Knox Kiffin, son of LSU football coach Lane Kiffin, announced he will not play for his father at LSU. Knox, a young quarterback, has received offers from California and Washington and plans to play high school football at University High in Louisiana. Lane Kiffin is currently looking for a quarterback for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Knox Kiffin is the son of LSU coach Lane Kiffin.
Knox stated he will not join LSU, expressing a desire to compete against his father instead.
He has received offers from California and Washington.
Knox will play for University High School in Louisiana.
Lane Kiffin is looking for a quarterback through the 2026 transfer portal.
Some potential quarterback candidates for LSU include Sam Leavitt, DJ Lagway, and Byrum Brown.
Liverpool faces the challenge of playing without Alexander Isak, who is injured for about two months. The team's manager, Arne Slot, might need to change the team's strategy to cope with Isak's absence. Hugo Ekitike is currently performing well, which may help Liverpool during this period.
Key Facts
Alexander Isak, a striker for Liverpool, is injured and expected to be out for around two months.
Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle in the summer for £125 million.
The team manager, Arne Slot, managed a six-game unbeaten run by changing tactics.
Hugo Ekitike, another forward, has scored eight league goals this season.
Mohamed Salah is also away, playing at the African Cup of Nations.
Liverpool may consider changing their tactics or possibly recruiting another player.
Recent games had Liverpool use a midfield diamond formation to add control and defense.
The team has focused on defensive stability, reducing chances for opponents to counter-attack.
The article discusses a special offer from BetMGM for people interested in betting on NBA games during Christmas week. It explains how users can use a bonus code to receive up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial wager loses. The article also mentions NFL games and various betting opportunities related to Christmas week games.
Key Facts
BetMGM offers a bonus code called NEWSWEEK for NBA betting during Christmas week.
New users can place a bet of up to $1,500 with a bonus refund if the first bet loses.
Specific NBA games mentioned include Pelicans vs. Cavaliers, Bucks vs. Pacers, and Lakers vs. Suns.
Additional betting options are available for NHL, college football, and college basketball.
A separate NFL betting opportunity is available with the "Second Chance" offer for Christmas games like Cowboys vs. Commanders.
Users in NJ, PA, MI, and WV have a unique offer involving winning a $10 bet for a $150 bonus.
Users must fill in personal information and make a deposit to participate.
BetMGM incentives include loyalty program perks and betting bonuses.
The podcast "All In With Ashley," hosted by Ashley Haas, discusses NFL Week 16. Ashley talks about playoff updates and interviews Megan Stefanski, the 2024 NFL Fan of the Year, about her journey to winning the title.
Key Facts
Ashley Haas hosts a podcast called "All In With Ashley."
The latest episode covers NFL Week 16 and the playoff picture.
Megan Stefanski won the 2024 NFL Fan of the Year award.
Megan was first nominated by the Detroit Lions before winning the league-wide title.
During the podcast, Ashley and Megan talk about what they would do to ensure a Super Bowl win for their favorite teams, the Eagles and the Lions.
Former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has decided to retire from professional basketball to pursue a career in competitive sport fishing. He is now leading the South Florida Sails club in a fishing league called the Sport Fishing Championship, which features 16 teams across the U.S.
Key Facts
Ben Simmons was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Simmons was once considered a future star of the NBA.
He faced challenges in his basketball career, including on-court performance anxiety.
Simmons has decided to focus on competitive sport fishing as a team operator.
The Sport Fishing Championship is a professional league with 16 teams.
Simmons was last seen playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 NBA season.
He averaged 2.9 points and played 16 minutes per game in his last season.
Simmons sees the Sport Fishing Championship as an upcoming sports league similar to pickleball and cricket.
The article discusses a promotion by Bet365 Sportsbook offering new players a bonus for betting on NBA games. New users can use the bonus code WEEK365 to receive a $150 bonus with a $5 wager or a $1,000 safety net bet in certain states. Additional betting options like bet boosts are also available for NBA games.
Key Facts
Bet365 Sportsbook offers a $150 bonus for a $5 bet on any NBA game using the code WEEK365.
A $365 bonus is available for new users in Missouri.
A $1,000 safety net bet is offered in select states, including AZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, MD, NC, OH, and VA.
Bet boosts are available for NBA games on Tuesday night, offering enhanced odds on specific bets.
Creating a new Bet365 account requires using the bonus code and depositing at least $10.
Newsweek may receive an affiliate commission for sign-ups through article links.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will play the Miami Hurricanes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on December 31. ESPN predicts that Ohio State has a 70.5% chance to win the game and advance in the College Football Playoff. The game will feature talented players and strong teams, with Ohio State favored to win.
Key Facts
Ohio State and Miami will face off in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on December 31.
ESPN's predictor gives Ohio State a 70.5% chance to win the game.
The game will be a matchup between quarterbacks Julian Sayin from Ohio State and Carson Beck from Miami.
Ohio State's offense is led by Julian Sayin and receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.
Matt Patricia is Ohio State's first-year defensive coordinator.
Miami's offense includes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and receiver Malachi Toney.
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on December 31 and will air on ESPN.
The Cleveland Browns announced that their running back, Quinshon Judkins, had successful surgery on a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle. He is expected to recover in 4-5 months and will likely return to practice in the spring.
Key Facts
Quinshon Judkins plays as a running back for the Cleveland Browns.
He injured his leg during a game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16.
Judkins' injury includes a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle.
The injury required surgery, which was successful.
Judkins is estimated to recover in 4-5 months and could be back in practice by spring.
During his rookie season, Judkins gained 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
He was a second-round draft pick from Ohio State, selected 36th overall.
The College Football Playoff has begun with a 12-team format, and four teams have advanced to the quarterfinals: Ohio State, Miami, Oregon, and Ole Miss. Sports commentator David Pollack believes Ohio State is the top contender to win the national title, citing their strong performance and both their top-ranked offense and defense as key factors.
Key Facts
Ohio State, Miami, Oregon, and Ole Miss won in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State will face Miami in the quarterfinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
David Pollack named Ohio State as the team most likely to win the national championship.
Ohio State finished its regular season with a 12–1 record and is the defending national champion.
Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has led Ohio State’s offense with 3,323 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
Ohio State’s defense is ranked first nationally in both total defense and scoring defense.
Miami won its first-round game against Texas A&M with a score of 10–3, showcasing strong defense.
Miami’s defense ranks 11th in yards allowed and sixth in scoring defense nationally.
The article explains how to use a special promo code from Newsweek when signing up for the Betr app. The promo offers a $210 bonus for people betting on NBA games, consisting of a $10 instant bonus and a $200 deposit match. The app provides different betting options and discounts on various players' projections.
Key Facts
By using the Betr promo code "NEWSWEEK," users can get a $210 bonus.
The bonus includes a $10 sign-up bonus and up to $200 extra through a 50% deposit match.
The promo is available for basketball (NBA) daily fantasy contests.
The app offers different types of bets and discounts on player points projections.
There are other promotions like the 2-Pick Mystery Multiplier, which can enhance winnings.
Users can also participate in betting on other sports, including NFL and college football.
Signing up requires providing personal details and making a deposit using a debit card or PayPal.
Newsweek might earn a commission if users sign up through their links.
The Toronto Blue Jays are considering moves if they can't sign free agent Kyle Tucker. They might focus on resigning Bo Bichette and are also looking at Cody Bellinger. Signing both players could strengthen their team without spending too much on Tucker.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in free agent Kyle Tucker.
Tucker is considered the top free agent and has visited the Blue Jays' facility in Florida.
Bo Bichette is an internal candidate who could receive investment if Tucker is not signed.
Cody Bellinger is a potential alternative for the Blue Jays if Tucker signs elsewhere.
Bellinger had a strong performance last season with a batting average of .272 and 29 home runs.
The Blue Jays could move Bo Bichette to second base to accommodate their roster.
Signing both Bichette and Bellinger could be a more budget-friendly option than pursuing Tucker.
The New York Yankees are looking to strengthen their team by potentially trading for Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta. The Yankees need to improve their pitching and overall lineup to compete in their league. Adding Peralta might help address their current issues with injuries and the need for a strong starting pitcher.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees seek to strengthen their team through trades and possibly acquiring pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media predicted this potential trade.
The Yankees have a history of trades with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Yankees recently re-signed pitcher Paul Blackburn for one year to add depth.
There are concerns about injuries in the Yankees' current pitching staff.
The Yankees have the financial ability to re-sign Peralta when his current contract ends.
The team aims to improve its chances of winning the World Series.
LeBron James' long streak of scoring at least 10 points in NBA games ended after 1,297 games. He explained that the streak was not a priority for him, as he focuses more on making good plays and winning games. The Lakers are currently doing well despite some injuries and aim for another championship.
Key Facts
LeBron James' streak of scoring 10 or more points in consecutive games ended at 1,297 games.
LeBron said the streak was not a significant focus for him.
He prefers to concentrate on making the best plays and winning rather than personal records.
The streak ended during a game where he passed to a teammate for a game-winning shot.
Despite injuries on the team, the Lakers are performing well with a record of 19-8.
The team aims to win another NBA championship this season.
The San Diego Padres traded for baseball player Ryan O'Hearn to improve their team's batting in 2025. O'Hearn, now a free agent, agreed to a two-year, $29 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are adding him to their roster as they look forward to the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Ryan O'Hearn is a 32-year-old All-Star baseball player.
In 2025, the Padres acquired him from the Baltimore Orioles for his hitting skills.
O'Hearn played 50 games for the Padres, hitting four home runs and securing 20 RBIs.
He became a free agent after the 2025 season.
O'Hearn agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The contract includes $500,000 in performance bonuses each season.
The Pirates have other notable players, including a recent National League Cy Young Award winner, Paul Skenes.
The Pirates also acquired two-time All-Star Brandon Lowe in December.
The Washington Wizards announced that player Cam Whitmore will not play for an unspecified period because he has deep vein thrombosis, a condition involving blood clots. This is a significant loss for the team as they prepare for their game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Key Facts
Cam Whitmore is a reserve guard for the Washington Wizards.
He has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, meaning he has blood clots.
Blood clots like these can be serious and require medical attention.
Whitmore is ruled out indefinitely, meaning they don’t know when he’ll play again.
The Wizards face the Charlotte Hornets in an upcoming game.
This update comes from ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche advised his players to enjoy the Christmas holidays but act sensibly. This follows Pep Guardiola of Manchester City stating he will weigh players after the holidays to ensure they remain fit.
Key Facts
Sean Dyche is the manager of Nottingham Forest.
Dyche told his players to enjoy Christmas but use common sense.
Pep Guardiola is the manager of Manchester City.
Guardiola plans to weigh his players after the holidays.
The purpose of weighing is to check players' fitness levels.
The comments were made as part of discussions on player fitness during the holiday season.
The article provides details about a sports betting bonus available through the Underdog app using a promo code from Newsweek. By entering a five-dollar contest on the Underdog platform, users can receive a $75 bonus, even if their initial bet does not win. The article also highlights various NBA matchups and player statistics related to the promotion.
Key Facts
Underdog offers a $75 bonus for NBA picks using a promo code from Newsweek.
Users must enter a $5 contest to qualify for the bonus.
The bonus is available regardless of the outcome of the initial bet.
Key NBA games include matchups like Bucks vs. Pacers and Lakers vs. Suns.
Players featured for bets include LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Contests allow for standard or flexible entries, giving options for payouts.
The article mentions live betting options and profit boosts available on Tuesday.
New NBA drafts occur daily, including a “Tuesday Tip-Off” contest with an $80,000 prize pool.
The Minnesota Vikings announced that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss their upcoming game against the Detroit Lions due to a hand injury. McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his throwing hand but does not need surgery. Despite recent wins, the Vikings are not in playoff contention.
Key Facts
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not play in the Vikings' next game against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day.
McCarthy injured his throwing hand during a game against the New York Giants, sustaining a hairline fracture.
Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed McCarthy does not need surgery for the injury.
Backup quarterback Max Brosmer took over after McCarthy left the game, leading to a 16-13 win for the Vikings.
The Vikings' current record is 7-8, but they are out of playoff contention.
McCarthy has faced multiple injuries this season, including a high ankle sprain and a concussion.
The team's recent winning streak has affected their draft position, likely placing them 14th or 15th in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in bringing back Bo Bichette, a key player, despite competition from other teams. Bichette, who has played with the Blue Jays for the first seven seasons of his career, is now a free agent and seen as one of the top players available.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays are linked to free agent Bo Bichette.
Bichette has played for the Blue Jays for the past seven seasons.
He is considered one of the most sought-after players in the free-agent market.
Bichette is 28 years old and has been an All-Star twice.
There is speculation about Bichette's position, but he is still seen as a good shortstop.
The Blue Jays may face competition from other teams interested in Bichette.
He nearly played a crucial role in the World Series with a home run in Game 7.
The Blue Jays have other free agents in mind, but Bichette remains a priority.
Category: sports
The Boston Red Sox have strengthened their team with several trades but have not managed to sign key free agents. Rookie player Roman Anthony wants the team to bring back Alex Bregman, a player who helped guide the team during his injury season. Bregman, a valued team leader, is expected to negotiate a new contract soon.
Key Facts
The Red Sox made trades to acquire Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray and traded for Johan Oviedo.
They were unable to sign free agents Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber.
Roman Anthony, a rookie player, publicly wants Alex Bregman to stay with the team.
Alex Bregman dealt with a right quad injury but remained a team leader.
Bregman is predicted to sign a four-year contract worth about $112 million.
The Red Sox made their first playoff appearance since 2021.
