These have been an interesting few days in Spanish football around the subject of how we treat our stars, what we expect them to accept, and whether we are properly protecting them. It's a morality tale that includes Kylian Mbappé, Carlo Ancelotti, Gavi and that will extend to Vinícius Júnior, and it emerged on Saturday when Spanish and European champions Real Madrid were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at relegation-threatened Espanyol.

Los Blancos have recently restored one of their most thrilling, most chilling skills: The ability to retrieve possession around their own penalty area and, via no more than three or four passes, be up at the other end of the pitch scoring a dazzling goal somewhere between 14-18 seconds later. It's sporting lightning.

Against the blue-and-white club in Barcelona, Ancelotti's team were unleashing one of these extraordinary counter-attacks, with Mbappé in full flight, when the guy who would become the infamous name of the evening lunged wildly at the Frenchman. His name is Carlos Romero and by the end of the match, he'd be enjoying the greatest moment of his short career by virtue of scoring the winner. But in the instant when he thought that Espanyol's world was about to collapse, he attempted the ugliest of fouls to bring Mbappé down, at any cost, by diving, leg-extended, to rake his boot down the back of the forward's calf.

Although the referee correctly let the move flow to see whether it ended in advantage or even a goal for Madrid, the absolute requirement was that, immediately after the play stopped, this should merit a red card. Neither the on-pitch referee, nor his companion in the VAR room, considered this a foul worthy of expulsion. It became one of the worst decisions in recent Spanish football.

While not sending Romero off was ludicrous, the fact that he was at the back post to volley home a wonderful right-wing cross, thus reducing Madrid to holding just a one-point lead over Atletico going into the derbi this weekend, made things much worse. (Stream LIVE: Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid, Saturday, 2:50 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Worst of all was the refereeing team ignoring that Romero had risked, without any thought of the consequences, severe damage to an opponent -- the kind of damage that the sport's lawmakers, and FIFA as governing body, have sought to exterminate from our game so that players are adequately protected. It's unimaginable how these officials decided that they had no duty of care to Mbappé: it flew in the face of everything that those who run football have been trying to preach for the past 30 or 40 years.

Fortunately, Madrid's leading scorer is fine, but that's not the point and that's not what the laws say: you can be punished for recklessness and the potential for your actions to cause serious injury.

Not for the first time, I'm totally with Carlo Ancelotti when he spoke with dignity and well-contained fury after the match: "It was an ugly foul with a big risk of injury and it's also VAR's responsibility to look out for and protect players." That was part one of the evidence that emerged as to how we think players can or should be treated or protected.

Chapter two came the following day and is far more encouraging. Finally, the clear-cut fact that repeated head trauma has a direct impact on the likelihood of post-career issues such as dementia and Alzheimer's is being taken into account and awareness has grown.

The incident where Barcelona's Gavi clashed heads badly with the Alavés attacker, Tomás Conechny, was sickening. It's simple misfortune, but it held the potential to be pretty devastating for both men. It also came against the context of Atletico Madrid treating Robin Le Normand's head injury in October with stringent care. The Spanish international defender suffered a serious concussion, Atleti kept him out of action, observed him, and did not let him play again for 61 days -- a total of 12 missed matches.

Bravo to Atletico.

So, back to Sunday. Gavi's collision with Conechny left him dazed and confused, his fate in the hands of Barcelona's long-term club doctor and his coach, Hansi Flick.

If you know little of Gavi, let me assure you that he is an absolute warrior who bristles with competitive spirit. What ensued was the traditional picture of an athlete who is so dazed that he can't see the sense in withdrawing from play, instead determined to get back on and get on with work.

The doctor asks him what day it is, he has no idea. He is able to quote the kickoff time of the match, but it becomes evident he's suffered a bad head trauma. The laudable moment comes when Flick, who is trying to buck the trend of his team losing important matches at home, nevertheless turns to the doctor and says: "it's your decision" (i.e. not the player's) and then tries to console Gavi with the concept that he's being protected, and that his well-being is more important than three points.

It was wonderful to see.

I admit to a minor personal stake in this argument because my 88-year-old father, a wonderful man who introduced me to sport and all its beauties, was amongst other things, a boxer and a rugby player. We're all pretty certain that the number of times he took blows to the head have helped cause the Alzheimer's from which he suffers quite badly.

It's also true that over the next few days, I will be attending the funerals of two terrific football men, both of whom mattered very much to me: Jimmy Calderwood, who played in midfield with Louis van Gaal and played against Johan Cruyff, a Scotsman somehow cutting it in Dutch football, and my fellow Aberdonian, Denis Law -- the only Ballon d'Or winner Scotland has ever produced, a wonderful man, a prodigious header of the football, and also somebody, like Calderwood, whose death was principally caused by Alzheimers. Sadly, it's too late for them, but we all share the responsibility to ensure that current generations are properly protected, that we learn the lessons which were ignored in previous decades so that the people who now thrill and delight us remain of sound mind right through to their latter years.

Progress in protecting talented players from foul play, as the referees showed when Español beat Real Madrid, can be made, but then abandoned or undermined. Progress, as clubs and referees have shown in the case of footballers with concussions or victims of racial abuse needing protection, can be become the norm.

All of this, I believe, has echoes of the constant battle against racism in sport. All of us -- from legislators to fans, sponsors, clubs, players, managers and the media -- have a responsibility to continue reporting, informing and confronting such abuse. The initiatives to protect players from physical damage on the pitch, whether from deliberate foul tackling or head clashes, are positive, but the past few days have shown that such progress can be interrupted.

For those of us committed to improving the way players are treated, thought about, talked about and protected, I believe these have been informative incidents. It's an imperfect, frustrating and often slow battle, but one that's worth our effort.

As he gained experience - Rashid has played in the Hundred, CPL and the BPL - his batting also improved. He is known for his ability to come in and hit sixes straight away and has a shot all his own, called the snake shot, where he gets underneath a yorker length ball and whirls his wrists to such an extent the bat makes contact and surges back, like whiplash. Rashid's all-round prowess was on show in the playoffs of IPL 2018 when he made 34 off just 10 balls to lift Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of 170 and then helped defend it by taking 3 for 19 and taking two catches as well.

The NFL Referees Association on Tuesday joined league commissioner Roger Goodell in dismissing suggestions that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs when working their games.

A day after Goodell called it a "ridiculous theory," NFLRA executive director Scott Green said in a statement that Goodell's comments were "spot on."

League rules prohibit officials from speaking publicly except in postgame pool reports that are monitored by the league. But Green, a retired referee speaking on behalf of the officiating union, pointed out that crews don't work more than two of any team's games.

"It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team," Green said. "NFL officials are graded every week, on every single play of each game. These grades are the determining factor as to who receives postseason assignments. The NFLRA commends its members, who all strive to do exactly what all 32 NFL teams do, which is to excel at their jobs so that they are working the last game of the season -- the Super Bowl."

Goodell and other league officials have said the league will likely expand its replay assist program to include some calls that have drawn attention around Chiefs games, most notably quarterback slides. Those options will be discussed by the league's competition committee.

"There are many things that fans can worry about over a 17-game season," Green said, "such as coaching decisions, player injuries, the weather and, yes, even close calls on incredible plays made by incredible athletes. But you can rest assured that on every single down, NFL officials, both on the field and in the replay booth, are doing everything humanly possible to officiate every play correctly."

NEW ORLEANS -- Andy Reid said Tuesday he would return for at least one more season as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I enjoy being around the guys,'' Reid said as the Chiefs prepared for Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. "I enjoy the football games. You can't put in the hours that we do and not enjoy it. So, I really love the game.''

Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said he didn't think Reid was close to the end of a coaching career that to this point has included 301 wins (including playoffs) and three Super Bowl championships.

"He's always said that he'll know when the time is right and I'm sure he'll share it with me before he shares it with everyone else,'' Hunt said. "At least I hope so, but I don't sense that he's anywhere close to being done.''

Reid, who coached the Eagles for 14 seasons before joining the Chiefs in 2013, turns 67 next month.

Hunt said he has been so certain Reid would return that he hasn't put together a list of possible replacement candidates.

"I don't think we're close enough to that point where you have to keep that ready list,'' Hunt said. "A lot changes every year in terms of the coaching landscape, so I think that's premature.''

Hunt also said tight end Travis Kelce has not told the Chiefs he will play in 2025, though Kelce told reporters after the Chiefs arrived in New Orleans that he planned to play at least one more season.

"He's not made a decision that I'm aware of,'' Hunt said. "I personally think he'll be back because he loves the game so much, but we're going to let him take the time he needs to make that decision and certainly hope he wants to come back.''

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- While welcoming superstar Luka Doncic, 25, to the franchise to pair with LeBron James, 40, Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said that more needs to be done to make L.A. a true championship contender.

"We know that our roster has continued work to do to become complete," Pelinka said during an introductory news conference with Doncic on Tuesday morning. "We know we have a need for a big."

The Lakers acquired Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, in a stunning deal over the weekend as part of a three-team trade with the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. L.A. sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and their 2029 first-round pick to Dallas. Utah received two second-round picks (the LA Clippers' in 2025 and the Mavs' in 2025) as incentive for taking on Jalen Hood-Schifino's expiring contract from the Lakers.

Parting with Davis, 31, considered to be one of the best two-way big men in the sport, has left a center-sized hole in the Lakers' lineup. When asked what kind of skill set he is looking for in a big man, Pelinka said: "Versatility, mobility, a vertical lob threat, I think that's a key to the spacing that Luka likes to play. Competitive. I think that those are some of the core things there. Those players are hard to find. But we'll accomplish the task that's before us. We'll find a way."

Jaxson Hayes started the past two games at center prior to the trade while Davis was out with an abdominal injury, totaling 14 points on 6-for-6 shooting, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals. He also was whistled for six fouls in 47 minutes. Hayes, 24, is a 7-footer with length and athleticism, but has struggled against burlier centers and with staying out of foul trouble in his two seasons with the Lakers.

After Hayes, there's a major drop-off in dependability at the position. Backup center Christian Wood has been out all season with a knee injury and his potential return date is unknown. L.A. has three more centers signed to two-way contracts in Christian Koloko, Trey Jemison III and Armel Traore, who have played only spot minutes this season.

With Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching, Pelinka cautioned that the Lakers may not be able to land the perfect fit for the position this season.

"We know we have a need for a big -- the market for bigs right now leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline is very dry," Pelinka said. "There's just not a lot available. So maybe we'll be able to do some stuff around the margins. I would say, in terms of a big move for that position, it's probably more realistic that would be something that comes in the offseason."

Pelinka added: "If there's not a championship big on the market, I can't wave a wand and create that opportunity. We'll continue to work and look for areas that we can complete and fill out the roster."

L.A. is still armed with its 2031 first-round pick as well as a future second-round pick it can trade as it canvasses the market. Pelinka said that he will consult with coach JJ Redick on roster decisions moving forward. He also spent Monday in a meeting with Doncic to receive his input.

"Luka and I spent some time yesterday up in my office just talking about the players on our roster that he's played with and kind of what he sees as sort of short-term and long-term needs," Pelinka said. "And I think we'll continue to have those basketball discussions and get this roster to a championship level."

Doncic, a seven-year veteran coming off the first Finals appearance of his career last spring, said that achieving his first title -- which would be No. 5 for James and No. 18 for the Lakers -- is his top priority as he begins his time in L.A.

"You don't come here for nothing else but championships," Doncic said. "So, I have everything left to prove. And the goal is to win a championship."

On that, Pelinka was aligned with his new star.

"The urgency is ever-present," he said. "From the first day I started taking this job until I sit in the chair right now, there's always an urgency to win championships. That's what the Lakers set out to do. That's the expectation of our fans, and we're going to put in the work to constantly try to do it."

The Dallas Mavericks traded guard Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers for forward Caleb Martin, it was announced on Tuesday.

Philadelphia is also receiving a second-round pick -- the 76ers' own pick in 2025 -- in the deal.

Martin, 29, is averaging 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds primarily as a starter during the first season of a four-year, $35 million contract that includes a player option for 2027-28. He is a versatile wing who is a proven playoff performer, averaging 9.1 points while shooting 40.1% from 3-point range in 45 career postseason games, including the Miami Heat's run to the 2023 NBA Finals.

Grimes, 24, is averaging 10.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting a career-best 39.8% from 3-point range this season. He was acquired by the Mavs in a summer trade that sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons.

The Mavs and Grimes engaged in discussions about a contract extension in the fall, but sources said the sides did not come close to striking a deal. Sources said that Grimes wanted a deal in the range of the full midlevel exception -- a $12.8 million starting salary -- while the Mavs valued him on a contract similar to free agent addition Naji Marshall's three-year, $27 million deal.

BALTIMORE -- Ramon Laureano and Baltimore agreed Tuesday on a $4 million, one-year contract in another addition to the Orioles' increasingly crowded outfield.

The deal includes a team option for 2026. The 30-year-old hit .259 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs last year for Atlanta and Cleveland.

Baltimore lost right fielder Anthony Santander to free agency, but the Orioles have added Tyler O'Neill, Dylan Carlson and now Laureano to their outfield - which also includes holdovers Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad. There is some platoon potential now. O'Neill, Carlson and Laureano each has posted a significantly higher OPS in his career against lefties, while Mullins and Cowser have been better against right-handers.

There's also the possibility the Orioles could use one of their excess outfielders in a trade for more starting pitching. Mullins can become a free agent after this season.

It will be a busy summer for former left-handed closer Billy Wagner, who will have his No. 13 retired by the Houston Astros before an Aug. 16 home game.

The news comes two weeks after Wagner, 53, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame during his final year on the ballot, an emotional announcement that brought the seven-time All-Star to tears.

"The game has given me so much, you know?" Wagner said after his selection to the Hall. "It's given me everything that I could possibly ask. So, I mean, I'm very grateful."

Wagner, whose 422 saves are eighth-most all-time, opened his career by spending his first nine seasons with the Astros before splitting his final eight years with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves.

The 5-foot-10, hard-throwing southpaw posted a 2.31 ERA while averaging 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings, each of which are tops among pitchers who have thrown at least 900 innings.

In addition to Jackie Robinson's No. 42, the Astros previously retired nine numbers: No. 32 Jim Umbricht, No. 40 Don Wilson, No. 25 Jose Cruz, No. 33 Mike Scott, No. 34 Nolan Ryan, No. 49 Larry Dierker, No. 24 Jimmy Wynn, No. 5 Jeff Bagwell and No. 7 Craig Biggio.

Left-hander Tim Hill and the New York Yankees on Tuesday agreed to a one-year, $2.85 million contract that includes a club option for 2026, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday, reuniting the reliever and the club after Hill excelled in New York last season.

The team option is for $3 million with a $350,000 buyout, sources told Passan. Hill will earn $2.5 million in 2025.

Hill, 34, unexpectedly became an essential cog in the Yankees' bullpen in 2024. After six seasons with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres, the veteran ground ball specialist began the season with the woeful Chicago White Sox until he was designated for assignment and released in June after recording a 5.87 ERA in 27 appearances.

A week later, the Yankees signed him to a one-year deal and watched him become one of the top left-handed relievers in baseball, posting a 2.05 ERA in 44 innings across 35 games during the regular season. He then pitched in 10 of the Yankees' 14 postseason games, limiting opponents to one earned run over 8 innings.

Wielding a funky sidearm delivery and 89 mph fastball, Hill finished the season with, by far, the highest ground ball rate (68.2%) among major league relievers while registering the lowest strikeout rate (10.7%). His 1.4% barrel rate ranked second in the majors.

Hill is the Yankees' fourth significant bullpen acquisition this winter, along with closer Devin Williams, Jonathan Loaisiga and Fernando Cruz. And he fills a glaring need: Before Tuesday, the club didn't have a left-handed reliever on its 40-man roster. Now it has one who was instrumental in its run to the World Series last October.