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Deadspin | WADA refutes report it is mulling rule that could bar US officials from LA Olympics

Deadspin | WADA refutes report it is mulling rule that could bar US officials from LA Olympics

Sports news

Feb 6, 2026; Milan, ITALY; United States Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance wave American flags during the Opening Ceremony for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Alban/Pool via Imagn Images

The World Anti-Doping Agency strongly denied a published report from Friday that said it was considering action to prevent President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other U.S. government officials from attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The Associated Press reported Friday that WADA was seeking to take steps against governments that aren’t up to date on dues payments, topped by a ban of officials from those countries from sporting events. The United States hasn’t paid annual dues since at least 2024 over a dispute regarding the organization’s effectiveness in keeping athletic competition drug-free.

Per the initial report, WADA was scheduled to discuss the topic at its meeting on Tuesday.

WADA published its rebuttal on its website later Friday and didn’t deny that such a rule one day could be implemented. But, the agency said, the “FIFA World Cup, LA and Salt Lake City Games [2034] would not be covered given that the rules would not apply retroactively.”

It added that any such decision would be made by WADA’s Foundation Board, but that group does not meet until November.

The issue first arose under the administration of then-U.S. President Joe Biden and continues under the Trump administration, with government officials of both the Democratic and Republican parties siding against WADA.

The United States has withheld its dues, in part, in protest of WADA’s handling of a group of 23 swimmers from China who tested positive for a banned substance in 2021 but were allowed to compete in the Tokyo Summer Olympics that same year.

“Discussions related to the issue of governments unilaterally withholding funding from WADA have been ongoing since early 2020 and have nothing specifically to do with the U.S.,” WADA said in its statement. “A working group involving representatives of governments, the Sport Movement and WADA was set up in 2022, a period when the U.S. was still paying its annual contribution.”

According to the AP, the United States owes more than $7 million for the past two years alone.

Vance and his wife, Usha, led the U.S. contingent at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games and attended the Opening Ceremony and a variety of competitions to support American athletes.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Shane McClanahan helps Rays blank hapless Giants May 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla. In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing, McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings. Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth. Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors. Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk. Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time. Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet. The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base. Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead. After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage. Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board. Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #GiantsMay 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla.

In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing,

McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings.

Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth.

Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors.

Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk.


Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time.

Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet.

The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base.

Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead.

After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.

Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board.

Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #Giants">Deadspin | Shane McClanahan helps Rays blank hapless Giants May 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla. In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing, McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings. Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth. Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors. Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk. Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time. Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet. The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base. Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead. After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage. Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board. Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #Giants

Deadspin | Stars’ Mikko Rantanen fined K for cross-checking Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason ,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night. Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series. The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game. Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series. He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosscheckingApr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason $5,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night.

Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series.


The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game.

Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series.

He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosschecking">Deadspin | Stars’ Mikko Rantanen fined K for cross-checking Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason ,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night. Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series. The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game. Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series. He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosschecking

Following qualifying for the F1 Sprint race, the team hailed the “progress” those upgrades unlocked.

While both Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated in SQ1, the team believes that Pérez was on the verge of a spot in SQ2 had he been able to complete a second run. Despite qualifying 19th, Pérez called the pace “promising” and indicated he was “happy” with the performance.

“I was very happy with my lap in Sprint Quali, and the pace is promising, but sadly I only had the one run. At some points we were looking like we were going to make it to SQ2, which is already progress, but the priority now is to get on top of our issues. I only had one run as we went out too late and then didn’t have time to refuel and make a second run. In practice we also lost some track time, so we are a bit on the back foot. When we get on top of this, we’ll be able to maximize the package, which is a step forward. We now need a smooth day tomorrow and see where we end up on Sunday,” said the veteran driver in the team’s media report.

Bottas, who will start behind his teammate in P20, said the team is heading in the “right direction.”

“The car feels better with the upgrade, so that’s good. We’ve definitely gained some load especially in high to medium speed. There’s still the need to take further steps, but at least the feeling is better and we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see what can happen in the Sprint Race tomorrow and the rest of the weekend as we continue to understand our package,” added Bottas.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon outlined how the team needed to capitalize on the “progress” the upgrades displayed Friday.

“We brought a substantial aero upgrade package this weekend, which has translated to more load through the corners and ultimately more laptime on track,” said Lowdon. “The upgrades were on both cars, although Checo was missing one part that may have added a little bit but this will be rectified in rotation agreed between the drivers and team. He could potentially have made it to SQ2 had he got a second run but sadly we missed this after visiting the weigh bridge. This was a missed opportunity but we will learn from it and it shows that we have made a step forward. Valtteri likewise had a decent session so there’s some real promise. We now need to maximize everything operationally and technically to make the most of this progress.”

When Lowdon spoke exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.

That process is off to a solid start in Miami.

#progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix">More ‘progress’ for Cadillac at the Miami Grand Prix Formula 1’s newest team took advantage of the unexpected break between the Japanese Grand Prix and this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix to develop a series of upgrades for their debut challenger.Following qualifying for the F1 Sprint race, the team hailed the “progress” those upgrades unlocked.While both Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated in SQ1, the team believes that Pérez was on the verge of a spot in SQ2 had he been able to complete a second run. Despite qualifying 19th, Pérez called the pace “promising” and indicated he was “happy” with the performance.“I was very happy with my lap in Sprint Quali, and the pace is promising, but sadly I only had the one run. At some points we were looking like we were going to make it to SQ2, which is already progress, but the priority now is to get on top of our issues. I only had one run as we went out too late and then didn’t have time to refuel and make a second run. In practice we also lost some track time, so we are a bit on the back foot. When we get on top of this, we’ll be able to maximize the package, which is a step forward. We now need a smooth day tomorrow and see where we end up on Sunday,” said the veteran driver in the team’s media report.Bottas, who will start behind his teammate in P20, said the team is heading in the “right direction.”“The car feels better with the upgrade, so that’s good. We’ve definitely gained some load especially in high to medium speed. There’s still the need to take further steps, but at least the feeling is better and we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see what can happen in the Sprint Race tomorrow and the rest of the weekend as we continue to understand our package,” added Bottas.Team principal Graeme Lowdon outlined how the team needed to capitalize on the “progress” the upgrades displayed Friday.“We brought a substantial aero upgrade package this weekend, which has translated to more load through the corners and ultimately more laptime on track,” said Lowdon. “The upgrades were on both cars, although Checo was missing one part that may have added a little bit but this will be rectified in rotation agreed between the drivers and team. He could potentially have made it to SQ2 had he got a second run but sadly we missed this after visiting the weigh bridge. This was a missed opportunity but we will learn from it and it shows that we have made a step forward. Valtteri likewise had a decent session so there’s some real promise. We now need to maximize everything operationally and technically to make the most of this progress.”When Lowdon spoke exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.That process is off to a solid start in Miami. #progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix

exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.

That process is off to a solid start in Miami.

#progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix">More ‘progress’ for Cadillac at the Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1’s newest team took advantage of the unexpected break between the Japanese Grand Prix and this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix to develop a series of upgrades for their debut challenger.

Following qualifying for the F1 Sprint race, the team hailed the “progress” those upgrades unlocked.

While both Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated in SQ1, the team believes that Pérez was on the verge of a spot in SQ2 had he been able to complete a second run. Despite qualifying 19th, Pérez called the pace “promising” and indicated he was “happy” with the performance.

“I was very happy with my lap in Sprint Quali, and the pace is promising, but sadly I only had the one run. At some points we were looking like we were going to make it to SQ2, which is already progress, but the priority now is to get on top of our issues. I only had one run as we went out too late and then didn’t have time to refuel and make a second run. In practice we also lost some track time, so we are a bit on the back foot. When we get on top of this, we’ll be able to maximize the package, which is a step forward. We now need a smooth day tomorrow and see where we end up on Sunday,” said the veteran driver in the team’s media report.

Bottas, who will start behind his teammate in P20, said the team is heading in the “right direction.”

“The car feels better with the upgrade, so that’s good. We’ve definitely gained some load especially in high to medium speed. There’s still the need to take further steps, but at least the feeling is better and we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see what can happen in the Sprint Race tomorrow and the rest of the weekend as we continue to understand our package,” added Bottas.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon outlined how the team needed to capitalize on the “progress” the upgrades displayed Friday.

“We brought a substantial aero upgrade package this weekend, which has translated to more load through the corners and ultimately more laptime on track,” said Lowdon. “The upgrades were on both cars, although Checo was missing one part that may have added a little bit but this will be rectified in rotation agreed between the drivers and team. He could potentially have made it to SQ2 had he got a second run but sadly we missed this after visiting the weigh bridge. This was a missed opportunity but we will learn from it and it shows that we have made a step forward. Valtteri likewise had a decent session so there’s some real promise. We now need to maximize everything operationally and technically to make the most of this progress.”

When Lowdon spoke exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.

That process is off to a solid start in Miami.

#progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix

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