Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, set the NCAA Division I record for touchdown passes during his bowl game appearance on Saturday and then sat for the second half.

Ward and the Hurricanes played the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward set the mark with a touchdown pass in the first quarter to Jacolby George. It brought him to 156 career touchdown passes. Emory Williams started the second half, and Miami went on to lose the game, 42-21.

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Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was asked about the decision after the game.

"All meetings with players, and decisions like that, we made them in private, we keep them in private," Cristobal said, via ESPN. "So, I'll prefer not to answer any questions as it relates to that. But I know he played his best while he was in there."

Ward’s decision caught the attention of social media as well.

The quarterback broke Case Keenum’s record. Keenum set the Division I – FBS and FCS – record from 2007 to 2011. He had 155 touchdown passes with the Houston Cougars.

SHEDEUR SANDERS RECEIVES CUSTOM GIANTS CLEATS BEFORE FINAL COLLEGE GAME AS G-MEN OWN NO. 1 PICK

"Just blessed, man," he told WQAM Radio. "I think I’ve grown so much as a person this year, outside of football. This is the best team that I’ve been around . . . I was just blessed to be here."

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is on the cusp of passing Keenum’s mark as well. He has 153 touchdown passes in six seasons. He could get close to breaking the mark in the College Football Playoff.

Ward may be one of the first of a few talented quarterbacks taken off the board in the spring when the draft begins. Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck are among the top prospects.

"I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything that he is made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff; the stuff you want your team made of," Cristobal said. "He’s had a tremendous impact on our community, our team, our program, alumni."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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It wasn't pretty, but the Los Angeles Rams are still hot.

The Rams won their fifth in a row, and their ninth in their last 11 games, by taking home a 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.

It was slow and steady to win the race, and no points were scored in the first quarter, but a Kyren Williams touchdown and Joshua Karly field goal in the second put the Rams up 10-0 at half.

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In the third quarter, though, Trey McBride finally got on the board, scoring his first touchdown of the season, and even he couldn't help but thank the heavens. However, the PAT was blocked, which would bite Arizona.

Chad Ryland kicked a chip shot field goal in the fourth, but because of the missed extra point, they still trailed by one. Karly added a field goal of his own to make it a 13-9 L.A. lead, and the Cardinals offense, which had trouble scoring all night, was forced into needing a touchdown.

With this contest already having nine punts, Kyler Murray looked for Marvin Harrison Jr. in the end zone, but he was picked off. The Rams were unable to get a first down, though, and the Cards had one more chance with 2:01 left and two timeouts.

LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78

Suddenly, the Cardinals put it together, and they got to the opposing 5-yard line, but Murray threw another interception that was off the hands of McBride in the end zone and caught off a dive by Ahkello Witherspoon to all but end it.

It was rather sloppy for both offenses; Stafford was just 17 for 32 for 189 yards and didn't throw a touchdown, but it was enough. Of those yards, 129 went to Puka Nacua. Murray, meanwhile, was 33-for-48 for 321 yards, but his one touchdown and two costly turnovers would prove to be too much for the other numbers to overcome.

The Rams could clinch the NFC West on Sunday, but they need quite a few things to happen. At the end of the day, they do control their own destiny, and they will face the Seattle Seahawks in the season finale, which could be for the division title.

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It’s becoming more and more likely that Shedeur Sanders will be the first overall pick in April, and he’s reminding everyone as such.

Sanders is wrapping up his college career on Sunday in the Alamo Bowl, and he hinted that he’d have special cleats for the occasion earlier this week.

In fact, Sanders said on the practice field, "We know where we are going, you'll see them in the cleats later on this week."

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Of course, Sanders doesn’t actually know where he’s going, but currently, the New York Giants hold the No. 1 pick, and it'll be difficult for them to relinquish it.

Well, Sanders made due on his promise.

He had red and blue cleats that even featured a Giants logo made for him, according to Nomad Customs.

Sanders was not spotted wearing the cleats on Saturday.

Sanders isn’t the only Colorado Buffalo donning special cleats – Travis Hunter is wearing Heisman-themed kicks two weeks after winning the prestigious award.

LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78

At the beginning of the season, the class seemed to be pretty stacked with Sanders, Cam Ward, Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe, but the former two quarterbacks have separated themselves from the pack this year.

Big Blue is the only team in the NFL this season with two wins – the Las Vegas Raiders were on pace to own the pick, but they won their third game of the season last week.

New York will take on the Indianapolis Colts in their final home game on Sunday – with a loss, the Giants will become the first team to go 0-9 at home in a season.

It remains to be seen whether general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will still be in East Rutherford in a couple of weeks, but it seems pretty certain that Sanders might head to New Jersey, no matter who is in charge.

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From what we all see on social media, the Pop-Tarts Bowl is full of hilarious content.

But there appeared to be an incident during the game Saturday between two Miami Hurricanes that led to blows.

Senior Simeon Barrow Jr. and freshman Marquise Lightfoot were separated after Barrow Jr. threw a punch and Lightfoot shoved Barrow.

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The Hurricanes did not want to play Saturday. They had controlled their own destiny heading into the College Football Playoff, but after losing to Syracuse in the final week of the season, they were knocked out of the ACC title game, and eventually, the tournament.

The brouhaha came after a high-scoring first quarter in which the Hurricanes allowed 21 points to Iowa State. The Cyclones won the game, 42-41.

Cam Ward, a likely first-round selection in the NFL Draft, only played in the first half, exiting the game after Miami had regained a 31-28 lead before halftime.

LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78

After the game, a Pop-Tarts mascot was "toasted," and the Cyclones were given a toaster trophy. 

It's the first time the Cyclones have won 11 games in a season.

Game MVP Rocco Becht scored from a yard out on fourth and goal with 56 seconds remaining for the game-winning touchdown.

Becht finished with 270 passing yards and three touchdowns for Iowa State (11-2), a program that entered this season having never won more than nine games in a season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Saturday night was a wild roller-coaster ride for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-24 victory over the Denver Broncos.

After Bo Nix threw an interception with 2:30 to go in regulation, the Bengals scored a touchdown roughly a minute later. But the decision not to run off some time came back to bite the Bengals.

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The Broncos had 1:29 on the clock after the score, and it was just what they needed. Marvin Mims caught his second touchdown of the day over two defenders on a wild throw from Nix. The play was reviewed to determine whether Mims had possession through the catch, but the ruling on the field of a touchdown stood. With the PAT, the game went into overtime, capping a 28-point fourth quarter.

The teams exchanged punts, and Burrow and the Bengals got into field goal range on their next drive. But Cade York's 33-yarder bounced off an upright.

Cincy, though, forced a second punt, giving the Bengals life, and they took advantage. Burrow dropped a 31-yard dot in a bucket for Higgins to put the Bengals at the Denver 3-yard line. On the next play, Higgins completed the job with a touchdown, his third of the evening, to end the game.

LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78

A loss would have eliminated the Bengals from playoff contention. Now, they'll need a win and some help in Week 18.

Burrow threw for 412 yards, completing 39 of his 49 pass attempts. All three of his touchdown passes went to Higgins. Burrow also ran in for a score late in the fourth. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards to go with his hat trick.

A win or tie would have put the Broncos in the playoffs, and they'll have to wait until the season's final week to determine their playoff fate. Nix was 24-for-31 passing for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

Cincy will make the playoffs if they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next and the Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver controls its own destiny.

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Carson Beck’s collegiate career has officially come to an end.

The Georgia quarterback took to social media Saturday to announce his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, just five days after Beck underwent season-ending elbow surgery. 

"The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made," Beck said in a post on Instagram. 

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"Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who’ve supported and believed in me, thank you. It’s been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!" 

Beck was injured in the first half of the Bulldogs' overtime victory over Texas in the SEC championship game earlier this month. 

He underwent surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm and is expected to begin throwing in the spring. 

NO. 2 GEORGIA LOSES STARTING QB CARSON BECK TO SEASON-ENDING ELBOW SURGERY

Despite having another year of eligibility, Beck declared for the draft after back-to-back seasons as Georgia’s starter with a 24-3 record. 

"I want to thank God, for blessing me with the opportunity to play the game I love. Through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, everything that this game produces and provides I'm eternally grateful for. Football has taught me lessons that will last a lifetime and has grown me into the person I am today," his statement said.

"I’m so grateful for my family and those close to me for the support they’ve provided me during this Journey. They’ve always had my back no matter what the circumstance, and I can’t thank them enough for that." 

Gunner Stockton took over in Beck’s absence with hopes of leading Georgia to another national championship. The Bulldogs face Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinals in the Sugar Bowl Wednesday. 

The Associated Press contributed to the report. 

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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. 

MIKE TYSON FACES $1.5 MILLION LAWSUIT OVER ALLEGED CONTRACT VIOLATION IN ORDER TO FIGHT JAKE PAUL

"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.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAMER RICKEY HENDERSON DEAD AT 65

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."

MAGNUS CARLSEN FACES BACKLASH FROM FIDE OVER ONE-MOVE RESIGNATION: 'BETTER WAYS TO HANDLE THIS SITUATION'

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. 

NBA CHAMPION ISIAH THOMAS DEMANDS MICHAEL JORDAN ISSUE A PUBLIC APOLOGY

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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