Reuters Sports News Summary

"To be clear there are no known, credible or specific threats to the Super Bowl or Las Vegas at this time but we are vigilant and we are prepared," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. Bankers: Saudis threaten prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe As a U.S. Senate committee investigates the possibility of a PGA Tour merger with LIV Golf, bankers and consultants who advise Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund have testified that they face "criminal and financial penalties" if they cooperate with the probe.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

NFL-No known threats but Super Bowl security is tight - Mayorkas

There are no known threats to Sunday's Super Bowl in Las Vegas but security will be tight, officials told a press conference on Wednesday which played out at the same time someone scaled the Sphere in what police called a "publicity stunt". "To be clear there are no known, credible or specific threats to the Super Bowl or Las Vegas at this time but we are vigilant and we are prepared," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said.

Bankers: Saudis threaten prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe

As a U.S. Senate committee investigates the possibility of a PGA Tour merger with LIV Golf, bankers and consultants who advise Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund have testified that they face "criminal and financial penalties" if they cooperate with the probe. According to a report by Bloomberg News, the PIF sued its advisers in a Saudi court last November preventing them from sharing information with the U.S. Senate committee on homeland security and governmental affairs.

NFL-Kelce thinking about Super Bowl bling not engagement rings

Travis Kelce admits he has been thinking about a ring, the Super Bowl variety he hopes to win on Sunday when his Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers and not the engagement one for girlfriend Taylor Swift that has social media buzzing. Speculation Kelce might get down on one knee at centre field after the Super Bowl and pop the question to his pop superstar girlfriend has had Swift's army of fans known as 'Swifties' in a tither and hardcore football fans scratching their heads.

Report: Candace Parker to re-sign with Aces

Two-time WNBA MVP and three-time league champion Candace Parker is returning to the Las Vegas Aces on a one-year contract, Winsidr reported on Wednesday. Parker, 37, is an unrestricted free agent after playing last season with the Aces. She averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 18 games (all starts) with eventual champion Las Vegas before a fractured foot and the resulting surgery ended her season prematurely.

Superstar Alex Morgan left off USWNT Gold Cup roster

Longtime star Alex Morgan isn't part of the United States Women's National Team roster that will compete in the Gold Cup later this month in Southern California. The omission stands out due to Morgan being a stalwart of the national program. The veteran of four Women's World Cups ranks fifth in USWNT history with 121 career goals.

Jazz send Simone Fontecchio to Pistons for Kevin Knox, pick

The Utah Jazz are sending forward Simone Fontecchio to the Detroit Pistons for former first-round draft pick Kevin Knox, a 2024 second-round pick and draft rights to Gabriele Procida, ESPN reported Wednesday. Fontecchio, 28, is in his second NBA season, both with the Jazz.

Golf-Woods to make PGA Tour return at Riviera

Tiger Woods will make his first competitive start of 2024 at next week's Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, the 15-times major winner said on Wednesday. Woods, who will serve as a player-host for the Feb. 15-18 PGA Tour event that benefits his foundation, announced his decision on social media.

Doping-Valieva blamed positive test on dessert prepared by her grandfather - CAS

Banned Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva blamed her positive doping test on a strawberry dessert prepared by her grandfather on a chopping board he used to crush his medication pills, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Wednesday. CAS published their Arbitral Award on Wednesday, setting out the reasons for the four-year doping ban handed down to Valieva in January.

Tennis-Djokovic to play Indian Wells for first time since 2019

Novak Djokovic is expected to return to Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open next month after a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and U.S. travel restrictions, according to the entry list released on Wednesday by tournament organisers. Also featured in the men's lineup is three-times Indian Wells champion Rafa Nadal, who missed last month's Australian Open due to a muscle tear but has since been included on the entry list for a Feb. 19-24 ATP 250 event in Doha.

Jets D Brenden Dillon to have hearing with NHL

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon is scheduled to have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Wednesday, one day following his illegal check to the head on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari. TSN reported that it's a phone hearing, which means Dillon could be facing a suspension of up to five games.