Not sure what else we can ask for as NASCAR fans after two weeks, right? I’m sure we’re going to get a dud soon – possibly this weekend at COTA – but so far? 
So good! Especially for Tyler Reddick. The little engine that could. I placed about a dozen small bets on drivers yesterday, and didn’t throw $5 on the tiniest driver of all, ONLY because he won last week. No shot he was going to get lucky two weeks in a row, right? That’s not how it works in NASCAR, especially when it comes to restrictor plate racing. 
Yes, I know it’s not called that anymore.

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The men’s USA hockey team not only received a phone call from President Donald Trump while celebrating their overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics, but also an invitation to Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who did his fair bit of celebrating with the U.S. team inside the locker room, was seen holding up a phone on speaker with the President on the other line.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back D’Angelo Ponds (5) celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For all of the tentpole events that NFL draft prospects go through on their way to selection weekend, nothing outside of game tape can make more of a difference than a prospect’s performance at the scouting combine.

Juventus vs Galatasaray: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction
With a mountain to climb in their quest to reach the Champions League last 16, Juventus play host to Galatasaray at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams suffered defeats in their most recent domestic assignments, as the home side fell 2-0 to Como, while the visitors were beaten 2-0 by Konyaspor.
Match preview
With only two defeats from the first 20 matches, life under Luciano Spalletti began on a positive note for Juventus, but things have since taken a downward spiral.

LSU women’s basketball strung together its second win in a row Sunday with a 108-55 win over Missouri Sunday inside the PMAC. It brings the Tigers’ SEC record to 10-4 with two games remaining in the regular season.
Head coach Kim Mulkey got contributions from up and down her roster, particularly on the glass. MiLaysia Fulwiley, Mikaylah Williams and ZaKiyah Johnson each finished with double-doubles. LSU out-rebounded Missouri 72-25.
Missouri’s leading scorer, Grace Slaughter, scored nine points to open the first quarter and give her team an early lead.

Canada left Italy with silver after a 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the 2026 Winter Olympics final.
They played really well in the tournament, but one particular moment might haunt the team for a long. It could have been a turning point for Canada that came in the third period when Nathan MacKinnon found space with the net open. It was the kind of chance he buries most nights, but he missed it this time.
The game stayed 1-1, and they had to go into overtime.
Sidney Crosby did not point to that play when he faced reporters. He stood beside his teammate and shared the blame.

WNBA star Kara Braxton poses with two championship trophies in 2008.
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty 

NEED TO KNOW

WNBA star Kara Braxton, who helped her teams win two championships, has died at age 43
She is survived by her husband, two sons, and twin sister, with her son Jelani Thurman playing football for Ohio State
Former teammate Plenette Pierson shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Braxton’s sons her “pride and joy”

Decorated WNBA star Kara Braxton has died at the age of 43. 
The WNBA announced the news on Sunday, Feb.

With NFL free agency approaching, ESPN’s Indianapolis Colts beat writer Stephen Holder provided some brief updates on Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.
Holder said in a post on X that in his most recent conversations regarding negotiations with Jones and Pierce, the Colts and those two players “weren’t close” in regards to new deals.
It’s been widely reported that the Colts could use the franchise tag. However, per league rules, each NFL team can only use the tag once per offseason.

American hockey star Matthew Tkachuk was the center of attention for much of the duration of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and most of it was for unfortunately negative reasons.
The Florida Panthers winger drew a ton of ire from fans – both foreign and domestic – for his aggressive style of play that often toes the line between “hard” and “dirty,” but he also catches flack for being unabashedly American, which includes supporting the President, or, at the very least, not being outwardly critical of him.

MILAN (AP) — The long wait for the best hockey players in the world taking the ice in an international tournament lived up to the hype.
Four of the seven games in the knockout round at the Milan Cortina Olympics went to overtime, including the U.S beating Canada in a fast-paced, back-and-forth final for the gold medal. The sport earned the spotlight it got in the NHL’s return to the Games following a dozen-year drought.
“This is as good as it gets,” U.S. forward Vincent Trocheck said. “They’ve got to keep doing it.”
That’s the plan.

South Africa’s David Miller revealed that clarity of thought and disciplined execution were central to their plan against India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy during the Super 8 clash.
The Proteas outclassed the defending champions by 76 runs on Sunday, piling up 187/7 before dismissing India for 111. Chakravarthy, widely viewed as India’s potential game-changer, endured a difficult outing on a surface that offered little turn.

Scotland have lost midfield duo Kirsty Maclean and Chelsea Cornet to injury for their opening World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg.
Melissa Andreatta’s team face the 108th-ranked side in a double header at Esch-sur-Alzette on Tuesday, 3 March and Hampden Park four days later.
Liverpool’s Maclean, who already has 14 caps, would have been a likely starter, while Birmingham City’s Cornet, 27, would have been hoping to make her fourth Scotland appearance.

Liverpool chances of 29-year-old Serie A bosman increase
Liverpool Transfer News: Zeki Celik Boost as Agent Clarifies Juventus Talk

Liverpool’s summer recruitment plans have taken a subtle twist after fresh comments reported by the Daily Mirror cast doubt on claims that Zeki Celik is bound for Juventus.

With Liverpool FC expected to strengthen defensively ahead of next season, the Roma full back has emerged as a credible option. His contract situation makes him particularly intriguing. The 29 year old is due to become a free agent at the end of the campaign.

Clemson celebrates their upset win over Duke. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season will NOT smoothly slide into March. Instead, the second-to-last Sunday of the regular season for Power Four conferences sent a tremor through the top 10, as three top-10 teams were taken down.
Here’s how Clemson, Virginia and No. 13 Iowa earned upsets over No. 9 Duke, No. 8 Louisville and No. 6 Michigan.
Kohn’s clutch 3 clinches Clemson’s 53-51 comeback win over Duke
Duke’s 17-game winning streak is done, sniped by a spirited Clemson comeback win.

“His contract will be extended” – Lothar Matthäus on speculation over Harry Kane’s Bayern future
With Harry Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich set to expire next summer, there has been speculation as to whether the 32-year-old could leave the German club.
For Germany and Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus, however, a departure would make little sense.
“Now he’s winning title after title, which he didn’t manage to do before in England.

Al Ahly takes preventive measures ahead of Zamalek and Pyramids clashes
Al Ahly secures its showdowns against Zamalek and Pyramids

Al – Ahly / @x.com
Al Ahly SC has taken proactive steps to avoid any refereeing controversy that could influence the course of the Egyptian Premier League, 2025-2026 season.

VERONA, Italy — Of course, there were the medals. The jaw-dropping feats of skiing, skating, sliding, flying. The close finishes and glassy eyes atop the podium and dreams achieved and all that.
But, like any Olympics, there were also the breakout stars who often had nothing to do with the podium. With the Milan Cortina Games wrapping up, here are 10 of the weirdest, wildest things we saw at the 2026 Olympics.

The quest to become a two-division UFC champion has been a storyline frequently reported in recent years.
It was once a rare occurrence with only a handful of fighters accomplishing the feat. Randy Couture and B.J. Penn were the first to do it. Eight years would pass before Conor McGregor joined the club. Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo earned the accomplishment shortly after McGregor.
Over the last four years, four other fighters have joined the growing list: Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.

Inter Milan Vs Bodo/Glimt – Cristian Chivu Struggles With One Major Starting Lineup Dilemma
Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi could reportedly make another European start in tomorrow night’s decisive clash against Bodo/Glimt.
According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the Italian midfielder could get the nod ahead of veteran star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Despite recovering from injury, Hakan Calhanoglu is likely to start from the bench.
Indeed, Piotr Zielinski will reportedly take the Turkish ace’s role as a deep-lying playmaker.

The Washington Commanders might be seeing a lot of Benjamin St-Juste in the 2026 season.
A new story Sunday, on Section 215, which covers Philadelphia Sports News for all of the major sports teams in that area, says that “ex-Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste could be an intriguing option for Philadelphia.” The story, written by Jovan Alford, argued that the Eagles will need a corner in free agency or the draft. So, if they want a corner with starting NFL experience, it might be “time to cross enemy lines.

MUMBAI: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza led celebrations as his side sealed qualification for the Super Eights of the 2026 T20 World Cup after their match against Ireland was washed out, in front of a handful of fans at Pallekele.
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The moment marked a contrast to Nov 2023 in Windhoek, Namibia, when a dejected Raza sat in the dressing room as Uganda celebrated a win over Zimbabwe during the African qualifiers.

Joan Laporta reported to authorities after money laundering allegations made by Barcelona member
Barcelona have been rocked by the news that former president Joan Laporta has been reported to the Spanish authorities after allegations of money laundering, among other alleged crimes, were made against him.
As per El Periodico (via Sport), a complaint was filed against Laporta in the duty court of the Central Court of Instance of the National Court in Madrid on Friday.

Real Madrid: the press is concerned about Kylian Mbappé
Concern grows for Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid

Real Madrid: the press is concerned about Kylian Mbappé
Two days after Real Madrid’s defeat against Osasuna (2-1), concerns are mounting over Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé disappointed on Saturday against Osasuna (2-1). This Monday, the Madrid press expressed worry about the French international’s form, as he has been hampered lately by knee pain. According to Marca, Kylian Mbappé delivered “one of his most subdued performances of the season.

Lazio Midfielder’s Season Could Be Over as New Injury Timetable Revealed
Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella may have already played his last match this campaign after suffering a fractured collarbone in Sardinia.
The Background
It has been a nightmarish season for the 24-year-old, who was ruled out of action in September after struggling with a groin problem. The player wanted to avoid surgery at all costs, so he opted for an alternative therapy. However, his decision proved ill-advised, so he ended up going under the knife in November due to the lack of progress in his recovery path.

Lennart Karl hopeful of World Cup call-up
Lennart Karl is dreaming of representing Germany at this summer’s World Cup.
After FC Bayern Munich’s 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, the young attacker was asked by Kicker how he expects to spend June and July.
“I know what you mean. But for me, the only thing that counts is giving everything at Bayern – only then can I hope for a call-up. Anyone who doesn’t hope for something like that has no place in football,” replied Karl, who turned 18 on Sunday.
So far, Karl has had no direct contact with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

India’s Super 8 campaign began on the worst possible note as South Africa handed them a crushing 76-run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Entering the stage as one of the strongest favourites to defend their T20 World Cup crown, the hosts were thoroughly outclassed in every department. The heavy loss not only dented their confidence but also severely damaged their net run rate.
Nothing seemed to fall into place for the defending champions. South Africa dominated with bat and ball, putting India under immediate pressure in Group 1. The equation is now simple but daunting.

Youssou Diouf dies after collapsing on a football pitch
It is sad news that has plunged Senegalese football into mourning.

Youssou Diouf dies after collapsing on a football pitch
In Senegal, forward Youssou Diouf passed away on Sunday, February 22, after collapsing following a second division match between AS Saloum and Amitié FC at the Stade Maniang Soumare in Thies.
The 16th matchday of the Senegalese League was overshadowed by tragedy. A young striker named Youssou Diouf suffered cardiac arrest during the match between his club, AS Saloum and Amitié FC, and lost his life.

Gags Tandon: “That was an absolutely awful, awful performance”
Liverpool Escape Forest Despite Dire First Half Performance Under Slot’s Tactics

Liverpool left the City Ground with three precious points, but not many illusions. This was not dominance, not control, not even competence for long spells. It was survival. And in a season defined by fragile confidence and tactical experimentation under Arne Slot, survival can feel like progress.

MW23 Team of the Week: Quinones, Toney, Ibanez, Neves make grade!
With Matchweek 23 in the books, we bring you the best performers in their respective positions for the round, using the Roshn Saudi League’s unique Performance Index.
The explainer is just below, while you can use the filter option to select the appropriate matchweek and also choose from a number of formations.
The Team of the Week below is pegged to our traditional 4-4-2.
Milan Borjan – 93
A second clean sheet of the season proved incredibly timely as Al Riyadh took a massive step towards safety.

Tyrone manager Malachy O’Rourke says Darragh Canavan will be “a big loss” for the remainder of the league as the Red Hands seek to “fight our way out” of a relegation battle in Division Two.
His side’s 1-15 to 0-13 defeat by Louth in Ardee leaves them with three points from four games, level with Kildare and one point above Cavan in the drop zone.
At the outset of the campaign, Tyrone were regarded as one of the favourites for promotion and while they are not out of the running with three games to go, finishing in the top two seems like a long shot.

Rangers duo Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama respond to online racist abuse as the extent of Celtic interest in Chivas’ Armando Gonzalez is revealed.
Rangers centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez and winger Djeidi Gassama have called out vile racist abuse they received on social media after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Livingston.

[BBC]
There have been times in the past when you are playing Arsenal that Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are the two players you know you need to stop.
If they could condense play in their areas, teams would think they could control them – and if it goes over to another part of the pitch, they can cope with it.
On Sunday, however, it felt like Arsenal were coming from every angle in the end. Eberechi Eze, especially, was getting on the ball in these pockets of space in front of the Tottenham defence.
That helped Viktor Gyokeres too, because it meant there was more room for him.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers planned for their Sunday afternoon meeting with the rival Boston Celtics to be a celebration of stars. From the courtside presence of A-listers — like former soccer star David Beckham and Grammy award-winning musician Lionel Richie — to the pregame honors bestowed upon legendary Lakers coach Pat Riley in the form of a new statue, Laker Land embraced its most famous inhabitants. Yet, someone a lot less famous stole the show.
Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard dominated at the Crypto.

Bernal, Fermin react after Barcelona’s convincing win over Levante: ‘We’ve corrected our mistakes’
Barcelona needed a strong reaction after back-to-back defeats, and two of their young midfielders delivered when it mattered most. 
The 3-0 win over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou was not just about reclaiming control in La Liga; it was also about the rise of Marc Bernal and the growing impact of Fermin Lopez.
As such, Bernal has now scored in Barça’s last two home matches, as he sealed the 3-0 victory against Mallorca.

Liverpool legend goes in on Gakpo, Jones and Salah post Forest victory
Carragher Verdict on Gakpo, Jones and Salah After Forest Escape

Liverpool left the City Ground with three points, though not with certainty. A 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, sealed in the 97th minute by Alexis Mac Allister, carried the air of relief rather than control. For Jamie Carragher, it carried something else entirely.

“That’s one of the biggest robberies I’ve seen in the Premier League this season, it really is,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

Report: Liverpool eyeing £83m Premier League star as potential Mo Salah replacement
Liverpool Eyeing Premier League star as Mohamed Salah Successor

Reports emerging from Fichajes suggest Liverpool are preparing for a significant shift in their attacking line up, with Anthony Gordon linked as a potential long term replacement for Mohamed Salah. The claim that “Liverpool have made it a top priority to sign English winger Anthony Gordon to fill the huge void left by Mohamed Salah” will inevitably spark debate among supporters, particularly given Salah’s immense legacy at Anfield.

Liverpool Confirmed XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool Confirmed XI v Nottingham Forest: Slot Restores Firepower

Liverpool return to Premier League duty with purpose and poise, and the confirmed XI for the trip to Nottingham Forest reflects a manager sharpening his strongest tools. After a commanding 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, Arne Slot has turned back to trusted lieutenants as the champions look to assert control domestically once more.

Two changes headline the team news, with Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch restored to the starting line up.

Liverpool receive boost in bid to keep star player as Real Madrid make decision
Madrid Move Changes Mood Around Konate

For weeks, the whisper around Europe’s corridors of power had been simple: Real Madrid wanted a centre-back, and Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation made him an attractive possibility. Now, according to reporting first detailed by TEAMtalk, that narrative has shifted. Madrid, it seems, have settled elsewhere, and Liverpool find themselves in a curious position — relieved yet uneasy.

Player Ratings: Resilient Liverpool Grind Out Crucial Away Victory
Nottingham Forest 0 – 1 Liverpool PL Player Ratings

The return of the Premier League campaign saw the reigning champions head to the City Ground, as the Reds feared a continuation of a new manager bounce.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian stopper needed to be commanding and alert as the visitors allowed the hosts to overrun them.

After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was barely tested. 
Curtis Jones – 6.

Rushine De Reuck scores as Steve Barker’s Simba secure league win
De Reuck on target for Barker’s Simba in crucial league victory

Photo: Simba SC @ X
Rushine De Reuck found the back of the net as Simba SC beat Tanzania Prisons 2-0 in the NBC Tanzanian Premier League on Sunday.
Selemani Mwalimu, who’s on loan from Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, continued his rich vein of form in front of goal as he broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.

CLEMSON, SC – FEBRUARY 22: Duke Blue Devils forward Toby Fournier (35) looks to take a shot during a women’s college basketball game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Clemson Tigers on February 22, 2026 at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
All good things must end and so Duke’s remarkable win-streak came to a close at Clemson as the Tigers won, 53-51.
The streak, which started on December 4th, grew to 17th before the Tigers broke it – not that it was easy.

The San Francisco 49ers lost cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency last offseason, and while they added a couple of veterans and a rookie to try to replace him, their secondary was still lacking in 2025.
Heading into 2026, San Francisco is set to return their entire cornerback room, with Chase Lucas being the only restricted free agent of the group.
Still, the 49ers should be looking to add at cornerback this offseason, which is why Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently picked the team as the best fit for Tairq Woolen in free agency.

Kawhi Leonard dribbles past Orlando guard Anthony Black in the second half. (Etienne Laurent / Associated Press)
Desmond Bane scored 36 points and Paolo Banchero added 16 points and eight assists as the Orlando Magic held on for a 111-109 victory over the Clippers on Sunday night at Intuit Dome.
Wendell Carter Jr. had 15 points and 14 rebounds and Tristan da Silva scored 13 for the Magic, who improved to 5-2 since Feb. 5.

Dodgers’ Dave Roberts makes major Shohei Ohtani Spring Training announcement ahead of WBC originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the last two World Series and could very well be on their way to a third straight title. Los Angeles continues to dominate the offseason as well, signing top-tier free agents in three consecutive years. The Dodgers added Kyle Tucker after their bats went cold in the last two World Series.
“The Dodgers batted .

Steve Levy, John Buccigross and Linda Cohn join