Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson battles Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson during a contested first-quarter sequence at Highmark Stadium, with November 13, 2022 unfolding amid cold conditions in Orchard Park. The tightly covered rep reflects the physical tone of the matchup as both sides tested leverage, timing, and separation early. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota Vikings-themed rumors lit up like a Christmas tree after the organization fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last week. The rumor mill never goes silent, but it’s amplified at the moment.
The latest Minnesota buzz ties Jefferson to trade chatter, frames Murray’s likely price tag, and flags a veteran free agent as a plausible fit.
Here’s a look at the latest on the day of Super Bowl LX
Advertisement
Latest Vikings Rumors: Jefferson Suitor, Murray Price Tag, Free-Agent Watchlist
Trades and free agency dominate the Sunday, February 8th edition.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson addresses the media at Sport Ireland Campus during an international media session, with the appearance taking place on Sep. 26, 2025, as Minnesota prepared for overseas exposure and league obligations while Jefferson discussed the team’s season outlook, leadership role, and growing global profile. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Rumor: The Buffalo Bills appear to be a trade suitor for Justin Jefferson.
SI.com’s Alex Brasky kicked off the Jefferson trade speculation last week, noting, “It’s startling to consider what Jefferson could do with a quarterback like the Bills’ Josh Allen, the league’s reigning MVP. If you look at the Bills’ WR corps since the team traded former No. 1 Stefon Diggs after the 2023 season, the team’s leader has been Khalil Shakir, whose high watermark has been 821 yards, set in 2024.”
“Allen has been desperately craving a top-tier pass catcher on the outside, and Jefferson would fulfill that role as one of the most dynamic WRs in all of football. If the Bills were to go out and acquire Jefferson, it would require quite the commitment in terms of trade pieces. Buffalo would likely have to offer up at least one first-round pick, along with several other picks, to sweeten the deal.” The price tag alone pushes the idea into the realm of front-office fantasy.
Advertisement
That hasn’t stopped the chatter from accelerating. Jefferson’s recent praise of Brady on a podcast poured fuel on the fire, sending Jefferson-to-Buffalo theories ricocheting around the internet.
“For example, when the Kansas City Chiefs traded WR Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in March of 2022, the Dolphins were forced to part with a first, second and fourth-round selection in that upcoming draft, along with a fourth and sixth-rounder the following year,” Brasky continued.
“There is also the Bills’ salary-cap situation to consider, as Buffalo is hard up against the cap as it stands in early February. According to Spotrac, the Bills are around $10 million over the league’s figure of about $301.2M to $305.7M.”
Jefferson said about Brady this week: “I feel like he was mostly the reason why I got picked first round. He’s the reason why my hands got better, why a lot of things occurred during that season, so I’m just proud of him to go from the (New Orleans) Saints to LSU, and now he’s back in the league and about to be a head coach.”
Advertisement
The only problem? Jefferson isn’t for sale. This is just Bills-themed daydreaming.
Rumor: Kyler Murray can get-got for a 2nd or 3rd-Round pick.
A 2nd-Round pick could be enough to pry Murray loose via trade. Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay scribed this week, “Projected Trade Value: 2026 2nd-Round Pick. A few quarterbacks may find themselves on the trade market, including Arizona Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray. The 28-year-old has never delivered any postseason success, and Arizona’s offense actually operated more efficiently with him out of the lineup this past season.”
“The Cardinals will be rebuilding with a new head coach in 2026, so it may be the right time to move in a new direction at quarterback. Of course, his 2026 cap hit of $53.3 million could make it difficult for Arizona to maximize Murray’s trade value. However, the Cardinals may catch a break by having Moore return to college in 2026.”
Advertisement
Murray’s name has hovered around the Vikings’ rumor mill since he was perceived as “softly benched” by the Cardinals earlier this season, keeping Minnesota loosely tied to any league-wide quarterback movement.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray delivers a pass downfield against Houston at NRG Stadium, with the action unfolding on Nov. 19, 2023, during the second half as Murray tested coverage, extended plays, and directed Arizona’s offense while working back into rhythm following his return to the lineup. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports.
Kay added, “Another source believes that the starting price point for Murray will be a second-round pick, per Weinfuss, and that if the Cardinals can move the two-time Pro Bowler, they will. The Jets might be the one team desperate enough to expend draft and cap capital to take a flier on Murray.”
“They were widely expected to take Moore at No. 2 overall — the Las Vegas Raiders will presumably snap up Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza at No. 1—before he announced he wouldn’t enter the draft. With no other QB prospect worthy of the second pick, New York may look to resurrect Murray’s career instead.”
If the price is this affordable, Minnesota should pounce. Murray is the fifth-most accurate passer in NFL history. He would cook with the Vikings.
Rumor: Kirk Cousins is the Vikings’ top free-agent target.
Advertisement
Want a hot-shot cornerback? How about a safety? Nope, says CBS Sports. Jared Dubin claims Kirk Cousins, if released by the Atlanta Falcons, is the wisest Vikings free-agent target out there.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins takes the field at U.S. Bank Stadium before kickoff, with the moment occurring on Dec. 8, 2024, as Cousins returned to Minneapolis to face his former team, drawing heightened attention from fans familiar with his six seasons leading the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
He explained: “With the J.J. McCarthy experiment seemingly going off the rails, the Vikings need to bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with him and/or be the backup and fill-in starter in case things don’t go well again.”
“Cousins is likely set to hit free agency given his contractual situation, and we know he is familiar with both the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell’s system, making this an easy, comfortable fit.”
Cousins would check some boxes as a smart McCarthy insurance policy and will finally be cheap, but many Vikings fans would groan at the mere mention of his name. He’s a divisive dude.
Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury playing for Rennes.
The 20-year-old French defender, who agreed a £60m move to Anfield last week, is set to join at the end of the season.
He fell awkwardly in the second half of Rennes’ 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat at Lens on Saturday, when defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal also suffered a muscular injury.
Rennes manager Habib Beye said: “It’s definitely quite serious for both of them.”
Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories and more — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.
***
When it comes to golf footwear, there’s one thing I take very seriously and that’s protection from the elements.
Even in the desert sometimes, golf courses can be wet places and the quickest way to ruin a good day on the course is a pair of wet socks, especially on a chilly day.
I lived in Bend, Oregon, for two years and while that’s on the dry side of the Cascades, I occasionally got the idea of the elements that can be in play in the Pacific Northwest.
So when I made a trip to Seattle to play Chambers Bay last fall, in November, I knew I needed a pair of shoes that would keep my day from being soggy.
Turns out the new Ascents were really PNW Proof.
Advertisement
Here’s my review of the shoe, looking at five factors: stability, traction, comfort/fit, style and most importantly for these purposes, elements.
Elements
While I was lucky to draw a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the high 50s and mostly sunny skies, the golf course was still pretty wet in spots.
There was no time, however, when I thought I wore the wrong shoes, as my feet stayed completely dry for the whole five-hour round. Impressive, given there were several low areas of the golf course where we had to move golf balls because there was temporary water.
I haven’t worn the shoes while it’s actually raining yet, but with as much water as there was on the course, I’m confident that these shoes are truly PNWProof (and they’re backed by a 1-year waterproof warranty).
Advertisement
Comfort/Fit
The Ascent PNWProofs really have an advantage, being built off a running shoe platform that really looks a lot more like a trail running shoe than a golf shoe. Because of that, these shoes slide on and off with ease and you can keep them on your feet for hours.
Walking Chambers Bay meant putting in over 21,000 steps and going up and down hills. Despite that, it’s not like I was rushing back to the car to change shoes. I felt like I could go for 36 easily.
I wore a size 11, which is the same size I am in most other pairs of shoes.
Stability
As with many golf shoes built on a running shoe base, the Ascents have a good bit of material on the outsole and I could feel my heel moving just slightly vertically as I walked. But that doesn’t really bother me and adds to the comfort. Lateral stability is what I care about the most and I’ve never had a problem.
Advertisement
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Traction
I don’t ever wear spiked shoes anymore, but I’m still amazed at how much traction I can get from lugs that seem so minimal.
The traction pattern on the bottom actually looks more like a hiking shoe, and I bet these would even work well on the trail, too.
Style
The shoes are offered in black, white and yellowish “Rainer” colorways, which won’t necessarily be the centerpiece of your ensemble, but they won’t detract from it either.
I think the style of these shoes really fits the functional vibe of a pair of shoes great for a second 18, a quick 9 or a range session.
Advertisement
TRUE Ascent PNWProof
Designed to handle the elements with a 1-year waterproof guarantee, the Ascent PNWProof is an all-weather shoe that combines ultra-flexible comfort, breathable construction, and trail-inspired traction for versatility on and off the course. Featuring the Wanderlux supercritical midsole foam, and a TRUE comfort collar, it delivers cushioning, support, and durability without compromise—engineered for golfers and adventurers alike.
Swiss skier Franjo Von Allmen was crowned Olympic downhill champion this Saturday in Bormio. He finished ahead of Italians Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris.
The second meeting on the hardwood this season between rivals Michigan and Ohio State will take place Sunday as No. 2 Michigan travels to the Schottenstein Center to take on the beleaguered Buckeyes.
Michigan won the first meeting 74-62 when the two faced off two weeks ago in Ann Arbor and it has not wobbled since. The Wolverines (21-1, 11-1 Big Ten) have won seven-straight since their first and only loss of the season in early January to Wisconsin.
The same can’t be said of Ohio State. It has alternated between losses and wins since that Jan. 23 meeting vs. Michigan, though it is coming off a confidence-boosting victory at Maryland on Thursday that saw it win by 20 points — its largest margin of victory vs. a conference opponent since last February.
Michigan vs. Ohio State: Need to know
Michigan chasing dominance: A perfect season is no longer on the table for Michigan after its 91-88 home loss on Jan. 10 vs. Wisconsin — but a dominant one certainly is. The Wolverines rank No. 1 in college basketball in scoring margin at 22.5. That would be the largest scoring margin for any major-conference team since 1998-99 Duke — a team widely viewed as one of the best to not win a national championship.
Advertisement
Battle on the boards: Michigan out-rebounded Ohio State 36-27 in the first matchup two weeks ago, which included 12 offensive rebounds for the Wolverines. They wound up riding that to a 23-13 advantage in second-chance points, which was nearly the difference in the game. For OSU to have a fighting chance it will have to stave off the relentless tenacity of Michigan on the glass.
Who can swing the game: Ohio State frequently goes as star guard Bruce Thornton goes. And in the first matchup he struggled against Michigan’s length, finishing 3 of 11 from the field and 1-of-5 on 3-pointers to go with two assists and two turnovers. Thornton will need to either find a way to finish with consistency vs. Michigan’s bigs, get to the free throw line, or find ways to set his teammates up for success. A big game for Thornton gives OSU a chance. Another just-OK outing and the Wolverines roll.
No team has a higher scoring margin this season than Michigan. So laying the points vs. an Ohio State team that has alternated between wins and losses the last couple weeks feels like a no-brainer. The Wolverines have 17 wins by double figures and that trend continues Sunday. Pick: Michigan -9.5 (Boone)
As Lindsey Vonn was airlifted off the slope at Crans-Montana nine days ago it looked like her hopes of a fourth Olympic medal were over. Those hopes had already looked unlikely a season and a half ago when she made her comeback after six years’ retirement. But she had proved everyone wrong multiple times already; it would be foolish to expect her not to do so again.
The Crans-Montana crash left her with a completely ruptured ACL in her left knee, a bone bruise and meniscus damage. It is only the latest in a litany of broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries which have punctuated her career.
In her final race before retirement, the world championships downhill in 2019, she wore two knee braces to stabilise a torn lateral collateral ligament, three tibia fractures and a bone bruise. All of that couldn’t prevent her from winning bronze. In the 2013 world championships she tore her ACL and MCL in her right knee and fractured her tibia; later in 2013 she partially tore her right ACL again.
That only skims the surface; the thought of what else she could have achieved without those misfortunes probably keeps her rivals up at night.
And now, with one titanium knee – a knee replacement having fixed the pain that drove her to retire – and one completely destabilised one, she is still going.
Advertisement
Exactly a week after tearing the ACL she was on the start line for training at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo. She flew down the slope in one minute 40.33 seconds, 11th of 43 finishers, and visibly had more to give.
It was a restrained performance, assessing how the injury felt. “Let’s put it this way, she’s tough,” her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, said.
And toughness might be Vonn’s single defining trait. More so than her superb athleticism, or her obvious innate talent, it is sheer grit which has carried her through a career dogged at every turn by injury and misfortune.
Toughness was what brought her back to competitive skiing after a six-year retirement. That, and the desire to see just how far she could still go, to push her body and her mind to the absolute limit. This week, that tired sporting cliche is, for once, literal.
Advertisement
She trained again on Saturday, appearing relaxed as she chatted to teammates beforehand. This time she crossed the line third, 0.37 between teammate and former world champion Breezy Johnson, who set the time to beat.
Lund Svindal said afterwards: “She was very calm when she came down. She didn’t talk about the knee at all. I figured that’s a good sign.”
Asked whether the 41-year-old is in a state to win, he said: “Good enough to win this race, hopefully. But her mental strength, I think that’s why she has won as much as she has.”
Teammate Mikaela Shiffrin, one of only two women more successful at World Cup level than Vonn, concurred: “If anyone can do it, she can do it,” she told the Washington Post this week.
Advertisement
There has been plenty of armchair diagnosis and dissection of Vonn’s injury this week, but it seems fair to give a woman whose body has repeatedly gone through the wars and still come out the other side, the final say.
Even making it to the start line is a huge physical and mental achievement. Of course Vonn won’t see it like that; she said this week that she is simply “a woman who loves to ski”.
She is here to get a medal, to win, to enjoy one more Olympic Games, on a slope where she has won a record 12 World Cups.
That athlete’s mentality won’t have shifted despite having a knee that is essentially held together by sheer willpower. Competing is impressive; a medal would be astounding.
Advertisement
Whatever happens on Sunday, Vonn has simply underlined the strength of character which has got her to the top of the sport, and proven once again how far true grit can get you.
On February 7, 2026, a Jimin-focused fan page, @jmpopbase, flagged a serious safety concern involving BTS’ Jimin. The alert pointed to an Instagram profile, @mytaekoo, known for Taehyung-related posts, which allegedly shared airport photos taken in Portugal. The images were accompanied by hostile captions implying close physical access. The text suggested future proximity as well.
It also referenced inflicting harm elsewhere, framed as revenge. The language compared Jimin’s treatment to what Taehyung allegedly faced earlier. The situation follows recent online threats aimed at Taehyung during BTS’ Lisbon visit. Soon after, fan spaces circulated screenshots of alleged private messages linked to someone called Helga. The individual was reportedly connected to two TikTok accounts, @sò-mel-jikook and @jikook_mel. She allegedly identified as a Jimin Jungkook shipper while expressing hostility toward Taehyung.
Advertisement
Those messages reportedly included violent statements, including physical attack and acid threat references. Portuguese fan accounts then claimed the same person was staying outside the group’s hotel. As discussions grew, posts also alleged a circulating video containing audible threats. While unverified, the claims triggered widespread alarm. Fans have since expanded their safety concerns, calling for stronger protection for Jimin as well.
“HYBE, TAKE ACTION NOW! This person is continuously insulting and threatening Jimin on IG without any fear. This is dangerous and cannot be ignored. We demand immediate investigation and proper protection for Jimin. His safety must come first,” an X user commented.
HYBE, TAKE ACTION NOW!This person is continuously insulting and threatening Jimin on IG without any fear. This is dangerous and cannot be ignored. We demand immediate investigation and proper protection for Jimin. His safety must come first. @HYBEINSIGHTtwt@BIGHIT_MUSIC
Many are urging others to report the account that is allegedly sending threats to Jimin.
Guys these random jikookers and taekookers are trying to harm both taehyung and Jimin , Please report these accounts in Instagram immediately There trying to kill them !!We’re trying to help but , this is getting put of hands , please anyone this is way too serious now !!
Advertisement
mytaekoo is literally a psycho and is literally threatening violence against members and has been harassing jimin making fun of his height and bringing up his past relationship as a drag I need y’all to report her account and spread this as much as you can
This b*tch is an attention seeker. Keep reporting her because she’s a psycho, and of course there are many psychos like her who want to harm my Jimin. Please report this to HYBE.https://protect.hybecorp.com
Others are calling for protection for BTS overall after the group received back-to-back online threats.
I feel sad seeing the maknae line have to face this crazy shipper, I wanna protect them even all the Bangtan members😭😭
Advertisement
Protect them from these deranged shippers & solos.Seems every day, a new BTS member is attacked. Keep guards at doors to block them from entering.@HYBEOFFICIALtwt@BIGHIT_MUSIC
@HYBEOFFICIALtwt please protect them . It was Taehyung then jimin? WHAT ARE YOU DOING SERIOUSLY ? It became more dangerous. Please protect our idols @BIGHIT_MUSIC
BTS spotted in Portugal ahead of ARIRANG comeback
BTS were spotted in Portugal in early February, marking their first overseas work schedule after military service. The group reportedly reached Lisbon around February 3, which immediately sparked attention. The timing closely connects with preparations for their upcoming Korean album, ARIRANG, set to drop on March 20. While official details remain undisclosed, the trip is believed to involve filming visual or promotional content.
This overseas work fits into a larger comeback plan already in motion. The album represents their first full-group release post-enlistment. It is also expected to lead to renewed promotions and performances. A titular global tour is also planned to begin in April in Goyang.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Portugal is not part of the officially announced stops on BTS’ ARIRANG world tour so far. The confirmed 2026-2027 schedule spans Asia, North America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia, but no cities in Portugal have been named yet. If additional shows are revealed later (particularly for 2027), the country may still be added to the lineup.
Manchester United learned exactly what Chelsea star Cole Palmer thinks of the transfer links surrounding him and a move to Old Trafford after the Reds beat Tottenham 2-0
Mikel Arteta believes Viktor Gyokeres has raised his game to the “highest level” after he scored a second-half brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Sunderland.
Following Martin Zubimendi’s impressive first-half opener at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres landed his first just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The Sweden international then completed his brace in stoppage time to put the gloss on a win which moved Arteta’s side nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Gyokeres has faced criticism during his first campaign in north London. But his double takes his tally to four in as many matches, and six from his last eight appearances.
Since the start of the year, no Premier League player has scored more goals than Gyokeres’ five across all competitions.
Advertisement
And Arteta said: “Confidence is the magic word. When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that’s when you can really take your game to the highest level.
“We are really behind him in every moment to try to help him, to try to support him. And he is delivering, and he’s in a really good moment now.
“Obviously, when you put that shirt on, there is lot of responsibility and huge expectation, and you need to live with that.
“In your journey, you’re going to have moments where it goes really well, and then others where it is going to be tough.
Advertisement
“With Viktor, it’s very difficult to understand his emotions because he looks straight at you. But he doesn’t seem too affected by the real highs or the lows. He’s very demanding of himself, he’s constantly trying to improve.
“I love his character, the way he approaches every single day and the fact that he’s so focused on the present, what he has to do, and he has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has.”
Arsenal are now in a strong position to claim their first title since 2004 with 39 points left to play for across the final 13 rounds.
Manchester City will have to beat Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday to trim Arsenal’s advantage back to six points.
Advertisement
But when asked what his team’s latest victory means in their quest to take the title, Arteta replied: “Nothing. We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want.
“I’m going to have a beautiful dinner tonight. Tomorrow I start to prepare for Brentford (on Thursday), because it’s going to be a really tough one.
“And in the meantime, I will be watching a big, big game (between Liverpool and City).”
Sunderland have been the league’s surprise package this season but this was their third defeat in four matches.
Advertisement
Manager Regis Le Bris said: “At the beginning of the second half we had opportunities to get back in the game, but we didn’t seize those opportunities and if you don’t do that against a team like Arsenal – one of the best teams in England and Europe – then the game has gone.”
France arrive in Cardiff next Sunday with Wales searching for a first Six Nations home win in four years.
The calamitous state of Welsh rugby means the WRU is struggling to sell out their three home games this year, with thousands of tickets still available for next weekend.
Tandy hopes Wales will receive the usual home backing.
“The fans have been amazing support for the team,” said Tandy.
Advertisement
“We know what it means to the boys to play in the Principality Stadium and the fans give them huge belief.”
Whether the Wales head coach will make changes remains to be seen as he balances reacting to an underwhelming display and the need to develop a settled side.
He says there would be no “knee-jerk reaction” and full-back Louis Rees-Zammit appears to have done enough to keep the number 15 jersey.
The former NFL triallist was making his first Six Nations appearance for almost three years and is settling into a new position after switching from the wing.
Advertisement
After a shaky start where he had an early kick charged down, Rees-Zammit settled down and produced one searing second-half break.
“He did well in his first start at 15 in a while for us,” said Tandy.
“In Test match rugby, there’s not much space but I thought he adapted with the aerial battles.
“He’s a big man and lit the game up in moments. It’s looking how we can get more of those moments.”
Advertisement
So maybe one thing for Welsh fans hold on to. There is currently not much more.
Jeremy Fears Jr. made history but didn’t make any new friends in Big Ten country Saturday. The Michigan State point guard etched himself in Spartan lore with a 26-point, 15-assist showing to help No. 10 MSU outlast No. 5 Illinois 85-82 in an overtime thriller.
For a program that has housed legendary point guards like Magic and Cleaves and Cassius and Valentine, it’s Fears who will stand alone as the first Michigan State player ever to notch multiple 15-dime games.
He did it in the last two weeks.
The same 14-day span where Fears has turned into a legitimate All-American contender and one of college basketball’s biggest villains after numerous acts that span between reckless, shady and downright dirty.
Fears attempted to trip Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg on Jan. 30 in a move that Wolverines coach Dusty May dubbed intentional. He kicked Minnesota’sLangston Reynolds in the groin in Michigan State’s 76-73 loss in a move that earned him a technical, a tongue-lashing from Tom Izzo and a warning that he might not even start against Illinois.
But on gameday, Fears was back in the starting five and involved in another controversy. Fears drew 14 fouls, but it was a play that didn’t earn a whistle that had Illinois’ bench riled up. Fears appeared to trip Illini big man David Mirkovic on a runout in the open floor, but after review, it was not upgraded to a flagrant foul.
Advertisement
“There was nothing on the trip, they looked at it,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said in the postgame press conference. “It’s always going to be a judgmental thing. He stops. It’s what he does. But yeah, he was terrific. We didn’t do a very good job of squaring him up. He plays with great speed and pace. I was disappointed in the fact that we fouled him that much. He’s not a very good shooter, and we wanted him to have to shoot the ball in even if it was a layup. He’s crafty, he’s smart and did a nice job tonight.”
This saga feels far from over, but one thing is clear: Fears’ debt to his team has been repaid.
His actions against Minnesota objectively cost his team the game, but the Spartans don’t beat the big, bad Illini without him.
“To be honest, it was kind of rough,” Fears told Fox in a postgame, on-court interview. “That’s not my character. That’s not who I am. I want to be able to help my team. I wasn’t able to help my team in the last few games. I wanted to help my team get the win today. No matter what.”
Advertisement
Fears scored 22 of his 26 after halftime, including a remarkable 11 points in overtime. Illinois battled brilliantly in the Breslin Center until the very last second, showing it has what it takes to be heard from in the chase for a Big Ten Championship and a Final Four, but it could not defend without fouling in the final moments. For Fears, drawing fouls is an art of sorts, even if it drives the opposition into a tizzy (or to another swig from the bottle).
Fears told CBS Sports at Big Ten Media Days that he studies the rulebook intently, trying to understand and/or uncover any tricks of the trade that will get him to the free throw line. He shot 13 more free throws in Saturday’s victory, bringing his season total to a whopping 148. It’s the fifth time this season that Fears has double-digit attempts from the charity stripe, and no Big Ten player is drawing more fouls per 40 minutes than Fears (7.2), according to KenPom.com
“This team has confidence in each other; we’ve played bad, we got controversy, distractions,” Izzo said. “The best way to stick ahead is avoid dirtbags and distractions.”
Let the bobbing and weaving begin even more because the microscope on Fears isn’t going away.
Advertisement
Somewhere, in another life, Fears just toed the free-throw line yet again.