Who are Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black? Here's what to know of Indiana's highly experienced running back tandem.
Free agent outfielder Max Kepler hit with 80-game ban for positive drug test
Free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball announced on Friday, a ruling that sidelines the veteran as he looks for his next club.
The suspension stems from a positive test for epitrenbolone, a metabolite of the prohibited steroid trenbolone prohibited under MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The ban takes effect immediately and would apply if Kepler signs with a team during the 2026 season.
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Kepler, who turns 33 next month, is an 11-year major league veteran who spent the first decade of his career with the Minnesota Twins before joining the Philadelphia Phillies last season. As a free agent, he was not under contract at the time of the announcement but remains subject to the league’s drug program.
In a statement, MLB said the suspension was issued following a violation of its jointly administered drug policy with the Major League Baseball Players Association. The league did not provide further details about the circumstances of the test or whether Kepler intends to appeal.
Epitrenbolone has been linked to past anti-doping cases across professional sports. In 2018, the substance was cited in the suspension of heavyweight boxer Manuel Charr after a positive test halted his title defense. It was also at the center of a US Anti-Doping Agency case involving a 90-year-old American cyclist who was stripped of a masters world record in 2020.
Kepler, a native of Berlin who holds the MLB career record for home runs by a German-born player, debuted with the Twins in 2015 and emerged as a fixture in their outfield, known for his left-handed power and steady defense. He was a key contributor to multiple postseason teams in Minnesota, including the club’s division-winning seasons in 2019 and 2020.
An 80-game suspension is the standard penalty for a first offense under MLB’s drug program involving performance-enhancing substances. Players suspended under the policy are ineligible to participate in regular-season games or the postseason during the suspension period and do not receive pay.
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Jonah Lea’ea, Utah DL, transferring to Michigan football
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NBA Trade Rumors 2025-26: Now Atlanta can go hard after Anthony Davis, but should they?
We've had one big trade — Trae Young going to the Wizards — and now another big name is available at the deadline in Ja Morant (for the latest on him, click here). Let's break down the latest rumors.
Pelicans standing pat
There are a number of teams interested in Pelicans' wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, but not at a return that decision maker Joe Dumars and the Pelicans consider fair, so they are taking their ball and going home, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Sources: New Orleans Pelicans are disappointing the market in informing teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will remain with the organization past Feb. 5 trade deadline.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 9, 2026
Two thoughts. First, this is a classic "we're walking away from the negotiating table" tactic to encourage better offers. Maybe those come, maybe they don't, but the Pelicans are not done talking. Second, there was zero chance that Derik Queen or Jeremiah Fears are now or were ever available via trade.
Anthony Davis
In the wake of trading away Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks gave themselves more financial flexibility to go after an Anthony Davis trade, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. The Hawks didn't want the massive contracts of Young and Davis on the books at the same time, according to the report, but now Young is out the door for an expiring contract in CJ McCollum, giving the Hawks more flexibility.
Atlanta has been the most aggressive suitor for an Anthony Davis trade. Should they be? Should the Hawks go after Davis?
I just do not like the fit. Let's stipulate that, when healthy, Davis is a top-15-20 player in the league who impacts the game on both ends of the court. He just had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks last night and — again, when healthy — would boost the Hawks frontcourt.
But he is a 32-year-old with a lengthy injury history — he has played 65+ games once in the previous eight seasons and has missed 18 games already this season — who is owed $58 million next season, has a $62 million player option for the season after that, and is looking for a contract extension.
Atlanta is now what every team in the league is striving to be — long, athletic, young and versatile. And, they are going to end up with a very high draft pick next June in a very deep draft, courtesy of the New Orleans Pelicans. The rest of the Hawks' core is young. Jalen Johnson should be an All-Star this season and is 24, Dyson Daniels is 22, Zaccharie Risacher is 20, and the "old man" of the group is Nickeil Alexander-Walker at 27.
Adding Davis, who will be 33 next season when the Hawks want to make a push and become a threat in the East, changes that dynamic — and how many wins does he really bring with him? Atlanta would need Davis to play the five, but he famously does not want to do that full-time and prefers to play at the four.
If Atlanta wants to make this trade, it cannot aggregate CJ McCollum or Corey Kispert into it under the terms of the CBA. That means the trade would have to center on returning Kristaps Porziņģis to Dallas, plus adding the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, Risacher, and Luke Kennard. Atlanta has reportedly been adamant that it does not want to include Risacher in a trade for Davis.
Atlanta should get out of the Davis market, look for a point guard such as Coby White who might be available (or other players on the margins), and, this off-season, look for a star player on the timeline of their other talent. Trading away Young to bring in Davis feels like a lateral move.
Dallas may get to see what Davis, Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving look like playing together after all, with any major roster changes on hold until the summer.
Jonathan Kuminga
Going back to last offseason, the Sacramento Kings have been the team most often linked to a Kuminga trade. It makes some sense, the Kings are simply in need of more young talent and taking a flier on Kuminga — hoping a new setting will help him thrive — is not a bad roll of the dice.
The challenge? Golden State doesn't like what Sacramento has to offer, reports Sam Amick at The Athletic.
Yet because the Warriors have shown no interest in the Kings' many available veterans, a third team likely will be required to get something done. There's this key development, too: While the Kings offered a protected 2030 first-round pick and Monk when they tried to land Kuminga via sign-and-trade in the summer, league sources say the first-round pick is no longer in play.
The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards also have "all have different levels of interest" in Kuminga, reports Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Kuminga can be traded as of Jan. 15, but don't expect an immediate deal once the restrictions are off. Nothing seems particularly close to happening at this point.
Domantas Sabonis
While we are talking about the Kings' trades, Domantas Sabonis continues to be linked to the Toronto Raptors, a team known to be looking for a center, reports Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Just a reminder that the current Kings general manager, Scott Perry, drafted both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley when he was with the Knicks.
New York Knicks
While the Knicks may have lost 4-of-5, don't expect that to push them toward a major trade or shaking up this roster. What owner James Dolan said in a rare interview reportedly is the thinking internally at Madison Square Garden — they like their team as it is and their chances of making the NBA Finals. Here is what James L. Edwards III wrote at The Athletic.
"Per league sources, before this skid, any move the Knicks made — if they made one at all — would be around the margins."
Don't expect that to change unless this slump — and the team's struggling defense — continues. Then all bets are off.
SEC football postseason failure brought about by its own greed
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A Veteran Hockey Critic's Defense Of Rangers Owner James Dolan
Veteran sports analyst Steve Viuker of Brooklyn believes that James Dolan is getting a bit of a bum rap from his critics. Viuker makes points that command attention. To wit:
1. KNICKERBOCKERS: Dolan's baby, his Knicks, are a very exciting NBA contender.
2. RANGERS: Although they aren't exactly hotshots, Steve says "They Blueshirts are usually competitive."
3. OTHER OWNERS ARE WORSE: Viuker mentions the likes of sports bosses Don Sterling, Clippers, Woody Johnson of the Jets and – perhaps he has forgotten – the Maras of football Giants infamy.
"For better or worse," read Viuker concludes, "Jim Dolan is a hands-on owner. While he may be far from the best owner, there are many who are much worse!"
'I'm Lucky To Be Able To Play With Him': Penguins' Rookie Relishes Opportunity To Center All-Time Great
Over the past several days, there has been a lot of talk about Pittsburgh Penguins' future Hall-of-Fame center Evgeni Malkin playing in a pretty unfamiliar spot positionally upon his return from injury.
Malkin, 39 - the longstanding second-line center for the Penguins behind only Sidney Crosby on the depth chart - played a little bit on the wing early on in his career, and he has seen some limited minutes there alongside Crosby over the past year. He missed a month of game action and returned to the lineup on Jan. 8 against the New Jersey Devils, and in that return, he found himself on the wing again.
But, this time, it wasn't Crosby centering him. Instead, it was 18-year-old rookie Ben Kindel, who manages to just keep climbing the ladder on this Penguins' team.
It has been a whirlwind season for Kindel, who earned his way onto the NHL squad out of training camp and has been a mainstay on the roster ever since. He himself had the opportunity to play on Crosby's wing earlier this season, but - for the most part - he's been positioned as the team's third-line center this season.
Now, he has an opportunity not only to slot in as the team's second-line center, but also to center an all-time great that he looked up to as a kid - and who has manned that position for so long.
"Obviously, he's such a special player," Kindel said. "So, I'm lucky to be able to play with him and have him on my wing. He's a great player, so just going to try to do what I can to help that line be successful and help the team win."
Of course, Kindel has picked up a thing or two during his tenure in Pittsburgh this season, especially in a room full of veterans that hosts the likes of Crosby, Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson. But it's a bit of a different experience getting to play alongside those players in game action, and - in particular - be the anchor on a line with one of those players, especially when those players are so accustomed to being in that spot.
The Penguins Have Found Something With Novak Centering Brazeau And ManthaTommy Novak found instant chemistry with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau once he started centering them.Even through just one game and a few practices - and some time on the power play together earlier this season - Kindel has learned a lot about Malkin as a player and how to tandem with him on a line.
"I think just his overall hockey sense and competitiveness drives his game," Kindel said. "And, obviously, he's very skilled. But I think his hockey sense really complements our line well, and I think we have three players - [Egor Chinakhov] as well - that think the game and are all skilled players. So, we'll see how it goes."
Kindel had high praise for his other linemate in Chinakhov, too. The 24-year-old scoring winger was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 29, and he has a goal and two points in his four games since joining the Penguins.
"Very, very skilled. High-skilled, great shot, great skating," Kindel said. "Good hockey sense, all that stuff. And, obviously, he's a good person as well, so it's nice to have him on the line. And I think we've been connecting well so far."
Chinakhov Trade Shows Penguins Are Starting To Shift GearsKyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins traded for Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, and it could be a sign of things to come over the next several months.Although Kindel is simply elevating his role as a center in the lineup, it's obviously a bit of an adjustment for Malkin to re-enter the lineup after a month and play in a relatively unfamiliar position. But, despite the adjustment, Malkin was happy with how he, Kindel, and Chinakhov were able to play in a 4-1 win against the Devils, which was the team's sixth-straight victory.
"First period, I play left wing, but third period, I play right wing," Malkin said after Thursday's win. "I don't know why. But, yeah, any little bit of time, it's not easy changing positions, but long time ago, I play wing. But, after first, I think I take a couple pucks, use my stickhandling. You know, it feels a little better, for sure. Huge [second-period] goal for me, and I hope [our line] plays same next game, too.
"I like playing wing. Like, I don't care."
And that line of reassurance from Malkin is probably a sigh of relief to Kindel, whose rookie season has provided him with a wide range of experiences, from playing with all-time great players to spending a week in Stockholm for the NHL's Global Series in November. He was initially set to be on a team-sanctioned development plan with rest days sprinkled in, but the Penguins' injury situation has thrown a bit of a wrench in those plans. Kindel has also - simply put - been too important for the Penguins to put him in the press box, as his eight goals and 18 points, the beyond-his-years two-way play, and his value to both special teams units has helped the team win games.
As a result, Kindel is taking things day by day, taking care of his body, and trying to learn as much as he can from the grind of a full NHL season. So far, he is happy with his progression, with his bump up in the lineup simply being the latest example of that.
"Obviously, there's going to be ups and downs throughout the year," Kindel said. "Just trying to get more comfortable and gain more confidence every day. And, obviously, I'm still young and still developing. So, gotta find the balance of trying to help your team win and still also finding ways to develop your game. I think it's just a fine line."
Takeaways: In Malkin's Return, Penguins Oust Devils To Earn Sixth Straight WinThe Pittsburgh Penguins took advantage of a struggling New Jersey Devils team to earn their sixth consecutive win and catapult them to the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
England ruthlessly privatised cricket – Australia embraces it with constant public displays of affection | Emma John
If there is one takeaway for England from this Ashes tour it should be how cricket thrives in a nation where it is readily and freely available as the dominant summer pastime
The drive to Bowral in New South Wales takes you through some of Australia’s most English countryside. Pastoral hills roll right up to the roadside and finish in grassy verges, flecked with yellow and white wildflowers. Alliums stand sentinel around vibrant lawns. Even the eucalypts are cosplaying as beech and oaks. You might be in Hampshire, if it weren’t for the dazzling sun.
Just a few roads from the high street – storefronts full of fancy cookware and country casuals – is the Bradman Oval. This small ground, with its pre-loved outfield, has become a pilgrimage stop for the Australian cricketing faithful. Head out to the middle and you’re walking across the sacred turf where Sir Don honed his skills. Stand at the crease, look past the white picket fence, and you can see the family homes where he grew from boy to man, on Shepherd Street and Glebe Street respectively.
Continue reading...NCAA denies Mississippi’s request to extend star QB Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility
The Rebels star quarterback just finished his fifth year of college football in a 31-27 loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Thursday night.
Yankees claim RHP Kaleb Ort off waivers from Astros
The Yankees have claimed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Astros.
Ort was DFA'd earlier this week to make room for the recently-signed Tatsuya Imai on Houston's roster.
The righty originally broke into the league with the Red Sox, but he spent the past two years in the Astros' bullpen.
He enjoyed a breakout campaign during his first year with Houston, recording a career-best 2.55 ERA in 22 appearances in 2024, but took a step back last season.
Ort pitched to 4.89 ERA over 49 innings before missing the final two months with elbow inflammation.
The 33-year-old will now compete for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen in spring training.
Penguins' Defenseman Nearing Return To Lineup
For once, the Pittsburgh Penguins are getting close to full health. And one of their long-injured players is nearing a return to the lineup.
Defenseman Caleb Jones - who was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a lower-body ailment on Oct. 25 after getting hit by Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand and going awkwardly into the boards - skated with the team for the first time in his rehab process Friday. He had been skating on his own prior to Friday's practice, and he wore a white no-contact jersey during the Penguins' optional practice.
"It's been a process," Jones said. "I think that was my ninth or tenth time on the ice, so it's just fun to be back. Kind of feeling a little better every day, but just take it a day at a time and try to make sure you're doing the right things to get back quickly."
Jones said that the rehab process has been both difficult and long. He has never missed such a significant chunk of time before, especially time not spent on the ice.
But he made the most of what he could during his recovery.
"It's been tough," Jones said. "A couple of dark days for sure, but you kind of try to focus on other things mentally, reflect on things you were doing in your game, and try to find ways to improve. Obviously, you can't do anything physically, but try to work on the mental side and see, when you get back, if you can make improvements that way. So, I tried to focus on that and just stay positive and try to attack the rehab process."
Jones, 28, was signed to a two-year, $1.8 million contract during the offseason, and he had one assist in seven games this season. The younger brother of Team USA Olympic defenseman Seth Jones - also of the Panthers - felt he had an opportunity to re-establish himself in the NHL with the Penguins, and he felt he was using his speed and mobility to do just that prior to his injury.
New Defenseman Ready To Bring 'Good Habits' To PittsburghNew <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>' defenseman Caleb Jones may have suited up for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings">Los Angeles Kings</a>' organization last season prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent. But, oddly enough, he found himself training with some players from a different organization this summer.
In fact, Jones didn't think he was the only one establishing himself at the NHL level before he was placed on IR. He also thought his partner in 19-year-old rookie blueliner Harrison Brunicke - optioned back to the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL Wednesday - was playing quite well at that point.
"I actually thought 'Bruno' was coming along really well, and I was working well with him," Jones said. "And he started out really well, too, so I thought we were building some chemistry. It was unfortunate when I went down, and [he went] back to Kamloops. But he had a little bit of a rough go, and it was just unfortunate.
"It happens. And, hopefully - if he ever gets back up - we can get some chemistry going again. Or, whoever I end up in the lineup with, I can get some chemistry with. That'd be nice."
Penguins Re-assign Top Defensive Prospect To WHLThe Pittsburgh Penguins have sent Harrison Brunicke back to Kamloops.Jones also mentioned that there are no hard feelings toward Marchand, who he trained with a little bit this past summer in Florida.
"I'll make sure Marchand gets me a bottle of wine or something," he smiled.
Although there is no set timetable for his return at this point, Jones hopes to be back in the lineup as soon as possible, and he circled next weekend against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a potential target date.
Of note, the Penguins have an open roster spot after re-assigning forward Ville Koivunen to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS). They are currently carrying 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders, so Jones can be activated from injured reserve without the Penguins making a corresponding move.
Penguins Re-assign Young Forward To Wilkes-Barre/ScrantonThe Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned Ville Koivunen to WBS.Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
Ex-Sharks Goalie Lands PTO With New Team
Former San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer is looking to continue his playing career.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Ottawa Senators have signed Reimer to an AHL professional tryout (PTO). In addition, Dreger shared that Reimer is expected to join Ottawa in the next few days with an NHL contract.
Reimer landing this AHL PTO with the Senators comes with Linus Ullmark being on a leave of absence. In addition, Leevi Merilainen has had trouble handling the starting role during Ullmark's absence, so taking a look at an experienced goalie like Reimer makes plenty of sense for the Senators.
Reimer split this past season between the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres. In 24 games during the 2024-25 campaign, he posted a 10-10-2 record, a .896 save percentage, and a 3.04 goals-against average.
In 99 games over three seasons and two stints with the Sharks, Reimer had a 37-40-18 record, a .903 save percentage, a 3.05 goals-against average, and seven shutouts. His most recent season with the Sharks was during the 2022-23 campaign.
NHL Insider Says Jesperi Kotkaniemi Has "Winnipeg Written All Over It"
The Winnipeg Jets dropped their 11th straight game on Thursday, with tensions around the team reaching a season-high. Players, management, and most importantly fans are frustrated with the direction of the team, which has struggled to hold leads, generate depth scoring, and find consistency.
Following the loss, it was revealed that the Jets have set the NHL record for most consecutive losses in one-goal games at 13, sparking renewed conversation about what the team can do to salvage the season.
Reports have emerged that the Jets are exploring trade options, with Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi increasingly mentioned in connection with Winnipeg. The former top-three pick in the 2018 NHL Draft has struggled to find a consistent role in Carolina, which currently sits atop the Metropolitan Division with a 27-14-3 record. Kotkaniemi has often been shuffled in and out of the bottom six and has yet to play a meaningful role in the team’s success.
At 25 years old, Kotkaniemi still has room to reach his potential, but continuing to rotate through Carolina’s bottom lines is unlikely to benefit him or the Hurricanes. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman highlighted the rumors on Friday’s episode of his podcast 32 Thoughts, noting that Carolina is open to a deal that would give Kotkaniemi a fresh start elsewhere.
“There’s interest in him, one of the teams that makes a lot of sense to me,” Friedman said. “If Winnipeg liked the player, and they need a center to play behind Scheifele, he’s signed for four more years. That’s the kind of player the Jets would look at.”
Friedman explained that the fit hinges on how Winnipeg evaluates Kotkaniemi but said the Hurricanes have the flexibility to make a trade happen, potentially requesting an asset that could help them push for a Stanley Cup or a draft pick for future moves. Kotkaniemi carries a $4.82 million cap hit for the next four seasons, but as the salary cap grows, that number becomes increasingly manageable.
Though Kotkaniemi has played primarily on the wing recently, he has extensive experience at center and could slot into Winnipeg’s second line behind Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi or play alongside top-line stars Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. A former 43-point player, he has the potential to reach 50-plus points in the right role, offering the Jets a chance to add a high-end forward without a major cost.
As the losing streak continues and frustration mounts, all eyes will be on management to see if moves like Kotkaniemi could provide the spark the Jets desperately need.
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