February 25th, 2026
Chamber of Commerce

National Sports

UEFA rejects Benfica’s appeal against Prestianni ban for alleged racism toward Vinícius Jr

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA has rejected Benfica’s last-minute appeal against the provisional suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, meaning he remains ruled out of the Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Prestianni was provisionally suspended on Monday for one match following accusations he racially abused Vinícius Júnior in the first leg last ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Virginia QB Chandler Morris files lawsuit against the NCAA seeking 7th year of eligibility

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris continued his fight for a seventh season of eligibility by filing a lawsuit against the NCAA, his agent, Simon Pflum, confirmed Tuesday. The NCAA denied Morris’ medical redshirt waiver and appeal last month, and he is seeking a preliminary injunction in Charlottesville Circuit Court. Morris could be ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Penguins place Sidney Crosby on injured reserve after missing Olympic final

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins placed Sidney Crosby on injured reserve Wednesday after the Canadian captain missed Sunday’s Olympic gold-medal game with a lower-body injury. Crosby sat out Canada’s 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in Milan, saying he couldn’t play “without compromising the team.” The 38-year-old was hurt in the quarterfinals when his ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

UEFA rejects Benfica’s appeal against Prestianni suspension for alleged racism against Vinícius Jr

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA has rejected Benfica’s last-minute appeal against the provisional suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, meaning he remains ruled out of the Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Prestianni was provisionally suspended on Monday for one match following accusations he racially abused Vinícius Júnior in the first leg last ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Verlander and Valdez will get final payments of $31 million deferred money from Tigers in 2039

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez will receive the final payments from their new contracts with the Detroit Tigers in 2039, with the team deferring $31 million of the $128 million it committed to the pitchers. Verlander’s $13 million, one-year deal will pay the 43-year-old right-hander $2 million this year. The $11 million in deferred money ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Commanders and Jaguars to host games in London next season, with Jacksonville playing twice

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to become the first NFL team to play two home games overseas. The Jaguars and the Washington Commanders on Tuesday were named hosts for three games scheduled for London in 2026. Jacksonville will play back-to-back games across the pond in October, with one at historic Wembley Stadium and the other ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Co-host Sri Lanka wins toss and bowls in must-win T20 World Cup game against New Zealand

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl in cricket’s T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand on Wednesday. The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals after losing to England in its Group 2 ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Jim Furyk to dip toes in the TV waters. He will be in Golf Channel booth at Bay Hill and Sawgrass

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

Former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk is testing the television waters as the lead analyst in the booth for Golf Channel during its weekday coverage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and The Players Championship. His stint also includes Golf Channel’s two hours of lead-in coverage on the weekend at Bay Hill. “It’s ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Real Madrid to face Benfica without injured Mbappé

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappé for Wednesday’s match against Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs. Mbappé was not included in the squad for the game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium because of a left knee injury he has been nursing for some time. Rodrygo and Jude ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing aims for motorsports dominance

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (AP) — There’s a sign that hangs on a wall in Airspeed, the headquarters of 23XI Racing, that clearly states the vision of the NASCAR team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. “To be the world’s most recognizable motorsports team, winning on and off the track, moving forward together, and setting the ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!

Champions League: Vinícius, Madrid set for feisty Benfica rematch and Italy heading for humiliation

By Canadian Press on February 25th, 2026

Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid are set for what’s likely to be an emotionally charged return match with Benfica in the Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, while Italian soccer is heading for humiliation. Madrid holds a 1-0 lead over Benfica from last week’s first leg, which was overshadowed by Vinícius’ allegation that opponent Gianluca Prestianni ... Read More »

Be the first to comment!