Ole Miss is getting ready to file a tampering complaint against LSU. This is happening because Ole Miss allowed coaches scheduled to join LSU to stay with them during the College Football Playoffs, and concerns have arisen about recruiting tampering. The situation is urgent because the transfer portal has opened, and Ole Miss will play Miami soon.
Key Facts
Ole Miss and LSU are involved in a tampering dispute over coaching staff moves.
Ole Miss's former head coach, Lane Kiffin, left for LSU after the regular season.
Staff members who plan to join LSU were allowed to stay with Ole Miss for the playoffs.
The transfer portal, a system that lets players transfer between schools, has opened.
Ole Miss believes LSU may have tampered with recruiting efforts during this time.
Ole Miss is preparing to play Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
There is limited time to resolve these issues before the upcoming game.
LSU finds it unrealistic for the staff to remain with Ole Miss now that the portal is open.
A humorous online character called "Old Ball," depicted as an old basketball, has become popular on social media. Old Ball "discusses" his past experiences and the changes in basketball, like the modern way teams play. The character is part of a comedy group called Benched Studios.
Key Facts
Old Ball is a fictional character portrayed as an old basketball gaining popularity online.
Old Ball was "forgotten" in a shed for about 30 years since the 1990s.
The character is part of Benched Studios, a comedy group consisting of Ben Bayouth, Christian Heuer, and Adam Aseraf.
Old Ball "talks" about the differences in basketball now compared to the 1990s.
Social media and other technological changes are part of Old Ball's learning experience.
Old Ball finds modern basketball to be a "spectacle" compared to his era.
John Stockton is an NBA player that Old Ball believes would still be successful today.
The Navy football team will play against Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Friday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and viewers can also stream it through Fubo. Navy recently won against Army, while Cincinnati ended their season with a losing streak and several player changes.
Key Facts
The Navy and Cincinnati football teams are competing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
The game is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM EDT.
ESPN will broadcast the game, and Fubo offers a streaming option.
Navy won their last game against Army and has a 10-2 season record.
Cincinnati has a 7-5 record and ended the season with four losses.
Cincinnati's quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, will not return, as he is entering the transfer portal.
Navy's quarterback, Blake Horvath, played a key role in their recent victory over Army.
WWE wrestler Dominik Mysterio, who recently injured his shoulder, will not need surgery and is expected to recover in three to four weeks. This means he should return to wrestling in time for the upcoming "Royal Rumble" event.
Key Facts
Dominik Mysterio injured his shoulder during a tag team wrestling match in Mexico.
The injury happened when his father, Rey Mysterio, performed a move called a DDT.
Dominik Mysterio received a positive medical evaluation, indicating no surgery is needed.
He is expected to recover in three to four weeks.
WWE removed him from a live event on December 26 as a precaution.
He is anticipated to return for the "Royal Rumble" event after his recovery period.
The New York Mets may not pursue signing Framber Valdez, a 32-year-old star pitcher, despite being linked to him. The team lost several key players this offseason and has made some new signings. The Mets might look for trading options instead of offering a large contract to Valdez.
Key Facts
The New York Mets are linked to free agent pitcher Framber Valdez.
The Mets have lost key players Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz this offseason.
The team has added new players like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
Mark Feinsand from MLB.com suggested the Mets might not pursue Valdez.
Mets’ president David Stearns usually avoids long-term contracts for pitchers.
Valdez could get a six-year deal worth around $200 million.
The Mets might consider trading for a pitcher instead of signing Valdez.
The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing season, leading to speculation about roster changes. There are predictions that Marcell Ozuna, a key player, might leave the Braves and sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are considering adding Ozuna to boost their lineup despite his less successful year.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Braves did not meet last season's expectations and failed to reach the playoffs.
The team is making changes to improve its pitching staff and lineup.
Marcell Ozuna, a veteran player, might sign with a new team during the free agency period.
Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report predicts Ozuna will join the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks want to strengthen their lineup without spending excessively.
Ozuna had a less successful year but is still considered a strong hitter.
The Diamondbacks see potential in Ozuna to return to his high-performing form.
The Boston Red Sox are not expected to keep Nathaniel Lowe, a first baseman they acquired midseason. Instead, the team has signed Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, potentially ending Lowe's time with the Red Sox.
Key Facts
Nathaniel Lowe joined the Red Sox from the Washington Nationals during the second half of the season.
In 34 games with Boston, Lowe had a .280 batting average, hit two home runs, and had 16 RBIs.
The Red Sox traded for Willson Contreras to strengthen their first base position.
Nathaniel Lowe's contract was non-tendered by the Red Sox, making him a free agent.
Lowe is projected to join the Colorado Rockies as their starting first baseman.
This season, Lowe set a career-high with 84 runs batted in (RBIs) and hit 18 home runs.
Lowe is a former Gold Glove winner, indicating strong fielding skills.
The Boston Red Sox are considering a trade proposal to strengthen their pitching team by acquiring Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. The trade would involve sending pitcher Brayan Bello and a top prospect from the Red Sox to the Brewers. The goal is to find a strong number two pitcher to follow their current ace, Garrett Crochet.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox are looking to improve their starting pitching lineup.
Brayan Bello, currently with the Red Sox, could be traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Freddy Peralta is the ace pitcher from the Brewers that the Red Sox are interested in.
The trade proposal suggests including 17-year-old prospect Dorian Soto alongside Bello.
Abner Uribe, a relief pitcher from the Brewers, might also be part of the deal.
Peralta has one year left on a $15.5 million contract.
Soto is expected to join Major League Baseball by 2029.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering signing Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette for the next season. They have been linked to other players, but Bichette is seen as a fitting addition to their lineup and is potentially more affordable than other star players. The Dodgers are looking to strengthen their roster with key players.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Dodgers have recently won two consecutive World Series titles.
They are interested in adding Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette to their team.
Bo Bichette would likely play at second base if signed by the Dodgers.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts the Dodgers will sign Bichette in free agency.
The Dodgers are also considering other players but see Bichette as a good fit due to his skills and price.
Bichette is not expected to cost more than $200 million, which makes him an affordable option for the team.
The Golden State Warriors will play without key players Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green in their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Curry is out due to an ankle injury, Butler is sick, and Green is resting. The team is preparing for a busy schedule with five games in seven days.
Key Facts
The Warriors will be missing Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green in their game against the Thunder.
Stephen Curry has a sprained left ankle.
Jimmy Butler is out with an undisclosed illness.
Draymond Green is being rested for this game.
The Warriors have a hectic schedule coming up with five games in seven days.
They are preparing to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently first in the Western Conference.
The Utah Jazz, their next opponent, are ranked 12th in the Western Conference.
Additional players like Seth Curry are also dealing with injuries, impacting the Warriors' lineup.
The Chicago Bears are preparing for a game against the Detroit Lions, which will affect their position in the playoffs. Receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden have improved in their recovery from injuries, which could impact the Bears' performance. Odunze is questionable for the game, while Burden is ready to play.
Key Facts
The Bears' game against the Lions will not decide if they make the playoffs but will affect their playoff seeding.
Chicago currently holds the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs and needs to beat the Lions to keep this position.
Rome Odunze has been recovering from a foot injury, returned to practice, and is listed as questionable for the game.
Luther Burden, dealing with a quad injury, became a full participant in practice and is set to play against the Lions.
Odunze, the second leading receiver on the team, has 671 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Burden is fourth in receiving yards on the team, with 617 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Bears win or if they lose but the Eagles also lose, Chicago secures the No. 2 seed.
The No. 2 seed would allow the Bears to host a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
The New York Yankees have made an offer to re-sign Cody Bellinger, a former Most Valuable Player (MVP), who played a strong season with them last year. Other teams, including the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, are also interested in Bellinger, but the Yankees are clearly prioritizing him. The move is part of the Yankees' efforts to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees want to re-sign outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Cody Bellinger was traded to the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024.
Bellinger had a standout year with the Yankees, achieving a five-WAR season.
The Yankees have now made a formal offer to Bellinger.
Several teams, like the Mets, Dodgers, Angels, and Blue Jays, are also interested in Bellinger.
The Yankees' other outfielder, Trent Grisham, accepted a one-year qualifying offer, which influences their plans.
Bellinger's free agency market has been slow, but activity could increase soon.
The Yankees' general manager, Brian Cashman, is actively trying to keep Bellinger with the team.
Alabama's football team recently lost a game to Indiana and is now dealing with a key player's departure. Jaylen Mbakwe, a highly-rated recruit, has entered the transfer portal to find a new team where he can get more playing time. The transfer portal is changing the way college athletes can move between schools, allowing them to find better opportunities elsewhere.
Key Facts
Alabama lost to Indiana at the Rose Bowl, 38-3, which is their worst loss of the century.
Jaylen Mbakwe, a former top recruit, is leaving Alabama through the transfer portal.
Mbakwe switched positions from defensive back to wide receiver at Alabama.
The transfer portal allows college athletes to move to new schools without penalties.
Schools like Indiana are successful at recruiting players through the transfer portal.
The transfer portal will close on January 16, 2026, for this cycle.
College football programs must adapt to player transfers to remain competitive.
Stephen Curry, a key player for the Golden State Warriors, is questionable for their upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a left ankle sprain. Draymond Green is also out for rest, adding to the team's challenges. The Warriors' performance and lineup may be affected significantly by these absences.
Key Facts
Stephen Curry has a left ankle sprain and is questionable for the game against Oklahoma City Thunder.
Curry averages 28.7 points per game, crucial for the team's recent success.
Draymond Green will not play due to rest, impacting the team's defense and leadership.
Golden State has won five out of their last six games.
The Warriors have a scheduling challenge with back-to-back games.
Eight Warriors, including Seth Curry and Al Horford, appear on the injury report.
If Curry cannot play, less experienced players like Pat Spencer may get more time on the court.
The Warriors currently hold an 18-15 record in the Western Conference.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Green Bay Packers player Micah Parsons are in a public disagreement. Parsons criticized Jones on social media, and Jones responded by implying the team couldn't keep Parsons because they couldn't afford him. The tension began after Parsons moved from the Cowboys to the Packers.
Key Facts
Jerry Jones is the owner of the Dallas Cowboys.
Micah Parsons plays for the Green Bay Packers.
Originally, Parsons was with the Dallas Cowboys but moved to the Packers.
The disagreement involved Parsons making comments about Jones on social media.
Jones replied by saying the team could not afford to keep Parsons.
Parsons ended his recent season with a knee injury (torn ACL) after 14 games.
Parsons had a successful season with 41 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Trevon Diggs, another former Cowboys player, also moved to the Packers.
The New York Yankees might trade Jazz Chisholm Jr., a two-time All-Star. Chisholm is in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Yankees are reportedly getting interest from other teams but have no confirmed offers yet.
Key Facts
Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays for the New York Yankees and is a two-time All-Star.
He is in the final year of his rookie contract.
The Yankees and Chisholm have not agreed on a contract extension.
The Yankees are reportedly receiving inquiries about Chisholm's availability for trade.
The article suggests possible trade destinations could include the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas City Royals.
Chisholm had a 4.2 bWAR season, a measure of his value in wins above replacement.
Possible trade interest is due to his relatively low cost in his final contract year.
Kyle Tucker, a baseball player, is expected to sign a new contract this winter. The top teams interested in him are the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. It is predicted he might join the Yankees, but they would need to remove another player, Cody Bellinger, to make room.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is a sought-after baseball player this winter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays are interested in signing him.
Signing Tucker could cost a team over $350 million.
The Chicago Cubs are unlikely to pursue Tucker due to the high cost.
The Yankees might have to let go of Cody Bellinger to sign Tucker.
Tucker would likely team well with Yankees' Aaron Judge in the outfield.
The Yankees have the financial capacity and a need in their outfield, making them strong candidates to sign Tucker.
Charlotte Flair, a top WWE wrestler, explained her disappearance from WWE events in 2025. She said it happened because the WWE writing team had no plans for her storyline. To stay active, she teamed up with Alexa Bliss, and they won the Women's Tag Team Championships.
Key Facts
Charlotte Flair disappeared from WWE TV after WrestleMania 41 in 2025.
She lost a championship match to Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41.
Flair's absence was due to a lack of creative direction from WWE writers.
She decided to reinvent herself instead of waiting for new storylines.
Flair teamed up with fellow wrestler Alexa Bliss.
The duo won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at SummerSlam.
They had a 100-day reign as tag team champions.
Flair is exploring new opportunities as the wrestling year 2026 begins.
Maisy Creed, a 16-year-old karting champion from Sheffield, aims to become a top Formula 1 driver. She recently became the first female to win the PF International X30 Junior Championship and plans to develop her skills further at Silverstone to impress the F1 Academy.
Key Facts
Maisy Creed, from Sheffield, is 16 years old.
She won the PF International X30 Junior Championship in karting.
Maisy is the first female driver to win this specific karting title.
The title has been won by notable drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.
Maisy plans to use facilities at Silverstone to improve her driving skills.
Her goal is to join the F1 Academy by 2027.
Despite the challenges in a male-dominated sport, Maisy is determined to succeed.
The New York Yankees' free agent star outfielder Cody Bellinger has not yet signed with a team. The New York Mets are predicted to be a likely destination for him, despite interest from other teams, because of their financial ability to offer a large contract.
Key Facts
Cody Bellinger is a free agent outfielder not yet signed to a team.
The Yankees are considered one of the top choices for Bellinger.
Other interested teams include the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
A report predicts Bellinger might sign with the Mets this offseason.
The Mets need to fill two outfield spots for the upcoming season.
The Mets have financial resources to offer large contracts.
Bellinger signing with the Mets would help replace key players they lost.
