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Today — 3 January 2025Latest Sports News Today on Fox News

Brett Favre questions details of New Orleans attack, Trump Tower bombing: 'Hard to see what's real'

3 January 2025 at 18:35

NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre expressed confusion and skepticism about the details related to the deadly New Year's Day incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas.

In an X post Friday, Favre asked followers "what's going on" with the terror attack in New Orleans that killed 14 and the Cybertruck bombing outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas that killed one.

"What’s going on with the New Orleans and Trump Hotel story? A lot of information and hard to sift through to see what’s real!" Favre wrote. 

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Many of Favre's followers responded, sharing similar skepticism. 

"Whatever the FBI says, believe the opposite!" one user wrote. 

Another user responded, advising Favre and others to "ignore the media." 

"None of it. Take in the event. Ignore the media," the user wrote. 

More details about the two attacks have emerged in recent days.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man who plowed a rented pickup truck into New Year's revelers on New Orleans' Bourbon Street Wednesday, and Matthew Livelsberger, the man eyed in the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas hours later, were both Army soldiers who served at Fort Liberty and deployed to Aghanistan in 2009, Fox News Digital previously reported. 

Las Vegas, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that while both men served in Afghanistan in 2009, any potential ties there were still under investigation

"We don't have any evidence that they were in the same province in Afghanistan, the same location or the same unit," McMahill said. "Again, something else that remains under investigation."

SUGAR BOWL'S CORPORATE SPONSOR CEO SLAMMED FOR 'ADDICTION TO DIVISIVENESS' STATEMENT AFTER TERROR ATTACK

A defense official told Fox News there was no evidence based on their military service that the attacks were related. While both men served at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, they were there at different times. The North Carolina base is home to more than 50,000 service members. 

The FBI released surveillance images of the New Orleans attack that show Jabbar just about an hour before he allegedly sped a rented Ford pickup through a crowd of Bourbon Street revelers in an attack officials say was inspired by the Islamic State. 

More than 30 others were injured. Despite previously investigating the possibility of accomplices in the attack, the FBI said Thursday the bureau is confident Jabbar acted alone. 

The FBI recovered a black ISIS flag from Jabbar's rented pickup truck that was used for the attack. 

"This investigation is only a little more than 24 hours old, and we have no indication at this point that anyone else was involved in this attack other than Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar," FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia of the counterterrorism division at FBI headquarters said Thursday. 

"The FBI is surging people and assets to this area from across the region and across the nation. Special agents in field offices across the country are assisting with potential aspects of this investigation and following up on leads. Additional teams of special agents, professional staff and victim specialists continue to arrive to provide more investigative power and assistance to the victims and their families." 

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Republican says Trump was playing golf when president-elect called him to switch House speaker vote to Johnson

3 January 2025 at 18:16

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the House Friday, but President-elect Trump was able to convince him to change his vote — while working on his golf game.

Norman was one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Mike Johnson to retain his role.

While speaking to reporters Friday, Norman said Trump had called him more than once to try to influence his vote on the speaker. 

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In Trump's first phone call to Norman, Trump was hitting the links.

"He said, ‘Look, I’m in the middle of a golf game.' That was the first time I talked to him," Norman said, via MediaIte.

"He said, ‘Well, you did vote for Nikki Haley.’ I said, ‘Yes, sir, I did. We’re with you now.' And I said, 'We will be with Mike Johnson.'"

Trump owns numerous golf courses, one of which was the site of a second assassination attempt on his life in the summer. Trump's USGA handicap was once as low as a 2.5, and he claims to have recorded eight holes-in-one.

Trump also spoke with Keith Self, R-Texas, on the phone in an effort to sway Self's vote, sources told Fox News Digital.

Self confirmed to reporters he had spoken with Trump by phone multiple times Friday.

"I talked to him a couple of times today," Self said. "We had a lively discussion."

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., connected Trump with Self and Norman by phone after they voted against Johnson, the sources said.

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER HAS SURGERY AFTER INJURING HAND WITH BROKEN GLASS, WILL MISS FIRST SIGNATURE EVENT OF 2025

Johnson won the House speakership in the first round of voting, after it initially appeared he might lose.

Self, Norman and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., each voted for lawmakers other than Johnson, appearing to put the speaker's gavel out of reach.

But House leaders did not formally close the vote while figuring out a path forward. GOP lawmakers were told to be on the House floor immediately in preparation for a second vote.

That second vote did not occur, however, and Johnson was sworn in as speaker Friday afternoon.

Fox News' Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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Bill keeping trans athletes out of women's sports will be heard by Congress after new rules package passes

3 January 2025 at 17:38

The new Republican-controlled Congress will hear arguments on a bill that would seek to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women's sports in its first 100 days after voting yes on a new rules package Friday. 

The 119th Congress approved the new rules package after re-electing Mike Johnson as House speaker. A bill to address the issue of gender identity in sports was listed as the top priority.

"A bill to amend the Education Amendments of 1972 to provide that for purposes of determining compliance with title IX of such Act in athletics, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth," the first point in the final section of the package states.

Democrats have previously introduced multiple bills to protect transgender inclusion in women's and girls sports on a national level, including the Equality Act and the Transgender Bill of Rights. The Biden administration took multiple steps to enable transgender inclusion via executive orders, including an order on his first day in office in 2021.

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However, those efforts have stalled over the last year, as Democrats have pulled back on their support for transgender inclusion amid immense backlash in a heated election year. Biden's Department of Education even withdrew its proposed rule that would have outlawed states from banning transgender athletes from women's and girls sports in late December after it was initially proposed in April 2023. 

Now, after President-elect Trump and other prominent Republicans vowed to take action to ban transgender athletes from women's sports prior to the election, there is a timeline for when that action may begin. 

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., celebrated Friday's vote and will be reintroducing the bill included in the rules package, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. 

"The radical left is not in step with the American people on the issue of protecting women’s sports," Steube said in a statement released Friday

HOW TRANSGENDERISM IN SPORTS SHIFTED THE 2024 ELECTION AND IGNITED A NATIONAL COUNTERCULTURE

"Americans have loudly spoken that they do not want men stealing sports records from women, entering their daughters’ locker rooms, replacing female athletes on teams, and taking their daughters’ scholarship opportunities. 

"My legislation stands for truth, safety, and reality: men have no place in women’s sports. Republicans have promised to protect women’s sports, and under President Trump’s leadership, we will fulfill this promise."

This bill ensures that biological females compete against other biological females in women’s sports that are operated or sponsored by a recipient of federal funding.

Other women's activist groups have also celebrated the impending legislative action on the issue after a year of multiple controversies involving transgender athletes competing against and sharing locker rooms with biological women and girls across the nation. 

The Concerned Women for America (CWA) provided a statement to Fox News Digital, praising the prioritization of the bill. 

"There’s no question this ought to be a legislative priority in the 119th Congress. The Biden administration and company have launched a full-scale attack on women’s dignity. Leadership must act promptly to restore sensibility to public policy and immediately take young girls out of the disastrous fires of woke ideology," CWA Legislative Strategist Macy Petty told Fox News Digital. 

"No little girl should see the most powerful politicians in the world vote to put men in her locker room. Not in the Land of the Free. It’s cowardice and disgusting. But it’s the reality of our political landscape. Last Congress, the House passed similar legislation on strict party lines. One party voted that women deserve private spaces, one didn’t."

Conservative advocacy group Heritage Action for America released a statement Friday celebrating the vote. 

"Today, the House also considered the rules package for the 119th Congress that includes significant legislative priorities for Heritage Action, including the SAVE Act and the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act. Congress must now begin the work to enact a bold conservative agenda. We congratulate Speaker Johnson on his re-election to speaker of the House and look forward to working with all members of the 119th Congress to enact conservative policy wins," the statement said. 

national exit poll conducted by the CWA legislative action committee found that 70% of moderate voters saw the issue of "Donald Trump’s opposition to transgender boys and men playing girls' and women’s sports and of transgender boys and men using girls' and women’s bathrooms" as important to them.

And 6% said it was the most important issue of all, while 44% said it was "very important."

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Miami Heat suspend star Jimmy Butler for 7 games after he requested trade, said he had no 'joy' with team

3 January 2025 at 16:51

Rumors had swirled for weeks that star forward Jimmy Butler wanted out of Miami — it even got to the point where the Heat released a statement saying it had become a distraction, and that they wouldn't trade him.

Well, in the span of a week, the team has since done an about-face, admitting in another statement on Friday that Butler has asked to be moved, and they will look to fulfill that request.

In that same statement on Friday, the Heat announced they have suspended Butler for seven games "for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks."

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Butler on Thursday said that he has no "joy" playing basketball in Miami and he would not be able to find it again with the Heat.

"Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers," the Heat said on Friday.

Butler's agent had shut down reports by ESPN that he wanted to be traded, but it seems like it's always been the opposite.

JIMMY BUTLER NEXT TEAM ODDS: WILL STAR GUARD REMAIN IN MIAMI PAST TRADE DEADLINE?

Butler will not be with the team for its home game Saturday against the Utah Jazz and then the totality of a six-game road trip that will include games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

In theory, the earliest that Butler could play again for the Heat is Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets — but he has likely played for Miami for the final time.

Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in his sixth season with the Heat. He has played in two NBA Finals with them, losing both.

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Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown wants changes to NFL playoff format ahead of game for top seed

3 January 2025 at 16:22

For the first time in NFL history, a 14-win team will have to settle for a wild-card spot in the NFL playoffs.

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, both 14-2, will face off Sunday night for both the NFC North crown and the top seed in the conference.

The loser will fall to the fifth seed in the bracket with the top wild-card spot despite a 14-win season.

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It wouldn't be the first playoff seeding oddity. There have been 7-9 teams who have won divisions, which means they automatically hosted playoff games.

But with his team in danger of losing just three games but not being at home on wild-card weekend, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says the format needs to be revamped.

"It's crazy. I think the rule should be changed," St. Brown told reporters this week. "Obviously, if you win the division, you should obviously make a playoff spot, but having a 14-win team having to go on the road is kind of crazy. But I guess I don't make the rules."

SAQUON BARKLEY APPEARS TO TAKE SHOT AT GIANTS IN NEW AD AFTER RUSHING FOR 2,000 YARDS

The NFL and MLB have similar formats in which top seeds get a bye, and all division winners have home-field advantage in the first round. The NBA seeds based on standings in the conference regardless of division, while the NHL does a combination of conference and division standings but with no byes.

St. Brown says his team has nothing to worry about anyway.

"Either way, I think we'll be fine. Whether it's going on the road or having a bye week and playing at home, we're built for either or," he said.

The Lions and Vikings kick off in Detroit Sunday. The Packers, also in the NFC North, sit at 11-5 and are the sixth seed heading into the weekend.

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Olympic sprinter faces domestic violence, robbery charges from 2024 incident after getting tased during arrest

3 January 2025 at 16:06

U.S. Olympic sprinter Fred Kerley was arrested Thursday in Miami Beach and tased by police, bodycam footage shows.

Kerley was then charged in a separate incident from last year. 

According to police, via WSVN in Miami, the Olympian approached the site of an active investigation Thursday, saying he had parked his car nearby.

But when he was asked to leave the area, he refused, grew agitated and got into a fighting stance, police said.

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A confrontation ensued, and Kerley was arrested. Bodycam footage caught Kerley being tased by an officer, while a bystander pleaded with officers to "stop" because "he didn't do anything."

Kerley faces charges of battery on a police officer, corrections officer or firefighter; resisting an officer without violence; and disorderly conduct. He was released on his own recognizance.

However, the Miami-Dade County Jail website later incidated he was back in custody on charges of domestic violence, strangulation and robbery.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, Kerley and his wife got into a verbal, and then physical, dispute in May on his birthday when Kerley's wife was in contact with an "unknown person on Instagram." 

Kerley approached his wife aggressively, and she punched him out of fear, according to the affidavit. Kerley then "grabbed the victim, pushed her to the ground, encircled his arm around her neck and impeded her breathing."

The affidavit says Kerley then stole his wife's cellphone after placing her in a second chokehold. Kerley was not present when authorities arrived, and witnesses became uncooperative.

A probable cause alert was then entered into the jail's system, and he was charged after his arrest Thursday night.

Kerley won a bronze medal in Paris in the summer in the 100 meters, while teammate Noah Lyles earned his first Olympic gold. Kerley won the 2022 world championships in the event and silver in the Tokyo Olympics.

He also has world championships in the 4x400-meter relay in 2019 and the 4x100-meter relay in 2023.

Kerley was a part of the 4x100-meter team in Paris that was disqualified due to a botched handoff. Lyles figured to be a part of that team but fell ill with COVID earlier in the week, which contributed to him falling short in the 200 meters, an event for which he was the heavy favorite.

Kerley accused the United States Track and Field Association of playing favorites by adding Lyles to the 4x400-meter team in the 2024 world championships.

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Tommy Tuberville slams 'woke corporations bowing to terrorists' during Sugar Bowl after terror attack

3 January 2025 at 15:47

Alabama Senator and former college football coach Tommy Tuberville released a statement on Friday expressing his frustration with the presentation of the Sugar Bowl on Thursday, one day after a deadly terror attack in New Orleans killed at least 14 innocent people. 

Tuberville, who coached in three Sugar Bowls, including two as the head coach of Auburn, called out ESPN for not broadcasting the national anthem before the game and instead airing a controversial video message by Allstate CEO Tom Wilson, who urged Americans to "overcome addiction to divisiveness." 

"It was my distinct honor to have coached in three Sugar Bowls during my coaching career. American sports, and especially college football, have always been a patriotic tradition that brings ALL AMERICANS together. Unfortunately, ESPN (who is owned by Disney) gave in to the woke mob last night by REFUSING to air the National Anthem and instead played a video of the Allstate CEO talking about ‘divisiveness.’ Yet, he failed to condemn the terrorist who brutally killed [14+] people," Tuberville said.  

"This was a chance for us all to come together. But instead of honoring the innocent lives lost, these woke corporations bowed to terrorists."

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Tuberville then referenced President-elect Trump's recent electoral victory as evidence that Americans are done with "woke ideology."

"November 5th was a mandate from the American people. Woke ideology lost. Get on board with America First or get out," Tuberville said. 

Notre Dame defeated Georgia 23-10, but much of the discussion during the game was centered on Wilson's controversial video statement. Allstate, the official corporate sponsor, and Wilson have come under fire across social media for the statement, and the video has since been deleted from official Allstate pages. 

SUPERDOME WELCOMES SUGAR BOWL FANS AFTER NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK

Allstate provided a statement to Fox News Digital on the statement. 

"To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming divisiveness and negativity reflects a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity in communities across the nation," the statement read.

The suspected attacker has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI is working to determine Jabbar's "potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found affixed to the truck.

Jabbar's younger brother told the New York Times that he and his Army veteran brother were raised Christian in Beaumont, Texas, before the now-deceased attacker converted to Islam as an adult.

"What he did does not represent Islam," the younger brother said. "This is more some type of radicalization, not religion."

Retired FBI agents Scott Duffey and Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that Wednesday's attack could embolden ISIS, other terrorist groups or individuals who have been radicalized.

"This is a time where ISIS is under extreme stress and their existence is being threatened in Syria and elsewhere. It would make sense for them to double down on their message to radicalize Americans to put them into action and activate any cells that they have in place," Swecker said.

The attack in New Orleans came nearly two weeks after a suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Germany and the same day that an explosion went off outside of Trump Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

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Panthers' DJ Johnson will miss final game of the season after being involved in car accident

3 January 2025 at 13:36

Carolina Panthers linebacker DJ Johnson will miss the team’s final game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend after being involved in a car crash, head coach Dave Canales confirmed Friday. 

Johnson, 26, was designated as out in Friday’s injury report due to a personal matter. 

The team did not elaborate, but Canales confirmed to reporters it was related to a car crash. 

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"We kind of gathered information over the last, really, night and morning. There was a car accident," Canales said. 

"That’s pretty much what I know about it. Enough to the point where he’s in evaluation right now." 

CHIEFS' PATRICK MAHOMES LEFT OFF PRO BOWL ROSTER FOR 1ST TIME AS STARTER

A team spokesperson told The Athletic’s Joe Person Johnson was involved in a two-car accident in Charlotte Thursday and sustained a concussion. Other details about the accident were not immediately known. 

Johnson was drafted by the Panthers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has 44 tackles, one quarterback hit and one fumble recovery in 14 games and two starts this season. 

The Panthers have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but Sunday is a must-win game for the Falcons.

A loss to the Commanders and win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week knocked the Falcons out of the top spot in the NFC South, but a win for Atlanta and a loss by the Bucs Sunday would secure the Falcons a spot in the postseason. 

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Boise State coach pleads for fans to donate to NIL fund with other teams offering up to '10 times more'

3 January 2025 at 12:05

Boise State may have just made the College Football Playoff, but it's apparent offensive coordinator Dick Koetter is worried about the team's future success.

The Broncos won the Mountain West and earned an automatic bye into the CFP but fell to No. 6 Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl New Year's Eve.

With NIL hot and heavy and players transferring for money, Koetter said the Broncos are victims of the system.

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"We are behind right now in the NIL game," Koetter wrote in a Facebook post. "Our best players are getting offered between 2 and 10 times what we can offer. We are losing recruits in the portal to schools that are just flat outbidding us. 

"I know it's not all about the money and Coach D (Spencer Danielson) and the staff will undoubtedly continue to find the ‘right kind of guys’ but money is an issue."

LAWMAKERS IN INDIANA, HOME OF NCAA HQ, LOOK TO EXPAND TRANSGENDER SPORTS BAN TO INCLUDE COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Koetter then pleaded with fans to contribute to the school's NIL fund "so that Coach D can keep our best players in Boise and continue to find the next Ashton Jeanty or Ahmed Hassanein."

"Thanks Coach Koetter. Every dollar counts to keep our players here at BSU. We need everyone’s help," Danielson wrote on X.

Koetter has said the 2024 season will be his last as a coach, and he reiterated that in his lengthy post.

Jeanty fell short of Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record by just 28 yards after running for 104 in what will likely be his final college game. He had run for over 125 in his previous 13 games.

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Simone Biles says competing in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would be 'greedy'

3 January 2025 at 11:44

Fans might have already witnessed Simone Biles’ last dance. 

Biles dominated the 2024 Olympics in Paris over the summer, winning three gold medals and one silver medal to become the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. 

But fans hoping to see her compete in what might be her final Olympics as the Games return to America in 2028 may be disappointed to learn that Biles isn’t set on making an appearance. 

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Speaking to Sports Illustrated after being named their "2024 Sportsperson of the Year," Biles said she believes returning to the Games after seeing so much success makes her "greedy." 

"If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide," she said in the interview. "What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?"

SIMONE BILES SPORTS CUSTOM JONATHAN OWENS OUTFIT TO BEARS' FINAL HOME GAME

Biles is married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. The couple tied the knot in April 2023 and have since been pictured supporting one another at their respective events. 

Owens signed a two-year contract with the Bears in March 2024 after spending one season with the Green Bay Packers. He was excused from the start of training camp this summer to support his wife as she went on to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

As Biles moves into this next chapter in her life, she indicated to Sports Illustrated that returning to the Olympic stage in 2028 would be a longshot. 

"I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done." 

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Allstate deletes social media post of CEO's controversial Sugar Bowl message amid backlash

3 January 2025 at 10:24

Allstate, the corporate sponsor of the Sugar Bowl, appeared to wipe its social media of a video message from CEO Tom Wilson after his remarks following the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans sparked massive backlash online. 

In the message played for fans Thursday prior to kickoff in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame, Wilson stated that Americans should overcome an "addiction to divisiveness" and instead "accept people's imperfections and differences."

"Wednesday, tragedy struck the New Orleans community. Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We also need to be stronger together by overcoming an addiction to divisiveness and negativity," Wilson said in the video.

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"Join Allstate working in local communities all across America to amplify the positive, increase trust and accept people's imperfections and differences. Together we win."

The video was received poorly online, with many Allstate customers threatening to boycott the company over its "tone-deaf" messaging. 

The video went viral on social media and was even shared by Allstate’s own social media team on X. However, OutKick’s Zach Dean reported Friday that the post has since been deleted. 

SUGAR BOWL'S CORPORATE SPONSOR CEO SLAMMED FOR 'ADDICTION TO DIVISIVENESS' STATEMENT AFTER TERROR ATTACK

At least 15 innocent people were tragically killed and dozens of others injured in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, when 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, plowed through a crowd of people on Bourbon Street using a pick-up truck flying an ISIS flag on the back. 

The FBI investigating the attack labeled it an act of terrorism, and found some potential improvised explosive devices. Jabbar was declared dead on the scene after exchanging gunfire with local law enforcement. 

In response to the backlash shared on social media, Allstate provided a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday condemning "violence in all forms."

"To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming divisiveness and negativity reflects a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity in communities across the nation," the statement read.

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USA chants at Sugar Bowl following New Orleans terror attack represent a unified America, Saints star says

3 January 2025 at 10:22

New Orleans Saints star defensive end Cam Jordan was coming out of practice when the TV was turned on, and he heard the "U-S-A" chants at the Sugar Bowl.

The chants came from the crowd after the game was delayed a day due to the terror attack that took place on Bourbon Street in the early morning of New Year’s Day. There are at least 14 total victims killed with several more injured.

Jordan, 35, talked about what those chants meant to him when he joined "Fox and Friends" on Friday. 

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"New Orleans is a resilient city. For us to have the Sugar Bowl be delayed for a day, Mayor Cantrell went to Bourbon Street to set up a prayer before the game, then come out at the beginning of the Sugar Bowl as we were just coming off of practice, turn on the TV and hear the USA chants – you know exactly what this is about," Jordan said. 

"This is about us supporting each other, this is about America supporting each other, this is about understanding this is a tragedy, and we shall overcome. If anything, we understand that us as a city of New Orleans is backed by the rest of the country."

Jordan has spent his entire 14-year career with the Saints and has been a leader not only on the field, but off it as well. 

SAINTS' CAM JORDAN DONATES $25K TO NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK VICTIMS RELIEF FUND

Jordan said he donated $25,000 to the New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund in a post on social media. 

"I mean honestly, I’m blessed enough to be in a position to where I can go ahead and give back. I mean when I think about the tragedy that happened on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day on Bourbon Street, when you know people are just out there trying to celebrate, have a good time, that stays at home. That’s our city," Jordan said.

"For as long as I’ve been here, I feel like I am a part of this city, and I’ve made it known that I love this place from the highs and the lows. So, when it comes to something like this, I just want to give back, make sure it was done the right way. I wanted to make sure that these victims would be helped, and the Greater New Orleans fund has clearly opened up a fund to do so."

Jordan is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a one-time All-Pro and has been an Iron Man, missing just two games over the course of his illustrious career.

This season, Jordan has four sacks with 33 total tackles with the Saints. 

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Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke believed to have played entire season with torn ACL: report

3 January 2025 at 08:34

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke's season was already impressive, as he helped lead the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record and a College Football Playoff berth – their best season in program history.

What makes Rourke’s play even more remarkable is that he was believed to have re-torn his ACL back in August and played through the injury, the quarterback’s agent told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Rourke first tore his ACL at the end of the 2022 season when he was playing with Ohio University.

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Rourke will undergo ACL revision surgery on Wednesday, per his agent. 

If playing through a re-torn ACL was not enough, Rourke also played through a thumb injury as well.

During Indiana’s 56-7 win over Nebraska on Oct. 19, Rourke broke his thumbnail on his right hand, his throwing hand, after being hit. X-rays later revealed that Rourke’s thumbnail broke because he broke a bone in his thumb.

Rourke underwent surgery just days later, only missed one game and returned to play against Michigan State on Nov. 2 with two screws in his thumb. 

NOTRE DAME'S RILEY LEONARD THANKS FANS FOR COMING TO SUGAR BOWL IN NEW ORLEANS AFTER TERROR ATTACK

Rourke threw four touchdown passes in the Hoosiers’ 47-10 win over the Spartans while wearing a splint under his glove, per the IndyStar

Despite playing through a knee injury, and eventually a thumb injury, Rourke finished ninth in Heisman voting. 

The Hoosiers quarterback completed 69.4% of his passes, throwing for 3042 yards and 29 touchdowns, compared to just five interceptions. 

Rourke spent the first five seasons of his college career with Ohio before transferring to Indiana ahead of the 2024 season. 

Indiana’s remarkable season ended with a loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.

Rourke will be entering the NFL Draft

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Kirby Smart reacts to inactive Georgia player drawing bizarre penalty in Sugar Bowl loss: ‘Undisciplined’

3 January 2025 at 08:20

It was a moment that Georgia cornerback Parker Jones surely wishes he could have back. 

The redshirt sophomore went viral on social media Thursday night for all the wrong reasons when he cost the Bulldogs 15 yards despite being inactive for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Notre Dame. 

The bizarre penalty was drawn during the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl with both teams scoreless. 

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Quarterback Gunner Stockton connected with wide receiver Arian Smith for a 67-yard gain before getting taken down on the sideline. However, it was who Jones took down on the sideline that caused the penalty. 

Jones, a Georgia native, was animated on the sidelines cheering his teammates on when an unsuspecting official collided with him. Jones had crossed the sideline and drew an interference penalty, erasing the play and pushing the Bulldogs even farther back. 

Head coach Kirby Smart, seemingly unaware at the time of who drew the penalty, addressed the incident with reporters following Georgia’s loss. 

INACTIVE GEORGIA PLAYER DRAWS PENALTY FOR BIZARRE MOVE IN SUGAR BOWL VS. NOTRE DAME

"Very unfortunate. We had a – they said a coach, but I think it was a player who I’ve been told [was] in the white. The white is reserved for the officials," Smart began. 

"That’s a safety concern. Most of the time they’ll grant you a warning on that, but it was a situation where it cost us 15 yards. We still had first-and-10 and didn’t take advantage of it. But, again, I call those things undisciplined, self-imposed wounds that you lose momentum on. It’s something you can’t have happen." 

All things considered, it was probably the best response Jones could have hoped for. 

However, it was not Jones’ lapse in judgement that led to Georgia’s downfall in the playoffs. 

Georgia outgained Notre Dame 296-244, but went 0-of-3 on fourth downs, 2-of-12 on third downs and allowed a 98-yard kickoff return to open the second half.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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ESPN doesn't show national anthem, U-S-A chants ahead of Sugar Bowl after New Orleans terror attack

3 January 2025 at 05:30

The 2025 Sugar Bowl was delayed until Thursday as the host city of New Orleans was hit by a deadly terror attack on New Year's Day. During the pre-game ceremony, the stadium held a moment of silence for the victims, after which Georgia and Notre Dame fans came together in a powerful stream of loud "U-S-A" chants.

The scene highlighted the power and unification of American sports. Yet viewers of ESPN, which exclusively carried the broadcast, were unable to see the moment of silence, the chants of "U-S-A," or even the national anthem. 

ESPN neglected to show any of the three across the air.

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Too bad the players didn't kneel during the anthem in the name of "Black Lives Matter." ESPN would surely have shown that, as it did during the NBA playoffs in 2020.

OutKick asked ESPN about the decision not to carry the anthem ahead of the Sugar Bowl, to which we have not heard back. We will update this story if the network responds.

The Daily Mail chronicled the overwhelmingly negative response to ESPN's decision ahead of the Sugar Bowl. Here are some of the more notable reactions:

SUGAR BOWL'S CORPORATE SPONSOR CEO SLAMMED FOR 'ADDICTION TO DIVISIVENESS' STATEMENT AFTER TERROR ATTACK

ESPN already comes into the evening facing criticism for its coverage of the attack on Bourbon Street, during which police say a suspected terrorist with an ISIS flag in his vehicle killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

ESPN referred to the news as a "truck attack," as if a monster was not behind the wheel of the car. 

Shades of 2021 when CNN blamed a "car" for the Waukesha, Wisconsin Christmas parade massacre during which black nationalist Darrell Edward Brooks Jr. drove an SUV through the parade, killing six people and injuring 62 others.

In fact, ESPN was still downplaying the news as a "truck attack" almost 24 hours later during the 1 am "SportsCenter," hosted by a creepy, obsessive DEI hire named Stan Verrett.

Damn those self-driving cars. They keep running people over.

Anyway, don't expect ESPN to show any highlights of the "U-S-A" chants either. Instead, expect the network to return to its regularly scheduled programming of using race to pressure NFL voters to give Lamar Jackson the MVP over Josh Allen.

NFL Week 18 Playoff implications: 9 teams head into final regular season game with something on the line

3 January 2025 at 05:08

The final week of the 2024 NFL regular season is here, and for some teams, there is not much to play for due to already having their spot set in the playoffs, or worse, being knocked out of playoff contention. 

However, for other teams not on either end of the spectrum, there is everything to play for, making this week a must-win situation while also looking at the rest of the league.

Looking at the current playoff picture, there is only one available playoff spot in both the AFC and NFC. In turn, four games in the AFC and three games in the NFC have playoff implications for nine total teams, whether it is simply making the playoffs or seeding within the bracket.

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Let’s dive into which teams and matchups to watch in Week 18, starting with a potential deep playoff run squad in the AFC:

Lamar Jackson and company already have their playoff spot locked in for 2024 with an 11-5 record, but the AFC North title is still on the line with the Pittsburgh Steelers (more on them in a bit) sitting just one game behind them at 10-6. 

So, with a win or tie for Baltimore, they would win the division and lock up the No. 3 seed, which is an automatic home game in the Wild Card Round. They would also lock those up with a Steelers loss. 

2024-25 NFL PLAYOFF ODDS: EVERY TEAM'S ODDS TO MAKE THE POSTSEASON

Like the Ravens, the Steelers have already reached the playoffs as well, but they want that No. 3 seed if they can get it. 

However, unlike the Ravens, they will be going against a much tougher AFC North foe in the Bengals, who are also gunning for an improbable spot in the postseason. 

A slight advantage for the Steelers, though, is that the Ravens will be playing earlier in the day. So, they will know their situation when they take the field against Cincinnati. They would clinch the division title with a win and a Baltimore loss. 

On the other sideline in this game is a Bengals team that has stayed alive with wins over the last four games to give themselves an 8-8 and a shot at that final wild card slot. 

A fifth straight win is paramount if they wish to attain that spot, but they also need things to happen in their favor in order to be granted a chance at the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

After a win, the Bengals will need the Denver Broncos to lose and the Miami Dolphins to either lose or tie. Only then can Joe Burrow and his squad of stars sneak into the playoffs. 

The Chiefs have the No. 1 seed in the AFC etched in stone with their league-best 15-1 record, so they will be resting most of their starters on Sunday in preparation for the bye week and to ensure key players like Patrick Mahomes are healthy for the Divisional Round. 

For Bo Nix and the Broncos, however, they have the same plan as they needed a couple of weeks ago: Win and in. The Broncos have lost two straight games, which has kept teams like the Bengals and Dolphins alive in the playoff hunt. 

Can this 9-7 group led by their breakout rookie quarterback and stellar defense get Denver back into the postseason for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in 2015? They will not be seeing the usual Chiefs, and they will be at home to get the job done. 

Like the Bengals, the Dolphins need some help to make the playoffs, but Cincinnati does not fall into those cards. 

Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins will need to beat their AFC East rival at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and have someone watch the Broncos-Chiefs matchup because they will need a Denver loss along with their win to claim that final playoff spot. 

This is perhaps the best game that Week 18 has to offer NFL fans, because the No. 1 seed in the NFC will be determined by who wins the NFC North. 

Both the Lions and Vikings are 14-2, as the latter has ripped off a nine-game win streak and will be on the road against the former on "Sunday Night Football" in a highly anticipated bout between two squads that would each love to host every single playoff game except for the Super Bowl. 

If that is not enough, the loser would be the No. 5 seed – not the No. 2-4 as those are reserved for division winners. Being the No. 5 seed means going on the road to face the winner of the NFC South (on to that in just a second).

Buckle up, football fans. Two of the best offenses squaring off in Week 18 with tons on the line. It is playoff football without the true elimination. 

Once again, the NFC South has not been pretty, but Week 18 provides some suspense as both the Bucs and Falcons will be gunning for that final playoff spot, and it will only be secured by the division title. 

Tampa Bay has the edge, though, as a win over the New Orleans Saints at home would ensure they win the division no matter what happens with the Falcons’ game against the Carolina Panthers. 

However, if the Bucs were to lose and the Falcons were to win, it would be Atlanta winning the division. 

However, they’d have the same 9-8 record, you say? Kirk Cousins might not be Atlanta’s starting quarterback anymore, but he had two of his best games of the season against Tampa Bay, which led to Falcons wins in both matchups. A clean sweep in the regular season means the Falcons own the tiebreaker over the Bucs, which would crown them NFC South champions. 

Both games will be happening at the same time, 1 p.m. ET, which will create the perfect amount of suspense for fans of both franchises. 

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Notre Dame's Riley Leonard thanks fans for coming to Sugar Bowl in New Orleans after terror attack

3 January 2025 at 04:56

The show went on in New Orleans roughly 36 hours after a terror attack hit the city.

In the early hours of New Year's Day, at least 15 people were killed and dozens others were injured after Shamsud-Din Jabbar allegedly drove a white pick-up truck into a crowd of people in the French Quarter.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl was set to be played just a couple of miles away on Wednesday night, but it was postponed to Thursday afternoon.

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Despite the delay, the Caesars Superdome was packed, as Notre Dame took a 23-10 victory over Georgia to advance in the College Football Playoff.

It was unclear for at least a little while about when, and potentially even where, the game would be played. However, albeit with security heightened, all went normal during the game on Thursday.

After being named the Offensive Player of the Game, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard thanked the Fighting Irish fans for coming out to the game in what surely is a confusing and scary time.

OHIO STATE QUARTERBACK WILL HOWARD UNABLE TO TAKE ROSE BOWL CELEBRATION STAGE: 'THEY'RE BLOCKING ME'

"It’s been a very hard week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected a couple days ago. We’re praying for them. But for all these Notre Dame fans to show up anyway, it means the world to us. We felt them all game, I promise you," Leonard said to ESPN on stage.

Before the game, there was a moment of silence for the victims, and chants of "USA" rang through the crowd after the national anthem.

Jabbar's truck was flying an ISIS flag during the attack. He was killed after a shootout with police.

Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a rented Ford pick-up truck with weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) into a crowd of New Year’s revelers at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday, killing at least 15 and injuring more than 30 others. Authorities said other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. 

Authorities say Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran who recently held a six-figure job, opened fire on law enforcement officers, who returned fire, and was declared dead at the scene. 

Fox News' Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

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Caitlin Clark turned down chance to play for esteemed Catholic school because of 'feeling in her gut'

3 January 2025 at 04:51

Like many other young athletes from the Midwest, Caitlin Clark grew up in awe of Notre Dame sports. 

The WNBA phenom spoke about her experience visiting Notre Dame and consideration of playing for the Fighting Irish during an interview on the "New Heights" podcast on Thursday. 

"As a kid, you want to go to Notre Dame," Clark said. "It's like the coolest thing in the world, it's Notre Dame, it has that tradition." 

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Clark previously told ESPN that former Notre Dame women's basketball coach Muffet McGraw tried to recruit her and that Clark's own family also wanted her to play for the fighting Irish. 

"My family wanted me to go to Notre Dame," Caitlin said. "At the end of the day they were like, you make the decision for yourself. But it's NOTRE DAME! 'Rudy' was one of my favorite movies. How could you not pick Notre Dame?"

However, Clark said Thursday that she ultimately made the decision not to play there because of a feeling in her gut. 

CAITLIN CLARK BACKLASH TO WHITE PRIVILEGE REMARKS PROVES THERE'S 'ISSUES WITH RACE' IN US, WNBA GREAT SAYS

"I could feel it in my gut, I was like ‘ahh, I’m not supposed to go there,'" Clark said. 

Clark's gut feeling certainly did not steer her in the wrong direction. She ended up committing to her home state university of Iowa instead, where she played her entire four-year college career. Clark broke multiple program and NCAA records for the Hawkeyes, including the all-time leading scoring record among all college basketball players, men or women, in history. 

Clark also met her current boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, while at Iowa. McCaffery was a player on Iowa's men's basketball team for his father and head coach Fran McCaffery. 

Meanwhile, without Clark, Notre Dame fared okay, but not nearly as well as Iowa. Under the leadership of current head coach Niele Ivey, the Fighting Irish made the NCAA tournament three years in a row from 2021-24, but they lost in the regional semifinal all three times, while Clark led much deeper tournament runs in 2023 and 2024. 

Clark led Iowa to two straight national championship game appearances, en route to becoming the No. 1 overall selection by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft. McCaffery was already in Indiana working on the Pacers' coaching staff, and they are still in the city together as he now works on Butler's men's basketball coaching staff. 

Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year, was selected to the All-Star team, led the WNBA in assists, and helped lead the Fever to the playoffs in her rookie season. 

Clark was also named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024. 

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Yesterday — 2 January 2025Latest Sports News Today on Fox News

Saquon Barkley appears to take shot at Giants in new ad after rushing for 2,000 yards

2 January 2025 at 20:13

Ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles' season finale against the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley might be trolling his old team with his new advertisement.

Barkley, who played six seasons with the G-Men before joining the Eagles this past offseason, starred in an ad for Unisom, a sleep aid.

But the ad posted a cryptic message that may or may not be directed at Giants owner John Mara, who infamously said he would "have a hard time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia."

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"I heard some of you were having trouble sleeping, so I wrote you a lullaby," Barkley said in the ad. "Rockabye baby, awake in your bed, as the thought of 2,000 swirls in your head. It sure is tough to lose sleep over football – not for me, though. Good night to you all."

Well, that's exactly what happened, and Barkley is putting up historic numbers with the Birds.

The Giants were featured in HBO's "Hard Knocks" offseason edition, and Mara made the now-notorious statement in a discussion with general manager Joe Schoen, who never seemed all too interested in retaining Barkley, who was drafted second overall by his predecessor Dave Gettleman in 2018.

LAWMAKERS IN INDIANA, HOME OF NCAA HQ, LOOK TO EXPAND TRANSGENDER SPORTS BAN TO INCLUDE COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Barkley will rest for the playoffs in Week 18, which will leave him 101 yards short of becoming the NFL's single-season rushing yards king and save the Giants from even more embarrassment. But, he surpassed the 2,000-yard mark after running for 167 yards on Sunday, becoming the ninth player to do so.

Barkley admitted there is a part of him that wants to break the record, but he says there is a bigger goal in mind.

"He asked me if I wanted to play, if I wanted to go for it. On Sunday, I probably didn't care too much for it," Barkley said this week. "When I slept on it, was like, it's an opportunity to implant my name in football history. [I] may never get another opportunity like that again. 

"So I'm down. But in the end of the day, I don't care for putting the team at risk."

Instead, he will finish with 2,005 yards.

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Angel Reese shows off revealing New Year's Eve outfit, deletes Instagram account

2 January 2025 at 20:04

Angel Reese's Instagram account did not make it to 2025.

Reese's Instagram appeared to be deactivated on Thursday – but not before she posted a revealing outfit.

According to the New York Post, before Reese's account was no longer available, she posted herself in a dress that exposed most of her stomach and cleavage.

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While the pictures are no longer on Instagram, Reese posted several videos on TikTok of herself in the dress.

In one video, she is lip-syncing "Date Night" by rapper YFN Lucci, who says in the song, "I just hope it last, give that girl my last. Codeine in a glass. She shaped like a coke bottle made of glass." In another, she raps a portion of Nicki Minaj's verse from Trey Songz' "Touchin' Lovin'."

It's not yet clear when the account was deactivated, nor is it known how she spent the New Year.

OHIO STATE QUARTERBACK WILL HOWARD UNABLE TO TAKE ROSE BOWL CELEBRATION STAGE: 'THEY'RE BLOCKING ME'

Reese was one of two rookies named an All-Star in the WNBA this past season, along with Caitlin Clark. Clark received 66 of the 67 Rookie of the Year votes, with Reese receiving the other.

The LSU alum, who had beaten Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 national championship, set the single-season record for most rebounds in WNBA history, but after her season was cut short due to injury, A'ja Wilson surpassed her and set a new record.

Reese will be playing in the 3-on-3 "Unrivaled" league in Miami that begins later this month.

She was the seventh pick of the WNBA Draft to the Chicago Sky and averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds in 2024.

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