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Falcons dismiss assistant coach LaTroy Lewis, who has been named a suspect in a sexual assault case

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons dismissed assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis on Friday, just hours before he was named as a suspect in a sexual assault case.

The dismissal came shortly after the Falcons said they were looking into allegations that surfaced on social media.

"We are aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis," the Falcons said in a statement before making the move to fire Lewis. “We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time.”

A direct message seeking comment was sent to Lewis on social media.

The allegations date to Lewis' time at the University of Michigan, where he served as a graduate assistant for the 2022 season before being promoted to assistant defensive line coach for the next two seasons.

“The Ann Arbor Police Department was just recently made aware of allegations regarding a sexual assault reported to have occurred on December 5, 2024,” Ann Arbor Police spokesman Chris Page said. "The suspect in this investigation is LaTroy Lewis.

“The AAPD Detective Bureau launched an immediate investigation into the incident. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”

Karen Truszkowski, the attorney of the woman accusing Lewis of sexual assault, said her client filed an incident report with Ann Arbor police and requested a protective order against Lewis.

The woman and Lewis connected on a dating app in July 2024, and she claims his behavior became aggressive via text message and phone calls, according to Truszkowski. They met for the first time at an Ann Arbor hotel in December 2024, when she told police Lewis that raped her, according to Truszkowski.

The Milford (Michigan) Police Department responded the next month to a 911 call from the woman's neighbors, who heard raised voices, according to Truszkowski. The attorney said her client and Lewis told the police that their argument was not physical.

Truszkowski said her client told Milford police that Lewis was a coach at Michigan, saying she didn't want to talk about it. She was afraid to tell the police at the time that Lewis had physically abused her, according to Truszkowski.

A request was sent to Ann Arbor Police to obtain the police report and protection order tied to the allegations against Lewis that were published on social media by podcast host Justin Spiro.

Lewis coached under former Michigan coaches Sherrone Moore and Jim Harbaugh. Moore was fired in December after having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and charged with three crimes, including felony home invasion and stalking.

“As we have noted, the university launched an investigation of the circumstances and conduct leading to Sherrone Moore’s firing, as well as a broader culture review of the athletic department,” Michigan spokesman Paul Corliss said Friday. “We continue to urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to the law firm conducting the investigation.

“The work is ongoing, and we will be able to share more when it is completed.”

The 32-year-old Lewis, who is from Akron, Ohio, was a standout linebacker at Tennessee and played in two NFL games with the Houston Texans during the 2017 season.

Lewis was hired by the Falcons earlier this month after he spent the 2025 season as Toledo’s defensive line coach.

___

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

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NHL Rumors: Sharks Linked To Rangers Defenseman

It is not a secret that one of the San Jose Sharks' biggest needs right now is another defenseman to bolster their blueline. This is especially so when noting that they have several pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) defensemen, like Mario Ferraro, John Klingberg, Vincent Desharnais, and Timothy Liljegren.

The Sharks' right side, in particular, could use a boost. With this, the Sharks are continuing to be connected to one of the NHL's top right-shot defenseman trade candidates.

According to The Fourth Period, the Sharks are one of the teams interested in acquiring New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider. 

This is not the first time that the Sharks have been connected to Schneider, and it makes sense given their need for another right-shot defenseman. If they acquired him from the Rangers, he would instantly become one of their top defenseman and likely would play in their top four because of it. 

Schneider's age also makes him stand out as a likely fit for the Sharks. This is because he is still only 24 years old and could have the potential to improve with a much-needed fresh start. 

Yet, with Schneider being a former first-round pick who is still in his mid-20s, it is likely that the Sharks will not be the only team interested in him. It will be interesting to see if San Jose can end up landing him from here. 

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Gambo: Devin Booker likely to return next week

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 76ers defeated the Suns 109-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to Arizona Sports’ insider John Gambadoro, Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker is set to return to the lineup either on Tuesday or Thursday of next week against the Kings or Bulls.

This development arrives at a critical time for a team that’s been searching for offensive rhythm and a semblance of perimeter consistency. They get their engine back!

Booker’s return should hopefully allow Jalen Green to settle into the role we all envisioned him being in, rather than having to be “the guy”. In the last four games he’s missed, Phoenix has gone 1-3, and their offense has fallen off a cliff outside of last night’s game, which probably says more about the Lakers’ defense than the Suns’ offense.

Booker missed significant time previously this season, but with Brooks, Allen, Gillespie, and Goodwin available (mostly) during that stretch, it was easier to survive. Now, without Brooks, the margin for key guards being absent is razor-thin.

Gambadoro also noted that Jordan Goodwin is roughly a week behind Booker in his own recovery timeline.

As for Goodwin, his projected return being about a week behind offers another layer of reinforcement. His defensive edge and point-of-attack pressure have also been missed, particularly in matchups where Phoenix has struggled to contain dribble penetration.

The Next 6 Games

  • March 3 @ Sacramento Kings
  • March 5 vs Chicago Bulls
  • March 6 vs New Orleans Pelicans
  • March 8 vs Charlotte Hornets
  • March 10 @ Milwaukee Bucks
  • March 12 @ Indiana Pacers

They have an unusual number of days off as their next game isn’t until Tuesday, giving them time to reset and recover. The schedule lightens up, and they get their star back. It’s time to make up some ground!

Help is on the way, Suns fans.

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Spring Training Game Thread: Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox

Feb 17, 2026; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore during media day at Surprise Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Today the Texas Rangers are back to playing only one spring training game. That game will be played from Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ where the Rangers will take on the Chicago White Sox.

LHP MacKenzie Gore is set to take the mound for Texas opposite RHP Erick Fedde for Chicago.

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSWHITE SOX
Evan Carter – CFMiguel Vargas – 3B
Jake Burger – 1BKyle Teel – C
Josh Smith – 2BColson Montgomery – SS
Michael Helman – LFAustin Hays – RF
Alejandro Osuna – RFAndrew Benintendi – LF
Cameron Cauley – SSLaMonte Wade – 1B
Jose Herrera – CSam Antonacci – 2B
Rafe Perich – DHBrooks Baldwin – CF
Luke Hanson – 3BDustin Harris – DH
MacKenzie Gore – LHPErick Fedde – RHP

Chicago has a radio and video feed for this one, otherwise you’ll have to follow along on Gameday. First pitch from Camelback Ranch is scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.

Go Rangers!

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Game Threads: Rangers at White Sox (SS), White Sox (SS) at Brewers

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 05: Erick Fedde #59 of the Milwaukee Brewers arrives at the stadium prior to the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Erik Fedde’s first shot at staying out of street clothes in 2026 comes today vs. Texas. | (Photo by Rayni Shiring/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The White Sox have three split-squad game days this spring, including the Prospect Breakout game vs. the Dodgers. And, lucky you, today is the first! There no Munetaka Murakami today for the Sox — or for any time in the near future, as he has departed to join Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Leading off at 2:05 p.m. CT is the Camelback Ranch game, hosting Texas:

Old friend and apparent heir apparent to the No. 5 starter spot, Erik Fedde, gets his first look of the spring. The impressive Sam Antonacci gets another start, in the 6-spot, continuing to get a long early look from the Sox.

The game is on White Sox radio (WMVP-AM 1000) and also on something called CWS Video. I presumed that meant a webcast, but at the moment I’m not certain that’s so. But still THIS is the game with actual White Sox broadcast coverage, in some form.

Over in Phoenix, Sean Burke takes the ball for the second time this spring, hoping to stay perfect through his two or three frames:

Slugging star shortstop Tanner Murray takes the 6-spot in this one, as the two lineups for today are equally strong (or weak, depending on your take). This ballgame is a Cactus League ghost on the White Sox side, with only Gameday and Brewers radio to confirm its existence.

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Dodgers vs. Giants game chat

Phoenix, AZ - February 17, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) at the 2026 Dodgers spring training at Camelback Ranch, Phoenix, AZ on February 17, 2026. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Dodgers look to make it a 7-0 start this spring, as they are on the road to take on the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Yoshinobu Yamamoto makes his final spring start against left-hander Robbie Ray.

FRIDAY GAME INFO
  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Giants
  • Ballpark: Scottsdale Stadium
  • Time: 12:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio:

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Friday Open Thread

Feb 26, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Fans wait for autographs while holding baseballs before the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Florida Marlins during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Last Thursday, I put up an open thread, saying that I was going to do so every Thursday so we could have a place to talk about whatever was on our minds. And then, Yesterday, I totally forgot about that.

So this week, it is a Friday Open Thread.

You can discuss anything you like (barring, you know, politics and religion). It doesn’t have to be baseball, but it can be if you like.

At the moment, the thing on my mind is: There are a lot of places on this planet where, if you go to bed and it is +10 C, you will not not wake up to 5 inches of snow on your driveway the next morning. Why do I live in one of those latter places?????

Oh well, I suppose I needed the exercise.

If you want a baseball subject, Baseball America has a list of 30 MLB Prospects Facing Critical Seasons in 2026. The Blue Jay on the list is Arjun Nimmala.

Nimmala started 2025 on fire with High-A Vancouver, hitting nearly .290 and looking like he was ready to take the next step. But as the season wore on, the hot start simmered, and he struggled to maintain that early production over the final two-thirds of the year. Now 20, he enters 2026 with a chance to find more consistency and build on his flashes of promise. Double-A is next, and if he can carry his early-season form across a full campaign, Nimmala could begin to establish himself as a reliable everyday shortstop.

Arjun is 20 this year. I don’t know critical season? It would be great if he blew the doors off of the season and forced the Jays to put him active roster next year. But I don’t think the Jays will give up on him if he has a terrible year.

I don’t know, it is a critical season for Yariel Rodriguez. I guess it depends if you call him a prospect or not. Now Yariel is making a lot of money, so this season is critical for his baseball career, if not his bank account.

Ricky Tiedemann? He’s number 5 on FanGraphs list of top Blue Jays prospects, but he’s 23 now and coming off Tommy John surgery. I’m going to discount the soreness they told us about the other day. He’s just off Tommy John, there is going to be soreness. But, if he’s going to have the MLB career we thought he was going to have, he’s going to have to get it on track again.

If you want a non-baseball topic? What are you watching? I’m watching West Wing (again). I watch it every two or three years. I like the writing and the acting. I like the idea of smart people talking about big decisions. I like the idea that the people who make the big decisions care about the people those decisions are going to effect.

Ok, go for it.

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Spurs sign Mason Plumlee for the remainder of the season

Feb 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs center Mason Plumlee (45) during warm up before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Spurs have signed center Mason Plumlee for the remainder of the season. They first signed him to a 10-day contract — you guessed it — 10 days ago, and now they’re making it permanent.

Plumlee has yet to appear in a game for the Spurs as he works his way back into game shape, having last played on Dec. 22 for the Charlotte Hornets. He was signed after the Spurs waived Jeremy Sochan (who went on to sign with the Knicks) to help shore up their depth at the center position. While Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet have been one of the best starter/back-up combinations in the league, both have had injuries at times this season, so having that third insurance policy player is important.

By signing Plumlee before the March 1 Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline, he will be eligible to play in the postseason. (It’s so nice we can say that again, let alone without having to attach any caveats such as “if they make the playoffs” — although to be fair, they technically haven’t yet.) The signing solidifies the Spurs’ roster at 15 guaranteed players, so if they wish to sign any other players, they’ll need to waive someone themselves. (Jordan McLaughlin would be the most likely candidate, but the odds of that are likely slim at this point. There’s no reason to mess with a good thing.)

Welcome to San Antonio for good, Mason!

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Spring Training Game Thread VIII – Athletics at Royals

Seth Lugo throwing a pitch during Spring Training 2026
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Seth Lugo #67 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the first inning of a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Surprise Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hello and welcome to week two of Spring Training. I was going to write up a separate “perfectly reasonable reactions” post as I usually do at this time of Spring Training but there’s just too much going on this year, so I’m going to hit you with some bullet points here, instead:

  • Josh Rojas has already socked a couple of dingers, and while it seems unlikely he’ll make the roster, if he keeps it up, he positions himself to get an early chance somewhere this year.
  • Helcris Olivárez seems to be making a case to join the roster as a left-handed reliever. He’s already appeared three times after signing as a minor league free agent, and the book on him was that he had big stuff, but he couldn’t get it near the strike zone; he’s been keeping it near the strike zone so far this spring. He might not make the Opening Day roster but he figures to be among the guys rotating between Omaha and KC if he can keep this up.
  • Jac Caglianone continues to terrorize the Cactus League. launching a mammoth home run one day and a 120.2 MPH double yesterday. Once again, he seems to have little to prove anywhere except at the big league regular season level and he seems destined to get another shot, this year. Let’s hope it goes better the second time.
  • Carter Jensen is holding up his end of the Carter and Cags duo with a 1.222 OPS so far including a two-run bomb yesterday. Yesterday was really fun for fans of the non-existent western mystery series that the two seem to have come from, as there were two separate innings where they each collected a solid hit and an RBI.
  • Finally, Michael Massey entered the spring battling for a roster spot but as good as he has looked early, he might now be fighting for India’s starting job at second base. We’ve talked a lot about how India might bounce back this year, but it’s worth remembering that Massey isn’t without his prior big league success, either.

Anyway, here is today’s lineup:

I’m probably wrong, but this is the first time I remember EVER seeing Bobby hitting leadoff. Maybe Quatraro wasn’t blowing smoke when he suggested the shortstop might be leading off for the team this year. It may only be a trial to see how Bobby feels about doing it in practice and he may decide that, no, he really does hate it. But it’s interesting to at least consider it. Batting Isaac Collins fourth probably means nothing, but it’s also very interesting as a lot of the discussions around the Royals have been about how Maikel Garcia can’t lead off because Collins and India, the other two primarily considered candidates, can’t hit in the middle, and he can.

Bailey Falter is getting the start for today, but here are the other pitchers the Royals have included in their game roster and could pitch:

  • Nick Mears
  • Hector Neris
  • Dennis Colleran Jr
  • Oscar Rayo
  • Daniel Lynch IV
  • Carlos Estévez
  • Andrew Pérez
  • Aaron Sanchez
  • Steven Zobac
  • Hunter Patteson

Rayo, Pérez, and Patteson are probably the guys who only pitch if someone can’t get out of their inning before they hit a limit. Everyone will be keeping a close eye on Estévez’s velocity as it was way down in his first Spring appearance, but that’s hardly the first time that’s been true of the closer, including last year when he ended up doing just fine for himself.

Today’s game can be heard online at royals.com or through the At Bat app. It’s also available on the radio on 1660 AM in Kansas City.

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Nuggets vs Thunder Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for February 27

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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s marquee matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Our Covers prediction model has led us to a few NBA prop bets that offer solid value. We’ve evaluated the numbers, and our Nuggets vs. Thunder predictions are based solely on our data-driven model.

Read on for NBA picks for Friday, February 27, and don't forget to check out Jason Logan's Nuggets vs. Thunder predictions for tonight's clash.

Nuggets vs Thunder computer picks for February 27

Nuggets NuggetsThunder Thunder
Johnson o11.5 points
-115		Gilgeous-Alexander u28.5 points 
-115
Strawther o2.5 rebounds
-135		Hartenstein o9.5 points
-112
Braun u1.5 made threes 
-145		Holmgren o16.5 points
-120

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Nuggets computer picks

Cameron Johnson Over 11.5 points (-115)

Projection: 14 points

Cameron Johnson has fit seamlessly into the Denver Nuggets' rotation, and this projects as a bounce-back scoring spot even though he’s fallen short of this number in four of his last seven.

Johnson does most of his damage from beyond the arc, and that’s where the opportunity lies. The Oklahoma City Thunder has allowed nearly 13 made threes per game over its last five contests, which fits into Johnson’s role. 

With the pace uptick and three-point volume in play, Johnson is in a good spot to reach at least 12 points tonight.

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Julian Strawther Over 2.5 rebounds (-135)

Projection: 3.4 rebounds

Julian Strawther has quietly been productive on the glass for Denver, and this sets up as another favorable rebounding spot for the former Gonzaga standout.

He’s grabbed at least three boards in two of his last three games, and the matchup helps. Oklahoma City has allowed 44 rebounds per game over its last five, creating steady opportunities for wings and guards to chip in on the glass.

Strawther averages around 25 minutes per night, which is more than enough runway to clear a modest rebounding number. With consistent floor time and a cooperative matchup, he’ll get there again.

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Christian Braun Under 1.5 made threes (-145)

Projection: 1.1 made threes

Christian Braun has hit two or more threes in just two of his last five games, and our model doesn’t project a breakout spot.

He’s shooting a career-low 28% from deep on 2.5 attempts per game this season, and efficiency has been the bigger issue than volume. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back, Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense tightens up, particularly against opposing guards.

The Thunder are allowing just three made threes per game to guards, limiting clean catch-and-shoot looks, and Braun's opportunities for a strong shooting night from downtown. 

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Thunder computer picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 28.5 points (-115)

Projection: 24.7 points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected back after missing nine games, but this number assumes a full workload, and that’s far from certain.

While the matchup may look favorable on paper, Oklahoma City has no reason to push its franchise player in his first game back. A managed minutes plan is the most logical approach, especially with the bigger picture in mind.

Gilgeous-Alexander has also scored fewer than 29 points in three of his last five appearances, and if his floor time is trimmed even slightly, he won’t clear his prop total.

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Isaiah Hartenstein Over 9.5 points (-112)

Projection: 11.1 points


Isaiah Hartenstein has quietly become a reliable interior scorer for Oklahoma City, and tonight shapes up as another favorable spot.

He’s reached double figures in four of his last five games, finding consistent looks around the rim and in pick-and-roll action. The matchup helps: Denver is allowing nearly 50 points per game in the paint, leaving room for physical centers to operate inside.

Hartenstein should see roughly 25 minutes, and with SGA back to draw defensive attention, the quality of his touches could improve even further. 

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Chet Holmgren Over 16.5 points (-120)

Projection: 18.4 points

Chet Holmgren is coming off a quiet seven-point outing in Toronto and has cleared this scoring number just once in his last five, but this sets up as a strong rebound spot.

Holmgren’s versatility is the key. With SGA back in the lineup, Oklahoma City can fully re-engage its pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions, which are two areas where Holmgren thrives. 

The added defensive attention on SGA should create cleaner looks both at the rim and from mid-range and allow Holmgren to get back to getting buckets for OKC. 

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How to watch Nuggets vs Thunder tonight

LocationPaycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
DateFriday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off9:30 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Not intended for use in MA.
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Rangers Claim Kraken Winger Tye Kartye Off Waivers

The New York Rangers have claimed Seattle Kraken winger Tye Kartye off waivers, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. 

The Kraken placed the 24-year-old on waivers on Thursday to free up roster space to reinstate Berkly Catton and Ben Meyers from the injured reserve.

Kartye has been with the Kraken organization since 2022, when he signed as an undrafted free agent from the OHL. 

Upon signing with the Kraken, Kartye would spend just one season in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, scoring 28 goals and 57 points in 72 games and earning AHL Rookie of the Year honors. 

He was called up to the NHL for the playoffs, skating in 10 games and scoring three goals and five points.

After a stellar AHL rookie season and strong performance in the playoffs, the expectations were high for Kartye in his rookie NHL season, and he delivered. In 70 games, he scored 11 goals and 20 points, as he was also a physical force and a much-needed spark plug on the fourth line. 

Kraken Place Winger Tye Kartye On WaiversKraken Place Winger Tye Kartye On WaiversThe Seattle Kraken have placed winger Tye Kartye on waivers upon the return of several injured Kraken forwards.

The seasons that followed haven’t been as kind to Kartye, as he’s struggled to make his physical presence felt and has failed to contribute offensively. Last season, he recorded just six goals and 13 points in 63 games, and this year, he’s managed just three goals and eight points in 40 games. 

He’s been a healthy scratch 17 times this season, and his placement on waivers wasn’t surprising. However, the Kraken gambled by placing Kartye on waivers instead of sending Jacob Melanson to the AHL, who is waiver-exempt. 

The Rangers are currently at the 23-man roster limit, so if they plan to keep Kartye in the NHL, they will have to send a player down to the AHL. If they want to send Kartye down to their AHL team, the Hartford Wolf Pack, they’ll need to send him through waivers, where the Kraken would have the opportunity to claim him back. 

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Tyrese Maxey is setting the standard for VJ Edgecombe — and the rookie is more than meeting it

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 26: Tyrese Maxey #0 and VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Miami Heat on February 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Understandably, everyone in the Sixers’ orbit would like to forget the 2024-25 season. Murphy’s Law ruled the day as a team with championship aspirations only managed to win 24 games.

But it’s always darkest before the dawn.

Sure, last season was miserable — in fact, if there’s a word stronger than miserable, it was that — but without it, VJ Edgecombe would not be a Sixer. The No. 3 overall pick out of Baylor has been everything the team had hoped and then some.

Edgecombe’s performance in a big home win over the Miami Heat Thursday was another reminder of that. Tyrese Maxey, on a night that was really about him after setting the franchise’s all-time record for made threes, couldn’t help but laud Edgecombe.

“I love VJ. I think everybody knows that. It’s pretty evident,” Maxey said. “Not just because of his basketball abilities, but like who he is as a person. … Our season was very, very, very bad last year … but we were blessed with VJ Edgecombe and I think as the Sixers organization, as a fanbase we should be very happy, very pleased and very thankful. I know I am.”

When a two-time All-Star and franchise cornerstone feels that way about you, you must be doing something right.

Of course it wasn’t long ago Maxey was in Edgecombe’s shoes. Maxey, selected 21st overall out of Kentucky in 2020, was a 20-year-old trying to find his way amongst stars and earn the trust of a veteran coach. While Maxey fought for minutes that entire season, Edgecombe has been a starter since opening night — and for damn good reason.

Edgecombe’s season has understandably been a bit up and down, but there’s never been a moment where his starting spot or role were in peril. That’s largely thanks to his scalability amongst stars, his feel — which seems beyond his years — and his propensity to show up in clutch moments.

All of that was on display Thursday. Edgecombe stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. With the game still hanging in the balance, he hit big shots, made key defensive plays and secured critical rebounds.

It’s what the team has come to expect.

“When the lights were on in Boston [on opening night], for the whole four quarters, he was really good,” Maxey said. “That’s when you know somebody’s a big time performer. And then he went and did it in Madison Square Garden twice. Certain people you just know can perform when the lights are on and I knew I’d be able to trust him.”

Edgecombe already has the second-most threes for a rookie in Sixers history. The record holder? Allen Iverson, of course. There’s a decent chance that Edgecombe could break that mark as well.

As for Maxey’s record — which he will keep adding on to considering he’s 25 and on a long-term deal — it might be a while before Edgecombe gets there.

“I’m very happy for him,” Edgecombe said. “Now the record is going to be a little harder to break now. I’m going to try. Hopefully I can get there.”

Edgecombe has earned the respect of all his teammates, no small feat for a rookie in his spot. He even gave an impassioned defense of Joel Embiid, who nailed a game-sealing three while battling discomfort most of the night after getting kicked in the ribs.

“The media try to make it seem like he don’t want to play basketball,” Edgecombe said of Embiid. “Like come on, he’s out there in pain and he made a big shot at the end of the game. He barely could raise his right hand up. That just shows his character, too. He cares about winning. It’s Joel Embiid, bro.”

A rookie showing public support for a player who’s been through what Embiid has been through should only endear him more to the locker room — not that Maxey and company needed it.

Maxey’s support has meant everything to Edgecombe. They’re the ideal mentor-mentee backcourt pairing.

“‘Rese showed love from day one,” Edgecombe said. “It means a lot to me. Speaks to obviously who he is as a person, who he is as a player. I mostly just sit there and watch him work out, also. That’s it, man. He just means a lot.”

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Takeaways: Michkov’s Overtime Winner, Ersson’s Composure Lead Flyers Past Rangers

Madison Square Garden has always demanded something extra from the Philadelphia Flyers. The Broad Street vs. Broadway rivalry is a storied one that requires players to be on their A game from puck drop.

And on a night when the Flyers needed a redemption game, they found it in Midtown Manhattan.

Behind two goals from Matvei Michkov—including the overtime winner—and a composed, resilient effort from Sam Ersson in net, the Flyers defeated the New York Rangers 3–2 in overtime, earning a critical two points in a game that often felt like a preview of the emotional and tactical demands awaiting them down the stretch.

The win brought the Flyers to 1-1-1 in their four-game season series against New York, but more importantly, it reinforced something deeper: this team’s ability to endure difficult starts, absorb pressure, and still dictate how games end.

1. Matvei Michkov Dictated the Outcome When It Mattered Most.

Matvei Michkov had one of his most impactful performances of the season, scoring twice—once on the power play and again in overtime.

His first goal came at a crucial point in the game. The Rangers had controlled much of the early pace, and the Flyers were still working to establish offensive rhythm. Michkov’s power-play finish cut into that at times overwhelming momentum and gave the Flyers a foothold.

His overtime winner sealed the deal on the fact that this was exactly the kind of game Michkov has been needing after a hailstorm of drama surrounding his fitness, ice time, and relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet. So much of his sophomore season has been mired in negative spectacle that it's truly a breath of fresh air for him to have an objectively positive night. 

Michkov now has three multi-goal games this season and four career overtime winners. Beyond the numbers, his performance reflected a player capable of influencing outcomes directly after it seemed as though he lost his spark a bit. 

“He had two big goals for us,” Travis Konecny said postgame. “Obviously the overtime one, but I thought the first one was a timely one. It kind of helped us calm down and get us back into it. He’s playing great. He looked fast. He looked confident with the puck.”

2. Sam Ersson Was a Big Reason the Flyers Stayed in This Game.

Sam Ersson played a central role in allowing the Flyers to recover from a slow start.

Ersson is another player that has been steeped in negative attention, with his 2025-26 season being a rollercoaster of impressive high points and disheartening low points that have left fans largely unsatisfied with his performance in net. But at MSG, when the Rangers came out firing, Ersson had answers.

This game was a good snapshot of that. After letting in an admittedly soft opening goal from Sam Carrick, Ersson locked in and kept the Rangers from really piling on. With how much offensive zone time New York was getting, the scoreline could have easily tilted much more in their favor. Whether you love him or hate him, Ersson was a big reason why the Flyers were able to force overtime.  

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson (33). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson (33). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

“I thought Erss did a great job keeping us in that game,” Konecny said. “He gave us a chance to get our feet going and our legs and making some plays.”

"He was fantastic, fantastic," Trevor Zegras echoed. "The save he made on [Rangers defenseman Adam Fox] in the first four minutes, penalty kill, and overtime—he was amazing. [Dan Vladar] was amazing yesterday... [The goalies] give us a chance pretty much every night. When that first one goes in, he made so many ridiculous saves that it didn't even matter."

3. The Flyers Had Another Slower Start, but Knew How to Bounce Back.

Not unlike how they started against the Washington Capitals on Feb. 25, the Flyers did not execute cleanly in the opening period. Breakouts were inconsistent and largely unthreatening, puck management was uneven, and defensive-zone shifts extended longer than intended.

However, unlike their 3-1 loss against Washington, their structure improved as the game continued.

Even during emotionally charged moments—including a fight between Garnet Hathaway and Sam Carrick and a high-sticking penalty involving Trevor Zegras—the Flyers maintained discipline within their system.

"The first ten [minutes] wasn't great," Rick Tocchet admitted postgame. "I thought we got by the first ten and then started to relax a bit... We've been in a lot of these types of games—close games—and it's a big two points for us."

4. Trevor Zegras Continues to Produce in High-Leverage Situations. 

Trevor Zegras scored the Flyers’ third-period goal, tying the game and forcing overtime.

It was his 21st goal of the season and continued a pattern of timely offensive contributions. According to NHL Stats, Zegras has now factored into a third-period game-tying goal eight times this season, tying Nathan MacKinnon, Tomas Hertl, and Evan Bouchard for the most in the league. Not bad company. 

The Bedford, N.Y. native has also scored in all three games against the Rangers this season.

5. Every Game is a Playoff Game.

The Flyers understand the significance of each remaining game in this last quarter of the season. 

“[The remaining games] are a bunch of must-wins,” Noah Cates said. “We’ve gotta make up some ground.”

That urgency was on full display in their ability to recover from an uneven start and remain competitive throughout the game, especially against a Metro Division rival (although the Rangers currently sit last in the table with 51 points). 

They didn't control every phase of play, but they managed the critical moments effectively. Most importantly they were able to strike the balance that has eluded them more than once this season—their goaltender maintained stability under pressure, and their top offensive players gave the goal support and capitalized on their opportunities. Too often has it been one without the other, but they showed how good it can get when everybody is in sync. 

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Diego Pavia to throw at the NFL combine, betting big despite size concerns

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Quarterback Diego Pavia, runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting, said Friday he will throw passes at the NFL scouting combine.

The quarterbacks are scheduled to go through drills on Saturday. Heisman winner and expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza of Indiana said he would wait until his pro day on April 1 to throw passes.

Pavia said he will not go through additional on-field drills and will instead wait for Vanderbilt's pro day on March 18.

He is viewed as a later-round pick largely because of his size. Pavia measured at just less than 5-foot-10. Mendoza, by comparison, is 6-5.

But Pavia's confidence is not in short supply, something that has gotten him in trouble. He lashed out at Heisman voters in a social media post last year before later apologizing.

While saying Friday he didn't “care what people think about me,” Pavia emphasized he takes a cerebral approach to the game.

“I think my mind is just underrated, just the way I process," Pavia said. "I feel like I’m a fast processor.

“I’m humble, and I get my confidence from my process. And if you saw what, how much I put into this, you would see where I get my confidence from.”

Whether it's confidence or brashness, Pavia helped drive a Vanderbilt team — often a bottom-dweller in the Southeastern Conference — to a No. 9 ranking in The Associated Press poll at one point last season.

Now he hopes to transfer that play over to the NFL, and Pavia perhaps poked fun at himself regarding his on- and off-field reputation.

“(Vanderbilt) Coach (Clark) Lea always stressed that your frontal lobe isn’t fully developed until you’re 25, and I just turned 24,” Pavia said. “So I’ve got like 360 days to go.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl