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U.S. men’s hockey team visits White House; five players skip event

Syndication: The Fayetteville ObserverPresident Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of soldiers on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg.

Twenty of the 25 members of the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon as they continued to celebrate their first gold medal since 1980.

The five players who did not attend were Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe, Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson and Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger.

Photos and video posted by White House communications adviser Margo Martin showed the players posing wearing their medals and posing with Trump around the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

Later, they were scheduled to attend Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that they were finding a way to “squeeze in” the team into Trump’s speech.

The players’ NHL franchises were working to arrange travel from Washington to rejoin their teams, with many back in action Wednesday night following the three-week Olympic break.

On a phone call to congratulate the men’s victory in Milan, Trump was heard joking that he would be impeached if he didn’t also invite the women’s team, which also beat Canada in overtime to win gold, to visit the White House.

The women’s team later declined an invitation from the White House, citing the academic and professional commitments of most of their athletes.

–Field Level Media

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A's place top pitcher J.T. Ginn (blister) on 15-day IL

Jul 18, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn ImagesJul 18, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

The Athletics placed right-hander J.T. Ginn on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a blister on his right middle finger.

The move is retroactive to Saturday for Ginn, who leads the team’s starters in wins (eight), ERA (3.46) and strikeouts (100) while making 22 appearances (19 starts) this season.

Ginn, 27, allowed just one hit and struck out seven batters over 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a 15-1 romp over the Washington Nationals in his last trip to the mound.

He is 13-14 with a 4.20 ERA in 53 career games (41 starts) with the Athletics.

Also on Wednesday, the A’s recalled right-hander Mason Barnett from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Barnett, 25, is 1-0 with two saves and a 4.64 ERA in 13 relief appearances with the Athletics this season. He is 3-1 with a 4.34 ERA in 10 games (all starts) with the Aviators.

–Field Level Media

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Jasper Philipsen wins Stage 17 of Tour de France

Premier Tech's Jasper Philipsen reacts after winning stage 17 of the Tour de France. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/PoolPremier Tech’s Jasper Philipsen reacts after winning stage 17 of the Tour de France. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool

Jasper Philipsen won his first Tour de France stage of 2026 and the 11th of his career on Wednesday to extend a win streak by Belgian riders.

Philipsen’s victory in Stage 17 from Chambery to Voiron followed countryman Remco Evenepoel’s back-to-back triumphs in Stages 15 and 16, the longest streak for Belgium since 1981.

Philipsen, 28, completed the flat 174.7-kilometer trek just ahead of Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid and the Netherlands’ Olav Kooij.

Four-time champion Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia maintained the overall leader’s yellow jersey. His lead over Evenepoel is 4 minutes and 32 seconds, with Mexico’s Isaac del Toro in third place.

Stage 18 on Thursday is a mountainous 185.2-kilometer journey from Voiron to Orcieres-Merlette. The 113th edition of the Tour de France concludes on Sunday in Paris.

–Field Level Media

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Inter Miami sign Brazilian superstar M Casemiro

June 29, 2026; Houston, Texas, U.S.; Brazil's Casemiro celebrates after the match.  Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images June 29, 2026; Houston, Texas, U.S.; Brazil’s Casemiro celebrates after the match. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazilian superstar midfielder Casemiro on Wednesday.

Casemiro, 34, is under contract through 2027 with an option until June 2029 following five years with Premier League side Manchester United. Inter Miami acquired his discovery priority from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Casemiro just helped Brazil reach the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, increasing his career totals to 91 caps and 10 goals with the national team. It was his third World Cup.

“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow. The project the club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me,” Casemiro said.

“I’m incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust — not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well. All I can say is thank you, and I’ll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the club has shown me.”

Casemiro has recorded 73 goals and 61 assists in 663 club appearances with Brazil’s Sao Paulo, Spain’s Real Madrid, Portugal’s Porto and Manchester United. His 21 club trophies include five UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns with Real Madrid from 2013-22.

“Casemiro’s arrival reflects the vision and ambition that define Inter Miami,” said managing owner Jorge Mas. “We never settle. We’re always looking to grow, improve, and raise our standards every season. We’ve built a global club with the vision of becoming not only the best club in the United States, but also a benchmark globally.

“Casemiro embodies everything this club stands for: leadership, a winning mentality, and an extraordinary track record at the highest level of the game,” Mas added. “After achieving virtually everything there is to achieve in fútbol, his decision to join Inter Miami shows that he shares our ambition and our commitment to the highest standards as we continue building for the future. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Inter Miami family.”

Casemiro now joins forces with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, his former rivals at FC Barcelona.

“I’m very proud to welcome Casemiro and his family to Inter Miami,” said co-owner David Beckham. “He is a person and a player that I have admired for a long time. He is a winner who has achieved so much in the game, and after such an incredible career with Real Madrid and Manchester United, I’m delighted that he’s decided to make Miami his next home.”

Defending MLS Cup champion Inter Miami (15-9-2, 31 points) are in second place in the Eastern Conference as they return from the World Cup break to host the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.

–Field Level Media

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