The Florida Panthers celebrated their Stanley Cup win in patriotic fashion at the White House Thursday with President Donald Trump. No boycotting, no bad-mouthing, just love and respect for the country many on the team call home.
&#8220;On behalf of the whole organization and mainly the players, we are so honored to be here,&#8221; Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk told Trump. &#8220;Being an American, I know I said it last year, but I mean, nothing beats this. I&#8217;m so proud to be an American, and I&#8217;m so proud to be here with you and everybody else.&#8221;
The back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup Champs have transformed the Florida franchise. Though Tkachuk scored two goals in the Panthers&#8217; Stanley Cup Final series, hanging out with the President is at the top of his list of accomplishments.
&#8220;The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might&#8217;ve &#8216;Trumped&#8217; it all there,&#8221; Tkachuk said, emphasizing the play on words. &#8220;That was pretty amazing.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FlaPanthers</a> star Matthew Tkachuk: &#8220;The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might&#8217;ve Trumped it all&#8230; Nothing beats this. I&#8217;m so proud to be an American, and so proud to be here with you.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/r3LXfIU5fQ">pic.twitter.com/r3LXfIU5fQ</a>
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2011917662264152301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As an honorary Floridian himself, Trump praised the Panthers for their historic accomplishments, including bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to South Florida. The President said he watched some of the Panthers&#8217; games last season and the players &#8220;know how to win.&#8221;
&#8220;It&#8217;s an honor to welcome to the White House the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers,&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;Unbelievable team, unbelievable athletes, players. These men are responsible for the greatest feats in Panthers&#8217; franchise history.&#8221;
The President pointed out that he should be welcoming the three-time defending champions, but the Panthers lost in the final in 2023.
&#8220;The one that you didn&#8217;t make, what the hell happened to you? You should have won that game,&#8221; Trump said as the room erupted in laughter.
The Panthers gifted Trump a No. 47 jersey, a flashy championship ring, and a golden hockey stick, which Trump said will be &#8220;good for slashing.&#8221;
Trump loved the fact that the Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers, one of the NHL&#8217;s seven Canadian teams — a big win for the Team USA crowd.
&#8220;You denied Canada the Stanley Cup for the 32nd straight year,&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;We have a little competition with Canada &#8230; We’re doing much better than Canada, but that’s okay. We want them to do well, and they’re going to do well.&#8221;
Canada and the United States are just weeks away from competing in the Winter Olympics that start in February. Tkachuk, who was raised in Missouri, told Trump he cannot wait to put on the Team USA jersey.
&#8220;Representing you and the millions back here next month in the Olympics will be one of the highlights of my life as well,&#8221; he added, while looking toward the president.
The NHL will pause for the Olympics, but when the season picks back up at the end of February, Tkachuk told Trump to make room for another Panther&#8217;s championship ring in the White House.
&#8220;We&#8217;re not stopping now, we hope to be here next year.&#8221;

Credit: Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images

‘I’m So Proud To Be An American’: NHL Champion Loves The USA And President Trump

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A Nevada ballot measure that would enshrine a ban in the state constitution on athletes who identify as transgender to compete on women’s sports teams is likely to be put before voters in November, drawing increased attention to the gubernatorial race.
Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo announced the “Protect Girls’ Sports” initiative last week after teasing it throughout last year. The measure would “amend the Equal Rights Amendment to protect fairness and integrity in girls’ athletics,” particularly regarding public funding, according to a press release.
“We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure girls’ sports are fair and athletes are safe,” Lombardo, who’s seeking re-election, said in a statement. “It’s important that female athletes have the opportunity to succeed in their athletic field. By bringing together a diverse coalition now, we can establish clear and fair standards that protect generations of female athletes to come.”
If the measure gathers enough signatures to qualify for a statewide vote, it would first be on the 2026 ballot as a question, then return to the 2028 ballot for final approval before being added to the constitution.
&#8220;Title IX was instituted for a reason – to create a level playing field so that girls and boys have an equal chance to succeed in our schools,&#8221; petition initiative director Adriana Guzmán Fralick said in a statement. &#8220;But there has been an attack on girls’ athletics that seeks to disrupt that equality. The people of Nevada do not support this, and I’m proud to help them make their voice heard on this issue at the ballot box.”
The issue is already a hot topic on the campaign trail, as Attorney General Aaron Ford, who is seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, said he does not personally believe athletes who identify as transgender should compete in women&#8217;s sports, but nevertheless opposes the ballot initiative, according to the <a href="https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/lombardo-to-lead-2026-ballot-initiative-to-keep-transgender-athletes-out-of-female-sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nevada Independent</a>.
“My faith teaches me that every person is a child of God and deserves to be treated with humanity, dignity, and respect,” the Democrat stated, according to the outlet. “And as Attorney General, I will continue defending the constitutional rights of every Nevadan.&#8221;
On December 23, Ford was listed on an amicus brief in a Minnesota case challenging a ban on transgender-identifying athletes. The <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/FAUvEllison_StatesAmicusBrief_AsFiled.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brief</a> states that &#8220;discrimination against transgender youth—including denying them the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities consistent with their gender identity—can have serious health consequences.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrats-now-think-transgenderism-is-a-winning-issue-itll-be-put-to-the-test-in-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a> reported that Ford signed onto a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals amicus brief in 2023 regarding two minors who identified as transgender, and whether or not they could play on a girls&#8217; sports team in Arizona.
“Plaintiffs simply want to participate on their school’s girl’s sports teams with their friends,” the brief said.
“They have not experienced any of the physiological changes associated with male puberty and have no ascertainable competitive advantage over their cisgender peers,” it continued, saying that the plaintiffs identified as “girls in all aspects of their lives since an early age.”
He also signed on to a 2022 amicus brief challenging an Arkansas law on “gender-affirming treatment” for minors.
“We must protect our children from discriminatory laws that bar access to necessary, gender-affirming health care,” Ford stated in 2022. &#8220;Over and over again, evidence has shown that denying transgender youth access to gender-affirming care has a detrimental effect to their mental health and quality of life.”
The Daily Wire reached out to the Ford campaign. At the national level, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Tuesday in cases related to the issue.

Joe Lombardo Makes His First Public Statement Since Being Declared Winner Of Nevada Gubernatorial Race

Nevada Governor’s Race Shaped By Potential Transgender Ballot Measure

2026 election

Elections

Nevada

Politics

Social Issues

Transgender

Transgender Athletes

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear a case about trans-identifying boys participating in girls’ sports. A West Virginia law is at the center of the hearing.
The Daily Wire has been at the forefront of the battle over gender ideology. Exhibit A: Matt Walsh’s groundbreaking documentary What Is A Woman?
It’s one thing for an adult to fight the good fight and entirely another for an eighth-grade girl to take a stand.
They say this case will affect laws in 27 states. But it’s already directly affected the life of one young girl in West Virginia.
Here she is in her own words. — Joel Kneedler
* * *
Eighth grade. The year when most girls are making core memories with friends and preparing for that exciting, albeit scary, transition to high school. But for me, that year was frustrating and uncomfortable.
As a young female athlete, I lost out on the opportunity to compete in West Virginia’s Mid-Mountain Championship track-and-field meet and had to endure sexually harassing comments from a male athlete who was allowed to join the girls’ team at my middle school.
Now, I’m 17 years old and eagerly looking to the U.S. Supreme Court as it hears — for the first time — why it should protect female athletes and affirm the biological reality that boys and girls are different.
<div id="attachment_1026433" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1026433" class="size-large wp-image-1026433" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/West-Virginia-II-864x576.jpg" alt="Credit: Adaleia Cross." width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/West-Virginia-II-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/West-Virginia-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/West-Virginia-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/West-Virginia-II.jpg 900w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Credit: Adaleia Cross.</div>
The Court is considering two cases: <a href="https://adflegal.org/case/bpj-v-west-virginia-state-board-education/?utm_source=dailywire&amp;utm_medium=oped">one</a> being litigated by Attorney General JB McCuskey of my home state of West Virginia and <a href="https://adflegal.org/case/little-v-hecox/?utm_source=dailywire&amp;utm_medium=oped">another</a> led by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador. Both states are joined by legal counsel from Alliance Defending Freedom, which has represented me in other cases. These states enacted laws to restore common sense, fairness, and safety in women’s sports. Shortly afterward, however, activists who believe that boys should be able to compete against girls challenged both laws. The lawsuit in my state was brought on behalf of the male athlete competing on my girls’ track-and-field team.
That athlete displaced 423 different girls 1,100 times and took 57 medals from them. Those young women will never get those opportunities back. And that’s just one athlete. Other girls and women across the country, from middle school to college to the Olympics, continue to tell their stories of bravely choosing to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-female-fencer-and-trans-supporting-usa-fencing-head-face-off-at-heated-doge-hearing">forfeit games</a> or matches in defense of biological truth. Or they talk about the heartache of losing to males who take roster spots and stand on <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/cheated-betrayed-and-violated-riley-gaines-reflects-on-journey-to-protect-girls-sports?author=Amanda+Prestigiacomo&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=%E2%80%98Cheated%2C+Betrayed%2C+And+Violated%E2%80%99%3A+Riley+Gaines+Reflects+On+Journey+To+Protect+Girls+Sports">winner podiums</a> meant for girls.
Until April 2023, I was in the top three on my team for discus in both seventh and eighth grade. I was usually in the top three or four for shot put as well. But that changed when the male started beating me.
It felt strange to be kicked out of my events because I had always gotten to compete before. I felt angry and discouraged that a male athlete took my spot. But I also felt like I couldn’t say anything about it. If I complained, I was made to feel like the problem for feeling uncomfortable and recognizing the unfairness. I felt like I had to suck it up and live with it. I felt unheard and unseen.
It’s extremely frustrating to know that no matter how hard I work, I will not be able to throw farther than the male athlete. Being excluded from a competition before it even begins is discouraging; I am obviously not as strong and athletic as most boys my age. It makes me so angry that I do not even have a chance to win. I want to scream, “Why am I even here?”
In fact, I’ve decided not to compete in track and field in high school because of the male athletes’ participation. 
It’s frustrating that I have to give up the sport I love — and excel at — because school officials have allowed males to compete with the girls. A male’s belief about his gender doesn’t erase the physical advantages over females.
Losing opportunities to compete at higher levels is very frustrating, but even worse was having to endure the athlete’s sexual, vulgar comments directed at me. Not to mention having to share a locker room. No girl should be forced to change in front of a boy or share such intimate spaces with the opposite sex.
In sports, biology matters. In life, it does too.
Gender ideology is full of lies that hurt real people. Believing that a male can erase physical differences with drugs impacts so much more than just girls’ sports. Women deserve their own spaces. Men don’t belong in women’s showers, restrooms, locker rooms, overnight school trips, prisons, or shelters.
All this weighs heavily on my heart, not just for me, but for my little sister, who is an incredible athlete.
<div id="attachment_1026429" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1026429" class="size-large wp-image-1026429" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/Untitled-design-14-864x576.jpg" alt="Credit: Adaleia Cross." width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/Untitled-design-14-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/Untitled-design-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/Untitled-design-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/01/Untitled-design-14.jpg 900w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Credit: Adaleia Cross.</div>
It’s not true that a man can be a woman. If we want a society that respects women, we must accept that reality. Title IX was designed to guarantee equal opportunity for women. We can’t go backward. 
 
I may only be one voice from West Virginia, but I know I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who have championed women’s rights for years. And today, I join a new chorus of women — we’re young and paying attention. We’re also grateful for this incredible opportunity to ask the Supreme Court to listen to our stories and allow states to defend biological reality, fairness, and female athletes.
 * * * 
 
Adaleia Cross is a West Virginia high school student.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
* * *
<h3>WATCH: Matt Walsh’s “What Is A Woman?” on DailyWire+</h3>
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/videos/what-is-a-woman?elementPosition=3&amp;row=6&amp;rowHeadline=Featured&amp;rowType=Portrait+Show+Carousel"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-805851" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/MixCollage-01-Oct-2024-04-20-PM-2436-1024x576.jpg" alt="What is a Woman?" width="1024" height="576" /></a>

MixCollage-12-Jan-2026-08-52-AM-2830

I’m One Of The Girls Title IX Was Meant To Protect

gender ideology

High School

Middle School

SCOTUS

Supreme Court

West Virginia

Women's sports

Fernando Mendoza has made a name for himself. You can call the Indiana quarterback &#8220;Heisman Winner,&#8221; &#8220;Player of the Year,&#8221; or by the nearly dozen other awards the junior has won from his record-setting season. Mendoza is using his name in this new Name, Image, and Likeness era to make millions, but he&#8217;s also using it to fight multiple sclerosis, a disease his mom Elsa has battled for 18 years.
With the help of local restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana, Mendoza is raising money for MS through the National MS Society.
The quarterback teamed up with BuffaLouie&#8217;s to make the &#8220;Mendoza Bros. Burger&#8221; and Gable&#8217;s Bagels for the &#8220;Mendoza Bros. Cubano.&#8221; Proceeds from both of those items go directly to the National MS Society.
&#8220;My mom means the world to me,&#8221; Mendoza said on his fundraiser <a href="https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participants/FernandoMendoza">site</a>. &#8220;She’s the most caring and positive person I know, and I’ll keep doing everything I can to support her and others living with MS.&#8221;
Mendoza&#8217;s goal is to raise $150,000 for the foundation. He has received $144,443 so far through his campaign.
In a letter penned to <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/fernando-mendoza-elsa-mom-ncaa-football-indiana-hoosiers">The Players&#8217; Tribune</a>, Elsa said her son has helped her not feel embarrassed about the degenerative disease.
&#8220;When you have to carry me up the stairs, you’ve always kept that same spark in your eye,&#8221; Elsa wrote. &#8220;No matter what kind of state I’ve been in, or day I’ve been having, you’ve never once looked away. You’ve never once treated me like I’m embarrassing, or deficient, or anything other than someone you love and are standing by.&#8221;
In the emotional letter, Elsa opened up about raising Mendoza as a young mom in Boston. She said her firstborn always felt like her closest buddy. Together, the two navigated the Miami native&#8217;s first Boston winter. All these years later, Mendoza is still helping his mom, just in different ways.
&#8220;Even as my condition has gotten worse, and as our lives continue to change around that fact. You manage to make me feel like I’m still every part of myself,&#8221; Elsa said. &#8220;Like I’m still that same person you’ve been teammates with since we got through our first Boston winter together. Like I’m still that same mom.&#8221;
Their bond took center stage at the Heisman ceremony in December, where Mendoza, through tear-filled eyes, dedicated the trophy to his mom.
&#8220;Mommy, this is your trophy as much as mine. You&#8217;ve always been my biggest fan. You&#8217;re my light. You&#8217;re my why. You&#8217;re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifices, courage, love, those have been my first playbook and the playbook that I&#8217;m going to carry through my entire life. You taught me that toughness doesn&#8217;t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It&#8217;s choosing hope. It&#8217;s believing in yourself when the world doesn&#8217;t give you much reason to. Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is impossible. I love you.&#8221;
Mendoza said he&#8217;s using his platform to achieve his goal of &#8220;a world free of MS.&#8221;
&#8220;The money raised through this campaign will help fund MS research, programs, and services so people affected by MS can live their best lives.&#8221;
Mendoza is arguably living his best life right now as he gears up to take on Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal Friday night. He credits the success he and Indiana are having this season to his mom.
&#8220;To see her optimistic and positive approach with all that she&#8217;s battling has given myself no excuse for complacency throughout my life — whether it&#8217;s academics or football,&#8221; Mendoza said on a recent <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/HpN2MEnKoD4?si=DXGcv7bl2wba38FL">podcast</a>. &#8220;To see her fight and see her struggle and then get better &#8230; it&#8217;s been so inspiring to myself.&#8221;
When Mendoza takes the field against Oregon, the spotlight will shine bright on college football&#8217;s best player, and he embraces it — knowing he&#8217;s making an impact for his mom, the person he cares about most.

Credit: CFP via Getty Images

Indiana’s Heisman QB Fernando Mendoza Fights For Wins On The Field While Leading The Fight Against MS

College Football

General

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Indiana University

U.S.

The Kansas City Chiefs missed the NFL playoffs for the first time in a decade, but the team is still making headlines for off-the-field issues.
Wednesday night, the Chiefs told ESPN they are aware of the allegations made by Kansas City wide receiver Rashee Rice&#8217;s ex-girlfriend.
&#8220;The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League,&#8221; the Chiefs said in a statement. &#8220;We have no further comment at this time.&#8221;
Dacoda Nichole Jones, who shares two kids with Rice, posted pictures on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOPYNZFHRT/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">Instagram</a> Wednesday of cuts and bruises on her face, arms, and other parts of her body, as well as damage to walls and cabinets. Jones claims she has dealt with abuse for eight years.
In the post, Jones doesn&#8217;t name Rice, but said the abuse came at the hands of the father of her children. She also accused the father of her kids of putting his hands on her while she was pregnant.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve protected his image too long, and I&#8217;m done doing that,&#8221; Jones said. &#8220;It&#8217;s time to protect my peace, protect my children and stand up for myself.&#8221;
Jones also claimed in her post that her abuser cut up her clothes and shoes and left her and the children in Kansas.
&#8220;He tries to put on this persona like he’s dad of the year. He does the bare minimum,&#8221; Jones said.
Just as Jones didn&#8217;t name Rice in her post, the Chiefs&#8217; statement didn&#8217;t specify if the allegations related to Rice.
Per ESPN, as of Wednesday night, Jones had yet to file a police report.
Last July, Rice was sentenced to 30 days in prison plus five years&#8217; probation for his involvement in a multi-car crash in Dallas in March 2024, where multiple people were injured.
The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to the two third-degree felony charges. As part of his plea, he received deferred adjudication. Upon completion of his probation, that case will be dismissed.
According to ESPN, Rice and his friends fled on foot before police arrived at the crash scene.
Because of the incident, Rice served a six-game suspension at the start of the 2025 season for violating the NFL&#8217;s personal conduct policy.
After coming back from his suspension, Rice was a productive part of the Chiefs&#8217; offense in 2025. He had 53 receptions for 571 yards and a team-high five touchdowns.
The Daily Wire has reached out to the Kansas City Chiefs for comment.

Credit: Cooper Neill via Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs React To Star Receiver Being In Hot Water Again

Kansas City Chiefs "Aware" Of Allegations Made By Rashee Rice Ex-Girlfriend

Kansas City Chiefs

Donald Trump has range. One minute, he&#8217;s talking special forces, the next, he&#8217;s talking sports.
On Wednesday, the president chose to kick off the day with the latter, standing up for longtime NFL coach John Harbaugh, who was fired by the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday after 18 seasons.
&#8220;HIRE JOHN HARBAUGH, FAST,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115854238467475779">wrote</a> on Truth Social. &#8220;HE AND HIS BROTHER ARE TOTAL WINNERS!!! President DJT.&#8221;
Sounds like the NFL just got an official order from the Commander in Chief.
The Harbaugh brothers and Trump have history. Jim and John Harbaugh visited Trump at the <a href="https://x.com/alexbruesewitz/status/1943666137037730011?s=20">White House</a> last summer.
Is Trump&#8217;s endorsement biased toward his friend? Maybe. But the President is spot on about John Harbaugh being a &#8220;total winner.&#8221;
Harbaugh led Baltimore to 12 playoff appearances, six division titles, and a Super Bowl victory.
Harbaugh&#8217;s firing came after the Ravens lost to the Steelers on Sunday after missing the game-winning field goal. That play cost the Ravens a playoff berth and Harbaugh his job.
&#8220;Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today,&#8221; Harbaugh said in a <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/steve-bisciotti-john-harbaugh-ravens-statements">statement</a>. &#8220;It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE &amp; APPRECIATION. Gratitude to the owner and organization who was willing to bring in a head coach who made his mark with Special Teams success. A difficult thing to do … and Appreciation for all the moments, all these years, that are etched into eternity.&#8221;
Harbaugh has gratitude, but far more have gripes with his release.
Super Bowl-winning coach and NFL legend, Tony Dungy, is disgusted with the move.
&#8220;I can’t believe what things have come to in the NFL,&#8221; Dungy <a href="https://x.com/TonyDungy/status/2008683588972147113?s=20">said</a>. &#8220;I’m sorry but I don’t understand. Good luck Baltimore in finding a better coach.&#8221;
Ravens owner, Steve Bisciotti, said he made the decision to fire Harbaugh after evaluating the season and the direction of the program.
&#8220;This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity,&#8221; Bisciotti said. &#8220;Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership. He and his family have deeply embedded themselves in this community. For these profound contributions, on and off the field, we should all be forever grateful.&#8221;
With his release from the Ravens, Harbaugh is arguably the hottest free agent in the coaching realm.
According to his agent, seven teams have reached out with interest in bringing Harbaugh on board as their head coach.
Harbaugh has the resume. Now the veteran coach has the best reference any job candidate could have: The President of the United States.

Credit: Kevin Sabitus/Alex Wong via Getty Images

‘HIRE JOHN HARBAUGH, FAST’: Trump Weighs In After Ravens Fire Longtime NFL Coach

Donald Trump Says Hire Harbaugh After Ravens Oust Coach After 18 Seasons

Baltimore Ravens

Donald Trump

Lane Kiffin has mastered passive income, continuing to profit from his former team&#8217;s postseason success just over a month after leaving Ole Miss to become head coach at LSU.
When Kiffin stepped down on November 30 to take the LSU gig, his contract included guarantees ensuring he would still benefit financially if the Rebels went on a College Football Playoff run, according to <a href="https://frontofficesports.com/lane-kiffin-earns-500k-bonus-from-ole-miss-win-over-georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Front Office Sports</a>.
Under the deal, LSU agreed to pay Kiffin $150,000 after Ole Miss made the College Football Playoff. That increased to $250,000 after Ole Miss beat Tulane in the first round, matching the payout Ole Miss had promised.
But wait, there&#8217;s more. After Ole Miss upset Georgia in the quarterfinals, Kiffin&#8217;s bonus grew to $500,000, per the outlet.
If the Rebels advance to the national championship game, LSU will owe him $750,000, and if they shock the world and win it all, Kiffin would receive $1 million from LSU within 30 days, the report said. The bonuses are not cumulative. Instead, each postseason win increases Kiffin&#8217;s total bonus to the next tier.
Not bad for not calling a single play for Ole Miss in the postseason.
Considering those numbers, it&#8217;s no surprise that Kiffin is still publicly supporting his former team. After Ole Miss&#8217;s win over Georgia at the Sugar Bowl on New Year&#8217;s Day, he posted photos of his family, appearing to count down to a potentially even bigger payday, <a href="https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2006955341963993373?s=20">saying</a>: &#8220;What a great finish!!! So much fun!! Only two more to go.&#8221;
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Kiffin said he wanted to attend the Sugar Bowl, but did not, to the relief of many of his former players, who view the entire situation as their former coach trolling them.
&#8220;That&#8217;s all he&#8217;s trying to do. That&#8217;s all he&#8217;s been trying to do is steal our shine,&#8221; Ole Miss senior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris told <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47479549/ole-miss-cfp-staff-uncertain-kiffin-plots-lsu-transfer-portal-period">ESPN</a>. &#8220;He was trying to be a troll. We&#8217;re going to troll him. We got something for him.&#8221;
Ole Miss&#8217;s postseason run continues next weekend in the Fiesta Bowl, with a trip to the National Championship on the line.
It remains unclear how many Ole Miss assistant coaches joining Kiffin&#8217;s LSU staff will remain with the Rebels through the semifinal on January 8 against the Miami Hurricanes. ESPN reports that offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss Jr. is expected to coach in the Fiesta Bowl, while three other assistants are expected in Baton Rouge this weekend.
That scenario is pending, but Ole Miss&#8217;s postseason run has already proven profitable for Kiffin.

Untitled design (3Illustration by Daily Wire staff

It Pays To Be Lane Kiffin, LSU Coach Still Raking In Cash Off Former Team’s Success

Lane Kiffin

The day after the news broke that Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and assault charges, another Patriots player was found to be facing similar accusations.
According to court documents, Christian Barmore is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household/family member. The charge comes pursuant to an incident on August 8, a report was filed December 16.
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According to charging documents obtained by ABC, a woman who was in a relationship with Barmore claims the defensive tackle was angry with her over the temperature in his bedroom. The woman alleged that she and Barmore had also argued over food.
She told police that Barmore grabbed her phone from her hands while she was trying to leave the house. The court documents also state that the woman was trying to open the door and scream for help, but said that &#8220;Christian grabbed her before she could and threw her to the floor.&#8221;
The woman said Barmore grabbed her by the shirt &#8220;in the area of the neck&#8221; while she tried to get up, but then let her go. Allegedly, this all played out in front of their two-year-old child.
WCVB in Boston reports the victim told police she had bruises and that she sent a photo to officers.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel <a href="https://x.com/Patriots/status/2006427724802384272?s=20">addressed</a> the allegations against Diggs and Barmore. Vrabel said he hasn&#8217;t heard of anything that would keep Diggs or Barmore from playing in Sunday&#8217;s regular season finale against the Dolphins.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/stefon-diggs-facing-strangulation-assault-charge-from-december-incident-with-private-chef">Stefon Diggs Facing Strangulation, Assault Charge From December Incident With Private Chef</a>
During the press conference, the veteran coach took questions about the serious charges against both Diggs and Barmore. Vrabel said at the time that the situation was &#8220;not disappointing at all&#8221; because, thus far, everything is based solely upon allegations.
&#8220;I don&#8217;t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now,&#8221; Vrabel said.
The Patriots released a statement regarding Barmore&#8217;s charges on Wednesday.
“The New England Patriots are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Christian Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August. The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. We will respect that process, continue to monitor the situation closely, as we have over the past few months, and cooperate fully with the league. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Vrabel added more context to the statement during the presser, saying that it was not a surprise to the organization when the charges against Diggs and Barmore came to light this week.
Vrabel said that he was &#8220;confident that we will focus on the Dolphins and those two individuals will be able to handle the ongoing legal process.&#8221;
Barmore has been with the Patriots since 2021, after getting drafted in the second round out of Alabama. The tackle is set to be arraigned on February 3, five days before the Super Bowl.

Credit: Michael Owens/Getty Images

Second Patriots Player Charged With Assault, This Time Over A Thermostat

New England Patriots

The NBA and the national anthem have been embroiled in controversy for the better part of the last decade. In 2020, NBA players knelt during the anthem at the height of the BLM protests and riots.
In 2025, fans now claim LeBron James practiced his golf swing during the Star-Spangled Banner.
Before Sunday&#8217;s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, James was caught on <a href="https://x.com/BrickCenter_/status/2005370011565556113?s=20">camera</a> swinging his hips and arms as the anthem played in the background.
Sports commentator Craig Carton and other fans felt James was practicing his golf swing during the anthem. Carton called out James&#8217; behavior during Monday&#8217;s episode of The Craig Carton Show.
“If you wanna disregard your coach, and disregard your teammates &#8230; do it on your own time. Don&#8217;t do it during my national anthem,&#8221; Carton said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LEBRON DISRESPECTED THE NATIONAL ANTHEM!
“If you wanna disregard your coach, teammates, do it on your own time… he disrespects the national anthem… that’s a good time to work on my golf swing? While the anthem is being played?” — <a href="https://twitter.com/craigcartonlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@craigcartonlive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeBronJames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeBronJames</a> <a href="https://t.co/sMZ66TITDA">pic.twitter.com/sMZ66TITDA</a>
— The Craig Carton Show (@CraigCartonShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigCartonShow/status/2005744528746270911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
Clearly, Carton was not happy with James not paying attention to the Star-Spangled Banner.
&#8220;Your guy, the self-appointed king, decides that’s a good time for me to work on my golf swing and disrespect the men and women of the military who gave their lives for this country. Let me get a couple air swings in while the anthem is being played because I don’t play good basketball anymore, I got to work on my golf game,” Carton said.
Sunday may have been the first time James&#8217; golf game crossed over with the anthem, but the 41-year-old has made headlines this season for his head seemingly being on the fairway instead of the basketball court.
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During a timeout in October, <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/watch-lebron-james-get-swing-tips-from-austin-reaves-los-angeles-lakers-timeout?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=golfdigest">James</a> was seen getting golf tips from a teammate instead of listening to what was happening inside the huddle.
Earlier in December, he was practicing his golf <a href="https://x.com/BrickCenter_/status/2000629260038644141?s=20">swing</a> during the Lakers game against the Phoenix Suns.
Those incidents were head scratchers, but Sunday&#8217;s antics had pushback.
It adds to the longstanding rocky road between sports and the national anthem.
In 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick first kneeled for the anthem in protest. James supported Kaepernick&#8217;s actions for years, even kneeling multiple times during the anthem himself.
During Sunday&#8217;s game, it didn&#8217;t appear that James was protesting the anthem. Instead, the 23-year NBA veteran simply wasn&#8217;t standing at attention like most everyone else in the arena.
Appearing to work on a golf swing at any point during an NBA game is a concern for Lakers fans. Lakers coach JJ Redick said in a recent interview that his team simply doesn&#8217;t care enough. James&#8217; close friend, Dwayne Wade, said his former teammate isn&#8217;t too concerned about his coach&#8217;s comments.
“LeBron is on his golf simulator right now,” Wade said.
It&#8217;s clear that James, like many Americans, loves golf. Maybe the backlash from Sunday&#8217;s swinging is enough for the NBA legend to rethink what he does during the two minutes it takes to honor the United States.

Credit: Luke Hales/Getty Images

LeBron James Caught Practicing His ‘Golf Swing’ During National Anthem

LeBron James Takes Swing During National Anthem

LeBron James

National Anthem

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing disturbing allegations stemming from an incident with his private chef earlier this month.
In early December, Diggs allegedly got into an argument with his personal chef via text over an apparent undelivered paycheck. The chef told police that the argument continued in person when Diggs entered her room, hit her in the face, and tried to choke her using his elbow. Diggs&#8217; grip was tight, and when she tried to escape, the wide receiver tightened his hold before throwing her onto the bed, the chef claimed, per TMZ.
According to <a href="https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/stefon-diggs-criminal-charges-assault-strangulation/3869390/">NBC Boston</a>, Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
This altercation happened in Dedham, Massachusetts, the day after the Patriots beat the Giants on Monday Night Football on December 1. The alleged victim filed the complaint against Diggs on December 16. According to NBC Boston, the chef didn&#8217;t want to press charges at first because of Diggs&#8217; fame and status, but ultimately decided to do so.
The chef told police she has worked for Diggs since July of this year, and was supposed to work for him throughout the 2025 football season. At the time of the incident with Diggs, she claims she hadn&#8217;t received a month&#8217;s pay.
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Diggs&#8217; attorney, David Meier, released a statement on Tuesday strongly denying the allegations against the NFL wide receiver.
&#8220;They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated &#8212; because they did not occur. The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee&#8217;s satisfaction. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.&#8221;
The Patriots also released a <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2006045441360793872?s=20">statement</a>: &#8220;The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.&#8221;
NBC Boston reports Diggs&#8217; arraignment is scheduled for January 23, which is the Friday before the AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots clinched the AFC East title on Sunday. In that game, Diggs scored a touchdown — his first in nearly two months. The 32-year-old has a team-leading 82 receptions for 970 yards and four touchdowns this season.
The Patriots wrap up the regular season Sunday before their postseason push for a Super Bowl.
In response to The Daily Wire&#8217;s request for comment, Dedham Police Department said: &#8220;We are in receipt of your request for copies of records and information related to this matter. However, we are unable to fulfill this request at this time. A motion to impound records related to this matter is currently pending before the court, and we are awaiting the judge&#8217;s ruling on that motion. Until the court issues a decision, we are not releasing any documents or information.&#8221;

Credit:  Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

Stefon Diggs Facing Strangulation, Assault Charge From December Incident With Private Chef

Crime

Stefon Diggs

The best female tennis player in the world just lost to a man who has been injured for years and is currently ranked close to the very bottom of the tennis ocean.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka lost to No. 671 Nick Kyrgios in the &#8220;Battle of the Sexes&#8221; match over the weekend in Dubai, proving once again that men have a distinct biological advantage over women in sports.
The &#8220;Battle of the Sexes&#8221; match was a spinoff of the original 1973 battle between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. King won that historic match, and launched her campaign for equal pay for female tennis players. The 2025 version didn&#8217;t have quite the same message.
Kyrgios had to face a smaller court than his female opponent in an attempt to level the playing field, but that didn&#8217;t matter. It was a 6-3, 6-3 win for Kyrgios and a flop for the fans.
&#8220;Congratulations to Aryna Sabalenka for embarrassing women&#8217;s tennis,&#8221; one fan <a href="https://x.com/poetryharreh/status/2005331007504076863?s=20">said</a>.
&#8220;A big L for the &#8216;men and women are the same&#8217; crowd,&#8221; another <a href="https://x.com/JohnLeFevre/status/2005373154722746516?s=20">added</a>.
Former NFL player and candidate for Arizona&#8217;s 1st Congressional district, Jay Feely, called the match &#8220;garbage.&#8221;
&#8220;Please don’t ever believe the absolute garbage coming from ignorant liberals that letting men compete with women isn’t unfair to the women,&#8221; Feely <a href="https://x.com/jayfeely/status/2005414687975129232?s=20">said</a>.
Sabalenka disagreed with the backlash, telling reporters she doesn&#8217;t understand how fans can find something negative with the match.
&#8220;He won this match, but I showed great tennis. It wasn&#8217;t like 6-0, 6-0; it was great. It was interesting to watch,&#8221; Sabalenka said.
Interesting for sure, especially after Sabalenka publicly denounced trans-identifying men competing in women&#8217;s sports just a few weeks ago.
&#8220;I have nothing to do against them, but I feel like they still got huge advantage over the woman, and I think it&#8217;s just not fair to a woman to basically face a [biological] man,&#8221; Sabalenka told Piers Morgan. &#8220;It is not fair like the woman has been working her whole life to reach her limit and then she has to face like a man, [who] is biologically much stronger. So for me I don&#8217;t agree with this kind of stuff in sport.&#8221;
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Sitting beside her for the interview, Kyrgios agreed. Still, the two defended their choice to compete against each other.
&#8220;I&#8217;m sure the next time we do it &#8230; it will be a cultural movement and a step in the right direction,&#8221; Kyrgios said.
So what did the four-time Grand Slam Champion, at the top of her game, prove by losing to a man who is past his glory days in the sport?
Critics say nothing. Sabalenka hinted post-match that it&#8217;s not the last time she will face a man on the tennis court.
“I feel like next time I play him, I already know the tactic. I know his strengths and weaknesses. I love revenge,” she boldly stated.

Credit: Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images

The World’s Best Women’s Tennis Player Just Lost To A Barely Ranked Man In A Battle Of The Sexes

World's Best Female Tennis Player Loses To Man Ranked No. 671 In Battle Of The Sexes Match

Tennis

There&#8217;s no bigger sports stage in the United States than the NFL, and this season — thanks to a New England Patriots running back — the NFL shined a spotlight on the plight of persecuted Christians.
Once a year, players can choose any charitable cause to raise awareness and money for through a unique cleat design, which the players wear for their &#8220;My Cause, My Cleats&#8221; game. The Special Olympics, cancer foundations, and youth sports initiatives are all popular picks for players. But TreVeyon Henderson, who in recent years became a Christian, chose to highlight the Global Christian Relief and the work they do to help the 380 million persecuted Christians around the world.
&#8220;When you read the Bible and you look at what Jesus teaches us and warns us about the persecution we will face for following him &#8230; there&#8217;s not much awareness about it,&#8221; Henderson said. &#8220;It really just opened my eyes because the things Christ was warning about are still happening today.&#8221;
Global Christian Relief CEO Brian Orme knows Henderson from his days playing football at The Ohio State University. Orme has followed Henderson&#8217;s rookie year, and noticed earlier this season that the NFL star was sharing the Christian organization&#8217;s posts on X. It was the start of a strong relationship with Henderson and Global Christian Relief. The running back became a monthly donor — then told Orme he wanted to amplify the organization through &#8220;My Cause, My Cleats.&#8221;
Henderson worked with his wife to design the cleats he wore on Monday Night Football on December 1.
&#8220;The blood dripping on the cleats symbolizes the blood that has been shed on the cross, the blood that&#8217;s been shed from people who have lost their lives for pursuing and following Christ,&#8221; Henderson said.
<div id="attachment_1014423" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1014423" class="size-large wp-image-1014423" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/12/Untitled-design-34-864x576.jpg" alt="" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/12/Untitled-design-34-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/12/Untitled-design-34-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/12/Untitled-design-34-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/12/Untitled-design-34.jpg 1200w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Credit: Global Christian Relief</div>
The other side of the cleats show people holding up the Cross.
&#8220;This symbolizes the faithfulness of the persecuted church. Despite the blood that&#8217;s being shed, the one thing they&#8217;re not losing is their faith.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“God has been using these stories to open my eyes and give me this desire to help however I can.”
In a moment when TreVeyon could&#8217;ve focused on himself, he turned his attention to persecuted Christians. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/hIwqBu0YMv">pic.twitter.com/hIwqBu0YMv</a>
— Global Christian Relief (@GC_Relief) <a href="https://twitter.com/GC_Relief/status/1996362052894629909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Global Christian Relief has seen greater exposure since Henderson&#8217;s endorsement.
&#8220;It&#8217;s a great example of what it looks like when influence meets conviction,&#8221; Orme told The Daily Wire. &#8220;Him leveraging his platform has a tremendous impact and builds credibility.&#8221;
Orme said Henderson showcasing his faith is part of a bigger movement the country has seen in recent months.
&#8220;God is choosing this moment through President Trump, Nicki Minaj, Bill Maher, all these different voices, to draw attention to what&#8217;s happening. He&#8217;s choosing this time to raise that awareness, and we&#8217;re praying that God will continue to create that momentum for the church.&#8221;
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nicki-minaj-puts-nigerias-christian-persecution-in-the-spotlight">Nicki Minaj Puts Nigeria’s Christian Persecution In The Spotlight</a>
In some parts of the world, Christians are being expelled from their families, imprisoned, and in some cases executed. Global Christian Relief provides safe housing, aid, Bibles, and legal support for Christians in the areas where it is most dangerous for them to profess their faith.
&#8220;We meet with believers in these regions, work through local churches to give them the resources that they need to not only survive, but to thrive as a life of the gospel.&#8221;
Henderson, like so many Christians in America, didn&#8217;t realize the extent of global Christian persecution. But now that he&#8217;s worked with Global Christian Relief and spread their message through football, he wants others to join the fight.
&#8220;I just hope here in the U.S., it encourages us, that it strengthens our faith to be more courageous, to be more bold, but to also have compassion for other brothers and sisters in Christ and to help however God may call you to help,&#8221; he said.
Henderson and the Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Orme said because of Henderson&#8217;s bold faith, the running back has a lot of new fans rooting for his success.
&#8220;TreVeyon, he&#8217;s a football player, but more than anything, he is a believer in Christ, and he is passionate,&#8221; Orme said. &#8220;Even just a few minutes of conversation with him, he&#8217;s gonna talk about his faith, he&#8217;s gonna talk about what God&#8217;s doing. He&#8217;s been a blessing to us.&#8221;

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