Maybe Marshawn Lynch just needed to leave the country in order to open up?

Lynch, the Seattle running back whose creative evasion of questions during Super Bowl week became a recurring story, gave a thorough answer when asked by a media outlet in Turkey — where he is appearing at a football camp — about the Seahawks' final controversial play against the Patriots that sealed their Super Bowl fate.

"To be honest with you, I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I was expecting the ball," Lynch said. "Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen."

FADING, FIGHTING? The Blackhawks are struggling, and there are consistent rumors of a divided locker room. Is Chicago in real trouble, or just having a rough stretch?

DEFENSE-MINDED If you like good defense, pay attention to the Virginia men's basketball team this postseason. That's about as good as it gets.