Concerns about the ice hockey arena being built for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, continued after a test event confirmed the venue remains unfinished amid ongoing construction less than four weeks from the first game of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament.

Santagiulia Arena was open to the public for the first time for an Italian Cup game held on Friday, Jan. 9 after numerous reported problems in recent months as organizers scramble to get the building ready in time for the Games.

International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif said during a news conference earlier in the week that although parts of the rink and arena might not be complete in time, the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms would be ready when the men’s hockey tournament begins on Feb. 11. The women’s tournament begins on Feb. 5.

Tardif also revealed that the arena’s capacity would be 11,800, short of the 14,000-seat capacity originally planned.

This is the first Winter Olympics in which NHL players are slated to participate since 2014. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said last month the league would renege on sending its players if there are any safety concerns with the ice. The league is sending its own experts to Italy. The rink is slated to be smaller than NHL standards but within IIHF standards.

What observers said about Olympic hockey arena

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston was at the test event and shared video.

He said the ice surface and seating are in place. He also reported:

‘The ice surface appeared soft and snowy in its debut, and there was a delay in the first period after a hole developed in front of one of the goals.’
‘There were still multiple large holes in the exterior of the building as of Friday night, which poses a major challenge to icemakers since they can’t properly regulate the conditions inside the arena.’
‘The permanent dressing room area is also still under construction, with only three of the planned 14 rooms anywhere near complete.’ 

Johnston added, however, that ‘there’s no sense on the ground that the Olympic tournament is in jeopardy.’

Florian Wieser, who played in the game, said the hole in the ice was a small one and was fixed in five minutes.

‘Ice was really good,’ Wieser posted on social media. ‘I was surprised how good it was and it will only get better.”

The Hockey News reported that a new coat of ice would be put down after this weekend’s event.

“Today the ice was not perfect, but it will be done again with new ice next week and I’m confident that it will continue to improve,” local Italian RAI play-by-play commentator Matteo Floccari told The Hockey News. “The Olympic Games here will be the biggest occasion ever that Italian ice hockey has ever had, having the greatest players in the world here. It will absolutely help grow the game in Italy, with (Sidney) Crosby and (Connor) McDavid coming here.

‘The jobs being done here have been growing in importance day-by-day and the situation is improving. I’m sure that for the beginning of the Olympics everything here, inside and outside will be ready.’

The Dallas Mavericks, once again, are set to be without Anthony Davis.

An MRI taken Friday, Jan. 9 revealed that Davis, 32, suffered ligament damage in his left hand, the team said in a press release. The Mavericks added that Davis is seeking multiple opinions.

Davis suffered the injury Thursday, Jan. 8 in a game against the Utah Jazz. It came late in the fourth quarter of the game, an eventual 116-114 Utah victory, when Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen drove to the basket along the right baseline. Davis went to defend Markkanen and when the two made contact, Davis immediately favored his left hand.

He briefly remained in the game but was then later substituted.

At the time he left the game, Davis had scored 21 points on 10-of-20 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

For Davis and the Mavericks, it’s another frustrating setback that has kept him from assimilating with the team; earlier this season, Davis dealt with a lower foot and Achilles injury that also sidelined him for a few weeks. Dallas traded for Davis in February 2025 as part of the deal that shipped Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Since acquiring him, Davis has played only 29 out of 80 games.

The Mavericks have struggled amid injuries to Davis and veteran point guard Kyrie Irving, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in March 2025. That has left No. 1 overall rookie Cooper Flagg to carry the Mavericks. Flagg only recently turned 19 years old and has a diverse skill set, but his effectiveness has been limited at times when opposing teams have focused their energy on limiting him as Davis and Irving have been sidelined.

Complicating this further, Davis had been expected to be a potential trade target, as the Mavericks are undergoing something of a rebuild. The team fired former general manager Nico Harrison Nov. 11, 2025, and Davis’ age and salary may not align with Dallas’ long-term plans to compete.

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5; given the projected timeline of Davis’ injury, that likely means he will remain sidelined beyond the deadline.

In 20 games this season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

Veteran NBA official Bill Kennedy suffered a non-contact injury during a game between the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Jan. 9.

Kennedy is known within the NBA community for his entertaining challenge verdicts during basketball games. Several of his verdicts had gone viral throughout the early part of the season.

Kennedy was seen running up the court late in the first quarter as the 76ers were running up the court after stealing the ball from the Magic. He left the game in a wheelchair.

Michael Smith and James Williams continued to officiate the game. A backup official was not named to fill in for Kennedy in a brief statement by the verified NBA Official account on X.

Bill Kennedy’s entertaining moments

One day after Trinidad Chambliss’ 2025 season came to an end, his college career did, too.

The Mississippi quarterback’s waiver for an additional season of eligibility was denied by the NCAA, with college sports’ governing body announcing its decision on Friday, Jan. 9.

Chambliss was asking for a medical redshirt for the 2022 season, when he was at Division II Ferris State and didn’t play any games while dealing with persistent respiratory issues that ultimately led to the removal of his tonsils.

“Approval requires schools to submit medical documentation provided by a treating physician at the time of a student’s incapacitating injury or illness, which was not provided,” the NCAA said in a statement. “The documents provided by Ole Miss and the student’s prior school include a physician’s note from a December 2022 visit, which stated the student-athlete was ‘doing very well’ since he was seen in August 2022. Additionally, the student-athlete’s prior school indicated it had no documentation on medical treatment, injury reports or medical conditions involving the student-athlete during that time frame and cited “developmental needs and our team’s competitive circumstances” as its reason the student-athlete did not play in the 2022-23 season.”

The NCAA added its decision “aligns with consistent application of NCAA rules.”

In his first and ultimately only season at Ole Miss, Chambliss threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for an additional 527 yards and eight touchdowns. He finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.

Chambliss helped lead the Rebels to one of the best seasons in program history, with a 13-2 record and a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they fell to Miami 31-27 on Thursday, Jan. 8 in the Fiesta Bowl. Chambliss threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Prominent sports attorney Tom Mars represented Chambliss during his waiver process. Mars said in a statement that he assumes Ole Miss will file an appeal with the NCAA and that ‘there is now an opportunity to move this case to a level playing field where Trinidad’s rights will be determined by the Mississippi judiciary instead of some bureaucrats in Indianapolis who couldn’t care less about the law or doing the right thing.”

‘I deserve (another year),’ Chambliss said Dec. 30. ‘I’ve only played three seasons of college football. I feel like I deserve to play four. I redshirted in 2021. That was my freshman redshirt. Then I medically redshirted in 2022. Played in 2023, 2024 and this is 2025.’

Chambliss took a traditional redshirt season during his true freshman year at Ferris State and did not play during the ensuing 2022 campaign.

The NCAA said that this academic year, it has received 25 eligibility clock extension requests that cited an incapacitating injury, nine of which came from football players. Of those 25 waiver requests, the NCAA approved 15, including six in football. All 15 that were approved provided medical documentation from the time of the injury while all 10 that were denied didn’t.

Chambliss had previously committed to return to Ole Miss for the 2026 season if his waiver was approved, shutting down speculation that he could follow former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.

Without Chambliss, Ole Miss and new head coach Pete Golding will likely have to look elsewhere for a quarterback for next season. Austin Simmons, who started the season ahead of Chambliss before being sidelined with an injury, entered the transfer portal and signed with Missouri earlier this week.

What is Trinidad Chambliss’ NFL draft projection?

Chambliss is projected to get a shot in the NFL. He’ll probably be drafted in the middle of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to experts.Chambliss is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback prospect on Mel Kiper of ESPN’s 2026 NFL Draft preview published Jan. 2.

Pro Football Focus ranks Chambliss as the No. 5 quarterback and No. 83 player overall.

Clarion Ledger Ole Miss reporter Sam Hutchens contributed to this story.

Indiana dominated on its way to a 56-22 win over Oregon in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9 and is one win away from securing one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history.

The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0) finished 3-9 in 2023 but are moving on to the national championship game two seasons later after hiring Curt Cignetti. It’ll be a homecoming for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who grew up in Miami.

Mendoza, whose dad played football alongside Miami coach Mario Cristobal in high school, passed for five touchdowns against the Ducks. The Heisman Trophy winner has eight touchdowns to six incompletions in two College Football Playoff wins over Alabama and Oregon this season.

Indiana scored 28 points off turnovers, including a pick-6 from D’Angelo Ponds on the first play of the game. Indiana and Oregon were tied at 7-7 in the first quarter before the Hoosiers scored 35 unanswered points, continuing their dominance that carried over from a 38-3 win over Alabama at the Rose Bowl.

Here are the highlights from Indiana’s 56-22 win over Oregon at the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9 to advance to the national title game:

Peach Bowl Indiana vs Oregon score

Peach Bowl highlights: Indiana vs Oregon

Indiana to face Miami in national championship

Indiana dominates Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl to advance to the national championship against Miami. The Hoosiers are one win away from one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history.

Oregon scores

Dante Moore throws a 1-yard touchdown pass to Roger Saleapaga to make the score 56-22 with 22 seconds left.

Kaelon Black scores

Kaelon Black gets back in on the fun, rushing for his second touchdown of the night from 23 yards out. Indiana extends its lead to 56-15 with 5:13 left in the fourth quarter.

Mendoza tosses fifth touchdown

Indiana extends its lead to 49-15 in the fourth quarter on Fernando Mendoza’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt with 11:36 left. Mendoza is now 17-of-20 passing for 177 yards with five touchdowns on the night.

Sarratt has seven receptions for 75 yards and two scores.

Indiana punts

Fernando Mendoza’s pass intended for Omar Cooper Jr. deep downfield falls incomplete on third-and-5, forcing the Hoosiers to punt from their own 37-yard line. Oregon might have gotten away with some contact against Cooper Jr. on the defense.

Indiana stuffs Oregon on fourth down

Oregon pitches it outside on fourth-and-1 at Indiana’s 31-yard line, but All-American linebacker Aiden Fisher sniffs it out and tackles Jay Harris for a 1-yard loss.

The Hoosiers regain possession with a 42-15 lead just before the end of the third quarter.

Indiana punts

Indiana punts for the second time tonight after its drive stalls out on fourth-and-3. Mitch McCarthy’s 49-yard punt is downed at Oregon’s 5-yard line, pinning the Ducks deep inside their own territory.

The Hoosiers are dominating even when they punt.

Oregon scores

Oregon shows some signs of life despite the huge deficit. Jay Harris plunges in a 2-yard touchdown before Jamari Johnson catches the 2-point conversion throw from Dante Moore.

Oregon cuts its deficit to 42-15 with 7:50 left in the third quarter, scoring on two plays.

Oregon with explosive play

Dierre Hill Jr. runs for 71 yards on the Ducks’ first possession of the second half, putting Oregon on the 2-yard line threatening to score.

Indiana scores again

Mendoza tosses his fourth touchdown of the game on a 13-yard pass to E.J. Williams Jr. to give Indiana a 42-7 lead with 8:52 left in the third quarter.

The Ducks have no answers for the Hoosiers tonight.

Fernando Mendoza CFP stats

Mendoza is proving why he was the Heisman Trophy winner this season in the College Football Playoff so far. He is 24-of-27 passing for 302 yards with six touchdowns and no turnovers through six quarters against Alabama and Oregon combined.

Mendoza is 10-for-11 with 110 yards and three touchdowns at halftime against Oregon at the Peach Bowl.

Curt Cignetti says Indiana is ‘whipping them up front’

The difference in the game so far is clear to Indiana coach Curt Cignetti.

‘We’re whipping them up front right now,’ he says to ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath at halftime.

Oregon misses field goal before halftime

Atticus Sappington’s 56-yard field goal attempt falls short as the clock expires before halftime. Indiana leads 35-7 heading into the final two quarters of the Peach Bowl.

Indiana takes 35-7 lead

Make it 28 unanswered points for Indiana, which takes a 35-7 lead on a 2-yard touchdown catch by Elijah Sarratt. The Hoosiers are dominating in every facet right now.

Indiana causes another turnover

Daniel Ndukwe sacks Dante Moore on the second play of Oregon’s next drive and forces a fumble that’s recovered by Mario Landino at Oregon’s 21-yard line.

It’s Moore’s third turnover of the game so far, and Indiana is threatening to go up 35-7 before halftime. The Hoosiers just keep rolling in the CFP.

Indiana scores again

Fernando Mendoza drops an absolute dime in a 1-on-1 situation to Charlie Becker, who climbs the ladder over Oregon’s Brandon Finney Jr. for a 36-yard touchdown. What a throw and catch for the Hoosiers, who take a 28-7 lead with 3:13 left in the first half.

Mendoza is 8-of-9 passing for 102 yards with two touchdowns.

Indiana sacks Dante Moore on back-to-back plays

On second-and-3 from the Oregon 47-yard line, Indiana sacks Dante Moore on back-to-back plays to stall another Oregon drive. Dominique Ratcliff and Daniel Ndukwe get to Moore on second and third down, respectively.

Indiana’s defense has four tackles for loss for 18 yards so far.

Kaleon Black extends Indiana lead with TD

Three plays after the turnover, Kaleon Black scores from 1 yard out to extend Indiana’s lead to 21-7 with 8:17 left in the first half. The scoring drive is three plays for three yards and takes 1:12 off the clock.

Dante Moore loses fumble

Dante Moore loses a fumble as Dierre Hill Jr. bumps into him at the mesh point as he attempts to make a throw. Mario Landino lands on the ball and Indiana begins the drive at Oregon’s 3-yard line with a chance to go up two scores.

Nasir Wyatt sacks Fernando Mendoza

Oregon denies Indiana a chance to build on its lead when Nasir Wyatt sacks Fernando Mendoza for a 20-yard loss on third-and-7 from the Oregon 37-yard line. That forces an Indiana punt.

Oregon will begin its next drive from its own 13-yard line, trailing 14-7 with 9:35 left in the first half.

Oregon goes three-and-out

Oregon hands it off to Jay Harris on third-and-2, but Mikail Kamara beats his man for a 1-yard tackle for loss. Indiana regains possession looking to go up two scores on its own 18-yard line.

Indiana takes 14-7 lead

Indiana drives right down the field, ending in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Fernando Mendoza to Omar Cooper Jr. The Hoosiers lead 14-7 with 40 seconds left in the first quarter after an 11-play, 75-yard drive that takes 6:31 off the clock.

Mendoza is 4-of-4 passing for 41 yards with a touchdown.

Oregon responds

Oregon ties the game at 7-7 on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Dante Moore to Jamari Johnson. The Ducks respond from their turnover with a big-time 14-play, 75-yard drive that takes 7:38 off the clock.

Hello, D’Angelo

One play, one touchdown for Indiana. D’Angelo Ponds jumps the route and comes up with a 19-yard pick-6 on the first play from scrimmage, giving Indiana a very early 7-0 lead. What a play.

Oregon starts with possession

Dante Moore and the Oregon offense will start first, with the drive starting at their own 20-yard line. The second-to-last college football game of the season is underway.

‘College GameDay’ picks for Indiana-Oregon

Each of ESPN’s Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit picked Indiana to beat Oregon and advance to the CFP Championship game.

Why is Mark Cuban at Peach Bowl?

Billionaire mogul Mark Cuban is an Indiana graduate and is on deck for the Hoosiers’ game against Oregon at the Peach Bowl.

Is Noah Whittington playing tonight?

Oregon running back Noah Whittington is listed as a game-time decision, per the CFP pregame availability report. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports he’s expected to play, although he won’t start.

Roman Hemby stats

Indiana running back Roman Hemby has been one of the most productive rushers in the Big Ten this season and is a 5-year starter dating back to his time at Maryland. Here’s his stats in 2025:

Rushing: 194 carries for 1,007 yards with seven touchdowns (5.2 yards per carry)
Receiving: 14 receptions for 160 yards

What channel is Peach Bowl on tonight?

TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The CFP Peach Bowl semifinal between Indiana and Oregon will air nationally on ESPN, with Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Greg McElroy (analyst) calling the game and Molly McGrath serving as the sideline reporter.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Announcers for Peach Bowl

ESPN’s Sean McDonough will handle play-by-play with Greg McElory providing color analysis.

Peach Bowl Indiana vs Oregon start time today

Date: Friday, Jan. 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

Indiana and Oregon are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Peach Bowl prediction: Indiana vs Oregon picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Jan. 4

Spread: Indiana (-4)
Over/under: 48.5
Moneyline: Indiana (-190) | Oregon (+160)

Prediction: Indiana 31, Oregon 20

Indiana feels like the team of destiny right now and is coming off a masterful performance against Alabama. That said, the Hoosiers defeat the Ducks again behind a strong performance from Fernando Mendoza and their run game. Indiana also forces Dante Moore to a pair of turnovers.

Here’s who experts within the USA TODAY Sports Network picked to win the Peach Bowl:

Indiana 35, Oregon 21: The Hoosiers’ 30-20 win over the Ducks in Eugene in October started to convert IU doubters into believers. Indiana’s Rose Bowl demolition of Alabama proselytized even the most ardent skeptics (cough, Paul Finebaum). The Hoosiers’ defense sacked Dante Moore six times and picked off the Ducks QB twice in the first meeting. And while Oregon shut out a piddling Texas Tech offense in the Orange Bowl, Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leads one of the nation’s most balanced attacks. It sounds unbelievable to say, but Indiana football will play for the national championship. – Matt Glenesk, USA TODAY
Indiana 20, Oregon 17: Going with the old Vegas trick of laying three points on the favorite in a coin flip of a game. Oregon is an incredibly good team, and as Curt Cignetti said after the Rose Bowl, it’s tough to beat a good team twice. But it’s tougher to beat a great team once, and Indiana is a great team. Ultimately, Fernando Mendoza vs Dante Moore isn’t the matchup here. It’s in the trenches, where Indiana is among the best in the country, and weapons vs weapons. Stars matter, but Indiana is comprised of under-recruited guys with a chip on their shoulders. With that in mind, Indiana wins a grimy game in a low-scoring affair against Dan Lanning, turning the coach’s ‘no one believes in us’ motivating tactic on its head (of course, the irony of not believing in Oregon here is not lost on me). – Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY
Indiana 24, Oregon 20: The old adage about how it’s hard to beat a team twice in a season has its merits, but it can occasionally belie a deeper truth — sometimes, one team is simply better than another. Whatever fans may think of Indiana football based on the program’s mostly putrid history, the Hoosiers are the best and most complete team in the sport this season, as they showed in a Rose Bowl demolition of Alabama. They’ll stymie a Ducks offense that had difficulties against Texas Tech’s front seven and Fernando Mendoza will continue to dazzle while leading Indiana to a once-unimaginable destination. – Craig Meyer, USA TODAY

Peach Bowl injury updates: Who is out for Oregon vs Indiana

∎ For Oregon: The initial availability report for the game came out Tuesday and the Ducks had 14 players listed as out, including running back Jordon Davison, who is the team’s No. 2 rusher with 667 yards and top scorer with 15 TDs. Also out with injuries are wide receiver Evan Stewart, offensive tackle Gernorris Wilson and running back Da’Jaun Riggs.

Eight of the players listed as out are those who have entered the transfer portal: defensive backs Daylen Austin, Kingston Lopa, Sione Laulea and Solomon Davis; running backs Makhi Hughes and Jayden Limar; and wide receivers Justius Lowe and Kyler Kasper.

∎ For Indiana: The Hoosiers will be without defensive linemen Andrew DePaepe, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt; defensive backs Amariyun Knighten and Bryson Bonds; and kicker Brendan Franke. Knighten and DePaepe are in the transfer portal.

When is the Peach Bowl kickoff: Indiana vs Oregon time, date

The Peach Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9.

Where is the Peach Bowl played?

The Peach Bowl is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Who’s in CFP Championship game?

Here’s a full look at who has advanced to the CFP championship game:

No. 10 Miami
TBD

When is national championship game?

The College Football Playoff national championship game is 7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19

Where is the national championship game?

The College Football Playoff national championship game is at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Because of injuries, the race for the NBA Most Valuable Player may get interesting.

Numerous players who are atop the conversation – Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo – have each missed extended time with various health issues. That has opened the door for a somewhat unexpected player, Jaylen Brown, to shoot up this list; Brown has his Boston Celtics in contention in the East despite missing star Jayson Tatum, who has yet to play a game this season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

What is further complicating the race is that the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has hit a bit of a road bump, as his Oklahoma City Thunder have shown vulnerabilities.

Here’s the latest iteration of the USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings:

USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings

5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

He gets a slight nod over Giannis Antetokounmpo here for a couple of reasons; for one, the Spurs (26-11) have outperformed the Bucks (16-21) and are No. 2 in a crowded Western Conference. And, for another, while Antetokounmpo is a solid defender, no one is better in the NBA than Wembanyama, who leads the league with 2.9 blocks per game. Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo have both played in 23 games and have ineligibility concerns with the 65-game threshold, but, for now, Wembanyama gets the edge.

4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

The big knock on him is his lack of defensive buy-in and effort. Teams constantly attack Dončić on the other end, but he remains the most prolific bucket in the league. Dončić is averaging an NBA-best 33.7 points per game, which is nearly 2 points per game greater than the No. 1 player on this list. And while the Lakers can sometimes look disjointed on both ends, Dončić continues to make them competitive, although they have struggled against some of the West’s best teams.

3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

He would be higher, but his left knee hyperextension that’s expected to sideline him for at least a month, sucks the momentum out of the incredible season he had been having. Across 32 games, Jokić is averaging a triple-double (29.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game) and continues to be the player who most elevates the performance of those around him. Given the gravity he draws and his superb vision, his teammates always shine. Denver will sorely miss him.

2. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Somewhat quietly, Brown has been excelling for the Celtics, who have been flying under the radar without Jayson Tatum but nonetheless are 23-13 and just ½ game back of the No. 2 seed in the East. Brown has been doing it on both ends, averaging 29.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists, taking on tough defensive assignments and using his length to clamp down opposing players. He has taken on more of a leadership role and has shown he can be a star, even when teams can focus their energy on stopping him.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder have certainly hit something of a rough patch, losing six of their last 13 games. And, not surprisingly, some of those defeats have coincided with quieter performances from Gilgeous-Alexander, particularly when he’s unable to get to the free throw line. Opposing defenses have worked to avoid biting on his fakes, and NBA officials seemingly have let more physical play against Gilgeous-Alexander go, so this bears watching the rest of the season. Still, SGA remains the most consistent player in the NBA.

Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov defended their title to win the 2026 U.S. pairs figure skating championship.
The pair won with a combined score of 207.71, more than 10 points ahead of the second-place team.
Efimova, a native of Finland, is still awaiting her American citizenship.
The team is currently ineligible to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics without Efimova’s citizenship.

ST. LOUIS — There’s so much Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov don’t have answers for in this period of uncertainty, but they do know one thing: They are the U.S. champions once again.

The duo defended their U.S. title, winning the 2026 pairs championship after another strong performance in the free skate on Saturday.

They entered the night with a healthy lead, only needing to avoid major mistakes in the free skate to secure the win. It was a shaky start when Mitrofanov stumbled during their double Axel sequence, throwing them off the rhythm and leaving the audience in a gasp as they wondered if there was trouble.

Luckily for them, it was smooth after that. The lifts were executed with precision, and they shared an embrace once their program was complete.

Turns out, they didn’t even need the seven-point lead they entered the night with. Efimova and Mitrofanov scored 132.40 on their free skate, the best of the competition. They won with a combined score of 207.71, more than 10 points ahead of the second place team in Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea (197.12). Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman overcame a fifth place finish in the short program to finish third overall with a score of 187.45.

Efimova and Mitrofanov have proven themselves as the top American pair. Now they’ll hope they can prove it on the biggest stage.

As of Friday, Efimova is still awaiting to receive her American citizenship, rendering the team ineligible at the moment to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics. They are under a tight deadline with the Olympic team announcement scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

A native of Finland, Efimova began skating with Wisconsin native Mitrofano in 2023, and the pair has skated for the U.S. since. They eventually became a couple and the two married in February 2024, with Efimova obtaining her green card approval in July of that year.

The Olympic Charter states a competitor must be a citizen of the country they want to represent in order to participate. Efimova tried to expedite her citizenship request, instead of waiting the normal three-year process, so she could be approved in time for the Games. 

It has complicated the week, but Efimova and Mitrofano certainly have something to celebrate.

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U.S. athletes secured podium finishes in three of the four finals at the U.S. Grand Prix on Friday.
Mac Forehand won the men’s freeski slopestyle, likely securing his spot for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Maddy Schaffrick and Alessandro Barbieri also virtually guaranteed their Olympic berths with podium finishes in snowboard halfpipe.

ASPEN, CO – It was a good day for the U.S. ski and snowboard team at the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix. 

Of the four finals, the U.S. placed a competitor on the podium in three events. Mac Forehand won the men’s freeski slopestyle competition and more or less – more on that later – clinched his spot for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. 

In women’s snowboard halfpipe, Maddy Schaffrick placed second, while Alessandro Barbieri finished third on the men’s side. Both essentially punched their tickets to Italy with the showing. 

U.S. Ski and Snowboard is not officially announcing any additional team members until the evening of Jan. 10, when Day 2 of finals wraps in Aspen, at the earliest. Which is why we can’t say with complete certainty any of the aforementioned athletes are going to Milan, but basic mathematics of the standings, the waning competition schedule in advance of the Games, and the number of slots allotted to American teams dictate that these athletes are almost surely Olympians. 

Let’s dive deeper into their successes from Friday.   

Mac Forehand brushes off elements for huge win

The start of Forehand’s day was less than ideal. The temperatures in the Rockies were the coldest of the week by far and snow pelted the area for nearly 24 straight hours, with conditions worsening in the morning. 

“Everyone was not in the best compete mood,” he said. 

To make matters worse, Forehand and an unfortunate local man who wanted to ski the fresh powder were stuck on a stalled chairlift together for about 35 minutes after his fifth training run. He squeezed in two more runs once the lift was operational again and then the contest started. 

“I just wasn’t feeling that on today,” Forehand told USA TODAY Sports. “It worked out. It all clicked in my run when it mattered.” 

Forehand’s lift partner left him with some parting encouragement: “I hope you’re the best today,” Forehand recalled. 

Forehand also credited a voice in the back of his mind that told him he would win Friday. It was his fourth World Cup victory – three have been on American soil. 

“I just think I had the best run today,” Forehand said. 

Forehand tells people he’s not thinking about making the Olympics. In reality, it’s an all-consuming idea.

In November, Forehand broke his right thumb during a European training camp. He flew to Vail, Colorado, for two nights to surgically repair it and returned to Europe afterward with five pieces of metal in his hand. It was more annoying than painful, he said.

“Just wasn’t going my way early in the season,” he said, “and it finally worked for me. I really needed that. It feels so good. The pressure is lifted. I just want to go ski my best at the Olympics now.” 

Konnor Ralph finished fourth with a 73.21. He lost speed going into his second jump and had to settle for an easier trick, which was a factor in leaving him off the podium. He’ll compete in Laax, Switzerland, and then return to Aspen for the X Games later this month.

The first set of runs had scores set in the 60s, a bit lower than what’s expected in the finals of a World Cup competition. 

“People were kind of struggling a little bit,” Hunter Henderson said, “and it showed in the first run. I think it was pretty accurate what the judges gave, especially for myself. I was a bit sloppy.” 

Colby Stevenson will have to win in Laax next week or be the beneficiary of some serious “standings math” magic to make the Olympic roster, with one spot open for the men’s slopestyle/big air squad. 

Canada’s Max Moffatt was hoping for a top-eight finish to help improve his status, and nobody on the slopestyle course finished more emphatically than a screaming Moffatt, who put down a run that allowed him to finish sixth. 

“(The judges) were being super harsh on being early off the rails,” Moffatt said, “which is fair. It’s kind of like missing a grab in the air. I think they were looking for cleanliness.” 

Maddy Schaffrick’s podium means more than silver

Six hits. Six different directions. Maddy Schaffrick’s halfpipe runs were a technician’s dream and enough for second place behind Mitsuki Ono of Japan. 

And even though it’s not official, Schaffrick is surely a lock to join Maddie Mastro, Chloe Kim and Bea Kim as the women’s halfpipe squad in Italy. 

“I am going to have to learn how to lock it up, emotionally,” Schaffrick said. “Because it is going to mean so much to be there in Italy. I feel like what’s helped me here today is going to help me there.” 

What helped her this week was staying present, even though her entire extended family was visiting to watch her compete for the first time in 16 years. Schaffrick spoke about that with her sports psychologist. 

“I was like, ‘I really want to do well in front of them.’ He talked about, of course, you want to do well. That’s not going to go away. You can’t block out that feeling. But what you can is wanting to show them what you do well.” 

Schaffrick realized playing to her strengths would carry her to where she needed to be. She went big. She made her tricks look smooth and added style. 

“When I am leaning into that aspect of my snowboarding, it’s so much fun,” Schaffrick said. “I have a lot of fun. As opposed to forcing things.” 

Alessandro Barbieri ready for Italian-style homecoming

Call him “ACE.” 

Barbieri carries a custom “Ace” card – his coach, Ben Connors, taught him how to play poker and gave him the idea – because it stands for the first initial of his first name and that of his father and mother, Cristiano and Elisabetta. He also has a chain with the acronym that his mother gifted him for his birthday and he wears it every time he rides.  

The 17-year-old rode like an ace all week. And he became the first American to land a triple-cork in World Cup competition. 

“It feels amazing to be the first,” said Barbieri, who has done it in competition prior but not in one with this visibility.  

“It’s a practice event,” he added. “I don’t have to dominate this event. I just have to dominate on one day, and that’s the 13th of February.” 

The day of the men’s Olympic halfpipe final. The date is ingrained in his mind, he said. 

“Everything else is just in preparation for that one day, that one moment, that one run,” he said. 

Barbieri’s parents emigrated from Italy to the U.S. and all four of his grandparents are still alive and living in Italy. He’s already hoping for a solid turnout from his aunts, uncles and cousins that are over there. 

Japan’s Yuto Totsuka and Shuichiro Shigeno finished first and second, respectively. 

What’s on tap 

The snowboarding slopestyle finals are Saturday and are in the morning (local time), while the freeski halfpipe finals will go off in the afternoon. The men’s freeski halfpipe competition could certainly be an American sweep. 

The NFL is investigating domestic violence allegations made against Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice.
An Instagram account appearing to belong to Rice’s ex-girlfriend posted photos of injuries and alleged years of abuse.
The NFL’s personal conduct policy allows for discipline even without criminal charges being filed.
Rice could face a baseline suspension of six games if found to have violated the policy regarding domestic violence.

The NFL is investigating domestic violence allegations made against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, who could face discipline from the league regardless of whether his ex-girlfriend pursues a legal case.

On Jan. 7, an Instagram account appearing to belong to Rice’s ex-girlfriend with whom he has two children shared photos of herself with a bloody lip as well as several scratches and bruises on her face and body. The post also contained photos of damage to walls, a closet and cabinets.

In the caption, the woman alleged that she was physically and verbally abused for years, including while she was pregnant. She did not name Rice directly.

“I’ve protected his image too long and I’m done doing that,” she wrote. “It’s time to protect my peace, protect my children and stand up for myself.”

The account, which first posted in 2022, uses the name of Rice’s ex-partner and previously posted a photo with Rice at a Chiefs game.

It is unclear whether Rice’s ex-girlfriend has filed a police report associated with the allegations. Police in Overland Park, Kansas told USA TODAY that they responded to a call at Rice’s home in 2024 but that no abuse report was filed. The Dallas Police Department, where Rice previously lived, told USA TODAY, “It is not our practice to look up individuals by name.”

That won’t stop the NFL from investigating.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Jan. 8, an NFL spokesman said, “We have been in contact with the club about the matter which will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy.”

What the NFL’s personal conduct policy says

According to the 2025 personal conduct policy, NFL players will be subject to discipline by the league even if their conduct does not result in criminal charges or a conviction.

Violations of the policy include actual or threatened physical violence, or any behavior that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person.

“Whenever the league office becomes aware of a possible violation of the Policy, it will undertake an investigation, the timing and scope of which will be based upon the particular circumstances of the matter,” the policy says. “Any such investigation may be conducted by league office personnel, independent parties, or a combination of the two. In cases that are also being investigated by law enforcement officials, the league will continue its separate investigation, and will work to cooperate with law enforcement to avoid any conflict or interference with the law enforcement proceedings.”

During an investigation, the league will sometimes place a player on the Commissioner Exempt List, a form of paid leave. The player has three business days to appeal that placement, either on his own or through the NFLPA. Because the Chiefs’ 2025 season is already over, this is unlikely to happen to Rice.

The NFL attempts to contact those identified as potential victims as part of its investigation, though the league does not have subpoena power and cannot force cooperation from people who aren’t players or league employees. Sometimes, waiting for the legal process to play out can extend the league’s investigation.

When the NFL begins an investigation, the NFL Players Association is also notified. Players can choose to have a union representative with them when being interviewed by league investigators.

An NFLPA spokesperson told USA TODAY that the union is aware of the allegations against Rice and declined further comment.

How will the NFL decide a potential punishment for Rashee Rice?

Players who commit violations that involve domestic violence, felony criminal assault or family violence are subject to a baseline unpaid suspension of six games. A longer suspension is possible if there are aggravating factors such as violence that involves repeated striking or that is committed, “against a particularly vulnerable person, such as a child, a pregnant woman, or an elderly person, or where the act is committed in the presence of a child.”

A suspension can be reduced if the player takes prompt responsibility, receives clinical help or pays restitution to the victim.

At the conclusion of the NFL’s investigation, the league will notify a player of potential violations and propose a punishment that may include a suspension and a possible fine. The player can attempt to negotiate a settlement and propose a different punishment.

If the two sides cannot agree, the decision power goes to a disciplinary officer who is jointly selected (and paid) by the NFL and the players association. That’s only happened once: When former federal judge Sue L. Robinson suspended Deshaun Watson in 2022 due to numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.

Either the league or the player (through the NFLPA) can appeal the disciplinary officer’s decision to Commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he appoints. Robinson initially suspended Watson for six games, but the NFL appealed for a harsher punishment and the league and union agreed on an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine.

The personal conduct policy says that discipline will consider a player’s prior history of misconduct, both during and prior to his NFL career.

How the NFL handles similar player investigations

The allegations against Rice follow multiple recent allegations against other NFL players that have sparked ongoing investigations.  

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is set to play in the Patriots’ playoff game on Sunday while facing felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged altercation with his personal chef on Dec. 2. On Jan. 9, Diggs had his arraignment postponed from Jan. 23 until Feb. 13, five days after the Super Bowl.

The Patriots and the Commanders issued separate statements acknowledging the incidents and said they informed the NFL league office.

There’s no telling how long the league’s current investigation into Rice could take.

The car crash Rice was involved in happened in March 2024, and the league did not announce Rice’s suspension until late August of that year.

It took more than two years after the first civil lawsuit was filed against Watson for Robinson to suspend the quarterback after determine that he violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

In the case of former NFL kicker Justin Tucker, who was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by 16 massage therapists in a story first publicly reported in January 2025, it took more than three months for the Baltimore Ravens to release Tucker and an additional seven weeks for the league to announce his 10-week paid suspension. No criminal charges were ever filed against Tucker.