NCAA football oversight committee proposes stiff penalties for violations of transfer portal window

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA football oversight committee is recommending emergency legislation to protect the transfer portal window by issuing penalties for schools and coaches who circumvent the rules.

NCAA Transfer Penalties Football

The committee on Wednesday proposed the legislation to penalize schools who add players who did not make public their interest in transferring during the January transfer portal window.

The proposed legislation would become effective immediately if approved at the Division I cabinet meeting in April.

Among the proposed penalties, the head coach who accepts a transfer who did not properly enter the January portal would be prohibited from all recruiting, on-field coaching and team meetings for six games.

The school accepting the transfer would be fined 20% of its football budget. Also, the school would lose five roster spots for the following season, even if the coach who accepted the transfer is no longer employed.

Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks said it is important to enforce the transfer portal window rule.

"Attempts to circumvent the transfer window process is an issue for the sport," Brooks said in a statement released by the NCAA. "We want to let everyone know that this is not going to be allowed, and the committee wants to protect the transfer window that has been established."

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Buffalo athletic director Mark Alnutt, the chair of the oversight committee, said "significant penalties" are needed to enforce the transfer rule.

"We felt this was appropriate to place an emphasis on this rule with where we are in Division I football," Alnutt said. "We have a window for student-athletes to notify their school when they would like to enter the transfer portal. If there is movement without going through the process as it is legislated, the committee felt there needed to be significant penalties."

The committee also voted to eliminate the annual limit on official recruiting visits.

The transfer rule and compensation for players through name, image and likeness contracts have created other issues. The University of Cincinnati issuing its former quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, following his transfer to Texas Tech. Cincinnati is accusing Sorsby of breaching his NIL contract, which the school says was signed in July 2025 to cover the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Cincinnati says the contract included a $1 million buyout if Sorsby transferred.

Sorsby received the most lucrative deal of the portal period — a reported $5 million — to return to his home state for his final season.

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February 26, 2026

NCAA football oversight committee proposes stiff penalties for violations of transfer portal window

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA football oversight committee is recommending emergency legislation to protect the transfer p...

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Despite Mexico violence, FIFA president Gianni Infantino says World Cup will be a 'party'

MIAMI — The wave of violence that rocked Mexico and led the U.S. State Department to advise U.S. citizens to shelter in place has caught the attention ofFIFA President Gianni Infantinoin the buildup to the2026 World Cup, although Infantino said he remains confident matches hosted in Mexico this summer will be a celebration of the sport.

Following the killing of drug-cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera by Mexican security forces, violence broke out in multiple cities including Guadalajara, leading to flight cancellations, roadblocks and the shelter in place order. With the disturbances appearing to wane, normalcy is beginning to return, but only after dozens were reported dead.

Infantino, speaking at an event Feb. 25 to celebrate the opening of a FIFA museum at Miami's Freedom Tower, said FIFA has been in constant contact with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

More World Cup:World Cup host cities warn of 'unacceptable' funding shortfall

"We monitor the situation, we look at the situation, and things happen in the world," Infantino said. "We don't live on the moon; we live in the world. And when things happen, we have to trust the situation, authorities, the state, the police. We have to trust them with all our confidence and support Mexico, support a country that has suffered, that deserves the World Cup to be a party. And it will be a party."

Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada. Mexico City's historic Estadio Azteca is scheduled to stage the tournament's opening match, Mexico vs. South Africa, on June 11.

But Infantino has more pressing concerns before that. Guadalajara, which also will host World Cup matches, is scheduled to host two matches March 26 to help to determine the survivor of a six-team playoff.

"Nobody has to move anything," Infantino said.

Multiple league matches over the past several days, however, have been postponed.

Infantino spoke on a panel that included Miami Host City Co-Chair Rodney Barreto, Inter Miami owner Jorge Más and Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega.

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World Cup in Miami updates

Here are some key takeaways from the gathering:

• Barreto said the early returns he's receiving from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau show a 200 percent increase in hotel bookings during the World Cup. After the recent killings of Reneé Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by ICE officers, there were calls for a boycott of World Cup matches in the United States.

• Seven World Cup matches will be staged at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, including a quarterfinal and the consolation match. All eyes are on the June 27 match featuring Colombia vs. Portugal. FIFA officials said that match drew more than 30 million ticket requests — the most of any match in the 48-team tournament, including even the Cup final. The least-expensive tickets for Colombia-Portugal start at more than $2,200 on the secondary market.

• England's national team, ranked fourth by FIFA, is close to finalizing plans for two World Cup tune-up matches at Inter Miami's soon-to-open Freedom Park near Miami International Airport.

• Barreto said the Fan Fest scheduled for Bayfront Park in downtown Miami will go on as planned. Ray Martinez, COO of the Miami Host Committee, told The New York Times this week that the festival could be scrapped unless the committee receives funding from the federal government. Last week, New York scrapped a festival that had been planned for Liberty State Park.

• Barreto said plans will be announced to handle traffic, public transportation and security. The transportation plan will include Brightline, Tri-Rail and ride-sharing, he said.

• The FIFA museum, a first in the United States celebrating the history of the sport, is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is $18 per person, with discounts available to students. It's a permanent exhibit at the Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd.

Regarding the Fan Fest, Barreto said, "Our Fan Fest is happening. We're committed to it. It's all being staged. We have an agreement with the City of Miami, with Bayfront Park."

Barreto, longtime head of South Florida's Super Bowl Host Committees, added, "We've done this with numerous Super Bowls."

Martinez had expressed reservations because unlike Super Bowl festivals, which last about a week, the FIFA event is planned to stretch over 23 days.

Barreto said, "We're hitting all our marks internally with respect to fundraising and cooperation between city, county, state government and federal government, so we feel good. Thank God I'm not the chairman of the Guadalajara Host Committee. But Miami is ready."

Más expressed confidence that Miami Freedom Park will be ready for its debut April 4. Más saidLionel Messi, who led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup last season, is focused on assuring Argentina retains the World Cup.

Más couldn't help but reflect on how far his group and the region have come since Major League Soccer granted him a franchise seven years ago.

"We were sitting in a conference room in our office with a blank board and sort of saying, 'Oh, what do we do next?' to today, having a club that's considered really a giant in global football. Our visibility is global. We're the best-selling jersey on the planet (Messi's No. 10). We have the world's best player here. We're the MLS Cup champions. We have the World Cup in our city. We live in the best city in the world.

"I mean, things can't get better. It's a pinch-me moment."

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post:World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino weighs in on violence in Mexico

byNeo

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February 26, 2026

Despite Mexico violence, FIFA president Gianni Infantino says World Cup will be a 'party'

MIAMI — The wave of violence that rocked Mexico and led the U.S. State Department to advise U.S. citizens to shelter in p...

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Reports: Colts agree to let QB Anthony Richardson seek trade

The Indianapolis Colts have granted quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

Richardson lost the starting role to Daniel Jones in 2025 before later sustaining a season-ending injury in which he broke his orbital bone. ESPN reported that Richardson's vision has been restored.

The Colts appear intent to re-sign Jones, who performed well in his first season with Indianapolis after inconsistent play and multiple injuries (neck, ACL) with the New York Giants (2019-24).

That leaves Richardson on the outside looking in, nearly three years removed from being selected by Indianapolis with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Richardson, 23, is 8-7 as a starter in parts of three seasons, completing 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 TDs and 13 interceptions in 17 games (15 starts). He also has rushed for 634 yards and 10 TDs on 115 carries.

After losing the starting job to Jones, Richardson went on injured reserve following an accident during pregame warmups in Week 6.

Jones passed for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading Indianapolis to an 8-2 start. He played through a fractured left fibula and went 8-5 as the starter before his season ended with the Achilles injury on Dec. 7 in a loss in Jacksonville.

For his career, Jones has completed 64.7% of his passes for 17,683 yards, 89 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 83 regular-season games (82 starts) for the Giants and Colts. He has a 32-49-1 record as a starter. Jones also has rushed 444 times for 2,343 yards and 20 TDs.

--Field Level Media

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February 26, 2026

Reports: Colts agree to let QB Anthony Richardson seek trade

The Indianapolis Colts have granted quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, multiple media outlets ...

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Newark mayor says ICE operation caused multi-vehicle crash with injuries

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A car chase involving federal immigration enforcement officers led to a muti-vehicle crash Wednesday in Newark, New Jersey, city officials said.

MayorRas Barakasaidon social mediathat U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to pull over a van in the state's largest city when the driver fled. He said the ICE agents gave chase, resulting in an accident involving several vehicles, including one carrying three children.

Baraka said the driver of the van was injured and taken to the hospital.

It was not immediately clear the extent of the driver's injuries or why the person was being pursued by ICE. Baraka said Newark police were not involved with ICE's investigation and only responded to the crash.

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Spokespersons for Baraka, Newark police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

But the Democratic mayor, in his statement on X, criticized ICE's actions as reckless and dangerous. He noted that New Jersey state law bans law enforcement officials from chasing vehicles unless a suspect poses an immediate threat.

"Federal authorities should adhere to local laws regarding vehicle pursuits and exercise common sense," Baraka said. "Based on the damage they are inflicting on our communities, ICE has no business engaging in chases at anytime, anywhere — but especially in densely populated areas, and on roads still being cleared from a significant snowstorm."

Baraka wasarrested and chargedwith trespassing while protesting last May in front of Delany Hall, a newly opened federal immigration detention center in his city. The charge waslater dismissed.

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February 26, 2026

Newark mayor says ICE operation caused multi-vehicle crash with injuries

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A car chase involving federal immigration enforcement officers led to a muti-vehicle crash Wednesday ...

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'Elite' US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese pilots

An ex "elite" United States Air Force fighter pilot has been arrested and accused of secretly training Chinese military pilots for combat missions overseas, federal prosecutors said.

Former U.S. Air Force officer and pilot Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., also known by the call sign "Runner," was arrested in Jefferson, Indiana on Feb. 26 in connection to allegations he taught members of the country's foreign military overseas, the U.S. Department of Justiceannounced in a news release.

Brown, 65, was charged with providing and conspiring to provide defense services to Chinese military pilots without authorization, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), officials said. The overseas training took place over a more than two-year period that began around August 2023, when officials said Brown "willfully conspired with foreign nationals and U.S. persons to provide combat aircraft training to pilots in the Chinese Air Force," also called the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

"The United States Air Force trained Major Brown to be an elite fighter pilot and entrusted him with the defense of our Nation. He now stands charged with training Chinese military pilots," Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said in a statement. "When U.S. persons – whether military or civilian - provide training to a foreign military, that activity is illegal unless they have a license from the State Department. The National Security Division will use all tools at its disposal to protect our military advantages and hold to account those who would violate the AECA."

Brown was set to appear for his first court appearance in the Southern District of Indiana on Feb. 26.

FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said Brown's arrest emphasized the FBI's "steadfast promise to defend the homeland against all foreign and domestic adversaries."

"Brown allegedly sold out his country to train Chinese pilots with his expertise in United States' combat aircraft techniques," Barnacle said in a statement. "Brown's alleged betrayal exposed sensitive military tactics, threatening the security of our nation, our armed forces, and our allies."

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Who is Gerald Eddie Brown Jr.?

A U.S. citizen, officials said Brown served for more than two decades in the U.S. Air Force, leaving active duty in 1996 with the rank of major.

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During his military career, Brown "commanded sensitive units with responsibility for nuclear weapons delivery systems, led combat missions, and served as a fighter pilot instructor and simulator instructor on a variety of fighter and attack aircraft," officials said.

Those aircrafts included the following:

• F-4 "Phantom II"

• F-15 "Eagle"

• F-16 "Fighting Falcon"

• A-10 "Thunderbolt II" (Warthog)

Later in his career, Brown served as a commercial cargo pilot and, most recently, as a contract simulator instructor for two American defense contractors training U.S. military pilots on flying other aircrafts: the A-10 and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

'Sensitive military and export-controlled data'

According to a criminal complaint, around August 2023, Brown worked with a co-conspirator to negotiate with a Chinese national to hack into the computer networks of major U.S. defense contractors and to steal "sensitive military and export-controlled data" for China.

The Chinese national,Stephen Su Bin, pleaded guilty to charges in the case in 2016 and was sentenced to nearly four years in prison, the complaint continues.

Then in December 2023, Brown traveled to China to begin training military pilots for China, the charging documents continue. Officials said Brown spent several hours answering questions about the U.S. Air Force on his first day in the country. On his second day, Brown prepared and "presented a brief about himself for the PLAAF."

Officials said Brown remained in China until traveling back to the U.S. earlier this month.

It was not immediately known whether Brown had obtained legal counsel in the case.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:US Air Force pilot arrested for training Chinese pilots

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February 26, 2026

'Elite' US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese pilots

An ex "elite" United States Air Force fighter pilot has been arrested and accused of secretly training Chinese ...

Read More