Police protection was assigned to Greely High School in Maine this week after one of the school's transgender athletes was thrust into the national spotlight, per multiple reports. 

The school is home to a transgender track and field athlete who recently took first place at a girls' state pole vault competition. The athlete, who recently competed in the boys' category, out-jumped every other female by half a foot, and the winning pole vault was pivotal in helping Greely High School win the Class B state championship meet by just a single point.

Due to the win, the trans athlete has also automatically qualified for the multistate regional championships, taking the spot that would have been awarded to the female athlete who garnered second place had Spencer competed in the boys' division.

Last week, news of the athlete's win went national after it was publicized by state Rep. Laurel Libby. 

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

When students returned from a school district vacation this week, the police presence at the school reportedly heightened after a highly-publicized spat between President Donald Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills over the state's refusal to comply with Trump's recent executive order to ban biological males from girls' sports. 

Cumberland Police Department Capt. Mindy Coe told News Center Maine that the school and parents expressed concerns for safety amid the national controversy. 

"There were some concerns from the school and the parents that coming back from vacation today that there might be some issues," Coe said. "We wanted to relay their fears and have some more cars in the area." 

Jeffrey Porter, superintendent of the Cumberland-North Yarmouth School District, told the Portland Press Herald that there hasn't been a specific threat against the school that warranted the police protection, but it is precautionary due to recent social media activity. 

"Along with this attention has been a flurry of online postings and communications, including some that have been of concern to members of the school community," Porter said. "Please know this is not in response to any specific threat or information; rather, it is a proactive security measure only."

Trump vowed to cut funding to the state for refusing to follow his order during a gathering of governors at the White House. 

"I hate to tell you this, but we're not going to give them any federal money, they are still saying, ‘We want men to play in women’s sports' and I can not believe that they're doing that… So we’re not going to give them any federal funding, none whatsoever, until they clean that up."

TRANS ATHLETE AND ‘UNCOMFORTABLE’ OPPONENT SPEAK OUT AFTER ALLEGED INCIDENT PROMPTS CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Maine received more than $360 million, or about 10.1% of its education funding, from the federal government in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

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," Trump continued.

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

NCAA RESPONDS AS CRITICS CALL OUT POTENTIAL LOOPHOLES IN ITS NEW TRANS-ATHLETE POLICY 

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. The DOE announced on Feb. 12 it would be investigating the high school athletic associations in California and Minnesota after those states refused to comply with Trump's recent order. 

Before that, the DOE announced on Feb. 6 it would investigate the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) alongside San Jose State University and the University of Pennsylvania for potential Title IX violations. 

A female high school track and field athlete praised Trump for intervening in the situation on Friday. 

Zoe, who competed in shot put at Maine's Class B state indoor championship meet on Monday, said she is "grateful" for the president's announcement that he will be cutting federal funding to Maine over its defiance of Trump's order to keep men out of women's sports, adding that leaders in the state "have failed our female athletes." 

"State leaders have failed our female athletes and there needs to be repercussions for their neglect," Zoe said. "We feel seen and heard because of this announcement and hope that steps will continue to be made to protect women's sports in Maine."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "Partisan elected officials and judicial activists who seek to legally obstruct President Trump’s agenda are defying the will of 77 million Americans who overwhelmingly re-elected President Trump," and added that "their efforts will fail."

"All of President Trump’s executive actions are lawful, constitutional and intended to deliver on the promises he made to the American people," Leavitt said. "The Trump administration is prepared to fight these battles in court and will prevail."

Fox News Digital's Alex Schemel contributed to this report.

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Could an NFL team feature Rob Gronkowski at tight end next season? 

According to a new report, "Gronk" is considering yet another return to the league. 

Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan’s Cecil Lammey reports Gronkowski is "considering a return to the NFL."

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Lammey notes that Gronkowski "loves Denver & QB Bo Nix," while also pointing out his connection with head coach Sean Payton, who worked at Fox Sports with the legendary tight end before heading back into coaching. 

Fox News Digital has not heard back from Gronkowski’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, after an initial request for comment. 

SI SWIMSUIT MODEL CAMILLE KOSTEK AND ROB GRONKOWSKI ARE ‘ALWAYS KEEPING BUSY’ AFTER HIS NFL RETIREMENT

Gronkowski did note on his "Dudes on Dudes" podcast that his current broadcast schedule with Fox Sports is pretty grueling, to the point where he’s traveling like he was in the league. 

"I might as well go back because playing ball would be easier than what I’ve been doing over the last six months," Gronkowski said. 

Gronkowski has come back to the NFL after retiring in the past, as he joined former New England Patriots teammate Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski played a critical role in them winning Super Bowl LV, where he scored two touchdowns. 

Gronkowski went on to play one more season with the Bucs until retiring again after the 2021 season. 

Now, Gronkowski has previously said to outlets, including Fox News Digital, that he was definitely retired, even mentioning that he was "washed up."

But perhaps that itch for the game is back for one of the best to ever play the tight end position.

The 35-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler with three Super Bowl rings to his name with the Patriots before securing the fourth in Tampa Bay. 

He is third all-time among tight ends in receiving touchdowns (92), and has 9,286 yards on 621 career receptions over 143 games in his 11 NFL seasons. 

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Eagles coach Nick Sirianni called it "a little unfair" that some in the NFL are angling to have the tush push banned because it's highly successful for Philadelphia, adding that the idea that it's an automatic play is "a little insulting."

Manchester City are sweating on the fitness of striker Erling Haaland for their Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí says Luis Rubiales' conviction for sexual assault sets a precedent moving forward and hopes it will lead to changes for women in and out of football.

Ruben Amorim has admitted that the Manchester United staff who are set to lose their jobs in the latest round of cut-backs are paying the price for the team's lack of success on the pitch.

Sepp Blatter, the former head of football's global governing body FIFA, is looking forward to clearing his name at a new court hearing into allegations he made corrupt payments to French footballing great Michel Platini.

He would give the Giants instant credibility.

The incident sparked a brawl on stage as Eddie Hearn and Benn’s father Nigel tried to get at Eubank and his team.

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The Buffalo Bills aren’t letting wide receiver Khalil Shakir go anywhere.

The team announced on Tuesday that they signed the 25-year-old wide receiver to a four-year contract extension that runs through 2029. 

Shakir’s contract is worth up to $60.2 million, with $32 million guaranteed at signing per ESPN.

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Shakir was star quarterback Josh Allen’s top target last season, as he led the team in targets (100), receptions (76), and receiving yards (821).

The sure-handed wide receiver dropped just one pass last season and was a threat with the ball in his hands as he was third in the NFL in yards after the catch with 597. 

The only two players who had more yards after the catch are Cincinnati Bengals superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (787) and Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (665).

EAGLES' VIC FANGIO CHIDED DEFENSE FOR ALLOWING 22 POINTS IN SUPER BOWL LIX 2ND HALF, LINEBACKER SAYS

In the Bills' three playoff games, Skakir caught 18 of his 20 targets for 174 yards. 

The 2022 fifth-round pick out of Boise State has seen an uptick in his production year after year. In his rookie year, Shakir caught 10 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in 14 games. 

In 2023, Shakir started to become a bigger part of the offense, and finished with 39 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns. 

The 6-foot, 190-pound wide receiver might not be a true No. 1 wide receiver, but Shakir is at the very least a strong No. 2 wide receiver who has a solid connection with Allen. 

Keon Coleman and Curtis Samuel are among other wide receivers who are under contract for the Bills next season. 

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One of the Philadelphia Eagles' keys to success may soon be a thing in the past, and it sounds like there's some excitement about the possibility.

The Green Bay Packers recently proposed a rule to ban the tush push, which has been synonymous with the Eagles, who beat Green Bay in the wild-card round en route to a Super Bowl championship.

And while it's often imitated, it's never duplicated. The Eagles have had a success rate of well over 90% with the play over the last three years.

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There is an argument about whether the play should be allowed, since players technically cannot help a ball carrier advance down the field. 

One NFC head coach applauded Green Bay's proposal.

"It should’ve been illegal three years ago," Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "No, the tush push play, I’ve never been a big fan. There’s no other play in our game where you can absolutely get behind somebody and push them, pull them off, do anything."

Packers CEO Mark Murphy recently said the play is "almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less," and it takes "no skill."

EAGLES' VIC FANGIO CHIDED DEFENSE FOR ALLOWING 22 POINTS IN SUPER BOWL LIX 2ND HALF, LINEBACKER SAYS

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott cited injury risks with the play Monday.

"It's just that play to me — or the way that the techniques that are used with that play to me — have been potentially contrary to the health and safety of the players," he said. "Again, you have to go back in fairness to the injury data on the play, but I just think the optics of it I'm not in love with."

The Birds used the play well to their advantage. Jalen Hurts scored the first touchdown of the Super Bowl with it in a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Last offseason, there was some heated debate about whether the play should remain in the game, but it never came to a vote. 

League owners would have to vote to have the play removed, which would be done in March.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the NCAA for its recent revised gender eligibility policy, demanding the governing body begin mandatory sex screening to keep trans athletes out of women's sports. 

The NCAA announced its revised policy on Feb. 6 in response to President Donald Trump's "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order, which was signed just one day earlier. The revised policy states that biological male trans athletes are not eligible to compete in women's competitions, but may continue practicing and receive "other benefits" from women's teams. 

But the policy came under heavy scrutiny by women's rights activists over concerns biological males will use amended birth certificates to gain entry into women's sports. Now, Paxton has joined that list of critics and is taking legal action to try and amend the policy further. 

NCAA RESPONDS AS CRITICS CALL OUT POTENTIAL LOOPHOLES IN ITS NEW TRANS-ATHLETE POLICY 

"In practice, the NCAA's lack of sex-screening has allowed (and will continue to allow) biological men to surreptitiously participate in 'women's' sports categories," the lawsuit states. Additionally, Paxton lays out that the NCAA allows "ample opportunity for biological men to alter their birth records and participate in women's sports."

Former U.S. gymnast and founder of XX-XY Athletics Jennifer Sey supported Paxton's decision to file a lawsuit, she told Fox News Digital. 

"The only reliable way to retain the integrity of women’s sports – ensure they are XX only – is to test for sex. Birth certificates are changeable, but sex is not. It’s a simple non-invasive test. Spit in a cup. That’s it. Athletes are already tested for drugs. Some are weighed to ensure they make weight in their category. This is no more invasive than either of those," Sey said. 

Paxton had filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in December over its previous policy. In that suit, Paxton accused the NCAA of "engaging in false, deceptive, and misleading practices by marketing sporting events as ‘women’s’ competitions only to then provide consumers with mixed sex competitions where biological males compete against biological females."

"The NCAA is intentionally and knowingly jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of women by deceptively changing women’s competitions into co-ed competitions," Paxton said in a statement. "When people watch a women’s volleyball game, for example, they expect to see women playing against other women – not biological males pretending to be something they are not. Radical ‘gender theory’ has no place in college sports."

WISCONSIN BANS TRANS ATHLETES FROM GIRLS’ SPORTS, FOLLOWING TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER 

The NCAA provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the criticisms and insisting that amended birth certificates will not be accepted. 

"The policy is clear that there are no waivers available, and student-athlete assigned male at birth may not compete on a women’s team with amended birth certificates or other forms of ID," the statement read. "Male practice players have been a staple in college sports for decades, particularly in women’s basketball and the Association will continue to account for that in the policy."

These specifics are not currently outlined on the official NCAA policy page, as it makes no specific references to birth certificate or ID amendments, or women's scholarships going to trans athletes, per the NCAA's website.

In the U.S., 44 states do allow birth certificates to be altered to change a person's birth sex. The only states that do not allow this are Florida, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Montana. Meanwhile, there are 14 states that allow sex on a birth certificate to be changed without any medical documentation required, including California, New York, Massachusetts and Michigan. 

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

Still, Trump and his Department of Education celebrated the NCAA's policy change when it was announced earlier this month. 

"Exciting news! Due to my Executive Order, which I proudly signed yesterday, the NCAA has officially changed their policy allowing men in Women’s Sports – IT IS NOW BANNED! This is a great day for women and girls across our Country," Trump wrote on social media in response to the NCAA's policy change. 

The Department of Education wrote in a post, "NEWS: In accordance with President Trump's Executive Order, the NCAA just announced that 'a student-athlete assigned male at birth may not compete for an NCAA women’s team.' The wins keep coming under POTUS’s leadership!"

Neither Trump nor anyone directly in his administration has addressed the recent criticisms of the new NCAA policy over potential amended birth certificates.

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Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta spoke about sexual misconduct allegations against kicker Justin Tucker during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday. 

The Baltimore Banner reported that 16 massage therapists at eight spas have claimed Tucker engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior during spa sessions from 2012-16. 

Tucker has denied all allegations, but DeCosta called the allegations "serious and concerning."

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"The amount of allegations are serious and concerning," he told reporters in Indianapolis. 

"I think we’re fortunate the league is doing an investigation. We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can. We’ll make our decisions based on that."

DeCosta added he has met with Tucker and the league since the allegations surfaced, though he didn't disclose specifics about the talks with his kicker. 

NFL INVESTIGATING JUSTIN TUCKER'S SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS, INTERVIEWING ACCUSERS: REPORTS

"I think in this case we’re awaiting as much information as possible. I met with the league. I believe the league is meeting with other people in Baltimore as well. We’ll wait for the details of that investigation and make our decision based off that."

DeCosta said the team was aware of the allegations published by The Baltimore Banner, and it was the first time the team became aware of the allegations. 

The NFL reportedly began interviewing massage therapists who accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior. 

Last month, the first six alleged victims claimed Tucker exposed himself repeatedly during sessions spanning four years, including his rookie campaign, when the Ravens won the Super Bowl. 

The accusations placed him at four different spa and wellness centers, with claims he would brush the therapists with his genitals and commit other acts of sexual misconduct. 

More massage therapists have come forward since the original Baltimore Banner report with similar allegations. 

NEW YORK JETS PLAYER ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN NEW JERSEY AFTER BEING 'TARGETED AND FOLLOWED' BY SUSPECTS: REPORT

Tucker released a statement through his attorneys last month, calling the accusations "unequivocally false."

"Throughout my career as a professional athlete, I have always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism. I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork," Tucker’s statement said. 

"I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business."

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Jets coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged that the decision to part ways with the future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason "upset" some players.

In a league full of “floppers,” Bill Simmons thinks New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is in a league of his own.

The Barcelona midfielder feels the verdict adds to Spain’s achievement in winning Euro 2023.

© PA Wire

Travis Kelce hasn’t publicly commented on his retirement since his last podcast episode, but one high-level Chiefs official touched on it Tuesday.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid both spoke about the tight end during media availability at the NFL combine.

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

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"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."

Reid said he spoke to Kelce during the team's exit meetings and gave the tight end some advice.

"At this point, get out of town and relax. That's my motto for these guys. They played a lot of games for a consistent amount of seasons here," Reid said, via The Kansas City Star.

"You get to the end, and you've exhausted yourself mentally and physically... step back and take care of that, then we'll talk."

TRAVIS KELCE 'PROBABLY' KNOWS RETIREMENT DECISION ALREADY, HIS BROTHER SAYS

"But for right now, I think that's what he's doing."

Kelce said he was "kicking every can I can down the road" regarding his decision to retire during his last episode of "New Heights."

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 a full season. 

The star tight end did say that if he was going to come back, he would not be taking any half-measures. 

"I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s going to be something that – it’s a wholehearted decision," Kelce said.

"I’m not half-a--ing it. I’m fully here for them and I think I can play. It’s just whether or not I’m motivated or if it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility."

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Buffalo Sabres broadcaster Rob Ray had an understandable hot mic moment during Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers after he took a puck to the face between the benches. 

The unfortunate incident caught the Sabres' legend by surprise late in the opening period.

Ray was struck right above the eye by a deflected puck, prompting the former longtime NHL enforcer to drop some colorful language during the broadcast. 

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"Ah, f---," Ray shouted in pain. 

WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

Players and a team doctor quickly went over to check on Ray, who had a visible gash above his left eye and on the bridge of his nose.

Later in the broadcast, Ray said he received a "couple of little stitches" in the eyebrow area, but he ultimately avoided any major injuries to his eye. 

"That’s not normal," he joked about the "golf ball" sized lump on his face. 

SABRES BROADCASTER BLOODIED AFTER TAKING PUCK TO FACE

Ray is no stranger to injury — neither between the benches nor on the ice. 

He accumulated 3,207 penalty minutes in his 14 seasons with the Sabres organization, setting a franchise record. His time spent in the box also ranks sixth on the NHL career list. 

Ray’s fight style even led the league to introduce a new rule in which players who fought without their jerseys got game misconducts. The former NHL veteran would wear tear-away jerseys, giving him an advantage by essentially freeing his arms during brawls. 

As for his time in the broadcast booth, Saturday was not the first time Ray fell victim to a rouge puck. 

In a December 2023 game, Ray was again struck — almost identically — with a puck right between the eyes. 

In both instances, he returned to action right away. Ray was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame last month. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Browns general manager Andrew Berry insisted the team is not interested in trading star defensive end Myles Garrett despite his request to be dealt.

Luka Doncic faces his former team Tuesday night in the most highly anticipated NBA game of the season.