On Sunday, police arrested a man accused of stalking WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark. The details of the alleged stalking are disturbing.
As OutKick reported Monday, "the Marion County Prosecutor's office alleged the man sent the Indiana Fever star numerous threats and sexually explicit messages via his social media accounts'" before eventually trying to physically contact Clark by traveling to Indianapolis.
So, how does Jemele Hill fit into all of this? Well, in September, Hill posted a lengthy message on X where she said, essentially, that Clark doesn't face the same "hate" that black women in the WNBA face.
Except, no other WNBA player has seen a man arrested because they were "very concerned for [their] safety." Clark did.
Now, several Chicago Sky players, including Angel Reese, claimed that a man "harassed" them and used racial slurs during an alleged incident in June. But there's no evidence that occurred, especially as the Sky players claimed.
And while Reese and the rest of the Chicago WNBA players couldn't wait to take to social media and claim that they were victims of harassment that may or may not have occurred, Clark never publicly mentioned that she had a man travel from Texas to Indianapolis to try and confront her.
It sure seems like Clark faced harassment unlike anything any other WNBA player had to endure. And, remember, this is just the one man that we know about because he took it to an extreme and had to be arrested. Who knows how many other people are badgering Clark on social media?
Certainly, we won't hear about it from Clark, who never talks about the "hate" she receives, even though many of her WNBA colleagues love constantly talking about their "haters."
So, Jemele Hill issued an apology and an acknowledgment that she was wrong, right? Well, not quite.
Instead, Hill tried to quietly delete the post and pretend she never sent it. Fortunately, social media and the Internet never forget.
But did anyone ask Clark about the "hate" that she faces on a daily basis? No. They were much more concerned with the black and LGBTQ players and their feelings than Clark's physical safety.
Hill had a chance to stand out among the crowd and issue an apology to correct her previous statement.
Unfortunately, she's just like the rest of the sports media; they have decided that Caitlin Clark is incapable of being a victim – even when she literally is the victim of a crime – because she's white and the black women of the WNBA are perpetual victims – even when they aren't actually victims of anything.
Heading into this 2024 NFL season, all eyes were on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Winners of back-to-back Super Bowls. Stars bigger than the game itself on the roster. Most importantly, NFL history on the line as the potential first team to ever win three straight Super Bowls.
The pressure was immense for this Kansas City squad, but when the regular season came to an end, the Chiefs came out as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, co-owning the best record in the NFL at 15-2.
But throughout the season, there was a large contingent of fans that scoffed as the wins piled up, minimized the team's success because of how close the wins were, and the ol' "refs were on their side" conspiracy theory was amply used.
So, as the Chiefs get ready for their divisional round matchup this week against the Houston Texans, Fox News Digital wondered what the players themselves thought about their regular season amid this massive pressure and scrutiny, even with the record speaking for itself in the end.
"I’d say the resiliency of this team," three-time Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey told Fox News Digital while also discussing his role, alongside teammates Chris Jones and Xaviery Worthy, in Doritos' "Crash the Super Bowl" ad campaign. "Battling close games, one-score games, two-minute drives to win games. Defensive stops to win games. All those situations where we’ve shown up and played our best ball. That comes with the work you put in through the offseason, through training camp, all those things.
"That resiliency you building through those dog days of camp and stuff. It’s shown week after week for us, and it’s something we practice a lot – those critical situations. I’m glad we’ve been able to step up."
Jones, the Chiefs' defensive captain and game-wrecking defensive tackle, agreed wholeheartedly with Humphrey, especially because of the injury bug forcing so many to step up during the season.
"We had a lot of players go down, a lot of important players go down throughout the season," Jones explained, touching on the offense with Rashee Rice, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, and Isiah Pacheco all suffering serious injuries.
"We’ve been able to adjust and continue to build off that, and that’s not an easy task. When your best wide receiver goes down, your starting running back goes down. There’s a lot factors that can play within that. We’ve been able to continue to build, and we’ve faced a lot of adversity this season."
One of those players is Worthy, the Chiefs' first-round draft pick who set a new NFL Scouting Combine record in the 40-yard dash. Worthy's speed has been a weapon for head coach Andy Reid in his offense, and though it took some time to get acclimated to the NFL, his chemistry with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has gotten better by the week leading into this latest playoff.
Battling adversity in the NFL, specifically when a key player goes down, means the next man has to step up. That's been Worthy, who is ready to continue building off a successful regular season.
"I’m just looking to be myself," Worthy said of his first playoff trip. "Continue to build and grow as a player in this league. I feel like that’s the biggest thing, where guys get in trouble with it is [when] they look at the end goal versus their own journey. I just want to take it week by week and do what I do."
Worthy is a prime example of what Jones pointed out about this group of Chiefs: Strong character.
Character has been built by winning 15 straight one-score games like the Chiefs had, dating back to last season. When the naysayers were viewing Kansas City's games in a negative light, the team was the exact opposite.
The blocked field goal against the Denver Broncos to remain undefeated wasn't a fluke. Nick Bolton crashing down on fourth-and-short against the Atlanta Falcons to ice a victory wasn't because he knew what play was coming.
Sure, there is luck that has come the Chiefs' way this season. Isaiah Likely's toe out-of-bounds in Week 1 on a game-tying touchdown on the final play of the game? Yeah, it was a bit of luck that rolled the Chiefs way, but sometimes that's just what happens in this crazy game.
The pressure, the naysayers and anything else that may be looking the Chiefs' way in a negative light will only be heightened as they chase history.
But these Chiefs players will continue looking past what's become a New England Patriots level villain role.
"I think it gives us a competitive edge, knowing everybody is against us. Knowing that nobody wants us to win," Jones said. "…. For me personally, it feels like it gives us an edge against everybody else because it feels like us against the world."
HELPING DORITOS CHANGE A FAN'S LIFE FOR SUPER BOWL LIX
While Super Bowl commercials are always a highlight of the "Big Game," Jones, Humphrey and Worthy can all agree they don't want to see them until after they air. That means they were playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
But these Chiefs got to view some fan-created ads that are part of Doritos' iconic Crash the Super Bowl campaign, which is a competition that challenges the fans to make better commercials than the advertisers because millions believe they can.
These Chiefs got to preview the semifinalists, including the three ads that were chosen as the finalists for this $1 million competition.
"There were multiple ads that I actually completely enjoyed.… I think all of them had their own special uniqueness about it," Jones said. "It was a fun environment that we were able to pick them out as a team, laugh about it, critique each one of them. But also feel heavily involved in the process."
Humphrey added: "Each person in the room likes different pieces of each commercial. So that’s the cool part about it. The fans did a great job this year making these commercials."
Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz reportedly died of a drug overdose in Arizona earlier this month.
The former Baltimore Orioles player was found dead in his home by his mother with a white substance in his mouth and drug paraphernalia near him on the floor, the Baltimore Banner reported, citing a Phoenix police report.
Matusz’s mother, Elizabeth, told authorities that the former athlete was battling drug issues and had made remarks like "there’s nothing left for me" and he "used to have it all."
She told police he had been clean for eight months, according to the Baltimore Banner. Two days before his death, on Jan. 4, Matusz was taken to the emergency room for reasons unclear. He was reportedly discharged that day and was advised to seek a mental health professional. He was taken to a facility but was not admitted.
He died on Jan. 6.
The Orioles announced Matusz’s death last week.
"A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face," the team said.
"Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
The Orioles selected the Colorado native in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego. He made his major league debut in August 2009 against the Detroit Tigers, going five innings with five strikeouts and getting the win.
He became a full-time starter in 2010 and finished fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting after he recorded 143 strikeouts and a 10-12 record in 32 starts.
He missed two months of the 2011 regular season, and by 2012, he was demoted to the bullpen.
Matusz played well in his bullpen role, lowering his ERA to under 4.00 in the 2013 season. He had an ERA of 2.94 during the 2015 season.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016 but never appeared for them. He signed with the Chicago Cubs and appeared in only one game for them as they snapped the Curse of the Billy Goat and won the World Series.
Eli Manning was named one of the semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s modern era ballot two weeks ago as he tries to get to Canton, Ohio, in his first year.
The former New York Giants star has a Hall of Fame worthy resume with two Super Bowl championships – both over Tom Brady and an undefeated New England Patriots team – as well as 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes. Those statistics were among the highest in the NFL ever when he retired from the sport after the 2019 season.
However, getting into the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot is an uphill climb as he will have to last as long as Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, Fred Taylor and a handful of others who have been on the ballot longer.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appeared on ESPN’s "ManningCast" on Monday during the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings and threw his support behind the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
"Eli, you don’t look that good in that hoodie, but you're going to look great in a gold jacket," Belichick told Manning. "I'm sure that's going to happen, and you deserve it so much to join Peyton in a gold jacket too."
Manning told the New York Post last week he was not exactly so sure.
"I guess it's different just because it's all out of your hands, you're not campaigning for it, you're not trying to talk to people about it or prove your point," he said. "If I get in, it will be an awesome, unbelievable few days down in New Orleans, and if I don't, it's not going to ruin it for me. I'm not going to be in a bad mood, I'm not going to be sulking around.
"Just to be included in the top 15 this year is a great honor, and so I look at all of this as positive and a fun experience."
If he does get in, the announcement ceremony would take place in New Orleans – Manning’s hometown.
It seemed like a wild dream that Deion Sanders could possibly become the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, but something appeared to be percolating on Monday night.
Sanders and Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones have talked about the possibility of Coach Prime jumping from the collegiate ranks to the NFL, FOX Sports reported, citing multiple sources. The talks were reportedly expected to continue as Dallas begins its search for a new head coach.
The NFL Network reported Sanders has "some interest" in the Cowboys job, and Dallas also has "some interest" in possibly bringing him in.
"To hear from Jerry Jones is truly delightful, and it’s intriguing," Sanders later told ESPN. "I love Jerry and believe in Jerry. After you hang up, and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body and the community."
Sanders had long been resistant to talking about leaving the Colorado Buffaloes for the NFL. However, he recently offered an ultimatum about whether he would take an NFL job – if he had a chance to coach his sons.
It may be difficult for the Cowboys to select quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first round. Sanders is expected to be one of the first few players taken off the board. Dallas has the No. 12 pick of the draft and would need to make a major move to move up the board. The Cowboys could potentially take Shilo Sanders later in the draft.
Deion Sanders played for the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999. He was a part of the organization’s last Super Bowl run – in 1995. He was a Pro Bowler in four of those five seasons.
The Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy earlier Monday after five seasons.
"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done," Jones said in a statement. "That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike's qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being.
"I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure."
Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman had some harsh words for the Dallas Cowboys after the team parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy on Monday.
McCarthy and the Cowboys split after the two sides failed to come to an agreement on contract length, according to multiple reports. McCarthy’s deal was set to expire on Tuesday, and the Cowboys will have gotten into the head-coaching carousel a little later than expected.
"I thought Mike McCarthy would be the head coach, so this is a bit of a surprise for me today that he’s not going to be … It suggests that there's not a real plan," he said before calling the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.
"I do think the Cowboys are obviously a high-profile team. Whoever is the head coach of that team is certainly going to draw a lot of attention, but I think most football people that take over as a head coach they want to do it on their terms and that’s hard to do.
"I love the Dallas Cowboys. I played there for 12 years. I wish them well. To say that it’s a coveted job, I’m not sure I would necessarily agree with that."
Aikman said it seemed "logical" that former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore would be a candidate for the head-coaching job. However, he made clear that anyone who came into the position may not be themselves exactly.
McCarthy became the head coach of the Cowboys before the 2020 season, taking over for Jason Garrett, who had spent 10 years at the helm. Though McCarthy went 6-10 in his first season, he saw some success when the team was healthy.
Dallas was 12-5 and won two division titles from 2021 to 2023. The team made the playoffs each year but failed to get back to the NFC Championship, which has eluded them since they last won the Super Bowl in 1995.
The Cowboys saw Dak Prescott’s 2024 season end early, and the team could not recover. The Cowboys were 7-10.
Nearly a year after he returned to Major League Wrestling, Matt Riddle defeated Satoshi Kojima at Kings of Colosseum to win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship for the first time.
Riddle recalled the "amazing evening" in an interview with Fox News Digital.
"It feels pretty good," he said of winning the title. "It’s been a long time coming, I felt. But you know, anything worthwhile isn’t easy, and it feels really, really good."
Riddle nearly got his hands on the MLW World Heavyweight Championship in 2018 when he battled the pro wrestler now known as Swerve Strickland. He came up short in the nearly 22-minute match.
After a trip in the independent circuit, WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Riddle found himself back in MLW last year, starting with a match against Jacob Fatu. He’s been on a roll since then.
"To be able to do everything I’ve done and then come back full circle and then win the heavyweight championship against Kojima, who is also an absolute legend, it couldn’t have been any better," he said. "It was a sensational weekend. The crowd was white-hot in Texas, and it was an amazing evening."
Riddle said his experience in Major League Wrestling has been even better than before. Riddle is far from the only notable name on the roster. Mistico, KENTA, Donovan Dijak, Tom Lawlor and Bobby Fish are just some of the notable names in the organization.
"It’s only gotten bigger and better from [a year ago], but even then, I was working with the best people in the business, and I was working with the best competition in the business," Riddle told Fox News Digital. "I lost in the finals against Swerve and we’ve all seen what he’s done since then just like everybody’s seen what I’ve done since then.
"MLW isn’t like a locker room full of pushovers. They got, quote, a laundry list of fires plus all the CMLL talent, New Japan talent. … Since I’ve been back, it’s just been top guys and a top promotion and getting the ability to have high-level matches."
Riddle may have started the year on top, but it’s only going to get tougher from here.
He will be back in action defending the championship against two opponents: Kojima and Alex Kane. The three will meet in a triple-threat match at MLW SuperFight 6 on Feb. 8 at Atlanta’s Center Stage.
With the Los Angeles Fire Department emblazoned across the chests of coaches and wildfires raging in Southern California back home, the Rams powered through to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
The game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., because of the fires. However, the fans showed up in full force and were treated to a big victory from the boys in blue and gold.
It really started on defense. The Rams sacked Darnold six times in the first half and three more times in the second half for a total of nine. Jared Verse also recovered a Darnold fumble and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t need to do too much. He was 19-of-27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown was to Kyren Williams and the other was to Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers.
The defense reverted Darnold back to the player he looked like earlier in his career. He was late to get passes off and looked indecisive for most of the game.
Despite the great season, he ended the playoff game 25-of-40 with 245 passing yards, a touchdown pass and one interception. His lone score went to tight end T.J Hockenson, who led the team with five catches for 64 yards.
Vikings star Justin Jefferson had five catches for 58 yards.
Los Angeles is back in the divisional round for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams will now hit the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will square off on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
The Vikings can start their offseason and figure what they’re going to eventually do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was brought in as an emergency in the offseason after J.J. McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles in training camp.
Now, Minnesota will have to make a decision on whether to give the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold around for at least one more season.
Sunday's wild-card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start.
Referees ruled that Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff. The Eagles recovered the ball and quickly took advantage of the short field. On Philadelphia's third offensive play of the game, quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.
Philly never trailed in the playoff game and eventually punched their ticket to the divisional round after defeating Green Bay 22-10. After the game, Nixon argued that the game officials — not him — were the ones who dropped the metaphorical ball.
Nixon asserted that he was the one who recovered the fumble in the pile-up, and he was stripped of the pigskin after what should have been considered a dead ball. The two-time All-Pro also claimed the fumble should have been negated because Eagles players committed an illegal hit which ultimately created the fumble.
"I got the ball back for sure and then it should’ve been targeting, helmet to helmet," Nixon said. "I’ve never been hit that hard."
Replay videos appeared to show an initial recovery by Nixon as he was being contacted by players from the opposing team.
The league office could review the play in question and issue discipline — such as a fine — at a later date should it determine that an illegal hit occurred.
On Monday, Nixon also expressed his lack of interest in returning kicks going forward. The 27-year-old instead wants to focus on being a cornerback on a full-time basis.
"I want to be CB1," Nixon said as players emptied their lockers for the offseason. "CB1 is not doing kick returns. That's just what it is." Nixon posted career-highs in pass breakups and forced fumbles this season.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw three interceptions during Sunday's loss. Meanwhile, Hurts finished the game with two touchdown passes.
Philadelphia awaits the winner of Monday night's game between the Los Angeles Rams. The wild-card round matchup was relocated to Glendale, Arizona, due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
Lincoln Financial Field has hosted Philadelphia Eagles home games for more than two decades.
During that time, the football stadium located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex has developed a reputation for being one of the toughest places in the NFL for opposing teams to visit. Eagles fans routinely flock to what locals affectionately refer to as "the Linc" and create a raucous environment.
But during Sunday's wild-card round game against the Green Bay Packers, one Eagles fan was seen relentlessly berating a woman who was wearing Packers gear.
Video that surfaced on social media shows an unidentified male fan in a green Eagles jacket directing vile remarks toward the Packers fan sitting in the stadium's upper deck.
At one point, the man appears to call the woman "dumb."
"What it’s like going to Philly just trying to root for your team…" a social media user captioned a video showing at least a portion of the unsavory exchange. "Unprovoked, uncalled for. Packers twitter, help me out and find this guy … this is not okay."
The video garnered more than 18 million views on X, formerly known as Twitter, as of Monday afternoon.
Another male in the video tells the Eagles fan to stop calling the woman names, to which the aggressor responds by saying, "She’s an ugly, dumb c---. You going to do anything? F--- up and watch the game."
The woman who was the source of the Eagles fan's apparent angst remained largely calm throughout the video. However, she did make a "boo-hoo" gesture at one point.
It is unclear whether the Eagles fan will face any punishment from the team.
As for the game itself, quarterback Jalen Hurts returned to action from a two-game absence after a concussion diagnosis. The two-time Pro Bowler threw a pair of touchdowns to help lift Philadelphia to a 22-10 victory over Green Bay.
The Eagles await the results of Monday night's game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. The game was relocated to Glendale, Arizona, due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The winner of the final game of the wild-card round travels to Philly this weekend for a divisional round matchup with the Eagles.
WWE star CM Punk started "Monday Night Raw" addressing the crowd in San Jose, California.
Before he started on about his aspirations of getting to WrestleMania 41 and taking another jab at Seth Rollins, Punk gave a special shoutout to the first responders and emergency personnel fighting the fires in the Los Angeles area.
"Real quick, before we get to CM Punk’s business, I need to say something real fast. I acknowledge all the firefighters and first responders in the great state of California and everybody in the surrounding states sending everybody to help fight this natural disaster, this fire," Punk said. "I’m talking Canada, Mexico — the people, we hear you, we appreciate you."
The crowd at the SAP Center cheered as Punk then declared himself as one of the entrants for the upcoming Royal Rumble match, which will take place on Feb. 1.
WWE was at the Intuit Dome a week ago for the debut of "Monday Night Raw" on Netflix. Punk defeated Rollins in the first main event of the new era.
The Los Angeles wildfires began Tuesday afternoon as winds whipped through the area. A few fires were ignited and spread quickly through the region.
More than two dozen people were killed in the devastation.
Officials warned earlier Monday the threat to the area is not over.
"We are not in the clear. I want to make sure of that. We are not in the clear as of yet, and we must not let our guard down," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.
"As the increasing wind event is upon us as we speak, the Los Angeles City Fire Department has maximized our resource capabilities and response capabilities," Crowley added. "All available LAFD resources have been staffed. I have strategically pre-positioned engine strike teams and task forces, which are dedicated to rapid response for any new fire that breaks out in the city."
Los Angeles Rams players and coaches showed support for the Los Angeles Fire Department on Monday night during their playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Players warmed up wearing "LAFD" T-shirts and hats and coaches were seen on the sideline wearing the same apparel as they got ready for the wild-card game.
The game between the Rams and the Vikings was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calfornia, on Thursday due to the spate of wildfires that devastated the city of Los Angeles to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona — the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
Some Rams players were forced to evacuate their homes as the game was relocated. The team held practice on Friday and moved traveling to Arizona. On Saturday, the team had practice at the Cardinals’ facility and then Sunday got settled in their hotels without family.
Firefighters and other emergency officials worked through the week to contain the fires that left more than two dozen people dead. Officials warned that the fire threat wasn’t finished with more high winds expected to blow through the area once again.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke about the decision to move the game in an interview with ESPN before the game.
"What the people in Los Angeles are going through, the devastation, the loss, the heartache all of us feel for them, we knew the game couldn’t be played there by Thursday," he said. "The public safety and compromising any of that was not something we do. And we wanted to make sure the focus for the first responders was taking care of the people that are struggling out there so much.
"When we made that decision, the league comes together. We have preparations or what we call contingency plans that includes two stadiums every week, and this was a perfect fit as far as the location for the Los Angeles Rams’ fans, and I’m proud to say 45,000 of them made the trip over here, which is just extraordinary. Everybody came together and Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals are at the top of that list."
The Los Angeles Chargers also showed support for the Los Angeles Fire Department during their playoff game on the road against the Houston Texans.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league made the last-second decision to relocate the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings’ playoff game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona due to the wildfires in Southern California.
The move came on short notice as the decision was made on Thursday. Because of the game being played on Monday instead of the weekend, the teams had an extra day to pack up, get out of dodge and head south to play the game as emergency officials scrambled to quench the infernos in the Los Angeles area.
Goodell talked about the unprecedented move in an interview with ESPN.
"What the people in Los Angeles are going through, the devastation, the loss, the heartache all of us feel for them, we knew the game couldn’t be played there by Thursday," he said. "The public safety and compromising any of that was not something we do. And we wanted to make sure the focus for the first responders was taking care of the people that are struggling out there so much.
"When we made that decision, the league comes together. We have preparations or what we call contingency plans that includes two stadiums every week, and this was a perfect fit as far as the location for the Los Angeles Rams’ fans, and I’m proud to say 45,000 of them made the trip over here, which is just extraordinary. Everybody came together and Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals are at the top of that list."
Rams fans indeed made that trip down to Glendale, Arizona. The organization even got the field painted with Rams colors and the big LA logo in the middle of the field.
Before the game, the Rams were among the 12 Los Angeles and Anaheim area teams that announced a combined $8 million donation to those affected by the wildfires.
The money will go to support victims and those fighting the fires. The American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and several other local animal rescue organizations were named as the beneficiaries of the donations.
Anthony Edwards is one of the highest paid players in the NBA, but his wallet is taking another hit.
The league fined the Minnesota Timberwolves star $50,000 for what was described as "obscene gestures." The gestures in question were directed at a referee, the NBA determined. The latest punishment brings his season fine total to $285,000.
He has been penalized fives times this season for different behavioral transgressions, most of which stem from language.
Edwards, the top selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, inked a five-year rookie extension following the 2022-23 season. He earned All-NBA honors the following year, which brought the total value of his contract to $224 million over a five-year span.
The league cited Edwards' conduct with 1:26 left in the third quarter of the 127-125 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday during the announcement of the punishment.
Edwards, a two-time All-Star in his fifth season, had been subbed out with 2:25 remaining in the period. He received his NBA-leading ninth technical foul of the season while on the bench.
During December, he was docked $100,000 for profanity during a live television interview, $75,000 for a profane public criticism of the officiating and $25,000 for profanity in a media interview. In November, he was fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the court.
Edwards finished this past weekend's loss to the Grizzlies with 15 points. The T'Wolves entered Monday night's game against the Washington Wizards with a 20-18 record and sat in the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.
During his 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Ed Reed routinely gave opposing quarterbacks something to fear.
The ball-hawking safety left Baltimore after the 2012 season, played for the Houston Texans in 2013, before ending his storied NFL career with the New York Jets. Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
After his playing days ended, Reed pivoted to coaching — joining the Buffalo Bills coaching staff in 2016. Reed also spent three seasons in a support staff role with the Miami Hurricanes football program.
He is now starting a new chapter in his coaching career, but this time he is headed to the high school ranks. On Monday, Reed was named the offensive coordinator at Chamblee Charter High School in Georgia. The high school is located in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
While Reed's jump to high school football was largely unexpected, he does have connections to the school. His son, Edward Reed, is a two-way football star at Chamblee. Meanwhile, Reed's former Ravens teammate, Jamal Lewis, has a son on Chamblee's roster. Jazz Lewis is a freshman wide receiver.
Reed had previously shown interest in coaching at the college football level. Just over two years ago, all signs pointed to the former Miami star's return to the state of Florida. He was named Bethune-Cookman's next head coach in Dec. 2022.
However, in Jan. 2023, the historically black college and university (HBCU) opted against ratifying his contract. Before officially parting ways with Bethune-Cookman, Reed made some disparaging comments about the conditions of the university's athletic facilities during a live stream.
Reed later issued an apology for his remarks.
"In regards to my social media and comments about the University, staff and other institutions, I would like to sincerely apologize to all BCU staff, students and alumni for my lack of professionalism," Reed wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. "My language and tone were unacceptable as a father, coach and leader."
"My passion for our culture, betterment and bringing our foundation up got the best of me and I fell victim while engaging with antagonists on social media as well. I am fully aware of the hard working folks at our school who are also fighting to make things better and more financially sound."
Steve Wallace, who won three Super Bowl titles during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers, is one of a handful of notable Chamblee football alums.
While Reed spent his NFL career playing on the defensive side of the ball, his new role will allow him to call offensive plays. The Chamblee Bulldogs finished this past season with a 2-9 record.
Mike McCarthy's time as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys has come to an end, according to multiple reports.
The organization and McCarthy mutually agreed to part ways, according to a statement obtained by ESPN from longtime Cowboys owner, and general manager Jerry Jones.
"Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here."
Jones also shared his appreciation for McCarthy, saying, "I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure."
The Cowboys search for its next head coach is expected to kick off immediately.
Shortly after news surfaced about McCarthy's departure, former Cowboys star wide receiver Dez Bryant weighed in on the situation. "Great move for the Dallas Cowboys!" Bryant wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, Monday afternoon.
Bryant spent the majority of his NFL career with the Cowboys.
A few minutes later, Bryant appeared to take another jab at McCarthy as he shared his concerns about the prospect of Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty landing in Dallas next season. Multiple mock drafts have linked Jeanty, who rushed for 2,601 yards this past season and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, to Dallas.
"If Dallas is thinking about drafting Ashton Jeanty..Mike McCarthy damn sure is not the coach to coach him…"
The Cowboys rushing attack was largely underwhelming this past season. In what became a widely criticized move, the team decided against signing running back Derrick Henry. Henry rushed for 1,921 yards during his first season with the Baltimore Ravens.
McCarthy’s contract expired following a 7-10 season. Dallas was 12-5 each of the three years before that under him, but still hasn’t been past the divisional round of the NFC playoffs since its last Super Bowl at the end of the 1995 season.
Next season will be the 30th for the Cowboys since winning the last of their five Super Bowl titles.
Before taking the Dallas job after a full season out of coaching, McCarthy was with the Packers for 13 seasons and had a 125-77-2 record from 2006-18. He was 10-8 in the playoffs and led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Cowboys, 14 years ago.
Twelve Los Angeles and Anaheim sports teams announced Monday they would contribute more than $8 million to support victims of the wildfires that have plagued the area since last week.
The Anaheim Ducks, Angel City FC, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Sparks made the announcement in a joint statement.
The money will go to support victims and those fighting the fires. The American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and several other local animal rescue organizations were named as the beneficiaries of the donations.
Los Angeles residents who were forced to evacuate their homes due to the fires will also be the recipients of about $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise as well. The teams, in partnership with their own foundations, teamed up with Fanatics and the Fanatics Foundation to provide the gear. Evacuated victims can participate in the distribution events on Jan. 17 at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.
The wildfires have left dozens dead and thousands of structures burned. Several games have either been canceled or moved because of the wildfires as well.
The Rams were set to host the Minnesota Vikings in their playoff game on Monday night, but the matchup was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The Lakers already saw a game postponed last week due to the fires. The team said Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs will be dedicated to the Los Angeles community.
"We are committed as ever to Los Angeles," Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said in a news release. "We recognize it’s not just our community that has been impacted by this. We’re committed to helping people as much as we can and we’re going to do that."
Officials warned earlier Monday the threat to the area is not over.
"We are not in the clear. I want to make sure of that. We are not in the clear as of yet, and we must not let our guard down," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.
"As the increasing wind event is upon us as we speak, the Los Angeles City Fire Department has maximized our resource capabilities and response capabilities," Crowley added. "All available LAFD resources have been staffed. I have strategically pre-positioned engine strike teams and task forces, which are dedicated to rapid response for any new fire that breaks out in the city."
The Kansas City Chiefs star and his wife made the announcement in a post on Instagram. The child’s name is Golden Raye Mahomes. Their two other children – a boy and a girl – are named Bronze and Sterling, respectively.
Brittany Mahomes was pregnant throughout the 2024 NFL season and still managed to show up at most of the Chiefs’ home games at Arrowhead Stadium to support the quarterback and the team.
Patrick seemed to be worried about the timing of the birth. She was set to have the child this week in which the Chiefs could have had a playoff game. Patrick may have been in line to miss the birth if Kansas City didn’t win the games it needed to have homefield advantage and a first-round bye in the postseason.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was caught reading "Inner Excellence" on the sideline of the team’s wild-card playoff win against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Jim Murphy’s book on sharpening one’s mental skills took the top spot on Amazon’s bestseller list as of Monday morning. It was ranked 523,497th going into the game. Eagles fans also helped out by leaving positive reviews on the book’s Amazon page.
"AJ Brown recommended this book, so I’m looking forward to reading this. Fly Eagles Fly," one Eagles fan wrote.
"After seeing AJ Brown reading this book on the sidelines during the playoff game against the Packers, my wife and I researched it a bit and both bought a copy. I can't wait to start reading it," another review read, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia.
"I always revert back to the beginning of the book," he said. "It states if you can just have a clear mind and remember that nothing else matters, clear conscience, nothing matters negative or positive. You're willing to take risks. It also says if you're humble, you can't be embarrassed."
The full title of Murphy’s book is called "Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life."
The author was briefly a minor league infielder with the Chicago Cubs. He then became intrigued by the idea of training baseball players how to have confidence under pressure, according to The Associated Press.
Things skyrocketed from there.
Brown added that he usually has the book with him during games. He said Sunday night was the first time he was caught.
Latin music star Bad Bunny impressed the pro wrestling world when he battled Damian Priest in a San Juan Street Fight at WWE Backlash in 2023 and came out to a raucous crowd in Puerto Rico.
It wasn’t the first time Bad Bunny had been in a WWE ring – he made several appearances for the company in 2021 – and he’s hoping it’s not his last.
The music star told Rolling Stone he wants to compete in the ring again.
"I want to do it one more time," he told the magazine in an interview published Monday. "I want to put my life at risk in the ring. I felt like I didn’t risk it enough in the ring, and I want to do it. I want to scare my mother. When? I don’t know.
"We stay in contact with the people at WWE, we’re always paying attention to what’s going on. But when, I don’t know. I hope there’s a time where I can really get ready, like I did the last few times. And I’d love to take more time to get ready physically.
"But man, just like in music, I do this to get better and to do something different. Sometimes, I say, ‘I’m going to quit everything and just do wrestling full time.’ I feel like in wrestling, I just go sporadically as a celebrity. I’m going to go full time and be a heel. That’s what I’d love. I was always a fan of the villains more than the good guys."
Bad Bunny’s entrance into the 2023 match was one of the more celebrated moments from that year.
It’s unclear where he would fit in any upcoming storylines but with WrestleMania season upon wrestling fans, anything could truly happen.
