Samsung just released three new teasers of the Galaxy S26 series, showcasing the new camera design, zoom capabilities, and nightography.

The South Korean tech giant earlier revealed the Privacy Display feature. This intelligent feature safeguards your on-screen content from peeping eyes. Later, another teaser surfaced to create hype for an imminent launch event.

Three new teasers on camera

One thing is common in all three teasers: the camera bump design. Samsung has crafted a pretty camera island for its 2026 flagships. The new teasers give us our first official look at the design in the most brilliant way possible.

Samsung’s latest teasers focus on camera capabilities. The video starts from a distance, with the text “CLOSER,” “GROOVE,” and “GLOW” turning “CLOOOSER,” “GROOOVE,” and “GLOOOW,” respectively.

The triple O comes into focus and evolves into the camera design of the upcoming flagships.

One teaser shows a camera viewfinder capturing a dog inside a car from a distance. It highlights the camera quality, which captures decent shots even of distant objects.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series [Teaser 3] pic.twitter.com/rYLGhtzRxP

— Sammy Fans – We Samsung! (@thesammyfans) February 4, 2026

The second teaser puts night videography of the devices on display. The device is shown capturing a lady enjoying celebratory moments somewhere at an event where a lighting environment isn’t favorable.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series [Teaser 1] pic.twitter.com/ij9tMsKiXQ

— Sammy Fans – We Samsung! (@thesammyfans) February 4, 2026

The third teaser potentially spotlighted camera presets that turn regular videos into cinematic clips. The text here used is “GLOW,” which signals at night videos that don’t look dull, and other phones can’t match the level.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series [Teaser 2] pic.twitter.com/4RjBEOMa4q

— Sammy Fans – We Samsung! (@thesammyfans) February 4, 2026

Samsung is preparing to hold the Galaxy Unpacked on February 25. It will be an in-person event in San Francisco, with the Buds 4 series also coming. Expect the general sale to open on March 11, the day the new devices hit market shelves.

The post Samsung teases Galaxy S26 camera design, zoom and nightography appeared first on Sammy Fans.

While Samsung's latest flagships receive seven years of security updates (and seven major Android OS updates), that hasn't always been the case. And so, five years after their release, the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra are no longer going to receive any updates from this point forward. The trio launched in January of 2021, and they were each promised to receive four major Android updates and five years of security patches. Those five years are up now. So, if you own one of these three phones, perhaps now is the best time to start looking for a replacement, seeing as how you won't be...

Neymar’s decision to sign a new deal with Santos was driven by his plan to regain full fitness and push for a return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While acknowledging that the final roster is still not set, head coach Carlo Ancelotti made clear that there are firm conditions Neymar must meet to be included in Brazil’s plans.

Since Ancelotti took over as Brazil’s head coach, Neymar’s potential return to the national team has remained a constant topic of discussion. However, a combination of recurring injuries and frank conversations between the star and the Italian manager has delayed that comeback, raising questions about Neymar’s availability for what he hopes will be his final World Cup.

Speaking Monday at a CBF event in Rio de Janeiro announcing a new sponsor, Ancelotti addressed whether the World Cup list has already been defined: “It is not decided. At the first press conference, I said that Brazil is fortunate to have many good players. The list is not closed, but we are close to the final squad. There are some positions that are not completely defined.“

That statement immediately fueled speculation about Neymar’s chances, particularly after Ancelotti described him as “the most talented player in the country.” Still, the coach drew a clear line regarding the forward’s physical condition. “If he’s 100 percent physically, not 80 percent,” Ancelotti stressed.

Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came on Oct. 17, 2023, against Uruguay in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, when he suffered a torn ACL that sidelined him for more than a year. Since then, four different head coaches have occupied Brazil’s bench, including Ancelotti, yet the former Barcelona star has not been recalled.

At present, Neymar continues his recovery with Santos after undergoing knee surgery last year to repair a meniscus injury. The forward has returned to training with Peixe, and expectations are that he could make his return to the pitch next Wednesday in the Brasileirão clash against São Paulo.

Brazil’s preparations before 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup could mark the final appearance for a core group of Canarinha veterans, including Casemiro (33), Alex Sandro (35), Alisson (33), Marquinhos (31) and, of course, Neymar (33). As part of the buildup, Brazil face a challenging schedule designed to help Ancelotti refine his squad.

Brazil’s next matches will come during the March international window, beginning with a showdown against France on the 26th, followed by a clash with Croatia on the 31st. Additional friendlies ahead of the tournament have yet to be confirmed, with Brazil set to open their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco, a match many fans hope will feature Neymar back in the Seleção lineup.

It's almost here... one of the best sports months of the year is almost here. So why don't we start to look ahead to see where our Spartans could be landing when March Madness is officially upon us.

Michigan State basketball is once again having a strong season, with the Spartans currently sitting in the top 10 nationally as we enter February. The Spartans are 19-3 overall and 9-2 in Big Ten play, and are considered by some already a lock to be dancing in March again this year. The question now really becomes how do they finish the season and where do they land when Selection Sunday rolls around on March 15?

Bracketology has become a year around thing, but it really starts to hit differently when we get this late in the season. The loose projections of which teams could be a top seed or on the bubble in November become more and more clear as games begin in February. So with that being said, let's do a quick roundup of some notable bracketology posts that have came out in the last few days, and see where our Spartans are currently positioned to start the month of February.

USA TODAY Sports

Seed / Region: No. 3 seed in West Region

First Round Opponent: No. 14 seed North Dakota State in Greenville, S.C.

My Thoughts: I like the draw overall for the Spartans. The seed line seems fitting for where they are currently ranked, and this seems like a manageable path (North Dakota State, No. 6 seed Louisville then No. 2 seed Gonzaga) to the Elite Eight before a potential matchup with No. 1 ranked Arizona.

Click here to see full bracket projection

ESPN

Seed / Region: No. 3 seed in West Region

First Round Opponent: No. 14 seed Wright State in Buffalo, N.Y.

My Thoughts: This is a comparable draw to the previous bracket projection from USA TODAY Sports, with a similar potential second round matchup against No. 6 seed Louisville and potential Sweet 16 matchup against No. 2 seed Gonzaga. The main difference is playing in Buffalo vs. Greenville -- so I guess if you're traveling as a fan, going south in March beats going further north...

Click here to see full bracket projection

The Field of 68 (On3)

Seed / Region: No. 3 seed in East Region

First Round Opponent: No. 14 seed East Tennessee State

My Thoughts: I'm seeing a trend here that Michigan State is a No. 3 seed by nearly everyone in the bracketology field right now. Notable difference in this bracket projection, though, is that Michigan State landed in the East Region, which could mean a potential rematch against Duke in the Elite Eight if things were to shake out that way. I wouldn't mind another crack at the Blue Devils with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Click here to see full bracket projection

NCAA.com (Andy Katz)

Seed / Region: No. 3 seed in South Region

First Round Opponent: No. 14 seed UC Irvine in Buffalo, N.Y.

My Thoughts: This may be my least favorite draw for the Spartans when you do the look ahead to the second weekend. If things were to go chalk, Michigan State would be playing No. 2 seed Houston in a Sweet 16 matchup based in Houston -- that's not ideal at all and would be awfully similar to having to play Auburn in Atlanta in the Elite Eight last year.

Click here to see full bracket projection

FOX Sports

Seed / Region: No. 3 seed in West Region

First Round Opponent: No. 14 seed Harvard

My Thoughts: This is another draw that I like when you look ahead to potential second round and Sweet 16 matchups. If things were to go chalk, Michigan State would face No. 6 seed St. John's and No. 2 seed Gonzaga en route to potentially facing No. 1 Arizona in the Elite Eight. There's no easy matchups in March, but I would like this draw for the Spartans.

Click here to see full bracket projection

CBS Sports

Seed / Region: No. 3 seed in South Region

First Round Opponent: No. 14 seed East Tennessee State

My Thoughts: This would be an interesting draw for the Spartans as chalk would have them playing a pair of rematches. First would be No. 6 seed Kentucky in the second round, and then No. 2 seed Illinois in the Sweet 16. We will see this weekend how the Spartans stack up with the Fighting Illini, but I personally don't like rematches in the NCAA Tournament -- especially if it's a team you already beat earlier in the year.

Click here to see full bracket projection

Overall Thoughts

It's clear that if Selection Sunday were today, Michigan State would be a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That is exactly where I'd put them as well so I have no beef with any of these projections.

As we look ahead, Michigan State has a number of high-level games remaining on the schedule in February and into March, so there will be opportunities to raise (or drop) that seed line one or two spots. But assuming they don't tank down the stretch, we are looking at the Spartans most likely landing anywhere between a No. 2 seed through No. 5 seed -- with an outside chance at a No. 1 seed if they really do some damage late in the season. That will allow an opportunity for another run in March this upcoming season for the Spartans.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: 'Bracketology' Roundup: Analyzing where MSU basketball lands in latest bracket projections

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Silas Demary Jr. had 17 points, Tarris Reed Jr. added 14 points, and Braylon Mullins had all 13 of his points in the first half as third-ranked UConn rolled to a 92-60 victory over Xavier on Tuesday night to remain perfect in Big East play.

Eric Reibe had 14 points and Jayden Ross had 11 points as UConn (22-1, 12-0) extended its winning streak to 18 games. It is the third-longest winning streak in UConn men's basketball history and the longest since the 1998-99 season. The 12-0 start in the Big East is the best since UConn's 1995-96 team won its first 14 conference games.

All Wright had 14 points while Roddie Anderson III and Malik Messina-Moore added 10 points each for Xavier (12-11, 4-8). Tre Carroll, the Big East’s leading scorer who averaged 26.4 points over his previous five games, was held to nine points.

Mullins had 10 of UConn's first 12 points as the Huskies raced to a 16-2 lead. UConn shot 61% in the first half to take a 50-22 lead at halftime. The 28-point halftime lead is the largest in conference play for UConn this season. The Huskies won consecutive conference games by more than 20 points for just the second time in the last 10 seasons.

Xavier showed signs of life with Anthony Robinson, Isaiah Walker and Anderson keying a 9-0 run, but that only cut UConn's lead to 25.

Xavier plays at No. 22 St. John's on Monday night.

UConn plays at St. John's on Friday night.

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Heather By Elegance and M By Elegance beat ZaRuca to retain the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship during "WWE NXT."

Former TNA Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance accompanied the champions alongside the Personal Concierge, George Menezes, who tried to get involved but ultimately made little difference to the favorable outcome. 

Sol Ruca and Zaria entered the match with tension between them, the latter unhappy that the former was involved in the Women's Royal Rumble over the weekend as opposed to her. That issue carried over into the match, with Ruca getting offense in on the champions before Zaria turned down an opportunity to tag in; Ruca forced the tag out to Zaria anyway. 

Likewise, when the opportunity arose for Zaria to tag back out to her partner, she chose not to – much to the chagrin of Ruca. That carried on until Zaria had absolutely no choice but to tag in her partner. But then when Ruca needed her, Zaria lay on the floor shaking her head. 

When she did get back into the affair, her argument with her partner continued before they went for a powerslam-Sol Snatcher combo, failing to connect as Ruca instead planted Zaria to the mat. Thus, Zaria was pinned to ensure the Elegance Brand remain the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions. 

Zaria has yet to win a title since joining "NXT" and has been increasingly frustrated as Ruca continues to earn opportunities such as the Royal Rumble appearance, as well as Ruca's run as double-champion throughout last year.

Read more: Meet The Real-Life Partners Of The NXT Roster

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Cameron Boozer had 19 points and 12 rebounds as No. 4 Duke took control early in beating Boston College 67-49 on Tuesday night for its 10th straight victory.

Isaiah Evans scored 12 for the Blue Devils (21-1, 10-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who posted their fewest points in a league game this season but still rolled to a comfortable win ahead of Saturday's showdown with rival North Carolina.

Boston College (9-13, 2-7), which has lost three in a row and seven of nine, matched its season-low point total. Fred Payne had 14 points for the Eagles, who are 0-4 against ranked opponents over the past month.

Boozer, a freshman who entered as the nation's top scorer at 23.5 points per game, shot 3 for 9 from the field in the second half but finished with a season-high five steals.

Duke scored the first 13 points — seven by Boozer — and built an 18-point lead before going into halftime up 42-27 after Boozer’s drive through the lane for a thunderous dunk. The Blue Devils shot 60.7% from the floor in the period.

Boston College, which went 5 for 20 on 3-point attempts and 4 of 9 on free throws, has never won in 15 visits to Durham.

Boston College plays Miami on Saturday in the first of three straight home games.

Duke visits No. 14 North Carolina on Saturday.

___

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Welp, the Boogey Man is back, and his name is Scottie Scheffler. Fortunately, we got to have a little fun last week, as Stephen Hennessey cashed a huge 60-1 winner with Justin Rose at the Farmers Insurance Open. Fun time is now over.

Unless, of course, you believe in the underdog story, which has been the prevailing story at this tournament the last two years with wins from longshots Thomas Detry and Nick Taylor. Of course, Scheffler went back-to-back the two years prior. So there's that.

The Golf Digest betting panel is comprised of Pat Mayo of Underdog/Mayo Media Network, Andy Lack of the Inside Sports Network, Ryan Noonan of Betsperts, your two authors and Keith Stewart, the CEO of Read The Line.

RELATED: WM Phoenix Open DFS picks 2026: Why I’m all in on Jordan Spieth this week

Scroll down for our complete betting analysis of the 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open:

Pat Mayo, Underdog/Fantasy National, Mayo Media Network analyst: Cameron Young (25-1, FanDuel) — Cam shook off the rust last week and managed a solid (but not great) ball-striking performance—right where he left off in 2025, yet much closer to those numbers from where he was at this point last year. We know the driver is going to be elite, something essential at a driver-heavy course, but Torrey marked the fifth time in six starts he gained at least 2.85 strokes on approach against the field. Young’s gained an average of +6.31 SG/putting the last two years in Phoenix. Sniff that number again, along with the regular ball-striking and we have ourselves a winner.

Keith Stewart, PGA, Read The Line: Maverick McNealy (35-1, Bet365) — I really like the way Maverick McNealy is playing this year. McNealy has gained an average of 5.5 strokes/total in his two starts. That does sound great, but what I really love, Maverick is gaining in every strokes gained category in each start! Coming off a top 10 at the Farmers, Maverick is a top gun at TPC Scottsdale. His last two starts at the WM Phoenix Open? Sixth and ninth.

Ryan Noonan, Content Manager 4for4/Betsperts: Maverick McNealy (33-1, BetRivers) — Let’s pretend that Scottie Scheffler isn’t going to win, even though I don’t believe that. The sample is small, but McNealy's ball speed is up 2 mph so far in 2026. That added distance pairs well with his improved iron play and elite short game. McNealy was second in the field in proximity from 150-175 yards on Sunday at Torrey Pines, and he's finished T-6 and T-9 the past two years in Scottsdale.

Stephen Hennessey, Golf Digest managing editor: Kurt Kitayama (56-1, without Scottie Scheffler market, Bet365) — Scheffler's coming off a five-stroke win in a putting contest and returning to a venue he’s already won twice. I think the “without Scottie Scheffler” market is the play this week. The value here is Kitayama at 56-1. The 3M Open winner can rack up the birdies and is a top-20 off-the-tee and approach player over the past 12 months, per Betsperts Golf’s Rabbit Hole. He’s also top 20 in SG/total at TPC Scottsdale in this career, so despite losing strokes/putting in every event back to August, if we get some positive putting this week, he’s live ... at least finish second.

Christopher Powers, Golf Digest senior writer: Jordan Spieth (50-1, Caesars Sportsbook) — Like so many of you out there, I simply don’t know how to quit this man, especially at TPC Scottsdale, where he’s gone T-4/T-6/T-6/T-60/T-4 in his last five trips. As Ron Klos pointed out in our DFS column this week, course history carries significant weight at Scottsdale, and Spieth has it in abundance.

Andy Lack, Inside Sports Network: Cameron Young (25-1, BetOnline) — Cameron Young is coming off a solid 22nd-place finish at Torrey Pines where he gained strokes in all three major tee-to-green categories. Young is now returning to TPC Scottsdale where he has already recorded two top-12 finishes in four appearances.

Past results: We have our FIRST winner of 2026, with Stephen Hennessey correctly predicting Justin Rose’s victory at Torrey Pines at 60-1!

Listen to Golf Digest's weekly betting podcast, "The Loop," (below) where we interview the industry's leading experts (and sometimes tour pros) to help you make your bets and pick your fantasy lineups. And be sure to subscribe to "The Loop" wherever you get your podcasts!

Mayo: Brooks Koepka (45-1, BetMGM) — I needed to see something from Brooks at Torrey Pines and I did. Despite a T-56 result, Brooks was 11th tee-to-green on the South Course, he just happened to lose an ungodly 7.23 strokes putting. Worst in the field. Now, this isn’t a new thing. Koepka has been plagued by terrible putting for over a year now. It’s unfortunate he didn’t leave that issue with LIV. In his post-round interview, it was mentioned how he spent hours working on his putting stroke Saturday evening. And out worked, kind of. After losing 5.45 strokes in round three Brooks only lost 0.31 on Sunday. Improvement! This is probably going to persist all year but TPC Scottsdale is a perfect spot to spike back the other way and start rolling it in the cup. In five career Phoenix starts, Koepka has two wins, a T-3, and has never lost strokes putting in any of those appearances; gaining an average of 3.37 strokes.

Stewart: Kurt Kitayama (70-1, Bet365) — If you want players to challenge the present-day king, you’ll need a serious ball-striker. Kurt Kitayama has gained tee to green in 13 straight measured events. You can’t slip by Scottie without the putter, and that can be a weakness for Kurt. The greens at TPC Scottsdale are pretty flat, and Kitayama has conquered them twice, gaining over three strokes with the putter in two of his three desert starts. Any player will need the planets to align if they are going to get Scheffler, but Kurt’s isn’t too far apart.

Noonan: Kurt Kitayama (70-1, Bet365) — Kurt Kitayama is among the leaders in the field in driving distance, and he trails only "you-know-who" in SG/tee-to-green on courses with average, easy, and very easy scoring conditions over the past 12 months. We're looking to pick a winner here, not someone to make the cut, so I like the putting upside when paired with his exceptional tee-to-green chops. Per Betsperts Golf, he’s gained strokes on the greens in eight of his 12 rounds played at TPC Scottsdale.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Andrew Novak (76-1, without Scottie Scheffler, DraftKings) — Shoutout to our guy Tom & Marty’s on X, who went viral for his Scheffler hot take. A scorching hot premonition he’s put out in the universe since December was Andrew Novak winning this event. I’m absolutely on board and love the form he’s giving us—equaling Justin Rose’s SG/approach numbers last week at Torrey Pines. He told us on The Loop podcast last year he loves the WM Phoenix Open, and he finished T-8 here in 2024.

Powers, Golf Digest: Max Greyserman (150-1, BetRivers) — This was the first bet I made Monday morning, because the number is flat-out disrespectful. Over the last 18 months, Greyserman has finished in the top four six times. His ceiling is as high as anybody’s, and it feels like a matter of when, not if, he nabs his first win this year. If you’re giving me triple digits on him, I’m taking it.

Lack: Rasmus Hojgaard (66-1, BetRivers) — Rasmus Hojgaard was my pick to win last week, and while he certainly underwhelmed with a 30th-place finish, I was still impressed with what I saw from the big-hitting Dane. Hojgaard gained over a stroke off the tee in three rounds at the South Course, and he finished 12th at TPC Scottsdale last year.

RELATED: LIV Golf sounds off after finally receiving World Ranking points

Mayo: Hideki Matsuyama (25-1, BetRivers) — If Hideki was driving the ball anywhere near the standard he was producing in his back-to-back wins in his Phoenix era, he’d likely be the main competition for Scottie. But he’s nowhere near that with a driver in his hand anymore. Yet he’s still a betting favorite at this event. Pass.

Stewart: Xander Schauffele (20-1, BetMGM) — Something about Xander Schauffele’s game is off since the rib injury early last year. I know he won in the fall, but his ball-striking just has not been the same. Phoenix requires great driving to contend, let alone win. With the cut streak behind him, Schauffele should be working on his game in preparation for major season. If he’s looking ahead, so am I this week.

Noonan: Jake Knapp (40-1, FanDuel) — I’ve seen a handful of folks discuss Jake Knapp as a viable look this week, coming off back-to-back strong showings at Waialae (T-11) and Torrey Pines (T-5). He’s bleeding strokes on approach of late, losing 0.52 strokes per round over his past 24. His putter is doing a lot of the heavy lifting with his recent success, but I’m going to let others chase that this week.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Sam Burns (22-1, Betsperts) — This number is way too short for someone who was mediocre at The AMEX, an event where he typically performs well. He’s missed the cut in three of his seven appearances at the WM Phoenix Open. I’d need to see more from him than considering him at this number.

Powers, Golf Digest: Xander Schauffele (20-1, BetMGM) — After his cut streak ended last week, Schauffele seemed to allude to some last-minute equipment-tinkering as the reason he didn’t find the weekend. He’s good enough to be able to clean that up quickly, but I’ll pass on him here.

Lack: J.J. Spaun (33-1, FanDuel) — After a breakout season in 2025, I’m expecting a bit of regression from J.J. Spaun in 2026. The reigning U.S. Open champion is still being priced like the player he was in 2025, despite beginning the season with two underwhelming results at the Sony Open and Farmers Insurance Open.

Mayo: Cameron Young (-110) over Hideki Matsuyama (Coolbet) — My pick to win over my biggest fade. If I can’t bet this, what can I bet?

Stewart: Brooks Koepka (+162) over JJ Spaun (FanDuel) — JJ Spaun’s iron game is off, and his putter is a problem. Spaun has lost strokes with the flatstick in four straight measured events. TPC Scottsdale is not a great venue for the U.S. Open champion, while Brooks Koepka looks like he has been practicing. Eleventh in the field at Torrey T2G, Koepka heads to a venue where he has won twice. I’ll take the plus odds in this matchup and the trend in the desert.

Noonan: Corey Conners (+100) over Sahith Theegala (FanDuel) — Let’s give Corey Conners a look at a place that demands elite ball-striking to have success. Conners is going to keep the ball in play off the tee, and while he’s not a strong putter, he’s at his best on fast greens, which we have this week at TPC Scottsdale. Over the past 12 months, Conners ranks fifth in SG/putting on fast greens.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Jake Knapp (+100) over Harris English (BetMGM) — Knapp has a significant off-the-tee advantage over English, which is big at TPC Scottsdale, leading to an edge on the par 5s, crucial for scoring around here. Knapp's coming off a T-5 and a T-11 to start the year, and I think he just needs a top 20 here to win this matchup.

Powers, Golf Digest: Pierceson Coody (-120) over Harry Hall (Bet365) — Coody is one of three players to finish top 20 in all three events this year, hits the ball a mile and has the better approach numbers than Hall. I’m high on the Englishman this year overall, but I’m going with the extremely hot hand here.

Lack: Harris English (-140) over Corey Conners (Southpoint) — Harris English is a bet for me and one of my favorite plays on the board. English has recorded five top-20 finishes at the Phoenix Open and is coming off a top-25 finish at the Farmers where he gained 2.2 strokes off the tee and 5.1 strokes on approach. Corey Conners, on the other hand, has continually struggled to find his footing at TPC Scottsdale.

Matchup Results from the Farmers: Stewart: 1 for 1 (English (-118) over Zalatoris); Lack: 1 for 1 (Matsuyama (-120) over Spaun); Mayo: 1 for 1 (Knapp (+105) over Clark); Powers: 1 for 1 (Thorbjornsen (-105) over Higgo); Noonan: 1 for 1 (Thorbjornsen (-105) over Higgo); Hennessey: 1 for 1 (Rodgers (-120) over Higgo)

Matchup Results from the 2026 season (Wins-Losses-Pushes): Stewart: 3-0-0 (up 2.65 units); Lack: 3-0-0 (up 2.6 units); Mayo: 2-1-0 (up 1.14 units); Powers: 2-1-0 (up 0.95 units); Noonan: 1-2-0 (down 1.05 units); Hennessey: 1-2-0 (down 1.17 units)

Mayo: Pierceson Coody (+550, BetRivers) — With his T-2 at Torrey Pines, Coody has now reeled off three straight top 20s to kick off 2026. Finishing fourth in tee-to-green, Coody led all players in driving. A good sign considering he’s heading to a course where players hit driver 90 percent of the time.

Stewart: Si Woo Kim (+255, DraftKings) — The ball-striking for Si Woo Kim is in a really nice place. Eleventh at the Sony, sixth at The American Express (held the 54-hole lead), and runner-up at the Farmers. Kim is averaging +7 strokes on the field T2G per start, and he gained with the putter at Torrey Pines! The approach play is on fire, and now Si Woo heads to Scottsdale, where he has not finished outside the top 26 in four years. I’m taking the 10 places and a winning ticket to the window on Sunday.

Noonan: Pierceson Coody (+550, BetRivers) — Coody models very well across many key metrics this week, ranking among the top ten in SG/off-the-tee on driver-heavy courses, Going for the Green percentage, Birdie or Better percentage, and Bogey Avoidance. He's started the season with three straight T-18 or better finishes, and this course sets up incredibly well for his game. Hennessey, Golf Digest: Sahith Theegala (+450, Bet365) — I love how encouraged Theegala sounded after Torrey Pines last week, saying he felt 100 percent after his injury struggles last year. He’s coming off back-to-back top 10s at Torrey and AMEX, and now returns to one of his favorite courses, TPC Scottsdale. Powers, Golf Digest: Tony Finau (+1100, BetRivers) — Absolutely gutting finish last week, as a late bogey on 16 was the difference between T-11 and T-10 at Torrey for Tony. Despite the strong finish and the fact he was top 11 in the field both off-the-tee and on approach, we’re getting almost an identical large top 10 number at a course Finau has had success at. I’ll fall right back down that well. Lack: J.T. Poston (+550, BetRivers) — J.T. Poston has been solid at TPC Scottsdale, and he finished 16th at this event last year. Poston is coming off a 38th at the American Express where he gained 4.6 strokes on approach in two rounds at the Stadium Course. He is also one of the best over-seeded Poa putters in this field. Top-10 results from the Farmers: Noonan: 1 for 1 (Maverick McNealy +360); Everybody else: 0 for 1

Top-10 results from the 2026 season: Lack: 1 for 3 (up 4 units); Stewart: 1 for 3 (up 2.1 units); Powers: 1 for 3 (up 2.1 units); Noonan: 1 for 3 (up 1.6 units); Mayo: 1 for 3 (up 1.2 units); Hennessey: 0 for 3 (down 3 units) About our experts  Pat Mayo is an award-winning video host and producer of long and short-form content, and the host of The Pat Mayo Experience daily talk show. Mayo helped create the golf stats and research website Fantasy National along with the Race for the Mayo Cup One and Done contest. Mayo won the 2022 Fantasy Sports Writing Association Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and is a finalist for three FSWA Awards in 2023 (Best Podcast, Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year, Golf Writer of the Year). His 27 FSWA nominations lead all writers this decade and are second-most all-time. Follow him on Twitter: @ThePME.

Keith Stewart is a five-time award-winning PGA professional, a betting contributor for Golf Digest and founder of Read The Line, the premier on-site live golf betting insights service covering the LPGA and PGA TOUR. Subscribe to Read The Line’s weekly newsletter here and raise your golf betting acumen. Keith's winning content can also be found on Sports Grid, Bleacher Report and The Sporting News. Follow him on Twitter @readtheline_.

Ryan Noonan is the Betting Content Manager for 4for4 and Betsperts Golf, writing articles and hosting multiple shows under the Betsperts Group umbrella, including Move The Line and our Betsperts Golf Betting Show. Find him on Twitter: @RyNoonan.

Andy Lack is a PGA Tour writer and podcaster from New York City who now resides in Los Angeles. Andy is the founder and CEO of Inside Sports Network, a website devoted to the predictive quality of advanced analytics and golf course architecture. He came to Golf Digest’s betting panel after previously writing for Run Pure Sports, RickRunGood.com, the Score and GolfWRX. In his free time, Andy can likely be found on a golf course. Follow him on Twitter: @adplacksports.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from January 2026: Here are the nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie's Submission of the Month award for January.

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.

Nominee: Pierre Manzo def Nicolas Santos at ARES 38

Pierre Manzo continued the strong start to his young career with a tenacious choke out of Nicolas Santos in a welterweight regional bout in France.

Once Manzo (2-0) snatched onto an anaconda choke, he was relentless. He wouldn't let go of Santos' (4-2) neck until the fight was over, all of which happened in just 94 seconds.

View this post on Instagram

Nominee: Jonathan Micallef def. Oban Elliott at UFC 325

Jonathan Micallef rallied to score a conclusive stoppage in his second octagon appearance against Oban Elliott.

Micallef (8-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) became the first to submit Elliott (12-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in MMA competition when he put him to sleep with a rear-naked choke less than four minutes into the second round of a fight he was losing.

JUST LIKE THAT 💥

Jonathan Micallef gets the submission victory in round two! #UFC325

[ LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/m9QX7dEu2I

— UFC (@ufc) February 1, 2026

Nominee: Billy Elekana def. Junior Tafa at UFC 325

Billy Elekana picked up his third UFC win in a row when he submitted Junior Tafa in the second round of their light heavyweight.

The first round was a slugfest as both men slung leather toward the other. Tafa (6-5 MMA, 2-5 UFC) landed his fair share of hard blows, but Elekana (10-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) neutralized danger, got the fight to the ground and finish with a rear-naked choke.

Make that 3 in a row for Billy Elekana 👊

He's leaving #UFC325 with the submission victory!

[ LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Q05S8fqAcg

— UFC (@ufc) February 1, 2026

The winner: Quillan Salkilld def. Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 325

Quillan Salkilld continues to look like the real deal as a future lightweight contender with a one-sided finish of Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 325.

After making waves in his previous octagon appearance with a vicious head kick knockout of Nasrat Haqparast, Australia's Salkilld (11-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) reminded everyone that his ground game is serious, too, when he took Mullarkey (18-9 MMA, 6-7 UFC) down early, moved to the back and forced a tap due to what was announced as a rear-naked choke, but looked like a neck crack.

Wasted no time in this one tonight 😤@QuillanSalkilld gets the submission victory in round one! #UFC325

[ LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/PoMvr4be8a

— UFC (@ufc) February 1, 2026

Although it wasn't the most flashy finish, Salkilld became the first to submit 15-year veteran Mullarkey in MMA competition, and at 26, is showing signs of being the next great Australian fighter.

"Sometimes it ends nice and simple in the first round," Salkilld said in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. "I come into these fights expecting everything. We're staying active and we're getting that top 15 opponent next. We don't care who it is."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: MMA Junkie's Submission of the Month for January: Quillan Salkilld

C.J. Stroud was destined to change his narrative entering Year 4 with the Houston Texans, but no one ever thought that included his look.

Sometimes change is a good thing, so maybe a fresh new cut will change more than just his image for 2026.

Stroud was seen on X Tuesday morning donning a new 'do, moving off his signature locks for a shorter fade. He was seen on a post from Christian influencer Michael Lopez looking smooth with a clean, short fade haircut.

Looks like C.J. Stroud has a new look going this offseason.

📸: believermike on Instagram pic.twitter.com/lRv505cYjj

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) February 3, 2026

While his hair had grown out in recent years, Stroud's short look hasn't been on display since his senior year at Rancho Cucamonga High School. Back then, it was a fresh start for the young California product before he became a two-time Heisman finalist out in Columbus.

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud will look a little different when he takes his helmet off next year…Thanks to @HoustonWigQueen and Stroud’s personal barber KaseKuttz @KATCH_A_KASE#Texans#Sarge#BigSargeMediapic.twitter.com/SK3CfQR0co

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) February 3, 2026

While Stroud did struggle in the postseason, he also helped Houston secure the longest winning streak in the NFL to close out the regular season at nine games. He also guided a pair of scoring drives in the wild-card round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including finding Christian Kirk for a touchdown in the second quarter.

In three seasons, Stroud has gone 28-18 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs. He's thrown for 10,876 yards, 62 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while also completing 63.8 percent of his throws. This past year, the team's 12-wins, Stroud threw for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns while also tacking on a pair of rushing scores.

Maybe, just maybe, this new style could be just the right thing to change more than just his approach to 2026. The Texans probably won't see Stroud much from now until OTAs, but the last time he changed things up, that led to Houston winning a division title in 2023.

The Texans also own eight picks in the NFL draft, including four in the top 70.  

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: LOOK: Texans C.J. Stroud changes more than approach with fresh haircut

Real Madrid did not choose to sign a midfielder in the summer, following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in successive years. It was a decision that has been hotly debated, with the club feeling they had sufficient talent to transition to a new midfield. More recently, it has been reported that a midfielder is a priority for the upcoming summer.

Los Blancos were credited with interest in Kees Smit and Adam Wharton, but decided against moving for either of them. The Dutch talent remains on Real Madrid’s shortlist, but then manager Xabi Alonso was in favour of moving for Martin Zubimendi. As it was, the former Real Sociedad midfielder had agreed a €70m move to Arsenal, but has been highlighted by some in Spain as the ideal signing for Los Blancos.

Zubimendi responds to missing link idea

Speaking after Arsenal’s progress to the Carabao Cup final, following a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, the idea was put to Zubimendi himself.

“I don’t think so, Madrid has more than enough players to do well. No way, no way,” he told Cadena SER.

Image via Cordon Press

Zubimendi on Merino injury: ‘He’ll do everything to be at World Cup’

Zubimendi is competing for a starting spot in Spain’s World Cup team, as was the case for teammate Mikel Merino. However the latter has been ruled out with a stress fracture in his shin, and could well see him miss the tournament. Merino is aiming to be back before the end of the season though.

“Well, he’s in pain, but he’s a very professional person who takes care of himself and always thinks about what’s best for the club. I know he’s the one who’s most hurt, but the damage his injury has done to the club is significant,” Zubimendi remarked on his midfield partner.

Image via RFEF

“Look, he seems fine, but everyone is different when they go home… I understand it’s harder than it looks. I know he’ll do everything he can to get there, and if he doesn’t, it’ll be a real shame. We’ll see what happens.”

Merino and Zubimendi have been in excellent form in Spain shirts of late, threatening to take the starting spots from Fabian Ruiz and Rodri Hernandez in Luis de la Fuente’s starting XI. La Roja’s manager is facing a tough choice, given how the past two years have gone for his Euro 2024-winning midfield, with none of Fabian, Dani Olmo or Rodri enjoying completely smooth rides since.

James Harden turned the 2026 NBA trade deadline on its head by requesting a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers just as the team started playing its best basketball of the year. Harden was reportedly seeking a two-year contract extension that the Clippers weren’t going to give him, and now he’s on the move to an Eastern Conference contender after the two sides came to a surprising agreement.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Harden for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. The news was first reported by Shams Charania.

The Cavs sit at 30-21 in the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference at the time of the trade. The Clippers sit at 23-26 in the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference on the day of the deal. The Cavs had already acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis ahead of the trade deadline at the cost of De’Andre Hunter.

This is a fascinating trade. Let’s grade it for both sides.

Cavs grade for James Harden trade

The rule of thumb in sports is that you don’t true young for old. The Cavs broke that rule by acquiring the 36-year-old Harden for the 26-year-old Garland. The difference in this case is that the older player has actually been more durable.

Garland has had some bizarre injury issues in Cleveland including a broken jaw and a sprained toe. Garland’s toe injury significantly slowed him down in the 2025 NBA Playoffs and helped cause the Cavs’ second-round exit after a 64-win regular season. Garland never looked like himself this season after missing a bunch of games nursing the toe, and Cleveland obviously felt like it couldn’t count on him down the stretch.

Harden is having an awesome year, and was one of our top All-Star snubs. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 60 percent true shooting so far this season. Harden is a fascinating fit with Mitchell, who had been spending more on-ball time this year. Harden remains just about the most on-ball heavy player in the league, and he’s never been much of a threat without the ball. This trade frees Mitchell to do more off-ball work which could be effective, but it will only be maximized if Harden can add some value when the ball isn’t in his hands.

Harden has a $42.3 million player option after this season. It seemed like that he would pick that up before this week, but now it might be a question after he yearned for a two-year, $80 million extension. Before the Cavs think about their future with Harden, they just need to get through this season. Harden is always a great regular season player, but he’s notoriously terrible (by his standards) in the playoffs. Cleveland felt like it couldn’t rely on Garland to be his best self physically, but does it really think it can count on Harden to produce when it really matters?

I just don’t get the Cavs’ logic for this trade. If they wanted to move off Garland, trading him for a haul of future assets was a smarter play than this. Of course, Cleveland wants to give itself a chance to make a run this year in a wide open Eastern Conference, and it didn’t think Garland was capable of helping them in that push.

Fading Garland makes sense because he just wasn’t reliable. Harden is reliable in the regular season, but he also famously struggles in the playoffs, he’s 10 years older, and he introduces a new super ball-dominant player into the mix. Maybe Cleveland isn’t done yet, but for now I’m not loving it.

Grade: C+

Clippers grade for Darius Garland trade

Garland is a two-time All-Star who beat the allegations that small guards can’t succeed in the modern NBA … at least until he started getting injured all the time. At his best, Garland offers a fantastic blend of speed and off-the-dribble shooting. He’s just about the smallest very good player in the NBA at 6’1, 190 pounds, and he’s never been known as a good defender.

Garland makes $42 million next season, and then $44.8 million in 2027-28. That’s a ton of money, and now it’s going to eat into the Clippers’ 2027 free agency plan. LA obviously thought Garland was better than anyone they were likely to land in free agency, but it’s still a huge price point if he can’t return to his All-Star form.

Garland made 40 percent of 11.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions last year. This season that’s down to 36 percent on 9.8 attempts. His finishing has fallen from 65 percent at the rim last year to 60 percent this year. Most damning of all, his net-rating is -8.5 for his on-off swing.

If Garland’s toe can heal, he can give the Clippers a young point guard just entering his prime years who could help steer the franchise out of its Kawhi Leonard era. He just makes a ton of money and hasn’t been the same player this year. His lack of size gives him less room for error. He’s going to need to be super fast and a deadly shooter and playmaker to be effective. His turnover rate being way up this year (from 12 percent to 15 percent) isn’t a good sign, but maybe he’ll be able to take better care of the ball when he’s 100 percent physically.

It would have seemed impossible for the Clippers to get Garland for Harden at the start of this year. Do the Cavs know something the Clippers don’t? For now, I like this move for getting younger. It makes LA worse this year, but I never thought they were going anywhere in the West even with Harden.

Grade: B+

A Massachusetts town has officially signed off on a name change in honor of Patriots’ starting QB Drake Maye.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the town of Maynard will be redubbed “Mayenard”!

Maye had a sensational sophomore season, becoming a finalist for the AP NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards while leading the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl.

Maye and the New England Patriots (17-3) take on Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks (16-3) on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks have the NFL’s stingiest defense, led by tackle Leonard Williams, linebacker Ernest Jones IV and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Seattle allowed just 17.1 points per game.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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What are James Harden's contract details? Cavaliers could face a disaster with free agency looming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's official. James Harden was traded to the Cavs on Tuesday night, in a trade that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers.

The trade got mixed reactions, as it happened at an interesting time for both teams.

After Harden decided his time with the Clippers was up, he decided that Cleveland was the team he wanted to play for next.

Even with Harden being sent to a preferred destination, he could leave the team this summer if things go wrong.

Did the Cavs make a risky move by acquiring James Harden's contract?

Harden is set to have a player option on the last year of his contract, in the 2026-27 NBA season (next season), worth ~$42.3 million.

If he chooses to, he could become a free agent, which could be disastrous for the Cavs.

MORE: Jaden Ivey asks hilarious question on if he'll have to change his #23 jersey number with the Bulls

Now, things could go great, and he can either opt in to his final year or become a free agent, potentially signing a new deal with the Cavs, but the thought of Harden having the freedom to leave is a little scary for the Cavs.

If that does happen, they'll have traded Garland for virtually nothing.

Harden is also approaching his late-30s, so winning a championship appears to be at the top of his list of goals.

If the Cavs aren't in a contending position heading into next season, it wouldn't be surprising to see Harden walk in free agency, as he's already asked out from several teams in just the last few years.

Acquiring Harden also indicates the Cavs are making a push to create a win-now window, as Harden is set to be near retirement age in a few years, compared to Garland, who is 26 years old.

More NBA articles:

• Celtics trading Anfernee Simons means another deal for a guard is coming
• Celtics' 6-foot-8 hidden gem receiving trade interest across the NBA
• Jaren Jackson Jr. trade means every 2018 NBA Draft lottery pick has been traded
• Lakers interested in trading for affordable 3-and-D forward with career high of 51 points
• NBA insider reveals 7 trade candidates 'who could absolutely be moved' before the deadline
• Jazz make a major decision on Walker Kessler's future after Jaren Jackson Jr. trade

Former race car driverHurley Haywood is offloading his sprawling Florida mansion for $5.2 million, more than a decade after he retired to the Sunshine State property.

The five-time 24 Hours of Daytona winner, 77, listed his St. Augustine dwelling Feb. 1, having purchased the picturesque home for $725,000 in 2012, Realtor.com® can exclusively reveal.

The three-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom property spans 4,180 square feet and—perhaps unsurprisingly—comes complete with a sizable three-car garage.

Haywood's home, which is listed with Jane Chefan and Jessica ChefanHansen with One Sotheby’s International Realty, was designed for "everyday comfort and elegant entertaining," according to its description.

"Located within one of St. Augustine’s most desirable waterfront enclaves and designed by renowned Cronk Duch Architects, the home offers refined coastal living within walking distance of historic downtown St. Augustine," a press release shared with Realtor.com reveals.

Before entering the property, guests are greeted with a coastal facade emphasized by blue and white paneling.

Upon walking in, guests are wowed by the white walls adorned in art, the soaring ceilings, and the elegant wooden staircase.

The listing notes that the home "offers refined coastal living with uncompromising quality, privacy, and craftsmanship throughout."

Adjacent to the foyer is the living area, which features a cozy fireplace, dark wooden floors, and black French doors that allow natural light to flood inside.

The kitchen is certainly one of the most lavish areas of the home.

The press release reveals, "Find a chef’s kitchen featuring high-end appliances and an open-concept layout that flows seamlessly into the family and dining areas. A sophisticated wet bar is outfitted with custom built-in cabinetry and a 140-bottle Sub-Zero wine cooler.

"Rich architectural details include Carlisle wide-plank heart-of-pine flooring throughout, custom built-ins, curated lighting, and a dedicated home theater with updated equipment."

Moving upstairs, there is a large primary suite with enough room for a king-sized bed. There are also many large windows in the bedrooms.

The master bathroom is the epitome of elegance as it boasts marble countertop vanities, a large soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower.

There is also an office space with dark wood furnishings such as a desk and cabinetry.

"Luxury amenities continue with a sauna, whole-home Sonos sound system, residential elevator, central vacuum system, and built-in safe.

"The property includes two separate casitas with private access, perfect for guests, extended family, or adaptable uses such as a home office or studio," the press release notes.

Although the interior of the dwelling is certainly luxurious, the exterior somehow tops it with its "luxurious heated saltwater lap pool with updated equipment, a convenient cabana bath, and a gas firepit—all set against the tranquil waterfront backdrop."

For outdoor adventure enthusiasts, there is also a new dock with concrete pilings, boat and jet ski lifts, and vinyl bulkhead that are situated on a 75 x 160 waterfront lot.

The listing adds, "Constructed for durability and peace of mind, the home features concrete block construction, cementitious siding, a metal roof, hurricane windows, foam insulation, two new AC units, and a 26 kW generator supported by a 500-gallon buried gas tank.

"The main garage offers a vehicle lift and extensive custom cabinet storage. This rare waterfront offering blends timeless architectural design, modern luxury, and exceptional construction in one of St. Augustine's most coveted, walkable locations."

Haywood began his professional driving career in 1969.

By 1973, he picked up his first 24 Hours of Daytona win, followed by four other wins at the event in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1991.

In 1977, Haywood won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The race car driver also won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1973 and 1981. In 1980, he finished 18th in the Indianapolis 500.

He retired in 2012 and is now the honorary chief driving instructor at the Porsche Track Experience.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton's one-and-done run with the team has been one of the great mysteries to ever come out of Foxborough.

When appearing on WEEI's Radio Row, Milton admitted that he felt disrespected by the Patriots for never bumping him to No. 2 behind Drake Maye, after Jacoby Brissett was benched as the starter in 2024. He believed he had shown enough in practice to warrant the opportunity from the coaching staff.

However, former Patriots coach Jerod Mayo kept him at No. 3 behind Maye and Brissett.

"I think it would have been different when Jacoby was the starter—Drake was the backup, I was the emergency quarterback," said Milton. "When you move Drake up to start, what should Jacoby now do? He got his job took. [I should have moved up, too]. But you don't do that. You keep him at the [No.] 2 because he's the vet. But he's not taking reps. It's just me and Drake the only ones practicing, but he's still the two. I just felt disrespected."

"I felt DISRESPECTED"@Qbjayy7 explains what REALLY happened during his time with the Patriots 😳 👀 pic.twitter.com/csc6My5UcL

— WEEI (@WEEI) February 3, 2026

Milton was ultimately traded, along with a 2025 seventh-round draft pick, to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

The former Tennessee Volunteer appeared in one game for the Patriots in the 2024 season finale against the Buffalo Bills. He threw for 241 yards and one touchdown, along with rushing for 16 yards and one touchdown, in a 23-16 win over a Bills team resting its starters.

Since joining the Cowboys, Milton has thrown for 183 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in four game appearances.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: QB Joe Milton reveals what really happened in fallout with Patriots

HARTFORD – The third-ranked UConn men’s basketball team completed its season sweep of Richard Pitino and Xavier in a 92-60 rout at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford Tuesday night.

UConn improved to 22-1 and 12-0 in the Big East, and will carry its 18-game winning streak into the toughest game of the conference season so far when it meets Richard’s father, Rick, and second-place St. John’s in primetime on Friday night.

Tuesday served as a solid warmup for the league’s first ranked matchup since the Huskies visited Seton Hall, then No. 25, on Jan. 13.

With an overwhelming matchup and talent advantage, UConn continued the relentless effort it showed on the road at Creighton on Saturday and took hold of the game early on its home floor.

The dominance started on the first possession, when UConn controlled three offensive rebounds, though its effort was fruitless after four tries. But Braylon Mullins made a 3-pointer the next time down the court and started a string of seven straight makes, including two transition dunks from the star freshman as he raced to 10 points and the Huskies’ lead ballooned to 16-2 in the first five minutes.

UConn didn’t need much else from the freshman and he finished as one of five in double-figures with 13 points in 24 minutes. Point guard Silas Demary Jr. led the way with 17 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, connecting on 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and Tarris Reed Jr. finished with 14 on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting and eight rebounds.

The Huskies got 11 points from Jayden Ross and 14 with seven rebounds from Eric Reibe off the bench as Alex Karaban went for nine points, six rebounds and six assists and Solo Ball added nine of his own.

Dan Hurley started emptying the bench around the six-minute mark and UConn finished the game shooting 56.75 from the field and 10-for-27 (37%) from beyond the arc.

The Huskies had a 41-24 advantage on the glass, 26 assists on 34 made shots and outscored the Musketeers 46-20 in the paint and 17-3 in transition.

Demary, having the most success he’s had in his career from beyond the 3-point arc on fewer attempts this season, made back-to-back 3s as the lead grew to 22-6. Jaylin Stewart got involved with a triple of his own and the Musketeers had no answer for Reed, who didn’t miss on five attempts in the first half. He assisted Demary on a third 3-pointer before the break and UConn took a 50-22 lead into halftime.

The Huskies shot 61.3% from the field and had assists on 17 of their 19 made shots before the break, connecting on 7 of 13 from beyond the arc (53.8%). They dominated under the basket for a 22-12 rebounding advantage and a 24-10 difference in the paint.

Xavier didn’t fold, matching UConn’s shotmaking to start the second half until it used a 9-0 run to turn a 34-point lead into 25 with 12 minutes to play.

But Reed drove into the lane and threw a no-look pass over to Jayden Ross in the corner for his second 3-pointer of the game. Then Demary used his physicality in the paint for a three-point play on a putback and a dunk on the next possession. Ross hit again from deep off an assist from Karaban and the Huskies’ lead was back to 33 around the eight-minute mark.

Friday’s matchup, No. 3 vs. No. 22 at Madison Square Garden, is set to tip-off at 8 p.m. on FOX.

BYU looks to get back on track Wednesday night when they travel to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State in a Quad 1 game for both teams. BYU has four Q1 wins on the season, but hasn’t picked up a Q1 win since beating Clemson on December 9. The win at Kansas State Jan 3 was a Q1 win at the time, but the Wildcats have fallen to Q2 territory after a 1-8 start in Big 12 play.

A win for BYU would help the resume with a Quad 1 road win and give BYU some confidence heading into a big matchup Saturday versus #8 Houston in Provo.

BYU-Oklahoma State tip off at 7pm MT on FS1.

BYU and Oklahoma State by the Numbers

Oklahoma State KenPom: 57

NET ranking: 68

Record: 15-6 (3-5 Big 12)

Best Wins: Texas A&M (H), Northwestern (N), UCF (H), Kansas State (H), Utah (A)

Losses: Oklahoma (N), Texas Tech (A), Iowa State (A), Baylor (H), TCU (A), Iowa State (H)

AP Ranking: n/a

BYU KenPom: 15

NET Ranking: 12

Record: 17-4 (5-3 Big 12)

AP Ranking: 16

KenPom Prediction: BYU 87, Oklahoma State 82 — BYU 69% win probability

Point Spread: BYU -6.5

Point Total: 169.5

Oklahoma State Overview

The Cowboys are an improved team from last season and have some solid wins in non-conference play, but they find themselves on the periphery of the bubble due to zero Quad 1 wins up to this point.

OSU pushes the tempo as much as anyone in the Big 12, which means this should be a high-scoring game since BYU likes to do the same. They have one of the longest benches in the Big 12 and will usually play 9 or even 10 guys. They like to trap and force turnovers in the halfcourt, and they rotate through guys to keep them fresh.

Offensively, Oklahoma State likes to get to the rim and they shoot the three ball well. According to Kenpom, OSU has the shortest average 2-point attempt distance in conference play at 5.4 feet, but the have the second worst 2-pt attempt percentage in the Big 12 in league play (48.2%). They are fifth in the Big 12 in three-point percentage, shooting 37.2% from three in Big 12 play. OSU is also bottom five in offensive rebound percentage and are middle of the pack in turnovers. Bottomline, OSU can be dangerous with their tempo and ability to get hot from three, but they have inconsistencies with their deficiencies of finishing at the rim and manufacturing second chance points.

Defensively, Oklahoma State wants to force turnovers and play physical. They force turnovers on 16.7% of their possessions in Big 12 play, which is fourth in the league. When they force turnovers that leads right into to their transition offense where they can be dangerous. While they are good at forcing turnovers, they aren’t great at it and have real deficiencies on defense. Oklahoma State is bottom three in 3-point defense in Big 12 play, allowing opponents to shoot 37% from three. They are also bottom five in two-point defense and have the second lowest block rate in Big 12 play. BYU played big frontcourts in Arizona and Kansas, and Oklahoma State doesn’t have anyone that averages over a block per game.

Oklahoma State is 2-2 at home in Big 12 play, beating UCF and Kansas and losing to Baylor by 15 points and Iowa State by 13.

Player Overview

Anthony Roy, Guard — The 6-foot-5 guard leads OSU in scoring at 17.5 ppg. Roy is a dynamic and high volume three-point shooter, shooting 44.4% from three on 7.5 attempts per game. Roy can shoot both off the catch and create off the dribble. He averages just 1.3 assists, but he can get hot quick. He’s made at least 5 threes in 4 of 8 Big 12 games.

Parsa Fallah, Center — The 6-foot-10, 250 pounds SUU transfer is OSU’s top big man. Fallah isn’t overly athletic, but is strong in the post and is second in scoring (13.9 ppg) and leads the team in rebounding (6.3 rpg). He is 7-15 from three on the season and has just 7 blocks in 19 games.

Vyctorius Miller, Guard — Miller teams with Roy to form an excellent shooting backcourt. Miller averages 13.1 ppg and shoots 41% from three. He’s struggled in Big 12 play, shooting just 7-28 (25%) from three in league play and scoring in single digits half the games and topping out at 14 points. We’ll see if BYU can help him get his confidence back.

Jaylen Curry, Guard — The 6-foot-1 guard is OSU’s top player off the bench, averaging 10.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. He’s not a high volume three-point shooter and shoots 29% from three.

Kanye Clary, Guard — The 6-footer is OSU’s starting point, averaging 9.5 points and leading the team with 4.8 assists. He’s shooting 39% from the floor and 30% from three.

Prediction

This game is important for both teams. BYU needs a confidence builder after losing three of the last four, and Oklahoma State is desperately seeking a Quad 1 win to get in the tourney picture. A win over BYU would do that for them.

I like BYU in this one for a few reasons. BYU has struggled against big teams that can clog the paint and have multiple shot blockers. OSU does not do that. They want to trap off screens and force turnovers, and they don’t have a rim protector on the back end. BYU’s ball movement will need to be better, but if they do that they will have open shots and AJ will have space in the paint and little resistance at the rim. This has all the makings of a huge game for BYU’s big three — Richie should get open shots, AJ will have space to operate, and OSU has no real rim protector to bother Rob at the rim.

Defensively, BYU will need to key in on Anthony Roy. BYU has struggled versus dynamic guards, and Roy has the ability to go for 25+ if the defense doesn’t improve versus dribble penetration and rotations. Oklahoma State will take tough contested shots at the basket, so this could be a game where Keba and Bido have a big impact.

I’ll take BYU in a bounce back spot where they find their offense and enough defense to get a road win. BYU is 17-0 this year as a favorite and I think they’ll keep that perfect record intact.

Prediction: BYU 92, Oklahoma State 83

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Michigan fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

In this edition of SB Nation Reacts, we want to know who you believe is Michigan’s biggest transfer portal addition out of these six players. While there are a lot of options (Click Here to view every portal addition), we gave you six to vote for.

• WR JJ Buchanan (Utah): 26 receptions, 427 yards, five touchdowns
• K Trey Butkowski (Pitt): Made 20-of-23 (87%) field goals, going 6-of-9 from 40-49 yards out
• WR Jaime Ffrench (Texas): One reception for six yards, was the No. 9 overall WR in the class of 2025
• DE John Henry Daley (Utah): 48 tackles (24 solo), 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles
• WR/DB Salesi Moa (Utah): 63 receptions for 1,272 yards and 16 touchdowns at Fremont High School in 2025 with 57 total tackles and three interceptions. Ranked as the No. 3 athlete in the 2026 class.
• LB Nathaniel Staehling (North Dakota State: 75 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovery

Vote below.

How did you vote this week? Let us know in the comments and let us know if you think a player who isn’t one of these six is the biggest addition (perhaps Utah cornerback Smith Snowden or Utah defensive lineman Jonah Lea’ea). New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff did such a good job of adding portal talent in such a short amount of timing that this poll should be interesting.

This position is an improvement on the 2025 rankings, in which Carroll finished sixth. He was also fourth going into 2024, coming off his unanimous selection as the NL Rookie of the Year, so this ties a career high in these rankings for Corbin. He came ninth in the network’s recent ranking of the top hundred players across all positions. There, Carroll was behind Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but Corbin also trailed the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker in this list.

Here is the full top ten:

Top 10 Right Fielders Right Now 

1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees 
2. Juan Soto, New York Mets 
3. Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers 
4. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks 
5. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves 
6. Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres 
7. Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs 
8. George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays 
9. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels 
10. Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox 

The 16^th season of each Top 10 Right Now ranking considers player performance over multiple seasons, offensive and defensive metrics, both advanced Statcast data and traditional numbers, and expert analysis by the MLB Network research team. This might be the end of D-backs getting mentioned. Tomorrow is third basemen, and I suppose it’s just about possible Nolan Arenado could get mentioned, though I would be a little surprised. The other two categories remaining are first base and relief pitchers. Much as I regard Pavin Smith as under-rated (not least by his own fanbase!), I honestly do not expect Arizona to be troubling the list in either department.

Philadelphia Archbishop Ryan three-star defensive lineman Stanley Montgomery has decommitted from Syracuse, he announced on Tuesday evening.

He was pledged to the Orange since June 22. Montgomery is the second prospect to decommit from the ACC program on Tuesday, following athlete Davion Crumitie.

“After much thought and consideration, and taking the time talking with my family, I’ve decided to de-commit from Syracuse University and re open my recruitment,” Montgomery wrote announcing his decision on X.

Montgomery is the No. 512 overall prospect and No. 51 DL in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 16 recruit in Pennsylvania.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder is coming off a visit to Penn State over the weekend. He spoke about the visit with Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong:

“It was a great experience seeing the fans all come out for the game,” Montgomery said. “I think what excites me about playing for Coach Campbell is who is he as a person. Seems like a great person and a great coach and then also being a Nittany Lion and the love and support the fans give, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that.”

PSU has long been in the mix for the in-state lineman and it will now be a program to watch moving forward. Montgomery is coming off a 45-tackle, eight-sack season for Archbishop Ryan.

Syracuse still has bigger 2027 class than most thus far

Despite losing a pair of commitments, head coach Fran Brown and the Syracuse staff have still put plenty of hay in the barn early on in the 2027 cycle. The class now has eight commits and still ranks No. 25 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Rocky River (Ohio) four-star safety Tristin Hughes continues to headline the haul, checking in as the No. 360 recruit and No. 34 safety in the nation. He’s been in the class since September.

St. Frances Academy (Md.) three-star running back Sa’Nir Brooks is the most-recent addition to the mix as he committed on Jan. 24. The Aliquippa, Pa. native is the No. 33 RB in the cycle. Hillside (N.J.) three-star safety Travis Miles is a top-60 safety this cycle.

The rest of the early haul for the Orange can be seen here. Last cycle, Syracuse signed the nation’s No. 33 class, good for the No. 7 spot in the ACC.

Jake Fischer: The Cavaliers aren't done, either. Cleveland is very much still working towards finding a trade partner to assume Lonzo Ball's $10 million salary, per sources.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cavs working to move Lonzo Ball

Chris Mannix: Clippers and Cavs have been in advanced negotiations since last night, when @SInow reported the talks. Cleveland wanted a first rounder but that was never seen as a deal breaker. Cavs wanted to take a big swing. LA wanted a younger All-Star. Both sides get what they were after.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cleveland wanted a first rounder but that was never …

With the NBA trade deadline approaching and several teams considered to be potential future destinations for LeBron James reportedly involved in talks to acquire star-level talent, James is still expected to finish out the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: LeBron James expected to remain with Lakers for rest of season

Justin Russo: The LA Clippers are now $7,167,392 above the luxury tax line and $882,608 under their first-apron hard cap.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The LA Clippers are now $7,167,392 above the luxury …

Keerthika Uthayakumar: Clippers were +10.4 points per 100 better on offence with James Harden on court this season. Their defensive rating was 8.6 points per 100 better with him OFF court.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Clippers were +10.4 points per 100 better on offence …

Hunter, who will make $23.3 million this season as part of a four-year $90 million rookie contract extension he signed with the Hawks in 2022, expressed his excitement to get going in Sacramento and becoming acclimated with his new team. "It's good energy here," Hunter told reporters after his first Kings practice. "A lot of great coaches that have a lot of experience in the league. Very experienced players who have been here in the league for a while, I'm just excited for a new opportunity."

USA Today Sports

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "A lot of great coaches that have a lot of experience …

Hunter anticipates playing with Murray because their abilities to do some of the same things on the floor. "Playing with a guy like Keegan, he's another versatile guy who can defend, who can shoot, who can score. I think it'll be fun," Hunter said. "Definitely (exciting). Like I said, he's another guy with size, another guy that guard one through four. As a guy that could do that, it's always good to see another dude on the court that can help you out when you're a little tired."

USA Today Sports

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "Definitely (exciting). Like I said, he's another guy …

Mike Curtis: Jason Kidd when asked for advice to players during trade deadline week, especially when you could play great one night & be gone the next: "That's in the small print of the contract. Sometimes we don't look at that or read that, but that's just being a pro...There was a trade in the (Celtics) locker room. You have to do your job. The guys in that locker room, they play hard. They play for each other...The business of basketball sometimes gets in the way. Those guys in that locker room are professionals that understand you could be traded after the game, before the game or during the game. We've seen it all. You see Naji has come out to say he loves playing for the Mavs, but he could be traded, right? And that's just the nature of the business. Sometimes it gets in the way."

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "That's in the small print of the contract. Sometimes …

Justin Russo: Derrick Jones Jr., who has been out since suffering a knee injury on Jan. 3, is not listed on the injury report ahead of tomorrow's game and appears poised to, once again, return ahead of schedule.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Derrick Jones not listed on injury report against Cavs

MIAMI (AP) — Shaquille O'Neal played for four NBA championship teams. And now, 20 years after his last title, he has one that he can call his favorite.

It was the one he got with the Miami Heat.

The Heat brought back their 2006 title team for a two-day, 20th anniversary celebration this week, with a gala on Monday followed by an on-court event for fans to see at their home game against Atlanta on Tuesday. Most of the team was in attendance, including O'Neal — who offered what may be a mildly surprising assessment of that championship run.

“I’m going to throw a word out there that’s probably going to shock the basketball world," O'Neal said. "It’s my favorite one because we were not supposed to win and it was one that I was pressured to win. I needed to get it done before the other guy got his fourth.”

“The other guy” that O'Neal was referring to was Kobe Bryant. He and Bryant won three titles together with the Los Angeles Lakers, then the relationship went south and the Lakers traded O'Neal to Miami in the summer of 2004.

Bryant eventually got his fourth and fifth titles to pass O'Neal, and the two teammates-turned-rivals mended fences to a certain extent before Bryant — along with his daughter Gianna and seven others — died in a helicopter crash six years ago.

But at that time, O'Neal felt a ton of pressure to get one without Bryant. And the Heat, in those days, were a bit of a powderkeg that found a way to buck the odds.

“We were a bunch of misfits that used to argue and fight and do things very untraditionally," said O'Neal, who estimated the Heat had about 40 internal fights that season and all of them blew over almost immediately. “But we never not got along and that’s what made it special."

That's the way the 2006 Heat were wired, which is why O'Neal didn't take it personally when Miami lost the first two games of that season's finals to the Dallas Mavericks. O'Neal told the story Tuesday of how Gary Payton — a guard on that Miami team — cursed him out after Game 2, saying Dwyane Wade needed the ball more if the Heat were going to win the series.

“I decided to ruffle some feathers,” Payton said, confirming that he went to coach Pat Riley and asked for changes, then told O'Neal it was time for Wade to carry the torch for the Heat.

Wade dominated the next four games. Payton made a huge shot to help Miami win Game 3. The Heat won the title in six games. The fights led to a parade. It was all worthwhile.

“We had a perfect eight-man rotation,” Riley said. “I apologize to numbers 9 through 15, but they used to whip (butt) every day in practice on these guys, I can tell you that. Made them better.”

So, O'Neal's last of his four titles was his favorite.

And for Wade, the first of his three titles was his favorite.

“I never won in high school, I didn’t win in college — I got to the Final Four. I was that guy that got close," Wade said. "AAU, I got to the final four, I went to the championship, but I never won one. So, that was the first time in my life that I showed myself that I can actually lead a team to help win the championship because I didn’t know. And so, it would be my favorite because of that.”

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, an assistant under Riley on that 2006 team, said having most of the team back together for two days was a thrill. He, Riley, the ownership group led by managing general partner Micky Arison and CEO Nick Arison, executive vice president and general manager Andy Elisburg and a slew of other executives (including 2006 players Alonzo Mourning and Udonis Haslem) and team officials are still in Miami — which Spoelstra thinks sets the Heat apart.

“Other teams that have won championships, they try to bring back a group (and) it’s probably a different ownership group, different management, different coaching staff, a lot of different things," Spoelstra said. "But this, it just brings you back. It’s like an instant time machine. It was an amazing run and it kind of put our franchise on a different kind of map in this league.”

Coaches, executives and all but three of the players from that 2006 team were introduced at halftime for an on-court ceremony Tuesday, all wearing custom jackets to celebrate that championship.

“This will forever be everyone’s favorite because it was the first one and this is the one that really set whatever standard that we’re still living by here,” Wade said. "This set the standard of that because without this championship, (there) ain’t no culture. And so, that’s how we can even stand on ‘Heat Culture’ and the words that we say because of the championship that was brought here in '06.”

And O’Neal, ever the jokester, paid off a 20-year bet with Wade and Haslem. He said he would get them Bentleys if the Heat won that title. He presented them with the Bentleys at halftime Tuesday — toy versions, but Bentleys nonetheless.

“Are you not entertained?” O’Neal asked, as the crowd roared.

___

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

The WrestleMania plans for a number of WWE Superstars have been a hot topic following the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on January 31 in Saudi Arabia, with one of the biggest matches, both figuratively and literally, that fans are getting excited about is Brock Lesnar going one-on-one with former WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.

Femi tied with eventual winner Roman Reigns for the most eliminations in the 2026 match, lasting nearly 40 minutes before eventually being dumped out by Lesnar, who was eliminated almost immediately afterwards by Cody Rhodes and LA Knight. However, despite the excitement from fans, Dave Meltzer reported on a recent edition of "Wrestling Observer Radio" that the match between Lesnar and Femi isn't 100% confirmed for WrestleMania 42.

"That's not 100% by the way," Meltzer said. "It should be, I agree it should be but it's not...I had asked about a bunch of matches for Mania and most of them were correct as it turned out, including Roman Reigns and [CM] Punk, although that was very clear obviously. But the one that I was told that's not–I mean it could happen, I'm not saying it's not happening, I'm just saying that I was told that this one's not 100%, that was the Lesnar and Oba Femi match."

If the match were to happen, it would be Brock Lesnar's first WrestleMania appearance since 2023 after missing both WrestleMania 40 and 41 in 2024 and 2025 respectively due to Janel Grant lawsuit in which was specifically named. As for Femi, a match at this year's WrestleMania would be the first for the former WWE NXT Champion as he was defending the NXT Championship against Trick Williams and Je'Von Evans in the main event of the Stand and Deliver Premium Live Event over WrestleMania 41 weekend.

Please credit "Wrestling Observer Radio" when using quotes from this article, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Read more: Meet The Real-Life Partners Of The NXT Roster

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

Former NBA champion makes bizarre comparison between LaMelo Ball and Gilgeous-Alexander originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Over the past few seasons, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the league's best players. In fact, he is arguably the best, as he is only competing with Nikola Jokic.

On the other hand, Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been a tremendous talent since getting drafted in 2020. He already has an All-Star nod under his belt, which has put him in special conversations already.

Shumpert believes Ball and Gilgeous-Alexander are similar

It is unanimous that Gilgeous-Alexander is a better player when compared to Ball. However, that has not stopped former NBA champion Iman Shumpert from thinking that they are quite similar to each other.

This is an unpopular opinion from Shumpert, as it is hard to find comparisons for either player. They both have unique play styles, but it seems that Shumpert is looking at the two players more on the physical side.

MORE: Grant Williams comments on Hornets' win streak and comeback vs. Pelicans

Both players are immensely talented players, but a lot of people would be questioning Shumpert's point. It is a good look for Ball because he is in those conversations, but most people would agree that SGA is at the pinnacle of the game.

"I don't see the difference in how LaMelo Ball plays and how SGA plays besides some discipline. He's got all the physical gifts that SGA has, so that's all you need when you start talking about playoff basketball," Shumpert said on Run It Back.

It is an interesting comparison to make, and it definitely has people talking. Moving forward, Hornets fans would love it if Ball could be as impactful to winning as SGA.

In the meantime, they are on the hottest streak in the league, which could mean that Shumpert might have a point.

More NBA news: 

• LaMelo Ball downplays his accidental collision with Hornets head coach Charles Lee
• Grant Williams on how the Charlotte Hornets have shown their peak form during the streak
• Collin Sexton praises Hornets head coach Charles Lee amid unprecedented winning streak
• Charles Lee explains why Hornets' offense continues to excel
• Miles Bridges reveals thoughts regarding possible trade from Hornets

Iowa basketball star Bennett Stirtz was unstoppable on Sunday.

In the Hawkeyes 84-66 win over the Oregon Ducks, Stirtz poured in 32 points on an incredibly efficient 12-15 shooting from the field. He added seven assists and two steals, while ot committing a single turnover all night despite playing 38 minutes. His effort in that game was a big reason he was named the Co-Big Ten Player of the Week on Monday. But that wasn't the only accolade to come out of that game for Stirtz.

In the first half of the win, the senior point guard reached an impressive scoring milestone in his career: 2,000 career points.

2K CAREER POINTS FOR NO. 14 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xM3S37jObk

— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) February 2, 2026

Stirtz had accumulated his points at three different schools. So far this season, he's scored exactly 400 points with the Hawkeyes. He had 673 points at Drake last season, his first Division I campaign. The rest of his career points came with Division II Northwest Missouri State, where he spent the first two years of his career with Ben McCollum. Stirtz scored 945 points across his two seasons with the Bearcats.

While the raw scoring numbers are impressive, Stirtz's efficiency may be better. Across his entire collegiate career, he's shooting 52.3% from the field, 38.5% from behind the arc, and 82.5% from the free throw line. Those are incredibly effective scoring numbers for any player, but especially a guard. No matter what level of college basketball he's played at, Stirtz has dominated.

Iowa fans should appreciate Stirtz and what he's doing while he's still here. He's one of the best pure talents to take the court wearing black and gold in recent memory, and could be one of the biggest reasons why the Hawkeyes finally see some big success in March.

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

This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa basketball star surpasses historic scoring mark

The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the "New Jersey Americans".

Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.

To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise's jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.

And for today's article, we will continue with the second of 14 people to wear the No. 42 jersey, forward alum Mike Bantom. After ending his college career at Saint Joseph's, Bantom was picked up with the eighth overall selection of the 1973 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native played parts of the first three seasons of his pro career with the Suns. He also played for the Seattle SuperSonics before he was dealt to the (then) New York (now, Brooklyn) Nets in 1977. His stay with the team lasted until he signed with the (then) Buffalo Braves (now, Boston Celtics - it's a long story) that offseason.

During his time suiting up for the Nets, Bantom wore only jersey No. 42 and put up

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets jersey history No. 42 - Mike Bantom (1977)

The Golden State Warriors have had over 600 players don the more than 60 jersey numbers used by their players over the more than 75 years of existence the team has enjoyed in its rich and storied history.

Founded in 1946 during the Basketball Association of America (BAA – a precursor league of the NBA) era, the team has called home the cities of Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, and even San Diego.

To commemorate the players who wore those numbers, Warriors Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. For this article, we begin with the sixth of nine players who wore the No. 43 jersey for the Warriors.

That player would be Golden State big man Jim Petersen. After ending his college career at Minnesota, Petersen was picked up with the 51st overall selection of the 1984 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.

The Minneapolis, Minnesota native played the first four seasons of his pro career with Houston. He also played for the Sacramento Kings before he was dealt to the Dubs in 1989. His stay with the team lasted until he was cut in 1992.

During his time suiting up for the Warriors, Petersen wore only jersey No. 43 and put up 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors jersey history - No. 43 - Jim Petersen (1989-92)

York girls basketball’s Tessa Rodwell set two school records in back-to-back games.

On Thursday, Rodwell scored 36 points to set York’s single-game scoring record.

On Friday, she earned a double-double of 29 points and 13 rebounds to become York’s all-time leading scorer.

Her record-setting games earned her the top spot on this week’s Section V Best.

Also featured on this week’s list are CJ Johnson of Penfield, Car’Mella Parker of Lyons, Ryan Carmody of Aquinas and Jonah Bialek of Fillmore.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.

Between her WWE departure and return, Nikki Bella became a mother. In the case of her sister, Brie Bella, the wife of Bryan Danielson already had her first child while still actively competing and had her second at the same time as Nikki, so the twins share the experience of having to get back into wrestling gear post-partem.

"I will admit: I body shame myself about my stomach, and all the moms are with me on this, as well you. It's just hard, because I'm trying to fix parts that I don't know will ever be fixed by exercise," Nikki explained during an episode of "The Nikki & Brie Show." "It is just hard seeing yourself on TV after, like, having a child when you know certain things."

While Brie tried to console Nikki about the physical changes a mother goes through, Nikki asserted that she believes she's allowed to feel bad for herself in this case, especially since she's actively working hard on fixing the issues she has with her body now. "It's fine. Look, I have a healthy, amazing, little boy, and that is all that matters. There are just – at times I'm like: 'Aww, s**t,'" she expressed.

However, Nikki has far more of an issue with the area under her eyes. "You know what's really kicking my a** more than anything? It's the travel. And it's the time I land on Sunday nights, and I don't get to bed till later because we're Cali time," she explained. "And then I sleep in, and then I'm like rushing the building, and it's just so weird, those days only, my under eyes are the worst; they're just so swollen."

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "The Nikki & Brie Show" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Read more: WWE Botches That Left Wrestlers Seriously Injured

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admits he was “very happy” to see Ronald Araujo score the winner for his team against Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for Barcelona before Araujo struck to make it 2-0. Albacete did pull one back but couldn’t find an equaliser as the visitors progressed to the semi-finals.

Here’s what Flick had to say afterwards.

“I’m very happy for Araujo, it’s great that he scored,” he told reporters.

“The goal will help him gain more confidence. It’s what we need and what he needs. We support him and help him.”

Flick also spoke about the match itself and admitted that his team had wasted too many chances once again.

“This match wasn’t easy at all, especially in the final minutes. We made it difficult for ourselves,” he added.

“Once again, we missed a huge number of chances. We’ve been missing a lot of opportunities in the last few matches and we have to improve.”

Barcelona now switch focus back to La Liga and a clash with Real Mallorca at the weekend.

Luka Vušković was a thorn in Bayern Munich’s side last weekend in the 2-2 draw at Volksparkstadion, as the Croatian defender scored Hamburg’s second goal to ultimately earn what was a historic point for Der Dinosaurier in their first season back in the Bundesliga in quite some time. The center-back is currently on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and has enjoyed a solid campaign with HSV as one of Merlin Polzin’s preferred starting defenders at the heart of the backline. His goal against Bayern was also his fourth of the season across all competitions and he’s only missed one match of the season thus far, which was the opening Bundesliga match of the season in the 2-0 loss to Saint Pauli.

Croatian compatriot Ivan Rakitić, who spent part of his career at Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, recently suggested that Vušković join Bayern at some point, as he feels the German Rekordmeister would be the right club for him to become one of the best center-backs in Europe. “All of Europe is talking about him right now. FC Bayern needs to do everything [to sign him]. I believe the boy has to go to Bayern. He has everything it takes to become one of the best center-backs. I’m curious to see if Tottenham will manage to keep him beyond the summer, because in my opinion he’s already ready for the next step to one of the absolute top clubs. And for me, there are only four or five of those clubs in Europe,” Rakitić explained to Sky Sport (via @iMiaSanMia).

As things stand right now, Vušković’s contract with parent club Tottenham is set to run through June 2030 and his current market value of €40 million could certainly continue to raise with the way he’s been performing at Hamburg SV. Even with the relatively low market value, it is expected that Tottenham values him in such a way that it would only let him go for much more (some say double or triple that figure).

Vušković has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, let alone at HSV and the Croatian U-21 national team setup.

He could be the perfect type of profile for Bayern, but with the presence of Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano having just agreed to a new deal it’d be difficult to see Vušković being in a place where he could get guaranteed minutes under Vincent Kompany. The future of Kim Min-jae is also still unclear at this point, but if the South Korean stays at Bayern beyond this summer, it’s another spot for competition for Vušković.

Japan's J. League can one day compete with England's Premier League if a calendar switch helps clubs bring in bigger transfer fees, its chairman told AFP ahead of the new season.

Japanese teams have sold a steady stream of players to Europe, including Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma, but the sums involved are only a fraction of the billions sloshing around the global transfer market.

J. League chairman Yoshikazu Nonomura wants to change that and he believes he has taken the first step by ditching the traditional February-to-December season to align with Europe.

A shortened interim competition lasting until June begins on Friday, before a full league campaign kicks off after the World Cup.

Nonomura believes that will allow J. League clubs to take full advantage of European summer spending sprees and make up ground on the world's top leagues.

"If we do well on the business side, it wouldn't be a surprise if 20 years from now there was a different situation to what we have now, where the five biggest leagues are all in Europe," he said.

"We're always laying the groundwork for Japan to be part of a global market, and it could be alongside, say, England, Spain, Germany and the US."

Mitoma joined Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.5 million in 2021 and his value skyrocketed after arriving in the Premier League.

Nonomura believes the calendar switch means Japanese clubs can start demanding "the proper amount" for their players.

"To make us conscious of competing and growing in the global market, it's very important to operate under the same conditions, aligning transfer windows, maximising transfer fees from Europe and going all out to beat them whenever we meet on the pitch," he said.

- Power play -

More Japanese players are moving to Europe at an early age, preferring to learn their trade in Belgium, the Netherlands and Portugal instead of the J. League.

Nonomura wants to "convince players that they can develop here", and believes switching the calendar to avoid Japan's punishingly hot summers will help.

He is also hopeful that bigger revenue can attract overseas stars to the J. League, which has been devoid of big names since Spanish World Cup winner Andres Iniesta left in 2023.

"What we're trying to do is raise our top-line revenue to a level comparable with the Premier League, Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain, and Germany," said Nonomura.

"If we can raise our top-line revenue and become a league of that financial scale, good players will naturally come to us."

The J. League quickly became one of Asia's strongest leagues when it launched in 1993 but its spending power has been eclipsed by Saudi Arabia, which has signed a host of top players from Europe.

That has brought the Saudis success on the field, with three of last season's Asian Champions League semi-finalists coming from the desert kingdom.

- Solid foundations -

Kawasaki Frontale were the only non-Saudi team in the last four and they went on to reach the final, giving Nonomura hope that Japanese teams can remain competitive in Asia.

"A Japanese team has reached the final for the last three years, so it's not like we have no chance of winning," he said.

"Even if things carry on the way they are, Japanese teams have the quality to compete. And if we are able to bring in more money, the gap on the pitch will shrink."

Saudi investment has changed the Asian football landscape but there was a similar shift when Chinese clubs started spending big money in the 2010s.

Stars such as Carlos Tevez and Didier Drogba had lucrative stints there but it all came crashing down when team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled.

Nonomura says the J. League's stability is its strength.

"Japanese clubs don't invest as much as Saudi clubs do but they have a very solid base," he said.

"The overall attendance in the J. League last season was the biggest ever. Our fundamentals are more solid than any other country in Asia so I don't think the J. League is going to decline."

amk/dh

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliersagree to a trade that would send former MVP James Harden to Cleveland, while Darius Garland heads to Southern California.

The trade on Tuesday was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Cleveland becomes the sixth team in Harden's 17-year career.

See how others are reacting to the NBA news:

Sports world, fans react to Harden-Garland trade:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Harden, Darius Garland trade: Reactions to Clippers-Cavs deal

The rosters are finalized, and the uniforms are out for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which will feature three teams in a round-robin tournament: Two will consist of players from the United States, and a third will be comprised of players from the rest of the world.

The midseason exhibition will be played in Inglewood, California, at the Los Angeles Clippers' Intuit Dome on Feb. 15.

The NBA moved New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns to Team World on Tuesday, opening up a 16th and final spot in the Team USA pool for this year's All-Star Game.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver filled that vacancy with Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, now a seven-time All-Star who is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career and previously headlined a list of snubs for the event.

That means there are 25 total All-Stars this season.

Here's the roster breakdown:

USA Stars

Head coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)

• Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

• Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

• Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

• Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

• Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

• Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

USA Stripes

Head coach: Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs)

• Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

• Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

• Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

• Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

• Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

• Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Norman Powell, Miami Heat

World

Head coach: Darko Rajaković

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

• Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

• Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

• Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

• Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

• Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

How this year's All-Stars were selected

Fans were responsible for 50% of the vote that picked each conference's five starters. NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%) accounted for the other slices of the vote.

NBA head coaches selected 14 reserves, namely James, who's on an All-Star team for the 22nd consecutive season.

There were no positional requirements for this year's All-Star lineups. That's a first for the exhibition, which will soon be played in its 75th iteration.

Why are there 9 players on Team World?

Towns, who is Dominican through his late mother, was shifted over to Team World. As a result, there were only 15 players in the Team USA pool. A minimum of 16 was required, hence the addition of Leonard.

When the format was rolled out, it was announced that Silver would have the ability to select additional All-Stars so that each group hit its number. 

So that's how Team World ended up with nine players, whereas USA Stars and USA Stripes both have eight players.

How this year's All-Star Game will be played

In terms of the game itself, there will still technically be four 12-minute quarters, although each will be its own game, as each of the three teams will play twice during round-robin action. The fourth "quarter" will pit the two teams with the best records to decide a champion. 

Point differential will be the post-round-robin tiebreaker if all three teams have 1-1 records. 

A look at this year's All-Star Game uniforms, court

The Clippers are hosting this year's All-Star Game, so it's fitting that the hardwood honors their colorway, as well as the architectural design of the Intuit Dome, which opened ahead of the 2024-25 season and will be used during the 2028 L.A. Olympics.

The All-Star Game jerseys sport an L.A.-inspired script, and there are seven stars orbiting the wordmarks, representing the seven previous All-Star games the city has hosted.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs head to Portland on Thursday night for a 7:00 PM PST tip against the Portland Pilots, the first of two February meetings between the programs and Gonzaga’s lone trip to visit UP this season, with local coverage on KHQ and national streaming via ESPN+. Portland enters the matchup on a three-game skid following losses to Washington State, Pacific, and Saint Mary’s, while Gonzaga arrives ranked sixth nationally and fifth in the NET, sitting behind Iowa State, Michigan, Arizona, and Duke as the regular season moves into its grind phase.

With Braden Huff still sidelined by injury, the focus shifts to how the Bulldogs manage Graham Ike’s workload after last week’s punishing, whistle-heavy battle with Saint Mary’s, particularly with Oregon State and Santa Clara looming on the schedule, a stretch that makes a moderated minutes approach feel inevitable barring chaos. Gonzaga would welcome a cleaner night that allows Mark Few to stretch the rotation, keep legs fresh, and bank a road result without adding unnecessary mileage after one of the most physical games of the season.

Meet the Pilots

The Portland Pilots currently sit at 3-10 in WCC play and near the bottom of the standings, yet that record does a disservice to a season that has featured a far wider range of outcomes than the conference table suggests. Portland opened league play by getting run out of the gym in Eugene, absorbing a 35-point loss to Oregon, and has mixed in a handful of true clunkers since, including a couple recent blowout losses to Washington State and Pacific. At the same time, the Pilots have quietly made life uncomfortable for several of the conference’s best teams, taking San Francisco to the wire in a five-point loss, pushing Santa Clara to the final possessions in a seven-point defeat, and hanging within six against Saint Mary’s one week ago.

That volatility shows up in how Portland plays. The Pilots operate at a guard-centric pace, leaning heavily on ball movement and shot volume rather than size or rim pressure, and when the offense hums it looks sharp, coming in waves rather than steady accumulation. 

Personnel wise, this is a deeper and more evenly distributed group than most teams sitting near the bottom of the league. Five Pilots average double figures, led by Joel Foxwell, a high-minute lead guard putting up 15.3 points and 6.8 assists per game while shouldering the bulk of the offense’s decision-making load, a responsibility reflected in both his usage and his turnover rate. Cameron Williams provides a steady interior-adjacent scoring presence and leads the team on the glass at 5.5 rebounds per night, while Timo George and James O’Donnell add efficient secondary scoring, particularly around the rim, giving Portland multiple ways to punish defensive lapses. Mikah Ballew rounds out the double-figure group as a streaky perimeter option capable of swinging short stretches with shot-making, and the collective result is an offense that rarely feels empty even when efficiency dips. The issue, as the season has shown, arrives on the other end, where stops remain inconsistent and extended defensive slippage quickly erases whatever margin the offense manages to create.

Storylines to Watch:

The Ike Conundrum

The central question still revolves around Graham Ike’s workload and how Gonzaga chooses to manage it as February wears on. Ike logged 37 of 40 minutes in last weekend’s bruising Saint Mary’s game, yet Portland presents a matchup where the Bulldogs can afford to be selective, especially given how effective their small-ball groups have looked since the recent loss of Braden Huff.

Portland’s size starts and largely ends with 7’1″ senior Jermaine Ballisager Webb, a true center by measurement who averages under 17 minutes per game, 3.7 rebounds, and roughly half a block, a profile that reads more as situational length than a consistent interior deterrent. Ike’s footwork and patience around the rim have consistently played well against similar bigs, but Gonzaga’s small-ball depth and ability to push pace further reduces the need to lean heavily on post offense or extended center minutes.

That combination makes this a spot where Gonzaga can exploit speed and depth, mix lineups freely, and keep Ike’s usage deliberate rather than reactive, with the broader priority remaining unchanged: keeping their interior anchor healthy, sharp, and fully engaged as the games ahead grow louder and tighter.

The shooting, until it changes

This stays the storyline until it stops being one. Steele Venters and Adam Miller opened WCC play by combining to go 7-for-10 from three against Oregon, a night that hinted at a perimeter breakthrough for a team that struggled to get north of 30% as a team last season. Since the Oregon game, the numbers have cratered, with the pair shooting a combined 16-for-71, good for 22.5%.

It’s been just plain ugly. Miller sits at 31.9% from deep on the season, putting him ahead of only Tyon Grant-Foster and Emmanuel Innocenti for the title of Least Efficient Shooter on the roster. Venters and Miller were the dudes Gonzaga explicitly imported to stretch defenses, and the misses have begun to look rougher and rougher, with airballs and shots dying short or drifting off-line right out of the hand.

Miller still brings value through poise and situational defense, which keeps his minutes justifiable, but Venters has struggled to impact games on either end since conference play began, even proving a frequent liability in on-ball coverages and defending downhill drives. Davis Fogle’s steadier two-way play has started to feel more trustworthy than anything either player has brought to the table of late, and the math may eventually force the issue entirely. Gonzaga cannot keep funneling 34-plus minutes per game at dudes shooting this poorly while Emmanuel Innocenti, Tyon Grant-Foster, and Davis Fogle wait behind them with better defense, more versatile offensive arsenals, and ridiculous upsides to offer.

A Gonzaga team shooting this way from the perimeter will not advance past the round of 32. And until that shift arrives, the tension remains unresolved, hanging over every possession that ends with another open three. 

Containing Joel Foxwell

Everything in Portland’s offense begins with point guard Joel Foxwell, positioning him as the primary problem Gonzaga has to solve. Foxwell has been one of the nation’s leading assist men in all of college basketball this season. All that to go along with 15 points per game and playing roughly 35 minutes a night. He stays in attack mode from buzzer to buzzer, a workload that places him among the league’s most ball-dominant guards. He has led the Portland Pilots in scoring in each of their last four games and has topped the team in assists in all but one outing this season.

If Gonzaga can park Emmanuel Innocenti (or, perhaps, even Jalen Warley) on Foxwell, pressure him at the point of attack, and take away his comfort dribble on the perimeter, Portland’s secondary creation options thin out quickly. The Pilots rely on Foxwell to kickstart every action, and when that engine sputters the offense tends to flatten into late-clock shots rather than structured counters.

The danger, of course, arrives if Foxwell gets comfortable. He dropped 27 on a very stout Saint Mary’s defense just over a week ago, doing his damage through persistence rather than efficiency, finishing 8-for-22 from the floor but a perfect 7-for-7 at the line while committing zero fouls in 39 minutes. He keeps coming, absorbs contact, and forces defenses to defend him honestly for the full game. If Gonzaga allows him to settle into that rhythm, the night grows longer than the standings suggest. If they disrupt him early and often, the Pilots struggle to find a credible plan B.

Final Thoughts

The Pilots have already shown they can stay attached against the league’s upper tier when their guard play remains organized and their shot profile stays balanced. This matchup rewards defensive discipline for the Zags more than offensive force, particularly if Portland can slow tempo just enough to keep Foxwell involved deep into the clock.

If Coach Few elects to be conservative with Ike’s minutes, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have the personnel to win with speed, spacing, and depth, an approach that also opens space to continue evaluating backcourt combinations, including the Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supery pairing that surfaced briefly last week.

Gonzaga has multiple functional paths to control the night, and the challenge revolves around selecting the right lineups at the right moments rather than leaning on any single solution. How the Bulldogs sequence those choices, when they press advantages, and how deliberately they manage minutes may reveal more about their priorities for the back half of conference play than the final margin itself.

The Clippers and Cavaliers just pulled off a blockbuster, near straight-up trade: James Harden is heading to Cleveland while Darius Garland lands in Los Angeles. The move is a massive shake-up for fantasy basketball managers with either guard rostered, and the implications ripple through both rotations.

Let's break down who wins, who loses and who (if anyone) should be grabbed off waivers right now.

James Harden to Cleveland — Say what?!

Harden joins forces with Donovan Mitchell in the Eastern Conference, hoping to make one last quest for a championship and a big payday. Harden probably cares about the bag more than a trophy, but that's a debate for another day.

Harden's role as a primary facilitator won't change with the Cavs. However, we could see him relinquish some ball-handling responsibilities to Mitchell, as the latter is more than capable of initiating offense. Still, with a healthy Evan Mobley (potentially), Jarrett Allen and a far deeper roster, I don't think Harden's assist rate will dip much from what we've seen this year. Harden should remain a top-15 asset in fantasy across formats, even though the usage may not be in abundance as it was in L.A. The scoring, however, is likely to drop off from 25 per game because he won't have to take as many shots when the roster is at full strength. Short term, though, he's getting buckets. Fantasy managers should hold.

Darius Garland to L.A. — Buy-low window still cracked?

Garland's nagging toe injury isn't a great look at the moment, but the silver lining is that when he's ready to return, he'll command a higher usage rate than in Cleveland. It's literally Kawhi Leonard, Garland and Ivica Zubac, so that's a better situation for his scoring prospects, with some expected decline in his assist rate. Garland is a winner here, landing on a Clippers team that desperately needs a primary ball handler and scorer to help them stay in the hunt for the postseason.

When healthy, he's a 20-4-6 guy who can get hot from 3 and is a top-50 player. Now he's getting out of Cleveland, where he shared a backcourt with Mitchell, and into a situation where he has more runway.

Who Else Benefits?

There’s no clear waiver wire pickup, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t fallout. Let’s look at Cleveland first.

Fantasy impact for Cavs

Donovan Mitchell: Already Cleveland's leading scorer, and that won't change with Harden in the building. Although his 5.8 assists could trickle down, now he's getting even more usage with Garland gone. Mitchell's usage rate was already elite, but removing another ball-dominant guard from the equation means more shots, more assists, more everything. If you've got him, you're eating well. If you don't, he's untradeable at this point.

Jarrett Allen: I love this for Allen because he has the potential to be a great pick-and-roll counterpart with Harden. Harden makes bigs better --- look at Zu, Embiid, Capela — the list goes on. I'd be buying shares of Allen after this deal.

Evan Mobley: Unchanged. His fantasy value is secure as Harden will likely get him easier looks around the rim and put him in the optimal spots to maximize his efficiency. The stocks and rebounds are where Mobley helps fantasy managers most outside of his scoring.

Fantasy impact for Clippers

Kawhi Leonard: Kawhi's usage is about to skyrocket. With Harden gone and Garland not the volume scorer Harden was, Kawhi becomes the clear-cut No. 1 option for LAC again. He's been great all year, and now he'll be shouldering a lot more since Garland isn't ready to play as of Wednesday.

Ivica Zubac: I'm a bit concerned that Garland, while an effective point guard, might take some time to get acclimated. Fortunately, there are a ton of opportunities and shots to go around. Zu's been having a down year, but some new energy could ignite more production offensively from Zu.

How the Browns can keep Jim Schwartz: Haslam’s 1 emergency move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns are teetering on the edge of a defensive identity crisis, and owner Jimmy Haslam is the only one who can step in to stop it.

Following the hire of Todd Monken as head coach, reports erupted that DC Jim Schwartz was "incensed" at being passed over, packing his bags and saying goodbyes.

However, Haslam can fix this right now with a single, aggressive stroke of a pen.

According to ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi, there is one clear path forward…make Jim Schwartz the highest-paid defensive coordinator in NFL history. 

This could be what it takes for Browns to keep Jim Schwartz. https://t.co/sF6EuzJrr4

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 2, 2026

More: Browns Myles Garrett wins Tom Brady’s LFG Award: ‘Second-to-none!’

To keep the mastermind behind one of the league’s top units, Haslam needs to give Schwartz at least 6.5 million reasons to stay–surpassing Brian Flores’ current market-setting salary.

Monken himself knows exactly what is on the line. During his introductory presser, the new sideline boss didn't mince words when he admitted, “It’s been a b**ch to go against (Schwartz’s defense) with these players”. Monken has already gone on record saying the Browns intend to keep this defensive system intact. 

Would it be the same though if Schwartz left and an assistant was elevated? Stars like Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett openly campaigned for the veteran DC to stay. The group's success going forward may not be as easy as just plugging in someone new and calling the same plays.

If Haslam wants to keep the architect of the NFL's most feared pass rush from walking out the door, he has to open the vault. It’s time to pay up or prepare for the possibility of a weakening of the Browns' biggest strength.

More Browns News:

• 'I didn't take this job because of Jim Schwartz': Todd Monken's bold Browns intro
• Deliver 'a kick a** team”: 3 takeaways from Browns Todd Monken intro
• ESPN Browns redraft: No Jags trade, shocking QB pivot and elite TE reset
• The secret to Todd Monken's new Browns offense (it's not Shedeur Sanders!)
• ‘We need him’: Denzel Ward sends clear message to Browns on Jim Schwartz’s future

Giannis Antetokounmpo has reached a point in a superstar’s career where every move feels bigger than basketball. When a player has already won a title, multiple MVPs, and global respect, the conversation shifts. It becomes less about statistics and more about legacy. Fans begin to look at the full picture. Giannis seems to understand that better than most, which is one of the reasons he appears ready to shift bases.

Milwaukee has been his home and his proving ground. He grew from a raw prospect into a champion there. The city embraced him, and he embraced the city right back. But the NBA moves fast. After three first-round playoff exits, the Greek Freak now looks ready to start over elsewhere.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, reports continue to surface about which teams may make a move for the 31-year-old superstar. For a time, Golden State appeared to be a potential landing spot, especially with Jimmy Butler injured and Steph Curry still playing at an elite level. However, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report recently shed light on Giannis’ thinking and why the Warriors are no longer in the mix.

“He is very much focused on the story and the arch of his career. That has been very apparent. Talking to people around Giannis he cares about the narrative structure of his next situation just as much as his exit from Milwaukee,” said the insider.

That idea of narrative is fascinating. Most stars say they just want to win, and Giannislikely feels the same. But he also seems aware that where you win and how you win shapes how you are remembered. One more ring as a hired gun is different from building something new somewhere else. History treats those paths very differently.

Fischer also made it clear that Giannis has not demanded a trade and did not want that wording circulating. That detail matters. There is a real difference between evaluating your future and forcing your way out. Based on everything shared, Giannis comes across as thoughtful rather than restless.

From a storytelling perspective, certain destinations stand out. Fischer noted, “Joining young superstar Anthony Edwards and helping the Wolves get past the Western Conference Finals after two straight trips, while building a long window together and creating history Minnesota has never achieved, would certainly be a major storyline.” The Timberwolves have never hung a banner. Pairing Giannis with a rising face of the league would be must watch television.

The Knicks offer a different kind of spotlight. New York magnifies everything. A title there turns players into legends forever. Jalen Brunson has already revived the energy at Madison Square Garden, and adding Giannis would feel like pouring gasoline on a fire that is already burning bright. The pressure would be enormous, but so would the payoff.

Miami fits the myth making angle as well. The Heatculture brand is very real around the league. Bam Adebayo and Giannis would form a defensive wall that could define an era. South Beach has also seen how a superstar move can reshape the league before, and that history adds weight to any rumor tied to Miami.

Fischer summed up the timing element too, saying, “You’re not going to have a 5 or 6 year window competing for a title in Golden State with Steph like you theoretically would next to Ant in MIN, next to Brunson in NYK, next to Bam Adebayo in Miami.” That comment highlights age, timelines, and realistic windows. Giannis is still in his prime but even primes have clocks.

For now, this is all about possibility and perspective. Giannis is not just chasing the next win. He is thinking about the full journey. Whether he stays in Milwaukee or writes a new chapter elsewhere, the choice will say a lot about what he values. In a league obsessed with rings, Giannis might be chasing something slightly bigger. He might be chasing a story that feels complete when it is all said and done.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Deeply Focused on the Narrative Around His Next Career Arc as Trade Rumors Swirl appeared first on The SportsRush.

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Pour Over Coffee Roasters has launched a new café at Santushti Complex in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, strengthening its presence in the city’s speciality coffee market with a purpose‑built space designed for diverse visit types — from quick coffee breaks to longer sit‑downs and community gatherings. Located in a prestigious diplomatic and cultural neighbourhood, the outlet features 45 seats, including amphitheatre‑style, lounge and chair seating, and operates daily from 10 am to 9 pm. The brand emphasises ethical sourcing, precision brewing and community‑centric spaces, offering travellers and locals a welcoming environment to enjoy artisanal coffee and cafe‑style bites.

Introduction: New Café Adds Flavor to Delhi’s Travel and Coffee Scene

Pour Over Coffee Roasters has expanded its footprint in New Delhi with the opening of a new café at Santushti Complex in Chanakyapuri, a location known for its blend of cultural, diplomatic and commercial activity. This development reflects the brand’s commitment to bringing high‑quality, ethically sourced speciality coffee to one of the city’s most dynamic public spaces. With a thoughtfully designed space catering to both short visits and community gatherings, the café enhances the local lifestyle offering. Its arrival adds to New Delhi’s reputation as a destination where travel, culture and gastronomy intersect — appealing to tourists, expats, commuters and coffee lovers alike.

Neighbourhood and Location Appeal

The Santushti Shopping Complex in Chanakyapuri is a well‑established, green‑shaded destination blending upscale boutiques, cafés, art galleries and relaxed social spaces, making it a draw for travelers exploring Delhi’s rich urban culture. With a backdrop of leafy pathways and a peaceful ambience within the diplomatic district, the new Pour Over outlet benefits from both local footfall and visitors drawn to the complex’s unique blend of retail and relaxation. Whether tourists are spending a day shopping, food journaling or taking a break from sightseeing around the nearby Lodhi Gardens and heritage sites, the café adds a compelling stop in travellers’ itineraries.

Café Experience and Design

The Santushti outlet features seating for 45 covers and blends amphitheatre‑style seating with comfortable lounge and chair arrangements, catering to both individuals seeking a quick brew and groups lingering over long conversations or informal meetings. Aimed at combining comfort with community, the format accommodates short visits, extended sit‑downs and small gatherings — a layout appealing to both locals and travellers seeking flexible café experiences. The design encourages social interaction, creative work sessions or relaxed breaks, reflecting Pour Over’s focus on not just coffee, but social space and hospitality that aligns with the travel‑ornamented lifestyle of Delhi’s central districts.

Coffee Culture and Ethical Sourcing

Pour Over Coffee Roasters emphasises conscious sourcing and precision brewing, bringing global methodology to New Delhi’s speciality coffee market. The brand sources 100 % arabica beans — including single‑origin Indian and international lots — roasted in small batches under climate‑controlled conditions to preserve flavour integrity. A variety of manual and espresso‑based drinks — from pour‑overs and Aeropress to slow‑steeped cold brews and signature espresso creations — are available, highlighting nuanced bean profiles and balanced extraction. With hand‑crafted techniques and curated offerings, the café targets both seasoned coffee enthusiasts and curious travellers eager to experience elevated coffee rituals beyond standard fare.

Travel Advantages for Visitors

For travellers and visitors to New Delhi, the opening of Pour Over Coffee Roasters at Santushti Complex brings fresh advantages. It provides a premier coffee destination in a scenic, easily accessible part of the city — ideal for both daytime wanderers and locals. The café sits within a leafy, relaxed setting that pairs well with leisure itineraries, shopping explorations and cultural outings, offering both high‑quality specialty brews and a restful pause from touring. Additionally, its flexible seating and community‑oriented format make it suitable for digital nomads and remote travellers looking for a robust caffeine fix, quiet work spot or social meet‑up location.

Travel Disadvantages and Considerations

Despite its appeal, travellers may find certain considerations when planning a visit. As a speciality coffee destination, price points may be higher than average local cafés — a factor for budget‑minded tourists working within tight spending plans. The Santushti Complex’s location in the diplomatic zone may also require valid ID for entry at some checkpoints, which could slow visitors unfamiliar with local access protocols. Additionally, while the café’s seating capacity is comfortable, it may fill up quickly during peak hours, especially weekends, meaning advance planning or off‑peak visits might be necessary for travelers seeking quieter experiences.

Impact on New Delhi’s Coffee and Travel Landscape

The launch of Pour Over Coffee Roasters at Santushti contributes to New Delhi’s evolving café culture and urban travel experiences. As the city continues to attract global visitors, enhancing boutique food and beverage options near key diplomatic and leisure hubs elevates its appeal as a destination for nuanced gastronomy and coffee appreciation. This growth supports Delhi’s positioning not just as a historic and cultural centre, but as a modern lifestyle destination with diversified hospitality offerings. Travelers can now enjoy artisanal brews alongside cultural explorations, expanding the city’s portfolio beyond heritage landmarks to include premium, community‑driven dining experiences.

Conclusion: Coffee Meets Culture in Central Delhi

The opening of Pour Over Coffee Roasters’ new outlet at Santushti Complex, Chanakyapuri marks a milestone in New Delhi’s speciality coffee scene and enhances the city’s travel‑oriented hospitality fabric. With thoughtfully designed spaces, ethically crafted beverages and a welcoming atmosphere, the café offers both travellers and locals a compelling stop — whether for a quick pick‑me‑up between sightseeing, a relaxed afternoon session or a coffee‑centric social gathering. While certain logistical and budgetary considerations apply, this addition underscores Delhi’s emerging identity as a global city where culture, community and culinary innovation converge — one expertly brewed cup at a time.

The city of Jonesboro in Arkansas which has earned a reputation for its parks and recreational programs and its expanding tourist industry is currently engaged in a vital debate about how to market youth sports and sports tourism within the community. The city officials plan to reorganize the Parks Advisory Committee which local residents and civic leaders and visitors both observe because the change will help the region attract major youth sports events and create better athletic chances for children and families.

This development comes against a backdrop of Jonesboro’s broader efforts to elevate tourism and economic activity, supported by the work of the city’s Advertising & Promotion Commission and Visit Jonesboro, which actively promote local events, attractions and visitor experiences that drive travel to the region.

Committee Restructure Sparks Debate on Best Path Forward

City officials convened a special meeting on Tuesday to explore the optimal structure for managing and promoting youth sports and, critically, the potential for sports tourism, a niche that draws families and teams from beyond the region. Two main options were tabled: creating a standalone sports tourism committee, or expanding the current Parks Advisory Board to include sports tourism responsibilities alongside its existing remit.

The Parks Advisory Committee, as it currently stands, oversees a range of recreational programmes, from summer soccer and basketball leagues to rugby and disc golf, that form the backbone of community life for families in Jonesboro.

Committee Chair Chris Gibson said the discussions were designed to assess which structure would most effectively support both the city’s youth athletic development and its potential to attract larger sporting events, which in turn could drive hotel bookings, restaurant visits and other tourism-linked economic benefits.

The Tourism Opportunity: Bringing Tournaments to Town

Sports tourism is more than a buzzword: it’s a proven driver of visitor spending and regional visibility. Cities that host youth tournaments often see significant inflows of out‑of‑town families and fans, filling hotel rooms, restaurants and attractions, a trend noted in recent tourism data showing spike periods linked to events in Jonesboro.

Supporters of a dedicated sports tourism committee argue that a specialised group focussed solely on attracting and delivering tournament infrastructure could partner more strategically with Visit Jonesboro and the Advertising & Promotion Commission to market Jonesboro to travel planners and league organisers.

Visit Jonesboro’s mandate emphasises showcasing the city’s attractions and events to visitors, a mission that could be amplified by structured sports tourism promotion that leverages existing recreational assets such as parks, athletic fields and community venues.

Local Youth Sports as Tourism Catalysts

Jonesboro’s Parks & Recreation Department manages over 900 acres of parks and fields, hosting a variety of youth sports programs that already draw thousands of participants each year. From 3v3 summer soccer to Little League baseball and the Miracle League designed to include athletes of all abilities, these programmes form a foundation for community engagement and potential tourist draw.

A strengthened committee framework could help formalise pathways for expanding these programmes into regional and national tournament circuits, offering travellers an enhanced reason to extend their stays. A future where Jonesboro hosts multi‑day tournaments could translate into higher hotel occupancy rates and increased visits to local dining, shopping and entertainment venues.

Broad Community Support and Economic Promise

Economic development leaders and local business owners have often underscored the value of connectivity between recreation and tourism growth. This is in part reflected in the city’s success with other events and park‑linked attractions that bring visitors to the area.

By aligning a potential sports tourism body with established tourism stakeholders, including the Advertising & Promotion Commission and chambers of commerce, Jonesboro could elevate its profile as a destination that blends family‑friendly living with compelling travel experiences.

An enhanced tourism strategy driven by sports could also provide measurable economic uplift, with tournament weekends generating revenue not just for hotels and restaurants but also for retail enterprises and local attractions across the city.

What Happens Next: Public Services Council Meeting

The discussion is set to continue at the upcoming Public Services Council Committee Meeting on 17 February, where city officials will further assess options and feedback from residents. The outcome, whether a new committee is formed or the Parks Advisory Board is expanded will shape the next chapter in Jonesboro’s strategic approach to sports tourism and youth athletics.

Officials have indicated that deeper analysis and community input will inform final recommendations, emphasising that the ultimate goal remains what is best for the people of Jonesboro from young athletes honing skills on local fields to visitors seeking memorable travel experiences.

Jonesboro presents two benefits through its sports tourism development which helps local families and tourists who want to experience genuine American towns with various recreational activities. The city of Jonesboro develops its character as a friendly community for residents and a tourist attraction through its dedication to building youth sports programs which also create opportunities for travel-related economic development.

A significant technical failure within Poland’s Border Guard database has caused unexpected disruptions at several Ukrainian checkpoints, specifically in the Lviv and Volyn regions. This glitch in the system has notably affected the processing of essential documentation for border crossings, leading to delays and slower operations at these points of entry and exit.

However, despite this disruption, there are no major traffic queues reported at the Ukrainian crossings. According to officials from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, while there is no large-scale impact on vehicle movements, train processes are experiencing slower handling. This development is a cause for concern, especially for passengers relying on train services, but the situation is currently under control. Although the glitch has raised some concerns, it has not yet resulted in severe delays for most travelers.

Protests Add Complexity to Border Operations

In addition to the technical failure, a protest by Polish farmers on January 23 at the Dolhobychuv-Uhryniv checkpoint further exacerbated tensions at the border. The protest lasted for two hours, with farmers expressing dissatisfaction over the import of Ukrainian agricultural products. Although this protest is unrelated to the system failure, it highlights the broader economic and political challenges at the Ukrainian-Polish border.

Polish farmers have long raised concerns about the influx of Ukrainian agricultural goods, which they believe undermines their own market. The protest underscores the ongoing challenges both nations face as they attempt to navigate complex trade relations and border logistics. As both Poland and Ukraine continue to deal with these tensions, the protests reflect the difficult balance between trade agreements and local interests.

Border Tensions: A Recurring Issue

The combination of the technical glitch and the farmer protest has only added to the already strained relationship between Poland and Ukraine at the border. This latest setback comes after a series of border challenges that have occasionally disrupted the flow of goods and people between the two countries. For many years, the border has been a point of contention, largely due to logistical pressures and economic disagreements.

From the disruption of agricultural trade to the slow pace of document processing, these ongoing issues highlight the need for more efficient solutions at the border. Given the economic importance of this shared frontier, both Poland and Ukraine must find ways to improve cooperation, ensuring smoother operations and addressing the growing concerns on both sides.

Efforts to Resolve and Mitigate Border Issues

As the situation continues to unfold, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of the system failure. The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has assured the public that the situation is under control and that measures are being implemented to expedite the processing of documents. Additionally, steps are being taken to address the backlog in train processing, although some delays are inevitable.

Both nations will likely have to revisit their border operations to better prepare for similar issues in the future. With the increasing volume of cross-border trade and travel, enhancing the technological infrastructure and improving communication between the two countries will be essential to avoiding future disruptions.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Polish-Ukrainian Border Relations?

The Polish border system failure and the accompanying protests by Polish farmers serve as a reminder of the complex and often volatile dynamics at play in cross-border relationships. As both countries work towards improving their economic relations and resolving trade disputes, there remains much to be done to enhance the efficiency of their border operations. By addressing these ongoing issues head-on, Poland and Ukraine can ensure a smoother experience for both travelers and businesses alike, helping to foster stronger ties between the two nations in the long term.

While the immediate impact of the system failure has been relatively contained, the broader implications for border management and trade relations are likely to be felt for some time. It will take cooperation from both sides to navigate these challenges effectively and ensure that the Polish-Ukrainian border continues to function as a vital conduit for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

This Valentine’s Day, Virgin Voyages is offering a unique way to embrace fresh beginnings with its “Breakup Line”—a hotline where callers can officially break up with anything in their life that no longer serves them. From February 3 to 28, 2026, this inventive campaign allows individuals to declare their “breakups” with everything from unfulfilling relationships to outdated loyalty programs.

The idea behind the Breakup Line is simple yet powerful: sometimes in life, the best way to move forward is to let go of what’s holding us back. In this case, Virgin Voyages is giving people a fun, interactive space to rid themselves of situations that are no longer working—be it in love, loyalty, or travel.

A Chance to Let Go and Move On

The Breakup Line is an answering machine that invites individuals to share their grievances and part ways with anything from frustrating travel experiences to toxic relationships. Whether it’s an unreliable partner or a loyalty program that’s more hassle than it’s worth, this hotline offers a creative outlet for anyone wanting to release the negativity that’s standing in the way of a better future.

The messages left on the Breakup Line can range from playful to cathartic. Some may want to “break up” with the airline that continually disappoints with hidden fees, while others may wish to say goodbye to relationships that don’t meet their emotional needs. It’s an opportunity for individuals to vent in a lighthearted and fun way, while also reflecting on the things that truly matter in life.

The Breakup Line creates a space where people can pause and reconsider their current situations. It encourages individuals to take ownership of their lives, recognize when it’s time for a change, and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

Embracing a Better Situation(ship)

At the heart of this campaign is the idea that there’s always room for improvement—whether it’s in relationships or travel. Virgin Voyages, known for its adult-only cruises, has always been about elevating the cruise experience for those who have raised their expectations. This campaign taps into the broader message that you don’t have to settle for less when it comes to how you’re treated or the experiences you have. Virgin Voyages emphasizes that better situations are possible, and now is the perfect time to upgrade your experiences, whether on land or at sea.

Virgin Voyages’ Valentine’s Day campaign urges consumers to reconsider what they deserve from every aspect of their lives. From relationships to customer service, the message is clear: don’t accept mediocrity. In fact, it’s about time people broke up with the things that drain them and embraced a lifestyle that’s rewarding and fulfilling.

The Enhanced Status Match Program: A True Upgrade

Coinciding with the Breakup Line is Virgin Voyages’ Enhanced Status Match Program, which allows travelers to bring their existing loyalty status from more than 35 cruise lines, airlines, and hotel chains and immediately enjoy the upgraded benefits of Virgin Voyages’ offerings. Travelers can step into the experience they’ve been craving without the usual requirements or the black-out dates that often come with traditional loyalty programs. This program emphasizes a fresh start for those tired of the constraints placed by other companies—just like the Breakup Line, it’s all about making life easier, more enjoyable, and less restrictive.

For Virgin Voyages, the Enhanced Status Match Program is more than just a perk; it’s an invitation for travelers to break free from outdated loyalty systems and embrace a simpler, more rewarding approach to travel. The idea is to provide an experience that’s both luxurious and straightforward, where the focus is on the traveler’s satisfaction rather than complicated fine print.

A Social Media Movement: Sharing Breakups

Virgin Voyages isn’t just stopping with the phone calls. The brand is also inviting individuals to share their Breakup Line messages on social media. The most memorable and creative messages will be featured on the brand’s channels, giving the campaign a chance to create a sense of community among its audience. These shared moments of humor and empowerment connect people in a fun and uplifting way, further solidifying the idea that breaking up with what no longer serves us is a positive, transformative experience.

By encouraging people to express their frustrations in a lighthearted way, Virgin Voyages fosters a sense of camaraderie and support. It creates a shared experience where people can laugh, reflect, and support each other as they leave behind the things that no longer make them happy.

Virgin Voyages: Cruising for the Discerning Traveler

Virgin Voyages’ adult-only cruises are designed for a specific type of traveler: those who are looking for a more refined, luxurious, and relaxing cruise experience. The line promises no kids, no rushed mornings at the buffet, and no loyalty programs that treat customers as a number. It’s an entirely new way to cruise, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Virgin Voyages has long been known for appealing to travelers who are no longer satisfied with the “traditional” cruise experience, and this campaign reinforces that ethos.

With its Valentine’s Day Breakup Line, Virgin Voyages is offering a fun yet powerful reminder that it’s okay to let go of the things that no longer contribute to your happiness. Whether you’re breaking up with a lackluster relationship or a travel experience that’s fallen short of your expectations, Virgin Voyages is offering a new, better situation(ship) for those ready to embrace change and raise their standards.

Virgin Voyages is offering a unique and empowering experience this Valentine’s Day with its Breakup Line, designed to provide a safe space for individuals to let go of what no longer serves them in both love and travel. Whether it’s a frustrating relationship, an underwhelming travel experience, or loyalty programs that offer more headaches than rewards, this innovative hotline invites callers to break free from anything that’s holding them back. By offering this opportunity to release old frustrations, Virgin Voyages encourages people to embrace a better situation(ship) and set the stage for more fulfilling adventures, both personally and in their travel experiences.

At its core, the Breakup Line is an expression of empowerment. It encourages people to stop settling, whether in their personal lives or travel experiences. Virgin Voyages aims to provide a new standard of travel where guests aren’t forced to accept less-than-ideal experiences, and this hotline embodies that philosophy. The idea is to help people realize that they deserve more, whether it’s in love, leisure, or how they’re treated by companies.

The Breakup Line functions through a voicemail service where callers can leave messages breaking up with anything from unsatisfactory relationships to loyalty programs that have too many hidden restrictions. The messages can be funny, cathartic, or downright emotional, but the goal is clear: to release frustrations and make room for more rewarding experiences. This is Virgin Voyages’ way of creating a “safe space” for people to let go and take control of what they want out of life.

The voicemail service is voiced by a well-known social media personality, bringing a playful and relatable touch to the experience. It’s not just a traditional customer service line—it’s a space for people to vent, laugh, and express their desire for something better. Some of the messages left on the hotline, with permission, will even be featured on Virgin Voyages’ social media platforms as part of their larger Valentine’s Day campaign. This allows others to join in the fun and share in the spirit of self-improvement.

The Breakup Line is more than just a Valentine’s Day gimmick. It’s tied to Virgin Voyages’ Enhanced Status Match program, which allows travelers to bring their loyalty status from more than 35 cruise lines, airlines, and hotels directly to Virgin Voyages. With this program, there are no blackout dates, no hoops to jump through—just immediate benefits. It’s designed to help travelers “break up” with loyalty programs that feel limiting and instead, enjoy travel without the fine print and frustrations that often come with traditional reward systems. This initiative gives travelers a chance to experience a new standard in loyalty benefits, with fewer restrictions and more freedom.

Virgin Voyages’ philosophy is all about offering an upgraded vacation experience. Their adult-only cruises cater to a more discerning traveler, one who expects better than the usual. No kids running around, no early buffet lines, and certainly no loyalty programs that feel transactional. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality service, exclusive experiences, and an overall sense of relaxation and enjoyment without compromise. By eliminating the typical annoyances of travel, Virgin Voyages sets itself apart from other cruise lines that may still be stuck in outdated systems.

The message behind the Breakup Line is clear: it’s time to break up with the old way of doing things and embrace a more rewarding approach to life and travel. This campaign speaks to anyone tired of the status quo—whether it’s in love, travel, or any other area of life. It’s a call to action for people to stop accepting less than they deserve and to start looking for better alternatives. With Virgin Voyages’ Enhanced Status Match program, travelers can immediately step into a world of better benefits, without having to jump through the usual hoops of traditional loyalty programs.

The Breakup Line campaign is more than just a marketing stunt—it’s a reflection of Virgin Voyages’ broader commitment to changing the way we think about travel. This is a brand that wants to make every part of the travel experience better, from the cruise itself to the benefits travelers enjoy. The “Get Into a Better Situation(ship)” slogan reinforces the idea that there’s always room for improvement, and Virgin Voyages is here to help people make that change.

By combining a fun and engaging initiative like the Breakup Line with a meaningful travel offering, Virgin Voyages is redefining what it means to offer an elevated experience. The brand is showing that it’s possible to break free from the norm, embrace something new, and enjoy travel in a way that’s more aligned with personal standards. Whether it’s giving up an old loyalty program or moving on from a relationship that no longer serves you, the message is the same: you deserve better.

The Breakup Line may just be a Valentine’s Day special, but its message resonates beyond just this month. Virgin Voyages is encouraging individuals to set higher expectations for their travels and their lives. With adult-only cruises that focus on providing the best in comfort, service, and experiences, Virgin Voyages is here to offer an upgrade that promises more of what travelers want and less of what they don’t.

Virgin Voyages’ Valentine’s Day Breakup Line offers a safe space for people to let go of what’s holding them back in love and travel, empowering them to embrace better experiences and move on from frustrations.

In the end, Virgin Voyages’ Breakup Line is a bold step in an industry that’s often been slow to change. It’s a reminder that there’s always something better out there—and sometimes, it’s just a matter of making the call and breaking free from what no longer serves you.

The 2026 Squamish Hot Chocolate Festival will take place from 5 to 25 February which allows both visitors and local residents to experience the Pacific Northwest town through its hot chocolate shops. The sixth annual hot chocolate festival in Squamish presents its winter hospitality experience through thirty-four participating local cafés and restaurants and craft makers who present their creative hot chocolate drinks.

Largest Lineup Ever Tempts Tastes

Overflowing with flavour and imagination, this year’s festival marks the largest lineup of participating establishments in the event’s history. From classic rich cocoa to wildly inventive seasonal twists, menus span dairy, vegan, gluten‑free and specialty options tailored to every palate. Tourism officials have underscored that the surge in participants reflects the town’s thriving food scene and commitment to community engagement, aiming to make this winter destination irresistible to culinary travellers and families alike. 

Passport to Sweet Adventure

A highlight designed to spur exploration is the Squamish Hot Chocolate Festival Tasting Passport. Available from 1 February at the Squamish Adventure Centre, online and via the festival’s social channels, the passport encourages guests to visit a range of locations throughout town. Collecting at least ten stamps not only brings bragging rights for kids and grown‑ups but also enters participants into a prize draw, where completed passports have been submitted for a chance to win a custom‑designed cruiser bike, aptly named Cocoa.

Craft Destinations, Creative Cups

From downtown coffee houses and boutique bakeries to scenic eateries near outdoor attractions, each stop offers a uniquely crafted drinking experience. Previous years’ festival entries include Italian spiced hot chocolate with cinnamon and cloves, whimsical cereal‑infused white cocoa evoking childhood memories, and even marshmallow‑topped gourmet blends that become social‑media stars. Whether families prefer velvety classics or adventurous flavour fusions, the wide array of stops gives every visitor a reason to sip and savour. 

Family‑Focused Fun in Every Cup

Children, in particular, are finding this festival an irresistible draw. With colourful creations paired with playful toppings and fun flavour themes, the event blends culinary curiosity with a festive atmosphere that appeals across generations. Travel designers note that winter festivals such as this add significant value to regional tourism, offering family‑friendly activities that stand out on trip itineraries and create lasting holiday memories for young travellers. 

Winter Tourism Gets a Boost

Squamish’s tourism strategy has increasingly spotlighted seasonal events to extend visitor stays beyond the traditional summer months. The Hot Chocolate Festival aligns with this vision, positioning the town as a must‑visit winter destination that pairs outdoor adventure with relaxed indoor experiences. Sightseeing in the surrounding mountains, visits to the Britannia Mine Museum, or a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola can easily be complemented by warm, comforting drinks and local hospitality. 

A Vibrant Community Showcase

Officials with Tourism Squamish have described the festival as a celebration of local creativity, community spirit and winter culture. It showcases the town’s burgeoning cafe culture in a way that invites international visitors to engage directly with local businesses, fostering economic support while enhancing the visitor experience. Indirect statements from organisers have emphasised that experiences like these promote a deeper connection to the destination beyond passive sightseeing. 

Planning and Access for Travellers

Squamish is easily accessible by road from both Vancouver and Whistler, making it an ideal stop for North American or international visitors seeking to combine scenic travel routes with culinary exploration. Accommodation ranges from cozy boutique stays and family‑friendly lodges to wilderness cabins and camping options for adventurers keen to integrate outdoor pursuits with festival fun. 

More Than Just Chocolate

As the festival ends on 25 February, visitors will return home with more than their enjoyable drink experiences. They will experience a lively winter festival that combines local traditions with culinary excellence and family entertainment. The Squamish Hot Chocolate Festival offers parents and their chocolate-loving children an opportunity to discover a picturesque Canadian town because seasonal celebrations enhance a location’s attractiveness by providing tasty experiences that tie to its identity.

The landscape of international travel wholesaling is being reshaped as a pivotal partnership is announced between PKFARE and Trip Affiliates Network. This collaboration is being positioned as a primary driver for partner growth by leveraging curated and competitive travel content on a global scale. As a prominent global travel wholesaler, the organization is dedicated to the enhancement of service delivery through sophisticated travel technology solutions. By aligning with TA Network, which is recognized as a leading travel technology provider, the objective of achieving seamless direct supplier connectivity is being pursued with renewed vigor.

The technical infrastructure provided by this partnership is being utilized to strengthen ties with regional and local destination management companies, with a specific strategic focus being placed on the APAC region. Through the advanced systems of TA Network, real-time access to rates and inventory is being secured, ensuring that a higher level of accuracy and rate competitiveness is maintained for all stakeholders. This technological integration is being designed to offer superior inventory control, which in turn allows for faster responses and a more reliable service to be extended to various global partners.

Enhancing Sourcing Strategies and Market Reach

The importance of direct connectivity with DMCs is being emphasized as a fundamental element of the long-term sourcing strategy currently being executed. It is being observed that the ability to deliver well-curated hotel content is significantly bolstered when direct lines of communication and data exchange are established with local suppliers. This initiative is being viewed as a method to provide greater value to the extensive network of partners who rely on high-quality travel data. The operational excellence associated with the brand is being paired with the distribution capabilities of the ecosystem to ensure that international demand is met with efficiency.

By facilitating a more streamlined connection between local suppliers and global markets, the commitment to providing high-quality, directly connected inventory is being fulfilled. The initial phases of this rollout are being focused on the systematic onboarding of destination management companies into the integrated ecosystem. Over time, the scope of the project is being planned to include a broader range of key destinations and an increase in the volume of directly contracted hotels. This expansion is being managed to ensure that service standards remain consistent even as the scale of the operation grows.

Technological Foundations of Modern Wholesaling

As a subsidiary of the DerbySoft Group, the wholesaler is employing advanced technologies to drive efficiency and fuel sustainable growth. The specialization in delivering relevant travel content is being achieved through a sophisticated blended multi-sourcing model. This approach allows for a vast breadth of choice to be offered alongside competitive pricing, covering essential travel components such as flights, hotels, and ancillaries. The integration of these various elements into a single, frictionless booking experience is being prioritized to enhance the user journey for travel sellers worldwide.

The current scale of the live inventory is being reported as including more than 600 airlines, which comprises over 400 full-service carriers and 200 low-cost carriers. Furthermore, the hotel segment is represented by a collection of over 650,000 hotels distributed across more than 100 countries. This massive repository of data is being utilized to serve more than 2,000 active clients globally, demonstrating the reach and influence of the organization within the industry. The focus on intelligence-driven revenue growth is being maintained through the constant refinement of these technological tools and the cultivation of direct partnerships with primary service providers.

Collaboration for Scalable Global Growth

The synergy between the two organizations is being directed toward ensuring scalable growth and the maintenance of high-level service standards. Close collaboration is being undertaken to guarantee that the transition to the new connectivity models is handled without disruption to existing workflows. The expertise in operational excellence is being combined with the regional knowledge of local partners to create a more robust travel marketplace. This is particularly relevant in North Asia and broader APAC markets, where local nuances in inventory management are being addressed through localized expertise and global distribution power.

The partnership is being viewed not merely as a technical integration, but as a strategic commitment to the future of the travel ecosystem. By enabling DMCs to link more effectively with international demand, the entire value chain is being strengthened. The focus remains on the delivery of high-quality content that meets the evolving needs of the modern traveler. Every step of the onboarding process is being monitored to ensure that the promise of accuracy and inventory control is being realized in real-world booking scenarios.

Future Outlook and Destination Expansion

As the collaboration matures, the development of directly contracted hotels is being treated as a priority for the upcoming quarters. The roadmap for this partnership includes the identification of emerging travel hubs where the presence of the wholesaler can be expanded through the technology provided by the network. It is anticipated that the depth of the inventory will continue to increase, providing travel sellers with even more granular control over the products they offer to their end customers.

The dedication to fueling real growth through curated content remains at the heart of this initiative. By removing the friction from the booking process and providing real-time data, the partnership is setting a new benchmark for how travel wholesalers and technology providers can work in unison. The global footprint of the DerbySoft Group is being leveraged to ensure that these advancements are felt across all major markets. In conclusion, the formalization of this bond between the travel technology sector and the wholesale market is being seen as a vital step in the continued evolution of global tourism infrastructure.

From January 2023 to November 2025, Emirates experienced a series of emergency landings and flight diversions, primarily due to medical emergencies. Notable incidents included EK415from Sydney to Dubai, which diverted to Perth after a passenger’s medical emergency, and EK181 from Dubai to Brussels, which made an unscheduled stop in Erbil, Iraq, for similar reasons. Other diversions were caused by technical faults, such as EK9’s hydraulic failure at London Gatwick, and EK73‘s engine cowling damage, which prompted a return to Dubai. Weather-related issues also forced diversions, like EK448, which had to return to Dubai after severe flooding at Auckland. Several flights, including EK201 and EK342, were diverted due to medical emergencies, with landings in Bengaluru, Keflavik, and Glasgow. Throughout, Emiratesemphasized passenger safety, ensuring swift responses and coordinated medical care .

Incident Summary Table

Narrative Summary

Early 2023 – Medical Diversions and Weather-Driven Return

In February 2023, Emirates faced multiple medical-related diversions. Flight EK415 from Sydney to Dubai made an unscheduled landing at Perth after a passenger fell ill; the passenger was off-loaded and the Boeing 777 continued to Dubai . Two days earlier, flight EK181 from Dubai to Brussels diverted to Erbil, Iraq, due to another passenger emergency . In January 2023, flight EK448, bound for Auckland, spent almost seven hours in the air before returning to Dubai due to severe flooding that closed Auckland airport .

2023 – Series of Medical Diversions and Technical Issues

In September 2023, flight EK362 from Dubai to Guangzhou, operating an A380, diverted to Delhi after a passenger needed urgent medical attention . A few days later, flight EK15 from Dubai to London Gatwick diverted to Munich for a similar medical emergency . On July 11, 2023, flight EK9 suffered a hydraulic failure at Gatwick, leading to a temporary runway closure for 29 minutes . In October, flight EK17 diverted to Istanbul when a passenger fell ill , and in November, flight EK210 from Newark to Dubai (via Athens) faced equipment failure, requiring a safe landing at Boston.

2024 – Continued Emphasis on Passenger Care

In February 2024, flight EK241 from Dubai to Toronto diverted to Glasgow for medical attention . Later in the year, flight EK242 (Toronto to Dubai) diverted to Reykjavik for another medical emergencyeconomynext.com. On June 15, 2024, flight EK262 from São Paulo rejected its take-off due to flames observed on one engine, resulting in the cancellation of the flight .

2025 – Multiple Diversions and One Three-Engine Crossing

Early 2025 saw two A380 diversions: flight EK342 to Kuala Lumpur and flight EK201 to New York, both due to medical emergencies . On February 6, 2025, another A380 (flight EK73) returned to Dubai after damage to an engine cowling . On March 23, flight EK40 aborted its take-off at Birmingham due to a passenger panic attack . In May, flight EK543 returned to Dubai after a technical fault was detected【14†source28, flight EK203 from Dubai to New York faced an engine failure, but the aircraft continued safely with three engines . Additionally, flight EK382 diverted to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after weather and medical concerns . In September, two A380 flights were diverted for medical emergencies: EK413 from Sydney to Dubai landed in Perth and EK19 to Manchester declared an emergency landing at its destination .

Hurtigruten, the iconic Norwegian cruise line, has marked a historic milestone by reporting its most successful month of trading in the UK, a key market for the company. The first month of 2023 saw a stunning 75% increase in UK revenue, compared to January 2022, underscoring a robust surge in demand for the company’s signature coastal voyages along Norway’s picturesque coastline and into the Arctic Circle.

The surge in bookings is a testament to Hurtigruten’s expanding appeal and its ability to meet a growing demand for unique, immersive travel experiences. The company is known for offering unparalleled access to some of the world’s most stunning and remote destinations, with its cruises capturing the imagination of travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. The impressive year-on-year growth signals that Hurtigruten is continuing to connect with travelers looking for something more than the typical cruise experience.

The company’s flagship voyages, including its Signature and Original routes, contributed significantly to this success, with revenue from these trips seeing an increase of more than 70%. Additionally, revenue from bookings made through UK trade partners grew by an astounding 80%, demonstrating not only a rise in direct consumer interest but also a strengthening of its commercial partnerships across the region.

Documentary Series Drives Public Interest

A key catalyst for the remarkable growth was the launch of Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey, a three-part travel documentary produced in collaboration with Channel 4. The series spotlighted the breathtaking beauty of Norway’s coastline and the life-changing voyages offered by Hurtigruten. The documentary’s ability to bring the brand to a wider audience was a pivotal moment for the company, helping to introduce the allure of its cruises to millions of potential customers.

The documentary not only showcased Hurtigruten’s voyages but also highlighted the pristine landscapes, fjords, and northernmost reaches of Norway, captivating viewers and sparking interest in traveling with the cruise line. This exposure provided a significant boost to the company’s visibility and ultimately contributed to a substantial increase in web traffic.

From January 15 to 29, the company saw a massive 107% increase in website visits compared to the same period in the previous year. What makes this increase even more impressive is that it occurred before the first episode of the series aired, proving that the marketing impact of the documentary campaign had already begun to pay off. The surge in online traffic reflects a growing public curiosity about the unique experiences Hurtigruten offers, confirming the effectiveness of this media collaboration.

Strategic Investment Pays Off

Hurtigruten’s outstanding performance in the UK market is not merely the result of one-off efforts, but rather the culmination of years of deliberate investment in brand visibility and collaboration with key travel industry partners. The company’s focus on cultivating strong relationships with travel agents, tour operators, and other strategic partners has played an essential role in reaching a broader audience and securing significant trade-booked revenue.

By prioritizing these partnerships, Hurtigruten has managed to create a network of support across the travel trade sector, ensuring that its premium voyages are well-represented and actively promoted. This approach, combined with targeted marketing campaigns, has helped cement Hurtigruten as one of the top choices for UK travelers looking to explore the scenic beauty of Norway and the Arctic.

The company’s commitment to sustainability has also resonated with conscious travelers seeking more environmentally responsible vacation options. Hurtigruten’s eco-friendly initiatives, including its use of sustainable energy and commitment to preserving the natural environment, align with the values of today’s environmentally aware consumer, further boosting its appeal.

Leadership Changes to Strengthen Future Growth

In addition to the company’s marketing triumphs, recent leadership changes are expected to provide further momentum. Hurtigruten has appointed a new Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the UK and Emerging Markets, who brings a wealth of experience in building brand awareness and expanding commercial operations. This leadership transition is seen as a strategic move to ensure that Hurtigruten continues its strong growth trajectory, particularly in markets with growing potential.

The new executive will play a critical role in advancing the company’s growth, focusing on refining its sales strategies and fostering new partnerships in both established and emerging markets. This leadership change demonstrates Hurtigruten’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the travel industry while adapting to changing consumer preferences and market conditions.

Stronger Than Ever: Looking Ahead to 2023 and Beyond

With the success of the UK market already setting the tone for the year, Hurtigruten looks poised for a year of continued growth and expansion. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for adventure and immersive travel experiences. Hurtigruten’s cruises offer more than just a vacation—they offer the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most untouched and awe-inspiring natural environments, all while enjoying world-class service and sustainability-conscious travel options.

Looking ahead, Hurtigruten is focused on expanding its reach even further, both in the UK and globally. With continued investment in strategic marketing, sustainability, and innovative partnerships, the company is confident that 2023 will be another banner year for the brand. As more travelers seek authentic, nature-based experiences, Hurtigruten’s unique offering will remain a key player in the global cruise industry, promising unforgettable adventures for all who choose to embark on its voyages.

The 2026 Lunar New Year Festival opened its celebrations at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park between February 13 and February 15 to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse through its three-day free cultural event which displayed traditional customs and community traditions. The event’s opening drew travel enthusiasts, local families and cultural visitors to experience first‑hand a tapestry of Asian heritage, artistic performances and a rich palette of heritage foods in one of San Diego’s most diverse neighbourhood parks.

Festival’s Heartbeat: Tradition Meets Community at City Heights

The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival listed as a signature winter celebration of the city – transformed Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park into a hub of festivity, cultural exchange and local tourism activity. The event’s official programme, as highlighted on the City of San Diego and festival listings, confirmed its footprint as a destination festival that is free and open to all ages, offering an immersive introduction to Asian customs including lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, arts and cultural exhibitions and traditional performances.

This inclusive festival, held in the heart of City Heights, is positioned as one of San Diego’s cultural pillars, attracting residents and visitors alike during a peak seasonal travel period. Organisers say the event creates opportunities for visitors to connect with San Diego’s rich Asian heritage while supporting local artisans and performers.

Highlights: Performances, Culinary Delights & Family Fun

Visitors enjoyed an engaging festival experience with a wide range of attractions:

• Lion and Dragon Dance Performances: Energising and symbolic performances filled the park with rhythm and movement throughout each day of the festival.
• Arts and Cultural Displays: Exhibitions and workshops offered demonstrations of traditional folk practices, crafts and heritage stories.
• Culinary Experiences: Street food vendors showcased dishes from across Asia, offering flavours from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and beyond, enriching the travel gastronomy scene in San Diego.
• Family Activities: Interactive installations, traditional games, handicraft stations and youth art projects engaged families and young travellers in hands‑on cultural learning.

The event’s diversity of offerings helped cement its reputation as a must‑visit cultural festival for those seeking authentic and multi‑sensory travel experiences in Southern California.

Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse

Lunar New Year 2026 marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, a powerful symbol in the zodiac associated with energy, courage and forward motion. While the official New Year falls later in February as noted on San Diego’s public calendar, the festival’s mid‑month scheduling allows early travellers and locals alike to partake in festivities that celebrate renewal, unity and prosperity.

Organisers highlighted that the festival’s timing taps into both cultural enthusiasm and regional travel trends, making it a draw for visitors who plan itinerary stops around Lunar New Year celebrations in the Western United States.

What Travel Planners Need to Know

Festival Dates & Venue:

• 13–15 February 2026 at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 4455 Wightman St, San Diego, CA 92105.

Opening Hours:

• Friday: from late afternoon into the evening
• Saturday & Sunday: full‑day festival hours with performances and exhibits scheduled throughout.

Admission: Free for all ages, with no tickets required.

Transport: Easy access by public transport and local services make the event convenient for visitors exploring San Diego attractions and local neighbourhoods.

Cultural Significance and Broader Lunar New Year Celebrations

While this festival celebrates the Lunar New Year in City Heights, San Diego also hosts an array of related cultural festivities across the region during February. These include family‑centric fairs, immersive lantern events and cultural showcases – all part of the city’s broader embrace of Asian heritage and tourism‑driven cultural experiences.

Travel writers note that such a cluster of events positions San Diego as a go‑to destination during the winter months for travellers seeking diversity‑centred celebrations that combine food, history, art and community engagement.

San Diego’s 2026 Lunar New Year Festival concludes its celebrations with a festive atmosphere.

The weekend festivities ended when the last lanterns descended and the drumbeats stopped, which created an atmosphere of community accomplishment and cultural celebration that led visitors to remember both the lively traditions they had seen and the bonds they had developed with others in San Diego’s pleasant outdoor spaces. Festival attendees reported that the three-day event provided both entertainment and a genuine experience of the city’s Asian community heritage and their collective vision for the future, which both travelers and visitors to San Diego’s cultural festivals find appealing to share with upcoming tourists.

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The next-gen Xbox console from Microsoft, which we know will be powered by a semi-custom SoC currently in development from AMD, is "progressing well to support a launch in 2027," said AMD's chief executive officer, Dr. Lisa Siu, during the company's 2025 fourth quarter earnings call. "For 2026, we expect semi-custom SoC annual revenue to decline by a significant double-digit percentage as we enter the seventh year of what has been a very strong console cycle," Dr. Siu said on the call. "From a product standpoint, Valve is on track to begin shipping its AMD-powered Steam Machine early this year. […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amds-semi-custom-soc-thatll-power-the-next-gen-xbox-is-progressing-well-to-support-a-launch-in-2027-says-amd-ceo/

Mesquite (Texas) three-star wide receiver Trysten Shaw announced on Tuesday evening that he has decommitted from UCLA.

Shaw was pledged to the Bruins since Aug. 20 and originally stayed locked in despite the departure of head coach Deshaun Foster. He’s now opted to re-open his process between his junior and senior seasons.

“After a long thought and prayer with my family, I have decided to decommit and reopen my recruitment. Thank you UCLA for the opportunity,” Shaw wrote announcing his decision on X.

Shaw is the No. 678 overall prospect and No. 94 WR in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 86 player in Texas.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder currently holds offers from the likes of Ole Miss, Arkansas, Kansas State, Syracuse, Pitt, Kentucky and a slew of others. He leaves new head coach Bob Chesney and the Bruins with just one commit in the 2027 class.

This story will be updated.

Jarran Reed earns a living in the pit, the trenches of NFL combat, and this pleases the Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle to no end.

He is a football lifer, a 10th year veteran of interior clashes and scrums that often decide the winners and losers in a sport rooted in crunching contact. On Tuesday afternoon in San Jose, the 6-foot-3, 315-pound 33-year-old Reed beamed at what he has accomplished, and his journey to Super Bow LX on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. You can be sure he will have a say in how it all turns out against the New England Patriots.

A native of Goldsboro High School in North Carolina, Reed’s story is a familiar one in the Pacific Northwest. He has reveled at the chance to be a run-stuffer and quarterback chaser since he first slipped on shoulder pads and a helmet. He ground his way through East Mississippi Community College, shoring up his game and his academics, and he starred with the Alabama Crimson Tide on the defensive line.

A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2016, Reed spent the 2021 season with the Kansas City Chiefs and the 2022 campaign with the Green Bay Packers. He re-signed with Seattle in 2023, signing a $12.8 million deal before having it extended in March to a 3-year package for $25 million.

All told, Reed has done his share of the heavy lifting in helping propel the Seahawks to the season’s final weekend in the franchise’s 50th year. And it isn’t just warding off blockers and plugging gaps that make Reed invaluable. He is a locker room leader who offers fiery pep talks as a veteran who has seen it all. Coach Mike Macdonald often has Reed address the team after games, anointing the veteran to mentor and inspire one of the NFL’s youngest teams.

Reed takes none of his path for granted, not in a sport where change is part of the business. Reed has been too good to supplant, and he said he wants to play several more seasons.

“Oh, not one bit (do I take this for granted),” Reed said. “Everybody’s journey is different. I’m very grateful for this, and it’s taught me a lot. Coming from Goldsboro, North Carolina to East Mississippi, then Alabama...all the roles were there to get me to this moment.”

Reed said the Seahawks immediately responded to Macdonald, the defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 and 2023 who was hired as head coach by Seattle before the 2024 season.

“It started early with OTA’s, and we attack the day, attack the week,” Reed said. “Everybody needs to be tackled.”

Reed said he enjoys studying game film, be it the linemen he will encounter or the ball carriers the Seahawks are tasked to stop. He said that he is big on preparation, mind and body. He said that he thinks of NFL stars over the years who did not reach a Super Bowl.

“Some greats never made it, never got a chance to experience this,” Reed said. “Man, I’m here, Year 10. I got a national championship in junior college, and at Alabama, and now I’m here to see if we can pull it out in the Super Bowl this week.”

Reed has always been country strong and became stronger through strength and conditioning. He said that as long as he can overpower the guy in front of him, he will continue to play.

“I made a joke the other day in the weight room,” Reed said. “Now I got that grown-man strong, that dance strength.”

Reed said Seattle’s defense is united. That included arriving to the Super Bowl’s Opening Night media session as a unit in the same ride.

“One thing I said (Monday) is that Bus 3 is the defensive bus, like, nobody gets on Bus 3 but the defense. We’re just like brothers out there. We trust each other on the field. We know where each player is going to be on the field. We play off of each other, and that connection started outside the locker room.”

Reed added, “We hang together a lot, a real close-knit group.”

How does a man last this long in the pit? Money is a great motivator, to be certain, and so is the zest to compete.

“Just the love of the game,” Reed said. “And definitely everybody’s playing to get to the Super Bowl. Man, I love the game. It’s done a lot for me. I’ve been playing since I was a kid, five years old, and 33 now, and I’ve got a lot of football left.”

Reed said he had a sense he could make quite a living in this sport by the time he arrived at Alabama, among the college football programs that annually churn out NFL prospects.

“I figured that I could really make this thing work and make this a great life, a life goal, a life-changing experience,” Reed said.

Becoming a father was also a life-changing experience, Reed said. His oldest daughter, Jacey, was born shortly before he was drafted in 2016, when he would make FaceTime video calls with his infant girl who perked up at the sound of his voice.

Now 10 years old, Jacey doesn’t hesitate to climb over her father at home, even if his body aches from the rigors of a game. She has a sister who also jumps aboard Mount Papa. This isn’t trench warfare, not with the girls giggling and their father rolling on his back and side in preparation for a kid ambush.

“My daughters are amazing,” Reed said with a smile. “Look, I’m their jungle gym. They love crawling all over their dad. I really don’t mind. And it doesn’t stop them (if I’m sore or not).”

Juventud and Universidad Catolica face each other this Friday at the Centenário de Armênia of the Copa Libertadores. This will be Juventud's Copa Libertadores debut. As for Universidad Catolica, this will mark their 6th participation in the competition.

Last time out, Juventud drew 1-1 against Progreso (Uruguay League 2025). Last time out, Universidad Catolica slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Sporting Cristal (Club Friendlies 2026).

Unavailable

Juventud

Universidad Catolica

Last starting XIs

Juventud ( vs Progreso 2025-11-09): Sebastián Sosa, Federico Barrandeguy, Axel Prado, David Morosini, Emmanuel Más, Iván Rossi, Mateo Izaguirre, Ramiro Peralta, Jonathan Urretaviscaya, Franco Soldano, Agustín Rodríguez

Universidad Catolica ( vs LDU Quito 2025-12-21): Johan Lara, Gregori Anangonó, Ariel Mosquera, Carlos Medina, Eric Valencia, Daykol Romero, Mauricio Alonso, Jerónimo Cacciabue, Daniel Clavijo, Andres Rodríguez, Byron Palacios

The so-called "winter window" has been closed since last Monday (2) in the main European leagues.

But several other important championships can still look for talent in Brazilian football.

And the Brazilian market itself remains open.

See below for the deadline for new signings in various leagues.

🇳🇱 Netherlands - 2/3

The last signings could be registered until 11:59 p.m. local time (7:59 p.m. Brasília time).

🇹🇷 Turkey - 2/6

Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, for example, are rushing to find reinforcements. Kanté remains on Fener’s radar. And Ferreira, from São Paulo, is reportedly being targeted by a club from the country.

🇬🇷 Greece - 2/6

After not performing at Vasco, Garré became a reinforcement for modest Aris Thessaloniki. Meanwhile, AEK tried to sign Cauã Barros. Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and PAOK are also eyeing new signings.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates - 2/9

While the Saudi window is closed, the Emirates’ remains open. 

🇲🇽 Mexico - 2/10

Raphael Veiga was just announced by the giant América. Will there be any more?

🇷🇺 Russia - 2/19

Zenit has become a major "headache" for many Brazilian football fans. The latest to arrive there was John John. 

Meanwhile, Dinamo Moscow took David Ricardo from Botafogo. 

🇧🇷 Brazil - 3/3

Several top-flight clubs are looking to make their squads more robust for a grueling season. 

🇦🇷 Argentina - 3/9

Boca, Racing, River & Co. also have plenty of time to sign players. Other South American countries’ windows remain open, such as Chile (2/19), Uruguay (2/23), Colombia (3/6), Venezuela (3/10), and Paraguay (3/12). 

🇺🇦 Ukraine - 3/11

Shakhtar Donetsk has a total of 12 Brazilians in its squad. Could more be targeted by then? 

🇺🇸 United States - 3/26

MLS clubs have been paying close attention to what’s happening in Brazilian football.

🇰🇷 South Korea - 3/26

The K League had exactly 40 Brazilian players last season. 

🇯🇵 Japan - 4/8

There are several Brazilians playing in the local top flight, the J League. The 2025 edition, for example, had four Brazilians among the top five scorers.

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

📸 Pedro Vilela - 2025 Getty Images

I covered the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX plan to attackNew England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury last week, but guards Jared Wilson and Mike Onwenu have been playing great next to him, too.

Both were third round picks who New England has seen good return on investment with- but both also have weaknesses which Seahawks defensive tackles Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II can exploit.

Wilson is a rookie who can be beaten by a quick get off, which is Williams bread and butter. He also has shorter arms, which will struggle to keep Williams in front of him. He’s good once he locks on with his hands, but Williams can prevent that by long-arming him. Murphy also has a quick get off, and similar weight despite being over two inches shorter than Wilson. He can use his signature knee-in-the-ground technique to hold the line of scrimmage against Wilson, which will be key against the Patriots running game with TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson.

Onwenu is an incredibly stout shorter guard, but his long arms allow him to do well against power rushes. He has surprising quickness, good footwork and is violent with his upper body. However, he struggles to move laterally. This makes for a great double team opportunity for Williams. If he can force both Bradbury and Onwenu to double team him in the A gap, Onwenu’s side-to-side struggles won’t be able to get in front of a Seahawks linebacker taking advantage of the wide open B gap. This way, Williams can create opportunities for Ernest Jones IV and Drake Thomas to get in the backfield and wreak havoc.

Before you see what Williams posted on Twitter this weekend and Instagram today, make sure you’re not in a workplace where you can’t get extremely fired up- because he’s clearly ready. When he has a chance to go from a current to an all-time great, he’s a safe bet to operate like both- respecting his opponents enough to scout them with enough confidence to cryptically broadcast his readiness for war. 

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks' Williams, Murphy II target Patriots' o-line weaknesses

Structure or freedom? Positional play or relationism? Is it the genius of the coach — or the wizardry of the players?

Debates like these are recurrent in modern but whatever it is Vincent Kompany is cooking up at Bayern Munich, it has been working for most of this season. The Belgian coach, a former defender himself, is at the helm of one of Europe’s most fearsome attacks and spoke about incorporating the outrageous set of weapons in his arsenal into what still needs to be a coherent style of play.

Do you just take Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala, and say: let them cook? Well, sort of. In Kompany’s philosophy, it is more about carving out ‘space for creativity’ — that is, the freedom within the structure.

“That’s what it’s all about for me at every moment. I want our technically strongest players to have the ball, the four or five up front leading the line,” Kompany shared in an interview last fall with club magazine Säbener 51 (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “These are the guys who make the difference. The question is: How do we get the ball to them? How do we create space for them? How do we give them three or four options? A dribble, a one-two, a cross… If they have the choice, we’ve done a good job. Then they can show what only they can do.”

That was in November. And while the Bavarians are still on track to smash the Bundesliga goals record, the picture has turned cloudier with the new year, making it a good time to revisit those comments. Bayern has only mustered two goals in now four straight matches, dropping points twice and conceding regularly. There has only been one clean sheet in seven tries — all while the club’s vaunted stars, Musiala and Canadian dynamo Alphonso Davies — have made their comebacks.

Yes, players have been absent due to injury and illness as well, and neither Musiala nor Davies have fully settled in to a rhythm as every-match starters yet. But with these new looks and combinations have come fresh uncertainty to what was an all-consuming Bayern machine in the Hinrunde. A dribble, a one-two, a cross…all too often lately, Bayern’s attack is singing just a little off key.

It has been a rough and busy January, and the Bavarians are running haggard. What can Kompany do now to get his squad past this creative block?

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…

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Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph has become one of the emotional and physical tone-setters on the defense, but a recent medical opinion has introduced some uncomfortable uncertainty about what his future might look like.

During Super Bowl radio row, longtime NFL injury expert Dr. David Chao shared his thoughts on Joseph’s knee situation — and while he made it clear he’s rooting for the Lions safety, his assessment was anything but reassuring.

Why Kerby Joseph’s Knee Has Doctors Concerned

Chao, who spent 17 years as an NFL team doctor and now runs Sports Injury Central, explained that he had heard Joseph was exploring non-surgical options, including stem cell treatment, to manage his knee.

That detail alone raised red flags.

While Chao emphasized that he has not reviewed Joseph’s medical records, he explained that once stem cells enter the conversation, it usually signals something more serious than routine wear and tear.

“This one’s a little dicey,” Chao said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “Articular cartilage is the holy grail. If you could regrow it, you’d win the Nobel Prize.”

He compared cartilage to the tread on a tire — once it’s gone, replacing it is incredibly difficult. Unlike muscles or ligaments, cartilage has poor blood supply, which makes healing unpredictable and often incomplete.

The Jadeveon Clowney Comparison — And Why It Matters

To explain the long-term implications, Chao pointed to Jadeveon Clowney, who underwent microfracture surgery early in his career.

Clowney beat the odds and carved out a long NFL career, but there’s a reason teams have been hesitant to give him long-term deals.

“That’s why he’s never gotten a long-term contract,” Chao said. “Everyone’s always worried about that knee.”

For Joseph, the concern is that discussing stem cells may indicate damage beyond even microfracture-level cartilage loss, which Chao described as a “Hail Mary” territory.

What This Means for the Lions

The most sobering part of Chao’s analysis wasn’t about next season, it was about everything beyond it.

“I hope I’m wrong,” Chao said. “But to say he’s going to fulfill this contract and get another one is a Hail Mary.”

That doesn’t mean Joseph can’t play. In fact, Chao suggested that if Detroit can get one to two more strong seasons, that would be considered a win under the circumstances.

Still, for a 25-year-old All-Pro safety, that timeline is far shorter than anyone would like.

A Critical Moment for Kerby Joseph — and Detroit

For the Lions, this adds another layer to an already complex roster puzzle. Joseph is a core defensive leader, but knee cartilage issues don’t operate on optimism or toughness, they operate on biology.

None of this is definitive, and medicine continues to evolve. But as Chao made clear, once cartilage damage reaches this stage, the margin for error becomes razor-thin.

The Lions, and their fans, will be watching closely, hoping Joseph can beat the odds.

Because if he does, it won’t just be a comeback.

It’ll be a medical victory.

The post Doctor Sounds Alarm on Kerby Joseph’s Long-Term Future appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.

Austin Reaves, who missed the last 19 games because of a left calf strain, will play for the Lakers on Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Reaves will come off the bench and will have a minutes restrictions.

“Yeah, he’ll be in,” Redick said. “He’ll have a minutes restriction, but he’ll be in.”

Reaves has been out since injuring his calf on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets.

In 23 games this season, Reaves is averaging career highs in points (26.6), assists (6.3) and rebounds (5.2). Reaves is shooting 50.7% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.

“I think we’ve missed him in every facet,” Redick said of Reaves. “Both as an on-ball player, off-ball player, a connector, leadership on the court, competitive spirit — competitive spirit defensively. So, he’s an All-Star level player and, of course, you’re going to miss him in a number of ways.”

The most recent Lakers starting lineup had Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart as starters alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton.

Redick was asked how the group has fared together.

"Yeah, I mean, that group has not performed well from a net rating, an offensive/defensive rating,” Redick said. “So, we've got to figure all this out. And we've had two games all season with our full health.

"So, hopefully, with Austin coming back, we can just have a healthy stretch here and figure out what lineups work best.”

Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

A former Spartans star guard has landed in the NBA G League All-Star game.

Former Michigan State guard Jaden Akins has been selected for the NBA G League Next Up Game during All-Star weekend. He earned a spot in the event through the fan vote series, where he was fifth in fan voting.

Akins has starred for the Motor City Cruise in his first season since departing the Spartans. He is averaging 17.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5 assists per game in his rookie NBA G League season.

The Next Up Game will be held on February 19 at 3 p.m. ET at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event will be televised on NBA TV.

EARNED.

Congratulations to @JadenAkins3 on earning a spot in the @nbagleague Next Up Game during All-Star Weekend!⭐️ pic.twitter.com/BlKoiocH0g

— Motor City Cruise (@MotorCityCruise) February 3, 2026

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former MSU star Jaden Akins selected to NBA G League All-Star Game

Is Austin Reaves playing tonight vs. Nets? Final status for Lakers star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to end their extended road trip with a win against the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday night.

The good news for the Lakers is that they’ll be getting a major reinforcement back for the contest.

Austin Reaves will return to game action vs. Nets 

After an extended, 19-game stay on the sideline due to a calf strain, star guard Austin Reaves will return to game action for the Lakers tonight in Brooklyn, per Lakers head coach J.J. Redick.

This story will be updated. 

Yankees lose outfielder they got in January to Dodgers in new roster move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The back-of-roster moves have continued this week for the New York Yankees.

They just claimed Mike Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final 10 days of January.

But on Tuesday, Siani was claimed back by the Dodgers, according to the Associated Press.

The Yankees allowed this to happen. Not long after claiming Siani off waivers, they designated him for assignment, which placed him back on waivers.

MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland's Derek Jeter

The Dodgers, apparently having maneuvered their 40-man roster in a more favorable direction since initially losing Siani, decided they wanted the outfielder back.

The Yankees had actually DFA'd two players in their most recent move, but Marco Luciano passed through waivers unclaimed and has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Siani is a 26-year old who hits and bats lefty and can play centerfield.

He played for the Cardinals in 19 games in 2025, batting .235.

MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB's perfect misfit in 2026

He also appeared in the major leagues for the Reds in both 2022 and 2023. 

This is the way things go this time of year for a player like Siani. Teams DFA edge-of-roster players in the hopes of getting them through waivers unclaimed. They don't want them on the 40-man roster on Opening Day, but they'd like to have them around in Triple-A.

But with useful players like Siani, multiple clubs are often interested in doing the same thing. So they do this back and forth until a guy finally makes it through waivers for good.

In the meantime, there's a chance Siani stays on the move for the next month or so. He's used to it.

More MLB news:

• Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
• Dominican Republic WBC roster is loaded with stars
• How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
• Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
• This Cubs replacement plan for Kyle Tucker looks smart
• Injury insurance is changing the World Baseball Classic

Chrisean Rock returns to boxing after 6000 women applied to be her opponent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After drawing thousands of applicants for a single opponent slot, Chrisean Rock is officially taking her first step into organized boxing.

Exclusive: 🥊 Chrisean Rock to is set to make her boxing debut after nearly 6-thousand women applied to be her opponent.

Details: https://t.co/vHr4XiEV2Epic.twitter.com/f2ZbHCvaM4

— TMZ (@TMZ) February 2, 2026

According to Complex, Rock is scheduled to compete in a three-round fight on April 25 at Harrah's Philadelphia Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania. The event will also be available on pay-per-view through Triller, giving the matchup a national audience beyond the venue.

MORE: Stefon Diggs looks fierce and fabulous in fur boots and Birkin bag

The road to this fight included an open search for a challenger that reportedly attracted close to 6,000 women. From that pool, organizers selected Zenith Zion, a Philadelphia-based wrestler with ring experience and a past run as the AWA Women’s Television Champion.

Zion made her intentions clear in a recent promo.

“Be prepared, Chrisean, because I’m coming to kick your ass,” she said while shadowboxing for the camera.

The bout marks Rock’s first appearance after signing with XRumble Fighting Championships, which recently expanded into boxing. She has been training under Calvin Ford, who coached former world champion Gervonta Davis.

When announcing the agreement, Rock shared a brief message celebrating the milestone.

“Beyond grateful… my first boxing deal is finally done,” she said.

MORE: Ex-NBA WAG Tami Roman announces role in new Lifetime movie

Her interest in the sport isn’t brand new. Late last year, Rock appeared in a training session with Ryan Garcia that streamed live online. During the session, Garcia accidentally landed a punch. Rock laughed it off and kept working, a moment that circulated widely and added to the anticipation around her potential debut.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The NFL expressed on Tuesday that it's "confident" that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents won't be at the Super Bowl on Sunday, in conflict with previous statements from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials. 

The NFL's chief security officer, Cathy Lanier, addressed the topic during a security briefing with reporters ahead of Sunday's game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

"There's no planned ICE enforcement activities," Lanier said. "We are confident of that."

Lanier's claim stands in conflict with repeated statements from DHS officials that ICE will have a presence at the Super Bowl amid a nationwide campaign targeting immigrants for deportation under President Donald Trump.

DHS: Super Bowl not a 'safe haven'

DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski said on a podcast in October that the Super Bowl would not be a "safe haven" for targets of ICE activities.

“There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally," Lewandowski said. "Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you.”

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem echoed Lewandowski's statement, saying on the same podcast that ICE will be "all over" the Super Bowl.

Lewandowski and Noem made their statements shortly after the NFL announced that Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Noem said this of the NFL when asked what message she wanted send the league in response to its decision to feature Bad Bunny:

"They suck, and we'll win," Noem said. "They won't be able to sleep at night because they don't know what they believe. And they're so weak, we'll fix it."

Bad Bunny pushes back

Bad Bunny is a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement campaign and reiterated his stance during an acceptance speech at the Grammy awards Sunday night. 

“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans ... The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. 

"So please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated the league's support for Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer in a news conference on Monday. 

ICE, DHS plans for Super Bowl remain murky

DHS has not confirmed in recent days whether or not it has plans for ICE enforcement at and around the Super Bowl. Per the Associated Press, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin refused to say whether federal immigration agents will be present around the game.

AP reports that DHS official Jeff Brannigan indicated in private calls with local law enforcement and the the NFL that ICE does not plan to conduct enforcement activities around the Super Bowl. DHS has not publicly confirmed that stance, and concerns remain among critics that a Trump administration prone to changing its mind could do so if that is the plan. 

ICE and its tactics are under increased nationwide scrutiny in the aftermath of the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by agents. 

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday that they have claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the New York Yankees, a move that continues a busy and unpredictable offseason for the 26-year-old. 

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Andy Ibáñez for assignment, just weeks after signing him to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

Siani’s offseason journey has been anything but stable. Originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Siani began the winter with the St. Louis Cardinals before being designated for assignment and claimed multiple times by different organizations. 

He has now moved through the Braves, Dodgers, Yankees, and back to Los Angeles in a matter of months, highlighting how frequently teams view him as a useful depth option.

With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report soon, Siani may finally have an opportunity to stick on a roster. Once spring training begins, teams can shift injured players to the 60-day injured list, potentially opening additional roster flexibility. The Dodgers could require such a move depending on the health status of reliever Brock Stewart, which may buy Siani some time on the 40-man roster.

Offensively, Siani has struggled to establish himself at the major league level. Across parts of four seasons, he owns a .221/.277/.270 slash line, production that has limited his opportunities. However, his value comes in other areas.

Siani has earned strong defensive reviews in the outfield, particularly in center field, where advanced metrics have consistently rated him as an above-average defender. He also brings speed, having converted 21 of 26 stolen base attempts in his big league career.

One key factor that keeps Siani in demand is his remaining minor league option. That flexibility allows teams to stash him in Triple-A while maintaining reliable defensive depth, making him a logical fourth or fifth outfielder on a contending roster.

Ibáñez, meanwhile, finds himself in an unusual situation after being designated for assignment shortly after signing. The 32-year-old is out of minor league options, which made his roster spot tenuous from the start. 

While his overall offensive numbers are modest, Ibáñez has historically hit left-handed pitching well and offers defensive versatility across the infield and left field. 

If he clears waivers, he is expected to accept a minor league assignment, allowing the Dodgers to retain him as depth without losing his guaranteed salary.

The Eagles had more than a few Pro Bowlers last season that ended in a Super Bowl victory, but weren’t able to participate given their preparation for the big game. This year, however, four were able to make their way to San Francisco to take part in the flag football game.

The game will get underway on Tuesday, February 3 at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN, Disney XD, ESPN Deportes, the ESPN App and on mobile with NFL+.

Jalen Hurts was a late addition, taking Matthew Stafford’s spot, with the Eagles QB not initially named as a starter or backup. As it happens, though, players drop out due to injuries or various personal reasons, and Hurts was the next man up. He’s been featured by the NFL in the days leading up to the big competition, and will earn his third Pro Bowl appearance. Hurts is a flag football ambassador so it’s not surprising that given his health and love of football, that he’d make himself available for the event.

Cooper DeJean, Zack Baun, and Cam Jurgens are also in town for the games, and should all be a big help for Jerry Rice’s NFC team on Tuesday night. The NFC’s coaching staff also includes DeSean Jackson, with Michael Vick and Torrey Smith participating as coaches for the AFC side of things.

Jason Kelce will be another familiar face, and he’ll be calling the game for the second year in a row, alongside his ESPN colleagues.

The Eagles will be well-represented at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, and it’ll be an opportunity to watch some of the NFL’s best compete in a meaningless, but good-spirited, game.

Let’s discuss the game in the comment section!

Class of 2027 combo guard Isaac Ellis has been named MVP of the Overtime Elite (OTE) league.

The 6-foot-1, three-star Louisville commit is currently averaging 29.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He plays for Moravian Prep (NC), competing under the YNG Dreamerz name in the OTE league.

Ellis is the younger brother of South Carolina freshman guard Eli Ellis, who won the OTE MVP award in each of the previous two seasons. Isaac was originally committed to South Carolina before ultimately landing at Louisville.

According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, Ellis is ranked No. 193 nationally in the 2027 class. He also checks in as the No. 6 combo guard and the No. 8 overall prospect in North Carolina.

Off the floor, Ellis has built a massive social media presence, with more than one million followers on TikTok and over 400,000 on Instagram.

More on Ellis

Rivals National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw has evaluated Isaac Ellis on multiple occasions. He most recently saw him at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach on New Year’s Eve and had this to say about his game:

It was the championship game of the Beach Ball Classic Prep Division and Moravian (NC) Prep went down 20-6 to start the game. Down at the half, they scratched and clawed their way back into the game. It was Louisville commit Isaac Ellis who set the tone. The 6-foot-1 point guard played with a calming nature, getting his team back into it by taking care of possessions and giving all out effort on the defensive end. There will be questions, but there will no doubting his competitive fire and his ability to lead. Ellis earned MVP of the Prep Division after finishing the title game with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.

Additional information on OTE

OTE is a premier high school basketball league based in Atlanta. Its recent alumni include more than 50 current college players, like St. John’s Ian Jackson, Kansas’ Bryson Tiller, Kentucky’s Jasper Johnson, and Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas and Karter Knox, among others.

OTE has also produced notable NBA talent, including twins Amen and Ausar Thompson, along with Dom Barlow, Alex Sarr, and Rob Dillingham.

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran relief pitcher Kyle Keller, Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Tuesday night.

“Reliever Kyle Keller and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training, league sources said,” Sammon wrote. “Keller gets $1.9 million if in majors plus $500K performance bonuses.”

The name might sound familiar to Major League Baseball fans, as Keller has had many stints around the league.

He made his debut in 2019, coming out of the Miami Marlins bullpen. The next season, he played for the Los Angeles Angels.

Keller saw his most action with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021. He appeared in 32 games, throwing 33 1/3 innings. He allowed 24 earned runs and struck out 36 batters.

This was the last action the now 32-year-old saw in the MLB.

His next three seasons were spent on various different teams in the NPB baseball league, where he competed at the highest level in Japan.

During his NPB career, he threw 152 1/3 innings and posted a very respectable 2.42 ERA.

He is a two-ball pitcher. As a 6-foot-4 right-hander, he throws an overhand four-seam fastball followed by a drooping 12-6 curve.

According to BaseballSavant.com, he had an above-average fastball coming in at 94.5 MPH in his major league appearances. His curveball is also faster than league average at 81.4 MPH. It was a near 50/50 split with a slight usage edge going to his four-seamer.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Fort Myers, Fla., exactly one week after Keller’s signing, Feb. 10.

LeBron James' time with the Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly come to an end this summer amid rumors of his soured relationship with the team's governor, Jeanie Buss.

The NBA star has since reacted to rumors about their strained relationship, saying the claims don't "bother" him.

LeBron James also asserted that he has remained on the same page with Jeanie Buss despite the wild speculations plaguing them.

LeBron James And Lakers To Go Their Separate Ways, Insider Reveals

LeBron James would reportedly not continue his playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers after this summer.

According to the New York Post, NBA insider Jake Fischer noted in a Monday livestream that "the Lakers are ready to move on from LeBron James and I think LeBron James is ready to move on from the Lakers as well."

Fischer placed the timeline for the split to be around June, adding that "that's kind of the foregone sentiment in Los Angeles right now about what's to come this summer."

He also claimed the team is now looking to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after their relationship with James ends.

James has remained a stellar performer for the Lakers since he joined from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. He has averaged 26.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, also helping the team to the 2020 NBA championship.

The NBA Star Has Allegedly Endured Strained Ties With Jeanie Buss

Rumors of James' potential exit from the Lakers come amid reports he has had to endure a strained relationship with Jeanie Buss, the governor of the franchise.

Amid a disappointing run of results for the Lakers in the closing stage of last year and early this year, ESPN claimed in an article that the governor has grown frustrated with the 4-time NBA champion.

The report also alleged that Buss had grown tired of James' "outsized ego" and did not like that he had been projected as the "savior" of the franchise when he arrived in 2018.

She was also wary of the "overt control" that James and Klutch Sports exerted on the organization at times.

Things Allegedly Worsened Between LeBron James And Jeanie Buss After The Russell Westbrook Trade

The gap between James and Buss reportedly widened after the Lakers traded Russell Westbrook in July 2021, which seemingly backfired as the team went 33-49 and missed the playoffs at the time, causing James to wash his hands of his role in the acquisition.

According to the news outlet, the source claimed Buss didn't like his "lack of accountability" as well as the way he "shifted blame onto others" after the Westbrook deal.

Reports also claimed that when the team drafted his song Bronny in 2024, she felt James should be grateful, but he wasn't.

The NBA Legend Downplayed The Rumors About Him And Jeanie Buss

Meanwhile, James has since downplayed the rumors suggesting he was at odds with Buss.

"Quite frankly, I don't really get involved in that or the reports or whatever the case may be," James said, per Fox News Digital.

According to the news outlet, he seemingly addressed some of the article's claims, saying he joined the Lakers 8 years ago to return it to its former glory.

"At the end of the day, when I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence," James said. "The things that I saw growing up with the Lakers — obviously, I didn't get an opportunity to watch Showtime, but I know the history."

He continued,  "Then the early 2000s with Shaq [O'Neal] and [Kobe Bryant], and then what Kobe did and those couple runs with him and Pau [Gasol]. So, my whole mindset was like, 'How can I get that feeling back to the Lakers organization?'"

"And then I was able to do that along with, you know, 14, 16 other guys winning the championship, bringing the championship here," James added.

LeBron James Says He Doesn't Care 'How Somebody Feels' About Him

James also made it clear what matters to him, as Buss distanced herself from some of the claims the article made.

"Quite frankly, I don't really care about articles. I don't care about stories. I don't care about podcasts and all that type of sh-t. It don't bother me. I'm 41 years old, and I watch golf every day. I don't care about an article," he said.

"I don't care how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally, then you know what I'm about. These guys know what I'm about, and that's all that matters. I could care less how someone feels about me," James stated.

He added that it's okay for him and Buss not to talk often, but he has remained on the same page with her, adding that "it's always been a great partnership" between them.

Buss also addressed the reports, saying in a statement, "It's really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama."

"To say that it wasn't appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him," she added.

Dodgers cut ties with $1.2 million signing after just 3 weeks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are moving their roster all over the place of late.

Andy Ibanez is the latest guy to take a weird path.

The Dodgers signed the right-handed hitting infielder to a one-year contract for $1.2 million on Jan. 13.

Ibanez was set to be a short-sided platoon bat, able to play against left-handed pitchers and punish a positive matchup for himself.

Instead, Ibanez may be on the outs.

MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland's Derek Jeter

The Dodgers designated Ibanez for assignment on Tuesday, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

The DFA means that Ibanez goes on waivers. Another team can claim him, which would take him away from the Dodgers for good. 

If Ibanez clears waivers, he can remain in the Dodgers organization, just no longer on the 40-man roster.

That's not the only weird part of this roster maneuvering, though.

The Dodgers DFA'd Ibanez to clear a 40-man roster spot for Mike Siani, an outfielder.

If Siani's name sounds familiar, that's because the Dodgers just designated him for assignment on Jan. 21.

MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB's perfect misfit in 2026

The New York Yankees had claimed Siani at that point in time, but they just designated him for assignment themselves this week.

And when Siani was back on waivers, the Dodgers decided they wanted him back. They risked Ibanez to do so, although maybe they have a sense that Ibanez will get through waivers unscathed.

It's still quite the goofy maneuvering, even if it all works out in the end.

More MLB news:

• Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
• Dominican Republic WBC roster is loaded with stars
• How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
• Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
• This Cubs replacement plan for Kyle Tucker looks smart
• Injury insurance is changing the World Baseball Classic

Michigan State basketball has been listed as a road favorite at Minnesota in Wednesday night's conference battle from The Barn.

Michigan State is listed as a 7.5-point favorite over Minnesota in Wednesday's matchup, according to FanDuel. Additionally, the over/under points total is set at 131.5 points.

The Spartans come into this matchup looking to bounce back from a tough rivalry loss against Michigan in their last game last week. Michigan State is now 19-3 overall and 9-2 in Big Ten play following the loss to Michigan.

Minnesota is in the midst of a six-game losing streak, which has included a pair of heartbreaking losses in their last two games last week. The Golden Gophers first blew a 20-point lead against rival Wisconsin, before then losing on a buzzer beater against Penn State this past weekend. Minnesota is 10-12 overall and 3-8 in Big Ten play.

Tipoff from Minnesota is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State-Minnesota basketball: Betting line, over/under points total

Steelers could fix Mike McCarthy's offense with 1 move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing offense in 2025 was D.K. Metcalf or bust. 

With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, Metcalf was the only legitimate passing threat defense had to worry about, and under Mike McCarthy, that has to change.

Metcalf led the Steelers in yards (850), and the next best was running back Kenneth Gainwell (486), and he actually had more receptions than Metcalf as well.

So, how can McCarthy get some more juice in the passing game this offseason?

Bleacher Report's Alex Kay wants the Steelers to go after Green Bay Packers weapon Romeo Doubs.

"Romeo Doubs would be a sensible No. 2 choice to pair with Metcalf in 2026," Kay wrote. "He is coming off a career year with the Packers, one in which he posted a 55/724/6 line despite a litany of competition in a crowded receiving corps.

"Springing free of that situation and landing in Pittsburgh, where he would immediately stand out as a close second to Metcalf in the pecking order, could easily result in the wideout achieving a 1,000-yard season in Year 5."

More:Joe Brady urged to make 1 move for Bills success

Doubs a nice fit in Pittsburgh

Getting Metcalf help and forcing defenses to choose when and where to double him will make life easier for the whole offense. Having Metcalf on one side and Doubs on the other, whoever is at quarterback will have two good weapons to attack with.

Spotrac.com has Doubs' value set at $12 million APY, so he would take up a lot of the salary cap pie, which is another tick to this move.

In three of his four seasons, Doubs has surpassed 600 receiving yards, with last year being his best return as a pro (724 yards, 6 TDs). That sort of production is what the Steelers need.

If the Steelers want an uptick in offensive form, getting more receiver help is key, and Doubs offers Pittsburgh that chance.

More NFL news:

• 49ers' Fred Warner ignites Brock Purdy vs. Justin Herbert debate
• Bills urged to get Josh Allen an 'alpha' weapon in 2026
• Steelers tipped to run-it-back with Aaron Rodgers in win-win scenario
• Former Patriots QB Tom Brady makes odd Super Bowl feelings clear
• Will Shedeur Sanders start for Browns under Todd Monken? HC reveals all
• Drake Maye injury update: Insider drops huge update on Patriots QB
• Analyst urges Chiefs to fix 1 key roster problem

Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, who was involved in a physical incident with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during Week 16 of the 2025 regular season, is suing multiple parties tied to the incident that occurred last December.

According to CBS Sports' DeJanay Booth-Singleton, Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit against the Steelers organization, wide receiver DK Metcalf, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, Shannon Sharpe's company Shay Shay Media, All Time Sports LLC, and Ford Field for defamation and negligence.

Per reporter Ari Meirov, Kennedy claims he was "falsely branded a racist in national media" after the altercation with Metcalf on December 21. His legal team states there is no video or audio evidence to support claims that racial slurs were involved.

Additionally, Kennedy is suing Metcalf for assault and battery, as well as the Steelers for their "alleged liability in the incident."

#Lions fan Ryan Kennedy has filed a $100M lawsuit against #Steelers WR DK Metcalf and the media company tied to Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe, alleging defamation, negligence, and more.

Kennedy says he was falsely branded a racist in national media following a Dec. 21… pic.twitter.com/iM3H0K164o

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 3, 2026

We at Steelers Wire remain committed to providing key updates on this ongoing legal situation involving Metcalf and others.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers sued by Lions fan involved in DK Metcalf altercation

I hope everybody’s having a good evening out there. Here’s a random clip for you as the floor is now yours:

Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga trade rumors have Golden State fans in disagreement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It feels like forever that the Golden State Warriors have conceptually been considering a move to trade away Jonathan Kuminga.

Despite that, nothing has happened yet. Kuminga is still a Warriors player with less than 48 hours until the NBA trade deadline.

That was summed up in this amusing post from StatMuse:

BREAKING: Jonathan Kuminga is still a Warrior. pic.twitter.com/Qsqi1BGm7j

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 3, 2026

MORE: How the Nikola Vucevic trade changes the Celtics' lineup

The thing about a Kuminga trade -- Warriors fans are torn.

Many are still believers in the uber-talented wing who just hasn't been able to put things together on a full-time basis.

Many believe that Kuminga hasn't been given a fair shake in terms of being fully allowed to do his thing.

After the trade deadline if not traded, it is in the Warriors best interest to fully unleash Jonathan Kuminga.

See what you really have in him. Showcase him. You either have a player for the future or rehabbed asset value to use to retool in the summer. I believe in him tho😇

— CeeJay (@ceejaytalksball) February 3, 2026

There are others that just want Kuminga gone, though.

His whole saga has been a bit frustrating.

If the Warriors hang on to Jonathan Kuminga past the trade deadline I might not watch another game this season

— trev (@BayAreaTrev) January 27, 2026

MORE: Grizzlies, Jazz surprise NBA with Jaren Jackson Jr. trade

Kuminga was apparently available over the summer, and both the Kings and Suns were said to have interest, but nothing got done.

He eventually signed a two-year contract to return to the Warriors as a restricted free agent, but the trade idea hasn't fully gone away.

Now, if it's going to happen this season, it has to happen by Thursday.

No matter what happens, it'll be a bit of a divider among the Golden State fanbase.

More NBA news:

• Lakers have the weirdest LeBron-Luka problem
• Reggie Miller made the weirdest NBA player comparison for Caitlin Clark
• Warriors have a crazy connection to Giannis
• Cavs' Nae'Qwan Tomlin didn't even play high school basketball
• Charles Barkley rips NBC and Michael Jordan
• There are 450 players in the NBA, and Lonzo Ball is 460th in field goal percentage

Longtime Dr. Phillips (Fla.) head football coach Rodney Wells has decided its time to hang up the whistle at his alma mater.

According to an announcement by Wells via his personal Facebook page, the Panthers’ lead man is stepping down as head football coach of Dr. Phillips after 15 seasons at the helm. Wells led the Panthers to the Class 7A, Region 4 final, falling to state finalist Vero Beach.

“After so many blessed seasons, memories and relationships I am stepping away from the game I love,” Wells said in the social media post. “Coaching at DP, My Alma Mater, has always been about the young men who trusted me, showed up every day, and gave everything they had. To my players, Thank you for your extreme effort, your resilience, and for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. You are champions on and off the field and I am proud of each of you.”

Wells took over the program in 2011 and found immediate success at Dr. Phillips, putting together seven double-digit win seasons and accumulating an overall record of 136-50 from 2011-2025.

The Panthers went 9-4 last season and finished as the state’s No. 76 ranked team, according to the final Florida 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.

More about Dr. Phillips High School

Dr. Phillips High School, located in Orlando, FL, is renowned for both academic excellence and a strong athletics program. The Panthers, with their vibrant royal blue and black colors, have a rich tradition in sports, particularly in football and basketball, where they have gained statewide recognition. The school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded students is evident in its diverse extracurricular offerings and competitive sports teams that regularly compete at the highest levels in Florida.

How to Follow Florida High School Football

For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Sunshine 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 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 Florida high school football excitement across the state.

How do you stop Arsenal causing chaos from set-pieces?

It's the question everyone keeps asking - but few find an answer.

The Gunners are Europe's leading force in scoring from set-plays over the past couple of seasons and it has proved to be such a formidable tactic.

Step forward Liam Rosenior and Chelsea, who tried an innovative way of stopping them in their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie on Tuesday night - just days after former Manchester City and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given had suggested similar on Match of the Day.

While it wasn't able to stop the Gunners securing a 1-0 win - and 4-2 aggregate success - to book their place in the EFL Cup final, it might at least have given rivals some food for thought.

Just as Arsenal were about to whip in their two corners, Chelsea sent three players sprinting from defence to attack - forcing the hosts to quickly react and send players back themselves.

Monaco and Crystal Palace have also left players up against Arsenal's set-pieces before - but no team has attempted such a late attempt at forcing Mikel Arteta's men back towards their own half.

Perhaps they had been listening to Given on Match of the Day on Saturday night.

After watching Arsenal score from two set-pieces in their 4-0 thrashing of Leeds, he said: "I wish someone would try something different.

"Take nothing away from Arsenal, but I see the same set-up every week - Arsenal players loaded at the back and causing carnage. Every set-up is the same.

"Someone can try something different to stop this brilliant form of attack. What can teams do different to create more space? If they leave three up, Arsenal have to leave at least three, maybe four players back.

"Then, in the defending box, that leaves a lot more space for the defenders and the goalkeeper. Yes, it leaves more space for the forwards as well, but all those numbers caused so much confusion."

Since the start of last season, Arteta's men have scored 53 goals from set-pieces across all competitions - 13 more than anyone else in the Premier League.

And Chelsea's tactic - while not enough to secure them a place in the EFL Cup final - at least stopped Arsenal from scoring from a set-play.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was less impressed though.

He told Sky Sports: "I like the plan, but my problem is Enzo Fernandez was left marking Gabriel and he has 10 yards to attack the ball.

"Chelsea are trying to negate there being too much traffic in the area, which Arsenal try to cause chaos with. They obviously have a plan but if Arsenal have the right delivery, Enzo Fernandez has no chance."

Will other teams follow suit?

• EFL Cup semi-final: Arsenal secure place at Wembley after late goal against Chelsea

• Follow your club with BBC Sport
• Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
• Get football news sent straight to your phone

Shortly after her return to WWE in 2025, AJ Lee quickly teamed up with her real-life husband CM Punk in a mixed-tag team match at Wrestlepalooza to take on the team of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

Since then, AJ hasn't been seen on television or in the ring, but Punk isn't content with only teaming up with his wife on one occasion. 

"Time of my life, 100%. I -selfishly- I want to tag with her more, you know? It feels like that might have been a one-off, but we'll have to see," he said during an interview with Complex News. "I'm her biggest fan, so to have a front row seat, literally, for her return and, you know, to help kind of put it all together behind the scenes and the anticipation knowing it was going to happen, and just knowing, like, how great it was going to be and what an amazing moment it was gonna be."

Punk then commented on AJ's return and admitted that they purposely left hints along the way for fans to decipher, before commenting on whether fans will see her in the ring this year. 

"Fingers crossed, I'm not spoiling anything for anybody," he simply stated. Punk was then asked which of the women in WWE makes him shake with fear in his boots, "AJ Lee. Healthy respect and fear for AJ Lee when she's got her Chucks on."

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "Complex News" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Read more: Wrestlers Who Can't Stand Triple H

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Reaves will play for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in Brooklyn after missing the last 19 games with a strained left calf.

Coach JJ Redick said Reaves would come off the bench and play restricted minutes in his first game since Christmas.

Redick said the Lakers have missed Reaves in every facet of the game.

“He's an All-Star-level player and of course you're going to miss him in a number of ways,” Redick said.

Reaves may have been an All-Star if not for his absences. He missed three games with the injury in December, then was in just his second game back when he was hurt again against Houston on Dec. 25.

Reaves is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds. Redick said the Lakers have had their full complement of players only twice this season, and LeBron James said after they lost Sunday to the New York Knicks that Reaves' absence made it difficult to evaluate the team's potential.

“Unfortunately our All-Star 2-guard has been out for a minute and that’s a big piece of our team,” James said. “So it’s kind of hard to see what we can really, truly be.”

___

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

The Cincinnati Reds enter spring training with a clearer sense of direction after an offseason built on patience and calculated improvement. Coming off a 2025 season that showed flashes but ultimately ended short of expectations, the Reds identified a few core weaknesses and addressed them without sacrificing long-term flexibility. Rather than chasing splashy headlines, Cincinnati leaned into timing, fit and roster balance.

One of the biggest areas of need was right-handed power. The Reds’ lineup often struggled to punish mistakes last season, especially in key moments, and the front office made it a priority to add a proven bat capable of thriving at Great American Ball Park.

Instead of forcing an early signing, Cincinnati waited for the market to settle, a strategy that paid off as spring training approached.

That approach earned praise when Jim Bowden of The Athletic released offseason grades for all 30 MLB teams and gave the Reds a B.

Bowden wrote, “The Reds waited out free agent power hitter Eugenio Suarez until his asking price came down and they closed a short-term deal with him (one-year guaranteed plus a mutual option for 2027) on the first day of February, giving the Reds much needed right-handed power for their lineup.” The move allowed Cincinnati to add impact without overextending financially.

It was another wild offseason that featured record-breaking deals.

So how did your team do?https://t.co/uFKuIeglpV

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 2, 2026

Suarez’s return immediately changes the shape of the Reds’ offense. After hitting 49 home runs last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, he brings a level of power few hitters in the division can match.

 His ability to drive the ball fits perfectly in Cincinnati, something Bowden emphasized when he noted, “Suarez belted 49 homers last year between the Diamondbacks and Mariners and his swing is perfect for Great American Ball Park.” That familiarity should help him make an immediate impact.

The Reds plan to use Suarez across multiple positions, including designated hitter, first base and third base. That versatility creates opportunities for Sal Stewart while allowing Spencer Steer to continue moving between the infield and outfield. It also gives manager Terry Francona flexibility to optimize matchups throughout the season.

Beyond the lineup, Cincinnati quietly strengthened other areas of the roster. The bullpen and outfield depth were points of concern in 2025, and the Reds made several additions aimed at stabilizing both. While those moves may not generate the same attention as a big signing, they address problems that cost the team wins a year ago.

The Reds also showed a willingness to think bigger, making a competitive push for designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and attempting to extend shortstop Elly De La Cruz, even though neither deal materialized. Those efforts signaled a front office more confident in its competitive window.

Overall, the Reds’ B grade reflects an offseason built on smart timing and targeted upgrades. As spring training arrives, Cincinnati appears better positioned to compete while keeping its long-term foundation intact.

A closer look at Wednesday's matchup between the two top-ranked boys ice hockey teams in the GametimeCT Top 10 Poll:

No. 1 Darien vs. No. 2 Fairfield Prep

• WHERE: Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport
• WHEN:Wednesday, 6 p.m.
• RECORDS:Darien 12-3; Fairfield Prep 6-5
• KEY PLAYERS: Darien:Alex Levey, Jr., D; Jack Marisca, Sr., F; Schafer Repsher, Sr. G; James Troy, Sr., F; Fairfield Prep:Luca Bosco, Sr., F; Connor Driscoll, Sr., F; Henry Schwartz, Sr., F; Greyson Walker, Jr., D.
• ON THE AIR:DAF Media

Outlook

Darien and Fairfield Prep met at the Darien Ice House on Jan. 7, when the Blue Wave rallied for a 2-1 win. The Jesuits had a one-goal lead after one period, but second-period goals from Russell Lancaster and Teddy Baum put Darien in front. The Wave has been red hot with 10 straight victories following a 2-3 start, and has allowed just eight goals during that streak. The Jesuits have won five of six since the loss to Darien, a stretch which includes wins over New Canaan 2-1 and Notre Dame-West Haven 3-2 in OT. There's plenty of depth on both sides. Darien has numerous scoring threats, led by Jack Marisca and James Troy, with goalie Schafer Repsher and defensemen Alex Levey and Michael Kniffin in the back. For Prep, Connor Driscoll is the leading scorer and is coming off a big game against Notre Dame-West Haven, when he scored the tying and winning goals. The Jesuits also have Henry Schwartz up front with defenseman Greyson Walker and goalie Chris Carr in the back.

You should know

This is the second time this season we've had a matchup of the No. 1 and 2 teams in the GametimeCT boys hockey poll. The first one also involved Darien, which was the preseason No. 1 before falling to then-No. 2 New Canaan 5-3 on Dec. 22. The Rams then took over No. 1 until they lost to Fairfield Prep, which opened the door for Darien's return to the top spot two weeks ago.The Blue Wave has won five straight against the Jesuits, but none of those games were decided by more than two goals. In fact, the last two meetings were 2-1 scores, including a clash at the Wonderland last January. Fairfield Prep's last win over Darien was 3-0 on Feb. 13, 2021.

This article originally published at Boys Hockey Breakdown: A look at Wednesday's No. 1 Darien vs. No. 2 Fairfield Prep matchup.

After identifying and interviewing several candidates, the Arizona Cardinals have hired a new head coach, picking Mike LaFleur. The latest offensive mind from the Sean McVay coaching tree to land a head coaching job, seeing who the Cardinals pick to be their new starting quarterback will be crucial to Arizona’s success or demise.

Of course, the Cardinals could see the value in two-time Pro Bowl QB Kyler Murray who’s coming off a season in which he was benched due to ineffectiveness after being held below 221 passing yards in all five starts. While injuries surely played a factor in Murray’s struggles, his $52.6 million cap hit is an issue.

If the Cardinals don’t move forward with Murray, here are five quarterbacks Arizona could consider instead.

Tua Tagovailoa

One potential solution for Arizona could be to swap one expensive Pro Bowl QB for another. The Miami Dolphins may be ready to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, who has a $56.2 million cap hit in 2026, four million more than Murray.

Like Murray, Tagovailoa is a once-proven Pro Bowl QB, but Arizona’s dual-threat is one year younger than Miami’s signal-caller. If the price is right, the Cardinals may be able to luck into buying low on a potential franchise solution who can help Arizona win right away.

Related: 2026 Super Bowl Ad Cost Reaches Staggering Amount

Joe Flacco

He may be 41 years old, but sometimes it’s best not to overpay for the wrong quarterback, and Flacco could be an inexpensive stopgap who can still help the Cardinals be competitive. The Cardinals may have the upper hand in negotiations with other teams, as LaFleur was Flacco’s offensive coordinator with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2022.

The Cardinals wouldn’t have to break the bank for the veteran signal-caller. Plus, he may be the optimal person to pair with a mid-round rookie QB who would benefit from having someone with 18 seasons of experience around.

Jimmy Garoppolo

While Garoppolo’s days as a Week 1 starting quarterback may be over, he might have another shot at the job in Arizona on a short-term basis. Like some others on this list, Jimmy G overlapped with LaFleur in two previous stops, with the Los Angeles Rams from 2023 to 2025 and for four seasons on the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2020.

If nothing else, he’d be someone who can help LaFleur install his new offense while having already mastered the concepts himself. When it comes time to compete for the starting job, that extra experience could give Garoppolo the edge for QB1 status.

Deshaun Watson

After having torn his Achilles tendon twice in the past two seasons, Watson is expected to be fully healthy by the start of the 2026 season. Watson hasn’t been able to replicate the superstar form we previously saw from him in Houston over to Cleveland too, but he’s still a three-time Pro Bowl QB.

LaFleur may be willing to accept the challenge of trying to see what he can fix in the 30-year-old former star QB. Meanwhile, we’d imagine the Browns would be more than willing to move on from him for nothing more than a Day 3 selection and that may be worth the gamble for Arizona.

Malik Willis

Perhaps the most exciting free agent quarterback available this offseason, Malik Willis may be exactly what coach LaFleur is looking for. Plus, if the Cardinals’ new coach needs to gather any inside intel on the dual-threat QB, his old head coach, Mike’s brother, is just one call away.

Willis could be the next great free agency gamble who develops into not just a starter, but possibly a star QB in Arizona. Of course, the 26-year-old could also flop in his next adventure too, but he’d have a strong receiving corps led by Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr, and Michael Wilson.

Combine those weapons with the speed and escapism Willis has, and the Cardinals’ offense could have something special next season, especially with the expected return of James Conner after being limited to three games in 2025.

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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo made a successful return to the starting XI for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday night, scoring the winner in the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete. The Uruguayan defender went to manager Hansi Flick to celebrate his goal.

The 26-year-old took a leave of absence from Barcelona in December to recover his mental health, following a sending off against Chelsea at the end of November. Flick has been easing Araujo back in with, with four substitute appearances amounting to 30 minutes of action. Flick gave him his first start in over two months against Albacete.

Araujo: ‘The goal is good for confidence’

Following the exit of Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan, Araujo has been handed the armband as the first captain of the side. Araujo noted that the win was good for their confidence.

“Cup matches are a bit like that, they’re not decided until the very end,” he told RTVE, as quoted by MD. “The goal is very important for confidence, for continuing to grow. I was able to help the team up front, which is fundamental because we have great headers of the ball.”

Image via Getty Images / Angel Martinez

Araujo explains Flick celebration

Following his goal, Araujo celebrated fist with his teammates, and then ran to Flick on the touchline to hug him. Perhaps the image of the game, Araujo explained the gesture.

“Hansi is like a father to us; everyone loves him dearly. He knows how to manage each player’s situation. I gave him a hug because he’s been spectacular with me.”

Flick explained after the game that he was pleased with Araujo’s showing. He is the latest Barcelona star to publicly express their delight with Flick, with Raphinha, Pedri and Marcus Rashford all going to great lengths to praise the former Bayern Munich manager.

Lakers injury report vs. Nets: Is Austin Reaves playing? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers (29-19) are traveling to Brooklyn on Tuesday to take on the Nets (13-35) in the finale of their season-long eight-game road trip.

Both teams are looking to get back in the win column after losing their previous matchups on Sunday, but the Lakers are playing with more to lose as they continue to chase a high seed in the Western Conference.

Heading into the matchup, the injury reports have released. For the Lakers, the large concern was on the status of Austin Reaves. 

Lakers injury report: Austin Reaves (calf) to return from 19-game absence vs. Nets

The Lakers haven't seen Austin Reaves in action since the 27-year-old re-aggravated a calf strain in their Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets.

Recent reports had said that Reaves would return at some point during Los Angeles' road trip, and this has turned out to be true.

Head coach JJ Redick announced before the game that Reaves will return to the lineup on Tuesday, Khobi Price of the California Post reported

It will be just the ninth game this season where the Lakers' main three players, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, will all be available.

Other injuries include Bronny James (leg), who will be available, and Adou Thiero (knee), who is listed as out.

For the Nets, Noah Clowney (back) and Ziaire Williams (calf) will be available. Haywood Highsmith (knee) is listed as out.

More Lakers news:

• Lakers predicted to acquire $54 million Mavericks center in trade Luka Doncic would approve

• Lakers prepared to move on from $101 million star this summer, according to report

• Andrew Wiggins trade update is disappointing news for Luka Doncic, Lakers

• Lakers missed perfect Dalton Knecht trade opportunity, writer believes

The wait is over.

After nearly six years and four failed semi-finals, Arsenal's 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final has put them back into a major final.

It will be their first under Mikel Arteta since he guided them to FA Cup victory in 2020 - and just their second in his time at the club.

It was tight, it was tense and it was pretty dull at times but, as Kai Havertz rolled in an injury-time goal to confirm their place at Wembley, the euphoria from fans and players alike at Emirates left you in no doubt about the significance.

In a match that saw both sides only manage two shots on target each, the Gunners rarely looked troubled as they showed all the qualities that have made them so hard to beat.

The result means Arsenal will compete in a ninth EFL Cup final when they take on either Manchester City or Newcastle on Sunday, 22 March in the tournament's showpiece match.

Should they face City, it will be a repeat of the 2018 final, won by the Manchester club, when Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff.

However, aside from it being an opportunity for Arsenal to gain a measure of revenge for that loss and winning their first League Cup for 33 years, it would also be a step towards changing a few perceptions.

Arsenal manager Arteta said: "There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We've been waiting a few years to get into this position and we're certainly going to enjoy it [the final].

"It's the best vitamins that we can put in our bodies because we're playing every three days. But the fact that you worked so hard to achieve those moments and to have these moments together is just magical.

"You can see the joy, the smile, the energy and everything that works at the club."

Midfielder Declan Rice, added: "We deserve it. The last three or four years we've been at the top of the Premier League, competing and got really close but haven't been good enough.

"That's why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There's a long way to go but to be in a cup final with this club is amazing."

For the last few years, Arteta's Arsenal reign has been a story of near-misses, both in cup competitions and in the Premier League.

Now, just one game away from ending their trophy drought, are the Premier League leaders about to silence accusations of being the 'nearly men' for good?

Ex-Arsenal defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It has been a few years in the making and there has been a steady build-up to this point for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has been laying the foundations, building the ethos, and togetherness of the team."

• EFL Cup semi-final: Arsenal secure place at Wembley after late goal against Chelsea
• The Debrief: Arsenal beat Chelsea to go through to the League Cup final

'The momentum is great for Arsenal'

Since winning the FA Cup in 2020, Arsenal had reached four semi-finals - and lost them all.

During that time, they hadn't even managed to win a leg, so seeing the job out on Tuesday could act as a huge psychological boost - as would going on to lift the trophy in March.

In recent seasons, they have also seen themselves losing leads in the Premier League to miss out on the title, with many putting pressure on Arteta to deliver silverware this season more than ever.

They will have bigger ambitions than the Carabao Cup but no one should underestimate what securing some early silverware could do for the rest of their campaign.

Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think the supporters are just as keen and eager as the players and manager to win a serious trophy. They want a Premier League, but this is a big part of achieving that goal.

"It is important that they win a semi-final. It is important that they win a trophy again because they're not winning enough, given they have been amongst it for quite a while.

"That is what this season is all about. If you go all the way and do it. What that will do for the Premier League boost, then it is massive. The momentum and the feel of the stadium at the end is great for Arsenal."

Arsenal defender William Saliba said: "It's a big club, so there's a lot of pressure every time. It's good when there is pressure. We play football for that.

"We have a lot of games - there's four months left. We want to win every competition. We have the squad for that and we have the coach for that."

He may have a point, with seven of the last 12 winners of the EFL Cup going on to win at least one other trophy in the same season.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports: "They are ready to win, They have suffered over the years but this result may relax them, they may enjoy it a bit more.

"I think they can start to relax and play. What they have done this season, it is an incredible effort and no reason they can't win, two maybe three trophies."

How good could it get for Gunners?

With 17 weeks to go until the Champions League final - and zero trophies won yet - it feels far too early to talk about a quadruple but Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Arteta's side host League One strugglers Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup and are already through to the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition having won all eight of their matches in the league phase to top the table.

Since it first became achievable in 1960, to become champions of England, conquer Europe and win the FA Cup and League Cup in the same campaign, there have been four different trebles.

No English team has ever won the Quadruple.

Liverpool won the First Division, League Cup and European Cup in 1984, City managed a domestic clean sweep in 2018-19 and became the second club after neighbours Manchester United in 1998-99 to triumph in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 2022-23.

That term City were just three wins from the elusive clean sweep, while the United team that came closest to all four trophies was their 2008-09 side, which won the Premier League and League Cup.

They made it to within three wins of a quadruple but lost to Everton in the FA Cup last four and Barcelona in the Champions League final - and had to settle for 'only' two in the end.

So on that basis alone it cannot be discounted out of hand given Arteta's side are already closer than the club's legendary 'Invincibles' who went the entire league campaign undefeated in 2003-04.

But that was the only silverware they secured that season and their quadruple hopes were ended on 3 February, 2004 ,by Middlesbrough, who beat them 3-1 on aggregate in the League Cup semi-finals.

Arteta certainly won't be talking about quadruples just yet - but Arsenal fans can dream can't they?

• Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Arsenal - what do you want to know?

“Assassin Baby” will still headline UFC Mexico — just not against the opponent anyone expected.

After Asu Almabayev was forced to withdraw from his scheduled main event showdown against former two-time Flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, UFC officials scrambled to find a replacement. It didn’t take long. No. 15-ranked Lone’er Kavanagh has agreed to step in on short notice to face Moreno on Feb. 28, 2026, inside Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico.

Reporter Al Zullino was the first to report the news.

Kavanagh (9-1) enters the biggest fight of his life coming off the first loss of his professional career. The 26-year-old was knocked out by Charles Johnson in the second round at UFC Shanghai, halting his early momentum inside the Octagon (watch highlights).

Before that setback, Kavanagh earned his UFC contract on Season 8 of Contender Series and followed it up with two gritty wins over Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos. He currently sits at 2-1 in the promotion and was originally booked to face Bruno Silva at UFC Vegas 114 — a fight that has now been scrapped due to the late-notice call-up.

Moreno (23-9-2), meanwhile, will look to rebound after suffering the first stoppage loss of his storied UFC career just two months ago. “Assassin Baby” was stopped by surging contender Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 (watch highlights), snapping a two-fight win streak that included victories over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg

UFC Mexico will mark Moreno’s fifth career UFC main event and another opportunity to deliver in front of his home crowd. While he’s just 1-2-1 competing in Mexico City, the former champion has historically risen to the occasion when the spotlight is brightest.

With a new headliner officially locked in, here’s how UFC Mexico currently shapes up:

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh
David Martinez vs. Marlon Vera
Daniel Zellhuber vs. King Green
Macy Chiasson vs. Ailin Perez
Damian Pinas vs. Wesley Schultz
Ryan Gandra vs. Jose Medina
Felipe Bunes vs. Edgar Chairez
Kevin Borjas vs. Imanol Rodriguez
Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Javier Reyes
Francis Marshall vs. Erik Silva
Santiago Luna vs. Angel Pacheco
Kris Moutinho vs. Cristian Quinonez
Ernesta Kareckaite vs. Sofia Montenegro

To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.

NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has seen some highs and lows with his team, one of the youngest in the NBA this season with five rookies on the roster. After Brooklyn performed well above outside expectations in December, January seemed to bring the team back down to Earth and Fernandez is asking his players for more consistency on a game-by-game basis.

"If I could see that, I should probably be working on Wall Street. I try to have a feel for it, but it’s hard to judge because the NBA has so many variables: schedule, back-to-backs, travel, time changes," Fernandez said of whether he has a feel for the team's focus prior to Tuesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brooklyn went from having a 7-4 record in December along with the best defense in the NBA to finishing January with a 3-14 record that included plenty of blowout losses.

"The more experience I get, maybe I’ll get better at it. What matters is consistency and not being too emotional about it. No matter the schedule, no matter who’s out, there are no excuses," Fernandez continued. "Good teams find a way. That’s what I’m asking from our guys: consistency in how we play and our purpose. Don’t overthink it. Just come back and do it in a positive way. I’m not mad at the guys. I want us to have a chip on our shoulder and go out there and play really hard. This is part of the NBA."

As has already been mentioned, the Nets had arguably their worst month of the season in January due to the amount of playoff-caliber teams they faced along with a significant dropoff on the defensive end of the floor. In terms of defensive rating (The number of points allowed per 100 possessions), Brooklyn went from a league-best 105.4 in December to 120.6 in January, the second-worst mark in the month with only the Utah Jazz being worse on that end.

The bad news for the Nets is that their February schedule will be harder than January in terms of opponent winning percentage, but they will have five less games to play because of the All-Star break. Ultimately, as Fernandez has said multiple times, if Brooklyn prepares for games the way that they are supposed to, they should be able to turn things around this month, even if there are hiccups along the way.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Jordi Fernandez asking team for consistency before facing Lakers

The Atlanta Braves enter 2026 with plenty to prove after a season that did not meet the organization’s standards. Injuries and stretches of inconsistency kept Atlanta from fully capitalizing on its talent in 2025, but the foundation of a rebound remains firmly in place.

While much of the focus has centered on pitching health and lineup construction, one position quietly stands out as a major strength heading into the new year.

Catcher has become a pillar for the Braves, both in the present and the future. Atlanta is positioned uniquely at the position, blending a rising star with an established veteran who has already proven he can anchor a contending team. That combination recently received national recognition.

MLB Network announced its Top 10 Catchers Right Now list earlier this week, and two Braves made the cut. Sean Murphy checked in at No. 8, while Drake Baldwin landed at No. 4, validating Atlanta’s depth and pushing the headline into focus with two of the league’s top options at the same position.

Here is how The Shredder lined up the #Top10RightNow behind the plate! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/QC0lc3jHJF

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 3, 2026

Baldwin’s rise has been one of the biggest stories in baseball over the past year. After winning National League Rookie of the Year in 2025, he enters 2026 widely viewed as the Braves’ catcher of the future and the expected Opening Day starter.

 Baldwin appeared in 124 games last season, hitting .274 with a .341 on‑base percentage and an .810 OPS. He added 19 home runs and 80 RBIs, providing both middle‑of‑the‑order production and strong defensive metrics behind the plate.

With Baldwin ascending, Murphy’s role has shifted, but his value has not diminished. Murphy continues to recover from injury, and the Braves are expected to manage his workload early in the season.

Even so, he remains a reliable contributor on both sides of the ball. In 2025, Murphy played in 94 games and posted a .199 batting average with a .300 on‑base percentage and a .709 OPS, while finishing with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs.

Together, Baldwin and Murphy form one of the most dangerous catcher duos in the league. Few teams can match Atlanta’s ability to get above average offense and defense from the position regardless of who is in the lineup on a given night. The pairing also gives the Braves flexibility as they navigate health, rest and matchups throughout the season.

As the Braves look to bounce back in 2026, having elite production at catcher provides a strong foundation. With Baldwin emerging as a franchise star and Murphy still offering dependable veteran value, Atlanta’s catching situation could play a key role in a return to contention.

Joe Brady urged to make 1 move for Bills success originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One of the biggest issues plaguing the Buffalo Bills in recent seasons has been the lack of receiver options for Josh Allen.

Khalil Shakir is his go-to guy, but aside from that? It's tight end Dalton Kincaid.

No. 17 needs more. And perhaps more importantly, a star receiver to help should the offensive load.

But where can the Bills look? The draft is one option, so is free agency. It will depend on how much general manager Brandon Beane wants to spend on a receiver, though.

Bleacher Report's Alex Kay has an idea of who the Bills could go after -- Indianapolis Colts star Alec Pierce.

“If that decision is going to be successful, his first offseason calling the shots must include an overhaul of the receiving corps," Kay wrote. “Buffalo could benefit from several of the big-name wideouts hitting free agency this spring, but Alec Pierce is the most realistic target in terms of projected contract and impact his role could have on the offense.”

More:Ravens tipped to swipe All-Pro from rivals

Is Pierce a realistic target?

You could say that. In each of his four years, Pierce's production has increased, and he is coming off a 1,003-yard, 6 TD season with the Colts.

But this is the stat the Bills will like the most. In the last two seasons, Pierce has averaged over 20 yards per reception.

There's Allen's deep threat.

Spotrac.com has his calculated market value set at $20.2 million APY, so that won't break the bank for the Bills, and it would give the offense another playmaker alongside Shakir and Kincaid.

He might not be top of the wish list for some, but Pierce could be a dangerous weapon in Brady's offense.

More NFL news:

• 49ers' Fred Warner ignites Brock Purdy vs. Justin Herbert debate
• Bills urged to get Josh Allen an 'alpha' weapon in 2026
• Steelers tipped to run-it-back with Aaron Rodgers in win-win scenario
• Former Patriots QB Tom Brady makes odd Super Bowl feelings clear
• Will Shedeur Sanders start for Browns under Todd Monken? HC reveals all
• Drake Maye injury update: Insider drops huge update on Patriots QB
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CINCINNATI (AP) — Ever since he was traded in 2022, Eugenio Suárez was hoping there was some way he could eventually return to the Cincinnati Reds.

On Tuesday, the reunion became official after he passed his physical and finalized a $15 million, one-year contract that includes a 2027 mutual option.

“I said at the time, maybe I end my career in Cincinnati and five years later here I am,” Suárez said. “I think this is the gift. To be back where everybody knows you and where you feel comfortable.”

Suárez was with the Reds from 2015 through 2021, then was traded to Seattle during spring training four years ago. He hit 189 home runs during those seven seasons, including 49 in 2019.

The Reds were one of many teams interested in Suárez at the trade deadline last year, but they didn’t want to part with key prospects. He was traded from Arizona to Seattle on July 31 and finished fifth in the majors with 49 home runs and fourth with a career high 118 RBIs. He batted .228 overall with an .824 OPS.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said the front office kept tabs on Suárez throughout the offseason. Krall approached owners Bob and Phil Castellini last week there was a possibility of landing Suárez, but that it would exceed the payroll budget for the upcoming season.

Ownership gave the go ahead to proceed and the two sides came to an agreement on Sunday.

“We extended for it because it’s a player we wanted. This was something we were able to do above and beyond,” Krall said.

The 34-year-old slugger has been a third baseman for most of his 12-year major league career, but Suárez will be primarily be a designated hitter in the Reds' lineup with some games at third base or first.

Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes will be at third base and touted prospect Sal Stewart will be primarily at first base while also seeing some games at second and third. Spencer Steer, who was second on the Reds with 21 home runs last season, will platoon at first, second, left and right field.

Suárez joins a Reds' squad that went 83-79 last season and made the postseason for the first time since 2020. They lost to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in two games in the NL Wild Card series.

Cincinnati goes into spring training with a young but solid starting pitching staff along with another young star in shortstop Elly De La Cruz. The only thing they were lacking was a power hitter until signing Suárez.

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati has averaged 2.67 home runs per game since it opened in 2003. That is the second-highest homer rate in the majors among ballparks to host at least 1,200 games.

Suárez has 101 homers at Great American and is one of five players with at least 100.

“I think that right now when I see the lineup, we look very good. The pitching staff been great and the offense has been there,” he said. “I’m here now to help the team, not to be a superhero, but to be my best version and put everything on the field, do my best, try to help the team win games. That’s more important to me.”

To open a roster spot, the Reds designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment. He claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Nov. 12.

___

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

Editor's note: Portions of this story are being reprinted with permission of the Ocala Gazette and the article's author, Susan Smiley-Height.

Dory Funk, Jr., a larger-than-life character in the rings in Amarillo and later, the world, continues to be one in real life as he turned 85 on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in his home at Ocala, Florida.

The Ocala Gazette ran an article chronicling the wrestling champion’s career and family roots in the wrestling ring in a recent issue ahead of his birthday milestone.

And with him to celebrate was his faithful companion, Marti, to whom he will have been married for 40 years on Feb. 21.

Dory Funk, Jr’s., strong Amarillo roots, WT football player discipline

Funk Jr., grew up in Amarillo and played football at West Texas State in the early '60s. He was a product of the tough WT coach Joe Kerbel, who fostered a winning culture and integrated the team. Funk Jr.'s family’s influence in the Amarillo wrestling scene helped greatly to create a pipeline for WT football players to enter professional wrestling.

WT alumus Bill Neeley and his grandson, Justin Neeley, penned a book, “Touchdowns and Turnbuckles: Championship Athletes from West Texas State,” about the eight future WWE Hall of Famers whose path to the squared circle began with football cleats and a no-nonsense coach, as reported Aug. 1, 2025 in the Globe-News. At the heart of the story is Kerbel, the former Oklahoma lineman and World War II Marine who transformed WT football, and the lives of the men who played for him.

“Kerbel treated us like Marines in basic training,” Dory Funk, Jr., said in the book. “That mentality never really left us — we took it into the ring.”

Terry and Dory Funk, Jr., were also the sons of promoter Dory Funk, Sr., who ran the Amarillo wrestling territory and were always scouting for raw material to turn into wrestling gold. A mural by the artist JEKS covers a wall of an Amarillo downtown building of Terry Funk, one of the Funk family.

His brother Terry also had a stellar career. Terry, who was known for his “hard core” style of wrestling, passed away in 2023.

Related column from Jon Mark Beilue: Wrestler and showman with big heart, Funk was Texas Panhandle to his core

Retired now, Dory Sr., and the couple no longer run the Funking Conservatory, where he taught a long list of contemporary wrestling stars, but this dynamic duo still draws a crowd wherever they go.

Earlier this month, while attending a convention in Jacksonville, Fla., Dory Jr., was featured in “Going Ringside” on Jax Channel 4, and his family was featured in the “Dave Knows Wrestling” show on YouTube, which was described as a “deep dive into the history of the legendary Funk family and their influence on the wrestling business.”

In April of last year, Dory Funk, Sr., became a legacy inductee into the WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame, joining his sons Dory Jr. and Terry.

During a recent interview with the Ocala Gazette at his home, Dory Jr. donned his father’s diamond WWE hall of fame ring, which is about the size of an egg, and talked with pride about his early days of learning life lessons from his dad on their ranch in Texas. Dory Jr.’s own hall of fame ring — along with his gold National Wrestling Alliance Champion of the World Wrestling Heavyweight belt — are currently on display in Japan, but he does have a replica belt at home in Ocala, which sat on a table nearby.

“His belt was the last one made with real gold, 10 ounces of gold,” Marti said of the one that is on display in Japan.

According to Dory’s website, his father was more than a wrestling legend, “he was the iron-willed foundation of one of the sport’s greatest dynasties.” A World War II Navy veteran and gifted amateur wrestler, the senior Funk built his legacy in and out of the ring. As a performer, he was feared for his toughness and respected for his skill.

As a promoter in Amarillo, he helped shape the future of pro wrestling and was a noted mentor to some of the most famous names in the business, the site notes.

Like a chip off the old block, Dory Jr. has cemented his place in wrestling history not only for his in-ring achievements, but also for being a promotional innovator and for his legacy as a respected coach and teacher.

He will be quick to tell you that taking good care of yourself physically is an absolute must for a professional, along with mastering the tactics that translate into magic when a skilled wrestler goes into the ring.

“And you have to have good instincts,” he added.

Dory Jr. was born Feb. 3, 1941. His career in professional wrestling began in 1963, following his college football career with what was then West Texas State University. It was at a wrestling match in Jacksonville in 1980 that Marti met Dory. She wasn’t into the sport but had gone along as a favor to a friend.

“I wound up on my chair screaming,” she recalled.

“It was September and then we went back in October. And then I chased him until he caught me,” she said with a laugh.

Over time, Dory Jr.’s list of accomplishments became extensive, including his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, and holding the CWA World Heavyweight Championship, WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, for which he was the second-longest reigning champion of all time.

It was in 1973 that Dory Jr. made his debut for All Japan Pro Wrestling, and he then went on to have a lengthy career with that organization. On Aug. 24, 2024, for his final professional match, Dory teamed up with old friend Osamu Nishimura. A wrestlingheadlines.com description of the event notes that it was a Double Hell Current Explosion Death Match at the FMW-E Terry Funk Memorial and Atsushi Onita 50th anniversary at the Fujitsu Kawasaki Stadium.

“At age 83, he teamed with Osamu Nishimura to defeat Atsushi Onita and Raijin Yaguchi. During the match, Dory was hit with an exploding baseball bat, but he successfully secured victory with a spinning toe hold after just over 13 minutes,” the post explains.

“He went out in a blaze of glory,” Marti said with a big grin, gently touching the strong arm of her hubby and hero.

When asked about some of the highlights of his storied career, Dory Jr. said in his best Texas drawl, “Well, winning the world championships, of course. And my first match.”

“All of the promoters that I worked with, they had good associations with the wrestling fans and the publicity that comes out first gets everybody interested in going to the performance. The fans in Texas were terrific, really good, Florida too. And Japan,” he added.

When asked what advice he would have for young wrestlers just getting started, he at first said in a soft lift, “Never quit.” Then, a bit louder, “Never quit!” And then, very loudly and forcefully, “NEVER QUIT!”

Throughout this career, Dory has landed in the pages of a wide range of media, including print and television. Marti has “thousands of magazines from Japan” featuring her husband. She also has copies of the highly collectible July 1972 comic book, “The Incredible Hulk vs. Everybody!” which has a panel on page three that states: “Gotcha! This is the way Dory Funk Jr. always starts ‘rasslin’ matches… and if it’s good enough for the champ, it’s good enough for ol’ Benjamin Grimm!”

“Who knew Stan Lee was a Dory Funk fan,” Marti said with a smile.

In 2022, Dory Jr. wrote his own story, in his book “The Last of a Great Breed: True Stories from a Career in Pro Wrestling.” The cover photo, which features a snarling Dory in a black cowboy hat, holding a bullwhip and with fire seemingly coming from his fist, was created by Dave Schlenker, a noted longtime Ocala writer, editor and photographer.

The two had formed a friendship over years of Dory Jr. being featured in the pages of the “Ocala Star-Banner,” where Schlenker worked for a long time. As a guy known for supporting local causes and for being a bit of a daredevil, Schlenker went head-to-head with Dory Jr. on Nov. 24, 2012, at the Funking Conservatory, in a match/fundraiser for the Marion County Literacy Council.

Schlenker noted in a column published Nov. 8, 2012, that he had been encouraged to “smack-talk” Dory to amp up the stakes.

“After all, we will be fighting, and bloodthirsty fans will be screaming some smack of their own. Truth be told, Funk is a really nice guy. And I will feel guilty hurting him so much. He is, after all, like 500 years old and needs a good Schlenker whuppin’ to realize it’s finally time to leave the ring and buy a golf cart in The Villages,” Schlenker wrote.

“I now tell you Funk’s a punk! And his feet stink and he’s too tall and, I’ve heard, he hates puppies. His time has come and gone. There’s a new legend in town, and his feet do not smell as bad. I’M TALKING ABOUT ME! You hear me, Funk? Are you listening, Ebeneezer?? Even though I have nothing against you whatsoever, THIS IS PERSONAL! PERSONAL in all CAPS, which, for newspaper columnists, is REAL personal, Buster,” he continued.

"As someone who was in the crowd that night, this writer can tell you those two truly did knock heads in the ring. Who won? Who cares? It was a night of fun for a good cause," the Ocala Gazette's Susan Smiley-Height wrote in the article.

When asked a few days ago by the Gazette what he has to say about Dory nowadays, Schlenker texted: “I have always loved the dichotomy that is Dory Funk, Jr. This is a guy who used to toss 300-pound to 400-pound dudes out of the ring after nearly crushing them with the spinning toe hold. There’s also barbed wire and blood in there somewhere. But he’s the sweetest, gentlest human. Just a bear of a grandfather. He’s an icon, both in Ocala and in professional wrestling.”

And in Amarillo, where the memories of the Funk family's wrestling dynasty live on.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: From WT football to world stage of wrestling, Dory Funk, Jr., hits 85

The New England Patriots have touched down in California where Super Bowl festivities have begun. As they navigate the chaos of extra media and attention, they will continue on-field work for the big game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Also in Santa Clara for the week: Pats Pulpit.

So, submit any Patriots or Super Bowl questions — or whatever else is on your mind — down in the comments below or on Twitter using #PostPulpit.

Stay tuned for Friday’s updated mailbag.

The greatest rivalry in sports is nearly here. On Saturday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET in front of a national audience, UNC and Duke will play Round One of the Tobacco Road Rivalry.

The visiting Blue Devils (20-1, 9-0 ACC) are conference favorites, but North Carolina (18-4, 6-3 ACC) is making a rapid ascension up the standings. The Tar Heels easily dispatched Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, roared back from a 16-point deficit to upset Virginia, then withstood a late Syracuse charge to continue their winning streak.

With a week ahead full of several, exciting college basketball games, Andy Katz named UNC-Duke his Game of the Week.

To further build anticipation for Saturday's ACC rivalry battle, College GameDay will be coming to Chapel Hill. Expect to see plenty of wild signs, discussion at the ESPN desk and – who knows – maybe appearances from Hubert Davis, Caleb Wilson, Jon Scheyer and Cameron Boozer.

SO many top tier matchups this week 🔥

Duke-UNC headlines a STACKED edition of @TheAndyKatz’s Games of the Week ‼️ pic.twitter.com/FWtaeeqnox

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 2, 2026

The Blue Devils could very well be undefeated, but Texas Tech spoiled their season back on December 20. Boozer (23.5 points, 9.8 rebounds per game) is a National Player of the Year candidate, but Patrick Ngongba (11 PPG) and Isaiah Evans (14.3 PPG) help form a lethal Duke trio.

North Carolina may not have the Blue Devils' record, but they have a better frontcourt with Wilson and Henri Veesaar. The Tar Heels' backcourt continues to solidify itself, bench production is increasing and, despite occasional struggles, 2025-26 is worlds better than last season.

Will UNC-Duke live up to the hype? Most matchups do, so with re-loaded rosters for both programs this year, expect more fireworks on Saturday.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on. Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC-Duke basketball tabbed Andy Katz' Game of the Week

Scottie Scheffler's history at WM Phoenix Open makes world's No. 1 golfer a favorite originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Scottie Scheffler has played one golf tournament to begin his 2026 PGA Tour season. Of course, he won.

The world's No. 1 golfer will now be back on the course this Thursday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He enters as the favorite, as he will all year long.

This week, it's a particularly logical position for Scheffler to take. He has historically played very well at this event.

Scottie Scheffler history at WM Phoenix Open

Scheffler has played this tournament each of the past six years.

His results by year:

• 2020: Cut
• 2021: Tied-7th
• 2022: Win
• 2023: Win
• 2024: Tied-3rd
• 2025: Tied-25th

The tournament is played at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale.

It's a par-71 course, and it brings out the loudest, rowdiest crowds in golf. That's part of this week's charm.

Clearly, Scheffler has often embraced that very well.

With how well Scheffler is playing right now, and his history at this event, it's hard to believe he could lose.

Of course, golf is a weird game. Lots of things could happen as the tournament heads into the weekend.

But there's a decent chance this just ends up being another Scottie Scheffler show.

MORE: Jeremy Lin gets a big announcement on his NBA future

Every season, there are plenty of players who break out in the Major Leagues. 

Last year, the Chicago Cubs had both Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch break out. Crow-Armstrong totaled 31 home runs, 37 doubles, and 95 RBI, while Busch upped his numbers from his rookie season with 34 homers and 90 RBI. 

So, which Cubs player could break out during the 2026 season? 

Thomas Nestico (TJStats) believes that right-handed reliever Porter Hodge will break out for the Cubs this season. Nestico went through all 30 MLB teams and selected one breakout candidate for each. Hodge was Nestico’s selection for the North Siders. 

Hodge is just two years removed from a strong campaign with the Cubs. He finished with a 1.88 ERA, nine saves, and 52 strikeouts across 43 innings pitched in 2024. 

However, Hodge regressed significantly last season. He had a 6.27 ERA across 33 innings pitched and missed some time due to injuries throughout the year. The right-hander suffered an oblique strain in May and a shoulder impingement in July. 

It was really a season to forget for Hodge. He struggled on the mound, dealt with a few different injuries, and spent time in Triple-A in the second half of the year. Nothing simply went right for him in 2025. 

He now faces an uphill battle to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster. With Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey, Daniel Palencia, and Colin Rea all locks to make the roster ahead of Spring Training, Hodge could start the season in Triple-A. 

Despite that, Nestico still believes Hodge has the potential to make an impact with the Cubs and break out in 2026. 

“Hodge is expected to be healthy for the start of Spring Training, and I still believe he has the stuff to cement himself as a high-leverage arm for the Cubs,” Nestico wrote.”His cut-ride fastball and big sweeping slider grade out exceptionally well in pitch models and give him the foundation to post strong strikeout rates while limiting hard contact.”

The key for Hodge to break out this season is his sweeper. 

Back in 2024, Hodge’s sweeper was easily his best pitch. Opposing hitters batted .070 against that pitch, and Hodge had a whopping 51.8% whiff rate on that sweeper. With a 36.4% putaway rate, it was clear that his sweeper carried him throughout the year. 

In 2025, though, his sweeper wasn’t as strong a pitch for him. Opposing hitters had a .281 batting average with a .614 slugging percentage against that pitch, and Hodge only had a 27.4% whiff rate on that sweeper. 

So, Hodge has to rediscover that sweeper again in 2026. If he does, he could emerge as a high-leverage arm for the Cubs as he did two years ago. 

Last week, the Chicago White Sox made a series of minor league deals official and issued big-league spring training invites to 22 non-roster players.

Combine those names with the players already on the 40-man roster, and you’ve got the group that will report to Camelback Ranch in Glendale in a few weeks for spring training — with, of course, the possibility of additional moves still to come.

That’s the pool of players fighting to make Chicago’s Opening Day roster for 2026. And while everyone of the players technically has a chance, some are clearly positioned better than others.

pic.twitter.com/2KlvDyovSD

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 29, 2026

I’ll spare you a one-by-one breakdown of all 22 non-roster invitees. Instead, I want to focus on a handful of players who I believe have the best chance to make the team and contribute immediately.

Many of these players could see time in Chicago at some point during the regular season. Others may need more development, or an injury or unforeseen circumstance to open the door. This list is specifically about the players I view as frontrunners to be with the White Sox when they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Opening Day. 

Jarred Kelenic

The White Sox clearly like Jarred Kelenic, and the outfield remains wide open even after the addition of Austin Hays.

There’s been plenty of speculation that Hays could stick primarily to left field in 2026, pushing Andrew Benintendi into more of a DH role. And if that happens, two outfield spots are still up for grabs — giving Kelenic a very real path to everyday at-bats.

His biggest competition figures to come from players like Everson Pereira and Brooks Baldwin — younger outfielders with offensive upside who can handle center or right field. Pereira, notably, is out of minor league options.

At the end of the day, Kelenic has shown more at the major league level than any of the other reclamation-project outfielders in the mix. He also received a Zoom introductory press conference after signing a minor league deal, which is far from common and, in my view, says a lot about how highly the White Sox think of him.

This is an offensive profile that director of hitting Ryan Fuller is anxious to get working with. And with a strong spring, Chicago won't hesitate to throw Kelenic on the big league club. 

Ryan Borucki

Another area that feels wide open is the bullpen, especially when it comes to left-handed relief.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the White Sox carry three lefties on Opening Day, and those spots are very much up for grabs. If Sean Newcomb ends up in the bullpen rather than the rotation — which still feels like the most likely outcome — he’ll probably claim one of them, but that still leaves room for competition.

Ryan Borucki stands out among the non-roster invites because of his MLB track record and his potential value as a multi-inning relief option.

If he outperforms the other left-handers in camp and shows good stamina, he could fill a clear need for Will Venable. And with several other pitchers holding minor league options, adding Borucki to the roster would come with relatively little friction.

However, I do feel as if he's on the outside looking in as pitchers and catcher report and will need to upset the current depth chart. 

Noah Schultz

I said it in a piece I published last week, and I’ll say it again here: I wouldn’t be surprised if Noah Schultz breaks camp with the team and opens the season in the White Sox rotation.

He’ll have plenty to prove in spring training to make that happen. Still, the White Sox remain bullish on Schultz’s long-term outlook, despite his struggles down the stretch in 2025.

The organization attributes much of his Triple-A Charlotte issues to lingering knee problems, which are reportedly resolved as he enters camp. The raw stuff has never been the concern — but his control deteriorated significantly while dealing with that injury.

GM Chris Getz has expressed confidence that even without seeing it firsthand, a healthy Schultz can get big-league hitters out. I don’t disagree.

As things currently stand, the White Sox have at least one rotation spot completely up for grabs. Schultz should be in the mix alongside pitchers like David Sandlin and Tanner McDougal — and it’s a competition he could realistically win.

Schultz is just a freak of nature. He's been drawing Randy Johnson comparisons his entire pro career. And if he shows up healthy, he's definitely the kind of pitcher that could leave jaws on the floor and force Chicago's hand.  

LaMonte Wade Jr.

I’ll admit this one up front: I’m not entirely sure where LaMonte Wade Jr. fits, or exactly what it would take for him to make the team. Including him here is a bit of a leap.

At this stage of his career, the outfield isn’t a realistic option, which limits Wade primarily to first base. That’s a tough sell coming off a brutal offensive season in which he was cut loose by two organizations.

Still, his 2024 version was a legitimately productive hitter with advanced metrics that jumped off the page. His walk rate and chase rate ranked among the best in baseball, and those underlying skills largely remained intact even during a miserable 2025.

That puts Wade squarely in the category of “mature bat” the White Sox have shown interest in acquiring. It’s still a long shot, but I wouldn’t completely rule out Chicago valuing a veteran bench presence who can see pitches, grind out professional at-bats, and provide leadership to a young roster still finding its footing.

Ben Peoples

Relief pitching is volatile. That’s about as certain as gravity or the sun rising in the east. And because of that volatility, every spring seems to produce at least one bullpen arm who turns heads and forces his way onto the roster.

Ben Peoples could be that guy in 2026.

Peoples posted a 3.42 ERA as a starter in the Rays organization in 2024. In 2025, he reached Triple-A and transitioned to a bullpen role, where he found immediate success — putting up a 2.65 ERA with the Durham Bulls before being traded to the White Sox at the deadline for Adrian Houser.

While his performance dipped after the trade, it hasn’t soured me on his ability — or his readiness — to contribute as a big-league reliever.

Peoples turns 25 in early May and features a fastball/slider foundation built to miss bats. His fastball sits in the mid-90s with cut-ride action, and paired with his age and athleticism, he profiles as a relatively high-floor arm that could pitch in a big leaguegame tomorrow if he was needed. 

If the White Sox truly lean into their mantra of competition and letting the cream rise to the top, a big spring from Peoples — combined with a disappointing camp from someone else with options — could land him a spot on the Opening Day roster.

That said, this still feels like the longest shot of the group.

Stefon Diggs looks fierce and fabulous in fur boots and Birkin bag originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Stefon Diggs didn’t blend in when he landed in the Bay Area this week. He made an entrance.

Diggs arrives in the Bay.

Super Bowl LX– Sunday Feb. 8 6:30pm ET on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/HYQBkWSuRU

— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2026

The veteran wide receiver arrived in Northern California ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup at Levi's Stadium, where his New England Patriots are set to face the Seattle Seahawks. Most players stepped off the plane in standard team-issued travel gear. Diggs went a different route entirely.

MORE: Cardi B warns Stefon Diggs that 'it's over' if he keeps cheating

The league’s official account posted a photo of the moment with the simple caption, “Diggs arrives in the Bay,” and the outfit quickly did the talking.

According to Page Six, Diggs wore a white tank layered under a fuzzy vintage Chanel topper from the brand’s fall/winter 2010 collection, a piece that currently commands more than $3,000 on the resale market. On his feet: plush Jacquemus x Moon Boot boots, built more for snowdrifts than sunshine. Distressed denim kept it casual, but the finishing touch elevated the look into luxury territory — a black doblis suede Birkin 40 from Hermès.

Comparable Birkins in similar sizes have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with auction houses listing prices only upon request. It’s the kind of bag rarely seen in an NFL arrival line.

The contrast was noticeable. Teammates walked past in hoodies and sweats while Diggs carried what looked like a runway-ready ensemble.

Fans immediately noticed. “Boy went deep into Cardi’s closet for that fit,” one user joked in the replies. Another added, “Looks like he traded fits with his gf,” while a third wrote, “He’s wearing Cardi’s clothes.”

The comparison wasn’t random. Diggs has been linked to Cardi B, who is known for her bold designer-heavy wardrobe and expansive Hermès collection. The two have coordinated luxury looks before, including matching Chanel pieces at a Patriots game late last season.

MORE: Shannon Briggs makes it ugly for J. Prince's business partner at Lopez-Stevenson bout

Still, the Birkin wasn’t borrowed. Diggs has been photographed carrying the bag previously, signaling that the statement accessory is firmly part of his own rotation.

Bad Bunny’s place as the Super Bowl halftime show performer has been known for some time, but the debate around the decision has flared up again this week.

With the Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks taking place on Sunday, renewed criticism has emerged from sections of the NFL fanbase.

As the conversation picked up pace, NFL players were asked for their views on the choice.

DeMarcus Lawrence and Stefon Diggs both offered clear support for Bad Bunny and explained why they believe he belongs on the sport’s biggest stage.

DeMarcus Lawrence says Bad Bunny reflects America’s diversity

Lawrence welcomed Bad Bunny’s role in the halftime show and framed his support around representation rather than musical taste.

“I think it’s unique,” Lawrence said. “We have so many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds in America that I think it’s time to start embracing all of them and bringing them into the fold.”

The defensive star linked the decision to a wider idea of what the Super Bowl represents.

“That’s what really makes America great,” Lawrence added, suggesting the halftime show should reflect the diversity of the audience watching.

Rather than seeing the renewed criticism as an issue, Lawrence viewed Bad Bunny’s involvement as a positive step.

For him, the Super Bowl stage is an opportunity to showcase artists who resonate with different communities across the country.

Stefon Diggs calls Bad Bunny the perfect choice

Diggs echoed those sentiments while speaking at the Super Bowl’s opening night earlier this week.

The wide receiver made it clear he was not interested in turning the discussion into a political debate.

“I don’t really get into politics or religion on camera or on the internet,” Diggs told the Daily Mail.

“I keep my personal views to myself because nobody cares about how I feel. There’s always going to be someone who disagrees with you.”

Diggs instead focused on Bad Bunny’s global appeal and success. “I think Benito is one hell of an artist,” he added.

“I feel like they picked him for a reason. He’s one of the biggest artists in the world. I even listen to the songs, and I can barely say the words.”

“I think he was a great choice, and I look forward to the halftime show, watching it after the game, not during. I hope it’s a great show and people enjoy it.”

As kickoff approaches, player backing for Bad Bunny has been clear. While criticism has resurfaced, voices from inside the NFL continue to frame the halftime show as a reflection of the modern audience the Super Bowl attracts.

Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates in the EFL Cup semi final, meaning an elimination 4-2 on aggregate.

The first half went just as Chelsea wanted, and showed a very smart plan from Liam Rosenior. He left his best attacking players on the bench and set up his team in a defensive back 5 setup.

Despite the fact that his team needed a goal, Rosenior knew the pressure would be on Arsenal, playing at home in front of an expectant crowd, to make the play. Instead the Gunners sat back, Chelsea matched them, and a cagey first period saw the home fans getting more and more nervy, knowing it would take just one moment from Chelsea to level things up.

As the second period started, the question became – when would Liam Rosenior play his trump cards. Cole Palmer and Estevao warmed up menacingly on the touchline.

When they finally appeared after an hour, Chelsea switched to a back four and certainly had more attacking intent. But they were still facing a very strong defensive unit, and struggled to make inroads. The game opened up in general, but as it approached the 80th minute it was still advantage to the Gunners.

Chelsea put more and more men forward, but were frustratingly poor at creating shots or even getting in positions to cross from. The idea of starting slowly was a good one, but the changes and the urgency needed to come far sooner. Arsenal finally scored with the last kick of the game, with most of the Blues pushed forward.

MOTM – Wesley Fofana

Analysis

Liam Rosenior on the touchline against Arsenal. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

A lot will be made of Liam Rosenior’s decisions – from leaving Reece James out of the squad to leaving Estevao and Cole Palmer out of the starting lineup. His formation and tactics have been questioned too. But as much as anything, the problem was what happened when we tried to spring our trap.

There was just not enough attacking fluency or confidence. With all our best attackers on the pitch and the formation changed, we barely looked any more threatening than when he had turtled up. Some of these attackers aren’t good enough, some are out of form, and serious coaching and thinking is needed.

Teams

ArsenalKepa ArrizabalagaJurrien TimberWilliam SalibaMagalhaes GabrielPiero HincapieEberechi EzeMartin ZubimendiDeclan RiceNoni MaduekeViktor GyokeresGabriel Martinelli

SubstitutesDavid RayaCristhian MosqueraBen WhiteFernando Gabriel JesusChristian NorgaardLeandro Trossard (s 69′)Kai Havertz (s 69′)Riccardo CalafioriMyles Lewis-Skelly

ChelseaRobert SanchezWesley FofanaTrevoh ChalobahJorrel HatoMalo GustoMoises CaicedoAndrey SantosEnzo FernandezMarc CucurellaLiam DelapJoao Pedro

SubstitutesTeddy Sharman-LoweJosh Acheampong (s 87′)Benoit BadiashileCole Palmer (s 60′)de Oliveira Estevao (s 60′)Alejandro Garnacho (s 75′)Marc GuiuShumaira MheukaCharlie Holland

Stats

Quote of the game

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has officially launched Fairmont Hanoi — its *first property in Vietnam — marking a historic entry for the luxury brand into Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing travel market. The 5‑star hotel is situated in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, steps from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and features 241 guest rooms, 38 Fairmont Gold rooms and 12 suites, along with eight restaurants and bars, a wellness facility, and the largest pillarless ballroom in the area. Designed by Perkins Eastman and Aston Design, the property blends local cultural heritage with contemporary luxury and is expected to drive upscale tourism, business events, and international traveller interest in Vietnam’s capital.

Introduction: A Milestone for Vietnam’s Travel and Hospitality Sector

Vietnam’s tourism and luxury hospitality landscape received a significant boost with the opening of Fairmont Hanoi in February 2026, ushering in Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ first ever property in the country. This major development — backed by global hospitality group Accor and owned locally by GELEX Group — places a world‑class luxury hotel squarely in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, near the iconic Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Positioned as a new hub for high‑end travellers, the hotel combines international service standards with local artistic influences, aiming to attract discerning tourists, international business travellers, and meetings‑incentives‑conventions‑events (MICE) demand in Vietnam’s cultural capital.

Elegant Accommodation and Design Inspired by Hanoi

Fairmont Hanoi comprises 241 stylish guest rooms, 38 Fairmont Gold rooms and 12 suites, each designed to reflect a fusion of luxury and Vietnamese cultural context. The architecture, developed by Perkins Eastman and Aston Design, takes aesthetic inspiration from Hanoi’s enduring relationship with the Red River, balancing modern sophistication with heritage cues that echo the city’s historic legacy. The property’s interiors and public spaces aim to create a sense of calm and cultural immersion, while offering panoramic views over the Old Quarter or tranquil inner gardens. With its prime location, the hotel offers easy access to historic sites, buzzing street life, and local gastronomy, enhancing the visitor experience.

Dining, Wellness and Events

Fairmont Hanoi houses eight restaurants, bars and lounges, serving global and local cuisine. Signature venues include contemporary Vietnamese dining, Japanese and Italian options, complemented by vibrant social hubs like the Pool Terrace & Bar or the Fairmont Gold Lounge. The hotel also features the expansive Cirua Spa, Fitness & Wellness Club, offering holistic spa treatments, relaxation spaces and advanced fitness facilities. For business travelers and events, Fairmont Hanoi boasts Vietnam’s largest pillarless ballroom in the Old Quarter, alongside versatile meeting rooms and MICE spaces covering several thousand square meters, making it well‑suited for both cultural celebrations and corporate gatherings.

Travel Advantages for Visitors

The arrival of Fairmont Hanoi offers multiple benefits for travellers. Its central Old Quarter location places guests within walking distance of iconic attractions such as ancient temples, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, traditional markets and vibrant street culture — ideal for both first‑time tourists and returning visitors. The hotel’s luxury amenities, wellness offerings, and diverse culinary venues elevate the stay experience, catering to high‑end travellers seeking comfort and convenience. Business visitors benefit from premium event spaces and proximity to Hanoi’s commercial hubs, while international tourists enjoy world‑class hospitality standards paired with deep cultural immersion, making it easier to explore Hanoi’s rich heritage while enjoying top‑tier service.

Travel Disadvantages and Considerations

Despite its luxury appeal, there are considerations for travellers. High‑end hotels such as Fairmont Hanoi often command premium pricing, which may not suit budget‑minded visitors or long‑stay backpackers. Its focus on upscale experiences could mean that typical mid‑range travellers find more affordable options outside the Fairmont brand. In addition, while the hotel enhances Hanoi’s luxury market, travellers should be aware that Hanoi’s traffic and urban congestion — especially around the Old Quarter — may impact road transfers to and from Noi Bai International Airport, which typically takes around 35‑40 minutes depending on traffic. Advance planning for transit and reservations is recommended.

Impact on Vietnam’s Travel and Tourism Sector

Fairmont Hanoi’s opening signals Vietnam’s strengthening appeal as a global luxury travel destination. International hotel brands entering the Vietnamese market demonstrate confidence in both leisure and business travel demand. The hotel’s comprehensive offerings — from wellness and fine dining to MICE capabilities — are expected to attract high‑value travellers, contributing to longer stays and increased spending across the city. Its presence may encourage additional premium hospitality investments and support Vietnam’s broader tourism goals, which aim to diversify travel segments beyond budget or mid‑tier experiences. This development enhances Hanoi’s competitive position in Southeast Asia’s urban tourism landscape, alongside hubs like Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Hanoi’s Luxury Travel Narrative

The launch of Fairmont Hanoi — Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Vietnam — represents a defining moment for Hanoi’s hospitality industry. By seamlessly blending international luxury service with deep respect for Vietnamese culture and heritage, the hotel sets a new benchmark for travel experiences in the capital. While its premium positioning suits upscale visitors, the broader impact on tourism — including amplified global interest, enhanced cultural engagement and elevated event capabilities — resonates across travel segments. For travellers seeking refined comfort paired with rich local experience, Fairmont Hanoi offers a compelling destination in the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities.

Singapore’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. In 2025, tourism revenue reached a record S$23.9 billion, the highest ever for the first nine months of the year. This demonstrates a strong recovery and growing global interest in the city-state. For travellers, this growth signals that Singapore is more vibrant and attractive than ever before, offering a wealth of experiences from sightseeing to world-class cuisine.

Tourism officials project that revenue for the full year could exceed earlier forecasts, highlighting the city’s success in attracting both regional and international travellers. This boom has created new opportunities for local businesses and enhances the overall visitor experience, ensuring that every trip is memorable.

International Visitor Arrivals on the Rise

The number of international travellers visiting Singapore continues to climb. In 2025, 16.9 million visitors arrived, marking a notable year-on-year increase. Countries across Asia contributed significantly, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Australia.

Long-haul travellers from Europe and the Americas are also returning in higher numbers. This diverse mix reflects Singapore’s growing reputation as a safe, convenient, and exciting destination. For tourists, it means the city offers global connections and cosmopolitan experiences while maintaining its unique cultural charm.

Where Visitors Are Spending

Tourists are spending across various sectors, not just on accommodation or flights. Key areas include dining, entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences. Singapore’s food scene remains a top attraction. From hawker centres to high-end restaurants, the culinary landscape offers options for all budgets.

Entertainment and attractions also drive spending. Visitors enjoy theme parks, gardens, art exhibitions, and live events. Festivals and sporting events provide unique experiences that often encourage longer stays. For travellers, this means Singapore is not just a transit point—it is a destination to explore thoroughly.

Top Reasons Tourists Choose Singapore

Several factors make Singapore a preferred destination.

World-class attractions: Visitors can explore modern architecture, innovative museums, and beautiful urban parks. Iconic locations like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay continue to captivate travellers.

Culinary experiences: Singapore’s multicultural cuisine, ranging from street food to fine dining, keeps food lovers coming back.

Convenience and safety: The city is clean, well-organised, and easy to navigate. Efficient public transport and excellent airport facilities ensure smooth travel experiences.

Diverse cultures: The blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences makes every visit feel unique and educational.

Events and festivals: Art fairs, music concerts, and sporting events attract a wide audience, adding variety to every trip.

Travel Trends for 2026

The Singapore Tourism Board forecasts continued growth in 2026. International arrivals are expected to reach 17–18 million, with tourism receipts rising to S$31–32 billion.

For global travellers, this means even more attractions, expanded event calendars, and innovative travel experiences. The city continues to enhance its infrastructure and services, ensuring visitors enjoy modern, safe, and immersive travel experiences.

Practical Travel Tips for Visitors

Visitors can make the most of their trip by planning ahead:

Book early: Especially around major events such as Formula 1 races.

Explore local food: Sample hawker fare and gourmet dining for authentic flavours.

Use public transport: The MRT and bus systems are efficient, safe, and economical.

Prepare for weather: Singapore is tropical, so lightweight clothing and rain gear are recommended.

Check visa requirements: Ensure any travel documents are in order to avoid disruptions.

Singapore as a Travel Destination

Singapore’s booming tourism revenue and increasing arrivals show that the city is a global travel leader. Visitors can enjoy a blend of culture, modern attractions, nature, and world-class cuisine.

For international travellers, the city offers something new with every visit. Whether it’s exploring cultural districts, attending international festivals, or enjoying cutting-edge attractions, Singapore provides experiences that are memorable and unique.

As 2026 approaches, Singapore is set to maintain its position as a top choice for travellers seeking adventure, comfort, and vibrant city experiences in Asia.

Urban Air Adventure Park, the largest indoor adventure park operator in the U.S., continues to grow in the national market with four lease agreements. These new parks, located in Georgia and California, showcase continued consumer interest in multi-generational, family-oriented entertainment. As the franchise develops new outdoor locations, it is establishing parks in primary markets that it will position as hubs for fun, adventure, and community.

This new development is part of Urban Air’s parent company, Unleashed Brands ‘ most recent initiative to provide high-energy family experiences throughout the U.S. With parks opening in Georgia and California, Urban Air is not only fortifying its market position but also establishing meaningful relationships with communities in need of stimulating entertainment. With these additions, families throughout the U.S. will have access to new indoor adventure experiences.

The Continuity of Growth in California: New Parks in Tracy, Fairfield, and Fresno

Urban Air’s growth into California shows the developing interest in family entertainment centers in the state. Urban Air will open three new centers in the state, one of which will be in Tracy, and will be the first of its kind in this market. The new openings are supported by seasoned franchise partners who are adding new specialized business knowledge to the franchise system.

In Tracy, Anil Madahati and the Wave Wealth Team will lead the construction of the park. Both have close to 20 years in the tech industry and are poised to create a park that will give a premium experience to its visitors. Their knowledge in business and management will be a tremendous tech value to families who are looking for premium entertainment.

In Fairfield, there will be Urban Air’s unique offerings with the seasoned franchisees, who are the other two partners of this transaction, Sanj Purewal and Pinder Sangha. These two will be gaining a total of 33 years of experience, improving the quality of ownership in small businesses, and improving the quality of service to families in the area.

Parag Laddha, a successful multi-unit franchisee, will open the first-ever Urban Air location in Fresno. This location will expand Urban Air to a new market with a growing demand for family entertainment.

New Park Opening in Georgia: A New Destination in Douglasville

Outside of California, Urban Air has also been expanding in the South, with a new park now open in Douglasville, Georgia. This location will be run by experienced multi-unit operators Alison McReynolds and her husband, Uwezu “Lonnie” McReynolds. Urban Air anticipates that the McReynolds’ business strategy and operational efficiency will translate to successful park operations and a growing customer base in the region.

With the opening of the new location in Douglasville, families will have access to new entertainment options, and Urban Air will continue to cultivate its relationship with the community. Urban Air anticipates the new park will be highly trafficked, serving as a key anchor in the retail location.

Urban Air’s Business Model and Community Impact

Urban Air Adventure Park has a business model that focuses on establishing a safe and fun environment for family bonding activities. Urban Air parks feature over 20 attractions, including laser tag, obstacle courses, and ropes courses, and cater to a large array of ages. Whether guest children seek thrills and adventure, or parents seek a relaxed, family fun afternoon, there is always something to do.

While there are many attractions for guests to enjoy, each Urban Air park has a fast-casual café that serves park patrons. The café allows guests to take a break without having to leave the park, and contributes to additional revenue streams for the park locations.

Consumer demand for Urban Air has been high, and for good reason. The parks create new job opportunities in the communities and add value to surrounding commercial centers by increasing foot traffic. Urban Air’s memorable experience and value offerings foster long-term relationships and loyalty with customers.

The Momentum of Urban Air and Success of its Franchise

Adding to its national momentum, Urban Air recently ranked as the Number 1 entertainment franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchise 500 list. Urban Air’s business model, as well as its entertainment options, are rapidly growing and being recognized for the demands of its services nationwide. Urban Air is continuing to pioneer the family entertainment business with 400+ parks that are currently open or being built.

The brand’s continued entry into prime markets highlights the increased attention and need for indoor adventure parks within community frameworks. Urban Air offers an unmatched experience to families through its diverse options, including climbing walls, interactive games, and high-energy activities, and it allows families to have fun in a safe, controlled environment.

The inexplicable charm of family entertainment parks like the Urban Air Adventure Park is how the touches of every family member make the visit special. While one might sneak a jump on the trampolines, others might take a seat in the restaurant, do a small run of the Park, or find a quiet corner. While the purpose of a visit is to entertain the kids, every element of the experience is infused with the experience thinking and design of Urban Air theòs franchise partners. Every Urban Air Adventure Park visit is intended to be unique and deliver an experience no other family entertainment center can match.

The Karnataka state government is going to build the first infrastructure to support tourism in Hampi by constructing Traveller Nooks at Hampi. Construction for the nooks will begin in 2023 and end in 2026. Construction will commence with the nooks located at and around the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The traveler nooks will serve as small, compact hubs that offer comfort and convenience to the travelers visiting Hampi. 20 different nooks are planned to be built at sites like the Mayur Bhuvaneshwari Hotel, Vijaya Vitthal Temple, and and Chandrakeshwar Temple, and Virupaksha Temple. Hampi is one of the most important cultural and historical sites for India, and this initiative promises to help modernize the tourism infrastructure to support sustainable growth in the cultural economic sector.

Enhancing Hampi’s Infrastructure to Support Growing Tourism Demand

With the increasing global appeal of Hampi as a key cultural and heritage destination, the Karnataka government’s focus on tourism infrastructure development is crucial to ensuring the region can accommodate growing visitor numbers. The traveller nooks will offer essential amenities such as drinking water stations, clean toilets, ATMs, retail kiosks, and shaded seating areas—all designed to provide visitors with a seamless, comfortable experience while exploring the historic site.

This initiative is set to have a significant impact on tourism infrastructure growth, making Hampi more accessible, comfortable, and visitor-friendly. By providing essential facilities under one roof, the traveller nooks will encourage longer stays, increased footfall, and more positive experiences, supporting economic growth in the region.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Development with Modern Amenities

The initiative is being implemented under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, which aims to modernize tourism infrastructure while supporting sustainable tourism practices. The traveller nooks will not only enhance visitor services but will also reflect the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism by incorporating eco-friendly practices into the project’s design and operations.

By upgrading tourism infrastructure and offering amenities such as solar-powered water stations and eco-friendly kiosks, the project supports environmental sustainability while improving the overall tourism experience. These steps align with global trends in responsible tourism, positioning Hampi as a sustainable destination that balances growth with heritage preservation.

Urban and Rural Tourism Integration Enhances Hampi’s Appeal

The traveller nooks will play a significant role in integrating rural and urban tourism, allowing visitors to easily access tourist sites and local experiences in and around Hampi. By improving accessibility, the initiative will help distribute tourism demand more evenly across the region, addressing the challenges of overcrowding at popular spots and contributing to more equitable economic benefits for surrounding communities.

This infrastructure upgrade also supports the development of local businesses, providing new economic opportunities through the introduction of small retail kiosks and community engagement initiatives. As more travellers visit the area, local businesses in hospitality, food services, and crafts will benefit from increased foot traffic and spending.

Encouraging Longer Stays and Higher Visitor Spend

With the introduction of modern amenities such as comfort stations, shade areas, and water stations, visitors will be more inclined to stay longer and explore multiple sites within Hampi. This extended visit model helps boost local tourism revenue, especially when paired with retail kiosks that showcase local products.

In line with India’s tourism growth vision, the development of tourism infrastructure in Hampi is a key enabler of sustained visitor engagement. By improving the visitor experience with thoughtfully designed amenities, the government is ensuring that tourism growth remains consistent and resilient, supporting both short-term growth and long-term sustainability.

Regional Economic Impact and Job Creation

In addition to supporting tourism growth, the traveller nooks initiative is expected to create new jobs in areas such as facility management, retail services, and tourism support. Local workers and small businesses will benefit from the increased demand for services, product sales, and guides. The project’s focus on local procurement further strengthens regional economic integration.

The construction and operation of the traveller nooks will also drive job creation in sectors related to infrastructure, hospitality, and community services, contributing to economic stability in the region.

Shaping Hampi’s Future as a Premier Global Heritage Destination

As India positions itself as a leader in sustainable tourism, the development of tourism infrastructure in places like Hampi will continue to play a crucial role in attracting high-value international visitors. The traveller nooks will help Hampi cater to changing traveller preferences, where convenience, comfort, and responsible travel are becoming essential components of the tourist experience.

The initiative is part of a broader vision to strengthen Hampi’s competitive position in the global tourism market, aligning with Swadesh Darshan 2.0’s focus on sustainable, experience-driven travel.

Strengthening Hampi’s Tourism Infrastructure for Future Growth

The rollout of traveler nooks across key tourist locations in Hampi shows candidate for shifting tourism infrastructure growth positively impacting visitors while balancing sustainability and heritage conservation. The Karnataka government’s strategy to position Hampi for tourism growth through amenity modernization and local economic support is commendable and will benefit local communities and global visitors.

With the ongoing development of India’s tourism industry, Hampi’s blend of modern infrastructure and cultural authenticity will make it a premier destination offering extensive natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and contemporary facilities.