Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne were named finalists Thursday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 in their first year of eligibility. Five other former NFL greats made their first appearance as finalists.

Safety LeRoy Butler (Packers 1990-2001), wide receiver Torry Holt (Rams 1999-2008; Jaguars 2009), linebacker Sam Mills (Saints 1986-94; Panthers 1995-97), linebacker Zach Thomas (Dolphins 1996-2007; Cowboys 2008) and defensive tackle Bryant Young (49ers 1994-2007) were also named finalists for the first time, though all five previously had been eligible.

The other finalists for the Class of 2020:

• Steve Atwater (Broncos 1989-98; Jets 1999)

• Tony Boselli (Jaguars 1995-2001)

• Isaac Bruce (Rams 1994-2007; 49ers 2008-09)

• Alan Faneca (Steelers 1998-2007, Jets 2008-09; Cardinals 2010)

• Steve Hutchinson (Seahawks 2001-05; Vikings 2006-11; Titans 2012)

• Edgerrin James (Colts 1999-2005; Cardinals 2006-08; Seahawks 2009)

• John Lynch (Buccaneers 1993-2003; Broncos 2004-07)

• Richard Seymour (Patriots 2001-08; Raiders 2009-12)

As many as five of the finalists will be chosen Feb. 1 -- the day before Super Bowl LIV -- for the Hall's Class of 2020 by the board of selectors. The Class of 2020 will be formally introduced during the NFL Honors show that evening.

It is Lynch's seventh time as a finalist, Faneca's fifth time and the fourth time for Boselli, Bruce and James. Atwater and Hutchinson have each been a finalist three times.

Mills, who also played three seasons in the USFL before a 12-year NFL career with New Orleans and Carolina, is in his 18th year of eligibility and this year is the first time he has been named a Hall of Fame finalist. Mills and Atwater, in their 18th and 16th years of eligibility, respectively, have waited the longest for potential enshrinement among this year's finalists.

First-time-eligible finalists have been the headliners of the previous two Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. Ray Lewis, Randy Moss and Brian Urlacher were first-time-eligible finalists when they were chosen for the Class of 2018. Champ Bailey and Ed Reed were first-time finalists when they were chosen for the Class of 2019.

Polamalu played 12 seasons with the Steelers and was named to eight Pro Bowls; Wayne was named to six Pro Bowls.

Wayne and James were teammates with the Colts for five seasons.

The Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 will include just the five modern-era finalists who are voted for enshrinement, because this year the contributor and seniors enshrinees will be part of the Hall of Fame's Centennial Class that will include 10 seniors, three contributors and two coaches.

The modern-era Class of 2020 will be enshrined Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio, and the Centennial Class will be enshrined Sept. 16 during the celebration of the NFL's 100th year.

Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses' decision to return for his senior season has been held up as he seeks insurance protection for 2020. Earlier Thursday, his father, attorney Edward Moses Jr., said his son had given an "unadvised commitment" to come back to school rather than enter the NFL draft

Dylan Moses on Monday announced his decision to return to the Crimson Tide for the 2020 season. He missed all of this past season recovering from a torn knee ligament he suffered in August.

His father's statement, released Thursday on social media by Dylan Moses, said Dylan had received a second-round draft grade from the NFL advisory committee. His father is investigating whether Dylan has a "loss of value" claim against an insurance carrier after receiving a "mid-1st round NFL draft projection," the statement said.

Dylan Moses obtained the insurance policy on his own last spring. Loss of value coverage protects athletes from losing a predetermined future contract value because of significant injury or illness.

The statement goes on to say that Edward Moses Jr. was representing his son during negotiations with Alabama "to insure and to secure the proper protections for his return back to the University of Alabama's football team for his senior season."

Thursday night, Edward Moses Jr. told ESPN that he's looking into what type of insurance policy Dylan would be able to obtain if he were to return to Alabama after his current policy lapses, and that Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and the coaching staff have been "very understanding and supportive of Dylan."

"Coach Saban and his staff assured us that Dylan's health, as well as the health of his team and their futures, are the University of Alabama's highest priority," Edward Moses Jr. said. "For that, we are forever thankful. At the moment, we are just doing our due diligence."

As a sophomore, the Louisiana native and former five-star was a Butkus Award Finalist, leading the team with 86 tackles.

As of Thursday evening, Moses' original announcement saying he would return for his senior season at Alabama had not been deleted from his verified Instagram page.

"Football is not who I am. It is what I do," Moses wrote as part of the original post. "Life after football is what I am most concerned about, and I want to ensure I can put myself in the best possible situation to succeed in life, fulfill my goals and make my dreams come true."

Before his announced return, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had Moses listed as the No. 1-rated inside linebacker in the 2020 draft class.

Without Moses, Alabama's defense took a step back in 2019. Two true freshmen were forced into starting roles at inside linebacker and the Tide gave up a combined 94 points in two losses to LSU and Auburn.

TULSA, Okla. – California micro sprint ace T.J. Smith will pilot a second car for Mitch Elliott Motorsports at the upcoming Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, Jan. 13-18.

Smith, 30, will pair with teammate Cory Elliott for the week-long midget car classic, which takes place on a temporary fifth-mile dirt oval constructed inside the River Spirit Expo Center in Tulsa, Okla.

The Fresno, Calif., native will drive the No. 11s Capital E Trucking-backed, Esslinger-powered Spike.

Michael Faccinto was originally scheduled to drive the team’s second entry, but landed another opportunity with Dave Mac Motorsports, opening the door for Smith to return to the Chili Bowl for the first time in three years.

With two decades of racing experience under his belt, Smith brings a bevy of micro sprint laps – as well as selected USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series appearances – to the table as he preps for his fifth Chili Bowl appearance.

Smith, a three-time California Speedweek champion in non-winged micro sprint action, has never made the Saturday A-main at the Chili Bowl but is hoping to turn his luck around this year with the help of the Elliott family.

“Cory and I have raced together … probably six or so years now, on and off between the micro and other places,” Smith noted. “We ran almost three years against each other in the micro. And then the last few years, I’ve watched from the outside as they’ve run the midget stuff and we’ve run the sprint car stuff. But (running for the Elliotts) had been discussed about a month ago, just after Michael (Faccinto) had found out that he were going to run the other car (with Dave Mac Motorsports). Cory had mentioned that that seat was going to be open and we talked about putting something together.

“Once I put some fires out here and there as far as my situation, I let Cory know that I could run for them if they were still interested, and we got it all set up to go forward.”

Elliott is looking forward to having one of his longtime friends and rivals alongside him for the Chili Bowl Nationals, making for an all-California pairing as the duo looks to represent for the West Coast faithful.

“We want to go there and have a good run, but going with T.J. to the Chili Bowl will make a pretty good trip for us, I believe,” Elliott noted. “I’ve raced for years with him in micros, midgets, pretty much everything. And I told my dad from the beginning that if we couldn’t get Faccinto, I wanted to get T.J., because those guys are my buddies and I want to give him a shot.

“I’m really looking forward to having him and hope we can make some noise together.”

Smith’s best prior run at the Chili Bowl came in 2011, when he drove for Shannon McQueen and got all the way to the B-main on Saturday night before being bounced from contention.

With the strength the Elliott team has, Smith is confident he’ll have a shot to improve on that mark.

“If everything goes as well as it can, we should have a chance,” Smith noted. “I think with their equipment, their guys and their setup knowledge, as long as I’m on my A game, I think it’s a high possibility we could have a car in the A-main on Saturday. Winning something like that is huge, especially with the competition that’s there and the guys that do it every year.

“Being that Cory and his dad run a more locally-owned, family-based team, I think that a good goal for us would be to run around the A-main on Saturday or be in the B-main on Saturday,” he added. “If we could get somewhere in there, I would be extremely happy.”

Beyond that, Smith simply hopes to enjoy the week with the Elliotts and take the experience in.

“I’ve known the Elliott family for a while now, like I said, and they’re great people,” Smith said. “I’ve enjoyed racing against them and around them and I can only imagine now being able to go race with them. Knowing that they’re a local family that races full time and they have really good equipment, it’s a great opportunity for me to just go back and have fun while I try and do well and make a bit of a name for both myself and them as a team.

“I think it’s a win-win situation for both sides and can’t wait to get down there.”

SPEED SPORT’s Chili Bowl coverage is presented by MyRacePass, the official timing and scoring app of the 2020 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals. Fans can download the MyRacePass app on their phones to follow all the action during the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals. For more information on MyRacePass, visit www.myracepass.com and use the hashtag #GetTheApp on Twitter!

Wayne Rooney recorded an assist on his Derby County debut as the Rams defeated Barnsley 2-1 in the Championship on Thursday.

Liverpool restored their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League table thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after four minutes when he tapped home Andy Robertson's cross, and Sadio Mane made the points safe just after the hour mark when he smashed in the rebound after Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson parried his initial effort.

Positives

The Blades are one of the toughest propositions when it comes to Premier League visitors, but the early goal allowed Liverpool to take complete control early on, and despite threats of a quick response by the visitors, Jurgen Klopp's side never looked in danger of conceding chances.

Negatives

The conversion rate of promising openings into genuine goalscoring opportunities was poor by Liverpool's high standards, which, in fairness, was largely down to United's robust five-man defence. That said, the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were also not quite at their best when it came to a final ball.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- Business as usual for Klopp, who probably doesn't need to provide much in the way of team talks such is his side's machine-like form at the moment.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Alisson, 6 -- Forced into a stinging yet comfortable save from David McGoldrick's long-range effort as the Blades responded well to going behind, and gratefully saw Oli McBurnie's effort from a few yards out fall straight into his hands on the goal line late on.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 -- Didn't have as much joy in the final third as his colleagues on the other flank, but the England international provided some brilliant passing from deep, releasing James Milner and Mane into space on the way to two early Reds openings.

DF Joe Gomez, 6 -- Just the one minor hiccup when the centre-half misjudged a bouncing ball in midfield, but he fortunately had Virgil van Dijk behind him to tidy things up.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 -- Liverpool's Rolls-Royce makes defending look so easy, and this was another performance that saw the Dutchman glide imperiously through 90 minutes of a game that he always looked five seconds ahead of.

DF Andy Robertson, 7 -- The Scot capitalised on an unfortunate slip by George Baldock to lay the ball on a plate for Salah to tuck away the early opener. The former Hull man was untroubled in his own defensive third and was subbed off in the closing stages for Adam Lallana.

MF James Milner, 6 -- Drafted into the Reds starting lineup following a pre-match injury to Naby Keita, and the 33-year-old nearly got on the end of a teasing Alexander-Arnold pass that Henderson just about cut off. A solid display.

MF Jordan Henderson, 7 -- Provided a brilliant whipped cross which Salah was unfortunate not to score from in the first half, and the skipper was at the heart of everything. Kept play ticking over, whilst also dropping in at centre-half to allow the full-backs to venture forward.

MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 6 -- Almost found the top corner in the 19th minute when he shifted onto his right foot in the penalty area in what was a busy first half, but we saw slightly less of him going forward in the second period.

FW Mohamed Salah, 8 -- There was only going to be one winner when the Egyptian got on the wrong side of Jack O'Connell to slot home the opener after four minutes, and he could have had two or three more had it not been for a combination of heroics from Henderson and the woodwork. Also ended the game with an assist as he laid the ball on for Mane's strike, before being replaced by youngster Harvey Elliott in the final minute.

FW Roberto Firmino, 5 -- Not quite the Brazilian's day as he ultimately wasted several opportunities when in great positions to provide a telling pass. Nearly found the net in the second half with a rasping drive from distance but still searching for his first Premier League goal at Anfield since March.

FW Sadio Mane, 6 -- Buzzed about the pitch with his usual intensity and tenacity, and while he generally struggled to deliver an end product, his endeavor was rewarded as he followed up his own saved shot to whack the ball into an empty net to put the game to bed. Replaced by Divock Origi for the final 13 minutes.

Substitutes

FW Divock Origi, N/R -- The job was already done by the time the Belgian was drafted into the forward line.

MF Adam Lallana, N/R -- Slotted into midfield for the final few minutes.

MF Harvey Elliott, N/R -- Came on for the final seconds for his Liverpool league debut.

Australia chose to bat v New Zealand

Australia's captain Tim Paine won the toss and chose to bat first against a severely depleted New Zealand side on day one of the New Year's Test at the SCG.

Flu-like illness swept through the visiting team in the lead-up to the match, ruling out Kane Williamson alongside Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner. Tom Latham was named New Zealand's 30th Test captain, with Jeet Raval recalled, Glenn Phillips on debut, and Todd Astle, William Somerville and Matt Henry coming into the bowling attack in place of Santner, Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Australia, who had included wristspinner Mitchell Swepson in their squad, were unchanged from the combination that beat New Zealand by 247 runs in the second Test in Melbourne.

Conditions at the SCG are somewhat overcast, and the pitch has a combination of green grass and bare patches that should rough up to take increasing amounts of spin as the game goes on.

Australia 1 David Warner, 2 Joe Burns, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Matthew Wade, 7 Tim Paine (capt & wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 James Pattinson, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Nathan Lyon

New Zealand 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Tom Blundell, 3 Jeet Raval, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Todd Astle, 9 William Somerville, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Neil Wagner

Magic forward Jonathan Isaac is out indefinitely after an MRI on Thursday revealed a severe sprain and bone contusion in his left knee.

The team said in a statement that Isaac will be re-evaluated in 8-to-10 weeks.

"While this certainly is disappointing news, there was no damage to his ACL, MCL and PCL ligaments," Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said. "All signs point to a complete recovery and this should not impact his future growth."

Isaac was injured in the first quarter of Orlando's 122-101 victory at Washington on Jan. 1.

The 6-foot-10 Florida State product was in the midst of a breakout season on the defensive end. He's the only player in the NBA this season averaging at least 2 blocks and 1.5 steals per game and held opponents to just 46.7 percent shooting in the paint, 8th-best among 43 players to defends at least 200 such shots.

Overall, Isaac is averaging 12 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per game in 29.7 minutes per game this season.

Wales back row Josh Navidi has signed a four-year contract extension which will keep him at Cardiff Blues until at least 2024.

The versatile 29-year-old has spent his entire senior career at Wales' capital team and the new deal means he will have spent 15 years there.

"I have played all of my professional rugby here and playing here has got me to where I am today," said Navidi.

He has made 171 Blues appearances since making his senior debut in 2009.

In that time he has won 23 Wales caps and become a favourite of Wales and Blues fans while playing across the back row.

Navidi added: "With the squad we are building, with so much young talent breaking through each year to challenge the more established players, I am confident we can start challenging for honours again."

Blues head coach John Mulvihill said: "He has consistently been one of Cardiff Blues' best performers over the best part of a decade and he has now transferred that to the international stage, which is fantastic.

"He is Cardiff Blues through and through and is really excited about the future here and he has a huge part to play in that.

"On the pitch he is an absolute warrior, whether with or without the ball, he is a fantastic bloke off the pitch and a brilliant role model for our younger players."

Exeter Chiefs prop Harry Williams has been given a two-week ban following his red card in their 14-7 win against Saracens on Sunday.

The 28-year-old England international had been substituted following a head injury assessment earlier in the match but was sent off in the dying minutes.

Williams was judged to have left the technical area in order to join a 25-man melee following a disagreement between Duncan Taylor and Nic White.

His ban ends on Tuesday, 14 January.

"The referee [Wayne Barnes], who handled the situation in an exemplary manner, assessed his actions as an exacerbating the situation. Clearly it was behaviour against the spirit of good sportsmanship, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.27," independent judicial officer Richard Whittam QC said.

A Premiership Rugby statement continued: "Richard Whittam QC assessed the action as attracting a low-end entry point for 'other' behaviour in the sanction table in Annex 2 to Regulation 19. He did not strike another player and no one was injured as a result of his actions. He apologised to the referee immediately after the match and accepted the charge in advance of the hearing.

"In those circumstances the 4 week sanction was reduced to one of 2 weeks."

INDIANAPOLIS – Carson Short will compete on the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series trail this season for Daigh-Phillips Motorsports.

The pairing’s journey together begins with the season-opening Winter Dirt Games at Florida’s Bubba Raceway Park, Feb. 13-15.

Short, a one-time winner with the series during the 2016 Indiana Sprint Week round at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., has driven his family-owned No. 21 on the circuit since 2014.

For 2020, the ninth-place driver in last season’s standings will be back in black, this time with the No. 71p for the team which has won 19 series events since 2013 with drivers Dave Darland (17) and Jason McDougal (2).

McDougal vacated the Daigh-Phillips Motorsports seat during the offseason, allowing Short the opportunity to jump in the seat for 2020.

“I got word that Jason was going to do something else this year and not run the sprint car, so I called them up,” Short recalled. “I try to keep a good close relationship with everybody, but I related more to them just because they’re a smaller team, a family team per se, and just good, dedicated racers. I kind of based my stuff off that as well.

“They’re family owned and they’re there to race and not much else, and they’re strongly passionate about it.”

Short, whose offseason job throughout this winter involves laying pipeline in North Carolina, is proud to join a team whose 19 career wins with the series rank them within the 25 best in USAC National Sprint Car history.

Short’s three top-fives and 14 top-tens in 26 starts during the 2019 season ranked him within the top-ten in all three categories, and he feels the transition to Daigh-Phillips should be a match, considering their passion, talent and both having regularly competed utilizing the DRC chassis.

“(Steve Phillips) isn’t there for any BS,” Short stated. “He’s there to win races and contend for a championship because that’s what pays the bills. I can relate a lot to that. When I race my car, that race dictates what race I’m going to after that.

“With him setting up the cars for as many different drivers as he has, I don’t think there’ll be a problem with him and I mending well.”

The debut of the Short and Daigh-Phillips combo will begins in February in Ocala, Fla., where Short recorded fast qualifying time and established new one-lap USAC sprint car track records on consecutive nights to open the year.