Where exactly Pope Leo XIV's sports loyalties reside has quickly evolved into a topic of conversation.
A photo of the new pontiff wearing a pinstripe Chicago White Sox jersey at the 2005 World Series surfaced in the Chicago Sun-Times, which seemed to add more fuel to the debate.
Elected on Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost is the first pope from the U.S. in the history of the Catholic Church. The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, also attended Villanova University near Philadelphia, where he received a Bachelor of Science in 1977.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is one of the latest figures in the sports world to weigh in on the new pope. Williams needed just two words to express his apparent excitement: "Daaaaaa Pope," he wrote Thursday on X.
Williams experienced several highs and lows during his rookie season as the Bears stumbled to a 5-12 record. While it remains unclear whether the new pope is an avid Bears supporter, Chicago certainly has plenty of reasons to be hopeful in 2025.
The Bears hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach in January. The team then made a flurry of additions to its roster once the NFL free agency period opened last month. Chicago bolstered its offensive line by acquiring center Drew Dalman and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.
The election of the new pope also coincides with a trio of former Villanova players leading the New York Knicks on their NBA playoff run. It didn’t take long for a photoshopped picture of the four of them together to show up on social media.
The Knicks erased 20-point deficits in winning Games 1 and 2 against the defending champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Game 3 set for Saturday in New York. The Knicks have not won an NBA title since 1973.
Sen. Jim Banks posted a photo of the two together on X.
Woods' son, Charlie, and Vanessa's daughter, Kai, are both competitive golfers. Kai has committed to play at the University of Miami, while Charlie has played alongside his father at tournaments. Charlie has also played at U.S. Open qualifiers, and both Charlie and Kai played at the same tournament back in February.
Woods was photographed with Kai at the Genesis Invitational. Vanessa and Kai also took in a TGL match, which was created by Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Woods confirmed his relationship with Vanessa in a social media post on March 23.
"Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.," Woods wrote in his post.
"He told me about it, and I said, 'Tiger, that's good, that's good. I'm very, happy for both.' But they just let them both be happy. Let them both be happy. They're both great," the president said back in March.
"I love Tiger and I love Vanessa," he added. "He and I have a very special, very good relationship with Tiger. I played golf with him a couple of times over the last month, and he's a fantastic guy and a fantastic athlete."
After his highly publicized divorce from Elin Nordegren, Woods was linked to Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn in the 2010s. He was dating Erica Herman at the time he won the Masters in 2019, but they, too, had a very public breakup that included sexual harassment allegations and an NDA lawsuit filed by Herman.
Dylan Veselic, a sophomore at Bay Village High School, died Thursday after taking a ball to the head two days prior.
Veselic was injured after a shot from an opponent struck the back of his head underneath his helmet. He underwent surgery on Wednesday, but it was not enough.
"We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond. We ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the family said in a statement.
"Dylan was a dedicated student and athlete, and we are heartbroken by this loss," Bay Village Schools Superintendent Scot Prebles said in a statement, via Cleveland.com. "Counseling services are available at Bay High School for students, staff and family who need support."
"Dylan was an amazing student, always wearing a smile on his face while supporting his fellow teammates," added Bay Village athletic director Matt Spellman said.
"He was kind, hardworking and dedicated, consistently showing leadership, empathy and a positive attitude both on the field and in the classroom."
Veselic was listed as a captain of the team on MaxPreps.
This was his second season on varsity, playing for the varsity team as a freshman, as well. He played in 25 high school games.
The team canceled a game on Thursday, the day he died, for a prayer service. Their next game is scheduled for Tuesday.
A report earlier Friday circulated that UNC athletic staff had barred Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of head coach Bill Belichick, from both the facility and the field.
However, the university refuted that, regarding "false" reports of her role.
"While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities. Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick’s personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University," the unversity's athletic program said in a statement.
The report came from ex-ESPN employee Pablo Torre, who also said he had heard from sources in the Belichick family that there is a "deep worry" that Hudson could be "detrimental" to his legacy, and they were even "digging" up on her.
Shortly after UNC's statement, though, Torre released a statement of his own, backing up his reporting on Hudson being banned from the facility.
"The University of North Carolina can choose to describe or change its position on Jordon Hudson’s involvement however it wishes, following the publication of our episode. We requested comment and filed dozens of FOIA requests that were not satisfied. And we stand by the specific reporting in our episode, which came from the highest levels of the football program," he said.
Hudson has reportedly been heavily involved in Belichick's professional life since he was hired to be UNC's football coach in December. One report said she struck down the idea of the Tar Heels program being featured in "Hard Knocks."
Apparently, Belichick had asked UNC staff to include Hudson in all emails moving forward.
The 73-year-old and 24-year-old made their relationship public last year, which prompted plenty of eyeballs as it is. However, in recent weeks, Hudson gained more notoriety last month when she interrupted a CBS interview with Belichick, resulting in back-and-forth statements between the two parties.
During the exhibition period, Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Devers appeared to be at odds about whether he would spend time on the baseball diamond covering third base.
Shortly before Opening Day, Cora confirmed Devers would handle the team's designated hitter duties on a full-time basis. However, when Boston's primary first baseman Triston Casas suffered a serious injury, it prompted another proposal from the Red Sox brass.
Former Red Sox pitcher and the franchise's current chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, brought up the idea of Devers covering first base in the future, the New York Post reported. However, the three-time MLB All-Star reportedly shut down the idea.
During his public rebuttal of the potential position change, Devers cited the Red Sox' previous instructions related to him using his glove.
"I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there," Devers said via a translator, per the Boston Globe. "In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove, that I wasn't going to play any other position but DH."
Devers suggested a question concerning a position switch was effectively inappropriate. "So right now, I just feel like it’s not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position," he added.
Devers then questioned whether Breslow, the baseball pitcher-turned team executive, had some level of discontent towards him. "I’m not certain what [issue] he has with me," Devers told reporters. "He played ball, and I would like to think that he knows that changing positions like that isn’t easy."
Nevertheless, Devers made it clear he has strong relationships with his Red Sox teammates before hinting that good will did not necessarily extend to others across the organization.
"I don’t understand some of the decisions that the GM makes. Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt, and they want me to play in the outfield," he said on Thursday.
Casas, who spent his past four big league seasons at first base, is expected to miss the remainder of the year with a knee injury.
Devers also suggested the Red Sox front office should utilize the free agent market in their search for a solution at first base. "Now I think they should do their job essentially and hit the market and look for another player [to play first base]. I'm not sure why they want me to be in between the way they have me now," he said via MassLive.com.
Devers inked a contract with the Red Sox worth $313.5 million in January 2023, ESPN reported. He finished last season with 28 home runs. The 28-year-old has hit six home runs in 39 games so far this season.
If Abdul Carter's jersey number selections were a batting average, he would be in the Hall of Fame.
At least he can now build a Hall of Fame resume on a number that could go down in New York Giants lore.
After getting shut down to wearing both Lawrence Taylor's No. 56 and Phil Simms' No. 11, Carter, the third overall pick of the draft, has settled on No. 51.
The Giants announced that Carter will wear the number for rookie minicamp (Jaxson Dart was given No. 6, and Cam Skattebo No. 44), but the numbers are subject to change.
Carter asked Taylor, perhaps the greatest Giant and defensive player ever, whether he could wear his No. 56, which was retired by the Giants in 1994. It was a hard no from LT himself.
Later on, Simms said he would allow Carter to wear his No. 11, which was retired by the Giants in 1995. Carter wore the number throughout his career at Penn State, a badge of honor at the school. It is given to a player the university, and the last representative, feels is worthy. The previous Nittany Lion to wear it before Carter was Micah Parsons, who wears it now with the Dallas Cowboys.
However, that request was ultimately shut down by Simms' family after a lengthy, fiery debate among the members of the household.
Upon hearing the news, Carter jokedthat he would "be out there with just my last name on my jersey, no number." But, he'll be at minicamp with a number that likely has never even been considered being retired.
No. 51 was worn last season by edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. It was first seen on a Giant in 1946 by Chet Gladchuk.
The most notable Giant to wear the number is Zak DeOssie, a two-time Super Bowl champion long snapper who wore it from 2004 to 2017.
Last season, the team unretired Ray Flaherty’s No. 1 for wide receiver Malik Nabers, who wore No. 9 throughout college. Flaherty's number retirement was the first in professional football history. Flaherty’s family gave the Giants permission to unretire the number for Nabers, who wore it well. Nabers, as a rookie, set the franchise record for most receptions in a season, with 109.
The G-Men have 13 retired numbers for 14 players. (The No. 14 is for Ward Cuff and Y.A. Tittle.) Warren Moon recently granted Cam Ward permission to wear No. 1 with the Tennessee Titans.
However, in recent weeks, Hudson has gained notoriety when she interrupted a CBS interview with Belichick, resulting in back-and-forth statements between the two parties.
Hudson has reportedly been heavily involved in Belichick's professional life since he was hired to be UNC's football coach in December. One report said she struck down the idea of the Tar Heels program being featured in "Hard Knocks."
Apparently, Belichick had asked UNC staff to include Hudson in all emails moving forward.
The headlines are very un-Belichick-like, who has always been known for his no-distraction demeanor. However, since his relationship with Hudson, that has been anything but. Additionally, the family is concerned, according to ex-ESPN employee Pablo Torre.
Torre said a family source told him, "there is deep worry for how detrimental Jordon can be for not just North Carolina but Bill's legacy, reputation — everything he has built and worked for over decades." Torre added that the family "has been digging into" Hudson.
He also said sources on the UNC athletic staff told him that "is no longer allowed in the football building" or "on the football field." But UNC refuted as such in a statement Friday morning.
"While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities. Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick’s personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University," Carolina Athletics said.
However, a report surfaced last month that UNC employees are "not loving the Bill Belichick experience."
"From rumblings I heard — and this is not recent, and this a month or two ago — they’re not loving the Bill Belichick experience. If you’re an everyday employee down there, which is probably what a lot of the people here in 2000 felt when Bill came aboard and said, ‘I don’t know if I like this,' it’s uncomfortable," Tom Curran said on WEEI at the time.
Julius Randle had 24 points and 11 assists to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves through another uneven performance, this time capitalizing on Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry’s absence in a 117-93 victory on Thursday that tied the second-round playoff series at one game apiece.
Anthony Edwards finished with 20 points after an injury scare for the Wolves, who more than tripled their 3-point output (going 16 for 37) from their Game 1 loss when Curry was sidelined by a left hamstring strain that likely will keep him out at least until next week.
Edwards hurt his ankle on a layup attempt midway through the second quarter, and immediately exited the game. He remained out through the end of the second quarter but returned at the start of the third and finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.
With the NBA's career-leading 3-point shooter sitting next to him on the bench, coach Steve Kerr used the kitchen-sink strategy with 14 players getting time — including a baker's dozen in the first 14 minutes.
Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15 points) combined to shoot 14 for 17 from the floor for the Warriors, who took nearly five minutes to score until Jimmy Butler's 3-pointer stopped the 13-0 run by the Wolves to start the game.
Kuminga, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft who dropped out of the rotation at times during the regular season, was a bright spot off the bench. But this Warriors team was already thin on offense with a healthy Curry.
Against the Wolves and their athletic, long and versatile defense, there wasn't much to lean on. Without Curry to worry about, the Wolves had an easier time keeping shooters Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski quiet and the smooth and savvy Butler in check.
The Warriors put up their lowest first-quarter score (15) in the playoffs since Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals, according to Sportradar, when they had 11 in a loss to Cleveland.
Draymond Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs, two short of an automatic one-game suspension, for elbowing Naz Reid after Reid had just fouled him. Green was hot about the call, continuing to shout at official Tony Brothers during the timeout at risk of getting a second one. Curry was concerned enough about his pal getting ejected that he went over to the scorer's table to try to talk Green down and walk him back to the bench.
ESPN announced the show's cancellation in March, and its last show will be on May 23. So, on Thursday's episode, they brought back Jemele Hill, who anchored SportsCenter for a time before she was canned in 2018.
Hill was let go from the network due to social media posts about President Donald Trump and his supporters during his first presidency.
During the episode, host Tony Reali and the other panelists had a segment where they reacted to old takes from her, and Hill could not help but laugh at herself.
"I got a little bit nervous when I saw you were pulling up our tweets. Dude, I just came back, man!" she said.
The episode also featured the return of Kate Fagan, who left the network in 2018. Fagan made a plea for "trans kids" in sports.
"I know it's my last time on [the show], and I want to say something worthy of that platform, and that's trans kids deserve to play sports," she said. "Think about what you remember from your time playing sports. Ninety-nine percent of it is finding that jersey for the first time, your favorite number, community, joy, those high-fives.
"It's that moment when you have a great play with a teammate. It's the feeling of belonging. And it does not know gender. Trans kids deserve the same as everyone else does… Sports is joy. Sports is humanity. And the more people who have that, the better."
There is no law or order that bans transgender children from participating in sports. Trump signed an executive order in February that prohibits biological males identifying as girls or women from competing against biological females.
Shortly after it was announced the show was ending, former panelist Jay Mariotti, who was a regular on the show until a domestic violence arrest in 2010, said in an interview the show is being canceled because it went "woke."
There are now just 11 episodes left of the show, which is over 20 years old.
Draymond Green was assessed his fifth technical foul in just his ninth playoff game this year - two more would warrant an automatic suspension.
In the second quarter, Green elbowed Naz Reid after Reid had just fouled him.
Green was suspended indefinitely last season for his on-court antics that had been brewing since the prior playoffs, including stomping on Domantas Sabonis. He also put Rudy Gobert in a chokehold and hit Jusuf Nurkic with an open hand, which led to the extended suspension.
However, after the game, Green seemed to hint that he believes there is an "agenda" against him that he is an "angry Black man."
"Looked like the angry Black man. I'm not an angry Black man. I am a very successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I am great at basketball and great at what I do," he said.
"The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I'm sick of it. It's ridiculous."
In the Warriors' last season, Green admitted he was "embarrassed" that he "pouted way too much" during a game at home in which they lost that forced a Game 7. He said he had "some heart-to-hearts" with "people I trust the most" after that game.
Head coach Steve Kerr said that Green's actions that led to his tech are "habit."
"It's just a habit he has when somebody fouls him, and he's smart," Kerr said. "So I think it was Reid reached and on the reach, Draymond kind of swiped through and drew the foul. But he does have a habit of sort of flailing his arm to try to make sure the ref sees it, and he made contact, and that's what led to the tech."
"It's part of Draymond," Kerr added. "It's the same thing that makes him such a competitor and a winner, puts him over the top sometimes, and we know that, and it's our job to try to help him stay poised, stay composed. But the competition is so meaningful to him that occasionally he goes over the line."
Golden State lost the game, 117-93, as Stephen Curry is dealing with a hamstring injury. Julius Randle had 24 points and 11 assists, and Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each finished with 20 points.
The Warriors put up their lowest first-quarter score (15) in the playoffs since Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals, according to Sportradar, when they had 11 in a loss to Cleveland. In those Finals, Green missed Game 5 due to a suspension from technical fouls, which kick-started Cleveland's comeback from being down 3-1 in the series.
Game 3 of the Wolves and Warriors is back in the Bay Area on Saturday night.
Pope Leo XIV is keeping his sports rooting interest close to his vest, but the two teams in his hometown seem to have already made up their minds.
Robert Prevost was elected to take up the papal seat on Thursday, the second day of the papal conclave’s deliberations. He is the first American pope.
The new pope will turn 70 this year on Sept. 14 and is a Chicago native who attended Villanova - much to the pleasure of New York Knicks fans, as their biggest stars are former Wildcats.
Leo XIV was first brought to the Vatican by Pope Francis to serve as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January 2023, which is one of the most important positions in the Catholic Church as it vets bishop nominations issued globally.
Francis then elevated him to the position of Cardinal in September 2023.
Leo was reported to be closely aligned to Francis' teachings as leader of the Catholic Church, particularly when it came to his positions regarding the environment, outreach to the poor and migrants, and opening the Catholic Church to embrace more followers.
In 2015, Leo got his Peruvian citizenship, where he remained until he was moved to the Vatican in 2023.
During his final years in Peru, Leo also served as vice president of the permanent council of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference from 2018 to 2023, which likely helped him secure his role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Francis.
Fox News' Caitlin McFall and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Andre Agassi is back on the court, just a smaller one.
The eight-time Grand Slam winner made his professional pickleball debut last month at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, teaming up with 18-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, the top-ranked female player in the world, in a mixed tournament.
He won his first match before dropping his second, but after participating casually over the years, he's hooked.
"Dude, I'm not just liking it, I'm loving it. … It's an anomaly to see any support ever at this kind of pace, but it's easy to see why," Agassi said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "My family was looking for things to do, and watching how like bring people together, generations together, how it breaks cultural barriers, breaks down gender barriers, breaks down generational barriers, low-point of entry, nobody's intimated to try it, it's challenging at every level. Tell me when to stop, for crying out loud."
Agassi caught wind of "Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story," a Netflix documentary - now streaming on MAX - directed by Ashley Underwood, Larry David's wife. She, too, has caught the pickleball fever, which might make for an amazing "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode.
"I played pickleball, my husband and I played. We had a fun group during COVID. That's actually when I got started," Underwood told Fox News Digital. "I was a tennis player before, and someone asked me to come play pickleball, and I fell in love with the sport. I went to a major league pickleball tournament in November 2021, and I couldn't believe what I saw in the pro game. They're just playing like a completely different sport almost than recreational players. Just real athletes, incredible to see, and honestly, I saw that this was the birth of a professional sport. So I wanted to chronicle a unique moment in time."
Despite his tennis success, though, there are a lot of nooks and crannies that Agassi still needs to get used to.
"It's really hard. These guys are so specialized, it's so sensitive, such little margin for error," Agassi said. "There's so much nuance that creates opportunity. It's not like ‘see space, hit space.’ There was a lot I had to unlearn, but some things came instinctively. I grew up with a racket in my hand, and in this case it's a paddle, so I'm going to make good contact. But the blood pressure, it's hard to find a place to put it when you're out there on the pickle court."
A report found that there were nearly 20 million participants in 2024, a 311% increase from 2011.
For the first time in his career, Sam Darnold sat down in NFL free agency with options to be a starting quarterback.
Despite a disappointing finish in the playoffs, Darnold's career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings earned him the right to get a big payday. It was just a matter of where – not if.
While it is a great feeling for any player in professional sports to have that opportunity in free agency, making the right choice is not easy. There are many factors, personal and professional, that go into a player deciding to choose a different team.
However, when the Seattle Seahawks traded veteran signal caller Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, speculation began immediately. Could Darnold be heading to Seattle?
He was thinking the exact same thing with his agents at Creative Artists Agency.
"I was looking at my free agent options and talking with my agent about it, and then all of a sudden, we hear the news that Geno [Smith] was getting traded," Darnold explained to Fox News Digital, while discussing his work with the Lowe's Foundation for SkillsUSA National Signing Day. "And that was kind of like, ‘OK, Seattle could be a potential spot.’
"When I just found out about the mutual interest that both sides had in getting a deal done, that was something that was really important for me. Having somebody that also wanted me there, and to be able to have an impact as best I can."
Seeing mutual interest is a main factor, but then it comes down to whether or not the player, especially a quarterback, can be successful.
The Seahawks had a new head coach last season, Mike Macdonald, who came from the Baltimore Ravens. Although they did not compete in the playoffs, they just missed out with a 10-7 record – not too bad for a first-year head coach.
Darnold loved what he saw when he faced the Seahawks in a 27-24 win for his Vikings.
"There’s great players on defense, great players on offense. I feel like Coach Macdonald’s scheme on defense was really hard to go against last year, and I know coach Klint Kubiak," Darnold said. "I know him from 2023 in San Francisco, when we made that run there, so I’m pretty familiar with the system. I think all those factors combined was really the reason I fell in love with the decision to come to Seattle, and, man, I couldn’t be more excited about it."
Finally, while the on-field product and scheme look up to par, free agents are always looking at the team chemistry and culture. Darnold saw it right away.
"Being here for the last few weeks, it’s been amazing being able to meet some of my teammates and some of the coaches," he explained. "And like I referenced with Minnesota, just meeting some of the people in the building. It’s just a special place, because you hear about it in the league. You hear about the good spots, the bad spots, the spots in between.
"Seattle was always a place that guys love going to. They love the energy, they love the environment, and it really did exceed all my expectations. I’m so happy to be here."
CELEBRATING NEXT GENERATION OF TRADE WORKERS
While Darnold is getting his bearings in his new city, he made sure to stop by Lowe’s Seattle store ceremony for SkillsUSA National Signing Day, which is a celebration mirroring the excitement of athletic signings but for future electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs and builders.
Lowe’s rolled out the blue carpet and all for students who were surprised by Seattle’s newest football star. This initiative is one that hits close to home for Darnold. His father, Mike, has been a plumber for 30-plus years.
"It was unbelievable," Darnold said of the experience. "I’ve seen the hard work that he put in his entire life to it. So, just being able to see these kids and see the hard work they’ve already put in, get to meet them and talk to them about the path that they’re headed, and just how passionate they are about it.
"I think there’s so many more opportunities out there in the skill trades world, and me and my dad have talked about it, how there’s not a lot of kids doing that anymore. It’s a special opportunity for kids to impact their communities in ways they probably don’t even know they’re going to."
New data from ADP shows nearly one in five workers aged 20-24 held blue-collar jobs as of May 2023. While that was a 2% rise since 2019, the U.S. faces a shortage of 439,000 construction workers.
Just six weeks after women's fencer Stephanie Turner was disqualified and escorted out of a tournament for kneeling in protest of a trans opponent, she watched the man in charge of her punishment get grilled for it in a federal hearing.
USA Fencing Chair Damien Lehfeldt was grilled by Republican lawmakers at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee's "Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" hearing on Wednesday.
After the hearing, Turner told Fox News Digital that she would devote herself and her platform to pushing for resignations among key leadership figures in USA Fencing.
"I'm going to be pushing for people to resign, to be honest. I'd like to see some people resign for the comments that they've made, especially publicly, ones that are harassing and meant to humiliate concerned women, mothers and daughters," Turner said.
USA Fencing has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing Turner's calls for leadership change.
"We respect Ms. Turner’s right to share her views. The volunteer members of USA Fencing’s Board, elected by our membership, remain focused on serving athletes and meeting our obligations under the Ted Stevens Act and other governing-body rules. No leadership changes are under consideration," the statement read.
Lehfeldt, who was subpoenaed and did not come voluntarily, made things harder on himself ahead of the hearing with a series of Instagram stories that were later blown up and used against him on the committee floor. In one post, which went viral before the hearing, he responded to a question that asked if he was "okay" with putting female fencers at a disadvantage with a simple, brash answer: "yeah."
Then, during the hearing, Lehfeld admitted multiple times he regretted answering that way and admitted the question required a "more-nuanced" response.
"He was under oath, but I was surprised that he admitted having written a fake response that he posted on his Instagram," Turner said. "So the simple admission that he knows what he's doing, and the intimidation tactics that he's been employing online, and he knows that they're wrong, and he hadn't redacted them until that point, it took a hearing, a subpoenaed hearing for him to do that, it was surprising."
USA Fencing provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing its chair's social media posts on Wednesday.
"Mr. Lehfeldt’s pre-hearing social posts were made in a personal capacity. Before and during the hearing, he clarified that the comments do not reflect USA Fencing policy and expressed regret for any confusion they caused," the statement read.
However, that was just the start of things for Lehfeldt. Throughout the afternoon, he faced his fair share of insults and personal comments from Republican committee members.
Rep. Tim Burhcett, R-Tenn, asked Lehfeldt whether he would let his daughter fence against "a man." Lehfeldt suggested he would allow it while boasting about his organization's safety precautions.
"As long as the competitor has met all the hormonal requirements and complies with the policy, I would be okay with it," Lehfeldt said.
Later in the hearing, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., suggested that Lehfeldt was "not" a man for his organization's gender eligibility policy.
"Real men protect women, you're not one," Mace said.
Mace even asked Lehfeldt to simply apologize to Turner for punishing the fencer, to which the chair declined and pointed out that Turner received a black card for her refusal.
However, Turner was not looking for an apology.
"I want more than an apology. I want a change in policy and I want people to start speaking the truth again. And an apology is just empty words without actions to me, so I don't know how far it would go for me," Turner said.
The organization first enacted its current trans-inclusion policy in 2023. It allows transgender athletes to compete in the women's category at both the junior and senior level after completing one calendar year of testosterone-suppression treatment. Proof of compliant hormone therapy must be provided prior to competition, but the organization has taken even further steps to prioritize its trans competitors.
USA Fencing announced in late April that it is preparing to change its gender-eligibility policy in the aftermath of the controversy with Turner.
"In the event that USA Fencing is forced to change its current stance in accordance with oversight bodies or federal legislation, the new policy states athletes competing in USA Fencing-sanctioned tournaments must compete according to their biological sex," the announcement read.
The proposed updated policy ensures that the women's category "will be open exclusively to athletes of the female sex." The men's category "will be open to all other athletes who are otherwise eligible for competition."
Education Secretary Linda McMahon previously announced that the newly formed Title IX investigations team will be probing the incident involving Turner and trans competitor Redmond Sullivan.
Meanwhile, Turner is on a hiatus from fencing in the aftermath of the controversy.
"I don't see how I can spend the money to go to a tournament and have there be multiple officials that I know who are deeply against me," Turner said. "That's just not a fight that I want to be in the middle of right now, I'd rather take this fight elsewhere."
Major League Wrestling (MLW) star Matt Riddle offered a sunny realization for pro wrestlers amid recent high-profile departures that took place last week.
WWE parted ways with the superstars known as Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolan, Riley Osborne, Eddy Thorpe, Jakara Jackson, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, Oro Mensah and Javier Bernal, according multiple reports. Fightful Select noted that departures were not outright releases but rather the decision not to renew contracts.
Riddle was also a WWE release, parting ways with the company in September 2023. He has since performed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and has made an indelible mark on MLW by becoming the world heavyweight champion to start the year.
He told Fox News Digital that having the opportunity to perform at a high level elsewhere turned out to be a "blessing."
"It depends on what you do when you get fired. It’s always unfortunate when people lose their jobs, but at the end of the day, for some of us, say for me, for example, it was a blessing," Riddle said. "Sometimes, you just need the right push. Sometimes you need somebody to shut a door on you so another can open. And that’s not to say that everyone that’s been released, and that’s not just pro wrestling, that’s any profession.
"Trust me, it might seem like it’s over, or it sucks, but when one door shuts, another opens. Even when I got fired from UFC back in the day, to then come where I did in professional wrestling, and even to now where I’m at today. I got fired over a year or so ago, but I’ve held eight different championships, and I was able to recapture the one championship I was never able to win, and that was the MLW Heavyweight Championship.
"Sometimes getting fired is a blessing in disguise."
Riddle returned to MLW at Kings of Colosseum in 2024 and won Battle Riot VI that year. In January at Kings of Colosseum, he defeated Satoshi Kojima for the World Heavyweight Championship.
He then successfully defended it in a triple-threat match against Kojima and Alex Kane and then against 39 other men in Battle Riot VII.
On Saturday, he’ll face Donovan Dijak in a title defense at Azteca Lucha in Chicago. The event takes place at Cicero Stadium and can be seen on YouTube at 10 p.m. ET.
Charles Barkley is concerned about how Bill Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson is affecting the legendary coach’s legacy.
Hudson shut down a question about how the couple met from Tony Dokoupil during Belichick’s interview with "CBS News Sunday Morning," and the interview generated widespread criticism.
Barkley, 62, said he's worried about how Belichick’s relationship with Hudson has affected the coach’s legacy.
"Man, this thing is so messy. … Right now, he’s the greatest coach ever, but we are not even talking about that right now, and that’s what bothers me," Barkley said during an appearance on OutKick’s "Don’t @ Me on Dan Dakich."
"That’s what really bothers me. He is the greatest coach ever. We aren’t even talking about that anymore, and I’d hate to see it end like that. Because that is going to be the lasting memory right now, and I hate that."
Barkley said his friendship with the North Carolina head coach began before Belichick's historic 24-season run with the New England Patriots, when the coach was fired by the Cleveland Browns. The Basketball Hall of Famer said he has not yet directly reached out to Belichick but that the coach has been a great friend to him over the years.
Belichick spent last season out of football after his Patriots’ tenure ended, and he was hired by North Carolina in December to replace Mack Brown.
The 73-year-old coach has won eight Super Bowls, six as head coach with the Patriots and two as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator.
Kevin Ware Jr., who spent two seasons in the NFL, entered a guilty plea just days before jury selection for his trial for the murder of Ware's then-girlfriend Taylor Pomaski was scheduled to begin, multiple Houston media outlets reported on Thursday.
The former football tight end accepted a plea deal during his court appearance on Wednesday.
Ware agreed to 30 years in prison for murder and tampering with evidence, "specifically a corpse" in Pomaski's death, according to FOX 26 Houston. The 44-year-old was accused of setting fire to Pomaski's corpse.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Neal Davis III, the attorney of record for Ware, also did not immediately respond.
A Harris County, Texas, grand jury indicted Ware in July 2022 on murder and tampering charges. The City of Houston is the Harris County seat and its largest city.
Pomaski's last known appearance was in April 2021. She was 29 at the time and was at her home in Texas. After several months of searching, the Harris County Sheriff's Department located human remains in a ditch in December 2021. In April 2022, authorities identified the remains as Pomaski's.
Ware was arrested on two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. The arrest happened before Pomaski disappeared. Ware was released on bond in April 2021 — Pomaski disappeared later that month. Ware's murder charges in Pomaski's death will run concurrently with his weapons and drugs charges, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Ware is expected to be formally sentenced on May 9.
Ware played for Washington in 2003 before spending the 2004 season with the San Francisco 49ers.
"I found out when everyone else found out," Pickens said, via CBS Sports. "I feel great. I like the mojo here. I like the swag. There's a lot of new players I've been meeting. I feel like they have a good thing going, for sure."
Pickens added he didn’t request a trade out of Pittsburgh despite rumors throughout the offseason. Steelers fans started speculating when Pickens was no longer following the team on Instagram.
He also posted a picture of himself standing with Tom Brady, part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
"This game is just as much a business as it is football," Pickens said. "It’s kind of like out of my control. I’m glad to be here in Dallas and able to continue the winning culture that they have."
While Pickens was arguably the best receiving option for Pittsburgh the past three seasons, head coach Mike Tomlin publicly called Pickens out after taunting and unsportsmanlike penalties. Pickens also got into arguments with fans in the stands.
"You just have to grow up, man," Tomlin said last season. "It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He has a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that, but he has to grow up. He has to grow up in a hurry."
Tomlin made those comments after the Steelers' 44-38 win on the road in Week 13, when Pickens was assessed taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
While Pickens understands his past actions open him up to criticism, he’s ready for the next chapter of his career.
"I feel like everybody in the world is working on growing on their bettering of their self," he said. I feel like growth for me is taking a great direction in me coming to the Cowboys."
Josaia Raisuqe, a rugby star who medaled for Fiji at the Paris Olympics, died after a train reportedly struck his vehicle as he drove to training.
Raisuqe’s rugby club, Castres, confirmed his death Thursday. He was 30 years old.
"Castres Olympique is in mourning," the club said in a statement on its website. "It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the death this morning of our player Josaia Raisuqe in a road accident.
"The entire CO family is devastated by this terrible news. Josh had been a member of the club since 2021. He was a wonderful teammate, much loved by everyone, including the Castres supporters who had embraced him. We extend our sincere condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones."
The death of Raisuqe shocked Castres supporters, who paid tribute to him just hours after his death. They were reportedly in the presence of his wife, as hundreds gathered in front of Pierre-Fabre Stadium, Castres’ home, to mourn Raisuqe.
Raisuqe was part of Fiji’s rugby sevens team in Paris, which finished in second place at the Olympics to earn a silver medal. He was credited with a try against the United States during pool play, and he started for Fiji against France in the gold medal match.
Raisuqe had been playing professionally in France since 2015, joining Top 14 champion Stade Francais that year. Raisuqe also played for Nevers, a second-division squad.
He became so excited after a win in 2021 he lifted the referee over his head when the final whistle blew, and he was issued a red card for the incident.
Raisuqe became a flanker for Castres in 2022, when the team made the Top 14 final.
"He was a radiant boy on and off the field, a pillar of the Fijian community we have at the club and to which we are very attached," Castres chairman Pierre-Yves Revol said in a statement.
"It is also difficult at this time not to mention the faith of all these (Fijian) players and of Josaia. My thoughts are with his fiancée and his entire family."
Raisuqe last played on the wing for Castres less than two weeks ago.
"Around the Horn" leaves the airwaves later this month, which means some of the show's panelists are making their final appearances in the coming weeks.
That includes Kate Fagan, who appeared for the last time on the show Thursday. Fagan, a longtime writer and reporter, also played college basketball at Colorado.
Fagan has made appearances on the show since she was first hired by ESPN in 2012. She left the network in 2018 but has continued to appear on the program.
Fagan was determined to be the "winner" of Thursday's show against Jemele Hill, who made a return to the show since leaving the network in 2018. The winner of the episode typically delivers a short monologue, and Fagan said "being on this show has been a privilege and a platform."
With Thursday marking her final episode, she used that platform to make a plea for transgender athletes.
"I know it's my last time on it, and I want to say something worthy of that platform, and that's trans kids deserve to play sports," she said. "Think about what you remember from your time playing sports. Ninety-nine percent of it is finding that jersey for the first time, your favorite number, community, joy, those high-fives.
"It's that moment when you have a great play with a teammate. It's the feeling of belonging. And it does not know gender. Trans kids deserve the same as everyone else does.
"Sports is joy. Sports is humanity. And the more people who have that, the better."
There is no law or order that bans transgender children from participating in sports. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February that prohibits biological males identifying as girls or women from competing against biological females.
ESPN announced the show's cancellation in March, and shortly after, former panelist Jay Mariotti, who was a regular on the show until a domestic violence arrest in 2010, said in an interview the show is being canceled because it went "woke."
"I think what John Skipper wanted from some of the shows was he started to install people on the shows who became anti-Trump," Mariotti told Front Office Sports.
In a recent post on his own Substack, "Around the Horn ended a long time ago ¸— when I left the show," Mariotti reiterated that some of the panelists went "woke" while others were "on dope."
There are now just 11 episodes left of the show, which is over 20 years old.
