Expectations were sky high for last year's Boston Celtics, but a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and second-round playoff loss forced president of basketball operations Danny Ainge to reflect on the decisions he made.

"I think that in hindsight we should have cleaned out the roster a little bit to make it easier for (coach) Brad (Stevens), more joy for him to coach," Ainge told ESPN's Rachel Nichols.

The Celtics were expected to be title contenders in 2018-19 after losing in Game 7 of the conference finals the year before with a team devoid of injured stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. However, the duo's return to a rotation that featured Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brown, Al Horford, Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart led to a logjam of players.

"It just didn't mesh," Ainge said. "You know, it just didn't and I knew, and we talked about it."

Ultimately, Ainge said he refrained from trading any players last season because, after an uneven start, the team entered the All-Star break 37-21.

"So that's why I didn't do any deals, but in hindsight, you know, I would," Ainge told ESPN.

Going forward, Ainge said he'd be "a little bit more careful ... building another team that had such equal depth."

This year's Celtics are tied for the second-best record in the East at 12-4. They've done that without Irving and Horford, who each left in free agency, or Rozier, who was traded to Charlotte as part of a deal to acquire Kemba Walker.

And while some have attempted to cast blame on Irving for the failing of last year's Celtics, Ainge says that's unfair.

"I think it's silly that Kyrie is targeted as the guy just because he's not with us this year," said Ainge, who thinks he was also part of the problem.

"I'll blame all the players and I'll blame myself and we'll go from there."

Exclusive comment from Hyde Peters, who will no longer take on the UK Athletics CEO position

Zara Hyde Peters says she agreed with the UK Athletics (UKA) board that “for the good of the sport” she has not taken up the chief executive position at the national governing body.

Following confirmation from UKA that the former international distance runner would not be stepping into the role on December 1, she told AW: “I have agreed with the board of UK Athletics that for the good of the sport I will not take up the role of CEO in light of recent media reporting.

“This has been one of the most painful experiences I have ever had to face.

“Trial by media is almost impossible to deal with and is not a process that properly protects the rights of those caught up in it.

“I have been a lifelong participant in – and contributor to – the sport of athletics. I have always respected the interests of the sport and my fellow competitors, the officials, and all the many volunteers involved; these are the most important things to me.

“I have been so supported by the messages of support from athletes, coaches and friends from around the world.”

Willis Halaholo has hit back at critics of his selection for Wales' squad to play Barbarians.

The New Zealand-born centre qualified on residency at the start of November, but has been ruled out after suffering a serious knee injury.

His selection, along with fellow Kiwi Johnny McNicholl, led to some criticism on social media.

"[To] all the doubters, haters and people that don't think I belong here, you got your wish," he posted.

Halaholo was referring to tweets questioning whether players should be selected through residency rules.

And he continued: "you got 9 months to get better especially the ones that think it's ok for the other two Kiwi born to represent Wales but not me."

Halaholo was one of three New Zealand-born players in Wayne Pivac's first Wales squad.

The others are Hadleigh Parkes, who is already an established Wales international, and McNicholl who also qualified this month.

Halaholo's Tweet added: "I wasn't gonna say nothing but it's just sad to see people still live this way... if ur against the rule? Cool. If ur against me as a person then idk I wish u all the best...

"This country is in my heart now solidified. Because anyone that knows me knows FAMILY is huge for me. I have 2 welsh born daughters now that makes this country solidified in my heart.

"Nothing motivates me more than doubters and haters see u next season Peace and Love."

Halaholo will have surgery next week after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is likely to miss the rest of the season.

He became available for Wales after spending three years with the Cardiff Blues.

The residency qualification period for players in rugby union will be extended to five years from December 2020.

ADAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Wet grounds and a forecast with a high percentage of rain in the coming days have forced officials to cancel this weekend’s Possum Town Grand Prix for the Durrence Layne Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series at Magnolia Motor Speedway.

As a result, the Durrence Layne Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series season is now over and Jake Knowles has secured the series championship.

It’s the second year in a row that rain has washed out the Possum Town Grand Prix. Last year’s cancellation cost Knowles a chance to win the title, but this year’s washout worked to seal the deal for the second generation driver.

After 17 races, Knowles had 1,610 points with seven wins, 14 top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes driving the Knowles Race Parts and Bodies Longhorn. Knowles will receive a $10,000 check along with the Durrence Layne Cup at the Durrence Layne Racing Awards Banquet on Jan. 25 at the Gatlinburg (Tenn.) Convention Center.

Cruz Skinner will be the Durrence Layne Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series National Championship runner-up and the Cruise With The Champions Rookie of the Year. The 17-year-old driver had one win, 10 top-five finishes and 15 top-10 finishes to accumulate 1,504 points.

Oakley Johns will finish third in the Durrence Layne Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series point standings, followed by Wil Herrington and Tyler Wood.

WEYBRIDGE, England – Doug Herbert, the multi-time Top Fuel champion and founder of the B.R.A.K.E.S. national teen defensive driving program founder has received a special honor by the British Drag Racing Hall Of Fame.

The presentation was made during the organization’s annual Gala at the historic Outlands Park Hotel in Weybridge.

“Doug Herbert is from a drag racing dynasty that began with his father, Chet Herbert, who introduced roller cams and zoomie headers to our sport in 1949,” explained BDRHoF Chairman Stuart Bradbury.  “That lineage also includes Doug’s aunt, Doris Herbert, who published Drag News, the first great drag racing newspaper.

“Doug himself has won four IHRA Top Fuel championships at 10 NHRA national events,” Bradbury continued. “This award also recognizes and honors Doug’s his decision to establish the B.R.A.K.E.S. teen defensive driving program following the tragic deaths of his two sons is saving countless lives by training and educating teen drivers and their parents about the importance of safe, responsible driving.”

Established in 2008 following a tragic car crash that took the lives of Herbert’s sons Jon and James, the GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)(3) non-profit is supported by official vehicle partner Kia Motors America and several other corporate sponsors, major donors and grant providers.  Herbert developed the free lifesaving defensive driver training program to address the number-one cause of death among teens – car crashes – helping to improve road safety for all and prevent other parents from facing the heartbreak of losing a child.

Having surpassed 40,000 teens trained last month, the program is on pace to exceed last year’s record participation of approximately 5,900 teens and more than 6,300 parents taking part in the life-saving program, B.R.A.K.E.S. continues to offer comprehensive sessions for teens and their parents at locations throughout the United States.  d Southern California are scheduled for the final two months of 2019.

“I am deeply honored to have been recognized by this influential organization, which has had such an impact on the growth of drag racing throughout Europe,” said Herbert.  “This visit to the U.K. was also especially significant, as it provided an opportunity to meet with iAM RoadSmart and learn more about their vision in making European roads safer.”

WAYNESBORO, Va. – Dirt late model racer Logan Roberson will tackle Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in January for the first time in his young career.

Roberson has landed a ride with three-time POWRi National Midget champion Zach Daum for the 34th edition of the marquee event, held Jan. 13-18 inside the River Spirit Expo Center in Tulsa, Okla.

“I’m just really excited, this is a dream come true,” Roberson said. “I can’t thank Wynbridge, Inc. and Volunteer Speedway enough for believing in me and making this opportunity possible. We’re still seeking additional support to give us the best chance to be successful in this event.”

Roberson has been racing most of his life. He began racing at the age of six when he started racing Go-Karts. During a five-year run he accumulated more than 30 feature wins and two championships. Between his Go-Kart stint and the beginning of his late model career, Roberson acted as crew chief for his father’s operation, learning the responsibilities and requirements to maintain a successful racing program.

This year Roberson has scored 12 victories in crate late model competition in addition to dabbling in super late model competition.

“The Chili Bowl is impressive. What other race do you have nearly 400 entries for one class,” Roberson explained. “In my opinion it’s the biggest race in the world. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to further my motorsports career.”

Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announced Tuesday that coach Bill Peters has not been fired, citing an ongoing investigation into whether Peters directed racial slurs toward a former player.

Treliving cited the "serious nature" of the investigation, saying that the Flames "take it with extreme seriousness."

Sportsnet reported earlier Tuesday that the Flames had fired Peters, but Treliving told reporters he "has not been relieved of his duties; we are continuing this ongoing investigation right now."

Peters was not on the ice with the team as they practiced in Buffalo Tuesday and stayed back at the team hotel.

The allegations came from Akim Aliu, who played for Peters in 2009-10 with the Rockford Ice Hogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Aliu posted a tweet Monday night that read: "Not very surprising the things we're hearing about Babcock. Apple doesn't fall far from the Tree, same sort of deal with his protege in YYC. Dropped the N bomb several times towards me in the dressing room in my rookie year because he didn't like my choice of music."

Not very surprising the things we're hearing about Babcock. Apple doesn't fall far from the Tree, same sort of deal with his protege in YYC. Dropped the N bomb several times towards me in the dressing room in my rookie year because he didn't like my choice of music. First one to

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019

Aliu also addressed his allegations to TSN on Tuesday. He said Peters told him to stop playing hip-hop that the coach called "n----- s---." Aliu said he did not confront Peters at the time.

"What am I going to say? I was 20 years old and a first-year pro. I was too scared to speak up," Aliu told TSN. "I beat myself up every day over it."

Two of Aliu's Rockford teammates, Simon Pepin and Peter MacArthur, independently corroborated Aliu's account to TSN on Tuesday.

In a statement Tuesday, the NHL called the alleged behavior "repugnant and unacceptable" and said it would thoroughly look into the matter.

The Blackhawks also responded to the allegations in a statement Tuesday.

"The alleged actions by a former coach toward Akim Aliu while with the Rockford IceHogs are something we take seriously," the team said. "The purported incident had not been reported or brought to our attention prior to yesterday and had no effect on any player personnel decision regarding Mr. Aliu."

Aliu, now 30, was born in Nigeria but grew up in Ukraine and Canada. He most recently played for the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL in 2018-19. He played seven games in the NHL in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons -- both with the Flames. However, Peters was not the coach at the time.

Aliu followed his accusations on Twitter by posting: "First one to admit I rebelled against him. Wouldn't you? And instead of remedying the situation, he wrote a letter to John McDonough and Stan Bowman to have me sent down to the ECHL. 20-year-old on pace for 20 goals in his first pro year with zero PP/PK time was off to a great start in his pro career."

admit I rebelled against him. Wouldn't you? And instead of remedying the situation, he wrote a letter to John McDonough and Stan Bowman to have me sent down to the ECHL. 20 year old on pace for 20 goals in his first pro year with zero PP/PK time was off to a great start in his

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019

Pro career

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) November 26, 2019

Aliu told TSN that he would have accepted Peters' apology if he had received one.

McDonough is the president of the Blackhawks, and Bowman is the general manager.

Information from ESPN's Emily Kaplan was used in this report.

Barcelona will be without three of their first-choice back four for Wednesday's Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund, but coach Ernesto Valverde played down the idea of a defensive crisis, insisting his side remain well-covered at the back.

Barca are top of their group and a win against the Germans at Camp Nou would see them qualify for the last 16. However, anything but three points would likely leave them needing to get a result away at Inter Milan in their final game next month.

Gerard Pique is suspended for Dortmund's visit, while full-backs Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba are both injured. Clement Lenglet, meanwhile, missed the weekend's win over Leganes but Valverde says he should be fit to feature.

"Lenglet picked up a calf problem with France and we didn't risk him," Valverde said in a news conference. "But he trained on Monday and we think he will be OK for Wednesday. Pique is out but we also have Samuel [Umtiti], who did well at Leganes, and then there's the possibility of [Jean-Clair] Todibo and [Ronald] Araujo."

Sergi Roberto will return from suspension to fill in for Semedo at right-back, while Junior Firpo is expected to continue at left-back in the absence of Alba.

Away from a lack of bodies in defence, Barcelona's performances this season have drawn fierce criticism from the local press. Even when winning, as they did on Saturday, there have been complaints about the manner of their displays. Diario Sport dubbed it a "worrying win."

Valverde conceded there's room for improvement but was keen to add balance, pointing out that the Blaugrana remain top of La Liga and their Champions League group. They are also unbeaten in 34 games at Camp Nou in Europe, dating back to a loss against Bayern Munich in 2013.

"It's clear we have to improve," Valverde added. "No one is hiding that but we cannot lose perspective. Last year there was also criticism because we lost at Leganes. There was also criticism two years ago when we won 3-0. It's difficult to play there.

"We also have to value when we do play well and look for the positives. The other day we came from behind and the players displayed a good attitude."

Given the zest with which Ajax played on their run to the Champions League semifinal last season, midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who swapped the Dutch champions for Barcelona in the summer, had earlier been asked if he regretted the move given the side's perceived stylistic shortcomings.

"Of course not!" he responded. "I'm really happy to be here. It's everything I ever dreamed of. Of course we can play better. We're working really hard to improve -- hopefully you'll see that [against Dortmund].

"We know where we can improve. We are talking about it a lot. We have an amazing team, most of the best players in the world, but we know we can perform way better, even if things aren't as bad as people are thinking."

Joe Denly has become the latest member of the England squad to call for better batting pitches in the County Championship.

Denly, the Kent batsman, was one of the few England players to emerge with any credit after a poor display in the second innings of the first Test in Mount Maunganui. After making 74 in the first innings - his fourth half-century in six Test innings - he fought hard for three-and-a-half hours in the second before he was defeated by one that reared and took his glove.

But, having reflected on his first year as a Test batsman and compared it to his long career in the first-class game - 16 years and counting - he has come to the same conclusion reached by Jos Buttler earlier in the week: if England are to compete in overseas Tests, they will have to play domestic cricket that closer replicates the conditions seen in those Tests.

"Having played quite a lot of first-class cricket, certainly the last few years it has been very tough as a top-order batter," Denly said. "Going back to when I first started my career, the benchmark for runs in a season would be 1,200-plus. Some players were scoring 1,500 or 1,600.

"You don't see that any more. I think 1,000 runs is a pretty good season. That's the kind of standard that batters across the country are setting themselves.

"That, I think, is down to the pitches we play on. It's hard work, very rarely do you come across flat surfaces where you can almost book yourself in for 100, 200 runs. You work hard for every single run. Hopefully, we can start produce batter-friendly wickets. A bit in it for both bowler and batter."

While it has to be pointed out that the county schedule has been cut in recent times - each county plays 14 rather than 16 Championship matches a season - few would deny that Denly has a point. The combination of the Dukes ball, which tends to seam and swing for longer than other brands, and surfaces providing seam bowlers assistance has created an entertaining County Championship but also one that offers little comparison to conditions found in Mount Maunganui in recent days. And with England's bowlers lacking experience in bowling in such conditions and their batsmen lacking experience in batting in them, England slipped to their fourth innings defeat in 14 away Tests under Joe Root's leadership. Only one man in Division One of the Championship - Dom Sibley - made 1,000 runs in the 2019 season.

"Making big scores becomes a habit," Denly continued. "It's all very well saying we need to go on and get these big scores [for England]. But if it is not something you're used to doing [with your county], then it's not quite as easy as that. Hopefully, we can help these young batters by producing some better wickets for them to go on and get those big scores."

Although many will agree with Denly, improving county surfaces will not be easy. With limited-overs cricket occupying a window in the prime weeks of summer, the Championship programme has, in recent years, been pushed ever more towards early and late season when groundsmen have little chance of preparing flat batting tracks. Equally, groundstaff are hampered by the amount of tracks they are required to prepare, regulations removing the use of the heavy roller and pressure from coaches who demand result wickets. In the longer term, there is talk of playing the Championship at the same time as The Hundred, which might allow for better surfaces, albeit away from Test grounds, which will be required for The Hundred, and without many of the country's best players.

Meanwhile, Denly confirmed that he was fit - and keen - to bowl in the first Test. Although he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of the T20I series, he had recovered in time to play a full part in the first Test. He has taken 66 first-class wickets with his part-time leg-spin.

"I might have to reiterate to Rooty that I am able to bowl," he said. "I would have liked to have a bowl in this game. He did tell me to warm up just before Mitchell Santner got out. And then he got out so I didn't get that chance. I will be able to bowl in Hamilton."