Former National Football League (NFL) running back Doug Martin, known for his remarkable career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has tragically passed away at the age of 36 while in police custody in California. The Oakland Police Department reported that Martin died following an alleged home break-in and a subsequent struggle with officers on Saturday. According to the department, Martin became unresponsive during the altercation and was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his condition. His family confirmed his death but stated that the cause remains unconfirmed, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Martin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expressed profound sorrow over his sudden passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the franchise. Born in Oakland, California, Martin was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft and quickly made a name for himself, rushing for 1,454 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in his rookie season. Despite his success, Martin faced challenges, including injuries and a four-game suspension in 2016 for violating the NFL’s drug policy. He later played for the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 2018. Martin’s legacy as a talented and resilient player continues to be remembered by fans and the NFL community.
分类： sports
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Dubai Games 7th edition dates announced; competition to feature tougher challenges
The seventh edition of the Dubai Games, a premier sporting event, is set to take place from February 12 to 15, 2026. Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the event promises to elevate its standards with more rigorous challenges. The Organising Committee has announced that this edition will feature five distinct categories: Battle of the Government – Men, Battle of the Government – Women, Battle of the Community, Battle of the Cities, and Battle of the Juniors. These competitions are designed to test both the physical and mental endurance of participants, emphasizing values of participation and collaboration. The event, supported by DP World as the Official Partner, Dubai Sports Council as the Strategic Partner, and Emarat and DAMAC as Diamond Sponsors, aims to reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for major sporting events. The Dubai Games continues to attract athletes and enthusiasts from around the world, fostering a spirit of unity and excellence in sports.
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Verstappen’s flawless US Grand Prix win tightens F1 title race
Max Verstappen of Red Bull delivered a masterclass performance at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, securing a flawless victory from pole position. The Dutchman led every lap, further closing the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s win, coupled with his triumph in Saturday’s sprint race, marked a perfect weekend for the four-time world champion, who has now reduced Piastri’s lead to 40 points after trailing by 104 in August. McLaren’s Piastri finished fifth, while his teammate Lando Norris claimed second place after overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc late in the race. Norris now trails Piastri by 14 points in the drivers’ standings, with five races and two sprints remaining. Verstappen expressed optimism about his title chances, stating, ‘We just need to try and deliver these weekends until the end.’ Piastri, meanwhile, remains confident in his ability to become Australia’s first F1 champion since Alan Jones in 1980. The race featured intense battles, including Norris’s struggle to pass Leclerc, who showcased exceptional defensive driving. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, just ahead of Piastri, while George Russell secured sixth for Mercedes. The event also saw incidents involving rookies Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz, with the latter receiving a grid penalty for the next race. Despite heat concerns, the race proceeded smoothly, with Verstappen’s dominance leaving little room for rivals to challenge.
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Morocco looks to build on first U20 World Cup title
Morocco has etched its name in football history by becoming the first Arab nation to clinch the Under-20 World Cup title. The Atlas Cubs triumphed over six-time champions Argentina with a commanding 2-0 victory in the final held in Santiago, Chile. Striker Yassir Zabiri was the hero of the match, scoring both goals, including a stunning free-kick and a precise volley. This victory marks Morocco as only the second African nation to win the tournament, following Ghana’s success in 2009. The win has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans flooding the streets in jubilation. King Mohammed VI, a key figure in Morocco’s football development, praised the team for their exceptional performance and unity. The triumph is seen as a testament to Morocco’s decade-long investment in football infrastructure, including the establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy and state-of-the-art training facilities. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has ambitious plans to continue this momentum, with eyes set on hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Despite recent protests questioning the allocation of resources to football, the royal palace has pledged increased funding for health and education. Morocco’s football success extends beyond the U20 team, with the senior men’s team reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the U23 team securing bronze at the 2024 Olympics. The FRMF is also focusing on developing women’s football, futsal, and beach soccer, aiming to establish Morocco as a global football powerhouse.
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How did thieves at Louvre carry out 7-minute heist; 60 investigators hunt for robbers
In a brazen daylight robbery, a group of thieves executed a meticulously planned heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, making off with eight priceless pieces of royal jewellery. The audacious theft, which took a mere seven minutes, has left French authorities scrambling to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen treasures. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon to his wife, Empress Marie Louise, and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, adorned with nearly 2,000 diamonds. The thieves gained access to the Apollo Gallery, home to the royal collection, using a furniture hoist and cutting equipment to breach a window and open display cases. A brief clip of the raid, captured by a visitor’s phone, was broadcast on French news channels. The museum’s staff intervened, forcing the thieves to flee and abandon some of their equipment. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the incident as a ‘major weak spot’ in the nation’s museum security, reigniting debates over the lack of adequate protection for cultural institutions. The theft has sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with far-right leader Jordan Bardella calling it ‘an unbearable humiliation for our country.’ President Emmanuel Macron assured the public that ‘everything is being done’ to catch the culprits and recover the stolen items. This marks the first major theft from the Louvre since 1998, when a painting by Corot was stolen and never recovered.
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Women’s World Cup: England clinch semifinal berth after Indian collapse
In a dramatic showdown at the Women’s World Cup in Indore, England secured their place in the semifinals with a narrow four-run victory over hosts India. Despite a shaky bowling performance, England’s competitive total of 288-8, anchored by Heather Knight’s stellar century, proved just enough to edge out the Indian side. Knight’s masterful 109 off 91 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six, was the cornerstone of England’s innings, earning her the Player of the Match accolade. The match took a dramatic turn when India, seemingly in control with 62 runs needed off the last 10 overs and seven wickets in hand, suffered a sudden collapse. The dismissals of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma in quick succession derailed India’s chase, leaving their tailenders with an insurmountable task. Mandhana’s reckless attempt to clear long-off and Sharma’s ill-fated slog sweep were pivotal moments that shifted the momentum decisively in England’s favor. India’s third consecutive defeat has left their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, with their upcoming match against New Zealand now a must-win encounter. Meanwhile, England’s clinical performance has cemented their position in the semifinals, sitting second on the table with nine points, just behind defending champions Australia. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her disappointment, lamenting the team’s inability to close out the game despite coming so close in their last three matches.
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Man United stretch Liverpool losing streak to four games
In a thrilling Premier League clash, Manchester United ended their nine-year wait for a victory at Anfield, defeating Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday. Harry Maguire’s decisive 84th-minute header secured back-to-back league wins for the first time under manager Ruben Amorim, marking a significant milestone in his tenure. The match began explosively, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring for United just 61 seconds into the game. Liverpool responded in the 78th minute through Cody Gakpo, but their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed when Maguire capitalized on a looping cross from Bruno Fernandes to seal the win. This defeat extends Liverpool’s losing streak to four games, their worst run in 11 years, leaving them four points behind league leaders Arsenal. The loss also raises questions about manager Arne Slot’s ability to integrate new signings, having spent nearly £450 million in the transfer market. For United, the victory narrows the gap with Liverpool to two points and lifts them to ninth in the table, easing pressure on Amorim. Maguire expressed the significance of the win, stating, ‘It means everything. We haven’t given our fans enough days like today.’ Liverpool, meanwhile, continues to struggle with form and injuries, compounded by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota earlier this year. The match highlighted their defensive frailties and lack of cohesion, despite their wealth of attacking talent. With this result, United reignites their pursuit of a record 21st English top-flight title, while Liverpool faces an uphill battle to regain their dominance.
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Pakistan mull third spinner as they look for South Africa sweep
Pakistan is contemplating the inclusion of a third spinner for the second and final Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, as they aim to secure a series sweep. Head coach Azhar Mahmood revealed on Sunday that either leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed or uncapped 38-year-old left-armer Asif Afridi could be added to the squad. This decision comes in response to the dry pitch conditions expected at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which is likely to favor spin bowling as the match progresses. The hosts triumphed in the first Test by 93 runs, with spinners claiming 34 of the 40 wickets on a turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch. Left-armer Noman Ali was particularly effective, taking 10 wickets, while Sajid Khan contributed six. Mahmood emphasized the importance of scoring heavily in the first innings, regardless of the toss outcome, to maximize their chances of victory. South Africa, meanwhile, will welcome back experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test due to a groin strain. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram expressed confidence in Maharaj’s return, highlighting his experience and skill set. Maharaj is expected to partner with Senuran Muthusamy, who impressed with 11 wickets in the opening Test. Markram acknowledged the anticipated spin-friendly conditions but viewed it as an opportunity for his team to level the series. He also praised Tony de Zorzi, who scored a century in the first Test, for his insights into facing Pakistan’s spinners, adding that his confidence would be a valuable asset for the team.
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Morocco beats Argentina to clinch its first Under-20 World Cup title
In a historic triumph, Morocco secured its maiden Under-20 World Cup title by defeating Argentina 2-0 in Santiago, Chile, on Sunday. Striker Yassir Zabrini emerged as the hero of the match, netting two crucial goals in the 12th and 29th minutes. This victory marks Morocco as the first African nation to claim the U20 World Cup since Ghana’s win in 2009. The Moroccan team showcased exceptional skill throughout the tournament, topping their group against formidable opponents such as Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. They continued their dominance in the knockout stages, overcoming South Korea, the United States, and France. For Argentina, this match marked their first defeat in the competition, dashing their hopes of securing a record seventh title. Despite the absence of key players Claudio Echeverri (Bayer Leverkusen) and Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Argentina managed to reach the final, but Morocco’s relentless performance proved insurmountable.
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Sheikh Rashed’s Powerful Glory steals the show on British Champions Day
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum’s Irish-bred colt, Powerful Glory, delivered one of the most astonishing upsets in horse racing history on British Champions Day at Ascot. The three-year-old sprinter, ridden by former British Champion Jockey Jamie Spencer, defied staggering odds of 200-1 to clinch victory in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1). This triumph marks the longest-priced Group 1 win in Europe since the Flat Pattern began in 1971, eclipsing the previous record held by Qirat’s 150-1 Sussex Stakes victory in 1971. The win was particularly remarkable given Powerful Glory’s recent poor performance, finishing last of five at Beverley just weeks prior. Trainer Richard Fahey, who had seen glimpses of potential in the colt, expressed his astonishment at the result, stating, ‘We’ve finally seen the real Powerful Glory today.’ The victory was sealed by a short neck over the favorite, Lazzat, ridden by James Doyle, who praised Spencer’s tactical brilliance. The day also saw Godolphin’s Trawlerman, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secure the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (G1), further cementing the stable’s dominance in staying races. French contender Calandagan, under jockey Mickael Barzalona, rounded off the event with a win in the Champion Stakes (G1), showcasing France’s continued prowess on the international stage. British Champions Day 2025 will be remembered as a day of historic upsets and unforgettable triumphs.