Sports Brief: Week of Jan. 22 - 28

NFL: Super Bowl LIII

Forty-one-year-old Tom Brady will man the helm for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

In an interview with ESPN, Brady said there is “zero chance” this is his last game, regardless of the outcome. Brady has won five Super Bowl rings and has cemented his legacy as a future Hall of Famer.

The Patriots will play the high-octane offense of the Los Angeles Rams, led by running back duo Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson.

The Super Bowl will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 3.

NBA: Davis wants out, George launches MVP campaign

Forward Anthony Davis has informed the New Orleans Pelicans he will not sign a contract extension, verbalizing his desire to be traded.

The Pelicans have made no inclination of following through with a trade, but with Davis’ declaration, the Celtics may no longer be the frontrunners to acquire the All-NBA big man this summer.

The Los Angeles Lakers will make a strong push for Davis. Both LeBron James and Davis, who are represented by the same agent, have vocalized a thirst to play with one another, leaving the option widely entertained.

If Davis chooses not to resign with the Pelicans, he is primed to sign what is likely to be a five-year, $240 million max contract.

Paul George and Giannis Antetokounmpo headlined an MVP-styled marquee matchup as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks duked it out Sunday night Jan. 27. George finished with a strong double-double, posting 36 points and 13 rebounds. Antetokounmpo finished with 27 points and 17 rebounds and led a charge late in the game, which was snuffed by George in the remaining minutes, giving the Thunder the win 118-112.

Russell Westbrook added a triple-double but struggled from the field, knocking down only five of the 20 shots he took.

The Thunder will play the Orlando Magic tonight at 6 p.m.

MLB: Free Agency

Late into free agency, the two headliners, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, remain unsigned. The Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies appear to be the definitive suitors for the two superstars, but there are quite a few teams with money on the table.

Early buyers like the Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays are anticipated to opt out of the free agency race. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees might consider making a late push but have kept silent in the matter.

Spring Training opens Feb. 21 and is pressing the urgency of the signings.

College Basketball: AP Poll

The University of Tennessee tops the poll at No. 1 and has answered all the questions regarding their legitimacy after defeating Vanderbilt 88-83 in overtime Jan. 23. Duke comes in at No. 2, and Gonzaga sits at No. 3.

Tennis: Australian Open

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 and 6-3. This gives Djokovic 15 Grand Slam Titles, third to Nadal (17) and Roger Federer (20).

Djokovic has a winning record against both Nadal (28-25) and Federer (25-22). Djokovic now leads the pack in most Australian Open titles with seven.

In the women’s bracket, Naomi Osaka defeated Petra Kvitova 7-6, 5-7 and 6-4. Osaka has now won consecutive Grand Slam titles after winning the U.S. Open earlier in the year.