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Today — 7 January 2025Latest Sports News Today on Fox News

WWE legend Hulk Hogan hears boos on 'Monday Night Raw,' Los Angeles fans face criticism

7 January 2025 at 08:02

WWE legend Hulk Hogan made a special appearance at the Intuit Dome with Jimmy Hart as "Monday Night Raw" debuted on Netflix.

Hogan came out to his "Real American" theme song with Hart waving the American flag in the background. As Hogan tried to cut a promo for his Real American Beer brand, which signed a deal with WWE before the show, he was met with a bunch of boos from the Los Angeles crowd.

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The 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer was seen for a few minutes before he walked to the back.

While the Los Angeles crowd was quick to make their displeasure known, not everyone watching "Raw" on Netflix was pleased with the treatment Hogan received. "The Hulkster" found defenders on social media.

"Hulk Hogan getting boo’d probably because the state of California is the biggest left sided piece of s--- state in the country. F--- your political views and watch wrestling," one Hogan fan wrote on X.

"I love Hulk Hogan idgaf. Guy had a whole life and made a few mistakes okay so what. F-----g people acting holier than holy. P--- off," another Hogan defender added.

JOHN CENA'S FAREWELL TOUR BEGINS WITH MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON RAW'S NETFLIX PREMIERE

"The booing for hulk hogan is r------d btw, he’s a legend, respect him," another fan wrote.

"Hulk Hogan getting boo’d on Raw is because he’s MAGA. F----n’ hypocrites. Without Hogan ya’ll aren’t watching WWE. Grow up, Trump is your president," another added.

It was Hogan’s first appearance since he came out in full support of President-elect Donald Trump during election season. Hogan was seen in Trump’s corner during a rally at Madison Square Garden back in October and the Republican National Convention in July.

He also appeared on the "PBD Podcast" and revealed why he decided to speak out, pointing to the assassination attempt against Trump over the summer.

"When they tried to kill Trump, someone that I knew personally, it affected me worse," he said. "I sat up off the couch and I said, ‘that’s it, this has to stop.’ I don’t want to split my audience as a businessman but now I don’t care. This is much more important than business. This is a spiritual revolution now.

"This guy is coming out trying to help people. He wants to help millions of people. He wants to help America. Have God in our country, in our homes, in our schools, and I said, ‘I can’t handle it.’"

Hogan’s appearance in Los Angeles came about two months after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the election.

Hogan, along with Hart, appeared on the "Raw" anniversary show back in January 2023. He warmed up the crowd in Philadelphia at the time and received the totally opposite reception.

The pro wrestler’s relationship with the company has been hot and cold. He has had multiple separations with the company over several scandals.

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Packers take huge hit on offense before playoffs as star wide receiver suffers knee injury

7 January 2025 at 07:30

The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love lost a big weapon during the team’s 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. 

Star wide receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL and suffered additional damage to his knee, ending his season and putting the beginning of next season in doubt, according to the NFL Network

Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the news on Monday, saying Watson will be out for the rest of the year.

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Watson, 25, was running a route in the second quarter, and then crumpled to the ground grabbing his knee, suffering the injury on a non-contact play. 

LaFleur talked about what losing Watson means for the offense.

"Yeah, it’s a big-time loss, just his presence on the field alone. He’s so versatile in his ability to play multiple positions. You can put him at the X, the F, the Z, you can move him all over the place. Obviously, he’s got an element in terms of his size and speed that’s tough to replicate. There’s not many built like him around the league and I just, I hurt for him," LaFleur said in his press conference Monday.

"Obviously, hurt for our team, but also just more for him, just because I know how much he’s put into this thing, and just like all our guys, you never want to see that, and it’s an unfortunate part of our game."

Watson was questionable with a knee injury going into Week 18, but LaFleur said the knee he injured in the game was actually the other knee that had not been bothering him. 

ROB GRONKOWSKI RIPS PATRIOTS' DECISION TO FIRE JEROD MAYO AFTER 1 SEASON

LaFleur said that he is confident in how Watson will attack his rehab. 

"But like I told him, I know he’ll attack it the right way, he’ll handle the adversity, it’ll just be a bump in the road for him and I think he’ll come back better. That’s just how he is built, how he’s wired, and so I do think that there’ll be good, it’s just going to be down the road," LaFleur said. 

Watson is in his third season after being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State. 

This season, Watson had 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games. The deep threat is second in the NFL in average yards per reception, averaging 21.4 yards per catch. 

The Packers finished the season 11-6, and are the No. 7 seed in the NFC. They will take on the No. 2-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on the road in the Wild Card Round. 

Without Watson, the Packers will rely on wide receivers Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Malik Heath to fill in.

The Packers and Eagles will play at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday on FOX. 

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Bulls' Coby White throws down vicious dunk over 7-foot-3 phenom Victor Wembanyama

7 January 2025 at 07:24

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White accomplished the nearly impossible on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Bulls were clinging to a one-point lead with under 20 seconds to play. White got the ball on the far side of the court and drove to the basket. He leaped and met the 7-foot-3-inch phenom Victor Wembanyama at the basket. White, who is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches, won the battle.

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White threw a dunk over Wembanyama with fans at the United Center erupting in delight.

Chicago won the game 114-110. White’s dunk was two of the 23 points he scored in the 36 minutes he played. He was 9-of-18 from the field with four assists and four steals.

"I was gonna try to dunk it before he can get to the rim," White told reporters after the game, via Basket News. "And then I knew when I was driving if I was to lay it in finger roll or anything, he was going to block it.

MAVERICKS DON’T HAVE TIMELINE YET FOR KYRIE IRVING’S RETURN FROM BACK INJURY

"So I just was like I got to dunk it. And then especially to try to ice the game to go up four. I just wanted to make sure that I got the basket."

Zach LaVine led Chicago with 35 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Wembanyama led the Spurs with 23 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks in the loss. Chris Paul added 18 points and nine assists.

Chicago improved to 17-19 on the season. The Bulls sit in the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference.

San Antonio fell to 18-18 on the year. The Spurs also sit in the 10th spot, but in the Western Conference.

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Vikings lineman's wife says she was 'heckled, touched and called names' during game vs Lions

7 January 2025 at 05:43

Whitney Risner, the wife of Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Dalton Risner, spoke out about the behavior of Detroit Lions fans at Ford Field ahead of their Sunday night matchup.

Risner was doing a "get ready with me" video showing off her outfit before going to the pivotal NFC North matchup between the two teams. She said when the two teams played last year in Detroit, she did not realize how much heckling there was going to be.

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"Last year, I wore a flashy purple jacket, and I’ve never been heckled so much at an away game," she said in the video.

She added more context about Sunday night's game on the screen.

"Little did I know that I would be heckled, touched and called names at last night’s game by Detroit fans (Simply for being Vikings fans)," she added.

Taylor Saunders, the girlfriend of Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, also claimed fans were "wishing injuries on the opposing players" in response to a social media comment praising Lions fans.

BEARS PUT COWBOYS IN COACHING DILEMMA AFTER REQUESTING TO INTERVIEW MIKE MCCARTHY: REPORTS

It was a raucous crowd for both games at Ford Field – in 2023 and on Sunday night. Detroit fans have thrown their support fully behind their team on the way to the playoffs.

This season, the Lions will enter the playoffs with the No. 1 seed. They will have homefield advantage through the NFC playoffs with dreams of a Super Bowl appearance.

It is the first time since the 1950s that the Lions have won back-to-back division titles. The team has never made it to a Super Bowl.

They could end up facing the Vikings again in the playoffs. Minnesota put together an incredible season behind Sam Darnold, finishing right behind Detroit in the division.

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49ers' Ricky Pearsall open to meeting with teen accused of shooting him

7 January 2025 at 05:17

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s rookie season started out with a scary incident as he was shot in an attempted robbery while shopping.

Pearsall missed a few games but managed to play 11 games and catch 31 passes for 400 yards. He scored three touchdowns as well. The 49ers player said Monday as he cleared out his locker room that he wanted to meet with the teen suspect who was accused of shooting him.

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"I don't know how he grew up, so I can't judge him as a man just based off one action that he made," he said, via KNBR. "As violent as a crime as it was, God forbid him doing that to somebody else. I don't ever want that to happen.

"For me, just being able to forgive him at the end of the day like, I have to be able to forgive him to have that weight off my chest. At some point I do want to talk to the kid and make sure that, if I can create an impact on him in any way I think that would be really big. I think I'd be definitely open to doing that, for sure."

JAGUARS STAR TREVOR LAWRENCE, WIFE MARISSA, ANNOUNCE BIRTH OF 1ST CHILD: ‘THANK YOU JESUS FOR OUR GIRL’

A 17-year-old high school senior was charged with attempted murder in the Pearsall shooting and was arraigned back in September. He also faces assault with a semiautomatic weapon and attempted second-degree robbery charges on top of other gun-related charges.

The teen’s attorney, Bob Dunlap, said at the time his client was sorry for what occurred.

"He’s genuinely very sorry that this did happen, as is his family, and I can say on their behalf, as well as on my own behalf, our thoughts go out to the Pearsall family and Mr. Pearsall himself. So there is genuine, genuine remorse in that regard," Dunlap said. "He is a young boy."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Bears put Cowboys in coaching dilemma after requesting to interview Mike McCarthy: reports

7 January 2025 at 04:58

The Dallas Cowboys’ decision regarding head coach Mike McCarthy may be speeding up after what the Chicago Bears did. 

The Bears have reportedly asked the Cowboys for permission to interview McCarthy for their head coach vacancy, and ESPN reported Jerry Jones has yet to respond. 

However, the Bears do not need the Cowboys' permission as they could interview the longtime NFL head coach after the exclusive negotiating window is up on Jan. 14. 

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McCarthy’s contract is set to expire with the Cowboys, but Jones has made it known that he is not going to just let the Super Bowl-winning coach just waltz into free agency. There is a chance that he could return, and players like Dak Prescott have been vocal about him remaining in place as well. 

However, the speed at which Jones and the Cowboys make their decision could be sped up now with the Bears, and possibly other teams, waiting to interview McCarthy for their own head coaching gigs. 

McCarthy has just finished his fifth season in Dallas, and after going 12-5 in each of the last three seasons, the Cowboys finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 – his first year as head coach. 

COWBOYS CHEERLEADER DRILLED IN HEAD BY KICKOFF MISHAP IN FINAL GAME OF SEASON

There were questions about McCarthy’s future with the organization before the 2024 regular season began, as players like Prescott and CeeDee Lamb received extensions, but the head coach’s future remained in limbo as he did not put pen to paper. 

Things were not looking good for McCarthy either, as the Cowboys were stagnant to start the year and then plummeted once Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in early November. 

However, it was clear toward the end of the year, as backup quarterback Cooper Rush got more comfortable in the starting role, that the Cowboys were not mailing it in, just waiting for the season to be over.

Dallas won four of its five games after snapping a four-game skid in early November, and despite a beatdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, Dallas played hard until the end in Week 18, though the Washington Commanders had a game-winning touchdown with three seconds left to hand them their 10th loss of the season. 

NFL Network reported Jones and McCarthy were expected to meet Monday afternoon, though a contract offer was not mentioned. The report added that McCarthy wants to remain in Dallas if they would have him. 

"I don’t know that I am considering making a change is really what I’m trying to say," Jones told reporters about his coaching situation. 

Meanwhile, the Bears will be searching high and low for the right man to take over a team with loads of potential, but could not keep the ball rolling after starting the year 4-2. A Week 18 win over the Green Bay Packers snapped a 10-game losing streak to end the year on a high note, but Caleb Williams and company need to improve if they wish to compete in a loaded NFC North division. 

The Bears have already requested permission to interview several top candidates, including Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, New York Giants OC Mike Kafka and Steelers OC Arthur Smith, among others. 

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John Cena's farewell tour begins with major announcement on RAW's Netflix premiere

7 January 2025 at 04:51

John Cena’s WWE farewell tour began with a big announcement and an even bigger prediction. 

Cena shocked the Intuit Dome crowd during "Raw’s" Netflix premiere on Monday night, as they went into a frenzy when his walk-out music played. 

While thanking the Los Angeles crowd for everything they’ve done for him over the years, he announced that he would be heading to Royal Rumble 2025, becoming the famed match’s first entrant. 

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The match, which is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is one that Cena does not just want to compete in. 

"I’m going to win the Royal Rumble," he told the crowd. 

Now, Cena did mention there would be a better chance he wins an Academy Award than becoming a 17-time WWE Champion, which would be a record. 

However, if he were to win the Royal Rumble, he would automatically get a world championship match at WrestleMania 41, giving him a shot at WWE history. 

So, as Cena always says, never give up. It might be unlikely, but he seems determined to go out with a bang in his final year. 

It is unclear just how many events Cena will be participating in this year, but his recent appearances have hinted at a pretty hefty schedule in the coming months. 

JOHN CENA TO COMPETE IN 2025 ROYAL RUMBLE EVENT AS LEGEND EMBARKS ON FAREWELL TOUR

The 47-year-old is a 16-time WWE champion who is bound for the Hall of Fame after his retirement. 

Cena was just one of the special guest appearances on "Raw," as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opened the festivities before his cousin, Roman Reigns, defeated Solo Sikoa to be named the one and only "Tribal Chief." The current undisputed WWE champion, Cody Rhodes, also flew into the ring in suit and tie to help clear out the madness in that match. 

The Undertaker rode in on a motorcycle after Rhea Ripley won the women's world title belt from Liv Morgan, and Chief Content Officer Triple H made a speech in front of the sold-out crowd and millions watching around the globe. 

This new era of WWE on Netflix saw all the stops pulled out on Night 1, and Cena made sure to proclaim his goal for 2025 in the process.

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Yesterday — 6 January 2025Latest Sports News Today on Fox News

Jaguars star Trevor Lawrence, wife Marissa, announce birth of 1st child: ‘Thank you Jesus for our girl’

6 January 2025 at 18:24

The Lawrence family has gained a new member. 

Jacksonville Jaguars star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his wife, Marissa, announced the birth of their first child, Shae Lynn Lawrence, in an Instagram post on Monday. 

"Mommy and daddy love you so much!!! Thank you Jesus for our girl!!!" the caption of the post read with pictures of the Lawrence family together. 

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Shae Lynn was born on Jan. 4 at 4:01 a.m., weighing in at 10 pounds, 2 ounces. 

Among the pictures was Trevor already performing his dad duties, carrying his baby girl in a car seat out of the hospital. He was also spotted sporting a "Girl Dad" hat in the photos.

The love from both mom and dad showed as the Jaguars’ franchise signal-caller heads into the offseason with a new priority to worry about off the field.

The 25-year-old Lawrence is coming off a tumultuous 2024 campaign that was cut short by a season-ending AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. 

In the 10 games he played this season, Lawrence saw more struggles than he did in the second half of the 2023 campaign. He went 2-8 in his 10 starts, throwing for 2,045 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. 

Lawrence’s 60.6% completion rate was the lowest mark he’s had since his rookie season, when the Jaguars went 3-14. 

Jacksonville finished 4-13 on the year as Mac Jones, Lawrence’s backup this season, took the reins the rest of the way. The Jaguars are set to pick fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they’ll hope to add top talent to get back into the playoffs.

But football can wait for now as Lawrence and his wife put their parenting helmets on and enjoy time with their daughter ahead of Trevor’s fifth NFL season in 2025.

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Eagles star Jalen Hurts’ playoff availability up in air as he remains in concussion protocol

6 January 2025 at 17:35

The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping for a longer playoff run than last season after securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC and will host the No. 7 Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round this weekend. 

However, there’s still one big question to be answered regarding one of the Eagles’ stars: Jalen Hurts, the team’s starting quarterback, remains in concussion protocol two weeks after suffering the injury during the team’s loss to the Washington Commanders on the road.

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Head coach Nick Sirianni broke the news to reporters on Monday, which leaves Hurts’ availability for the wild-card game up in the air. And that’s obviously not what you want to hear about your starting quarterback. 

The Eagles are set to face the Packers, who own the same No. 7 seed as last year, when they went to Dallas and beat the Cowboys in their own building in the wild-card game, on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. 

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While the Eagles hope Hurts can get through concussion protocol before this weekend's game, they will be looking closely at his backup situation. 

Kenny Pickett suffered a rib injury that kept him out of the team’s Week 18 game against the New York Giants. Tanner McKee, who took over for Pickett against the Cowboys after suffering his injury, played in Week 18.

At first, many believed the Eagles were simply being cautious with Hurts after his concussion against the Commanders, as he didn't suit up for Week 17 or 18. But now there is real concern, and his injury status throughout the week will be closely watched.

Meanwhile, the Packers are dealing with injuries of their own as star wide receiver Christian Watson is expected to miss the rest of the year after suffering a torn ACL in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears.  While the Packers were fighting for the No. 6 seed – the Commanders’ walk-off victory against the Cowboys locked up that seed for them – they had already earned a spot in the playoffs. But Watson's injury is a tough break as they head to Philadelphia.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love was also held out as a precaution, according to head coach Matt LaFleur, after hurting his elbow during the game against the Bears. He left the game in the first half.

Hurts has accounted for 32 Eagles touchdowns this season, 18 through the air and 14 on the ground, as he passed for 2,903 yards with a 68.7% completion rate over 15 games. He’s gone 12-3 in that span, helping his team earn the NFC East title this season. 

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Bill Belichick focused on UNC, not worried about Patriots after his replacement got fired after 1 season

6 January 2025 at 14:15

Bill Belichick knows his former pupil and New England Patriots successor Jerod Mayo was fired after just one season. 

But what's happening with the team he won six Super Bowls with is the least of his worries at the moment. 

During his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Belichick, who was in suit and tie on a recruiting trip for his new gig as the North Carolina Tar Heels head football coach, said the Patriots never gave him a ring as they decided to fire Mayo after going 4-13 this year.

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"The Patriots’ situation, honestly, I don’t have too much of a comment on that," Belichick told McAfee and his crew. "Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Robyn Glaser, they’re the decision makers there.

"Mayo was hand-picked by Robert, but in the end, the decision-making is something they’d have to comment on.

"I really don’t know from the outside looking in. They haven’t called me and asked, so I don’t know."

PATRIOTS OWNER ROBERT KRAFT SHOULDERS BLAME AFTER FIRING JEROD MAYO: ‘WHOLE SITUATION IS ON ME’

Of course, McAfee had to ask Belichick after his replacement being one-and-done in Foxborough, but a new journey for the legendary coach is well under way as he continues to try and build his first roster at Chapel Hill. 

As Belichick mentioned, Kraft hand-picked Mayo, who was already on Belichick’s staff, as the Patriots’ next head coach this past offseason. It came after the team and Belichick mutually parted ways following a 4-13 season, ending a 24-year relationship that brought about arguably football’s best head coach of all-time. 

Mayo played for the Patriots from 2008-15, winning a Super Bowl with the franchise during the 2014 campaign. Belichick eventually brought him onto his coaching staff in 2019 as a linebackers coach before Kraft made his choice last year. 

But Kraft shouldered the blame on Monday when addressing reporters about Mayo, saying that the "whole situation is on me" in regard to his decision to let Mayo go after only one season. 

"I feel terrible for Jerod, because I put him in an untenable situation," Kraft added. "I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job.

"In the end, I'm a fan of this team first, and now I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."

While the Patriots embark on yet another head coach search, in which another Belichick former player in Mike Vrabel is expected to be top of mind as Mayo's replacement, the 72-year-old coach's inaugural season with the Tar Heels has a large spotlight on it, given this will be Belichick's first-ever college gig in his illustrious career.

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Patriots owner Robert Kraft shoulders blame after firing Jerod Mayo: 'Whole situation is on me'

6 January 2025 at 13:31

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement on Sunday night regarding Jerod Mayo’s firing, as he believed it was the right move to make after just one season at the helm. 

Now, Kraft is solely focused on moving quickly with yet another head coaching search after he and Bill Belichick parted ways before the 2024 season. 

Before he discussed the plan this time around, though, Kraft shouldered the blame after another 4-13 campaign.

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"This whole situation is on me," Kraft told reporters on Monday, via ESPN. "I feel terrible for Jerod, because I put him in an untenable situation. I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job.

"In the end, I'm a fan of this team first, and now I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."

Teams are making calls already to potential head coach candidates, and the Patriots are wasting no time either. 

ESPN'S STEPHEN A SMITH ON PATRIOTS FIRING JEROD MAYO: ‘THEY CALL IT BLACK MONDAY FOR A REASON’

New England has pinged the Detroit Lions about a formal request to interview star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. And, of course, Kraft was asked about Mike Vrabel, another former player of his who has much more head coaching experience in the NFL than Mayo, who was leading a team for the first time. 

"There are some wonderful people that we’ve heard about," Kraft responded when asked about Vrabel, who most recently was head coach of the Tennessee Titans before his firing after the 2023 season. "I’d rather respond to that after I’ve seen everyone. We want to interview as many people as we can that we think can help us get to that position that we want to be in."

As for the process, Kraft’s son, Jonathan, who serves as team president, will be involved, as well as senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.  Kraft’s front office will also remain the same during this coaching transition. 

Mayo’s final game as head coach had NFL Draft implications on Sunday, as Joe Milton III’s breakout game against the Buffalo Bills lost the Patriots the No. 1 overall pick. Now, they will be choosing fourth overall come April. 

But Kraft didn’t appear bothered by Mayo coaching the Patriots to a final victory to end the season, as he said the former New England linebacker was informed of the decision after the game. 

"He was a man," Kraft said of Mayo’s reaction to the firing. "Look, it was one of the more difficult things I've had to do in my life because I had such affection for him. And I believe in him. I really do believe as he gets more experience, he'll be successful. He was a gentleman and accepted it that way."

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WWE announces location of 2026 Royal Rumble

6 January 2025 at 12:17

The WWE announced on Monday that the Royal Rumble, one of the marquee premium live events the company holds, will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026.

The Royal Rumble event has primarily been held in the United States outside of its first instance in 1988, when it was hosted in Ontario, Canada. It will be hosted in Indianapolis in February before it heads overseas next year.

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"WWE is a global enterprise and it only made sense to expand our relationship with the Kingdom by bringing one of our biggest annual events to Riyadh in January of 2026," WWE president Nick Khan said in a news release.

Saudi Arabia has been the host of a handful of premium live events in the past. Crown Jewel has been the main event held in the country, while The Greatest Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber Night of Champions and the King and Queen of the Ring events also took place there.

"Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Royal Rumble for the first time outside North America reflects the General Entertainment Authority’s ongoing commitment to bringing the world’s largest and most important entertainment events to the Kingdom. Through this partnership with WWE, we aim to enhance the entertainment sector and deliver a transformative experience that attracts a wide audience," Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh added.

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"We are excited to see this historic event as part of Riyadh Season’s activities and look forward to providing an exceptional experience for wrestling fans from around the world, whom we welcome to all events hosted in Saudi Arabia."

WWE touted November’s Crown Jewel as a massive success. The company said it set a record for the most-watched WWE event from Saudi Arabia.

The company said the event saw a 28% viewership increase from last year’s event. It was also the sixth Crown Jewel event that was sold out at Mohammed Abd Arena in Riyadh.

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Tyreek Hill channels Antonio Brown after remarks about future with Dolphins

6 January 2025 at 11:41

Tyreek Hill channeled Antonio Brown on Monday hours after he suggested he wanted to leave the Miami Dolphins once the team missed out on the playoffs during the 2024 season.

The star wide receiver superimposed his face for his new X profile picture on Brown’s body from the time the former NFL player left in the middle of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ game against the New York Jets. 

Brown ran off of the field at MetLife Stadium three years ago, never to be seen in the NFL again.

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It wasn’t clear exactly what Hill was trying to signal, but his comments following the Dolphins’ loss to the Jets certainly raised eyebrows.

"I just got to do what’s best for me and my family," he said after telling reporters it’s the first time he’s not getting a shot at the Lombardi Trophy. "If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m finna open that door for myself. 

"I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I gotta do what’s best for my career because I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there."

ESPN'S STEPHEN A SMITH ON PATRIOTS FIRING JEROD MAYO: 'THEY CALL IT BLACK MONDAY FOR A REASON'

He then appeared to double down in a separate post on X.

"Love fin nation blessing yall opened doors for the Hill family forever nothing, but respect and love," he tweeted.

The Dolphins acquired Hill in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. He made an impact immediately, elevating the team into a playoff contender.

He had 319 catches for 4,468 yards and 26 touchdowns in his time in Miami.

Hill will only turn 31 in March and has proven he could still pack a powerful punch on offense.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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ESPN's Stephen A Smith on Patriots firing Jerod Mayo: 'They call it Black Monday for a reason'

6 January 2025 at 10:26

ESPN star Stephen A. Smith reacted to the New England Patriots’ decision to fire Jerod Mayo after only one season at the helm.

Smith lamented on "First Take" that Mayo didn’t get enough of an opportunity to develop as a head coach and lead the team. He said the availability of Mike Vrabel on the coaching market also played a factor.

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"This is about Mike Vrabel. That's who they wanted. No question about it," Smith said. "He’s the more seasoned and experienced coach. I don't like this. They call it Black Monday for a reason. This certainly typifies it. I don't know why it's not called White Monday. Doug Pederson got fired from Jacksonville. He deserved that firing. 

"Jerod Mayo clearly was not given a lengthy enough opportunity considering what Bill Belichick left him with from a talent perspective, considering the record, considering the way the team performed."

Smith added that he believed the Patriots’ top brass "turned" on Mayo over the course of the season.

"He didn’t help himself with some of the comments he made calling the team soft… But no matter what we can point to, at the end of the day the folks in New England were turning against Jerod Mayo. We all know this," he said. 

"And I think it has something to do with the fact that Vrabel is available and that’s what’s really going on here. They don’t want to lose him to a team like the New York Jets. They want to be in the running, and they can’t do that with him as the head coach."

The Patriots were 4-13 in Mayo’s lone season.

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New England team owner Robert Kraft made the announcement after New England defeated the Buffalo Bills in the final game of the season.

"After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said. 

"I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evidence, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach."

Kraft went on to say that the move comes as he feels the fans deserve a better product on the field moving forward.

"Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years," Kraft’s statement read. "I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time."

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Giants' John Mara jokes he was upset with Saquon Barkley over ad, wanted to be involved

6 January 2025 at 09:56

New York Giants co-owner John Mara joked Monday he was upset with Saquon Barkley over the commercial he did, which seemingly took a shot at the end of his tenure with the team.

Mara famously said during an episode of "Hard Knocks" earlier this year he would have trouble sleeping if Barkley joined the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason. Sure enough, Barkley signed with the Eagles and helped them to an NFC East title.

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Barkley’s commercial aired last weekend, and Mara talked about it after he announced the team would retain general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for the 2025 season.

"I called him before the game and told him I was very upset with him based on our relationship of so many years. He said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said at least you could’ve done was ask me to be in the commercial with you," Mara said.

"I said I coulda been tossing and turning. I said there is an acting gene in our family. It’s not just my nieces."

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Mara is the uncle of actresses Rooney and Kata Mara.

Barkley’s commercial for Unisom was released on Thursday.

"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."

Barkley finished 101 yards short of the single-season rushing yards record. 

Philadelphia will play the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round of the playoffs.

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Browns' Deshaun Watson suffered setback in Achilles injury recovery, GM says

6 January 2025 at 08:46

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon rupture, general manager Andrew Berry said Monday.

Berry said the team only learned about Watson’s new medical situation during player exit meetings on Sunday after the team lost its final regular-season game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

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Berry said the team should have more information coming on Watson in the next few days.

Watson has been out of action since he suffered the injury Oct. 20 against the Cincinnati Bengals at home. Browns fans were heard cheering the Watson injury as frustrations over his lack of on-field performance had grown.

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Cleveland acquired Watson from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade in 2022 after he sat out the entire 2021 season and faced more than two dozen accusations of sexual misconduct. Cleveland signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. 

Watson settled the unsavory claims and served a suspension from the league over it. But since he suited up for the Browns in 2022, he’s only appeared in 17 games. He went from being a three-time Pro Bowler and budding star talent to an injury-riddled quarterback.

The team restructured his deal to get future salary-cap relief and flexibility. However, his future with the team is murkier than ever.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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German club soccer player Luca Meixner dead at 22

6 January 2025 at 08:13

Luca Meixner, a soccer player who played in Germany for SSV Reutlingen 05, has died, the club announced on Saturday. He was 22.

The club issued a statement on its Instagram account. The club said Meixner died "unexpectedly."

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"This past weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner passed away on Friday 12/27. died unexpectedly at the age of 22," SSV Reutlingen said.

"The entire SSV family is deeply disturbed and stunned. His teammates, all boards and staff mourn Lucas' survivors and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions."

Meixner’s cause of death wasn’t immediately revealed.

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Meixner joined the main SSV Reutlingen 05 team in 2021 after spending four years at the youth level. He appeared in 100 matches for the club and scored six goals.

He played in the club’s final match on Dec. 7 before the winter break. He played 87 minutes in the match as they tied 1-1 against Balingen.

The club has played in Oberliga Baden-Wurttemberg for the last nine seasons. The league is a part of Germany’s fifth tier, according to The Sun. They are currently in 10th place in this season’s standings.

SSV Reutlingen posted photos on its website paying tribute to Meixner.

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Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen will be back with Giants in 2025, team says

6 January 2025 at 07:27

New York Giants co-owner John Mara announced Monday that the team will retain both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for the 2025 season.

Mara made the stunning announcement as "Black Monday" in the NFL got underway. Mara appeared to go against what many fans and reporters thought was going to be the start of another rebuild, especially after the decision to cut quarterback Daniel Jones in November.

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However, Schoen and Daboll get at least one more year to help build New York back into a winning franchise.

"Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will continue in their respective roles with the organization," Mara said in a statement. "As disappointing as the results of the season have been, (co-owner Steve Tisch) and I remain confident in the process that Joe and Brian have implemented and their vision for our team.

"We look forward to the future and achieving the results we all desire."

The Giants’ tumultuous 2024 season started with their decision to let running back Saquon Barkley go during free agency. Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and had the second-best season a running back could have, finishing with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

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Philadelphia also won the NFC East handily.

New York decided to release Jones after poor play. He never truly got back to his 2022 form after suffering two major injuries during the 2023 season. He was 2-8 in 10 starts for the Giants.

Giants fans also let their opinions fly during the year.

Mara was called out in two airplane banner messages that flew over MetLife Stadium late in the season. The message called for the dismissal of "everyone."

One bright side of the season was the emergence of Malik Nabers. The rookie wide receiver had 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. He is expected to be a focal point of the offense moving forward.

New York will have the No. 3 pick of the 2025 draft.

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Seahawks' Geno Smith captures big payday despite missing out on playoffs

6 January 2025 at 06:53

Geno Smith led the Seattle Seahawks to their first 10-win season in four years and, despite missing out on the postseason, the veteran quarterback was able to leave Week 18 a bit richer.

Smith entered the game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday with a shot at earning up to $6 million thanks to three contract escalators, according to ESPN

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He would earn $2 million each if Seattle picked up its 10th win and finished the season with at least 4,282 passing yards and a completion percentage of 69.7555%. 

He nailed all three.

Seattle won the game 30-25. Smith was 20-of-27 with 233 passing yards and four touchdown passes. He finished the 2024 regular season with 4,320 passing yards and a completion rate of 70.4%. Both marks were the highest he has achieved since becoming the full-time starter.

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Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said Smith was aware of the escalators but was more focused on winning the game.

"He was like, I just want to go win," Macdonald said, via ESPN. "That's all he cared about. He was awesome all week. I'll keep our conversations private but he was great, man. 

"He was awesome. Awesome. All his focus all week was just going out the right way and getting a 10th win."

Smith, 34, has one more year left on his contract. He will be owed $14.8 million next season. It is unclear if Seattle will work with him on a contract extension in the offseason.

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Rob Gronkowski rips Patriots' decision to fire Jerod Mayo after 1 season

6 January 2025 at 06:22

Rob Gronkowski appeared to be upset with how the New England Patriots handled Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach, which ended with his dismissal Sunday following a win over the Buffalo Bills.

Mayo was hired to replace Bill Belichick last year after the legendary head coach and the organization parted ways following six Super Bowls and two dynastic periods.

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The Patriots struggled in Mayo’s first season, finishing 4-13. But Gronkowski expressed that he didn’t believe Mayo had enough time to develop as a head coach.

"I was shocked by that. And to happen that soon was a shocker to a lot of people," he said on FOX. "Especially here at the desk, I think we were all surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He had never had the chance to develop as a head coach. 

"He was just a rookie himself in that department. If you judge a coach by their first year, that’s really not appropriate."

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Mayo and Gronkowski were teammates for a few years with the Patriots.

The Patriots were far from playoff contenders entering the season. New England drafted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round and didn’t start him until a few weeks into the regular season.

New England was 30th in points scored and 31st in yards gained, while finishing 22nd in points and yards allowed.

Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced the Mayo decision after the Patriots’ win.

"After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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