Category Archives: sports

Missing coach wanted on child sex abuse material charges left with gun: Family

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The Virginia high school football coach who went missing on November 20 and was later revealed to be wanted on charges involving child sexual abuse material was last seen walking into the woods with a gun, the coach’s family says.

A statement from a law firm representing the family of Travis Turner, released Friday, said:

“The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, November 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm. He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area.”

At that time, the statement from attorney Adrian Collins noted that no warrants had been issued for Turner’s arrest. When Turner did not return home that evening, his wife notified law enforcement.

“She was advised that a missing-person report could not be taken until at least 24 hours had passed,” the attorney’s statement said. “The following day, she filed a missing-person report with the Virginia State Police. The family has cooperated fully with law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis.”

Agents with the Virginia State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation Wytheville Field Office were en route to Turner’s home on November 20 as part of an investigation when they were informed he was no longer there, police said.

State police later obtained a total of 10 warrants for Turner, 46, of Appalachia, Virginia, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, authorities confirmed.

Turner is a physical education teacher and head football coach at Union High School, in the Wise County public school district, according to the school’s website.

Amid his disappearance, the football team advanced to the Virginia regional final during a 12-0 season and remains undefeated.

Virginia State Police said earlier this week they are actively searching for Turner.

“Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones, and K9s, to assist in the search,” state police said in a statement. “VSP’s main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive.”

The statement from the Turner family’s attorney added that family members and friends have also been searching the woods.

“These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway,” the statement said. “It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.”
https://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-virginia-football-coach-wanted-child-sexual-abuse/story?id=127971375

Bishop McDevitt edges Peters Township on walk-off field goal

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**ALTOONA** — As the Peters Township football players exited the field with tears in their eyes, many of their family members gathered to offer a round of applause and cheers. The acknowledgment was well-deserved. For the second week in a row, the Indians staged a remarkable comeback from a double-digit deficit. This time, however, the game ended in heartbreak.

Aidan Grella kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired, giving Bishop McDevitt a 31-28 victory over Peters Township on Saturday in the PIAA Class 5A semifinals at Mansion Park Stadium.

The Indians (13-1) erased an 11-point halftime deficit and briefly held the lead in the fourth quarter but couldn’t quite finish off the defending state champion Crusaders (12-2).

“We were right in there, and no matter how much we are down, there’s always a chance for us,” said Peters Township coach TJ Plack. “It was a good football game, and I think we were evenly matched. Both teams made good adjustments, and they were well-coached. They’re a really good team and have been for a while.”

Bishop McDevitt will defend its state title against Roman Catholic at 7 p.m. Friday at Cumberland Valley. The matchup is a rematch of last year’s final.

Anthony Maiello tied the game at 25-25 with a 24-yard field goal with 1:33 remaining. However, the Crusaders marched down the field in the final minute. The pivotal play was a 41-yard pass to Ishmael Palmer that set up the game-winning field goal.

Peters Township blitzed aggressively, but Crusaders quarterback Sebastian Williams stood firm in the pocket and delivered a precise strike.

“We had some built-in plays that will beat almost any zone,” said Crusaders coach Jeff Weachter. “What we were trying to do was get it inside the 40-yard line to kick a field goal, and (Williams) did a good job going to the built-in hot route. It was a double A-gap blitz, and we made the play.”

Peters Township trailed 21-10 at halftime but narrowed the gap in the third quarter when Nolan DiLucia connected with Lucas Rost for an 8-yard touchdown. DiLucia then hit Lehman on the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 21-18.

DiLucia, a Villanova recruit, threw a perfect 70-yard touchdown pass to PJ Luke at the 7:15 mark of the fourth quarter, giving the Indians a 25-21 lead.

“He was under a lot of pressure because we were skin and bones on the offensive line,” Plack said. “We had a couple guys I didn’t think were going to play at all this year, and they were out there in the state semifinals. We were trying to find ways to protect him. He took a couple hits but stood in the pocket and delivered. He’s a big-time player.”

Williams responded with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jontay Quick three minutes later to put Bishop McDevitt back on top, 28-25.

Despite being penalized 18 times for 173 yards, Bishop McDevitt managed to find a way to win. There were two unusual instances in the first half when two personal fouls were assessed on one team on the same play—one live ball foul and one dead ball foul. This happened first to Peters Township and led to a touchdown on a 27-yard punt return by Palmer. The same sequence happened to Bishop McDevitt on the next Peters Township drive and resulted in a Maiello field goal.

Cole Neupaver had the lone touchdown for the Indians in the first half on a 6-yard run, following an interception he secured that set up the drive.

Williams opened the scoring with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Howard Holton Jr. He finished the game completing 16 of 23 passes for 260 yards. Bishop McDevitt also got a 42-yard touchdown run to the end zone by Eastern Michigan recruit Nazir Jones-Davis to secure the double-digit halftime lead.

Despite the deficit, both teams knew the game was far from over.

“We told them at halftime that this team wouldn’t go away,” Weachter said. “They’re very well-coached and have tough kids. We knew they wouldn’t give up, and they didn’t. It’s almost a shame that one team had to lose because these were two great teams.”

For Peters Township, this game marked the farewell to a senior class that won two WPIAL titles, played in a state championship, and reached a state semifinal.

“They are special,” Plack said. “We had a couple senior groups before them that took us to our first conference championship and then our first WPIAL championship, and these guys taking us this far is amazing. We have a great locker room because of them, and they’ve been mentors to the younger guys. They do the right thing at all times, and that’s why we are in these situations.”
https://www.observer-reporter.com/sports/high_school_sports/2025/nov/29/bishop-mcdevitt-edges-peters-township-on-walk-off-field-goal/

Are Pro Sports Gambling Away Their Integrity? – Liberty Nation News

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The sports world was rocked again this week when two pitchers for Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians were arrested on charges related to gambling.

Coming on the heels of the recent indictments of numerous current and former NBA players and a head coach on similarly disturbing allegations in October, the already heated debate about increasingly widespread legal wagering on pro sports has intensified. The overriding concern is about the potential damage it will cause among bettors, not to mention those watching sports simply for pleasure, who will increasingly question whether the games they are wagering on are on the up-and-up.

### The Rich History of Gambling in America

Betting has been a favorite pastime enjoyed by American sports fans for as long as anyone can remember. Until the last decade or so, it was mostly limited to informal bets between individuals, except in gambling meccas like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

But now, years after the Supreme Court overturned a national ban on betting outside Nevada in 2018, online sports wagering has been legalized in 30 states plus DC, exploding across the land. People can now legally play the odds on almost anything. They are not confined to traditional bets such as whether a team will cover the point spread or the over/under on total points scored in a football game, or the outcome of a baseball or basketball game.

They can now wager on propositions (prop bets) like how many hits a baseball player will get, how many minutes a basketball player will be on the court, or how many passing yards a football quarterback will accumulate. It is these types of wagers that have stirred up the hornet’s nest.

### The Cleveland Pitching Scandal

It was prop bets, the most profitable for online sportsbooks such as FanDuel, Caesar’s, and MGM, that led to the arrests of Cleveland pitchers Emanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Prosecutors claim that Clase began rigging pitches in 2023, providing information to bettors about the location and velocity of his pitches. Ortiz allegedly joined the scheme in 2025.

The two are accused of manipulating pitches to ensure certain outcomes, such as throwing a ball outside the strike zone, and receiving kickbacks from the bettors.

### Fallout in the NBA and Beyond

Meanwhile, in October, FBI Director Kash Patel ordered the arrest of over 30 current and former NBA figures and Mafia family members in a stunning takedown of two separate illegal gambling-related cases. The scheme reportedly involved using inside information from NBA players to profit from rigged betting on games and high-stakes poker, in which high-profile former pro athletes were used to lure unwitting wealthy victims to the poker table, creating an illusion of a legitimate, high-end game.

Once at the table, the victims played against players and dealers who were in on the scam.

Even a minor sport like wrestling has not been immune to corruption. Fourteen individuals, including two former Rutgers University wrestlers, were charged on November 13 with racketeering and money laundering in a mob-linked, multi-million-dollar illegal sports betting ring not dissimilar to the one uncovered by Patel and the FBI.

### The Tip of a Larger Iceberg?

Are these cases all unique one-offs, or do they represent the tip of a much larger iceberg?

Well, a whopping total of $148 billion was wagered by Americans legally in 2024, and sportsbooks profited to the tune of a record $14 billion. With all that money floating around, the opportunities for corruption are ripe and plentiful.

What makes this even more troubling is that sports franchises are now affiliating with online sportsbooks, in some cases even promoting prop bets during their telecasts. After more than 100 years of warning athletes that gambling is strictly verboten and considered the cardinal sin for competitors, pro sports are teaming up with online gambling sites, rationalizing their partnerships as the best method for keeping a close eye on betting patterns.

But many skeptics have asserted that this is nothing more than a quest for handsome profits.

### MLB’s Response

MLB and its affiliated sportsbooks have responded to the Guardians’ scandal by limiting wagers on pitch-level prop bets (e.g., ball/strike, pitch velocity) to $200 nationwide.

In addition, these “micro-bets” can no longer be included in parlays, in which bettors wager on a combination of propositions. Parlays are widely considered by experts to be sucker bets that are particularly profitable to gambling platforms.

The league stated that these one-off events, which can be determined by a single player and may not affect the game’s outcome, are particularly vulnerable to manipulation.

### The Stakes for Professional and College Sports

These gambling scandals threaten the very integrity of professional and college sports.

When baseball’s infamous Black Sox scandal, in which several members of the Chicago White Sox were paid off by gamblers to fix the 1919 World Series, was unmasked, it almost ruined the sport. The commissioner hired to clean up the game, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, banned eight players for life, even though they had been acquitted in a court of law. Landis understood the damage it had done.

Many will argue that only the emergence of all-time superstar Babe Ruth in 1920 and beyond saved MLB.

If today’s commissioners of the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and the NCAA—which regulates college athletics—cannot manage to keep their sports clean, they will likely trigger an ugly reckoning that will drive untold thousands of wary fans away from the games they love.
https://www.libertynation.com/are-pro-sports-gambling-away-their-integrity/

Rob Gronkowski to officially retire from NFL with ceremonial one-day Patriots contract signing

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Rob Gronkowski Officially Retires from the NFL, Signs One-Day Contract with New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski has officially announced his retirement from the NFL and will be signing a one-day contract to retire as a “Patriot for life.” Gronkowski revealed on “FOX NFL Sunday” that he plans to ink the one-day contract with the New England Patriots this week, allowing him to retire as a member of the storied franchise where he won three of his four Super Bowl rings.

The announcement came just as the Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—the last team Gronkowski played for alongside Tom Brady and with whom he won Super Bowl LV in 2021—were set to face off. Brady joined the broadcast team for that contest alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

The Patriots officially announced that Gronkowski would sign the one-day contract on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of their “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the New York Jets, their AFC East rivals.

Gronkowski, 36, began his NFL career in 2010 when the Patriots drafted him 42nd overall in the second round out of the University of Arizona. He spent nine seasons in New England, developing one of the best tight end legacies in NFL history. His connection with Tom Brady was a critical factor in the Patriots’ success under head coach Bill Belichick, leading to multiple Super Bowl victories.

Although Gronkowski initially retired following the 2018 season, he returned to the field when Brady left the Patriots for the Buccaneers. He couldn’t resist the chance to play again alongside his favorite quarterback in Tampa Bay. With a star-studded Buccaneers roster, Brady and Gronkowski won their final Super Bowl together in 2021. Gronkowski notably scored two touchdowns at Raymond James Stadium, helping secure a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

After retiring following the 2022 season, Gronkowski was soon joined by Brady, who retired in 2023 after the Buccaneers’ playoff exit against the Dallas Cowboys.

Now, as Gronkowski and Brady continue their careers off the field as colleagues on the Fox Sports broadcast team, they’ve been closely watching the Patriots return to their winning ways — reminiscent of their days with the team. Veteran Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is leading the charge in his first season.

The Patriots also have a promising new quarterback in Drake Maye, whom they selected third overall out of the University of North Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye has been performing like an MVP candidate, helping the team achieve an 8-2 record through their first 10 games. He ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (2,555) and is tied for third in touchdown passes (19). Maye’s impressive 113.9 quarterback rating also places him sixth in the league.

Gronkowski’s official retirement and one-day contract signing mark the end of an era, but the Patriots’ future looks bright as new stars rise to continue the franchise’s tradition of success.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rob-gronkowski-officially-retire-from-nfl-ceremonial-one-day-patriots-contract-signing

Exclusive: Ryan Dunn ‘honing in’ confidence level as he grows into Year 2 with Suns

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**Ryan Dunn’s Rise with the Phoenix Suns: Confidence Fuels Rookie’s Breakout Season**

PHOENIX – If you had told Ryan Dunn he would start 44 of his 74 games with the Phoenix Suns during his rookie season, he’d likely have felt honored and grateful – but not exactly surprised.

Playing alongside stars like Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant isn’t for the faint of heart. Competing with potential Hall of Famers and being challenged every day can be exhausting. However, it’s a challenge the Virginia standout has taken great pride in.

### A Rookie Who Didn’t Play Like a Rookie

Guys like Durant and Beal have praised Dunn for his enthusiasm, defensive intangibles, and contagious energy. Booker noted that Dunn was one of the rookies who didn’t play like a rookie.

During media day, Dunn revealed how he unlocked his next level of success with the Suns: confidence. Fast forward nine games into the current season, and his answer remains the same.

“Like we talked about before, from last year going to this year and training camp, just trusting the work I put in and being able to grow and just trust in the process of what I’ve been doing and not living in what’s either good or bad,” Dunn said in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints before Thursday’s game. “Just honing in on trying to get better every single day. I think that’s been good. This season starting off, I had some ups and downs, but it’s still trusting myself, coming out here. These guys in this locker room helped me a lot.”

### Confidence That Doesn’t Go Unnoticed

One of the first to witness Dunn’s growth in confidence was Devin Booker. Throughout the tumultuous 2024-25 season, Booker consistently pointed to Dunn as one of the Suns’ foundational pieces. Even if his offensive game wasn’t fully developed, his defense, hustle, and sheer willpower more than made up for it.

Importantly, Dunn was routinely matched up against the opposition’s best offensive player. This was highlighted during a recent Sunday game against the San Antonio Spurs, where Dunn raved about matching up with Victor Wembanyama. Though he wasn’t guarding the Spurs’ star center for the entire game, there were moments where this second-year player more than held his own.

The physicality, smart positioning, and communication with his teammates on help defense stood out. Perhaps the biggest leap, however, has been Dunn’s offensive assertiveness. In the third quarter, he challenged Wembanyama at the basket and drew a foul — something that might not have happened a season ago.

While this growth surprises some, Booker saw it coming. “He’s more aggressive,” Booker said after the Suns’ 130-118 win over the Spurs. “I think tonight felt good for him from 3. He’s pretty alert. He was here all summer, he and all the young guys. I came back, and I wasn’t ready for what I walked into. It was like he didn’t take a day off, it seemed like. So, I was excited to see him get out here and showcase that.”

### Relatability and Camaraderie Fuel Growth

The Suns’ locker room vibes reflect a healthy camaraderie and a shared sense of growth and understanding. Players like Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, Mark Williams, and Collin Gillespie occupy unique roles. Some, like Williams, have battled health setbacks, while others, including Gillespie and Ighodaro, have been waiting for legitimate opportunities.

Dunn fits right in. During the season, he and teammates like Ighodaro and Williams have grown close, both on and off the court. For example, moments before a recent game interview, Dunn was joined by the starting center, highlighting their friendship and the relatability among the group.

“It’s cool because we’re all the same age, which is really fun. We all kind of went through the same stuff; people who might have been in the league for three or four years or people who have been here for like nine or ten years – we can all talk about stuff,” Dunn said.

“For me, it helps having that line between us, asking questions with the veteran guys, the older guys, being able to help the younger guys along the way. It’s been something me and Oso (Ighodaro) have been looking to do this year.”

### Jordan Ott Shows Pure Trust in Dunn

Unlike former head coach Mike Budenholzer, there is a high level of trust between first-year coach Jordan Ott and the budding star Dunn. Yes, Dunn still makes occasional offensive and defensive mistakes — as all players do — but that characteristic might be exactly what helps unlock his true potential as a two-way player.

Last year, teammates gave Dunn the confidence. Dunn developed self-confidence through reps. However, at times, he seemed to lose trust in Budenholzer when offensive struggles surfaced. Now, with Ott, who helps Dunn piece together the mental puzzle, there’s a newfound dynamic that has become an underrated element of his progression.

In fact, Ott anticipated a breakout from Dunn and continues to commend how his confidence instills belief in everyone around him.

“The greatest way to enhance your confidence is to prepare, and he’s put the work in,” Ott said after the Sunday game. “You can fake it for a while, but in this league, when you’re out on the floor, mano-a-mano every night, if you haven’t put the time in, the work in, good chances are it’s not sustainable.”

“Not only do you have to prepare to grow your own confidence, but when a teammate like that (Devin Booker) throws the ball, that means he’s confident in him too.”

—

Ryan Dunn’s journey with the Phoenix Suns is a testament to hard work, mentorship, and the power of confidence. As he continues to develop both offensively and defensively, the Suns are undoubtedly getting a rising star ready to make an even bigger impact.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/phoenix-suns/exclusive-ryan-dunn-honing-in-confidence-level-year-2-with-suns

Ilja Dragunov Called Out For Dangerous Potentially Career Ending Spot On WWE SmackDown By Veteran: “His Head Hit”

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Ilja Dragunov has recently come under scrutiny for what some are calling dangerous wrestling, following moves that could have potentially ended his opponent’s career on WWE SmackDown. Several moments from his matches have been highlighted as particularly concerning.

Stevie Richards addressed these concerns on *The Stevie Richards Show*, expressing that there is something inherently risky about the way Dragunov competes. He specifically pointed to Dragunov’s match against Nathan Frazer on WWE SmackDown, describing a move that could have had serious consequences.

Richards recalled a moment where Dragunov executed a suplex, causing Frazer to land badly on the outside of the ring. He commented, “This here gives me vibes of Ridge Holland and Big E. Why are you giving any suplexes like this on the floor? Why? And he says nothing personal before he does it.” This remark references a similar spot between Big E and Ridge Holland that unfortunately ended Big E’s in-ring career.

Furthermore, Richards described the move as a “Chris Benoit German Suplex,” a dangerous type of suplex where there is no “give” in the landing. He explained, “There is no protection for this. This is a Benoit German Suplex. Now, he didn’t land him on top of his head, but it’s still a no-give, German suplex. Only this side of the audience here sees it. Now, for TV, it’s whatever, but you still have a live crowd.”

Richards also highlighted another perilous moment during the match where Nathan Frazer landed on his head after a rushed German suplex from the top rope. “He’s not ready. You already knew what was going to happen. He’s not ready. Look how close in slow-mo. His head hit. There’s no missing there. His head hit,” he stated.

Following this spot, Frazer collapsed in the ring, and the match ended shortly afterwards.

Currently, Ilja Dragunov is in the midst of an open challenge series on WWE SmackDown, where he regularly defends his United States Championship against different opponents each week. Despite his popularity and in-ring skill, these recent incidents have raised questions about the safety and risks involved in some of his high-impact moves.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-ilja-dragunov-called-out-for-dangerous-potentially-career-ending-spot-on-wwe-smackdown-by-veteran-his-head-hit

CCS, NCS football playoffs 2025: Matchups set. What are top storylines?

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**De La Salle, Riordan Receive Top Overall Seeds**

In the latest tournament seedings, De La Salle and Riordan have secured the top overall seeds, positioning themselves as the teams to watch in the upcoming competition. Their strong performances throughout the season have earned them this prestigious status, reflecting their dominance and readiness to contend for the title.

**San Ramon Valley Faces Unlucky Draw**

San Ramon Valley found themselves faced with an unfortunate matchup in the tournament draw. Despite a solid season, the team will have to overcome a challenging opponent early on, making their path forward notably difficult. This tough draw will test the Bears’ resilience and ability to compete under pressure.

**Why Branham Got In and Leigh Did Not**

The tournament selection saw Branham granted entry over Leigh, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike. Branham’s inclusion came down to key wins and favorable tiebreakers, while Leigh narrowly missed out despite a competitive record. This decision highlights the fine margins that can dictate postseason opportunities in high-stakes settings.

**Los Gatos and St. Francis Meet Again**

Fans of high school sports will be excited to see Los Gatos and St. Francis facing off once more. Their matchup promises an intense showdown, given the history and rivalry between these two teams. Both squads have shown remarkable skill this season, making their meeting one of the highlighted contests in the tournament schedule.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/09/ccs-ncs-football-playoffs-2025-what-are-top-storylines/

Donald Trump plans to be the 1st sitting US president at a regular-season NFL game since 1978

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LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Extra security measures were in place hours before the Washington Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as President Donald Trump planned to become the first sitting president in nearly a half-century to attend a regular-season NFL contest.

Officers in black uniforms identifying them as members of the U.S. Secret Service joined military, police, and other guards inside and outside Northwest Stadium. There were more fences than usual blocking sidewalks, and some pathways were restricted to ensure security.

According to the league, only two other sitting presidents have attended an NFL game during the regular season: Richard Nixon in 1969 and Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump also became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl when he watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in February.

Trump was expected to sit with principal owner Josh Harris, the leader of the group that purchased the Commanders from Daniel Snyder for about $6 billion in 2023. In a report by ESPN on Saturday, an intermediary for the White House revealed that Trump wants the club’s new stadium—part of a nearly $4 billion development project at the site of the former RFK Stadium in the nation’s capital—to bear his name.

“That would surely be a beautiful name,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Sunday’s visit to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, was the latest in a series of high-profile appearances by Trump at sporting events including golf’s Ryder Cup, auto racing’s Daytona 500, and tennis’ U.S. Open.

“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country,” said Commanders club president Mark Clouse. “The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.”

There has been friction between Trump and the NFL during his first presidential term, notably when he objected to players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social or racial injustice. This movement began in 2016 with then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
https://www.boston.com/sports/sports/2025/11/09/donald-trump-plans-to-be-the-1st-sitting-us-president-at-a-regular-season-nfl-game-since-1978/

NFC North roundup: Baltimore Ravens take down gaffe-prone Minnesota Vikings 27-19

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The Baltimore Ravens continued their defensive resurgence with a strong performance on Sunday, securing a 27-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

This win marked their third straight victory, highlighting the team’s growing momentum and solid defense. Fans and analysts alike are taking notice as the Ravens build confidence moving forward in the season.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/09/nfc-north-minnesota-vikings-detroit-lions-week-10/

Black Sox, Ohtani’s interpreter and more: A look at notable sports betting scandals

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In 1920, a Chicago grand jury indicted eight members of the Chicago White Sox on charges of fixing the 1919 World Series, an event that became notorious as the “Black Sox Scandal.” White Sox owner Charles Comiskey immediately suspended the eight players, including “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. A year later, they were permanently banned by newly appointed baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. Although a jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges, their ban from baseball stood until they were reinstated by Commissioner Rob Manfred in May 2025.

In 1946, Hockey Hall of Famer Babe Pratt was suspended for gambling but was reinstated weeks later. The NHL Board of Governors issued a warning that any further gambling incidents would lead to a lifetime suspension.

Two years later, in 1948, Billy Taylor and Don Gallinger received lifetime bans from the NHL for betting on hockey games.

In 1951, a major scandal erupted when 35 active and former players were accused of fixing at least 86 games spanning from 1947 to 1951. Among those implicated were four members of the Adolph Rupp-coached Kentucky Wildcats, accused of taking bribes from gamblers ahead of an NIT game against Loyola during the 1948-49 season. An NCAA investigation uncovered several violations, ultimately leading to the cancellation of Kentucky’s 1952-53 season.

The 1980 “Totonero” match-fixing scandal in Italian soccer resulted in the relegation of two teams and penalties for five others. Notably, Paolo Rossi was banned for two years due to his involvement while playing for Perugia.

In 1981, former Boston College basketball player Rick Kuhn and four others, including New York mobster Jimmy Burke, were convicted for conspiring to fix basketball games during the 1978-79 season.

Tulane University suspended its basketball program in 1985 amid point-shaving and other allegations. The program resumed play in the 1989-90 season.

Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits, agreed to a lifetime ban in 1989 after an MLB investigation found he bet on the Cincinnati Reds between 1985 and 1987 while serving as player and manager. Rose died in 2024 still ineligible for induction into Cooperstown, but in May 2025, Commissioner Rob Manfred changed MLB’s eligibility rules, clearing the path for Rose’s Hall of Fame consideration.

In 1996, thirteen Boston College football players were suspended for gambling, including two who bet against their own team in a 45-17 loss to Syracuse. Coach Dan Henning resigned after alerting school officials about the betting allegations. No evidence of point-shaving was found.

Philadelphia Flyers coach Rick Tocchet was placed on two years of probation in 2007 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling while serving as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. He was reinstated by the NHL the following year. The investigation, known as “Operation Slapshot,” also implicated several players, Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet Jones, and Gretzky’s former agent and then-Coyotes GM Michael Barnett.

In 2008, NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to wire fraud for transmitting inside betting information in exchange for thousands of dollars. He was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.

Former Wales men’s rugby captain Rob Howley was suspended for 18 months in 2019 after it was revealed he made 363 bets, including on Wales’ Six Nations Grand Slam decider against Ireland. He was sent home on the eve of the Rugby World Cup where he was an assistant coach.

England defender Kieran Trippier was banned for 10 weeks in 2021 after providing insider information on his transfer to friends who then bet on the outcome.

At least 15 NFL players have been suspended for gambling violations since 1963. The earliest included Hall of Famers Paul Hornung and Alex Karras, who were suspended for betting on league games. Since 2022, at least 12 players have faced suspensions for betting. Notably, Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was banned for an entire season for betting on NFL games while away from the team for mental health reasons. Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers Sr., Rashod Berry, and Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely and released for betting on NFL games but were eventually reinstated.

In May 2023, Brazil’s lower house of Congress launched an investigation into a soccer match-fixing scandal involving players who allegedly secured bookings and penalties in exchange for bribes. This marked the third such probe in the country.

Six-time major champion golfer Phil Mickelson was alleged in 2023 to have wagered more than $1 billion over three decades, according to a book by gambler Billy Walters. Walters also claimed Mickelson intended to place a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which Mickelson denied, though he acknowledged his gambling crossed the line into addiction and has since stopped.

In 2023, soccer players Ivan Toney (Brentford), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), and Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus) all served gambling bans. Fagioli received a seven-month ban from the Italian Soccer Federation, while Tonali was banned for 10 months the previous year for betting on teams he played for.

The NHL suspended Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto for 41 games in October 2023 due to sports gambling violations. The league clarified there was no evidence Pinto bet on hockey games. Pinto declined to comment when rejoining the Senators in January 2024.

In March 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers fired Ippei Mizuhara, interpreter and close friend of star Shohei Ohtani, after reports surfaced of Mizuhara’s ties to an illegal bookmaker. Three months later, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s account to cover gambling debts, baseball card purchases, and medical bills. He exploited language barriers to deceive Ohtani’s financial advisers and even impersonated Ohtani to the bank.

Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned for life from the NBA in April 2024 following a league probe that found he disclosed confidential health information to sports bettors and wagered on games, including bets against his own team. Commissioner Adam Silver described Porter’s actions as “blatant.” The investigation uncovered a large $80,000 bet linked to Porter’s performance in a March 20 game against Sacramento, which could have paid out $1.1 million.

In June 2024, San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano became the first active MLB player banned for life in over a century after being discovered to have placed 387 bets totaling more than $150,000 with a legal sportsbook in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly received a one-year suspension for baseball betting in the minor leagues. Three other minor leaguers—San Diego’s Jay Groome, Arizona’s Andrew Saalfrank, and Philadelphia’s José Rodríguez—also received one-year bans for betting on major league games, each wagering less than $1,000. Saalfrank and Rodríguez had prior major league experience.

In February 2025, MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball and for deleting electronic messages relevant to the league’s investigation. While no evidence showed Hoberg personally bet on games or manipulated outcomes, his friend made 141 baseball bets, including eight involving games Hoberg umpired. MLB senior vice president Michael Hill recommended the firing, with Commissioner Manfred upholding the decision. Hoberg, known as one of the best strike zone umpires, is eligible to apply for reinstatement no earlier than spring training 2026.

In June and July 2025, MLB placed Cleveland Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase on paid leave amid a sports betting investigation. Ortiz was linked to unusual betting activity on specific pitches during games in Seattle and St. Louis. Clase was placed on leave three weeks later. On November 9, both were indicted on charges of accepting bribes to provide bettors with advance notice of pitch types and intentionally throwing balls instead of strikes to influence bets.

The NCAA announced in September 2025 it was investigating possible sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley. By November, six players had their eligibility revoked. The NCAA’s integrity monitoring and sources flagged suspicious text and social media messages revealing betting on and against their own teams, sharing information with bettors, outcome manipulation, and refusal to cooperate. In related cases, three players from Fresno State and San Jose State were found guilty of manipulating game outcomes and permanently lost eligibility.

In October 2025, a major gambling scandal unfolded involving 31 individuals, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former player and coach Damon Jones. Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, was charged with conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games connected to La Cosa Nostra organized crime families, resulting in at least $7 million in losses to unsuspecting gamblers. Rozier faced separate charges related to exploiting private player information to win NBA bets, alongside money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Damon Jones was implicated in both schemes and has pleaded not guilty.
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