LIV Golfer Bryson DeChambeau has a grand plan for the $125 million he's receiving from his Saudi Arabian bosses. 

The controversial 31-year-old golf star said during an interview on "The Joe Pomp Show" he bought 200 acres of land in his hometown of Modesto, California, and plans to expand the town by 30%.

"We are doing a mega project," DeChambeau said. "It’s been in the works for a couple of years now, and we’re at the place where we are getting permits to build. People know about it now. 

"We have acquired massive amounts of land in my hometown, and it’s a three-phase process to build a whole community and increase the size of where I grew up by 30%"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

DeChambeau says his intention is to create a prominent golf presence in the community, adding the timeline for completing this project is just over a year. 

"It’s a full-scale plan, fully thought out. It’s not only to bring golfers to the game but also to bring people to the central valley. You build a community around a multisport complex center," he said.

"It’s going to take 12-15 months to get the permits approved for the full scope. It’s over 200 acres of land what we have right now. It’s going to be a multisports complex center — driving range, golf course, residential community center, the whole thing."

DeChambeau was paid a reported $125 million to join LIV Golf in June 2022. He says his latest project is only possible because of the massive salary from the Saudi-funded organization.

WOMEN'S GOLF STAR CHARLEY HULL FAWNS OVER 'BRILLIANT, LEGEND' TRUMP AFTER DOING HIS DANCE AT TOURNAMENT

"A lot of the reason why I have been able to do this is because of LIV. They gave me the economic viability to do these things and the platform to be able to do it, growing on YouTube," he said. 

DeChambeau was one of many American golfers to incite widespread backlash from fans for choosing to compete in the Saudi-backed league when it launched due to humanitarian concerns with Saudi Arabia and its relations with the west. 

Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm were other prominent PGA stars who chose to accept the massive LIV paychecks during the league's aggressive pursuit of the sport's biggest names. 

DeChambeau is also a close friend of President Donald Trump's and invited Trump to play with him in a video on his YouTube channel. 

DeChambeau told Fox News Digital at the time he had no regrets about it.

"There’s always risk associated to that. But, from my perspective, it was focused on entertainment," DeChambeau told Fox News Digital in August at Maridoe Golf Club, site of the LIV Golf Team Championship. 

"We can talk about politics. That’s a whole different conversation, something that I was not trying to do on my YouTube channel. It was solely on providing great entertainment."

DeChambeau joined Trump, Elon Musk and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to watch the SpaceX rocket launch in November. 

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

Patrick Mahomes' mother, Randi Mahomes, announced on Instagram Friday that the quarterback's grandfather is in hospice. 

"My dad is in hospice and I'm lost for words," the mother wrote in the post.

Randi added to her post the bible verse Colossians 3:20, which in The Bible says "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Randi previously announced that her father was in the hospital in mid-September. 

"Prayer warriors please pray for my daddy. He is in the hospital and is not well His name is Randy," she wrote on X on Sept. 14. A few days later, she made an Instagram post that read, "This is how I fight my battles. If you are seeing this, take a moment, and PRAY for my dad now." 

Now, the news that Mahomes' grandfather is in hospice comes just days before Mahomes is set to lead the Kansas City Chiefs against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game, as the quarterback is looking to become the first in history to win three straight Super Bowls. 

The news also comes just under two weeks after Mahomes and his wife Brittany welcomed his third child into the world, when daughter Golden Raye was born on Jan. 12. 

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

For Mahomes, a historic season has also been one of constant family chaos. His grandfather being placed in hospice shortly after the birth of his third child is only the latest unfortunate development for his family over the last year. 

In March, his brother Jackson Mahomes was sentenced to six months probation for allegedly assaulting a woman. Jackson pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of battery. The sentencing came just months after prosecutors dismissed three felony charges for aggravated sexual battery related to accusations that he had grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will. 

Then, in August, Brittany was thrust into the center of a national political controversy and faced a barrage of online attacks from liberals after she simply liked a post on President Donald Trump's Instagram. Screenshots of her like went viral, and she faced so much backlash that she had to address the controversy multiple times in other Instagram posts. 

BRETT FAVRE BACKS PATRICK MAHOMES ON PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT STANCE AMID TRUMP VS. TAYLOR SWIFT CONTROVERSY

The controversy surrounding Brittany was elevated due to her widely publicized friendship with Taylor Swift, as Swift is a Democrat who endorsed Kamala Harris in the recent election. Swift was seen sitting separately from Brittany at Chiefs games this year after they were often seen sitting together last season, which only fueled the controversy and conversation over their political differences. 

Trump himself thrust the Mahomes family further into the national political conversation ahead of the election when he acknowledged Brittany's support and thanked her on social media and in a Fox & Friends interview on Sept. 11, as Mahomes was forced to field questions on the subject from reporters later that day. 

Randi also engrossed herself in the controversy when she announced her support for Trump at the Chiefs' game against the Buccaneers on Nov. 4, just one day before the election. Randi invited some criticism to her and the rest of the family by liberals on social media for her Trump support but never acknowledged the backlash like Brittany did. 

Meanwhile, Mahomes' father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., was dealt a jail sentence and five years probation in late September for driving under the influence of alcohol in February. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail, followed by a five-year probation period, and will be subject to "intense supervision" for the first year of his probation, according to KCTV in Kansas City. 

He also had his driver's license suspended for a year and is required to continue AA courses and will have a breathalyzer ignition device installed in his car.

For the Chiefs quarterback, these distractions all took place in what was, statistically, the worst season of his NFL career as a starter. 

Mahomes put up career-lows in passing yards and touchdowns while missing the Pro Bowl for the first time since taking over the starting job in 2018. 

However, this didn't stop Mahomes from doing just enough to lead the Chiefs to the best record they've ever had in their history, with a staggering 15-2 regular season record. Despite struggling in the passing game, Mahomes did just enough every week to make sure his team won all but one game that he started, all while confronted by numerous family distractions.

The one loss Mahomes suffered for the Chiefs this year came against the very team he will play on Sunday, when the Bills beat the Chiefs 30-21 on Nov. 17. The Chiefs' second loss came in the final game of the regular season when Mahomes sat out to avoid injury with nothing to gain in the standings.

Now, with his grandfather in hospice, Mahomes will take the field for a rematch against the Bills on Sunday with a chance to lead his team to a third straight Super Bowl, as he looks to cap off a turbulent but resilient year. 

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

Super Bowl champion and Nebraska Cornhuskers legend Calvin Jones died Wednesday at 54.

Police officers were called to Jones’ home after a neighbor called firefighters to report an odor of gas coming from the house, Omaha police told WOWT-TV.

Officers said a man was found unconscious in the basement and that a generator was running. The man was later identified as Jones. 

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Jones’ death is indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning, but an official cause of death is pending an autopsy report. 

Jones, an Omaha native, starred with the Cornhuskers from 1991 to 1993. He rushed for 3,183 yards and 40 touchdowns across three seasons. 

He led the Big 8 conference in scoring in each of his freshman, sophomore and junior years. He also led the Big 8 in rushing yards and yards per attempt in his sophomore season with 1,210 yards and 7.2 yards per attempt.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jones and fellow running back Derek Brown created head coach Tom Osborne’s "we-back" system. Both Jones and Brown were I-backs and together formed one of college football’s best ever running back duos. 

The pair averaged 329 yards per game on the ground en route to leading Nebraska to the Orange Bowl. No other duo averaged more yards per game that season than Jones and Brown. 

After Jones’ illustrious college career, he was selected in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders.

Jones played 15 games across two seasons with the Raiders, rushing for 112 yards on 27 carries.

He played one game for the Green Bay Packers while winning the Super Bowl with them in 1997. 

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

Tiger Woods' famed annual golfing event, The Genesis Invitational, is being moved from Los Angeles to San Diego after the devastating wildfires damaged the original course. 

The PGA announced Friday the event will move 123 miles south to Torrey Pines Golf Course in the La Jolla neighborhood in San Diego, the site of this week's Farmers Insurance Open.

Woods says the event will be a platform to help fire victims.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"We are grateful to the City of San Diego and Torrey Pines for hosting the 2025 Genesis Invitational, and to everyone who has reached out in support of the tournament," Woods said in a statement. "While Riviera remains the home of The Genesis Invitational, we look forward to playing on another championship caliber golf course this year and using the tournament to support those affected by the fires in the Los Angeles area."

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOLF COURSE'S CLUBHOUSE BURNS DOWN AMID WILDFIRES: 'WE WILL COME BACK STRONGER'

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan also expressed gratitude.

"Our thanks to Tiger Woods, TGR Live and Genesis for their leadership in these efforts," Monahan said.  "We are grateful to Farmers Insurance, [San Diego Mayor] Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego and the Century Club for extending the invitation to relocate The Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines."

"Highlighting the resilience of Los Angeles and the need for continued support for the ongoing recovery efforts is what our collective teams are working towards with the playing of The Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines," Monahan added in his statement.

The Riviera Country Club, where the event was originally supposed to be played, was not destroyed by the fires. However, it is dealing with power and water issues, and the tournament is being moved out of respect to fire victims.

The Genesis Invitational is expected to return to The Riviera Country Club in 2026. 

"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 on 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."

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

Nikola Jokić is well on his way to winning his fourth MVP in five seasons, and performances like Thursday night's are why that's the case.

The Serbian superstar put up perhaps his most impressive game ever, and one of the best in NBA history, en route to his Denver Nuggets' 132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Jokić dropped 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and handed out 17 assists in the contest, good for his league-leading 20th triple-double of the season; the next-closest is LeBron James with nine, so he is quite literally lapping the field.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

With the performance, Jokić became just the second person in NBA history to drop 35-plus points, grab 20 or more rebounds, and dish out at least 15 assists in a game. The other? Wilt Chamberlain, who did so back on February 14, 1962, when he put up 35-24-15.

But in putting up the dominant numbers came something that you have to see to believe.

With the seconds winding down in the third quarter, and the Nuggets up big, Jokić decided to heave a shot at the opposite end of the court. Well, when you're hot, you're hot.

It's now five consecutive triple-doubles for Jokić, who is averaging a career-high 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds (his second-most), and 10.1 assists, also the most of his career. But the shot is what seemed to take the arena by storm - except Jokić, of course.

"I thought it had a chance, and then boom," said teammate Russell Westbrook, who ironically is the last player to average a triple-double in a season. "The best part of it was no reaction from him. Which I love."

Added head coach Michael Malone, "Not surprising. He’s a guy that has this uncanny ability."

"When you play you want to make every shot," Jokić said. "I took it to make it and I did make it. It’s a lucky shot, not really a high-percentage shot, but I took it to make it. It’s three points. It’s going to help us."

Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a 30-point triple-double in NBA history, but Jokić could very well join their company.

"I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played," Jokić said. "I’m feeling good out there, I’m in shape, the ball is going in. I think I’m playing really good."

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.

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins wants offensive linemen to start getting some recognition. 

While the offensive linemen are named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro teams, there currently is not an offensive lineman of the year award or anything of that ilk.

"Offensive linemen don't have awards for being great. There's not a 'Protector of the Year' award. I'm knocking on so many doors now to get this award going. I'm gonna head spear it and make sure this gets done before I'm done playing," Dawkins said during his press conference on Thursday.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

"Because there's so many greats. So many greats. We have great quarterbacks, we have great running backs, we have rushing titles, we have quarterback passing titles. All of those titles are reflections of the O-lineman, which are the protectors."

At the college level, offensive linemen are recognized with numerous different awards.

The Lombardi Award is awarded to the best college football lineman of the year, tight end or linebacker. This season, it was awarded to Texas Longhorn left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.

The Outland Trophy is given to the best interior lineman both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Banks also won that award this season. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Rimington Trophy is awarded to the best center, which was given to Ohio State Buckeye’s star center Seth McLaughlin. 

The NFL awards the MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The only award offensive linemen have a realistic chance of winning is Walter Payton Man of the Year, an award given for acts of service to the community, which is an off-the-field award. 

Dawkins has spent all eight seasons of his career with the Bills, which will be put the test this weekend when the Bills take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

Dawkins, a four-time Pro Bowler, will be tasked with stopping star defensive lineman Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Leo Chenal and others who will try to pursue Josh Allen. 

The Bills and Chiefs are set to play at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. 

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

An ambassador for the Riley Gaines Center at the Learning Institute held a fairness in women's sports rally earlier this week, but she was bombarded by "violent" protesters.

Olivia Krolczyk was at the University of Washington this week to speak about transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports, but she was met with plenty who opposed her.

"As soon as I arrived on campus, I was immediately met with confrontation. I had signs and flyers everywhere across campus telling me to leave, rallying people for the protest. It was insane – you couldn’t walk 10 feet without seeing them," Krolczyk told OutKick's Charly Arnolt on Friday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Krolczyk then said there were 100 protesters "line-dancing to country music, which seems a little weird. Usually, that’s a conservative thing, is country music."

She said the protest was initially peaceful. 

"However, it went from 0 to 100 in five minutes. It turned absolutely violent when Antifa showed up. We ended up having about 200 protesters," Krolczyk said.

CONNECTICUT LAWMAKER INTRODUCES BILL THAT WOULD LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING ON FLIGHTS TO, FROM STATE

"Immediately, the fire alarm was pulled, the doors were blocked, and no one could get in or out of the building. We were essentially held hostage inside the event space. We only had 10 security officers compared to 200 protesters, so there wasn’t much we could do.

"The protesters were certainly violent. They were breaking windows, throwing in noisemakers that screech really loud, pulling the fire alarms constantly, wasting the fire department’s time."

According to her bio on the center's website, Krolczyk joined the center upon receiving a failing grade for using the term "biological woman." 

She then posted about the experience on TikTok, which got 6 million views, but it was deleted for "community guideline violations," and she was permanently banned.

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

Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, sent a letter to Judge John W. Holcomb, asking for leniency in his sentencing and outlining the reasons for his gambling issues. 

Mizuhara committed bank fraud and tax fraud as he stole nearly $17 million of Ohtani’s money to pay off gambling debts. 

Federal prosecutors asked for a 57-month prison sentence, while also asking Mizuhara to pay $16.9 million of restitution to Ohtani, and another $1.1 million to the IRS.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Mizuhara asked for an 18-month sentence in prison, while revealing the factors in his life that drove him to gamble, in his letter obtained by The Athletic.

Mizuhara said he has sacrificed his life and his family's lives since becoming Ohtani’s interpreter/manager in late 2017.

"Usually, when a Japanese baseball player makes the move to the United States, they would bring over multiple staff members to take care of various tasks, such as a driver, trainer, chef, off-the-field interpreter/support member, etc. However, I was the only person Shohei brought along," Mizuhara said in the letter.

"So naturally, I had to support him with most of the above-mentioned tasks. I drove him everywhere he needed to be, went on frequent grocery runs, ran random errands whenever he needed them, so I felt like I was on call 24/7."

SHOHEI OHTANI'S EX-INTERPRETER IMPERSONATED DODGERS STAR TO PUSH THROUGH 6-FIGURE WIRE TRANSFER, AUDIO REVEALS

Mizuhara said the busy baseball schedule, combined with the international time difference dealing with Ohtani’s management team in Japan, would keep him up late at night on the phone, causing him to lose sleep. 

Mizuhara said the offseason was more difficult than the baseball season, due to Ohtani’s demanding schedule.

"The offseason was much harder both physically and mentally. Shohei would train 5-6 times per week, and I was responsible for reserving the facility, setting up and cleaning up all of the practice equipment, filming and tracking all of his exercises, being his training partner (as it was just him and I during all of the offseason training), driving him back and forth, and communicating all of this back to the Angels and his personal pitching/hitting/rehabilitation people in the United States."

"I would also be running daily errands such as grocery shopping, checking his mailbox, fixing his bicycle, accompanying him when he went back to Iwate Prefecture to visit his family, taking his dog to the vet and groomer, dropping off and picking up his dinners with peers while I waited in the car, helping to coordinate Japanese and U.S. lawyers for his marriage prenup and attending meetings, etc."

In addition to those tasks, Mizuhara said he was responsible for communicating with the endorsement and brokerage companies to set up Ohtani’s commercial shoots. Those shoots were once per week in between offseason training, leaving Mizuhara with little time off. 

SHOHEI OHTANI'S FORMER INTERPRETER IPPEI MIZUHARA AGREES TO PLEAD GUILTY TO FEDERAL BANK, TAX FRAUD CHARGES

With all the work he was doing for Ohtani, Mizuhara said he felt severely underpaid. Mizuhara said the Angels paid him $85,000 in 2018, $87,000 from 2019 to 2021, $99,611.16 in 2022, and $250,000 in 2023; but Ohtani paid him roughly $11,000 per year.

"I felt like I was getting severely underpaid, but I was afraid to speak up for myself, as I was on a one-year contract every year, and I didn’t want to upset them and risk being fired," Mizuhara said.

JAPANESE PHENOM ROKI SASAKI SAYS HE WANTS TO TRY AN 'AMERICAN HAMBURGER' AFTER SIGNING WITH THE DODGERS

Another challenge of working for Ohtani was that Mizuhara had to live close by to Ohtani, which meant he had to pay higher rent to have a place near him. 

"All of these extra expenses were taking a huge toll on me, and I was living paycheck to paycheck. There were months when I had to borrow money from family and friends to make ends meet."

Mizuhara said he had opportunities to help himself financially, "such as writing books, doing TV/radio interviews, and appearing in TV commercials, which would have helped me financially, but they were all shut down by Shohei and his company in Japan."

Among the salary, high demands of his job, and not being able to make any money for himself on the side, Mizuhara said he thought gambling might be an opportunity to help himself financially.

"Before I knew it, my gambling debt had grown so much that I couldn’t find any way to pay it off but by using Shohei’s money," Mizuhara said. "I felt terribly guilty about putting my hands on his money, but at the time, it seemed like the only solution."

Mizuhara can now only hope that Judge Holcomb can find some sympathy for him in his sentencing, with his side of the story now out there. 

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

After giving up on a project that was Antonio Pierce, the Las Vegas Raiders are bringing in a coaching veteran.

The Raiders have reportedly agreed to a deal that would make Pete Carroll their next head coach.

After firing Josh McDaniels in 2023, the Raiders made Pierce their interim head coach. He appeared to turn the locker room around, and the Raiders went 5-4 in their final nine games.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

However, they went just 4-13 this season amid rough quarterback play, and Pierce lasted just one season without the interim tag.

It is a total revamp for Vegas, as they also fired general manager Tom Telesco just days after getting rid of Pierce.

Carroll was reportedly given a three-year deal with a team option for a fourth.

Carroll, who will turn 74 at the beginning of the NFL season, was an advisor for the Seattle Seahawks after being their head coach for 14 seasons. He coached them to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, winning one.

Before joining Seattle, Carroll was on the USC sidelines for 10 seasons where, in similar fashion, he took the Trojans to back-to-back national championships, but split those. He was also the head coach of the Jets and Patriots in the 1990s.

CONNECTICUT LAWMAKER INTRODUCES BILL THAT WOULD LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING ON FLIGHTS TO, FROM STATE

Carroll won four Rose Bowls at USC and five division titles with Seattle.

The Raiders have the sixth overall pick, which isn't ideal for them as they desperately need a quarterback. It figures that Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will be taken within the top three.

Carroll becomes the fourth head coach for the Raiders since the turn of the decade, joining Jon Gruden, McDaniels and Pierce. Rich Bisaccia was also the interim head coach after Gruden resigned following his email controversy.

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

A bill in Connecticut has been introduced that would allow sports gambling on flights that are set to depart or arrive in the state, despite other state's laws on betting.

State Rep. Christopher Rosario introduced the bill on Wednesday. Federal laws, however, could keep the bill from advancing, including the Gambling Devices Act of 1962, which prohibits the use of gambling devices on commercial flights.

However, with bets being able to be placed at the tap of a finger, attorney Daniel Wallach does not see that as much of a hurdle.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"A cell phone is not a gambling device," Wallach told Front Office Sports. "A cell phone doesn’t determine winners or losers; it’s just a means of communication. No different than a pencil writing your name on a betting slip and handing it to an agent. [The act] doesn’t prohibit monetary gambling; it prohibits gambling devices."

The largest issue, perhaps, is the fact that there are a dozen states that have kept sports gambling illegal. Thirty-seven states have made it legal in some capacity within the last decade. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 states that interstate gambling is prohibited.

Delta Air Lines appears to be close to partnering with DraftKings, which has become a sports gambling powerhouse after starting off as a daily fantasy company.

DEREK JETER SAYS VOTERS SHOULD BE 'ACCOUNTABLE' AFTER ICHIRO FALLS 1 VOTE SHY OF UNANIMOUS HALL OF FAME NOD

Eilers & Krejcik, an independent research firm, conducted a new study showing sports betting would pay off for the state of Texas, where sports betting remains illegal.

The study, "Legal Online Sports Betting In Texas: Revenue Forecast And Economic Impact Analysis," estimates the market could generate over $360 million in direct tax revenue for the state, while adding over 8,000 jobs.

The report estimated Texas would benefit from over $2.6 billion annually in economic output, adding that non-gaming tax revenues generated from legal sports betting are expected to total $24.3 million per year.

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

Divisiveness is alive and well throughout the country, and NBA legend Charles Barkley has placed the blame on politicians for that.

Barkley's "Inside the NBA" aired on Martin Luther King Day on Monday, when he, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny "The Jet" Smith were discussing the importance of the day, which also coincided with President Donald Trump's inauguration.

"I wish that people were smarter, personally," Barkley began. "I think these politicians – both parties – I think both parties suck. But I think they do a really good job of making us not like each other."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Barkley, a former CNN host, then gave his answer on what America has "become."

"Racism exists, always has, always will, unfortunately. It's a disaster. But what America has become is rich people against poor people. And I wish people would understand that politicians do a good job of making us fight with each other. But it’s really rich people against poor people," Barkley said. "They try to make it about Black, white, immigration, homosexuality and all these different things, but what it is, is rich people making people not liking each other. And until we address that, we’re never gonna be successful."

HEAT SUSPEND JIMMY BUTLER AGAIN AFTER MISSING FLIGHT FOR ROAD TRIP: REPORT

"These politicians have screwed up our world, making you pick a team," Barkley added. "And that’s unfortunate because I’m not for anybody’s team. I’m for everybody’s team."

Barkley has said he is "not a fan" of Trump and blamed the Democrats for losing because they were "stupid."

"We still haven’t solved the immigration problem . . . never addressed inflation. Bringing all these stupid stars out to rally the vote, what was that? I love Beyoncé. That ain’t gonna make me vote a certain type of way . . . you guys lost because y’all stupid . . ." Barkley said on "The Steam Room" podcast with his "NBA on TNT" co-host Ernie Johnson shortly after the election.

"It’s all our faults for not having a game plan. We’re not having concerts and rallies. People want solutions, they want money in their pocket, they want the border secure."

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

The Melbourne, Austrailia, crowd was not kind to Novak Djokovic early Friday morning.

In his quest to extend his record with a 25th grand slam, Djokovic only managed to play one set, withdrawing from his Australian Open semifinal match after tearing a muscle in his left leg.

The withdrawal sent Alexander Zverev to Sunday's final against Jannick Sinner, and it left the crowd disappointed.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

After he conceded the match to Zverev, who won the set, fans booed him as he walked off toward the locker room.

Djokovic stopped, turned around and responded by giving two thumbs-up.

Zverev made his disappointment with the crowd known.

"Don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury. I know that everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see a great five-set match, but you gotta understand Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything of his life," Zverev said in his on-court interview.

"He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear. He has won this tournament with a hamstring tear. If he can’t continue a tennis match, it really means he can’t continue a tennis match. So, please be respectful."

AMERICAN TENNIS STAR BEN SHELTON PUTS AUSTRALIAN OPEN TV INTERVIEWERS ON BLAST OVER TREATMENT OF PLAYERS

John McEnroe added on the call, "They can't possibly be booing him. Please! He's won this 10 times, for god's sakes. Unreal…

"I mean, clearly something was up. The guy is a battler. I mean, him and Rafa [Nadal] have dug deeper than any two players I have seen. So to do that because he decided that he couldn't go on after what he's done here I thought was absolutely ludicrous, honestly. That was almost as depressing as seeing the end of the match."

Djokovic suffered the injury during his five-set classic with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal, but he said the pain was getting "worse and worse."

"Towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain, and it was too much to handle for me at the moment. So, yeah, unfortunate ending, but I tried," Djokovic said.

"I knew even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me."

He withdrew from last year’s French Open before the quarterfinals after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during a match.

Djokovic had surgery a couple of days later and immediately reached the final at the following major, Wimbledon, then won a gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics.

This will be Zverev's first final at the Australian Open and the third final of his career. He also made last year's French Open final as well as the 2020 U.S. Open.

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.

A woman was indicted on 13 counts, including vehicular manslaughter, for the automobile crash that killed Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson back in July.

Jackson and two others were killed in the crash that occurred in the early hours of July 6, weeks before training camp began.

Cori Clingman was indicted on 13 counts, including vehicular manslaughter related to driving under the influence, according to prosecutors in Prince George’s County, a Washington suburb.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Clingman faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said.

Jackson was drafted in the fourth round of last year's NFL Draft but was never able to take a snap.

"I am absolutely crushed by this news," head coach Kevin O'Connell said at the time of Jackson's death.

"Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches."

OHIO STATE'S EMEKA EGBUKA REFLECTS ON HOW BUCKEYES RALLIED FROM MICHIGAN LOSS TO WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Jackson, a passenger, and 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel, who had been driving the car, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Police said 23-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr., who had been sitting in the rear of the car, was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The three played high school football together and won a state championship.

Police said Clingman crashed into the car carrying the three men while attempting to change lanes. Police said she had been "driving at a high rate of speed" when she struck the vehicle.

Clingman had two other passengers in the car at the time of the crash, but none were injured as a result. The driver of a third vehicle involved was also uninjured. 

Jackson took a break from football after high school, but he returned to the sport when he attended community college, where he made the switch from wide receiver to cornerback. He played two seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama before finishing his collegiate career at Oregon, where he was an all-Pac-12 first-team selection.

Fox News' Paulina Dedaj 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.

There's always one. 

That was the case on Monday when Ichiro Suzuki was just one vote shy of becoming the second player to be unanimously elected into the Hall of Fame.

Ichiro received 393 of the 394 votes cast by longtime baseball writers. Mariano Rivera remains the lone unanimous vote-getter, accomplishing the feat in 2019.

Ichiro, of course, undoubtedly belongs in Cooperstown with over 3,000 hits and 10 Gold Gloves in his prestigious career. It was always a guarantee he'd be in, but it was a matter of whether he'd get 100% of the vote.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

When it was revealed that just one person did not vote for him, the celebration quickly turned into anger on social media.

Five years ago, Derek Jeter also fell one vote short of unanimity. At the time, in typical Jeter fashion, he took the high road and said it was difficult to get everyone to agree on something. During his induction ceremony, he threw a shot at the lone voter who did not check his name on his ballot.

But with Ichiro's snub, Jeter said the voters should be held accountable for their actions.

"A lot of players have been unbelievable that are in the Hall of Fame and haven’t gotten 100% of the vote. I never expected it, and I would never sit here and say everyone should’ve voted for me or everyone should have voted for Ichiro," Jeter told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

"The only thing I do think is fair is that I think a lot of members of the media want athletes to be responsible and accountable; I think they should do the same thing. I get asked this question, I get tired of being asked this question, and I think they should answer it."

Jeter had plenty of success on the diamond, and he's hoping to have more of it this weekend in Miami as a captain for the Reserve Cup Miami Padel tournament, along with Andrew Schulz and Jimmy Butler.

"It's a fun sport to watch. I had never watched actual live, professional padel before. And it's pretty fun to watch all the athleticism," Jeter said. "It's good to see people active. I haven't been very active since I retired. I've slowed down my physical activity. It's fun to see the sport grow. I know it's huge internationally, Wayne [Boich] had a vision to grow it here in the U.S., and he really deserves a lot of credit."

Ichiro joined the majors in 2001 as a highly touted Japanese prospect, hitting .353 during his nine seasons in his home country, where he won three MVPs and was a seven-time All-Star. Joining the Mariners at age 28, he immediately lived up to the hype, winning the AL MVP and helping that year’s Mariners team to a record 116 wins.

From 2001 to 2010, Ichiro was named an All-Star in each season while also winning a Gold Glove Award every year. In that span, he won three Silver Slugger Awards and two batting titles while putting up a .331 average and .806 OPS.  In 2004, he set the all-time single-season record with 262 hits, and he’s the only player in MLB history to register 10 straight 200-plus hit seasons. He also stole over 500 bases and is one of just seven players to record 3,000 hits and 500 stolen bases.

After just his 11th MLB game, his career average never again dipped below .300. He retired with a .311 average, 3,089 hits, and a 60.0 WAR. In the live ball era (since 1920), he is one of just 21 players with at least 10 seasons of hitting .300 (among qualified hitters) and only one of seven to do it 10 straight years. Ichiro spent the majority of his career with the Mariners, making stops with the Yankees and Marlins.

Ichiro and Jeter played together from 2012 through 2014.

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

NFL legend Champ Bailey was among those glued to the television when he saw the controversial penalties called on the Houston Texans during their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes drew two penalties that had the entire NFL world talking on Saturday and nearly drew a third as he was accused of flopping out of bounds on the sidelines as the Chiefs drove down the field. 

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Bailey, a former Denver Broncos and then-Washington Redskins star cornerback, was upset with the penalty flags on the two plays, particularly the one in which Mahomes tried to slide at the last minute before he was met by two Texans defenders. Houston linebacker Henry To’oTo’o was called for unnecessary roughness on the play.

"It’s like everything else. They review everything," he said. "So, when they’re able to go back and look at these type of plays, like the play I think you’re referring to on [Saturday] when he drops to the ground and then the guys go over him, don’t even hit him, but they appear to. You should be able to review that [on] some level and say, well, that wasn’t as egregious as we thought in real time, because those things change the trajectory of the game. You really change the outcome now.

TOM BRADY SAYS QBs WHO SCRAMBLE ‘SHOULD LOSE THEIR PROTECTION’ AMID PATRICK MAHOMES CONTROVERSY

"Defenders are hesitant to hit him, but here he is. He’s dancing around, toying around with the guys and making it seem like he’s the runner and then drops down, and now he’s protected like a quarterback. Once you’re outside of the pocket, man, it’s fair game. I don’t know why he’s protected when he’s outside of the pocket the way he was, because if he was the running back and did the same thing, do you think they throw the flag? No, they don’t."

Bailey, who spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of his partnership with cannabis company Trulieve, said he’s started to empathize with fans who think NFL games are supposedly "rigged" or favor Mahomes in some way.

All he’s asking for is some consistency.

"So, let’s be consistent in that way, and when you get it wrong, try to get it right," Bailey said. "I think the more they can get calls right in real time, the integrity increases in the game and people start to believe that the games aren’t fixed. 

"I don’t feel like the games are fixed because I was in it, but when I’m sitting here every year – I’m out of the league – the more and more I start believing what the fans are saying about the games being ‘fixed,’ because you see things like this happen over and over, so they just got to figure out a way to get the calls right and live with it."

Mahomes said Wednesday he didn’t believe officials favored the Chiefs.

"I just try to play football at the end of the day. The referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and proper as best they can," Mahomes said. "For me, it's go out there, play hard, try to do whatever I can to win the football game and then live with the results based on my effort and how I play the game, and that's what we preach here in Kansas City."

Kansas City meets the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship on Sunday.

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.

A four-minute audio recording was disclosed by federal prosecutors Thursday that shows Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly attempting to push through a six-figure wire transfer from one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star’s accounts by impersonating him. 

Mizuhara has been convicted of defrauding Ohtani, the National League MVP and world baseball superstar, and the recording, obtained by The Athletic from the Department of Justice, is a key piece of evidence. 

It was mentioned in a court filing, which also had prosecutors recommending a nearly five-year sentence for Mizuhara and an order to repay Ohtani, according to The Athletic. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Mizuhara, who is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 6, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return after stealing almost $17 million from Ohtani, who he was best friends with for years, in June 2024. 

The recording was obtained from a bank, assistant U.S. attorney Jeff Mitchell told The Athletic, and it supports prosecutors’ claims that Mizuhara would call banks to arrange wire transfers. 

Prosecutors added that the recording was edited to redact bank names and the name of an "unindicated co-conspirator."

FORMER SHOHEI OHTANI INTERPRETER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGES IN SPORTS BETTING CASE

In the recording, Mizuhara clearly states his name is Ohtani after the bank agent asks, "Who am I speaking with?" Mizuhara bypassed the bank’s security measures and changed Ohtani’s account information to include his own email and phone number.

So, when the bank agent asks Mizuhara to perform a two-factor authentication using a six-digit code sent to a phone number, he can do so because it’s going to his phone instead of Ohtani’s. 

The recording shows Mizuhara matching the numbers, which allows the agent to work on his request, a car loan for $200,000.

"Now recently, we’ve come across a trend of fraud and scams, so we have been monitoring the online transactions closely to make sure our clients are not the victim of either," the agent says first. "What is the reason for this transaction?"

Then, the agent asks "Ohtani" what his relationship to the payee is, to which Mizuhara says, "He’s my friend."

"Have you met your friend in person"" the agent responds. 

"Yes, many times," Mizuhara answered. 

Mizuhara said he stole from Ohtani to cover "major gambling debt," which he said in a brief statement after pleading guilty. 

"I went ahead and wired money … with his bank account," Mizuhara said in the statement at the time. 

Prosecutors asked that the restitution amount bet set at nearly $17 million for Ohtani, though it was noted Mizuhara is unable to pay that back to the All-Star. Another $1.1 million in restitution is being sought by the IRS.

The ex-interpreter’s winning bets totaled over $142 million, which he deposited into his own bank account and not Ohtani’s. His losing bets were around $183 million. He did not bet on baseball.

There is also no indication Ohtani bet on baseball. 

The Athletic reported the court filing says that, between December 2021 and January 2024, Mizuhara placed around 19,000 bets online through Matthew Bowyer, his bookie who also pleaded guilty to running an illegal gambling business in August 2024.

Mizuhara’s debt was up to $40.7 million. 

"His years-long theft of funds from Mr. Ohtani and the myriad lies he told to Mr. Ohtani’s agents and financial advisors to cover up his theft represent a calculated betrayal of the very person he was hired to help," Mitchell wrote in the court filing. 

"To summarize how I’m feeling right now, I’m just beyond shocked," Ohtani said in a statement on the matter last year. "It’s really hard to verbalize how I’m feeling at this point.

"I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this."

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

Tempers flared during a high school basketball game in Georgia this month. The heated moment appeared to spark a physical altercation between players from opposing teams. 

TMZ reported that the fight in question happened during a game between Sonoraville High School and Rockmart High School on Jan. 3 in Calhoun, Georgia. Calhoun is located approximately 70 miles from downtown Atlanta.

A video posted to social media appeared to show an unidentified Rockmart player shoving one of Sonoraville's athletes to the ground. The Rockmart athlete then immediately hit the Sonoraville player in the face immediately after he regained his footing.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Rockmart player was later seen punching a separate player from the opposing team. 

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYER JUMPS INTO ACTION TO SAVE OPPONENT'S LIFE AFTER HARROWING ON-COURT COLLAPSE

The second Sonoraville player was hit after he dashed toward the scuffle. Spectators in the crowd could be heard making noises as they reacted to the situation. The video also showed some individuals moving from the stands to the court area to intervene.

An incident report from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office suggested a Rockmart player was provoked by the repeated use of a racial slur by the player from the opposing team.

The teenager who appeared to initiate physical contact during the incident faces two charges of simple battery, per the police report. The brawl broke out during the third quarter of the game.

Officials from Rockmart High School and Sonoraville High School have yet to offer public comment on the incident.

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

After alienating Democratic voters with unsubstantiated claims that the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act would empower child predators to give genital examinations to young girls, the two most prominent figures on the left in the House of Representatives are not addressing the issue. 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. were among 206 Democrats who voted against a bill that would prevent transgender athletes from competing against girls and women last week. 

Jeffries and Ocasio-Cortez pushed the unsubstantiated claims it would subject girls to genital examinations by child predators. No language exists in the bill suggesting genital examinations would occur, and Republicans argued proof of birth sex could be determined by a birth certificate. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jeffries and Ocasio-Cortez have not responded to multiple requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding their arguments, subsequent backlash from Democratic voters who have said they are leaving the party in response to the arguments and data that suggests that a majority of Democrats oppose transgender inclusion in women's sports. 

However, Ocasio-Cortez addressed the idea of culture wars about transgender people being a distraction during an interview on "The Weekly Show with John Stewart" podcast" Thursday.

"When we allow ourselves to constantly be distracted by these culture wars around trans people, it's a new thing every day, and the answer isn't that we just let those people be attacked, it's that we say, ‘What are you doing, man?’ I think we need to make standing up for those folks just such an afterthought that it's not even a debate," Ocasio-Cortez said. 

"Like, we need to understand and see the bait for what it is, but we don’t take the bait by letting those rights just erode and go by the wayside."

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

Ocasio-Cortez's suggestion that the party should make protecting transgender people an afterthought comes after she delivered a tirade in defense of transgender people and in opposition to the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act on the floor of the House of Representatives last week.

Her rant prompted widespread mockery, and Democrats have since spoken up about their distaste for her and the party's handling of the issue. 

Prominent Rutgers law professor Gary Francione, a lifelong Democrat and advocate for LGBTQ rights, told Fox News Digital he left the Democratic Party in response to its opposition to the bill. 

"That just made me very upset because it screamed out lack of integrity, lack of honesty," Francione told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. "This is the way you fight battles? By trying to insult other people who oppose you and disagree with you and insinuate that they're child molesters or pedophiles? It seems to me you've lost the game. … I don't know how they're ever going to come back from this." 

Francione said many of the other Democrats in his network of law and education share his disdain for the party's response to the bill and will also be leaving the party. 

"I can say confidently of the people I know who are Democrats who I've spoken to, the vast majority of them are very unhappy about all of this stuff and feel that the party has lost its way," Francione said. "I know a couple who said they are going to [unregister]." 

Voter registration data suggests the party is losing members in Francione's home state of Pennsylvania. However, no specific information for why is available. Prominent political organizer Scott Pressler announced on X the voter registration data shows that the number of Democratic voters declined by 24,867 from Jan. 14 to Jan. 21, the week that followed the House of Representatives hearing. 

Just two Democrats joined the Republican majority in voting in favor of the bill, representatives Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, both of Texas. Their decision to defect from the rest of the party and vote for the protection of women and girls in sports reflects a growing position of many voters in their party and independents, according to recent data. 

A recent New York Times/Ipsos survey found the vast majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, don't think transgender athletes should be permitted to compete in women's sports. Of the 2,128 people polled, 79% said biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women. 

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is headed to the Senate after passing in the House, and it will need more votes by Democrats to get past a filibuster and move to President Donald Trump's desk. 

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview she expects and hopes the bill will get the Democratic votes it needs to pass the Senate. 

"I would expect there would be. I would hope there would be," she said. 

"Many of my friends who are Democrats will tell you that they think Title IX is a thing, and to have biological males competing against women is inappropriate. And they want opportunities for their daughters or nieces or granddaughters. And it's frustrating to them when they hear about or witness a transgender male playing in a women's or girls league."

Blackburn added she has "no idea" what the Democrats who suggested the law would subject girls to genital examinations were thinking when they made that argument. 

"I find it very difficult to believe that protecting girls in sports would have such an adverse effect," Blackburn said. "Looking at the content of the bill is the best way to argue against it and know that a vast majority of Americans support protecting girls in girls' sports." 

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

American-born gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar, who represented the Philippines at last year's Paris Olympics, announced plans to step back from competition to address her health.

She said she would begin treatment for an eating disorder.

"Hi everyone, I wanted to come on here today to share some deeply personal information. I have decided to redshirt this season and take a brief leave of absence from Stanford (just the winter quarter) to heal from an eating disorder I have been struggling with. I will return to school and training before the spring quarter starts," Jung-Ruivivar wrote in a statement via a collaborative Instagram post with the Stanford gymnastics account.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jung-Ruivivar, 18, is a student at Stanford University. She added that her struggle with the disorder has hurt her athletic career and her time as a student.

"My time at Stanford has been everything I dreamed of and more. I have been loving gymnastics and school and both have been going well, however I felt the disorder was infringing on my ability to fully enjoy these aspects of my life; it was pulling an abundant amount of my mental and physical energy away from the things I hold dear," the star gymnast wrote.

GYMNAST SIMONE BILES VOWS TO 'NEVER' RETURN TO PILATES CLASS, CITES DIFFICULTY WITH FIRST EXPERIENCE

Jung-Ruivivar admitted she experienced "lots of trepidation" as she weighed whether to speak out about her private battle. But she determined it was "important" for her to share what she was grappling with.

"As an elite athlete, I felt it was vital to stop the damage it was doing to my body and mind by seeking help," she added.

Jung-Ruivivar also expressed appreciation for the support she's received from loved ones and coaches, adding she looks "forward to getting to relish all of this and more as I overcome my eating disorder."

Fellow gymnast Hezly Rivera showed support for Jung-Ruivivar, writing "i love you Levi," below the social media post. Gymnast Skye Blakely added a pair of heart emoji in the comment section.

In a separate social media post directed at Jung-Ruivivar, Stanford University wrote, "supporting you every step of the way."

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

Hall of Fame voting results in arguments every year, and, for the eighth year in a row, the crowd is loud about Andruw Jones.

The former Atlanta Braves outfielder received his highest vote percentage Monday, but he did not join Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner as soon-to-be inductees.

Jones has made up a lot of ground.

He received just 7.3% of the vote in his first year on the ballot, but came in at 66.2% this week. Players need 75% to be elected.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jones, a slugger at the plate with 434 home runs, is considered one of the greatest defensive outfielders of all time. He won 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1998 to 2007, winning at least two in all three outfield positions, while hitting .254 with an .823 OPS in his career.

He has an argument, but one of his former teammates, Chipper Jones, who got a plaque in Cooperstown in 2018, said there shouldn't even be a discussion.

MARIANO RIVERA, WIFE ACCUSED OF COVERING UP CHILD SEX ABUSE AT OWN HOME, CHURCH

"I wanna ask all HOF voters one question….if Andruw Jones plays for the New York Yankees for 15 yrs with 10 GGs, 400Hrs, 1300 rbis…is he a HOFer? Lemme answer for you….first ballot!" Chipper wrote. "Time to have a conversation about HOFers chiming in. 75 living members can make sure it’s right!"

Baseball writers have long been the Hall of Fame voters, but with flawed concepts in the voting system, there have been calls to change the process.

Chipper and Andruw were teammates from 1996 to 2012, playing in the 1996 and 1999 World Series together but losing to the Yankees both times. They won 10 consecutive NL East titles together.

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