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By BETH HARRIS, Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The devastation wrought by the deadly wildfires that ravaged sections of Los Angeles have left an indelible imprint on the region’s landscape and psyche.
The runup to the city hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, in addition to World Cup matches in 2026 and a Super Bowl in ’27, will coincide with massive rebuilding of housing and infrastructure. That seems cruelly ironic after Los Angeles organizers sold the Games as a no-build event.
None of the Olympic venues have been damaged by the still-burning fires that tore through Pacific Palisades on the city’s westside and Altadena, an unincorporated community above Pasadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The Palisades fire came close to Riviera Country Club, which will host Olympic golf and was inside the evacuation zone. UCLA, which will house athletes, was just outside the zone.
“While our focus remains on healing and rebuilding, there is no reason to believe that the fires will adversely impact or delay preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are already well underway,” Paul Kerkorian, executive director of the city’s new Office of Major Events, said in a statement.
The NFL, NBA and college basketball relocated or postponed games in the days after the fires began on Jan. 7.
Neither of the two major fires has been contained and thousands remain evacuated.
“We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and the security forces,” the International Olympic Committee said in a statement. “Currently the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of the people and property.”
Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympics for a third time in 2017, with the IOC praising organizers’ bid for using existing and temporary venues rather than constructing new stadiums and sports facilities specifically for the Games, as well as its commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
Yet the Games were still expected to cost roughly $6.9 billion for investments like upgraded transportation, revamped facilities and improvements to the city’s infrastructure with a goal of benefitting residents long after the Olympic flame is extinguished. Three major projects involve renovating the city’s airport and expanding the Metro transportation system and downtown convention center.
No one counted on a large-scale disaster occurring in the nation’s second-largest city when those projects were approved.
“What’s happened in a number of recent Olympics is something else comes along that entirely changes what the Games are all about,” said Dr. Matthew Brown, a University of Utah political science professor who has written extensively about the Olympics.
Tokyo postponed the 2020 Summer Games until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then held them without fans in attendance. Beijing went ahead with the 2022 Winter Games under strict pandemic restrictions with limited spectators allowed.
“Something like wildfires can really change the priorities of lots of cities in that region and potentially the state and federal government and what they fund and when they want to fund it,” Brown said.
LA28 president and chairman Casey Wasserman met with President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Wednesday night to shore up backing.
“As a lifelong Angeleno, I shared our sentiments for President-elect Trump’s continued support in Los Angeles amid the devastation in our region,” Wasserman said in a statement.
Trump, a major sports fan, was serving his first term when Los Angeles won the Games.
“We also addressed the 2028 Games, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to LA28 and his leadership in bringing the Summer Games back to the United States for the first time in more than 30 years. We look forward to partnering with him and his administration to deliver a safe and successful Games our nation can be proud of,” Wasserman said.
Los Angeles is not immune to disasters — real or imagined. Wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides, flooding, drought and rioting have left their marks on the nation’s most populous county of nearly 10 million people. And on the screen, Hollywood has dreamed up mass destruction.
The ongoing wildfires have killed over 20 people, destroyed over 12,000 structures and fouled the sprawling region’s air quality, which affects public health.
“The reality is what this is going to do is put a big strain on availability of resources from the city of LA, surrounding cities and the state of California,” Brown said.
“What happens then is those resources have to come from somewhere and that means other things are not going to have resources.”
Brown points out that while the Olympics are primarily funded through the local organizing committee, Games held in the U.S. depend heavily on state and local governments for police, fire, first responders and traffic control.
“Those are all local resources,” he said. “They’re not going to be controlled by the local organizing committee.”
It’s unclear how the recovery could impact LA’s notorious traffic congestion. Mayor Karen Bass has promised a “car free” Olympics, but no detailed transportation plans have been announced for the Games, which are expected to attract thousands of people daily.
The region’s ability to recover will be tested as it prepares to host the World Cup, Super Bowl and the 17-day Olympics followed by the Paralympics in a span of three years.
“We have seen a tremendous response to this devastating tragedy by our partners at every level of government, working in unity,” Kerkorian said. “With that continuing spirit of cooperation, we have no doubt that Los Angeles will be ready to welcome the world next year for the FIFA World Cup and in 2028 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Given its proximity to Hollywood, few would be surprised to see the city create a comeback story worthy of the big screen.
“The advantage LA has is there’s always another place to do whatever it is you wanted to do,” Brown said. “That gives it something other cities couldn’t pull off.”
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/17/los-angeles-wildfires-olympic-venues/
GAINESVILLE — UF coach Todd Golden encouraged “people not to rush to judgment” in the wake of sexual assault allegations against Gators assistant and national championship-winning point guard Taurean Green.
Under investigation himself for sexual harassment and stalking, Golden also questioned the university’s Title IX process that is supposed to keep private the identity of both the accuser and the accused.
Golden addressed reporters Friday, a day after ESPN reported an athletics department employee filed a sexual assault complaint against Green.
“I support my staff,” Golden said. “I would just implore people not to rush to judgment based off a headline. I’m just really just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this, with confidentiality and privacy, continues to be abused.
“As frustrating and as disappointing and as hard as it is to do, I’m going to do what I think I need to do, and continue to respect the process.”
ESPN reported the accuser said Green, a key player for back-to-back national champions in 2006-07, arranged to meet her in March 2024 at an on-campus facility. Once there, the report states, Green “kissed her and tried to put his hand down her pants.”
Green attempted again after she repulsed his advances, leading her to then quickly leave the building.
The accusations, coupled with those against Golden, have raised questions about the culture of Florida’s program.
“Perception, it’s not reality,” Golden said. “I’m in this program every day; I see how our staff acts. I see our players act. I’m proud of what we’ve done since we’ve been here.
“All I can do is keep my head down and keep working.”
The No. 5 Gators will host Texas at 4 p.m. Saturday at the O’Connell Center. Florida (15-2, 2-2 SEC) is coming off a stunning 83-82 loss Tuesday night to unranked Missouri, a 10.5-point underdog.
The loss snapped UF’s 16-game home winning streak.
“We had built a good long streak — time to do it again,” Golden said. “We definitely don’t take these home opportunities for granted.”
Golden said Green will remain on the sideline with the Gators.
“Taurean will be with us,” Golden said. “We will continue to push forward and continue to work and practice and play, and we’ll let the process play out and see where it goes.”
Asked how Green, 38, was holding up, Golden said, “I’m not going to speak for Taurean.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/17/florida-gators-mens-basketball-sec-todd-golden-dont-rush-to-judgment-taurean-green-sexual-assault/
By Bob Wojnowski
Detroit News
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — At first glance, it looks favorable. The opponent in the Detroit Lions’ playoff opener is a postseason novice with a rookie quarterback, a franchise just now emerging from a two-decade identity crisis.
At second glance, you see the sizzling highlights of Jayden Daniels, Washington’s precocious and elusive quarterback, and you’re allowed a nervous gulp.
The Commanders weren’t supposed to be here, just as the Lions weren’t supposed to be here two years ago. They’re riding a wave of frenetic fearlessness, led by Daniels, the latest dual-threat menace to storm the NFL, who just guided them to a 23-20 wild-card victory over Tampa Bay.
The Lions and their fans theoretically should embrace the idea of facing a rookie in raucous Ford Field on Saturday night. Only 11 first-year quarterbacks in NFL history have won a playoff game. Only three rookies have won two.
Ah, as always, be careful what you wish for. The Lions didn’t dive into a magical healing spa during the bye week, although running back David Montgomery is expected back. Aaron Glenn’s defense is still tied with duct tape, and likely still reliant on bold and bountiful blitzing. They executed superbly in blasting the Vikings, 31-9, two weeks ago to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
But the Lions knew exactly what they were facing in division rival Minnesota. Of all the opponents they could’ve drawn for this round, No. 6 seed Washington (13-5) is the least familiar and least accomplished. No, the Lions don’t have to endure another Matthew Stafford circus with the Rams. But this could be just as perilous against an 8.5-point underdog with a quarterback who doesn’t take no, or slow, for an answer.
“He’s dangerous. He poses a major threat,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Monday. “He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback. He’s composed, he understands how to progress, he sees the field well, he buys time with his legs, he’s a dangerous runner, he’s smart. You can tell he understands how to run that offense, what they’re asking him to do, and then he’s got weapons around him.”
A few weapons, sure. But the Commanders’ second-leading receiver is veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who had a brief practice-squad stint with the Lions late last season. Their leading passer? Daniels or course, who has thrown for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. Their leading rusher? Daniels of course, with 891 yards, second-most for a quarterback behind Lamar Jackson.
Comeback kids
They’re being called the Cardiac Commanders, winning five games with fourth-quarter comebacks, and six straight overall. That includes their victory at Tampa on Sunday, with Daniels directing a final drive that covered 51 yards and killed the final 4:41. Kicker Zane Gonzalez caromed a 37-yard field goal off the right upright to win it, stirring the notion of something special happening.
“I felt like I was in a Bounty commercial where the cup spills and you’re like, ‘nooooo,'” Washington coach Dan Quinn told the media. “As it went through, I just paused and probably skipped a beat.”
It feels like the Commanders skipped a step in their rebuild under new ownership, with a less controversial name. They were 4-13 last year. Their last playoff appearance was after the 2020 season. Their last playoff victory was after 2005, when Daniels was 5. Now he’s a Heisman Trophy winner, the No. 2 overall pick out of LSU and a leader poised beyond his years.
If the Lions aren’t careful, Washington could swipe their storybook and call it their own. Pressure on the Commanders is minuscule compared to the weight the Lions carry, without complaint. It’s been Super Bowl-or-bust all season, so it’s not like it can mount much higher.
“No, we’ve had attention for four years here,” Campbell said. “There’s been more stuff — we’ve been so good, we’ve been so bad, we’re a laughingstock, now we’re great, and it’s just been this roller coaster of ups and downs. … So this is nothing new. We’re in the middle of the circus, and it’s about time to perform, that’s the world we’re in.”
Showing composure
More and more of the world is tuning in again. The atmosphere under the Ford Field big top will be predictably electric. It won’t bother Jared Goff or Amon-Ra St. Brown, or Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery, who will be asked to exploit a shaky Washington defense ranked 30th against the run.
Just like the Lions, the Commanders want to possess the ball and control the clock. They like to go for it on fourth down. Mostly they like to put the ball in Daniels’ hands, and his passing (69%) is as deft as his running. He was 3 of 3 for 44 yards on the final drive against the Bucs, and converted a clutch third-and-2 with a 4-yard dash.
He exudes unflinching calmness, and here’s something for Glenn to consider: Daniels posted the third-best passer rating in the league when blitzed.
“If he had his heart rate monitor on, and mine, they would not be the same in the game,” Quinn said. “He stays pretty consistently good, and sometimes, I’m like the duck … if you just saw the feet going under the water, it’s good. But he really is … exceptional.”
Mostly, Daniels is the duck, feet churning underneath, but all cool up top. I’d say Daniels will get the vast, vast majority of attention in Lions practice this week. He has a capable receiver in Terry McLaurin but not many other impactful pieces.
That sounds like an insult, similar to what the Lions used to hear, but it’s an acknowledgment the Commanders are ahead of schedule. It’s Glenn’s job to knock them off schedule, and it’s a huge boost that linebacker Alex Anzalone returned from injury last week and dominated the Vikings.
Historically, the Lions have struggled against running quarterbacks, although they’ve improved. Only Buffalo’s Josh Allen carved them up this season, running for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
The truth is that running quarterbacks historically carve up a lot of teams. It’s why the Bills, Ravens and Eagles (Jalen Hurts) are playoff regulars.
“It’s like, somebody tells you, ‘We don’t handle running quarterbacks very well,’” Campbell said. “Well, tell me the team that does. … We know we’ve got our hands full, but we’re going to have a plan in place, AG’s going to have a hell of a plan, our guys are going to execute it, and you know what, he may pop a run or two. That’s just the nature of the game and the way some of these guys are able to maneuver, but that doesn’t mean you win the game.”
You can’t choose your opponent; you can choose your own plan. This will be a completely different test for the Lions, yes. But they should like their choices, and their chances.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/17/detroit-lions-washington-commanders-nfl-divisional-playoff-column-jayden-daniels-jared-goff/
The Miami Dolphins are going to Spain in 2025.
The NFL announced Friday morning the Dolphins will play in the historic first-ever regular season game in Madrid, Spain as part of the league’s 2025 International Games.
It will be played at Bernabéu Stadium, home to Spanish soccer team Real Madrid C.F.
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” said Miami Dolphins vice Chairman, president and CEO Tom Garfinkel in a statement. “There is a hunger for football in this market, and we are proud to join with the NFL in growing the game internationally while engaging with old and new fans alike. With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is only the beginning for us in this incredible region and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond.”
The Dolphins’ opponent, along with game date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full 2025 NFL schedule is revealed in May.
The 2025 Spain game marks the team’s eighth regular season international game and fourth in a new country, following previous international games in Germany (2023), the United Kingdom (2021, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2007) and Canada (2008).
This story will be updated.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/17/dolphins-to-play-nfls-first-game-in-madrid-spain/
The Miami Dolphins are going to Spain in 2025.
The NFL announced Friday morning the Dolphins will play in the first-ever regular season game in Spain as part of the league’s 2025 International Games.
The game will be played at Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium, home to Spanish soccer team Real Madrid C.F.
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” said Miami Dolphins vice Chairman, president and CEO Tom Garfinkel in a statement. “There is a hunger for football in this market, and we are proud to join with the NFL in growing the game internationally while engaging with old and new fans alike. With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is only the beginning for us in this incredible region and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond.”
The Dolphins’ opponent, along with game date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full 2025 NFL schedule is released in May.
Miami is the designated home team for the game overseas. With the Dolphins having nine home opponents next season, they will be down to eight true home games at Hard Rock Stadium, along with eight road games and the neutral-site international match.
The Dolphins’ home opponents for 2025, one of which will face Miami in Madrid, are: Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Commanders.
On the road next season, Miami is slated to play against: Bills, Jets, Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
The 2025 Spain game marks the team’s eighth regular season international game and fourth country, following previous international games in Germany (2023), the United Kingdom (2021, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2007) and Canada (2008). The Dolphins are 2-5 in their previous seven international matchups.
Through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, the Dolphins were originally granted marketing rights in Spain in December 2021, along with Brazil and the United Kingdom. They have worked over the past several years to engage with fans in the market through watch parties, alumni appearances and Spanish-language content. In 2024, the team grew its GMP reach to Argentina, Colombia and Mexico and now holds marketing rights in more Spanish-speaking countries than any other team in the NFL. The Dolphins are also one of only two clubs to activate in six global markets.
“The exciting first-ever game in Spain underlines the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences across the world,” said head of Europe and APAC at the NFL, Brett Gosper, in a statement.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/01/17/dolphins-to-play-nfls-first-game-in-madrid-spain/
