Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the team has moved past the controversy involving Mohamed Salah, who is currently playing for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations. Liverpool began a month without Salah as he joins his national team, while the club experiences ups and downs with new signings. Despite these changes, Liverpool is performing better recently and aims to enter the top four in the Premier League standings.
Key Facts
Mohamed Salah is playing for Egypt in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Liverpool manager Arne Slot discussed moving past Salah's earlier controversy about being benched.
Liverpool recently went through a difficult period with nine defeats in 12 games but has since improved with a five-game unbeaten streak.
Interest was shown from Saudi Arabia to sign Salah to the Saudi Pro League.
Liverpool's new players, brought in for nearly 450 million pounds, have struggled to perform as expected.
Liverpool is currently seventh in the Premier League and aims to reach the top four.
Injuries affect the team with Joe Gomez and Cody Gakpo missing the upcoming game, but Jeremie Frimpong is set to return.
The Baltimore Orioles have made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire pitcher Shane Baz. In exchange, the Orioles are sending several players and a draft pick to the Rays.
Key Facts
Baltimore Orioles traded for pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Shane Baz is a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher.
The trade includes outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, pitcher Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn, and a draft pick going to the Rays.
Shane Baz was the 12th overall draft pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017.
Baz had Tommy John surgery in September 2022 and missed the entire 2023 season.
He has three years left under team control, meaning the Orioles can keep him without negotiating a new contract during this time.
Michael Forret, one of the players involved in the trade, recently had a 1.58 ERA, meaning he allowed an average of 1.58 runs per game over nine innings.
Shane Baz recorded a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts during the 2025 season.
The Milwaukee Bucks are considering trading for Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, to improve their team. This move comes as the Bucks struggle with injuries and their current performance in the season. The team aims to strengthen its roster to persuade key player Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay.
Key Facts
The Milwaukee Bucks have a current record of 11 wins and 17 losses.
Damian Lillard's injury led to a $112.6 million salary adjustment to free up funds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, an important Bucks player, is rumored to be unhappy with the team's performance.
The Bucks added players like Myles Turner, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and Amir Coffey recently.
Milwaukee is reportedly interested in trading for Marcus Smart, a strong defensive player now with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Antetokounmpo's absence due to a calf injury has impacted the team's performance, with them going 2-9 when he doesn't play.
The Bucks are currently the 11th seed in their conference and are not in a strong playoff position right now.
The New York Mets and San Diego Padres are reportedly discussing a trade during the offseason. The focus is on pitcher Nick Pivetta, with the Mets considering him despite potential contract risks. The trade would involve sending prospects Jonah Tong and Jett Williams to the Padres.
Key Facts
The Mets and Padres are in talks about a potential trade.
The trade centers around acquiring pitcher Nick Pivetta from the Padres.
Nick Pivetta has a contract that allows him to leave (opt-out) in 2026.
The Mets are considering taking the risk despite the possibility Pivetta may leave.
In exchange, the Padres would receive prospects Jonah Tong and Jett Williams from the Mets.
The decision considers the Mets’ need for pitching and their willingness to gamble on Pivetta's future contract choices.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia apologized for his actions after showing controversial behavior on social media following the Heisman Trophy ceremony where he was the runner-up. Vanderbilt's head coach Clark Lea addressed the incident, acknowledging the mistake but also supporting Pavia's passion and character. Pavia and his team are set to play against Iowa in an upcoming bowl game.
Key Facts
Diego Pavia was the first runner-up in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting.
After the ceremony, Pavia shared a post with offensive language about the voters and Indiana.
Pavia later issued a statement apologizing for his actions.
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea commented on Pavia's behavior, acknowledging it as a mistake.
Lea emphasized that Pavia's actions do not align with the team's values.
Lea also praised Pavia's passion and competitive nature.
The Vanderbilt team will compete against Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve.
The Philadelphia Phillies traded pitcher Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Jonathan Bowlan. This trade raised questions because Strahm is considered more experienced than Bowlan. Reports suggest the Phillies made the trade partly due to disagreements between Strahm and team officials.
Key Facts
The Phillies traded Matt Strahm to the Royals for Jonathan Bowlan.
Matt Strahm is a left-handed pitcher and was an All-Star.
Jonathan Bowlan is a right-handed pitcher with limited major league experience.
Strahm's contract is $7.5 million for the season.
Phillies had disagreements with Strahm, leading to the trade.
Strahm had a strong performance with the Phillies, with a 2.71 ERA.
Phillies quickly replaced Strahm by trading for Kyle Backhus.
The New York Yankees are expected to have Ben Rice as their main first baseman next season. They might also consider signing Rhys Hoskins from the Brewers to add depth, especially if he doesn't re-sign with the team. Hoskins has been praised for his leadership and might help if the Yankees need additional support at first base.
Key Facts
Ben Rice is expected to be the Yankees' regular first baseman next season.
Rhys Hoskins, a veteran player, may be considered by the Yankees for added depth.
Hoskins has 186 career home runs since joining MLB in 2017.
He played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 after a knee injury in 2023.
Hoskins had a .276 batting average in 55 games last season before injuries.
The Yankees might also consider moving Rice to catcher if needed.
The Memphis Tigers will face the NC State Wolfpack in the Gasparilla Bowl on December 19, 2025, in Tampa. Memphis aims to break a three-game losing streak, while NC State wants to continue their winning momentum after two consecutive victories.
Key Facts
The game between Memphis Tigers and NC State Wolfpack takes place on December 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM ET.
The match will be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and broadcast on ESPN.
Memphis' interim head coach is Reggie Howard, taking over after Ryan Silverfield left for Arkansas.
Memphis player Brendon Lewis has 2,567 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 613 rushing yards with nine touchdowns for the season.
NC State’s CJ Bailey has 2,884 passing yards and 23 touchdowns this season.
This is the first-ever encounter between the Memphis Tigers and NC State Wolfpack.
Memphis has won its last four bowl games, while NC State has lost its last five bowl appearances.
The live stream of the game is available on Fubo, with a free trial option.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is currently injured and has missed several games. Despite trade rumors, he says he remains committed to the team. The Bucks are struggling without him and are considering changes to improve.
Key Facts
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a player for the Milwaukee Bucks, missing games due to injuries.
Antetokounmpo has missed 11 games this season because of groin and calf injuries.
The Bucks have a record of 2 wins and 9 losses without Antetokounmpo playing.
With Antetokounmpo, the team has a 9-8 record this season.
Antetokounmpo has been involved in trade rumors but insists he is still dedicated to his team.
He has clarified that he has not personally discussed trades with the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo averages 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game when healthy.
The Bucks are currently ranked 11th in their conference standings.
Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, spoke about the future of cornerback Trevon Diggs with the team. Despite Diggs facing injury issues, Jones expressed confidence in Diggs staying with the Cowboys. Diggs has dealt with a knee injury and missed several games this season.
Key Facts
Trevon Diggs is a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, drafted in 2020.
Diggs had a standout 2021 season with 11 interceptions.
This season, Diggs played only six games due to a knee injury.
Jerry Jones, Cowboys' owner, believes Diggs still has a future with the team.
Diggs expressed frustration about not playing in a recent game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dallas is aiming for playoff hopes but has a low chance of making it.
The team also has other key defensive players on their injury report.
Brisbane Heat won a Big Bash League cricket match by successfully chasing 258 runs, a record-setting score for the league. Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth both scored centuries, leading the team to victory by eight wickets against Perth Scorchers.
Key Facts
Brisbane Heat chased a target of 258 runs to win against Perth Scorchers.
Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth scored centuries, with Renshaw making 102 and Wildermuth 110 runs.
The match set a record for the highest successful chase in the Big Bash League's history.
It was the first time two players scored centuries in the second innings of a T20 match.
The teams combined to score a total of 515 runs, setting a Big Bash record.
Colin Munro of Brisbane Heat was dismissed on the first ball of the innings.
Brisbane Heat's captain, Nathan McSweeney, was injured and unable to bat.
Both teams have one win and one loss, with Scorchers ranked third and Heat fifth in the standings due to net run-rate.
The New York Mets owner, Steve Cohen, responded to reports about the team's payroll, insisting it would not fall below last year's amount. The Mets have made several player changes this offseason, but fans are worried after losing key players like Pete Alonso. Cohen highlighted that the payroll estimates may not consider all factors like player movements and trades.
Key Facts
The New York Mets traded for Marcus Semien and signed Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, and reportedly Luke Weaver.
They lost key players Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo.
Steve Cohen, the Mets' owner, commented on payroll reports suggesting it would be lower next season, saying it is likely to remain at or above last year's $340 million.
Cohen claims that payroll estimates often miss factors like waiver claims and player movements.
Fans are concerned about the team's competitiveness after missing the postseason despite having star players like Juan Soto.
There are no current free agent players of Soto's level, but players like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are available.
The Mets need to fill roster gaps, especially in the outfield and first base.
The New York Jets have chosen undrafted rookie Brady Cook to start as quarterback in their Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints. They signed Hendon Hooker to the practice squad and released Adrian Martinez to make room for him. The Jets currently hold a 3-11 record for the NFL season.
Key Facts
Brady Cook, an undrafted rookie, will start as quarterback for the Jets in Week 16.
Cook completed 22 of 33 passes for 176 yards in his first start, with one touchdown and three interceptions.
The Jets lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 48-20 in Week 15.
The Jets signed quarterback Hendon Hooker to the practice squad.
Adrian Martinez was released from the practice squad to make space for Hooker.
Hendon Hooker was a third-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions after a successful college career.
The Jets have a 3-11 record for the NFL season and face the New Orleans Saints next.
Hooker has played in three NFL games, completing six of nine passes for 62 yards.
The New York Jets will not bring back their top wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, for the rest of the NFL season due to his knee injury. The team, currently at a 3-11 record, has made changes after missing the playoffs again, including trading key defensive players and deciding not to rush Wilson back. They will focus on other players in their final games this season.
Key Facts
The New York Jets have a 3-11 record this season.
Garrett Wilson, a key wide receiver, is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Wilson was put on injured reserve in November and will not be activated.
Wilson joined the Jets in 2022 as a first-round draft pick.
The team has been struggling with quarterback injuries and inconsistency.
The Jets traded their top defensive players, Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, earlier in the season.
They have scored the sixth fewest points in the NFL this season.
The Jets are not in the playoff race for the 15th year in a row.
TNT Sports will be the new broadcaster for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in the UK, replacing the BBC. The games will occur from July 23 to August 2, and TNT Sports plans to show more than 600 hours of coverage.
Key Facts
TNT Sports is now the official broadcast partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in the UK.
The BBC had been the main free-to-air broadcaster since 1954.
The Commonwealth Games will feature 10 sports and six para sports.
TNT Sports is part of Warner Bros Discovery.
TNT Sports is known for airing UEFA Champions League and English Premier League games.
The games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
TNT Sports plans to offer over 600 hours of coverage.
James Franklin, who was recently fired as the head coach of Penn State's football team, has been hired by Virginia Tech as their new head coach. Franklin might pursue Beau Pribula, a quarterback he previously recruited, for the team after the transfer portal opens. Pribula, currently with the Missouri Tigers, has options on where to continue his college football career.
Key Facts
James Franklin was dismissed from Penn State after three consecutive losses.
Franklin has been hired by the Virginia Tech Hokies as their new head coach.
The transfer portal for college football players opens on January 2.
Beau Pribula is a former Penn State quarterback now with Missouri Tigers.
Pribula was recruited by Franklin and may consider returning to play under him at Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech is in need of a quarterback after Kyron Drones finished his eligibility.
Franklin stated Pribula did not want to leave Penn State initially, but circumstances influenced his transfer decisions.
The Oklahoma Sooners will play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff without their starting center, Jake Maikkula, who is doubtful due to injury. Febechi Nwaiwu, a senior transfer, is expected to start in Maikkula's place. The winner of the game will face Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Key Facts
The Oklahoma Sooners are preparing to play Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
Jake Maikkula, the team's starting center, is doubtful for the game due to an injury.
Febechi Nwaiwu, a senior who transferred from North Texas, is expected to start at center.
Nwaiwu played his first game at center for Oklahoma in a match against LSU.
Oklahoma previously defeated Alabama 23-21 in a close game earlier this season.
The game’s winner will advance to face top-seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Texas A&M has been included in the College Football Playoff for the first time, entering the expanded 12-team bracket at No. 7. They will play No. 10 Miami, with the game set to air on ABC/ESPN. Additionally, Texas A&M's senior defensive end Cashius Howell was named a unanimous All-American for his standout performance this season.
Key Facts
Texas A&M is ranked No. 7 in the College Football Playoff and will face No. 10 Miami.
The game will take place at Kyle Field and will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN.
Texas A&M's defense is known for its strong performance, leading the nation in sacks this season.
Cashius Howell, a senior defensive end for Texas A&M, was named a unanimous All-American.
Howell had 11.5 sacks and 29 total tackles over 12 games this season.
If Texas A&M wins, they may face No. 2 Ohio State in the quarterfinals.
Howell was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year for 2025.
Texas A&M is making history with its first College Football Playoff appearance.
Nick Saban, a well-known college football coach, retired from coaching in January 2024. He has now bought a minority ownership in the NHL team, the Nashville Predators, through his business venture with Joe Agresti. Saban expressed his ongoing passion for sports and excitement in being part of the Predators team.
Key Facts
Nick Saban retired from college football coaching in January 2024.
He used to coach Alabama and won seven national titles.
Saban is now a college football analyst for ESPN.
He bought a minority stake in the NHL's Nashville Predators.
This purchase was made through Saban's business venture, Dream Sports Ventures LLC, with Joe Agresti.
Bill Haslam, former Tennessee governor, is the chairman and majority owner of the Predators.
The Predators have reached the playoffs in nine of the past eleven seasons.
A new promotion for Chalkboard offers daily fantasy sports players up to $120 in bonuses when they sign up using a specific promo code. This includes a $20 bonus and up to $100 in deposit matches, which can be used to make picks for the upcoming College Football Playoff games. The promotion is detailed with examples of player picks for games involving Alabama, Oklahoma, and other teams.
Key Facts
Chalkboard is offering a $120 bonus for new users who sign up with the promo code "NEWSWEEK."
The bonus consists of $20 upfront and up to $100 in deposit matches.
To use this offer, users must register an account and enter identifying information.
The College Football Playoff games involved include Alabama vs. Oklahoma and others.
Chalkboard provides player picks for these games, allowing users to bet on specific player performances.
Users can make a "max cash" play for potentially higher payouts but must predict all outcomes correctly.
The promo is advertised through Newsweek, which may earn a commission from sign-ups.
