfpipe with his passion for music.
The 31-year-old competed for Switzerland, where he was born and raised, in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games as well as the 2022 Beijing Olympics. His mother was born in Lebanon but grew up in Brazil, and Burgener has wanted to join their squad since the country hosted the all-Brazil FIFA Club World Championship in 2000.
On Tuesday, he performed for the Brazil House in Milan, a gathering spot organized by its Olympic committee. Some 50 revelers danced and clapped along to the beat as he juggled a guitar with his hands, a harmonica with his mouth and drum pedals with his bare feet.
“This year I fell in love with Brazil and it made me do crazy things,” he said onstage to the audience's applause.
Encouraged by his parents since he was 5 years old, he can play the piano, guitar, ukulele, harmonica, trumpet, flute and the four-string cavaquinho. He was later diagnosed with ADHD and said music helped him focus.
“I realized that a big part of society doesn’t want you to do too many things because we’re kind of focused on trying to make one thing really well, which for some people works,” he told The Associated Press before Tuesday's show. “But for me, like, it’s what I need. I felt it. It was like a balance of life between snowboarding, music.”
Since first performing at 18 with his brother, he knew he’d be a musician. He’s since recorded dozens of songs, and his first single in Portuguese was released just as the Games began. He splits his time between touring from April to December, typically around 80 shows, and then switches to the snowboard season.
Burgener's debut with the Brazilian team this year coincided with that of Alpine ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, whose gold medal Saturday earned South America its first-ever medal in a Winter Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen until 2023 competed for Norway, switching to Brazil last season and adding his mother’s surname.
For Burgener, his outcome did not match his teammate's. His Olympic journey ended in Livigno, Italy, on Feb. 11. His 14th place finish in the men's halfpipe qualifying event meant he was not able to move on to the final.
Still, he knows he'll translate the experience into music.
“It’s like that feeling where like, ‘wow, I’ve worked so hard for this, and now it’s done,’” he said. “And there’s a lot of mixed emotions about this, you know? Happiness, sadness. And I always call it the post-Olympic depression, because this is just reality. If you win, if you lose, it hits pretty hard. And I’m excited for this time to write songs.”
Burgener is far from the only athlete to connect sport with sound.
Athletes chilling out, grooving with huge headphones before competing has become a common sight across sports, from basketball to soccer and even swimming. But actually keeping the party going once the action starts is another thing.
During these Games, a number of freestyle skiers and snowboarders brought tunes to Livigno, the host of the Winter Olympic action sports. For some skiers like Evan McEachran, a pair of earphones connected to a smartphone is as indispensable as skis, poles and helmet.
The Canadian had hard core rap playing inside his crash helmet during Sunday's qualifying session for the men’s big air final.
“If I’m feeling like I’m a little low on energy, I’ll put on some high-tempo music,” he said. “That fires me up and gives me a little jolt.”
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Associated Press writer Joe Wilson in Livigno, Italy, contributed to this report.
The Seattle Seahawks are the winners of Super Bowl 60, and running back Kenneth Walker III is Super Bowl MVP. He had a great game as a rusher and receiver, and was a big difference-maker in the big game.
But now set to hit free agency, the Seahawks have a big decision to make. They could re-sign him or use one of the many franchise tags on him. But, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Seahawks aren't planning to use the tag on Walker.
In the wake of such a situation, an NFL analyst for FOX Sports, Bucky Brooks, predicted that Seattle would ditch Walker, their Super Bowl MVP, and replace him with a Day 2 rookie running back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Seahawks predicted to ditch Kenneth Walker III for Day 2 rookie RB
"The 'Hawks will likely target a RB on Day 2 to replace the SB MVP with a younger cheaper option..." Brooks writes. "As they say, 'It's business, never personal.' #NFLDraft."
This would be a brutal way for Walker's stint with the Seahawks to come to a close. Letting Walker leave in free agency after his Super Bowl MVP would sting.
This scenario that Brooks is predicting will happen has the Seahawks letting Walker go to immediately replace him with a rookie running back in the second or third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
It's hard to fathom the Seahawks letting Walker, their Super Bowl MVP and the player who led the NFL in attempts (65), rushing yards (313), and rushing touchdowns (4) this playoff run, leave this offseason.
But if they do, and they wind up taking a running back on the second day of the NFL Draft, there are a few interesting options they could consider.
Notre Dame's Jadarian Price, Washington's Jonah Coleman, Nebraska's Emmett Johnson, Kentucky's Seth McGowan, Penn State's Nicholas Singleton, and Oklahoma's Jaydn Ott are among the many running backs who could go on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Le'Veon Moss out of Texas A&M and Kayton Allen out of Penn State are two others who could come to Seattle as Walker replacements. But, regardless of who they choose, it won't be the same as Walker in the offense.
Brooks is predicting the Seahawks will take one of those rookie running backs in the second or third round in the 2026 NFL Draft to replace Walker with a younger, cheaper, and more long-term answer at running back.
Logistically, it makes sense. Emotionally, it's hard to let Walker go after he led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl 60 title. This prediction is a tough one for the Seahawks, as losing Walker would sting in a major way.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza stressed that reaching the Super 8s was only one milestone in a much bigger journey after his side progressed to the next stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 following a rain-hit fixture against Ireland at the Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday.
The abandoned match earned both teams a point each, taking Zimbabwe to five points in Group B and ending Australia’s hopes of advancing.
“The fact that we’ve qualified for the Super 8s hasn’t changed the ultimate goal that we set out for. Like I said, it’s just a tick in the box, but we have a lot of other goals to achieve and everybody loves an underdog story, don’t they?” Raza said.
He reflected on Zimbabwe’s long qualification route, including the sub-regional stage featuring Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
“I’ll take you back when we played the sub-regional qualifiers B, and we played the Kenya, the Rwanda, Tanzania, and all those teams. And I remember I stood up to my troops and I said, we are in this position or in this mess, as you want to call it, because of us. There’s no one else to blame. And only us that would get this mess clear and only us can get it out of it. So what are we gonna do about it? And we won the qualifiers B, regional sub-regional B, then the main qualifiers happened. We won that as well,” he said.
Zimbabwe now enter a challenging Super 8 group alongside defending champions India, 2024 runners-up South Africa and two-time winners West Indies, needing a top-two finish to make the semi-finals.
— ZimCricketv (@ZimCricketv)
“Yeah, certainly so. Myself and the coach will sit down. We watched Sri Lanka in the last three games as well. We’re going to have the data on them and we try and put our best foot forward and try and win that game. That is the whole point of us being here,” Raza said of their preparation.
“I think every condition we find ourselves in, if we can find a day or two to train, I think we’ll sum up the conditions really well and hopefully make those plans. One thing you can’t fight is the weather and conditions. So we try and learn those conditions if we can have two, three training days in a particular city, wherever we’re going to.”
Before the Super 8s begin, Zimbabwe will take on co-hosts Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
Thekla stunned Kris Statlander to claim the AEW Women’s World Championship earlier this month. (Lee South, AEW)
Lee South
For some, Thekla’s AEW Women’s World Championship win over Kris Statlander this past week came as a surprise. For the new champion, it’s anything but.
Boasting an abundance of confidence, a look and style unlike anyone on the AEW roster, and a ceiling that puts her among the best the promotion has to offer, Thekla’s rise is the result of potential realized.
“Confidence can come and go, that’s part of the journey,” she tells Uncrowned.
“But one of my biggest accomplishments is getting to a point where I can say, ‘I’m that good,’ and actually believe it. That started about a year or two ago in Japan. During my AEW debut period, I didn’t compare myself to anyone else. I just did me. That’s what you have to do to be great — enjoy it, be yourself and have fun.”
Thekla’s path to success has remained rooted in staying true to who she is. She describes herself as a creative kid who found a variety of outlets throughout her life. Growing up in Austria, she embraced punk rock and found herself immersed in art. And then she discovered professional wrestling.
“I tried everything: Drawing comics, playing guitar, being in a band, fashion, photography. I’d get obsessed for a few months, then move on,” she says.
“When I started wrestling, it clicked early that all those creative passions could be combined into this universal art form called pro wrestling. Around my debut, I realized I could create everything — my name, gimmick, fighting style, look, music, attitude. It’s the only thing that’s never bored me.”
Thekla, 32, stumbled into her first taste of wrestling at a local punk rock show at age 19, and swiftly became obsessed with the bizarre nature of what she witnessed. As she navigated building out her own in-ring career, she recognizes the significant creative edge she retained in shaping her character due to her unique introduction to the business.
“I think I have an advantage because I wasn’t constantly watching older wrestling products," she says. "I didn’t see how people before me did it, so I’m not as influenced by the past. Not growing up with it gave me the freedom to start from scratch.
“A lot of people draw from wrestling history. I draw from everything.”
If Austria was where Thekla discovered her interests, Japan is where she says she formed the base for the wrestler she’d become.
“I consider myself Japan-bred. Most of my experience came there,” Thekla says, having begun working within the wrestling-obsessed country as early as late 2017.
“Being the only foreigner in companies full of incredibly talented wrestlers was a massive challenge. I didn’t speak the language at first, and the culture around wrestling was different. Iron sharpens iron. If you don’t constantly challenge yourself, you don’t reach the next level. Without Japan, I wouldn’t be half as good as I am today.”
Thekla (right) built a sizable following in Japan before signing with AEW in 2025.
Etsuo Hara via Getty Images
Thekla found immense success in Japan before making her transition to AEW and the United States wrestling scene in May 2025. Her final year in Japan wound up being formative — it's over that farewell stretch, Thekla says, that she truly felt she made a name for herself in her own unique way.
“I learned to just be myself without worrying about what others thought,” Thekla says. “That level of self-confidence felt like [a moment I had arrived].”
While she seemed to hit her stride right away in joining AEW, Thekla says there were moments where people questioned why she had a big entrance and how exactly she’d waltzed into the spotlight. She credits her partnership with AEW veterans Julia Hart and Skye Blue for helping get her feet set.
“Even though they haven’t been wrestling as long overall, they’ve been in AEW longer than I have. They gave me insight into how things work here and how to navigate the system. That helped a lot,” Thekla says.
“Beyond that, Skye is vicious in the ring and has an 'I don’t care' attitude, and Julia has an aura that’s off the charts. I love surrounding myself with younger women who are complete bada**es.”
While Thekla’s early moments in AEW provided opportunities for doubt to seep in, over time she realized she simply needed to look inward for the confidence and mindset to take her to the next level.
“I think it’s healthy to doubt yourself — the best always do. You have to question yourself. But arriving in AEW, I came in with a different mindset,” Thekla says.
“My career has already been a roller coaster. I’ve had hard times and great times, and I’ve doubted myself before. When I came here, I decided to just enjoy it and do what I’m good at. I’m done doubting. I’m here to slay.”
This is just the beginning of the Toxic Era, Thekla promises. And her expectation is to create a title reign that’s wholly unpredictable.
“I want to excite people, surprise people, and shock people — just like when I took the title from Kris Statlander,” Thekla says.
”Love it or hate it, I’m the face of AEW now. I want to use this platform to spread the toxic word. I have so many ideas for how to use this position. Everyone should be excited for what’s coming next.”
Feb 17, 2026; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) talks with manager John Schneider (14) during spring training at Bobby Mattick Training Center at Englebert Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
There isn’t a lot of news coming out of the Jays camp yet.
The first spring game is this Saturday, 1:00 Eastern, against the Phillies. We get a lot of games with the Phillies, as their spring home is about a 15-minute drive from Dunedin.
The big baseball news is that Tony Clark is resigning as the executive director MLB Players Association. There are allegations that he has been pocketing licensing money, which some people frown upon. The US Department of Justice is investigating him. The timing isn’t good as MLB and the Players are starting long negotiations for the next CBA (which sounds very likely to cost us some baseball in 2027).
John Schneider had a speech for his players at the start of camp:
Schneider told the press that Vlad will be more of a leader now that Bo is gone. That sounds silly to me. I guess you have to talk to the press a lot, and you are going to say some silly stuff. The good part is that the team has a number of good leaders on the team. I’d think that George Springer and Kevin Gausman are as much leaders as anyone on the team.
Shi Davidi tells us that the Jays were looking to add more strikeouts to their pitching staff and that Ponce and Cease will do that, as well as having Bieber for a full (ish) season. We were sixth in the majors in strikeouts last year, but adding Ponce, Cease, and having Yesavage for the season could push them to the top of the strikeout leaderboard
I like this quote:
“They’re funny, man, both of them,” Gausman said of Ponce and Cease. “They’re both weird and I think the best pitchers in the game are a little weird.”
If you want to see Kazuma Okamoto (who told reporters that he was very serious and very manly), Keegan Mathson posted some video:
It looked like Kazuma Okamoto took Cody Ponce deep to left field.
Some debate behind the screen. George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were lobbying for the home run. Okamoto called it foul. #BlueJayspic.twitter.com/4zSqh6L0Ws
Just a housekeeping note, I’m going to be on holiday mid-March to mid-April. We are going to Japan. I’m hoping to get to watch some baseball over there. Unlike last year, we should have internet service most of the time, but we could use an extra voice or two to help out Tom M keep this place going. If you would like to volunteer, send me an email.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 05: UFC President Dana White (L) greets Ronda Rousey onstage as she becomes the first female inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at The Pearl concert theater at Palms Casino Resort on July 5, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ronda Rousey is coming back, but despite her best efforts, she won’t be fighting in the UFC.
Nearly a decade after she last set foot in the cage, the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion is returning to MMA for a showdown against fellow legend Gina Carano in a fight taking place at 145 pounds with the event airing live on Netflix. But Rousey’s return was immediately met with more than a few questions including why she’s not competing in the UFC where she was a champion and a Hall of Famer.
“I reached out to Dana [White] and asked if he would be interested in it,” Rousey revealed in an interview with ESPN. “It didn’t exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us to here today.”
This past October, White addressed Rousey getting back in the gym and saying she was finding her passion for MMA again after leaving the sport in 2016 following two straight knockout losses.
“I think she’s just training again,” White said at the time. “She just had three babies and she’s in a whole other place in her life. But I will say this, she just had another baby and she’s in great shape right now. She’s freaking ripped like she used to be. I don’t know.”
Obviously, Rousey decided that she wanted to compete again but she says the only option for her comeback was the matchup against Carano after the UFC actually explored booking that fight as far back as 2014.
Rousey explained that Carano was really the driving force behind everything that led to this fight, which is now being promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
“I was nine months pregnant, and I saw a video of Gina Carano giving an interview and she didn’t look good,” Rousey said. “She gained an unhealthy amount of weight and my first thought was ‘oh my god, what can I do to help?’ The reason why I had that thought was because she’s the one woman not only in MMA that doesn’t owe me a damn thing but that I owe immensely. I’m always trying to look out what I could do for her.
“When I was in a similar spot and depressed and gave up on the world and invertly gave up on myself, what I needed was a goal and something to reignite my passion again. I always said that Gina’s the one person that I would come back to fight for. I thought you know what, she needs this. She needs this fight. The more I thought about it, I was like I need this. I really need this fight.”
While the fight was just announced on Tuesday, Rousey said talks about facing Carano date much further back but it just took time to strike a deal for the bout to happen.
Now the two MMA legends are scheduled to clash at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. with Netflix airing the fight live to more than 300 million subscribers.
“This has been in the making since I was pregnant, which is over a year ago,” Rousey said. “It took a long time to get us here. We fought for this. We fought to fight each other. There were a lot of obstacles along the way.
“I told her, if I have to go out there, and train you myself to fight me, I will. We made it happen. We had to work together to overcome every obstacle to get here. It’s really surreal because it’s been a secret for so long, I can’t believe I’m actually able to talk about it.”
As far as fighting for the first time in almost a decade, Rousey didn’t seem too concerned about the time off or taking punches again after such a long layoff.
Of course, Rousey openly admitted that her career in the UFC largely ended after she dealt with repeated concussions and the longterm neurological issues that haunted her as a result. She didn’t address those concerns, but Rousey promises that the pressure mounting for her comeback is nothing she can’t handle.
“I’ve been to two Olympics. Nothing compares to that kind of pressure,” Rousey said. “To train your whole life for one day. Everything else just kind of pales in comparison.
“It’s so funny, people who have never fought they’re like ‘oh it must be such a big deal getting punched in the face.’ But when you’re actually fighting, it’s not like you have an opinion about it. It’s just an observation you have at the time. That’s not what’s scary. I feel like the pressure of the situation, the result is what really gives you anxiety, not the physical pain that could come out of it.”
Jacksonville State Offensive Coordinator Clint Trickett gives instructions during spring football action in Jacksonville, Alabama April 17, 2025. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC) | Dave Hyatt / Special to the Gadsden Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Maryland football is expected to hire former Jacksonville State offensive coordinator Clint Trickett for the same role, multiple outlets reported Tuesday. Matt Zenitz first publicly reported the news.
Maryland is expected to hire Arkansas QB coach Clint Trickett as offensive coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports.
Before Arkansas, was OC at Jacksonville State. Led by Trickett, an ex-West Virginia and Florida State QB, Jacksonville State ranked No. 1 in CUSA in total offense. pic.twitter.com/8HHEKhhxrO
Pep Hamilton, who served as the Terps’ offensive coordinator in 2025, will assume a “senior advisor type role,” Zenitz reported.
It’s a bit of an unexpected hire, both in timing and Trickett himself. There was no previous indication the Terps were looking to move on from Hamilton, and Trickett accepted a job as Arkansas’ quarterbacks coach in December.
In 2025, Trickett led Jacksonville State’s offense to 246.7 rushing yards per game — fifth-most at the FBS level — on 5.3 yards per carry. Running back Cam Cook led the nation with 1,659 yards and led Conference USA with 16 touchdowns and 295 carries.
Trickett is 34 years old and Maryland’s fifth offensive coordinator in eight years under Michael Locksley. He’s the second of those five without any previous head coaching experience, alongside Josh Gattis.
Trickett was previously Marshall’s offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, and Georgia Southern’s passing game coordinator in 2024. He coached under Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic — there, he was tight ends coach for Harrison Bryant, who won the John Mackey Award in 2019 as the best tight end in the country.
Trickett may also represent a considerable philosophy shift from previous years of Maryland’s offenses. In four seasons as an offensive coordinator, all four offenses have ran the ball more than they passed. Jacksonville State averaged 46.4 rush attempts and 23.4 pass attempts in 2025.
Trickett played quarterback for Florida State and West Virginia between 2010 and 2014. He threw for 511 yards and four touchdowns in a 40-37 shootout win over Maryland in 2014 as a Mountaineer.
Report: Man United eyeing £48m move to sign Bundesliga midfielder
Man United Midfield Rebuild: Felix Nmecha Links Gather Pace Ahead of Summer Window
Credit to Fussball Daten for the original reporting that has sparked fresh discussion around Manchester United’s transfer strategy, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha emerging as a serious option. As the club prepares for significant change in midfield, the narrative around recruitment feels increasingly shaped by long term planning rather than short term reaction.
Midfield Plans Taking Shape
Manchester United’s intention to reshape the engine room has been building for months. With Casemiro expected to depart at the end of his contract and uncertainty surrounding several senior names, the focus has turned towards players capable of evolving the side’s physicality and technical balance.
Fussball Daten claim United are targeting Nmecha alongside Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, hinting at a double addition rather than a single headline signing. Internally, the German international is viewed as a ‘strategic reinforcement’, a phrase that suggests careful squad construction rather than a blockbuster splash.
Nmecha’s rise at Borussia Dortmund has not gone unnoticed. Described as ‘insane’, his development in the Bundesliga has blended athleticism with intelligence on the ball, making him a profile that fits modern Premier League demands. Dortmund’s reported valuation of £39m-48m reflects both his growth and the financial pressures influencing potential sales.
Photo IMAGO
Transfer Value and Wage Structure
Financial context plays a significant role in this story. Dortmund’s willingness to listen to offers appears linked to the need for stability, which could open a window for English clubs monitoring his progress. His ‘homegrown’ status from time spent in Manchester City’s academy adds further appeal, particularly for teams balancing registration rules.
From United’s perspective, the expected wage rise from around £83,000 a week to closer to £150,000 would place him within the upper tier of earners, though still below the club’s biggest contracts. That level of investment signals belief in his long term value rather than immediate star power.
Recruitment decisions under the current hierarchy appear increasingly data informed. United’s interest reflects a wider trend of identifying players entering peak years who can grow into leadership roles, rather than relying solely on established veterans.
Style of Play and Tactical Fit
When analysing Nmecha’s attributes, several traits stand out. As noted in the report, he considers himself an “all-rounder.” That self description aligns with how many scouts view him, a midfielder capable of shifting between defensive responsibility and forward momentum.
His profile includes strong ball progression, crisp passing, and an ability to carry possession through pressure. Physicality and stamina remain key assets, enabling him to contribute defensively while still supporting attacking transitions. The versatility to operate across multiple midfield roles could appeal to a squad seeking flexibility during a period of change.
For Manchester United, the potential arrival of a powerful box to box presence would signal a shift away from reliance on ageing specialists. It points towards a more mobile, press resistant midfield structure designed to support quicker transitions under the current coaching philosophy.
Recruitment Strategy Under Scrutiny
Supporters and analysts alike will examine how this pursuit fits into a broader rebuild. United’s recent recruitment cycles have faced criticism for lacking cohesion, yet moves like this suggest a clearer identity forming behind the scenes.
There is also the reality of competition. Reports of a summer bidding war indicate that securing Nmecha will not be straightforward. Several English clubs are monitoring the situation closely, and Dortmund’s stance means negotiations could extend deep into the window.
What remains clear is that Manchester United are preparing for a defining summer. The pursuit of players like Nmecha reflects a desire to blend youth, physical strength, and tactical versatility into a squad that has struggled for consistency.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
As a Manchester United supporter, this report raises cautious optimism. With Michael Carrick now leading the side after Ruben Amorim’s departure last month, fans are eager to see recruitment that aligns with a clear football identity. Nmecha feels like a move that prioritises athleticism and balance, qualities many believe the squad has lacked in recent seasons.
Carrick’s preference for intelligent midfield rotations could make a player who calls himself an “all-rounder” particularly valuable. Supporters may see shades of the dynamic midfielders who thrived during previous successful eras, players capable of pressing high while retaining composure in possession.
There is also curiosity about how Elliot Anderson would complement Nmecha if both arrived. The idea of two energetic midfielders entering the squad at once suggests a generational shift away from reliance on experienced names. Fans often debate whether United need a superstar signing or a series of smart additions, and this rumour leans heavily towards the latter approach.
Ultimately, many supporters will judge this potential deal through the lens of consistency. If Carrick wants a side that controls tempo and covers ground relentlessly, Nmecha’s profile could fit perfectly. The coming months will reveal whether this interest turns into something concrete, yet the direction of travel feels aligned with what many United fans have been calling for.
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta kick-off delayed by traffic jam
Atalanta’s Champions League play-off with Borussia Dortmund has seen kick-off delayed by 15 minutes after the hosts got stuck in traffic and were late to the stadium.
The second leg for a place in the Round of 16 will be on February 25.
Dortmund traffic surprises Borussia squad
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: General view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund ought to know the traffic in their own city on match days, but evidently were surprised by the situation they ran into on their way to the arena.
They were delayed so much that the kick-off time had to be put back by 15 minutes.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Atalanta BC head coach Raffaele Palladino reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on February 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
La Dea had been very close to going directly into the next phase as one of the top eight teams in the league table, but fumbled it with defeats to Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise.
Both Charles De Ketelaere and January signing Giacomo Raspadori are out for at least a month with injuries sustained at the weekend, so Gianluca Scamacca makes his return to the starting XI.
There are some surprises in defence, as Giorgio Scalvini and Isak Hien are both on the bench.
Mike Conley is unlikely to rejoin the Wolves immediately, per team sources. The Wolves are just under the first apron, and every day they keep his spot open, it makes it a little easier for them to stay that way. The Wolves are trying to retain enough financial flexibility to potentially sign a veteran on the buyout market. Trading Conley saved them $20 million in luxury-tax payments and unlocked an entirely different class of players they can consider.
After an agonizing series of delays, Callum Smith and David Morrell Jr are officially set to meet in a tantalizing light heavyweight showdown for the interim WBO title on April 18th at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.
Hometown fighter Smith (31-2, 22 KO) is coming off a cracker of a fight with Joshua Buatsi last February, which saw him overpower his undefeated opponent and prove that he still had something left in the tank after the prior year’s destructive loss to Artur Beterbiev. Despite being 35 with a number of donnybrooks under his belt, he’s a legitimate player at 175 now that the Bivol-Beterbiev era appears to be winding down.
It’s questionable whether the same can be said of Morrell (12-1, 9 KO), a monstrous super middleweight who’s looked worryingly mortal at light heavyweight. Since capping off his run at 168 with a two-round mauling of Sena Agbeko, he’s taken a decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic, lost his 0 to David Benavidez, and taken a highly controversial split decision over Imam Khataev in which Morrell hit the canvas for the first time.
In terms of action potential, this is among the best fights on the schedule. We’ll keep you posted as the undercard comes together.
The Miami Central (Fla.) football team practices on campus, but on a pretty battered natural grass practice field.
According to a Miami Central head coach Derrick Gibson, that will be no more moving forward for the Rockets. Gibson confirmed to Rivals on Tuesday morning that the school has broken ground on a new $3.5-million turf field installation, which the second-year head coach said will be for athletic practices and hosting junior varsity football games as well.
“Game changer for us,” Gibson said on Tuesday morning to Rivals. “We have nine state titles and with little resources when it comes to facilities, so this is a major step in the right direction. Great day to be a Rocket.”
Miami Central's new $3.5 million dollar turf field installation begins
The project is expected to be finished up in time for the summer as the Rockets continue their search of winning the program’s 10th state championship in 2026. Miami Central last won a state title in 2022, winning the FHSAA’s Class 2M crown.
It adds to what is added excitement for the Miami Central Rockets heading into the 2026 campaign, as Gibson’s bunch is slated to open up the season in California against Orange Lutheran. The Rockets also have a September date versus Buford (Ga.), the No. 1 team to complete the last season according to the Rivals National 2025 High School Football Composite Rankings.
Miami Central finished the 2025 campaign with a 9-2 record in Gibson’s first season as head coach and as the No. 7 in the state, according to the final Florida 2025 High School FootballMassey Rankings. The Rockets reached the Class 3A region final before falling to rival Miami Northwestern.
Gibson will once again have one of the top high school football teams in the Sunshine State as Miami Central will feature 2028 four-star cornerback Quartavius Lyons, 2027 four-star cornerback T’ari Miller and 2028 three-star linebacker Steven Moore, respectively.
More about Miami Central High School
Miami Central High School, located in Miami, Florida, is a prominent public high school recognized for its academic rigor, competitive athletics, and diverse extracurricular programs. With a broad selection of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for higher education and future careers. Miami Central’s athletic teams are notable for their success and school spirit. Emphasizing leadership, community engagement, and personal growth, the school ensures students are well-rounded and ready for future challenges.
How to Follow Florida High School Football
For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Sunshine State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Florida.
The Los Angeles Rams could be big players in free agency this offseason. They have more than $40 million in estimated salary cap space and could go all-in on the 2026 season after Matthew Stafford announced his return.
Not every player is a clean fit, though. The Ringer's Austin Gayle went through his top 50 impending free agents ahead of the official start of the offseason in a few weeks and pinpointed three players who could be fits for the Rams: current safety Kamren Curl, Indianapolis Colts tackle Braden Smith and Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely.
It's an interesting list, and one that would have ramifications on the Rams' draft strategy should it come to fruition. For reference, Gayle listed Smith as the No. 15 free agent, while Curl ranked No. 24 and Likely ranked No. 26.
S Kamren Curl
Curl has good size and range, and he’s a strong tackler in space. It’s a prerequisite to be versatile in Shula’s defense, and Curl fits the bill. He was an absolute steal for the Rams on his last contract. He didn’t even rank inside the top 30 among safeties in average annual salary after signing a two-year, $9 million deal with the Rams in 2024.
His pay should more than double this year, putting him in line with guys like Justin Reid, Josh Metellus, and Amani Hooker.
OT Braden Smith
On the field, he’s also ranked outside the top 20 qualifying tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric in three of the past four years, and his 2025 run-blocking grade (58.0) was more than 10 points lower than PFF has recorded any other year of his career. Smith, who turns 30 years old in March, is clearly exiting his prime. But teams will always pay for a serviceable starting tackle, and if healthy, he can still be one.
TE Isaiah Likely
It was a down year for Likely. He caught just 27 passes, for 307 yards and one touchdown, in 14 games. He also fumbled the ball into the end zone for a touchback against Cincinnati in Week 13, and he had a touchdown called back when he lost the ball in the end zone against Pittsburgh the following week. ... Likely is a rare athlete and is only 25 years old, but he just hasn’t been consistent enough to warrant the monster multiyear extension many expected would be coming for him.
Curl makes sense for L.A., given his understanding of the defense, but he might be too expensive. Smith would be a quality signing if the price is right because he would give the Rams clear depth at tackle, even if the team doesn't need a bonafide starter right now.
Likely is the most intriguing name on this list. He caught just 27 passes, for 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games, but looked like a fun offensive weapon the Ravens just failed to utilize well. The Rams would only need to a new tight end if they don't feel confident in Terrance Ferguson's development, if they cut Colby Parkinson for cap reasons and/or if they let Tyler Higbee walk in free agency.
No matter what happens, the Rams could be players in the open market this spring.
NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — The Atlanta Braves added veteran first baseman and outfielder Dominic Smith to their major league spring training camp on Tuesday as a non-roster invitee.
Smith, 30, will provide depth behind starting first baseman Matt Olson as well as a possible option in left field or designated hitter.
Smith, who played his first six seasons in the majors with the New York Mets, hit .284 with five homers and 33 RBIs in 63 games with the San Francisco Giants last season. He also has played for Washington, Boston and Cincinnati.
Smith is a .250 career hitter in nine seasons. He has 69 homers, including a career-high 12 for the Nationals in 2023.
Longtime assistant coach Wink Martindale interviewed twice in January for the Jets' defensive coordinator position, and a new report says that Martindale heard two different things from head coach Aaron Glenn at those two interviews — perhaps because Jets owner Woody Johnson told Glenn to change his plans for the defense.
Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that Martindale came away from the second interview under the impression that Glenn had changed the parameters of the defensive coordinator job. After the first interview, Martindale believed he'd be able to run his own defense if he took the job. After the second interview, Martindale believed it was Glenn who would be calling the defense.
Ultimately, Glenn gave the defensive coordinator job to Brian Duker, just a day after he first interviewed for the job — and long after Glenn had interviewed eight other candidates. It's unclear why Duker emerged as a candidate so late in the process and then got the job so quickly, but it could suggest that something fundamentally changed about the Jets' defensive coordinator job along the way.
Glenn is expected to call the defense himself in a year when he's going to have to convince Johnson that he's making progress in turning the Jets around — or else next year, Johnson will be looking for a new head coach.
MILAN (AP) — It's not often that the second figure skater on the ice in a Winter Olympic competition is must-see viewing. Adeliia Petrosian is different.
The 18-year-old Russian, who was expected to contend for a gold medal, had only competed in one senior event outside her homeland before Tuesday's short program, resulting in one of the lowest seedings and a position near the top of the start list.
Even though she was skating around three hours before the other top contenders, Petrosian was greeted by cheers from devoted fans holding personalized banners in a nearly full arena.
“Today I wasn’t nervous at all,” she said in Russian after a clean, Michael Jackson-themed skate that earned 72.89 points, leaving her firmly in the medal picture even with 27 skaters to go. “So far I'm not feeling any strong external pressure. Let's see what happens in the free skate.”
Petrosian is competing as an individual neutral athlete at the Milan Cortina Olympics due to restrictions on Russia’s participation during its war in Ukraine. The arena announcer introduced her as a “three-time national champion” but didn’t specify a country.
The top-ranked skaters, including the U.S. “Blade Angels” trio of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito and three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, weren't due to skate for another three hours.
“I don't yet have that feeling that the competition is really against them,” Petrosian said when asked how it felt to compete with the likes of Sakamoto, Liu and U.S. champion Glenn for the first time.
“We're so far apart that I haven't even seen them once yet. I don't really have that feeling yet, but obviously I'd be really pleased to be close to them and compete.”
Petrosian showed no obvious sign of injury. Her fitness level had been unclear following comments about injuries in a recent Russian documentary.
Petrosian said she and her coaches considered a high-scoring triple axel for the short program but decided on a safer double for “stability, for the sake of my preparation and my form.”
She has practiced quadruple jumps this week in Milan and could potentially take that high-risk option in Thursday’s free skate, which could boost her score significantly.
“Come on Adeliia! Victory awaits you!” was the message written on one banner in Russian as Petrosian prepared to skate.
“The audience really accepted me well,” Petrosian said. “Each time that I think it’ll be a little less loud, the spectators always somehow shout more, greet me more warmly. And I can’t be unhappy with that.”
Petrosian is coached by Eteri Tutberidze, who has coached numerous Russian women’s skating champions including Kamila Valieva, whose doping case overshadowed the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Tutberidze isn't accredited as Petrosian's coach for the Games but TV showed her watching on a screen in the arena.
Then-IOC President Thomas Bach was critical of the “coldness” displayed by Valieva’s entourage toward the skater, who was 15 at the time, when she missed the podium.
World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka said this month that an investigation found no evidence Tutberidze was implicated in Valieva’s doping case but that he was personally not “comfortable with her presence here in the Olympic Games.”
Barcelona have practically sealed English wonderkid’s signing, waiting FIFA approval
FC Barcelona have been working on securing the signing of teenage wonderkid Ajay Tavares from Norwich City for weeks now.
The 16-year-old attacking prodigy is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in England and is already a part of the Canaries’ Under-18 setup despite his age.
Keeping with their recent strategy of acquiring youth prospects, the Blaugrana have been working behind the scenes for some time now.
Tavares’ deal closed, FIFA approval awaited
Now, providing an update on the situation, SPORT reports that the Barcelona sporting department has had Tavares’ signing practically agreed for weeks.
Born in 2009, the 16-year-old wonderkid holds a Portuguese passport, which is crucial in enabling him to change clubs and countries while still a minor.
If he held only British nationality, he would have to wait until turning 18.
At present, the deal is stalled pending FIFA’s approval, as the football governing body must complete the necessary administrative procedures before granting authorisation for the transfer and allowing him to move to Barcelona.
Tavares is a skilful winger with potential, and has been closely monitored by the club’s scouting department for some time.
The plan is for the youngster, currently in his first year at youth level, to join Pol Planas’ Juvenil A side with the prospect of progressing to Barça Atletic.
Rangers want Dundee defender Luke Graham in the summer
Rangers want Dundee defender Luke Graham and have stepped up their interest to bring him to the Ibrox club, according to the Scottish Sun. Rangers manager Danny Rohl wants to strengthen at the back to mount a stronger challenge for the Scottish Premiership title next term and the Light Blues are keen on the 22-year-old. The Bears’ technical director Dan Purdy was at Dens Park on Saturday to watch Graham in action and more scouting trips and reports are expected ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, Rangers are not the only ones keen on the defender, with Celtic and English clubs also keen. The Light Blues could lose John Souttar at the end of the season as he has yet to pen a new contract. Nasser Djiga is expected to return to Wolverhampton Wanderers after his loan spell ends, and Rangers are already preparing for life without the duo. Graham will not come cheap as Dundee rejected a £1 million bid for him from Portsmouth last month.
The Light Blues will be ready to outbid them and Celtic as they look to lure him to Ibrox ahead of next season. Rangers are two points behind league leaders Hearts after 27 games and are a point ahead of the Hoops in a title race which promises to be intriguing. Pipping Hearts and Celtic to it will be huge for the Gers, and it could help them land Graham and other top players in the summer due to Champions League football and its money.
They were keen on him during the winter transfer window and are likely to go big for him as he keeps impressing. The Scotland youth international has established himself as a key player for the Dark Blues this term after spending a couple of seasons out on loan.
The Rangers target has played 30 games across all competitions this term after featuring just five times last season and spending most of it on loan in the Scottish Championship with Falkirk.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news, and prediction
Fenerbahce host Nottingham Forest at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off first leg on Thursday evening.
Fenerbahce played out a 1-1 draw at FCSB in their final league phase fixture, while Forest thrashed Ferencvaros 4-0 at the City Ground.
Match preview
Fenerbahce are in the race with Galatasaray for the Super Lig title, but have struggled in the Europa League.
The Yellow Canaries gathered 12 points in eight games, scoring 10 goals and conceding seven during the league phase.
At home, Fenerbahce have been decent, winning twice, drawing once and losing once.
The Turkish giants have averaged 56.7 per cent possession per game — the third-highest in the competition.
In contrast to Fenerbahce, Forest have struggled domestically, but have fared better in Europe.
The Tricky Trees collected 14 points during the league phase, finishing just two points outside the automatic qualification spot for the round of 16.
Forest have been strong offensively, creating the highest number of big chances (32), and have been decent defensively, conceding seven.
Thursday’s clash is manager Vitor Pereira’s first game in charge of Forest. It remains to be seen how the visitors’ tactical set-up will look under him.
Team news
Defender Archie Brown is Fenerbahce’s only injury concern ahead of this fixture.
Goalkeepers Matz Sels and John Victor, as well as Chris Wood, Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Willy Boly are sidelined for Forest. Elliot Anderson is back from suspension.
Predicted line-ups
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Mert Muldur, Jayden Oosterwolde, Milan Skriniar, Nelson Semedo, N’golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, Kerem Akturkoglu, Marco Asensio, Dorgeles Nene, Talisca
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Angus Gunn, Neco Williams, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic, Ola Aina, Ryan Yates, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Tony Reno, who led Yale to five Ivy League championships over 14 seasons, resigned Tuesday because of health reasons.
Reno had been on medical leave since the end of last season. His resignation takes effect immediately.
“When I arrived at Yale 14 years ago, I could never have imagined what this journey would become," Reno said in a statement. "The relationships formed, the moments shared, and the people I have been privileged to be surrounded by have changed my life and my family’s lives forever. I am deeply grateful to the players, the coaches, and the staff who gave everything they had to Yale Football.
“From the very beginning, I spoke about honoring the proud tradition of Yale Football and fully embracing the responsibility that comes with leading this program. Together, we pursued excellence and built something truly meaningful. I am incredibly proud of the foundation we laid and confident in the future of Yale Football. Serving as the head coach of this program has been the greatest honor of my life.”
Reno, 52, went 83-49, second in the program in career victories to Carm Cozza, who was 179-119-5. Under Reno, Yale defeated archrival Harvard seven of the past nine meetings.
“Coach Reno’s leadership has been truly transformational,” Yale athletic director Victoria Chun said in a statement. “His impact on Yale Football, our department, and the university extends far beyond championships and wins — it lives in the countless people he has inspired. Coach Reno led with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, giving his whole heart to this program every day.”
Canada and Czechia will face off in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinals at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday, February 18.
My top Canada vs. Czechia predictions and free betting picks call for the Canadians to punch their ticket to the semifinals with a statement win.
Canada vs Czechia prediction
Canada vs Czechia Best bet: Canada -3.5 (+100)
The Czechs will be on a back-to-back and playing their third game in four days, while the Canadians will have two days of rest after earning a bye through the qualification round.
Of course, Canada also handed Czechia a 5-0 loss in their preliminary round opener, and I’m expecting the Canadian offense to be all the more in sync with multiple games for their skilled forward corps to develop chemistry.
Simply put, the talent gap is too wide between the two lineups for Czechia to keep pace with the Canadian's relentless offensive attack.
The gap isn’t just in the players jumping the boards, with Canada pacing the tournament in team save percentage and Czechia checking in 10th.
As a result, I’m anticipating the Czechs aiming to batten down the defensive hatches and hope to keep the game low-scoring for as long as possible to hang around. It’s a gameplan that won’t allow the Czechs to generate many quality scoring opportunities against the Canadians and will be a major reason this total says Under the number.
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under Under 6.5 (-145)
How to watch Canada vs Czechia
Location
Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
Date
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Puck drop
10:40 p.m. ET
TV
CBC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Athletics have a lot of fun, young talent. Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and many others are some very intriguing talents who are either stars already or can blossom into a star.
But one other player, Denzel Clarke, has all the makings of a star waiting to break out. His defense is some of the best at any position in Major League Baseball. If he can do one thing, he could blossom into a star.
Martin Gallegos of MLB.com wrote that if Clarke can improve his offense, combined with his already incredible defense, the young A's outfielder can become a star in the Major Leagues.
Athletics' Denzel Clarke is close to being a star in MLB
"His elite defense alone will keep him in the big leagues," Gallegos writes, "But continued improvements as a hitter could make him a star."
Clarke's defense is among the best in the Major Leagues. He's got incredible speed, range, glove work, and athleticism to make the impossible possible in center field.
Strictly basing talent on defense, few players can compare to Clarke as a talent in the Majors Leagues right now. The same cannot be said about his offense. He hit .230 last season with a .646 OPS. However, he's shown flashes of star potential.
In the last 12 games he played before suffering an adductor strain, Clarke was hitting .333 with a 1.006 OPS. In that span, he also totaled nine extra-base hits, with one home run, two triples, and six doubles.
While repeating that offensive success over the course of a full season isn't likely for Clarke, if he can fall somewhere between that hot streak and his overall season numbers and be an above-average hitter, then Clarke could be a star in the Majors.
The 25-year-old A's outfielder is one of the more exciting young players in Major League Baseball. He's on the cusp of a breakout, only needing to produce better offense to truly blossom into the star he's shown he's capable of becoming.
Clarke has the makings of a superstar. If he can maintain his great defense and base-stealing ability, and add good offensive production, he could be one of the best outfielders in the Major Leagues.
Mustafa Qabeel targeted by Al Ahly and foreign clubs
Mustafa Qabeel / @x.com/IraqXtra/
New revelations have emerged regarding the future of Erbil SC’s young forward, Mustafa Qabeel.
The 21-year-old player revealed in media statements that he has received a promise from his club’s management allowing him to join Al Ahly SC at the end of the current season, provided that an official agreement is reached between the two clubs.
In the meantime, Qabeel remains fully focused on his performances in the Iraqi Stars League. So far, he has featured in 13 matches, netting 5 goals and providing 6 assists, cementing his vital role within the team.
Between foreign interest and the Al Ahly dream
In an interview with an Iraqi TV channel, the young striker stated that his future depends solely on his club’s decision. He also announced that he will soon return to action after recovering from a minor injury.
Furthermore, Mustafa revealed there are concrete interests from Russian and Saudi clubs. However, he emphasized that his main priority remains representing the Iraqi national team and pursuing a professional career in Europe.
According to data from the specialized site Transfermarkt, Mustafa Qabeel’s current market value is estimated at around €450,000.
Mourinho on Real Madrid: Benfica coach sounds the alarm ahead of Champions League play-off
Mourinho: Real Madrid will be more dangerous after defeat
Mourinho on Real Madrid: Benfica coach sounds the alarm ahead of Champions League play-off
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho warned his players that Real Madrid will be dangerous when the teams meet in Champions League play-off.
Mourinho sends clear message before big test
Jose Mourinh head coach of Benfica has issued strong warning to his squad ahead of their clash with Real Madrid in Champions League play-off round.
The first leg takes place on Tuesday, with the tie deciding place in the round of 16.
The match comes just three week after Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in the final round of the league phase, a result that raised confidence inside the Portuguese camp.
“Big teams are dangerous after defeat”
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho stressed that repeating such a result would be even harder.
He explained that beating Real Madrid once is difficult but doing it again is a much bigger challenge.
In comments reported by PA Media, Mourinho said that when big team loses, it becomes “seriously wounded”.
He added that this feeling is familiar to him after spending most of his career working with top clubs.
According to Mourinho, Real Madrid will arrive with a strong desire to respond and prove their strength on the European stage.
Different goals, Same pressure
Mourinho made it clear that Real Madrid’s ambition goes far beyond eliminating Benfica. He said the Spanish giants are aiming to compete for and win Champions League, which makes them even more dangerous.
At the same time, the Benfica coach confirmed that his team is chasing another big result. He believes his players have already shown they can compete with Europe’s elite and will try to repeat their strong performance from the previous meeting.
Chelsea Are In The Mix For This La Liga Winger: What Will He Add To Rosenior’s Side?
In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Chelsea are in the mix for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. It has been mentioned that the Blues would have to rival Arsenal, Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to land the Spanish wide player next summer.
Williams’ Impressive Record In La Liga
Williams is enjoying a decent campaign at the La Liga club as he has produced a run of productive displays for them in the final third. The Spanish wide player has participated in 26 matches for Athletic Bilbao this season, scoring four goals and picking up six assists in the process across various competitions.
The 23-year-old is among the best wide men in La Liga right now. Thus, it is no surprise that the Blues are eager to get him on board this summer.
His current contract at the San Mames Stadium will run out in the summer of 2035. Hence, Chelsea would have to launch a convincing offer if they want to snap him up later this year.
PAMPLONA, SPAIN – JANUARY 03: Nico Williams of Athletic Club gestures during the LaLiga EA Sports match between CA Osasuna and Athletic Club at Estadio El Sadar on January 03, 2026 in Pamplona, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
What Will Williams Add To Chelsea Boss Liam Rosenior’s Side?
Williams is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can create some inviting chances for his teammates to find the back of the net. He can strike the ball with venom from long range and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from the wide areas.
The Spanish sensation is primarily a left-winger but can also serve as a right-sided wide player if told to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Blues manage to sign him later this year.
Williams would undoubtedly add more pace and goals to Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior’s frontline. He is more than capable of nailing down a regular starting spot at the West London club in the coming seasons.
At 23, Williams has got his best years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Blues to consider at the end of this campaign. He might even help Chelsea compete for some major honours over the next few years.
Galatasaray put five past imploding Juventus to close in on the next round
Galatasaray took a big step towards the next round of the Champions League after defeating Juventus 5-2 in Turkey.
In what was a thrilling game in Istanbul, the home team took the lead after pouncing on a Juve mistake – something that was a theme of the game. A throw-in inside the Juve half towards their own box was intercepted with the ball eventually falling to former Norwich City man Gabriel Sara to fire past Michele Di Gregorio.
That lead lasted just seconds though when Andrea Cambiaso, at fault for this first, whipped in a delightful cross for Pierre Kalulu. Uğurcan Çakir did well to keep it out only for Teun Koopmeiners to pounce on the rebound.
The Italian side took the lead with just over a half hour through a sublime finish. The Dutch international linked up with Weston McKennie before rifling an unsaveable effort into the roof of the net.
Luciano Spalletti had already been forced to replace Bremer with Federico Gatti in the first half and at the break Juan Cabal was brought on in the place of Cambiaso.
Galatasaray equalised shortly after the restart when Baris Yilmaz forced Di Gregorio into a solid stop but the ball fell nicely for Noa Lang to bury the rebound.
Cabal hadn't done well for Galatasaray's second and he was culpable for the third as well. It was the Colombian who gave away the freekick that was whipped in with power by Sara with Davinson Sánchez getting something on it to complete the turnaround.
Things got worse for Juve in the 67th minute when Cabal's dreadful cameo ended with his second yellow card for an unnecessary foul in the middle of the pitch.
From that point on Okan Buruk's side knew this was the ideal chance to take a commanding lead back to Turin. It was 4-2 in the 75th minute and it was again from an error.
Khéphren Thuram's pass inside his own box was dreadful allowing Victor Osimhen to pinch the ball back about six yards from goal with Lang applying the finishing touch.
There was still time for one more as Sacha Boey, on for just a few minutes, found space on the right and put in an accomplished finish to put his side in a commanding position.
2026 World Cup: Friendly match between Ghana and Mexico
Black Stars gear up for North America
2026 World Cup: Friendly match between Ghana and Mexico
Ghana continues to ramp up its preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association has confirmed a crucial international friendly scheduled for May as part of their build-up program.
Ghana is set to face Mexico in an international friendly on May 22, 2026, marking the final stage before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
Both teams will use this clash to assess players eligible for the tournament set to take place across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Ghana’s squad will feature talents from both the domestic league and European circuits, all under the watchful eye of coach Otto Addo.
With this match, Ghana’s tally of preparatory fixtures rises to three, following earlier announcements of friendlies against Austria and Germany during the March international break.
After the couple met and started dating in March 2020, they got married at a Houston courthouse in April 2023, celebrating with their loved ones at a much bigger wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, weeks later.
"Being married to you is everything i could’ve ever asked for," the NFL player wrote in a March 2025 Instagram post celebrating Biles' birthday. "A beautiful, funny, intelligent and confident person that motivates me to be the best version of myself everyday. I’m so blessed to have met someone as amazing as you baby."
"Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan, force of habit i had it tied around my hand so he couldn’t get it and took off running immediately….but still crazy," Owens posted on X in February 2026.
So who is Simone Biles' husband? Here's everything to know about Jonathan Owens and his marriage to the Olympic gold medalist.
He's from Missouri
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles Carmen Mandato/Getty
According to his Instagram bio, Owens is "just a kid from St. Louis."
While in Missouri, he attended the Christian Brothers College High School, where he played high school football. After graduating, he played at the college level while attending Missouri Western State University and earned the title of Male Student-Athlete of the Year during his final season.
He went on to sign with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent after the NFL Draft in 2018. Unfortunately, he injured his knee during a practice drill before his rookie season even began.
"I'm just lying on the ground crying because I don't even know how that works. I'm thinking, I came all the way here and got hurt," he told News-Press Now in July 2019. After initially placing Owens on injured reserve — which secured his spot on the team while he was hurt — he was eventually waived in August 2019.
He's played for the Chicago Bears since 2024
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles Simone Biles Instagram
In March 2024, Owens signed a two-year free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears. He previously spent a season with the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Texans.
"Appreciate it @packers for the opportunity. And Packer nation for welcoming me and my wife with open arms, will never forget my time in GB,” Owens wrote on X following the announcement.
Biles is a regular fixture at her husband's NFL games. After the 2020 Olympic Games were pushed back a year due to the pandemic, she told PEOPLE in April 2021 that getting to support Owens in person was one of the benefits of the postponement.
In September 2022, Biles showed up for Owens' team by appearing in a celebrity-filled video ahead of the 2022-23 football season. In the clip, Biles flips through the gym in a Houston Texans jersey, representing her home state and Owens.
He and Biles met on a dating app
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles Simone Biles Instagram
Biles and Owens first met on the dating app Raya in 2020, and the gymnast made the first move.
"He would say I slid into his DMs," Biles told WSJ Magazine in July 2021. "I saw him, and I was like, 'Oh, he's pretty cute,' so I said hi ... and then I saw that he was in the Houston area, so we started chatting a little bit, and then we went to hang out a week or two later."
Their relationship grew slowly until Biles' sister decided to move things along by inviting Owens to join them on their trip to a lake house. After that, the two started spending more time together, and the pandemic gave them the opportunity to really get to know each other.
"It was one of the few times in her life where everything was just shut off and she couldn't do anything," Owens told Texas Monthlyin June 2021. "So we used it to get to know each other — really get to know each other. It created our bond and made it stronger. Now I'm so thankful."
He had no idea who Biles was at the beginning of their romance
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles Simone Biles Instagram
Despite Biles' success — she's the most decorated American gymnast of all time — Owens admits he didn't immediately recognize her when they first connected.
"I didn't know who she was," he told Texas Monthly. "I just hadn't heard of her, and when I told her that, that's one of the things she liked."
During an episode of her docuseries, Simone vs Herself, Owens said that one of the things he was most impressed by was Biles' commitment to her craft.
"Her work ethic was the first thing that caught my eye. I'd never watch gymnastics before, when I first met I honestly didn't know who she was ... The coolest thing for me is that I get to witness someone who is literally at the pinnacle of their sport, it's motivating just to see that and the impact that she has on people," he said.
He and Biles married in April 2023
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens pose for a photo during the first half between the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center on November 07, 2024
Michael Reaves/Getty
On April 22, 2023, Owens and Biles exchanged vows during an intimate courthouse ceremony.
"My person, forever ❤️💍," the NFL player captioned a series of wedding images on Instagram. In the comments, Biles wrote: "i love you husband."
The Olympic gymnast dazzled in a halter-style wedding dress with tiered tulle, while Owens donned a tan suit.
On May 6, 2023, Biles and Owens got married again during a ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The event, which was held at the Umi Terrace of the Nobu Los Cabos, was attended by 144 guests and featured lush florals as well as champagne, gold and white décor.
In an interview with Vogue, Biles admitted "my heart was beating out of my chest" when preparing to walk down the aisle. "I've never been so nervous before in my life," she recalled.
"Seeing Jonathan at the altar was a dream," she added. "Our guests were cheering for everyone. I was shocked by the love in the air. The ceremony was so beautiful and dreamy."
He and Biles support each other
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles
Simone Biles Instagram
Despite their different sports, Biles and Owens have a lot in common when it comes to navigating their careers as professional athletes. Luckily, as Biles told PEOPLE in June 2021, the pair can always count on each other.
"Oh, he's always so supportive," she shared of Owens. "Even if I wake up in the morning and I'm like, 'I'm tired, do I have to go,' jokingly, he's like, 'Don't say that! You can do it, this is your dream!' "
Owens told Texas Monthly that the couple constantly motivate each other.
"She'll be telling me, 'Don't be a baby, you're all right.' We're both super competitive," he shared, adding that Biles' work ethic inspires his own. "When I see her getting up and going to practice every morning, it motivates me even more. It's a great feeling when the person you're in a relationship with understands what you're going through."
When Biles became the youngest person to ever receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2022, Owens was right there with her to cheer the athlete on.
"Words can't explain how proud I am of you," he wrote on Instagram. "This has been such a surreal experience to watch you receive your Presidential Medal of Freedom, and be the youngest to ever receive one at that!"
According to Yahoo! Sports, while talking to reporters at Bears' training practice in July 2024, Owens said that being able to leave training camp to cheer Biles on at the Olympics was negotiated into his contract with the team. Owens joined Biles' parents in the stands at the women's gymnastics team finals, where they watched her and Team USA clinch the gold medal.
Ahead of the event, Owens was photographed wearing a T-shirt that featured photos of Biles, along with her last name in bold red letters.
He has a tattoo in honor of Biles
Gymnast Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens of the Chicago Bears record a video on the field before Owens threw out a first pitch before a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 13, 2024
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
In July 2024, just weeks before the Paris Olympics, Owens got a cursive "S" tattooed on his ring finger in honor of Biles.
He and Biles have discussed having children together
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens pose on the field prior to Game One of the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 28, 2022
Carmen Mandato/Getty
In an interview with Today during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles told Hoda Kotb that she "most definitely" sees herself as a mom in the future.
"Me and Jonathan always talk about kids. He would have them, like, yesterday if he could have," she said. "Obviously we both have goals that we want to achieve before we start a family. But yes, that’s definitely in our future."
Tuesday delivered a stunning development in the world of mixed martial arts when UFC legend Ronda Rousey revealed she was making an unexpected return to the fight game. However, the women’s MMA great will not return to compete inside the Octagon. Instead, she will compete in the main event of Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) first MMA event.
Beyond Rousey making her surprising return to the fight game, and for the company led by Jake Paul, no less, her opponent in May will be another pioneer for women’s MMA, Gina Carano. While it is a long-time dream fight, Rousey has not fought in a decade, while the veteran actor hasn’t competed since 2009. So, it is a dream fight that comes pretty late.
Nevertheless, the news got us thinking. What are some other way too late dream fights MVP should make for their upcoming MMA events?
Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
For many long-time, die-hard UFC fans, the fight that was talked about often but never happened was between Octagon icons Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva. To legions of fight fans, they are still seen as the two greatest cage fighters of all time. While “Rush” is 44, and “The Spider” is 50, both are still in pretty good shape. Millions of fight fans would still be intrigued by a matchup even with the pair a decade or more removed from their primes.
Brock Lesnar vs. Fedor Emelianenko
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Two of the most popular heavyweights MMA has ever seen are Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko. And when the WWE legend was at the height of his fighting powers, a clash between them was something fight fans hoped for. But alas, the Russian never signed a UFC contract.
The pair of MMA greats are only a year apart in age and equally far removed from their primes. While Lesnar is still a physical freak, Emelianenko is light-years ahead of him in fight skills and probably still has the power to KO heavyweights currently in the UFC. It is a way too late dream fight that now has a real chance of happening.
Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis are among the few fighters on earth that held both WEC and UFC gold. And after Pettis won the WEC lightweight title in 2010, a super fight with the Brazilian, who was the featherweight king at the time, was something fight fans wanted.
If Aldo could find his way out of his current UFC deal, a clash between them on an MVP card makes sense. They are both 39 and still very good athletes. Even at this point in their careers, a matchup would be interesting.
Anderson Silva vs. Roy Jones Jr.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While Anderson Silva was one of the scariest men on the UFC roster, he often let it be known that he dream to face one of his all-time favorite boxers, Roy Jones Jr., inside the ring. Unfortunately, the UFC doesn’t allow its athletes to fight outside the Octagon, unless your name is Conor McGregor.
While it wouldn’t be inside an MMA cage, if MVP is looking to make dream fights finally happen, a Silva vs. Jones Jr. boxing bout could definitely become a reality in 2026 or 2027.
Randy Couture vs. Fedor Emelianenko
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Before fight fans wanted to see Lesnar vs. Emelianenko, the first real MMA dream fight was the Pride FC icon versus Randy Couture. At 62 years old, the American may not be physically up to a fight. However, “The Natural” has always kept himself in great shape. If any person could get back in the cage past 60, Couture would do it to finally get the fight he tried to quit the UFC for in 2008.
Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While Rousey vs. Carano is a dream fight for long-time fight fans, the one most have wanted the Olympic silver medalist in was against former Strikeforce, Bellator, and UFC featherweight queen Cris Cyborg. The pair hated each other during their heyday, and a clash between the pair that were once the top two females in the sport intrigued the fight world. If Rousey is successful in May, a clash with Cyborg will be something MMA fans push for next.
Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Another heavyweight dream fight that fans always wanted is Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou. The bout was even being negotiated a few years ago, but it never truly came close to happening. If “Bones” can find a way out of his current UFC pact, a clash with Ngannou would be a very big-money fight that would draw a ton of interest from fight fans.
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Tiger Woods, who last teed it up in a PGA Tour event at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, was asked point blank on Tuesday at Riviera Country Club if playing in the 2026 Masters was off the table. His answer was blunt.
"No."
Woods, serving as tournament host for the 100th edition of what was once known as the Los Angeles Open and is now known as the Genesis Invitational, is not playing this week. He hasn't played in the indoor TGL simulator league he helped found in 2026, either. The 15-time major champion offered no timetable for a return to the PGA Tour, nor a debut on the PGA Tour Champions, a circuit he's now eligible to play on after turning 50 this past December.
One thing he did confirm on Tuesday? He's still grinding away at home.
"I'm trying, put it that way," he said.
Woods added that he is hitting full shots, though not all that well, on a daily basis. He's also had no health setbacks just four months after he underwent a seventh back surgery this past fall. As for his achilles, which he had surgery for after rupturing it in March 2025, that is not an issue.
"I can't dunk a basketball anymore, so don't have to worry about that," Woods joked.
"As far as the disc replacement, it's just sore. It takes time," he said. "Willy Z [Will Zalatoris] went through it, and it took him a while to come back. I'm a little bit older than Willy Z. It's probably going to take me a little bit longer. My body has been through a lot.
"It's just one of those things where it's each and every day, I keep trying. I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again."
While Woods has no target return date, there are some potential spots between now and the Masters that he could—probably worth air quotes here—possibly shake off the rust. There are three PGA Tour Champions events on the schedule between now and then—the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, the Cologuard Classic and the Hoag Classic. Woods hinted that the opportunity to use a cart in competition on the senior tour makes it an option.
As for the PGA Tour, ruling out this week and next (Cognizant Classic), Woods could play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational as a past champion and would certainly be afforded a spot in the Valspar Championship, Texas Children's Houston Open or the Valero Texas Open if he wanted one. Woods is not eligible for the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
Herschel Walker, then a 29-year-old running back for the Vikings, successfully qualified as part of a two-man USA bobsled team for the the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Walker competed alongside driver Brian Shimer who also served as the team's sled technician.
Walker and Shimer finished 7th in a field of 46 teams.
Imagine if Saquon Barkley was competing right now at the Winter Olympics. Regardless of performance, it would be the biggest story at the Milan Games, at least here in the United States.
Well, thats exactly what happened at the 1992 Winter Olympics in France. Seven months before NBA players on The Dream Team took over Barcelona, an NFL running back took center stage in Albertville. Then 29 years old and coming off a season in which he rushed for 825 yards and 10 touchdowns, Walker was able to train and qualify in time only after the Vikings finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
Herschel Walker's historic and temporary transition from the gridiron to the ice was covered in the February 24, 1992 issue of The Sporting News by then-Senior Writer Dave Nightingale.
“The European racers are telling me that they like what I'm doing,” Walker said. “They like the attention I'm bringing to the sport.
"With Walker pushing for driver Brian Shimer, the U.S. No. 1 sled was impressive during the two-man training runs and posted the fastest time in the field on one of the practice slides.
"But when push came to shove, the Shimer-Walker tandem found itself well up the track. The team finished sixth, 10th, eighth and fourth in the four competitive runs and was seventh overall."
Due to Walker's NFL schedule, he and Shimer did not race together in the World Cup races leading into the Olympics and only raced together once before the Winter Games. Despite the lack of prep time, the US duo of Walker and Shimer still finishe just 0.32 seconds shy of winning a medal.
2-Man Bobsled Results at 1992 Winter Olympics
Team
Time
Trailed By
1. Weder/Acklin (SUI)
4:03:26
--
2. Lochner/Zimmermann (GER)
4:03:55
+0.29
3. Langen/Eger (GER)
4:03.63
+0.37
4. Appelt/Schroll (AUT)
4:03.67
+0.41
5. Huber/Ticci (ITA)
4:03.72
+0.46
6. Tout/Paul (GBR)
4:03.87
+0.61
7. Shimer/Walker (USA)
4:03.95
+0.69
Beyond the lack of practice time, one significant factor held them back: money.
"Shimer was frustrated as well by the fact that the U.S. did not have a sled technician. Two days before the competition began, Shimer was informed by Olympic officials that the runners on his sled did not conform to international rules. Shimer had to spend several hours with a welding iron as he made a quick adjustment — work that would have been unnecessary if the U.S. had spent $10,000 to hire a technician."
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Texas A&M (17-8, 7-5 SEC) enters the most important week of the season, set to host Ole Miss on Wednesday night in what is widely considered a "must-win" game with NCAA Tournament implications on the line, as the Aggies continue to drop in nearly every bracket prediction, including ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi's latest update.
Riding a four-game losing streak, the Aggies are looking to capitalize on more favorable matchups against Ole Miss and Oklahoma before facing Arkansas on the road next week. First-year head coach Bucky McMillan doesn't deserve all the blame for the recent skid, needing more from his starting rotation, especially senior guards Jacari Lane and Rubén Dominguez.
While it's important to note that this is not the best team McMillan will have during his tenure, this roster is more than capable of making a run over the next seven regular conference games. Led by senior forward Rashaun Agee's steadfast leadership and physical play, I fully expect him to rebound after scoring just eight points and missing too many shots under the basket during Saturday's loss at Vanderbilt.
Right now, Joe Lunardi still has the Aggies safely in the tournament field, but currently has Texas A&M as a 10-seed facing 7-seed Wisconsin. If McMillan's veteran team can bebound against Ole Miss, followed by a road win over the Sooners, the Aggies can likely afford a road loss to Arkansas, but getting back to their winning ways and playing better is the only focus moving forward.
“It’s a must play well. If we play well, that will take care of itself. We didn’t play well against Vanderbilt at all. We looked fatigued. We had a good practice today and look fresh. That five game gauntlet was tough to go through. Going forward, we have to play our best basketball.”
Texas A&M will host Ole Miss on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. and will air on the SEC Network.
He has the Aggies sitting as a 10-seed heading into this week. Wisconsin would be a a comparable matchup but the Aggies are looking to improve their chances this week for a higher seed. Wins vs Ole Miss and @ Oklahoma would help pic.twitter.com/Qv1vAKKk2u
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There is a certain brand of madness reserved for those who choose to hurtle down a winding corridor of jagged ice with nothing but a thin sheet of fiberglass between them and the frozen earth.
In this world, the margin for error is measured in millimeters, and the price of a mistimed twitch is often paid in bruises, bone, or worse. It is a discipline where the athlete becomes a human projectile, surrendering to the pull of gravity while trying to negotiate a path that feels less like a race and more like a fall.
At the 2026 Games, this spectacle of speed and nerve remains one of the most polarizing fixtures on the schedule. To the uninitiated, it looks like a desperate gamble; to the elite sliders, it is a high-speed chess match played at 90 miles per hour. Understanding how these athletes survive the plunge requires looking past the blur of the suit and into the mechanics of a sport that is as technically precise as it is inherently perilous.
The Sporting News brings you a full explanation of skeleton and what fans should know.
Skeleton is a winter sliding sport where individual athletes race head-first and face-down on a small, heavy sled along a precisely engineered ice track. Unlike luge, where athletes lie on their backs and go feet-first, skeleton requires the slider to lie prone with their chin just centimeters away from the ice surface.
The competition begins with an explosive standing start where the athletes sprint for about 30 meters while hunched over, pushing the sled to generate maximum initial velocity before diving onto it. Once they are moving, there are no steering wheels or brakes to help them navigate the course. Instead, sliders guide the sled through high-speed banked turns using subtle shifts in body weight, applying pressure with their knees or shoulders and turning their heads to influence the direction of the steel runners.
Why is it called skeleton?
The name of the sport is not a reference to the danger involved. Instead, the term most likely originated from the appearance of the equipment used in the late 19th century. In 1892, an Englishman named L.P. Child introduced a new type of sled made almost entirely of metal. This bare-bones design featured a ribbed frame and lacked the decorative chassis of traditional toboggans, leading many to remark that it looked like a human skeleton.
There is also a second, more linguistic theory involving a cross-cultural misunderstanding. Some historians believe the name "skeleton" is actually a garbled anglicization of the Norwegian word for sled, "kjelke." According to this theory, English-speaking tourists in Switzerland heard the Norwegian term and mistranslated it into the similar-sounding English word "skeleton."
Regardless of which origin story is true, the name stuck and eventually became the official title for the discipline. By the time skeleton made its first Olympic appearances at the 1928 and 1948 St. Moritz Games, the metal sled had become the standard for the sport. Today, while the sleds have been upgraded with carbon fiber and high-tech steel, they still retain that same minimalist, "skeletal" structure that gives the sport its name.
In the individual Olympic events, the competition is a test of consistency played out over four separate heats. These heats are split across two consecutive days, with two runs taking place each day to ensure that temporary changes in ice temperature or track conditions do not unfairly favor one group of athletes. The final standings are determined by the cumulative time of all four runs, measured to the hundredth of a second, meaning a single mistimed corner in the first heat can haunt an athlete until the final finish line.
The start of a skeleton race is perhaps the most critical phase for building momentum. Each athlete has 30 seconds after the green light to begin their run, starting with an explosive 25 to 40-meter sprint while bent over and pushing the sled by its handles. Once they reach peak speed, they perform a synchronized dive onto the sled to settle into a prone, head-first position. For the remainder of the course, they must remain on the sled to record a valid time, navigating the 1,730-meter Cortina track and its 16 sharp curves using only subtle shifts of their torso and knees.
To maintain fairness and safety, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation enforces strict weight and equipment regulations for all participants. For the men’s competition, the combined weight of the athlete and their equipment cannot exceed 120 kg, while the limit for women is set at 102 kg.
The 2026 Games have also introduced a brand-new competitive format: the Mixed Team event. Unlike the individual races, this event features one male and one female athlete from the same country competing in a single-heat relay style. The two athletes do not slide at the exact same time; instead, the second slider follows a "reaction start" once the track is clear. Five red lights flash at random intervals before turning green, mimicking a Formula 1 start, and the team with the lowest combined time from both runs is crowned the winner.
Scoring in Olympic skeleton is an exercise in absolute precision where winners are determined by their cumulative time rather than a points-based system. In the individual men’s and women’s events, each athlete completes four separate heats held over two consecutive days. These four individual times are added together to create a total aggregate score measured to the hundredth of a second. The athlete with the lowest total time after the final run is crowned the champion, meaning that a mistake in the very first heat can leave a slider chasing fractions of a second for the rest of the week.
The new mixed team event introduced for the 2026 Games follows a slightly different format but maintains the same reliance on cumulative time. In this event, teams consisting of one male and one female athlete from the same nation each complete a single run down the track. Their two times are combined to create a final team score, with the gold medal going to the pair with the fastest total.
A unique "reaction start" is used for the second slider in the team event, where they must set off the moment a light randomly turns from red to green, adding a layer of lightning-fast reflexes to the scoring equation.
In a sport where the athlete's body is fully exposed to the elements at freeway speeds, every piece of apparel serves a dual purpose of extreme aerodynamics and essential protection.
The primary garment is a skin-tight, one-piece aerodynamic speedsuit made from slick, synthetic fabrics like Lycra or specialized rubbers. These suits are tailored to the athlete’s frame to eliminate any loose fabric that could create drag, and while they offer almost no protection against impact, they are often lined with friction-reducing layers to help prevent severe ice burn in the event of a slide.
The most distinctive piece of safety equipment is the full-face fiberglass helmet, which must meet rigorous impact-resistance standards to protect the head from the intense vibrations and potential collisions with the track walls. Because the athlete's chin rests only five centimeters above the ice, these helmets feature integrated chin guards and streamlined visors that are shaped to allow air to flow smoothly over the head and down the back. In the 2026 Games, these helmets have even become a point of technical contention, with some nations appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over specific aerodynamic shapes that governing bodies have ruled "too beneficial."
On their feet, skeleton racers wear specialized racing shoes known as spikes, which are arguably the most important tool for the explosive start of the race. Each shoe is embedded with more than 300 tiny steel needles, no longer than five millimeters each, which allow the athlete to find purchase on the slick ice during the initial 40-meter sprint. Once the athlete dives onto the sled, they tuck their toes back to maintain a streamlined profile, sometimes using the tips of these shoes to make micro-adjustments to their steering.
Finally, while not always visible, many athletes choose to wear thin, specialized padding under their suits on high-friction areas like the elbows, knees, and shoulders. Because the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) enforces strict maximum weight limits for the combined weight of the athlete and their gear, this padding is kept to an absolute minimum.
The technical precision of skeleton recently collided with the raw reality of global politics in a major controversy involving Ukrainian racer Vladyslav Heraskevych.
Just hours before the men’s competition began on Thursday, February 12, Heraskevych was disqualified from the Games for refusing to remove his "Helmet of Remembrance." The custom headgear featured the faces of 24 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed during the invasion of Ukraine — individuals Heraskevych considered friends and peers.
The International Olympic Committee ruled that the helmet violated Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits "political, religious or racial propaganda" in Olympic venues. Despite a tearful last-minute plea from IOC President Kirsty Coventry at the top of the track, Heraskevych maintained that the helmet was a tribute of memory rather than a political statement. He argued that since the faces are indistinguishable at speeds of 80 mph, the ban was a "moral surrender" by the IOC to maintain a false sense of neutrality.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the decision, stating that "sport shouldn't mean amnesia," while other Ukrainian athletes, including the luge team, held their plain white helmets skyward in a silent protest following their own races. Heraskevych appealed the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the appeal was denied on February 13 on the grounds that the IOC’s restrictions on athlete expression "during competition" were a proportionate application of existing rules.
The origins of skeleton date back to the late 19th century in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where the Cresta Run was built in 1885. While it is the oldest of the sliding sports, its Olympic history was irregular for nearly a century because it could originally only be practiced on that specific natural ice track. As a result, skeleton was only included in the Olympic program when the Games were hosted in St. Moritz, appearing first in 1928 and again in 1948 before disappearing from the schedule for over 50 years.
The modern era of the sport began in 2002 at the Salt Lake City Games, when skeleton was finally reinstated as a permanent Olympic fixture. This return marked a major turning point for inclusivity, as it was the first time women were officially allowed to compete in the event at an Olympic level. Since its reintroduction, the sport has evolved from a niche Swiss pastime into a global discipline with highly regulated carbon-fiber sleds and artificial refrigerated tracks that allow for higher speeds and safer conditions than the original wooden sleds.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Games have introduced the most significant expansion to the program in over two decades with the debut of the Mixed Team event. This new format pairs one man and one woman from each nation to compete in a single-heat relay, bringing a team dynamic to what has traditionally been a solitary pursuit. This addition brings the total number of gold medal events in skeleton to three, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the Winter Olympic sliding program.
Olympic records in skeleton are primarily categorized by the "Track Record" — the fastest single heat ever recorded on a specific Olympic course — and the "Olympic Record," which typically refers to the fastest total cumulative time over four heats.
Unlike sports like track and field or swimming, skeleton does not have a single "World Record" for time because every ice track in the world has a different length, number of curves, and vertical drop.
The most prestigious record in the sport is held by Great Britain's Lizzy Yarnold, who remains the only skeleton athlete in history to win two gold medals. She is also the only person to successfully defend an Olympic skeleton title, winning back-to-back golds in 2014 and 2018.
The highest speed ever recorded in a skeleton competition occurred during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics at the Whistler Sliding Centre, which is widely considered the fastest track in the world. On February 19, 2010, both Alexander Tretyakov of Russia and Sandro Stielicke of Germany reached a blistering top speed of 146.4 km/h (90.96 mph).
In the women’s category, Germany’s Marion Thees (formerly Trott) holds the world record for speed, reaching 144.5 km/h (89.78 mph) during that same Olympic competition in Whistler.
If you define danger by the likelihood of getting hurt, the freestyle events are the clear leaders. Data from the last four Winter Games shows that Freestyle Skiing Big Air and Slopestyle consistently see the highest percentage of athletes injured during competition, often ranging between 25% and 28%.
Surprisingly, skeleton is widely regarded by pros as the safest of the three sliding sports (Luge, Bobsleigh, and Skeleton). Because a skeleton slider's center of gravity is so low to the ice and they have a more precise steering "feel" through their shoulders and knees, they are significantly less likely to flip their sled than a luger or bobsledder.
Sport
Primary Risk Factor
Injury Rate (Approx.)
Most Common Injury
Freestyle Big Air
Vertical height & rotation
28%
Concussions, ACL tears
Snowboard Cross
Multi-rider collisions
27%
Fractures, dislocations
Luge
Extreme speed (90+ mph)
12%
Traumatic brain injury
Ice Hockey
High-speed contact
15%
Lacerations, concussions
Skeleton
Exposure (Head-first)
10%
Abrasions, ice rash
Has there been a skeleton death at the Olympics?
Fortunately, there has never been a recorded death in the sport of skeleton during an Olympic competition or official training session. While the sport is often perceived as the most dangerous due to its head-first orientation, it has maintained a clean safety record at the Games since its modern reintroduction in 2002. This is largely because skeleton sleds have the lowest center of gravity among the sliding sports, making them much less likely to flip or eject the rider compared to a bobsled or a luge.
The common misconception that skeleton has seen fatalities often stems from a tragic event in a related sliding sport: luge. In 2010, Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died during a training run just hours before the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Because luge and skeleton share the same high-speed ice tracks, his death led to a massive overhaul of safety standards across all sliding disciplines, including higher track walls and the padding of exposed steel pillars near the finish lines.
How do skeleton skaters stop?
Skeleton sleds have no mechanical brakes, so stopping relies entirely on the track's design and the athlete's own equipment. Once a racer crosses the finish line, they enter the outrun, a long uphill section of the track designed to use gravity to naturally slow the sled's momentum. As they ascend, the athlete sits up to create wind resistance and begins the manual braking process.
To come to a complete halt, the slider digs the toes of their spiked shoes into the ice. The hundreds of tiny needles on their footwear, which provided grip at the start, now act as friction points to grind the sled to a stop. If the uphill slope and shoe-dragging aren't enough, track officials often place heavy rubber mats or foam pads at the end of the run to provide extra friction and ensure the athlete stops safely.
Is there a weight limit for skeleton?
Olympic skeleton enforces strict weight limits to ensure that gravity doesn't favor heavier athletes unfairly. These regulations govern both the sled itself and the combined weight of the athlete, their equipment, and the sled. If a slider is under the maximum combined limit, they can add lead ballast to their sled, but this weight must be securely attached to the frame rather than the person.
To accommodate larger athletes, the rules allow for a "maximum weight without ballast." This means if a slider's own body weight pushes them over the combined limit, they must use a lighter sled to compensate. This balancing act ensures that powerful sprinters can still compete safely and fairly against smaller, lighter racers.
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (#17) runs up field after a catch during the CFP Quarterfinal Cotton Bowl Classic football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes on December 31, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is still nine weeks away, but Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has already dropped hints about where his focus will lie over those three days.
So relief will come in free agency, but with the Browns holding 10 selections in the draft, including two selections in the first round and four of the top 107 picks, the heavy lifting will occur on draft weekend.
The questions that won’t be answered until then are which positions Berry will prioritize over the first three rounds. Will it be the offensive line, with candidates like Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State), and Spencer Fano (Utah)?
Perhaps a wide receiver or two will catch Berry’s eye from a list that includes Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and Washington’s Denzel Boston.
Even though Berry has pledged a “heavy investment” into the offense, there are some who still believe that it will be difficult to pass up some of the top defensive players, including Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech’s David Bailey, and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
Those are some of the questions that Gordon McGuiness at Pro Football Focus tries to answer in his latest three-round mock draft, so let’s dive in and see how the Browns fare.
Round 1 (No. 6 overall): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns will likely address their offense early in the 2026 NFL Draft, perhaps with either a pass catcher or an offensive lineman. Tate has the size and skill set to be an elite X receiver at the next level after averaging 3.02 yards per route run, catching 85.7% of his contested targets, and producing a 0.0% drop rate in 2025.
The 6-foot-3 and 195-pound Tate would instantly elevate Cleveland’s morbid wide receiver group after catching 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. While he still can use a bit of polishing, Tate’s pass-catching ability is easy to see, according to Lance Zierlein’s early draft profile at NFL.com:
Ascending “Z” receiver who continues to step out from the shadow of Ohio State teammate Jeremiah Smith. Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength. He builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks. He can win over the top on verticals or separate over the first two levels with route savvy and separation burst. Tate tracks throws at top speed and makes his adjustments to run under them. He combines timing, body control, and catch radius to dominate air space and consistently lands on the winning side of contested catches. Pass catching comes effortlessly with soft, strong hands, and he consistently works back on throws to keep ballhawks from hawking. Tate displays rare polish for a player his age and has the talent to become a heralded pro within his first three seasons.
Round 1 (No. 24 overall): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The one downside to going with a wide receiver early is that the Browns run the risk of missing out on some of the top offensive linemen. That is the case here as Mauigoa goes off the board to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 10, Proctor goes to the Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 21), Ioane goes to the Los Angeles Chargers (No. 22), and Fano lands with the Philadelphia Eagles (No. 23).
The Browns won’t be thrilled to see three offensive linemen come off the board in succession before their pick, but thankfully, there is another offensive tackle worthy of selection. Freeling improved his PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons and earned an 85.7 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025. He could help a Browns offensive line in desperate need of upgrades.
Freeling offers coveted length and athleticism at right tackle. With only 16 career starts, filling out his frame and improving his technique should be early priorities. His quickness brings first-phase positioning advantages, but he needs more play strength to carry that over to block sustain and finish. Lunging and deadening feet post-punch must be coached out of his muscle memory in pass protection so his athleticism and length can do their jobs. Independent hand usage and a reliable “snatch and trap” could instantly bolster his success rate. There is some buyer beware on tape, but if smoothed out, he has the ceiling of a quality NFL starter.
Round 2 (No. 39 overall): Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
We’re still not sold on the idea that the Browns need to add a cornerback so early in the draft, but not everyone shares that belief, which leads to the selection of Abney.
The 6-foot and 190-pound Abney finished the 2025 season without allowing a touchdown in 458 coverage snaps, best in the nation, and allowed just a 44.4 percent completion rate when targeted, according to PFF.
Abney is also willing to get involved in run defense, according to PFF, which would play well to the home fans:
Abney is a competitive, communicative outside cornerback with experience in both man and zone coverage. His best and most confident work seems to come from zone work (press or off), where he can be in bail technique and watch the quarterback’s eyes with a good feel for where his receiver(s) are. He is also a willing run defender with good tackling grades and stats. He can play man coverage, but his long speed and recovery speed appear to be average at best; if he doesn’t get physical with vertical receivers, he can get beaten there. His mentality will be his most alluring trait.
Round 3 (No. 70 overall): Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Ten years after “missing out” on Carson Wentz, the Browns finally land a North Dakota State quarterback in Cole Payton.
This is a tough one to see, given that Payton was only a one-year starter for the Bison and only attempted 58 passes in the four seasons before that. His 2025 season was decent – a 72 percent completion rate, with 2,719 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, while rushing for 894 yards – but are the Browns in a position to select a developmental quarterback? Especially this high in the draft?
At 6-foot-3 and around 230 to 235 pounds, he has good size for the league. He is also an adequate pro athlete, not just for the position but for his size. His rushing ability and experience give him a good floor and ceiling as an RPO and QB power-type backfield player.
As a passer, his grades and efficiency numbers are high, but you have to factor in how easy his situation was in 2025 on a very talented NDSU team that was typically more talented than its competition. He has a high time to throw, which stems from his rushing style but also from not being the quickest to read defenses pre- and post-snap. That has yielded a high sack rate despite his athleticism.
He does have good overall arm talent that is adequate for the NFL. His throwing motion has a bit of a shotput-style finish, but his footwork and base are consistent and give him a strong drive on his passes.
That is probably more use of the word “adequate” than one would like when discussing a quarterback, so with Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, Ohio State tight end Max Klare, Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields, and Connecticut wide receiver Sklyer Bell still on the board in this mock, it would be surprising if Berry turned in the draft card with Payton’s name on it.
What do you think, Browns fans? Does this mock draft get you fired up, or would you have Cleveland go in a different direction? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported earlier this week that Las Vegas is expected to hire Rick Dennison, who just won a Super Bowl as a run game coordinator and senior offensive advisor with the Seattle Seahawks last season.
Dennison, 67, played linebacker for the Broncos from 1982-1990 before hanging up his cleats and transitioning to coaching. He worked in Denver from 1995-2009, winning two Super Bowls with the club. After stints with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, Dennison returned to the Broncos in 2015 and won a third Super Bowl. His various titles with the club included special teams, the offensive line and offensive coordinator.
Dennison spent time with five other teams since leaving the Broncos in 2017, and he will now reunite with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who worked with him in Denver during the 2016 season.
Dennison is the third ex-Broncos coach Kubiak has hired, joining assistant head coach Mike McCoy and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis.
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 18: Ronda Rousey reacts after defeating Sarah Kaufman by submission during the Strikeforce event at Valley View Casino Center on August 18, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Esther Lin/Forza LLC/Forza LLC via Getty Images) | Forza LLC via Getty Images
That’s according to the Rousey vs. Carano odds, which opened earlier today after MVP announced the May 16 super fight at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. “Rowdy” jumped out to a -700 betting favorite against +525 for “Conviction,” spurring an influx of early money for the underdog.
Carano has since managed to shrink that line to -400/+330, according to BetOnline.ag.
Despite her absence from the fight game, Rousey (12-2) is a former Olympian and lifelong judo specialist with a submission game that led to nine taps (and a few broken wings) in 12 victories. Carano (7-1) helped blaze the trail that Rousey later followed, but never faced elite competition outside of Cyborg.
Probably because there wasn’t any in the early days of women’s MMA.
Rousey vs. Carano is being promoted by Jake Paul’s MVP outfit and marks the first time MVP has staged an MMA card. Whether or not they can meet or exceed the metal-mania that came before them remains to be seen, but at least it’s free for current Netflix subscribers.
Chimaev's recent win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294, where he also leant heavily on his grappling, had it's asterisks in many's eyes. Chimaev's jiu-jitsu coach Finfou explained that while Usman's effort on short notice was impressive, "Borz" had to completely adjust his game plan.
"With the fight with Kamaru Usman, we were preparing for one kind of fighter – it was Paulo Costa," Finfou told MMA Today. "We were doing an entire camp for one type of fighter. A couple of days before the fight, they switch the opposite. We didn't prepare for this, the same way Kamaru wasn't training for (Chimaev) – he wasn't in a camp for a fight. And then people start to say, 'If it would be five rounds.' Bro, this is delusional. We all know this is three rounds – preparation for three rounds.
"OK, we won that way, five rounds, pure dominance (vs. Du Plessis), so now nobody talks about fighting five rounds anymore, but people say that the fight was boring. If Khamzat asked, 'Can I strike?' and then we say 'Yes, go,' we'd just become sloppy, unprofessional and cocky at the wrong moment because the fight wasn't finished. If he got knocked out, you know what everybody would say? 'What an idiot! Why did he change? He was dominating the guy! The coaches let him do this.'"
Usman gave Chimaev one of his toughest tests. The other fighter who was able to push Chimaev to the brink was Gilbert Burns, whom Chimaev predominantly stood and traded with, resulting in a back-and-forth war.
Several other players were also mentioned but the fact that United are throwing themselves into the ring for the transfer of the Argentinian is rather mental.
The central midfielder is one of Slot's most-trusted players and, even though Real Madrid have long been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, it doesn't feel likely that the midfielder will exit any time soon.
However, since these links emerged, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive with Fabrizio Romano now sharing an update on the midfielder's future.
"At the moment, I’m not aware of anything concrete of strong in terms of links between Manchester United and Mac Allister," he said via his YouTube channel.
"Man United will be busy in the summer. Man United will be really busy with that position, could be one, could be two midfielders.
"It could be really interesting, but before they decide who they want, there are two main points to clarify, whether they play in the Champions League next season, which will influence their budget, and who will be the manager, Michael Carrick or other candidates.
"Man United will not decide in February. Among the names, there’s Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, who was a top target under [Ruben] Amorim, Sandro Tonali, and others.
"At the moment with Alexis Mac Allister, there is nothing really advanced, concrete or starting in terms of conversations."
The only area among Liverpool's team which doesn't need upgrading is their midfield.
Now that Florian Wirtz has been added to the mix, the Anfield outfit have at least two different options for each position with players such as Curtis Jones often missing out despite the quality he bring to the table.
Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are Slot's usual defensive midfielders and, on the odd occasion that one of them is absent, Jones is the one who fills in.
Although this may seem rather unfair, if Liverpool want to become the best team in the world and if they want to continue competing against Europe's best teams, they need to have enough depth among their ranks.
This has been one of the main problems that their defence and attack have faced this term due to the number of injuries they've suffered.
UCL | Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus: Cabal catastrophe ruins Champions League play-off
Juventus were leading 2-1 with a Teun Koopmeiners brace, but a disastrous performance from Juan Cabal with red card and Noa Lang double create a Champions League play-off mountain to climb.
The Bianconeri made the trip to Istanbul without Jonathan David, Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik, but Khephren Thuram returned after missing the controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter. Weston McKennie was turned into a surprise False 9, flanked by Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao. The hosts had Mario Lemina suspended, but could count on former Serie A stars Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, Noa Lang and Lucas Torreira. The second leg in Turin is on February 25.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
A Yunus Akgun scorcher flashed just wide, as did the deflected Kenan Yildiz effort at the other end, but Kenan Yildiz was caught napping on a throw-in, so Lucas Torreira laid it off for Gabriel Sara to bend the left-foot finish into the far bottom corner.
However, the Galatasaray celebrations were still in full swing when Juventus equalised less than a minute later. Andrea Cambiaso surged forward from the kick-off and floated a cross for Pierre Kalulu’s header, which was only parried into the path of Teun Koopmeiners to turn in the rebound.
Cambiaso was booked and will be suspended for the second leg, while Osimhen’s half-volley flashed over the bar and his header was well saved by Michele Di Gregorio.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Both Gleison Bremer and Kenan Yildiz were carrying knocks, but Juve managed to turn the game around to lead with another from Koopmeiners. The Dutchman burst through the centre, completed a give and go with McKennie, and blasted into the roof of the net with his left foot.
After several minutes of trying to continue, Bremer was forced off with a thigh issue, replaced by Federico Gatti.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Francisco Conceicao curled off target from a counter-attack and Di Gregorio got down to palm away the Yunus Akgun daisy-cutter.
Former Palermo man Roland Sallai should’ve equalised on the stroke of half-time, but ballooned over at the back post after surprising Cambiaso on a Lang corner.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray A.S. runs with the ball from Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
They did make it 2-2 straight after the restart, as Di Gregorio got a glove to the Baris Alper Yilmaz angled drive, but could do nothing on Lang’s tap-in for his first goal since the January move from Napoli. Substitute Juan Cabal had tried to double up marking elsewhere, leaving Yilmaz alone.
Galatasaray turned it around once more, Gabriel Sara’s ferocious free kick taking a mere glance off Davinson Sanchez to wrong-foot Di Gregorio from close range.
Cabal had given that free kick away with a foul on Baris Alper Yilmaz for a yellow card, and received his second for another failed attempt to stop the Galatasaray captain, reducing Juventus to 10 men after a nightmare performance off the bench.
Things went from bad to worse, as Thuram and Lloyd Kelly were too sluggish playing out from the back, allowing Osimhen to steal it inside the box and find Lang for another tap-in.
Ex-Torino winger Wilfried Singo drilled just wide from distance, but the fifth arrived when Osimhen battled with Lloyd Kelly to send substitute Sacha Boey down the right, blasting into the far top corner with a powerful finish.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Davinson Sanchez of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus
Gabriel Sara 15 (G), Koopmeiners 16, 32 (J), Lang 49, 75 (G), Sanchez 60 (G), Boey 86 (G)
NBA star Klay Thompson is making waves off the court, and this time it is about his personal life. The Dallas Mavericks star grabbed headlines after pulling off a major birthday surprise for Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion as she celebrated turning 31.
As Thompson settles into his new chapter in Dallas, his off-court gesture has gone viral on social media and drawn attention from both NBA fans and the music world. The moment has sparked widespread buzz online.
A now-viral social media post from Megan Thee Stallion appeared to quietly reveal that Mavericks guard Klay Thompson celebrated her 31st birthday with an ultra-luxury Bentley Mulsanne, reportedly valued at around $400,000, triggering a wave of reactions across X and Instagram. But neither Megan nor Thompson disclosed any details about the vehicle purchase beyond the social media posts.
Klay Thompson bought Meg Thee Stallion a new Bentley for her 31st birthday
The buzz began after X user @FearedBuck shared images of the rapper standing beside a light-blue Bentley adorned with a massive bow, inside what appeared to be a private garage. Megan Thee Stallion celebrated her birthday on February 15.
Rumors about Thee Stallion and Thompson first began circulating in early July 2025 after fans noticed a man believed to be Thompson in the background of Megan’s poolside Instagram photos. Around the same time, Thompson shared images from a similar setting, which fueled speculation that the two were seeing each other.
On July 16, 2025, the pair were spotted attending the Pete and Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City together. They were seen holding hands on the red carpet, marking their first public appearance as a couple and effectively confirming their relationship. And by October 24, 2025, Megan appeared to reference her relationship with Thompson in her single Lover Girl.
As of January 2026, the couple had continued sharing moments together on social media following their July 2025 public debut. In February 2026, Megan described herself as overly comfortable in the relationship during an interview, further indicating that they were still together publicly.
Team USA Third In 2026 Winter Olympics Medal Tally Image by NBC Olympics & Paralympics @NBCOlympicsX
Team USA is currently in third place in the Olympic medal tally, with 20 total, behind Norway with 30 and Italy with 24. Japan is close behind with 19 total medals as of noon on Tuesday, with 78 of 116 events completed.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, which began on February 6, will conclude on February 22.
Latvia, New Zealand, and Bulgaria are in a three-way tie for 20th place, with two medals each. Brazil, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Belgium each have earned one medal apiece.
Click here to see which winter sports each participating country earned medals for.
Bianca Belair is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 - Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Since her iconic triple-threat match with Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY at WrestleMania 41, Bianca Belair has been out of action after breaking the joint of her left knuckle, which she underwent surgery for yesterday. It was expected that Belair would be able to return to the ring within six months, but as the new year approached, it was becoming apparent that the injury was more serious than many initially thought. After undergoing successful surgery, Belair took to social media on Tuesday to share multiple videos of her first day of physical therapy, where she can be seen having difficulty making a fist and bending her ring finger.
Heading into the 2026 Royal Rumble, many believed that Belair was going to make her triumphant return at the event, but once she wasn't featured on the show, the WWE Universe quickly became concerned over her WrestleMania 42 status. Belair was rumored to wrestle her former tag team partner Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania, but with the 36-year-old's involvement at the "Showcase of the Immortals" looking unlikely, there continues to be uncertainty towards who could challenge for the title instead.
Who should challenge Jade Cargill in Bianca Belair's absence?
Jade Cargill is seen in Midtown on January 14, 2026 - Aeon/Getty Images
There's no doubt that Belair's presence in WWE has been missed in the lead up to WrestleMania, as plans for the show continue to be reportedly up in the air. Since Cargill won the championship in November, fans have criticized the booking for her reign, with many voicing their frustration of her lack of title defences and TV time. Although Belair's absence doesn't excuse Cargill's poor creative direction, it's possible that WWE had relied on a feud between both women to be the long-term story for the championship going into WrestleMania. Therefore, Cargill's next opponent will likely be decided at the Elimination Chamber, but who would be the best choice to challenge her?
With 2026 Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan rumored to challenge for Stephanie Vaquer's Women's World Championship at WrestleMania, whoever emerges victorious in the Women's Elimination Chamber would earn the opportunity to fight for Cargill's title. So far, Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton, Alexa Bliss and Asuka have qualified for the chamber, but which contender would be a WrestleMania worthy opponent for Cargill?
Although Ripley and Asuka are both strong options, both women are tied up in feuds in the tag team division and seem unlikely to win the match. Stratton, who just returned from injury at the Royal Rumble, has been looking to win back the title, but she fought Cargill six times last year, and another battle between both competitors would be a bland decision. Bliss would undoubtedly be a fresh choice, but her tag team partner Charlotte Flair could also be a formidable opponent, as she's set to compete in a qualifying match on "WWE SmackDown" this Friday.
On the one hand, Bliss hasn't challenged for a world title since 2023 and deserves the opportunity to do so, whereas Flair has a history of performing well at WrestleMania, making both wrestlers reliable options to face Cargill in two months time.
Carlos Alcaraz will play Arthur Rinderknech in his first match since his Australian Open triumph.
The Spaniard made history in Melbourne, becoming the youngest man to win all four Grand Slam titles by beating Novak Djokovic in the final.
Alcaraz then pulled out of the Rotterdam Open, where he was the defending champion, before making the trip to Doha for a chance to defend his Qatar Open title.
Looking ahead to the event, Alcaraz commented on a potential matchup with Jannik Sinner. The Italian, seeded second in Doha, hasn’t won a title since lifting the trophy at the 2025 ATP Finals.
Alcaraz speaks about possible Sinner matchup at Qatar Open
Photo by IZHAR KHAN / AFP via Getty Images
In his pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz was asked about the growing anticipation around a possible final between him and Sinner.
The reporter put it to him like this: “Seems that everybody in every tournament that you and Jannik are playing, that everybody waits for the final. So does this kind of thinking please you, or is more stressful for you?”
Alcaraz responded: “Well, neither. I know how difficult is every match. Every match is such a different, our play is totally different.
“I think this draw is a really tough one for a 500 tournament. We can see the first matches how good matches that we have in the first round.”
He’s not wrong about the strength of the field either. Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov and Jakub Mensik are all involved.
Bublik was due to feature too but pulled out on Monday.
Alcaraz continued: “So just thinking about, you know, a match at a time, and let’s see how far I can go.
“Obviously my mind is trying to go as far as I can. You know if it’s possible to play a final obviously that would be great and that’s what I’m looking for so let’s see.
If Alcaraz gets past Rinderknech on Monday he will meet Valentin Royer who beat Pierre Hugues-Herbert on Sunday.
Carlos Alcaraz shares his thoughts ahead of Arthur Rinderknech clash
Speaking about his upcoming opponent, Alcaraz said: “Well, he’s really tough. I played a few times against him, and it’s always difficult playing against him.
“I’m just excited about playing my first match here this year. And, yeah, just excited about feeling the love from the people and how it’s going to be with them, how warm I’m going to be welcomed. It’s going to be interesting.
“I’m excited to play against him once again.”
The head-to-head record favours Alcaraz, who has beaten Rinderknech four times without defeat on the ATP Tour. Two of those wins came at the US Open and two more at Queen’s Club.
The most recent meeting was during Alcaraz’s 2025 US Open title run, where he won their fourth-round encounter 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.
A month later, Rinderknech made headlines by reaching his first Masters 1000 final in Shanghai before falling short against his cousin Valentin Vacherot.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is downplaying any worries for fans that there is bad blood between George Pickens and the 83-year-old owner and general manager. It comes just a day after reports surfaced that Pickens was fined multiple times by the franchise for being late to meetings and violating curfew.
Speaking with the Dallas Morning News, Jones reframed those as minor issues compared to Pickens’ value and buy‑in with the team. Joking, “I’ve missed a few myself…something came up,” signaling he doesn’t view the any late meeting appearances as a major stopping point in the long game.
Coming into 2025, Pickens was widely viewed as the Cowboys’ ultimate X‑factor — a talented but volatile former Steeler whom many analysts pegged as a prime breakout candidate in Dallas’ pass‑heavy offense.
Pickens had a standout first season in Dallas, with 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns, plus a Pro Bowl appearance. With the franchise tag window open, the Cowboys are deciding between tagging him or offering a long-term deal.
Jones assured that the franchise doesn’t see those things as something to hold against Pickens. Adding that as long as Pickens cares about the team and their ultimate goal, small things like being late to meetings are “forgivable.” Dallas faces a March 3 deadline to decide whether to tag Pickens, extend him, or let him reach free agency, and the expectation is they will tag him if a deal isn’t done in time.
Nate Tice & Matt Harmon deep dive on the 8 most QB-needy teams in the NFL to determine who will be starting for them Week 1. The duo start with their reactions to the latest coordinator hires around the NFL, including the Seattle Seahawks finding their Klint Kubiak replacement in new OC Brian Fleury.
Next, Nate & Matt play quarterback matchmaker for the 8 most QB-needy teams in the NFL. The two hosts start with deep dives on the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins (would Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill be interesting names in the free agent market?), Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
Later, Nate & Matt find quarterback matches for the Indianapolis Colts (franchise tag Daniel Jones?), Minnesota Vikings (will JJ McCarthy get another shot?), Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons.
(4:50) - Latest coordinator hire reactions
(16:40) - QB matchmaker: Jets
(29:20) - QB matchmaker: Dolphins
(40:10) - QB matchmaker: Steelers
(46:20) - QB matchmaker: Browns
(57:30) - QB matchmaker: Colts
(1:05:40) - QB matchmaker: Vikings
(1:17:40) - QB matchmaker: Cardinals
(1:22:50) - QB matchmaker: Falcons
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field following pregame warmups before the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Felix Loch won his first Olympic gold medal in 2010. He'll aim for another one in 2030.
The German luge star — a seven-time World Cup overall champion and the current leader in this season's standings with two races left — made perhaps a mildly surprising announcement Tuesday, saying he intends to compete for a spot at the 2030 Olympics in France.
The 36-year-old Loch said he discussed the plan with his wife and children, and the decision was made from there.
“We all know what another four years would entail: sacrifice, planning, hoping, cheering along,” Loch said in a statement posted to social media. “All the more grateful I am that they say: We stand behind you! That is not something to be taken for granted.”
Loch has 56 career World Cup singles wins, one behind Italian great Armin Zoeggeler's men's record.
Loch won singles Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, and added a relay gold as well at the 2014 Sochi Games. He was fifth at the 2018 Olympics, fourth in 2022 and was sixth at the Milan Cortina Games last week.
“I will keep going — as long as I am healthy and fit,” Loch said.
Luge is the only of the three sliding sports that has its major international season continuing after the Olympics. There are World Cup weekends on Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and then the season finale March 7-8 in Altenberg, Germany.
Loch leads Jonas Müller of Austria by one point going into those final two races. Winners of World Cup races get 100 points.
“I love my sport. And as long as I can compete at the front, I will give everything to be back at the start for our Team Deutschland in 2030,” Loch said. “Being able to compete for your country is and always will be the greatest honor.”
Malinin’s performance was one of the most highly anticipated of the games. But his stumbles during Friday’s event left him off the podium in eighth place as he held back tears. He began his routine aiming to become the first man to land seven quads in a single Olympic event, including the difficult quad axel. While he landed the quad flip, he stuttered on the axel, managing only a single rotation. He then stepped out of the lutz and could add only a double toe loop.
Olympic gymnast Biles, 28, landed in a similar situation herself, as she had the “twisties” during her time at the 2020 Tokyo games, where she had to remove herself from multiple events.
During her appearance on Tuesday’s episode of the Today show, Biles revealed that she was able to speak to the Malinin following his event, sharing advice on how to bounce back.
“I’ve definitely had a chance to bump into him,” she said. “I’ve sent him messages on Instagram as well, obviously, it’s all been private because I know what he’s going through, and I know most athletes might not be able to relate, and it’s really, really hard to watch.”
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles reacted to Ilia Malinin’s fall last week at the Winter Olympics, explaining that she was hopeful he would bounce back (Getty)
Despite the skater’s mishap, Biles added that Malinin is still an “absolute legend” and predicts that he will be able to return stronger.
“I see him coming out on top after this,” the seven-time gold medalist said. “We’re all just cheering for him.”
Malinin himself also appeared on Tuesday’s episode of the morning talk show as he reflected on what led to his fall, noting that he let the pressure affect his performance.
“Honestly, it’s not a pleasant feeling,” he said about that many people watching him at the time. “The most honest way to say it is just a lot on you, so many eyes, so much attention, not only from people, or fans, media, it’s just so much, and it really can get to you if you’re not ready to fully embrace it.”
He added, “I think that might be one of the mistakes I made going into that free skate was I was not ready to handle that to a full extent, so I think looking back at that, now I’ll be able to kind of understand how that feels so I’ll be able to take a full approach leading up to the next games hopefully.”
"Never say never, but he certainly hasn't given an indication," Buss said. "He's earned the right to decide how his career will go, and he continues to impress."
Buss' comments come after last month's ESPN report that detailed her tumultuous relationship with James behind the scenes. The report alleged that Buss, who sold the Lakers last summer, grew jealous of James' prominent role within the franchise.
She sold her majority stake of the Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter, ending the Buss family's 46-year reign over the team. The Buss family still owns a 15% minority stake in the franchise, with Jeanie still serving as governor.
James spoke with the media ahead of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. He was noncommittal about his plans, stating he's "unsure" if he'll return for another season.
LeBron's uncertain future is an inflection point for the Lakers, as he's been the face of the franchise since signing with the team in 2018. He led LA to an NBA Championship in 2020 and became the league's all-time leading scorer while wearing the purple and gold.
The Lakers are having a solid season even with the James drama. LA (33-21) is tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for fifth in the Western Conference. The Lakers return to action Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
With the fresh fantasy baseball season approaching, it’s time to get you some tiered rankings from my Shuffle Up series. Use these for salary cap drafts, straight drafts, keeper decisions or merely a view of how the position ebbs and flows. The infield started last week and wrapped on Monday; now, we head to the outfield. The pitchers will follow later this week.
(Shohei Ohtani — batter version — and Marcell Ozuna only qualify at the utility spot; I have included them in the outfield.)
The numbers are unscientific in nature and meant to reflect where talent clusters and drops off. Assume a 5x5 scoring system, as usual, and away we go.
You’re welcome to break the Judge/Ohtani tie any way you like. They’ll obviously go 1-2 in some order in most leagues. Judge is three years older, but Ohtani also carries the strain of his side pitching assignments. Both men are supported by deep lineups behind them. Ohtani’s 59 steals from two years ago proved to be an outlier; he did it for fun once, but probably now recognizes it doesn’t make sense to run that aggressively in the regular season. More than any other club in baseball, the Dodgers start each year with October health in mind.
Announcer Keith Hernandez has said for years that any ballplayer could probably steal 15 bases or so if he merely put in the effort. Soto took it a step further, leading the National League with 38 swipes in 42 attempts, after seven full seasons of station-to-station baseball. Even if Soto’s steals take a reasonable step back, he’s a multi-category monster entering his age-27 season. The timing could be right for his first MVP year.
Schwarber is utility-only in some formats, outfield-eligible in others. All I know is, he’s a screaming value in Round 2. The power is elite, the run production is excellent and he hasn’t been a major batting average drain for two years. He could be a zero in the steals column, but he can steal 10 if he wants (last year, he wanted to). The leadoff spot maximizes the volume. I will make sure I have some Schwarber shares this summer.
Fantasy baseball sages Glenn Colton and Rick Wolf will remind us that it’s somewhat risky to pay up for a fantasy baseball pick who’s starting a big contract and on a new team. It’s also been frustrating to see Tucker navigate injuries the last two years. On the plus side, Tucker is still just 29 and he’s now insulated by the Los Angeles lineup, one of the deepest in baseball. And given the star-power in L.A. and the reasonable expectation that the Dodgers are already in the playoffs, it’s not like Tucker arrives in camp with absurd pressure on his shoulders. He’ll be a first-round pick in some leagues and an early-second-round pick in others.
Legitimate Building Blocks
$28 Roman Anthony
$27 Riley Greene
$27 Pete Crow-Armstrong
$26 Yordan Alvarez
$26 Jackson Merrill
$25 Jarren Duran
$25 Wyatt Langford
$23 Cody Bellinger
$23 Randy Arozarena
$22 Byron Buxton
$22 Oneil Cruz
$22 Seiya Suzuki
$22 Maikel García
$21 Tyler Soderstrom
$21 Kyle Stowers
$19 Michael Harris II
$19 Teoscar Hernández
$19 Jose Altuve
$18 Andy Pages
Crow-Armstrong is one of the most difficult ranks this spring. He was a legitimate MVP candidate before the break (25 homers, 27 steals, .847 OPS) and a mediocre ballplayer after it (six homers, eight steals, .634 OPS). Lefties knocked the bat out of his hand all year (.188/.217/.376). Of course, his angelic defense will hold his spot in the lineup, deservedly so. PCA’s category juice forces me to keep the salary in the high 20s, but we’ll see if I have the nerve to click on his name when the picks count in March.
My friend Joe Sheehan was explaining in his newsletter why he was going under the Houston win total this year. In part: “A full season of Yordan Alvarez will only do so much, and I’m not sure that you can ever project a full season of Yordan Alvarez.” Bingo. Another case where it’s not fun to play fantasy baseball like an actuary, but it’s almost always the prudent angle. Alvarez has the bat and zone judgement of a god, but the knees of Fred G. Sanford.
For a long time time it felt like the Bellinger career arc would never make sense, but he’s started to stabilize the last three years (average slash of .281/.338/.477, good pop, resourceful running). He was wise to re-sign in New York, a stadium where he had a .909 OPS and 18 homers last year. Welcome to the Ibañez All-Star days, where Bellinger now sits as a boring-value veteran.
Talk Them Up, Talk Them Down
$17 Brandon Nimmo
$17 Christian Yelich
$16 Jo Adell
$16 George Springer
$16 Taylor Ward
$15 Lawrence Butler
$15 Alec Burleson
$14 Steven Kwan
$14 Jakob Marsee
$14 Luis Robert Jr.
$13 Ian Happ
$13 Ceddanne Rafaela
$12 Chandler Simpson
$12 Brenton Doyle
$12 Noelvi Marte
$11 Jurickson Profar
$11 Dylan Crews
$11 Bryan Reynolds
$11 Heliot Ramos
$11 Mike Trout
$11 Wilyer Abreu
$11 Kerry Carpenter
$11 Daylen Lile
$11 Brendan Donovan
Can we just fast-forward to the days where Trout is a DH for a contending team? It’s frustrating to watch him toil for the hopeless Angels, and you wonder how much patrolling the outfield affects his durability. Trout did make it through 130 games last year — his most since 2019 — and although a .232/.359/.439 slash is under code for him, it’s a respectable 121 OPS+ when compared to league context. Pay for about 110 games this year, and be mindful that he shut down the running game several years back.
Burleson won a Silver Slugger Award last year? Oh, right, the utility slot. He’ll probably be parked at first base this year but still qualifies in the outfield. Last year’s improvement against lefties was the biggest boost to a career year, and you like drafting players on his career arc (this is the age-27 season). The Cardinals are no longer an exciting destination offense, which might give you Burleson at a mild discount.
Kwan’s style of play is a throwback, where he’s merely looking to make contact and not concerned with how loud that contact is. Consider his Baseball Savant sliders, where his contact stats are all dreamy but his hard-hit metrics barely register. Nonetheless, he’ll find his way to 10-14 homers a year, he still runs proactively and you can count on a plus average. Diversity of style is a good thing in sports — too often it feels like everyone wants to use the same strategy — and I salute Kwan’s willingness to swim against the tide.
Some Plausible Upside
$10 Daulton Varsho
$10 Trent Grisham
$9 Addison Barger
$9 Sal Frelick
$9 TJ Friedl
$8 Jose Caballero
$8 Adolis García
$8 Jac Caglianone
$8 Ramón Laureano
$7 Spencer Steer
$7 Colton Cowser
$6 Jordan Beck
$6 Jasson Domínguez
$6 Jesús Sánchez
$5 Mickey Moniak
$5 Tommy Edman
$5 Josh Lowe
$5 Cedric Mullins II
$5 Giancarlo Stanton
$4 Ryan O'Hearn
$4 Chase DeLauter
$4 Evan Carter
$4 Matt Wallner
$4 *Marcell Ozuna
$4 Victor Scott II
$4 Brandon Marsh
$4 Lars Nootbaar
Laureano was probably the most underrated outfielder in fantasy baseball last year — he was the No. 29 outfielder in 5x5 value — and I initially had him as a double-digit value. I’m a little concerned the Nick Castellanos signing could create a logjam in the San Diego outfield, and ultimately, I decided to be prudent with Laureano’s ranking, mindful that he’s in his 30s and has never logged 500 at-bats in a season. Still, he’s an above-average hitter, and hopefully the Padres will give him some leash.
Sánchez was a smart addition for Toronto, though he’ll open the season in a platoon (on the heavy side). This is a knockout blow for those in smaller leagues, but acceptable if you’re in medium and deeper groups. Sanchez might not run much on the red-light Blue Jays, but he can hit for a reasonable average and knock 15-18 homers.
Scott didn’t hit at all last year and still stole 34 bases; imagine what’s possible if he shows any improvement at the plate. His zone judgment is fine and although the hard-hit sliders are all on the low side, that’s not always a problem for a speed merchant. Scott enters his age-25 season, so go time is now. The rebuilding Cardinals figure to leave him alone and grow at his own pace. Your late picks are all about upside, and Scott can legitimately check that box.
“The last 5 seasons/4.5 years of my life have been incredible reporting for my hometown team,” Rogers wrote. “Never in a million years did I think this job would become what it became. I’m filled with such a full heart as I depart the Lions and am so giddy for what’s to come!!”
Rogers, who grew up in the Detroit area, joined the Lions’ media coverage during a transformative stretch for the franchise, documenting the team’s rebuild and rise into a perennial contender. Her departure marks the end of a chapter that closely aligned with the Lions’ resurgence under Dan Campbell.
Before her time with Detroit, Rogers built an impressive résumé across both college and professional football. She previously served as the Coordinator of PR, Communications and Digital Content for the Arizona Wildcats football program, worked as a digital media intern with the Los Angeles Rams, and spent time as a producer for the Big Ten Network, primarily covering University of Michigan athletics.
A University of Michigan graduate, Rogers’ next move has not yet been announced, but her message made it clear she’s excited about what lies ahead.
For Lions fans, her exit represents another reminder of just how far the franchise has come — and how many careers, stories, and memories were shaped along the way.
Sexton (right) said the abuse directed at Edogbo marred a special day for the debutant [Getty Images]
Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has said he does not think Edwin Edogbo "paid too much attention" to the racist abuse that was directed at him following his international debut.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) had to turn off comments on a social media post that congratulated the player for coming off the bench in the Six Nations game against Italy because of replies that contained racial abuse.
On Tuesday, the IRFU said it is hopeful "we can bring something to the Gardai [Irish police]" regarding the abuse.
"It's horrible to see that in this day and age, it still exists like that," said Ireland assistant coach Sexton.
"In terms of how he is, he's good. I don't think he would have paid too much attention to it, and I don't know if he would have even seen most of it.
"He's a pretty humble guy, really level-headed, but it's not right, some of the comments that were made.
"I feel for him, I feel for his family, it marred a pretty special day for him."
'We're doing it differently' - Sexton on developing fly-halves
Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Sam Prendergast and Harry Byrne all have ambitions of being Ireland's first-choice fly-half [Getty Images]
Sexton was speaking before Ireland's match against England on Saturday amid ongoing uncertainty over who will in the long term fill the number 10 jersey he wore with distinction.
Sam Prendergast has started both Six Nations games this year, but head coach Andy Farrell has Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne as options against England.
"It's important that they all keep developing and getting game-time," added Sexton, who won 118 Ireland caps.
"So there are four guys and all the criticism from previous World Cup cycles is that we didn't develop guys, and we have relied too heavily on one [player] in some positions.
"So we're doing it a different way now and whether that's right or wrong, everyone judges it by the outcome but I know that in games to come, they're going to hit their best form and they'll be in a good place."
The former British and Irish Lions fly-half emphasised Ireland's eagerness to have strength in depth for next year's World Cup.
"All four are very good, they've all got their different strengths and as coaches I think we are trying to make sure that we have lots of options going to a World Cup, try and learn from previous cycles and make sure that we give them all a certain number of caps," he added.
"We need to make sure that we see their form in different pressurised situations, in different venues against different opposition and yeah, I'm sure it will be like that for the foreseeable."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Arnold Barboza Jr. prepares to throw a punch at Teofimo Lopez during a fight for the Ring and WBO Super Lightweight titles in Times Square on May 02, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Arnold Barboza Jr and Kenneth Sims Jr will both move up to the welterweight division in a 12-round main event from Anaheim on Saturday, March 14, live on DAZN.
The Golden Boy-promoted card will also feature world title defenses from Gabriela Fundora and Oscar Collazo.
The 34-year-old Barboza (32-1, 11 KO) is coming off of his first loss, a clear decision in a WBO super lightweight title challenge against Teofimo Lopez in May 2025. Now moving to 147 lbs, he’ll look to quickly get back on track, and will have home field advantage in Southern California against Chicago’s Sims (22-3-1, 8 KO), a 32-year-old also coming off of a loss at 140, against Oscar Duarte last August.
Sims has fought at 147 in the past. Barboza has, too, but those fights were early in his career, before he got serious and stuck at 140.
Unified WBA and WBO minimumweight champ Collazo (13-0, 10 KO) will take on Jesus Haro (13-3, 2 KO) in a Puerto Rico vs Mexico matchup. It will be Collazo’s first fight of 2026.
It will also be a first time out this year for undisputed flyweight champion Fundora (17-0, 9 KO) will face WBA interim titlist Viviana Ruiz (10-2, 5 KO), a 43-year-old Venezuelan who lives and fights out of Australia. On paper, it is not a serious challenge for Fundora, but it does keep her active.
Ronda Rousey will return to mixed martial arts in a huge way on March 16. The former UFC legend will face Gina Carano, another icon, on March 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. After leaving UFC, Rousey spent time in WWE. She exited that sports entertainment juggernaut to start a family. Now, she returns on Netflix in what can only be described as a dream bout. The fight will be a professional MMA bout, 5x5 minute rounds. “Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history,” Rousey said. “... This is for all MMA fans past, present and future."
“I weighed myself this morning, I was only 86kgs (190 pounds),” Pimblett said on his video blog. “F*cking sound for me. I’ve been at like 90 something at this stage before. I’ve been eating well. I know the (video) title says I got fat again but I’m not that fat. I’m actually alright. Like 86 kilos, which is sound. I’m doing all right. I’m not like America fat where I’m like 94, 95 kilos (210 pounds). We’re doing good. We’re doing alright.”
Benfica host Real Madrid in an intriguing first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff round on Tuesday, with Jose Mourinho's side the heavy underdogs.
For live updates and highlights throughout Benfica vs Real Madrid, check out PST's live blog coverage below.
Benfica vs Real Madrid live updates - by Andy Edwards
Benfica vs Real Madrid final score: 0-1
Goalscorers: Vinicius Junior (50')
Play has restarted after discussions between referee, players, managers (60')
Vinicius and Prestianni are both still on the field.
Game halted after Vinicius Junior reported being racially abused (52')
After Vinicius scored the opening goal and went to the corner flag to celebrate, one or two Benfica players were chirping at Vinicius for the nature of his dancing celebration. After a minute or two, the Brazilian instantly sprinted to French referee Francois Letexier, pointing at Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, and reported that a racist comment had been made by the Argentine. 10 minutes after the ball hit the back of the net, the game is yet to restart.
GOAL! Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius opens the scoring with an absolute beauty (50')
How to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid live, stream link and start time
Kick off time:3pm ET Tuesday (February 17) Venue:Estadio da Luz — Lisbon, Portugal TV Channel/Streaming: Paramount+
But they did beat Real Madrid 4-2 in a dramatic league phase finale just a few weeks ago, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring the all-important last-gasp goal which sealed their spot in the playoff round by one goal. And now they get to play Real Madrid again. Twice. Mourinho will relish the role of the underdog and after a torrid start to the Champions League this season, Benfica see progression to the knockout rounds as a huge bonus.
Real Madrid will be wary of an upset but in reality they'll look to build a healthy lead to take back to the Santiago Bernabeu and then finish off the job with minimum fuss to reach the last 16. Alvaro Arbeloa has done pretty well since replacing Xabi Alonso as Real are top of La Liga by two points but have played a game more than Barcelona. If you take that defeat at Benfica away they've won the other six games in their last seven, scoring 20 goals across those seven games as Kylian Mbappe is flying.
Benfica team news, focus
Mourinho has overseen a dramatic turnaround at Benfica since arriving at his boyhood club in September. Benfica still sit seven points behind leaders Porto but they haven't lost a game in the league this season. In the Champions League they won three of their final four league phase games to reach the playoff round on goal difference, beating Ajax, Napoli and Real Madrid in a sensational run. Now it's all about keeping it as tight as possible against Real, which Mourinho is very good at doing, and hoping center forward Vangelis Pavlidis, playmaker Heorhiy Sudakov and winger Andreas Schjelderup can do the business on the counter.
Real Madrid team news, focus
Arbeloa's side breezed past Real Sociedad 4-1 at home at the weekend, with some key players rested. Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Rodrygo remain out injured, while Kylian Mbappe is available but was rested at the weekend. The main issue for Real under Xabi Alonso was the lack of defensive options due to injuries but Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen are all back and that has been a big reason why Real's form has picked up. Raul Asencio is suspended.
Benfica vs Real Madrid prediction
This feels like a Mourinho special coming up and Benfica will be full of confidence after beating Real 4-2 just a few weeks ago. Go for a draw. Benfica 2-2 Real Madrid.
Changes in Ann Arbor keep coming. And Kyle Whittingham is continuing to revamp his newly-inherited program.
It had appeared as if everything was set with the Michigan football program, but there started to be some small upheaval with defensive line coach Lou Esposito departing for the Baltimore Ravens. While that wasn't Whittingham's choice, it did open the gates to more changes.
Michigan and new head coach Kyle Whittingham are parting ways with general manager Sean Magee, sources tell On3. Brought on in March 2024 as the general manager, he arrived in Ann Arbor after working as the chief of staff for the Chicago Bears during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
(...)
Magee played a key role in keeping the Michigan roster together through the transition of Sherrone Moore’s firing and Whittingham’s hire. The Wolverines ultimately lost 27 players, but kept together a core of returning players that has Michigan well-positioned for the 2026 season.
Magee has been crucial for Michigan's pursuit and retention beyond even what the article above mentions. He was key in recruitments such as running back Hassan Haskins (back in 2017). He was pivotal in getting Bryce Underwood to Ann Arbor despite his attachment to LSU. He was key in helping retain the roster and signing class that Whittingham inherited.
There's no public intel as to if it's a philosophical difference or if Whittingham has his eye on a candidate for the position that fits better.
Real España’s structure and form make it a serious test for LAFC
Marc dos Santos told me that starting a season on the road against an opponent who's been playing for several week now can be dangerous. No wonder the newly appointed coach doesn't even want to think about the clash with Messi this weekend.
To no one's surprise, as the 2026 season progresses in Central America, C.D. Real España is once again establishing itself as a strong domestic contender and a tough opponent in continental competitions.
Founded in 1929 and based in San Pedro Sula, Real España is one of Honduras’ most successful clubs, having lifted 12 Liga Nacional titles. Nicknamed “Los Aurinegros” for their black-and-yellow uniforms, they play at Estadio Francisco Morazán, where teamwork and la pasión often decide matches.
Strong Start in Clausura 2025/26
After six matches in the Clausura campaign, Real España leads the table with four wins and two draws, earning 14 points. They have scored 10 goals and allowed five.
Their early approach is clear: focus on strong defense first, then efficiency. They don’t overwhelm opponents with constant pressure; instead, they control games through a solid structure.
Core Contributors
The team mixes seasoned Honduran internationals with younger players who rotate in.
Luis López (GK, 32) provides veteran leadership and command of the penalty area.
Devron García (29) anchors the defensive spine, supplying both physical presence and distribution.
Daniel Aparicio (25) adds dependability in duels and threat on set pieces.
Jhow Benavídez (30) operates as the creative connector in midfield.
Carlos Mejía (28) protects the back line with disciplined ball recovery.
Darixon Vuelto (28) gives the attack verticality in transition.
David Sayago (25) and Eddie Hernández (34) rotate at center forward, combining mobility and experience.
Despite having several veterans at their disposal, the squad’s average age is in the mid-20s, striking a good balance between energy and tactical experience.
Tactical Identity Under Jeaustin Campos
Head coach Jeaustin Campos values flexibility. Real España switches between a 3-5-2 and a 4-2-3-1 based on the opponent, but their core principles remain the same:
Compact defensive block
Controlled midfield pressing
Quick vertical transitions
Strong emphasis on set pieces
They don’t mind giving up the ball in safe areas, focusing instead on protecting the center and quickly moving into space when they win it back.
Continental Spotlight: LAFC Await
Real España is back in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, but now faces a massive test against LAFC in a two-legged match that begins today in Honduras. Then, the series will be decided next week at BMO Stadium, soon after LAFC's debut in MLS, a LA Coliseum game expected to draw over 50,000 and feature two of the most electrifying rosters in the league.
Historically, the club has made 18 appearances in the competition, reaching the semifinals in 1991. Their overall record (30 wins, 14 draws, 27 losses) reflects experience, even if deep runs have been rare.
Against LAFC, they will likely use the same strategy as at home: close down space, control the game, and capitalize on quick transitions. The home game in San Pedro Sula could be key if they limit away goals and keep the overall score close before the second leg.
The message for LAFC is simple. Don't underestimate the opponent, play smart, and try to get back to the US with a positive result. Agressiveness from the Americans could be costly, but the Honduras team could be looking to slow the game down and create impatience in the favorites. Time will tell.
Real España started 2026 in great domestic form with a clear tactical style. LAFC will feature a new look, so there's a bit of an advantage for LAFC because they can watch past matches. They don’t rely on flashy play or star power. Instead, their strength comes from solid structure, strong defense, and confidence in tight games.
In Honduras, this approach has them at the top of the table. In continental play, it offers a challenging but clear path to go further than many expect.
Comolli admits Inter 3-2 Juventus reaction was ‘excessive’ – ‘Sorry if I offended’
Juventus CEO Damien Comolli has apologised and admitted that his reaction after the fiery Derby d’Italia against Inter was excessive, but insists that he was ‘trying to defend my club’.
Comolli has been given a fine of €15,000 and has been handed a Serie A ban until the end of March as a result of his comments and actions during and after the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus on Saturday evening.
Inter’s victory in the derby was largely overshadowed by the incorrect decision to send off Pierre Kalulu in the 42nd minute. Comolli angrily confronted the referee Federico La Penna in the tunnel at half-time, and later made calls for refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi to resign after full-time.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Comolli, speaking ahead of Juventus’s Champions League match against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, apologised for the way in which he behaved in San Siro on Saturday.
“I always respect the decisions of the authorities, whatever the decision, I will comply to it,” Comolli told Sky Sport Italia.
“My passion was excessive, my reaction was excessive, I am sorry if I offended people, but I am here to defend my club, I felt it was an injustice, we reacted the wrong way and were excessive, but we still were on the wrong end of an injustice.
“I don’t want to respond to other clubs, as we don’t want to talk about the past, we want to focus on the future and what happens on the pitch.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Damien Comolli, General Manager of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Alessandro Bastoni, largely responsible for getting Kalulu sent off, has since offered his apologies for the way in which he celebrated the dismissal. Bastoni has avoided punishment from the league, but Kalulu remains suspended.
“I can’t comment, we are very sorry for Pierre Kalulu, he is the one who is going to be suspended, we think it is very unfair. I saw him in the tunnel after the game, he is extremely frustrated. Our thoughts are all with Kalulu at this moment.”
Comolli and Chiellini protested about referees in general and not just errors against Juventus, calling for Rocchi to stand down.
“We just want to help, to collaborate with the authorities, the FIGC and Lega Serie A, it is not about Rocchi or any one person. We just want to work with all the clubs to improve a system that does not work, that is defective. We never said it was a person, but the system that is the problem, and we want it to be better for the good of Italian football.”
And reflecting on Giorgo Chiellini’s role in the debacle, Comolli said: “I just want to say that as good as he was on the pitch, Chiellini is an even better executive off it. He represents the present and future of Juventus.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Former Juventus player Giorgio Chiellini looks on prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The more young executives we have, the better it will be for Italian football. I’ve been around a long time, and I have seen few executives as talented as Giorgio in his role. We think about the present and the future, we are not interested in people who live in the past.”
And finally getting around to the topic of the Champions League match against Galatasaray, Comolli said: “I think we need to show personality, which we did at San Siro on Saturday. I asked Kostic to explain the game between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, he said it was impossible, we had to just experience it.”
Former Gunner out for the season after full debut injury
Former Gunner Oleksandr Zinchenko is out for the season with an ACL injury at Ajax, requiring surgery that will also see him miss the World Cup this summer.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Ajax confirmed the bad news on Monday that Oleksandr Zinchenko will require surgery on a knee injury, with the operation to take place in the near future and confirmation that the former Arsenal left-back won’t play again this season.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the knee injury is an ACL problem, with Zinchenko also set to miss the World Cup this summer.
Ukraine haven’t yet qualified for the World Cup, but they have the chance to do so in March. Zinchenko will now miss those vital qualifiers as well as the final tournament.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Arsenal completed the €1.5m sale of Zinchenko to Ajax in the January transfer window, cashing in on the left-back before his deal expired in June.
Zinchenko quickly joined the Ajax matchday squad for a game against AZ Alkmaar the week before last, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw. He was then named in the starting lineup for a game against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday.
Unfortunately, the defender’s home debut for Ajax didn’t last long, as less than three minutes into the match he injured his knee in a clash with Dimitrios Limnios.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
The 29-year-old was immediately substituted, limping from the field with the assistance of medical staff supporting him on either side. He seemed to be in real pain as he came off, and the worst fears about the injury have now sadly been confirmed.
French hockey player Pierre Crinon has been suspended from the 2026 Winter Olympics
After a fight with Canada's Tom Wilson, Crinon taunted fans on his walk back to the locker room
Wilson's teammates defended his involvement in the fight, and he was not suspended
French hockey player Pierre Crinon has been suspended from the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after taunting fans in the stands following his involvement in a fight with another player.
During France’s 10-2 loss against Canada on Sunday, Feb. 15, Crinon and Canada’s Tom Wilson engaged in a rare Olympic hockey fight after which they were both ejected from the game.
Fights, while fairly common in the NHL, are not condoned at the Olympics, but it was what Crinon did afterwards that put him in hot water.
"Pierre Crinon's provocative behavior when he came out of the ice, even though he had just been excluded from the match for a fight, is a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport,” the French Ice Hockey Federation said in a statement. “A decision was therefore made, in full alignment with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, not to authorize his participation for the next meeting[s] of the Olympic tournament."
The fight happened just after Crinon, 30, laid a high hit on Team Canada's Nathan MacKinnon. Wilson, 31, took issue with the interaction and went after Crinon, who then slammed him into the ice, according to The Athletic.
Referees separated the two players, and both were tossed from the game.
Tom Wilson, Pierre Crinon
Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty
In a video shared on social media, as Crinon returned to the locker room, he motioned to the booing Canadian fans with his hands to his ears and egged them on.
Crinon will miss Tuesday, Feb. 17’s qualification-round game against Germany.
Beyond his ejection, Wilson — who plays for the NHL’s Washington Capitals — was not penalized for his participation in the fight, and his teammates weren’t too surprised by his actions.
“That’s just what Willy does,” Canada’s Brandon Hagel said, per The Athletic. “He sticks up for teammates. Obviously, we didn’t like what happened to Mac behind the net. That’s what you call a team. That’s why everyone praises and loves Tom Wilson, because that’s the stuff he does.”
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.
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 16: Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils lays the ball up during the second half of the basketball game against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
That was a fun game! Duke destroys Syracuse on Monday night, and we recap the victory on Episode 799.
Duke was able to turn stellar defense into incredible offense, and Jason was in the building for it all. He and Donald take us through all the good things from last night’s victory, and we even got some sound from the locker room as we hear from Pat Ngongba, Isaiah Evans, and Dame Sarr.
It wasn’t a perfect game, but it was pretty close! Still, we talk about the things to improve from this game as we look forward to the big matchup in DC this weekend. And we close with our play of the game. We’re feeling pretty great today about our team, so let’s enjoy it before it’s time to lock back in…the milestone episode is coming soon!
Make sure you’re following us! Head to our Linktree to get all our available social media and links to follow and subscribe to the show. That includes our affiliate partnerships, from SLAM (use the code DBR15 to save 15%), Homefield Apparel (use the code DBRPODCAST to save 15% off your first order) and Fanatics to the NBA Store, NFL Shop, and even Fubo TV. And…we have some more coming! Save some cash on the latest gear or follow the Blue Devils on the go by hitting those affiliate links and it helps support the show as well. We are now on YouTube and Instagram! Subscribe there, rate, and review our episodes on there and everywhere you get your podcasts. Also, follow us on Bluesky @DukeRoundup!
Elanga's praise for Howe as Magpies prepare for Qarabağ
Howe's charges have beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Aston Villa in the FA Cup in the past week, and now head to Baku to face Azerbaijani opponents in the Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg.
The encouraging sequence of results follows a dip in form for Newcastle, and Elanga - whose own displays have caught the eye in recent weeks - lauded the influence of the head coach who brought him to Tyneside from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
"He's given us so much confidence and he's helped each and every single one of us so much," said the Sweden international. "We know we haven't been perfect. We know there's times when we've played really well, and I think it's just the consistency part. If we can remain consistent, I'm sure results will go our way.
"Our recent two away games we've won, so it's just about building momentum. If we can just build on the performances in our recent games, I think we'll be fine.
"I think it's important that we continue to play for the manager, because he's done so much for us. He's helped us so much, so it's now up to us to continue to do what we've been doing recently, and just keep on letting the football do the talking."
As the Magpies seek momentum, Howe may again turn to Elanga to provide a spark at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, with the 23-year-old having shown some promise on the flank after a tricky start to life at St. James' Park.
"I'm more focused on consistency, trying to build on it game by game," he explained. "I think it's important, first and foremost, that the team are winning and we're in a good position so far in the Champions League.
"Tomorrow's another test against Qarabağ - they're second in their league, and have done well in the Champions League. So for my part, I just focus on consistency. I know the rest will just come naturally."
Elanga insisted that he "wouldn't say I'm where I want to be just yet" in terms of performance level, though he has recently opened his Magpies account, netting a fine individual goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at Manchester City.
And he was quick to thank United supporters for their backing and faith in him since he penned a long-term deal with the club last July.
"It's amazing. I've said it since the beginning since I got here that Newcastle fans are the best in the world," he said.
"Their support is unprecedented. It's just unique to be part of. To hear them chant my name is always amazing.
"I always try to give my best any time I step onto the pitch. Hopefully I can see a load of them tomorrow as well."
Elanga has played in Azerbaijan twice before, during his time at Manchester United - the club he came through the ranks at.
He explained that he is "not surprised" by Tuesday's opponents' qualification for the play-off round after three wins and a draw from their eight league phase outings, and believes the clash with Gurban Gurbanov's men will be a stern test of their credentials as they bid to make it to the last 16.
"One result that caught my attention even more is when they beat Copenhagen here 2-0, and they drew to Chelsea as well, 2-2," Elanga added. "We know it's not going to be easy - no teams are that play in the team in the Champions League, because they can't play there. Every team in the Champions League is good.
"It's not going to be an easy test. But we're all focused, we've prepared really well, so we're ready for tomorrow."
On February 17, 2026, the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics featured the medal rounds of the men’s team pursuit in long track speed skating at the Milan speed skating oval. It marked Day 11 of the Games’ competition schedule.
The Final A, which determined the gold and silver medals, saw Italy deliver a commanding performance against the United States.
Skating in tight formation and maintaining superior pace through the closing laps, the Italian trio crossed the finish line first to secure the gold medal. Team USA finished second to earn silver, with a clear margin separating the two finalists.
But after delivering a gold medal-winning performance, one of the Italian skaters did not just celebrate at the finish line. Moments after crossing ahead of Team USA, one of the Italian Olympians, Andrea Giovannini, broke into an iconic Stephen Curry-style ‘night night’ celebration, mimicking the NBA superstar’s signature move on the Olympic ice.
Italy pulled out Steph Curry’s ‘night night’ celebration after edging out Team USA for the gold medal in men's team pursuit pic.twitter.com/mAkwfXz08B
In this final, Italy went head-to-head with the United States for the top spot on the podium. Italy completed the race in 3:39.20, while the United States finished in 3:43.71, resulting in a 4.51-second margin at the line.
The timing graphic also shows the standing World Record of 3:32.49 and the Olympic Record of 3:36.62, both of which remained untouched in this race. As Italy’s trio crossed the finish line first to secure the gold medal, the American team followed to claim silver, bringing the Final A to a decisive close.
Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The next games of Team USA at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue on February 17 with the women’s figure skating short program and men’s ice hockey qualification playoffs. The quarterfinals in men’s hockey follow on February 18, while the women’s figure skating free skate, where medals are decided, is scheduled for February 19.
There have already been a few instances this offseason in which the Colts have been mentioned as a team to watch with Bengals' free agent pass rusher Trey Hendrickson -- and it's easy to see why the two are connected. The Colts have a major pass-rush need, while Hendrickson had his most productive seasons playing under Lou Anarumo.
However, perhaps it's not a given that Hendrickson will reach free agency.
Recently, Cameron Wolfe reported that the franchise tag could still be in play for the Bengals and Hendrickson.
"From what I understand, a team source told me, he figures it's unlikely for these two sides (Hendrickson and the Bengals) to reunite going into next season," Wolfe said. "And so what does that mean? Do the Bengals let him go in free agency? Do they try to slap the franchise tag on him and trade him? A difficult decision for Cincy because their relationship has not been great in recent weeks."
"Perhaps tagging Hendrickson would be the prelude to a trade, or maybe the Bengals will keep Hendrickson for one more season," wrote Battista. "A defense in need of an overhaul would benefit from keeping its best player."
The Colts are positioned well from a salary cap perspective to be aggressive this offseason. But having to acquire Hendrickson via trade complicates things, given that the Colts are already low on draft picks after trading for Sauce Gardner.
The deadline for teams to franchise tag players is March 3rd.
Man Utd make surprise approach for Liverpool star Mac Allister
Manchester United have been unexpectedly linked with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, a move that would surely please Red Devils defender Lisandro Martinez.
According to The Express, Ineos are looking to strengthen Manchester United’s midfield this summer and have set their sights on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.
United had previously shown interest in Mac Allister back in 2023, but he ended up signing with Liverpool in a £35 million move instead.
The midfielder played a significant role in the club’s title win last season but could now be on the move once again.
If United are considering a move for Mac Allister, it would no doubt sit well with Martinez. The two Argentinians not only play together at the international level but also share a strong friendship off the pitch.
Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister share a close friendship
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Over the years, only a handful of players have worn both Manchester United and Liverpool shirts, mostly because of the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs.
Martinez is known for his intensity on the pitch, but when it comes to his friend Mac Allister, he doesn’t let club loyalties get in the way. The two Argentinians have built a strong bond through their time with the national team.
That friendship grew during their time with Argentina’s national team. Both were part of the squad that lifted the World Cup in 2022. Their connection has only strengthened since then.
Martinez has never hidden his respect for Mac Allister as a player, and the two regularly exchange supportive messages on social media.
For instance, back in February, Mac Allister reached out to support Martinez after he suffered an injury.
Fabrizio Romano offers update on Man United links to Alexis Mac Allister
Reports have been swirling about Manchester United’s interest in Alexis Mac Allister, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on those claims.
In his latest YouTube video, Romano said: “I’m not aware of anything concrete between Manchester United and Alexis Mac Allister.”
Romano did add that United are expected to target one or two major midfield signings this summer.
However, Ineos hasn’t finalised its priority targets yet, especially with the managerial situation still unresolved and Champions League qualification still uncertain.
When the 2026 college football coaching carousel spun into motion, the Gators landed on Tulane's Jon Sumrall — a hire that earned a B-plus grade among all national openings from CBS Sports.
In the SEC, that isn't faint praise. It's earned respect.
Sumrall, 43, arrived in Gainesville with a reputation for rapid culture transformation and a resume shaped at Tulane and Troy. His message was simple and resonant: "The standard here is championships. That's why I came." At his previous stops, Sumrall built a defense-first culture that drove identity.
Florida's early staff moves underscore a strategic intent along with balance. The additions of defensive braintrust Brad White and former Gator great Phil Trautwein to key roles signal a commitment to both program character and redefinition.
In a coaching cycle where schools like LSU made headline-grabbing accusations, Florida's approach reflects pragmatism and long-range planning.
Since Sumrall's hiring, portal activity and recruiting momentum have bolstered optimism, with additions and established staff hires reshaping the roster and philosophy.
With the new regime focused on structural lift rather than overnight reinvention, CBS's B-plus grade may age into something more promising come September.
As Gator Nation watches, Sumrall's first season levels narratives beyond immediate wins and losses, but whether Florida can achieve sustainable competitiveness in one of college football's toughest leagues.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
California will be without one of its top young high school basketball coaches going forward, as La Habra‘s Aaron Riekenberg announced Tuesday that he is stepping away from the program after nine seasons.
Riekenberg took over prior to the 2018 season, with the Highlanders finishing a combined 23-55 in the three seasons before he got there. He quickly turned things around, winning 21 games in his first year at the helm alone.
But after nearly a decade on the sidelines, he is leaving to spend more time with his family, according to the Orange County Register.
“After 9 incredible seasons as head coach of La Habra boys basketball, it’s time for me to step away,” he wrote in his announcement. “What a journey it’s been. We built this program on “We before me.” And it was powerful to watch players, coaches, parents, alumni, and our community truly buy into that. Special thank you to my coaching staff and coaches wives/significant others for their dedication to our boys, especially Coach Barry who has been with me since the Buena Park days taking us back 13 years. Thank you to my wife Shelley, kids Macey and James, and the rest of my family for the sacrifices made while I was away. It’s your turn now. Thank you to every player who wore the jersey. Thank you to the parents who trusted me. Thank you to our staff, alumni, and the entire La Habra family for your belief and support. Once a Highlander, always a Highlander.”
Riekenberg won three league championships in his nine seasons, and in 2023-24, led the Highlanders to a 30-5 record and a CIF-Southern Section Division 3AA championship.
Last month, the program celebrated his 200th career win, and in his nine seasons, La Habra won at least 20 games seven different times. And his last four seasons in particular were stellar, compiling a 91-30 record between 2022-2026.
How to Follow California High School Boys Basketball
For California high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the state, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Golden State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the high school hoops action throughout the season. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the hardwood excitement across the state.
Will Rams offensive line coach Ryan Wendell see any draft capital thrown his way? (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the Los Angeles Rams returning their offensive line intact, it gives them a big leg up on another playoff run in 2026. With Rob Havenstein’s retirement, Kevin Dotson becomes the de facto leader, Alaric Jackson and Steve Avila are proven on the blindside, Warren McClendon stepped in for Hav to earn RT#1 and although many fans would like to see Coleman Shelton replaced, he’s now started 60 straight NFL games.
The quintet gave a rock solid performance in 2025. Even though the unit fought through injuries, L.A. had the NFL’s #1 offense and ESPN rated them at #5 in pass block win rate and #2 in run block for the season. Jackson was absent Week 17, Avila left early Week 1 and then missed the next two, Dotson was out Weeks 17 and 18, while missing parts of five others, and finally, Havenstein missed Weeks 5, 6, and 7 before shutting it down after Week 11.
Behind the returning starters, the Rams have four linemen under contract for 2026. Center/guard Beau Limmer got off to a rough start last season and appeared to fall out of favor, tackle AJ Arcuri opens his 5th year in L.A. as a perennial practice squadder, while two more center/guard’s Dylan McMahon and Garrett Bowles had the same designation. Another center/guard, Justin Dedich, was last years primary interior backup and as a Exclusive Rights Free Agent, the Rams can bring him back on a cheap contract, if they so choose.
This current registry seems skewed towards backup interior players and light on the outside. The Rams could sign a couple of inexpensive retreads like last year, DJ Humphries and David Quessenberry as bookend support. Maybe they could spend some real money on higher brow free agents. Or they could draft a player or players with the experience and versatility to function in multiple roles.
Here’s five of my favorites and all will likely be available from Round 3 on.
Brian Parker – Duke – 6’5” 305 lb. 32 1/4” arms 9 3/4” hands
Recently turned 22 years-old and declared as a redshirt junior. Started 33 of 40 games with the Blue Devils, all but one at right tackle. In 2025, Parker was named to two Second Team All-American squads as well as two Third Team units.
Strong move skills that would fit nicely into a wide zone run offense, at guard, tackle, or center. Fluidly gets to the second level and out on screens. Not a mauler, more of a sound technician. Uses solid footwork to square up opponents and mirrors well. Sets an acceptable base against power. In the run game, he stays low and achieves leverage from behind his pads, while in pass pro, he’s a little more upright and doesn’t have the mass or play strength to drop anchor against pro pass rushers.
Parker is a bit different than the others in that he’s likely destined to play inside as pro. Scouts wanted to see him playing center at the East-West Shrine Bowl and from all accounts, he did so quite well. I put a mid/late Round 3 grade on him before the move and I think his performance in the pivot at the Shrine Bowl solidified that judgement. Now, we don’t have to base our projection arguments over if his arms are long enough to play tackle or if he has enough mass for guard. What we have left is a fine player with five-position versatility.
Duke OL Brian Parker II (6'4 3/4", 306 pounds, 32 1/4" arms) looked right at home playing center and guard techniques at the Shrine Bowl.
It's been a projection until now, but the anchor is strong, and the rotational torque is eye-catching. Can see him starting at the fulcrum. pic.twitter.com/5IGG4mXkh2
Four stops in a seven-year college career. Started at Morgan State with a 2019 redshirt and then transferred to Indiana State. After the lost 2020 COVID19 season, Trost remained with the Sycamores three more years. Wanting to play D1, he bumped up to Wake Forest for 2024 and took another step up in 2025, for a final year at SEC Missouri. For his career, he played in 51 games with 38 starts.
Very powerful upper body with stellar grip strength. Squares up well and does a good job of keeping his hands inside. Doesn’t always extend and latch on. Trost often uses his arms to stand up opponents as they charge and lets them inside delivering a helmet/head butt to their chin. Quick get-off to run block and into pass sets.Has the requisite footwork for reach and seal blocks. Not an elite mover, but sneakily athletic. In Mizzou’s zone run game, he smoothly gets to second level, out on pulls, and in front of screens smoothly, Good striker in space. Plays through the whistle and often drives his foes 10 yards backwards when he gets locked on
.Although all the moving around and the fact he’s an older prospect (turns 25 in April) must be accounted for. Trost has great film vs top opponents and was named to two All-American teams at Mizzou. There’s a bit of a high risk/reward vibe with him, but that is somewhat salved by a Round 4 grade.
Three-star prospect in class of 2021, in high school, Williams played some tight end along with tackle and was an all-conference in basketball. Started 33 of 44 SEC games and logging starts at both left and right tackle along with a few at guard. Was honorable mention Freshman All-American. Battled minor injuries in 2023 and a torn meniscus in 2024.
Blocky frame and arms that look longer than they measured. Patient, smooth mover with good footwork and solid technique, Squares up defenders and packs a solid punch or gets shoulders into it. Plays behind his pads with good leverage. Uses a long arm move like a boxer uses combinations.When plays are away from him, Williams latches on and torques opponents. Not hanging on, more like a judo throw. Although he moves fluidly, not the greatest striker downfield, needs to get himself under control.
Being built more like a prototypical NFL guard may leave him in a pinch. Could not find any film at guard, but Williams has strong film at the SEC level, grounded technique, and moves well. I grade him as late Round 4/ early Round 5 and thats higher than most. He’s a sleeper with a good floor.
Ole Miss’ Jayden Williams showcasing his patients and balance. One of the top OL at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Logan Taylor – Boston College – 6’6” 305 lb. 34 3/8” arms 10 3/8” hands
Originally signed with the Virginia Cavaliers as a four-star tackle prospect. After a redshirt he started 11 games at left tackle.Taylor transferred to Boston College for his final three years and garnered two Honorable Mention and a Second Team All-ACC accolades. With the Eagles, he racked up 36 starts, 17 at left tackle, 10 at left guard, nine at right guard, and one at right tackle.
Good all-round game, not especially gifted at any one particular thing, except physical traits. Good pad level, knee bend, and balance for a tall player. Acceptable move skills with good footwork. His game film is good, better I think that his Senior Bowl 1on1 work. It wasn’t bad, he certainly had his share of strong reps, but rushers who beat him exploited lazy hand/punch work. Those who swiped away his hands were able to get right by him.
Although there’s something to be said about a prospect that has the potential to be effective at four different positions, Taylor has developmental feel to his game. He needs to upgrade his play strength and mass for the pro game. I rate him in Round 6/early Round 7 area. Not sure he can ever challenge for a starts, but may become a very versatile piece in reserve.
Logan Taylor (6’6 305) Boston College
+ Has played snaps at every spot except for center with over 1,600 at LT, over 700 at LG, over 500 at RG, and almost 200 more at RT + Consistent technician + Great length with 34 3/8” arms + Ability to marry his hands and feet + 71.4 PBLK… pic.twitter.com/oRM6ocar0G
After a redshirt, DiGiorgio became a four-year starter for the Bruins, 49 of 50 games. Started at right tackle in his first three seasons, before moving to right guard in his finale. Played at the East-West Shrine Bowl and was a consensus draft board riser.
While not an elite athlete, DiGiorgio does show nice footwork when working reach and seal blocks. Gets to the next level on duo blocks and has enough power to move the opposition on driven down blocks, although he needs play strength work. As a pass protector, he gets into sets quickly, has a wide base, and is patient with his punch. Would like to see him use those big hands to latch on/lock up inside. Arm length is not stellar, but he hand fights well. Understands leverage and holds blocks pretty well.
I have a late Round 7 grade on DiGiorgio. Playing with numerous playcallers, he’s gained experience, savvy, and versatility.. You can see film on him going back to 2022 and see his progression. A smart and scrappy prospect.
It appears quite clear that the Rams are in need of support for a solid starting offensive line. Could any of these rookie prospects become the swing player that comes off the bench in relief and battens down the hatches?
Keagan Trost and Jayden Williams appear to have the physicality, move skills, and competition pedigree to step in sooner than later. Logan Taylor and Garrett DiGiorgio both strike me as needing play strength, but are tough, smart, and versatile, not only in position, but in offensive scheme. And while Brian Parker’s mass/length attributes don’t quite match up to his technical and athletic prowess, he has the chops to become at starter in the middle.
Auburn basketball is hanging on to a lower seed in USA TODAY Sports' latest March Madness bracketology amid its four-game losing streak.
USA TODAY Sports lists Auburn as a No. 10 seed in its latest release, pairing with No. 7-seeded Wisconsin in the South Regional. The hypothetical matchup would take place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with the winner facing either No. 2-seeded Houston or No. 10-seeded Tennessee-Martin in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
USA TODAY Sports projects the SEC to send 10 teams to the NCAA Tournament, which is the second-highest conference representation behind the Big Ten, which is forecasted to have 11 tournament teams. The ACC and Big 12 are next with eight representatives apiece. Alabama joins Auburn in the South Regional, according to the latest projections. Texas A&M, Tennessee, and Kentucky are forecasted to play in the West Regional on the same side of the projected March Madness bracket as Auburn. Vanderbilt, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas are the other SEC teams expected to join the NCAA Tournament field.
Auburn basketball has six regular-season games remaining, beginning Wednesday night at Mississippi State. The Tigers will face three more Quad 1 teams this season in Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Alabama, which could boost their resume, should Auburn win those games.
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__
Center Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens, ranked No. 3 overall, has led offseason speculation given his direct connection to new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, his former boss in Baltimore.
Linderbaum can follow coach John Harbaugh to New York. Given his movement traits, he would fit the Giants' zone and gap schemes, and his 97.2% pass block win rate with the Ravens tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season. The Giants would be landing the top offensive lineman in free agency ... but let's keep an eye on the Raiders here, as well. They could also use Linderbaum's tone-setting mentality on the interior.
The Giants also need secondary help at cornerback and safety. Nahshon Wright of the Chicago Bears, ranked No. 37, would help address those concerns.
With a need to add more playmakers in the secondary, the Giants should target Wright, who had five interceptions last season and returned one for a touchdown. Under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, Wright can use his long 6-foot-4 frame and good instincts in Cover 2 and press-man.
Meanwhile, Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson had the Jets named his "best fit."
Free-agency negotiations open March 9 (tampering period). Landing both would give the Giants an elite interior lineman and a ball-hawking corner.
Steve Borthwick remembers in vivid detail his first meeting with Henry Pollock. The England head coach had not long taken the role and had travelled up to Northampton to check in with the club’s contingent within his squad. Before travelling up to Franklin’s Gardens, though, he got a tip about a teenage talent barely out of school but already making waves within the Saints set-up.
“I was told when you’re up there you should meet Henry Pollock,” Borthwick recalled after handing the 21-year-old his first England start against Ireland. “He’s a young player, with a huge future ahead of him, he’s not yet played for the first team but you should meet Henry Pollock.” Borthwick heeded the call; there was no shock of blonde hair at that stage, but the youngster still made quite an impression.
“I was stood in the car park and this bundle of energy just bounced up to me,” the England boss continued. “Typically when an 18-year-old meets the England head coach for the first time they are usually on the shy and retiring side. But this man is the complete opposite, gregarious, loud, the first thing he said was, ‘how are you, mate?’. I thought, right, you’re different. Wonderfully different, and that’s the kind of character we’ve got in the squad. He’s larger than life, isn’t he? Just wants to do well, wants to express himself.”
Henry Pollock will make his first England start against Irealnd (Getty Images)
It feels strange, in a way, that Pollock’s profile already greatly exceeds his relative position within the England squad. While he has served a vital role as a bench energiser in the seven appearance since his two-try debut against Wales at the end of last year’s Six Nations, and earned a spot on a British and Irish Lions tour, clamour for the back rower to start has not exactly been deafening. In part, that has been due to a run of 12 consecutive wins snapped by England’s tough evening at Murrayfield; so, too, the form of a cackling pack of hyenas in the back row.
But the time has come for a cameo man of a TikTok generation to take on a leading role. Pollock forms part of a new-look trio at the base of the scrum alongside Tom Curry, similarly promoted from the bench, and Ben Earl, who relocates to the openside. Borthwick had always planned a few tweaks, in part due to a tweaked Six Nations schedule that now sees the sides play three Tests back-to-back-to-back. The energy the 21-year-old brings will, in that sense, be valuable, as a sort of human Berocca after England’s heavy night in Edinburgh.
“I don’t think he needs any motivation from anything external, which I love – he is so intrinsically driven, he is that character,” Borthwick said. “What you see is exactly what you get. He gets people as a player gets people excited, he gets people jumping up and down with joy. He can bring a euphoria to people that not many players can.
“I will challenge him to express himself, be himself and bring what gets people jumping up and down with joy and also bring the self-sacrifice that a team sport needs. Do both. He does it wonderfully well and I am looking forward to seeing him do it from the start.”
Tom Curry and Henry Pollock will both start against Ireland (Action Images via Reuters)
Borthwick also sought to underline Pollock’s grasp of detail, and drive to get better on and off the pitch. If there is a maturity about the youngster that is not always immediately apparent – Borthwick recalled a moment from a Northampton win over Munster at the start of 2025 as evidence of his game understanding – there is also a sort of naivety, too, that England may need as they bid to bounce back. Even at Murrayfield, with the game gone, it was Pollock embracing former Lions colleague Finn Russell after a vain attempt to charge down the game-ending clearance to touch. There will be a challenge, though, in adjusting to a starting role; he can also expect plenty of Irish niggle.
If it is a home back row that looks light a lineout jumper – Ireland may consider Tadhg Beirne or Cormac Izuchukwu on the flank in response – it remains a side packed with dynamism. The easy choice, perhaps, after Henry Arundell’s sending off against Scotland might have been to leave the wing out, even if a ban was not forthcoming following his two yellow cards. His presence ensures pace in an otherwise perhaps one-dimensional backline, though, with Ollie Lawrence brought in to the centres and Tommy Freeman reverting to the wing. Tom Roebuck, who came into this campaign having not played since November due to injury, has lacked a little bit of sharpness and is replaced.
Henry Arundell was sent off after receiving two yellow cards against Scotland, but keeps his starting place (PA Wire)
“[Henry] came back into the squad prior to the autumn, played a little bit but not much, but has been challenged to improve some areas. He has gone away and improved them,” Borthwick stressed. “He has gone away and strived to be better. Saturday was… a difficult day. Clearly it hit him personally. The guy is still a fantastic rugby player who has worked desperately hard and is clearly very passionate about playing for England. I can't wait to see him out there again on Saturday.”
There are no other changes to the starting team, with captain Maro Itoje earning his 100th cap. The inclusion of Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith meanwhile shows a desire for a different kind of impact, but most have been backed to go again. After a performance like that which England produced in Edinburgh, Borthwick has challenged a few senior figures to respond appropriately.
England head coach Steve Borthwick saw his side’s 12-match winning run come to an end in Scotland (PA Wire)
“There are players in the team that are playing this week because I'm backing them to put in a performance that they'll want to put in after last week,” he stressed. “If it had gone the way everything wanted to go last week, perhaps I would have changed them as well, but it didn't quite go the way we wanted it to, we didn't quite get the result we wanted to, and I'm backing players there and I want players to feel backed. We've got a real good squad here, there's a lot of players I could have picked, but I want players to feel backed."
England XV to face Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (Saturday 21 February, 2.10pm GMT): 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Henry Pollock; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 George Ford; 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
Last year, LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler granted an age waiver to Clemente to compete on the LPGA prior to her 18th birthday, should she make it through tour school. Clemente turned professional for the final stage of Q-Series in December and ultimately finished in a share of 35th, narrowly missing out on an LPGA card.
She'll play this week in Thailand on a sponsor invitation, teeing off in the first round at 9:27 a.m. local time on Thursday alongside Allisen Corpuz and Carlota Ciganda. Clemente also competed last year in Thailand, taking a share of 30th.
The 2024 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year will then begin her first full season on the Epson Tour March 5 at the Atlantic Beach Classic, the first of three events in Florida. Last September on the Epson Tour, Clemente finished runner-up to Melanie Green at the Guardian Championship while competing as an amateur.
Clemente was previously supported by Nike as a junior. Other current partnerships include Titleist, ShopRite and The Gate Golf Club in Naples, Florida. She is managed by Brian Poe, Vice President, Golf Clients at WME Sports.
The Oregon Ducks have stood as a College Football Playoff team in each of the past two seasons, so going into a new year in 2026, it makes sense to expect them to be back in the mix once again under head coach Dan Lanning. With the roster that the Ducks are returning, it also makes sense to think that they will be among the top teams in that playoff as well.
While we are still months away from the season starting, the transfer portal has cooled down for the most part, and rosters are largely set in the college football world. The spring season is just a couple of weeks away, so On3's Brett McMurphy decided this was a good time to release his "Way-Too-Early" bowl game projections for the upcoming season.
In those projections, the Ducks are listed as a playoff team, but they come in as a No. 8 seed. Should this play out, McMurphy has Oregon hosting the No. 9 Utah Utes in a first-round playoff game at Autzen Stadium. That would be an awesome postseason matchup, pitting two of the most decorated former Pac-12 teams against each other and renewing a very respected rivalry between the two schools.
McMurphy has the Ducks winning that game, moving them on to face the No. 1 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the quarterfinals of the playoffs, playing in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. It is here that McMurphy sees Oregon's season coming to an end, as the On3 writer projects that the Fighting Irish will move on to win the national championship next season.
Should this scenario play out, it would be the third year in a row that the Ducks' season came to an end against the eventual national champion.
In McMurphy's projections, the final four teams are Notre Dame, the Miami Hurricanes, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. It is the Fighting Irish against the Bulldogs in the championship, with Notre Dame hoisting the trophy when all is said and done.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
Jack Della Maddalena is ready to climb his way back to the UFC welterweight title.
Della Maddalena (18-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) was dominated in a title loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 this past November. The setback snapped his 18-fight winning streak.
Various top welterweight contenders such as Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry, and Kamaru Usman are vying for the next shot. The 29-year-old is ready to take on any of them in hopes of earning himself a rematch against Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC).
"My goal is obviously to go back and get the world title back and also just challenge myself against these guys, all those new contenders and really find out who the best is," Della Maddalena told Fight Wave. "I believe I can reign supreme. I'd love to get a shot at Islam again. That would be the dream. But obviously, he's in a different part of his career. Hopefully, I can get to a point where he grants me the rematch."
Della Maddalena has been linked to a potential fight with Prates, but nothing has been announced or confirmed. Whoever he ends up fighting, the Perth native knows he'll have his work cut out for him.
"It's going to be tough competition for me, tough fights," Della Maddalena said. "So I guess we're all going to have to bring our A game come fight night because there's a lot of people working hard to get the belt."
Tennessee sophomore diver Bennett Greene opened the SEC Swimming and Diving Championships by winning a gold medal Monday at Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatics Center.
A Knoxville, Tennessee native, Greene defeated Texas' Nick Harris by .10 points (400.80-400.70) in the one-meter competition. He became the first Vols' diver to win a gold medal in the one-meter since Liam Stone accomplished the feat in 2017. Both Greene and Stone won a gold medal in Knoxville.
Greene was one of four Tennessee divers to post a top-10 finish Monday.
Freshman Thomas Ciprick, competing in his first SEC Championships, finished fourth as he recorded a score of 366.70. Frazer Tavener came in ninth place for the Vols, recording a score of 335.45 in his conference championship debut. Stone finished in 10th place and had his second career top-10 finish in the SEC Championships. His first was in 2024 with an eighth-place finish.
Owen Redfearn also placed for Tennessee as he finished 25th and helped the Vols score 98 team points during the first day of competition.
Football: AFC Championship: Buffalo Bills James Cook (4) and Dion Dawkins (73) in action, celebrate a touchdown score vs Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City, MO 1/26/2025 CREDIT: David E. Klutho (Photo by David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164671 TK1)
The 2025 NFL season saw the Buffalo Bills lean heavily into their ground game, leading the league with 2,714 rushing yards (159.6 per game), 30 rushing touchdowns, and 5.0 yards per attempt while ranking fourth in scoring at 28.3 points per game. A look at advanced metrics reinforces this dominance: first in rushing DVOA (13.5%), top-three in yards before contact per rush (3.1), and a 74.7% run-block win rate.
The offensive line allowed 40 sacks (tied for 21st in the NFL) and posted an 87.7 Pro Football Focus (PFF) pass-blocking efficiency (third-best). Yet, in the playoffs — a 27-24 Wild Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by a 33-30 overtime Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos — the run game averaged 4.2 yards per carry but couldn’t consistently control games, with turnovers and defensive lapses proving costly.
As the first in a series evaluating the Bills’ offense for a potential 2026 Super Bowl run, we’ll apply what I’ve termed as the “Lofton Exercise” to categorize players as “game-winners” (elite talents who can single-handedly win multiple games), “win-with players” (reliable contributors who perform well but aren’t consistent difference-makers), or “needs improvement” (inconsistent or underdeveloped). We begin with a look at Buffalo’s running backs and offensive linemen, both those under contract and pending free agents.
Below, we’ll incorporate 2025 stats, postseason performances, and advanced metrics like PFF grades, expected points added (EPA), success rates, and others to build our case. This unit formed the foundation of Buffalo’s identity in 2025, but depth and consistency in big spots remain questions heading into the offseason.
Game-Winners
These players stood out as elite talents capable of dominating matchups and carrying the unit in critical moments. Their performances were crucial for the Bills’ success.
RB James Cook III
James Cook III elevated to superstar status in 2025, capturing the NFL rushing title with 309 carries for 1,621 yards (5.2 yards per attempt, second among qualifiers) and 12 touchdowns, while adding 33 receptions for 291 yards and two scores. His advanced metrics were elite: a PFF rushing grade of 84.4 (9th among 55 running backs), 0.29 missed tackles forced per attempt (fifth in the NFL), 3.16 yards after contact per rush (2nd-best among qualified RBs), and a 58.3% rushing success rate that contributed to the team’s league-leading 0.15 EPA per rush play.
In the playoffs, Cook racked up 39 carries for 163 yards (4.2 average) and a touchdown, including a 117-yard outing against Denver that kept drives alive in a close game.
Cook’s vision, burst, and improved pass protection (allowing just one sack on 45 blocking snaps) earned him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection, with reports indicating he received 10 first-place votes among the running backs (54 points, 16 behind Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson). He’s a true game-winner who can exploit defenses and win games outright, as evidenced by his 39 explosive runs (10+ yards) and 62 forced missed tackles. Ball security has been an issue, though, with six fumbles this past season (three lost) being an area for improvement in 2026 and beyond.
RT Spencer Brown
Spencer Brown emerged as one of the NFL’s top right tackles, starting all 17 games with a stellar 76.2 overall PFF grade (21st out of 89 qualifying tackles), including an elite 84.6 in run-blocking that powered the Bills’ ground dominance. He allowed three sacks and 18 pressures across 612 pass-blocking snaps (61.3 pass blocking grade), boasting a 92.4% pass-block efficiency and contributing to the unit’s top-three ranking in yards before contact (3.1 per rush). Brown’s run-block win rate of 78% ranked fourth league-wide, an effort that directly enabled Cook’s explosive gains.
Despite being completely overlooked for Pro Bowl and All-Pro consideration, Brown’s ability to win individual matchups against elite edge rushers like T.J. Watt (held to one pressure in Week 13) is undeniable. As a game-winner, Brown’s physicality and technique make him a cornerstone who can single-handedly elevate the entire rushing attack.
Win-With Players
This group provided reliable, complementary production without consistently dominating. Their stats and metrics show solid contributions that help the team win, but which don’t carry games alone.
FB Reggie Gilliam (UFA)
Reggie Gilliam specialized in blocking, logging 259 snaps in multi-back sets with a league-best 73.5 PFF run-blocking grade that supported the unit’s 74.7% win rate. He paved lanes at a clip of 4.8 yards per rush in heavy personnel packages. Gilliam was also elite in pass protection, allowing zero pressures on 24 pass-blocking snaps.
Gilliam received no All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition, but his niche role as a lead blocker makes him a solid win-with contributor in a run-heavy scheme, and his contributions on special teams are a plus. He’s certainly one of the best fullbacks in the league right now, but the position he plays makes it difficult to say he’s a guy who wins games for his team. No fullback does, to be honest.
LT Dion Dawkins
Dion Dawkins started all 17 games, earning a 73.9 PFF overall grade (Ranked 28th out of 89 tackles), allowing six sacks and 22 pressures, while accumulating an 81.5 pass-blocking grade (7th out of 89 tackles). He struggled a bit in the run-blocking department (65.9 grade, ranked 44th out of 89 tackles), but still helped generate 3.1 yards before contact.
Dawkins’ 90.8% pass-block efficiency ranked in the top-20 for tackles, but he committed a lot of costly penalties (10 overall). The “Shnowman” earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection and received five All-Pro votes, a testament to his his name continually being among the league’s more recognizable and productive offensive linemen.
At his best, Dawkins is a game-winner. It feels like he took a step back this past year, though, with some inconsistencies and questionable effort at times. Dawkins is a “win-with” guy for me at the moment, and he serves as a durable veteran anchor. He still can get back to “game-winner” status, he just needs to be more consistent.
C Connor McGovern (UFA)
Connor McGovern ranked 15th out of 40 qualified centers with a 69.1 PFF grade, allowing zero sacks and excelling in pass protection (73.4 grade, 6th out of 40 qualified centers). His snap accuracy and run-blocking (65.2%, 20th out of 40 qualified centers) spoke to his consistency.
McGovern earned a Pro Bowl alternate spot and one All-Pro vote, which has him as high-floor “win-with” anchor in this exercise. If the price is right, the Bills would love to have him back as their long-term tip of the spear.
LG David Edwards (UFA)
David Edwards started all 17 games and complied a 71.4 PFF grade. He was reliable in pass blocking (3 sacks allowed, 73.0 grade, 14th out of 81 guards) and also run-blocking (69.0 grade, 23rd out of 81 guards).
Edwards’ contributions to the unit’s 74.7% win rate were key. He didn’t receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition, but he’s surely a “win-with” starter in Buffalo’s offensive schemes, as an interior lineman who maintains consistency and chemistry with the group.
G/C/OT Alec Anderson (RFA)
Alec Anderson appeared in 17 games (two starts) and earned a 72.7 PFF grade, providing versatile depth across the interior and tackle spots. He allowed one sack and three pressures in 189 snaps, committing two penalties and receiving a poor 41.3 pass-blocking grade by PFF. On the other hand, Anderson contributed to a 72% run-block win rate, with an 82.5 run-block grade.
There were no accolades for his work in 2025, but Anderson’s reliability during injury fill-ins makes him a “win-with” backup with starter potential, especially if he can improve his pass blocking. If McGovern or Edwards aren’t back, Anderson seems primed for his first opportunity as a full-time starter.
Needs Improvement
These players lacked consistency, often due to limited snaps, inexperience, or simply not being talented enough, even if some of them showed potential at some point. At this point in time, each of them requires more development for possible bigger roles.
RG O’Cyrus Torrence
Now a three-year starter, O’Cyrus Torrence started all games in 2025 but posted a 54.9 PFF grade. He struggled in pass protection (part of 58 unit pressures) this past season, but he makes his hay pushing defenders into submission as a huge part of Buffalo’s stout run-game.
Torrence is a mauler who can move people in front of him, but his pass-blocking inconsistencies have been too concerning to ignore, and the 2026 season will be crucial in evaluating him for a new long-term deal. As part of the unit, Torrence might be good enough to “win with,” but individually he can and needs to be way better.
C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger received limited backup snaps and earned just a 57.5 PFF grade, 52.6 run-blocking grade, and showed some high upside with an 85.1 pass-blocking grade. Despite being untested (just one start last season, against the New York Jets in Week 18), Van Pran-Granger might be in position to compete for the starting center spot if McGovern signs elsewhere in free agency.
LT Ryan Van Demark (RFA)
Ryan Van Demark performed as an effective swing tackle and spot-starter, appearing in all 17 games for the Bills. He solidified his role as a reliable backup with solid PFF grades (74.4 overall), particularly in run blocking (74.9, 22nd out of 89 qualifying tackles). His pass-blocking grade wasn’t good though (65.6), allowing two sacks and committing three penalties in 312 snaps. Van Demark’s okay in his role right now, but not good enough to be a starter just yet.
LT Tylan Grable
Tylan Grable saw limited action in his second season, largely due to injury. After dealing with a concussion he sustained in August, Grable was activated from Injured Reserve on November 29 and played in the latter part of the season. His PFF grades were the opposite of Van Demark’s (69.5 overall, 62.1 run blocking, 83.3 pass blocking), but in far fewer snaps. Still, not allowing any sacks, hits, or pressures in 72 offensive snaps is promising for a developmental player in his second NFL season.
RB Frank Gore Jr.
Frank Gore Jr. saw minimal action (one game, one reception for six yards; two playoff rushes for six yards). He’s still raw and unproven, but he has shown some promise during preseason action across two campaigns. Gore should continue to find opportunities to develop, and he may earn a bigger role down the road.
Final Assessment
With “game-winners” like Cook and Brown leading the way — backed by their elite metrics and accolades — and a group of “win-with” players providing consistency, the Bills’ running backs and offensive line form a Super Bowl-caliber foundation. The run game’s dominance (top DVOA, EPA) proves this, but depth concerns (Gilliam, Edwards, and McGovern potentially leaving in FA) and inconsistencies (Torrence) could present challenges for 2026.
Choices will need to be made during free agency — overpaying for vets or trusting young, in-house talent. Overall, Buffalo’s foundation is very good, but additions for competition and depth purposes are a must.
Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge!
Feb 10, 2026; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jonathan Powell (11) drives to the basket against Miami Hurricanes forward Timotej Malovec (88) during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
It was a less than ideal week for the Carolina men and women, but as we approach the end of the regular season, Hubert Davis and Courtney Banghart’s squads are both still ranked in the AP Top 25.
Both teams are likely out of contention for the regular season ACC title but can still earn a favorable seed in the conference tournament with a strong finish. Every one of their remaining games matters in that pursuit; combined with a bevy of ranked matchups across the country this week, there will be plenty of excellent viewing options for fans of the Tar Heels and college basketball.
Let’s take a look at where things stand right now.
Men’s Basketball
AP Top 25
1. Michigan (60 first place votes)
2. Houston (1)
3. Duke
4. Arizona
5. UConn
6. Iowa State
7. Purdue
8. Kansas
9. Nebraska
10. Illinois
11. Gonzaga
12. Florida
13. Texas Tech
14. Virginia
15. Michigan State
16. North Carolina
17. St. John’s
18. St. Louis
19. Vanderbilt
20. Arkansas
21. Louisville
22. Miami (OH)
23. BYU
24. Wisconsin
25. Alabama
Where is UNC?
The Tar Heels tied for the biggest drop in this week’s poll, falling five spots to #16 after losing at Miami. Winning both of their games this week (at NC State, at Syracuse) won’t be an easy task with their roster in poor health but will be necessary if they want to avoid sliding further.
Biggest Winners
Michigan took the top spot for the first time in 13 seasons, thanks in large part to previous #1 Arizona losing back-to-back games. Wisconsin reentered the rankings for the first time since November at #24 after taking down a pair of top 10 teams: then-#8 Illinois on the road and then-#10 Michigan State at home. Alabama, riding a four-game winning streak, reentered at #25 after a two-week absence. Within the poll, Purdue jumped six spots to #7 after wins at previous #7 Nebraska and Iowa.
Biggest Losers
Along with UNC, Michigan State fell five spots, landing at #15 after losing at Wisconsin. Clemson went from #20 to unofficial #26 after losing to Virginia Tech at home and then-#4 Duke on the road. Kentucky went from #25 to unofficial #30 after losing at then-#14 Florida.
Conference Breakdown
Big 12: 6
Big Ten: 6
SEC: 4
ACC: 4
Big East: 2
WCC: 1
A-10: 1
MAC: 1
Marquee Matchups This Week
#1 Michigan (24-1) @ #7 Purdue (13-5) – Tonight at 6:30 PM ET on Peacock
#20 Arkansas (19-6) @ #25 Alabama (18-7) – Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
#23 BYU (19-6) @ #4 Arizona (23-2) – Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN
#4 Arizona (23-2) @ #2 Houston (23-2) – Saturday at 3:00 PM ET on ABC
#1 Michigan (24-1) vs #3 Duke (24-2) at Capital One Arena – Saturday at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN
#6 Iowa State (22-2) @ #23 BYU (19-6) – Saturday at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN
Women’s Basketball
AP Top 25
UConn (31 first place votes)
UCLA
South Carolina
Texas
Vanderbilt
Michigan
LSU
Louisville
Duke
Ohio State
Oklahoma
TCU
Iowa
Maryland
Baylor
Kentucky
Ole Miss
Michigan State
West Virginia
Texas Tech
Tennessee
North Carolina
Minnesota
Georgia
Alabama
Where is UNC?
The Tar Heels dropped one spot to #22 after a four-point loss at then-#11 Duke. In that game, Carolina attempted zero–yes, zero–free throws and was called for 21 fouls, while Duke shot 21 free throws and was whistled for nine fouls. Somewhere, Coach K is smiling.
Biggest Winners
Minnesota earned its first ranking of the season at #23 after winning its eighth straight game, and Georgia reentered the poll at #24 after knocking off then-#5 Vanderbilt at home. Maryland had the biggest jump within the top 25, climbing six spots to #14 after winning at then-#8 Ohio State. Additionally, TCU rose five spots to #12 after a road win at previous #12 Baylor and a home win over #19 West Virginia.
Biggest Losers
Princeton went from #24 to unofficial #28 after losing at Columbia, and Washington went from #25 to unofficial #27 after losing at then-#15 Iowa. Within the poll, Michigan State fell five spots to #18 after a home loss to #2 UCLA and a road loss to then-#7 Michigan. Also, Texas Tech dropped four spots to #20 after losing at Oklahoma State.
Conference Breakdown
SEC: 10
Big Ten: 7
Big 12: 4
ACC: 3
Big East: 1
Marquee Matchups This Week
#21 Tennessee (16-7) @ #17 Ole Miss (20-6) – Tonight at 7:00 PM ET on ESPNU
#15 Baylor (22-5) @ #20 Texas Tech (23-4) – Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+
#10 Ohio State (22-4) @ #23 Minnesota (20-6) – Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET on B1G+
#11 Oklahoma (19-6) @ #24 Georgia (20-6) – Thursday at 6:30 PM ET on SEC Network
#3 South Carolina (25-2) @ #25 Alabama (20-6) – Thursday at 8:30 PM ET on SEC Network
#7 LSU (22-4) @ #17 Ole Miss (20-6) – Thursday at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN
#17 Ole Miss (20-6) @ #3 South Carolina (25-2) – Sunday at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN
#6 Michigan (22-4) @ #13 Iowa (20-5) – Sunday at 12:00 PM ET on FOX
#21 Tennessee (16-7) @ #11 Oklahoma (19-6) – Sunday at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN
#16 Kentucky (20-7) @ #5 Vanderbilt (24-3) – Sunday at 3:00 PM ET on SECN+
#18 Michigan State (20-6) @ #23 Minnesota (25-2) – Sunday at 6:00 PM ET on FS1
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 26: Kenny Clark #95 of the Dallas Cowboys, during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 26, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. We can (rightfully) talk about decisions to keep or move on from players like Javonte Williams. There is obviously the George Pickens situation to tend to. While there are varying degrees of what is a big deal and a small situation, the ultimate reality is that there are plenty of decisions to come to terms to.
One of the discussions the Cowboys are likely having has to do with defensive tackle Kenny Clark. This may sound a bit out of nowhere given that Clark was acquired in the trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, and that the Cowboys raved about how much they loved Clark, but the reality of the situation was always in the details.
A two-year, $22 million deal for a high-level player was viewed as a win for a Dallas team that sees the 29-year-old Clark as a multiyear solution, and there would also be no dead money if the Cowboys chose to release him after the season.
It was certainly strange how it was being billed as a positive that the Cowboys could release someone who they deemed as a requirement to be a part of the trade, but water under the bridge or whatever. The point here is that the Cowboys seemed to always have a wandering eye relative to Kenny Clark and 2026.
The worldwide leader seems to have remembered that. Bill Barnwell put together trade proposals for teams to make with one another this offseason and has the Cowboys involved in a hypothetical deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. The player at the center of it is indeed Kenny Clark.
The Clark era might not last long in Dallas. Acquired as part of the Micah Parsons deal, Clark’s contract was a relative bargain in 2025, given that the Cowboys were on the hook for only his $1.3 million base salary and another $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. Clark wasn’t single-handedly able to fix Dallas’ defense, but he also wasn’t the problem.
In 2026, though, Clark is set to make $21.5 million — $11 million of which comes due in a mid-March roster bonus. He projects to have the fifth-largest cap hit of any Cowboys player. The problem is that the fourth-largest cap hit belongs to fellow defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, whom the Cowboys sent two premium picks to the Jets to acquire at the trade deadline. And the sixth-largest cap hit belongs to fellow tackle Osa Odighizuwa, whose $16.25 million base salary is guaranteed.
Clark’s money isn’t guaranteed, and it’s unlikely that he would be in position to land that same $21.5 million in 2026 compensation if he hits free agency. Grady Jarrett signed a three-year, $42.5 million deal with the Bears after the Falcons cut him last offseason, and I suspect Clark might be looking at something closer to that range as a free agent.
So, if the Cowboys are going to cut Clark and he won’t land the same caliber of contract in free agency, the alternative might include taking a pay cut to the $14 million range and netting the Cowboys a swap of late-round picks in the process. Clark might not be willing to accommodate the Cowboys, and the former UCLA Bruin might prefer a move out west, but this deal would be an opportunity for him to reunite with former Packers defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, who oversaw Clark’s work during his best seasons in Green Bay.
Barnwell is pitching a hypothetical where Clark agrees to a re-worked deal so that he doesn’t lose as much as he stands to if the Cowboys cut him outright. The gain here would be minimal for Dallas as they’d be improving their seventh-round pick next year to sixth-round status. Keep in mind that Dallas already has multiple sixth-round picks next year as they sent their 2027 fifth-round pick away in the George Pickens deal. The Cowboys received Pickens and Pittsburgh’s sixth in 2027 (for their third this year and fifth next) as far as the full terms were concerned.
Back to Clark, Barnwell is right to bring up Quinnen Williams as someone who complicates the Clark situation even more. Obviously Williams was not on the Cowboys when the Parsons/Clark deal was originally executed so that only put him further behind the proverbial eight ball, so to speak.
This move may seem like a pointless endeavor for the Cowboys, but it boils down to several points:
It is hard to see Kenny Clark staying on the Cowboys on his current contract
If he is released outright the Cowboys stand to gain nothing and he may sign elsewhere
Clark is, saying this as respectfully as possible, less needed in the aftermath of the Quinnen Williams acquisition
This would be getting “something out of nothing” to a degree which is always the preferred option
These types of things rarely come to pass, but honestly the Cowboys should be applauded if they manage to find a suitor for Clark given everything outlined above.
CAF Champions League: Top scorers after the group stage
Top scorers of the African Champions League 2025/2026
Ligue des champions CAF / @x.com/iDiskiTimes
The 2025-2026 CAF Champions League group stage wrapped up on Sunday, February 15, 2026, following the sixth matchday, confirming the eight teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
The clubs that secured their spots are: Al Ahly SC, Pyramids FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, RS Berkane, AS FAR, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stade Malien, and Al Hilal Omdurman.
Trezeguet leads the scoring charts
Egyptian international Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, the Al Ahly winger, sits atop the scorers’ leaderboard with five goals to his name.
He netted a brace against JS Kabylie in a 4-1 victory, added another goal versus AS FAR (1-1), and capped it off with a second double against Young Africans SC, powering his side to a 2-0 win.
Hot on his heels, the race for the podium remains fierce. In second place, with four goals each, are Abdelrazig Omar of Al Hilal Omdurman and Ahmed Atef (“Otta”), striker for Pyramids FC.
Third place, with three goals apiece, is shared by Paul Bassène (RS Berkane) and Aboubacar Diakité (Espérance Sportive de Tunis).
Top scorers of the African Champions League 2025/2026
Xabi Alonso turns down Olympique Marseille managerial offer
Xabi Alonso has rejected an approach from Olympique de Marseille to become their new head coach, according to RMC Sport.
This comes during a tumultuous February for the Ligue 1 giants, who are currently reeling from the departures of manager Roberto De Zerbi and sporting director Medhi Benatia.
The pursuit of Alonso was a high-stakes move by Marseille owner Frank McCourt to stabilise a project that has rapidly unravelled in recent weeks, but the Spanish manager was not convinced by the conditions offered at the Orange Velodrome.
Key concerns reportedly included the club’s uncertain governance, with McCourt currently seeking a new club president to replace a sidelined Pablo Longoria, and the overall lack of a cohesive long-term sporting strategy.
Following a crushing 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain and a premature Champions League exit, the atmosphere in Marseille has turned hostile, with supporters recently displaying protest banners.
Unsurprisingly, the fractured environment at Marseille represented too great a risk for Alonso, who remains without a job but is highly sought after following his departure from Real Madrid in January.
Despite winning 24 of his 34 matches, his time at the Bernabeu was marred by clashes with a star-studded dressing room.
Still, his reputation remains untarnished as he remains on the radar of several big clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom are rumoured to be monitoring his availability for the summer.
With Alonso officially out of the running, Marseille are moving swiftly to conclude a deal for Habib Beye.
Beye recently left Stade Rennais but is now set for a return to Ligue 1.
Sep 13, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach Frank Reich stands on the field before the game against the Boston College Eagles at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Last week we asked Jets fans in our SB Nation Reacts survey whether the new coaching hires the Jets made early in the offseason have increased their confidence level in the team.
Aaron Glenn made a striking number of changes to his staff at the end of his first season as Jets head coach. Over half of the coaches from his initial staff were replaced. These changes were not at the fringes either. The Jets parted ways with both their offensive and defensive coordinator along with their passing game coordinator. Key position coaches such as the quarterbacks coach and defensive line coach were also replaced.
It seems like the new staff will get some sort of honeymoon period. The majority of fans who voted in our poll say the new hires increased their confidence in the team heading into 2026.
I think it’s fair to say that upgrading the talent level on the roster will be a more critical task for the Jets this offseason than changing the coaching staff. If the Jets don’t get better players in here, no coaching staff will be able to have much success.
What Arsenal thinks about selling Eze after one season
Eberechi Eze is living the life he dreamed of, now representing his boyhood club Arsenal. The Gunners initially had him in their academy before he was released, requiring him to pursue a professional career at other clubs prior to his return to the Emirates. After proving his worth at Crystal Palace, where he was a regular starter, Arsenal secured his signature. Since returning, Eze has become an important figure for the club, though the depth of the squad has necessitated sharing game time with other midfielders.
Key Role Amidst Squad Competition
Despite a recent inconsistent run of form, Eze remains a central player for Arsenal and has not been relegated to the bench. He performed well in the fixture against Wigan, demonstrating his creativity and work rate, although some analysts consider his overall delivery in recent weeks to have been underwhelming. This has sparked speculation regarding his future at the club, with some suggesting he could be sold during the summer transfer window.
The Englishman’s ability to influence games, however, remains widely recognised, and he continues to train and prepare as a first-team regular. Arsenal’s coaching staff are aware of his talent and versatility, which allows him to contribute in multiple midfield roles. This flexibility has helped the Gunners maintain consistency even when other key players are unavailable.
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal Intends to Retain Eze
According to Football Insider, rumours suggesting that Arsenal will sell Eze at the end of the season are unfounded. While the club plans to make changes in the summer, including the sale of some players, Eze is not among those being considered for departure. His continued presence highlights the club’s confidence in his ability to contribute to their campaign moving forward.
As Arsenal prepares for the remainder of the season, Eze is expected to remain a key part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, with his role evolving alongside the club’s other established stars. His journey from academy release to first-team regular underscores both his personal resilience and the club’s long-term commitment to his development, reinforcing why he is considered an integral part of the squad.
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EASTLEIGH, HAMPSHIRE - SEPTEMBER 28: Mel Reay, Manager of Sunderland, gives their team instructions prior to the Barclays Women's Super League 2 match between Southampton and Sunderland at Silverlake Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Eastleigh, Hampshire. (Photo by Alex Burstow - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images) | WSL Football via Getty Images
Sue “Buddah” Smith: The sweetest left foot in the North East!
Before Sunderland Women had an academy to be proud of, before the club became known as a production line for England internationals and before the WSL era and the rising profile of the women’s game, there was Sue ‘Buddah’ Smith.
She was the kind of player whose story lives not in statistics or archived footage but in the memories of those who watched her glide across muddy pitches with a left foot that seemed touched by something otherworldly.
Sue emerged from the Cowgate Kestrels era, a time when women’s football in the North East survived on stubbornness, community spirit and the sheer refusal of its players to accept that the sport wasn’t meant for them. She played in a world without professional pathways, media coverage and the recognition her talent deserved — yet she played with a grace and confidence that would have stood out in any era.
Those who saw her speak about her left foot with a kind of reverence.
It wasn’t just powerful or accurate — it was expressive. She could bend a ball into impossible spaces, thread passes through crowds and strike from distance with a technique that felt years ahead of its time. During an age when women’s football was still fighting for legitimacy, Smith played with the swagger of someone who knew she belonged on any pitch against any opponent.
When the Kestrels aligned with Sunderland AFC, Smith became one of the first women to wear the red and white in a formal capacity.
It was a moment that symbolised a shift; the merging of grassroots passion with the identity of a club built on working class pride. She carried the Kestrels’ spirit into Sunderland but she also brought something uniquely her own: a sense of artistry and a belief that the women’s game could be beautiful as well as resilient.
Smith wasn’t just a footballer — she was a standard‑setter.
Younger players watched her and realised that such a talent could come from their streets, their schools and their communities. She showed them that the North East didn’t just produce hard workers — it produced artists. She played with a joy that was infectious, a competitiveness that was fierce and a humility that made her beloved by teammates and opponents alike.
Her influence stretched far beyond her playing days.
She became a touchstone for what Sunderland Women would later become: a club built on local talent, pride in the badge and the belief that greatness can grow from modest beginnings. She was a pioneer — not because she sought recognition — but because she played at a time when simply stepping onto the pitch was an act of defiance.
Sue Smith represents the beginning of Sunderland’s story, the spark that lit the fire, the left foot that left a mark on everyone who saw it and the spirit that still echoes through the club today.
“The Leader”: Mel Reay and the forging of a Sunderland identity
As Sunderland Women began to grow into themselves, they needed figures who could bridge the gap between the grassroots spirit of the Kestrels and the ambitions of a club beginning to understand its own potential. Mel Reay became one of those figures — first as a player, then as a coach and ultimately as one of the defining leaders in the club’s modern history.
Reay’s playing career coincided with a period when the women’s game was still fighting for visibility, when commitment meant long nights, cold training sessions and a level of dedication that far outweighed the resources available. She was a forward with intelligence and instinct, but what set her apart was her presence. Even as a young player, she carried herself with a quiet authority; the kind that made teammates look to her in moments of pressure.
She understood the game deeply — not just the technical side, but the emotional landscape that shapes a team.
She knew how to read people, how to steady nerves and how to lift spirits. She was the kind of player who made others feel braver simply by being on the pitch with them, and Sunderland, still finding their footing in the women’s football landscape, needed that kind of leadership.
As the club evolved, so did Reay’s role.
She transitioned into coaching with the same clarity and purpose she’d shown as a player. She became a mentor long before she became a manager, guiding young players, shaping standards and helping to build the culture that would later define Sunderland’s academy. She understood what the club could become because she’d lived its early struggles and its early hopes.
When she eventually took the reins as head coach, it felt less like a new chapter and more like a continuation of a story she had been writing for years. She inherited a club that had been battered by restructures, demotions and the unforgiving realities of the women’s football pyramid. But she also inherited a club with a fierce identity, one she had helped shape.
Reay led with empathy and steel.
She demanded hard work but she also understood the human side of the game. She built teams that reflected the region: honest, relentless, grounded. Under her guidance, Sunderland rediscovered their rhythm. They rebuilt not through shortcuts or spending, but through belief, youth and a return to the values that had always defined them.
Her leadership became the backbone of the club’s rebirth. She steadied the ship during the most turbulent years, guided the team back into the Championship and restored a sense of pride that had been bruised but never broken. She became the embodiment of Sunderland’s resilience — a leader shaped by the club who in turn shaped the club right back.
Reay’s legacy stretches across generations, from her days as a player to her role as the architect of Sunderland’s modern identity. She’s the thread that ties the club’s past to its future; the leader who helped Sunderland understand who they were and what they could be.
Steph Houghton: On-field leadership personified
If the Lasses’ early years were defined by resilience and then by raw talent, the “golden generation” was defined by something rarer still: leadership, and no player embodies that more profoundly than Houghton, the academy graduate who would go on to captain England and become one of the most respected figures in the global game.
Houghton arrived at Sunderland as a teenager with a quiet determination that set her apart.
She wasn’t the loudest voice nor the flashiest talent, but she carried herself with a maturity that made coaches take notice. Even in those early days, there was a steeliness about her; a sense of purpose, a clarity of ambition and a refusal to be anything less than exceptional.
Sunderland nurtured her.
They gave her responsibility, trusted her with minutes and allowed her to grow into her own authority. She thrived in the environment, developing into a player whose intelligence, composure and versatility made her invaluable. Whether she played in midfield, at full back or eventually at centre half, she brought the same qualities: calmness, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the team.
Her rise wasn’t meteoric — it was methodical.
She built her career the way Sunderland build their players, through graft, humility and a deep understanding of the game. When she moved on — first to Leeds, Arsenal and then Manchester City — it wasn’t a departure borne of disloyalty but of necessity. The women’s game was becoming increasingly professional and her talent demanded a stage that Sunderland, through no fault of their own, couldn’t yet provide.
However, Houghton remained a Sunderland player at heart.
The values she carried into the England captaincy — resilience, honesty and accountability —were forged in the North East. The leadership she displayed on the biggest stages in guiding England through tournaments and becoming the face of the Lionesses was shaped in the academy where she learned not just how to play, but how to lead.
Houghton’s legacy is monumental.
She became a national icon, a trailblazer and a symbol of what women’s football could be. But her Sunderland legacy is something quieter, deeper and perhaps even more meaningful. She represents the blueprint; the proof that a player from the North East, developed on modest pitches with limited resources, could rise to the very top of the sport.
She’s the embodiment of Sunderland’s “golden generation”: a player whose success reflects the club’s influence far beyond its league position, a reminder that greatness can grow from humble beginnings, and a testament to the power of belief, identity and the North East’s unique footballing spirit.
Beth Mead: “A badge worn with pride”
When Sunderland reached the WSL, they did so with a squad built on youth, belief and identity. Among the players of that era was Mead, a forward whose rise from local prospect to international star became one of the defining stories of the era.
Mead was electric.
She played with a fearlessness that made her a nightmare for defenders. Her pace, movement and finishing carried the unmistakable stamp of Sunderland’s academy. She wasn’t just talented; she was relentless. She chased every ball, fought for every inch and played with a joy that made her impossible not to love.
During the WSL years, Sunderland were often underestimated.
They didn’t have the budgets, facilities or resources of the top clubs, but they had players like Mead, players who refused to be intimidated, who fought for every point and believed they belonged at the highest level.
Mead became the heartbeat of the team.
She scored goals that defied logic, carried the team through difficult moments and represented the club with pride. Her move to Arsenal was another bittersweet moment and a reminder of Sunderland’s place in the footballing ecosystem, but like Houghton, her success became part of Sunderland’s legacy.
Mead represents the era during which Sunderland proved they could compete with the best — not through money or infrastructure, but through heart, identity and belief.
Keira Ramshaw: An unsung hero and the soul of the Lasses
Every club has players whose influence can’t be measured in goals or assists.
Sunderland’s history is full of them; players who shaped the culture, held the dressing room together and created an environment where others could thrive — and Ramshaw is the embodiment of that spirit.
Ramshaw joined Sunderland as a teenager and stayed for more than a decade. She lived every era: the rise, the WSL years, the demotion and the rebuild. She was there when the club was flying…and she was there when the club was forced to start again. Through every high and every low, she remained loyal, grounded and fiercely proud to wear the badge.
What makes her story even more remarkable is that she had options, and genuine options at that.
During her peak years, WSL clubs came calling. There was also interest from abroad; opportunities that would’ve offered professional contracts, bigger crowds, better facilities and the kind of financial security that Sunderland simply couldn’t match at the time. For many players, those offers would have been irresistible; for Ramshaw, they were background noise.
She chose Sunderland.
She chose the club that had shaped her, the region that had raised her and the badge that meant more to her than any contract ever could. Even when Sunderland dropped into the third tier — a decision that felt like a punishment for circumstances beyond the players’ control — she stayed, she led and she became the anchor in a moment when the club could easily have unravelled.
Her versatility made her invaluable on the pitch.
She could play multiple positions, adapt to different systems and step into any role the team needed her to. She was reliable, consistent and selfless, but her true influence lay off the pitch.
She was the glue that held the squad together, supporting younger players, lifting spirits after defeats and creating a sense of unity that became essential during the club’s most challenging periods.
When Sunderland were demoted, Ramshaw was one of the players who kept the team grounded.
She reminded them of who they were, what they represented and of the pride that came with wearing the badge. She helped the squad navigate the uncertainty, the frustration and the sense of injustice. She was a leader without the armband; a mentor without the title.
Her legacy isn’t written in statistics or accolades.
Instead, it’s written in the memories of the players she supported, the culture she helped build and the resilience she helped foster. Ramshaw represents the soul of the club; the quiet strength that’s carried Sunderland through every storm, the loyalty that can’t be bought and the belief that some things matter more than league positions or contracts.
She is Sunderland in its purest form.
“The ties that bind”
In Smith, Reay, Houghton, Mead and Ramshaw, we see a single thread that runs through every era of Sunderland Women’s history. It’s not one of wealth or glamour or convenience; instead, it’s one of identity, belonging and a club built not on shortcuts, but on people.
Smith represents the spark; the moment when the women’s game in the North East was held together by passion alone, when talent survived on muddy pitches and borrowed kits, and when belief was the only currency that mattered.
Her left foot that could’ve graced any stadium in the world, yet she gave it to a team that existed because women refused to be told “no”. She represents the the beginning.
Reay, meanwhile, represents the bridge.
A player who understood the emotional heartbeat of the club long before she ever stood on the touchline as head coach. She carried Sunderland through eras of uncertainty, shaping standards, people and belief. She’s the touchstone of continuity and the reminder that leadership isn’t a role, but a responsibility.
Houghton represents the blueprint.
A player who rose from Sunderland’s academy to the England captaincy, carrying the values of the North East onto the biggest stages in world football. She’s proof that greatness can grow from modest beginnings and that the world’s best can come from the same streets and schools as the fans who fill the stands.
Mead represents the fire, and the WSL era distilled into one player: fearless, relentless, joyful. She showed that Sunderland could compete with anyone and that talent forged in the North East could shine against the brightest lights. Her success elsewhere is not a loss — it’s a legacy.
Ramshaw is the soul — the player who stayed when others left, who chose Sunderland over comfort, over money, over opportunity. The player who held the dressing room together and carried the badge through storms that would have broken lesser clubs. She’s the embodiment of everything Sunderland stands for: loyalty, resilience and pride.
Together, they form a tapestry of what Sunderland Women truly is. A club built on people who care, shaped by players who gave more than they ever received and whose history isn’t measured in trophies, but in character.
Sunderland’s story has never been straightforward. It’s been shaped by injustice, setbacks and the unforgiving realities of a sport that hasn’t always valued the right things. But it’s also been shaped by brilliance, leadership, loyalty and the kind of talent that changes the game.
These five women, and the countless others who stood beside them, built something that can’t be bought, replicated and that belongs to the North East in a way no other club can claim.
They built Sunderland.
And the future — whatever it holds — will always carry their fingerprints.
In their last fixture, KuPS suffered a 0-1 reverse against Ilves Tampere (Finnish League Cup 2026). In their last game, Lech Poznan won 3-0 against Piast Gliwice (Polish League 2025/26).
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 30: Ronda Rousey prepares to face Amanda Nunes of Brazil in their UFC women's bantamweight championship bout during the UFC 207 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 30, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are ready to shock the world one more time.
The MMA stars are both set to make their comeback on May 16 when they compete in a five-round fight at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, headlining an event promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and airing live on Netflix.
Calling the news unexpected or surprising would be an understatement, with Rousey fighting for the first time since 2016 and Carano for the first time since 2009, and the combat sports community has been understandably wowed by the announcement.
Paul tweeted about the news shortly after, calling it a “surreal moment,” and Rousey called it “the biggest super fight in women’s combat sports history.“ Given Rousey’s and Carano’s previous accomplishments and their mainstream notoriety, the bold claim isn’t completely out of the question.
Check out social media reactions to Rousey vs. Carano below.
Surreal moment. I started taking judo because of Ronda Rousey. Now I get to work with her and Gina Carano to bring MMA to Netflix. Here we go…@MostVpromotionspic.twitter.com/zphmZM47kO
Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and @ginacarano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history! And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion @MostVpromotions as well as the baddest streamer on the planet @netflix! This is for… pic.twitter.com/vR9IxchOO2
Gina the first woman to unlock the doors, Ronda the first woman to kick them out.. And Amanda the woman who helped glue the pieces together! What a moment for Women’s combat sports! 🙏🏼💕🙌🏼👑 https://t.co/2Std4BBZD3
The Detroit Tigers have officially named their starting pitcher for the first game of spring training, and it’s a familiar young arm.
Right-hander Keider Montero will get the ball for the Tigers in their Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, Feb. 21, against the New York Yankees. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.
Montero, 25, enters spring training coming off his first extended look at the major-league level. The Venezuelan native made 20 appearances (12 starts) for Detroit in 2025, logging 90.2 innings with 72 strikeouts as the Tigers continued to evaluate his long-term role in the rotation.
Handing Montero the opening assignment is a clear early vote of confidence from the Tigers’ coaching staff, especially with Detroit using spring training to sort through rotation depth behind its established arms. While Grapefruit League results are secondary, opening-day starts often provide a glimpse into how teams plan to deploy young pitchers during the season.
For Montero, Saturday’s start represents another opportunity to build momentum — and potentially pitch his way into a more defined role as camp progresses.
A major shakeup could be happening within the Major League Baseball Players Association.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark is expected to step down amid the fallout from a federal investigation, a shocking moment that will now happen at a massive time amid all of the talks about a lockout next year.
“In a stunning development in the wake of a federal investigation, Tony Clark is expected to resign from his position as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, leaving the union scrambling to find a leader heading into a lengthy labor dispute this winter, people briefed on the decision who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic,” he wrote.
Clark, who has served as the union’s executive director since 2013, has been one of the biggest figures in getting guys paid. His expected departure will lead to uncertainty for the MLBPA, especially with the biggest CBA ever coming up.
But for others, it doesn’t seem to be too big of a deal.
Former MLB pitcher Trevor Bauer seemingly commented on the report shortly after it was announced, getting straight to the point about how he felt.
“About time.”
Bauer’s response, though not guaranteed to be about this, shows how players who don’t or didn’t love Clark feel about what’s going on.
After a week where multiple nationally ranked teams lost, not much changed in the latest in the USA Today Sports women’s basketball coaches poll. With February winding down, positions are being solidified for seeding in the NCAA Women's Tournament.
As it has been since the preseason poll dropped on Oct. 23, UConn remains No. 1. The undefeated Huskies — who comfortably defeated Creighton and Marquette last week — have been the unanimous top team in the poll since Jan. 13. That’s unlikely to change as UConn is expected to continue to dominate in the Big East through its final four regular season games and conference tournament.
The poll is also filled with teams from the SEC this week, featuring 10 teams for the second time this season after Georgia reentered the top 25 following an upset win over Vanderbilt on Sunday.
After a 1-1 week, where it lost to Georgia but beat Texas by double figures, Vanderbilt actually dropped a spot in the poll to No. 6. Texas remained ranked fourth, while South Carolina stayed in third after its big road win at now-ranked No. 7 LSU. Other SEC teams in the top 25 include No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 17 Ole Miss, No. 18 Kentucky, No. 21 Tennessee and No. 24 Alabama.
Georgia, TCU and Minnesota were the biggest climbers this week, each rising three spots. Michigan State and Baylor each fell three spots.
No teams from mid-major conferences are ranked this week after Princeton dropped out following its second loss of the season to Ivy League rival Columbia. Iowa State also fell out of the top 25 after a 1-1 week that included a double-digit loss at BYU and a four-point win over Kansas State.
Rhode Island, which has now won 17 games in a row, was third among unranked teams who received votes.
The French Olympic ice hockey federation made a decision on Pierre Crinon. The player fought Canada’s Tom Wilson during Sunday’s group-play game that ended in a 10-2 win for the Canadians.
With 6:59 remaining and Canada already up 10-2, Crinon hit Canadian forward Nathan McKinnon. Wilson approached Crinon and the two got entangled. The Frenchman took Wilson to the ice, which prompted the referees to get in the middle of the two.
Wilson went back at Crinon, pushing and shoving him afterwards. While the International Ice Hockey Federation allowed both players to play in their teams’ next games, the French federation took exception with Crinon. He won’t be allowed to play in the remainder of the tournament.
“Pierre Crinon’s provocative behavior upon leaving the ice, even though he had just been ejected from the game for fighting, constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport,” Hockey France said in a statement.
“Therefore, in full agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, the decision has been made not to authorize his participation in the upcoming game[s] of the Olympic tournament.”
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 15, 2026; Milan, Italy; Tom Wilson of Canada clashes with Pierre Crinon of France in men’s ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters via Imagn Images
After he received a five-minute penalty for fighting and the ejection for game misconduct, Pierre Crinon left the ice. While he did so, he made gestures towards the Canadian fans, provoking them.
Pierre Crinon taking on the role of villain today. Slightly irrelevant at 10-2 to Canada …. pic.twitter.com/sDV5dZCA4i
At 0-3, France can still advance to the qualification round with a win over Germany (1-2). Even if they pull it off, Crinon won’t be on the ice with his teammates.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 13: Jose Contreras #52 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch during the game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on May 13, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 3-2. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ll begin the quarterfinal round with a pair of matchups:
4. Jeff Hoffman, 2023
Jeff Hoffman became an out of nowhere success story for the Phillies, so I understand why Phillies fans liked the guy, but I’m still confused as to why there was so much angst over him leaving. I hold him most responsible for the Phillies loss in the 2024 NLDS, but I guess because the entire bullpen was so bad, that gets overlooked.
RIP Jeff Hoffman in the NL East you will always be a great in my eyes after your 2024 playoff performance pic.twitter.com/jvXNYPDAHe
He had a chance at personal redemption with the Blue Jays last season, and ended up blowing a save in game seven of the World Series.
5. Jose Contreras, 2010
On the other hand, Jose Contreras never gave up a run in four postseason appearances for the Phillies. The Phillies may have lost the 2010 NLCS to the Giants, but it’s hard to blame Contreras who pitched in three games and only allowed one baserunner.
Who should advance? Vote now!
3. Jake Arrieta, 2018
I wrote before that Arrieta wasn’t close to his Cy Young past with the Phillies, but we never should have expected him to be. He was fine as a mid-rotation starter, at least for the first year and a half of his deal. (The last year was a bit ugly.)
Maybe I just defend him, because he allowed me to use this headline which I’m still proud of.
6. Brad Miller, 2021
I’ve called Miller a “Poor Man’s Kyle Schwarber” in that they’re both bad on defense, and when they get into slumps, they’ll sometimes have long cold streaks sporadically broken up by multi-home run games. (The biggest difference being that Schwarber hits over 50 home runs in a season.)
This essay was reprinted from David Epstein’s newsletter Range Widely. Subscribe here.Read more of Slate’s 2026 Olympics coverage here.
American figure skater Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God” for his quadruple jumps, is the best in the world. He came into the Olympics not having lost a competition in two years. And then, on Friday, in his free skate in Milan, he fell apart.
Early in his program, he bailed out of his signature quadruple axel and did a single axel instead. He then nailed a different quad jump, but then bailed on another one, turning a quad loop into a double loop. Then on another planned quad jump, he fell, and then he fell again. Something was obviously very wrong.
Bewildered, here is what he said afterward:
I just felt like all the … traumatic moments of my life really just started flooding my head, and there were just so many negative thoughts that just flooded into there. And I just did not handle it.
I found his explanation to be powerful and eloquent; I’m glad he shared it. It also helps explain what happened.
Years ago, I spent some time interviewing psychologist Sian Beilock, who studied “choking”: when someone fails, under pressure, to do something they’ve done a million times. Beilock, now the president of Dartmouth, was interested in the topic in part because she sometimes performed much better on practice tests than the real thing in school, and because she was a talented soccer goalie who played the worst game of her life when the national team coach showed up to watch. So what’s going on?
In a simplified nutshell, what’s happening is that skills get “deautomated” under pressure. Think of when you learned to ride a bike, or drive a car. At first you had to think about every move. But with practice, you no longer have to pay attention to exactly how your feet are pedaling, or to your hand positioning on the steering wheel. Research by Beilock and others showed that stress and anxiety can undo that learned mastery. It can cause you to start consciously monitoring movements that had become automatic—your brain’s explicit attention system hijacking what your body already knows how to do. Suddenly, you’re more like a beginner again, thinking about every move. I once attended a sports psychology workshop where the instructor had people walk along a white line on the floor. We all did it with no problem. Then he put a similar width beam between two tables and had us do it again; some people fell. Same line, more pressure.
So how can we make choking less likely?
A few of the suggestions Beilock shared with me had to do with keeping that conscious attention system busy so it can’t hijack your movements. Those were simple things like singing to yourself, counting backward, or focusing on some external mantra that might even be written on your hand or arm where you can repeatedly refer to it. Those are in-the-moment tactics; Beilock also talked about something more structural.
She told me about the benefits of having a diversified identity. “I think we often think about professional athletes in terms of one self,” she said. “And we know that when people have multiple identities—they’re a mom self and a tennis-player self—they can turn it on sometimes and they’re more relaxed other times, they often tend to be sort of psychologically buffered from failure.”
Identity diversification has been a regular topic in my newsletter. I recently talked to Brad Stulberg about building an “identity house” with more than one room, and the most popular Range Widelypost ever is about why hobbies are an advantage.
On top of Beilock’s tips, there’s another approach that’s been useful for me: assuming things will go wrong. Back when I was a competitive 800-meter runner, I sometimes got flustered by things going poorly in warmups. Maybe the schedule was off and so the warmup was too short or too long, or I was just extra nervous, or a shoelace tore off at the last second, or who knows what else. Eventually, I just started assuming those things would happen, which made it unsurprising when they did, and it meant that I had already thought through backup plans for how to proceed. And I don’t think this is just relevant to sports.
Back when I gave my first TED talk, there was a technical malfunction about 30 seconds into it. The computer monitors and clock just blinked off all at once. The TED staff stopped the session, and people started rushing around the stage. There I was, standing awkwardly on a red circular carpet, elevated above the audience. I remember Cameron Diaz smiled at me, so that was nice. Fortunately, I had thought about literally this beforehand. When I tried to envision a realistic worst-case scenario, it was that the slides didn’t work. If that happened, I decided, I’d give the talk anyway, altering one spot that depended on audio, and tweaking a few other things.
After a few minutes, when it seemed like they weren’t going to be able to get the tech working, I told the audience I was going to give this talk anyway—charades if needed. Luckily, that was just before the screens blinked back to life, and the talk proceeded as normal. If you watch the end of the talk (the tech troubles didn’t get posted), you can see me do a “Phew!” gesture as I walk away; it was my nod to the tech difficulties.
I don’t think there’s even close to a foolproof method for dealing with the kind of pressure Ilia Malinin was facing. But the more I’ve prepared for things to go wrong, the less power those moments have when they arrive.
The Los Angeles Rams enjoyed a great offensive season in 2025. Matthew Stafford led all quarterbacks in passing yards and passing touchdowns before winning MVP, Puka Nacua led all receivers in receptions and finished second in yards and Davante Adams finished No. 1 in touchdown passes.
As such, the Rams' top offensive players were also leaders in Pro Football Focus grades by season's end. Stafford and Nacua led their respective position categories following the 2025 season, with Stafford finishing 0.01 points higher than Joe Burrow for the top spot and Nacua finishing 2.9 points higher than Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Winner of both the NFL and PFF MVP awards, Stafford orchestrated one of the most productive seasons from a quarterback in decades. The Rams’ signal caller is still reaching new heights, as his 91.7 PFF passing grade marked a new career-best for Stafford, while his 4.48 wins above replacement led the NFL by a full win.
Even at 37 years old, the 17-year veteran still possesses one of the best arms in the league, as his 58 big-time throws ranked as the third most in the PFF era (since 2006) and outpaced the next quarterback on this list this past season by more than 20.
Nacua embodied “offensive weapon” in 2025, leading all receivers in several PFF categories. He caught 153 passes for 2,047 yards — the second-most receiving yards in a season (including playoffs) in the PFF era. He led all receivers in yards per route run (3.57), first downs (97) and catches of 20-plus yards (32).
Defenses had no answer for the PFF Offensive Player of the Year. Nacua ranked first in PFF receiving grade at every level of the field, including perfect marks at the intermediate and deep levels (99.9). He also placed first in slot PFF receiving grade (96.7), screen PFF receiving grade (96.6) and play-action PFF receiving grade (94.1).
Nacua also ranked in the top two in PFF receiving grade against both primary coverage schemes, with a 91.9 figure against man and a 95.6 figure against zone.
Since entering the league in 2023, Nacua owns a league-best 95.5 PFF receiving grade.
The difference between Stafford and Nacua, though, is that Stafford won MVP after leading the NFL in the most important statistics for his position. Nacua lost the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award to Smith-Njigba, who led the league in receiving yards this season.
Fortunately for L.A., both stars will return in 2026. Stafford will be back at the ripe age of 38, while Nacua will enter his fourth NFL season potentially with a new contract.
Stafford and Nacua are the keys to the Rams' offensive success this year. And if this past season is any indication of their ability, they could repeat in 2026.
Dortmund players thank fans after the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal CF at Signal Iduna Park. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Borussia Dortmund have sharply criticized the exclusion of parts of the club’s fanbase from the Champions League last 16 play-off second leg at Atalanta Bergamo next week.
Ahead of Tuesday's home first leg, the Germans said they had been informed by the Serie A side that due to safety-related requirements imposed by authorities, certain groups of Dortmund fans could not buy tickets. They did not specify which groups have been excluded.
"Excluding sections of our fans constitutes a blatant breach of values and is a form of discrimination for Dortmund — both with regard to the fundamental principles of Borussia Dortmund and to the pan-European values of international football," a statement said.
Dortmund are adamant all sections of their supporters should be able to attend the away game.
They have been in intensive contact for several days with Atalanta Bergamo and governing body UEFA and hope for a positive outcome.
ESPN has identified the New York Giants as fits for two of top 50 2026 NFL free agents. Matt Bowen says center Tyler Linderbaum and cornerback Nahshon Wright are players the Giants should go after.
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens
ESPN ranks Linderbaum as the No. 3 free agent expected to be available.
Bowen says:
Linderbaum can follow coach John Harbaugh to New York. Given his movement traits, he would fit the Giants’ zone and gap schemes, and his 97.2% pass block win rate with the Ravens tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season. The Giants would be landing the top offensive lineman in free agency … but let’s keep an eye on the Raiders here, as well. They could also use Linderbaum’s tone-setting mentality on the interior.
Harbaugh has said again and again since being hired by the Giants that building in the trenches is a must to compete with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. I can think of no better way for Harbaugh to show he is serious about doing just that than signing Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler in four NFL seasons, to upgrade the interior of the Giants’ offensive line.
John Michael Schmitz is an adequate NFL center. Whatever quibbles you have with Linderbaum, he is a far superior run blocker ad marginally superior pass blocker in comparison to Schmitz.
The league’s current highest-paid center is Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs. with an average annual value of $18 million per year. It is right to question whether the Giants should be willing to make Linderbaum the league’s highest-paid center, as Falato did, if that is what signing him requires.
Perhaps this would be a challenge for new senior VP of football operations and strategy Dawn Aponte. The four-year, $68 million contract center Cam Jurgens signed with the Eagles, which pushes nearly $30 million in cap charges into void years might be an example of how the Giants could spread the cap cost of a Linderbaum mega-deal.
Nahshon Wright, CB, Chicago Bears
ESPN ranks Wright as the No. 37 free agent expected to be available.
Bowen says:
With a need to add more playmakers in the secondary, the Giants should target Wright, who had five interceptions and returned one for a touchdown last season with the Bears. Under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, Wright can use his long 6-foot-4 frame and good instincts in Cover 2 and press-man.
Valentine’s View
This one makes me squeamish. A five-year veteran entering his age 28 season, Wright is coming off a fantastic season that was clearly the best of his career.
Wright had five of his six career interceptions, 11 of his 16 career pass breakups, and the only two forced fumbles of his career in 2025. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time. He posted a solid 86.8 passer rating against, though 6 of the 60 completions he allowed went for touchdowns.
Problem is, in his first four seasons Wright was not that kind of player. Not close.
Wright was a third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. In three seasons with Dallas, he started only three games. He was traded to the the Minnesota Vikings and spent the year on the practice squad, playing in one game. He signed a 2025 futures contract with the Vikings and was released before the 2025 NFL Draft even rolled around, landing with the Bears.
It is certainly fair to ask if Wright is just a one-year wonder. Wright’s projected market value, via Spotrac, is three years, $50 million, or roughly $16.7 million per year.
That is a tough contract to dole out when a player has had one successful season in five years.
The Akron RubberDucks will rebrand to the Akron Cream Stick Donuts for two nights July 24 and 25 as part of the RubberDucks' Only in Akron series.
The Akron Cream Stick Donuts join the Akron Chip Dippers as the 2026 additions to the Only in Akron series.
“After living in different parts of the country throughout my career, it always shocked me to hear the different names people had for cream stick donuts,” RubberDucks president Jim Pfander said. “But in Akron, they are known only as cream sticks."
A limited number of “Cream Stick Donuts” ticket packages are available and include a ticket to either the July 24 or July 25 games and an Akron Cream Stick Donuts adjustable hat. The package is $45. For tickets, visit akronrubberducks.com or call 855-97-QUACK.
Select Akron Cream Stick Donuts merchandise is available now online at rubberducks.milbstore.com and the team shop.
Akron RubberDucks team name changes since 2019
2019: Akron Screamers
2021: Conetown USA
2022: Akron JoJos and Akron Homers
2023: Akron Sauerkraut Balls and Akron Devil Strips
2024: Akron White French and Barberton Fried Chicken & Hot Rice
2025: Akron Galley Boys and Akron Cheese Salads
2026: Akron Chip Dippers and Akron Cream Stick Donuts
The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
And a prominent basketball analyst has now offered thoughts on the controversy, saying that he assumes "there's probably some smoke with the fire on this one."
The analyst, Bill Simmons, gave his thoughts on a recent episode of his podcast, The Bill Simmons Podcast, calling the potential situation an unprecedented one for the NBA.
“There is a burner account that’s allegedly tied to KD,” Simmons said. “I thought it was a Twitter account? But it’s an account, and it’s allegedly him, and there's a lot of signs that it’s him, just (expletive)-talking a bunch of people that he's either played with or played against."
Simmons added: "I assume there's probably some smoke with the fire on this one, and if this is all true, and he’s talking about guys that he plays with right now, I don’t know if we’ve ever been in a situation like this."
He continued: “A social media scandal of revealed tweets/texts of somebody talking, disparaging people on his team that he then has to go play with tomorrow night. I think we've made new ground on this."
Bill Simmons on the alleged Kevin Durant burner accounts that surfaced yesterday 👀
"[There are] a lot of signs that it's him... I assume there’s probably some smoke with the fire on this one. If this is all true and he’s talking about guys he’s playing with... A social media… pic.twitter.com/BW1tut4yYn
The burner account in question, @gethigher77 on X, recently made negative comments about Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun, current teammates of Durant on the Houston Rockets.
American figure skater Isabeau Levito is about to make her debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics, taking the ice in the women's singles event. While the Americans captured gold in the team event, now it's about the individual.
She'll compete alongside a pair of friends, Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu, that make up the other two-thirds of the "Blade Angels" that fans will see compete on Tuesday, Feb. 17 when the women's short program begins. That trio is tasked with ending a medal drought that spans 20 years for the Stars and Stripes.
Sasha Cohen in 2006 was the last U.S. woman to stand on the Olympic podium at an individual event. Sarah Hughes was the last to claim golden in women's singles and that was in 2002.
Now Levito hopes to be part of the group that ends that drought. Here's what to know about the 18-year-old figure skater making her Olympic debut.
Who is Isabeau Levito?
Levito is an 18-year-old figure skating from the United States that makes her Winter Olympic debut in 2026. She is one-third of the "Blade Angels" – the nickname for the three U.S. women's singles figure skaters at the Olympics. Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu are the other two.
Born on March 3, 2007 in Philadelphia, Levito currently resides in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Levito began skating in 2010 after her figure skating-fan mother signed her up. The goal of that early learning was to help Levito with her balance on the ice.
She has worked with coach Julia Kuznetsova since the start.
Levito took the show to the U.S. Figure Skating Championship juvenile level in 2018, winning gold. The ascent only continued from there, with the rising star making her international debut in 2021-22, winning two Junior Grand Prix medals that year.
She graduated to the senior level in 2022, with an eye towards competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Levito's upward trajectory stalled when she battled with injuries during the 2024-25 season, but got right back into the swing of things in 2025-26.
The skater took home the bronze medal at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January, placing behind Glenn and Liu. Following the event, she was named to the Olympic team.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are serving as a homecoming of sorts for Levito. Her mother immigrated to the United States from Milan and Levito's grandmother lives just 13 minutes from the arena where the figure skating event is taking place.
Levito will look to add another medal to her display case – one that already includes gold medals for the 2024 U.S. championships in San Jose, 2023 world team trophy in Tokyo and one at the junior level in 2022.
The list of accomplishments also includes silver at the 2024 world championships and 2022-23 Grand Prix Final. Levito has three bronze medals at the U.S. championships.
Isabeau Levito age
Levito is 18 years old.
Isabeau Levito Olympic medals
Levito is making her Olympic debut at the winter games in 2026.
Isabeau Levito Olympic events
Levito is competing in the women's singles figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
We're only a few weeks removed from the Indiana Hoosiers pulling off one of the great underdog stories in American sports — let alone college football — and winning the College Football national championship 27-21 over the Miami Hurricanes.
While we're still months away from any games being played on the field, odds are already out for next season — notably, odds for the 2026 Heisman trophy.
And for potentially the first time ever, a Notre Dame Fighting Irish QB is the preseason favorite. Notre Dame QB CJ Carr (+700) is the favorite to win the 2026 Heisman at BetMGM, followed closely by Texas QB Arch Manning (+800). They are the only two players with single-digits odds.
No Notre Dame player has been a preseason Heisman favorite since at least 2009, which is as far back as the Sports Odds History database goes.
Carr started all 12 games for Notre Dame this past season, going 10-2 and throwing for 2,741 yards, along with 24 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. The Fighting Irish missed out on the College Football Playoff, losing their two games (at Miami and against Texas A&M) by a total of four points.
Manning was the 2025 Heisman preseason favorite at sportsbooks, before losing that spot after a tough debut against Ohio State. Manning had the most bets, total dollars wagered and was BetMGM's largest liability in the Heisman market before the 2025 season began.
Oregon QB Dante Moore (11-1), Ohio State QB Julian Sayin (12-1) and new Indiana QB Josh Hoover (12-1) have the next-best odds. Moore chose to return to the Ducks after struggling in the CFP, while Hoover joined the Hoosiers via the transfer portal, and is the presumed starter with Fernando Mendoza declaring for the 2026 NFL draft. Sayin was a 2025 Heisman trophy finalist and finished fourth.
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (14-1) has the best odds for any skill-position player.
No Notre Dame player has won the Heisman trophy since WR Tim Brown in 1987.
Rousey has been out of action for more than nine years, while Carano has been MIA since 2009.
“Been waiting so long to announce this,” Rousey said in today’s release. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history! And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion MVP as well as the biggest and baddest streamer on the planet Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to come… much more.”
Considering Rousey is 39 and Carano is 43, I would definitely say it’s for MMA fans past.
“After the record-breaking success in boxing, we wanted our first MMA event to be truly legendary,” said Gabe Spitzer, Netflix VP of Sports. “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with MVP and bring together Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to deliver the kind of high-stakes, icon-driven competition that our members crave. These are more than just athletes — they are generational stars and having them headline our MMA debut at the Intuit Dome is a defining moment for us.”
A special kickoff press conference is scheduled for March 5 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 23: Victor Font attends the press conference during the presentation of his candidacy for the presidency of FC Barcelona with the NOSALTRES platform at YouPlanet on January 23, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has vowed to sue Real Madrid TV if he takes over from Joan Laporta at the helm of the club.
Real Madrid TV has been in the spotlight this season for criticising referees, and Font wants action to be taken.
“After the match against Girona, we must make it clear that Barcelona fans are deeply disappointed and more vulnerable than ever,“ he told reporters.
“For the last five years, Real Madrid has managed to distort the competition. During this time, Real Madrid has been awarded 26 more penalties than Barça.”
“When we talk about defending the club, we’re not talking about making pronouncements and slogans, but about taking action. That’s why we are working to act and defend Barça with concrete actions.
“Our legal team is preparing a complaint against the RFEF and the CTA, which will be filed after we win the elections, to ensure that the manipulation being carried out by Real Madrid Television and the conflicts of interest involving a woman who is part of the CTA and is the wife of a Real Madrid employee, Yolanda Parla, are denounced. Defending the club isn’t about shouting, it’s about taking action.
“We are going to sue Real Madrid Television; we are not going to side with Florentino and Tebas. We are not their friends.”
Champions League line-ups: Galatasaray vs. Juventus
Juventus adopt a surprising False 9 approach to Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray in the Champions League play-off, with Weston McKennie flanked by Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao.
This is the first leg of the play-off for a place in the Round of 16, and the second is on Wednesday February 25.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri had a dismal start to their Champions League campaign, improving considerably once coach Luciano Spalletti took over from sacked Igor Tudor.
They are fresh off a controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter in Serie A at the weekend, with Pierre Kalulu sent off and therefore suspended for the next league game.
Khephren Thuram missed that match through injury, but has fully recovered and returns to the starting XI.
Jonathan David did not make the trip, but rather than start Lois Openda upfront, Spalletti opts for a surprising new McKennie role as the False 9, flanked by Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao.
Along with David, Emil Holm, Dusan Vlahovic and Arek Milik remain the long-term absentees.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Galatasaray had started quite strong with wins over Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt and Ajax, but then managed one point from the last four Champions League ties, losing to Union Saint-Gilloise, AS Monaco and Manchester City without scoring, around a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.
Former Serie A midfielder Mario Lemina is suspended for the first leg of this play-off, but there are no major injury concerns.
The star man upfront is ex-Napoli striker Osimhen, who won the Scudetto under coach Spalletti.
There are other familiar faces, including Lucas Torreira, Noa Lang on loan from Napoli and ex-Inter hitman Mauro Icardi.
Juve have not beaten Galatasaray since a 2-1 home result in September 2023, managing one draw in the last three meetings, though the most recent was in December 2013.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 21: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Turkish Super big match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at Ulker Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Galatasaray vs. Juventus line-ups
Galatasaray: Ugurcan Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Gabriel Sara; Baris Alper Yilmaz, Yunus Akgun, Lang; Osimhen
Champions League Liveblog: Galatasaray vs. Juventus, Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
This page will update live with the latest relevant news, no need to refresh the page!
Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from the Champions League play-offs, as Juventus visit Galatasaray and Atalanta are away to Borussia Dortmund.
The Bianconeri kick off in Istanbul at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET), facing Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray in the first leg of their play-off.
Atalanta take to the field in Dortmund at 20.00 GMT (19.00 CET).
🚨 Galatasaray v Juve line-ups: Icardi, Thuram start, Koopmeiners in
After everything that happened on Saturday night in the Derby d'Italia lost against Inter, Juventus returns to the field and does so in the inferno of Rams Park in Istanbul.
But if in the past the main difficulty of playing at the home of the Giallorossi was the atmosphere, today we are facing a great team, built with a lot of money with the goal to win immediately. Osimhen and Icardi are the crown jewels, but Torreira and especially the former City and Bayern player, Leroy Sané, are not far behind.
Spalletti cannot count on David and Holm - who left the match against Inter injured -, in addition to the long-term absentees Vlahović and Milik. For the Turkish side, however, Mario Lemina will be missing, suspended, thus missing the first of the two encounters with his former team.
Article in constant update. For live text, click on the matchcard above.
🚨 Osimhen, Yıldız... the starting XIs for Galatasaray v Juventus
Three victories each in the Champions League league phase were not enough for Galatasaray and Juventus to avoid the playoff. The knockout round starts today at Rams Park.
Will Juve manage to secure their passage? Last year they fell at this same stage against PSV...
Today the match is being played in Istanbul with these confirmed lineups:
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts walks the sidelines during the NFL 2025 game between Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on SWill Rams | Getty Images
Anthony Richardson broke the combine three years ago and was drafted fourth overall by the Colts, but now the football player is expected to be traded in the offseason. Can you imagine how lucky the Los Angeles Rams would be if somehow Richardson ended up on their sideline or on their injured reserve list in 2026?
Assuming his vision issues are resolved after his freak orbital bone injury, look for him to seek a trade. There has been no request just yet, according to team sources, but it is beginning to feel inevitable.
As for his trade value, the Colts can certainly recoup something. Each of the following quarterbacks was traded for draft-pick compensation in the past two seasons: Kenny Pickett (twice), Sam Howell (twice), Justin Fields and Taylor Heinicke. There’s no reason to think the Colts couldn’t get something for a quarterback who will be just 24 next season and is a former first-round pick.
Richardson has eschewed the normal path towards greatness by only making 15 starts and throwing 11 TD/13 INT through three seasons rather than proving that he can run a passing offense as a quarterback. Richardson only threw 2 passes in 2025 and still managed to land on IR.
The Colts are expected to re-sign Jones and make him the starter despite recovering from a torn Achilles and to lean towards Riley Leonard as the backup.
It’s starting to seem "inevitable" that Colts QB Anthony Richardson will request a trade from Indianapolis this offseason as they plan to move forward with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback when he can return from a torn Achilles, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.
Some Rams fans, like some fans of all 32 teams, will still see Richardson as a “quarterback” who is tall, fast, can throw far and jump high. A football player who doesn’t turn 24 until May.
However, Richardson’s true path towards being a quarterback would have involved spending more time in college and proving it’s possible at that level before reaching the NFL. Richardson spent just one year as a starter at Florida before declaring for the draft, a season in which he completed 54% of his passes.
At this point, Richardson would be lucky to have a career like Trey Lance, a backup who has thrown 200 passes in five years. Realistically, Richardson can’t be trusted to be any team’s backup. Especially not a Super Bowl contender like the Rams and an offense that relies on Matthew Stafford-level quarterbacking to succeed. Sean McVay has done wonders for former high draft picks like Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield, and Stafford, but he probably can’t do anything for Richardson.
L.A.’s path towards finding a successor to Stafford without using a first round draft pick won’t be resolved with Richardson.
So the expectation that Richardson will be traded (or he could very realistically be cut without any suitors interested in giving up any draft pick) is inevitable not because he wants out, but because he’s going to have a hard time convincing teams to let him back in.
Dortmund hit back at Atalanta over strict ticketing stance for second-leg tie
Borussia Dortmund have voiced their outrage at Champions League play-off opponent Atalanta's decision to prevent non-German fans from attending next Wednesday's second-leg game in Bergamo.
Atalanta informed BVB last week, after the conclusion of ticket sales, that due to safety regulations, certain BVB fans would not be allowed to purchase tickets for the away game and would be denied entry to the stadium.
"Excluding parts of our fan base represents a blatant breach of values and a form of discrimination for Borussia Dortmund – both with regard to the fundamental principles of Borussia Dortmund and the pan-European values of international football.
"Borussia Dortmund has explicitly and decisively spoken out against these restrictions in order to enable all BVB fans to attend our away matches.
“Borussia Dortmund has therefore been in intensive discussions with Atalanta Bergamo and UEFA for several days and expects a positive result in the short term following the developments of the recent talks.”
Keith Smith: Deadlines for NBA teams to get back to 14 players signed to standard contracts: Today, February 17: Timberwolves must sign one player Thursday, February 19: Celtics must sign two players Thursday, February 19: Nuggets must sign one player Teams can only carry <14 players for up to 14 days at a time and 28 total days per season.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Mac Jones #10 and Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers look on prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The San Francisco 49ers could stand to upgrade at wide receiver this offseason after what feels like an inevitable release of Brandon Aiyuk. The team will need a new left guard and perhaps a backup running back, depending on how they feel about Jordan James’s progress.
Defensively, the secondary could stand to get faster, while the pass rush is once again a need. The 49ers could have as many as five new starters by the time Week 1 rolls around.
Today, we are going to flip the switch and talk about which positional group you feel strongest about. Is there one?
It goes without saying that you can poke holes in any argument, even a quarterback. Trading Mac Jones is a risky proposition after watching your quarterback suffer an injury in Week 1. That has to be at the back of the front office’s mind.
The 49ers just drafted three defensive linemen in 2025, yet here we are wondering whether they will use another early-round pick or sign a free agent to enhance their interior pass rush.
How much recency bias will factor into the decisions made this offseason? Week 18 and the Divisional Round games were the first time in a long, long time that Kyle Shanahan’s offenses looked helpless. We know Bosa and Fred Warner will return to their typical difference-making selves, but is there another player on that side of the ball that you can sell yourself on with conviction?
Staying healthy so they can develop might be the story of 2026. Names like Ricky Pearsall and Mykel Williams were drafted in the first round, but we’ve only seen flashes of what they bring to the table after they’ve been banged up to start their careers.
If you had to narrow it down to one position, which one do you feel strongest about on the 49ers? Scroll down and let us know in the comments. There are no right or wrong answers.
The Baltimore Ravens have begun retooling the roster and coaching staff after hiring Jesse Minter as their new head coach following an 8-9 season, and a disappointing finish for a team that held Super Bowl aspirations last July. Minter brings a high level of defensive acumen and should help ease Ravens fans' frustrations over the loss of Mike MacDonald two years ago.
With the new league year quickly approaching, Nick Shook of NFL.com ranked all 63 quarterbacks who started a game last season by tier. Baltimore had three quarterbacks make the list, led by Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens' star dropped to the second tier (No. 11 overall).
Lamar Jackson wasn't himself for most of the 2025 season because of the injuries he suffered. His mobility disappeared for weeks, but once it returned, he reminded us why he's won the NFL MVP award twice. His showing in Week 18 was scintillating and will remain burned in my memory for quite some time. As Isaiah Likely told "NFL Daily" on Radio Row during Super Bowl week, Jackson had that look in his eye that night. Hopefully, he'll have it throughout 2026.
After a near-MVP season in 2024, Jackson was battered and missed four games, going 192-302 passing (63.6 completion percentage) for 2,549 yards (196.1 per game), 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 103.8 passer rating.
The 29-year-old Jackson will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026, as former Bears assistant Declan Doyle will work to take the quarterback to the next level as a passer.
Bukayo Saka signs new five-year contract with Arsenal
Arsenal have secured the long-term future of Bukayo Saka (24) after the England winger signed a new five-year contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
The deal, which runs until 2031, is said to be worth more than £300,000 per week, according to BBC Sport, and represents a significant statement of intent from the Premier League leaders as they seek sustained domestic and European success. At 24, Saka is widely regarded as the embodiment of Arsenal’s modern resurgence, having progressed from academy prospect to talismanic figure.
Since making his debut in 2018, Saka has developed into one of the most influential wide players in the Premier League, combining technical precision with tactical maturity. He has scored seven goals and provided six assists this season, playing a central role in Arsenal’s push for silverware across multiple competitions, including an EFL Cup final against Manchester City.
His commitment offers stability to manager Mikel Arteta’s evolving project and reinforces the club’s strategy of retaining its core talent. For both player and club, the agreement reflects shared ambition, and belief that their most successful chapter may still lie ahead.
Real Madrid not considering iconic former manager’s return to club – report
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa is facing a litmus test tonight as his team takes on SL Benfica in the first of the two-legged knockout playoff match in the UEFA Champions League.
Arbeloa didn’t exactly make a good impression the last time these two sides faced each other, with Real Madrid’s former Jose Mourinho guiding Benfica to a 4-2 win that helped the Eagles secure a berth in the top 24.
Thanks to the nature of Benfica’s win, there has been renewed speculation surrounding Real Madrid potentially bringing back Mourinho from next season.
This became relevant especially amid uncertainties over Arbeloa’s long-term coaching future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid rule out return of Mourinho
However, heading into tonight’s clash against Benfica, Real Madrid have ruled out any move for Mourinho as their next head coach.
Real Madrid not considering a move for Mourinho. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
This is according to COPE, which suggests that the Portuguese tactician was approached by the club in the past.
However, this time around, Real Madrid are no longer interested in bringing him back and will either continue with Arbeloa or find a new option in the market.
This comes against the backdrop of recent reports that had suggested Mourinho could be open to a return to the Santiago Bernabeu if he is approached againby Los Blancos.
But that is not something Real Madrid are considering right now. Having gone from managing clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Chelsea to now coaching teams like Fenerbahce and AS Roma, Mourinho’s decline has been quite evident.
Although the Portuguese still boasts a tremendous track record, it appears Real Madrid are exploring someone who can move them forward rather than becoming a stopgap solution.
However, as speculation intensified, a fresh update on James’ future has surfaced, potentially reshaping how fans view the final chapter of his iconic career in purple and gold.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers organization is open to bringing LeBron James back next season if he decides he wants to keep playing and return for a 24th NBA season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Right now, LeBron is earning $52.6 million for the 2025 to 2026 season. However, his contract is set to expire this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent. That gives him full control over his future. He can re-sign with the Lakers, join another team, or choose to retire. So, the decision will be entirely his. But there is a catch.
The Lakers would welcome LeBron James back in Los Angeles if he wants to play a 24th season, per @mcten.
James is making $52.6 million this season and is an unrestricted free agent this summer. pic.twitter.com/k3EEk1KAFw
Amid growing retirement chatter, another intriguing possibility has started to gain traction around the league. There have been increasing rumors that LeBron James could choose to end his legendary career where it all began, with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The idea is not as far-fetched as it once seemed. James has long spoken about his deep connection to Cleveland, the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2003 and the city he led to a historic championship in 2016.
With his current deal nearing its end and free agency approaching this summer, speculation is building that a short-term return to the Cavaliers could offer a full-circle ending to one of the greatest careers in NBA history.
LeBron James is currently playing under a two-year, $101 million contract that he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024.
A Jacksonville man is facing a federal indictment after a U.S. Attorney said he conspired to influence major international sports competitions through doping.
Paul Alexander Askew’s charges involve alleged attempts to influence several high-profile events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to a news release Tuesday from U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Kehoe said Askew, 46, conspired to provide performance-enhancing drugs to an athlete between 2023 and 2024, the news release states.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy began on or about July 10, 2023 and continued through Jan. 31, 2024.
The alleged conspiracy sought to influence several high-profile track and field events held in 2023 including the Ed Murphey Classic, the Xiamen Diamond League and the Prefontaine Classic, the news release states.
It also targeted competitions in 2024 including the American Outdoor Track and Field Championship, the World Athletics Indoor Championships and the indictment also names the U.S. Olympics Trials and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The government has notified Askew that it intends to forfeit any assets alleged to be traceable to the proceeds of the offense, the news release states. The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case with assistance from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
If convicted, Askew faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, the news release states.
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The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of work to do this offseason, with the focus likely being on the wide receiver and pass rusher rooms.
But there are other needs on the roster, one of which is the interior of the offensive line. Spencer Burdford wasn't great for the 49ers, which opens up the door for the 49ers to add a top guard this offseason.
And for ESPN's Matt Bowen, there's a very clear option in a former Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers guard who'd be a great fit. That guard is veteran top-5 lineman Isaac Seumalo, who'd be the perfect lineman to add up front for San Francisco.
49ers named as Isaac Seumalo's best free agent fit
"Improving the interior of the offensive line is a must for Kyle Shanahan's offense," Bowen writes. "Seumalo can displace defenders in both zone and gap run concepts, plus he would keep the pocket firm in pass pro for quarterback Brock Purdy."
Adding a player like Seumalo to the offensive line would round out their unit and give Trent Williams a stalwart next to him for the 2026 season.
Not only is Seumalo a good run blocker, but he's also a great pass protector as well. Adding such a player, in 10-year NFL veteran Isaac Seumalo, would be the exact kind of move the 49ers need to make.
As Bowen noted, Seumalo has a 97.3% pass block win rate and a 76.9% run block win rate. Among offensive guards this past season, his pass blocking was ranked second, while his run blocking was ranked fourth.
He's a top-five offensive guard in both the run and pass game. While he might not get the attention as some of the other top Pro Bowl and All-Pro linemen, Seumalo is one of the best in the NFL.
The 32-year-old offensive guard is the exact kind of player the 49ers should target this offseason, as he's a veteran who can give the 49ers a complete offensive line for the 2026 season in what could be one of the last seasons of this iteration of the 49ers roster.
The men's Olympic hockey tournament has entered the knockout stage, as each team is one loss away from elimination.
Unsurprisingly, the United States and Canada enter the playoffs as the two best and only undefeated teams remaining in the tournament. Canada won Group A, and the United States won Group C, and now there is the expectation that the two will face off before the Olympics is over.
In order for that to happen, though, both teams have to win their remaining games, which could result in a much-anticipated gold medal game between Canada and the United States. Here's the only way in which the United States and Canada can face off in men's hockey.
After each team played three preliminary round games over the weekend, every team was ranked 1-12 based on their record and performance in those games. The first four teams automatically earned a bye to the quarterfinals on Wednesday, while teams 5-12 were forced to play in the qualifying playoffs, with the matchups being No. 5 vs. No. 12, No. 6 vs. No. 11, No. 7 vs. No. 10 and No. 8 vs. No. 9.
Once Tuesday's games are over, the winners will move on in a traditional bracket:
No. 1 vs. No. 8/No. 9
No. 2 vs. No. 7/No.10
No. 3 vs. No. 6/No.11
No. 4 vs. No. 5/No.12
However, once the four semifinal teams are set, the bracket will re-seed so that the highest remaining seed plays the lowest remaining seed.
Here's how the full bracket looked after the preliminary round games:
2026 Olympic Men's Hockey Playoff Bracket Quarterfinals on Wed. Feb. 18: 1. CAN 🇨🇦 vs. Winner CZE 🇨🇿/ DEN 🇩🇰 2. USA 🇺🇸 vs. Winner SWE 🇸🇪 / LAT 🇱🇻 3. SVK 🇸🇰 vs. Winner GER 🇩🇪 / FRA 🇫🇷 4. FIN 🇫🇮 vs. Winner SUI 🇨🇭 / ITA 🇮🇹
Switzerland and Germany won their preliminary round games, advancing them to the quarterfinals. Switzerland draws Finland and Germany will get Slovakia next.
When will USA-Canada play in men's hockey?
The only way that the United States and Canada can play in the men's hockey tournament is if the two meet in the gold medal games. Since Canada is ranked No. 1, and USA is ranked No. 2, there is no scenario where they could play each other in the quarterfinals or semifinals.
Therefore, the United States and Canada must win both their quarterfinal and semifinal games in order to finally play the other on Sunday.
Who will USA play next?
The United States will play the winner of No. 7 Sweden vs. No. 10 Latvia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Sweden is favored, so the U.S. could draw the NHL-heavy Swedish team, but a Latvia upset would mean the United States then gets the Latvians.
In the group stage, the United States didn't play Sweden, but the team did beat Latvia 5-1 in its opening game.
Who will Canada play next?
As the No. 1 seed, Canada will play the winner of No. 8 Czechia vs. No. 9 Denmark in the quarterfinals. In the preliminary round, Canada opened with a 5-0 win against Czechia, while Denmark was in a different group for the first three games.
Much of the talk surrounding LSU football’s offseason has focused on the offense, and for good reason. The Tigers hired two of college football’s brightest offensive minds in head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. They also signed the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt, and surrounded him with a roster that's talented enough to compete for a playoff spot in year one.
LSU’s defense hasn’t gotten that same shine as its offensive counterpart, aside from the Tigers’ late signing of former Ole Miss edge rusher Princwill Umanmielen, 247Sports’ No. 5 overall player and top-ranked edge in the portal.
That lack of attention shifted Friday morning, however, as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach highlighted one of LSU’s defensive stars on his “Way-Too-Early” 2026 All America Team. That player is linebacker Whit Weeks, who is expected to be the veteran leader on that side of the ball in his fourth year with the program.
Weeks entered the 2025 season with expectations similar to those ESPN is placing on his shoulders, earning a spot on the 2025 Walter Camp preseason All-America team. He had a strong start to the year, but disaster struck when Weeks suffered a broken ankle in the Tigers' Week 5 contest against Ole Miss. Weeks managed to return for three more games later in the season, but wasn't the same player when he retook the field.
Injuries have plagued Weeks throughout his career, but when healthy, he’s one of the Tigers’ premier defensive players. He enters his fourth year in Baton Rouge this upcoming season, his third under LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Expectations are high for the veteran linebacker in 2026, but if he can stay healthy, don’t be surprised to see Weeks meet or exceed them.
Alysa Liu is one of the ice princesses representing the United States of America in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics. At just 20 years old, this is already her second trip to the Olympics, but she almost wasn’t going to be a participant in 2026.
In fact, Liu actually retired from gymnastics after the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, only to return to the sport professionally just two years later.
Scroll down for everything we know about Liu’s retirement, why she decided to make a comeback, and more.
Why did Alysa Liu quit skating?
On April 9, 2022, Liu announced her retirement in a now-deleted Instagram post. “I started skating when I was 5 so that’s about 11 years on the ice and it’s been an insane 11 years,” she explained, adding that competing at the Olympics was always her goal, which she had achieved at that point.
“I made the decision for myself a while ago, way before the Olympics,” Liu continued. “My only goal was to go to the Olympics. I’m only 16. I want to do other stuff.” Liu said the decision was “selfish” and made “purely for myself.”
After making her comeback, she explained to Cosmopolitan, “There was nothing more I wanted than to just be with my friends and my family, and skating had nothing to do with that at that point.” She also told U.S. Figure Skating that she wanted to experience a normal school experience, since she’d been homeschooled up until then.
She also recalled the monotonous and lonely days of training, telling the Associated Press, “I would live at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, in a dorm by myself. I would eat their food. I went to the rink, skated, ate lunch there, skated some more. Went back to the dorm. I didn’t go anywhere. I didn’t see anything. I was just there. And so all that, I was like, ‘Skating is not worth it.’ Like, this is not worth it.'”
Why did Alysa Liu come out of retirement?
Liu announced her comeback to figure skating in March 2024, nearly two years after retiring. She said she made the decision after a ski trip on winter break from school in early 2024.
“I hadn’t felt that adrenaline rush, I guess, since I’d quit skating,” Liu shared. “It feels so similar to skiing. And so after I skied, I was like, ‘Wait, let me get on the ice and see what it feels like.'” It was her first time on the ice since summer 2022, and when she realized she could still perform some of her old tricks, Liu was inspired to keep coming back and trying more.
In her interview with Cosmopolitan, Liu added that skating “gave me something to be strong for,” and said that she’s started to care about other aspects of the sport as well. “Now, I love skating dresses and helping with the design process,” she gushed. “The sport is kind of an outlet for me. I love dance and music, so it’s everything in one.”
Now that she’s back on the ice, Liu has more creative control over her experience, which has been a plus. “I wanted to pick my own music, help design my own costumes, ‘cause I developed my own taste and my own style,” she told The Player’s Tribune. “This is my sport, my program. Why wouldn’t I want to be wearing what I want to wear?”
Is Alysa Liu retiring after the 2026 Olympics?
So far, Liu has not announced her plans for the future of her skating career after the 2026 Games. “So many people ask me if I am going to retire after this year, and I really thought about their question,” she admitted to Cosmopolitan. “I cannot imagine not skating in a year. I can’t imagine next year being off the ice.”
Winter Olympics 2026, Check Local Listings, NBC and Peacock
At age 33, Dunn was at a point in her career when many players still have several years left before hanging up their boots.
But in an interview with FIFA's website, Dunn said she felt the time was right to call time on a decorated 12-year career — even with the chance to play at a third World Cup next summer in Brazil.
"Obviously a year out from a World Cup in a sense, [the decision] took people by surprise but it felt like a really good time," she said. "I've always been highly valuing family, friends, closeness with people who have really supported me in my career. I think basically there was a moment where I couldn't give to the sport in the way that I wanted to, the way I know that is needed to remain at the highest level.
"While it was a difficult decision, I am happy that it was my decision and I was able to walk away when I felt like I had maybe a little bit more to give, but at a time when I have done enough."
For Dunn, soccer had become less of a priority than spending time with her husband Pierre Soubrier and 3-year-old son Marcel.
"I have missed so many moments in my child's life already and I felt like the moment was perfect," the New York native said. "I spoke to a lot of my friends who are retired and they always say, 'No moment is really perfect when you have dedicated so much of your time and life to a sport.'
"But this was the most perfect time with so many soccer moments on the horizon. Now I get to be a fan of this sport that I've given so much to."
Even with a career that didn't last as long as other USWNT greats, Dunn put together a resume that ranks her among the very best to wear a national team jersey.
Dunn earned 160 caps, scored 25 goals and was integral to the 2019 World Cup-winning side as well as the team that brought home a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.
Despite playing as an attacker for most of her club career, Dunn excelled at the unfamiliar position of left back for the majority of her USWNT career.
At the club level, Dunn won the NWSL Golden Boot and NWSL MVP honors in 2015 with the Washington Spirit, who selected her first overall in the previous year's draft.
The New York native went on to win three NWSL titles, two with the North Carolina Courage (2018, 2019) and one with the Portland Thorns (2022).
Texas A&M basketball will be donning some fresh new uniforms for its matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels at Reed Arena on Wednesday night.
The Aggies' Corps uniforms will make their debut as the Maroon and White look to rebound from four consecutive Southeastern Conference losses over the last couple of weeks. In his first year at the helm, head coach Bucky McMillan has his squad playing beyond expectations, but an opportunity to reach the postseason fades with each defeat. Now, Texas A&M has the opportunity to get back on the right track against the Rebels, while also representing the tradition, honor and discipline the heart of the university stands for.
Here is the official hype video for the new Aggie uniforms and their matchup against Ole Miss in Bryan-College Station:
Every detail in the new basketball uniforms has a meaning to the years of tradition rooted in Maroon and White:
The uniform's base matches that of the Corps. The dark brown represents the leather boots worn by the senior cadets
The Corps stack was introduced in 1957 and features many of the same elements used in the Aggie ring. The iconic mark represents the Corps' deep ties to all of Texas A&M's time-honored traditions
Both sides of the shorts feature the same TAMU patch worn on the Corps' uniforms
The waistband of the shorts features a replica of the same belt worn by juniors in the Corps
Texas A&M is set to face Ole Miss at Reed Arena and display these new uniforms on Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT. The contest between the Aggies and Rebels will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
It's officially mock draft season, and the Tennessee Titans have lots of holes to fill. Most of those holes are on defense, but the Titans could use some additional weapons for Cam Ward as well. In the latest Pro Football Focus three-round mock draft, the Titans address both areas in the 2026 NFL Draft, beginning with the 5th overall pick.
The Titans are in an ideal position to let the board come to them and take the best player available, which in this scenario is Bain. He generated an outstanding 23.5% PFF pass-rush win rate in 2025 and offers the versatility to kick inside as an interior rusher.
The edge is arguably the Titans' biggest need to address this offseason. Rueben Bain checks all the boxes at this position. He has good size, speed, solid hands, and can line up in multiple spots on defense. He's the type of player Robert Saleh wants on the defensive side of the ball, and Bain is arguably the best edge rusher in this draft class. Almost everyone expects the Titans to select either Bain or David Bailey out of Texas Tech at No. 5.
PFF suggests the Titans might select wide receiver Chris Bell out of Louisville with the 35th overall (2nd round) pick, and cornerback Daylen Everette out of Georgia with the 66th (3rd round) overall pick.
With these predictions, the Titans begin to fill three holes on the depth chart: Solidifying the edge, adding a weapon for Cam Ward, and adding depth to the secondary.
Heading into the offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have a clear need for a wide receiver with Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Borune, Skyy Moore and Trent Taylor hitting free agency, and Brandon Aiyuk likely to be cut as well.
Add in the fact that tight end George Kittle will probably miss a large chunk of the season due to a torn Achilles he suffered in the wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, and it becomes even more evident that the 49ers need to find Brock Purdy at least one game-changing weapon.
Luckily for them, one of those guys may have hit the market on Monday, as the Miami Dolphins released wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
"San Francisco enters the offseason with $37.5 million in effective cap space (10th-most)," Podell wrote. "Hill fits the team's win-now window with Christian McCaffrey still producing and Trent Williams still chasing a title. Hill played for a Shanahan acolyte in Mike McDaniel. In San Francisco, he'd play for the architect of the offensive system that helped him soar in Miami.”
Hill is eight-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, who has caught 819 passes for 11,363 yards and 83 touchdowns in his 10 seasons in the NFL.
Coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 4 last year and entering his age-32 season, Hill's athleticism could dip in 2026, but he'd still be the best option on the 49ers roster if they signed him right now.
It was a couple of weeks before Christmas. Elana Meyers Taylor was in Norway, prepping for a World Cup bobsled weekend. Things were going horribly. Her body was hurting, she wondered if she was doing right by her two deaf children, and the racing results were, well, bad.
So, she texted her husband. The message: I’m done.
“This is just impossible,” the U.S. bobsledding great wrote. “It’s never going to work.”
Funny how an Olympic gold medal changes things. Barely two months after nearly quitting — her husband, former bobsledder Nic Taylor, flew to Norway after those texts to talk her out of it — Meyers Taylor won the women’s monobob gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games. And she was back on the ice Tuesday, prepping with Jadin O’Brien for the two-woman race that starts Friday.
“The only thing that has really changed is I’m sleep-deprived now,” Meyers Taylor said. “I’m an Olympic gold medalist with a lack of sleep.”
That’s a good problem to have.
At 41, she became the oldest woman to win an individual gold medal in Winter Games history. (Anette Norberg, then 43, was on the Swedish team that won curling gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games.) Meyers Taylor’s sixth career Olympic medal tied Bonnie Blair for the most by a U.S. woman in the Winter Games, and it also extended her record for most medals by a Black woman in the winter showcase.
“Oh, I don’t think I’m going to process this for a while,” Meyers Taylor said. ”There were so many moments during this entire season, during this past four years, that we just thought it was impossible, or I thought it wasn’t possible. My team around me believed in me the entire time.”
Turns out, so did her husband’s team. Nic Taylor is now a performance coach and works with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. When a Spurs player — the couple won’t say who — learned Meyers Taylor was struggling, Nic Taylor was gifted a plane ticket and told go to Norway immediately.
Without that gift, who knows what would have happened.
“As soon as I saw that E had won, I just started screaming, jumping, hugging anyone who was close. Almost passed out because I was excited,” said O’Brien, a bobsled rookie who was recruited to the team last fall by Meyers Taylor — and now is an Olympian. “Without a doubt, the coolest sports moment I’ve ever been part of.”
To put that praise in perspective — “the coolest sports moment” she’s ever been part of — consider that O’Brien won three NCAA indoor track championships in pentathlon at Notre Dame and was a 10-time All-American there.
“Yeah, that’s saying something,” O’Brien said. “It was beyond incredible.”
Meyers Taylor, just in case, spent part of Monday before the final two monobob runs teaching her two sons sign language for various terms — like gold medal, and Olympic champion. She insists that she didn’t think they would actually need to use them.
They’re going to get used a lot going forward. The boys — Nico, 5, and Noah, 3 — evidently knew what was happening. The coolest thing that happened in Day 1 as a gold medalist, Meyers Taylor said, was Noah putting on the gold medal.
“He knew. He started signing, ‘Noah, champion,’” Meyers Taylor said. “I didn’t get it on video because he wasn’t wearing pants, of course, because what toddler wants to wear pants?”
It’s somewhat understandable that Meyers Taylor didn’t think her kids would need to know terms like “gold medal.” Her results this season didn’t exactly make it seem likely.
She was 10th in the World Cup monobob standings; eight women won medals on the circuit this winter and she wasn’t one of them. Her average finish was 10th and her result at Cortina during a race on the Olympic track in November was 19th — a whopping 2.43 seconds behind the winning time.
And her Olympic history was simultaneously filled with heartbreak and accomplishment. At the 2014 Sochi Games, she led Kaillie Humphries Armbruster — then from Canada, now her U.S. teammate and the bronze medalist on Monday night — going into the final run of the two-woman race. She lost the final run by 0.21 seconds, enough to lose the gold medal by 0.10 seconds. Then at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, she lost the two-woman race by 0.07 seconds.
Monday’s race was even closer — the margin between Meyers Taylor and silver medalist Laura Nolte of Germany was just 0.04 seconds.
But this time, she got it done.
“That’s a moment I’ve been working for every four years and that’s why I came back is for that moment, to be on that start line and feel that again,” Meyers Taylor said. ”That is a crazy addictive feeling and I don’t know where I’m going to get it from after I leave this sport.”
There’s the retirement talk again.
She and her husband want a third child. Meyers Taylor has said countless times that she feels lucky to have her kids on tour, but it’s a daunting task, even with a nanny there to assist. Traveling with three might be too much.
Besides, there’s nothing else to prove. She’s won everything the sport offers.
“I was determined to keep fighting, determined to just put down the best runs I could,” Meyers Taylor said. ”And look what happened.”
For now, only one Mingo brother plays in Happy Valley. It could very soon be two as Dylan Mingo has set his commitment date.
According to PennLive, Dylan Mingo will announce his commitment today on First Take with Stephen A. Smith. Penn State is in the final picture for the rising star, along with a Big Ten rival in Washington. While Mingo could look to forge his own path, many are expecting him to follow in his brother's footsteps.
While both brothers are guards, Dylan may have stood out amongst his recruiting class a bit more. While his brother was the highest ranked commit in Penn State history, Dylan ranks even higher, as the No. 5 player in the entire 2026 class. This has been evidenced by his performances on countless circuits. With his potential addition to the Nittany Lions squad, he and his brother could form one of the most explosive guard duos in the Big Ten and potentially the nation.
As for brother Kayden, he has been one of Penn State's best players this season, despite their sub-.500 record. Averaging 13.9 points and 4.2 assists in 23 games is no small feat in the competitive Big Ten, and he could easily improve throughout the year and if his brother decides to team up with him.
Most importantly, for Mike Rhoades in his third year, this would be another high profile addition as he tries to build a more competitive team in Happy Valley.
The Official World Golf Ranking has been updated and Scottie Scheffler continues to hold a big lead in the top spot. But off his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Collin Morikawa jumped 14 spots, from No. 19 to No. 5.
The OWGR system is calculated by awarding points from eligible tours and events to participating players over a rolling two-year period. Players are ranked weekly based on the amount of points they earn divided by the number of events they played in to reach an average total. Points hold their full value for a 13-week period and are then reduced in equal decrements. The current ranking for the Top 50 golfers in the world appears below.
Ranking is accurate as of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 5:12 a.m.
1. Scottie Scheffler, United States: 17.12 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 1)
2. Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland: 8.34 Average Points, 47 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 2)
3. Tommy Fleetwood, England: 5.43 Average Points, 50 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 3)
4. Justin Rose, England: 5.05 Average Points, 44 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 10)
5. Collin Morikawa, United States: 4.83 Average Points, 41 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 16)
6. Russell Henley, United States: 4.65 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 5)
7. Chris Gotterup, United States: 4.64 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 28)
8. J.J. Spaun, United States: 4.42 Average Points, 51 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 6)
9. Robert MacIntyre, Scotland: 4.38 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 7)
10. Hideki Matsuyama, Japan: 4.34 Average Points, 47 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 17)
11. Ben Griffin, United States: 4.29 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 8)
12. Sepp Straka, Austria: 4.27 Average Points, 48 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 11)
13. Xander Schauffele, United States: 4.26 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 4)
14. Justin Thomas, United States: 4.1 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 9)
15. Harris English, United States: 3.75 Average Points, 48 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 13)
16. Viktor Hovland, Norway: 3.56 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 14)
17. Alex Noren, Sweden: 3.55 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 12)
18. Patrick Reed, United States: 3.45 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 41)
19. Keegan Bradley, United States: 3.44 Average Points, 43 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 15)
20. Matt Fitzpatrick, England: 3.13 Average Points, 48 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 21)
21. Ludvig Aberg, Sweden: 3.12 Average Points, 43 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 18)
22. Cameron Young, United States: 3.11 Average Points, 47 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 19)
23. Tyrrell Hatton, England: 3.07 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 20)
24. Maverick McNealy, United States: 3.02 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 22)
25. Ryan Gerard, United States: 2.95 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 42)
26. Si Woo Kim, South Korea: 2.84 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 47)
27. Sam Burns, United States: 2.84 Average Points, 46 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 24)
28. Patrick Cantlay, United States: 2.68 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 25)
29. Shane Lowry, Ireland: 2.67 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 26)
30. Aaron Rai, England: 2.58 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 23)
31. Min Woo Lee, Australia: 2.52 Average Points, 49 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 44)
32. Bryson DeChambeau, United States: 2.39 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 27)
33. Marco Penge, England: 2.38 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 29)
34. Jason Day, Australia: 2.31 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 55)
35. Corey Conners, Canada: 2.29 Average Points, 46 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 30)
36. Matt McCarty, United States: 2.18 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 54)
37. Akshay Bhatia, United States: 2.18 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 46)
38. Andrew Novak, United States: 2.15 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 34)
39. Michael Brennan, United States: 2.13 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 32)
40. Kristoffer Reitan, Norway: 2.11 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 31)
41. Sam Stevens, United States: 2.06 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 50)
42. Kurt Kitayama, United States: 2.04 Average Points, 44 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 36)
43. Brian Harman, United States: 2.04 Average Points, 50 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 35)
44. Rasmus Hojgaard, Denmark: 2.04 Average Points, 49 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 40)
45. Michael Kim, United States: 2.03 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 37)
46. Pierceson Coody, United States: 2.03 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 95)
47. Sami Valimaki, Finland: 2.02 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 38)
48. Michael Thorbjornsen, United States: 2.02 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 68)
49. Ryan Fox, New Zealand: 1.99 Average Points, 52 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 39)
50. Jon Rahm, Spain: 1.99 Average Points, 40 Events Played, (2025 Final Ranking: 85)
Which tours are eligible for the Official World Golf Ranking?
ACN Tour
All Thailand Golf Tour
Alps Tour Golf
Asian Development Tour
Asian Tour
Big Easy Tour
China Tour
ClutchPro Tour
DP World Tour
Gira de Golf Professional Mexicana
HotelPlanner Tour
Japan Golf Tour
Korn Ferry Tour
Korean PGA Tour
MENA Tour
Nordic Golf League
PGA TOUR Americas
PGA Tour of Taiwan - Chinese Taipei
PGA TOUR
PGA Tour of Australasia
Pro Golf Tour
Sunshine Tour
Tartan Pro Tour
Professional Golf Tour of India
Additionally, The Open, Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, World Golf Championshop and Olympic Games are considered eligible tournaments.
If Tyreek Hill harbors any ill will toward the Miami Dolphins or their fans in the wake of his release, he has not shown it. So far, the 31-year-old receiver has expressed gratitude and reflection rather than bitterness.
Hours after the Dolphins publicly announced they'd be releasing the star wide receiver, Hill posted a set of pictures and videos of his Miami tenure on Instagram. In the caption, he wrote a heartfelt message to the Dolphins' organization, his former teammates and the fans of the team.
"Every chapter in life has taught me something," Hill wrote. "This one taught me leadership, resilience, and mostly gratitude."
A closely watched story in the 2026 Winter Olympics, alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin has yet to reach the podium. She has one last chance to medal this week with slalom on the docket.
Even as the winningest athlete in her sport, Shiffrin has not captured an Olympic medal since the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang. The 30-year-old struggled in Beijing, unable to finish in three of the events she entered and leaving without any hardware.
She has not snapped that streak yet at the Milan Cortina Games, placing fourth in the team combined and 11th in giant slalom Sunday. Shiffrin's runs put her 0.92 seconds behind gold-medal winner Federica Brignone and 0.25 seconds off the podium entirely.
Will this be Shiffrin's redeeming moment in these games?
Here's how to watch the USA star in slalom, including TV channel and streaming options for the Olympic event in Milan.
Where to watch Mikaela Shiffrin in Olympics slalom
The women's slalom will air live on USA Network. The race will also stream on Peacock, which will carry every event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics live.
The NBC-owned streaming service's sports programming features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf, and more.
When does Mikaela Shiffrin race at the Olympics?
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18
Time: 4 a.m. ET
The women's slalom is scheduled to begin with the first run at 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday, and the second run to start at 7:20 a.m.
Since start order follows World Cup rankings, Shiffrin is expected to be on the hill shortly after 4 a.m. ET.
For those who can't catch Shiffrin's runs live, NBC will replay highlights during the "Primetime in Milan" show beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
The men's and women's alpine skiing events will be held at different venues about a five-hour drive from one another. The men will be at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, near the Swiss border, while the women will compete at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre just outside Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Olimpia delle Tofane has a long history of hosting major races, including the men's downhill at the 1956 Winter Games, while the newer Stelvio course hosted the World Championships in 1985 and 2005.
India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has skipped his Class 10 board examinations this year as cricketing commitments continue to take priority in his rapidly rising career. The CBSE Class 10 exams commenced on February 17 and will run until March 11, but the youngster was absent on the opening day despite having completed all formalities.
According to school authorities, Vaibhav’s examination form had been submitted and his admit card was duly issued. His allotted centre was Poddar International School. However, he did not report for the paper.
Confirming his absence, Poddar International School principal NK Sinha said: “Vaibhav Suryavanshi aaj absent hain. Woh exam centre par nahi aaye hain. CBSE ki policy ke mutabik humne unhe absent mark kar diya hai. Agar koi student exam mein present nahi hota hai, toh humein use absent hi darj karna padta hai. Humein umeed thi ki woh exam dene aayenge, lekin unki aur bhi kai zimmedariyan hain. Ho sakta hai cricket match ho ya practice ho. Mujhe lagta hai ki woh agli baar zaroor exam denge.”
Vaibhav’s absence comes at a time when he is enjoying a purple patch with the bat.
At the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup 2026, he emerged as India’s leading run-getter and the second-highest scorer overall.
— ANI (@ANI)
In seven innings, he amassed 439 runs at an impressive average of 62.71 and a blazing strike rate of 169.50, including one century and three fifties.
He capped off the tournament in style, smashing 175 off just 80 balls in the final, an innings studded with 15 fours and 15 sixes. The knock earned him both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours.
Vaibhav is now set to represent Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 under Riyan Parag’s captaincy.
Last season, he scored 252 runs in seven matches, including a breathtaking 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans.
Finland vs Switzerland Best bet: Finland -1.5 (+135 at BET99)
Finland was humbled and, quite frankly, shocked in a loss to Slovakia. But, the Finns responded in a big way over their final two games, taking down Sweden 4-1 and Italy 11-0.
The Finns are a powerhouse, and Switzerland shouldn’t pose much of a threat. Finland’s top-heavy roster is showing up and producing, and it has easily covered the puck line in back-to-back contests.
The Swiss have surprisingly won two of the last three meetings with Finland, but NHL talent wasn’t present. The Finns should cruise to victory on Wednesday in Milan.
Finland has been scoring goals left and right since the defeat to Slovakia, netting 15 across their last two games, and there are no signs of them slowing down.
The Swiss also have some weapons. While most of the damage in front of the goal will come from the Finns, Switzerland will get on the scoresheet as well.
Two of the previous three meetings have hit the Over in goals, too.
Finland vs Switzerland SGP
Finland -1.5
Over 5.5
Finland vs Switzerland odds
Moneyline: Finland -230 | Switzerland +175
Puck Line: Finland -1.5 (+130) | Switzerland +1.5 (-170)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+125) | Under 5.5 (-160)
How to watch Finland vs Switzerland
Location
Milano Santagiulia Arena, Milan, Italy
Date
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Puck drop
12:10 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout phase play-offs conclude on Wednesday and Thursday.
Eight teams are competing to join Barcelona, Bayern München, Chelsea and OL Lyonnes in the quarter-finals, for which the draw is already made with the knockout phase bracket set to the final.
On Wednesday, Real Madrid and Arsenal defend leads at home to Paris FC and OH Leuven, respectively, then, the following night, Juventus welcome Wolfsburg with the score at 2-2 and Atlético de Madrid attempt to overturn a 3-0 deficit away to Manchester United.
United’s hopes of a positive start to their first-ever European knockout phase tie came to fruition when Melvine Malard, Elisabeth Terland and Julia Zigiotti Olme all scored in Spain.
Atleti coach José Herrera summed up the first leg by saying: “They were clinical and that’s it,” and certainly the match statistics suggest the only significant difference between the teams was in the goals scored column. Man United, who previously won 1-0 at Atleti in the league phase, will defend their lead with a quarter-final place against Bayern at stake.
The Red Devils may have missed out on an automatic quarter-final berth, but they would have still been pleased to secure a seed playoff spot in their first appearance in the UWCL main draw.
Marc Skinner’s side should carry significant momentum into Thursday’s first leg, having put together a nine-game unbeaten run since losing 3-0 at home to Lyon in December’s UWCL encounter. United’s first leg victory was the sixth match in a seven-game winning run that has seen the Reds improve on their league form, get a headstart on Atleti in the playoff tie, and book their ticket to the first cup final of the season with a 1-0 success in last month’s Women’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
The Red Devils enjoyed a successful trip to the King Power Stadium ahead of the first leg, with Julia Zigiotti Olme and Elisabeth Terland scoring in a 2-0 win, putting Man United in second place in the Women’s Super League table. They kept pace with a 2-1 comeback win this past weekend against London City, with Jess Park scoring a scorcher of a goal to keep her good season going.
United are in good defensive form, with four clean sheets in the last six competitive games, and will look to make it a clean closeout game at Leigh Sports Village to advance in Europe.
Ella Toone and Leah Galton remain unavailable for selection due to hip and back injuries, respectively. Toone is also absent from the latest England squad selected by Sarina Wiegman because of the injury.
Full-back Jayde Riviere is pushing for a recall after dropping to the bench for Saturday’s WSL win over Leicester.
Fridolina Rolfo and Terland could come into Skinner’s thinking if he opts to alter his attacking options for the European fixture.
How to Watch
Fans in most countries, including the UK, can watch the match on Disney+ Premium or tabii. In the US, fans can watch the match on CBS Sports Network or stream via Paramount+.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23: Davon Godchaux #92 of the New Orleans Saints looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New Orleans Saints traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots for veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux last offseason with hope that the nose tackle would bolster the team’s run defense.
Ultimately, Godchaux’s first year in the black and gold was underwhelming, as the Saints’ run defense remains an a work in progress.
The 31-year-old appeared in all 17 games for New Orleans in 2025, recording 43 total tackles (14 solo), 16 stops, nine total pressures, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble on 455 snaps, while posting a career-low 47.5 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
Godchaux, a Plaquemine, Louisiana native and former LSU Tiger, restructured his deal right after his trade to the Saints. He is signed through the 2026 season, but void years were added, with a 2025 base of $1.255 million, a $3.195 million signing bonus and a $50,000 workout bonus. Three million dollars of his 2026 base salary is guaranteed.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 13: A detail view of Oakland Athletics hats in the dugout against the Minnesota Twins on June 13, 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
*In an effort to make the nomination voting easier for everyone, I will comment, “NOMINATIONS”, and you may reply to that with your picks and upvote the player you’d like to see on the next nominee list.
Our CPL is rolling right along as we now have the top 14 prospects according to the fans. Right-hander Zane Taylor came away on top this time around as A’s fans like the potential that the 23-year-old offers. Last year’s fifth-round pick, Taylor only appeared in one professional game this past season at the Triple-A level and pitched just two innings. That said he’s been a popular sleeper pick by lots of the fanbase because he showed elite control during his college days at North Carolina. Having pitched four years there many scouts believe he will be a fast riser through the system. In spite of his lone start being at Triple-A he’s expected to begin the season in Double-A but a promotion could come quick.
Taking his spot among the nominees for the next round will be another righty in Kade Morris. A former third-round pick by the Mets, the A’s brought him into the fold in exchange for former All-Star Paul Blackburn. While Blackburn has struggled since the trade, Morris has made the acquisition look great for the A’s. He dominated Double-A this past year and earned a promotion to Triple-A for his first extended look at that level. The righty predictably ran into some growing pains against stiffer competition so the A’s will give him plenty of time to work on his craft at that level for the time being. If he progresses fast enough though who knows, we could be seeing him donning the Green & Gold as soon as this summer.
The process for this public vote is explained below. Please take a moment to read this before participating:
Please only vote for one. The player with the most votes at the end of voting will win the ranked spot. The remaining four players move on to the next ballot where they are joined by a new nominee.
In the comments, below the official voting, the community will nominate players to be put onto the ballot for the next round. The format for your comment should be “Nomination: Player Name”.
If a prospect is traded, his name will be crossed out, and all other players will be moved up a space. If a prospect is acquired, a special vote will be put up to determine where that player should rank.
The voting continues! Who will A’s fans pick as the 15th-best prospect in the system today? Here’s a quick rundown on each nominee— the scouting grades (on a 20-to-80 scale) and scouting reports come from MLB Pipeline.
Morris runs up his four-seam fastball to about 95-96 mph and also throws a sinker with good arm-side run in the 92-95 range. His mid-80s slider has developed into an above-average secondary offering. His mid-70s curveball provides a good variation of pitch speeds, though he is still working to make it a more consistent pitch, along with his improving upper-80s changeup.
Morris is athletic with his 6-foot-3 frame. His competitive drive stands out whenever he takes the mound. Discovering the right arm slot that allows for the most consistency is the next big step in his development. How that pans out as he moves through the system will likely determine his long-term role, though he profiles as a back-end starter given his overall pitch mix and solid control.
At the plate, Morii features a smooth left-handed swing with tremendous balance. His power stands out, as he clubbed 45 home runs as a high schooler. He is considered an advanced hitter with good barrel control. On the mound, his fastball has been clocked as high as 95 mph and sits around 92-93. He also brings a splitter with nasty movement, a true 12-to-6 curveball and a tighter slider with solid bite and depth, though that offering will probably require some fine-tuning. Having only been pitching with regularity for less than two years, Morii’s arm is relatively fresh as he enters the organization.
Morii’s high-octane throwing arm plays well at shortstop, but some evaluators see a possibility of moving to third base as his 6-foot-1 frame fills out. While scouts see Morii’s long-term future in the batter’s box, the A’s plan on giving him every opportunity to succeed as a two-way player, with excitement already building over his impressive physical traits and desire to become one of the next great players out of Japan.
Per Billy Owens, Athletics director of player personnel and assistant GM: “Perez is a live-bodied specimen with high-caliber tools. His range and athleticism stand out defensively. Offensively, he can be streaky, but he has displayed plus bat speed, patience and real power. Solid package. Development is not linear. Patience will be required to realize his significant potential.”
Though Hoglund may never get back the electric stuff he possessed earlier in his career, the A’s were encouraged to see his fastball velocity tick back up to the low-90s. He has also experimented with adding a two-seamer and cutter. His low-80s slider now features more sweeping action and works as his main secondary pitch. He has also improved his low-80s changeup, creating a solid three-pitch mix that is enhanced by a strong ability to consistently throw strikes.
Now three years removed from Tommy John, the A’s are hopeful that Hoglund can develop into a solid back-end rotation piece, especially if he can successfully develop a fourth pitch. The Florida native was regularly going deep into starts in his big league cameo (6.40 ERA with 23 strikeouts to 11 walks across 32 1/3 innings) before going down with the injury and is expected to make a full recovery before the 2026 season.
The A’s were working on some mechanical adjustments with Miller prior to his injury. His electric fastball ticked up to 96 mph in high school and displayed excellent movement down in the zone. The mid-80s slider is a hard breaker and was showing signs of improvement. His low-80s changeup showed some potential as an average third pitch.
There was real excitement within the organization for Miller’s professional debut. His three-pitch mix and large 6-foot-6 frame give off the potential of a workhorse-type starting pitcher in the big leagues. The A’s also loved the competitiveness they saw from him on the mound while scouting him. After an unfortunate delay, he finally got his first opportunity to make an impression this summer.
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Programming Note: Each CPL vote will run for around 48 hours, so don’t delay in making your vote!
Whitecaps' Roberto Campos runs to first base after a hit against the Lugnuts in the first inning on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Jackson Field in Lansing. 230411 Lugnuts Whitecaps Baseball 064a
When the Tigers signed the Cuban outfielder Roberto Campos back in 2019, he was the most expensive international free agent the club had ever inked to a deal. Early on he showed the good power potential and solid hitting ability that was projected on signing day, but his progress has been slow since breaking into A-ball back in 2022 at age 19. Campos made the leap to the Double-A last year, and he really took his lumps for much of the summer before coming on late in the year. The fact that Campos didn’t develop into a high end prospect has been a disappointment for the Tigers, but the now 22-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder still has some potential if he can take the next step in 2026.
Campos has turned himself into a solid outfielder, but his speed has dipped to average levels as he’s filled out. He’s balanced that out by maturing in his jumps and routes over the past two seasons. Though still splitting time between center and right field, the latter looks like his long-term defensive home. He doesn’t exactly have a cannon out there, but it’s above average arm strength and his throwing accuracy has improved considerably.
As you’d expect, the issue is his bat. Campos has a pretty good eye for the zone, and generally swings at the right pitches. He takes his walks and has the ability to line pitches the other way, but that’s partly the result of one of the root causes of his contact issues. Not only is his swing fairly grooved, but his relatively flat path and inside out mechanics are really built to drive the ball to right center field on a line and on the ground. He’s worked on making adjustments and finding more pitches to pull, but he still struggles to be on time to create good angles on pitches down and in that he should crush. He doesn’t pop the ball up much, but most of his fly balls tend to be 350 footers to center and right center field, where it’s hard to cash in and do damage.
He didn’t actually strike out much more in 2025 despite the big jump in competition, but the quality of contact dipped during the middle of the season until he finally started to turn things around late in the year. Most of his hard hit balls were on a line or on the ground, and this has been his pattern for several years, but in 2025 at High-A he had started to make good progress in driving more balls in the air, particularly to the pull field. Better velocity and breaking stuff at the Double-A level set him back to a more defensive approach. Waiting pitchers out worked for him in West Michigan, but against better pitchers much more willing and able to attack the zone, he often got behind in counts and was trying to dig his way out of holes most of the summer.
Campos has made some minor adjustments in his pre-pitch setup, keeping his hands quieter and actively trying to get his front foot down earlier. He’s also worked to build more batspeed. This hasn’t paid enough dividends yet, and Campos still isn’t on time enough to catch many balls out front and crank them to left center and left field. After a really brutal stretch in June and July last summer, the work to adapt started to pay off, and he got back to driving the ball up the gaps. Still, without tapping into his power a lot more effectively he’s not going to get much farther. His production in August and September improved signficantly, those signs that he was settling in encouraged us not to drop him too drastically. A down year after a minor breakout the year prior isn’t unusual, but things need to break the right way for Campos pretty quickly.
He has enough chops to be a solid outfielder who hits left-handed pitching well, and that pathway to at least a bench role is still ahead of him. But while we’ve seen players like Parker Meadows and Wenceel Pérez, and more recently Izaac Pacheco, struggle repeatedly in A-ball before finally benefiting from batspeed training and trying to get shorter to the ball without sacrificing power, Campos has yet to see those dividends. He’s approaching the age where if it doesn’t start to show up soon, it just never will. Few will be betting on a major turnaround in his fortunes at this point.
For now, the saving grace for Campos is that he’s still a little young for the upper minors. There have never been any questions about his makeup, and his coaches have routinely praised him for being a team leader and setting an example in terms of work ethic as well. Hopefully that ultimately pays off. International free agents get rushed to a degree college players and even prep picks do not, and it’s worth remembering the added demands on them as they’re hurried stateside and exposed to the Rule 5 draft at much earlier ages, all while adapting to living in the States. We’ve been writing about Campos for so long it’s easy to forget he’s only 22 years old, the age of a 2025 college pick. It’s reasonable to give him another year, but a lot is going to have to go right.
Campos did get essentially late second round money, and it’s not looking like a great investment at this point. 2019 was a long time ago in terms of how the Tigers operate, and who operates them, but unfortunately the long dry spell in the international free agent market won’t be broken by Roberto Campos. Realistically, his upside now is a platoon outfield role. It would do wonders for the Tigers ability to compete long-term, at least in the AL Central, if they could finally find a really good player out of their international classes. Willy Adames and Eugenio Suarez were 15 years ago. With new leadership on the international side as longtime director Tom Moore moves to an advisory role, the Tigers really need to do better in this aspect of player acquisition.
Campos will need a big season at Erie to get him to Triple-A Toledo this summer, but that has to be the goal. If he doesn’t unlock something in the power department this year, there’s just too much swing and miss to project him developing into a part-time major league player. After a modest breakout in 2024, hopes were rekindled for Campos last year. Instead, he struggled to adapt to Double-A pitching and really needs a big season to keep hope alive beyond 2026.
Deadly Nigeria Crash Raises Hard Questions as Anthony Joshua Mourns Fallen Friends
Anthony Joshua is mourning his friends with fresh ink. But behind the tattoos lies a crash that never should have happened. The former heavyweight champion recently had the names of Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele tattooed on his arm, a permanent tribute to the two men killed in a violent car crash in Nigeria on December 29. The accident left Joshua injured and his inner circle shattered. It also exposed a chain of reckless decisions with fatal consequences.
The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his friends slammed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Authorities say the vehicle was suspected of traveling above the legal speed limit. That detail alone should stop anyone cold. Speeding on a major corridor, in a vehicle carrying multiple passengers, is not a minor lapse. It is a gamble. Two men are dead because of it.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the circumstances surrounding the crash, and in January the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged with dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s license. Driving without a valid license is not a technicality. It is a basic failure of responsibility.
For car enthusiasts, this is the kind of story that fuels the wrong narrative. When drivers ignore speed limits and get behind the wheel without proper credentials, it hands ammunition to regulators and critics who want more restrictions, more crackdowns, and more limitations on everyone else. Cars are not the villain here. Irresponsible driving is.
Joshua has spoken publicly about doing right by his late friends and their families. His tribute is personal and permanent. But no tattoo can undo what happened on that expressway.
This was not a mysterious mechanical failure. It was not an unavoidable act of nature. It was a preventable crash tied to alleged speeding and a driver who should not have been behind the wheel.
The consequences are final. Two lives lost. A champion injured. Families grieving.
If there is any takeaway, it is this: accountability matters. Because when it’s ignored, the cost is measured in lives.
Nikola Jokic drew laughs during All-Star weekend after joking that Luka Doncic only follows other sports because he “bets on everything.”
The Denver Nuggets center made the comment during a relaxed exchange that quickly spread across social media. In the current NBA environment, even playful references to gambling can prompt strong reactions.
The moment added another viral chapter to the Jokic-Doncic dynamic.
Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images
Jokic’s locker-room quip about Luka Doncic
The exchange occurred in an informal All-Star setting where players frequently tease one another. Jokic said that Doncic “likes to gamble on everything,” implying that the Lakers guard keeps up with various sports for that reason.
The remark appeared to be delivered in a joking tone rather than as a serious claim.
Clips of the moment circulated quickly online, with some fans interpreting it as a nod to Doncic’s competitive nature.
Others viewed it through the more serious lens of the league’s focus on sports betting policies. Neither Jokic nor Doncic offered additional clarification after the comment gained attention.
Why gambling jokes resonate in today’s NBA
The NBA operates in an era where sports betting partnerships are visible, and integrity measures are closely monitored. Public references to gambling involving players often attract scrutiny.
Recent high-profile investigations across professional sports have heightened awareness around the issue. As a result, even casual locker-room humor can expand into wider discussion.
Jokic and Doncic have a well-documented friendship and history of playful All-Star interactions. Their exchanges have frequently gone viral because of their humor and mutual respect.
In this case, the comment appeared rooted in camaraderie and rivalry rather than allegation. The reaction, however, showed how quickly narratives can form in the modern NBA media landscape.
Inglewood, CA - February 14: Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers during the Slam Dunk competition during NBA All-Star Saturday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Saturday, February 14, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest wasn’t just bad — it was pathetic. The decline of the dunk contest has been well documented, but Saturday night was the competition’s rock bottom. Serving as proof the NBA needs to cancel the event and replace it with something else, rather than watch it fade into irrelevancy like Chris Paul.
Every single facet of the event sucked. Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won with a dunk that barely would have made it out of the first round a decade ago. Even the NBA’s hype tweet felt sad and forced.
Still, this was somehow the best dunk of the night. The only other remotely impressive thing was Johnson jumping over rapper E-40 — which was fine, but not mind-blowing. E-40 is 6’1, and this is a competition where dunkers have jumped over Shaq, a car, and hell, Aaron Gordon went over the Magic mascot and under both legs, while the mascot stood on a hoverboard.
While Johnson was the best of a horrible group, he should have been disqualified for his dancing. Before every dunk, during every dunk, after every dunk, there was this pathetic, manufactured dancing that Johnson did that seemed to be less about any genuine enthusiasm about the event, and more because someone told him it would be good for his brand if he became the “dancing guy” during the dunk contest.
We also had Jase Richardson almost knock himself out.
The only thing worse than the dunks was the judging. The NBA used a panel of notable dunkers: Dominique Wilkins, Dwight Howard, Corey Maggette, and Brent Barry — a good group, except they were given an absolutely nonsensical rubric that nobody could score less than a 40, out of 50. It was clearly only put in place to make sure nobody’s feelings were hurt, because getting to say “I scored 42 out of 50” sounds a lot better than “2 out of 10.”
If the scoring format wasn’t bad enough we had Dwight Howard handing out 50s like candy for the crappiest dunks imaginable. Don’t believe me? This was a 50 in Howard’s book.
A windmill jam from barely past the dotted line that Johnson couldn’t even manage to dribble for. At least he did his dancing afterwards.
There’s a simple reality that basketball has changed. In the 90s and 00s kids would practice dunks like Michael Jordan or Vince Carter on Nerf hoops attached to their bedroom doors — now they’re trying to shoot from deep like Steph. Interior defense is more refined, giving less obvious lanes to the rim for in-game dunks. Euro steps, step-throughs, and floaters are now the in-lane currency of the NBA, rather than trying to power through everyone with dunks. There’s ample reason why dunking isn’t as flashy as it once was, but there is no excuse for the absence of creativity. There have never been more resources to imagine new dunks or learn from the greats of the past to push the limits of athleticism. Instead, we’ve seen unbelievable regression as players struggle to do anything past the most rudimentary of dunks. There’s no pride, no desire to put on a show — and the NBA is shielding feelings by making sure nobody can score lower than a 40. The stars of the past would never.
There’s an entire generation of basketball fans who are too young to remember how great the NBA Slam Dunk Contest was. Relegated to watching retrospectives on YouTube, they’ll never understand the excitement that led up to seeing some of the biggest stars in basketball show off their athleticism, creativity, and pride in being known as the best dunker in the NBA. There was palpable excitement as we wondered how players could go bigger and better. That’s gone now.
Nobody wanted Old Yeller to die. He was a beloved member of the family until that old dog got rabies and was destined to descent to madness. The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is past that point, and we need to save its legacy from itself by killing the contest all together and inventing something else — because this is too sad to continue in its current form.
Pollock has scored three tries for England [Getty Images]
Henry Pollock has been handed his first Test start as Steve Borthwick makes three changes to his starting XV for England's must-win Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
Pollock, 21, is named at number eight alongside fellow British and Irish Lion Tom Curry, who has featured off the bench in the past six Tests, and Ben Earl in the back row.
Centre Ollie Lawrence returns after missing out on selection for Saturday's crushing defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.
Tommy Freeman, who started the first two rounds at outside centre, shifts back to the right wing.
England struggled in the air against Gregor Townsend's side - an area of strength during a 12-game winning run that was ended on Saturday.
Tom Roebuck loses his spot on the right wing after struggling to assert himself aerially, but Henry Arundell, who was sent off after receiving two yellow cards - the second for taking a player out in the air - is given a chance to redeem himself on the left wing.
The 23-year-old has scored four tries in the opening two rounds and was cleared to play after being cited for the incident.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has been clear about his desire to use Freeman at outside centre, but the 24-year-old is arguably England's best player at winning the ball in the air and those skills have been missed.
Fit-again Lawrence, who missed the opening game through a knee injury, was always likely to play a role in this Six Nations after a standout performance against New Zealand in the autumn, with his powerful ball carrying a point of difference.
England's attack failed to click against Scotland and Lawrence's strengths would have also been a factor in forcing the Freeman switch.
Captain Maro Itoje will earn his 100th cap, becoming the ninth England man to reach the milestone.
Half-backs Marcus Smith and Jack van Poortvliet both missed out on selection last week and are named on a 6-2 bench spilt.
Ireland, like England, have one win from their opening two games in the tournament, making the fixture a must-win for both sides to keep their championship hopes alive.
Pollock a surprise pick at number eight
Northampton Saints' Pollock has been deployed as an impact replacement for all seven of his caps under Borthwick.
Having toured with the British and Irish Lions last summer, the 21-year-old is one of the most exciting young players in world rugby and now gets an opportunity to show if he can be as effective as a Test starter.
Although the selection is not a surprise given another impactful display off the bench, the decision to move Earl to open-side flanker is an interesting call.
Bath team-mates Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill, who are both named on the bench, have started the past four Tests together on the flanks but they struggled to impose themselves at Murrayfield.
A straight swap with Lions duo Pollock and Curry looked the more obvious switch.
Earl has once again been one of England's best players at number eight - a position he tends not to play for his club Saracens because of Tom Willis.
Pollock's past five starts for Northampton Saints have come at number eight, with Andy Farrell playing him across the back row during the Lions' tour of Australia.
In those five starts for Saints, Pollock has scored six tries, which shows a trend as to where in the back row he has the most impact.
Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Van Poortvliet, M Smith
'Consistency and professionalism' - 100 up for Itoje
Itoje, who made his international debut in 2016, missed the start of England's Six Nations training camp in Girona to attend his mother Florence's funeral in Nigeria.
His illustrious career is set to take in a 100th cap against Ireland - a fitting fixture given it will be his 14th appearance against Farrell's side, his highest tally versus any nation.
"To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro's consistency and professionalism over many years," Borthwick said.
"He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved and I know it will be a special day for him and his family."
His England career has been a model of consistency, playing 80 minutes in 30 successive Six Nations matches until he started on the bench in round one against Wales this year.
Overall, 95 of his previous 99 caps have been starts - a remarkable record of both fitness and performance.
Carries, tackles, turnovers, line-outs - Itoje does it all. And England will need their leader to be at his best if they are to bounce back.
Itoje has won more than twice as many turnovers as any England player since 2023, while he consistently shows up in attack and defence.
The 31-year-old has hit 1,247 defensive and attacking rucks during this period - a staggering 515 more than any of his team-mates.
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly extended an olive branch to All-Star forward LeBron James and would welcome him back for season No. 24.
The Lakers reportedly want LeBron James to return to the team next season, per @mcten
“If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in L.A., sources told ESPN. Pelinka declared before the start of this season that he would love it if James retired a Laker,… pic.twitter.com/9w5ofi3n3A
“If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in L.A., sources told ESPN. Pelinka declared before the start of this season that he would love it if James retired a Laker, and, sources told ESPN, that sentiment was meant to reflect a 2026 retirement or a 2027 retirement, if James intends to extend his career.”
James is in the final year of his current deal, making $52.6 million, and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Lakers’ future could hinge on what happens with James this summer because it’s hard to see the four-time NBA champion and MVP taking a major pay cut.
Wherever James plays next, it could be the final chapter (or two) in his storied NBA career. There have been rumors circulating that James could end his career where it began in Cleveland, but the NBA trade deadline passed earlier this month without any movement.
Lakers team governor Jeanie Buss was recently asked about James’ future in purple and gold while speaking with Alex Sherman of CNBC, and gave her take on the situation at hand.
“Never say never, but you know, he certainly hasn’t given an indication,” Buss explained. “He’s earned the right to decide how his career will go, and you know, he continues to impress.”
In year 23 (his 8th in Los Angeles), James is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. While James’ numbers are down in many statistical categories across the board, he was an All-Star for the 22nd time this season, and the Lakers are currently sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference at 33-21.
Paquetá, is that you? 😅 Cruzeiro signing goes viral with catchphrase
"I know very well that Cruzeiro doesn't need me, but I really needed Cruzeiro."
These were the first words of forward Bruno Rodrigues, formerly of Palmeiras, upon arriving in Belo Horizonte to sign his return to Raposa, this Tuesday.
At the same time, Flamengo fans noticed the similarity between Bruno Rodrigues' statement and midfielder Lucas Paquetá's speech during his reintroduction to the Rubro-Negro a few days ago:
And soon, fans of other clubs recalled other instances where players said the phrase upon returning to their former clubs.
For example, Gabigol when he returned to Santos a few months ago:
Or Arthur, who was reintroduced by Grêmio last year.
Who is the true original author of this phrase that has become a favorite among footballers?
Let's find out soon and award the Jabuti Prize to them.
NEW DELHI: Australia’s players will be firmly in Ireland’s corner on Tuesday as the Lorcan Tucker-led side face Zimbabwe in their Group B clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
It has been a disastrous campaign for Australia in this marquee tournament, and their qualification hopes now hang by a thread. They must register a thumping win over Oman in their final group match and, at the same time, depend on both Sri Lanka and Ireland to defeat Zimbabwe to keep their slim chances alive.
In fact, if Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday, Australia will be eliminated even before they take the field against Oman in their last league fixture.
What if rain washes out Zimbabwe vs Ireland?
Persistent showers have battered Pallekele, with the entire ground under covers. While forecasts suggest the weather could improve later in the day, the threat of a washout looms large.
A no-result would be enough to send Zimbabwe through to the Super Eight stage and knock Australia out of contention. Zimbabwe currently have four points from two matches, and a washout would take them to five — a tally sufficient for qualification.
Australia, meanwhile, sit on two points with just one game remaining. Even if they beat Oman to reach four points, it will not be enough should Zimbabwe secure that additional point.
Australia began their campaign on a high with a 67-run victory over Ireland but then stumbled with back-to-back defeats — a 23-run loss to Zimbabwe followed by an eight-wicket hammering by Sri Lanka.
For now, Australia will be hoping the rain stays away and that Ireland can pull off a win to keep their campaign alive.
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction
Having narrowly avoided a group-stage exit, Club Brugge welcome Atletico Madrid to the Jan Breydel Stadion on Wednesday in the Champions League play-offs.
The hosts are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the third time in four seasons, while the visitors seek three consecutive last-16 appearances since their group-stage exit in 2022-23.
Match preview
Club Brugge’s UCL journey could not have started on a better note as they thrashed Monaco 4-1 in September’s curtain-raiser, but one point from their next five outings left them on the brink of elimination.
Ivan Leko’s men defeated competition debutants Kairat Almaty on matchday seven to retain a glimmer of hope heading into their final group-stage outing against Marseille, which they won 3-0.
Back in the knockout play-offs for the second year running, Blauw-Zwart will hope to replicate last season’s triumph over Atalanta, albeit against more illustrious opponents this time around.
Losing just one of the previous four editions, Club Brugge have more than held their own in meetings against Atletico and will head into Wednesday’s clash with the wind in their sails after winning five of their last six outings.
Atletico Madrid have blown hot and cold since the turn of the month, having emphatically beaten Real Betis and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, while also losing to Betis and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
Diego Simeone’s men will make a debut appearance in the UCL play-offs following their 14th-place finish in the league phase with 13 points from six matches.
This was largely due to a poor run to conclude the group stages, during which Los Colchoneros managed just one point from their final two games against Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt.
Following a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano last time out, Wednesday’s visitors will be looking to avoid back-to-back defeats away from home for the first time since December, but their European record on the road this term has been suspect, with just one win from four matches.
Team news
Dani van den Heuvel has not featured for Club Brugge since mid-January due to a leg injury.
The 22-year-old is one of four expected absentees for his side, alongside Lynnt Audoor, Ludovit Reis and Jorne Spileers.
Pablo Barrios is set to miss a fourth straight game with a muscle issue, but Johnny Cardoso is back available for Atletico.
Winter arrival Ademola Lookman has made a bright start to life in Madrid with two goals and two assists in four matches ahead of his European debut for the visitors.
Club Brugge Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, Seys; Stankovic, Onyedika; Tzolis, Vanaken, Diakhon; Tresoldi
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, Molina; Lookman, Koke, Llorente, Simeone; Alvarez, Griezmann
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Coleman Crow, left, and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Sammy Peralta (57) walk to the outfield during spring training workouts Saturday, February 14, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As spring training gets underway, one main factor for many players competing for major league jobs is their option status. Having a roster of players with options gives the Brewers’ flexibility on how to build their roster. They can move players between the majors and minors throughout the season, giving them depth for injury replacements as well as a way to get fresh players during the grind of the season. This spring, the Brewers will have a lot of flexibility with options, as many players have at least one available.
Here’s a quick reminder on how options work. When a player is first placed on the 40-man roster, they are given three options. If a player is on the 40-man roster, but not on the 26-man active roster or injured list, they must be sent on an optional assignment to the minors. After they have spent 20 days in the minors, one of their options is used for the year. A player can be recalled and optioned multiple times over the course of a season, but only one option is used in a year. However, they are limited to being optioned five times in a single season. Any more than that requires them to be placed on outright waivers — which allows other teams to claim them — to return to the minors.
If a player is out of options, the only way they can be sent to the minors is by being designated for assignment — which removes them from the 40-man roster — and then placed on outright waivers before being assigned to the minors. Players with more than three years of Major League service, or players who have been outrighted before, can reject being outrighted to the minors and become free agents. This is in addition to players who have five years of Major League service, who must agree to be sent to the minors under any circumstance.
Below are lists of all the players in the Brewers’ major league camp and their current option status. I placed players who are projected to make the major league roster toward the top of each list. Some players are marked with specific symbols; here is what they mean. Option status is based on Roster Resource via FanGraphs.
* – Non-roster invitees (in major league camp, not on 40-man roster) # – Players who will exceed five years of major league service during the season. These players can only be sent to the minors with their consent after passing five years. ^ – Players with one option who may be eligible for a fourth option. (This will be discussed further in that section.)
Zero Options
Position Players
Greg Jones*
Eddys Leonard*
Pitchers
Rob Zastryzny
Peter Strzelecki*
Jacob Waguespack*
When it comes to camp battles this spring, option status will play a minimum role in most decisions. The list of players without options is very short, meaning most players who do not make the team can simply be optioned. In the above list, four of the five players are in camp as non-roster invitees on minor league deals. Depending on their contracts (and if they include opt-outs), they can be kept in the minors to start the season.
The only player who has to make the roster out of camp or be exposed to waivers is Rob Zastryzny. He is the sole Brewer on the 40-man roster who is under five years of service time and does not have an option available. He is currently projected to be on the roster at the start of the season, but still could use a good spring to secure his spot.
One Option
Position Players
William Contreras#
David Hamilton
Brice Turang
Akil Baddoo
Steward Berroa
Tyler Black^
Jeferson Quero^
Pitchers
Grant Anderson
Aaron Ashby
DL Hall
Trevor Megill
Quinn Priester
Abner Uribe
Angel Zerpa
Easton McGee
Sammy Peralta
Carlos Rodriguez^
Gerson Garabito*
There’s not much to see in this list, since most of the players who are projected to be on the opening day roster are established at their positions. For the players who have their minor league option used, this will be an important season for them. Without an option next year, they will need to earn their job at the start of the season. Performing well when they get chances in the majors will be important, so they can build a resume for themselves before next season.
Included in this list are three players who currently on their last option year but may be eligible for a fourth. MLB rules allow players to be granted a fourth option under certain circumstances. Here is the official rule from the MLB website.
Players typically have three option years, but those who have accrued less than five full seasons (including both the Major and Minors) are eligible for a fourth if their three options have been exhausted already. For the purposes of this rule, spending at least 90 days on an active Major League or Minor League roster during a given season counts as one full season. Players also earn a full season if they spend at least 30 days on an active Major League or Minor League roster AND their active-roster and injured-list time amounts to at least 90 days in a given season.
This is not an automatic process. Teams generally have to apply for the extra option year and then MLB will make a ruling on it. Of the above players, Black and Rodriguez were originally drafted in 2021, so this would be their potential fifth full season. Quero is a little more complex since he signed as an international free agent in 2019 but was also impacted by the shortened 2020 season.
Two Options
Position Players
Joey Ortiz
Blake Perkins
Andrew Vaughn#
Brandon Lockridge
Pitchers
Jared Koenig
Chad Patrick
Logan Henderson
Robert Gasser
Kyle Harrison
Craig Yoho
Drew Rom*
These players have used an option already but still have good flexibility with two remaining. Lockridge is the only position player who will likely open the season in the minors but should provide good depth if needed during the season. Meanwhile, Koenig and Patrick are the two pitchers that are near locks to be on the opening day roster. Henderson, Gasser, and Harrison will all be among the starting pitchers fighting for a spot on the roster, but all should see some major league starts this season even if they begin the year in the minors.
Three Options
Position Players
Jackson Chourio
Sal Frelick
Garrett Mitchell
Ptichers
Jacob Misiorowski
Coleman Crow
Shane Drohan
Brandon Sproat
These players are currently on the 40-man roster but have not used an option. For most of these players, they were added to the 40-man roster when they were brought up to the majors and have not left it. The one exception is Crow, who was added to the 40-man roster in the offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Coleman, Drohan, and Sproat will all likely use their first option at the start of the season. They are currently projected to begin the season in the minors.
Non-Roster Invitees who have not been on 40-man roster
Position Players
Luke Adams*
Eduardo Garcia*
Luis Lara*
Jesús Made*
Darrien Miller*
Cooper Pratt*
Ramón Rodríguez*
Brock Wilken*
Jett Williams*
Matthew Wood*
Pitchers
Tate Kuehner*
This is an extension of the three-option list above. All these players have not been on the 40-man roster before, so they have not used an option. Since they are all NRIs, they do not have to use an option as long as they remain off the 40-man roster. Once they are added, an option would have to be used for them to remain in the minors.
Over five years of Major League experience
Position Players
Jake Bauers
Luis Rengifo
Gary Sánchez
Christian Yelich
Reese McGuire*
Pitchers
Brandon Woodruff
The final group are players who have recorded at least five years of major league service. As a result, these players cannot be optioned to the minors without their consent. The one exception on this list is McGuire, who is in camp on a minor league contract. Depending on his contract, he could start the season in the minors, but if he is added to the major league roster, he cannot be sent down without his consent.
Bo Jackson’s 40-yard dash time, said to be an otherworldly 4.12 seconds, might be the most told NFL scouting combine story of all time.
Here’s the problem: It didn’t happen at the combine. Jackson told the Raiders’ site in 2021 that he didn’t even attend the event in 1986. He did run a 40 at Auburn that spring for NFL scouts, and he said it was timed at 4.13 seconds.
The scouting combine has become a major NFL event on the sporting calendar with plenty of television coverage. There will be no more mysterious legends like Jackson’s mythical 40 time. We see it all (but still misremember some stories; Calvin Johnson did not run his 40 in borrowed shoes as the story goes).
With the scouting combine set to take place next week in Indianapolis, here are the most memorable combine moments that actually happened:
Xavier Worthy’s record 40
We are impressed by speed. That’s why the 40-yard dash has become the marquee event at the combine, even if it’s probably not the best measure of how a prospect will do in the pros.
And of all the players who have come and gone at the combine, Xavier Worthy ran the fastest 40 of them all, among official times. He ran a 4.21-second 40 in 2024.
Officially a 4.21 for Texas WR Xavier Worthy, fastest 40 in NFL Combine history. pic.twitter.com/qke8agOr6o
Worthy was picked in the first round by the Chiefs. To date he hasn’t blossomed into a star, with 1,170 receiving yards in two seasons.
Deion Sanders adds to his legend
Unlike Bo Jackson, Sanders actually did run the 40-yard dash at the combine. It was 1989, when the combine was in its infancy.
The embellished story through the years is that Sanders was talked into running a 40, ran it in record time and ran right through the tunnel and into a waiting limo. Not so, Sanders told NFL Network, but hey, that tale fits the legend of Sanders pretty well.
Sanders ran what has been often reported as a 4.27-second 40, which for years was considered the unofficial record. Sanders claims his time was much faster than that. There was no video of it, so it will remain a Bunyanesque tale.
“I don’t even believe I stretched,” Sanders told NFL Network. “You know why? Because I’ve never seen a cheetah stretch before he goes and gets his prey.”
Tom Brady underwhelms
Adding this is cheating a bit, because it wasn’t memorable at the time. Brady was just a late-round quarterback from Michigan who had an unimpressive combine. But since then, his combine photo in shorts and nothing else resurfaces every year, as does the video of his glacially slow 40-yard dash.
Tom Brady was just trying to impress scouts at the 2000 Combine.
Brady’s combine highlights seem funny because he went on to be the most decorated player in NFL history, but it’s also a lesson that a player doesn’t need to blow away teams in Indianapolis to have an all-time great career.
Saquon Barkley becomes perhaps best RB prospect ever
Barkley was a known entity coming out of Penn State and was a clear top pick in the 2018 draft, but his combine workout pushed him to another level.
Barkley nailed just about every part of the overall workout, beating some memorable players at each event. After the combine, he was viewed as perhaps the best running back prospect ever in the draft.
Barkley was no workout warrior. He has gone on to have a fantastic career, including a 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles that is among the greatest ever for a running back.
Saquon Barkley had a phenomenal performance at the NFL scouting combine in 2018. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Joe Robbins via Getty Images
Mike Mamula is remembered forever
For years, Mamula was shorthand for a player who went to the combine, improved his draft stock with a tremendous workout and was ultimately disappointing in the NFL.
Mamula, a defensive end out of Boston College, had a remarkable overall workout in 1995 that included a 4.58-second 40. He leaped into the first round after that, and was taken seventh overall by the Eagles. Mamula played five seasons with 31.5 career sacks, which was disappointing considering his draft position. The combine was still a new phenomenon when Mamula had his great workout, and he was the first (of many) players who are remembered as combine workout warriors who didn’t translate that to the field.
Vernon Davis, combine GOAT
Davis attended the combine in 2006, and it’s arguably still the greatest combine performance ever. Davis, at 254 pounds coming out of Maryland, set the tight end record in the 40-yard dash at 4.38 seconds. He also posted a 42-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-8 broad jump and did 33 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Davis was drafted sixth overall by the 49ers, played 14 seasons in the NFL, making two Pro Bowls with 7,562 career yards. His real place in NFL history might have come before he was drafted, when he had a combine workout for the ages.
Byron Jones’ world record
Jones, a cornerback out of UConn, had a broad jump of 12 feet, 3 inches at the 2015 combine. That was notable because the world record was just over 12 feet, 2 inches, set in 1968. Jones not only set an unofficial record, he got himself into the first round. He was picked 27th by the Cowboys after his impressive combine and had a seven-year NFL career.
Five years ago today, Byron Jones set a world record in the broad jump at the combine. His jump of 12-3 is still 6 inches better than the second-best mark ever recorded at the combine:
1. Byron Jones 12-3 t2. Emanuel Hall 11-9 t2. Obi Melifonwu 11-9 t2. Juan Thornhill 11-9 pic.twitter.com/9WcLdsaOxl
In 2005, NFL Network’s Rich Eisen ran the 40-yard dash in a suit, and a tradition was born. Eisen ran his first 40 in 6.77 seconds but improved after that, even breaking the six-second barrier a few times.
Eisen has turned his “Run Rich Run” annual event into a charitable endeavor, raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to fight childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Chris Jones has a malfunction
Jones has had a great career as a defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, but his combine had an embarrassing moment. Jones had a shorts malfunction during his 40-yard dash, His private parts came out of his shorts while he ran, so he took a dive at the end of the run and covered himself back up. Certainly a memorable, albeit embarrassing, moment.
Shaquem Griffin’s epic bench press
Griffin did 20 reps on the bench press at the 2018 combine, which isn’t notable for most linebackers. But Griffin did it with a prosthetic hand.
Griffin had his left hand amputated when he was 4 years old, and had a successful college career at UCF playing with one hand. Then he had an unbelievable combine moment on the bench press.
Two years ago today, Shaquem Griffin put up 20 bench press reps at the NFL combine. A day later he would run the fastest 40 (4.38) ever run by a linebacker at the combine. pic.twitter.com/XaaBqIEZ3w
Griffin had another phenomenal moment when he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, which is still the record for linebackers. He was a fifth-round draft pick of the Seahawks and played in 46 NFL games.
After using the franchise tag in each of Sean McVay’s first two seasons as head coach, the Los Angeles Rams haven’t tagged anyone since 2018. That’s seven straight years without using the franchise tag, which is hardly a bad thing.
The franchise tag is a way to keep a pending free agent for another year, but at a high cost and at the expense of potentially tarnishing the relationship with that player.
Teams can begin using the franchise and transition tag from Feb. 17 to March 3, and though some players around the NFL – hello, George Pickens – are sure to be tagged, the Rams seem unlikely to use theirs again.
Looking at the Rams’ list of pending free agents, there’s only one viable candidate for the tag: Kamren Curl. And as good as he’s been for Los Angeles, it’s hard to imagine the Rams tagging him for $20.9 million, which is how much the franchise tag is estimated to be for a safety this year.
Even the transition tag at $16.5 million should be too rich for the Rams, particularly after signing Quentin Lake to a three-year, $38.3 million extension.
Curl is sure to get a big raise from the two-year, $9 million deal he signed with the Rams in 2024, but he won’t hit $16.5 or $20.9 million on his next contract. Spotrac estimates his market value to be $10 million per year, projecting him to land a four-year, $40.2 million contract in free agency.
That would be half the cost of the franchise tag, which is why the Rams are unlikely to tag him.
There isn’t a single other Rams player who would be worth tagging, either. Not Tutu Atwell, Roger McCreary, Cobie Durant or Ahkello Witherspoon. Tyler Higbee also wouldn’t make sense.
Though it’s a sign of the Rams having a weak free-agent class, it’s a positive for the Rams because they’re unlikely to lose many impact players this offseason. They haven’t tagged anyone since Lamarcus Joyner in 2018 and it’s tough to imagine them using it on Curl (or someone else) this year.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Tuli Tuipulotu #45 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during player introductions before the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl game between the AFC and the NFC at the Moscone Center South on February 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. The NFC won 66-52. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NEW DELHI: New Zealand sealed their Super 8 berth in emphatic fashion as Glenn Phillips blasted the fastest fifty by a New Zealander in T20 World Cup history to power an eight-wicket win over Canada on Tuesday. Chasing a challenging 174 in a virtual knockout, New Zealand rode on an unbroken 146-run stand between Phillips and Rachin Ravindra to overhaul the target in just 15.1 overs and finish their group stage with six points.
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Canada had earlier produced a moment of history through teenage sensation Yuvraj Samra, who struck a magnificent 110 to become the youngest centurion in T20 World Cup history. His brilliance lifted Canada to 173 for 4 and briefly put New Zealand under pressure. Scorecard:New Zealand vs Canada
But New Zealand responded like true contenders. After slipping to 30 for 2 inside four overs, Ravindra and Phillips counter-attacked fearlessly. Phillips smashed an unbeaten 76 off 36 balls, while Ravindra remained 59 not out, as the chase turned into a one-sided finish that confirmed New Zealand’s passage to the next round and left Canada winless despite their young star’s heroics.
Samra’s history-making hundred lights up Canada’s innings
Samra announced himself on the global stage with a sensational innings that combined maturity and audacity. The 19-year-old dominated from the outset, taking on Matt Henry and James Neesham with clean, confident strokeplay.
He reached his fifty in just 36 balls and never slowed down, eventually finishing with 110 off 65 deliveries, including six sixes and 11 fours. Alongside captain Dilpreet Bajwa (36), he added 116 runs for the opening wicket — the highest first-wicket stand by an Associate nation against a Full Member in the tournament’s history.
However, Canada’s failure to capitalise fully in the final overs, scoring only 23 runs in the last three, proved costly in the end.
Early jolts for New Zealand spark the counter-attack
Canada made the ideal start while defending their total, removing Finn Allen and Tim Seifert inside the powerplay to reduce New Zealand to 30 for 2. At that stage, the chase hung in the balance and Canada sensed an opportunity to create another upset.
But Ravindra steadied the innings with composure, finding boundaries through elegant cuts and drives. His calm presence ensured New Zealand stayed ahead of the required rate and laid the platform for what followed next.
Phillips’ record fifty turns the game on its head
Phillips initially took a few deliveries to settle before unleashing one of the most destructive innings of the tournament. He tore into Canada’s bowlers with sweeps, switch-hits and towering straight sixes.
His half-century came off just 22 balls — the fastest ever by a New Zealander in T20 World Cups — and completely shattered Canada’s resistance. He continued the assault to finish unbeaten on 76, turning a tense chase into a commanding victory.
While Phillips grabbed the headlines, Ravindra’s role was equally crucial. He rotated strike intelligently and punished loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.
He brought up his half-century and fittingly hit the winning runs, capping a flawless partnership that came off just 73 balls. Their stand ensured New Zealand not only qualified but did so with authority and momentum.
At Werder Bremen, there is another personnel change in the coaching team. Just over two weeks after parting ways with head coach Horst Steffen, assistant coach Raphael Duarte must also leave.
As the Bundesliga club officially announced, the collaboration was terminated with immediate effect.
Sports director Clemens Fritz stated: “We are very grateful to Raphael for taking over the team on an interim basis together with Christian Groß after Horst Steffen's release.”
However, with the new head coach Daniel Thioune, “the tasks and responsibilities have changed.”
After Steffen's departure, Duarte initially decided to stay. But in the new setup, both sides ultimately saw no future together anymore.
David Finlay in New Japan Pro Wrestling - Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
"The Rebel" David Finlay has become one of the most talked about acts in all of wrestling due to his future with NJPW being up in the air, and the rumors and speculation are about to amplify as Finlay is now officially a free agent.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select has confirmed that Finlay's contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling has expired, meaning that he is now free to talk and negotiate with any company he wants. Due to the former Bullet Club leader being one of the biggest foreign names on the NJPW roster for the past few years, the company are naturally trying to sign Finlay to a new deal, but it's not been confirmed if talks have opened between the two parties. Despite being a free agent, Finlay does have one more NJPW date in his calendar, that being "The New Beginning In USA" event on February 27 where he will take on Fred Rosser, which many people believe will be Finlay's final match for the company given how he bid farewell to the Japanese audience at "The New Beginning In Osaka" event on February 11.
Fightful had confirmed as recently as December 2025 that Finlay would be open to exploring options in the United States once he became a free agent, which has led to reports of interest from both WWE and AEW. On the WWE side, Fightful had already confirmed in January 2026 that WWE had spoken to the former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion about a potential move, with many fans seeing a move to WWE as a logical one given his father, Fit Finlay, and his brother, "WWE NXT" star Uriah Connors both work for the company.
As for AEW, "The Rebel" has only ever made one appearance for the company, that being on an episode of "AEW Dynamite" back in June 2022 against Hangman Page, but due to his former stablemate in the Bullet Club War Dogs, Clark Connors, signing with the company very recently, that has led to speculation on whether Finlay will follow his fellow War Dog to All Elite Wrestling.
Right now, USC holds just two commitments in its 2027 recruiting class. Could a third be on the way soon?
On Sunday, USC picked up a projection from Rivals to land local four-star wide receiver Quentin Hale. Rivals ranks Hale as the No. 51 overall player and the No. 7 wide receiver in the class of 2027.
“Hale is from Corona, California, and is one of the top wide receivers in the country, with programs across the country battling to land his commitment,” JD McCarthy of College Sports Wire wrote. “Despite plenty of competition, two experts think the Trojans have done enough to become the leader in his recruitment.
“Adam Gorney and Greg Biggins of Rivals have both logged predictions for him to commit to USC. They are the only two predictions on where he will go, giving them a 96.4% chance to land him, according to the Rivals recruiting prediction machine.”
Hale is set to announce his commitment on Friday. He will choose between the Trojans, LSU, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The knockout stage of the 2026 UEFA Champions League is about to begin, as 16 of the 24 teams still alive will square off in a home-and-home series (two-legged tie) for the right to advance to the round of 16.
The league phase of the European club championships, with 36 teams playing eight games each, whittled the field down to 24, and the eight teams that didn't earn byes drew opponents.
Notably, French Ligue 1 rivals Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain drew each other in the first knockout stage round. All knockout-stage first-round games (effectively a round of 32) will be on Paramount+.
Where does the UEFA Champions League stand?
The tournament began in June with 83 teams from 53 member associations (representing countries' leagues), then played down to 36 for the league phase that began in September.
After eight games that were determined by draw, the top 24 advanced to the knockout stage, with the top eight getting a bye to the round of 16. The other 16 then drew for opponents to create eight pairings.
What is the format for the knockout stage first round
The 16 teams in the first round of the knockout stage were drawn against opponents based on their positions in the final league phase standings. They then play a two-legged home-and-home series using aggregate score over the 180 minutes.
If the aggregate score is tied after the completion of the second game, road-goal tiebreakers are no longer used. The teams will play 30 minutes of extra time, then go to penalties if needed.
What is the schedule for the first round of the knockout stage?
Opening legs
Feb. 17
Galatasaray (Turkey) vs. Juventus (Italy), 12:45 p.m., Paramount+ and TUDN, Istanbul, Turkey
Club Brugge (Belgium) vs. Athletico Madrid (Spain), 3 p.m., Paramount+, Brugge, Belgium
Bodø/Glimt (Norway) vs. Inter Milan (Italy), 3 p.m., Paramount+, Bodø, Norway
Return legs
Feb. 24
Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugge, 12:45 p.m., Paramount+, Madrid
Inter Milan vs. FK Bodø/Glimt, 3 p.m., Paramount+, Milan, Italy
Newcastle United vs. Qarabağ FK, 3 p.m., Paramount+, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos, 3 p.m., Paramount+, Leverkusen, Germany
Feb. 25
Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund, 12:45 p.m., Paramount+, Bergamo, Italy
Real Madrid vs. Benfica, 3 p.m., Paramount+, Madrid
Juventus vs. Galatasaray, 3 p.m., Paramount+, Turin, Italy
Paris Saint-Germain vs. AS Monaco, 3 p.m., Paramount+, Paris
What happens for the round of 16?
The eight teams that have byes straight into the round of 16 are Barcelona (Spain), Chelsea (England), Liverpool (England), Tottenham (England), Sporting CP (Portugal), Arsenal (England) and Bayern Munich (Germany).
They will draw opponents on Feb. 27, and the round of 16 will begin on March 10 and 11. After the round of 16 draw, the tournament is bracketed through to the finals.
When are the finals?
The finals will be May 30 in Budapest, Hungary.
What is the schedule for the 2026 UEFA Champions League knockout stages?
Kyrie Irving is the Dallas Mavericks’ top point guard when he’s on the floor.
Unfortunately, his 2025-2026 season debut remains on hold. As Irving recovers from a torn ACL, which he suffered nearly one year ago, the Mavericks are still patiently waiting for his return.
On Monday, it was revealed that Irving’s return isn’t solely in the hands of the medical staff. The veteran guard holds all of the cards in this situation.
“I’m told that the decision will be a collaborative one …with Irving given a strong say on his preference to either give himself more time to recover from the surgery or test himself in a few games this spring,” NBA Insider Marc Stein wrote on Monday.
On one hand, taking a full season off and prolonging the return until next season could leave Irving with plenty of rust when he’s ready to start making an impact for the Mavericks again. Plus, he won’t get any time to mesh with the rookie star, Cooper Flagg.
On the other hand, the Mavericks don’t look like a team that’s heading anywhere positive. At the All-Star break, they hold a 19-35 record, and are on a nine-game losing streak. The Mavs are 12th in the Western Conference.
They would need a major turnaround to get the 10th seed, locking in a spot for the NBA Play-In Tournament. Is it truly worth rolling out the veteran guard, further risking his health for an unlikely Play-In appearance? The Mavs would probably lean towards keeping Irving as healthy as possible. Ultimately, Irving will get a chance to make his final decision.
Irving appeared in 50 games last season for the Mavs. He posted averages of 24.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. He shot 47 percent from the field and knocked down 40 percent of his threes.
Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is set to make a shock return to MMA after 10 years out of the cage.
Rousey (12-2, 3 KOs), a trailblazer for the sport, has not fought since suffering a first-round knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016.
But under the banner of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, the 39-year-old American will clash with Gina Carano (7-1, 3 KOs) in Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome on Saturday 16 May, with the fight to be streamed live on Netflix.
The bout will be fought at featherweight (145lbs) and is scheduled to be contested for five rounds, the length given to title fights and main events in the UFC.
“Been waiting so long to announce this: me and Gina Carano are going to throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history,” said Rousey.
“And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion MVP as well as the biggest and baddest streamer on the planet Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to come… much more.”
Rousey became the most recognisable female personality in combat sports during her peak, blazing the trail in women’s MMA as the UFC’s inaugural bantamweight champion.
The submission specialist successfully defended her title six times, three of which via her signature armbar, before being knocked out by Holly Holm to relinquish the belt at UFC 193.
Ronda Rousey ended her UFC career with back-to-back losses (Getty)
Her subsequent defeat to Nunes proved her final MMA outing before jumping ship to professional wrestling, debuting in WWE in 2018 - the same year she earned her induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.
She went on to win three world titles in the promotion while also helping propel the WWE women’s division towards its first WrestleMania main event in history.
Rousey is also an Olympic medallist, becoming the first American to podium in judo since it became an official event at the 2008 Beijing Games.
“MVP's conviction in women’s boxing was driven by the success achieved by Ronda Rousey, who was the biggest star of the entire sport of MMA during her career,” said MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.
Ronda Rousey alongside WWE higher-ups Stephanie McMahon and Paul 'Triple H' Levesque in 2017 (Getty)
Rousey’s opponent, 43-year-old Carano, is also recognised as a pioneering figure in women’s MMA and has shared the cage with UFC champions before, facing and losing to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce in 2009.
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for and it has been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” said Carano.
“She thanked me for opening up doors for her in her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen. This is an honor.
“I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome. This is as much for Ronda and me as it is for the fans and mixed martial arts community. What a time to be alive.”
Atlie Lie McGrath after not finishing his second run of men's slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 16.
Christian Petersen/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Atlie Lie McGrath had his gold medal dreams crushed in the final moments of the men's slalom final on Feb. 16
His reaction went viral, with him storming off to lie down in the snow alone
McGrath is mourning the loss of his grandfather, who died on the day of the Olympics opening ceremony
Norwegian alpine skier Atle Lie McGrath had one goal heading into the second run of the men’s slalom final on Feb. 16: maintain his first-place standing, and win an Olympic gold medal in honor of his late grandfather.
When McGrath, 25, came up short in the final seconds of the event, he was crushed, leading to a rather dramatic reaction that has since gone viral.
Upon failing to finish the race after he straddled a gate, thus ending his dreams of a medal, McGrath threw his ski poles out into the distance and stormed off past the course and into the endless snow, eventually ditching his gloves and goggles and lying down on his own.
The U.S.-born athlete later told reporters that he’d never experienced such a low in his entire career.
“It’s not the worst moment of my life, but it’s the worst moment of my career, and it’s been one of the toughest moments of my life with everything that’s been going on,” he said, according to NBC. “I was hoping I was going to be able to crown off this tough period with something good today and I’ve just had to really stand through so much tough stuff. I’m normally a guy that’s very good when it comes to perspective on things. And if I don’t ski well in a race, I can at least tell myself that I’m healthy and my family’s healthy and the people I love are here, so that’s nice. But that’s not been the case.”
Atlie Lie McGrath walks into the snow after his race on Feb. 16 at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Dustin Satloff/Getty
McGrath’s grandfather, Svein Lie, died at age 83 on Feb. 6, the same day as the Milan Cortina Games opening ceremony, and the athlete hoped he would be able to honor him with a gold medal.
McGrath had an impressive first run, with a .59-second cushion heading into the second over the Swiss Loic Meillard, who ultimately took home the gold.
“I lost someone I love so much and… I just needed some time for myself,” he said of his reaction. “I gave myself the absolute best opportunity you could today. And I skied so great and I still couldn’t get it done. So that’s what really hurts.”
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, McGrath shared a letter to his Instagram addressed to his grandfather, whom he called “Fafao.”
“I gave it everything. Chasing the biggest dream of them all. I tried to pick up the broken pieces of my heart this past week, just for it to break all over again,” he wrote. “Take care of the people you love, you never know how long you have them❤️.”
Lindsey Vonn — who’s also experienced her fair share of disappointment this Olympics — responded with a supportive comment.
“He is proud of you no matter what ❤️,” she wrote.
McGrath previously finished fifth in giant slalom on Feb. 14, and spoke afterward about how difficult the Games have been for him.
“It's really hard to all of a sudden to say, 'Oh, I'm going to go ski between some plastic gates down a mountain and make it seem important', when I've lost someone I love so much,” he told reporters. “Lots of tears, and then also the turning point for me was when my family came yesterday. I went from being so sad and almost depressed, to having a genuine smile."
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.
Antrim's National Hurling League Division 1B game against Carlow on Sunday will now be played at Corrigan Park.
Originally, the game was due to take place in Dunloy, but has been switched to the Belfast venue with its original throw-in time of 13:00 GMT intact.
Corrigan Park has been Antrim's settled home venue for past number of seasons but was closed at the end of the 2025 club championships for remedial work.
The Saffrons hosted Clare in Cushendall in their second league fixture - a game that was also switched from Dunloy - while the footballers have played their league games in Portglenone.
Davy Fitzgerald's side go into Sunday's game with three straight defeats, including a disappointing reverse away to Kildare last time out, which leaves them joint bottom of the division with neighbours Down and desperate for a win to give themselves a shot at survival.
Carlow have played a game less in the seven-team division, beating Down on the opening day and enjoyed a bye week before defeat away to Wexford on 7 February.
Sunday's game will be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website and app.
Arkansas basketball's NCAA Tournament résumé continues to take shape as teams across the country dive into the second halves of their conference schedules.
National experts still believe the No. 17 Razorbacks (19-6, 9-3 SEC) are a lock to participate in this year's March Madness, but time is running out on the Hogs' chances of elevating into one of the tournament's top seeds.
Arkansas is coming off wins over LSU and Auburn last week. Darius Acufff Jr., Billy Richmond III and Trevon Brazile posted strong numbers as Karter Knox and D.J. Wagner returned from injuries against Auburn.
With the NCAA Tournament four weeks away, here are the latest Bracketology projections for the Razorbacks.
ESPN:Joe Lunardi says the Razorbacks are a No. 5 seed in the West Region, giving them a first-round matchup with Belmont in Tampa, Fla. The winner would go on to face No. 4 Michigan State or No. 13 UNCW in the Round of 32.
On3: James Fletcher III projects the Hogs as a No. 5 seed in the West Region, but he's sending them to Portland for a first-round date with South Florida. Four-seed Louisville and No. 13 Hawaii make up the rest of the quadrant.
USA TODAY Sports: A group of writers with USA TODAY are also sending Arkansas to Portland, but they have the Razorbacks as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region. In this projection, Arkansas would open the tournament against either TCU or UCLA as an 11-seed, with the winner playing one of No. 3 Nebraska or No. 14 California Baptist in the second round.
The Athletic: Joe Rexrode is giving the Razorbacks a short drive over to Oklahoma City, where they would be the No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region. In this projection, the Hogs would face San Diego State or Santa Clara, with the winner advancing to play Nebraska or Portland State.
Arkansas basketball NCAA Tournament résumé
The Razorbacks are 6-6 against Quad 1 opponents, with victories against Vanderbilt, Louisville, Texas Tech, Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma.
Arkansas is 4-0 against Quad 2 opponents. The Razorbacks are No. 18 in the NET Rankings and No. 17 on KenPom.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith provide backline cover from the bench as Ben Spencer and Fin Smith drop out, and there are again six forwards in reserve, including Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill, who had started five of England’s last six games.
“We’re expecting a huge contest at Allianz Stadium and we’re excited for it,” said Borthwick. “We know the challenge Ireland will bring and we’ve selected a side that we believe has the right balance to meet it.”
Pollock, a tourist with the British and Irish Lions last year, had won his first seven England caps off the bench since scoring two tries on debut against Wales in the final round of the 2025 championship.
Itoje becomes only the ninth man to reach a century of England caps, following in the footsteps of teammates Jamie George and George Ford, who reached the landmark during 2025.
Maro Itoje will win his 100th England cap (PA Wire)
The 31-year-old lock made his debut during the 2016 Six Nations and has been a first-choice pick under both Borthwick and predecessor Eddie Jones ever since.
“To reach 100 caps for England is a remarkable achievement and speaks volumes about Maro’s consistency and professionalism over many years,” Borthwick said.
“He leads through his actions every day, sets the standard for others and cares deeply about representing his country. We’re all incredibly proud of what he has achieved, and I know it will be a special day for him and his family.”
England’s 31-20 defeat at Murrayfield snapped a winning run of 12 matches, and was a significant blow to their hopes of challenging for the title.
They were beaten by Ireland in Dublin during last year’s Six Nations, though pipped Andy Farrell’s side on their last visit to Twickenham thanks to a Marcus Smith drop goal.
England XV to face Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Henry Pollock; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 George Ford; 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
"It's hard to play when the rules are different...", reacts the Brazilian
Raphinha's message after Barça's defeat to Girona
FC Barcelona is experiencing a turbulent spell. Defeated by Girona FC in the Catalan derby (2-1), Hansi Flick's men stumble again after a disappointing performance in the Copa del Rey. But beyond the result, it's a refereeing decision that's sparking debate.
The match turned in the closing stages. In the 87th minute, Fran Beltrán secured victory for Girona. In the build-up, Claudio Echeverri, on loan from Manchester City, appears to step on Jules Koundé's foot at the start of the attack. The referee lets play continue, VAR reviews the incident... but the decision stands.
This sequence triggered a reaction from Raphinha. On Instagram, the Brazilian winger wrote:
It's very difficult to play when the rules are different depending on whether they're in your favor or not. But if we have to play against everyone to win, we'll do it. Visca el Barça sempre.
A powerful, frustrated message that captures the tense atmosphere surrounding Barça after this unexpected defeat.
Barcelona presidential candidate vows to sue Real Madrid TV, CTA if he wins election – “Not their friends”
The Barcelona election season is finally here, with Joan Laporta and Victor Font emerging as the two main candidates.
In an election that is going to play a key role in determining Barcelona’s future, one of the key issues is the situation of referees in La Liga.
Barcelona believe that they have been at a disadvantage due to the lack of competency from the Spanish referees and have already filed an official complaint to the RFEF.
Victor Font’s big promise ahead of election
As reported by AS, Victor Font scheduled a counter-event on Tuesday to announce the primary initiatives he will undertake if elected on March 15.
One of his first decisions will be to file a lawsuit against the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) over an alleged conflict of interest, and against Real Madrid Television for attempted competition manipulation.
“After the match against Girona, we must make it clear that Barcelona fans are deeply disappointed and more vulnerable than ever,” Font stated.
“For the last five years, Real Madrid has managed to distort the competition. During this time, Real Madrid has been awarded 26 more penalties than Barça,” he added.
Font is not playing around.(Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Reminding Laporta of his five years in power, Font accused the current president of siding with Florentino Perez rather than taking concrete action to defend the institution.
“When we talk about defending the club, we’re not talking about making pronouncements and slogans, but about taking action,” he said.
“Our legal team is preparing a complaint against the RFEF and the CTA, which will be filed after we win the elections, to ensure that the manipulation being carried out by Real Madrid Television and the conflicts of interest involving a woman who is part of the CTA and is the wife of a Real Madrid employee, Yolanda Parga, are denounced.”
It is clear that Font is ready to take a hard stance on this issue, although it might come at the expense of Barcelona’s relationship with Real Madrid dwindling further.
Fortunately, Barcelona already appear to have gained favour within the EFC by realigning with UEFA early, whereas Real Madrid only recently made a peace agreement with UEFA and the EFC.
“Defending the club isn’t about shouting, it’s about taking action,” Font firmly added. “We are going to sue Real Madrid Television; we are not going to side with Florentino and Tebas. We are not their friends,” he concluded.
This fixture comes just weeks after their last showdown. On the final day of the league stage, Benfica claimed a spectacular 4-2 victory, a result that denied Real Madrid direct qualification and injected an extra dose of revenge into this duel.
The Madrid club finished the stage in ninth place with 15 points, tallying five wins and three defeats. Meanwhile, the Lisbon side ended up twenty-fourth with 9 points, thanks to three victories and five losses.
On the tactical front, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the challenge of facing a well-organized team, fully capable of exploiting home advantage and the energy of their supporters. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his squad’s ambitions: aiming for the title, not just to get through this round.
Lele Adani believes Juventus had a very good game against Inter Milan
Lele Adani believes Juventus produced an impressive performance against Inter Milan despite the first-half dismissal of Pierre Kalulu. The French defender received two yellow cards within a short period, leaving Juve stunned as they were reduced to ten men.
The incident unfolded over the course of a few minutes, with both bookings later described as debatable. Replays appeared to suggest that the decisions were soft, particularly given the nature of the contest. Although it was a high-profile fixture between fierce rivals, there had not been a level of aggression that clearly warranted such a decisive intervention.
Kalulu’s reaction reflected his disbelief, as his sending off placed his team at a clear disadvantage and means he will now miss Juventus’ next match. Losing a defender so early could have unsettled the side, yet their response on the pitch told a different story.
Juventus respond with resilience
Rather than collapse under pressure, Juventus reorganised quickly and displayed discipline and cohesion. Inter inevitably enjoyed more possession and created additional opportunities, but the Bianconeri limited clear openings and remained competitive throughout.
Their structure and work rate ensured that the numerical disadvantage was not as evident as many might have expected. Even though they ultimately finished on the losing side, Juventus demonstrated character and tactical awareness. Performances of that standard, particularly in difficult circumstances, suggest they are capable of securing positive results in future fixtures if they maintain the same intensity and focus.
(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Adani’s verdict on the display
Adani shared his assessment of the match as reported by Calciomercato, emphasising the credibility of Juventus’ display despite the setback.
He said, “The feeling from the pitch was that Juventus were playing a great game, even with 10 men. It’s true that Inter inevitably had more chances, but Juve were truly credible.”
Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association since 2013, is expected to resign according to multiplereports Tuesday.
The decision comes months before the Collective Bargaining Agreement that governs the labor structure of Major League Baseball is set to expire. It raises the obvious question of who will lead negotiations against MLB and commissioner Rob Manfred when negotiations are expected to commence in December.
Netflix will soon be adding mixed martial arts to its live sports roster, as Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to headline a fight night on May 16.
The live sporting event at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome follows the streamer’s boxing partnership with Most Valuable Promotions, which saw Jake Paul take on Mike Tyson as the most-streamed sporting event ever with 125 million viewers. Additional fights on the Rousey vs. Carano card are still to come.
“Been waiting so long to announce this,” Rousey told Tudum. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest superfight in women’s combat sport history, and we’re partnering with the fighter-first promoter, MVP, as well as the baddest streamer on the planet, Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present, and future.”
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for, and it’s been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” Carano added.
Rousey is a UFC champion and Olympic medalist with a record of 12-2 (9 submissions, 3 KOs), while Carano broke ground for women in the sport with Elite Xtreme Combat and Strikeforce and a 7-1 record (1 submission, 3 KOs). Both featherweights have also notably made the move from athlete to actress.
“After the record-breaking success in boxing, we wanted our first MMA event to be truly legendary,” Netflix VP of Sports Gabe Spitzer said in a Tuesday statement. “These are more than just athletes — they are generational stars, and having them headline our MMA debut at the Intuit Dome is a defining moment for us.”
The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the 2026 offseason with the very clear goal of bolstering their Super Bowl-caliber roster.
With Matthew Stafford's return, there is no reason why the Rams shouldn't go all-in this offseason. Whether it's free agents, trades, or draft picks, now is the time for the Rams to make a Super Bowl push.
Cornerback is a top need to address, and for ESPN's Matt Bowen, speedy New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor's best fit would be with the Rams this offseason.
Rams named best fit for Saints' Alontae Taylor
"The Rams' lack of speed in the secondary - which showed up in their NFC Championship game loss to the Seahawks - must be addressed this offseason," Bowen writes. "Taylor, who had two interceptions with the Saints in 2025, would provide the Rams a versatile corner with disruptive traits and the ability to play outside or in the slot."
While the Rams could go after a lot of different free agent and trade targets at cornerback this offseason, Taylor might be one of the best options.
He's a speedster, running a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and with 59 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended this season, he's a cornerback worth investing in.
What makes Taylor such a great option is that he's not just a solid coverage corner; he's a willing tackler, can stick with speedy players, and can also generate pressure as a pass rusher.
Taylor had two sacks this season and four in 2024. While he might not be the superstar cornerback that gets talked about like the best in the league, Taylor is the exact kind of veteran option the Rams need this offseason.
The 27-year-old cornerback should be a priority for the Rams this offseason. Bowen named the Rams Taylor's best fit this offseason, and with how badly the Rams need a cornerback, this fit makes all the sense in the world.
Germany coach Harold Kreis (C) watches Germany's Fabio Wagner (R) reaches the puck before France's goalkeeper Julian Junca in the Men's Ice Hockey Quarterfinal Qualification match between Germany and France at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Peter Kneffel/dpa
Germany beat France 5-1 in a play-off to reach the Olympic men's ice hockey quaer-finals where they will face Slovakia on Wednesday.
First period goals from Edmonton Oilers star Leon Drasaitl, Frederik Tiffels and JJ Peterka put the Germans on course on Tuesday and Joshua Samanski on a power play and Nico Sturm wrapped up matters in the final period.
The Germans overcame a sluggish second period where France had pulled one back from Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and their goalkeeper Antoine Keller kept them in the game with big saves.
Germany were surprise silver medallists in 2018 but were forced into the play-off after an initial group stage victory against Denmark was followed by defeats against Latvia and the United States.
Further improvement will be needed after Tuesday to prevail against the 2022 bronze medallists Slovakia.
The three group winners and the best runner-up - Canada, US, Slovakia and Finland - advanced directly into the last eight, the remaining four slots are decided in play-offs.
Germany's Fabio Wagner (R) reaches the puck before France's goalkeeper Julian Junca in the Men's Ice Hockey Quarterfinal Qualification match between Germany and France at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Peter Kneffel/dpa
Italy's Rebecca Passler in action during training for the biathlon at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler has not been nominated for Wednesday's Olympic women's relay race after being cleared to compete despite a positive doping test.
The Italian winter sport federation said on Tuesday that pursuit gold medallist Lisa Vittozzi and the other top star Dorothea Wierer will be joined by Hannah Auchentaller and Michela Carrara in the 4x6 kilometres race.
This team finished second in two World Cup races this season. Passler, who returned to training on Monday, has also been a relay team member in the past.
Passler tested positive for the banned substance letrozole during an out-of-competition test in January and was provisionally suspended.
But the appeals court of Italy's national anti-doping authority NADO cleared her on Friday, saying she could credibly prove a case of contamination.
Letrozole is normally used in cancer treatment. Passler's mother has breast cancer and the substance was at their home for this reason.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tony Clark intends to resign as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a person familiar with union’s deliberations said Tuesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because his decision, first reported by ESPN, had not been announced. The person said an announcement was likely later Tuesday.
Clark’s decision comes during an investigation by the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, into One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the union and the NFL Players Association.
The move was made ahead of an expected start of collective bargaining in April for an agreement to replace the five-year labor contract that expires Dec. 1. Management appears on track to propose a salary cap, which possibly could lead to a work stoppage that causes regular-season games to be canceled for the first time since 1985.
Clark, 53, is a former All-Star first baseman who became the first player to head the Union.
He last played in 2008 and was a member of the union staff when Michael Weiner was diagnosed with brain tumor.
He took over as union head when Weiner died in late 2013 and led players through negotiations that led to agreements in 2016 and 2022, the latter after a 99-day lockout.
Bruce Meyer, who was the lead negotiator under Clark in 2021-22, was promoted to deputy executive director in the summer of 2022 and is slated to again head negotiation.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tony Clark intends to resign as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a person familiar with union’s deliberations said Tuesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because his decision, first reported by ESPN, had not been announced. The person said an announcement was likely later Tuesday.
Clark’s decision comes during an investigation by the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, into One Team Partners, a licensing company founded by the union and the NFL Players Association.
The move was made ahead of an expected start of collective bargaining in April for an agreement to replace the five-year labor contract that expires Dec. 1. Management appears on track to propose a salary cap, which possibly could lead to a work stoppage that causes regular-season games to be canceled for the first time since 1985.
Clark, 53, is a former All-Star first baseman who became the first player to head the Union.
He last played in 2008 and was a member of the union staff when Michael Weiner was diagnosed with brain tumor.
He took over as union head when Weiner died in late 2013 and led players through negotiations that led to agreements in 2016 and 2022, the latter after a 99-day lockout.
Bruce Meyer, who was the lead negotiator under Clark in 2021-22, was promoted to deputy executive director in the summer of 2022 and is slated to again head negotiation.
The combat sports world was turned upside down today with the official announcement that two of the most influential figures in women’s mixed martial arts history will finally meet in the cage. Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions confirmed that former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will return to competition to face fellow pioneer Gina Carano on May 16.
The bout, which has been a topic of fantasy matchmaking for over a decade, will headline Netflix’s inaugural live MMA broadcast from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The event marks an expansion for MVP, the promotion co-founded by Jake Paul, as they venture into mixed martial arts for the first time following their success in boxing.
The matchup is set to be contested at featherweight (145 pounds), a weight class that accommodates both fighters at this stage of their careers. The fight will be a contest sanctioned under the Unified Rules of MMA, scheduled for five five-minute rounds with standard 4-ounce gloves. This means that it’s a legitimate fight and not an exhibition.
Rousey, who has not fought since 2016, shared her excitement about the fight in a statement to Netflix. “Been waiting so long to announce this,” Rousey said. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest superfight in women’s combat sport history, and we’re partnering with the fighter-first promoter, MVP, as well as the baddest streamer on the planet, Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present, and future.”
For Carano, the fight represents a return to the sport she helped popularize before transitioning to a successful acting career. Before the switch, she made a name for herself during her run in EliteXC and Strikeforce. Carano hasn’t competed since her 2009 bout with Cyborg Santos. She revealed that the reason for the fight came directly from Rousey.
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for, and it’s been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” Carano shared. Despite the competitive nature of the booking, there is a clear undercurrent of mutual respect.
“She thanked me for opening up doors for her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen,” Carano added. “This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win, and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome.”
The event will be available to all Netflix subscribers globally at no additional cost. Tickets for the historic night go on sale Thursday, March 5, at Ticketmaster, coinciding with a kickoff press conference where the two icons will face off for the first time.
Oliver Burke's Union Berlin sit 10th of the 18 teams in the Bundesliga [Getty Images]
Oli Burke insists he has given little thought to a Scotland recall for the World Cup and is simply focusing on doing well for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
The 28-year-old joined Union on a long-term contract in the summer and has scored four goals this season, including a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt.
"I'm just focused on my football here and what happens, happens really," Burke, who earned the last of his 13 caps in 2020, said.
"I've not really thought too much on it. Obviously, I know there's a World Cup coming up, but I've not really been a part of it recently.
"I'm not really expecting anything. I'm just enjoying myself and enjoying football again, which is the most important thing for me.
"If I can, hopefully, do some good performances, score some more goals and hopefully that is catching the eye a little bit and gives me a chance, at least.
"Obviously, it's an absolute honour to wear the badge and represent your country. It's such a privilege. Obviously, I would really love that again and to have that experience again.
"I cannot think too much on that. I have to just stay focused and do the best I can here and see what happens."
Burke is in his third spell in Germany, having made his first move to the Bundesliga in 2016, when he joined RB Leipzeg from Nottingham Forest for what was then a record fee for a Scottish player of £13m.
"I was young, the price tag, I didn't really know too much about it," he recalled. "I didn't really understand it so much at that age. As I got older, it started to weigh a little bit.
"In football, everything happens quickly. You have your good moments and then there can be bad moments.
"It's been kind of like this throughout my career. Many ups and many downs."
Stuttgart tough opponents for Celtic
Burke, who joined Union from Werder Bremen, says the experience he has in Germany has developed him.
"I almost feel like a different player, but obviously that comes with maturing," he said. "Knowing your job better and being more effective in your role, defensively as well.
"It's just about adapting really."
In 2019, Burke had a spell on loan to Celtic, who play Stuttgart on Thursday in the Europa League play-off, and he is predicting a difficult tie for his former club.
"Stuttgart are not an easy team," he said. "They're doing brilliantly this season.
"Celtic are an amazing club. I love the club. I still watch here and there.
"I watched the Kilmarnock game the other day. I was saying to my wife 'they're going to score in the last minute' because it's just Celtic typical."
Kirkcaldy-born Burke also had a stint with Alaves in Spain after his time with Celtic.
"When you move abroad, it's also important to try and embed yourself into the culture quickly and become close with your team-mates as fast as you can," he added.
"Create a bond, not just on the pitch but off it as well, so that you feel more comfortable and you feel more at home."
Last week: Collin Morikawa won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Notes: The tournament was held at Torrey Pines last year because of the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades. ... Tournament host Tiger Woods is not playing. ... This is the second straight $20 million signature event. ... The tee on the par-3 fourth has been changed so the hole plays 37 yards longer at 273 yards. The 18th tee is where the fourth tee used to be, adding 24 yards to make it play 499 yards. ... Lanny Wadkins holds the 72-hole scoring record at Riviera at 264 set in 1985, the longest-standing 72-hole record on the PGA Tour. ... Adam Scott received one of the sponsor exemptions. He is a two-time winner at Riviera, one of those unofficial because rain shortened it to 36 holes in 2005. ... Riviera will host the U.S. Women's Open for the first time in early June, along with the Olympics in 2028. ... The Charlie Sifford exemption was given Sahith Theegala, who has not been eligible for the signature events this year.
Television: Wednesday-Thursday, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Golf Channel); Friday-Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).
Defending champion: Angel Yin.
Race to CME Globe leader: Nelly Korda.
Last tournament: Nelly Korda won the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Notes: This starts the first Asia swing of the LPGA Tour schedule that will go from Thailand to Singapore to China before returning back to the U.S. on March 19. ... Nelly Korda, who won the season opener in Florida that was reduced to 54 holes, is skipping the early Asia swing for the third consecutive year. ... Past Thai winners at their home tournament are Patty Tavatanakit (2024) and Ariya Jutanugarn (2021). ... The field features Jeeno Thitikul, the No. 1 player in women's golf, and Women's British Open champion Miyu Yamashita. ... Danielle Kang at No. 625 in the women's world ranking is playing on a sponsor invitation. Kang, a former major champion, has not had a top 10 since 2023 as she works through injuries. ... Amy Yang is a three-time winner of the Honda LPGA Thailand. The only other multiple winner since the tournament began in 2006 is Yani Tseng, who won twice. ... Fourteen Americans are part of the 72-player field.
Last tournament: Patrick Reed won the Qatar Masters.
Notes: This is the first of three consecutive weeks on Africa for the European tour. In the middle is the South African Open, which this year offers an invitation to the Masters. ... This is the seventh year of the tournament being part of the European tour schedule, dating to 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic. ... Thriston Lawrence of South Africa is the only player from the top 100 in the world ranking who is playing. ... Freddy Schott is in the field. The German won the Bahrain Championship in a playoff. ... Patrick Reed leads the “International Swing” by more than 1,000 points. The winner of each swing gets a $200,000 bonus. ... Reed and Jayden Schaper of South Africa already are multiple winners on the European tour season so far. Schaper is not playing this week. ... While the Kenya Open has been on the European schedule since 2019, past champions include Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam when it was on the Sunshine Tour.
In Barnwell's trade, the Jaguars send Little and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
This would give the Jaguars 12 selections in the upcoming NFL draft, but more importantly, some needed salary cap relief.
According to Over the Cap, if the Jaguars traded Little, they would create $7.26 million in 2026 salary cap space.
"Little never really seemed comfortable within the offense in 2025," wrote Barnwell. "Per NFL Next Gen Stats, he allowed 7.5 sacks and 57 pressures in 12 games at left tackle before suffering a concussion."
Barnwell added, "Little should also have some modest trade value because of his age (he turns 27 in April) and experience playing left tackle. Remember that Jaylon Moore, who served as the backup left tackle for the 49ers behind Trent Williams, signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Chiefs in free agency a year ago. Little would be less expensive and has more experience than Moore."
Cole Van Lanen took over as the Jaguars startin left tackle down the stretch and is likely to remain in that role moving forward after signing an extension late in the season.
This leaves Little as a swing tackle off the bench or backup option at guard, where he filled in down the stretch. However, with a base salary of $11 million this year and a cap hit of $14.49, that's a lot of dollars to devote to a backup.
On paper, this deal makes sense, but as Barnwell outlined, Little's play was inconsistent at left tackle, so I don't know how eager the Browns or any team would be to trade away a draft pick while also having to take on an $11 million salary.
However, maybe Cleveland's need up front supercedes all of that.
"The good news is the Browns need starters everywhere," Barnwell wrote. "Cam Robinson, Jack Conklin, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic are all free agents, while tackle Dawand Jones missed most of 2025 because of hamstring and knee injuries and is entering the final year of his deal. Little would step in at one of those many openings for the Browns up front."
If Little isn't traded, just releasing him doesn't provide the Jaguars with much salary cap relief. So, unless a deal can be worked out, perhaps the most likely scenario is that Little remains with the Jaguars for the 2026 season, providing depth up front.
In Denver, the Broncos were reportedly sniffing around the tight end market before last year's trade deadline, and that could once again be the case this offseason, as Denver needs a better blocker at the position to complement Evan Engram. The Broncos could also opt to cut Engram, which would make their need dire.
The Ravens inked Mark Andrews to a long-term extension in 2025, which means that Isaiah Likely could depart as he prepares to hit the open market for the first time in his career.
David Njoku has made it quite clear he's done in Cleveland. The Browns are still in good shape at the position with Harold Fannin Jr., but adding a veteran complement makes sense for Cleveland with Njoku departing.
One tight end who could be available for all three teams is Buffalo Bills veteran Dawson Knox, who was labeled a cut candidate by Matt Okada of NFL.com.
"It previously signed Knox to a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022, and while Knox made the Pro Bowl that season, he has been middling at best in the three years since," Okada wrote.
With the Bills having a tight ends room that includes Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes, and with Knox not exactly living up to his $29 million contract, Buffalo could view Knox as expendable as he enters the final year of his contract.
Increasing the odds that the Bills cut Knox is the team's lackluster salary cap space situation. The Bills are currently $12.3 million over the cap and cutting Knox would save $9.6 million.
Knox would check the box for what the Broncos need. He's a more than serviceable pass-catcher and is a much better blocker than Engram, which will particularly help Denver's rushing attack.
Along with his skills as a blocker and pass-catcher, Knox would offer Cleveland the kind of veteran presence the team needs in the tight ends room next to Fannin. Knox would be a fantastic mentor for the 21-year-old.
Knox isn't the kind of playmaker Likely is, but he would still be a huge asset for the Ravens and would help free up Andrews to do more in the passing game out of two tight-end sets while also improving the blocking in the run game.
It makes all the sense in the world for the Bills to cut Knox in 2026, and it would not be surprising to see him land with any of the three aforementioned teams.
Anthony Gordon: Man United aim to beat Liverpool to sign Newcastle star
Manchester United are planning a blockbuster raid for Anthony Gordon as the Red Devils look to sign a “game-changing” winger to complete their attack, according to the latest report.
All Right, No Left
United are intent on sticking with a back four and flying wingers after the remarkable uplift in form under Michael Carrick, who was handed the reins as caretaker coach until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The 44-year-old Englishman immediately switched to a 4-2-3-1 system, with four wins on the bounce – including back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal – proving the effectiveness of this change.
The only match in which United have dropped points was against West Ham in a turgid draw at the London Stadium, which highlighted the lack of a natural left-winger in the squad compared to the well-stocked right-hand side. Three options for this role left Old Trafford last summer as part of Amorim’s ruthless clear-out of the squad – Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – while only Matheus Cunha arrived in their place.
However, the Brazil international is more effective when operating centrally, in the half-space between defence and midfield. He is a less comfortable fit when deployed out wide, tasked with going past his opposite number on the outside as much as inside.
As such, the club are prioritising a new left-sided player this summer, with RB Leipzig speedster Yan Diomande and Everton wizard Iliman Ndiaye understood to be two of the primary targets. But, in a bombshell twist, a report relayed by The Peoples Person states United are also keeping close tabs on Gordon, with the Newcastle talisman’s versatility and physicality of particular interest.
United prepare blockbuster bid
The Red Devils are now said to be ready to accelerate their pursuit of the 24-year-old winger, who swapped Merseyside for Tyneside in 2023 for £40 million after coming through Everton’s academy. A report in Spain claims United are “prepared to make an offer” close to £87 million to convince their Premier League competitor to part with Gordon this summer.
INEOS are increasingly drawn to Premier League experience as a key attribute in recruitment, given the success in the capture of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer. Gordon fits the bill as one of the division’s premier attackers, who is set to represent the Three Lions at the World Cup this summer after winning the trust of Thomas Tuchel.
Liverpool are also “closely monitoring” the England international as they believe he can “become the natural successor to Mohamed Salah”, with his tactical flexibility enabling him to also play on the right. This creates the tantalising prospect of the two bitter rivals going head to head for Gordon and a bidding war erupting for the Newcastle attacker.
Interestingly, United are also tracking his teammate at St James’s Park, Sandro Tonali, as a potential option to bolster the midfield, with Arsenal and City also in the hunt.
Final Thoughts – Raiding a Rival
There is a growing sense Newcastle’s poor campaign will leave the north-east club vulnerable in the transfer market, as they will almost certainly not be able to offer Champions League football to their star players next season.
However, the Magpies will refuse to do business with a domestic rival without demanding eye-watering sums, as Liverpool found out last summer in their pursuit of Alexander Isak.
INEOS must be prepared to meet this £87 million price tag to secure Gordon’s signature – and potentially go even higher if they are to fend off competition from Merseyside at the same time.
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou
Real Madrid continue to struggle with injuries as a normal part of daily life. Currently, the team is looking better with Trent and Dani healthy again, giving us back our midfield depth. It makes a huge difference. Unfortunately CB has 3 injury prone candidates which makes it a nightmare and indirectly destabilises the team as was seen over the last 2 campaigns.
🗣️ Álvaro Arbeloa: “I think we’ve improved a lot since the loss vs Benfica.
We had good weeks to work, and hopefully we’ll see a much better Real Madrid than we previously saw.” pic.twitter.com/uYkusKWjjv
The Real Madrid way aka The Hardest Way! Play-offs again. Arbeloa’s men will have to play to avoid the humiliation of an historically poor Champions League campaign. The game isn’t just any ordinary game but there’s pride on the line. The humiliation against Arsenal last season was a sign of things to come and it seems nobody’s heeded the warnings and we’re facing a desperate Jose Mourinho whose side showed incredible discipline to put us spectacularly to the sword in the previous encounter.
Kylian Mbappe and Co will be confident as usual. As they should be given their superior quality. That confidence means little without a cohesive team ethic that seeks to overcome the opposition by sticking together.
The Era of Camavinga
🗣️ Camavinga: “I think I have to do much more at Real Madrid, to show more. The fans have not yet seen what Camavinga can do.” pic.twitter.com/yKmW4YEQ8E
The season is gone. Anything is a bonus at this point. We’re just trying to make it to next season. The club demands victory. Always. Even after setting up the team for failure
The Bucs front office, led by Jason Licht, has some tough decisions to make. No decision is going to be tougher than what they are likely going to have to decide as it relates to the veterans on the team.
They have the likes of linebacker Lavonte David, wide receiver Mike Evans, and cornerback Jamel Dean. All three men have shown they are capable of being a part of a Super Bowl-winning team, but costs and age complicate matters. As PFF's Bradley Locker points out in a recent piece, that is one of the harder decisions for any team to make this offseason.
Locker writes, "The Buccaneers have already undergone an introspective offseason after missing the playoffs, replacing Josh Grizzard with Zac Robinson at offensive coordinator. But the team is still awaiting answers on the returns of two accomplished faces. Mike Evans is on an expiring contract, and it’s tough to envision him playing elsewhere. The 32-year-old produced a career-low 71.2 PFF receiving grade last season while playing through injury, but he reached a 90.2 mark only two years ago. Further, linebacker Lavonte David is a free agent following a career-worst 52.6 overall PFF grade."
Jason Licht is in a position no Bucs fan wants to be, he has some hard decisions to make. Whether it be retirement, trade, or free agency, everyone leaves eventually. But will all three, or just some, of those guys be gone this year? Time will tell.
Arsenal will be facing Wolves away on Wednesday at 20:00 GMT in the Premier League.
It is the only league match scheduled in midweek - but why?
The fixture was originally set to take place on Saturday, 21 March.
However, as Arsenal will be facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, their fixture against Wolves has been brought forward to a week in which both teams are free to play.
Manchester City's fixture against Crystal Palace was also set to take place on 21 March, but the meeting has been postponed with a date yet to be fixed.
City's match could not be scheduled to this week, at the same time as Arsenal's, because Palace are in the Conference League knockout play-offs on Thursday evening.
Their reverse fixture against Zrinjski is on Thursday, 26 February, which rules out another possible midweek game.
Should Arsenal win Wednesday's match, it will strengthen their lead in the Premier League over Man City by seven points.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
Nov 13, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Nelly Korda tees off on the tenth hole during the first round of The ANNIKA golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
It is Nelly Korda’s world and we are all just living in it.
Tuesday saw the official announcement that the two-time major champion is set to join Upper Deck as an exclusive athlete as the brand celebrates their 25th year of producing premium golf collectibles.
Korda got her 2026 season off to a great start by winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (admittedly under some unfortunate circumstances near the end) and is among the most prominent games throughout the entire world of golf. Upper Deck landing her is a huge deal.
Nelly’s trading card will be led by a coveted. Youn gGuns alongside additional inserts in the overall Upper Deck Golf product that launches on Wednesday, February 18th.
Since she turned pro at the age of 17 and won her first professional event that same year, Korda has perennially ranked near the top of the Women’s World Golf Rankings, where she has collectively spent more than 100 weeks as number one. Among her 21 professional titles, she won two major championships in 2021 and 2024, along with a gold medal representing the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Korda’s 2024 season was historic, as she won seven times on the LPGA Tour, including five tournaments in a row culminating in a major title at the 2024 Chevron Championship. It’s moments like these that will be captured in Upper Deck products, including Upper Deck Golf and Goodwin Champions trading cards, as well as UDA signed memorabilia. Korda’s first collection is available now, offering fans and collectors a curated selection of items to commemorate her achievements. The release features signed polos and visors, as well as original designed prints celebrating her career, with select pieces highlighting her standout 2024 season.
“I’ve seen firsthand the passion and joy that collecting brings to so many people, and the way that Upper Deck honors that passion and creates memorable experiences for collectors and fans. I’m excited to collaborate with Upper Deck and engage with the community,” said Korda. “It isn’t just about creating collectibles; it’s about working with a company that knows how to best represent your brand and help connect with fans all over the world – which Upper Deck has done for years with the most notable athletes of all time.”
Alongside Korda’s UDA collection, 2026 Upper Deck Golf will be available at Certified Diamond Dealers worldwide, mass retailers, as well as Upper Deck’s e-Pack™ platform. Fans can stay up to date on future trading card sets and memorabilia featuring Korda at UpperDeck.com.
After entering the 2026 campaign with high expectations, Longhorns baseball did not disappoint in their opening series. The offense looked unstoppable against UC Davis, with contributions from everyone on the roster. However, that was not the only area that excelled; the pitching, led by Dylan Volantis, also stood out.
In his first start of the season, Volantis secured the Longhorns' sweep with a dominating performance. In seven innings of work, the California native allowed one hit while striking out eight batters. He did not allow a run while keeping UC Davis off balance all afternoon.
14 of the first 16 retired. No-hit bid into the sixth. Eight strikeouts.
Dylan Volantis (@DylanVolantis) shoved in his second career start, strengthening the case for @TexasBaseball boasting one of the nation’s best pitching staffs.
Although the talented sophomore is transitioning to a new role, he did not look out of place on Sunday. He spent most of last season as a reliever, but the Longhorns decided to stretch him out. So far, that decision is looking to be very beneficial.
Due to their performance over the weekend, Texas is ranked third in the country by On3. The only teams ahead of them are UCLA and LSU. The high praise comes as no surprise after the additions Texas made through the portal. They also have veterans such as Ethan Mendoza and Volantis, who have picked up where they left off.
On Tuesday, the Longhorns will look to improve to 4-0 when they take on a Lamar team off to a solid start. They went 2-1 in their opening series against Oakland, with their only loss coming in an extra-innings affair. If the Longhorns plat like they did against UC Davis, they should be able to remain undefeated.
While the Volantis won't be back in action until the weekend, he showed in his season debut that the 2026 campaign could be full of unforgettable moments.
Bukayo Saka has scored seven goals and provided six assists this season [Getty Images]
England winger Bukayo Saka has signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal until 2031.
Sources have told BBC Sport that the agreement will make Saka the club's best-paid player on wages in excess of £300,000 a week.
Talks over a new deal have been ongoing for nearly a year, with Saka verbally agreeing to commit his future to the club in January.
Saka signed his previous deal, which was due to expire in 2027, in 2023 but his renewal means the 24-year-old has committed his peak years to the Gunners.
The news comes as a major boost for the Gunners, as they battle on four fronts to win silverware for the first time since 2020.
The agreement is the latest example of Arsenal tying down their key players to long-term contracts as they look to keep their title-chasing squad together.
William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly all signed new long-term contracts in the summer.
Saka has scored seven goals in 33 appearances for the Gunners this term.
Mikel Arteta's side are four points clear at the top of the Premier League and they will face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final in March.
The Gunners are also through to the the knockout stages of the Champions League, as well as the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The agreement with Saka is more important than the £250m outlay Arsenal made to bring in eight new players in the summer.
Saka's importance on the pitch alongside his bond with supporters and his journey from the academy make his position impossible to replicate.
His new deal will see him stay at the club into the peak years of his career and - after several seasons with numbers that match elite wingers across the game - Arsenal will benefit from the progression he could still achieve.
The second half of this season is crucial for Saka as he looks to help Arsenal lift a major trophy for the first time since the FA Cup in 2020.
Mikel Arteta can rely on him and he is one of the reasons why the majority of Arsenal's attacking play goes down the right - the side Saka plays on.
The winger is also set for an important summer with Thomas Tuchel's England at the World Cup.
England fans will hope that after a season of success with Arsenal, he can deliver for his country on the biggest stage.
Blake Taaffe made his Castleford Tigers debut against Doncaster in the Challenge Cup [swpix.com]
Castleford Tigers full-back Blake Taaffe has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament on his Super League debut.
The 26-year-old Australian, who joined the Tigers from Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal in the off-season, suffered the knee injury in Sunday's 26-16 home defeat by Wigan Warriors.
"I'm absolutely devastated for Blake. He has been a pivotal force behind the culture we are trying to build here at the club," head coach Ryan Carr told the club website.
"To know he finished the game with a torn ACL is a testament to how tough he is and how much care he has for his teammates and his club."
The NFL franchise tag window opens up Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m central time, signaling the first true milestone of the 2026 season. While the league still has not officially announced the salary cap for the coming season, or how much cap space its 32 teams can rollover from last year, the parameters are basically set. The Dallas Cowboys, as with most things offseason, are front and center.
With the salary cap range expected from $301 million to $305 million, teams who do quality self-accounting generally know how much wiggle room they are going to have under next year's cap. Teams will project how much it will cost to sign their rookie class based on their draft slots, as well as earmark several million to make moves in-season, and then go about spending free agent dollars starting in March.
But the franchise tag window is going to be the first salvo for some teams. Between February 17 and March 3, teams can place the one-year tender on a pending free agent, essentially giving themselves either exclusive negotiating rights, or the right of refusal. If a player is given the non-exclusive tag, then they can shop themselves to other teams, but the original team can match the offer, receive two first-round picks as compensation, or negotiate a trade for lesser compensation.
The player is not required to sign the tender when he's slapped with the tag, but holds leverage in that ability. Once the player signs, the full amount of the tag is added to the team's salary cap for that season, hindering them from using that space on other moves.
With three weeks to go until NFL free agency officially begins, the Dallas Cowboys and the other 31 teams in the league are positioning themselves.
For the Cowboys, that's expected to start today when they could place a franchise tag on receiver George Pickens.
Other than their own players, which include Javonte Williams, what free agent could Dallas target? A Cleveland Brown linebacker made one list, which also has Williams moving on.
A pair of Miami Dolphins big names are also on the market after getting cut. Here is what Dallas is up to.
Dallas Cowboys free agents
Fox Sports' Greg Aumen has a list of the top 100 free agents and where he expects them to land. His No. 1 free agent is Cowboys receiver George Pickens, who he predicts will get the franchise tag. Actually that is expected to happen Tuesday, Feb. 17.
As for the rest of his list, he has Dallas picking up Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush. He writes: "Bush, 27, found himself this past year in Cleveland, filling up the stat sheet with 125 tackles, three picks (two returned for touchdowns), two sacks and two forced fumbles. Once the 10th overall draft pick with the Steelers, his play there dropped off after a promising rookie year. He made $3.2 million with the Browns and should be a coveted free agent. Pro Football Focus is high on him, ranking him as the No. 8 overall free agent and projecting $12 million a year."
As for the Cowboys' expected free agents, he has No. 64 Jadeveon Clowney re-signing, No. 75 Trevon Diggs going to the Washington Commanders, and No. 42 Javonte Williams signing with Arizona.
Aumen writes of Williams: "He went to Dallas on a one-year, $3 million deal, but could get double that this time around, with good pass-catching abilities, averaging 38 receptions per season. Dallas is well over the cap, so it may have a fourth leading rusher in four seasons in 2026."
Nate Newton pardoned
Former Dallas Cowboys star Nate Newton, a guard on their three Super Bowl champion teams from the 1990s, received a pardon for crimes committed at the beginning of the millennium. He was one of five former players Trump pardoned last week, along with Joe Klecko, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and Billy Cannon (who has been dead since 2018).
Newton pled guilty in 2002 to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities found 175 pounds of marijuana in his truck during a traffic stop. Newton, who served almost two years in prison from 2002-24 and now says he's straightened out, was appreciative of his pardon.
I would like to thank President Trump and all of those that work under him who put this Pardon into effect. Thank you Sir for taking time out of your busy day in running this country. Thank you Sincerely and may God bless You. 🙏🏿 Nathaniel Newton Jr.
“I would like to thank President Trump and all of those that work under him who put this Pardon into effect," he wrote on X. "Thank you, sir, for taking time out of your busy day in running this country. Thank you, sincerely, and may God bless you.”
Dallas Cowboys assistant coach
Per CBS Sports Matt Zenitz, the Cowboys are going to hire Demeitre Brim as an assistant defensive line coach. A 2016 Central Florida alum and star defensive lineman, he coached the defensive line at UCF last season.
He has also worked at Nebraska and Lehigh. This will be his first job in the pros.
Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb
Widespread reports have the Miami Dolphins set to release star receiver Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb, two of a number of cost-cutting moves by the Dolphins.
The 31-year-old Hill, who led the league in receiving in 2023, is working his way back from a knee injury suffered in Week 4 last season and he could possibly miss some of the start of the 2026 season.
He'll become the one of the better free agent receiver on the market after Dallas' George Pickens, and should Dallas trade Pickens (unlikely) they could have interest in Hill. Early speculation, though, is that he could return to Kansas City, where he was before being traded to Miami, or join the Los Angeles Chargers, where he would reunite with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Chubb would obviously fill a big need for Dallas, but early projections put him with New England, Carolina or the San Francisco 49ers.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Tyreek Hill#10 of the Miami Dolphins runs off of the field at halftime during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a black Monday in Miami Gardens for multiple veterans within the Miami Dolphins organization. The team — under the new leadership team of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley — axed pass rusher Bradley Chubb, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and offensive guard James Daniels.
Those four cuts took a team that was significantly over the salary cap prior to Monday to a team that now sits with $3.1 million in cap space according to OvertheCap.com — even without Chubb’s money factored in just yet due to the team not officially releasing him despite Chubb posting a farewell message on social media. When Chubb’s savings become available to the Dolphins, the team will have between $11 million and $13 million in cap space (depending on how they choose to officially move on from the veteran EDGE player).
The departure of Tyreek Hill was by far the biggest money saving move Miami made on Monday — with the soon-to-be 32 year-old pass catcher’s release saving the Dolphins $22.9 million in cap space. However, the Dolphins will still be on the hook for a $28.249 million dead cap hit while Hill suits up for another team in 2026.
On paper, these moves would seem to open significant holes on Miami’s roster, but Daniels played just three snaps for the Dolphins in 2025, Hill only played 3 and a half games last season, Westbrook-Ikhine caught just 11 balls for 89 yards and zero touchdowns during his lone season in Miami, and Bradley Chubb — a player who will turn 30 years-old this summer — had clearly lost a step following a knee injury that caused him to miss the entirety of the 2024 NFL season.
For a team that went 7-10 in 2025 despite everything crumbling around them, Monday’s cuts provide the organization with some much needed cap space, while clearing out aging and/or unproductive players on the roster. With a strong draft class, and some prudent free-agent signings, the Dolphins will hope to compete for a playoff spot in 2026 while continuing to remake their roster in the new regime’s image.
California surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke was killed during a violent home invasion in a Costa Rica coastal town over the weekend, according to reports.
The 66-year-old, who was a Costa Rica resident and hotel owner in Puerto Viejo, was found dead Saturday morning in his apartment in Cahuita. His body showed signs of strangulation and stab wounds, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
Van Dyke was in the apartment with a woman when they were allegedly approached by two armed men, OIJ spokesman Carlos Valverde told CNN. The woman he was with was reportedly his 31-year-old girlfriend, according to Surfer.
The suspects reportedly threatened them with a firearm and held them for several minutes while stealing valuables, including a vehicle.
Van Dyke “was asphyxiated and had several stab wounds,” the OIJ spokesperson said. The woman with him suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
California surfer Kurt Van Dyke was killed in a violent home invasion in Costa Rica over the weekend (Kurt Van Dyke/Facebook)
Van Dyke, originally from Santa Cruz, California, was well regarded in the international surfing community and known for his participation in competitions and efforts to help grow the sport in the Caribbean.
His family had deep roots surfing along the Santa Cruz coast, going back generations.
A 2021 obituary of his mother, Betty Van Dyke, said that she was part of a pioneering group of early female surfers. Her first husband, Gene Van Dyke, was also a well-known surfer in California.
His brother, Peter Van Dyke, told the San Francisco Chronicle via text: “My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody. Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met know this about him.”
David Smith, a childhood friend of Van Dyke’s, recalled how he would skip school to go surfing as a child.
“I’d see him more in the water than I’d see him at school,” he told Fox LA, later adding, “Basically, he was the king of Salsa Brava. They would call him the king.”
Another friend of Van Dyke, Ronald Umana, mourned the loss on social media.
“We remember your spirit, your energy, and the light you brought into the lives around you. Some people leave footprints — you left waves,” he wrote, according to Surfer.
Roger Sams, the President of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce addressed Van Dyke’s death in a statement to La Nacion.
“I am very sorry for the news, every human loss is regrettable, it is a fact that we do not wish for anyone. We have a lot of time of great calm, of a lot of tranquility, we have the Police delegation in Playa Negra, the cantonal, which is the most modern in the country. We are working hand in hand on security issues. It shocks us and hurts us, because the Caribbean has been very calm,” he said.
Sams reassured visitors that the killing was an isolated incident.
“There have been no cases of violence reported like this against tourists. In recent months there has been no violence or assaults. This is an isolated case, he is the owner of a hotel, not a tourist, it has not to do with tourists and the people who come to visit us,” he saod/
Raw Surf, a global media company dedicated to sharing surfing culture, shared condolences following Van Dyke’s tragic death, writing on Instagram, “Our hearts go out to Kurt’s family and the Costa Rican surfing community for this unimaginable loss.”
Van Dyke is survived by his three children: Salvador, 23; Lulu, 21; and Jacob, 7.
Lindsey Vonn is on the road to recovery. The skier posted a video Monday showing the progress she's made since undergoing multiple surgeries on her injured leg after a crash at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
In the video, Vonn, 41, is seen eating, drinking, getting her hair washed and getting some of her muscles stretched from her hospital bed. Vonn's left leg, the one she fractured in the crash, was covered up in the video.
In the caption of the post, Vonn thanks "friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself." She said she was "slowly coming back to life" after the crash.
A few hours after posting that video, Vonn said that while she hasn't been able to stand yet, she was back in the United States.
Vonn decided to compete in the Olympics despite tearing her ACL while doing some pre-Olympic practice runs just days before the Opening Ceremony. She then fractured her leg just seconds into her downhill race after clipping a gate with her shoulder. Vonn needed to be airlifted off the course and taken to a hospital. Vonn underwent at least four surgeries on her leg in Italy, and could need additional procedures now that she's back in the U.S.
This was expected to be Vonn's final Olympics after the skier came out of retirement in 2024. Despite her age, Vonn performed exceptionally well, securing her spot on the 2026 Olympic team.
Following her crash, Vonn's father said he hoped the incident was the end of Vonn's career. The skier faces a lengthy recovery, but has not made any definitive statements about her future in the sport.
When Malik Willis joined the Green Bay Packers a few years ago, his career wasn't in a great place.
The naturally gifted QB had struggled mightily with the Tennessee Titans, and he was in need of a fresh start.
But in two seasons with the Packers, Willis developed in a great way. Mostly as the backup, but occasionally filling in for starter Jordan Love, Willis proved he's accurate, intelligent and well versed in his offense, in addition to the strong arm and impressive legs everyone knew about already.
That has created an irony: The Packers helped turn Willis into a potential star, and they'll get none of that payoff.
Willis is a free agent now, likely to get starting QB money from somewhere, a price the Packers can't pay just to keep him as a backup.
ESPN's Matt Bowen is the latest analyst to think that Willis will wind up with the Miami Dolphins, who have brought over multiple new leaders from Green Bay.
"Willis' development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins," Bowen writes.
That's right, upside for the new team, not something the Packers get to enjoy.
Of course, Green Bay isn't mad that it has Love at QB. It's just the reality of the position. Only one gets the opportunity.
Miami might be the opportunity for Willis. Tua Tagovailoa has mostly worn out his welcome with the Dolphins.
"With new leadership in Miami, the club could move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa," Bowen writes. "New coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan know Willis well from their shared time in Green Bay, and Willis could slot in as the new starter under coordinator Bobby Slowik. Let's envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses."
If Willis thrives, it'll feel kind of like a victory for the Packers, but only kind of, because he'll be in a totally different uniform showing what he grew into in Green Bay.
“I advise you to be seating with your TV on in Australia, because it could be one that everybody remembers.”
If he weren’t going to be on the grid himself, Pierre Gasly would eagerly watch the start of Formula 1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
There are reasons to believe chaos might ensue when the lights go out in Melbourne. F1 has implemented new chassis and engine regulations, both of which could greatly influence the start sequence.
Engine-wise, the removal of the MGU-H makes it harder for cars to reach the turbo’s right operational window for the start; this has fallen to the internal combustion engine, with drivers reaching higher revs for a longer period of time before the actual launch. The tricky process means cars can easily suffer slow getaways or even go into anti-stall.
Additionally, on the chassis side, Oscar Piastri questioned the potential use of active aerodynamics before Turn 1: “A pack of 22 cars with a couple hundred points less downforce sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.”
Hence Gasly’s comment, though he cautiously refrained from elaborating on his statement that “it could be one that everybody remembers”, adding: “We'll find out, I'm not too sure myself. But yeah, it is definitely going to be more tricky than it used to be.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
The Alpine driver actually believes all F1 teams will figure out how to take proper starts “in the space of a couple of weeks or months”.
“But as it stands now, after only two weeks of testing, we can see that it's not going to be easy in Australia,” Gasly insisted.
“But that's part of the list, among a lot of other situations, which might not be easy. That's why I think in Australia, reliability and getting to the end of the race [are] going to be challenge number one and priority number one. And as simple as it sounds, because it's not something we would have said in the past with the previous cars, these cars are extremely complex.”
Drivers needing to rev the engine for a long time for an optimal getaway might be an issue for backmarkers in particular, as the last drivers to reach the starting grid may not enjoy as much time as they wish before lights out.
Asked if backmarkers could be in trouble and the procedure might require tweaks ahead of the season opener, Haas’ Esteban Ocon replied: “I think it would be nice if they kept it the same.
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
“We are obviously working on that with the team. It's clear that the turbo lag is a very big topic, but we have to adapt to what the rules are, and it would not be nice I think for the top three to wait like 1m30s until the cars are stopped, and have cold tyres into Turn 1.
“I think you are going to see a lot more struggling of starts and a lot more differences compared to how the years before were, where the worst start was losing one or two positions on the grid – now you could lose the whole lot,” the Frenchman added, echoing Oscar Piastri’s opinion on the matter.
“So, we are improving step by step. It's still early days and unfortunately [Bahrain] is not the best track to do starts as well, because the grip is very low, so that helps the engine. But, yeah, it's interesting. It's not like the old rally cars or the old cars with simple turbos where you can get it up to spin quite easily. What we do as drivers doesn't have much of an input on that. It's very strange. But, I think it's the same for all of us.”
The Cowboys are expected to re-sign Javonte Williams, but there is no guarantee he'll actually return because, as we know, anything can happen in free agency, especially with Williams being one of the best backs available.
Denver enjoyed a strong one-two punch at running back in 2025 in J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, but the former is a pending free agent and was once again plagued by injury, so it's possible the Broncos go in a different direction.
The Chiefs have both of their top running backs from 2025 hitting free agency in Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, and after both struggled last season, we would expect Kansas City to overhaul its backfield.
Here's Okada's thoughts on why the Saints could part ways with Kamara in the final year of his $24 million contract:
The 30-year-old running back had easily the least productive season of his career in 2025, totaling career lows in rushing yards (471), receiving yards (186), scrimmage touchdowns (one) and yards per touch (4.0). He also posted career lows in explosive run rate (7.6%) and missed tackle rate (20.6%), according to Next Gen Stats. The Saints likely haven’t found their future at the position yet -- Audric Estimé, Kendre Miller nor Devin Neal really fit the bill -- but with a cap hit of $18.6 million, their vision probably shouldn’t involve Kamara. Cutting him before June 1 only frees up $360,000 (with $18.2 million in dead money), so he’s an excellent candidate for a post-June 1 designation (when the cap savings rockets up to $8.5 million). But either way, 2026 should be the first season in nearly a decade without the Pro Bowl back in the Bayou.
It's true that Kamara posted his worst season as a pro in 2025, but he was also part of one of the worst offenses in the NFL. It wasn't until after Kamara got hurt that the Saints found their rhythm offensively with Tyler Shough.
And therein lies another problem: Kamara just has not been able to stay healthy in recent years, and that has really been a problem for much of his career. That issue doesn't figure to get any better with Kamara set to turn 31 this summer.
Then there's the financial aspect of keeping Kamara. The veteran running back will account for a cap hit of $18.5 million, which is more than what he's worth at this stage in his career.
A pre-June 1 cut wouldn't do much for the Saints in terms of gaining cap space, as it would only open up $359,000 while netting New Orleans a dead-cap hit of $18 million.
But a post-June 1 cut would save $8.5 million while incurring a dead-cap charge of $10 million, so that's the route New Orleans would likely take if it does cut Kamara.
The problem for teams that might be interested in Kamara is he could retire if cut.
Kamara made it quite clear last year before the trade deadline that he does not have a desire to play for any other team and would retire if traded, so that's certainly something we can't rule out.
Perhaps Kamara will change his tune if cut this offseason, but that remains to be seen. If he does, we could see the Broncos, Chiefs and Cowboys all making a play, and the Broncos in particular due to Kamara's connection with Sean Payton.
Nathan Mackinnon knows what winning hockey looks like. He is on a generational run with the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL and is looking to replicate that dominance at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. With his eye for great talent and astounding teammates, he pinpointed a player from Coach Jon Cooper's squad that he loves playing alongside of — Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals.
Newfound bonds at Milano Cortina lines
Coach Cooper has ensured that Canada has an enforcer among their lines. Wilson stepped up to the challenge and was ready to protect his key teammates from any adversity put on by opposing teams. Fans got a glimpse of how the Capitals player stepped up for his squad when they went up against France. With no hesitation, he confronted Pierre Crinon enroute to their 10-2 stomp of the French team.
Mackinnon loved what he saw from Wilson and had nothing but praise for him, via Dan Rosen of NHL.com.
"When guys wear the same jersey as Tom, he's going to play for you and it takes a special person to do that for sure. He's a fantastic teammate. He's a great guy off the ice and doing everything on the ice too. He's a pleasure to have," the Avalanche and Canada star declared.
His great work on the ice has seen him play in lines alongside Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini at the Olympics. This is likely to continue when Canada end up facing more physical defenses like Sweden and USA enroute to the gold medal. Coach Cooper also really trusts Wilson after his display of team camaraderie for Mackinnon.
"That kid is a hell of a hockey player and outstanding, outstanding in the locker room. Everybody needs an 'F1,' and that big boy there is one of the best I've seen," the Team Canada head coach said.
As of the moment, Canada still awaits the winner between Czechia and Denmark for their quarterfinal matchup. Regardless of who they end up facing, the Capitals enforcer will be there to ensure that none of their stars are bullied on the ice without consequences.
Roster building in the NFL is a complicated process. It's equal parts preparation, reaction, and fortune-telling. Success can lead to championship glory. Failure can sometimes result in a lost and depressing season. There's cause for worry and excitement after what has already been an eventful Philadelphia Eagles offseason. Don't look now, but we're less than a month away from a new league year and free agency.
The best front offices anticipate change and aren't afraid to implement a few. It's almost certain that the time is coming for such in the City of Brotherly Love. It's possible that Philadelphia could have two new starting safeties and a new starting outside cornerback next season. A new CB2 seems highly possible. We'll see what the decision is for Marcus Epps and Reed Blankenship.
Let's focus on the latter. If the Eagles elect to save a few dollars by moving off one half of their 'Exciting Whites', that's certainly doable. Free agency allows them an opportunity to stabilize or upgrade the safety position.
Philadelphia certainly isn't locked into one roster-building strategy. Some of the names on this list are more expensive options. Some will cost a little less. All can potentially add some punch to the backend of Vic Fangio's already-impressive unit.
Bryan Cook brings both an edge and aggression. That will endear him to a town that also fell in love with other safeties who were similar. He's not as good as some of those guys yet, but he's certainly a head-hunter who can play deep but also doesn't mind traveling downhill to make physical tackles in the running game.
He's young, with upside, and has already shown some scheme versatility. If the Ravens want another young option who can grow into a long-term piece, Cook makes a lot of sense. He certainly wouldn't be a band-aid addition.
Kamren Curl is someone Eagles fans know well, thanks to his time with the Washington Commanders. They have also seen him a few times since transitioning to the Los Angeles Rams. He's a former seventh-round selection who has, for the most part, embodied what you'd expect from a first-rounder. His best traits are his physicality, durability, and reliability.
It's uncertain if Jabrill Peppers would be a natural fit, but he's certainly worth the conversation. One thing is certain. He's worked just about everywhere else he has been. He embodies many of the traits the Eagles have historically valued, and we've seen evidence of that at each of the four stops along his NFL journey. He's a game-changer who makes momentum plays.
Jalen Thompson was a five-year starter in the Cardinals' secondary and is something Birds fans would welcome immediately. He's a reliable tackler. If he gets his hands on someone, they're going down.
He also continues to grow in his coverage skills. The most recent season was a nice step forward. He has elite range and instincts. That helped him take a step forward with a fine season. That's something the Eagles have always valued, regardless of who the coach and the defensive coordinator are.
The UFC is in Houston this week for UFC Fight Night 267, and a former champion headlines the card.
Sean Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) takes on Anthony Hernandez (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) in the main event, and the winner could be next in line for a title shot.
Strickland's title win, to begin with, was unexpected when he upset Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in 2023. His title run, however, was short-lived. He dropped the belt to Dricus do Plessis just four months later.
But his decision win over Adesanya remains one of the most surprising UFC title results in recent years. Ahead of his return Saturday, when he'll be trying to rebound from a title rematch loss to du Plessis a year ago, check out Strickland's shining moment above.
The goal for every team in sports is to play complimentary ball, but it felt like the defense of the Oregon Ducks carried the load a lot of the time. While there were a ton of great individual talents suiting up for the unit in 2025, none stood out more than Freshman All-American cornerback Brandon Finney Jr.
He was lock down all season long on the outside, and now the Ducks are looking to bring in someone with similar talent opposite him. Four-star cornerback Donte Wright Jr. has already committed to the Georgia Bulldogs for the 2027 season, but that isn’t stopping him from keeping his options open and meeting with other schools.
He took to social media today to personally tell the world that he has finalized a visit in Eugene with the Ducks’ brass in the coming weeks. The fact that he’s coming at all means that Oregon should have a decent chance to pry him away from Georgia.
Wright Jr. has great size for the cornerback position, standing at six-foot-one, 170 pounds, but he also has the athleticism to complement it. He is said to be a special athlete who has a track background, which is becoming a familiar theme with Ducks recruits as of late.
There is still a long way to go before Wright Jr.’s decision becomes final, but fans should feel optimistic that he’s taking a strong interest in the school.
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The football world was surprised by the Miami Dolphins' immediate roster moves on Monday as they began restructuring their team. The release of multiple-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill stands out, as when healthy, he is one of the best wide receivers in the league and a prime candidate to rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the recent live airing of ESPN's First Take shortly after the Hill release was announced, Stephen A. Smith made it very clear that the star wideout needs a return to Kansas City.
"You know what? He should be targeting going back to Kansas City; he should want to go back and play with Patrick Mahomes because he is desperately needed," Smith said "I don't care that you got (Xavier) Worthy and (Rashee) Rice, they ain't Tyreek Hill, they're good, but I'm telling you right now, Tyreek Hill out there is something to behold when healthy.
"It should be Kansas City, Buffalo, or Baltimore." 👀@stephenasmith reacts to Tyreek Hill being released by the Dolphins and shares what teams he should look to join next 🏈 pic.twitter.com/0jy1Nkdyuy
"He (Hill) should want to go back because he should never have left," reiterated Smith as the offseason watch in regards to Hill's future will be a priority around the league, especially with his significant ties to Kansas City.
Hill won Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team as a punt returner while making eight consecutive Pro Bowls in his career. During his 54 games with Miami, he collected 340 receptions, 4,733 receiving yards, and 28 total touchdowns.
The soon-to-be 32-year-old is recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL suffered last season.
Every offseason, the tight end market quietly becomes one of the most fascinating storylines in the NFL. While quarterbacks and edge rushers dominate headlines, it’s often the versatile, matchup-breaking tight ends who reshape offenses and elevate contenders. This year’s top 10 free agent tight ends offer a compelling mix of prime-age playmakers, ascending breakout candidates, and accomplished veterans who still know how to tilt the field.
Headlining the group are dynamic talents like Kyle Pitts and Isaiah Likely — players who can line up anywhere and stress defenses vertically. Proven stars such as Travis Kelce, David Njoku, and Dallas Goedert bring a blend of production, physicality, and playoff experience that instantly upgrades a passing attack. Meanwhile, steady contributors like Cade Otton and Tyler Higbee offer reliability and football IQ that coaches value deeply.
Then there are intriguing upside plays such as Chig Okonkwo and Noah Fant, whose athletic traits hint at even greater production in the right scheme. And veterans like Zach Ertz remind teams that experience, timing, and route savvy still matter in critical moments.
In today’s NFL, tight ends are no longer just security blankets — they are offensive chess pieces. They create mismatches against linebackers, punish smaller defensive backs, and serve as tone-setters in the run game. This year’s free agent class reflects that evolution, offering options for rebuilding teams seeking foundational pieces and contenders hunting for one final offensive weapon.
1. Kyle Pitts
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kyle Pitts remains one of the most intriguing talents at the position, blending rare size with true wide receiver athleticism. When he’s featured properly, he can stretch the field and dictate coverage in ways few tight ends can. A fresh start in free agency could unlock the All-Pro ceiling many envisioned when he entered the league.
2. Isaiah Likely
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Isaiah Likely has quietly built a reputation as a dynamic, big-play option who thrives in space. He’s not just a complementary piece — he’s shown he can step up as a primary target when given the opportunity. His versatility makes him especially valuable in today’s motion-heavy, matchup-driven offenses.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) warms up prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Travis Kelce may be in the later stages of his career, but his feel for the game remains elite. His chemistry with quarterbacks and uncanny ability to find soft spots in coverage still separate him from the pack. Even now, he brings leadership, postseason experience, and a championship pedigree that contenders covet.
4. David Njoku
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) walks off the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field. Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
David Njoku has evolved from raw athlete to polished, reliable playmaker. His combination of strength after the catch and improved route running makes him a consistent chain-mover. Teams looking for a balanced tight end who can block and produce in the passing game will see major value here.
5. Dallas Goedert
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) carries the ball for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dallas Goedert brings toughness and reliability every time he steps on the field. He’s a physical runner after the catch and dependable in high-traffic areas over the middle. In the right system, he can be the steady security blanket that keeps an offense on schedule.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) runs for a gain during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Cade Otton doesn’t always grab headlines, but his steady production speaks for itself. He understands spacing, runs crisp routes, and rarely makes mental mistakes. For teams wanting a dependable starter with room to grow, he’s an appealing option.
Chig Okonkwo is one of the more explosive athletes at the position. His speed and ability to create yards after the catch give him legitimate mismatch potential against linebackers. If utilized creatively, he could blossom into a featured weapon rather than just a complementary piece.
8. Tyler Higbee
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) reacts as he leaves the field after an NFC Divisional Round game against the Chicago Bears Soldier Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Tyler Higbee has long been a steady presence who does the dirty work between the hashes. He’s dependable in play-action concepts and understands how to exploit defensive lapses. His experience in big games adds quiet but meaningful value to any locker room.
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) makes a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Zach Ertz continues to win with intelligence and route precision. Even as athleticism naturally tapers, his instincts and hands keep him relevant in key situations. For a contender needing a savvy veteran who understands leverage and timing, he remains a smart addition.
10. Noah Fant
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (86) warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Noah Fant still offers rare straight-line speed for the position. He can stress defenses vertically and open up space underneath for other targets. In a more aggressive passing scheme, he has the tools to finally put together his most complete season yet.
Conclusion
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
This year’s top 10 free agent tight ends showcase just how diverse and valuable the position has become. Whether teams are searching for explosiveness, reliability, leadership, or untapped potential, this group provides legitimate answers. In a league driven by matchups, the right tight end signing could quietly become the move that defines a season.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 14: Bruce Thornton #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes shoots the ball against Dallin Hall #30 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half at Bridgestone Arena on February 14, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Though Ohio State didn’t come away with the win in the Nashville Hoops Showdown this weekend in Tennessee, they kept it close against the No. 15 team in the country, even without the Buckeyes’ starting guard John Mobley Jr., who was ruled out indefinitely with a hand injury.
In large part, this was thanks to the efforts of senior guard Bruce Thornton, who put up 28 points, four rebounds, three steals, and an assist (his career 500th) in the back-and-forth game between the 16-9 Buckeyes and the 22-3 Virginia Cavaliers. He, along with freshman Amare Bynum, put up 10 points in the opening 20 minutes.
Thornton, who is now fifth on Ohio State’s all-time leading scoring list with 1978 points, continues to chase the record with Saturday’s performance. He now sits just 12 points behind Jerry Lucas (1960-62) and William Buford (2009-12), who are tied for third with 1990 career points each. Just one more game, as he had on Saturday, would push Thornton over the 2,000-point threshold.
While Thornton looked consistently unstoppable throughout the game, really until the Buckeyes went cold in the final four minutes, his talents were perhaps best showcased by one impressive play early in the first half.
Early in the half, the Buckeyes held a 9-4 lead. As the Cavaliers tried to set up a shot, Thornton stole the ball on a bad pass turnover from Virginia junior guard Sam Lewis, turning the steal into three points by nailing a driving layup and drawing a foul from the Cavs’ Jacari White.
Thornton hit the free throw for the and-one, putting the Buckeyes up 12-4.
The play is demonstrative of Thornton’s strong basketball IQ, or his ability to rely on good instincts to think fast and turn routine moments into big plays. This is a major reason why, despite some concerns about his size, he is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round NBA Draft pick this year.
Watch Thornton work quickly to take the ball away from the Cavaliers and hit his layup, drawing the fall on Lewis here:
Up next for the Buckeyes is a critical game against No. 24 Wisconsin tonight, Tuesday, in Columbus. The matchup kicks off the closing stretch of conference games for both teams ahead of the Big Ten Tournament, but the Badgers won’t make it easy for the Buckeyes. Wisconsin is hot off two consecutive top-10 wins, both conference victories (against No. 8 Illinois and No. 10 Michigan State, respectively). The Buckeyes will need to fire on all cylinders to interrupt their streak.
However, should Thornton put up another outing like he did Saturday against Virginia, it could be enough to crush the Badgers’ momentum—and put him over the 2,000 point threshold to move into third on the all-time scoring list.
Tune in at 8:30 p.m. EST to see how Thornton and the Buckeyes fare in the first of their final six regular-season games.
Alysa Liu's path to the 2026 Winter Olympics has been a long-winding one, and she has the chance to earn her first individual medal at the Milano Cortina Games.
The 20-year-old Team USA ice skater became the youngest U.S. women's national champion ever won she won the title at 13 years old in 2019. But she retired from the sport after the 2022 Winter Olympics and World Championships, before returning two years later ahead of these Games.
Liu won her first Olympic medal earlier in the 2026 Winter Olympics as part of the team event alongside Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn and duos Madison Chock and Evan Bates and Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea. She finished sixth in the women's singles event in 2022, which was the highest among all U.S. competitors.
Liu, one of the brightest Team USA stars of the Olympics so far this year, would be quite the story if she's able to make the podium Feb. 19. Here's what to know of the ice skating phenom:
How old is Alysa Liu?
Liu is 20 years old, as she was born on Aug. 5, 2005. She made her Olympics debut at the 2022 Beijing Games at 16 years old.
She began skating at 5 years old and become the youngest woman to ever land a triple axel at 12 years old.
Where is Alysa Liu from?
Liu's hometown is Oakland, California, and she was born in Clovis, California.
How many Olympic medals has Alysa Liu won?
Liu has one Olympic medal, which was gold from the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, alongside other Team USA competitors. Liu scored a 74.90 in the short program leg of the event, which finished second in the category.
How many Olympics has Alysa Liu been to?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are Liu's second Olympics, as she made her debut at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. There, Liu finished sixth in the women's singles event.
Is Alysa Liu in college?
Liu currently attends UCLA in Los Angeles.
How many world championships has Alysa Liu won?
Liu won the 2025 World Championship in Boston from March 26-30, becoming the first U.S. woman to win the title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006. She also won bronze at the 2022 World Championships before she retired.
Meyers Taylor has won six Olympic medals across five Winter Games [Getty Images]
American bobsleigh veteran Elana Meyers Taylor had won everything there is to win in the sport - except for Olympic gold.
That was until Monday when, on her fifth attempt, she finally added that missing piece to her extraordinary collection.
The 41-year-old triumphed in the women's monobob to become the oldest individual Olympic champion at a Winter Games, overtaking Austrian snowboarder Benjamin Karl, 40.
Gold at Milan-Cortina adds to the three silver and two bronze medals she has already won across two events - the monobob and the two-woman bobsleigh - since competing at her first Games in Vancouver 26 years ago.
Her combined time of 3:57:93 over four heats was enough to edge out Germany's Laura Nolte by just 0.04 seconds and compatriot Kaillie Armbruster Humphries by 0.12secs.
"Finally the gold! It took long enough, right?" Meyers Taylor told BBC Sport.
"It just goes to show you... just to keep persevering, my team and everybody behind me, it means so much to come away as Olympic champion."
Victory makes her the most decorated female bobsleigh pilot of all time as well as the first mother to win Olympic bobsleigh gold.
The four-time world champion is also the most decorated black athlete at a Winter Olympics and this, her sixth medal, ties her with speed skater Bonnie Blair for the most by an American woman.
But although she continues to write her name in the history books, for Meyers Taylor it is also about empowering female athletes and inspiring women.
'Ferocious athlete' Meyers Taylor inspiring hard-working mums
As her gold was confirmed, Meyers Taylor sunk to her knees draped in the American flag and embraced her two young children.
She has made it no secret that her drive to continue to compete at the elite level is not only for her own family but for hard-working mothers everywhere.
"This medal is also for all those moms who weren't necessarily able to live their dreams, but their kids are now their dreams," she said.
"Because those people keep me grounded. Those people kept me going and those people are the ones who reach out to me when things are hard and encourage me."
Meyers Taylor's children, Nico and Noah, are both deaf while the oldest, Nico, also has down syndrome.
She is married to former bobsledder Nic Taylor and the family travel around together on the sport's circuit for several months at a time.
"My kids have sacrificed so much. There's so many people who have helped me win this gold medal," she said.
"I've had different nannies throughout the years and every single one of them has done the work to help my kids get here and my husband, I can't even put into words what this means and how many people it took to win this."
Meyers Taylor's children joined in the celebrations in Cortina [Getty Images]
A disability advocate, Meyers Taylor said she feels encouraged by the communities she is helping to inspire.
"I've had so many people from around the world reaching out and telling me their stories and how they have a kid with down syndrome or a kid who is deaf and they believe in me - it has just been incredible," she said.
Former British bobsledder John Jackson, bronze medallist at Sochi 2014, knows her well from their early years on the bobsleigh circuit and said "if there was one person on the whole circuit who I think any athlete and coach wanted to see win gold it was Elana".
"She is not only a ferocious athlete but also a beautiful human being and a genuine person," he added.
"It has been a real show of dedication to keep going through the struggles of now being a mum in a high-performance sport, the dedication that takes to maintain that level of physical fitness and the hard work of being a parent. It shows her true nature."
'People like to write you off at 40'
Meyers Taylor (left) and Armbruster Humphries (right) have been on the podium together at all five Olympic Games they have competed at [Getty Images]
Meyers Taylor, who has placed on the podium six times in her five Olympic appearances, has shared it with compatriot Armbruster Humphries, 40, on five of those occasions.
Armbruster Humphries, who has five Olympic medals of her own including three golds, became a mother 20 months ago and it is the first time two women over the age of 40 have finished on the podium at a Winter Games.
Both women celebrated with their children.
"You get a lot of people that like to write you off as soon as you reach 40, it's all downhill from there, is what you hear," she said. "I think Elana and I are both proof that that's not true."
The two women are also credited with encouraging the International Olympic Committee to add the monobob to the women's schedule for the 2022 Games with the two-woman event the only one for women prior to that.
"It should be celebrated that they're both mums, using mum power, both in their early 40s and it's great to see them competing at the top of the world not only physically but the drive and experience too," said Jackson.
"There's a lot of younger athletes there who need to up their game to compete against these two world class athletes."
The Denver Broncos had an impressive 2025 season, securing the No. 1 seed for the AFC playoffs with a 14-3 record. Denver then lost starting quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury in the divisional round, and they lost the AFC Championship game by seven points to the New England Patriots with a backup quarterback.
It was a familiar scenario for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who played with the San Francisco 49ers when they lost quarterback Brock Purdy to an elbow injury early in the 2022 NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. San Francisco lost that game 31-7. The Broncos played a much closer game against the Patriots, but the loss left a similar sting.
“A lot of guys were hurt and a lot of guys are hurt still," Greenlaw said after Denver's season ended. "It’s definitely a tough feeling. I told the guys that I have been in this position before, too. Quarterback goes down and you are in the AFC or NFC Championship. You’re trying to find a way, and you come up short. I told them that the next year we went to the Super Bowl. We have the talent in the room and talent in the building to get it done.”
After losing Purdy in the 2022 playoffs, the 49ers bounced back and reached the Super Bowl in 2023. San Francisco fell just short in Super Bowl LVIII, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 25-22, but Broncos players could follow a similar trajectory in 2026. After losing Nix in 2025, Denver will aim to rebound with a Super Bowl berth in 2026.
"A return to Tampa Bay is clearly an option for Evans, but becoming the top receiver in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen makes a lot of sense, too," Bowen writes. "Under new coach Joe Brady, Evans could be that boundary X target for Allen and create matchups in the low red zone. I like the idea of Buffalo getting aggressive to add a proven and reliable target who had topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 11 straight seasons before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign."
The Bills have failed at the WR position in recent years. Khalil Shakir is a reliable slot guy, but that's about it.
Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer were supposed to both be playmakers on the outside in 2025, and that didn't happen for either of them.
Allen proved when he had Stefon Diggs that he could thrive with a true No. 1 WR. Evans would be the most talented wideout he's had since Diggs left. It's certainly worth pursuing for Buffalo to see if they can get Evans to leave the Buccaneers.
The Boston Celtics have had players suiting up in a total of 68 different jersey numbers (and have three others not part of any numerical series) since their founding at the dawn of the Basketball Association of America (BAA – the league that would become today's NBA), worn by well over 500 players in the course of Celtics history.
To commemorate the players who wore those numbers, Celtics Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.
With 25 of those jerseys now retired to honor some of the greatest Celtics to wear those jerseys, there is a lot of history to cover.
And for today's article, we will continue with the first of two to wear the No. 86, big man alum Semih Erden. After starting his pro career abroad, Erden was picked up with the 60th overall selection of the 2008 NBA Draft by the Celtics.
The Istanbul, Turkey native played the first 37 games of his pro career with Boston, coming to an end when he was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011.
During his time suiting up for the Celtics, Erden wore only jersey No. 86 and put up 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 31: Tight ends Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Charlie Kolar #88 after catching a touchdown pa against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eric DeCosta is headed into his eighth draft as the Ravens’ general manager with a clear mandate to restock the roster for a Super Bowl run in 2026. He has hit on most of his first-round picks and also found some major contributors on Day 2. But, like many GMs, his Day 3 picks have resulted in a mixed bag. A few emerged as starters, several became solid role players, and many were out of Baltimore as quickly as they entered.
Today, let’s focus on the hidden gems that DeCosta has unearthed in his seven previous drafts: who was his best Day 3 pick as Ravens GM?
Nikhil’s take: 2022 fourth-rounder Isaiah Likely is the obvious answer here, which is why I’m going in a different direction with 2019 seventh-rounder Geno Stone. He took a few years to find his footing in Baltimore, but he carved out a third-safety in 2022 before taking over as the primary free safety in 2023. Stone thrived in that role, locking down the deep areas of the field with a knack for selling disguised coverages and making plays on the ball. Not only did his seven interceptions rank second in the league, they were the most of any Raven in a single season since Ed Reed in 2008. Though Stone has not been as good in Cincinnati, his departure exposed the Ravens’ need for a more reliable deep safety in the last two seasons in order to free Kyle Hamilton up for a disruptive role near the line of scrimmage. So while Stone may not have been a long-term contributor for the Ravens, he was quietly a hugely important part of the secondary and could even have been worth keeping around in hindsight.
So, what do you think? Was Stone DeCosta’s best Day 3 pick, or is there a better option? Join the discussion in the comments section below and be sure to check back throughout the day to continue the conversation!
Alexis Mac Allister: Fabrizio Romano delivers update on Man United links
Manchester United remain linked with several midfielders at the moment, with the position earmarked for end-of-season reinforcements. The Red Devils are preparing for life without Casemiro, whose contract expires in less than five months.
The Brazilian has already announced that he will part ways with the Premier League giants this summer. United are nowlooking at Premier League-proven candidates such as Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton to fill Casemiro’s shoes.
However, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils also have their eyes on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for the role.
Mac Allister’s struggles this season
Mac Allister arrived at Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019 from Argentinos Juniors. After two loan spells back in his native country, he returned to the Amex and soon cemented a place in the starting XI. The 27 year old’s performances for club and country did not go unnoticed, especially after playing a starring role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Liverpool won the race for his signature in the summer of 2023 and Mac Allister has hit a higher gear at Anfield. The Argentine midfielder lifted the EFL Cup in his debut campaign and won the Premier League last season.
However, Mac Allister has not been in his element this campaign, registering three goals and four assists from 37 games in all competitions.
The situation has prompted talk of a possible departure this summer, even though he is under contract until 2028. The Argentine represents a Premier League-proven option for United, with his trophy-winning experience likely to be a fine addition to the team.
Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the saga.
United not in talks with Mac Allister
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that United are not in talks to sign Mac Allister this year. He said: “At the moment, I’m not aware of anything concrete of strong in terms of links between Manchester United and Mac Allister.”
“Man United will be busy in the summer. Man United will be really busy with that position – could be one, could be two midfielders.”
“It could be really interesting, but before they decide who they want, there are two main points to clarify: whether they play in the Champions League next season, which will influence their budget, and who will be the manager – Michael Carrick or other candidates.”
“Man United will not decide in February. Among the names, there’s Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, who was a top target under [Ruben] Amorim, Sandro Tonali, and others. At the moment with Alexis Mac Allister, there is nothing really advanced, concrete or starting in terms of conversations.”
Final Thoughts
Mac Allister matches United’s current requirements, but it is highly unlikely that such a move will materialise. The last direct transfer between the two bitter rivals happened in 1964, when Phil Chisnall left the Red Devils to move to the Merseyside club. As such, United would be better advised to pursue alternative targets such Baleba and Anderson.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Bradish #38 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 09, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All of this offseason talk around the Orioles’ “need” for an ace seems to ignore the fact that they already have one in-house. Kyle Bradish was one of the best pitchers in the league back in 2023. That year saw him post a 2.83 ERA over 168.2 innings, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting. The odds that they would find anyone better than that (talent-wise, anyway) this past offseason were low.
But of course there are legitimate questions about current-day Bradish. That 2023 campaign was also his last full, healthy season. He entered 2024 with a sprain in his right UCL. After just eight starts that year, he needed to undergo Tommy John surgery, the rehab from which carried over to 2025 and limited him to only six late-season starts there. Asking him to jump right back to the front of a contender’s rotation could be a tall task.
While the quantity of Bradish’s outings the last two seasons have been low, the quality has been as good as ever. In that time he has a 2.65 ERA and 2.48 FIP over 71.1 total innings, with 100 strikeouts, and 25 walks. The concern will be with what sort of workload he can handle in the season ahead.
Here is what two prominent projection systems expect for Bradish in 2026:
ZiPS: 100 IP, 3.51 ERA, 9.54 K/9, 2.88 BB/9
BRef: 80 IP, 3.38 ERA, 9.80 K/9, 2.9 BB/9
These projections believe that Bradish is either going to miss more time in 2026, or that he will have an innings limit. That was sort of the case once the Orioles activated him last year. He averaged six innings per start, but he was largely limited to one start a week rather than every fifth day, and never threw more than 91 pitches in a start. Bradish himself has said there could be some constraints on him, particularly early in the season.
The Orioles’ goal in all of this must be to have him firing on all cylinders by sometime in the second half of the season. He has the potential to be their “Game 1 Starter” by the time the postseason rolls around. But both he and the O’s will need to make it there first.
What do you think of these projections? How many big league innings do you expect Bradish to throw in 2026, and what sort of quality will we see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
How much Arsenal has already made in the Champions League this season
Arsenal concluded the league phase of the Champions League as the top-performing club in Europe, having won all their matches. It represents a remarkable accomplishment for a team that has never won the competition and has inevitably fuelled supporters’ belief that this could be the season in which they finally end their long wait for continental glory.
The Gunners have maintained impressive consistency across all competitions this term, prompting some fans to suggest that an unprecedented quadruple could be within reach. Such optimism reflects the confidence surrounding the current squad, which has demonstrated resilience, tactical discipline and attacking quality throughout the campaign.
Growing belief among supporters
This Arsenal side possesses the depth and balance required to compete on multiple fronts. As the season has progressed, they have repeatedly shown that they can rise to significant occasions, delivering performances that underline their credentials as genuine contenders.
Supporters have responded with unwavering backing, fully aware of what is at stake. The prospect of this generation securing the Champions League crown would carry enormous emotional significance, given the club’s long pursuit of the trophy. It is a title they have sought for many years, and their current trajectory has strengthened the belief that they can finally achieve that ambition.
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Financial rewards reflect progress
Beyond the sporting achievement, Arsenal’s progress has also delivered substantial financial benefits. According to Football Insider, their performances in the competition have already generated earnings of £86.94 million this term.
Finishing the league phase as the leading side has ensured that the club has been heavily rewarded, and further progression in the knockout rounds is set to increase those revenues even more. The combination of on-field success and financial gain underscores the scale of Arsenal’s achievements so far, while also highlighting the significant incentives that remain as they pursue European silverware.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Kellen Moore of the New Orleans Saints looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 14: L.J. Cason #2 of the Michigan Wolverines goes up for a layup against Trey Kaufman-Renn #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half in the Big Ten men's basketball tournament quarterfinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While analytics sites like KenPom have had the Michigan Wolverines as the top team in the country over various points of this season, the AP Poll has officially given the maize and blue this distinction for the first time in over a decade. This ranking is completely justified, as the Big Ten leaders have played a step above the rest of the nation for much of this year, but this week provides a ginormous challenge that could quickly humble Dusty May’s squad.
Up first is a trip to face the Purdue Boilermakers, arguably the second-best team in the conference. Then comes a neutral site battle against Duke, arguably the second-best team in the country. KenPom gives Michigan a 32% chance of winning both. Though a clean week would somehow ramp up the hype even higher, if the Wolverines are only able to take on of these games, the one on Tuesday does count for more: a win would boost their odds of an outright Big Ten title from 70% to 88%, per Torvik.
Date & Time: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. ET Location: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN TV/Streaming: Peacock
After getting absolutely annihilated in West Lafayette last season — losing by 25 points at half — Michigan got revenge a few weeks later in Ann Arbor, taking down the No. 7 Boilermakers 75-74 despite trailing for much of the contest. The teams met for a rubber match in the Big Ten Quarters, with the No. 3-seeded Wolverines winning comfortably despite bringing a three-game losing streak to Indianapolis.
Two Stats to Watch
Purdue 2PT Defense: 55.0% (13th B1G)
Per KenPom, Purdue is a top-10 team with a top-5 offense, but the defense does have some question marks. Ranking fourth in conference play, this unit is not a weakness, though it might end up making the difference on Tuesday night. Despite strong defensive rounding, foul prevention, and takeaway numbers, the Boilermakers allow an oddly high number of shots to fall.
The Boilermakers allow the fourth-most threes in the Big Ten and see them go in at a 34.4% rate, which is good news for a Michigan team that has hit nearly 40% of its attempts over the last five games. However, it is the 55.0% mark against twos that really jumps out given that May’s group is the second-best nationally in this area, and it feels like this could be another game where the Wolverines just feast in the paint.
This is a weird thing to say against a team like Purdue that always features dominant bigs. Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff are top-50 defenders in the conference per EvanMiya, yet still the numbers suggest that teams are finding success inside the arc against the Boilermakers. If Michigan picks up this massive road win, odds are this mismatch plays a significant role in the outcome.
Braden Smith KenPom Ranking: 7th Nationally
Now regarding that lethal offense, Purdue can attack in a lot of ways. Cluff has the top ORtg in all of basketball, and CJ Cox lands in the top 100 as well. Still, everything starts with Braden Smith, and the Wolverines are quite familiar with the 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year and First Team All-American. The senior continues to be an offensive machine, averaging just under 15 PPG while hitting over 41% of his threes and dishing out nearly 9 assists per game.
Purdue’s offense is balanced between twos and threes and sits second in conference play with assists on nearly two-third of its baskets. Smith will lead his team into the highest quality makes: if Michigan gives shooters like himself and Fletcher Loyer space, expect threes to fall; if the defense overpursues, the ball will move inside. This is the type of offense that just needs one breakdown to punish any given possession.
All of that being said, the Wolverines appear to match up decently well against a team of this quality. Yaxel Lendeborg should be an x-factor on both ends of the floor, and his impact can arguably be greater than that of Smith’s given his length on defense. As long as Michigan can stop Smith from singlehandedly balancing the score, the visitors should have the depth to squeak this one out.
Why history shows Arsenal has everything to be worried about
For a few hours, Arsenal sat nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and even the most experienced pundits were claiming the title race was done and dusted.
One bookmaker has even paid out on Arsenal to win the Premier League this season, but this seems to be poor judgment given there are a lot of points still to play for.
Those nine points quickly reduced to six, with a rare and crucial City win against last season’s champions Liverpool. No doubt Mikel Arteta, Declan Rice and the rest of the Arsenal team were picturing the red and white ribbons on the trophy when Dominik Szoboszlai’s insane free-kick hit the back of the net.
However, Manchester City refused to be beaten. A dramatic late turnaround with goals from Bernado Silva and an Erling Haaland penalty, showed that there is a lot of fight left in Man City this season.
City then reduced the gap to just three points after the win against Fulham, albeit with Arsenal having a game in hand.
Anyone who has written City off has clearly forgotten about our knack for overcoming gaps at the top of the table. While many teams show strong promise throughout the season, we have seen would-be champions fall off in the crucial part of the season.
While other teams wilt under the pressure, Manchester City has thrived on the pressure, time and time again.
City’s Premier League Odds Slashed
The odds for Manchester City to win the Premier League have been slashed to around 10/3, as memories of past point deduction overhauls flood back.
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Bottlers beware, it is not over until it is mathematically impossible, and we are nowhere near that scenario right now.
Citizens will have a better memory than most when it comes to coming back later on in the season but here is a reminder of some of the most thrilling title wins after trailing in the table:
2018/19 – 10 Points
Perhaps the most memorable of all, for one day, Liverpool sat 10 points above City and looked to have one hand on the trophy. However, City managed an immaculate end to the season, winning 42 points from the final 42 available to top the table on the final day.
2013/14 – 9 Points
It was supposedly a two-horse race between Chelsea and Liverpool, with Liverpool 5 points ahead of Chelsea and 9 points ahead of city with just five games to go. Stevie G’s famous slip derailed Liverpool, Chelsea stalled too and City pipped them both at the post.
2022/23 – 8 Points
Another season where Arsenal was looking uncatchable for the majority of the season, only dropping six points from their first 29 games. Arsenal collapsed in the final stages and the rest is history as City added to the collection of Premier League titles.
With a third of the season remaining, who would rule Manchester City out of another historic Premier League title?
Arsenal fans will be feeling very nervous right now.
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 05: Brett Pill (84) of the Tigers is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a home run during the spring training game between the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 05, 2017 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2025 Colorado Rockies led in a number of categories that most MLB teams would prefer not to lead.
A case in point would be their Chase%, where the Rockies had an MLB-worst 31.7%. (The league average was 28.2%.) Learning to be more disciplined and discerning at the plate is a central challenge for the rebuilding Rockies.
Good news, everyone! There’s a plan.
Over the weekend, Rockies hitting coach Brett Pill explained how the Rockies intend to take on this challenge in the coming season; it involves using data, communication, and individualized instruction.
“Honestly, there’s no cookie-cutter-type approach to hitting,” Pill said. “You kind of take what the hitters do well and build on it, and then over time, closing up some of those weaknesses and things we can improve on.”
The approach varies depending on the issue and the player.
“You do that through stuff in the weight room and stuff with their swing and stuff with data,” Pill said. “So use every resource possible to help them have a solution for every type of pitcher and situation and thing they might encounter in the big leagues. It’s not always the best, sexiest answer.”
But it all starts with clear communication.
“Obviously, you’ve got to build relationships with each guy and know what makes them tick, what sports they played when they were younger. And so there’s a lot that goes into it.”
What about one of the first dragons the Rockies must slay, those unsightly chase rates? Pill sees a specialized, multi-pronged approach.
“Some guys, it could be an approach and what they’re looking for. Maybe they’re trying to hit every pitch the guy throws,” Pill said. “It could be mechanical. It could be how they’re moving at that certain point in time, which maybe we do stuff in the weight room for it.”
In addition to physical factors, players may need to address less-tangible issues.
“Obviously,” Pill said, “there’s an emotional part of chase, too. Sometimes you’re worried [the pitcher] might throw fastball middle-in, so you’re cheating. There’s an emotional-psychological aspect, too. Some guys sometimes get a little safe and actually swing and miss more. So some guys, you are are going to encourage, ‘Hey, let’s kind of let it go a little bit.’ Actually, (we’ve seen) a few different cases of that with different guys already, so it’s kind of cool to see. You try to get in there in different ways with different people, and hopefully on the whole general scale, it improves all that.”
Everything comes back to knowing players and providing personalized instruction.
“It’s not like a there’s a thing I can say on a whole team-wide scale that’s going to help the chase,” he said. “It’s you try to get in there in different ways with different people.”
Then there’s the matter of helping Rockies hitters learn to adjust to the challenges of elevation.
“I think most teams that come in see it as an advantage, so definitely need to keep that thought process at home: The ball does fly. It might move a little bit different,” Pill said. “So maybe the way we train before games, or how we visualize pitches we’re going to get will be a little different. The challenge seems to be when you leave there and then how balls are moving more.”
And he’s been working with some seasoned Rockies veterans.
“There’s a lot of good people here who went through it, like Charlie Blackmon, Matt Holliday — a lot of people who I’ve have already been been talking to and listening to the players, too, about it.”
He added, “Obviously (assistant hitting coach) Jordan Pacheco went through it. So I’m leaning on them a lot, to be honest. I think we’re going use it to our advantage at home, and then we’ll figure it out on the road.”
Pill especially enjoys the teaching component of coaching.
“It’s just constant teaching,” he said. “Even today in some of the live at-bats, it’s like, ‘Hey, what were you thinking on this pitch?’ How can we get ahead of that and give a feedback loop to it, constantly teaching and learning from them.”
Like the best teachers, Pill sees himself as a lifelong learner.
“I don’t want to sit here and say I’m going to teach them everything,” Pill said. “I’m going to learn from them — maybe things I learned from the players, I apply to other guys in the future. So that’s why I love it so much. It’s just constantly helping guys get better because I remember being like an up-down guy and trying to break in. I had a lot of good coaches, too, but sometimes, you wish you just someone was always there with you every step of the way.”
He also shares manager Warren Schaeffer’s commitment to connection and communication.
“You might have the best info ever,” Pill said, “but if they don’t really feel that connection and know that you want the best for them and know that you’re at home thinking about ways to get them better every night, it doesn’t really hit.”
Then there’s the matter of working with a young team.
“They’re all physically gifted,” Pill said. “It’s honestly kind of crazy to come in here, and I feel like I’m looking up at everyone, and they’re all really strong and fast, and so there’s a lot of really good athletes.”
Prior to joining the Rockies, Pill was a hitting coach in the Los Angeles Dodgers minor-league system.
Third baseman (and long-time denizen of the Dodgers clubhouse) Kyle Karros is happy to see Pill on the Rockies coaching staff.
“I’ve done a lot of work with [Pill], our hitting coach,” Karros said. “He’s obviously one of those guys who came over from the Dodgers, and we’ve been seeing eye-to-eye a ton. I’m hitting the ball harder than I’ve ever hit it. Things are going really well offensively for me so far. So I really like what we’re doing.”
Some of what he learned from the Dodgers, Pill’s bringing with him to Colorado.
“They obviously do some really good things on the game-planning side, preparing for pitchers, obviously really good there. So [we’ll] use some of that stuff here, in addition to what they’ve already been doing.”
Then he added, “But the main thing over there, as far as with player development, was being extremely curious and creative and, again, not just going by the standard stuff. So that’s what I hope to bring here and inspire people to do, too, is just be obsessive with trying to get people better, use every avenue possible, and just never stop grinding.”
In moving the Rockies, Pill will continue working with former Dodger and current general manager Josh Byrnes, who, as Pills puts is, “is invested in hitting and knows his stuff.”
“When I heard he wanted to bring me along over here,” Pill said, “it was definitely hard to pass up because he’s great. He remembers everything he’s ever seen on a baseball field. I pick his brain all the time.”
Schaeffer is positive about what Pill brings to the Rockies.
“He’s fantastic,” Schaeffer said. “He has a really, really solid background. He has just been fantastic so far in there in terms of his preparation and what he’s working with the guys on.”
Plus, for Schaeffer, Pill’s outside perspective plus Pacheco’s inside knowledge give the Rockies a powerful combination.
“It’s important to have a balance. (Getting) outside ideas from from Pill is going to be a huge, huge factor, in terms of everything, actually — in terms of how you teach hitting, in terms of culture, the whole thing.”
Exclusive claims Chelsea have picked their key transfer target for the summer
An exclusive report via Caught Offside today claims that Chelsea see Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a key target.
They believe that the centre back has become a key transfer target for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window of 2026, but only time will tell whether The Blues can land their man.
EXCLUSIVE! Two more NEW names added to Chelsea summer list of targets – One from Wolves and one from Atletico Madrid!! 👀
Chelsea leading the race
Murillo arrives for a Nottingham Forest match. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The report claims that sources close to his agents industry have informed them that Murillo has emerged as a key target for Premier League giants Chelsea.
Chelsea have done the most extensive background work on Murillo over the past year, and this is what makes them believe that The Blues are now leading the race to sign the Brazilian despite named interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, PSG, and Saudi clubs too.
Murillo apparently wants to stay in the Premier League, giving those English clubs another extra edge in this alleged battle for him.
Forest are reportedly demanding a fee in excess of £60-70 million, a valuation that reflects both his age and his rapid development since arriving in England.
In other news…
Joe Cole’s old quotes about a Chelsea transfer target have been dug up after the rumours returned to the fore today. He’s clearly a big fan.
Chelsea have drawn Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round, a really fun and interesting draw – but one we have to win.
People are bending over backwards to try and find nice things to say about Liam Delap’s performance on Friday against Hull, including the crew on the London is Blue podcast.
Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to use their franchise tag on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III this offseason.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that league sources do not expect Seattle to apply the tag to the star running back.
The update changes the outlook on Walker’s immediate future following his Super Bowl performance. The situation now brings the Seahawks’ broader financial strategy into clearer focus.
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Adam Schefter reveals Seahawks’ current stance
Adam Schefter shared updated reporting on Seattle’s plans for Kenneth Walker III. The insider cited league sources while outlining the team’s current position.
The comments indicate that financial flexibility and roster retention are being prioritized over a one-year franchise designation.
“It’s unlikely the Seahawks will use their franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, per league sources.”
“The Seahawks have multiple free agents they want to retain and sign. They also will try to extend WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
“There are enough Super-Bowl tax costs that now make using a franchise tag this off-season unlikely.”
What this means for Kenneth Walker III
Walker strengthened his negotiating leverage after rushing for 135 yards in the Super Bowl and earning MVP honors. His postseason production confirmed his importance within Seattle’s offense.
A franchise tag would have guaranteed a substantial one-year salary while postponing a long-term decision. Without that option, negotiations could become more immediate.
Seattle must balance rewarding Walker with retaining other key contributors and preserving salary cap flexibility.
The reported effort to extend Jaxon Smith-Njigba further highlights how resources may be distributed across the roster.
If the franchise tag is not used, the Seahawks will either pursue a long-term agreement quickly or prepare for the possibility of Walker entering free agency.
Quinton Lucas gave a State of the City address and noted his desire to keep the Royals in KCMO. John Sherman had some comments.
Word got back to Royals owner John Sherman. On Monday, Sherman addressed Lucas’ speech and offered his takeaway. “I appreciate him wanting to do that,” Sherman said. “And I appreciate that he is working very hard at that. I appreciate the work he is doing. You know, we’re not settled yet anywhere, but I would tell you, I don’t think we are that far away.”
“I’ve got a great sense of urgency on this. Time is not our friend. When the Chiefs made their announcement [to move to Kansas] in December, there was a whole new wave of enthusiasm on the Missouri side. And I don’t mean they weren’t working hard, but from the governor on down, there’s a lot of effort being put forth. We’re still evaluating Kansas, and we’re still evaluating multiple locations in Missouri, but I do appreciate the effort that’s being put forth, not only by the mayor but by the governor.”
Anne wrote about the vibes going into Spring Training as a player-led meeting took place.
“We’ve always kind of talked about it, but we’ve never really had our own kind of philosophy,” shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said. “We just believe if everyone abides by that and comes together to do that, then I think we have the right team, players, staff, to go a long way.”
Instead of an explanation from the front office or staff, this year it was a group of players delivering the message – something they’ve wanted to do for a few years now, Witt said.
“The 2014-15 teams, they had an identity,” Witt said. “What’s our identity? What’s it going to be? We can do this because I think the team we have is special. Everyone believes it, and it’s going to go a long way.”
Jaylon Thompson talks to Bobby Witt Jr about playing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic against some of his own teammates.
“It’s always fun getting to face up against those guys,” Witt said. “You saw it whenever Kobe (Bryant) was doing it with Team USA — he (plowed through) a screen through Paul Gasol or whoever it was. When you are out there, you’re trying to win. That’s what my mantra is. They’re teammates now, and when that comes, we’re still teammates. “But for me, I always want to win.”
After 2021, the health deteriorated for Means. He underwent Tommy John Surgery in April 2022. He worked his way back, reaching the big leagues briefly in 2023 before undergoing a second Tommy John Surgery in June 2024. That would spell the end of his time in Baltimore, signing a two-year contract with Cleveland before 2025. Means worked his way back, making seven minor league starts for the Guardians a season ago. Then, in December, while training, Means ruptured his Achilles just weeks after he saw his $6 million 2026 club option declined.
For the Royals, that means Means (well, that felt weird to type) will miss all of 2026 and hope to contribute in 2027. By that point, he will be in his age-33 season and two full seasons removed from any MLB action. It will be five seasons since he had any lengthy MLB time under his belt, making him a worthwhile dart throw, but hardly someone that fans should be locking in their memory bank as a key piece of the team’s 2027 plans.
Twins pitcher Pablo López experienced soreness in his elbow and will get an MRI.
The Miami Dolphins released former Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill on Monday.
As expected, the US women’s hockey team will face Canada for the gold medal.
Off Topic: My kid fell into the creek playing at the park yesterday. Small creek, so he’s fine, no issues, just got wet. Every kid’s gotta get wet in the creek at some point.
Your song of the day is Above & Beyond with On My Way To Heaven
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Brandon Dorlus #54 of the Atlanta Falcons pose for a photo after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Falcons are coming off a franchise record-setting season for their pass rush, and the defensive line was a major contributor to that success. While the edge rusher room also took significant strides in 2025, it was actually the interior that made up the bulk of Atlanta’s sack count. That’s quite the turnaround for a unit that looked stuck in the mud during the 2024 season, with regression across the board and virtually zero production from two highly-drafted rookies.
Thankfully, 2024 wasn’t indicative of the talent on this defensive line. Let’s take a closer look at how Atlanta’s interior defenders fared during the 2025 season.
David Onyemata
2025 Stats: 17 starts, 17 games played | 62 total tackles, 29 solo, 7 TFL, 4.6% missed tackle rate | 1.0 sacks, 6 total pressures
2026 Status: Free Agent
The Falcons made a curious decision to keep David Onyemata in 2025 despite the opportunity for significant cap savings. I’m not sure Onyemata was ultimately worth the lofty price tag, but I do think Onyemata played a significant role for Atlanta’s revamped defensive line. As one of the only effective run stoppers, Onyemata’s presence on early downs was critical to a line that struggled in that regard through most of the season. His pass rushing ability fell off significantly, but he was still an impact player against the run.
Ruke Orhorhoro
2025 Stats: 17 games played, 8 starts | 25 total tackles, 12 solo, 4 TFL, 0.0% missed tackle rate | 3.5 sacks, 8 total pressures, 1 PD
2026 Status: Under contract (through 2027)
One of Terry Fontenot’s big swings, Ruke Orhororo was always considered a long-term project. After a disastrous 2024 where he barely saw the field under Jimmy Lake, 2025 was a meaningful step forward. Orhorhoro was inconsistent, but did make some impact plays throughout the year. He was a reliable run defender when needed, and started to show some juice as a pass rusher. His play seemed to improve throughout the year, setting him up for a potential breakout 2026 season.
Brandon Dorlus
2025 Stats: 15 games played, 9 starts | 27 total tackles, 15 solo, 11 TFL, 3.6% missed tackle rate | 8.5 sacks, 14 total pressures
2026 Status: Under contract (through 2027)
What a turnaround for Brandon Dorlus, who was relegated to just 19 snaps in his rookie season before bursting onto the scene as one of the NFC’s best interior pass rushers in 2025. Really can’t say enough bad things about Jimmy Lake, folks. At any rate, Dorlus showed off his incredible burst and finishing ability, generating big plays in both the run and pass game. Dorlus’ 8.5 sacks were second on the team, and his 11 TFL led the team. An injury late in the season cut his production short, but Dorlus is clearly an ascending player who should be a stalwart on Atlanta’s new-look defensive line for years to come.
Zach Harrison
2025 Stats: 7 games played, 7 starts | 22 total tackles, 9 solo, 5 TFL, 8.3% missed tackle rate, 2 FF | 4.5 sacks, 6 total pressures, 1 PD
2026 Status: Under contract (through 2026)
It’s not unreasonable to say that Zach Harrison was Atlanta’s best defensive lineman through the first half of the season. Harrison’s production in just seven games was outstanding, and he may have even outpaced Brandon Dorlus over the course of a full season. Unfortunately, a serious injury ended Harrison’s season, and kept Falcons fans from seeing a truly dominant interior defensive line. Thankfully, there’s still another opportunity for that in 2026, as Harrison should hopefully return healthy alongside Dorlus and Orhorhoro. Harrison’s versatility and ability as both a run defender and pass rusher make him incredibly valuable in this system. I’d try to extend Harrison this offseason before he has a potentially massive 2026.
LaCale London
2025 Stats: 13 games played, 5 starts | 30 total tackles, 17 solo, 7 TFL, 3.2% missed tackle rate, 1 FF | 5.0 sacks, 7 total pressures, 1 PD
2026 Status: Restricted free agent
LaCale London has been a reliable reserve for the Falcons through multiple coaching staffs and years. With injuries ahead of him last season, London finally got a chance to take on a more significant role, and he delivered. London provided strong play as both a run defender and pass rusher, putting up career numbers on Atlanta’s defensive front. Given his production, I think the Falcons would be wise to offer him a right of first refusal RFA tender to keep him in Atlanta for at least one more season.
The reserves: Kentavius Street, Sam Roberts, Elijah Garcia, Ta’Quon Graham
The Falcons assembled a quality rotation of defensive linemen in 2025, with all playing varying roles throughout the season. Kentavius Street was the primary option, appearing in seven games and notching a couple sacks and some decent production. Sam Roberts and Elijah Garcia were more developmental additions, with both making a few plays here or there but not getting many snaps. Ta’Quon Graham was brought back initially as depth, but didn’t make it far into the season before the team parted ways.
Outlook: Young and hungry
It’s incredible what one season can do for the fortunes of a position group. Going into 2025, fans were rightfully concerned that Atlanta had wasted two draft picks on players in Orhorhoro and Dorlus who couldn’t even crack the rotation. The whole unit looked stuck in the mud, with everyone regressing. Turns out, coaching matters. In 2025, the Falcons unleashed their young trio on the NFL. The emergence of Dorlus and Orhorhoro alongside the continued quality play of Zach Harrison was a major contributor to Atlanta’s record-setting pass rush season.
The Falcons have a rock solid trio between Zach Harrison, Brandon Dorlus, and Ruke Orhorhoro. There’s near-term and long-term potential, particularly for Dorlus and Orhorhoro. Decisions loom on who of this group Atlanta will be able to keep around, as Harrison will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Given Harrison’s track record, I think the Falcons would be wise to lock him up for a few more years while seeing which of Dorlus and Orhorhoro is worth investing in alongside him. LaCale London would be a logical return at the right of first refusal price of $3.55M to round out the unit, with Atlanta likely looking to the draft for a nose tackle. We didn’t see much of Sam Roberts or Elijah Garcia, but both could be brought back as developmental/rotational players.
Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Collin Morikawa just won his first PGA Tour event since 2023, and what a place to do it.
The American claimed his seventh win on the PGA Tour at the iconic Pebble Beach, and showed steely composure to do so. He needed a birdie or better to win it on the 18th hole, and shot a four on the par-five 18th hole.
The 18th saw its fair share of birdies and eagles on the final day, but you’d do well to find a more difficult circumstance for Morikawa to play his approach. He had over 200 yards to the green, wind hurtling in from the left, and he had an agonizing wait before he hit the shot.
He had to wait over 20 minutes for the green to clear as Jacob Bridgeman hit his approach onto the beach, then into the water. And he was faced with an extreme mental battle before stepping up to the ball.
Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
What Collin Morikawa did to calm his mind while waiting to hit winning shot at Pebble Beach
Morikawa showed incredible resolve to keep his composure and hit what proved to be the tournament-winning shot, which settled just right of the green. Speaking afterwards to Dan Rapaport, Morikawa explained how he used the legendary setting to calm himself.
He said, “Honestly, I just stared at the ocean. Like that’s why I kept pacing back and forth. Like, I don’t know how many times they showed me pacing back and forth. But that’s all I did.
“The last thing I wanted to do was think about how I was going to hit that shot, because if I started thinking about it, you know, ‘Okay man, I have 220 to the front, 236 to the hole. Oh I got to start it this far in here. Oh I saw Jacob hit his shot left. Do I need to start it more left or more right?’
“It was the last thing, for me, being an LA guy, being a West Coast guy like you, you look at the ocean, and I think you forget about everything else in life. That helped so much. I was very, very lucky to have that backdrop, and just stared at some rocks.
“Stared at some water, stared at some birds. Just anything aside from hitting that shot.”
For some, the fact that this was taking place at Pebble Beach, one of the most legendary golf courses on the planet, might have overwhelmed them. But for LA-born Morikawa, this is home. This is the ocean he grew up staring at, so it helped to settle him, and he hit one of the shots of his life.
Collin Morikawa credits sports psychologist after win at Pebble Beach
Morikawa’s win came out of seemingly nowhere. He missed the cut at the Sony Open, his first start of 2026, then finished T54 at the WM Phoenix Open.
But he was able to put that all behind him and win at Pebble Beach, and he laid some of the credit at the feet of his sports psychologist, Rick Sessinghaus, who he spoke to at length during the week.
Speaking after the win, Morikawa said about his game: “You know, honestly, the last two days it felt really good.
“I went into this year feeling really good about myself. You go out and play two rounds at Sony and I missed the cut and you realize, man, do I need to redo everything that you thought you were doing for the last two months?
“That’s not really the case. The problem is the results matter sometimes and for me in this world after the past, you know, a year, three years, whatever you want to call it, I just haven’t had the results I’ve wanted. But I know I’m making the right strides, I know I’m inching towards the right direction.
“It’s just I just haven’t seen this momentum to be able to go out and play a low round. If you went back and was able to tap into my phone calls with Rick the past week and a half, a lot of it has had to do with being able to go low and just being able to continue momentum.
“It’s very hard to replicate, it’s very hard to do, but at the same time you’ve got to be able to play golf out here.”
Whatever Sessinghaus said during the week, it clearly worked on the 18th hole.
TAMPA – The Yankees wasted no time testing one of their top pitching prospects on Monday, as Carlos Lagrange threw three innings against a live batting practice group that included three MVPs in Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton.
They quickly saw Lagrange fire a 99.3-mph fastball… only for Judge to demolish it over the left field wall.
“It was so far,” a smiling Lagrange said of the homer.
But those observing also saw the 22-year-old, who has yet to pitch at Triple-A, respond with poise and some emphatic power of his own, as he fanned Judge with a 102.6-mph heater in their next matchup.
“I know 102 is really hard, but I worked out hard in the offseason,” Lagrange said. “When you do a really good job in the offseason, that’s the result.”
Still, the added zip — and rebound against baseball’s best hitter — elicited oohs and ahhs from the fans in attendance.
“I think there is something to that,” Aaron Boone said of Lagrange’s bounce-back. “That’s a big thing to walk into for a guy that hasn’t been over here, and it didn’t seem like a big thing to him. He was just out there executing.
“It’s fun to watch all that unfold.”
Lagrange, meanwhile, said he was simply trying to execute against Judge in both at-bats. Of course, he had to quickly shake off the sensation that came with facing him.
“When I see Aaron Judge in the box, I say, ‘Damn, it’s Aaron Judge,’” he said with a laugh. “But when I throw the first pitch, it’s, ‘Okay, throw in the zone and execute your pitch.”
While Lagrange’s fastball, no stranger to triple-digits, was the star of the show, Boone also thought his changeup and sweeper looked sharp.
Judge, who flew out against Lagrange in their third at-bat, was also impressed with the youngster, declaring, “he’s going to be a special player for us.” The captain also highlighted Lagrange’s presence on the mound.
That made Judge the latest Yankee to note Lagrange’s intangibles, joining a chorus that already included Boone and assistant pitching coach Preston Claiborne, among others.
“We sent up some nasty lineups against him today,” Judge said. “He didn’t care. He wanted to be out there, and he came right after us. That’s what you need if you’re gonna play in the Bronx. If you’re gonna play in New York, you gotta have that demeanor.”
JUDGE’S ARM GOOD TO GO
Judge said his elbow is “good to go” and “feeling great” after a flexor strain restricted his throwing in the second half last season.
At the recommendation of the Yankees’ training staff, he didn’t undergo offseason surgery and started his throwing program on the earlier side in anticipation of playing in the World Baseball Classic. He’s already thrown to bases a few times and has “no worries” about his arm.
Boone previously called Judge a “full go” this spring.
“He’s throwing the ball really well right now,” the manager said.
Boone added that Judge will get more work than usual this time of year because he’ll be joining Team USA for the WBC on March 1. Judge is expected to play in four or five of the Yankees’ first nine exhibition games, and Boone wants him to get up to six innings in a game by the time he leaves Yankees camp.
Judge is expected to play right field for Team USA.
OTHER RECOVERIES
Anthony Volpe, recovering from shoulder surgery, started his hitting progression with dry swings on Monday, Boone said.
The skipper added that he will take some time getting Oswaldo Cabrera, who suffered a season-ending ankle fracture last May, into spring training games.
Finally, Boone mentioned that Ryan McMahon reported to camp under the weather, so he didn’t do any physical activities on Monday. McMahon tested negative for the flu.
Just in: Carrick keen to bring Rashford back as Man Utd & Barcelona open talks
Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly negotiating a deal for Marcus Rashford, whom Michael Carrick would like to bring back to Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old is currently on loan at Barcelona, who have the option to buy him at the end of the season for €30 million.
Although he hasn’t always been a starter in Hansi Flick’s lineup, the Englishman has done fairly well in Catalunya this term, as evidenced by the 10 goals and 13 assists he registered in his 34 appearances across all competitions.
Nevertheless, the Blaugrana remain reluctant to pay €30 million to acquire his services on a permanent basis.
Michael Carrick would welcome Rashford back to Man Utd with open arms
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Barcelona have opened a new round of talks with Man Utd for Rashford. The Catalan giants are seeking a discount on the original price, hoping to drive the transfer fee down to €25 million or less.
In theory, United could be open to this solution. After all, the versatile attacker is an academy product of the club, so any amount they collect would be considered a pure capital gain.
However, the Red Devils could be tempted to bring the once-beloved star back home, with Carrick fully endorsing a comeback.
However, the Portuguese manager was sacked last month, which could open the door for a second Rashford chapter at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford determined to stay at Barcelona
While Carrick would reportedly cherish a Rashford homecoming, it should be noted that the 44-year-old’s contract will expire at the end of the season.
The English tactician has been enjoying a superb start at the helm, winning four of his first five matches in charge. However, he’s still considered an interim head coach, with the hierarchy inclined to appoint a more accomplished permanent manager next summer.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears takes the field prior to the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On her latest Making Monsters podcast, Taylor Doll is joined by former University of Missouri offensive coordinator, now Washington State Head Coach Kirby Moore, to talk about the sensational rookie season of Chicago Bears wideout Luther Burden III.
Coach Moore coached Burden for his final two years at Mizzou, including his breakout 2023 season, when he had 86 receptions for 1,212 yards.
The interview offers incredible insight into Burden’s skill set, his competitiveness, his ceiling as an NFL player, and the kind of person he is off the field by giving back to his community.
Check out Taylor’s interview with Coach Moore in either of the embeds below.
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“If you look at baseball right now, there’s a lot of really nice tailwinds. Attendance is up, ratings are up. There’s a lot of things going in the right direction. We’ve got a lot of good young stars and exciting young players, and that’s all going well.
“There are some challenges. The regional sports network model has been under pressure for the last few years. Certain teams felt it the most this offseason, and it’ll take a while for it to work out, but it’s certainly a challenge for the entire league.” — Tom Ricketts.
Marquee had a series of player interviews — here’s the playlist. (FYI, I will remove these periodically.) Lots more video below.
Brett Taylor had some words about the Ben Cowles DFA in his bullets, where he speculated that the reassignment bid might be about Cowles/Owen Miller more than Steele. I dunno. Miller’s 29 and has had enough cups of coffee to equal just about two MLB seasons. and the data isn’t prepossessing. But maybe. I think they’re just doing it now to avoid waiver claims, which are unlikely with everyone at full-40 this early. Miller isn’t better than Cowles, or Triantos, or Ramirez, which I think is the depth order behind Shaw.
As always, developments. We practice patience.
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On Monday morning, it was announced that Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty star and Unrivaled co-founder, has signed with the Turkish powerhouse club Fenerbahçe.
Stewart, a two-time EuroLeague Final Four MVP and two-time EuroLeague champion, played for Fenerbahçe in their 2022-23 season, which was her most recent stint in international basketball.
Dünya Yıldızı Breanna Stewart yeniden Fenerbahçe Opet’te! 💛💙✍️@breannastewart
Kazandığı tarihi başarılar, imza attığı rekorlar ve geçmişten bugüne dek kadrosunda yer alan dünya yıldızlarıyla Türk Sporuna büyük bir marka değeri kazandıran Türk Basketbolunun Lokomotifi… pic.twitter.com/01q2vm2yKt
Stewart is currently playing for Mist BC in Unrivaled, so she won’t join Fenerbahçe immediately. However, she’s expected to help a Fenerbahçe team that already features the likes of Emma Meesseman, Gabby Williams and Kayla McBride compete in the EuroLeague Final Six, which is played in mid-April.
While her return to European basketball won’t affect her Unrivaled season, it comes dangerously close to infringing upon the WNBA schedule. The W has been notoriously strict about player commitments overseas, and has punished players for prioritizing exterior assignments during the WNBA season. Williams, her soon-to-be Fenerbahçe teammate, has been a notable voice pushing back against prioritization rules, as she missed significant portion of the 2024 WNBA season to fulfill European commitments.
The 2020 CBA declared that players must report to their WNBA teams by May 1, or the start of training camp if that date was later than May 1. While the new CBA’s prioritization clause (or lack thereof) is unclear right now, Stewart’s signing almost feels like a slap in the face to the WNBA.
As it should be!
Even if Stewart ends up being able to return to the Liberty before May 1, the thin margin that she’s giving herself is a statement on its own.
Stewart hasn’t felt the need to play in Europe since 2023. With brand deals, Unrivaled and her WNBA contract, it’s hard to believe she’s motivated by any financial incentive. We can’t put words in her mouth, but her move to Fenerbahçe feels closely connected to a well-documented lack of confidence in a new CBA, and in WNBA leadership in general.
It’s entirely possible that Stewart had a simple epiphany that she missed European basketball. After all, she’s had many successes on that side of the globe. It’s also possible that she’s reminding WNBA leadership that there are plenty of non-W options for high-caliber players, and that they don’t have a monopoly on elite women’s basketball.
Finally, there’s a real chance that Stewart’s signing isn’t a threat at all, but instead an actual response to CBA negotiations. Stewart is a vice president of the WNBAPA, and has been in countless meetings about the future of the league. Maybe she isn’t trying to send some message to the W, but is instead predicting a delayed season, and therefore planning to play elsewhere.
Again, this is all speculation.
We know that Stewart will be reprising in the yellow and black, and any ulterior motives could be nothing but make believe. Yet, as all indications suggest that tensions surrounding CBA negotiations remain between the WNBA and WNBPA, there is never a wrong moment to read between the lines.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: Sean O'Malley is interviewed following his bantamweight bout during the UFC 324 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The UFC may be preparing to stack the UFC White House card up with top fighters, but one man who hasn’t gotten a call regarding the June 14th event is “Suga” Sean O’Malley.
O’Malley is used to stepping in when the UFC needs a big bankable name at the top of a marquee card. He headlined the UFC Sphere event, which was the most expensive event in the history of the company to produce. Or at least it was until the UFC White House card came along. He also appeared on the UFC’s first big Paramount+ card.
But if UFC expects him to appear on the White House card, they haven’t talked to him about it. Which is a bad sign, considering UFC CEO Dana White said the card was effectively ‘built’ as of last week.
“They said they were starting the White House card last week, [during] Tuesday matchmaking,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “They said they were starting it. I haven’t got a call. I haven’t got a jingle. Haven’t heard nothing. The ol’ ‘Suga Show’ might not be on the White House.”
🚨👀Sean O’Malley says he still hasn’t gotten the call for the White House event and may not be on the card:
“I haven’t got a call, I haven’t heard nothing. Suga Show might not be on the White House.”
“It’s still so far out like , it’s still far enough out,” he added. “I don’t know.”
As for what “Suga” is hearing through the grapevine?
“I’m seeing Jon Jones. I’m seeing GSP (Georges St-Pierre) maybe. Conor [McGregor] versus Nate [Diaz]. But it’s like, they’ve got to do something big.”
Do they, though? The UFC (with Saudi help) offered Jon Jones $30 million for his last fight. Conor McGregor is in the same range, and he says his current contract is null and void. You’ve never met a happier retiree than Georges St-Pierre. And the UFC could have re-signed Nate Diaz last year if they felt like it, but they didn’t.
With there being no gate for this special card, we expect TKO accountants to shy away from some of the more expensive superfight options. What’s possible? Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje. Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes (health permitting). Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane. Big fights, for sure. But not bank busters.
On the plus side, that could describe a lot of Sean O’Malley match-ups. If the UFC finds the fighters they picked last week are being a bit too difficult to negotiate with, “Suga” could still get a call. Let us know who would you like to see him fight in a potential White House card.
Since moving to Hi Corbett Field for the 2012 season, Arizona has benefitted from a distinct home field advantage. The Wildcats are 315-129 at the park that previously had been used for minor league and Spring Training games, their 24-6 record there in 2025 the behind only the 2021 record of 32-8.
The UA can use a little home cooking after beginning the season on the road, and without a win. Arizona went 0-3 in Surprise during opening weekend, the second year in a row it went winless in a tournament before playing at home.
A 5-game homestand kicks off Tuesday night when Arizona hosts Omaha at 6 p.m. MT at Hi Corbett Field. That’s followed by a 4-game series with UConn starting Thursday, with two night games and two afternoon tilts.
The Wildcats lost 10-7 to Stanford, 7-6 to Oregon State and 4-1 to Michigan in Surprise, each a game they could have won with just a little more hitting and a little less mid-innings implosion from the bullpen. UA batters struck out 42 times, 33 in the first two games, and five relievers combined to allow 12 runs in 6.2 innings.
It wasn’t all bad, though. Arizona’s overhauled offense had 27 hits, with redshirt freshman first baseman Tony Lira looking impressive with five hits over the final two games. Senior shortstop Mathis Meurant hit .375 and had a pair of stolen bases and transfer second baseman Tyler Bickers drew four walks out of the leadoff spot.
Collin McKinney’s performance on Sunday was also promising, the redshirt junior right-hander striking out eight (with only two walks) in 4.2 innings. Last season he couldn’t stay in the rotation due to too many free passes (35) and hit batters (14).
The most impressive relief performance came from senior righty Matthew Martinez, who against Stanford threw three scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.
The Wildcats used 24 players during the first weekend including 10 pitchers. One arm that didn’t see action was freshman righty Jack Lafflam, who is expected to start against Omaha.
That game could also see the 2026 debut of junior outfielder Easton Breyfogle, who missed the first three games after injuring his left (non-throwing) shoulder sliding into home during the final weekend of preseason practice.
Arizona has never started a season 0-4. It hadn’t begun 0-3 since 1919 until last February, when it was outscored 31-7 at a tournament in Texas but went on to win the Big 12’s conference tournament and reach the College World Series.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 02: David Bednar #53 of the New York Yankees celebrates after beating the Boston Red Sox 4-0 in game three of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on October 02, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees had serious bullpen issues in 2025, which mostly stemmed from the fact that Devin Williams had far and away the worst year of his career after he was acquired from the Brewers for Caleb Durbin and Nestor Cortes in the offseason. Williams figured it out towards the end of the year and was a valuable piece in September and October, but he finished the season with a disastrous 4.79 ERA and his series of implosions in the first half cost the Yankees a number of wins which directly led to the team losing the division by the narrowest margin possible. Williams’ struggles reached the point where he lost save opportunities to Luke Weaver, who was more reliable than Williams but also regressed from the hero role he played during the previous postseason, and at times struggled terribly down the stretch.
Williams and Weaver are the only two players from last year’s ALDS roster that are no longer with the team; they both moved across town and signed with the Mets. This leaves David Bednar, who took over the closer role after being acquired from the Pirates at the trade deadline, as the default ninth-inning option for 2026. Bednar went 4-0 with 10 saves with the Yankees, recording a 2.19 ERA while striking out 36% of the hitters he faced. He’s an elite closer, and the Yankees should feel great about handing the ball to finish games.
The primary set-up men in the bullpen will be Camilo Doval and Fernando Cruz. Doval was another trade deadline acquisition last July, and was not impressive as a Yankee during the regular season with a 4.82 ERA in 18 innings. Control problems have been a thorn in his side for the last two years, but he features a wipeout slider and has been a reliable late-inning reliever for most of his career. His fastball has regressed as of late, which should be Matt Blake’s primary focus in getting him back to top form. Cruz spent his first full year with the Yankees in 2025 and struck out 36% of the hitters he faced on the back of his wipeout splitter. His 3.56 ERA was a major step forward from his shaky numbers with the Reds, and he should be one of the most prominent members of the Yankees’ bullpen moving forward.
Tim Hill will look to build on the 3.09 ERA he posted last year and retain his role as the funky left-handed specialist meant to induce as many ground balls as possible. He’s one of two southpaws in the bullpen, the other being Ryan Yarbrough who’s spent a lot of his career as a starting pitcher and made eight starts with the Yankees last season. Barring disastrous health problems, Yarbrough should spent 2026 in the bullpen and will be deployed primarily as a long reliever.
The rest of the bullpen will likely include Paul Blackburn and Cade Winquest. Blackburn came over from the Mets midway through the 2025 season and struggled as Yankee on the surface, though the difference between his actual and expected stats was staggering (he had a 5.28 ERA vs 2.92 xERA). He re-signed on a one-year, $2 million contract this offseason. Winquest was the Yankees’ first Rule 5 selection in years. He has yet to make his MLB debut, but his fastball can reach triple digits and he features a plus changeup and curveball. Both pitchers should be back-end options in the bullpen to start the year, with the chance to earn more opportunities as the season develops.
Jake Bird was another trade deadline acquisition as the Yankees acquired him from the Rockies for Roc Riggio and Ben Shields. He only pitched in three games with the big-league team and spent almost all his time in Triple-A, but he’s looking to get back on track this season and earn a spot in the Major League bullpen. At his best, Bird’s lethal slider/cutter combination makes him incredibly difficult to hit.
We’ve written extensively about Carlos Lagrange over the past year, most recently in our starting pitcher preview, but there’s a realistic chance he appears in the Yankees’ bullpen sometime this year and for that reason he’s worth mentioning here. Lagrange made huge gains last season and is already turning heads in camp. He was hitting 102 MPH with his fastball as of Monday afternoon, when he allowed a home run to Aaron Judge and then struck the three-time MVP out on three pitches. The Yankees should do everything they can to help Lagrange develop into a starting pitcher, but his ETA should be around sometime this summer, at which point the rotation could be healthy and thriving. Adding his electric arsenal into the bullpen down the stretch could be a huge boost to the pitching staff and a perfect jumping-off for Lagrange’s MLB career.
Aside from the names above, most of the other contenders for innings in the Bronx will be starting the season in Triple-A if not with the big-league club. Some of these names include Brent Headrick, Yerry de los Santos, Angel Chivilli, and Kervin Castro. Headrick is the most likely candidate to break camp with the team after he pitched 23 innings with the Yankees in 2025 and thrived with a 3.13 ERA and 32.6% strikeout rate. If the team decides to roll with three lefties in the bullpen, or if Hill or Yarbrough are forced to miss anytime this season, his is the first name they should call. Fans should also remember de los Santos fondly after he pitched 35 innings in the Bronx and recorded a 3.28 ERA. He struggled with walks, but was able to get the job done in 2025 and could get more opportunities this season.
Chivilli was acquired from the Rockies in exchange for minor-league slugger T.J. Rumfield this offseason. His numbers were catastrophic in Colorado last season, but he was pitching in a uniquely terrible environment. It’s difficult to even gauge how good a pitcher’s stuff is in Coors Field. The Yankees clearly saw enough that they liked to trade for Chivilli, but for now he should be viewed as a lottery ticket. Castro has struggled in his limited sample in the big-leagues, and after missing all of 2024 he pitched 47 innings in Triple-A last season with a 1.53 ERA.
The Yankees also signed Rafael Montero to a minor-league contract in early February. Montero was a huge part of the Astros’ World Series-champion bullpen in 2022, but he’s struggled mightily in the three years since. He’s another lottery ticket. Non-roster spring training invitations were also extended to Dylan Coleman, Carson Coleman, Bradley Hanner, Harrison Cohen, and Travis MacGregor. Dylan Coleman is the only one of these five with MLB experience, but like Montero, he hasn’t been a reliable bullpen option at this level since 2022. Of the other four, Cohen is the name to focus on. He posted a 1.76 ERA in 2025 between Double-A and Triple-A, with the red flag being a 14% walk rate at both levels.
The only other non-roster invitees on the roster are Michael Arias and Yovanny Cruz. Arias spent four years in the Cubs organization between 2021-24 before signing a minor-league contract with the Yankees for 2025. Arias pitched just 29.2 innings last season, but did so across four levels and ended the season with Double-A Somerset. Cruz took a two-year hiatus in 2020 & 2021 due in part to COVID-19 and Tommy John surgery, and never pitched more than 30 innings in a season again until logging 59.1 innings in Double-A last year as part of the Red Sox organization.
Fans had a more recent look at Hueston Morrill and Brady Kirtner during the Arizona Fall League, but both pitchers should be around the Double-A level for most of the year. Most pitchers who are already classified as relievers at this point in their careers that have a chance to contribute to the big-league team this season are at or near the top of the organization. The dozen or so pitchers atop the depth chart are the ones who should contribute in the Bronx for the foreseeable future.
Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) runs on the field at the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Hello CSR! Welcome to Ask Brian, your weekly Panthers fan mail bag for everyone! We’re starting to get deep into the NFL off-season, and mock drafts are flying wild. We have free agency on the horizon, and right now it’s the best time for many fans as we can speculate on the future of the Panthers. One shoe dropped this week, former Denver Bronco defensive edge, Bradley Chubb was released by the Miami Dolphins. I am wondering what Panthers fans might think of bringing in a guy who played under Ejiro Evero in Denver. The Panthers definitely could use an edge rusher, and Bradley Chubb should be a highly sought after free agent at a premium position.
You all no the drill, comment down below with all your questions, whether they be Panthers related, football related, or even completely off-topic! As always, I’ll highlight my favorite answers and respond to all of your questions later on in the week.
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 14: Romeo Doubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers catches a pass against Riley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One position that many Broncos fans want the team to address this offseason is wide receiver. Veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton led the way with multiple big catches, touchdowns, and topped 1,000 yards again, but had some issues with drops later in the year. After that, the team never had a reliable number two or three receiving threat. Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and rookie Pat Bryant all had their moments throughout the year, but nobody really provided a consistent WR2 threat.
Romeo Doubs was a 4th round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL Draft and instantly became an impact player for them on the offensive side of the ball. He would flourish into a consistent starter for the Packers and now will be one of the top free agent receivers available this free agency.
Through his four seasons with the Packers, Doubs played in 59 games and started 50 of them, and totaled 202 receptions for 2,424 yards and 21 touchdowns. This past year, Doubs played in 16 games for the Packers and totaled 55 receptions for 724 yards and 6 touchdowns.
While Doubs may not be the flashy WR1 that many Broncos fans are looking for, he is a consistent wide receiver who knows how to get open and would make the Broncos’ passing offense better. The question is, is he the player they should target this offseason to improve their wide receiving room?
Player Profile
Romeo Doubs | Wide Receiver | Green Bay Packers
Height: 6-2
Weight: 204 pounds
Age: 25 years old (turns 26 in April)
Experience: 4 NFL seasons
2025 stats: 55 receptions for 724 yards and 6 touchdowns
Why the Broncos should sign wide receiver Romeo Doubs
If the Broncos cannot swing a trade or acquire a top receiving threat, Doubs would be a reliable addition to their wide receiver room. I mentioned how they did not have a consistent threat after Courtland Sutton, and I believe Doubs could solve that.
Doubs was the Packers’ version of Courtland Sutton last season. On third downs, quarterback Jordan Love would look his way, and more often than not, Doubs would make the play and get the first down. The Broncos need another player like that in their offense. While Sutton has been great at that, having another threat on these key downs would open things up for everyone else. He has reliable hands, which was an issue for Broncos pass catchers last season, and simply would make the Broncos’ wide receiver room stronger.
Another thing that stands out about Doubs is his willingness to block in the run game. Head coach Sean Payton loves players who can do this, and he would help out their screen and run game if signed. Doubs just seems like the type of player Sean Payton would love to add to his offense.
Again, he would not be the sexiest addition the team can make this offseason, but if you’re looking for the type of player that this team usually goes for, Doubs is it.
Why the Broncos will not sign wide receiver Romeo Doubs
With most of the top free agent wide receivers expected to receive the franchise tag, players like Romeo Doubs could see their price tag inflate a little bit. I like Doubs as a player, but he is not the type of receiver you sign to a big contract. There will be multiple wide receiver-needy teams with plenty of cap space available who may feel comfortable making that move, but I am not sure if this is the big-money move the Broncos have in mind.
Another concern is his injury history. Doubs is the poster child for the guardian cap and has a lengthy concussion history. Giving a player with a lengthy concussion history a big-money deal would be rather risky.
I also think it’s possible that the Broncos do not make any major additions to their wide receiver room. They just signed Courtland Sutton to an extension, Troy Franklin is coming off a 700-yard, 6-touchdown season (comparable to Doubs), rookie Pat Bryant showed promise, and people want to see Marvin Mims Jr. more involved in the offense. Payton and the Broncos could feel comfortable with their room and will allow their young receivers develop and hope the coaching changes they are making on the offensive side of the ball will aid in that development and help with the drops.
Final Thoughts
I like Romeo Doubs and think he is the type of player Sean Payton would like to. He is a reliable pass catcher who knows how to get open quickly and makes plays on key downs. However, I do not think the team will be willing to match the price tag that he will likely get on the open market, nor do I think he will be that big of an upgrade to make it worth it.
I also think, outside of getting a legitimate WR1, they are comfortable with their wide receiver room. Troy Franklin had a nice season, Mims made plays when utilized, and Pat Bryant is coming off a promising rookie season. I think they are happy with those players and will only be willing to make a move if they can get a true WR1.
I wouldn’t be upset if they did sign Doubs, but I just don’t think this is the sort of addition they are looking to make this offseason. I think they want to swing big if possible.
July 11, 1965: Harmon Killebrew delivers one of the most memorable home runs in franchise history in the final game before the All-Star break. The Twins, leading the Yankees by four games in the AL standings, trailed New York 5-4 entering the bottom of the ninth at Met Stadium. With Rich Rollins on first and two out, Killebrew sent a 3-and-2 pitch from Pete Miklelsen into the left-field bleachers and a 6-5 Twins victory. The Twins cruised to the AL pennant. (Photo by John Croft/Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
There’s a moment in every memorable Twins season where fans realize “hey, this is going to be something special”. In 1965, that happened on July 11. Trailing the rival New York Yankees 5-4 going into the bottom of the ninth, Harmon Killebrew dug in representing the winning run. NYY hurler Pete Mikkelsen didn’t stand a chance:
Thanks to their superstar slugger’s walkoff heroics, the ‘65 Twins were off and running!
The newbie: a terrific trifecta!
Jacque Jones jolts contraction outta here (2002)
The 2001 offseason was undoubtedly the worst in Twins franchise history. After MLB Commissioner Bud Selig floated the contraction idea and Twins owner Carl Pohlad was more than willing to take the payout, it took a county judge to restore order. Jacque Jones restored between-the-white-lines order by homering in the first PA of the 2002 season! I wasn’t able to locate the audio, but Dick Bremer’s “And I hope it lands in Milwaukee!” call remains iconic.
Denard Span’s triple takes the top off (2008)
In the final week of the 2008 season, the Twins needed to sweep the Chicago White Sox at the Metrodome to even have a fighting chance at the AL Central crown. After taking the first two games, MN fell behind big in the finale—but kept battling back. In the bottom of the 8th, Denard Span bounced a ball down the first base line that scored Carlos Gomez to tie the game and propelled this Twinkie Town writer airborne. Alexi Casilla would later give the Twins the victory, but Span’s big blow was the buoyant moment.
Francisco Liriano out-duels Roger Clemens (2006)
Francisco Liriano’s 2006 run was perhaps the greatest pitching stretch in franchise history. His signature moment that season was out-dueling Roger Clemens in Houston on June 22, 2006. With The Rocket (5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) in the midst of his home-state comeback, Liriano (8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) outclassed the veteran in his own back yard. While by no means Frankie’s best single-game performance of ‘06, beating Kody’s Dad put him on the national stage.
No Way, Jose! (2024)
On July 3, 2024, Jose Miranda singled in the eighth inning of a blowout loss to the Tigers. Ho hum. But then, something inexplicable happened: Miranda reached base the next twelve consecutive at-bats—13 if you count a HBP mixed in! In a sport where 0-fer slumps can sometimes last weeks, Jose managed to find his way on base—without the benefit of a BB—a baker’s dozen worth of times in a row.
Radke-Santana-Lohse Go Back-To-Back-To-Back (2004)
On July 5, 2004, Brad Radke (9 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) blanked the Kansas City Royals. Not exactly an uncommon feat in those days. But the next night, Johan Santana (9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 13 K) did the same. The next night, Kyle Lohse (9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K) made it a SP hat trick of complete game shutouts! Figures—Kyle’s one start at the Metrodome I didn’t see and he goes the distance!
About time for a breakout game from TA | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
When: Tuesday February 17 – 7:00 PM
Where: Lenovo Center
TV: ESPN
Opponent: North Carolina Tar Heels
Prediction – KenPom (KP) / Bart Torvik (BT): NC State 81-78 / NC State 81-78
Coach
Year
W/L
Score
H/A
Sloan
1966
L
78-79
A
Valvano
1980
L
70-73
A
Robinson
1990
W
97-91
H
Sendek
1996
L
56-59
A
Lowe
2006
W
83-79
H
Gottfried
2011
L
55-74
A
Keatts
2017
W
95-91
A
Interesting Note: Les Robinson played UNC on back-to-back days in his first season, the first a win in Raleigh 97-91, the second a loss in Chapel Hill 70-92.
Team
PPG
PPG-OPP
FG%
3PT%
3PT-M
Reb
Ast
TO
ST
BL
NC State
85
74.4
47.8%
39.4%
10.6
35.1
16.3
9.7
8.4
3.2
UNC
81.8
70.4
47.6%
34.5%
8.7
38.8
16.8
9.3
5.7
3.5
Wolfpack Snapshot:
Record: 18-8, 9-4
Rankings: KP #31, BT #30
NET: 29 (Q1: 3-6, Q2: 9-1, Q3: 2-0, Q4: 4-1) – 5th highest NET in the ACC
Wolfpack Season So Far:
The season is generally going better than previous seasons, but the pattern is concerning:
Highly inconsistent. Won by 44 points, lost by 41 points.
Ven Lubin is the only consistent player on the team
Four home losses. Miami and Kansas both 76-77, GT by 4, UVA by 15
Second two game losing streak so far (Aub, Tex were the first)
Gave up late leads in both Miami & GT games
Notre Dame and Stanford are absolute must win games because the other three look formidable.
What’s On the Line?
The Tar Heels are ranked AP # 16 and NET #25, this is a Q1 contest. BUT NOBODY CARES ABOUT THAT! This is THE rivalry game. I’m certain AT LEAST 117 people told Coach Wade on his first day on the job, “Whatever else you do, beat Carolina.” NC State has lost two in a row since beating them for the ACC Championship. In the last game, the Wolfpack was down 28 at halftime. (at which time Coach Keatts’ FB status switched to ‘dead man walking’) Time for that RECKONING we’ve heard so much about.
The baby blue faithful were a little itchy last season when the Tar Heels were relegated to the NCAA play-in game, which they won, and they then caught an early flight home after the round of 64. There was some whispered ‘hot seat’ rumbling before this season. Coach Hubert had to make some moves, and he did:
His freshman class includes Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year, 5-star, top 10 big man Caleb Wilson and thus far he has delivered and is in the NBA lottery conversation. Plus, quality 4-stars Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis
Highlights from the portal were 4-star, top 30 target Estonian big man Henri Veesaar out of Alabama, Jonathan Powell out of WVU, Kyan Evans out of Colorado State, Jarin Stevenson out of Alabama, and Jaydon Young jumped from VT.
Like everyone else, he brought in an international pro player, Luka Bogavac from Montenegro.
And he held on to starting guard, Seth Trimble.
Opponent Snapshot:
Record: 20-5, 8-4
Rankings: KP #28, BT #25
NET: 25 (Q1: 5-5, Q2: 2-0, Q3: 8-0, Q4: 5-0) – 4th highest NET in the ACC
Their Season So Far:
Saturday, UNC played Pitt without Wilson or Veesaar and won by 14, 79-65. Shooting was nearly even. UNC was +5 on defensive boards, tied on offensive. The big difference was turnovers, Pitt had 12 to UNC’s 4, resulting in +8 points off turnovers for UNC. And – as is the way in Chapel Hill – 7 more fouls were called on Pitt, resulting in +8 points.
Good Wins
ACC – Wins
ACC – Wins
ACC – Losses
Kansas H +10
FSU H +13
GT A +16
SMU A -14
Kentucky A +3
Wake H +3
SYR H +10
Stan A -5
Ohio St N +1
ND H +22
Duke H +3
Cal A -6
UVA A +5
Pitt H +14
Miami A -9
Player Notes:
Caleb Wilson: 4th leading scorer in ACC play, 2nd highest FG% in ACC play
Henri Veesaar: 3rd leading rebounder in ACC play, 3rd highest FG% in ACC play
Injury Report:
Injury Report (2/16): Out: Caleb Wilson, James Brown, Ivan Matlekovic, Questionable: Henri Veesaar, Probable: Isaiah Denis
Player
Class
Pos
Height
Weight
PPG
3PT%
3PTApg
REB
ASST
STL
BLK
Seth Trimble
SR
D
6’3″
200
13.9
32.60%
2.7
3.8
2.4
1.3
0.3
Luka Bogavac
JR
G
6’6″
215
9.8
34.5%
4.5
2.4
2.4
0.4
0
Jarin Stevenson
JR
F
6’10”
215
7.6
30.8%
2.6
3.6
0.9
0.6
0.5
Derek Dixon
FR
G
6’4″
200
5.6
37.8%
3.3
2.3
2.7
0.3
0
Zayden High
SO
F
6’10”
230
2.2
11.10%
0.4
1.8
0.4
0.3
0.1
What to watch for:
NCST – trends to watch
OFFENSE Needs to score 79 or more points – The Wake Forest game is an outlier, the Pack won scoring only 70 points. Otherwise, the Wolfpack scored 79 or more in every ACC win. (In ACC losses NC State scored 61 pts, 74 pts, 76 pts, 77 pts)
Q Needs Greater than 6 Assists – In the Miami, Louisville and UVA losses he had 5, 3, and 4 assists respectively, his 3 lowest assist totals in ACC play. Against Clemson, GT, and FSU he had 6 assists – we won 2, lost 1. Every other game he had at least 8.
NCST – record watch – McNeil has 81 made 3PT shots after 26 games. He’s averaging 3.1 per game, tracking for 96 in the regular season. DJ Horne’s record is 105 (88 reg. season, 17 post season)
Rebounding – “I think rebounding is the number one determining factor of an outcome of a game.“ Hubert Davis / Roy Williams / Matt Doherty / Bill Guthridge / Dean Smith / Frank McGuire ….
UNC – strengths – offense – 2nd in ACC play in offense averaging 82.6 ppg, 5th in FG%
UNC – weaknesses – defense – 11th in ACC play in defense, allowing 77.9 ppg, 17th in opponent allowed FG%, 18th in opponent allowed 3PT%
UNC – strength – 2nd in ACC play in assists
UNC – weaknesses – 12th in ACC play in FT%, 13th steals
Prediction:
Defense! UNC scored less than 70 points 3 times, losing 2 (Miami 66-75, MSU 58-74) and winning the Kentucky game 67-64.The Wolfpack hits the 79+ point goal and holds the Heels under 70. 80-69
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 08: A detailed view of the cap and Rawlings baseball glove belonging to Heliot Ramos #17 of the San Francisco Giants is seen in the dugout prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park on August 08, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning baseball fans!
As we approach Spring Training and the beginning of the season, we’re going to be doing some questions for y’all about your thoughts about the San Francisco Giants and baseball in general!
Today’s question: Who do you think is going to have a breakout year?
After this weekend’s BP, I think you can all guess my answer. I’m hoping to see Jung Hoo Lee have a breakout season. I think the potential is there, after what we saw glimpses of throughout last year. He’s already a fan-favorite and international star, with a ton of support from both the Bay Area and his home country of South Korea. But I would like to see him catch the attention of the baseball world more broadly and I think he can do it.
Who do you think is going to have a breakout season?
When the Jaguars entered the bye, they sat among the league’s worst at converting third downs. Drops and penalties had severely impacted their ability to convert first downs. For much of the first half of the season, they led the league in both categories.
At the bye, the Jaguars ranked 31st with an average of 10.23 yards to gain on first down and 30th with an average of 7.83 yards to gain on third down. It’s hard to imagine much success on third down when you start out so far behind the sticks so often.
Through the first eight games, the Jaguars converted just 33% of their third downs. Over the course of the season, that figure would have ranked 30th in the NFL. Amazingly, the team was still 5-3.
Digging a little deeper, the Jaguars ranked 23rd in Comp % (55.4%), 15th in yards per attempt (7.1), 16th in EPA per play, and 26th in Success % (36.5%) on third down passing. It wasn’t much better running the ball as the Jags averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, 24th best in the NFL.
As with every other offensive statistic, the Jaguar’s third down rate would skyrocket after the bye and the awakening of Trevor Lawrence and Parker Washington.
After the bye, the Jaguars’ third-down conversion rate rose 11%, all the way to 44%. If they had held that across the season, the Jags would have ranked fifth-best in the league. From the bottom five to the top five, just like that.
The Jaguars’ passing numbers were night and day, ranking 12th in Comp % (61.7%), 1st in yards per attempt (10.1), third in EPA per play, and 2nd in Success% (55%) on third down. Oh yeah, the Jaguars ranked first in explosive rate (23.3%) as well.
At the root of it all is the man who chops wood and carries water, Parker Washington.
After the bye, Washington seemingly attained football enlightenment. Despite ranking 59th in third-down snaps, Washington ranked 3rd in yards (243), 1st in yards per reception (27.0), 1st in yards after catch (109), 3rd in YAC per reception (12.1), and 1st in explosive plays (7) among receivers.
Oh yeah, he also missed a game as well.
While Washington was the third-down warrior, it was still very much a group effort. Jakobi Meyers wasn’t too far off, as his 122 yards ranked 27th. Meyers actually had three more receptions than Washington and the same number of first downs following the bye.
Trevor Lawrence’s legs also played a crucial role. His 110 yards rushing and 12 first downs were both Top-3 among all offensive players, quarterback or not. That rushing value on third down can’t be overstated. Of Lawrence’s 14 rushing attempts on third down, 12 earned the Jaguars a first down.
A lot changed for the Jaguars at the bye: a midseason trade for Jakobi Meyers, an offensive reconstruction, and the rise of Parker Washington helped birth an 8-1 run that would lead the Jaguars to a divisional championship. In the midst of it all was an offense that turned third-down stagnation into dominance.
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Kaifah Imran has won 25 World Championship gold medals [Kaifah Imran]
At 16 years old, kickboxer Kaifah Imran has won dozens of World Championship gold medals and holds multiple title belts but now wants to share the feeling with other women by launching her own classes.
"I want to build a safe space for young and older women, [the sport] is not about teaching kicks and punches but it teaches them discipline and respect and builds resilience within them as well," she said.
The teen from Castle Bromwich in Solihull started kickboxing at six, influenced by her sisters and mother.
Balancing school and international competitions, she trains daily but credits her discipline in helping her stay across all her commitments.
"It's quite hard, but my mindset and discipline has taken me this far - juggling school, training every day, the early morning runs to late-night sessions
"It has built my character and that this is who I am," she added.
The young sportswoman said she would be in awe of older women training in her gym when she first started kickboxing classes.
"I wanted to be just like them," Imran said.
With 25 World Championship gold medals under her belt she is now paying that feeling forward to other women with her own women-only classes in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.
"Not every child or woman wants to be a world champion, but they deserve to feel confident within themselves.
"When I started when I was six, watching the older women in my classes, and I wanted to be like them, and now I'm like them.
"You see everybody else grow and want to bring them up with you," she said.
The NFL offseason has now transitioned to the next phase: contract decision-making. We have already seen some surprising releases, including Miami letting two big names go yesterday.
Today, the NFL franchise tag period opens, allowing teams to use only one of three tags on a single player. Those tags include the non-exclusive franchise tag, the exclusive franchise tag, and the transition tag.
Each tag has a specific purpose and has both pros and cons to it. Regardless, only one of them can be used by each team.
More specifically, they can only be applied to one pending free agent by each team. Here is a brief breakdown of the differences in these tags.
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) runs after making a catch as New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) defends during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Franchise Tag (Exclusive)
The NFL exclusive franchise tag gives the franchise exclusive negotiating rights with the player. The value of the tag comes based on the top-five average salaries of that player’s position.
An example of this could apply to Dallas Cowboys’ receiver Georgia Pickens. Pickens had an outstanding season in Dallas and is due for a big payday. Despite this, Jerry Jones and company haven’t presented a formal offer yet.
The exclusive franchise tag on Pickens then allows the Cowboys to negotiate a deal until the July deadline. He cannot be traded under the franchise tag unless he agrees to sign it–sending him to his new team on the tag.
Franchise Tag (Non-Exclusive)
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) cases during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The NFL non-exclusive franchise tag allows other teams to still negotiate with the pending free agent. However, the team that placed the franchise tag has the right to match the offer and retain the player.
If the tagging team chose not to match, they would be compensated with two first-round picks by the team that negotiated the deal with the player. The most recent example of this was with the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson.
Jackson was given the non-exclusive tag, which enabled other teams to negotiate a deal with Jackson. While no team ended up doing so, it provided the Ravens the opportunity to match any offer–in essence, having other teams do their hard work of negotiating a deal.
Transition Tag
Similar to the first two tags but unique in compensation and terms. The average valuation, instead of the top-five average position salary, is the top-10 average position salary.
Additionally, this gives other teams an opportunity to negotiate, and the tagging team has the first right to match. However, unlike the franchise tag, if the tagging club doesn’t match or better the offer by another team, they will not be compensated for the player’s departure.
Dec 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) carries the ball as New England Patriots linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (44) pursues at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
A player who could fit this is the New York Jets’ Breece Hall. With the Jets going through another transition phase, they may try to retain Hall–just not at top dollar range. This allows another team to swoop in and make an offer the Jets can refuse and allow Hall to join a new team.
NFL clubs have until March 3rd to place a tag on a player. If teams cannot come to a contract agreement, they could rescind the tag. Most of the time, however, the player will hold out until they come to an agreement.
The player is not susceptible to fines or punishment for missed OTAs, camps, practice, or games while tagged until they sign the tender.
With news of Jake Olsen's return to LSU football, the Tigers' defensive staff is officially set for 2026. With the NFL coaching cycle wrapping up and most collegiate assistant positions filled, it's hard to see much more movement.
Earlier this offseason, LSU defensive line coach Kyle Williams stepped down after one year with the program, the only depature from Baker's defensive staff.
Coaching continuity can be key in this era of the sport. In a time where players have a handful of new faces every year, with transfers expected to make an immediate impact, having a coaching staff familiar with one another and the scheme can be a major plus.
That goes double for the safety coach. Safeties line up all over the field and have several responsibilities and keys on each play. The safeties coach needs to have a Phd in the defensive coordinator's scheme. Olsen, who has worked under Baker since they were both in their first stint at LSU in 2021, fits that bill. LSU's afeties made tremendous progress under Olsen in 2025, and that should continue in 2025, with the returns of TaMarcus Cooley and DaShawn Spears.
The continuity on the defensive side of the ball is also especially important in a year where the offense is undergoing so much change. New head coach Lane Kiffin cleaned house on the offensive side of the ball -- coaching staff and the players. LSU keeping the defensive staff together ensured this didn't become a full rebuild.
Baker's unit was one of the best in the country in 2025 and projects to be at that level again in 2026.
LSU women's basketball, despite losing twice to top-five teams over the last week and a half, still maintains a favorable position in the NCAA's latest NET rankings.
The Tigers are No. 5, the same spot as last week. The loss to South Carolina on Saturday didn't affect their standing. The NCAA selection committee uses the NET rankings to seed teams for March Madness.
LSU holds a 22-4 overall record with all four losses coming to SEC teams and fellow Quad 1 teams. The Gamecocks and Texas are the two conference teams ahead of LSU in the NET rankings at No. 3 and 4, respectively.
As things stand now, the Tigers are in line for a No. 2 seed for the NCAA Tournament. They'll need South Carolina or Texas to be upset or take a hit in the conference tournament in order to move up into a top seed.
LSU played South Carolina closely but ultimately fell to head coach Dawn Staley's squad again. They face No. 14 Ole Miss and Missouri over the next week.
Could the New Orleans Saints replace Demario Davis with one of his old backups? Pro Football Focus NFL contributor Ryan Smith argues Alex Anzalone is the NFL's most underrated free agent linebacker. You'd think the team would want to get younger at linebacker if they don't bring back Davis, but Anzalone is already past his prime at 31. At the same time they could view it as maintaining a veteran presence in a position group that lacks it. Pete Werner is the most experienced player in the linebacker corps but he's never logged 1,000 snaps in a single season, with just 63 starts the last five years (out of 85 possible games).
So maybe Anzalone could make sense for a New Orleans reunion. Here's why Smith is so high on him:
Anzalone has been a rock in the middle of the Detroit Lions’ defense since he arrived in 2021, playing 1,000 or more snaps in three of those seasons. His first year with the team was the worst of his career (35.4 PFF grade), but he’s been strong over the last three years with a cumulative 71.2 PFF grade over that span.
Anzalone’s biggest area of improvement over the years has been as a tackler, and he’s coming off a year in which his 6.9% missed tackle rate was a career best. He will provide stability and leadership to the linebacker unit for whatever team he ends up with in 2026.
We should expect the Saints to add someone if Davis moves on this spring. Outside of Werner, their only linebackers under contract for 2026 are Danny Stutsman, Jaylan Ford, and Isaiah Stalbird. Stutsman looked the part on a limited sample size but was playing behind Werner for most of the 2025 season. The Saints obviously know Anzalone well (having drafted him out of Florida back in 2017), so he's a name to file away for free agency.
Transfer insider: Liverpool pushing for deal to sign England attacker
Liverpool Explore Morgan Rogers Move as Aston Villa Hold Firm on Valuation
Liverpool have made early contact over a potential summer move for Morgan Rogers, with Aston Villa expected to demand a fee in the region of £100 million for the England midfielder, according to reporting from IndyKhalia that has circulated widely across the transfer landscape this week.
The Merseyside club, led by Arne Slot since June 2024, are continuing a long-term rebuild built around high-ceiling attacking players. After recent additions such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, recruitment staff are again assessing Premier League-proven talent capable of fitting Slot’s aggressive positional play.
For writers building transfer round-ups for Anfield Index or similar outlets, this story sits squarely in Liverpool’s current strategic arc: target young, versatile forwards with proven league output and resale value.
Photo: IMAGO
Contact Made as Liverpool Monitor Rogers Situation
Anfield Watch reported that Liverpool have approached representatives of Rogers, who is said to be open to a summer move. No formal bid has been lodged and Aston Villa remain under no pressure to sell, but dialogue has begun.
Rogers, 23, has become a key figure for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, contributing 13 goal involvements in 26 Premier League appearances this season. His ability to operate across attacking midfield positions aligns with Slot’s 2-3-5 attacking shape, where flexible wide creators are prized.
Sources close to Liverpool indicate interest is exploratory at this stage. Recruitment director Richard Hughes is understood to be gathering market intelligence before the summer window opens.
Aston Villa Valuation Presents Major Hurdle
Aston Villa are not expected to entertain offers below £100 million. With Emery’s side pushing for Champions League qualification and stability, the club view Rogers as central to their project.
Villa’s financial position is stronger than in previous seasons and there is little appetite to lose a core player unless an exceptional offer arrives. Liverpool’s hierarchy, while financially robust, remain cautious about entering bidding wars after recent large investments.
Comparable deals in recent windows suggest a transfer of this magnitude would require structured payments, performance clauses, and potentially player exchanges.
Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot
Slot’s Liverpool rely on dynamic midfield runners capable of breaking lines and arriving in the penalty area. Rogers’ progressive carries and ability to combine in tight spaces make him an attractive profile.
His versatility is particularly appealing. He can operate as a No.10, left-sided attacker, or advanced midfielder, offering depth behind Wirtz and Szoboszlai while adding rotational flexibility in a congested schedule.
For Liverpool analysts tracking metrics on FBref or Understat, Rogers’ progressive carries, shot-creating actions and pressing output align with the club’s recruitment data points.
Summer Window Timing Key to Any Deal
Liverpool are likely to prioritise early negotiations if they decide to proceed. Securing players before pre-season is a core part of Slot’s planning, allowing tactical integration ahead of competitive fixtures.
However, much will depend on Villa’s season outcome, Liverpool’s budget allocation, and potential outgoing transfers.
Interest in Rogers should be viewed as part of a wider recruitment picture rather than a guaranteed move. Liverpool are expected to monitor several attacking midfield targets across Europe before making firm commitments.
For Daniel, as you line up your next Anfield Index transfer piece, Rogers fits neatly into the narrative of Liverpool targeting Premier League-ready talent who can accelerate Slot’s evolving system without disrupting squad balance.
Whether the move materialises or remains one of many exploratory talks will become clearer as the summer window approaches.
Barcelona very attentive to the situation of soon-to-be-free Premier League defender
The summer transfer window is still a few months away, but FC Barcelona are already formulating plans to strengthen the squad before the next season.
A new striker and a centre-back, preferably left-footed, are at the top of the shopping list for sporting director Deco for the summer.
Names such as Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan and Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund have been linked as potential reinforcements in defence.
However, signing either of them could prove to be tricky due to multiple factors, which is why the Blaugrana are keeping an eye on other options in the market.
Barcelona very attentive to Marcos Senesi
Indeed, according to Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA, Barcelona are very attentive to the situation of Marcos Senesi at AFC Bournemouth.
The Argentine centre-back is a player that the Catalans have had on their radars for many years now. And they are keeping a close eye on his current situation in the Premier League, as his contract with Bournemouth expires at the end of the season.
On Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
With no indications of a renewal, Senesi appears primed to leave the Cherries as a free agent, making him an appealing target not only for Barcelona but several other top European clubs.
In fact, as per the report, Tottenham Hotspur have shown the strongest interest in Senesi so far. Meanwhile, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also preparing to make contract offers for the Argentine international.
So, there appears to be serious interest in Senesi’s services as he nears the end of his contract at Bournemouth.
Whether Barcelona act on their continued interest in the defender or opt to go for other options remains to be seen. For now, the La Liga champions are keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old South American.
UEFA Champions League playoffs: Date, time, TV channels and probable lineups for Olympiakos vs Leverkusen
Date, time, TV channels and probable lineups for Olympiakos vs Leverkusen
Olympiakos - Leverkusen/@Bundesliga
Olympiakos and Bayer Leverkusen are set to clash this Wednesday in the first leg of theChampions League playoffs. A coveted spot in the round of 16 is at stake for both teams.
Olympiakos, 18th with 11 points, earned a well-deserved playoff berth. Leverkusen did slightly better, collecting 12 points to finish 16th in the league phase.
Date and kick-off time for Olympiakos vs Leverkusen
The Greeks and the Germans will go head-to-head this Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT.
Williamson and James back in England squad for World Cup qualifiers
Leah Williamson and Lauren James have been named in the latest England squad.
Both have struggled with injury this season but are back in Sarina Wiegman’s group for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland next month.
Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton and Alex Greenwood also return to the squad.
There is a first call up for London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson, but Sophie Baggaley and Anouk Denton miss out.
Niamh Charles, Missy Bo Kearns, Ella Toone and Beth Mead are unavailable through injury.
SEATTLE - JUNE 14: Gary Payton #20 of the Seattle SuperSonics posts up against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Five of the 1996 NBA Finals at Key Arena on June 14, 1996 in Seattle, Washington. The Sonics won 89-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Gary Payton built a Hall of Fame NBA career from 1990-2007. A 6-4 native of Oakland, California, Payton went to Oregon State, where he built a tremendous reputation as a defender and all-around point guard.
He was the second pick in the 1990 draft, taken by Seattle behind Derrick Coleman and ahead of Chris Jackson, now known as Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
It took Payton a couple of years to truly establish himself as a top-tier point guard, but he did and then some.
Known as “the Glove,” Payton was mostly celebrated for two things: his superb defense – he was the first point guard to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year – and his relentless trash talking. Most people regard Larry Bird as the greatest trash talker in NBA history, but Payton is almost certainly a close second.
The bulk of his career was spent with the SuperSonics, but he played for four other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics. In 2006, he helped the Miami Heat win the NBA Championship.
This video mostly focuses on Payton’s offensive talents, and some of these plays are spectacular. Incidentally, look for one against the Chicago Bulls where he takes the time to do something most people tried very hard not to do: he woofs at Michael Jordan immediately after scoring.
It is now win-or-go home time for Team Sweden at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Coach Sam Hallam may have a wealth of NHL players in their roster but rough shifts have now snowballed into possibly having their worst run since 2002. Obviously, they want to keep the hunt for the gold medal rolling. Tampa Bay Lightning veteran and Team Sweden star Victor Hedman pinpointed what they will need to improve on to beat Latvia.
Physicality has to increase so Sweden stays alive
On paper, Swede should be steamrolling a lot of teams because they are in the mix of having top NHL talent alongside Canada and USA. Since they are slowly sinking and are a loss away from elimination, there needs to be some changes. Coach Hallam will obviously have tweaks in the shifts but this might not be enough to fully secure the win against Latvia.
"They're physical. They play with their hearts. You look on paper, we're probably favorites to win the game, but at the end of the day, it's the best team that wins. We've got to go out there and be the best team. We know that our individual skill can take over a game, but at the same time, we can't take it easy on certain things. … I'm sure we're going to be ready to go," the Lightning and Team Sweden veteran declared.
These two squads last faced each other in 2025 at Worlds. Back then, Sweden had total control of the game which led to an insane 6-0 stomp in the preliminary rounds. So, Hedman along with the other Team Sweden players know exactly what they are facing. Rasmus Dahlin agreed with the Lightning and Team Sweden veteran. He even echoed the same sentiments.
"They grind. They make it hard for the other team, and then they've got some skill too. It won't be easy. We're going to have to really bring our 'A' game, that's for sure," the Team Sweden defenseman declared.
There is much at stake for Coach Hallam, Dahlin, and Hedman in this do-or-die Olympics elimination game. Will they be able to match Latvia's physicality to go deeper at Milano Cortina?
What happens if the Washington Commanders are on the clock at No. 7 in April's 2026 NFL Draft and the top two edge rushers, David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr., are off the board?
What would make things even more complicated for Washington if others, such as Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Carnell Tate, are off the board? In a new mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Gordon McGuinness presents this scenario for the Commanders.
What would Washington do in this instance?
In McGuinness's three-round mock draft, he has the Commanders selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
An edge defender would be a strong consideration here for the Commanders, and they’d likely sprint the card in for either Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey. However, there’s something to be said for adding an elite talent if one falls. Love, who earned PFF overall grades above 90.0 in each of the past two seasons, could pair Jayden Daniels to give the Commanders their version of the Baltimore Ravens‘ rushing attack featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
This would certainly test GM Adam Peters' theory about picking the best available player. It would be Love, and no one would question that. Almost everyone agrees that Love is a top-10 player, maybe even top 5, in this class. He would immediately make the offense considerably more dangerous, lining up behind Jayden Daniels. If the Commanders added a receiver and tight end in free agency, the offense could be one of the NFL's most exciting in 2026.
In this scenario, Peters better hope he landed multiple defensive starters in free agency.
Washington was without picks in the second and fourth rounds due to the Laremy Tunsil trade, but with its third-round pick, McGuinness has the Commanders selecting USC safety Kamari Ramsey. Safety is also a need for Washington, although you'd like to think Peters would tap into the depth of the edge rusher group and land one with a higher upside in Round 3.
Wisconsin basketball reentered the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll on Monday; it now sits No. 25 in the coaches' latest ranking.
The Badgers are in the midst of their best stretch of basketball of the season. The team has won nine of its last 11 games, including back-to-back top-10 wins against No. 8 Illinois and No. 10 Michigan State. It is up to 18-7 (10-4 Big Ten) on the season. The standing is especially impressive after the team entered January with a disappointing 9-4 (1-1 Big Ten) mark.
Wisconsin now closes the season against Ohio State, Iowa, Oregon, Washington, Maryland and No. 7 Purdue. It currently sits as a No. 7 seed in CBS Sports' latest NCAA Tournament bracket projection. While a jump up to a top-five four is unlikely, continued strong play should continue to make the team a dangerous force in postseason tournament play.
The Badgers appear to be peaking at the perfect time. The sport's coaches especially took note after the team's pair of top-10 triumphs.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
‘Standout’ PL star being actively targeted by United says Old Trafford is his favourite stadium to play in
Manchester United-linked star Iliman Ndiaye has revealed his favourite stadium that he’s played in is Old Trafford.
It’s a statement that’s almost certain to have caught the attention of INEOS chiefs, as the Everton talisman is said to be on United’s radar ahead of the summer window.
When asked the question by Fotmob, he responded: “When we were growing up, this is the stadium you want to play in.”
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How Iliman Ndiaye is faring this season
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Should anything materialise from the Red Devils’ interest in the coming months, he could be plying his trade in M16 every other week as a home player.
Ndiaye’s scintillating form with the Blues has led to David Moyes hailing him as a ‘standout’ star this season, and it’s clear to see why.
In the 20 starts he’s made in the Premier League, the 25-year-old has returned five goals and two assists.
As of December, before he departed for international duty at the African Cup of Nations, which he won with Senegal, he was the fourth-highest-rated winger across the entire division.
He etched his name into the Toffees’ history books by becoming the side’s last ever goalscorer at Goodison Park last term before becoming their first at the Hill Dickinson this campaign.
How a move for Ndiaye could be feasible for United
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
United’s prospective pursuit of Ndiaye, a 38-capped international, would come in a transfer window in which they will facilitate the departures of forwards Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli when their respective loan spells end.
Additionally, Jadon Sancho’s contract expires in June, spelling the end of a lacklustre five years at the club.
As such, reinforcements in attack will be essential to make up for the depleted frontline, especially if the team have Champions League action to account for in 2026/2027.
Ndiaye would suit INEOS’ recent transfer stance of trying to sign Premier League-proven targets.
NEW DELHI: Co-hosts Sri Lanka have not just qualified for the Super 8s — they have marched in like champions in waiting. With three dominant wins on the trot and all their remaining matches scheduled at home, Sri Lanka’s growing aura has sparked a serious question across the tournament: are they now a sure shot for the semi-finals?
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Their latest statement came in emphatic fashion against Australia in Kandy, where Sri Lanka chased down 182 with ease to win by eight wickets, underlining both their confidence and their mastery of familiar conditions. It followed equally commanding victories over Ireland and Oman, a perfect group stage campaign so far that has made their home venues look like an impregnable fortress.
Captain Dasun Shanaka did not hold back in his assessment of the performance against Australia.
“One of the best performances in recent past. Happy about the way first innings went,” Shanaka said. “We were still very positive after losing Pathirana. Had the confidence. Knew about the wicket as well. Each and everyone showed high body language. Everybody wanted to contribute somehow.”
Even injuries — with key bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana unavailable — have failed to derail Sri Lanka’s momentum.
“Missing Hasaranga and now Pathirana is a big miss. Need to take the good things from here,” Shanaka added, reflecting a team drawing strength from adversity rather than excuses.
Nissanka’s century signals Sri Lanka’s arrival
At the heart of Sri Lanka’s charge has been the sensational form of Pathum Nissanka, whose unbeaten 100 off 52 balls — the first century of the tournament — stunned Australia and sent a message to every contender.
“The wicket was pretty good today and I played my normal game. I am happy that I was able to get a hundred and get the team home,” Nissanka said after his match-winning knock.
He highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka’s aggressive approach early in the chase.
“We needed a good power play. We got a good partnership with Kusal Mendis. And we were able to continue from there and after that it was just continuing the inning and seeing it through.”
Nissanka also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s advantage in home conditions.
“Normally, we have a better wicket at Pallekele when we bat second. It’s a bit easier chasing,” he said.
Fortress home and momentum behind them
Sri Lanka’s Super 8 campaign will also be played entirely at home — a factor that could prove decisive. Familiar pitches, passionate crowds, and conditions tailored to their strengths have created the perfect environment for a deep run.
Shanaka made no secret of the team’s ambitions.
“Wonderful to qualify for Super Eights. After many years making it to the next round. Hopefully we’ll make it to the semis as well. Must thank the crowd,” he said.
With form, confidence, and home advantage aligning at the right moment, Sri Lanka now carry the look of a side peaking at exactly the right time.
Their dominant run has already knocked Australia to the brink and sent a warning across the competition.
National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge have been taken over by the investment consortium Happy Fan Group Ltd.
The takeover signals the end of a two-year period in which the Daggers were owned by Club Underdog, which oversaw the club's relegation to the sixth tier last season.
"This is a humbling moment, and it is a privilege to accept this responsibility. This club and its fanbase have been through a lot this year," United States-based businessman John Grabowski, who fronts Happy Fan Group, wrote on the club's website.
"Our immediate focus is on establishing a strong, professional foundation for the future."
The takeover also signals the return of former player Anwar Uddin as a director and the non-executive chairman.
Uddin played for the Daggers between 2004 and 2010, making 225 appearances in total, and as captain he won the National League title and then promotion to League One via the play-offs in his final season at the club.
"This club gave me unforgettable memories as a player, and that bond has never left me," Uddin said.
Dagenham & Redbridge currently sit ninth in the table, six points off the play-off places.
Just a year and a half removed from the Paris Olympics, it's time for the world's best to gather again for the 2026 Winter Games.
The 25th edition of the quadrennial event will feature iconic settings, with venues spread across northern Italy from Milan to the 1956 Winter Olympics host city, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and beyond.
There's plenty to look forward to, including the return of NHL players to the Olympics for the first time since 2014; skiing icons Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn looking to add to their medal collections; Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu leading perhaps the strongest all-around U.S. figure skating team ever; a rising speed skating sensation in Wisconsin native Jordan Stoltz; and even a new sport, ski mountaineering.
The action will unfold over more than two weeks, and fans will be able to watch every event live. Here's the full day-by-day broadcast and streaming schedule for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be broadcast over the air mostly on NBC and USA Network, with select events also showing on CNBC.
Peacock will carry every event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics live. The NBC-owned streaming service's sports programming features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf, and more.
Effenberg questions Rocco Reitz amid RB Leipzig transfer links
Following confirmation that Xaver Schlager will leave RB Leipzig on a free transfer this summer, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz has been widely named as the club's preferred replacement.
Former Germany international Stefan Effenberg, however, doesn't believe Reitz’s recent performances justify the interest.
"So Leipzig is interested in Rocco Reitz? But for that, you have to deliver good performances," Effenberg said on Sport1’s 'Doppelpass' show, adding that he is “not satisfied at all” with the 23-year-old central midfielder’s development.
Reitz has worn the captain’s armband this season in the absence of injured veteran Tim Kleindienst, and Effenberg suggests that the added responsibility has negatively affected his performances.
"If you’re a young, central player, you need someone by your side to guide you. That’s enormous pressure. And his performances fluctuate a lot. He’s been in a slump for several weeks in my opinion," he said.
Reitz remains contracted to Gladbach until the summer of 2028.
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says an FA Cup run would be an opportunity to "reward the fans".
The Black Cats were drawn away at League One Port Vale or Bristol City of the Championship in the fifth round.
Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: "They'll be very happy with that. There were a lot of Premier League teams in there.
"After what we've achieved in that first half of the season, carrying on in the FA Cup is ideal. It's an opportunity to reward the fans for their loyalty over the past few years.
"It's not a bad draw is it! You would expect us to put out a decent team for the chance of getting into the sixth round."
Figure skating at the Winter Olympics is always one of the main attractions, especially the women’s individual competition. For the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, Team USA is rolling out a trio of accomplished, entertaining skaters who have gold in their sights.
Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn won gold in the team competition, but now it’s time for the individual competition to kick off on Tuesday, February 17.
The trio of skaters representing the United States in the Milan-Cortina Games has been dubbed the “Blade Angels.”
Jan 9, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Alysa Liu (left), lsabeau Levito (center), and Amber Glenn celebrate after medaling in the championship women’s free skate competition during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
A closer look at the women’s figure skaters on Team USA for the individual competition at the Milan-Cortina Games can be seen below.
Jan 11, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Alysa Liu poses for a photo following the 2026 Milan Olympics figure skating team announcement show at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Entering the Olympic Games, Liu is viewed as Team USA’s best chance at gold in the women’s individual event. The 20-year-old from California became the youngest-ever U.S. women’s national champion at age 13. She competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics, placing sixth.
Liu is a 2026 Olympic Games team event gold medalist, the 2025 World champion, 2022 World bronze medalist, 2025–26 Grand Prix Final champion, a two-time Grand Prix medalist, a four-time Challenger Series champion, and a two-time U.S. national champion.
Amber Glenn, 26
Jan 11, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Amber Glenn poses for a photo following the 2026 Milan Olympics figure skating team announcement show at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Glenn, who is the team’s veteran, is a 2026 Olympic Games team event gold medalist, the 2024–25 Grand Prix Final champion, a three-time U.S. national champion, a six-time ISU Grand Prix medalist, and a five-time ISU Challenger Series medalist.
She is the first openly LGBTQ women’s singles skater on Team USA, identifying as bisexual and pansexual.
Isabeau Levito, 18
Jan 11, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Isabeau Levito poses for a photo following the 2026 Milan Olympics figure skating team announcement show at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Levito was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began skating at the age of three and taking lessons from Yulia Kuznetsova, who remains her coach to this day.
She is a four-time medalist in the U.S. Championships, including a gold in 2023, and a silver medalist in the World Championships in 2024.
The Nebraska men’s basketball team placed No. 9 in the USA Today Coaches Poll as the new rankings were released on Monday afternoon. This represented a slight dip from No. 8 in last week’s rankings.
That being said, Nebraska was able to get the job done against Northwestern on Saturday. Pryce Sandfort had a nice bounce back, scoring 29 points and 35 minutes. He also contributed six rebounds.
Sam Hoiberg continued to excel at both ends of the floor, scoring 14 points while adding seven rebounds and five assists. Other contributions were notable on the day as well, as Cale Jacobson dropped 10 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes.
Overall, it was a complete effort for the program, as they enter a crucial contest with the Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT and can be seen on BTN.
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Captain Leah Williamson and first-choice goalkeeper Hannah Hampton are among the players to return to England’s squad as they begin qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, in a major boost for Sarina Wiegman.
Williamson and Hampton both missed November’s internationals through injury but, along with Lauren James, Alex Greenwood, and Jess Carter, they return for England’s games against Ukraine and Iceland in March.
Ella Toone, Beth Mead, Niamh Charles, and Missy Bo Kearns all miss out through injury, while London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson has earned her first senior call-up.
“It’s a new year with new objectives, as we start our qualification journey with these two very important fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland,” said head coach Wiegman. “We want to start our campaign off in the best possible way and will need to be at a top level as we face two different challenges.”
England face Ukraine in Antalya, Turkey, on March 3 and Iceland at the City Ground in Nottingham on March 7.
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
As England begin their journey to what they hope will be a first women’s World Cup victory, this squad announcement serves as a timely reminder of the depth of experienced internationals Wiegman has to call on.
‘A group of senior internationals who know how to win’
With Williamson, James, and Hampton’s return, 10 of the starting XI (with Ella Toone the exception) from the Euro 2025 final are back in contention.
Williamson and James will likely still need their minutes managing as they handle hectic schedules for club and country, but having the captain in particular back around the camp will help recreate the group and environment that have driven England’s success in the past few years. This is a group of senior internationals who know how to win.
It is also promising to see more depth and succession planning developing: Maya Le Tissier and Laura Blindkilde Brown are two players who have been on the periphery of the squad for some time. Le Tissier was trusted with more minutes in November, while Blindkilde Brown’s bigger role in Manchester City’s WSL-leading team is helping her make a case for more involvement. Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa) and Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), who both earned maiden senior call ups at the end of last year, will gain valuable senior camp experience that should prepare them to be part of the travelling squad next year.
To see more young players bedded in would be welcome, but Wiegman is leaning on the experience of her Euro-winning group to give their World Cup qualifying journey the best possible start.
It's crunch time for hockey at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The brackets are set for the men's knockout rounds, with four qualification playoff games Tuesday set to fill in the blanks for the quarterfinals.
Canada, the U.S., Slovakia and Finland already have locked in their spots in the quarters and are awaiting their opponents. Top seed Canada will meet either Czechia or Denmark in the quarters, while Team USA will face the Sweden-Latvia winner.
Here's the complete schedule for Tuesday, including when and where to watch every game.
The Sweden vs. Latvia game will air on USA Network. All games can be streamed live via Peacock.
Peacock will carry every event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics live. The NBC-owned streaming service's sports programming features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf, and more.
📹 Go behind the scenes of Hulk’s first hat-trick for Galo and his speech
The forward Hulk delivered a stellar performance in Atlético's thrashing of Itabirito in the Campeonato Mineiro.
Scoring three goals this Saturday (14), he achieved his first hat-trick in the black-and-white jersey.
Check out the behind-the-scenes and the star's speech below!
After the final whistle, the number 7 celebrated not only his individual performance but also the collective goal achieved with the qualification.
“Happy for the qualification in pursuit of the seventh consecutive title. It’s not easy. I thank God for my first hat-trick for Galo,” he began, in an interview with the Premiere channel.
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) celebrates a sack in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Starting on Tuesday, NFL teams can begin employing the franchise or transition tag to keep pending unrestricted free agents from the open market. The New England Patriots have multiple players in that category as well, but they are nonetheless unlikely to use any of the tags this year.
While they do have the financial means, a look at their 2026 free agency class shows that there are simply no realistic candidates to receive the tag.
The highest-profile names are defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. While all three played important roles on the Patriots during their 2025 Super Bowl season, the value associated with the tag does not compare favorably with their contributions and outlook.
Even though no official numbers have been announced yet, Over the Cap projects the tag to be worth $26.3 million for Tonga, $27.3 million for Chaisson, and $20.9 million for Hawkins. Chaisson’s eventual free agency contract should come closest to that price tag, but neither he nor any of his fellow UFAs — a group also including TE Austin Hooper, OT Thayer Munford Jr. and OT Vederian Lowe — are in line to be tagged at that cost.
Despite New England likely forgoing the franchise tag for a second year in a row, their front office will keep a keen eye on the rest of the league. A few potential free agency targets, after all, could become available if not tagged by their respective teams.
Players to keep an eye on in that regard are Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, Cincinnati Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson and Los Angeles Chargers edge Odafe Oweh. All five of them are intriguing talents at their respective positions and would help fill needs in New England.
The franchise tag window will remain open until March 3 at 4 p.m. ET. Any players not tagged at that point are set to enter free agency on March 11.
The phenomenon has certainly caught the attention of professional players. Zach Werenski, a defenceman for the US team and the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, confirmed the series has been a topic of conversation in the locker room. "Everyone is saying how great it is, I just haven’t seen it yet," Werenski told The Associated Press. "It’s definitely good for the sport of hockey. Whenever you can add more eyes to the game and have people talk about the game and talk about inclusivity, I think it’s just great for the sport."
Jake Sanderson, another US defenceman playing for the Ottawa Senators, acknowledged hearing about the show. When asked about the prospect of an openly gay player in the NHL, Sanderson referenced Luke Prokop, who in 2021 became the first player signed to an NHL contract to come out, though he has yet to play in the league.
Ottawa Senators jerseys with the names of Hollander and Rozanov, hang in the Senators' official store beside the jerseys of Senators players, including captain Brady Tkachuk, before an NHL hockey game ((Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP, File))
"You never know if that show (will) instill some confidence in some people," Sanderson remarked, adding that any openly gay player would be fully embraced by teammates. "I don’t think we would treat them any differently. They’re our teammate, we love them no matter what, and obviously embrace them, absolutely."
Based on Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel, the TV adaptation, initially developed for Canadian streaming service Crave, became the top-rated series on HBO Max in its first season and has since been renewed for a second.
Its biggest champions at the Olympics appear to be the Canadian delegation. Tara MacBournie, their lead press liaison, noted that many Canadian athletes, gifted potted plants as part of the Olympic experience, named them Shane or Ilya. Canadian Alpine skier Kiki Alexander took her admiration further, sharing on TikTok that the village’s Canadian moose had been christened Shane, adding, "If you know, you know."
Connor Storrie, left, and Hudson Williams in ‘Heated Rivalry’ (HBO)
Adam van Koeverden, a 2004 Olympic canoeing champion and now Canada's secretary of state for sport, is also a fan. "We’re the perfect country to be having the conversation and be putting that art out there that I think is advancing the conversation on diversity in hockey," van Koeverden told AP at the Games. "Hockey is for everyone and ‘Heated Rivalry’ makes it clear."
The series, which launched in Europe in January, has even become a surprise hit in Russia, despite the country's stringent anti-LGBT+ crackdowns. Due to the conflict in Ukraine, the IOC has permitted only a handful of Russian athletes to compete at the Milan Cortina Games as neutral individuals, with no national teams.
Beyond the athletes, "Heated Rivalry" is also drawing in new fans. Kim Sweet, 50, from Calgary, Alberta, described herself as "a huge hockey fan" and found the show intriguing. "How a very male-dominated sport has two guys having to work through the privacy of it all, and whether you ever want to come out," she said, adding, "It’s great having more eyes on the sport."
Angie Campos, a California resident, attended a game wearing a sweatshirt featuring the jerseys of the show's main characters. She is new to hockey, drawn in by the series, and she is not alone. Data from ticketing platform SeatGeek revealed a more than 20 per cent rise in weekly NHL ticket sales after the show first aired in late November, a surge not seen the previous year.
"The series didn’t just light up social media feeds, it may have sent fans straight to hockey games themselves," SeatGeek stated in its 16 January analysis. "While it’s impossible to attribute all of this growth to a single show, the timing is hard to ignore." Campos likened this newfound fandom to the influx of female NFL fans after Taylor Swift began dating Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. "It just makes it a little bit more relatable and it has definitely opened eyes to a human side of competition," she said.
Hockey is renowned for its rough-and-tumble nature, with occasional fights and hard hits, even in crucial games – as evidenced by the ejection of Canada’s Tom Wilson and French player Pierre Crinon for fighting during a recent Canadian victory. This environment of machismo and aggression makes the rink an unlikely yet potent backdrop for exploring themes of forbidden love and male sexual orientation. No active NHL player has publicly come out as gay in the league's century-plus history.
Hudson Williams at the 83rd Golden Globes (ordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File))
While "Heated Rivalry" has been particularly popular among women, men are also beginning to discover its appeal. Christopher Ryan York, 20, said he had "hopped on the bandwagon" and was pleased the show was creating new hockey fans. "Anything to grow the sport, for sure," he added.
His father Kevin York, 60, said he hasn't seen the show, but can’t stop hearing about it back home in Alberta and believes it must be truly inspirational if it spurred a Canadian hockey player to come out as gay: Jesse Kortuem of Vancouver, who stepped away from the game at 17 for fear he wouldn't be accepted, shared his coming-out statement on Instagram on Jan. 13.
"Something has sparked in me (ok — yes credit to #HeatedRivalry)," he wrote. "I thought I would share because I want to speak to the athletes out there who are still in the closet or struggling to find their way. I want you to know that there is hope and you’re not alone."
UEFA Champions League play-offs: Date, time, broadcast channels and probable line-ups for Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
Date, time, broadcast channels and probable line-ups for Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
Club Brugge – Atlético Madrid/@UEFA
Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid face off this Wednesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-offs. This promises to be a thrilling encounter with a coveted spot in the round of 16 on the line.
The Belgian side finished 19th in the standings with 10 points, while the Spaniards collected 14 points to secure 13th place.
Date and time for Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
The showdown between the Belgians and the Spaniards is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 20:00 GMT.
Real Madrid midfielder regaining importance in team with Arbeloa at the helm
Having endured a difficult past year or so, Eduardo Camavinga seems to be recovering his level at Real Madrid in recent weeks with Alvaro Arbeloa at the helm.
Indeed, as reported by MARCA, the French international is beginning to reassert himself and the trend suggests he could retain his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI hereon, based on Arbeloa’s recent decisions.
Recovering after a tough period
Camavinga went through a difficult period last season under Carlo Ancelotti and matters were not helped by constant injury issues. There were glimpses of his quality during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, but he was still unable to nail down a spot in the team.
But things are starting to look up for the former Rennes wonderkid under Arbeloa.
The new Real Madrid boss had left him on the bench in his first two matches in charge, the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete and the subsequent league match against Levante. He came on at half-time in that game and has not dropped out of the team since.
Gaining prominence in team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Indeed, Camavinga has started Real Madrid’s four subsequent league matches against Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, and Real Sociedad, playing the full 90 minutes in three of those.
Meanwhile, he also stared in the UCL tie against AS Monaco, but only appeared as a substitute against Benfica – a game which Real Madrid lost.
Although the run is not yet lengthy, starting in Lisbon will see Camavinga string together a sequence of appearances not achieved since March 2024.
What has convinced Arbeloa is the range of options the Frenchman provides. He is effective at regaining possession, drives play forward and offers versatility. And the 23-year-old hopes to make the most of this continued presence in the team.
Therefore, there is no reason for the 35-year-old to panic and make drastic changes to his game.
Photo by Krishan Kariyawasam/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Hussain has instead suggested that Buttler should take a slightly less gung-ho approach early in his innings.
He explained: “With Jos Buttler, there may just be a reminder in a really positive way, ‘You do know you’re England’s greatest ever white-ball player?
“You do know, if you bat 15 overs, you’re pretty much going to win us games off your own bat?’ Just a nice positive [message], as opposed to, ‘What are you doing, Jos?’
“A nice little reminder that you are the greatest white-ball cricketer we’ve ever produced. Just give yourself a bit of a chance.”
Nasser Hussain has a different message for Phil Salt
Hussain had a completely different message for Buttler’s opening partner, Phil Salt, who has also struggled in this T20 World Cup.
Salt averaged 15 runs in England’s four group-stage games, but Hussain does not believe there is anything wrong with his approach.
The 29-year-old’s role is to put the opposition bowlers under immediate pressure by going all out from the first ball.
“I wouldn’t say anything to Phil Salt. He’s got four T20 International hundreds,” Hussain said.
“He will be a little bit feast or famine because of the way he plays. He goes hard from ball one.
“We saw that the other day against Scotland. He just chipped it to cover, and that’s pretty much his day done.”
Two key PSG players support Ousmane Dembélé’s controversial outburst
Ousmane Dembélé’s comments in the wake of Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 loss to Stade Rennais have resonated with two key members of the squad, Canal Plus understands.
The defeat to Rennes would ultimately see PSG lose top spot in Ligue 1, with RC Lens beating Paris FC (5-0) the next day to usurp them. Dembélé, post-match, was critical of attitudes. “Above all, we have to play for Paris Saint-Germain to win matches because, if we play alone on the pitch, that won’t work. Last year, we put the club above everything else, before thinking about ourselves. We need to rediscover that. We have to play for the club first and foremost before thinking about ourselves,” said the Ballon d’Or winner in his post-match interview with Ligue 1 Plus.
Those comments elicited a strong response from PSG manager Luis Enrique. “I won’t allow any player to be above the club. That is clear. I won’t allow any player to think he is more important than the club,” said the Spaniard.
Ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League tie against AS Monaco, the Ballon d’Or winner’s comments continue to be discussed. Speaking ahead of the game, Joao Neves stated, “When we have something to say to certain players, we say it to their face.”
However, the comments did at least resonate with Marquinhos, Canal Plus understands, as well as Vitinha. Some of the leaders in the PSG squad, therefore, believe that there are some players who are currently playing less for the collective.
Jan 20, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) talks with guard Marcus Millender (4) against the Missouri Tigers during the second half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
There’s a lot of positivity both locally and nationally after Kentucky Basketball put up a valiant effort against SEC-leading Florida Saturday in Gainesville.
If the Wildcats can play that hard in each of their six remaining regular-season games, they have a shot to win out. That would definitely put them in the top four of the SEC standings going into the SEC Tournament.
That said, there needs to be a one-game-at-a-time mantra these next three weeks. There are still a lot of tough games on Kentucky’s schedule, including Tuesday night against Georgia. No team and game can be overlooked.
The Bulldogs can score at a high clip and rebound. Like Florida, they don’t shoot the ball well from three-point range, but they move the ball well and shoot the ball well from the field overall.
All five primary starters shoot at least 43 percent from the floor and average at least 7.1 points per game. Their first guy off the bench is their third-leading scorer at 12 points per game.
This is a good Georgia team that knows it needs a win Tuesday night to boost its chances at making the NCAA Tournament.
Let’s take a deeper look at Georgia, players to watch, and keys to the game Tuesday night.
Wilkinson is a scoring beast, with eight games scoring 20+ points and two games scoring 30+ points. In addition, Wilkinson also has eight games with three or more steals. Don’t underestimate his ability to shoot from three-point range, either. Nine times this season, Wilkinson has made at least three three-pointers, and six times he’s made at least four three-pointers.
In his freshman season at California, Wilkinson was named the ACC Sixth Man of the Year and to the ACC All-Rookie Team. He was Cal’s leading scorer in ACC play and second-leading scorer overall on the season. Among all freshmen, Wilkinson was second in the ACC and 12th in the country in scoring.
A third-year player with the Bulldogs, Cain is a really good scorer and rebounder. Cain has three games with 20+ points this season, and he has two double-doubles this season. He also has an additional game with 10+ rebounds.
Cain comes from a family of athletes. His dad, Chris, played golf at Duke from 1988-91; his mom, Myriah (Lonergan), played basketball at George Washington from 1992-96 and is in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame; and his sister, Sophie, was a setter on the volleyball team at Appalachian State from 2020-23.
Catchings chose to stay at BYU last year after Mark Pope left to become Kentucky’s head coach. Playing on a team that made the Sweet 16, Catchings averaged 7.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 17.4 minutes of playing time per outing and ranked second on the team with .4 blocks per game.
This is a player whose family is rich in basketball. Most notably, Kanon is the nephew of Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings. Tamika was a 2012 WNBA Champion with the Indiana Fever, in addition to winning Finals MVP that year and WNBA MVP in 2011. She was a 10-time All-Star and five-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league in steals eight times and making First-Team All-Defense 10 times. In college, Tamika was a star at Tennessee, earning National Player of the Year honors from the AP, Naismith, USBWA, and WBCA. Tennessee won the 1998 National Championship.
In addition, Kanon’s mother, Tauja, was a first-team All-Big Ten player at Illinois who was selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2000 WNBA Draft. Kanon’s grandfather, Harvey, played 11 seasons in the NBA with the 76ers, Nets, Bucks, and Clippers, compiling 2,335 points, 3,639 rebounds, and 1,226 blocks in 725 career games.
Cyril is going to be a handful on Tuesday. He’s a beast in the frontcourt, and Kentucky is going to have to have a plan for him.
Shot blocking is Cyril’s calling card. He has 16 games with multiple blocks, 12 games with three, five with four, two with six, and one with eight. That’s how good he is. In addition, he has two double-doubles and nine games with a perfect field goal percentage.
Make Cyril work. That’s what Kentucky is going to have to do. He may not be as notable a player in the SEC as Rueben Chinyelu or Nate Ament, but he’s the most efficient player in the SEC. That’s what makes him imposing.
5. No. 3: Jordan Ross — 6-3, 195 lbs. Jr. Guard; PLEASANT GROVE, Ga. (Saint Mary’s Transfer) Stats: 7.1 pts, 2.8 rebs, 43% FG, 30.8 3-PT FG%, 77.8 FT%, 21.2 mpg
Ross is a veteran player from Saint Mary’s, playing on two NCAA Tournament teams and two West Coast Conference regular-season title teams. Last year, Ross started all 35 games for the Gaels, averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.5 minutes of action per game. He led the Gaels in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.33 and would have ranked No. 6 nationally in assist-to-TO ratio but fell 15 assists shy of the 3.0 apg standard to qualify for national leaders. Ross had 15 points on 6-11 shooting in a win over Vanderbilt in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.
This season, Ross has eight double-digit scoring games.
6. No. 4: Marcus “Smurf” Millender — 5-11, 175 lbs. Jr. Guard; HOUSTON (UT-San Antonio Transfer) Stats: 12 pts/gm., 2.8 rebs, 92 ast.-47 TO, 46% FG, 37.3 3-PT FG%, 84.7 FT%, 25.2 mpg
Millender started his first game for Georgia this Saturday at Oklahoma, scoring 16 points and dishing out five assists. He’s scored in double figures 16 times this season and 13 games with multiple three-pointers.
What Millender is doing this season shouldn’t be a surprise. Last year at UTSA, Millender averaged 14.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a team-high 1.7 steals in 34.5 minutes per game. Millender also shot 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Head Coach: Mike White (4th Season, 73-54; 14th Season Overall; 316-182) — 48 years old
Mike White comes from an athletic family, and he has had a successful head coaching career himself. The brother of current Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White and current Florida Atlantic Director of Athletics Brian White, Mike’s dad, Kevin, was Duke’s Director of Athletics from 2008 to 2021, and his wife, Kira, is a former All-SEC volleyball player at Ole Miss.
A four-year starter at Ole Miss, a program that went to three NCAA Tournaments when White was there, White was later an assistant at Ole Miss before his first head coaching stint at Louisiana Tech. He spent three seasons there before becoming the head coach at Florida, taking over for Billy Donovan.
In seven seasons at Florida, White led the Gators to four NCAA Tournaments. The Gators went to the Elite Eight in 2017, with Chris Chiozza hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer in overtime in the Sweet 16. Florida was also led by SEC Sixth Man of the Year Canyon Barry, the grandson of Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry.
White has won Conference Coach of the Year honors in three different conferences, including the SEC in 2017.
Keys to the Game
1. Make the lay-ups. Make the easy shots.
Kentucky has adopted the “Cardiac Cats” mentality this season. But that doesn’t mean they have to make it hard on themselves by missing 15 of 23 layups against Florida. Make at least 90 percent of your layups and shots right at the rim to give yourselves a greater margin for error if you do fall behind by double-digits early.
2. Three-point shooting and defense
The Wildcats have improved significantly at shooting from three-point range. Next up is defending from three-point range. Over their last five games, opponents are shooting 42-121 from three-point range. That’s 34.7 percent. It’s not a high number, but it’s still notable. Three teams have made 10 or more three-pointers in Kentucky’s last five games. Not to mention, Tennessee was 8-15 in the first half of the game on February 7th.
Kentucky has to be better at defending three-point shooting. It’s the great equalizer and a difference maker if teams can make three-point shots, especially this time of year.
3. Rebounding
Kentucky’s effort on the boards was good overall on Saturday against Florida. Georgia isn’t quite at that level on rebounding, so this is a game where the Wildcats need to impose their will on the boards.
4. Taking care of the ball
Georgia opponents average 14.6 turnovers per game. Playing at home, Kentucky must take care of the ball and limit the turnovers. Stay under 10, and that should be part of a winning formula for the Wildcats.
Score Prediction: Wildcats 87, Bulldogs 84
I think this game is going to be very close. Georgia has players who can create matchup problems for Kentucky, especially Somto Cyril. It will also be very interesting to see how Kentucky responds after a loss on Saturday that many people are viewing as one with still a lot of positives.
Georgia can score, and I think that will make Kentucky have to work down the stretch to hold off a feisty Bulldogs team. Kentucky will win this game, but it will be a 40-minute battle Tuesday night.
And after the press conference for the Netflix fight, host Anna Woolhouse put it to Fury that he “might be adding” to his team.
Fury, 37, responded with a reference to Mr T’s character in Rocky III, saying: “Yeah, I’m like Clubber Lang, I’m gonna train alone. I’m gonna train alone.”
Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis, who was offering punditry, chimed in, “Well, he’s been through it so many times, he knows what to do,” before Fury explained his thinking.
“I know how to do it, I know how to go 12 rounds, I know how to push myself when I need to, and I know how to take a rest when I need to.”
When Fury returned to boxing in 2018, following a two-year hiatus, he did so with Ben Davison in his corner. Davison coached the “Gypsy King” to wins over Sefer Seferi, Francesco Pianeta, Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin, and a draw against Deontay Wilder.
Tyson Fury (left) will take on Arslanbek Makhmudov in April (PA Wire)
Fury then switched trainers for his second bout with Wilder, and Sugarhill Steward guided the Briton to a stoppage win and the WBC heavyweight title in 2020. With Sugarhill in his corner, Fury stopped Wilder again in 2021, and a knockout of Dillian Whyte followed.
That gave way to a close shave against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, whom Fury narrowly outpointed, before he suffered two decision losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.
Fury’s latest retirement ensued, and now fans wait to see if he will really fight Makhmudov, 36, without a coach, or whether he was simply having fun.
The Briton has been training in Thailand as he prepares to put his 34-2-1 (24 KOs) record on the line against Makhmudov, who is 21-2 (19 KOs).
Fury’s father John (right) with the boxer’s most-recent coach, Sugarhill Steward (Getty Images)
“I thought he’s a good opponent, he’s a dangerous opponent,” Fury told The Independent and other publications on Monday. “If they’d have said I was going to fight some random person no one’s heard of, then that wouldn’t have turned me on, so I wouldn’t have even been interested.
“But considering I’ve got a No 5-ranked WBA heavyweight, who’s known to the British public because he just had a good fight with Dave Allen... and he wrestles bears for fun, and he’s as big as me, and as ugly as me, [it] makes him a very worthy adversary.”
(L-R) Gold medalists Anton Shipulin, Dmitry Malyshko, Evgeny Ustyugov and Alexey Volkov of Russia celebrate during the medal ceremony of the Biathlon Men's 4x7.5km Relay in Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. Former Russian biathlete Anton Shipulin has refused to hand back his Olympic relay gold medal from 2014 after the team was disqualified in connection with doping practices of its skier Evgeniy Ustyogov. picture alliance / dpa
Former Russian biathlete Anton Shipulin has refused to hand back his Olympic relay gold medal from 2014 after the team was disqualified in connection with doping practices of its skier Evgeniy Ustyogov.
Shipulin told Match TV when asked whether he had sent back the medal to the International Olympic Committee: "No, why? I fought for it. It's mine, I won't give it back."
The 2014 relay and 2010 mass start medals were reallocated on Sunday in a ceremony in Anterselva during the Milan/Cortina Games, with Germany earning the relay gold.
Shipulin added in an Instagram post he would "only be ready to give back my medal" once the IOC and international federations "give back our athletes the flag and the hymn and stop humiliating them with the 'neutral status.'
"We all remember that our athletes were removed. And with this the main rule was violated: Sport takes place away from politics."
Russian athletes were banned from most international sport after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russians are now re-admitted as neutral athletes if they a pass a strict vetting process.
German 2014 relay member Eric Lesser meanwhile said after the reallocation that he doesn't believe to have received an original gold medal handed back by Russia. The German team handed back their original silver medals which went to Austria.
"I don't think so because it has no scratches. I'm going to assume that the Russian would have scratched it before sending it off," Lesser said.
Togetherness is something our football club has always championed, a value I truly believed ran through the heart of our fanbase.
Right now, though, things on the pitch are far from what we've come to expect in recent seasons, and frustration is growing by the day.
Last Wednesday, after our defeat by Aston Villa, I was asked live on BBC Radio Sussex whether I was among the fans who booed or chanted "sacked in the morning" at the end of the Crystal Palace game. The question stopped me in my tracks and made me think hard about where I really stood.
In that moment, I realised I was neither "Fabian in" nor "Fabian out". I was simply a Brighton fan who wants the best for the club I've loved for years. Managers change and players move on, but the one constant is us, the supporters who turn up, home and away, whatever the weather and whatever the form.
Frustration is understandable. We've been spoilt by brilliant football, smart recruitment and seasons that felt like dreams.
When standards dip, emotions will rightly follow. But turning on our own has never been what we're about. This club was built on patience and belief, and that approach has carried us further than any of us imagined.
There's still so much to play for. Nothing is decided in February and our team needs backing, not battle lines in the stands or on social media.
Our role is a simple one: to support Brighton & Hove Albion, especially when it's uncomfortable and uncertain.
So, I'll be there for the rest of the season and beyond, scarf held high, hoping the Amex can find its voice again.
Where do you stand on Hurzeler's future? And if you think it's time for a change, what direction do you think Albion should go in?
Leah Williamson became the first England captain to win two major trophies [Getty Images]
England captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025 as they prepare to begin their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Williamson, 28, missed England's friendly victories over China, Ghana and Australia as well as their defeat by Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury.
The Arsenal defender had surgery after lifting England's second successive European title in July and returned to action at the start of December.
Several big names return to the squad including Chelsea forward Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
James, 24, was absent for four months with an ankle injury before returning in November and is now back to full fitness.
She impressed in Sunday's win over Liverpool and boosts manager Sarina Wiegman's attacking options with Arsenal's Beth Mead out with a fractured shin.
Greenwood, 32, missed the start of the season with a knee injury while Hampton had a thigh issue which ruled her out of the November camp.
There is a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson, while uncapped 20-year-old Freya Godfrey retains her place in the squad.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck also earns a recall, with Manchester City's Khiara Keating dropping out of the squad.
Gotham FC defender Jess Carter is back after she was given time to recover from the conclusion of the National Women's Soccer League play-offs in November.
England are without Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, who is out with a hip injury until the end of March.
Bay FC defender Anouk Denton, 22, who made her debut as a late substitute in December, is not included in the squad.
The Lionesses travel to Turkey to face Ukraine on Tuesday, 3 March (17:00 GMT) before hosting Iceland at the City Ground on Saturday, 7 March (12:30).
They are the first competitive games since England's success in Switzerland and they will meet reigning world champions Spain later in their qualifying group.
There are eight international windows before England hope to travel to Brazil for the World Cup between 24 June and 25 July 2027.
"It's a new year with new objectives as we start our qualification journey with these two very important fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland," said Wiegman.
"This is new opposition for this England team, so that's exciting too. I am looking forward to being back with the squad and getting back to work."
Wrexham will look to get their bid for a Championship playoff place back on track when they travel to face Bristol City on Tuesday.
Phil Parkinson's side suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to fellow promotion hopefuls Millwall in their previous league match but got back in the win column with a 1-0 win against Ipswich Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Bristol City are also firmly in the playoff hunt and are a point and a place below Wrexham in ninth. Victory for either side will lift them into sixth position.
Here's everything you need to know about Bristol City vs. Wrexham, including TV channel and streaming options for the EFL Championship game.
Bristol City vs. Wrexham live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this match in the U.S.:
TV channel: None
Live stream: None
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Champions League matches are also taking place today with Paramount+ opting to show those games instead.
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What time does Bristol City vs. Wrexham kick off?
This clash takes place at Ashton Gate in Bristol, England and kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7:45 p.m. local time
Bodo/Glimt Vs Inter Milan – Cristian Chivu Faces Several Starting Lineup Dilemmas
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu is reportedly facing several selection dilemmas ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Bodo/Glimt.
According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, Alessandro Bastoni will be part of the starting lineup despite recent turmoil.
Bastoni has been under heavy scrutiny over the past few days due to his antics in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia.
However, the 26-year-old remains a vital part of Chivu’s defensive set-up and has a guaranteed starting spot.
Meanwhile, one of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij is likely return to the starting lineup.
Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Faces Selection Dilemmas Ahead of Bodo/Glimt Clash
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Hakan Calhanoglu was initially expected to regain his place in midfield, but the Turk won’t be at Chivu’s disposal tomorrow.
Therefore, Piotr Zielinski will continue to perform as a deep-lying playmaker, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to start alongside the Pole.
On the left, Carlos Augusto could get the nod ahead of Federico Dimarco, who desperately needs some rest.
Finally, Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito might spearhead the attack.
London City Lionesses youngster Freya Godfrey remains in the squad and will be hoping for a first senior appearance. Godfrey's teammate Poppy Pattinson has also received her first senior call-up.
England begin their qualification campaign 'away' to Ukraine in Turkey on March 3rd before hosting Iceland on March 7th.
The men’s ice hockey is into the knockout rounds at the 2026 Winter Olympics, after Canada and the USA both topped their groups.
The past three winners of the gold medal have been Finland, Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) and Canada, in 2014. Four years before that, in 2010, Canada took home the gold once more, after beating the US in the final in Vancouver.
The USA has 11 medals in total for competition in ice hockey but has not taken home the gold medal since 1980, over 45 years ago. Their only other gold medal came in 1960.
But 2026 will mark the first time since 2014 where NHL players have participated in Olympic ice hockey. Historically the NHL and International Olympic Committee have failed to reach an agreement on allowing NHL players to participate. In both 2018 and 2022 this was the case, affecting the USA, Canada and many other countries.
With the inclusion of the NHL once more, Canada are the favourites for the gold medal in Milan. The USA are behind Canada as the second favourites but the USA are touted as the team to beat in the women’s ice hockey.
Men’s winter Olympics ice hockey schedule
Play-off round
February 17
Czech Republic 3-2 Denmark
Sweden vs Latvia
Germany 5-1 France
Switzerland 3-0 Italy
Quarter-finals
February 18
Czech Republic or Denmark vs Canada
Sweden or Latvia vs USA
Germany vs Slovakia
Switzerland vs Finland
Semi-finals
February 20
TBD
Final
February 22
TBD
Bronze medal match
February 21
TBD
USA Group C results
February 12: Latvia 1-5 USA
February 14: USA 6-3 Denmark
February 15: USA 5-1 Germany
Teams have been training at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena ahead of the Games (Getty Images)
Canada Group A results
February 12: Czech Republic 0-5 Canada
February 13: Switzerland 1-5 Canada
February 15: Canada 10-2 France
All games will either be played at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena or the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Whoever came up with that nonsense about 'time healing all wounds' couldn't have been a Baltimore Ravens fan. It's been more than a month. We still wake up screaming after dreaming about Tyler Loop's field-goal attempt sailing right of its target in Pittsburgh.
Here's what's worse. The agony of that miss feels more depressing after a Divisional Round loss sustained the prior January (and a home loss in the AFC Championship Game that occurred one year before that).
Truth be told, now that we're thinking about it and expressing, time hasn't healed much of anything. Maybe the road to recovery starts now with a new coaching regime and some better offensive line play.
After beginning his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and joining the hated Pittsburgh Steelers, Isaac Seumalo nears free agency. Might the trend of seeing the Ravens and Steelers steal talent from one another continue?
This is a clear upgrade for Faalele, and it would be nice to see him and Linderbaum work in concert, but it will take a lot of behind-the-scenes work to make that happen.
This might actually be what the Ravens need. Plus, they've seen a lot of him during their wars with the Bills. He has played a lot as of late, logging over 2,000 snaps over the past two years vs combined.
He'll be 29 when he enters the 2026 season, so hopefully, the heavy workload hasn't taken its toll. He isn't going to be cheap, which raises questions about whether Eric DeCosta can make the numbers work.
An injury (torn triceps) short-circuited Alijah Vera-Tucker's 2025 regular season before it even began. That's the third time in five seasons that the former first-round selection has had a season end prematurely because of injury.
A member of the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team in 2021, there's some talent in there. Two questions: Will someone take a chance on someone injury-prone? Might the concerns reduce his price tag?
Here's another rival that the Ravens have gotten a good look at from the other sideline. Joe Bitonio is an old man now who will turn 35 during the coming NFL season.
He's a seven-time Pro Bowler, a two-time First-team All-Pro (2021, 2022), and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro. Canton might be calling, but before it does, maybe he'll get a real shot at championship glory by switching to the Ravens' side.
Roster building in the NFL is just as much about preparation as it is about reaction. The best front offices anticipate potential changes. The worst. Well, they become the NFL's nottom-feeders. Fortunately, despite the ups and downs, the Baltimore Ravens are among the elite franchises.
Here's why they get it right. The front office features some of the best at what they do. They hire smart coaches and add elite talent, and when they deem necessary, they only need to make adjustments.
Two of those adjustments, from a roster standpoint, came from trades on the defensive side of the ball. They added a pass rusher, Dre'Mont Jones. They sent an edge rusher, Odafe Oweh, to the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire safety Alohi Gilman.
Both were bullseye signings. Gilman's addition allowed Baltimore the option to capitalize on Kyle Hamilton's versatility. That's a formula that works, but for it to continue, the Ravens must sign Gilman to an extension, as his contract expires.
If they can't get that done and Gilman moves on, that potentially leaves holes on the secondary's depth chart. Keep in mind that Ar'Darius Washington is an impending free agent, too. If the Ravens look to free agency for replacements, they'll have options. Here are a few that make sense.
Bryan Cook brings an edge and aggression. He'd align perfectly with Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks' versatility. He's a headhunter at times who feels comfortable traveling downhill.
He's young, with upside, and has already shown some scheme versatility. If the Ravens want another young option who can grow into a long-term piece, Cook makes a lot of sense. He certainly wouldn't be a band-aid addition.
Kamren Curl has already written an impressive story. He has taken advantage of an opportunity as a former seventh-round selection, and he's constructed an impressive career. He's still young at 27 and a nice blend of cost-effectiveness and return on investment, but he's also probably going to wind up being more expensive than Gilman or Washington.
Jabrill Peppers would make a tremendous amount of sense for the Ravens. He embodies many of the traits their defense has historically valued. He's tough and versatile with a high football IQ. He's a proven playmaker who creates momentum plays. He'd also provide leadership for what we forget is a still-young Baltimore secondary.
As a five-year starter in the Cardinals' secondary, Jalen Thompson has established himself as one of the more reliable tacklers at his position. He'd also provide coverage help after taking a step forward with a fine season.
He has elite range and instincts, kind of like Hamilton and Starks. He consistently gets his hands on the football. He's comfortable in multiple alignments and would provide a smooth transition from Alohi Gilman if necessary.
LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — The Olympic final for women’s snowboarding slopestyle was scrubbed off Tuesday's schedule due to a heavy snowstorm in Livigno.
The slopestyle final was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. local time but organizers said it was called off. A new date for the final has not been announced.
It delays New Zealander Zoi Sadowski-Synnott's attempt at a repeat. She qualified first on Sunday — an opening round that was moved up a day because of the storms rolling in.
Qualifying for freestyle aerials down the road from the snowpark in Livigno was also delayed. The men’s ski big air finals are also scheduled later on Tuesday.
On Monday night, the start of the women's big air contest was delayed for more than an hour when a windy squall came through the course. Megan Oldham of Canada won and Eileen Gu finished second.
In slopestyle, snowboarders perform tricks on rails and jump off ramps. Heavy snow and wind can throw them off course or make the track too slow to ascend the run-ups to the jumps.
More than 4 inches (10 centimeters) of snow fell by midday Tuesday. The men's slopestyle final is scheduled for Wednesday, when the forecast looks better.
Batter Pratika Rawal has recovered from an ankle injury and has been added to India’s women’s cricket squad for a three-match ODI series against Australia, starting February 24 in Brisbane.
Rawal got injured last year during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup while fielding against Bangladesh and was replaced by Shafali Verma. India went on to win the tournament for the first time.
"The Women’s Selection Committee has added Pratika Rawal to India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia women, which is part of the ongoing multi-format tour of Australia," read a statement from the BCCI.
"Pratika has completed her rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and has fully recovered from her ankle injury sustained in October during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025," it added.
— BCCIWomen (@BCCIWomen)
The three ODIs will be played in Brisbane on February 24 and in Hobart on February 27 and March 1.
Rawal is also part of India’s Test squad for the one-off match against Australia on March 6 in Perth.
Texas A&M baseball (3–0) opened the 2026 season with a statement, sweeping Tennessee Tech and piling up 45 runs across the weekend. It was the kind of offensive eruption that answered several early questions—and raised expectations even higher—as the Aggies now turn their attention to their first midweek matchup of the year against A&M‑Corpus Christi.
At the plate, the Aggies showed real maturity. They paired power with patience, drawing 22 walks and launching eight home runs while looking every bit like a top‑25 offense. The approach was disciplined, the contact was loud, and the lineup depth was obvious from top to bottom.
On the mound and defensively, the results were encouraging but not spotless. Given the level of competition, the Aggies expected to be a bit cleaner, and the pitching staff surrendered more hits than anticipated. Still, the foundation looked solid, and Tuesday offers another chance to tighten things up before the schedule stiffens.
A&M‑Corpus Christi arrives at 4–0 after a four‑game sweep of Stonehill to open its season. The Islanders are led by second baseman Cade Sanchez, who did a little bit of everything on opening weekend and earned Southland Conference Hitter of the Week honors. They’ll rely heavily on his ability to produce timely offense if they hope to hang around at Blue Bell Park.
Tuesday night marks the 16th meeting between the programs, with Texas A&M holding a commanding 15–0 series lead. The most recent matchup ended in a 17–7 run‑rule win for the Aggies, and they’ll look to maintain that dominance while continuing to sharpen their identity early in the season.
Internet: 12thMan.com / 12th Man Mobile app for live play-by-play
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Scotland will need to make two changes in the back row for Saturday's Six Nations visit to Wales, with Jamie Ritchie and Jack Dempsey injured, along with winger Jamie Dobie.
The trio were all withdrawn during the 31-20 win over England at Murrayfield.
Dempsey has damaged a bicep, Ritchie has a knee issue, while a shoulder problem rules Dobie out.
At the weekend, head coach Gregor Townsend suggested all of the injuries were "serious" and a squad update from Scottish Rugby says the players have returned to their clubs for assessment.
Townsend is scheduled to name his team to face Wales on Thursday, with the squad currently training in Spain.
The franchise tag window is set to open, and, seemingly right on time, there's drama in Dallas about a star player who may be eligible for it. While wide receiver George Pickens is widely expected to be tagged by the front office, there's no telling whether Cowboys management is in a big hurry to make it official... or if they'll do it at all. Word leaked Monday that the Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro was disciplined during the course of the season for being late to meetings and the like. On the surface, that wouldn't seem to be a huge deal- especially considering the monster production Pickens delivered on the field- but some observers are wondering if the bad-mouthing from the brass has already begun in an effort to impact the big-money negotiations.
A few veteran names are being mentioned as possibilities for the Cowboys, as Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb finds himself on the market ahead of free agency and Browns linebacker Devin Bush is expected to be on the hunt for a new team soon. Meanwhile, ESPN's Bill Barnwell came up with a somewhat bizarre trade suggestion, wondering if the Cowboys would deal Kenny Clark away... for next to nothing in return.
Remember Joe DeCamillis? The onetime Cowboys special teams coordinator left Dallas in 2012 and made stops in Chicago, Denver, Jacksonville, and L.A. before heading back to the college ranks, Now he's back in the NFL- with the Raiders this time- as the coaching carousel spins on. The Super Bowl champs have a new offensive coordinator, the Browns have a new defensive coordinator, and a Seahawks assistant hits the jackpot with a major promotion in Vegas.
Around the league, the NFL is mourning the untimely passing of veteran offensive lineman Tre Johnson, the Dolphins have started a massive housecleaning by releasing Tyreek Hill, and Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was attacked in a New York City hotel. And will we be waiting all offseason for... Wednesday night?!? The NFL appears ready to move opening night up 24 hours for the 2026 season, with the Cowboys still among the teams that could be in play.
Sixteen teams have advanced to the playoff phase, with the eight winners of the two-leg ties advancing to the round of 16.
There, those teams will meet the eight teams that have already clinched direct spots in the round of 16.
If any knockout-phase matchup is level after both legs, no away-goals tiebreaker will be used.
UEFA abolished the away goals tiebreaker in June 2021. Since then, all ties that remain level after 180 minutes proceed to extra time, followed by penalties if necessary.
Why is the away goals tiebreaker no longer used?
According to UEFA, the advantage of playing at home had been reduced over the years. Home wins decreased from 61% in the mid-1970s to 47% in the 2020-21 season
UEFA attributed that change to numerous factors, including "better pitch quality and standardized pitch sizes, improved stadium infrastructure, higher security conditions, enhanced care of refereeing" and "more comfortable travel conditions," among other factors.
According to UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, the away-goals tiebreaker had become counterproductive.
"The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage," Čeferin said.
"There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored."
Q: Ira, this is what I want to see the rest of the season: as much Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and Pelle Larsson as possible. Let the kids play. – Lance.
A: Agreed. But that doesn’t mean they necessarily all have to start. You also need connectors, veterans and proven players who will afford them the type of rotations where there will be complementary players in place. That, in large part, was among the reasons the Heat retained Andrew Wiggins at the deadline. So assuming a nine-man rotation, that means you should be able to carve time for Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, Pelle Larsson, and I’m throwing Jaime Jaquez Jr. in there, too, while also playing Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Davion Mitchell, Wiggins, and, if he fully makes it back, Tyler Herro. The irony is that among those who would be pushed back would be Nikola Jovic, who is about as young as any of the Heat’s prospects. The most interesting aspect in regard to the veterans might be the approach going forward with Simone Fontecchio, who very much played as a connector prior to the All-Star break.
Q: Got to be careful with extensions like that. Norman Powell is solid and a nice scorer, but not a real needle mover. Without a true number-one guy, extending players like Powell is not a major concern, either way. If a reasonable number, fine. If not, no thanks. – Tom.
A: I think you hit it on the head with your point about not having a true number one. Until you have the player you are building around, you don’t know what you need to complement. So whether for Norman Powell or otherwise, it likely is smartest to keep the contracts and extensions small and manageable until you get that clear alpha. Bam Adebayo is not that. Tyler Herro hasn’t been available often enough to be that. It is time to stop paying players as number ones or even number twos until a clear, defined hierarchy is established.
Q: Ira, quiet about the tanking. With the Heat’s schedule, why draw attention? – Fred.
A: True, the Heat do have three remaining against Washington, two against Brooklyn, two against Milwaukee and one against Memphis. But then again, they’ve already lost to the Jazz and Pacers, so nothing is a given. Still, in light of Adam Silver’s actions befor the All-Star Game and the words during All-Star Weekend, it will be interesting to see what standards those teams feel forced to maintain.
Sheffield United Chief Highlights Key Duo & Mentality Ahead of Steel City Clash
Andre Brooks and Femi Seriki have become something of an unstoppable force down the right flank for Sheffield United this season.
Between them, they have contributed to 12 goals, a return that underlines their attacking output, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Their overall impact has arguably been far more influential. The chemistry, relentless work rate and raw athleticism they both possess make them a nightmare for opposition defenders, particularly in one-v-one situations where their pace and directness consistently tilt the pitch in United’s favour.
There is a natural understanding between the pair. When Seriki drives forward from right-back, Brooks instinctively adjusts his movement, either stretching play to isolate his marker or darting inside to exploit the half-space. When Brooks presses high, Seriki is quick to back him up, squeezing the space and forcing mistakes. It is coordinated aggression and it has become a defining feature of United’s right side.
It feels symbolic that manager Chris Wilder singled the duo out in the build-up to Sunday afternoon’s Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane. Over the past decade, the Blades have not only asserted dominance at first-team level in the city, but also at academy level, and Brooks and Seriki are prime examples of that success, both products of the Shirecliffe system.
Sheffield United Academy Products Singled Out For Praise By Chris Wilder
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Femi Seriki of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United at Hillsborough on November 23, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
“Those two boys have been outstanding for us going forward and today they had to do it the other way because they got put on the back foot. Femi got put on the back foot by Alli who’s decent and positive and he gave him a right test but Femi stuck at it and Brooksy stuck at it and he had the energy to get to the top of the pitch and score. I’ve just said to the boys it was a little bit Peter Withe-esque and all the boys looked round and didn’t have a clue what I was on about. Maybe they’ll have a look on YouTube and see it.”
Wilder on Blades Belief
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder during the Sky Bet Championship match between Portsmouth and Sheffield United at Fratton Park on February 14, 2026 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Wilder has also placed heavy emphasis on mentality ahead of the derby, framing it as an extension of the club’s identity rather than just another fixture. Reflecting on recent performances and drawing inspiration from elsewhere in the game, he said:
“It’s about the build, it’s about the culture, it’s about what we’re all about. I listened to Keith Andrews in the week when they went toe to toe with Arsenal and they’ve got a culture at their football club and he came in and he built on. Jack [Lester] is there too, half of our staff are there. He’s added to Brentford’s culture and that is the biggest thing about our football club, the culture.
Everybody else has got their culture but our culture is not the get the white flag out, not to go under when it’s on top. It was on top today so for me it’s a great sign that we have got the mentality and culture to go to places like Millwall and Portsmouth and then put that back on teams when they come to Bramall Lane. Culture carriers and the players are all on the same page which is brilliant for me.”
That belief has been evident in results at difficult venues such as Millwall and Portsmouth, and it will be central again when Wednesday arrive at Bramall Lane this weekend.
As the Steel City derby looms, the Blades will look to their academy graduates not just for moments of quality, but for the energy; in derby matches, intensity and mentality often outweighs the tactics.
Addison Hartman, a sophomore on a cooperative gymnastics team made up of athletes from three Orland Park area high schools, said the team enabled her to continue the sport when the commute for club practices got to far, at least 20 minutes after school every day.
She said the team, created because the sport did not have enough participation for independent teams at each school, allows her to practice with teammates who live close to her. She said she has already learned a lot of new skills and made friends in her first year.
But Hartman said she was recently unsure what to tell other club athletes interested in joining the team because of an Illinois High School Association policy approved in December.
The policy prohibits cooperative teams from competing for team awards and in the IHSA state series if combined enrollment at the high schools in the co-op exceeds 3,500 students.
This rule applies to all six cooperative teams across Carl Sandburg, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Victor J. Andrew high schools beginning July 1, said District 230 Superintendent Robert Nolting. The teams are girls gymnastics, girls wrestling, girls and boys lacrosse and girls water polo.
Nolting said there are financial issues continuing the co-ops programs without IHSA support.
If the district split programs into independent programs, that could potentially double the cost to the district, to the tune of about $40,000, with the cost of increased coaching stipends, transportation, official costs, supplies and uniforms, he said in a statement.
He said some student athletes may lose opportunities because their school cannot continue supporting their team.
“We’d like to see if we can, pardon the expression, minimize the damage to some of the student athletes because, as we’ve heard from our parents and students, whatever the sport is, if it doesn’t matter to us, it matters to them dearly,” Nolting said.
Matt Troha, IHSA associate executive director, said Friday he was unaware of funding concerns throughout the process of approving the policy. He said the policy will affect 107 cooperative teams across 19 sports in the state.
Troha said a school representative, not an IHSA official, wrote the policy aiming to address large cooperative teams, or “super teams,” that may have a high rate of success due to team size. He said cooperative teams are meant to eventually split into individual school teams, but some school officials fear these teams may choose to stay together due to success.
Troha said the policy went through several town hall meetings and was ultimately added to the December ballot by the IHSA legislative commission, based on town hall feedback.
The policy passed with 488 school representatives voting in favor, 172 representatives voting against it and 66 representatives voting no opinion, meaning the policy passed with about 67% support.
“I will be frank, I do understand some of the intentionality of the bylaw because you don’t want to create super teams and that’s what some districts might be accused of doing,” Nolting said. “But cooperatives are really about developing sports so that you could down the road break up into, or in our case schools having their own program.
Several District 230 co-op teams have achieved state success in recent years, with the District 230 wrestling team winning the state championship last year. The girls gymnastics team won its regional competition with a team record Feb. 6.
Nolting asked the district board Jan. 29 for guidance on responding to the policy, clarifying it might not affect all sports the same.
He said gymnastics and wrestling programs qualify as individual sports and could still compete individually. He said these sports could possibly keep their program, and athletes could qualify individually for state championships, but the teams would not qualify for a team trophy or team recognition.
The other four co-op programs, he said, are team sports and are barred from competing in state tournaments. He said they can compete against other schools during their season but not at the IHSA tournament level.
He said four other superintendents told him informally that if they decided to keep their co-ops, they would be interested in participating in an alternative state series tournament, apart from IHSA.
But board member Tim Danlow said he was concerned some schools may not want to compete with the co-op teams because these teams would no longer count toward ranking for the state tournament.
“IHSA could look back at this and go, we really screwed this up here, we’re taking away opportunities from student athletes, which is not what we’re about, and reverse course,” Danlow said. “I don’t see any reason we need to jump the gun and even think about taking away opportunities from our students just because of a really bull-headed decision that could get turned around again.”
Nolting and Danlow also expressed concern that if sports with already low participation at the state level lose the co-op teams, the sport could be discontinued for low participation.
“There’s always concerns about some of these sports that maybe don’t have quite as much participation and maybe their long-term viability when things come up with things that could potentially limit participation,” Troha said.
The IHSA discontinued the boys gymnastics state tournament after the 2023 season due to low participation, marking the first sport dropped since the early 1980s. Participation had dropped to 40 teams, far below the threshold, with many schools relying on co-ops to maintain programs.
Nolting said he is particularly worried about state participation numbers for girls lacrosse, girls water polo and girls gymnastics teams.
The board informally agreed Jan. 29 to offer the co-op teams the option to compete individually, or for team sports against other teams outside of state tournaments, but not achieve a trophy, leaving the decision to the athletes.
Nolting said district athletic directors, principals and financial staff are working together to develop more formal proposals.
He also said district officials are interested in writing a reverse bylaw, but said under IHSA policy that cannot be written within the first year of the policy’s implementation.
District 230 sent two letters to the IHSA board opposing the policy and that were both denied, Nolting said. One letter requested IHSA delay implementing the bylaw by pushing it back to the legislative commission until schools, like those in the District 230, could have more time to adjust and make decisions, but was denied.
The policy was reviewed and discussed at the education committee on Feb. 4, Waterman said.
Waterman said administrators plan to review the policy with each school’s athletic directors, who she said will then speak with coaches, parents, and athletes.
“District 230 is finalizing its options, hopes to better define opportunities for teams vs. individuals, and is trying to determine thresholds needed to combine or sustain sports,” Waterman said.
Zimbabwe face Ireland in a decisive Group B game at Pallekele on Tuesday, knowing that a victory will secure a spot in the Super Eight stage of this T20 World Cup. Australia’s defeat to Sri Lanka has meant the co-hosts have qualified and Zimbabwe can knock the 2021 champs out with a win.
Less than two years ago, they failed to qualify for the 2024 tournament in the West Indies and USA. It was a low point for a Full Member nation. Now, they stand just one win away from reaching the final eight of a T20 World Cup for the first time since the first event in 2007. Form favours the Chevrons. Their sensational 23-run win over Australia last week was among the most significant results in their white-ball history.
Pacer Blessing Muzarabani’s career-best figures of 4/17 highlighted the strength of Zimbabwe’s seam attack, with Brad Evans providing key support. There is further depth if Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer and captain Sikandar Raza recover from niggles. At the top of the order, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani have combined controlled aggression with stability.
With Brendan Taylor ruled out through injury, Ryan Burl’s promotion to the No.3 spot has provided balance to this team. Ireland, on the other hand, are hampered by injuries. Captain Paul Stirling has been ruled out with knee ligament damage and replaced by Sam Topping. For Zimbabwe, the equation is clear: maintain composure, manage key moments, and take a decisive step towards history.
Andre Onana no longer has unanimous support at Trabzonspor
Goalkeeper rotation could be back on the table
Andre Onana no longer has unanimous support at Trabzonspor
After the 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahçe, Andre Onana has become the target of criticism. On loan from Manchester United, the Cameroonian started the season strongly, but his recent performance is causing concern among the coaching staff.
Since his arrival on matchday 5 of the Super Lig, Onana has played 18 games, conceded 25 goals, and is averaging 1.38 goals per game. Despite a few clean sheets and 620 solid minutes, his recent dip in form has reignited the discussion about a possible goalkeeper rotation.
Youngsters Onuralp Çevikkan and Ahmet Doğan Yıldırım are now under close observation. If the Cameroonian can't rediscover his form, he could lose his spot and give the young talents a chance to gain valuable match experience for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea: the verdict is in for Nicolas Jackson at Bayern
Chelsea: Bayern gives up on Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea: the verdict is in for Nicolas Jackson at Bayern
Nicolas Jackson is expected to return to Chelsea this summer after a loan spell at Bayern Munich that failed to fully convince the Bavarian management. Arriving in Germany with a conditional purchase option, the Senegalese striker did not play enough matches to activate the specified clauses.
Rarely used in Munich's rotation and seldom given an extended run, Jackson never managed to establish himself as an essential option. This situation logically leads Bayern to hesitate on making the move permanent, despite their initial investment.
According to The Times, the former Villarreal player, signed by Chelsea in 2023, may now reconsider his future at Stamford Bridge, especially since the London club has changed managers since his departure and several European markets are still monitoring his situation.
Barça defeated at Girona: Hansi Flick fumes over refereeing
Hansi Flick slams the officiating after Barça's loss to Girona
Barça defeated at Girona: Hansi Flick fumes over refereeing
FC Barcelona are no longer at the top of LaLiga. The Catalans fell to Girona on Monday, suffering a 2-1 defeat. Hansi Flick was left furious with the refereeing decisions.
Barça slipped up at Girona's ground (2-1) in LaLiga. On the second goal conceded, the Blaugrana were left frustrated by a missed foul from Claudio Echeverri on Jules Koundé. Speaking to the press, head coach Hansi Flick did not hide his frustration.
"I don't want to talk about it, everyone saw what happened on the second goal. You all saw that play. Was it a foul or not? Yes? Thank you very much, there's no need to say more. As I've always said, I refuse to complain or use excuses. Referees have a job to do, sometimes it's not good work. But they're on the same level as us, so maybe not at a high level," the German admitted.
The Champions League is back: Inter are preparing to take on Bodø/Glimt in the two-legged play-off. The Nerazzurri will be in action against the Norwegian side on Wednesday 18 February: kick-off at the Aspmyra Stadion will be at 21:00 CET.
Ahead of the match, the usual pre-match activities will take place at the stadium. Inter will have a final training session at 18:00 CET, while Cristian Chivu will host his pre-match press conference, accompanied by a player, at 17:15 CET.
British boxers have never had a successful trade union - but that could be about to change.
The Global Fighters' Association (GFA) is planning to create a union it hopes will help safeguard boxers' futures.
The non-profit organisation is run by Martin O'Shea - the agent of former world champion Amir Khan - and former British champion Paul Smith.
"The union is so needed because there isn't one, and there's nothing in place for fighters to protect them," Smith tells Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates.
"Former fighters, current fighters, future fighters... there's nothing in place that will give them the infrastructure to cope with life after and during when you're a professional."
This isn't the first attempt to create a trade union for British boxing.
In 2002, former world champion Barry McGuigan launched one, with the intention of reducing the number of fighters who struggle financially after retiring.
But as Matt Christie - editor of BoxingScene - explains, it wasn't successful.
"Ultimately, you have to have agreement from the boxers that these people are trying to govern, that they are willing to give a certain percentage of their purse to a union, and that's the difficulty," says Christie.
The GFA has a different idea for funding - relying, instead, on fans and promoters.
"All we ask for from the promoters is that they can maybe add a small booking fee for the union - let's say a couple of pounds here or there on to every ticket," Smith says.
"So, therefore, the fans will ultimately be paying for it on behalf of the promoter."
Robert Smith - general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, which oversees the sport - says he would support the union if it was created.
"We would help set up a union but, of course, we can't be part of that union," he says.
"That's what unions are. They've got to be independent from the board. But, for sure, we'd help to do that."
Former world champion Johnny Nelson has developed a savings scheme for boxers [Getty Images]
British former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson has his own ideas on how to help boxers secure their long-term futures.
He has been developing a savings scheme for boxers - inspired by the "amazing foresight" of his former promoter.
"Barry Hearn took a percentage of his fighters' purses and put it straight into a pension scheme," says Nelson.
"At the time, the boxing fraternity said: 'He's robbing your money.' But he had an amazing foresight. Time had gone on... I retired... I get a letter through the post and I thought it was junk mail. It was actually my pension that had matured. And I couldn't believe it. I think it was about 90 grand."
Nelson believes a pension plan like the one he had with Hearn could transform the financial security of British boxers.
"I know how much of a difference it made to my life and I know that there's guys in a lot lesser position than me and it would make a life-changing difference," he says.
Canada's Yuvraj Samra became the first player from an associate nation to make a T20 World Cup century but it was not enough to stop them sliding to an eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand.
Samra made 110 off 65 balls in a knock which featured 11 fours and six sixes as his stunning innings helped Canada post 173-4.
The teenager had brought up his hundred off 58 balls as he eclipsed the previous top score by an associate player - 94 not out by the USA's Aaron Jones against Canada at the last World Cup.
At 19 years and 141 days, he also became the youngest-ever T20 World Cup centurion, beating Pakistan Ahmed Shehzad's (22 years and 127 days) against Bangladesh in 2014.
Samra was eventually dismissed by Jacob Duffy - caught in the deep behind square by Glenn Phillips - and left to a standing ovation at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
"I manifested this moment ever since we qualified for the World Cup. Every single day, I dreamed about scoring a hundred on this stage," said Samra, who is named after ex-India batter Yuvraj Singh.
"To do it here, in my first appearance [in Chennai], and as the youngest player in this World Cup – it's truly a dream come true."
Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who shared a 116-run stand with Samra for the first wicket, added: "Hats off to Yuvraj, he finished with a hundred in this match and it's a proud moment for him and all Canadians."
Kiwi seamers Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham and Duffy all claimed one wicket apiece.
New Zealand had a brief wobble early in the chase when they lost openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in quick succession and slipped to 30-2.
However, Canada's bowlers were unable to press home the advantage and an unbroken 146-run stand for the third wicket between Rachin Ravindra and Phillips got them home with 29 balls to spare.
Phillips top-scored with a brutal 76 not out of 36 balls while Ravindra finished unbeaten with 59 off 39 deliveries.
New Zealand's victory secured their place in the Super 8 stage of the tournament and eliminated Canada in addition to UAE and Afghanistan.
UFC CEO Dana White predicts that the UFC event at the White House in June will be the most watched event in the promotion's history. He's also promised the best fight card UFC matchmakers have ever put together.
With only six or seven bouts expected to be featured on the fight card, many high profile fighters who wanted to be part of the historic event will be left out. Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley believes that he's one of them.
"They said they were starting the White House card last week, Tuesday matchmaking. They said they were starting it. I haven't got a call. I haven't got a jingle. Haven't heard nothing," O'Malley said on his YouTube channel.
"The ol' Suga Show might not be on the White House," he continued. "It's still so far out like , it's still far enough out - I don't know. I'm seeing Jon Jones. I'm seeing GSP (Georges St-Pierre) maybe. Conor [McGregor] versus Nate [Diaz]. But it's like they've got to do something big."
O'Malley rebounded from back-to-back losses to former titleholder Merab Dvalishvili in his last outing with a unanimous decision win over Song Yadong. He holds a win over champion Petr Yan and has been pushing for a rematch with "No Mercy." He hoped it would take place at the White House, but that seems unlikely at the moment.
ANGOLA, Ind. – Shane Steichen spent his Valentine’s Day evening speaking to a college rec center full of Trine University supporters dressed to the nines for the school’s annual scholarship gala. He regaled the room with stories of wearing gym shorts under jeans to parties in high school so he could jet out and throw to teammate – and eventual Colts wideout – Austin Collie late on Friday nights, and the winding path he and his wife, Nina, took toward Steichen’s big break in San Diego.
Next year, exactly 365 days from Saturday night, Steichen and the Colts could be playing for the first Super Bowl victory of his career. Not a week removed from the Seahawks’ dominant victory in Santa Clara over the Patriots, it’s already where Steichen’s focus is largely directed.
Building the foundation of that pursuit begins with the NFL combine next week in Indianapolis.
Steichen and longtime Colts general manager Chris Ballard enter this season of roster restructuring with little turnover on the coaching side – one of six teams who kept their GM, head coach, offensive and defensive coordinator. As principal team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon explained at length in her season-ending press conference last month, there’s resounding belief among her sisters, trickling down to Ballard, his staff and the coaches, that the Colts of Weeks 1-10 is this franchise’s true identity – admittedly with better injury luck, a fully healthy (and re-signed) Daniel Jones under center and with polishing of some rough edges on defense.
That continuity at key leadership positions – after defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and passing game coordinator Alex Tanney interviewed for a combined six elevated roles that ultimately were filled through other avenues – is pivotal for helping the Colts build upon the early successes of 2025, Steichen said.
Even if he would’ve secretly loved to see his guys get those well-deserved opportunities he believes will come in time.
“The first half of the year was pretty special,” Steichen told IndyStar Saturday evening from Trine’s 22nd annual scholarship gala. “We had some unfortunate situations that we’ve got to overcome going forward, but we’re excited about what the future holds. I’ve always believed in growth and opportunities, and I wanted to see those guys move up the ladder in any way possible.
“You go through that from time to time, and obviously if they get it, you’re very excited for them. Obviously, you don’t want to lose those guys, but I think that’s all part of it. I’ve never been a guy to sit back and say, ‘No, I don’t want you to have those opportunities.’ I think it’s important for guys to grow and to learn and move up the ladder in this business.”
In the six weeks since the Colts’ season ended in Houston with a loss to cap a seven-game skid to close out 2025 – following an 8-2 start and legitimate hopes of home field advantage throughout the playoffs, before dreams of any kind of postseason bid fell apart – Steichen said he took a week off to decompress and enjoy time with family before things kicked into high gear again. Even minor staffing changes required research into hiring replacements, and the expansive season review and self-reflection Steichen promised the Monday after the season to get into the heart of why the back-half of 2025 went so very wrong is still a work in progress, Steichen said.
But there remains a belief that, despite a lack of playoff appearances in his three seasons in Indianapolis and a 25-26 record since he was hired three years ago, that Indianapolis is on the right track.
“I’ve always got a belief in everyone in our organization. There’s always an optimism and belief in what you’re doing,” he said. “You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing, and if you don’t, then what are you doing it for?
“We’ve just got to go execute it.”
The first steps of that process for next fall involve the upcoming combine, followed by visits by scouting and coaching staff members to colleges around the country for Pro Days, along with private player visits to the Colts’ practice facility for interviews and additional work as free agency kicks off, too. Simultaneously, Steichen said, he, Ballard and their confidants will continue to work to digest the pitfalls of a season ago as they work to plug those holes in free agency and the draft.
“It’s exciting,” Steichen said. “Even though it’s the offseason, you’re looking at players, trying to find players in the draft and it’s all part of the process with Chris and his staff.
“It’s obviously rewarding, and we’re excited for that opportunity and this part of the season, too.”
After plenty of solid winter sports performers over the last week, here are the Journal Star high school boys athlete of the week nominees for Feb. 9-14.
Head to www.pjstar.com/sports to vote. The poll closes at noon Friday. Information about the nominees is below.
The junior came up big for the Patriots in a key nonconference win on Saturday. Marks scored 26 points as Heights beat Lowpoint-Washburn, 90-57 on Saturday. This victory helped the Patriots (15-12) snap a three-game losing streak. The 5-foot-10 guard chipped in a team-high 15 points in Friday's 62-48 loss at Brimfield.
The senior played a pivotal role Friday in ending the Peoria-area's longest small-school winning streak. Smith scored 19 points as Farmington won 75-65 over Peoria Christian, which had won 13 in a row. He came up especially big in the fourth quarter when he scored on back-to-back possessions, putting the game nearly out of reach. A win over Brimfield on Tuesday would give Farmington (14-13) the outright Prairieland Conference-North Division title.
Quinton Kitt, East Peoria basketball
The senior helped orchestrate one of the season's biggest comebacks last week. On Friday, East Peoria trailed Metamora by 21 with 6:11 to play when Kitt rallied the Raiders. The Illinois commit scored 23 of his career-high 39 points in the final frame to seal the 77-75 Mid-Illini Conference road victory. His three-point play with six seconds left gave EP a lasting lead. Kitt went for 12 points in win over Lincoln last Tuesday, then 22 to beat Peoria Notre Dame on Saturday.
Barret Speck, Illini Bluffs wrestling
The sophomore won a Class 1A sectional title on Saturday. Speck (41-3) picked up victories over a trio of 132-pound wrestlers with 30-plus victories. In the championship match, Speck pinned Riverton junior Harrison Lott (35-2) in 1:20. This came after Speck won an 11-5 decision against Canton junior Jacob Hardesty (33-5) in the semifinal. Speck, who is the lone IB state qualifier, began his day with a 3-0 victory over Monticello senior Nick Litchfield (31-10).
Sean Thornton, Washington wrestling
The senior earned a Class 2A sectional championship on Saturday. Thornton (34-9) won his trio of 285-pound matches at the Geneseo Sectional by the way of a fall, a major decision and a decision. He posted an 8-1 title-bout win over Peoria Notre Dame senior Brady Mullens. In the semifinal, Thornton scored a 9-0 major decision against Geneseo junior Josh Stahl. Thornton helped give the Panthers three sectional champs and six state qualifiers overall.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
The final figure skating event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics is the women's individual competition, and the first of two performances from those skaters will highlight Tuesday's primetime coverage.
Every day of the Winter Games, The Sporting News will let you know what's coming on that night's primetime broadcasts — without spoilers — so you can plan your evening viewing if you can't watch all the action live.
All three Team USA representatives — Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito — could contend for a podium spot, and Tuesday's short program is their opening argument. Elsewhere, medals will be on the line in freestyle skiing with the men's big air competition and in speed skating team pursuit.
Beyond NBC, fans can watch curling highlights on CNBC along with men's bobsled, freestyle skiing, Nordic combined and more on USA Network.
See below for the full broadcast schedule tonight and enjoy all the memorable moments from Milan Cortina.
NBC Olympics schedule tonight: Spoiler-free primetime TV lineup for Tuesday
Schedule is subject to change. Watch it all on NBC or stream it via DIRECTV.
Time (ET)
Event
8 p.m.
Speed skating men's and women's team pursuit finals
8:30 p.m.
Figure skating women's short program
9:15 p.m.
Freestyle skiing men's big air final
9:45 p.m.
Figure skating women's short program
Olympics schedule tonight: USA, CNBC lineups for Tuesday
Here are the events scheduled to be rebroadcast on delay this evening:
Primetime in Milan will air live on NBC every night, with host Mike Tirico presenting a package of competition from earlier in the day, highlights and interviews.
Primetime in Milan and the rest of the delayed broadcasts on USA Network and CNBC can be streamed live via DIRECTV, which offers a free trial so new subscribers can try before they buy.
Catch Every Game – Try DIRECTV FREE Today! Stream live Soccer, MLB, and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
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Paris Saint-Germain are close to full strength as they head down to face AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Fabián Ruiz is the only major absentee, with academy products Senny Mayulu and Quentin Ndjantou also missing out for PSG. It leaves Luis Enrique with plenty of choices to make, especially in attack, where it could be Bradley Barcola who gets the nod. That would potentially see Désiré Doué, struggling for form in recent weeks, drop to the bench at the Stade Louis II.
In goal, Matvey Safonov is expected to retain his place ahead of Lucas Chevalier, whilst Marquinhos is set to come back in for Illia Zabarnyi. In Ruiz’s absence, Warren Zaire-Emery is expected to start in the midfield.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Dustin Poirier needed only three words after Nate Diaz publicly called him out.
Diaz recently mentioned Poirier as a potential opponent for a proposed UFC White House event, alongside Conor McGregor and Mike Perry. The comments quickly sparked a direct response.
Poirier’s reaction on social media ensured the exchange gained immediate traction.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Nate Diaz calls out Dustin Poirier for UFC White House fight
Nate Diaz spoke about a possible UFC comeback and identified Poirier, McGregor, and Perry as fights that interest him. He pointed to a potential White House card as the setting for one of those matchups.
The focus was on established names rather than tune-up contests. Diaz signaled that any return would center on high-profile opponents.
Poirier answered the callout on X with a concise statement. He wrote a three-word reply.
“Belt to a–…”
Poirier’s brief reply adds fuel to rivalry talk
The short response quickly circulated across MMA circles. Its tone suggested Poirier was not dismissing Diaz’s remarks.
A fight between the two has been discussed in the past but never finalized. The renewed exchange places the matchup back into conversation.
Diaz has made clear that he wants meaningful fights if he returns to the Octagon. Poirier’s message indicates he is prepared to engage if talks advance.
Whether the proposed White House event moves forward or not, the interaction has revived interest in a Diaz versus Poirier clash. For now, Poirier’s three-word reply remains the defining response to the callout.
KALYANI: He might no longer be in the national team’s scheme of things. He might not be in BCCI’s central contract list. He might be 35 years old. But Mo-hammed Shami remains a potent force.
Shami showed how potent he can be by claiming three wickets to help Ben-gal reduce Jammu and Kashmir to 198 for five at stumps on Day II of the Ranji Trophy semifinal match at the Bengal Cricket Academy (BCA) ground.
Resuming the day at 249/5, Bengal lost five wickets for 79 runs to be bowled out for 328 runs, some 45 minutes before the lunch interval. But J&K suffered early jolts when Shami picked up two wickets to reduce the visitors to 13 for two before the lunch interval. The former India international had openers Shubham Khajuria in his second over and Yawer Hassan in his fourth and final over, both the batters were trapped in front.
Left-hander Shubham Pundir, how-ever, seemed a bit unlucky to be given out after the batter’s edge looked to have kissed the ground. Veteran Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad then arrested the slide.
Samad went on to get his 50 off just 36 balls. Dogra used all his experience to get to his fifty off 95 balls. Finally, Shami broke the 143-run fourth-wicket stand in the fourth delivery as he came back for his second spell. Samad departed for an 85-ball 82. Dogra followed his partner in the first ball of the next over. The J&K skipper got 58 and, in the pro-cess, also completed 10,000 runs in Ranji Trophy. Earlier, Bengal’s Sudip Gharami fell lbw for 146, Auqib Nabi ending up with five for 87.
Brief scores: Bengal Ist innings 328 (S Gharami 146, A Easwaran 49, Auqib Nabi 5/87) vs J&K Ist innings 198/5 (Abdul Samad 82, Paras Dogra 58, Shami 3/60).
Two months before the 2026 NFL draft, everyone expects the Raiders to make Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick. But right now, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak says he doesn't know Mendoza well enough to say.
Although Kubiak said in an interview on the Raiders’ YouTube channel that he likes everything he's seen from Mendoza so far, what he's seen isn't much because Kubiak spent the last football season coordinating the Seahawks' offense, not watching college football.
"My exposure is very limited," Kubiak said. "I saw him play the national championship game, I saw the interviews he's given after those games and how team-oriented he is. I look forward to getting to know the player better, but obviously a really talented guy with a bright future. We'll see. We'll see where it ends up. But we've got a lot of work to do to get to know him before that time comes."
It's still possible that the Raiders will decide Mendoza isn't the right quarterback for Kubiak's offense, or that some team would blow the Raiders away with a trade offer for the No. 1 overall pick. But at this point, it appears highly likely that Kubiak will get to know Mendoza not just over the next two months, but for years to come as the two of them work together to turn the Raiders franchise around.
Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli will organise its first-ever wet weather test in Bahrain at the end of February, with McLaren and Mercedes providing two mule cars.
The Italian manufacturer has often been urged to improve its intermediates and full wet tyres, but consistent opportunities to test its rubber in the wet are not that easy to come by.
That’s because the usual venues are sprinkler equipped European circuits like Paul Ricard, Magny-Cours and Fiorano, but by adding Bahrain Pirelli can trial its wet compounds at a track that is notoriously abrasive and demanding on the tyres.
"We are trying to organise a wet [test] here in Bahrain," Pirelli motorsport chief Mario Isola said during F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
"I am very confident because the track has an idea on how to wet the full circuit, not with the tanks but with another [sprinkler] system. And if they do that properly, we have an opportunity to test on a high-severity circuit in wet conditions.
"This is something that doesn't happen very often. So we have this opportunity, we want to use it in the best possible way. I have to say that the people of Bahrain are always very cooperative when we ask for strange requests. I called them and said: 'What if we plan a wet test in Bahrain? 'Yes, of course you can. Let us think about it.'
"[It's not easy, because] we need consistency in the water level, because clearly the risk is that the inconsistency in water level is more important than the difference in prototypes."
Mario Isola, Pirelli F1 Director with Pirelli 2026 F1 tyres
Mario Isola, Pirelli F1 Director with Pirelli 2026 F1 tyres
McLaren and Mercedes will both be present for the test running what is effectively a 2026-like mule car.
Given the wholesale regulation changes, Pirelli has little actual data from this year's cars, so that also means it hasn't got a clear direction yet on whether to persist with the usual intermediate/full wet split or move towards a single "super intermediate" compound.
That's why it wouldn't be a bad thing for Pirelli if teams were to encounter some wet weather in the opening stages of this season, partly to figure out if the spray level kicked up by the 2026 generation has reduced or not.
"If we need to consider a single thread pattern for wet conditions, we can do that," Isola said. "But we need to decide, because developing three different products in three [test] sessions - an intermediate, full wet, and super-intermediate - is not a lot of running. So, we need to understand what the direction is.
"At the moment, nobody can say anything, because we don't know the level of spray. I'm not saying that I hope it's raining in one of the first races, but it could be interesting for us to get information from a wet race to understand a bit more on that, and then to direct our development in the right direction.
"We should consider that without the diffuser that was putting a lot of spray in the air, the visibility is probably slightly better. Also, the tyres are a little bit narrower. They are putting less water in the air.
"If it is enough for the race director to let them run or not, this is something I don't know. What we tried to achieve and to do is to reduce the crossover time between the wet and intermediate in order to make the wet tyres more usable."
"Haven't stood on my feet in over a week...," Vonn wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I'm not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing."
Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing ❤️🇺🇸 #imhome#BeLv
Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me🙏🏻
Vonn hooked the fourth gate with her right arm, which sent her spinning and hurtling into the hard, packed snow. She tumbled end over end several times before coming to a stop.
"Things just happen so quick in this sport," U.S. teammate Bella Wright said after the race. "It looked like Lindsey had incredible speed out of that turn, and she hooked her arm and it's just over just like that."
The three-time Olympic medalist remained prone in the snow, and she could be heard wailing in pain. The gasps and groans from fans faded into shocked silence as medics worked on her. Vonn remained on the course for approximately 13 minutes before being loaded into a helicopter.
"Once I'm back I will give you more updates and info about my injury," Vonn wrote.
A tibia fracture is a break in the shin bone that is an emergency needing immediate treatment. "Your tibias are some of the strongest bones in your body. It usually takes a lot of force to break one," according to the Cleveland Clinic. "You probably won't be able to stand, walk or put weight on your leg if you have a broken shin bone."
A complex fracture involves multiple breaks in a bone and damaged soft tissue, according Yale Medicine. Symptoms include extreme pain, numbness and, sometimes, a bone that protrudes through the skin. Treatment involves stabilization and surgery.
Vonn was in obvious pain after the crash, but she was moving her arms, head and neck.
About 18 minutes after the crash, the helicopter slowly began flying toward Cortina. "Let's let Lindsey Vonn hear us!" the American announcer said as the chopper flew away with her, and the crowd cheered and applauded.
Vonn's sister Karin Kildow was at the course today for the downhill and spoke to NBC reporters during their live broadcast:
"I mean that definitely was the last thing we wanted to see and it happened quick and when that happens, you're just immediately hoping she's okay. And it was scary because when you start to see the stretchers being put out, it's not a good sign," Kildow said. "But she really ... She just dared greatly and she put it all out there. So it's really hard to see, but we just really hope she's okay.
"She does have all of her surgeons and her PT staff here and her doctors, so I'm sure they'll give us a report and we'll meet her at whatever hospital she's at."
Vonn is also skiing with a partial replacement of her right knee. She had dominated the sport before the crash, making the podium in all five downhill races this season and winning two of them.
Despite the latest injury, Vonn was determined to race at her fifth and final Olympics. She said her knee felt stable and strong, and she had spent the last week doing intense rehab, pool workouts, weight lifting and plyometrics. She skied both training runs, posting the third-fastest time in the second run before it was canceled because of fog and snow.
Lindsey Vonn torn ACL
Vonn is 41 and was skiing in her fifth Winter Olympics (2002, 2006, 2010, 2018, 2026). She has won three Olympic medals (1 gold, 2 bronze).
As part of the international window in March 2026, the Benin Football Federation has arranged a program featuring two friendly matches for the Benin Cheetahs.
Gernot Rohr's squad will participate in the "Morocco, Capital of African Football" tournament, which will be held from March 23 to 31 in Rabat and Casablanca.
Benin will kick off their campaign against Palestine on March 27.
After that, the Cheetahs will face Guinea (the Syli Nationale) on March 31.
These fixtures will provide the Franco-German coach with an opportunity to prepare for upcoming challenges, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
COLOMBO: All those who don’t mind a sense of competition in an India-Pakistan game were left scratching their heads by late Sunday at the Premadasa.
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Pakistan have been in Sri Lanka since the start of this World Cup, and have the spinners to make use of the slow pitch conditions here. There is an X-factor bowler in Usman Tariq, who may not be Varun Chakravarthy but has taken wickets in 24 consecutive T20 games and bowls at an economy rate of 5.93 in T20Is.
Still, when it came to the high-pressure India game, it was a meek surrender. It seemed that the Pakistan team had learnt nothing from their hat-trick of Asia Cup defeats and went down even before the game could take the shape of a contest.
Before going into any analysis, let’s accept one thing. India are a superior side than Pakistan and for the neighbours to turn the tables, it will need an upset. But the passionate Pakistan fans are well within their rights to demand that upset once in a blue moon. Like the Indian teams from the mid-80s to the early 2000s -- they won the World Cup games, the Independence Cup in Bangladesh and one Sahara Cup in Toronto even as Pakistan dominated the subcontinental rivalry.
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On Sunday, for Pakistan it was a case of being timid to start with. The pitch gets slower and it would have been much easier for Pakistan to set a target and pressurize India with their spinners.
But they got it wrong by choosing to field first and bringing all the pressure on their batting line-up, which is average at best. They should have understood that if it took them a humongous struggle to chase 147 against the Netherlands, they are not good enough to cross the line chasing against India, a side that would not give you a sub-160 target even on their worst batting day.
“I was surprised to see Pakistan choose to field after winning the toss. That’s where they lost half the game,” spin legend R Ashwin said on his youtube show. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson, though, defended his skipper Salman Agha’s decision and felt it was Ishan Kishan’s brilliance that took the game away from them. “The pitch didn’t slow down and it spun less in the second innings. So you have to look at the facts rather than be emotional. It was the quality of the bowling in the first six overs and the way Ishan played that took the game away from us,” Hesson said.
Also, hurting Pakistan cricket is the poor form of paceman Shaheen Afridi. He has been below-par with each successive game, but there’s some reason better known to the team management that he can’t be dropped. On Sunday, he bowled two crucial overs and gave away 31 which, in a low-scoring game, was huge. For India, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, the two pacers, bowled five overs conceding 33 and took four wickets. “Afridi cannot bowl the hard length consistently on a pitch like this. And if he was bowling to Ishan, he should have tried something different,” Ashwin said.
The third aspect, is of course the Pakistan batting approach. It’s true that 175 on a slow pitch was akin to a 225 on any Indian track. Still keeping wickets towards the end would have given Pakistan a fighting chance at the back end.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, on his show said that he finds it hard to fathom the approach of the Pakistani team. “They learnt nothing from their Asia Cup losses. They keep trying the slam bang approach, which cannot work for them against a team as skilled as this India. But no player is ready to take the game deep,” Rameez pointed out.
But for the negatives, Pakistan can still qualify for the Super-8s with a win against Namibia on Wednesday. They will continue to play in Colombo if they go that far and the fans will hope against hope that the opposition teams will not be as lethal as India.
Clemson Tigers (20-6, 10-3 ACC) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (13-12, 4-8 ACC)
Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Wake Forest faces Clemson after Juke Harris scored 25 points in Wake Forest's 68-63 victory over the Stanford Cardinal.
The Demon Deacons have gone 9-6 at home. Wake Forest scores 79.7 points while outscoring opponents by 2.7 points per game.
The Tigers are 10-3 in ACC play. Clemson is 5-1 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
Wake Forest makes 45.1% of its shots from the field this season, which is 4.6 percentage points higher than Clemson has allowed to its opponents (40.5%). Clemson averages 8.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.9 fewer makes per game than Wake Forest allows.
The matchup Wednesday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams in conference play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Harris is scoring 21.3 points per game with 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists for the Demon Deacons. Myles Colvin is averaging 10.1 points over the last 10 games.
RJ Godfrey is scoring 11.6 points per game with 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists for the Tigers. Carter Welling is averaging 11.6 points and 5.5 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Demon Deacons: 3-7, averaging 76.3 points, 25.3 rebounds, 13.4 assists, 7.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 81.1 points per game.
Tigers: 7-3, averaging 69.8 points, 29.0 rebounds, 11.1 assists, 6.3 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.7 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Butler Bulldogs (13-13, 4-11 Big East) at Georgetown Hoyas (13-12, 5-9 Big East)
Washington; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Georgetown plays Butler after KJ Lewis scored 24 points in Georgetown's 79-75 loss to the UConn Huskies.
The Hoyas are 9-5 in home games. Georgetown averages 75.3 points and has outscored opponents by 2.1 points per game.
The Bulldogs are 4-11 against Big East opponents. Butler is third in the Big East scoring 79.7 points per game and is shooting 45.0%.
Georgetown's average of 6.9 made 3-pointers per game this season is only 0.8 fewer made shots on average than the 7.7 per game Butler allows. Butler has shot at a 45.0% clip from the field this season, 2.2 percentage points greater than the 42.8% shooting opponents of Georgetown have averaged.
The Hoyas and Bulldogs face off Wednesday for the first time in Big East play this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Caleb Williams is averaging 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Hoyas. Lewis is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Finley Bizjack is shooting 44.2% and averaging 17.4 points for the Bulldogs. Evan Haywood is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hoyas: 4-6, averaging 71.5 points, 32.9 rebounds, 13.4 assists, 5.7 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.2 points per game.
Bulldogs: 3-7, averaging 72.8 points, 29.2 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 6.7 steals and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 42.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 79.0 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
DePaul Blue Demons (13-12, 5-9 Big East) at Seton Hall Pirates (18-8, 8-7 Big East)
Newark, New Jersey; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: DePaul plays Seton Hall after N.J. Benson scored 23 points in DePaul's 72-71 victory against the Creighton Bluejays.
The Pirates are 11-3 on their home court. Seton Hall scores 71.7 points while outscoring opponents by 6.7 points per game.
The Blue Demons have gone 5-9 against Big East opponents. DePaul scores 71.7 points and has outscored opponents by 1.5 points per game.
Seton Hall is shooting 43.9% from the field this season, 0.7 percentage points higher than the 43.2% DePaul allows to opponents. DePaul has shot at a 44.3% clip from the field this season, 4.1 percentage points higher than the 40.2% shooting opponents of Seton Hall have averaged.
The Pirates and Blue Demons match up Wednesday for the first time in Big East play this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Adam Clark is averaging 12.5 points, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals for the Pirates. TJ Simpkins is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
CJ Gunn is averaging 13.8 points for the Blue Demons. Brandon Maclin is averaging 12.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pirates: 4-6, averaging 68.3 points, 32.1 rebounds, 11.9 assists, 8.6 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.7 points per game.
Blue Demons: 4-6, averaging 67.0 points, 29.2 rebounds, 14.5 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 43.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 71.1 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
La Salle Explorers (7-18, 3-9 A-10) at Duquesne Dukes (15-10, 7-5 A-10)
Pittsburgh; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: A-10 foes Duquesne and La Salle face off on Wednesday.
The Dukes are 10-5 in home games. Duquesne is 7-2 when it wins the turnover battle and averages 12.5 turnovers per game.
The Explorers are 3-9 in A-10 play. La Salle has a 1-1 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
Duquesne scores 82.4 points, 9.8 more per game than the 72.6 La Salle gives up. La Salle averages 5.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 fewer made shots on average than the 7.9 per game Duquesne gives up.
The matchup Wednesday is the first meeting of the season for the two teams in conference play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tarence Guinyard is scoring 16.6 points per game and averaging 3.4 rebounds for the Dukes. Jimmie Williams is averaging 17.8 points and 5.1 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Jaeden Marshall is averaging 12.4 points for the Explorers. Truth Harris is averaging 1.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Dukes: 6-4, averaging 76.9 points, 30.8 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.3 points per game.
Explorers: 3-7, averaging 65.2 points, 28.5 rebounds, 12.9 assists, 7.7 steals and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 41.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.9 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Ever since the T20 World Cup was expanded to allow more teams, associate nations have run full members close and on occasions even toppled them, with the United States and Nepal giving India and England a run for their money in this edition.
Scotland batter Tom Bruce said the gap between associate sides and top-tier teams could be bridged by playing more often against stronger opponents, and added that franchise cricket could help associate nations improve.
“But how can we build up from there? That’s the burning question the associate members have asked over the last two weeks of the ongoing tourney. The lack of games against top-tier nations means they are never able to capilatise on that high as for the next two years they will be playing among themselves in their respective zones to qualify for the next edition besides competing in the World Cup League.”
Bruce said more matches against leading teams would improve performance, while the ICC needed to chart out a framework for it. He said franchise cricket helped local players improve in countries that hosted such tournaments.
“If you see the countries who have franchise tournaments, the local players are getting so much better. It’s only natural that’s going to happen when you surround yourself with the best players,” said the 34-year-old who played 20 T20Is and two ODIs for New Zealand before switching to Scotland last year.
He cited Nepal, Scotland’s opponents in their last Group C match at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, saying the presence of overseas players in the Nepal Premier League could help Nepal’s players in the long run. He referred to players including Faf du Plessis, Dawid Malan, Martin Guptill, Wayne Parnell and Sohail Tanvir featuring in the league.
Other associate nations with a T20 league are USA (Major League Cricket), Canada (Global T20 Canada) and UAE (ILT20), while the European T20 League was set to begin this year.
Scotland entered the tournament after a last-minute invite when Bangladesh pulled out, and they looked to put up a fighting display as they did in previous editions. In 2021, they beat Bangladesh to reach the Super Six stage. In 2022, they toppled West Indies, and in the last edition, they narrowly missed qualification from their group on net run rate.
Scotland fell short after showing promise in key matches. Against West Indies in their opening match, they were 115/3 while chasing 183 but lost seven wickets for 32 runs, including four wickets in a Romario Shepherd over, and lost by 35 runs. They then defeated Italy by 73 runs before losing to England. Against England, Scotland were 113/3 in 12.3 overs but lost seven wickets for 39 runs and were bowled out for 152, which England chased with five wickets in hand.
“The guys were disappointed that we weren't able to capitalise after getting ourselves into good positions. But at the same time, very positive knowing that despite limited preparation, we were in positions to win against England and the West Indies,” said Bruce who scored a 28-ball 35 against the Windies and 18-ball 24 against England.
Keith Andrews' Macclesfield counterpart John Rooney has praised the Brentford boss' "unbelievable touch" of visiting the non-league side's dressing room after knocking them out of the FA Cup.
The sixth-tier side claimed a historic victory over Premier League Crystal Palace on their dream cup run, but the Bees brought it to an end with a 1-0 victory at Moss Rose on Monday, courtesy of an agonising second-half own goal.
Rooney, the younger brother of former England captain Wayne, was delighted with the efforts of his team. "I couldn't be any prouder. Days like this are why you are involved," he said.
"It's an unbelievable touch by their manager to come into our dressing room after full-time.
"He spoke highly of us - of myself and the players - and the thing he saw was a real togetherness we had about us."
Andrews, whose side will face West Ham away in the next round, said that coming face to face with National League North side Macclesfield had been emotional.
"I've a lot of respect for the way they play and the spirit they have - it was very impressive," he said.
"I love the English football pyramid. I've played in a lot of it and I've coached in a lot of it. I love what it stands for.
"This club is on a really good journey and I love stories like that. It fills my heart.
"They were immense and they gave us a proper cup tie that most people would have enjoyed... but I can't say I did!"
Lindsey Vonn is back home in the U.S. following a week of treatment at a hospital in Italy after breaking her left leg in the Olympic downhill at the Milan Cortina Games.
“Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing,” Vonn posted on X with an American flag emoji. “Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me.”
The 41-year-old Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture that has already been operated on multiple times following her Feb. 8 crash. She has said she'll need more surgery in the U.S.
Nine days before her fall in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Vonn ruptured the ACL in her left knee in another crash in Switzerland. Even before then, all eyes had been on her as the feel-good story heading into the Olympics for her comeback after nearly six years of retirement.
Referees Committee believes VAR made an error leading to Girona winner vs Barcelona
Hours have passed since Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat in Girona, yet discussion continues to focus on the incident that may have shaped the match at Estadi Montilivi.
The controversy centres on the stamp by Claudio Echeverri on Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, which occurred in the build-up to Fran Beltran’s goal, which ultimately secured victory for Girona.
Despite the Argentine’s stamp being as clear as day, referee Cesar Soto Grado did not call a foul and allowed play to go on. And, much to everyone’s surprise, the VAR also chose not to intervene even after the move had ended up leading to a goal for the hosts.
CTA opines VAR should have intervened
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, within the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), there is no doubt that VAR should have intervened once the goal was scored, after Cesar Soto Grado failed to sanction the infringement.
The stamp is considered clear and part of the same attacking phase that led to the goal for Girona.
In this case, David Galvez, the specialist VAR referee appointed for the match, should have alerted the match official to review the action on the monitor, as it was sufficient grounds to disallow Girona’s second goal.
According to the intervention criteria applied by the Committee since the start of the season, this is not an action open to interpretation.
If the on-field referee does not see it, as occurred in this instance, he must be advised from the VAR room to review it.
The incident cannot be classified as a grey or subjective decision, dependent on the referee’s judgement on the pitch.
The Committee has been working consistently each week on these intervention guidelines, reviewing incidents and procedures to eliminate doubts, especially in cases considered as clear as this one.
This refereeing error will not feature in the “Tiempo de Revisión” programme broadcast tonight by the Committee, as the incidents are selected on Sunday. However, it may be included in next week’s edition.
Roberto De Zerbi: heading for a new challenge in Italy?
After Marseille, Fiorentina emerges as an option
Roberto De Zerbi: heading for a new challenge in Italy?
Roberto De Zerbi, freshly departed from Olympique de Marseille, could make a swift return to the dugout. According to La Repubblica, Fiorentina is leading the race to sign the Italian coach, propelled by newly appointed sporting director Fabio Paratici.
De Zerbi, 46, made his name in Europe with Brighton & Hove Albion, where his attacking style caught the eye, as well as with Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk. At Marseille, he finished second in Ligue 1 in his debut season behind PSG, before his contract was terminated following a heavy 0-5 defeat to Paris.
Other avenues remain open: Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United or Liverpool could show interest in him this summer, while Napoli is still an option if Antonio Conte decides to leave.
Johan Mjallby tips Celtic for final day title triumph
Johan Mjallby is confident Celtic have the quality required to win the Scottish Premiership for a fifth consecutive season, although the former Hoops defender expects the title could be decided on the final day…
Julian Araujo celebrates at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock 2 Celtic 3. Scottish Premiership. Sunday 15 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The champions boosted their chances with a thrilling 3-2 fightback against Kilmarnock on Sunday. Combined with Hearts’ 4-2 defeat at Ibrox later in the day, Martin O’Neill’s men have cut the gap at the top to three points while also holding a game in hand.
Attention now turns to Europe, with Celtic set to face VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of their Europa League knockout playoff tie on Thursday.
A domestic clash with Hibernian follow, before a crucial league and cup weekend Glasgow Derbies against the latest Ibrox club with the re-arranged trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen sandwiched in between the league then Scottish cup matches against theRangers.
27 August 2000: (L to R) Stilian Petrov of Celtic battles with Barry Ferguson and Billy Dodds of Rangers and Joos Valgaeren and Johan Mjallby of Celtic during the Glasgow Celtic v Glasgow Rangers Bank of Scotland Premier League match at Celtic Park. Photo: Stu Forster/ALLSPORT
Despite the demanding run of fixtures, Mjallby – who worked under O’Neill during his time at Celtic from 2000 to 2004 – believes his former side can win a 56th league championship, even if the outcome is not settled until the closing stages of the campaign.
Speaking via Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, Mjallby said: “I do[believe they will do it]. I think it’s going to be nip-and-tuck. I have a wee incline that it is going to be decided on the last day.”
Mjalby was then asked about Sebastian Tounekti’s form following his stunning strike in Ayrshire to pull Celtic back into the game. The Swede said: “I’m not too sure he deserves to start every game. For me, he is one of them who blows hot and cold. When he is on it, he is brilliant.”
“But sometimes he can be quite easy to read and not much is happening(for him). But what I do like about him is that when he has been brought on, he is an impact player.”
“And that’s what all the players who are not starting the games regularly need to take the chances when they come by scoring goals or making assists.”
Mjallby has also admitted that Celtic’s performances at the back in recent matches have raised a few worries for him.
The 55 year-old pundit stated: “It’s a worry for me. If they are not going to be solid enough when it comes to the run in, then they are going to struggle to win it [the league].”
“They are scoring goals but they can’t really think that is going to be it. They need to get better at set pieces, every time I watch them at one I get worried.”
“It looks to me that they are very vulnerable at set pieces. That is something that the manager has to address, there is no question about that.“
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
Last month, Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, which came shortly after Good was also fatally shot by federal agents in another part of the city. More than 300 “ICE Out of Everywhere” protests took place across US cities on 30 January.
“Everything going on in the US, obviously I’m not really for it. I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing. I don’t like what’s going on,” Gauff, 21, said at a news conference ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
“I think for me, it is tough to sometimes wake up and see something because I do care a lot about our country. I think people think I don’t for some reason, but I do. I’m very proud to be American.
“But I think when you’re from any country, you don’t have to represent the entire values of what’s going on in the leadership. I think there’s a lot of people around there who believe in the things I believe in, and believe in diversity and equality. So, I’m hoping as the future progresses that we can get back to those values.”
Gauff, the two-time grand slam champion and world No 4, has frequently used her platform as one of the sport’s biggest stars to speak out on social and political issues, and added that she will never hide away from answering questions on off-court subjects.
“I never feel torn when I’m asked a question,” she said. “Obviously when you’re in a tournament, you may not, like, come out and do a statement or things like that. But I never felt torn when I’m asked a question because it is relevant. If you’re asking me, I’m going to tell you how I feel.”
(AP)
Several Team USA athletes competing at the Winter Olympics in Italy have defended their right to speak out on what has been happening back home, after president Donald Trump branded freestyle skier Hunter Hess a “real loser” for saying he felt conflicted about representing his country during this period.
Chloe Kim, the two-time Olympic champion in the halfpipe, said: “The US has given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what's going on. And I think we need to lead with love and compassion and I would like to see some more of that."
After winning her second grand slam singles title at the French Open last year, Gauff dedicated her victory to “people that look like me in America”.
“It means a lot, and obviously there's a lot going on in our country right now with... like, everything,” Gauff said. “But just to be able to be a representation of that and a representation of people that look like me in America who maybe don't feel as supported during this time period. Just being that reflection of hope and light for those people.”
🤨 Renzo Saravia: how likely is a move to Valencia, his current situation
Valencia CF is in the midst of an urgent search for reinforcements on their right flank following the serious injury to Foulquier.
The sporting management has set its sights on Renzo Saravia, a 32-year-old Argentine right-back who is currently a free agent. The club is looking to take advantage of LaLiga regulations that allow signings in the event of long-term injuries.
Carlos Corberán has already confirmed that the club is scouring the free agent market. Saravia, a former Argentina international, appears to be the most technically reliable option.
However, negotiations are at a complicated stage due to differences over the length of the contract, an obstacle both parties have been trying to resolve in recent days.
Saravia wants stability in Europe
Valencia is proposing an immediate signing with a "temporary" role until June 30. For his part, the player, who has financially superior offers from Brazil, Qatar, and MLS, is demanding a longer-term project. Saravia is asking for at least a one-and-a-half-year contract to return to top-level European football.
The urgency at Mestalla is real, although the improvement of Thierry and the good performance of Unai Núñez as an improvised right-back have given the team some breathing room. Even so, the club prefers a true specialist to face the decisive stretch of the season. Saravia’s profile fits the bill, but the financial aspect and contract length are the key issues at the moment.
How much time does Valencia have to sign?
Valencia has a period of 20 working days from Foulquier’s operation to register a replacement under Article 107 of the regulations. The countdown has begun, and the final decision will depend on whether the player prioritizes the sporting challenge in Spain or the financial benefit in more exotic leagues.
US' Lindsey Vonn is transported away by helicopter after falling during the Women's Downhill Alpine Skiing competition during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Milan-Cortina. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Ski star Lindsey Vonn has said she is back at home in the United States but not able to stand on her feet yet due to leg fractures she sustained in the Olympic downhill race.
Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week ... been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing," she said early Tuesday on X.
"Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me."
The 2010 gold medallist contested the Olympic race on February 8 with a torn cruciate ligament in her left knee and crashed heavily after clipping a gate, sustaining complex fractures in the lower left leg.
Vonn, 41, spent a week in hospital in Treviso where she underwent four operations and was then taken to Venice airport by ambulance to return to the US where more operations are to follow.
Multiple operations are normal with this kind of injuries.
Vonn donated the stuffed animals she received in hospital as gifts to the children's ward of the Treviso hospital where she was treated, the Ansa news agency said.
Lindsey Vonn had been in hospital in the northeastern Italian city of Treviso since her heavy fall in the women's downhill (Handout)
Lindsey Vonn said "being back on home soil feels amazing" after returning to the United States having undergone four operations on the broken leg she suffered in the crash which dashed her hopes of Winter Olympics glory.
The 41-year-old ski star had been in hospital in the northeastern Italian city of Treviso since her heavy fall in the women's downhill at the Milan-Cortina Games on February 8.
Vonn said that although she is still unable to stand, returning home had boosted her morale.
"Haven't stood on my feet in over a week... been in a hospital bed immobile since my race," she said in a social media post.
"And although I'm not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing #imhome #BeLv. Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me."
Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, fractured the tibia in her left leg while making an audacious attempt for a medal after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee of the same leg last month.
The American had resumed her career in late 2024 after nearly six years in retirement and was considered a strong favourite for the downhill at the Winter Olympics before she suffered the ACL injury in a crash in Crans Montana, Switzerland.
Julian Ryerson: Barcelona’s stance on pursuit of Man United target
Manchester United signed Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Leon in 2025 but remain on the hunt for further reinforcements in their full-back position. The Red Devils are working to assemble a squad capable of competing on several fronts and have taken a systematic approach to their transfer business.
INEOS have invested wisely in the backline and attack in recent times, and the midfield is the top priority this summer. However, the Premier League giants are also exploring other opportunities and would prefer to add more cover to their full-back position.
United lack a potent attacking threat from the full-back position, with the contributions of both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui in the final third leaving a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is already on the wrong side of 30 and Patrick Dorgu is still learning his trade.
The Red Devils would ideally like someone who could join forces with the attack while also providing defensive solidity during transitions. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that they have found their man in Julian Ryerson.
Who is Julian Ryerson?
Ryerson rose through the ranks at Viking before breaking into the senior side. He joined Union Berlin in 2018 and, five years later, moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he has turned into one of the finest full-backs in Europe.
This season, the Norwegian has hit a higher gear, registering 13 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, forcing clubs across the continent to take note.
The 28 year old is in his prime and could be a fine replacement for Diogo Dalot, who remains on Real Madrid’s radar at the moment. Meanwhile, Ryerson can also operate on the left flank and could also cover for Shaw when required, so United’s interest in his services is understandable.
The Peoples Person recently relayed a report stating that the Premier League giants are willing to triple the player’s wages in a bid to convince him to make the move. However, it now appears that they will face competition from LaLiga in the race.
Barcelona want Ryerson
According to Fichajes, Hansi Flick has asked Barcelona to sign Ryerson. The German manager wants to add more quality to the full-back position and sees the Norwegian as the ideal fit for the role.
The Catalans view him as a player who can make an immediate impact at Camp Nou, while his versatility also makes him a superb addition to their squad. However, the Norwegian is under contract until 2028, and the report adds that the Bundesliga club has no desire to let him go.
The LaLiga giants’ entry into the race could complicate matters for United. However, Barcelona are under financial distress, which could work to the Red Devils’ advantage in the race.
Final Thoughts
Ryerson could bring something distinct to United, who need improvements in the full-back position. However, one assumes that the final decision regarding the pursuit will be in the hands of the incoming permanent manager, who is expected to take charge this summer.
"I had an agreement with him" – Uli Hoeneß claims Klopp wanted to become Bayern coach
Jürgen Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, recently revealed in an interview with Transfermarkt that his client nearly became Bayern Munich coach back in 2008, while he was still at Mainz.
According to Bayern supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß, who was the club’s president at the time, he even had an agreement with Klopp.
However, then-CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge preferred Jürgen Klinsmann, and Bayern ultimately went with him.
“I already had an agreement with [Klopp],” Hoeneß told Bild.
“I called him when he was still in Mainz and asked, ‘Can you imagine coaching FC Bayern?’ And he replied, ‘Yes, of course.’ But in the end, we decided on Jürgen Klinsmann, who was proposed by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.”
Instead, Klopp went on to coach Borussia Dortmund for seven years before moving to Liverpool.
Kosicke added that Klopp, currently Red Bull’s Head of Soccer, was considered again by Bayern in 2019 following Kovac’s dismissal, but Hansi Flick was given the job after a successful spell as interim coach.
“I don’t see why it shouldn’t have worked. Jürgen enjoys pretzels and had Erdinger as a partner for wheat beer. He has always worked with strong personalities. I wouldn’t have seen any problem there,” Kosicke told Transfermarkt.
“Bayern came very close to hiring us twice. Once in 2008: Uli Hoeneß wanted Jürgen Klopp, but Karl-Heinz Rummenigge preferred Jürgen Klinsmann. And after Niko Kovac, Jürgen – by then at Liverpool – was also approached. Nobody expected things to be so successful with Hansi Flick. There simply was never the right momentum.”
Bulinews.com traveled to Leipzig in January to speak with Jürgen Klopp about his current role at Red Bull. Read the full interview here.
Galatasaray vs Juventus – Match preview and team news
Galatasaray go head-to-head with Juventus in their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Tuesday evening at the Rams Park in Istanbul.
Galatasaray vs Juventus – Match preview and team news
Date: Tuesday, 17th February.
Kick-off: 5:45pm BST.
Venue: RAMS Park, Istanbul.
Galatasaray team news
Galatasaray will be without defender Metehan Baltaci, who is suspended for the first leg after accumulating yellow cards. The Turkish champions will also miss Mario Lemina, who is suspended but will be available for the return leg in Turin next week.
Enes Emre Buyuk remains sidelined with a shoulder injury and is not expected to return until early March.
On the positive side, Galatasaray’s attack looks formidable with Victor Osimhen leading the line. The Nigerian striker has been in sensational form this season, netting 15 goals across all competitions, including six in the Champions League.
Head coach Okan Buruk expressed confidence ahead of the match, stating: “We have a deep understanding of both the Italian league and Juventus. While we have thoroughly examined their past matchups, our concentration is firmly on the present. We have consistently performed well in similar situations. Competing at home, supported by our fans, gives us a significant advantage”.
Juventus team news
Juventus face a mounting injury crisis ahead of their trip to Istanbul. Striker Jonathan David has been ruled out with a groin injury suffered during Saturday’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan and is not included in the travelling squad. The Canadian international had been Luciano Spalletti’s first-choice striker following Dusan Vlahovic’s injury.
Speaking of Vlahovic, the Serbian forward remains out with a tendon injury sustained in late November and is not expected to return until late February.
Fellow striker Arkadiusz Milik is also unavailable due to physical discomfort, with his return anticipated for late February. Defender Emil Holm suffered a calf muscle injury during the Derby d’Italia and is set to miss several weeks of action, ruling him out until early March.
However, there is positive news regarding Khephren Thuram, who has been added to the squad after missing the Inter clash due to a slight knock suffered in training.
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti acknowledged the challenge ahead, commenting: “The atmosphere in Istanbul will be very heated, and there is a risk of losing sight of what is most important. We will face Galatasaray convinced that we have a chance to play properly. They are a team with considerable quality and players that I know well”.
Form
Galatasaray
Okan Buruk’s side has been in exceptional domestic form, winning four consecutive matches since their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in their final Champions League group stage match.
The Turkish champions have scored an impressive 15 goals while conceding just four during this period.
Juventus
Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus are enduring a challenging period, managing just one victory in its last five matches across all competitions.
Their most recent outing ended in heartbreak with a 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan, where Piotr Zielinski scored a 90th-minute winner at the San Siro.
Juventus XI vs Galatasaray – Predicted lineup and team news
Juventus and Galatasaray meet on Tuesday night at Rams Park in Istanbul for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie.
Luciano Spalletti’s side arrives in Turkey on a poor run of form, with just one win from their last five games in all competitions, highlighting a difficult spell for the Bianconeri.
Their latest match ended in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Inter Milan at San Siro, where Piotr Zielinski struck a decisive goal in the 90th minute to condemn Juventus to defeat.
Juventus team news
Juventus travel with a lengthy injury list. Striker Jonathan David has been ruled out after picking up a groin problem in that 3-2 defeat against Inter. He has not been named in the squad for the trip to Istanbul, a significant blow given he has been Spalletti’s preferred centre-forward since Dusan Vlahovic was sidelined.
Vlahovic remains out with a tendon injury sustained in late November and is not expected to return until the end of February.
Arkadiusz Milik is another attacking option unavailable, as he continues to struggle with physical issues, with his own return also forecast for late February.
At the back, defender Emil Holm is absent after sustaining a calf muscle injury in the Derby d’Italia, an issue that is expected to keep him out until early March.
There is at least some encouragement for Juventus with the news that Khephren Thuram has rejoined the group; the midfielder has been included in the travelling party after missing the Inter clash because of a minor knock in training, giving Spalletti an extra option in midfield.
Juventus predicted lineup
Possible Juventus starting XI: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 5:45pm BST on Tuesday, 17th February.
How to watch Galatasaray vs Juventus?
Supporters in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match live on TNT Sports 1.
Nico Williams ready to turn the page at Athletic Bilbao?
Arsenal among the clubs in the race
Nico Williams ready to turn the page at Athletic Bilbao?
Although he recently signed a long-term extension with Athletic Bilbao, the future of Nico Williams continues to be a hot topic. The young Spanish winger, long linked with FC Barcelona in the rumor mill, could be set for a change of scenery this summer.
According to Teamtalk, his representatives have informed Arsenal that Williams is considering a move away from Athletic Bilbao. The London club is just one of many suitors for the 21-year-old talent. Last year, Williams extended his contract with Bilbao for ten years, but it includes a release clause of £87 million—a figure that could tempt the most ambitious clubs.
Sam Dalby celebrates a goal against Lincoln at the weekend / | CameraSport via Getty Images
Form
Bolton Wanderers finished last season in eighth place in League One, one place and seven points behind Reading. This season marks their fifth straight season in the third tier, having won promotion from League Two in 2021, finishing third.
The Trotters are in the promotion hunt this season and are currently third, but they sit six points behind Lincoln City in second place, having played one extra game. They are one of the form sides in the division, having won four and drawn one of their last five league games.
Bolton come into this Tuesday’s game off the back of a 1-1 draw away to Lincoln City, with Sam Dalby scoring a 82nd-minute equaliser. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw back in August last year, with Andre Garcia scoring an 84th-minute equaliser to cancel out Mason Burstow’s opener.
The boss
Steven Schumacher: Schumacher was appointed Bolton manager in January last year, following the sacking of Ian Evatt, who had spent four and a half years in charge of the Trotters.
Schumacher had a 16-year career as a player, representing the likes of Bradford City, Crewe Alexandra and Bury, where he played as a midfielder. After coaching spells at Everton and Bury, Schumacher became assistant manager at Plymouth Argyle, serving as Ryan Lowe’s assistant.
He became Plymouth manager in December 2021 following Lowe’s sacking and spent two years at the Pilgrims, guiding the club to the Championship in 2023, after finishing as League One champions. The following season Schumacher was appointed Stoke City manager, however he only last nine months in charge of the Potters, as he was sacked in September 2024.
Schumacher guided Bolton to an eighth-placed finish last season and is looking to go a step further this season, with the Trotters well in the hunt for a return to the Championship. The 41-year-old likes his sides to play aggressive, front-footed football.
Squad
Bolton bolstered their squad with the signing of seven players in the winter transfer window, with four joining permanently and three arriving on loan.
They added to their goalkeeping ranks with the additions of Jack Bonham from Stoke City and David Harrington from Fleetwood Town, while also bringing in defender Lewis Temple from Irish side Shelbourne and midfielder Ruben Rodrigues, who signed on a free.
Three attackers came in on loan, in the shape of wingers Corey Blackett-Taylor (Derby County) and Rob Apter (Charlton Athletic) and forward Johnny Kenny, who arrived from Celtic.
Winger Amario Cozier-Duberry will be absent as he continues to recover from a knee ligament injury, while Marcus Forss will also miss out with a hamstring injury.
10. Sam Dalby: Striker Dalby joined Bolton in June last year, signing on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Wrexham.
He started his career in the youth setup at Leyton Orient and made his debut for the club in 2016 at the age of 16. He joined Leeds United in 2018, but never made a first-team appearance for the club and went on to join Watford the following year.
Dalby made one first-team appearance while at Watford but spent time on loan at Stockport County and Woking. A move to Southend United followed in 2021, before he joined Wrexham a year later.
It was at the Red Dragons where Dalby has had his most settled spell of club football, making 88 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals. Dalby spent last season on loan at Dundee United before joining Bolton last summer.
The 26-year-old has 10 Bolton goals to his name since signing, making him the club’s top scorer so far. Dalby is a physical striker, who holds the ball up well.
One to watch
3. Chris Forino: Defender Forino joined Bolton in June 2024, signing on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Wycombe Wanderers.
He spent time in the youth teams of Brentford and Colchester United, but started his senior career in non-league with Wingate & Finchley. After a brief spell playing for Loughborough University, Forino went on to join Wycombe in 2021, where he made 90 appearances over the course of three seasons, scoring eight goals.
Forino had an injury-hit first season with Bolton but has become a first-team regular for the Trotters in 2025/26, making 21 appearances and scoring one goal so far.
The 25-year-old has been capped for St Lucia, making his debut for his country in 2024. Forino is a physical yet athletic defender who plays at centre-back.
MILAN — On paper, all four qualification games in the men's hockey tournament look like easy predictions.
But as the 2026 Winter Olympics preliminary round already has shown, anything can happen once the puck drops.
Canada, USA, Slovakia and Finland emerged from round-robin play to claim the top four seeds and advance into the quarterfinals to be played Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Traditional hockey power Sweden is the biggest name that has to play for a chance to advance on Tuesday.
Here's a look at each game, and a prediction (all times are Eastern):
This is one of two early (6:10 a.m.) games (this one at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena). The Germans haven't had a great tournament - their only victory was against Denmark, thanks to the goaltending of Philipp Grubauer. Germany's captain and superstar, Leon Draisaitl, has one goal and two assists - not overwhelming numbers for a guy of his skill level. He didn't get any points in the 5-1 loss to the USA that capped the German's final round-robin outing. But, as far as opponents go, France went 0-3 in the preliminary round, and was outscored, 20-5.
Prediction: Germany.
Switzerland vs. Italy, winner plays Finland
This is the other early game (6:10 a.m. at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena). The Swiss beat France in group play, lost to Canada and beat Czechia in overtime. There's a lot of talent on the team, even with the devastating loss of star Kevin Fiala, who was stretchered off against Canada and needed surgery to repair fractures in his left lower leg. The Swiss ended up with the fifth seed after the preliminary round. Host country Italy, on the other hand, finished at the bottom of the 12-team group, and had a minus-15 goal differential.
Prediction: Switzerland.
Czechia vs. Denmark, winner plays Canada
The game's at 4:40 p.m. The Czechs, generally a hockey power, fell to the eighth seed after losing to Canada, beating France and falling to the Swiss in overtime. They have a minus-three goal differential. Martin Necas, their top scorer, has two goals and three assists. The Czechs come into the qualification round have played mediocre hockey so far. The Danes, on the other hand, gave USA its biggest challenge in Group C play, with the underdog twice taking the lead. They lost to Germany, too, but outplayed their southern neighbor, and then rallied to defeat Latvia in the final game. With Frederik Andersen in net and NHLers including Lars Eller and Nikolaj Ehlers in the lineup, the Danes have reason for confidence.
The day's late game (3:10 p.m.) puts hockey power Sweden's Olympic hopes on the line. The Swedes looked lackadaisical in their opening game against Italy, almost winning in spite of themselves. Then they managed to give an uninspiring performance against Nordic rival Finland, outplayed by the Finns in every aspect in a 4-1 loss. The Swedes finished the round by defeating Slovakia, but allowed a late goal that gave gave Slovakia the top spot in the group. It would be an embarrassment for Sweden to not advance. Latvia ended up in fourth place in Group C, with one victory, against Germany. Always a plucky team, the Latvians can play much looser than their opponent.
Indiana basketball has won five of its past seven games, strengthening its NCAA tournament resume. How confident should the Hoosiers feel for March Madness?
The Hoosiers (17-9, 8-7) stand 10th in the Big Ten, a conference expected to receive double-digit bids in the 68-team field.
Entering games of Monday, they are 34th in the NET Rankings, a guide the NCAA selection committee uses in picking and seeding teams. IU is 2-8 against Quad 1 opponents (essentially those among the nation's top teams), but they haven't suffered any "bad losses" against Quad 3 and Quad 4 opponents.
The rest of IU's schedule offers ample opportunity to buttress its case.
However, beyond that, the Blaugrana also lost an important player to a physical problem, piling on their misery.
Eric Garcia withdrawn due to muscular discomfort
Indeed, according to SPORT, key defender Eric Garcia, who has played in every match this season for Barcelona, was substituted with muscle discomfort.
The Barça defender gave everything as he always does, but had to be replaced in the 73rd minute after feeling untimely discomfort in the back of his thigh.
Eric Garcia was taken off with muscle discomfort. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Garcia was able to walk off the pitch by himself, which is a positive sign, but he left clearly frustrated by the physical problem.
The Spanish defender will now undergo medical tests to determine the problem. But, as per the report, the initial sensations were not positive. It will be necessary to wait for the medical assessment to determine the exact extent of the issue.
On the pitch, he appeared dejected, but it remains to be seen how long the Garcia player will be sidelined.
So far this season, Garcia has featured in all of Barcelona’s 38 matches across all competitions, even contributing with a goal and an assist.
Once he undergoes medical tests, it will become clear whether he will be available to face Levante later this weekend.
TUCSON, AZ - JANUARY 20: Arizona Wildcats forward Blessing Adebanjo (14) with fans after a women's basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona Wildcats on January 20, 2026, at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Arizona is a team that needs to turn opponents over and run in transition to score. If the overtime loss against Arizona State proved anything, it’s that dribbling into the trees and desperately looking for a passing lane or forcing a shot up against bigger players isn’t going to work for this group. The problem for the Wildcats is that the Colorado team that’s up next turned the ball over just 13 times the last time the two squads met.
Arizona’s first trip away from McKale was to face the Buffaloes in the CU Events Center. The Wildcats spent the entire nonconference season at home and then opened conference play in Tucson. It wasn’t something to write home about.
The Buffaloes won by 19 despite hitting just 22.2 percent of their 3-point shots. Using their athleticism to get Arizona in foul trouble was a big part of that.
CU shot 25 free throws. The Buffs hit 19 of them, accounting for the entire winning margin.
They also put pressure on Arizona’s depth, especially inside. Daniah Trammell started, but she fouled out in 19 minutes. Blessing ‘Adde’ Adebanjo was disqualified after 12 minutes on the court. Achol Magot was whistled for two fouls in five minutes. Sumayah Sugapong was the lone guard in foul trouble, picking up four whistles in 19 minutes.
Arizona had a complete roster with leading scorer Micky Perdue still available. While Perdue was injured four games into league play and has since announced that her college career is over, she scored 22 points on that night in Boulder. Unfortunately, only two other Wildcats had significant scoring impacts.
Tanyuel Welch showed that she can be effective against athletic teams with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
As for Lani Cornfield, it was one of three games where she didn’t start (or play) due to a “coach’s decision.” She played almost 36 minutes, but it was foreshadowing for some of the issues Arizona has had trying to develop a cohesive lineup and consistent leadership. If the one player the coach brought with her can’t consistently buy into the culture, it isn’t conducive to winning—especially when the team is in just its second Power 4 game and first road game of the season.
Cornfield still accounted for 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. However, her trouble with turnovers since conference play started rearing its head with four on the night.
Cornfield is one of the best players in the country at setting up her teammates. Her 5.8 assists per game in conference play puts her third in Division I. Her career high coming into this year was 5.6 apg in conference games at Buffalo last season. She has been in the top 10 all four years in Division I.
However, Cornfield’s turnovers have crept up with the move to Power 4 competition. She has 3.9 per game against conference opponents this season. That’s a full point higher than her previous two years, one at Buffalo and the other at Southern Miss.
Arizona will go into its Tuesday matchup against the Buffaloes with more experience at this level than last time. It will go into the game with a considerable homecourt advantage. It will likely go into the game with Cornfield in the starting lineup.
The Wildcats still need to solve the problems that are the Buffs’ balanced scoring and ability to get to the line. The Buffs are trying to get within a win of their fifth straight season with at least 20 wins. If the Wildcats can’t sort those issues, it could be another difficult hill to climb for the home team as they try to improve to 3-12 in the Big 12.
The Washington Commanders need a pass-catching tight end in 2026. Zach Ertz is coming off a torn ACL in December, is a free agent and will be 36 next season. While Ertz would reportedly like to play, it appears the Commanders are set to move on in their attempt to get "younger and faster."
The Commanders have three returning tight ends next season: Ben Sinnott, John Bates and Colson Yankoff. Sinnott, a former second-round pick, improved in 2025, but has yet to show that Washington should count on him as the primary receiving option at tight end. In new offensive coordinator David Blough's offense, Sinnott could play a hybrid role, lining up at multiple spots. Bates has a primary role as one of the NFL's premier blocking tight ends, while Yankoff is a standout on special teams.
We've debated Washington landing some big-name options, such as T.J. Hockenson (if he's cut), David Njoku, and Kyle Pitts. We've also debated the possibility of the Commanders signing Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who is only 25.
Fortunately for the Commanders, they'll have multiple options. One of those options is a local product. Chig Okonkwo played at the University of Maryland and was a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Titans, Okonkwo played in 68 games, catching 194 passes for 2,017 yards and eight touchdowns. His best season came in 2025, when Okonkwo had 56 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns. He did this in a part-time role.
Okonkwo is 6-foot-3, 240 pounds and ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash coming out of Maryland. He would be the perfect complement to Bates and Sinnott. And, unlike some of the aforementioned names, he may not cost as much. Spotrac has Okonkwo's valuation at $8 million per season, with a three-year contract worth $23.9 million.
While fans look at bigger names, such as Pitts, Okonkwo could make much more sense for the Commanders.
The Tennessee Titans finalized their coaching staff, and now fans will finally have the opportunity to hear from the new coordinators.
The Titans have scheduled a Wednesday press conference at noon Central Time with new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, marking the first press availability for both coordinators in Nashville.
While there is no word on whether head coach Robert Saleh or general manager Mike Borgonzi will join them, the session should be informative and cover topics such as Cam Ward’s development, offensive systems, position coaches, and possibly roster construction. One subject that will likely come up for Bradley is the loss of defensive assistant Travis Smith, who was hired as defensive line coach for the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.
We’ll hear from Titans OC Brian Daboll and DC Gus Bradley for the first time on Wednesday at noon CT.
During Saleh’s introductory press availability, both he and Borgonzi discussed plans to have the staff scout their roster and lay the foundation for their offseason approach to free agency and the draft. With the NFL Scouting Combine on the horizon and the NFL free agent window opening, much of that internal scouting should be wrapping up.
BETHLEHEM — Randy Litts has always made it about his wrestlers, but at the end of the District 11 girls wrestling tournament, Litts received a moment in the spotlight as the East Stroudsburg South wrestling coach was named the district's 2026 Coach of the Year for girls wrestling.
The Cavaliers had the third-best team score with 117.5 points, trailing only Nazareth (130.5) and Parkland (225). South was also one of only two schools to have multiple district champions.
Litts, a 1976 East Stroudsburg High School graduate, has been in charge of the wrestling program since 2008. When he took the job, his message to former Pocono Record sports editor Mike Kuhns was about giving back to the community and program that gave so much to him, and in unsurprising fashion, that's what he focused on when asked about how it felt to win the award.
"It's special because the kids do all the work," Litts said. "I just train them from what I know, and they did all the work. So it's special."
The wrestlers all have a great respect for Litts and when he walked back to the team, they were the loudest ones cheering for him as he held the plaque in hand and posed for photos.
"I'm so proud of him," senior wrestler Fiona Clare said. "Honestly, I thought he deserved it the most with his hard work and how he's pushed the team. He's been here before we even had a girls team, and I'm just proud to be a part of it. It's a privilege."
East Stroudsburg South's record as a team should not go unnoticed, either. The girls wrestling team's record is 10-4 and 8-4 in EPC competition. The Cavaliers also went undefeated against mountain teams, proving they are the the current team to beat.
While girls wrestling has only been a sanctioned sports for a few years, other District 11 teams like Parkland and Easton have much track records of organized girls wrestling. So to see what South has done in a shorter amount of time has been impressive to witness, as well.
"I've said this before: they're like sponges. They just want to learn as much as you can teach them," Litts said about the team's success. "Just that alone, coming every day and wanting to learn more about the sport makes it so easy for me to coach, because they just love it."
Litts still pulls double-duty as the boys wrestling coach, so now his attention shifts to preparing the boys for their district tournament in hopes some of them will join the girls in regional competition.
England's 12-game winning run was ended emphatically at Murrayfield on Saturday as Scotland regained the Calcutta Cup with an inspired 31-20 victory.
Having kept faith with mostly the same starting XV during England's autumn run of successes and commanding win over Wales, will their disappointing performance in Edinburgh result in some changes?
Here are some potential selection dilemmas as head coach Steve Borthwick considers his team for Saturday's must-win Six Nations game against Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (14:10 GMT).
Wings up for grabs?
Henry Arundell's red card at Murrayfield and subsequent potential ban could open up a spot on the left wing.
The 23-year-old received two yellow cards on Saturday - the second for dangerously taking a player out in the air - and may miss the game against Ireland.
Fit-again centre Ollie Lawrence came into the campaign with a knee injury, which helped prompt Tommy Freeman's switch from the wing to outside centre.
Freeman is usually deployed on the right wing but has played on the left, starting there in England's last win over Ireland in 2024.
Given England's struggles in the air against Scotland, a swap back to the wing seems logical because of Freeman's aerial dominance.
But establishing the Northampton Saint at 13 has been a clear goal of the England coaching staff.
Would a like-for-like swap with Elliot Daly be more beneficial for Freeman's long-term growth as a centre? Or now that Lawrence is fit, is he better deployed back at centre, allowing Freeman to return to the wing?
Tom Roebuck struggled to impose himself in the air against Scotland - a rarity during his time in an England shirt - which could still open up a spot for Daly, even if Lawrence comes into the centre and Freeman moves out.
Wingers Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins, who would need to be called into the squad, are also sharp finishers and scored in England A's recent win over an Ireland XV.
"I stand by what I said last week. I wanted to see Ollie Lawrence at 13 and Fraser Dingwall at 12, with a back three of Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman and Freddie Steward," former England wing Ugo Monye told BBC's Rugby Union Weekly.
"If you want to play so heavily on this kicking game, then select your best wingers for it."
Murley endured a tough debut against Ireland in last year's Six Nations, while Hassell-Collins was dropped after the opening two rounds of the 2023 tournament.
On the flanks, the balance of Bath duo Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill brought a winning formula in the autumn, with number eight Ben Earl able to roam and be at his explosive best.
Despite Earl still impressing in Edinburgh, Pepper and Underhill, who have started the past four Tests together, failed to reach their recent high standards.
"Underhill is one of the best tacklers in the game in terms of being both offensive and destructive," former Scotland captain John Barclay told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.
"He fell off two tackles in the move that led to the Ben White try - it was very uncharacteristic of him.
"Pepper was also pretty quiet, but Ben Earl carried really well."
Borthwick picks his back row as a unit, which has led to British and Irish Lions Tom Curry and Henry Pollock being deployed in the final quarter of games.
The impact of a stacked bench worked until Saturday, as the replacements had too much to do.
Pollock, 21, who is yet to start a Test, still offered impact with his powerful ball carrying and work on the ground.
Curry started all three Lions Tests and was a standout performer, with his injury record potentially a factor in his six-game run on the bench.
Whether Underhill and Pepper can play the role of impact finishers to the same level may also affect Borthwick's selection, but Curry's experience may justify starting him alongside Pollock and Earl.
Smith v Smith
This time last year, Marcus and Fin Smith were battling to become England's starting fly-half. They now find themselves fighting for the back-up spot behind George Ford.
Ford's missed drop-goal proved a defining moment on Saturday, but his performances in the autumn and against Wales make it unlikely he will be dropped.
Fin Smith came into camp injured, which made Marcus' spot on the bench straightforward against Wales in the opening round.
He returned to the replacements in place of his namesake against Scotland, leaving the Harlequins playmaker out of the matchday squad - even with his ability to cover full-back.
"The big one is Marcus and not having him on the bench. The guy is a game-changer. He can also play full-back," former England wing Chris Ashton told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.
"If the game is not going the way you want it to, then Marcus can change it."
Versatility helped Marcus, who was on the bench for the first Lions Test in the summer, edge out Northampton's Fin for England's final two autumn internationals.
That came after the 23-year-old Fin started four games at 10 in last year's Six Nations, with Ashton adding that he is more suited to starting matches.
"Borthwick thought about getting Fin Smith some game time [against Scotland]," Ashton added.
"You have to back Fin to play from the start."
The bench make-up will play a big role in who gets the nod, and with Ireland's struggles up front against France and Italy, a 6-2 split of forwards to backs will favour Marcus Smith's utility.
Here is the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics competition schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 17. The games are exclusively airing across NBC's suite of networks with many competitions airing live on its streaming service, Peacock, which you can sign up for here .
USA TODAY Sports has a team of more than a dozen journalists on the ground in Italy to bring you behind the scenes with Team USA and keep you up to date with every medal win, big moment and triumphant finish. Get our Chasing Gold newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.
Feb. 17 Winter Olympics events
All times Eastern and accurate as of Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at 5:17 p.m.
3:05 a.m. - Curling: Men's Round Robin - SUI vs. SWE, Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (Cortina d'Ampezzo)
3:05 a.m. - Curling: Men's Round Robin - USA vs. CHN, Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (Cortina d'Ampezzo)
3:05 a.m. - Curling: Men's Round Robin - CZA vs. GER, Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (Cortina d'Ampezzo)
3:10 a.m. - Nordic Combined: Individual Gundersen Large Hill/10km, SJP Trial Round, Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium (Val di Fiemme)
4 a.m. - Nordic Combined: Individual Gundersen Large Hill/10km, SJP Comp. Round, Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium (Val di Fiemme)
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are off and running with 16 sports taking over 25 different venues. Here's a look at the TV schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 17 and how to watch all the action. The games are exclusively airing across NBC's suite of networks with many events airing live on its streaming service, Peacock, which you can sign up for here .
USA TODAY Sports has a team of more than a dozen journalists on the ground in Italy to bring you behind the scenes with Team USA and keep you up to date with every medal win, big moment and triumphant finish. Get our Chasing Gold newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at 2:03 p.m.
Feb. 17 Winter Olympics TV Schedule
4:00 AM - NORDIC COMBINED (REPLAY) Large Hill/10km: Large Hill USA NETWORK
4:45 AM - FREESTYLE SKIING (LIVE) Women's Aerials Qualification USA NETWORK, PEACOCK
6:00 AM - CURLING: United States vs China (REPLAY) Men's Preliminary Round USA NETWORK
7:00 AM - SNOWBOARDING (LIVE) (Medal Event) Women's Slopestyle Final USA NETWORK, PEACOCK
8:30 AM - SPEED SKATING (LIVE) (Medal Event) Men's, Women's Team Pursuit Finals USA NETWORK, PEACOCK
9:05 AM - BIATHLON (LIVE) (Medal Event) Men's 4x7.5km Relay USA NETWORK
9:50 AM - NORDIC COMBINED (REPLAY) Large Hill/10km: Large Hill USA NETWORK
10:20 AM - SPEED SKATING (REPLAY) (Medal Event) Men's, Women's Team Pursuit Finals USA NETWORK
10:55 PM - ICE HOCKEY: Czechia vs Denmark Men's Qualification Playoffs USA NETWORK
11:00 AM - FREESTYLE SKIING (REPLAY) Men's Aerials Qualification USA NETWORK
The high school sports season is rapidly unfolding, which means it's once again time for everyone's favorite part of the week: The Gainesville Sun's Athlete of the Week Poll.
Our nomination process is a little different this season. Please click here to see how to nominate.
Athlete of the Week nominees are compiled by what's available on MaxPreps and by submission, so coaches, athletic directors and statisticians are encouraged to send nominees and their stats to nram@usatodayco.com for consideration.
Voting closes at noon on Friday.
Tyler Bullis, Trenton boys basketball
16 points and eight assists in the Tigers Region Semifinal win over Hamilton County.
Zadrian Knowlton, Columbia boys basketball
17 points in the Tigers Regional Quarterfinal win over Lincoln.
Destiny Neal, Newberry girls basketball
14 points, 11 rebounds and five steals in the Panthers region quarterfinal win over Episcopal School of Jacksonville.
Owen Boone, Santa Fe boys soccer
The lone goal in the Raiders final four clinching 1-0 win over Pensacola Catholic to win Class 3A-Region 1.
Kage Norton, Union County baseball
Four RBIs and two doubles in the Bears 12-4 win over Taylor County.
Chloe Still, Keystone Heights girls weightlifting
Second place in the 139 weight class in traditional at Class 1A States in Lakeland.
Briena Height, Union County girls weightlifting
Second place in the 199 weight class in traditional at Class 1A States in Lakeland.
Cade Dixon, Gainesville High baseball
5.2 innings of shutout baseball in the Hurricanes 2-0 win over Matanzas.
Aidan Kastensmidt, Buchholz baseball
A home run and three RBIs in the Bobcats home opener 7-1 win over Columbia.
Colin Kuruppacherry, St. Francis Catholic baseball
Five RBIs, a triple and a home run in the Wolves 9-2 win over Branford.
Emma Stripling, Gainesville High girls weightlifting
Second place in Olympic and Traditional in the 129 weight class at Class 2A states in Lakeland.
Mei Long, Gainesville High girls weightlifting
Sixth in Traditional and third in Olympic in the 110 weight class at Class 2A states in Lakeland.
Connor Flinchum, Hawthorne baseball
A triple and three RBIs in the Hornets 21-7 win over Eastside.
Sam DePaul, P.K. Yonge baseball
A complete game and an RBI in the 9-4 win over Lake Weir.
Sophia Flesner, Buchholz girls weightlifting
Sixth in Traditional and eighth in Olympic in the 110 weight class at Class 3A states in Lakeland.
Hunter LaLonde, Santa Fe boys soccer
Seven saves to clinch the Raiders' PK 3-2 win over South Walton in the Class 3A-Region 1 Semifinals. SF will host Pensacola Catholic Friday for a spot in states.
Jamie Merced, Williston boys soccer
Made the game-winning save for the Red Devils to defeat Maclay 3-2 in penalty kicks in Tallahassee in the Class 2A-Region 1 Semifinals. Williston will travel to Episcopal School of Jacksonville Friday in the Region Final.
Jacob Pleyer, The Rock National boys basketball
28 points in the Lions' 83-47 win over Jordan Christian Prep.
McNeil Ezzell, Oak Hall baseball
Two RBIs in the Eagles' 7-3 win over St. John Lutheran.
Tavis Honeycutt, Newberry baseball
A home run and three RBIs in the Panthers' 11-2 win over Crystal River.
Zane McArdle, Trenton baseball
Two RBIs in the Tigers' 6-1 win over Dunnellon.
Kagan Hewett, Lafayette baseball
Four RBIs in the Hornets' 18-0 win over Chiefland.
Madden Mann, Columbia baseball
Three RBIs and a home run in the Tigers' 12-1 win over Santa Fe.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
Uli Hoeneß confirms Harry Kane's release clause has expired
Bayern Munich would like to extend Harry Kane's contract beyond the summer of 2027.
Supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß underlined this in an interview with Bild, where he also confirmed that the English striker’s release clause for the summer of 2026 has expired.
Asked whether Bayern want to extend Kane’s deal, Hoeneß replied:
“Yes, I'd like to make that clear. Harry is a stroke of luck for us. Because his release clause for the summer of 2026 has now expired and his contract runs until summer 2027, we are currently under no pressure.”
Kane has scored a remarkable 126 goals in 131 appearances since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023.
There's an update to the Marshon Lattimore story, and it's not good news.
Lattimore, the Washington Commanders' cornerback who did not have a good season at all, and then tore an ACL in Week 9 against the Seahawks, was already undoubtedly not returning next season to the Commanders. The belief was already that Lattimore would be released in this offseason.
Then Wednesday night, January 7, Lattimore was pulled over by police in Lakewood, Ohio, about 15 minutes outside of Cleveland. TMZ released the video of the traffic stop on Monday. The officer is heard explaining to Lattimore (who was in the passenger seat) and the female driver that the license plate had expired, meaning the car was not properly registered in Ohio.
The officer is then heard asking Lattimore if he has ever been cited for too dark of window tinting, telling him, "Yeah, it's dark, man, it's really dark. The legal limit would be 47 percent at the minimum. Next, the officer asks why they had been parked in a handicapped only parking space. Lattimore is heard to reply, "She was just running in and out of the store." The officer responds, "You can't park there, that's a $250 ticket."
Both when asked to supply insurance for the car did so without complaint. The officer then inquired, "Are there any weapons on the car?" "No, no weapons," replied Lattimore. "No guns or knives or nothing like that?", asked the officer.
Next, the officer is seen explaining that there were citations for three violations: expired plates, excessively tinted windows, and failing to stop properly at a sidewalk. The officer wearing a body camera then proceeds to perform an inventory/search of the car, where he finds a gun (Glock 45) in the glove box.
The arresting officer is heard to then inform Lattimore, "You are being arrested for having that weapon." To which Lattimore responded, "What weapon?" "The one in the glove box," replied the officer. Lattimore on the video is not heard to further respond. He may have then remained silent.
Lattimore, who will turn 30 in May, was most known for his press-man coverage in his earlier years in the NFL. In particular, there were epic battles between Lattimore and Mike Evans as the Saints and Bucs played some very heated games as NFC South rivals. Lattimore will remain an expected salary-cap casualty as many teams, including the Commanders, make cuts, creating more room to sign their other free agents. Releasing Lattimore will save the Commanders approximately $18 million in 2026.
Mark Callan has been to three previous Winter Olympics [Getty Images]
Did you hear about the 61-year-old from Glasgow who's been captured moonwalking down the curling rink at the Winter Olympics?
Mark Callan shakes his head and laughs. It's been quite a week or so for the Scot, who has been plastered all over various social media platforms in the course of doing his job.
You might well have seen Callan. He is the guy with the back pack and hose, shuffling backwards down the sheet inside the near-empty Cortina Curling Stadium, spraying plumes of water into the air. Pebbling the ice, it's called.
Some clips have been set to music, exaggerating his dainty movements. Parodies have appeared. One broadcaster from Norway, amid peals of laughter, described the chief ice technician as "scooting" down the sheet.
Safe to say the Bishopbriggs-native - who now lives with his partner and two-year-old child in Copenhagen - has not been spared by his friends and family either.
"They've been like 'dearie me, what are you up to?'" the World Curling employee tells BBC Sport. "They're quite enjoying seeing some of the things out there and some of the comments as well.
"It seems to have just taken off but all I'm doing is my job. If, with all the doom and gloom in the world, it puts a smile on people's face, then I'm fine with that."
Being centre of attention at the Winter Olympics in northern Italy is a long way from an ice rink in Aberfoyle, where Callan had his first experience of curling at Forest Hills having been intrigued by seeing the sport on television.
That rink no longer exists, but Callan's memories remain vivid. Mainly of him falling over a lot.
He kept going back, though, and one day curiosity got the better of him when he noticed someone pebbling the ice. "They explained what was going on and I wanted to learn more… and now I'm here."
So what actually is going on? And why the moonwalk?
Callan explains that he wears a gravity-fed backpack containing 15 litres of water, and his job is to sprinkle the ice with water droplets of different sizes. Those freeze almost immediately and are only removed by the furious sweeping of the players' brushes.
The "sharp steps" - as he calls them - are to keep him balanced on the slippy surface and ensure the spread of water is as even as possible.
Callan has been at the rink in Italy since mid-January, having arrived at his fourth Olympics to find "a concrete floor and contractors everywhere" in what is usually an ice hockey venue.
The quirky Cortina Curling Stadium used to be an open-air arena - hosting the 1956 Games - and, although a roof has since been added as part of the renovations, many of the original features remain, such as the wooden bleachers.
All that makes controlling the ice a particular challenge for Callan and his small team but the reception from players and fans alike has been warm.
"I think the word iconic is used a lot, and with the real mix of old and new, it's just a phenomenal venue," he says. "And it looks really good on TV as well."
From ankle surgery to next best virtuoso – how Nico O’Reilly is becoming Pep Guardiola’s next untouchable
For Manchester City supporters, players, Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final concluded with the most explosive of celebrations.
After becoming only the second English team to win a historic treble, there was a bus parade attended by 200,000 City fans who lined the streets – while Jack Grealish claimed he hadn’t slept for days and even reported to England training hungover.
And those celebrations, minus the alcohol, would have lasted for a long time before focus in the squad switched back onto the forthcoming campaign. But for Nico O’Reilly, reality quashed any hope for linear progress from there onwards.
Though he wasn’t part of City’s senior squad in the treble-winning season, the positivity around the club at all levels undoubtedly fortified the relationship and bond between the players and coaching staff – as Guardiola’s side became undoubtedly the best in the world.
Yet, shortly after the win in Istanbul, O’Reilly suffered his first significant injury in the form of serious ligament damage, which came with a fractured ankle bone that required surgery, meaning he only played nine games that season.
It was a thorn in the side for everyone involved given the now 20-year-old had a tally of 13 goals and 14 assists at the end of the preceding season, where he often played in attacking midfield – his only position at that point since joining the club at the age of eight.
In the treble season and while still in the youth setup, O’Reilly helped City win a third successive Premier League 2 title and was really the only player in that team that was almost guaranteed to advance to the senior squad.
After all, the midfielder-turned-defender chose Manchester City over Manchester United because he thought the club’s training facilities and sessions were better – and impressed enough while he was still in primary school.
He was scouted by four Premier League sides and even ended up being one of a handful of academy prospects picked out to meet Guardiola upon his arrival to the City hot-seat in 2016.
And it is the influence that Guardiola has enjoyed on the defender that has thrust him into the senior squad over the last 18 months – after making his debut against United in the 2024 FA Community Shield.
“Last season, he was unbelievable when he came in. He’s a top, top player! He’s ductile; he can play in three, four positions,” Guardiola said of O’Reilly in September 2025 after his side ran out 2-0 winners over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League group-stage.
“He has to improve, but defensively – I would say the point that was maybe a little bit weak when he arrived to us from the academy – he grew up a lot. His presence in set pieces, one-against-one, and with the ball he’s really good – and he arrives good in the final positions. He’s hopefully a player for many years as well.”
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of O’Reilly’s ascent is the variety of skillsets he possesses, becoming one of the most versatile players in the Premier League this season.
Having come through the City Football Academy as an attacking midfielder, he was quickly shifted by Guardiola to the left-back role, where his talent has only been enhanced. He has since registered debuts in the Carabao Cup, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, where he also scored his first senior goal against Salford City in January 2025.
O’Reilly’s influence didn’t lessen but improved drastically and further goals against Plymouth Argyle, Crystal Palace and Everton in the second half of his first season under Guardiola meant his stance in the first-team consolidated, making 21 appearances in a largely successful maiden term with the senior group.
It is without question that O’Reilly has become the answer to City’s long-standing frailties at left-back and after making his England debut in November, wherein which he performed excellently, it will certainly take some competition to be subsided in Thomas Tuchel’s FIFA 2026 World Cup plans.
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 10: Nicolas Jackson of FC Bayern Muenchen during a training session at Säbener Straße on February 10, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
According to a report from journalists Peter Rutzler and Constantin Eckner of Times Sport (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Nicolas Jackson is expected to return to Chelsea this summer after spending an uneventful (so far) season backing up Harry Kane at Bayern Munich:
Nicolas Jackson is expected to return to Chelsea this summer because he has not played enough games for Bayern to trigger the obligation-to-buy clause in his loan agreement, and the German side are unlikely to pursue a separate permanent deal.
This is just the latest in a long line of reports indicating that Jackson will be headed back to London after the season. So far, Jackson has five goals and one assist in 22 games across all competitions during this campaign. While his numbers are not terrible, the center-forward has not fit in with the attacking group as much as Bayern Munich would have liked.
Now, the striker from Senegal will likely head back to Chelsea and attempt to figure out what might be next for his career.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Everton’s £11.5m transfer mistake comes back to haunt Toffees as patience pays off – a claim that the Blues should not have sold Youssef Chermiti after the striker scored a hat-trick this last weekend. [Four Four Two]
Everton Women 1-0 West Ham United | Hayashi strike seals third win in a row. [Royal Blue Mersey]
Keeping Iliman Ndiaye might be the most important bit of business for the Blues in the summer transfer window. [4th Official]
🤔How many other one-goal wonders can you name for Everton?!
Lacina Traoré, one goal and just 60 minutes on the pitch as an Everton player! OTD back in 2014, the Ivorian forward joined on loan and scored on his debut in a 3-1 FA Cup win over Swansea. He made just one more… pic.twitter.com/lFrLMgHeQn
Everton Under-21s looked to be set for a home win against Burnley U21s in this Premier League 2 fixture at Finch Farm on Monday night but a goal in the 9th minute of added time at the end secured a point for the visitors. [Everton FC]
Braiden Graham with a quality finish in our Under-21s' 2-2 draw with Burnley. ✊🔵 pic.twitter.com/m24o3U4DqR
Buoyed by a stunning win over former champions Australia, Zimbabwe will look to carry their momentum into a crucial clash against a tricky Ireland side on Tuesday, with a maiden Super Eight berth in the T20 World Cup up for grabs.
A victory against Ireland would take Zimbabwe to six points and secure their place in the Super Eight from Group B.
A win for Zimbabwe would also confirm Australia’s elimination, following their shock loss to Zimbabwe and a subsequent eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka, who have already qualified for the Super Eight stage.
If Zimbabwe advance, it will mark a historic milestone: the first time the team has progressed to the Super Eight in seven T20 World Cup appearances.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 Match: Live streaming details
When will the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match be played? The Ireland vs Zimbabwe match will be played on Tuesday, February 17.
Where will the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match be played? The match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
What time will the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match start? The match will start at 3:00 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 2:30 PM IST.
Which TV channels will broadcast the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match? The match will be televised live in India on the Star Sports Network.
How to watch live streaming of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match? Live streaming will be available on the Jio Hotstar app and website.
Where can we follow the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match online? The match can be followed live on TimesofIndia.com.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 Match: Probable XIs
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani
Ireland (Playing XI): Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w/c), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 Match: Full squads
Ireland: Lorcan Tucker (c), Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little, Benjamin Calitz, Benjamin White, Craig Young, Sam Topping
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Ben Curran, Richard Ngarava, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa
DALLAS, TEXAS - AUGUST 05: Nate Diaz attempts to regain his footing during the ninth round of his fight against Jake Paul at the American Airlines Center on August 05, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been 18 months since Nate Diaz last competed.
Back in 2022, the Stockton slugger famously fought out his UFC contract by finishing Tony Ferguson (not Khamzat) to earn his freedom. He’s only made use of his free agency twice, however, securing the very high-profile and lucrative Jake Paul boxing match before then earning revenge over Jorge Masvidal back in July 2024. Since then, Diaz’s time has been spent on the sidelines, though he did accept a short-notice Paul rematch that didn’t come to fruition.
All told, it’s not a ton of action for the longtime UFC veteran, who is now open to returning to the Octagon having secured a couple boxing paydays. Speaking with TMZ, the 40-year-old scrapper named three opponents as possibilities for his next fight … wherever that may take place.
“I’m ready to get back in real action,” Diaz said. “I want to fight either McGregor 3, maybe Dustin Poirier if he stops being such a p—sy, and then maybe Mike Perry. We’ll see what happens.”
There are significant obstacles to consider with two of the three names listed. Both McGregor and Poirier remain under UFC contract, and therefore Diaz has to get back on good terms with the UFC in order for either fight to happen. Also, Poirier retired last year, and McGregor has been effectively retired for five years despite constant chatter about a potential comeback.
Poirier, at least, did respond to the man he was supposed to fight all the way back in 2018 with a simple “belt to ass” promise.
Perry is a much more feasible option. Though he’s the face of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), Perry has been allowed to go off and compete for other organizations in the past. Even if Diaz wants to box Perry while wearing gloves, that feels easier to get done than the other two names mentioned, particularly since Perry has been calling to face Diaz for six years now.
Monaco predicted XI v PSG: Maghnes Akliouche to start?
AS Monaco may be without a handful of key players as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
Sébastien Pocognoli revealed that Maghnes Akliouche, Ansu Fati, and Lamine Camara were all doubts for the encounter against PSG, although all participated in first-team training – attended by Get French Football News – on Monday, ahead of the encounter.
Should Camara be fit for the game, Monaco may opt to return to a back three, with Denis Zakaria placed at the heart of it, alongside Thilo Kehrer and Wout Faes. Camara’s absence would decrease Les Monégasques’ options.
The likes of Christian Mawissa, Eric Dier, Mohammed Salisu, Lukas Hradecky, Kassoum Ouattara, Paul Pogba, Pape Cabral, and Takumi Minamino are all guaranteed absentees for the Principality club.
Monaco likely line-up v PSG
Philipp Kohn; Thilo Kehrer, Denis Zakaria, Wout Faes; Caio Henrique, Lamine Camara, Jordan Teze, Krépin Diatta; Simon Adingra, Maghnes Akliouche; Folarin Balogun.
Bolton boss Steven Schumacher / | CameraSport via Getty Images
A great win at the weekend and a hat-trick for Jack Marriott have Reading three points off the playoffs in seventh place. A late playoff charge is on. A win midweek would keep us in seventh but only on goal difference behind Huddersfield Town, who we play in April, and could beat if we are on form.
Bolton Wanderers managed a late draw against Lincoln City in what could be a promotion-fighting point. The Trotters are currently in third and Lincoln are in second – both very likely to get promoted alongside Cardiff City and I reckon it could go down to the last day.
Reading are in front in the head-to-head in the 21st century but only just: seven wins, seven draws and five losses, with the last game being a 1-1 draw at the start of the season. However, in the last five meetings, Bolton have scored five goals against Reading on two separate occasions, with both games ending 5-2. Hopefully that doesn’t happen again.
In this preview I will give my predictions for both teams’ next five games and where they could leave them going into the end of the season, and I will give my predictions.
What? League One matchday 32
Season? 2025/26
Who? Bolton Wanderers
Where? Select Car Leasing Stadium
When? Tuesday February 17
Time? 20:00
Opposition manager? Steven Schumacher
The next five games
Reading’s next five games are:
Bolton (H)
Port Vale (A)
Bradford City (H)
Luton Town (A)
Mansfield Town (A)
Bolton’s next five are:
Reading (A)
Blackpool (H)
Exeter City (A)
Wycombe Wanderers (H)
Rotherham United (A)
I think this one is going to be a 1-1 draw, like last time out. Both teams have three away games and two home games, Reading obviously being at home in this one.
I am going to the game against Port Vale, so in what should be an easy win, knowing my luck, because I am there we will most likely draw. But I will put it as a win and be hopeful.
Bradford and Luton are going to be the most difficult matches. Last time out at Bradford, the Royals lost 2-0, but Reading are unbeaten at home since December, so I reckon they can sneak a draw from this one.
Luton were beaten by Reading last time out and they will be sure to not be beaten again. Defensively they have improved massively, but I don’t think that will make a difference. Reading win 2-1.
Finally, away at Mansfield. Reading struggle on the road and I think this could be another difficult game. Last time out it was a 1-1 draw, this time I think it could be a loss. Reading seem to do less well against struggling teams and I think this could be the game that sees Reading drop some more points.
I predict a 1-0 loss, last minute in a game that Reading batter them, but can’t seem to make that decisive impact. This will leave the Royals on 54 points.
Bolton are flying under Schumacher. In third at the minute, results really matter.
As I have said, I think Tuesday’s game will be a draw, so that’s a point. I think they get another draw at home to Blackpool, then they will win the last three. This will put them on 67 points.
Realistically this would mean both teams stay in the position they are in because I don’t see either Lincoln or Huddersfield dropping points.
My lineup
Joel Pereira will start in goal.
Ryan Nyambe, Paudie O’Connor, Benn Ward and Jeriel Dorsett will be the defence.
The midfield will be Liam Fraser, Lewis Wing and Kamari Doyle.
The attack will be Kadan Young, Marriott and Paddy Lane.
The women's snowboarding slopestyle final at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is Tuesday, Feb. 17, and there will be one notable name missing from Team USA.
Jamie Anderson, three-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist, had been attempting a comeback after giving birth to two children in the years since her brief retirement after the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, where she finished ninth. That attempt fell just short when she was left off the U.S. ski and snowboard 97-person roster in late January.
On Jan. 10, Anderson took a scary fall on the first rail of the Aspen Grand Prix finals and exited the event without taking her second run. The 35-year-old's comeback attempt, announced last fall, suffered various setbacks including a broken wrist during her first training camp in New Zealand and a lost bag, mastitis and a clogged duct in Aspen.
Though without Anderson, there will be two snowboarders representing Team USA in the women's slopestyle final: Lily Dhawornvej and Jessica Perlmutter are both expected to be in contention for a medal on Tuesday.
Three hundred and one days is a long time in football.
That is how long Wolves went without an away win, so a 1-0 victory at Grimsby Town might not look like much on paper, but it still felt important.
Not because it was a classic, but because we finally found a way to win when the match demanded more grit than glamour.
This was a proper 1970s throwback. It could have been an advert for laundry detergent.
The mud did most of the talking, and all that was missing were jumpers for goalposts to complete the picture.
At times it was chaotic, the kind only football can produce, as the ball would suddenly stick in the mud and simple moves turned into invitations for mistakes.
This was not a day for silky football or neat patterns. It was a day for team spirit, resilience and mentality.
A day for accepting the conditions, not using them as an excuse. Grimsby were well up for it, as you would expect, and they made sure Wolves knew it.
They pressed, battled and turned every second ball into a scrap.
This was a different type of test, and it was one Wolves had to meet head on.
It almost felt like the children's game "the floor is lava", with players trying to find the less boggy parts of the pitch just to play a simple pass.
Wolves grew into the game, stayed patient, and, crucially, adapted their play to suit the conditions.
When it was on to be direct, they were direct.
When it was time to compete and clear lines, they did not overplay.
There was nothing to write home about in terms of performance, but it was very much 'job done'. And right now, Wolves have to take the small wins.
Back-to-back clean sheets is one of them. Being in the draw for the next round is another.
Most of all, it was good to see a Wolves team that did not shy away, but found a way through.
Sometimes football is art. Sometimes it is survival.
This was survival, and now the challenge is to show the same commitment in every game.
There are times in life when you get a compliment which stings as much as criticism.
Liam Rosenior's words about Liam Delap after Friday's win over Hull City had that ring to them. The Chelsea manager praised the forward's work-rate and dedication, and noted that he had given a nice assist in the 4-0 win.
But the reality is that the most memorable part of Delap's performance was his decision to prioritise celebrating, and then appeal to the referee, over actually making sure the ball was in the net after it had hit the crossbar and bounced out.
It was not the kind of thing you would see from a striker with a true goal-machine, killer mentality. Alan Shearer was as baffled as you'd expect on the BBC's coverage of the game. It was, on the other hand, what you expect to see from a player with two goals in 24 appearances this season.
Rosenior, like most managers, is reluctant to be critical of his players at the best of times. There's little to be gained, and a lot to lose. He is right in that Delap's assist for Estevao Willian was great, and that Delap does plenty of grafting for the team.
But in the long term, running around is not going to be enough. Of course, a consistent series of starts will help him find some form, but no striker who is scoring one goal in every 500 minutes on the pitch can expect to be starting regularly for a Champions League team.
Let's not forget, Nicolas Jackson was moved on last summer despite having a similarly admirable attitude, plus a far better goalscoring record to boot.
There is plenty of time left in the campaign for Delap to prove his worth. But he will be desperate to earn praise for more than just his diligence before the season is out.
Where do you stand on Delap and his long-term future at Stamford Bridge?
Ibou Konate has been exceptional recently and deserves plaudits for this.
Since he returned from taking time off after the death of his father, Liverpool have kept two clean sheets in four games, with Konate not putting a foot wrong.
He was poor at the start of the campaign but he seems to have turned a real corner, which will be crucial in Liverpool's pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League and glory in either the Champions League or the FA Cup.
Of course, we cannot know how the situation in the lead-up to his father's death may have affected Konate's form, but it's great to see him back to his best.
The Frenchman still hasn't signed a new contract, however.
Surely Liverpool would be wise to tie him down, given the very high cost of buying a replacement of his calibre.
Jeremy Jacquet is arriving in the summer on a pre-agreed deal, but he's only 20, uncapped and surely not ready to be a guaranteed starter every week.
Using Jacquet as a rotation option at first so he can get used to the league and renewing Konate's deal would be more sensible.
What do you think? How important is it Liverpool secure Konate on a new contract?
UNIFFAC Kinshasa U-17 Championship: Will not kick off on February 17
Organizational reasons behind the postponement.
UNIFFAC Kinshasa U-17 Championship: Will not kick off on February 17
The opening whistle for the UNIFFAC U-17 Championship, a qualifier for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in this age category, will not sound as scheduled on Tuesday, February 17.A major surprise in Kinshasa! The UNIFFAC 2026 tournament has been postponed at the last minute! The competition, which was set to get underway at 1:00 p.m. on February 17, has now been officially moved to Wednesday, February 18, following a decision by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA).In an official statement, UNIFFAC announced: "This minor adjustment was made for organizational reasons to ensure the tournament runs as smoothly as possible."
The participating national teams must now rearrange their schedules, hoping the competition will finally kick off tomorrow, February 18.
Wolves vs Arsenal: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction
Wolves vs Arsenal Preview: Premier League Clash at Molineux
Arsenal return to Premier League action with a trip to Wolves, aiming to strengthen their grip at the top of the table. The league leaders remain four points clear of Manchester City, yet a frustrating draw against Brentford last time out reminded everyone that momentum can shift quickly during a long campaign. For Wolves, survival hopes are fading, with just nine points from 26 matches leaving them rooted to the bottom.
Match Context and Premier League Stakes
This Premier League fixture carries very different meanings for each side. Arsenal arrive with title ambitions and the pressure that comes with leading the pack, while Wolves are battling for pride as the season edges towards its closing months. Rob Edwards’ side sit 16 points from safety, a gap that highlights the scale of their challenge at Molineux.
Arsenal also have one eye on the upcoming north London derby, Igor Tudor’s first match in charge of Tottenham following Thomas Frank’s departure. That looming fixture raises questions about rotation and squad management.
Team News Updates and Expected Lineups
Wolves will be without Hwang Hee Chan, who continues to struggle with an ankle issue, while Toti Gomes is still recovering from a hamstring problem and is not expected to return in time. There is better news regarding Andre, who Edwards described as “fine” after a minor calf concern, giving the hosts a small boost ahead of a daunting test.
Arsenal’s injury list could influence selection. A muscle problem has sidelined one of their key attackers for several weeks, and Mikel Merino may not feature again this season after foot surgery. There were brief worries after an online post circulated, yet the player reassured supporters with the caption “No injuries”.
Photo IMAGO
Kick Off Time, TV Coverage and How to Watch
Wolves vs Arsenal kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, February 18 2026 at Molineux. Supporters in the UK can watch live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the match through the Sky Go app.
Prediction and Head to Head Record
Arsenal showed their attacking edge in a comfortable FA Cup win against Wigan, though Brentford exposed moments of vulnerability. Wolves will hope to replicate that resilience, but the gap in quality and confidence remains significant. If Arsenal approach the game with focus and intensity, they should have enough to secure three points.
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal.
Head to head history favours the visitors, with Arsenal recording 67 wins compared to Wolves’ 32, alongside 28 draws. In a Premier League season shaped by consistency, this fixture feels like another opportunity for Arsenal to underline their credentials at the summit.
Striker Joel Nouble has returned to Livingston on a deal until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old Englishman joins as a free agent after departing Chinese side Shenzhen Juniors.
Nouble's first spell in West Lothian started in the summer of 2021. Having initially been loaned out to Arbroath, where he scored five goals in 23 games, he went on to make 94 appearances, hitting the net 12 times and providing eight assists.
Nouble moved on to China in June 2024, signing for for Wuxi Wugo for one season before his switch to Shenzhen Juniors, where he scored 10 goals in 19 outings.
Livingston are currently eight points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, without a win since August.
Former Liverpool star reveals what could ‘save’ Arne Slot’s job
Liverpool future debate grows as Steve Nicol weighs in on Arne Slot and FA Cup stakes
Liverpool head into a crucial period of the season with fresh discussion around Arne Slot and what success might mean for his long term future at Anfield. After winning the Premier League in his first campaign in 2024/25, expectations remain high, yet cup football now carries extra significance as supporters and pundits assess the bigger picture.
A favourable FA Cup draw against Wolves has increased optimism around a deep run at Wembley. Liverpool’s recent record against the struggling Premier League side suggests progress to the quarter finals is achievable, adding weight to the idea that silverware could shape how the hierarchy evaluates the season.
The debate is not limited to results alone. Performances, consistency and direction under Arne Slot continue to dominate conversations among Liverpool fans, many of whom remain divided over how the campaign should ultimately be judged.
Steve Nicol outlines FA Cup importance
Former defender Steve Nicol has added fuel to the discussion by suggesting that lifting the FA Cup could make the club’s decision on the manager far simpler. Speaking publicly, Nicol pointed to the competition as a potential turning point if Liverpool fall short of Champions League qualification.
He said on ESPN: “I mean, Liverpool, if Liverpool don’t get in the Champions League, winning the FA Cup could save Arne Slot’s job. That’s that’s how important it is.
I don’t believe that if they don’t get into the Champions League [he gets sacked]. Personally, I would give him the start of the season to go again, but we don’t know what they’re thinking upstairs. So winning the FA Cup would 100% make it make it a lot easier for them to turn around and say, ‘Yeah, on you go next season.’”
Nicol’s view reflects a wider belief that a domestic trophy could reinforce the trust already built after last season’s title success, while also easing pressure from a mixed league campaign.
Fan opinion split around Liverpool boss
Among the Liverpool fanbase, opinions remain varied. Some supporters argue that Arne Slot’s league triumph should grant him patience regardless of short term fluctuations. Others believe the team should be further ahead in its development and have questioned certain tactical decisions throughout the season.
Between those viewpoints sits a large section of fans waiting to see how the next few weeks unfold. The FA Cup represents both opportunity and risk, offering a clear moment that could influence perception of progress under Slot.
Steve Nicol’s comments resonate with this middle ground, acknowledging the uncertainty around ownership thinking while highlighting how tangible success often shifts narratives quickly in football.
Bigger picture facing Liverpool hierarchy
While the FA Cup could prove decisive, Liverpool’s leadership is likely to assess more than a single trophy. Over the past decade, long term planning and performance trends have guided major decisions, and that approach may continue when evaluating Arne Slot.
Consistency, player development and the team’s trajectory towards competing at the highest level will probably carry as much weight as any Wembley celebration. If Liverpool show clear improvement between now and May, the argument for continuity strengthens. If performances stall, scrutiny will naturally increase.
For now, Liverpool’s season remains alive on multiple fronts, with Arne Slot’s future closely tied to both results and the broader direction of the club. Steve Nicol’s verdict highlights the importance of the FA Cup, yet the final judgement may rest on whether Liverpool look ready to challenge strongly again next season.
The Champions League’s Round of 32 kicks off with a banger. Real Madrid visit Benfica in the first leg just a few weeks after the Portuguese team completely dismantled them in what was one of the worst performances of the 2025-26 season for Los Blancos. Arbeloa’s men cannot afford that kind of result tonight and they’ll try to take care of business in order to enjoy a manageable return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga; Güler; Vinicius, Mbappé.
Available Streaming: Paramount+, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video (USA)
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Man Utd keen to sign the ‘assist king’ who’s outperforming Dalot in every way
Manchester United have reportedly set their eyes on Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson, who would provide serious competition for Diogo Dalot down the right flank.
The Portuguese right-back has been a mainstay at MUFC for several years. But while many fans and observers have been praising his improved displays this season, many would argue that the club needs to strengthen this role by signing a top-notch player.
According to Bild, Man Utd have identified Ryerson as the right candidate for the role. The Norwegian was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months. However, his future could lie in the Premier League, as United and Newcastle have both emerged as suitors, reports the famous German newspaper.
Man United register their interest in Julian Ryerson
Ryerson started his career at his hometown club of Lyngdal before joining Viking FK’s academy. He has been playing his football in Germany since 2018, when he signed for Union Berlin.
After rising to stardom during his spell in the German capital, Dortmund pounced for his services in January 2023, paying €5 million to secure his signature. He remains tied to the Bundesliga giants with a contract valid until June 2028.
(Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
While the Norwegian’s attacking stats were relatively modest in previous campaigns, this season, he has emerged as one of the most potent wing-backs in Germany under Nico Kovac’s guidance.
He has already provided his teammates with 13 assists across all competitions, including three in his most recent outing against Mainz, earning the moniker of the ‘assist king’.
Ryerson has outperformed Diogo Dalot this season
If Man Utd are looking to sign a ready-made right-back who’s at the prime of his powers, the 28-year-old Ryerson could be the right answer.
Perhaps he can replace Noussair Mazraoui, who, although versatile, hasn’t been able to lock down a starting role. The Moroccan could remain at Carrington as a squad player since he’s capable of filling various roles.
Moreover, a statistical comparison between Ryerson and Dalot suggests that the Norwegian has outperformed the Portuguese in every area, except for aerial duels.
It should be taken into account that the two men have been playing their football in different leagues, and that Ryerson has been deployed in a more attacking position (a wing-back rather than a full-back).
Nevertheless, these numbers paint a clear picture, suggesting that the Dortmund star would add a new weapon to Man Utd’s attacks.
United’s Head of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell, whould likely lead the onslaught given his connections in the Bundesliga.
Raheem Sterling: Decision on potential summer Man United move made
Manchester United have been linked to numerous players, even though the summer transfer window will not open for another four months.
Winger pursuit
The Red Devils have been extensively linked with midfielders, and it seems likely that they will strengthen this area in the summer.
There have also been rumours that the club is pursuing more traditional wingers after reverting to a system that utilises wide attacking players, following the departure of Ruben Amorim as head coach.
Red Bull Leipzig’s Ivory Coast star, Yan Diomande, is said to be of major interest this summer.
The Red Devils have also been linked with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams as a potential signing.
Shock link
Interestingly, United have also been linked with former Liverpool and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling.
The club did show interest in signing the England international back in 2024, before he ultimately joined Arsenal on loan for the 2024–2025 season.
The former Chelsea winger terminated his contract with the club during the last transfer window and signed for Feyenoord under former United forward Robin van Persie. However, it is believed he is using the move as a stepping stone to return to the Premier League.
Deal highly unlikely
TEAMtalk reports that the deal is highly unlikely, to say the least. Discussing the issue, they state, “it is hard to see Man Utd signing Sterling in the summer of 2026.”
The sports site also adds, “Sterling is 31-years-old now and is past his prime, and Man Utd are not going bring him to Old Trafford and hope that he returns to form.”
What’s more, TEAMtalk quashes reports that United would need to pay a transfer fee, as Sterling will become a free agent this summer when his loan move to Feyenoord ends.
Final thoughts
Not only would a move for Sterling go completely against Ineos’ recent transfer model, but the attacker is woefully past his best, having scored just one goal in 28 matches for Arsenal last season.
What Liverpool insiders are saying about Konate’s future at Anfield
Liverpool’s contract negotiations with Ibou Konate have been analysed in detail by Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle, and their combined view paints a very clear picture about why the decision matters now rather than later.
The 26-year-old France international has quietly become one of the most important players in Arne Slot’s side, even if his season has not always felt smooth from the outside.
Gorst’s assessment in the Liverpool ECHO starts with honesty about form, because inconsistency has been part of the story.
He explained that the centre-back has often been excellent for long stretches but occasionally undone by a single moment, referencing the perception that he had been too frequently “at the scene of the crime” earlier in the season.
However, Gorst also believes there has been a noticeable shift in recent weeks.
After returning from compassionate leave following the death of his father, the Paris-born defender has looked refreshed and sharper, and the performances against Newcastle, Sunderland and Brighton suggest confidence has returned.
The Liverpool ECHO journalist also highlighted something supporters sometimes overlook: commitment.
Konate previously rushed back from injury during a defensive shortage and even played through pain with injections to make himself available, which reinforces the idea that his importance to the squad goes beyond simple selection.
Gorst therefore arrives at the central question in the negotiations – value.
The defender agreed his current terms when he was still a developing player, and now he is entering his peak years as a France international centre-back who will feature at a World Cup.
From a club perspective the wage bill has to be controlled, but Gorst’s argument is simple: replacing a player of this level would cost significantly more than keeping him.
Why Liverpool risk a bigger problem without a new Konate deal
(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Ian Doyle’s view complements that argument but focuses more on market reality.
He notes that plenty of clubs would be interested if a contract was not agreed, because elite centre-backs in their prime rarely become available on a free transfer.
Doyle points out that Liverpool themselves would normally target exactly this type of player if he appeared on the market, which underlines the risk.
The journalist therefore states the club need to secure a renewal, especially as the defender has rediscovered his level after a difficult first half of the season.
He also introduces a long-term angle.
With Virgil van Dijk approaching the latter stage of his career, Konate naturally profiles as the future leader of the defence, but that succession plan only works if the player remains at Anfield.
Konate’s performances support the argument
(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
The numbers (via Sofascore) reinforce why the conversation is happening now rather than in a year’s time.
Availability has been a major strength as well, because the No.5 has started every league match he has appeared in.
The conclusion from both writers is consistent – we are not just discussing a contract extension for another squad player.
We are discussing whether the club secures the centre-back who could anchor the defence for the next five years, and both Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle clearly believe that allowing Ibou Konate to drift towards uncertainty would create a much bigger problem than the one negotiations are trying to solve.
While the Merengues have momentum on their side, having beaten Real Sociedad 4-1 in their last game, they approach tonight’s clash with some concern.
After all, Jose Mourinho’s men beat them 4-2 at the same venue less than a month ago, leading to them dropping out of the top-eight in the league phase standings.
Disciplinary concerns for Real Madrid
Beyond that, Real Madrid also have worries due to the disciplinary risk that could affect the return leg.
Up to three players from the Spanish capital club are one yellow card away from suspension, a scenario that is bound to worry Alvaro Arbeloa & co. given the importance of those individuals.
Tchouameni is one card away from suspension. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Defenders Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni are all one card away from an automatic suspension.
Huijsen and Tchouameni are currently on two yellow cards in the UEFA Champions League, while Carreras is on four. And a caution in tonight’s clash will mean they will miss the second leg against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.
Naturally, this is a cause for concern for Real Madrid, considering that all three players are regular starters in the team and having them unavailable for a crucial and decisive second-leg playoff tie could become a major problem.
All three aforementioned players are expected to start tonight at Estadio da Luz and they must ensure that they keep their discipline and not jeopardise Real Madrid’s chances of making it through to the Round of 16.
Champions League 2025–2026: Who are the kings of the clean sheet in the group stage?
Who are the kings of the clean sheet in the group stage of the 2025–2026 Champions League?
N'Golo Traoré/@Stade Malien
The group stage of the 2025–2026 CAF Champions League has been defined by stellar performances from several goalkeepers.
Malian shot-stopper N'Golo Traoré, the last line of defense for Stade Malien, tops the clean sheet charts with 4 shutouts.
He leads a group of keepers each credited with 3 clean sheets: Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR Rabat), Djigui Diarra (Young Africans SC), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly FC), Ahmed El-Shenawy (Pyramids FC), and Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos).
Below is the clean sheet ranking in the Champions League group stage, according to statistics from sofascore.
Loan full-back enjoying life at Celtic as out on loan winger wants to leave the Scottish champions permanently...
Julian Araujo is not ruling out making a permanent move to Celtic in the summer after his first goal for the club sealed Sunday's dramatic 3-2 win at Kilmarnock. (The Herald - subscription required)
Luis Palma has told Celtic he wants to leave permanently to stay on at loan club Lech Poznan but the Honduras winger, who still has two-and-a-half years to run on his contract in Glasgow, admits it's out of his hands. (Daily Record)
Napoli have made it their top priority to keep Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, 29, out of the clutches of several Premier League clubs this summer by offering him a lucrative new deal. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Paul McGinn is backing Motherwell defensive partner Stephen Welsh to play his way into Scotland's World Cup squad. (Scottish Sun)
Aberdeen are set to open contract talks with Findlay Marshall, with the 19-year-old midfielder impressing on loan at Arbroath this season. (Daily Record)
Julius Eskesen talks about just how close he came to departing Dundee United in January, with the Danish midfielder agreeing a move to Greek side AE Kafisia only for the deal to collapse. (The Courier)
🥐 LaLiga shaken up, Champions League night... 5️⃣ stories to start your day
Spanish football wakes up to a complete shake-up in the standings after a night of high tension at Montilivi.
FC Barcelona has surrendered the top spot to Real Madrid in a match marked by their own mistakes, Girona’s fighting spirit, and a refereeing controversy that promises to fuel sports talk shows all week long. With the race for LaLiga more open than ever, both the boardrooms and locker rooms are in turmoil over Soto Grado’s decisions.
Meanwhile, the continental spotlight shifts today to Lisbon, where Real Madrid begins its assault on the Champions League playoffs with Kylian Mbappé returning to the starting lineup. It won’t be just any match, as all eyes are on the reunion with José Mourinho, who has heated up the atmosphere in the build-up.
Madrid seizes the top spot
La Liga has a new leader. FC Barcelona’s stumble on their visit to Girona (2-1) has handed the top spot on a silver platter to Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s team, which seemed solid at the summit, collapsed in a match where poor finishing and defensive lapses punished the Blaugranas excessively. With this result, the championship takes an exciting turn just before entering the decisive stretch of the season.
Controversy at Montilivi over Koundé
The center of discord came in the 80th minute. An action by Echeverri on Jules Koundé, which ended in a stamp, preceded Fran Beltrán’s decisive goal. Despite heated protests from the Barça side, Soto Grado did not call a foul and VAR did not intervene, sparking outrage among the visitors. Post-match statements reflect a Blaugrana locker room deeply frustrated with refereeing decisions at key moments.
Mbappé and Mourinho meet in Lisbon
Real Madrid returns to Lisbon today to face Benfica in the first leg of the Champions playoff. After the bitter memory from 20 days ago in Portugal, Álvaro Arbeloa seeks redemption by betting on a muscular midfield. The big news is the return of Kylian Mbappé to the starting lineup, in a build-up dominated by the words of José Mourinho, who has once again exercised his media magnetism against his former team.
High-voltage Tuesday in Europe
It’s not all about Madrid in this Champions League. The playoff before the round of 16 brings us spectacular matchups. PSG visits the Louis II to face Monaco in a European French derby tinged with internal tensions in the Parisian locker room. In addition, Signal Iduna Park will witness a clash of styles between Borussia Dortmund and the always dangerous Atalanta. There’s a lot at stake and the margin for error is minimal.
Respect for Ramadan in the Premier League
In a great show of sensitivity, the Premier League and the EFL have confirmed that they will allow brief pauses in their matches so that Muslim players can break their fast during Ramadan. Between today and March 18, referees will facilitate players and coaching staff to hydrate or eat at sunset. This measure reinforces English football’s commitment to the diversity of its protagonists.
Yesterday, the team trained in the morning, with the usual split: warm-down for those who played in Naples, technical work for everyone else.
After Koné, Roma hopes to recover Hermoso in the coming days, having been absent since the February 2nd match in Udine.
The Spaniard had to sit out due to a bruise on the instep of his right foot, which caused a nasty hematoma.
It took several days for him to even walk normally, and even more for him to tie his shoelaces again.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the hematoma is reabsorbing and the pain is disappearing.
The therapy has already been followed by a series of personalized sessions, and the next step will be the team’s return.
Hermoso is targeting Sunday’s match against Cremonese, although the coaching staff is confident on this front given Ghilardi’s strong performance.
The team will rest today, and from Wednesday onwards any time will be available, including for the return of Ferguson and El Shaarawy. Gasperini is gradually recovering all his injured players.
In March, in addition to the match against Juve, the Europa League round of 16 will also be played. It will be crucial to have the entire squad available, or almost, for the most important matches of the season.
There's an exciting attacker who is going to be heading to Liverpool's first-team soon.
Let's face it, these last few months have been difficult for Arne Slot. Alexander Isak's injury has not made things easy for the Dutchman.
Slot has had to rely on Hugo Ekitike and at times use Cody Gakpo or Federico Chiesa out of position. Even the back-up academy forwards during this time have been injured. Jayden Danns is yet to come back from the knock he suffered earlier on in the season.
Will Wright is still just coming back and getting to grips with playing week in, week out at U21 level.
Thankfully, this headache may be a worry of the past for Slot soon.
Not only because Isak will be back before the end of the season, but also because there is an exciting 20-goal forward who will be training with the club's first-team very soon, and who has the potential to become the third choice option behind Ekitike and the Swedish forward.
For a brief moment, Liverpool were elite at producing forwards in the 1990s. In the space of a few years Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen both walked through the ranks at the Kirkby academy centre and blew the first-team away.
They have become iconic names in English football.
But they have also become Liverpool's only forward academy graduates who have really made it. Since then the likes of Adam Morgan, Jerome Sinclair and Rhian Brewster have come close but none of them have been able to live up to their prolific nature at academy level.
This academy curse might be coming to an end very soon. There's a young striker who is way more prepared and has way more skills under his belt than any of the forwards who have come before him.
Josh Sonni-Lambie is a special player. Not only because he has 20 goals for Liverpool's academy this season, and 27 goal contributions in 30 matches.
Sonni-Lambie is special because he is a different type of striker. The likes of Morgan, Sinclair and Brewster were purely goal poachers.
They thrived inside the box. Sonni-Lambie is a player who thrives both inside and outside the box. He doesn't just score goals but he links up play. He drops back and he likes to take players on in one vs one situations.
In many ways, Sonni-Lambie is a typical Liverpool striker. Very much in the mould of a Hugo Ekitike, or Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge.
The flair that Sonni-Lambie has combined with his vision makes him tailor-made for the way Liverpool's first-team want to play.
At 18-years-old, the world is at his feet. He really has it all.
And having scored 20 goals already this season, it won't be long until he's with the first-team. At this point it feels like Sonni-Lambie is already on his way there.
It will be a better of time until he starts training with Slot, and making his debut at senior level.
Real Madrid visit Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32. Mbappé is expected to return to the lineup and the biggest question mark for Arbeloa will surely be who to deploy in the center of the defensive line now that Rudiger is also back.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga; Güler; Vinicius, Mbappé.
Given that Asencio has been playing through pain for a while, Rudiger and Huijsen might start.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Date: 02/17/2025
Time: 21:00 CET, 03:00pm EST.
Venue: Estadio Da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal.
Available TV: Movistar Liga Campeones (Spain)
Available Streaming: Paramount+, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video (USA)
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It's time to crown champions in Florida high school soccer, with boys and girls titles up for grabs across seven classifications in a two-week span.
The Class 3A, 2A and 1A tournaments have the spotlight this week, with the semifinals and finals in each set to be played at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.
The 3A final fours feature plenty of new blood, with only one of the eight semifinalists across the boys and girls tournaments (the Cardinal Gibbons girls) returning from last year. In 2A, the Lakeland Christian girls will look to return to the top after a semifinal exit last year snapped a string of four consecutive titles, and the Holy Trinity boys will look for one more win after falling in the final a year ago. In 1A, the perennial power St. Johns Country Day girls are looking for their 14th state title after taking the crown once again in 2025, while the Pine boys will try to lock up their third championship in four years.
It's shaping up to be a great couple weeks of soccer in the Sunshine State. Here's when and where to watch it all.
Where to watch Florida high school soccer playoffs
The Florida high school soccer championships will not be available to watch on a traditional TV channel, but fans can stream games on the NFHS Network.
The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games.
Florida high school soccer championships schedule 2026
Here's a look at the remaining tournament schedule for each classification. The Class 3A-1A semifinals are this week in Auburndale, and the Class 7A-4A final fours will run from Feb. 23-28 in DeLand.
Class 3A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Feb. 19:
Girls semifinal: North Broward Prep vs. Cardinal Gibbons
10 a.m.
Girls semifinal: Pensacola Catholic vs. Montverde Academy
1 p.m.
Boys semifinal: Somerset Canyons vs. Santa Fe
4 p.m.
Boys semifinal: Cocoa Beach vs. Downtown Doral
7 p.m.
Feb. 21
Girls championship game
10 a.m.
Boys championship game
1 p.m.
Class 2A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Feb. 17
Girls semifinal: Lakeland Christian vs. Kings Academy
10 a.m.
Girls semifinal: Providence (Jacksonville) vs. Palmer Trinity
1 p.m.
Boys semifinal: Westminster Christian vs. Holy Trinity
4 p.m.
Boys semifinal: Episcopal (Jacksonville) vs. Tampa Prep
7 p.m.
Feb. 18
Girls championship game
4 p.m.
Boys championship game
7 p.m.
Class 1A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Feb. 20
Girls semifinal: Berean Christian vs. Canterbury
10 a.m.
Girls semifinal: Victory Christian vs. St. Johns Country Day
1 p.m.
Boys semifinal: BridgePrep Village Green vs. Canterbury
4 p.m.
Boys semifinal: Rocky Bayou Christian vs. Pine School
7 p.m.
Feb. 21
Girls championship game
4 p.m.
Boys championship game
7 p.m.
Class 7A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Feb. 24
Girls semifinal
10 a.m.
Girls semifinal
1 p.m.
Boys semifinal
4 p.m.
Boys semifinal
7 p.m.
Feb. 25
Girls championship game
4 p.m.
Boys championship game
7 p.m.
Class 6A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Feb. 23
Girls semifinal
10 a.m.
Girls semifinal
1 p.m.
Boys semifinal
4 p.m.
Boys semifinal
7 p.m.
Feb. 25
Girls championship game
10 a.m.
Boys championship game
1 p.m.
Class 5A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Date
Matchup
Time (ET)
Feb. 27
Girls semifinal
10 a.m.
Girls semifinal
1 p.m.
Boys semifinal
4 p.m.
Boys semifinal
7 p.m.
Feb. 28
Girls championship game
4 p.m.
Boys championship game
7 p.m.
Class 4A
All games can be streamed live on the NFHS Network
Of course, with Hollywood Wrexham comes Hollywood owners, with big movie star Ryan Reynolds being one of them.
It’s been impossible to miss this story. The superstar ownership team bought Wrexham when they were a non-league side, and they have achieved back to back to back promotions since then. They are now currently 8th in the Championship and doing all they can to make it into the Premier League, which would be an insane achievement.
Getting the big boys roll into town
Getting drawn at home to Chelsea will be huge for them. The big boys rolling into little old Wrexham Town will be quite some spectacle for them.
And there is a video posted on X last night, showing Reynolds react to the draw. I think it is safe to say from his reactions that he went through all the emotions during this, but he is buzzing to be facing the might of Chelsea FC.
In other news…
Chelsea’s xG output this season is superb – but they’re miles behind Arsenal in the table because the Gunners are outstanding in an equally important stat. The Blues need to shape up in that category to catch up.
Mamadou Sarr made his full debut for Chelsea on Friday, but it was pretty interesting to hear some of the comparisons made about him from past teammates.
Champions League 2025–2026: Who are the top dribblers of the group stage?
Who are the best dribblers of the 2025–2026 Champions League group stage?
Achraf Bencharki/@SNRT
The ranking of the best dribblers in the group stage of the 2025–2026 Champions League was dominated by two players.
They are Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki of Al Ahly and Burundian forward of Al Hilal, both of whom completed nine successful dribbles.
They are followed by a trio: Ivorian Pacôme Zouzoua (ASEC Mimosas), Moroccan Ahmed Hammoudan (AS FAR Rabat), and Congolese Kashala Ramos (FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo), each with eight successful dribbles.
Here is the dribbling leaderboard for the group stage, according to calculations by sofascore:
Report: Federico Chiesa could yet be handed World Cup lifeline despite two-year Italy exile
Federico Chiesa could potentially be recalled to the Italy squad for their World Cup play-off in March, despite not playing for his country in nearly two years.
The Liverpool forward has been capped 51 times by the Azzurri, but the most recent of those came in their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 16 at Euro 2024, two months before he joined the Reds.
Current Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has maintained that, while he’s constantly kept in touch with the 28-year-old, it’s been the player’s decision not to return to international duty in recent months rather than his.
Gattuso remains open to calling up Chiesa next month
According to a report from Calciomercato, the ex-AC Milan midfielder met with the Azzurri’s England-based players for dinner in London recently, with Chiesa among those in attendance.
It’s claimed that Gattuso remains open to calling up the Liverpool forward for the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland in March despite previous rejections, and the two men have maintained a positive relationship.
However, the Italy coach is insistent that he’ll only select players who are all-in on their country’s mission to reach a first World Cup since 2014, having sensationally missed out on the subsequent editions in Russia and Qatar.
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Will Chiesa be ready to end his two-year Italy exile?
Whereas many other coaches may have disregarded Chiesa for good after turning down previous call-ups, at least Gattuso seems willing to leave the door open for the Anfield cult hero, should he wish to end his two-year international exile.
Even if the Reds attacker indicates a desire to return to the Italy fold, it’d still be at the head coach’s discretion as to whether or not he’s selected, and our number 14 might be viewed as a gamble considering his sparsity of club minutes.
However, as we’ve seen at Anfield, Chiesa is capable of being the wildcard who conjures up a crucial late goal even if he’s not on the pitch for long, and that quality could be priceless for his nation in a do-or-die World Cup play-off series next month.
This may well be the Liverpool forward’s best chance of playing at the global showpiece, should his country qualify, and that might just persuade him to tell Gattuso that he’s ready to help the Azzurri to atone for missing out in 2018 and 2022.
It’s been nearly five years since he lit up Euro 2020 as Italy went on to lift the trophy. Could we yet see him attempting to inspire his nation to similar heroics in North America in the summer?
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 3: Orchids are on display at the newest location of Flora & More in Houston, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. Flora & More is a members-only wholesaler of orchids and other premium blooms that recently opened its first market outside of Florida at 707 N. Shepherd Dr. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Welcome to the latest installment of The Orchid Tales, where your hoddler-in-chief documents the life and times of his orchid. Has it really been 12 months since our most recent edition? That’s way too long! Let’s check in to see how things are shaping up.
For those of you new to this site – this is also one of the longest-running features of the hoddle under your HIC. The first edition of The Orchid Tales premiered on August 19, 2022. That’s almost four years ago!
One of the most challenging parts about moving, for me, is understanding how to put my orchid in the best possible position to thrive. A huge part of that means how and where it is going to receive sunlight. That sort of calculus makes it probably a little too challenging for me in how I’m going to set up my entire living arrangements.
At least I’ve figured it now for now, and I’ll be monitoring Planty’s health in the coming weeks.
There aren’t any signs that the orchid is going to grow new buds this season, which is okay. The leaves remain a very healthy green, and the roots are wild and respond well when being watered.
It looks like I’ll be tending the plant for the next few months until it’s time to repot, and then maybe I’ll bring it in to a florist to help me understand how to best plot an orchid that is growing increasingly more horizontal by the month.
It’s also time to bring new plants into the fold. I’ve had a ponytail palm sitting on a shelf for the last 2.5 years, which still looks very healthy. I also plan on bringing in some floor plants into the equation – probably the likes of a snake plant, a fiddle leaf fig or a dracaena.
I’ve got some more space on the bookshelves to add a few smaller plants too.
Is it too many plants? Probably not. You can’t have enough plants. I think they add a tonne of life and colour into the mix.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Waits For Me, by Anjimile
And now for your links:
The Standard: “Igor Tudor will have Tottenham squad ‘running through brick walls’, says former player”
Alasdair Gold: “Everything you need to know about Igor Tudor’s new-look coaching staff at Tottenham”
Matt Law: “Tottenham face ‘catastrophic’ cost of relegation and no European football”
The Independent: “Troy Parrott on becoming Republic of Ireland’s hero, Mourinho’s impact and searching for ‘big moments’”
BBC: “League One Mansfield to host Arsenal in fifth round – full FA Cup draw”
Manchester United interested in Alexis Mac Allister
A direct transfer from Liverpool that would be historic
Manchester United interested in Alexis Mac Allister
A direct move between Liverpool FC and Manchester United would be an exceptionally rare event. The last time it happened was back in 1964, when Phil Chisnall left United to join the Reds. Since then, no player has crossed that fierce divide.
But according to the Daily Mirror, this unwritten rule could soon be put to the test. Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a summer swoop for Alexis Mac Allister. The 27-year-old Argentine midfielder is among the profiles being considered to strengthen the Red Devils’ midfield.
With two assists in 25 Premier League appearances this season, he remains a key figure at Liverpool. If the interest becomes concrete, this transfer would make huge waves across England, given the fierce rivalry that still burns between the two clubs.
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 14: Players of Chivas players celebrate after winning the 6th round match between Chivas and America as part of the Torneo Clausura 2026 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Simon Barber/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chivas got their most important victory so far in 2026 after defeating their main rivals Club America by a 1-0 score. Chivas continued their perfect record by winning the most important regular season matchup in the Superclasico in a match in which they were overly superior. Club America continue their scoring struggles and now have a major defeat in their lackluster start to their 2026 Clausura. America will hope to change things when they travel to face off against Puebla while Chivas will have an extremely tough match against second place Cruz Azul.
The 1st half started with both Chivas and America missing a key player because of injury: Chivas was without Luis Romo and America was without Alejandro Zendejas. A cross into the area from Richard Ledezma turned into a shot that was saved by America’s goalkeeper, Luis Malagon. A great cross into the area from Ledezma would find a wide open Armando Gonzalez, who from close range sent his shot well wide in a terrible miss. A cross into the area was volleyed wide by Gonzalez. A left footed shot from outside the area from Efrain Alvarez would go wide. A pass into the area would reach Gonzalez but he failed to control it and Malagon would get to it. After getting into the area and getting past two defenders, Ledezma got off a right footed shot that went just wide. From way outside the area, Omar Govea got off a right footed shot that went wide. Victor Davila got off a left footed shot in the area that was easily saved by Chivas’ goalkeeper, Raul Rangel. A cross into the area would fall to Davila, who got past a defender and got off a left footed shot that went right to Rangel. A left footed shot from Roberto Alvarado got deflected and forced Malagon to make a save that sent the ball wide for a corner kick. In the ensuing corner kick, the cross into the area was headed back by Diego Campillo and into the path of Armando Gonzalez, who got off a great volley shot past Malagon to score and give Chivas the 1-0 lead. It was a more than deserved goal for a Chivas side that had been the better side from the start. The halftime whistle blew as Chivas took their lead to the break.
The 2nd half started with America subbing out Victor Davila and Rodrigo Dourado for Raphael Veiga and Erick Sanchez. A great pass into the area found Gonzalez, who got past a defender and almost got past Malagon but he got of a shot that the goalkeeper made a great save on. A good cross into the area went past Malagon but Bryan Alonso Gonzalez would whiffed on his try. He would have had an open net had he connected the cross. Chivas subbed out an injured Richard Ledezma for Miguel Gomez. A longball would be reached by Gonzalez but Malagon saved the ball by getting it off his feet. America responded with an attack that would have been a good opportunity but Kevin Alvarez whiffed on his shot inside the area. Chivas subbed out Armando Gonzalez and Efrain Alvarez for Ricardo Marin and Brian Gutierrez. America subbed out Isaias Violante and Henry Martin for Alexis Gutierrez and Jose Zuñiga. A good counter attack from Chivas ended with Alvarado getting off a shot that was deflected wide. America subbed out Jonathan Dos Santos for Vinicius Lima. After a run, Zuñiga got past Campillo (who almost made a PK) but Rangel was able to block his shot almost off his feet. Chivas subbed out Diego Campillo and Omar Govea for Angel Chavez and Angel Sepulveda. After a foul, there was a scuffle between Gomez and Lima but nothing came of it. A cross into the area was badly handled by Rangel but he was get to the ball after it slipped of his arms, just before Alvarez could get to it and get off a shot. That was as close as a America could get as Chivas held on to give the fans their most important victory in what has been an incredible start to their season.
Chivas got their most valuable result of the regular season by defeating their main rivals, Club America. Chivas was the better side, especially in the first half, and got a very solid result against a team that had gone past Chivas in recent years, especially when they won their “Tricampeonato”. Chivas made it six victories out of six matches and their statement result against America has them as solid, if not the main, candidates for the Liga MX title. Still they will have a very tough test in their next match when they travel to face second place Cruz Azul. While Cruz Azul are currently without a home stadium, and are playing their matches in Puebla, the away match should be the toughest test they have faced, including the Superclasico. Still Chivas has been playing great and the huge boost of the win against America will definitely help them. On the other hand, Club America is in crisis mode after a mediocre start to their tournament has now been made worse by losing their biggest match. They will have a huge opportunity to improve when they face off against Puebla but right now, they aren’t having a good time.
Speaking to the media after the match, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was critical of the way the team played as well as the refereeing – after all, the match official ignored a clear foul on Jules Kounde in the lead-up to Girona’s late winner, scored by Fran Beltran.
“I don’t want to talk about this; everyone saw what happened on the second goal,” started Flick.
When pressed further on the matter, he answered with a rhetorical question, saying: “You all saw this play. Was it a foul or not? Yes? Thank you very much, there’s no need to say more.”
However, the German tactician refused to blame the referee for the defeat, and admitted that his players were poor on the night, especially in the second half.
“We played really badly in the second half. We were poor defensively,” he noted.
At the same time, though, the Barcelona manager did have a pointed remark towards the referees, as he said:
“There are no excuses, but they’re [referees] at the same level as us, so maybe it’s not a good level.”
Barcelona came up second best vs Girona. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Moving back to the performance, Flick acknowledged that Barcelona were not playing at their best level, saying:
“We’re not in a good mood, we’re in a bad moment. This is a long road to get back to fighting and regaining first place.”
The manager also pointed towards fatigue being a factor, stating: “The team is tired, not fresh, but we need to be hungrier to win matches. More control, fewer mistakes.”
However, he refused to point fingers at anyone in particular for the loss, noting: “There are no excuses. We didn’t do our job, and we have to improve. The result is what it is. We have to play better.
“We had many opportunities in the first half. Girona had them in the second half. In transition, in defence, we especially didn’t do well.”
Continuing the self-criticism, he added: “Our positioning wasn’t good, especially in midfield. We made too many mistakes. We have to get back on track and start playing well again. Right now, we’re not doing things right.”
As an immediate measure, the coach announced a short break for the squad: “I’ve given them two days off.”
“We are all disappointed. But we will fight. It’s time to come back. On Thursday, we will return with a different mindset and train better,” he vowed.
Flick also confirmed that he was confident of recovering key players in the coming days.
“I expect more players next week. With Pedri, with Rashford… we’ll see about Gavi. We have a new situation and we need to get back to our best,” he concluded.
The French winger of Congolese descent arrives from Almere City with a purchase option
Junior Kadile joins Servette on loan
Junior Kadile has signed for Servette FC on loan from Almere City FC. At 23, the left winger is coming off a strong season in the Netherlands, having tallied six goals and six assists in 24 matches.
Developed at Stade Rennais FC and a former France U17 international, Kadile is expected to inject pace and creativity down the flanks. The loan includes a purchase option. Should Servette exercise it this summer, the player would ink a contract running until 2029 with the Geneva club.
The top honor goes to Youssef Obama, the playmaker for Pyramids FC, who received the highest average rating from sofascore, clocking in at an impressive 7.8/10.
Hot on his heels is his compatriot Mahmoud Trézéguet, Al Ahly’s dynamic winger, with a score of 7.7/10. Third place goes to Moroccan goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti of AS FAR, who earned a strong average of 7.68/10.
Top-rated players ranking (group stage)
Youssef Obama (Pyramids FC/Egypt): 7.8/10
Mahmoud Trézéguet (Al Ahly FC/Egypt): 7.7/10
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR Rabat/Morocco): 7.68/10
Rutgers wrestling is one duel away from closing out duel season on a six-duel win streak after they earned a 28-9 win over in-state rival Princeton yesterday afternoon. In recent years, the Scarlet Knights have dominated the rivalry, winning 29 of 30 duels since 1993. With their victory, Rutgers will keep the Big-Ivy trophy on the banks for at least one more season.
Two Rutgers wrestlers earned ranked wins in this duel, with No. 29 Andrew Clark (149) beating No. 10 Eligh Rivera and No. 19 Andrew Barbosa (165) beating No. 17 Ty Whalen.
Some other highlights of the match include No. 20 Shane Cartagena-Walsh (184) defeating Xavier Giles by decision, while No. 6 Joseph Olivieri (141), No. 16 Remy Cotton (165), and No. 19 Hunter Catka (HWT) earned victories by tech fall.
Princeton won the toss and elected to start at 174 pounds, as Lenny Pinto faced Holden Garcia. Pinto jumped out to an early lead with a takedown in the first period, but the back-and-forth match went to sudden victory. Garcia would then land a takedown for the 8-5 overtime win, putting Princeton up 3-0. This would be the only time Princeton had a lead in this duel.
The Knights responded with three consecutive bonus-point victories. After letting up a takedown, Cartagena-Walsh stormed back with a dominant 21-8 major decision. Cotton landed six takedowns in his 19-4 tech fall over Conor McCloskey, while Catka produced five takedowns in the first three minutes en route to a 21-5 tech fall over Sebastian Garibaldi. The bonus points gave Rutgers a 14-3 advantage through four bouts.
Princeton would start to chip away at Rutgers lead through the next two bouts. A tough 5-1 loss from No. 24 Ayden Smith (125) to No. 12 Marc-Anthony McGowen made it 14-6 Rutgers at intermission. Princeton would make it 14-9 after No.24 Dylan Shawver (133) suffered a loss to Ethan Rivera
The push from the Tigers would be snuffed out as the Knights found wins in their final four bouts to secure victory. The charge was started by Olivieri, who collected back points in the opening period against Matthew Martino before closing out his tech fall with another four-point tilt late in the second.
Clark followed with a victory against Eligh Rivera, who entered Monday ranked No. 10 in the country by Intermat. Clark worked an escape in the second period, then muscled a two-minute rideout in the third for the 2-1 final – the highest-ranked win for Clark this season.
No.26 Anthony White (157) and Barbosa finished the job by earning two victories by decision to secure the blowout win.
Since this is the last duel Rutgers will have at home this season, all of the Knights’ graduating seniors were honored in front of the crowd before the match started.
Rutgers closes the regular season at Hofstra Feb. 18 in Hempstead, New York. The dual is set for a 6 p.m. start and will stream on FloWrestling.
Box Score
No. 14 Rutgers 28, Princeton 9
174: Holden Garcia (PU) over 17/20 Lenny Pinto (RU) by SV1, 8-5; PU leads, 3-0
184: 20/18 Shane Cartagena-Walsh (RU) over Xavier Giles (PU) by MD, 21-8; RU leads, 4-3
197: 16/16 Remy Cotton (RU) over Conor McCloskey (PU) by TF, 19-4 (3:20); RU leads, 9-3
HWT: 19/19 Hunter Catka (RU) over Sebastian Garibaldi (PU) by TF, 21-5 (3:56); RU leads, 14-3
125: 12/15 Marc-Anthony McGowan (PU) over 24/22 Ayden Smith (RU) by dec., 5-1; RU leads, 14-6
133: Ethan Rivera (PU) over 24/32 Dylan Shawver (RU) by dec., 5-4; RU leads, 14-9
141: 6/8 Joseph Olivieri (RU) over Matthew Martino (PU) by TF, 19-2 (4:49); RU leads, 19-9
149: 29/– Andrew Clark (RU) over 10/15 Eligh Rivera (PU) by dec., 2-1; RU leads, 22-9
157: 26/27 Anthony White (RU) over Rocco Camillaci (PU) by dec., 7-0; RU leads, 25-9
165: 19/24 Andrew Barbosa (RU) over 17/22 Ty Whalen (PU) by dec., 4-3; RU wins, 28-9
Marcus Rashford set for United return as Barca identify City star as replacement
Manchester United are likely to address the glaring lack of quality out wide once the summer transfer window opens.
Since Ruben Amorim decided to let go of Marcus Rashford, they have lacked the profile of an out-and-out left winger.
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic have emerged as serious options to come in and complete the forward line.
The USA international’s age and price tag have complicated matters. An economical solution has been relayed by F365.
They have stated that Barcelona, where Rashford is on loan currently, could decide not to buy the Mancunian outright as they are looking for a different profile in the market.
“Barça are delighted with Marcus Rashford, and the aim is to secure his continued presence at the club for a longer period. The problem is that at the Camp Nou, they also plan to sign a top-level center-back and a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski.
Barca have identified his replacement
“This means there’s a possibility they won’t have the funds left to cover the cost of the English star, who also has other very attractive offers. A return to Old Trafford, where Rubén Amorim, his main rival, is no longer playing, is also a possibility.”
Interestingly, the Catalan giants are eyeing Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, among others, as a potential alternative.
“Scouts have drawn up a list of several candidates who could take on the number 14 role, and who would also arrive under very favorable conditions. For example, this is the case of Jack Grealish.
“Pep Guardiola would be willing to let go of the former Aston Villa player again and would make it as easy as possible for Barça to secure a loan with an option to buy.”
Can this saga please end already
It was reportedly the Carrington graduate’s dream to play for Barcelona and sign permanently for them. This saga of “will they, won’t they” seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.
One thing is clear, United do not need Marcus Rashford, as it was his attitude that led to his implosion and eventual exit from his boyhood club.
The Newark Catholic boys basketball seventh-grade team recently wrapped up an unbeaten season, beating Zanesville 51-45 in the Licking County League tournament championship game.
Reid Gebhart led the Green Wave with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Tate Tucci added 15 points.
Layton Cox scored 18 points in a 53-40 semifinal victory against Watkins. Tucci added 16 points.
Other team members are Lyncoln Cooper, Jaxson Eveland, Grayson Gilligan, Hudson Lavery, Sam Windon, Cameron Newsome, Lucas Schiele, Heath Gillespie, Dylan Taylor and Luke Guanciale. Coaches are head coach Nate Adams and assistant Griffin Urdarovski.
Ludogorets have won 14 Bulgarian titles in a row but, according to Transfermarkt, only had the seventh-highest average attendance in their league last season [Getty Images]
As Ludogorets celebrated becoming Bulgarian champions once again last summer, history reared into view - only Tafea, from the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, could top their 14 successive titles. Just one more to tie the world record.
Yet the most dominant club in Europe have not reached the Champions League for a decade - seemingly too powerful for their domestic league but not strong enough to trouble the continent's elite, and highlighting the disparity in a delicate ecosystem.
At the top of the food chain, a Champions League that began for title winners in 1992 this season boasts six English sides, five Spanish and four each from Italy and Germany - four nations accounting for more than half the 36 league-phase teams.
While the competition has increased in size and value - Uefa's TV rights grew from just shy of £500m in 2003-04 to £2.8bn in 2023-24, with the new cycle from 2027 expected to generate more than £4bn - the pool of winners has narrowed.
Only Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain have broken the English and Spanish clubs' hold on the trophy in the past 15 years. An Italian team last won it in 2010.
It would be a huge shock to see former champions Marseille, Ajax or Porto, for example, win the competition in the near future. Even more so Red Star Belgrade, PSV or Steaua Bucharest (now FCSB) from the latter days of the European Cup.
A revamp of the competition has allowed more clubs to participate, play more games and register more upsets - most notably debutants Bodo/Glimt, who beat Manchester City and Atletico Madrid this term.
Yet Ajax, in 2019, are the only club outside Europe's top five leagues to reach the semi-finals in the past two decades. Over the past four seasons, only Benfica (twice) have muscled in to make the quarter-finals.
"If you said when the Champions League was born in 1992 'this is what it's going to be like', I'm pretty sure they'll have said 'wow, we really messed up'," says Alex Muzio, president of the Union of European Clubs (UEC).
Muzio points to France as a warning for competitions becoming too "predictable", with PSG aiming for a 12th title in 14 years.
"People don't want to watch competitions where you know who's going to win," he says, suggesting there are now only four top leagues in Europe.
Ligue 1 does face a challenging TV rights landscape, streaming matches on its own channel this season in a direct-to-consumer deal that pits it closer to the Netherlands’ Eredivisie than Serie A, whose own domestic broadcast revenue has fallen slightly.
Other top leagues have also plateaued.
France, despite boasting a deep talent pool, will only have one representative in the Champions League last 16 after PSG drew Monaco in the play-offs.
Muzio, majority owner of Belgian title winners Union Saint-Gilloise, says fans crave competitions with more parity - such as the Premier League, cricket's IPL and American football's NFL - while growing financial disparities will mean more "haves and have-nots".
"The football community needs to come together and understand that it works as a community in a way that other businesses do not," he adds. "We need each other."
Uefa says it recognises competitive balance across European football is "essential for the health and sustainability of the game" but is also a "complex challenge" that cannot be addressed by Europe's governing body alone.
It says structural disparities between leagues and clubs are influenced by a wide range of factors that extend beyond European competition revenues - including domestic markets, commercial potential, history and stature of clubs and leagues and national distribution methods.
Indeed, across Europe, a tier of dominant champions has emerged - besides Ludogorets, Red Star have clinched eight successive titles in Serbia, while Ferencvaros in Hungary and Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia have seven each.
Yet none of those clubs reached the Champions League proper this season - Ferencvaros face Ludogorets and Red Star play Lille in the Europa League play-off round, and Slovan did not progress in the Conference League.
Ferencvaros chief executive Pal Orosz previously told BBC Sport "the gap is so big that we will probably never catch up" to Europe's elite.
Yet they often have to achieve complete domination of their domestic leagues to even stand a chance of playing in the same competition as Europe's top clubs.
'The goal is to become someone like Bayern'
Slovan beat Barcelona to win the Cup Winners' Cup in 1969 - the same year Slovak champions Spartak Trnava lost to Johan Cruyff's Ajax in the European Cup semis [Getty Images]
Slovan's foray into the Champions League last season was a proud moment - their first appearance since independence in 1993 when they qualified as Czechoslovak First League champions.
Since businessman Ivan Kmotrik bought Slovan in 2008, they have once again become Slovakia's dominant force, with sporting director Robert Vittek saying the goal is to become "like Bayern Munich in Germany, winning titles year by year".
"The key to be financially sustainable is to play one of the main phases of the European cups," explains Vittek. "From Slovakia, you have to win a title to have a real chance."
Playing in the Champions League earned Slovan about £18m in TV revenue on top of increased crowds, commercial deals and visibility - hosting Manchester City and AC Milan and travelling to Bayern and Atletico.
"Maybe just with time, we will appreciate what kind of success it was to bring such clubs to Bratislava," says Vittek.
"We didn't get a point, however we were representing Slovakia well in the European scene and we can be proud about that."
To even reach the league phase, Slovan had to progress through three rounds of qualifying, the first Slovak side to do so since Zilina in 2010.
"We can be realistic and sensible with these kinds of topics," says Vittek, when asked if there should be a more attainable route.
"There is a 'champions path' for clubs like us, where there's always a way for clubs from some 'smaller' leagues to reach the main phase. However, it's difficult."
Ludogorets, who have reached the Champions League group stages twice, last featuring in 2016 when they earned a credible draw with PSG, have won every Bulgarian title since promotion following Kiril Domuschiev's purchase in 2010.
But that run could be coming to an end given they are currently second, seven points behind leaders Levski Sofia - and journalist Teodor Borisov says "Bulgarian football fans are desperate" to see a different champion.
He attributed the 14-time champions' drop off to injuries, poor form and head coach Julio Velazquez's impact at Levski.
Clubs in other leagues have shown it is possible to wind in dominant rivals through shrewd recruitment.
Hearts, who like Muzio's USG and Brighton have benefited from Tony Bloom's influence, hope to end 40 years of Old Firm dominance, Rijeka toppled Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia last season and Sturm Graz snapped Red Bull Salzburg's decade-long streak of Austrian titles to win the past two.
Sturm sporting director Andreas Schicker said it was a "balance between having success, qualifying for European competitions and making profit on talented players" such as Rasmus Hojlund.
Meanwhile, Uefa says solidarity payments to clubs not in European competition went up 80% for this cycle - almost £270m - at a "much higher rate than payments reserved to participating clubs", with the increased redistribution welcomed by the European Leagues body.
USG celebrated their first Belgian title in 90 years last season to qualify for the Champions League for the first time [Getty Images]
Real Madrid last week became the final club to end a dispute over a breakaway European Super League, with Uefa and European Football Clubs - an independent body representing more than 800 clubs - saying an "agreement of principles" had been reached "for the good of European club football".
Elsewhere, Latvia - which does not have a domestic TV deal - has proposed a combined 'Baltic League' with Lithuania and Estonia to try to drive revenues and make clubs more competitive in Europe.
The UEC - which represents more than 140 clubs - has ideas of its own, as well as calling for transparency and dialogue.
One is a new domestic media rights protection policy that would reinvest a portion of European competition media revenues into nations where it exceeds domestic rights.
Another is a player development reward policy that reimburses clubs who are not in the Champions League when a player they trained features in the competition - they believe in recent seasons almost 1,500 clubs would have benefited.
The focus is on increasing competition at a domestic level in the hope that will eventually help "smaller leagues" be more competitive in Europe.
This year's Champions League debutants - Bodo, Kairat, Pafos and USG - appear to have come from leagues with a greater spread of recent winners.
"There is no clear and easy solution because if you help Qarabag or Benfica or USG or a team from a non-big four league to grow its revenue a lot, then all the teams behind it in that league get stretched away," says Muzio.
"It's very important that us, as the UEC of stakeholders, don't try and pretend like there's a magic wand you can just wave.
"There will need to be a lot of work over a long period of time to try and balance things out to make things fair again."
The Toronto Blue Jays will look to complete their World Series journey in 2026 after coming so close yet finishing so far in 2025. However, their revenge tour will have to take place without Bo Bichette, who’s now with the New York Mets after signing a three-year, $126 million deal with the team.
Bichette was out of action for the earlier part of the Blue Jays’ playoff run before making his mark during the World Series. The star shortstop was the man who gave the Blue Jays the lead in Game 7 of the World Series, although that wasn’t a lead that they could protect until the very end. And now, the Blue Jays are hoping that the addition of Kazuma Okamoto would help cover for the loss of Bichette.
Nevertheless, the Blue Jays still have their biggest star on the roster in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., which fills manager John Schneider with so much confidence.
“In my opinion, Vladdy’s always been the guy in his whole time here. When he came up, it was him, Bo [Bichette], Cavan [Biggio], the sons of the big leaguers. When each guy kind of departs, it’s cool that Vlad has been the one that’s here, the one we’re building around,” Schneider said, via Daniele Franceschi of Sportsnet.
“If anything, it probably allows Vlad to have a louder voice. I think it allows him to be more free.”
Does Bo Bichette's departure place added pressure on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to be "the guy" in Toronto?#BlueJays skipper John Schneider: "In my opinion, Vladdy's always been the guy… If anything, it probably allows Vlad to have a louder voice and be more free." pic.twitter.com/C7yAPxyYPh
There was a moment in time when it looked as though the Blue Jays weren’t going to pony up the necessary money to keep Guerrero for the long haul. They eventually did: signing him to a 14-year, $500 million contract that should make him a lifelong member of the franchise unless the relationship between the two sides deteriorates completely.
For now, what Guerrero and the Blue Jays will be setting their sights on is getting revenge, preferably on the Los Angeles Dodgers, after losing a golden chance to win the World Series title in 2025.
Having been proclaimed as the Spanish kings of comebacks over the past year, they were handed a taste of their own medicine as the hosts overturned a 1-0 deficit to go 2-1 up and seal a special win on the night.
The result comes as a devastating blow to the Catalans’ plans and hopes in the Spanish league, for it sees them fail to overtake Real Madrid in the standings and hand their rivals the advantage once more.
Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Girona 2-1 Barcelona.
Too easy to beat
The last time Barcelona lost two games in a row was back at the beginning of October when they dropped three points against PSG and Sevilla in back-to-back games. They have now repeated that streak, but under far more unforgiving circumstances.
After the 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, it was expected that the Catalans would come out all guns firing and make a statement of intent.
After all, there is barely any time before they take to the field for the decisive second leg, where they must score at least five goals.
What they did last night against Girona, however, was shambolic, once again raising serious questions as to whether the system has taken an irreversible toll on the players’ fitness.
Barcelona were simply not up for the challenge at Estadi Montilivi last night. While they did create better chances in the first half, they were wasteful with them with Lamine Yamal missing a 1v1 and a penalty.
After the break, however, they simply succumbed to Girona’s counters and were too easy to break down.
Despite taking the lead, they were easily broken down by the hosts’ attack with a smart sequence of play and had no answers for the low cross-field ball. Once again, they conceded within minutes after taking the lead in what has become a recurring theme.
Then, they failed to push and create attacking chances of their own and were outshone by Girona’s inspired attacking forays. The hosts created an xG of 1.79 in the second half, more than double that of Barcelona, and were the deserved winners.
The game once again raised serious questions about the defensive line, which has become more exposed than ever before in recent weeks, and whether it is a sustainable model moving forward or not.
Refereeing in the spotlight again
Refereeing controversy once again. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Barcelona may indeed have spurned the penalty given to them on the night, but the game again raised questions about the refereeing in what has become a constant feature of Barcelona games of late.
Hansi Flick was openly critical of the officiating against Atletico Madrid, and it has been known for a while that the Catalans have often been at the receiving end of questionable refereeing calls in recent games.
Last night, there were once again two clear-cut instances of refereeing misjudgement that cost Barcelona heavily, especially considering they both came at pivotal moments in the game.
For starters, Girona’s defender made their way into the box before Yamal’s penalty kick, which ended up in a miss, an action that should have led to a prompt repeat penalty. Yet, the referee did not blink an eye at the clear error.
The second, and more blatant error, came during the time of Girona’s winner late in the game. During the buildup to that goal, Jules Kounde was clearly fouled and had his foot stepped on, which provides clear grounds for the goal to be disallowed.
At a time when the VAR can spend eight minutes to check a minuscule offside on a Barcelona goal, it is appalling that not a few seconds could be spared to review a clear-cut error.
Time for a serious reset
Barcelona’s performance last night, and over the past two games as a whole, has been embarrassing, and there is a real need for the players and the manager to head back into the dressing room to reflect on the same.
Every aspect of the team’s game, which has been praised in recent times, has been falling short of the team’s usual standards – and it is high time the matter is addressed.
At the point in the season where the team should be peaking in terms of their form and level, Barcelona seem to be taking steps backwards.
The press has been incoherent, the team have appeared lazy on the field with no purpose or intent to track back.
The games are no longer being controlled in midfield like they should be, with opponents being given more space than ever before. More importantly, the attack seems more restricted with players out of sync and simply unable to take their chances.
The UCL knockouts are just around the corner, and the Copa del Rey will need a superhuman effort to get back into. Barcelona have also given up the lead in La Liga back to Real Madrid and are on the back foot in all competitions all of a sudden.
There is, thus, a real need to get back into the thick of things and work out a new plan.
José Mourinho speaks out on a return to Real Madrid
"We are great friends," assures the Portuguese manager
José Mourinho speaks out on a return to Real Madrid
Tipped as a possible candidate for a return to Real Madrid, José Mourinho has set the record straight. The current SL Benfica coach insists that no discussions have taken place with the Madrid board.
However, he does acknowledge an excellent relationship with club president Florentino Pérez. "We are fantastic friends," he stated, adding that their last exchange was when he signed with Benfica.
Under contract for another year with the Lisbon club, Mourinho is adamant he does not wish to fuel rumors "that do not exist." He even added that it is possible to turn down Real Madrid, while also expressing his respect for Álvaro Arbeloa, whom he believes could enjoy lasting success at the helm of the club.
Having managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho notably captured a La Liga title before leaving on his own terms. Today, he makes it clear: his priority remains Benfica, despite all the speculation.
Wesley to be ruled out vs Cremonese, Dybala and Kone return
Two sighs of relief and a crucial return.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s phone, just hours after the draw with Napoli, received only positive messages yesterday.
The first concerned Wesley’s physical condition.
The Brazilian had limped off the pitch at the Maradona stadium on Sunday evening, with ice on his left ankle after Rrahmani’s tackle that led to Roma’s penalty. But diagnostic tests have ruled out any injuries or fractures.
It’s just a severe bruise, which will need to be treated with ice and a few days of therapy.
A rest against Cremonese is possible to ensure he’s at his best for the big match against Juve.
But the good news doesn’t end there. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dybala’s knee tests have also returned positive results.
La Joya will return to training tomorrow, this time aiming to return to full fitness after his unexpected withdrawal last Sunday.
Gasperini will certainly have Koné back, having overcome his muscle injury and returned to full fitness.
Hermoso and El Shaarawy are also on the road to recovery. Ferguson remains sidelined, having been out since the Stuttgart match almost a month ago. Dovbyk is also out, but will return around April.
Remembering every same-nation Champions League knockout tie
Paris Saint-Germain will face AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League’s play-off round this evening.
The French rivals meet in European competition for the first time, while it’s only the third all-Ligue 1 knockout tie in Champions League history.
The first saw Lyon beat Bordeaux in the 2009-10 quarter-finals, while last season, PSG thrashed Brest 10-0 over two legs. That convincing win is the biggest-ever winning margin in a two-legged tie between teams from the same country.
In total, there have been 27 two-legged Champions League knockout ties involving teams from the same country. English clashes have been the most common, with 10, followed by all-Spanish ties (8).
There have been three different same city knockout ties, with Inter Milan and AC Milan facing off on three occasions, and three two-legged ties between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
The 2003-04 quarter-final between Chelsea and Arsenal provided the first-ever London derby in the Champions League.
Every same-nation Champions League knockout tie (excluding finals)
All scores are aggregate score after two legs
Bayern 0-1 Dortmund (1997/98 quarter-finals)
Bayern 6-0 Kaiserslauten (1998/99 quarter-finals)
Valencia 5-3 Barcelona (1999/2000 semi-finals)
Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid (2001/02 semi-finals)
Milan 1-1 Inter (2002/03 semi-finals, Milan won on away goals)
Chelsea 3-2 Arsenal (2003/04 quarter-finals)
Milan 5-0 Inter (2004/05 quarter-finals)
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (2004/05 quarter-finals)
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (2006/07 semi-finals, Liverpool won 4-1 on penalties)
Arsenal 3-5 Liverpool (2007/08 quarter-finals)
Liverpool 3-4 Chelsea (2007/08 semi-finals)
Liverpool 5-7 Chelsea (2008/09 quarter-finals)
Man United 4-1 Arsenal (2008/09 semi-finals)
Lyon 3-2 Bordeaux (2009/10 quarter-finals)
Chelsea 1-3 Man United (2010/11 quarter-finals)
Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona (2010/11 semi-finals)
Barcelona 1-2 Atleti (2013/14 quarter-finals)
Atleti 0-1 Real Madrid (2014/15 quarter-finals)
Barcelona 2-3 Atleti (2015/16 quarter-finals)
Real Madrid 4-2 Atleti (2016/17 semi-finals)
Liverpool 5-1 Man City (2017/18 quarter-finals)
Spurs 4-4 Man City (2018/19 quarter-finals, Spurs won on away goals)
Milan 2-1 Napoli (2022/23 quarter-finals)
Milan 0-3 Inter (2022/23 semi-finals)
Brest 0-10 Paris (2024/25 knockout phase play-offs)
Real Madrid 2-2 Atleti (2024/25 round of 16, Real Madrid won 4-2 on penalties)
When “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane steps into the Circle, the ground literally shakes. Standing at a towering 6 feet in height and cutting an imposing figure as the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion, the Senegalese sensation is a marvel of human engineering.
But powering a machine that moves with such explosive agility requires more than just grit and training — it requires fuel, a massive amount of it.
While fans see the devastating slams and heavy hands that wrested the gold from previously unbeaten Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin in November 2024, few see the regimented, high-volume nutritional strategy required to maintain his 265-pound frame. For Kane, eating isn’t just a necessity — it’s a discipline as rigorous as martial arts itself.
The Engine Needs A Jumpstart
Contrary to what one might expect from a heavyweight giant, Kane’s day doesn’t begin with a feast. His mornings are focused on efficiency — getting just enough fuel to spark the engine before the real work begins.
Kane revealed what he has for breakfast, and it’s not as shocking as one might think:
“I’d start off my day with a breakfast of like three or four eggs before training. Normally I don’t eat much breakfast, but when I do, that’s what I have. After training, I’ll have a protein shake or an energy drink, some creatine.”
This lighter start allows him to train with intensity without being weighed down. But once the morning session wraps, the real refueling process begins.
Massive Meals For A Massive Champion
To maintain a fighting weight of around 275 pounds during camp — and up to 308 pounds in the off-season — Kane’s lunch and dinner are staggering in scale.
It’s not about complex recipes or fancy plating. It’s about volume and protein.
“I mostly eat rice and meat, and rice and fish, typically one kilogram of meat every meal — for both lunch and dinner. This keeps me strong. But when I’m not in camp, I’ll have extra things like pizza and cheeseburgers before bed.
“I don’t really like to snack, so I eat a lot of big meals. At my heaviest, I was at 140 kilos, and that’s just by eating whole foods. But when I’m in camp, I try to stay at around 125 kilos.”
If there is one secret weapon in the “Reug Reug” nutritional arsenal, it is lamb.
Kane’s affinity for the protein source is legendary among his team, and for good reason. It’s not just about taste. He views it as essential recovery food for the physical toll his body takes during training and in fights.
He revealed:
“Lamb chops — I love lamb chops. I can eat up to two kilograms of lamb chops in one sitting. After one of my fights in Thailand, I ate 18 lamb chops. Lamb chops have a lot of collagen, so it helps a lot with bone and muscle repair. It has a lot of iron and is really protein-dense.”
Growing up in Senegal, his foundation was built on thieboudienne, the country’s national dish. While he has had to refine his diet to meet the demands of championship-level MMA, he still keeps his heritage close to his plate — and occasionally shares it with his coaches.
Kane recalled:
“Obviously, my diet has changed. Back in Senegal, I ate a lot of traditional food. I loved thieboudienne. Every country has a national dish. This is Senegal’s national dish. I ate this a lot growing up. It’s rice and fish with carrots and cabbage, all cooked together.
“I also ate a lot of millet, which is a type of traditional wheat porridge. I had a lot of dibi, which is barbecued lamb meat. I love anything that’s grilled. It’s quite greasy, to be fair. So I’ve cut down on greasy food on my diet recently.”
Even a ONE World Champion has guilty pleasures. When out of camp, Kane admits to a weakness for the classics — “burgers and milkshakes, that kind of thing.” That said, perhaps the most critical component of his routine isn’t what he eats, but what he does immediately after.
Digesting two kilograms of meat is a workout in itself. For Kane, the post-meal ritual is sacred. It is the time when the fuel converts to power.
He concluded:
“When I wake up in the morning after breakfast, I go straight to the gym to train. That’s no problem. After lunch though, that’s not possible. I typically relax and sleep for three to four hours after a big meal. That’s how I maintain my strength and my size. I eat two kilos of meat and then go to sleep for three hours. It works for me.”
Canada entered the final day of men's hockey group play vulnerable to falling out of the No. 1 seed, even with a win, but they left absolutely no doubt with a 10-goal explosion against France.
The goal for Canada, however, was not to necessarily win their group or be the No. 1 seed. Anything less than gold would be a disappointment for this star-studded roster, and three more wins are still needed to get there.
The No. 1 seed did grant Canada a bye to the quarterfinals and prevent the Canadians from facing a potentially difficult matchup against Sweden to start the bracket portion of their tournament. So, what's next for Connor McDavid and co.?
Here's what you need to know about Canada's next game and a complete look at the Olympic men's hockey schedule.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule
Does Canada play today?
Canada does not play on Tuesday, so they will have a bit of an extended rest before the quarterfinals get started.
Tuesday's slate features four games involving teams that finished between seeds 5-12. The top four seeds advanced directly to the quarterfinals, and Canada easily earned a bye by securing the No. 1 overall seed with a 3-0 record and +17 goal differential in group play.
Canada will play its next game on Wednesday, Feb. 18, with puck drop set for 10:40 a.m. ET. The Canadians will face the winner of Tuesday's playoff matchup between No. 8 Czechia and No. 9 Denmark, as the quarterfinals are not reseeded.
The game will air on CBC and can streamed live on CBC Gem.
Canada has already faced one of its potential opponents, defeating Czechia 5-0 in the preliminary round. Regardless of who advances, Canada will be a heavy favorite to win in the quarterfinals.
Here's a complete look at the remaining Olympic men's hockey schedule.
Her Olympics came to an end on Sunday after the athlete, from Sandbach, Cheshire, failed to qualify for the final of the slopestyle event.
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke before the second event, her mum Vicky Brookes said it had been a stressful experience but her daughter had handled the pressure well.
"We're very proud of everything she's achieved," Vicky Brookes said. "It's been a difficulty journey; obviously coming from Cheshire and not being in the mountains full time.
"We're super proud of the work she's put in and the results she's achieved. It's just really, really exciting. It's been a wonderful journey."
She said of her daughter's fourth place in the big air contest: "It was unreal… I think everybody enjoyed the show more than the chance of having a medal."
Mia Brookes narrowly missed out on a medal in the snowboard big air final [PA Media]
Vicky Brookes and husband Nigel Brookes have been staying in a camper-van about half a mile (0.8km) from the athletes' village.
This enabled their daughter to escape the intensity of the venue, Vicky Brookes said, and spend time with her parents in between events or training.
This included trips out shopping, having dinner, watching movies or playing with Lego.
"It's just coming back to reality and coming down to earth," she added.
Mia Brookes has been snowboarding since she was 18 months old [PA Media]
Mia Brookes is among the biggest names in snowboarding, despite her young age, having become the sport's youngest senior world champion in 2023.
She is also a two-time gold medallist at the X Games, an invitation-only event widely seen as the holy grail of action sports.
The Team GB athlete first tried snowboarding aged just 18 months old at Kidsgrove Ski Centre in north Staffordshire.
Despite all her success, Vicky Brookes said her daughter remained "a normal 19-year-old kid" who goes through "the normal 19-year-old girl things".
"We have to lean into that as well as respecting her as an elite athlete, which is what she is now," she said.
"It can be very challenging but she's a great girl and we're really proud of her. There's a lot of stress, a lot of pressure but she does phenomenally well."
🤯 For the celebrity signing: club moves entire training camp abroad
It sounds a bit crazy, but it's true: Feyenoord has relocated its training program abroad at short notice. The reason is a single, prominent new star signing: Raheem Sterling.
After terminating his contract with Chelsea at the end of January, Sterling signed a contract last week until the end of the season with the second-placed team in the Dutch Eredivisie.
To integrate him into the team as quickly as possible, the club has gotten creative.
Since Sterling does not yet have a valid work permit for the Netherlands, his new team is accommodating him. Quite literally.
Rotterdam's coach Robin van Persie has reportedly organized a training camp in Belgium specifically for Sterling, according to reports from the 'Mirror' and 'Spox'.
The coach explained: "This is allowed abroad. We are doing this for him, but I also want to work on the development of our team. We can exchange ideas well and do something fun together."
The lack of a work permit is not the only obstacle for the first appearance of the 31-year-old Englishman. "We will see week by week when he is fit for a game. It will take some time, but that seems logical to me since he hasn't played for six months," added van Persie. Sterling did not collect a single minute of play in the first half of the season at Chelsea.
So it will probably take a while before the Rotterdam transfer coup really pays off.
At least the first training session with the new team won't be long in coming - even if it initially takes place not in the Netherlands, but in Belgium.
"I put down three really solid runs and I think maybe what shows is that you need to put four solid runs down to keep your position," added Nicoll.
"I was 11th going into the final run and maybe a lack of experience has not done me too well.
"My best performance so far in a World Cup has been 12th so to be sat 11th going into that final run was a great achievement and unfortunately I just couldn't lay down that fourth run."
Nicoll, from Welshpool, will have to shake off the disappointment as she turns her attention to the two-woman bobsleigh event as pilot alongside former GB sprinter Ashleigh Nelson.
"I am extremely disappointed and I do feel like I've let everybody down but I am sure I will process it and I'll take that with me into the two-woman," she said.
"The monobob was never the strong event coming into the Games, the two-woman has always been our stronger event. I am really proud of myself for the three solid runs and to be sat 11th going into the last run shows the potential.
"I know everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong and it is just one of those nightmare performances that I'll hopefully move on from."
Nicoll - a three-time British shot put champion - was a travelling reserve for the two-woman bobsleigh at the 2022 Games in Beijing where the monobob made its debut as a Winter Olympics event.
"Hopefully that shows people that this is raw and it is not all sunshine and rainbows," Nicoll added.
"I've had to overcome a lot of hurdles to even be here. I started off this season not even walking and had to overcome a serious injury to even be on the starting block today.
"I am just taking some accountability for that fourth run not being good enough and I need to pull it together for the two-woman."
Jamaica's Mica Moore, from Newport in south Wales, finished four places ahead of Nicoll in 14th and was delighted with the outcome having switched in 2022 from representing GB after claiming she had witnessed "damaging and offensive behaviour".
Moore told BBC Sport: "I'm so happy. It has been a real tough journey to get here, it hasn't been easy at all. I guess to me it is just a story of not giving up.
"I had a really difficult time with Great Britain and that is not secret at all and I'm just so proud I didn't give up on myself and I'm so grateful for my family and friends for digging myself out of the trenches when it was really tough and just keep going. Moments like this make it really worth it."
Moore began her sporting career as an athlete - representing Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games - before switching to bobsleigh.
Her grandfather, Venson Byfield, came to the UK in the Windrush generation and settled in Wales.
"It is a really proud moment," she added.
"I've spoken a lot about my grandfather and how we came over with the Windrush generation and I never got the pleasure of meeting him, but my mum has told me so many stories about him and I just had that in my heart the whole time. I just wanted to make my family proud.
"They've supported me for so long. I'm 33 now so I'm quite old and they've never wavered in their support.
"I've just had the most lovely career because of them."
Prospective Sheffield Wednesday owner facing legal battle with former business partner
Prospective Sheffield Wednesday owner James Bord has become the subject of a major legal battle in the United States, according to The Times.
The English businessman and former professional poker player led the group that won the race to take over Wednesday after the club’s administrators announced an agreement.
Bord is being sued by his former business partner, Jonathan Cohen, over his investment in Spanish second division club Cordoba, where he is both a part-owner and a director.
According to court papers filed in Clark County, Nevada, Bord allegedly misled Cohen during an investment deal linked to Cordoba in 2024.
In the complaint, Cohen says he was told Cordoba were debt-free when he agreed to invest. He now alleges that the club was in fact carrying debts of around $23 million (£16.9m) at the time.
Cohen argues that this information was crucial to his decision and that he would not have invested had he known the club’s true financial position.
The legal documents also claim that Bord wrongfully took control of a bitcoin account worth around $6m which belonged to Cohen.
In addition, Cohen says that Bord failed to formally confirm his stake in Cordoba through a written contract, ignoring numerous notifications to do so.
One of the more unusual claims in the filing is that Bord offered Cohen a “coupon” in exchange for a share in the club, a proposal Cohen’s team suggests was not a serious or fair arrangement.
Cohen’s lawyers, Holland & Hart LLP, are seeking punitive damages. They argue that Bord’s actions amount to fraud, oppression and deliberate wrongdoing.
Cohen has filed a total of seven separate claims, including fraudulent inducement, unjust enrichment and breach of confidence.
Bord’s representatives have responded by referring to the situation as a “deeply upsetting matter” for their client.
They have also claimed that over the past few years, Bord has “helped and supported Jonathan [Cohen] financially and personally, and has long considered him a friend”.
It remains to be seen how the situation will affect Bord’s Wednesday takeover, which is still pending green light from the English Football League.
US' Elana Meyers Taylor celebrates her gold medal after the Women's monobob 4th run Bobsleigh at the Cortina Sliding Center during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games. Robert Michael/dpa
Elana Meyers Taylor of the United States finally claimed a long-awaited Olympic bobsleigh gold with a win in the women's monobob at the Milan/Cortina Winter Games on Monday.
The 41-year-old had previously won five Olympic medals - three silvers and two bronzes - and broke into tears, celebrating with her children, after the last competitor, Laura Nolte, couldn't beat her time.
"It actually happened. It’s going to take a while for this to sink in. I still can’t believe it. I can’t even put into words what this means, I’m just so excited," she said.
"There were so many moments I thought it wasn’t possible, and I had some really good people in my corner who believed in me. And people from all over the world reaching out and telling me their stories, and how they had kids with Down syndrome, they had deaf kids, and how they believed in me, too," she added.
Her eldest son, Nico, was born with Down syndrome. He and his younger brother Noah have deafness due to a mutation unrelated to Down syndrome.
Meyers Taylor won with a combined time of 3 minutes 57.93 seconds from four runs.
Germany's Nolte had topped all the previous three heats, but she made too many mistakes at the top, losing precious time in the final run, and watching her 0.15 seconds lead vanish.
The World Cup winner had to settle for silver, 0.04 seconds behind Meyers Taylor, while bronze also went to the US with Kaillie Armsbruster Humphries.
"I'm a bit sad because at the moment it feels like I lost gold - and not that I won silver. In a few hours I think I can celebrate it, because it's still a great result," she said.
"If you lose speed at the upper part you can't catch it back on the down part. So I was angry, but I was still focusing on the next corners, because I was hoping that there's still a chance to somehow get closer, but it wasn't enough."
Humphries, meanwhile, stressed that she and Meyers Taylor are proof that mothers and older athletes can still compete at high level.
"You get a lot of people that like to write you off as soon as you reach 40, it's all downhill from there, is what you hear. I think Elana and I are both proof that that's not true," she said.
"As soon as you become a mom, your body's not the same, and you can never get that high performance back, and I think we were able to show that that's not true again.
"For every girl out there that wants that dream of being a high-performance athlete, to stand on an Olympic podium and be a mom at the same time, it can happen."
Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych speaks to media representatives in a hotel in Milan. Peter Kneffel/dpa
Skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych late on Monday said he had returned to Ukraine after being excluded from the Olympic competitions.
In a video posted on X, the 27-year-old appeared to record himself in darkness in central Kiev. He said he was standing near St Sophia's Cathedral, which could not be seen behind him because of Russian attacks.
Heraskevych criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC), saying more and more Russian athletes were returning to international arenas, "while Ukrainians continue to live through a humanitarian catastrophe caused by Russian shelling."
"When the IOC plays along with Russian propaganda, it effectively becomes complicit in these crimes," he wrote.
Heraskevych was disqualified shortly before the start of the skeleton events at the Winter Olympics in Italy after refusing to remove a helmet that had been banned by the IOC. The helmet featured images of more than 20 athletes who have died since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In an expedited procedure, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the decision by the sport's governing body, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF).
According to the guidelines of the Olympic Charter, athletes are prohibited from making political statements during an ongoing competition. Heraskevych argues that the gesture is a commemoration rather than a political statement, something he says other athletes have been allowed to do.
Last year was one of the wilder seasons in recent memory for the Boston Red Sox. From the team’s slow start and shocking Rafael Devers trade to its stunning second-half turnaround and eventual playoff loss to the New York Yankees, there was no shortage of drama.
It was a good learning experience for the Red Sox’s young stars, many of whom got their first taste of a postseason race and October baseball as the team made the playoffs for the first time in four years.
The season was a marathon for Boston, which enters 2026 looking to build on last year’s success and go deeper into the postseason this fall after winning just one playoff game last year.
During an interview with NESN at spring training on Monday, All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran revealed the biggest lesson that the Red Sox learned from last year’s disappointing postseason exit.
Duran on turning 30 this year: "I don't feel 30, I don't act 30… this sucks." 🤣
Catch the full convo with Duran at 6 ET on Red Sox From Fort Myers 🌴
“I think the biggest thing is now we know what it takes to get there,” Duran said. “I think that’s a big thing for a lot of teams. I feel like getting there is the hardest part, and then once you get there and you get a taste of it, you’re like alright, now I know how to get there.”
Duran was a rookie during Boston’s previous playoff run in 2021 but didn’t play in the postseason that year, so last season was his first taste of October baseball. Unfortunately, he struggled against the Yankees, going 1-for-11 with four strikeouts and making a key defensive mistake.
Playoff baseball is different than the regular season. Now that Duran and his teammates have some experience under the bright lights, hopefully they’ll do better next time.
That said, Duran appreciates how difficult it is to reach the postseason in the first place.
“It really takes 162 when you really break it down,” Duran said, noting how teams get hold and cold throughout the season.
The Red Sox saw that last year. They weren’t a playoff team during the first half, but they hit their stride in early July and played much better during the second half, especially on the mound.
Regardless of what happens, Duran is looking forward to a new season.
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