Happy New Year 2025

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Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb sounds off amid teammate Micah Parsons trade rumors

Micah Parsons put together another strong performance this past season. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker recorded 12 sacks despite missing four games in his fourth NFL season.

Parsons is set to play the 2025 season on his fifth-year option before he is scheduled to become a free agent. The star pass rusher would then be free to sign with another team, unless his representatives and the Cowboys’ front office are able to reach an agreement on a contract extension.

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CeeDee Lamb, left, and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after beating the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 29, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

While Parsons’ future remains uncertain, trade rumors have already started to swirl – much to the displeasure of one of his current teammates.

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A report from NFL Media recently surfaced saying “some internal discussions” have taken place among the Cowboys brass about the possibility of including Parsons in a trade. Dallas star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb apparently caught wind of the report, and questioned whether there was any fatigue concerning discussions about Parsons.

Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the New York Giants game at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 24, 2022. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

He also suggested that having Parsons on the team gives Dallas the best opportunity to win games going forward.

“Y’all aren’t tired of this? Every offseason, top of the charts… Let’s just win ball games and that’s with 11! SMH,” Lamb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Parsons is scheduled to make $21.324 million this upcoming season. While he is listed on the Cowboys’ roster as a linebacker, he lined up at the defensive end position for the majority of the team’s defensive snaps last season and was tagged as such.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons celebrate during the NFL Pro Bowl Skills Competition in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA Today Sports)

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa’s roughly $34 million represents the league’s highest annual salary for a defensive end.

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Lamb and Parsons will be under the guidance of a new head coach when they report to training camp in the coming months. The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy last month and promoted Brian Schottenheimer from his offensive coordinator post to head coach.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Matthew Stafford’s wife sounds off on Rams amid speculation about quarterback’s future, Cooper Kupp trade news

Uncertainty and an apparent lack of appreciation in Los Angeles have Kelly Stafford, the wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, apparently open to the idea of moving on.

During the latest episode of her podcast “The Morning After,” Kelly sounded off on the speculation surrounding her husband and the recent news that the Rams have allegedly expressed their intentions to trade veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrates with his family after winning Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 13, 2022. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP)

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Kupp announced Monday on social media that he was informed by the organization that they “will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships.”

Kupp expressed that the move was not one he agreed with.

“I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA,” his post read. “Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, right, celebrates with wide receiver Cooper Kupp after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 13, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

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Stafford’s future also remains a question this offseason.

After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, he said he would “take some time” to decide his plan for next season, but also indicated he feels like he can still play.

But since those remarks were made, his wife Kelly seemed to suggest tensions between the Rams and Stafford have been on the rise.

“I love the life that we have built here. With that being said, I love an adventure. I am all for it. Right now, if the Rams decided that they wanted to trade [Stafford], or Matthew decided he didn’t want to play for the Rams, I’m good,” she shared.

RAMS’ COOPER KUPP SAYS TEAM WILL LOOK TO TRADE HIM IN OFFSEASON

Kelly said “the ball is not really in our court” regarding that decision.

“I value being respected and wanted over convenience. So it would be very convenient to stay. Right? Very easy. But if someone doesn’t feel valued, then I’m like ‘Let’s hit the road. Let’s go on an adventure,’” she explained.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, right, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp talk on the sidelines during the NFC wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

“Do we want to be in L.A.? Yeah, but a lot has to happen,” she continued. “My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation. If you’re catching my drift, you’re catching my drift. He wants to win, he’s at the end of his career – wants to win. But there has to be a slight feeling of being valued and respected.”

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Kelly was also put off by Kupp’s announcement. She said she was “confused” by the trade rumors after the Rams fell short of the NFC Championship game this season.

“I will say the trading away of Cooper – I guess I’m just a little confused because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship. And I think if we go, we win. Then you’re in the Super Bowl, and I think we have a chance against Kansas City,” she said.

“One play away, and all of a sudden in the offseason, you’re talking about trading your veteran wide receiver, who has been a pillar in this place… and there’s now talk about trading your quarterback away. I don’t get it, it confuses me.”

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Kelly reiterated Stafford’s desire to stay with the Rams, saying “We want to be here.” The quarterback has two years left on his current contract.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 7, 2025
UN chief sounds the alarm amid fears over possible DOGE-inspired cuts after Trump’s order

UN Secretary-General António Guterres seems to be bracing his staff ahead of possible changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. In a letter distributed to UN staff, Guterres warned of the “difficult challenge” facing the international body.

“I assure you that we are working closely with colleagues throughout the United Nations system to understand and mitigate the extent of its impact on our operations,” Guterres wrote in the letter.

“Now, more than ever, the work of the United Nations is crucial. As we face this difficult challenge, your dedication and support will help us to overcome and move forward. Together, we will ensure that our Organization continues to serve people in need around the world with unwavering commitment.”

In response to a Fox News request for comment, Guterres’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, “From day one, US support for the United Nations has saved countless lives and advanced global security. The Secretary-General looks forward to continuing his productive relationship with President Trump and the US Government to strengthen that relationship in today’s turbulent world.”

WHITE HOUSE DETAILS USAID PROGRAMS UNDER ELON MUSK’S MICROSCOPE

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a Security Council meeting during the 79th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, Sept. 27, 2024. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)

“As President Trump has indicated, the UN plays a crucial role in taking on big challenges so that individual countries don’t have to do it on their own at far greater expense. With the letter, the Secretary-General was keeping staff informed,” Dujarric added.’

Former Principal Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Hugh Dugan told Fox News Digital that “UN entities from the top down are feeling very anxious,” citing someone extremely senior in the UN. Dugan believes that DOGE and his own organization DOGE-UN are causes of concern for Guterres due to “heightened accountability” from Washington.

“And I think that they’re going to have to scramble to show that they’ve been trustworthy with those resources and have been careful in accounting for their ultimate disposition, because I expect that we’re going to find that’s not been the case,” Dugan said.

The United Nations Headquarters is photographed in New York City. (iStock)

This letter was sent just over two weeks after President Trump issued his Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.

“It is the policy of the United States that no further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States,” Trump’s order reads.

While the order calls for a 90-day pause in foreign programs, it includes a clause giving Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to “waive the pause in Section 3(a) for specific programs.”

Trump administration officials claim to have uncovered several areas of government waste when it comes to foreign funding. This includes a $1.5 million US Agency for International Development (USAID) project aimed at advancing DEI in Serbian workplaces and a $2 million program promoting “LGBT activism” in Guatemala.

In her first briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that DOGE and OMB found “that there was about to be $50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza.”

“That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money. So that’s what this pause is focused on, being good stewards of tax dollars,” Leavitt told reporters at the briefing.

At first glance, the funding for condoms in Gaza could seem like it would be aimed at public health. However, Hamas has used condoms in the past to fly incendiary devices and IEDs into Israel, as the Jerusalem Post reported in 2020.

Trump hit out at government spending during his 2024 presidential campaign. (Getty Images)

TRUMP CUTS US OFF FROM UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, BANS UNRWA FUNDING

During his 2024 campaign, Trump took aim at government spending, ultimately introducing DOGE to tackle waste.

Following Trump’s order, Secretary Rubio paused all US foreign assistance programs funded by or through the State Department and USAID pending review.

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“Reviewing and realigning foreign assistance on behalf of hardworking taxpayers is not just the right thing to do, it is a moral imperative,” the State Department statement read. “The Secretary is proud to protect America’s investment with a deliberate and judicious review of how we spend foreign assistance dollars overseas.”

In the same statement, the State Department emphasized Secretary Rubio’s focus on ensuring the programs his department funds are working for Americans and are “consistent with US foreign policy under the America First agenda.”

Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.

February 5, 2025
Stephen A Smith sounds off on LeBron James about son’s playing time amid struggles: ‘Stop this’

It’s becoming quite clear that Bronny James isn’t quite ready for the NBA yet.

The son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was called up from the G-League ahead of Tuesday’s game, and he got to play 15 minutes, by far the most of his young career, in his 13th appearance.

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But it was a struggle, as he went 0-for-5 from the floor and committed three turnovers.

LeBron James and Bronny James of the Lakers on the court for the first time during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

James has made just one shot of 16 from the floor this season, which adds up to just a 6.3 shooting percentage. Sure, it’s unfair to judge on such scarce playing time, but he certainly hasn’t done himself any favors.

The father-son duo have received flak ever since Bronny was selected 55th overall by his father’s team in the summer, with lots of criticism about nepotism.

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Well, after Tuesday’s performance, Stephen A. Smith insinuated that it’s still going on, and it’s not beneficial.

“I’m really, really trying to be as respectful as I possibly can be toward LeBron James, one of the top two or three players in the history of basketball. I am pleading with LeBron James, as a father. Stop this. Stop this. We all know that Bronny James is in the NBA because of his dad,” Smith said on Wednesday’s edition of “First Take.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James against the Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 28, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Smith added he has “no issues” with the two playing on the same team, as James has “earned that” privilege.

But with his struggles, LeBron is not doing his son any “favors,” said Smith.

“We know that he’s not ready yet! And I’m saying this with compassion! I’m asking the greatest player in the game, one of the greatest we have ever, or will ever see, who is a basketball savant, you know what these numbers mean, to your son, you’re exposing your son like this.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James warms up for the Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Nov. 1, 2024. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

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Bronny, who averaged less than five points per game in his lone season at USC, has fared much better in the G League, averaging 16.3 points per contest.

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January 29, 2025
Olivia Dunne sounds alarm ’empty seats’ in gymnastics, suggests judges’ scoring may be part of issue

Olivia Dunne sounded the alarm about the lack of viewership in women’s gymnastics and suggested that the judges and the scoring system may be to blame.

Dunne fired off an uncharacteristic critical post on X about the state of the sport. It came as LSU was upset in an SEC matchup against Arkansas. The Tigers came into the meeting as the No. 2 squad in the country.

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LSU Tigers gymnast Olivia Dunne practices between events against the Florida Gators during the meet at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun)

“I am sitting here watching NCAA gymnastics and the empty seats are concerning. I care deeply about the growth in women’s sports especially in the NCAA,” she wrote. “If you want fans to enjoy the sport and increase viewership, you have to look at what makes the crowds go crazy! People understand what a perfect 10 is and want people who do things that look great to be rewarded.

“Too many deductions taken at a judge’s discretion feels the same as watching a basketball game that’s constantly interrupted with penalties or a football game with flags on every play. At some point it feels negative and loses the entertainment factor that draws the crowd in. The number of questions I am currently getting from fans about the scoring is significant enough for me to share this concern. I love the art and intricacy of gymnastics but let’s get more eyes on the sport!”

Dunne added that she may have a “unique” perspective on the matter given the fan base she cultivated outside the sport.

LSU Tigers gymnast Olivia Dunne warms up against the Florida Gators before the meet at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun)

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“This is not about LSU this is about the sport,” she wrote in a separate post. “I’m in my 5th year and I have an audience of casual fans so maybe I’m in a unique position to see what is happening with fans differently than people just looking at attendance numbers. Fans are confused.

“I also spend time raising money for female athletes and will always advocate for athletes. Making changes that can impact the entertainment value will affect athletes financially as well. Female sports in the NCAA have to focus on building crowd engagement to continue to get revenue support for the athletes.”

Gymnastics is not exactly the steadiest sport when it comes to its judges and points that are scored or deducted. The drama involving American Olympian Jordan Chiles at the Paris Games is a good example of that.

Olivia Dunne of the LSU Tigers looks on before a meet against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Feb. 23, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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Awful Announcing noted that viewership on TV dropped for the national championships from 2023 to 2024 by more than 100,000.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 28, 2025
Russia sounds off on Trump’s threat to retake the Panama Canal

Russia’s foreign ministry has called on President Donald Trump to reaffirm the current international agreement surrounding the Panama Canal and to leave it in control of the nation of Panama.

Alexander Shchetinin, the director of Russia’s foreign ministry’s Latin American department, told Russian news outlet TASS that he expects Trump “will respect the current international legal regime” of the canal as laid out in two 1977 treaties between the U.S. and Panama.

The agreement relinquished American control over the canal by the year 2000 and guaranteed its neutrality.

President Donald Trump, left, and the Danish cargo ship Lars Maersk sails through the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon City, Panama, on Dec. 28, 2024, right. (Jim WATSON / AFP, left, ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP, right.)

TRUMP: CARTER WAS A ‘VERY FINE’ PERSON BUT PANAMA CANAL MOVES WERE ‘A BIG MISTAKE’

Trump has railed against Panama since his sweeping election win in November, accusing the Central American country of letting China dominate the critical maritime trade route and leaving U.S. ships getting “ripped off” in the process.

During his inaugural speech on Monday, President Trump doubled down on his grievances and declared that the U.S. would be “taking it back.”

“We expect that during the expected discussions between the leadership of Panama and President Trump on issues of control over the Panama Canal, which certainly falls within the sphere of their bilateral relations, the parties will respect the current international legal regime of this key waterway,” Shchetinin said.

He said that 40 countries also joined a protocol agreement, of which Russia is one, to recognize the canal’s neutrality and to keep it “safe and open.”

“[The U.S. and Panama] must protect the canal from any threat to the neutrality regime,” Shchetinin said. “At the same time, a reservation was made that the said right of the United States to defend the Panama Canal does not mean and should not be interpreted as the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Panama, and any actions by the American side will never be directed against the territorial integrity or political independence of Panama.”

Trump gives his second presidential inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2024.

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Trump has been critical of the agreement and said previously it was a “big mistake” on Carter’s part.

“The United States… spent more money than was ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal,” Trump said at his inaugural address on Monday.

“We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should never have been made. And Panama’s promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated.”

“American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy. And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”

The canal’s administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez, said this month that China is not in control of the canal and that all nations are treated equally under a neutrality treaty.

The 51-mile maritime trade route uses a series of locks and reservoirs to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. The United States built the canal in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts.

The canal spares ships having to sail around Cape Horn at South America’s southern tip, saving it a roughly 7,000-mile journey.

The Marshall Islands cargo ship Cape Hellas, left, and the Portuguese cargo ship MSC Elma sail on Gatun Lake near the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon City, Panama, on Dec. 28, 2024. (ARNULFO FRANCO/AFP via Getty Images)

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Panama President José Raúl Mulino issued a statement rejecting Trump’s comments and said, “The Canal is and will continue to be Panama’s and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality.”

“There is no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration,” he added, taking issue with Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. “gave” the canal to Panama.

“Dialogue is always the way to clarify the points mentioned without undermining our right, total sovereignty and ownership of our Canal,” Mulino said.

Fox News’ Caitlin McFall and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

You can send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

January 23, 2025