General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Boxing & Combat Sports
Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley has been banned for two years for an anti-doping whereabouts violation. Meanwhile, Most Valuable Promotions launched MVPW, a new women's boxing league, with Alycia Baumgardner defending her world titles against Bo Mi Re Shin on April 17. Francis Ngannou is now a free agent after the PFL severed ties with the combat sports star who has competed in both MMA and boxing. Tom Aspinall signed with Eddie Hearn after seeing Conor Benn secure a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, while Dana White said he has "no issues" with Aspinall's business deal.
Tennis & Cricket
Alyssa Healy made just 13 in the first innings of her final Test match before retirement as Australia edged India on day one of the day-night Test in Perth. Jack Draper says he no longer has "any fear" around the arm injury that plagued him for eight months as he prepares to defend his Indian Wells title. The England and Wales Cricket Board looks likely to retain support for head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key despite a disappointing winter. England moved their women's training camp from the UAE to South Africa, with eight uncapped players set to travel.
Basketball & Football
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery in Miami early Thursday morning after allegedly punching a man in the face, according to police records. Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Raiders are set to release veteran quarterback Geno Smith before the start of the new league year, barring a trade. Malik Willis and other free agents are worth watching when free agency opens March 11.
Rugby & Netball
A "solid team performance" saw Loughborough Lightning strike down Leeds Rhinos in round two of the Netball Super League season, while London Pulse edged out Dragons. Wales aim to have the last laugh against Ireland in the Six Nations after being the subject of ridicule. Scotland bids to keep their title hopes alive against France, who are targeting a Grand Slam or disappointment. Premiership clubs have agreed to limit contact in training to better protect players returning from their off-season break.
Winter Sports
Great Britain's wheelchair curlers held their nerve to beat the USA, keeping them fully in the hunt for a semi-final spot at the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina. Iran will not take part in the Winter Paralympics as their solitary athlete cannot travel safely to Italy. Twelve gold medals will be decided on Saturday at the Games, with athletes like 36-year-old legend Oksana Masters and 16-year-old Meg Gustafson among those to watch.
Soccer & Other Sports
Lionel Messi, owner Jorge Mas, and Inter Miami visited the White House to celebrate last year's MLS Cup victory. Ross Whyte and Fay Henderson will make their World Curling Championship debuts after completing three successive Scottish titles. Jacob Bethell completed the set of centuries across all formats despite England's T20 World Cup semi-final defeat by India, showing why he's integral to England's future. The NCAA is appealing the preliminary injunction that allowed Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a sixth college season in 2026.