General Sports 8-Hour Briefing
×NBA & NFL Moves
Sources report the Raiders are releasing veteran quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade before the new league year. Meanwhile, TMZ reports that Suns forward Dillon Brooks was arrested early Friday morning in Scottsdale, Arizona, for suspicion of driving under the influence.
Rugby & Cricket Updates
Steve Borthwick has abandoned his philosophy of continuity and cohesion, hoping selection shock therapy will cure England's malaise before facing Italy. In cricket, Australia captain Alyssa Healy made just 13 in her final Test match's first innings, but the hosts edged India on day one of the day-night Test in Perth.
Boxing & Combat Sports
A highly anticipated boxing clash between undefeated Japanese stars Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani is set for May 2 at the Tokyo Dome for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight title. Combat sports star Francis Ngannou is a free agent after his release by the PFL, having competed in both MMA and boxing in recent years.
Winter Paralympics Developments
Iran will not take part in the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics as the nation's solitary athlete cannot travel safely to Italy. The Games begin Saturday with 12 golds to be decided on the opening day. Great Britain's wheelchair curlers held their nerve to beat the USA, keeping them fully in the hunt for a semi-final spot in the wheelchair curling mixed doubles.
College Basketball Spotlight
Cameron Boozer, dubbed "Baby Jokic," has led teams to championships throughout his basketball career. The star freshman now faces the question: can he do it again for Duke? Meanwhile, Bella Mir, daughter of heavyweight champ Frank, grapples for an NCAA title this weekend with Dana White as her mentor, declaring "Right now, I could be UFC champion."
NFL Free Agency Preview
As NFL free agency approaches, experts project what 20 free agents could earn next week, making predictions on exact contract terms, guarantees, and landing spots. The analysis includes top needs and candidates to leave for all 32 teams, with Malik Willis, Tyler Linderbaum, Mike Evans, and Jaelan Phillips worth watching when free agency opens March 11.
International Sports News
England moved its women's training camp from the UAE to Pretoria, with eight uncapped players set to travel. In curling, Ross Whyte and Fay Henderson, having each completed three successive Scottish titles, will make their World Curling Championship debuts this month. Wales aims to have the last laugh against Ireland in the Six Nations after being the subject of ridicule.
Other Notable Stories
King Charles has been invited to attend the 150th anniversary Test between England and Australia in Melbourne next year. In rugby, Premiership clubs agreed to limit contact in training to better protect players returning after their off-season break. England's Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kabeya remain stuck in Dubai after taking a short break during the Premiership Women's Rugby's reserve week.