February 2026

There were 1,487 posts published in February 2026 (this is page 78 of 149).

Winter Olympics 2026 Day 7 recap: No medal for Ilia Malinin, 6 goals for Team USA women’s hockey

Day 7 of the 2026 Winter Olympics was a surprise shutout for Team USA on the podium, as an American didn’t win any of the 21 medals handed out Friday in Italy. Nothing was more shocking than Ilia Malinin stumbling his way off the podium. The day wasn’t all bad, though, as a couple U.S. teams posted big wins.

Here are the top five stories of the day:

Team USA left group play looking like the clear gold medal favorite. Nothing changed on that front in their first game of the knockout round. The Americans advanced to the semifinals with a 6-0 win over the host country, scoring five goals in the second period alone.

Through five games, the United States has outscored they opponents 26-1, dominating against both the teams at the bottom of their group and co-favorite Canada. They will likely face Sweden, which will pulled off an upset over Czechia earlier, in the semis barring an upset on the other side of the quarterfinals on Saturday. 

The ascension of the “Quad God” turned into a fall from grace. Ilia Malinin, the overwhelming gold medal favorite who entered Friday in the lead after the men’s short program, faltered enough times in the free skate to land in eighth place, one of the most surprising outcomes in figure skating history. 

It was instead Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov who claimed gold, with Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato joining him on the podium. Malinin will still leave Italy with a gold medal via Team USA’s win in the team event, but he was blunt about his performance on Friday: “I blew it.” 

The U.S. women’s curling team beat Canada 9-8 in round-robin play on Friday. It’s the first time in nine Olympic meetings that the Americans have been victorious against their northern neighbors.

The match was tight through the first five ends with Canada clinging to a 3-2 lead. In the sixth end, the U.S. roared ahead with four points. Canada did not back off, scoring two in the seventh and adding three in the ninth.

Holding the hammer, Tara Peterson scored two on the last shot of the match to give the Americans their second victory of the tournament. 

Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo ties record by winning eighth career gold medal

Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo tied a Winter Olympic record on Friday by winning his eighth career gold medal, and he may not be done yet. Klæbo’s latest medal came in the men’s 10km freestyle race, where he claimed his third gold at the Milan Cortina Games. He had already won the 20km skiathlon and the individual sprint in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 29-year-old can break his tie with fellow Norwegians Bjørn Dæhlie, Marit Bjørgen and Ole Einar Bjørndalen if he wins gold in the 4×7.5km relay, the men’s team sprint or the 50km mass start, all of which he is scheduled to compete in.

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych’s appeal for reinstatement was denied after being banned from competing at the Winter Olympics on Thursday. Heraskevych refused to change a helmet honoring fellow Ukrainian athletes who died during Russia’s invasion of his home country. He said he did not consider racing with a different helmet because he believes he is “not violating any rules” and pointed to other athletes from different countries who are allowed to express their political views.

The IOC stated that his helmet did not comply with Olympic rules, which prohibit any form of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda at Olympic sites, venues or other areas. The IOC offered him the option to wear a black armband or black ribbon instead of the helmet on Thursday but Heraskevych refused. As a result, he sat out Friday’s men’s skeleton event after missing the first two runs yesterday.

You want to see what a 95.00 looks like in the snowboarding halfpipe? Here’s what Japan’s Yuto Totsuka did to win gold.

Jorrit Bergsma was already a decorated Olympian, entering these Games with one medal of each color. He returned for another go in Milan at 40 years old, and won a bronze medal in the 10,000m, becoming the oldest-ever speedskating Olympic medalist. But the highlight may just be his cheering section, also known as the “Matties,” who sport his signature mullet.

Chicago Bears 2026 Roster Turnover: Is this the best tight end duo in the NFL?

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 08: Colston Loveland #84 of the Chicago Bears and Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings on September 8, 2025 at Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson changed his offensive scheme from what he used in Detroit to better utilize his roster, but a few principles remained. He wants to run the ball, use play action, and get his tight ends involved. He also expects his tight ends to be versatile so that he can line them up anywhere on the field.

In 2025, the Bears used the sixth-highest percentage of 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) in the NFL and the fifth-highest percentage of 13 personnel.

Johnson’s offense will continue to evolve schematically, but I can’t see Ben deviating too far from his use of tight ends, which makes this an important position that needs quality depth.

Here’s how the Bears’ tight end room currently shapes up.

Colston Loveland – Signed through 2028* – Loveland was one of the most dynamic rookies in the NFL, and this was after a slow start to the season. He flashed elite traits and appears primed to push for the Pro Bowl next season. His athleticism makes him a perfect “move” tight end, but he didn’t seem to mind lining up as the Y and blocking either. It’s easy to see why the Bears valued his skill set at 10 overall in the draft, and why his ceiling is even higher than that of a perennial Pro Bowler.

*Bears have the fifth-year option for 2029.

Cole Kmet – Signed through 2027 – The Bears could save about $8 million if they move on from Kmet, but I think it’s more likely they rework his deal and sign him to an extension. Kmet has become a reliable in-line blocker, but he’s athletic enough to line up wide or in the backfield. He’ll likely never approach the 73 receptions he had in 2023, but he plays an important role in Johnson’s offense.

Loveland and Kmet make up one of the best tight end duos in the NFL.

Durham Smythe – Free agent – The 30-year-old veteran played in a quarter of the Bears’ offensive snaps (293) and the sixth-most snaps on special teams (230). I can see the Bears bringing him back on another one-year deal.

The next three players spent time on Chicago’s practice squad in 2025 and signed reserve/futures contracts.

Stephen Carlson – Signed through 2026 – Carlson has been with the Bears since 2023, but he’s only appeared in three games. He’s a solid veteran option to call up from the practice squad, but at 29 years old, he’s probably never going to crack a 53-man roster.

Nikola Kalinic – Signed through 2026 – The 29-year-old began his career in the CFL in 2019, and the Bears are his fourth NFL team since 2022. He played in two games for the Bears in 2025, making 3 special teams tackles.

Qadir Ismail – Signed through 2026 – The Bears are his fifth NFL team since being a Ravens UDFA in 2024. At 6’6”, 232 pounds, he’s a good athlete who started his collegiate career as a quarterback for Villanova and finished it as a wide receiver for Samford. His dad, Qadry, was a ten-year veteran in the NFL.

2026 OUTLOOK – Assuming Kmet stays, the Bears won’t be addressing this position with big money in free agency or a high draft pick. However, some bottom of the depth chart competition should come from a UDFA or two.

What do you think will happen at tight end this offseason?

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game live score, stats, highlights from 2026 All-Star Weekend event

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game live score, stats, highlights from 2026 All-Star Weekend event originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The NBA All-Star weekend is here, and it starts as it always does: with celebrities.

The NBA All-Star Celebrity game is a fun way to kick-off the weekend, as celebrities from all over get a chance to show off their basketball skills. The game itself can also be the most entertaining part of the weekend, as the participants always have fun with it.

This year, some of the biggest names who will participate include Keegan-Michael Key, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Keenan Allen. Additionally, ESPN insider Shams Charania will show what he can do on the court, and former NBA players Tacko Fall and Jeremy Lin will also participate.

Additionally, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will serve as a coach, along with his brothers, against actor Anthony Anderson. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is also appearing as a coach.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from the NBA All-Star Celebrity Friday night. Follow for complete results from Los Angeles.

STREAM: Watch the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game live with Fubo

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game score

1 2 3 4 F
Team Antetokounmpo 14
Team Anderson 16

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game stats, highlights from 2026 All-Star Weekend event

7:59 p.m.: Between quarters, the team captains rolled a die to increase the amount their 4-point line is worth. Team Giannis is worth 7 now, Team Anderson is worth 8.

7:50 p.m.: Tacko Fall continues to dominate.

7:40 p.m.: Keenan Allen strikes first as an NFL player in tonight’s game.

7:32 p.m.: NFL players have a history of performing well in the NBA Celeb. 

2:29 p.m.: Tacko Fall starts the night off with a reverse dunk as the point guard. 

7:27 p.m.: Victor Wembanyama gets chosen to start the game with the jump ball.

7:22 p.m.: Team Giannis gets announced at the NBA Celeb Game.

7:21 p.m.: Team Anthony gets announced at the NBA Celeb Game.

7:18 p.m.: Giannis Antetokounmpo is already giving one of his players a hard time. Antetokounmpo jokingly said that Shams Charania cannot hoop.

7:05 p.m.: GloRilla gets her first look at her threads for the game tonight.

7:03 p.m.: Detroit Lions wide receiver is set for his Celebrity All-Star Game debut.

How to watch NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

NBA All-Star celebrity game start time

  • Date: Friday, February 13
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 13 live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.

NBA All-Star celebrity game TV Channel

  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo

ESPN will be broadcasting the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night, as Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson and Monica McNutt will be on the call. Those looking for a live stream can use Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game rosters

Team Antetokounmpo

  • Keegan-Michael Key, actor
  • Rome Flynn, actor and model
  • Dylan Wang, actor and singer
  • Shams Charania, ESPN NBA insider
  • Jenna Bandy, content creator
  • Rick Schnall, businessman
  • Tacko Fall, CBA basketball player
  • Jeremy Lin, retired basketball player
  • Glorilla, rapper
  • Cafu, retired soccer player
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions wide receiver

Coaches: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo, Mookie Betts

Team Anderson

  • Simu Liu, actor
  • Cody Jones, content creator
  • Badshah, rapper
  • Andre de Grasse, Olympic sprinter
  • Taylor Frankie Paul, reality TV star
  • Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns owner
  • Jason Williams, retired basketball player
  • Nicolas Vansteenberghe, reality TV star
  • Mustard, record producer
  • Adrien Nunez, social media influencer
  • Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver

Coaches: Anthony Anderson, Lethal Shooter, Chris Brickley

NBA All-Star schedule  2026

Friday, February 13

  • 7:00 p.m.: Celebrity All-Star game
  • 9:00 p.m.: Rising Stars Challenge
  • 11:00 p.m.: HBCU Classic

Saturday, February 14

  • 4:00 p.m.: Adam Silver press conference
  • 5:00 p.m.: NBA All-Star Skills Competitions (3-point contest, shooting stars, dunk contest)

Sunday, February 15

  • 2:30 p.m.: G League Next Up Game
  • 5:00 p.m.: All-Star Game 1
  • 5:55 p.m.: All-Star Game 2
  • 6:25 p.m.: All-Star Game 3
  • 7:10 p.m.: All-Star Championship

Mike LaFleur realizes what the Arizona Cardinals experienced in 2025

While many Arizona Cardinals fans lose their minds over the decision to have Nick Rallis return as the team’s defensive coordinator, it’s obvious new head coach Mike LaFleur paid more attention to what affected the Cardinals in 2025 than those fans did.

In an interview with Cardinals reporter Dani Sureck after being introduced to the media 10 days ago, LaFleur was asked the impression the team’s defense had on him after playing against them six times in the last three seasons.

“We’ve had some rough days against this defense,” he said.

For those who are guffawing at that comment and have serious cases of collective amnesia, consider that the Rams scored a total of 23 points in the two 2024 games against the Cardinals.

As for the troubles last season, LaFleur addressed that when he said, “Just going back to this year (2025) because every year changes, when we played them the first time, I think it was Week 11, maybe Week 12 from an NFL season standpoint, but our 11th game. And I remember (quarterback) Matthew (Stafford) coming into me on that Tuesday saying this doesn’t look like their record. This looks like a really good defense because there are players there.”

Of course, as many understand but not those that reside in the coaches-are-bad bubble, LaFleur obviously did when he noted, “Unfortunately a lot of them weren’t out there, particularly in that back half of the season. So that’s my job and our job as a building to figure out how we can make sure that those best players are consistently out on the field.”

Reality in the NFL is that game planning and in-game calls on both sides of the ball are based on what players are capable of and who is available. The facts are that during the 2025 season, 21 defensive players missed 161 games. Eleven were on a reserve list with an injury during the season. In the final nine games, 19 players missed 82 games. That can’t be ignored even though many people do.

As LaFleur said in a statement Friday, “Nick is someone I have always had great respect for, especially going against him in the division over the last three years. During the interview process, I expressed that he was someone I held in high regard and would be very interested in talking to about the position.

“I’ve had the chance to meet with him and pick his brain over the last couple weeks and am even more impressed than I was before. I know the respect he has from coaches around the league and especially with the players on this team and that says a lot to me.”

Even if the loud outside narrative believes they know more than those that watch hours and hours of tape while actually working and grinding in the sport.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Mike LaFleur realizes what the Arizona Cardinals experienced in 2025

Gerrit Cole wows Yankees in first bullpen of spring training: ‘He looked like a Cy Young pitcher’

TAMPA, Fla. — As Gerrit Cole threw his first bullpen of spring training on Friday morning, a crowd of reporters made their best efforts to get a look through the mostly-covered fence that encaged the rehabbing righty.

While those with cameras took turns sharing limited peepholes in order to snap a shot of Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery last spring, the contingent that stood behind him enjoyed an unimpeded view. The group included manager Aaron Boone, pitching coaches Matt Blake and Desi Druschel, bench coach Brad Ausmus and guest instructor Ron Guidry, who all watched Cole consistently reach the mid-90s as he simulated two innings of work.

Cole, who had already thrown some bullpens in New York and California over the offseason, saw his velocity hit at least 96 mph, and he threw his full arsenal to Austin Wells.

“He looked like a Cy Young pitcher,” the catcher said of Cole, who won the award in 2023. “He looked smooth and in control. He looked confident in his ability.”

“Was nice and easy,” Guidry chimed in.

Boone agreed with those assessments, likening an in-command Cole to a “diver that dives off the high board and just goes in the water and makes no splash.”

“He looked like Gerrit Cole,” the manager added.

Cole also came away pleased, calling his session “well executed” while noting that his reconstructed elbow “feels really good.”

“It feels different than it has been in quite some time,” he continued. “Feel is subjective, so we’ll have to see how it plays out.”

So far, all has gone according to plan for the 35-year-old, who battled elbow inflammation in 2024 before tearing his ulnar collateral ligament around this time last year. But while Cole has looked sharp thus far, Boone made it clear that the Yankees won’t be rushing him back or pushing him harder than he needs to be.

Cole, meanwhile, reiterated that full Tommy John reconstruction comes with a 14-18-month timetable.

“So it really hasn’t changed,” Cole said, meaning he’s looking at returning sometime in May, the earlier end of the spectrum, or June.

Earlier this week, Boone said that Cole is scheduled to start facing live hitters in “a couple weeks” and could “potentially” get in games before spring training ends. Cole said the latter goal is realistic, but that isn’t set in stone.

Cole is doing his best to stay present, as he is still in the midst of what he said has been a “long and tedious” process. That said, he’s certainly longing for real games after sitting out the entire 2025 season.

“I just miss playing,” he said. “I miss that outlet of working hard and feeling exhausted every five days.”

Whenever Cole does return, the Yankees will be banking on him being the best version of himself.

The club didn’t add another frontline starter this offseason despite some others having injury and workload concerns, partly because they have Cole coming back. But Tommy John surgery can come with setbacks, rust and even prolonged struggles — look at how Atlanta’s Spencer Strider fared last year — which is why Cole doesn’t want to get ahead of himself.

“I’m a confident guy,” Cole said. “I have high expectations for my execution internally, but overall, in terms of performance and expectations, I don’t really have any set goals or numbers or things like that. It’s been working really well to just stay day-to-day and execute the task at hand, so I think the challenge is to continue to do that as things become more exciting and as things start to get rolling more and more.”

Boone, however, isn’t going to doubt that Cole can return to form.

“I’m not going to put any ceiling on what Gerrit could do once he’s back and in the rotation,” the skipper said, noting the high success rate of Tommy John surgery.

Some have wondered if Cole will return with new experiments that he concocted during his down time, but the cerebral pitcher said not much has changed, aside from him having more time to lift in the weight room. Cole didn’t reveal any new pitches, and he said that his mechanics remain mostly the same.

There is one exception, as he’s now starting his windup by bringing his hands over his head.

“It feels good,” Cole said when asked about the tweak. “I generally just like the rhythm of it.”

“I ask for those matchups. I feel like I can be one of …

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