Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

Jaguars ‘respectfully separate’ from general manager Trent Baalke as other teams fill similar roles

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to have to make up for some lost time.

With the season ending over two weeks ago, the team announced Wednesday it has parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke.

“Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we both arrived at the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interests to respectfully separate, effective immediately,” owner Shad Khan wrote in a statement.

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Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke walks off the field during the third day of training in the summer of 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union/USA Today Network)

“Trent leaves us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the past five seasons. … I am deeply committed to building a winner here in Jacksonville and look forward to introducing a new head coach who will make that happen for our players and fans alike.”

After winning the AFC South in 2022, it’s been a tough couple of seasons for the organization. The Jags choked what would have been a second-straight division win in 2023. This season, in Trevor Lawrence’s first year of one of the most lucrative contract extensions of all time, he took a step backward, and the team finished 4-13.

Baalke joined the Jags in 2020 as their director of player personnel but was quickly promoted to general manager the following year. His first selection in the draft was Lawrence.

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke speaks during a press conference April 26, 2024, at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)

Jacksonville went 25-43 in his tenure.

The separation comes after the Titans and Raiders hired new general managers.

Reports say that, after the Jags fired Doug Pederson, potential head coaching candidates did not want to work under Baalke. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson chose the Bears, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn went with the Jets and Bucs OC Liam Coen decided to return to Tampa Bay instead of going to Jacksonville.

General manager Trent Baalke talks with first-round draft pick Trevor Lawrence. (Bob Self/Florida Times-Union/USA Today Network)

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Jacksonville holds the fifth selection in the NFL Draft.

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January 23, 2025
Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller speaks out after Trump Jan. 6 pardon: ‘Something has been restored to me’

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller was among the 1,500 defendants charged in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capital pardoned by President Donald Trump on Monday.

“It didn’t feel real,” Keller told The Washington Post in his first interview since being arrested.

Klete Keller from Phoenix shows off his bronze medal in the men’s 400-meter freestyle final at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre at the Olympics in September 2000. (IMAGN)

“And waking up this morning, I was like, ‘My gosh. Wow, this is over. I don’t have to check in with my probation officer anymore.”

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Keller was one of approximately 1,500 defendants pardoned after Trump signed an executive order granting clemency to those who stormed the Capitol. He pleaded guilty in September 2021 to a felony charge and was sentenced to six months house arrest and three years of probation.

“I really regret the actions I took that day. I love this country,” Keller said in the interview published Tuesday. “I’m just so grateful that I have the opportunity now to move forward.”

Keller acknowledged in court records that he tried to obstruct Congress’ certification of former President Biden’s Electoral College victory and that he brushed away officers who tried to remove him from the Capitol Rotunda. He also admitted to yelling profane comments about former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Klete Keller looks at the clock, confirming he won bronze with a time of 3:44.11 in the men’s 400-meter freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics. (IMAGN)

TRUMP PARDONS NEARLY ALL JAN. 6 DEFENDANTS ON INAUGURATION DAY

Keller, a three-time Olympic swimmer, also admitted to tossing his U.S. Olympic team jacket that he wore that day and destroying his phone.

He told The Washington Post that he struggled under “the weight of the justice system,” but he accepted the consequences of his decisions. While never expecting a pardon, Keller expressed his appreciation for Trump’s intervention.

“I’m still trying to comprehend it. I feel like something has been restored to me,” he told the outlet. “You know, I’m not angry. I’m not a victim. I feel blessed to have this opportunity of life again. I’ve learned a lot of lessons. And I’m going to take these lessons forward.”

Klete Keller at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle, File)

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Keller, 42, competed in three Games, winning five medals. He won his second gold in the men’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay alongside Michael Phelps in the 2008 Beijing Games.

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January 23, 2025
Patrick Mahomes opens up on Travis Kelce potentially retiring: ‘If it’s his last game, let’s go get him a win’

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 if there’s any issues.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes answered questions about tight end Travis Kelce potentially retiring after this season during an interview on 96.5 The Fan on Tuesday.

Mahomes claimed he hasn’t had any discussions whether the tight end plans to retire, but acknowledged that if he does, then Mahomes wants the team to send him out on a high note.

“I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that,” Mahomes said, later adding, “If it is his last game, let’s go out there and get him a win. If it’s not his last game, let’s go out and get him a win anyway.”

Mahomes also brought up the fact that Kelce is currently under contract through the end of next season, but that the tight end also has a lifestyle that he may enjoy in retirement.

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Taylor looked lucky in love as she supported Travis Kelce following his big win at the AFC Championship game. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

“I know he signed a two-year extension before the season. It seems like he still loves football. But he also has a great life, as well,” Mahomes said.

Kelce signed a $34.25 million contract back in April, after some speculation that the 2023 season would be his last.

Kelce has been Mahomes’ favorite target since the quarterback took over as the full-time starter in 2018. The duo has won three Super Bowls together, and is currently on a mission to win a fourth and become the first team in NFL history to win three in a row.

Mahomes and Kelce have also helped make the Chiefs one of the most popular franchises in all of sports in recent years, as Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has grown the team’s fan base by large margins among women.

“Either way, I just appreciate every time I step onto the field with that guy knowing that he’s a true legend of not only the Chiefs, but of the NFL,” Mahomes said.

COWBOYS ICON DEMARCUS WARE SAYS MICAH PARSONS WON’T DO PODCAST DURING SEASON IF HE JOINS COACHING STAFF

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)

Kelce himself opened up on the possibility of retiring after this season during an interview on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on Jan. 15.

“I love everything that I’m doing in this building, but at the end of the day I’m not having that extreme success on the field as I have individually,” Kelce said.

“I’ll re-evaluate it like I always do, and I’ll probably tell myself how much I love this thing, and I’ll come back next year. I still love coming into the building every day. Does it get hard? Yeah, but I’m not doing it for the stats. I’m doing it for the greatness, the legacy that we’ve created here in Kansas City,” he added “I can’t fathom what it would feel like just being able to say I’m satisfied because I’m still hungry to go and get something right now.”

After the Chiefs’ most recent playoff victory against the Houston Texans last Saturday, Kelce sent a cryptic message on social media that fueled further speculation that the end of his career is near.

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Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce scores on a 48-yard touchdown reception during the wild-card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jan. 16, 2022, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

“Playoff football is the most meaningful football that you’ll ever play in your life,” he said in a video posted to the Chiefs’ Instagram account. “I cherish every single play, man. I really do. When you’re in it, you’re always trying to strive for greatness.

“Being greater than what you are. You know, obviously there’s a historic run and something that we can achieve that no other team has ever achieved. You know, that fuels you.”

At 35 years old, Kelce finished the 2024 regular season with 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games, and didn’t miss a single game due to injury.

Kelce has also said he has support from Swift to keep playing if he wants to.

The Chiefs will face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game on Sunday for the right to advance to the Super Bowl.

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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
Police body cam video shows Chilean migrants arrested in connection with Bengals’ Joe Burrow home burglary

Ohio State Highway Patrol have released dash cam footage showing a traffic stop and the eventual arrest of four men. The men are suspects in the December robbery of an Ohio home owned by Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow.

The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback was competing against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas when the home invasion took place. Olivia Ponton, a model and social media influencer who was identified as Burrow’s employee in the incident report, was at the home at the time of the incident. But, no one was injured during the break-in.

However, Burrow’s house was rifled through, per a report from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

The four suspects, who were described as Chilean nationals, were arrested following “an ongoing investigation involving burglaries of multimillion-dollar homes in multiple states,” according to WLWT-TV, citing court documents.

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Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on before kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Sergio Cabello, Bastian Morales, Jordan Sanchez and Alexander Chavez were arrested in Clark County after being pulled over by Ohio State Highway Patrol on Jan. 10, documents showed.

“All four males were identified as being illegally in the country or overstaying their permissions,” the arrest report read, as all the men provided fake IDs.

JOE BURROW BREAKS SILENCE ABOUT HOME BURGLARY, SAYS ‘LACK OF PRIVACY’ IS ‘DIFFICULT…TO DEAL WITH’

Court documents added that authorities found “an old LSU shirt and Bengals hat, believed to be stolen from the December 9, 2024 burglary in Hamilton County, Ohio.” Burrow’s played college football at LSU and currently resides in Hamilton County.

The search of the vehicle the suspects were in also discovered “two Husky automatic center punch tools wrapped in a cloth towel.” The tool has been used by the South American Theft Group, according to authorities.

The four suspects face charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, participation in a criminal gang, possessing criminal tools and obstructing official business.

Ponton called her mother Diane Ponton, and then 911 was contacted as the break-in was happening, deputies reported.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Cincinnati, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

“Someone is trying to break into the house right now,” Diane Ponton was heard saying on the recorded 911 call. “My daughter is there. This is Joe Burrow’s house. She is staying there. He’s at the football game. She’s wondering what she should do, if she should be hiding or if she should go outside.”

Burrow broke his silence a few days after the incident occurred, saying the situation left him feeling “violated.”

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow rolls out to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

“So obviously everybody has heard what has happened. I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one. And way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share, so that’s all I got to say about that,” Burrow said during a scheduled media availablilty in December.

“We live a public life, and one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy. And that has been difficult for me to deal with my entire career. Still learning. But I understand it’s the life that we choose. Doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.”

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The NFL released a memo earlier this year urging players to be on high alert after homes were hit, which included Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

In November, the NBA sent a memo to team officials after Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley were victims of home invasions.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
Joe Namath among Jets legends signing off on Aaron Glenn hire: ‘Wish the season would start next week’

Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is reportedly heading to the New York Jets, a team he played for during his NFL career, to become their next head coach.

It’s a move that many Jets legends, including “Broadway Joe” himself, loves to see.

“I’m hoping all [Jets] fans are as thrilled as my family and I are that Aaron Glenn is our new Head Coach,” Jets legendary quarterback Joe Namath posted on X. “I wish the season would start next week.”

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Joe Namath attends a game between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

NFL.com’s Judy Battista also reported that Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells, who led Glenn with the Jets and Dallas Cowboys as a player, was fired up to see his former pupil get his due as head coach.

“He’s not afraid to be contentious,” Parcells told Battista. “He’s just feisty. Not rude or impolite. He’s just willing to get his point across.”

DJ Reed, who spent the past three seasons with the Jets and is a free agent this offseason, also sent out a post on X.

JETS HIRE LIONS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AARON GLENN AS NEW HEAD COACH: REPORTS

“Glenn is a great look!” he wrote.

Glenn’s departure from Detroit marks the second coordinator under Dan Campbell that found their own head coaching gig elsewhere. While Glenn went to another conference, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson landed with the Chicago Bears, a rival of the Lions in the NFC North.

Glenn’s return to the Jets heated up on Tuesday when he met with team brass. The initial thought was they weren’t going to let him leave the building, as well as GM candidate Lance Newark of the Washington Commanders, to make sure they got the candidates they wanted.

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches a replay during the 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (IMAGN)

While that didn’t come to fruition, the belief that Glenn wanted the Jets job swirled around social media, and it landed on Wednesday.

Glenn also beat out more than a dozen other coaches in the Jets’ extensive search, including Brian Flores, Jeff Hafley, Ron Rivera and Rex Ryan.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Glenn was drafted 12th overall by the Jets in the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent eight seasons with the franchise before being acquired by the Houston Texans in the 2002 expansion draft.

Glenn takes over a Jets franchise desperately searching for the right man to lead a team back to the playoffs, where they haven’t been since 2010 – the longest drought in football.

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn following the Minnesota Vikings game on Jan. 5, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit. (Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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One of the big questions for Glenn and whoever ownership brings in as the new GM is whether they want Aaron Rodgers to return to Gang Green in 2025. Of course, Rodgers has to decide if he wishes to play his 21st season in the league.

Either way, Glenn is getting signs of approval from valued members of the franchise outside ownership, which is always a good start.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
Matthew Stafford’s wife reveals Rams quarterback played through significant rib injury in playoff loss

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford played hurt in the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday.

Stafford’s wife, Kelly, revealed the star quarterback had been playing through an injury since Week 15.

“It was against San Fran. We all know how tough Matthew is, and people don’t realize just how tough he is because he doesn’t really tell anyone what’s going on.

“He got hit in San Fran … (and) that night came home and was like, ‘Yeah I think I cracked my ribs,’” Kelly said during a recent episode of “The Morning After with Kelly Stafford and Hank.”

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford runs onto the field before a 2025 NFC divisional round game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

“And he did. He cracked four ribs but just didn’t really let anyone in to know really much about it. Continued his everyday process like nothing was wrong, would come home and be miserable.”

Despite the four cracked ribs and less than ideal weather conditions, Stafford completed nearly 60% of his passes while throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

Kelly said her brother, Chad, hugged Matthew after the loss, and the quarterback wheezed and bent over in pain due to his cracked ribs.

JETS HIRE LIONS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AARON GLENN AS NEW HEAD COACH: REPORTS

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play from the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Stafford started 16 games this season for the Rams, sitting out Week 18 when head coach Sean McVay decided to rest the team’s starters with a playoff spot clinched.

The Rams were 10-6 in his starts, and Stafford completed nearly 66% of his passes for 3,762 yards, while throwing 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Stafford, 36, has two more years remaining on his contract with the Rams.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (97) in the second half of a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Stafford has been with the Rams for four seasons after spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions.

Kelly said Matthew will take time to figure out whether he wants to retire or play another season.

For now, the Rams quarterback will enjoy the time off to let his ribs heal.

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

January 23, 2025
NBA postpones Bucks-Pelicans game due to historic snowstorm in New Orleans

The NBA has postponed the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks game on Wednesday due to the historic snowstorm that has impacted the area.

With the storm dropping about a foot of snow, it made travel difficult as the typically warm city was not prepared to deal with the elements.

The Bucks flew into town on Monday to beat the snowstorm, a day earlier than they usually would have flown in for a matchup against the Pelicans.

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Snow falls on Super Bowl LIX signage outside of Caesars Superdome on Jan. 21, 2025 in New Orleans. (Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

But with temperatures remaining in the 30s on Wednesday, many main highways in the metro areas were closed by authorities and surface roads throughout town were still coated in ice.

Schools and businesses throughout the area remained closed on Wednesday, along with Louis Armstrong International Airport canceling all commercial departures due to the weather. With those factors taken into consideration, the NBA postponed the game, with no date currently set for the game to be made up.

Schools and businesses throughout the area remained closed on Wednesday.

ACTOR MICHAEL RAPAPORT SUGGESTS KNICKS SIGN BARRON TRUMP TO A CONTRACT

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green during the Utah Jazz game at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

The Bucks’ next game is against the Miami Heat back in Milwaukee on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Following that game against the Heat, the Bucks go on a West Coast road trip, beginning on Saturday, and don’t have another home game until Feb. 2.

The Bucks are scheduled to next play the Pelicans toward the end of the regular season at home on April 9.

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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona in the first half at Fiserv Forum. (Michael McLoone-Imagn Images)

The Pelicans, on the other hand, are scheduled to play on both Friday and Saturday, making it difficult for the NBA to schedule the postponed game soon.

The Pelicans have struggled this season as they are 12-32, the second-worst team in the Western Conference.

The Bucks have enjoyed much more success than the Pelicans, and are 24-17, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

January 23, 2025
Mariano Rivera, wife accused of covering up child sex abuse at own home, church

A new lawsuit in New York alleges Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, of ignoring the sexual abuse of a minor that occurred both at their home and a church.

The New York Yankees legend is the pastor of Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle, roughly 15 miles from where he played.

However, “Jane Doe” says 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.

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New York Yankees star Mariano Rivera stands with his Hall of Fame plaque during a ceremony in his honor at Yankee Stadium on August 17, 2019. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The internship took place at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, which was affiliated with Rivera’s church.

The suit says that the victim’s mother informed Clara of the abuse and that Clara promised to investigate the matter. But they allegedly covered it up.

“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 reads.

The suit also alleges that MG abused the victim at the Rivera residence that summer during a barbecue.

New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera throws in the ninth inning against the Mariners, June 9, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

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

“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 reads.

“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 of the New York Yankees waves to the crowd after breaking the career saves record on Sept. 19, 2011, at Yankee Stadium. (Rob Tringali/MLB via Getty Images)

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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.

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January 22, 2025
Travis Kelce refuses to speak about penalties against Texans for hits on Patrick Mahomes as fans rage

National outrage over questionable penalties called during the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans made its way to Travis Kelce’s podcast Wednesday, but he stayed on the sidelines of the debate.

After NFL referees called two roughing the passer penalties after hits on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during Saturday’s divisional round game, Texans players and head coach DeMeco Ryans suggested officials sided with Kansas City. Many fans expressed grievances about the questionable penalties on social media.

Kelce and his brother Jason read some of the outraged tweets during Wendesday’s episode of their podcast, “New Heights,” but Travis refused to speak about the issue.

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

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Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce (Imagn)

Jason described one of the penalties as “completely, absolutely ridiculous.”

“He didn’t even get touched,” Jason said. “I understand why they called it. I just think it was a bad call.”

Travis is one of the few people to remain silent on the matter as the penalties were among the most debated topics in football over the last week.

Mahomes has since defended referees for the penalties multiple times. The quarterback was asked by reporters Wednesday if he believed referees were giving him preferential treatment.

“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.

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

The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were reportedly burglarized last month. (Imagn)

“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.”

Mahomes defended the referees Tuesday during a radio interview on 96.5 The Fan.

“I‘ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, something’s going to come out about it if you win and you continue to win. So, I don’t really pay attention to it,” Mahomes said.

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“I mean, obviously, I’ve been on both sides of it as far as how I felt the calls were made, but, at the end of the day, man, those guys are doing their best to make the best calls and keep it to where the players are making the plays in the game.

“And that’s what decides the outcome. And obviously there was a call here or there that people didn’t agree with, but, at the same time, I think there was a lot of other plays that really decided the outcome of that football game.”

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.

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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 22, 2025
Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter: Baseball’s 2025 Hall of Fame class, Ohio State on top, the NFL’s final four

A general view of the ballpark as former Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki is honored for his election into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, after receiving the results of the 2025 Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) Hall of Fame Ballot, on Tuesday, January 21 at T-Mobile Park on January 21, 2025.

COOPERSTOWN – A leadoff hitter, Ichiro Suzuki, an ace starting pitcher, CC Sabathia, and a lockdown closer, Billy Wagner, were revealed as the three members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Continue reading …

BUCKEYES ON TOP – For the first time in a decade, the Ohio State Buckeyes are champions. Ohio State took down Notre Dame, 34-23, to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Continue reading …

‘A PERFECT STORM’ – ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit revealed his wife’s private cancer diagnosis, along with his son’s medical condition, prompted his visibly emotional reaction after seeing his alma mater — Ohio State Buckeyes — win the national championship. Continue reading …

GEAR UP – Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of one of the four teams remaining in the playoffs or rooting for an underdog to make it to the Super Bowl, here is a guide to landing some merch. Continue reading …

The NFL logo is seen on the field prior to a game between the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

BIPARTISAN? – Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., told Fox News Digital that multiple senators from across the aisle have expressed support for the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which was previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Continue reading …

SPEAKING OUT – Wyoming women’s volleyball player Macey Boggs testified at a state senate hearing about her team forfeiting matches against San Jose State last year amid controversy related to transgender athlete Blaire Fleming. Continue reading …

UNDER SCRUTINY – Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker faced some ridicule after she chanted ‘E-L-G-S-E-S’ during her attempt to show support for the city’s NFL team. Continue reading …

FOR A GOOD CAUSE – Amid scrutiny over his dropped pass during a two-point attempt in the Baltimore Ravens divisional playoff loss, Buffalo Bills fans are showing support to a charity close to Mark Andrews’ heart. Continue reading …

Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens drops a pass on a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

‘THE BEST COACH’ – Danny Hurley’s latest heated exchange with an official was caught on camera, with the UConn coach reminding the referee of just how great of a coach he is. Continue reading …

SPECIAL MESSAGE – ESPN aired a message from President Trump during halftime of the college football national championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame, which sparked some strong reactions across social media. Continue reading …

FROM FOX SPORTS – Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels asked Tom Brady to expound on his infamous “LFG” acronym after being awarded the “LFG Player of the Game.” Continue reading …

FROM OUTKICK – As the NFL’s hiring carousel continues to go round and round, the Jacksonville Jaguars made headlines by jettisoning Trent Baalke from his general manager post. Continue reading …

WATCH NOW – Patrick Mahomes said “a lot of other plays decided the outcome” after the Chiefs’ controversial win over the Texans. Colin Cowherd and Tom Brady discuss whether officiating in the NFL is an issue. Watch here …

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This article was written by Fox News staff.

January 22, 2025