A Philadelphia Eagles fan at the center of a vile incident at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday lost his job at a New Jersey-based DEI-focused consulting firm this week.
The fan, who was identified as Ryan Caldwell, was seen in the viral video getting into the face of a female Green Bay Packers fan and calling her a "dumb c---" while her fiancé recorded the situation. He also taunted the man with other disgusting gestures.
The fan and his employer have since "parted ways," the company said.
"We, the management of BCT Partners, have concluded the international personnel investigation regarding an employee who was caught on a video outside of the workplace making highly offensive and misogynistic statements," the company said in a statement Tuesday. "In keeping with our company values, which are firmly centered in respect, dignity, and inclusion, we have decided to part ways with the employee. This separation is effective immediately.
"We condemn our former employee’s conduct in the strongest possible terms. This individual’s conduct and language were vile, disgusting, unacceptable, and horrific and have no place in our workplace and society. Such conduct is not who we are and not what we stand for.
"At the same time, again, to be true to our values, we can condemn the actions without condemning the individual. None of us deserve to be remembered for actions taken on our worst day. We have offered grace and support to our former employee. We hope that he will grow, and we all can learn from this deeply disturbing incident. That’s what real inclusion is and does. That is also who we are and what we stand for.
"We sincerely apologize to the victim and for the many ways in which these events already have impact so many people. We remain committed to gender equity and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all."
Caldwell’s tirade was caught as the Eagles topped the Packers in the wild-card game over the weekend. Aside from just calling the woman a "dumb c---," he also called her an "ugly dumb c---." Caldwell asked her fiancé if he was going to do anything about the name-calling, and if not, then he should turn around and watch the game.
The woman’s fiancé identified himself on social media as Alexander Basara and posted the video on social media. He wrote on X he did not want to get into a physical altercation with Caldwell.
He mentioned in one post that he definitely was not going to start painting all Eagles fans with a broad brush.
"A lot of you guys were very nice. Trust me. The normal banter but a handshake at the end. This was out of line tho for sure," he wrote on X.
The Eagles fan was also banned from all games at Lincoln Financial Field, according to USA Today.
In non-New England Patriots fashion, they now have their third head coach in as many seasons (and less than 13 calendar months).
After Bill Belichick manned the sidelines for 24 seasons, the two parted ways in early 2024 and went with Jerod Mayo to replace arguably the greatest coach of all time.
However, after a 4-13 season, Kraft did not like what he saw, fired Mayo and hired Mike Vrabel, who was available last offseason.
Vince Wilfork does not deny that the Patriots are in a better place today than they were two weeks ago, but in echoing former teammate Rob Gronkowski's thoughts on the matter, Wilfork said on Tuesday that Mayo "never had a chance" and that it was all a "setup."
"I think it was BS to pull that. And knowing Jerod personally, I know the conversations," Wilfork told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I know what it is. It’s just hard to fathom, but that’s the business when you deal with certain people. I think it was unfair."
Wilfork noted that Mayo coached "the same s----y roster" that Belichick made and "sucked" with.
"So what do you think Mayo was [going to] do with the same people Bill brought in? Mayo’s the one who found the future quarterback in Drake Maye. It’s just unfortunate. But it’s part of the game, part of the business," Wilfork said.
Wilfork spoke with Fox News Digital at an event where he promoted Tums, as he's on the case to stop heartburn when people stuff their faces at their Super Bowl parties. Tums and DraftKings recently partnered up for fans to hit the app for its Fantasy Foodball Pool, where players can draft their perfect game-day plates for free for a shot at a share of cash prizes.
"Tums goes hand-in-hand with food, and what they were trying to do with Foodball, that’s a perfect collab. … When you have football and DraftKings and the chance of winning something, it keeps it fun," Wilfork said. "You can do this with your friends, have a good time, and everything is themed off food. Something competitive, but it’s light. We talking about food. It’s a great way to bring people together. Food, sports, football, that’s what it’s all about."
Despite letting Mayo go, though, Wilfork said Vrabel is the best guy to get his former Patriots "back on track."
"I’m very happy for Vrabel. I played with Vrabel. He coached me down in Houston – a good friend. I know he checks all the boxes when it comes to running the team. Hopefully, he can get us back on track. It’s time for us to get on track. He’s a good person that can get us back going and on the right direction. But it has a lot to do with that roster," Wilfork said.
Wilfork played in Super Bowls with both Mayo and Vrabel on the same defensive unit and considers them both good friends. Perhaps one could say that it's an odd situation for Wilfork, but he mentioned that it's "not awkward … just facts."
"It has nothing to do with Vrabel as a coach or person. I think he’s phenomenal. He’s the best coach I would have got. I just think it was unfair for Mayo to go through what he went through," he said.
"I don’t question Vrabel’s capabilities. I know he can win. He showed that with Tennessee, going to the AFC Championship in his first year. I know what a great coach Vrabel is. I’m not questioning that whatsoever. I’m very happy and thrilled for the Patriots to land Vrabel.
"I just think it’s unfair what Mayo had to go through. He didn’t have a chance. It was bullcrap from the get-go, and it’s a lot of backstabbing going on. … We’ll see what happens. It’s all part of the game, I guess, but it’s unfair however you slice it. He never had a chance."
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni came to the defense of wide receiver A.J. Brown over criticism toward him for reading a book on the sideline during Sunday’s playoff game.
Brown was seen reading "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy and explained after the game he always reads the book to help his mental focus. Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers was just the first time the cameras caught him doing so.
"I'm definitely OK with it," he said Tuesday. "The crazy thing is, he's been reading this book on the sideline for a long time. It just so happened a camera saw it this week. Some guys pray in between, some guys mediate in between. A.J. reads in between.
"Whatever these guys need to do to put their mind in a place where they can play with great detail and great effort, I fully encourage them to do that. I love A.J. He's such a great teammate. I saw Jahan Dotson said something defending A.J. and I thought that was awesome too. Another example of our teammates defending each other.
"We don't do any research, and we jump to a conclusion of, 'Oh he must be disgruntled.' That to me is lazy. Everyone needs to figure out why he's doing it before they jump to judgment on the man. Because the man, A.J. Brown is a great, great, great person. The man A.J. Brown is the best receiver—and I'll say it without hesitation—the best receiver that this city has ever seen...It's hard for me to watch when people are getting on him without doing the proper research of who the man is and what he's doing in the first place."
Brown’s reading escapade helped the book jump to the top of Amazon’s bestsellers list over the course of the night. All of that on top of the win over the Packers.
The Eagles could probably use a little bit more from Brown on the field. He had one catch for 10 yards in the game. He has not had more than five catches since Dec. 22.
Philadelphia will welcome the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round game on Sunday.
UNLV Rebels football head coach Dan Mullen said working as a college football analyst was advantageous as he was able to watch any game and any player he wanted to.
Mullen, who was an analyst at ESPN, appeared on OutKick’s "Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich" to talk about some of the transfer players he landed since he took over the Rebels job late last year.
"Well, you look at the guys, we actually got two [quarterbacks]. Anthony Colandrea from [the University of Virginia] that I’ve seen make a ton of plays, and Alex Orji; and the greatest thing you have being at ESPN, I’ve gotten to watch everybody play," Mullen said. "You sit in that room all day, and I’m watching every game in college football. I’ve seen them all."
Mullen also talked about what Orji can bring to the table for the Rebels.
Orji was listed as a quarterback while with the Michigan Wolverines, but he had more rushing attempts (78) than pass attempts (48) in his three seasons.
"Alex Orji, I mean, he is undefeated against Ohio State. I mean, he’s won, and … I look at what he does, and you look at the strengths of players, and he was a guy that was head-scratching to me last year, sometimes," Mullen said. "I’m watching him, and I don’t know, I’m not in the game-plan meetings, don’t know everything going on [at] Michigan, but I don’t know that their highlighting his strengths.
"In football, the job of the coach is to put a guy in position to do what he does well. That’s what coaching is all about, and if you don’t do that – you know you’re like, ‘Hey, we have a system, you have to run a system.’ Our system is: What do our guys do well, let’s tweak it as coaches to put them in a position to succeed."
"I was watching some of the games, and I’m saying, ‘Hey, when they put that guy in a position to do what he does well, Ohio State wasn’t tackling him, and they are playing for a national championship.’ But to sit there and put him in a position to do things where you’re not highlighting his strengths all the time is confusing to me."
Mullen last coached at Florida from 2018 to 2021. He was 34-15. Before that, he was at Mississippi State from 2009 to 2017 and was 69-46.
Former women's tennis star Martina Navratilova weighed in on Tuesday's vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in the House of Representatives. The Republican majority voted unanimously to pass the bill, but only two Democrat House members voted in favor of it, while the rest did not.
Navratilova has also taken a firm stance against trans inclusion in women and girls' sports while previously criticizing Democrat lawmakers for supporting it. That criticism continued on Tuesday in a series of posts on X.
"Shame on the Democrats who really don’t care about women, girls, and their safety, fairness," she wrote in response to the news that only two Democratic House members voted in favor of the bill.
In another post, Navratilova insisted that there must be more than two Democratic House members who oppose trans inclusion and that those members should "grow a spine."
"More Dems need to step up here. I know many who agree but are scared to speak up because of re-election. I say do the right thing. Grow a spine," she wrote.
This is not the first time Navratilova has ripped the left for their different views on the issue.
In a December post on X, the tennis legend said she was "mad" that Republicans have tackled the nationwide controversy rather than Democrats, the party which she has aligned with.
"And I am so mad that the Republicans captured this issue – shame on all the elected Democrats who keep silent on this!" she wrote.
The tennis legend appeared at the Independent Women's Forum's "Take Back Title IX" rally in June, as she and other prominent women athletes pushed back on the Biden administration’s Title IX rewrite.
There, she shared her experience of being attacked by other liberals for her stance on trans inclusion.
"Now, it’s, ‘Oh, you’re a homophobe.’ Go figure. I’ve been out since ’81, yeah, I’m a homophobe," she said. "‘You’re a bigot, you’re a transphobe, you’re a Nazi, you’re a fascist, you’re a communist,’ everything and everything in between. And this is coming from the left. I am the left! My people are turning on me. They’re turning on us, women, who speak up for women’s sex-based rights."
Before that, Navratilova called Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo, who competed in the Paralympics as a trans woman, a "pathetic cheater." In March, she made a plea to "keep women's sports female."
Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
"I’m good with three for right now," he told reporters on Tuesday. "We’ll see down the line maybe, but my goal was always three, so we’ve had three, and we’ll stick there for a while and see if we need to come back and get another one later on."
The family has two children already – Bronze and Sterling. Mahomes talked about how Brittany was doing after the birth of their newborn and how the other siblings are handling it.
"It’s been cool. I mean, I’m just supporting. Brittany crushed it," he said. "It’s been cool to welcome another baby girl in our family and see how my other kids react to her and having baby sissy and stuff like that. It’s been a lot of fun, and it was cool that football was on TV when I was in the hospital, so I got to watch a little bit. Brittany was kind enough to let us watch football as she was getting ready to give birth to our second daughter."
Mahomes added that he could not say whether it has become easier to manage since Brittany has been handling the workload of managing the children at home.
"I don’t even want to say that because Brittany’s doing everything, so I’m just trying to be supportive," he said. "No, it was cool that we got the bye (week) just because you can kind of really focus in on just being at the hospital and being in the moment.
"It’s a special moment that I know a lot of dads and moms have experienced, and you don’t forget about that stuff, so I’m glad I was able to be there and supporting the best way I can."
Mahomes now has to focus on the task at hand on the field – defeating the Houston Texans and moving on to the AFC Championship potentially for the seventh straight time.
Former ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele said the network deserved to be crushed for failing to show the national anthem on its main channel ahead of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans after the terrorist attack that took place in the city just the day prior.
Steele appeared on "OutKick the Morning" and appeared flabbergasted over ESPN failing to show the national anthem on that day, which the company chalked up to "timing issues."
"It was so egregious, and I tweeted about it and I put it on my Instagram, and I really do try and stay away from too much that revolves around my former employer. That life is gone, and I am so glad to be past it, grateful for those years. I couldn’t help it Charly, because it was such, to me, a blatant decision to skip," Steele told host OutKick’s Charly Arnolt on Tuesday.
"You are a mile away, maybe less than in New Orleans, from where all of those people were murdered on the morning of what was supposed to be the game that was airing on ESPN. And you chose to ignore it when people are suffering and it’s so much bigger than football? They were crushed. They were crushed, and deservedly so, for not doing it."
Steele said ESPN showing the pregame prayer last week was a reaction to the backlash it received over the Sugar Bowl.
"So, I absolutely think that this was a reaction to that. I think it actually went overboard … show the national anthem," she said. "Do you need to show the prayer? And I also believe that the prayer was – they said it was to pray for the victims of the California fires as well as the terrorist attack in New Orleans. [We're] a little late for that."
"Listen, I pray every single day. I pray for those people constantly, so I guess we shouldn’t be focused on that," Steele continued. "But from a business perspective, what are we doing? Just be consistent. And I guess it wouldn’t be a good thing if they were consistent in this case, would it? Because they [would’ve] continued to do the wrong thing for humanity."
"That’s what this is. This is bigger than business, this is bigger than sports. It’s about humanity, and I guess [I] wasn’t surprised by what happened at the Sugar Bowl. I was just so sad and disappointed because this is the reason why, one of many reasons why, ESPN as a whole is no longer what it once was."
A sixth person was arrested in the betting scheme that saw Jontay Porter banned for life from the NBA.
Porter, who is facing criminal charges himself, was barred from the NBA after it was revealed he bet on the NBA and was involved in a scheme in which conspirators would profit based off information given by him.
Court documents revealed this week that Porter texted those involved in the scheme, with one text saying that betting on his "unders" propositions would reel in "big numbers."
"No blocks no steals. I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again," Porter is said to have texted Shane Hennen, the latest person arrested, on Jan. 26 before his Toronto Raptors played a game.
Hennen was arrested at a Las Vegas airport on Sunday before he was set to board a one-way flight to Colombia.
Earlier last January, Porter also texted, "I went back to the locker room to get eye checked on. Idk if imma play much more. I'm Not starting second half. But if it's garbage time I will shoot a million shots."
Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces over 20 years in jail, although prosecutors believe he will be sentenced to around four. His sentencing will be on May 20.
In court in July, Porter said he agreed to withdraw early from games to get out from under large gambling debts so he and co-conspirators could win bets on his performance.
"I know what I did was wrong, unlawful, and I am deeply sorry," he said.
Porter received a lifetime ban on April 17 after the NBA found in an investigation that he had disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and bet on games in violation of league rules. The NBA prohibits players from betting on the league or any of its properties.
The NBA said it found that, from January to March of this year, while Porter was either with the Raptors or its G League team, Raptors 905, he placed "at least 13 bets on NBA games using an associate’s betting account."
Porter's lawyer, Jeff Jensen, said in June that Porter had been "in over his head due to a gambling addiction" but was getting treatment and cooperating with law enforcement.
One of Porter's brothers, Coban, began serving a six-year sentence in April for a fatal DUI crash. Another brother, Michael, is a mainstay with the Denver Nuggets.
The Kansas City Chiefs' quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Vince Lombardi Trophy begins in earnest on Saturday when they welcome the Houston Texans to Arrowhead Stadium for a playoff game.
The Texans upset the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round over the weekend, which punched their ticket to the divisional round. Travis Kelce, 35, has been in the NFL for more than a decade, but the Chiefs star tight end told ESPN's Pat McAfee he still feels like he has the energy of a young athlete.
Kelce actually mentioned a specific number — 22 — when he was asked about how he felt as the Chiefs head into the playoffs. "22" is also the title of one of pop star Taylor Swift's songs from her album "Red."
"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22," he said in a nod to one of the song's lyrics this week during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" this week.
Kelce and Swift have been romantically linked for more than a year, with the singer making routine appearances at Chiefs games since the 2023 season.
Kelce was recently named to his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl. But, he likely hopes to skip the event and in favor of competing in the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Although Kelce fell short of the coveted 1,000 receiving yards mark this past regular season, he appeared to round into playoff form as the year progressed.
He finished the Chiefs' Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with 84 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.
Kelce has been a key part of three Super Bowl winning teams, including the Chiefs win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII and last year's title run. No NFL team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowl titles.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the NFL's most heralded franchises, winning six Super Bowls in its history. But in recent years, the franchise has become accustomed to flaming out in the postseason.
Mike Tomlin has been at the helm since 2006 and coached the team to one of those Super Bowl titles. While Tomlin has still never ended a regular season with a losing record, it has now been eight years since he led a team to victory in a playoff game.
The Steelers are one of the most stable franchises in the league, having only had three head coaches over the past five decades. Nevertheless, the lack of recent success in the playoffs has prompted some concerns about whether Tomlin should remain in place.
Yet Tomlin shrugged on Tuesday when asked if it feels as if the Steelers are "stuck" after they were dominated by the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round on Saturday.
Tomlin then acknowledged the disappointment everyone involved with the Steelers were feeling following the early playoff exit. "I definitely don’t feel in the mood for optimism or the selling of optimism," he said. "I don’t know that that’s appropriate. You know, it’s disappointing not to be working. And so that’s where we are."
And while changes are certainly coming to the coaching staff — most likely on defense after the Steelers were gashed during a five-game freefall through the standings — Tomlin doesn’t appear to be going anywhere as he enters the first season of a three-year extension he signed last June.
Tomlin believes he's still "capable" of helping Pittsburgh end its longest playoff victory drought since the "Immaculate Reception" more than a half-century ago.
Yet he also finds himself entering a third offseason in four years with questions at quarterback. Skylar Thompson, who signed with the Steelers on Tuesday, is the only quarterback under contract for the 2025 season. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen — all of whom played during the 2024 season — are all scheduled to become free agents when the new league year begins in March.
While Wilson and Fields both expressed interest in returning and Tomlin said the team is "open to considering those guys," there’s also the very real chance they begin 2025 with their fifth different Week 1 starter in as many seasons.
Though the offense made progress — particularly during a midseason stretch in which Wilson won six of his first seven starts — the Steelers averaged just 14.2 points during their late swoon, hardly good enough to advance to the divisional round or beyond.
Tomlin also acknowledged he understands there is discontent growing among the fanbase during what can best be described as his team’s "Groundhog Day" era.
"I understand the frustrations," he said. "And to be quite honest, I share it."
The 12th-winningest coach in NFL history — he will reach the top 10 if the Steelers win at least eight games in 2025 — doesn’t believe his message has lost its effectiveness, in part because he believes that is a small component of his job. The vast majority is on schematics, preparation and talent development and in those ways he believes the team has evolved.
"I’m open to adaptation and change and have been," he said. "And so it’s not a new discussion. It’s not like I’ve been doing the same things over (and over)."
Tomlin remains intent on trying to be a part of the solution in Pittsburgh, saying teams with job openings that might inquire about his willingness to move on should save their time.
"I have no message," Tomlin responded via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette when asked if he had a message to any team potentially looking to acquire him in a trade. "Save your time."
Brazilian Olympian Bruno Lobo rescued a drowning woman off the coast of Sao Luís, Brazil on Jan. 10, and gave all the credit to God for putting him in position to perform the heroic deed.
"The day that God used me as an instrument to save this young woman, all honor and glory to Him," wrote in a post on Instagram (translated from Portuguese).
Lobo, who is also an orthopaedic doctor, competed in kite surfing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is also a two-time Pan American Games champion.
At the time of the rescue, he was busy training, he said in the video. Lobo claimed that he went into the ocean at around 5:40 p.m. local time "to do the last test."
"It was a cloudy day, wind conditions were not the best, but I decided to test the support that had arrived, it was the first day using this material, I set the camera to record and went towards the coast," he said in the video.
"After sailing a few meters, I heard a cry for help and looked at the girl who was drowning. I quickly approached her with the kite. I tried to calm her down and asked to climb on my back. She was quite tired and without power. I used the equipment to bring her safely to the sand," Lobo continued.
Lobo used his gear to help bring the woman back to shore, and then lifeguards gave her further assistance.
"Olympic kitesurfer Bruno Lobo jumped into action when he spotted a woman struggling in the ocean while training with his new camera off the coast of São Luís, Brazil. Using his kite, he carried her safely to shore," the statement read. "Great job Bruno."
Bruno concluded his video with a warning to fans and viewers.
"Be warned about the dangers of the sea, rivers and any place you don’t know because the current in some places tends to be very strong!"
Golf icon and Southern California native Tiger Woods is speaking out as wildfires continue to wreak havoc on the Los Angeles region.
Woods was born in Cypress, California, which is located roughly 45 miles from Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The Palisades fire is one of the largest and one of the most destructive wildfires sweeping across the area.
Woods had been publicly silent about the tragedy, until Tuesday. He released a statement saying his heart was with those who have been impacted by the devesting wildfires.
"The devastation that is ongoing with the LA fires is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits home," Woods said in a statement shared to his social media platforms. "My heart is with those who have suffered unimaginable loss. Thank you to the incredible heroes that are the first responders helping to contain and save the community of Los Angeles."
The 15-time major winner also vowed to release more details about his personal contributions to the communities affected by the disasters.
"We plan to provide an update on our own charitable efforts to help these communities in the coming weeks. Stay strong LA!"
Firefighters and first responders continue to work to fully contain the Palisades and Eaton fires, both of which were sparked last week.
On Tuesday, the death toll rose to 25. Officials confirmed at least eight people died due to the massive Palisades fire, while the Eaton fire claimed 17 lives. An estimated 35 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Forecasters said strong winds in the region will bring an elevated fire threat throughout Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said "life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds" are in the region, which could fuel the growth of new or existing wildfires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County.
"Extreme fire danger will continue thru Wed. PDS Red Flag Warnings are for the extreme of the extreme fire weather scenarios," the NWS Los Angeles wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "In other words, this setup is about as bad as it gets. Stay aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to evacuate. Avoid anything that can spark a fire.#cawx."
New York Jets veteran receiver Davante Adams has fueled speculation of a possible reunion with the Green Bay Packers following his comments on his former team’s needs for the 2025 season.
The Packers made an early playoff exit with a loss against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, despite making the postseason as the youngest roster in the league for a second year in a row. Green Bay struggled all season long playing against polished teams, losing six games to team’s that finished with a record of 11-6 or better.
Much of that centered on a talented yet young receiver room, and for Adams that would be the focus for the Packers this offseason.
"I just think it kind of depends on the health of the team," he said Tuesday during an appearance on the "Up & Adams" show.
"It's looking right now like, obviously, they might need some receiver help in one way or the other just based off what they have available. Maybe a veteran or something in there. I don't know, we'll see."
The comments sparked speculation on social media that Adams might be talking about himself, especially considering the season he had in New York after reuniting with former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets extended their historic playoff drought after finishing the season 5-12. The team has undergone significant changes, including searching for a new head coach and a new general manager.
There’s also a possibility that Rodgers doesn’t return.
The two played eight seasons together in Green Bay, and Rodgers’ decision will undoubtedly play a role in Adams’.
He said Monday that this season was a "whirlwind" and he's unsure what his next step will be. Adams is due to make $35.64 million in each of the next two years.
Cam Ward drew up controversy when he didn't play the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Ward played the first half and sat the second after he broke the Division I record for most passing touchdowns in a career (156), surpassing Case Keenum.
Arguments were aplenty.
Many felt Ward took a risk in playing in a meaningless bowl game as potentially the No. 1 overall pick. On the flip side, others felt Ward was selfishly in it for only the record. The Hurricanes lost, 32-31.
The future first-round pick received lots of praise and criticism, but his now former head coach, Mario Cristobal, came to his defense this week.
"I don’t feel the need to go race to squash false narratives and a bunch of bulls--- that people like to start because that’s their way of doing whatever their job is," he said on Monday. "That’s where it’s at. That’s where it’s always been. Cam has been an exceptional, an elite, Miami Hurricane. As a competitor, as a player, as a teammate. He’s elevated the profile, the exposure of the University of Miami.
"He is leaving a legacy that’s gonna be impactful for generations to come. I mean, he’s the best I’ve been around, and I look forward to watching him lead an NFL franchise to championships and watching him play on Sundays."
"He’s a big reason why he won 10 games and had a chance to really win every game," Cristobal added. "He set the tone for what the standard is, right, the expectation is going forward — as difficult as that might be and sound."
Miami controlled its own destiny in the College Football Playoff heading into the final week of the regular season, but the Canes fell to Syracuse to knock themselves out of the ACC title game and lose their chance of making the Playoff. Perhaps the conversation would have gone away on both sides if Ward had more to play for in December.
Ward and Shedeur Sanders are both in the conversation about being the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, which is owned by the Tennessee Titans.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was once again the subject of a viral roast campaign after an unhinged rant on the House of Representatives floor on Tuesday.
Ocasio-Cortez spoke out against The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in a two-minute tirade that included both false and unsubstantiated claims. Her speech ended with an unexplained claim that "CEOs love this bill" as it relates to the ongoing California Wildfires.
The bill ultimately passed and will now head to the Senate after all 216 House Republicans voted in favor, along with just two Democrats. Meanwhile, 206 Democrats, including Ocasio-Cortez, voted against the bill.
Ocasio-Cortez opened her argument by referencing Republicans' history in voting against the "Violence Against Women Act" and an apparent false claim in reference to their stance on abortion rights.
"Republicans who have voted consistently against the violence against women act, who have taken away the right of all women to choose and have control over their own body, who, as women are bleeding out in parking lots across the country, standing there, allowing us to die, now want to pretend today that they care about women!" Ocasio-Cortez said.
Abortion is currently protected by state law in 21 states and the District of Columbia, and President-elect Trump has repeatedly insisted that under his administration, abortion rights will be left up to the states.
Ocasio-Cortez was also one of many Democrats to push unsubstantiated claims that the law would subject young girls to sexual predators.
"And why? To open up gender, and yes, genital examinations into little girls of this country, in the so-called name of attacking trans girls!" Ocasio-Cortez continued.
Nowhere in the bill does it state that girls or women would be subject to genital examination in order to participate in sports. However, Ocasio-Cortez, along with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats opposing it, have cited that possibility as their top argument in opposing the act.
"The majority right now says there's no place in this bill that says it opens up for genital examinations. Well, here's the thing, there's no enforcement mechanism in this bill. And when there is no enforcement mechanism, you open the door to every enforcement mechanism!" Ocasio-Cortez said.
The bill provides that it is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded education programs or activities to operate, sponsor, or facilitate athletic programs or activities that allow individuals of the male sex to participate in programs or activities that are designated for women or girls.
Under the bill,sex is based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Ocasio-Cortez has been a consistent advocate for trans inclusion in women's sports and has previously used the word "predatory" to describe those who oppose it. In November, Ocasio-Cortez re-shared a video of Green Party VP candidate Butch Ware speaking out against trans inclusion in women's sports, with a caption that read, "This ticket is predatory and people deserve better."
And now, despite many in her party and liberal media figures publicly disavowing support for trans inclusion, Ocasio-Cortez isn't wavering in her stance on what a woman or girl is.
"Trans girls are girls!" Ocasio-Cortez said at Tuesday's hearing.
Ocasio-Cortez then commenced with a series of incoherent and unfinished sentences about the issue.
"And for all the folks that are so concerned, thank you for your concern about women for the first time that I've seen. I don't know about y'all. I don't know who's been to gym class lately, but girls, even if you only believe there's only two genders, I've played co-ed sports all the time!" she said, before moving onto another point.
Ocasio-Cortez's next point was to warn that the bill may result in an appreciation of traditional feminity.
"What this also opens the door for, is for women to try to perform a very specific kind of femininity for the very kind of men who are drafting this bill, and to open up questioning of who is a woman because of how we look, how we present ourselves, and yes, what we chose to do with our bodies," she said.
The bill does not address anything to do with how biological females dress, present themselves or any potential anatomical or bodily decisions.
Ocasio-Cortez concluded her speech by claiming the bill is "loved" by "bigots" and "assaulters," before making her unexplained connection to CEOs and the California Wildfires.
"Biggoted folks love this bill. Assaulters love this bill, but also CEOs love this bill. Because Los Angeles is on fire right now, and this is the No. 1 priority this majority has," she said, before leaving the podium.
Ocasio-Cortez was the subject of harsh criticism on social media for her tirade later on Tuesday.
Ocasio-Cortez has previously co-sponsored the Equality Act, which was proposed in 2019 and has had revisions that "would force public schools to allow biologically male athletes who identify as transgender on girls sports teams."
In March 2023, Democrats, including Ocasio-Cortez, advocated for a transgender bill of rights, proposing a resolution "recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Transgender Bill of Rights."
However, now the issue of preventing trans inclusion has become a bipartisan priority, that Republicans and Trump have simply taken the lead on.
Daly was lying in a hospital bed in the post, and the location said he was in Tampa, Florida.
Daly, 58, is a fan favorite and known for his appearance and attitude on the golf course.
Daly dresses in colorful attire on the golf course, and is always seen having a cigarette in his hand on the course. He revealed that he hates water, and that he used to drink 12 to 20 Diet Cokes a day to replace it, in an interview a few years ago.
Daly went to the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship, and qualified for the 1986 U.S. Open as an amateur. He turned pro in 1987 following his career at Arkansas, and joined the PGA Tour in 1991.
Minnesota Vikings first round pick J.J. McCarthy posted a cryptic message on social media after the Minnesota Vikings suffered a crushing defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round on Monday night.
The post comes amid speculation about Sam Darnold’s future in Minnesota.
The Vikings went 14-3 during the regular season with Darnold at the helm. He had seemingly resurrected his career after a tumultuous start with the New York Jets and several backup roles following.
Battling for the top seed in the NFC, the Vikings were blown out by the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Darnold completed just 19 of 41 for 166 yards and no touchdowns. He was also sacked twice. Fast-forward to Monday night, and the former first round draft pick didn’t show any signs of improvement.
He finished the 27-9 loss going 25 of 39 for 245 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked nine times.
"I clearly didn't play well enough the past couple weeks," Darnold said after the game.
But more interesting than Darnold’s postgame admission were the comments made by backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The former Michigan quarterback, who won a national championship before being drafted by the Vikings with the No. 10 overall pick, posted a cryptic message on X after Minnesota’s loss.
"Amor fati," he wrote.
The Latin phrase, meaning "love of fate," refers to the mindset applied to how someone views life, in both the good and bad.
The post, which went viral on social media, could have several meanings for McCarthy.
He missed his entire rookie season due to injury and could return for the 2025 season as the Vikings’ new starter as Darnold becomes a free agent following back-to-back losses to end the year.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed its first bill of the 119th Congress on Tuesday, voting in favor of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.
Every Republican representative voted in favor of the bill, but only two Democrats, Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and Vicente Gonzales, D-Texas, voted to pass it. The remaining 206 House Democrats all voted against. Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., voted "present."
After the bill was passed, Republican congressional representatives and women's rights advocates condemned the Democrats who voted against it in a press conference on Capitol Hill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said it was "shameful" that only two Democrats voted to pass the bill.
"We had two Democrats join us, but it's shameful, there should be many, many more. In fact, I argue that every member of this body voted for common sense and to protect women. But for some reason, for politics I guess, they chose not to," Johnson said.
"The American people sent a clear message in November, they want us to return to common sense, but it seems that some of our friends in the other party are ignoring that plea."
Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, a prominent advocate for women athletes' rights who leads a lawsuit against the NCAA for its stance in allowing trans athletes to compete as women, also lambasted the 206 Democrats who voted against the bill.
Gaines took aim at the Democrats who argued against the new law on the basis that it would result in young girls being examined for sports eligibility.
"We heard of things like genital exams, we heard that girls would be asked to show what's in their underwear, we heard that they would have to show internal and external anatomy, inspections, Taliban-like enforcers, hire predators to peak at enforcers on and on and on, weird fearmongering about predators, but that's what Democrats do best," Gaines said.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sent a post on Bluesky criticizing the legislation on Tuesday, making unsubstantiated claims that the law would "unleash horrific child predators on girls and young women."
Jeffries' office has not offered a substantial explanation as to how the law would do this. When asked for comment by Fox News Digital, a spokesperson only said, "The post speaks for itself."
Gaines also criticized those who said the bill was "a waste of time."-
"I heard that this bill is a waste of time, and let me tell you the message I received when I heard that, it's that I am a waste of time. Girls around the country, just like me, are a waste of time. Your daughters are a waste of time to all House Democrats except for two."
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., who re-introduced the bill in the House after a failed attempt to pass it in 2023, pointed out Democrats' track record of enabling and celebrating trans inclusion in women's sports.
"The Democrats have, for years, tried to allow biological [men] to compete in our nation's women's collegiate activities," Steube said.
"It's absolutely absurd that we actually have to pass a bill that says only women can be in women's sports!"
The Biden administration, alongside other Democrats, has taken sweeping actions over the last four years to enable trans athletes in women's and girls' sports.
On Jan. 20, 2021, just hours after President Biden assumed office, he issued an executive order on "Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation."
This order included a section that read, "Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports."
Biden issued a sweeping rule that clarified that Title IX’s ban on "sex" discrimination in schools covers discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and "pregnancy or related conditions," in April. The administration insisted the regulation does not address athletic eligibility. However, multiple experts presented evidence to Fox News Digital in June that it would ultimately put more biological men in women's sports.
Democrats have proposed other federal legislation that would allow for more transgender inclusion in women's sports. These include the Equality Act, which was proposed in 2019 and has seen revisions that "would force public schools to allow biologically male athletes who identify as transgender on girls’ sports teams."
In March 2023, Democrats advocated for a transgender bill of rights, proposing a resolution "recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Transgender Bill of Rights." The resolution specifically called for federal law to ensure that biological men can "participate in sports on teams and in programs that best align with their gender identity; [and] use school facilities that best align with their gender identity."
However, those stances appeared to backfire in the November election, as Trump and Republicans pounded Democratic opponents with TV advertisements about their support for trans inclusion.
A national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America (CW) legislative action committee found that 70% of moderate voters saw the issue of "Donald Trump’s opposition to transgender boys and men playing girls' and women’s sports and of transgender boys and men using girls' and women’s bathrooms" as important to them. And 6% said it was the most important issue of all, while 44% said it was "very important."
"This was an opportunity to turn a new leaf, leave party politics behind to finally prioritize people over Washington politics. But unfortunately, it remained nearly a complete party vote, with only two Democrats willing to affirm and protect Title IX’s protections," CWA legislative strategist Macy Petty told Fox News Digital.
"This vote was not about some complicated policy issue, but a self-evident truth that civilization has recognized since Creation. When abandoned, as we’ve witnessed, women and girls face devastating consequences that require moral clarity to correct. And that’s been harder and harder to come by here in Washington."
The Dallas Cowboys' search for the franchise's next head coach is underway.
On Monday, longtime Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones confirmed that the organization and coach Mike McCarthy mutually agreed to part ways.
"Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here," Jones said in a statement.
After news of McCarthy's departure surfaced, speculation about his possible replacement ensued. During pregame coverage of Monday's wild-card round game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, ESPN reported that a former Cowboys star tight end was under consideration for the head coaching position.
"They can and will conduct a search here to try and find the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys," Adam Schefter said during ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" broadcast.
"Obviously it’s new, it’s just beginning. We’ll see what that brings them. A lot of names floating around out there. I think at some point in time they could have some level in the Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Potentially even Jason Witten, an all-time franchise great. But this is very early on. Very preliminary. And we’ll see ultimately where Jerry Jones goes with his search. But the Cowboys are in the market for a new head coach."
Witten was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent all but one of his NFL seasons with the franchise. Witten initially retired after the 2017 season, and spent some time in the ESPN broadcast booth. But he ultimately returned to the Cowboys in 2019.
He remains the franchise's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. Witten last appeared in an NFL game with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
Since parting ways with McCarthy, another former Cowboys star player has also been linked to the coaching vacancy – Deion Sanders.
Sanders, who won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys during his five-year stint with the franchise, is currently the head football coach at Colorado.
If Sanders does ultimately land in the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex, his arrival would fall in line with one of Jones' recent coaching hires. Jason Garrett was the Cowboys' head coach from 2010-19. He was primarily Troy Aikman's backup quarterback from 1993-99.
The Cowboys are looking to reset after finishing this past regular season with a 7-10 record. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott missed the final nine games due to a hamstring injury.
McCarthy went 84-49 over five seasons as the Cowboys' head coach, including three consecutive 12-5 seasons.
Despite the regular season success, McCarthy only had one playoff win over his five years with Dallas.
The Cowboys went 7-10 last season despite many key players missing significant time with injuries, including Prescott.
Prescott spoke in December about his belief in McCarthy.
"Your coach seems like he's playing on his last contract and [I’m] almost feeling helpless like I can’t help him in this situation, especially a guy you believe in so much and you believe in being your head coach," Prescott told Yahoo Sports. "Control what I can control, help and support Mike to every extent that I can."
Prescott only played in eight games due to season-ending surgery on his hamstring.
"I believe in him wholeheartedly. I don't want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance – another contract and a chance to coach this team among more influence. ‘On his terms’ may be a good way to say it," Prescott said.
In Jerry Jones’ statement about not bringing McCarthy back, he talked about how complimentary he was of McCarthy.
"Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done," the statement read.
Jones cited a joint review that led to the team parting ways with McCarthy.
"Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team."
"Prior to reaching the point of contact negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."
Once the Cowboys hire a new head coach, Prescott will be entering his 10th season with the third head coach of his career.
