Bill Belichick has always asked a lot of his players while coaching the New England Patriots, whether it was a Super Bowl, a regular-season game or just a training camp practice. 

One former Patriot said he witnessed Belichick’s stern coaching almost immediately after getting drafted. 

"I guess we’ll start with how Bill put me in fat camp," ex-Pats running back Stevan Ridley, a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by New England, said on the "Games with Names" podcast with Julian Edelman. 

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Ridley said Belichick put him in "fat camp" because he was "overweight" for an NFL running back coming out of LSU. 

So, how much weight did Belichick want Ridley to cut? 

"You have that meeting where you come in there, and you’re a rookie. And he gives you your playing weight. And he brought me into the office because I go into the weight room, and [former Patriots strength coach Harold] Nash said, ‘Hop on the scale, Ridley,'" Ridley told Edelman.

"I hopped on the scale, and I’m about 235, 238 pounds. I played at LSU around 230 as a running back. Eight pounds is a lot, bro." 

POTENTIAL NO. 1 OVERALL PICK SKIPPING NFL COMBINE WORKOUTS DUE TO INJURY

Ridley said the Patriots obviously knew he was a bigger running back, and he clearly did something to be drafted in the third round. 

But Ridley claims Belichick told him he had to get his playing weight down to 220 pounds. 

"How? I said, ‘You’re tripping, bro.' I said, ‘Nah,’" Ridley recalled. "[Nash] said, ‘Don’t ask me. I’m telling you what the boss man said.’"

Ridley went to Belichick’s office to hear from the head coach himself. 

"I walked in and said, ‘Coach, I need to talk to you about this weight. And he said, ‘What’s the number? I can’t really remember what I had.' Two-twenty, that’s impossible. And he looked at me, and he said, ‘Well, Rid, I mean, really, I think it’s only about $563 per pound per day that you’re overweight. So, it’s really up to you.’ 

"I can do quick math. I’m a third-round draft pick, I ain’t got money like that. So, fat camp I went."

Ridley got to working on his weight, and it paid dividends after he made it to Belichick’s preferred playing weight of 220. 

Despite what Ridley thought at first, it worked out for him. 

"Quick as a cat, man," he said, laughing, when Edelman asked how he felt. "Freaking nasty, dude. Once I got to that playing weight, I was like, ‘Hey, Bill knows what the hell he’s talking about.’"

Ridley played four years in New England, running for 2,817 yards, including 1,263 his sophomore campaign during the 2012 season, which included 12 of his 22 career rushing touchdowns with the Patriots. Ridley was a part of the 2014 Patriots squad that shockingly defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the 2015 Super Bowl thanks to Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception. 

Ridley then played for the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers after his Super Bowl-winning final season in New England.

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A group of surfers, lifeguards, and other concerned individuals recently gathered around American pro surfer Makai McNamara after he was knocked unconscious. McNamara was wiped out by a massive wave at Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii, which is widely considered one of the world's most dangerous surf breaks.

According to Island News, McNamara was a frequent Banzai Pipeline visitor and was hit by the large wave this past Sunday. The aforementioned group of responders helped McNamara reach safety on the shore.

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Eli Olson, who also surfs professionally and is described as a friend of McNamara, said the ordeal was a "freak accident."

"It was just a bad wave, kind of a freak accident, and he went head first into the reef," Olson told Island News. He also described McNamara as "one of the best [surfers] out there."

BRAZILIAN SURFER HOVERS ABOVE OCEAN IN VIRAL PHOTO, BREAKS OLYMPIC SURFING RECORD

Olson estimated McNamara was underwater for two minutes before anyone was able to reach him. He also noted that responders attempted "CPR compressions" during the rescue.

"He was underwater for close to two minutes before I got to him. First thing, I just wanted to like keep his head above water so he didn't take more water in," Olson said. "I gave him a couple [of] breaths. Try to give him a couple [of] compressions."

He added, "We're getting hit by waves out here. We're getting kind of recycled in the waves and then we got him in life first, did another round of CPR compressions, and he started coughing up water."

McNamara was able to eventually regain consciousness when he was "brought him back to life on the sand," Surfer reported. McNamara was later transported to a local hospital where medical personnel placed him in an induced coma for three days.

McNamara's father Liam provided an update on his son's status 24 hours after the harrowing incident.

"It's been 24 hours since the incident, and he's on his road to recovery," he said in a video posted to Instagram. "He feels your energy. He feels your love. He feels your positive vibes, and we appreciate each and every one of you for your support."

"I thank the lifeguards and everybody who helped, so many people. Thank you so much for helping save my son," Liam continued.

"The next two days he’ll be here in the hospital, and we just need the continued prayers and positive energy," he added. "Makai's a strong young man, and he's going to get through this."

Meanwhile, Olson described the rescue as a "team effort" and expressed his hopes that Mcnamara makes a "full recovery."

"All that matters is Makai makes a full recovery and we can laugh and share waves with him soon," Olson noted via Instagram Stories.

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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is proud of the polarizing "tush push" and finds that calls to ban the play are "a little insulting." 

Speaking to the media at the 2025 NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Sirianni addressed the recent controversy surrounding the Eagles' signature play.

For Sirianni, the Eagles have perfected the play, making it look easy. But make no mistake, that has required a ton of work. 

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"I almost feel a little insulted because we work so hard at that play. The amount of things that we’ve looked into how to coach that play, the fundamentals, there’s a thousand plays out there, but it comes down to how you teach the fundamentals and how the players go through and do with the fundamentals." 

He continued, "It’s a little insulting to say, ‘We’re good at it so it's automatic.’ We work really hard at it." 

EX-NFL STAR IMPLORES EAGLES TO CELEBRATE TITLE AT WHITE HOUSE, SAYS IT WOULD BE 'LUDICROUS' NOT TO

The "tush push" has become a favorite for Philadelphia in the red zone. Quarterback Jalen Hurts scored the first touchdown of Super Bowl LIX utilizing the play. But for some around the league, the play has become an issue. 

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday that his team submitted a proposal to ban the play, which will be reviewed by the NFL Competition Committee. The play has previously been discussed, but this marks the first formal complaint to ban it all together. 

Other teams have attempted to use the play, but none as successful as the Eagles. 

And Sirianni doesn’t believe they should be punished for that.  

"There’s just so much time put into it. The fact that it's a successful play for the Eagles and people want to take that away, I think is a little unfair."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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After previously referring to Wayne Gretzky as the "governor of Canada," President Donald Trump has declared the NHL legend a "free agent."

Justin Trudeau announced his plan to resign as Canada's prime minister earlier this year, prompting Trump to ask Gretzky if he wanted to be the country's "governor" after Trump called for Canada to become the "51st state."

However, Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday his "friend" is "somewhat ‘low key' about Canada remaining a separate Country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State."

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So, "The Great One" is now on the market.

"Wayne Gretzky is a fantastic guy! They call him, ‘The Great One,’ and he is. He could run for any political office in Canada, and win. Wayne is my friend, and he wants to make me happy, and is therefore somewhat ‘low key’ about Canada remaining a separate Country, rather than becoming a cherished and beautiful 51st State, paying much Lower Taxes, a Free and Powerful Military, NO TARIFFS, and having a Booming Economy," Trump wrote on Wednesday. 

"Wayne and Janet, his wonderful wife, love Canada, and they should only support Canada, and whatever else makes the Canadian People, and Governor Justin Trudeau, happy. He’s the Greatest Canadian of them all, and I am therefore making him a ‘free agent,’ because I don’t want anyone in Canada to say anything bad about him. 

"He supports Canada the way it is, as he should, even though it’s not nearly as good as it could be as part of the Greatest and Most Powerful Country in the World, the Good Ole’ U.S.A.!"

NHL STAR DISHES ON TEAM USA PLAYERS' AMERICAN PRIDE: 'HAVEN'T SEEN THAT FROM AMERICANS IN GENERAL'

While speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago last month, Trump said Gretzky was "not too interested" in becoming Canada's "governor," but "he probably would have liked statehood."

Gretzky attended a victory party for Trump's 2024 election win after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. Gretzky was spotted wearing a MAGA hat shortly afterward and attended Trump's inauguration.

The NHL's all-time points leader was named Canada's honorary captain for the 4 Nations Face-Off final against the Americans. Canadian and American fans booed each other's national anthem during the tournament due to political tensions between the countries.

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Automated balls and strikes are in the major leagues, and, unsurprisingly, a longtime veteran is not pleased.

Major League Baseball is implementing the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system for the first time this spring; it's been tested in the minor leagues since 2021.

There's a fairly decent chance that Max Scherzer, 40, is out of the majors by the time it's implemented full-time (although commissioner Rob Manfred wants it next year). But he got a glimpse of the system in his spring training debut on Tuesday.

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One of Scherzer's pitches was challenged by a batter (the batter won), and Scherzer was clearly annoyed by the fiasco — while the system is in its rookie stages, it's taking a little bit longer than the 17-second average it's taken in the minors.

Later on, the new Toronto Blue Jay seemed to sarcastically challenge a pitch of his own — he lost.

"I'm a little skeptical on this. I get what we're trying to do here, but I think major league umpires are really good," Scherzer said after his outing. "They're really good. So what are we actually changing here? We know there are going to be strikes that are changed to balls, and balls that are changed to strikes. ... So we're going to basically be even. So are we actually doing to improve the game? Are the umpires really that bad? I don't think so."

SAMMY SOSA RETURNS TO CUBS DUGOUT AFTER YEARS-LONG RIFT WITH TEAM: 'BRINGS BACK MEMORIES'

"Can we just play baseball?" he added. "We're humans. Can we just be judged by humans? Do we really need to disrupt the game? I think humans are defined by humans."

This spring, teams will get two challenges per game, but are able to retain each challenge won. Only the batter, pitcher, or catcher can challenge a call, and it must be immediately after the call with no help from the bench or other players.

It is yet another big change to the sport commissioned by Manfred, who implemented a pitch timer, larger bases, and shift limits in 2023. However, fans seem to like the changes, as attendance increased in each of the last two years.

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Taylor Swift watched the Kansas City Chiefs' hopes of a three-peat fizzle earlier this month when the Philadelphia Eagles steamrolled the Chiefs to win the 2025 Super Bowl.

Swift traveled to New Orleans in support of the Chiefs and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. At one point, Swift was shown on the Caesars Superdome big screen at the game.

Some fans inside the building appeared to disapprove of Swift's presence and promptly directed some loud boos at the music star. During his visit to Indianapolis this week for the NFL Scouting Combine, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid complimented how Swift handled criticism.

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Reid described Swift as a "good girl," saying she has used the right approach when she's faced scrutiny.

"She’s a good girl," Reid told Pro Football Talk. "She handles that whole thing the right way. That’s a tough deal. She does a great job of handling it."

SERENA WILLIAMS COMES TO TAYLOR SWIFT'S DEFENSE AS SUPER BOWL LIX CROWD BOOS POP STAR

Reid also lauded Kelce for his response to the increased noise. 

"Kelce, I think, does a great job with handling it," the coach added.

Reid suggested that critiques of NFL players' loved ones often come with the territory. 

"She’s part of the team and, like the other girlfriends and wives, they’re part of it. And that’s all part of the process."

The boos targeting Swift appeared to coincide with some of the boos Chiefs players had to contend with from a seemingly pro-Eagles crowd as they emerged from the tunnel before the Super Bowl kicked off.

Swift and Kelce have maintained a relatively low profile since the Super Bowl. On Feb. 18, the "New Heights" podcast announced there would not be a new episode that week. 

"No new episode this week, but WE’LL BE BACK with offseason episodes with amazing guests soon," the podcast's official account posted to social media.

Travis and Jason Kelce routinely post new episodes of the podcast on a weekly basis. 

Much of the chatter about Travis lately has been about whether he will return to the Chiefs next season. During a recent "New Heights" episode, Kelce said he was "kicking every can I can down the road" as it relates to his retirement decision. He turns 36 in October.

Reid said he urged Kelce to take some time to "get away" before making a decision about his football future.

"I told him ‘Get away. Don’t think about all that. Just relax man. Chill down, and then we got time for that," Reid said at the combine. "I know it’s out there that there is a deadline, but he and I talk all the time. So, I’ll figure it out from him."

The Super Bowl loss also brought Kelce's 12th NFL season to a disappointing end. He finished the regular season with 823 receiving yards, the second consecutive year the star tight end did not reach the 1,000-yard mark. 

Last month, during an appearance on "The Stephen A. Smith Show," Kelce admitted his thoughts on retirement tend to fluctuate, but he plans to "reevaluate" during the offseason.

The NFL veteran also said Swift continues to offer her full support for his playing career. 

"She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game," Kelce told Smith. "I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams."

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach suggested Kelce is leaning toward playing in 2025. 

"How we left at the end of the season is that he was fired up. He has one more year under contract," Veach said. 

"Still think he has that fire and desire to play and, as far as I’m concerned, there is no deadline. I think we left (it) as he’d be back, and we’re excited to get him back and get him going."

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Former NCAA swimmer and OutKick host Riley Gaines delivered a message Wednesday to states defying President Donald Trump's executive order to keep transgender athletes out of women's and girls sports. 

Gaines appeared on Fox News' "The Story With Martha McCallum" to praise U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for urging states who have not complied with the order by threatening to withhold federal funding. 

"The Constitution is very clear that federal laws, such as Title IX, takes precedence over state laws," Gaines said. "Even with President Trump back in the White House, the war on woke has not been won yet."

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Bondi's warning came on Tuesday, when she warned California, Maine and Minnesota, who have openly defied Trump's order, that they will lose federal funding if they continue allowing trans athletes in girls sports. 

Maine has become a battleground on the issue after a war of words between Gov. Janet Mills and Trump over the issue. Additionally, a Republican Maine state legislator, Rep. Laurel Libby, was censured Tuesday for bringing attention to the state with a social media post calling out a transgender high school athlete who took first place in a girls pole vault competition.

MAINE LEGISLATURE CENSURES REP. LAUREL LIBBY FOR POINTING OUT TRANS ATHLETE WHO WON GIRLS' COMPETITION

Gaines praised Libby and defended the lawmaker, while condemning Mills Wednesday. 

"[Mills] would rather lose over $5 billion in federal funds to send a message that boys deserve to and are entitled to trample on girls in the process," Gaines said. "I commend and am so proud and so grateful for Rep. Libby. And just looking at this, watching a female representative lose her ability to vote and to speak on the House floor for defending girls and women. 

"No, this didn't happen in Afghanistan. This happened in America." 

In addition to Democrats in states like Maine and California, the NCAA has been criticized for its recent revision to its gender eligibility policy to comply with Trump's order. Many critics, including Gaines, have pointed out that the NCAA's new policy does not account for amended birth certificates, noting 44 states in the U.S. allow genders to be changed on birth certificates. 

The apparel brand XX-XY Athletics, whom Gaines is a brand ambassador for, put out a video advertisement Wednesday that featured multiple college women's athletes speaking out against the NCAA for its policy, insisting it didn't go far enough. 

"We partnered with XX-XY Athletics to release this ad directly to message (NCAA President) Charlie Baker, directly to the NCAA," Gaines said. "They released a policy following President Trump's executive order claiming to fall in line, but the NCAA policy is in direct conflict to Trump's beautifully and thoroughly written executive order." 

Gaines will be traveling to Minnesota next week to advocate for a state bill to ban transgender athletes in girls and women's sports there. 

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The 2025 season isn’t off to a great start for the New York Jets.

The Jets suffered another lackluster finish last season, which prompted owner Woody Johnson to initiate a major overhaul of the team's coaching staff and put an end to the Aaron Rodgers’ era. 

But on Wednesday, the NFLPA’s annual report cards dealt another blow to the organization. 

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The initiative, which includes feedback from 1,695 active players, saw the Jets rank 29th overall — a significant drop from last year’s ranking of 21st. 

According to the report’s overview, some of the most glaring issues included the team’s food program. 

"Rather than addressing concerns, players believed that management responded to feedback by making conditions worse," the report read, noting that the team's former dietitian left to take a full-time role with the Kansas City Chiefs.

AARON RODGERS’ POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS AS JETS PREPARE TO MOVE ON

But perhaps the most telling detail in the report that could explain the overall ranking was the players' sentiments towards Johnson. 

In the ownership category, Johnson was ranked dead-last with an F grade. The Jets were the only team to receive that grade in that specific category. 

"The players feel that Johnson does not contribute to a positive team culture, a rank of 32 out of 32," the report read. 

Johnson will be under the microscope next season. 

The Rodgers' trade failed to live up to the expectations set by Johnson, and new general manager Darren Mougey and new head coach Aaron Glenn are hoping to be the change.

"Every decision that me and (Mougey) make is to win and to win now," Glenn said at the combine on Tuesday. "This is not going to be the last decision I make that’s going to upset some people, and that’s OK. But as men, we talk about it. We make sure we keep it in-house, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Canadian men’s soccer coach Jesse Marsch blasted President Donald Trump for his "51st state" remarks, calling them "insulting." 

Marsch, a Wisconsin native who played for Team USA in the early 2000s, was named Team Canada’s men’s soccer coach in 2024. 

During CONCACAF Nations League media day Wednesday, Marsch didn’t hold back his opinion on Trump’s comments, saying he was "ashamed" of how Canada was referred to by the president. 

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"As an American, I’d like to address the ‘51st state’ discourse, which I find unsettling, and, frankly, insulting," Marsch told reporters. "Canada is a strong, independent nation that’s deep rooted in decency. It’s a place that values high ethics and respect unlike the polarized, disrespectful and now often hate-fueled climate that’s in the U.S.

"Canada values a lot of fairness and unity. It’s a place that I’ve learned, as the national team coach, where people really believe their differences make them stronger, and, honestly, it’s one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about our team. 

"They exemplify this as human beings and as a team. They’re almost all first- and second-generation Canadians, coming from different heritage and cultures. But they uniquely are incredibly proud to be Canadian, to represent their country, to give everything to each other and the love they have for each other and playing for their country."

There has been tension between the U.S. and Canada for weeks after Trump referred to Canada as the 51st state and to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor."

PRESIDENT TRUMP AND JUSTIN TRUDEAU HOLD CALL ABOUT UKRAINE, BORDER SECURITY AFTER WEEKS OF TENSION

Trump also recently announced tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China. Trump agreed Feb. 3 to pause tariffs for 30 days, which means they’re expected to be imposed in early March. The tariffs imposed on Canada from Trump are in response to drug trafficking at the U.S.-Canadian border. 

Late last week, Trump and Trudeau spoke on a variety of issues, and the White House released a statement saying the two leaders discussed the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament, which only added to the tension after Canadians booed the U.S. national anthem. 

Team Canada defeated Team USA in overtime to win the inaugural hockey tournament in Boston. Before the puck was dropped in that championship game, the Canadian anthem singer changed the lyrics to protest Trump. 

Marsch ended his statement with a message for Trump. 

"If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state," Marsch said. "As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies. But one thing’s for sure, when I look forward a month from now, this will fuel our team. The mentality we have, the will we have to play for our country. 

"The desire we have to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is."

Canada will play Mexico March 20 in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal, while Team USA will take on Panama the same day. 

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Diana Taurasi is the all-time leading scorer in the WNBA, but her best dunk may have came off the court. 

Taurasi, 42, threw a zinger at Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the 2016 Rio Olympics, according to Time magazine. 

"Hey, Draymond, how does it feel to be the only person in this room who’s never been double-teamed?" the report quoted Taurasi as saying. 

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Both the women’s and the men’s teams reportedly stayed on a cruise ship during the games, giving Taurasi a chance to take aim at Green’s offensive skills. 

Green is known for his defensive prowess and outgoing personality, as the Warriors star is never shy to say what’s on his mind. Not much of a scoring threat, Green has averaged just 8.7 points per game throughout his 13-year career. 

The Phoenix Mercury star announced her retirement on Tuesday after 20 seasons, and with her remarkable resume, is among the greatest players to ever play in WNBA history. 

DIANA TAURASI, WNBA'S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 20 SEASONS: 'I'M FULL'

Taurasi won three WNBA titles, was named the 2009 league MVP, won two Finals MVPs, registered five scoring titles, was named the 2004 Rookie of the Year and made 14 All-WNBA teams along with 11 All-Star teams. 

She spent her entire 20-year WNBA career with the Mercury, something rarely seen in professional sports. 

In addition to her stellar WNBA play, she is the most decorated Olympic basketball player ever, with six Olympic gold medals. 

Before turning pro, she helped lead UConn to three national championships during her college career. 

Taurasi was named the AP Player of the Year during the 2002-03 season after averaging 17.9 points, 4.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report. 

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Luka Doncic got some revenge against his old Dallas Mavericks squad, the team that shockingly traded him before the NBA deadline, by notching a triple-double in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 107-99 win on Tuesday night.

While Doncic was dissecting his former teammates on the court, Lakers fans were heard chanting, "Thank you, Nico!" to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who orchestrated the blockbuster trade. 

Still, the Mavericks are sticking by the trade of the perennial All-Star guard, and The Athletic’s recent report only escalated the health concerns that played a major factor in moving him now. 

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The report stated that "the people who witnessed Doncic’s last days in Dallas do not paint a flattering portrait of the 25-year-old’s professionalism." Doncic’s conditioning level was reportedly a frustration for the organization, and they didn’t like his "taste for beer and hookah."

The Mavericks reportedly predicted Doncic’s "basketball demise" due to his health, and Harrison made a move nobody saw coming. Lakers star center Anthony Davis was the highlight of Los Angeles’ trade package to land Doncic. 

LUKA DONCIC'S TRIPLE-DOUBLE LEADS LAKERS PAST MAVS 107-99 IN POST-TRADE REVENGE GAME

This report perhaps brought more clarity to a viral clip that went down after the Mavericks won the Western Conference Finals this past season, where Doncic’s beer was taken out of his hand by Mavericks VP Michael Finley seemingly without an explanation. 

In the clip, Doncic seems perplexed that happened, and ultimately shrugs it off. 

Doncic’s father, Sasa, was standing next to his son when that interaction went down, and he blasted the Mavericks following the trade and the initial reports that Luka’s health played a factor in it. 

Sasa called the situation "very unfair" while making an appearance with Arena Sport Slovenija. 

"It wasn’t even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he’s not fit enough," Sasa explained about the conditioning concerns. "That he played, I don’t know, 100 games, practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him. That he was beaten, and you say such things about him. I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him.Stand by your actions, but don’t look for excuses or alibis. That’s it."

Doncic has been nursing a calf strain for most of the 2024-25 season with the Mavericks, but since getting back on the floor for the Lakers, the team is 4-2. 

Doncic is averaging 19.0 points, nine rebounds and seven assists through five games, though he’s shooting below his usual efficient rate at 38.1% thus far. 

At 35-21, the Lakers are fourth in the Western Conference standings.

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FAIRNESS IN SPORTS – A group of current and former collegiate female athletes called on the NCAA to clear up the alleged issues with the organization's new transgender-athlete policy. Continue reading …

UNDER FIRE – Maine's gender-participation policy was placed under a microscope after the results of the State Nordic Skiing Championships. Some state lawmakers have pushed back against President Donald Trump's executive order concerning transgender athletes. Continue reading … 

CENSURED –The Maine House of Representatives voted to formally censure Rep. Laurel Libby after she refused to apologize or delete a social media post about a biological male competing in women's sports. Continue reading …

'SO EXTREME' – A state lawmaker from Maine called the state’s policy on transgender participation in girls' and women's sports "extreme" and warned that it could cost schools millions in federal funding. Continue reading …

'LOST THEIR MIND' – Paula Scanlan, a former teammate of swimmer Lia Thomas, appeared on "The Ingraham Angle" to weigh in on transgender athletes competing against biological females in sports. Continue reading …

WAR OF WORDS – Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., took aim at Maine Gov. Janet Mills amid her ongoing dispute with President Donald Trump over his "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order. Continue reading …

NEW LOOK – Patrick Mahomes recently debuted a new hairstyle, and his longtime barber spoke to Fox News Digital about the possible motivation behind the star quarterback's new look. Continue reading …

'FAITH, FAMILY, FOOTBALL' – Jim Harbaugh lives by the saying, "faith, family, football." The 61-year-old coach spoke to Fox News Digital about how his faith serves as his life's guiding force. Continue reading …

FROM FOX SPORTS – Eagles coach Nick Sirianni pushed back against suggestions that the "tush push" is too easy and argued that banning the play would be "unfair." Continue reading …

FROM OUTKICK – It's been nearly a quarter-century since the Miami Dolphins won a postseason game, but the franchise earned the top ranking in the 2025 NFLPA's player report card. Continue reading …

WATCH NOW – Led by LeBron James' 16-point performance in the fourth quarter and Luka Doncic’s triple-double, the Lakers beat the Mavericks 107-99. Colin Cowherd discusses whether Los Angeles is a legitimate title contender. Watch here …

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Anthony Knox Jr., a three-time New Jersey high school state wrestling champion out of Saint John Vianney in Holmdel, was disqualified from competing for his fourth straight state title after getting involved in a brawl that ended with him and his dad arrested. 

The incident happened at the NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School, according to NJ.com, and Knox is accused of sprinting into the stands where a brawl began between his father, Anthony Knox Sr., and fans watching the tournament. 

Videos appearing online showed the fight breaking out and working its way down the bleachers. 

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When the dust settled, Jersey Sports Zone reported that both Knox Sr. and Knox Jr. were detained by police after the brawl, which occurred after the 190-pound final. This came after Knox had won his latest 126-pound district title. 

The New Jersey State interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) released a statement on the matter after reviewing multiple video angles of the brawl, during which Knox Jr. ran from the gym floor into the bleachers to join the fight. 

Knox Jr., a Cornell commit, is the top-ranked 126-pound wrestler in the United States with a career 136-1 record and 123 straight wins, including his district title. 

WRESTLEMANIA 42 WILL TAKE PLACE IN NEW ORLEANS FOR 3RD TIME

But he won't get a chance at a fourth straight state title because he is barred from participating in the state championships in Atlantic City. 

"Earlier today, I informed the Saint John Vianney High School administration that the student-athlete wrestling in the 126-pound weight class has been disqualified from the NJSIAA wrestling state tournament," NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

"The disqualification was the result of my investigation into an incident that occurred on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at the district tournament hosted at Collingswood High School. I have determined that the disqualified student-athlete violated both the association’s sportsmanship policy and its disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.

"I would like to thank the administrators and coaches from our member schools and those spectators who provided written statements and videos to assist the investigation. I also would like to thank event staff security and the Collingswood Police Department for their efficient handling of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without further incident.

"I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior, and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career. However, my role is to uphold the integrity of high school athletics by ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and are held to the same standards of sportsmanship and safety.

"Let it be clear, the association cannot, and will not, condone actions that violate its sportsmanship policy or its member school-approved rules."

As a result of the disqualification, the 126-pound weight class has been reseeded for the state tournament. 

Knox Jr. also released a statement on Instagram.

"As many of you know, I have been disqualified from my next two matches due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands at Collingswood HS well after I had finished competing at the district tournament," Knox Jr. wrote. "Like anyone, my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family. While I respect the NJSIAA’s decision, my family and I are currently reviewing our options to determine the best course of action moving forward.

"I am disappointed in this outcome, but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. l am committed to supporting my teammates still representing our school and the sport of wrestling with the same passion and dedication that got us here. No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete, and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be as I continue my career onward at Cornell University.

"Thank you all for your continued love and support. It truly means the world to me. I’m more motivated than ever and excited to prove to everyone what I already know, that I’m the best there is."

It is unknown if Knox Jr.’s status with Cornell University has been affected. 

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A long feud between an historic franchise and one of its most iconic players is finally over.

Sammy Sosa starred for the Chicago Cubs in the 1990s and early 2000s, with his three 60-home run seasons forcing fans to Wrigley Field.

However, amid his apparent use of steroids, which he all but finally admitted to in December, Sosa and the organization had a rift.

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Sosa was not welcome to anything Cubs-related for well over a decade, and had not been back in Chicago from 2007 until early last year for a memorabilia signing appearance.

But two months ago, Sosa finally issued an apology in which he admitted to making "mistakes" – an apology, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has said, was the only way for the two sides to make amends.

After the apology, Sosa appeared at a Cubs fan fest, and on Tuesday, he was back in a Cubs uniform in the dugout for a spring training game. It was his first time in the Cubs dugout in 21 years.

"It brings back memories. I'm just happy to see everyone," Sosa said. "I'm back to my environment."

Sosa penned his apology letter in which he said he had "always been a Cub."

YANKEES SCRAPPING ANOTHER LONG-STANDING TRADITION AFTER BEARD POLICY REVISION

"I left it all on the field for the Cubs and Cubs fans because I wanted to win and make the fans happy. I loved to see the fans at Wrigley in the Right Field Bleachers every home game," Sosa wrote. "I understand why some players in my era don't always get the recognition that our stats deserve. There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.

"We accomplished great things as a team, and I worked extremely hard in the batting cage to become a great hitter. Cubs' fans are the best in the world, and I hope that fans, the Cubs and I can all come together again and move forward. We can't change the past, but the future is bright. In my heart, I have always been a Cub and I can't wait to see Cubs fans again."

The organization elected Sosa in their team's Hall of Fame last month.

Sosa is the only player in MLB history to hit at least 60 home runs in three separate seasons. He retired with 609 in his career, which ranks him ninth all time, but PED speculation has kept him out of Cooperstown.

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Two women sued Patrick Beverley, claiming they suffered injuries after the former Milwaukee Bucks guard rocketed a basketball toward their faces from almost point-blank range.

During his team's playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers that ended their season, Beverley was sitting on the bench when he stood up and launched a basketball at a female Pacers fan sitting behind the team’s bench, hitting the fan directly in the head. 

He appeared to motion to have the ball back, and when it was returned, he again threw the ball at another fan, who was able to deflect it. 

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Coaches and other players stepped into the fray and attempted to defuse the situation, but Beverley appeared to continue to exchange words with the fans sitting behind him. 

The women claim they are still experiencing medical expenses, mental anguish, humiliation and lost wages from the incident in which they both say they suffered immediate injuries.

Less than a week later, Beverley showed regret, saying it was an "unfortunate situation that should have never happened."

"What I did was bad, and that should have never happened. I have to be better, and I will be better. And that should have never happened," Beverley said on his podcast. "Regardless of what was said, that should have never happened. Simple as that."

Initial reports say it came after a fan said "Cancun on three," but Beverley said it was "more than that" and was called a name that apparently is NSFW.

LAVAR BALL IN FIRST COMMENTS SINCE FOOT AMPUTATION: 'IF I WANTED TO, I'D GROW IT BACK'

"I’ve been called a lot of stuff in this league, I haven’t been called that one," he said. "Still inexcusable. It doesn’t matter what was said. I have to be better, and I will be better."

Beverley said security had come up to him earlier in the game and asked if he wanted certain fans ejected, but he declined, saying he actually doesn't even want fans kicked out for simple trash talk.

"I’m not getting no fans kicked out. People who spend money to watch us play. I’m not getting them kicked out," Beverley said.

However, this certain fan "crossed the line."

"We in layup line. I’m on the bench with the ball. Fan to the right of me say something crazy. I get up to him, ‘Hey, man, you can boo me but don’t call me that.’ I go shake (Pacers coach) Rick Carlisle's hand, fan say something crazy to me," Beverley recalled. "I’m looking like, ‘Man, you can say anything, just don’t be disrespectful.’ He apologized too. Everyone who stepped out of line and said something like too crazy, all of them apologized. It was just some people crossed the line a little bit."

The NBA suspended him for the incident, but he is currently playing in Israel.

Fox News' Paulina Dedaj and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., took aim at Maine Gov. Janet Mills for refusing to ban trans athletes in girls' sports on Wednesday. 

During an interview on OutKick's "Don't @ Me With Dan Dakich," Tuberville laid heavy criticism on Mills after a week of national controversy for her feud with President Donald Trump over his "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order, and her state's refusal to comply with it. 

"With that governor of Maine, just being a total a-- to be honest with you to the president of the United States, when he's already said, ‘This is not going to happen,' and she said, ‘Well I’ll take you to court,' and he said, ‘Well I’ll see you in court, because I happen to run the federal government,'" Tuberville said.  

"It just shows you how egotistical these people are, and it's just common sense that you don't do this." 

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Maine came under national scrutiny for allowing trans athletes in girls' sports amid the state's refusal to comply with Trump's order and a recent incident involving a trans pole vaulter. 

The spat between Trump and Mills started last Thursday when Trump vowed to cut funding to the state for refusing to follow his order during a gathering of governors in Washington. 

On Friday, Mills' office responded with a statement threatening legal action against the Trump administration if it did withhold federal funding from the state. Then, Trump and Mills verbally sparred in a widely-publicized argument at the White House during a bipartisan meeting of governors. 

"Are you not going to comply with that?" Trump asked Mills.

"I'm complying with state and federal laws," she responded, before Trump said "Well, we are the federal law" and "You better do it, you better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't. And by the way, your population, even though it's somewhat liberal, although I did very well there, your population doesn't want men playing in women's sports, so you better comply because otherwise you're not getting any federal funding."

MAINE LEGISLATURE CENSURES REP. LAUREL LIBBY FOR POINTING OUT TRANS ATHLETE WHO WON GIRLS' COMPETITION

"We'll see you in court," Mills responded. 

Just hours after that interaction, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will be investigating the state for allowing trans athletes to compete in girls' sports and potential Title IX violations. Maine is the fourth state to have a Title IX investigation launched against it for defying Trump's order since it was signed on Feb. 5. 

California, Minnesota and Massachusetts are facing similar investigations, while several other Democratic-run states have also refused to comply with Trump's order thus far. 

Meanwhile, Tuberville is also co-sponsoring a bill with similar ramifications to Trump's order in the U.S. Congress. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act has already passed in the House of Representatives, but has not received a Senate vote yet. 

Tuberville hopes the country can address the issue of trans inclusion in time for the 2028 Olympics. 

"What worries me is the Olympics are coming up here in our country in Los Angeles in a few years and we do not need this to turn this into a nightmare, it's got to be men vs. men, women vs. women," Tuberville said. "But you know what, this radical left is going to try and make this like it's a disaster that transitioned boys are not able to participate against women. It just makes no sense, and under this president, it's not going to happen." 

When Trump signed the executive order on Feb. 5, he vowed that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would prohibit any transgender athletes attempting to compete as women from entering the country for the Olympics in 2028. 

Trump said he will instruct Noem "to deny any and all visa applications made by men attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying themselves as women athletes try and get into the Games." 

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One of the NFL’s best tight ends is not coming out of retirement, despite rumors this week that there was interest in a potential return, and possibly with the Denver Broncos.

Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski quickly dispelled the rumors on Wednesday that he was eyeing a potential return to the NFL, telling FOX Sports that "now it’s time to relax a little." 

"Crazy bro," the former New England Patriots star told Schultz when asked about the report.  

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"They must know something about me that I don’t. I wish I still had those powers, because that would be cool if I did. But I was just in Australia for a few days. Now it’s time to relax a little. No football."

Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan reported Tuesday that Gronkowski was "considering" coming out of retirement, adding that he was told "he loves Denver & [quarterback] Bo Nix."

NFL LEGEND ROB GRONKOWSKI 'CONSIDERING' RETURN TO LEAGUE: REPORT

Gronkowski has previously come out of retirement. 

After announcing in 2019 that he was finally hanging up his cleats following nearly a decade in New England, Gronkowski returned in 2020 to reunite with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, where they again became Super Bowl champions. 

He announced his retirement again in 2022 after two seasons with the Buccaneers, and has since served as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. 

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Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk said he wanted to show how proud they were to be Americans during the 4 Nations tournament. 

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk joined Travis and Jason Kelce's podcast, where Jason asked the Tkachuk brothers if they knew from the moment the national anthems happened they were going to get into fights with team Canada off of the puck drop. 

"I think that, USA, that team was such a proud group of Americans and wanted to show how united we were and how proud we were to be Americans," Matthew responded. 

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"I mean, let’s face it, the last bunch of years you really haven’t seen that from Americans in general, like to show off how proud they are to be a part of the United States. I think that our team did a great job of making a big impact on people from the whole tournament, but especially that game against Canada. Going into a hostile environment and wanting to set the tone in a very tough place against a very great team."

Prior to the now-infamous fights, the Canadian fans booed the United States national anthem, setting up a backdrop for what took place after the puck drop. 

The booing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" began with President Donald Trump’s threat to issue tariffs on Canada and even saying that the country could become the "51st state." It has been common for boos to be heard during the USA’s national anthem. 

Both Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators fans have booed the USA’s national anthem, since the tariffs were set to begin. 

NHL STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK REFLECTS ON 4 NATIONS FINAL: ‘WE’RE SO LUCKY TO BE FROM THIS GREAT COUNTRY’

The tariffs have since paused.

Adding the political backdrop to what was already a highly anticipated matchup, Matthew said Brady and fellow forward JT Miller talked about fighting right away to set the tone pregame.

"It made me very proud to be playing for that team during that moment. You know to see how united we were in like I said, a hostile environment. At the end of the day, a fight’s a fight, you’re going there to beat the other guy up, but I think it was more than that. It was more to show your teammates we got this. We’re together in this, we all come from different parts of the country, different backgrounds, different teams, and you know we’re in this, and we’re going to fight together," Matthew said during his appearance on "New Heights."

"That made me really proud to be honest with you and even people since the tournament, that’s all their talking about. How proud they were of our team and how united we were and how we were an inspiration to them and I think that’s coming from the whole tournament, but that’s what makes me most proud."

Matthew previously talked about how grateful he is to be an American during a trip to the White House, as he was part of the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup-winning team last season. 

"Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We greatly appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans, who loves this country so much, it’s such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So, thank you," Tkachuk said.

The next time team USA will have a chance to show off its pride on the ice will come at the 2026 Olympic Games, where they will look to avenge their 4 Nations loss to Canada. 

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Fox News' Louis Casano contributed to this report.

Northwestern's women's basketball team will have to forfeit two of the games on its schedule after not traveling to Los Angeles during the devastating wildfires in January. 

The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday that Northwestern's games against UCLA on Jan. 12 and USC on Jan. 15 won't be rescheduled and instead will count as losses for the Wildcats and wins for the Southern California-based programs. 

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Northwestern athletics director Mark Jackson released a statement supporting his team's decision not to travel during the fires, and accepted the decision by the Big Ten.

"Northwestern Athletics accepts the decision by the Big Ten Conference to strictly apply the Conference bylaws as written, in issuing forfeits for missed competitions by Northwestern’s Women’s Basketball after the team’s decision not to travel to Los Angeles during the tragic wildfires in Southern California," Jackson wrote, per On3.

"While we acknowledge that bylaws and rules are in place for a reason and we will abide by them, it does not diminish this team’s sound reasoning for not participating during this natural disaster. We will continue to support our Women’s Basketball student-athletes and hope for a strong recovery for the Southern California region."

CHARGERS DONATE $200K FOR WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORTS, URGES FANS TO HELP OUT WITH SUPPLY DRIVE AHEAD OF PLAYOFFS

UCLA and USC, led by phenom JuJu Watkins, were already the two winningest teams in the conference so far this season. USC is in first place in the Big Ten with a 15-1 conference record as UCLA is in second at 14-1. 

Meanwhile, Northwestern sits in 15th place with a 2-13 conference record, and is battling Purdue, Rutgers and Penn State for the final spot in the Big 10 tournament. 

The fires impacted multiple sporting events in the Los Angeles and Anaheim area during the month of January, including a playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, and Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers NBA games. 

The city's local sports teams donated more than $8 million to support victims of the wildfires. Those teams included the Anaheim Ducks, Angel City FC, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Sparks.

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Travis Kelce’s podcast returned on Wednesday after taking a break last week, but the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end did not bring up his playing future amid retirement rumors. 

Kelce, 35, said he was "kicking every can I can down the road" regarding his decision to retire in the episode shortly after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

With no comment on his NFL future in his latest episode, Kelce is still kicking the can down the road.

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Travis and Jason Kelce were brainstorming potential guests for upcoming shows this offseason, and Travis brought up Tom Brady as someone he would like to talk to and also ask for advice. 

"Gosh, that’d be fun to talk to Tom," Travis said on "New Heights." "I’d like to talk to Tom about how he dealt with not winning Super Bowls. F---. Multiple Super Bowls."

Brady was 7-3 in Super Bowls in his legendary career, and Kelce is now 3-2 in the game in his career, dealing with multiple defeats in the big game. 

Travis, just a couple of weeks removed from the 40-22 defeat in Super Bowl LIX, said that the "Eagles broke my heart."

CHIEFS GM TALKS TRAVIS KELCE'S FUTURE AMID RETIREMENT RUMORS

Kelce’s longtime Chiefs teammate, Chris Jones, posted, "My dawg got to come back we got unfinished business," seemingly alluding to the tight end’s retirement decision.

Kelce said the podcast episode was recorded on Sunday despite being released on Wednesday. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach commented on Kelce’s future at the NFL combine on Tuesday.

"How we left at the end of the season is that he was fired up. He has one more year under contract," Veach said, speaking to reporters at a press conference. 

The three-time Super Bowl champion signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension prior to last season that runs through the 2025-2026 season, and Veach said he thinks Kelce still has more to give. 

"Still think he has that fire and desire to play and, as far as I’m concerned, there is no deadline. I think we left as he’d be back, and we’re excited to get him back and get him going."

Kelce was still productive this season, but his yards (823) and touchdowns (3) in the regular season this year were the lowest he has had in the full season. 

Should Kelce decide to return, he would be coming back for his 13th season in the NFL and would turn 36 years old during the season. 

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