Axios

Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges for sexual misconduct after a grand jury rejected all nine criminal cases on Friday.

Why it matters: This clears the way for Watson's career to resume, but the allegations are still the subject of civil suits and an NFL investigation, creating an uncomfortable situation for the league.

Cameron Smith won the Players Championship on Monday, outplaying the best field of the year over the course of five days of thunderstorms, frigid temperatures and impossible winds.

Why it matters: This year's $20 million purse is easily the biggest in golf history — and nearly double any of the four majors. The entire top 36 made at least six figures, and Smith earned a whopping $3.6 million.

With legal sports betting markets in 30 states plus Washington, D.C., this year's March Madness will generate the most betting in tournament history.

By the numbers: An estimated 45 million Americans could combine to wager $3.1 billion on the 2022 men's tournament, according to the American Gaming Association.

The top court in sports ruled Tuesday to uphold the UEFA's ban on Russian soccer teams participating in European competitions, AP reports.

Catch up fast: UEFA and FIFA last month banned all Russian club and national teams from international competition "until further notice" in the wake of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was a "game changer" for international sport and while banning athletes from Russia and Belarus "set precedents," suspensions must remain in place, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said Monday, per AP.

Why it matters: International sports organizations have taken unprecedented action against the Kremlin, which has spent large amounts of money to host global events including the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup, as President Vladimir Putin sought to bolster the country's reputation abroad.

The Paralympics ended Sunday in Beijing after nine days of intense competition that left no doubt of one immutable truth: Ukraine is alive.

Driving the news: Ukraine finished second in gold (11) and overall medals (29) despite "difficulties escaping the bombs" just to arrive in Beijing, as Ukrainian Paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych put it.

On the heels of the lockout, and with free agency back in full swing, here's a look at the net worth of MLB's 30 owners.

By the numbers: The Blue Jays, Mets and Braves are the only teams whose owners' net worth exceeds $6 billion, per USA Today.

Tom Brady said Sunday he plans to return to the NFL to play for his 23rd season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Why it matters: The surprise announcement comes after the 44-year-old Brady retired last month.