The Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah, is known as the fastest ice in the world.
Athletes can secure Olympic spots for themselves and their countries based on their World Cup performances.
Speed skater Jordan Stolz could qualify for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics at the World Cup in Utah.

KEARNS, Utah — The last time speed skater Jordan Stolz raced in a World Cup at the Olympic Oval, he set world and U.S. records on his way to a sweep of his four races.

This time, he could all but lock up a spot on his second Olympic team.

Speed skating’s World Cup season begins Friday at The Oval. It has the fastest ice in the world – Stolz’s record of 1:05.37 in the 1,000 meters is one of 15 current world records set here – so getting one of the two top-five finishes he needs to qualify for the Milano Cortina Olympics should be doable this weekend.

Stolz will race in the 1,000 meters, his best event, on Friday night. He’ll do the 500 meters and 1,500 meters Saturday, and another 500 meters Sunday. Beijing Olympic champion Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Cooper McLeod also will be representing the United States at the World Cup.

‘I’m going to use these races in the World Cups to try and build my top end a little bit,’ Stolz said last month.

Stolz, 21, is poised to be the breakout star of Milano Cortina. He swept the 500 meters, 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters at both the 2023 and 2024 world championships, and won the overall World Cup titles in those three distances last season. And, despite his training hampered by pneumonia and strep throat, Stolz won silvers in the 500 and 1,500 meters and a bronze in the 1,000 meters at worlds in March.

Should Stolz win in each of his three distances in Milano Cortina, he’d join Eric Heiden as the only U.S. athlete to win three or more gold medals at a single Winter Olympics. Heiden, a Wisconsin native like Stolz, famously won five golds at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, winning every speed skating race.

‘I just try not to think about all the things that people will say. I just try and focus on how I’m feeling and what I think is possible,’ Stolz said.

And that is?

‘I think many things are possible,’ Stolz said. ‘But I have to actually do it, so it’s not something that’s going to happen without even trying.’

Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s World Cup at the Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah:

Who’s competing

Because the World Cup circuit is also the easiest way to get to Milano Cortina, there will be a Who’s Who of speed skating at the Olympic Oval.

Stolz and Jackson’s biggest rivals, Jenning De Boo and Femke Kok, respectively, lead the mighty team from the Netherlands. The Dutch won 18 medals at the single-distance worlds last year, eight of them gold. Two of those golds were won by Joy Beune, the women’s all-around champion in 2024.

Also keep an eye on Japan’s Miho Takagi, who topped the World Cup standings in both the women’s 1,000 and 1,500 meters last year; and Italy’s Davide Ghiotto, the world-record holder in the men’s 10,000 meters.

US women are cooking, but the Dutch are dominant

Brittany Bowe and Erin Jackson started their Olympic seasons off strong. Bowe finished fifth in the 1,000 meters, skating a 1:13.26 that was her best time since 2021. She was second to Canada’s Beatrice Lemarche after their pairing, but both were passed by the Netherlands’ Jutta Leerdam and Femke Kok. Marrit Fledderus, another Dutch woman who was skating in the last pairing, also edged Bowe. Jackson, meanwhile, skated a personal-best of 1:13.72 and finished eighth.

Fast start by American Casey Dawson

The records keep coming for Casey Dawson.

Dawson skated a U.S.-record 6:04.40 in finishing fourth in the men’s 5,000 meters Friday night. That was more than three seconds faster than the previous U.S. mark, which Dawson set in February at a World Cup in Milwaukee.

Dawson was 4.17 seconds behind Timothy Loubineaud of France, who set a world record with a time of 6:00.23.

‘I set the national record the last season, and I’m just coming in with a little bit more momentum from last season,’ Dawson said. ‘It just sets up the next couple World Cups and going into Olympic trials and then, ultimately, Milan a little bit better, a little bit easier.’

Friday night speedskating highlights

Tonight’s key events, featuring Stolz, Jackson, Bowe and others, have begun. Follow along for results and recaps.

What’s at stake?

Titles and points, just like at any World Cup. But with this being an Olympic year, athletes also can earn spots at the Milano Cortina Games, for themselves and their countries.

U.S. athletes can secure their own spot on the team two ways. First, if they won a medal at the single-distance world championships in March, they need to finish in the top five at the same distance in two of the four World Cups (Salt Lake; Calgary, Alberta; Heerenveen, Netherlands; and Hamar Norway) before the end of the year.

Stolz (silvers in the 500 and 1,500 meters and a bronze in the 1,000) and Cooper McLeod (bronze in the 500 meters) are the only Americans eligible for this pathway.

The second way for an athlete to secure a spot for themselves is to medal in the same distance at two World Cups.

The rest of the team for Milano Cortina – countries can send a maximum of nine men and nine women, based on their top athletes’ placement and times at the four World Cups – will be decided at the U.S. Olympic trials, which are Jan. 2-5, 2026, in Milwaukee.

Stream World Cup speed skating on Peacock

How to watch, streaming options

Live coverage of the three-day meet World Cup will be available on Peacock, with a highlights show airing Sunday afternoon on NBC.

Here’s the schedule (all times Eastern):

Friday, Nov. 14: Live coverage begins at 6 p.m. on Peacock

Saturday, Nov. 15: Live coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on Peacock

Sunday, Nov. 15: Highlights show at 2 p.m. on NBC; live coverage at 3 p.m. on Peacock.

Streaming options: NBCOlympics.com, NBC Sports app

Competition schedule

(All times Eastern)

Friday, Nov. 14

1:25 p.m. — 3000m Women Division B

1:21 p.m. — 5000m Men Division B

4:09 p.m. — 1000m Women Division B

5:01 p.m. — 1000m Men Division B

7 p.m. — 3000m Women Division A

7:56 p.m. — 5000m Men Division A

9:14 p.m. — 1000m Women Division A

9:47 p.m. — 1000m Men Division A

Saturday, Nov. 15

1:05 p.m. — 1st 500m Women Division B

1:49 p.m. — 1st 500m Men Division B

3:30 p.m. — 1st 500m Women Division A

3:58 p.m. — 1st 500m Men Division A

4:37 p.m. — 1500m Women Division A

5:17 p.m. — 1500m Men Division A

7 p.m. — 1500m Women Division B

8:05 p.m. — 1500m Men Division B

Sunday, Nov. 16

12 p.m. — Team Pursuit Women Division B

12:23 p.m. — eam Pursuit Men Division B

12:51 — 2nd 500m Women Division B

1:28 p.m. — 2nd 500m Men Division B

2:28 p.m. — Mass Start Women Division B

2:49 p.m. — Mass Start Men Division B

4 p.m. — Team Pursuit Women Division A

4:28 p.m. — Team Pursuit Men Division A

5:06 p.m. — 2nd 500m Women Division A

5:34 p.m. — 2nd 500m Men Division A

6:17 p.m. — Mass Start Women Division A

6:38 p.m. — Mass Start Men Division A

The team said Hughes was being evaluated and more details would be provided when they become available.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the injury occurred at a team dinner on Thursday night. ESPN described the incident as a ‘freak accident.’

Hughes played for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and is expected to be a candidate for the U.S. Olympic team.

Hughes, 24, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 draft, had missed 20 games in each of the last two seasons. He needed season-ending shoulder surgery last March after crashing into the boards.

But he has come back strong this season with a team-high 10 goals and 20 points in 17 games for the Eastern Conference-leading Devils.

Hughes had a team-record 99 points in 2022-23 when he played 78 games.

NHL injury updates

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, a U.S. Olympian and Jack’s brother, was scratched from Friday’s game. He left Tuesday’s game with an injury but later returned. Goalie Thatcher Demko (lower body) was placed on the injured list, retroactive to Nov. 11.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (thumb surgery), named to the U.S. Olympic team, took part in an optional practice on Friday.
Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, another U.S. Olympian, was placed on the injured list, retroactive to Tuesday. He suffered a lower-body injury.
Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook (broken ankle) and defenseman Caiden Guhle (adductor muscle) had surgery. Newhook will be out four months and Guhle eight to 10 weeks.
Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. He went on the injured list.

Google, Disney end YouTube TV-ESPN blackout

Google and Disney have ended the contract dispute that had taken ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned networks off the streaming giant’s platform since Oct. 30.

ESPN public relations announced the end of their 16-day blackout on Nov. 14, with Disney announcing that ‘As part of the new deal, Disney’s full suite of networks and stations – including ESPN and ABC – have already begun to be restored to YouTube TV subscribers.’

ESPN PR called the agreement a ‘multi-year distribution agreement with YouTube TV’ on X (formerly Twitter).

YouTube TV officials said of the end of the blackout: ‘We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers. Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN and FX returning to their service over the course of the day.’

Original story: YouTube TV-ESPN dispute updates for Nov. 14

Michigan-TCU in men’s college basketball and Clemson-Louisville on the gridiron highlight today’s top sports offerings on the Disney-owned ESPN networks. But not if you’re a YouTube TV subscriber still locked in the ongoing blackout as the streaming giant and Disney negotiate their carriage deal.

The contract dispute reached a boiling point on Oct. 30 as all Disney content, including sports channels like ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network and ESPNU, was removed from YouTube TV. The streaming giant will be without one of the nation’s largest broadcasters of live sports until the two sides reach a new agreement . It’s unclear how long the blackout may last.

In a statement on Oct 30, YouTube accused Disney of proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices, while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products.’ YouTube TV also said it will offer subscribers a $20 credit should ESPN content remain unavailable for an extended period of time.

That’s created a headache for sports fans trying to follow their favorite teams and leagues, a number of which have broadcast deals with ESPN.

Here’s how YouTube TV subscribers can watch ESPN and ABC amid the dispute as well as a look at the games scheduled to air across Disney’s family of networks on Nov. 14.

How to watch ESPN without YouTube TV

Fubo

Fubo, which offers a free trial for new members, carries all Disney networks as well as other channels that carry NFL games: NFL Network, CBS and Fox.

Sling TV

ESPN Unlimited

ESPN live sports schedule today

All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at 4:06 p.m.

CFB: South Carolina State Bulldogs at North Carolina Central Eagles, 5:30 p.m., ESPN2
CBK: Indiana State Sycamores at Duke Blue Devils, 7 p.m., ACC Network
WCBK: Duke Blue Devils at West Virginia Mountaineers, 7 p.m., ESPNU
CFB: Clemson Tigers at Louisville Cardinals, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
CBK: North Carolina Central Eagles at North Carolina Tar Heels, 9 p.m., ACC Network
CBK: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Georgia Bulldogs, 9 p.m., SEC Network
CBK: Michigan Wolverines at TCU Horned Frogs, 9 p.m., ESPN2
CBK: Gonzaga Bulldogs at Arizona State Sun Devils, 11 p.m., ESPN2

The crowd gathered near Cus D’Amato’s KO Boxing Gym Inc., opened by the legendary trainer before he began working with Tyson, then a 13-year-old juvenile delinquent.

“This is what Cus said,’’ Tyson, now 59, told the crowd. “…He said you’re going to be the greatest fighter since the beginning of life.’’

Tyson was speaking at an event honoring D’Amato 40 years after the trainer’s death, as another notable date approached.

Nov. 15 will mark the one-year anniversary of Tyson’s fight against Jake Paul, a spectacle that Netflix livestreamed to a global audience after which Tyson looked old, discouraged and soundly beaten. A year later, questions linger.

Such as, what happened to the Baddest Man on the Planet that night?

And how has the loss impacted the once-indestructible boxer?

Why did Mike Tyson flop vs. Jake Paul?

The week after Tyson lost an eight-round bout to Paul by unanimous decision, his oldest daughter told USA TODAY she thought her father was “holding back.”

“I know all of us in our section was like, ‘Mike, what the (expletive) are you doing?’ ‘ said Michael “Miki” Tyson, 35, the oldest of Tyson’s seven children.

Mike Russell, Tyson’s top sparring partner during training camp, told USA TODAY Sports during a recent interview, “If Mike would have fought how he was sparring me, he would have knocked Jake out.’’

Russell attributed Tyson’s disappointing performance to “an off night.” Miki Tyson said it could have stemmed from medical issues. Other people were more suspicious.

On social media, skeptics accused Tyson and Paul of rigging the fight.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which regulates boxing in Texas, received six complaints about the fight, according to Tela Mange, Communications Manager for the TDLR. (Anyone may file a complaint about a boxing event through the agency’s online portal.)

Four complaints alleged the fight had been manipulated. One alleged Tyson had not disclosed health issues and one alleged there appeared to be a clock error in timing the rounds, according to Mange.

“All six complaints were closed because the claims were not supported by sufficient evidence,’’ Mange said.

What Mike Tyson says about his performance

A day after the fight, Tyson wrote on Instagram, “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.’’

He was referring to what his camp described as an ulcer flare-up, a well-documented medical emergency that resulted in the fight being postponed about four months.

Last weekend, Tyson addressed his performance again in what was billed as an exclusive interview with Hard Rock Bet, an online gambling app he endorses. (Tyson also has launched ‘Return of the Mike,” a one-man stage show being held at Hard Rock properties.)

‘I think I trained a little bit too intensely [for Paul], and I left most of my fight in the gym…” Tyson told Hard Rock Bet. “…I didn’t want to use that for an excuse, but I had some real bad health problems, but I’m fine now.’’

He also expressed interest in a rematch with Paul.

‘Why is Mike Tyson here?’

Tyson has said he felt depressed after the fight when the training and global attention ended. What was less clear was how the public would feel about Tyson.

The “Baddest Man on the Planet’’ façade had crumbled.

During the year leading up to the fight against Paul, Tyson appeared at no fewer than 13 events where he got paid to sign autographs and pose for photos, according to an online search. In the year since the Paul fight, he appeared at as few as eight events.

One was held June 26 at the Seventh Inning Stretch, a sports memorabilia store in Cooperstown, New York. That was the weekend of the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“Some people (were) like, why is Mike Tyson here?’’ Vincent Carfagno, owner of the Seventh Inning Stretch, told USA TODAY Sports. “I’m, like, because he’s Mike Tyson. “

The line of people waiting to meet Tyson wrapped around the block, according to Carfagno, who said some people arrived with temporary face tattoos that matched Tyson’s.

‘Crowds are massive,” said Ryan Fiterman, who represents Tyson for celebrity bookings. ‘Bigger than ever.”

Mike Tyson’s finances

A video from 2023 shows Tyson arriving at the Fall Sport Card and Memorabilia Expo in Toronto to sign more autographs and pose for more photos.

‘For the love of money,” he says sunnily.

Two months after fighting Paul, Tyson and his wife paid $13 million for a mansion in Florida. More big paydays may be in the works after Tyson agreed to fight Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition and called for a rematch against Paul. He also seems to be generating income from several endorsement deals and his cannabis company, Tyson 2.0.

The stage show he launched last weekend could prove lucrative, too, with Netflix announcing it will premiere a taped show in 2026.

This is the same man who lost his $300 million fortune before he filed for bankruptcy in 2003.

“I wish all older fighters could end up with the ability to continue to live on their legacy the way he does,” said promoter Kathy Duva, who’s inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Has Tyson tarnished his legacy?

Tony “Two Ton’’ Galenta, a heavyweight boxer, fought a giant octopus in 1946. Galenta used the publicity stunt to promote his wrestling and bar business and to stay in the spotlight.

Tyson has not fought an octopus. Yet.

But Tyson has fought a YouTuber-turned-boxer and has agreed to an exhibition fight against 48-year-old Floyd Mayweather, who weighed 160 pounds for his most recent exhibition. Tyson weighed 228 ½ pounds for his fight against Paul.

Tyson could be 60 when he climbs into the ring again.

“I believe Tyson’s legacy will not be impaired,’’ said Tracy Callis, a boxing historian and elector to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. “When younger, he was an awesome puncher.’’

In Tyson’s prime, Callis said, he was compared to the likes of Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano. No former YouTuber can negate that, Callis indicated.

Dan Cuoco, a former director of the International Boxing Research Organization, cited Jack Johnson when asked about Tyson’s legacy. Johnson was a legendary boxer who made his pro debut at age 19 in 1897 and fought until he was 53. He also lost five of his final seven fights, yet is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Cuoco said he considers Tyson’s last fight a loss to Kevin McBride in 2025, when Tyson was 38 and quit on his stool after the sixth round. His next sanctioned fight was 20 years later against Paul.

“Anything after that, when you come back at that kind of age…I don’t give it any credence,’’ Cuoco said. “Basically, it’s a money grab.”

Who does Mike Tyson want to be?

At the tribute for D’Amato, Tyson repeated a personal tradition: He visited his former trainer’s grave and poured champagne on the headstone.

Later, Tyson stood on the stage in front of the crowd and said he grew up with friends who were smarter and better educated.

“There was no way in the world I would do better than these guys in life,’’ Tyson said. “The next thing you know, I’m listening to this Italian guy and I’m conquering the world.’’

The Italian guy was D’Amato. He taught Tyson not only how to box, but about the power of affirmations, self-love and self-belief. A year after the trainer died, Tyson, at 19, became the youngest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.

Of course, he lost his way, too.

A divorce from his first wife, Robin Givens, who accused the boxer of physical abuse. A divorce from his second wife, Monica Turner, who accused him of infidelity. His 1992 conviction for rape. His struggle with cocaine and alcohol.

It’s debatable whether Tyson ever became the greatest fighter since the beginning of life, as Tyson says D’Amato predicted. But other things are undeniable.

He was a must-watch athlete and, for a time, the most dominant fighter of his era. He transcended boxing and became one of the world’s most recognizable sports figures. Then he became a family man.

Tyson is married to Lakiha ‘Kiki’ Spicer, and his third marriage has lasted more than 16 years. (The couple hosted the ‘Celebration of Cus” event.) Tyson also is the father of seven children. And, a year after the fight against Paul, exudes a peace that eluded him during a long, turbulent stretch of years.

“I asked for this right here,’’ Tyson said, gesturing to himself, “the man I am today.’’

He has been practicing with the team’s G League affiliate, including full five-on-five contact drills.
LeBron James is not expected to rejoin the Lakers until after their current road trip ends in Milwaukee.
When he returns, James will set an NBA record by becoming the first player to play in 23 seasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers star has returned to practice and is nearing his regular-season debut. Once he sets foot on the court, he’ll set an NBA record, becoming the first player in history to play in 23 seasons, breaking the tie he currently holds with Hall of Fame guard Vince Carter.

The Lakers are in New Orleans to face the Pelicans in an NBA Cup West Group B game Friday, Nov. 14 and then finalize their five-game road trip Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here’s everything you need to know about LeBron James’ injury heading into Friday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans:

Is LeBron James playing tonight?

No, the Lakers have officially listed James as being out on the injury report. He will miss his 13th game of the season and is likely to miss at least the next game following that. James has been in Los Angeles and is not expected to rejoin the Lakers until they conclude their current road trip, which ends Saturday, Nov. 15, in Milwaukee.

James has been practicing with the franchise’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. As part of those sessions, James has been participating in full, five-on-five contact.

‘Got him up and down a bit with some warm-up and transition drills, and then progressed to five-on-five in halfcourt and got, I think, about 12 to 15 possessions of live five-on-five contact,’ Lakers coach JJ Redick said Wednesday, Nov. 12. ‘The reports are that he looked good.’

The Lakers, presumably, don’t need to rush James back, considering that they have started the season quite well, sitting at 8-4 and in fifth place in the Western Conference.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain caused by some level of irritation, pinching, or compression of the sciatic nerve, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The sciatic nerve is located in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg. It begins from the lower part of the spinal cord and extends through the buttocks, back of the thigh and down to the foot.

As a result, the area of pain can range anywhere along the back of the leg.

What does this sciatica injury mean for LeBron James?

James has been one of the more dependable and available players, despite his age.

Still, he will turn 41 in late December and will likely need to manage his usage and body as the season progresses. Known for being a player who is exacting and meticulous about his body and his health, James will likely ensure he is fully healthy before making his return to the court. The Lakers are willing to give him the time and space to make sure that happens.

Given the timeline that Redick alluded to, James should miss no more than three-to-six games.

James has maintained that he wants to compete for NBA championships, so the nerve issue should not be a significant concern, provided the rest and recovery heal the injury. Given the length of the NBA regular season and playoffs, some missed time is to be expected for a player James’ age.

There has been some mixed messaging surrounding the calf injury that has been keeping Anthony Davis away from the Dallas Mavericks.

Davis, the 32-year-old forward-center who was the Mavericks centerpiece in the controversial trade that shipped Luka Dončić to the Lakers, has missed Dallas’ last seven games as he heals from the injury, which he aggravated Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Yet, the team’s response to Davis’ injury may hunt to its future plans with the star player.

The primary concern would be the risk of a debilitating Achilles tendon rupture, which would force Davis to miss a full season, if not more.

After there were a record seven Achilles tendon ruptures last season in the NBA, USA TODAY Sports studied possible factors responsible for the surging incidence of the injury. Among the materials cited was a March paper that found that two injuries in particular, calf strains and plantar fasciitis, could be precursors to Achilles ruptures. The paper noted that this was especially the case when players returned to the floor quicker from those ailments than the general NBA population.

The thinking behind this is that minor injuries could compromise the tendon’s health, and that a speedy return would not allow it to fully heal.

ESPN also reported that there was a disagreement between Davis’ personal medical staff and Mavericks director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough prior to the team’s Saturday, Nov. 8 game against the Wizards. According to the report, Bilsborough expressed concern about risking a more serious injury if Davis was rushed back too soon. Dumont, then, sided with Bilsborough.

According to ESPN, recently fired general manager Nico Harrison had been in favor of Davis making his return.

In response to a message seeking clarification on the matter, the Mavericks reiterated their public stance that Davis is continuing to work through the return-to-play process under guidance from the team’s medical and performance staffs.

The Mavericks are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers Friday, Nov. 14, and Davis is listed as questionable with a left calf strain designation.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Davis was “progressing” after he completed on-court work.

“He’s doing well,” Kidd added.

What does this all mean for Anthony Davis and the Mavericks?

After Harrison was fired Tuesday, Nov. 11, there was immediate league-wide speculation that Dallas could be entering a rebuilding phase.

Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi were installed as co-interim general managers, and they could opt to ship Davis and other pricey veterans, in favor of draft capital and younger players. This is only magnified further considering that the Mavericks are shifting their offense to have No. 1 overall rookie Cooper Flagg — the youngest player in the NBA at 18 years and 328 days old — as the future face of the franchise.

If Davis is indeed on the trading block, it makes total sense for the Mavericks to rest Davis. Even if he is fully cleared by all parties and there’s no real concern for a further Achilles injury, it would still be prudent for the Mavericks to shut him down until he’s dealt.

Davis has two years left on his contract, with an average annual salary of $58.5 million, per Spotrac.com; he also has a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

Simply put: it would be catastrophic for the Mavericks to carry that contract if they want to shop him in a trade and if Davis were to suffer the devastating case of a serious injury.

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, for example, entered Game 7 of the NBA Finals with a calf strain injury before he suffered an Achilles tendon rupture.

Yet, even if the new front office decides that it wants Davis to be a part of the team’s future, patience appears to be the sensible approach. The Mavericks are 3-9 and in second-to-last in the Western Conference, star point guard Kyrie Irving remains out and only the Pacers trail Dallas in offensive rating (104.6).

Either way, this appears to be a lost season for the Mavericks. Firing Harrison was, in effect, the admission of a mistake made with the Dončić deal.

The Mavericks might as well not compound it by making any rash decisions with Davis’ health.

The Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah, is known as the fastest ice in the world.
Athletes can secure Olympic spots for themselves and their countries based on their World Cup performances.
Speed skater Jordan Stolz could qualify for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics at the World Cup in Utah.

KEARNS, Utah — The last time speed skater Jordan Stolz raced in a World Cup at the Olympic Oval, he set world and U.S. records on his way to a sweep of his four races.

This time, he could all but lock up a spot on his second Olympic team.

Speed skating’s World Cup season begins Friday at The Oval. It has the fastest ice in the world – Stolz’s record of 1:05.37 in the 1,000 meters is one of 15 current world records set here – so getting one of the two top-five finishes he needs to qualify for the Milano Cortina Olympics should be doable this weekend.

Stolz will race in the 1,000 meters, his best event, on Friday night. He’ll do the 500 meters and 1,500 meters Saturday, and another 500 meters Sunday. Beijing Olympic champion Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Cooper McLeod also will be representing the United States at the World Cup.

‘I’m going to use these races in the World Cups to try and build my top end a little bit,’ Stolz said last month.

Stolz, 21, is poised to be the breakout star of Milano Cortina. He swept the 500 meters, 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters at both the 2023 and 2024 world championships, and won the overall World Cup titles in those three distances last season. And, despite his training hampered by pneumonia and strep throat, Stolz won silvers in the 500 and 1,500 meters and a bronze in the 1,000 meters at worlds in March.

Should Stolz win in each of his three distances in Milano Cortina, he’d join Eric Heiden as the only U.S. athlete to win three or more gold medals at a single Winter Olympics. Heiden, a Wisconsin native like Stolz, famously won five golds at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, winning every speed skating race.

‘I just try not to think about all the things that people will say. I just try and focus on how I’m feeling and what I think is possible,’ Stolz said.

And that is?

‘I think many things are possible,’ Stolz said. ‘But I have to actually do it, so it’s not something that’s going to happen without even trying.’

Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s World Cup at the Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah:

What’s at stake?

Titles and points, just like at any World Cup. But with this being an Olympic year, athletes also can earn spots at the Milano Cortina Games, for themselves and their countries.

U.S. athletes can secure their own spot on the team two ways. First, if they won a medal at the single-distance world championships in March, they need to finish in the top five at the same distance in two of the four World Cups (Salt Lake; Calgary, Alberta; Heerenveen, Netherlands; and Hamar Norway) before the end of the year.

Stolz (silvers in the 500 and 1,500 meters and a bronze in the 1,000) and Cooper McLeod (bronze in the 500 meters) are the only Americans eligible for this pathway.

The second way for an athlete to secure a spot for themselves is to medal in the same distance at two World Cups.

The rest of the team for Milano Cortina – countries can send a maximum of nine men and nine women, based on their top athletes’ placement and times at the four World Cups – will be decided at the U.S. Olympic trials, which are Jan. 2-5, 2026, in Milwaukee.

Who’s competing

Because the World Cup circuit is also the easiest way to get to Milano Cortina, there will be a Who’s Who of speed skating at the Olympic Oval.

Stolz and Jackson’s biggest rivals, Jenning De Boo and Femke Kok, respectively, lead the mighty team from the Netherlands. The Dutch won 18 medals at the single-distance worlds last year, eight of them gold. Two of those golds were won by Joy Beune, the women’s all-around champion in 2024.

Also keep an eye on Japan’s Miho Takagi, who topped the World Cup standings in both the women’s 1,000 and 1,500 meters last year; and Italy’s Davide Ghiotto, the world-record holder in the men’s 10,000 meters.

Stream World Cup speed skating on Peacock

How to watch, streaming options

Live coverage of the three-day meet World Cup will be available on Peacock, with a highlights show airing Sunday afternoon on NBC.

Here’s the schedule (all times Eastern):

Friday, Nov. 14: Live coverage begins at 6 p.m. on Peacock

Saturday, Nov. 15: Live coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on Peacock

Sunday, Nov. 15: Highlights show at 2 p.m. on NBC; live coverage at 3 p.m. on Peacock.

Streaming options: NBCOlympics.com, NBC Sports app

Competition schedule

(All times Eastern)

Friday, Nov. 14

1:25 p.m. — 3000m Women Division B

1:21 p.m. — 5000m Men Division B

4:09 p.m. — 1000m Women Division B

5:01 p.m. — 1000m Men Division B

7 p.m. — 3000m Women Division A

7:56 p.m. — 5000m Men Division A

9:14 p.m. — 1000m Women Division A

9:47 p.m. — 1000m Men Division A

Saturday, Nov. 15

1:05 p.m. — 1st 500m Women Division B

1:49 p.m. — 1st 500m Men Division B

3:30 p.m. — 1st 500m Women Division A

3:58 p.m. — 1st 500m Men Division A

4:37 p.m. — 1500m Women Division A

5:17 p.m. — 1500m Men Division A

7 p.m. — 1500m Women Division B

8:05 p.m. — 1500m Men Division B

Sunday, Nov. 16

12 p.m. — Team Pursuit Women Division B

12:23 p.m. — eam Pursuit Men Division B

12:51 — 2nd 500m Women Division B

1:28 p.m. — 2nd 500m Men Division B

2:28 p.m. — Mass Start Women Division B

2:49 p.m. — Mass Start Men Division B

4 p.m. — Team Pursuit Women Division A

4:28 p.m. — Team Pursuit Men Division A

5:06 p.m. — 2nd 500m Women Division A

5:34 p.m. — 2nd 500m Men Division A

6:17 p.m. — Mass Start Women Division A

6:38 p.m. — Mass Start Men Division A

As the negotiations for a potential fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua progress towards a possible Dec. 19 bout in Miami, this matchup doesn’t come as a surprise. Paul has been vocal about his preferred opponents in the past, and Joshua was among them.

Paul has frequently taken to social media to express his desire to fight various opponents during his professional boxing career. In the last year, he expressed interest in fighting Canelo Alvarez, but that plan changed when Canelo signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Following that, Paul scheduled a fight against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis; however, the exhibition boxing match was canceled due to a civil lawsuit filed by Davis’ ex-girlfriend, who accused him of battery and aggravated battery, among other charges.

Most Valuable Promotions sought a replacement for Davis for the Nov. 14 date and reached out to Ryan Garcia, another fighter Paul has expressed a desire to face. However, Oscar De La Hoya, the head of Golden Boy Promotions, dismissed those rumors immediately and shut down any talks about a potential bout.

Paul has also expressed desire to enter the ring to face a list of opponents that include Conor McGregor, KSI, and Kamaru Usman.

Jake Paul’s fight wish list

Here are the fighters that Jake Paul has expressed interest in facing during his professional boxing career:

Canelo Alvarez
Ryan Garcia
Conor McGregor
KSI
Kamaru Usman
Logan Paul
Terrance Crawford
Tommy Fury

Is Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua happening?

As of Nov. 14, there has been no confirmation of a fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. Although rumors suggest that the fight is being finalized, there have been no updates regarding the date, details, or whether it will be an exhibition match.

The New York Jets lost 27-14 to the New England Patriots, dropping their season record to 2-8.
Quarterback Justin Fields struggled in the passing game, finishing with 116 yards through the air.
Fields was more effective as a runner, gaining 67 yards on the ground with one touchdown.

FOXBOROUGH, MA – The New York Jets made their intentions for the second half of the 2025 season clear at the trade deadline by moving on from linchpins of the defense and stockpiling draft picks with an eye for the future. For a team that sank to 2-8 days later with a 27-14 ‘Thursday Night Football’ defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots, the pair of blockbuster deals were undoubtedly forward-thinking moves by first-year general manager Darren Mougey.

Winning – including New York’s victory over the fellow bottom-feeding Cleveland Browns on Nov. 9 – comes at a cost. The price is precious draft position. 

Which is why employing Justin Fields as quarterback is about the smartest decision a tanking team could make in the modern NFL. 

That’s a harsh criticism of Fields, yes. But one of the primary job descriptions of “quarterback” is throwing the ball. Fields, at present, in this Jets’ offense, is largely incapable of performing the task. 

Fields finished 15-for-26 passing with 116 yards through the air. He also rushed 11 times for 67 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown on the game’s opening series, which took eight minutes and four seconds off the clock. That drive resembled the product of a professional offense.

The rest of the game? Not so much.

“Listen, there were some good things, really good things,’ Jets coach Aaron Glenn said. ‘I thought he put some balls out there. We got to have some guys that make some plays for him, too. I know for a fact he’s going to say there are some things he can do better.

‘I thought he had some really good throws. We just got to finish those.’

At halftime, Fields had more rushing yards (28) than passing yards (23). Forty-one of his passing yards, nearly one-third of his total, came in garbage time. In four of his nine starts this season, he’s thrown for less than 54 yards. Explosives through the air are as rare with Fields at quarterback as Jets playoff appearances, with the franchise’s postseason drought approaching 15 seasons now.

Fields’ effectiveness as a runner makes the offense a conundrum for the coaching staff because, as Glenn said, they “don’t want to make it a habit of our quarterback just continuing to run because we can put him in harm’s way.” 

“Justin ran the ball quite a bit,” Glenn said. “The thing is we, man, can’t put Justin in a situation where that’s a running back and I think we all know that because we will put him in harm’s way. 

“He did a good job on some of those runs. We just have to be calculated when we do those things.”

Regardless, Fields occupies the role of good and loyal soldier.

‘Whatever I have to do to get this team as successful as can be and for us to reach our highest potential, I’m willing to do whatever,’ Fields said. ‘So if that’s me running the ball, that’s what it is.’  

New arrival AD Mitchell – the wideout who came over in the trade that sent Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts – and Fields were not on the same page at all in the second quarter. On one third down, Mitchell beat Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez on a double-move down the left sideline and had a step of separation. Fields put a nice throw on his back shoulder, in-stride, but Mitchell could not snag the pass. 

On a different drive, Fields had Mitchell wide open on an out-breaking route to the right. A poor throw gave Mitchell nary a chance of making the play.

‘You kind of just have to roll with it and deal with it,’ Fields said of the new faces he’s throwing to (newly acquired receiver John Metchie had the longest catch of 22 yards and three total for 45 yards). ‘You can’t look at your circumstances. Just got to go out there and play.’

In fairness to Fields, the deck is stacked against him. It’s not Fields’ fault the defense has not recorded an interception all season (and just one turnover). Before the game, the Jets placed receiver Garrett Wilson on injured reserve.

On Thursday, the acid on the wound came in the fourth quarter with the Jets trailing by 10. On the first play of the drive, Fields fumbled the snap and instead of simply falling on it, he tried to pick up the pigskin and run. That was a doomed effort. New England recovered and kicked a field goal four plays later.

What must be difficult for Fields’ teammates is that he seems like a stand-up guy. A week after Jets owner Woody Johnson put him on blast to the entire world, he helped his team win its first game of the season. He shared a genuine moment of vulnerability – conveying the message that it is indeed OK to not be OK – in that postgame news conference. That’s powerful and important stuff. 

The sad reality is that matters almost zilch on the gridiron. 

Glenn has made it a ritual of not announcing a starting quarterback in some sort of clash with the Big Apple media. The talking heads will keep asking about the viability of starting Fields as long as there is another game to play.

But if Fields is in the conversation to be the starter anyway, losing is probably for the best.