The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season, beating the New England Patriots 40-7 on Saturday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have already won the AFC West, so the Chargers will make the playoffs as a Wild Card team. 

The Chargers started out red-hot, going up 17-0 before the Patriots finally responded.

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Quarterback Justin Herbert hit wide receiver Derius Davis with a strike, connecting with him for a 23-yard touchdown. On their ensuing offensive possession, kicker Cameron Dicker hit a 27-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 10-0.

Following the field goal, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye couldn’t convert the pitch to the running back, and the fumble was recovered by safety Derwin James Jr. to give the Chargers good field position at midfield. 

Herbert capitalized on the good field position and hit rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a six-yard touchdown to go up 17-0.

While the Chargers took a commanding lead, Maye left the sidelines temporarily in the first quarter to be checked for a concussion.

The Patriots rookie quarterback was scrambling, trying to convert a third-and-four along the sideline when Chargers defensive back Cam Hart hit Maye up high, where there was helmet-to-helmet contact. 

LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78

Maye fumbled the ball upon being hit, but the Patriots recovered it.

After the hit, Maye stayed down for a moment before eventually getting up. 

He was initially evaluated in the blue medical tent, and then was taken to the locker room, where he was then cleared to return to play. 

The lone Patriots highlight of the game came when Maye got the Chargers to jump offside, then with pressure in his face, threw a 36-yard dime to wide receiver Demario Douglas for a touchdown.

The touchdown cut the Chargers' lead to 17-7, but those would be the only points the Patriots would score all day.

Herbert led the Chargers' offense down and gave Dicker a chance for a field goal before halftime. 

Dicker was good from 38 yards out, and the Chargers took a 20-7 halftime lead. 

EAGLES' NICK SIRIANNI CLEARS THE AIR AFTER HEATED POSTGAME CONFRONTATION WITH FORMER PLAYER ZACH ERTZ

The Chargers kept their foot on the gas, coming out of the second half. 

The Patriots got the ball first coming out of the half but went three and out.

Then Herbert led a 10-play, 94-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Ladd McConkey 40-yard touchdown catch, to put the Chargers up 27-7, and effectively sealed the game in the third quarter.

Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins scored a touchdown in his return from injury in the fourth quarter.

Herbert was sensational in the win, completing 26-38 passing attempts for 284 yards and three touchdowns. The quarterback was pulled with over ten minutes left in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. 

McConkey passed Keenan Allen for the most catches for a rookie in a season in Chargers history, with eight receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns. 

This was the first time the Chargers scored 40 points in a game since 2021.

Maye was 12 of 22, with 117 yards and one touchdown, with six carries for 32 yards in the loss. 

The last time the Chargers were in the playoffs was the 2022-2023 season, when they had one of the biggest collapses in NFL history when they lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-30 after leading 27-0 at one point. 

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Shohei Ohtani's 2024 is ending on a high note, which is pretty impressive, considering how amazing a year it's been.

This year marked the first of the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar's ten-year, $700 million deal (where 98% of it is deferred), and he is living up to it.

Ohtani, who didn't pitch due to recovering from elbow surgery, became the first person to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, en route to winning his third MVP Award in the last four seasons.

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Personally, he underwhelmed in the postseason, but his Dodgers did defeat the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Now, with just days left in the year, Ohtani announced that he is set to become a father.

Ohtani posted a photo on Instagram of his now famous dog, Decoy, lying beside a onesie and shoes, along with a sonogram. The gender of the baby was not revealed, as the onsite was pink and the shoes were blue, but Ohtani did appear to use a boy emoji to cover up the sonogram photo.

"Can't wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!" Ohtani captioned the post.

Back in February, Ohtani revealed that he was married to a "normal Japanese woman" named Mamiko, but he did not reveal when that occurred.

ATHLETICS PRESIDENT DAVE KAVAL TO RESIGN AFTER HEADING TEAM'S UNPOPULAR MOVE TO LAS VEGAS

"I felt like it was good timing because it was before the season," he added. "I didn’t really want any distractions once the season started. I would have liked to announce it earlier, but there were some paperwork issues that (delayed) the whole process."

There are reports that AL MVP Aaron Judge and his wife will also soon welcome their first child.

Ohtani's 134 runs scored and 411 total bases were the most in the majors, and he led the National League in home runs (54), RBIs (130), on-base percentage (.390), slugging percentage (646) and a 9.2 bWAR. 

His .310 average in the NL was second behind only Luis Arráez's .314, and his 59 stolen bases trailed only Elly De La Cruz, who swiped five more bags.

Ohtani won the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a member of the crosstown Angels while finishing second to Judge in 2022. He is one of just 12 players to be named an MVP three times.

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Three NBA players have been suspended after a fight broke out on Friday night between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks.

Mavs forward Naji Marshall was hit with a four-game fan, while Jusuf Nurkic of Phoenix will miss the next three games for coming to blows on the court.

PJ Washington of Dallas will also serve a one-game suspension for escalating the situation.

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Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while being guarded by Daniel Gafford with 9:02 left in the third quarter before the altercation quickly escalated. 

Nurkic confronted Marshall before taking an open-handed swing at his head; Marshall responded with a punch, and Washington quickly shoved Nurkic to the ground before the teams were separated.

The referees reviewed the play before deciding that all three players would be ejected.

"Just protecting each other — that’s what that was," Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. "Emotions can get high, so our guys protect one another. We talk about it, and it was displayed tonight."

LEBRON JAMES TROLLED FOR SAYING CHRISTMAS BELONGS TO NBA AFTER NFL VIEWERSHIP IS REVEALED

"I think that level of altercation is not good for our team, it's not good for anybody individually, it's not good for our league," Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said. "I don't know all the details of what got it to that point."

Kyrie Irving joked that the fight could "help our ratings." The NBA has seen a decrease in viewership in the first couple months of the season.

The ejections didn't help Dallas, as they were already without star Luka Dončić, who suffered a calf strain on Christmas Day and will miss a month of action. However, they were still able to come away with a 98-89 victory on the road.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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After the homes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow were burglarized in recent weeks, the ring has hit the NBA.

Luka Dončić's home was broken into Friday night, his business manager, Lara Beth Seager, told ESPN.

Nobody was home at the time of the burglary, and everyone is safe, Seager said.

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The crime occurred two days after Dončić' sustained a calf strain, which will cause him to miss roughly a month.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported last month that the FBI is investigating the crime spree, "which is believed to be tied to a South American crime syndicate." 

The NFL cautioned players to be on high alert after homes were targeted last month that were believed to be tied to international organized crime. 

The targeted NFL stars all had their homes burglarized while they were playing road games. Dončić's Dallas Mavericks were in Phoenix Friday playing against the Suns.

LEBRON JAMES TROLLED FOR SAYING CHRISTMAS BELONGS TO NBA AFTER NFL VIEWERSHIP IS REVEALED

In the memo, the league also urged players to take precautions, including installing home security systems. They were also encouraged not to post images of expensive items or live updates of their whereabouts on social media. 

"I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one. And way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share. So, that's all I got to say about that," Burrow said earlier this month.

"We live a public life, and one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy. And that has been difficult for me to deal with my entire career. Still learning. But I understand it's the life that we choose. Doesn't make it any easier to deal with."

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Professional boxer Paul Bamba unexpectedly died just days after being crowned WBA Gold Cruiserweight champion, his manager and family announced on social media. He was 35. 

R&B singer and songwriter Ne-Yo issued a joint statement with Bamba’s family on social media Friday confirming the news of his passing. A cause of death was not revealed. 

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives," the statement posted on Instagram read. 

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"He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination. We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief." 

Bamba signed with Ne-Yo’s management company this year. He broke Mike Tyson’s record just six days prior to his death when he won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight championship to win 14 fights – all knockouts – in a single year. 

"This year I set out with a goal. I did just that," Bamba said in a post on Instagram after the fight. 

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"Wasn’t easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to, overcame and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances. 14 fights. 14 knockouts ending with the WBA GOLD cruiserweight world title," he continued. 

"Blessed to have my family, my team and all my supporters along the way. That being said if you got what some might call an ‘outlandish goal’ GO chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn’t as brave as you, prove people wrong!"

According to Reuters, Bamba had a 19-3 record with 18 knockouts, 14 of which came in 2024. 

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Athletics president Dave Kaval is resigning after being the public face of the organization's move from Oakland to Las Vegas.

Kaval, 49, served as the seventh president of the A’s in their 123-year history, and held the role for the past eight years. 

"We are grateful for Dave’s contributions and leadership over the past eight years. He guided our organization through a period of significant transition, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to the team," A’s owner John Fisher said in a statement. 

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"As we look ahead to the next chapter of our franchise, the team will continue to grow under new leadership, driving the organization toward success during our interim years in West Sacramento and at our new home in Las Vegas."

Kaval will step down from the role on Dec. 31 to pursue new business opportunities in California. Sandy Dean will serve as the interim president, and a search to fill the full-time role will begin in 2025.

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Dean is a long-time business partner of the Fisher family. 

Kaval’s resignation comes after the team cleared its last major hurdles to get a stadium built in Las Vegas, despite the overwhelming opposition of the fanbase. 

The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved lease, non-relocation and development documents earlier in December for the A’s to build a $1.75 billion stadium on the strip.

Groundbreaking will likely take place in the spring with the new stadium in Las Vegas being ready for the beginning of the 2028 season. 

Kaval was unsuccessful in getting a stadium built in downtown Oakland. He then came to a deal to move the franchise out of the city, ending a run of 57 years with the team.

The A’s will play at least the next three seasons at a minor league ballpark in West Sacramento, California.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won’t defend his title at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships because of a pair of jeans. 

Carlsen, the current World No. 1, removed himself from the tournament in New York on Friday after he received a $200 fine and warning from FIDE because of a dress code violation. The five-time world champion was told that he would not be able to continue on until he changed out of his jeans, a change the defiant Carlsen was not willing to make. 

"FIDE regulations for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants," the organization said in a statement on Friday. 

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"Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen breached the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under long-standing regulations for this event. The Chief Arbiter informed Mr. Carlsen of the breach, issued a $200 fine, and requested that he change his attire. Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen declined, and as a result, he was not paired for round nine. This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players."

Carlsen would’ve been able to accept a forfeiture for the round and continue on in the tournament on Saturday, but he told Take Take Take in an interview after the incident that he was not interested in continuing on. 

"Honestly, I’m too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do – I guess it goes both ways, right? Nobody wants to back down, and this is where we are. It’s fine by me. I’ll probably head off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer than here." 

"It’s okay, they can enforce their rules," he continued. "That’s fine by me, and my response is that's fine, then I’m out, f--- you."

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Carlsen, who arrived that same day two minutes late to one of his rounds, is no stranger to controversy. But he explained that wearing the jeans had been simply a lapse in judgment. He explained that he had arrived from a lunch meeting and had had just enough time to quickly change in his room before making his way over to the tournament. 

When asked if he could continue on and abide by the dress code the following day, Carlsen said FIDE declined and told him he would not be paired if he didn’t change after his round. 

"At that point, it became a bit of a matter of principle for me."

FIDE has also doubled down on its rules, noting that another participant had been given a similar warning for wearing "sports shoes." That person changed and was able to continue on. 

"The dress code regulations are drafted by members of the FIDE Athletes Commission, which is composed of professional players and experts. These rules have been in place for years and are well-known to all participants and are communicated to them ahead of each event. FIDE has also ensured that the players' accommodation is within a short walking distance from the playing venue, making adherence to the rules more convenient," the statement read. 

"FIDE remains committed to promoting chess and its values, including respect for the rules that all participants agree to follow."

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Two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas opened up about his personal health. 

During a recent appearance on former NBA coach Mark Jackson's "Come And Talk 2 Me" podcast, Thomas revealed he was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. 

The condition resulted in his facial muscles drooping.

"I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well, Isiah’s sick. What is he going through?'" he said. "I haven’t really told anybody, but I’ve got Bell’s palsy. … That’s why you see me like this. I appreciate the prayers and the love. That’s what’s happening with my mouth right now. I just wanted everyone to know that."

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According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell's palsy is a neurological condition that can cause muscles on one side of the face to suddenly weaken. People diagnosed with Bell's palsy experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

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A smile could appear one-sided and the eye on the affected side could be difficult to close. Over time, the condition can improve.

Thomas is not the first former or current NBA player who has dealt with Bell's palsy. Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers said he was diagnosed with the condition ahead of April's playoff series against the New York Knicks.

Embiid averaged 33 points during the series.

Thomas spent his entire NBA career with the Detroit Pistons, earning 12 All-Star team nods. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1990.

After he retired, Thomas made the leap to coaching and spent time leading the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. He also coached at the collegiate level.

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Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will be sidelined for at least the last two games of his team's road trip as he continues to recover from an illness. 

The Heat's announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami plays the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets this weekend.

Butler could return to action New Year's Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans. Although the franchise will likely closely monitor Butler's recovery over the next few days before clearing his return to the court.

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Butler hasn't played since the first quarter of Miami’s Dec. 20 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he twisted an ankle, left the game and then was ruled out due to illness. 

HEAT PRESIDENT PAT RILEY SHUTS DOWN JIMMY BUTLER TRADE RUMORS, ADDRESSING 'DISTRACTION' HEAD ON

Miami has played three games since without Butler, two because of sickness and then Thursday’s win in Orlando with him back in Miami preparing for a return.

He is not with the team on the road trip.

The Heat said Thursday they are not going to trade Butler. ESPN reported that the 2021 NBA steals leader prefers to be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

"We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches," Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement. "Therefore, we will make it clear — we are not trading Jimmy Butler."

Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Earlier this week, Miami men's basketball coach Jim Larrañaga became the latest leader of a major college program to step down. Tony Bennett resigned from his position at Virginia before the regular season tipped off.

Despite being the winningest head coach in program history, Larrañaga abruptly ended his 14th season at Miami, at least partially due to name, image and likeness (NIL) in college sports. 

During a press conference announcing his retirement Dec. 26, Larrañaga, 75, said contending with the transfer portal and NIL left him "exhausted." 

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"At this point, after 53 years, I just didn’t feel … I could successfully navigate this whole new world that I was dealing with," Larrañaga told reporters, referencing NIL.

HOW NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS LAWS HAVE CHANGED COLLEGE SPORTS

"There’s one thing you’ve got to constantly ask yourself: Are you going to give everything you have, the commitment that it deserves, 100% of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?" Larrañaga added. "And, quite frankly, I’ve tried to do that throughout my life and throughout my time here, but I’m exhausted."

While less than two years have passed since Larrañaga coached the Hurricanes to the Final Four, Miami had a 4-8 record when he decided to call it quits. Miami finished the 2023-24 season with a 15-17 record.

Assistant Bill Courtney has been tapped to take over the head coaching job on an interim basis.

Under Larrañaga, Miami qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, advancing to the Sweet 16 four times. The Hurricanes also advanced to the program's first-ever Elite Eight in 2022 and the Final Four in 2023.

Miami won the ACC tournament title in 2013.

Before taking the Miami job, Larrañaga spent 14 seasons at George Mason. He led the mid-major program to a shocking appearance in the Final Four in 2006. 

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Olympic gymnast Simone Biles caught heat before the start of the NFL season for showing up to husband Jonathan Owens’ preseason game with the Chicago Bears in an outfit sporting the safety's former team.

But on Thursday night, she silenced the critics. 

The decorated Olympian arrived at Soldier Field in Chicago before the Bears’ Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks wearing an outfit decorated entirely with photographs of her husband's face. 

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Owens reposted a photo of Biles to his Instagram Stories with the caption, "Ain’t she beautiful."

Fans received the outfit choice well this time around.

In August, before a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the gymnast irked some by wearing a jacket depicting Owens when he played for the Green Bay Packers. Unbothered by the criticism, Biles later shared the photos on social media with the message, "Bear down." 

SIMONE BILES CATCHES HEAT FOR WEARING JONATHAN OWENS-THEMED PACKERS JACKET TO BEARS' PRESEASON GAME

Owens signed a two-year contract with the Bears in March after spending one season with the Packers. He was excused from the start of training camp this summer to support his wife as she went on to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Biles won four medals, including three gold, to bring her total Olympic medal count to 11 — the most by any American female gymnast. 

Her amazing rebound in Paris, following her well-chronicled troubles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earned her the runner-up spot for AP Female Athlete of the Year honors, just behind WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

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Greg Gumbel, who broadcast the NFL on CBS and served as the network's studio host for March Madness, has died at the age of 78.

Gumbel's family said in a statement that Gumbel died after a bout with cancer.

"He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity," Marcy and Michelle Gumbel wrote.

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Emmy-winning producer Dan Forer announced Gumbel's death in a Facebook post.

"The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, but they are often mixed with sorrow. I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed," he wrote, via the New York Post. 

"Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never ever lost his cool — except for the time we were shooting a Super Bowl Anti-Drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2am and live gunfire erupted. That was the only occasion Greg raised his voice and had a few choice words for me; which I deserved.

"In addition to being a true professional he was a kind, magnificent man. May his memory be a treasured blessing for his family and friends."

Gumbel missed last year's tournament due to "family health issues."

Gumbel called the 2001 Super Bowl, becoming the first African American to call a major sports championship. He was the older brother of longtime "Real Sports" host Bryant Gumbel.

Prior to hitting it big with CBS, Greg worked for MSG, ESPN and WFAN in New York, also calling New York Knicks and Yankees games and hosting "SportsCenter."

He was also the anchor for several Olympic Games and last called an NFL game in 2022.

Gumbel's voice was the one fans heard when the March Madness bracket was announced.

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Navy held on to beat Oklahoma 21-20 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Friday.

After Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. connected with tight end Jake Roberts for a 10-yard touchdown with under 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables decided to go for the win. 

Venables sent his offense back out to the field down 21-20, and the Navy defense slammed the door shut. 

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Hawkins was in the shotgun, was immediately overwhelmed by Midshipmen defenders in the backfield and eventually was taken down for the game-sealing sack on the two-point conversion attempt. 

Oklahoma started out red hot, ending the first quarter up 14-0 after running back Gavin Sawchuk ran for a 21-yard touchdown and wide receiver Zion Kearney caught a 56-yard touchdown pass. 

The Midshipmen then scored 21 unanswered points, starting in the second quarter.

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Navy fullback Alex Tecza then ran in for an 11-yard touchdown for Navy, cutting the Sooners' lead to 14-7.

In the third quarter, quarterback Blake Horvath rattled off the longest run in Navy’s history.

Horvath faked a handoff, dashed into the open field and took off for a 95-yard touchdown. He was initially ruled short of a touchdown as he was taken down right at the goal line, but a replay review ruled it was a touchdown. 

Horavth’s 95-yard scamper tied the game at 14 with 3:49 left in the third quarter.

The previous record for the Midshipmen came during the Roger Staubach era, when Johnny Sai had a 93-yard touchdown run against Duke in 1963.

Horvath later found the end zone again, running it in from 6 yards out to give Navy a 21-14 lead. 

Horvath completed seven of 12 pass attempts for 92 yards, while rushing the ball 18 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Tecza carried 15 times for 43 yards and a touchdown in the win. 

Hawkins played well in the loss, completing 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 17 times for 61 yards.

Sawchuk added 13 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.

With the loss, Oklahoma finished the season with a 6-7 record.

Navy ended its season 10-3. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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After one of the most historic seasons in golf in 2024, 2025 will not get off to an ideal start for Scottie Scheffler.

The reigning PGA Player of the Year and No. 1 golfer in the world will miss next week's Sentry tournament after he underwent hand surgery.

In a statement released Friday, Scheffler's manager, Blake Smith, said Scheffler "sustained a puncture wound … from broken glass" in his right hand on Christmas Day preparing dinner.

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"Small glass fragments remained in the palm, which required surgery. He has been told that he should be back to 100% in three to four weeks," Smith said, adding Scheffler has officially withdrawn from The Sentry.

Scheffler's next scheduled tournament is the American Express, which begins Jan. 16. This year, the Sentry is labeled a signature event, the first of eight.

Scheffler's injury comes months after he completed one of the greatest seasons the PGA has ever seen. He kicked off his season with four top 10 finishes in his first five tournaments. Then, he kicked into another gear. He had four wins and tied for second in his next five events. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players, the RBC Heritage and the Masters.

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His season took a wild turn in May, though, when he was arrested while headed to the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla. He spent time in a jail cell before casually shooting a 66 later in the day. He finished tied for eighth in the tournament.

Scheffler then won the Memorial and Travelers in June and then won Olympic gold in Paris. Including the Olympics, Scheffler posted eight wins, two second-place finishes, 17 top 10 finishes and zero missed cuts in 20 events. His seven victories in PGA events are the most since 2007.

With a $25 million payday from winning the FedEx Cup, Scheffler’s prize money for the 2024 season was over $54 million, by far the most ever won in one season. 

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It’s water under the bridge for Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and one of his former players, Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz. 

The two were spotted in a heated confrontation on the field following the Eagles' loss to Washington on Sunday. Ertz, who signed a one-year deal with the Commanders during the offseason, appeared to high-five his former coach, who then reportedly made a comment about Ertz’s performance in passing. 

Ertz turned back to share words with Sirianni before the two had to be separated by the Eagles' head of security, Dom DiSandro.

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But a league source told ESPN that Sirianni later called Ertz to apologize. 

When asked about the interaction by reporters on Thursday, the head coach declined to talk specifics but said the two are in good standing. 

"I’ll just keep my conversations with any guys private," he said. "I’ve got a lot of respect for Zach. Great football player, great person to be around. I’ve really got a lot of respect for Zach, and all the good things that he’s done, and my relationship with him."

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Ertz, who played six games under Sirianni before being traded to Arizona in 2021, echoed that sentiment when addressing the incident with the media. 

"Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there, and we still have a great relationship. It’s definitely been blown way out of proportion," he said Thursday. 

"We spoke. We’re good. There’s no ill feelings on my part, and I don’t think there are any ill feelings on his part. It’s just something in the heat of the moment that probably got blown out of proportion and maybe a misunderstanding. But him and I are fine. Everyone knows how I feel about that place and that building, but at the same time, I love being here."

Without Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts under center due to a concussion he sustained in the first quarter of Sunday's game, the Commanders rallied to defeat the Eagles, 36-33. 

Ertz played more than eight seasons in Philadelphia. He scored a touchdown in their 2018 Super Bowl victory. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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The NFL used to do almost everything possible to avoid Christmas.

Now, the league is even scheduling games on Wednesdays to get in on the holiday action.

Christmas used to be known as the unofficial start of the NBA season — the season actually starts two months earlier — with classic matchups.

Wednesday featured the typical five NBA games throughout the day, while two NFL games kicked off.

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After a Lakers-Warriors thriller Christmas night, LeBron James made a bold claim with NBA ratings declining and the NFL as popular as ever.

"I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day," he said.

The numbers say otherwise.

It should be noted the NBA had a great day by its standards, averaging 5.2 million viewers on Wednesday, its most on the holiday in five years. 

James' game against Stephen Curry and the Warriors averaged 7.7 million viewers, peaking at 8.3 million. The 10:30 p.m. ET game between the Suns and Nuggets was also the largest late window ever with 3.8 million people watching.

But the NFL still dominated, averaging 24.2 million viewers with the Chiefs-Steelers and Texans-Ravens games despite both games being blowouts on Netflix.

James was predictably trolled on social media.

NFL games will have been played on five separate days in Week 17 when it's said and done. Thursday, Sunday, and Monday are common game days, and Saturday games are played later in the season.

Christmas falls on a Thursday next year, so maybe the NFL will load up similarly to its Thanksgiving tripleheader.

The NFL's Christmas viewership didn't match Thanksgiving numbers, while the NBA had improved ratings after a decline early on in the season.

But it's clear the NFL is king, no matter the day.

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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said it’s going to be tough for quarterback Jalen Hurts to play in the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

"He’s still in the (concussion) protocol, it’s going to be tough for him to make it this week," Sirianni said to reporters during a press conference on Friday.

Hurts sustained a concussion in the first quarter of the Eagles' 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders this past Sunday.

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The star quarterback was scrambling on a second-and-20 when he hit his head on the ground while being tackled at the end of his 13-yard run. Hurts was evaluated on the sideline before eventually being taken to the locker room and ruled out with a concussion.

The game against the Cowboys will be the first game Hurts has missed this season.

Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with a touchdown and interception in relief of Hurts. Pickett, like Hurts, was also on the Eagles' injury report this week with a rib injury.

However, Pickett said during a press conference on Thursday that he will be "ready to go" on Sunday.

EAGLES’ JALEN HURTS RULED OUT WITH A CONCUSSION IN FIRST QUARTER VS COMMANDERS

Sirianni said he liked what Pickett did in practice this week.

"I think (Pickett) has had a nice week of practice; he’s done a nice job. And you know, have had some good practices and walk-throughs this week," he said.

Philadelphia acquired Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers in March to back up Hurts. Now, the team's seed in the playoffs lies in his hands. 

The Eagles still have an outside chance at the No. 1 seed in the NFC as they are currently 12-3, but both the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings are 13-2. Philadelphia would need some help to grab the top spot and the all-important bye week in the Wild Card round. 

While the Eagles may be eyeing the No. 1 seed, the NFC East is still up for grabs after their loss to the Commanders on Sunday. 

If the Eagles were to lose their next two games and the Commanders to win their next two, the NFC East would be decided based off tiebreakers. 

The Eagles’ last two games are at home, as they play the Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and then the lowly New York Giants in Week 18.

The Commanders face a tougher schedule over the last two weeks of the regular season. They play the Atlanta Falcons, who are fighting for their playoff lives, at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, and then the Cowboys in Week 18. 

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Saquon Barkley needs 268 yards rushing his final two games to become the NFL's new single-season rushing champion, and the current record holder is hoping Barkley misses the mark.

Barkley has proven to be the best signing of the offseason after the Philadelphia Eagles inked him to a three-year deal after six seasons with the division rival New York Giants.

Barkley has put himself in the league MVP conversation, averaging 122.5 rushing yards per game and taking the Birds to another level.

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Barkley would need to average 134 yards per game the last two weeks to break the record, a number he has notched six times this season already.

Eric Dickerson set the record of 2,105 yards in 1984, and the Los Angeles Rams legend admits he wants to remain the king.

2024 NFL ODDS: WILL SAQUON BARKLEY BEST SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING RECORD?

"I don't think he'll break it. But if he breaks it, he breaks it. Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not,"  Dickerson told the Los Angeles Times this week. "I don't pull no punches on that."

Dickerson set the record in 16 games, so Barkley has one extra contest to break the record. Dickerson doesn't mind that too much.

"I'm not whining about it. He had 17 games to do it? Hey, football is football. That's the way I look at it. If he's fortunate to get over 2,000 yards and get the record, it's a great record to have," he continued.

Barkley's mostly likely chance to break the record will come against his former team, which Dickerson said would be "a true slap in the face."

Barkley is on pace to become the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. The other eight all did it in 16-game seasons, including the most recent, Derrick Henry, four years ago.

Tommy Lazzaro, a former Central Michigan quarterback and a sergeant in the United States Army, was tragically killed in a hunting accident over the weekend, according to officials. He was 27. 

Lazzaro, who served with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, was shot by a stray bullet at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida on Sunday when he was driving to help another soldier who was experiencing car trouble, a spokesperson for 7th Special Forces Group told Task & Purpose.

A hunter shooting on the range fired the shot. According to the report, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a "tragic hunting accident." 

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"We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)," Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th SFG(A) commander, said in a statement to the news site. 

"We will never forget his dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms.  His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family, friends, and comrades during this difficult time.

Central Michigan also released a statement mourning the loss of the former Chippewas quarterback.

20-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER DIES FROM HEAD INJURIES SUSTAINED DURING GAME

"When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways," former head coach Jim McElwain said in a statement provided by the school. "CMU Football was blessed to have him and will always remember him for all he did for many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewas."

Lazzaro played four years at Central Michigan, where he had five starts from 2016-2019. During the 2019 season, he led the Chippewas to a 6-2 record in conference play and bowl appearance. He finished his career at Central Michigan with 542 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns and 758 passing yards and five touchdowns. 

According to Central Michigan, Lazzaro graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship in 2019 and joined the Army to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. 

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Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts revealed what he really wanted to say to the Yankees fans who were trying to pry the ball out of his glove during Game 4 of the World Series.

"I would really say, ‘F--- you guys,’" Betts said after host Kevin Hart asked him what his message was to those fans during Peacock’s "Back That Year Up 2024" special. 

"Try and get the ball, cool. But, like, you’re trying to grab my s---," Betts continued. 

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"I was in the moment, so I thought about throwing the ball up, and then I realized, ‘Mook, you ain’t gonna do s---. You ain’t gonna do s---, go back to right field!'"

During the first inning of the Yankees' 11-4 Game 4 win, Gleyber Torres hit a foul ball down the right field line. The ball tailed into the stands and Betts made a fantastic catch along the wall. 

However, as Betts was coming off the wall, two fans tried to pry the ball out of Betts’ glove and rip the glove off his hand. 

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The umpire immediately called fan interference and ruled Torres out, while security rushed over to the area. 

The fans were identified as Austin Capobianco and John Peter. The two fans were season ticket holders, and they had been preparing for a moment like what had happened with Betts.

"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."

"I know when I’m in the wrong and as soon as I did it, I was like, ‘Boys, I’m out of here,’ I patrol that wall, and they know that."

The fans were banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series because of the incident. 

The Dodgers won the World Series 4-1. 

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