For the New York Yankees, it is always World Series or bust.

Of course, the Bronx Bombers have 27 titles to their name, and that includes a record 18-year drought from 1978 to 1996. But, after a new dynasty won four titles in five years, expectations changed once again.

The Yankees, still, are a perennial postseason team, not having finished under .500 since 1993. Former MLB star Alex Rodriguez knew all about the expectations when he went from the Texas Rangers to the Yankees in 2004.

Rodriguez made the postseason in all but three of his seasons with the Yankees (not including when he missed the 2014 season due to suspension). But today, he is part owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

And while on the diamond, anything short of a title was a failure, he admits that as an owner, "you have to adjust" your expectations.

"At the end of the day, it's so hard to win, and there's so many different resources. The days of the Yankees winning four out of five years, those days are long gone, because the business models have changed, people are competing from a different point of view, the league structures are different, whether it's the luxury tax in baseball, there's different elements that are pushing and pulling," Rodriguez said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "But I think that winning is more being one of the most respected organizations sports to treating your fans an impeccable way, your players or organization, and then your partners, your sponsorships and stuff like that, and then having a consistent winner that has an opportunity to strike every year. So I think when you think about winning and bust-or-nothing, it's more about the behavior of an organization versus just black and white winning a championship."

But the Yankees still have All-Star Aaron Judge, who, if it weren't for the Houston Astros' Jose Altuve in 2017, would be vying for his fourth MVP Award. His regular-season numbers are astonishing, but so are his postseason stats… in the opposite direction.

Since the start of the 2022 season (entering Thursday), Judge has MLB highs in WAR (30.9), home runs (178) and OPS (1.124). But in October, he's hit just .205 with a .768 OPS.

Rodriguez was polarizing in New York from day one — he was the superstar shortstop with the largest sports contract of all time who didn't exactly praise Yankees great Derek Jeter in a now-infamous quote — whereas Judge is much more universally loved, being a homegrown Yankee. 

However, that love is not unanimous because of Judge's postseason struggles. And if he wants to be forever in Yankees lore, Judge "needs" to find success in October, according to Rodriguez.

"I mean, I'm probably the one guy that can answer this from a personal experience more than anybody," said Rodriguez, who notoriously struggled in autumn with the Bombers before carrying the Yankees to their 2009 World Series title. 

MLB COMMISSIONER ROB MANFRED TO PROPOSE AUTOMATED STRIKE ZONE IN BASEBALL NEXT SEASON AMID POTENTIAL LOCKOUT

"I can tell you that for me, 2004 was just an absolute debacle, being up 3-0 against the [Boston] Red Sox and then losing four in a row. And for five years, I basically did not sleep comfortably, until five years later in ’09, we brought it home and dropped the hammer. So I think he needs a moment like that. I think he will get one. I think being part of the Yankees and that lore is you’re going to get cracks at it every single year. So that’s on his side, the talent’s on his side, and the more at-bats, the more reps he gets, the chances increase. And when he does, it’s going to be such an enormous win for everybody, and it’s going to be an elephant off his back."

The Yankees, though, didn't exactly fare well in their World Series rematch last week against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They dropped two of the three games, including one contest where they were trounced 18-2 (both of the Yankees' runs came on solo Judge homers).

Rodriguez is a partner with Lysol, which cleans up the stink — and the Yanks certainly could have used some in Los Angeles' Chavez Ravine. The ex-Yankees slugger recently surprised a local umpire in Miami Beach with some Lysol. 

"Umpires are unsung heroes of the game, and it was great to show my appreciation for the work they do on and off the field," he said. "Lysol is just an incredible company to partner with. We've had a tremendous partnership, and one of the things we want to do is make impact in the community and recognize people that often don’t get recognized."

One player's impact that the Yankees are certainly missing is that of right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole. And while the rotation has been a pleasant surprise, even with Cole's Tommy John surgery and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil's lat injury, an incomplete Yankees team is no match for the reigning World Series champs, Rodriguez thinks.

"I think if you zoom out, I think it's obvious to me with enough data points that the National League is far superior than the American League. So that's one macro thought. And then obviously, the Dodgers have the Yankees’ number," Rodriguez said. "It was great that they were able to salvage the series by at least winning one game and not getting swept. But look, when you have someone like Gerrit Cole hurt, the Yankees can still get through some pedestrian teams in the American League, but it's obvious that when you play the Dodgers, you need your full team and then some, and even that may not be enough."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The John Cena farewell tour has taken its twists and turns.

The 17-time WWE champion "sold his soul" to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, turned on his fan base and defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. 

Since then, Cena has vanquished Randy Orton and aligned himself with Logan Paul entering the WWE Money in the Bank premium live event.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

There will be endless suitors for Cena’s opponents with only a few dates left on his calendar. WWE star The Miz expressed hope he could be one of those challengers.

One of the first major feuds for The Miz was against Cena in 2009. He coined his famous catchphrase, "Because I’m The Miz and I’m … Awesome!" And he developed his skull-crushing finale finishing maneuver. The two were even tag-team champions for off of about nine minutes. The Miz defeated Cena to retain the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XXVII.

"That would be incredible. I think everyone wants to put their name in the hat to have one final match with John Cena," he told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "And I do believe that this is his farewell tour."

WWE STAR THE MIZ VOWS TO BEAT NBA GREAT CHARLES BARKLEY AT THIS YEAR'S AMERICAN CENTURY

The Miz made one thing clear. He does believe this is the end of Cena’s in-ring career. Cena has admitted he can’t do the things he used to be able to in the ring.

As the end for Cena nears, The Miz said fans should cherish the final moments they get to watch Cena.

"I know people are like, ‘Oh, he’ll be back, he’ll be back.’ When John Cena says he’s done in the wrestling ring, he’s gonna be done – wrestling," he said. "I think other things he might be able to do, but wrestling in a ring, I think this is the last year we’re gonna see him. 

"So, I think we should cherish it. We should watch it and enjoy what he’s doing. Whether you don’t like what he is doing or you do like what he’s doing, just sit back and watch because he truly is the GOAT."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The pro wrestling world will be traded to two major events on Saturday.

WWE and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide will co-produce Worlds Collide to start the day. The event will feature wrestlers from both promotions as well as performers from Total Nonstop Action. It’s the first cross-promotion event that will feature AAA and WWE wrestlers since 1997. WWE held Worlds Collide in 2022 for stars of NXT and NXT UK. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It’s also the first major event for WWE and AAA since WWE announced the acquisition of AAA during WrestleMania 41.

Wrestling fans who are only really familiar with WWE and the three brands under it will get a healthy dose of Lucha Libre competition.

El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., Pagano and Psycho Clown will be in a six-man tag-team match against SmackDown’s Legado Del Fantasma — the group featuring Santos Escobar, Angel and Berto. Lince Dorado will team up with Latino World Order members Dragon Lee and Cruz Del Toro in a separate six-man tag-team match against Octagón Jr., Aero Star and Mr. Iguana.

Additionally, Stephanie Vaquer will start her day in a tag-team match with Lola Vice against Mexican wrestling legend Chik Tormenda and Panamanian wrestling legend Dalys. Vaquer will later take part in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

Two championships will also be on the line at Worlds Collide.

NXT North American champion Ethan Page will look to defend his title against Laredo Kid, Rey Fenix and Je’Von Evans. Page shocked Ricky Saints last month when he won the title, but now faces three high-flyers who are itching for some gold.

The match a lot of fans will be interested in is El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable for the AAA Mega Championship. Vikingo won the title against Alberto El Patrón last month. He now takes on Gable, who has had his struggles against luchadores over the last few months.

TRICK WILLIAMS CAPTURES TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT NXT BATTLEGROUND IN HISTORY-MAKING MOMENT

Gable and Vikingo have tussled in recent weeks as well, and now Saturday there will be gold on the line.

The dust from Worlds Collide will have to settle quickly as the attention will turn to Money in the Bank as six men and six women, respectively, will look to grab the briefcase which contains a contract for a world title shot anytime, anywhere.

Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Penta, Seth Rollins, Andrade and El Grande Americano will compete in the men’s match. Vaquer, Alexa Bliss, Roxanne Perez, Rhea Ripley, Giulia and Naomi will compete on the women’s side.

Last year, Drew McIntyre won the match and tried to cash in during Damian Priest’s match with Seth Rollins. Priest still hung on. Tiffany Stratton won the women’s match and later cashed in on Nia Jax. She’s still the WWE women’s champion.

Elsewhere, Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch’s bitter feud will come to a head with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line. Lynch turned on Valkyria on "Monday Night Raw" following their tag-team title win at WrestleMania 41. It quickly became personal between the two performers, and it will be put to rest on Saturday.

John Cena will be in action as he teams up with Logan Paul to take on Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. Cena defeated Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, and Rhodes returned to action a few weeks ago.

Cena interfered in Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship defense against Paul, leading to the eventual tag-team match that was set up for Money in the Bank.

Worlds Collide is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET, and Money in the Bank is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Brad Marchand had the potential game-winning goal for quite some time - when it was snatched away from him, he made up for it.

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers evened up the final on Friday night with Marchand's double-overtime goal, giving the Cats a 5-4 win in Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers.

After scoring three goals during the first 12:37 of the game, Edmonton could no longer find the back of the net. 

In desperation mode and down 4-3, the Oilers pulled Stuart Skinner from the net with 2:33 left in regulation, which seemed early, but with the puck in the other zone on a faceoff, they could take advantage. And they did. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

With 17.8 seconds left, a puck was loose in front, and 40-year-old Corey Perry jammed it home to tie the game at four. After allowing a goal on three of his first seven shots faced, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped each of the next 24 before allowing the one that sent the contest into overtime.

Both teams had their chances in overtime, especially the Panthers, who hit the post on one shot and had a breakaway saved, but both teams were blanked. With just over eight minutes into the second overtime period, Marchand did it again, squeaking one by Skinner on a breakaway and giving Florida a tremendous win.

WAYNE GRETZKY ANOINTS OILERS STAR CONNOR MCDAVID THE NEXT GREAT ONE: 'HE'S THE BEST PLAYER IN HOCKEY'

Much like Game 1, the scoring began early – this time with the Florida Panthers scoring first. 

Sam Bennett, who fought his own teammate Matthew Tkachuk’s brother in the 4 Nations while teaming up with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, found the back of the net just two minutes into the game, but roughly five minutes later, Evander Kane scored an equalizer.

Edmonton got on the power play and scored again, but Florida answered right back to tie the game at 2 at 11:37. During another power play, Leon Draisaitl scored to give the Oilers a 3-2 lead, capping off five goals in the game’s first 13 minutes.

While the Oilers' offense cooled off in the second, Florida’s did not. Dmitry Kulikov tied it up 8:23 into the period, and Marchand gave Florida the lead with a short-handed goal four minutes later. The 4-3 Panthers lead held until Perry's miraculous goal late in the third.

The hero in Marchand was a trade deadline acquisition, almost quite literally being traded from his former longtime Boston Bruins down south in the final minutes. The trade was worth it.

Game 3 will take place Monday night back in Florida, which has hosted a Cup Final game for three consecutive years.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A federal judge granted final approval on Friday to the $2.8 billion settlement that will allow colleges and universities to begin paying athletes directly.

Judge Claudia Wilken approved the settlement on Friday that will allow schools to pay their athletes next month.

The sweeping terms of the so-called House settlement include approval for each school to share up to $20.5 million with athletes over the next year and $2.7 billion that will be paid over the next decade to thousands of former players who were barred from that revenue for years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Payouts will be determined based on the sport and the length of athletic career, with most football and men's basketball players able to receive nearly $135,000 each.

However, the highest estimated payout is expected to be nearly $2 million, thanks to "Lost NIL Opportunities," according to the law firm.

Nearly five years after Arizona State swimmer Grant House sued the NCAA and its five biggest conferences to lift restrictions on revenue sharing, Wilken approved the final proposal that had been hung up on roster limits, just one of many changes ahead amid concerns that thousands of walk-on athletes will lose their chance to play college sports.

The deal covers three antitrust cases — including the class-action lawsuit known as House vs. the NCAA — that challenged NCAA compensation rules dating back to 2016. The plaintiffs claimed that NCAA rules denied thousands of athletes the opportunity to earn millions of dollars off the use of their names, images and likenesses.

SIMONE BILES SPARS WITH RILEY GAINES OVER TRANS ATHLETE DEBATE, LAUNCHES PERSONAL ATTACK: 'TRULY SICK'

The NCAA lifted its ban on athletes earning money through endorsement and sponsorship deals in 2021.

At one point, President Donald Trump was considering an executive order to regulate name, image and likeness in college sports after meeting with legendary Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, the Wall Street Journal reported.

On Fox News last year, Saban urged Congress to step in and make NIL "equal across the board."

"And I think that should still exist for all players, but not just a pay-for-play system like we have now where whoever raises the most money in their collective can pay the most for the players, which is not a level playing field. I think in any competitive venue, you want to have some guidelines that gives everyone an equal opportunity to have a chance to be successful," he said.

The settlement also called for a clearinghouse to make sure any NIL deal worth more than $600 is pegged at fair market value in an attempt to thwart supposed pay-for-play deals.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Novak Djokovic may have played his final match at the French Open. 

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was hoping to extend his record at Roland Garros this weekend with a trip to the men’s singles final, but he lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets Friday. 

Djokovic, 38, appeared emotional as he collected his bags. He kissed his hand and touched the clay surface at Court Philippe-Chatrier. He then spoke about the match, signaling it may have been his last at the French Open. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I mean, this could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know. That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end," he said.

"But if this was the farewell match of the Roland-Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd."

Of the "Big Three," only Djokovic remains active — and dominant. 

AMERICAN TENNIS STAR JESSICA PEGULA SLAMS 'ABSOLUTELY CRAZY' COMMENTS AFTER LOSING FRENCH OPEN MATCH

"Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play here in 12 months time? I don’t know," he added. "I said it could have been my last match (here). I didn't say it was."

Djokovic said he plans to compete at Wimbledon. Last year marked the first time in seven years the Serbian tennis pro failed to win a Grand Slam. His last win came in 2023 at the U.S. Open. His last win at Wimbledon was in 2022.  

"I feel like I want to play Wimbledon. I want to play U.S. Open. Those two, for sure. For the rest, I’m not so sure," he said. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
 

Former NFL star Tom Rafferty died in Colorado Thursday, The Dallas Morning News confirmed. The 1978 Super Bowl champion was 70.

Rafferty recently had a stroke, and the former offensive lineman had been hospitalized since early May.

He played guard and center during his standout career with the Dallas Cowboys. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Rafferty played for the Cowboys from 1976-89. During that span, he was a key part of an offensive line that helped protect Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. 

VIKINGS GREAT JIM MARSHALL DEAD AT 87 AFTER ‘LENGTHY HOSPITALIZATION,’ FAMILY SAYS

Before he became a fourth-round draft pick, Rafferty played for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Rafferty earned a Super Bowl ring when the Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos in the 1978 Super Bowl. He played in another Super Bowl after the 1978 season, albeit in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Perhaps Rafferty's most memorable career moment happened in January 1983 when he delivered the key block to help spring Tony Dorsett's record-setting 99-yard touchdown run in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. 

After his playing days, Rafferty spent time working in sports equipment sales.

He is survived by his wife, their two children and grandchildren.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Simone Biles took offense to OutKick contributor Riley Gaines calling out a Minnesota high school whose softball team won a state championship Friday with a transgender pitcher.

Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender athlete, tossed a shutout to continue a dominant postseason and give Champlin Park High School a state championship.

The Minnesota State High School League posted a photo of the team on social media after the game, and Gaines noted the comments on X were turned off.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"To be expected when your star player is a boy," Gaines wrote.

Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, saw the post and told Gaines she was "truly sick."

"All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser," Biles wrote to Gaines, who competed against trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022. 

"You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!"

In another post, Biles added, "bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male."

"This is actually so disappointing. It's not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces. You can uplift men stealing championships in women's sports with YOUR platform. Men don't belong in women's sports and I say that with my full chest," Gaines responded.

Gaines added in a separate post, "My take is the least controversial take on the planet. Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls’ dreams? Didn’t have that on my bingo card. Maybe she could compete in pommel horse and rings in 2028."

"And the subtle hint at ‘body-shaming’ ???? Plzzzz I'm 5'5," Gaines also said in response to the personal attack.

Biles did not go as far as saying transgender athletes belong in competition against girls and women. When an X user told Biles "there is a reason they have rings in men’s gymnastics, and not women’s," Biles questioned the users "comprehension skills."

"Can you even read? I see we are lacking comprehension skills as well….." Biles wrote. Biles did recommend a transgender category in her first post to Gaines.

Studies have shown that nearly 80% of people believe that biological males should stay out of girls and women's sports.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The worst-kept secret of the offseason is out after Aaron Rodgers officially joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It's a one-year-deal for the 41-year-old, who spent his last two seasons with the New York Jets, each ending in major disappointment.

But the Steelers, while opting not to select a highly-touted quarterback in the NFL Draft — they drafted Will Howard in the sixth round — had been targeting Rodgers since practically the start of the offseason. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ex-Steeler Ryan Clark is not a fan of the signing.

"This is the worst-case scenario for Pittsburgh Steelers fans," Clark said on ESPN Thursday. "It continues to keep you mired in mediocrity. Will this team be better? Have they gotten better in the quarterback room? Absolutely. Will they contend for that championship that Pittsburgh Steelers people and fans and organization think is the standard? No, they won’t.

"They’ll be fighting for a wild-card spot. They’ll probably be home week one of the playoffs and again be looking for a franchise quarterback. 

"If you told me you were gonna pair one of this era’s greatest coaches with one of this era’s greatest quarterbacks, I’d expect greatness. That is not what we’ll get. Maybe six years ago, but not now."

This offseason, the Jets made the decision to move on from Rodgers after two years with him under center. His first season didn't go according to plan after he tore an Achilles in Week 1, but a 5-12 record last season wasn't what anyone at 1 Jets Drive expected with a healthy Rodgers under center. 

Rodgers was back on the free agent market for any quarterback-needy team. However, the same issue the Jets faced when they were looking to trade for Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers hung over his availability — retirement. 

EX-NFL STAR TAYLOR LEWAN HAS 'WORST DAY OF MY ATHLETIC LIFE' WITH DISASTROUS FIRST PITCH

Rodgers will lead Arthur Smith's offense that won't feature wide receiver George Pickens in 2025 after he was traded this offseason to the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh, though, reached a deal with the Seahawks to land Pro Bowler DK Metcalf to assume that top wide receiver role. 

Rodgers will also be working with tight end Pat Freiermuth, receivers Robert Woods and Calvin Austin and a young, dynamic backfield of Jaylen Warren and third-round pick Kaleb Johnson. 

The four-time MVP quarterback did have a strong finish to his 2024 campaign despite dealing with some nagging injuries in the beginning. Through his final 10 games with New York, he threw for 18 touchdowns and only four interceptions. 

Rodgers will turn 42 in December, when he hopes to be in playoff position with the third NFL team in his Hall of Fame career. 

Rodgers' lone Super Bowl title came against the Steelers in 2011.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Former NCAA swimmer and OutKick contributor Riley Gaines is speaking out after the outlet learned its media credentials request for some WNBA games would not be accommodated.

"A few weeks ago, I made this video highlighting how it appears Brittney Griner said bleep white girl after fouling out in a game against (the) Indiana Fever, the team that Caitlin Clark plays for," Gaines said in a collaborative Instagram post between her verified account and OutKick's official page.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"You can watch and make up your own mind as to what it appears Brittney Griner is saying," Gaines continued. "It's not certain what Griner says (but) there's one way to find out… ask Brittney Griner. However, no one has done that except for OutKick." 

The video in question was not accompanied by any audio, but users on social media have speculated on what the WNBA veteran has said. 

According to OutKick's Dan Zaksheske, the outlet submitted credentials requests for at least two Atlanta Dream games this season. The requests were for the Dream's road game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 27 and Friday night's game in Connecticut against the Sun. Both asks were declined by the respective teams.

WNBA STAR BRITTNEY GRINER PULLS OUT OF SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AFTER FINDING CONCERNING MESSAGE NEAR HOTEL ROOM

"Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your request for a media credential for Connecticut Sun vs. Atlanta Dream on Friday, June 6," the Sun said in an email sent to OutKick. "Due to very limited space, priority is given to those that are associated with outlets that have consistently covered the organization for previous seasons."

After briefly mentioning the WNBA's investigation into a report of racist fan behavior at the Fever-Sky matchup on May 17, which were allegedly directed at Angel Reese, Gaines pointed out OutKick's previous experiences with obtaining credentials.

"We've never had any trouble getting credentials with any professional sports league in the past, but wouldn't you know now they suddenly have very limited space."  

Gaines said the recent decision will not prevent the outlet from presenting uncomfortable questions to sports figures. "Regardless, we at OutKick are going to keep asking the tough questions," she vowed.

Fox News Digital also submitted a request to cover Friday's Dream-Sun game. That request was not approved as it was submitted "post the 72-hour deadline," a spokesperson said, adding that accommodations could not be made "due to space limitations." 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Arizona Diamondbacks' worst nightmares came true on Friday.

The team announced on Friday that after leaving Sunday's start with what they originally called elbow inflammation, their ace in Corbin Burnes will undergo Tommy John surgery.

Burnes is in his first season of a six-year, $210 million deal - it's the richest contract ever given out by the Diamondbacks, and it was the second-most money given to a pitcher in the offseason, trailing only Max Fried's $218 million over eight years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It's also the fourth-most money ever given to a pitcher, behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto's $325 million over 12 years he got before last season, and the nine-year, $324 million deal Gerrit Cole (also recovering from Tommy John) signed for after 2019.

Arizona led 3-0 in the top of the fifth inning when Burnes allowed a single by CJ Abrams with two outs. The right-hander then gestured toward the dugout with his glove and yelled in frustration.

Burnes allowed a run and four hits in 4 2/3 innings, with a walk and six strikeouts. He will finish his season with a 3-2 record and a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts this season.

EX-NFL STAR TAYLOR LEWAN HAS 'WORST DAY OF MY ATHLETIC LIFE' WITH DISASTROUS FIRST PITCH

Burnes has become one of the game's best pitchers, having finished in the top-eight of the Cy Young Award vote in each year since 2020. He won the award in 2021 after leading the majors with a 2.43 ERA and 12.6 K/9.

Since he became a full-time starter in 2020, Burnes' 2.86 ERA is the second-lowest in baseball among starters with at least 500 innings pitched, behind only Fried's 2.70.

The surgery could likely leave Burnes on the shelf until 2027.

The 30-year-old has been very durable over the past several years. He's made at least 28 starts in every season since he won the Cy Young Award.

Burnes spent his first six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he stayed only for the 2024 season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Taylor Lewan should stick to the trenches.

The former NFL offensive lineman was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Thursday's St. Louis Cardinals game, and it was a major disappointment.

Lewan, to his credit, threw the pitch from 60 feet and 6 inches away as he toed the rubber at Busch Stadium.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The former Tennessee Titan, a southpaw, wound up but sailed the ball closer to the first-base on-deck circle than home plate, and several people were within striking distance.

Luckily for Lewan, no one was injured, but a disgusted Lewan threw his hat to the field and punished himself with pushups.

"This is the worst day of my athletic career and that includes the Chandler Jones game. I need redemption," Lewan posted on X, noting the time Jones sacked Ryan Tannehill five times.

BILL BELICHICK'S PUBLICIST TEXTED COACH SAYING CBS INTERVIEW WOULD BE 'WITHOUT RISK': REPORT

Even Lewan's former teammates in Tennessee, where he spent all nine of his NFL seasons, posted a GIF of 50 Cent's infamous first pitch from 2013. The two are carbon copies.

But Lewan is primed for a better performance next time.

"Not gonna dwell on comments about ‘keeping my chin up’ coming from someone without one. No excuses. We have to be better, and there will be redemption," he said in another post.

Lewan was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2016 to 2018.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

M.S. had worked for years to become one of the top pitchers on her club softball team. She trained hard, earned her spot and was used to competing under pressure. But when she learned that the teammate she was now expected to compete against for pitching time was actually male, everything changed.

"I just started bawling right away," the 17-year-old told OutKick. "I was pushing myself all season to do my best, and once I found out, I was like, all that work was for nothing — because the boy's still gonna beat me no matter what."

M.S. ultimately made the decision to walk away from her club team. For her, she said, it was a no-brainer.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"If there’s a boy on this team, I’m not going to be playing," she said.

That boy (who identifies as a girl) was Champlin Park High School junior Marissa Rothenberger, who took the mound in the Class AAAA Minnesota girls' softball state championship game on Friday morning and led the team to a title after pitching a shutout. 

Now, M.S. is a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) on behalf of Female Athletes United (FAU). The lawsuit challenges the state of Minnesota and its public school districts over policies that allow trans-identifying male athletes to compete in girls' sports.

AFTER TRANS PITCHER LEADS TEAM TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, OPPONENT AND LAWYER SUING OVER SITUATION SPEAK OUT

The lawsuit, filed last month, argues that Minnesota’s gender-identity-based eligibility rules are a direct violation of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, including athletics.

"Minnesota currently has a policy that allows male athletes to compete in women’s sports," explained ADF Legal Counsel Suzanne Beecher, who is representing the athletes. "But under Title IX, schools that accept federal funding are required to provide equal opportunities for female athletes. Title IX preempts state policies like this, which violate the equal accommodation requirement of federal law."

The problem, Beecher said, goes beyond basic fairness. It’s also about safety, lost opportunity and institutional neglect.

"This is harming girls," she told OutKick. "It’s putting them at safety risks, and it’s also denying them the opportunity to advance and experience victory. These are girls who have dedicated hours and years of hard work to being the best they can be. It’s heartbreaking to see that Minnesota's unfair policies are denying them a level playing field."

In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning males from competing in girls' and women's sports, citing these same Title IX protections. The order made clear that any state failing to comply would risk losing federal funding.

In direct defiance of this order, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) announced that it would continue its longstanding policy of allowing student-athletes to compete in events consistent with their gender identity, regardless of biological sex. The league cited the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution as the basis for this policy.

Further, Minnesota allows individuals to change the sex marker on their birth certificate with either a letter from a physician or a court order, creating a loophole that essentially renders sex-based protections useless.

"The justification for having separate sports is because of the physiological differences between males and females," Beecher said. "States need to have policies that meaningfully separate sports so there is a protected category for females. Girls deserve a fair and safe place where they can compete and win."

The issue exploded into public view this week during the MSHSL Girls’ State Softball Tournament, where Rothenberger helped lead Champlin Park High School to the state championship game. Champlin Park took down Eagan High School, 5-0, in the quarterfinals and White Bear Lake, 3-2, in the semifinals. In addition to pitching back-to-back complete games, Rothenberger hit two doubles in that semifinal win.

M.S. pitched in the tournament for Farmington High School but lost in the quarterfinals. She didn’t have to face Rothenberger directly, but she watched closely as other girls did.

"There are so many more girls that deserve it more than just a boy," she said. "It was just so sad to see all the girls crying and having to accept the fact that their chance at winning a state title was taken from them just because a boy was pitching against them."

M.S. has already committed to play college softball at St. Cloud State, but her decision to join the lawsuit wasn't just about herself — it was about protecting girls’ sports for those coming next.

"I wanted to join the lawsuit because it’s just painful to see a boy dominating the sport that me and other girls have grown up playing," she said. "It's been a safe space for so long. And to see that safe space change — I feel like that’s the biggest reason why I wanted to do it."

And her message going forward is simple: "I want just girls playing in girls' sports. Get men out of women's sports."

ADF says Minnesota's policy doesn’t just violate federal law — it also silences those impacted by it. As OutKick previously reported, several parents and students in the tournament were warned by school officials not to speak out or wear messages opposing trans participation in the state tournament.

"Not only is Title IX being violated, but also the voices of female athletes are being silenced," Beecher said. "They’re being told they can’t speak out about their rights."

Kristi Burton Brown, chairperson of the board for Female Athletes United, issued a powerful statement to OutKick in support of M.S. and the others.

"Minnesota's extreme gender ideology has caused many girls in Minnesota to lose out on opportunities and risk their safety, including three of our high school athletes," she wrote. "Science is clear that male athletes have physiological advantages that make it unfair and unsafe to allow them to compete against women, no matter how they identify. But Minnesota places its ideology over fairness and safety. 

"The only way to protect female athletes' safety and opportunities is to ensure that only girls compete in girls' sports. Minnesota is failing its female athletes, and its policy must be changed to reflect biological reality."

M.S. will be back on the field next year for her senior season. Maybe by then, the rules will catch up with reality.

"I hope that the state tournament next year is a lot different than it was this year," she said.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tom Brady's first year as a broadcaster has come and gone, and it seems he already has a style behind the microphone.

After 24 seasons cementing himself as the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady became FOX's top color commentator, joining Kevin Burkhardt to call the Super Bowl.

Brady's broadcasting is limited due to his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, but even without that, Brady doesn't have an interest in bashing players while he's on the call.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In a recent interview with Complex Sports, Brady was praised for being "supportive" of Patrick Mahomes, who, at age 29, has already been added to the GOAT conversation with the seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady.

"How can I throw shade at someone who’s as amazing as he is? I know what he’s been through," Brady said.

That's his mindset for every player in the game, especially quarterbacks. 

AARON RODGERS INFORMS STEELERS HE WILL SIGN WITH THEM FOR 2025 SEASON: REPORTS

"And I think the one position that I’m in now as a broadcaster, I do feel a responsibility, A, to tell the fans what I see and be honest and upfront about everything. But also realize that what these guys are doing on the field is extremely difficult," Brady added. 

"Do they make the right plays all the time? Certainly not. By the way, neither did I. And I think you have to have this context and perspective.

"You realize it’s not about this harsh critique, and that’s really not what it’s all about anyway," Brady continued. "To me, it’s more about, let’s point out the greatness of these individual players. Have fun. Enjoy it. Entertain a little bit. And really try to educate people a little bit. 

"But that’s what I want to do on TV. And thought it was a great season because I’ve got a great team at Fox. And we’re going to keep building on the success we had in year one."

Brady signed a 10-year deal with FOX.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

In just the first week of the WNBA season, Caitlin Clark found herself in more wars of words.

A day after she and the Indiana Fever slaughtered Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, the WNBA began investigating reports of "hateful comments" toward Reese by Fever fans that were ultimately "not substantiated."

When the WNBA announced the claims were not true, U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., called on the WNBA to issue an apology to Fever fans and Indiana residents.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It is a sentiment Indiana Gov. Mike Braun agreed with during a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

"I’m one that absolutely has zero tolerance for bigotry and bullying and all the stuff that comes along with that whole discussion. When comments are made that don’t make sense … when it’s out of line, you need to acknowledge it. So, I agree with Sen. Banks there, and I hope that there’s not any of that there," Braun said.

Although the WNBA investigated reports of verbal attacks against Reese, the WNBA has not investigated a viral video of Brittney Griner in which many people on social media believe she was calling Clark "trash" and a "f---ing white girl." 

The video of Griner emerged shortly after Griner fouled out against the Fever on a questionable foul during a game in which Clark and Griner, who play two separate positions, were hardly near each other. Others say Griner was actually calling the referee or the call that was made "trash," adding it was a "f---ing whack call."

In any case, the video has been a hot topic online, and the WNBA has not acted. Braun said if the WNBA investigated what were determined to be false claims of hateful speech against Reese, it should look into Griner.

WNBA REFUSES TO GRANT OUTKICK MEDIA CREDENTIALS; WHAT IS THE LEAGUE HIDING?

"I don’t think there’s any place for it. I think Caitlin has kind of done things for the league itself where it ought to be embraced. I think, if anything, it’s showcased the talent across that league. You ought to be grateful for it, not throwing around comments that might indicate otherwise," Braun said.

"Yes, I think if there was some look into what Angel Reese did, I think it would be good to put that to rest as well. And I hope that exits the stage, because it’s no good regardless of where it’s coming from."

Braun admitted he "didn’t pay quite as much attention" to women's basketball before Clark got to his state, "but I have a lot recently."

"She sells out the Gainbridge arena just like the Pacers do, and her team," Braun said. "And the more I watch the games, they’re as competitive, in many cases more so, in terms of the scrap and the talent. We’re lucky that Caitlin ended up in the basketball state. She has rekindled a lot of that spirit at both the college and high school levels. Caitlin has been a wonderful addition, and she’s in the right state.

"Maybe that was destiny."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have spent the past few days sparring on social media. 

The feud began after Musk started "wearing thin" on Trump for about a month, Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy reported Friday. As tempers flared, wrestler Logan Paul hinted that he hopes the president and the world's richest man will take the next step in their dispute by meeting in the squared circle. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Paul posted an edited WWE promo photo on his social media account of a hypothetical match between the two billionaires. Musk appeared in a photoshopped costume that featured the Tesla logo. The match was billed as "Summer Slam" and featured two dates in August.

DONALD TRUMP PRAISES PAUL BROTHERS FOR COMBAT SUCCESS: 'YOU GUYS CAN REALLY FIGHT'

"Make it happen @WWE," Paul wrote on X, the social media platform owned by Musk.

Last June, Trump was a guest on Paul's "Impaulsive" podcast. 

During the wide-ranging interview, Paul asked Trump several questions about pop culture — including whether the then-presidential candidate believed aliens existed. Trump also shared his thoughts on the emergence of artificial intelligence during the sit-down. 

Musk reshared Paul's video of the 2024 interview on X. "Logan Paul interviews @realDonaldTrump," Musk wrote at the time.

Paul's "Impaulsive" YouTube channel boasts more than 4.7 million subscribers. Sports stars such as three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes and wrestler-turned-actor John Cena have also been guests on Paul's podcast.

Musk on Thursday made allegations that Trump was in the Jeffrey Epstein file.

"@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files," Musk wrote on X. "That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!"

Musk followed the post with another, saying, "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out."

Doocy also reported that a red Tesla vehicle that Trump bought during a Tesla demonstration on the South Lawn of the White House grounds earlier this year is now expected to be given away or sold off.

Fox News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Champlin Park Rebels are state champions.

The No. 2-seeded Rebels shut out No. 4 Bloomington Jefferson, 6–0, in the Class AAAA Minnesota high school girls’ softball championship game Friday morning at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota.

Once again, it was junior pitcher Marissa Rothenberger, a trans-identifying male athlete, who took the mound for Champlin Park — and never gave it up. Rothenberger threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits and striking out six to secure the title. The performance capped off a dominant tournament run in which Rothenberger pitched all 21 innings across three games, giving up just two runs total and leading the Rebels to three-straight wins.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

For the effort, Rothenberger was named to the All-Tournament team.

Rothenberger’s tournament began with a complete-game shutout in the quarterfinals against No. 7-seeded Eagan, allowing seven hits and striking out four in a 5–0 win. In the semifinals, Champlin Park edged No. 6 White Bear Lake, 3–2, behind another complete game from Rothenberger, who gave up two runs (one earned), struck out three and hit two crucial doubles — including one that led to the game-winning run in the seventh.

Including the 14 shutout innings that Rothenberger pitched in the sectional finals to help Champlin Park reach the state tournament in the first place, the junior allowed just two runs across 35 innings to close out the postseason.

Champlin Park’s other pitcher, Ava Abrahamson, was listed as a designated player throughout the tournament but never entered as a pitcher.

Outside the stadium Friday morning, a small group of protesters gathered peacefully, holding signs that read "Females deserve fair sports" and "Democrats for Title IX," signaling bipartisan opposition to the policies that allowed Rothenberger — a biological male — to compete in the girls’ division.

The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) allows student-athletes to compete in events based on gender identity, regardless of biological sex.

Attempts to speak with Champlin Park parents after the win were largely declined. One parent, the father of junior outfielder Ava Parent, did offer a brief comment.

"Happy to see the Rebels' bats come alive," he said, referencing the team’s stronger offensive showing compared to their close semifinal win.

Another Champlin Park dad, when asked for comment, asked which outlet he'd be speaking with. Upon hearing "OutKick," he responded, "Go talk to the other side. I'm sure they have plenty to say to you."

TRANS PITCHER HITS 2 DOUBLES, THROWS ANOTHER COMPLETE GAME TO SEND TEAM TO MINNESOTA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

For Bloomington Jefferson parents, the loss was heartbreaking, but they were proud of the Jaguars' efforts throughout the tournament.

"It was tough, but what can you do? They're following the rules, whether we like it or not," one dad told OutKick.

Another Jefferson father said, "It was disappointing. I give the other team credit: They hit the sh*t out of the ball. But you can't help but wonder how things could have gone with an equal playing field."

A third dad emphasized his support for the girls, regardless of the final score.

"I'm very proud of the way our girls played this whole tournament," he said. "We teach them sportsmanship, and someone had to lose. This is a hard pill to swallow, though."

One Jefferson mom decided to make the best of a tough situation.

"We exceeded expectations this season. No one expected us to be in the championship in the first place," she said. "We're going to celebrate anyway."

Champlin Park walks away with the title — and leaves behind a conversation that’s far from over.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New details in the arrest of former Carolina Panthers star Greg Hardy surfaced in the days after he was charged with assault that revealed an alleged altercation between the former NFL player and his girlfriend over cheating accusations. 

Fox News Digital obtained an arrest report from the Richardson Police Department that detailed the events of the alleged assault, which seemingly began when Hardy and his girlfriend were on their way home from the park on Wednesday. 

According to the woman, she spoke to Hardy once their children were in bed and began to question him "about a woman she believed he was cheating on her with." The alleged victim in the case, who is not being identified, told law enforcement that she had previously seen messages between Hardy and this person and "wanted to see if he would lie." 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The argument escalated when the woman claimed that Hardy pushed her "with both of his hands on her chest" after she would not move out of his way. According to the report, Hardy then allegedly got on top of the woman, who had fallen on the bed, and "held her down with one of his hands around her neck." 

The woman said she did not lose consciousness and that her breathing was not restricted. She then admitted to kicking Hardy, which prompted him to leave the residence. 

Another officer made contact with Hardy, who had driven off. He told law enforcement that the argument began over a dispute over text messages and escalated when the woman "got close to his face and started poking him in the forehead with her index finger." He said he "moved" the woman out of his way and "placed her on the bed by grabbing her arms."

FORMER NFL DEFENSIVE END GREG HARDY ARRESTED IN TEXAS FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT OF FAMILY MEMBER

He denied that anything else happened. 

According to the arrest report, the officer speaking to the woman observed scratches and redness on the woman’s arms "that were consistent with a physical altercation." Officers did not note any visible injuries to Hardy. 

Hardy, 36, was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member. 

He spent five seasons with the Panthers, but he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list in 2014 while a domestic violence case against him played out. 

FOX 4 reported that in 2014, Hardy’s ex-girlfriend alleged that the NFL player assaulted her during a fit of rage. He was initially convicted of assault, but those charges were later dismissed after the victim in the case failed to appear for a second trial. Hardy was then signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 2015, but he only played in 12 games that season after being issued a four-game suspension for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy as it related to his case in North Carolina. 

He was not re-signed the following season. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

It's been nearly two weeks since Atlanta Dream forward Brittney Griner fouled out of a WNBA game against the Indiana Fever and then was seen on camera shouting something that has been interpreted multiple ways. Some people believe, based on reading her lips, that she said "f---ing white girl," while others believe she said "f---ing whack call." While no one is certain exactly what she said, there's an easy way to find out: ask Griner.

However, no one has done that. OutKick has reached out to the WNBA and to Griner's management team several times, but hasn't received a single response. Still, Griner has participated in multiple games since the incident, which means the media has had plenty of access to simply ask the question. Yet, not a single "reporter" has.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Would you like to know why? Because there's no such thing as a WNBA "reporter" or "journalist." Sure, there are people who have such titles in their social media bios or on their LinkedIn pages. But they're not telling the truth. The media members who cover the WNBA don't operate with journalistic integrity – instead, they act like PR professionals whose goal is not to report facts, but to simply promote the league. Why is that the case? Because the WNBA wants it that way. 

OutKick requested a media credential for the Atlanta Dream game in Los Angeles against the Sparks on May 27. The Sparks denied our request. OutKick requested a media credential for the Atlanta Dream game in Connecticut against the Sun on Friday night. The Sun denied our request. 

Here's the reason provided, via email, by the Sun: "Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your request for a media credential for Connecticut Sun vs. Atlanta Dream on Friday, June 6. Due to very limited space, priority is given to those that are associated with outlets that have consistently covered the organization for previous seasons." 

CAITLIN CLARK'S EAGERLY AWAITED REMATCH WITH ANGEL REESE PUT ON ICE AS STAR TAKES SMART APPROACH TO RECOVERY

Really? There's not enough space for one more media member for a regular-season game between the 1-6 Connecticut Sun and the Atlanta Dream? Interesting. OutKick asked the team why it refused our request for a credential, if it denied any other credentials and if there is an edict from the WNBA to keep us from covering games. The Sun did not respond to our questions. 

The Sun granted several media credentials to OutKick last year, including a playoff game that featured the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark, so it's unlikely that their excuse is anywhere near the truth. No, the more likely reason is that the WNBA doesn't want OutKick at its games. Why? Because we refuse to act like a PR firm representing the league and want to ask actual questions. You know, reporting. But the WNBA doesn't want that. 

That's why not one "reporter" or "journalist" has asked Brittney Griner what she said on May 23. They want to continue to get media credentials. The league has sent the message loud-and-clear: cover the WNBA how we want you to cover it, or you're not going to be invited back. 

Companies, organizations and governments that have nothing to hide welcome reporters. Why wouldn't they? Transparency builds trust. And if there's nothing to hide, there's no reason not to be transparent. Maybe the WNBA isn't hiding anything. But denying media access to a major news organization raises doubts about whether it is being fully transparent. 

Take a look at an example from last season. Christine Brennan, one of the most progressive liberals in the sports media, came under fire for simply asking DiJonai Carrington about poking Caitlin Clark in the eye. It was a perfectly reasonable question, and one that needed to be asked. Yet, the WNBA Players' Association issued a statement asking the league to revoke Brennan's media credentials. Cover us the way we want, or you're not coming to our birthday party! 

But just because the WNBA won't let us into its games doesn't mean we're going to stop asking. And we're certainly not going to give up our journalistic duties just because every other "reporter" who covers the league is willing to do it. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts divided fans when he chose to skip the team's celebratory White House visit in April. 

Hurts was one of several Eagles players who chose not to go, alongside AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Carter and Brandon Graham. But as the quarterback, Hurts' absence garnered particular scrutiny. Hurts told reporters on May 20 that he didn't go because he "wasn't available." 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Former Eagles star quarterback Donovan McNabb, who says he's mentored Hurts since coming to Philadelphia, gave his reaction to his protégé's absence in an interview with Fox News Digital. McNabb also suggested that Hurts' absence was based on a decision. 

"I don't have a problem with it at all. I agree, I totally agree with him and the decision that he made, it's a grown man decision, and he stuck with it," McNabb said. "And for him, his focus again is to get himself ready to possibly get back to another Super Bowl."

McNabb added that he would have made the same decision as Hurts. 

DONOVAN MCNABB SAYS THE EAGLES LOSING ANDY REID WAS A BIGGER MISTAKE THAN THE GIANTS LOSING SAQUON BARKLEY

Hurts also raised eyebrows again when he attended the Met Gala the following week after missing the White House visit.

Still, the vast majority of the Eagles' roster and coaching staff did attend the White House and celebrated with Trump, as well as the president's daughter, Ivanka. Those players included star running back Saquon Barkley.

"It's everybody's choice," McNabb said of the players who went. "You don't harp on anybody else's decision of what they made, it's a decision. It's a personal decision that he made, for both, for Jalen and for Saquon," McNabb said.

"And again, after you do your visit or whatever it may be, you get right back to focusing on the task at hand and seeing if you can have that opportunity to be invited back to the White House." 

When the Eagles won the Super Bowl back in 2018, the team decided not to attend the White House. Trump rescinded the invitation to host the Eagles after several players said they would not participate in the visit because of his previous criticisms of national anthem protests.

The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House several weeks before the Eagles did, to commemorate their World Series title. Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, who skipped a visit in 2019 while with the Boston Red Sox, attended this year.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.