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Hamilton Tiger-Cats release Devin Veresuk for NFL opportunity

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HAMILTON – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced on Monday the club has released National linebacker and East Division Most Outstanding Rookie Devin Veresuk to pursue an opportunity in the National Football League.

Veresuk, 24, was selected by the Tiger-Cats in the first round (second overall) of the 2025 CFL Draft and signed in May 2025. The Windsor, Ontario native appeared in 18 games during his first season, recording 66 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, two sacks, one interception, two touchdowns and one forced fumble.

A former Windsor Lancer, Veresuk made his first career start in Week 3, where he recorded his first career pick-six, and remained a fixture in the lineup for the remainder of the season. He was also a finalist for the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie award.

“Devin is a hard-working young player with a great attitude who earned his way into a starting role,” said Hamilton Tiger-Cats president of football operations Orlondo Steinauer. “He consistently put in the work and handled things the right way. We’re proud of what he accomplished here and are supportive of him as he explores this next opportunity.”

Saskatchewan RoughRiders sign linebacker Jameer Thurman to one-year extension

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REGINA – The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced on Monday they have signed American linebacker Jameer Thurman to a one-year extension, taking his contract through the 2027 season.

Thurman (six-foot, 230 pounds) signs his extension with the Roughriders after playing a pivotal role in the Riders’ 112th Grey Cup championship season. The Chicago native earned his first All-CFL accolade, becoming just the fourth middle linebacker in Rider history to receive the honour.

He ranked sixth in the league in defensive tackles (86), tied for eighth in total defensive plays (100), and registered three interceptions, three sacks, three pass knockdowns, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The Roughrider captain was also named the CFL’s top linebacker by Pro Football Focus in Week 9. Thurman capped an outstanding regular season with a productive post-season, recording a game-leading 11 defensive tackles (including one for a loss) to help the Roughriders win the 112th Grey Cup.

Thurman earned his first career divisional All-CFL nod in 2024, his first season as a Roughrider. He appeared in 17 regular season games for the Roughriders that season, registering 76 defensive tackles, three tackles for loss, two special teams tackles, one sack, two interceptions — including one he returned 28 yards for a touchdown in Week 3 — one forced fumble, one pass knockdown, and three fumble recoveries.

Thurman joined the Roughriders in free agency after spending the 2023 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He earned 98 defensive tackles and five sacks, while also adding two interceptions, one tackle for loss, four pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Prior to signing with the Tiger-Cats, Thurman played four seasons (2017-18, 2021-22) with the Calgary Stampeders. He played 64 games as a Stamp, recording 267 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, six sacks, six interceptions, and eight forced fumbles. He won a Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2018. Thurman signed with the Chicago Bears in January 2019 and made 16 tackles in the preseason.

NFL team transactions report for Monday, January 12, 2026

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PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS
CONTRACTS EXPIRED
ARIZONA

Bartlett, Jared LB Cincinnati
Bowles, Wyatt G Utah State
Cox, Marques T Kentucky
Daxon, Denzel DT Illinois
Jefferson, Jermar RB Oregon State
Sherfield, Trent WR Vanderbilt
Sims, Steven WR Kansas
Woodside, Logan QB Toledo
ATLANTA
Asante, Eugene LB Auburn
Fuller, Jordan DB Ohio State
Gray, Joshua G Oregon State
Hayes, Ryan T Michigan
Jenkins, Patrick NT Tulane
Krieg, Lenny K No College
Osborn, K.J. WR Miami
Simon, Joshua TE South Carolina
Trask, Kyle QB Florida
BALTIMORE
Green, Kenyon G Texas A&M
Hamm, Malik LB Lafayette
Kirkwood, Keith WR Temple
Kwenkeu, William LB Temple
Martin, Chandler LB Memphis
Tomlinson, Laken G Duke
Tupou, Josh NT Colorado
Ward, Jonathan RB Central Michigan
Washington, Scotty TE Wake Forest
CINCINNATI
Kirkland, Jaxson G Washington
Milton, Kendall RB Georgia
Pryor, Kendric WR Wisconsin
CLEVELAND
Dalcourt, Darrian G Alabama
Davis, Kaden WR Northwest Missouri State
French, Wesley C Western Michigan
Henry, K.J. DE Clemson
Hurst, Maurice DT Michigan
Okwara, Julian LB Notre Dame
Williams, Dee DB Tennessee
Zappe, Bailey QB Western Kentucky
DALLAS
Brown, Earnest DE Northwestern
Fant, Princeton TE Tennessee
Grier, Will QB West Virginia
Moreno-Cropper, Jalen WR Fresno State
DETROIT
Adams, Myles DE Rice
Beathard, C.J. QB Iowa
Garber, Keenan DB Kansas State
Hubbard, Christopher T Alabama-Birmingham
Kazee, Damontae DB San Diego State
O’Connor, Pat DE Eastern Michigan
Ricci, Giovanni TE Western Michigan
INDIANAPOLIS
Hilton, Mike DB Mississippi
Pride, Troy DB Notre Dame
KANSAS CITY
Broeker, Nick G Mississippi
Brownlee, Jason WR Southern Mississippi
Edwards-Helaire, Clyde RB Louisiana State
Herring, Malik DE Georgia
Steele, Carson RB UCLA
Tuipulotu, Marlon DT Southern California
Watson, Tre TE Texas A&M
LAS VEGAS
Basham, Carlos LB Wake Forest
Elkin, Luke LS Iowa
Hill, Brandon DB Pittsburgh
Turner, D.J. WR Pittsburgh
MIAMI
Carter, Andre LB Army
Ciarlo, Jimmy LB Army
Hasty, Jamycal RB Baylor
Mbaeteka, Roy T No College
Rucci, Hayden TE Wisconsin
Sheffield, Kendall DB Ohio State
Wilson, Jeffery RB North Texas
MINNESOTA
Funderburk, Tyrek DB Appalachian State
Harris, Jonathan DE Lindenwood
McCormick, Sincere RB Texas-San Antonio
Murphy, Gabriel LB UCLA
Pircher, Max T No College
Takitaki, Sione LB Brigham Young
NEW ORLEANS
Dekkers, Hunter QB Iowa Western CC
Haener, Jake QB Fresno State
Miller-Hines, Nyheim RB North Carolina State
Sewell, Nephi LB Utah
NEW YORK GIANTS
Davidson, Zach TE Central Missouri
Mang, Maximilian TE Syracuse
Rogers, Casey DT Oregon
Smith-Marsette, Ihmir WR Iowa
NEW YORK JETS
Blackshear, Raheem RB Virginia Tech
Irwin, Trenton WR Stanford
Mahoney, Jaylen DB Vanderbilt
Mulbah, Fatorma DT West Virginia
Muse, Nick TE South Carolina
Needham, Nik DB Texas-El Paso
Robinson, Keilan RB Texas
Sirmon, Jackson LB California
Wiegand, Leander G Central Florida
TAMPA BAY
Brewer, C.J. DT Coastal Carolina
Gotsis, Adam DE Georgia Tech
Hall, Bryce DB Virginia
McLellan, Tyler T Campbell
Metz, Lorenz T Cincinnati
Pierre-Paul, Jason DE South Florida
Taula, Tanner TE Illinois State
TENNESSEE
Brewer, Chandler T Middle Tennessee
McCutcheon, Lance WR Montana State
Mims, Jordan RB Fresno State
Ojukwu, John T Boise State
Siemian, Trevor QB Northwestern
Watkins, Carlos DE Clemson
WASHINGTON
Chosen, Robbie WR Temple
Cracraft, River WR Washington State
Scott, Gee TE Ohio State
Seymour, Kevon DB Southern California
Walker, DeMarcus DE Florida State

WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS
WAIVER REQUESTS (All are NO RECALL)
HOUSTON

Taylor, Darrell DE Tennessee (4)* PS: VET – Vested Veteran
NEW ENGLAND
Johnson, D’Ernest RB South Florida (6)* PS: VET – Vested Veteran
CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Tuesday, 1/13/26
*Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2024 season.

ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS
ACTIVATIONS
HOUSTON
Fotu, Leki DT Utah – From Practice Squad (Standard Elevation)
Reed, Jaylen DB Penn State – From Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return
PITTSBURGH
Flowers, Tre DB Oklahoma State – From Practice Squad (Standard Elevation)
Jamison, D’Shawn DB Texas – From Practice Squad (Standard Elevation)

RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS
CAROLINA
Bartlett, Jared LB Cincinnati – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Carter, Ja’Tyre G Southern U. – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Charles, Saahdiq G Louisiana State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Chisena, Dan WR Penn State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Funderburk, Tyrek DB Appalachian State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Gray, Joshua G Oregon State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Johnson, Montrell RB Florida- Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Muhammad, Jamil LB Southern California – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Mwansa, Mapalo DE No College – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Pierre, Bryce TE UCLA – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Reed, Ja’seem WR San Diego – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Richardson, Demani DB Texas A&M- Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Smith, Ainias WR Texas A&M – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Tyus, Anthony RB Ohio – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Windmon, Jacoby LB Michigan State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
GREEN BAY
Banks, Brant T Rice – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Barnett, Dante DT Dickinson, Pa. – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Barnhart, Karsen T Michigan – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Campbell, Anthony DT Miami – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Castles, McCallan TE Tennessee – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Cooper, Dalton T Oklahoma State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Dabney, Drake TE Texas Christian – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Ester, James DT Northern Illinois – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Havrisik, Lucas K Arizona – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Herring, Tyron DB Delaware – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Johnson, Jamon LB Kentucky – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Martinez, Damien RB Miami – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Perry, Mark DB Texas Christian – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Sheppard, Will WR Colorado – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Strong, Pierre RB South Dakota State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Swinson, Messiah TE Arizona State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
JACKSONVILLE
Bradley, Carter QB South Alabama – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Brayboy, Chandler WR Elon – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Carvin, Jerome G Tennessee – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Herbert, Patrick TE Oregon – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Jackson, Ja’Quinden RB Arkansas – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Jones, Tim WR Southern Mississippi – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Lee, Ricky T North Carolina A&T – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Lovely, Keni-H DB Western Michigan – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Muhammad, Jabbar DB Oregon – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Rose, Keivie DT Arkansas – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Silmon-Craig, Cam’Ron DB Colorado – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Thomas, Trevian DB Arkansas State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Trammell, Austin WR Rice – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Wormley, Sal G Penn State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Zierer, Kilian T Auburn – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
KANSAS CITY
Watson, Tre TE Texas A&M – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
NEW YORK JETS
Dalena, Mac WR Fresno State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Krieg, Lenny K No College – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Zappe, Bailey QB Western Kentucky – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
PHILADELPHIA
Campbell, Chance LB Mississippi – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Castro-Fields, Tariq DB Penn State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Gray, Danny WR Southern Methodist – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Hall, Gabe DT Baylor – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Johnson, Brandon DB Oregon – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Majors, Jake C Texas – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Pierce, Hollin T Rutgers – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
Watkins, Quez WR Southern Mississippi – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
WASHINGTON
Carter, Andre LB Army – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future

PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS
REVERSIONS FROM ACTIVE/INACTIVE LIST
BUFFALO
Gore, Frank RB Southern Mississippi
Jones, Andre DE Louisiana-Lafayette
CHICAGO
Kalinic, Nikola TE York, Can.
Reeves-Maybin, Jalen LB Tennessee
GREEN BAY
Neyor, Isaiah WR Nebraska
JACKSONVILLE
Jones, Tim WR Southern Mississippi
(Also see RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS)
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Campbell, Dalevon WR South Carolina
Waxter, Isas DB Villanova
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Hampton, Nick LB Appalachian State
Ingle, Tanner DB North Carolina State
NEW ENGLAND
Taylor, Leonard DT Miami
Webb, Jeremiah WR South Alabama
PHILADELPHIA
Hughlett, Charley LS Central Florida
Sam, Andre’ DB Louisiana State
SAN FRANCISCO
Graham, Jalen LB Purdue
Turner, Malik WR Illinois

CONTRACTS TERMINATED BY CLUB
NEW ENGLAND
Gutierrez, Sebastian T Minot State
PITTSBURGH
Leal, DeMarvin LB Texas A&M

OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS
DE-ACTIVATIONS (All are 1/11 unless otherwise indicated)
BUFFALO
Bernard, Terrel LB Baylor
Grable, Tylan T Central Florida
Hairston, Maxwell DB Kentucky
Johnson, Ty RB Maryland
Latu, Keleki TE Washington
Ogunjobi, Larry DT North Carolina-Charlotte
Savage, Darnell DB Maryland
CAROLINA (1/10)
Barnes, Krys LB UCLA
Harrison-Hunte, Jared DT Southern Methodist
Moore, David WR East Central
Ray, LaBryan DE Alabama
Samac, Nick C Michigan State
CHICAGO (1/10)
Gardner-Johnson, Chauncey DB Florida
Hyppolite, Ruben LB Maryland
Keenum, Case QB Houston – Third Quarterback
Newman, Luke G Michigan State
Ogbongbemiga, Amen LB Oklahoma State
Tryon, Joe DE Washington
Walker, Jahdae WR Texas A&M
GREEN BAY (1/10)
Keeney-James, Jakobie WR Massachusetts
Oliver, Collin LB Oklahoma State
Ridder, Desmond QB Cincinnati – Third Quarterback
Simpson, Jaylin DB Auburn
Tom, Zach T Wake Forest
Wicks, Dontayvion WR Virginia
JACKSONVILLE
Brown, Dyami WR North Carolina
Dallas, DeeJay RB Miami
Long, Hunter TE Boston College
Ogbah, Emmanuel DE Oklahoma State
Smith, Maason DT Louisiana State
Van Lanen, Cole T Wisconsin
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Campbell, Dalevon WR South Carolina
(Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
Conklin, Tyler TE Central Michigan
Deculus, Austin T Louisiana State
Dupree, Bud LB Kentucky
Kennard, Kyle LB South Carolina
Waxter, Isas DB Villanova
(Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
Williamson, Kendall DB Stanford
LOS ANGELES RAMS (1/10)
Bennett, Stetson QB Georgia – Third Quarterback
Dotson, Kevin G Louisiana-Lafayette
Ferguson, Terrance TE Oregon
Kendrick, Derion DB Georgia
Wallace, Josh DB Michigan
Whittington, Jordan WR Texas
Williams, Darious DB Alabama-Birmingham
NEW ENGLAND
Bryant, Marcus T Missouri
DeVito, Tommy QB Illinois
Third Quarterback – Dippre, C.J. TE Alabama
Swinson, Bradyn LB Louisiana State
Tonga, Khyiris NT Brigham Young
Wallace, Caedan G Penn State
Webb, Jeremiah WR South Alabama
(Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
PHILADELPHIA
Bennett, Jakorian DB Maryland
Dillon, A.J. RB Boston College
Howell, Sam QB North Carolina – Third Quarterback
Johnson, Lane T Oklahoma
Robinson, Ty DT Nebraska
Toth, Brett G Army
Uche, Joshua LB Michigan
SAN FRANCISCO
Gifford, Luke LB Nebraska
Givens, Kevin DT Penn State
Guerendo, Isaac RB Louisville
Lucas, Chase DB Arizona State
Pearsall, Ricky WR Florida
Watkins, Jordan WR Mississippi
Winters, Dee LB Texas Christian

TRYOUT
PHILADELPHIA
Ramirez, Jose LB Eastern Michigan

North Carolina Releases December 2025 Sports Wagering Revenue Report

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has published its sports wagering revenue report for December 2025, summarizing monthly figures submitted by all licensed interactive sports betting operators.

From 1–31 December, bettors in North Carolina wagered $665,908,417 on sporting events, a total that includes both paid and promotional bets. Players won $581,350,422 during the month.

Under state law, sports wagering activity is taxed at 18 percent of gross wagering revenue. Gross wagering revenue represents the total amount received from sports bets minus the amounts paid out as winnings, before any deductions for expenses, fees, or taxes.

For December, licensed operators reported $81,514,515 in gross wagering revenue. Applying the 18 percent tax rate results in an estimated $14,672,613 in tax proceeds—an amount projected to be collected by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

Top 10 Poker Tournaments to Play in 2026

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A new year means a fresh slate of poker festivals across the globe, giving players of every bankroll level plenty to look forward to. Whether you prefer smaller local events or the biggest stages in the game—WSOP, WPT, Triton, and more—2026 is shaping up to be packed with opportunity.

With the year just underway, here’s a look at the top 10 poker tournaments you’ll want to circle on your 2026 calendar.

10. European Poker Tour Prague

Traditionally one of the final major stops of the year, EPT Prague lands in December and often serves as a warm‑up to the big winter festivals in the Bahamas and Las Vegas.
This year, players will already be in town earlier for WSOPE, and if that series performs as expected, EPT Prague could see an even bigger turnout.
The stop is consistently one of the most popular on the EPT schedule, thanks to world‑class poker and the charm of Prague during the holiday season.
If you want a mix of elite poker and festive European atmosphere, EPT Prague is a must‑play.

9. WSOP Online Main Event (GGPoker)

WSOP Online has grown into a major global festival, and the late‑summer Main Event on GGPoker is now a staple for online grinders.
While the platform isn’t available to U.S. players, many Americans travel abroad specifically to compete.
The 2025 edition featured a $5,000 buy‑in and shattered its $25 million guarantee—proof of massive international demand.
Expect the 2026 Main Event to once again challenge online prize pool records, with countless satellite paths available in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

8. Super High Roller Bowl

For high‑stakes players, PokerGO’s Super High Roller Bowl remains one of the most prestigious events of the year.
The 2025 edition featured a $100,000 buy‑in—lower than in past years but still among the toughest fields in poker.
The 2026 event is expected to return in late December, drawing the world’s most successful players for one final multimillion‑dollar showdown.
With only a handful of tables and elite competition, it’s the ultimate end‑of‑year test for high rollers.

7. WCOOP Main Event

The World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) remains the crown jewel of online tournament series.
Held each October, WCOOP attracts massive fields and generates some of the biggest online prize pools of the year.
The 2026 Main Event will again offer three buy‑in levels—$10,300, $1,050, and $109—ensuring players of all bankrolls can take a shot at a world championship title.
With extensive satellite options, WCOOP remains one of the most accessible paths to major online glory.

6. The Irish Poker Open

If you’re looking for a poker festival with personality, the Irish Poker Open delivers.
Known for its lively atmosphere and recreational‑friendly vibe, the event stands in stark contrast to the often serious tone of major tournaments.
Co‑hosted by PokerStars and PaddyPower, the 2026 edition begins March 26 and promises ten days of action, entertainment, and plenty of pints.
For players seeking fun both on and off the felt, Dublin is the place to be.

5. EPT Barcelona

EPT Barcelona is consistently the most popular stop on the European Poker Tour, drawing huge fields and global attention.
The 2026 festival returns to its traditional summer slot with the €5,300 Main Event.
The 2025 edition attracted 2,045 entries, and with live poker booming, 2026 could be even bigger.
Between the beaches, nightlife, and nonstop poker action, Barcelona remains one of the most appealing destinations on the circuit.

4. WSOP Europe Main Event

After years in Rozvadov, WSOP Europe moves to Prague in 2026—along with a shift to a spring schedule, running March 31 to April 12.
The Main Event retains its €5,300 buy‑in and €10 million guarantee, making it one of the largest tournaments in Europe.
The new location and timing are expected to attract a broader international field, including more American players.
With a world‑class city and a massive prize pool, WSOPE 2026 is poised to be a standout event.

3. WPT World Championship

The WPT World Championship, held each December in Las Vegas, has quickly become one of the most anticipated tournaments outside the WSOP.
Its dates often overlap with WSOP Paradise, forcing players to choose between the Bahamas and Vegas.
Despite a slight dip in 2025 attendance, the WPT is aiming for a strong rebound in 2026 with expanded promotions and player‑focused events at Wynn Las Vegas.
For many, it remains a bucket‑list tournament.

2. WSOP Paradise Super Main Event

The WSOP Paradise Super Main Event has emerged as one of the most lucrative tournaments of the year.
With a $25,000 buy‑in, it’s not for everyone—but for those who can enter (or qualify), it offers life‑changing upside.
The 2026 festival returns to the Bahamas in December, with the Super Main Event once again serving as the marquee attraction.
After a highly successful 2025 edition, even larger fields are expected this year.

1. WSOP Main Event

The undisputed king of poker tournaments.
The 2026 WSOP runs from May 26 to July 15, with the $10,000 Main Event expected to begin in late June and conclude in early July.
It’s the tournament every poker player dreams of winning, and one that every serious player should experience at least once.
With online qualifiers offering affordable paths to entry, 2026 could be your year to take a shot at poker immortality.

Two Minor League players have been suspended by MLB

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The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that San Francisco Giants Minor League pitcher Luis Custodio, who is currently on the roster of the Dominican Summer League Giants Black, and free agent Minor League pitcher Luis Sierra have each received a 56-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for Minor League Players Assigned Outside of the United States and Canada.

The suspension of Custodio will be effective at the start of the 2026 DSL season. The suspension of Sierra will be effective upon his signing with a Major League organization.

New York City FC Re-Signs Midfielder Maxi Moralez

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NEW YORK – New York City FC today announced that it has re-signed Midfielder Maxi Moralez for the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. 

During the 2025 MLS regular season, Moralez made 34 starts, providing 11 assists and scoring two goals. At age 38, the Midfielder became the oldest field player to start every match since the league adopted the 34-game format in 2011. In the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, Moralez became the oldest player in Club history to record a postseason goal and assist and now stands as New York City FC’s all-time leader in each category in MLS Cup Playoffs. 

Drawing on championship experience, Moralez once again played a key role in helping the ‘Boys in Blue’ reach the Eastern Conference Final, starting all five playoff matches while providing two assists and a Conference Semifinal goal against Philadelphia. 

“Maxi produced a stellar season in 2025, demonstrating the consistency, creativity, and leadership that have defined his time with the Club,” said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. “Maxi continues to impact games in meaningful ways, and beyond the on-field contributions, Maxi’s experience, competitiveness, and approach around the locker room help reinforce the Club’s identity. We’re pleased to have Maxi back with New York City for another season.” 

The Argentine first joined New York City in 2017 as the Club’s fourth Designated Player and quickly established himself as a key figure with the ‘Boys in Blue.’ The Midfielder played a pivotal role in New York City FC’s historic 2021 MLS Cup run, appearing in all four postseason matches, recording one goal and three assists, and converting a decisive penalty in the shootout to help secure the Club’s first-ever championship. 

“I’m very happy to be back with New York City FC for another season,” said Midfielder Maxi Moralez. “This Club is home for me, and I’m motivated to keep helping the team and working toward our objectives. We know what we’re capable of as a group, and my focus is on giving everything I have to help us compete and win trophies this season.” 

Following the 2022 season, Moralez returned briefly to Racing Club before rejoining New York City in 2023. Since returning, the Midfielder has remained a cornerstone of the team, providing consistent leadership and quality in the midfield.  The Argentine is the only player in New York City FC history to surpass 200 MLS appearances, totaling 240, and leads the Club in all-time appearances across all competitions. The Midfielder also tops the Club’s all-time charts in goal contributions with 139 across all competitions, making Moralez one of only two players, alongside David Villa, to record over 100 goal contributions in Club history. 

Transaction: New York City FC re-signs Midfielder Maxi Moralez for the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

Tampa Bay Lightning re-assign F Curtis Douglas to AHL Syracuse Crunch for Conditioning

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TAMPA BAY â€“ The Tampa Bay Lightning have assigned forward Curtis Douglas to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League for conditioning purposes, Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois announced today.

Douglas, 25, has skated in 27 games with the Lightning this season, recording two assists with a plus-1 rating. His 75 penalty minutes are the most among all Bolts players. Douglas last played on December 27 at the Florida Panthers. He was claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay from the Utah Mammoth on October 6, 2025.

The Oakville, Ontario native skated in 63 games with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League last season, recording 10 goals and 23 points with 117 penalty minutes. Douglas has appeared in 261 career AHL contests with the Roadrunners, Toronto Marlies and Belleville Senators, logging 37 goals and 97 points with 508 penalty minutes.

Douglas was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fourth round, 106th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft.

Tomas Hertl, John Gibson and David Pastrnak Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

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NEW YORK – Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl, Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson and Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending Jan. 11. 

FIRST STAR – TOMAS HERTL, C, VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTSHertl, who along with Pastrnak will represent Czechia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, led the NHL with 3-6—9 in four games to propel the Golden Knights (21-11-12, 54 points) to a perfect week as they created a three-point cushion atop the Pacific Division. He registered 1-1—2, highlighted by his ninth career overtime goal, in a 4-3 comeback victory against the Winnipeg Jets Jan. 6. Hertl then collected a pair of assists, including the primary helper on Mark Stone’s decisive goal, in another comeback win – a 5-3 triumph versus the Columbus Blue Jackets Jan. 8. After being held off the scoresheet in a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues Jan. 10, Hertl capped the week with a career-high 2‑3—5 (matching a Vegas record) in a 7-2 win against his former team, the San Jose Sharks, Jan. 11. The 32-year-old Hertl, in his second full season with the Golden Knights, tops Vegas with 18 goals and places fourth on the team with 21 assists and 39 points through 44 total contests in 2025-26 (18-21—39). 

SECOND STAR – JOHN GIBSON, G, DETROIT RED WINGSGibson went 3-0-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average, .955 save percentage and one shutout to help the Red Wings (27-15-4, 58 points) also go undefeated as they moved back into first place in the Atlantic Division, where the top three teams are separated by just two points. He turned aside 34 of 37 shots in a 5-3 triumph versus the Ottawa Senators Jan. 5. Gibson then made 23 saves in a 5-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks Jan. 8. He finished the week by earning his 27th career shutout, denying all 27 shots (including 15 in the third period) in 4-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens Jan. 10. The 32-year-old Gibson, in his first season with Detroit, shares eighth place in the NHL with 16 wins through 27 total appearances in 2025-26 (16-9-1, 2.75 GAA, .902 SV%, 3 SO). 

THIRD STAR – DAVID PASTRNAK, RW, BOSTON BRUINSPastrnak placed second in the League with 2-7—9 in four contests to power the Bruins (25-19-2, 52 points) to a 3-1-0 week. He scored twice in a 7-4 loss to the Seattle Kraken Jan. 6 before posting one assist in a 4-1 win against the Calgary Flames Jan. 8. Pastrnak then registered 0-6—6 in a 10-2 victory over the New York Rangers Jan. 10 to become the third player in franchise history (and first in 53 years) with a six-assist performance, joining Ken Hodge (Feb. 9, 1971 vs. NYR) and Bobby Orr (Jan. 1, 1973 at VAN). He ended the week without a point in a 1-0 decision versus the Pittsburgh Penguins Jan. 11. The 29-year-old Pastrnak leads Boston and ranks eighth in the NHL with 19-36—55 through 41 total games this season.

NFL Announces Dates of Divisional Weekend Matchups

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NEW YORK – The NFL tonight announced the games, sites and dates for Divisional Weekend, presented by Intuit TurboTax, Jan. 17-18. Times and broadcast networks will be announced at the conclusion of Monday night’s Houston Texans-Pittsburgh Steelers Wild Card game.

Saturday, Jan. 17

4:30 or 8:00 p.m. ET                             Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (Network TBD)

4:30 or 8:00 p.m. ET                             San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Network TBD)

Sunday, Jan. 18

3:00 or 6:30 p.m. ET                              Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (Network TBD)

3:00 or 6:30 p.m. ET                              Pittsburgh/Houston at New England Patriots (Network TBD)