Cortez Smith
The Latest
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ISIS Threatens 2026 FIFA World Cup, Urges Lone-Wolf Attacks on Fans and Stadiums
Security officials overseeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup are confronting renewed concerns after propaganda linked to the Islamic State group called on supporters to target the tournament, urging lone attackers to exploit the month-long event and carry out acts of violence against spectators and participants. 
Security officials overseeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup are confronting renewed concerns after propaganda linked to the Islamic State group called on supporters to target the tournament, urging lone attackers to exploit the month-long event and carry out acts of violence against spectators and participants. -
Messi Chases History While Ronaldo and Mbappé Dominate World Cup 2026 Wealth Race
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is once again showcasing football's biggest stars, but the competition extends far beyond goals, trophies and records. As Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé chase glory on the pitch, they are also among the wealthiest athletes in global sports, with fortunes built through contracts, endorsements and business ventures that stretch far beyond football. 
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is once again showcasing football's biggest stars, but the competition extends far beyond goals, trophies and records. As Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé chase glory on the pitch, they are also among the wealthiest athletes in global sports, with fortunes built through contracts, endorsements and business ventures that stretch far beyond football. -
LeBron James Seeks Max Lakers Extension as Golden State Warriors Emerge in Contract Drama
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are approaching another pivotal offseason, with questions surrounding the NBA's all-time leading scorer growing louder as free agency nears. Reports indicate that James and his longtime agent, Rich Paul, are preparing to seek a maximum contract extension while also demanding greater clarity from the franchise regarding its long-term roster-building strategy. 
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are approaching another pivotal offseason, with questions surrounding the NBA's all-time leading scorer growing louder as free agency nears. Reports indicate that James and his longtime agent, Rich Paul, are preparing to seek a maximum contract extension while also demanding greater clarity from the franchise regarding its long-term roster-building strategy. -
FIFA Demands Payment After World Cup 2026 Ticket Glitch Gave Fans Free Seats
FIFA is seeking payment from dozens of football fans after a technical error on its official World Cup 2026 ticketing platform allowed some supporters to secure match tickets without being charged, creating a new controversy as demand for the tournament continues to surge. FIFA is seeking payment from dozens of football fans after a technical error on its official World Cup 2026 ticketing platform allowed some supporters to secure match tickets without being charged, creating a new controversy as demand for the tournament continues to surge. -
FIFA and U.S. Roll Out Priority Visa System as 2026 World Cup Travel Concerns Intensify
FIFA and the U.S. government have introduced a new expedited visa appointment system for international ticket holders ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an acknowledgment of mounting concern that immigration restrictions, geopolitical tensions and public-health fears could complicate travel to one of the world's largest sporting events. FIFA and the U.S. government have introduced a new expedited visa appointment system for international ticket holders ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an acknowledgment of mounting concern that immigration restrictions, geopolitical tensions and public-health fears could complicate travel to one of the world's largest sporting events. -
Lakers Lead Cut to 3–2 as LeBron James Warns ‘It’s Going to Be Even Harder’ After Game 5 Loss
The Los Angeles Lakers saw their once-commanding playoff position narrow Wednesday night after a 99-93 loss to the Houston Rockets, leaving the Western Conference first-round series at 3-2 and shifting pressure back onto a roster that had been on the brink of advancing. 
The Los Angeles Lakers saw their once-commanding playoff position narrow Wednesday night after a 99-93 loss to the Houston Rockets, leaving the Western Conference first-round series at 3-2 and shifting pressure back onto a roster that had been on the brink of advancing. -
LeBron James Sets Oldest Triple-Double Record as NBA Fines Jazz $500K, Pacers $100K for Tanking
As LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, the league office delivered a stark reminder that individual brilliance would not distract from concerns over competitive integrity. Within days of James' milestone performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for conduct it said undermined the foundation of competition. 
As LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, the league office delivered a stark reminder that individual brilliance would not distract from concerns over competitive integrity. Within days of James' milestone performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for conduct it said undermined the foundation of competition. -
LeBron James Draws Backlash Over Anthem Moment as Online Scrutiny Revives Past Diddy Links
LeBron James faced a surge of online backlash this week after video circulated showing the Los Angeles Lakers star moving casually during the U.S. national anthem before the team's Christmas Day game, an episode that quickly drew criticism and reignited scrutiny of his past associations. The clip, first shared by ESPN's TikTok account, spread rapidly across social media, where viewers debated whether his behavior showed "disrespect" during the pregame ceremony. 
LeBron James faced a surge of online backlash this week after video circulated showing the Los Angeles Lakers star moving casually during the U.S. national anthem before the team's Christmas Day game, an episode that quickly drew criticism and reignited scrutiny of his past associations. The clip, first shared by ESPN's TikTok account, spread rapidly across social media, where viewers debated whether his behavior showed "disrespect" during the pregame ceremony. -
LeBron James Not Charged, but Gambling Investigation Raises NBA Integrity Concerns
A widening federal investigation into sports betting has drawn the name of LeBron James into public view, even as prosecutors and the NBA stress that the Los Angeles Lakers star has not been accused of wrongdoing. The case centers on allegations that confidential team information was leaked to gamblers by a longtime James associate, intensifying scrutiny of how non-public data circulates in an era of legalized sports wagering. 
A widening federal investigation into sports betting has drawn the name of LeBron James into public view, even as prosecutors and the NBA stress that the Los Angeles Lakers star has not been accused of wrongdoing. The case centers on allegations that confidential team information was leaked to gamblers by a longtime James associate, intensifying scrutiny of how non-public data circulates in an era of legalized sports wagering. -
Pacquiao–Mayweather Rematch Talks Intensify as Crawford Says Floyd Is the “Only Fighter” Who Could Challenge Him
Talks for a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have accelerated, marking the strongest indication in more than a decade that boxing's highest-grossing rivalry may return to the ring. Pacquiao said in a recent interview that a deal is "almost" final, adding that both teams have begun coordinating directly and that Las Vegas is the leading venue under consideration. 
Talks for a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have accelerated, marking the strongest indication in more than a decade that boxing's highest-grossing rivalry may return to the ring. Pacquiao said in a recent interview that a deal is "almost" final, adding that both teams have begun coordinating directly and that Las Vegas is the leading venue under consideration.
