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Today โ€” 22 December 2024Main stream

Nick Saban corrects Shane Gillis after comedian jokes coach oversaw cheating during storied Alabama tenure

22 December 2024 at 18:38

In January, Nick Saban sent shock waves through the college football landscape when he announced he would step away from the sidelines. Shortly after the legendary coach retired, Saban officially joined ESPN.ย 

While Saban works primarily as an analyst for the network's long-running and popular pregame program, "College GameDay," he also contributes to NFL Draft coverage and makes appearances on other ESPN shows and platforms. The last segment of an episode of "College GameDay" typically features a celebrity guest who offers their picks for some of the upcoming games.

On Friday, comedian Shane Gillis was tapped as the guest picker. But at one point during his appearance, one of the funnyman's jokes seemed to irritate Saban.

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During a discussion about the state of college football, Gillis cited the relatively new "parity" that exists in the sport. But during his remarks, Gillis also seemed to assert that either Saban or perhaps the Alabama football program as a whole orchestrated or turned a blind eye if players received improper payments.

ALABAMA AD CALLS ON FANS TO DONATE TO NIL COLLECTIVE TO STAY COMPETITIVE: 'WE MUST RESPOND'

"This feels different, it feels like we can win it," Gillis said. "Thereโ€™s a parity, now that everybody can pay their players, Notre Dame has a shot. Itโ€™s not just the SEC, itโ€™s not Coach Saban." The seven-time national championship winning coach was not present when Gillis made the comments.

However, fellow ESPN college football analyst Pat McAfee eventually reminded Gillis about what he said.

"You called him a cheater earlier," McAfee noted.

While Gillis said he made the comments in jest, Saban appeared to take offense to the suggestion that players were inappropriately compensated under his watch.ย 

"I was just joking around," Gillis said. "I donโ€™t think the SEC paid players. Ever. Iโ€™m joking. Is this not a fun show?"

Gillis eventually turned his attention to Saban's attire, particularly the retired coach's hat.

"Ol' Alabama Jones is being serious," Gillis joked in an apparent reference to the hat that has become synonymous with the fictional character Indiana Jones.

Saban then offered a straightforward response to Gillis' joke concerning how he ran the Alabama program during his 17-year run.

"I do believe in integrity. I always tried to run the program that way so players had a better chance to be successful in life," Saban said. "We make more money in the NFL than any other school, 61 players in the league. That was how we cheated. We developed players."

Saban won six national titles during his storied tenure in Tuscaloosa. Before taking the head coaching job at Alabama, Saban led the LSU Tigers to the BCS National Championship Game after the 2003 regular season.

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WNBA star takes aim at Elon Musk, rips billionaires after funding bill gets passed

22 December 2024 at 17:50

Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud took a shot at Elon Musk and other billionaires in posts on social media on Sunday after the passage of a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown.

Musk and President-elect Donald Trump led the conservative rebellion against the initial plan to avert a partial shutdown, a bipartisan deal that came from negotiations between the top two Democrats and Republicans in both congressional chambers.

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That bill, 1,547 pages, would have extended current government funding levels until March 14. However, GOP hardliners were angered by what they saw as unrelated measures attached to the bill, like a pay raise for congressional lawmakers, health care policy provisions and legislation aimed at revitalizing RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.ย 

It was scrapped as Trump and Musk threatened to force out of office any lawmaker who did not support pairing a CR with action on the debt limit.

It caused a huge controversy in the political arena hours before the House eventually passed the bill.

Cloud weighed in days later.

CAITLIN CLARK BACKLASH TO WHITE PRIVILEGE REMARKS PROVES THERE'S 'ISSUES WITH RACE' IN US, WNBA GREAT SAYS

"So when yโ€™all gone tell Elon to go back to Africa?" Cloud wrote on X.

"Im so glad ALL these billionaires have no idea how the 3 branches of government workโ€ฆ.or how a bill gets passed into law. Shoutout to the 38 Republicans who shot the bill down in the House while being threatened & blackmailed."

All Democrats voted in favor of the bill, except Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who voted "present."

Cloud has been outspoken about the U.S. in the past. After Trump won the election, she took a swipe at women who voted for the Republican candidate.

"The privilege of celebrating rn is exactly whatโ€™s wrong with us as people," she added. "I am truly worried about my fundamental human rights.

"Racism, misogyny, and hatred of women are so deeply rooted into everything that is America. Until we fix the rootsโ€ฆit will never grow."

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Sam Darnold's remarkable TD pass to Justin Jefferson helps Vikings edge Seahawks

22 December 2024 at 16:48

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was able to do enough to help the team eke out a victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, 27-24.

It was a game both teams needed to win to keep pace in their respective division title races. Minnesota needed to match the Detroit Lions after they won earlier in the day and Seattle needed to win to match the Los Angeles Rams after they also won earlier in the day.

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It was the Vikingsโ€™ game.

Seahawks veteran quarterback Geno Smith found A.J. Barner for a 4-yard touchdown pass to take the lead with 4:21 left. It was an 11-play drive that lasted more than six minutes.

Darnold responded. In just four plays, Darnold somehow found Justin Jefferson with two Seahawks defenders around him and snuck the ball through the tightest of windows. Jefferson caught it and ran into the end zone for a touchdown.

The 39-yard touchdown pass put the Vikings back up three points.

BENGALS FAN WINS ENTIRE STADIUM FREE PIZZA AS CINCINNATI KEEPS PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE WITH WIN OVER BROWNS

Seattle had a chance to tie the game. Jason Myers received an opportunity to give Seattle three points late with a 60-yard field goal try. But he was just a few yards short of making it and the Seahawks lost.

Darnold was 22-of-35 with 246 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Jefferson had two of those three touchdown passes and Jordan Addison had the other. Jefferson finished with 10 catches for 144 yards and Addison had five catches for 35 yards.

Smith was as remarkable as he could be. He finished 31-of-43 passing for 314 yards and three touchdown passes. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf had the other touchdown passes.

Minnesota improved to 13-2 on the season. Seattle fell to 8-7.

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Eagles' CJ Gardner-Johnson flips off Commanders fans after ejection

22 December 2024 at 15:40

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson had one last parting gift for Washington Commanders fans at Northwest Stadium on Sunday: two middle fingers.

Gardner-Johnson received a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the second half and was kicked out of the game. He appeared to get into a scuffle with Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown and was pushed in the helmet. Gardner-Johnson still received the penalty.

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He responded to the incident on X.

"Respectfully got kicked out for nothing, I play with passion and fire!! Guys was chirping all day what u expect !!" he wrote.

The safety had three interceptions, a forced fumble and 57 total tackles for the Eagles this season coming into the game against the Commanders.ย 

He added another interception to his total against Washington.

MICHAEL PENIX JR PICKS UP FIRST CAREER VICTORY AS STARTER AS FALCONS TROUNCE GIANTS

Losing Gardner-Johnson may have been as detrimental to the Eaglesโ€™ defense as losing Jalen Hurts was to the offense. Philadelphia led by 10 points when Gardner-Johnson was ejected and scored another three when they got the ball back after a fumble.

Jayden Daniels threw three of his five touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. The Commanders scored 22 points in the final frame and stunned the Eagles, 36-33.

"We didn't do enough," Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said. "We left a lot of plays out there, including myself."

The loss snapped a 10-game winning streak.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Bengals fan wins entire stadium free pizza as Cincinnati keeps playoff hopes alive with win over Browns

22 December 2024 at 15:33

Oneย Cincinnati Bengals left Sundayโ€™s game a hero.ย 

A fan wearing an Evan McPherson jersey won everyone in Paycor Stadium a free pizza afterย kicking a 40-yard field goal.ย 

The man, who hasnโ€™t been identified, was taking part in the Bengalsโ€™ "Slice the Uprights" field goal challenge that gives fans the chance to win free pizza. A successful attempt from the 10-yard line gives the kicker free pizza for a year, and a successful attempt from the 30-yard line gives the entire stadium a free slice.ย 

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But fans on Sunday had more than just pizza to celebrate about.ย 

Joe Burrow went 23-of-30 for 252 yards and three touchdowns to beat the Cleveland Browns, 24-6, and keep their playoff hopes alive. Ja'Marr Chase had six catches for 97 yards and one touchdown to bring his total yardage to 1,510 this season, breaking the franchise record of 1,455 he set in 2021.

COWBOYS CHEERLEADER DATING BENGALS KICKER CADE YORK HAS SWEET REACTION AFTER SUCCESSFUL EXTRA POINT ATTEMPT

Kicker Cade York, who took the place of an injured McPherson this month, also set a record with his second-quarter 59-yard field goal. He tied the franchise record McPherson set in 2022.ย 

The Bengals improved to 7-8 and move on to host theย Denver Broncos next.ย 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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ย 

Rangers' Matt Rempe suspended 8 games for hit on Stars player

22 December 2024 at 14:44

The New York Rangers recalled hard-hitting defenseman Matt Rempe back to the main roster on Friday and three days later he finds himself suspended for eight games.

Rempe elbowed and boarded Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during New Yorkโ€™s 3-1 win on Friday night. He was given a game misconduct for the play.

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The NHLโ€™s Department of Player Safety announced he was suspended for eight games for the play. He was also fined $80,000. The league said Rempe was considered to be a repeat offender. He has only played in 22 career regular-season games and heโ€™s been ejected four times.

Rempe spent a majority of the season playing in the American Hockey League for the Rangersโ€™ affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. He started the season with New York but didnโ€™t last long with the team. He was recalled briefly in November before being sent down again.

NHL COULD HAVE OUTDOOR GAME IN UNLIKELY LOCATION NEXT SEASON: REPORT

Friday nightโ€™s win was Rempeโ€™s first game with the Rangers since Nov. 25. He had three goals, two assists and 22 penalty minutes in 18 games with Hartford.

He became extremely popular among Rangers fans late last season and into the postseason because of his hard-nosed style of play. He was ejected twice and received a four-game suspension for an elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in March.

The 2020 sixth-round pick has no points and 24 penalty minutes in five games for New York.

The Rangers lost to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, 3-1. The team is 16-16-1 this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Texas AG sues NCAA over trans inclusion in women's sports

22 December 2024 at 14:39

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Sunday and accused the collegiate organization of deceptive marketing practices for including transgender athletes in womenโ€™s sports.

Paxton said in a news release the NCAA violated the Texas Trade Practices Act "which exists to protect consumers from businesses attempting to mislead or trick them into purchasing goods or services that are not as advertised."

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He accused the NCAA of "engaging in false, deceptive, and misleading practices by marketing sporting events as โ€˜womenโ€™sโ€™ competitions only to then provide consumers with mixed sex competitions where biological males compete against biological females."

"The NCAA is intentionally and knowingly jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of women by deceptively changing womenโ€™s competitions into co-ed competitions," Paxton said in a statement. "When people watch a womenโ€™s volleyball game, for example, they expect to see women playing against other womenโ€”not biological males pretending to be something they are not. Radical โ€˜gender theoryโ€™ has no place in college sports."

FATHER OF FEMALE RUNNER FORCED TO COMPETE WITH TRANS ATHLETE SHARES FURY OF SITUATION: 'CAN'T EVEN DIGEST IT'

Paxton said he was seeking a court to grant a permanent injunction to prohibit the NCAA from allowing transgender athletes in womenโ€™s sports in Texas or "involving Texas teams, or alternatively requiring the NCAA to stop marketing events as "womenโ€™s" when in fact they are mixed sex competitions," the news release said.

The NCAA released a statement to Fox News Digital later Sunday.

"College sports are the premier stage for womenโ€™s sports in America, and while the NCAA does not comment on pending litigation, the Association and its members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in womenโ€™s sports and ensure fair competition in all NCAA championships," the organization said.

NCAA President Charlie Baker was grilled over transgender participation in sports while he was on Capitol Hill last week. He was also asked about it during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

When McAfee asked Baker how the parents of daughters should feel about trans athletes in women's sports and the NCAA's record on it, Baker downplayed the impact.

"There are 510,000 college athletes playing in the NCAA, there are less than 10 transgender athletes, so it's a small community to begin with," Baker said.

Fox Newsโ€™ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

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Jayden Daniels throws 5 touchdown passes as Commanders storm back to stun Eagles

22 December 2024 at 13:58

The Washington Commanders never lost hope and were able to dig out from five turnovers to turn around and stun the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 36-33.

Jayden Daniels had five touchdown passes in the game, three of which came in the fourth quarter. The Commanders were down 27-14 as the final quarter started. He threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus to inch the team closer.

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The Commanders forced the Eagles to punt on their next drive. Daniels then found Zaccheaus for a 49-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. For another six minutes, Washington was in control but back-to-back field goals from Eagles kicker Jake Elliott gave Philadelphia a lead with under two minutes to go.

Daniels then led Washington down the field on nine plays and found wide receiver Jamison Crowder with enough space in the end zone to make the go-ahead grab with six seconds left in the game. The Commanders took the three-point lead and they won the game.

Daniels was 24-of-39 with 258 passing yards. Along with his five touchdown passes, he also threw two interceptions.

TEXANSโ€™ CJ STROUD TURNS TO FAITH FOLLOWING TANK DELLโ€™S DEVASTATING LEG INJURY: โ€˜ALL YOU CAN DO IS REALLY PRAYโ€™

Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. had two fumbles lost and wide receiver Dyami Brown had one, contributing to the large turnover number.

But Washington ultimately benefited from Philadelphia losing quarterback Jalen Hurts in the first quarter due to a concussion. Kenny Pickett subbed in for him and had 143 passing yards, a touchdown pass, an interception and three sacks.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns. But the Eaglesโ€™ offense looked a bit anemic after scoring 21 points in the first quarter.

A.J. Brown led the team with eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.

Washington improved to 10-5. Itโ€™s their first 10-win season since 2012. The Eagles fell to 12-3.

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Michael Penix Jr picks up first career victory as starter as Falcons trounce Giants

22 December 2024 at 13:36

Welcome to the NFL, Michael Penix Jr.

The rookie quarterback was thrust into the Atlanta Falconsโ€™ starting role earlier this week as Kirk Cousinsโ€™ struggles became too much for the team to bear. Penix got his first start against the New York Giants and picked up a win even as he battled through some rookie troubles.

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Penix was 18-of-27 with 207 passing yards and one interception, but he wasnโ€™t sacked.ย 

Atlanta defeated New York, 34-7.

The Falcons got on the board with a field goal following an eight-play, 36-yard drive in the second quarter. Falcons safety Jessie Bates III returned a Drew Lock interception for a touchdown to take the lead. Atlanta didnโ€™t look back from there.

Penixโ€™s 19-yard pass to Darnell Mooney helped setup Bijan Robinson for the first of his two rushing touchdowns. The Falcons took a 17-7 lead into the locker room.

RAVENS COACH JOHN HARBAUGH SHARES POWERFUL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE AFTER CLINCHING PLAYOFF BERTH

Robinson scored again in the third quarter. He finished with 94 rushing yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Mooney led the way with five catches for 82 yards.

It was the Falconsโ€™ second straight win. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders last week following a four-game losing streak. The Falcons are now 8-7 on the season.

For the Giants, the lowly season continued.ย 

Lock was 22-of-39 with 210 passing yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. But the lethargic offense was only able to have one drive out of 11 turn into points.

The defense didnโ€™t help matters either. The Falcons had nine drives and 22 first downs. New York only had 14 first downs on 11 drives.

It was a good win to get for the rookie quarterback who will need to establish confidence fast if the Falcons are to win the NFC South and make the playoffs this season.

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Eaglesโ€™ Jalen Hurts ruled out with a concussion in first quarter vs Commanders

22 December 2024 at 12:29

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was ruled out of Sundayโ€™s game against the Washington Commanders with a concussion after appearing to hit his head on the ground in the first quarter.ย 

Hurts was scrambling on second-and-20 when he was tackled byย Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu at the end of his 13-yard run. The contact forced Hurtsโ€™ head to bounce off the ground.ย 

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He was evaluated on the sideline before entering the medical tent. Hurts was then taken to the locker room and officially ruled out with a concussion.ย 

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was traded to the Eagles in March,ย replaced Hurts and completed the drive with a four-yard touchdown pass to receiver A.J. Brown.ย 

JASON KELCE EXPRESSES 'CONCERN' ABOUT DRONE SIGHTINGS, HOPES TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE 'SOMEDAY'

Hurts completed just one pass for 11 yards and ran for 41 before exiting Sundayโ€™s contest.ย 

The Eagles entered the second half with a 21-14 lead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.ย 

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Charlie Woods, 15, makes first ever hole-in-one at PNC Championship

22 December 2024 at 11:39

Charlie Woods, the son of legendary golferย Tiger Woods, had his own iconic golf moment at the PNC Championship on Sunday when he made his first ever hole-in-one.ย 

Charlie, 15, delivered the first ace of his young career on the par-3 fourth hole at theย Ritz-Carlton Club Orlando during the final round of the tournament, which the father and son duo entered the day leading.ย 

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After teeing off, Charlie walked away seemingly satisfied with his shot. That was until the crowds began cheering, signaling that he had nailed a hole-in-one.ย 

"That went in?" he asked in disbelief.ย 

TRUMPโ€™S GRANDDAUGHTER POKES FUN AT TIGER WOODS WHILE ASKING SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER ABOUT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ARREST

Woods, also in disbelief, embraced his son with a big hug as he shouted, "Yeah!"ย 

This weekend marks the fifth straight year Woods and his son are playing the 36-hole tournament. It is also Woodsโ€™ first tournament since having his sixth lower back surgery in September.ย 

They continue to share the lead through the front nine on Sunday.ย 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.ย 

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Ravens coach John Harbaugh shares powerful Christmas message after clinching playoff berth

22 December 2024 at 09:53

Theย Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff berth with their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, but head coach John Harbaugh had an important message to share before he addressed the teamโ€™s success on the field.ย 

Speaking to reporters after the 34-17 victory, Harbaugh began with something he said was "important" to him and many people around the world. And that was to acknowledge theย spirit of Christmas.

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"I read this to the team in our postgame prayer and it's this โ€“ this is Mary. Mary, the mother of God, said this when she was with Elizabeth. She said this, โ€˜My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.โ€™ So, I just want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, happy holiday season, and rejoice," he said.ย 

"Rejoice. Rejoice in life. Rejoice in your circumstances. Rejoice in the tough games. Rejoice in the losses. Rejoice in the wins like weโ€™re blessed to do today as a football team, and just rejoice in the people that you love, the people that are close to you. Rejoice. We arenโ€™t here on this Earth to worry about every little thing and spar with one another. Weโ€™re here to rejoice in one another and with one another and love one another. Letโ€™s try to remember that this week. This is a big football week โ€“ itโ€™s also a big life week. Itโ€™s a big spiritual week."ย ย 

The Ravens will return on a short week to play theย Houston Texans on Christmas Day.

RAVENS TAKE DOWN STEELERS TO KEEP AFC NORTH RACE OPEN

The game comes after a big win over division rival Pittsburgh in what couldโ€™ve meant the Steelers clinching the division title with a win. Instead, the Steelers and Ravens are now deadlocked.ย 

"I feel like we've been busting our behind all season long, had ups and downs throughout this whole season, but to clinch a playoff against a great team like that, that's great," quarterback Lamar Jackson said. "That means we're moving in the right direction."

Jackson improved to 2-4 against the Steelers as a starter and recorded his NFL-leading 37th touchdown.ย 

The Steelers will also play Christmas day against the Kansas City Chiefs.ย 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.ย 

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Texansโ€™ CJ Stroud turns to faith following Tank Dellโ€™s devastating leg injury: โ€˜All you can do is really prayโ€™

22 December 2024 at 08:25

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was distraught after witnessing teammate and friend Tank Dell suffer a gruesome leg injury during the teamโ€™s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.ย 

The injury, which is expected to be season-ending, had a visible impact on the teamย and Stroud.ย 

The second-year quarterback was brought to tears and had to be consoled by his other teammates.ย 

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When asked after the game how he was able to recover from the heartbreaking scene, Stroud spoke about his faith.ย 

"All you can do is really pray. At the end of the day, God still gets the glory. Always, no matter what happens to me, I always know that Iโ€™m even up here because of the grace of Jesus and the grace of who He is in my life and Tankโ€™s life. For anything how it goes, left or right or up or down, I always have to praise my Lord and Savior."

"Itโ€™s not easy to move on and just keep playing, but I tried to do as best as I could," he continued.

TEXANS' TANK DELL SUSTAINS GRUESOME LEG INJURY, LEAVING TEAMMATES IN TEARS

The Texans gathered around Dell and prayed before he was taken off the field in a covered medical cart. Stroud revealedย what they prayed for.ย ย 

"Jesus," he said simply. "Just finding him in this moment โ€“ itโ€™s not easy to. Heโ€™s the Prince of Peace so I just prayed His peace over Tankโ€™s head and his mental, his physical. We serve a miraculous God and I believe in healing and I pray that the Lord can heal him."ย 

Saturdayโ€™s injury marks what will likely be the second season-ending injury for Dell. His rookie campaign was cut short when he fractured a fibula in a Week 13 game against the Denver Broncos last season.ย 

Dell was injured while hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass at the start of the second half. He was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where the team said he would remain overnight.ย 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.ย 

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Lions lineman backs Dan Campbell's aggressive coaching style: 'We all love it'

22 December 2024 at 06:25

You may not like Dan Campbell's coaching style, but he has his Detroit Lions completely bought in.

Campbell is certainly a risk-taker, which bit him in last year's NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Lions went for it on a couple of late fourth downs, but did not convert. San Fran took full advantage to head back to the Super Bowl.

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Even this year, Campbell is doing the same old. It's seldom talked about when it works, but when it doesn't, it's a never-ending conversation.

But despite what you might think about Campbell's coaching, Lions lineman Josh Paschal says the team has zero issue with it.

"Honestly, we all love it. We love playing for him. When people think that somebody's not doing something great, I just feel like if you change it up, then youโ€™re going out of your identity," Paschal said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "What I love about him so much is he sticks to his identity, he knows who he is as a coach, as a man, and itโ€™s not gonna change."

DEION SANDERS SAYS HE'LL 'MAKE SURE' TRAVIS HUNTER PLAYS OFFENSE AND DEFENSE IN NFL

One thing that's for certain about Campbell, though, is he is a leader, and the Lions would run through a wall for him.

"I promise you, it would be a Monday at 8 a.m. hearing a speech, and you are ready to rumble right there," Paschal joked. "If anybody needs to get motivated, just a regular 9-5 type of person and get motivated for a workout, wake up in the morning and watch one of his speeches."

The Lions sit at 12-2 atop the NFC North, so it's hard to do much complaining about Campbell, who has turned the organization around completely.ย 

This may just be the best Lions team of all time, as their offense is one of the best in the league. But they do face a challenge with their second outdoor game of the season in a frigid Chicago on Sunday.

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Myles Garrett issues ultimatum as future with Browns hangs in the balance: 'I'm not trying to rebuild'

22 December 2024 at 06:18

The Cleveland Browns have three games remaining before they officially bring another disappointing season to a close.

Star pass rusher Myles Garrett appears open to continuing his career in Cleveland, albeit his time with the franchise could come to an abrupt end if the front office decides that taking a rebuilding approach is what's best for the team.

The Browns enter Week 16 with just three wins and are in last place in the AFC North division. Cleveland had to deal with uneven play from quarterback Deshaun Watson before he sustained a season-ending injury in October. The lack of production from the quarterback position appeared to directly impact the Browns' hopes of having a winning season.

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The ruptured right Achilles marked the second consecutive year that Watson's season was cut short due to injury. The three-time Pro Bowler injured his shoulder last season in a Week 10 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

RAVENS TAKE DOWN STEELERS TO KEEP AFC NORTH RACE OPEN

The Browns enter Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals knowing they will not make it to the playoffs. Being out of contention for the postseason is not something Garrett is particularly thrilled about. The defensive lineman also made it clear that he was not interested in being part of a rebuild at this point in his career.

"Well, for me, I mean first of all I want to win. I want the Browns to be able to put me and us in position to win," Garrett told reporters. "I'm not trying to rebuild. I'm trying to win right now. I want that to be apparent, when the season's over and we have those discussions, I want them to be able to illuminate that for me, illustrate that for me, so that can be something that I can see in the near future. Because that's all we want to do."

Garrett was also asked if he would consider playing for another NFL franchise if the Browns' approach in the near future does not align with his.

"I mean, it's a possibility, but I want to be a Cleveland Brown," he said. "I want to play here, play my career here. But if we choose to do a rebuild and it's two, three, four years out, I want to be able to compete and play at a high level, play meaningful games and be playing past January."

Garrett does have two more seasons remaining on his contract with the Browns, but he could decide to seek a trade at some point during or before the 2026 season. Garrett was the top pick of the 2017 NFL Draft and has gone up to rack up an impressive 99.5 sacks so far during his standout career.

If the Browns want to improve their odds of winning in 2025 and beyond, the team's decision makers will have to find a solution at the quarterback position.

After Sunday's matchup with the Bengals, the Browns close out the regular season with games against the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens.

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Yesterday โ€” 21 December 2024Main stream

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes eases ankle injury concerns, sets personal rushing mark on touchdown run

21 December 2024 at 18:16

The status of Patrick Mahomes' ankle was widely discussed leading up to Saturday's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.

While there was some doubt during the week whether the star quarterback would play against the Texans, he was able to fully get through the Chiefs' practice Thursday.ย 

Mahomes was cleared to play and finished Saturday's 27-19 victory over Houston with 260 passing yards.

But the three-time Super Bowl winner turned some heads when he managed to stay on his feet after nearly being tripped and sprinted into the end zone for the first score of the game.

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Mahomes was sidelined in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' Week 15 game against the Cleveland Browns. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz stepped in for Mahomes and finished the 21-7 win over the Browns with 20 passing yards.

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Mahomes' 15-yard scramble Saturday marked the longest rushing touchdown of his career. Moments after Mahomes crossed the goal line, broadcaster Noah Eagle wondered, "What bum ankle?"

This was not the first time Mahomes dealt with an ankle injury.ย 

During the 2022 NFL postseason, Mahomes sustained what appeared to be a high ankle sprain in a divisional round playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.ย 

The win over the Texans improved the Chiefs' record to 14-1. Kansas City had already clinched a playoff berth after winning the AFC West a ninth straight year.

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Ravens take down Steelers to keep AFC North race open

21 December 2024 at 17:16

The Baltimore Ravens punched their ticket to the postseason and kept their hopes for a division title alive Saturday.ย 

With a 34-17 win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore could reclaim first place in the final two weeks.ย 

Pittsburgh (10-5) would have clinched the division with a victory, but now the teams are deadlocked after the Ravens (10-5) won for just the second time in the last 10 games of the series. Baltimore clinched a playoff berth with the win.ย 

The Steelers had already clinched a playoff spot.

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Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes, the second of which tied the game at 17 with 5:14 left in the third quarter. Jackson answered with a 7-yard scoring strike to Mark Andrews.

After Pittsburgh turned the ball over on downs, a 44-yard run by Derrick Henry put the Ravens in the red zone.

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That drive ended when Jackson was intercepted for just the fourth time this season, but Marlon Humphrey picked off Wilson and ran 37 yards to the end zone to give Baltimore a cushion in a series thatโ€™s been tight of late. The previous nine games between the Steelers and Ravens were decided by seven points or fewer.

Jackson improved to 2-4 against Pittsburgh as a starter. Saturday's game marked his first time facing the Steelers at home since 2020.

Henry rushed for 162 yards.

Pittsburgh entered the game with a plus-18 turnover margin, but the Ravens had the edge in that department Saturday. Baltimore recovered three of its own fumbles and had two big takeaways.

Now the Steelers will have to deal with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day before finishing the season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens will travel to Houston to play the Texans on Christmas Day before finishing the season at home against the Cleveland Browns.ย 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.ย 

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Texas holds off Clemson's comeback to advance in College Football Playoff

21 December 2024 at 17:01

It seems like the Texas Longhorns got rid of the sour taste from a SEC title game loss.

The Longhorns dropped the conference championship two weeks ago, while their opponent, 12-seeded Clemson, was riding high after winning the ACC.

The fifth-seeded Longhorns came away with a 38-24 victory to advance past the first round of the College Football Playoff.

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It was the Tigers who struck first with a touchdown, but the Longhorns outscored them 31-3 heading into the fourth quarter. But, Clemson did not go quietly.ย 

The Tigers scored 14 unanswered points during a span that included its defense stopping Texas on a fourth and 2 from the Clemson 36. Suddenly, it was a seven-point Texas lead with 11:43 to go.

Just as Clemson was getting back into the game, though, Jaydon Blue scampered for a 77-yard touchdown to put Texas back up by two touchdowns.

Clemson drove down the field to continue its attempt at a comeback, but the Tigers were stuffed on a fourth and goal from the 1.

The Tigers got the ball back again with 1:43 to go but were unable to keep a drive alive, and the Longhorns ran out the clock.

Quinn Ewers finished with 202 passing yards, going 17-for-24 through the air. Blue and Quintrevion Wisner combined for 256 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries.

Clemson's Cade Klubnik threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, completing 26 of his 43 passes. T.J. Moore led all players with nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown.

The Longhorns will now face Arizona State, which earned a first-round bye by winning the Big 12, in the Peach Bowl New Year's Day.

Home teams are 3-0 in the first three games of the new 12-team format. Each winning team has covered the spread.ย 

The first-round finale between Tennessee and Ohio State in Columbus kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Saturday.

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Texas' Quinn Ewers wears Trump tie clip ahead of College Football Playoff game

21 December 2024 at 15:50

Quinn Ewers made his political support clear ahead of one of the biggest games of his life.

Ewers' Texas Longhorns are hosting the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff, and members of Texas' football team arrived dressed to impress.

Ewers rocked a navy blue suit with white pinstripes, a red tie and a gold tie clip.

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The clip had "Trump" engraved on it.

Ewers seemed to show support for the president-elect when he shared a picture of Trump holding his fist in the air shortly after the assassination attempt on Trump's life in Butler, Pa.

After Trump won the presidential election, Ewers also shared a graphic of Trump and JD Vance on his Instagram story, captioning it "Legendary."

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Athletes have shown support for Trump since he won the election. Perhaps the most notable tribute to Trump has been players mimicking the president-elect's YMCA dance.

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa wore a "Make America Great Again" hat after a game in October, a move that cost him an $11,000 fine.

Trump attended the Army-Navy game last week, and it could be argued his attendance led to the game's highest viewership of all time. Over 9 million people watched the Midshipmen's 31-13 victory over the Black Knights.

The president-elect has also attended NFL games and UFC events this year.

The Longhorns led Clemson, 28-10, at the half. The winner has a date with Arizona State in the Peach Bowl New Year's Day.

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Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dead at 65

21 December 2024 at 15:06

Rickey Henderson, MLB's greatest base stealer and widely considered its greatest leadoff hitter, has died at the age of 65.

Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, spending the majority of his 25-year career with the Oakland Athletics.

Henderson, who would have turned 66 Christmas Day, was reportedly battling pneumonia.

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Henderson is also the all-time leader in runs scored. He was named the American League MVP in 1990 after leading the AL with a 1.016 OPS, 65 stolen bases and 119 runs scored.ย 

He also played for the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels and Dodgers.

Henderson's wife, Pamela, confirmed her husband's death in a statement.

"A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind," Pamela said.

"For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all-time," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.ย 

"He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. Rickey epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind.ย 

"Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickeyโ€™s family, his friends and former teammates, Aโ€™s fans and baseball fans everywhere."

Henderson won two World Series, one with the A's in 1989 and another with Toronto four years later.

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Henderson became MLB's all-time stolen bases leader May 1, 1991, when he swiped third base in Oakland. He finished with 1,406 in his career, surpassing Lou Brock by nearly 500 bags. Henderson also retired with 2,295 runs scored, 50 more than Ty Cobb. His 3,055 hits are 27th all-time.

His 130 stolen bases in 1982 are the most in the live ball era. He and Vince Coleman are the only players since 1920 to have three seasons of at least 100 stolen bases. Henderson swiped 50-plus bags in 13 seasons, the most ever.

He made his debut in 1979 and hung up his cleats in 2003, accumulating 111.1 WAR in his 25 MLB seasons.

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