Ben Stokes, the captain of England's cricket team, is experiencing difficulties leading the team during a challenging Ashes series in Australia. England is currently down 3-0 in the series, with reports of behavior issues, including excessive drinking among players. Stokes is committed to supporting his team and addressing these challenges as they prepare for the fourth Ashes Test.
Key Facts
Ben Stokes became the England cricket captain in April 2022.
England is losing the Ashes series to Australia, currently 3-0 down, with two matches remaining.
There are reports of England players' alleged excessive drinking during a break in Noosa, Australia.
A video allegedly showing player Ben Duckett drunk surfaced online, although it's not verified by the BBC.
Stokes has faced personal challenges before, including a 2017 issue outside a nightclub and a break for mental health in 2021.
Stokes aims to support his team as they face criticism and to ensure players are well during this period.
Stokes has affirmed his commitment to staying on as captain, despite the current challenges.
England Director Rob Key plans to investigate the players' behavior in Noosa.
During a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets, Joel Embiid, a key player for the 76ers, suffered a fall and seemed to hurt his knee but returned to play soon after. Embiid reported that he hyperextended his knee but felt well enough to continue playing. The 76ers lost the game 114-106, with Embiid contributing 27 points.
Key Facts
Joel Embiid left the game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a knee injury scare.
He returned to the court quickly after being evaluated.
Embiid said he hyperextended his knee but felt fine afterward.
The 76ers lost the game 114-106 to the Nets.
Embiid finished with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 31 minutes.
Over the past two seasons, Embiid has faced ongoing knee issues that required surgery.
This season, Embiid has been on a minutes restriction and missed several games due to recent health issues.
The 76ers are set to play their next game against the Chicago Bulls.
Jofra Archer is ruled out for the rest of the Ashes cricket series due to an injury. England is struggling in the series, losing three matches, and Archer's absence is a big setback. Gus Atkinson replaces Archer, and Jacob Bethell replaces Ollie Pope in the England lineup.
Key Facts
Jofra Archer will miss the rest of the Ashes series because of a side strain injury.
Archer returned to Test cricket in July after four years and has taken nine wickets in the current series.
England has lost the first three matches of the series and is 3-0 down.
Gus Atkinson replaces Archer in the team lineup.
Jacob Bethell replaces Ollie Pope in the England side, addressing concerns about England's number-three position in the batting order.
Archer will return to the UK for assessment, which will determine his availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
England has also lost another pace bowler, Mark Wood, due to injury on this tour.
The Green Bay Packers' quarterback, Jordan Love, is uncertain to play against the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a concussion in the loss to the Chicago Bears. Love returned to limited practice, but the team is still unsure if he will be ready for the upcoming game. The Packers need either to win their next two games or rely on a loss by the Detroit Lions to secure a playoff spot.
Key Facts
Quarterback Jordan Love was injured with a concussion in the Packers' game against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers ruled Love out for the remainder of the game after his injury.
To make the playoffs, the Packers need one more win or a loss by the Detroit Lions.
Love practiced in a limited capacity, which is seen as a positive sign.
Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that Love's playing status will depend on how he progresses this week.
Backup quarterback Malik Willis is ready to play if Love cannot start.
The Packers’ game against the Ravens is set for Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Jaylen Raynor, a quarterback from Arkansas State, has entered the college football transfer portal. Over the past three years, he threw for nearly 9,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards. He plans to transfer to a larger school in 2026.
Key Facts
Jaylen Raynor was a quarterback for Arkansas State University.
He threw for 8,694 yards and 52 touchdowns in three years.
Raynor also rushed for 1,183 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
He was named Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023.
Arkansas State won 21 games and two Bowl games during Raynor's time on the team.
Raynor's last game was a win in the Xbox Bowl against Missouri State, where he threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns.
He will officially transfer when the portal opens on the second day of January.
Other quarterbacks like Byrum Brown and Sam Leavitt have also entered the transfer portal.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major golf champion, announced he is leaving LIV Golf to spend more time with his family. He joined LIV Golf in 2022 after leaving the PGA Tour and is now the first major player to leave the Saudi Arabian-backed series. Koepka's decision was made amicably, and he is expected to remain active in major golf events.
Key Facts
Brooks Koepka is a five-time major golf champion.
He left LIV Golf to focus on his family, after joining in 2022.
Koepka had one year left on his contract but mutually agreed to leave early.
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf both wished him success in his future endeavors.
Koepka was previously a captain for the LIV Golf team, Smash.
He will be eligible to play in major golf tournaments and on the DP World Tour.
Koepka initially left the PGA Tour, which had suspended players for playing in LIV events.
The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with multiple injuries to key players. Jaxson Hayes, who was filling in for another injured player, was ruled out during a game against the Phoenix Suns due to an ankle injury.
Key Facts
The Lakers have been missing several players recently due to injuries, including Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Gabe Vincent.
Luka Doncic, another key player, was also injured with a lower left leg contusion during a game with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jaxson Hayes, the backup for Deandre Ayton, injured his ankle early in a game against the Phoenix Suns and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
During the game against the Suns, the Lakers were trailing by nearly 30 points.
Jaxson Hayes was previously considered a starting player after the Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic.
The injured players, Reaves and Ayton, are set to return for the game against the Suns, while others remain out.
The Chicago Cubs have signed Jacob Webb, a pitcher who played for the Texas Rangers last season, to strengthen their bullpen. Webb signed a deal for $1.5 million with a club option for next year. He is known for his strong command and deceptive pitching style.
Key Facts
The Chicago Cubs signed pitcher Jacob Webb.
Webb played for the Texas Rangers last season.
Webb's new contract is worth $1.5 million, with a possible increase through incentives.
He has a career record of 5 wins and 4 losses with a 3.00 ERA.
Webb pitched in 55 games, striking out 58 batters in 66 innings.
His pitching style includes a 94 mph fastball, change-up, and sweeper.
He is noted for allowing a high percentage of fly balls, which might be challenging at Wrigley Field.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering signing Kazuma Okamoto, a third baseman, to replace Max Muncy, who is nearing the end of his time with the team. Okamoto's potential deal could be worth $60 million over three years. This move aims to strengthen the Dodgers' infield and better position the team for future success.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to improve their team after winning the World Series again.
They have already spent $69 million to improve their pitching staff.
The Dodgers are interested in signing Kazuma Okamoto for around $60 million over three years.
This deal includes a posting fee of about $6.925 million, leaving $50.175 million for the player.
Okamoto is a third baseman and could replace Max Muncy, who is nearing the end of his contract.
Okamoto's signing could boost the Dodgers' popularity in Japan and strengthen their infield.
Alex Bregman's market choices could affect Okamoto's contract value.
The New York Knicks are considering trades to strengthen their team, possibly involving the Cleveland Cavaliers' All-Star player, Jarrett Allen. The Knicks, who recently hired a new coach and added new players, are performing well but may seek to improve their roster further. Several teams, including the Knicks, are interested in acquiring a top center like Allen, but it might require a high-value offer.
Key Facts
The New York Knicks hired Mike Brown as their new head coach for the 2025-26 season.
The Knicks added veteran players Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson to their roster.
The team is performing well with a 20-8 record, but they aim to enhance their lineup further.
The Knicks are interested in acquiring a strong center, possibly Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers might be open to trading Jarrett Allen if they receive an attractive offer.
Jarrett Allen is averaging 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds this season.
Allen signed a contract extension with the Cavaliers worth $90.7 million, starting in 2026-27.
Multiple teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors, are also seeking center upgrades.
The New York Yankees are reportedly very interested in signing baseball player Cody Bellinger, with the Los Angeles Dodgers also showing some interest. Bellinger, who started his career with the Dodgers, has improved his performance after a few tough seasons. Other teams like the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets are also in the mix to sign Bellinger.
Key Facts
Cody Bellinger is a top target for the New York Yankees in free agency.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, his former team, are also interested in Bellinger, but not as much as the Yankees.
Other teams pursuing Bellinger include the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.
Bellinger has improved his performance, hitting 29 home runs last season.
He is known for being a strong defender in the outfield.
The Dodgers need a third outfielder and are known for making aggressive moves in the past.
Bellinger, if signed by the Dodgers, could be part of a strong outfield group, allowing other players to stay in their preferred positions.
Ty Simpson, the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, helped his team defeat Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff and will next face Indiana. CBS Sports predicts that Simpson might be picked by the Los Angeles Rams as the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson has been a standout player this season, throwing for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Key Facts
Ty Simpson is the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama won against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
Alabama will face Indiana, currently the top-seeded team.
CBS Sports predicts Simpson may be the 10th pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson aims to be a long-term replacement for Rams' current quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
This season, Simpson has completed 64.1% of his passes with 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Simpson is considered a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft due to his performance.
The Los Angeles Clippers are struggling with a 7-21 record but have no immediate plans to trade key players James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Despite the team's performance issues, these players remain crucial to the Clippers' strategy and salary structure.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Clippers have a 7-21 record this season.
They are near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are scoring a combined 51 points per game.
There are rumors about other teams watching Harden's situation.
Clippers' management does not plan to trade Harden or Leonard at this time.
Harden and Leonard together account for 57.6% of the Clippers' salary cap.
Martha Stewart, an American billionaire, has joined Swansea City, a Welsh football club, as a minority co-owner. She joins other celebrities, including Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric, who also hold stakes in the club. The club hopes that these high-profile investors will help raise its profile and generate more income.
Key Facts
Martha Stewart is now a minority co-owner of Swansea City football club.
Stewart is the first self-made female billionaire in the USA.
She joins Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric, who are also minority owners of the club.
Swansea City aims to increase its income to invest more under profit and sustainability rules.
The club does not expect a busy January transfer window due to a high turnover of players in the summer.
Swansea's owners hope high-profile investors will boost the club's visibility and revenue.
Martha Stewart attended a game where Swansea City beat Wrexham 2-1.
Nigeria won their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 by defeating Tanzania 2-1 in Fez, Morocco. Ademola Lookman scored the winning goal after Nigeria initially took the lead, which Tanzania soon equalized. This match comes after Nigeria's recent disappointment of not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Key Facts
Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their first match of AFCON 2025.
The game was played in Fez, Morocco.
Semi Ajayi scored the first goal for Nigeria.
Charles M’Mombwa equalized for Tanzania shortly after half-time.
Ademola Lookman scored the decisive second goal for Nigeria.
Star player Victor Osimhen missed several chances to score.
Tanzania's goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi was injured during the game.
Nigeria will play Tunisia next, while Tanzania will face Uganda.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen experienced an ankle injury during a game against the Cleveland Browns but was cleared to continue playing. Despite being sore, Allen plans to play in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bills have secured a playoff spot and are working to win their division.
Key Facts
Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, injured his ankle during a game with the Cleveland Browns.
Allen left the field and went to the locker room but not the medical tent, indicating a less severe issue.
Head coach Sean McDermott said Allen will skip some practice time due to the foot injury.
Allen is expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles even though he is still sore.
The Bills clinched their seventh consecutive playoff spot after the Colts lost to another team.
To win their division, the Bills need to win their last two games and the Patriots need to lose one of their final games.
The UNLV Rebels will face the Ohio Bobcats in the Frisco Bowl, which takes place at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The game will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, starting at 9:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, with streaming available via Fubo.
Key Facts
UNLV has a record of 10-3 this season and aims for an 11-win season.
Ohio Bobcats have a record of 8-4 and recently changed their head coach.
The Frisco Bowl game will be played at Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
UNLV lost 38-21 to Boise State in their last game.
Key players for UNLV include Anthony Colandrea, Jai’Den Thomas, and Jaden Bradley.
Ohio's Sieh Bangura and Parker Navarro are notable players, with Bangura running for 1,243 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns.
This is only the second meeting between UNLV and Ohio; UNLV won their first matchup in 1988.
The Phoenix Suns will play against the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA game at the Crypto.com Arena. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET and will be shown on KPHE and available for live streaming on Fubo.
Key Facts
The Phoenix Suns have a season record of 15 wins and 13 losses.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a season record of 19 wins and 8 losses.
Recent performance has seen the Suns losing four out of their last six games.
The Lakers have won four and lost four of their last eight games.
The Suns recently lost a close game to the Golden State Warriors by a score of 119-116.
The Lakers recently lost to the Los Angeles Clippers with a score of 103-88.
The game will be broadcast on TV channel KPHE and can be streamed on Fubo.
Regional restrictions may apply for streaming, and Fubo offers a free trial.
The San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder are facing off in an NBA game at the Paycom Center. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET and can be watched on TV and live-streamed via Fubo.
Key Facts
The game takes place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The San Antonio Spurs have a record of 21 wins and 7 losses.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a record of 26 wins and 3 losses.
The game will be aired on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest Extra - Missouri and CBS (KOTV – Tulsa, OK).
Fans can live stream the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
The Spurs recently won a game against the Washington Wizards with player Victor Wembanyama scoring 14 points.
The Thunder recently won against the Memphis Grizzlies, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 31 points.
Regional restrictions may apply to the live stream.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will play against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The game will be available to watch on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest and streamed on Fubo.
Key Facts
The game between the Timberwolves and the Knicks is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
The starting time for the game is 8:00 PM ET.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a season record of 19 wins and 10 losses.
The New York Knicks have a season record of 20 wins and 8 losses.
Anthony Edwards from the Timberwolves recently scored 26 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jalen Brunson from the Knicks scored 47 points in their last game against the Miami Heat.
Live streaming is available on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Viewers can watch the game on the FanDuel Sports Network in the Midwest region.
