The IOC prefers coaches and athletes not to express their opinions on anything outside of the Olympics.

Venezuela, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Nigeria, all hot spots in the world, deportation and tariffs. The Olympics are around a month away and Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the Milan-Cortina Olympics and Paralympics but will International Olympic Committee directors allow athletes to voice their opinions?

There is something called Rule 50. Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter provides a framework to protect the neutrality of sport and the Olympic Games. It states that. “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” Rule 50 has a clause that basically tells athletes and coaches to shut up. “It is a fundamental principle that sport is neutral and must be separate from political, religious or any other type of interference. Specifically, the focus for the field of play and related ceremonies must be on celebrating athletes’ performance, and showcasing sport and its values.” Rule 50 has more. “When an individual makes their grievances, however legitimate, more important than the feelings of their competitors and the competition itself, the unity and harmony as well as the celebration of sport and human accomplishment are diminished.” Athletes better just smile when getting their medals because the IOC does not want a repeat of the 1968 Mexico City protest by Thommie Smith and John Carlos that included a bowed head and a gloved fist in the air after an event. The two were protesting conditions in the United States. There are no demonstrations allowed on the field of play or in the Olympic Village or during Olympic medal ceremonies or during the Opening, Closing and other official Ceremonies. But athletes and coaches under certain circumstances can voice opinions on social media and even press conferences. It is better to be seen than heard in IOC circles.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

By: Ciao Miari, Daniel Valente

Four straight wins to close the season weren’t enough to save Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot in Atlanta.

The Falcons fired both head coach Morris and general manager Fontenot on Sunday, the team announced.

The major decisions came hours after the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints. It was Atlanta’s fourth straight victory. However, the team finished the 2025 season with a losing 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.

The Falcons said they will use a search firm to help find a new head coach and a different search firm to help find the next general manager.

In addition to these changes, Atlanta will also hire a new president of football from outside the organization, according to a statement from owner Arthur Blank. The new head coach and general manager will report directly to the president of football, who will have final say on decision-making. Blank adds that he plans to quickly find a president of football so that the individual can be “fully involved” in the hires.

President Greg Beadles will also add CEO to his list of responsibilities, succeeding Rich McKay. Beadles will “collaborate closely” with the president of football to ensure everything is “working toward the goal of a winning product.” Meanwhile, McKay will focus on Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment initiatives such as planning the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“I understand trust is built through action, not words,” Blank explained. “Honesty, effort, and accountability must be reflected in the way this organization operates and performs. Moving forward, every decision will be made with one clear objective – building a team capable of sustained success and competing for championships. I am confident that our new football structure and leadership will have us contending again soon.”

Morris, 49, had a brief stint as Atlanta’s interim head coach in 2020 and posted a 4-7 record. He won the full-time job in 2024 after the Falcons conducted a lengthy interview process to replace Arthur Smith. Overall, Atlanta went 20-25 under Morris.

The Falcons didn’t make any playoff appearances in five seasons under Fontenot’s management despite spending significant draft capital on standout skill-position players. From 2021-24, Atlanta used top-10 picks on tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta drafted Penix in 2024 roughly a month after giving veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180-million contract. Cousins hit free agency that year after sustaining a torn Achilles in October 2023.

Fontenot’s final draft with the Falcons also invited scrutiny. After drafting edge rusher Jalon Walker 15th overall, Fontenot gave up a package of picks that included his 2026 first-rounder to grab fellow edge rusher James Pearce at No. 26.

Retired quarterback Matt Ryan – the Falcons’ all-time passing leader – has recently been linked to a high-profile front-office position with the franchise.

City Ground Enters a New Era

Nottingham Forest has taken a decisive step toward reshaping its future with the formal submission of planning applications to redevelop the City Ground. The announcement signals one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the club’s modern history, while reaffirming a deep respect for a stadium that has stood at the heart of Forest for more than 120 years.

The redevelopment plans aim to transform the City Ground into a modern, sustainable, and iconic venue, while preserving its identity along the banks of the River Trent. Once completed, the project would increase stadium capacity to more than 50,000, allowing Forest to meet growing demand and compete at the highest level both on and off the pitch.

Marinakis Investment Shapes the Vision

The project will be fully funded by club owner Evangelos Marinakis, whose continued investment reflects a long-term commitment to Nottingham Forest and the city itself. The redevelopment is designed not only to enhance the matchday experience, but also to serve as a catalyst for economic growth across Nottingham and the wider East Midlands region.

Club officials have emphasized that the stadium project extends far beyond football. It is expected to generate jobs, attract visitors, and stimulate local businesses, while delivering a landmark venue that aligns with modern environmental standards.

Community Support and Collaboration

Forest acknowledged the strong public engagement shown during the consultation process, noting widespread backing from supporters and residents alike. That support played a key role in reaching the planning submission stage and has reinforced confidence in the project’s long-term value.

The club also expressed appreciation for its professional partners, including Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills, who have contributed expertise across design, engineering, and planning.

Working With Local Authorities

Attention now turns to collaboration with local and regional authorities. Forest will work closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, and Nottinghamshire County Council to move the project toward approval.

The club has stressed its intention to maintain an open dialogue with supporters and the wider community as the process continues. Forest believes that cooperation and transparency will be vital in achieving a successful outcome.

If approved, the City Ground redevelopment would represent a defining chapter in the club’s history. It would honor the past, serve the present, and lay foundations for a future where Nottingham Forest matches its ambitions with world-class infrastructure.

“Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the submission of planning applications for the redevelopment of the City Ground.

Our home for over 120 years will see a significant investment made by our owner, Evangelos Marinakis, to deliver a sustainable and iconic design which increases the stadium’s capacity to over 50,000. The redevelopment will be an integral part of the economic growth of the city and the wider region.

The Club is grateful for the positive public engagement and overwhelming support shown for our proposals ahead of the planning submission. We would also like to thank to our key partners, Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills for their support to date.

We look forward to working with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as our supporters and the wider community, to achieve a successful outcome in the near future.”