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Dodgers agree to trade with Rays to land Tyler Glasnow, Manuel Margot as massive offseason continue: reports

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All the Los Angeles Dodgers’ headlines Thursday revolved around Shohei Ohtani’s news conference, but the team didn’t stop adding firepower. 

The Dodgers have reportedly acquired right-handed starter Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed starter Ryan Pepiot and outfield prospect Jonny Deluca, according to multiple reports. 

ESPN also adds that the trade is contingent upon Glasnow agreeing to an extension with the Dodgers. Glasnow would otherwise become a free agent after the 2024 season. 

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Tyler Glasnow of the Tampa Bay Rays before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards Sept. 16, 2023, in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

ESPN reported the window for an extension was opened Thursday morning, and the team is hopeful the deal can become official by Friday. 

It’s a massive acquisition for the Dodgers, who made the biggest splash in league history when they signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract. 

Glasnow has been dominant, striking out 678 over 529.2 career innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Rays. In 21 starts last season, Glasnow had 162 strikeouts and just 37 walks in 120 innings with a 3.53 ERA. 

FROM OUTKICK: SHOHEI OHTANI CAN OPT OUT OF DODGERS CONTRACT IF TEAM CHANGES PERSONNEL

But injuries have slowed Glasnow’s career. 

He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021 after making 14 starts that season. Glasnow started two games in 2022 before returning last year and dealing with a back injury. 

The Dodgers, though, have seen what Glasnow brings to the table and are willing to bring his ace-like qualities to their rotation. 

Ohtani might not be helping the pitching staff this season due to a UCL injury. Ohtani’s contract deferments allow the Dodgers to continue making moves. 

Manuel Margot smiling

Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Manuel Margot gets a welcome back to the dugout after a home run during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at the Charlotte Sports Park March 29, 2022, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Glasnow will make $25 million next season before he hits free agency. 

The 26-year-old Pepiot was expected to be in the Dodgers’ rotation after posting a 2.76 ERA between starts and bullpen stints. He had a 2.14 ERA last season in 42 innings. 

For the Rays, it’s a good pickup because Pepiot has five years of team control remaining before he can hit free agency. 

Margot would land in a perfect situation with Mookie Betts expected to move full time to second base for the Dodgers. While Los Angeles still has James Outman, Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor in the outfield, Margot’s elite defense will give him plenty of opportunity in the lineup. 

The scary thing for other teams around the league is Los Angeles might not be done. 

Tyler Glasnow

Tyler Glasnow of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers during Game 1 of a wild-card series at Tropicana Field Oct. 3, 2023, in St Petersburg, Fla. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

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Pitchers like Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Corbin Burnes are rumored to be on the trading block, and the Dodgers are clearly gunning for more star power in 2024.

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill, who is newly married, in middle of 2 paternity suits

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Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill found himself in some hot water as details of two paternity suits against him came to light on Thursday.

The Daily Mail first reported that Brittany Lackner, 30, and Kimberly Kaylee Baker, 29, filed the petitions over the course of the year. Lackner filed her petition on Jan. 17 and Baker filed her petition on May 15. Both suits were filed separately in Broward County, Florida.

Representatives for Hill didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on December 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Hill, who married Keeta Vaccaro last month, is being demanded to pay more child support than the $2,500 per month he is already paying them, according to the report.

Lackner says she gave birth to their son on Feb. 7 and that a prenatal test revealed a 99.9% probability that he is the father of the baby. In a separate filing, she said Hill demanded a second DNA test before eventually voluntarily paying $2,500 per month. She says the amount is “woefully inadequate.”

Hill reportedly filed a separate paternity petition in Kansas regarding the Lackner child, saying he was “willing and able to perform parental duties for his minor child should he be determined to be the father” and proposed potential joint custody arrangements. He also tried to get the Broward petition dismissed, saying Lackner moved the child to Florida for “strategic” reasons.

FROM OUTKICK: PATRICK MAHOMES SAYS HE’LL CONTINUE SHOWING HE’S A GOOD PERSON AFTER IT DIDN’T EXACTLY LOOK THAT WAY ON SUNDAY

In Baker’s lawsuit, she alleged that Hill is showing “utter and abject unconcern” for their child “wholly failing to act as a parent and is completely failing” to support their daughter. Baker also said the $2,500 is an inadequate sum, and that the expenses total around $10,000.

Tyreek Hill in October 2023

Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Hill accepted that he was the child’s father but also tried to get Baker’s suit dropped because she is based in Los Angeles, the Daily Mail reported.

“Before an unmarried father may be accorded standing to assert an interest in parental responsibility and/or timesharing, he must demonstrate that he has manifested substantial concern for the welfare of the child,” the suit says.

NFL LOOKING INTO POTENTIAL CHANGE OF CONTROVERSIAL RULE: ‘THE F—ING WORST’

Both women reportedly pointed to Hill’s $30 million annual salary as part of the reason why their child support money is not up to snuff. Hill already pays more than $13,500 in child support for three children he shares with his ex-fiancee. He signed a four-year, $120 million extension after he was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Dolphins.

Hill and Vaccaro were married in November. She was seen supporting him as the Dolphins took on the New York Jets on Black Friday, and she was at the team’s Monday night game against the Tennessee Titans.

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Keeta Vacarro in 2023

Keeta Vaccaro attends The Model Experience’s Fashion Week Festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center on September 30, 2023. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The Super Bowl champion receiver is having a magnificent year on the field. He leads the NFL with 12 touchdown catches and 1,542 receiving yards.

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‘My life has been changed’

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The Buffalo Bills’ Jordan Poyer recently opened up about his battle with alcoholism and his road to recovery. 

The three-time Pro Bowler told The Athletic his struggle with alcohol nearly cost him his family. It also created problems in his everyday life. 

Poyer recalled a trip to Costa Rica where he had an experience with ayahuasca he described as an “awakening.” 

The Bills defensive back gave up alcohol a few years ago, but at times in the past, he would consume an excessive amount of drinks. He said he would black out after drinking a six-pack of beer in under 30 minutes.

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Jordan Poyer of the Buffalo Bills during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium Dec. 12, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Amid ongoing issues within his marriage and day-to-day life, Poyer started attending Alcoholics Anonymous. He said he has been sober almost four years. 

BILLS’ JOSH ALLEN RESPONDS TO PATRICK MAHOMES’ COMMENTS ABOUT OFFICIALS DURING POSTGAME EXCHANGE

Jordan Poyer in Buffalo

Jordan Poyer of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC divisional playoff game at Highmark Stadium Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

However, it was the ayahuasca that really helped change the 32-year-old’s life. Poyer took the psychedelic during his visit to a retreat center in Costa Rica last year. He described seeing “the highest version of himself” after he consumed ayahuasca.

“At first, what it felt like was my soul left my body for a good two minutes. People try to control it, but you can’t. It took me about five or 10 minutes to figure it out,” Poyer said of his experience. “The ego has to die so the medicine can work. In order to let go and let the medicine do what it’s supposed to do, we have to just breathe.”

Poyer said his marriage is now in a much better place, and he was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career last season.

“My life has been changed forever,” Poyer said. “And my purpose is to be a bright light for everybody that I touch and connect with.”

Jordan Poyer smiles during press conference

Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer addressed the media at training camp in Pittsford, N.Y., July 24, 2022.  (AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes)

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Poyer in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After appearing in just three games during his rookie year, Poyer was released. He finished the 2013 season with the Cleveland Browns, before leaving the team after the 2016 campaign.

The 32-year-old is in his seventh season with the Bills. He has 74 total tackles and one sack in 12 games this season.

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The Bills are coming off an upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs, a victory clouded by a controversial offsides call against the Kansas City Chiefs that nullified a go-ahead touchdown late in the game. 

Buffalo looks to keep its playoff hopes alive when it hosts the Dallas Cowboys this weekend. 

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Rays owner refuses to change ‘Tampa Bay’ name for new ballpark

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The Tampa Bay Rays want to upgrade their stadium from Tropicana Field, but co-president Brian Auld will not be changing the team’s name to do so. 

Auld spoke with the St. Petersburg City Council on Thursday, saying he will not agree to have a new ballpark deal if it requires the team to change its name from “Tampa Bay” to “St. Petersburg.”

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker had previously suggested the city have the Rays swap the origin of the team in exchange for an estimated $600 million in public funding and land development rights to build a new ballpark. 

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A general view of the field during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series between the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, October 4, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. (Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

However, Auld made his intentions known before the city council. 

“Within the context of this particular issue, there will not be a new ballpark nor a development project if there’s a requirement to change our franchise’s name,” he said. 

“The name of the team is the Tampa Bay Rays, and it’s going to remain the Tampa Bay Rays,” Auld added, per WUSF. 

FROM OUTKICK: SHOHEI OHTANI REVEALS DOG NAME IS DECOY, OTHER THINGS WE LEARNED DURING HIS FIRST DODGERS PRESS CONFERENCE

Tropicana Field has long been considered a stadium that needed to fall out as an MLB destination. The dome in St. Petersburg has fallen behind other stadiums that have been erected and renovated over the years. 

Auld, though, hasn’t been in the best of light when it comes to the Rays in recent years. In 2021, Auld told the Wall Street Journal that he “concluded that it’s next to impossible that full-season baseball can succeed in Tampa Bay today.”

At the time, Auld was trying to see if the Rays could split their season between Tampa Bay and Montreal. That obviously never worked itself out. 

Rays player with cap over heart

Since being rebranded from “Devil Rays” to “Rays” in 2008, “Tampa Bay” has never been featured across the uniforms of the players. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Presently, the Rays are fully committed to full-season ball in Tampa Bay. However, Auld and the franchise have not budged on making that happen.

As for the argument surrounding the potential name change, Auld says the Rays are just as synonymous with Tampa Bay as the NFL’s Buccaneers and NHL’s Lightning. 

“The Lightning and the Buccaneers recognize this, too,” Auld explained. “It’s absolutely vital to what we do. And we want to make sure that this entire project screams inclusive welcomeness to everyone, and Tampa Bay is the best way for us to do that.”

Auld noted that the team has plans to wear a “St. Pete” uniform for “at least one game,” though “complications with Major League Baseball’s arrangements with people like Nike” prevent them from committing to it fully.

Since being rebranded from the Devil Rays to just Rays in 2008, “Tampa Bay” has never been featured across the uniforms of the players. 

Rays logo across jersey

Since being rebranded from “Devil Rays” to “Rays” in 2008, “Tampa Bay” has never been featured across the uniforms of the players. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

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Tropicana Field is set to host yet another Rays season in 2024, but fans still have hopes that a new stadium can begin to be framed out for the future.

Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking contract features one more quirk regarding front office

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Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers is easily the most talked about in sports for a variety of reasons.

For one, it’s worth $700 million, by far the largest in North American sports.

Ohtani also decided to defer $680 million until after his 10-year pact ends.

So, he’ll be making just $2 million with the Dodgers annually over the next decade.  

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Shohei Ohtani, center, poses for a photo with owner and chairman Mark Walter, left, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman at Dodger Stadium Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

But there’s another oddity in the contract. 

It allows Ohtani to opt out of his deal if either owner Mark Walter sells the team or president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman leaves the organization.

When Ohtani was officially introduced as a Dodger Thursday, he explained why he wanted to have the “safety net” in his deal.

Shohei Ohtani laughing

Shohei Ohtani speaks with Mark Walter, Dodgers owner and chairman, and Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, at Dodger Stadium Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

GIANTS LEGEND HINTS ‘CRIME,’ ‘DRUGS’ IN BAY AREA PLAYED ROLE IN SHOHEI OHTANI SPURNING THEM FOR DODGERS

“Everybody has to be on the same page in order to have a winning organization,” Ohtani said. “I feel like those two are at the top of it, and they’re in control of everything. I feel almost like I’m having a contract with those two guys. I feel like if one of them are gone, then things might get a little out of control. I just wanted, like, a safety net.”

Friedman was hired by the Dodgers in 2014 after spending a decade with the Tampa Bay Rays. And Ohtani’s deal appears to give Friedman some job security. 

The Dodgers have won nine division titles, three pennants and the 2020 World Series under Friedman.

Shoehi Ohtani introduced as Dodger

Shohei Ohtani is introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

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Walter is the controlling owner of the club as part of the Guggenheim group that bought the team in 2012 for $2.15 billion.

In his MLB career, Ohtani has a .922 OPS and a 3.01 ERA, ranking eighth and 10th in the majors, respectively, since his career began in 2018.

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Shohei Ohtani explains why he chose to defer high majority of $700 million contract

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Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, shattering the previous MLB record set by former teammate Mike Trout, who inked a $426 million deal in 2019.

That was jaw-dropping enough. 

Then, news dropped Ohtani would defer $680 million of that until 2034.

Despite the annual average value of Ohtani’s deal being $70 million, he will be making just $2 million per year the next 10 years, then $68 million annually from 2034 to 2043.

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Shohei Ohtani poses for a photo with manager Dave Roberts after being introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Ohtani’s compensation will still register as a $46 million cap hit because of the calculations of the deferrals by Major League Baseball.

The 29-year-old was officially introduced as a member of the Dodgers Thursday at Dodger Stadium, and he explained why he decided to defer over 97% of the money until after the contract ends.

GIANTS LEGEND HINTS ‘CRIME,’ ‘DRUGS’ IN BAY AREA PLAYED ROLE IN SHOHEI OHTANI SPURNING THEM FOR DODGERS

“I was looking into it, doing some calculations, and I figured if I can defer as much money as I can, that’s gonna help the (collective bargaining tax). That’s gonna help the Dodgers and be able to sign better players and make a better team,” he said. “I felt like that was worth it, and I was willing to go in that direction. That’s why I made that choice.”

Ohtani joins Bobby Bonilla, Ken Griffey Jr., Chris Davis and Max Scherzer as players with unusual deferred deals.

San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi revealed his team also offered Ohtani $700 million, before Ohtani signed with LA.

GettyImages ohtanidodgers2 copy

Japanese player Shohei Ohtani takes part in a press conference at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles Dec. 14, 2023, after signing a record-shattering $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

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At the plate, Ohtani led the majors in 2023 with a .654 slugging percentage and 1.066 OPS. His .412 on-base percentage was second, his 44 homers were fourth and his .304 average ranked ninth. On the mound, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. Among pitchers who threw 130 innings, his ERA was the ninth-lowest in the majors, and his K/9 was sixth.

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Lions’ CJ Gardner-Johnson medically cleared to return after potential season-ending injury: ‘Mutant genes’

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The Detroit Lions are getting one of their key secondary pieces back after safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was medically cleared to join his teammates. 

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Gardner-Johnson’s 21-day window to return could start as soon as next week. 

Gardner-Johnson has been sidelined since Week 2 with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He was promptly placed on injured reserve with the expectation he could miss the rest of the season. 

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C.J. Gardner-Johnson of the Detroit Lions poses for a photo prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Sept. 7, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

However, Gardner-Johnson has been hinting at a return, posting to social media Wednesday with a clip from “The Simpsons” in which a doctor uses defibrillation paddles and says, “Clear!”

FROM OUTKICK: JOSH DOBBS GOES FROM VIKINGS HERO TO 3RD STRING QB IN JUST 4 GAMES

“He’s one of the X-Men. He’s got these mutant genes because he has healed extremely quickly, and he’s gotten his strength back,” Campbell said, via ESPN. “It is secure. So, yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.”

After losing two of their last three games, the Lions can use help on defense. They’ve given up 25 or more points in five straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. 

CJ Gardner-Johnson vs Chiefs

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 7, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Gardner-Johnson played a crucial role in the Lions’ hot start to the season that began with an upset victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He had 13 total tackles with two passes defended over the first two games of the year, both of which he started. 

He’s a leader on and off the field, too, rallying his defensive brothers around him like he did on a star-studded Philadelphia Eagles defense in 2022 when he helped them to a Super Bowl appearance. 

Campbell knows the impact Gardner-Johnson can make on his team, which is why the Lions hope he can be available soon.

“It’s good news, and certainly the plan will be, let’s get him going ASAP to get him practicing, get his legs back under him, get him in shape … football shape,” Campbell explained. “But that’s great news. That’s a credit to him, too, now. He’s been working.”

C.J. Gardner-Johnson on field

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) gestures to the crowd to get loud before a play during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks Sept. 17, 2023, at Ford Field in Detroit.  (Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Gardner-Johnson is in his fifth NFL season, his first with the 9-4 Lions after just one year in Philly. His played his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2019.

Alabama’s Jalen Milroe announces return for senior year

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Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is vying for a national championship in a few weeks, but he already has has mind made up on his short-term future.

The quarterback announced Thursday he is returning for his senior year.

Milroe made the announcement on “The Next Round.”

“I’m coming back for my senior year,” he said when asked about his plans.

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Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates after the SEC championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs Dec. 2, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Milroe led the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship upset of Georgia, which was the top-ranked team at the time. Entering that contest, Bama was the eighth seed, but it was enough to get it a nod in the College Football Playoff.

Alabama and 12-1 Big 12 champ Texas knocked out Florida State, which went 13-0 and won the ACC. Some argued one loss to Bama wasn’t enough for Georgia, which had won 29 straight until that loss, to be excluded from the playoff.

Milroe has thrown for 2,718 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also has 12 rushing scores.

But it didn’t come that easy for Milroe. He started the season as the No. 1 quarterback but was benched after losing at home to Texas in Week 2. 

Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

KIRK HERBSTREIT REAFFIRMS STANCE THAT FLORIDA STATE IS NOT ONE OF ‘THE BEST 4’ TEAMS

The benching lit a fire under Milroe. He’s thrown 17 touchdown in his last eight games, throwing multiple touchdowns in seven of those contests. In the one game he didn’t throw for any, he ran for four.

Milroe finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, and with the four finalists likely to go pro, the rising senior will be among the favorites for next year’s Heisman.

Jalen Milroe plays in the SEC Championship Game

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe rushes the ball during the SEC championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs Dec. 2, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.   (Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Alabama is the No. 4 seed in the playoff and will face top-ranked Michigan in the Rose Bowl New Year’s Day.

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A new Russian paratrooper unit was badly beaten in its first fight in Ukraine, sparking fury at a top commander, Western intel says

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  • A newly formed Russian paratrooper unit suffered losses and failures during its debut in Ukraine.

  • British intelligence said Russian milbloggers demanded that a top commander resign in response.

  • This marks a “blow” to Col. Gen. Mikhail Teplinsky’s reputation, according to the UK’s assessment.

A newly formed Russian paratrooper unit appears to have been severely battered during its combat debut in Ukraine earlier this month, and the fallout has led to outrage against one of Moscow’s top commanders, according to Western intelligence.

The 104th Guards Airborne Division, which is part of Russia’s expanded VDV Airborne Forces, deployed to the southern Kherson region in late November in response to Ukraine’s recent territorial advances across the strategic Dnipro river. But by early December, the 104th had “highly likely suffered exceptionally heavy losses and failed to achieve its objectives,” Britain’s defense ministry said in a Thursday intelligence update.

Many of the Russian soldiers in this unit were “highly likely inexperienced,” and the 104th lacked sufficient air support and artillery, it added.

This assessment is not far off from what the UK predicted a few weeks ago, that the 104th would probably be “poorly trained” and fail to live up to the “elite” standards that the VDV had historically maintained before the war heavily degraded them.

Following the recent carnage near the Dnipro river, Russian military bloggers have been demanding the resignation of Col. Gen. Mikhail Teplinsky, who’s long been the commander of the VDV and was recently appointed to oversee the “Dnepr” grouping of forces, which operates around the Kherson region.

Britain’s defense ministry called this “a blow to Teplinsky’s reputation as one of the more capable Russian field commanders of the war.”

A group of Ukrainian marines sail from the riverbank of Dnipro at the frontline near Kherson, Ukraine, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

A group of Ukrainian marines sail from the riverbank of Dnipro at the frontline near Kherson, Ukraine, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.AP Photo/Alex Babenko

Teplinsky is a longtime favorite among Russia’s ultranationalists and has enjoyed a pretty unusual run as a military leader throughout Moscow’s full-scale war in Ukraine.

The airborne commander oversaw successful combat operations last fall but was later dismissed from a leadership role, leading to a display of insubordination and frustration. He was reinstated into a position of authority earlier this year, but in the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s chaotic rebellion, it was rumored that the general would be arrested due to his ties to the mercenaries. That, however, didn’t happen.

By October, Teplinsky had replaced Col. Gen. Oleg Makarevich as commander of the Dnepr grouping of forces, according to an assessment at the end of that month by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank. Britain’s defense ministry noted at the time that Teplinsky already had experienced commanding operations in that area, where he oversaw a successful Russian withdrawal last year, and said that Moscow’s military leadership likely held him “in high regard.”

It remains to be seen if the recent setbacks suffered by the 104th impact Teplinsky’s leadership role. Russia has sacked a number of commanders who have disappointed over the course of the war.

In this handout photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, March 27, 2023, Russian paratroopers aim a weapon fire toward Ukrainian position at an undisclosed location.

In this handout photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, March 27, 2023, Russian paratroopers aim a weapon fire toward Ukrainian position at an undisclosed location.Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

The VDV — like several other so-called “elite” Russian forces — has at times been misused by Moscow’s military for combat roles that are inconsistent with what the force is designed to do. They have also endured heavy losses on the battlefield — much like the Russian military as a whole, which may have suffered up to 350,000 casualties by to some recent Western estimates.

Ukraine’s recent advances across the Dnipro come as it continues to defend against renewed Russian offensive efforts in the eastern region. The White House said this week that since Moscow’s assault began more than two months ago, it hasn’t produced any strategic gains but has endured a severe cost — in both human life and military equipment — as a result.

“Russia is determined to press forward with its offensive despite its losses,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement shared with Business Insider on Tuesday.

“It is more critical now than ever that we maintain our support for Ukraine so they can continue to hold the line and regain their territory,” she added as the Biden administration continues to press Congress to approve more funding amid uncertainty over future US security assistance to Kyiv.

Read the original article on Business Insider

‘No respect for the country’

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Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom took exception to how Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James walked through the Galen Center court during the national anthem prior to his son Bronny James’ game with USC. 

James was seen on video walking to his courtside seats with his family, as the national anthem was playing before his son’s debut with the Trojans in a game against Long Beach State. 

As the anthem continued to play, James took his seat while many throughout the arena were standing. James is seen standing up at the very end of the video before it cuts off. 

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Southern California guard Bronny James, left, passes the ball as his father, LeBron James, right, watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Long Beach State, Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Kanter Freedom saw the moment and ripped James on his X account. 

“Lebron [sic] James stands for whoever gives him money! He would have stood with his hand on his heart if that was the Chinese National Anthem!” Freedom tweeted. He has no respect for the men and women who defend our country, so that he can live his life freely. 

“Poor example of leadership and an embarrassment to the #NBA. He has no respect for the country that allowed him to become a billionaire, and a worldwide basketball star.”

This isn’t the first time Kanter Freedom has been vocal about his dislike of James. 

ENES KANTER FREEDOM THROWS INTENSE SHADE ON LEBRON JAMES RIGHT AFTER HE BREAKS NBA SCORING RECORD

When James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record, Kanter Freedom decided to “honor” him with another tweet. 

“38,388 Points. 0 Morals. 0 Values. 0 Principles. 0 Empathy. 1 Bow Down to #China. Congrats @KingJames,” Kanter Freedom tweeted.

Kanter Freedom, who legally changed his last name after becoming a U.S. citizen, has been displeased with the league’s relationship with China as well as James’ controversy that came from comments about the country. 

“When the Muslims are being literally slaughtered in concentration camps in China, you [NBA commissioner Adam Silver] are silent, and not only are you silent, but you’re literally working with this genocidal regime. You’re literally working with the most brutal regime in the world hand-in-hand and trying to make money and business over there.

“Please look me in the eye and say you don’t know nothing about the 3 million people in concentration camps in China [who] are getting tortured and raped every day. Shame on you.” 

Enes Kanter at the UN

American basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom speaks during an interview with AFP at the United Nations Office in Geneva on April 5, 2022. (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Kanter Freedom was also judgmental of James when Brittney Griner’s release was arranged by the U.S. in a deal with Russia, saying on his HBO show “The Shop” that the WNBA star should reconsider coming back to the country after being in Russian detainment for so long. 

“It just makes me really sad and breaks my heart when people take their freedom for granted. So that’s why I was like, I was very confused,” Kanter Freedom told “America’s Newsroom” host Bill Hemmer.

James later clarified that he wasn’t trying to knock “our beautiful country,” which Kanter didn’t buy. 

ENES KANTER FREEDOM CALLS OUT LEBRON JAMES: ‘BREAKS MY HEART WHEN PEOPLE TAKE THEIR FREEDOM FOR GRANTED’

“You call it a step back, we call this a walk back,” Kanter Freedom tweeted at the time.

“You are free to leave buddy or you can even volunteer for an exchange for her.”

Kanter Freedom last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Boston Celtics. He spent time with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers throughout his 11-year career as well. 

Enes Freedom and LeBron James side by side

Enes Freedom took exception to LeBron James walking and sitting while the national anthem was playing at a USC basketball game.  (Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, James is in his 20th year in the league, his sixth with the Lakers.Â