Why FBI director Kash Patel celebrated with Team USA hockey after gold medal victory
Why FBI director Kash Patel celebrated with Team USA hockey after gold medal victory originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Viewers of the United States men’s hockey team’s gold-medal victory over Canada were greeted by an unusual sight on Sunday.
A contentious figure watched on from the box seats as Jack Hughes’ overtime game-winner found the top corner. Kash Patel, the FBI director, watched on as the spectacle unfolded. Patel, a hockey enthusiast, then joined the U.S. team following the conclusion of the game to celebrate their win, and he was seen in the locker room drinking, singing and dancing with members of the Team USA hockey squad.
A source sent me this video of FBI Director Kash Patel partying with the US Men’s Olympic Hockey team. pic.twitter.com/egjmdhOAF6
— William Turton (@WilliamTurton) February 22, 2026
Videos emerged of Patel bumping shoulders with all sorts of on-ice luminaries, including Dylan Larkin.
The boys are partying with Kash Patel rn on Dylan Larkin’s IG live pic.twitter.com/zNLORT27m8
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) February 22, 2026
Clips of the interactions went viral on social media, leading onlookers to ask a noteworthy question: why was Patel at the game?
Here’s what you need to know about Patel’s presence at the 2026 Winter Olympics and his background in hockey.
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Why was Kash Patel at the Winter Olympics?
Patel was on the scene during Team USA’s win over Canada, having arrived in Milan on Thursday, according to CBS News’ Sarah N. Lynch and Daniel Klaidman.
Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.… pic.twitter.com/hBG987pxM2
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 22, 2026
RAISED 👊🏼🏒🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2aKrHQ2wxQ
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 22, 2026
He took a $60 million government jet to do so. The 45-year-old has long been scrutinized for his use of private flights, which is paid for entirely by U.S. taxpayers. Patel has been known to use jets to travel to sporting events and visit his girlfriend, according to The Daily Beast.
Patel’s presence at the contest appears largely be influenced by his passion for hockey. He’s a known follower of the sport who famously was in attendance when Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record in April 2025.
Nearly one year later, Patel was again in the stands for a memorable hockey affair. He praised Team USA throughout the competition, lauding both the men’s and women’s side on social media.
Snipe city for the red, white, and blue https://t.co/9vIfHEdrIH
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 19, 2026
Congrats ladies, amazing come back. You love America and Hockey and so do we, thanks for repping the greatest country on earth on the world stage so spectacularly. 🇺🇸🏒 https://t.co/WRxu56OAgP
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 20, 2026
In a statement posted to X, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson said Patel’s trip to Italy was planned months in advance. He also claimed Patel would conduct meetings with various officials and law enforcement partners.
This is the fourth public official event since Director Patel’s arrival in Italy. And for those wondering, I have yet to receive any follow up from CBS or MS NOW who purposefully misled people to think Kash was flying to Italy to hang out at the Olympics. https://t.co/eKVG0joHvE
— Ben Williamson (@_WilliamsonBen) February 21, 2026
Patel’s travels have come into sharp focus in recent months, with detractors labeling the pilgrimages as decadent and unneeded. While perched over the action in a box seat, Patel shared news of a fatal shooting at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s headquarters in Florida. The FBI, meanwhile, is still investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.
Has Kash Patel played hockey before?
Patel does play hockey. He embraced the sport as a child, playing it in his hometown of Garden City, New York.
At 45, Patel still gravitates towards the ice. He coached a youth hockey team prior to his ascension to the position of FBI director. He still laces his skates up from time to time, turning out for The Dons, a D.C.-based men’s recreational team, according to journalist Pablo Torre.
FBI director Kash Patel plays for The Dons, a D.C. rec-league hockey dynasty — and FBI officials “know to leave him alone on Sundays.”
Patel reportedly joked that he hurt his arm “kicking the sh*t out of The Deep State.”
But a teammate tells us Patel tore his bicep in The Dons’… pic.twitter.com/ia4OkGKdK5
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) April 17, 2025
“[FBI officials] know to leave him alone on Sundays — it’s a well-carved out thing,” an anonymous teammate told Torre.
Torre reported that Patel suffered a torn biceps while playing in the league. Publicly, though, he chalked up his injury to “kicking the sh– out of The Deep State.”
Kash Patel hockey career
Little is known about Patel’s hockey journey save for the fact that he took to the ice as a youngster and he currently plays for the Dons, a D.C.-based men’s rec side.
“I’ve been playing hockey ever since I was a kid, and I’m not going to stop playing if confirmed to be the next FBI Director,” Patel told the Washington Examiner in 2024. “I love this sport and decided to give back and had a rewarding experience as a youth hockey coach when I last lived and worked in the D.C. area.”
Patel is a defenseman on the Dons, known for his “grittiness”, according to the Washington Examiner. The Dons play 46 games a year, with their contests taking place on Sunday nights. They’re one of the D.C. area’s finest rec teams, having claimed four league championship in the past 12 years. In 2019, the Dons took home gold at the Lake Placid CAN/AM Challenge Cup, played in the same arena as the one the U.S. downed the Soviet Union in during their 1980 Winter Olympics matchup.
MORE: How USA hockey won first gold medal in 46 years after Miracle on Ice’ game
“He’s a team guy. He’ll block a shot, he’ll take a hit,” teammate Tommy Szabo said. “He’ll get in the dirty areas and grind and work really hard. Doesn’t expect a thank you or anything. He just goes out and basically does his job, and he fits in well.”
“The hustle factor is always there,” another teammate, Jordan Shahin, added. “He’s a tough kid, and definitely, he always wants to be out there.”
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-fbi-director-kash-patel-231124025.html
College basketball coach firings, changes: Live updates on who is out
The 2025-26 men’s basketball season isn’t over yet, but we’re alraedy seeing schools make coaching changes.
Numerous programs around the country are virtually eliminated from NCAA Tournament contention, barring a surprise conference championship win. Some athletic directors are already starting to get ahead of the curve.
Kansas State’s Jerome Tang was one of the first major dominoes to fall, although there’s still discourse between Tang and the school regarding his $18.7 million buyout. Kansas State claims it has bounds to fire Tang for cause, which would invalidate the total.
There are multiple mid-major coaches that are also on the rise and could be next up for Power Four gigs. Names like Saint Louis’ Josh Schertz, New Mexico’s Eric Olen and Utah State’s Jerrod Calhoun have all been wildly successful in 2025-26.
Here’s a running list of every head coaching change during the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season:
College basketball coaches fired in 2026: Full list
This story will be updated live.
Feb. 20: Joe Scott, Air Force
Scott was suspended indefinitely in January while being investigated for treatment of Air Force’s cadet-athletes. It was announced Feb. 20, however, that he and the school mutually agreed to part ways.
“Coach Scott’s passion for the game of basketball has long been evident in his competitive and direct coaching style. It was this coaching style that guided Air Force Basketball to some of the program’s most memorable achievements during his initial tenure at the Air Force Academy,” Air Force athletic director Nathan Pine said in the announcement. “This is a different day, and now is the right time for a new voice and a new approach to drive the culture and success of the men’s basketball program, aligned with the Air Force Academy’s mission of forging leaders of character developed to lead in our Air Force and Space Force.
“We thank Coach Scott for his 10 years of service to the Academy and wish him and his family well.”
Air Force went 97-183 in Scott’s second tenure as head coach from 2020 onward. He also led the program from 2000-04, taking the team to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2004. — Austin Curtright
Feb. 18: Steve Lavin, San Diego
Lavin won’t return to San Diego for the 2026-27 season but will remain as head coach for the remainder of the current campaign. The former UCLA and St. John’s coach has a 46-79 record at San Diego in four seasons, and currently holds an 11-17 mark this season.
“As my coaching tenure at USD begins to wind down, I would like to pause and express my heartfelt appreciation to President Jim Harris for presenting this life-changing opportunity in 2022,” Lavin said in the announcement. “Teaching and coaching at the University of San Diego has been an experience of unparalleled pride and joy. Specifically, I will carry forward the gift of participating in our players’ journeys, and will treasure the relationships forged along the way.” — Austin Curtright
Feb. 17: Jerome Tang, Kansas State
Tang led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in his first season at the helm in 2022-23, but it was a downward spiral from there. The Wildcats failed to reach the NCAA Tournament the next two seasons and had a 10-15 record with a 1-11 mark in conference play this season before Tang was fired.
“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” K-State athletic director Gene Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”
Kansas State is attempting to fire Tang for cause after he called out his players in a press conference after a blowout loss against Cincinnati. — Austin Curtright
Jan. 12: Marvin Menzies, Kansas City
Kansas City announced in January that Menzies would finish out the season at Kansas City but wouldn’t be returning for the 2026-27 season. The Roos hired former Maryland coach Mark Turgeon shortly after. — Austin Curtright
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which college basketball coaches have been fired? Live updated list
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mens-college-basketball-coaching-changes-003602562.html
No. 18 Michigan State women end No. 23 Minnesota's 9-game win streak with 75-61 victory
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jalyn Brown had 20 points, Kennedy Blair scored 18 and No. 18 Michigan State put an end to No. 23 Minnesota’s nine-game winning streak with a 75-61 victory on Sunday night.
Brown made 8 of 14 shots with two 3-pointers and both of her free throws for the Spartans (22-6, 11-6 Big Ten Conference). Blair made 6 of 9 shots and went 6 for 6 at the foul line, adding eight rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Freshman reserve Amy Terrian sank three 3-pointers and scored 11 for Michigan State. Grace VanSlooten had 10 points and six rebounds.
Tori McKinney made five 3-pointers and scored a career-high 29 for the Golden Gophers (21-7, 12-5). Amaya Battle totaled 11 points and seven rebounds. Sophie Hart pitched in with 10 points and nine rebounds.
McKinney hit two 3-pointers and scored eight by the end of the first quarter to help Minnesota build a 16-10 lead. McKinney had half of Minnesota’s 36 points by halftime and the Golden Gophers saw a 10-point lead shrink to two.
The Spartans trailed by eight after a McKinney 3-pointer early in the third quarter, but Terrian and Brown had 3-pointers in a 12-1 run over the final four minutes and Michigan State took a 58-49 lead into the final period. Minnesota got no closer than six over the final 10 minutes.
Michigan State shot 55.6% from the floor to Minnesota’s 33.3%. The Spartans bench outscored the Golden Gophers reserves 24-2.
Up next
Minnesota: At Illinois on Sunday in a regular-season finale.
Michigan State: Hosts No. 10 Ohio State on Sunday to close out the regular season.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-18-michigan-state-women-012514204.html
UCLA women blitz Wisconsin on Senior Day, win 21st in a row
Lauren Betts had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds as the No. 2 UCLA Bruins rout Wisconsin.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2026-02-22/ucla-women-wisconsin
Jacob Bridgeman holds on to win the Genesis Invitational
Jacob Bridgeman wins for the first time on the PGA Tour and threatens the tournament scoring record at the Genesis Invitational.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-02-22/jacob-bridgeman-genesis-invitational
During statue unveiling, Pat Riley reminds the disjointed Lakers of keys to winning
On the day his statue was unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena, Showtime era coach Pat Riley urged the Lakers to fight to create legacies worth chasing.
Middleton scores 25 points as Mavericks snap 10-game losing streak with 134-130 win at Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Khris Middleton scored 25 points and P.J. Washington added 23 to lead the Dallas Mavericks over the Indiana Pacers 134-130 on Sunday, snapping a 10-game losing streak.
Middleton also had seven rebounds and seven assists and was one of six Mavs players to score in double figures. Washington grabbed nine boards, and Marvin Bagley III had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Dallas ended its longest slide since skids of 10 and 15 games in 1997-98, and won for the first time since Jan. 22 against Golden State.
All-Star forward Pascal Siakam returned from a three-game absence and led the Pacers with 30 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Andrew Nembhard had 22 points and 11 assists. Jarace Walker added 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Kobe Brown scored a career-high 15 as Indiana fell to 0-3 since the All-Star break, losing its first home game since Feb. 3 — the longest stretch between home games in the franchise’s NBA history.
The Pacers played without Aaron Nesmith, recently acquired Ivica Zubac and T.J. McConnell because of injuries, and coach Rick Carlisle said before tip-off that injured All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is also now suffering from shingles. Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg also sat out for the third straight game with a sprained left foot, missing his only appearance in Indianapolis this season.
Dallas led most of the game but struggled to put this one away.
The Mavs led 36-33 after one quarter, 71-66 at halftime and then used a 12-3 third-quarter run to take a 94-84 lead. Indiana closed to 117-114 midway through the fourth but never regained the lead.
Up next
Mavericks: Will try to win their second straight Tuesday at Brooklyn.
Pacers: Hope to get their first post-break win Tuesday when they host the 76ers.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/middleton-scores-25-points-mavericks-004551359.html
Sidney Crosby reacts after Team USA win over Canada, being ruled out of game due to injury
After suffering a lower-body injury during the quarterfinal game against Czechia, Team Canada men’s hockey captain Sidney Crosby wasn’t able to play in the gold medal game.
On Saturday, Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to clinch gold.
The Penguins report that Crosby’s status decision for the final came down to the wire.
“It was pretty close,” Crosby said. “Ultimately, I wasn’t able to go out there and do what I needed to do in order to help the team. At that point, you have to make a decision that’s best for the group. It’s not an easy one, but that’s hockey.”
>>> PHOTOS: Team USA celebrates after winning first men’s hockey Olympic gold medal since 1980 <<<
Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal that made the U.S. men’s hockey team Olympic Champions for the first time since 1980. Hughes plays for the New Jersey Devils, who the Penguins are scheduled to face at home on Thursday.
Crosby reflected on his team’s performance throughout the Milan Cortina Games.
“I thought that the way we played all tournament, even the games leading up, I thought we were really good,” Crosby said. “We were tested in some of those games. It’s not easy to get to this point, and we just found ways. I thought one of our best games was probably today. And unfortunately, it doesn’t work out for us. But I’m just really proud of the group and the way we competed and the way we played.”
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https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sidney-crosby-reacts-team-usa-004136012.html
Longhorns Daily News: Could the Trinidad Chambliss NCAA ruling lead an SEC breakaway?
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 08: Trinidad Chambliss #6 of the Ole Miss Rebels celebrates after a two-point conversion against the Miami Hurricanes in the fourth quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s buzz out at the moment that the NCAA’s ultimate decision on whether Trinidad Chambliss will have eligibility to compete at the college level in 2026 could lead to the eventual fall of college sports’ governing body.
In other words, the SEC might break away if Ole Miss receives support from its member schools.
This is the somewhat wild theory poised in a recent USA Today column.
From USA Today:
“My god, a six-team SEC playoff with two first-round byes, and every game but the championship game played on campus. The final round played in Atlanta, the Mecca of bubba. It’s not that difficult to envision, or pull off. It doesn’t take anything but will and desire.”
Is the will among SEC members there?
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS
Austin American-Statesman: How to watch, what to know as 7 Longhorns head to 2026 NFL Combine
Austin American-Statesman: Texas vs Arizona: Replay as Reese Atwood injured but Longhorns get win
247Sports: Three takeaways from Texas’ 91-80 loss at Georgia, which snapped the Longhorns’ five-game win streak
ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION
Texas falls flat in 91-80 loss at Georgia
Aiden Robbins hits for cycle as No. 3 Texas beats Michigan State, 3-1
No. 3 Texas powers past Michigan State, 8-1
RECRUITING ROUNDUP
247Sports: Texas football recruiting dominoes to watch as the 2027 cycle moves on
Inside Texas: Red Oak standout Dhillon McGee adds Texas official visit
Inside Texas: North Forney WR Briceson Thrower seeing recruitment surge with Texas in mix
Inside Texas: Argyle WR Julian Caldwell breaks down recruitment after Hero 7-on-7
Inside Texas: Texas Longhorns Recruiting Intel: Five-star’s Ismael Camara and John Meredith + Champ Mays notes
SEC SHOWDOWN
Austin American-Statesman: Texas vs Georgia: Replay as Bulldogs snap 5-game win streak for UT
247Sports: Three takeaways from Texas’ 91-80 loss at Georgia, which snapped the Longhorns’ five-game win streak
Good Bull Hunting: Maroon and White game scheduled for April 18
Rock M Nation: Foul trouble looms large for the Tigers as they fall to top-20 Arkansas 94-86
Rocky Top Talk: Tennessee’s chances of an SEC Tournament double bye just got stronger after Saturday
Roll ‘Bama Roll: Tide wins sixth straight game
A Sea Of Blue: Mark Pope recaps gut punch at Auburn
WHAT WE’RE READING
SB Nation: Where are the next Olympics?
SB Nation: Johnny Gaudreau given emotional tribute by Team USA after Olympic gold win
SB Nation: Bear in the Shadows: The Untold Story of Paul Patterson
NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND
A quick blast from the past.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/longhorns-daily-news-could-trinidad-004131440.html
"I chose Germany, it happened naturally" Assan Ouédraogo
“I chose Germany, it happened naturally” Assan Ouédraogo
The Leipzig midfielder explains his decision to represent Germany instead of Burkina Faso
“I chose Germany, it happened naturally” Assan Ouédraogo
Assan Ouédraogo recently gave an interview to Sidwaya, where he explained the reasons behind his decision to represent Germany instead of Burkina Faso, the homeland of his father, Alassane Ouédraogo, a former international for the Burkinabè national team.
Assan Ouédraogo is regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation, having rapidly climbed the ranks. He had fans of the Stallions dreaming of seeing him don the Burkina Faso jersey. However, the prodigy opted for Germany. On his choice, he told the Burkinabè state media Sidwaya:
I was born in Germany, I grew up there and that’s where I was developed as a player. So it came naturally for me to represent Germany at the international level. I’ve played for almost every age group of the German national teams up to the senior squad.
Regarding his decision to play for Germany rather than Burkina Faso, Ouédraogo made it clear:
I was never approached by the Burkinabè football authorities. So I don’t know what kind of persuasion you’re referring to.
At just 19 years old, Assan Ouédraogo already has one cap and one goal for the Nationalmannschaft. The Leipzig midfielder is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chose-germany-happened-naturally-assan-004000633.html
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