In the fifth Test of the Ashes series, England's Jamie Smith got out in a surprising way against Australia's Marnus Labuschagne. His dismissal was criticized as one of the worst ever seen by commentators. The match is part of a disappointing series for Smith.
Key Facts
Jamie Smith was dismissed on the second morning of the fifth Ashes Test against Australia.
His dismissal was called "one of the worst" by BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew.
The play involved part-time bowler Marnus Labuschagne, who usually bowls spin, using bouncers.
Smith attempted a risky shot, hitting the ball to the only fielder positioned to catch it.
Smith has had a difficult series, marked by poor form since scoring a high 184 runs in July against India.
His batting average dropped from nearly 59 to 42 over eight matches.
The incident took place in Sydney during a Test series where England struggled overall.
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Jamie Smith, an England cricket player, was dismissed shortly before reaching a score of 50 runs during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Marnus Labuschagne, a part-time bowler for Australia, got Smith out, leaving England at a score of 323-6 just before lunch.
Key Facts
Jamie Smith played for England in the fifth Ashes Test.
Smith was close to scoring 50 runs but was out at 46.
Marnus Labuschagne bowled for Australia and got Smith out.
Scott Boland caught the ball, completing Smith's dismissal.
The event occurred just before lunch during the second day of the Test match.
The match took place in Sydney, Australia.
England's score was 323-6 when Smith was out.
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Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn woke up from a medically induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. Doctors are hopeful about his recovery as he is now able to talk and may soon leave intensive care.
Key Facts
Damien Martyn is a former Australian cricketer who played Test matches from 1992 to 2006.
He was admitted to a hospital in Queensland with meningitis on December 27.
Meningitis is a serious infection around the brain and spinal cord.
Martyn came out of a coma and started talking, showing significant improvement.
His condition has improved so much that doctors might move him from intensive care.
Martyn was successful in cricket, winning two World Cups with Australia.
He scored 4,406 runs in Test matches and 5,346 runs in one-day internationals.
Martyn's family and friend, Adam Gilchrist, expressed gratitude towards hospital staff and supporters.
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The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-24, in a crucial Week 18 game that determined a playoff spot. The Ravens had a chance to win with a last-minute field goal, but rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard attempt. This loss ended the Ravens' season, while the Steelers moved on to the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Ravens lost to the Steelers with a final score of 26-24.
The game was crucial for both teams, determining who would advance to the playoffs.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers scored a late touchdown but missed the extra point, keeping the game close.
Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal attempt in the last moments of the game.
Derrick Henry, a running back, reacted with surprise to the missed kick.
The Steelers will play against the Houston Texans in the wild card round of the playoffs.
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The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks, which means they will enter the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the NFC. They will face the No. 3 seed Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild-Card Round on January 11. If they win, they could eventually play in the Super Bowl, which is set to take place at their home stadium, Levi’s Stadium.
Key Facts
The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks with a score of 13-3.
This loss placed them as the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Their first playoff game is against the No. 3 seed Philadelphia Eagles on January 11 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The Super Bowl will be at Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers.
The 49ers need to win three straight games to play in the Super Bowl at home.
Their playoff path includes potentially playing the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks if the Green Bay Packers lose in their game against the Chicago Bears.
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Brendan Sorsby, a highly-rated quarterback, decided to transfer to Texas Tech University. He reportedly received a significant one-year contract that may make him one of the highest-paid players in college football.
Key Facts
Brendan Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech, a university known for its football program.
Sorsby was the top player in the transfer portal, according to ESPN.
He had options to join Texas Tech or LSU, but chose Texas Tech.
Sorsby reportedly received a large contract, potentially more than $5 million.
Texas Tech's top booster, Cody Campbell, supported Sorsby's signing, using his financial resources.
The transfer portal period closes on January 16, 2026.
Sorsby’s decision occurred after considering offers over a weekend.
His transfer is part of Texas Tech's efforts to enhance their football team.
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The Los Angeles Rams have secured a playoff spot as the No. 5 seed in the NFC. They will play against the No. 4 seed Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round. The game is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. on Fox.
Key Facts
The Rams achieved the No. 5 seed by defeating the Arizona Cardinals.
They will face the Carolina Panthers, who are the NFC South champions.
The Carolina Panthers finished the season with an 8-9 record.
The Rams' playoff game against the Panthers is set for January 10, 2026.
If the Rams win, potential future opponents include the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, or Seattle Seahawks.
The NFC Championship Game is scheduled for January 25, 2026.
The Super Bowl is set for February 8, 2026.
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The Seattle Seahawks won a game against the San Francisco 49ers, securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC West. They will get to rest during the first round of the NFL playoffs and will play their next game in the divisional round against one of four possible opponents after the wild-card games.
Key Facts
The Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 13-3 in Week 18.
This win gave them the No. 1 seed in the NFC West.
The Seahawks will have a first-round bye in the playoffs.
They will play at home for the divisional round.
Their possible opponents are the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, or Green Bay Packers.
The Seahawks' next game will be on January 17 or 18.
The playoffs start on January 10 and end with the Super Bowl on February 8.
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The Cleveland Browns might try to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk, who had knee surgery, could leave the 49ers due to disagreements with the team. The Browns see Aiyuk as a potential help for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the team's offense.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns finished the season with a 5-12 record.
The Browns are not expected to draft a quarterback, so they plan to support current quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Brandon Aiyuk is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers.
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers but did not play in 2025 due to disagreements with the team.
Aiyuk had successful seasons in 2022 and 2023, each with over 1,000 receiving yards.
The 49ers might trade or release Aiyuk soon.
Aiyuk's addition could improve the Browns' receiving group and provide new options for their offense.
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The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks, which stopped them from getting the top spot in the NFC playoffs. Now, the 49ers will play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round on Sunday, January 11. The Eagles are slightly favored to win the game.
Key Facts
The 49ers needed one more win to get the No. 1 spot in the NFC playoffs.
They will play the Eagles instead of having a week off.
The game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, and will be broadcast on Fox.
The Eagles are the No. 3 seed, while the 49ers are the sixth seed.
The Eagles opened as 3-point favorites, with the line moving to 3.5 points.
The 49ers have the seventh-ranked offense this season.
The Eagles have the 13th-best defense in the league.
Both teams have recently represented the NFC in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The Buffalo Bills will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL playoffs' wild-card round as the No. 6 seed. The game will take place on January 11, and if the Bills win, their matchup in the divisional round will depend on the outcomes of other games.
Key Facts
The Buffalo Bills finished the regular season with a 12-5 record.
They are the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs.
The Bills will play the No. 3 seed Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild-card round.
The game against the Jaguars is scheduled for January 11 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
If the Bills win, they will face the highest remaining seed in the divisional round unless certain other teams win their games.
The Bills cannot host a playoff game unless specific scenarios happen where lower-seeded teams win.
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The Chicago Bears lost to the Detroit Lions with a score of 16-13. Caleb Williams, speaking after the game, said the team needs to improve before their upcoming playoff match against the Green Bay Packers.
Key Facts
The Chicago Bears lost to the Detroit Lions, 16-13.
Caleb Williams expressed that the team's performance was not good enough.
The Bears were down 16-0 at halftime but tied the game 16-16 in the second half.
Detroit won the game with a last-second field goal.
Caleb Williams threw for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The Bears struggled with their ground game, gaining only 54 yards.
The Lions controlled the ball for nearly 36 minutes of the game.
The Bears are the No. 2 seed in the NFL Playoffs and will face the Green Bay Packers next.
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The Boston Red Sox have a need for a third baseman after Alex Bregman became a free agent. While they briefly considered Japanese player Kazuma Okamoto, they did not pursue him seriously. The Red Sox are now focusing on re-signing Bregman, especially since the Toronto Blue Jays are no longer in contention for him after signing Okamoto.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox need a third baseman because Alex Bregman is now a free agent.
Alex Bregman chose to test free agency after one season with the Red Sox.
The team considered Kazuma Okamoto, a Japanese baseball star, but did not make a substantial effort to sign him.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto, reducing competition for Bregman.
Boston traded for players Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras this offseason.
The Red Sox now aim to re-sign Bregman on a long-term deal.
Other teams, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, are also interested in Bregman.
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Brendan Sorsby, the top transfer quarterback, has decided to join Texas Tech after also considering LSU. Texas Tech recently invested heavily in their football team, and it's rumored that Sorsby will receive a significant financial deal.
Key Facts
Brendan Sorsby is the top transfer quarterback available.
Sorsby chose Texas Tech over LSU after visiting both schools.
Texas Tech has been aggressively pursuing top players through the transfer portal.
The university spent $3 million for one player, David Bailey, last year.
Sorsby's transfer deal is expected to be around $5 million, though not officially confirmed.
Texas Tech's football team reached the College Football Playoff quarterfinals recently.
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Pitcher Adam Kloffenstein, who had a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, has signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. Kloffenstein is seeking to return to Major League Baseball (MLB) after a year away, and may have a chance with the Yankees due to injuries on their pitching staff.
Key Facts
Adam Kloffenstein played for the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A team, the Buffalo Bisons, in 2025.
In 2025, he had a record of 2 wins, 8 losses, and an earned run average (ERA) of 6.26.
Kloffenstein is now under a minor league contract with the New York Yankees as of December 19.
The Yankees' starting pitchers Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt are recovering from elbow surgeries.
Kloffenstein debuted in MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024.
He made one MLB appearance in a special game honoring the Negro Leagues.
Kloffenstein was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
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The New York Yankees' pitcher, Paul Blackburn, shared his positive experience with the team after joining them from the New York Mets. He noted a strong sense of camaraderie in the Yankees' clubhouse compared to his time with the Mets, where he experienced a challenging environment. Blackburn joined the Yankees on a one-year, $2 million contract after struggling with the Mets.
Key Facts
Paul Blackburn is a right-handed pitcher who joined the Yankees after leaving the New York Mets.
Blackburn signed a one-year contract with the Yankees worth $2 million.
He described the Yankees' team atmosphere as supportive and close-knit.
Blackburn had a 6.00 ERA with the Mets before moving to the Yankees.
He was used in a combined starter and reliever role with the Yankees this season.
The Mets have faced issues within their team and made significant changes to their roster recently.
Blackburn expressed happiness about returning to the Yankees for the upcoming season.
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The New York Yankees are expected to sign Cody Bellinger to a six-year contract after his impressive season. Bellinger hit 29 home runs and had 98 RBIs last year, and his defensive skills and familiarity with the team make him a top choice. The deal could be around $160 million, which leaves the Yankees room for other player signings.
Key Facts
The Yankees have not made aggressive player moves this offseason.
They are predicted to sign Cody Bellinger to a six-year deal.
Bellinger hit 29 home runs and had 98 RBIs last season.
He is known for his strong defense.
The predicted contract is around $160 million.
Bellinger's left-handed batting style fits well at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees are considering Kyle Tucker, but he may be more expensive.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs after losing to the Atlanta Falcons and finished their season with an 8-9 record. Following the season's end, running back Rachaad White announced that he would not return to the team next season.
Key Facts
The Buccaneers had a 6-2 record earlier in the season.
They ended with an 8-9 record, placing second in the NFC South.
A loss to the Atlanta Falcons helped the Carolina Panthers secure the division.
Rachaad White, a running back, announced his departure from the team on social media.
White was a third-round pick in 2022 and started eight games this season.
He rushed for 572 yards and scored four touchdowns this season.
Teams that might be interested in White include the Saints, Raiders, Cardinals, and Chiefs.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade for a top-level 3-and-D wing player before the NBA trade deadline on February 5. However, they face two main obstacles: limited availability of such players and the need to maintain financial flexibility for the upcoming free agency.
Key Facts
The Lakers want a top-level player who can shoot well and play strong defense.
The NBA trade deadline is on February 5.
There are few available players that fit the Lakers' needs, with New Orleans unwilling to trade Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
The Lakers aim to keep their financial flexibility for the next season's free agency.
LeBron James and Austin Reaves may leave next summer, affecting the team's future plans.
LeBron James will be a free agent next summer, and his large salary might free up funds for the Lakers.
If the Lakers can't find the right player to trade for, they may continue with their current lineup.
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Liam Rosenior is set to become the new head coach for Chelsea. He has traveled to London to complete the final steps of his appointment, succeeding Enzo Maresca. Talks are in progress to find a new manager for Strasbourg, the club Rosenior is leaving.
Key Facts
Liam Rosenior is expected to be named Chelsea's new head coach.
Rosenior has previously managed Strasbourg and Hull City.
The announcement of Rosenior's position could happen on Monday.
Enzo Maresca left Chelsea following disagreements with the club's leadership.
Chelsea's caretaker manager, Calum McFarlane, managed a recent game and suggested Rosenior's appointment is imminent.
Rosenior's previous club, Strasbourg, is looking for a new manager.
Strasbourg and Chelsea share the same American ownership group.
Gary O'Neil, former manager of Wolves, is in talks to replace Rosenior at Strasbourg.
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