Category: Sports

Hip-hop icon Flavor Flav revealed plans Thursday to throw a multi-day celebration in Las Vegas this summer for the U.S. women’s ice hockey team following their gold medal triumph at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

The Public Enemy founding member took to social media to announce his “She Got Game” weekend celebration, scheduled for July 16-19 in collaboration with MGM Resorts. The event will recognize the women’s hockey champions along with other accomplished female athletes.

The 66-year-old entertainer, who has become a vocal advocate for women’s athletics, also established a GoFundMe fundraiser to benefit U.S. women’s Olympic medal winners.

“Many of y’all asked how you can support and donate to our female athletes and the celebrations. So I created a Go Fund Me. I’m hopeful this can have an impact beyond the weekend and help those that represent the best of the U.S.,” he posted on X.

USA Hockey has not yet confirmed whether all 23 team members will participate in the Las Vegas festivities.

Flavor Flav extended his invitation through a formal email to the players, promising “a real celebration” complete with dining experiences and entertainment shows. The rapper previously served as the official hype man for U.S. bobsled and skeleton teams during the Milano Cortina Games and supported the women’s water polo squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

His celebration announcement follows the women’s hockey team’s decision to skip President Trump’s State of the Union address this Tuesday. USA Hockey explained that scheduling conflicts and travel complications prevented the women from joining the men’s gold medal team at the event.

Trump had extended the invitation during a Sunday locker room congratulatory call to the men’s team after their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. The women’s squad also defeated Canada by an identical score in overtime three days prior.

During that call, with FBI Director Kash Patel present, Trump told the men’s team, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” later adding he would “probably be impeached” if he failed to include them.

Flavor Flav referenced Trump’s comments in his message to the women’s team, continuing his pattern of championing female athletes on the biggest stages.

INDIANAPOLIS — Sources close to the situation confirm that the Indianapolis Colts have authorized quarterback Anthony Richardson to explore trade opportunities with other NFL franchises, according to information obtained Thursday.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity as the organization has not made any public statements regarding the matter.

Indianapolis had high hopes that Richardson would develop into their cornerstone quarterback when they selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the former University of Florida standout’s tenure has been marked by setbacks and health concerns.

This development follows comments made just two days earlier by Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, who expressed continued confidence in Richardson’s potential to succeed with the franchise.

When reporters asked whether Richardson might benefit from a change of scenery, Ballard responded: “I’m not going to say that. Anthony’s still young, he’s still developing so we’ll see what the future holds.”

This isn’t the first instance of Ballard allowing a player to explore their options. In August 2023, Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor received similar permission during contract negotiations. Taylor ultimately remained with Indianapolis, signing a three-year, $42 million extension less than two months later.

However, Richardson’s situation appears more complex.

The young quarterback’s development has been hampered by numerous obstacles since earning the starting position during his rookie training camp. His debut season was cut short after just four appearances, with only one complete game, due to right shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 campaign.

Richardson’s 2024 season brought continued challenges with both health and performance issues.

While he started in all 11 games he played, Richardson missed significant time due to various ailments including a hip strain, foot and back problems. He also faced criticism after removing himself from a game mid-season, citing fatigue following back-to-back rushing attempts, which led to a two-game benching. His completion percentage of 47.7% ranked as the lowest among regular NFL starters, accompanied by eight touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.

These struggles led Indianapolis to sign free agent Daniel Jones in March.

Jones, who was the sixth overall selection by the New York Giants in 2019, won the starting quarterback competition last August. As Jones performed well during the season’s first half, Richardson continued battling injuries.

A second right shoulder injury in May was followed by a dislocated finger on his throwing hand in August. Richardson’s season effectively ended in October with a fractured orbital bone sustained in an unusual pregame incident. Combined with Jones’ solid performance, these setbacks limited Richardson to just two game appearances where he completed one of two pass attempts for nine yards.

Jones faces potential free agency next month while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon that sidelined him for Indianapolis’ final four contests. The team’s 8-2 start gave way to four consecutive losses without Jones, ultimately costing them a playoff berth. The Colts are currently negotiating a new contract with Jones.

“We’re expecting him back for training camp, but the way he works and who he is, you know, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s sooner,” Ballard said Tuesday regarding Jones’ recovery timeline. “He’ll be back and he’ll be ready to go, and I think he’ll have a good year. We’ve hard great discussions with both of them (Jones and possible free agent receiver Alec Pierce), we’ll continue to work this week and see if we can get something done. It’s been very positive.”

These developments cast further doubt on Richardson’s long-term prospects in Indianapolis.

Despite the uncertainty, Ballard maintained positive remarks about Richardson’s character and progress.

“He’s a really good teammate, positive, wants to do the right thing,” Ballard commented about Richardson. “So it’s trending in the right direction, still got a ways to go but he’s cleared to play, and he is getting better, so we’ll work from there.”

A legendary figure in Major League Baseball has passed away. Bruce Froemming, who spent nearly four decades calling balls and strikes in the big leagues, died Wednesday at age 86, according to his son.

The veteran official suffered a fatal accident early Tuesday morning when he fell and struck his head on hardwood flooring at his residence in Mequon, Wisconsin. Steven Froemming said his father was rushed to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, where he succumbed to brain hemorrhaging that doctors couldn’t control due to blood-thinning medication.

Froemming’s career behind the plate spanned an impressive 37 seasons, during which he officiated 5,163 games – ranking third in baseball history. His journey began as a teenage semiprofessional player who transitioned to umpiring in the minor leagues in 1958 when he was just 18 years old. After working his way through the ranks, he earned a spot on the National League umpiring crew in 1971, later moving to the consolidated major league staff in 2000 before hanging up his mask in 2007.

The Wisconsin native holds the unique distinction of working behind home plate for a record-setting 11 no-hit games throughout his career. His most memorable assignment came on September 2, 1972, when Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas came within one strike of a perfect game before walking pinch-hitter Larry Stahl, then completing the no-hitter by retiring Garry Jestadt on a fly ball.

Froemming also called three additional no-hitters from behind the plate, including performances by Ed Halicki in 1975, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan in 1981, and José Jiménez in 1999. His distinguished career included assignments to five World Series.

Reflecting on his early days just before retirement, Froemming recalled his first professional assignment in Waterloo, Iowa: “I thought I was in heaven — on the ballfield, professional athletes, I was starting my professional career. But never did you dream at the time, ever even think of going to a big league ballpark, because you had so far to go through the minor leagues to even get a chance.”

He offered advice to aspiring umpires, emphasizing that success required “probably being patient with yourself. … You’re going to make mistakes early on.”

Following his retirement from active duty, Froemming continued serving baseball as a special assistant to Major League Baseball’s vice president of umpiring.

He leaves behind his wife, Rosemarie, whom he wed in 1957, along with sons Steven and Kevin, sister Cathy Seizer, half-brother Johnny Froemming, and two grandchildren.

A legendary group of NBC Sports broadcasters will step back in time Tuesday night, reuniting for a special basketball telecast that pays homage to the network’s golden era of NBA coverage from the 1990s.

Bob Costas, Doug Collins, and Mike Fratello will work together in the broadcast booth for the first time ever, despite being NBC colleagues over two decades ago. The trio will provide commentary when the Philadelphia 76ers host the San Antonio Spurs, featuring stars Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama.

The broadcast will recreate the look and feel of NBC’s 1995-96 season coverage, complete with vintage graphics and presentation elements. Jim Gray will serve as the sideline correspondent for the game.

For Costas, the real excitement comes from reconnecting with his former NBC family rather than the matchup itself.

“With all due respect to Victor Wembanyama and to Joel Embiid and to both teams, it’s the reunion,” Costas said. “It’s being around all those people.”

The nostalgic evening will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern with a special edition of “NBA Showtime” featuring original studio hosts Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas, and P.J. Carlesimo, one hour before the main broadcast begins.

Costas described the concept as having “just a touch of nostalgia and history,” while still focusing on current basketball action. He referred to the approach as “new-stalgia.”

“But then we lean into what’s happening now,” Costas said.

The returning broadcast team represents NBC’s basketball heyday spanning the 1990s and early 2000s. Costas anchored NBA coverage from 1990-2002, while Collins provided analysis from 1998-2001. Fratello worked multiple stints as both game and studio analyst between 1990-1993 and again in 2001-02.

Gray covered games from courtside between 1994-2002, Storm handled reporting and hosting duties from 1993-2000, Thomas analyzed games and studio coverage from 1998-2000, and Carlesimo worked as a studio analyst during the 2001-02 season.

Sam Flood, NBC Sports’ executive producer, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the iconic voices back together.

“Everyone at NBC Sports has so many great memories of the 1990s and NBA on NBC,” Flood said. “We are excited to get the band of iconic voices back together with Bob, Doug, Mike, Jim, Hannah, Isiah and P.J. and celebrate the game of basketball with viewers of all ages.”

The reunion extends beyond just the broadcast, with NBC planning a multi-day celebration including a Monday night dinner and an extended production meeting Tuesday before game time.

Costas revealed that Fratello and Carlesimo, renowned for their extensive knowledge of Italian restaurants in NBA cities, were put in charge of selecting the Monday evening dining location.

“The czar of the telestrator, Mike Fratello, knows every good Italian restaurant in every city in America. And it doesn’t matter if they’re booked up. He can get a table at any one of them,” Costas said. “So, I said to the Czar, ‘Call P.J., you two guys put your heads together and whatever you decide, all the rest of us have to do is know the place and the time and we’ll be there.’”

The Boston Red Sox weathered a dramatic late-game surge from Tampa Bay to secure a 7-5 spring training victory Thursday afternoon in Fort Myers, Florida.

Boston’s pitching staff controlled the early innings, building what appeared to be an insurmountable 7-0 advantage through four innings. However, the Rays refused to fold, mounting a determined comeback that brought the potential game-tying run to home plate in the ninth inning after Marshall Toole delivered an RBI triple.

The Red Sox received strong early work from their pitching rotation. Left-handed starter Garrett Crochet threw two shutout frames before handing the ball to Aroldis Chapman, who struck out three consecutive batters in the third. Right-hander Greg Weissert continued the dominant performance with a clean fourth inning to earn the victory.

Boston’s offensive explosion came entirely in the fourth inning, when they pushed across all seven runs. Tampa Bay starter T.J. Nichols was charged with no earned runs despite lasting just two-thirds of an inning. The Red Sox rally ignited when third baseman Andruw Monasterio reached base on an error by second baseman Ben Williamson, allowing Caleb Durbin to cross home plate while Kristian Campbell moved to second base.

Red Sox closer Devin Sweet locked down the save despite some ninth-inning drama, surrendering two hits and one run while recording two strikeouts in the final frame.

Toole collected two hits to lead Tampa Bay’s offensive effort, while Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story contributed two RBIs during Boston’s decisive fourth-inning outburst.

Orioles 6, Tigers 5

Twenty-year-old Jordan Sanchez delivered a clutch walk-off single through the middle against Detroit lefty Carlos Pena in Sarasota, Florida, extending the Tigers’ winless streak to seven games this spring.

Sanchez entered as a ninth-inning substitute for second baseman Jeremiah Jackson and came through in dramatic fashion. Jackson had recorded two hits before his replacement, as did first baseman Pete Alonso. Tyler O’Neill went a perfect 3-for-3 with a first-inning home run, boosting his spring average to .778.

Detroit rallied from a 5-2 deficit with late-game power. Eduardo Valencia launched a two-run blast to left field in the sixth, followed by Carson Rucker’s game-tying solo shot in the seventh – both hits coming off Baltimore’s Trey Gibson.

The Orioles collected 15 hits while stranding seven Tigers runners who reached scoring position. Sanchez’s game-winner came when he connected with a Pena fastball and drove it past diving shortstop Jack Penney, scoring Aron Estrada with the decisive run.

Detroit’s winless spring record includes two tie games.

Mets 5, Astros 0

Nolan McLean dominated Houston hitters for four shutout innings with six strikeouts, while home runs from Tyrone Taylor and Marcus Semien powered New York past the Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Right-hander Robert Stock took over in the fifth inning and continued the strikeout parade, fanning six batters across three innings of work.

Houston’s offense struggled mightily, managing just two hits while striking out 15 times in 28 at-bats. Among the Astros’ non-starters, only outfielder Anthony Huezo reached base via a walk.

Taylor connected on a two-run blast to center field in the second inning, followed by Semien’s first home run as a Met – a shot to left-center off Bryan King. Semien finished 2-for-3 at the plate. King entered after left-hander Steven Okert, who absorbed the loss after allowing three runs and a walk in one inning.

Yankees 7, Braves 3

Left-handed power hitter Spencer Jones launched a towering solo home run out of George Steinbrenner Field as New York overpowered Atlanta in Tampa, Florida.

The Yankees seized control with a five-run first inning and collected eight hits, with five going for extra bases.

New York’s long ball attack featured homers from Jones, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm, who started the assault on Braves veteran Carlos Carrasco with a two-run blast in the opening frame. Jones’ mammoth shot cleared the bleachers and reached the parking lot beyond the right-center field wall.

Atlanta’s Ben Gamel connected for his second spring training homer, while center fielder Jose Azocar contributed two hits. Carrasco lasted just 1⅔ innings, surrendering five runs in his brief outing.

Elmer Rodriguez earned the win for New York, striking out four while allowing two runs over three innings.

Phillies 7, Nationals 3

Bryce Harper knocked in two runs and scored once as Philadelphia defeated Washington in Clearwater, Florida.

The Phillies broke open a 1-1 tie with a four-run third inning, highlighted by designated hitter Kehden Hettiger’s home run to left-center field. Bryson Stott, who had homered in the first inning, reached base ahead of Harper and scored on a double to the right field corner. Harper then came home on a single by catcher Garrett Stubbs.

Washington right-hander Gus Varland was pulled before completing the third inning after allowing four runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Nationals first baseman Andres Chaparro pulled the visitors within 5-3 in the fourth with a two-run homer that stayed just inside the left field foul pole.

Harper extended Philadelphia’s lead to 6-3 with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, driving home Hettiger.

The NBA handed down a $25,000 penalty to Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane on Thursday following an incident where he launched a basketball into the crowd after his team’s narrow 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.

The incident occurred moments after LeBron James failed to connect on a last-second three-pointer at the final buzzer on Tuesday. Bane then threw the basketball toward the opposite end of the arena, where it bounced off the shot clock before striking fans who were sitting near the baseline.

The 27-year-old player is putting up solid numbers this season, contributing 20.2 points per game along with 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists across 57 contests, all as a starter. Orlando obtained Bane through a major trade deal with the Memphis Grizzlies last June.

The league also announced an identical $25,000 penalty for Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards on the same day for a similar violation. Edwards’ basketball toss from near the free-throw line during halftime break reportedly hit a security worker in the head.

This marks Bane’s second fine for throwing basketballs inappropriately this season. In December, the league penalized him $35,000 for hurling a ball at New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby when the player wasn’t looking.

A former Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player is pushing soccer’s international governing body to establish universal concussion substitution requirements before this year’s World Cup tournament.

Taylor Twellman, whose professional playing career was cut short by post-concussion syndrome, expressed concerns Monday that the 48 competing nations have varying brain injury protocols that could endanger players.

“Quite honestly, FIFA should have a concussion sub universal in all the leagues around the world,” he told Reuters on Monday.

The 45-year-old sports broadcaster has emerged as a prominent advocate for brain injury prevention in soccer through his ThinkTaylor foundation, which he launched in 2011. He contends that while FIFA has established written guidelines, the organization has not successfully ensured uniform implementation across global competitions.

“I don’t think FIFA’s done a good enough job of educating the world and being at the forefront of changing the sport for a better way for the athletes.”

FIFA’s current brain injury guidelines recommend a “suspect and protect” strategy, requiring players with possible concussions to undergo evaluation and prohibiting same-day return to competition. The protocol also promotes using video analysis and organized sideline examinations to detect head injuries.

“FIFA may have a protocol, but that doesn’t mean the application of the protocol is at the same level from every team,” Twellman added.

Soccer’s world governing organization has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding their concussion policies.

Twellman highlighted significant disparities in brain injury awareness based on his observations at the professional club level, noting that international players joining MLS often arrive with limited knowledge about concussions.

“Sometimes they don’t even know what a concussion looks like or how it should be treated until they see and discuss it,” he said. “It’s very difficult to be that universal medical voice when some countries don’t even recognise concussions in the same way.”

This challenge becomes more complex considering soccer’s worldwide popularity and the uneven quality of medical resources across different regions.

Twellman acknowledged improvements in Major League Soccer since his playing years, noting that all 50 U.S. states now mandate removing athletes with suspected concussions from competition and requiring medical approval before they can return. However, he stressed that no league should become complacent with existing safety measures.

“Has MLS addressed it in a better way than, let’s say, the (English) Premier League or FIFA? Sure. But that also doesn’t mean the league needs to stay where it is and not continue to grow,” he said. “Everyone should have to grow, including the NFL for that matter.”

The former player delivered a direct message to current athletes about personal responsibility.

“Take responsibility for your body, your brain, control what you can control,” he says.

“When I was playing, we didn’t have this information. We now do, so there are no excuses not to be educated on it.”

With more than 50 MLS players anticipated to participate in the World Cup, Twellman views this summer’s tournament as an opportunity to highlight American soccer’s development. The league begins the current season with 30 teams.

As MLS kicked off last weekend, Twellman considered the sport’s progress in America since the 1994 World Cup helped establish the foundation for the league’s debut two years afterward.

“I think it would be hard to believe anyone that would think the league would grow this fast,” he added.

He also sees the international tournament as a chance for FIFA to show leadership regarding player safety.

“We’ve got the education, we’ve got the science behind it,” Twellman said. “Now we’ve just got to make better decisions on and off the field.”

The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation announced Thursday that eight members of their delegation have been refused entry visas to the United States for the upcoming World Baseball Classic tournament.

The tournament is slated to run from March 5-17, with Cuba scheduled to face off against Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and Canada during pool competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and general secretary Carlos del Pino Muñoz were among those whose visa applications were rejected. Pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo also had his request denied.

According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, all Cuban athletes and coaching staff received visa approval except for Lazo. The source requested anonymity when speaking with The Associated Press Thursday since no official announcements regarding player visas have been released. The State Department refused to address the Cuban federation’s concerns, citing visa confidentiality regulations, though a U.S. official speaking anonymously confirmed that those denied visas were executives and officials rather than competing athletes.

“The United States’ response, after more than a month since these requests were submitted, ignores the reasons on which they are based, the most basic principles of sport, and the commitments assumed by the host countries of such events” the Federation said in a statement.

Cuba secured third place in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The squad has warm-up matches planned for next week in Arizona against the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds.

The island nation appears on a roster of seven countries facing US travel limitations, which also includes Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

In 2023, the Cacique Mara squad from Maracaibo, Venezuela, was refused US visas and consequently missed the Senior Baseball World Series.

The Cuban Federation stated it “will analyze how to proceed, and will inform in due course.”

For the third straight year, the Miami Dolphins have claimed the number one position in the NFL Players Association’s yearly team evaluations, ESPN reported Thursday.

The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders secured second and third place respectively, while the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped to the bottom ranking for the first time since the survey began four years ago.

According to ESPN, players consistently refer to the Dolphins organization as “the best in the NFL” in their survey responses.

ESPN reports that 1,759 players participated in this year’s evaluation, rating teams from A+ to F across multiple categories including head coaching, ownership, locker room quality, family treatment, and home field conditions – a newly added category. The survey was distributed to all active roster players between November 2nd and December 11th.

Following the public release of survey results in each of the previous three years, the NFL successfully filed a grievance against the players union, arguing the publication breached the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

Though an arbitrator sided with the league, the NFLPA has stated its intention to keep conducting these evaluations in the future, even if the results cannot be made public.

Pittsburgh reportedly ranked last in facility investment willingness, locker room quality, and home field conditions, with the latter category showing a particularly significant gap.

According to ESPN, the survey noted that “Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games” and “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”

The Arizona Cardinals, who held the bottom spot last season, improved slightly to 31st place. The Cleveland Browns maintained their 30th position from the previous year.

Minnesota has acquired right-handed pitcher Zak Kent through waivers from St. Louis on Thursday, adding depth to their bullpen.

The 28-year-old hurler, who celebrated his birthday just two days ago, broke into the majors last year with Cleveland. During his rookie campaign, Kent posted a 1-0 record with a 4.58 earned run average across 12 bullpen outings for the Guardians.

St. Louis had previously picked up Kent from Cleveland through the waiver wire on February 16th, but moved to designate him for assignment just five days afterward to create roster space for infielder Ramon Urias.

Minnesota made space on their 40-man roster by transferring right-hander Pablo Lopez to the 60-day injured list. The 29-year-old Lopez underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on Wednesday and will miss the entire upcoming season.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk addressed reporters Thursday to clarify his position regarding an artificially created video that surfaced on the White House’s official TikTok page, which falsely depicted him making disparaging remarks about the Canadian hockey squad.

The 26-year-old hockey star, who contributed to Team USA’s historic first men’s hockey gold medal victory since 1980 by defeating Canada 2-1 this past Sunday during the Milan Cortina Olympics, spoke about the digitally manipulated clip that was released on the same day as the championship game. The fabricated footage showed what appeared to be Tkachuk at a previous 4 Nations Face-Off media event, where he supposedly stated, “They booed our national anthem, so I had to come out and teach those maple syrup eating f—s a lesson.”

Speaking to media members in Ottawa before the Senators’ return to action following the Olympic hiatus against the Detroit Red Wings, Tkachuk firmly denied the authenticity of the content. “Well, it’s clearly fake, because it’s not my voice, not my lips moving,” Tkachuk explained to reporters. “I’m not in control of any of those accounts. I know that those words would never come out of my mouth. So, I can’t do anything about it.”

The manipulated content, which accumulated more than 11 million views on the social media platform, included a disclaimer indicating artificial intelligence was used in its creation. The clip featured the classic rock song “Free Bird” playing over Tkachuk’s fabricated statement before cutting to footage from the American team’s championship victory.

Tkachuk emphasized his disapproval of the misrepresentation, stating, “It’s not my voice. It’s not what I was saying. I would never say that. That’s not who I am, so I guess I don’t like that video because that would never come out of my mouth and (I) never had that thought.”

The hockey player also addressed another misconception, clarifying that he was not the individual who yelled “Close the northern border” during Team USA’s celebratory phone conversation with President Donald Trump following their Olympic triumph.

“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me. But if you watch the video, it’s not my voice,” Tkachuk stated. “I don’t know how that took a storm on its own when I give everything I have here. It’s crazy when things go on social media, how fast they go. I would never say anything like that.”

Following their Olympic success, the men’s hockey team made an appearance at the White House on Tuesday during Trump’s State of the Union address. The president sparked debate during the post-victory phone call when he mentioned he would probably face impeachment if he failed to extend an invitation to the gold medal-winning women’s team as well.

In his Olympic debut, Tkachuk recorded three goals and two assists across six games during the tournament. This season with the Senators, he has accumulated 37 points through 37 games, including 14 goals and 23 assists.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Matthew Tkachuk is eager to return to NHL action, though he’s not quite finished celebrating his Olympic triumph.

The Florida Panthers forward, who helped Team USA capture gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics, suited up Thursday evening for the team’s first game following the Olympic break against Toronto. The Panthers organized a special gold medal ceremony, which also honored Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who served as Team USA’s captain during the Olympics.

“I really think our team really showed what it’s like to be true Americans and the pride we played with and how we would do every single thing for our country,” Tkachuk declared while wearing his gold medal. “So, the support we’ve gotten is incredible.”

Tkachuk’s schedule has been packed since Sunday’s victory: an overnight celebration in Italy followed by a charter flight home, additional team festivities in Miami on Monday, and a White House visit for the State of the Union address alongside most of his Olympic teammates.

The recent years have brought Tkachuk a string of major accomplishments, including Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, his wedding, and now Olympic gold.

“The hardest thing to do in sports is winning the Stanley Cup,” Tkachuk explained. “You go through an 82-game grind and then your four playoff series, some Game 7s probably, and just the physicality and the travel and everything, it’s crazy. Whereas you could almost argue it over there at the Olympics, it’s so hard because it’s just one-game elimination.”

The Panthers had seven players earn Olympic medals: while Tkachuk claimed gold, Canadian teammates Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett received silver medals. Finnish players Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola and Eetu Luostarinen brought home bronze. Panthers executive Bill Zito served on Team USA’s management team in Milan, and equipment manager Teddy Richards filled the same position for the American squad.

All medalists participated in Thursday’s recognition ceremony.

“It’s a weird dynamic,” Marchand reflected. “Obviously we’re disappointed and you want a different outcome, but at the same time, trying to remember to be grateful for the incredible part of it all.”

OTTAWA, Ontario — Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke out Thursday against a manipulated social media video posted by the White House, denouncing the AI-generated content that falsely portrayed him making offensive remarks about Canadians following his Olympic gold medal victory.

The TikTok post featured artificial audio making it seem as though Tkachuk called Canadians “maple syrup eating f—s,” with the profanity censored. The 26-year-old Arizona-born hockey star dismissed the content as “clearly fake,” pointing out that the voice didn’t sync with the lip movements and emphasizing he would never use such language. The video does include a disclaimer noting it “contains AI-generated media.”

Tkachuk also refuted claims that he was the person heard yelling “close the northern border” during Team USA’s victory celebration call with President Donald Trump following their 2-1 triumph over Canada in Sunday’s Olympic final.

The White House has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the controversial post.

The NHL captain and his Olympic teammates have returned from Italy this week to resume the regular hockey season. Several team members were present at Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday evening in Washington, where they received applause from the audience.

The American men’s victory completed a historic sweep for Team USA, coming after the women’s team also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime three days prior, marking the first time Americans won both Olympic hockey championships in the same games.

Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane revealed this week that he had zero involvement in the decision to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, speaking candidly about the coaching transition during the NFL Scouting Combine.

Speaking with CBS Sports, Beane explained that both he and McDermott operated as co-equals within the organization’s hierarchy, each reporting directly to owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Following McDermott’s departure, the Pegulas kept Beane in his role and tasked him with overseeing the search for a new head coach, which concluded with the internal elevation of offensive coordinator Joe Brady last month.

“That decision was ultimately Terry Pegula’s. And his alone. The structure was Sean and I both separately report to (ownership) and we were equals in it. We had nine really good years together,” Beane explained during his interview at the combine’s media center.

The general manager went on to characterize owner Terry Pegula’s reasoning for the change, saying: “I think Terry, using his words, don’t quote me, but something like we hit a proverbial playoff wall. I think he felt like we need something new. We need something fresh, just need to try something else. This was the decision he made and you follow along with it, ‘Alright, you’ve made this decision.’ Now we need to put our heads together and line up who are the best candidates.”

Beane pushed back against speculation that Buffalo had already selected McDermott’s successor prior to his termination following the team’s overtime playoff defeat.

The Bills’ interview process included several candidates beyond Brady, who lacks head coaching experience at any level. Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, ex-Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Commanders running game coordinator Anthony Lynn, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo all received consideration during the search.

While acknowledging that Brady’s pursuit of head coaching opportunities over the previous two seasons factored into their evaluation process, Beane emphasized that internal familiarity neither helped nor hindered any candidate’s chances.

“To me, it’s like, treat everyone the same. And so we started that interview and I said, ‘let’s treat Joe like he was with the Green Bay Packers.’ Brian Daboll we interviewed and he had been there four years prior (as Bills offensive coordinator). We know him pretty well and did the same thing,” Beane told Sirius/XM radio. “Just to make sure it was a level playing field. The thing about Joe, you feel his energy, you feel his presence. But he had a vision for our defense, for our whole team. This was a guy that had a holistic approach. Ultimately, he earned it, but it was not a foregone conclusion for sure.”

LONDON (AP) — England’s top soccer league will debut its own subscription streaming service beginning with the upcoming season, according to an announcement Thursday from Premier League CEO Richard Masters.

The new service, dubbed Premier League Plus, will initially roll out in Singapore as a test market, with potential for worldwide expansion if the venture proves successful.

Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London, Masters described the initiative as “a very long, considered process, carefully chosen.” He explained that “For the first time the Premier League is going to have its own customers. It’s going to have to deal with promotion, pricing, churn, distribution, all of those things, we’re looking to build a business.”

Masters added: “We’re also looking to learn, to see how that might be replicated all around the world.”

This direct-to-consumer approach represents a significant shift for the league, which boasts 1.87 billion viewers globally across 189 countries. Previously, the organization has exclusively licensed its content to external broadcasters like Sky Sports in Britain and NBC in America.

Industry observers have long speculated about a potential “Premflix” service from the league, and the Singapore launch appears to fulfill those predictions.

The league is simultaneously establishing Premier League Studios, a new production facility in London to support content creation.

Regarding expansion plans, Masters emphasized a cautious approach: “What we do with Premier League Plus in Singapore is really about learning as well as building the business. If it goes well, it may be replicated. You don’t want to predict further than that I think at this stage.”

The streaming platform could fundamentally change how supporters worldwide access matches from what many consider the globe’s premier soccer competition.

Olympic champions from the U.S. women’s hockey squad will party with hip-hop legend Flavor Flav in Las Vegas this summer following their gold medal triumph at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

The rapper announced on his X social media platform Thursday that he’s organizing a “She Got Game” celebration weekend scheduled for July 16-19, partnering with MGM Resorts. Writing “IT’S HAPPENING,” Flavor Flav revealed the multi-day event will honor the hockey champions and other female athletes, with additional information coming later. His announcement included an image showing the American women’s hockey players in their victory celebration huddle.

A representative for Flavor Flav verified the planned festivities but declined to share additional specifics.

Team members independently decided to accept the Vegas invitation without consulting USA Hockey officials, according to a source with knowledge of the conversations who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.

The source noted that although the team is enthusiastic about attending, it remains uncertain whether all 23 roster members can participate due to possible schedule conflicts.

The squad has not yet decided on a potential White House visit after USA Hockey respectfully turned down President Donald Trump’s offer for the team to join the men’s gold medalists at Tuesday’s State of the Union address, citing logistical and travel complications.

A dedicated advocate for women’s athletics, Flav attended multiple Olympic events this month. He extended his Vegas invitation Monday, just after the women declined the Washington trip.

“If the USA Women’s Hockey team wants a real celebration and invite ,,, I’ll host them in Las Vegas. Do some nice dinners and shows and good times,” he posted. “I’m sure I can get a hotel and airline to help me out here and celebrate these women for real for real.”

The women’s squad had planned to fly commercially to New York on Monday but had to change routes through Atlanta due to a Northeast snowstorm. The weather disruption and timing created challenges for the women to modify their travel arrangements as they returned to their Professional Women’s Hockey League clubs and college programs nationwide.

Thursday marked the PWHL’s return from its month-long Olympic hiatus with Montreal facing New York, while collegiate players begin conference tournament play this weekend.

During his address, Trump mentioned plans were developing to bring the women’s team to the White House, though USA Hockey said the timing remains uncertain. The earliest possible Washington visit would be late spring following the PWHL season’s conclusion.

The president’s invitation came late Sunday when he called to congratulate the men’s team on their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. At that time, the women’s squad remained in Milan, three days after their own 2-1 overtime triumph over Canada.

While speaking with the men’s team after their victory, Trump stated: “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” He later made a joke that failing to extend the invitation would probably result in his impeachment.

Team captain Hilary Knight described the remark Wednesday as “distasteful and unfortunate.”

“I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats,” she commented.

A major streaming partnership is bringing Formula One racing to American viewers through both Netflix and Apple TV platforms this season.

Netflix will stream the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix live to U.S. audiences in May as part of a collaboration that also brings the eighth season of the popular documentary series ‘Drive to Survive’ to Apple TV subscribers.

Apple TV has secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula One this season, taking over from ESPN to provide live coverage of all 24 races. Netflix had previously competed for these same broadcasting rights, according to industry reports from last February.

The newest season of ‘Drive to Survive’ debuts globally this Friday, offering viewers behind-the-scenes access to the 2025 Formula One season that saw McLaren and driver Lando Norris claim victory.

The upcoming Formula One season kicks off March 8 in Australia and will feature three races held in the United States.

Apple’s Senior Vice-President of Services Eddy Cue announced during a video conference with reporters that certain races and practice sessions will be offered free to viewers throughout the season, though he did not specify which events.

“We look at F1 and Apple TV as a true partnership where we’re going to amplify this sport across all our Apple services,” Cue stated.

“Netflix, I think, has played a pivotal role in growing F1 since the launch of ‘Drive to Survive’ and we’re thrilled to make F1 content more broadly available to new and existing U.S. fans on both Netflix and Apple TV,” he added.

Ian Holmes, Formula One’s Chief Media Rights and Broadcast officer, praised ESPN’s previous coverage in the crucial U.S. market and described the Apple partnership as “the next big iteration.”

“I’d say we are probably the only sport in the world whose audience is getting younger and more female skewed, and that couldn’t be more represented than currently in the U.S.,” Holmes explained.

“So we see a relationship with Apple and the way that Apple is able to offer its content as the most forward-looking approach that we can pursue,” he concluded.

University of Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy is positioning himself to compete for the top cornerback spot in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft after making a full recovery from a serious knee injury.

Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, McCoy confirmed he has completely healed from the ACL tear he suffered in January 2025, which forced him to miss the entire 2025 college football season. While he won’t take part in physical drills during the Indianapolis combine, the cornerback expects significant attention at Tennessee’s upcoming pro day. McCoy revealed he received medical clearance months ago and even contemplated returning to play with the Volunteers during the regular season before deciding to focus on preparing for the NFL.

“I got cleared,” the 20-year-old explained. “I was doing everything, practicing, everything. I just didn’t feel ready yet.”

McCoy earned second-team All-American honors in 2024 during his single season at Tennessee after transferring from Oregon State. This week, he completed comprehensive medical testing that all combine participants undergo, and he expressed complete confidence in his physical condition going forward.

“I can do everything,” McCoy stated regarding his current athletic abilities.

During McCoy’s absence, teammate Colton Hood stepped up as a dominant cornerback, creating the possibility that Tennessee could have two first-round draft picks in April. Other top cornerback prospects include LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, both considered likely top-25 selections.

Delane posted impressive statistics in 2025, allowing just 13 catches and six first downs throughout the season. The All-American player brings versatility beyond coverage skills.

He described his approach as playing with “maturation” while embracing the physical demands of the position to such a degree that he would welcome playing middle linebacker.

“Others might be scared to tackle but I love it,” he explained.

The New York Jets have reached an agreement to send defensive end Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, according to a source with knowledge of the transaction who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday.

The source requested anonymity since this player exchange involving two starters cannot be finalized until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11.

ESPN and NFL Network were first to report the transaction.

This move will reunite Johnson with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who previously served as New York’s head coach when the Jets selected the Florida State product with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2022 draft. Johnson will also work again with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who coached his position during his initial three seasons with New York.

Johnson expressed his gratitude to the Jets organization through a post on X, writing: “New York, thank you for everything truly. The love I’ve been shown here for the past 4-5 years has been nothing short of amazing, both on and off the field. Y’all will always hold a special place in my heart. Wish all of my former coaches and former teammates the best!! Thank all of y’all for sharing a battlefield with me.”

He concluded his message with “11 out,” a reference to his Jets jersey number, along with a salute emoji.

This transaction means the Jets now retain only one of their 2022 first-round selections: wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was chosen 10th overall that year. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, selected fourth overall, was sent to Indianapolis in November.

The move positions New York to potentially select the draft’s top pass rusher in April — possibly Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, or Miami’s Reuben Bain — with the second overall pick as head coach Aaron Glenn works to strengthen a defense that ranked among the league’s worst during a disappointing 3-14 campaign. Glenn dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with three games left in the season and brought in Brian Duker last month as his replacement. Glenn announced Tuesday at the NFL combine that he will handle defensive play-calling duties next season.

Johnson, 27, was scheduled to play under his fifth-year rookie option next season, but his departure will free up $13.4 million in salary cap space for the Jets, and he could enter free agency following next season. Despite being viewed as an emerging talent in his early Jets years, which included a 2023 Pro Bowl appearance, Johnson managed only three sacks last season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the second game of 2024.

During his Jets tenure, Johnson recorded 13 sacks across 47 games, scored a touchdown on an interception return, forced one fumble, and recovered another. After achieving a career-best 7½ sacks in 2023, Johnson is now expected to bolster the pass rush in Saleh’s defensive scheme in Tennessee.

Sweat was Tennessee’s second-round choice from Texas in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 366-pound interior presence should help solidify a defensive front that also features tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs, along with edge rusher Will McDonald.

The 24-year-old nose tackle, selected 38th overall by Tennessee two years ago, accumulated three sacks and 85 total tackles over 29 games, starting 28 of them. Sweat sustained an ankle injury in Tennessee’s season opener against Denver, landing on injured reserve before returning after a five-game absence, and proved to be a valuable contributor to the Titans’ defensive line.

A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that the New York Jets have reached an agreement to send defensive end Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.

The individual requested anonymity since this exchange of starting players won’t be finalized until March 11, when the NFL’s new league year officially begins.

Both ESPN and NFL Network initially broke news of the transaction.

This move brings Johnson back together with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who previously led the Jets when they selected the pass rusher with the 22nd pick in the opening round of the 2022 draft out of Florida State.

Tennessee chose Sweat in the second round of the 2024 draft, selecting the Texas product 38th overall.

With Johnson’s departure, New York now has only one remaining first-round selection from their 2022 draft class: receiver Garrett Wilson, who was picked 10th that year. The Jets previously sent cornerback Sauce Gardner, their fourth overall choice, to Indianapolis this past November.

This transaction positions the Jets to potentially select the draft’s top pass rushing prospect with the second overall pick in April, as new head coach Aaron Glenn works to rebuild a defense that ranked among the league’s worst during a disappointing 3-14 campaign. Glenn dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks before the season ended and brought in Brian Duker as his replacement last month. At this week’s NFL combine, Glenn confirmed he will handle defensive play-calling duties himself next season.

Johnson, now 27, was scheduled to play under his fifth-year rookie contract option and would have entered free agency following the upcoming season. After establishing himself as an emerging talent in his early Jets career, including earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2023, Johnson managed only three sacks last season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the second game of 2024.

During his tenure with New York, Johnson recorded 13 sacks across 47 appearances, returned one interception for a touchdown, forced one fumble and recovered another. Following his career-best 7.5 sack performance in 2023, Johnson will now be tasked with generating pass rush for Saleh’s defensive scheme in Tennessee.

The 6-foot-4, 366-pound Sweat brings run-stopping ability that should help solidify a Jets defensive front that already features tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs along with edge rusher Will McDonald.

Since Tennessee drafted him two years ago, Sweat has accumulated three sacks and 85 total tackles over 29 appearances, starting 28 of those contests. The 24-year-old nose tackle suffered an ankle injury in the Titans’ season opener against Denver, landing on injured reserve before returning after a five-game absence and proving to be a valuable contributor to Tennessee’s defensive line.

A former NBA player who was permanently expelled from the league for gambling violations has found a new team.

The Seattle SuperHawks of the United States Basketball League announced Wednesday they have added Jontay Porter to their roster for the 2026 season.

The 26-year-old forward was permanently barred from the NBA last year after league officials discovered he deliberately underperformed in two games to affect betting outcomes on his statistics. The investigation revealed Porter intentionally restricted his playing time and performance to influence gambling results.

Porter’s legal troubles continue as he faces federal charges. He entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony offense that could result in up to two decades behind bars. According to ESPN reports, he is likely to receive a prison sentence of three to four years when his case concludes.

The SuperHawks will start their USBL campaign on March 7. Interestingly, the league emphasizes integrity in its core principles, stating:

“The games we play must be decided on the court. Every rule we establish, every policy we implement, and every decision we make is guided by a commitment to fair competition. Players, coaches, and fans must be able to trust that the outcomes they witness are earned through skill, preparation, and effort — nothing else.”

During his NBA career, Porter compiled modest statistics, recording 3.7 points per game across 37 appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, including five starts.

Porter is the sibling of Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter Jr.

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton may be preparing to take powerful swings at the plate, but he’s struggling with something much simpler in his daily life – opening a bag of snacks.

The 36-year-old designated hitter is now in his third consecutive season battling epicondylitis, better known as tennis elbow, affecting both of his arms. The condition has been so debilitating that Stanton has not yet participated in any spring training games and faces challenges with basic tasks at home.

Speaking to NJ.com about his ongoing struggles, Stanton revealed the extent of his limitations. “I can’t open a bottle,” he explained. “I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is.”

Despite the persistent pain, Stanton managed to contribute 24 home runs across 77 games during the previous season for New York, though his campaign didn’t begin until June due to his condition.

Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Stanton has struggled with availability, recording more than 420 plate appearances just once – achieving 510 in 2021 – throughout his tenure with the team.

While his return to full-time play remains uncertain, Stanton is slated to participate in Tuesday’s exhibition matchup between the Yankees and Team Panama, serving as preparation for the World Baseball Classic. With Opening Day scheduled for March 25 against San Francisco, the veteran expects to be ready for regular duty after accumulating two weeks of steady batting practice.

“Just get me in the box. The key is get in the box,” Stanton emphasized regarding his approach to returning to action.

Tarris Reed Jr. delivered a double-double performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds as sixth-ranked UConn dominated 15th-ranked St. John’s in a crushing 72-40 victory Wednesday night in Hartford, Connecticut.

The Huskies (26-3, 16-2 Big East) extended their home winning streak to 27 consecutive games and established their biggest victory margin ever against St. John’s, surpassing a 29-point triumph from February 1998. UConn built commanding leads in each half and held as much as a 36-point advantage during the second period.

Supporting Reed’s stellar effort, Alex Karaban contributed 14 points while Solo Ball chipped in 11 points for the Huskies.

The defeat snapped multiple streaks for St. John’s (22-6, 15-2), ending both their 13-game overall winning run and 11-game Big East road victory streak. The Red Storm managed their lowest scoring output since a 40-point performance against Notre Dame on March 5, 2013. Joson Sanon led St. John’s with 10 points as their only player to reach double figures.

In other Top 25 action, seventh-ranked Florida defeated Texas 84-71 behind Alex Condon’s 23 points on outstanding 10-of-12 shooting and Boogie Fland’s 22-point contribution. The Gators (22-6, 13-2 SEC) captured their eighth consecutive victory in Austin, Texas.

Ninth-ranked Gonzaga secured the West Coast Conference tournament’s top seed and at least a share of the regular season championship with an 89-48 rout of Portland. Graham Ike paced the Bulldogs with 19 points, eight rebounds and a career-best seven steals.

Nebraska matched its program record for conference victories by defeating Maryland 74-61, with Braden Frager leading the way with 21 points and eight rebounds for the 12th-ranked Cornhuskers.

Seventeenth-ranked Alabama rolled past Mississippi State 100-75 as Amari Allen exploded for 23 points, including a career-high six three-pointers. The Crimson Tide extended their winning streak to seven games.

Arkansas moved closer to securing a double bye in the SEC tournament by defeating Texas A&M 99-84. Billy Richmond III scored 23 points while Darius Acuff Jr. added 22 for the 20th-ranked Razorbacks.

Twenty-fifth-ranked Vanderbilt held off a second-half surge from Georgia to win 88-80, with Devin McGlockton and Tyler Tanner each contributing 17 points for the Commodores.

Anaheim Ducks coach Joel Quenneville made NHL history Wednesday night, becoming only the second coach ever to reach 1,000 career victories as his team staged a dramatic 6-5 comeback win against the Edmonton Oilers in the league’s first action following the Olympic break.

With just 1:14 remaining on the clock, Cutter Gauthier netted the game-winning goal to cap off the incredible rally and secure Quenneville’s milestone victory. The achievement places him in exclusive company with Scotty Bowman, who holds the record with 1,244 wins, as the only coaches to reach the 1,000-victory plateau.

Leo Carlsson led Anaheim’s offensive charge with a goal and three total points, helping propel the Ducks to their third straight victory. The win also moved Anaheim ahead of Edmonton into second place in the Pacific Division standings.

Additional scoring for the Ducks came from Ian Moore, Alex Killorn, Olen Zellweger, and Beckett Sennecke, while goaltender Lukas Dostal turned away 22 shots. The victory extended Anaheim’s impressive recent run to 10 wins in their last 12 contests.

Edmonton’s Matt Savoie recorded a goal and three points in the losing effort, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard each contributed a goal and an assist. Jack Roslovic and Zach Hyman also found the back of the net for the Oilers, who have now dropped four consecutive games.

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov reached a significant career milestone, recording his 700th and 701st assists while adding a goal in the Lightning’s victory over visiting Toronto. Kucherov becomes the 64th NHL player to achieve 700 career assists and joins Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin as the third Russian-born player to reach that mark.

Brayden Point contributed two goals and an assist, while Gage Goncalves added a goal and two helpers for Tampa Bay. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 32 shots as the Lightning extended their winning streak to six games.

Toronto received a goal and assist from Matthew Knies, with John Tavares also scoring and William Nylander providing two assists. Anthony Stolarz made 32 saves in the defeat.

Jets 3, Canucks 2 (OT)

Cole Perfetti ended the extra session just 1:37 into overtime, giving Winnipeg a victory over host Vancouver. The win marked only Winnipeg’s third victory in their past eight outings.

Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor each scored for the Jets, with Mark Scheifele contributing two assists and Eric Comrie making 21 saves.

Vancouver’s Evander Kane and Drew O’Connor provided the goals, while Tolopilo stopped 25 shots for the last-place Canucks, who suffered their fourth straight defeat.

Stars 4, Kraken 1

Wyatt Johnston’s two-goal performance and Thomas Harley’s two assists powered Dallas past visiting Seattle, extending the Stars’ winning streak to seven games.

Matt Duchene and Sam Steel also tallied for Dallas, with Duchene adding an assist. Casey DeSmith earned the victory with 18 saves, improving his record against Seattle to 3-0-0 this season.

Ryker Evans scored Seattle’s lone goal, while Joey Daccord made 28 saves for the Kraken, who had won six of their previous eight games.

Golden Knights 6, Kings 4

Pavel Dorofeyev’s two goals, including the decisive score in a wild five-goal third period, led visiting Vegas to victory over Los Angeles.

Colton Sissons and Reilly Smith each recorded a goal and assist, while Tanner Laczynski provided three assists for the Golden Knights. Brandon Saad and Ivan Barbashev also scored, and goaltender Adin Hill made 15 saves while adding an assist.

Quinton Byfield scored twice for Los Angeles, with Artemi Panarin recording two assists in his Kings debut. Adrian Kempe and Brandt Clarke each had a goal and assist for the Kings, who dropped their fourth consecutive game.

Avalanche 4, Mammoth 2

Parker Kelly and Martin Necas each contributed a goal and assist as Colorado defeated Utah in Salt Lake City in a game where all six goals came in the middle period.

Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves for Colorado, which won its third game in four tries. Victor Olofsson and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche.

Dylan Guenther netted both goals for Utah, while Karel Vejmelka stopped 21 shots for the Mammoth, whose strong 11-3-1 pre-break run came to an end.

Capitals 3, Flyers 1

Logan Thompson’s 23 saves and Trevor van Riemsdyk’s late third-period goal lifted Washington over visiting Philadelphia in the Capitals’ return from the Olympic hiatus.

The victory continued Washington’s strong recent play, improving to 5-1-0 over their last six contests. Aliaksei Protas added an empty-net goal, and Rasmus Sandin scored in the second period.

Noah Cates provided Philadelphia’s only goal, while Dan Vladar made 26 saves. The loss dropped the Flyers to 1-4-2 in their past seven games.

Sabres 2, Devils 1

Tage Thompson and Peyton Krebs each recorded a goal and assist as Buffalo defeated New Jersey in Newark.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen returned from a five-game absence due to a lower-body injury to make 27 saves for Buffalo, which improved to 7-2-1 over its last 10 games.

Timo Meier scored for New Jersey, while Jake Allen stopped 28 shots for the Devils, who have lost four straight games and six of their last seven.

Portuguese soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a minority ownership position in Almeria, a Spanish second-tier football club, according to an announcement Thursday from Brunswick Group, a consulting firm representing the star athlete.

The consulting company revealed that Ronaldo secured a 25% ownership interest in the club, which operates under Saudi Arabian ownership.

The 41-year-old forward relocated to Saudi Arabia in late 2022 to join Al-Nassr.

“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth,” Ronaldo stated in the announcement.

According to Brunswick Group, the legendary player who has claimed five Ballon d’Or awards made the investment through his business entity, CR7 Sports Investments.

Saudi Arabian investors have maintained control of Almeria for more than six years. Mohamed Al-Khereiji assumed ownership and the club presidency during summer 2025 after purchasing the team from Turki Al Alsheikh.

“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” Al-Khereiji commented in the statement. “He knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.”

The investment amount was not revealed publicly.

When contacted by the Associated Press for additional information about the transaction, Almeria officials did not provide an immediate response.

The club currently holds third position in Spain’s second division standings and most recently competed in the top flight during the 2023-24 season.

Netherlands tennis player Tallon Griekspoor delivered a commanding performance Wednesday, defeating second-seeded Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan 6-3, 7-6 (4) during second-round action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Griekspoor’s serving dominated the match, as he delivered 14 aces while avoiding any double faults and capturing 35 of his 40 first-serve points for an impressive 87.5% success rate. The Dutch player also defended three break point opportunities and limited his unforced errors to just 10 while producing 30 winners. Bublik managed 29 winners but struggled with 23 unforced errors.

Additional surprises unfolded as France’s Arthur Rinderknech eliminated fourth-seeded Jack Draper of Great Britain 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, while Jenson Brooksby overcame seventh-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia 7-6 (6), 6-4. Rinderknech matched Griekspoor’s serving excellence, delivering 20 aces without a single double fault.

Top-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada secured his quarterfinal spot by defeating French qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4. Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev dispatched Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, while fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia outlasted France’s Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Czech players Jakub Mensik (sixth seed) and Jiri Lehecka (eighth seed) both progressed with straight-set victories.

At the BCI Seguros Chile Open in Santiago, upset results eliminated both the fourth and seventh seeds during second-round competition.

Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann overwhelmed fourth-seeded Camilo Ugo Carabelli of Argentina 6-4, 6-3, holding a decisive 28-12 advantage in winners. Italian qualifier Andrea Pellegrino capitalized on his opponent’s struggles, winning 7-6 (3), 6-7 (2), 6-3 against seventh-seeded Francisco Comesana of Argentina, who committed 50 unforced errors including 11 double faults.

Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas mounted a comeback victory over Croatia’s Dino Prizmic 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in a marathon match lasting 3 hours and 2 minutes. Second-seeded Luciano Darderi of Italy concluded the day’s action by edging Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

At the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, Mexico, Miomir Kecmanovic achieved the biggest victory of his professional career by stunning top-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4) in second-round play.

The 26-year-old Serbian entered the contest with an 0-11 record against top-five ranked opponents. Neither player managed a service break in the final two sets, but Kecmanovic claimed the decisive final two points of the third-set tiebreaker while Zverev was serving. Zverev previously captured the Acapulco title in 2021.

Italy’s Mattia Bellucci eliminated fourth-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain 6-3, 6-3, while fifth-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli defeated Czech Republic’s Dalibor Svrcina 6-4, 6-4. Eighth-seeded Frances Tiafoe survived two match points to edge Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7) in an all-American battle.

France’s Terence Atmane, America’s Brandon Nakashima, and Chinese qualifier Yibing Wu also secured advancement to the next round.

FC Cincinnati delivered a devastating performance Wednesday night, crushing O&M FC 9-0 at home to complete a historic 13-0 aggregate triumph in their CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round matchup.

Kenji Mboma Dem led the offensive onslaught with a pair of goals, helping the Orange and Blue secure their spot in the Round of 16 where they’ll battle Mexico’s Tigres UANL.

Cincinnati had already established dominance with a 4-0 victory in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic on February 18, setting the stage for Wednesday’s spectacular home finale.

Mboma Dem got the scoring started in the 18th minute after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Obinna Nwobodo. Finding himself alone against O&M goalkeeper Iraitz Gelbentzu, Mboma Dem buried a right-footed strike from eight yards out.

By halftime, Cincinnati had built a commanding 4-0 advantage. Gerardo Valenzuela found the net in the 27th minute, followed by an unfortunate own goal from O&M’s Gabriel Castillo, before Tom Barlow capped the first-half scoring in the 35th minute.

The second half brought more misery for the visitors as Cincinnati continued their relentless attack. Ademar Chavez scored three minutes after the break, with Mboma Dem adding his second goal in the 58th minute. Stiven Jimenez, Alvas Powell, and Stefan Chirila each contributed goals in the 68th, 78th, and 86th minutes respectively.

O&M FC’s difficult evening reached a low point when substitute Hector Ramirez was ejected with a direct red card for a dangerous tackle in the 82nd minute.

In other CONCACAF Champions Cup action, Vancouver Whitecaps secured a 2-0 aggregate victory over CS Cartagines with second-half goals from Kenji Cabrera and Sebastian Berhalter, earning them a Round of 16 clash against Seattle Sounders.

Meanwhile, LA Galaxy advanced on away goals despite a scoreless draw with Sporting San Miguelito, setting up a next-round meeting with Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant.

Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia is set to receive one of the highest honors in professional sports when the New York Yankees retire his jersey number 52 and unveil a commemorative plaque at Monument Park on September 26th.

The ceremony will make Sabathia the 24th player in Yankees history to have his number permanently retired, marking the first such honor since Paul O’Neill received the distinction in 2022. Sabathia joins four other members of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship team – Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera – in having their numbers retired by the franchise.

The 45-year-old left-handed pitcher expressed his gratitude on social media Wednesday evening, writing: “From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park — this HOF journey has come full circle. To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues.”

This recognition comes just one year after Sabathia earned induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as a first-ballot selection. Throughout his professional career, the southpaw compiled 251 victories against 161 losses with a 3.74 earned run average across stints with Cleveland, Milwaukee, and New York.

Sabathia’s Yankees career spanned 11 seasons beginning in 2009, when he immediately helped deliver the franchise’s 27th World Series championship. During that postseason run, he dominated opposing hitters with a 1.98 ERA across five appearances totaling 36 1/3 innings, earning American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player recognition.

While wearing pinstripes, the California-born pitcher earned three All-Star selections and placed third in 2010 American League Cy Young Award balloting. His Yankees statistics include a 134-88 record with a 3.81 ERA over his tenure in the Bronx.

Sabathia’s statistical achievements place him prominently in Yankees franchise records, ranking fourth all-time with 1,700 strikeouts. He also holds the 10th position on the team’s career wins list, seventh place with 306 starts, and 11th place with 1,918 innings pitched.

Following the announcement, Sabathia added another message on social media: “Thank you all for the support, it means everything!!!”

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Hockey history was made Wednesday night as Joel Quenneville achieved a milestone reached by only one other coach in NHL history, earning his 1,000th career victory when the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-5.

The 67-year-old coach now stands alongside Scotty Bowman as the only bench bosses to reach this exclusive milestone. Bowman first accomplished this feat with Detroit on February 8, 1997 — remarkably, just one month after Quenneville began his head coaching career with St. Louis.

The historic victory came in thrilling fashion during Anaheim’s first contest following the Olympic break. The Ducks overcame multiple two-goal deficits and trailed again in the final period before Cutter Gauthier netted the decisive goal with just 1:14 remaining. As time expired, Quenneville celebrated by high-fiving every player on the bench before joining his team on the ice for commemorative photographs.

This achievement marks a remarkable comeback for Quenneville, who returned to NHL coaching this season after a four-year hiatus. His absence from the league began in late 2021 when he resigned from Florida following revelations about his handling of Chicago’s sexual abuse scandal from over a decade earlier.

The NHL reinstated Quenneville in July 2024, and Anaheim hired him a year later to revitalize a franchise that hadn’t reached the playoffs in seven straight seasons. Under his guidance, the Ducks (31-23-3) have surged into Western Conference playoff contention. Throughout his career, Quenneville has guided teams to postseason appearances in 20 of his 22 completed NHL seasons.

Before transitioning to coaching, Quenneville spent 13 seasons as a reliable defenseman, known for his distinctive mustache that remains his trademark today. His coaching career has spanned parts of 26 seasons, highlighted by three Stanley Cup championships with Chicago during their dominant 2008-2017 era.

Quenneville reached this historic milestone in his 1,825th game behind the bench. Bowman concluded his coaching career in 2002 with 1,244 victories across 2,141 regular-season contests, also capturing nine Stanley Cup titles.

Following his playing retirement in 1992, Quenneville earned a Stanley Cup ring as Marc Crawford’s assistant in Colorado during 1996. He received his first head coaching opportunity with St. Louis midway through the subsequent season, leading the Blues to seven consecutive playoff berths before his dismissal.

His next opportunity came with Colorado in 2004, where he spent three seasons and guided two teams to the playoffs. After briefly serving as a Chicago scout, he replaced Denis Savard as the Blackhawks’ head coach in 2008. He then orchestrated eight straight playoff appearances and three championships, including the 2010 Stanley Cup that ended the franchise’s 59-year drought.

Chicago dismissed him in November 2018, leading to his April 2019 hiring by Florida. However, his tenure with the Panthers ended abruptly when the NHL suspended him along with former Chicago executives Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac for their “inadequate response upon being informed in 2010 of allegations that Blackhawks player Kyle Beach had been assaulted by the club’s video coach,” according to the league.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged Quenneville’s remorse regarding his inaction during the allegations that emerged amid Chicago’s championship run. Quenneville also collaborated with advocacy organizations to learn proper leadership approaches for such situations.

During his four-year absence, Quenneville remained deeply engaged with the NHL, watching games nightly from his Florida residence and maintaining relationships throughout the hockey community. These connections included Pat Verbeek, his former Hartford teammate who now serves as Anaheim’s general manager during their rebuilding process.

Verbeek dismissed Greg Cronin last spring despite the coach delivering a 21-point improvement in his second season. He then convinced owner Henry Samueli to accept the potential risks and public relations challenges of hiring Quenneville. The decision has proven successful on the ice, with the Ducks significantly improving their record while their promising young core gains valuable experience.

Two additional veteran coaches could join Bowman and Quenneville in the 1,000-win fraternity within the coming seasons.

Paul Maurice, who captured the last two Stanley Cups with Florida, has accumulated 945 career victories across five franchises. Lindy Ruff reached his 933rd career win Wednesday night as Buffalo defeated New Jersey 2-1.

Both Maurice and Ruff have coached more NHL games than Quenneville, though both maintain sub-.500 career winning percentages — a statistic that carries less significance in the modern era of overtime losses.

Forward Wyatt Johnston found the back of the net twice Wednesday evening, leading the Dallas Stars to a commanding 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken at home, pushing their winning streak to an impressive seven games.

The Stars received additional offensive contributions from Matt Duchene and Sam Steel, while Thomas Harley distributed two assists in the convincing win. Dallas has now captured eight victories in their last nine contests, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

Goaltender Casey DeSmith turned away 18 shots to maintain his perfect 3-0-0 record against Seattle this season, providing solid netminding for the Stars.

The victory allowed Dallas to complete a clean sweep of their three-game season series with the Kraken, while extending their impressive all-time dominance over Seattle to 13-1-1.

Seattle’s lone bright spot came from Ryker Evans, who managed to break through for the visitors’ only goal. The loss marked just the third defeat for the Kraken in their previous nine outings. Goalie Joey Daccord faced heavy pressure, making 28 saves in the losing effort.

Dallas controlled the opening frame, outshooting Seattle 10-3 while building a 1-0 advantage through the first 20 minutes.

The Stars struck first with just 1:19 left in the opening period when Johnston deflected a point shot from Esa Lindell past Daccord, marking his 30th goal of the campaign.

Early in the second period, Duchene doubled the lead at the 1:43 mark by redirecting Harley’s blue line attempt for his 11th tally of the season. The goal extended Duchene’s hot streak to seven consecutive games with at least one point, accumulating seven goals and three assists during that span.

The Stars delivered a devastating blow by scoring twice within a 39-second window to seize complete control.

Steel increased the margin to 3-0 at 5:35 by cleaning up a rebound from Mavrik Bourque’s initial attempt. Seattle challenged the goal for goaltender interference but was unsuccessful.

Johnston capped the scoring burst during a power play opportunity at 6:14, when Miro Heiskanen’s shot caromed off the forward and crossed the goal line for his second marker of the night.

Evans finally put Seattle on the scoreboard at 6:46 of the final period, beating DeSmith with a slapshot for his sixth goal of the season.

The Kraken suffered an early setback when defenseman Ryan Lindgren departed in the first period following a collision with Stars forward Colin Blackwell. Lindgren did not return due to an undisclosed injury.

The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a dramatic comeback Wednesday night, overcoming a 15-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 110-107 and extend their winning streak to 10 games.

Devin Vassell led San Antonio’s scoring effort with 21 points, while the visiting Spurs dominated the final 12 minutes by outscoring Toronto 32-17 in the fourth quarter.

De’Aaron Fox contributed 20 points to the Spurs’ victory, and Victor Wembanyama chipped in 12 points while swatting away five shots. Dylan Harper added 15 points to the winning effort, with Stephon Castle contributing 13 and Julian Champagnie adding 10.

For Toronto, which has now dropped two consecutive games, Brandon Ingram posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley matched Ingram’s scoring output with 20 points of his own. Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl each contributed 15 points, while RJ Barrett and Jamal Shead both finished with 12.

Toronto appeared to be in control after dominating the third period 31-21, building their advantage to 90-75 before carrying a 12-point cushion into the final quarter.

San Antonio’s fourth-quarter surge began immediately with a 7-0 run that injected new life into their comeback bid. The contest reached a deadlock at 96-96 when Fox connected on a corner three-pointer with 6:37 remaining on the clock.

The Spurs grabbed a three-point advantage when Champagnie knocked down his own corner three with 5:42 left to play. Wembanyama extended San Antonio’s lead to 106-100 with another corner three-pointer and 3:42 showing.

Poeltl answered with four consecutive points to narrow Toronto’s deficit to just two with 1:47 remaining, but Fox responded with a mid-range jumper. Quickley’s layup brought the Raptors back within two points with only 21.9 seconds left.

Harper initially missed both attempts from the free-throw line but secured his own rebound and converted one of two on his second trip with 10.7 seconds remaining.

Quickley made one of two foul shots moments later, and Wembanyama split his free throws with 8.7 seconds left. Ingram’s potential game-tying three-point attempt struck the side of the backboard as time expired.

The opening quarter ended with San Antonio holding a narrow 30-29 edge.

San Antonio jumped out with the first five points of the second quarter before Toronto countered with a 10-0 surge to take a four-point lead. The Raptors maintained a slim 59-57 advantage at the intermission.

The third quarter remained competitive early on before Toronto began to pull away. Barrett’s layup following a Poeltl rebound gave the Raptors an eight-point lead with 4:16 left in the period. Their advantage grew to 15 points as both Quickley and Shead scored 10 points each during the quarter.

Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer will continue his career with the Toronto Blue Jays after signing a new contract with the team.

According to a source with knowledge of the agreement, the accomplished left-hander has committed to a one-year deal worth $3 million with the American League champions. The source requested anonymity when speaking with reporters Thursday morning because the contract requires Scherzer to pass a physical examination and has not yet been officially announced by the organization.

The 41-year-old veteran has the opportunity to boost his earnings significantly through performance incentives that could add up to $10 million to his base salary.

During the previous season, Scherzer compiled a 5-5 record with a 5.19 earned run average across 17 starts, pitching 85 innings for Toronto in his 18th major league campaign. The pitcher had previously joined the Blue Jays organization in February 2025 on a $15.5 million one-year deal.

Scherzer brings considerable experience and accolades to the Blue Jays roster, having earned three Cy Young Awards throughout his distinguished career.

In a thrilling Big Ten showdown that went to overtime, eighth-ranked Michigan pulled off a stunning 88-86 victory over 13th-ranked Ohio State in Columbus, powered by Olivia Olson’s career-best 31-point performance and clutch game-winning shot.

Olson dominated both ends of the court with nine rebounds to complement her scoring outburst, while teammate Syla Swords contributed 22 points for the Wolverines (23-5, 14-3 Big Ten). The victory pushed Michigan past Iowa into second place in the conference standings, trailing only UCLA.

The dramatic finish began when Swords appeared to seal the win with a three-pointer in the final 10 seconds of regulation. However, Brooke Daniels committed a foul as time expired, giving Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge (22 points) the opportunity to drain three consecutive free throws and send the game into overtime.

The Buckeyes seemed to have control in the extra session, building an eight-point advantage with just 1:40 remaining. But Michigan mounted an incredible comeback, sparked by Macy Brown’s eight consecutive points, including a pair of three-pointers, to knot the score at 86-86 with 15 seconds left and set the stage for Olson’s heroics.

Ohio State concluded their effort at 23-6 overall and 12-5 in Big Ten play.

No. 11 TCU 83, Cincinnati 70

Marta Suarez erupted for a career-high 32 points while grabbing nine rebounds and recording four steals, leading the conference-leading Horned Frogs to a commanding road victory over the Bearcats.

Facing a 29-23 halftime deficit, Suarez took over the game by pouring in 15 third-quarter points and adding 11 more in the final period. TCU (26-4, 14-3) dominated the second half, outpacing Cincinnati 60-41 over the final 20 minutes. Donovyn Hunter chipped in 16 points, Olivia Miles contributed 15, and Kennedy Basham led all players with 10 rebounds.

Cincinnati (11-18, 6-11) received 27 points from Mya Perry and 20 from Caliyah DeVillasee in the losing effort.

No. 14 Maryland 79, Northwestern 57

Oluchi Okananwa poured in 25 points as the Terrapins controlled the game from start to finish, never surrendering their lead in a decisive Big Ten triumph over the Wildcats in College Park.

Maryland (23-6, 11-6) capitalized on Northwestern’s mistakes, creating 21 turnovers and converting them into 24 points. The Terrapins established their dominance in the paint, outscoring their opponents 54-38 in close-range scoring.

Northwestern (8-20, 2-15) managed just one player in double figures, with Grace Sullivan tallying 23 points. Maryland countered with balanced scoring from Okananwa, Yarden Garzon (11), Addi Mack (10), and Kyndal Walker (10).

No. 17 West Virginia 74, UCF 62

The Mountaineers broke open a close contest with an explosive 31-9 third-quarter run to defeat the Knights in Orlando.

West Virginia (23-6, 13-4) shot an impressive 13-of-17 from the floor during the decisive third period, connecting on all three of their three-point attempts to build a commanding 56-36 lead entering the final quarter.

Gia Cooke paced the Mountaineers with 19 points, while Jordan Harrison added 16. UCF (10-18, 2-15) got 21 points from Khyala Ngodu and 12 from Kristol Ayson.

Kansas 68, No. 20 Texas Tech 59

S’Mya Nichols scored 19 points by converting 15-of-17 free throw attempts, helping the Jayhawks pull off an upset victory over the Lady Raiders in Lawrence.

The contest remained deadlocked with 3:29 remaining before Kansas (18-11, 8-9) closed strong with a 12-3 run. Reserve player Laia Conesa provided the finishing touches with five straight points on a three-pointer and two free throws.

Texas Tech (24-6, 11-6) struggled at the free-throw line, being outscored 24-5 from the charity stripe. Sarengbe Sanogo led the Lady Raiders with 16 points.

The captain of America’s gold medal-winning women’s Olympic hockey team has spoken out against remarks made by President Donald Trump following the men’s team victory.

Hilary Knight expressed her displeasure with Trump’s comments after he extended an invitation to the men’s Olympic hockey team to attend the State of the Union address. During that invitation, Trump remarked, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.”

The President continued by suggesting that failing to include the women’s squad would result in his impeachment, stating, “I do believe I probably would be impeached” if he didn’t welcome the female athletes as well.

Speaking on ESPN Wednesday, Knight shared her reaction to Trump’s words: “I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and, unfortunately, that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold-medal feats.”

The veteran team leader emphasized her focus on celebrating achievements rather than dwelling on controversy: “We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room, the extraordinary efforts, and continue to celebrate three gold medals in program history, as well as the double gold for both men’s and women’s at the same time. And really not detract from that with a distasteful joke.”

Despite some male team members laughing during Trump’s remarks, Knight expressed understanding for their position and maintained respect for the men’s team.

“I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect,” she said regarding the men’s and women’s Olympic teams. “I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.”

Most members of the men’s Olympic hockey team attended Tuesday’s White House visit before proceeding to Capitol Hill for the State of the Union address. The athletes received applause from both political parties when Trump introduced them in the House chamber.

The women’s hockey team had already declined Trump’s Monday invitation, releasing a statement explaining: “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”

Knight, age 36, made Olympic history during the gold medal match against Canada by scoring her record-breaking 15th U.S. Olympic goal with 2:04 remaining in regulation, tying the game 1-1. Teammate Megan Keller sealed the victory with an overtime goal at 4:07.

This marks Knight’s second Olympic gold medal across five Olympic appearances. The Seattle Torrent forward has also captured a record 10 gold medals in IIHF World Women’s Championship competition.

A former Olympic athlete whose revolutionary training approach transformed running for millions of people worldwide has died at age 80. Jeff Galloway, who competed for Team USA in the 1972 Olympics, passed away Wednesday at a Pensacola, Florida hospital following a hemorrhagic stroke, according to his daughter-in-law Carissa Galloway.

Galloway became famous for developing and promoting the run-walk-run technique, which encouraged runners of all levels to incorporate walking breaks into their training and racing strategies. His method gained popularity among both competitive athletes and recreational runners looking to complete everything from neighborhood runs to full marathons.

The impact of his work became clear during his final weeks, as thousands of supporters shared videos online expressing gratitude for his guidance and hoping for his recovery from emergency brain surgery. His family had announced the procedure on February 20th and asked the public to share their support.

According to Jim Vance, an elite endurance sports consultant based in San Diego, Galloway broke new ground in making running accessible to everyone. “He removed the barrier to entry, which was mostly mental,” Vance explained to The Associated Press. “Running isn’t supposed to be a suffer-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable, so people can enjoy running and not dread it.”

Despite surviving heart failure in 2021, Galloway remained determined to complete additional marathons, having already finished more than 230 throughout his career. “My mission now, at the age of 80-plus, is to show that people can do things that are normally not done, and can do them safely,” he shared with The New York Times this past December.

The run-walk-run concept originated in 1974 when Galloway accepted an opportunity to lead a running class at Florida State University, just two years following his Olympic appearance in the 10,000-meter event. He hoped the teaching position might help draw customers to Phidippides, his newly opened running store.

“None had done any running for at least five years. So we started walking with a few one-minute jogs,” Galloway explained on his personal website.

“I spent some time with each group, during the runs, to adjust the frequency of walk breaks so that no one was huffing and puffing — even at the end,” he continued. “Walk breaks kept the groups together. Everyone passed the final exam: finishing either a 5K or a 10K with smiles on their faces.”

Galloway’s philosophy centered on the belief that incorporating walking segments during runs helped prevent injuries, preserved energy, and maintained runners’ confidence levels. “I’ve been using them ever since,” he noted, “continuing to fine-tune the ratios of running to walking based upon pace per mile and individual needs.”

He even proved his method’s effectiveness personally during the 1980 Houston Marathon, where he walked through each water station yet achieved a faster finishing time of 2:16:35 compared to his previous marathon attempts without walking breaks, The Times reported.

Through books, websites, and training retreats, Galloway spread his running philosophy to a wide audience. He served as the official training consultant for runDisney, the race series held at Walt Disney Company resort locations, and frequently participated in these events himself. Following news of his recent surgery, many grateful runners shared tribute videos online.

“I never thought I would be a runner. I never thought I’d run a half marathon,” said Karen Bock-Losee from Jacksonville, Florida, in one video tribute. “I’m 70 years old and I’ve run several since my 60th birthday when I discovered Galloway running. I just want to say thank you.”

Susan Williams remembered encountering Galloway during a difficult moment at a 2011 half marathon in Murray, Kentucky. “You passed me, and my butt was cramping,” she recalled. “You turned around and came back. You talked me through it. It was awesome.”

Bobby McGee, a running coach from Colorado, credited Galloway with making the sport more welcoming to everyday people. “When a group of people in any kind of run — from marathons to fun runs — get together afterwards they talk about their time,” McGee observed. “Nobody asks them if they ran the whole thing.”

Galloway leaves behind two sons and six grandchildren.

Eight officials from Cuba’s baseball delegation have been refused entry visas by the United States government ahead of their participation in the World Baseball Classic tournament, according to an announcement made Wednesday by the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation.

The visa rejections, which occurred on Tuesday, affect high-ranking members of the Cuban baseball organization, including federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and secretary general Carlos del Pino Muñoz. Also among those barred from entering the country is Pedro Luis Lazo Iglesias, who serves as the team’s pitching coach and is considered a legendary figure in Cuban baseball.

The decision comes as Cuba prepares to compete in the international baseball tournament, though the federation has not provided additional details about the reasoning behind the visa denials or potential alternatives for the affected officials.

LOS ANGELES — The Vegas Golden Knights faced a significant roster challenge Wednesday evening as they returned to NHL action against the Los Angeles Kings, playing without five key players who participated in the Olympic championship game.

The team had previously announced that center Jack Eichel and defenseman Noah Hanifin from the victorious United States squad would be unavailable. Additionally, the Golden Knights made the trip to Los Angeles without Canadian players Mark Stone, Mitch Marner (both forwards), and defenseman Shea Theodore.

“Well, it’s a challenge to the group, and it’s an opportunity for others, so we still got 20 NHL players in our lineup,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Obviously, less room for error when you’re missing some real difference-makers.”

Team USA claimed Olympic gold by defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime during Sunday’s final in Milan. The absent players represent significant offensive power for Vegas, with Eichel, Stone, and Marner serving as the team’s top three point scorers this season. On defense, Theodore and Hanifin lead all Vegas blue-liners in both playing time and scoring.

The coaching staff expects Eichel and Hanifin to rejoin the squad in Washington and suit up for Friday’s matchup against the Capitals. Cassidy remained hopeful that Stone, Marner, and Theodore would travel from Las Vegas to the East Coast and also be ready for Friday’s contest.

The Golden Knights received some positive news regarding player availability, as forwards Brandon Saad (undisclosed injury) and Colton Sissions (upper-body injury) along with defenseman Brayden McNabb (upper-body injury) were all cleared from injured reserve on Tuesday.

Currently, Vegas maintains a four-point advantage over the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division. The team faces a demanding schedule ahead, with 18 games scheduled over the next 35 days following the three-week Olympic break.

Chicago Cubs utility player Tyler Austin faces an extended absence from the baseball diamond after undergoing knee surgery, team manager Craig Counsell announced on Wednesday. The recovery timeline is expected to span several months.

The 34-year-old veteran inked a one-year deal worth a reported $1.25 million this past December, marking his return to Major League Baseball. Austin had spent the previous six seasons competing professionally in Japan with the Yokohama team, where he compiled impressive statistics including a .289 batting average, 94 home runs, and 268 runs batted in.

Austin’s previous MLB experience spans from 2016 through 2019, during which he appeared in 209 games across multiple franchises. His major league career includes stints with the New York Yankees from 2016-2018, followed by time with the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers through 2019. During that period, he maintained a .219 batting average while contributing 33 home runs and 91 RBIs.

The injured player was expected to serve as a backup option behind first baseman Michael Busch while also providing additional depth in the outfield during spring training competition.

MILWAUKEE — Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was forced to miss Wednesday evening’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks after suffering a broken right thumb.

The injury occurred during Tuesday evening’s 109-94 home win over New York. Medical imaging conducted on Wednesday revealed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx in his right thumb.

The veteran guard will continue receiving medical treatment while doctors monitor his condition. The 17-year NBA professional joined Cleveland through a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers on February 4th. During his brief stint with the Cavaliers spanning seven games, Harden has contributed 18.9 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds and eight assists.

The Cavaliers faced additional roster challenges with two other key players unavailable. Donovan Mitchell remained sidelined due to a right groin strain, while Evan Mobley was held out for left calf injury management purposes.

The New York Yankees revealed Wednesday evening that Hall of Fame pitcher CC Sabathia will see his jersey number 52 permanently retired during a ceremony on September 26th, taking place before the team’s matchup with the Baltimore Orioles.

The ceremony will also include the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring Sabathia at Monument Park, located beyond Yankee Stadium’s center field wall.

This distinction makes Sabathia the 24th individual to have his uniform number permanently retired by the Yankees organization. The last player to receive this recognition was Paul O’Neill, whose number 21 was retired in 2022. While 23 different numbers have been retired overall, number 8 holds special significance as it honors both Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey.

Sabathia will stand alongside his former Yankees teammates Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte, who also have monuments in the prestigious Monument Park area.

The left-handed pitcher earned six All-Star selections throughout his career and captured the American League Cy Young Award in 2007 while playing for Cleveland. His first year in pinstripes proved memorable, as he helped lead the Yankees to a World Series championship in 2009 after joining the team as a free agent.

During his impressive 19-year major league career spanning time with Cleveland (2001-08), Milwaukee (2008), and the Yankees (2009-19), Sabathia compiled a 251-161 record with a 3.74 earned run average and struck out 3,093 batters. His strikeout total ranks third all-time among left-handed pitchers, trailing only Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. In his 11 seasons wearing Yankees pinstripes, he posted a 134-88 record with a 3.81 ERA and recorded 1,700 strikeouts.

Baseball writers elected Sabathia to the Hall of Fame on his first opportunity in 2025, cementing his legacy among the sport’s greatest players.

The complete list of Yankees players with retired numbers includes: Billy Martin (1), Derek Jeter (2), Babe Ruth (3), Lou Gehrig (4), Joe DiMaggio (5), Joe Torre (6), Mickey Mantle (7), Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey (8), Roger Maris (9), Phil Rizzuto (10), Thurman Munson (15), Whitey Ford (16), Jorge Posada (20), Paul O’Neill (21), Don Mattingly (23), Elston Howard (32), Casey Stengel (37), Mariano Rivera (42), Reggie Jackson (44), Andy Pettitte (46), Ron Guidry (49), and Bernie Williams (51).

Additionally, Jackie Robinson’s number 42 was permanently retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997.

Austin Riley delivered a decisive two-run blast that propelled the Atlanta Braves to a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday at North Port, Florida, in spring training action.

The Pirates’ Paul Skenes, fresh off winning the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, made his spring debut but struggled with control issues. The ace right-hander gave up one run on a single hit while issuing four walks and recording four strikeouts across 2 1/3 innings, facing a dozen hitters. Skenes also saw four of his strike calls overturned when Atlanta successfully challenged using the automated ball-strike system.

Pittsburgh managed just six hits and received minimal offensive production beyond Ryan O’Hearn’s RBI single in the opening frame. Meanwhile, Atlanta collected five hits total, with Jurickson Profar contributing an RBI double and Riley launching his 419-foot homer to center field, both coming in the third inning.

The Braves’ pitching staff dominated with 13 total strikeouts, led by starter Bryce Elder who fanned three batters during his two-inning outing.

Orioles 4, Rays 3

Vance Honeycutt’s 410-foot solo blast in the seventh inning capped Baltimore’s comeback from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Tampa Bay in Sarasota, Florida.

The Rays had seized control in the fourth when Jonny DeLuca connected on a three-run homer to center following Nick Fortes’ leadoff walk and Ryan Vilade reaching base on a fielding mistake by third baseman Weston Wilson.

After Tyler O’Neill’s RBI double gave Baltimore the early advantage, the Orioles tied things up in the fifth on a fielder’s choice that turned chaotic when second baseman Cooper Kinney’s throwing error allowed two runs to score. Honeycutt then delivered the game-winner off right-hander Derrick Edington.

Blue Jays 4, Tigers (ss) 4

Toronto rallied in the ninth inning with help from two Detroit errors surrounding a single to deadlock with the Tigers’ split squad in Lakeland, Florida.

The Blue Jays’ ninth-inning surge began when Riley Tirotta reached base on first baseman Josue Briceno’s fielding miscue and advanced to third on Jimenez’s single before being thrown out at second. Arjun Nimmala then grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored Tirotta and put Nimmala at second when shortstop John Peck made a throwing error.

Leadoff man Ernie Clement starred for Toronto with a perfect 3-for-3 performance that included two RBIs, a double and a triple. Eloy Jimenez contributed two hits including a double, while Thayron Liranzo powered a three-run homer for Detroit in the sixth.

Red Sox 5, Twins 3

Boston exploded for four runs in the third inning to build a 5-0 advantage and withstood Minnesota’s late charge in Fort Myers, Florida.

Both clubs recorded eight hits, with the Red Sox getting doubles from Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell. Jarren Duran was Boston’s only multi-hit performer. The Red Sox deployed nine pitchers who combined for eight strikeouts and four walks.

Luke Keaschall put Minnesota on the board with a two-run double in the fifth, and Tanner Schobel added an RBI single in the eighth. Nine Twins pitchers allowed six walks while striking out five.

Phillies 5, Tigers (ss) 3

Otto Kemp went deep and Philadelphia controlled the game from start to finish against Detroit’s split squad in Clearwater, Florida.

Alec Bohm paced the Phillies offense with a 2-for-3 showing that featured RBI singles in both the third and fifth innings. Kemp launched his first spring training homer, a 419-foot solo shot in the fourth, while Bryce Harper recorded his first RBI of the spring on a double.

Detroit got on the scoreboard when Javier Baez singled home a run in the fourth, and Brett Callahan added a ninth-inning homer that traveled 405 feet.

Astros 4, Marlins 1

Taylor Trammell and Anthony Huezo homered as Houston relied entirely on extra-base hits for its scoring in defeating Miami at Jupiter, Florida.

Walker Janek’s two-run double in the fourth inning gave the Astros a 2-1 lead over the Marlins. Trammell followed with a 353-foot solo homer in the fifth, and Huezo added a 364-foot blast to left center in the eighth. Houston starter Hunter Brown was stellar, allowing just one hit while striking out two over two shutout innings.

Miami managed only five hits, including Jakob Marsee’s leadoff double to start the bottom of the first. However, he was picked off and the next two batters lined out to waste the opportunity.

Cardinals 6, Mets 0

Nolan Gorman’s three-run homer provided more than enough offense as St. Louis pitchers blanked New York in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Starter Richard Fitts earned the victory by allowing two hits with one strikeout over two innings, as seven Cardinals pitchers combined on the eight-hit shutout. They walked just one batter while fanning six.

Mets starter Jonah Tong surrendered three runs on three hits and one walk with two strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings. Right fielder Carson Benge, among New York’s top prospects, batted leadoff and went 3-for-3 while his teammates managed five hits.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper is stepping away from his coaching duties for two games following the passing of his father, Robert Cooper.

The Lightning organization announced that assistant coach Rob Zettler has taken over as interim head coach, leading the team during Wednesday evening’s matchup against Toronto at home and will continue in that role for Thursday’s road game in Carolina.

Cooper, who guided Tampa Bay to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, recently returned from coaching duties with Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where his squad earned silver medals after falling 2-1 in overtime to Team USA in the championship match.

Speaking before Wednesday’s contest against the Maple Leafs, Zettler expressed support for his colleague during this difficult time. “Thoughts and prayers, as always, to Coop and his family,” Zettler stated. “That was the No. 1 thing, that he takes care of business back home. He left this morning to go back to Vancouver. What I am in confident in is our guys. They’ve been excellent in so many ways this year, including in times like this where he’s Coop’s missing or something happens to one of the guys.”

The National Hockey League resumed play Wednesday following its Olympic break. Tampa Bay currently sits atop the Atlantic Division with a comfortable six-point advantage, and their 78 points match Carolina’s total for the Eastern Conference lead.

The Lightning demonstrated exceptional form heading into the Olympic pause, posting an impressive 19-1-1 record across their final 21 contests.

On Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans made the decision to part ways with two key players from their roster, cutting center Lloyd Cushenberry and safety Xavier Woods.

During his time with Tennessee, Cushenberry took the field as a starter in 15 contests during what marked his second campaign with the franchise. Meanwhile, Woods appeared in 11 games for the team, earning starting duties in 10 of those matchups during his inaugural season wearing a Titans uniform.

The 28-year-old Cushenberry became a member of the Titans organization in 2024 following a four-year tenure with the Denver Broncos to begin his professional career. Throughout his NFL journey, he has taken the field in 80 contests, earning a starting role in every single game. When healthy and available during the 2025 season, he participated in 99% of Tennessee’s offensive plays.

The 30-year-old Woods contributed 39 tackles while also recording two interceptions and one sack during his time with the Titans. Prior to joining Tennessee on a two-year deal last offseason, the veteran safety had played for multiple franchises, including four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2017 through 2020, one year with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, and three seasons with the Carolina Panthers spanning 2022 to 2024.

A defense lawyer representing the man accused of fatally striking NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew is seeking to have certain charges dismissed, claiming his client was not legally intoxicated at the time of the crash.

During a Tuesday hearing in Salem County Superior Court, defense attorney Richard F. Klineburger told Judge Michael Silvanio that blood alcohol testing procedures were flawed because they analyzed Sean Higgins’ plasma rather than his blood directly, leading to an artificially elevated BAC reading. According to the defense team’s expert analysis, Higgins’ actual blood alcohol content measured 0.075 percent – falling short of the legal driving threshold.

Prosecutors maintain the defendant’s BAC registered 0.087 percent, exceeding the legal limit.

Higgins faces charges in connection with the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau, age 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, age 29, who were struck while cycling near their family’s New Jersey residence in August 2024. The brothers had returned home to attend their sister’s wedding celebration.

The tragedy has gained renewed attention as Johnny Gaudreau was recently in the spotlight during the U.S. hockey team’s Olympic gold medal victory. The Columbus Blue Jackets player would likely have earned a spot on the national squad.

Throughout the Olympic tournament, Team USA honored the memory of both Gaudreau brothers and invited Johnny’s children to join their celebratory team photograph on the ice.

Klineburger stated that what he considers faulty blood testing procedures “impacted the grand jury” during their decision to indict Higgins. The charges include first-degree aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide, fleeing the scene of a fatal collision, and evidence tampering.

Should Higgins receive convictions on all charges, he faces a potential sentence of up to 70 years behind bars.

According to ESPN reports on Wednesday, the Denver Broncos have stayed within Colorado borders to fill a key coaching vacancy, bringing aboard University of Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston for their defensive passing game coordinator and lead defensive backs coach positions.

The 40-year-old Livingston steps into the role previously held by Jim Leonhard, who departed Denver earlier this month to take over as the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator.

This marks Livingston’s comeback to professional football following a two-year stint with the Buffaloes. His NFL background includes nine years with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2015 through 2023, where he primarily served as the secondary coach for eight seasons. His Bengals tenure began in 2014 as a scout before moving to special teams assistant duties in 2015, working alongside current Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was coaching Cincinnati’s defensive backs at the time.

Under Livingston’s guidance in 2024, Colorado’s defense showed remarkable transformation during his inaugural season working with head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes made a stunning leap from 121st place in scoring defense during 2023 to 43rd nationally in 2024, surrendering just 23.1 points and 351.9 yards per contest while posting a 9-4 record with a 7-2 Big 12 Conference mark.

The previous season told a different story, as Colorado struggled to a 3-9 overall record and 1-8 conference performance after losing key players including Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, safety Shilo Sanders, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and other core starters to the NFL. During that campaign, the Buffaloes allowed 30.5 points per game, ranking 111th nationally, while giving up 425.7 yards per contest, placing them 121st in the country.

ESPN’s reporting indicates that Colorado linebackers coach Chris Marve will step up to fill Livingston’s former role as the university’s defensive coordinator.

Several established NFL quarterbacks may be switching uniforms this offseason, as teams face a challenging market with limited options at the position.

Kirk Cousins is expected to become a free agent within two weeks when Atlanta releases him. Meanwhile, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Arizona’s Kyler Murray could also be on the move as their respective franchises evaluate their futures.

The quarterback position has always been crucial in professional football, but teams are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve long-term stability at the spot. Even after investing heavily in a franchise signal-caller, organizations often reconsider their commitment due to financial constraints, injury concerns, or underwhelming performance.

Teams looking to make changes this offseason face challenging circumstances. Beyond Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who captured both the national championship and Heisman Trophy and is projected as Las Vegas’s top draft selection, the incoming rookie class lacks depth.

The free agent market offers limited bargain alternatives. Green Bay’s backup Malik Willis will draw interest despite having just six career starts under his belt. However, teams willing to invest significantly in salary cap space or trade assets should find some worthwhile options.

Minnesota exemplifies the quarterback uncertainty plaguing many franchises, entering this period with questions following J.J. McCarthy’s inconsistent and injury-plagued first season.

Despite coach Kevin O’Connell’s continued support for McCarthy’s abilities and character, the organization plans to add a veteran for both depth and competition heading into 2026.

“We’re going to explore every opportunity, and I don’t think there’s anything specifically we’re looking for,” explained executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski, who serves as interim general manager after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s departure. “We can’t manufacture anything that’s not there. What are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable? There are a lot of things that go into it.”

Cousins represents the most reliable choice when Atlanta releases him next month, allowing the Falcons to fully commit to 2024 first-round selection Michael Penix Jr., who lost his starting role due to a knee injury. The 38-year-old quarterback’s history with O’Connell and positive relationship with Minnesota could facilitate a return, potentially serving as a transitional starter while McCarthy continues developing.

Tagovailoa’s status in Miami remains uncertain under new leadership, despite signing an extension less than two years ago. His approximately $56 million salary cap impact, combined with fresh faces in management and coaching, puts his future in question. After six seasons marked by injuries and inconsistency, including a career-high 15 interceptions in 2025, the 27-year-old former fifth-overall pick from 2020 could attract interest from other clubs.

“Everything’s on the table, including the potential of a trade,” stated general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. “We don’t know which way that’s going to go. There’s a lot of different factors in play, a lot of conversations being had.”

Murray’s situation in Arizona appears equally uncertain after a foot injury limited him to five games during the Cardinals’ disappointing 3-14 campaign. The former top overall pick from 2019 carries a roughly $52 million cap hit for a franchise also implementing new coaching leadership. General manager Monti Ossenfort echoed familiar language at this week’s NFL combine: “All options are on the table.”

Throughout his career, Murray has never achieved more than nine victories in a single season and has yet to win a playoff game.

“When you had the kind of year that we had, there’s a lot of room for improvement,” Ossenfort acknowledged. “We’ve got to find a way to do that.”

Daniel Jones appeared poised for success with Indianapolis after signing a prove-it deal last season, mirroring Sam Darnold’s breakout performance with Seattle. However, a December Achilles injury derailed those plans and reduced league-wide interest. General manager Chris Ballard has expressed interest in re-signing the former sixth-overall pick from 2019, who continues rehabilitating from the injury.

At 42, Aaron Rodgers seems unlikely to change teams again, as reuniting with coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh offers an appealing alternative to retirement.

While Lamar Jackson and Baltimore have experienced some challenges recently, the two-time MVP appears headed toward a new contract. His involvement in the coaching search suggests the Ravens aren’t considering a trade. “I have spoken to Lamar about a lot of different things over the last month,” said general manager Eric DeCosta. “He’s been very engaged.”

Any speculation about Houston’s commitment to C.J. Stroud following three consecutive divisional playoff losses was quickly dismissed by general manager Nick Caserio during combine interviews.

“He’s our quarterback,” Caserio declared about the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. “He isn’t going anywhere. We have a lot of confidence, a lot of belief.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden sustained a right thumb injury during Tuesday night’s victory over the New York Knicks, leaving his status uncertain for Wednesday’s matchup.

The Cavaliers are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Wednesday evening.

Team officials announced that X-rays conducted on Wednesday revealed a “non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx” in Harden’s thumb.

Medical experts note that this particular bone is situated at the tip of the finger.

Cleveland’s medical staff indicated that the 36-year-old veteran will receive ongoing treatment while his condition is monitored.

The former league MVP from 2017-18 and six-time All-NBA first-team honoree is now playing for his sixth franchise. Cleveland obtained Harden on February 4th through a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sending guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round selection in return.

Since joining Cleveland, the Cavaliers have posted a 6-1 record with Harden on the court. During his time with the team, he’s contributed 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per contest.

This season across 51 games, Harden has posted averages of 24.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.

Throughout his 17-year career spanning 1,202 games with 988 starts, the veteran guard maintains career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.

Selected third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, Harden’s professional journey has included stops with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and now the Cavaliers.

Should Harden be unable to suit up Wednesday evening, Cleveland would be missing both starting backcourt players, as Donovan Mitchell has already been ruled out due to a right groin injury.

INDIANAPOLIS — Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is pushing the NFL to boost personnel at its replay review headquarters, arguing that all games deserve equal treatment when it comes to official reviews.

Speaking at the NFL scouting combine on Wednesday, Vrabel responded to recent statements from league executive Troy Vincent, who acknowledged that several replay review errors occurred last season during early Sunday afternoon games when up to nine contests run simultaneously.

“We need to make sure every game is treated the same — from the prime-time game on Sunday night to the prime-time game on Monday or Thursday or whether it’s one of those one o’clock games that is the lifeblood of our league,” Vrabel stated. As a competition committee member, he emphasized the importance of addressing staffing concerns during the offseason.

“So if it’s something we need to take care of in the offseason, staffing issues that need to be taken care of so that those things are looked at, we need to be really good at replay because there’s going to be mistakes on the field,” Vrabel continued. “We have to get to a system in replay that’s as close to 100% accurate as possible.”

Vincent revealed earlier this week that among 171 plays reviewed through replay or replay assist, only a small number were mishandled. Most of these errors occurred during the 1 p.m. Eastern time slot when multiple games compete for attention.

“There were five after we kind of took a step back and breathed — four of them (were) in the 1 o’clock window,” Vincent explained. “Just volume and you go, ‘Ah, if we had to do that one again, just looking at it.’”

One significant error impacted playoff positioning during a Week 14 matchup. Vincent highlighted a replay decision that reversed an on-field interception call against Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers. This ruling cost Baltimore 46 yards of field position, and the Ravens ultimately fell 27-22 after a potential winning touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Isaiah Likely was deemed incomplete upon review.

While that particular call wasn’t among the five mistakes Vincent mentioned, he noted it sparked additional debate about catch definitions. A Baltimore victory in that contest would have secured the AFC North championship for the Ravens instead of the Steelers.

However, adding replay center staff during busy game windows wouldn’t address all disparities compared to marquee matchups, which benefit from significantly more broadcast cameras.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, a former broadcaster and new competition committee member, believes this camera issue also requires attention.

“I do think that’s something we want to strive for as a league,” Lynch said. “I think there’s some uniformity you can get by requiring teams to have fixed cameras and things. I know all those things are being discussed, but that is a reality that the one o’clock games, there’s multiple games going on at the same time. So, the New York headquarters, they’re not going to have all their attention on that game. And then within that, the element that I talked about just not having the amount of cameras and angles. That’s a reality and something that we have to figure out because every game is important in our league, not just the prime-time games.”

SÃO PAULO — A historic soccer jacket once worn by legendary player Pelé during the 1966 World Cup has gained renewed attention after Puerto Rican pop sensation Bad Bunny borrowed it for his debut concerts in Brazil.

The reggaeton star donned the iconic piece during his São Paulo performances, marking his first shows ever held on Brazilian territory. Bad Bunny’s homage to the soccer icon, who passed away in 2022 at 82 years old, extended beyond just wearing the jacket — he also modified lyrics in his song MONACO, replacing “Messi and Maradona” with “scoring a goal after Pelé and Maradona.”

The valuable garment belongs to Cássio Brandão, who runs Alambrado Futebol e Cultura, a specialty shop focused on historic soccer collectibles and uniforms. His collection spans more than 7,000 pieces, with 115 items specifically connected to Pelé. Brandão played a role in selecting the jacket for Bad Bunny’s tribute.

“He took very good care of the piece. It came back only with sweat, wet with sweat, but it was perfect, in the same condition. They were very careful. It returned in the same suitcase,” Brandão said.

The tribute resonated beyond the concert venue, with Pelé’s official Instagram account expressing gratitude to the artist. The post noted that when someone of Bad Bunny’s stature honors “the King on Brazilian soil, it means the crown is still shining.”

Brandão believes the crossover moment will introduce Pelé’s legacy to a new generation of fans worldwide.

“I think that today, when I see Bad Bunny doing this, it warms my heart to imagine that many kids across Brazil and around the world are going on YouTube trying to learn more about Pelé, watching his goals and better understanding the magnitude and greatness of this figure, who is the greatest football player in history and, to me, the greatest Brazilian who has ever lived,” Brandão said.

LOS ANGELES — In a shocking turn of events Tuesday night, Dallas superstar Luka Doncic found himself with the basketball and an opportunity to secure victory for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the league’s top scorer chose to pass instead.

The decision caught everyone off guard, including LeBron James, who received Doncic’s unexpected pass during the closing seconds of Los Angeles’ 110-109 defeat to the Orlando Magic.

“I thought he had a great look, but that’s my POV,” James said.

The closing sequence unfolded exactly as head coach JJ Redick had designed: James delivered the inbound pass with 6.7 seconds remaining, while Doncic emerged from behind a screen completely unguarded approximately one step beyond the three-point arc.

Despite typically being willing to attempt shots from nearly 30 feet when given such space, Doncic uncharacteristically wavered before pump-faking twice against approaching defenders and ultimately delivering a bounce pass back to a startled James.

“I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far,” Doncic said. “Tried to take one dribble to get a little closer. Probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball, just tried to attack.”

James hurriedly attempted a contested three-pointer that missed badly, sealing a 110-109 defeat that concluded a mediocre 4-4 homestand where the team appeared far from championship caliber.

Los Angeles understands their championship aspirations depend on Doncic and James delivering in crucial moments, yet both stars faltered in the clutch after the team surrendered a 12-point second-half advantage. This marked the Lakers’ first loss this season after holding a lead entering the fourth quarter.

Doncic’s reluctance to shoot surprised observers, particularly his claim that standing just behind the three-point line was too distant for someone who routinely attempts shots from that range.

He later acknowledged that his struggles from beyond the arc might have influenced his decision-making. When questioned whether his 2-for-10 three-point shooting performance against Orlando affected his surprising choice, he responded: “Maybe a little bit.”

James recognized he had minimal time to react when the ball returned to him, but couldn’t manage a quality attempt while facing perimeter pressure from 6-foot-10 defender Jonathan Isaac.

“Obviously you’ll have to ask Luka what he saw on that,” James said. “I thought he had a good look, and it looked like he kind of just lost his balance. Didn’t have the rhythm of the ball, whatever the case may be, and it kind of allowed them to get back in front of him. I was kind of off balance when he gave it to me.”

The duo had collaborated successfully on the preceding play, with Doncic’s baseline inbound finding James for a go-ahead dunk with 26 seconds left. Orlando regained the lead when Wendell Carter Jr. converted a putback layup, leaving Los Angeles with the final possession.

Doncic finished 8-of-24 from the field, with his 22 points representing his lowest output in over three months for a game he completed without early departure due to injury. A final-second heroic shot could have overshadowed his struggles, but the opportunity slipped away.

“I didn’t want to lose the ball, and we didn’t have timeouts,” Doncic said. “But like I said, shouldn’t have picked up the ball. I should attack. That’s on me.”

Coach Redick indicated he hadn’t yet discussed the final possession with Doncic, planning to address it during Wednesday’s flight to Phoenix, where the Lakers will meet a Suns squad closely trailing them for sixth place in the Western Conference standings.

“We obviously ran a play for him to get a look,” Redick said. “I felt like he had a decent shot.”

PEORIA, Ariz. — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has already launched his first spring training home run, but the switch-hitting slugger says he’s not specifically chasing another 60-home run campaign after his record-breaking 2024 season.

The 29-year-old backstop, who topped Major League Baseball with 60 long balls last year, smacked a 427-foot blast against the Chicago White Sox during Tuesday’s exhibition matchup. The homer marked his first of the spring in just his third game.

“I think the elephant in the room is 60 home runs. That’s not something I’m setting out to do,” Raleigh explained to Seattle Sports this week. “To me, I’m just trying to be as consistent as possible, trying to do what I did last year.”

Raleigh’s 60 home runs in 2024 established a new benchmark for players who spent most of their time catching, as he started 119 games behind the plate while adding 38 more as a designated hitter. The player known as “Big Dumper” also posted career-best numbers with 125 RBIs and earned runner-up honors in American League MVP balloting, finishing behind three-time winner Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.

Both Judge and Raleigh will represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, with pool play starting next week. Judge previously established the American League record by belting 62 homers during the 2022 campaign.

The two sluggers join an exclusive group of just seven players who have reached the 60-home run milestone. Only Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa have accomplished the feat in back-to-back seasons, doing so in 1998 and 1999. McGwire and Sosa remain the lone players with multiple 60-homer seasons, with Sosa adding a third such campaign in 2001.

Former University of Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett has accepted a position with the Los Angeles Lakers as a consultant for NBA draft operations, the team announced Wednesday.

Bennett, who stepped away from his coaching career in October 2024, earned recognition as NCAA national Coach of the Year on three occasions during his tenure.

During his time leading the Cavaliers, Bennett secured a national title in the 2018-19 season and collected four Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year awards.

“We’re thrilled and honored to welcome Tony as an advisor to the Lakers basketball operations department,” Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said. “As we refine and build out our NBA draft and scouting processes, we could think of no better basketball mind than Tony Bennett to have as a resource. Tony’s track record of forming culture, with high-character, high-skill and high-IQ players is revered and respected across all basketball circles. Tony will be an incredible asset to our basketball leadership, to our scouts and to our draft department as a whole. We are truly excited.”

The 56-year-old coach posted an impressive 364-136 record while at Virginia between 2009 and 2024. Prior to his success with the Cavaliers, Bennett coached at Washington State from 2006 to 2009, where he went 69-33.

“When Rob and I began talking, what stood out to me was the chance to help out such a storied organization,” Bennett said. “The Lakers carry a tradition that speaks for itself, so to be connected to it and assist Rob and the Lakers in any way I can is exciting.”

Throughout his coaching career, Bennett developed 13 players who eventually entered the NBA draft, including former NBA Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, two-time NBA three-point shooting percentage champion Joe Harris, and active players De’Andre Hunter with the Kings, Ty Jerome on the Grizzlies, Ryan Dunn playing for the Suns, and Trey Murphy III with the Pelicans.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas will temporarily step away from the team to address a personal situation, the organization announced Wednesday.

Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong revealed the news and indicated that Thomas should rejoin the squad by Friday.

The temporary absence means Thomas will miss Thursday evening’s matchup when St. Louis hosts the Seattle Kraken in their first game following the Olympic break. The Blues currently hold a 20-28-9 record this season.

At 26 years old, Thomas has been a key offensive contributor for St. Louis, tallying 33 points through 42 games this year with 11 goals and 22 assists, making him the team’s second-highest scorer.

Since St. Louis selected him 20th overall in the opening round of the 2017 NHL Draft, the Canadian-born player has accumulated 429 points across 508 games in a Blues uniform, including 118 goals and 311 assists. Thomas earned All-Star recognition during the 2023-24 campaign.

Chicago Bears management has given veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds clearance to explore potential trades this offseason, according to Wednesday reporting from the Chicago Tribune.

The accomplished defender, who has earned Pro Bowl honors twice, is scheduled to receive $15 million in salary and bonuses for the 2026 season, creating a salary cap impact of $17.43 million for the team.

Despite being sidelined for four contests due to a groin injury, the 27-year-old Edmunds topped Chicago’s defensive statistics with 112 tackles across 13 games during the previous season. His defensive contributions also included four interceptions and one fumble recovery. Edmunds will celebrate his 28th birthday in May.

Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Edmunds has consistently reached the 100-tackle milestone each season. His professional statistics include 900 total tackles, 8.5 quarterback sacks, and 14 interceptions across 119 games, all as a starter, during his time with both Buffalo (2018-2022) and Chicago. The Bills selected him as the 16th overall draft choice in 2018, and he earned Pro Bowl recognition in both 2019 and 2020.

Vancouver Whitecaps have locked in two crucial players for the long term, announcing new contract extensions for defender Tristan Blackmon and midfielder Andres Cubas.

Blackmon, who captured the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year award, has committed to stay with the club through the 2029-30 campaign.

Meanwhile, Cubas has agreed to terms that will keep him in Vancouver through 2027-28, with the midfielder no longer taking up a designated player roster spot.

The 29-year-old Blackmon enjoyed a standout campaign last season, earning both All-Star recognition and a spot on the Best XI team as Vancouver made impressive runs to both the MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup championship matches.

Throughout his MLS career spanning time with Los Angeles FC from 2018-2021 and now Vancouver, Blackmon has contributed seven goals and seven assists across 173 league appearances.

“Since the day he arrived, Tristan has consistently pushed himself and grown into one of the league’s top defenders,” sporting director Axel Schuster said. “He has delivered countless memorable moments for our club, and we are excited to extend his contract and continue building together here in Vancouver.”

Cubas, also 29 years old, has tallied one goal and three assists over 97 MLS appearances since arriving at the Whitecaps in 2022.

“Andres embodies everything we value in our group,” Schuster said. “He is driven, relentless in his work ethic, and a true leader in our locker room, setting the standard for our younger players. On the pitch, he has been integral to our success and ranks among the very best in the league at his position.”

Both players bring international experience to the club, with Cubas earning 32 appearances for Paraguay’s national team and Blackmon having represented the United States Men’s National Team twice.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby faces at least a month on the sidelines after sustaining a lower-body injury while representing Canada at the Winter Olympics, the team announced Wednesday.

The injury occurred during last Wednesday’s quarter-final match in Milan when the 38-year-old captain collided with Czech defender Radko Gudas. Crosby was forced to leave the game during the second period and did not return to action.

The veteran forward, who delivered Canada’s overtime victory in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and later led his nation to back-to-back gold medals in Sochi, was unable to participate in Canada’s semi-final victory against Finland. He also sat out the championship game, which Canada lost in overtime to the United States, though he appeared on ice in uniform for the medal ceremony.

This marked the first Winter Olympics to include NHL talent since 2014. Various obstacles had previously prevented league participation, including financial concerns over insurance and travel expenses, worries about schedule conflicts, injury risks to star players, and pandemic-related complications.

Selected first overall by Pittsburgh in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby has captured three Stanley Cup titles with the Penguins. His individual honors include two Conn Smythe Trophies for playoff excellence and two Hart Memorial Trophies as the league’s most valuable player.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins face a significant challenge in their quest for the playoffs as they’ll be without their star player Sidney Crosby.

On Wednesday, the team announced they’ve added their veteran captain to the injured reserve list. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury while competing for Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games.

The veteran forward was injured during the second period of Canada’s quarterfinal victory against Czechia. While Canadian officials initially hoped their captain could return to action, Crosby remained sidelined for both the semifinal victory over Sweden and the championship game defeat to the United States.

While Crosby must sit out a minimum of one week, team officials expect his absence will likely extend well beyond that timeframe.

The timing couldn’t be more challenging for Pittsburgh, as the team currently sits in second place within the Metropolitan Division. The Penguins are working toward their first playoff appearance since the 2022 season.

This season, Crosby has delivered his trademark excellence on the ice. He tops Pittsburgh’s roster with 27 goals, 32 assists, and 59 total points, maintaining his remarkable streak of averaging at least one point per game — a record that now spans 21 consecutive seasons.

The injury creates additional pressure as Pittsburgh faces a demanding schedule following the Olympic break. The team returns to action Thursday night at home against New Jersey, beginning a grueling stretch of 13 games over just 24 days.

St. Louis City SC has locked up midfielder Chris Durkin with a new deal that will keep him with the Major League Soccer club through June 2028, the team revealed on Wednesday. The contract also includes a club option for the 2028-29 campaign.

The 26-year-old midfielder has contributed one goal and six assists across 55 matches for St. Louis City following his acquisition in a trade from D.C. United prior to the start of the 2024 season.

“We are extremely happy to keep a team-first player like Chris at the club for years to come,” St. Louis City sporting director Corey Wray said. “He’s a reliable presence in midfield and brings a strong work ethic, professionalism, and leadership that are invaluable to our group. While we always want to bring in talented players, it means a lot to us to have players who are here and want to continue with our club.”

Throughout his MLS career, Durkin has tallied six goals and 13 assists over 143 regular-season appearances, making 112 starts between his time with D.C. United from 2017-23 and his current stint with St. Louis City.

Themus Fulks delivered a stellar performance with 24 points and 11 assists, powering UCF to a commanding 97-84 upset victory over 19th-ranked BYU on Tuesday night in Provo, Utah.

Jordan Burks matched Fulks with 24 points of his own, while Jamichael Stillwell recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. George Beale Jr. contributed 10 points for the Knights (20-7, 9-6 Big 12), who extended their winning streak to three games.

The Knights dominated from start to finish, maintaining the lead throughout the contest and building their advantage to as many as 36 points. UCF’s offensive efficiency was remarkable, connecting on 56.3% of their field goal attempts and an impressive 58.3% from beyond the arc, making 14 of 24 three-point shots.

AJ Dybantsa paced BYU (20-8, 8-7) with 29 points and eight rebounds. Robert Wright III contributed 20 points and seven assists, while Aleksej Kostic added 14 points for the Cougars, who have now dropped six of their last nine contests.

In other Top 25 action, top-ranked Duke demolished Notre Dame 100-56 behind Cameron Boozer’s 24 points and 13 rebounds. The victory marked Boozer’s 16th double-double of the season as the Blue Devils (26-2, 14-1 ACC) cruised past the Fighting Irish in South bend.

Second-ranked Arizona overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Baylor 87-80 in Waco, Texas. Jaden Bradley led the Wildcats with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Brayden Burries added 24 points in the comeback victory.

Third-ranked Michigan secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season title with a 77-67 win over Minnesota. The Wolverines (26-2, 16-1 Big Ten) claimed their first share of a conference regular-season championship since 2021, with Elliot Cadeau scoring 15 points on efficient 6-of-10 shooting.

Fourth-ranked Iowa State cruised past Utah 75-59, with Joshua Jefferson posting 21 points and six rebounds. Milan Momcilovic made history by connecting on four three-pointers, bringing his season total to 104 and surpassing Dedric Willoughby’s single-season school record of 102 set in 1996-97.

Eleventh-ranked Virginia completed a season sweep of NC State with a dominant 90-61 victory. Thijs De Ridder led the Cavaliers with 19 points as they extended their winning streak to nine games and remained one game behind Duke in the ACC standings.

In upset action, Missouri strengthened their NCAA Tournament resume by knocking off 22nd-ranked Tennessee 73-69. T.O. Barrett recorded a career-high 28 points for the Tigers, while Mark Mitchell added 23 points in the victory.

Dayton pulled off another upset, defeating 23rd-ranked Saint Louis 77-62 at home. Amael L’Etang posted career highs with 26 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Flyers to their fourth consecutive win.

Paolo Banchero delivered a dominant performance with 36 points and 10 rebounds, while Desmond Bane contributed 22 points to help the Orlando Magic complete a highly successful West Coast road swing with a narrow 110-109 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 20 points and Tristan da Silva added 13 as Orlando finished their western road trip with a 3-1 record, capturing wins in Sacramento and against both Los Angeles franchises – the Clippers and Lakers. Their only setback came in Phoenix during the second contest of the journey.

For the Lakers, Luka Doncic put up 22 points while dishing out 15 assists and grabbing nine rebounds. LeBron James and Deandre Ayton each scored 21 points for Los Angeles, which concluded an extended eight-game homestand with a 4-4 record that spanned both sides of the All-Star break. James had an opportunity to secure the victory in the final seconds, but his contested 3-point attempt missed the mark.

The Magic shot 45.7% from the field overall but turned up the heat when it mattered most, connecting on 59.1% of their shots in the final quarter while putting up 31 points. This marked Orlando’s fourth straight victory against the Lakers dating back to November 2023.

Cavaliers 109, Knicks 94

Donovan Mitchell poured in 23 points and James Harden contributed 20 as Cleveland dominated visiting New York to capture their eighth victory in nine contests.

Jarrett Allen was nearly perfect, making 7 of 8 field goal attempts for 19 points while pulling down 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which moved into a tie with New York for third place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Cavaliers have posted a 6-1 record with Harden on the roster and boast the league’s best 13-2 mark since January 21.

Jalen Brunson tallied 20 points and Mikal Bridges scored 18, but New York’s starting backcourt struggled with their shooting, combining for just 12 of 36 from the floor. The Knicks held the lead for merely 19 seconds and found themselves down by 20 points in the fourth quarter, though they maintain a solid 12-4 record since January 19.

76ers 135, Pacers 114

Tyrese Maxey nearly recorded a triple-double with 32 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Joel Embiid contributed 27 points to power Philadelphia past Indiana in Indianapolis.

Maxey connected on 10 of 22 field goal attempts and was flawless from the charity stripe, making all 10 free throw attempts for the 76ers, who exploded for 45 second-quarter points and shot an impressive 57.6% for the contest. Embiid knocked down 11 of 17 shots in his first game back after missing five contests due to knee and shin problems. Rookie VJ Edgecombe posted 23 points and seven rebounds while Quentin Grimes provided 15 points off the bench.

Micah Potter reached a season-best 23 points and Andrew Nembhard matched that output to pace the Pacers.

Hawks 119, Wizards 98

Jonathan Kuminga erupted for a season-high 27 points in his Atlanta debut as the Hawks controlled the game from start to finish, defeating visiting Washington for their second consecutive win.

Kuminga, who came over from Golden State at the trade deadline, shot 9 of 12 from the field and exploded for 18 third-quarter points. The celebration was dampened by the injury to All-Star Jalen Johnson, who exited at the 6:22 mark of the opening quarter with a left hip flexor strain. Atlanta also received 16 points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 12 from Corey Kispert and 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists from Onyeka Okongwu.

Washington was paced by bench players Will Riley with 18 points, and Justin Campagnie and Jamir Watkins who each scored 14. Trae Young, who spent his first seven-plus NBA seasons in Atlanta, remained on the sideline and did not play while continuing to recover from the right knee MCL strain that has sidelined him since December 27. The Hawks paid tribute to Young with a video highlight package.

Mavericks 123, Nets 114

Marvin Bagley III came off the bench to score 22 points as Dallas took control in the opening quarter and held off host Brooklyn to give head coach Jason Kidd his 200th victory leading the Mavericks.

Bagley shot 10 of 13 from the field and finished one point shy of his season high as the Mavericks captured their second straight victory following a 10-game losing streak. Bagley’s outstanding performance was part of a 61-point effort from Dallas reserves. The Mavericks shot 58.5% and dominated inside with 66 paint points.

A blizzard in the New York region forced the Mavericks to arrive early from Indianapolis on Tuesday while the Nets flew in from Atlanta that afternoon. Michael Porter Jr. topped the Nets with 26 points.

Thunder 116, Raptors 107

Isaiah Joe scored 19 of his 22 points during the third quarter as visiting Oklahoma City managed to hold off Toronto.

Cason Wallace led all scorers with 27 points while adding eight rebounds and seven assists for the Thunder, who have now won three straight games and five of their last six. Alex Caruso added 16 points, Luguentz Dort chipped in 15 points and Isaiah Hartenstein scored 11 with nine rebounds.

RJ Barrett led Toronto with 21 points as the Raptors saw their two-game winning streak end. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram each contributed 15 points. Ja’Kobe Walter and Immanuel Quickley both scored 17 points while Jamal Shead added 13.

Hornets 131, Bulls 99

Brandon Miller scored 23 points and Kon Knueppel added 21 to lead seven Charlotte players in double figures as the visiting Hornets demolished struggling Chicago.

Matas Buzelis posted a career-high 32 points for Chicago, which has now dropped 10 consecutive games for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign. Charlotte, winners of 12 of their last 15 games, established a franchise record with their eighth straight road victory. The team drained 25 three-pointers, coming one short of tying another franchise milestone.

Charlotte shot 60.7% in the third quarter while holding the Bulls to just 27.8%. Chicago committed nine of their 21 turnovers in the third period and trailed by as many as 38 points in the second half. Patrick Williams and Guerschon Yabusele each scored 11 points for Chicago, while Collin Sexton contributed 10.

Bucks 128, Heat 117

Kevin Porter Jr. delivered 32 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists to guide Milwaukee past visiting Miami.

Ryan Rollins contributed 21 points for Milwaukee, which captured its seventh victory in nine games without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains out with a calf injury. Bobby Portis matched Rollins’ 21-point output coming off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma added 19.

Norman Powell paced Miami with 26 points as the Heat saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. Bam Adebayo contributed 18 points and nine rebounds.

Pelicans 113, Warriors 109

Zion Williamson scored 26 points as host New Orleans jumped out to a 14-point first-quarter advantage and managed to fend off short-handed Golden State.

Saddiq Bey contributed 18 points for the Pelicans, who have now won consecutive games and four of their past six contests. Former Golden State player Jordan Poole scored 12 points to pace a New Orleans bench that outproduced their Golden State counterparts 45-26.

De’Anthony Melton led all scorers with 28 points for the Warriors, who were missing Stephen Curry (knee), Jimmy Butler (knee), Al Horford (toe) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and have dropped three of their last four games.

Celtics 97, Suns 81

Derrick White scored 22 points, Neemias Queta recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds, and visiting Boston cruised past undermanned Phoenix to extend their winning streak to four games.

Sam Hauser added 16 points and Bailey Scheierman posted 11 points and 11 rebounds for his third career double-double as the Celtics improved to nine wins in 10 games and reached a season-high 19 games above .500.

The Celtics trailed 41-30 with 6:41 remaining in the second quarter before embarking on a devastating 50-11 run to seize control with an 80-52 advantage on Nikola Vukevic’s basket with 1:39 left in the third. Collin Gillespie scored 15 points, Grayson Allen added 14 and Jalen Green chipped in 13 for the Suns, who played their second consecutive game without top scorers Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks.

Timberwolves 124, Trail Blazers 121

Anthony Edwards poured in 34 points and Jaden McDaniels added 29 points, tied his career best with five blocked shots and recorded three steals to lead Minnesota past host Portland.

Donte DiVincenzo added 19 points as the Timberwolves won for the fourth time in five games and improved to a perfect 3-0 against the Blazers this season. Edwards, McDaniels and DiVincenzo each connected on five three-pointers as Minnesota shot 17 of 35 (48.6%) from beyond the arc.

With Portland All-Star Deni Avdija sidelined for the 11th time in 19 games due to back issues, Jrue Holiday scored 22 points, Jerami Grant added 21 points and reserve Scoot Henderson contributed 19 for the Blazers, who suffered their third loss in five games.

A standout goaltender who helped Team USA capture Olympic gold in Milan will soon receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.

During Tuesday’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump revealed that Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets netminder who starred for the U.S. men’s hockey team, will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The announcement came after twenty members of the gold medal-winning squad visited the White House earlier Tuesday before attending the State of the Union as special guests.

Trump asked the assembled players whether they supported giving Hellebuyck the prestigious award.

“I said, ‘I’m not giving it if anyone goes no,’” the president said. “And every single one of them rapidly put up their hand. So I want to thank you all. What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

The president also praised the goaltender’s exceptional performance, stating: “I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck.”

Hellebuyck, who was present among the Olympic delegation, responded by touching his heart and waving to acknowledge the honor.

During his remarks, Trump celebrated the team’s achievement as part of America’s return to winning ways.

“Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me — please, please, please Mr. President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore. We’re not used to winning in our country. Until you came along, we’re just always losing, but now, we’re winning too much,” Trump said.

“And I say, no no no. You’re going to win again. You’re going to win big. You’re gonna win bigger than ever, and to prove that point — to prove that point — here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud: the men’s gold medal Olympic hockey team.”

Following the president’s introduction, the team members entered through the upper doors of the House chamber to enthusiastic applause from both sides of the aisle.

The 32-year-old Michigan native delivered a masterful performance in the championship game, stopping 41 shots as the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to claim gold. Hellebuyck brings impressive credentials to his Olympic triumph, having won the NHL’s Vezina Trophy three times for best goaltender and currently holding the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.

While the men’s team accepted the White House invitation, the gold medal-winning women’s hockey squad declined to attend, explaining they had “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”

Trump mentioned during his speech that the women’s team “will soon be coming to the White House.”

Hellebuyck will join a distinguished group of recent athletic Medal of Freedom recipients, including gymnast Simone Biles and soccer star Megan Rapinoe in 2022, swimmer Katie Ledecky and legendary athlete Jim Thorpe posthumously in 2024, and basketball icon Magic Johnson and soccer superstar Lionel Messi in 2025.

The medal’s athletic honorees throughout history include golf legend Tiger Woods, baseball great Babe Ruth, basketball icon Michael Jordan, tennis pioneer Billie Jean King, boxing champion Muhammad Ali, golf’s Arnold Palmer, tennis trailblazer Arthur Ashe, and baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson.

Two Major League Soccer clubs secured commanding victories Tuesday night to advance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Nashville SC and Los Angeles FC both completing dominant first-round series wins.

Nashville SC overwhelmed visiting Atletico Ottawa with a decisive 5-0 victory, wrapping up their two-leg series with an impressive 7-0 combined score. The Tennessee-based club will now face Inter Miami, the current MLS Cup champions, in the Round of 16.

The home team established control early when Alex Muyl capitalized on a rebound in the 21st minute. Matthew Corcoran had delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Woobens Pacius directed a header that goalkeeper Garissone Innocent managed to stop, but Muyl was perfectly positioned to convert the loose ball and extend Nashville’s aggregate advantage to 3-0.

Nashville doubled their lead before halftime when Corcoran found Jordan Knight with a lengthy pass down the right side. Knight broke free from defenders and finished with his right foot, beating Innocent for the second goal of the evening.

The scoring continued in the second half as Pacius found the net in the 55th minute, followed by Jack Maher’s goal eight minutes later. Ahmed Qasem completed the rout with a strike in the 83rd minute.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, LAFC secured their advancement with a 1-0 triumph over Real Espana, completing a 7-1 aggregate victory after their 6-1 road win in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on February 17th.

Nkosi Tafari provided the decisive moment in the 64th minute with the match’s lone goal. Tyler Boyd sent a free kick from the right wing toward the far post, where Timothy Tillman’s attempt was denied by Real Espana keeper Luis Lopez. However, Tafari reacted quickest to the rebound, outmuscling Lopez and two defenders before driving the ball into the upper corner of the net.

LAFC goalkeeper Thomas Hasal recorded two saves to preserve the clean sheet. The California club will next meet Costa Rica’s Alajuelense in the Round of 16.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is making a significant shift in his coaching approach, transferring play-calling responsibilities to newly appointed offensive coordinator Davis Webb ahead of the 2026 season.

This marks the first occasion in Payton’s entire head coaching tenure where he will not be the primary play-caller during games.

The announcement came Tuesday during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, after Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane inadvertently revealed the news while speaking positively about Webb, who previously served as a backup quarterback in Buffalo for three years.

This change marks a significant shift for Payton, who has traditionally maintained close control over offensive operations, though he emphasized the decision is designed to benefit the team rather than reduce his involvement.

“He’s extremely talented,” Payton said of Webb. “With regards to play-calling, it’s something that he’ll be really good at it. Man, it’s like, ‘Would you give up play-calling?’ I would only do that if I felt like it would help our team. I’ll still be involved with what we do offensively, just like what we do defensively. But I do think he has a gift. He’s real sharp.”

Payton revealed he started contemplating transferring these responsibilities to Webb, who previously served as quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator, during the 2025 campaign and plans to avoid second-guessing Webb’s choices.

“I think that I want to do everything that I can to support him,” Payton said. “So we’re not going to sit and grade his play-calling each week, at least hopefully we’re not. I think it’s more about the team.”

The 31-year-old Webb received his promotion after the dismissal of Joe Lombardi following Denver’s 10-7 defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Webb has advanced rapidly within Payton’s coaching structure, transitioning from quarterback coach in 2023 and 2024 to his current role. He gained play-calling experience during a 2025 preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Broncos ranked 14th in scoring throughout the regular season, averaging 23.6 points per game, and Payton suggested part of the motivation involves accelerating the offensive tempo while maintaining their current system.

Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece suffered an early exit from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, losing in the opening round to France’s Ugo Humbert on Tuesday.

The match marked a clash between two former Dubai champions, with Humbert claiming victory 6-4, 7-5 over the Greek star who won the tournament last year.

Humbert demonstrated solid defensive skills, successfully defending all three break point opportunities against him. The contest proved remarkably balanced statistically, with Humbert holding a narrow 7-6 advantage in aces while Tsitsipas recorded just one additional unforced error (20-19). Both competitors produced exactly 16 winners during the match.

Other seeded players advanced successfully through the first round. Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik (second seed), Russia’s Daniil Medvedev (third seed) and Andrey Rublev (fifth seed), along with Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik (sixth seed) all won their matches in straight sets. Russia’s Karen Khachanov (seventh seed) and Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka (eighth seed) both mounted comebacks from one-set deficits to secure three-set victories.

Additional players moving forward include American Jenson Brooksby, Spanish qualifier Pablo Carreno Busta, Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor, Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, and France’s Arthur Rinderknech.

At the BCI Seguros Chile Open in Santiago, eighth-seeded Alejandro Tabilo claimed victory in an all-Chilean first-round encounter, defeating Tomas Barrios Vera 7-5, 6-3.

Tabilo’s serving proved superior with seven aces and zero double faults, while Barrios Vera struggled with twice as many double faults as aces (4-2).

In a notable upset, American Emilio Nava defeated sixth-seeded Italian Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4, successfully defending all three break points he encountered. Chile’s Cristian Garin, who captured the Santiago title in 2021, mounted a comeback victory over Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Other first-round winners included Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas, Denmark’s Elmer Moller, Argentina’s Mariano Navone and Thiago Agustin Tirante, plus Paraguayan qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.

MILWAUKEE — Within the Miami Heat organization, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra rarely find themselves on opposite sides of an issue. However, when it comes to coaching attire, these two basketball minds couldn’t be further apart.

This longstanding disagreement has resurfaced as a league-wide discussion point, with Riley advocating for a return to formal coaching attire while Spoelstra champions the relaxed dress code currently in place.

The Miami Heat president, known for his impeccable style, believes NBA coaches should return to wearing suits during games. Meanwhile, his head coach has embraced the comfortable, casual approach that became standard league-wide.

“He gave me a few suits back when I was an assistant coach, but I looked like the lead singer from the Talking Heads,” Spoelstra commented Tuesday ahead of Miami’s matchup in Milwaukee, making reference to David Byrne’s famous oversized suit style. “I didn’t realize I had to tailor the suit, too.”

This fashion discussion gained renewed attention following Sunday’s statue dedication ceremony for Riley outside the Los Angeles Lakers’ arena. The bronze tribute depicts Riley in his characteristic Armani suit, representing the elegant style he maintained throughout his coaching tenure with the Lakers, Knicks, and Heat.

“I wish it went back to coats and ties,” Riley stated during Sunday’s ceremony regarding coaching wardrobe choices. “I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.”

The league’s current relaxed dress standards began during the 2019-20 season’s bubble restart, allowing coaches to wear quarter-zip pullovers, comfortable pants, and athletic shoes instead of traditional business attire.

“I don’t know why we still wear suits,” former San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich questioned during summer 2019 while leading USA Basketball at the World Cup in China, where he sported polo shirts, sweatpants, and sneakers. “Somebody, please, tell me why we do that.”

Popovich welcomed the NBA’s dress code change, and many colleagues shared his enthusiasm. Since the bubble period, Spoelstra and Miami’s coaching staff have consistently worn black polo shirts, sweaters, or quarter-zips paired with black trousers, which also simplifies travel preparations.

While acknowledging Riley’s distinctive appearance, Spoelstra pointed out broader workplace trends.

“It’s becoming a little bit different anyways in corporate America,” Spoelstra observed, noting that casual dress has become more widespread beyond basketball. “But then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp. But he wore suits differently than us mortals.”

The NBA’s elevated coaching fashion standards were largely influenced by Riley and the late Chuck Daly. Riley favored Armani designs, while Daly selected Hugo Boss suits and wore such exceptional footwear that colleagues admired his shoe collection. Following Daly’s passing, Rollie Massimino openly admitted to claiming some of his friend’s prized shoes, which he continued wearing throughout his remaining coaching years.

Milwaukee’s Doc Rivers, who wore suits for many seasons, understands Riley’s perspective but recognizes the challenges of reverting to formal attire.

“It’s a tough one because quarter-zips are so comfortable,” Rivers explained. “They are so easy to wear.”

Rivers has proposed a middle-ground solution, suggesting formal wear for postseason games only.

“I brought this up to someone and it’s going to go through the chain,” Rivers revealed. “I do think it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the playoffs because wearing suits shows the significance of the playoffs. … I’d have to start working out again because none of my suits would fit anymore.”

Spoelstra’s most recent suit appearance occurred in September when he attended Heat managing general partner Micky Arison’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The formal dress requirements for that event particularly pleased Riley.

“I swear that’s all Pat was talking about,” Spoelstra recalled. “I don’t plan on wearing them again until the next Hall of Fame event that we get to go to.”

ATLANTA — For Trae Young, walking into the visitor’s locker room at State Farm Arena felt surreal after spending eight years as the home team’s star player.

“I’ve only been in the visiting locker room for concerts and stuff,” Young said with a laugh. “It is weird. It’s something I’ll have to get used to coming back here.”

The point guard made his first trip back to Atlanta Tuesday evening since Washington acquired him in a major trade deal last month from the Hawks.

Young remained on the sidelines as he works through rehabilitation for a sprained right knee and quadriceps injury. The former All-Star hasn’t seen game action in almost two months, and Washington appears content to keep him benched as the team focuses on securing a favorable draft position for next year.

Though Young appeared hopeful about his recovery progress, he avoided giving a direct answer when pressed about whether he’ll return to action this season.

“I’m leaving it up to the doctors,” Young stated. “Just following the plan. The plan is going good so far. You never know.”

During his tenure in Atlanta, Young became the organization’s centerpiece, making four All-Star appearances and guiding the Hawks to the Eastern Conference championship series in 2021.

However, the franchise struggled to replicate that success, consistently falling short in first-round playoff exits. After another disappointing campaign that started with championship aspirations, Atlanta’s front office decided to part ways with their marquee player. The Hawks shipped Young to Washington in early January, receiving CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in return.

Despite the circumstances, Young harbors no resentment toward his former organization. He values his Atlanta experience while anticipating what lies ahead with a Wizards team that also acquired star big man Anthony Davis in another significant pre-deadline deal.

“I just want Hawks fans to know how much love and appreciation I had for them from day one,” Young expressed. “I came in and found a way to make a name for myself, make a name for my team. I tried to put this city on the map, where people talked about us.”

Still, he acknowledged the necessity of seeking fresh opportunities in Washington.

“When you’ve been there for so long, it kind of feels like your stay is not welcomed as much anymore,” Young reflected. “That’s OK, you know what I’m saying? That’s life, no matter what we do. We play a sport that’s not necessarily fair.”

Young recalled the preseason excitement following Atlanta’s acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, which seemed to address a major roster gap. Unfortunately, Porzingis battled health issues and missed significant time, appearing in just 17 contests before being shipped to Golden State.

“I wasn’t healthy this year. KP was not healthy this year,” Young observed. “There’s a lot of things we could’ve done. But that’s neither here nor there. That’s in the past. Everything happens for a reason.”

Looking forward, Young feels energized about Washington’s potential, particularly with a recovered Davis, developing young talent, and an expected high lottery selection in an impressive draft class.

The Hawks organization expressed well-wishes for their former star.

“Speaking on everyone’s behalf, we’re very appreciative of what Trae has done for our team and our franchise over the year,” head coach Quin Snyder commented. “We’re grateful to him and his family for that. We just wish him well in this next phase of his career.”

Young had initially hoped to face his old teammates on the court during this homecoming. That opportunity didn’t materialize, and he’s unlikely to suit up when the teams meet again Thursday in Atlanta.

“When I was doing the rehab, obviously I was hoping I could come back and play,” Young said. “I’m in a great spot right now. I wish I could play tonight, my first night here, but it wasn’t in God’s plans. But I’m going to be back playing here a lot in the future.”

As his new teammates took the floor for tipoff, Young stayed underneath the stands, working through rehabilitation exercises with resistance bands.

He eventually made his way to the visitors’ bench in time for a tribute video during the second quarter. The arena erupted in applause as Young shaped his hands into a heart and repeatedly mouthed “thank you” to the crowd.

“That is probably the one plus of playing right now,” he said beforehand. “I can maybe get some emotions out of the way the first time and not be so emotional every time.”

San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch struck an optimistic chord Tuesday when discussing contract negotiations with veteran left tackle Trent Williams, a stark contrast to recent reports suggesting the two sides might part ways.

Speaking at the NFL scouting combine, Lynch revealed that contract discussions are moving in a positive direction following what he characterized as productive conversations with Williams’ representative, Vincent Taylor.

“I think we’re on the right track,” Lynch stated, describing the recent negotiations as “good and productive.” He continued: “Trent loves being a Niner. We love having Trent as a Niner. And it’s up to us to figure that out and to thread that needle. There are some unique circumstances.”

“I think we’re all on the same page and feel very positive about where it’s going,” Lynch added.

The contract situation carries significant urgency, as Williams faces the final year of his current agreement with a staggering $38.8 million salary cap impact looming for 2026. Additionally, a $10 million option bonus payment deadline approaches on April 1.

While San Francisco clearly needs to reduce that substantial cap burden, the team cannot afford to lose stability at the crucial left tackle position. Williams, who will celebrate his 38th birthday in July, appeared in 16 games during the 2025 season and returned for playoff action despite battling a late-season hamstring injury, continuing his role as a cornerstone of the offensive line.

The veteran offensive lineman, who has earned three first-team All-Pro honors, is preparing for his seventh campaign with San Francisco after spending the first decade of his career with Washington from 2010 through 2019.

In other team news, Lynch indicated the 49ers will delay any decisions regarding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk until the new league year officially begins, keeping the possibility of a trade on the table.

The gold medal-winning U.S. women’s ice hockey team from the Milano Cortina Olympics has received an unexpected party invitation from hip-hop icon Flavor Flav after declining to attend President Trump’s State of the Union speech.

The Public Enemy founding member posted on social media that he would welcome the championship team to Las Vegas for entertainment and dining if they “wants a real celebration and invite.” Flav also published what he described as an official email invitation sent to the team.

The invitation stems from events following the men’s hockey team’s gold medal victory on Sunday. During their locker room celebration, the men’s team received a congratulatory phone call from President Trump, who was joined by FBI Director Kash Patel. Trump extended a State of the Union invitation to the men’s team, then added: “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” before joking “I do believe I probably would be impeached” if he failed to include the women.

Flav’s invitation directly addressed Trump’s comments about the women’s team. “We saw the story about the men’s invite to the White House, and the not quite invite for the women’s team,” stated the email Flav shared. “Flav recently posted on social media an idea and invite for the women’s hockey team to Las Vegas for a real celebration. He always stands behind everything he says and does. If there is an interest for the team to come to Las Vegas and celebrate with Flav – we will figure it out on our end and make it a lovely experience.”

The 66-year-old rapper, recognizable for his signature oversized clock necklace, has become a familiar face at Olympic events. He served as the official supporter for the U.S. bobsleigh and skeleton teams during these Olympics and previously backed the women’s water polo squad at the 2024 Paris Games.

Flavor Flav and Chuck D established Public Enemy in New York in 1985, creating politically charged hip-hop music. Their 1988 release “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” remains a landmark album in the genre. The group has earned induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

New England Patriots General Manager Eliot Wolf addressed concerns about rookie offensive lineman Will Campbell’s future with the team during Tuesday’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Campbell faced harsh criticism following his struggles during the playoffs and Super Bowl LX, where many observers felt he appeared overwhelmed. However, team officials revealed that the 2025 first-round selection was still dealing with effects from a knee injury that diminished his physical capabilities.

“When he came back from that injury, I personally didn’t see the same level of lower-body strength you saw before the injury,” Wolf explained during his combine appearance. “Before that I think Will played really well all year. The film would attest to that. He probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs.”

The young tackle sustained the knee injury that landed him on injured reserve following Week 12. Campbell acknowledged after the Super Bowl that his recovery wasn’t complete when the team reactivated him for Week 18.

“I obviously wasn’t 100 percent” during the postseason, Campbell admitted. “I mean, I don’t think when you tear a ligament in your knee, it’s not going to be how it was before, but I was healthy enough to go. I’m not going to say that it held me back, but yeah, it wasn’t the same as it was before, obviously. But I was good.”

Wolf dismissed any speculation about repositioning Campbell to guard, despite the rookie’s challenging performance against Seattle in the Super Bowl loss, where he surrendered 14 pass-rush pressures – the highest total for any player during the 2025 season.

“We’re not moving him to guard,” Wolf stated firmly. “He really couldn’t anchor the same way he did pre-injury. I know everybody talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. He’s really quick out of his sets, he’s technically sound … again, he’s 22 years old and we expect some improvement out of him as well.”

The Patriots selected Campbell with the fourth overall pick in 2025, despite concerns about his arm length measurements. Initially measuring 32 5/8 inches at the NFL Combine – below the 33-inch threshold most teams prefer for tackles – Campbell’s measurement reached exactly 33 inches at LSU’s pro day.

Head Coach Mike Vrabel also expressed confidence in keeping Campbell at left tackle. Vrabel drew comparisons to former Patriots tackle Matt Light, who protected Tom Brady despite having similar arm length concerns in the 33-inch range. Both Vrabel and Light were teammates on New England’s Super Bowl championship teams in 2001, 2003, and 2004.

The United States Tennis Association announced Monday it has selected Craig Tiley, the current chief executive of Tennis Australia, to serve as its new leader.

Tiley will take on his new role as USTA CEO over the next several months while working with Tennis Australia’s board to ensure a seamless leadership change.

The 64-year-old executive from South Africa has led Tennis Australia for 13 years and will succeed Lew Sherr, who left the USTA position last year to become president of business operations for Major League Baseball’s New York Mets.

“I’ve long admired the organisation’s leadership in growing the game across the United States and the extraordinary success of the U.S. Open,” Tiley stated in a USTA announcement. Tiley, who started his tennis career in America as a collegiate coach, added: “I’m excited to return to American tennis and to work alongside our leadership locally and nationally to continue building the sport’s reach, impact, and future.”

Under Tiley’s guidance at Tennis Australia, tennis rose to become the nation’s second-most popular participatory sport, trailing only soccer. He will now focus on helping the USTA meet its ambitious target of attracting 35 million players nationwide by 2035.

Since taking charge of Tennis Australia in 2013 and directing the Australian Open tournament since 2006, Tiley has championed cutting-edge approaches and player-focused programs. His tenure saw the Australian Open consistently set new records for both attendance and earnings, establishing it as one of the globe’s most forward-thinking and profitable sporting spectacles.

Before his Australian tenure, Tiley served as head coach for the University of Illinois men’s tennis program from 1994 through 2005, leading the squad to the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2003 with an undefeated 32-0 season.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe will face an extended absence after team doctors discovered a stress reaction in his left fibula, the organization revealed Tuesday.

Medical imaging conducted to examine Sharpe’s left calf strain uncovered the additional fibula issue, which will require reassessment in roughly four to six weeks according to team officials.

The 22-year-old guard has been sidelined since sustaining the calf injury during the second quarter of Portland’s matchup with Memphis on February 6th, forcing him to miss the remainder of that contest.

When Portland welcomes Minnesota on Tuesday evening, it will represent Sharpe’s seventh consecutive absence from the lineup.

This season has marked a breakthrough campaign for Sharpe, who is posting career-high averages of 21.4 points and 1.4 steals across 48 appearances, including 42 as a starter. He’s also contributing 4.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest while connecting on 101 three-point attempts.

Throughout his professional career, Sharpe has maintained averages of 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists over 232 games with 134 starts.

The Trail Blazers will also continue playing without All-Star forward Deni Avdija, who will miss his 11th game in the last 18 due to ongoing lower-back problems when they face Minnesota.

Avdija aggravated his back injury within the first minute of Sunday’s 92-77 road triumph over Phoenix.

The forward has been exceptional this season, posting 24.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game across 48 contests in what has been a standout year for his development.

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has confirmed that the organization remains interested in retaining veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though he declined to discuss specific details about the 42-year-old’s future plans.

Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Khan avoided speculation about whether Rodgers might retire or pursue other opportunities when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 11.

“That’s a question for Aaron. He knows how we feel. I think we know how he feels about us,” Khan stated. “It was a good experience for both sides. Unfortunately we didn’t reach our goals on winning the games we wanted to at the end. But there’s a mutual respect there.”

The Steelers are preparing to host the 2026 NFL Draft this April, while Khan works intensively to align strategies with newly appointed head coach Mike McCarthy, who has returned to coaching after taking a year off.

McCarthy, previously with the Dallas Cowboys, has expressed enthusiasm for working with quarterback Will Howard, who came from Ohio State as Pittsburgh’s sixth-round selection in 2025. Howard spent time on injured reserve due to a hand fracture in August but resumed practicing in November.

“We mentioned Aaron, but we all agree that we’re looking for that next franchise guy,” Khan explained. “We’re not there yet, and we may have the guy on the roster, we don’t know, in Will, and we’re excited to work with Will. We all know that has to be addressed, and we’re all looking for the same thing, we’re just not there yet.”

Rodgers initially joined Pittsburgh to play under Mike Tomlin, who stepped down following the team’s playoff defeat to the Houston Texans. However, Rodgers and McCarthy have history together, having won a Super Bowl during Rodgers’ successful tenure with the Green Bay Packers.

Khan revealed he had a conversation with Rodgers last week, during which the Steelers communicated that “the door is open to have Aaron back.”

During last year’s offseason, Tomlin and the organization waited for Rodgers’ decision until he officially committed on June 6. Khan emphasized that neither party wants to repeat that extended timeline, hoping to avoid letting negotiations “drag on like it did last year.”

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz is planning to continue his NFL career for a 14th season despite suffering a significant knee injury last December, according to NFL Network reports released Tuesday.

The 35-year-old free agent is currently two months into rehabilitation after tearing his ACL during Washington’s devastating 31-0 defeat against Minnesota on December 7th. Medical experts anticipate he will receive clearance to return to action around the time the 2025 season begins.

During his most recent campaign with Washington, the three-time Pro Bowl performer caught 50 passes for 504 yards and scored four touchdowns across 13 games, starting every contest on a one-year deal with the Commanders.

Ertz captured a Super Bowl championship with Philadelphia after the 2017 campaign and has established himself among the elite tight ends in league history.

Throughout his career, he has accumulated 825 catches, placing him fifth among all tight ends in NFL history, while his 8,592 receiving yards rank eighth at his position.

Over 181 regular season appearances (143 as a starter), Ertz has scored 57 touchdowns while suiting up for Philadelphia from 2013-2021, Arizona from 2021-2023, and Washington most recently.

Houston Texans General Manager Nick Caserio delivered a strong message of support for quarterback C.J. Stroud during Tuesday’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, dismissing trade rumors as foolish chatter.

“He’s our quarterback. He isn’t going anywhere. We have a lot of confidence, a lot of belief,” Caserio stated. “I’m glad he’s our quarterback.”

The unwavering support comes after Stroud’s difficult postseason performance sparked online discussions about potentially trading the young signal-caller. During his third NFL campaign, Stroud appeared in 14 games, leading Houston to a 9-5 record while throwing for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions. A concussion suffered in Week 9 sidelined him for three contests.

Stroud’s postseason troubles included throwing five interceptions across two playoff appearances – four of those coming in Houston’s defeat to New England. He also lost possession five times during the team’s wild-card victory against Pittsburgh, losing two fumbles in that contest.

Caserio emphasized the natural ebb and flow of professional football when addressing his quarterback’s recent struggles.

“This league is about ups and downs,” Caserio explained. “Nothing’s perfect. There was no team that was undefeated unless I missed something this year, that’s not going to happen. By and large, we’re probably going to lose five or six games. There’s going to be some margin on either side. You’re going to have some good plays. You’re going to have some bad plays. You’re going to have some good games. You’re going to have some bad games.”

The general manager continued his defense of Stroud, focusing on resilience and long-term perspective.

“How do you bounce back? How do you handle that? This league is a one-game-at-a-time proposition,” he said. “How you handle every situation ultimately is going to determine your success and your longevity. No lost confidence.”

Throughout his professional career spanning 46 regular-season starts, Stroud has maintained a 28-18 record while completing 63.8% of his attempts for 10,876 yards and 62 touchdowns with 25 interceptions. His impressive debut season in 2023 featured 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns against just five picks across 15 games, earning him both Pro Bowl recognition and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Houston selected the former Ohio State standout with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker has made his decision about his football future, confirming Tuesday that he will suit up for his 11th NFL campaign in 2026.

The 32-year-old veteran shared his choice on social media, posting an image of himself taking the field along with the message, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am; SEND ME!” #Year11″

Selected as the 16th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft from Ohio State, Decker has been a consistent presence for Detroit, starting every one of his 140 regular-season appearances plus five postseason games throughout his career with the Lions.

The left tackle earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, though he spent much of the season dealing with a shoulder problem that significantly restricted his practice participation and led him to seriously contemplate retirement.

Following Detroit’s final game on January 4th, Decker expressed his concerns about continuing to play through such limitations. “If that’s what my future is going to be to continue to play — that’s not something I’m willing to do. Because I’m not willing to put my family through it,” Decker explained. “I’m not willing to be distant and not be a present father, because your kids are only little once, and, God willing, we have more. I want to be able to play with them. I want to be able to throw the ball with them. I mean, I can’t throw a football right now. No way.”

INDIANAPOLIS — Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek dismissed ongoing speculation about trading five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, stating Tuesday that the organization intends to retain the star defender.

Speaking at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Spytek addressed the swirling rumors directly. “Maxx is an elite player. I’ve been very upfront from the start since I got here, that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them,” Spytek explained.

The defensive standout is currently recovering from left knee surgery performed three days following the conclusion of the regular season. Trade speculation intensified after Las Vegas endured a league-worst 3-14 campaign and subsequently dismissed coach Pete Carroll following just one season at the helm.

Earlier this month, Crosby himself rejected the trade rumors, stating he has no desire to leave and finds the baseless reports amusing. Questions about his future with the franchise that selected him in the fourth round from Eastern Michigan in 2019 arose when the team placed him on injured reserve for the final two games against his preferences, as he wanted to finish the season on the field. The pass rusher, who has accumulated 69½ sacks over seven seasons, recorded a career-best 28 tackles for loss in 2025.

INDIANAPOLIS — Atlanta Falcons’ new general manager Ian Cunningham announced Tuesday that the organization has notified veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins of their intention to cut him when the NFL’s free agency period begins next month.

Speaking from the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Cunningham explained the decision to give Cousins advance notice. “What he’s done in his career, we owe that to him just to allow him some clarity going into free agency,” Cunningham stated.

The 37-year-old quarterback’s tenure with Atlanta lasted two seasons and produced underwhelming results. Despite signing a massive $180 million deal, the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. as the eighth overall draft pick in 2024, just six weeks after bringing Cousins aboard. Penix initially claimed the starting role in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury that thrust Cousins back into the lineup.

During his time in Atlanta, Cousins appeared as a starter in 22 of the team’s 34 games across two seasons, compiling a modest 12-10 record. His 2024 campaign proved particularly challenging, as he led the entire league with 16 interceptions in only 14 games. Throughout his 14-year NFL career with Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta, Cousins holds an overall starting record of 88-77-2.

The financial implications of keeping Cousins factored heavily into the decision. His restructured contract would have automatically guaranteed his 2027 salary of $67.9 million if he remained on the roster through the third day of the new league year.

In related roster news, Cunningham also revealed plans to apply the franchise tag to tight end Kyle Pitts, preventing him from entering free agency. Pitts, who was Atlanta’s fourth overall selection in 2021, enjoyed his most productive season last year with career-best numbers of 88 catches and five touchdowns. His 928 receiving yards ranked second among all NFL tight ends. The franchise tag for tight ends is projected at approximately $16 million for this season.

The Atlanta Falcons made it official Tuesday by applying their franchise tag to tight end Kyle Pitts, confirming earlier reports from Monday about the team’s intentions to retain the talented receiver.

The 25-year-old player was scheduled to become a free agent following the completion of his fifth-year option in 2025, but the franchise designation secures him for the 2026 season at roughly $16.5 million, which represents the average salary of the five highest-paid players at his position.

“We’re not in the business of letting go (of) really good players,” new general manager Ian Cunningham stated during a Tuesday morning interview with 92.9 The Game, according to the team’s official website.

According to NFL Network, both parties plan to negotiate a long-term contract that would make the franchise tag unnecessary for the upcoming season. The deadline for reaching such an agreement is July 15.

The franchise has rarely used this tool, with Pitts becoming only the fourth player in team history to receive the designation, joining punter Michael Koenen in 2009, defensive back Brent Grimes in 2012, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in 2019. Teams must finalize franchise tag decisions by March 3 for the 2026 season.

Pitts earned All-Pro second team recognition in 2025 after posting personal bests with 88 catches on 118 targets and five touchdowns, accumulating 928 receiving yards.

Under the leadership of new head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Pitts will continue serving as a key receiving threat alongside wideout Drake London. Throughout his career, he has worked with multiple head coaches, offensive coordinators, and quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins during the previous season.

Since Atlanta selected him fourth overall in the 2021 draft, Pitts has compiled 284 catches on 451 attempts for 3,579 yards and 15 touchdowns across 78 games with 72 starts.

His rookie campaign in 2021 earned him All-Rookie team honors and a Pro Bowl selection, marking his only season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly has received further medical evaluation, including a CT scan, for back issues that have sidelined him during spring training, according to manager Torey Lovullo’s comments to media Tuesday.

Kelly was scheduled to throw batting practice to Diamondbacks players Saturday during spring training, but the session was canceled due to what team officials described as tightness in his middle back. He received an MRI examination Sunday.

The team anticipates learning more about how serious the injury is on Wednesday.

“Anything is in play here, but Merrill works hard to keep himself in shape so we’re going to remain positive,” Lovullo said.

The 37-year-old Kelly posted a combined 12-9 record with a 3.52 ERA across 32 starts last season split between Arizona and Texas. The Diamondbacks traded him to the Rangers at the deadline before bringing him back this offseason on a two-year deal worth $40 million.

Throughout his seven-year major league career, spent primarily with Arizona, Kelly has compiled a 65-53 record with a 3.77 ERA across 172 regular-season starts. During Arizona’s 2023 playoff run to the World Series, where they fell to Texas, he posted a 3-1 record with a 2.25 ERA, allowing eight walks while striking out 28 batters in 24 innings pitched.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — New York Jets officials have made it clear they won’t allow star running back Breece Hall to become a free agent when the new league year begins, though the situations surrounding other elite backs like Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and David Montgomery are less certain.

Speaking Tuesday during the NFL scouting combine, Jets general manager Darren Mougey confirmed the organization intends to apply either a franchise or transition tag to Hall should contract negotiations fail to produce an agreement before the March 3 deadline.

Using the franchise tag would secure Hall approximately $14.5 million for the upcoming season, while the transition tag would guarantee roughly $11.7 million. Under franchise tag rules, competing teams could present Hall with offer sheets, giving the Jets five days to match or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. The transition tag offers no compensation if another team signs him.

“The tags are an option,” Mougey explained. “Ideally we find a way to get a deal done to keep Breece around. I think I’ve said that for the last year since I got here. Breece is a good player, we want to find a way to keep him around. We’ve been going through that process and are still doing so and we have a week to find out if we can’t get to an agreement, which way we’ll go.”

Selected in the second round during 2022, Hall achieved a personal best 1,065 rushing yards this past season in New York and sits 12th league-wide with 2,935 total rushing yards over his three-year career.

Currently, just one NFL running back is slated to earn $14 million or more in cash next season, with 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley receiving $16.75 million from Philadelphia.

Walker’s situation presents more uncertainty following his fourth NFL campaign, which concluded with Super Bowl MVP honors for Seattle after his 135-yard rushing performance in this month’s victory over New England.

Coming off his second career 1,000-yard rushing season, Walker demonstrated his ability to handle increased workload during the playoffs, averaging 104.3 rushing yards per game after Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury in the divisional round.

When asked Tuesday whether Seattle would use a tag to secure Walker for 2026, general manager John Schneider avoided giving a direct response.

“We’d love to have Ken back, we’d love to have everybody back,” Schneider stated. “But he knows this better than anybody, it’s about our 70, our collective, and what it’s going to look like. And we’ll have those meetings down here. We’ll start, you know, talking to all the agents and, yeah, we’ll have a better feel of where we’re going to go toward the end of the week. But, obviously, we’d love that (having Walker back). When you get something special like that, let’s run it back.”

Montgomery remains under Detroit’s contract through 2027 with approximately $6 million owed in 2026, though he could become available via trade as Jahmyr Gibbs has established himself as the Lions’ primary back.

The 29-year-old Montgomery posted career-low numbers last season with 158 carries for 716 yards as Detroit’s offensive strategy shifted toward featuring Gibbs, who becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

During his initial two seasons with Detroit as the starter, Montgomery accumulated 1,790 yards and 25 touchdowns, but served as a backup in all 17 games this past year.

“I’ve been in touch with David’s agent, his representation,” Lions GM Brad Holmes revealed. “We love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rear view and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be in a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we’re just trying to see how it goes.”

Medical imaging conducted Tuesday confirmed that Utah Jazz guard Vince Williams Jr. suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, effectively ending his 2024 season, according to ESPN.

The 25-year-old player sustained the injury during Monday night’s game when the Jazz fell to the Houston Rockets 125-105. Williams collided with Houston’s Tari Eason during the opening minutes of the second quarter while both players were racing down court on a fast break. According to the Deseret News, Eason delivered a hip-check that caused Williams to fall awkwardly, with his knee bending unnaturally as he tumbled out of bounds near the Utah team bench.

Jazz head coach Will Hardy criticized the incident following the game, stating: “That’s not basketball.”

Williams managed just eight minutes of playing time before the injury, recording one point, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. He was seen leaving the arena using crutches after the game. Eason later visited the Jazz locker room to check on Williams’ condition.

“I’ve known Vince for a little bit and he’s just a really good dude, hard-working dude,” Eason told the Deseret News. “It was just respect. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, and I know it’s his contract year … I didn’t intend on doing anything. My intentions are always just to play hard. So I went to go holler and just check on him. Obviously nothing helps, but just tell him that I apologize. You know, nobody’s trying to hurt anybody.”

Teammate Keyonte George expressed his sympathy for Williams’ situation, saying he was “devastated for Vince.”

“Everybody’s gonna have their own opinion (about the play) but can’t really look into it too much,” George said, per the Deseret News. “These plays, just running down the floor … just a freak accident, honestly.”

Since joining Utah through a February 3rd trade from Memphis that also brought All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz, Williams has contributed 4.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists across six games while averaging 14.0 minutes per contest.

During his time with Memphis this season, Williams posted 8.0 points, 4.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 21.6 minutes per game across 34 appearances, including 12 as a starter. Since entering the league in 2022-23, his career averages stand at 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 21.3 minutes over 134 regular-season contests with 51 starts.

The Memphis Grizzlies originally drafted Williams during the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft following his college career at VCU.