International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev is demanding that Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s Olympic gold medal be stripped in an effort to achieve "transparency and openness."

Khelif won a gold medal in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics under heavy scrutiny from the IBA, which was derecognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2023 amid concerns about the organization's governance, financial reliance on Russian state energy firm Gazprom and the integrity of the bouts.

Khelif was previously disqualified from the IBA for failing a gender eligibility test. Kremlev claimed at the time that unpublished DNA test results showed Khelif had XY chromosomes. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS

The IOC defended the results of the Paris Games, stating that Khelif and another boxer that faced gender eligibility concerns were the victims of a "sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA." Khelif has also publicly denied being transgender. 

In February, World Boxing was provisionally recognized by the IOC as the sport's governing body – a move that gave way to the organization later announcing a new gender eligibility policy that requires athletes to undergo mandatory sex testing. 

The policy change comes as the United States prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. However, for Kremlev, the possibility of Khelif missing international competition is not enough. In an interview with The Sun, he called for the boxer’s gold medal to be revoked. 

NEW OLYMPICS CHIEF CALLS FOR 'PROTECTING' WOMEN'S CATEGORY AMID GLOBAL TRANS ATHLETE WAVE

"I truly believe that a medal should be truly deserved. We must protect athletes and give them the best conditions," he said.  "I am here for truth, transparency and openness. And now the truth has been revealed.

"There should be no unfair fights in boxing and the international federations should take care of their athletes."

Khelif did not compete in an international boxing tournament in the Netherlands last month after failing to register in time before the applications closed.

Kremlev’s comments follow a bold statement from new IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who said last month that there has been "overwhelming support" to protect women’s sports categories. 

"We understand that there'll be differences depending on the sport … but it was very clear from the members that we have to protect the female category, first and foremost to ensure fairness," Coventry said. 

"But we need to do that with a scientific approach and the inclusion of the international federations who have already done a lot of work in this area."

Fox News Digital’s Jackson Thompson contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave just hours before he was expected to take the mound against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, MLB announced. 

The nature of the league’s investigation was not immediately known. 

Ortiz, in his first season with the Guardians, will remain on paid leave through the end of the All-Star break due to an MLB investigation, the league said, adding that it will not comment further until their probe is complete. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS

The Guardians also released a statement following MLB’s announcement. 

"The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that Luis Ortiz has been placed on leave per an agreement with the Players Association due to an ongoing league investigation.

"The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time, and will respect the league's confidential investigative process." 

DIAMONDBACKS BAN LOYAL SEASON-TICKET HOLDER AFTER REPEATED INTERFERENCE INCIDENTS

The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher was acquired by Cleveland in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that also included Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle in exchange for Spencer Horwitz. 

In 16 starts with the Guardians, Ortiz is 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA and 96 strikeouts. His losses are tied for the most in the American League currently. 

After getting scratched from Thursday’s lineup, Cleveland called up left-hander Joey Cantillo, who is 1-0 with one save and a 3.81 ERA in 21 appearances this season. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Supreme Court decided Thursday to review state bans on transgender athletes participating in public school sports.

Oral arguments will likely be heard later this fall regarding two cases in Idaho and West Virginia. Both cases are focused on state laws that prevent biological males from competing on girls’ and women's sports teams.

West Virginia, which enacted the "Save Women’s Sports Act" in 2021, is appealing a lower-court ruling that allowed transgender athlete Becky Pepper-Jackson to compete on the school’s cross-country and track teams. This past year, Pepper-Jackson qualified for the West Virginia girls high school state track meet, finishing third in the discus throw and eighth in the shot put in the Class AAA division. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Pepper-Jackson, who has been taking puberty-blocking medication, in an April 2024 ruling based on the Constitution's equal protection clause.

"It’s a great day, as female athletes in West Virginia will have their voices heard," West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey said in a statement. "The people of West Virginia know that it’s unfair to let male athletes compete against women; that’s why we passed this commonsense law preserving women's sports for women."

"We are confident the Supreme Court will uphold the Save Women's Sports Act because it complies with the U.S. Constitution and complies with Title IX," McCuskey added. "And most importantly: it protects women and girls by ensuring the playing field is safe and fair."

Idaho, which became the first state in the country to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports in 2020, asked the Supreme Court to hear its case involving Lindsay Hecox, a trans athlete wanting to compete on Boise State’s women’s track team. 

SCOTUS RULES ON STATE BAN ON GENDER TRANSITION 'TREATMENTS' FOR MINORS IN LANDMARK CASE

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld an injunction blocking Idaho state law in 2023. 

"Idaho’s women and girls deserve an equal playing field," Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador said in a statement. "I am thrilled the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear our case. 

"For too long, activists have worked to sideline women and girls in their own sports. Men and women are biologically different, and we hope the court will allow states to end this injustice and ensure men no longer create a dangerous, unfair environment for women to showcase their incredible talent and pursue the equal opportunities they deserve."

Thursday’s news followed a major victory for the Trump administration’s battle to safeguard the protections of girls’ and women’s sports. The University of Pennsylvania agreed to adhere to the resolution agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights after an investigation found that UPenn violated Title IX during the 2021-22 season because of the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. 

As part of the resolution, UPenn agreed to restore titles previously held by Thomas and issue an apology to female athletes impacted by the university’s policy which the Education Department found had violated Title IX. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt has a list written on a whiteboard in his room. 

It's a list of quarterbacks, and no, it's not the ones he aspires to be. It's the quarterback he wishes to topple heading into his 2025 season. 

Leavitt wouldn't divulge the exact names on the list, but it's a tactic he's used for some time now to help give him that extra push of motivation whenever he needs it. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It's something Leavitt learned from his older brother, Dallin, who played six seasons in the NFL at safety. 

"I never had a list growing up," Leavitt told Fox News Digital. "There were always people ranked higher than me that I’d look at, but I guess my brother kinda told me at one point, ‘You gotta go chase somebody.’ For him, that worked out really well. He always chased this one player growing up that was always rated above him and stuff, and he’d play against them, he’d win, and he’s still rated above him. 

"Took a few years before I really cared about that because I just was so under-recruited growing up that I wasn’t even listed – wasn’t even in the top 25 or the top 50. So, it’s kinda hard to put names up."

TEXAS' STEVE SARKISIAN TEMPERS HOPES OF FUTURE 'UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS' CONSIDERING MODERN COLLEGE LANDSCAPE

The list, now, is warranted for Leavitt, whose breakout season in his first year with the Sun Devils showed someone worthy of being in the conversation of the top college football quarterbacks heading into the 2025 campaign. 

Leavitt was an overlooked Oregon Ducks prospect before transferring to Michigan State in 2023. He only saw time in four games, and he made the jump again, this time to head coach Rob Dillingham's Big XII squad in Tempe. 

The move proved to be the best, as Leavitt helped lead Arizona State to the College Football Playoff after winning the Big XII Conference. Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns to six interceptions, while also rushing for 443 yards and five scores. 

"Now I’m at this point where I’m around top-10 guys, I put those names up and it just gives me a little bit extra," he said. "When I need a little bit extra motivation to get up 30 minutes earlier, or go to bed earlier, do my last few stretches, or watch this little bit of tape when it’s like, ‘Ugh, I really don’t want to.’ That list gives you that last little kick."

While he can provide fuel when needed, Leavitt's drive doesn't need to revolve around reading other quarterbacks' names every day. 

In fact, despite all the good that came out of last year for Leavitt, he isn't satisfied at all with the results. 

"I didn’t play to the level I wanted to play at, and I left so much on the table I felt like," he said when asked how he's reflected on the 2024 season. "That just gives me the drive in the offseason to go do what I should do. And that’s how every player should feel – you should never feel satisfied with what you did. 

"I even look back to my senior year when we won the state title, it just never sat right with me. I don’t know, I just didn’t play to the level I wanted to play at, and I guess that perfection is what drives me and makes me who I am."

The Sun Devils now have a target on their backs as the reigning Big XII champions, so Leavitt and his Arizona State teammates head into the new year with high expectations. 

And that's perfectly fine for Leavitt, who has another word on his whiteboard next to the list of quarterbacks: Heisman. 

"I’d say a Heisman and national championship, that’s the end goal," he said. "But every single day it’s getting the team to get better. You gotta have these big goals for overall to chase something. But that doesn’t come without the day-to-day work, so it’s just getting better and outworking myself from last year. Outworking the team, out-studying myself, out-playing myself, so everything like that is the main goal day to day."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Indiana Fever, fresh off the Commissioner's Cup final victory, will be again without guard Caitlin Clark for Thursday night’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, as she remains sidelined for the fourth straight game with a lingering groin injury. 

The update comes just weeks before Clark is due to serve as a captain in the WNBA All-Star game. 

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, just a day after the Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx to win the league’s in-season tournament, head coach Stephanie White spoke about Clark’s extended absence and the precautions the team is taking with her long-term health in mind. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS

"I don’t have anything in my head other than what I’m told. My goal has always been the same, I don’t want this to be something that lingers – that we come back too soon," White said. "We want to make sure that she is 100% ready to go and that we put her long-term health and wellness at the forefront."

White added that with just a handful of games left before the league heads into the All-Star break, the timing of Clark’s absence worked out well. She noted that Clark herself is eager to return. 

"She wants to play, and she’s working to play, and she has been working to play. I think after a few days, it’s like, ‘Okay, we’ve got a little bit of time,’ thinking – what, five games before All-Star break? We’ve got a little bit of time, so let’s just ease her mind, even though she’s ansty, and let’s do this the right way and make sure that we’re ready to go and 100% when she comes back." 

CAITLIN CLARK SAYS WNBA IS 'SICK' OVER FEVER'S COMMISSIONER'S CUP TITLE

Clark never missed a game during her college career at Iowa or during her first season in the WNBA when she earned the Rookie of the Year award. However, her sophomore season has been plagued with missed games. 

Four games into the 2025 season, Clark was sidelined for five games with a quad injury. She returned and played in five games where she seemingly fell into a shooting slump before missing another stretch of time with her current injury. 

Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.9 assists this season. The All-Star game will be hosted by Indiana on July 19. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota and his brother died early Thursday in Spain after the Lamborghini they were traveling in crashed near the western city of Zamora, leaving the car in flames, police said. 

The death of the 28-year-old forward comes less than two months after he lifted the Premier League trophy in front of a raucous home crowd at Anfield in celebration of Liverpool’s title-winning season. In late June, Jota married Rute Cardoso, whom he had three children with -- the youngest born last year. 

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the team said in a statement Thursday. "Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss." 

"Doesn't make any sense," added global soccer star and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo in an Instagram post. "Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.  

DOZENS INJURED AFTER DRIVER PLOWS THROUGH CROWD OF LIVERPOOL SOCCER FANS DURING VICTORY PARADE 

The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed to The Associated Press that Jota and his brother were found dead after their car went off a road in an accident that happened early this morning. 

The cause of the accident remains under investigation and police added that there were no other vehicles involved. Firefighters were called in as the fire from the Lamborghini spread into the nearby vegetation, authorities said. 

Jota also played for Portugal’s national team and helped it win the Nations League last month. His 25-year-old brother André Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions. 

Jota transferred to Liverpool from English club Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, winning three major trophies with them and appearing in its Champions League final match with Real Madrid in 2022. 

Throughout his tenure at Liverpool, Jota scored 47 goals in 123 appearances. 

SOCCER UNITES IN SUPPORT FOR LIVERPOOL AFTER CAR PLOWS INTO TEAM’S CELEBRATION 

The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement lamenting the deaths. Federation president Pedro Proença said Portuguese soccer was "completely devastated." 

"More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community," Proença said in the statement. 

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro commented on the "unexpected and tragic" deaths. He said Jota was "an athlete who greatly honored Portugal’s name." 

"I extend my deepest condolences to their family," he said. "It is a sad day for soccer and for national and international sports." 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

The United States men’s national soccer team took a hot start on Wednesday night at Energizer Park and rode it to victory over Guatemala to reach the Gold Cup final. 

This is the 13th time the U.S. has reached the Gold Cup final, and they will face the winner of Mexico-Honduras to determine who wins it all on Sunday. 

After needing a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals, the USMNT hoped it didn’t need to go that far against Guatemala, and Diego Luna led the way to the 2-1 win. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It began in the fourth minute, when Luna was in the right place at the right time after a shot on net was saved. His one-two touch went right into the back of the net for the early lead. 

UNEXPECTED DRONE OPERATED BY UNIDENTIFIED PARTY SIGHTED NEAR USMNT TRAINING GROUNDS: REPORTS

But just a few minutes later, Luna really gave the USMNT some breathing room after a tremendous effort to extend the lead. 

Malik Tillman got the assist after Luna made one defender miss and launched a shot toward the left side of the net that got past the goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead. 

It was mostly silent as the first half ended and the second half minutes started to dwindle for Guatemala. However, a timely goal brought some momentum to their sideline. 

Olger Escobar got a ball past Matt Freese to make it a 2-1 game in the 80th minute. 

But the USMNT’s defense was stellar at the end of the match to make sure they came away victorious. 

The U.S. is hoping to win its eighth Gold Cup, while Mexico, if they defeat Honduras, would be looking to extend its title lead. They have nine all-time.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

MLB All-Star Game voting is complete, and starters have been announced for this year’s game in Atlanta. 

The two reigning MVP Award winners, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, were named captains of the National and American Leagues, respectively, after winning the fan vote. 

But while these two and some others were expected choices by the fans, there are other well-deserved players entering the mix this year. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In the American League, the Detroit Tigers, who own the best record in MLB at 54-32 entering Wednesday, have three representatives in the starting lineup. Second baseman Gleyber Torres, a former teammate of Judge’s on the New York Yankees, has had a resurgence in his first year in the Motor City. 

Riley Greene joins Judge in the outfield with Javier Báez, who has been one of the best stories in MLB this season given his struggles since he joined the Tigers in 2022. He made his third career All-Star team, but he is considered an outfielder this time instead of a shortstop. 

DODGERS' SHOHEI OHTANI BLASTS HOMER IN WIN, ACHIEVES STATISTICAL FEAT UNSEEN SINCE WILLIE MAYS

Then, there’s Seattle Mariners slugging catcher Cal Raleigh getting the start behind the plate for the American League. He has 33 homers in 84 games, and his WAR of 5.6 is second only to Judge’s for the year. 

Not only is this his first All-Star selection as a starter, but Raleigh is the first Mariners catcher to be selected to start. 

Jacob Wilson’s meteoric rise for the Athletics earned him the starting shortstop job on July 15 at Triust Park in Atlanta. He has a .339 batting average entering Wednesday, second to Judge in the American League. The Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn also earned his first-ever All-Star bid.

The remaining starters for the American League are the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (first base) and the Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez (third base). 

For the National League, Chicago Cubs phenom center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will get his first All-Star nod after he stole 25 bases and hit 21 homers before the break. 

And while it’s not his first All-Star appearance, it’s been a long time for New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. He hasn’t played in the game since his time in Cleveland in 2019. 

The Dodgers also have multiple starters behind Ohtani, with Freddie Freeman playing first base and Will Smith catching. 

The remaining National League starters are the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte (2B), the San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado (3B), the Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. (OF) and the Cubs’ Kyle Tucker (OF).

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

After the University of Pennsylvania agreed to erase all program records set by former transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, questions arose about how the NCAA will address Thomas' NCAA title. 

Thomas won the 500-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA championships with a time of 4:33.24. 

Thomas also finished in the top 10 in a number of other events, denying higher finishes to female competitors. While UPenn has wiped those records from its books, Thomas' finishes still stand nationally. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Former University of Kentucky swimmer and OutKick host Riley Gaines, who tied for fifth place against Thomas in that year's 200-yard freestyle, is leading a lawsuit against the NCAA for its policies that allowed Thomas to compete. One of the demands in Gaines' lawsuit is that the NCAA rescind all of Thomas' championship finishes. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the NCAA inquiring if and when it plans to make any changes to Thomas' 2022 championship finishes but has not received a response.

Gaines sent a message to the NCAA about this issue during an interview on "Dont @ Me With Dan Dakich" Wednesday.

OREGON GIRLS OPEN UP ON ‘TRAUMATIC’ TRANS ATHLETE EXPERIENCES THAT PUSHED THEM TO FIGHT BACK

"While the Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania will have to rescind his records from their account and their record boards, the NCAA, as I understand it, does not have to. So, we will see what the NCAA does," Gaines said. 

Gaines doesn't expect the NCAA will amend those records willingly. 

"These ‘leaders,’ if you will, have remained spineless and weak-kneed and morally bankrupt and just total cowards over the last three years," Gaines said. 

At an April 18 press conference, while discussing Maine's defiance on the issue, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted President Donald Trump's order and Title IX as federal law, noting that violators could be "prosecuted." 

Gaines previously told Fox News Digital she would support prosecution as a response to the issue. 

"I would love to see prosecution because I believe what is happening is criminal," Gaines said. "The way that we have been told that a man's feelings matter more than our physical safety, than our rights to participate, to call ourselves champions, I believe that is a criminal action. Therefore, I believe it is a criminal offense.

"Someone somewhere has to be made an example of, otherwise you will have the woman-hating Democratic Party continue with full steam ahead. … I believe university officials should be charged." 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Maxwell Hairston's NFL dreams became a reality in April when the Buffalo Bills selected him out of Kentucky in the first round of the draft. 

But as Hairston prepares for his first NFL training camp, the Bills rookie defensive back faces serious legal concerns. Hairston is named in a lawsuit that accuses the 21-year-old of sexual misconduct when he was a student-athlete in 2021.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Kentucky, according to The Associated Press.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

ESPN reported the accuser is an Ohio woman who also attended the University of Kentucky and lived in the same dorm as Hairston in 2021.

Fox News Digital was not immediately able to reach Hairston's representatives for comment.

BYU QUARTERBACK JAKE RETZLAFF SEES SEXUAL ASSAULT LAWSUIT DISMISSED IN COURT: REPORTS

In the lawsuit, the woman alleges Hairston entered her dorm room without being invited. The woman then expressed "her non-interest in engaging in sexual intercourse with him several times," according to the lawsuit. Hairston then allegedly "forcibly removed" her clothing and sexually assaulted her.

The Bills had no comment and referred to statements made by general manager Brandon Beane in April during the draft.

Beane said at the time the team had "fully investigated" a sexual assault allegation from 2021 involving Hairston, who he called "an impeccable kid."

"So, that’s unfortunate when things like that are attached to someone’s name. And, in this case, doesn't seem to be anything there," Beane said.

Hairston spent three seasons playing at Kentucky. He'll have a chance to win a starting job at cornerback this season.

The Bills have been off since completing their mandatory practices in mid-June and return later this month for the start of training camp.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Earlier this year, Max Homa said he had a "come-to-Jesus" moment when he decided to delete X, formerly Twitter.

The PGA star was once active on the app, but he said in March the platform is now "for the sick."

"I was sick. I’m just trying to get healthy now," Homa said at the time.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ahead of the John Deere Classic, Homa stood firm on his personal boycott of the "awful, awful place."

"The reason for that is just the vitriol you read online. It has become a safe haven for people who are, I think, angry at themselves. It is quite absurd how comfortable people feel writing awful things," Homa told reporters Wednesday.

"Twitter or X or whatever is an awful, awful place. It took me a while to catch onto how impactful that can be and how much of a waste of energy. I miss the connection with the fans, but nothing comes without so much hate and anger. There's a lot of love in there, too, but, unfortunately, it gets overwhelmed with one really bad one."

Homa hinted that the rise in gambling, which he said "seems fun as hell in golf," may be contributing to the online vitriol.

GOLF INFLUENCER TISHA ALYN CARVES HER OWN PATH IN THE SPORT

"People say some bad, bad things on the internet. You get people telling you you should die on the internet. It has nothing to do with not connecting. I’d love to keep connecting with people, but I try to do it in person a bit more because I have yet to meet somebody in person who has said anything even remotely mean.

"It’s a safe haven for a--holes, for lack of a better term."

Homa has struggled of late. He's missed seven cuts in 16 tournaments this year with just one top 25 finish, which came at the Masters. That was his first made cut since last year's Open Championship, but, since then, he has finished 70th, tied for 30th, tied for 60th, tied for 51st and tied for 54th with another pair of missed cuts. 

Last year, he was ranked 10th in the world. Last month, he was carrying his own bag for 36 holes of U.S. Open qualifying. He missed out on the tournament after a heartbreaking three-putt on his final hole, where two putts would have put him into the Oakmont tournament.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

SWIFT ACTION – As part of a resolution agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights stemming from a probe into the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, the University of Pennsylvania will restore titles and records to those female athletes that were "misappropriated by male athletes allowed to compete in female categories."  Continue reading…

'NO REGRETS' – OutKick host Riley Gaines and ex-ESPN host Keith Olbermann clashed after the University of Pennsylvania revoked Lia Thomas' program records following a resolution agreement with the Education Department. Continue reading…

CHIMING IN – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon weighed in on the resolution agreement that was reached between the department she currently leads and UPenn following an investigation into Title IX violations. Continue reading…

BANNED – An Arizona Diamondbacks season-ticket holder was barred from attending future games at Chase Field after the MLB club cited "multiple offenses" the fan committed during games, including interfering with a fly ball during a recent contest against the San Francisco Giants. Continue reading…

‘SICK' – Caitlin Clark had a strong reaction to her team, the Indiana Fever, winning the Commissioner's Cup. The Cup is the WNBA's in-season tournament. Continue reading…

HALFTIME HEARTBREAK – Red Panda, the beloved performer known for her incredible unicycle routine during halftime shows, was forced to exit Tuesday's WNBA Commissioner's Cup final in a wheelchair after falling onto the court. Continue reading…

SHOCKING UPSET – American tennis pro Jessica Pegula suffered a stunning and early exit from Wimbledon in the first round. The 116th-ranked Italian, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, defeated Pegula in less than an hour. Continue reading…

WATCH NOW – The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a disappointing NBA playoff run. The 2025-26 season will mark Luka Doncic's first full season with the Lakers. FOX Sports' Jason McIntyre weighs in on Doncic taking charge of the franchise. Watch here …

FROM FOX SPORTS – The Bucks decided to waive star guard Damian Lillard. He is still owed $113 million and those payments are expected to be stretched over the next five years, per reports. Meanwhile, Myles Turner agreed to a four-year contract to join Milwaukee, according to The Associated Press. Continue reading…

FROM OUTKICK – MLB star pitcher Paul Skenes was spotted with the Pittsburgh Pirates grounds crew at PNC Park well before first pitch of Tuesday's matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals. Continue reading…

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

Fox News First

Fox News Opinion

Fox News Lifestyle

Fox News Autos

Fox News Health

Fox Business

Fox Weather

Fox Sports

Tubi

Fox News Go

OutKick

Sign up for OutKick's daily newsletter

Fox Nation

After winning his first Stanley Cup in 2024, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, admittedly, lacked some motivation to get back on the ice.

"That was my biggest dream in this game of hockey. So, of course, I got that feeling," the 2013 second-overall pick said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "When I thought, ‘OK, it's time to start training again,’ it was really, really hard. Like, it's just really hard to get up and go somewhere for a run or for a lift or something like that."

But then, he thought about the "big picture" and remembered that lifting the Stanley Cup is "the best feeling in hockey."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Now, the Panthers have a chance to do something not accomplished since the early 1980s – win three consecutive Stanley Cups, and Barkov already "is thinking about next year."

"To get that celebration again, to enjoy the season again with the team, go through the ups and downs and write another story and achieve that. So that kind of got me going. And we achieved it again. It wasn't easy at all. Mentally, it was really hard all year, but we did our best, we tried our best, and it was enough this year. But now, I have a better feeling about it. I can’t wait to get going again."

Perhaps his Celsius partnership fueled him in the middle of the season. The energy drink's 200 milligrams of caffeine helped Barkov get through those grueling days during the hockey year. For him, it's also a partnership that hits close to him – the headquarters are in nearby Boca Raton (the Panthers play in Sunrise), and he said Celsius is becoming a hit in his home country of Finland.

"That’s how I'm trying to live as an athlete. I'm trying to eat the right way. I'm trying to sleep the right way, recover, practice, train, whatever I do, I'm thinking about becoming a better athlete for the next day, for the next game," he said. "So I think Celsius fits that really well, because they have everything I need in one drink. It tastes really good as well, so I don't have to force it into myself. It keeps me awake when I need it the most, all the vitamins that I need throughout the day are there. So it's just a total package in one drink."

BRUINS EYEING SHOCKING REUNION WITH FRANCHISE LEGEND AFTER STANLEY CUP SUCCESS: REPORT

Some extra motivation? Maybe the fact that he needs to come up with new ideas on how to celebrate with the Stanley Cup (he said 48 consecutive hours of celebration was his max).

"We get to spend one day individually with the Cup, so that will be a challenge. I did everything I needed to do last year. I showed it to literally everyone I needed to show. So this year, probably taking a little easier and maybe spend more time just me and the Cup," Barkov joked.

One idea, obviously, is to "pour a Celsius into it and just sip on it." He did also bring it to his neighbors' houses in the wee hours of the morning.

But first, it will be another 82-game season, and then needing to win 16 more games in the postseason to lift the best trophy in sports again.

"For me, I feel better right now to continue working, to continue getting better," Barkov said. "Because, well, last year, first time winning, it feels like, ‘OK, now I've done everything I wanted, I dreamed about.’ Now, after doing it a second time, it's the best feeling in hockey. You go through the long season, tough season with your team, and you battle through everything, and then you get to lift the Cup. And for us to have a chance to do it three times in a row, that's already a big motivation, because not too many teams have done it in such a long history.

"Obviously, we just won, so we’ll celebrate this one a little bit, but already thinking about next year, how big of a chance we have to make even bigger history. And that's what already drives me forward."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

NHL players will be permitted to play in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games after a deal was reached Wednesday. 

The NHL, NHLPA, the International Ice Hockey Federation and the International Olympic Committee confirmed NHL players will be allowed, which was negotiated initially last year. 

This confirmation will now allow NHL players to participate for their countries in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Olympic participation will showcase the skill and talent of NHL players on an international stage. We are proud to collaborate with the IIHF, NHLPA and IOC to bring the best hockey players in the world to the Olympics and make this happen in a way that benefits the game globally," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

Marty Walsh, the executive director of the NHLPA, added, "Best-on-best international tournaments like the Olympics provide the opportunity to create extraordinary moments for our players and fans alike. The return to the Olympics marks a monumental moment for hockey, and we thank our partners — the NHL, IOC and IIHF — for this collaborative process. 

"The skill and passion on display in Milano Cortina will build off the excitement of the 4 Nations Face-Off and continue our game's global growth."

IOC UPHOLDS BAN ON RUSSIAN TEAMS AHEAD OF 2026 WINTER OLYMPICS

Some may have had doubts about a deal going through because it took so long to put pen to paper. 

But this deal will also allow NHL player participation in the 2030 Games in the French Alps. 

The 2026 men’s hockey tournament will begin Feb. 11 and run through Feb. 22. 

Hockey fans got a taste of what’s to come in Milano Cortina during the 4 Nations Face-Off, which featured NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States. 

There was particular tension between Canada and the U.S., fueled in part by President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s rift off the ice. Fans booed during the countries' national anthems during games. On the ice, a brawl broke out in Montreal before the U.S. defeated Canada. 

However, when the 4 Nations Face-Off Final reached the TD Garden in Boston, it was Canada getting an overtime victory. 

There will be 12 participating countries in next year’s hockey tournament: Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, France, Czechia, Canada, United States, Latvia, Germany and Denmark. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

EXCLUSIVE: Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office made a social media post mocking the latest announcement by the U.S. Department of Education that the state had violated Title IX by allowing trans athletes in women's sports. 

Newsom's press office X account mocked U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon with an old clip of her being body-slammed during a WWE skit. The clip was of current Knox County Mayor Glenn Thomas Jacobs, also known as "Kane," hitting McMahon with move known as the "tombstone piledriver" during an episode of "Monday Night Raw" in the early 2000s.

The post incited mass backlash by Californians and women's rights activists across the nation. Now McMahon has responded to the controversial social media post. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I think what that said is that Gavin Newsom doesn’t really take this seriously at all. And I was surprised that that was the clip that he used," McMahon told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview.  

"He was trying to be funny on a very serious matter. We have women who are training to compete in these sports who lose scholarship and sponsorship opportunities, who get injured, who are compelled to be in dressing rooms or their intimate spaces with men, and that is absolutely unfair."

McMahon pointed out that her office also used a clip of Newsom, but a more recent one of the governor saying on his podcast that he believes letting trans athletes compete in women's and girls sports is "deeply unfair." 

"Here's what was so funny: We also put online the actual footage of Gavin Newsom saying it was unfair on his own podcast. So I had sent him a letter. I said, basically, ‘Put your money where your mouth is, because you talk about how this is unfair, but you don’t do anything to change,’" McMahon said. 

WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN PROBE OF SJSU TRANS ATHLETE ALLEGEDLY CONSPIRING TO HARM TEAMMATE

McMahon said in an appearance on "Fox & Friends" last Wednesday that California would be at risk of losing its federal funding for its K-12 schools if the requirements are not met.

A press release by the U.S. Department of Education states that California's high school sports league, the CIF and the California Department of Education (CDE) have 10 days (from last Wednesday) to amend their policy or risk referral to the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Newsom's office responded to the Education Department's announcement later last Wednesday.

"It wouldn’t be a day ending in ‘Y’ without the Trump Administration threatening to defund California. Now Secretary McMahon is confusing government with her WrestleMania days — dramatic, fake, and completely divorced from reality. This won’t stick," Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gardon told Fox News Digital.

The Department of Education and other branches of President Donald Trump's administration are fighting the issue on multiple fronts, with an active lawsuit against the state of Maine for refusing to comply with Trump's mandate on the issue. The administration is also in a standoff with Minnesota over the issue.

McMahon, the DOE and the Trump administration as a whole took a big step forward in their campaign to combat trans athletes in women's and girls sports on Tuesday, announcing an agreement with the University of Pennsylvania. 

The agreement ensured UPenn apologizes to all women's swimmers who were affected by the inclusion of trans swimmer Lia Thomas in the 2021-22 season, all of Thomas' program accolades are rescinded, and the school will adopt biology-based definitions for the words "male" and "female."

McMahon hopes UPenn's agreement sends a message to states that are defying Trump. 

"Our sincere hope is that they absolutely recognize what they're going to have to do relative to comply with Title IX. It is the law," McMahon said. "There are federal funds that have been withheld and withdrawn, so there's penalties involved in this. But it's actually just the right thing to do. It's common sense to do, that men should not compete in women's sports." 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A trans-identifying athlete won a women's cycling event that was officially sanctioned by USA Cycling on Tuesday, prompting female opponents to protest and speak out. 

The trans athlete, Kate Phillips, won first place at the Lyons Masters National Championships in Wisconsin on Tuesday. Phillips beat out veteran women's cyclist Julie Peterson for the gold, and Peterson then refused to take the podium at the medal ceremony in protest. 

"You could clearly see the power that he had," Peterson told Fox News Digital about Phillips. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Peterson said she wasn't even aware that Phillips had registered for the event until she had already registered herself and even argued with officials about the situation. 

"If I had known, I wouldn't have spent thousands of dollars in travel and time off work to come and do a race," Peterson said. 

"I said, 'I don't want to race against a man,' and they quickly scolded me and said ‘Oh, you can’t call him a man,' and I'm like ‘Well, he is a man,’ so I was quickly scolded and corrected that it is a woman and I don't even know what to say." 

Veteran women's cyclist Debbie Milne competed in the Tuesday event, finishing in seventh place. Milne also spoke out against USA Cycling for allowing Phillips to compete.

"To be fair to all humans, if we want to say him or her, he was born a biological male, that is a fact," Milne told Fox News Digital. "And that is the thing that makes it an unfair advantage. Whatever has happened after that is a whole different topic. 

"I've raced for 25 years in conditions that only women can understand. There's a lot that only a born female woman goes through because of the cycles that we have. Even that alone is something that a man-born biological male can never experience. There's nothing that can stimulate that, when you show up to the race and you are at the worst point of the monthly cycle and you know you're at a disadvantage." 

Milne also said she wasn't aware of the trans athlete's participation ahead of the race. 

FORMER STAR GYMNAST SLAMS USA GYMNASTICS FOR TRANS ATHLETE POLICY HANDLING

"I totally did not expect this, to drive 13 hours, to come and do a national championship," Milne said. "I had no idea, I'd like to have known that's what the terms were if I came. But that wasn't even made known to me." 

Fellow veteran women's cyclist Kristina Gray, who did not compete against Phillips on Tuesday, wanted to speak out in support of her female peers because she said she's also had to compete against trans athletes in cycling as an Oregon native. 

"I have in my last 10 years of racing, I've had to race against biological males, I've been forced to be on the podium with many of them, more recently the last five years," Gray said. "In Oregon, every almost weekend, there is a biological male in our races, every weekend, practically." 

The three women then reached out to the Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) to spread awareness of the incident. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to USA Cycling and Phillips for comment. 

The USA Cycling transgender eligibility policy allows for biological males to compete in the women's category under certain conditions: 

Several other Team USA national governing bodies have come under scrutiny for their transgender eligibility policies over the last year. 

USA Gymnastics removed its transgender eligibility policy this year, and is currently assessing it. 

"In May, USAG removed its policy to assess compliance with the current legal landscape," read a USA Gymnastics statement provided to Fox News Digital. 

USA Fencing announced in April that it is preparing to change its gender-eligibility policy, after a viral protest by women's fencer Stephanie Turner sparked mass backlash and federal intervention by protesting a trans opponent. 

The organization said it is preparing to amend its current policies that allow biological males to compete with women and girls in the event that it is "forced" to change them. 

USA Track and Field (USATF) official transgender eligibility policy now references the World Athletics guidelines on its official webpage. USATF previously referenced the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s policy, as seen in an archive via Wayback Machine. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

George Kittle and Caitlin Clark have something pretty important in common.

They are both University of Iowa alums. Kittle left the university in 2017 to go on and play in the NFL, and Clark moved on last year to become the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Kittle and Clark have met before to share their Hawkeye memories, and in discussing the upcoming American Century Classic golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, the star tight end praised her even more.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Caitlin's a dog. She couldn't be any nicer of a person. And she is just always nice, takes her time for everybody. I think when you go from being a college student to being one of the most popular people on the planet, I think she handles it incredibly well. She always has. She's an ultimate competitor," Kittle said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

As for her treatment on the court, notably some hard fouls and what many fans believe is jealousy, Kittle sidestepped a tad, but admitted that Clark "handles whatever is thrown her way incredibly well and with the highest grace."

"Just always proud of her and proud to say that she's a Hawkeye," Kittle said.

CAITLIN CLARK SAYS WNBA IS 'SICK' OVER FEVER'S COMMISSIONER'S CUP TITLE

Kittle will be on the course later this month for the famed tournament, saying his "anxiety couldn't be any higher" despite being a tremendous underdog to win.

Kittle described his first interaction with Clark in an interview with Fox News Digital last year.

"We were hanging out in the training room after the game just to get away from the crowd a little bit," he recalled. "She comes in, hugs all the athletic trainers, talks to everybody, talks to us a little bit, and you just see how much people care for her. She has this incredible reputation that she's built day in and day out. So, she's done that, and just so excited for her."

"You see how she is on the court. She has this competitiveness. She's got this fire in her," he continued. "But as soon as she gets off the court, there's this flip of the switch. She's just Caitlin Clark. To be able to go back and forth between all that, you have to be very good to be able to do that, and she does that flawlessly."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

American tennis pros were bounced early from Wimbledon this year, with several top-ranked players dropping in the first and second rounds of the tournament at the historic All England Club this week.

Frances Tiafoe, the 12th-seeded men’s player, exited the Grand Slam after losing a tough battle to Cam Norrie in the second round on Wednesday. The British tennis player, who entered the tournament unseeded, advanced to the third round after a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 victory. 

But Tiafoe wasn’t the only American to suffer a stunning defeat. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula — the top-seeded American women’s players — were both out after suffering upsets in the first round on Tuesday. 

"I definitely was struggling in the locker room. I don’t like losing," Gauff, the reigning French Open champion, said after losing her match in straight sets to an unseeded Dayana Yastremska on Tuesday. "The main thing I’m sure my team and everyone is going to tell me (is): 'You did well at Roland-Garros. Don't be so upset.' Things like that."

AMERICAN TENNIS PRO JESSICA PEGULA SUFFERS STUNNING EARLY WIMBLEDON EXIT

Earlier in the day, Pegula also lost in straight sets to 116th-ranked Italian tennis player Elisabetta Cocciaretto. It followed just days after victory over five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek on grass courts at the Bad Homburg Open in Germany.

But the Americans weren’t the only ones to have their Wimbledon dreams abruptly end. 

Three-time Grand Slam finalist and the No. 3 seed, Alexander Zverev, lost his first round match to 72nd-ranked Arthur Rinderknech in five sets. 

No. 7 seed Lorenzo Musetti was sent packing by 126th-ranked Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round, and major finalists Zheng Qinwen, the No. 5 seed, and Karolina Muchova, the No. 15 seed, were also gone after their first round matches. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The New York Knicks hadn't advanced to the Eastern Conference finals since 2000 before doing so in May. New York ultimately lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games. 

Shortly after New York's playoff exit, the Knicks announced the organization would be moving on from coach Tom Thibodeau.

A wide-ranging coaching search ensued, which included multiple interview request denials. On Wednesday, the search reportedly culminated with the selection of Mike Brown. According to ESPN, the Knicks are expected to name Brown as the franchise's next head coach.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

A contract for Brown has yet to be finalized, but both sides appear to be making progress on a formal agreement. 

2025 NBA OFFSEASON TRADE TRACKER, GRADES: PISTONS GET DUNCAN ROBINSON IN SIGN-AND-TRADE

Brown's pending arrival in New York City comes nearly one month after Thibodeau's exit. Brown spent the past three NBA seasons coaching the Sacramento Kings. He also had two stints as the Cleveland Cavaliers' head coach and led the Los Angeles Lakers from 2011-12. He was named the Golden State Warriors' associate head coach in 2016.

Brown coached several notable NBA greats, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, the late Kobe Bryant and others in his career. Brown also spent multiple seasons learning under five-time NBA Finals-winning coach Gregg Popovich during the early portion of his career.

Brown has led a team to the NBA Finals just one time in his coaching career. Popovich and the Spurs swept Brown and Cavaliers in the 2007 finals.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The U.S. men's national team is vying for the coveted Concacaf Gold Cup winners trophy. But, as the USMNT prepared for Wednesday's semifinal match against Guatemala, a flying object caused a disruption at the team's training grounds.

An unidentified party was believed to have been operating what appeared to be a drone in the vicinity of the team's training facility in St. Louis, CBS Sports reported.

The U.S. Soccer Federation did deploy three drones ahead of Tuesday's practice session, per the Associated Press. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino ultimately made light of the fourth, unexpected drone. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"If someone want some clips we can send. It’s not a problem," Pochettino said. "We are not going to hide nothing. It’s not the NASA here. It is the national – men’s national team. No problem."

The drone in question eventually landed outside the training facility's fenced perimeter.

2025 GOLD CUP, ODDS: FOR BOOKMAKERS, 'USA-MEXICO FINAL IS PREFERRED'

ESPN reported that U.S. soccer staffers are working to identify the drone.

Aside from the aerial disruption, the USMNT had to contend with a situation at ground level. A group of individuals had to be asked to cease what appeared to be unauthorized filming of the session, CBS Sports reported. It remains unclear whether the incident had any correlation to the flying object.

The U.S. men have not advanced to the Gold Cup final since 2021. The Americans brought home the championship that year. Guatemala's national team has never appeared in the final.

As it relates to the crucial semifinal, Pochettino said it was not clear whether midfielder Johnny Cardoso will be available for Wednesday's match. Cardoso missed Sunday’s quarterfinal win over Costa Rica.

"He was today training a little bit, but he’s feeling... a problem again in his ankle," Pochettino said. "It’s not a big issue, but it’s an uncomfortable situation."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.