Ohio University fired its head football coach, Brian Smith, for professional misconduct right before their bowl game against UNLV. John Hauser will serve as the interim head coach while the school looks for a new permanent coach.
Key Facts
Ohio University fired head coach Brian Smith for cause, citing professional misconduct.
Brian Smith was fired just before Ohio's Frisco Bowl game against UNLV.
John Hauser will be the interim head coach during the bowl game.
Smith's dismissal follows an administrative review of allegations against him.
Smith was placed on mandatory leave on December 1 before being fired.
Brian Smith was in his first full season as the head coach at Ohio, achieving an 8-4 record.
Under Smith, Ohio tied for second place in the Mid-American Conference.
Ohio achieved a notable win against West Virginia, a Big 12 program, this season.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the NBA will decide on expanding their league in 2026, with strong interest in adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle. Prediction markets like Kalshi show a high probability, at 79%, that the NBA will expand before 2030. Silver notes that expansion could financially affect current team owners.
Key Facts
The NBA will decide on adding new teams in 2026.
Seattle and Las Vegas are potential locations for these new teams.
Seattle had an NBA team, the SuperSonics, from 1967 to 2008.
Las Vegas is often referred to as the 31st NBA city due to its basketball activity.
Prediction market Kalshi shows a 79% chance of the NBA expanding before 2030.
NBA expansion could decrease the equity share of current team owners.
A potential expansion is seen as likely by many observers, rather than just possible.
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Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has ended his partnership with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Alcaraz announced the split and expressed gratitude for Ferrero's support, but neither explained the reason for the change.
Key Facts
Carlos Alcaraz is a six-time Grand Slam tennis champion.
He has worked with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero since he was a teenager.
Alcaraz and Ferrero announced their decision to part ways before the 2026 season.
Neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero has explained why they decided to split.
Alcaraz thanked Ferrero for helping turn his childhood dreams into reality.
Juan Carlos Ferrero is a former world number one tennis player.
Ferrero helped Alcaraz win all six of his Grand Slam titles.
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Travis Kelce, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, expressed determination to continue playing hard despite the team being out of the playoffs. The Chiefs lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a serious knee injury, but Kelce emphasized giving his best in the remaining games of the season.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL, which is a significant knee injury.
Gardner Minshew will replace Mahomes as the quarterback for the rest of the season.
Travis Kelce, a key player for the Chiefs, promised to continue playing with full effort in the remaining games.
The Chiefs have three games left against the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Kelce stressed the importance of playing with integrity and giving fans the best possible performance.
Coach Andy Reid and Kelce aim to end the season on a positive note despite the challenges.
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The New York Knicks won the NBA Cup, marking their first championship-like achievement since 1973. However, the excitement was overshadowed by concerns over Karl-Anthony Towns' calf injury, which could affect his future availability.
Key Facts
The New York Knicks won the NBA Cup against the San Antonio Spurs.
This victory is the Knicks' first significant achievement since 1973.
Karl-Anthony Towns had to leave the game due to a calf injury but returned to finish.
There is concern about Towns' injury, as it might affect his playing in future games.
Mitchell Robinson played well in Towns' absence, but his long-term reliability is uncertain due to past injuries.
Towns was on the injury report before with calf tightness and missed a game against the Orlando Magic.
The Knicks plan to evaluate Towns to ensure his injury does not become a long-term problem.
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Kendel Dolby, a key defensive player for the Oklahoma Sooners football team, plans to enter the transfer portal after their College Football Playoff game against Alabama. Dolby, a highly-ranked cornerback, wants to join a different team for the 2026 season. The Sooners will face Alabama with hopes of advancing to the Rose Bowl.
Key Facts
Kendel Dolby plays as a defensive back for the Oklahoma Sooners.
He will enter the transfer portal after the College Football Playoff.
Dolby was a top-ranked cornerback out of Ohio in the 2023 recruiting class.
During his time with Oklahoma, he recorded two interceptions, three sacks, and 68 tackles.
Dolby aims to play with another team in the 2026 season.
The Oklahoma Sooners will play Alabama in their upcoming game.
The winner of this game will move on to the Rose Bowl in Southern California.
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The New York Mets are reportedly finalizing a contract with free agent pitcher Luke Weaver for $22 million over two years. Weaver, who played for the New York Yankees last season, is set to join the Mets' bullpen as part of their strategy to strengthen their pitching lineup.
Key Facts
The New York Mets are signing pitcher Luke Weaver, a former New York Yankees player.
The contract is reportedly worth $22 million over two years.
Luke Weaver had a record of 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 64 games last season.
He performed well in the 2024 season with a 7-3 record and a 2.89 ERA.
The contract does not include option years or an opt-out clause.
Weaver will join Devin Williams in the Mets bullpen, making it stronger.
The Mets lost their previous closer, Edwin Diaz, to free agency.
The Yankees will start the 2026 season with pitchers David Bednar and Camilo Doval in their bullpen.
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Devan Thompkins, a junior defensive lineman for USC, is leaving the team through the college transfer portal. Thompkins was a key player in the defense, contributing significantly to the team over four seasons. USC will also miss several other players entering the transfer portal as they head into the Valero Alamo Bowl against TCU.
Key Facts
Devan Thompkins, a defensive lineman, is leaving USC to join another team.
Thompkins made 18 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks this season.
Over four years at USC, he achieved 32 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Thompkins has one year of college playing eligibility remaining.
Several other USC players, such as tight end Walker Lyons and others, are also entering the transfer portal.
The team is preparing for the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 30, 2025, against TCU.
USC has signed the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026, indicating new talent will soon join the team.
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The Miami Dolphins lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which means they can't make the playoffs. After the game, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel decided to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and start rookie Quinn Ewers. Dolphins player Tyreek Hill reacted to this decision by posting a GIF on social media.
Key Facts
The Dolphins lost 28-15 to the Steelers, ending their playoff chances.
Coach Mike McDaniel announced that Tua Tagovailoa is benched and rookie QB Quinn Ewers will start next.
Tyreek Hill, a star player for the Dolphins, reacted to the benching on social media with a GIF.
Hill joined the Dolphins in 2022 and often played with Tagovailoa as his quarterback.
Hill's performance has been connected to Tagovailoa's health during games.
Hill's 2025 season ended early due to an injury, but he is contracted with the team until 2026.
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212 million extension with the Dolphins in July 2024.
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WWE wrestler Gunther responded to fans upset over his victory against John Cena, marking Cena's final professional match. The audience at the Capital One Arena was unhappy with Cena's retirement on a loss, but Gunther dismissed the criticism, implying that life goes on. Gunther's stature in the WWE looks promising, with hints at future rivalries.
Key Facts
Gunther defeated John Cena in his retirement wrestling match.
Fans at the Capital One Arena in Washington were upset with Cena's loss.
WWE's Paul Levesque, known as Triple H, faced criticism from fans for the match outcome.
Gunther acknowledged the tense atmosphere before the match.
Gunther told fans to move on from their disappointment.
Gunther may face AJ Styles next, who plans to retire in 2026.
Gunther has also beaten Goldberg in another retirement match.
There are rumors about a potential match with Brock Lesnar if he retires.
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The article discusses a possible trade involving the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers, where the Yankees might trade their second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. in exchange for pitchers from the Tigers. This idea comes amid speculation about the Yankees' efforts to improve their team before the new season.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees are considering trading their second baseman, Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. recently achieved a significant milestone by having 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season.
The Yankees have not started contract extension talks with Chisholm, leading to trade speculation.
One proposed trade involves sending Chisholm to the Detroit Tigers.
In return, the Yankees would receive All-Star pitcher Casey Mize and relief pitcher Troy Melton.
The trade proposal comes during the offseason, a time when teams often make player trades.
The Yankees are looking to improve their lineup which relies heavily on left-handed players and home runs.
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Kenny Minchey, a quarterback from Notre Dame, entered the NCAA transfer portal to find more playing time. The Florida Gators are interested in him as a potential new player under their incoming head coach Jon Sumrall. The Gators need a strong quarterback after their current one, DJ Lagway, also decided to transfer.
Key Facts
Kenny Minchey played as a quarterback for Notre Dame but struggled to get consistent playtime.
In his time at Notre Dame, Minchey completed 23 of 29 passes for 212 yards and also rushed for 96 yards with two touchdowns.
Minchey is now looking for a new college team where he can play regularly and show his skills.
The Florida Gators, a well-known college football team, are interested in recruiting Minchey.
Jon Sumrall will be the new head coach for the Gators after leaving the Tulane Green Wave.
DJ Lagway, the current Florida quarterback, has decided to transfer, creating a need for a new quarterback.
The Gators have several quarterback options to consider, but Minchey is one of the top contenders they are watching closely.
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Bo Bichette, a Toronto Blue Jays player, is attracting interest from other teams due to his strong performance and versatility. The Boston Red Sox are seen as a suitable team for Bichette, who can play multiple infield positions. His potential move to the Red Sox could intensify the rivalry between the two teams.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette plays for the Toronto Blue Jays and has shown skill in different infield positions.
Despite the Blue Jays' efforts, it will take a competitive contract to retain Bichette.
Multiple teams are interested in Bichette, particularly teams in the American League East.
Former general manager Jim Bowden suggests that the Boston Red Sox would be a good fit for Bichette.
Bichette uses the entire field well, which suits Fenway Park's unique field dimensions.
If Bichette joins the Red Sox, he could take on roles at second or third base.
His move could make the rivalry between the Blue Jays and the Red Sox more intense.
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ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit apologized for a social media post that many saw as disrespectful before the College Football Playoff. He clarified that the post unintentionally seemed to overlook teams playing that weekend, especially the Army-Navy game, which is important to him.
Key Facts
Kirk Herbstreit is a longtime analyst for ESPN.
He apologized for a social media post made before the College Football Playoff.
The post was on Wednesday, December 17, two days before a playoff game.
The content of the post seemed to disregard college football games played the previous weekend.
Herbstreit emphasized his appreciation for the Army-Navy game.
He stated that the situation was a result of miscommunication.
Herbstreit and "College GameDay" planned to be in Norman, Oklahoma for a game on December 19.
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Bill Belichick, in his first year as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, faces challenges as star linebacker Tyler Thompson plans to enter the transfer portal in January. Thompson was a key player on the team, which had a difficult season with a 4-8 record.
Key Facts
Bill Belichick is the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels football team.
The team finished the season with a 4-8 record.
Tyler Thompson, a star linebacker, plans to enter the transfer portal.
Thompson was a four-star recruit from North Carolina.
He ranked fourth in the ACC for sacks, with a total of seven.
Pro Football Focus rated Thompson as the highest-graded player on the team.
Belichick will need to rely on new recruits and the transfer portal to improve the team's performance next season.
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The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the next NFL season and face questions about whether tight end Travis Kelce will retire. There are predictions that the Chiefs will draft a new elite tight end, Kenyon Sadiq, to potentially replace Kelce. Kelce is considering his future after a long career and upcoming personal events.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs will host postseason games at home for the first time since 2014.
Travis Kelce is deciding whether to retire or return for another NFL season.
Kelce has had a successful career, including three Super Bowl victories.
The Chiefs are expected to focus on drafting a new tight end next season.
Experts predict Kenyon Sadiq as a top choice due to his athletic ability and versatile play.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs' quarterback, is recovering from an ACL injury and won't play until the 2026 season.
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The New York Yankees are considering signing San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King to improve their starting rotation for the upcoming season. King, a free agent, is predicted to sign a three-year deal worth $57 million. The move is seen as a way to strengthen the team's pitching lineup with a player who could later transition to the bullpen.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees have not made any free agent or trade moves so far this offseason.
The Yankees need more pitchers because Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt will miss opening day.
Michael King, a Padres pitcher, is a free agent and considered a strong fit for the Yankees.
Former GM Jim Bowden believes King is an undervalued market option.
King might sign a shorter contract with a high yearly salary due to previous injuries.
A prediction suggests King could sign a three-year, $57 million deal.
King could start the season by pitching five to six innings and might move to the bullpen when other pitchers return.
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The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to sign Pete Fairbanks, a baseball relief pitcher, to a two-year contract worth $28 million. This move comes as part of the team's efforts to strengthen their bullpen after narrowly missing the World Series title. Fairbanks has been a successful closer with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays are looking to improve their team after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They have already signed players like Dylan Cease and Tyler Rogers.
Just Baseball's Ryan Finkelstein predicts the Blue Jays will sign Pete Fairbanks to a $28 million deal over two years.
Fairbanks has been the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays for the last three years.
He is considered one of the top available relief pitchers (closers) on the market.
Fairbanks's expected salary is based on what other top closers are earning, which is between $14-16 million per year.
The Blue Jays aim to "steal" Fairbanks from their division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays.
This signing is part of the Blue Jays' aggressive moves in free agency.
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The Atlanta Braves lost utility player Jesús Bastidas to the Miami Marlins. Bastidas, who played 37 games for the Braves' Triple-A team, signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins. He may compete for a major league spot in the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Jesús Bastidas was with the Braves organization for three months.
He played 37 games for the Braves' Triple-A team after being traded from the Houston Astros.
Bastidas has signed a minor-league contract with the Miami Marlins.
He is initially assigned to the Marlins' Triple-A team but might compete for a major league position.
Bastidas has played at third base, second base, and shortstop.
He hit 25 home runs last season in the Pacific Coast League while with the Astros' organization.
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Jake Merklinger, a quarterback from the Tennessee Volunteers, announced that he will enter the transfer portal in January 2026. Merklinger, who was a four-star recruit, is seeking a new school where he can be a starting quarterback after limited playtime in 2025.
Key Facts
Jake Merklinger is leaving the Tennessee Volunteers to look for a new university through the transfer portal.
Merklinger was a four-star high school recruit ranked as the 13th best quarterback in the 2024 class.
The Tennessee Volunteers had a successful 2024 season with a 10-2 record.
Nico Iamaleava, the former starting quarterback, left for UCLA after the 2024 season.
Joey Aguilar took over as the starting quarterback in 2025, throwing for over 3,000 yards.
Merklinger played in three games in 2025, completing 13 of 24 passes with two touchdowns.
The transfer portal allows college athletes to switch schools more easily, starting in January 2026.
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