Fox 8
Japan’s government has privately concluded the Tokyo Olympics will have to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Times reported, citing an unnamed senior member of the ruling coalition.
Recent Updates Page 2
Alabama hires former Texans coach Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator
NFL.com
Three months after being fired by the Houston Texans, Bill O'Brien has been hired by Nick Saban as the University of Alabama's offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.
Tennessee Fans Want Lane Kiffin Back
The Big Lead
Lane Kiffin was Tennessee's head football coach for one season back in 2009 and his departure for USC left Volunteers fans furious. Now, 11 years later, many of those same fans have taken to Twitter hoping and praying Kiffin is brought back to replace the recently-fired Jeremy Pruitt.
Notre Dame violated NCAA recruiting contact rules
USA Today
Some college football news from the NCAA about one of the biggest programs in the sport. Notre Dame was found to have violated recruiting rules.
Hurricanes hope to play next week after facilities closed due to COVID-19
NHL.com
The Carolina Hurricanes hope to reopen their training facilities soon and resume playing next week after the NHL closed their facilities and postponed their games because of COVID-19.
Penguins Looking To Acquire A Defenseman
Pro Hockey Rumors
On the heels of Marcus Pettersson and Juuso Riikola joining Mike Matheson on injured reserve, the Penguins are suddenly looking thin on the back end. Accordingly, TSN’s Darren Dreger notes on the latest Insider Trading segment (video link) that GM Jim Rutherford is now calling around to try to add some help on the back end.
NHL COVID game calls: Player quantity, not quality
ESPN
The Carolina Hurricanes said the NHL's postponement of two games this week was not based on the prestige of the players who are currently on the league's COVID related absence list.
Old Dominion men’s, women’s basketball teams pause due to COVID-19
Yardbarker
In what's been a rarity among schools during the coronavirus pandemic, both the men's and women's basketball teams of the Old Dominion Monarchs announced on Thursday that they are pausing activities due to COVID-19 issues.
Tennessee hiring Central Florida’s Danny White as athletics director
USA Today
Tennessee is hiring Central Florida’s Danny White as its athletics director, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports.
Mets didn’t want to go beyond 6 years, $120M for George Springer
The Score
The New York Mets weren't willing to match the Toronto Blue Jays' offer for George Springer.
Cubs’ Kris Bryant not having as much fun playing baseball as before
ESPN
After intimating as much over the past year or so, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant admitted he isn't having as much fun playing baseball as he used to.
Mets did not allow Edwin Diaz to pitch in Puerto Rican league
Larry Brown Sports
The New York Mets did not give Edwin Diaz permission to pitch in the Puerto Rican league as he was hoping.
Real Madrid won’t fire Zinedine Zidane after shocking Copa del Rey exit?
Yardbarker
A defiant Zinedine Zidane explained in early December that he would not step down as Real Madrid manager after Los Blancos fell to minnows Alaves and were in danger of missing out on the Champions League group stages.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero tests positive for COVID-19
DAZN
Manchester City will need to do without Sergio Aguero for a little while longer.
Aaron Rodgers: ‘My future is a beautiful mystery’
The Score
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are again one win away from reaching the Super Bowl.
Buccaneers Try To Set Aside Week Six Blowout Of Green Bay
Pro Football Talk
Last Sunday, the Buccaneers beat a team that had beaten them twice during the 2020 regular season. That helps the Buccaneers realize that, despite blowing out the Packers in Week Six, a different outcome could happen in the NFC Championship rematch.
Chiefs: 2 major X-factors for AFC Championship Game vs. Bills
Clutch Points
The Kansas City Chiefs look to reach their second straight Super Bowl on Sunday, and the only team left in their way is the Buffalo Bills.
Struggling New Orleans Pelicans need to trade Lonzo Ball
Sportsnaut
Led by Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans were expected to take the next step to playoff contention in 2020-21.
Bradley Beal battling NBA to call off next Wizards game amid outbreak
Clutch Points
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal is calling in the big guns, as the team continues to battle a full-blown COVID-19 outbreak within its ranks. According to the two-time All-Star, the Wizards are now going to request the NBPA to step in as the team continues to try and convince the league to suspend their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
Kyrie Irving flips ring finger to remind haters of championship
Cavs Nation
The Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, and it was a special occasion for former Cavs superstar Kyrie Irving. Prior to tipoff, the Cavs played a video tribute for the six-time All-Star, who along with LeBron James, led Cleveland to a historic championship back in 2016.
Larry Scott finally fired as Pac-12 commissioner
Larry Brown Sports
The Pac-12 will finally have some new leadership.
How Sarah Fuller became part of Joe Biden-Kamala Harris inauguration
USA Today
Sarah Fuller went from Vanderbilt soccer player to a featured guest in the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris inauguration celebration in less than two months.
Henry To’o To’o among starters leaving Tennessee after Jeremy Pruitt’s firing
Rocky Top Talk
One of the worst case scenarios for Tennessee is playing out right before our very eyes. An investigation that dragged out to a month after the season resulted in the firing of head coach Jeremy Pruitt. That, in turn, has several players wondering what their next move might be.
Alex Ovechkin among 4 Capitals added to NHL’s COVID-19 list
Sportsnet
Four Washington Capitals players were added to the NHL's COVID Protocol List Wednesday, headlined by captain Alex Ovechkin.
NHL fines Washington Capitals $100K for violations of COVID-19 protocols
ESPN
The Washington Capitals have been fined $100,000 for violation of the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, the league announced Wednesday.