Happy New Year 2025

Tag: star

76ers star shutdown: Joel Embiid sidelined for rest of NBA season

Joel Embiid’s stellar 2022-23 season, which culminated with the Philadelphia 76ers center receiving NBA MVP honors, seems like a distant memory. The 7-footer’s pro basketball career has been hampered by injuries, with knee issues contributing to his latest setback.

On Friday, the Sixers announced the seven-time NBA All-Star would be forced to watch games from the sideline for the rest of the season due to a left knee injury. He underwent a procedure to address the knee problems last February, but never seemed to return to form. Emiid and the Sixers tried to manage the pain and swelling in the knee this season prior to shutting him down.

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid walks off the court after the 76ers lost an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game against the New York Knicks, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The 76ers said the decision to shut down Embiid through the stretch of the 2024-25 campaign was made once it was determined he was “medically unable to play.”

“The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid have been consulting with top specialists regarding ongoing issues with his left knee. After further evaluation, it has been determined that he is medically unable to play and will miss the remainder of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation,” the team said in a statement.

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“We are working with medical experts to determine the exact treatment plan and will update media when we have more information. The team and specialists will continue working with Joel to ensure the best path forward for his long-term health and performance.”

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid watches from the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Counting the 164 games he missed his first two seasons after he was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and what’s left of this season, Embiid will have played in 452 of 883 76ers’ games by the end of this season — missing nearly 50% of the regular season.

The 76ers are 8-11 with Embiid this season, and 12-27 without him.

Embiid has been hobbled by injuries all season, and served a three-game suspension for shoving a member of the media. He’s averaged 23.8 points — he averaged at least 30 and won two scoring titles the last three seasons — and scored only 29 points combined in his last two games.

Embiid acknowledged earlier this month he may have to undergo another surgery on the left knee.

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images))

“I think the straightforward answer is that when you’ve got something that’s inconsistent, at some point, you’ve got to do something about it,” Embiid said. “We don’t know what it is. We’re looking into every option.”

He played just 39 games last season due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. Embiid did win a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team last year at the Paris Games.

He has played only 58 regular-season games and seven play-in tournament and playoff games since he earned league MVP honors.

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Embiid signed a $193 million contract extension ahead of the season and has banked nearly $266 million in career earnings.

Philadelphia entered this season as one of the favorites to contend for an NBA title, but the team is in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. The Sixers entered Friday in the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

March 1, 2025
NBA star Kevin Durant tears up talking about Team USA, Olympics

Talking about playing for Team USA had perennial NBA All-Star Kevin Durant in tears.

The new Netflix docuseries “Court of Gold” had behind-the-scenes access to all things basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including Team USA, who Durant was starring for in his fourth Olympics.

In Netflix’s teaser video of the docuseries, which released on Monday, an emotional Durant had to stop midway through an interview to wipe his tears while talking about his time with Team USA and how much it means to him.

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Team United States forward Kevin Durant (Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports)

“I come from neighborhoods where people don’t even talk to each other,” Durant said with emotion. “There’s so much hate in the world, too. When people get to start laughing and joking for the game of ball, it’s cool to me.

“So, like, it gets me emotional, dog.”

Seeing the world unite through the game of basketball is something that still fascinates Durant to this day.

“It’s crazy to see people travel so long to come see their favorite player play in the Olympics,” he explained. “They send their money, they bring their whole family. It’s just dope to me.”

Durant went on to say that “the game has saved my life. It brought me and my family out of a lot of bulls—. I’m just grateful for it.”

Durant is one of many Team USA stars featured in the six-part docuseries, but he’s arguably the best player to ever wear the red, white and blue on his jersey.

Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) guards Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

Durant didn’t play for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics after his rookie season, but he’s been a part of the gold-medal winning teams over the last four Games. No player in USA Basketball history has four gold medals to their name.

Durant also has the most points ever scored by a Team USA basketball player, men or women, and he did so on his way to helping the U.S. win gold in Paris over France.

The Phoenix Suns star is 36 years old and has spent the past 17 years playing professional basketball after he was selected second overall by the then-Seattle Supersonics in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Durant has gone on to make 15 All-Star teams, win two NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors, be the NBA’s leading scorer four times and make the All-NBA team 11 times.

Kevin Durant (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

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There is no doubting Durant has future Hall of Famer written all over his resume, but he clearly loves playing the game for his country as well as in the NBA.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 19, 2025
Yankees star breaks team’s facial hair policy, prompting social media reaction

When Devin Williams was traded to the New York Yankees, he needed to bust out the razor.

The Yanks, of course, have had a long-withstanding policy since George Steinbrenner owned the team that players must not don facial hair below their lower lip.

So, the lights out closer needed to get rid of his healthy beard, prompting an entirely different look.

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Devin Williams is stretching the Yankees’ facial hair rule. (IMAGN)

However, after just one week in Tampa, Williams appeared to have forgotten to shave Tuesday morning, as he rocked some peach fuzz.

Naturally, it drew the ire of lots of Yankee fans on social media.

Newcomer Paul Goldschmidt also needed to shave, which left him looking like he “added 30 years on his life,” said one more account.

New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) participates in spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

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When Williams was asked about being clean-shaven, he replied simply, “It is what it is.” It was the first time he shaved his beard in six years. In fact, he actually arrived to camp unshaven.

Plenty of Yankee stars have rocked mustaches, most notably Don Mattingly and Goose Gossage, but beards have been a topic of conversation, and sometimes controversy. CC Sabathia was rather irked a few years ago when former top prospect Clint Frazier rocked long hair from his head, which also must be maintained. So Sabathia retaliated by rocking a slight beard.

The Hall of Famer has rocked a beard ever since he retired, and even Derek Jeter has some facial hair now. Plenty of Yankees grow facial hair in the offseason and if they join another team.

New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) participates in spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

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The policy led to a makeover for Johnny Damon in 2005, and general manager Brian Cashman ruled out closer Brian Wilson over a decade ago because he said Wilson refused to shave his patented beard.

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February 19, 2025
Brittney Griner exits: WNBA star found threatening note ahead of speech

Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, was a no-show for a speaking engagement she was booked for just outside of Washington, D.C.

The Atlanta Dream center’s decision stemmed from a note she discovered near the entrance to her hotel room in National Harbor, Maryland. Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Feb. 17. But, event organizers informed attendees that Griner pulled out after she saw “threatening objects and words” outside her hotel room.

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Oct 29, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz, U.S.; WNBA player Brittney Griner joins Poder Latinx to promote “Cabalgata to the Polls”, a horseback riding event and live Banda music to celebrate National Vote Early Day. (Joe Rondone/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The note in question contained the words “Gay Baby Jail,” WUSA 9 reported. The words appeared to be written on a piece of duct tape.

The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed the launch of an investigation at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the site of the conference.

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“Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference,” a statement from police obtained by TMZ Sports read. “At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.”

Gold medallist Brittney Griner of United States holds the U.S. flag. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein)

Women Grow is an organization that brings women together with the goal of promoting leadership within the cannabis industry. Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told WUSA9 that the hotel staff claimed the message was a cruel joke which a previous guest left, which was ultimately not removed by housekeeping.

“I don’t know what their protocols are, but I don’t know why rooms wouldn’t be cleaned,” Macias said.

Investigators did add that “detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it.”

A 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated is believed to have marked the first time Griner pubically discussed her sexuality. During the interview, Griner was asked about the differences in public acceptance as it related to male athletes vs. female athletes revealing their sexuality.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told the outlet at the time. “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.” Griner added that she did not prioritize what others thought of her personal life.

“Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are,” she said.

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Griner, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been married to Cherelle Griner, since 2019. The couple welcomed their first child together in July 2024.

Griner spent the first 11 seasons of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She signed a contract with the Dream in January.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 19, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off: Canada’s Brandon Hagel fought USA star for pride of country

When the puck dropped in Montreal’s Bell Centre on Saturday night, Team Canada’s Brandon Hagel dropped his gloves along with Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk.

It was the first of three fights that took place between the hockey rivals in nine seconds for their 4 Nations Face-Off matchup.

Because of the aggression and fists flying, not to mention the aggressive checking from both benches throughout the 3-1 win for the United States, many are wondering if we’re going to expect more of the same on Thursday night in Boston for the tournament’s championship game.

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Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Hagel said that his decision to fight Tkachuk the moment the game started wasn’t to put on a show for those in the seats and watching at home.

There was pride for country.

“Listen, what happened the other night, I did it for the flag and not for the cameras,” Hagel said.

US, CANADIAN HOCKEY STARS GET INTO NUMEROUS FIGHTS IN OPENING SECONDS OF 4 NATIONS RIVALRY AFTER ANTHEM BOOS

Before that fight occurred, there was a lot of tension from Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem. Both teams have a strong sense of pride for the country they wear on their sweaters, so it’s understandable why Tkachuk, his brother, Brady, and J.T. Miller all fought someone in the first nine seconds of the game.

For Hagel’s bout, he was seen egging on the crowd after getting back on his skates, trying to use home ice to Canada’s advantage.

Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

With roles reversed this time, as Team USA will be playing in Boston’s TD Garden against Team Canada, Hagel expects the same sense of pride from both squads.

“I think it’s going to be the same way,” he said.

Whether that means immediate fights remains to be seen.

Matthew Tkachuk admitted that he “didn’t like it” when Canadian fans booed during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and after hearing a mixture of cheers and boos on Monday night during Team Canada’s matchup with Team Finland in the TD Garden, the U.S. fans could reciprocate on Thursday night.

Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

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Either way, Team Canada is looking for revenge and bragging rights as winners of this tournament after allowing three unanswered goals, with Connor McDavid’s goal kicking off the scoring, on Saturday night.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy has message about possible LIV merger

Rory McIlroy has a blunt message for people who are upset with a potential PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger: “Get over it.”

McIlroy, 35, said those who turned down exorbitant offers from LIV to remain loyal to the PGA Tour should welcome a reunified sport.

“I think everyone has just got to get over it, and we all have to say, ‘OK, this is the starting point and we move forward.’ We don’t look behind us, we don’t look to the past,” McIlroy said last week. “Whatever has happened has happened, and it’s been unfortunate. But reunification, how we all come back together and move forward, that’s the best thing for everyone.

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Rory McIlroy during the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

“If people are butt-hurt, or have their feelings hurt because guys went or whatever, like who cares? Let’s move forward together and let’s just try to get this thing going again and do what’s best for the game.”

McIlroy was once one of the most, if not the most, outspoken critics of LIV among PGA Tour players.

McIlroy said LIV has ultimately benefited everyone, as the purses for winning PGA events have increased. McIlroy cited the Genesis Invitational as an example, as the purse Ludvig Aberg took home was $4 million, and the overall purse was $20 million.

“That would have never happened if LIV hadn’t have come around,” McIlroy said.

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Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot during the final round of the Genesis Invitational. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

Adam Scott, a member of the PGA Tour board, understands if people would be upset about reunification.

“I wouldn’t be surprised – or I wouldn’t judge anyone, the members – if reunification happened and they weren’t happy with how it happened,” Scott said.

“I wouldn’t hold it against anybody if there were negative emotions attached to it, the thought of players coming back.”

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Adam Scott lines up his putt on the 11th hole during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

Scott was part of a group that met with President Donald Trump about a potential reunification, as PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan asked for Trump to get involved.

“It’s not been an easy thing to solve, otherwise we’d have solved it, I believe,” Monahan said.

For whenever it gets solved, McIlroy’s message will ring loud and clear to those upset.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

February 18, 2025
Caitlin Clark contract: Agent says Fever star among WNBA players who need raise

Caitlin Clark immediately became a star as soon as she stepped onto the floor in an Indiana Fever jersey last year, despite naysayers believing it would take her a while to get up to speed.

Clark’s salary became a talking point during her rookie season. Her rookie deal is worth just over $338,000 over four years with the annual average value being around $84,500, according to Spotrac. She earned around $76,000 in her first season and will earn around $78,000 for her second.

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, warms up before game one of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Sept. 22, 2024. (Mark Smith-Imagn Images)

The Fever hold a club option on Clark’s contract for 2027, which at this point seems extremely likely they will pick up. By the 2028 offseason, she will become a restricted free agent.

As Clark continues to grow as a player and increasingly make waves in the WNBA, she will be poised to set a record with whatever contract might come to her. A sports agent told ESPN in a story on Monday that it will be quite difficult for the sharpshooter to receive what she is actually worth.

“Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she’s really worth to that league? I don’t think that’s possible,” Excel Sports Management’s Erin Kane told ESPN.

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Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark looks on during the second half of the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Nov. 30, 2024. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

“She’s part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she’s brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It’s as simple as that.”

A supermax contract, under the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), is worth nearly $242,000 and by the time Clark gets a chance to negotiate a new deal, the landscape could be changed.

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association opted out of the current CBA last October with the possibility of work stoppage if a new deal is not reached by the end of the 2025 season.

The union sought a deal that would increase player salaries, according to ESPN.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, rushes up the court during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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The league is set to increase the number of teams in play starting with the 2025 season. The Golden State Valkyries join the fold with the Toronto Tempo and a Portland team coming in 2026. The Sports Business Journal reported that the WNBA is set to add Cleveland as the next expansion team.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
France soccer star has $500K in watches stolen from home

Another professional athlete has been targeted in a home burglary, as Los Angeles Football Club star Olivier Giroud had $500,000 in watches stolen earlier this month, per TMZ.

Giroud’s wife, Jennifer, reported the burglary to authorities on Feb. 5 after noticing a shattered window at their home.

Among the property stolen from their home was 10 of Giroud’s watches, which his wife valued at around $500,000.

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LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) arrives before a 2024 MLS Cup western conference semifinal match against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

The LAPD have currently not made any arrests related to the burglary, per TMZ, and they are still investigating.

Giroud is, unfortunately, among the likes of Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, who all had their homes burglarized in some capacity in recent months.

For Burrow, three Chilean migrants face charges on suspicion of breaking into his home after posing for photos with some of the items that were stolen, including a jeweled necklace reading “JB9” and a diamond “9” necklace, a recently filed federal criminal complaint showed.

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Burrow’s number is nine, which he wore in college at LSU and currently with Cincinnati.

Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22, Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23, and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38, all of Chile, were nabbed by Ohio State Patrol after authorities tracked them in multiple states following the burglary, according to court documents.

The Bengals released a statement on the matter as well.

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) warms up before the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at BC Place. (Simon Fearn-Imagn Images)

“The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and their partner agencies at the local, state and federal level did a wonderful job investigating the crime and bringing bad actors to justice. The Cincinnati Bengals would like to thank them for their efforts and extend our sincere appreciation for their good work. We recognize there was a tremendous amount of complex investigative work that led to these indictments, and the Sheriff’s Department was exemplary in this work,” the Bengals stated.

“The Bengals have worked with the Sheriff’s Department for decades on many matters, and we know them to be a real source of strength and pride for the community. The Bengals appreciate their good work and will continue to fully support their efforts as the criminal process moves forward.”

As for Giroud, he is just in his first full season with LAFA after coming overseas to join MLS midway through last season.

Giroud has played for prime European powers in soccer, including Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.

LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) and teammates line up for the national anthem before the first half against Seattle Sounders FC in a 2024 MLS Cup western conference semifinal match at BMO Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

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Internationally, Giroud has been a national star, scoring four goals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including a game-winning score against England in the quarterfinals. He also played with the 2018 World Cup team that won it all in Russia.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Auburn baseball star Cade Belyeu crushes 1st homer of season hours after mother’s death

Auburn Tigers outfielder Cade Belyeu opened the 2025 season with a heavy heart and enormous emotional pressure on his shoulders as the team played the Holy Cross Crusaders.

Belyeu hit a solo home run in the sixth inning against Holy Cross. It was Belyeu and the Tigers’ first home run of the season. It turned out he played for more than just an early-season victory.

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A general view of Auburn baseball caps during the game between the UAB Blazers and the Auburn Tigers on April 4, 2023 at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The sophomore’s mother, Staci, had died after a battle with breast cancer a few hours earlier. Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said the team was trying to figure out what they were going to do if Belyeu was going to take the night to collect his thoughts.

“He said Staci wanted him to play,” Thompson told the Montgomery Advertiser. “I think it was the most inspiring thing we’ve ever seen. Our crowd is just amazing. They absolutely sensed and knew what was going on with him. … An inspiration by Cade Belyeu.”

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Auburn won the game 4-1. The Tigers eventually wrapped up the series, taking two out of three from Holy Cross.

Belyeu was 6-of-12 at the plate against the Crusaders during the weekend. He hit his lone home run and had two RBI in the series win. He also had five stolen bases.

Auburn is back in action on Tuesday against Troy.

The 6-foot-3 outfielder was named to the SEC All-Freshman team last season.

An SEC logo billboard prior to the NCAA Women’s Final Four. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

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Auburn finished 27-26 last season and were 8-22 against SEC opponents. The team did not make the postseason.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025
US hockey star Charlie McAvoy receives praise for big hit on Canada’s Connor McDavid in intense 4 Nations game

The 4 Nations Face-Off matchup between the U.S. and Canada had sports fans everywhere talking about the anthem booing and the three subsequent fights in the first 9 seconds of the game.

Lost in that is what the U.S. had to overcome to win the matchup and advance to the final.

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Connor Hellebuyck, #37 of Team United States, celebrates with Charlie McAvoy, #25, as Brock Faber, #14, looks on after their 3-1 win in the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on Feb. 15, 2025 in Montreal. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Canada’s Connor McDavid opened the scoring soon after when the electricity was at its highest. Canada hoped to steal one and send their fans home happy, but the U.S. looked to reset the tone immediately after, and the Americans believed Charlie McAvoy did just that.

McAvoy put a big hit on McDavid in the first period, and 19 seconds later, Jake Guentzel got the equalizer past Jordan Binnington. Matthew Tkachuk said it was McAvoy’s hit that revitalized the team.

“That also is a message-sending moment — probably one of the plays of the game,” the Florida Panthers star said. “They just scored a goal, the building was rocking and Charlie comes there and pops McDavid, like one of the hardest hits I’ve seen.”

Canada’s Connor McDavid, #97, and Sidney Crosby, #87, talk during the third period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game against the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

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Tkachuk added that McAvoy’s teammates “followed” McAvoy’s aggressiveness afterward.

“That hit Charlie threw on (McDavid) was kind of a game-changer,” U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski said. “He’s been known to do that. He’s great with his size, he’s really good defensively and I thought that was a perfectly timed hit to get our team going in the right direction.”

Dylan Larkin put the U.S. up 2-1 in the second period, and Guentzel later put one in an empty net and the U.S. won the game.

McDavid still held out hope Canada can bounce back and get to the final for a rematch.

“It was fast, tight-checking, competitive, emotional,” he said, via The Athletic. “It had everything you would want in a hockey game. It sucks it didn’t go our way, but this thing’s far from over.”

Canada’s Sidney Crosby, #87, is checked by United States’ Charlie McAvoy, #25, as Vincent Trocheck, #16, looks on during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

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The U.S. will play Sweden and Canada will play Finland in the final games before the championship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 17, 2025