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NBA (Basketball)

NBA coaches express shock and disappointment over the firing of two-time Coach of the Year, Mike Brown

Rick Carlisle reacts in the 2nd half

Less than two years ago, Rick Carlisle praised Mike Brown for winning the NBA Coach of the Year award. On Friday, Carlisle was among many coaches expressing shock, and even anger, over Brown’s firing.

The Sacramento Kings let go of Brown on Friday, despite his back-to-back winning seasons, which was something the team hadn’t achieved in almost 20 years. The Kings were off to a 13-18 start this season and struggled near the Western Conference’s bottom.

“The firing of Mike Brown today was just shocking to me and I’m sure to everyone in our profession — men and women,” said Carlisle, the coach of the Indiana Pacers and president of the National Basketball Coaches Association.

“I had the privilege of working with Mike when I was coaching in Indiana. I see him as one of the role models for integrity in our profession. I’m absolutely shocked by that decision.”

Carlisle shared these thoughts unprompted during his pregame media session before the Pacers played Boston on Friday night. He wasn’t alone in his reaction.

Tom Thibodeau in the 2nd half

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who was fired by Sacramento in December 2014, called the decision to fire Brown “without class.”

“As an NBA head coach, you’ll get the blame,” Malone said. “When the team wins, it’s because of players like (Domantas) Sabonis and (De’Aaron) Fox. When they lose, it falls on Mike Brown. That’s the way it works.”

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, while acknowledging that coaching can be a thankless job, shared his thoughts on Brown’s character and coaching ability.

“He had a record of 107-88 while he was there,” Mosley said. “He changed the culture. And I say this not only as a fellow coach but as a close friend. He’s been a mentor to me. I know how good he is, how much he cares, and how much he’s helped so many of us in this game.”

Brown won the NBA Coach of the Year award unanimously in the 2022-23 season after his first year in Sacramento, leading the Kings to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Every one of the 100 voters in the panel of reporters and broadcasters placed Brown at the top of their ballot.

Yet, less than two years later, he was fired.

“It’s tough to see,” said New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year like Brown. “It’s part of the business. Mike’s a great person and a great coach. It’s unfortunate.”

Golden State coach Steve Kerr, a close friend and former assistant to Brown, also expressed disappointment. He understood the Kings’ struggles but still found it shocking that Brown was let go after his success.

Jamahl Mosley reacts in the 2nd half

“We all know that this is the nature of the business,” Kerr said. “But it’s shocking when a guy is the unanimous Coach of the Year a year and a half ago. When you think about where the franchise was before Mike got there… it’s really shocking.”

Brown’s firing marks the ninth coaching change in the NBA in 2024, and the 300th since Gregg Popovich became the league’s longest-tenured coach in San Antonio in 1996. Popovich is currently recovering from a stroke.

Throughout his career, Brown has held four different coaching jobs: head coach in Cleveland, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, then returning to Cleveland, and most recently, with Sacramento.

“He’ll certainly land on his feet,” Carlisle said. “But when you look at the job he did and the turnaround he led, it’s hard to believe this decision was made. Teams have the right to make decisions like this, but Mike is a great man and a great basketball coach, really one of the pillars of our profession. Anyway, onward.”

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NBA (Basketball)

Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic and Dallas’ Naji Marshall are traded after a clash leads to 3 ejections

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, left, and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic have to be separated after fighting during the second half of an NBA basketball game

Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic and Dallas forwards Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington were ejected after a brief fight during the Mavericks’ 98-89 win over the Suns on Friday night.

The incident began when Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while being guarded by Daniel Gafford with 9:02 left in the third quarter. The situation quickly escalated as Nurkic confronted Marshall, then swung his hand at Marshall’s head. Marshall responded by punching Nurkic, and Washington pushed Nurkic to the ground before the teams were separated.

“Just protecting each other — that’s what that was,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “Emotions can get high, so our guys protect one another. We talk about it and it was displayed tonight.”

Mavs guard Kyrie Irving shared a lighthearted comment: “Maybe that’s just the way we end 2024, where somebody actually swings in the NBA. Maybe that will help our ratings.”

Kyrie Irving reacts in the game

The referees reviewed the situation and decided to eject all three players.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer expressed concern about the incident: “I think that level of altercation is not good for our team, it’s not good for anybody individually, it’s not good for our league. I don’t know all the details of what got it to that point.”

The Mavericks were already missing star Luka Dončić, who is out for about a month due to a calf injury he sustained on Christmas Day.

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NFL (American Football)

Morant’s right shoulder is injured once more following a tough collision that cut his night short in New Orleans

Memphis Grizzlies players in the 2nd half

Ja Morant stood at the end of the Memphis bench, cheering for his teammates while keeping his right arm hanging by his injured shoulder, as Memphis won 132-124 over the Pelicans on Friday night.

Morant got hurt when he collided hard with a legal screen set by Daniel Theis during the third quarter. The impact caused Morant to fall to the floor, and the officials initially called a foul on Theis, but reversed the decision after reviewing the play.

Morant walked to the locker room for an evaluation and later returned to the bench but did not re-enter the game. He used his left arm to point to teammates after they made crucial shots in the closing minutes.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins had no update on Morant’s condition after the game. About a year ago, a torn labrum in the same shoulder ended Morant’s 2023-24 season.

“Obviously, he took a nice shot there to the shoulder, but we’ll get more of an evaluation in the next couple of days,” Jenkins said, while also praising his team’s “great resolve” in holding off the Pelicans after Morant left.

“Losing somebody like that is never easy,” said Memphis guard Desmond Bane. “But we kept our composure and were able to make plays down the stretch.”

Ja Morant in the 1st half

The Grizzlies were scheduled to have updates on all injured players by Saturday, ahead of their Sunday game against Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City.

Morant was able to dress himself at his locker after the game in New Orleans. He seemed to be in good spirits and did not wear a sling. However, he kept his right arm mostly still and at his side.

The 25-year-old Morant has averaged around 21 points per game this season, slightly below his career average of 24 points per game.

Earlier this season, Morant missed eight games due to a posterior hip subluxation and multiple Grade 1 pelvic muscle strains. The Grizzlies (22-10) went 5-3 during that time.

Morant scored 25 points in New Orleans, but had just one point in the second half before his injury. Still, the Grizzlies surpassed 130 points, one night after setting a franchise record with 155 points in a win over Toronto.

According to Bane, the Grizzlies’ current offensive style is “balanced, it’s together, it’s fast — all of those things.”

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NBA (Basketball)

LeBron and Bronny James Break NBA Records in Historic Father-Son Debut

LeBron and Bronny James Break NBA Records in Historic Father-Son Debut
LeBron and Bronny James Break NBA Records in Historic Father-Son Debut

LeBron James and his 20-year-old son Bronny made history during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first father-son duo to ever play together in an NBA game. This milestone came after years of LeBron expressing his dream of sharing the court with his son, and it was realized when they checked into the game together in the second quarter. The moment was emotional for both, as LeBron recalled how special it was to be at the scorer’s table with Bronny, knowing it was a moment he would never forget.

Their time on the court was brief, lasting about 2 ½ minutes, but filled with significance. LeBron, who had already played 13 minutes, missed two shots before dunking the ball. Bronny had an early offensive rebound and a missed tip-in, followed by a near-miss on his first NBA 3-pointer. Though their playtime was short, the crowd gave them a standing ovation when Bronny exited the game, acknowledging the gravity of the historic moment.

After the Lakers’ 110-103 victory, the father and son shared an intimate moment in the locker room. They stopped in the tunnel to embrace LeBron’s wife, Savannah, and Bronny’s mother, who were both present to witness the history-making event. It was also a special day for the James family, as it was the 10th birthday of LeBron’s younger daughter, Zhuri. The significance of this moment was amplified by the Lakers’ first opening-night win in LeBron’s seven seasons with the team.

LeBron and Bronny James Break NBA Records in Historic Father-Son Debut
LeBron and Bronny James Break NBA Records in Historic Father-Son Debut

LeBron and Bronny’s achievement was echoed by the presence of another iconic father-son duo: Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. The two Major League Baseball stars, who were the first father-son pair to play together in MLB, sat courtside at the game. Their presence symbolized the rare nature of such family achievements in professional sports. The Griffeys and the Jameses shared photos and warm words before the game, reflecting on their respective historic accomplishments.

LeBron had talked about his dream of playing with Bronny for years, even before Bronny was drafted by the Lakers as the 55th overall pick. When the moment finally arrived, LeBron reflected on how surreal it was but emphasized that both father and son stayed focused on their roles within the team. For LeBron, it wasn’t about the spectacle but rather about making sure they contributed to the team’s success. This milestone, while emotional, was approached with professionalism.

Father-son pairings are rare in professional sports, with notable examples like the Griffeys, Tim Raines and his son, and Gordie Howe with his sons. However, LeBron and Bronny’s achievement stands out, as LeBron is still one of the top players in the NBA in his 22nd season. As the Lakers aim to return to championship form, LeBron remains crucial to their success, and Bronny’s addition to the team adds an exciting new dynamic.

Bronny’s path to the NBA was particularly inspiring, especially given his health scare in 2023, when he suffered a cardiac arrest and underwent open-heart surgery. Despite this, Bronny went on to play a shortened season at USC and declared for the NBA draft. The Lakers selected him, and Bronny has since been adjusting to professional life, including practicing and playing in preseason games alongside his father. Both LeBron and Bronny have stressed the importance of preparation and professionalism, knowing it will take time for Bronny to fully adapt to the NBA.

Although the Lakers haven’t revealed how long Bronny will stay on the team, it’s likely he will spend time in the G League with the South Bay Lakers to continue developing his game. LeBron and Lakers coach JJ Redick have spoken highly of the South Bay Lakers’ player development program. With several other small guards on the Lakers’ roster, Bronny may not see regular NBA minutes just yet, but the organization remains committed to his growth and development, making their historic achievement even more meaningful.

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MLB (Baseball)

Tigers sign ex-Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract

Gleyber Torres hits a single in the 1st inning

The Detroit Tigers signed former New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres to a $15 million, one-year contract on Friday.

Torres, a two-time All-Star, gets a slight raise from his previous $14.2 million salary with the Yankees. The contract also includes a one-time assignment bonus of $500,000.

“We were very aggressive to try to land it. I mean, I was on the phone for most of Christmas Eve, which my family didn’t really appreciate,” said Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris. “But, we feel like we got better today. We feel like adding Gleyber made us better, and we feel like he’s going to make the players around him a lot better.”

In his seven seasons with the Yankees, Torres batted .265 with 138 home runs and 441 RBIs. The Yankees acquired him in 2016 from the Cubs as part of the trade that sent closer Aroldis Chapman to Chicago.

The 28-year-old infielder hit .257 last season with 15 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 26 doubles while helping the Yankees win the AL East and reach the World Series, where they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

“Our offense has to get better,” Harris said. “He can fit anywhere in our lineup.”

Torres struggled early in the season, hitting .221 with eight homers and 30 RBIs through July 4. However, he finished strong, batting .298 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in his final 68 games.

Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres celebrates after a home run in the 3rd inning

“From the very first conversation that we had with Gleyber this offseason, we talked about how we think there’s more in there. We think he can get better on both sides of the ball. Gleyber believes that, too,” Harris said.

“He had a lot of opportunity to go to different places this winter on longer deals than the one he took. But his agents were very up front with me about his desire to bet on himself, and honestly, that made me want him more.”

Torres had 18 errors last season, which was six more than any other second baseman in the major leagues. He was benched for a game against the New York Mets on June 27 after a poor performance and was pulled by manager Aaron Boone for lack of hustle during an August 2 game against Toronto. However, Torres responded well to Boone’s decision and did not have similar issues afterward.

“We’re really excited to add Gleyber to our mix,” Harris said.

Torres will play second base for the Tigers, while Colt Keith will shift to first base. Harris said Keith had 12 errors at second base last season, the second most among major league second basemen.

Harris also told Spencer Torkelson that there’s still a role available for him at first base and designated hitter if he performs well. The 25-year-old Torkelson had 31 home runs and 94 RBIs for the Tigers in 2023 but struggled last season, batting .219 with 10 homers and 37 RBIs in 92 games. He was sent down to the minors from June 3 to August 16.

Torres played shortstop for the Yankees from 2020 to 2021 but moved back to second base in 2021 after making 18 errors during that season.

Harris said the Tigers still believe Keith is “a very capable second baseman.”

Detroit Tigers player celebrates in the 9th inning

“He may move back to second base in the future. But for 2025, our best team has Gleyber at second base and Colt at first base,” Harris said.

Torres, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, was signed by the Cubs in 2013 and traded to the Yankees in 2016. That year, the Cubs won the World Series, ending a 108-year title drought.

Torres made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2018 and homered in four straight games as a rookie. At 21 years old, he became the youngest player in American League history to achieve that feat. He also earned two All-Star selections and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

He has been successful in the postseason as well, posting a .795 OPS with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in six playoff appearances for the Yankees.

“One of our areas of need was more balance in our lineup. We got a little bit too left-handed toward the end of the season,” Harris said. “Adding a player with Gleyber’s track record against left-handed pitching is a significant boost to our lineup.

We think he’s going to add on-base skills, we think he’s going to add damage, and we think he’s going to be able to protect some of our young but really talented left-handed hitters who will hit in the middle of our lineup in 2025.”

In a corresponding move, the Tigers designated left-hander Bailey Horn for assignment.

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FEATURED

Athletics president Dave Kaval will step down from his role with the organization soon

Oakland Athletics President Dave Kaval before a baseball game

Dave Kaval, president of the Athletics, will leave the organization after being the main figure behind the team’s move from Oakland to Las Vegas.

Kaval has been president of the A’s for eight years and will step down on Dec. 31 to explore new business opportunities in California.

Sandy Dean, a longtime business partner of the Fisher family, which owns the team, will take over as interim president. A search for a permanent president will begin in 2025.

Kaval decided to step down after the team passed its final major steps toward building a stadium in Las Vegas. Earlier this month, the Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved important documents for the Athletics to build a $1.75 billion stadium on the Strip.

There are still some details to be worked out, like a development agreement with Clark County, but the groundbreaking is expected to happen in the spring. The team plans to be in the new stadium in Las Vegas for the 2028 season.

“We are grateful for Dave’s contributions and leadership over the past eight years,” said A’s owner John Fisher.

Oakland Athletics players celebrates in the 5th inning

“He guided our organization through a period of significant transition, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to the team.

As we look ahead to the next chapter of our franchise, the team will continue to grow under new leadership, driving the organization toward success during our interim years in West Sacramento and at our new home in Las Vegas.”

Kaval struggled to get a new stadium built in downtown Oakland but eventually helped the team reach an agreement to move to Las Vegas, ending the A’s’ 57-year stay in Oakland. The team will play at least the next three seasons in a minor league ballpark in West Sacramento, California.

Before joining the A’s, Kaval was president of the San Jose Earthquakes, an MLS team also owned by the Fisher family. When he first joined the A’s, he was praised for his open-door policy with fans and for making changes at the Oakland Coliseum, such as bringing in food trucks and creating the “Treehouse,” a 10,000-square-foot area with a bar, lounge, and patio for fans to watch games from left field.

After the team announced plans to move to Las Vegas in 2023, Kaval took a less public role in the Bay Area.

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MLB (Baseball)

The Mets and pitcher Sean Manaea have agreed to a 3-year, $75 million contract

Sean Manaea pitches in the 2nd inning

Sean Manaea and the New York Mets have finalized a $75 million, three-year contract, keeping one of the team’s top pitchers from last season in their revamped rotation. The deal was agreed to earlier this week, pending a successful physical.

Manaea had a standout year in 2024, becoming the Mets’ best starter, with a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA in 32 games. He turned down a $13.5 million option for 2025, leaving a two-year $28 million deal to become a free agent for the third consecutive offseason. Manaea also rejected a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Mets last month to test the market again.

“Sean was an integral part of what the team accomplished last season,” said Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. “He impressed on the field leading the rotation and in the clubhouse with his character, attitude, and composure. I am excited to watch him continue to flourish over the next few years.”

The Mets’ agreement with Manaea, who will turn 33 in February, gives the team a crucial frontline starter for their new-look rotation. After securing slugger Juan Soto to a record $765 million, 15-year deal, Mets owner Steve Cohen has committed $916.25 million to five free agents this offseason, four of them starting pitchers.

In addition to Manaea, the Mets also signed right-handed pitchers Frankie Montas ($34 million, two years), Clay Holmes ($38 million, three years), and Griffin Canning ($4.25 million, one year). Holmes, a two-time All-Star with the Yankees, is expected to transition from a reliever to a starter.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto (MLB)

Manaea finished the season with 184 strikeouts and 63 walks in 181 2/3 innings, posting a 3.09 ERA in his final 12 regular-season starts. In the playoffs, he went 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA and 19 strikeouts over 19 innings as the Mets advanced to the National League Championship Series.

After several veteran starters became free agents, including Luis Severino and Jose Quintana, Manaea’s three-year, $75 million deal matches the one signed by Nathan Eovaldi with the Texas Rangers. However, some of Manaea’s payments will be deferred.

Manaea, Montas, and Holmes are expected to fill spots in the Mets’ projected 2025 rotation, alongside returning pitchers Kodai Senga and David Peterson. Other candidates like Canning, Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Buttó may round out the rotation.

A nine-year MLB veteran, Manaea has a career record of 77-62 with a 4.00 ERA in 198 starts and 30 relief appearances with Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, and the Mets. He pitched a no-hitter for Oakland against Boston in April 2018. Manaea was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2013 from Indiana State.

Last month, Manaea received the Ben Epstein/Dan Castellano Good Guy Award from the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for his cooperation with reporters.

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Football (Premier League)

Lionel Messi Transforms MLS with Historic Move to Inter Miami, Boosting League’s Global Appeal

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

In 2023, Lionel Messi made the move to the United States after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. The legendary Argentine footballer, known for his long tenure at Barcelona, became a free agent and was persuaded to join Inter Miami by David Beckham and the team’s ownership group. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for both Messi and Major League Soccer (MLS), with his influence felt both on and off the pitch.

Messi’s impact on MLS has been profound, bringing a surge of attention to the league. Each game Messi plays generates a rush for tickets, with many celebrities eager to witness his play. While still fiercely competitive in pursuit of trophies, Messi’s presence has brought significant media attention to the league, making it a focal point for fans across the United States and beyond.

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

Inter Miami’s co-president, Xavier Asensi, compared Messi’s effect on MLS to the transformation caused by NBA legend Michael Jordan in basketball. He explained that Messi’s arrival created a turning point for the league, drawing fans from different teams to games simply to watch him play. Asensi emphasized that Messi’s influence on MLS is monumental, similar to Jordan’s impact on the NBA during the 1990s.

Asensi also discussed the strategy that led to Messi’s signing. He realized that competing directly with wealthier, more established clubs would be difficult, so the focus was on offering something distinct: bringing Messi to the United States. Asensi worked with various partners, including the league, Adidas, Fanatics, and Apple, to demonstrate how Messi could transform the sport in the country. This collaboration ultimately helped convince Messi to join.

Since his arrival, Inter Miami has surpassed expectations. The team won the Leagues Cup in a historic victory just weeks after Messi joined, and they are now in contention for the MLS Cup in 2024. In addition to their Leagues Cup triumph, the team also claimed the Supporters’ Shield, with Messi’s influence proving critical in helping the club achieve success well beyond initial projections.

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MLB (Baseball)

Baseball players Bregman and Buehler co-own horse that wins for the first time

Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman (MLB)

All-Star baseball players Alex Bregman and Walker Buehler have teamed up as owners of a 3-year-old colt that won for the first time at Santa Anita on Friday.

The horse, March of Time, beat four competitors by 2 1/4 lengths in a six-furlong sprint race for horses that had never won. The race had a $60,000 prize, reflecting the quality of the horses involved.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, March of Time was the favorite and paid $4.60 to win. The colt took the lead in the upper stretch and pulled ahead of the second-place finisher, Santarena, with a furlong left.

March of Time is sired by Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown winner trained by Baffert.

Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman (MLB)

In addition to Bregman and Buehler, the colt’s other owner is Baffert’s wife, Jill. Buehler, a free-agent pitcher who helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series this year, is a longtime friend of the Bafferts.

Bregman, also a free agent, spent the past nine seasons with the Houston Astros, helping them win two World Series titles.

Before being owned by Bregman, Buehler, and Baffert, March of Time was owned by the prominent group Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, and Derrick Smith of Coolmore. The colt finished second in his debut race a year ago.

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NFL (American Football)

Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday’s game against Dallas

Jalen Hurts passes in the 2nd half

Jalen Hurts is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning the Philadelphia Eagles will have to play against Dallas without their starting quarterback.

Hurts remains sidelined due to the ongoing effects of a concussion he suffered in a game against Washington. He was injured early when his head hit the ground on one play and was later hit in the helmet by linebacker Frankie Luvu during another.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni stated the team would rely on the medical staff daily to assess Hurts’ recovery. Hurts, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more in the first matchup against Dallas in November, did not practice this week.

This leaves backup Kenny Pickett in line to start on Sunday, even though Pickett had a rib injury from playing in relief during the Commanders game.

Pickett completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards against Washington, including a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and one interception.

Originally from New Jersey, Pickett shared that he has fond memories of attending games at Lincoln Financial Field with his father and grandfather since he was five. The chance to run out of the home team’s tunnel as the starting quarterback left him excited.

Nick Sirianni gestures in the 1st half

“It’s a big opportunity,” Pickett said. “I’ve been working hard to stay ready. I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation. Now, having a week to practice, I’ll feel even better going into the stadium.”

Pickett, a first-round pick from Pitt in 2022, started 14 games for the Steelers, with a 14-10 record.

With Hurts out, the Eagles have moved third-stringer Tanner McKee to backup, and they signed quarterback Ian Book to the practice squad this week.

There are examples of quarterbacks returning the week after entering concussion protocol. Last season, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence suffered a head injury in Week 15 against Baltimore but was cleared in time to start the next game.

The Eagles (12-3) might decide to rest Hurts for safety reasons, as a win against Dallas or the New York Giants would clinch the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

Hurts has had an impressive season, throwing 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His rushing game, including 14 rushing touchdowns, has played a major role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl contention. In 2017, the Eagles won the Super Bowl with backup quarterback Nick Foles, who stepped in after starter Carson Wentz was injured.

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College Football

Tennessee’s SEC rushing leader, Dylan Sampson, announces his decision to enter the NFL draft

Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson celebrates the team’s 36-23 win against Vanderbilt after an NCAA college football game

Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is declaring for the NFL draft after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing and setting several school records.

The SEC Offensive Player of the Year shared his decision on social media Friday, announcing he will leave after his junior season. He helped the seventh-ranked Vols finish with a 10-3 record, though they lost in the first round of the College Football Playoff, where Sampson was limited by a hamstring injury.

Sampson expressed gratitude to his family, Tennessee coaches, and fans, saying he learned a lot and was proud to be part of something special. When he arrived at Tennessee, the team was 3-7 in 2020, but he leaves with the Vols having won 30 games in his three seasons.

“I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community,” Sampson wrote. “With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.”

Tennessee players celebrate in the 1st half

Sampson set a school record by rushing for 1,491 yards. He also set a program record with a league-leading 22 rushing touchdowns, breaking a record that had stood for 95 years.

He was part of coach Josh Heupel’s first full signing class in December 2021 from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also set school records for total touchdowns (22), points scored (132), and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (11).

Sampson led the SEC in nine categories, including rushing attempts (258), rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games (10), averaging 114.7 yards per game, points scored, points per game (10.2), all-purpose yards (1,638), and all-purpose yards per game (126.0).

He finished the season tied for fifth all-time in SEC history for rushing touchdowns in a single season, matching Leonard Fournette of LSU.

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FEATURED

Team USA Shines at 2024 Paris Olympics with 10 Medals in Gymnastics, Biles Leads the Way

Team USA Shines at 2024 Paris Olympics with 10 Medals in Gymnastics, Biles Leads the Way
Team USA Shines at 2024 Paris Olympics with 10 Medals in Gymnastics, Biles Leads the Way

Team USA made a strong impression at the 2024 Paris Olympics, wrapping up the gymnastics competition with a total of 10 medals, including three golds. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles played pivotal roles in the U.S. success, but the performances of other athletes like Suni Lee, Stephen Nedoroscik, and Frederick Richard were also key to the team’s achievements. The final gymnastics event of the competition saw the Americans earning two more medals, solidifying their dominance in the sport.

Simone Biles had a standout performance in Paris, cementing her status as the most decorated U.S. gymnast of all time. After a disappointing Tokyo Olympics, Biles returned stronger than ever, winning three gold medals (team, all-around, and vault) and a silver (floor exercise). Her achievements in Paris included breaking several records, including becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast with 11 total medals, surpassing the previous record of seven. Additionally, Biles became the first woman to win the individual all-around in non-consecutive Olympics and the oldest woman in 72 years to win the all-around gold.

The U.S. men’s gymnastics team also made history in Paris, winning their first team all-around medal since 2008. The bronze medal marked only the sixth time in Olympic history that the U.S. men earned a team medal. Stephen Nedoroscik played a crucial role in securing the medal, delivering a strong performance on the pommel horse. Teammates like Frederick Richard, Brody Malone, Asher Hong, and Paul Juda contributed with impressive performances in their respective apparatuses. Nedoroscik later added an individual bronze in the pommel horse event, further solidifying his breakout success.

Team USA Shines at 2024 Paris Olympics with 10 Medals in Gymnastics, Biles Leads the Way
Team USA Shines at 2024 Paris Olympics with 10 Medals in Gymnastics, Biles Leads the Way

Suni Lee made a remarkable comeback after a challenging few years. Diagnosed with two kidney diseases in 2023, Lee had to take a six-month break from gymnastics to recover. Despite these setbacks, the Minnesota native returned to the sport in top form, winning three medals in Paris, including a gold in the team event and two bronze medals in the individual all-around and uneven bars. Lee now has six Olympic medals to her name, placing her among the all-time greats, and at just 21 years old, her career is far from over.

Jordan Chiles had a breakthrough moment in Paris, earning her first individual medal in a thrilling floor routine performance. Chiles, who had already helped Team USA win gold in the team event, delivered a strong performance in the floor exercise, which initially placed her fifth. A subsequent scoring inquiry elevated her to third place, securing a bronze medal. Chiles’ emotional celebration with Simone Biles after the result marked one of the most memorable moments of the Games.

While Team USA had impressive results, China ultimately led in overall gymnastics medals, winning 11 medals, including two golds. The Chinese team excelled across various disciplines, claiming gold in men’s rings and men’s parallel bars, while also earning multiple silver and bronze medals. Despite China’s dominance, the U.S. and other nations, such as Brazil and Japan, provided strong competition. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade stood out with four medals, including gold in floor exercise, while Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka made a spectacular Olympic debut, winning three golds and one bronze, establishing himself as a rising star in the sport.