The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly embarking on a mission to rescue their division rivals from the California wildfires. 

The franchise is sending two of its team planes to Los Angeles to evacuate LA Rams players, their families, team staffers and pets and fly them to Arizona, according to ESPN. 

Six dogs and two cats will join the human passengers. 

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The Cardinals are also offering their home field, State Farm Stadium, to the Rams for their playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings as fires continue to ravage Southern California. The Rams will also be using the Cardinals’ training complex in Tempe. 

The Rams considered staying another night, but Tony Pastoors, the Rams' VP of football & business administration, said "hope is not a strategy," according to the team. 

The NFL announced Thursday that the game will be moved to Arizona.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE FORCES MOTHER OF WARRIORS HEAD COACH TO EVACUATE: 'JUST TERRIFYING'

Several wildfires, including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, have devastated communities in the Los Angeles area, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The fires have burned nearly 30,000 acres during a Santa Ana wind event, with at least 130,000 people in the area under evacuation orders. 

At least five people have been killed in the fires, and more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed.

ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Rams-Vikings game was moved "in the interest of public safety," the NFL said in a statement. "The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA."

The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Monday. 

The Rams had a scheduled day off Wednesday. The Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium and head to Houston for a wild-card game Saturday, limited players’ time outside during practice due to poor air quality. 

State Farm Stadium has played a similar role in the past. During the COVID season in 2020, the 49ers played three "home" games there. Prior to that, the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers played in Tempe, Arizona, at Sun Devil Stadium Oct. 27, 2003, due to wildfires in San Diego. 

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Iowa University's women's basketball team and head coach Jan Jensen are going through their first season without star Caitlin Clark since 2019. 

The Hawkeyes are off to a 12-4 start and are ranked 23rd in the nation, but they've struggled with conference play in the first year of the newly-expanded Big 10, going just 2-3. 

Jensen addressed the team's "lack of senior leadership" to reporters after a loss to Illinois on Thursday — with the Hawkeyes having lost back-to-back conference games for the first time since Clark's freshman season — citing the youth of the current roster.

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"I can't afford to compare what has happened in the past, because these guys are giving me a lot and they're still young, and I have to develop a little bit of senior leadership or upperclassman leadership, because that is what we're missing," Jensen said. 

In four seasons at Iowa, Clark broke the NCAA's all-time scoring record among both men's and women's players, leading the team to the NCAA championship game twice. She was also a consensus National Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

FEVER MUST SIGN ‘ENFORCER’ TO ‘PROTECT’ CAITLIN CLARK, SAYS FORMER NBA ALL-STAR WHO'S BEEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROLE

Clark was selected with the No. 1 pick in last year's WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever after her Iowa career. 

As a WNBA rookie in 2024, Clark set records for the most points and 3-pointers by a rookie in league history, while also becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double, a feat she accomplished twice. Her 337 assists not only were the most by a rookie, they were the most by any player ever in a single season.

The Iowa women's basketball team announced it will have a ceremony to retire Clark's jersey on Feb. 2. 

Clark's No. 22, which she wears for the Fever, will hang from the rafters at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City after a ceremony honoring the program's most accomplished player. 

Clark is expected to be in attendance, and the event will be broadcast on FOX. 

Clark's jersey retirement will come just two months after Time magazine named her the publication's Athlete of the Year. The choice prompted praise, but also criticism from some, including Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who recently wondered in a CNN interview why Clark was tapped for the honor and not the entire WNBA. Johnson suggested it had to do with Clark's race. 

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The NFL announced it will donate $5 million for wildfire relief efforts as Southern California continues to battle raging wildfires.

"Led by individual contributions from clubs and ownership groups from the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and NFL Foundation, these funds will deliver vital resources to local organizations supporting those affected by the wildfires," the NFL said in a statement Friday.

"We are heartbroken over the devastating losses experienced by so many in the Los Angeles area and inspired by the heroism of first reponders and residents who have supported their neighbors," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. 

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"The NFL family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their local communities in their time of need." 

WARRIORS' STEVE KERR SAYS CHILDHOOD HOME BURNED DOWN IN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: 'IT'S SURREAL AND DEVASTATING'

More than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed by fire as of Friday morning, officials confirmed. Authorities also confirmed that the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire torched more than 27,000 acres across the Los Angeles area.

The Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundation announced a $1 million donation for relief efforts. Brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf and cousin Leonard Wilf own the Vikings. 

"The Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundations are providing a $1 million contribution to support on-the-ground relief efforts in communities affected by the California wildfires," the Vikings' statement said.

Also Friday, the Houston Texans confirmed a $1 million contribution to "provide support and resources to those who have been impacted by the wildfires."

ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, was originally scheduled to host Monday's NFC wild-card round game between the Rams and Vikings. But the NFL moved the game to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals, as wildfires continue to sweep through the region.

On Thursday, a fire broke out just miles from the Rams' training complex in Woodland Hills, California, and smoke was visible from the team's practice field, ESPN reported. The Rams and Chargers are scheduled to play playoff games this weekend, and both teams practiced outdoors Thursday. Some Chargers players elected to wear masks during the practice.

On Friday afternoon, ESPN reported the Cardinals sent one of their Boeing 777 planes to Los Angeles to transport Rams players, staff, their families and some pets to Arizona. The Cardinals are also making their practice complex available to the Rams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Chargers said the franchise will provide $200,000 in targeted funding to the American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations sheltering animals displaced due to the wildfires.

FOX Corporation has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross' California Wildfire relief efforts. The donation will help the agency provide safe shelter, hot meals, emotional support and resources to aid in recovery in the region.

FOX Corporation, which continues to be an annual Disaster Giving Program partner, is encouraging viewers to contribute to help families affected by the devastating wildfires. To donate, visit GO.FOX/REDCROSS

A list of available shelters compiled by the American Red Cross in Los Angeles can be found here.

Fox News' Yael Halon contributed to this report.

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Police in Louisiana have issued an arrest warrant for LSU receiver and NFL Draft prospect Kyren Lacy for negligent homicide after police allege he fled a deadly car crash last month. 

Louisiana State Police said in a press release issued Friday that Lacy, 24, was driving "recklessly" and speeding past other cars while driving on the highway Dec. 17. 

According to police, Lacy was "crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated No-Passing Zone" when a driver of a pickup truck in the northbound lane swerved to avoid a head-on collision with Lacy. 

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The actions of the pickup truck caused the driver of the vehicle immediately behind it, a Kia Cadenza, to swerve to avoid colliding with Lacy’s car, but the driver instead collided head-on with another vehicle in the southbound lane. 

A passenger in the Kia Cadenza identified as 78-year-old Herman Hall was transported to a hospital before eventually dying, police said. 

In addition to being wanted for negligent homicide, Lacy is facing a felony hit-and-run charge after police say he "drove around the crash scene and fled" without stopping to render aid or call 911. He also allegedly failed to notify law enforcement about his involvement.

RAMS STAR RECEIVER DEMARCUS ROBINSON CHARGED WITH DUI FROM HIS NOVEMBER ARREST, DAYS BEFORE PLAYOFF GAME

Lacy’s warrant also includes a charge of reckless operation of a vehicle. According to Louisiana State Police, the former LSU star has since been in contact with law enforcement. 

Lacy transferred to LSU in 2022. This season, he caught 58 passes for 866 yards and nine touchdowns. He did not play in LSU's win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl Dec. 31. 

Lacy declared for the 2025 NFL Draft just two days after the crash. 

"LSU has truly made a big impact on my life on and off the field, these past 3 years. Playing in Death Valley, for the best fans in the country, was an experience I will never forget. Not too many people get to fulfill a dream like this. I am forever grateful for it," Lacy wrote in his announcement. 

"I want to express my appreciation to all my coaches, support staff, and trainers for helping develop me as a football player, but most importantly as a person. Although, we didn't accomplish our goal of winning a national championship, I promise to take all of those life lessons with me in the next chapter of my life."

LSU did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. 

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans can add one more honor to his already illustrious resume — his own holiday. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday that Jan. 10, 2025, is Mike Evans Day.

"Florida celebrates Mike Evans for his profound dedication to the sport of football, making countless memories for fans across the Sunshine State and across the country," DeSantis said in a statement. 

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"Mike Evans was named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the fourth time in his career due to his unyielding commitment to giving back to the Tampa Bay community and improving the lives of countless others through his Mike Evans Family Foundation."

DeSantis also listed the many accomplishments Evans has achieved on the field. 

"Evans’ career includes 168 games played, over 830 receptions for a total of over 12,684 yards and 105 career receiving touchdowns," a statement said.

BUCS’ MIKE EVANS MAKES NFL HISTORY, CASHES $3 MILLION INCENTIVE WITH CATCH ON FINAL PLAY OF GAME

"Evans’ record of accomplishment has included selection to the Pro Bowl five times and inclusion as a second-team All-Pro in 2016 and 2023."

The Florida governor also noted how Evans accomplished his eleventh consecutive 1,000 yard season, which he achieved in the waning moments of the Bucs' win Sunday. 

With Evans’ eleventh consecutive 1,000-yard season, he tied the legendary Jerry Rice’s all-time record. Evans has never finished a season with fewer than 1,000 yards. 

Evans was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers and became an immediate star.

While Evans may be happy about getting his own day, he has a playoff matchup to think about. 

Evans’ Bucs are playing the Washington Commanders at home at 8 p.m. ET Sunday in the wild-card round. 

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has cleared concussion protocol. 

His first game back from concussion, ever, will be a Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. 

Hurts told reporters on Friday that he doesn't remember what happened in a moment after he suffered the concussion. 

"It's so far long ago, I don't really remember," Hurts said, when asked "What happened in the moment?" when he tried to get back on the field after suffering the concussion. The incident came in the first half against the Washington Commanders in Week 16. 

Hurts says he has never come back from a concussion before, and opened up on how the experience has disrupted his regular routine. 

"Been out of routine, you go through a routine everyday, and being out of that is challenging, I'm obviously dealing with different symptoms, ain't fun either," Hurts said. 

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Hurts credited his faith for making it through the experience. 

"I have faith, everything's fine," Hurts said. 

Hurts is the latest quarterback to suffer a brain injury in a scary football season for the issue. 

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion – the third of his NFL career – in an early-season tilt with the Buffalo Bills, on a nationally televised game. Tagovailoa had previously suffered multiple concussions within the span of just weeks in the 2022 season. The third of his career sparked national controversy, as some former players and media pundits called on him to retire. 

RILEY LEONARD RETURNS FROM INJURY TO LEAD NOTRE DAME TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN CFP WIN VS PENN STATE

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a concussion when he was the victim of an illegal hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during a game in early December. The hit ended Lawrence's season, as Al-Shaair was suspended for three games and heavily criticized by the public and even an NFL executive. 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave suffered a concussion after being hit by Panthers safety Xavier Woods in Week 9 and had to be carted off the field. A week later, Falcons linebacker JD Bertrand suffered one in Week 10. 

Alabama A&M University football player Medrick Burnett Jr. died after sustaining a serious head injury in a game in late November. 

At the high school and youth levels, multiple teenage players died in 2024 from brain injuries. 

In Alabama, Morgan Academy junior quarterback Caden Tellier received an injury to the head during the third quarter of his team's 30-22 win against Southern Academy in Selma, Alabama, in late August.

Just days after that, a 13-year-old in West Virginia died after suffering a head injury at a middle school football practice. Eighth-grader Cohen Craddock, who played defensive line for Madison Middle School in Madison, suffered severe brain bleeding and swelling after making a tackle.

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Los Angeles Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson has been charged with drunken driving since a November arrest. The news comes just days ahead of the team’s playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday night.

The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney confirmed to TMZ Sports that Robinson was recently charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol since his arrest Nov. 25. 

Officers with the California Highway Patrol saw Robinson, 30, driving a white Dodge sedan that was "traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour" just a few miles from the Rams’ training complex in Woodland Hills at around 5:10 a.m., according to a news release.

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During the traffic stop, law enforcement officials "observed objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment." The veteran wideout was then arrested on suspicion of DUI, and he was "cited and released to a responsible party." 

The arrest came just hours after the Rams' 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at home. 

RAMS RECEIVER DEMARCUS ROBINSON ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DUI HOURS AFTER LOSS TO EAGLES

Robinson apologized after the news broke back in November.

"I don’t want to bring that type of light, or any type of negative energy, toward the team," he said. "Things like that are not natural for me, in my nature, stuff I usually do."

Rams coach Sean McVay said at the time Robinson made a "bad decision," but added, "I don’t think that makes him a bad person."

He was not suspended by the team after his arrest. 

According to TMZ Sports, Robinson is due back in court in February. 

The Rams are scheduled to travel to Arizona Friday ahead of Monday’s game, which was relocated to State Farm Stadium due to multiple wildfires in Southern California. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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After briefly being hailed as heroes, the New York Yankees fans who pried a ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after grabbing his wrists won't see their team, or any other, for a long time.

Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen were reportedly banned from all MLB stadiums indefinitely because of the incident.

During the bottom of the first inning in Game 4 of the World Series, with the Yanks trailing three games to none, Gleyber Torres hit a pop fly down the right field line that headed toward the stands. Betts leaped for the ball and made the catch, but he was apparently in a danger zone.

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A Yankee fan in the front row tried to rip Betts' glove off of his hand and take the ball out, and another fan held Betts' wrists as the ball eventually came out.

Fans were escorted out of the stadium but were initially allowed to return the following night before the team reversed course and donated the tickets to a child with cancer and his family.

The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder didn't speak much about the ordeal after Game 4, but after Game 5, he let it all out.

"That was wild, man. That was really wild. I’ve never experienced anything like that. I was telling my wife that was like the second time in my life I’ve ever wanted to fight someone," Betts told FOX after he won his third World Series title. "I get it, man. I get it. I don’t know if he was trying to get the ball, don’t know what he was really trying to do. But he had to do what he had to do, and it is what it is."

Capobianco defended his actions, saying it was to help the Yankees.

"We always joke about the ball in our area," Capobianco told ESPN. "We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to D up."

The fans were in the seats of a friend who has been a season ticket holder since 1990. That fan is permitted to keep the season tickets.

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Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, blasted Republicans for focusing on keeping transgender athletes out of girls and women's sports.

Delaware, the state where McBride won election to serve as the representative of its at-large district, does not have laws restricting trans athletes from participating in sports that do not align with their gender at birth.

"I've had conversations with colleagues about many of the bills that are coming before us and certainly have heard from some colleagues who, like me, are mystified that this is a priority for a Republican conference that is entering a Republican trifecta, that this is an issue that they prioritize," she told The Independent recently. 

"And it defies understanding, except for the fact that it's a pretty obvious part of a politics of misdirection and distraction."

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Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., reintroduced a measure earlier this week to prevent biological male participation in women's and girls sports in the Republican-led Senate. With the approval of leadership, it's expected to get a floor vote. 

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act has been a years-long crusade for the Alabama Republican, who originally introduced it in 2023.

The measure would maintain that Title IX treats gender as "recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth" and does not adjust it to apply to gender identity. 

Twenty-eight states have limitations on trans athletes participating in sports that align with their gender identity.

Since McBride's election, there has been a battle on Capitol Hill about whether McBride should be allowed to use women's restrooms.

Tuberville's legislation would ban federal funding from going to athletic programs that allow biological men to participate in women's and girls sports.  

President-elect Trump has said he would "ban" transgender athletes born male from participating in girls and women's sports.

President Biden recently dropped potential protections for transgender athletes.

"President Trump ran on the issue of saving women’s sports and won in a landslide," Tuberville, a former college football coach, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Seventy percent of Americans agree — men don’t belong in women’s sports or locker rooms. I have said many times that I think Title IX is one of the best things to come out of Washington. But in the last few years, it has been destroyed.

"While I’m glad that the Biden administration ultimately rescinded the proposed rule, Congress has to ensure this never happens again. I am welcoming my first granddaughter this spring and won’t stop fighting until her rights to fairly compete are protected. I hope every one of my colleagues will join me in standing up for our daughters, nieces and granddaughters by voting for this critical bill."

Fox News' Julia Johnson contributed to this report.

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Carson Beck's time in the transfer portal didn't last long.

The former Georgia quarterback entered the portal Thursday, roughly a month after injuring his elbow in the SEC title game.

Backup Gunner Stockton stepped up, but the Bulldogs fell in the quarterfinals to Notre Dame.

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But now Beck is already committed to his next stop, and he's soon to be a Hurricane.

"Go Canes," he wrote in an Instagram post, which featured a graphic of him in a Miami uniform and the words "Committed" and "305 Bound."

Beck's girlfriend, Hanna Cavinder, and her twin sister, Haley, star for Miami's women's basketball team. Haley is dating Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.

The Cavinders initially said they were skipping their final year of eligibility, with Hanna completing her playing career and Haley saying she would play this season at TCU. However, they both returned to the Canes.

VIKINGS-RAMS PLAYOFF GAME MOVED AWAY FROM LOS ANGELES DUE TO WILDFIRES

Beck originally declared for the NFL Draft, then entered the transfer portal this week.

Miamia is losing FBS touchdown leader Cam Ward to the NFL Draft, and Ward is in the running to be the top selection of the draft.

Beck spent five seasons at Georgia, the last two as the Bulldogs' primary starter. He has completed 68% of his passes for 7,912 yards, 58 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his college career. He appeared in 39 games for Georgia, 27 of them in the last two seasons.

He now could follow a similar path as Ward, who considered entering the 2024 NFL Draft before deciding to join Miami. Ward rewrote the Miami record book this season, completing 305 passes for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, all new Miami single-season records.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jerod Mayo's wife seems ready to air out some dirty laundry.

The New England Patriots fired Mayo, who had been handpicked by Bill Belichick to take over, after just one season.

Granted, the team went 4-13, and his decisions and quotes garnered some criticism, but many have been on the attack against the Pats, saying that with his roster, he had not been given a fair shake.

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Well, Mayo's wife, Chantel Rostant, went unhinged on her Instagram story, insinuating that the franchise has lost its "class."

"It never even crossed our minds to tell the truth….but I couldn't even fathom all the lies we've read that are being told to save face. What happened to the class?????" Rostant wrote on her Instagram story.

"We've been taking the high road and letting everyone do their thing since Sunday. But playing with someone's name won't be tolerated. I bet the fake stories will stop before the real ones start."

Pats legend Rob Gronkowski, who played with Mayo and was coached by Belichick, reamed the Patriots in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

VIKINGS-RAMS PLAYOFF GAME MOVED AWAY FROM LOS ANGELES DUE TO WILDFIRES

I felt like it was kind of unfair to him, because he took a team over where it was gonna need some time to build and develop to get back to the winning ways." he said. "I mean, the roster was depleted, Jerod was a rookie head coach, and I felt like he needed another year to be able to really judge him based on how he would develop and grow after that first season," Gronk said.

With a loss in their season finale, the Pats would have clinched the No. 1 pick in April, but they stole a victory and are now slated to pick fourth.

After a 10-7 season in 2021, the Patriots have been trending in the wrong direction, going 8-9 in 2022 and 4-13 in the past two seasons now.

This was the first season sans Belichick since 1999, as Belichick had coached the Pats for 24 seasons.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson ruptured an Achilles again and needed another surgery to repair it, according to a new report. 

Watson originally tore an Achilles Oct. 20.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said during a press conference this week the quarterback had a setback, and tests showed the new tear, according to the NFL Network.

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The surgery leaves Watson’s status for the 2025 season in doubt. 

Without Watson, the Browns could turn to the NFL Draft or free agency to replace him. 

The team holds the No. 2 overall pick in the draft and will have the opportunity to select top quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward if the Tennessee Titans don’t take one of them with the No. 1 overall pick. 

The trade for Watson a few years ago has hampered the Browns, who gave up a lot of draft capital and signed him to an exorbitant deal.

The Browns gave up first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in addition to other picks, to acquire him from the Houston Texans. 

BROWNS' MYLES GARRETT HAS HEARTWARMING MOMENT WITH RAVENS ROOKIE AFTER JERSEY SWAP ASK

On top of the draft capital the Browns gave the Texans to acquire him, they signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed. 

With Watson’s play and off-field issues, the contract has quickly become a nuisance.

In his three seasons with the team, Watson has played 19 games.

Watson was suspended for 11 games two seasons ago after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during scheduled massage sessions.

Before getting injured this season, Watson struggled on the field.

The former Clemson quarterback completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards while throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven starts. The Browns were 1-6 in his starts this season. 

To make matters worse for the Browns, Baker Mayfield, who they replaced with Watson, is flourishing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With Mayfield, the Bucs have won back-to-back NFC South titles.  

Depending on how things end up with Watson’s injury and who the Browns bring in at quarterback this offseason, there is a chance Watson has played his last snap with the Browns. 

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David Walters, a former University of Texas swimmer, made headlines in 2008 after he earned a gold medal for Team USA during the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Nearly two decades later, his name popped up again, but for an entirely different reason. 

Walters, who has been a firefighter in Los Angeles for almost 10 years, is one of the more than 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel working to contain the devastating wildfires raging throughout Southern California this week. 

The former Olympian recently spoke to News Nation about the devastation as he finished up a shift working two days straight, according to the outlet. 

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"We’re pretty much trying to keep what is left here standing," an exhausted Walters said. "So, we’re not laying down. We’re staying in our position – that’s correct, I did sleep on top of the hose bed last night, just staying ready to do what we can still do."

At least 10 people have died as a result of multiple wildfires as thousands evacuated their homes. Around 10,000 structures from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena have burned down as strong winds continue to fuel the fires. 

US SWIMMER GARY HALL JR LOSES OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS IN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ‘SOMETHING I CAN LIVE WITHOUT’

The largest fire burning in Pacific Palisades began on Tuesday, and officials said on Thursday evening that containment was at 6% for that fire. 

"I’m very sorry for the residents that live here," Walters continued. 

"We did try our best, but we got our butts kicked. We’re getting some rest now, and we’re all trying to get our nutrition up and health up so we can stay active." 

Walters, 37, won gold in the men’s 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay, where they set a then-Olympic record with a time of 7:04.66. It was his only Olympic appearance. That same year, he won his first NCAA individual title in the men’s 200 freestyle. 

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The New York Giants went 3-14 this season, and a lot of people were surprised over owner John Mara's decision to retain general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for a fourth season. 

Apparently, multiple Giants players were also "surprised" about the team retaining Daboll, according to a report from ESPN. 

While multiple players were "surprised" about Daboll coming out, some said they were fine with it because Daboll is a player-friendly coach.

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The players said the Giants head coach was open to feedback and incorporates a schedule that "hardly wears them down," according to the report.

The report also said the players like Daboll as a person but see signs that his program is not "destined for success."

Daboll’s tenure could not have gotten off to a better start, going 9-7-1 in his first season, winning a playoff game over the Minnesota Vikings and being named Coach of the Year.

Since then, it has been all downhill. 

The Giants regressed in 2023, going 6-11, making what people thought the 2024 season to be a make-or-break season for the coach and general manager.

GIANTS LEGEND ELI MANNING BACKS TEAM'S DECISION TO STICK WITH BRIAN DABOLL, JOE SCHOEN DESPITE WOEFUL SEASON

Instead of improving, they went further in the other direction, going 3-14 in what was supposed to be a celebratory 100th season for the franchise. 

It was a season that included fans flying banners with messages directed at ownership, benching starting quarterback Daniel Jones and cutting him days later.

Despite all of that, Schoen and Daboll will get another chance to right the ship.

One of the big issues this season was a lack of communication between coaches and players, according to the report. 

Some players spoke of "being misled and left to dangle in the wind on issues, including their roles changing or snaps dwindling, without sufficient explanation."

The biggest question Schoen and Daboll face entering next season is solving the quarterback position. 

The team has the third selection in the NFL Draft, behind the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, and may not have a chance to select this year’s top two quarterbacks in Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. 

Regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Giants next season, both Daboll and Schoen are entering next season on the hot seat with a lot of pressure to win from a starving fanbase and restless ownership. 

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Notre Dame is on its way to making history after defeating Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night to advance to its first national championship game since the 2012 season, with the hopes of winning its first title in nearly 40 years. 

However, after the Fighting Irish’s 27-24 victory, head coach Marcus Freeman was asked by ESPN reporter Molly McGrath how much the win meant as it relates to him becoming the first Black head coach to reach a title game.

Freeman, who fielded similar questions in the lead-up to this game, refocused the conversation on his team and the significance of their win. 

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"You know, I’ve said this before, I don't ever want to take attention away from the team. It is an honor, and I hope all coaches — minorities, Black, Asian, White, it doesn't matter — great people continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this," he said.

Freeman continued, "But this ain’t about me, this is about us. And we’re going to celebrate what we’ve done because it’s something special." 

Some on social media took issue with the question. Among those critics was NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who praised Freeman for his response. 

RILEY LEONARD RETURNS FROM INJURY TO LEAD NOTRE DAME TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN CFP WIN VS PENN STATE

"Terrible question but great response by Notre Dame head coach," Favre wrote in a post on X. "Sports should bring people together not separate." 

Freeman has fielded similar questions about his race and the significance of his achievements since defeating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl last week. Each time, he has recentered the focus on the achievements of the program. 

"You’re grateful to be a part of this opportunity, and you’re grateful anytime your name is mentioned with being the first, but you don’t want to take away from how we got to this point, and I’m talking about your team and everybody that put the work in to get your program to this point and those that have come before you," he said during a press conference early this week. 

"Again, this isn’t about me. This isn’t about one person. It takes a team, it takes a program, and it takes a lot of people committing to something bigger than themselves to put your team in a position to be here. I understand that, and I'm very grateful for it." 

Freeman said that his achievements creating more opportunities for the future generation of coaches is "great," but he added that "the attention on one person takes away what really gives your program a chance to get here." 

The focus for Notre Dame will now be on Friday night’s Cotton Bowl Classic. Ohio State is set to take on Texas, and the winner will advance to the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 20, where they will face Notre Dame. 

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ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Thursday that his childhood home, which his parents purchased more than 50 years ago, has completely burned down as a result of the wildfires burning across Southern California. 

Speaking to the media before a game against the Detroit Pistons, Kerr reacted to the devastation left behind by multiple wildfires that began earlier this week. His family home in Pacific Palisades, the area most affected by the fires, was lost in the deadly blazes. 

"It’s been tough. My family’s fine, my mom’s in good hands, but her house is gone," a solemn Kerr said.  

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"The town looks like it’s just been completely wiped out – it’s surreal and devastating. But fortunately, almost everyone escaped," he added. "It’s hard to even fathom how Pacific Palisades rebuilds and how it becomes a thriving community again. It’s just shocking."

At least seven people have died as a result of multiple wildfires as thousands evacuated their homes. Around 10,000 structures from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena have burned down as strong winds continue to fuel the fires. 

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE FORCES MOTHER OF WARRIORS HEAD COACH TO EVACUATE: 'JUST TERRIFYING'

Kerr recalled, "1969 my parents bought that house and I was just there two weeks ago for dinner… we just celebrated my mom’s 90th birthday there this past summer."

The veteran NBA coach said while his family and friends are safe, the loss is "unfathomable." 

"It’s not a loss of life, it's a loss of property and that’s an entirely different thing." 

The largest fire burning in Pacific Palisades began on Tuesday. Officials said on Thursday evening that containment was at 6%.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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A coalition of women’s advocacy organizations have called on President-elect Donald Trump to demand the NCAA change its policies regarding trans athletes in women’s sports. 

Our Bodies, Our Sports, the first and only coalition of women’s advocacy organizations fighting for fairness in women’s sports in the country, issued a letter to the president-elect requesting that he use his influence to have the NCAA take action "to protect the rights and opportunities of collegiate female athletes," a press release read. 

"We write now to ask you to also use your powerful voice to urge the NCAA to take action and clarify participation rules to protect the rights and opportunities of female athletes," the letter read, in part.

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"The NCAA’s controversial and unscientific Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy continues to allow men to participate in women’s sports – taking away women’s opportunities to compete, roster spots on teams, medals, and safe and fair competition," the release read. 

This letter to the president-elect comes ahead of the 2025 NCAA Convention, which takes place from Jan. 14-17 in Nashville, Tennessee. The week is filled with issues, forums, business sessions and award presentations. 

The letter also comes after a federal judge blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to redefine sex in Title IX as "gender identity," striking it down nationwide. 

FEDERAL JUDGE STRIKES DOWN BIDEN ADMIN'S TITLE IX REWRITE

The ruling came in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky Northern Division in Cardona v. Tennessee on Tuesday. 

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti celebrated the ruling with a post on X. "Another massive win for TN and the country!" the post read. "This morning, a federal court ruled in our favor and vacated the Biden admin's radical new Title IX rule nationwide.

"The court's order is resounding victory for the protection of girls' privacy in locker rooms and showers, and for the freedom to speak biologically-accurate pronouns."

The Supreme Court has previously rejected the Biden administration’s emergency request to enforce parts of a new rule that would have included protection from discrimination for transgender students under Title IX. 

As for the NCAA’s current transgender participation policy, it allows trans athletes to play in a "sport-by-sport approach," which "preserves opportunity for transgender student-athletes while balancing fairness, inclusion and safety for all who compete." The governing body says its policy aligns with that of the "Olympic Movement."

Part of the NCAA’s policy requires transgender student-athletes to provide documentation that meets the 2010 NCAA policy, plus meet the sport standard for documented testosterone levels at three points in time: Prior to competition during regular season, prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship and prior to any competition in the "non-championship segment."

Our Bodies, Our Sports consists of the following member organizations: Independent Women’s Forum, Independent Council on Women’s Sports, Women’s Declaration International USA, Champion Women, International Consortium on Female Sport, Concerned Women for America, Women’s Liberation Front, Independent Women’s Law Center, Young Women for America, Independent Women’s Voice, and Independent Women’s Network.

"We stand together in honor of the generations of women who came before us and in defense of all the women and girls who will come next," the letter to Trump ends. "We ask for your help in demanding that the NCAA finally act to restore fairness and opportunity in collegiate sports and we thank you for standing with us."

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Notre Dame is going to the first College Football Playoff National Championship game of the expanded format era after a comeback 27-24 win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday. 

Fighting Irish kicker Mitch Jeter kicked the game-winning 41-yard field goal to cap off a back-and-forth battle between the two storied programs. 

Notre Dame's comeback victory may have never materialized had quarterback Riley Leonard not summoned the fortitude to return to the game after an injury.

"He's a competitor and competitors find a way to win," Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said in a postgame interview on ESPN right after the game. "It's an honor to be a part of this with him."

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Leonard had to leave the game in the second quarter, forcing in backup Steve Angeli. At that point, Notre Dame was already behind 10-0. But Angeli helped get the Irish back into it with a field goal drive to give Notre Dame its first points, as the Irish went into halftime down 10-3. 

But Leonard returned to the game in the second half, and led a touchdown drive to tie the game. The two teams then traded score for score in a competitive second half. 

EX-NFL STAR, WITH TIES TO ELI MANNING TRADE, DISCUSSES CHANCES OF SHEDEUR SANDERS REFUSING TITANS FOR GIANTS

Leonard had a chance to lead a go-ahead drive with two minutes remaining, but the Penn State defense came up with a big third-down sack to force a Notre Dame punt. 

Then Allar, with a chance to lead a game-winning drive with less and possibly put himself into the conversation for the top quarterback taken in the NFL Draft, came back onto the field for the biggest moment of his career. And in that moment, he threw an interception to give the ball right back to Leonard and the Irish. 

Leonard then came back on the field and led the final drive that put Jeter in position to seal the deal. 

"I just trusted in Jesus," Leonard said in a postgame ESPN interview.

Notre Dame's storybook run continues after it came up with a historic win against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans just one day after a deadly terrorist attack killed 14 innocent people. 

The Irish will meet the winner of the Cotton Bowl on Friday between Ohio State and Texas. 

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It's next man up time for Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish inserted a backup quarterback while trailing in the Orange Bowl Thursday.

Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard left the College Football Playoff semifinal late in the first half and was being evaluated by the Fighting Irish’s medical staff.

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Leonard went into the medical tent on Notre Dame's sideline with about two minutes left in the half after a play in which he was hit by Penn State’s Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas.

EX-NFL STAR, WITH TIES TO ELI MANNING TRADE, DISCUSSES CHANCES OF SHEDEUR SANDERS REFUSING TITANS FOR GIANTS

It was not immediately clear what Leonard’s injury status was. He was replaced by Steve Angeli, and Notre Dame kicked a field goal on the final play of the half to cut Penn State’s lead to 10-3.

Leonard completed six of 11 passes for 63 yards and an interception before getting hurt.

Angeli, a Westfield, New Jersey, native, played high school football at Bergen Catholic High School. He made his first collegiate start in the 2023 Sun Bowl, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-8 win over Oregon State.

UPDATE: Riley Leonard returned to the game in the second half.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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After Justin Trudeau announced his plan to resign as Canada's prime minister, president-elect Trump had a plan for his successor.

After Trudeau's decision, Trump has continued a push to make the neighbor to the north the United States’ 51st state.

Trudeau said there was not a "snowball's chance in hell" that would ever happen, but if it does, Trump says he recruited Wayne Gretzky to be its "governor."

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"I was with Wayne Gretzky. I said, 'Wayne, would you like to be the governor of Canada?’ I can't imagine anybody doing better than Wayne," Trump said at Mar-a-Lago Thursday. 

"Wayne was not too interested. But he probably would have liked statehood," Trump said. "He's a friend of mine. He's a great guy. He's the great one. We call him the great one, right? He's a great hockey player."

Gretzky attended a victory party for Trump's 2024 election win after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris.

VIKINGS-RAMS PLAYOFF GAME MOVED AWAY FROM LOS ANGELES DUE TO WILDFIRES

Gretzky's son-in-law, Dustin Johnson, plays on the LIV Golf tour, which has played tournaments at Trump's golf courses.

Trump said Canada should be a state during a news conference Tuesday in Palm Beach. On Monday, the president-elect said in a social media post "many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State."

"Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!" Trump exclaimed in his social media post.

Trudeau announced he intends to resign as party leader and prime minister after pressure from within his own Liberal Party increasingly grew amid heightened criticisms over his handling of the economy and threats levied by Trump. He said he will resign once the party selects a new leader. 

Trudeau, who led the nation nearly a decade, has been grappling for months with significant drops in his approval ratings over mounting frustration relating to issues like the soaring cost of living and rising inflation. 

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser, Caitlin McFall and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

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