Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

ESPN analyst reveals how ex-colleague’s Obama comments became point of contention

Sage Steele, in a lawsuit against her former employer, ESPN, accused analyst Ryan Clark of refusing to work with her due to opposing political views.

Clark admitted recently on “The Michele Tafoya Show” that part of the accusation wasn’t false, but he felt the need to clear the air.

Tafoya asked Clark about the lawsuit, which alleged Clark refused to work with Steele after she made controversial comments on former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler’s podcast in 2021.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

ESPN analyst Ryan Clark broadcasts from the field before a game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium Sept. 9, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

On the podcast, Steele reflected on an appearance on “The View,” in which she said Barbara Walters “ripped me” for saying it was “important” to label herself as biracial.

Steele said Walters then brought up that former President Barack Obama, who is biracial, chose “Black” when filling out paperwork for a census.

“I’m like, well, congratulations to the president. That’s his thing. I think that’s fascinating considering his Black dad was nowhere to be found, but his white mom and grandma raised him. But hey, you do you. I’m going to do me,” Steele said on Cutler’s podcast.

Clark said he disagreed with Steele on many political topics, including her vaccination stance and Colin Kaepernick’s protests, but he had “no issue” with her being a conservative.

“Sage Steele being a conservative was, like, the worst-kept secret at ESPN,” the former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back quipped.

However, her comments on Obama were the “only” thing that “offended” him and prompted him to speak with a producer at ESPN about hosting a segment together.

Sage Steele takes the stage during a Donald Trump campaign rally at Lancaster Airport Nov. 3, 2024, in Lititz, Pa. (Getty Images)

3 PEOPLE CHARGED WITH SELLING FORGED JASON KELCE MEMORABILIA

“As a Black man who understands that no matter what President Obama decides to check off as his race, he’s going to be seen as an entire country as a Black man. He’s going to be viewed if policemen say, ‘The suspect is a Black, tall, slender, light-skinned man,’ President Obama would fit that description,” Clark said.

“He’s also a man that was married to a Black woman. He was also a man that was raising two young Black daughters. And I felt that was disrespectful to say, ‘Why would someone with that blood running through their veins want to represent that culture?’”

Clark admitted he told a producer he wanted another host, Matt Barrie, to “conduct my segment.”

“Because what I know is this … chemistry is a large part of TV. It’s a large part of our ability to be able to entertain. And I didn’t want my discomfort with what she said to show on screen,” Clark said.

Clark said it was a one-time thing with Steele, and they were able to “work … in a very cordial way” until she left ESPN. He added they no longer speak, “but I obviously wish her all the best in all her endeavors.”

ESPN’s Ryan Clark chats with colleagues on air before a game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars Dec. 4, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“She now has found a place where, entertainment-wise, she feels like she fits, she feels like she has a voice and she has a passion. And I feel like we all should be entitled to that, whether you agree or disagree.”

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

January 23, 2025
Ravens’ Mark Andrews breaks silence after critical drop in playoffs led to death threats: ‘Absolutely gutted’

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has spoken for the first time since his crucial dropped two-point conversion in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Andrews took the high road despite facing ridicule and even death threats after a 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

“It’s impossible to adequately express how I feel,” Andrews wrote on his Instagram page. “I’m absolutely gutted by what happened on Sunday. I’m devastated for my teammates, my coaches and Ravens fans.

“I pour every ounce of my being into playing at the highest level possible, because I love my team and the game of football like nothing else. That is why it’s taken me until now to collect my thoughts and address this publicly.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews drops a pass on a two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. (Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)

“Even though the shock and disappointment are unlike anything I’ve felt before, I refuse to let the situation define me. I promise that this adversity will only make me stronger and fuel us as we move forward.

“I thank everyone who has shown me and our team genuine support these past several days. Despite the negativity, I’ve seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including from those who have generously donated to the Breakthrough T1D organization. Even when the moment seems darkest, perspective can reveal that there’s still a lot of light in this world.

“I’m now going to do my part to bounce back and contribute to it. #GodBless”

RAVENS STAR PLEADS FOR SOMEBODY TO BEAT CHIEFS: ‘WE CAN’T LET THEM KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS’

A GoFundMe was launched by the “Bills Mafia,” which has raised over $100,000 for Andrews’ foundation. The Ravens addressed the classy move by the Bills fan base Wednesday.

“Shout out to Bills Mafia for showing support to our guy Mark Andrews and donating to the @BreakthroughT1D organization, which works towards curing and improving the lives of those dealing with Type 1 diabetes,” a Ravens’ X post said.

Andrews’ drop couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Ravens because a successful two-point conversion would’ve tied the game in Orchard Park, New York, at 27 with less than two minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens drops a pass on a two-point conversion attempt during the second half of a divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium Jan. 19, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw the ball perfectly to his usually trusty tight end running toward the right pylon, but Andrews couldn’t secure it in the frigid, snowy conditions. And the reaction said it all from the Ravens on the field and the sideline.

The Bills knew they had escaped potential defeat if the game had gone to overtime. Instead, the Bills are heading to Kansas City this weekend for another chapter of their rivalry with the Chiefs.

Andrews’ teammates were quick to console him on the sideline, where he looked shocked at what had transpired. And though he admitted feeling gutted after the game, Jackson defended Andrews, saying it was a team loss.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. (Scott Galvin/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Andrews, the third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has played seven seasons with Baltimore. He finished his 2024 campaign with a career-high 11 receiving touchdowns among his 55 receptions for 673 yards.

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

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
3 people charged with selling forged Jason Kelce memorabilia

Three adults have been charged with forgery, theft and other charges related to selling fake Jason Kelce-signed memorabilia.

Robert Capone, LeeAnn Branco and Joseph Parenti allegedly forged Kelce’s signature on more than 1,100 memorabilia items that were valued at least $200,000 total.

Jerseys, mini-helmets, hats, photos, footballs and other items were sold by Capone’s Overtime Promotions and Parent’s Diamond Legends after being verified by Branco, an employee of Beckett Authentication Services, documents say.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jason Kelce (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images/File)

Kelce himself appeared at a signing event on June 11 at the Valley Forge Casino Hotel near Philadelphia, where Kelce played 13 seasons with the Eagles. Branco took a photo of Kelce to make the items seem more legitimate.

The police were notified by a Pennsylvania-based memorabilia company that had been in contact with Kelce to sign the items.

“The investigation found that Capone, Parenti and Branco conspired to use Branco’s Beckett Authentication Services credentials to create counterfeit autographed sport memorabilia and then offered it for sale as authentically contracted-for products signed by Kelce,” authorities said in a press release.

Jason Kelce (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images/File)

JAGUARS ‘RESPECTFULLY SEPARATE’ FROM GENERAL MANAGER TRENT BAALKE AS OTHER TEAMS FILL SIMILAR ROLES

Capone, Branco and Parenti are charged with 60 felony counts. Capone was released from jail after posting $100,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5.

Kelce is in his first season as a former player after winning a Super Bowl, making the Pro Bowl seven times and being named six times a First-Team All-Pro.

Kelce’s former Eagles are in the NFC Championship Game for the second time in three years and the third time since the 2017 season. The Birds won both of those contests but have split their latest Super Bowl appearances.

Jason Kelce (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Image/File)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Eagles need to get by the Washington Commanders for a third time this season if they want to compete with either the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl LIX. Kansas City defeated the Eagles in the Super Bowl two years ago as the first half of their back-to-back reign.

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

January 23, 2025
Chiefs may have one advantage over the Bills ahead of the AFC Championship, Andy Reid says

Tom Brady discusses officiating and the Chiefs | The Herd

Patrick Mahomes said “a lot of other plays decided the outcome” regarding the Kansas City Chiefs’ controversial win over the Houston Texans. Colin Cowherd and Tom Brady discuss officiating and the Chiefs and whether there are any issues.

The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to playing in big games, especially against the Buffalo Bills.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked on Wednesday if the Chiefs had an advantage over the Bills in the AFC Championship game due to so many players having experience in these types of games.

“Listen, it normally doesn’t hurt, for sure. I don’t know how you weigh out the advantage of it, but I feel like we play these guys all the time. They know us, we know them but … to answer your question, I’m glad we have all those guys, and you’ll need all of them,” Reid said in his press conference.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sidelines against the Houston Texans during the first half of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley-Imagn Images)

The Bills were the only team to beat the Chiefs when they played their starters in a game this season in Week 11.

The Bills won 30-21, capped off by Josh Allen’s 26-yard touchdown run on fourth and two to seal the game.

That matchup was in Buffalo, while the AFC Championship game is in Kansas City.

The Bills are 4-3 against the Chiefs in their last seven games, however those three losses have all come in the playoffs.

Last season, the Chiefs eliminated the Bills in Buffalo in the AFC Divisional Round before beating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship.

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

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Chiefs beat the Bills 42-36 in overtime in the Divisional Round a couple of years ago in one of the most legendary playoff games in recent memory.

In the season prior to that epic Divisional round game, the Chiefs outlasted the Bills 38-24 in the AFC Championship.

This season, Kansas City went 15-2 and earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye and an easier path to the Super Bowl than Buffalo.

The Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 24-13 in the AFC Divisional round, while the Bills had to play two games.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates with wide receiver Curtis Samuel (1) after Samuel’s touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

The Bills beat the Denver Broncos 31-12 in the Wild Card round and then beat the Ravens 27-25 in the Divisional Round.

Round four between the two AFC powerhouses will come on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Only then will Reid find out wherher his players’ big game experience will give them an advantage.

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

Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
Ichiro Suzuki wants to sit down and talk to Hall of Fame voter who kept him from being a unanimous inductee

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Having trouble? Click here.

Baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki isn’t overlooking the fact a single voter prevented him from becoming the second unanimous Hall of Fame inductee in the sport’s history.

Suzuki, who was inducted Tuesday but fell just one vote shy of being unanimous, said during a press conference Thursday he wants to meet with the one person who voted against him.

“I would like to invite him over to my house, and we’ll have a drink together and have a good chat,” Suzuki said via a translator.

Suzuki would have joined legendary New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera as the only other unanimous Hall of Fame inductee in MLB history.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Former Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki tosses a ball to the dugout before throwing out the first pitch for a game against the Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park. (Joe Nicholson/USA Today Sports)

News that Suzuki was a vote shy of being unanimous prompted widespread outrage from fans and media pundets on social media in the hours after the announcement.

2025 MLB FREE-AGENT SIGNING TRACKER, TRADES: DODGERS ADD RELIEVER KIRBY YATES

Former Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki speaks during his induction to the Mariners Hall of Fame before a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. (Steven Bisig/USA Today Sports)

Suzuki is the first player from Japan to be inducted.

Suzuki moved to Major League Baseball from Japan as a 27-year-old in 2001 and joined Fred Lynn in 1975 as the only players to win AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP in the same season. Suzuki was a two-time AL batting champion and 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder, hitting .311 with 117 homers, 780 RBIs and 509 stolen bases with the Seattle Mariners (2001-12, 2018-19), the New York Yankees (2012-14) and Miami Marlins (2015-17).

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Ichiro Suzuki before a game between the Seattle Mariners and the St. Louis Cardinals at T-Mobile Park April 21, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Suzuki is perhaps the best contact hitter in baseball history with 1,278 hits in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and 3,089 in MLB. His combined total of 4,367 is higher than Pete Rose’s MLB record of 4,256. Suzuki had a record 262 hits in 2004.

CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner join Suzuki in the 2025 Hall of Fame class.

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.

January 23, 2025
Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka reflects on how Buckeyes rallied from Michigan loss to win national championship

Two days after Thanksgiving, Ohio State’s national championship hopes seemed all but over.

The Buckeyes, ranked second in the nation at the time, were three-touchdown favorites at home against bitter rival Michigan.

Despite the Wolverines being the reigning national champions, this year’s squad was not close to last season’s team. So, it should have been an easy win for OSU.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, left, with the national championship trophy after a game against Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Jan. 20, 2025. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

But they lost, calls for Ryan Day to be fired grew louder and there were serious doubts about what the Buckeyes would be able to do in the College Football Playoff.

They got over it quickly and dominated every team in their path en route to a national championship earlier this week.

Emeka Egbuka went 0-4 against the Wolverines in his career. He admitted in a recent interview with Fox News Digital he’d “have to think about” trading his new national title for a sweep of the Wolverines, considering those games are “almost as big as” the championship.

If the playoff remained at four teams, the loss would have ended the Buckeyes’ hopes of a title, and they would have been playing, in Egbuka’s words, “another meaningless bowl.” But, with the expansion to 12 teams, the Buckeyes had a chance at revenge and took it.

“It was definitely tough to be able to walk into the building the next day and look at my brothers in the face and look my coaches in the face knowing that we hadn’t achieved what we set out to achieve,” Egbuka said.

“But, you know, in that moment, we had a choice to make, because we knew we were going to be in the playoffs. We could have just rolled over and died, or we could have said, ‘We have the opportunity to be able to finish this the right way.’ So we all gathered together as brothers, and we were like, ‘We’re gonna do this thing.’”

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

The anger of the loss lingered after the game, when members of both teams brawled after Michigan players planted a UM flag at midfield. The pressure was on Day, but Egbuka admitted that the short memory came from players-only meetings, not necessarily from anything Day did.

“It wasn’t too much what coach Day said. To be honest, we did a lot of player meetings. Just the leadership on our team and our seniority really shined through,” said Egbuka.

“When you look at some of the greatest teams in college football history, they all have great leadership. They all have great seniors, and that’s really who you remember being on the team. We really took that to heart.

“We knew that the team was gonna run through us. Coach Day is a phenomenal coach, but he can only do so much. We’re the ones on the field. We have to go out and play. And we just needed to permeate our mindset throughout the rest of the team because that’s what great leaders do, and that’s what we tried to do in that moment.”

OHIO STATE NATIONAL CHAMPION JACK SAWYER LEANING ON FAITH AS HE GEARS UP FOR NFL: ‘KEEP TRUSTING HIS PLAN’

Egbuka was part of Celsius’ Essential Six. The energy drink partnered with Egbuka, Travis Hunter and four other college stars as part of a stacked roster before the season began. Egbuka said his record-setting season, during which he became OSU’s all-time reception leader, wouldn’t have been possible without his daily 200 milligrams of caffeine in the morning.

“Ever since our partnership, the product is great. It’s energizing and fueling me all the time. The fuel that I got from it and everything and just helping it start my days. I mean, this has probably been the most intense season of my life.

“When it comes to meetings and practice, I’m waking up every day early in the morning, and I don’t get home till, you know, 9, 10 p.m. That’s hard to do with low energy, so I think Celsius has really helped me with that.”

There isn’t much time for celebration, though. After a parade Sunday, Egbuka will be in NFL Draft mode and will have to start training for next month’s combine.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) celebrates after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

It’s practically a nonexistent offseason for him, but Egbuka is ready for it.

“I am. I’m ready for this next chapter in my life. It is important to take breaks and take rests. So, I have a couple days where I’ll spend with loved ones leading up to training for the NFL. But it’s the life I signed up for.

“So, can’t complain about it too much. I’m just grateful to be in this position.  A lot of people aren’t able to get here.”

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

January 23, 2025
Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki says he wants to try an ‘American hamburger’ after signing with the Dodgers

Now that Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he is ready to enjoy some American food.

“I haven’t tried any American hamburgers, so I’m really looking forward to eating the best,” Sasaki said through an interpreter during an interview with SportsNetLA.

Sasaki, 23, signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent, meaning that he is under team control for six seasons. Sasaki was also given a $6.5 million signing bonus.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) speaks during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

With the signing bonus, Sasaki can try as many hamburgers as he wants.

Sasaki dominated Nippon Professional Baseball, recording a 2.10 ERA across four seasons with a whopping 505 strikeouts in 394 2/3 innings.

Sasaki was highly coveted across Major League Baseball once his bidding period opened up, but chose the reigning World Series champions as his next team.

It is the second straight season that the Dodgers have signed a free agent pitcher from Japan, as they handed Yoshinobu Yamamoto the largest guaranteed contract for a pitcher in MLB history last offseason.

Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million deal and delivered in year one with a 7-2 record and 3.00 ERA over 18 regular season starts and 90 innings pitched.

MARIANO RIVERA, WIFE BREAK SILENCE AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF COVERING UP CHILD SEX ABUSE

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) is photographed by media during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

If Sasaki had waited two years until he turned 25, he could have hit the free agent market and signed an exorbitant deal like Yamamoto, but Sasaki wanted to play in the big leagues sooner.

Sasaki said he plans on not just relying on Yamamoto, but fellow countryman Shohei Ohtani as well this season.

“There’s just a lot of things I’m not going to know, so I’m going to rely on our coaches and players in terms of just getting to know the team. But also, we have Japanese players on the team, so I’m going to lean on them as well,” Sasaki said.

If Sasaki pans out the way the Dodgers hope he does, they are going to have one of the best rotations in baseball.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) is photographed by media during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Ohtani will return to the mound after not pitching last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers signed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell this offseason.

Tyler Glasnow will be back after his 2024 season ended prematurely due to an elbow injury. Add Yamamoto and Sasaki into the mix, and it gives the Dodgers five starters with ace potential in their rotation, a rarity in baseball.

The Dodgers’ journey to trying to become repeat World Series champions begins when they take on the Chicago Cubs in Japan for a two-game series, on March 18 and 19.

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

Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
Mariano Rivera, wife break silence after being accused of covering up child sex abuse

New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara broke their silence on Thursday after they were named in a lawsuit and accused of covering up child sex abuse of a minor in their home and a summer camp connected with their church.

Joseph A. Ruta, their attorney, said in a statement that the first time they heard about the allegations was in 2022 – four years after the alleged incident took place. The attorney for the alleged victim at the time requested a financial settlement.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Mariano Rivera and his wife faced startling allegations. (IMAGN)

“Mariano and Clara Rivera do not tolerate child abuse of any kind and allegations that they knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse are completely false,” the statement read, via the New York Post. “The very first time they heard about these allegations was nearly four years after the alleged incident, when in 2022 a New York attorney sent a letter requesting a financial settlement. This was followed by a second letter in 2023, from a different Florida law firm, again requesting a financial settlement.

“The lawsuit, which seeks financial damages for the Riveras’ alleged failure to act on alleged incidents that were never reported to them, is full of inaccurate and misleading statements which we have no doubt will not hold up in a court of law.”

In the lawsuit, a woman identified as “Jane Doe” said she was sexually abused by an older girl known as “MG” during a summer internship in 2018. MG was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents. The internship took place at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, which was affiliated with Rivera’s church.

The suit said that the alleged victim’s mother informed Clara of the abuse and that Clara promised to investigate the matter. However, they allegedly covered it up.

Former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera waves on Old Timer’s Day before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Sept. 9, 2023. (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

ICHIRO SUZUKI 1 VOTE SHY OF BECOMING UNANIMOUS HALL OF FAMER, PROMPTING SOCIAL MEDIA UPROAR: ‘MORONIC’

“Rather than take sufficient action to end the sexual abuse of Jane Doe, the Riveras each separately isolated and intimidated Jane Doe to remain silent about her abuse by MG to avoid causing trouble for Refuge of Hope and the Ignite Life Summer Internship,” the suit read.

The suit also alleged that MG abused the victim at the Rivera residence in Rye, New York, that summer during a barbecue.

“At all times relevant, [the Riveras] knew or should have known that MG was a risk to sexually abuse children… before and during the time of the barbecue,” the suit read.

“In order to avoid the potential scandal of child sexual abuse in its programs and otherwise protect [themselves] above all else, the Riveras… assured [Doe’s mother] that [Doe] was safe and in no danger at Ignite Life Center, despite actual or constructive knowledge that Doe remained vulnerable to additional acts of sexual abuse by MG.”

Several months later, in January 2019, Rivera became the first and still only player to be unanimously elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Later that year, President Donald Trump, during his first presidency, awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Mariano Rivera waves to the crowd from the mound after breaking the career saves record in the game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of Manhattan, New York. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4 and Rivera recorded his 602nd career save. (Rob Tringali/MLB via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Rivera, widely known as the greatest closer in the history of baseball, is the sport’s all-time saves leader with 652. His 2.21 ERA is also the lowest by any pitcher with at least 500 innings since the live-ball era began in 1920.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
Tom Brady says QBs who scramble ‘should lose their protection’ amid Patrick Mahomes controversy

Tom Brady is the latest person to enter the discussion regarding the officiating calls surrounding Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Brady, 47, talked about how it should be the quarterback’s responsibility to protect himself.

“When quarterbacks become running backs, and they’re out of the pocket, they should lose their protection,” Brady said during a recent appearance on FOX Sports’ “The Herd.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Announcer Tom Brady looks on before an NFC wild card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

“We’re trying to protect the quarterbacks, but coaches are calling more quarterback runs than ever in the history of the game. So, who is protecting the quarterback? We’re trying to say the referees should do it?”

Mahomes was the beneficiary of two calls in the Chiefs’ 23-14 win over the Houston Texans.

Texans’ star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was flagged for a roughing the passer penalty for hitting Mahomes up toward the head area while throwing a pass, but what Brady seems to be alluding to is the penalty Mahomes received in the third quarter.

Mahomes was scrambling in the third quarter, and as he slid, was hit by two Texans defenders near the head area as he was going down.

PATRICK MAHOMES ADDRESSES FLOPPING AND REFEREE FAVORITISM ALLEGATIONS AFTER OUTRAGE OVER PENALTIES

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, is tackled by Azeez Al-Shaair, #0 of the Houston Texans, during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.

There was another play in the fourth quarter when Mahomes seemed to embellish contact along the sidelines in hopes of generating another flag, but the referees did not call a penalty.

“The reality for me is offensive players need to protect themselves. If they’re running full speed and the defender’s coming up — the only way to turn the ball over is to create force. You’re not going to blow on the football and knock its way out of a running back’s hands or a quarterback’s hands,” Brady said.

“You’ve gotta go there with force and knock it out. You’re trying to create turnovers. You’re trying to disrupt the passer. You’re trying to dislodge the ball. The only way to do that is with force. There needs to be an aggressiveness to doing that.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Brady said that defenders playing scared of being penalized is a disservice to the game.

“If you don’t wanna get hit, you can go down, you can run out of bounds,” Brady said. “But you can’t, in essence, have the defensive player come in at half speed, and then you run over the defensive player because he’s afraid of getting a penalty. It’s a disservice to the game. It’s something that I’d hope people really address. Not that anyone’s trying to take advantage of the rules, but they’ve gone to a point where it does impact the quality of the game.”

When Mahomes’ Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., there will certainly be extra attention paid to Mahomes and the referees.

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

Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
NFL fines Joe Mixon for comments he didn’t make about referees, then fines him again for ones he did make

The NFL fined Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon for comments he never made about referees during the team’s controversial playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Saturday.

After Mixon and his agent appealed the fine and publicly pointed out that Mixon did not make those comments, the NFL re-issued the fine with comments he did make.

The original fine claimed Mixon said, “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs. These officials are trash and bias.”

That statement did not come from Mixon. Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh wrote it in a social media post.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon, #28, and quarterback C.J. Stroud, #7, celebrate Mixon’s touchdown run against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

Mixon then went on a social media tirade denying that he made the statement and expressing outrage over the league’s fine.

The NFL later re-issued the fine with his actual words in its place, which reads “Everybody knows how it is playing up here. You can never leave it in the refs’ hands. The whole world see, man,” according to NBC Sports.

League rules prohibit public criticism of officiating “because it calls into question the integrity of, and public confidence in, our game.”

Officials came under widespread criticism by Texans players and head coach DeMeco Ryans, as well as many media pundits and fans on social media over two questionably roughing the passer penalties that were called against the Texans for hits on Patrick Mahomes last Saturday.

COWBOYS EYE EX-JETS HEAD COACH ROBERT SALEH AFTER MOVING ON FROM MIKE MCCARTHY: REPORT

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, is hit during an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The first penalty came when Houston edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. was called for roughing the passer on a third down in the first quarter. Anderson appeared to push Mahomes in the chest after he had thrown an incomplete pass to tight end Travis Kelce. Anderson was flagged.

The second penalty came during a Mahomes scramble in the third quarter. He had two blockers on a run and three defenders bearing down on him. He moved to his right and then back to his left when he decided to slide.

Head referee Clay Martin explained the calls to a pool reporter after the game, saying one of the controversial calls was a result of “forcible contact to the face mask area,” which warranted a flag. He said there was forcible contact to Mahomes’ “hairline” on another unnecessary roughness call.

Mahomes himself has defended the referees for the calls when he was asked by reporters Wednesday if he believed referees were giving him preferential treatment.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, is tackled by Azeez Al-Shaair, #0 of the Houston Texans, during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

“I don’t feel that way,” Mahomes answered. “At the end of the day, the referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they possibly can. And all you can do is go out there and play the game that you love as hard as you can and live with the results. … I think that’s what we preach here in Kansas City.

“You get new referees every year, you get new circumstances, and you never can really tell because every play’s different. And that’s what makes the NFL so special. I feel like I’ve just continued to play the game, and I just try to win. And whatever happens kind of happens.”

Meanwhile, Kelce refused to speak on the issue when he was asked about it by his brother, Jason Kelce, during their podcast “New Heights” on Wednesday.

“I’d like to plead the Fifth,” the tight end said, jokingly referring to his constitutional right to remain silent.

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.

January 23, 2025