Two-time NBA All-Star Gus Williams, who led the Seattle SuperSonics to the franchise’s only NBA championship, has died. He was 71.
Williams’ death comes nearly five years after he suffered a debilitating stroke. According to The Seattle Times, his cause of death was not immediately known, but he was living in a care facility in Baltimore at the time of his death.
Longtime sports writer Peter Vecsey reported Thursday that Williams’ brother said the former basketball player’s body "simply broke down" over the last few days. He also confirmed that the funeral will be held in Mount Vernon, New York – Williams’ hometown.
Williams was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1975 NBA Draft. He would go on to earn NBA All-Rookie Team honors that year and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting that season.
He played two seasons with the Warriors before signing in 1977 with the Sonics, where he would quickly make a name for himself as one of the most dynamic guards of his time.
The former USC standout led the Sonics to their only championship title in 1979 when he averaged a team-high of 26.7 points during the playoffs.
A two-time NBA All-Star, Williams famously sat out the 1980 season because of a contract dispute, but he returned the following season to finish fifth in MVP voting and win NBA Comeback Player of the Year.
The NBA community mourned the loss of Williams on social media following the news of his death.
Williams retired from playing basketball in 1987 after one season with the Atlanta Hawks. His jersey was retired by the Sonics in 2004.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard has been outspoken about his faith and belief in God during his collegiate career.
On Wednesday, Leonard told reporters before the national championship game against Ohio State that he believes that the open faith players have on each team is the reason why they are competing for college football’s top prize.
"I truly think things happen for a reason. Not only us, but Ohio State as well. I think we’re the two main teams to just publicly display our faith the most," he said, via Sports Michiana. "I don’t know if this is some divine teaching, you know, who put us here.
"I truly believe that Jesus was looking over both our shoulders throughout the who season and put these two teams on a pedestal for a reason."
Leonard has been open about his faith, especially in the College Football Playoff.
He was asked about what changed in the second half in their win over Penn State in the semifinals.
"Shoot, I just started trusting in the Lord. I looked up and said, ‘Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I trust it 100%.’ This offense and this team trusts in Jesus and his plan for this season," he said, via The Deseret.
He also thanked God after the Fighting Irish’s win over Georgia.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be here as a whole group," he said.
Notre Dame will play Ohio State for the title on Monday night.
The NFL and USAA announced on Thursday that Aaron Jones, George Kittle and Morgan Fox have been named the finalists for the Salute to Service Award.
The award was first given out in 2012 as part of the NFL's and USAA's commitment to recognize and honor the military and veteran community.
"Our three finalists for the 2024 Salute to Service Award are all deserving of recognition for their long-standing and unwavering commitment to honoring the military community," said retired Maj. Gen. John Richardson, USAA senior vice president and head of military affairs. "We commend Aaron Jones, George Kittle and Morgan Fox for continually using their platforms as NFL players to advance and enrich the lives of our military service members and their families, putting service to others above themselves."
The running back Jones, who had a career resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings, grew up in a military household; his father, Alvin, served 29 years in the Army, while his mother, Vurgess, served for 27. Jones' older brother, Xavier, serves in the Air Force.
Jones and his twin brother Alvin Jr., founded the A&A All the Way Foundation in 2020 to support the youth of military families.
Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers tight end, hosts military members for every Niners home game, and he and his family created an app to offer free mental health services for veterans. Kittle has donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and further highlighted military organizations through My Cause My Cleats.
Fox, the L.A. Chargers' defensive end, also grew up in a military community, and donated 100 tickets to veterans. He has hosted members of the Wounded Warrior Project at Chargers practices.
New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, who played college football at Navy, was named the winner of the Salute to Service Award last year.
The winner will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 6, the same night as the MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players and Rookies, and Coach of the Year will be crowned.
Collins, a finalist in the 2022 Australian Open, advanced to the third round of this year’s Grand Slam after defeating Australia’s own Destanee Aiava on Tuesday, but her victory was met with a harsh reaction by the home crowd.
After dealing with the crowd’s boos for most of the match, Collins blew kisses to fans and egged them on as soon as she won match point.
"It was a tough crowd and I just figured if I’m going to be out here, I better take home that bigger paycheck," Collins said after the match in an on-court interview. "So yeah, thanks for the paycheck Australia."
"It’s a pretty amazing feeling as an athlete because the people that dislike you or hate you pay your bills," she continued. "So that’s a really rewarding feeling to be out here, and it just feels like a really great day."
Collins defeated Aiava 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 across a nearly 2 1/2 hour match.
During her post game presser with the media, Collins doubled down on her reaction to the crowd, adding that the "energy" of fans motivates her – regardless of who they cheer for.
"One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is the people that don’t like you and the people that hate you, they actually pay your bills. It’s kind of a cool concept… I just remind myself every day when I have that kind of stuff, they’re paying my bills. Every person that’s bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, it’s all going toward the Danielle Collins’ fund."
Collins quipped that she likes to take "five-star vacations" with her friends, and that her earnings from the Australian Open will go toward their next trip.
"We like boats – we like big boats. We like yachts. We’ll post about it and let you guys know how it goes."
Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid continues to climb up the ranks in Oilers history.
McDavid had two goals and an assist in the Oilers 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, passing Jarri Kurri for second all-time in points in Edmonton history with 1,044 points.
The Oilers all-time points leader is Wayne Gretzky, who put up a mind-boggling 1,669 points in nine seasons with the team.
McDavid has spent his entire 10-year career with the Oilers and will likely need to spend the next five or six years with the team and continue to produce the way he has to pass Gretzky.
After two first period power-play goals by the Wild, McDavid collected the puck in center ice after a turnover and started a passing play that led to Zach Hyman scoring and cut the Wild lead to 2-1. Almost immediately after Hyman scored, the Oilers went on the power play, and McDavid scored on a slick pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, tying the game at 2-2 to end the first period.
Wild forward Ryan Hartman put Minnesota back on top 3-2 at the beginning of the second period after a quick goal off a face-off. The Oilers responded once again, as Nugent-Hopkins tipped in defenseman Ty Emberson’s shot to tie the game 3-3.
The Oilers took the lead in the third period when Vasily Podkolzin’s pass deflected off a Wild defenseman's skate and into the net just 1:28 into the period to put Edmonton up 4-3.
Then McDavid, as he normally does, made some magic happen.
On a 2-on-1 entry into the offensive zone, McDavid nimbly handled the kick around the sliding defenseman and then fired a sharp-angle shot from tight and roofed it. McDavid’s second goal not only sealed the game, putting the Oilers up 5-3, but was the point that moved him into second all-time in Oilers franchise history.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch talked after the game about McDavid’s accomplishment.
"Quite a remarkable feat. For him to go up the scoring list as quickly as he has, and within an organization that has had so many significant players. I’ve seen so many remarkable things from him. He’s a tremendous player and great teammate. I said I wouldn’t be surprised anymore just because he surprises you so often over these years, but it’s a nice feat for him and the guys are very proud of him," Knoblauch said.
The Oilers have now won seven of their last eight games with their comeback win over the Wild, and McDavid’s sensational play is a big reason why.
The star center has 19 goals and 43 assists in 41 games played this season, and has continued to be a driving force behind the Oilers' success.
The Oilers are 28-13-3, are second in the Pacific division and in a playoff spot.
Their next game is a heavyweight tilt against the Colorado Avalanche on the road on Thursday, at 9:30 p.m. ET.
LIV Golf will expand its audience in 2025 with more than half of the league’s schedule set to air on FOX or FS1, the organization and FOX Sports announced Wednesday.
FOX Sports added that select rounds will be featured on FOX Business, FS2 and the FOX Sports app. All LIV Golf coverage will be streamed on the FOX Sports app and to LIV Golf+ subscribers.
The two sides agreed to a multiyear media rights agreement.
"We are thrilled to partner with FOX Sports, one of the preeminent broadcast networks in the world," LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said in a news release. "LIV Golf is getting bigger and bolder, and this relationship signals the next phase of growth as our League joins the company of the nation’s premier sports leagues and conferences.
"I want to thank the FOX Sports team who share our vision for the future of golf, a new model that is redefining how the sport is experienced. LIV Golf is drawing a younger, more active and tech-savvy fan base, and as our players and teams prepare for LIV Golf’s biggest season yet, this agreement will take our broadcast to new heights."
LIV Golf started as a breakaway league from the PGA Tour and with much scrutiny. Much of the criticism has fallen to the wayside over the last year as the league has attracted stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson.
The league was initially streamed on social media before getting its first TV deal with the CW.
"Having FOX Sports on board is a huge win for LIV Golf," Koepka said in a news release. "They know how to bring sports to life, and I’m pumped to see how they showcase what makes our game so unique. It’s awesome to have a partner that shares our vision, and I think the fans are going to love what’s coming."
Rahm added that the partnership was a "huge step forward" for LIV Golf and its fans.
"FOX Sports has a reputation for delivering world-class sports coverage, and I’m confident they will elevate the experience for everyone watching. I believe FOX Sports shares our commitment to pushing boundaries and innovating, and I can’t wait to see how this collaboration connects more fans to our sport."
LIV Golf features 54-hole play at some of the most-well known golf courses in the world. There is a regular singles competition with an added team element to each tournament.
Rahm won the individual title with Joaquin Niemann, Sergio Garcia and Tyrell Hatton finishing behind him.
Crushers GC won the team title. The team featured DeChambeau, Paul Casey, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri and John Catlin.
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce appeared to enter the twilight of his career this season as his production numbers took a downturn in his 12th season in the NFL.
Kelce faced all kinds of criticism during the season, with accusations flying about him being washed up or spending too much time with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift. He still managed to have 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games.
Even at 35 years old, Kelce was healthy for the entire season and only missed Week 18 as the Chiefs decided to rest their starters having already wrapped up a bye week. With the whiff of retirement entering the air as the season enters the final stretch, Kelce was asked whether Swift had any thoughts about him calling it a career.
"She’s fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game," the 10-time Pro Bowler said on "The Stephen A. Smith Show," adding that Swift loves coming to Arrowhead Stadium for games.
"I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these dreams."
Kelce suggested he has contemplated stepping away, but his mind "changes every single day."
He is the most successful tight end in Chiefs history, surpassing Tony Gonzalez’s franchise records.
He has 1,004 receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns in his career. He is chasing a fourth Super Bowl title with Kansas City. If the Chiefs succeed, it will be the first three-peat in the Super Bowl era.
Jack Hoffman, a Nebraska Cornhuskers superfan battling cancer who captured the attention of the nation for his spring game touchdown run when he was 7 years old, has died. He was 19.
Hoffman died of brain cancer on Wednesday, Team Jack Foundation Executive Director Kylie Dockter said. He had battled new and more aggressive tumors late last year.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jack Hoffman, the courageous namesake of the Team Jack Foundation. Jack passed away after a long and hard-fought battle with brain cancer, a journey that inspired countless lives and left a legacy of hope, strength, and resilience," the foundation said in a statement on social media.
"Through his battle, Jack touched lives far and wide. From his unforgettable 69-yard touchdown run during the Nebraska Spring Game that captivated the hearts of millions to the countless families who found solace and support through the work of the Team Jack Foundation, his impact will echo for generations. Jack may no longer be with us in person, but his legacy lives on in the work of the Team Jack Foundation, in the lives of the children and families we've helped, and in the hope he gave to so many."
Hoffman was initially diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, and his parents helped launch the foundation to support research efforts to end pediatric brain cancer.
Hoffman’s father, Andy, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020 and died March 1, 2021. He was 42.
The foundation has raised more than $12.6 million since 2013.
Hoffman went viral during Nebraska’s 2013 spring game after the coaching staff invited him to run a play in the fourth quarter. Hoffman ran for a 69-yard touchdown, and he was the talk of the sports world for several days.
In the midst of all of it, he started up a friendship with running back Rex Burkhead. The two, along with Hoffman’s family, later visited then-President Obama, who presented the youngster with a new football and told him he was proud of him.
"Love you buddy. Tell Jesus we say hello," Burkhead wrote in a post on X.
Hoffman played football at Atkinson High School and graduated in May. He was pre-law at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
UFC star Conor McGregor was sued on Tuesday over sexual assault allegations stemming from a bathroom incident at the Kaseya Center during a Miami Heat NBA Finals game in 2023.
The woman, who is described as a 49-year-old senior vice president at a Wall Street financial firm, alleged that McGregor assaulted her in the bathroom in Miami during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 9, 2023.
Her lawyer, James Dunn, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida.
"My client has thought long and hard about the decision to pursue this civil case, and is fearful of the effect it may have on her job on Wall Street," Dunn said. "Nonetheless, her main goal in filing this suit is to raise awareness and encourage others to report sexual assault."
Prosecutors said in October 2023 that McGregor would not face criminal charges over the alleged incident.
Barbara Llanes, McGregor’s lawyer, spoke out about the new lawsuit in a statement to Irish Legal News.
"After a thorough investigation at the time, the State’s Attorney concluded that there was no case to pursue," she said. "Almost two years and at least three lawyers later the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed."
The lawsuit alleged that staff and security at the arena "had actual knowledge of the wrongfulness of the conduct" and failed to protect her adequately enough. The suit also accuses staff of overserving McGregor despite having a "chargeable knowledge of a heightened risk of battery being carried out."
McGregor was at the game to promote a pain-relief product. He struck the Heat’s mascot Burnie and attempted to "spray" the character as he was getting taken off the court.
The woman alleged that she was led to a men’s room by a person in McGregor’s entourage, and the assault took place.
A Heat spokesperson told The Associated Press that the team does not comment on litigation.
A Philadelphia Eagles fan’s former employers spoke out against some of the reaction the company received over the man’s incident with a pair of Green Bay Packers fans over the weekend.
Lawrence Hibbert and Dr. Randal Pinkett, the co-founders of the DEI-focused BCT Partners in New Jersey, spoke to TMZ Sports and defended their company over negative social media posts and reviews that were left online in the wake of the incident.
"Some of the posts, some of the comments that have been made about our company are as vile if not more vile than the comments made about (Ryan Caldwell). That’s the point, right?" Pinkett said. "That’s the problem with the culture that we’ve created in which we find ourselves, is that there’s no room for grace. There’s no room, there’s just two extremes, either you’re OK or you are canceled.
"We believe there’s a middle ground that we can recover from mistakes, we can learn and we can grow. We believe that Mr. Caldwell can learn and grow, but we believe that our society can also learn and grow. That we can criticize the behavior, we can condemn the behavior without condemning the individual."
Hibbert lamented the last few days, given that the company is in the process of celebrating an important milestone.
"This has been a really difficult time over the last 24-48 hours," Hibbert said, adding that the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary. "… And when you get social media posts and national media questioning your integrity and how your do work, it hurts. But we also believe we can stand on our track record and we wanted to take these opportunities to affirm that even in the difficult times we’re gonna operate on our value system, doing what we believe is right."
The fan was identified as Ryan Caldwell, and the company announced it had parted ways with him on Tuesday. Pinkett said they knew it was Caldwell from the video.
"I can't say enough about how abhorrent the behavior that we observed was and how upset I was in seeing someone who was at the time associated with our company displaying that kind of behavior," he said.
Caldwell was seen berating a female Packers fan while her fiancé recorded the incident. He called her a "dumb c---" and a "c---" repeatedly.
"While attending an NFL game last Sunday to support my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, an incident occurred that I deeply regret," he said. "What began as banter with two Packers fans sitting near me escalated to something more serious, and I said things that were unacceptable. In the heat of the moment, I chose unforgiving words to address one of the fans,
"Ms. Ally Keller. I want to sincerely apologize to Ms. Keller for those words, and to my wife, family, and friends, my former employer and colleagues, Packer fans, Eagle fans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the City of Philadelphia, and all who were offended. That said, there are two sides to every story.
"The video clip circulating online does not reflect the full context of what transpired, and my actions were not without provocation. I will live with this experience, and I am certainly paying a personal price. For those who don’t know me, this incident does not reflect my values or the respect I have for others and is not indicative of the person I am."
The couple were on a beach right at the water, all alone with an umbrella, roses and a blanket to celebrate the occasion.
Both attended the University of North Carolina, and they celebrated their nine-year dating anniversary this past October.
The New England Patriots took Maye with the third overall selection, and after early struggles, he looked much better as he continued to get action on the gridiron.
Initially starting the season as the backup to Jacoby Brissett, he became the starter in Week 6 and finished with 2,276 passing yards on a 66.6 completion percentage in his dozen starts. He threw 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while gaining another 421 yards on the ground and rushing for two scores.
Maye is not the only quarterback in the AFC East to get engaged recently.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills put a ring on musician Hailie Steinfeld’s finger.
The engagement is certainly a nice break from the recent drama in Pats land - after New England’s season finale, the team fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, a move that has been heavily criticized by ex-Patriots.
However, earlier this week, they made the unsurprising move and hired Mike Vrabel, who was available to be hired last offseason, as well.
Hopefully, for Pats fans, Vrabel can help Maye get his second ring - the next one being for a Super Bowl.
After totally turning around the University of Colorado football program, there seems to be some smoke about Deion Sanders potentially moving to the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys had reached out to Sanders, who all but declined the opportunity — but, he did admit it was "intriguing."
Sanders himself said he would consider coaching the NFL if it meant continuing to coach his sons. Shedeur is in the running to be the top selection of this year's NFL Draft.
But even though the idea of the family affair continuing sounds appealing, one NFL great says he'd prefer to see Sanders stay in college, for very good reason.
Simply put, Vince Wilfork thinks college kids need Coach Prime more than the professional athletes do.
"He’s more of an asset for college, because he can touch so many young kids," Wilfork said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "Everybody has their own dream, but outside looking in, he can touch more lives when it matters than having a guy making millions of dollars and you can’t get through to him. They can get to that point with his leadership.
"What he stands for can really help those young guys. I’d rather see him help the kids, because they need it more than the guys making millions of dollars. I just see him as a trailblazer at this level."
Sanders' first coaching gig came with Jackson State, and once he got the Colorado job, several players followed, including his sons as well as Travis Hunter, who went on to become this season's Heisman Trophy winner as a two-way superstar. Hunter, too, is slated to be a top-five pick, just like his quarterback.
When Hunter won the Heisman, he shared a long embrace with his coach, crying on his shoulder.
The Buffaloes controlled their own destiny into the College Football Playoff, but got out of the running of the Big 12 championship game after losing to Kansas in the second-to-last game of the regular season.
After knocking out the top-seeded Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals, the Buckeyes defeated the Texas Longhorns in the semifinal to advance to Monday's championship game. But one member of the Buckeyes, who rose to prominence largely due to his social media presence, will not make the trip to Atlanta for the national title game.
Caden Davis, a former walk-on, has been dismissed from the team, Ohio State Sports Information Director Jerry Emig confirmed to The Lantern.
The sophomore defensive end never recorded a tackle during his brief stint as an Ohio State student-athlete. Davis has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers across popular social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
University officials did not immediately provide details on what led to Davis' dismissal.
At times, Davis' online content would provide followers with behind-the-scenes content of the Ohio State football team and athletic facilities. He would also document his life as a student on the Columbus, Ohio, campus.
As of Wednesday, at least one of Davis' social media bios read, "Ohio State football #61," while other accounts feature references to the football program.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Davis suggested he was traveling to the Dallas area with the Buckeyes for the semifinal matchup with Texas in the Cotton Bowl. It was later determined that the photos Davis shared were from last season's Cotton Bowl game. Missouri defeated Ohio State in that game.
Ohio State last hoisted the national championship trophy in 2014, which was the inaugural College Football Playoff Championship.
Notre Dame punched its ticket to the national title game by defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinals before eliminating Penn State in the semifinal. The championship game kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Philadelphia Eagles fan Ryan Caldwell addressed his behavior at the team's playoff game against the Packers Sunday, when he was seen on video berating a Packers fan who sat near him with vulgar insults.
Caldwell was fired from his job as a project manager at BCT Partners after a video of his insults went viral. He has apologized but also defended himself by insisting his actions "were not without provocation" and that the viral video "does not show the full context" of what happened.
"While attending an NFL game last Sunday to support my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, an incident occurred that I deeply regret," Caldwell said in a statement to the New York Post.
"What began as banter with two Packers fans sitting near me escalated to something more serious, and I said things that were unacceptable. In the heat of the moment, I chose unforgiving words to address one of the fans, Ms. Ally Keller.
"I want to sincerely apologize to Ms. Keller for those words, and to my wife, family, and friends, my former employer and colleagues, Packer fans, Eagle fans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the City of Philadelphia, and all who were offended. That said, there are two sides to every story.
"The video clip circulating online does not reflect the full context of what transpired, and my actions were not without provocation. I will live with this experience, and I am certainly paying a personal price. For those who don’t know me, this incident does not reflect my values or the respect I have for others and is not indicative of the person I am."
The viral video was filmed by Keller’s fiancé, Alexander Basara, and spread rapidly across the internet in the days after the Eagles' 22-10 win.
Caldwell's apology and news of his firing prompted a wave of celebration and mockery by sports fans on social media.
"Ok, that excuse may be ok from a random, drunk dude who wandered into the stadium that day. But someone whose job it was to be inclusive? Hahahahahaha They are now on the job search, and they are gonna have a hard to getting said employment," the user wrote.
Another X user "loved" seeing the consequences that have befallen Caldwell in recent days.
"I absolutely love how Ryan Caldwell, the Philly Eagles fan who abused a woman for no reason, has had his life ‘flipped upside down,’" the user wrote. "Hope it gets worse for you, Ryan."
Another X user described the public response to Caldwell's verbal attack as "social media justice."
"Philadelphia Eagles fan Ryan Caldwell has been FIRED from his job at BCT Partners due to the altercation he had with a Packers fan at last week’s game, which has been playing all over the internet. This isn’t social justice, it’s SOCIAL MEDIA JUSTICE," the user wrote.
One X user wrote that Caldwell's behavior is not an isolated incident, and similar language comes from the mouths of Eagles fans often.
"And Eagles fans wonder why everyone hates them and their team. This is not an isolated incident for someone showing up there to support an opposing team. Stuff like this happens all the time there," the user wrote.
Conservative filmmaker Matt Walsh even weighed in on the controversy.
"A few things here. 1) The Eagles fan is a stupid trashy goon. 2) Don’t bring your fiance to a game in Philadelphia wearing the opposing team’s jersey. You’re asking for something like this to happen. 3) You can’t let a man talk to your woman like that. You’re going to have to live with that shame for the rest of your life," Walsh wrote on X.
Eagles fans have a long history of unruly behavior.
The franchise's former home, Veterans Stadium, had an on-site judicial court and jail cells to deal with law-breaking fans.
During a loss against the San Francisco 49ers in November 1997, one fan infamously shot a flare gun into the crowd. Multiple fights broke out among fans at the game, and team owner Jeffrie Lurie addressed the incident.
"In spite of the fact that we feel we have made significant strides in recent years with regard to fan conduct at Veterans Stadium, what we witnessed this past Monday was undoubtedly a step backward," Lurie told reporters at the time.
The Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams Sunday for the right to advance to the NFC championship game.
LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday this past December, while six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan turns 62 next month.
Jordan appeared in 82 games with the Washington Wizards during the 2002-03 season, which turned out to be his final year in the NBA. Meanwhile, James was the top overall selection in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Although the basketball icons did not have the opportunity to go head-to-head during an NBA game, James recently reflected on a time he played a pick-up game with Jordan.
James told brothers Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce that he was a 16-year-old high school basketball star when he met Jordan in Chicago for the pick-up game.
"I was on the court with Michael Jordan, Antoine Walker, Penny Hardaway, Ron Artest, Michael Finley, all these guys," James said during a recent appearance on the Kelce brothers; "New Heights" podcast.
Travis, who is preparing to compete against the Houston Texans in the divisional round this weekend, eventually asked James who was responsible for guarding him during the game.
"Nobody. I was unguardable," James confidently responded.
James admitted that he initially experienced some nerves when he realized he had the opportunity to go up against an NBA great.
"When I finally got out there, I was like, 'I'm busting a--.' I was nervous. I was nervous as hell, being out there with MJ and the rest of those guys. But I was like, 'Oh, I'm about to go crazy.' And I did. I did," James added.
Metta Sandiford-Artest, also known at Ron Artest and Metta World Peace, last appeared in an NBA game in 2017, but he was 20 during the time the aforementioned pick-game took place. He recalled the moment during a May 2024 appearance on Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George's "Podcast P with Paul George."
"Everybody knew who he was. He was already famous. He was bigger than all of us in the gym," Artest said. "So he's coming into the gym, and I'm like, 'All right, cool, I wanna see what he's got.
"And he's cooking. He is 15, or 16. Posting, getting to the basket. And I'm like, ‘This is going to be a huge issue.’"
Artest added that the situation left him motivated.
"He actually motivated me. When I saw that, it motivated me. I'm like, 'I gotta go to work.' He's coming in the league cooking. I was not like that at 15."
James is a four-time NBA champion, a four-time league MVP, and a 20-time NBA All-Star. In his 22nd season in the league, he remains one of the best players in the NBA and is averaging 23.7 points per game this season.
The Lakers were idle on Wednesday night and return to action on Thursday night when they host the Miami Heat.
A tough stretch for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., got worse Tuesday when she watched members of her party vote for a bill she attacked at the expense of widespread mockery.
Ocasio-Cortez's viral rant against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act wasn't enough to convince Democratic allies Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, both of Texas, to vote against the bill. Cuellar and Gonzalez joined 218 House Republicans who voted for the bill that seeks to prevent federally funded educational institutions from allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls and women's sports.
For Ocasio-Cortez, the notion of Democratic congressmen voting for a Republican-backed bill before President-elect Trump even returns to office suggests her party is "not in good shape."
"We can't be ninnies about this," Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent Tuesday. "These are just the early days. Trump hasn't even been sworn in yet, and if a little bitty sports bill was gonna make Dems defect, we're not in good shape."
Ocasio-Cortez advised Democrats not to be "ninnies" the same day she delivered a widely-mocked tirade that contained multiple unsubstantiated claims and unfinished sentences. Her rant prompted multiple viral social media responses that labeled her "the dumbest person in congress."
For Ocasio-Cortez, it marks a poor start to 2025 after a rough 2024. Despite winning re-election to her House seat in New York, Ocasio-Cortez watched members of her coalition, "the Squad," lose their seats, including Jamaal Bowman in New York and Cori Bush in Missouri.
Ocasio-Cortez also lost in her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, getting passed over by Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va.
What's more, Ocasio-Cortez was frequently the subject of viral social media mockery, often for her unchanging stance on transgender inclusion in women's and girls sports.
In November, Ocasio-Cortez reshared a video of Green Party vice presidential candidate Butch Ware speaking out against transgender inclusion in women's sports with a caption that said, "This ticket is predatory and people deserve better." The post prompted heated backlash on social media.
"AOC says it’s predatory behavior to not want men competing in women’s sports. To AOC, acknowledging biological reality is ‘predatory.’ You know what’s actually predatory? Sexualizing children and normalizing pedophilia," conservative influencer and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines wrote on X while posting a Fox News Digital article about Ocasio-Cortez’s comments.
The mockery of Ocasio-Cortez picked up weeks after the election when X users discovered she no longer includes her pronouns "she/her" in her bio.
Ocasio-Cortez is one of many prominent Democrats who remain firmly supportive of transgender inclusion in women's sports, even as the issue proved to be a vulnerability for Democrats in November's election.
Many Democrats who spoke out against the bill Tuesday did not argue on the premise that transgender athletes should be allowed in women's and girls sports. Instead, they argued the measures preventing transgender inclusion will subject girls to genital examinations and sexual predators despite no language in the bill that would suggest genital examinations for girls in sports.
Ocasio-Cortez included that unsubstantiated claim in her rant Tuesday but gave a shout-out to transgender athletes when she yelled "Trans girls are girls!" on the House of Representatives floor.
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, proposed a resolution "recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Transgender Bill of Rights."
Unlike Ocasio-Cortez, other Democratic House representatives have publicly pulled back on their support for transgender inclusion, including Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass.; Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas; and Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y. Still, each of those Democrats voted against the bill Tuesday.
A national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America legislative action committee found that 70% of moderate voters viewed "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."
In June, a survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago asked respondents to weigh in on whether transgender athletes of both sexes should be permitted to participate in sports leagues that correspond to their preferred gender identity instead of their biological sex.
In that survey, 65% answered that it should either be never or rarely allowed. When those polled were asked specifically about adult transgender female athletes competing on women’s sports teams, 69% opposed it.
Three former members of the Indiana men's basketball team have accused former team doctor Bradford Bomba Sr., 88, of sexually abusing them during their playing days.
Longtime trainer Tim Garl is now listed as a defendant, as Flowers said Garl was aware of Bomba's "invasive, harassing, and demeaning digital rectal examinations."
"After his first physical, Flowers's teammates told him he had 'passed' Dr. Bomba, Sr.'s 'test,' and that he would not have to undergo a digital rectal examination again," the lawsuit states, via CBS Sports. "Garl laughed at Flowers and his freshman teammates and made jokes at their expense regarding the digital rectal examinations they endured."
The university officially declined comment but sent a statement from September that said the school was conducting its own independent review on the matter.
The players' attorney, Kathleen Delaney, said Bomba may have sexually abused at least 100 male athletes during his time at the school. Neither Garl nor Bomba's attorney responded to a request for comment.
Bomba pleaded the fifth during a deposition last month.
Mujezinovic and Miller, who played under coach Bobby Knight in the 1990s, also alleged that Bomba conducted prostate exams that were not necessary.
"Dr. Bomba, Sr.’s routine sexual assaults were openly discussed by the Hoosier men’s basketball players in the locker room in the presence of IU employees, including assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and other Hoosier men’s basketball staff," the lawsuit said, via NBC News.
"I’m standing up for all student-athletes who have suffered abuse," Mujezinovic said in a statement. "I hope that more of our former teammates will speak out and share their stories publicly."
"I will never understand why IU leadership did nothing to protect us from what I now understand was sexual abuse," Miller said.
Added Flowers, "I am proud to stand up on behalf of my former teammates and other IU basketball players to seek justice for the sexual abuse we endured as members of the Hoosiers."
Bomba was employed by the university from 1962 to 1970, and again from 1979 until the late '90s.
"He’s continued to come in here, put the work in and that’s not been a question at all. That just hasn’t materialized the way would like it to on the ice. At this level, you get to the point where you have to do what’s right … for him and for us," Dubas said via the Penguins post on X.
The Penguins, like Jarry, have struggled this season, as they are 18-20-8 with 44 points in 46 games and are not currently in a playoff position.
They are trailing the Columbus Blue Jackets by four points for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Due to Jarry’s contract, it will be unlikely a team picks him up on waivers, making it possible for him to be reassigned to the American Hockey League.
Jarry has spent his entire nine-year career with the Penguins, and has a career save percentage of .910 and a career goals average against of 2.74.
Goalies Alex Nedeljkovic (7-7-4, .886 save percentage in 19 games) and rookie Joel Blomqvist (3-5-0, .904 save percentage in eight games) are the Penguins' two goalies, assuming they don’t bring in another option.
The Penguins’ next game is on the road against the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.
The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have their eyes set on former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who was let go by owner Woody Johnson just five games into the season.
The Cowboys mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy on Monday after his contract with the team expired just last week. The decision not to bring McCarthy back came as a surprise to some after he reportedly turned down the Chicago Bears’ request to interview him following the season.
McCarthy had a 49-35 record in Dallas. Despite going 7-10 this season, he led the Cowboys to the playoffs with a 12-5 record in three straight seasons.
Saleh, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, has an interview scheduled with the Las Vegas Raiders and is considered the favorite for the vacancy with the Jacksonville Jaguars, replacing Doug Pederson.
The Jets went 2-3 this season under Saleh before he was fired and replaced by interim head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The team’s struggles only continued to worsen despite the change, leading to another missed playoff season.
Saleh had a 20-36 record with two different quarterbacks: first round pick Zach Wilson and four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Other names mentioned in the Cowboys’ search for a new head coach have included former players Deion Sanders and Jason Witten.
