Jaylen Brown
January 2026
Brown was fined $35,000 for public criticism of officiating after Boston’s 100-95 defeat to San Antonio. The NBA cited remarks made to media and on social platforms postgame, applying league rules that penalise public attacks on referees and officiating integrity.
Rudy Gobert
January 2026
Gobert was suspended one game without pay after reaching six Flagrant Foul points for the season, triggered by a Flagrant 1 late vs the Spurs. Under the NBA flagrant-point system, exceeding five points causes an automatic suspension; his latest Flagrant 1 pushed him over the threshold, activating the one-game ban.
Conor Gallagher
January 2026
Tottenham are reportedly positioned to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Gallagher, who may return to the Premier League after limited starts at Atletico this season. Despite strong first-season adaptation and Simeone praise, Gallagher’s reduced role has opened the door; Spurs and Villa both want midfield depth and could act quickly if Atletico entertain offers.
Wayne Rooney
January 2026
Rooney said he would return to Manchester United as Carrick’s assistant if asked, calling it a “no-brainer.” He argued United need staff who understand the club’s culture and identity, claiming recent external hires have not restored the “family feel,” and ex-players could help reset standards and spirit.
Moritz Wagner
January 2026
Moritz Wagner played his first NBA game in over a year after ACL recovery, as Orlando travels to play Memphis in Berlin and London; Franz hopes to return from a high ankle sprain by Berlin. Moritz tore his ACL in December 2024 and returned with a short cameo; the team then flew to Europe for two showcase games aimed at growing German basketball exposure.
Per Mertesacker
January 2026
Arsenal confirmed Mertesacker will leave his role as academy manager after eight years, ending a tenure that helped shape multiple first-team graduates. He cited a desire for a new professional challenge, will remain through the season to support continuity, and plans to help ensure a smooth handover before departing.
Lucas Paqueta
January 2026
Paqueta reportedly asked not to be selected for the QPR cup match and is pushing for a transfer, with Flamengo prepared to bid around €40m. He is said to be disillusioned after a long betting-investigation saga (cleared in 2025) and wants to return to Brazil; West Ham are reluctant mid-relegation battle but may be forced if he insists.
Shea Lacey
January 2026
Lacey apologised after being sent off in United’s 2-1 defeat, saying he “let everybody down” after two yellow cards in three minutes. He was booked for a late tackle, then received a second yellow for slamming the ball into the ground in frustration after a throw-in decision went against him, reducing United to 10 men.
Shea Lacey
January 2026
United were knocked out by Brighton, with 18-year-old Lacey seeing the first red card of his senior career after a late second booking. Brighton led through Brajan Gruda and Welbeck before Sesko pulled one back; Lacey, already booked for a late tackle, earned a second yellow for petulantly bouncing the ball after a decision.
