What started as a special mother/daughter cruise took an unbelievably nightmarish turn for Paris Singleton-Ajaero.

Now, after suffering an unimaginable loss, she and her loved ones are relying on the kindness of strangers, including those in the cruise community, for help.

What Went Wrong?

Singleton-Ajaeroand and her mother boarded the Norwegian Jewel for the first annual Rise and Rhythm Cruise. What was supposed to be several days of gospel music and inspirational speakers turned tragic when the mom-to-be, who was carrying twins, went into premature labor.

Taken to the ship’s medical center, she gave birth to son John Jr., named after his father, John Ajaero. She was then taken to a hospital in Cancun where not only did her newborn son pass away, but so too did his sister, Journey Rose.

While still in the hospital dealing with the shocking loss, Singleton-Ajaero made a heartbreaking video call to her husband so that he could see the children they would never have the chance to raise.

Making an awful situation even worse? She and her mother had to return home without the children she’d lost.

“The emotional toll has been immense,” wrote family friend Rhonda Wall on a GoFundMe page which hopes to help the grieving parents, who are “facing overwhelming medical bills. The hospital has requested an initial payment for the emergency transportation and care Paris received.”

An Outpouring of Support

As word has spread regarding the family’s situation, donations have flooded in. As of the time of publication, over $18,000 has been donated by people from around the country and, indeed, the world.

The situation has hit home for many cruisers, especially upon reading that the woman who would have been a first-time mom “spent over a year saving up” so she and her mom could enjoy the cruise.

“At 21-weeks pregnant,” wrote Walls, “Paris was eagerly looking forward to this special trip, hoping to create lasting memories with her mom before welcoming her babies.” 

Speaking to a local news outlet, Singleton-Ajaero addressed the difficulty of the situation. “It’s hard to feel like we’re at peace, because we don’t have them home,” she admitted. “We don’t know how to plan a funeral. It’s not something we ever even talked [about] for ourselves yet.”

It should be noted that this guest was permitted to sail, as most cruise lines only restrict travel once a pregnancy reaches 24 weeks.

The policy exists because shipboard medical centers are not equipped with neonatal intensive care units or the advanced life-support systems needed to treat very premature newborns.

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A group of residents last week staged a protest at Mahahual, Mexico, at the site of Royal Caribbean’s planned Perfect Day Mexico port project.

A small group of settler residents from the Nuevo Mahahual neighborhood blocked access to the port, demanding that the government and the cruise line improve roads and public services, such as public lighting, security, and garbage collection.

They also demanded their town is incorporated. They initially refused to disperse until a representative of the cruise line addressed them. The protest took place as three cruise ships docked at Mahahual Costa Maya port. 

Local NGO won injunction to temporarily halt construction

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect day Mexico port project is currently partly stalled after a Judge recently granted an injunction on behalf of a local NGO. DMAS (Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment) filed a legal challenge claiming lawmakers in Mahahual granted a change of land use for the Royal Caribbean project illegally. 

The group claimed this requires public consultation first. The government denies this, as the land use change only relates to a small percentage of the land earmarked for the project.

DMAS and the local protesters are not against the port project in principle but are fighting for transparency and respect for the environment.

“We are in favor of respecting the law, urban planning, and the community’s right to a healthy environment,” DMAS President Antonella Vázquez recently said. The group is alarmed at the possible negative impact on a protected mangrove area and water supply issues for the town.

Royal Caribbean has already said it is “not going to touch anything in the mangrove conservation area.” The cruise line plans a 80-hectare water park and other amenities beside the cruise ship pier and has earmarked 45 hectares of mangroves for conservation

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has called in two independent environmental experts after Mexico’s federal environmental protection agency halted demolition work in one area due to “landfilling and compaction activities in a low-lying coastal jungle area with mangroves.”

The agency said the cruise line didn’t request federal clearance for this.

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Sandals Resorts is ringing in 2026 with a huge announcement for Caribbean travel lovers: its first-ever semi-annual sale! This special offer, running until March 16, 2026, applies to bookings made for travel through December 25, 2027, across its 17 luxurious, adults-only, all-inclusive resorts. From the pristine beaches of Saint Lucia to the lush landscapes of Jamaica and Saint Vincent, Sandals is offering unprecedented savings, making this the perfect opportunity to book your dream getaway.

The sale offers not only discounted rates on stays but also comes with an exciting array of exclusive extras. Guests who stay for seven nights or longer in select accommodation categories will be rewarded with a free night at any of Sandals’ stunning resorts. Additionally, travelers can enjoy resort credits that can be used for various luxury experiences, such as spa treatments at the renowned Red Lane Spa, romantic candlelight dinners by the beach, or an introductory scuba diving lesson. These perks enhance the already luxurious Sandals experience and make it even more accessible to travelers looking for relaxation and adventure.

How Sandals’ Semi-Annual Sale Lets You Unlock Free Nights and Resort Credits

One of the standout features of this Sandals semi-annual sale is the opportunity for guests to unlock free nights during their stay. When booking a seven-night or longer stay in select suites, guests will receive an additional night free of charge, offering more time to enjoy all the luxurious amenities and breathtaking destinations that Sandals is known for. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, indulging in gourmet dining, or taking part in unique cultural excursions, you’ll have even more time to make unforgettable memories.

Additionally, Sandals resorts are offering resort credits as part of this sale. These credits can be used for exclusive experiences like spa treatments, dining options, or other exciting activities at the resort. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your stay and make the most out of the incredible offerings at each Sandals property.

Explore 17 Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean: Where Sandals’ Sale Applies

The Sandals semi-annual sale applies to 17 luxury all-inclusive resorts in some of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside retreat or an adventurous trip filled with cultural exploration, Sandals provides a diverse range of options to suit all preferences.

The Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia, for example, are renowned for their stunning views of the Pitons and offer a unique blend of romantic hideaways and adventurous activities. In contrast, resorts in Jamaica offer a vibrant atmosphere with a range of entertainment options, beach parties, and local experiences. Each resort provides a mix of luxury suites, private pools, and exclusive dining options, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

Sandals’ Newest Caribbean Offerings Include Unique Suites and Island Experiences

In addition to discounted stays, the semi-annual sale highlights new suites and exclusive island-inspired experiences at several Sandals resorts. The Asombroso Rondoval Suites at Sandals Royal Curaçao are a standout, offering guests a private, luxurious sanctuary complete with a MINI Cooper for local exploration. These suites, as well as the newly designed Awa Seaside Bungalows, offer an exceptional oceanfront experience that combines modern luxury with Caribbean charm.

In addition to the luxurious accommodations, Sandals is also offering guests the chance to enjoy a range of authentic experiences that showcase the culture and beauty of the Caribbean. From cultural excursions to exclusive tours, guests can dive deeper into the islands’ rich history and traditions while enjoying five-star service.

What You Need to Know: Sandals’ Semi-Annual Sale and How to Book Your Dream Getaway

To take advantage of the Sandals semi-annual sale, travelers must make bookings before March 16, 2026, for travel through December 2027. This limited-time offer is a great way to secure your spot at one of Sandals’ luxurious resorts in the Caribbean while enjoying special perks like free nights and resort credits. With new and exciting accommodation options, enhanced travel packages, and extra experiences, this sale is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to enjoy a top-tier Caribbean vacation.

The Sandals resorts offer some of the most exclusive experiences in the Caribbean, with an all-inclusive model that covers meals, drinks, entertainment, activities, and more. Booking now ensures you don’t miss out on the chance to experience luxury travel in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Sandals’ First-Ever Semi-Annual Sale

For anyone looking to experience the best of the Caribbean in 2026, Sandals’ semi-annual sale is not to be missed. With opportunities for free nights, resort credits, and exclusive access to new suites and experiences, now is the perfect time to book your getaway. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled escape, Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts offer the perfect blend of luxury and adventure in the heart of the Caribbean.

While Las Vegas saw a 7.5% decline in tourism during the second half of 2025, Allegiant Stadium stood out as a bright spot, with 531,609 visitors attending 38 events in the final quarter. This boost in attendance is largely due to the Raiders’ home games and other major events, which attracted a growing number of out-of-town fans. As traditional gambling loses some of its luster, the stadium’s rising popularity underscores how sports tourism is playing an increasingly important role in revitalizing the city’s tourism scene.

For years, Las Vegas has been known for its vibrant casinos and high-stakes gambling, but the expansion of legalized gambling across the U.S. has shifted the city’s appeal. The allure of the gaming tables no longer dominates, and the city is grappling with a decline in visitors. However, Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, has proven to be an exception to this trend, offering a new and compelling reason for tourists to visit.

Allegiant Stadium has proven itself as a powerful force in the city’s tourism landscape, attracting both locals and tourists alike. According to recent data from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the stadium saw an increase in attendance during the final quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. From October to December 2025, the stadium hosted 531,609 visitors across 38 events. This figure marks a slight rise from the 512,145 visitors who attended 40 events in the final quarter of 2024, indicating that, while the city as a whole may be experiencing challenges, Allegiant Stadium continues to draw crowds.

Though the numbers in 2025 are still below the average attendance of 560,351 during the fourth quarter of 2021 through 2023, this increase represents an important sign of resilience in a tourism market that has faced a 7.5-percent decline overall during the second half of 2025. In light of this decline, any growth in attendance is particularly encouraging, especially when viewed within the context of Las Vegas’ efforts to diversify its attractions beyond gambling.

A closer look at the Raiders’ home games further underscores Allegiant Stadium’s growing role as a key tourism magnet. The nine Raiders home games in 2025 drew 497,934 visitors to the stadium. What is even more impressive is the fact that approximately 63 percent of these visitors came from outside Southern Nevada. This statistic highlights the stadium’s ability to attract out-of-town fans, suggesting that Allegiant Stadium is becoming a prime destination for sports tourism, independent of the city’s traditionally dominant gambling sector.

In recent years, Las Vegas has faced the challenge of maintaining its draw as a tourist destination, as competition from other cities and a shift in visitor interests have taken a toll. The city’s gambling-centric appeal, once the cornerstone of its identity, has been overshadowed by other attractions in nearby cities, making it essential for Las Vegas to diversify its offerings. The Raiders, by offering an exciting sporting experience, have proven to be a key part of this new identity. As a professional NFL team in a city with no shortage of entertainment options, the Raiders have attracted large crowds, offering tourists an alternative reason to visit.

Should the Raiders continue to improve their performance and become more competitive in the NFL, it’s reasonable to expect that attendance at Allegiant Stadium—and by extension, the number of visitors to Las Vegas—will continue to rise. The team’s performance on the field plays a key role in drawing in fans, and should the Raiders make a deep playoff run or consistently perform at a high level, the impact on Las Vegas tourism could be substantial. The city stands to benefit not only from the games themselves but also from the surrounding events, fan engagement, and increased demand for accommodations and services.

A history of limited playoff success, however, has meant that the Raiders have only made the playoffs twice since their 2002 Super Bowl appearance. But a consistent string of winning seasons could change that, and it would have ripple effects throughout the city, helping to boost the local economy and revitalizing the tourism sector. Las Vegas has the infrastructure and appeal to capitalize on the Raiders’ potential success, with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues eager to cater to visitors flocking in for game day.

Looking even further into the future, Allegiant Stadium’s role as a tourism driver could be cemented with the possible return of the Super Bowl. The stadium is reportedly in the running to host Super Bowl LXIII, just five years after it first staged the event in 2024. Super Bowl week alone brings with it an economic boon for host cities, and with Allegiant Stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and location in the heart of Las Vegas, it stands to reason that the city could continue to benefit from the global spotlight associated with hosting the NFL’s marquee event.

Despite a 7.5% decline in overall tourism, Allegiant Stadium saw an attendance boost in 2025, driven by the Raiders’ games and major events, highlighting sports tourism’s growing role in Las Vegas.

For Las Vegas, the arrival of a competitive Raiders team, coupled with major events like the Super Bowl, could not only help diversify its tourism offerings but also allow the city to reassert itself as a top-tier sports and entertainment destination. As the NFL continues to grow in popularity, Allegiant Stadium could serve as a catalyst for the next phase of Las Vegas’ tourism renaissance—one that extends beyond the casino floor and into the realm of sports and entertainment.

WAHDAH Technologies Sdn. Bhd. is a mobility and travel tech company in Malaysia. WAHDAH gained WAHDAH buoyed by collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad (MDV), providing them with funding. MDEC and MDV focus on enhancing Digital Adoption for Mobility, Automotive, and Travel.

WAHDAH Technologies success provides a prototype for digital platforms that streamline and transform Mobility, Automotive, and Travel vertically and horizontally to provide a better experience for consumers and businesses. WAHDAH Technologies creates a digital ecosystem for consumers and businesses in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia that integrates travel and tourism.

Digital Transformation and Government Assistance

WAHDAH is a beneficiary of strong government support, as MDEC facilitated the development of WAHDAH Technologies. MDEC helped WAHDAH Technologies gain market recognition, WAHDAH Technologies implemented WAHDAH’s digital strategy, and MDEC provided WAHDAH with the funding needed for WAHDAH’s Regional Expansion. MDEC is aligning with Malaysia’s Digital Development Initiatives and the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), which focuses on the development of the Mobility, Travel Tech, and Innovative Digital Platforms.

Proving your overarching efforts shows the commitment of the Malaysian government. Focusing on the data-driven mobility, fleet intelligence, and digital trade of the region, the partnership of MDEC-MDV is focused on the ongoing goals of AI Nation 2030 to guide the country towards fostering regional data-driven mobility solutions and digital trade in Southeast Asia.

The Role of WAHDAH in Southeast Asia Digital Mobility Ecosystem

Having built and established a strong relationship, WAHDAH is positioned as one of the most important innovators in Southeast Asia. WAHDAH is expanding in all major economic zones of Malaysia (Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru) and Singapore and Jakarta (international), in addition to connecting digital platforms to physical mobility hubs, located in regional bases, to provide fully integrated customer service and mobility solutions.

WAHDAH is one of the most advanced digital mobility service providers in this model, along with Driveo and Trevabook. Driveo is a fleet management service that provides the full digital management of the life cycle of an owned vehicle, from purchase to maintenance to resale. Trevabook promotes authentic travel experiences, allowing remote workers to create diverse and genuine travel experiences as part of Malaysia’s goal to promote sustainable tourism.

More than 100 employees have gone to multiple hubs in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Because of this, WAHDAH has contributed to the local economy and moved the Southeast region to more integrated and efficient mobility solutions.

MDV’s Financial Support and Regional Growth

Malaysia Debt Venture Berhad (MDV), an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), has recognized WAHDAH’s growth potential and has provided the company with a financing facility of RM 2.5 million. With this financial aid, WAHDAH will be able to further enhance its technological innovations, maintain the growth of the business, and expand its operational potential. MDV’s support aims to keep WAHDAH competitive in the rapidly changing mobility tech industry.

MDV’s contribution goes beyond financial support. With the partnership of MDEC and WAHDAH, the agency has assisted the company in becoming a digital-first company, preparing it to expand across the Southeast Asia region. As the company continues to innovate and grow, MDV’s support to the company further enhances Malaysia’s contribution to tech development in the region.

Regional Expansion: WAHDAH Digital Platforms for Mobility and Tourism

WAHDAH is unique in that it combines mobility and tourism. They provide both physical and digital services, and help customers redefine their travel and vehicle ownership experience in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Their services support vehicle and tourism services and include vehicle purchasing and maintenance, and tourists’ customized travel services.

Thanks to a partnership with MDEC and MDV, WAHDAH is ready to launch its innovative services for customers in other countries outside of Malaysia. WAHDAH’s digital offerings streamline service delivery in both mobility and tourism and provide digital solutions to other countries that need to foster collaborative services in these previously siloed industries.

Digital Mobility: A Key Priority for Malaysia to Achieve its Goals

The MDEC digital agency program and MDV financing partnership demonstrate how the synergies between the public and private sectors can provide the necessary foundations to accelerate innovation and economic growth. Malaysia’s commitment to developing a digital ecosystem is further illustrated by the continuous refinement of its core strategic pillars: technology, entrepreneurship, and digital implementation.

The collaboration of MDEC, MDV, and WAHDAH exemplifies how Malaysia commits to fostering digital businesses and their growth locally and across the Southeast Asian region. This collaboration provides the means of digital transformation to position Malaysia to become one of the top digital economies in the region.

WAHDAH’s Growing Impact and Future Opportunities

While WAHDAH is still growing and expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, the company is still looking for ways to digitally evolve and grow its technology. This growing company is a testament to the strength of Malaysia’s growing digital ecosystem, and its innovative spirit will greatly influence the future of digital travel and mobility.

WAHDAH and its new collaboration demonstrate the success of Malaysia’s digital empowerment initiatives to become the leading digital innovation hub in the region. With new tech companies like WAHDAH, Malaysia is positioned to be the future leader in digital mobility, travel, and tech solutions.

A Sustainable Future for Malaysia’s Digital Economy

The partnership of MDEC, MDV, and WAHDAH illustrates Malaysia’s structured ecosystem for the national tech ecosystem’s positive influence on the framework support and Malaysia’s acceleration of digital transformation. Empowering local innovators, Malaysia is poised to digitalise South East Asia through transformative technologies, and economic growth is accelerating.

WAHDAH’s success provides a glimpse of the innovation ecosystem’s potential. Malaysia’s digital economy will be the driving force. WAHDAH will be vital in the coming years with an assisted role in the digital mobility and travel ecosystem of Southeast Asia.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) has taken a significant step toward sustainability with the introduction of three electric trams for its Wiki Wiki Shuttle service. These new vehicles are part of a broader initiative to support the State of Hawai’i’s fleet electrification goals, aligning with the growing push for environmentally friendly ground transportation. This effort comes as part of a collaboration with Sustainability Partners, a public benefit company focused on facilitating the transition to sustainable infrastructure.

The Wiki Wiki Shuttle, which provides free intra-airport transport between terminals and concourses at HNL, has now upgraded to electric mobility, marking a key milestone in the airport’s sustainability journey. The introduction of these MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy trams, which come equipped with trailers, aims to reduce emissions and create a cleaner, greener environment for both airport staff and travelers.

These electric trams are designed to meet the specific needs of airport transit systems, offering ADA-compliant accessibility for passengers with disabilities. The electric shuttle fleet is an essential addition to the airport’s efforts in reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing passenger experience through quieter, eco-friendly transportation options.

“The Wiki Wiki Shuttle is a vital part of daily operations, connecting passengers comfortably between terminals and concourses,” said Hawai’i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “Adding these low-cost electric trams improves the airport experience, removing the noise and odor of our old transports and increasing energy efficiency.”

Sustainability Partners played a pivotal role in the delivery of this electric vehicle fleet, through their Electric Vehicles as a Service (EVaaS) model. This innovative approach simplifies the adoption of electric vehicle fleets for public entities by providing solutions to common challenges such as procurement, customization, and charging infrastructure. Through EVaaS, Sustainability Partners ensures that agencies like HNL benefit from turnkey electric vehicle deployments that include long-term maintenance and operational support, enabling seamless transitions to electric fleets.

In addition to the electric trams, Sustainability Partners has provided a coordinated charging infrastructure to support the daily operational requirements of the new fleet. The setup ensures that the trams are ready to serve passengers without interruptions, allowing for smooth and continuous airport shuttle services.

Further enhancing the safety and functionality of the new shuttle fleet, the electric trams come equipped with advanced monitoring technology, including GPS and camera systems. This technology enables real-time tracking and visibility, ensuring that fleet managers have the tools they need to monitor operations effectively. The integration of this technology also enhances safety by allowing operators to track tram locations, manage routes, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Made in the U.S.A, the MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy trams are built using American-made components, supporting the local economy and aligning with broader sustainability goals. These electric trams will play a vital role in the ongoing effort to transition Hawai’i’s ground transportation systems toward more sustainable practices. With the new fleet now in operation, the State of Hawai’i moves a step closer to meeting its ambitious emissions reduction targets for the future.

HNL’s partnership with Sustainability Partners showcases a growing commitment to green transportation solutions in aviation and airport operations, setting a leading example for other airports around the world to follow. With these electric shuttles, HNL not only supports passenger movement but also advances Hawai’i’s sustainable transportation initiatives.

As the demand for eco-conscious travel options grows, initiatives like this underscore the significant potential for public-private partnerships in achieving large-scale sustainability goals. By integrating electric vehicles into public transit systems, Sustainability Partners is helping pave the way for a greener future, both in Hawai’i and beyond.

Through its EVaaS model, Sustainability Partners supports public agencies by facilitating vehicles, infrastructure, ongoing care, and preventative maintenance. “These new electric trams help modernize the Wiki Wiki Shuttle while supporting Hawai’i’s broader transition to lower-emission transportation. By combining vehicle delivery, charging coordination, and ongoing support through our Electric Vehicles as a Service model, we help public agencies reduce complexity and scale electrification with confidence,” said Arnold Albiar, Sustainability Partners’ Managing Partner of Hawai’i.

The UK government is introducing significant changes to its immigration policies starting from 25 February 2026, which will affect dual nationals traveling to the country. These changes are set to impact those with dual citizenship, requiring them to comply with new documentation rules. These alterations to the immigration system are part of the government’s broader aim to streamline and modernise UK border procedures, but for many dual nationals, these changes represent a challenge, leaving some worried about being unable to return to the UK.

New Rules for Dual Nationals: What You Need to Know

Under the current system, dual nationals with British citizenship who also hold another nationality could travel to the UK using their foreign passport, provided that their other country’s passport was from a nation not requiring a UK visa. However, as of 25 February 2026, this option will no longer be available. Dual nationals will now need to travel with either their British passport or a new digital certificate of entitlement attached to their foreign passport.

For those who have not yet applied for a British passport or the certificate of entitlement, these new rules pose an obstacle, as these documents are not automatically issued. In many cases, individuals have never applied for these documents, even if they have lived in the UK for decades.

The certificate of entitlement, which is required for those who have dual nationality, costs £589, and it can take several weeks to process. Meanwhile, a British passport costs approximately £100, further contributing to the cost and time involved in complying with the new regulations.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and Its Impact

The implementation of these new rules for dual nationals aligns with the roll-out of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch in February. This system will require most international travelers to apply for an entry document before arriving in the UK, although dual nationals are exempt from the ETA process. Instead, they must meet the new documentation requirements.

Dual nationals are not eligible for the ETA, as they will need to prove their British citizenship using one of the aforementioned documents. This change is set to be enforced by airlines, which will now be tasked with checking the necessary travel documentation prior to departure, meaning travelers could be denied boarding if they fail to meet the requirements.

Consequences for Dual Nationals Abroad

The UK government’s new rules are set to have a significant impact on dual nationals who are currently traveling outside of the UK. Many individuals who are abroad, visiting family or on holiday, may not be able to obtain the required documentation in time for their return trip to the UK. This has led to concerns that travelers may be stranded in foreign countries, unable to return home until they can acquire the appropriate documentation.

For instance, dual nationals who delayed applying for their British passport while traveling may now find themselves in a race against time. With passport processing times taking several weeks, and costs adding up, travelers may be forced to alter their travel plans or endure extended waits before returning to the UK. Some individuals, particularly those living in other EU countries, are experiencing frustration over the lack of communication from UK authorities regarding these changes, as many only found out about the rule shift through social media posts or other unofficial channels.

The Government’s Position and Criticism

The UK government has defended the changes, claiming that the updated rules will bring the UK’s immigration system in line with similar policies in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, the government has emphasized that the public has had access to information about the upcoming changes since October 2024, and an extensive communications campaign regarding the ETA system has been running since 2023.

Despite these efforts, many dual nationals argue that the communication surrounding the changes has been insufficient, leaving individuals with limited time to apply for the necessary documents. This has led to criticism from campaign groups, who have called for the government to reconsider the timeline and offer more support for those affected.

In response to these concerns, some advocacy groups have suggested introducing a one-off, low-cost travel authorisation for those who are unable to meet the new documentation requirements in time for their return journey. This would offer a temporary solution for dual nationals who are caught off guard by the new rules, while the official documents are processed.

The UK’s Dual National Population

According to the latest census data, dual nationals make up a significant portion of the UK population. In 2021, 1.2% of UK-born residents (587,600 individuals) and 6.5% of non-UK-born residents (648,700 individuals) held dual nationality. The new rules are expected to affect a large number of individuals, particularly those from EU countries, who may find themselves caught between their British citizenship and the need for documentation from their other nationality.

Irish Nationals and EU Citizens

The new rules will not affect Irish passport holders, as they are not subject to the same immigration procedures as other foreign nationals. However, other EU nationals with dual citizenship will need to comply with the new documentation requirements.

This is particularly relevant given the ongoing changes in the relationship between the UK and the EU post-Brexit, which have resulted in adjustments to travel and immigration policies for citizens of EU member states.

Preparing for the Changes

Travel experts and immigration advisors are urging dual nationals to act quickly to secure the necessary documentation before the 25 February deadline. Given the processing time for both British passports and certificates of entitlement, travelers are advised to plan well in advance to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.

Moreover, some individuals may have to consider alternative arrangements, such as traveling back to their country of origin to apply for a British passport, which could lead to delays of several weeks or even months, depending on their location and the processing times at local consulates.

The Impact of Brexit on Dual Nationals

For those who obtained British citizenship after Brexit, the timing of these rule changes is particularly significant. Many individuals who chose to apply for British citizenship following the UK’s departure from the EU now face a system that may be more cumbersome and complicated than anticipated. This has led some dual nationals to question the value of holding a British passport, especially when the process of acquiring and maintaining the necessary documentation is becoming more complex.

Some individuals are even contemplating renouncing their British citizenship, particularly if they believe that the changes to the system will negatively impact their travel flexibility or financial situation. For these individuals, the prospect of paying for a certificate of entitlement or waiting for a British passport may outweigh the benefits of retaining UK nationality.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to UK immigration rules for dual nationals are set to affect a large number of individuals, particularly those who have long lived in the UK but hold another nationality. While the government has defended these changes as part of broader immigration reforms, many dual nationals are struggling with the logistical and financial challenges posed by the new documentation requirements. With the deadline rapidly approaching, it is clear that these new rules will have a significant impact on UK-bound travelers and may leave some individuals stranded abroad.

For travelers stepping into departure halls expecting smooth journeys, the reality has recently felt very different. Across two of Southeast Asia’s busiest aviation gateways — Singapore Changi Airport and Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport — schedules have been disrupted, patience tested, and travel plans reshuffled after hundreds of flights experienced delays or cancellations. In total, 766 flights were affected, including 757 delays and 9 cancellations, reflecting the mounting pressure on Asia’s rapidly recovering aviation system.

Airports affected included Singapore Changi Airport (498 delays, 1 cancellation) and Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (259 delays, 8 cancellations), with both facilities experiencing significant schedule strain due to heavy traffic flows and network-wide aviation congestion.

Major cities affected include Singapore and Jakarta, two of Asia’s busiest travel gateways linking passengers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and regional Asian routes.

• Southeast Asian airports recorded 766 total disruptions, including 757 delays and 9 cancellations.
• Singapore Changi Airport reported the highest delay total at 498.
• Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport recorded the most cancellations at 8.
• Singapore accounted for the majority of disruption volume in the region.
• Jakarta showed a higher cancellation-to-delay ratio compared with Singapore.
• Both airports experienced schedule pressure despite maintaining active operations.

Disruptions at Two Key Regional Hubs

Singapore Changi Airport recorded 498 delayed flights and 1 cancellation, while Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta logged 259 delays and 8 cancellations during the monitored period. These numbers matter because both airports function as critical regional connectors linking Southeast Asia with Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Changi Airport is among the world’s most important aviation hubs and currently has the capacity to handle about 90 million passengers annually, with authorities expanding infrastructure to meet rising demand.
The airport handled 67.7 million passengers in a recent year, reflecting strong post-pandemic recovery and renewed travel growth.

Such scale means even moderate operational slowdowns can quickly cascade into widespread scheduling disruptions.

Jakarta’s Aviation Giant Under Pressure

Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport is equally critical to regional travel flows. Government-linked aviation officials report the airport can now accommodate up to 96 million passengers annually following terminal upgrades designed to boost capacity and competitiveness. Passenger traffic figures underscore its importance: during a recent holiday travel period alone, the airport served about 2.86 million passengers in just over two weeks, making it the busiest facility in Indonesia’s airport network. Over a full year, it has recorded 54.8 million passengers and more than 362,000 aircraft movements, demonstrating sustained growth in aviation demand.

These statistics show why delays there can ripple through regional and international routes.

Why Major Hubs Experience Delays

Large airports often face operational strain because they function as synchronized systems. Aircraft, crew schedules, air-traffic slots, and ground services must align precisely. A delay in one location can propagate across multiple destinations.

Analysts point out that airports such as Changi and Soekarno-Hatta serve dozens of airlines and hundreds of routes daily. When traffic volumes surge — especially during holiday seasons or peak travel periods — even small disruptions can multiply quickly.

Passenger growth trends illustrate the challenge. Changi recorded an all-time high 68.4 million passenger movements over a 12-month period ending March 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Meanwhile, Soekarno-Hatta has been ranked among the busiest airports globally and holds the top spot in ASEAN for flight capacity.

These numbers reveal that both airports operate near the upper limits of their designed capacity — a factor that can amplify disruption impact.

The Real-World Impact on Travelers

Statistics alone rarely convey the human side of travel disruptions. For passengers, delays translate into missed connections, rearranged itineraries, and unexpected overnight stays. Business travelers may miss meetings; families may miss reunions; tourists may lose precious vacation time.

Airlines typically activate contingency measures such as rebooking passengers or rerouting flights when disruptions occur. However, when hundreds of flights are affected simultaneously, resources can stretch thin and recovery can take longer.

Travel experts recommend practical precautions during busy travel periods:

• Check flight status before leaving for the airport
• Arrive earlier than usual
• Allow buffer time for connections
• Enable airline notifications

These steps can significantly reduce stress during irregular operations.

Growth Versus Infrastructure

The underlying cause behind many disruptions is not failure but growth. Aviation demand across Asia continues to rise rapidly. Changi Airport, for example, has begun constructing a fifth terminal that will eventually add capacity for about 50 million additional passengers annually in its initial phase. Similarly, Indonesian authorities are expanding and reorganizing terminals at Soekarno-Hatta to accommodate increasing traffic and improve passenger experience.

Such expansion projects signal that authorities anticipate continued growth in travel demand — and are planning infrastructure accordingly.

Regional Aviation Outlook

Industry forecasts suggest Asia-Pacific will remain the fastest-growing aviation market globally over the next two decades. Rising middle-class populations, expanding tourism sectors, and new airline routes are all contributing to increased passenger volumes.

This growth brings opportunities but also operational challenges. Airports must continuously adapt technology, staffing, and scheduling systems to manage rising traffic while maintaining punctuality.

Human Perspective and Closing Note

For the traveler staring at a departure board filled with delay notices, global aviation statistics don’t matter — only the ticking clock does. Yet experts emphasize that disruptions at major hubs like Singapore and Jakarta are often temporary growing pains in a system expanding faster than ever before.

In the long run, the same surge in travel demand causing delays today is also driving the investments that will make future journeys smoother. Until then, patience, preparation, and flexibility remain every traveler’s best companions.

Several passengers were affected in the US as 229 delays and 11 cancellations were reported today at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The most affected carrier was Southwest Airlines (7 cancellations, 163 delays), followed by WestJet (2 cancellations, 2 delays), Spirit Airlines (1 cancellation, 9 delays), and Air Canada Rouge (1 cancellation, 4 delays).
Other major airlines facing delays included Delta Air Lines (12 delays), United Airlines (12 delays), American Airlines (5 delays), Alaska Airlines (5 delays), Frontier Airlines (5 delays), and JetBlue Airways (2 delays).
Ripple effects were recorded across key hubs including Denver International Airport (2 cancellations, 12 inbound delays; 2 cancellations, 10 outbound delays), Los Angeles International Airport (4 inbound delays; 4 outbound delays), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (4 inbound delays; 4 outbound delays), San Francisco International Airport (5 inbound delays; 3 outbound delays), Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (2 inbound delays; 3 outbound delays), and Reno–Tahoe International Airport (7 inbound delays; 6 outbound delays).
Cross-border routes were also impacted, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, and Licenciado Benito Juárez International Airport.

• Update today: 229 delays and 11 cancellations were reported at LAS.
• Southwest Airlines accounted for 163 delays and 7 cancellations.
• Denver International recorded 2 cancellations and over 20 total delay movements (inbound and outbound combined).
• West Coast airports including Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Reno saw multiple inbound and outbound delays.
• Canadian and Mexican routes, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Mexico City, registered limited but confirmed disruption.

Airlines Most Affected by Flight Cancellations and Delays

Southwest Airlines

7 cancellations and 163 delays, representing the largest operational impact at LAS today.

WestJet

2 cancellations and 2 delays affecting cross-border services.

Spirit Airlines

1 cancellation and 9 delays.

Air Canada Rouge

1 cancellation and 4 delays on Canada-linked routes.

Delta Air Lines

12 delays recorded with no cancellations.

United Airlines

12 delays impacting domestic connectivity.

American Airlines

5 delays reported.

What Can Affected Passengers Do?

• Check airline apps and official notifications for real-time status updates.
• Airlines typically push gate changes, revised departure times, aircraft swaps, and cancellation notices through their mobile apps, SMS alerts, and email systems. Monitoring these channels frequently can help passengers respond quickly to schedule adjustments.
• Rebook through airline self-service portals where available.
• Most major carriers provide digital rebooking tools that allow passengers to select alternative flights, standby options, or nearby airport departures without waiting in physical queues. Acting early may provide access to more available seats.
• Monitor departure and arrival boards at both origin and destination airports.
• Airport display systems often reflect updates that may not yet appear in third-party travel apps. Checking both departure and inbound aircraft status can provide better visibility into potential cascading delays.
• Retain boarding passes and receipts related to delay expenses.
• Keeping documentation for meals, ground transport, or accommodation may be useful if reimbursement options are available under airline policy or applicable regulations. Organized records support faster claim processing.
• Contact airline customer service for re-accommodation options.
• In cases of cancellations or significant delays, passengers may request alternative routing, interline transfers, or future travel credits depending on fare conditions and seat availability.
• Review fare rules regarding refunds or alternate routing.
• Ticket terms outline eligibility for refunds, travel vouchers, same-day changes, or rerouting through partner airlines. Understanding these conditions helps passengers assess available recovery options.

Overview of Flight Disruptions

Harry Reid International Airport faced 11 cancelled flights and 229 delays, with ripple effects extending across multiple domestic hubs. Airlines most affected included Southwest Airlines, WestJet, Spirit Airlines, Air Canada Rouge, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Major U.S. cities experiencing associated delays included Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Reno. Cross-border connectivity with Canada and Mexico also reflected limited disruption, particularly involving Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Mexico City.

The pattern shows concentrated domestic impact within the United States, with secondary effects extending into Canada and Mexico through select routes.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware

SkyWest has triggered significant travel turmoil at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, with 33 cancellations and 21 delays. These disruptions, caused by WestJet, are severely affecting passengers traveling from major U.S. cities like Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and other destinations. The scale of the chaos is large, and the ripple effects are felt not only in Aspen but also across the U.S. As travelers face long wait times and altered itineraries, frustration is growing. The delays and cancellations are primarily impacting those flying out of or into Aspen from these major cities, leading to a domino effect of delays at key airports.

Passengers are encouraged to stay in touch with airlines for real-time updates and rebooking options. It is advisable for anyone affected to remain flexible, as this ongoing turmoil is likely to continue throughout the day. SkyWest and WestJet are working to resolve the situation.

Total Disruptions at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport

Today, the airport is dealing with a total of 38 disruptions: 33 cancellations (45% of flights) and 21 delays (28% of flights). These cancellations and delays are spreading across flights bound for and arriving from major U.S. airports, creating a ripple effect that is impacting travelers’ plans and the local tourism industry in Aspen.

Airports and Airlines Affected

The following airports and airlines are facing the brunt of the disruptions at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport:

Denver International (DEN):

Denver International (DEN) is one of the most affected airports, with 5 cancellations (50%) and 5 delays (50%). Flights to and from Denver, a primary gateway for travelers heading to Aspen, are experiencing significant disruptions. The impact on Denver highlights the widespread nature of the delays, as this major U.S. hub handles large volumes of passengers.

Los Angeles International (LAX):

Los Angeles International (LAX) is another airport significantly impacted by disruptions, with 4 cancellations (66%) and 1 delay (16%). As a major West Coast hub, this impacts many travelers heading to Aspen, particularly from California and the surrounding areas.

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD):

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is seeing 3 cancellations (50%) and 1 delay (16%), with flights to and from this major Midwestern airport being disrupted. Chicago serves as a key hub for passengers traveling to Aspen, and these delays will affect many leisure and business travelers.

Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW):

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is facing 3 cancellations (60%) and 2 delays (40%), further exacerbating the travel disruptions. DFW is another major airport that plays a critical role in connecting passengers to Aspen, especially those traveling from the southern U.S.

Other Affected Airports:

Several other airports are also experiencing cancellations and delays, including Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX). Although these airports are experiencing fewer disruptions, they still contribute to the overall chaos at Aspen-Pitkin County.

What Can Affected Passengers Do Now?

Passengers facing disruptions should take the following steps to manage their travel:

1. Check with Airlines for Updates: Given the high volume of cancellations and delays, it is essential for passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates. Airlines are providing information regarding rebooking options, alternative flights, and compensation.
2. Consider Alternative Routes: Some passengers may want to explore alternative routes if their flight is severely delayed or canceled. While Aspen-Pitkin County is a smaller airport, there may be options to fly into nearby airports, such as Denver, and use ground transportation to reach Aspen.
3. Prepare for Extended Wait Times: Travelers should anticipate longer wait times at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, as both cancellations and delays are widespread. Patience is required, as the airport works to resolve the situation.
4. Stay Updated on Weather and Operational Issues: Many of the delays are caused by operational issues at both Aspen-Pitkin County and the affected destination airports. Travelers should stay informed about any updates regarding weather or airport conditions that may further delay their flights.

Impact on Aspen’s Tourism Industry

The disruptions at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport have far-reaching implications for the local tourism industry in Aspen, Colorado. Known for its world-class ski resorts and upscale mountain retreats, Aspen relies heavily on air traffic to bring in visitors. These delays and cancellations not only inconvenience travelers but also impact the local economy, particularly during peak travel seasons.

As the situation unfolds, airport officials and airlines are working hard to mitigate the delays, but travelers are encouraged to plan accordingly and be prepared for changes to their travel schedules.

Conclusion

In summary, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is facing major disruptions today, with 33 cancellations and 21 delays affecting flights to and from several key U.S. airports. The ripple effect of these issues is impacting major cities such as Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. Travelers are urged to stay updated, consider alternative routes, and expect potential delays as they work to navigate the ongoing disruptions. The travel challenges are also felt by the local Aspen tourism industry, as visitors are impacted by the widespread flight issues.

Source: FlightAware

Princess Cruises has released information on the upcoming cruises for the year 2026. They will feature special voyages celebrating 250 years of American history. The cruises will include destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, and New England. The voyages will include special commemorative activities onboard, entertainment, and themed food and drink offerings. The cruises will begin in the spring of 2026 and continue throughout the year.

With the United States set to turn 250 years old, Princess Cruises will focus on the important historical landmarks for the celebratory voyages. The cruises will pass the breathtaking natural features of Alaska, Hawaii, and New England. The focus will be to provide a celebratory atmosphere for first-time cruisers, as well as regular travelers. Princess Cruises will provide some of the best offerings in the industry and create lasting memories for all travelers.

Princess Cruises Starts Program to Honor America’s 250th Anniversary

To celebrate this historic milestone, Princess Cruises has begun offering new items for guests traveling on Alaska itineraries. The new items are part of a limited edition collection featuring a Pendleton Glacier Bay National Park blanket. The blanket is a tribute to America’s national parks; the blanket’s design is inspired by the beauty of the national parks that have helped shape the identity of the country. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase collectible themed items, including a “Celebrating America 250 by Princess” commemorative pin.

Guests traveling on the Princess Cruises Alaska itineraries will also have the opportunity to participate in themed entertainment and activities that celebrate American history and culture. The touch-of-class experience will include festive cuisine themed around American history.

Princess Cruises in Alaska 2026: A Tale of New Records and Opportunities

On a quest to explore Alaska’s grandeur in 2026? Princess Cruises in Alaska 2026 is set to operate with new records of 180 departures spanning 19 locations and 8 ships, in which they include their latest vessel, Star Princess, to expand upon the region’s natural beauty and immerse visitors in unparalleled travel experiences with Princess Cruises for the first time.

Enjoy the Last Frontier’s unparalleled landscapes and natural wonders, including extensive untamed wilderness, untouched glaciers, and Alaska’s priceless beauty and rich history, with the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour and 20+ other land and sea-inclusive tours. As a first for the region, the 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour features a Princess Cruises vessel, an Alaskan cabin, a wilderness lodge, an outdoor rail excursion, and a national park. As the first cruise of its kind in the Last Frontier, this offers an extensive experience to each of Alaska’s National Parks.

2026 Princess Cruises New England & Hawaii Voyages

Starting in 2026, Princess Cruises will offer New England and Hawaii cruises alongside their Alaskan cruises. These New England cruises will offer travelers a chance to experience a piece of New England’s colonial history by visiting the region’s abundant historical coastal towns. Customers on the Hawaii cruises will get to experience the beautiful tall mountains and lava rocks of the Hawaiian islands as well as the beauty and history of the Hawaiian islands.

These cruises will take travelers to many of the beautiful places in the United States. New England’s coastline is a beautiful place to go on a cruise, and Hawaii is a beautiful tropical place as well.

Celebration Sale

As a part of the promotions for Princess Cruises’ 250th anniversary, the cruise line is doing a significant sale for the first few months of 2026. With the cruise lines’ first sales of the year, guests are receiving discounts of over $600, $99 deposits, and third and fourth guests, as well as many other sales. This is a great opportunity for guests to visit the beautiful coasts of the USA while on an affordable cruise.

Travelers can book a 7-day cruise aboard Royal Princess to the Alaska Inside Passage, starting at $1,249 for July 4, 2026. Other highlighted cruises are a 7-day Canada & New England cruise on Majestic Princess starting October 24, 2026, and a 16-day cruise to the Hawaiian Islands aboard Emerald Princess for $1,099.

A mix of luxury and adventure is what Princess Cruises offers. Known for their cruise experiences, they provide world-class luxury, dining, and activities, with theater performances, casinos, spas, and everything to make each cruise memorable for their customers. This excellent cruise service, combined with an event cruise for America’s birthday, makes Princess Cruises 2026 Alaska, New England, and Hawaii cruises a great service.

It’s true that Princess Cruises’ New England cruises with Alaska and Hawaii in 2026 are very adventurous, but is also focused on combining history with luxury and celebrating America’s legacy. Overall, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

A Cruise Through History

With the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, Princess Cruises will offer one of the first new vacation experiences. Their 2026 cruises will offer a new level of service and excitement to celebrate the nation’s history. In addition to a new level of service and excitement, the cruises will provide an adventurous cruise to Alaska, an exciting vacation to Hawaii, and a cruise to New England. These cruises provide a new level of service and excitement, but will also provide food and various facilities.

In addition to going to celebrate the cruise companies, the new experience, as well as the other new experiences, cruises in 2026 will provide new experiences for all ages. With over 300 destinations around the world, the world will provide various cruises around the world. 2026 will also end a new year for Princess Cruises, but also a new year for history within the United States.

Travelers passing through some of the world’s busiest aviation crossroads faced a challenging journey this week as operational disruptions swept across major Middle Eastern hubs. For thousands of passengers, what should have been routine departures turned into long waits, missed connections, and last-minute itinerary changes. Recent aviation data shows a combined 558 flight disruptions across three major international airports — a reminder that even the most advanced global travel hubs remain vulnerable to delays triggered by weather, congestion, aircraft rotation issues, and network-wide scheduling pressure.

Dubai International Airport Disruptions

Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest global transit hubs, recorded 217 delays and 4 cancellations, making it the most affected among the three airports analyzed. As a primary connector between Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, Dubai’s aviation ecosystemh capacity means even minor operational disruptions can cascade rapidly through international flight networks.

Industry analysts note that Dubai’s role as a mega-hub amplifies visibility of delays. Aircraft arriving late from distant continents often create knock-on effects for subsequent departures. Because many long-haul flights rely on tightly scheduled aircraft rotations, a single late arrival can ripple through multiple routes in a single day.

Passengers reported extended waits at boarding gates, rescheduled departure times, and last-minute gate changes. While airport authorities maintained overall operations, the concentration of delays demonstrated how global aviation demand continues pushing infrastructure to its limits as international travel rebounds.

Cairo International Airport Impact

Cairo International Airport experienced the highest number of delays among the three hubs, logging 214 delayed flights and 2 cancellations. As North Africa’s busiest aviation gateway and a major link between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Cairo handles dense traffic flows throughout the day.

Experts point out that airports handling mixed traffic — domestic, regional, and intercontinental flights — often face complex scheduling challenges. Cairo’s heavy reliance on connecting passengers means delays can affect travelers far beyond Egypt’s borders, including those connecting to European or Gulf destinations.

Travelers moving through Cairo during the disruption window encountered longer security lines, slower boarding cycles, and increased congestion at transit counters. Aviation planners emphasize that such disruptions often arise from a combination of operational constraints rather than a single cause.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport Situation

In Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport recorded 118 delays and 3 cancellations. While its numbers were lower than Dubai and Cairo, the airport still experienced significant schedule pressure relative to its normal traffic volume.

Riyadh’s aviation activity has been growing rapidly due to Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism initiatives, business travel demand, and transit traffic. Analysts say that fast-growing airports often experience temporary operational strain as infrastructure, staffing, and scheduling systems adapt to rising passenger volumes.

Passengers traveling through Riyadh reported longer wait times at check-in counters and departure gates, particularly during peak evening departure waves when multiple international flights depart within short intervals.

Combined Impact Across the Region

Across all three airports, the totals reached:

• 549 delayed flights
• 9 cancellations
• 558 total disruptions

For travelers, those figures translate into real-world consequences: missed meetings, rescheduled vacations, unexpected hotel stays, and extended airport waits. Aviation disruptions rarely remain isolated events; they propagate across airline networks, affecting flights thousands of miles away from the original delay source.

Regional aviation specialists explain that global air travel operates like a synchronized system. Aircraft, crews, ground staff, and airport slots must align precisely. When one element is delayed — such as an incoming aircraft arriving late — the entire schedule chain can shift.

Why Major Hubs Experience Frequent Delays

Large international airports like Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh share characteristics that make them especially susceptible to delays:

• High traffic density: Hundreds or thousands of daily movements leave little room for schedule adjustments.
• Long-haul dependence: Delays from distant origins carry forward into local departures.
• Weather variability: Even minor weather changes can slow runway throughput.
• Tight turnaround windows: Airlines aim to minimize ground time to maximize aircraft utilization.

Experts stress that delays are not always a sign of operational failure. In many cases, they reflect the complexity of coordinating global aviation systems that operate across time zones, weather patterns, and regulatory frameworks.

The Traveler Experience

For passengers, disruptions are measured not in statistics but in hours. A 30-minute delay might mean missing a connecting flight. A cancellation could mean waiting overnight for the next available departure.

Airlines typically activate contingency protocols during disruption periods, including rebooking passengers, arranging accommodations, or rerouting flights. However, when many flights are delayed simultaneously, resources can become stretched, prolonging recovery time.

Frequent travelers often plan buffer time between connections precisely because they know that delays are a normal part of modern aviation. Travel advisers recommend checking flight status before leaving for the airport and signing up for airline notifications to stay informed in real time.

Regional Aviation Demand Continues to Rise

Despite the disruption spike, aviation analysts remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for Middle Eastern air travel. Passenger demand across the region has been climbing steadily as tourism rebounds, business travel expands, and airlines add new routes.

Major airport expansion projects in the Gulf and surrounding regions are designed to accommodate this growth. New terminals, additional runways, and upgraded air-traffic management systems aim to improve efficiency and reduce delay frequency over time.

Outlook

The recent wave of disruptions across Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh highlights a broader truth about global aviation: the system is resilient but highly interconnected. Even when delays occur, airports, airlines, and air-traffic authorities typically work quickly to stabilize operations.

For travelers, the lesson is simple but important — preparation matters. Checking schedules, arriving early, and staying flexible can transform an unexpected delay from a crisis into a manageable inconvenience.

As international travel continues expanding, moments like these serve as reminders that the journey itself can be as unpredictable as the destination is exciting.

Referred Sources: Flightaware

Samsung has added a new Arabic channel to its free streaming platform, Samsung TV Plus. The channel, Al Jazeera World, comes from Al Jazeera Media Network. This launch gives Arabic-speaking viewers more free content to enjoy.

Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service available on many Samsung smart TVs and Galaxy devices. Users do not need to pay any monthly fee. The service is supported by ads, so people can watch without a subscription. It offers more than 3,500 live channels in 30 countries.

The new Al Jazeera World channel is now available in the Middle East and North Africa region. Millions of viewers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt can already access it.

The channel will soon expand to Europe. It is expected to launch in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

Al Jazeera World includes travel documentaries and human stories. It shows programs about different cultures, traditions, and real-life experiences from around the world.

The channel also includes selected content from Al Jazeera Documentary and Al Jazeera Arabic. With this new addition, Samsung TV Plus continues to expand its free content from different regions and offer more choices to viewers.

The post Samsung TV Plus adds more free Arabic entertainment appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Google has shared new design guidelines that give us an early idea of how future Android XR smart glasses could work. These glasses include the upcoming Galaxy Glasses that Samsung is reportedly developing with fashion brands.

There will be two main types of glasses. The first type, called AI Glasses, will have a camera, microphones, and speakers. The second type, called Display AI Glasses, will include all of that plus a small augmented reality display in front of your eyes.

Both versions of the glasses are expected to have a camera button, a power button, and a touchpad. Models with a display will also include a second touchpad on the side to control on-screen items.

Image via 9to5Google

According to the information, the camera button will be easy to use. Press it twice to open the camera. Press it once to take a photo. Press and hold to start recording a video, and press again to stop. There will also be two small LED lights. One lets you know the camera is working, and the other lets people around you know when you are recording.

The main touchpad will handle simple controls. Tap once to play or pause music or confirm something. Press and hold to open the Gemini assistant. Swipe to change the volume. On display models, the second touchpad lets you scroll, move between items, and go back by swiping down.

The screen layout will be simple. A system bar at the bottom will show alerts, time, weather, and notifications. Messages will appear as small bubbles that expand when tapped, letting you quickly reply or take action.

The post Google’s guidelines reveal how Samsung’s AI Glasses may work appeared first on Sammy Fans.

According to a new rumor from China, Apple’s iPad Pro lineup may be left without an update for years to come. Leaker Instant Digital believes the current M5 generation iPad Pro 13 and iPad Pro 11 are not going to get significant updates anytime soon. This rumor makes sense as Apple tends to wait a hefty amount of time before bringing any drastic changes to its Pro tablets. The iPad Pro received its first major redesign in 2018 with the Pro 11 (2018) and Pro 12.9 (2018) and then in 2024 with the M4 generation models. According to the new rumor, there are several factors at play, with...

The game between Real Madrid and Benfica was one of the most compelling matchups of the Champions League playoffs, but it was interrupted amid controversy. With Vinicius Junior at the center of the incident, play was halted in the 52nd minute.

After a scoreless first half, Vinicius opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 50th minute with a precise finish into the top corner. His celebration sparked tensions, leading to a confrontation involving several players before the match was stopped.

In the 52nd minute, before play could restart, Vinicius approached referee Francois Letexier to report alleged racist abuse, prompting the official to cross his arms and activate the anti-racism protocol. The Brazilian winger then headed toward the bench area, which led to a further delay.

Cameras later showed Vinicius speaking with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, whose words were unclear as he covered his mouth with his jersey. With Vinicius near the sideline, he also spoke with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho to address the situation.

When speaking to the referee, Vinicius was seen saying “me dijo mono” (“he called me monkey“) in Spanish. Speaking to teammates and concerned Real Madrid players, Prestianni denied making any abusive remark toward Vinicius.

Unable to verify the accusation at that moment, Letexier spoke with Prestianni but issued no sanction. Before play resumed in the 60th minute, cameras caught the Argentine winger saying “no dije nada” (“I didn’t say anything“), bringing a controversial episode in the match to a close.

What are the potential sanctions?

Since he covered his mouth at the moment the accusation was made, Gianluca Prestianni was not issued any sanction or yellow card. However, if UEFA ultimately determines that the allegations from the Real Madrid star are true, the Argentine could face a severe disciplinary penalty.

Article 14 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses “Racism and other discriminatory conduct,” states that the minimum suspension for such an offense is “at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.” Prestianni would not necessarily be the only party affected by the incident.

As subsection 3 outlines, UEFA may also impose disciplinary measures on the club or association involved, including matches behind closed doors, stadium closure, forfeiture of a match, points deductions, or even disqualification from a competition. With the second leg scheduled for next Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu, if the accusations are proven, Benfica could potentially face elimination from the Champions League.

With Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, Manchester United have managed to regain their best form by relying on the solidity of the midfield. To achieve this, the impressive performances of Casemiro, who provides balance to the team, have been key. However, the Brazilian has announced his departure at the end of the season, forcing the club to look for potential replacements. In response, Bruno Fernandes’ team reportedly targets a Bundesliga star.

According to Fussball Daten, Manchester United have decided to turn their attention to the Bundesliga to strengthen their midfield after facing difficulties in securing Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson. As a result, they are targeting Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha as a marquee signing. In addition, the German side are asking for $52–65 million for his transfer, a far more accessible fee than the more than $100 million quoted for their Premier League targets.

Despite currently shining in the Bundesliga, Nmecha went through his entire development process at Manchester City, meaning he is no stranger to the Premier League. Moreover, Felix has evolved into a fully complete midfielder, excelling both offensively and defensively. He has even become the main figure responsible for maintaining balance in Borussia Dortmund’s midfield. For this reason, the 25-year-old star would fit perfectly with the needs.

Following the departure of Casemiro and the potential exit of Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United could require at least two crucial midfield signings. For this reason, the possible arrival of Felix Nmecha would not rule out a move for Elliot Anderson, as his box-to-box profile would be the ideal complement to the Englishman. In light of this, the Red Devils could prioritize Nmecha’s signing as his performances have made him a key pillar at Borussia Dortmund.

Report: Manchester United push urgent contract renewals for key stars

Even though Michael Carrick’s arrival is considered a success, he doesn’t have guaranteed his continuity. Nonetheless, he has managed to revive several players as key pillars of the team, although one is set to see his contract expire in the summer of 2026, and three others are approaching their final year under contract. With this, Manchester United’s future depends not only on signing key players but also on securing the continuity of several stars.

After rediscovering his best form, Harry Maguire has established himself as a pillar of the defensive line. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Red Devils are already working on a renewal, according to English media. Likewise, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo are approaching the final year of their contracts. As key figures within the team, Manchester United are also pushing to secure their renewals.

The March international break will be the final opportunity for coaches to experiment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, some national teams will face official competition, including playoffs to determine the final spots in the tournament. Argentina and Spain are in a similar situation, as they will meet to decide the Finalissima title. One La Liga player is now in doubt due to physical issues.

“Nico Gonzalez has suffered a muscle tear,” journalist Gaston Edul reported on his official X account. The Argentine winger sustained the injury after playing the full 90 minutes for Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga loss to Rayo Vallecano.

“It’s a 21-day recovery. The Argentina national team will travel in 35 days to begin preparations for the Finalissima,” Edul added. He was optimistic about Gonzalez’s timeline: “He has time to recover physically.” The next FIFA international window will begin after the weekend of March 22 and run until club competitions resume the weekend of April 4.

That gives Nicolas Gonzalez more than a month to return to action. However, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni typically avoids calling up players who are coming off physical setbacks unless they have logged minutes with their clubs first. The approach ensures full recovery while also preventing potential friction with those teams. As a result, the winger’s timeline may be tighter than it initially appears.

Nicolas Gonzalez has previously missed key matches with Argentina

Argentina will face Spain in the Finalissima on Friday, March 27, in Doha, Qatar. Four days later, they will play the hosts in a friendly that will serve as the final match before Lionel Scaloni submits his official World Cup roster.

With Nicolas Gonzalez’s availability for the clash against Spain now uncertain, it could mirror what happened ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The winger entered that tournament as a key piece of the squad, having played an important role in the 2021 Copa America triumph. However, a late injury in the days leading up to the tournament in Qatar ruled him out, and his spot was ultimately taken by Thiago Almada.

How many Atletico Madrid matches will Nicolas Gonzalez miss?

While Argentina are concerned about Nicolas Gonzalez’s fitness ahead of the Finalissima, Atletico Madrid are the most immediately affected by the setback. The Spanish side will be without the 27-year-old forward for at least the next six matches.

Gonzalez will miss Wednesday’s clash against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League playoffs, as well as next week’s second leg. In addition, he is set to miss at least three La Liga matches against Espanyol, Real Oviedo, and Real Sociedad. And that’s not all: he will also be unavailable for the crucial Copa del Rey semifinal showdown against Barcelona, where Los Colchoneros will defend their 4-0 advantage from the first leg.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated headlines for more than two decades, but in 2026, the spotlight is slowly shifting toward the next generation. Over the past week, Cristiano Ronaldo’s son captured attention with his performances for the national team, while Lionel Messi quietly watched his own legacy unfold at the academy level of the club. As the soccer world debates which family might produce the next global star, one moment from the United States sent fans into a frenzy and reminded everyone that the rivalry extends beyond the pitch and into the future.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. recently became a major talking point after appearing at the 2026 Algarve International Tournament with Portugal’s U16 national team. Scouts, media outlets, and fans closely tracked his progress, eager to see whether he could justify the hype that comes with carrying one of the most famous surnames in soccer.

His tournament began with a strong showing against Japan, where he provided a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory. In addition, he came close to scoring twice with dangerous attempts shortly after entering the match. The 15-year-old followed that performance with a start against the Netherlands, playing the first half in a narrow 1-0 win. 

Portugal later defeated Germany 3-1 to lift the Algarve trophy, with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. coming off the bench for around 20 minutes in the decisive match. He contributed to an undefeated tournament campaign and won his third international title in less than a year, following 2025 victories with the U-15 and U-16 teams, even if he did not steal the show with goals.

Parallel story emerging across the Atlantic

While Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was building his résumé in Europe, a new narrative was quietly unfolding across the Atlantic. Lionel Messi’s family has long been under the microscope, but one of his sons suddenly stole the spotlight with a moment that went viral and sparked global curiosity.

Fans quickly began sharing clips and discussing whether the Messi legacy could one day rival that of his legendary father. The reactions ranged from awe to skepticism, but the excitement was undeniable.

Watch Mateo Messi’s viral moment

In the middle of a youth match for Inter Miami’s academy setup, Mateo Messi produced a stunning long-range finish that curled into the top corner, instantly igniting social media. The goal, scored by the 11-year-old from Inter Miami’s youth team, drew instant comparisons to Lionel Messi’s iconic strikes and sparked conversations about inherited talent.

The 38-year-old Argentine was watching from the sideline, wearing a matching pink cap, visibly delighted by the moment. Cameras captured him smiling broadly before sharing a hug with his son after the goal, a rare glimpse into his role as a proud and attentive father despite his demanding MLS schedule.

Without wishing to get too ahead of himself, Ryan Garcia has named one matchup he would be ‘really interested’ in pursuing after his next fight. The 27-year-old must first take care of business against Mario Barrios – which is no foregone conclusion – this Saturday, when the two welterweights collide at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. […]

The post Ryan Garcia knows who he will call out if he beats Mario Barrios for first world title appeared first on Boxing News.

UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 play-off turu ilk maçında konuk olduğu Galatasaray'a 5-2 yenilen İtalya temsilcisi Juventus'un teknik direktörü Luciano Spalletti, oyunu yönetmekte başarılı olamadıklarını söyledi.

İtalyan teknik adam, RAMS Park'ta yapılan maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamalarda bulundu.

İlk yarısını 2-1 önde tamamladıkları maçın ikinci devresinde yaşananların sorulması üzerine Spalletti, "Bu tarz maçlarda yaptığımız gibi basit hatalar yapılırsa her şey olabilir. Bizler de bu basit hataları fazlasıyla yaptık. Kırmızı kart da durumu iyice zorlaştırdı." dedi.

Spalletti, kazanamadıkları son 4 resmi maçta 13 gol yemeleriyle ilgili, "Bütün bu goller bizim hatamızdı. Çözüm de bizim için gerek. Bir şekilde maçı yönetmemiz lazım. Yaptığımız iyileştirmeler kalite içindi. Ancak bu akşam, pek de başarılı olamadık. Maçı yönetemedik, kalitemizi gösteremedik. Üstelik basit hatalar yaptık. Karakterimiz açısında geri adım attık." diye konuştu.

"Cabal, aslında duyarlı ve hassas bir çocuk"

Tecrübeli teknik adam, müsabakada kırmızı kart gören Juan Cabal'ın kendisini kontrol edemediğini söyledi.

Cabal için, "Duyarlı, hassas, mükemmel ve başarılı bir çocuk." ifadesini kullanan Spalletti, "Cabal'ın bu hataları yapması, sorumlulukları yüklenmesi konusunda istendiği reaksiyonu gösteriyor ama kendini kontrol edemiyor. İki kartın arasında çok az zaman vardı. Bedelini çok ağır ödedi. Kırmızı karttan sonra gol atabilmek için elimizden geleni yaptık ama durum daha da kötüleşti. Bu gollerin rövanşını almak istiyoruz. Bunun üzerine çalışmamız gerekecek." ifadelerini kullandı.

"İşin başındayım"

Spalletti, kaygı hissetmediğini ve işinin başında olduğunu söyledi.

Son dönemde alınan kötü sonuçların hatırlatılması üzerine 66 yaşındaki çalıştırıcı, "Kaygılı değilim. İşin başındayım. Geldiğimde de kaygılı değildim. Bu durumlar düzeltilmek zorunda. Belirli deneyimlerin üzerine temel oluşturmamız gerek." dedi.

Takımının hatalar yaptığını dile getiren Spalletti, "Aynı hataları yapmamalıyız. Son maçlarda hatalar yaptık. Bu akşamdan önce de goller yedik. Bizim tarafımızda hafiflik söz konusuydu. Bu konuları değerlendirmemiz lazım. Sadece bu akşamı da değil. Bazı hikayeler yaşandı. Rakip takımlar da bize sorun çıkarmayı başardılar. Bu nedenle düzenleme yapmamız lazım. Rakiplerin üzerimize gelmesini ve gol atmalarını engellemeliyiz." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

"Kenan Yıldız yükleri sırtlanabiliyor"

Luciano Spalletti, Türkiye A Milli Futbol Takımı'nın formasını giyen öğrencisi Kenan Yıldız ile ilgili övgü dolu sözler sarf etti.

Kenan'ın yorgun göründüğünün söylenmesinin ardından İtalyan teknik adam, "Kenan aslında iyi. Sorumluluk sahibi, yükleri sırtlanabiliyor, önemli görevleri alabiliyor. Rakiplerinin kalitesini bilerek oynadı, çok gayret sarf etti, sonra yoruldu." ifadelerini kullandı.

Galatasaray'ın Brezilyalı oyuncusu Gabriel Sara, 5-2 kazandıkları Juventus maçına dair görüşlerini aktardı.

Galatasaray forması giyen Gabriel Sara, Juventus maçının ardından açıklamalarda bulundu.

Juventus maçının oyuncusu seçilen Brezilyalı futbolcu, "İnanılmaz bir ödül. Takımın eforu en önemlisi. Golüm için de mutluyum. İnanılmaz bir gece yaşıyoruz" dedi.

"FUTBOL ÇOK ACIMASIZ OLABİLİYOR"

Sara'nın röportajı sırasında araya giren Victor Osimhen, "Bizim için çok önemli ve kilit bir oyuncu" diye konuştu.

Juventus ile oynanacak rövanş maçı için görüşleri sorulan Sara, "Çok zor olacağını biliyorduk. Futbol çok acımasız olabiliyor. İtalya'da oynayacağız ve zor olacak. Dikkat etmemiz, başarımızı devam ettirmemiz gerekiyor" sözlerini sarf etti.

Bu gün futbol üzrə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında (ÇL) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün pley-off mərhələsinə start verilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə 4 qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Türkiyə təmsilçisi “Qalatasaray” İtaliyanın “Yuventus” komandasını qəbul edib. İstanbulda baş tutmuş qarşılaşmada meydan sahibləri darmadağına seviniblər.

“Real” səfərdə “Benfika”ya, PSJ isə “Monako”ya qalib gəlib. Dortmund “Borussiya”sı da “Atalanta” ilə ev oyunundan inamlı qələbə ilə ayrılıb.

Qeyd edək ki, ÇL-in pley-off mərhələsinin digər oyunları sabah baş tutacaq. Cavab qarşılaşmaları bir həftə sonra keçiriləcək.

UEFA Çempionlar Liqası
Pley-off mərhələsinin ilk oyunları
17 fevral

Qalatasaray (Türkiyə) – Yuventus (İtaliya) 5:2
Qollar: Q.Sara, 15. Lanq, 49; 75. D.Sançes, 60. S.Boy, 86 – Kopmeyners, 16; 32.

Benfika (Portuqaliya) – Real (İspaniya) 0:1
Qol: Vinisius, 50.

Borussiya (Dortmund, Almaniya) – Atalanta (İtaliya) 2:0
Qollar: Girassi, 3. Beyer, 42.

Monako (Fransa) – PSJ (Fransa) 2:3
Qollar: Baloqun, 1; 18 – Due, 29; 67. Hakimi, 41.

Atalanta paid a heavy price for defensive distractions, as Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier gave Borussia Dortmund a 2-0 first leg lead in the Champions League play-offs.

La Dea had been on the verge of direct qualification to the Round of 16, until back-to-back defeats to Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise. Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori were both ruled out for at least a month this week, but Gianluca Scamacca returned to the starting XI. Borussia Dortmund had drawn 4-4 away to Juventus, but crumbled with one point from the last three against Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham and Inter. They won their last six Bundesliga ties in a row, despite missing Filippo Mane, Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck and Nicklas Sule, so 18-year-old Italian Luca Reggiani got his Champions League debut.

Kick-off had to be delayed by 15 minutes because the Borussia Dortmund team bus was caught in traffic on their way to the stadium.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took under three minutes for the hosts to take the lead, as Julian Ryerson whipped in a cross from the right and Serhou Guirassy comfortably leapt over Odilon Kossounou for the towering header.

Serhou Guirassy leaps high to head Dortmund into an early lead against Atalanta

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/QuTJrCTGkV

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 17, 2026

Nicola Zalewski drew out the goalkeeper and rolled across from the left, but Daniel Svensson made a crucial block to prevent Mario Pasalic tapping into an empty net from five yards as they came sliding in.

Sead Kolasinac came flying out of defence to set up Zalewski for another dangerous situation, while a ferocious Felix Nmecha strike was charged down by Kossounou and Waldemar Anton’s header was over from a Ryerson free kick.

Borussia Dortmund doubled their advantage just before half-time, as Guirassy completed a give and go with Nmecha to burst down the left and roll across, finding Maximilian Beier unmarked to bundle over the line.

Maximilian Beier doubles Dortmund's advantage

A nice break down the left from Serhou Guirassy has Atalanta on the back foot…

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Z3A1tZYPBz

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 17, 2026

Nikola Krstovic tested the goalkeeper from distance, while Julian Brandt blasted over after Marco Carnesecchi parried an in-swinging corner, but Krstovic and Zalewski strikes were charged down.

Krstovic put in a fine cross, but it only grazed the head of Kamaldeen Sulemana in a good position, and Lazar Samardzic’s curler was too close to the goalkeeper.

In stoppages, Ramy Bensebaini made a fantastic sliding tackle to stop Krstovic tapping in the Sulemana low roll across from five yards.

Atalanta have it all to do in the second leg on February 25.

Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta

Guirassy 3 (B), Beier 42 (B)

17-02-2026 20:15

Knockout phase play-offs

Westfalenstadion (Signal Iduna Park)

Dortmund

Atalanta

2 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Serhou Guirassy (Assist: Julian Ryerson)		3'
Luca Reggiani		18'
		40'		Odilon Kossounou
		40'		Berat Djimsiti
Maximilian Beier (Assist: Serhou Guirassy)		42'
		45+1'		Gianluca Scamacca

2nd half

Waldemar Anton

48'

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

9

Total shots

7

2

Shots on target

3

4

Shots off target

2

3

Blocked shots

2

3

Corners

2

1

Offsides

1

11

Fouls

13

Dortmund

Atalanta

Starting lineups

1

Gregor Kobel

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Svensson

Defender

26

Julian Ryerson

Defender

49

Luca Reggiani

Defender

5

Ramy Bensebaini

Defender

3

Waldemar Anton

Defender

8

Felix Nmecha

Midfielder

83'

10

Julian Brandt

Midfielder

70'

7

Jobe Bellingham

Attacker

14

Maximilian Beier

Attacker

70'

9

Serhou Guirassy

Attacker

83'

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

46'

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

72'

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

63'

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

82'

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

46'

Substitutes

2

Yan Couto

Defender

6

Salih Özcan

Midfielder

33

Alexander Meyer

Goalkeeper

31

Silas Ostrzinski

Goalkeeper

42

Almugera Kabar

Defender

47

Elias Benkara

Defender

40

Samuele Inácio

Attacker

45

Danylo Krevsun

Midfielder

27

Karim Adeyemi

Attacker

70'

17

Carney Chukwuemeka

Midfielder

70'

20

Marcel Sabitzer

Midfielder

83'

21

Fábio Silva

Attacker

83'

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

5

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

69

Honest Ahanor

Defender

45

Dominic Vavassori

Midfielder

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

46'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

46'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

63'

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

72'

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

82'

Pierre Kalulu insists Juventus cannot hide behind alibis after their 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray, and wants to put the Alessandro Bastoni incident behind him. ‘It’s a pity.’

The Bianconeri had been leading 2-1 at half-time in the first leg of this Champions League play-off, with a Teun Koopmeiners brace overturning the early Gabriel Sara goal.

They went 3-2 down and a man down after the restart, crumbling to a 5-2 loss that gives them a mountain to climb in the second leg on February 25.

Kalulu surprised by Juventus collapse

“Goals keep coming from our own errors, but the most difficult thing to swallow was the second half performance overall,” Kalulu told Sky Sport Italia.

“Even with a red card, we should not have allowed all those scoring opportunities. We need to figure out what happened tonight, but it’s in the past now and in football you must be able to quickly move on to the next match.”

Gleison Bremer limped off with an injury in the first half, while they were also missing Jonathan David, Emil Holm and Dusan Vlahovic. Was the strain of their recent run of big matches to blame for this capitulation?

“No, you cannot hide behind fatigue when dealing with a Champions League fixture. That’s just the way it went today, it’s very difficult to work out what went wrong, but we’ve got to lift our heads and do better in future.”

Kalulu was in all the Italian headlines this week after his red card in the 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter, as the second yellow was for a Bastoni simulation.

“Obviously, I was very irritable after that incident, but it is better not to talk too much, because sometimes it doesn’t really help. I just have to focus on the pitch, there are others who can talk about these matters.”

Inter defender Bastoni made a public apology today for exaggerating the contact to get Kalulu sent off, but above all for loudly celebrating the dismissal.

“I didn’t see what he said,” replied Kalulu.

“That match is in the past now, we’ve got to look to the future and not think about it anymore. All I will say is that it’s a pity.”

Liverpool’s persistent right-back crisis has taken another turn for the worse, as summer signing Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out of the upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.

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Despite hopes that the Dutch international was nearing a return, The Athletic reports that the defender is not yet match-fit and will likely be sidelined for at least another week.

Jeremie Frimpong ruled out of the match against Nottingham Forest

Frimpong has endured a stop-start debut season at Anfield, and his latest setback, a muscle injury sustained during the Champions League victory over Qarabag, continues to frustrate head coach Arne Slot.

While initial assessments suggested the injury was not as severe as first feared, the club is taking an ultra-cautious approach.

As per the report, Liverpool are “likely to give Frimpong another week” to ensure a full recovery, especially given the player’s history of hamstring issues earlier in the campaign.

With Conor Bradley out for the season and Joe Gomez being “carefully managed” following his own fitness struggles, the Reds find themselves desperately thin in natural defensive options.

Dominik Szoboszlai expected to continue at right-back

With Jeremie Frimpong unavailable, Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to play at right-back once again.

The Hungarian captain has been a revelation this season, with Slot recently describing his versatility and work rate as “close to ridiculous.”

Szoboszlai’s ability to transition from his natural attacking midfield berth to the defensive line has been a saving grace for Slot.

He continued to excel in the position during the recent 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, and even scored a stunning goal to cap off yet another brilliant performance.

The post Blow for Liverpool as summer signing ruled out of the match against Nottingham Forest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks.

The Argentine manager could be back in club football after the World Cup, and Real Madrid could be a potential option for him. According to a report from Spanish publication Defensa Central, he would be open to taking over at the Spanish club if Florentino Perez agrees to deliver three signings for him at the end of the season.

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The South American manager wants to sign a quality central midfielder and two quality central defenders in the summer. Real Madrid have a quality team, but they have not been at their best this season. They have not been able to push for major trophies. Pochettino believes that the addition of three quality players could help them turn things around and return to the top of Spanish football.

Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso recently and have replaced him with Alvaro Arbeloa. He has not been able to make the desired impact either. They are expected to bring in a quality manager at the end of the season. Pochettino has shown his quality in England and Spain. There is no doubt that he could be an exciting acquisition for Real Madrid.

He did an exceptional job, particularly at Tottenham, where he helped them push for the league title and guided them to the UEFA Champions League final on a shoestring budget.

Real Madrid are among the wealthiest clubs in the world, and he could help build a formidable project there. It remains to be seen whether all parties can come to an agreement in the coming months.

The post Mauricio Pochettino lays down conditions to accept Real Madrid job appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham United are interested in signing the Real Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell.

According to Fichajes, they have identified the 30-year-old as a target, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done in the summer. Even though they have three goalkeepers at their disposal, they feel the need to sign another, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.

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West Ham have Alphonse Areola, Mads Hermansen and Lukasz Fabianski at their disposal. It will be interesting to see whether they are willing to let go of some of these players to make room for Escandell.

Meanwhile, Italian club Torino is also interested in signing the goalkeeper. It remains to be seen where the 30-year-old ends up.

He has shown his quality with Oviedo, and he will look to make his mark in the Premier League if the move goes through. This is a golden opportunity for him to take on a new challenge and prove himself at a higher level.

West Ham is likely to be an attractive option for him. It will be interesting to see if West Ham follows up on their interest with an official offer at the end of the season.

Oviedo is likely to go down at the end of the season, and the 30-year-old will want to move on in the summer. They move to the London club could be the ideal next step in his career. He’s at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to move to the Premier League.

The post West Ham plot move for experienced La Liga ace in summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw Best Odds: 6/1 Bookmaker: Zetbet Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Champions League this week. The first leg of the Knockout Round Play-off tie between the Belgian Pro League club and the La Liga outfit will be held at the […]

The post Prediction: Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

Mikel Arteta praised Bukayo Saka’s willingness to take on new challenges as Arsenal prepare to face Wolves, in their next test on the road to a potential Premier League title. After a 1-1 draw with Brentford in their last league game, the Gunners regained some momentum with a 4-0 win against Wigan Athletic in the […]

The post Saka relishing challenge of new role, says Arteta appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Saka relishing challenge of new role, says Arteta appeared first on Soccer News.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is frequently stereotyped as a condition affecting school-aged children who cannot sit still in class. However, symptoms of this neurodevelopmental disorder often persist well into adulthood and later life.

A new study indicates that symptoms of inattention are linked to lower performance on memory and mental processing tasks in older adults. This association appears to remain consistent regardless of whether an individual is in their late fifties or their early eighties. The findings were published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

Marrium Mansoor, a researcher at Virginia Tech, led the investigation to bridge a gap in current medical understanding. Most existing literature focuses on the cognitive impacts of the disorder in children or young adults. When researchers do study cognition in older populations, the focus typically shifts almost exclusively to dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

This leaves a blind spot regarding how Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifests in seniors. Mansoor and her colleagues sought to determine if the specific cognitive deficits seen in younger patients are also present in the aging population of the United States.

The research team aimed to disentangle specific ADHD symptoms from general aging or other mental health conditions. They were particularly interested in two distinct categories of symptoms. The first category is inattention, characterized by difficulty focusing or sustaining attention. The second is hyperactivity and impulsivity, characterized by restlessness or acting without thinking. The researchers also wanted to verify if depression was actually the root cause of cognitive issues, rather than ADHD itself.

To investigate these questions, the team utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study. This is a large-scale, longitudinal project that surveys a representative slice of the American population over the age of 50. The researchers selected a sample of approximately 1,300 adults for their analysis. The data for this specific study was collected during the 2016 wave of the survey.

The participants were divided into three specific age bands to allow for detailed comparison. The first group consisted of middle-aged adults between 55 and 64 years old. The second group, labeled “young-old,” included those between 65 and 74. The final group, the “middle-old,” ranged from 75 to 84 years of age.

Participants completed a self-report questionnaire to assess their ADHD symptoms. This tool, known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, asks individuals to rate how often they experience specific problems. For example, it asks about trouble wrapping up the final details of a project or difficulty keeping appointments. The researchers assessed depression using a separate standard scale.

Cognitive performance was measured using a battery of tests designed to evaluate different mental functions. One such test is known as “Serial 7s.” In this assessment, participants are asked to start at the number 100 and subtract the number seven repeatedly. This task requires strong working memory and sustained attention. It forces the brain to hold a number in mind while performing a calculation.

Another test involved “Immediate Recall.” The interviewer read a list of 10 random words to the participant. The participant then had to repeat as many words as they could remember, in any order. This measures episodic memory, which is the ability to recall specific events or information recently learned. A “Delayed Recall” test asked participants to remember those same words after a five-minute interval.

The researchers also used a “Number Series” test. This involves showing the participant a sequence of numbers with one missing. The participant must identify the pattern and fill in the blank. This tests fluid intelligence, or the ability to reason and solve new problems independent of previously acquired knowledge.

The study revealed a clear statistical link between inattention and specific cognitive struggles. Participants who reported higher levels of inattention symptoms performed worse on the Serial 7s task. They also scored lower on the Immediate Recall test. This suggests that the inability to focus attention directly hampers the brain’s ability to process numbers and encode new memories.

The researchers used statistical modeling to determine if these associations changed as people got older. They compared the strength of the relationship between symptoms and cognitive scores across the three age groups. They found that the “constrained model” provided the best fit for the data. In statistical terms, this means the relationship between inattention and cognitive performance did not vary by age. The negative impact of inattention on memory and processing was just as strong for an 84-year-old as it was for a 55-year-old.

The findings regarding hyperactivity and impulsivity were less consistent. In some initial statistical models, high hyperactivity scores seemed linked to worse performance on delayed memory tasks for the oldest group. However, in the final, most accurate model, this connection was not statistically significant. This reinforces the idea that inattention is the primary driver of cognitive difficulties in this context.

A critical aspect of this study was its treatment of depression. Previous research conducted in Australia and the Netherlands suggested that depression might be the real reason older adults with ADHD symptoms struggle cognitively. Depression often causes lack of focus and memory issues. However, Mansoor and her team found that the link between inattention and poor cognition remained even when they accounted for depressive symptoms.

The authors suggest these results have practical applications for doctors and geriatric specialists. Older adults reporting memory problems are often evaluated for dementia. This study implies that some of these patients might be dealing with undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD. Interventions that focus on memory strategies, such as the “method of loci” or other mnemonic devices, could be beneficial.

There are limitations to this research that require consideration. The study relied on self-reported symptoms rather than clinical diagnoses made by a psychiatrist. Older adults might over-report or under-report their symptoms based on their perception of what is normal aging. Additionally, the study excluded people with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Another potential limitation is a concept called survival bias. The authors note that individuals with severe ADHD often have lower life expectancies due to accidents or comorbid health issues. As a result, the “middle-old” group in this study might represent a healthier subset of the population. Those with the most severe impairments may have passed away before reaching that age bracket.

The study also used cross-sectional data, meaning it looked at one specific point in time. It did not track the same individuals over decades to see how their specific cognitive trajectory changed. Future research would benefit from following individuals from middle age into late adulthood. This would help clarify if ADHD symptoms accelerate cognitive decline or simply lower the baseline of performance.

The researchers emphasize that cultural context matters. The difference between their findings and European or Australian studies suggests that the environment plays a role. Different healthcare systems and diagnostic norms may influence how these symptoms present in older populations.

Mansoor and her colleagues conclude that clinical awareness is vital. ADHD is not a condition that simply disappears after retirement. As the population ages, distinguishing between neurodevelopmental symptoms and neurodegenerative disease will become a key challenge for healthcare providers.

The study, “Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms and Cognitive Performance in a National Sample of US Older Adults,” was authored by Marrium Mansoor, Rosanna Breaux, Tae-Ho Lee, and Benjamin Katz.

Google is rolling out new, more visible links within AI Overviews and AI Mode. These new link cards appear in a pop-up window when you hover over them on desktop. They also show more prominent details about the website.

Google was testing these earlier and now this new style is live.

What it looks like. Here is a screenshot of these new link pop up menus on hover:

What Google said. Google’s Robby Stein posted on X saying:

• “New on Search: In AI Overviews and AI Mode, groups of links will automatically appear in a pop-up as you hover over them on desktop, so you can jump right into a website to learn more. And we’ll show more descriptive and prominent link icons within the response across both desktop and mobile.”
• “Our testing shows this new UI is more engaging, making it easier to get to great content across the web.”

Why we care. This new style does appear to encourage more clicks to websites and I do hope that we will see more traffic from Google’s AI experiences from these changes.

Of course, we still have no way to measure this in Search Console.

The World Baseball Classic returns for its sixth edition in March, featuring a 20-team field spread across four pools. In all, 47 games will be played over 13 days at four sites: the Tokyo Dome, San Juan Puerto Rico’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium, Miami’s loanDepot Park and Houston’s Daikin Park. 

Team Japan, the only nation to win multiple WBC crowns (2006, 2009, 2023), is aiming for its fourth title while the Dominican Republic (2013) and U.S. (2017) are the only other winners of the event. Japan’s roster features 2025 NLCS MVP Shohei Ohtani and 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of the Dodgers, in addition to Angels lefty starter Yusei Kikuchi and Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

The U.S. roster is led by captain Aaron Judge and features both 2025 Cy Young winners in Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. Team USA boasts a combined 65 MLB All-Star Game appearances and four former MVPs in Judge, Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt and Clayton Kershaw. 

Most games will be broadcast in the U.S. on the Fox family of networks (Fox, FS1, FS2) and streaming on the Fox Sports app and Tubi. 

2026 World Baseball Classic pools

Pool A | Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico 

Canada
Colombia
Cuba
Panama
Puerto Rico

Pool B | Daikin Park, Houston

Brazil
Great Britain
Italy
Mexico
U.S.

Pool C | Tokyo Dome, Tokyo

Australia
Chinese Taipei
Czechia
Japan
South Korea

Pool D | loanDepot Park, Miami

Dominican Republic
Israel
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Venezuela

2026 World Baseball Classic schedule

All times Eastern

Pool play

Wednesday, March 4
10 p.m.: Australia vs. Chinese Taipei (FS1) 

Thursday, March 5
5 a.m.: South Korea vs. Czechia (FS1) 
10 p.m.: Czechia vs. Australia (FS1) 

Friday, March 6
5 a.m.: Chinese Taipei vs. Japan (FS1) 
11 a.m.: Panama vs. Cuba (FS2)  
Noon: Venezuela vs. Netherlands (Tubi)
1 p.m.: Great Britain vs. Mexico (FS1)
6 p.m.: Colombia vs. Puerto Rico (FS1)  
7 p.m.: Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua (FS2)
8 p.m.: Brazil vs. U.S. (Fox) – Daikin Park
10 p.m.: Czechia vs. Chinese Taipei (FS2) 

Saturday, March 7
5 a.m.: Japan vs. South Korea (FS1) 
11 a.m.: Canada vs. Colombia (FS2)  
Noon: Netherlands vs. Nicaragua (Tubi)
1 p.m.: Italy vs. Brazil (Fox app only)
6 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Panama (FS1)  
7 p.m.: Venezuela vs. Israel (FS1)
8 p.m.: U.S. vs. Great Britain (Fox)
10 p.m.: South Korea vs. Chinese Taipei (FS2) 

Sunday, March 8
6 a.m.: Japan vs. Australia (FS1) 
Noon: Cuba vs. Colombia (FS2)  
Noon: Dominican Republic vs. Netherlands (Fox)
1 p.m.: Italy vs. Great Britain (Tubi)
7 p.m.: Israel vs. Nicaragua (Tubi)
7 p.m.: Canada vs. Panama (FS2)  
8 p.m.: Mexico vs. Brazil (FS1)

Monday, March 9
6 a.m.: Australia vs. South Korea (FS1) 
Noon: Israel vs. Dominican Republic (FS1) 
Noon: Panama vs. Colombia (FS2)  
1 p.m.: Great Britain vs. Brazil (Tubi)
7 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Cuba (FS1)  
7 p.m.: Nicaragua vs. Venezuela (FS2)
8 p.m.: U.S. vs. Mexico (Fox)

Tuesday, March 10
6 a.m.: Japan vs. Czechia (FS1) 
7 p.m.: Netherlands vs. Israel (Fox app only)
7 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Canada (Tubi)  
9 p.m.: U.S. vs. Italy (FS1)

Wednesday, March 11
3 p.m.: Cuba vs. Canada (FS1)  
7 p.m.: Mexico vs. Italy (Tubi)
8 p.m.: Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic (FS1)

Thursday, March 12
No games

Quarterfinals

Friday, March 13
6:30 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park
8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (Fox) – Daikin Park

Saturday, March 14
3 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – Daikin Park
9 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (Fox) – loanDepot Park

Semifinals

Sunday, March 15
8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park

Monday, March 16
8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park

Championship final

Tuesday, March 17
8 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD (FS1) – loanDepot Park

Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has revealed exactly what sparked the bitter fallout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag.

Acrimonious split

Ronaldo left United for the second time in his career on November 22, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

His departure came after he granted an explosive and unauthorised interview to broadcaster Piers Morgan, in which he tore into the club and then-manager Ten Hag.

In a wide-ranging critique, Ronaldo publicly criticised the Glazers for failing to address the club’s infrastructural needs, casting doubt on United’s overall ambitions. He also revealed the deteriorated relationship with Ten Hag, explaining that after being benched, he could not offer respect that was not reciprocated.

Additionally, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed that members of the United hierarchy were trying to force him out of Old Trafford.

Ronaldo has continued to needle Ten Hag with subtle digs, underscoring the mutual animosity that remains.

McClaren served as Ten Hag’s number two during the Dutch coach’s United tenure and therefore has a first-hand account of why exactly the pair fell out.

The former Jamaica national team boss spoke on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast and detailed what exactly went down.

McClaren spills the beans

McClaren said, “There was a lot of battles on that training field. There was a lot of ‘all I want you to do is this, this and this’. That was Erik’s coaching – Ronnie this is your job.”

“I used to say to Ronnie, ‘all he [Ten Hag] wants you to do is be the first press, make one…two…maybe even three runs, if you feel like it.’ Then recover back to the middle, in case we win the ball, and then we can play to you. That’s all we want you to do.”

“If you can’t do that, you won’t be playing, he won’t pick you. It was a little bit of a fight. Not a fight, but a standoff, who’s going to back down and who is going to win?”

McClaren continued, “Erik stuck to his guns. I think that’s the difference other people would have picked him, other managers would accommodate that behaviour as long as he scores.”

“That control has gone for managers and credit to Erik, Ronnie was still incredibly professional. It happened how it did, they went different ways and I think it was best.”

United currently sit in fourth position in the Premier League table, having won 13 points out of a possible 15 from their last five fixtures under Michael Carrick.

online polls

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

The franchise tag window opened Tuesday, and free agency starts next month. The 2025 season is done, but the NFL does not slow down. Attention has already shifted to trades, roster moves, and the 2026 NFL Draft.

Maxx Crosby’s name keeps coming up in those conversations. The Las Vegas Raiders star has been at the center of trade speculation for weeks now, and the chatter is not fading.

MORE: Browns’ Ronnie Hickman hospitalized after violent incident at NYC hotel

Even with Super Bowl LX still on the schedule, questions about Crosby’s future won’t go away. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport addressed the situation during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.

Rich Eisen asked if the trade talk around Crosby was worth taking seriously. Rapoport confirmed there’s substance behind the rumors.

“Yeah, there is reason to bother, this is definitely not nothing. I just don’t know what it is yet. The reason why is like… there will be plenty of times where you see smoke around a player. Then you get to like March 10th, 11th, 12th and then okay now we learn why this player gets traded. I don’t know if that’s going to be the case with Maxx Crosby.”

“This is as complicated a situation as I can remember. I’ll go through the reasons why. One…[the way the season ended] had an effect on him. He wanted to play, it turns out he had a significant knee injury, but he wanted to play and was upset that he did not get to finish on the field with his teammates. …Then he has surgery and it’s not a trim, it’s a repair. It’s… not as major of a repair as it could have been.” Rapoport said.

Crosby had surgery in January for a knee issue that turned out to be more serious than initially expected. His recovery will take months, which means he likely will not be cleared by the time the new league year begins.

RELATED: Tyreek Hill breaks silence after Dolphins move on from injured star receiver

The tension between Crosby and the Raiders became obvious late in the season. The team shut him down despite reports that he wanted to keep playing.

That decision left some frustration on both sides, and it’s fueled speculation that bigger problems exist between the player and the organization.

Still, rumors tend to run faster than facts. Nothing concrete has come out yet, and Raiders fans would be smart to wait before treating the trade talk as inevitable.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 17

NFL: Tyreek Hill makes hilarious first move after Dolphins release

CBB: 2026 college basketball rankings, updated AP Top 25 after Week 15

MLB: Tigers infielder from Taiwan apologizes to Koreans after trash talk goes viral

SPORTS MEDIA: College Hall of Famer, father of Chicago Bulls coach, dies

VIRAL: Chloe Kim ‘obsessed’ with $100k gift from NFL star Myles Garrett after Olympics

The post NFL Insider confirms ‘smoke’ around potential Maxx Crosby trade appeared first on The Big Lead.

Team GB's Winter Olympics curling medal hopes are now in serious jeopardy after Bruce Mouat's world champions were beaten 9-5 by Canada in Cortina.

Arriving in Italy as gold-medal favourites, the British quartet have lost four of their eight matches in a round-robin stage full of maybes and might have beens.

Now, they must beat the United States in their final game on Wednesday (13:05 GMT) and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to reach Thursday's semi-finals and salvage their chances of a podium place.

The 2022 silver medallists have spoken all week of playing well, but coming out on the wrong side of the narrow margins. And that was the case again against their great rivals high in the Dolomites.

A shot here and a shot there was the difference, as Canada kept their shape better in the big moments and confirmed their own progress.

"That wasn't a game where we played well," vice-skip Grant Hardie told BBC Sport. "We made too many mistakes and we're running out of time to put it right.

"I think we can deliver the right result tomorrow and hopefully get into the semis."

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

Mouat's rink have an excellent record against Brad Jacobs' team, and beat them in the last four of the worlds last spring.

But the Canadians knew they could improve their own chances - and inflict a little revenge - and they started strongly, opening a 3-1 lead after three ends.

The British team are considered the world's best, though, and righted themselves. Capitalising on a slight drop off by their opponents, they took two themselves in the fourth and another two in the six to lead with four to play.

However, the clank of granite went against them in the seventh, an unfortunate bounce leaving Canada the chance of three, which they gladly took.

Mouat and his team needed to respond. They couldn't. Instead, they gave up a steal to leave themselves with a three-point deficit with two ends to play.

It was a deficit that they could not overcome. And now, their aspirations of upgrading their silver medal from Beijing are no longer in their own hands.

GB's women are also in a perilous position, and also must beat the United States on Wednesday (08:05), as well as Japan later in the day (18:05) and Italy on Thursday (13:05) if they are to scrape into the last four.

Real Madrid have the lead in their Champions League play-off first leg against Benfica through a brilliant goal from Vinicius Junior, but it was followed by controversy. The Brazilian walked off the pitch and sat on the bench after a verbal altercation with Gianluca Prestianni.

The first half had been even until the final 10 minutes, when Real Madrid began to up the ante, and had several efforts on goal, but Anatoliy Trubin was equal to them all. The half-time break appeared to have come at the right time for Jose Mourinho’s outfit.

Vinicius Junior opens scoring with incredible goal

However five minutes into the second half, Trubin was left helpless by Vinicius. Cutting in from the left side with a tight angle, Vinicius unleashed a stunning effort into the top corner.

Vinicius walks off the pitch in protest

However the drama was not finished. After an altercation with some of the Benfica players during the celebrations of the goal, the war of words continued. Vinicius was booked, but continued to speak with Gianluca Prestianni. The Brazilian then ran over to the referee, and appeared to say that he was racially abused.

Vinicius told the referee, after which the game was halted for the best part of 10 minutes. Eventually the game got back underway, with only a red card for someone on the Benfica bench.

Brentford Under-21s secured a 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at Wheatsheaf Park on Tuesday evening, snatching the win with a last-minute goal in the Professional Development League.

The visitors had taken the lead in a game of few clear-cut chances, but Brentford battled and their persistence paid off in the closing stages when Ethan Laidlaw calmly converted from the penalty spot and in the dying moments Michel Boni calmly slotted home to seal the win in a tough game.

The west Londoners edged the opening exchanges of the game but it was the young Addicks who took the lead in the game through Ibrahim Fullah. The attacker rolled his defender before striking past Julian Eyestone.

The chances were few and far between in a first period that lacked tempo from both sides following the goal.

The second period improved in intensity and a momentary lapse in concentration from the Charlton backline saw Laidlaw get a glimpse of the goal but Josh Laqeretabua made a goal-saving block to deny the winger what looked like a certain goal.

In one of their few ventures forward, Joseph Wheeler-Henry surged down the byline, beat his defender and was brought down inside the area to win a penalty. Ethan Laidlaw stepped up and confidently converted from the spot.

The goal gave the home side renewed belief and they almost took the lead through second-half substitute Luca Picotto who struck a well-timed shot which only just went wide.

With the last kick of the game, the home side grabbed the winner through Boni who had the simple job of putting into the net following fine play from Laidlaw who rounded the goalkeeper.

The Bees are next in action on Tuesday 24 February as they take on Watford away from home.

Brentford: Eyestone, McKnight, McManus, Wheeler-Henry, Grey, Owen, Pierre (Picotto 46), Redknapp, Boni, Mawene, Laidlaw

Unused subs: Bobb-Semple, Tavaziva, Giscombe, Honor

Booked: Wheeler-Henry 21

Charlton: Hardy; Kuczynski, Laqeretabua, Ewens-Findlay; Enslin, Mitchell, Gough (c), Brown; Fullah, Dixon, Lock Unused subs: MacLorg, Safa, Amissah, Trialist, Hunter

Booked: Lock 32, Gough 86

When the WSL enters its March international break, Liverpool captain Grace Fisk will be available for selection for England’s matches against Ukraine and Iceland. The Lionesses will take the pitch in their Women’s World Cup Qualifiers ahead of the tournament kick-off in Brazil in 2027.

Fisk received her first call-up back in 2020 for the She Believes Cup under Phil Neville, with the English defender having recently returned to football in the UK after a spell in the US.

Prior to 2020 she had extensive experience with the English development teams, first appearing for her country at the U17 level.

She has yet to achieve her first senior cap, however, and will hope to feature in the build-up to the 2027 competition and the tournament itself.

Amber Glenn short program song, explained: Why Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' has special meaning for U.S. figure skater originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Olympic figure skating may be nearing its conclusion. But there's still time for fireworks in women's singles, the biggest draw in one of the Olympics' biggest sports.

Twenty-nine stars will take the ice during the two-day competition, which will see skaters complete routines in short program and free skate. Few of those talents are as notable — at least as far as U.S. audiences are concerned — as American standout Amber Glenn.

The 26-year-old is something of an anomaly in the field. For starters, Glenn is older than most of her adversaries. She also is openly bisexual and pansexual. Her openness with regards to her sexuality has made her a hit for the viewing public, particularly those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community.

Moreover, Glenn's performances are artful. Her skating style is elegant. But it's also intense.

Glenn's personality comes out when she prances onto the ice. It's especially notable when a famous refrain spills from stadium speakers as she darts from one end of the rink to the other.

With that, here's what you need to know about Glenn's short program — namely, its soundtrack.

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

Why Amber Glenn uses Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' for short program

Glenn's song of choice for her short program is a familiar track to figure skating enthusiasts of a certain age. When she takes the ice on short, she does so with Madonna's 1989 smash hit, "Like a Prayer."

The song is an iconic one, the focal point in the beloved album of the same name that went on to sell more than 15 million copies worldwide. But it predates Glenn by 10 years. So, why did she feel so drawn to the ditty?

Glenn credits her choreographer, Catherine Hill, with the assist.

"'Like a Prayer' was a suggestion from my choreographer," Glenn told USA Today.

Glenn was initially unconvinced, associating the tune with a children's choir cover of the track that was featured during two sequences in the 2024 film, "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Hill was persistent in her push for Glenn to use the song, however. After parsing through the lyrics, Glenn was sold.

"Eventually, we really explored the meaning behind it and the passion that we could really pour into the program," Glenn said. "I'm really happy with how it came out."

MORE:Full guide to figure skating scoring system

"Like a Prayer" lyrics

Life is a mystery
Everyone must stand alone
I hear you call my name
And it feels like home

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

I hear your voice
It's like an angel sighing
I have no choice
I hear your voice
Feels like flying
I close my eyes
Oh God, I think I'm falling
Out of the sky
I close my eyes
Heaven, help me

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

Like a child
You whisper softly to me
You're in control
Just like a child
Now I'm dancing
It's like a dream
No end and no beginning
You're here with me
It's like a dream
Let the choir sing

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

When you call my name
It's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees
I wanna take you there
In the midnight hour
I can feel your power
Just like a prayer
You know I'll take you there

Life is a mystery
Everyone must stand alone
I hear you call my name
And it feels like home

Just like a prayer
Your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me
You are a mystery
Just like a dream
You are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice
Your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me
Just like a prayer, I'll take you there
It's like a dream to me

Just like a prayer
Your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me
You are a mystery
Just like a dream
You are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice
Your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer
Your voice can take me there
Just like a muse to me
You are a mystery
Just like a dream
You are not what you seem
Just like a prayer, no choice
Your voice can take me there
Your voice can take me there
Like a prayer

Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer
Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there
It's like a prayer

MORE: What to know about Amber Glenn's sexuality

Madonna shouts out Amber Glenn for short program

Glenn wasn't the only person satisfied with her short program. Madonna praised the 26-year-old for her skating prowess on Instagram on Feb. 10, dubbing Glenn the "Baddie on Ice." 

“So proud of this Baddie on Ice”

͢ Madonna shared Amber’s ‘Like a Prayer’ short program on her Instagram story!
pic.twitter.com/Dkf03yQB4k

— Amber Glenn Updates (@AmberGlennDaily) February 11, 2026

She went one step further ahead of Glenn's women's singles event. The "Queen of Pop" lauded Glenn in a video message shown to the figure skater by NBC Sports staff.

US figure skater Amber Glenn received a special message from one of her biggest fans... Madonna 🤩

📽️: @NBCSportspic.twitter.com/PQy5j3GSGG

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 17, 2026

"Amber Glenn, I just watched you skate to my song, 'Like a Prayer,' and I have to tell you, I was blown away by it," Madonna said. "You are an incredible skater. So strong, so beautiful, so brave. I can't imagine you would not win."

Glenn was taken aback by the gesture.

"I'm in shock, I'm in complete shock." Glenn said as she watched the video. "I'm legitimately shaking. Oh my god."

MORE: Inside Team USA's 'Alt, Gay and from New Jersey' figure skating team

ESPN’s Matt Bowen updated his top-50 free agents currently set to hit the 2026 market, and he included the best team fits for each one of these individual players, too. One of these players, cornerback Greg Newsome II, was given the Green Bay Packers as his best fit, according to Bowen.

Here’s what he had to say about Newsome:

The Packers’ cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons’ injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme. That’s a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option.

I’d push back a little on the “zone-heavy” tag on Gannon, though. Over five years with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, here’s how Gannon’s defenses have ranked over the three major families of coverages:

• Quarters Family: between 2nd and 3rd in the league
• Man Coverage: between 24th and 25th
• Traditional Zone: between 26th and 27th

The quarters family of coverages is technically a zone scheme, but it’s better described as a match coverage scheme. Really, Gannon’s defenses disproportionately want to play what amounts to man coverage downfield, but only after routes get about five yards of depth (and they use the quarters tree of coverages to get that done). It’ll be less about having eyes on the quarterback and more about having eyes on a receiver, even though the cornerbacks won’t be in press alignments often. To me, that’s different than traditional zone coverages (like Cover 2 or Cover 3), which Jeff Hafley called at the 8th-highest rate in the NFL over the last two years, where defensive backs really are just covering blades of grass instead of receivers and want to make breaks on the ball based on a quarterback’s body language.

While Newsome ranks as Bowen’s 34th overall free agent of this class, he’s ranked as the 103rd player on the consensus free agent ranking. There, he’s the 11th-ranked cornerback in 2026, compared to 4th for Bowen. Jamel Dean, who is the 18th-ranked overall free agent on the consensus board, did not make the cut for Bowen’s top-50 list.

Bowen also made some landing spot predictions for the Packers’ outgoing free agents:

• #8 LT Rasheed Walker: Cleveland Browns
• #13 LB Quay Walker: Washington Commanders
• #17 QB Malik Willis: Miami Dolphins
• #21 WR Romeo Doubs: Las Vegas Raiders

All four of those players should net the Packers at least a fifth-round compensatory draft choice in 2027 (with Rasheed Walker likely bringing Green Bay a fourth-round pick), as long as the team doesn’t offset their losses with free agent additions this cycle.

Russia and Belarus will have a combined 10 para athletes at next month's Milano Cortina Paralympics, the International Paralympic Committee said in a statement on Tuesday.

Both countries were banned from Paralympic competitions after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but regained full membership rights in the IPC after member organisations voted in September 2025 to lift their partial suspensions.

International federations for each sport on the Paralympic Games programme had said they would maintain bans on athletes from those countries, but Russia and Belarus won an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport back in December against the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

"Following the decision by IPC members at September 2025’s IPC General Assembly ... and December’s subsequent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision ... both NPCs were eligible to apply for bipartite slots through FIS for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in the sports of Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing and Para snowboard," the IPC said in a statement.

Russia will have two spots in Para alpine skiing, two in Para cross-country skiing and two in Para snowboard.

"NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Belarus has been awarded four slots in total, all in cross-country skiing (one male and three female)," the IPC added.

While the athletes can compete under their own flags at the Paralympics between March 6 to 15, a limited number of Russian and Belarus athletes are competing as independent neutral athletes without flags or anthems at the ongoing Milano Cortina Winter Games, with the Olympic Committees of the two nations still sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Paralympics: Russia, Belarus will compete under their own flags

What's happening in Lisbon? In the Champions League playoffs, Benfica is currently facing Real Madrid. After a goalless first half, Real took the lead through Vinicius Jr. in the 50th minute. Then things escalated on the field.

After a provocative celebration by the Madrid player, Benfica's Prestianni responded with some inaudible words towards Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian then angrily ran to the referee. Particularly noteworthy: Prestianni pulled his jersey over his mouth before speaking.

Referee François Letexier then activated the so-called racism protocol and sent both teams towards their benches. This led to scuffles between the teams. A Benfica official was even sent to the stands with a red card.

Subsequently, several teammates had to calm Vini Jr. down and encourage him to continue playing. It took over ten minutes before the game could resume. What exactly Prestianni said towards the Real star remains unclear.

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

Rockies' Kris Bryant breaks silence on retirement rumors, mindset amid injury recovery originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Colorado Rockies made a big free agent splash a few years ago, shortly after they let Nolan Arenado go in a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kris Bryant came to the Rockies on a huge $182 million deal through the 2028 season. But, once again, he's landed on the injured list and will miss significant time in his Rockies career.

Tomas Harding of MLB.com shared some very candid comments from Bryant, in which the third baseman revealed his stance on a possible retirement, and why he continues to make an effort to return for the Rockies in the face of so many injury issues.

Kris Bryant breaks silence on retirement, future with Rockies, MLB

"Rockies Kris Bryant says the pain in his back won't let him get to baseball activities," Harding reports, "but he continues to consult with doctors and trainers to see what can get him back to playing. He is not retiring, but sticking with rehab."

Bryant, the 34-year-old third baseman, isn't planning to retire just yet. He's still under contract for the next three seasons and is still trying to come back and play.

Since coming to the Rockies in 2022, Bryant hasn't played half a season yet. The most he's played in a season was 80 games in 2023, when he posted -1.0 bWAR with a .680 OPS.

His debut season with the Rockies was a bit more promising, with an .851 OPS and 128 OPS+ before he missed most of the year, playing only 42 games.

That 42-game season in 2022 was the second-most games he's played in a year with the Rockies. In 2024, Bryant played 37 games, putting up -0.7 bWAR with a .623 OPS. This past season, he had a .400 OPS with -0.5 bWAR in just 11 games.

More: Yankees to claim 23-year-old power-hitter off waivers from Rockies

After so many seasons of injury issues, it wouldn't be strange if Bryant retired. He's not planning to do so just yet, but when pressed about why he's still playing, and whether it's worth it to keep trying to come back, his response was very candid.

"I honestly try not to let myself get there, just because, like, when you're going through it every single day, you just try to make it day to day," Bryant said. "I think people out there with chronic pain, you don't want to think about so far in the future, because you're trying to get through the day. So I haven't let myself get there."

This situation for Bryant is a massively unfortunate one, as the former Chicago Cubs infielder, who looked to be on the Hall of Fame track, has had his career hit an abrupt stop since coming to the Rockies amid a chronic back injury.

More MLB news:

• Red Sox sign $6 million free agent formerly of Yankees, Blue Jays
• MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
• Former Yankees, Reds, A's outfielder agrees to $4M deal with Padres
• Tigers' contract details for Framber Valdez make for absurd record-breaking deal
• MLB analyst makes the case for the Phillies to sign 2x All-Star arm
• Pirates to sign former Padres, White Sox 3.55 ERA veteran righty on one-year deal
• Mets trade rumor on Brett Baty, Mark Vientos is unexpected update from Pirates

Sarah Stier via Getty Images

MILAN — The Blade Angels have arrived in Milan.

Alysa Liu led Team USA’s much-heralded trio of skating women on the ice for Tuesday night’s short program. The two-time Olympian and reigning world champion, skated a graceful, near-flawless program to Laufey’s “Promise,” recorded a score of 76.59, which put her in second place as she left the ice to a standing ovation from the Assago Ice Skating Arena crowd. 

“I kind of liked it,” she said as she skated off the ice.

Only a minor under rotation on a triple axel kept her from going to the top of the leaderboard, ahead of Japan’s Ami Nakai who scored a 78.71.

Isabeau Levito, skating to selections from movies starring Milan’s own Sophia Loren, followed Liu, beginning her routine with a triple flip into a triple toe loop. She executed the remainder of her routine with characteristic controlled, elegant precision. Levito earned a score of 70.84 to place her sixth with several skaters still to perform. 

Glenn, Liu and Levito — who collectively have dubbed themselves the “Blade Angels” — rolled into the Milan Cortina Olympics with as much star power and medal pedigree as any figure-skating American women in recent memory. 

No American woman has won an individual figure skating medal since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006. Sarah Hughes won gold and Michelle Kwan claimed bronze four years before that. The Blade Angels only have one combined Olympic appearance between them — Liu in 2022 — but together, they’ve amassed an impressive array of world and national championships. 

“It’s very special that there’s a woman from figure skating representing each section of the country,” said Johnny Weir, Olympian and NBC commentator.  “Isabeau Levito is from South Jersey to southside Philly. Amber Glenn is from Texas, and Alysa Liu from California, and I think it’s cool that there’s those three different perspectives and three different styles in each of those women.”

At the Olympics, they’ve had substantial downtime between events — or, in Levito’s case, before skating any events at all. Liu skated the short program element of Team USA’s gold medal-winning team competition, and Glenn the free skate element. But that competition ended more than a week ago, meaning they’ve been riding the rollercoaster of Olympic excitement and comedown. 

They’ve been preparing for this moment, individually and as a group, for years. They know what needs to be said, know what needs to be done. 

“As long as we do our programs to the best of our abilities, we cannot control the outcome,” Glenn said recently. “But I think the U.S. ladies have come so, so far in the last two decades, that if we do our jobs in Milan … then more than likely someone’s going to be up there.”

Now that the women’s competition is here, the Blade Angels have a fight on their hands. The event continues with the free skate program on Thursday, featuring the top 24 women from Tuesday night’s round, starting at 1 p.m. Eastern. At stake: a gold medal and immortality in the sport.

This story will be updated

Tuesday's Irish Premiership match between Portadown and Cliftonville at Shamrock Park has been abandoned due to floodlight failure.

It had been an entertaining start to the game and the away side led through Joe O'Toole's stunning strike.

However, in the 41st minute, the floodlights failed at Shamrock Park.

After discussions, the players were then taken off the pitch while they attempted to fix the issue but efforts proved unsuccessful.

This is the second time this campaign that the side have had issues with their floodlights after the second half of their Boxing Day derby against Glenavon was delayed by 15 minutes after an issue with the oil filter.

Last season, Glentoran's match against Larne at the Oval was postponed following floodlight failure early in the second half with this match replayed in full at a later date.

"This evening's Sports Direct Premiership fixture has been abandoned in the 41st minute following floodlight failure," a statement from Portadown read.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused with further details released in due course."

Real Madrid's Champions League knockout phase play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior and his team-mates left the field.

After putting the Spanish visitors 1-0 up in the second half at the Estadio da Luz, the Brazilian forward was booked for an excessive celebration.

Following an interaction with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius ran over to referee Francois Letexier while gesturing towards the opposition player.

He then walked off the pitch and was followed by his Real Madrid team-mates, but play restarted 10 minutes later.

More to follow.

More to follow.

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• Get football news sent straight to your phone

We move on to week three of our Miami Dolphins scouting mock draft. This seven-round projection for the Dolphins is not necessarily about finding the right selection at each pick, but about finding names who might be under consideration. We then take a closer look at what is being said about that player.

As such, I also rule out players who were picked during the last two mocks, because there is no reason to take a second look at a player yet. After the NFL Scouting Combine, I will add those players back into the pool to get an updated look at them with their combine results.

I use Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator to give me the structure of the projection, using the consensus rankings to see who will be on the board for each of Miami’s selections. Trades are allowed during this mock – but I do not create the trade, only respond if one is offered to me.

With that, let’s get into this week’s scouting mock draft:

2026 NFL Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Results – 3rd Edition

(I made picks using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator)

First Round

Pick 11 – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Dolphins released wide receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, a move that was expected but does leave the wide receiver depth chart wanting. Tate, who is widely considered the number one receiver on the board this year, falling to Miami at 11 seems ideal. He brings size to the position group immediately, adding a 6-foot-3, 200-pound target to the Dolphins’ offense. I do not know if he could actually be a consideration at 11, or if a team would try to jump up to grab him if he is falling like this, but if he is there, Miami might need not need to think about whose name should be on their draft card.

What they are saying:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Ascending “Z” receiver who continues to step out from the shadow of Ohio State teammate Jeremiah Smith. Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength. He builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks. He can win over the top on verticals or separate over the first two levels with route savvy and separation burst. Tate tracks throws at top speed and makes his adjustments to run under them. He combines timing, body control and catch radius to dominate air space and consistently lands on the winning side of contested catches. Pass catching comes effortlessly with soft, strong hands and he consistently works back on throws to keep ballhawks from hawking. Tate displays rare polish for a player his age and has the talent to become a heralded pro within his first three seasons. –

NFL Draft Buzz: Watch Tate’s tape and you see a receiver who wins with precision, body control, and an understanding of how to attack coverage rather than pure athleticism. Tate profiles as a classic X or movement-Z receiver who will thrive in the intermediate areas where timing and route discipline matter most. His ability to manipulate defenders at the stem, track deep throws, and come down with contested catches gives him a clear path to starting snaps early in his career. The question scouts will debate is whether he represents a true alpha receiver or an elite complementary piece.

Scheme fit matters here. West Coast systems and timing-based offenses will get the most out of what he does well. Tate excels in that 10-to-20-yard range where he can work against zone coverage, find soft spots, and convert third downs. His game reminds me more of Chris Olave than Garrett Wilson when looking at recent Ohio State products. He is a technician who separates with nuance, not a receiver who is going to run past NFL corners consistently. That is not necessarily a limitation, but it does define his role. The combine and pro day will be massive for his draft stock. If that 4.6 number holds up in Indianapolis, it could push him out of the top 15. But if he runs in the low 4.5s and proves the stopwatch wrong, watch his name climb boards in a hurry.

The production, the pedigree, and the polish are all there. Tate played opposite elite talent throughout his college career and still commanded targets when defenses had every reason to take him away. His championship experience, academic profile, and leadership qualities add to the package. There is a floor here that should comfort any team selecting him, even if the ceiling may not quite reach the special category. He is a Day 1 contributor with third-down value who should settle in as a productive starter for years. –

Damian Parson, Bleacher Report: Carnell Tate is next in the Ohio State pipeline of secondary wide receivers capable of emerging as a primary target at the NFL level.

Tate’s height and wingspan offer a quarterback-friendly target. He extends the catch point away from his frame and plucks the ball from the air. Tate is a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point. He has soft, reliable hands and excellent ball tracking skills.

Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Tate joined Ohio State’s program as a 5-star recruit in the 2023 class, per 247Sports. Tate thrives in the WR2 role in the Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense.

Carnell Tate is a ready-made deep threat with the most effortless ball skills in the class. He didn’t drop a single pass this season and hauled in 12 of 14 contested catches, according to PFF. –

Second Round

Pick 43 – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

I did not include an offensive line prospect in last week’s scouting mock draft until the seventh round. This week, I start early with the first of two players to add to the line for Miami. Iheanachor might be a developmental project who needs a little time before he hits his full potential, having only started playing football in college, but he has shown flashes that might make him a first-round pick and a Week 1 starter. If Miami were to select him here with the idea that he competes for the starting right tackle position with Austin Jackson and, if he does not win the spot, they are happy with him sitting for a year to continue to grow into the job. This might be a really strong canidadte if he is on the board in the second round.

What they are saying:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: An ascending, traits-heavy tackle prospect, Iheanachor is a former high school hooper and late-comer to football. He has good length and excellent lean mass. His hands and footwork need refinement, but his range and play strength should translate to any run scheme. There is work to do with pass-protection technique, but strong performances against Texas Tech’s rush duo last season and at the Senior Bowl suggest Iheanachor might be more game-ready than I previously anticipated. In a year light on high-end tackles, Iheanachor’s measurables, athleticism and upside could push him up the board.

NFL Draft Buzz: Watch any Arizona State game and you’ll see it within the first five plays: Iheanachor moves like no 325-pound tackle should be allowed to move. The feet are light, the hips are loose, and there is a natural athleticism baked into everything he does that you simply cannot teach. His pass protection numbers from 2025 tell you he’s already figured out enough to survive at a high level, and the Senior Bowl week confirmed that this wasn’t just a product of Big 12 competition. He held his own against legitimate NFL-caliber rushers in Mobile, and the buzz around him afterwards was well-earned. This is a player whose ceiling is genuinely scary in the best possible way.

Here’s the deal, though. The run blocking is a tier below the pass protection right now, and the technique still has stretches where it looks like a guy who’s only been playing football for five years. Because that’s exactly what he is. The hand placement wanders, the recognition against complex fronts wavers, and there will be possessions where he looks lost before snapping back into dominance on the very next series. That inconsistency is the cost of betting on upside over polish, and whichever team invests in him needs to understand that the bad reps are going to come, especially early. He had a 97.6% career pressure efficiency rate, which is strong, but the 16 penalties and occasional protection breakdowns remind you that the floor can dip when the processing slows down.

The ideal landing spot is a zone-heavy offense with a strong offensive line coach and enough veteran presence on the line that Iheanachor doesn’t have to carry the unit from day one. If he can sit behind an established starter or at least split time during his rookie year while refining his hand technique and protection calls, the payoff could be enormous. His physical tools and competitive fire put him in rare company among the tackles in this class. He is not the most polished blocker available, but he might have the highest ceiling of any of them. In a draft cycle thin on blue-chip tackle talent, that combination of traits and trajectory makes him a legitimate value pick.

Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report: Max Iheanachor is a relative newcomer to football and his lack of experience shows up in unrefined footwork, inconsistent leverage and some glaring losses. However, he has the frame and quickness to develop into a swing tackle and starter during his rookie contract inside a veteran-led NFL offensive line room.

Iheanachor is a 6’6″, 330-pound offensive line prospect, who entered the Arizona State program as a 3-star JUCO recruit in the 2023 class.

Iheanachor started 14 games at right tackle last season and five during the 2023 campaign. He was born in Nigeria where he played soccer and eventually excelled in basketball during high school. Iheanachor did not start playing football until his time at East Los Angeles College (JUCO) in 2021.

Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Iheanachor projects as a starting offensive lineman at the NFL level.

The big question is just how much development he will need to take a starting job. He’s only been playing football for five years and just three of those years are in a major college program. It’s possible that Iheanachor can win a starting job right away, but he may also need a year or two before he’s ready to start. While more old school evaluators will want to convert him to left tackle due to his athleticism, teams should view him as a right tackle prospect. Iheanachor has only played right tackle in college, and it isn’t worth it to try and reconstruct his technique for the left side. Instead, teams should keep him where he’s familiar and shorten his learning curve as much as possible.

Regardless, he has “first round” traits that border on “elite.” He might be viewed as a second round pick purely due to his inexperience, but his upside could well get him drafted in the first round. There’s a real chance that Iheanachor becomes the best tackle to come out of this draft class if he lands in a good situation with the right development.

Third Round

Pick 75 – Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

Moore might not be the flashy, top prospect as an edge rusher this year, but he should be a solid contributor who can continue to develop as he gets more playing time. He is a better pass rusher than a run stopper, but he is not horrible against the run. He uses his explosion off the line as his primary pass rush move, but may find NFL offensive linemen are prepared for that. Getting playing time as a rotational edge while continuing development may be the right answer here.

What they are saying:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Edge prospect with good size and length. Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender. He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency. Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He’s strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it’s time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing. If Moore cranks up the fire on all three downs, he can become a good full-time player. Either way, he projects as a starter capable of racking up pressures.

K.C. Martinez, NFL Draft Buzz: Raw power matched with lightning quickness off the edge defines Moore’s game, but technical refinement stands between him and consistent production at the next level. His pass rush approach often hits a wall when initial burst doesn’t win, leaving him without counters when tackles anchor against his primary moves. The motor never quits, though. Moore runs with the kind of relentless energy that defensive coaches covet, chasing down plays from the backside and fighting through trash to affect quarterbacks. This effort partially masks technique deficiencies, particularly against the run where his pad level rises and compromises his leverage advantage. What makes Moore tantalizing is the foundation of physical gifts that can’t be taught – the bend, the burst, the frame. These traits will earn him early opportunities as a designated pass rusher while his every-down skillset develops. Creative defensive schemes will maximize his versatility by moving him around the formation, creating favorable matchups that leverage his athletic testing against less mobile blockers. Moore’s ceiling ultimately depends on how quickly he can translate his natural tools into refined technique – something that will determine whether he becomes an impact starter or remains a situational player at the next level.

Matt Holder, Bleacher Report:Derrick Moore is a well-put-together pass-rusher who did an excellent job of expanding his repertoire this season to have an impressive senior year. The 6’3″, 260-pound edge defender went from winning almost exclusively with speed to power to adding a nice inside counter move and becoming more explosive this season.

Moore went to Michigan as a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class and was a contributor off the bench, collecting a couple of sacks as a true freshman.

He got more playing time in Year 2, becoming an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection with 34 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks and two passes defended for the National Champs.

As a junior, the Baltimore, Maryland native became a starter and received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors again, collecting 23 tackles, six TFLs, four sacks and two PDs. This year, he cracked double digits in sacks (10), had 30 tackles, 10.5 TFLs and 3 PDs.

Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Moore projects as a rotational edge defender with scheme diversity at the NFL level.

Moore is the type of player that a defensive coordinator should feel good about having on the field in just about any circumstance. He can impact the run and pass, and is disciplined enough to avoid hurting your team. Moore also understands who he is and has tailored his game to fit. He doesn’t throw a huge variety of moves at blockers only to have few of them work. Instead, he’s a tight, focused rusher and a reliable run defender.

However, he is also somewhat limited as an athlete – at least compared to the elite at the position. That could prevent him from ever becoming a truly feared pass rusher, which might be enough to keep him from being a starter. That said, he should still be a very valuable player as a third edge who plays a high volume of snaps to both spell and play alongside starters.

Pick 87 – Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

The Dolphins’ defense under new head coach Jeff Hafley is likely going to run a lot of single-high safety looks, letting a free safety play center field while the strong safety is moved around the defense to create different looks and mismatches. Wheatley’s strong suit is playing as a single-high free safety. He is not pigeon-holed in that role, however, and could be used in coverage and as a run-supporter at times as well. He is not Minkah Fitzpatrick, but he does have some of the Swiss Army Knife traits.

What they are saying:

NFL Draft Buzz:Wheatley has all the tools NFL defensive coordinators covet in today’s passing league – the speed to erase mistakes, the instincts to create turnovers, and the versatility to handle multiple assignments. Watch him trigger from his deep alignment and close on intermediate routes, and you see a player who understands leverage and spacing at an advanced level.

His 6’2″, 200-pound frame combined with that blazing speed gives him the physical toolkit to match up with the league’s new breed of athletic tight ends and slot receivers. The film shows a player who processes information quickly, rarely gets fooled by misdirection, and consistently finds himself around the football. When he commits to being physical in run support, he can absolutely stone runners at the second level. The key word there is “commits” because the aggression comes and goes.

This is a solid starting safety prospect who should develop into a reliable contributor at the next level. The team that drafts Wheatley gets a versatile defensive back who can play strong or free, drop into the slot in dime packages, and occasionally roll down as a robber. He’s already shown the mental toughness to handle big stages, evidenced by his monster performance against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Give him a position coach who demands consistent physicality and a defensive coordinator who understands how to maximize his range and ball skills, and you’re looking at someone who can anchor a secondary for years.

Pick 90 – Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Hecht is a solid center. That is a great statement, and would give Miami a depth option for the position. They could look to use him at guard while serving as the backup center to Aaron Brewer, and he has the athleticism to pull from that position. He will need to add muscle to his build for the NFL level, but a solid interior offensive lineman here is a solid option for the Dolphins.

What they are saying:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com:Hecht lacks ideal mass and length but it will be hard to find a center in this year’s draft with better technique. He plays with well-placed inside hands that help maximize his leverage and core strength. All schemes are available to him but his athleticism will shine when activated in space. He stays sticky to blocks once he connects, but his lack of length will put him on the wrong side of the battle from time to time in both the run and pass phases. Hecht needs to add more muscle mass to his frame but he has the consistency and tape of a future starter.

Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report:Sam Hecht is a thickly built, sturdy, and alert presence at the pivot who won’t overwhelm or wow in space but has solid play strength and clear eyes to hold ground, sort movement, and keep the offense on schedule. Hecht’s mediocre power and recovery skills cap his ceiling, but his consistency on tape this year signals a high floor swing interior backup who can earn a starting job during his rookie contract.

Hecht is a 6’4″, 300-pound interior line prospect who entered the Kansas State program as an unranked recruit in the 2021 class.

Hecht is a two-year starting center who earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors from the coaches after 13 starts in 2024. He was born on April 3, 2003, and accepted his invite to the 2026 Senior Bowl.

Fourth Round

Pick 111 – Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame

Some will hate considering Raridon here because he has a major injury history – two ACL tears to the same knee in 2021 and 2022. But, he has performed well since those injuries and he could be a developmental option who will find early success if used the right way. He is a willing blocker who will get better with added strength. He makes his money as an inline tight end who can get into the seam and be a threat over the middle of the field. The tight end position has been a work in progress over the past several seasons, which could bring Raridon into consideration here.

What they are saying:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Projects as a “Y” tight end with the ability to play and produce on all three downs. In the pros, Raridon might spend more time with his hand in the ground than he did at Notre Dame. He blocks with solid technique and good tenacity but still needs to add muscle mass to his long frame. The Notre Dame passing attack opened him up on intermediate hash throws against zone but he also has sneaky build-up speed and ball skills to make catches down the field. Raridon needs more experience but is an ascending talent who should become the seventh Notre Dame tight end drafted over the last nine years.

NFL Draft Buzz:Watch enough tape on Raridon and you see a tight end who can contribute right away in specific packages while developing into something more substantial with proper coaching and strength work. His length and ball skills create real matchup problems attacking the middle of the field against zone coverage, exactly the type of weapon coordinators love deploying on second-and-six to generate explosive plays. The blocking has come far enough that he won’t hurt you out there, though asking him to consistently stone defensive ends one-on-one right now might be asking too much. Medical evaluation determines everything with this kid, but assuming doctors sign off on those knees, you’re getting a tight end who can handle three-down work within a couple years.

Raridon fits best in offenses that value vertical passing concepts and deploy multiple tight end sets where his blocking doesn’t need to be elite every snap. Teams running heavy play-action will love how he threatens safeties deep and opens up underneath throwing windows. That size and catch radius make him a legit red zone weapon who can win contested catches, though he’s more effective running past linebackers than boxing out defensive backs in tight quarters. Organizations that use athletic tight ends primarily as receiving weapons while mixing in enough blocking to stay balanced will maximize what he brings. Needs patience early to add functional strength and expand his route repertoire, but the athletic foundation and competitive streak suggest the investment pays off.

Can’t ignore the injury history during evaluations, and some teams will simply pass because two ACL tears on the same knee represent too much risk regardless of what the medical staff says. For organizations comfortable with the reports, Raridon represents solid value as a developmental Y tight end with slot versatility who provides immediate contributions as a receiving weapon. His ceiling depends entirely on how much quality weight he can add without losing his movement skills and whether those knees hold up under NFL punishment. The tape shows enough to warrant a selection somewhere in the fourth or fifth round range, understanding that patience will be required before he becomes a true every-down player. Basketball background suggests the body control and spatial awareness needed at the position, while his football bloodlines indicate he understands offensive line nuances better than most tight ends. Won’t be a star, but he can absolutely carve out a productive NFL career if the medical checks clear and he commits to the weight room work required to maximize that unique frame.

Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report:Eli Raridon has legitimate three-down ability, with a well-rounded game that will help offenses in the run game and add explosives through the air. He’s got the size and speed to be a mismatch against most defenders down the field, and he’s improving his functional strength to create movement on them.

Raridon is a former 4-star recruit who has spent his entire four-year career with the Fighting Irish and is seeing his role in the offense expand in the offense.

Coming into the season, Raridon amassed 16 catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns, but he’s been used as a seam weapon and mismatch for Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr this season. His length and frame give him a leg up on defenders with the ball in the air and as he continues to improve his blocking technique, he’ll be a useful tool in an NFL offensive arsenal.

Fifth Round

Pick 149 – Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

Under Mike McDaniel, Cameron probably would never even appear on the board. At 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, he is not the dynamic, sharp route runner who uses his speed to create separation. He is a bulldozer who is going to give the quarterback a giant target when needed. Cameron is not a number one receiver in the NFL, but he sure could be a major piece of an offense needing a possession receiver to make catches and fight for yardage. He could immediately be a major part of the special teams for the Dolphins, and he could be moved around the offense to take advantage of his size as a wide out, tight end, or running back.

What they are saying:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com:Cameron is built like a big running back and is not shy about using that size, strength and body control to rack up touchdowns in the red zone. He’s smooth in tracking and adjusting to throws. Drops are a rarity. However, he lacks suddenness to beat press and needs plenty of route work to avoid seeing a heavy percentage of contested targets. Proving he can move beyond the relatively simple asks of the Baylor offense will be critical if he is to become more than a backup. Cameron has traits but the development could take some time.

Damian Parson, Bleacher Report: Josh Cameron emerged as Baylor’s top threat in the passing game during the last two season. He combines impressive play-strength, contact balance and yards-after-catch creation to transition into an effective NFL playmaker.

The two-time first-team All-Big 12 wide receiver is a physical route-runner with elusiveness in the open field.

Cameron is a former 0-star recruit who developed into an NFL-caliber target and playmaker. He is a densely-built receiver, who resembles a running back. He projects as a WR2 or third option at the next level.

Nick Falato, New York Giants on SI:Josh Cameron possesses an important blend of short area explosiveness in a dense frame. Cameron uses his frame well at the catch point with solid adjustment ability outside his frame, especially on throws behind him on the horizontal plane.

He’s crafty after the catch with the necessary physical traits to run through arm-tackles. Baylor often used Cameron on deep overs and crossing routes and his football IQ allowed him to find vulnerabilities in zone coverage.

Cameron is also an elite special teams asset as a punt returner; he averaged 20.7 yards per punt return in 2024 and finished his college career with a 14-yard return average.

Cameron’s baseline special team traits will provide value to any team. His upside as a receiver, though, remains questionable due to his lack of elite athletic traits and questions about his ability to defeat press and run a multitude of routes. Still, there’s enough to roll the dice on when it comes to Cameron.

Sixth Round

No Picks

Seventh Round

Pick 227 – Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon

The Dolphins need cornerbacks, so waiting until the seventh round to add someone to the position is not ideal – but again, this is not about making the right pick for Miami, but finding out who might be available at each pick. Canady is an interesting prospect because he might just be able to play everywhere in the defensive secondary. He is not the biggest cornerback, but he is extremely athletic and has the versatility to play boundary, field, and nickel or move back to play safety. He could be a chess piece moving around the defense and using his athleticism to make an impact.

What they are saying:

Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report:Jadon Canady builds his game around whatever the defense needs from him. Canady likely sticks at nickel cornerback in the NFL, but his versatility will be valuable at the next level.

He’s a highly versatile player bringing experience at safety, nickel, and cornerback to the defensive back room, along with his jitterbug energy level and physicality. He’s played for three colleges in his career and has made impacts at each stop along the way, and his experience made him a mainstay in Oregon’s defense in his redshirt senior year.

The former 3-star recruit and 3-star transfer is coming off an impressive 2024 at Ole Miss, where he put up a career high in passes defensed with 12. While he didn’t play every down for the Ducks, they wanted him on the field as much as possible to infuse the defense with his energy, football IQ, and toughness.

Angela Miele, Oregon Ducks on SI:With Canady’s performance through the 2025 season, the defensive back could have already boosted his draft stock. On top of his performance this season, Canady has been showing off his skills in the Shrine Bowl, and can continue to prove to the NFL why a team should select him.

Canady’s size, standing at 5-foot-11, could make him undervalued, but he could become an early pick on day three of the NFL Draft. What will make him a key asset to whichever team selects him is his versatility. Being able to rotate around the secondary and with his speed, he can be a steal for a team.

Alysa Liu lands most difficult combination in women's figure skating competition to post big score, chase gold medal at Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Alysa Liu is back.

She's lighter, happier, freer -- and she's in contention for a figure skating gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The United States star actually retired after the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, but she rediscovered herself and has returned.

On Tuesday in the short program, Liu looked like a star again.

She actually had the toughest combination in her program of anyone in the entire competition, according to the NBC broadcast.

Liu had to land a triple Lutz, triple loop combo, and she pretty much did. She had just a slight under-rotation that cost her a quarter of a point.

But when her routine was done, Liu ranked in second place among all short program scores with a 76.59.

ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS ALYSA. pic.twitter.com/FBmrpECyUK

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026

MORE: U.S. women's hockey star's brothers go viral at Olympics

The short program scores will be added to the free skate later this week to determine who medals.

Liu has work to do, but she looks happy. She couldn't stop smiling when her routine was complete, and when her score came up, she looked satisfied.

My beauty!!! Alysa Liu you’re so loved by me pic.twitter.com/9bqXppdLhu

— 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝄞 (@minxrvas) February 17, 2026

Liu is part of a high-powered Team USA trio with Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn.

Together, they're hoping to grab at least one medal, if not more. An American woman hasn't gotten an individual Olympic medal since 2006.

This might be the time, and Liu has returned and put herself in contention.

More Olympics news:

• This U.S. luge star was parodied on SNL
• Amber Glenn gets into music dispute during Olympic figure skating program
• Macklin Celebrini is chasing Hooley Smith's 1924 Olympics record
• U.S. Olympians get paid shockingly less than other countries for gold medals
• Controversy and cursing with Canada curling
• Chloe Kim's silver medal has some controversy

Florida basketball has looked like more than just a top-15 team. Nationally, the Gators are getting talked about like a real threat to make a deep run in March.

ESPN's Jay Bilas created rankings of the best 68 teams in college basketball and placed Florida at No. 7, signaling how much Todd Golden's team has stabilized after an early stretch that tested it against high-level competition.

Bilas notes that Florida took several early losses by two possessions or fewer, and the growing pains showed up most in the backcourt with turnovers and inconsistent perimeter shooting. Now, his read is that Florida has turned that corner and belongs in the contender tier.

The biggest reason is the frontcourt. Bilas grouped the Gators with the Michigan Wolverines and Arizona Wildcats as teams with the best big-man groups in the country, and pointed to Thomas Haugh as the engine behind that physical identity.

For Florida fans tracking the bigger picture, that is the headline: this team has the size and consistency to win in different ways, and it is starting to get evaluated like a legitimate NCAA Tournament factor, not just a good SEC story.

It's a sign of how far Florida has come as the season has taken shape. Here is everything Bilas wrote about the Orange and Blue.

What Bilas said about Florida

"The Gators played an incredibly difficult early-season schedule, and they took some losses, all of them within two possessions. Guard play was the issue, including turnovers and perimeter shooting difficulties — no real surprise, given that it's hardly easy to replace one of the best backcourts in SEC history.

"Yet throughout the early season, Florida made steady progress and seemed so close to being a legit contender. Well, this is a legit contender. The Gators are competing with Michigan and Arizona for the nation's best frontcourt, and Thomas Haugh is the engine behind that quartet of behemoths."

Jay Bilas' top 10 men's college basketball teams

1. Michigan Wolverines
2. Arizona Wildcats
3. Duke Blue Devils
4. Houston Cougars
5. Iowa State Cyclones
6. Illinois Fighting Illini
7. Florida Gators
8. UConn Huskies
9. Kansas Jayhawks
10. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida basketball ranked inside top 10 of ESPN Bilas Index

While the season isn’t over, it already feels safe to say the future is bright for North Carolina next season.

That’s because five-star point guard Dylan Mingo committed to the Tar Heels on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday. Mingo chose UNC over Baylor, Penn State and Washington. For a program trying to bridge the gap between its current core and whatever comes next, this is the kind of recruiting win that can steady everything.

The wait is over: 5-star combo guard Dylan Mingo has officially committed to #UNC.

Mingo, who’s the No. 8 player in the ‘26 class, is Hubert Davis’ third top-10 commit and fifth top-12 commit since 2023. pic.twitter.com/Xto8JpAYT1

— Jacob Turner (@JacobTurnerNC) February 17, 2026

Mingo is not just another blue-chip guard. He’s a consensus five-star, ranked the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2026 class, the No. 2 combo guard and the No. 1 player in New York, according to 247Sports. He’s the kind of player you build around — and the kind of player North Carolina needed to land.

He’s not coming alone to Chapel Hill either.

UNC already has a top-25 recruit in forward Maximo Adams, who could slide into the role Caleb Wilson is expected to vacate when he leaves for the NBA after this season. On paper, Adams and Mingo give the Tar Heels just two high school commitments in the 2026 class. In reality, they represent two top-25 talents at positions of clear need.

That number — two — is where some fans might get stuck. How can North Carolina, with all its history and all its resources, stop at just two high school recruits?

In today’s game, there are two simple answers: the transfer portal and returning experience.

In the backcourt alone, Luka Bogavac, Isaiah Denis, Derek Dixon, Kyan Evans and Jonathan Powell are all expected back. The only guard currently set to depart is Seth Trimble, who is out of eligibility. That’s a lot of continuity for a team adding a high-usage guard like Mingo.

Up front, outside of Wilson, the Tar Heels still have options, too. Zayden High, Jarin Stevenson and Henri Veesaar all have eligibility remaining. Like Wilson, Veesaar is drawing NBA interest, with some mock drafts projecting him as a late first-round pick — roughly the basketball equivalent of a late second- or third-round pick in the NFL draft. He could return, but his stock has been trending in the right direction.

Following Dylan Mingo's commitment, here's UNC's updated scholarship chart

(based on "scholarship level players") pic.twitter.com/8gwJ2vJD4x

— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) February 17, 2026

That’s the balancing act North Carolina faces now. The staff has to prepare for multiple scenarios: What if Veesaar leaves? What if another underclassman tests the draft waters more seriously than expected? What if someone surprises everyone and comes back? What if a couple of players decide to transfer?

That’s where the portal comes in.

If there are holes on the roster this spring — and in the modern ACC, there usually are — the Tar Heels will do what they’ve already shown they can do: turn to the transfer portal. It’s how they added important pieces like Stevenson and Veesaar in the first place. It’s how they can complement Mingo and Adams without overloading the scholarship count.

In that context, taking only two high school recruits isn’t a sign of complacency. It’s a sign of a program that understands how roster-building actually works in 2026.

A lot of credit has to go to Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, who has landed two top-25 recruits at two positions of need next season. The Tar Heels lacked a true point guard this season and have now found a potential replacement for Wilson. Now he and general manager Jim Tanner have to do the same through the transfer portal.

Could they be the key pieces to keep UNC among college basketball’s elite? Time will tell, and the Tar Heels still have to get through this season.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: 5-star Dylan Mingo commits, future roster takes shape

Lindsey Vonn reflects on the state of her health after arriving home from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The ski racer detailed her experience at the event after she dropped out of the contest due to an injury she sustained during her stay in Italy.

Lindsey Vonn has since undergone surgeries after the brutal ski incident, which reportedly severely affected her tibia, drawing hundreds of sympathies from concerned fans all over the world.

Lindsey Vonn Breaks Silence On Immobility

The athlete issued a statement on her X account, noting that she has not stood on her feet in over a week due to being in a hospital bed and thus immobile since the race.

"And although I'm not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing. Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me," she concluded.

Vonn's post was received with positive reactions from fans who praised her for representing the country so proudly while putting her best foot forward.

"Welcome home. Even from a hospital bed, it must feel amazing to be back on familiar soil. Huge respect for pushing through, wishing you a smooth recovery," a commenter noted.

Another well-wisher urged her to take her rehab treatment seriously, emphasizing that such risks are expected due to her status as an athlete and also because greatness never comes easy.

The Ski Racer Admitted Her Participation In The Winter Olympics Was A Risk

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by L I N D S E Y • V O N N (@lindseyvonn)

Breaking her silence on the situation, US Weekly reported that Vonn informed her fans that her fourth surgery went well and she would like to place some things into the right perspective.

First, she urged her fans to ditch the sad tributes and remain empathetic to her situation with the understanding that she took a risk by going for the competition.

Vonn noted that despite tearing her ACL a few days before the event started, she went in, knowing full well that every skier in the starting gate took the same risk. She noted that even the strongest skier in the world is at the mercy of the mountains and their wishes.

The skier was indeed competing at the World Cup race in Switzerland on January 30 when she tore her ACL, nine days before the winter Olympics started. In an Instagram announcement, Vonn had assured her fans that after extensive consultations, intense therapy, and physical tests coupled with skiing lessons, she was good to go.

The Ski World Cup Winner Praised Team USA In An Emotional Post After Her Surgery

On February 11, The Blast shared that Vonn took to Instagram to tell a deeply personal story about her injury and subsequent surgery, which happened in several phases. 

The painful encounter unfortunately ended Vonn's journey in the competition. In a series of images shared on her Instagram, Vonn lay on the hospital bed flanked by medical equipment, her injured leg held by an external fixator, and an encouraging thumbs up from the superstar. 

The athlete emphasized that since the injury, success has taken on a new meaning for her, and she has gotten more appreciative of the subtle progress she has been making.

The second image showcased Vonn interacting with the treatment nurse, while the third image spotlighted the overwhelming support received by the athlete so far in carts of colorful flower arrangements.

Vonn was filled with gratitude to the USA team, who stood by her side through the difficult days and continued to give a performance worth cheering for as they carried on without her.

Inside Lindsey Vonn's Painful Crash At The Winter Olympics

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by L I N D S E Y • V O N N (@lindseyvonn)

The 41-year-old suffered the crushing crash during her Olympic final run, where she lost control after speeding on a hill and crashing into one of the plastic markers lining the track. As shared by athletes, the right leg reportedly hit the ground first and caused a ruckus in the snow as the force threw her forward.

As if that was not enough, Vonn tumbled yet again and slammed her shoulder into the slope before the chaos ultimately ended. Medical crew quickly rushed to the scene as onlookers watched with panic in their eyes and intense concern for the sport star.

Vonn was subsequently airlifted off the mountain by a helicopter and transported directly to the hospital for emergency treatment. A medic who attended to the athlete on the spot detailed that she was in a lot of pain, and the nature of her injury warranted the airlifting.

Lindsey Vonn's Skiing Journey Over The Years

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by L I N D S E Y • V O N N (@lindseyvonn)

The legendary skier made her debut in the Olympics over two decades ago in 2002 at Salt Lake City. According to Today, she also competed at the Winter Olympics in 2006, 2010 in Vancouver, and 2018 in PyeongChang.

She missed out on the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 due to a knee injury and made up for it with her fifth appearance at the Milan Cortina Games, although short-lived.

Vonn is a celebrated ski star, with three Olympic medals to her name and the record as the only American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the event in 2010. She won two bronze medals in the super-G and the downhill categories in 2018.

She announced her retirement in 2019, stating that her body was "broken beyond repair" and robbing her of the final season of her dreams. In 2024, she announced her comeback to The New York Times, noting that she had begun training with the United States ski team.

Wishing Lindsey Vonn a speedy recovery!

A wide-ranging report has revealed whether Abdukodir Khusanov can expect to play a major role for Manchester City next season.

The 21-year-old has impressed under Pep Guardiola since joining from RC Lens for £33.5 million in January 2025 in the wake of a defensive crisis, having made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Blues in his first 12 months at the Etihad Stadium.

Khusanov made a horror start on his full debut for Manchester City in a 3-1 win over Chelsea, making an error less than three minutes into his first start just days after flying to England to allow Noni Madueke to give the west Londoners an early lead.

The Uzbekistan international’s display improved as the first-half went on but Khusanov was taken off for John Stones after 54 minutes, though he has since turned the ship around and gone above and beyond to establish himself as a very capable and reliable deputy to the likes of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in defence.

Khusanov had played 1,589 minutes for Manchester City this season as the Blues vie for silverware on four fronts in the second half of the campaign, having progressed to the Carabao Cup final, FA Cup fifth round and the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

While he is not first choice as of yet for Guardiola, John Stones’ injury-ravaged season has allowed Khusanov to pick up minutes in central defence as well as full-back now and again, though Matheus Nunes seems to have made the right-back position his own this term.

City endured another personnel crisis in defence this January, with Gvardiol and Dias going off with injury in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea to force club officials to recall academy graduate Max Alleyne from loan at Watford and close a £20 million deal to bring Marc Guehi in from Crystal Palace.

Ruben Dias made his first start for Manchester City since January in a 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham last week, with Stones also returning to the starting XI in a 2-0 FA Cup triumph over Salford City at the weekend.

Stones is expected to leave Manchester City when his contract expires in June, with Nathan Ake also facing an uncertain future with just over a year left on his own deal. Alleyne is expected to stay put and be integrated fully into the first-team setup next season.

City will be well-stocked in defence come the end of the season and it is worth asking where Khusanov will rank in Guardiola’s pecking order when the Catalan would also have all of Dias, Gvardiol, Stones, Ake and Alleyne at his disposal.

Khusanov has made it clear he prefers to play in central defence over right-back and despite the competition for places at the back, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News has noted that the Uzbek star can expect to play a key role and gain enough minutes in his preferred position as Manchester City compete on all fronts again next season.

Guardiola has waxed lyrical of Khusanov’s adaptation of life in England in recent months and the Manchester City manager will no doubt look to lean on the assured central Asian star in the run-in, now that Dias and Stones have returned to action.

Victoria Mboko continues to go from strength to strength on the WTA Tour, where she is one of the most exciting players right now.

Mboko has a 13-4 win-loss record in 2026 so far, with her fine efforts including a run to the finals of the Adelaide International and the Qatar Open.

The 19-year-old fell short of a third career title on both occasions, having lifted the trophies in Montreal and Hong Kong in 2025.

Mboko had planned to compete at this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships, but injury has ruled the Canadian out of the WTA 1000 event.

Victoria Mboko follows Jennifer Capriati in rapid WTA rise

Mboko has, however, received very positive news amid her injury blow, having just broken the WTA Top 10 for the first time in her career.

Last January, she was remarkably ranked 333rd on the WTA Tour, but now finds herself as the new world number 10.

It’s a rise reminiscent of tennis Hall of Fame member Jennifer Capriati, who also enjoyed a rapid climb towards her rivals.

At 350 days, Mboko has now enjoyed the fastest rise from a Top 200 debut to Top 10 since Capriati in 1990, who took 203 days.

What did Jennifer Capriati achieve on the WTA Tour?

It’s a superb achievement from Mboko, although it does also highlight just how remarkable the career of Capriati was.

The American made it all the way to the top of the WTA rankings, and finished her fantastic career with 14 titles.

That included three Grand Slam titles – two at the Australian Open and one at the French Open – and an Olympic gold medal.

She impressively beat fellow legends Martina Hingis and Kim Clijsters in those major finals, after overcoming Steffi Graf at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Mboko will now be eyeing a hugely successful career too, although the teenager must simply take each tournament as it comes at this stage of proceedings.

She has dealt with her rise superbly thus far, and really doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.

Mboko has already etched her name into her nation’s history, becoming just the fourth Canadian to break the WTA Top 10.

She has joined Carling Bassett-Seguso, Eugenie Bouchard and Bianca Andreescu on that exclusive list.

READ MORE:Coco Gauff reveals who she’s closest to on the WTA Tour

Harry Kane is setting the world on fire. Since coming to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, the striker has been breaking records and playing himself into Ballon d’Or conversations. He is also one of the top earners at the club, and his contract expires in 2027.

Asked if Kane’s contract will be extended, ex-Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeneß said: “Yes, I would definitely make that clear. Harry is a stroke of luck for us. Due to the fact his release clause for summer 2026 has now expired and his contract now runs until summer 2027, we are currently under no pressure.”

The comments came as part of a wider interview on Bild that you can read here (paywalled).

Uli’s statement shows that, despite the fact that Kane is 32, the club is planning to keep him long term. The England captain shows no signs of decline, and it’s possible that his most productive years are still ahead of him. Extending him could net FC Bayern at least three or four more world class seasons.

If that costs a little bit more money, so what? It’s Harry Kane we’re talking about. He deserves every penny.

Hundreds of people have enjoyed watching a Shrovetide football match as part of a tradition dating back to at least 1762.

The event, in Alnwick, Northumberland, is played on the fields by the River Aln after a procession from the castle.

Several hundred people cheered the players on, with organisers saying it had been a fantastic day carrying on the yearly tradition.

Players representing the parishes of St Michael's and St Paul's attempt to get the ball through large goals known as hales. This year, St Paul's was victorious winning 2-0.

Here are some of our favourite pictures from the action.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

More stories like this

• Hundreds attend ancient Shrovetide game
• The football games with 'no quarter given'

Related internet links

• Alnwick Hales

Austrian leaders Red Bull Salzburg parted ways with German coach Thomas Letsch on Tuesday after they lost and drew their last two league games.

They lead Linzer ASK only on goal difference.

"After careful analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Red Bull Salzburg need a new impetus," sporting director Marcus Mann, who has only been in his post six weeks, said in a statement.

Letsch is paying the price for not winning the league last season when the Austrian heavyweights were pipped by Sturm Graz.

A member of the 2025 New England Patriots rookie class has circled back ahead of the new league year.

The organization announced the re-signing of cornerback Brandon Crossley on Tuesday, bringing the list of futures contracts to 14.

Crossley, 25, first arrived in Foxborough as an undrafted free agent last spring. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound corner played 79 snaps on defense during his rookie preseason on the way having a hand in six tackles, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.

After being let go by New England at the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline in August, Crossley cleared waivers and signed to the practice squad at its formation. He returned in November and was released leading up to the AFC wild card versus the Los Angeles Chargers.

Crossley handled 13 starts, 35 tackles and one interception in 2024 at Southern Methodist. The former All-ACC honorable mention spent five years with the Mustangs after beginning his collegiate run at Colorado State in 2019. Across 66 appearances between the programs, he registered 146 tackles, six interceptions and returned both a pick and a fumble recovery for touchdowns.

The Patriots previously reached futures contracts with wide receivers Jeremiah Webb and John Jiles, tight end Marshall Lang, offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, guards Mehki Butler and Andrew Rupcich, defensive tackles Leonard Taylor III and Jeremiah Pharms Jr., linebackers Amari Gainer and Otis Reese, as well as safety John Saunders Jr. following Super Bowl LX. Later last week, running back Elijah Mitchell and offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez headed back to Gillette Stadium on deals for 2026.

Eight members of the AFC champions’ final practice squad have since become street free agents after having their contracts expire.

VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey have formed quite a backcourt duo this season for the Philadelphia 76ers, and their chemistry appears to extend beyond the court based on recent comments by the two at NBA All-Star Weekend.

Edgecombe was among the 10 rookies who suited up in the Rising Stars Game on Friday, earning MVP honors after leading Team Vince to the championship in Inglewood, California. He totaled 23 points in two games, including 17 in their first matchup.

The third overall pick helped set the tone for the three-game tournament as they eyed the title for their Hall of Fame coach. Edgecombe also wanted to put on a show for his All-Star teammate, who was courtside to watch the festivities at the Intuit Dome.

"Tyrese is my dog, man," Edgecombe said after the game. "He was like, he ain't coming to watch it if I ain't going to play hard. I was like, man, I'm going to play hard, so that's not a waste of his time. I didn't want to waste his time. I know he has a whole lot of stuff he could probably be doing right now, especially being an All-Star. Tyrese is my dog. I love him."

POV: You are Tyrese Maxey watching VJ Edgecombe sink the game-winning free-throws to win @CastrolUSA Rising Stars 🤳

(via @tyresemaxey/IG) pic.twitter.com/njjkghJTvq

— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026

Edgecome and Maxey, who are combining to average 43.8 points per game, have helped lead the Sixers to a 30-24 record, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference. Edgecombe is third among all rookies in scoring, while Maxey ranks sixth in the league.

With the arrival of Edgecombe, along with the contributions of Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes, among others, the Sixers have already surpassed their win total (24) from a season ago after battling injuries all year long.

Maxey, in hindsight, recognized that, as tough as last season was, he likely needed to experience it as part of his overall development in the league. However, as bad as it was, it enabled the organization to draft Edgecombe, which should pay off in the long run.

"The outcome was VJ Edgecombe, who is like a little brother to me now, you know what I mean?" Maxey said on Saturday. "He is great, man. Not just basketball-wise, but for our team personality-wise and culture-wise for our organization, and things that we're trying to turn around. I feel like this year we've done a really good job of turning things around."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Sixers news: Tyrese Maxey views VJ Edgecombe 'like a little brother'

Colorado football's new tight ends coach, Josh Niblett, has been a star of the Buffaloes' offseason. From his passionate opening statement to his enthusiasm in the weight room, Niblett is proving why Deion Sanders brought him to Boulder.

This week, Niblett was back, addressing the team and emphasizing the importance of staying focused and having the right vision.

"Vision's gonna fuel you, it is gonna give you a focus," Niblett said. "If your vision is right, your focus will be right...When you have the right vision, you will have the right finish...There's one thing we want to do here and that's win. Whatever it takes."

🔥 Powerful. Coach Niblett. Vision. Inspiring the Team 💛🦬

"Vision's gonna feul you. Its gonna give you focus. When you have the right vision, you will have the right finish. There's 1 thing we want. Win. Whatever it takes" https://t.co/p88ceVUOqCpic.twitter.com/JCcs8FFkqO

— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) February 17, 2026

Niblett continues to deliver the program with lively, inspirational speeches that clearly draw on his background as an elite high school head coach in the South.

While he has been addressing all position groups over the past month, Niblett, focusing this spring and into the fall, will be getting the most out of a tight end unit that was severely underutilized last season.

Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Josh Niblett's inspirational messages continue for Colorado football

Football took a back seat for a few minutes in Lisbon. 

Benfica and Real face off in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs this Tuesday. Real opened the scoring against Benfica five minutes into the second half. 

Vini Jr. scored a stunning goal after getting past Dedic and firing into the top left corner of Trubin's goal. The Brazilian celebrated with a little "samba" dance in front of one of the corner flags. This earned him a yellow card for possible "disrespect." 

📸 FILIPE AMORIM - AFP or licensors

Such a celebration left many Benfica players dissatisfied, and fans started throwing various objects at the Real Madrid star. 

Afterwards, Vini Jr. reported being the target of racist abuse, prompting the anti-racism protocol to be triggered.

It is not possible to confirm whether it was a Benfica player or a fan who acted in this way. The match was halted for a few minutes, including a conversation between Vini and Mourinho. 

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

'No racism' gesture in soccer: Explaining FIFA's cross-arm signal first introduced by La Liga in Spain originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Developing effective and widespread anti-racism protocols has been a major emphasis by global football over the past decade.

While FIFA has championed its three-step process of pause, halt, and abandon a match affected by racial abuse, critics argue that in practice this has not achieved the desired effect.

One of the most troubled regions plagued by instances of such abuse is the Spanish professional league, where a number of black players have reported being subjected to chants, insults, and other targeted abuse across multiple spheres, including at matches, on social media, and throughout daily life.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been vocal in his demands for authorities to stamp out racism, even calling for Spain to be stripped of hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup if the problem is not tackled sufficiently.

Perhaps they have heeded those calls at last. The Spanish federation, along with La Liga, became the first to adopt a new anti-racism procedure in fall of 2024 which FIFA hopes will become standard across all leagues and competitions around the globe.

MORE: All the latest soccer news | Barcelona news | Real Madrid news

What is FIFA's 'no racism' cross-arm gesture?

FIFA has implemented a new gesture for referees and players to signal that racial abuse is occurring during a game.

Per the new guidelines from soccer's governing body, players and referees will have the ability to cross their arms at the wrists in an X to signal an instance of racist abuse. Players may use it to get the referee's attention, while referees can use it to indicate to the viewing public what has occurred.

Should this happen, the referee will immediately begin the three-step process already in place to handle racial abuse. The first of the three steps is to pause the game until the abuse ends, and should it not, the next two steps of suspending the match and abandoning the match will be taken in appropriate measure.

"By crossing their hands at the wrists, players can signal directly to the referee that they are being targeted by racist abuse, prompting the referee to start the anti-discrimination three-step procedure," FIFA explained in its anti-discrimination announcement.

Additionally, if the referee notices or identifies racial abuse themselves, they can also use the gesture to signal that the three-step process is being adopted.

MORE:Antonio Rudiger claims racial abuse during Club World Cup match against Pachuca

When and how is the 'no racism' gesture used?

In leagues where the guidelines are adopted, players are able to utilise this gesture when being targeted by racial abuse.

The crossed arms will signal to referees that they are the target of abuse and allow the official to take appropriate action.

Referees themselves can also use the gesture to signal that the match is being affected by racist insults and that the three-step protocol has been initiated.

While nothing fundamental is changing with this guideline, what it will hopefully do is to allow for greater transparency for viewers, which in turn will, theoretically, force referees to take more immediate action when abuse occurs.

As it stands, discussions about racist abuse on the pitch between players and officials are often difficult to identify in the moment, and thus referees can waver in their ability to implement the three-step process. Under this guideline, everyone will immediately know a player has been abused, which will put pressure on the referee to react promptly.

During the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Antonio Rudiger informed the referee of racial abuse by a Pachuca player, at which point the official signaled such by crossing his arms during the stoppage.

O árbitro Ramon Abatti Abel fez o sinal do protocolo antirracismo após uma discussão do Rudiger com o argentino Gustavo Cabral.

📸 Reprodução pic.twitter.com/DC76vycYMK

— Papo de Boleiros 🇧🇷 (@_papoboleiros) June 22, 2025

When did La Liga, FIFA implement the 'no racism' gesture?

As no specific timeline for implementation was given by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) at the moment of publication, it appeared that La Liga will begin implementing this part of the anti-racism procedures immediately, and that was indeed the case.

"The Royal Spanish Football Federation, together with La Liga, will incorporate the gesture for racist incidents that was approved at the last FIFA Congress held in Bangkok into the Protocol for Action on Public Incidents," said the RFEF in a statement. "An agreement was adopted unanimously to continue fighting racism together and efficiently."

Spain has witnessed a number of instances of racial abuse at football matches, with high-profile incidents both during and around La Liga matches. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has often been the target of racial abuse and has been an outspoken critic of what he considers to be the country's systemic issue with racism. Most notably, Vinicius posited that Spain should lose the right to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup if the problem isn't stamped out.

Steps have been taken towards reducing the problem. In June 2024, three men were jailed for racially abusing Vinicius in a match between Madrid and Valencia at Mestalla in May 2023.

The Brazilian posted on X: "Many people asked me to ignore it, others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just 'play football'. But, as I've always said, I'm not a victim of racism. I am an executioner of racists. This first criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me. It's for all black people.

"Let the other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I'll be here to call them out. Thank you to LaLiga and Real Madrid for helping to bring about this historic condemnation. There's more to come."

Do any other leagues use the 'no racism' gesture?

By the end of the 2024/25 European season, no other top leagues used the crossed-arms gesture, but La Liga was not the first worldwide competition to implement the process.

The gesture is in place at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which is currently in action in Colombia.

It was then implemented for all subsequent FIFA competitions, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States where the Rudiger incident took place.

Vinicius Jr racially abused during Champions League match

After scoring the opening goal of Real Madrid's knockout playoff first leg at Benfica in February 2026, Vinicius Jr. informed the match official that he had been the target of a racist comment by a Benfica player.

Replays showed Gianluca Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt before saying something to Vinicius in the aftermath of his celebration, at which point the Real Madrid star immediately runs to inform the referee what he has heard.

At that point, French referee Francois Letexier made the crossed-arms gesture to indicate there had been racial abuse, and the match was stopped for nearly 10 minutes as the situation was resolved.

How the incident played out in full:

▪️ Vinícius Júnior scores a worldie strike.
▪️ He is booked for celebrating overtly.
▪️ Gianluca Prestianni says something to Vini.
▪️ Vini then charges over to referee who initiates the racism protocol. https://t.co/wUMWvXvRtUpic.twitter.com/2zAag49es1

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) February 17, 2026

Throughout the stoppage, Vinicius Jr refused to continue playing the match, and multiple Real Madrid players protested the continued involvement of Prestianni in the match proceedings.

Eventually, the game resumed in the 61st minute, but there was a tense atmosphere in Estadio da Luz as the game continued. The CBS Sports broadcasters commented shortly after that "some of the air has been sucked out" of the match environment with what occurred.

During his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Alabama head coach Nate Oats officially revealed an injury update on Crimson Tide forward Taylor Bol Bowen prior to the Tide’s matchup against Arkansas. 

Oats revealed that the junior is likely labeled as day-to-day ahead of tomorrow’s contest. The talented forward was unable to practice yesterday, per Oats, and the Tide could turn to a multitude of playmakers should Bol Bowen be unable to play. The forward has played a crucial role off the Tide’s bench throughout the entire 2025-26 campaign, as Bol Bowen would prove to be a major loss against an extremely talented Arkansas team. 

Oats took a moment to share an in-depth update on Bol Bowen’s injury, as the Alabama head coach claims the forward’s length and athleticism could play a major role against the Razorbacks on Wednesday evening. 

“Taylor is kind of day-to-day,” Oats said. “He didn’t practice yesterday at all, and today, we had a real light practice that he went through parts of it. We’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow. It’d be great to get him, though, because we need some length and athleticism in this game. So, it’d be great if we get him back."

Bol Bowen currently averages 7.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in his first season with the Crimson Tide. The forward transferred to Alabama following two seasons at Florida State, as Bol Bowen has flashed his true potential on numerous occasions this season. 

Alabama will host the Arkansas Razorbacks at Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday evening, as Bol Bowen’s status for the matchup remains up in the air. 

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

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Taylor Bol Bowen injury update for Alabama basketball vs. Arkansas

Steelers biggest loser of Aaron Rodgers waiting game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, for the past handful of years, have been stuck between being good, but not good enough to win it all.

And that leaves the franchise in the middle of nowhere. They aren't bad enough to get a top draft pick to replenish the roster, and they aren't good enough to cash in and win the Super Bowl.

With Mike Tomlin out and Mike McCarthy in, there was a thought that things could be changing for the franchise, but with Aaron Rodgers rumored to be open to a return in 2026, this has a familiar feel to it for Steelers fans.

And ESPN's Jeremy Fowler stated on SportsCenter over the weekend that he doesn't expect a swift resolution to Aaron's future, and because of that, the Steelers are in between a rock and a hard place.

They have to wait on Rodgers before making any decisive moves at the quarterback position, and as we know, time is money in the NFL.

More:Analyst drops worrying future update on Ravens' Isaiah Likely

Steelers need fresh approach

Is Rodgers the quarterback to get Pittsburgh a Super Bowl trophy in 2026? I think we know the answer to that, don't we? Is the franchise content with being there or thereabouts next season, without actually challenging?

It appears so.

Fans might like to see Will Howard get a shot because even if it doesn't work out and Pittsburgh goes 4-13 in 2026, at least it is something different. If Rodgers returns in 2026, we know what we are getting, and that is a team that won't be seen as a contender.

So, as the franchise waits on Rodgers, they find themselves in quarterback purgatory, and that isn't a spot any organization wants to be.

Why not rip the band-aid off and go in a different direction?

More NFL news:

• Analyst urges Lions to go after $35 million 5-time Pro Bowler
• Bills could acquire Super Bowl champion for astonishing price
• Ravens urged to trade for 23 sack monster for Jesse Minter
• ESPN analyst offers nightmare Lamar Jackson contract scenario for Ravens
• Chiefs tipped to make $20 million decision on Super Bowl champion
• Analysts reveal horror Justin Herbert narrative Chargers will hate
• Chiefs' selection in mock draft nightmare fuel for NFL

Ilia Malinin continued his media tour at the 2026 Winter Olympics Tuesday, Feb. 17 with a stop with NBC's Mike Tirico.

In the interview, which aired during a break in NBC's coverage of figure skating's women's short program, Malinin said it's been an "up and down" last few days for him since his disastrous performance in the men's free skate Feb. 13 that saw him lose the chance to a second Olympic gold medal with Team USA.

He also disclosed that he's received a handful of texts and calls from several decorated athletes, like Simone Biles and Tom Brady. Snoop Dogg also reached out.

MALININ: Says he 'was not ready to handle' the Olympic pressure

"It's honestly been a lot of ups and downs, and of course, following the free skate, it was a little hard at first and trying to realize what happened and how devastating it really was. But looking back at it, I got so much love, so much support, and everyone was there for me, had so many different people reach out to me," Malinin said.

"Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Biles, Snoop. I'm honestly just so honored for that and I feel like it just made my day, honestly."

Ilia Malinin talks with Mike Tirico about his 2026 #WinterOlympics experience. pic.twitter.com/PJ6OmdL6VB

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026

Both Biles and Brady have been spotted in Milan during the 2026 Winter Games, including in the figure skating arena. Biles, who has won 11 Olympic gymnastics medals during her illustrious career, stood and applauded Malinin with her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens as the first-time Olympian struggled through his free skate performance

Malinin also disclosed that after giving himself a day, he did look at the influx of support messages that he received on social media following his short program.

"I gave myself one day just to kind of be in my own zone, be in my own space, but after that, I kind of just went online, see what people say, and a lot of positive messages, a lot of just love, a lot of just support...," Malinin said. "It just really hit me and it's a reason why I love this sport so much because no matter what happens, it doesn't define who you are as a person. And I think everyone realized that that night and I'm just super grateful to have the support from my team, my fans, my parents, who are also my coaches, and it's just wonderful."

The 21-year-old entered the free skate in first place in the men's singles event, but a few falls and mistakes during his free skate program dropped him all the way down to eighth overall, a shocking result for the "Quad God."

While he didn't win his individual program, Malinin is still walking away from his first Olympics as a gold medalist, as he helped deliver Team USA back-to-back gold medals in the team event.

"It's definitely something that will help me not feel the worst from my Olympic experience, and really just shows how grateful I should be for even stepping on the ice for that team event," Malinin said on helping lead Team USA to gold in the team event. "It was something that I was not sure that I was going to do, but making the decision pretty close to the deadline. I am so grateful that me and all the other teammates we fought and put so much energy, all of it into that game, and it's what gave us this gold medal, and I'm never going to forget that."

Malinin is set to perform in the exhibition gala on Saturday, Feb. 21 in Milan before returning home.

USA TODAY Sports' Cydney Henderson contributed to this story.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ilia Malinin says Simone Biles, Tom Brady reached out at Olympics

After back-to-back injury-time victories against Livingston and Kilmarnock in the Premiership, Celtic must regroup for Thursday night’s Europa League encounter against VfB Stuttgart. They hold home advantage in the first leg of the playoff round, but their performance needs to improve to match the German side’s standards.

Stuttgart are fighting for a Champions League berth, as the heavyweights like RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are still behind in the Bundesliga standings. While the priority must be to maintain their league position, Sebastian Hoeneß’s men are well capable of making a deep run in Europe, overcoming the Parkhead test before eliminating the Scottish champions at Neckarstadion.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Vfb Stuttgart

Defence

Viljami Sinisalo has been knocking on the door with some decent Cup outings, yet Martin O’Neill is expected to rely on Kasper Schmeichel’s experience in this high-voltage European tie.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 29: Callum McGregor of Celtic interacts with Auston Trusty after the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Julian Araujo has been a revelation since his January move. The on-loan Bournemouth right-back netted a stellar last-gasp winner against Killie, and his flair as a fullback makes him an assured starter over Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston amid Alistair Johnston’s long-term injury. Although Araujo has been included in the Hoops’ Europa League squad, Benjamin Arthur, the other January recruit, misses out despite a lack of depth in the heart of the backline. Liam Scales and Auston Trusy must continue as the central defensive pair; however, fit-again Marcelo Saracchi should be restored down the left, having impressed since his return from injury. Kieran Tierney could be brought in the second half, exercising gametime management to avoid fitness woes.

Midfield

Celtic are lacking depth in the centre of the pitch following Arne Engels’ injury. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has not been registered either, thus forcing O’Neill to rely on Reo Hatate, even though the Japanese ace has struggled of late as a ‘number 8’. Benjamin Nygren, known for his poaching traits, is irreplaceable, as the Swedish star could also switch to a ‘number 10’ role if the gaffer decides to shift Hatate deeper and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Callum McGregor. The skipper must exhibit his expertise as a deep-lying playmaker, whereas Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo are likely to wait for opportunities, being fringe options in the middle of the park.

Attack

Tomas Cvancara must return to the starting XI and spearhead the attack ahead of fellow January recruit Junior Adamu. Daizen Maeda should be shifted down the right, as the in-form Sebastian Tounekti deserves a first-team spot, proving his worth in recent weeks. Besides Adamu, James Forrest and Yang Hyun-jun, as well as Kelechi Iheanacho, might be involved as ‘super subs’, but the club decided not to register Joel Mvuka and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, even though they are fit enough to feature, unlike Callum Osmand and Jota.

Pierre Kalulu insists Juventus cannot hide behind alibis after their 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray, and wants to put the Alessandro Bastoni incident behind him. ‘It’s a pity.’

The Bianconeri had been leading 2-1 at half-time in the first leg of this Champions League play-off, with a Teun Koopmeiners brace overturning the early Gabriel Sara goal.

They went 3-2 down and a man down after the restart, crumbling to a 5-2 loss that gives them a mountain to climb in the second leg on February 25.

Kalulu surprised by Juventus collapse

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – FEBRUARY 17: Davinson Sanchez of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Galatasaray A.S. and Juventus at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on February 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)

“Goals keep coming from our own errors, but the most difficult thing to swallow was the second half performance overall,” Kalulu told Sky Sport Italia.

“Even with a red card, we should not have allowed all those scoring opportunities. We need to figure out what happened tonight, but it’s in the past now and in football you must be able to quickly move on to the next match.”

Gleison Bremer limped off with an injury in the first half, while they were also missing Jonathan David, Emil Holm and Dusan Vlahovic. Was the strain of their recent run of big matches to blame for this capitulation?

“No, you cannot hide behind fatigue when dealing with a Champions League fixture. That’s just the way it went today, it’s very difficult to work out what went wrong, but we’ve got to lift our heads and do better in future.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Kalulu was in all the Italian headlines this week after his red card in the 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter, as the second yellow was for a Bastoni simulation.

“Obviously, I was very irritable after that incident, but it is better not to talk too much, because sometimes it doesn’t really help. I just have to focus on the pitch, there are others who can talk about these matters.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano shoots and hits the post during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter defender Bastoni made a public apology today for exaggerating the contact to get Kalulu sent off, but above all for loudly celebrating the dismissal.

“I didn’t see what he said,” replied Kalulu.

“That match is in the past now, we’ve got to look to the future and not think about it anymore. All I will say is that it’s a pity.”

Paris recover to level 2-2 by half-time in Monaco

Champions League: Monaco strike twice early, PSG level by half-time

Monaco led PSG 2-0 through Folarin Balogun but Paris recovered to make it 2-2 at half-time at Stade Louis II on 17 February.

Monaco start fast, Balogun strikes twice

AS Monaco shocked Paris Saint-Germain in the opening minutes of Champions League playoff first leg in Monaco on Tuesday 17 February scoring after 55 second.

Folarin Balogun headed in from close range after a cross by Aleksandr Golovin giving Monaco an early 1-0 lead.

Monaco doubled the advantage in the 18 minute. PSG lost the ball, Maghnes Akliouche played through pass and Balogun finished low past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov for 2-0.

PSG miss a penalty, Then find a way back

PSG had a big chance to reduce the gap in the 22 minute but Vitinha saw his penalty saved by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn after the spot kick was given for foul by Wout Faes on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Paris kept pushing and got their reward in the 29 minute. Désiré Doué who had just come on for Ousmane Dembélé in the 27 minute scored from the left side of the box after assist by Bradley Barcola to make it 2-1.

PSG then pulled level in the 41 minute when Achraf Hakimi finished from the right side of the box to make it 2-2 before the break.

At half-time, PSG had 77.3% possession and led the shot count 11-6, with 5-3 shots on target.

Monaco picked up two yellow card while PSG had none in first half.

This match is first leg of Champions League playoff, with the return game set for Wednesday at Parc des Princes.

No matter what type of pack-ripper you meet, you can count on being asked the same question: Who do you collect? But what is a collector to do when their favorite player gets traded to a different team? What about a new arrival who takes the team to the next level—but has a rookie card featuring a rival’s jersey? There’s no Fanatics Jersey Assurance in the Hobby, and even if a trade—or Super Bowl win—spikes the price of your card, it might not look right in your display case.

Now that the dust has settled on both NBA Free Agency and the Super Bowl, the team at Mantel took a look at their personal collections to shine a light on the 3 different paths collectors can take when General Managers and big games move the market.

The Team Player

Let’s say you’re like me: a sad Chicago Bulls fan forever tethered to the team thanks to a combination of Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, and a slew of other players who could rock the Madhouse on Madison any day of the week. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself attached to Coby White, the #7 overall pick in the 2019 draft. As he grew into his own, I built a collection around the rising star combo guard. Naturally, I gravitated towards his rookie cards, from RPAs to graded autos—a Noir Shadow Signatures /99 and a Contenders Silver Auto /49, just to name a few.

Then, the day before the trade deadline, my sweet prince is moved to his hometown team. Not only have my cards begun to drop in value, but my shrine display case looks a little… off… now that Coby’s no longer a Bull. Do I sell, take what I can get, and use those funds to buy similar cards from one of the squad’s rising stars like Matas Buzelis—or admit that the Bulls are a poverty franchise and commemorate the glory days by sticking to Jordan cards?

Whether you’re a sad Bulls fan like me or a Seahawks fan basking in the glory of that Super Bowl win, the most team-friendly approach is to stick to cards featuring players on their current team. Do the 12s really want a card featuring Darnold wearing Gotham Green? Sure, his rookie cards will always hold the highest value, but if you’re trying to commemorate Darnold’s career comeback, you certainly don’t want to stare at a Jets card. Thankfully, fans have a few options to consider:

• Panini NFL Score – 1st of the Line – $125: Is it fair to call this Darnold’s “Seattle rookie card”? It reads oddly, that’s for sure, but grabbing the first-ever card featuring the redheaded QB in a Seahawks jersey feels like it fits the bill.

• Panini Phoenix Auto – $275: This set has never screamed “high-end,” but if there ever were an appropriate term for the QB’s career, it was a fiery bird rising from the ashes. It features Darnold in a Seahawks jersey, comes in some nice numbered editions, and can have a (sticker) auto, too.

• Panini Prizm Draft Legends – $299.99: I can’t imagine U Dub fans being too thrilled with anything SoCal, but hey, when it comes down to USC and the Jets, maybe the Trojans are the lesser of two evils.

• Panini Immaculate – $2,125: For the fan who has had season tickets since the team landed in the PNW five decades ago. This deserves one of those fancy levitating display cases from Airtime.

The Investor

Sure, James Harden is now playing for his sixth team, but maybe this time’s the charm! With the NBA Trade Deadline seeing the bearded former MVP jump ship from LA to Cleveland, fans in “The Land” have a real shot at making it out of the (admittedly weak) East. And while purists wait for Topps to print cards featuring Harden in a Cavs jersey, investors have already jumped on the news.

Over on Alt, Harden is up 1.7% over the past 30 days—not exactly a glowing review of the Cavs’ chances of beating the Thunder, Nuggets, or Rockets, but something to consider given that rookie cards for the future Hall of Fame hooper regularly command thousands of dollars.

Another intriguing example involves former Bulls big man Lauri Markkanen and his new counterpart, Jaren Jackson Jr. After years of borderline abuse toward their fans, the Utah Jazz might finally be turning the corner; they made a splash at the deadline by trading for a star forward and putting together a depth chart that looks, dare I say, good. While the 30-day average for Jackson cards is down 5.3% on Alt—likely due to his season-ending knee surgery—if you’re as hyped as analysts about the prospects of the 2026-27 Jazz, now might be the time to buy into Lauri—or JJJ—rookie cards. In fact, since the trade, five JJJ cards have sold for $1,000 or more on eBay (six, if you count this beauty that went for $990).

The Hobby is a game to some, but for investors out there, staying ahead of the curve is key, and that means taking risks on rising stars. Sometimes it really is about the long game.

The Fan Favorite

Some root for their home team. Others are only in it for the money. But for a select few, it’s all about one thing: their favorite player.

PCs come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most fascinating ones you’ll see here on Mantel revolve around a single athlete—whether that’s a star like new Wizards center Anthony Davis or a small (but mighty) player who rarely makes it onto the court, like 5’7” Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura. In the case of the latter, I would pay stupid sums of money to have a signed copy of a card featuring his jump ball win against 6’5” Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Make it happen, Topps!

These types of collectors are attached to a player in a way that few of us will ever understand. Maybe the player had a magical NCAA tournament run for the collector’s alma mater. Maybe it’s a beloved franchise cornerstone that embodies the organization. Regardless, they’ve got display cases filled with rainbow parallels, rookie cards, and everything in between.

Normally, this angle is all about connecting with a player. However, in some cases, it can impact the market, as is the case with the famous Pokémon collector who is trying to purchase every Kabuto card. Or, you can become Internet famous by cornering the market for Steven Adams cards.

Personal collections come in all shapes and sizes. That’s one of the beauties of this whole card thing. But just like opening up a hobby box, this isn’t for the weak. There will be wins, losses, trades, and more. The cards come and go, but thankfully, there’s always something new to share on Mantel.

Ahead of Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge, coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media for a pre-match press conference.

Simeone was asked specifically about his defenders, and this season’s first-choice pairing of Marc Pubill and Dávid Hancko, of whom he said “I think it’s clear what both of them can contribute, as first and foremost, they have good positional play, I think they both fit in very well on the pitch because of their characteristics.

“They’re both fast, both good at bringing the ball out… They need to improve in some areas, like all footballers, obviously but contributing to this stage of the championship, which is doing the team a lot of good,” he said.

Simeone further broke down the defensive options at his disposal after rotation against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend led to an ugly 3-0 defeat.

“In the last match, José María Giménez didn’t play badly, Clément Lenglet didn’t have a good night, but we’re there trying to get everyone in the best shape, because Dávid Hancko and Marc Pubill alone aren’t enough for everything that’s coming.” Simeone said. “The team belongs to everyone, not just 10 players.”

Diego Simeone on Álex Baena

“He always has a positive attitude, with a willingness to always give his best and a talent that sets him apart from the other midfielders we have. We need more from him and obviously we are going to demand what we see he has.”

Simeone on his personal reflection of the season

“I have a thought that I recently confirmed with my mum after my dad’s death (in 2022), because my mum was calm, she was at peace, and I said to her: how can you be so calm? Dad died. It’s because I gave everything, she told me. I gave all the love I had. That’s why I acted the same way when I had to stop playing and today, in reality, I have no need to look back and say: oh, I’d like to play. No, no, no. When I had to be there, I was there. When I had to play, I played. And when I had to give everything, I gave it. Sometimes I did well, sometimes I did badly, but I always gave 100 percent. And that gives me the peace of mind and tranquillity to face my life, to live in the same way my mum taught me.”

Simeone on motivation and consistency

“The players always go out there motivated. It’s very difficult for a player to go out and play badly. Koke said it, there are times when things go better; the team has a pattern and confidence in their play, and there are games when they don’t. It happens in several leagues. In these past four games, good things and bad things happened to us.”

Simeone on the Champions League

“Watching the Champions League, having always played in it, all the teams are good. There aren’t any bad ones. All the situations that can generate that strength generate calm. All teams are capable of generating that. Like all Champions League matches, especially away from home, we’ll have to play a tough and difficult match and try to get the result we want.”

The No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers look to complete a regular-season sweep of the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday, February 17th. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM on Fox Sports 1, and the Badgers are 1.5-point favorites.  

The Badgers now find themselves ranked in the AP Poll for the first time since late November, thanks to a dominating win over then-No. 10 Michigan State, 92-71. The Badgers’ defense was stellar in limiting Michigan State star Jeremy Fears Jr. to only 14 points on 3-of-12 shots from the floor. Nick Boyd was the player of the game for Wisconsin with 20 first-half points and finished with a team-high 29 points in the victory. On Monday, Boyd was named Player of the Week by the Big Ten Conference.      

Turning our attention to Ohio State, what has changed for the Buckeyes since our last meeting at the Kohl Center?

Opponent Preview

It has been one step forward and one step backward for Jake Diebler and Ohio State. After their 92-82 loss on January 31st in Madison, the Buckeyes alternated wins at Maryland and at home against USC with losses at home to Michigan and on a neutral court to Virginia. Their 70-66 loss to Virginia in Nashville last Saturday drops them to 0-8 in Quad 1 games and keeps them on the outside looking in for the NCAA tournament.  

A big reason why Ohio State has lost its last two games has been rebounding. The Buckeyes were outrebounded in their 82-61 home loss to Michigan, 43-31, and in their loss to Virginia, 43-26.  

Bruce Thornton continues to lead the Buckeyes, averaging 20.5 PPG since their loss to Wisconsin. The senior guard has been the leading scorer for Ohio State in their last three games, including a 28-point performance in that loss to Virginia.

The Buckeyes will likely be without second-leading scorer John Mobley Jr., who sustained a hand injury in their 89-82 win over USC back on February 11th. Taison Chatman got the start in Mobley Jr’s sport against Virginia and scored four points on 2-of-5 shots from the floor.      

Score Prediction

The Badgers should expect a desperate Buckeyes’ team to play with energy right from the start in front of their home crowd. This is an Ohio State team that needs every win it can gather, or they will miss the NCAA Tournament for the fourth-straight season. That will not sit well with the folks in Columbus.

Wisconsin comes into this game having won four of its last five games at Value City Arena and has shown it can win major road games under Greg Gard. If the Badgers can contain Thornton and win the rebounding battle, then they will come out of Columbus with another road victory.    

Prediction: Wisconsin 84-79

​

The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.

If I want to take a stroke-and-distance penalty under Rule 18.1 for a tee shot that I don’t want to find (or look for), my understanding is I can if I don’t declare it a provisional. Am I also correct in thinking that I can’t re-tee it? If not, do I drop the ball or place it?— Fred Erickson, via email

Fred, your understanding was correct, right until it wasn’t.

Rules

On the first point, yes, if you played from the teeing area and don’t want to find the ball, you can take stroke-and-distance relief and play again from said teeing area.

Regarding not being able to re-tee, wrong: Per Rule 6.2b, you can do so — again, you just need to play the ball from within the teeing area, whether on a tee or on the ground, as you prefer. It may not always pay to look for your ball, but it always pays to look up the appropriate rule.

For more tee-related guidance from our guru, read on …

A friend and I reached a tee box with only one marker. We played from where we thought was reasonable, guessing at the other marker’s location. Was that okay? — Warren Ayala, Anthem, Ariz.

In match play, you and your opponent (or friend or frenemy) can agree on how to decide the issue.

In stroke play, where the distinction becomes more important, contact the committee. Not reachable? Per Rule 6.2b(4), use reasonable judgment to try to play from the two club-length rectangle based on the front and outside edges of the tee marker. Clever committees will dot tee markers’ positions with spray paint for this eventuality.

Want to find the right gear for your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.

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The post Rules Guy: If I hit a tee shot that I don’t want to look for, can I re-tee my next shot? appeared first on Golf.

The Canadians have a massive rest advantage ahead of the quarter-final matchup with Czechia, who they’ve already handily beaten 5-0 in Group play. This might be the best Canadian team ever iced, and finding an anytime goal scorer with this elite group is easy pickings. Another half-dozen goals is very possible.  

Read more in my free betting picks for February 18, and make sure to check out our full Canada vs. Czechia predictions!

Team Canada goal scorer picks for today

Player
🥇 Bo Horvat	<<+550>>
🥈 Mark Stone	<<+210>>
🥉Devon Toews	<<+1500>>

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Canada's Best Price: Bo Horvat (+550)

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The biggest storyline from Tuesday’s Team Canada skate was the absence of Nathan MacKinnon, officially called a “maintenance day,” though it comes after the late hit he took vs. France — the same sequence that led to the Tom Wilson fight.

If MacKinnon sits, Bo Horvat could move up the middle into a stronger offensive role. A potential unit with Brad Marchand and Seth Jarvis would offer far more scoring upside than the Brandon Hagel / Nick Suzuki / Sam Reinhart line.

Horvat’s speed has already flashed in this tournament, producing two goals despite limited usage — including the third tally in Canada’s 5–0 win over Czechia in the opener.

🔥Bet Bo Horvat +550 now

Mark Stone (+210)

The second line of Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, and Sidney Crosby has quickly become a trusted trio for coach Jon Cooper, who dubbed them “the stabilizers” at practice this weekend.

Stone and Marner already show strong chemistry — helped by Stone’s Vegas familiarity — and the usage could climb even higher if Nathan MacKinnon sits, pushing this unit into a clear No. 2 role.

Stone logged just 13 minutes last game, but a jump into the 17–19 range is realistic. He’s scored in two of three games, has already beaten Lukáš Dostál in the tournament, and remains a net-front matchup problem for Czechia.

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Devon Toews (+1,500)

Let’s keep hunting for value with a Canadian long shot in the third spot. There are plenty of options, but we’ll go straight to the bottom of the board for the longest price at +1500 on Devon Toews.

He may be known for his defensive work, but Toews is logging heavy minutes alongside Cale Makar and already found the net against France. With Josh Morrissey working back from injury, this top pair could push well beyond 20 minutes. At this number, Toews is a worthwhile lottery ticket with real ice-time upside.

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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Olympics bobsled final results, highlights: USA's Frankie del Duca-Josh Williamson miss podium as Germany sweeps originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

JUMP TO:

• Olympic 2-man bobsled scores
• Olympic 2-man bobsled highlights
• Where to watch Olympic 2-man bobsled 
• USA Olympic bobsled schedule

The Winter Olympics showcase some of the most exciting sports, with bobsledding standing out as particularly thrilling.

Athletes race down icy tracks by pushing a sleek sled before jumping in and sprinting to beat the clock.

This sport demands incredible skill and strategy, but the high speeds and steep slopes make it especially exhilarating and daring. This year, the United States proudly sends 14 talented bobsledders.

Two notable competitors were Frank Del Duca and Josh Williamson. They were aiming to end a long dry spell for the U.S. in this event – the last time America won a medal in the 2-man bobsled was a silver in 2014.

Yet, Germany once again dominated, and the United States missed the podium. This marks the second consecutive Winter Olympics where Germany swept the bobsled events.

The Sporting News tracked live results and highlights from the USA's Frankie del Duca-Josh Williamson in the 2-man final.

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

Olympics bobsled 2-man scores

Olympics bobsled live updates, highlights from 2-man final

3:46 p.m.: Ammour and Schaller put up a 3:41.52 for Germany, which at least guarantees them a medal. The USA will not win a gold medal, and Germany will sweep the podium.

3:44 p.m.: Frankie del Duca and Josh Williamson have potentially their best run and put themselves in the top spot, but it will all come down to what the Germans do.

3:41 p.m.: Tentea and Iordache timed in at 3:42.60 for Romania, which guarantees them a top 5 spot.

3:38 p.m.: Vogt and Ndiaye of Switzerland came in at 3:42.60, securing a spot in the top ten.

3:36 p.m.: Baumgartner and Mircea for Italy had a huge run of 3:42.67. This places the Italians well within the top 10.

3:34 p.m.: Kalenda and Miknis come in at 3:42.68 for Latvia. This locks them into a top-10 spot on the leaderboard.

3:32 p.m.: Hall and Greenwood representative of Great Britain, time in at 3:43.43, which drops them out of the top 10 on the leaderboard. 

3:29 p.m.: Treichl and Bertschler of Austria started off the top 10 leaderboard in Heat 4 with a time of 3:43.01. This secures them a top 10 spot. 

3:27 p.m.: Markus Treichl and Daniel Bertschler of Austria will kick off the top 10 leaderboard in Heat 4. 

3:05 p.m.: Heat 4 begins at the bottom of the results board. Therefore, Germany and the United States will both be heading toward the end of the event.

3:00 p.m.: Start of Heat 4.

2:05 p.m.: Heat 3 is fully finished, now the wait begins for Heat 4, which will be the final.

1:23 p.m.: Treichl and Bertschler for Austria jump into 10th with their time of 2:47.27.

1:20 p.m.: Heinrich and Hauterville of the French placed a 2:47.39 time.

1:19 p.m.: Hall and Greenwood put up a time of 2:47.26 for Great Britain.

1:17 p.m.: Kalenda and Miknis come in at 2:47.07 for Latvia.

1:15 p.m.: Baumgartner and Mircea for Italy had a huge run of 2:47.07.

1:12 p.m.: Vogt and Ndiaye of Switzerland came in at 2:46.96.

1:10 p.m.:Tentea and Iordache timed in at 2:46.84 for Romania.

1:09 p.m.: Frankie del Duca and Josh Williamson had a sloppy go for the U.S. and were not able to catch the Germans.

1:07 p.m.:Ammour and Schaller put up a 2:46.17 to cap Germany's participants.

1:05 p.m.: Friedrich and Schuller followed up with a 2:45.71 for Germany.

1:03 p.m.: Germany, which controls the leaderboard heading into this event, is first to compete. Lochner and Fleischhauer post a 2:44.79.

12:34 p.m.: Almost that time for Frankie del Duca and Josh Williamson of the United States.

The final push. ⚡@USABS back on the track for two-man bobsled at 1:00 PM ET.#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/GUFhfCKZLF

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 17, 2026

Where to watch Olympic bobsled 2-man final

Olympic bobsled 2-man final start time

• Date: Tuesday, February 17
• Time: 1 p.m. ET

The final two heats of the men's 2-man bobsled event start at 1 p.m. ET with Heat 3 first. Heat 4 is scheduled to take place at 3:05 p.m. ET. 

What channel is Olympic bobsled 2-man final on?

• TV channel: USA Network
• Live stream: Peacock

The 2-man bobsled event will air on USA Network and will also be live-streamed on Peacock. 

USA bobsled schedule 2026

Two-man

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Two-woman

Friday, Feb. 20

Saturday, Feb. 21

Four-man

Saturday, Feb. 21

Sunday, Feb. 22

The Deseret News is on the ground in Italy for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, bringing you the most inspirational stories and images from the Winter Games.

Some 3,500 athletes from more than 90 countries will compete in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics. More than 30% of America’s athletes at the 2026 Winter Games have Utah ties.

Why did Alysa Liu retire? Explaining USA figure skater's gap after 2022 Olympics debut at age 16 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

JUMP TO: 

• Why did Alysa Liu retire?
• Alysa Liu's first Olympics
• When did Alysa Liu return to figure skating?
• Alysa Liu career timeline

One of the favorites in United States figure skating to win a medal at the 2026 Olympics is American Alysa Liu. She is expected to be a heavy medal favorite and could even skate well enough to win gold. 

But Liu has made quite the journey to get to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Liu was a five-time medalist from 2019-2022, before retiring from figure skating shortly after the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Since her return in 2024, she has already won five medals. 

Let's take a look back at her retirement decision and her triumphant return to the sport. 

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

Why did Alysa Liu retire?

Liu retired in April 2022, just a couple months after participating in the 2022 Winter Olympics. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Liu announced her retirement from skating, citing her 11 years skating on the ice. Liu started skating as a junior at just 10 years old. 

She told The San Francisco Chronicle that age 16, she wanted to do things other than skating: 

She has been skating since she was 5 and wants her own life. She wants to hang out with her four younger siblings, live at her house in Richmond, apply to college, spend time with friends, get her driver’s license, play the piano, cuddle with her cat Xiao Bao.

All things she couldn’t do while she pursued an Olympic-level skating career.

“I have no regrets,” she said. “I’m sure it would be the opposite, if I stayed in skating. I’d have regrets.”

Leading up to the Beijing Olympics, she had limited time on the ice due to COVID, and even had to train in public parks near her hometown of Oakland, California.

MORE: Why Alysa Liu wears "halo" stripes in hair 

How old is Alysa Liu?

Liu is 20 years old. She was born in Clovis, California, but grew up primarily in Oakland. Her father brought her there to help train at the same place as the great U.S. figure skater Michelle Kwan. 

MORE:What is on Alysa Liu's teeth?

Alysa Liu's first Olympics

Alysa Liu has competed in just one other set of Winter Olympics, in Beijing in 2022. Her leadup and competing in the games themselves had several setbacks.

She tested positive for COVID during the Olympic trials, forcing her to withdraw. However, she petitioned to join the team, and ultimately made it alongside Mariah Bell and Karen Chen. 

The games in Beijing had all sorts of COVID restrictions, as athletes themselves had to be isolated in an Olympic bubble and subject to extensive testing. Although Liu's family is from China, she did not have the opportunity to explore the city thanks to COVID restrictions still being in place. 

Liu finished eighth overall in the short program, as the Russia Olympic Committee's Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova took gold and bronze. Japan's Kaori Sakamoto took the silver. 

In March after the Olympics, the United States government announced that Liu and her father, Arthur Liu, were the subject of a spying operation by the Chinese government in Beijing during the Olympics. Liu's father left China in exile and moved to the United States in the 1990s due to the persecution of individuals in the 1989 Democracy Movement. Alysa had at least two people escorting her at all times during the games. Via The Guardian: 

“They are probably just trying to intimidate us, to ... in a way threaten us not to say anything, to cause trouble to them and say anything political or related to human rights violations in China,” Arthur Liu said. “I had concerns about her safety. The US government did a good job protecting her.”

Arthur Liu said a man called him in November claiming to be an official with the USOPC, and asked for his and his daughters’ passport numbers. He refused to provide the details and said he would call his contact at Team USA the next day.

“I didn’t feel good about it. I felt something fishy was going on,” Arthur Liu said. “From my dealings with the US Figure Skating association, they would never call me on the phone to get copies of our passports. I really cut it short once I realized what he was asking for.”

MORE: Meet the USA Olympic figure skating roster for 2026

When did Alysa Liu return to figure skating?

Liu returned to figure skating in early 2024. She told Cosmopolitan her decision was partially due to her missing the sport, and not feeling challenged enough with school:  

"I went through a whole year of school, and during winter break, I went skiing and I realized school was hard, but it was not challenging enough for me," Liu said. "I got into other things, like fashion, but I never went to the gym. Skating gave me something to be strong for. I love having willpower. I used to never care about programs, what you skated to, your dresses, stuff like that. Now, I love skating dresses and helping with the design process. This sport is kind of an outlet for me. I love dance and music, so it’s everything in one."

Since her return, she has racked up some big wins. She won gold medals in 2025 at the World Team Trophy in Tokyo, the 2025 World Championships in Boston and two silvers at the U.S. Championships in 2025 and 2026. She took the gold in Milan during the U.S.'s win in the team event.  

MORE: Full history of backflips in Olympics figure skating

Alysa Liu career timeline

Alyssa Liu looked to be one of the up-and-coming names in figure skating. At the age of just 10 years old, she won an intermediate gold medal at the 2016 U.S. Championships. 

She won three medals as a junior and competed as a senior, beginning with the 2018-19 season. In 2019, she won gold at the U.S. Championships in Detroit, then defended her title in 2020 in Greensboro. She won silver in the 2019-20 Junior Grand Prix Final, and won bronze at the 2020 World Junior Championships.

In 2022, she won bronze at the World Championships in Montpellier after her first Olympic games. She retired from skating shortly thereafter. 

In March 2024, roughly two years after she retired, she announced her return to competitive figure skating. 

Alysa Liu medals won