O's INF Jordan Westburg physically 'unable to participate'

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg was not on the field with the team for a spring training workout on Thursday, and manager Craig Albernaz doesn't know when his status will change.

"He's unable to participate right now," the first-year manager said Thursday. "Getting evaluated by our medical team and also outside people. See what's going on with Jordan and get him ready to go."

Westburg, 27, felt his oblique tighten on the right side early in spring training. Albernaz did not specifically point to the muscle injury as the reason for his absence and wouldn't say if he had a different injury.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said earlier this month that Westburg's oblique injury dates to January.

The Baltimore Banner reported Thursday, however, that Westburg had imaging done on his elbow.

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"Just physically unable to go," Albernaz said. "We want to make sure we do our due diligence. Make sure Jordan has the best chance to play this year."

Injuries have been a hindrance in Westburg's three seasons in Baltimore, which drafted him 30th overall in 2020 out of Mississippi State.

He played 85 games last season and required injured list stints due to a left hamstring injury and a sprained ankle. He also missed parts of 2025 spring training with back tightness. He played 107 games in 2024 and was named an All-Star, but also missed seven weeks with a fractured hand.

In 260 career games, Westburg has a .264 batting average with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs.

--Field Level Media

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

O's INF Jordan Westburg physically 'unable to participate'

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg was not on the field with the team for a spring training workout on Thur...

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Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is expected to play against the Rockets a day after being in a car crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is not listed on the team's injury report and is expected to play Thursday night against the Houston Rockets, one day after beinginvolved in a two-car crashin Charlotte.

The Hornets are one of the NBA's hottest teams having won 10 of their last 11 games and Ball is a big reason for that success.

Ball appeared to be driving through an intersection when his camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer collided with another vehicle Wednesday, according tovideo obtained by WSOC-TVin Charlotte. The station later posted video of Ball, wearing anaqua-colored Hornets hoodie, getting out his truck and into another car before being driven away. Police were on the scene at the time.

A police report has not been made available.

There was no information available on the person in the other car involved in the collision, although video showed that driver calmly get out of his car and begin walking toward Ball's truck after the crash.

Video showed the left front tire of Ball's truck was missing.

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Ball is just the latest professional sports athlete to be involved in a car crash in Charlotte.

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newtonfractured his backin a 2014 crash in which he flipped his pickup truck near Bank of America Stadium — less than a mile from where Ball's crash occurred.

And in 2024, Panthers current backup quarterback Andy Daltoninjured his thumbwhen he was involved in a two-car crash in Charlotte.

Former Hornets guard Bobby Phills was killed in a car crash at age 30 following a practice on Jan. 12, 2000.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is expected to play against the Rockets a day after being in a car crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is not listed on the team's injury report and is ex...

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FIFA president: All 104 World Cup matches will be 'sold out'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup will be "sold out" despite tickets available for the tournament running from June 11 to July 19.

"The demand is there. Every match is sold out," Infantino told CNBC in an interview Wednesday from U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla.

Infantino said there had been 508 million ticket requests in four weeks from more than 200 countries for about seven million available tickets.

"(We've) never see anything like that -- incredible," he said.

The 48-team World Cup is taking place across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as the site of the World Cup final.

The head of the sport's governing body said that tournament locations contribute to what soccer supporters' associations have complained are exorbitant ticket prices.

"I think it is because it's in America, Canada and Mexico," he said. "Everybody wants to be part of something special."

Also affecting prices are resale websites, which take the official ticket that has a fixed price and use "dynamic pricing" leading to the cost to fluctuate.

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"You are able as well to resell your tickets on official platforms, secondary markets, so the prices as well will go up," Infantino said. "That's part of the market we are in."

A report in the Straits Times said that a Category 3 seat -- the highest section in the stadium -- for Mexico's match against South Africa in the tournament opener on June 11 in Mexico City was listed at $5,324 in the secondary market. The original price was $895.

The same seat category for the World Cup final on July 19, originally priced at $3,450, was advertised for $143,750 on Feb. 11, per the report.

In December, FIFA designated "supporter entry tier" tickets with a $60 price to be allocated to the national federations whose teams are playing. Those federations are expected to make those tickets available "to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams," FIFA said in a press release.

The last time the U.S. served as a World Cup host in 1994, tickets ranged from $25 to $475. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, prices ranged from $70 to $1,600 after the matches were announced.

Infantino in his comments this week estimated that the 2026 World Cup will raise $11 billion in revenue for FIFA, with "every dollar" to be reinvested in the sport in the 211 member countries.

He said the economic impact for the United States would be around $30 billion "in terms of tourism, catering, security investments and so on." Infantino also estimated the tournament will attract 20 million to 30 million tourists and create 185,000 full-time jobs.

--Field Level Media

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

FIFA president: All 104 World Cup matches will be 'sold out'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup will be "sold out" despite tick...

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King Charles III at London Fashion Week amid brother Andrew's arrest

King Charles IIIshocked royal onlookers by sitting front row at a fashion show on the same day younger brotherAndrew Mountbatten-Windsorwasarrested on suspicion of misconduct in public life.

The British monarch was spotted at the opening of London Fashion Week on Thursday, Feb. 19. The appearance coincided with the arrest of the former Prince Andrew, who was apprehended by British police Thursday, Feb. 19, the day of his birthday; Mountbatten-Windsor has not been charged.

The former royal has faced intense scrutiny over his friendship with the late convictedsex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets the friendship. He has not responded to requests for comment following the latestEpstein filespublished by the U.S. Justice Department.

Britain's King Charles III appeared alongside fashion designer Stella McCartney during Tolu Coker's runway, the opening show of London Fashion Week 2026 on Feb. 19, 2026. Britain's former prince Andrew was arrested the same day on suspicion of misconduct, with King Charles III saying in a statement "the law must take its course."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> King Charles III and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir walk to his seat as he attends the first day of London Fashion Week.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> King Charles III arrives to the Tolu Coker fall/winter 2026 fashion show, opening London Fashion Week.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> King Charles III attends the Tolu Coker show during London Fashion Week 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> King Charles III and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir speak during London Fashion Week.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> King Charles III looks on alongside the CEO of the British Fashion Council Laura Weir, left, and British fashion designer Stella McCartney, left, during London Fashion Week.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> King Charles III applauds designer Tolu Coker's fall/winter 2026 collection as he attends the first day of London Fashion Week at NEWGEN 180 The Strand on Feb. 19, 2026, in London.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See King Charles at London Fashion Week amid brother's arrest

Britain's King Charles IIIappeared alongside fashion designer Stella McCartney during Tolu Coker's runway, the opening show of London Fashion Week 2026 on Feb. 19, 2026. Britain's former prince Andrewwas arrested the same day on suspicion of misconduct, with King Charles III saying in a statement "the law must take its course."

According to event photos, Charles attended British Nigerian designer Tolu Coker's show. The king, who donned an all-gray suit and baby pink tie, sat next to British fashion designer Stella McCartney and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir as he took in the various runway looks. He pointed to various ensembles as the models strutted by and clapped excitedly during the show.

The former prince and reigning British monarch are the sons ofQueen Elizabeth IIandPrince Philip. Charles, 77, was born in 1948, while Andrew, 66, was born in 1960. Their other siblings include brotherPrince Edward, 61, and sisterPrincess Anne, 75.

Former Prince Andrew live updates:King Charles speaks out on brother's arrest

After his brother's arrest, King Charles released a statement showing support for the police's investigation.

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"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," the king said.

What happened to former Prince Andrew?Disgraced royal arrested over links to Epstein

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities," Charles continued. "In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."

Charles and Andrew's relationship appears to have become strained in recent years, amid the former prince's growing controversies.

According to previous reporting fromThe Sunday Times, Charles cut off the disgraced royal financially in 2024 when he removed Andrew's £1 million ($1.3 million) annual allowance, leaving him with a £20,000 (approximately $26,000) naval pension.

In October, the kingformally stripped Andrew of his royal titles, due to mounting scrutiny of his association with Epstein.

Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:King Charles at London Fashion Week amid former Prince Andrew arrest

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

King Charles III at London Fashion Week amid brother Andrew's arrest

King Charles IIIshocked royal onlookers by sitting front row at a fashion show on the same day younger brotherAndrew Mou...

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Top 5 Center prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position.

Offensive linemen arrive in Indianapolis on Thursday to conduct interviews by request with teams and participate in medical exams.

Workouts begin Sunday, March 1, following media availability on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The top center prospects entering the combine are outlined below.

1. Connor Lew, Auburn

Lew is a technician, natural leader and has pro-level awareness. He started 25 consecutive games before an ACL injury in October 2025.

2. Brian Parker II, Duke

Transitioned from tackle to center. Polished blocker with easy movement in all directions. Has mental acuity and technical precision to become a great pro.

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3. Jake Slaughter, Florida

A multi-year starter and team captain with elite football IQ, refined technique and natural pass protection skills.

4. Logan Jones, Iowa

Very good athlete with movement skills to thrive in a zone-blocking scheme.

5. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State

Already 25 years old and average athletically, Gulbin is versatile with starts at guard and center.

--Field Level Media

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

Top 5 Center prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Field Level Media draft analysts ranked the top prospects at every position....

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Everything to know about the first NCAA Women’s Wrestling Tournament

For the first time ever this year, the NCAA will host a national championship for women's wrestling. For hundreds of women across the country, the road to securing a national title begins this weekend.

Before the national championship gets underway at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, next month, wrestlers will be sent to six regionals this weekend. Regional tournaments will be held Friday through Sunday in Elmira, New York; West Liberty, West Virginia; Franklin Springs, Georgia; Tiffin, Ohio; Indianola, Iowa; and Saint Charles, Missouri.

From each regional, 30 wrestlers — the top three in each of the 10 weight classes — will move on to Coralville to wrestle for a national title. There, each division will have an 18-woman bracket to determine its champion. The NCAA championship will be streamed live on ESPN+ March 6 and 7, and the finals will be reaired on ESPNU on March 8.

Ryan Tressel is the director of championships for the NCAA and he said designing the first women's wrestling tournament began about a year ago. After it graduated from the NCAA's Emerging Sports for Women program last January and became the 91st championship sport, women's wrestling formed a committee made up of six people from Division I, II and III to help shape the inaugural tournament.

Before women's wrestling was granted NCAA championship status, Xtream Arena had hosted the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships — a non-NCAA-affiliated tournament. In preparation for this competition, Tressel and others from the NCAA went to last year's NCWWC and were impressed.

"Xtream did a tremendous job last year and it was like, let's build on that," Tressel told USA Today Sports. "It was a place where we could be confident they're going to do some great work and a great job there.

"It's just the right size for what we're going to be doing."

Combined divisions, for now

Iowa is one of six Division I teams that competes in women's wrestling at the varsity level, the only program in the Power 4. The Hawkeyes enter regionals as the No. 1 ranked team in the country. In the 145 weight class, Iowa's Reese Larramendy leads the nation in technical falls with 145. The Hawkeyes also feature Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades in the 160 weight class.

This season, more than 112 programs across all NCAA divisions compete in women's wrestling at the varsity level. For this year and next, the national tournament will be a combined one, featuring wrestlers from across all divisions.

In 2028, that will change. A good chunk of the NCAA programs that sponsor women's wrestling come from Division III — 55 of them this season — and they will have their own tournament. The change was approved at the NCAA convention in January, but organizers still have time to figure it out.

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"How that looks, that's what we're talking about now. Is there a way we can adjust, figure out the schedules where they're all in one spot still and they're handing out multiple trophies? We do that with rowing, for instance. Those are some of the questions that will come up," Tressel said. "For this year and for next year, we'll be all together, one big happy family."

What to watch

In addition to powerhouse Iowa, the other Division I schools competing in women's wrestling this year are Lehigh, Presbyterian, Delaware State, Lindenwood and Sacred Heart. Kent State and Mercyhurst will add teams in the coming seasons, and Oklahoma State is among those with a club team.

Lehigh has the top-ranked wrestler in the 110 weight class in Audrey Jimenez, who is 13-0 this season and won a gold medal at the 2025 Pan American Championships.

There are stars in other divisions too, like Division III North Central's Bella Mir. The daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, she was named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week earlier this month after posting a 10-0 tech fall 43 seconds into her match in a dual against Wartburg.

One difference between men's and women's wrestling at the NCAA level is that the women compete in freestyle wrestling, which matches the Olympics. The men compete in folkstyle. In women's freestyle, points are not awarded for escapes. They can earn a point for a step-out, when one wrestler pushes another out of the competition circle.

A path for other women's sports

With this being the first NCAA Tournament for women's wrestling, Tressel and his team will be watching the competition closely to find ways to improve.

"The student-athlete experience is our biggest thing," Tressel said. "How can we make that better? That's No. 1. And then there's other things operationally — how we're managing the mats and floor control and access and things like that."

Women's wrestling was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in 2020. By 2023, more than 40 schools sponsored the sport and it was awarded championship status in 2025.

That timeline could be similar for flag football,which was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women programthis year.

"(NCAA President Charlie Baker) is really excited about this. It's starting this excitement, which is what I've felt," Tressel said. "You know, what's the future hold for other emerging sports out there too, with women's flag football coming on? There's a lot of great opportunities coming up for women's sports in the next number of years."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Tournament: Everything to know

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

Everything to know about the first NCAA Women’s Wrestling Tournament

For the first time ever this year, the NCAA will host a national championship for women's wrestling. For hundreds of...

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Longtime Eagles RT Lane Johnson reportedly returning for next season after injury-riddled 2025 campaign

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is returning for the 2026 season, his 14th in the NFL,The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLanereported Thursday.

Johnson, 35, missed the final eight games of his injury-riddled 2025 campaign, including the Eagles' wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers,because of a Lisfranc foot injury.

The 2013 No. 4 overall pick is a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro who has helped Philly reach three Super Bowls and win its first two rings in franchise history.

Johnson is a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line and will offer valuable continuity up front as the team transitions to a new offenseunder 33-year-old coordinator Sean Mannion.

Longtime O-Line coachJeff Stoutland resigned earlier this month, and Chris Kuper — a former Denver Broncos guard who most recently coached with the Minnesota Vikings — will serve as his replacement.

With the scheme expected to change, and a new voice in the O-Line room, Johnson coming back is significant, particularly during an offseasonthat's also reportedly included 27-year-old left guard Landon Dickerson mulling retirementafter weathering a slew of injuries in his young career.

Johnson isn't just a locker room pillar, but he's likely a future Pro Football Hall of Famer as well.

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Consistently one of the NFL's best right tackles, Johnson has allowed just six total sacks since the start of the 2019 season, playoffs included, according to Pro Football Focus. He's a force in the run-blocking department, too, and played a role in Eagles running backs LeSean McCoy (1,607 rushing yards) and Saquon Barkley (2,005 rushing yards) leading the league on the ground in 2013 and 2024, respectively.

Barkley, of course, became the ninth back in NFL history to pile up more than 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.

This past season, though, Philadelphia's vaunted offensive line wasn't as dominant as usual. Injuries were certainly a factor, and so was a predictable offensethat then-OC Kevin Patullo called.

Barkley averaged just 4.1 yards per carry — 1.7 fewer than the previous season — and the Eagles plummeted from second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (179.3) in 2024 to 18th (116.9 per game) in 2025.

Johnson sustained his Lisfranc injury during a Week 11 "Sunday Night Football" win over the Detroit Lions. In Week 10, he injured his ankleamid the Eagles' "Monday Night Football"victory over the Green Bay Packers. All the way back in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, he left the game with a stinger.

Johnson's presence makes a difference.

The Eagles were 8-2 in games he played in last season and just 3-5 in his absence,according to The Athletic, which reported that, since 2016, Philadelphia is 96-41-1 with Johnson on the field and a mere 15-28 when he doesn't play.

byJastin

in

February 19, 2026

Longtime Eagles RT Lane Johnson reportedly returning for next season after injury-riddled 2025 campaign

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is returning for the 2026 season, his 14th in the NFL,The Philadelphia Inq...

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