Happy New Year 2025

Tag: fan

Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban invites fan ejected for ‘Fire Nico’ protest back to sit courtside

A Dallas Mavericks fan ejected from a game this week after protesting against general manager Nico Harrison for the Luka Doncic trade was invited back to sit courtside courtesy of minority owner Mark Cuban.

Garrett Bussey and his friend Chris Taylor, die-hard Mavericks fans, were among the few fans that were ejected from Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings after they shouted “Fire Nico,” a message they also had printed on their shirts.

A fan with a #77 jersey yells “Fire Nico,” referencing Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as a security member approaches him in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The pair told WFAA during an interview this week that the incident took place during the second half of the game while the Mavericks shot free throws.

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“We did ‘Fire Nico’ [chant], and it was the first time we had done it all night,” Taylor told the station. They were quickly met by security and escorted out of American Airlines Center for allegedly violating the NBA code of conduct rules.

Taylor also told the station that Cuban “started yelling” at him before he was escorted out, further escalating the situation.

In a statement to WFAA, Cuban explained his side of things.

“Fans were booing during crunch time while we had the ball and while we were shooting FTs (free throws). I wanted to see why. So, I looked where they were looking. When the guy (it was just one) saw me, he started screaming at me. I had no idea what he said, he was a good 25 rows away, but he was obviously mad.”

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on Nov. 6, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)

MAVERICKS FANS EJECTED OVER ‘FIRE NICO’ PROTESTS AMID GROWING ANIMOSITY OVER LUKA DONCIC TRADE

Cuban added to his statement, saying that the shouting from the fan happened the “whole game.”

“I didn’t care what he was saying. He was saying it the whole game. I cared that fans were booing him while we had the ball in crunch time or were shooting FTs. The time when they should be silent, or cheering for the Mavs, that was it.”

Bussey told WMAQ that he spoke with Cuban after the game and was invited back to sit courtside with his 7-year-old son for Wednesday’s game.

Bussey called it a “step in the right direction” for a fan base that was left reeling after the team’s star player was traded away.

A pair of fans, one waving, are escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but he was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before last weekend’s games.

At least one other fan was ejected from Monday’s game for a similar protest.

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February 14, 2025
AJ Brown brings Lombardi Trophy to young Eagles fan recovering in hospital after Philadelphia plane crash

Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown did not wait for Friday’s parade to celebrate winning the Super Bowl with fans.

Brown visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Wednesday with the Lombardi Trophy in hand to visit with 10-year-old Andre Howard III, who heroically protected his sister from debris after a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia late last month.

Andre Howard III, a devout Eagles fan, heroically protected his sister from debris after a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia late last month. (Andre Howard Jr./Lashawn Hamiel)

In an open letter to Brown shared on Facebook, Andre’s mother thanked the NFL star for the “love and support” he showed her son.

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“Thank you for being a man of your word. By great surprise on this day my son was beyond grateful to meet you,” he message read. “Caught us all by surprise. For Someone ‘(ANDRE)’ my son who usually talk so much, you had him smiling from ear to ear and Mute.

“I felt his heart pounding through his chest. The amount of love and support you gave being so patient and calling Saquon Barkley for him was beyond appreciated. Thank you for everything and bringing that WIN home for ‘TRE’ the world’s greatest SUPERHERO.”

Andre Howard III underwent emergency brain surgery and one of the first questions he asked his dad when he woke up was if he had missed the Super Bowl. (Andre Howard Jr./Lashawn Hamiel)

A.J. BROWN SAYS WINNING SUPER BOWL ‘WASN’T WHAT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE;’ LOVE FOR GAME ‘COMES WHEN I DOMINATE’

Andre and his family had gone out for donuts the night a medical transport jet crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood, killing all six people on board. His father, Andre Howard Jr., said they were in the car when debris started hitting the vehicle.

Howard saw his son in the backseat covering his sister.

“I turn around — there’s a piece of metal sticking out of my son’s head from the plane,” Howard said.

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Andre, a devout Eagles fan, underwent emergency brain surgery and one of the first questions he asked his dad when he woke up was if he had missed the Super Bowl. He had not.

A.J. Brown called Andre Howard III his “hero” in a post on social media. (Andre Howard Jr./Lashawn Hamiel)

Brown responded to photos of the visit posted by the NFL, calling Andre “my hero.” He said before the big game that he would be “playing” for Andre on Sunday, with hopes of visiting him soon “with some hardware.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 14, 2025
Eagles star Saquon Barkley ready to embrace loyal fan base during Super Bowl parade: ‘Expecting a party’

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Saquon Barkley had just finished up his rookie season with the New York Giants and wasn’t at all focused on the Philadelphia Eagles’ first-ever Super Bowl victory parade in the City of Brotherly Love in February 2019.

Seven years later, Barkley was a catalyst in the Eagles beating the Kansas City Chiefs to win Sunday’s Super Bowl in his first year with the franchise. And he’ll be one of the players every fan in the streets of Philadelphia wants to see during Friday’s parade.

The parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m. ET at the Sports Complex and ends with a ceremony on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is expected to be even bigger than the parade in February 2019, when Jason Kelce entertained a crowd in a Mummers costume.

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Eagles fans cheering for Saquon Barkley and Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves in Trevose, Pa., Feb. 13, 2025. (Raising Cane’s)

Barkley got a small taste of what to expect Friday when he made an appearance Thursday at Raising Cane’s in Trevose, Pennsylvania, alongside the chicken chain’s founder, Todd Graves. Eagles fans were lined up as early as 5 a.m. to see and thank Barkley for bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to the city.

Speaking with reporters, Barkley acknowledged he wasn’t sure what to expect as he travels around Philadelphia, but he knows it’ll be a party to remember.

“Philly fans have been amazing all year round,” said Barkley, AP Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 2,000 yards in 2024. “Just the love and support they have for this team. This city truly buys into this team, and you could see it out there how many people showed up.

“I’m expecting it to be a blast — a party — and I’m excited to be here with Raising Cane’s with Todd, who’s a really good friend of mine.

NFL FANS INTERVENE AFTER RESTAURANT OWNED BY EAGLES’ CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON’S MOM HIT BY UNWARRANTED BAD REVIEWS

“It’s been a crazy week so far for me, but just taking it all in and enjoying it.”

Barkley said he won’t be the player making a Kelce-esque speech on the museum steps, but he knows which players he would choose to do so because of how much they mean to the city.

“It won’t be me, I can guarantee that,” he said, laughing. “That’s not my thing. If I had to pick one, I’d say Lane Johnson or [Brandon Graham]. I think they’re the two longest-tenured Eagles right now, so I think it would be perfect for one of them to do that, especially if it is BG’s last game and last year with us. For him to go out with a bang would be pretty cool.”

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley carries during the second half of the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

While Barkley will enjoy celebrating victory with his family, friends and teammates, the City of Philadelphia will be making sure to keep the party a safe one, especially after the shooting during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade last year. One person was killed, and 22 others were wounded, including 11 children.

Eagles fans have mobbed the streets of Philadelphia many times in the past, including twice this year after the Eagles won the NFC championship and Super Bowl.

“You will see a large police presence continue throughout the day and into the evening,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said of the parade.

Saquon Barkley smiles at Raising Cane’s in Trevose, Pa., after winning the Super Bowl. (Raising Cane’s)

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Barkley is ready to celebrate with the fans.

“[The fans] have been amazing to me, my family, especially my little daughter,” Barkley said. “From the first time I had my opening interview and my daughter was with me, they fell in love with her. It’s been a blast. For the season to go the way it went and finish it off the way we ended as Super Bowl champs, you can’t make it up.”

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February 14, 2025
Eagles star Cooper DeJean reveals message Chiefs fan Caitlin Clark sent after Super Bowl victory

Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean says he received a thoughtful message from fellow Iowa alum Caitlin Clark after his Super Bowl victory – despite her loyalty to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The WNBA star made headlines last month when she was spotted sitting alongside Taylor Swift in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 18.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, left, talks with Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The two were seen embracing one another after Swift’s boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, scored a touchdown in the second half.

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However, despite her apparent loyalties to the “Chiefs’ Kingdom,” Clark sent a message to her fellow Hawkeyes star after his standout performance in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

“She sent me a nice message congratulating me,” DeJean said during an appearance on the “Up & Adams Show.”

“That was nice of her, being a Chiefs fan and all,” he added with a smile.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean, #33, scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass during the first half of Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

JALEN HURTS DISPELS ‘TUSH PUSH’ TERM, SAQUON BARKLEY DISCUSSES ROLE IN EAGLES’ FAMED SHORT-YARDAGE PLAY

The rookie cornerback was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He had an immediate impact in his first NFL season, which was headlined by a stellar performance in the Eagles’ 40-22 win over Kansas City.

On his 22nd birthday, DeJean picked off Patrick Mahomes to score a touchdown and became the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, #33, celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter of Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

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“I was trying to find the fastest way to the end zone,” he said after the game. “Luckily, I got some blocks out there. I had to avoid some of those big guys, but it was just our defense working together like we have all year. It fell right into my lap.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 13, 2025
Trump ‘not a fan’ of LIV format, on PGA Tour’s ‘side’ of discussions, Rory McIlroy says

President Donald Trump recently met with members of the PGA Tour in efforts to advance their discussions with LIV Golf and, apparently, he favors one side more than the other.

In June 2023, the rival tours announced that the two had been in discussions to eventually join forces. But, after stalled conversations, the PGA called on Trump to advance the negotiations.

Well, outside the negotiation table, golf legend Rory McIlroy said he played a round with Trump “a few weeks ago,” and the two had a “really good” discussion.

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Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of the BMW Championship golf tournament at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado, on Aug 25, 2024. (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

McIlroy then broke some news.

“I learned that he’s not a fan of the LIV format. I think he’s… he’s on the [PGA] Tour’s side,” McIlroy said.

Trump has hosted LIV Golf tournaments at his courses since the league’s inception in 2022; a Trump course last hosted a PGA event in 2016.

It is an about-face by McIlroy, who said in 2020 he would not play golf with Trump again as he questioned the president’s leadership in the early stages of the pandemic.

PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan recently said the tour “asked” Trump “to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country and for all the countries involved.”

Former President Donald Trump follows his tee shot on the 3rd tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Aug. 10, 2023. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

TIGER WOODS WITHDRAWS FROM GENESIS INVITATIONAL AFTER DEATH OF MOM

Adam Scott, a member of the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Board, was at the meeting, and said Trump’s “love” for the game could be “helpful” to an eventual deal.

“It’s just a positive thing that the President of the United States is such a lover of the game of golf and understands some of the challenges facing the professional game at the moment…” Scott told Golf Channel this week ahead of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California. “He’s a lover of the game and hopefully can be very helpful in getting a resolve for the professional game and help everybody move forward.”

“It’s pretty easy to tie him to the game of golf. He’s passionate about it, he owns several golf properties, fabulous destinations around the world, and he has a relationship with Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund, and he’s a fan of the PGA Tour as well, certainly a fan of Tiger Woods, like we all are,” Scott added. “Given that this has been tied up in government beliefs, he can be very helpful.”

McIlroy did say back in November that he felt Trump becoming president for the second time could help “clear the way” for a deal between the PGA and LIV.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy waves after his round during day two of The Open at Royal Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland, on July 19, 2024. (Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images)

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Four-time major champion McIlroy was recently a part of a 2-on-2 exhibition, partnering with Scottie Scheffler against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.

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February 13, 2025
Emiliano Grillo’s hole-in-one at famed 16th hole at Phoenix Open sparks massive fan celebration

The crowd at the 16th hole at the Waste Management Open was itching for a reason to celebrate.

And Emiliano Grillo’s hole-in-one in the second round Friday gave fans at the rowdiest hole in golf a reason to go wild.

Grillo was 1-under par, then pulled off his best Steph Curry impression.

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Emiliano Grillo during a practice round for The Open Championship at Royal Troon July 15, 2024. (Jack Gruber/USA Today Sports)

From 155 yards out, Grillo dunked the ball in the hole, as cleanly as Curry would nail a deep 3-pointer. The ball rattled around the hole but never once hit the green.

Once the ball hit the hole, chaos ensued.

Grillo flipped his club into the air and didn’t know what to do, running around the tee box before embracing in a midair leap with fellow golfer Rafael Campos.

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Some of the thousands gathered at the 16th hole during the first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Tour golf tournament at the TPC Scottsdale Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

In waves, fans started launching beer cans and cups onto the course in celebration.

The security on the 16th hole did it best to try and control things, but it was ignored by the frenzied fans, who continued to launch beverages on the course.

It was the 12th ace in the history of the 16th, and the fans were loving it.

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Emiliano Grillo waits to hit on the 15th hole during the first round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club. (Jim Dedmon/USA Today Sports)

They broke into chants and jumped up and down, reminiscent of a college football stadium before a rivalry game.

Campos set up the hit after Grillo, but it took him a bit to step up to the box because debris had to be cleared from the hole.

Grillo is one over par in the third round through four holes and is 1-under par for the tournament overall.

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

February 8, 2025
Tyreek Hill says playing in front of Donald Trump is a ‘bucket list’ item: ‘I’ve always been a fan’

The stars are out in New Orleans for Super Bowl week, and the biggest one is expected to be there for the game itself.

President Donald Trump is slated to attend Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, which will mark the first time that a sitting president will have attended the big game.

Trump has shown his face at plenty of sporting events over the years, getting face time at numerous UFC events. Late last year, he attended the Alabama-Georgia game, the Army-Navy game, and a Steelers-Jets contest.

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Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) reacts on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Had Tyreek Hill stuck with the Kansas City Chiefs, he’d likely be playing in front of the president. For now, though, it’s only in his imagination.

And he really wants to do it.

“That’s tremendous. To be able to play in front of Donald Trump, that would be something to knock off the bucket list,” Hill said to Fox News Digital at an event in New Orleans. “Not every day you get to play football in front of the guy who people respect and is at the top of the helm of this country.

“I’ve always been a fan of Donald Trump, by the way. That’ll be awesome.”

Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump attends a game between the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on October 20, 2024. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)

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Brittany Mahomes and her mother-in-law Randi both supported the president during his re-election campaign.

Before the game kicks off, Trump will speak with Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier. The pre-taped interview took place at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and will air in the 3 p.m. ET hour on Super Bowl Sunday.

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

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Trump didn’t attend many NFL games the first time around as he clashed with players’ decision to kneel for the national anthem as a form of protest against social injustice.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and Larry Fink contributed to this report.

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February 8, 2025
Eagles fan Jill Biden to attend Super Bowl LIX: report

Jill Biden, the former first lady and a Philadelphia Eagles fan, will reportedly head to New Orleans for the Super Bowl Sunday with her grandson.

Former President Joe Biden will not be in attendance at the game, USA Today reported Wednesday. The Bidens’ grandson, Hunter, is the son of their late son Beau.

Jill and her grandson were in attendance for the 2023 Super Bowl when the Eagles played the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jill Biden walks the sideline before a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field Oct. 16, 2022, in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

It will be a rematch of that game this weekend.

Philadelphia nearly knocked Kansas City off the first time the two teams met in the Super Bowl. But the Chiefs got the upper hand. The win kickstarted Kansas City’s run at a dynasty. The Chiefs have won three of the last four Super Bowls and have a shot at three straight, a feat no NFL team has accomplished.

Jill Biden reacted to the Eagles’ NFC championship win nearly two weeks ago.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts participates during Super Bowl 59 Opening Night Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans ahead of Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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

“Proud Philly girl!” she wrote in a post on X.

President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the game. He would become the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl.

Trump didn’t say outright who he was pulling for but gave a small hint Tuesday.

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

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

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 5, 2025
WWE star ‘feeling in danger’ after scary ‘romantic’ advances during fan interactions

WWE superstar Asuka, the four-time world champion, said she has recently felt in danger and has contacted the police regarding fan interactions that have had “romantic” advances involved.

Asuka, whose real name is Kanako Urai, is a Japanese professional wrestler who sent out multiple posts on her X account Wednesday, when she expressed her feelings about recent fan interactions that had been taken too far in her eyes.

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“I’ve been feeling in danger recently,” she wrote on X. “I’ve already consulted the police. At this rate, even if fans approach me at the airport or in the city, I will feel the possibility that something might happen, and it will scare me, making me unable to respond.”

Asuka kneels on Iyo Sky during the triple threat women’s championship match of the WWE Fastlane pro wrestling event on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (IMAGN)

While Asuka did not talk about a specific interaction she had with fans, she did express her want for fans to stop having “romantic feelings for me.”

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“It’s meaningless – 100% pointless,” she wrote in a separate post.

“There is absolutely no possibility for others to interfere in my private life.”

It is worth noting this is not the first time a WWE star has dealt with fans who take their love for the sport and brand too far.

Asuka battles in the Women’s Money in the Bank match during Money in the Bank at Dickies Arena. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

Fellow star Sonya Deville had an obsessed fan of hers drive from his home in South Carolina to Tampa Bay, Florida, where she lived, with the intent of abducting her. The man, Phillip Thomas, carried a knife, zip ties, duct tape and mace, and broke into her home.

A plea deal was ultimately struck for 15 years in prison in 2023 after the incident in 2020, when Thomas was charged with attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking and armed burglary.

Asuka, 43, has not been wrestling of late, as she suffered an injury in May 2024, which required knee surgery.

Asuka during Wrestlemania Night 2 at SoFi Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

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Asuka is the longest-reigning NXT women’s champion, and she’s also won the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in her career, which began in 2015.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 30, 2025
Eagles fan, 18, dies after fall from light pole during celebration

A Philadelphia Eagles fan who took to the streets of the city to celebrate the team’s NFC Championship win and Super Bowl LIX clinch died after falling from a light pole.

Tyle Sabapathy, an 18-year-old Temple University student, died after falling from the pole and landing on his head, Philadelphia police told FOX 29 Philadelphia. The teen was taken to the hospital and was in very critical condition before he eventually died.

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Temple University released a statement about the incident.

“The loss of a promising 18-year-old man like Tyler is both tragic and traumatic,” the school said. “There are no words that can make sense of it, and the entire Temple community mourns his passing. Our hearts go out to Tyler’s family, friends, classmates and all who knew and loved him.

“A native of Toronto, Canada, Tyler was already a thriving student within Temple University’s College of Public Health, where he was majoring in exercise and sport science. As an accomplished gymnast with more than 120 medals in provincial, regional and international competitions, Tyler was fascinated with injury prevention, and this ultimately led him to pursue the major that he did. He no doubt had a bright future ahead of him, and it is so tragic that we will not be able to see how he would have made his mark on the world.

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A Philadelphia Eagles flag is waved after the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Jan. 21, 2018. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

“As a member of the university’s club gymnastics team, Tyler displayed exceptional self-discipline and work ethic, spending countless hours a week training and honing his craft. He was loved by his teammates, friends and coaches here in Philadelphia.”

The hours of jubilation for the Eagles’ win was marred by several incidents.

At least three people were injured when a driver struck a crowd of pedestrians who had left Lincoln Financial Field to celebrate the win. The driver was in custody and the victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

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

Several other incidents of fans climbing poles, shooting fireworks or conducting celebratory gunfire were also caught on camera.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 29, 2025