Russell Wilson responds to mention in Epstein files: 'Not TODAY satan!'

Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterbackRussell Wilsonturned to social media on Sunday, Feb. 1, to refute any connection with notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his name was referenced the Justice Department's latest release of Epstein files.

Several emails from Epstein and his personal pilot, Larry Visoski, were among themillions of pages of documentspublished by the DOJ on Friday, Jan. 30. In them, the two discussed Wilson's interest in buying Epstein's Gulfstream G-IV private jet in 2019.

"NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY satan!" Wilson wrote In his Feb. 1 post on X, acknowledging he did discuss a potential purchase with "some random plane broker," but saying he "had no idea whose plane" it was.

NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!Not TODAY satan!Some Random plane broker tried to sell me a plane. I had no idea whose plane and never bought the plane. Never talked nor Never met the man.Thank God!!! 🙌🏾https://t.co/ixPptB1X3A

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson)February 2, 2026

According to the Justice Department emails, Epstein had given Visoski permission to show Wilson the plane on Jan. 25, 2019, and that during the flight Wilson "took many photos and video" with his wife, Ciara.

Visoski's email to Epstein two days later said, "Russell Wilson (Seattle SeaHawks quarterback) is calling Gary non-Stop since his viewing yesterday. He wants your GIV."

Visoski also discusses a possible timeline for a sale, noting that Wilson "wants to sign his new contract with Seattle SeaHawks before letting the media and his team know that he is Purchasing a Plane."

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels greets New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson after the game at Northwest Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 21, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion, New York Giants QB

Later that spring, Wilson did end up signinga four-year, $140 million contract extensionwith Seattle that made him the NFL's highest-paid player at the time.

Wilsoneventually did purchase a different Gulfstream G-IV. TheSeattle Times reportsthat FAA records show the aircraft was registered to Seattle-based West2East 330 LLC in December 2020.

Publicist Stephanie Jones, whose firm represents Wilson, told the Times in an email Sunday afternoon that the Super Bowl 48 champion "never purchased the aircraft, nor was he aware that any aircraft discussed by third parties had any connection to Epstein."

Wilson, 37, is a 14-year NFL veteran who began last year as theNew York Giants' starting quarterback but was later benched for rookieJaxson Dart. He is set to become a free agent this offseason.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Russell Wilson had 'no idea' plane broker worked for Jeffrey Epstein

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

Russell Wilson responds to mention in Epstein files: 'Not TODAY satan!'

Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterbackRussell Wilsonturned to social media on Sunday, Feb. 1, to refute any connection with notori...

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Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows?

Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows?

Rain pouring down while Prince ripped an iconic guitar solo. Lady Gaga dropping in from the roof at NRG Stadium. Bruce Springsteen sliding across the stage.

These are some of the moments that have made Super Bowl halftime shows much more than just a break in the game. With world-class performers taking the stage every year, the Super Bowl halftime show has created lasting cultural memories.

As Super Bowl 60 approaches, fans are already speculating about what comes next:Bad Bunny's opening song, potential surprise guests, and the visual moments that could define the night.

In recent years, that anticipation has become part of the Super Bowl experience, with fans engaging long before halftime — from predicting the songs that will be played to guessing cameos. Before the 2026 halftime show is added to the list,PrizePickshighlights six great Super Bowl halftime shows to commemorate Super Bowl 60.

These iconic Super Bowl halftime shows were chosen based on live execution, cultural impact, replay value, stage presence, and cameos.

Paul McCartney

Super Bowl XXXIX, Feb. 6, 2005

Halftime Score: Patriots 14, Eagles 7

• "Drive My Car" – The Beatles

• "Get Back" – The Beatles

• "Live and Let Die" – Wings

• "Hey Jude" – The Beatles

Cameos: None

Final Score: Patriots 24, Eagles 21

Paul McCartney's halftime performance stood out for its simplicity and flawless execution — a needed reset one year after the infamous Janet Jackson incident. McCartney was the perfect performer as the NFL intentionally shifted toward a stripped-down approach to the show.

McCartney is one of the most consistent live performers in rock history and has the uncanny ability to connect with listeners of all generations. All generations love singing along with "Hey Jude."

The image of tens of thousands of fans singing along in unison was one of the earliest — and clearest — examples of how shared can create a lasting halftime show memory.

Dr. Dre's Hip-Hop Extravaganza

Super Bowl LVI, Feb. 13, 2022

Halftime Score: Rams 13, Bengals 10

• "The Next Episode" – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg

• "California Love" – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg

• "In Da Club" – 50 Cent

• "Family Affair" – Mary J. Blige

• "No More Drama" – Mary J. Blige

• "M.A.A.D City" – Kendrick Lamar

• "Alright" – Kendrick Lamar ft. Pharrell

• "Forgot About Dre" – Eminem (with Kendrick Lamar)

• "Lose Yourself" – Eminem (with Anderson .Paak on drums)

• "Still D.R.E." – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar

Cameos: Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak

Final Score: Rams 23, Bengals 20

The Super Bowl LVI halftime show from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, headlined by Dr. Dre, marked the first time that hip-hop fully took the stage — and it didn't disappoint. Alongside Dre — the legendary producer — there were plenty of surprise cameos from his collaborators: Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and an unforgettable 50 Cent scene.

Who better than Dr. Dre to bring together the era-defining tracks like "Lose Yourself" — with its unforgettable guitar riff — the driving bassline of "California Love" and "Alright," the timely anthem from Los Angeles' own?

There wasn't a dull moment in this performance, signaling hip-hop's long-overdue recognition within American pop culture, on the nation's biggest stage.

The sheer number of collaborators and surprise appearances from this performance helped normalize cameo speculation as part of the Super Bowl experience.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Super Bowl XLIII, Feb. 1, 2009

Halftime Score:Steelers 17, Cardinals 7

• "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"

• "Born to Run"

• "Working on a Dream"

• "Glory Days"

Cameos:None

Final Score:Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band took the halftime stage during what would become one of the greatest Super Bowls of all-time, sandwiched between James Harrison's 100-yard interception touchdown and an unforgettable photo finish.

Springsteen set the tone in the opening seconds with The Slide — a full-speed, knees-first dive across the stage that instantly matched the energy of the game unfolding.

This was the kind of halftime show that amplified the moment, with hits like "Born to Run" and "Glory Days" cementing the legacy of this halftime performance.

Rolling Stones

Super Bowl XL, Feb. 5, 2006

Halftime Score:Steelers 14, Seahawks 3

• "Start Me Up"

• "Rough Justice"

• "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

Cameos:None

Final Score:Steelers 21, Seahawks 10

If you think McCartney knows how to hold a crowd, meet the Glimmer Twins. Once Mick Jagger and Keith Richards opened with "Start Me Up" and got the crowd going, they had already salvaged what was a relatively boring Super Bowl.

Jagger's nonstop movements and Richards' guitar work sparked a fiery outing, with rock-and-roll energy oozing through America's televisions.

The moment that stuck was the slow build into "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," as the band's impressive catalog alone carried the show. Rather than feeling like a legacy act cameo, the performance rocked because it leaned fully into the Stones' legendary ability to command a stadium.

Lady Gaga

Super Bowl LI, Feb. 5, 2017

Halftime Score:Falcons 21, Patriots 3

• "God Bless America / This Land Is Your Land" (pre-recorded)

• "Poker Face"

• "Born This Way"

• "Telephone"

• "Just Dance"

• "Million Reasons"

• "Bad Romance"

Cameos:None

Final Score:Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT)

For Springsteen, it was The Slide. For Lady Gaga, it was The Jump.

While crooning a sincere homage to this country of mine to start, Gaga kicked off her outing by diving off the NRG Stadium roof, setting the tone for a visually striking masterpiece.

That was followed by a rapid-fire through the pop icon's biggest hits; Gaga blew through six of her classics in a well-rehearsed, well-choreographed show.

The combination of scale, execution, hits, and sheer replay value made this halftime performance feel instantly iconic — just like the 25-point second-half comeback that accompanied it.

Prince

Super Bowl XLI, Feb. 4, 2007

Halftime Score:Colts 16, Bears 14

• "Let's Go Crazy"

• "Baby I'm a Star"

• "Proud Mary"

• "All Along the Watchtower"

• "Best of You" (Foo Fighters Cover)

• "Purple Rain"

Cameos:The New Power Generation (band), The Twinz (dancers), Florida A&M Marching 100 Band

Final Score:Colts 29, Bears 17

Prince's Super Bowl halftime show has become the standard by which every performance has been measured since. Fans got career-defining originals, unexpected covers, and a build toward an iconic closing stretch, featuring a guitar solo during "Purple Rain" — performed as rain poured down.

The combination of live musicianship, visual timing, and stage command — as is expected by The Purple One — is why this performance is often cited as the greatest Super Bowl halftime show of all-time.

Even if Prince's halftime show isn't at the top of your list, one thing is for sure: That is the stuff that Super Bowl halftime legend is made of.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show Starts Before Kickoff

From sing-alongs in Super Bowl parties across America, to surprise cameo appearances, to rain-soaked guitar solos, the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows share one common thread: They create moments that people remember long after the game ends.

As Super Bowl LX approaches, Bad Bunny will look to write his own halftime chapter. And as history has shown, fans won't just be watching — they'll be debating first songs, surprise guests, and defining moments ahead of kickoff.

This storywas produced byPrizePicksand reviewed and distributed byStacker.

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows?

Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows? Rain pouring down while Prince ripped an iconic guitar solo. Lady Gaga dropping in ...

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NBA fines Mavericks HC Jason Kidd $35,000 for publicly criticizing officiating after Saturday's loss to Rockets

The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd $35,000 for publicly criticizing officiating after Saturday's loss to the Houston Rockets.

Kidd's frustration stemmed from a possession late in the game, where Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg drove against Rockets guard Amen Thompson and fell to the floor after missing a contested layup.

"I saw a foul," Kidd said after the game. "[Officials] Sean [Wright], Simone [Jelks] and Jason [Goldenberg] were awful tonight. The referees were unacceptable. It's a foul, and he needs to be at the free-throw line. Now, does he make both? That's up to the player, but the referees did not do their job. They were terrible."

Jason Kidd felt the referees "weren't consistent" in the Dallas Mavericks' road loss against the Houston Rockets. He felt there should have been a review after a missed call on Cooper Flagg's late left-hand layup.Kidd: "We're fine. We're going to play. We're not complaining.…pic.twitter.com/mQMPNzckBS

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth)February 1, 2026

Despite Flagg's 83 combined points against the Hornets and Rockets, which are the most by a rookie in a two-game span during the play-by-play era, it was not enough to help the Mavericks end their losing streak, which is now at four games.

Kidd also used profanities to address criticism aimed at him for playing Flagg at point guard earlier in the season.

Jason Kidd was asked by@RonKnowsSportsabout the national criticism for playing Cooper Flagg at point guard.Kidd: "Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bullshit. That's not — I've done this. I've played this game. I played it. I know what the fuck I'm doing."I…pic.twitter.com/NovR3R0PTV

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth)February 1, 2026

"I don't give a f***about the criticism. Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bulls***,"Kidd said. "That's not ... I've done this. I've played this game. I've played it at a very high level. I know what the f*** I'm doing.

With point guard Kyrie Irving out, Kidd experimented with playing Flagg in an ultra-big lineup just as he did with Giannis Antetokounmpo when he was the Milwaukee Bucks head coach. Flagg struggled at the start of the season.

Despite Flagg averaging 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists, and scoring a career-high 49 points on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets, it has not translated to wins this season.

The Mavericks are 19-30 and 11th in the Western Conference. Some of that has to do with injuries to Irving and Anthony Davis, whom they acquired a year ago in the trade for Luka Dončić. If the playoffs started today, the Mavericks would miss the postseason for the second straight year after making the NBA Finals in 2024.

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

NBA fines Mavericks HC Jason Kidd $35,000 for publicly criticizing officiating after Saturday's loss to Rockets

The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd $35,000 for publicly criticizing officiating after Saturday's lo...

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Ukraine's Zelenskiy says dignified, lasting peace realistic, ahead of talks

KYIV, Feb 2 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on ​Monday that it was ‌realistic to achieve a dignified and ‌lasting peace, ahead of the next round of peace talks with Russian and U.S. ⁠officials due ‌this week in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking after discussions ‍with his negotiating team, Zelenskiy said the Ukrainian delegation would also ​hold bilateral meetings with ‌U.S. officials during the two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, which are due to start on Wednesday.

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"We consider ⁠the bilateral security ​guarantees document with ​the United States to be complete, and we ‍anticipate further ⁠substantive work on documents related to recovery and economic ⁠development," Zelenskiy said.

(Reporting by Anna ‌Pruchnicka, Olena Harmash; Editing ‌by Daniel Flynn)

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

Ukraine's Zelenskiy says dignified, lasting peace realistic, ahead of talks

KYIV, Feb 2 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on ​Monday that it was ‌realistic to achieve a dignified and ‌...

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Coast Guard identifies victims and begins investigating fishing boat's sinking that killed 7

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials said Monday they have identified all seven victims who perished when a commercial fishing vessel sank in the frigid waters off Gloucester, Massachusetts, with no mayday call.

The Coast Guard on Saturday suspended its search for those aboard the Lily Jean. Authorities had launched a search and rescue mission early Friday after receiving an alert from the 72-foot (22-meter) vessel about 25 miles (40 kilometers) off the historic Cape Ann peninsula. They have since launched an investigation.

Accursio "Gus" Sanfilippo was the captain of the boat, and the crew consisted of Paul Beal Sr., Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short and Sean Therrien, the Coast Guard said in identifying the victims of the sinking for the first time Monday. Also aboard was Jada Samitt, a fisheries observer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Coast Guard and NOAA said. No one survived.

"A district-level formal investigation consists of a Coast Guard investigating officer who will receive evidence and testimony using formal rules and procedures regarding a recent marine accident," the Coast Guard said in a statement. "This type of investigation is launched for incidents of significant regional importance or those that may reveal broader issues with a class of vessel or areas of technical concern. "

Tragedy befalls fishing town

It is the latest maritime tragedy to befall Gloucester and its close-knit community of people in the fishing business. The city that inspired the book and movie "The Perfect Storm" is tied to 400 years of fishing history and, at times, tragedy. "The Perfect Storm" was inspired by the FV Andrea Gail, which went missing at sea in 1991.

Sanfilippo was well known in the community. The Lily Jean, Sanfilippo, and his crew were featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel show "Nor'Easter Men." The captain is described as a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, fishing out of Gloucester, in the Georges Bank. The crew is shown working in dangerous weather conditions for hours on end, spending as many as 10 days at sea on one trip fishing for haddock, lobster and flounder.

"We loved each other," Vito Giacalone, head of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, said about his relationship with Sanfilippo. "He treated me like a big brother and I treated him like my younger brother. To know the tragedy of this and to know the kind of character that Gus had, he'd be mortified to know that these lives were all lost."

Paul Lundberg, Gloucester's mayor, said the names of those on the Lily Jean would be added to a city memorial honoring thousands of fishermen who have been lost at sea.

NOAA said in a statement that Samitt was a fishery observer who was assigned to collect data from the vessel's catch. Fisheryobserversare workers on board fishing boats who gather data the government uses to craft regulations.

NOAA Fisheries said observer deployments would be suspended until after midnight Wednesday due to the sinking and the weather in the Northeast.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jada's family, the families of the six fishermen, the NOAA observer community, and everyone affected. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts made by the U.S. Coast Guard and the other fishing vessels that assisted in the search," NOAA said in its statement.

Fishing is a dangerous business

Deep-sea fishing in New England can always be hazardous, but it can be especially dangerous in the winter because of high waves, frigid temperatures and unpredictable weather. Commercial fishing is often cited as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

Everett Sawyer, 55, a childhood friend of Sanfilippo's, said he has known 25 people who were lost at sea. Cold winter conditions can complicate operations even for experienced sailors, Sawyer said.

"Things happen very quickly when you're out on the ocean," he said.

Search for survivors yielded no results

Searchers found a debris field near where the alert originated, along with a body in the water and an empty life raft, the Coast Guard has said.

Crews covered about 1,000 square miles (2,589 square kilometers) using aircraft, cutters and small boats over a 24-hour period. However, after consultation between search and rescue mission coordinators and on-scene commanders, the Coast Guard announced Saturday that it had determined that all reasonable search efforts for the missing crew members had been exhausted.

Officials said there was no mayday call from the Lily Jean as it navigated the frigid Atlantic Ocean on its way home to Gloucester. The Coast Guard was notified by a beacon from the boat that alerts when it hits the water.

The Coast Guard's Sector Boston commander, Jamie Frederick, has said icy temperatures and stormy conditions made finding survivors at night difficult, a task made more challenging bya nor'easterapproaching the East Coast over the weekend. Searchers dealt with 7- to 10-foot seas and freezing ocean spray, Frederick said. ___

Whittle reported from Scarborough, Maine.

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

Coast Guard identifies victims and begins investigating fishing boat's sinking that killed 7

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials said Monday they have identified all seven victims who perished when a commercia...

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Fulton County officials filing motion to challenge legality of FBI raid

Less than a week afterfederal investigators raidedan Atlanta area elections hub, Fulton County officials say they plan to challenge the raid in court.

On Jan. 28, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigationsexecuted a search warrantat the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center in Union City, southwest of Atlanta.

Officials say the FBI seized hundreds of boxes of physical ballots, voter rolls, photos of ballots and other materials and records related to the 2020 election.

The raids were met with support from those who believe PresidentTrump won Georgiain 2020, despite a lack of evidence so far, and widespread criticism from those worried about the integrity of the midterm elections and those hoping to move forward.

Fulton County plans to fight back

Fulton County intends to file a motion challenging the legality of the search, according to a statement shared by Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr.

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"I've asked the county attorney to take any and all steps available to fight this criminal search warrant," Arrington said. "The search warrant, I believe, is not proper, but I think that there are ways that we can limit it. We want to ask for forensic accounting, we want the documents to stay in the State of Georgia under seal, and we want to do whatever we can to protect voter information."

Arrington, a practicing attorney, says FBI agents were authorized to copy records under a court order, but they instead took the physical, original ballots. This includes in-person, absentee and provisional ballots, as well as voter rolls.

"They got copies of our voter rolls and all the original ballots," Arrington said. "Now we cannot verify that we've received everything back because there was no chain-of-custody inventory taken at the time the records were seized."

Officials said they will file a motion in the Northern District of Georgia federal court today.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today's Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Georgia officials plan to file motion against FBI raid of election hub

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

Fulton County officials filing motion to challenge legality of FBI raid

Less than a week afterfederal investigators raidedan Atlanta area elections hub, Fulton County officials say they plan to...

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Florida State's Gus Malzahn, who previously led Auburn and UCF, retires from coaching at age 60

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced his retirement from coaching Monday.

The 60-year-old Malzahn spent last season with the Seminoles after serving as head coach at UCF (2021-24), Auburn (2013-2020) and Arkansas State (2012). He won the 2010 national championship as an offensive coordinator at Auburn.

"After 35 years, it's time for me to step away from coaching," Malzahn said in a statement. "I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life."

Coach Mike Norvell promoted co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. to be the Seminoles' offensive coordinator.

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Florida State led the Atlantic Coast Conference in total offense and rushing offense in 2025. Florida State had nine 400-yard outputs in 2025, including back-to-back games with more than 700 yards for the first time in school history.

"I want to thank Coach Malzahn for his effort and dedication to our program over the last 14 months," Norvell said. "He did a wonderful job coordinating our offense and calling plays in 2025, and he has set a strong foundation for us to continue building on in 2026 behind the coordination of Tim Harris and the multiple other assistant coaches who are returning."

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphereandhere(AP News mobile app). AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-football

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 02, 2026

Florida State's Gus Malzahn, who previously led Auburn and UCF, retires from coaching at age 60

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced his retirement from coaching Monday. ...

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