LOS ANGELES, USA: Brittney Griner stood for the national anthem before her first regular-season WNBA game since being jailed in Russia.
Griner was outspoken for social justice in 2020 and didn’t take the court during the pregame anthem. But nearly a year behind bars in Russia changed her.
“I was literally in a cage and could not stand the way I wanted to,” she said. “Just being able to hear my national anthem and see my flag, I definitely want to stand.”
Griner had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots Friday night for the Phoenix Mercury in a 94-71 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.
“Not good enough, didn’t get the dub,” said Griner, who nevertheless couldn’t be down in defeat.
“I appreciate everything a little bit more, all of the small moments, like, ‘Oh, I’m so tired I don’t want to go to practice today,’ that has changed, honestly,” she said. “Tomorrow is not guaranteed, you don’t know what it’s going to look like. I feel a lot older somehow, too.”
The 32-year-old center’s immediate goal is to play an entire game by the All-Star break in mid-July. She played 25 minutes Friday.
“I hope to be exactly where I want to be,” Griner said. “Just getting back to how I was before all this happened.”
Griner made an immediate impact against the Sparks. She fired a pass to Moriah Jefferson, who hit a 3-pointer for Phoenix’s first basket. Griner grabbed a couple of rebounds and scored twice in helping the Mercury to an early lead.
“How good did she just look? Unbelievable,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters at halftime.
For the first time since last season, Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard opened her pregame comments without announcing how many days Griner had been jailed. Griner has been free since December when she was part of a high-profile prisoner swap.
“Until the day we got the news in the morning that she was on her way home, no one thought that it was going to happen,” Nygaard said. “We did our jobs probably with less joy than professional athletes do. It was heavy every day.”
Not anymore.
“Today is a day of joy,” Nygaard said. “An amazing, amazing thing has happened.”
Griner and the Mercury were greeted with a standing ovation when they came on court for pregame warmups, although the biggest cheers were reserved for the Sparks.
“Just taking it in but staying focused because at the end of the day I’m at work,” Griner said. “Can’t get caught up in the moment. Kind of feel it, but put it to the side and feel it a little bit later.”
Griner hugged Vice President Kamala Harris and first gentleman Doug Emhoff as they left the court after Harris was presented with a No. 49 Sparks jersey. Earlier, Harris posed for photos in the Mercury’s locker room.
“It was nice to be able to see her face-to-face and thank her for everything,” Griner said.
She patted her heart and applauded in return during a brief video welcoming her back to the WNBA.
“It was nice to be back on the court for a real game,” she said. “The love from the fans when we came out was amazing. I definitely feel it.”
Griner scored 10 points in 17 minutes in an exhibition loss to the Sparks last week. It was her first game action since she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
“We brought back this Black, gay woman from a Russian jail and America did that because they valued her and she’s a female athlete and they valued her,” Nygaard said.
“Just to be part of a group that values people at that level, it makes me very proud to be an American. Maybe there’s other people that that doesn’t make them proud, but for me, I see BG and I see hope and I see the future and I have young children and it makes me really hopeful about our country,” the coach said.
Fans arriving early to Crypto.com Arena wore T-shirts with Griner’s name and jersey number on them. The 6-foot-9 Griner stopped to photo-bomb a group of young girls posing courtside before the game.
Billie Jean King and wife Ilana Kloss, who are part-owners of the Sparks, were on hand for the opener, as was Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol, Byron Scott, Robert Horry, Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham and South Carolina women’s coach Dawn Staley.
Since her release, Griner has used her platform to advocate for other Americans being detained abroad. She was already an LGBTQ+ activist since publicly coming out in 2013.
“She stands for so many people, so many different kind of people who can be undervalued in our society,” Nygaard said. “She stands with pride and confidence and has never once has shied away from who she is.”
Griner announced in April that she is working with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign formed last year by the family members of American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas. She said her team has been in contact with the family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being detained in Russia on espionage charges.
“She’s an amazing person on and off the court,” Phoenix teammate Jefferson said. “I think her energy just inspires everybody every single day to show up and be the best version of themselves.”
‘A day of joy’: Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia
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‘A day of joy’: Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia
- Griner was outspoken for social justice in 2020 and didn’t take the court during the pregame anthem
- But nearly a year behind bars in Russia changed her
Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track
Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment
DORTMUND: Newly-appointed Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday he would demand “dedication and passion” as he hopes to get the struggling German club back on track.
Dortmund were Champions League finalists in June but have floundered this season and sit 11th in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment.
Former Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco coach Kovac, 53, signed a deal at Dortmund until 2026 on Sunday.
Speaking at his unveiling on Tuesday, Kovac said he would not budge from his disciplinarian style which has won him trophies, but also left noses out of joint at previous clubs.
“We want to work hard because I believe only someone who works will get something in return,” he said.
“I’m a hard worker... everything that me and my family have achieved comes through hard work.
“Titles mean success, but (last year’s Champions League final) is also a success. I see some very, very positive developments.”
Kovac, who has only once served longer than two years in a coaching role, is the latest man tasked with bringing back consistent success since Jurgen Klopp’s seven-year tenure at the club ended in 2015.
Kovac said the short stints were part of “the business of modern football.”
“There are of course exceptions, like Jurgen, whether that was here or in Liverpool,” he said.
“But we are convinced we can chart the right course together.”
Kovac revealed he would live in a hotel until the summer, away from his family, to allow him “to focus fully” on the task at hand.
Despite taking training for the first time on Sunday, Kovac has had a hand in recruitment, including the deadline day signing of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.
Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said bringing in the experienced Kovac was needed, with the club’s last two coaches Sahin and Edin Terzic promoted from assistant jobs.
“In our current situation, external input is extremely necessary,” Ricken said.
“In Niko, we’ve found the right person. He stands for success, but has also taken over teams in difficult situations.”
Man City move for Gonzalez, Tel joins Spurs on deadline day
- Former Barcelona midfielder Gonzalez, 23, arrives for a reported fee of $62M
- Tel reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Spurs earlier in the window after a £50 million deal was agreed with the German giants
MANCHESTER: Manchester City signed Nico Gonzalez from Porto in the biggest move from Premier League clubs on Monday’s transfer deadline day, while Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel headed to Tottenham on loan.
City’s midfield frailties without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is out for the season due to a serious knee injury, were exposed in a 5-1 thrashing at Arsenal on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s men find themselves in a battle just to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with the defending champions sitting fifth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
City were also in need of reinforcements for a blockbuster Champions League play-off round tie against holders Real Madrid later this month.
Former Barcelona midfielder Gonzalez, 23, arrives for a reported fee of 60 million euros (£50 million, $62 million).
“This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career,” said Gonzalez.
“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honored he wants me to play in his team.”
City have already splashed out more than £120 million in January on Egypt forward Omar Marmoush and young defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Tottenham were busy in the final hours of the window as they bolstered Ange Postecoglou’s injury-ravaged squad.
Tel reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Spurs earlier in the window after a £50 million deal was agreed with the German giants.
But the French under-21 international has now moved to north London until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Spurs, though, were frustrated in their bid to add more defensive recruits on deadline day.
The BBC reported Crystal Palace rejected a £70 million bid for captain Marc Guehi, who has just 18 months left to run of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea’s Axel Disasi had been linked with a move across London, but instead joined Aston Villa, with the move only confirmed two hours after the window shut.
Villa also added more firepower with the signing of Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spaniard, who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, joins Marcus Rashford as new options for Unai Emery’s forward line after the departure of Jhon Duran to Saudi side Al Nassr.
However, there were no deadline day deals for Premier League title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal or struggling Manchester United.
Arsenal’s bid to strengthen their forward line appears to have been frustrated after Villa rebuffed an offer for England international Ollie Watkins last week.
United boss Ruben Amorim said the club were “trying everything to improve the team without doing mistakes of the past” following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils are wary of breaching profit and sustainability rules and were reportedly put off a move for Tel due to Bayern’s demand for a loan fee.
Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Zimbabwe international midfielder Marshall Munetsi and Burkina Faso central defender Nasser Djiga late on deadline day.
The 28-year-old Munetsi, who can play in a variety of midfield roles, joins from French club Reims on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The 22-year-old Djiga arrived from Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade on a five-and-a-half year contract for a fee around £10 million (12 million euros, $12.5 million).
Everton signed the former Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo on loan.
The 22-year-old Argentine is the first David Moyes signing during his second stint as Goodison manager. Everton have an option to buy at the end of the season.
West Ham completed the loan signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who is reunited with his former manager Graham Potter.
The Seagulls replaced Ferguson with highly-rated Greek forward Stefanos Tzimas, who had been linked with Liverpool, but will remain at Bundesliga 2 side FC Nuremberg for the remainder of the season.
Former England left-back Ben Chilwell joined Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz set for DP World ILT20 playoffs
- Desert Vipers face the Capitals in qualifier 1, while MI Emirates take on the Warriorz in the eliminator
- Vipers have emerged as the standout team of the season, securing their playoff berth early with a dominant run that included four consecutive victories
DUBAI: The DP World ILT20 Season 3 enters a decisive phase with the Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz securing their places in the playoffs.
The tournament, boasting a total prize pool of more than $1 million, will see the Desert Vipers and Dubai Capitals face off in qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. Meanwhile, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz will meet in the eliminator, following which, the winner will take on the loser of qualifier 1 for the remaining spot in the final.
The Desert Vipers have emerged as the standout team of the season, securing their playoff berth early with a dominant run that included four consecutive victories. Their campaign has been powered by strong performances from Alex Hales (286 runs) and Sam Curran (267 runs), who have been instrumental with the bat. On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir have been equally impactful, claiming 11 wickets each.
Hasaranga’s economy rate of 5.33 across 30 overs remains the best in the tournament. However, the Vipers have shown slight vulnerability in their recent matches, suffering two losses in their past three games. They will aim to restore their authority against a resurgent Dubai Capitals side who have beaten them on both occasions earlier this season.
Reflecting on the season so far and looking ahead to the playoffs, Tom Moody, director of cricket, Desert Vipers, said: “There’s been a lot of positive things to reflect on in the seven wins that we’ve had, a lot of great team performances, a lot of good individual performances as well. For us our focus is on just bringing our best game come Wednesday night.”
After enduring three consecutive losses early in the season, last season’s runners-up, Dubai Capitals, found their momentum, registering five victories in six matches to finish second on the points table. Shai Hope currently holds the green belt (most runs) with 467 runs in ten innings at an average of 66.71, including three half centuries and a century.
Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has led the team’s endeavours with the ball, claiming 12 wickets in eight matches. The Capitals have also been bolstered by the performances of Gulbadin Naib, who has also struck three half centuries for his 314 runs in 10 innings, along with nine wickets as well.
With the Dubai Capitals heading into a third consecutive playoff in the DP World ILT20, Sikandar Raza said: “The extra cushion of being in the top two helps, but hopefully we can make it straight to the final and not have to play the eliminator. Regardless, our goal is to win the final this year.”
Reigning champions, MI Emirates, were the second team to book a slot in the playoffs. Their season has ebbed and flowed with five victories in 10 matches. Tom Banton has been their standout performer, amassing 464 runs, including two centuries — a first in the DP World ILT20. Captain Nicholas Pooran has also contributed significantly with three half-centuries.
MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi comfortably leads the race for the white belt (most wickets) with 20 wickets in 10 matches, including figures of 5 for 16 against the Dubai Capitals, a league record.
The Sharjah Warriorz snapped out of a four-match losing streak to secure three victories on the trot and finish fourth on the points table, with 10 points in just as many games. Their top order has done much of the heavy lifting, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles each scoring three half-centuries with 347 and 305 runs respectively. Adam Milne and captain Tim Southee have spearheaded the bowling attack, accounting for 11 and eight wickets respectively.
The Sharjah Warriorz head into the eliminator following a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph against the MI Emirates in their final group-stage match. Earlier in the season, the Warriorz losing streak had begun with a nine-wicket loss to the MI Emirates.
The DP World ILT20 offers a total prize pool of $1.3 million, with the champions set to receive $700,000 and the runners-up $300,000.
Individual excellence will also be recognized through the tournament’s signature belts; the green belt for the highest run-scorer, the white belt for the leading wicket-taker, the red belt for the most valuable player, and the blue belt for the best UAE player. Each belt winner will be awarded $15,000, along with the DP world dispatch of the season. Additionally, the player of the match and DP world dispatch of the day during the playoffs and final will receive $6,000.
In the previous edition, James Vince claimed the green belt, Waqar Salamkheil secured the white belt, Sikandar Raza earned the red belt, and Muhammad Waseem won the blue belt for the second consecutive year.
Qualifier 1 will see the Desert Vipers take on the Dubai Capitals on Feb. 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while MI Emirates will face Sharjah Warriorz in the eliminator on Feb. 6 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The winner of the eliminator will then meet the loser of qualifier 1 in qualifier 2 on Feb. 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The action will return to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the final on Feb. 9.
Spain men’s coach De la Fuente distances himself from Hermoso kiss case at Rubiales trial
- De la Fuente said during his brief appearance in court that he spoke with Hermoso only about two months ago at a gala
- He was at the Women’s World Cup final in Australia but said he did not have any discussions with Spanish federation officials about the kiss
MADRID: Spain men’s coach Luis de la Fuente told a judge in the Luis Rubiales trial on Tuesday that he did not get involved in discussions related to Jenni Hermoso following her World Cup kiss from the former Spanish soccer boss.
Rubiales is accused of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso, the Spain forward, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony in Sydney, as well as of coercion for allegedly trying to convince the player to support his version of the kiss. Hermoso says she did not consent to the kiss while Rubiales says it was consensual.
De la Fuente said during his brief appearance in court that he spoke with Hermoso only about two months ago at a gala. He was at the Women’s World Cup final in Australia but said he did not have any discussions with Spanish federation officials about the kiss and alleged attempts to support Rubiales.
The 47-year-old Rubiales and three other former federation officials — former Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda, former sports director of the Spain men’s team Albert Luque, and former head of marketing Rubén Rivera — are accused of pressuring Hermoso to defend Rubiales publicly in a statement after the incident, which she refused to do.
“Nobody talked to me or asked me about” a possible statement, De la Fuente said.
The coach said that when he visited the federation in the days following the scandal, he only “talked about football” and business related to his position as the men’s national coach.
De La Fuente last week had his contract with the men’s national team extended to 2028.
The judge got angry at one point on Tuesday with the testimony of former federation press chief Pablo García Cuervo, asking him to be more clear with his answers.
Cuervo said he wrote up some of Hermoso’s comments to a local radio station to release them to the media. He said Hermoso asked if they wanted her to do a video with the comments, and he said that it was not necessary.
Hermoso testified on the first day of the trial on Monday and said she “felt disrespected” by Rubiales after winning the Women’s World Cup final and the kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
The kiss sparked outrage in Spain about the prevalence of sexism in sports and beyond.
Rubiales has yet to testify and denied the charges. He resigned under pressure three weeks later and was banned by FIFA for three years. Rubiales had said he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.”
Prosecutors, Hermoso and the Spain players’ association want Rubiales jailed for two and a half years, fined 50,000 euros ($51,800) for damages, and banned from working as a sports official. They want the other three defendants sentenced to one and a half years in prison.
The trial will continue on Wednesday. It is expected to last at least 10 days. Rubiales attended the first day on Monday.
NBA fans win as Luka Doncic goes to the Lakers, Anthony Davis to the Mavericks
- The NBA has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping trades, but this might be the biggest one yet
DUBAI: When the news broke, NBA fans scrambled to check the date. Surely this had to be an April Fool’s prank, right? Trades of this magnitude do not happen every day.
But no, this was real. Luka Doncic is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, while Anthony Davis is on his way to the Dallas Mavericks.
A blockbuster deal
A trade straight out of a video game. The NBA has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping trades, but this might be the most shocking yet.
The trade sends MVP contender Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for 10-time All-Star Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick going to the Mavericks.
As a part of the three-team deal, Los Angeles also acquires forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Utah Jazz receive Jalen Hood-Schifino and 2025 second-round picks from both the Mavericks and Lakers.
For the Lakers, it is a franchise-altering move, securing a generational superstar to lead them into the post-LeBron James era. Meanwhile, the Mavericks add a dominant two-way force in Davis, strengthening their defense and forming a powerful duo with Kyrie Irving.
Dream duo of LeBron and Luka
James and Doncic are a pairing NBA fans have dreamed of for years. Their combined basketball IQ, playmaking, and scoring ability could create an offensive masterpiece.
This move brings back memories of LeBron teaming up with Dwyane Wade in Miami, except now King James is the seasoned veteran passing the torch to a younger superstar.
The question is: How quickly can they build chemistry?
Mavericks’ new identity
Losing Luka is unthinkable — he is already an MVP candidate and an all-time great at just 25 years old. But in return, Dallas gets a defensive anchor in Davis and an NBA champion.
Davis at the Mavericks can return to his preferred position — power forward — instead of being forced to play center full-time when he was a Laker. If healthy, Davis can elevate the Mavericks from last season’s NBA finalists to an NBA champion.
With Klay Thompson spacing the floor and Kyrie Irving handling the offense, Dallas has reshaped its identity.
However, health remains the key concern. Can Davis stay on the court long enough to make a lasting impact?
Reactions and fallout
As soon as the trade broke, social media erupted. Memes, debates, and hot takes flooded the internet.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson called it “the biggest trade between two superstars in their prime,” while Mavericks all-time great Dirk Nowitzki simply tweeted a shocked emoji.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant said: “Insane. It’s crazy, crazy. I never would have thought Luka Doncic would get traded at this age — midseason.”
Also surprised was James, who reportedly learned of the deal “while he was out to dinner with his family” after the Lakers’ recent victory over the Knicks.
What’s next?
This trade reshapes the NBA landscape. The Western Conference, already stacked, just became even more unpredictable. Ticket sales will soar, TV ratings will skyrocket, and every Lakers vs. Mavericks matchup will be must-watch television.
And do not be surprised if Luka Lakers jerseys and Davis Mavericks jerseys sell out instantly.
Who won the trade?
The real winners? The fans. No matter which side you are on, this move guarantees an even more thrilling and unpredictable season. Buckle up —this is why we love the game.
