HAMILTON'S FERRARI DEAL NOT A SURPRISE BUT TIMING WAS - TOTO WOLFF

Toto Wolff has been Mercedes team principal for the entirety of Hamilton's stint with the team. Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted Lewis Hamilton's decision to leave for Ferrari in 2025 was not a surprise, but he admitted the timing -- with the announcement just three weeks before the first day of testing for the new season -- was.

The 2024 season will be Hamilton's last at the team that has delivered him six of his seven world titles, and the 39-year-old described parting ways with Mercedes as "one of the hardest" decisions he has ever had to make.

The news comes just five months after Hamilton signed a two-year Mercedes contract for 2024 and 2025, albeit with an exit clause that allowed him to force a split at the end of the coming season.

Wolff learned of Hamilton's plan when the two met for breakfast on Wednesday morning, the day before the news was announced to the world.

"When we re-signed the contract with Lewis, we opted for a shorter term, so the events are not a surprise, but maybe the timing is," Wolff said.

"What happened is that we got together for coffee in my place in Oxford, with him returning to the factory [this week], and he said to me that he has decided to race for Ferrari in 2025.

"That was basically it, and we had a good hour of conversation and this is where we are."

MICHAEL JORDAN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SNEAKERS SELL FOR $8 MLN

Reuters 

 A set of six individual Air Jordan sneakers worn by Michael Jordan during NBA finals sold for $8 million at an auction in New York, setting a new global auction record for game-worn sneakers, auction house Sotheby's said on Friday.

The shoes, worn by one of basketball's greatest players in the clinching games of his six career NBA Finals championships, became the second highest price achieved for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia.

"Today's record-breaking price is a testament to the GOAT (greatest of all time)," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's Head of Modern Collectables.

UNRULY BEHAVIOUR FROM AFCON REPORTER PROVOKES CAF CLAMPDOWN

The AFCON final takes place Feb. 11 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images

 The poor behaviour of journalists at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast has prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to issue a new set of guidelines and tighten up media access following consultation with the local police.

Away from the on-pitch drama at AFCON, the actions of journalists have been an unhappy subplot, with abuse, fighting and near-nudity making headlines from the press box.

"There was someone dancing naked in the media tribune," a CAF media official said to assembled journalists at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on Friday, while explaining the new guidelines. "We cannot have that."

A statement issued by CAF on Friday, as seen by ESPN, revealed that the continent's football governing body has taken steps to reduce what they deem as "unprofessional and unbecoming behaviour" after consulting with Ivorian authorities.

"CAF has noted the escalating unbecoming and unprofessional behaviour of some 'media practitioners' in working spaces at the Africa Cup of Nations," the statement began. "CAF met with the Local Organising Committee and police to discuss the situation and find workable solutions.

"While we understand that we are all football fans and are passionate about our national teams, journalists are expected to observe professional standards."

ISLE OF MAN: WORLDS MOST DANGEROUS MOTORCYCLE 🏍️ RACE | 60 MINUTES

MANCHESTER UNITED 4-3 WOLVES | POST MATCH ANALYSIS

WEST HAM VS. BOURNEMOUTH | HAMMERS RETAIN UNBEATEN RUN

NFL POWER RANKINGS: JOW MONTANA VS. PATRICK MAHOMES

 

PRECISION PASSING: PRO BOWL SKILLS CHALLENGE

#1 SOUTH CAROLINA VS. AUBURN

INTER MIAMI 0-6 AL NASSR | ALL GOALS & HIGHLIGHTS

COLLIN MORIKAWA HIT 5-UNDER 67 | AT&T PEBBLE BEACH | 2023

HIGHLIGHTS | ROUND 1 | AT&T PEBBLE BEACH | 2024

2024 NHL ALL-STAR PLAYER DTAFT

2024 NHL ALL-STAR MOCK DRAFT

 

"HE'S LIKE A FATHER# | CURTIS JONES HAILS JURGEN KLOPP | LIVERPOOL 4-1 CHELSEA | PREMIER LEAGUE POST MATCH

 

LEBRON JAMES' INFIDELITY

 

YESJULZ BREAKS SILENCE ON LEBRON JAMES CHEATING RUMOURS

 Social media influencer YesJulz, whose real name is Julieanna Goddard, finally addressed the 2014 rumors claiming she and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James were sexually involved.

Goddard, 33, released a video debunking multiple rumors regarding her, including that she had an affair with the married James.

"I have never in my entire life been alone with LeBron James," Goddard said, "Period. ... Clearly we were friends, I was working in Miami I was one of the most popular party goers and throwers in Miami."

She went on to state that her love interest at the time was one of James' NBA buddies. Goddard did not give any more details regarding the identity of that player.

The social media influencer revealed her friendship with James has not continued, but are still amicable.

AUSTRALIA, SOUTH KOREA REMATCH HEADLINES TANTALISING ASIA CUP QUARTERFINAL LINEUP

Australia and South Korea's last competitive meeting came in the final of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which saw the Socceroos claim their first title with a 2-1 triumph after extra-time. Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images

 It hardly seems that long ago when the 2023 AFC Asian Cup kicked off on Jan. 12.

Now, it is down to eight teams vying to be crowned champions in the 18th edition of the continental's premier international tournament.

There was no shortage of drama in the round of 16 with three games going down to the wire and having to be decided by the penalty shootout, and one even produced a major upset.

Over the next two days, the contenders will be whittled down further to the final four and there is plenty to look forward to with several storylines waiting to emerge.

Quarterfinals will deliver one shock name in the final four

As the only debutants at this edition of the Asian Cup, few would have been expecting to see Tajikistan in the knockout round - let alone the last eight.

By Friday evening, it could even be the semifinals.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER QUITE | FORMULA 1

 

EUROPEAN TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY SEES PREMIER LEAGUE SPENDING POWER SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED

Victor Roque. AP Photo 

 MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The January transfer window closed on Thursday with the Premier League’s spending power considerably down on previous years.

Based on reported fees, top-flight clubs in England spent around $120.55 million on signings, not including loan deals. A year ago, Chelsea’s $357 million mid-season spree was part of a league record outlay of around $831 million.

Figures never looked like getting anywhere near those levels this year, with loan deals dominating the market.

According to auditor Deloitte, gross spending in Spain, Germany, Italy and France rose 80% year-on-year from 255 million euros ($277 million) to 455 million euros ($494 million). French league was biggest spender of the window with an outlay of around $210 million, based on reported fees.

But it was in England where the biggest shift occurred, with leading clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all resisting the temptation to spend.

What is not clear is whether the caution shown during the past month represents the start of a new trend in light of the Premier League’s financial rules — or whether normal service will be resumed at the end of the season.

In France, Lyon spent around $54.5 million and Paris Saint-Germain $43.5 million. In Spain, Barcelona brought in 18-year-old Brazilian forward Vitor Roque for a reported $43.5 million.

By comparison Crystal Palace was the Premier League’s biggest spender after the deadline day signing of midfielder Adam Wharton from Blackburn for a reported $23 million took the London club’s total outlay to $31.6 million.

FINANCIAL RULES

Everton was handed a 10-point deduction earlier this season for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

The Merseyside club could face more sanctions after being referred last month to an independent commission for further breaches of the rules. Nottingham Forest was also referred.

The league’s profit and financial sustainability rules allow clubs to lose a maximum of 105 million pounds ($130 million) over a three-year period or face sanctions.

The level of the punishment handed to Everton has likely served as a warning to English clubs about spending beyond the limits.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pointed to spending limitations when asked about signing a striker in January.

“I looked. But there is no space. No space in FFP (Financial Fair Play),” he said last week.

PREMIER LEAGUE

With the chance to qualify for next season Champions League, Tottenham signed Leipzig forward Timo Werner on loan and defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa for a reported $32 million.

Aston Villa is also aiming for the Champions League and maybe more. It secured a deal for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers on deadline day.

And despite the fear of a points deduction, Forest still strengthened with loan deals for United States midfielder Gio Reyna and Sporting striker Rodrigo Ribeiro and the signing of goalkeeper Matz Sels from Strasbourg for a reported $6.4 million.

Kalvin Phillips was one of the biggest names to move within the league from Manchester City to West Ham on loan.

Armando Broja completed a late move on loan from Chelsea to Fulham.

SPAIN

Barcelona, struggling both financially and on the field, did not make any moves in January other than the deal for Roque. The Catalan club is now focused on finding its next coach after Xavi Hernández said he would not continue after this summer.

Real Madrid was satisfied with what it has after hitting the jackpot with Jude Bellingham in the preseason, while Atletico Madrid was the biggest mover last month as it picked up 18-year-old Belgium midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Antwerp, added veteran defender Gabriel Paulista as a free agent from Valencia, and signed Romania goalkeeper Horațiu Moldovan as a backup to Jan Oblak.

GERMANY

Jadon Sancho’s return from Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund on loan was standout deal of the window. Sancho set up a goal in his first game, won a penalty in the second and Dortmund has won all three of its Bundesliga games since his return to move back in the Champions League qualifying places.

Jordan Sancho. AP Photo 

At Bayern Munich the focus has been on adding depth to a small squad depleted by injuries. Eric Dier signed on loan from Tottenham and right back Sacha Boey joined from Galatasaray in a deal potentially worth over 35 million euros ($38 million). Spanish forward Bryan Zaragoza was brought in sooner than expected, joining on deadline day, rather than after the season.

League leader Bayer Leverkusen opted for Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias as emergency cover for the injured Victor Boniface.

ITALY

Desperate to turn around a disappointing season that has already involved a coaching change, Napoli was the most active of Italy’s big clubs. Mired in ninth place, last season’s champion signed Cyril Ngonge, Hamed Traore, Pasquale Mazzocchi and Leander Dendoncker. Napoli’s biggest order of business might still be to come, amid reports that Victor Osimhen has decided to leave the club at the end of the season.

FRANCE

While Paris Saint-Germain ensured it would at least keep Kylian Mbappé until the end of the season, the superstar striker can leave for nothing in June unless he signs a new deal.

PSG signed Brazilians Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo, with the latter loaned straight back to his original club Corinthians.

Lyon made a host of signings including Malick Fofana, Gift Orban, Nemanja Matic and Orel Mangala on loan from Forest.

-

Joe Wilson contributed from Barcelona, Tales Azzoni from Madrid, Andrew Dampf from Rome, Jerome Pugmire from Paris and James Ellingworth from Germany.

- JAMES ROBSON

NEBRASKA STUNS NO. 6 WISCONSIN IN OVERTIME

USA TODAY Sports 

 C.J. Wilcher came off the bench for 22 points Thursday night and Nebraska erased an 18-point second-half deficit, upsetting No. 6 Wisconsin 80-72 in overtime in Lincoln, Neb.

Rienk Mast added 20 points and eight rebounds, giving the Cornhuskers (16-6, 6-5 Big Ten) the lead for good with a hook shot 36 seconds into overtime. Brice Williams contributed 17 points and nine rebounds as Nebraska scored its second big upset at home in conference play this season. It routed No. 1 Purdue last month 88-72.

AJ Storr scored a game-high 28 points for the Badgers (16-5, 8-2), which fell into second place in the conference, a half-game behind Purdue. Wisconsin hosts the Boilermakers on Sunday.

Chucky Hepburn and Max Klesmit added 13 each for the Badgers. Klesmit rattled off 11 points to give them a 63-56 lead with 4:13 left in regulation. But ultimately, they lost for the first time in 121 games after leading by at least 15 points at halftime.

TYRESE MAXEY SCORES CAREER-HIGH 51, LIFTS 76ERS PAST JAZZ

USA TODAY Sports 

 Tyrese Maxey scored a career-high 51 points to help the Philadelphia 76ers snap a four-game losing streak with a thrilling 127-124 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Hours after being named an NBA All-Star reserve, Maxey proved he belongs among the league's elite by making 17 of 27 field goals, hitting seven 3-pointers and going 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Two of those free throws came with 4.1 seconds remaining.

Joel Embiid missed the game for the 76ers after suffering a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee in Tuesday's game against Golden State, the team announced earlier in the day. Embiid will be sidelined indefinitely as the team explores options for treatment.

Tobias Harris added 28 points for the 76ers and Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 16, including three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to boost Philadelphia as it wrapped up a five-game road trip.

Lauri Markkanen had 28 points and 10 rebounds, but the Jazz, who trailed by as many as 12 points, couldn't complete the comeback while losing a third consecutive game.

Utah, playing at home for the first time after a six-game trip, has now lost six of the last eight games.

Markkanen tied the score at 117 with a 3-pointer and then Collin Sexton gave Utah a 120-117 lead with 2:32 remaining.

WHO MIGHT REPLACE LEWIS HAMILTON AT MERCEDES?

Reuters 

 Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025, confirmed on Thursday, gives Mercedes plenty of time to replace him but the big question is who will step into the shoes of the most successful driver of all time?

More than half of the current starting grid will be out of contract at the end of the season but inevitably some stand out more than others.

Several potential candidates are not even in Formula One at present and look like long-shots, but Formula One is never short of surprises.

The following looks at the possible options for Mercedes and the questions raised.

CARLOS SAINZ, 29

The Spaniard whose place has been taken by Hamilton would be a straight swap. He has, however, been considered a top target for Audi, who are taking over Sauber and entering as a works team in 2026. He would be the likely number one there, and Audi have strong connections with his father who won last month's Dakar Rally with them. Would either he or Mercedes want to do a deal for one year or would he be open to a longer one?

ALEX ALBON, 27

The ex-Red Bull driver has been a big hit with Mercedes-powered Williams, scoring all but one of their points last season and hauling them up to seventh overall. Williams are run by James Vowles, who was previously a close confidant of Mercedes principal Toto Wolff as that team's head of motorsport strategy. A deal for Albon, an old friend and rival of George Russell who also graduated from Williams, would surely be straightforward.

ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI, 17

The 17-year-old Italian is yet to debut in Formula Two but considered a big talent for the future and already under contract to Mercedes. If not ready for the former champions, he might be offered to Williams to get experience.

MICK SCHUMACHER, 24

Michael Schumacher's son is the official reserve. His seasons with Haas were difficult and he is now on the roster of endurance drivers with Renault-owned Alpine. Michael raced for the team, his place taken by Hamilton in 2013, but Mick looks a long shot compared to other options.

ESTEBAN OCON, 27

A Mercedes-backed junior driver and reserve and preparing for his eighth season in F1 and fifth with Renault/Alpine. The team rated him very highly but he may have slipped down the list of options by now.

VALTTERI BOTTAS, 34

Hamilton's team mate before Russell replaced the Finn, who will be out of contract at Sauber at the end of the year and whose place could go to Sainz. He knows all the people at Mercedes but a return would surely be unlikely.

FERNANDO ALONSO, 42

The evergreen double world champion is out of contract at Aston Martin at the end of the year but showing no sign of wanting to stop and still looking highly competitive.

SEBASTIAN VETTE, 36

Could Germany's four-times world champion be persuaded to come out of retirement and make a comeback, just as Schumacher did in 2010? Vettel, at 36, is younger than Hamilton. He didn't entirely rule out a return when he left Aston Martin in 2022.

- Alan Baldwin

CARLOS SAINZ CONFIMS HE WILL LEAVE FERRARI AT THE END OF SEASON

 

FIA-COMMISSIONED REPORT TAKES AIM SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES FOR NOT CURBING ONLINE ABUSE I

AP Photo 

 An FIA-commissioned report on online abuse in sports released Thursday suggests social media companies should do more to curb targeted attacks toward athletes, officials and even fans.

The United Against Online Abuse Campaign surveyed 22 global sporting federations, among them FIFA, World Athletics, the International Tennis Federation, and the FIA, which is the governing body for Formula One and other European motorsports series.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem began planning the campaign when a female race steward received online threats after her ruling against Spaniard Fernando Alonso during a 2022 race. That came after Nicholas Latifi was subjected to death threats after his race-changing crash in the closing laps altered the 2021 season finale.

When people are abused online, the report's authors wrote, why do "the social media publishers fail to adopt more obvious forms of intervention?" The report asked why social media platforms aren't immediately removing harmful content, pursuing perpetrators and banning them.

INZAGHI LOOKING TO SHRUG OFF CUP SPECIALIST TITLE WHEN INTER HOSTS ALLEGRI'S JUVENTUS IN SERIE A

AP

 MILAN (AP) — The king of cups is set to go toe-to-toe with the king of Serie A when Inter Milan hosts Juventus in a match that could go a long way toward deciding the destination of Italian soccer’s top prize.

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has won three Italian Cup titles and lifted the Italian Super Cup five times, earning him the title of “Re di Coppe” (“King of Cups”). He also steered Inter to the Champions League final last year.

However, the 47-year-old coach has never won a league title, although he appears to be closer than ever to it this season.

But standing in his way is one of the most successful coaches in Italy: Massimiliano Allegri.

The 56-year-old Allegri has won six Serie A titles — one with AC Milan and five with Juventus — and only Giovanni Trapattoni has more, with seven.

HOW TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE BECAME THE FOCUS OF BASELESS POLITICAL CONSPIRACY THEORIES

AP Photo 

 The budding love story featuring music superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce took an unexpected turn into the world of political conspiracy theories this week after the team advanced to the Super Bowl.

Myriad baseless rumors emerged on social media — everything from claims that Swift has played a part in Pentagon psychological operations to the idea that she and her two-time Super Bowl champion boyfriend are key assets in a secret plot to help President Joe Biden get reelected in 2024. Another variant: That the Chiefs’ success was rigged as part of the plan for the game on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

Political and media figures on the right, including former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, political activist Laura Loomer and One America News Network host Alison Steinberg, have amplified the allegations.

HAMILTON SET FOR SHOCK SWITCH TO FERRARI IN 2025 - REPORTS

Reuters 

 Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is set for a shock switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 as replacement for Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, according to multiple media reports on Thursday.

Mercedes and Ferrari declined to comment on the speculation.

Sky Sports television said it understood Mercedes principal Toto Wolff would brief the team before a formal announcement later on Thursday.

Hamilton, 39, has been with Mercedes since 2013 and won his first title with McLaren in 2008. His current contract is due to expire at the end of next year.

- Alan Baldwin 

YOUNG AFRICANS | NEXT FIVE MATCHES

 

AFCON MEME | SADIO MANE | #AFCON2023