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Former Rams wide receiver Robert Woods is joining Sean McVay's staff as an assistant wide receivers coach. The Rams announced the hiring on Monday via an announcement of the team's full coaching staff for the 2026 season.

They also announced that Kliff Kingsbury will work as McVay's assistant head coach. Reports previously indicated thatKingsbury was joining McVay's staff, but his role wasn't clear.

The former head coach of Texas Tech and the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury spent the previous two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.The Commanders parted with Kingsburyin the offseason, and he'll now work as McVay's top assistant.

Brian Johnson, the former Eagles offensive coordinator who worked as the Commanders' passing game coordinator with Kingsbury, is also joining the staff as a senior offensive assistant.

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Woods back with Rams days after retirement announcement

Woods, meanwhile, will embark on a coaching career with a Rams team for which he played five of his 12 NFL seasons. Woods played for the Rams from 2017-21, all under McVay. He finished his final season in Los Angeles on injured reserve with a torn ACL, but was a member of that 2021 Super Bowl-winning team.

Woods joins the Rams' staff less than a week afterretiring as a player.Woods played his final two active seasons with the Houston Texans from 2023-24. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 offseason, but didn't play in 2025 after the Steelers released him in August.

Woods played for four NFL teams, but announced his retirement via a Rams blue-and-gold Instagram statement alongside prominent graphics of him wearing a Rams uniform.The Rams later announcedthat he was officially retiring as a member of the team.

Less than a week later, Woods has officially rejoined the team as a member of its coaching staff.

He rejoins a Rams team that lost to the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game and projects as one of the top contenders to compete for the Super Bowl next season. He'll work directly with two of the top receivers in football, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Less than two months and 30 regular-season games remain for most NBA teams, and the 2026 playoff picture is clear enough at this point to see it will be defined by a few key races in theEastern and Western Conference standings.

TheDetroit Pistonsstill have a comfortable lead over a trio of more established contenders for the No. 1 seed in the East, but how theBoston Celtics,New York KnicksandCleveland Cavaliersshake out among the top six will be a subplot in the weeks ahead. TheOklahoma City Thundermust hold off theSan Antonio Spursfor the top seed in the West, while theDenver Nuggets,Houston Rockets,Los Angeles LakersandMinnesota Timberwolvesjockey for position beneath them.

There's also a fascinating chase for theNBA's play-in tournament, now entering its seventh season as an addition to the league's postseason schedule and sixth year in this current four-team format. Given how many franchises are in tank mode already this season, there aren't many teams outside the top 10 at the moment actively trying to make the playoffs.

Here's a breakdown of the current NBA playoff picture, including what teams would make the postseason if the regular season ended today:

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

OPINION:Cade Cunningham has MVP moment at Madison Square Garden in domination of Knicks

NBA playoff bracket

Records and standings through games played on Sunday, Feb. 22:

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Eastern Conference

1. Detroit Pistons (42-13)

2. Boston Celtics (37-19)

3. New York Knicks (37-21)

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (36-22)

5. Toronto Raptors (34-23)

6. Philadelphia 76ers (31-26)

7. Orlando Magic (30-26)

8. Miami Heat (31-27)

9. Atlanta Hawks (28-31)

10. Charlotte Hornets (27-31)

Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (44-14)

2. San Antonio Spurs (40-16)

3. Denver Nuggets (36-22)

4. Houston Rockets (34-21)

5. Los Angeles Lakers (34-22)

6. Minnesota Timberwolves (35-23)

7. Phoenix Suns (33-25)

8. Golden State Warriors (30-27)

9. Portland Trail Blazers (28-30)

10. Los Angeles Clippers (27-30)

When does NBA regular season end?

The final day of the regular season is Sunday, April 12.

When is NBA play-in tournament?

The NBA play-in tournament will begin Tuesday, April 14 and conclude Friday, April 17.

How does NBA play-in tournament work?

The tournament is divided into two rounds for each conference:

• Game 1: No. 7 seed vs. No. 8 seed

• Game 2: No. 9 seed vs. No. 10 seed

The No. 7 and No. 9 seeds play at home in the first round. The winner of Game 1 secures the No. 7 seed in their respective conference playoff bracket. The loser of Game 1 continues to the second round and hosts the winner of Game 2. The loser of Game 2 is eliminated from playoff contention.

• Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 winner

The winner of this game secures the No. 8 and final seed in the playoffs. The loser is eliminated from playoff contention.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NBA playoffs bracket if the season ended today

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones laid out the scenario on Monday as the NFL Scouting Combine becomes the backdrop for league business for the next week.

"We want Pickens here. We think the world of him," Jones said. "Want him here. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that's a plus."

Dallas would be charged a one-year salary of around $28 million to use the franchise tag on Pickens unless the two sides reach a long-term agreement before July 15.

Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards with nine touchdowns in 2025. He turns 25 on March 4.

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Dallas signed running back Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract to keep one of their difference-makers from hitting the open market.

The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus at the end of the 2025 season and hired Christian Parker to repair that side of the ball. Jones said part of that equation involves upgrading the level of talent.

"We want to fix this defense," Jones said of the budget priorities. "We feel really good about the offensive side of the ball now that we got Javonte done and we know that we'll have George back. So, we feel really good about that side of the ball. Obviously we spent a lot of time on it already in the offseason, revamping the defensive coaching staff, and now we'll take the next steps, which are to improve the personnel on that side of the ball."

The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 draft and he played his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. Pickens has produced 267 receptions, 21 touchdowns and 4,270 receiving yards in 65 games (55 starts).

--Field Level Media

The new tariffs, to be issued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion ‌Act of 1962, ⁠would be separate from a 15% global levy Trump announced on ⁠Saturday, the report said, citing people familiar with the plans.

Reuters could not immediately confirm ​the report. ​The White House ​did not immediately respond ‌to a Reuters request for comment.

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The U.S. Supreme Court last week struck down Trump's sweeping tariffs that he pursued under a law meant for use in national emergencies. ‌In response, Trump imposed a ​temporary tariff of 10% ​on U.S. ​imports from all countries before raising ‌it to 15%.

The new ​levies could ​cover industries like large-scale batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic piping, industrial chemicals ​and power ‌grid and telecom equipment, the report ​added.

(Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; ​Editing by Nia Williams)

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the anti-billionaire groupEveryone Hates Elon– referring toElon Musk– hung a framed photo ofAndrew Mountbatten-Windsorin Paris' Louvre Museum with the placard: "He's Sweating Now. 2026." The photo was on display for about 15 minutes before it was removed by museum security, Reuters reported.

The now infamous photo, captured by Reuters photographerPhil Noble, shows the former prince in the backseat of a police vehicle leaving the Aylsham Police Station in Aylsham, England, on Thursday, Feb. 19.

"We're sick of obscenely rich, powerful men thinking they can just do as they please," Everyone Hates Elon wrote in anInstagram postabout the photo on Monday, Feb. 23. "So when he was arrested, we wanted to show ex-Prince Andrew how the world will remember him, by hanging his arrest photo in the Louvre."

The Louvre Museum did not wish to make a comment about the photo when contacted by USA TODAY on Feb. 23.

Why was former Prince Andrew arrested?

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, tied to his relationship with the late convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein.

Police officers, unmarked vehicles and media were seen at residences linked to disgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026. Windsor was reportedly arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on the Sandringham estate. In a statement, Thames Valley police said they were also "carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk" as part of the investigation. See the scene outside various residences, beginning here near the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The media gather to report near the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Unmarked police vehicles enter the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, on Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> In this photo illustration, a statement from His Majesty King Charles III via communications at Buckingham Palace pledges his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" to the "appropriate authorities" in response to the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Unmarked vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> A person steps out of unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Unmarked police vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Unmarked vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Police investigate homes tied to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid his arrest

Police officers, unmarked vehicles and media were seen at residences linked todisgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsoron Feb. 19, 2026. Windsor wasreportedly arrestedon suspicion of misconduct in public office on the Sandringham estate. In a statement, Thames Valley police said they were also "carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk" as part of the investigation. See the scene outside various residences, beginning here near the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk.

In thelatest batch of Epstein files, photos show Mountbatten-Windsor with young women whose faces have been obscured. Emails demonstrating his lengthy friendship with Epstein and concerns from law enforcement that he wasn't cooperating with investigations were also in the files.

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Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets his friendship with Epstein.

What happens next?

If convicted of misconduct in public office, Mountbatten-Windsor would face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but experts like Andrew Lownie, author of "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," doubts the former prince will stand trial.

The royal family could be in favor of Mountbatten-Windsor fleeing the country as an "easy solution," Lowniepreviously told USA TODAY.

When it comes to the royal family's reputation, Lownie said the British monarchy can recover from the affair, as long as King Charles III is transparent and open to parliamentary scrutiny.

Contributing: Sarah D. Wire, Anthony Robledo, Taijuan Moorman, Kim Hjelgaard and Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Former Prince Andrew's arrest photo hung in Louvre by activists

Syracuse Duke Basketball

The Blue Devils climbed two spots to top Monday's poll, marking the 148th appearance at No. 1 to add to what was already the record for any program. Duke (25-2) claimed 56 of 61 first-place votes to supplant Michigan (25-2) afterSaturday's 68-63 win against the Wolverinesin Washington.

That win came in a matchup of the top two teams inthe NCAA men's selection committee's preliminary top 16 seedsfor March Madness, released hours before the game. The Blue Devils enter this week with a national-best 12 Quadrant 1 wins, along with nine wins against AP Top 25 teams.

And now the latest such win has pushed the Blue Devils back to a No. 1 ranking for the second straight season under fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer. Last year's Final Four team sat atop the last two polls entering the NCAA Tournament, the first time Duke had reached No. 1 since Scheyer took over for retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski in 2022.

Arizona rose two spots to No. 2 afterbeating BYUandwinning at Houston, and secured the other five first-place votes. Michigan fell to No. 3 as its first appearance at No. 1 since January 2013 turned into a one-week stay, followed by a pair of Big 12 teams in Iowa State and Houston.

The top tier

UConn fell one spot to No. 6 after a week that includeda home loss to Creighton, while reigning national champion Florida leapt five spots to No. 7 to return to the top 10 for the first time since late November. The Gators were ranked No. 3 in the preseason and spent a week among the unranked in early January. They have won seven straight and 12 of 13.

Purdue, Gonzaga and Illinois rounded out the top 10.

NCAA selection committee vs. AP Top 25

The selection committee had Michigan, Duke, Arizona and Iowa State as the No. 1 seeds in Saturday's reveal of the preliminary top 16 seeds. The Cyclones edged UConn and Houston for the fourth 1-seed, with the Huskies' loss to Creighton and then Iowa State'shead-to-head win against Houston to start last weekswinging the vote to T.J. Otzelberger's squad.

Monday's poll largely aligns with the committee's reveal, starting with the same four teams at the top in a shuffled order — with Iowa State moving up two spots even afterSaturday's loss at now-No. 19 BYU.

In addition, the AP Top 25 and committee align on 15 teams being ranked among those top 16 seeds. The outlier is St. John's at No. 15 in the AP poll, taking a slot that went to Vanderbilt — with the Commodores seeded 15th overall by the committee Saturday but sliding to No. 25 in Monday's poll.

Rising

Alabama had the week's biggest jump, rising eight spots to No. 17 after a thrilling double-overtime home winagainst Arkansasand awin at LSUpushed the Crimson Tide's win streak to six games.

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Florida had the week's second-biggest gain, while BYU rose four spots after the Arizona loss and Iowa State win.

In all, 11 teams moved up from last week's ranking.

Sliding

No. 14 Kansas joined Vanderbilt with the week's biggest slide of six spots. The Jayhawks are coming offa 16-point home lossto a Cincinnati team that was reeling in early February but has won four straight.

The Commodores lostat Missouriandat home to Tennesseelast week, falling to 5-6 since a 16-0 start that carried them to a No. 10 ranking as of mid-January.

Saint Louis tumbled five spots to No. 23 afterlast week's loss at Rhode Islandended an 18-game winning streak, while 11 teams fell from last week but remained in the poll.

Status quo

Illinois and No. 20 Arkansas were the only two teams to hold their position from last week.

Coming and going

Tennessee was the lone new addition at No. 22, with the Volunteers beatingOklahomaand Vanderbilt last week to push its winning streak to four games. This starts a third stint in the poll for Rick Barnes' Volunteers, who fell out for two weeks in mid-January, returned for a week at No. 25 to start February, then were unranked again for the past two weeks.

The Vols replaced Wisconsin, which fell out from No. 24after last week's loss at Ohio State.

Conference watch

The Big 12 led all conferences with six ranked teams, while the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference each had five. The Atlantic Coast Conference was next with four, followed by the Big East with two.

The West Coast Conference, Mid-American Conference and Atlantic 10 each had one ranked team.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphereandhere(AP mobile app). AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

In an interviewwith ESPN's Myron Medcalf,Peterson spoke out on the current narrative, which has been sparked by social media, regarding his availability for games or coming out of them as he continues to deal with the numerous injuries he has sustained this season.

"Everybody's got an opinion on it," Petersonrecently told ESPN."But basketball is my life. If I could have been out there every game this year, I would have. If you would have asked me last year, what were my goals for this year, I would never mention missing games. So all this stuff kind of just happened, but I've got to deal with it."

REQUIRED READING:Who is rising, falling in latest March Madness bracket prediction?

Peterson's comments to Medcalf are some of his first public remarks this season, as he has not spoken in many availabilities this season.

The Jayhawks 6-foot-6 freshman guard has missed 11 games this season, including Kansas' loss to Duke in the Champions Classic andits win over then-No. 1 Arizona on Feb. 9, with the majority of those being due to a lingering hamstring injury. He has also not been able to finish games due to cramps from that hamstring injury.

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However, in the 16 games that Peterson has played in, he has lived up to the hype and expectations that surrounded his name heading into the season. He scored 32 points in an overtime win over TCU, scored 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting against Baylor, and 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting against Oklahoma State before exiting due to injury.

Ahead of Kansas' eventual 84-68 loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 21, the Jayhawks' second loss at home this season,Bill Self told reporters that he wasn't buying into the false narrativesurrounding Peterson's ongoing injuries. He doubled down on that following Kansas' 16-point loss to the Bearcats, theirthird-worst home loss in Self's tenure.

"There is a way to change the narrative — play, finish,"Self said on Feb. 20."Now, if his body allows him to, fantastic. If it doesn't allow him to, then they'll say something again the next game. But that's the way to get people to quit talking.

"It's not me saying it's not fair, I don't think that really keeps anybody from having an opinion at a national level or on this level or any level to be quite candid, but I do think it's easy for everybody to say what's happening within a situation that really doesn't know the situation."

Is Darryn Peterson playing tonight for Kansas basketball vs Houston?

All signs point to a "yes" for Peterson's status against Houston on Monday. The Jayhawks enter Monday's critical Big 12 game with a 40-0 record on "Big Monday" games at Allen Fieldhouse under Self.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Kansas basketball guard Darryn Peterson answers back on injury narrative