Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

Colorado’s Deion Sanders explains aversion to coaching in NFL

Deion Sanders spent nearly a decade and a half playing in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls along the way. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL analyst Troy Aikman joined Sanders for a recent edition of Sanders’ show, “We Got Time Today,” which streams on Tubi.

At one point during the wide-ranging conversation, the pair of former Cowboys stars discussed the possibility of Sanders one day returning to professional football.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game Nov. 9, 2024, at Jones AT&T Stadium. (Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Despite his familiarity with the pros, Sanders pointed to the NFL’s modern-day practice style when he revealed what would prevent him from taking a coaching job with any of the league’s 32 franchises.

“That’s the way we practiced,” Sanders said. “I know it’s cute, but I couldn’t coach pro ball. The way they practice, the way they go about it, I couldn’t take it — as a man, and as a football enthusiast. I care about the game. … There’s no way I could allow that to happen on my watch. That would be tough.”

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Sanders became a media star once he he ended his career. But in recent years, Sanders has focused on coaching at the collegiate level. After a successful three-season run at Jackson State, Sanders took the job at the University of Colorado.

The Buffaloes improved under Sanders in 2024, and the success added fuel to the idea Sanders could soon leave college football for the NFL.

This isn’t the first time Sanders has dismissed the suggestion he would make the leap to the NFL. In 2022, he told “60 Minutes” he “couldn’t coach” at the pro level.

“I couldn’t coach pro ball,” he explained. “It’s not just about fame or money. It’s about the love of the game. The way things are done now, I couldn’t accept it. It would be hard for me to let that happen under my watch.”

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders waves to the crowd before a game against North Dakota State Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

During an appearance on “Good Morning America” last month, Sanders was once again asked about his NFL coaching prospects.

“The only way I would consider is to coach my sons,” Sanders said. “Not son. Sons.”

The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy in January. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed he had a conversation with Sanders during the franchise’s search for its next head coach. Dallas ultimately hired Brian Schottenheimer, but Aikman said it would “make a lot of sense” for Sanders to lead the Cowboys.

“I was asked a lot of questions about how do you think Deion would do?” Aikman recounted. “I said, ‘I think Deion would do great.’ There are a small handful of people that I know that I just simply would not bet against. And Deion is one of those handful of people. He’s proven it at every stop. He’d be successful in the NFL.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

Aikman said he understood how Sanders could make more of an impact at the college level.

“You’re not impressing upon young men the way that you are in college, but to suggest that he wouldn’t be good at it or successful at it, I don’t think people really know Deion’s story. I think that, for Dallas, Deion would’ve been a really good fit because he would’ve commanded the room.

“His personality is such that people would’ve known he was in charge. I think that’s important for any organization to know that the head coach is the one who’s calling the shots and he’s in charge.”

Aikman and Sanders played for the Cowboys when the team won the 1996 Super Bowl.

Sanders coached Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and sons Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders during his first two seasons at Colorado. He also coached the trio at Jackson State. All three are pursuing pro football careers, with Shedeur and Hunter expected to be first-round picks in April’s NFL Draft.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

<br /> <br />

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Jayden Daniels, Jared Verse named Offensive, Defensive Rookies of the Year

Jayden Daniels and Jared Verse won the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards at the NFL Honors in New Orleans on Thursday night.

Daniels was the second overall pick out of LSU following a Heisman Trophy campaign, and he impressed from the second he came onto the field.

Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 69% of his passes, getting a Pro Bowl nod. He also ran for 891 yards and another six scores, while converting 55 first downs with his legs.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) waves to the crowd after an overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Landover, Md. The Commanders won 30-24. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

With Daniels under center, the Washington Commanders had the best turnaround of any team in the NFL, going from 4-13 to 12-5 and a playoff berth. Washington also earned their first postseason win in 19 years, and for good measure, they took down the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions after that. While the NFC Championship did not go as planned – a 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles – the future is bright in D.C.

Verse was the 19th overall pick out of Florida State. It was the first time the Los Angeles Rams selected in the first round since 2016 and, well, they struck gold.

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) recovers a fumble against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

In his first NFL season, he was named to the Pro Bowl – he even picked up a fumble and took it 57 yards to the house in the wild card round against the Minnesota Vikings.

Starting in all but one game, Verse recorded 66 tackles, 18 QB hits, 11 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He also deflected two passes and picked up two fumbles.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

He’s the first Ram to win the award since Aaron Donald in 2014, so perhaps that’s a good omen for the rest of his career. His teammate in Braden Fiske was also nominated, so the Rams defense seems to be in good shape moving forward.

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

<br /> <br />

February 7, 2025
Bill Belichick’s girlfriend wears one of his Super Bowl rings at NFL Honors after he fills up his own hand

Bill Belichick is one of the rare football guys with too many rings for one hand.

Belichick is an eight-time Super Bowl winner, winning six as head coach of the New England Patriots and two more while he was the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator.

After being out of the NFL for the 2024 season, his first season away from a sideline in nearly five decades, Belichick made the rounds at Thursday’s NFL Honors.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson at the 14th Annual NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre Feb. 6, 2025, in New Orleans. (Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

Belichick appeared roughly two months after he was hired as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Despite being in the college ranks now, Belichick had to remind everyone who the GOAT is. So, he displayed his Super Bowl rings on his right hand.

And he gave one ring to his girlfriend to show off while attending with him.

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson at the 14th Annual NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre Feb. 6, 2025, in New Orleans. (Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Belichick and his girlfriend, 24-year-old former cheerleader Jordon Hudson, were first publicly linked last year, three years after meeting on a flight to Boston.

She attended Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony in June of last year, shortly before reports surfaced she and Belichick had been dating.

TMZ reported at the time that their first meeting ended with Belichick writing a note in her college textbook.

“Jordon, Thanks for giving me a course on logic! Safe travels!” Belichick appeared to write in the book.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hudson showed support for Belichick as the UNC coaching rumors swirled and seemed to confirm the two are “overtly committed” to North Carolina.

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

<br /> <br />

February 7, 2025
Saquon Barkley, Pat Surtain II named Offensive, Defensive Players of the Year

After carrying their teams to the playoffs, Saquon Barkley and Pat Surtain II were named the best players on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, respectively.

The running back signed a three-year deal with the Eagles in the offseason after their division rival in the New York Giants opted to let him go and it’s been a nightmare for Big Blue and a dream for the Birds.

Barkley became the ninth person to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, and had he not sat in Week 18, he probably would have the record.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

While this is strictly a regular season award, Barkley is 30 yards away from setting the record for most rushing yards in a season, including playoffs. In 19 games played this season, including the postseason, Barkley has rushed for 2,447 yards and 18 touchdowns, five of which have come in his last two games.

Out of his 19 games played, he’s rushed for 100-plus 12 times and has eclipsed the 200-yard mark twice.

This is the first time a running back has won the award in back-to-back seasons since 2005 and 2006, when Shaun Alexander and LaDanian Tomlinson won the hardware, respectively.

Surtain became the first defensive back to win the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019 after locking top receivers all season long. Surtain picked off four passes, returning them for an NFL-high 132 yards. He made his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was named a First-team All-Pro for the second time in three seasons.

Dec 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) gestures after a play in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High. (Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Quarterbacks combined for a 59.1 passer rating when throwing toward Surtain, the third-lowest mark in football behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Marlon Humphrey.

Surtain is the 12th cornerback to win the award.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Both players thanked God upon receiving their award – Barkley was not in attendance, as he’s gearing up for the big game on Sunday.

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

February 7, 2025
Cooper Manning jokes hospital named after his family saw a lot of his son, Texas star QB Arch Manning

NEW ORLEANS – The Manning family is a staple in New Orleans since the patriarch, Archie, was drafted 54 years ago by the Saints to be their quarterback.

The family’s accomplishments on the field, which includes their three sons — Cooper, Peyton and Eli — are widely known, but they’re also active in the community.

During the Louisiana Legacy Gala Wednesday night, it was announced that Children’s Hospital New Orleans would be renamed Manning Family Children’s in tribute to the family’s longstanding commitment to serving children in the community.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

A crowd applauds panelists onstage at Raising Cane’s Louisiana Legacy at Louisiana NOW Pavilion Feb. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for Raising Cane’s)

One of the main pillars of the hospital is never turning a child away, and it treated 585,000 children last year. During a press conference after the announcement, Cooper Manning explained how great the hospital is because his son, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, needed some treatment in the past.

“I can tell you Arch spent a lot of time at Children’s Hospital, and I was there taking him to get stitches. And we’ve spent a lot of time here,” Cooper said, jokingly. “Children’s Hospital is right down the street from us, and Arch is sad he couldn’t be here tonight.

“It’s a special spot, and my other son, Heid, we grew up practicing on that field and seeing the helicopter come in and all the kids taking a knee when they see the helicopter landing and going out with someone young.

“It’s part of the fabric of our youth growing up in New Orleans, and this is an unbelievable facility. We’re just flattered to be a part of it.”

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

The Louisiana Legacy event celebrated Archie and Olivia Manning with the inaugural Louisiana Legacy Award for their commitment to the well-being of children and their families across the state and the country.

New Orleans-born and Baton Rouge-raised Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s, donated $1 million to Walker’s Imaginarium, which will be a first-of-its-kind interactive children’s museum within the hospital that’s named after Walker Beery, who fought terminal brain cancer before his death.

Graves called Archie Manning his idol and someone he always wanted to emulate in the community and spoke about the hospital’s mission.

(L-R) Cooper Manning, Todd Graves, Olivia Manning, Eli Manning and Archie Manning celebrate hospital renaming. (Raising Cane’s)

“They gave great care for 600,000 kids this year, and they don’t stop at that,” he said. “They keep building every year, taking care of more and more children regardless of whether you can afford it or not. For us, and for me living here in the states and one day, God willing, I’m going to have grandkids and great-grandkids, having this world-class care in our backyard is invaluable.”

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

Archie added, “I can speak on behalf of my entire family. It’s very hard to put into words. To have a hospital named after you, this is not like making second-team All-SEC or anything like that. We just have such admiration for this hospital and the people and the leadership. For them to do this for our family, it’s one of the greatest things that’s happened in my life.”

Archie said the hospital honor beats all the football accomplishments.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“I think it was in 2007, we dedicated Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. And, in 2009, I think it was, we dedicated Eli Manning Children’s Clinics in Jackson, Miss. After both of those events, I told my sons that this is your finest hour, and I meant that. Football, in Peyton’s case, they’d just won a Super Bowl, and then Eli. I said, ‘What’s going on here is your finest hour.’

“Without a doubt, I can say this happening tonight and renaming this hospital is our family’s finest hour, and we’re very appreciative.”

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

<br /> <br />

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Patrick Mahomes’ mom talks about Trump’s expected visit to Super Bowl LIX

Randi Mahomes, the mother of Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, walked the carpet ahead of the NFL Honors in New Orleans Thursday night.

Mahomes will be in the stands at the Caesars Superdome to cheer on her son and the Chiefs as they compete for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title.

President Donald Trump is expected to make an appearance as well. Should he attend, he would become the first sitting president at a Super Bowl.

Mahomes backed Trump ahead of his presidential election victory over Kamala Harris.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates with his mother, Randi Martin, during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 15, 2023. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)

“I think for a president of our country, of the United States, I think it’s amazing,” she told Fox News Digital. “I think whoever the president is, to support the teams, to support America’s best sport. … I think it’s really neat for a president to be able to support it. You know what, let’s do it.”

The Chiefs’ star quarterback also reacted to the possibility of Trump attending the game while speaking to reporters Wednesday.

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

President Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP)

“It’s always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting president,” Mahomes said. “Someone that is at the top position in our country.”

Trump also congratulated Patrick and Brittany Mahomes on the birth of their third child ahead of the game.

When the president was asked earlier in the week who he was pulling for, he played a little coy.

“I don’t want to say, but there’s a certain quarterback that seems to be a pretty good winner,” he said.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

FOX’s coverage of the Super Bowl begins at 1 p.m. ET with the game kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET. The game can be streamed on Tubi for free.

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

<br /> <br />

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Rep. Jasmine Crockett says Trump’s transgender athlete ban ‘doesn’t protect women,’ faces intense backlash

Most Democrats have opted to remain silent in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s and girls sports.

But one Democrat spoke out against it and was heavily criticized.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, spoke out against Trump’s executive order in an X post Wednesday.

“On National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Trump is: – banning trans kids from playing sports – trying to cut Title IX women’s and girls’ athletics grants -removing references to women, female and equality on government websites,” Crockett wrote. “LET ME BE CLEAR This. Doesn’t. Protect. Women.”

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Crockett’s criticism of Trump drew fierce backlash from other X users.

“Nothing in your post is true. Transgender kids are not banned from playing sports – they just have to play on teams and in leagues where their sex matches the other athletes. Or they can form their own leagues. This was done to keep men from dominating women’s sports by pretending to be women. AKA ‘protecting women’s sports.’” one user wrote.

“There were no Title IX grants cut. Any references to ‘women, female & equality’ removed from any .gov website were removed in the context of transgender/gender ideology.”

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (MSNBC)

One user suggested Crockett’s stance was misogynistic.

“Why do you care more about the feelings of some biological males over the rights and safety of women? There’s a name for it when men are prioritized over women and given more rights. I was taught that’s misogyny,” the user wrote.

Another user pointed out that data suggests most Americans, including Democrats, oppose transgender inclusion in women’s sports, and that factored into the 2024 election results.

“This absolutely protects women, and this is what the majority of the country voted for,” the user wrote.

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

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

Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Shortly after November’s election, a national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America legislative action committee found that 70% of moderate voters saw the issue of “Donald Trump’s opposition to transgender boys and men playing girls’ and women’s sports and of transgender boys and men using girls’ and women’s bathrooms” as important to them.

And 6% said it was the most important issue of all, while 44% said it was “very important.”

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett during the first impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden by the House Oversight Committee at Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2023. (Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Image)

Crockett previously called her state and Florida “deplorable” during a December hearing on transgender athletes over conservative legislation by lawmakers in those states. Her comments came during a House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services hearing to discuss proposed changes to Title IX by the Biden administration that would redefine sexual discrimination to include gender identity.

“When lawmakers like this are so far out of touch with what women need, we see states pushing back,” Crockett said of her Republican colleague, U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, who spoke before her. “At least states that will allow you to push back. I’m from the state of Texas, and, of course, they don’t want you to ever have an opportunity to raise your voice in the state of Texas.

“In fact, Ms. Perry, I know your organization, the Heritage Foundation, loves Texas. Oh, they love Texas,” she added. “They always sending us some nonsense bills that somehow set this country on the wrong trajectory. They send them to Texas. They send them to Florida. Every deplorable state that we can think about, they usually coming out of yall’s think tank.”

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

Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 7, 2025
Chiefs’ Andy Reid responds to NFL officiating debate: ‘They don’t favor one side or the other’

While Andy Reid is primarily concerned with getting a win for the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, concerns about the way the Super Bowl will be officiated are also being brought to his attention.

Over the past several months, fans, sports commentators and social media observers have debated whether the Chiefs have benefited from favoritism from NFL referees.

Reid quickly shot down the idea, saying officials “don’t favor” the Chiefs, or any other team.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to referee Shawn Hochuli during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Dec. 17, 2023. (Eric Canha/USA Today Sports)

“They don’t favor one side or the other. … That’s not how this thing goes. I don’t think the officials care about what’s said,” Reid said. “They’re doing their job, and they’re doing it to the best of their ability.”

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Reid argued the perceived favoritism creates a “good story” but is not based in “reality.”

“It’s a good story, but that’s not the reality of how it works,” he added. “You’d be insulting them to think that’s what they do. They go out, and they call it like they see it. There’s some, as a coach, I sit there and I go, ‘I don’t agree with it.’ There are some I agree with. That’s how it goes.”

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to a referee during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Dec. 8, 2019. (Paul Rutherford/USA Today Sports)

During a press conference in New Orleans earlier this week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed assertions that officials have given the Chiefs an advantage.

“That’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously,” Goodell said Monday. “It reflects a lot of the fans’ passion, and I think it also is a reminder for us how important officiating is. And I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Coming back late and pulling off close wins seemed to have been a hallmark of the Chiefs’ season. In the AFC championship game victory over the Buffalo Bills, referees sparked contoversy when they ruled quarterback Josh Allen inches short of a crucial first down in the fourth quarter.

The critical measurement ignited questions about whether the NFL should adopt a form of ball-tracking technology.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt also shrugged off the idea that the back-to-back Super Bowl champions have gotten preferential treatment from referees, saying you “almost have to laugh at” the idea.

The NFL Referees Association described the criticism as “insulting and preposterous.”

The Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles meet in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

FOX’s Super Bowl coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage can also be streamed live on Tubi for the first time.

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

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Trump says he’s ‘proud to be the president to save women’s sports’ after NCAA changes trans athlete policy

Gov. Youngkin praises Trump for ‘saving women’s sports’

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Va., celebrates President Donald Trump’s executive order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports and shares his take on the administration eyeing the elimination of the Department of Education on ‘The Will Cain Show.’

President Donald Trump celebrated the NCAA’s announcement of a new policy Thursday that prevents transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports after he signed an executive order to address the issue a day earlier.

Trump proclaimed himself “the president to save women’s sports” in a celebratory Truth Social post. He also suggested the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be the next major sports institution to follow his order.

“Due to my Executive Order, which I proudly signed yesterday, the NCAA has officially changed their policy of allowing men in Women’s Sports – IT IS NOW BANNED! This is a great day for women and girls across our Country,” Trump wrote.

“Men should have NEVER been allowed to compete against women in the first place, but I am proud to be the President to SAVE Women’s Sports. We expect the Olympics Committee to also use Common Sense, and implement this policy, which is very popular among the American People, and the entire World!”

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

The NCAA’s previous policy, which had been in place in 2010, allowed biological males to compete in women’s sports after undergoing at least one year of testosterone suppression treatment. The new policy states, “A student-athlete assigned male at birth may not compete on a women’s team.”

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

Prior to Trump signing the order Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said part of the motivation behind Trump’s executive order would be to create a “pressure campaign” for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and NCAA to follow and prevent transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

During Trump’s ceremony at the White House to sign the executive order, he announced that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will prohibit any transgender athletes attempting to compete as women from entering the country for the Olympics in 2028.

Trump said he will instruct Noem “to deny any and all visa applications made by men attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying themselves as women athletes try and get into the Games.”

There was controversy surrounding gender eligibility at the Paris Olympics in July and August.

Boxers Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan won gold medals in women’s boxing. Both athletes had previously been disqualified from international competitions for failing gender eligibility tests. However, the IOC and current President Thomas Bach voiced support for both athletes. The IOC also insisted that both athletes were biologically female.

Before that, Laurel Hubbard, a transgender woman, competed in weightlifting for the New Zealand team, and Canadian soccer player Quinn came out as nonbinary and transgender in 2020.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

With Bach preparing to leave office later this year, the IOC’s next president could help carry out Trump’s vision on the issue more cooperatively.

Former British Olympic champion Sebastian Coe is a candidate to be the next IOC president and has suggested he will take action to prevent transgender inclusion in women’s events.

Coe is the head of World Athletics, the governing body for international track and field competition. In 2023, the governing body tightened its regulations on transgender athletes to exclude transgender women who have gone through male puberty from competing in the female category. That regulation also lowered the maximum testosterone level for eligible female competitors.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls sporting events in the East Room of the White House Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Coe said if he becomes IOC president, the new Olympic policy on transgender inclusion will “probably” reflect the one he has established in World Athletics. Coe has also said the controversy surrounding Khelif and Yu-ting made him feel “uncomfortable.”

The United Nations released study findings saying nearly 900 biological females have fallen short of winning medals because they lost to transgender athletes.

The study, “Violence against women and girls in sports,” said more than 600 athletes did not medal in more than 400 competitions in 29 different sports, totaling over 890 medals, according to information obtained up to March 30.

“The replacement of the female sports category with a mixed-sex category has resulted in an increasing number of female athletes losing opportunities, including medals, when competing against males,” the report said.

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

Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 7, 2025
PGA Tour credits Trump with moving LIV Golf deal closer during president’s big sports week

The PGA Tour put out a statement Thursday thanking President Donald Trump for intervening in the tour’s effort to broker a business agreement with LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

“We asked the president to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country and for all the countries involved,” a statement from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Tiger Woods said. “We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf.”

After launching in 2022, LIV lured several star golfers with massive salaries, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia.

In June of that year, the PGA suspended 17 players who pledged to play for LIV and promised future suspensions for anyone who participated in LIV events.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Former President Donald Trump, the 2024 presidential hopeful, plays golf ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational series tournament at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, N.J., Aug. 9, 2023. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

In June 2023, the PGA Tour and the European-based DP World Tour announced they had a ‘framework agreement’ for a merger with PIF and LIV. But the agreement never materialized because the deadline to complete that deal passed at the end of that year.

More than a full year has passed since, but now Trump’s intervention may bring that deal closer to fruition.

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Golf star Rory McIlroy said in November he believed Trump becoming president for the second time could help “clear the way” for a deal between the PGA and LIV.

Trump has a close relationship with Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf, with several of its 54-hole events being staged at Trump-owned courses.

Trump’s intervention with the PGA-LIV negotiations was one of many big sports moments for the president this week.

Former President Donald Trump watches his shot from the first tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, N.J. (Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via Getty Images)

Trump changed the course of women’s sports history by signing the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order in the East Room of the White House in front of female athletes on National Girls and Women in Sports Day Wednesday.

The NCAA quickly capitulated to Trump’s order, announcing Thursday afternoon a new participation policy for transgender student-athletes.

“A student-athlete assigned male at birth may not compete on a women’s team,” the new policy states.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

It was also reported this week that Trump will become the first sitting president in history to attend a Super Bowl.

The news prompted excitement from Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

“It’s always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting president,” Mahomes said. “Someone that is at the top position in our country.”

Kelce called it an “honor.”

“I think, you know, no matter who the president is, I know I’m excited because it’s the biggest game of my life, you know. And having the president there, you know, it’s the best country in the world. So, that’d be pretty cool,” Kelce said.

Former President Donald Trump headlines a Republican National Committee spring donor retreat in Palm Beach, Fla., May 4, 2024 (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs team owner Clark Hunt, spoke to Riley Gaines on OutKick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast and reacted to Trump’s remarks.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s pretty awesome,” she told Gaines. “Sometimes, I just look at whoever I’m talking to, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that just wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card.’ But, wow, that’s just absolutely incredible.”

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

Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 7, 2025