Sports News Roundup: NFL-'Blown away': Hamlin thanks medical team, fans for support; Soccer-Ronaldo's Saudi switch another symbol of Chinese decline and more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

NFL-'Blown away': Hamlin thanks medical team, fans for support

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin posted a video thanking fans and his medical team nearly four weeks after he collapsed during a game and his heartbeat was restored in a frightening scene that sent shockwaves through the NFL. Hamlin has made a remarkable recovery since he collapsed during the Jan. 2 game on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, and received a standing ovation when he appeared at a postseason game between the two teams on Sunday.

Soccer-Ronaldo's Saudi switch another symbol of Chinese decline

Cristiano Ronaldo's headline-grabbing arrival at Al Nassr on a bumper pay deal captured global attention last month, but in an alternate world the five-time Ballon D'or winner may well have been destined for a move further east. The Portuguese striker's Saudi Arabia switch following the cancellation of his Manchester United contract has highlighted a shift within Asian football that started before the COVID-19 pandemic and which continues to have a significant impact.

Soccer-FA to investigate alleged racial abuse of Birmingham keeper

The Football Association said it would investigate alleged racist abuse aimed at Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge as a matter of urgency following an incident in their FA Cup game at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Birmingham manager John Eustace said Etheridge was abused by fans after he celebrated his side's stoppage time equaliser in the 2-2 draw in the fourth round.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy decries neutrality in sports at time of war

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the idea of neutrality in sports at a time when his country's athletes fight and die in war, while their Russian counterparts might be allowed to compete. Redoubling his efforts in what he called "a marathon of honesty" to stop Russian athletes from taking part in the 2024 Olympics, Zelenskiy said their presence would normalise Russia's invasion of his country.

NBA-'We got cheated': Lakers fume over referee decision in overtime loss to Celtics

The Los Angeles Lakers were furious after match officials admitted they missed a foul on a potential game-winning lay-up from LeBron James against the Boston Celtics, which allowed their rivals to snatch a 125-121 overtime win on Saturday. With the game tied at 105-105 and 4.1 seconds left on the clock, James attempted to drive through the Celtics defence but was fouled by Jayson Tatum, denying the Lakers veteran two points and free throws at the death.

Boxing-Beterbiev stops Yarde in eight to retain light-heavyweight titles

Unbeaten light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev stopped Britain's Anthony Yarde in a thrilling eight rounds at London's Wembley Arena on Saturday to retain his WBC, IBF and WBO belts. The Russian-born Canadian sent the Briton to the canvas with a punishing right and, after a count, the challenger's corner signalled to referee Steve Gray to stop the fight two minutes and one second into the round.

Basketball-Twice WNBA MVP Parker signing with Las Vegas Aces

Twice WNBA MVP Candace Parker is signing with the Las Vegas Aces, the double Olympic champion said on social media on Saturday after two seasons with hometown team Chicago Sky. The move will see the veteran forward and seven-times Women's National Basketball Association All-Star join forces with the reigning champions after leading the Los Angeles Sparks and the Sky to the title in 2016 and 2021, respectively.

Tennis-Belarusian Sabalenka crowned first 'neutral' Grand Slam champion

With daring, resolve and a thunderous forehand, Aryna Sabalenka rose above geopolitical tumult to become the first player to claim a Grand Slam title as a neutral at the Australian Open. The big-hitting Belarusian overhauled Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the final at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday while barred from representing the eastern European nation.

Soccer-Aberdeen sack manager 19 minutes after thrashing

Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen took just 19 minutes to sack manager Jim Goodwin after a 6-0 hammering at Hibernian on Saturday continued the club's woeful form. Goodwin was hanging on to his job after Aberdeen suffered a humiliating Cup defeat to sixth-tier Darvel on Monday and the latest capitulation proved the final straw.

Ice hockey-Rangers back right to 'beliefs' after Pride Night jerseys absent from warm-ups

The New York Rangers said they support individuals' rights to express their beliefs after players did not wear Pride Night warm-up jerseys ahead of Friday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Players were widely expected to take the ice to warm up wearing jerseys and using Pride-themed tape that honored the LGBTQ+ community as part of the NHL team's seventh annual Pride Night.