Atlético Madrid produced a dominant display to beat Real Betis 5-0 and cruise into the Copa del Rey semi-finals, extending their unbeaten away run in all competitions to eight matches.

Betis came into the game with confidence after winning their previous five home matches. They almost took an early lead in the sixth minute when Abde Ezzalzouli controlled a long pass and curled a shot just wide of the far post.

However, it was Atletico who struck first. In the 12th minute, captain Koke delivered a corner to the near post and David Hancko headed in to score his second goal of the season.

Atlético nearly doubled their lead four minutes later when new signing Ademola Lookman broke through on goal, but the debutant dragged his shot wide. Betis also missed a chance to score when Nelson Deossa fired wide from the edge of the box, and they were punished soon after.

Giuliano Simeone, who had scored at this ground earlier in the season, made it 2-0 by tapping in Matteo Ruggeri’s low cross after a quick move down the left. Eight minutes before half-time, Lookman opened his Atletico account. He controlled Pablo Barrios’ pass, cut inside two defenders and finished calmly to complete a rapid counter-attack.

Betis, who had scored in 28 of their last 29 Copa del Rey matches, tried to respond after the break. Ezzalzouli had a chance three minutes into the second half but hit his shot straight at goalkeeper Juan Musso.

Atletico remained in control and added a fourth goal just after the hour mark. Lookman set up Antoine Griezmann, who fired through the hands of Adrian to score his fourth goal of the competition this season.

With the result beyond doubt, Diego Simeone made several changes. Substitute Thiago Almada completed the scoring seven minutes from time, finishing from close range after Adrian saved Griezmann’s initial effort.

The win marked Atletico’s 11th victory in their last 14 meetings with Betis and handed the hosts only their fourth home defeat of the season. Betis will have little time to recover, as they are set to face Atletico again in LaLiga on Sunday.

Since its inception, name, image and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed not just how college sports operate, but professional sports.

Collegiate players, knowing they can stay in school for another year and make substantial money, do not have to turn professional to make money. 

Former NFL agent Ben Dogra cited Oregon quarterback Dante Moore returning to college instead of declaring for the NFL Draft as something that might not have happened before NIL.

“I think it still remains to be seen because it’s still relatively new, but I think you’re seeing, based on what happened with the quarterback at Oregon, Moore staying in school. I would never have anticipated a player that would go possibly top 10 in the draft, let alone the top five, would actually stay in school with the amount of money that he’s willing to risk,” Dogra told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Jan. 9, 2026. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

Moore was being projected in some mock drafts to go as high as No. 2 overall to the New York Jets before deciding to return. Dogra wasn’t sure how big the NIL deal that Moore signed to stay with Oregon was but thought it influenced his decision.

“I know it’s an individual decision, but with NIL and when you look at Oregon and you see one of their biggest donors in (Phil) Knight of Nike, I don’t know what was promised or what was done, but I think it was significant enough (to have) allowed the young man to think, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to go out,’ the way he did, throwing a pick six, and they think they have a chance to win a national championship,” Dogra said.

Dogra said he expected players projected in the third and fourth rounds, maybe the second round, to return to school but not someone who was projected to go as high as Moore was. He said some players would make more money returning to school than declaring for the NFL Draft if they were projected to be a mid-round pick.

“And some players want to stay in college,” Dogra said. “Because they’re making more money than if they’re drafted, right? I mean, that’s the vast majority, because there’s only 32 first-round picks, whether you like it or not. That’s it. 

“And then you’ve got 32 second-round picks. That’s where the money is. Once you start getting in the third round, that’s a functional starter. Could be a very good player. But those are (where) you’re filling out your roster, and you’re hoping to steal those players in the third and fourth round.”

NCAA INVESTIGATES AFTER DABO SWINNEY RAISES TRANSFER PORTAL TAMPERING ACCUSATIONS AGAINST OLE MISS

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes for a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter during a College Football Playoff first-round game against James Madison at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., Dec. 20, 2025. (Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Dogra cited current Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers as someone who opted to go to the NFL Draft instead of transferring out of Texas and extending his college career.

“The test cases aren’t out there, but Quinn Ewers is a pretty prime example. All-American. He had to move on from Texas because the commitment was to Arch Manning. And, instead of going to another school, which I think they reported that he was going to make like $7 million in NIL, he elected to go to the draft. He won’t make $7 million where he was drafted.”

Ewers was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft and signed a four-year, $4.3 million contract. Not only will Ewers make less, Dogra said, he could be out of the NFL sooner because of when he was drafted.

“In four years, he might be out of the league because you don’t get the same amount of chances as a late-round pick as you do as a first-round pick. First-round picks, they give you every opportunity to succeed because the general manager is going to let you be on that team for three years, or he’s getting fired, right?” Dogra said.

MIAMI STAR LINEBACKER EYEING RETURN FOR 8TH SEASON OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL: REPORTS

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers passes against Ohio State during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game in Arlington, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Dogra said NIL will not only affect who stays and goes in college football. In the pre-NIL era, college athletes weren’t allowed to sign with agents until after their final college game.

Dogra said that while that rule remains in place, there is a different dynamic in the agent-player interaction.

“Now, it’s a different dynamic. Although that rule remains in place with NIL, you’re seeing that agents and marketing agents are getting these players a lot faster than you ever anticipated,” Dogra said.

“It’s almost like hockey. So, now you’re going after these players in high school. So, if you go after them in high school, how are you going to disseminate that information on how good that player is going to translate five, six years from now? So, it’s really Russian roulette.”

With contacts between players and agents being earlier in their career than they’ve ever been, Dogra said agents have to weigh different options for how they want to cultivate the relationship.

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers looks to hand the ball off to a teammate against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Jan. 4, 2026. (David Butler II/Imagn Images)

“It’s the wild, wild west as I say because if you go early and you cultivate that relationship, you could get stale and old,” Dogra said. “And if that happens, you’re not going to sign the player. That’s happening. 

“But on the flip hand, if you develop that relationship early and that player pans out, and you build that credibility, now you’re going to be in the driver’s seat for when they’re eligible and it’s going to be really hard for other people to break down that door. So, it can go either way. But it’s a lot more work. It’s a lot more uncertain.

“That’s going to be very dangerous and dicey for agents. It looks good. But a lot of those agents are going to lose players because recruiting is sales. That’s all it is. And if you … undersell and overperform, you’re going to keep the player. But (the) tendency in recruiting is very simple. You oversell and underproduce because you’ll move on to next year’s guy. And with this transfer portal, you just don’t know. There’s no continuity anymore.”

Dogra represented Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Mario Williams and Richard Sherman during his career.

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Michael van Gerwen hopes to keep challenging in the Premier League after storming to victory on the opening night in Newcastle with a 6-4 win over Gian van Veen in the final.

Debutant Van Veen dispatched Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton on his way to facing seven-time Premier League winner Van Gerwen in an all-Dutch final.

Van Gerwen raced ahead to take a 3-1 lead, but Van Veen put up a fight and remained close behind the world number four throughout.

With a 5-4 advantage, Van Gerwen was able to hit double 14 to win the match and open this year’s Premier League campaign with victory, having not won a night in the 2025 tournament.

He said: “Mentally, I’m strong and I know what I’m capable of. As long as you keep on your own ability and performances, I know I’m capable of doing this.

“Last year I had a very crap Premier League, if I can say that. As long as you keep believing your own ability anything is possible.

“I’m going to give it a go, I’m going to challenge anything that comes in my path. I want to beat them, simple as that.

“It’s a very long route, but winning games is the best medicine for your form and everything.

“As long as you keep battling your own battles, winning games, you get confidence then (that) anything is possible.”

Van Gerwen eased into the final four with a 6-2 quarter-final victory over Stephen Bunting, winning six successive legs having trailed 2-0.

The Dutchman then came up against Luke Humphries after the world number two edged through with a 6-5 win over Gerwyn Price in the last eight.

A tight semi-final saw Van Gerwen pull away, where he hit a 114 checkout to reach the final and the Dutchman was pleased with his performance.

Van Gerwen said: “I think I did OK. Of course I know exactly what I did, I played (the) first game OK. After that I did everything at the right moments, whether it was finishing or the scoring.

“Whenever I had to do well, I did well and that makes you win games. Of course winning the points, that’s the most important thing in the Premier League, winning points.”

Van Gerwen moves to the top of the standings, two points ahead of compatriot Van Veen, who reached the final in stunning fashion, starting with a quarter-final upset against world champion Littler.

In a rematch of this year’s World Championship final – where Littler emerged victorious – the Dutchman battled to a 6-4 victory over the world number one.

A cagey final leg saw Van Veen miss double six as he looked to wrap up the match before Littler attempted a 95 checkout, but fell just short and the Dutchman held his nerve to clinch the win.

Victory set up a semi-final meeting with Clayton after the 2021 Premier League champion averaged 109.81 in beating debutant Josh Rock 6-2 in the first match of the night.

Van Veen struggled slightly on the outer ring early in the semi-final, but in the final leg he threw an 11-darter and finished with a 42 checkout to win 6-4, booking his spot in his maiden Premier League final.

India’s Sumit Nagal (PTI Photo)

Bengaluru: Injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete’s journey, often testing not just the body but the mind as well. Even after the physical recovery is complete, questions about fitness and confidence can linger. Sumit Nagal is navigating a similar phase after sustaining a minor hip tear at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Thailand last month.The injury came at an inopportune time for the India No. 1, with the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 tie against the Netherlands set to begin at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium here on Saturday. Following a solid rehabilitation process, the 28-year-old has gradually increased the intensity of his training, which was visible over the past three days at the Cubbon Park courts. On Thursday, the Haryana player took part in practice matches against teammate Dhakshineswar Suresh, followed by Sidharth Rawat, before wrapping up with a short doubles session.Nagal looked comfortable throughout the session, which lasted over two hours. The practice session was his way of testing his fitness levels ahead of the crucial tie against the formidable Dutch team, led by World No. 88 Jesper de Jong.“I haven’t played a match since Bangkok, so we’re trying to push in practice. Tomorrow (Friday) will be another step — try and play as many sets as possible to see how my body reacts. That’s why you play practice matches. It was a very good day for me today. Everything felt good, and I’m looking forward to playing for India,” said Nagal, whose groundstrokes brought cheer to non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal, who was at courtside.When asked if he was ready to go full throttle, Nagal added: “Yes, if I step on the court, I can’t think 80 or 90 percent. I have to go as hard as possible.”Since the injury, Nagal has spent considerable time working with physio Yash Pandey to get himself match fit for the Davis Cup challenge. Currently ranked 281 on the ATP Tour, he has been pushing himself to reach peak fitness, though the past few weeks have been mentally and physically demanding.“You take it day by day. Every morning, you don’t know if you’re going to feel sore, how you’re feeling, or how much load you can take. Those thoughts were there throughout the three weeks after the injury — even yesterday, even today. Is it going to be okay or not? The fear is always there when you’re coming back from an injury,” he said.Nagal, who began his pre-season training in the city in December, has spent most of his time on the hard courts here. Alongside Suresh, he featured in the World Tennis League and the Bengaluru Open in the last two months. The Indian ace, who achieved a career-high ATP ranking of 68 in July 2024, also backed the decision to host the tie in Bengaluru.“De Jong and Guy den Ouden are both very good clay court players. They’ve done extremely well on clay, so I think choosing Bengaluru was a good decision,” Nagal said.

India and Pakistan are schedule to play the match on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote a letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, urging it to reconsider its decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan fixture at the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.TimesofIndia.com is in possession of the two-page letter written by SLC, in which it reminded the PCB of Sri Lanka’s past support to Pakistan during challenging times and urged the board to reconsider its stance. The letter also highlights significant financial, logistical and reputational consequences for the co-hosts if the game does not go ahead as planned.

“We wish to place on record that Sri Lanka is highly anticipating the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, particularly in its capacity as a host venue for matches assigned to Sri Lanka. All commercial, operational, logistical and security-related arrangements in respect of these matches have already been finalised. This includes, inter alia, hospitality planning and the sale of match tickets,” the letter read.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It is pertinent to note that ticket sales for the matches scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka, in particular the India versus Pakistan fixture, have already been finalised and have recorded exceptionally strong demand, with tickets being sold fast, reflecting unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations for Sri Lanka Cricket. Any non-participation in a scheduled marquee fixture of this nature would therefore have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows and broader economic benefits arising from heightened international interest in the tournament.”The board pointed out that tickets for matches in Sri Lanka, especially the India–Pakistan fixture, have been sold amid exceptional demand, underscoring unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations.SLC cautioned that non-participation in a marquee fixture of this scale would have far-reaching consequences, exposing the board to major financial losses while also impacting tourism inflows and the broader economy.“The Government of Sri Lanka is attentive to the potential impact of a boycott, given the significant economic benefits expected from hosting these matches. Any change to the scheduled fixtures would therefore affect not only Sri Lanka Cricket but also the wider range of stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament.” Six Sri Lankan players were wounded in March 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their team bus as it was driving to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match.The incident led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for nearly a decade. That streak was broken when Sri Lanka became the first to play a Test match in Pakistan after a 10-year gap (in 2019). “In this context, we respectfully recall that Sri Lanka Cricket and the Sri Lanka National Team have, on several occasions, toured Pakistan and participated in international fixtures notwithstanding exceptionally challenging and sensitive circumstances, including serious security-related incidents. These have included, inter alia, the attack on the national team convoy, as a result of which certain Sri Lankan players and officials sustained injuries, some of whom continue to carry physical impacts from those injuries to date, while others were left with profound and lasting psychological trauma. In more recent instances, further security incidents, including bombings in the region, placed additional emotional and professional strain on team members, with some compelled to contemplate withdrawal from ongoing engagements,” SLC said in the letter.Newswire, a Sri Lankan media outlet, has reported that Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector has already felt the impact of Pakistan’s reported decision to skip the February 15 match in Colombo, with widespread hotel booking cancellations across several Colombo-based properties.“Notwithstanding the gravity of these circumstances, Sri Lanka Cricket, in close coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka, remained steadfast in its support of Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board, and continued to honour its commitments to international cricket in the broader interests of the game and international solidarity, at times when several other cricketing nations were hesitant or unwilling to tour Pakistan,” the letter read.“In light of this longstanding support and cooperation, SLC respectfully expects the same spirit of reciprocity and mutual respect to prevail, particularly where the matches in question are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, a country that has extended every assurance with regard to security, neutrality and professionalism.“In view of the foregoing, and if any decision has indeed been taken to boycott or abstain from participating in the India vs Pakistan match scheduled for February 15, 2026, we respectfully and earnestly request the PCB to reconsider such a decision. We urge you to take into account the exceptional circumstances, the enduring relationship between our two Boards and the broader interests of the game of cricket.“We humbly request that the Pakistan team participate in all scheduled matches in Sri Lanka, including the aforesaid fixture, in the true spirit of sportsmanship and without selective abstention, for the benefit of the tournament, its stakeholders and the millions of cricket fans worldwide.“We thank the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Government of Pakistan for the highest consideration given to this matter and respectfully look forward to receiving a positive response at your earliest convenience.”

On Sunday, the Pakistani government announced that its men’s cricket team will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15, without stating the reason behind the decision.“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on February 15 against India,” the Pakistan government said in a post on X.Also Visit: England Under-19 vs India Under-19 Final: Match Details, Teams, Date and Venue

Alabama center Charles Bediako is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday wherein a judge will determine whether the NCAA may enforce its eligibility rules against him. Ahead of what could be a groundbreaking determination in Circuit Court, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey signed an affidavit asking judge Daniel Pruet to deny Bediako additional eligibility.

It is a significant move from Sankey, one of the most powerful voices in college athletics, as he seeks legal help in preventing one of his conference members from rostering a former professional player.

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case,” Sankey said in the affidavit obtained by CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, “which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes.”

Charles Bediako returns to Alabama: Judge who is Crimson Tide booster recused from case

David Cobb

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Bediako, 23, went undrafted two years ago after starting on an Alabama team that earned a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. He had two years of eligibility remaining but declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. After signing a professional contract — including a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs — and appearing in multiple G League games, he is back with the Crimson Tide as a result of a temporary restraining order against the NCAA’s eligibility rules. The 7-footer has appeared in four games and made two starts for Alabama over the last two weeks, averaging 9.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.

The temporary restraining order expires on Feb. 18, but if Bediako is granted a preliminary injunction at Friday’s hearing, he could continue to play for the Crimson Tide deeper into the regular season and perhaps into the NCAA Tournament.

Bediako’s return to college basketball rubbed many across college basketball the wrong way, including Florida coach Todd Golden, who has been among the most vocal opponents of the eligibility ruling.

Sankey argued in the affidavit that permitting former professional athletes to return to college competition creates a “competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness” for athletes who remain within their eligibility windows. He said it is also unfair to the programs that continue to operate within the NCAA’s framework and have not added former pros to their rosters.

Sankey noted the impact that Bediako’s return — and the extension of eligibility clocks for other athletes — has on high schoolers who seek college athletics opportunities. Since roster spots are zero-sum, for every former professional player who returns to school and for every current athlete who is granted an additional year, a high school athlete loses a chance to play in college.

That the SEC commissioner is on the record standing against eligibility extensions is especially notable because two of his conference’s most prominent quarterbacks from the 2025 college football season are also in search of an additional year. Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss and Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar both filed lawsuits against the NCAA seeking injunctions that would allow them to play in 2026 despite having already completed four years of competition.

Memphis Tigers’ Dug McDaniel against UNLV during a basketball game on Nov. 16, 2025 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

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