Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının XXI turunun “İmişli” – “Şamaxı” oyunundan (0:0) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Ayxan Abbasov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb…

– Çətin oyun olacağını bilirdik. Futbolçular çox əziyyət çəkdi. Oyunun gedişatına baxanda tərəflər üçün bir xal yaxşı oldu. Sevindirici haldır ki, iki oyundur, qol buraxmırıq. Bundan öncə ucuz qollar buraxmışıq. Bu dəfə yaxşı alındı. Dövrənin bitməsinə bir oyun qalıb və sonrasında kritik dönəm başlayır. Çalışacağıq ki, hazır olaq.

– “Şamaxı” demək olar, liqada yerini qoruyub. Futbolçuları son dövrədə nə ilə motivasiya edəcəksiniz?
– Önəm verdiyimiz məsələ bu olacaq. İlin əvvəlində futbolçulardan istəyim olmuşdu ki, hamı karyerasını göz önünə gətirsin və bu dəfə pikə çatmağa çalışsın. Məsələn, ötən mövsüm 7 qol vurubsa, bu il 9 olsun. Oyun sayları artsın. Futbolçular karyeralarının yaxşı dönəmlərindədi. Kubokda iddialıyıq. Yolumuza davam etməliyik. Bilirik, çətin olacaq, amma ilk oyun ümid verir. Yuxarı pillələrlə xal fərqimiz var, amma hər şey mümkündür. Futbolçularım istəklidir.

– Motivasiyanı kuboka yönəltmək olar?
– Məncə, şansımız var. İnanmasaq, deməli, bu işi etməyək. Bu gün Azərbaycan çempionatı çox maraqlı keçir. Kubokda ilk “altılıq”da olmayan komandaların şansları var. Bizim də, “Qəbələ”nin də… Məncə, maraqlı olacaq. İstərdim ki, “beşlik”də olmayan komandalardan kubokda irəliləyən olsun.

– Bütün ölkənin narazı olduğu arenadan sizin də narazılığınız var?
– Nəsə danışmağın yeri yoxdur, hər şey deyilib. Sevindirici oldu ki, bir məsələni biz həll etdik. Sən demə, qapılar 11 sm hündür imiş, bu gün bizim vəsilə ilə bu da standartlarla uyğun oldu.

Şahin Cəfərov

For Pat Riley, it was Showtime again on Sunday in Los Angeles. This time his own showtime, with his statue unveiled in front of the Lakers’ Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

On an afternoon of celebrity that included actor Michael Douglas and singer Michael McDonald among those in attendance, Riley not only had those who were part of his Lakers’ 1980s championship coaching tenure in attendance, but also several from his Heat era, including Heat championship guard Dwyane Wade and Heat owner Micky Arison.

Riley intertwined several elements of his Hall of Fame coaching career into his speech, at one point thanking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but then also referencing how the lessons learned from his coaching tenure helped in guiding others, including Wade.

“To Dwayne Wade, not of the Lakers, but I put the DNA of the Lakers in him,” Riley said in his comments. “You know, it just sort of comes with the program. And he came in as a rookie. He was raw. He was great. He was gifted. He was talented. He was cocky. He was true of himself. And I never saw a young man work harder than Dwayne Wade to become one of the greatest players ever.”

Riley also spoke of how the trappings of that coaching start near Hollywood impacted who he has become and what he has become decades later.

“We’ve been fast friends for a long time,” he said of Doulgas. “When he did invite me and (wife) Chris to come to Monaco and then also to Nice when he was shooting that movie, he had a rap party up in Venice and Kathleen Turner happened to be the actress in that movie. And he was playing along with Danny DeVito in that movie. And so during the rap party, I went over and I sat down in front of Danny DeVito and Mike, just to chat and have some fun.”

And of McDonald, Riley said, “I regularly go back and I can recall each championship in the one moment, the one play, the one shot, the one anything. I just remember that. And usually when I listen to the music, you know, of that time, Michael McDonald is here today. He married Chris and I again. He renewed our vows in Hawaii.”

Riley also referenced the other statues in the arena plaza, including one of championship Lakers guard Magic Johnson.

“He was one of the very best of the best. I see him out here, Number 32, dribbling the ball and he’s pointing to somebody,” Riley said of Johnson’s statue. “And that was the communication he always had.”

Along the way, Riley referenced the impact on coaching in his career.

Riley guided the Lakers from 1981 to 1990 as part of his Hall of Fame coaching career, with championships in 1982, ’85, ’87 and ’88. The Lakers went 533-194 (.733) over Riley’s tenure, winning at least 50 games in each of his nine seasons and at least 60 games in five straight seasons.

“Coaching is to me,” he said, “is an interactive relationship whereby you get put in a place to get a result. I got put in a place without the experience. I was scared to death, but I was ready – didn’t think I was ready, but I knew I was ready. I just felt it.

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“And so coaching being an interactive relationship whereby you get put in a place, you get hired, you grow into that place, and you need to get a result. And that result obviously is going to have to be winning, especially here in Los Angeles.”

And so he won in Los Angeles, won as coach of the New York Knicks, won as coach of the Heat, and in his ongoing role as Heat president.

The court at Kaseya Center now is named in his honor, with Arison giving the Lakers permission for the Riley statue, a sign that a Riley statue one day likely will be alongside the statue of Wade in front of the Heat’s arena.

Sunday, it was about the Lakers and championships and memories now bronzed.

Riley, 80, joins Lakers statues honoring former Lakers players Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal and broadcaster Chick Hearn.

“That statue right there, the one they’re going to unveil today, that statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took that magical journey,” Riley said.

Broncos could snag second-best running back in class with first-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos should be looking to upgrade the running back position in 2026 and fortunately for them, there are some salivating options to do just that. 

The team could strike a deal in free agency with a heavy hitter such as Breece Hall or Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker. There are also less expensive options such as Tyler Allgeier. 

But the Broncos could also re-sign their own free agent running back, J.K. Dobbins, and add to the room through the draft. 

Could the two best running backs in this year's crop of rookies come out of the same school? It sure appears that way. 

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love looks like a generational talent who could be a top-five pick. But his college teammate, Jadarian Price, is no slouch either. Price should be in strong consideration for the Broncos at the back end of the first round. 

Jadarian Price deemed a 'sneaky option' for Broncos

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, one of the best and most respected evaluators of talent in the media, recently discussed that the Broncos could have a sneaky option in Price. 

"I think he can be a No. 1 back. If he was playing anywhere else, he would have been. He just happened to be playing with Jeremiyah Love. ... He's someone that I think has a chance to be a three-down, complete back, which would be a great pairing with RJ Harvey for that group", said Jeremiah. 

Price went to Notre Dame over offers from several top schools, including Ohio State and Texas. In three years at the school, he rushed for 1,692 yards and 21 touchdowns. Those may not look like the biggest numbers, but keep in mind, he was playing behind the best back in the country. His 6.0 yards per carry are a good indicator of how good he can be. 

Breakaway run after breakaway run…

Jadarian Price is always breaking off huge runs. He will be missed for sure ❤️🍀

pic.twitter.com/HqQB3EPWBF

— Biased Notre Dame Fan (@CFBGuy999) February 22, 2026

If you haven't seen much of this kid playing, do yourself a favor and check out these highlights. He's a phenomenal talent who has largely been hidden behind the greatness that is Love. But there isn't mcu hhe can't do and he would be a tremendous addition to the Denver backfield. 

He has legitimate 4.4 speed and he can bust a long run at any given time, using patience and elite instincts to set up big plays. He is tough to tackle at any level of the field and he has the athleticism to be a huge force in the passing game as well. 

If there is an area he could stand to improve at, it's in pass protection, but if he can improve upon his technique there, he becomes a solid three-down back who would be a tremendous consolation prize for a team looking for a running back who won't have the ability to grab Love. 

The Los Angeles Rams head into the 2026 offseason looking to build a juggernaut.

After failing to make the Super Bowl despite owning the No. 1 offense, L.A. sounds ready to push all the chips into the table to make another run with Matthew Stafford in 2026. That means bold moves, something neither Les Snead nor Sean McVay are afraid of after pulling off major deals during their time together.

Secondary help will be the biggest external priority for L.A. this offseason, and CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo writes that the Rams could be a landing spot for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The team is reportedly open to trading the veteran, but it's unclear how likely they are to do a deal or who would be a potential suitor.

DeArdo thinks L.A. should be involved because Fitzpatrick would be a huge playmaker in Chris Shula's defense.

It's conceivable to think that Fitzpatrick would be the difference in helping the Rams leapfrog the newly crowned champion Seattle Seahawks as the NFL's best team. Seattle lost its first game against Los Angeles last year before winning its last two games on the strength of some clutch passes from Darnold.

While they have some talented defensive backs, the Rams lack speed and experience in that area. Fitzpatrick would fill both of those voids while giving defensive coordinator Chris Shula another proven commodity alongside emerging stars Jared Verse, Byron Young, Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake.

Fitzpatrick is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro who is coming off a solid season in Miami. He finished with one interception, one sack, one forced fumble and 82 combined tackles for the Dolphins. Fitzpatrick, 29, has 21 interceptions, four pick-sixes, six forced fumbles and 690 combined tackles in his NFL career.

The price to acquire Fitzpatrick is unclear. This past offseason, he was traded back to Miami from the Pittsburgh Steelers along with a fifth-round pick for Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. According to Spotrac, the team acquiring Fitzpatrick would have to pay him $15.6 million in 2026. Fitzpatrick's contract would void on the fifth day after the 2026 Super Bowl, though, per Over the Cap.

Adding Fitzpatrick would be a bold one for L.A., but it would only make sense if they didn't feel strongly about keeping Curl at a reasonable rate or about drafting anyone. The trade price would have to be right, too, for this to make sense.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams named as a potential landing spot for S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Wolves say they are "disgusted" after striker Tolu Arokodare was sent racist abuse on social media by "multiple perpetrators" following his side's 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace.

The Nigeria international and Wolves have shared a number of screenshots of private messages he received after Sunday's Premier League game in which he had a first-half penalty saved.

It comes just a day after Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana were both targeted with racist abuse on Instagram after their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

"It's still unbelievable to me that we're playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences," Arokodare wrote on his Instagram story.

"These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are."

Wolves said in a statement: "There is no place for racism – in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms.

"Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job. We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.

"The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken. We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination."

'Social media companies must do more'

On Saturday, Fofana wrote "2026, it's still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished.

"You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything."

Mejbri called on people to "educate yourself and your kids".

These latest incidences of racist abuse towards players come days after the alleged racial abuse of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr during a Champions League match against Benfica, which Uefa is investigating.

The Premier League condemned the abuse of Fofana and Mejbri and said "any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution".

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said they "stood alongside" Fofana and Mejbri but that more must be done to combat racial abuse online.

"Football is working together to tackle this issue alongside the UK Football Policing Unit and Ofcom, but social media companies must do more to offer protections to players and help improve accountability when incidents occur," they said.

Responding to the Fofana and Mejbri abuse, a spokesperson for Meta told BBC Sport: "No-one should be subjected to racist abuse, and we remove this content when we find it.

"No one thing will stop racist behaviour overnight, but we'll continue working to protect our community from abuse and cooperate with police investigations."

Last November, a BBC investigation found that more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts - including death and rape threats - were sent about managers and players in the Premier League and Women's Super League in a single weekend.

In August, the season opening Premier League game between Liverpool and Bournemouth was stopped in the first half after then Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by someone in the Anfield crowd.

A Liverpool man has denied the abuse and his trial is scheduled to take place in April.

In January, Newcastle United said they had contacted the police after midfielder Joe Willock was the subject of "disgusting" racial abuse and "deeply disturbing threats" on social media.

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel was the subject of racist abuse on social media after being one of two Spurs players to miss in their Super Cup penalty shootout defeat by Paris St-Germain in August.

England defender Jess Carter was also the target of racist abuse during Euro 2025 in July.

And England internationals Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all subjected to racism in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final.

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Alabama will reportedly host four-star edge rusher KJ Green on a visit in Tuscaloosa on March 26, per 247Sports' Tom Loy. Per Loy, Alabama is one of the nine visits Green has set for this upcoming spring.

Green is widely regarded as one of the top overall prospects from the class of 2027. At 6’4”, 215 pounds, Green would instantly become a difference maker on the Alabama defense in 2027 and beyond, should he ultimately commit to the Tide. The talented edge rusher has drawn interest from a multitude of prestigious programs around the country, as Green is expected to come to a final decision at some point in August.

Green is ranked as the No. 3 edge and the No. 10 overall player from the class of 2027, per 247Sports. The talented edge rusher is ranked as the No. 2 overall player out of Georgia as well where he attends Stephenson High School, and the rising star will more than likely thrive at any program that lands him. 

Alabama has added multiple playmakers from the 2027 class, as Green would prove to be an elite addition to the Crimson Tide’s defense in the future. 

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 2027 edge rusher KJ Green to reportedly visit Alabama football

Nico O’Reilly had been presented with the prize by the side of the pitch before Pep Guardiola announced who he felt was a more deserving recipient. “Erling was for me the man of the match,” he said. Normally when Erling Haaland gets the individual honours, it is a reflection of extraterrestrial goalscoring exploits.

Not on this occasion. There are days when the numbers surrounding Haaland are low and high; his number of touches and goals respectively. As Newcastle were defeated at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, perhaps it was the other way around. For the eighth time in 11 games, he did not find the net. Yet he has never been more involved.

He had 43 touches, his most ever in a Premier League match. Haaland’s height and look makes him conspicuous even when he is not on the ball, but he had a ubiquity. The eye was drawn to his battle with Dan Burn, the Etihad looking the land of the giants. Haaland made O’Reilly’s second goal with the kind of ball he would appreciate himself – “I want that someone crosses to him,” said Guardiola – and kept on repelling Newcastle attacks.

Haaland made three clearances; only Rodri and Marc Guehi made more for City. Indeed, only twice in his Premier League career has the Norwegian had more in a match. It was one of those days when, not content with being City’s best attacker, he can look their finest defender. It prompted Guehi to remark that he doesn’t want Haaland to reinvent himself as a centre-back. "I think he should stay up front, for sure," said the January signing. "I don't want him to take my place."

But Haaland is a magnetic presence in the penalty box, heading balls away. Newcastle supporters may have had flashbacks: for years Alan Shearer, in between becoming their record scorer, assumed the duties on the near post at corners.

“I'm not a big fan to put Erling to defend,” said Guardiola. “But he helped us, and I know after, how the people hug him and celebrate him and say they're grateful for helping us. He's an incredible, generous player, so today is a performance and I'll never forget what Erling has done for us.”

Guardiola’s description of Haaland as generous was instructive. The theory is that strikers have to be selfish; the more goals they get, perhaps the more selfish they are. And 2026 has been an unusually barren spell for Haaland, but it has been a time when he has shown a sense of greater responsibility. He is part of City’s leadership group, one of those who organised the refund for supporters who paid for tickets for the dismal defeat to Bodo/Glimt.

With his nine-and-a-half year contract, he has a greater commitment. In turn, that may be making him more of a team player. He is not just a scorer. Guardiola was surprised to be informed that Haaland ranks second in the Premier League for assists, albeit some way behind the runaway leader, Bruno Fernandes.

“So the numbers are unbelievable,” said Guardiola and, once again, he was not talking about Haaland’s goal return. He has seven assists for the top-flight season, only one behind his personal best, in 2022-23. He has got more creative of late. Three have come in his last five games, all in different fashion. There was a pass for Rayan Cherki’s solo goal against Tottenham, a header down for Bernardo Silva’s predatory finish at Liverpool, now the cross for O’Reilly.

That may be a consequence of Guardiola’s shifting tactics. As he has adopted a 4-2-2-2 formation, Haaland has been given a slightly wider brief, one of split strikers. He used to operate almost exclusively within the width of the penalty box. A glimpse at his touch map on Saturday showed 10 of them were to the right of the boxes.

Perhaps, as City have less control and play a more transitional style of football, forwards will have more touches and midfielders fewer; there was an old-style feel to the Newcastle game, more direct football, more swift breaks, more of a constant contest between Haaland and Burn.

Perhaps it helped Haaland that he was arguably fresher than at any stage of the campaign. Having sat out the FA Cup win over Salford, he had not played for 10 days. But it is notable, too, that Guardiola did not substitute him as he looked to hold on: Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush came off but Haaland’s height meant he was indispensable for defending set-pieces.

“His work ethic is amazing. He was flying for every single ball against Dan [Burn],” said Guehi. “It's not easy.” And Guardiola was thankful. He singled out Haaland for praised in a speech in the dressing room. “Sometimes I'm a critic of him,” the City manager added. “But today I said, ‘guy, without you it would not be possible.’”

Alex de Minaur is currently preparing to play in the Acapulco Open, and he is one of the favourites for the title.

De Minaur, the world number six, has been in good form to start the year, reaching the Australian Open quarter-finals and winning the Rotterdam Open for the first time.

While de Minaur and tennis’ biggest stars have been competing in the Middle East, the Winter Olympics have been taking place in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

In a video posted by the ATP Tour on social media, De Minaur and his peers were asked to pinpoint the Winter Olympic sport they would be best at.

Alex de Minaur says he would have ‘serious skill’ for curling

In the ATP Tour interview, De Minaur said: “Now the sport that I would have some serious skill at would be curling. I feel like I would have good feel. Let’s go with that.”

Curling is a winter sport played on a long sheet of ice. Teams slide stones across the ice towards a target area that is segmented into four concentric circles.

The stones, otherwise known as ‘rocks,’ are slid across the ice in an attempt to get as close to the middle circle as possible.

Each four-person team has eight stones, with each player throwing two. An entire fixture usually consists of eight to ten rounds.

Ben Shelton, another top 10 ATP star, offered a funny response when asked the same question.

He said: “Winter Olympic sport I would be best at? I mean, honestly, none of them.”

“I love to snowboard. I love snowboarding. But that’s probably not what I would be best at.

“I’ve always wanted to try curling, though. That looks like a fun sport.”

Which sport did Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime choose?

Taylor Fritz, the new world number seven, chose ice hockey as his Winter Olympic sport.

He said: “There’s not a lot of Winter Olympic sports that really cater I guess to someone of my body type.

“If it had to be one… goalie in hockey.”

Felix Auger-Aliassime, who recently won the Montpellier Open, also chose ice hockey, expressing his desire to win a gold medal for Team Canada; like the men’s and women’s teams did in 2010.

Arthur Fils, who contested the Qatar Open final on Saturday, also offered a humorous response, saying: “I will do ice hockey because we can hit the other players.”

Grigor Dimitrov and Tallon Griekspoor both picked skiing as their Winter Olympic sport.

Eberechi Eze has now scored five goals against Tottenham in just two league appearances as an Arsenal player, underlining his evident affinity for facing the Lilywhites. His brace this evening played a decisive role in securing another victory for the Gunners over their North London rivals.

The result ensured that Arsenal claimed all three points at a crucial stage of the season. With recent performances having seen them drop points in consecutive league matches, there was added pressure to deliver a response. Eze’s contribution proved central to that reaction, as he once again demonstrated his capacity to influence significant fixtures.

A Timely Response

Arsenal entered the match aware that Tottenham possessed the quality to cause problems. Given the Gunners’ recent dip in form, many observers expected Spurs to capitalise. However, Mikel Arteta’s side approached the contest with renewed focus and intensity.

Having failed to win their previous two league games, Arsenal understood the importance of reasserting control in the title race. The victory not only restored confidence but also reinforced their determination to maintain momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign. Eze’s clinical finishing and attacking movement were instrumental in breaking down Tottenham’s resistance and ensuring the match swung decisively in Arsenal’s favour.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Eze Reflects on the Win

Speaking after the game via the BBC, Eze acknowledged the need for a strong response when asked whether the team had to react to their recent results. He said:

“Yeah, for sure that’s the main thing. We know what we’re capable of. We have to play games to dominate and to win and we’ve got the players in the team to do it. Important win for us and we keep going.”

Eze’s comments reflect the collective belief within the squad and the determination to sustain their push in the league.

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In the second half on Saturday, Bayern Munich was comfortably leading Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0, but things would unravel from there.

Sure, the Bavarians still walked away with three points via a 3-2 victory, but a foul in the box committed by Harry Kane and reckless and sloppy pass from Joshua Kimmich to a stationary Kim Min-jae allowed Die Adler to have some hope.

This is how we described the play in the Daily Schmankerl:

In the 86th minute, Kimmich played an absolutely horrendous ball across the face of the from deep on the right side. The pass was awful, but Kim Min-jae also failed to make any effort to get the ball, which left Arnaud Kalimuendo to pick up the scraps and make it 3-2. What a sloppy, terrible play for Bayern Munich.

After the match, Kimmich defended his decision on the play (via @iMiaSanMia):

Interviewer: Would it have made more sense to just clear the ball instead of passing it to Kim, which caused a goal?

Joshua Kimmich: “Generally, yes. But on the other hand, it’s our style of play that we want to play football, that even when we’re under pressure we try to find a solution through our passing game. If we regularly rely on long clearances, then the opponents will press us more and more. So we should definitely maintain this DNA.”

Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl did not seem to agree with Kimmich and said the play was not necessary — especially to adhere to any sense of ideals or philosophy (via @iMiaSanMia):

Max Eberl contradicts Kimmich and says Frankfurt’s second goal was caused by ‘excessive idealism’: “We could have done without that. There are moments where you just have to clear the ball. I know you want to solve a lot of things through build-up play, but that was a bit too much. Minjae had nothing to do with the goal – the entire play was a mess.”

BFW Analysis

Let’s be clear — Kimmich was 100% at fault for the goal. However, Kim could have done more to bail out the awful decision by his teammate. As has been an issue at times in the past, Kim did not appear to be aware that Kalimuendo was closing in on him quickly. While the Korean defender was not at fault, he could have been a hero for saving his teammate’s hide.

Think of it in the same way a goalkeeper can sometimes bail out a defender who is badly beaten with a monster save. If the opposing player scores, it is not the fault of the goalkeeper, but he might have been able to do more to prevent it.

There was no heroic effort on this goal and Kimmich will have to own that mess that he alone created. What might be most concerning is that Kimmich is failing to acknowledge that he just made a terrible decision. A player with his experience should just know better…and be better.

Given the propensity for mistakes that Kimmich has had in recent weeks, it is fair to wonder if his ankle is still bothering him as has been theorized by fans. The veteran still does not look fully like himself after injuring his ankle all the way back in November. Without any significant downtime, it is hard to know if he ever fully healed. To the naked eye, Kimmich does not appear to look as mobile or agile as he did before the injury. Not being 100% physically, can affect how you process the game mentally.

The last two weeks have shown some poor decision-making and execution from Kimmich. Hopefully, this is a mini-slump and not a sign that his ankle injury is still impacting his play.

Rob Brzezinski is in charge of the Minnesota Vikings for the next few months after the organization claimed it would hire an official replacement general manager for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was terminated at the end of January, after the 2026 NFL Draft. In the meantime, Brzezinski, often known as the “money guy” for the Vikings, must solve three main problems.

Free agency is close, and Minnesota’s priorities are clear for a new and interim GM.

That process for Brzezinski starts as early as now, as free agency is just two weeks away.

Three Urgent Roster Fixes Facing Minnesota

A look at Brzezinski’s main to-do list, listed in order of importance (No. 1 = most important problem to solve).

3. Find a New Running Back

The Vikings’ offense would likely benefit from prioritizing the running game. Minnesota needs a running back strategy focused on reliability, durability, and efficiency per carry; currently, their approach feels like a short-term fix. While Aaron Jones has been a dependable veteran, his age (32 in the 2026 season) raises concerns about his long-term effectiveness.

This necessitates a crucial decision for Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell. They could acquire an established veteran, such as Travis Etienne or Breece Hall. Alternatively, they could return to the draft to find a potential star running back, a strategy they haven’t employed since selecting Dalvin Cook in 2017.

In 2025, the running game was adequate but lacked the dominance needed to consistently challenge opposing defenses. To establish a Top 10 offense, Minnesota needs a true workhorse RB1, a fundamental component rather than a mere luxury.

O’Connell’s offensive system thrives when a strong rushing attack keeps defenses honest, which depends on a halfback capable of handling a significant workload while still delivering explosive plays.

Ideally, because Minnesota is cash-strapped, it will finally draft a running back before the end of Round 4 in April, which could translate to Jonah Coleman (Washington), Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), or Nick Singleton (Penn State), to name a few.

In the event that Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame slid to No. 18, that would be the no-brainer to end all no-brainers for the Vikings.

2. Fix the Defensive Secondary — Probably with Youth

The Vikings’ secondary had two primary issues:

1. Harrison Smith may retire. If he does not, he’ll retire after the 2026 season. The Vikings need a replacement for Smith sooner rather than later.
2. In 2025, Minnesota got away with unusually skimpy cornerback depth. That probably won’t work again in 2026.

Minnesota’s pass defense did not struggle in 2025, but with the personnel, the group might’ve gotten “lucky” at times.

To eventually replace Smith and to successfully draft a cornerback of any kind for the first time since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander a decade ago, Brzezinski and Flores probably have to find rookie cornerbacks and safeties to feed the defensive depth chart in the long term.

SI.com‘s Joe Nelson recently recommended the free-agent signing of Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant, “With Harrison Smith likely retiring, the Vikings need more talent at safety alongside Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and Tavierre Thomas. If Minnesota doesn’t think Jackson can be an every-week starter, then Bryant is the kind of player they should pursue.”

“Bryant switched from corner to safety in 2024, and he’s been a stud ever since. This season, he had four interceptions on a stout, Super Bowl-winning Seattle defense. At a projected contract of three years and $30 million, his $10 million annual average value would compare to Smith’s 2025 cap hit of $9.9 million.”

The veteran safety logged a 65.5 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025 and is 26 years old.

Nelson continued, “He makes even more sense if the Vikings want to stay young (he’s 27) and avoid paying a higher price for safeties like Kam Curl (he’s 27 with a projected four-year, $65 million price tag) and Kevin Byard (he’s 33 and projected to receive a two-year, $25 million deal).”

“Another option would be to trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has experience in Flores’ defense and was one of the top-rated safeties in the league this past season.”

1. Sign or Trade for Another QB to Compete with J.J. McCarthy

From the beginning of the offseason, Adofo-Mensah (before his termination) and Kevin O’Connell announced that the Vikings would spend the offseason creating a deeper quarterback room than last year, which included J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, John Wolford, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, and Brett Rypien from March through December.

If the organziation is serious, that means Brzezinski isn’t far away from acquiring a newcomer, likely someone with more youth or talent than Wentz, the primary backup in 2025.

The most popular candidates are these men:

• Derek Carr (trade)
• Kirk Cousins
• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Mac Jones (trade)
• Will Levis (trade)
• Marcus Mariota
• Kyler Murray (trade)
• Anthony Richardson (trade)
• Aaron Rodgers
• Geno Smith (trade)
• Malik Willis

Brzezinski, with O’Connell’s input, must pick one. O’Connell’s job security may depend on it.

There will be a vacancy at Old Trafford this summer for a role that Michael Carrick has filled. Possibly, of course, for the one he currently occupies, although perhaps not if Carrick continues his impressive start in the dugout. But definitely at the base of midfield. The one confirmed departure at Manchester United is Casemiro.

“I look forward to continuing working with him for a few months yet,” said Carrick. Well he might, too, because the Brazilian has been one of the outstanding players of Carrick’s five-game reign. With each hugely impressive display, he has underlined the challenge of finding a suitable successor. Casemiro may leave United as he arrived, as a talismanic figure; after two difficult seasons in the middle of his four-year deal, he feels renascent now.

He has also formed a fine double act with Kobbie Mainoo. It will not be a long-term axis, this partnership of opposites - young and old, Mancunian and a son of Sao Paulo – but Casemiro’s positive influence extends to the dressing room and the training ground. Mainoo may be a particular beneficiary.

“Cas has been fantastic since I came in, and on and off the pitch,” said Carrick. “Experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way, and I think over time being a senior player here is almost the responsibility of the example, and helping the younger players, helping the rest of the boys, and passing on your experiences in a positive way. He's been top since I came, in so many ways, and he's been a pleasure to work with.”

Casemiro is set to face Everton on Monday. It will also be his 34th birthday. While the combination of his age and the size of his contract meant an extension was always unlikely, his revival means Carrick feels he can carry on as an elite midfielder elsewhere. “I'm sure he can,” he said. “He's playing as good a level as he's played at for some time, and it's great to see in so many ways. He’s in a really good place.”

That place next season is likely to be the United States but Carrick’s dozen years and 464 appearances at the heart of the team make him ideally qualified to advise on what United require in a replacement. He explained: “I'm not being biased, obviously, as being in midfield, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together, and you're connected to the whole team, and that's sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit, and Cas has had a big influence within the group on that, so something we're fully aware of, moving forward.”

As Carrick outlined Casemiro’s qualities, he arrowed in an influence that comes in part from the former Real Madrid player’s huge experience. “Technically, game understanding, just composure in certain moments,” he noted.

The probability, though, is that a successor will be much younger, perhaps by more than a decade. They may be able to offer more physically, but perhaps less mentally. Casemiro does not always complete 90 minutes, and that in a season when United will play just 40 games. His fine form now can be attributed in part to tactics that leave him less exposed.

Any signing would probably be both more mobile and more durable, but the balance would shift in another respect. United could have a very young central-midfield partnership. Of the major contenders to arrive in the summer, Elliot Anderson is 23, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton both 22. Each has been of interest to United; indeed, they considered moving for Baleba last year.

The Cameroonian has had a poor year with Brighton: often substituted early, looking out of form, affected by off-field issues, he has rarely looked at £100m player. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali has emerged as another possible summer mover: more experienced than any of the others, far more energetic than Casemiro, he may tick some boxes.

Tonali’s class in possession is also notable. Anderson and Wharton are also both more constructive than destructive presences. But so, going back, was Carrick. He was a player with a difference in his own era, a holding midfielder more than a defensive one, someone who knitted teams and matches together. Perhaps, judging from his comments, he would look for similar qualities in the summer, if he is involved in the search for Casemiro’s successor.

The Brazilian has been a defensive midfielder with a difference, too. Few others score as many goals. His pass completion rate can be lower than most, but that shows a willingness to attempt more ambitious balls. If Carrick was understated and some defensive midfielders can go unnoticed, not Casemiro: his force of personality, capacity to go to ground in tackles and charisma make him immediately identifiable.

He will leave a hole. It is a sign of his significance that whoever comes next is likely to come at a considerable price. And given how idiosyncratic Casemiro is, there may not be a like-for-like replacement for him.

Analyst reveals Ravens' highest offseason priority and it's not Lamar Jackson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Ravens have a long checklist to work through this offseason, and it is crucial for Jesse Minter that the franchise works through that list.

Yes, Lamar Jackson's contract, plus the ability to keep key players like Isaiah Likely and Tyler Linderbaum, are top of the wishlist, but there might be something else.

Given how poor the Ravens' defense was at times in 2025, maybe overhauling the unit for Minter should be seen as a priority.

Well, for NFL.com's Matt Okada, he named repairing the defensive front as Baltimore's highest priority.

"A couple years ago, Baltimore’s defensive front was a strength, anchoring the top scoring defense in the NFL," Okada wrote. "In 2025, it was a weakness. Perhaps through both free agency and the draft, the Ravens should focus on restoring their defensive front at the start of the Jesse Minter era."

More:Chiefs' Andy Reid offers key Patrick Mahomes injury update

Lamar's contract has to be urgent, right?

Given that the Ravens are staring down the barrel of a $74.5 million cap hit, and the fact that repairing the defensive front will likely mean splashing in free agency, yeah, Baltimore needs more cap space.

And extending Lamar, or restructuring his contract, will help ease his 2026 cap hit.

Of course, in an ideal world, the Ravens would sign Lamar to a long-term deal that would allow the franchise to push money into future years, and in turn, give the front office more ammunition to get the defensive players it needs.

So yes, fixing the defensive front is key, but so too is figuring out how to shrink Lamar's cap hit for 2026.

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Arsenal answered questions posed about their nerve under pressure in the most emphatic fashion in the north London derby to suggest this is a Premier League race that will go down to the wire.

The manner in which Mikel Arteta's side collapsed in losing a two-goal lead at doomed Wolverhampton Wanderers saw old uncertainties and past pain resurface as hunters Manchester City scented blood.

It made the meeting with arch-rivals Spurs even more hazardous, especially with the toxic air around this dysfunctional club partly cleared by the sacking of unpopular head coach Thomas Frank and his replacement by Igor Tudor.

Arsenal need not have worried as, even with the imposing figure of the giant Croatian prowling his technical area clad in black, they were the beneficiaries of the latest cure prescribed by "Dr. Tottenham", always on hand to provide help to any opponent in times of strife.

The Spurs stadium announcer attempted to rally the crowd with a growled pre-match message delivered at ear-splitting volume, bellowing: "They are worried. They are nervous as hell. We are calm. We are ready. The fire is ready to be lit."

Sadly for Spurs, the final score on that one was zero out of five.

Arsenal were the furthest thing from "nervous as hell." Spurs were the furthest thing from calm and ready. No fires lit here.

Spurs were almost cruelly outclassed as Arsenal's advantage at the top of the table returned to five points, although Pep Guardiola's City have a game in hand.

• Eze 'wanted to prove something' as he torments Spurs again
• Eze Arsenal's derby hero again as leaders sink Tudor's Spurs

Gunners 10 games from glory

To sum up this latest Premier League weekend, Manchester City threw down the gauntlet by closing the gap to two points with a tension-filled win against Newcastle United. Arsenal picked it up with relish in this thumping 4-1 win.

It means that even before the end of February, sights are starting to turn to what might just be a title decider between City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on 18 April.

In the interim, Arsenal have home games against Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth, along with a visit to Brighton. City travel to Leeds United, West Ham and Chelsea, with relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest to come to the Etihad.

And, of course, there might just be a psychological blow to be struck when Arsenal and City meet in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday 22 March.

Arsenal are now 10 games from the glory that has eluded them since Arsene Wenger's "Invincibles" in 2003-04. Destiny is their hands. The twist in the tale is that the same applies to Manchester City.

For all Arsenal might have wished to play down the significance of this single game in the title context, it was a win and performance they needed desperately to calm concerns on and off the pitch.

And this was a consummate display, cool and measured with a ruthless edge, even if it came against this dreadfully poor Spurs side.

Eberechi Eze picked the perfect time to return to his best, playing his part as derby tormentor again with two goals to add to the three he got in the 4-1 win at Emirates Stadium in December.

Since that hat-trick, Eze had featured in all 15 of Arsenal's subsequent league games, but had made only four starts and played just 360 minutes before this derby.

In his last start he was substituted at half-time against Brentford, so credit to Arteta for having the instinct to feel that this was the sort of occasion to suit him, deploying him in the "number 10" role against the club who thought they had signed him until Arsenal stepped in to clinch a £60m deal with Crystal Palace.

Gyokeres brace caps perfect day

And there was more good news with much-criticised striker Viktor Gyokeres also scoring two fine goals on a perfect day for the Gunners and their ecstatic fanbase.

Arsenal were not knocked out of their stride, even after Randal Kolo Muani's bustling equaliser for Spurs two minutes after Eze struck the first blow. This was a confident, reassuring performance.

Arteta told BBC Radio 5 Live: "This was outstanding. I think you have to bring context to the situation and this is the beauty of football.

"You go to Wolves and you drop two points in the last kick of the match. Watching it back, there is no understanding from my perception how the hell that happened.

"It feels like the end of the world, but then you have another opportunity and that is the beauty of it. In a difficult stadium, against our rivals, and seeing how much it means to us in the league and all our supporters."

He added: "This chapter we wanted to write. We have managed it."

BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy expects the race between the two to go right to the finishing line.

He said: "The title race is still on massively for both. It's in both their hands, that's unusual. Normally it's in one team's hands and you are just waiting for them to slip up.

"I have been very much in the Arsenal camp in terms of my eyes telling me they are the best team. The last couple of results have given Man City that little bit of hope. They have a lot of players in the squad who have been there and done it.

"Speaking from experience, when you have got over the line, the next couple feel easier. Every time Arsenal go on the pitch the pressure is on at the minute. It's great for us and I hope it goes to the wire. I don't see any winning all games from now until the end of the season."

Arsenal's nerve was put the test. They passed - and more tests will come for the Gunners and Manchester City as the Premier League pursuit reaches its climax.

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For those who have followed Eberechi Eze's career, the sight of him wheeling away to celebrate an important goal towards the end of the season will not come as a surprise.

Tottenham Hotspur fans, though, will be happy not to come up against the Arsenal forward again until next season.

Eze has scored 40 Premier League goals in his six league seasons, with 19 coming from the 30th game onwards.

Basically, the England international has a record of netting goals late in the campaign, when it matters most.

Eze, who scored the winning goal for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last season against Manchester City, has tormented Spurs since turning them down last summer to sign for the Gunners.

Having netted a hat-trick in the 4-1 north London derby win back in November, another two followed in Sunday's crucial encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"He had that belief and I'm really happy with him. He's really trying to mould and adapt into what we want from him," said boss Mikel Arteta.

Ironically, Eze's other league goal this season came against his former side Palace in a 1-0 win in October, which means all his league goals this term have come against those two teams.

And after his brace in Arsenal's latest thumping of their rivals, only Robert Pires (seven) and Emmanuel Adebayor (six) have more Premier League goals for the Gunners against Tottenham than Eze's five.

He is also the first Arsenal player to score five or more goals against an opponent in the same top-flight season since Adebayor against Derby in 2007-08 (six).

Supporters had already taken to the 27-year-old because of the way he signed for the club, turning down Spurs to join them instead in a £60m deal, but the goals he has scored are the icing on the cake.

• Arsenal pass derby test of nerve as title race looks set to go to wire
• Eze Arsenal's derby hero again as leaders sink Tudor's Spurs
• 'Who's going to get this fine?' - Arteta on derby technology delays

A positive after tough moments

It's been a difficult period for Eze, who has found minutes in the league hard to come by and this was was only his second start in the league since December.

He has a tough route into the team with captain Martin Odegaard a key part of Arteta's first-choice midfield when he is fit and Leandro Trossard being in good form on the left wing, which is the other position Eze might feature.

The Arsenal boss did trial Eze on the left, but he switched off when Matty Cash scored Aston Villa's opener in their 2-1 defeat in December and, despite starting the following game, he was left on the substitute's bench for the next four league matches.

Arteta opted to play England winger Bukayo Saka from the start in the disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves in midweek as a number 10 - ahead of Eze, who started on the bench.

And the Spaniard admitted: "He was upset, even with me, because I didn't play him the other day from the beginning, and some of the decisions that I made. And I just have to understand how we're going to get the best out of him now."

Arteta was asked by BBC Sport whether Eze's record of producing goals at the end of the season was one of the reasons they signed him.

"We looked at every stat, but that one, to be very honest, no," he added while laughing.

"He scored five goals in the last few games against them, which is extremely difficult to do. But I could see that he wanted to prove something."

England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Eze will have hoped to have caught his eye after a recent lack of game time to boost his World Cup hopes this summer.

"Today it's worked out, we thank God for it," Eze told Sky Sports. "We put in a good performance. We did what we needed to do, which was the main thing.

"I'm always trying to get in those positions to be ready and to find the space and to work hard to get those opportunities. It takes a lot to get there and it's worked out today."

Best performance of season for Gyokeres

It was also an important day for Eze's team-mate Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish international has been criticised at times this season for his performances but since the turn of the year has started to find some form.

And after a double himself at Spurs, no Premier League player has scored more goals in 2026 across all competitions than Gyokeres with eight of his 15 for his club coming in this calendar year.

The 27-year-old linked up with Eze and played a big part in Arsenal's third goal, while he seemed to visibly grow in confidence after scoring.

"For me, the best, the most complete, and especially when we need him most and that is when big players and big clubs have to stand up when you are needed," added Arteta when asked about his £64m summer signing from Sporting.

Arsenal are now five points clear of Manchester City, although they have played one more game and visit Pep Guardiola's men at Etihad Stadium in April - and Eze and Gyokeres look like they are starting to find the net at just the right time.

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When the Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, they weren’t just looking for a play-caller.

They were looking for someone who sees the game the way quarterbacks do, the way defenses do, and most importantly, the way elite playmakers want their coordinator to see it.

Petzing’s calling card around the league is simple but dangerous: identify where defenses are vulnerable and relentlessly force them to defend those weak spots. With players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta already thriving in Detroit, that philosophy could push the Lions offense to another level in 2026.

A Coordinator Who Sees Holes Others Miss

One thing that stands out when former players talk about Petzing is how deeply he understands defensive structure. He doesn’t just teach concepts, he teaches why defenses behave the way they do.

Kirk Cousins, who worked with Petzing in Minnesota, once described how Petzing reframed a coverage Cousins hated seeing.

“I had a conversation once about a coverage that I don’t like to face that I always said was really, really tough,” Cousins said via the Detroit Free Press. “He said, ‘Kirk, it may be tough but it’s loose.’”

That phrase stuck because it perfectly captures Petzing’s approach. No coverage is airtight. Every defense leaves space somewhere. The job of the offense is to find it before the ball is snapped and punish it after.

Football Was Always the Destination

Petzing’s rise through the coaching ranks wasn’t fast or glamorous, and that’s part of what shaped his perspective. In an exclusive interview with the Detroit Free Press, Petzing explained how close he once came to a completely different career path.

“All these people, their interest and their desire to do these things is not mine,” Petzing told the Free Press, reflecting on a summer spent in a business program. “I can do it, but I didn’t love it, I didn’t enjoy it… if I can make this happen, I need to make this happen cause this is 100 times better than whatever that was.”

That clarity shows up in how he coaches. Petzing doesn’t force ideas. He builds around people. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson believes that approach will translate seamlessly in Detroit.

“I think what Drew does is he’s going to put his best players in a chance to showcase what they do,” Johnson said.

That philosophy aligns perfectly with Detroit’s offensive identity.

Why Amon-Ra St. Brown Fits This System So Well

Amon-Ra St. Brown already wins with intelligence, leverage, and toughness. What Petzing brings is a plan to ensure those traits are constantly stressed against the defense’s weakest link.

St. Brown’s ability to line up anywhere, read coverage on the fly, and adjust routes based on leverage makes him an ideal centerpiece for a coordinator who values matchup control. Instead of simply “feeding” him targets, Petzing’s offense is designed to force defenses into bad choices, whether that means isolating a nickel corner, dragging a linebacker into space, or manipulating safeties with formation and motion.

That’s how volume turns into efficiency, and efficiency turns into dominance.

Sam LaPorta Could Become the Ultimate Mismatch

If there’s one player who stands to benefit most from Petzing’s arrival, it might be Sam LaPorta.

Petzing has a long history working with tight ends and quarterbacks, and his Arizona offenses leaned heavily on creating favorable tight end looks. Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who flourished under Petzing, didn’t hide his excitement about what this could mean for Detroit.

“Obviously, we had a lot of success under him,” McBride said. “So I think he’s a great coordinator and I’m excited to see what he can do with all the weapons there in Detroit.”

LaPorta’s combination of size, speed, and awareness already makes him difficult to defend. In a system that prioritizes finding coverage stress points, he could become a weekly problem defenses simply can’t solve.

Jared Goff Is a Natural Fit, Too

Another important piece of this puzzle is Jared Goff. Petzing’s offenses thrive on clarity, timing, and married concepts, all things that allow Goff to play fast and confident.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Goff plans to spend significant time with Petzing this offseason reshaping the Lions playbook, a familiar process that mirrors what happened when Ben Johnson first took over.

That collaboration matters. When the quarterback and coordinator see the game through the same lens, matchup advantages show up earlier and mistakes happen less often.

What This Means for the Lions in 2026

Detroit doesn’t need a radical overhaul on offense. The pieces are already there.

What Drew Petzing offers is refinement, intentionality, and a relentless focus on exploiting defensive weaknesses. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta at the center of that vision, the Lions offense could become even more precise, more efficient, and more difficult to defend than it has ever been.

And if Petzing’s reputation holds true, defenses won’t just be reacting.

They’ll be guessing.

The post How Drew Petzing Could Elevate Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta in 2026 appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.

The entire Olimpico was waiting for Malen, but Bryan Cristante was the one who started the Giallorossi’s hat-trick against Cremonese.

A perfect header from Pellegrini’s corner left Audero with no chance, putting Roma’s game on the back foot.

The Giallorossi’s header is a skill the Cristante has mastered over the years, so much so that he tops a special ranking.

His first headed goal in Serie A dates back to February 12, 2017, in a Palermo-Atalanta match.

As Opta reports, Cristante has since scored the most goals from this method, now reaching 15, surpassing Milinkovic-Savic, who stands at 14.

This is an additional weapon for Gasperini, who knows he can count on Bryan as a true specialty.

Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli was back on the score sheet tonight, helping the Giallorossi secure the 3-0 win over Cremonese.

After the match, Pisilli spoke to the media.

“I’m very happy tonight,” he told DAZN. “My first goal in Serie A this season and a victory to go with it.”

“It’s always wonderful to play for this jersey and in this stadium. The fans are amazing; selling out against Cremonese isn’t a given.”

“Gasperini? When a new coach arrives, it’s normal for some to take longer to understand him. We came from a season with three coaches and had to adapt to the demands of all three.”

“Now the coach asks the midfielders to make preventive moves, whereas last year I had more freedom. My growth has mainly been in becoming a more mature player and more reliable for the coach’s ideas.”

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke mentioned that Leeds United are among the clubs hoping to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. O’Rourke said,

“Hayden Hackney’s future is going to be the subject of intense speculation again this summer.

“It was last summer, when he came very close to leaving Middlesbrough before he eventually turned down a move to Ipswich.

“There were a number of clubs looking at him, but Middlesbrough did really well to keep hold of him, and they’ve been really rewarded because Hackney’s been the driving force behind their promotion bid to the Premier League.

“Middlesbrough won’t want to lose Hackney. If they were to win promotion to the Premier League, then they would be quite hopeful that they could keep hold of the England Under-21 midfielder.

“If they don’t win promotion to the Premier League, it’s going to be a real hard battle to keep hold of him. You’ll have Leeds, a lot of other Premier League clubs, (such as) Everton, like Hayden Hackney.

“There’s even been talk that Manchester United could be interested…Fulham are admirers of the player as well.”

Hackney’s Impressive Numbers In The EFL Championship

Hackney has put in a run of solid displays for Middlesbrough in the middle of the park this season. The English talent has registered five goals and earned six assists in 35 matches for his current employers in this campaign so far across all competitions.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Preston North End at Riverside Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

His current contract at the Championship club will run out at the end of next season, which could open the door for the Whites to sign him on the cheap next year.

Is Hackney A Good Choice For Leeds United?

Hackney is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.

The Redcar-born talent is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder or play in the number ten position if needed.

We can expect Hackney to enhance the quality of Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke’s midfield. He is good enough to compete for a regular first-team spot at Elland Road in the coming seasons.

At 23, Hackney has got a bright future ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the West Yorkshire club to consider next summer.

VfB Stuttgart had to twice come from behind against 1. FC Heidenheim, recovering from 2-1 and 3-2 deficits before Deniz Undav struck a late equaliser to rescue a point. Yet much of the post-match discussion centred on the officials and two pivotal VAR interventions.

Speaking afterwards, Hoeneß revealed he had exchanged words with referee Sascha Stegemann. “We talked about the game,” he told DAZN, declining to go into detail but describing the encounter as “heated” and one in which “many things happened.”

The Stuttgart head coach was particularly aggrieved by the decision to award Heidenheim a first-half penalty with the score at 1-1. Stuttgart thought they had taken the lead through Ermedin Demirović, only for VAR to intervene and pull play back to the opposite penalty area. There, Maximilian Mittelstädt was adjudged to have fouled Eren Dinkçi, allowing Arijon Ibrahimović to convert from the spot and put Heidenheim in front.

“I see the contact, but immediately afterwards Maxi blocks it,” Hoeneß said. “Sorry, guys. To intervene from the sidelines now, which then means we don’t score a goal - that’s unacceptable. I don’t understand it. It’s not enough for me.”

While acknowledging there was contact, Hoeneß insisted it did not meet the threshold for VAR involvement. “It’s in slow motion. The right foot makes a block almost simultaneously. That’s a challenge that would never be called in midfield. For me, it’s not a clear and obvious wrong decision.”

After the break, frustration mounted when another Demirović goal was ruled out for a marginal offside following further VAR scrutiny. “That’s tough when you see the graphic,” Hoeneß added, referring to a decision that was virtually imperceptible to the naked eye.

In the end, Undav’s late strike at least ensured Stuttgart left with a point. Die Schwaben remain fourth in the table ahead of next weekend’s home clash with Wolfsburg - though Hoeneß’ post-match comments made clear that the sense of injustice still lingers.

Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 victory over Levante to reclaim pole position in La Liga on Sunday.

After Real Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday, Hansi Flick's side moved a point clear of their bitter rivals with a comfortable victory at Camp Nou against the team in 19th.

Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong gave Barca a commanding first-half lead and Fermin Lopez wrapped up the win with a sensational drive late on.

Barcelona were glad to get back to winning ways after a 4-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg last week and then a 2-1 defeat by Girona on Monday in La Liga.

"It was a really bad moment for us but in the end today we gave a good response," Flick told reporters.

"It's important now to be on top of the table but in the end there's a long way to go."

Despite Flick's calls for improvement in defence, Barca were as open as ever, although Levante's poor finishing meant they could not capitalise.

Bernal sent Barca ahead after good work by Joao Cancelo, who impressed on a rare start after his arrival on loan in January, and Eric Garcia.

It was Bernal's second goal since returning from a long-term knee injury, which kept the 18-year-old out of action for over a year.

"I thought of my father (in my celebration) and my physio -- he told me I would score and he has helped me a lot in this process," Bernal told Movistar.

Veteran Polish forward Robert Lewandowski could have doubled Barca's advantage but fired into the ground and over the bar when well placed.

Cancelo hit the post with a cross aimed at Lewandowski, before the Portuguese defender carved out the second for De Jong with a similar ball in from the left.

De Jong delivered the finishing touch to give Barca a two-goal lead at the break.

"Joao today he showed his strength, his positive things, he gave us a lot of moments, great chances, for me it was a really good game from him and this is what I want to see," said Flick.

- Lopez rocket -

Garcia should have expanded Barcelona's advantage early in the second half but nodded wide from Jules Kounde's tempting cross.

Eventually substitute Lopez got a spectacular third, rattling home a long-range effort in off the post.

The midfielder might have added a fourth late on but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan denied him with an excellent reflex save, after first thwarting Raphinha.

Flick was able to bring back midfielder Pedri as a substitute after a month out with a hamstring injury, with the Spaniard likely to be key in the testing weeks ahead.

Defeat leaves Levante seven points from safety.

"In the first half we had some chances that, if we put them away, could have got them to doubt themselves," said Levante midfielder Carlos Alvarez.

"If we'd have gone in front, who knows what could have happened."

Earlier Sevilla earned a 1-0 win at Getafe, while Celta Vigo defeated Mallorca 2-0, leaving the islanders 18th.

Valencia are 16th, two points above the drop zone after they lost 2-1 in an east coast derby clash at Villarreal, third.

Marcelino Garcia Toral's side trail leaders Barca by 10 points, making a title challenge unlikely, but their win helped them move three points ahead of Atletico Madrid in fourth.

Villarreal came from behind after Largie Ramazani opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Valencia.

Santi Comesana pulled the hosts level and Pape Gueye secured the victory with a penalty before the break.

Valencia came close to equalising late on but Villarreal held out to triumph.

rbs/mw

A career day from USC freshman guard Jazzy Davidson was not enough for the Trojans to pull off a potential major upset over the No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes in a narrow 88-83 loss at the Schottenstein Center on Sunday, Feb. 22. 

Davidson, who leads USC in scoring at 17.4 points per game, caught fire from beyond the arc on Sunday, shooting 6-for-9 on threes en route to scoring a career-high 32 points. 

Matching Davidson’s career night with a heater of her own was Ohio State sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge, who scored 16 of her 33 points on the day in the fourth quarter to help seal the Buckeye victory. 

After a back-and-forth contest through quarters, USC led 65-61 at the 8:23 mark of the final period before giving up an untimely 14-0 run to Ohio State, with seven of those points coming from Cambridge. 

Darwin Walker - The Sporting Tribune

#3 G Londynn Jones of USC dribbles the ball up court during an NCAA basketball game against Tennessee Tech on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

Forced to play the foul game with just under three minutes to play, three timely Trojan three-point makes gave Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff a late scare, but the Buckeyes were able to hold on to snap a two-game losing skid. 

While USC’s shooting from distance kept them in it throughout, as the Trojans shot 11-for-25 from three-point range, turnovers ultimately proved to be their downfall against the Buckeyes. 

Ohio State’s stifling defense forced transition opportunity after transition opportunity, leading to 25 USC turnovers, with nine coming from Davidson. 

For the Trojans, Sunday’s loss marks the end of a six-game winning streak, as they narrowly hold onto the No. 8 seed in the Big Ten and a potential first-round bye in the conference tournament. 

Sitting at a 9-7 Big Ten record, USC will travel to Penn State on Wednesday before finishing the regular season against No. 2 UCLA at home on Sunday, March 1. 

Outside Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona’s league fixture against Levante, Barca president Joan Laporta stopped to speak with reporters — and unsurprisingly, the conversation quickly shifted to Real Madrid.

Madrid’s controversial penalty concession in their previous matcha against Osasuna — a call many observers felt was incorrect and one that ultimately cost them crucial points — has sparked continuous debate.

When asked about the incident, Joan Laporta said:

“I see no problem, Madrid have no right to complain.”

The Barcelona president did not stop there. Referring to what he implied was a historical pattern of favorable refereeing decisions toward Los Blancos, Laporta said:

“Madrid has been awarded a thousand penalties like that.

“For once they don’t get a penalty handed to them on a plate for some dive, they shouldn’t complain.”

The comments are certain to inflame tensions between Spain’s two biggest clubs, particularly at a time when scrutiny over officiating standards in La Liga is already heightened. Madrid supporters have argued that the decision in question was both soft and decisive, directly impacting the result and the title race implications that follow.

Laporta’s tone, however, suggested little interest in refereeing nuance. Barcelona themselves have been claiming victim and filing complaints to La Liga.

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have officially ended following the closing ceremony in northern Italy.

It took place at Verona Olympic Arena, despite none of the sporting events happening in the city, which is 75 miles from Milan.

After beginning with a tribute to classic Italian opera, flagbearers representing the 92 competing nations entered the stadium through large props from Aida and accompanied by a tribute to Italian film music.

The 'Drop of Fire' – the Olympic flame carried in a small glass vessel – was brought into the ancient arena to light up the rings before the parade of athletes.

While athletes are supposed to come in all mixed together, here they were still largely in national groups.

The final medals from Milan-Cortina 2026 were awarded in the women's and men's 50km mass start cross-country skiing events, before a tribute to the Games volunteers.

The ceremony finished with performances from popular Italian musicians Major Lazer and singer-songwriter Achille Lauro.

In her speech to close the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry said: "You have been incredible – every one of you. Brave. Fearless. Full of heart and passion. You left it all on the snow and ice.

"Two unforgettable weeks, living every moment to the fullest. You gave everything – and you shared it with all of us.

"This is the true Olympic spirit: competing, embracing, lifting each other up, whatever the result. You showed us what excellence, respect, and friendship look like in a world that sometimes forgets these values.

"You showed us that the Olympic Games are a place for everyone. A place where sport brings us together."

It ended a Games which saw 116 medal events, and historic sporting success for several of the competing nations – including Great Britain.

Team GB won five medals, including three golds, to finish 15th in the table. Britain has never previously won more than one gold at a Games before.

Matt Weston, the male flagbearer, won two golds in skeleton – the men's event and the team competition with Tabby Stoeker.

The female GB flagbearer was Charlotte Bankes, who won gold in the team snowboard cross with Huw Nightingale; it was the first Olympic event on snow won by British athletes.

Team GB also won silver in the men's curling, while Zoe Atkin claimed bronze in women's ski halfpipe on the final day.

Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen took the men's giant slalom title to register a first Winter Olympic gold won by a South American nation.

• Winter Olympics 2026 medal table

Georgia earned their first Winter Olympic medal with silver in pairs figure skating, while Spain collected their first gold medal for 54 years in the men's ski mountaineering. Benin, Guinea-Bissau and United Arab Emirates competed in their first Winter Games.

For hosts Italy, Milan-Cortina marked their best Winter Games with 10 golds among 30 medals to put them fourth in the table.

Norway topped the medals table for the fourth successive Games. They collected 18 medals, including six for Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, the king of cross-country skiing.

Had Klaebo, who set a record for the most golds won by an individual athlete at a single Games, competed as a nation on his own, he would have been ninth in the medal table. Fittingly, his sixth gold - in the men's 50km cross-country skiing - was presented at the closing ceremony as the final medal awarded at the Games.

The oldest individual medallist was Elana Meyers Taylor of the United States, who broke the Games record by winning monobob gold, aged 41.

Skiing great Lindsey Vonn saw her Olympic career end with a broken leg.

The Games also had controversial moments.

Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych wished to compete in the men's skeleton while wearing a remembrance helmet featuring artwork depicting athletes killed during the Russian invasion of his country.

But the IOC said this contravened Games rules and, after Heraskevych refused to back down, disqualified him from competing.

There was also a silver medal, in men's ski mountaineering, for Russian athlete Nikita Filippov. He competed as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) because Russia were banned from the Games because of their aggression in Ukraine.

Filippov, along with other AIN competitors, was allowed to take part in the closing ceremony having been banned from the opening event.

Men's curling gold medallists Canada had their campaign dogged by allegations of cheating.

The ceremony included the handover of the Olympic flag to the delegation representing the French Alps, which will host the next Winter Games in 2030.

The presidents of the two French regions to host the Games, Renaud Muselier and Fabrice Pannekoucke, enthusiastically accepted the flag from Coventry.

There was a performance of the sixth verse of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, as it was deemed to be more universal and less patriotic. The arrangement changed throughout into a more contemporary style with an electronic base.

As well as a video showcasing the Alps, there was also a performance by 25 musicians and 24 athletes – the first time Olympians have featured in the artistic elements of the closing ceremony.

Josh Oluwayemi’s error shocks the A-League

(Video) An own goal so bad it stunned the stadium

Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi scored rare own goal after major error during 5-0 loss to Auckland FC in the A-League.

Strange moment in Australian League match

One of the strangest own goals of the season was seen in the A-League during the match between Wellington Phoenix & Auckland FC.

The incident involved Josh Oluwayemi, a former Tottenham Hotspur academy goalkeeper who joined Wellington Phoenix in 2024.

The 24 year-old started the match but endured difficult night that quickly went wrong.

How the own goal happened

The key moment came in the 24th minute. An Auckland FC defender sent the ball back from nearly 70 metres toward the Wellington goal.

There was no pressure from attackers and the situation appeared comfortable for the goalkeeper.

However Oluwayemi positioned outside his penalty area and chose to head the ball clear instead of controlling it. He misjudged the flight of the ball which dropped straight into his own net leaving players, fans and commentators in disbelief.

Milan await medical outcome after Parma incident

(Video) Early collision leaves Loftus-Cheek hospitalised in Serie A match

AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was taken to hospital after serious head and facial injury against Parma in Serie A.

Early collision ends Loftus-Cheek’s match

Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered serious injury during AC Milan’s Serie A match against Parma at San Siro, in matchday 26 of the Italian league.

The incident happened just minutes after kick-off. Loftus-Cheek jumped to meet cross from Alexis Saelemaekers and collided heavily with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi.

The Milan midfielder fell to the ground and required immediate medical attention.

Stretchered off and taken to hospital

Loftus-Cheek was taken off the pitch on stretcher in the 11 minute. According to Football Italia, the player did not lose consciousness but the injury was serious.

Broadcaster DAZN Italia reported visible blood on his face raising concerns about facial damage. Later updates confirmed that the English midfielder was transferred to local hospital for further tests.

Surgery confirmed after dental fracture

Reports from Sky Italia revealed that Loftus-Cheek suffered fracture to the alveolar bone, the part of the skull that supports the teeth.

The injury also caused him to lose several teeth.

As a result, the 28 year-old is expected to undergo surgery, with fears that he could be sidelined for several months. This setback could also rule him out of England’s World Cup plans after his recent return to international duty.

Blow for Milan and England hopes

Loftus-Cheek has been important player for AC Milan this season making 27 appearance in all competitions.

He scored three goals and provided one assist becoming a key part of the midfield under coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Master P says major college basketball head coaching offers on the table, not ready yet originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Master P says his work rebuilding the program at the University of New Orleans has drawn interest from other Division I schools eager to replicate his model.

In an interview with TMZ Sports, the entrepreneur and rapper known as Percy Miller said multiple colleges have reached out after he helped boost the Privateers as president of basketball operations and assistant coach. They also want him to build in the new era of college athletics. 

“Now this is business,” Master P said. “I’m bringing business people around the university, and I think that’s what I bring to the table.”

The 55-year-old New Orleans native said the outreach has come in different forms, with some schools expressing interest in having him oversee programs and others floating the idea of him becoming a head coach.

@MasterPMiller swung by the studio this week and told @mikejbabcock he’s already had multiple colleges try to lure him away because of how quickly he's turned around the University of New Orleans, where he serves as assistant coach AND President of Basketball Operations. pic.twitter.com/HDDVdMMbhi

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 22, 2026

“I think it’s both,” he said. “Even they want me to be a head coach out there. I don’t know if I’m ready yet. But I do have interest in that.”

Miller, who briefly played in the NBA during the late 1990s, said his vision extends beyond X’s and O’s. He believes modern college athletics require leadership that blends player development, branding and community engagement.

“Times are changing,” he said. “People don’t want the traditional coaches. They want coaches that think outside the box. How are we going to get fans in the stands? How are we going to motivate the team?”

He credited Houston's Kelvin Sampson  Houston and Colorado's Deion Sanders as influences in shaping his leadership style. 

Sampson’s ability to motivate and structure a program stood out, Miller said. For good reasons, too. His son, Mercy Miller, plays for the Cougars. While Sanders’ emphasis on mentorship and “fatherhood” resonated deeply with him. Coach Prime and Coach Miller have a long-standing relationship that has transitioned in many forms over the years as well.

More:Carmelo Anthony calls on NBA to address Darryn Peterson controversy

“What I like about it is it’s not just about winning,” he said. “If you want to see these guys succeed, you’re going to find corporations, you’re going to find other people to get around them and keep the program going.”

At New Orleans, Miller said the basketball team has become a vehicle for broader institutional growth, including increased student engagement and visibility.

More:'Basketball Saved My Life': Why Master P came home to rebuild New Orleans

“It’s not just about basketball,” he said. “Nobody uses the basketball team to help get students into the school. When we can do that, that’s when we’ve made it.”

More college basketball news:

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• AJ Dybantsa makes college basketball history never done by NBA stars
• John Calipari says college athletics is broken — Here’s his plan to fix it
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The United States fielded its biggest Winter Olympics team ever for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, with 232 athletes going for the gold — and broke a record for Team USA's most gold medals at a single Winter Games. 

But Norway remained on top in both the total medal count and the gold medal tally, and also holds the all-time record for winter medals.

Here is a look at the medal count for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which were co-hosted by the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in northern Italy and wrapped up on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Norway ended the Games with a record 41 medals, including 18 gold — the most gold medals won in any single Winter Olympics. 

Team USA came next with 33 medals, 12 of them gold. The U.S. topped its previous best showing of 10 gold from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. The final one came on the last day of competition when the U.S. men's hockey team beat Canada in a thrilling overtime victory.

The chart below is updated with the total medal count of the 2026 Winter Olympics. (There were 87 teams taking part this year; only teams that won medals are listed.)

In the first two days after the opening ceremony, Team USA scooped up two medals, both of them gold.

Skier Breezy Johnson claimed America's first gold medal of the Games in women's downhill and U.S. figure skaters won gold in the team competition, helped by a dominant performance from Ilia Malinin, who is known as the "Quad God" for executing the most difficult jumps. 

On Feb. 10, Ben Ogden became the first American man to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing since 1976, earning a silver in the sprint. Alex Hall took silver in the freestyle ski, while Jackie Wiles and Paula Moltzan won bronze in the team downhill event. Team USA had a shot at gold in mixed doubles curling, but fell short against Sweden and will go home with silver.

Feb. 11, skier Elizabeth Lemley took gold in moguls and speedskating star Jordan Stolz won gold in the 1,000 meters, setting an Olympic record in the process. Ice dancing duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates won silver after being barely edged out of the top spot. 

Feb. 12 brought a silver for snowboarder Chloe Kim in the halfpipe and a bronze for cross-country skier Jessie Diggins.

On Feb. 14, Jalein Kauf and Elizabeth Lemley added to Team USA's tally with silver and bronze, respectively, in women's dual moguls. In speedskating, Stolz won his second gold medal and set his second Olympic record of these Games when he won at the 500 meters. He's the first American since 1980 to win multiple speedskating gold medals.

The start of Week 2 brought gold for American bobsledder Elana Myers Taylor, a 41-year-old five-time Olympian who already had three silvers and two bronze medals to her name.

On Feb. 17, the U.S. earned two more silver medals, with Mac Forehand just missing out on gold in freeski big air and Team USA falling to Italy in an upset in speedskating team pursuit. 

Skiier Mikaela Shiffrin won gold in women's slalom on Feb. 18, breaking her streak of eight events without medaling. 

The following day, the U.S. women's hockey team staged a comeback to beat rival Canada for gold in overtime; Alysa Liu won gold in women's individual figure skating, the first for the U.S. since 2002; and speedskater Jordan Stolz nabbed his third medal, a silver.

On Feb. 21, Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran and Chris Lillis took the title in freestyle skiing mixed aerials, in th process breaking the U.S. record for the nation's most golds in a single Winter Games.

On the final day of competition, the U.S. men's hockey team took home the gold in a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Canada. It was the team's first gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" over the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Games in 1980.

Brazilian ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, with a powerful final run in the Olympic giant slalom, won gold and earned South America's first-ever medal at a Winter Games.

Pinheiro Braathen, who comes from a family where his mother is Brazilian and his father is Norwegian, represented Norway until 2023 when he abruptly retired. He returned to the sport in 2024, representing Brazil and since then has accomplished plenty of "firsts" with his new country: first Brazilian Alpine racer to finish on a World Cup podium last year and first-ever World Cup win for the country this season.

Team Norway broke its own gold medal record at a single Winter Olympics when Johannes Dale-Skjevdal hit all 20 of his targets in the 15-kilometer mass start race and skied his way to gold on Feb. 20. It was Norway's 17th gold medal of the Milano Cortina Winter Games.

Meanwhile, Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo became the second-most decorated gold medalist in Olympic history after American Michael Phelps. The 29‑year‑old came into the games with five gold medals and he added six more to his tally.

With six gold medals, Klaebo shattered the nearly 50-year record set by American speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five golds at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. However, all of Heiden's wins were in individual races and two of Klaebo's have come in team events, so Heiden's record for individual wins still stands.

Klaebo is also the Winter Olympian with the most gold medals in history. Fellow Norwegians Marit Bjoergen and Bjorn Daehlie in cross-country skiing and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen in the biathlon held the previous record with eight Winter Olympics gold medals. They have all retired.

Meanwhile, Team USA broke its own record with its 11th gold medal on Feb. 21, then added a 12th on the last day of competition.

At the 2022 Winter Games, Norway took home the most medals, winning 37 in all, including 16 gold. 

Next came the ROC, the Russian Olympic Committee team, with a total of 32, followed by Germany with 27 and Canada with 26.

Team USA ranked fifth with 25 medals — nine gold, nine silver and seven bronze. 

While the International Olympic Committee does not compile rankings, the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage does keep a medal tally. It counts one medal for placing first, second or third in an event regardless of how many athletes were on a team.

In the overall medal count from all previous Summer and Winter Games, the U.S. comes out on top with 3,103 medals.

The U.S. is followed in the medal count by the former Soviet Union, which earned 1,204 medals before its breakup in 1991. Germany comes third with 1,091 medals.

The U.S. has also won the most gold medals, with 1,220 in previous Games, according to the Olympic Foundation. 

But when it comes to the history of the Winter Olympics alone, the U.S. dips to second place in the medal count behind Norway, a perennial winter sports powerhouse.

Athletes from Norway have taken home a total of 404 medals from past Winter Games. The U.S. has previously won 330, while Germany places third with 286.

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Clemson women’s basketball didn’t need a perfect night to knock off one of the ACC’s elite. It just needed belief, toughness, and one fearless shot.

With the clock winding down and Littlejohn Coliseum buzzing, Hannah Kohn buried a deep three-pointer with nine seconds remaining to push Clemson past No. 9 Duke, 53-51, on Sunday. A final defensive stand followed, sealing a dramatic Senior Day victory and giving the Tigers their most significant win in years.

The win marked Clemson’s first 10-win ACC season since 2000-01 and its highest-ranked triumph under head coach Shawn Poppie, who labeled the result a “program-changing win.” Clemson also reached 19 victories for the first time in more than two decades.

Early on, it looked like Duke might run away with things. The Blue Devils stormed ahead 22-8 early in the second quarter behind freshman standout Toby Fournier. Clemson, however, chipped away thanks to a spark off the bench from senior transfer Morgan Lee, who hit her first three-pointer of the season and ignited a 10-0 run.

Despite offensive struggles in the third quarter, the Tigers stayed within striking distance and exploded late. Demeara Hinds scored repeatedly in the paint, while Mia Moore and Taylor Johnson-Matthews each knocked down timely shots. Moore’s and-one layup gave Clemson its first lead of the second half, and Johnson-Matthews followed with a three to stretch the margin.

Kohn’s late triple proved to be the final blow.

Clemson rolls past Bryant to clinch series, 6th straight win https://t.co/Y1KLeLPcNtpic.twitter.com/SAlPjNANme

— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) February 22, 2026

Moore and Johnson-Matthews finished with 11 points apiece, while Hinds added key rebounds and clutch free throws. Clemson shot 91 percent at the line and forced 17 turnovers in a gritty, physical battle.

Up next, the Tigers head west for road games against California and Stanford as postseason hopes continue to grow.

Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.

This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson women’s basketball upsets ACC opponent No. 9 Duke Blue Devils

The Oklahoma City Thunder drilled 21 three-pointers in a 121-113 victory over Cleveland on Sunday that halted the Cavaliers' seven-game NBA winning streak.

Isaiah Joe scored 22 points and Cason Wallace added 20 points and 10 assists for the short-handed Thunder, who improved their Western Conference-leading record to 44-14 despite the absence of injured starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as well as Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso.

"It's a lot of fun just getting the ball rolling," said Wallace, who had just one turnover and excelled in a tough assignment of guarding James Harden.

"Early game, so we tried to get our legs into it right from the jump. I feel like we came out and we had a little bit of momentum early in the game," added Wallace after a contest in which the Thunder scored the first nine points and led by as many as 23 in the first quarter.

The teams traded the lead in the third, but Oklahoma City took the lead into the fourth and didn't relinquish it.

"We had great energy, threw the first punch in the game, which was important against a team that has played as well as they have lately and has as much firepower as they do," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.

"To grab the game the way we did early was key."

Seven Thunder players scored in double figures, with center Chet Holmgren contributing a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double.

Harden and Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points apiece for Cleveland. Harden, acquired by the Cavs on February 4 from the Los Angeles Clippers, suffered his first defeat after six straight wins with his new team.

bb/mw

Chiefs' Andy Reid offers key Patrick Mahomes injury update originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

We are at the time of the NFL offseason, where players are on vacation with their families and enjoying some downtime, but not Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

After suffering a torn ACL late in the season, Mahomes is vigorously working to get back to be ready for Week 1 of next season.

That is a lofty goal, with some wanting Patrick to take it easy and even have the entire year off.

But we know that's not how Patrick is wired.

And head coach Andy Reid has updated us on the progress Mahomes is making in his recovery.

“He's around here all the time, spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day,” Reid said. “He's in there cranking away, making progress every day, it's great to see. He and Julie [Frymyer], she grinds on him and makes sure that he stays on task and challenges him, and he keeps showing up.

“So that's half the battle on these things when you have these injuries that you show up and it's not going to be a pleasant thing every day. You got to fight through it, and you got to attack the challenge of the workout and rehab. So, he's doing a great job with that.”

More:1 key thing potentially holding Chiefs back in Tyreek Hill reunion

Will Mahomes make Week 1?

Well, that's the goal, and if Patrick is spending seven hours a day in rehab, you would be a fool to be against him.

But if we are being truthful, for Patrick to be good to go in Week 1, he would likely need a few months of conditioning at training camp, which means he'll need to be cleared to participate in roughly three months.

Can that happen? Color us skeptical on that, but who knows, players come back early all the time, and Patrick might be the latest to do it.

But the Chiefs will be cautious because the last thing the franchise wants is for No. 15 to rush back and break down immediately.

That's nightmare fuel.

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No. 9 Oklahoma (21-6, 9-5 SEC) defeated No. 21 Tennessee (16-10, 8-6 SEC), 100-93, Sunday at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

The Sooners led, 47-45, at halftime in the contest after scoring the final seven points of the second quarter. The loss extended the Lady Vols' losing streak to four games.

Talaysia Cooper totaled 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals for Tennessee. She converted 8-of-15 field goal attempts, 1-of-5 three-point attempts and 5-of-8 free throw attempts and was one of three Lady Vols to score 10-plus points against Oklahoma.

Jaida Civil scored a career-high 21 points and posted a double as she recorded 10 rebounds. She also finished with three assists, while Nya Robertson finished with 18 points, her most in a SEC game this season. Robertson also totaled three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Sahara Williams led the Sooners with 22 points. She also recorded nine rebounds, three assists and one steal for Oklahoma, which outrebounded the Lady Vols, 47-34, and scored 14 points off 15 Tennessee turnovers.

Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Lady Vols suffer fourth consecutive loss Sunday at Oklahoma

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini analyzed the team’s 3-0 victory over Cremonese at the Stadio Olimpico tonight.

“In the first half we struggled; Cremonese closed down well and it wasn’t easy. We weren’t able to be dangerous, then we put Cristante closer to Malen and the pressure increased. In the second half we created a lot.”

“I was hoping the team would react this way to my ideas. I began to expect it when I saw the boys’ reaction from the very first training sessions. I was absolutely convinced we’d do well, maybe not that well, but there’s always been a great spirit. “

“The team has a very solid group, and the young players are growing. In the first half of the season, the core played with great consistency and gave the young players the chance to shine.”

“Cristante also scored like this in Florence; it’s in his repertoire. Today we decided to send him to the near post, but we usually alternate. We were lacking goals from corners; we take a lot of them and hadn’t scored in a while. Today we kicked them well and moved well. Set pieces are a resource for all teams; we were a bit behind, but today we made up for it.”

“I’m fortunate to have already coached players like Dybala, Cristante, Mancini, and El Shaarawy. I have many leaders in the team, and they’ve inspired everyone. I’ve had great professional responses from everyone, even the new ones. The atmosphere was positive even before my arrival, thanks to Ranieri’s work, but they’ve always been extremely open to me.”

“The match against Juventus? Sunday is a very important match, and a win would be a big step forward. I’ve been to the Champions League five times with Atalanta and I’ve always won it at the end, at most with two games to spare. There are so many games left, and now there are teams coming from behind like Atalanta and Como, who are very dangerous. It will be a battle. This is a very important moment, and tonight’s victory is crucial to get us to the next matches with a small advantage that could be useful.”

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine beach volleyball team opens the 2026 season Thursday at the OUTRIGGER Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic at Queen’s Beach, and first-year head coach Danny Alvarez made it clear during Monday’s media availability — the expectations haven’t changed.Championships are still the standard. The only difference is the stage is set immediately. 

A Veteran Group Ready to Compete

When asked how it feels to finally reach opening week after six weeks of preseason training, Alvarez acknowledged both the length and value of the preparation period. Beach volleyball’s condensed ramp-up can feel long, but he believes this group has used it well.

The roster is heavy with seniors, redshirt juniors and graduate students — a veteran core that has created strong internal competition. In fact, Alvarez admitted depth may be one of the team’s biggest strengths and toughest challenges. There are, he said, “three or four girls that we think are really good that aren’t even going to make the lineup” — a sign of both talent and difficult decisions.The staff is “about 90 percent” settled on pairings, though weather, minor injuries and illness could still impact final tweaks. Continuity has helped. Some duos have prior experience together, and the Brazilian teammates on the roster grew up playing alongside each other, giving the team built-in chemistry across multiple flights.

The Standard at Hawai‘i

When asked about expectations in his first year back at the helm — and whether there’s added pressure as Athletic Director Matt Elliott’s first hire — Alvarez didn’t hesitate.“You come to the University of Hawai‘i to win championships,” he said.Alvarez previously coached in the program for nine seasons and believes the overall talent level mirrors past successful teams. The difference, he emphasized, will be execution. “We have talent… but we got to put it together” — from coaching adjustments to pair cohesion.He also spoke about Elliott’s support in an evolving NIL landscape. With other programs increasing scholarships and resources, Alvarez noted the importance of administrative backing as Hawai‘i works to stay competitive nationally.

Photo by Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Sarah Burton (21) & Caprice Lorenzo (24) during the 2025 OUTRIGGER Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic .

Growth Within the Roster

When asked which players have taken the biggest steps forward this offseason, Alvarez pointed to several key returners.Sarah Burton and Caprice Lorenzo, who competed at the No. 1 flight last season, have elevated their level and “really gotten very good”. Sophie Buschmann has settled into a more defined role as a blocker and “has played great”. Meanwhile, Sydney Miller, entering her fourth year, has provided steady leadership and consistency throughout the team environment.It’s the type of internal development Alvarez believes is necessary, especially with the caliber of opponents arriving in Waikiki this week.

 An Opening Weekend Like Nationals

The Duke Kahanamoku Classic will feature multiple Top-10 programs, including No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 Stanford, among others.Asked what it will be like to open his first tournament back against such elite competition, Alvarez leaned into the opportunity rather than shying away from it. Since his earlier tenure with the program, Hawai‘i has consistently scheduled national contenders. The difference this year is the concentration — many of the nation’s best programs converging in one weekend.He even suggested the field may rival — or exceed — the NCAA Championship in overall strength, noting that every team in the event sits near the top of the rankings.For Alvarez, this is precisely why players choose Hawai‘i. “You want to play against UCLA. You want to play against USC,” he said. The program isn’t interested in easing into the season — it wants to measure itself immediately. 

Photo by Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Sydney Miller battles at the net vs TCU during the 2025 OUTRIGGER Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic.

Queen’s Beach as a Destination

Part of that draw is the venue itself. When asked how much Queen’s Beach has become a collegiate destination site, Alvarez shared that programs around the country are eager to secure spots in future editions of the event.With February weather, the Waikīkī backdrop and Hawai‘i’s status as the birthplace of beach volleyball, teams want to compete here. The Duke Kahanamoku Classic has evolved into more than an early-season tournament — it’s a showcase.Alvarez made it clear that if elite programs are coming to Waikiki, Hawai‘i intends to be at their level. 

Building for the Future — Keeping Local Talent Home

Looking beyond this weekend, Alvarez was also asked about recruiting and the importance of retaining local talent. With eight international players currently on the roster, he acknowledged the program’s global footprint but emphasized balance as a priority.“It’s a priority for me,” he said.Hawai‘i’s unique landscape presents recruiting challenges. While the state produces strong indoor players, beach-specific development opportunities are more limited, often centralized in a small pool of athletes. Alvarez said the goal is to project that talent and build a mix of four to five local standouts alongside international and mainland recruits.The message was clear: the BeachBows want to reflect the state while competing with the nation’s best.

In one fell swoop, Ryan Garcia became the “it” fighter at welterweight and erased all the doubts about him over the last three-plus years.

Garcia put on a clinic against Mario Barrios Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, dominating Barrios from the opening round and winning the WBC welterweight title.

Going into the bout, there were questions about which Garcia would show up: the fighter who won his first 23 bouts and an interim lightweight title in the process? Or the fighter who had gone 1-2-1 since then, had a victory changed to a no-contest after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, and who looked completely listless in his most previous bout last May, suffering a second-round knockdown and a unanimous decision loss?

Saturday night, the best version of “King Ryan” returned. And it didn’t take long to see it, as Garcia’s first two punches knocked down Barrios, setting the tone for Garcia to win an easy unanimous decision by scores of 119-108, 120-107 and 118-109.

And with that, Garcia can now call the shots at 147 pounds.

Following the bout, Garcia made it clear who he wants next:

"You know who I want? He's right there. So, Shakur Stevenson, let's go," Garcia said. "Hey, I want to be a great champion, and I'm not scared of s---. I fought Devin Haney. I'll fight Shakur Stevenson. I'll fight anybody."

While a bout between Garcia and Stevenson (who won a title in his fourth weight class on Jan. 31 with a near-shutout win over Teofimo Lopez Jr.) would be a huge draw, Garcia has other options. He can chase a rematch against Devin Haney, who holds the WBO welterweight title, or even go across the pond to battle British star Conor Benn.

Regardless, this much is clear: 

Garcia is in the driver’s seat at 147 pounds.

Zuffa’s Latest Major Signing: Benn

Speaking of Conor Benn, it was announced Friday that he had become the latest big-name fighter to sing with Zuffa Boxing.

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

Benn is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Chris Eubank Jr. in London last November, avenging a decision loss to Eubank the previous April. While both of those bouts took place at 160 pounds, Benn has said previously that he plans to return to welterweight.

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

Benn marks Zuffa’s latest major signing since adding Jai Opetaia, considered by many to be the best fighter at cruiserweight.

Jake Paul’s Lucky Jaw

Jake Paul may not realize it now, but the fact he has to have a second surgery on his broken jaw may be the best case scenario for him.

Paul recently announced on Instagram that he had a second surgical procedure on the broken jaw he suffered in his Dec. 19 knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, saying his plates were coming loose due to the fact he hadn’t been resting enough for the past two months.

After the first procedure on Dec. 20, Paul insisted he wouldn’t be out of action long. But with this latest procedure, he is sure to be out indefinitely.

And that’s a good thing.

First off, despite being dominated by Joshua, Paul earned respect for finally taking on a top-5 opponent and taking a beating for six rounds. The broken jaw he suffered only increased that respect. Ride the respect for a while. Don’t waste it by jumping back into the ring too quickly.

Second, there’s no need for Paul to rush into another fight right now. He should take some time off, let his body heal, and most importantly: let the boxing public forget about you for a while. Taking some extra time before coming back into the ring can sometimes be a good thing, especially when some of your bouts are considered spectacles. There’s nothing wrong with spectacles, but sometimes you need some time in-between before fans get excited for them again.

And finally:

Doesn’t Paul have a promotional company to run?

Nevin Barich is the Combat Sports Writer for The Sporting Tribune. 

Led by four class champions, Xavier won its sixth straight CIAC Class L wrestling title at Wilton Saturday with a score of 256 points. Josh Perez (106), Treydan Beam (113), Zack Nixon (120) and Braylon Gonzalez (144) all won titles for the Falcons, who are also four-time defending State Open champions.

Gonzalez won his fourth straight title and Nixon won his second.

“It’s a testament to the work the kids put in during the year in the wrestling room and the hard schedule we wrestle,” Xavier coach Mike Cunningham said. “It prepares us for this time of year.”

Bristol Eastern was the Class M runner-up behind Foran, which won the title with 203 points. Evan Martin won the 120 title with a pin and his Bristol Eastern teammate Ayden Davies won at 215 pounds.

Somers senior Will Accorsi, who won the Class S title at 120 pounds Saturday, was the State Open champion last year at 113 pounds and was named the MVP of the Class S boys state soccer championship game last fall after scoring two goals in a 3-1 win over Haddam-Killingworth.

CIAC Wrestling Class Championships

Class LL

at Trumbull High School

Top five team scores: 1. Ridgefield, 209; 2. Danbury, 176; 3. Southington, 173; 4. Trumbull, 168.5; 5. New Britain, 159.

Finals

106: Daniel Candullo, Pomperaug/Watertown/Naugatuck, dec. Skylar Napolitano, Glastonbury, 3-1; 113: Cole Desiano Ridgefield, pinned Edward Fioletov, Glastonbury, 1:04; 120: Gavin Donaldson, Staples, dec. Carter Lanzilli Ridgefield, 17-14; 126: Seamus Brannigan, Staples, tech fall Derek Rodriguez, Southington, 18-3, 5:09; 132: Dylan Meyers, Ridgefield, major dec. Ares Bourque Enfield, 14-2; 138: Mark Zolotarevsky, Greenwich, dec. Victor Velez, Danbury, 8-6; 144: John Carrozza, Ridgefield pinned Aiden Lucero, Stamford, 1:51; 150: Midgerson Gelin, Stamford dec. Leo Moore, Ridgefield, 8-5; 157: Jake Rivera, Southington dec. Em’rick Henry, Danbury, 6-0; 165: Evan Schibi, Gilbert/Torrington/Wolcott dec. Hubert Szymko Trumbull, 14-7; 175: Harrison Muller, Danbury major dec. Damian Rousseau, Staples, 10-0; 190: Noah Colon, Manchester, tech fall Wyatt Podielsky, Ridgefield, 17-2, 5:55; 215: Julian Rousseau, Staples, major dec. Benedetto Graziosi, Greenwich, 22-12; 285: Chase Galke, Shelton pinned Colin Falla, Greenwich, 0:53

Class L

at Wilton

Top five teams: 1. Xavier, 256; 2. Fairfield Warde, 183.5; 3. Newtown, 156; 4. East Lyme/Norwich Tech, 132; 5. New Milford, 131.5.

Finals

106: Josh Perez, Xavier tech fall Kody Dragon, Bristol Central, 20-3, 2:56; 113: Treydan Beam, Xavier dec. Owen Blair, Newtown, 5-3; 120: Zack Dixon, Xavier tech fall Joshua Ramos, Middletown, 17-1, 4:56; 126: Mael Pierre-Paul, Bunnell, dec. Alexander Depratti, Xavier, 15-4; 132: Jude Grammatico, Fairfield Warde, tech fall Mohammed Ramlek, Maloney, 17-1, 5:05; 138: Giuliano Sirianni, Simsbury, dec. Cayden Morin, Bunnell, 3-2; 144: Braylon Gonzalez, Xavier, pin Robert Perez, Cheshire, 1:16; 150: Isaiah McDaniel, Middletown, dec. Alex Lamarre, Bristol Central, 10-4; 157: Antonio Arguello, Newtown, pin Miles Wolfe, New Milford, 1:04; 165: Harry Marino, Conard, tech fall Evan Christianson, Wilton, 19-1, 3:28; 175: Jake Maddox, Newtown, dec. Vincent Rivera, Xavier, 12-7; 215: August Furman, Wilton dec. Cameron Gronholm, East Lyme/Norwich Tech, 8-0; 285: Jacob Palermo, East Lyme/Norwich Tech, pin Jaxon Yang, Windsor, 1:54.

Class M

at Guilford High

Finals

Top five team scores: 1. Foran, 203; 2. Bristol Eastern, 189.5; 3. Lyman Memorial/Windham Tech, 183; 4. Notre Dame-West Haven, 178.5; 5. Berlin, 137.

106: Sean Sevigny, Notre Dame-West Haven, pin Joshua Vernon, Branford, 3:11; 113: Collin Sullivan, Berlin pin Sawyer Miller, Foran, 1:52; 120: Evan Martin, Bristol Eastern pin Micah Vong, Bloomfield/Weaver/East Windsor, 3:29; 126: Mason Beecher, Avon, tech fall Caden Bell, RHAM, 17-2, 3:09; 132: Matt Bray, Brookfield/Shepaug dec. Landon Roy, RHAM, 9-0; 138: Alex Uzzo, Guilford, dec. Trevin Guardarrama, Bristol Eastern, 11-2; 144: Calvin Sammarco, Lyman/Windham Tech, pin Rowan Bodden, Foran, 0:44; 150: Thomas Mahon, Foran, pin Griffin Allen, Masuk, 0:59; 157: Riley Storozuk, Notre Dame-West Haven, tech fall Evan Kucenski, Bristol Eastern, 18-3, 4:19; 165: Tyquell Lucas, Foran, dec. Alphonse Milano, Notre Dame-West Haven, 21-7; 175: Andrew King, Hand, dec. Domenic Maturo, Branford, 13-4; 190: Lucas Judd, Lyman/Windham Tech pin Johnny Williston, North Haven, 1:23; 215: Aidyn Davies, Bristol Eastern dec. Aedan Webster, East Haven, 5-1; 285: Dorian Pollard, Bloomfield/Weaver/East Windsor pin Joseph Calandro, Branford, 1:28.

Class S

at Killingly

Top five team scores: 1. Waterford, 194; 2. Killingly, 193.5; 3. Ledyard, 188.5; 4. Plainville, 166; 5. Windham, 138.5.

Finals

106: John Bean, Stafford, pin Gavin Jonasch, Killingly, 5:36; 113: Peter Annis, Suffield/Windsor Locks, dec. George Jolley, Ledyard, 14-4; 120: William Accorsi, Somers, dec. Bradey Jonash, Killingly, 11-3; 126: Jack Gedney, Lewis Mills, dec. Delmazio Despard, Windham, 4-1; 132: Ryan McVeigh, New Fairfield dec. Noah Caisse, Ledyard, 11-0; 138: Lukas Boxley, Ledyard, dec. Ethan Bochman Rodriguez, Terryville/Thomaston, 14-2; 144: Benjamin Barlow, Granby/East Granby pin Collin Rhodes, Ledyard, 3:29; 150: Troy Torres-Morey, Windham, dec. Robert Kammerman, St. Joseph, 14-4; 157: Logan Martin, Sheehan dec. Laso Kelleh, Granby/East Granby, 15-9; 165: Exael Padilla, Killingly, pin Josue Lamb Alvarado, Plainville, 4:41; 175: Cooper Theriault-Dinelli, Plainville, dec. Joey Bernardi, Nonnewaug, 18-6; 190: Ruben Quinoz Torillo, Windham, dec. Maxwell Lipton, Weston, 12-5; 215: Taiyo Gemme, Old Lyme/Westbrook, pin Thomas Johnson, Canton, 3:40; 285: Yasin Afrailov, Suffield/Windsor Locks dec. Cooper Myers, Waterford, 8-1.

For the fourth time in his career, assistant coach John Morton will be part of a Sean Payton coaching staff. As reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on Sunday, the Denver Broncos are expected to hire Morton as their passing game coordinator. He was with the Detroit Lions as offensive coordinator last season before being stripped of play-calling duties at mid-season and then fired at the end of the year.

Morton, 56, will be an assistant under Payton for the fourth time. He was part of Payton's first staff with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 as the passing game coordinator. After that season, Morton was an assistant with the USC Trojans and San Francisco 49ers before rejoining the Saints as a wide receiver coach from 2015 through 2016. Sean Payton brought Morton on as the pass game coordinator when he became the head coach of the Broncos in 2023.

However, Morton left Denver at the conclusion of the 2024 season to become offensive coordinator for the Lions under Dan Campbell, another former New Orleans Saints assistant coach. Campbell pulled play-calling responsibilities from Morton around mid-season, and Morton was relieved of duties altogether after Detroit finished a disappointing year. The Broncos brought Morton in as an offensive consultant for the playoffs, and are now prepared to elevate his position. Morton is the latest ex-Saints player or coach to join Payton in Denver after Ronald Curry recently signed up.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Sean Payton re-hires another former Saints coach in Broncos reunion

Strasbourg beat Lyon 3-1 to end the visitors' seven-match winning streak in Ligue 1 on Sunday, a result that dampens their outside shot at the title.

Lyon had won 13 consecutive games in all competitions but failed to equal the club record set in 2006.

Paulo Fonseca's side remain third on 45 points and nine back of league leaders and European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Lens are two points off the pace.

Lyon had early chances to take the lead but home side Strasbourg struck first when Martial Godo fired in his seventh goal of the season late in the first half.

They doubled that lead on 52 minutes with a long-range strike from Diego Moreira that took a wicked deflection.

Corentin Tolisso pulled one back for Lyon on the hour, but Strasbourg put the match to bed with Joaquin Panichelli's penalty seven minutes from time -- the Argentine forward's 13th league goal this term.

"We were too passive, but that's how football goes sometimes," Lyon defender Abner Vinicius said.

"We'll work it out and next week we'll be better."

Veteran striker Olivier Giroud's penalty gave Lille a 1-0 win at Angers which put them fifth and snapped a six-match winless streak in Ligue 1.

The 39-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea forward fired a spot-kick into the bottom corner before the break to score his fifth league goal of the season.

A first win of 2026 sent Lille to within three points of Marseille and eight behind Lyon in the third and final direct Champions League qualifying spot.

"Above all it's three points but that will do us all a lot of good mentally," Lille captain Benjamin Andre said.

Fellow European hopefuls Rennes followed their 3-1 defeat of leaders Paris Saint-Germain last week with a 3-0 victory at Auxerre to stay level on points with Lille.

Nantes eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 home win over Le Havre, and Nice drew 3-3 with Lorient.

dmc/jc/mw

TAMPA, Fla. – Pungent sewage had the New York Yankees flowing across the street on Sunday morning, as the drainage issues that flooded parts of George M. Steinbrenner Field the previous day forced the Bombers to hold pregame workouts at their Himes player development complex before hosting the New York Mets.

The Sunday exhibition game took place at Steinbrenner Field as planned hours later. However, the Yankees had to spend the morning at Himes because wastewater seeped into sections of their clubhouse at GMS on Saturday. Other parts of the ballpark, including the exterior concourse and entrances, were also impacted by the filthy leaks, which stunk to high heaven.

On Sunday, Aaron Boone said it was “really bad” in some “sensitive areas” inside the Yankees’ clubhouse, but not to the extent that they had to rip up carpet, lockers and equipment. He added that while some issues still have to be resolved, day-to-day operations should be “normal” moving forward, including the use of clubhouse showers following Sunday’s game.

“I was surprised at how much they were able to kind of get things cleaned up and sanitized,” Boone said. “Credit to a lot of people who put in a lot of hours overnight and this morning. So hopefully we’re in a good position moving forward. We’ve probably got some longer-term things that gotta get fixed, but we should be in a good spot.”

With the Yankees still cleaning up their facilities on Sunday morning, the team took batting practice, worked on infield and outfield defense and shagged fly balls, among other baseball activities, at Himes. Former Yankee Bucky Dent, in camp as a guest instructor, was there to tutor Yankees infielders, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe.

Luis Gil, meanwhile, warmed up at Steinbrenner Field before starting against the Mets.

“Everyone handled it really well,” Boone said. “From staff to all the people behind the scenes, but then the players walking through it with a smile, with an energy, no complaining. I thought we got really good work in over there, so I’m happy with that, and it looks like we’re moving in a good direction now.”

Rice almost ready

Boone said that Ben Rice will make his spring debut on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first baseman/catcher had been delayed getting into games after dealing with a cranky neck earlier this spring.

And what about Stanton?

Boone also said that Giancarlo Stanton is expected to make his spring debut right before or after the Yankees’ off day on March 2. The Yankees have traditionally taken their time getting the oft-injured designated hitter, who has lingering tennis elbows, into spring training games.

____

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost a season-high four in a row following Saturday's 126-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Sixers have been unable to find an offensive rhythm with Joel Embiid off the floor and are struggling in a number of areas.

Philadelphia had its chances on Saturday against the Pelicans as it held an 11-point lead in the third quarter, but New Orleans then got hot as it shot 12-for-20 from deep after halftime while the Sixers shot just 3-for-24 and it resulted in their fourth-straight loss.

Tyrese Maxey, who had 28 points, gave his thoughts on the skid and what the Sixers have to do to dig themselves out of this current rut.

"It's gonna take a lot," Maxey told reporters. "You dig yourself a hole, only us can climb ourselves out of it. You know what I mean? Like, we in this thing together through the highs and the lows. Through the peaks and the valleys. You know what I mean?"

The Sixers knew this 2025-26 season was going to be a challenging one between the time Embiid was going to miss. Throw in Paul George's recovery from surgery as well as his current 25-game suspension, and this has been a tough go at it for Philadelphia at the moment.

Good morning,

Here are the Sixers' league rankings since Feb. 5:

30th in assists per game

29th in 3P%

28th in offensive rating

28th in defensive rating

27th in FG%

25th in opp points per game

24th in points per game

Tied for the 4th-worst record in the NBA that time.

— Zach Ciavolella (Cha-vo-lel-la) (@CiavoNBA) February 22, 2026

"We said that since day one and it is what it is," Maxey added about sticking together. "We played a really good half, then we come out there. We played a good start, third, honestly. Then we got those bombs away, and they hit some shots, and it’s difficult to come back from that momentum swing. We tried to swing it back, but it was too late."

The Sixers will look to get back at it on Sunday when they play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Tyrese Maxey addresses 4-game losing skid for Sixers after latest loss

Anthony Hernandez's momentum toward a middleweight title shot was snuffed out in a big way by Sean Strickland in the UFC Fight Night 267 main event.

After surging up the ranking with an eight-fight winning streak, Hernandez (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) looked to beat a former champion for the first time and secure a chance at gold against Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) on Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston. It didn't play out that way because "Fluffy" had minimal success before being stopped by strikes in the third round.

A massive knee to the body from Strickland spelled the beginning of the end. Hernandez has been finished by body strikes in past fights, and analysts pinpointed that as a potential weakness that could be exposed. It was, and that's concerning for Hernandez going forward.

Hernandez now has a bigger target on that body than before, and against the upper tier at 185 pounds, he'll have to shore that up in a hurry. He vowed to get better in the aftermath of the fight defeat, where he was nothing but humble and made no excuses for what unfolded inside the octagon.

At 32, the story doesn't seem written on Hernandez just yet. This was a meaningful setback, but he appears to have the dedication to be better. The game plan and execution in this fight were questionable, and that's going to have to evolve if Hernandez wants to touch gold.

Hernandez still hasn't fought a number of top contenders in the division, and it would make sense for him to fight the winner of Reinier de Ridder (20-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) vs. Caio Borralho (17-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC), who meet next month at UFC 326 in Las Vegas. Or potentially Nassourdine Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who will need someone to fight if he's skipped over for a title shot against Khamzat Chimaev in favor of Strickland.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Houston matchmaker: Who's next for Anthony Hernandez after loss?

Gian Piero Gasperini didn’t expect his first Roma season to ‘go quite this well’ after catching Napoli in third, but warns the Champions League places ‘will be a battle to the end.’

The Giallorossi knew that other results had definitely gone their way this weekend, as Napoli, Milan and Juventus all lost, even if that allowed Como and Atalanta to close up towards the top five.

They took almost an hour to break Cremonese down at the Stadio Olimpico, eventually thanking two corners with a Bryan Cristante header and his flick on for Evan N’Dicka, before Niccolò Pisilli sealed the 3-0 result.

Gasperini surprised by Roma growth

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Evan Ndicka with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“We struggled in the first half, it wasn’t easy to break them down in the final third, but then we moved Cristante closer to Malen, scored on a corner, and it opened the floodgates,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.

“I hoped that things would go well here. When I saw the reaction from these lads in the first few training sessions, I was convinced we’d do really well. Maybe not quite this well, but the spirit from the first days was ambitious, solid, and with many young players who are growing.

“Lads like Pisilli, Venturino, Ghilardi and Ziolkowski are maturing well, it’s very satisfying to see.”

Roma had not scored from a corner since the game against Lecce, when it was scored by Artem Dovbyk on January 6.

“Cristante had scored like that against Fiorentina, he has goals from set plays in his capabilities, we tend to alternate the movements on these dead ball situations. Apart from taking the kicks well today, I think we moved well too and created the space.

“I see a lot of teams getting goals from set plays this season, we were a bit behind, but caught up with two tonight.”

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

This victory was also achieved without injured Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Mario Hermoso also pulled out in the warm-up with a muscular problem, replaced at the last minute by Daniele Ghilardi.

“I am fortunate to have a lot of senior players who helped me so much at the start, inspiring everyone else. They’ve been great professionals, the new arrivals also settled in well. Undoubtedly, it was a very positive atmosphere before I arrived, as Claudio Ranieri created the right situation here.”

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Donyell Malen of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Roma are now in joint third place with Napoli and extend their advantage over Juventus in fifth place to four points, a precious cushion considering they go head-to-head with the Old Lady next weekend.

“Sunday will be a very important game, a win would be a big step forward. However, with my experience at Atalanta and qualifying five times in seven years for the Champions League, we pretty much always decided it in the final couple of rounds,” insisted Gasperini.

“There are teams coming up behind us too, like Atalanta and Como, so it will be a battle to the very end. This evening’s victory was necessary to give us a small advantage going into the next few weeks, which could yet prove decisive.”

Liverpool can't let Manchester United land a deal for a top-scoring winger. He's Liverpool through and through.

Manchester United are reportedly pursuing a deal for Anthony Gordon. That’s according to Teamtalk, who actually claim that they’re after Sandro Tonali as well.

Now, Newcastle United surely don’t sell both. That would gut their team and really end their chances of rebuilding properly after losing Alexander Isak last summer.

Still, Man United feel there’s some sort of chance here. Tonali was reportedly offered to Arsenal last month by intermediaries and while a deal was never anything like close, it does suggest that something is afoot here.

But it’s actually Gordon that we’d focus on. That would bet be truly shocking deal and quite honestly, it’s one that Liverpool simply can’t allow to happen.

Anthony Gordon to Liverpool is a must

The news that Man United want Gordon isn't a shock but it is a complication. The winger, after all, would be a dream signing for Liverpool's left flank.

He's a Scouser who grew up as a Liverpool fan, after all. Gordon was eager to complete a move to Anfield back in 2024, only for Newcastle to find a way to avoid any need to sell him.

Gordon subsequently struggled for form but it feels like he's found his feet once again. 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League is an extraordinary return - only Kylian Mbappe has more - and he's also the quickest winger in the competition this season.

Manchester City are currently up to their eyeballs in this season’s Premier League title race. After a tense weekend and their 2-1 victory over Newcastle at the Etihad on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side sits 5 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table with a game in hand. City know if they win all of their remaining Premier League games, they’ll claim another Premier League title. The focus of many is on Manchester City’s bid to win the Premier League and three other trophies.

While Manchester City contend for multiple honours, there are two young players who figure prominently in City’s future, growing as players with every game they play in the Championship. Stephen Mfuni and Divine Mukasa are showing that they could one day join Pep Guardiola’s squad in the future and be ready to contribute.

Stephen Mfuni has once again shone for Watford this weekend.

Watford picked up a 2-0 win over Derby County in their Championship fixture earlier today. For Watford, Stephen Mfuni started at left-back. He again put in a strong performance across the full 90 minutes in a new role, as he displayed all of the traits that see him so highly regarded at Manchester City.

Defensively, Mfuni was extremely solid for Watford. He won 10/13 of his ground duels (statistics sourced from SofaScore) and he also read the game exceptionally well. Mfuni sensed danger when Derby attacked and his ability to read danger shone through. The young defender was also strong aerially and his contribution was an important factor in Watford keeping a clean sheet.

In possession, Mfuni was composed, and his strengths as a ball-playing defender rose to the fore. He completed 36/44 passes and attempted several long balls throughout the game. His radar was just off with his long balls, but the fact that Mfuni isn’t afraid to try them speaks to his talent and character. Mfuni’s all-around performance against Derby was very good, and the more he plays in the Championship, the more you can see him grow with every game.

Divine Mukasa has taken the lessons he learned at Manchester City to Leicester City.

On Saturday, Divine Mukasa scored a goal and grabbed an assist in Leicester City’s 2-all draw with Stoke. Mukasa played a key role for Leicester as they picked up a precious point to aid their bid to avoid relegation. Mukasa’s display showed that the lessons he’s learned at Manchester City are coming together on the pitch in the Championship.

Divine Mukasa played a key role for his team on Saturday. Taking his goal and assist out of the equation for a moment, he played a key role in many of Leicester’s attacks. Mukasa’s ability to hold up play and then release smart passes stood out, especially in the second half. Mukasa began or linked up many of the Foxes’ attacking moves. It was pleasing to see the young attacking midfielder play with such maturity in an advanced attacking role for his team.

For his goal, Divine Mukasa curled a cross into the area, which drifted into the far corner. It was a quality ball that was rewarded. Mukasa’s assist was sublime. His backheel set up Harry Winks to score. It was a clever piece of improvisation from the young attacking midfielder and showed his prodigious technical and tactical ability. Mukasa’s goal and assist were a fine reward for a fantastic overall performance from him for Leicester.

Final thoughts.

Divine Mukasa and Stephen Mfuni both put in strong and impressive performances in the Championship this weekend. Both players are growing by the game and if they can each maintain their impressive form, it won’t be a surprise to see both players contributing for Manchester City sooner rather than later.

The other day, transfer guru Ben Jacobs painted a clear picture of what Manchester United’s summer transfer window could look like.

Jacobs confirmed the obvious: United are keen to bolster their midfield, secure a perfect left winger, and also sign a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.

Versatile left-back on the menu

However, he went on to specify another position INEOS are determined to strengthen, highlighting the unique player profile being targeted. He stated: “Manchester United are expected to target a versatile left-back.”

Yet, finding such a versatile option will not be as straightforward as simply identifying the need.

Players of this mould are rare. First, it must be decided whether this versatile left-back should also be capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back, or whether he should be able to push higher up the pitch and play as a winger.

Hints suggest the preference is for a left-back who can also play centre-back. After all, there is little need to sign one who plays further forward when Patrick Dorgu already offers that option.

Moreover, if Michael Carrick is handed the job, he would likely advocate for a full-back who can double up as a centre-back. There are notable similarities between Carrick and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, both of whom worked together as Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s assistants at United.

They share tactical tendencies: favouring full-backs who rarely join the attack, paired with wingers who are dominant on their natural foot. McKenna has often deployed Axel Tuanzebe at right-back alongside a right-footed winger. At the same time, Carrick has used Luke Shaw at left-back, who no longer ventures forward as much, and shown intent to play Dorgu as a left-footed winger.

Schlotterbeck perfect for United

Given this profile, United should not look past Nico Schlotterbeck.

The Borussia Dortmund star is fascinating and brutally complete. He is arguably the best left-footed left-back/left-sided centre-back in the Bundesliga, and one of the finest in the world.

Schlotterbeck boasts elite ball-playing abilities, clean and progressive build-up, leadership qualities, and Champions League pedigree. But beyond technical quality, he brings immense physical attributes: strong, tall, quick-footed, and capable of delivering dangerous crosses.

He would massively boost United’s athleticism, which many felt had faded, particularly under Ruben Amorim.

Indeed, among Europe’s top five leagues this season, only one defender has been rated higher than him: David Raum. Schlotterbeck has been consistently outstanding, which is why reports suggest Barcelona and Real Madrid are so keen on him.

But with United aspiring to have the best of the best, Schlotterbeck should be high on their list.

He could be the perfect Shaw alternative, the versatile left-back United crave, while allowing Dorgu to switch permanently to left wing, where he has already proven a massive hit.

Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Huachipato host Carabobo this Tuesday at the Estadio CAP of the Copa Libertadores.

In their last fixture, Huachipato won 2-1 against Palestino (Chilean League 2026). Last time out, Carabobo drew 1-1 against Metropolitanos FC (Liga Venezuela 2026).

Unavailable

Huachipato

Carabobo

Last starting XIs

Huachipato ( vs Palestino 2026-02-21): Rodrigo Odriozola, Nicolás Vargas, Benjamin Mellado, Rafael Caroca, José Castro, Javier Cárcamo, Maicol León, Santiago Silva, Kevin Altez, Maximiliano Rodríguez, Cris Martínez

Carabobo ( vs Metropolitanos FC 2026-02-20): Lucas Bruera, Franyer Oliveros, Marcel Guaramato, Jonathan Bilbao, Yohandry Orozco, Franner López, Sebastián Mendoza, Abraham Bahachille, Edson Tortolero, Joshuan Berríos, Jaime Moreno

Did you know...by playmaker stats

MANAGERS

• Jaime Garcia faced Daniel Farías on one occasion, recording a loss.
• Daniel Farías faced Huachipato on one occasion, recording a victory.
• Jaime Garcia faced Carabobo on one occasion, recording a loss.

TEAMS

• Away from home, Carabobo has gone two consecutive games without winning.
• Away from home, Carabobo has gone two consecutive games without losing.
• Carabobo has scored in four consecutive games.
• Carabobo has gone five consecutive games without losing.
• At home, Huachipato has scored in three consecutive games.
• At home, Huachipato has conceded goals in three consecutive games.
• At home, Huachipato has gone two consecutive games without losing.
• At home, Huachipato has two consecutive victories.

HEAD TO HEAD

• Huachipato and Carabobo have faced each other once, with Carabobo having the advantage: one win
• In the Copa Libertadores, a match was held between the two teams, with a victory for Carabobo

Saquon Barkley provides encouraging update about Eagles' new offense under Sean Mannion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley provided an encouraging update on the  team’s new offense under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

The Eagles needed a major change on offense after the disappointment that was the 2025 season, and it sounds like Mannion’ scheme will provide that.

Philadelphia also replaced longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland with Chris Kuper and brought in Ryan Mahaffey to serve as run game coordinator. 

"I'm super excited about it," Barkley said of the new-look offense. "I'm going on Year 9, which is crazy to say, and I've had a lot of different coaches and head coaches and been a part of a lot of systems. I don't think I really came across a system like this. For me, it's refreshing. You get something new. You get to learn something new.”

Mannion is Barkley’s third offensive coordinator since he signed with the Eagles in 2024, and he’s excited about the challenge of learning yet another new system.

More: Nick Sirianni releases statement regarding Eagles' decision to hire Sean Mannion

"I got to meet him. We didn't really talk about X's and O's and kind of just kept it introduction and got to meet a lot of the new guys on offense," Barkley said of Mannion. "As a competitor, you love it. You love the challenge of putting yourself in a new system and doing the things that you do really well, and also things that you need to improve on and that they're going to challenge us to do.

"I feel like if we are able to have that mindset as an offense and buy into that, I think the sky's the limit."

So, what went wrong for Philadelphia’s offense last year? Barkley pointed to a lack of consistency. But, he’s optimistic that it was an issue that the team can learn from and improve upon moving forward.

"At the end of the day, we just weren't consistent enough throughout games," Barkely said. "That's something that we have to challenge ourselves to get ready for next year. We made a lot of changes on offense with the coaching staff, so excited to get in the building and learn something new and just go out on the field and put last year in the past.”

After running for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024, Barkley tallied just 1,140 rushing yards and 7 TDs last season. He’ll look to try to get back closer to have 2024 production next season.

More Philadelphia Eagles news: 

• Lane Johnson makes final decision regarding his future with Philadelphia Eagles
• Philadelphia Eagles predicted to retain key contributor in free agency
• Eagles urged to avoid former Pro Bowl cornerback in free agency 

Michigan State basketball hosted Ohio State on Sunday afternoon, where the Spartans narrowly defeated the Buckeyes, 66-60. While the Spartans played host to the Buckeyes, they also played host to one very important recruit.

According to a report from 247Sports' Justin Thind, Jaxson Davis was on campus visiting the Spartans, and watching them defeat Ohio State. A 6-foot point guard from Gurnee, Illinois, Davis won the 2025 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year as a sophomore last year.

He currently ranks as a four-star prospect and the No. 41 overall prospect, while being the No. 11 point guard in the 2027 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

Davis holds offers from Arizona State, DePaul, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Marquette, Michigan, Missouri, Northwestern and Purdue.

NEWS: #MichiganState hosted 2027 four-star Jaxson Davis on a visit today, per source.

Davis won 2025 Illinois Gatorade POTY as a sophomore last year & has offers from Purdue, Illinois, Michigan & others.

Got to watch MSU beat Ohio State today.

Article: https://t.co/Gz5rdYl8ZEpic.twitter.com/UwmlNWBT2S

— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) February 22, 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 Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State basketball hosted an elite 2027 guard on Sunday

AC Milan slumped to a surprise 1-0 home loss to Parma on Sunday to leave city rivals Inter 10 points clear at the top of Serie A, after Napoli lashed out at the refereeing following defeat at Atalanta.

Parma defender Mariano Troilo's late header condemned second-placed Milan to a damaging loss in the title race, capping a week in which they also dropped points in a draw with Como.

Massimiliano Allegri's side had seen Inter stretch their lead with a 2-0 win over Lecce on Saturday, but could not respond as they suffered their first league defeat since the opening weekend of the season.

"We are not happy, obviously," assistant coach Marco Landucci, standing in for the suspended Allegri, told Sky Sport.

"Parma played very well and the ball just didn't want to go in for us tonight. We wanted the three points, so of course we feel let down, but we go again."

Milan, who lost Matteo Gabbia to a muscle problem in the warm-up, suffered another blow early on at the San Siro when Ruben Loftus-Cheek had to be stretchered off with a head injury.

The England midfielder was carried from the field wearing a neck brace after colliding with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi.

Italian media reported that Loftus-Cheek would need dental treatment and undergo tests in hospital for possible head trauma.

Milan almost found a breakthrough in the 36th minute when Alexis Saelemaekers picked out Christian Pulisic, but the American winger's shot was kept out by Corvi.

Pulisic fired a better chance narrowly wide on the stroke of half-time.

Milan pushed for a winner in the second period but struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Parma caught them cold in the 80th minute as Troilo headed in, although the goal was initially disallowed for a foul by Lautaro Valenti on goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

But after a lengthy VAR review, the referee overturned his decision to leave Milan's title hopes hanging by a thread.

- Napoli blast 'shameful' refereeing -

Napoli hit out at "shameful" refereeing after slipping to a 2-1 loss at top-four rivals Atalanta.

Raffaele Palladino's side extended their unbeaten run in the league to nine matches with an impressive second-half fightback.

Atalanta remain seventh in the table and are five points back of Napoli and Roma, in the race for next season's Champions League.

Roma moved up to third with a 3-0 home win over Cremonese courtesy of second-half goals from Bryan Cristante, Evan Ndicka and Niccolo Pisilli.

Injury-hit reigning champions Napoli slid to fourth, now points 14 adrift of Inter. 

Napoli were incensed after having a penalty award overturned and then a goal disallowed in the first half.

"Where is the foul? The VAR called him on the penalty, why not on this? It's embarrassing," Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna told DAZN.

"There has to be a review of this because every week a club ends up here protesting about decisions.

"All we want is what is right, what is ours, but this is not right, and it is not football. It's shameful, I have no more words."

Atalanta will turn their attentions to next week's Champions League knockout play-off second leg against Borussia Dortmund, when they will attempt to overturn a 2-0 deficit in Bergamo.

The visitors grabbed an early lead when Sam Beukema, one of three Napoli players left completely unmarked, headed in Miguel Gutierrez's free-kick.

Atalanta levelled just after the hour mark when Mario Pasalic flicked a header into the corner from Nicola Zalewski's corner.

The home team completed the turnaround with nine minutes remaining as Lazar Samardzic sent a looping header into the far corner from Lorenzo Bernasconi's cross.

jc/mw/dmc

Liuqiu Island in Taiwan is also taking its responsible tourism efforts to the next level with a unique initiative launched by Pingtung County’s Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area in partnership with HiiN Studio. The initiative aims to get tourists involved in environmental conservation by trading them rewards for discarded cigarette butts. The initiative aims to clean up the island’s stunning coastlines while creating awareness about the environmental effects of tourism. Their initiative is a great move towards promoting sustainable tourism in Taiwan, which is known for its stunning natural beauty.

A Collaborative Effort to Clean Beaches and Raise Environmental Awareness

Building on the foundation of previous beach clean-up campaigns, this initiative focuses on an often-overlooked source of pollution: cigarette butts. As part of the campaign, tourists visiting Liuqiu Island are encouraged to collect cigarette butts found along the coastline. By doing so, they actively participate in preserving the island’s natural beauty. Visitors who collect a certain amount of cigarette butts can exchange them for educational postcards, which serve as a tool for spreading awareness about the significance of environmental responsibility and the importance of reducing waste.

Local government officials in Pingtung County have expressed that this project aligns with their larger goals of achieving sustainable tourism. They see it as an important step towards creating a tourism model that reduces single-use plastics and encourages eco-conscious behaviors among travelers. As a result, the initiative is helping to foster a culture of responsible tourism in Taiwan, which is essential for preserving the island’s natural landscapes and resources for future generations.

Involving Tourists of All Ages in Environmental Conservation

HiiN Studio, known for its advocacy of ocean protection, is particularly focused on engaging both adults and children in this campaign. By involving younger generations in collecting cigarette butts, the studio aims to instill core values of environmental protection and sustainability from a young age. Through this initiative, HiiN Studio hopes to shape the behavior of future tourists, empowering them to make environmentally friendly choices during their travels. Additionally, the studio seeks to raise awareness among smokers about the harmful impact of littering, encouraging them to be more mindful of their waste disposal habits.

The campaign also underscores the importance of personal responsibility. While it directly addresses the issue of cigarette littering, it also serves as a broader reminder of the long-lasting consequences of all forms of environmental neglect.

Easy Steps to Participate in the Campaign and Make a Difference

Tourists interested in joining the effort can easily obtain cigarette butt collection tools at various locations throughout Liuqiu Island, such as the Xiaoliuqiu Visitor Center and Luna Pizza. After receiving the tools, participants can explore the island’s picturesque beaches and begin collecting discarded cigarette butts. Once they fill a collection bottle with cigarette butts, they can exchange it for an educational postcard.

Each postcard contains five stamp points, with each stamp representing a completed environmental action. Once participants have filled their postcard with stamps, they can redeem it for small gifts like cleaning cloths. These rewards serve to incentivize participants while reinforcing the importance of contributing to environmental protection during their travels.

Promoting Sustainable Practices to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

The campaign goes beyond just cigarette butt collection. It also encourages tourists to adopt eco-friendly habits by using reusable items during their stay on Liuqiu Island. Tourists who use sustainable travel cups, water bottles, and other reusable products can earn additional stamps, further promoting the adoption of sustainable practices. The initiative aims to inspire tourists to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, which have a significant negative impact on the environment, particularly in coastal areas.

By promoting the use of reusable products, the campaign seeks to reduce waste in both the short and long term. It encourages travelers to rethink their consumption habits and opt for environmentally friendly alternatives, thus playing an essential role in supporting Taiwan’s sustainable tourism goals.

Liuqiu Island’s Role in Taiwan’s Sustainable Tourism Movement

The Dapeng Bay Administration has emphasized that this initiative is a key step in achieving Taiwan’s broader sustainable development goals. By targeting the issue of littering, particularly cigarette butts, the campaign addresses a prevalent form of pollution that is often overlooked. The program serves as a practical solution to a pressing environmental issue while also promoting positive behaviors among tourists.

Taiwan’s commitment to sustainable tourism has been growing, and this initiative in Liuqiu Island is a perfect example of how responsible tourism can be integrated into everyday travel experiences. With the support of environmental organizations like HiiN Studio, local government officials, and tourism operators, the island is demonstrating how tourism can thrive alongside conservation efforts.

A Green Future for Liuqiu Island and Taiwan

The ultimate aim of this campaign is not only to ensure that the beaches of Liuqiu Island are cleaned up but also to promote a culture of environmental protection among tourists. With the increasing number of tourists visiting the island, the aim is that this environmentally responsible behavior will not only be limited to Liuqiu Island but will also have an impact on tourism in Taiwan and other parts of the world.

This campaign is an inspiring example of how tourism can contribute to the sustainable development of tourist destinations without undermining their natural beauty. Through this campaign, Liuqiu Island is setting an example for other regions in Taiwan. With the increasing number of people taking part in this campaign, the aim is that the message of sustainable tourism will spread across the world, leading to a future where environmentally responsible tourism is the norm.

Travelling to Brazil or Uganda can be the adventure of a lifetime, with their stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. However, the Canadian government has issued updated travel guidance, warning visitors about increasing safety concerns. This advisory highlights rising incidents such as drink spiking in Brazil and restrictions on electronic devices in Uganda. Tourists planning trips to these popular destinations need to take these warnings seriously and prepare accordingly to ensure their journeys remain safe and enjoyable.

Brazil: Rising Drink Spiking Risks in Popular Tourist Areas

Brazil has long been a favourite destination for international travellers, offering iconic beaches, vibrant festivals, and bustling city life. Yet, the Canadian advisory warns of an uptick in drink spiking incidents in major cities, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These incidents often occur in crowded nightlife spots and involve drinks being tampered with substances that can leave tourists vulnerable to theft or other crimes.

Visitors are advised to take extra precautions. Drinks should never be left unattended, and sealed bottles or cans are safer than open glasses. Tourists should be cautious when accepting beverages from strangers, even in seemingly friendly social settings. Being aware of surroundings and staying in reputable venues can significantly reduce the risk of encountering such problems.

Despite these safety concerns, Brazil remains an incredibly rewarding destination. From sun-soaked beaches to the rhythm of samba in the streets, travellers can experience the country safely by following simple safety measures and planning their nights and days carefully.

Safety Tips for Brazil Tourists

Planning ahead is essential when travelling in Brazil. Visitors should keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive items, and remain vigilant in crowded public spaces. Using trusted transportation options and staying in safe, well-reviewed accommodations can also enhance security.

Being aware of local customs and emergency procedures is another important step. Tourists should know the location of nearby police stations or medical facilities, and consider travelling with companions in unfamiliar areas. These precautions allow travellers to enjoy Brazil’s beauty and culture without unnecessary risk.

Uganda: Restrictions on Electronic Devices and Travel Awareness

Uganda offers a contrasting adventure with its lush rainforests, national parks, and unique wildlife experiences, including mountain gorilla treks. However, the Canadian advisory notes that certain electronic devices, such as drones and advanced communication equipment, may be restricted at entry points or within protected areas.

Tourists intending to use drones for photography or film-making should check device regulations beforehand. Failing to comply with these restrictions could result in confiscation or fines.

Beyond device restrictions, travellers should remain mindful of potential political demonstrations or sudden changes in security conditions. While Uganda is generally safe for tourists, staying informed about local developments and following the advice of guides or authorities ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Essential Travel Guidance for Tourists

For travellers heading to Brazil or Uganda, awareness and preparation are key. Global tourists should monitor official advisories before departure, understand local laws, and maintain basic safety habits. Carrying travel insurance that covers theft, medical emergencies, and trip disruptions is highly recommended.

Planning routes, understanding transport options, and choosing accommodations wisely can make a significant difference in safety and comfort. Tourists should also be vigilant in public spaces, especially in busy urban areas or during events where crowds can attract opportunistic crime.

Staying Safe While Enjoying Travel Experiences

Brazil and Uganda offer some of the most unforgettable experiences in the world, from vibrant city streets and beaches to incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. By taking simple precautions, travellers can enjoy these destinations with confidence. Being alert, securing belongings, and following local guidance ensures that adventures remain memorable for the right reasons.

Safety awareness should not overshadow the joy of travel. Instead, it enhances it, allowing tourists to explore, photograph, and participate fully in cultural and natural experiences. Simple actions, such as monitoring drinks, checking equipment restrictions, and travelling with companions, can prevent problems and maximise enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Travelling responsibly to Brazil and Uganda requires preparation, awareness, and a proactive approach to safety. Both countries continue to attract international visitors due to their extraordinary attractions, but being informed about local risks and regulations allows tourists to make the most of their journeys. By adopting a cautious mindset and following practical guidance, global travellers can experience the best of these countries while keeping themselves and their belongings secure.

With the right preparation, Brazil’s festive energy and stunning landscapes, along with Uganda’s natural wonders and wildlife, can be explored safely and confidently. Awareness, common sense, and respect for local rules are key to transforming these destinations into unforgettable experiences.

In a significant move towards modernising air travel in India, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s DigiYatra rollout, enhancing the airport’s passenger experience with cutting-edge biometric technology. The DigiYatra initiative, aimed at providing contactless, paperless passenger processing, was launched digitally at NMIA on 21st February 2026, making it one of the first airports in the country to participate in this national transformation of air travel.

During the ceremony, held remotely, three passengers at NMIA became the first to experience the DigiYatra biometric e-gates in action. The ceremony was streamed live on a large screen inside the terminal, providing a moment of celebration for both passengers and staff. This marks a significant milestone in India’s airport infrastructure, as the DigiYatra system reduces wait times and enhances the overall efficiency of airport operations.

NMIA, part of the Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) portfolio, has become a key player in India’s push towards a smarter, more efficient travel experience. This digital integration reinforces NMIA’s commitment to seamless travel and enhances its role within the AAHL network, which manages several airports across the country, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.

The Future of Air Travel: DigiYatra’s Role in Revolutionising Indian Airports

The DigiYatra initiative, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to revolutionise Indian air travel by making it more efficient, secure, and contactless. The system uses biometric facial recognition to verify passengers’ identities, allowing them to seamlessly pass through multiple checkpoints at the airport without the need for physical documents or tickets. This technology significantly reduces the time spent waiting in queues, providing a faster and more convenient travel experience for passengers.

The rollout of DigiYatra at NMIA represents a major step forward in transforming the Indian aviation sector. By implementing this advanced system, Navi Mumbai International Airport is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the growing demand for digitalisation in travel.

A Seamless Travel Experience: How DigiYatra Works

At its core, DigiYatra leverages facial recognition technology to create a paperless, touchless experience at various checkpoints in the airport. Passengers who opt for DigiYatra can register their biometrics when booking their flight or at a dedicated DigiYatra kiosk at the airport. Once registered, they can use their face as their boarding pass to gain access to check-in counters, security checks, and boarding gates.

The system uses secure data privacy measures to ensure that passenger information is protected, and the process complies with the highest standards of security. By reducing the need for physical documents, DigiYatra not only makes the travel experience smoother but also helps to streamline operations, making it easier for both passengers and airport staff.

The technology’s ability to cut down on wait times and paperwork is expected to enhance operational efficiency, providing a faster flow of passengers through key points like check-in, security, and boarding. This is a game-changer for India’s highly congested airports, where long queues and delays are common challenges.

Navi Mumbai Airport: A Hub for Modern, Sustainable Air Travel

As one of India’s most anticipated infrastructure projects, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s aviation growth. Situated in the rapidly developing region of Navi Mumbai, the airport is strategically located to serve as a major gateway for domestic and international travel.

NMIA is a greenfield international gateway that is designed to be sustainable, future-ready, and passenger-centric. In partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), NMIA will not only offer state-of-the-art facilities but also focus on environmental sustainability and smart technologies. The adoption of DigiYatra is a prime example of the airport’s commitment to integrating digital innovation and modern technologies to improve the travel experience.

The Role of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL)

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) is India’s largest private airport operator, managing a network of airports across the country, including major hubs in Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, and Lucknow. The organisation has played a significant role in expanding India’s airport infrastructure, ensuring that passenger convenience, efficiency, and sustainability remain at the heart of its operations.

NMIA’s participation in the DigiYatra rollout further enhances AAHL’s vision of creating a seamless, connected experience for travellers, with the introduction of next-gen technologies at every step of the journey.

The Bigger Picture: The Future of Indian Aviation with DigiYatra

India’s aviation sector is undergoing a digital transformation, with DigiYatra leading the charge in creating a smart, efficient and contactless travel environment. As more airports across the country join the initiative, DigiYatra will become a game-changer for the entire Indian travel ecosystem.

The government has ambitious plans to expand the program to more airports across India, and with DigiYatra’s success at NMIA, there are plans to extend this contactless travel system to other regions, ensuring that air travel becomes smoother, faster, and more secure for passengers everywhere.

This biometric-based technology will improve the overall experience, benefitting both passengers and the aviation industry as a whole. As India moves towards a more digitally-driven future, DigiYatra will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the next generation of air travel.

Travel chaos has gripped the southern hemisphere today. A massive wave of disruptions is currently sweeping through major aviation hubs across Australia and New Zealand. Passengers are facing a challenging day as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane report hundreds of delayed services. The situation remains equally tense across the Tasman Sea. Scheduling hurdles are currently impacting travellers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There’s a total of 49 flight cancellations and 628 delays reported. Reliable carriers like QantasLink and Air New Zealand are working tirelessly to manage the backlog. However, the sheer volume of grounded flights has left many families stranded at the terminal. Commuters should check their flight status immediately before departing for the airport. This developing situation requires patience and proactive planning from everyone involved in trans-Tasman travel today.

Major Airports Affected

The scale of the disruption is most visible at the primary gateways of both nations. Sydney has emerged as a focal point of the crisis, recording 16 total cancellations and 224 delays today. The heavy volume of traffic at Kingsford Smith Airport means that even minor scheduling setbacks have developed into significant backlogs, affecting thousands of passengers.

In Victoria, Melbourne Tullamarine has reported the highest number of outright cancellations, with 19 flights grounded and 194 delays. The situation in Brisbane is similarly strained; although cancellations are lower at 8, nearly 100 flights (96) have been delayed, creating a bottleneck for those travelling to and from Queensland.

The impact has extended across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. Auckland has seen 3 cancellations and 60 delays, while the capital, Wellington and the South Island hub of Christchurch have recorded 1 and 2 cancellations respectively. Combined with a total of 54 delays across these two cities.

Impacted Airlines

A diverse range of carriers has been affected by the current conditions, with regional and low-cost operators bearing a significant portion of the burden.

• QantasLink: The regional subsidiary has faced the most severe challenges, reporting a total of 25 cancellations and 80 delays across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
• Jetstar: The low-cost carrier has seen 8 cancellations and a high volume of 119 delays, particularly impacting leisure routes.
• Air New Zealand: The national carrier of New Zealand has grounded 6 flights and delayed 70 others across its main hubs in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
• Virgin Australia: Reporting 4 cancellations and 102 delays, the airline continues to manage significant pressure on its domestic Australian network.
• Qantas: The flagship carrier has recorded 4 cancellations and 93 delays today.
• Alliance Airlines: The charter and regional specialist also appears in the reports with 2 cancellations in Melbourne.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The concentration of these disruptions in primary tourist gateways is expected to have a tangible effect on local tourism sectors. In Sydney and Melbourne, the sheer volume of delayed passengers—exceeding 400 combined—often results in missed hotel check-ins, cancelled tour bookings and a reduction in incidental spending at local businesses.

For Brisbane, which serves as the primary entry point for the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, the 96 delays may interrupt the carefully timed itineraries of holidaymakers. Similarly, the disruptions in Auckland and Christchurch are noteworthy given their roles as the “front doors” to New Zealand’s adventure tourism regions. When travellers are stranded at the start of their journey, the financial loss often extends beyond the airport to car rental agencies, hospitality venues and regional attractions that rely on punctual arrivals.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently caught in the disruption, professional advice remains focused on proactive communication and documentation. Passengers are urged to monitor airline mobile applications and official websites for the most current information regarding their specific flight numbers.

Note for Travellers: Under the consumer protection frameworks in both Australia and New Zealand, passengers may be entitled to assistance depending on the nature of the delay and the airline’s specific policy.

Current recommendations for affected individuals include:

1. Direct Rebooking: Attempting to rebook through digital channels before reaching the airport service desk, which may be experiencing high demand.
2. Expense Tracking: Retaining all receipts for essential meals, refreshments and accommodation if an overnight stay is required, as these may be necessary for future insurance or airline reimbursement claims.
3. Insurance Consultation: Contacting travel insurance providers immediately to understand what coverage is available for “consequential losses,” such as pre-paid accommodation that cannot be used.
4. Confirming Connections: Those with onward international flights from Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland should confirm their status with the operating carrier of the second leg to avoid being marked as a “no-show” due to domestic delays.

The aviation industry in the region continues to work towards clearing the backlog, though passengers are advised to prepare for continued volatility throughout the remainder of the day.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.

California joins Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, North Carolina, and more as the ultimate US spring break destinations for 2026, offering an exciting blend of beaches, mountains, and rich culture. Each of these destinations presents a unique spring break experience: California is known for its sunny beaches and diverse cities; Florida boasts world-famous coastlines and vibrant nightlife; Colorado is perfect for skiing and outdoor adventure in the mountains; Hawaii offers a tropical paradise with breathtaking landscapes; and North Carolina combines beautiful beaches with a charming artsy mountain vibe. Whether you’re after beach relaxation, mountain thrills, or cultural exploration, these spots are ideal for creating unforgettable spring break memories.

As the days get longer and spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning your ideal spring break getaway. Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches, snowy mountains, or vibrant city life, there’s a destination for every type of traveler. With the most-searched vacation spots for March and April 2026, these destinations are gaining traction for their unique attractions, activities, and overall charm. Here’s a fresh look at some of the top places you won’t want to miss this spring break.

1. Vail, Colorado

If you’re drawn to mountain adventure rather than beach lounging, Vail is calling your name. This world-renowned ski resort offers an upscale alpine experience with some of the best skiing in North America. The charming village is perfect for après-ski relaxation with its quaint cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cozy fire pits. In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, scenic gondola rides, and luxurious spas. Vail is an exceptional choice for those who want a blend of outdoor adventure and alpine luxury this spring.

2. Tampa, Florida

For those who crave a mix of city life and coastal vibes, Tampa offers the best of both worlds. This Florida gem features a lively downtown, complete with museums, restaurants, and a bustling Riverwalk. Sports enthusiasts can catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, or Rays game, while foodies can explore a wide range of diverse culinary offerings. Plus, with Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach just a short drive away, you can easily indulge in a beach day between exploring the city’s culture and attractions.

3. Punta Gorda, Florida

For a quieter, more laid-back spring break, head to Punta Gorda, a scenic waterfront town on Charlotte Harbor. Known for its charming small-town vibe and natural beauty, this spot is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and enjoying stunning sunset views over the water. Punta Gorda offers a peaceful retreat with marina-front dining, eclectic shops, and lively live music. Its tranquil ambiance makes it a wonderful destination for families, couples, or anyone seeking a slower pace on their spring getaway.

4. Panama City/Panama City Beach, Florida

Looking for a beach-focused, high-energy vacation? Panama City Beach is a hotspot for spring breakers, known for its expansive white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere. With 27 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of space to enjoy beach volleyball, jet skiing, and partying under the sun. For those looking to relax, Panama City provides a quieter escape, with charming shops and scenic views along the bay. Whether you’re ready to party or unwind, Panama City has both sides of the spring break experience.

5. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is an idyllic destination for those looking to combine beach days with cultural experiences. Siesta Key Beach, famous for its soft, cool sand, is perfect for relaxing by the water. But Sarasota isn’t just about the beach—its vibrant arts scene, led by attractions like the Ringling Museum, makes it an excellent choice for those interested in culture and history. The city’s waterfront dining and laid-back atmosphere provide a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication, without the chaos of more tourist-heavy spots.

6. Hilo, Hawaii

Escape to a more secluded and serene side of Hawaii by visiting Hilo on the Big Island. This charming town is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Hawaii’s natural beauty. Explore the tropical rainforests, discover waterfalls, and hike through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Unlike the more touristy parts of the islands, Hilo offers an authentic experience with cultural festivals, local markets, and scenic parks. It’s the ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, less-commercialized spring break.

7. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is an eclectic, artsy destination nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a thriving arts and music scene, this mountain town is a hidden gem for spring break. Stroll through streets adorned with murals, visit local galleries, or catch live performances in intimate venues. The craft beer scene is also a highlight, with numerous breweries offering locally brewed beers. Whether you’re hiking the nearby trails or enjoying the artistic culture, Asheville offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere that makes it a spring break must.

8. Long Beach, California

For a coastal destination with a vibrant yet relaxed vibe, look no further than Long Beach. This California city offers everything from whale watching to biking along the waterfront. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for kayaking or paddleboarding. Long Beach is also home to a creative community, with public art, murals, and live music events scattered throughout the city. Enjoy diverse dining options and visit the famous Aquarium of the Pacific before soaking up the sun on the beach. It’s Southern California without the chaos of bigger cities like Los Angeles.

9. Fort Myers, Florida

Located on the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers offers a blend of history, outdoor activities, and beach relaxation. The city’s historic landmarks, including the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, are a draw for history buffs. For those who prefer nature, Fort Myers is the gateway to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, which are famous for their wildlife refuges and pristine beaches. With a combination of cultural attractions and natural beauty, Fort Myers offers a peaceful yet engaging spring break experience.

10. Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana might not be the first place you think of for spring break, but this city offers a unique cultural experience just inland from the Pacific Ocean. Known for its vibrant arts scene, Santa Ana is home to murals, live music, and an array of creative events. The Bowers Museum is a must-see for art lovers, showcasing collections from around the world. The downtown area is bustling with trendy restaurants and unique shops, and with Newport Beach nearby, Santa Ana is a great base for exploring the best of both the city and the coast.

California joins Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, North Carolina, and more as the ultimate US spring break destinations for 2026, offering a perfect mix of beaches, mountains, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, these spots have it all.

No matter your preferences, 2026 has something for everyone when it comes to spring break destinations. Whether you’re after adventure in the mountains, relaxation on the beach, or cultural exploration in vibrant cities, these locations are all worth considering for your getaway. Get ready to enjoy a memorable and unique spring break!

Hundreds of passengers grounded in the USA today as 152 flight cancellations and delays hit Palm Beach Intl amid heavy snow and strong winds disrupting Northeast routes. Routes linked to New York City airports — LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark — along with Boston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia were among the hardest hit.
JetBlue (37 cancellations, 21 delays) led in total disruptions, followed by Delta Air Lines (10 cancellations, 21 delays), United Airlines (8 cancellations, 9 delays), Southwest Airlines (8 cancellations, 6 delays), and American Airlines (5 cancellations, 11 delays). Other carriers including Frontier Airlines (1 cancellation, 3 delays), Air Canada (4 delays), Allegiant Air (4 delays), Breeze Airways (2 delays), and Bahamasair (2 delays) also reported operational setbacks.

• Updated today: Blizzard warnings across the Northeast contributed to 69 cancellations and 83 delays at Palm Beach International.
• JetBlue recorded the highest cancellations among all carriers.
• Delta Air Lines matched JetBlue in total delays.
• New York City airports — LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark — saw repeated service interruptions.
• Boston and Atlanta routes experienced notable delays.
• The National Weather Service warned the storm could intensify beyond earlier projections.
• Up to 1–2 feet of snow and wind gusts reaching 70 mph were forecast.
• More than 35 million people were under storm impact alerts.

Airlines Most Affected by Flight Cancellations and Delays

JetBlue

JetBlue recorded the highest number of disruptions at Palm Beach International, with 37 cancellations and 21 delays. The airline’s strong presence on New York routes amplified the impact as blizzard conditions intensified across the Northeast.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines reported 10 cancellations and 21 delays, matching JetBlue in total delays. Several of its affected services were linked to key Northeast cities experiencing heavy snow and high winds.

United Airlines

United Airlines logged 8 cancellations and 9 delays, reflecting operational strain across its East Coast network as winter weather conditions worsened.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines experienced 8 cancellations and 6 delays, with multiple flights impacted amid storm-driven disruptions affecting major metropolitan airports.

American Airlines

American Airlines faced 5 cancellations and 11 delays, as services connecting Palm Beach with Northeast hubs encountered scheduling instability.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines reported 1 cancellation and 3 delays, reflecting more limited but still notable operational challenges during the severe weather event.

Additional delays were also recorded by Air Canada, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, and Bahamasair as conditions across the Northeast continued to disrupt scheduled operations.

What Can Affected US Passengers Do?

• Check airline apps and official websites frequently for schedule changes.
• Enroll in real-time flight alerts and text notifications.
• Contact airlines directly for rebooking options.
• Review refund eligibility policies.
• Allow extra travel time for airport security and boarding.
• Monitor weather updates from official sources before heading to the airport.

Overview Of USA Flight Cancellations

The disruption pattern reflects mounting pressure from a powerful winter storm targeting the Northeast of the USA. The National Weather Service warned of intensifying blizzard conditions, forecasting 1–2 feet of heavy, wet snow and wind gusts up to 70 mph, with potential coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.

Air traffic between West Palm Beach and major Northeast hubs faced repeated interruptions. Flights involving New York City’s LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark, along with Boston Logan and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, saw significant schedule instability. Services connecting to Philadelphia and other East Coast cities were also affected.

JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines accounted for the majority of cancellations and delays, reflecting their strong footprint in the Northeast corridor. With more than 35 million people under winter storm warnings, additional schedule adjustments remain possible as conditions evolve.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware

If you’ve grown used to the seamless experience of keeping your shoes on and breezing through airport security, you might want to brace yourself for a dose of “travel reality.” In a move that has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and frustrated millions of commuters, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially suspended expedited screening programs, including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Triggered by a partial government shutdown and a lapse in federal funding, this suspension marks a significant shift in how American airports operate. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or planning a long-awaited spring break getaway, here is everything you need to know about the current chaos at the gates.

Why the “Fast Lane” Is Closing

For years, programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have been the gold standard for efficient travel. By vetting travelers in advance, the government allowed low-risk passengers to use dedicated lanes, reducing friction for everyone. However, as of Sunday morning, those dedicated lanes are going dark.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the suspension is a strategic necessity. With funding frozen, the department is forced to redirect its limited personnel. Instead of managing specialized expedited lanes, staff are being reassigned to standard security checkpoints to handle the “broader traveling public.”

While previous government shutdowns often saw these programs remain active, this 2026 shutdown is different. The decision to halt expedited services suggests a more severe strain on federal resources than we have seen in the past.

A Perfect Storm: Weather, Spring Break, and Politics

The timing of this shutdown couldn’t be worse. The travel industry is currently grappling with a “triple threat” of disruptions:

1. Winter Weather Woes: A massive winter storm has already crippled flight schedules across the country, leading to thousands of cancellations and a massive backlog of passengers trying to get home.
2. The Spring Break Surge: We are on the cusp of the busiest travel season of the year. Millions of families and students are prepared to hit the skies, and the loss of expedited screening will likely create a bottleneck effect at major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and LAX.
3. The Funding Lapse: Without a budget, federal workers—including TSA agents and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers—are working without immediate pay. This naturally leads to increased call-outs and lower morale, further slowing down the lines.

Beyond the Airport: FEMA and National Security

The impact of the DHS shutdown extends far beyond the TSA line. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also announced a shift in priorities. Non-disaster operations are being paused so the agency can focus exclusively on active emergencies. This means that long-term recovery projects and disaster preparedness initiatives are sitting on the shelf until Washington reaches a deal.

The Human Cost: Outrage from All Sides

The suspension hasn’t gone unnoticed on Capitol Hill or in the private sector. Representative Bennie Thompson, a leading voice on the House Homeland Security Committee, has been vocal in his criticism. He argues that the move doesn’t just hurt travelers; it places an “unacceptable strain” on the federal workforce who are expected to perform high-stress jobs while their own financial stability is in limbo.

The U.S. Travel Association also weighed in, reminding lawmakers that travel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a massive engine for the American economy. When airports grind to a halt, so do business deals, tourism revenue, and consumer confidence.

How to Survive the Shutdown at the Airport

If you have a flight booked in the coming days or weeks, the old “arrive two hours early” rule is officially outdated. To navigate this shutdown with your sanity intact, consider the following:

• Arrive Significantly Earlier: For domestic flights, aim for at least 3 hours before departure. For international travel, 4 hours is the new safe bet.
• Check Your App Constantly: Use your airline’s mobile app to monitor gate changes and delay notifications in real-time.
• Be Prepared for Standard Security: Even if you are a PreCheck member, you will likely have to remove your laptop, liquids, and shoes. Pack your carry-on accordingly to avoid being the person who holds up the line.
• Be Kind to Agents: Remember that the TSA and CBP officers working the floor are likely doing so without a paycheck. A little patience and a “thank you” go a long way in a high-tension environment.

The Bottom Line

The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is a stark reminder of how quickly political gridlock in Washington can manifest in our daily lives. As of now, there is no set date for when these programs will return. They will remain in limbo until a funding agreement is signed and the DHS is fully operational once again.

Until then, travelers are encouraged to stay informed, stay patient, and—most importantly—give themselves plenty of extra time to reach their destination.

Thousands of travelers are facing major disruptions across the US as Southwest Airlines has suspended 335 flights and delayed over 500 others. This widespread chaos is affecting travelers in key cities like Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, Louisville, and Boston. Many passengers have found themselves stranded at airports, facing uncertainty and frustration as they wait for rescheduled flights or alternative travel arrangements. The massive flight cancellations have caused ripple effects, impacting not just those on the affected flights, but also many who are experiencing delays. With such a high number of flight suspensions and delays, the travel experience has become a nightmare for thousands, especially those with urgent commitments. Southwest Airlines is under pressure to manage the situation, but for now, travelers in these major cities are left grappling with long waits and limited options.

Affected Cities and Airports

The cities and airports impacted by the recent flight cancellations and delays include Tampa with Tampa International Airport (KTPA), Fort Lauderdale with Fort Lauderdale International Airport (KFLL), San Juan with Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), Louisville with Muhammad Ali International Airport (KSDF), and Boston with Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS). Additionally, Indianapolis with Indianapolis International Airport (KIND), Detroit with Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (KDTW), Cleveland with Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (KCLE), Columbus with John Glenn Columbus International Airport (KCMH), Miami with Miami International Airport (KMIA), Rochester with Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International Airport (KROC), Sarasota/Bradenton with Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), and Raleigh-Durham with Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU) are all involved in the disruptions. These cities and airports have experienced significant impacts due to the flight issues.

Flight Cancellations

Overview of Flight Cancellations

The flight cancellations affecting Southwest Airlines have caused significant disruption across multiple US cities. A total of 335 flights have been suspended, impacting travelers from various origins and destinations. Some of the key cancellations include flights from Tampa International Airport (KTPA) to Baltimore/Washington International (KBWI), from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (KFLL) to Baltimore/Washington International, and from Indianapolis International Airport (KIND) to Baltimore/Washington International. Additional major routes such as San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) to Baltimore/Washington International and Detroit Metro Wayne County (KDTW) to Baltimore/Washington International were also grounded. Cancellations extended to other cities like Louisville, Cleveland, Boston, and Columbus, with various flights suspended, resulting in widespread confusion and frustration among passengers. These cancellations are part of a larger pattern affecting multiple US airports, severely disrupting travel schedules.

The Southwest Airlines flight disruptions, with 335 cancellations and over 500 delays, have left thousands of travelers stranded across major US cities. The impact has been particularly severe for passengers flying from Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, Louisville, and Boston, with many facing uncertain travel plans and long delays. As Southwest Airlines works to resolve the situation, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and explore alternate travel arrangements. The ongoing disruptions highlight the challenges airlines face in maintaining schedules during unexpected operational issues.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports

The world of luxury cruising is going through a subtle yet profound shift. With the rise of smaller, more specialized ships and the entry of well-known hotel brands into the cruising market, affluent travelers are no longer focused on which cruise line is considered the best. Instead, they are searching for one that fits their unique lifestyle, values, and preferences. This change is reshaping the luxury cruise industry, as passengers seek experiences that align with their personal tastes, from design aesthetics to wellness-focused itineraries.

The Shift from Hierarchy to Compatibility

Luxury cruises used to be about the status and hierarchy of the cruise line, with travelers often choosing based on reputation and star ratings. However, the modern approach is much more personal. Teresa Tennant, Senior Vice President of Cruise Specialists, an award-winning luxury travel agency, explains that today’s travelers are looking for compatibility, not just luxury. It’s no longer about which cruise line holds the highest reputation but rather which one offers the perfect match for their specific travel preferences.

The Rise of Non-Traditional Cruise Experiences

A major factor behind this transformation is the growing demand for non-traditional cruise experiences. Luxury travelers, in particular, are showing a strong interest in niche cruise options, such as yacht cruising and expedition voyages. According to research by Internova Travel Group, more than 80% of luxury and ultra-luxury travelers express interest in luxury yacht cruises, a stark contrast to just 34% of the general travel population. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of luxury travelers are eager to explore expedition cruises, a category that was once considered a small niche.

These new types of cruises offer more than just luxurious accommodations. They focus on specialized experiences, such as wellness retreats, adventure-based exploration, and personalized design aesthetics. Smaller ships with fewer passengers allow for higher staff-to-guest ratios, ensuring a more intimate and tailored experience for each traveler.

Personalized Travel: The Key to a Perfect Cruise

As the cruise market becomes increasingly fragmented, the need for personalized guidance grows. With more cruise options than ever before, travelers are turning to expert advisors to help them navigate the complex and diverse world of luxury cruising. In fact, Internova’s research reveals that 63% of luxury travelers plan to use a travel advisor in 2026 to ensure they choose the best match for their needs.

Instead of relying on traditional star ratings or price tiers, advisors are now utilizing personality-based frameworks to match travelers with cruises. For example, those who appreciate timeless service and tradition might prefer a legacy cruise line, while design-conscious travelers may be drawn to sleek, hotel-branded yachts. For those with wellness goals, ships offering yoga, meditation, and integrative health programs are particularly appealing. Meanwhile, adventure seekers may prefer expedition vessels that combine exploration with luxury comforts.

The Misconception of “Cruising” as One-Size-Fits-All

One of the common misconceptions about cruising is that all cruises offer the same experience. However, in reality, the luxury cruise industry has evolved into a multitude of distinct options. Travelers who say they don’t enjoy cruises are often simply mismatched with the wrong type of voyage. The key to enjoying a cruise lies in finding the right match for one’s preferences.

Cruise Specialists works with clients to help them identify the best ship, itinerary, and cruise style, ensuring they don’t fall into the trap of an “expensive blind date” with a cruise that doesn’t meet their needs. The right cruise experience can make a world of difference, turning a standard vacation into a personalized adventure.

The Role of Travel Advisors in Today’s Luxury Cruise Market

With so many options now available, expert travel advisors play a crucial role in guiding luxury travelers. Rather than relying on broad recommendations, advisors take the time to understand each traveler’s specific preferences. This personalized approach helps ensure that the traveler embarks on a cruise that aligns with their lifestyle, from destination choices to onboard amenities.

Luxury travel advisors are becoming experts in identifying which cruise line fits the client’s values, whether that means prioritizing health and wellness, environmental sustainability, or exclusive destinations. For many travelers, this personalized approach is the key to crafting an unforgettable cruise experience.

A New Era of Personalized Luxury Cruising

Luxury cruising has moved beyond its traditional roots, offering travelers a much more personalized and nuanced experience. As the industry continues to diversify with specialized ships and experiences, the need for expert guidance has become more essential than ever. No longer are travelers merely looking for the best cruise line, they are looking for the one that best suits their individual needs, desires, and lifestyle. By working with a travel advisor, luxury cruisers can avoid costly mistakes and find a cruise that feels as though it was designed just for them.

Uttarakhand is set to welcome adventurers, artists, performers, and families to one of its most anticipated events in 2026—the Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival (HO₂-TTLF). Held from 6th to 9th March 2026 at the picturesque Tehri Lake, this four-day celebration promises to be a fusion of adventure, culture, music, and local heritage. Billed as a festival where “freedom meets the mountains”, it’s an exciting opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience the vibrant energy of mountain life in one of India’s most stunning landscapes.

Organised by the district administration of Tehri Garhwal in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), the festival is set to transform the Tehri Lake and its surrounding locations into a vibrant hub of activities. From trekking routes and adventure sports to music performances and art competitions, the festival will showcase the diverse beauty of the Himalayan foothills.

A Festival for All: Adventure, Culture, and Creativity in the Himalayas

The Himalayan O₂ Festival invites a diverse audience—from students and trekkers to families and cultural enthusiasts—to celebrate the spirit of freedom in the mountains. Mrs. Nitika Khandelwal (IAS), District Magistrate of Tehri Garhwal, highlighted that this year’s festival won’t be limited to Tehri Lake alone. “Activities will also take place at the district’s most famous tourist destinations, so that popular spots can become focal points of tourism activity,” she said. This extended celebration is designed to highlight Tehri Garhwal’s natural and cultural wealth, creating opportunities for local businesses and tourism infrastructure to thrive.

The festival’s tagline, “Breathe the Himalayas”, perfectly captures the essence of the event, which seeks to immerse visitors in the natural beauty, adventurous spirit, and cultural richness of the region. Local youth will be trained as guides to lead trekkers on eight specially designed trekking routes, enabling visitors to explore the breathtaking landscapes while supporting sustainable tourism in the region.

Exciting Competitions and Performances

One of the main attractions of the Himalayan O₂ Festival is the diverse range of competitions and performances, designed to bring out the best of both local talent and international participants. These include:

• Photography Competition: Participants will have the chance to capture the essence of Tehri—from its majestic landscapes to its vibrant local culture. Entries will be submitted via a photo geo-tagging system on the festival’s official website.
• Master Chef Tehri: A culinary showcase celebrating the unique flavours of the Himalayas, inviting both seasoned chefs and passionate amateurs to demonstrate their skills in regional cooking.
• Painting Contest: Artists will be invited to paint the beauty and stories of the Himalayan region, with works displayed at the Bauradi Stadium.
• River Rafting Competition: Held on the serene Tehri area in Muni ki Reti, this water adventure competition will attract participants from across the region.
• Fashion Shows & Pageants: With the Mr & Miss Tehri pageant and traditional attire showcases, the festival will also celebrate the region’s unique styles and traditions.
• Rap & Music Battles: These dynamic stages will give rising performers a chance to showcase their skills, with music filling the air and keeping the energy high.
• Adventure Sports: Competitions will include trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and a kite festival—offering a range of exhilarating experiences for those seeking adventure.
• Cultural & Awareness Programs: As part of the festival’s commitment to environmental conservation, attendees will be invited to participate in programs under the “Save Ganga” theme, alongside heritage showcases and devotional events like the Ganga Aarti.
• Live Music & Performances: Local and emerging artists will take to the stage throughout the festival, adding a dynamic soundtrack to the breathtaking mountain experience.

A Platform for Local Talent and Growth

The Himalayan O₂ Festival is not just a celebration of the region’s natural beauty—it is also an important platform for showcasing local talent and supporting the growth of Tehri Garhwal’s tourism. By partnering with over 100 hotels across the district, the festival aims to boost the local economy by providing accommodation and dedicated rooms for tourists and participants during the event.

The festival will not only spotlight the talent of local youth but also create opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and residents, with an emphasis on preserving and promoting the region’s unique heritage.

Prizes and Recognition

The festival will offer exciting cash prizes and special experiences for the top performers across various competitions. Winners in categories like photography, painting, and adventure sports will receive cash awards of up to ₹1,00,000, along with guided tours of the iconic Tehri Dam, commemorative certificates, and festival honours. This recognition serves to inspire participants and celebrate the diversity of talent that exists within and outside the region.

The iPhone 17e is just around the corner and as is the norm rumors gave us a pretty good idea of what to expect. The company is gearing up to launch several devices on March 4 (or shortly before that), the most exciting of which is the iPhone 16e successor - the iPhone 17e. The 17e promises a handful of notable upgrades over its predecessor. Perhaps the most obvious one will be the Dynamic Island. The full-fledged notch will be replaced by a Dynamic Island cutout along with the accompanying software features. The display itself will remain the same - 6.1" running at 60Hz. The...

Vinicius Jr. has cemented his place among the best Real Madrid players in recent years, contributing significantly to the club’s last two UEFA Champions League titles and multiple other trophies. However, uncertainty surrounded the Brazilian’s future as his contract renewal appeared stalled. Following Álvaro Arbeloa’s appointment and the team’s improved form, Los Blancos have reportedly made significant strides in extending Vinicius‘ contract.

According to Toni Munar in Diario Sport, the situation of Vinicius has reportedly improved significantly with Xabi Alonso’s departure. As a result, the Brazilian and his representatives are said to be moving closer to an agreement with Real Madrid, keeping his renewal until 2030 with one additional within reach. Under the new terms, he would secure his long-awaited salary increase, including fairly attainable bonuses, but it would still not match Kylian Mbappe.

Not only would the Brazilian establish himself as one of the highest-paid players at Real Madrid, but he would also regain his status as the undisputed leader of the dressing room. In addition, Álvaro Arbeloa has managed to restore his best version, granting him greater attacking freedom while reducing his defensive workload — a key factor in his resurgence. With this in mind, Vinicius Junior would move further away from a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia.

With Vinicius Jr’s renewal now more advanced, Real Madrid could part ways with an attacking star: Rodrygo Goes. Although they do not play in the same position, Vini’s potential departure would have opened the door to his continuity. Now, with his stay closer than ever, the 25-year-old winger could be transferred, as he has lost significant prominence. Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Díaz appear to fit the team’s current idea better.

Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe still struggle as attacking duo

Both Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé have managed to establish themselves as Real Madrid’s best players. However, they are still struggling to shine together on the pitch. Although the Frenchman remains one of the world’s top scorers, the Brazilian’s resurgence in recent matches has somewhat limited him, leaving him on a three-game scoreless run. In addition, coach Arbeloa has not been able to get both players to perform at their best at the same time.

While Mbappé is shining in terms of goalscoring, he still has not fully impressed as a center forward, constantly clashing with the Brazilian. In light of this, fans are beginning to question whether the two are truly compatible on the pitch, since statistically they are performing very well, yet they do not seem to fully understand each other. Nevertheless, it is Álvaro Arbeloa’s responsibility to make them fit within the attack, something that remains unresolved.

Lionel Messi was at the center of controversy after the 2026 Major League Soccer opener against LAFC, where the star was seen in a heated exchange with referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere in a stadium hallway. Now the Inter Miami CF captain has avoided suspension following a league review.

After the 3-0 defeat to LAFC, Messi appeared frustrated with the referee’s performance over several off-the-ball incidents that went unpenalized. Following the match, a video showed Messi walking through a doorway near the officials while teammate Luis Suarez tried to guide him back toward the locker room.

The day after the match, ESPN reported that Chris Rivett, communications director for the Professional Referee Organization, confirmed Messi never entered the officials’ locker room: “After speaking with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises.“

Matt Miazga was the most recent player disciplined for entering a referees’ restricted area without authorization, an incident that initially drew a three-game suspension before it was reduced to one. In this case, the door Messi went through was not the referees’ locker room and was not considered a restricted space.

In fact, the officials’ locker room was located up a staircase and had its own marked entrance with signage restricting access. With any doubt about a rules violation resolved, the matter will not be referred to the MLS Disciplinary Committee, meaning Messi will not face a suspension.

Messi and a heated confrontation after the game

During the postgame press conference, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was asked whether Messi had shown dissatisfaction with the officiating. “No, no, I didn’t see anything. Honestly, the match ended and then I went to the locker room,” Mascherano said.

However, while heading down the tunnel, Messi was filmed by Pase Filtrado confronting Lauziere and members of the officiating crew. “You have to show respect, and it’s not the first time. Fans can say stupid things, but you can’t…,” he was heard saying during the exchange.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

After a disappointing MLS opener against LAFC, Inter Miami will travel to Puerto Rico for Thursday’s match against Independiente del Valle. The game had originally been scheduled for Friday, February 13, but a muscle issue Messi picked up against Barcelona SC prompted both clubs to agree to a new date.

The Herons return to league play Sunday when they face Orlando City FC in the Florida derby on March 1. With Messi cleared of any suspension, the Fort Lauderdale side will look to rebound from the performance it showed against LAFC.

Unlike in previous seasons, Rafael Leao has firmly established himself as one of the team’s standout players. Since Massimiliano Allegri arrived, the Portuguese forward has emerged as a top scorer and one of the best forwards on the team. However, his future with the Rossoneri remains uncertain, as he has attracted interest from a Premier League club. In fact, AC Milan are reportedly already in talks for his transfer.

According to Steve Kay at FootballTransfers, AC Milan have opened initial talks with Arsenal over Rafael Leao. While they continue to view the Portuguese star as their cornerstone, the Rossoneri would not be closed to his departure if a €75 million offer arrives. Under contract until 2028, they could look favorably upon a sale, especially as the player has always made clear his desire to play in the Premier League, which would give Mikel Arteta a significant advantage.

Leao has been a target for the Gunners for several years, consistently linked with a move. Adapted to a two-striker system, he could welcome a switch to Arsenal, where he would be undisputed on the left wing, reclaiming his best position. Additionally, the Portuguese forward has significantly improved his scoring output, becoming one of AC Milan’s top scorers. For this reason, his arrival at the English side could be meaningful for his career.

Not only Arsenal are monitoring his potential arrival, but Manchester United are also in the race, and with two major Premier League sides interested, the Rossoneri may have no issue receiving the €75 million — potentially even driving the price higher. With his departure, AC Milan could finance their rebuild by targeting a world-class striker, something more suitable to the system of Massimiliano Allegri.

AC Milan reportedly chase a contract renewal for Leao

Following the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri, a difficult future was expected for Rafael Leao. Throughout his managerial career, the coach has rarely relied on a system built around wingers, which led Rossoneri supporters to believe the Portuguese star was destined to leave. However, he has surprised many by not only adapting, but elevating his level. Amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, AC Milan are reportedly looking to extend his contract.

According to Andrea Sereni, the Rossoneri are presently negotiating a contract renewal with Rafael Leao. With several teams expected to express interest in the summer of 2026, AC Milan aim to secure a longer agreement, as the current contract expires in 2028. Despite this, they remain open to selling him, but only for a strong offer, which becomes challenging if he has a shorter contract.

Former world champion Tim Bradley has weighed in on a fight between Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia after both starred in dominant world title wins. Stevenson moved up to super-lightweight to dethrone Teofimo Lopez, becoming a four-weight world champion in the process. Lopez barely won a round on the scorecards, and the same fate befell […]

The post Tim Bradley sees only one winner in Ryan Garcia vs Shakur Stevenson: “I’m here to tell you” appeared first on Boxing News.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasında Beşiktaş'a 4-0 yenilen Göztepe'de teknik direktör Stanimir Stoilov, basit hatalar sonucu farklı yenildiklerini söyledi.

Maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında konuşan Stoilov, "Beşiktaş'ı tebrik ediyorum. Yediğimiz gollerde basit hatalar yaptık ve maalesef böyle kötü bir sonuçla ayrılmış oluyoruz. Dinamizm, taktik anlamında iyiydik ama bu basit hatalar rakibe avantaj sağladı. Beşiktaş ara dönemde önemli transferler yaptı. İyi ve kaliteli oyuncuları var. Böyle bir takıma karşı her hata pahalıya patlıyor. Beşiktaş'a karşı uzun süre kaybetmemiştik. Bugün aldığımız sonuçtan dolayı çok üzgünüz. Basit hatalar rakibe büyük avantaj sağladı. Ben de böyle bir skordan mutsuzum. Basit hatalar yaptık. Rakibimiz de bunları güçlü bir şekilde değerlendirdi. Bir an önce galip gelmeye başlamamız gerekiyor." diye konuştu.

Hücum hattında görev alan oyuncuların sakatlıklar yaşadığını aktaran tecrübeli teknik adam, bu durumun performanslarını etkilediğini dile getirdi.

Göztepe'nin toparlanacağını vurgulayan Stoilov, şunları kaydetti:

"Puan anlamında geçen haftaya kadar sezonun başındakiyle aynı puanı toplamıştık. Kompakt ve organize oyun oynuyoruz. Normalde bugünkü basit hataları yapmıyoruz. Birçok oyuncumuzun sakatlığı oldu. Tam takım halinde istediğimiz idmanları yapamadık. Onların da dönmesiyle tekrar performansımıza dönüp problemleri düzelteceğimizi düşünüyorum. Her takımın zor anları oluyor. Sezon başında kimse Göztepe'nin bu pozisyonda olacağını düşünmüyordu. Mücadeleci ve agresif oyun tarzımız var, tekrar oraya döneceğiz. Bugünkü hataları tekrarlamamamız gerekiyor. Göztepe ailesi olarak çok çalışarak eski halimize geri döneceğiz."

Süper Lig ekibi Galatasaray'ın Uruguaylı oyuncusu Lucas Torreira, sosyal medya hesabından bir paylaşım yaptı.

Galatasaray'ın orta saha oyuncusu Lucas Torreira, sosyal medya hesabından bir paylaşımda bulundu.

Uruguaylı futbolcu, paylaşımında, "Yenilgi, başarıya giden yolun bir parçasıdır. Sizi tanımlayan şey bir aksilik değil, nasıl ayağa kalktığınızdır. Sarsılmaz desteğiniz için teşekkürler! İstediğimiz sonucu elde edemediğimizi biliyoruz, ancak tutkunuz ve cesaretlendirmeniz bize devam etme gücü veriyor. Daha güçlü döneceğiz!" ifadelerini kullandı.

Torreira'nın bu paylaşımı, sosyal medyada gündem oldu.

TORREIRA PERFORMANSI

Galatasaray forması altında bu sezon 33 maçta süre bulan Lucas Torreira, 2 gol attı ve 3 asist yaptı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasında sahasında Göztepe'yi 4-0 yenen Beşiktaş'ta golcü oyuncu Hyeon-gyu Oh, kendisini siyah-beyazlı takımda evinde gibi hissettiğini söyledi.

Tüpraş Stadı'ndaki maçın ardından Güney Koreli santrfor, basın mensuplarının sorularını yanıtladı.

Siyah-beyazlı takımdaki başlangıcını "hayal gibi" nitelendiren 24 yaşındaki futbolcu, "Beşiktaş'a gelmeden önce her maç gol atacağımı hayal ediyordum. Şu ana kadar bunu başardım. Burada sahaya çıktığımda hem evimde hem de Kore'de gibi hissediyorum. Buradaki atmosferle birlikte beni sahiplenmeleri kendimi çok iyi hissettiriyor. Aslında bu sabah da dahil olmak üzere sanki son maçımmış gibi bunu düşünerek sahaya çıkıyorum. Bunun da etkisi gollerimde kendisini gösteriyor." ifadelerini kullandı.

Göztepe karşısında siyah-beyazlı formayla 3. golünü atan Oh, sosyal medya platformlarında siyah-beyazlı taraftarların kendisini çizgi karakter "Kaptan Tsubasa"ya benzetmeleriyle ilgili "Kendimi Tsubasa ile nasıl karşılaştırayım, tabii ki o bir çizgi karakter. Ben de isterim her maçta röveşata olsun fantastik goller atayım. Bugüne kadar böyle oldu, umarım böyle de devam eder. Kendimi Tsubasa ile karşılaştıramam." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Kendisini desteklemek için Tüpraş Stadı'na gelen Güney Koreli taraftarlara dair de Oh, "Öncelikle bu kadar yolu geldikleri için kendilerine teşekkür ediyorum. Bu, benim için bazen baskı unsuru da oluşturabiliyor. Sonuç olarak iki maçın ardından üçüncü maçta da gol katkısı sağlamak istedim. Kendimi bu konuda iyi hazırladım. Sonuç güzel oldu." diye konuştu.

Üçüncü golün ardından sahada kalmak istediğini teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın'a ilettiğini açıklayan genç golcü, "'Hoca beni oyunda tutabiliyorsa biraz daha tutsun. Gol atacağımı hissediyorum, gol atmak istiyorum.' dedim. Tuğkan Keçecioğlu (Futbol A Takım ve Nevzat Demir Tesisi Koordinatörü) bunu hocaya iletti. Sonra da gol attım." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasındaki Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük ile deplasmanda 0-0 berabere kalan Samsunspor'un teknik direktör Thorsten Fink, kendi oyun stilini gösterebilmesi için 2 transfer dönemine ihtiyaç olduğunu söyledi.

Thorsten Fink, müsabakanın ardından Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı'nda basın mensuplarına açıklamalarda bulundu.

Oyunculardan bu maç için daha fazlasını beklediğini aktaran Fink, "Daha hızlı bir şekilde öne oynamamız gerekiyordu. Kısa süredir buradayız. Oyunun kontrolü bizdeydi ama paslarımız iyi değildi. İstediğimiz kadar pozisyon üretemedik. Kalemizi gole kapatmamız önemliydi. Çok fazla çalışmamız gerekiyor. Rakibe pozisyonlar verdik. Mutlu değiliz. Perşembe günü Shkendija ile oynayacağımız UEFA Konferans Ligi maçı çok önemli. Video analizi yapmamız lazım. Bazı oyuncularımız geri dönecek. Olivier Ntcham ile eşinin çocuğu oldu. O yüzden burada değildi. Aile her şeyden önce gelir. Gelecekte oyuncularımdan daha fazlasını bekliyorum. Defans arkasına yapacağımız koşularla daha fazla pozisyona girmemiz gerekiyor. Bu takım, daha fazlasını yapabilir. " diye konuştu.

Kaleci Okan Kocuk'un çok performans gösterdiğini dile getiren Alman teknik adam, "Takım halinde daha iyi olmamız gerekiyordu. Daha cesur olmalıydık. Topu kaybetmekten korkutğumuz için sıkıntılar yaşadık. Shkendija maçında daha iyi pozisyonlara girmiştik. Bugün oynama şeklimizden mutlu değilim. Biraz zamana ihtiyacım var. Oyun şeklini anlamak için zaman ihtiyacım var. Ön tarafa oynarken daha cesur olmalıyız. Defans arkasına koşu yapmalıyız. Sadece yan pas yapmamalıyız. Daha seri oynamalıyız." değerlendirmesini yaptı.

Takımda kötü hava sezmediğini vurgulayan Fink, "6 gündür buradayız. Takımdan pozitif bir ruh hali seziyorum. Negatif bir hava yok. Takımımın iyi bir karakteri var. Pozitif bir ortam var." dedi.

"Oyuncuları tanımam lazım"

Yazın transferler yapacaklarını aktaran tecrübeli teknik adam, "Benim oyun stilimi göstermem için iki transfer dönemine ihtiyacımız olacak. Elimizdeki oyuncularla da daha iyisini yapabiliriz. Oyuncuların kapasitelerini anlayabilmemiz için zaman ihtiyacımız var. Oyuncuları tanımam lazım. Bu takımın lideri benim ama daha 6 gündür buradayız. Net bir şey söylemem zor. Daha iyisini yapabiliriz." ifadelerini kullandı.

Marius Mouandilmadji yerine ön tarafta Cherif Ndiaye'ye görev vermesinin sebebini açıklayan Fink, "Kimin daha iyi olduğunu öğrenmem için zamana ihtiyacımız var. Mouandilmadji, daha uzun süredir burada ve kendisi kaliteli bir forvet. Cherif Ndiaye de kaliteli bir forvet. Mouandilmadji, daha fazla gol attı. Son maçta da yedekten gelip, gol attı. Kendisi güçlü ve ileride top tutuyor. Cherif Ndiaye de teknik bir oyuncu. Forvetlerimizin gol atması için daha fazla orta açılması ve daha fazla pas atılması lazım." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasında sahasında Samsunspor ile 0-0 berabere kalan Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük'te teknik direktör Aleksandar Stanojevic, maçta galibiyeti kaçırdıkları için üzgün olduklarını söyledi.

Aleksandar Stanojevic, müsabakanın ardından Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı'nda basın mensuplarına açıklamalarda bulundu.

Sonuçtan dolayı hayal kırıklığı yaşadıklarını aktaran Stanojevic, "Bugün 2 puan kaybettik. Çok fazla şans yakaladık. Bu fırsatları değerlendiremedik. Rakibimizin nerdeyse fırsatı yok. Mutlu değiliz. Savaşmaya devam edeceğiz. Pes etmeyeceğiz." diye konuştu.

Serginho'yu yedeğe çekmesine de değinen Stanojevic, "Kasımpaşa maçındaki performanslardan memnun değildim. Bu yüzden bazı değişikliklere gittim. Bu maçta Verde'ye süre verdik. İyi iş çıkardı. Belki haftaya Serginho ile beraber oynarlar. Bu biraz antrenmanların sonuçlarına bağlı." ifadelerini kullandı.

Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın, 4-0 kazandıkları Göztepe maçının ardından görüşlerini aktardı.

Beşiktaş, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasında Göztepe'yi ağırladı. Beşiktaş baştan sona üstün götürdüğü maçı 4-0 kazandı ve ligde 4. sıraya yükseldi.

Maçın ardından Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın farklı galibiyeti değerlendirdi.

Sergen Yalçın'ın açıklamaları şu şekilde:

“Maçtan önce de söyledim. Bilal bizim için çok önemli oyuncu. Sakatlığı bizi çok etkileyecek diye düşünüyorduk. Hafta içi başka bir formata çalıştık; iki ön liberolu, Junior'un farklı mevkide olduğu. Göztepe çok iyi takım, temaslı oynayan mücadele eden bir takım."

"Sezon başından beri sıkıntılı süreçler yaşıyoruz ama yavaş yavaş düzeliyoruz. Takımın oyuna arzusu, sahadaki mücadeleleri, plana sadık olmaları… İşler yavaş yavaş düzeliyor bizim adımıza. Taraftarlarımız da maç sonuna kadar oyuncuların arkasındaydı. Yavaş yavaş camia birleşiyor. İşler düzeliyor. Bu da bizi mutlu ediyor.”

"SERKAN REÇBER'İN BAŞARISINI GÖZ ARDI ETMEMEK LAZIM"

"Çok net bir şekilde bu dönemimdeki en iyi galibiyet olduğunu söyleyebiliriz. Sezonun bence en iyisiydi bugün. Oyuncularıma ayrıca teşekkür ederim. Hep tartışılıyoruz ama bu işlerde Serkan Reçber'in başarısını göz ardı etmemek lazım. Serkan Reçber ne iş yapıyor diyorlar, bu işi yapıyor. Oyuncu seçiminde beraber hareket ediyoruz, tabii ki son kararı ben veriyorum."

"Bilgisi birikimi çok değerli. Camiamıza söylüyorum bunu. Negatif algılar oluyor, olmasın! Hepimiz Beşiktaş için buradayız, kendi şahsi zevklerimiz için burada değiliz. Hedefimiz Beşiktaş'ın başarısı ve bunun için çalışıyoruz."

Bu gün futbol üzrə İtaliya çempionatında (A Seriyası) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, üçüncü oyun günündə dörd qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Napoli” səfərdə “Atalanta”ya, “Milan” isə evdə “Parma”ya məğlub olub. “Cenoa” “Torino”nu, “Roma” da “Kremoneze”ni 3 cavabsız qolla məğlub edib.

26-cı turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 23-də keçiriləcək.

İtaliya, A Seriyası
26-cı tur
20 fevral

Sassuolo – Verona 3:0
Qollar: Pinamonti, 40. Berardi, 44; 62.

21 fevral

Yuventus – Komo 0:2
Qollar: Voyvoda, 11. Kakre, 61.

Leççe – İnter 0:2
Qollar: Mxitaryan, 75. Akanji, 82.

Kalyari – Latsio 0:0

22 fevral

Cenoa – Torino 3:0
Qollar: Norton-Kaffi, 22. Ekuban, 40. Messias, 83.

Atalanta – Napoli 2:1
Qollar: Samardziç, 81 – Beukema, 18.

Milan – Parma 0:1
Qol: Troilo, 80.

Roma – Kremoneze 3:0
Qollar: Kristante, 59. Ndika, 77. Pisilli, 86.

23 fevral

21:30. Fiorentina – Piza
23:45. Bolonya – Udineze

Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 23-cü turunun oyunlarına yekun vurulub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə 3 qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Frayburq” doğma meydanda Mönhenqladbax “Borussiya”sına, “Sankt Pauli” isə “Verder”ə qalib gəlib. Altı qolun qeydə alındığı “Haydenhaym” – “Ştutqart” görüşündə isə qalib müəyyənləşməyib.

Beləliklə, mövsümün geridə qalmış 23 turundan sonra 60 xala malik “Bayern” vahid liderdir. Dortmund “Borussiya”sı 52 xalla ikinci, “Hoffenhaym” 46 xalla üçüncü pillədə qərarlaşıb. “Ştutqart” 43, “Leypsiq” 31, “Bayer” 39 xal toplayıb.

Almaniya, Bundesliqa
23-cü tur
20 fevral

Maynts – Hamburq 1:1
Qollar: Amiri, 42 – Vyeyra, 64.

21 fevral

Bayern – Ayntraxt 3:2
Qollar: Pavloviç, 16. Keyn, 20; 68 – Burkardt, 77-pen.

Köln – Hoffenhaym 2:2
Qollar: Açe, 15. El-Mala, 63 – O.Kabak, 45. Kramariç, 60.

Union Berlin – Bayer 1:0
Qol: Xedira, 28.

Volfsburq – Auqsburq 2:3
Qollar: Gerhardt, 41. Şioqal, 71 – Ribeyro, 59. Qreqoriç, 87-pen. Rexbeçay, 90+3.

Leypsiq – Borussiya (Dortmund) 2:2
Qollar: Baumqartner, 20; 39 – R.Kardozo, 50-öz qapısına. F.Silva, 90+5.

22 fevral

Frayburq – Borussiya (Mönhenqladbax) 2:1
Qollar: Ginter, 38. Matanoviç, 74 – Tabakoviç, 85.

Sankt Pauli – Verder 2:1
Qollar: Vahi, 55. Fujita, 70 – Miloşeviç, 62.

Haydenhaym – Ştutqart 3:3
Qollar: E.Dinkci, 20. İbrahimoviç, 34-pen. Konte, 82 – Fuhrix, 5. Mittelştadt, 45-pen. Undav, 88.

Cənubi Azərbaycanın ən məşhur futbol komandası olan “Traktor” İran çempionatının 2025/2026 mövsümündə növbəti matçına çıxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Təbriz klubu 22-ci tur çərçivəsində “Malavan”la qarşılaşıb.

Sözügedən komanda bu rəqiblə səfərdə üz-üzə gəlib. “Traktorçular” bu oyundan 1:1 hesablı heç-heçə ilə ayrılıblar. Təbrizlilərin yeganə qolunu 87-ci dəqiqədə Danial Esmaeilifar vurub.

“Traktor” cari mövsümdə qazandığı 36 xalla 16 iştirakçı arasında 2-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Komanda keçirdiyi 21 oyunda 9 qələbə qazanıb, 9 heç-heçə edib, 3 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.

Qeyd edək ki, ötən mövsümü tarixində ilk dəfə İran çempionu kimi başa vurmuş Cənubi Azərbaycan təmsilçisi növbəti turda “Gol Gohar”la qarşılaşacaq. Bu oyun fevralın 26-da evdə baş tutacaq.

The race for Champions League football in Serie A has never looked tighter, and a dramatic weekend of results has only intensified the battle with 12 matchdays still to play.

Inter aside, Cristian Chivu’s side sit ten points clear at the top with 64 points and look certainties to finish in the top four, the remaining three Champions League places are genuinely up for grabs.

And with Italy’s disappointing UEFA coefficient performance this season ruling out any prospect of a fifth UCL spot, the stakes could not be higher.

Busy Serie A weekend shuffles Champions League-chasing pack

Milan’s defeat to Parma on Sunday leaves them second on 54 points, but the chasing pack are closing fast.

Napoli’s loss at Atalanta means Antonio Conte’s side drop to third on 50 points, level with Roma in fourth following their 3-0 victory this weekend.

Juventus, beaten in their last two, sit fifth on 46 points, while Como and Atalanta are right behind them on 45.

The most striking statistic from the current table is the gap between third-placed Napoli and seventh-placed Atalanta, just five points.

In practical terms, that means Raffaele Palladino’s side, who have been the form team in Serie A since November, are very much in contention despite sitting outside the top four.

Between Milan in second and Atalanta in seventh, there are only nine points separating six clubs.

With fixtures between the top sides still to come and form shifting week by week, no club can consider their place in next season’s Champions League remotely secure. The next few weeks could prove decisive.

Bryan Cristante scored one and assisted another for Evan N’Dicka on corners, as Roma defeated Cremonese 3-0 to catch Napoli in third place.

The Giallorossi were eager to get back on track after twice fumbling a lead for the 2-2 draw at Napoli. Their injury crisis intensified, as Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy missed out, but Manu Koné returned. Mario Hermoso pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Daniele Ghilardi. Cremonese had just four draws and seven defeats since their last win on December 7, scoring one goal in six rounds. Federico Baschirotto, Michele Collocolo, Romano Floriani Mussolini and Faris Moumbagna didn’t make the trip.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Sebastiano Luperto risked an own goal when his defensive header on a Bryan Zaragoza cross skimmed the far post, then on the resulting corner Koné saw his effort charged down by teammate Ghilardi.

Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free kick sailed over the bar, but Roma were unlucky on 35 minutes when Gianluca Mancini nodded a Zaragoza cross onto the bar, with Pellegrini’s acrobatic follow-up also denied by Giuseppe Pezzella.

Gian Piero Gasperini moved his team to a 4-2-3-1 formation after the restart, while Cremonese lost Martin Payero to a knee injury.

Emil Audero used his legs to deny Malen from a tricky angle, another of the Dutchman’s attempts charged down by Luperto.

Roma finally broke through on the hour mark when Pellegrini’s corner found Bryan Cristante for a glancing header that grazed the inside of the near post to give Audero no chance.

They started pouring forward, as Evan N’Dicka turned a header wide, then forced a low save from Audero, while Zeki Celik rolled across the face of goal just beyond Malen for what would’ve been a tap-in.

Malen cut inside and his shot took a deflection off Luperto to flash just over the bar, but Roma doubled their lead from another corner. This time, Cristante flicked on the Neil El Aynaoui corner with his heel, finding N’Dicka relatively undisturbed to sweep in from six yards.

N’Dicka threatened a third, nodding the El Aynaoui free kick over the bar, while Mile Svilar stepped up the only time he was called into action, rushing off his line to deny Jamie Vardy one-on-one after the offside trap failed.

Morten Thorsby was also wasteful, his diving header turning the Filippo Terracciano cross over from 12 yards.

Instead, Roma added their third when two defenders blocked off Malen inside the area, the loose ball rolling into the path of Niccolò Pisilli to sweep into the far bottom corner.

Venturino was close to a fourth, his left-foot curler shaving a coat of paint off the far top corner after cutting inside from the right.

Roma 3-0 Cremonese

Cristante 59 (R), N’Dicka 77 (R), Pisilli 86 (R)

22-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 26

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Cremonese

3 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

24'

Morten Thorsby

2nd half

Bryan Cristante (Assist: Lorenzo Pellegrini)		59'
Neil El Aynaoui		66'
Evan Ndicka (Assist: Bryan Cristante)		77'
Niccolò Pisilli		86'

Match statistic

58

Possession %

42

23

Total shots

2

5

Shots on target

0

12

Shots off target

2

6

Blocked shots

0

9

Corners

1

0

Offsides

3

12

Fouls

11

Roma

Cremonese

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

85'

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

72'

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

97

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

56'

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

74'

5

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

49'

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

74'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

63'

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

Substitutes

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

68

Antonio Arena

Attacker

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

46'

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

56'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

72'

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

85'

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

33

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

23

Federico Ceccherini

Defender

15

Matteo Bianchetti

Defender

27

Jari Vandeputte

Midfielder

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

25

Davide Pavesi

Defender

38

Warren Bondo

Midfielder

49'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

63'

9

Milan Djuric

Attacker

74'

30

Mika Faye

Defender

74'

Whatever your view on the legality of Mariano Troilo’s winner as Parma beat Milan 1-0 at San Siro, one thing is beyond dispute, it was no accident.

The positioning of Lautaro Valenti in front of Mike Maignan was carefully choreographed, and the man behind that choreography has a very particular source of inspiration.

Carlos Cuesta spent five years as Mikel Arteta’s assistant at Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, and during that time he would have worked closely alongside Nicolas Jover, the set-piece coach Arteta brought to the club in 2021 who has since become one of the most influential figures in modern football.

Milan 0-1 Parma – How Cuesta drew inspiration from Arsenal to secure huge win

Jover’s corner routines have been widely credited as a significant weapon in Arsenal’s armoury, with the Gunners having scored 19 set-piece goals across all competitions by late January.

The principle is straightforward but devastatingly effective: flood the six-yard box and the near post, make life as difficult as possible for the goalkeeper, and operate right on the edge of what the laws permit.

It appears Cuesta was paying close attention. Even Allegri’s assistant Marco Landucci acknowledged as much on DAZN.

“They are semi-blocks that don’t get whistled,” he said. “He was placed there deliberately to play the ball to the far post.”

Cuesta himself was refreshingly candid: “When we work on set-pieces, we try to have players ready to score.”

It is a smart adaptation from a coach who has impressed throughout his debut Serie A campaign, ditching any ideological rigidity in favour of pragmatism and working intelligently with the players at his disposal.

Whether Valenti crossed the line of legality is a debate for the referees. What is not up for debate is that Parma came to San Siro with a plan, and it worked.

The controversy surrounding Parma’s winning goal against Milan at San Siro shows no sign of dying down, with prominent refereeing analyst and former official Luca Marelli wading into the debate.

Marelli, who serves as DAZN’s leading referee analyst and is one of the most respected voices in Italian football on such matters, focused his assessment on two key moments: the contact between Troilo and Bartesaghi, and the block by Valenti on goalkeeper Mike Maignan that preceded the goal.

On the Troilo-Bartesaghi contact, Marelli was relatively relaxed, agreeing with former Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini that the incident should be considered legal.

Bartesaghi, he argued, appeared to buckle under only slight pressure, while Troilo jumped largely unimpeded, enough to deem it within the rules.

Marelli: ‘Parma winner against Milan not worthy of on-field review’

It was Valenti’s block on Maignan that drew Marelli’s sharpest criticism.

Citing Rule 12 of the Laws of the Game, specifically the section on obstruction, he argued the block constituted a clear attempt to impede the goalkeeper’s movement at the moment the corner was struck. “In terms of the regulations, this goal should not have stood,” he said plainly, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

However, Marelli reserved perhaps his most pointed remarks for the VAR process itself.

Despite concluding the block was irregular, he argued the incident did not meet the threshold required for an on-field review.

“Are we looking at a clear and obvious error? No,” he said. “Piccinini spent a very long time at the monitor, he was clearly in doubt. And if there is doubt, it is not worthy of an OFR.”

Referee Piccinini had initially disallowed the goal before reversing his decision following a lengthy VAR review, a process Marelli believes should never have taken place.

Milan’s miserable afternoon at San Siro was compounded by serious injury news regarding Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was stretchered off with a neck brace in the opening stages of the 1-0 defeat to Parma.

The England international was taken directly to hospital following the match, and the news from there has not been encouraging.

According to Sky Sport journalist Peppe Di Stefano, via MilanNews, who was present at San Siro, Loftus-Cheek has suffered a fracture of the alveolar bone.

It is reported as a significant and serious injury that will require surgery either overnight or on Monday.

Loftus-Cheek out with alveolar fracture as Milan lose to Parma

The Englishman was visibly in distress as he came off the pitch, casting a shadow over what was already a difficult evening for the Rossoneri.

His removal so early in the game left Milan short in midfield and set the tone for a frustrating display that ultimately cost them three points in the title race.

A recovery timeline has not yet been established, with medical staff understandably cautious given the delicate nature of the injury.

Further assessment will be needed before any indication of how long the midfielder could be sidelined, though the severity of the fracture suggests a significant spell on the sidelines cannot be ruled out.

Loftus-Cheek has been an important figure in Milan’s squad this season, and his absence, however long it proves to be, will be a considerable blow to a side with a demanding run of fixtures ahead.

Looking to skyrocket their way back into the Champions League spots on Monday night, Manchester United will travel to Merseyside when they meet Everton. While there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows last month following Michael Carrick’s shock return to the Old Trafford dugout, the Red Devils are clearly relishing life under the former […]

The post Everton vs Manchester United Bet Builder Tips – 4/1 Champions League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Everton vs Manchester United Bet Builder Tips – 4/1 Champions League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.

Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both scored twice as Arsenal moved back into a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, thrashing Tottenham 4-1 in their first game under Igor Tudor. The pressure was on Arsenal after Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United cut their lead at the summit to two points, […]

The post Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal: Eze and Gyokeres double up as Tudor makes losing start appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal: Eze and Gyokeres double up as Tudor makes losing start appeared first on Soccer News.

People who experience high levels of social anxiety tend to view neutral or ambiguous interactions as intentionally hostile, but treating the anxiety can effectively reduce this aggressive perception, according to a recent paper published in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. These findings suggest that addressing underlying anxiety can lead to meaningful improvements in how people understand the intentions of those around them.

Social anxiety involves an intense fear of being watched and judged by others in everyday social situations. This fear often leads people to avoid social events or act in ways designed to protect themselves from perceived embarrassment. Scientists recognize that people with social anxiety often assume others are judging them negatively, a pattern known as a social-evaluative bias.

A related psychological pattern, called hostile interpretation bias, specifically involves interpreting neutral or unclear social cues as signs of anger, disrespect, or aggression. For example, if a person does not reply to a greeting, someone with a hostile interpretation bias might assume the silence is an intentional insult. While a social-evaluative bias involves feeling generally judged, a hostile bias involves assuming the other person actively wishes them harm.

Previous work links this hostile bias to problematic anger and aggression. Individuals with social anxiety often report experiencing persistent anger throughout the day, even when they are alone. Because of this connection, scientists at Florida State University wanted to understand the exact relationship between social anxiety and hostile interpretations.

“One of the primary goals of our work is to better understand and treat social anxiety disorder,” said study authors Tapan Patel and Jesse Cougle, a PhD candidate and a professor of psychology, respectively.

“Individuals with social anxiety disorder tend to interpret ambiguous situations as threatening, and for some they may interpret situations or others with hostile intent. While this bias is common for those who may struggle with anger, these issues haven’t been directly studied in individuals with social anxiety disorder. We explored whether social anxiety maintains these biases.”

The researchers conducted two separate studies. In the first study, they recruited 120 undergraduate students from a large public university. The participants completed virtual questionnaires measuring their levels of social anxiety and their tendencies to interpret situations as hostile or benign.

To measure interpretation biases, the participants read short, ambiguous social scenarios, such as someone bumping into them in a hallway. They then rated how strongly hostile words, like aggressive, or benign words, like accidental, applied to the situation. Approximately one month later, 68 of the original participants completed the same questionnaires a second time.

The researchers found that higher social anxiety was linked to higher levels of hostile interpretations at both the initial assessment and the one-month follow-up. However, a person’s initial level of social anxiety did not predict whether their hostile interpretations would worsen or improve over the following month. Social anxiety was also not significantly associated with benign interpretations at any point.

“Individuals with high social anxiety may be prone to interpret certain situations with others in a hostile light,” Patel and Cougle told PsyPost. “They may think others’ behavior is often fueled by hostile intent, meanness, or aggression.”

The second study included 69 university students who reported elevated levels of social anxiety. The scientists randomly assigned these participants to either a behavioral intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group consisted of 35 students, while the control group included 34 students.

The intervention was designed to help participants reduce their use of safety behaviors over a 28-day period. Safety behaviors are subtle actions socially anxious people use to try to prevent negative outcomes, such as avoiding eye contact, speaking softly, or repeatedly asking others for reassurance. These actions tend to keep people feeling anxious because they prevent individuals from learning that social situations are actually safe.

When individuals constantly rely on safety behaviors, they trick themselves into thinking these actions are the only reason they survived a social event. By dropping the behaviors, people are forced to confront the situation and eventually learn that their worst fears will not actually come true. The active treatment group in the study selected five specific safety behaviors they frequently used and committed to avoiding them for one month.

Every morning, they received a text message reminding them to drop these behaviors, along with a link to a checklist to track their progress. The control group simply waited for a month before being offered the treatment at a later date. Both groups completed assessments of their social anxiety and interpretation biases before and after the 28-day period.

At the end of the month, the group that actively reduced their safety behaviors reported much lower levels of social anxiety compared to the waitlist group. This reduction in safety behaviors also led to reductions in hostile interpretation bias. The scientists found that the drop in hostile interpretations was directly explained by the drop in social anxiety.

“We were surprised that the effect of our treatment on hostile interpretations was fully explained by the effect on social anxiety,” Patel and Cougle said. “We anticipated that there would be some unique effect of treatment left over after accounting for the change in social anxiety, but this finding further supports that social anxiety may play a role in the tendency to interpret situations as a hostile.”

These outcomes provide evidence that social anxiety helps maintain the tendency to view others as hostile. The researchers suggest that mental health professionals should pay close attention to these aggressive assumptions when treating patients. Reducing social anxiety can lead to meaningful changes in how people perceive the world, potentially protecting them from chronic frustration and anger.

While the findings offer a new perspective on treating social anxiety, the scientists noted a few limitations. Both studies relied on relatively homogeneous samples of college students, which means the results might not automatically apply to the general public. Additionally, while the second study selected students with high social anxiety, it is unclear how many of them would meet the formal medical criteria for a clinical diagnosis.

The use of a waitlist control group in the second study means the researchers cannot entirely rule out the possibility that simply being in a treatment program caused the improvements. The studies also did not directly measure feelings of anger, which would have provided more context about how reducing hostile biases impacts emotional well-being.

“Reducing social anxiety may lead to meaningful changes in the tendency to interpret situations as hostile, but it is important to note that other factors cannot be ruled out for the size of this effect,” Patel and Cougle noted. “Practically speaking, future research should measure these biases and clinicians should assess for them given they are often associated with problematic anger.”

“The next steps will be to continue to examine this effect in more varied populations such as community members with social anxiety disorder. Additionally, we will want to examine this effect in our behavioral treatment compared to an active control group. It would also be interesting to examine if reductions in this hostile bias would affect anger in people with social anxiety.”

The study, “A multi-method analysis of the role of social anxiety in hostile interpretation bias,” was authored by Tapan A. Patel, Matthew C. Sala, James M. Zech & Jesse R. Cougle.

Barcelona reclaimed top spot in LaLiga with a routine 3-0 victory over strugglers Levante at Camp Nou on Sunday. First-half goals from Marc Bernal and Frenkie De Jong and another after the break from Fermin Lopez helped Hansi Flick’s side cruise to three points and leapfrog Real Madrid following their surprise defeat at Osasuna a […]

The post Barcelona 3-0 Levante: Flick´s men coast to reclaim top spot appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Barcelona 3-0 Levante: Flick´s men coast to reclaim top spot appeared first on Soccer News.

If you are a Baltimore Ravens fan and you expected the team to make major changes this offseason, you will more than likely be disappointed. 

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta made it clear in a recent interview on the Inner Circle Podcast that the team will not be making any major moves this offseason in free agency.

“I don’t get as involved with free agency, so I’m not gonna spend as much time… we don’t spend a lot of money in free agency…we’ve never been a free agency team. We’re a draft and develop team.”

That’s interesting, considering that not that long ago, the Ravens went out and signed future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry, which turned out to be a success.

Decades before that, the team also signed Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, but that was under former GM Ozzie Newsome.

The fact that the team would rather take their chances in this year’s draft is an interesting take, considering there are a lot of glaring spots that need to be filled. One of them is at wide receiver. 

DeCosta said they wouldn’t spend much in free agency, but he didn’t say they wouldn’t be looking into trades. So maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel for Ravens’ fans. 

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Ravens GM says team won’t be making a lot of moves during free agency

Arsenal responded to Manchester City applying pressure in the Premier League title race with a 4-1 destruction of Tottenham in the north London derby for the second time this season.

The Gunners stretched their advantage over City, who beat Newcastle 2-1 on Saturday, back to five points.

City, however, still have the destiny of the title in their own hands with a game in hand and home advantage when the top two meet in April.

In the battle for a place in the Champions League it was a good weekend for Liverpool, despite a poor performance in their 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea and Aston Villa dropped points at home.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend:

Eze, Gyokeres prove their worth

Two of the big money signings Arsenal made last summer to finally get them over the line to win a first title in 22 years did the damage on another painful day for Spurs.

Eberechi Eze was destined for a move to Tottenham until the Gunners swooped in at the last minute to bring him back to his boyhood club.

The England international has scored six Premier League goals since, five of which have come against Spurs.

Eze has struggled to break into Mikel Arteta's side in recent weeks despite injuries to Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.

But on his return to the team, he struck twice to add to his hat-trick in Arsenal's first 4-1 derby win of the campaign in November.

Viktor Gyokeres has started to hit his stride since the turn of the year, but has still been criticised for failing to impact big games.

Of the Swede's 10 league goals, only one -- from the penalty spot against Everton -- has come against a team in the top half.

But with Arsenal in desperate need of a response after disappointing draws at Brentford and Wolves allowed City to close in, Gyokeres chose a fine time to produce his best performance since joining from Sporting Lisbon.

"For me, the best, the most complete (performance)," said Arteta.

"When we needed him most. That is when big players and big clubs have to stand up."

O'Reilly - City's homegrown star

City kept up the chase of the leaders thanks to two goals from Nico O'Reilly.

The 20-year-old made his breakthrough into the team deputising at left-back, but has been pushed forward into his more natural midfield role in recent weeks.

Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki were among those left on the bench against Newcastle as Pep Guardiola has shown his faith in O'Reilly.

"Nico give us in the middle that physicality that we need. He now plays in his position," said Guardiola. 

"He has always played that, he is so complete and so young."

Capped by England boss Thomas Tuchel earlier in the season, O'Reilly is making his case for a place at the World Cup hard to ignore.

Chelsea 'set fire to four points'

Chelsea's inability to defend a lead for the second consecutive home game left boss Liam Rosenior enraged.

The Blues led second-bottom Burnley from the fourth till the 93rd minute after Joao Pedro's early opener.

But their wastefulness in front of goal cost them as Zian Flemming headed in from a corner in stoppage time.

"We've set fire to four points from two home games," said Rosenior. "It's not good enough for a club of this level for me to say we were the better team."

Chelsea edge into the top four but above Manchester United and Liverpool only on goal difference after a kind run of fixtures to begin Rosenior's reign.

They face Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and City in their next five league games.

kca/jc

Neymar played the full 90 MINUTES for the first time in 2026, but Santos was eliminated by Novorizontino in the quarter-finals of the Paulistão.

The Peixe conceded a goal in the last minute by Léo Naldi and lost 2-1.

Earlier, Rômulo (Novorizontino) and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos) had found the net.

With the victory, Novorizontino joins Palmeiras and São Paulo in the semifinals. Portuguesa and Corinthians will decide the last spot.

How the game went 👀

Santos even had the opportunity to take the lead. In the best chance, Rony shot with the goalkeeper "beaten," but the defense cleared it off the line.

Later, Neymar made a passing error while exiting the ball. Novorizontino capitalized and opened the scoring with Rômulo at 46.

Santos improved in the second half and equalized with Gabriel Bontempo from a shot at the edge of the box.

After that, the game went back and forth, with chances for both sides. Novorizontino took advantage in the LAST MINUTE with Léo Naldi.

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

Bengals reportedly considering bold trade decision with 81-sack All-Pro pass rusher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals are set up to add a lot of talent to their defense this offseason. While the offense is mostly set, the defense needs a lot of help.

But, before the Bengals can begin adding players in free agency, in trades, and in the NFL Draft, they need to make a big decision on their 81-sack All-Pro pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson.

According to Tony Pauline of Essentiallysports.com, the Bengals are reportedly considering making a bold tag-and-trade decision with Hendrickson.

Bengals considering bold Trey Hendrickson trade decision

"While there have been several predictions where Hendrickson could sign in free agency," Pauline writes, "people with knowledge of the situation tell me that it's not out of the question that Cincinnati will attempt to tag and trade the nine-year veteran."

Hendrickson is set to be a free agent this offseason, but the Bengals instead could franchise tag him to a one-year deal worth around $30 million, and then trade him.

While Hendrickson could come back to the Bengals, with how last year's negotiations went, the more likely outcome is that the Bengals will let him go this offseason.

Whether it's simply letting him walk in free agency or if the Bengals tag and trade him to a new team, the 31-year-old veteran looks to be headed to a new team this offseason.

More: Bengals could upgrade safety room amid strong fit with Chiefs' Super Bowl champion

There are plenty of teams that need pass-rush help and would likely be willing to give up decent draft capital to add Hendrickson in a trade.

While it would be ideal for a team to sign him, the Bengals having the franchise tag at their disposal doesn't bode well for Hendrickson hitting the open market.

This report from Pauline indicates the Bengals are, at the very least, considering a tag and trade. It's a risky move, as they might not find a trade suitor that makes it worth it.

There's no bigger decision for the Bengals to begin the offseason than what they do with Hendrickson. An extension doesn't look likely, while a tag and trade or letting him walk seem to be the most likely outcomes with Hendrickson this offseason.

More Bengals news:

• Bengals announce re-signing of CB, RB to one-year deals before free agency
• Bengals linked to free agent All-Pro Bears safety who led NFL in interceptions in 2025
• Bengals are best landing spot for Jaguars LB who had 99-yard pick-six off Patrick Mahomes
• Bengals are best fit for Chiefs' free agent 250-pound, 218-tackle linebacker
• Bengals expected to make interesting Trey Hendrickson trade decision
• Bengals trade idea lands Cowboys DT recently acquired in blockbuster trade for cheap
• Why Bengals should prioritize Joe Flacco over Trey Hendrickson in free agency

Eberechi Eze's Arsenal career had gone into something of a dip since he made himself a hero with that treble against Spurs in December – but what a time for the 27-year-old England forward to bounce back to his best.

Since that hat-trick, Eze had featured in all 15 of Arsenal's subsequent league games, but had made only four starts and played 360 minutes before this derby.

And, under the watchful eye of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, he delivered a reminder of his quality with perfect timing, just when Arsenal needed it most.

The pressure was on the Gunners after that Molineux slip, with Manchester City scenting blood and Arsenal's nerve under pressure being questioned once more.

The fact that the examination came at Spurs who, despite their struggles, had new manager Tudor on the sidelines, made the assignment potentially more hazardous.

Arsenal were set back when Spurs equalised, but this was a calm and highly-competent display which will be even more pleasing for Mikel Arteta with Gyokeres, who has had his critics, adding two fine finishes of his own.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

And the Jacksonville Jaguars are paying high compliments to the Los Angeles Rams by emulating their entire approach to team building and the offseason.

Jacksonville hired a former Sean McVay assistant. Their general manager, James Gladstone, was Les Snead’s understudy. Now the Jaguars also won’t attend the NFL Scouting Combine, which is a practice the Rams have done for years although it still hasn’t caught on a widespread basis around the league:

ESPN’s Michael DiRocco recently explained why Gladstone and Coen won’t be at the 2026 NFL combine:

“All those workouts, the weight lifting, on the field, that will be taped and sent back to every single team, so the Jaguars don’t feel like their brass needs to be in Indianapolis,” said DiRocco. “They can evaluate the players based on what they see on the film, and they’d rather rely on their scouting reports and the information their scouts have gathered on the players over the last several years.

The Rams maintain that the most valuable element of the combine is the medical testing. Both teams will send their medical teams to the event in order to put prospects through the gauntlet and potentially uncover red flags that will take them off draft boards.

But it appears neither team plans to put much weight behind the actual testing of the prospects. We know the Rams use this as a reference point but prioritize GPS data from games and practices as a true measure of athleticism. Years of game tape outweigh the importance of one great time in the 40-yard dash, at least from the Rams’ perspective.

But one problem with the Jaguars borrowing LA’s approach is that it could lead to them often targeting the same players. Liam Coen runs a similar offensive scheme to McVay. Gladstone understands what Snead values in a prospect and vise versa. They are largely looking for the same skillsets and depending on how the board falls this could be detrimental to one of these teams.

It’s great that the Rams continue to have success. Teams across the NFL are attempting to follow their lead and formula, though none are taking it to the same extent as the Jaguars.

If the recent reports from Mexico (as cited by The Scottish Sun) are true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Armando Gonzalez and have sent scouts to monitor his progress ahead of a potential summer move. But the Hoops are not alone in the race, with Barcelona and West Ham also in the mix for the Chivas Guadalajara hitman, The Daily Record understands.

The 22-year-old Mexico international spent his youth years at Real Aguascalientes and Chivas before joining Tapatío in the second tier. There, he made his senior debut in November 2020, but eventually returned to his boyhood club ahead of the 2023-24 season.

After sporadic top-flight appearances over the past two seasons, Gonzalez finally broke through last year, scoring 12 goals in the Apertura 2025 season. He won the Golden Boot (jointly with Paulinho and João Pedro), being their highest scorer, and was awarded the Liga MX MVP for his emergence in Mexican football.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 14: Armando Gonzalez of Chivas celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the 6th round match between Chivas and America as part of the Torneo Clausura 2026 Liga MX at Akron Stadium on February 14, 2026, in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Simon Barber/Getty Images)

The young centre-forward has maintained his exquisite scoring record in the Clausura with five goals in six games. He rejected a £14m move to the Russian giants CSKA Moscow last year, but is destined for a summer exit amid growing interest from several European outfits, including the Glasgow giants.

Why Gonzalez Would Fit In Celtic Attack

Gonzalez is known as ‘La Hormiga’ (The Ant) in Mexico for his small physique, but a persistent, high-energy style of play. His relentless work ethic and bustling movements across the frontline should see him flourish in the modern-day game. He is also aggressive enough to attune to the grind and demands of the Scottish game.

Celtic will go through a transition in the summer, with the board set for a fresh managerial appointment, beyond Martin O’Neill’s interim stint until the end of the current campaign. They must make decisions on several loan signings, as well as a few contract extensions, including attacking reinforcements Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Meanwhile, the Bhoys banked on Iheanacho high up the pitch following his Bosman arrival in September. But the Nigerian has missed months of action due to persistent injury woes, thus forcing the club to loan in Cvancara and Adamu in the winter window. They must splash £7m and £4.3m, respectively, to tie them down on permanent terms; however, the ‘number 9’ pair have yet to impress enough to justify the price tag.

Although Daizen Maeda is in dreadful form, the Japanese ace and his fellow countryman Kyogo Furuhashi have been the most prolific goal scorers in recent times. Gonzalez’s style of play resembles that of Furuhashi and Maeda, and it remains to be seen whether the board prefers him over the current options, who have a different profile than the Mexican talent.

The late "Macho Man' Randy Savage's storied history with WWE lasted nearly a decade, despite a sometimes contentious relationship with Vince McMahon. Savage ultimately began to work in the ring less and less before jumping ship to WCW in 1994, where he wrapped up his career before a brief return stint in TNA back in 2004.

Looking back at Savage's final tenure with WWE, specifically the lack of wrestling he did before leaving the promotion, Bruce Prichard revealed exactly what happened on "Something to Wrestle." "That is a narrative that's been out there for a long time: oh, Randy wanted to work, we didn't want him to work," Prichard recalled of Savage's in-ring slowdown. "I am telling you from 100% personal experience with Randy Savage, from Randy's own mouth: 'I don't want to take anymore bumps, I want to work behind the scenes, I want to be over here doing this."

According to Prichard, Savage had emphasized to WWE officials that he'd rather begin wrestling less and working behind the scenes more often. However, it seems that Savage had a different story for WCW officials after he made the jump, and he upped his wrestling schedule once again while telling them that WWE wanted to use him less often.

"He wanted to work behind the scenes, he liked his gig – or least he told us that he liked his gig as a commentator," Prichard added. "He'd moved to Stamford so that he could be in the office, so that he can be there every day. That doesn't sound like a guy that wants to go out on the road and work all the time."

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "Something To Wrestle" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Read more: Times Wrestlers Got In Trouble For Breaking Kayfabe

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

Bottom side Heidenheim held fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart to a 3-3 draw in a hectic Bundesliga match on Sunday.

Chris Führich gave Stuttgart the early lead in the fifth minute, but the hosts were level in the 20th after Sirloid Conteh's pass was deflected into Eren Dinkçi's path and he fired it into the top corner.

Heidenheim then took the lead after some chaotic scenes.

Ermedin Demirović appeared to have retaken the lead for Stuttgart, but his goal was ruled out because Maximilian Mittelstädt fouled Dinkçi in the box at the other end in the build up.

After video review, the referee not only disallowed Stuttgart's goal, but gave Heidenheim a penalty, converted by Arijon Ibrahimovic in the 34th.

Stuttgart, however, got a penalty themselves after Conteh brought down Bilal El Khannouss in the area and Mittelstädt had the ball into the net in the 44th to make up for his previous mistake.

Mittelstädt almost got a brace but hit the post in the 53rd, while Demirovic had another goal ruled out in the 75th.

Heidenheim then thought they had the win when Alexander Nübel denied Ibrahimovic, but Conteh scored on the rebound in the 82nd.

But Stuttgart were level again thanks to Deniz Undav's effort in the 88th.

Both sides had enough chances to find a winner in stoppage-time, but were forced to share the points in the end.

"It was an intense game with many chances on both sides, we had one or two more. We could have made more today," Mittelstädt told broadcaster DAZN.

Demirovic said "it hurts a lot" to have two goals ruled out.

"Unbelievable, I don't know what to say, it hurts a lot. It's a joke that so many things have been trusted to a computer, and one cannot make decisions themselves anymore," he added.

On Heidenheim's side, Dinkçi said that the team can be inspired by the performance for the upcoming matches.

"We can work with that, we scored three goals. Of course, we also conceded three but it gives us courage for the next weeks," he said.

Ginter scores against ex-club to help Freiburg to 2-1 win

Matthias Ginter scored against his former club Borussia Mönchengladbach to help his current team Freiburg claim a 2-1 win.

Ginter didn't celebrate after he broke the deadlock in the 38th, volleying it home after Gladbach's Kevin Diks inadvertently flicked a long throw to him.

They doubled their lead in the 74th, after Gladbach lost the ball in midfield. Maximilian Eggestein's low cross was palmed by goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas into the path of Igor Matanovic, who tapped the ball into the empty net.

Gladbach had a goal ruled out in the 83rd and still pulled one back two minutes later through Haris Tabarovic, but despite late pressure couldn't find an equalizer.

"The defeat really hurts. In the closing stages, we tried everything to force an equalizer – and we did that pretty well. But overall it wasn’t enough," Tabarovic said.

Freiburg are seventh, six points from the European spots, while Gladbach are 14th, just two points from the relegation zone.

Goalkeeper blunder helps St Pauli beat Bremen

St Pauli Hamburg prevailed 2-1 against Werder Bremen as both teams battle against relegation.

Hauke Wahl's header slipped through the hands of keeper Mio Backhaus and rolled into the net to give St Pauli the lead in the 55th.

Substitute Jovan Milosevic needed only two minutes on the pitch to hit back for Bremen in the 62nd, but Joel Chima Fujita scored his first goal for St Pauli to secure the win.

St Pauli are the first team in the relegation zone on 20 points, with Bremen one point behind.

On Saturday, Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table with a 3-2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt and thanks to Borussia Dortmund's 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig.

Bayern now have an eight-point advantage over Dortmund ahead of their clash next weekend.

Why isn't Draymond Green playing today? Warriors forward a late scratch vs. Nuggets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Warriors are already short-handed without their brightest star, Stephen Curry. 

Now, they're missing another core veteran in Draymond Green for a marquee Sunday matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

It was an unexpected announcement that came just moments before tipoff. 

Why isn't Draymond Green playing vs. the Nuggets?

Draymond Green was ruled out with a lower back issue, per the Warriors. The announcement came just minutes before tipoff in the Bay Area. 

Draymond had played the previous two games since the All-Star break. In a moment's notice, he popped up on the injury report as out. 

Some fans are theorizing the Warriors are tanking or that Draymond just doesn't want to play without Steph.

Draymond Green (Steph Curry) ruled out pic.twitter.com/owCeq5VuzU

— aly ✶ (@jinthirty) February 22, 2026

Draymond, 35, is also a veteran that needs more rest and maintenance days as the years pass. 

Chances are this injury is not serious but it is strange that he was ruled out at the very last moments before tipoff. 

Warriors fans should continue to monitor the situation moving forward.

MORE: Why Steph Curry isn't playing today for Warriors with injury news, possible return timeline 

The old adage is that pitching wins. For the No. 3 Texas Longhorns, the pitching doesn’t jump out as especially elite according to stats. It’s certainly effective enough to back up the strong UT offense, though.

That offense dominated No. 15 Arizona softball 12-2 in five innings on Sunday morning at the DeMarini Invitational in Stanford, Calif. It was once again inaccessible to fans across the country unless they were in the stadium or listening to Texas radio.

The Longhorns used a huge third inning to bust open the game. They put one run up in the first while squandering a prime opportunity to take a stranglehold out of the gate. Arizona returned the favor by squandering a runner at third with no outs in the second and a runner at second with one out in the third.

That’s when Texas pounced. The Wildcats used three of their four pitchers in the third inning. None was very effective.

It started with a leadoff walk and a double to put two in scoring position with no outs against Arizona starter Rylie Holder. That ended her day.

Holder would take the loss to drop to 3-1. She was charged with 3 runs (2 earned) in 2.0 innings pitched. She gave up 5 hits and 2 walks.

Jalen Adams came in to try to keep the runners from scoring. A fielder’s choice that didn’t record an out loaded the bases, then Adams hit the next batter.

The Texas radio play-by-play announcer has mentioned that some of the Longhorns crowd the plate, but only people in the stadium know if that was the case in this situation. Regardless, Adams has hit 11 batters so far this season. Four of them were in the UT lineup. This time it forced a run in to start a 10-run inning for the Longhorns.

Two singles and a fielder’s choice scored three more runs for Texas. That brought up Ashton Maloney with one out. She worked a walk from a 3-2 count, but the Texas play-by-play thought one of those balls was a strike. There was no way for anyone outside Stanford’s stadium to know, of course.

Besides, it didn’t matter. The walk forced in the fifth run in the inning. The Longhorns were only halfway done with the damage.

Another double scored the sixth run, then Adams walked a batter. That was it for her. She gave up seven runs on four hits in 0.1 innings. She walked one and hit a batter.

Sarah Wright entered the game for Adams. She was the third Arizona pitcher of the inning. She gave up two singles that scored three more runs, but all of them were charged to Adams.

The Wildcats finally stopped squandering offensive chances in the top of the fourth. Emma Kavanagh and Sydney Stewart walked to start the inning. After a Kez Lucas strikeout, Tayler Biehl stepped into the box.

After hitting in the three and five holes this season, Biehl was moved down to seven for this game. Perhaps it would help the bottom of the order, which has been scuffling.

It helped this time. Biehl’s double drove in Kavanagh and Stewart. Arizona was finally on the board, although it trailed 11-2.

Two straight flyouts stranded Biehl in scoring position. Arizona was 1 for 10 with runners on base, 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, and 0 for 4 with runners on third with less than two outs. Biehl was the lone hitter to do something when her teammates got on ahead of her.

Biehl has been an effective run producer for the Wildcats this year despite having the lowest slugging percentage of Arizona’s top five RBI hitters. She was third on the team coming into the game with 14 RBI. Her .479 SLG% trails even Sereniti Trice’s .654. Trice is just ticks below Grace Jenkins, who has a .659 SLG%. Kavanagh leads the team with a .793 SLG% and a 1.234 OPS.

Texas was still well within run-rule territory after Arizona put its two runs on the board. The Longhorns made sure they stayed that way.

UT added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth. Caigan Crabtree was credited with a leadoff double that might have been held to a single if the ball had come in quicker from left field. A single two batters later put runners on the corners with one out. The Longhorns played effective small ball by using the groundout to get in another run-rule insurance run.

Arizona had the top of its lineup slated for the top of the fifth. They went down on two strikeouts and a groundout to end the inning.

Wright threw 1.2 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 2 walks.

Teagan Kavan came in with a 2.41 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Her ERA actually went up to 2.53 and her WHIP rose to 1.25 after facing Arizona despite the dominant game. She went 4.0 innings against Arizona with two earned runs on four hits and two walks. She struck out five, often coming up with big strikeouts when she was threatened.

Kavan started all three games against ranked opponents at the DeMarini Invitational, going 3-0. She is 6-0 on the season.

Hannah Wells finished things out in the circle for the Longhorns. She struck out two of the three batters she faced and gave up no runs on no hits and no walks.

The loss gives Arizona a 2-4 record against top 15 teams and a 12-5 record overall. All four of the ranked losses came against teams ranked in the top five by the NFCA. The other loss was to Coastal Carolina, which won the Sun Belt Tournament and made the NCAA postseason last year with a 42-19 record.

Arizona returns home for its final preconference tournament next week. It will face Eastern Illinois, Minnesota, and Howard once each. It will also play Long Beach State twice. The Beach lost to Oregon State twice, dropped a game to Utah, were defeated by UTSA, and couldn’t overcome BYU, but they beat Oklahoma at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on Saturday. The Hillenbrand Invitational gets started on Thursday.

Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield plays down tension with Kevin Stefanski originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

We remember when Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield reacted to his former head coach, Kevin Stefanski, becoming the Atlanta Falcons' head coach, don't we?

Mayfield famously said he was still waiting for a text message from Stefanski to tell him he had been moved on from the Cleveland Browns, and Baker even said he was shipped off like a piece of garbage.

So that seems like there is a lot of tension, at least from Baker's side, toward Stefanski.

Well, it appears that those feelings might be subsiding as Mayfield, in a talk with Sports Illustrated back at the Super Bowl, downplayed it.

"There's stuff there, but it's not like its beef," Mayfield said via Sports Illustrated. "We've worked together, anytime you know somebody, you want to beat them whether it's a good or bad relationship."

More:Buccaneers tipped for 2026 bounce-back with Baker Mayfield

Bucs/ Falcons rivalry heating up

With Stefanski now in Atlanta, he will see Baker twice a year for the foreseeable future, adding another layer to the NFC South rivalry.

The Bucs are coming off a year that saw them go 5-1 before stumbling to an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs.

The Falcons stormed home, winning their last four games to finish 8-9 as well, so 2026 looms as a tough assignment for teams in the division.

And with Baker and Stefanski's "history," it will make Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta box office viewing.

More NFL news:

• Analyst reveals which WR Bills should target in NFL Draft
• Chiefs set to do something cool for fans this offseason
• ESPN analyst thinks Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa decision has already been made
• Chargers' Super Bowl odds revealed: Disrespect for Justin Herbert?
• Bills have several Keon Coleman questions to answer this offseason
• ESPN reveals stunning cost to fix glaring Ravens issue
• Ravens' 2026 win total projection ideal for Lamar Jackson

What the Los Angeles Rams do to replace quarterback Matthew Stafford will be the big question that needs to be answered. Stafford is back in 2026, but this could certainly be the legendary passer's final year in the league before he rides into the sunset.

So, now, many have wondered what the Rams will do once Stafford is gone. And, more importantly, when. The Rams have two first-round picks in 2026, so it stands to reason the team could find Stafford's replacement this year and have him develop for a season before he takes over next year.

NFL commentator Colin Cowherd doesn't like that idea, though. He said on his show this week that the Rams shouldn't draft a quarterback in 2026 and instead focus on drafting players to add around Stafford to make a Super Bowl run.

"Don’t worry about a quarterback. It’s not a great quarterback draft," Cowherd said. "Just stack the team because the following year you’re probably going to have to give up all sorts of draft picks to get your quarterback. And the Rams are still very young on defense. So why not just ride with Stafford?

"Instead of worrying about his replacement ... take every one of these picks and make sure they fit with Stafford and make a run at the Super Bowl."

This is, in reality, probably the best move the Rams can make this offseason. There isn't a star quarterback worth a Day 1 or Day 2 pick outside of Fernando Mendoza, and the Rams aren't starving for one just yet.

There are, however, some other areas of concern the Rams should look at in the draft, such as cornerback, receiver and offensive line. Those are win-now moves that could help the Rams make a playoff push again.

Now, this shouldn't stop the Rams from looking for Stafford's replacement this offseason in the draft or free agency, or the veteran trade market. But, as Cowherd suggests, the focus should be on winning a Super Bowl in 2026 rather than finding a replacement for Stafford in 2027 and beyond.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Colin Cowherd says Rams shouldn't draft a QB in 2026

Following Milan’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Parma, assistant manager Marco Landucci offered his assessment of the performance, emphasizing the grueling nature of the domestic campaign.

While speaking to the press, Landucci maintains that the Rossoneri were on the receiving end of some misfortune during the contest. He insisted that the level of competition in Italy remains the highest of any top-flight division, noting the difficulty in securing points even when the performance is present.

He said – relayed by Gazzetta: “With this attitude, we’ve picked up a lot of points. Then, when you don’t score and get a result, everything you do is wrong. I think the attitude was the right one. Parma were very good, aggressive with every ball. We were unlucky too, but that’s football.”

The Italian was also asked about why Milan have dropped a lot of points against the lesser sides in the division.

He said: “So many points dropped against the ‘smaller’ teams? The Italian league is very difficult: every match has its pitfalls and there’s a lot of balance. I think it’s the most difficult in the world.”

“Tonight we tried to give our best and we didn’t succeed. We’ll start again on Tuesday and think about the next match. There are games that don’t go so well. Today, Gabbia got injured in the warm-up, and Loftus too: it was a bit of an unusual evening.”

Despite the result, Landucci defended the effort of the squad, pointing to the woodwork and missed opportunities as the deciding factors in a league where tactical discipline and clinical finishing are paramount.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

With their dominant win over Arizona State on Wednesday, Iowa State looked like their former selves Addy Brown is back in the lineup. While I would argue that they are back to playing like a Big 12 contender and a team that could’ve hosted games in the NCAA tournament had the injuries not happened, it may take a while for general audiences to agree. That could change with a huge opportunity on Sunday against TCU. 

Addy Brown returns in a dominant win

In her 20 minutes of action, Addy Brown boasted a 6/7/6 in her return to play after missing eleven games. While that is officially her lowest minutes total for the season, it makes sense to ease her back into the lineup after not playing for a month and a half along with Iowa State holding a comfortable lead for a large portion of the game. Audi Crooks and Jada Williams continue to lead the way for the top ranked offense in Big 12 play, scoring 28 and 26 respectively. The Cyclones also shot a blazing 50% from deep, paced by Jada Williams at 4-7. 

This was a statement win over an Arizona State squad that is currently in a bubble race for the big dance, but a 26 point victory likely surpassed what anyone was expecting. A 27-13 third quarter in the Cyclones favor is what ultimately propelled them to a large margin of victory. The 26 point margin of victory is the largest in conference play so far for Iowa State, even though Arizona is still in the top half of the conference. Now is a great time to be finding their stride. 

TCU is the biggest test of the season

Currently atop the Big 12 standings, a road game against TCU will likely be seen as the toughest test for Iowa State’s resume, but it also represents the biggest opportunity to put themselves back into the national attention. That will of course be a tall task against the best defense in conference play. 

TCU currently ranks first in conference play in points allowed at just 59.3 points per game. They allow just 36% from the field and 28% from three, first and second in the conference. Don’t worry, they are also high ranking on the offensive side, currently fifth in overall scoring and is second in shooting percentage. This is what you would expect from the 12th ranked team in the nation, but that doesn’t mean that they are unbeatable. 

They do have three conference losses, and they aren’t necessarily at the top of the conference. The tough part is that all of those were on the road, so expecting their perfect home record to fall would certainly be a strong prediction to make. 

Olivia Miles leads the way for the Horned Frogs, averaging 20.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. The points and assists lead the team with the rebounds being just second, so her play has been a large factor for the success of the team. Scoring 40 points against Baylor, she absolutely has the ability to put herself firmly in the driver’s seat and win the game herself. 

Audi Crooks will have one of her toughest foes as she will share a lot of minutes with Mara Suarez, a fifth year senior from Spain who is averaging 16.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. With 30 minutes per game, it will be a battle in the paint and one of the best opportunities for both players to play against high level post players before the NCAA tournament. 

So with ESPN currently favoring TCU with a 78% chance, that does leave a plausible window for Iowa State to steal a win and plant themselves back into the Big 12 tournament conversation. What is the path to victory? 

1. Score 74 points or more. This isn’t specific to TCU, but Iowa State has found a weird trend where, with one exception, 74 points represents the bar for Iowa State to win. If they score above that, they win, if they score below, they lose. Is this a good metric? No, but I think it’s fun to think about. 
2. Audi wins the battle against Mara Suarez. Those two will receive plenty of attention as they likely will play a lot of one on one down on the post, so if Audi can win more of those battles, that will set up the opportunity for the Cyclone guards to finish off the game as one of the best three point shooting teams in the country. 
3. Slow down rush chances. Even in the blowout win against Arizona State, the one nitpick I will give them is that there were still a couple of instances where the Sun Devils moved quickly down the court and would find a mismatch or a missed assignment for an easy bucket. That has been the Achilles heel for this squad defensively, and will likely be at the forefront of every opposing defensive plan for the rest of the season. Even just a second or two of tight guarding off the rebound can do wonders to get the defense reset and create better matchups. 

Prediction: 76 – 68 TCU 

U.S. hockey star Jack Hughes signed his name in the book of history on Sunday. Despite being suffocated by Canada during the gold-medal game in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Team USA survived, forced overtime and dramatically won the game.

Hughes scored at 61:41 to give the team the win and the gold medal after 46 years. The New Jersey Devils center revealed who was the first person he thought of after making history for Team USA.

MORE: Dylan Larkin gives touching Gaudreau family tribute after USA’s Olympic gold medal

Fittingly, he mentioned Megan Keller, who gave Team USA women’s hockey the gold medal against Canada on Thursday. He gave the team a 2-1 lead, too, after captain Hilary Knight sent the game into overtime.

Jackie Redmon of the NHL Network asked Hughes who he thought of first after scoring the game-sealing goal.

MORE: USA vs Canada gold medal result, full list of goal scorers

Jack Hughes went viral with bloody interview following Team USA’s win over Canada

Jack Hughes was brilliant and passionate during the gold-medal game. The center spoke with NBC Sports reporter Kathryn Tappen in a viral moment. As he spoke about his love for the country, Hughes had a bloody lip and missing teeth.

“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said after the victory. “I love the USA, I love my teammates … the USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. I’m so proud to be American tonight.”

Team USA pulled off a big win against the Sidney Crosby-less Canada. They faced off against Connor McDavid, but the Edmonton Oilers star failed to get the job done, adding to a grim streak when it comes to collective trophies.

Hughes and Keller made history with their gold-medal game performances, and Team USA went two for two in the Olympic hockey tournaments.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: Team USA flag bearers revealed for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony

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NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams

SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment

The post USA hockey hero Jack Hughes shouts out Megan Keller after Olympic gold medal win appeared first on The Big Lead.

Led by Myles Garrett and coordinated by Jim Schwartz, the Cleveland Browns have developed a reputation for having an effective defense. While Cleveland hasn’t been able to generate enough wins, their defense has helped keep the Browns in a lot of games.

Only, now that Kevin Stefanski has been fired and Todd Monken has been hired, Schwartz won’t be returning in 2026. Now, it turns out one of the Browns’ young Pro Bowl defenders isn’t expected to return either. In fact, he’s not expected to ever play football again.

According to Cleveland.com’s Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is “doubtful at best to ever make it back to the playing field.”

Koramoah’s neck injury took place on Oct. 27, 2024, against the Ravens, where he was involved in a brutal collision with 6-foot-2, 252-pound running back Derrick Henry. He had been coming off a Pro Bowl year, but this injury ended his season after eight games. The 26-year-old Koramoah hasn’t played a snap since.

The Browns have already prepared for JOK’s absence by selecting Carson Schwesinger with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old linebacker just took home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after a stellar season in which he recorded 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

If this is the end of the road for Koramoah, he’ll finish having earned $18.06 million in his four-year NFL career.

Related: Cleveland Browns Become ‘Favorite Landing Spot’ for Dual-Threat QB

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Rhys Hoskins is now a Guardian, agreeing to a deal with Cleveland on Sunday morning. His lengthy stay in free agency and non-guaranteed deal indicate that he wasn’t in high demand. However, there was at least one team that showed some interest in him, according to this report from Devan Kaney:

That certainly got Phillies fans talking. Reactions to this generally fell into one of three categories:

1. Heck yeah! We loved that guy and the Phillies haven’t been the same since he left! Bring him back!
2. The Phillies need right-handed power to protect Bryce Harper in the lineup! Bring him back!
3. Um…where would he play?

I understand the first reaction as nostalgia can be a hell of a drug. Now that we’ve had a few years of separation (and playoff failures), it seems people are remembering Hoskins more fondly than they actually thought of him while he was here. For most fans, the home run binges and the bat spike against the Braves are the lasting memories of his time in Philadelphia.

Less remembered are the deep, prolonged slumps that he endured every season. That bat spike, as well as his performance against the Padres have made people think of him as a good playoff performer, but part of the reason, he was so emotional was because he had been 1-20 in the playoffs up to that point. Later in those same playoffs, he recorded a .394 OPS in the World Series. And for what it’s worth, he was 0-9 in the playoffs with the Brewers in 2024.

As for the belief that Hoskins would have provided Bryce Harper with right-handed protection in the lineup, I have to disagree. Hoskins’ two-year stint with the Brewers didn’t set the world on fire. In 2024, while coming off a missed season due to a knee injury, Hoskins had a .722 OPS with 26 home runs. Those aren’t bad numbers, but they’re also not great ones, especially for a right-handed first baseman who is a negative in the field. He was having a better season in 2025 (.748 OPS) before missing most of the second half with a thumb injury. He returned before the end of the season, but the Brewers didn’t include him on their playoff roster.

Based on recent history, there’s no reason to think Hoskins will be a great player in 2026, and based on the terms of his new contract, that is the consensus opinion throughout MLB. That said, if you want a right-handed hitter who provides 25+ home run power, Hoskins can probably give you that over a full season.

But – and this is probably the main reason why Hoskins is not a Phillie – Hoskins likely wouldn’t have provided that power for the Phillies because there was no place to play him.

Hoskins is limited to first base and designated hitter, and the Phillies already have All-Stars at those positions. Please don’t suggest he play left field. Hoskins was a disaster playing there in 2018, and I suspect that eight years and one major knee injury later, he’s not going to be any better.

I saw suggestions that Hoskins be used in a platoon-type role where he would play first base against left-handed pitching with Bryce Harper going to left field in place of Brandon Marsh. But I’ll believe that Harper is willing to play the outfield when I see it. We’ve heard whispers about it, but I don’t think there have been any official quotes. This plan would also weaken the Phillies defensively at both first base and left field, although Otto Kemp – presumed to be the right-handed half of a platoon with Brandon Marsh in left – is certainly not a plus on defense either.

Hoskins also doesn’t have drastic platoon splits over his career, and he actually had a higher OPS against right-handed pitching in 2025 (.756 vs. .731). While I’m sure he’d do better than Marsh against lefties (a low bar to be sure), if you’re going to use a player in a platoon, you’d want him to crush opposite hand pitching.

There was talk about using him as a bench bat, and I agree that it would be nice to have a legit power threat off the bench. But I doubt that Hoskins was even interested in that.

Besides, if the point was to protect Harper in the lineup, I’m not sure what good a bench bat would have done. So, even if they had signed Rhys Hoskins, we still would have likely had Alec Bohm as the Opening Day cleanup hitter. (Cue the grumbling from the fans.)

I think part of the discontent with that arrangement is that people are still holding on to outdated ideas as to what a “cleanup” hitter actually is. Not so long ago, Alec Bohm would have been batting second or third with Kyle Schwarber – a stereotypical power hitter – batting fourth. But these days, teams tend to put their best hitters as high up in the lineup as they can, and the modern two-hole hitter is generally a bigger power threat than the man in the four-hole. (The venerable Schmenkman can provide more information.)

The most important takeaway from this Hoskins report is that the team’s team president and franchise player are still very much not on the same page. Harper clearly believes the team isn’t good enough as is and seems to be putting some of the blame for his “nonelite” season on his supporting cast. Dombrowski’s attitude seems to be: “We’re paying these players as if they’re stars, so they need to play like stars when it counts.”

They’ve both got a point – although I know that far more Phillies fans share Harper’s opinion – but unless one of them does something to solve the problem, it is likely to continue, and the relationship between Harper and Dombrowski is unlikely to improve.

Aubyn Phippen: This was a really good win for OKC today. Cason Wallace will end the day with a double-double and Isaiah Joe put up 22 pts to help them get past Cleveland. OKC will be back at Paycom on Friday night against Denver. Final: OKC-121, Cavs-113

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe lead shorthanded Thunder to win over Cavs

Anthony Slater: Draymond Green has been ruled out with a lower back issue, per Warriors. Another late scratch.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Draymond Green has been ruled out with a lower back …

Dave McMenamin: It’s Pat Riley statue day here in L.A. with special guests Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dwyane Wade, Jeanie Buss - and Michael Douglas - on hand

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: It’s Pat Riley statue day here in L.A. with special …

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has warned that Tottenham Hotspur are in serious danger of relegation after the team’s embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Arsenal.

New manager Igor Tudor took charge of his first game as Spurs boss but it ended in a damaging defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze both scoring a brace to restore the Gunners to a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

And while Spurs briefly fought back to go level at half-time, the subsequent collapse and lack of threat in the second half will be cause for concern for Tudor, with the club now in 16th and in real danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the full-time whistle, Redknapp called the game “a complete mismatch”, adding that Spurs could be relegated if they aren’t careful.

”They [Arsenal] were so much better than Tottenham, it was like two different leagues. If Tottenham aren't careful, they might be in a different league.

“They cannot keep performing like this. They've not had a win in 2026,” added the former England midfielder.

As mentioned by Redknapp, Tottenham are without a win in the league in 2026, while they have also exited the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa.

And though they have advanced to the knockout rounds of the Champions League, that will be of little consolation to a side that has four draws and five losses in nine league games in 2026.

But while the threat of relegation looms over the club, new manager Igor Tudor emphasised his confidence in Spurs escaping the drop, explaining that “these are good players with bad habits”.

“They are good players, nobody can tell me they don't have quality. We need to change [a] mental switch and have this mental sharpness to be in the game in the first to second minutes,” added the Croatian.

The result leaves Tottenham in 16th after 28 games, just four points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham with 10 games remaining, and Tudor’s side will face Fulham in the league next week before a string of potentially tricky matches against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Happy Sunday Husky fans again. The Huskies got some good news today when 3 star defensive lineman Matamatagi Uiagaleli from Mater Dei HS, CA committed to UW. Uiagaleli, who is rated by 247sports as the 86th best defensive lineman in the 2027 class, also held offers from Miami, Michigan, and UCLA. Last season for Mater Deil Uiagaleli had 28 total tackles, 6.5 TFL’s and 3 sacks. The Huskies have been very active in recruiting the trinity league and Uiagaleli is a talented player who can play outside or develop into a true interior defensive lineman (he’s listed at 6’3” and around 240 pounds right now). If his name sounds familiar it is, his older brother Tai’ta’i played for UW last season and a valuable contributor on the defensive.

Here are some of highlights from last season:

Uiagaleli is now the 7th commit in the 2027 class and 5th defensive player to commit in the class. That is all for now and as always follow me @asieverkropp.

Following Thursday night’s comfortable 4-1 victory over Celtic in the Europa League, Stuttgart’s attention turned back to the Bundesliga’s race for a Champions League spot. They travelled to the league’s bottom club, Heidenheim, who now, thanks to St Pauli’s win over Werder Bremen earlier in the day, look as though they are being cut adrift from the rest of the pack.

Heidenheim made just two changes to the team that were beaten by Augsburg last time out, Sebastian Hoeneβ meanwhile. made sweeping changes with the second leg against the Scottish Champions in mind, despite the three-goal advantage. With the likes of Deniz Undav, Jamie Lewelling and Atakan Karazor all dropping to the bench.

The visitors got off to a lightning start when a mistake in the Heidenheim backline set Chris Führich through one-on-one with Diant Ramaj, the German winger dispatching comfortably past the Dortmund loanee.

A key feature of Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim, though, is that they never give up, and they were back in the game 20 minutes in through an excellent finish from Eren Dinkçi, giving Alexander Nübel no chance.

Goalscorer Führich gave Heidenheim a scare a few minutes later with a snapshot from the edge of the area, forcing a good stop from Ramaj.

In a remarkable turn of events on the half-hour mark, Stuttgart’s captain on the night, Ermedin Demirović thought he had restored his side’s lead. However, the goal was ruled out,and a penalty was awarded to Heidenheim at the other end.

Maximilian Mittelstädt was adjudged to have fouled Dinkçi seconds before Demirović’sstrike. Arijon Ibrahimović stepped up and made no mistake, converting the spot-kick to give Heidenheim the lead.

Before the first half came to an end, Stuttgart had a chance for some reprieve when they were awarded a penalty of their own after Chema Andrés was fouled by Christian Conteh. Mittelstädt dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner to make up for his earlier mistake.

The second half began in much the same vein as the first, with both sides having chances to retake the lead but squandering them in turn.

Midway through the second period, Demirović once again thought he had his customary goal after heading home from an Angelo Stiller free kick, only for it to be ruled out again for an offside by the barest of margins.

With frustration growing in the Stuttgart ranks, a momentary lapse in concentration at the back saw Heidenheim break through Ibrahimović. The on-loan Bayern winger’s shot was saved by Nübel, but not cleared from the danger area, Sirlord Conteh followed up and fired home to give the home side the lead with just minutes to go.

Stuttgart were not done yet, however and responded moments later, with substitutes Nikolas Nartey and Deniz Undav combining to draw level. Nartey found Undav free inside the box; the former Brighton forward made the finish look easy, sending his shot past the outstretched Ramaj.

Undav immediately had the chance to give his side the lead as the clock ticked over into six minutes of stoppage time. He was again set through by Nikolas Nartey, but perhaps tried to beat one man too many as he eventually got a shot away, but was unable to really trouble Ramaj.

Unwilling to settle for a point, Stuttgart had one last chance when Jeff Chabot let fly from a good 30 yards out; however, his thunderous effort smacked the post before being cleared.

When the full-time whistle blew to bring the pulsating game to an end, it was clear the result did little to help either side. This frustration was evident as managers Frank Schmidt and Sebastian Hoeneß were seen remonstrating passionately in the centre circle. The point leaves Heidenheim rooted to the foot of the table, now six points from safety, while Stuttgart remain in fourth, two points ahead of Leipzig.

Heidenheim 3–3 Stuttgart | Player Ratings

Heidenheim:

Diant Ramaj (6) – Patrick Mainka (6), Benedikt Gimber (6), Tim Siersleben (6) – Arijon Ibrahimović (6), Jan Schöppner (6), Julian Niehues (6), Hennes Behrens (6) – Eren Dinkçi (7), Christian Conteh (6) – Marvin Pieringer (6)

Others:Omar Haktab Traoré (6), Sirlord Conteh (6), Stefan Schimmer (6), Adam Kölle (-), Niklas Dorsch (-)

Stuttgart:

Alexander Nübel (6) – Lorenz Assignon (5), Ramon Hendriks (6), Jeff Chabot (6), Maximilian Mittelstädt (6) – Angelo Stiller (6), Chema Andrés (7) – Tiago Tomás (6), Bilal El Khannouss (6), Chris Führich (7) – Ermedin Demirović (6)

Others: Deniz Undav (7), Nikolas Nartey (7), Jamie Lewelling (6),Atakan Karazor (-), Josha Vagnoman (-)

GGFN Man of the Match | Chris Führich (7)

In truth, the man of the match award in this crazy game could have gone to one of several players, Führich takes it, though, thanks to his brilliant goal and set up play in the first half.

Ermedin Demirović can consider himself unlucky to come away from today’s game without a goal; on another day, both may have counted.

GGFN | Harry Good

Is Phillies infielder Aidan Miller hurt? Bryce Harper reveals worrying update on top prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have a roster capable of winning the World Series. While they didn't make many changes this offseason, with only Adolis Garcia and Brad Keller being new faces, the team is still in great shape.

But, if they could improve in one area, it would be at third base with Alec Bohm. Instead, the Phillies could turn to Aidan Miller as the replacement for Bohm. The Phillies top prospect has a lot of hype heading into the 2026 season.

However, as Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation shared on Twitter/x, during an interview, Bryce Harper revealed some concerning news. Miller is apparently not healthy.

Bryce Harper reveals worrying Aidan Miller injury news

"Miller... get off his butt and get in the game, that'd be nice," Harper said. "I need him to get healthy; he could help us by the end, obviously."

Bryce’s comment on Aidan Miller from the TV interview. pic.twitter.com/gf76GC90AV

— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) February 22, 2026

With Harper implying that Miller is hurt, the Phillies are now potentially down one of their top prospects for a period of time. Miller has yet to make an MLB debut or play in a game so far this Spring.

Now, after Harper's update, the reason seems to be clear: Miller isn't healthy enough to play. The 21-year-old top prospect of the Phillies has garnered a lot of hype in the last year.

More: Phillies' Jhoan Duran teases new pitch, but won't reveal what it is

Following a breakout 2025 campaign, where he hit 14 home runs, had an .825 OPS, and finished with a remarkable 59 stolen bases, Miller looks to be a future superstar.

He could take over for Bohm at third base this season, but based on this update from Harper, that doesn't look like a possibility any time soon.

Harper didn't reveal a timeline for Miller, what the injury is, or even anything beyond simply that he is hoping for Miller to get healthy.

But these comments from Harper are still very concerning for the Phillies. Hopefully, more is revealed on Miller's injury in the coming days, and the Phillies' top prospect's status can be determined to either deliver bad news or give Phillies fans a sigh of relief.

More MLB news:

• MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
• Yankees' Jazz Chisholm reveals his 9-figure contract asking price
• Twins get devastating injury news on Pablo Lopez
• Cubs' Alex Bregman makes assertive no-trade clause Red Sox statement
• German Marquez takes shot at Rockies after signing with team that 'wants to win'
• Mets fans should be concerned with Bo Bichette after fielding struggles go viral
• Giants get great news on top prospect Carson Whisenhunt with huge velocity increase

GLENDALE – The Phoenix Suns (33-24) injury luck continues to derail their tremendous 2025-2026 campaign. In February, Phoenix is 3-5 and much has to do with starters going in and out of the starting lineup. Sunday’s matchup vs. the Portland Trail Blazers (27-30) fits that theme with six Suns players on the injury report, four of which are starters for Jordan Ott’s team.

Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts during the second half the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Full Suns vs. Trail Blazers injury report for Sunday’s game:

Feb 11, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Brooks has been one of the team’s healthiest players before Saturday’s double OT game vs. the Orlando Magic, where he broke his hand to put him out indefinitely. He joins Booker, whose been struggling with injuries for the past month or so, with most recently being his hip. Green has had the best stretch of this season health-wise in the past month, but after playing the most minutes this year (37) vs. Orlando, will Ott want to be on the safer side of his health?

Phoenix could catch a break with All-Star Deni Avdija on the injury report with lower back management. The 25-year-old has missed multiple games this season due to his back, including the team’s last matchup on February 3rd, where the Suns beat the Blazers 130-125 in Portland.

Feb 3, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) defends Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

In that game, Collin Gillespie had a career night of 30 points and 10 assists, with his running mate of big man Mark Williams recording 24 points and 11 rebounds. The dynamic duo is cleared to run it back in the Valley on Sunday. However, if Avdija plays, Phoenix will have a challenge of finding a body to match his 6’8 frame. He’s averaging career highs in every major category, including 25.0 points and 6.8 assists.

The Suns have fought against the injury bug all season and have a tough challenge against a defensive-minded Blazers team following a double OT game just 24 hours prior.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports

The Cleveland Cavaliers erased an early 23-point first-quarter deficit, but they weren’t able to complete the comeback. The shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder, fueled by incredible outside shooting, were able to hand the Cavs their first loss in February. Cleveland fell 121-113.

The Cavaliers dug themselves their early hole due to their inability to protect the ball. They turned it over 10 times in the first quarter, leading to 17 points going the other way. That helped juice an Oklahoma City offense that was forced to play without its two best scorers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Cleveland’s cramped starting lineup led to this. Head coach Kenny Atkinson went with James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to open things up. I like that group in most matchups, but this wasn’t one.

The combination of Oklahoma City’s perimeter defenders and the lack of ball handlers outside of Harden and Mitchell led to these issues. There weren’t outlets for the guards, and the offense struggled. This group was outscored by 14 in the five minutes they played.

Things got worse from there as the deficit ballooned to 23 late in the first quarter before the Cavs started their comeback.

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Cleveland consistently rallied back over the next two-and-a-half quarters. They cut the deficit to a respectable 15 after one, brought it to single digits at the end of the second, and gained their first lead of the game midway through the third.

Unfortunately for the Cavs, that was the only lead they would take. The Thunder recaptured their advantage heading into the fourth quarter and were able to keep the Cavs mostly at arm’s length down the stretch.

Oklahoma City’s outside shooting was a weapon all game, and saved them in the fourth quarter. They simply couldn’t miss as they hit their third-highest percentage of threes in a game this season. Even though the Cavs got close multiple times, they couldn’t make the big stop when they needed to.

The Thunder ended the game going 21-41 (51.2%) from three while the Cavs went just 13-39 (33.3%). In the end, it’s a make-or-miss league.

Sam Merrill’s shooting was the only thing keeping the Cavs in the game for stretches. He was red hot from deep as he went 6-10 from beyond the arc en route to a 20-point game.

Mitchell provided 20 points on 9-19 shooting to go along with five assists and two steals.

Harden continued his streak of having seven or more assists. He finished with nine to go along with scoring 20 points on 8-14 shooting. He did, however, turn the ball over five times.

Allen wasn’t able to keep his strong play going. The Cavs weren’t able to get him involved early as he took just one shot attempt in the first quarter. This led to a somewhat unimpactful game as he provided 11 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Mobley ended the game with 15 points with just two rebounds. Dennis Schroder supplied 11-bench points.

The Thunder were led by 22 points from Isaiah Joe and 20 from Cason Wallace. Chet Holmgren had 17 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in the win.

Even though the Cavs lost this game, this was nothing to be too discouraged by. The Thunder were missing two of their best offensive players, but you would sign up to be without them every night if it guaranteed you’d make more than half of your 41 three-point attempts.

This type of offensive performance was so far out of character for this version of the Thunder. Coming into today, lineups without SGA, Williams, and Alex Caruso had registered an abysmal 106.1 offensive rating(4th percentile).

You have to tip your cap to the Thunder on a game like this. They executed at an extraordinarily high level and were the better team today. However, there’s no reason to come away from this one thinking the Cavs aren’t on their same level.

The loss snapped what was a seven-game winning streak. Cleveland has still won 12 of their last 14 games.

The Cavs will be back in action Tuesday as they host the New York Knicks. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM.

Through five innings of Saturday’s game with Baylor Purdue’s trip to the prestigious Round Rock Classic looked like it was going to be an 0-fer. The Boilermakers had already lost to Southern Miss on Friday evening and they trailed Baylor 5-0 through six. With No. 12 Oregon State waiting on Sunday an 0-3 trip looked likely.

Purdue made a sutnning comeback, however, to edge the Bears 6-5, then they pulled off a huge upset int he Sunday game against Oregon State 5-2 to get two VERY good wins in the Round Rock Classic. If Baylor defeats Southern Miss on Sunday Purdue will tie with the Eagles at 2-1 for the weekend, while Oregon State and Baylor would go 1-2.

Friday: #20 Southern Miss 5, Purdue 4

Purdue came up just short of a weekend sweep after the Golden Eagles walked them off with a run in the ninth Friday. The Boilers jumped on top early with a run in the first due to an error, but Southern Miss was able to move in front 4-1 with a four-run fourth inning, which chased starter Cole Van Assen. Thomas Howard kept Purdue in it with 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief while only giving up one hit.

The Boilers left the bases loaded without scoring in the sixth, but it was in the eighth that they finally made their move. Trey Swiderski hit a solo home run and Westin Boyle tied it with a two-run single. Purdue again loaded the bases in the ninth, but did not score before Southern won on an RBI double in the bottom of hte ninth.

Saturday: Purdue 6, Baylor 5

once again, Purdue fell behind early as Baylor was up 5-0 throught he top of the sixth, but a big three-run home run from CJ Richmond gave the Boilermakers momentum in the bottom of the sixth.

Richmond would collect his fourth RBI witha two-out single in the seventh that tied things at 5-5. That set the stage for a dramatic ninth inning, where Brandon Rogers lead off with a bunt single. He was then singled over to second before Westin Boyle capped it with a walk-off single up the middle.

Jake Kramer earned the win for Purdue, but the bullpen pitched five and a third scoreless innings to keep the Boilermakers in it.

Sunday: Purdue 5, No. 12 Oregon State 2

This is Purdue’s first win over a top 25 team since it took one of four games at Texas early in the 2019 season, and it is a tremendous non-conference win for any potential NCAA Tournament resume. Jarvis Evans gave up just two runs on three hits, both in the second inning, to earn the win with a solid start. Kramer collected the save in the ninth as well.

The big hit came in the fifth when Purdue scored four times to move in front 5-2. Rogers and Boyle each drove in runs, while two runs scored on this error by the Beavers:

Overall, I have to say that it was a very impressive weekend and exceeded all my expectations. Purdue was probably the worst team on paper entering the field and it ended up winning two games and coming up just short in the third one. After two weeks Purdue sits at 4-3, but the losses to Rice and Southern Miss are not bad ones. Portland is at least showing it is competitive too, so the season opening loss could end up being better than it looks. I don’t think Purdue is a tournament team, but do not discount these two wins this weekend. They are the best non-conference wins Purdue has gotten in six years under Greg Goff.

Purdue has a chance tos tack some wins when it hosts winless Marist next weekend for four games in Holly Springs, NC.