The past year will go down as one of the best in recent sports history. There was something for e...

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2024 in review: 10 athletes who defined the year

There was nothing but praise from the Washington Commanders for Jayden Daniels after the rookie q...

There was nothing but praise from the Washington Commanders for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> after the rookie quarterback made history in a comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles.Daniels led the Commanders on a nine-play, 57-yard drive late, connecting with wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/52493" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/52493">Jamison Crowder</a> in the end zone with six seconds left to give his team the 36-33 win."If you give him moments, he really lights up in those spots," Commanders head coach Dan Quinn <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1C1ZTKIpTY&amp;ab_channel=WashingtonCommanders">said</a> postgame. "Today, he became a heavy hitter, he really did."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Daniels was 24-for-39 passing for 258 yards and five touchdowns. He's the first rookie in NFL history to throw five TDs and rush for 50-plus yards in a single game and the first rookie with multiple game-winning TD passes in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter, per <a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1870965733087481911">NFL on CBS</a>.The Eagles ended the first quarter up 21-7, with the Commanders unable to maintain any momentum. Washington turned the ball over five times in the game, including two Daniels interceptions.Despite the turnovers, Daniels slowly helped the Commanders chip away at the Eagles' lead to set up his game-winning drive."I love those type of situations when it's on thin ice and plays need to be made," Daniels said after the win. "That's what you live for if you really love this sport - you live for those big-time moments where it comes down to the end."Washington wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87889" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87889">Terry McLaurin</a> complimented Daniels on his mental fortitude and ability to keep the offense calm in high-pressure situations."He's so poised," McLaurin said, according to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/12/22/jayden-daniels-svrluga/">The Washington Post's Barry Svrluga</a>. "No matter if we're making plays or if we're missing plays, he just has a way to stay even-keeled. I've never seen that from a rookie at any position, let alone quarterback."McLaurin added: "He has a way of just making the right plays at the right time. You can't teach that. His ability to get better is why he has a chance to be one of the great ones."Daniels also set a franchise record for the most combined yards by a rookie with 4,040 passing and rushing yards this season. He surpassed Robert Griffin III, who previously won Offensive Rookie of the Year with Washington."Jayden Daniels is your NFL Rookie of the Year. Period. End of story," Griffin <a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1870955229220646983">posted on X</a> after the game.The Commanders have now won 10 games, their most since 2012. The team can secure a playoff spot with a win against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 29.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 22: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.

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Commanders praise Daniels' 5-TD performance: 'He became a heavy hitter'

Washington defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will join his father Bill Belichick at North Car...

Washington defensive coordinator Steve Belichick will join his father Bill Belichick at North Carolina, according to <a href="https://x.com/mzenitz/status/1870935646082400481">CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz</a>.The move will occur after the Huskies play their bowl game against Louisville on Dec. 31, Zenitz adds. Steve will continue his work as a defensive coordinator for the Tar Heels. The plan all along was for Steve to join Bill at North Carolina, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1870945723790790802">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport adds</a>.The father-son duo previously worked together from 2012 to 2023 with the New England Patriots as Steve worked his way up to outside linebackers coach. <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1870944690008367513">Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz</a> notes that Washington has already prepared for Steve's departure and have received interest from high-profile NFL coaches.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bill joined the Tar Heels as head coach Dec. 11, signing a five-year, $50-million contract. This is Bill's first time coaching at the collegiate level.Steve's first year as defensive coordinator for the Huskies has been successful. Washington is ranked 26th in total defense, up from 99th last season.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 22: : Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and linebackers coach Steve Belichick walk together during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Report: Steve Belichick joining father Bill at UNC

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery won't be undergoing season-ending knee surgery, sourc...

Detroit Lions running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a> won't be undergoing season-ending knee surgery, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1869877133549408571">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.Montgomery will instead rehab his injury with hopes of returning in the postseason, Rapoport added.Head coach Dan Campbell <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3163799" href="https://thescore.com/news/3163799">told reporters</a> Wednesday that the Lions were holding off on putting Montgomery on injured reserve and would get another opinion on the 27-year-old's knee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The veteran running back sustained an MCL injury in Sunday's defeat to the Buffalo Bills. The Lions also lost defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Khahil Dorsey to injuries this past week. Detroit has the most players on injured reserve in the league, with 22.Montgomery has spent two seasons with the Lions, becoming a go-to running back alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. He's rushed for 775 yards and 12 touchdowns this campaign after recording 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.Detroit is 12-2 and faces the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

DETROIT,MICHIGAN-December 15: Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery #5 is seen during the first half of an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

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Report: Lions' Montgomery avoids season-ending surgery

Matt LaFleur had nothing but praise for Jordan Love, saying the Green Bay Packers quarterback is ...

Matt LaFleur had nothing but praise for Jordan Love, saying the Green Bay Packers quarterback is performing better than ever."This is the best ball he's played," LaFleur said during Thursday's <a href="https://x.com/packers/status/1869836260929347635">press conference</a>. "His ability to manipulate the pocket, when he's under duress. ... I think he's playing at a really high level."Love has thrown for 2,953 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in his second season as the Packers' starter. He ranks seventh in the league in touchdowns despite missing two contests due to an MCL sprain.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old has thrown just one interception in his last six games since Green Bay's bye week, ranking third in completion percentage (63%) and second in yards per attempt (9.6) over that period. Love ranked 31st in completion percentage (40.7%) before the bye."I just think the consistency of which he now plays the game, you would expect that - the more reps you get, the better you'll be," LaFleur said.Love similarly shone in the second half of last season. The signal-caller posted a 3-6 record with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions to start 2023 before going 6-2 with 18 touchdowns and one pick to lead Green Bay into the playoffs."I think a lot of this is decision-making. There's definitely a trend, and I just want to keep getting better throughout the course of the season," Love told reporters Thursday, including USA Today's <a href="https://x.com/ByRyanWood/status/1869854164445983109">Ryan Wood</a>.The Packers are 10-4 and hope to inch closer to a playoff spot when they play the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 5: Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love #10 high five before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 5, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions beat the Packers 34-31.

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LaFleur: Love's playing his best football ever

Former Washington State quarterback John Mateer is transferring to Oklahoma, according to On3's H...

Former Washington State quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171555" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171555">John Mateer</a> is transferring to Oklahoma, according to <a href="https://x.com/Hayesfawcett3/status/1869537491549888717">On3's Hayes Fawcett</a>.Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns this year. He also rushed for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Texas native spent three seasons at Washington State and was a three-star recruit in the 2022 class.In addition to Mateer, 20 other Cougar student-athletes have entered the transfer portal. Head coach Jake Dickert also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3163571" href="https://thescore.com/news/3163571">announced</a> Wednesday that he's leaving the program to lead Wake Forest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Washington State and Oregon State are the only teams remaining in the Pac-12.Oklahoma went 6-6 in its first year in the SEC. The Sooners have the 19th-ranked recruiting class for 2025, with Michael Fasusi, the second-best offensive tackle prospect, and four-star running back Tory Blaylock leading the way.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - NOVEMBER 16: Quarterback John Mateer #10 of the Washington State Cougars passes against the New Mexico Lobos during the first half of a game at University Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Report: Washington State transfer Mateer joining Oklahoma

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne is encouraging fans to donate to the school's NIL fund after...

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne is encouraging fans to donate to the school's NIL fund after the Crimson Tide narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff."Although we have been competitive from an NIL standpoint, our competition has us in their sights and are actively trying to surge ahead with NIL," <a href="https://x.com/Greg_Byrne/status/1869464841246716351">Byrne posted on X</a>. "You have heard examples of other teams using promises of million-dollar paydays to lure away our players or convince them not to come to Alabama. It is time for the Bama Nation to fight back."He added, "We have been careful during this transitional period to protect our position at the top of college athletics while being mindful to listen, engage, and learn from our generous supporters, proud alumni, and unrivaled fans ... But there's a time for talk and a time for action. Now is a time for action." <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Byrne directed fans to donate to "Yea Alabama," the athletic department's NIL website, to have a "legitimate product rather than booster inducements."Different states have different NIL regulations, allowing schools to write their own policies.Alabama has lost 14 scholarship players to the transfer portal, including starting defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162835" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162835">DeVonta Smith</a> to Notre Dame. The school currently has the fourth-best recruiting class of 2025, with 15 <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/recruiting/insider/story/_/id/39868188/2025-college-football-recruiting-class-rankings-top-teams-schools">ESPN 300</a> commits.The Crimson Tide went 9-3 in their first regular season under Kalen DeBoer, who took over for Nick Saban after the latter's retirement in January. Alabama ranked 11th in the latest AP Poll.Alabama will finish its season against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Athletic director Greg Byrne of the Alabama Crimson Tide cuts the net after the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Clemson Tigers 89-82 in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Alabama AD encourages fans to fund school's NIL: 'Now is a time for action'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins still believes in himself despite his recent benching in...

Atlanta Falcons quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> still believes in himself despite his recent benching in favor of rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr.</a>"I didn't forget how to play quarterback," Cousins said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6004548/2024/12/18/falcons-kirk-cousins-michael-penix-starter/">The Athletic's Amos Morale III and Josh Kendall</a>. "Certainly, the turnovers were not what you want, but I didn't forget how to play."However, he admitted to some poor decision-making that resulted in his demotion.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Maybe you need less confidence to not try to force the ball into tight windows," Cousins said. "You have to make great decisions all the time. If you don't, you pay for it."The Falcons announced the benching Tuesday. Coach Raheem Morris said Cousins' turnovers were the biggest factor in his decision to bench the 36-year-old, per <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/43047253/falcons-kirk-cousins-called-michael-penix-jr-support-rookie-falcons-qb1">ESPN's Marc Raimondi</a>. Cousins has thrown just one touchdown and nine interceptions in his last five games, in which Atlanta has gone 1-4. He's recorded a league-leading 16 interceptions overall, which is also a career high."We brought Kirk in here with full expectations we could win a championship. ... We have been digging as much as we could dig in order to make things work," he said, <a href="https://x.com/marcraimondi/status/1869458772378448345">per</a> <a href="https://x.com/marcraimondi/status/1869456969863676205">Raimondi</a>.Cousins said he called Penix after he learned of the benching to offer his full support. The veteran refused to elaborate on his future with the organization.Cousins signed a four-year, $180-million contract with Atlanta in March. The Falcons then drafted Penix eighth overall in April, although they didn't tell Cousins about their intentions until they were on the clock.Atlanta is currently 7-7 and second in the NFC South. Penix will make his first career start against the New York Giants on Sunday.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Cousins confident despite benching: 'I didn't forget how to play QB'

The Kansas City Chiefs released running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, he announced on X.  "Love ya ...

The Kansas City Chiefs released running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115111" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115111">Clyde Edwards-Helaire</a>, he <a href="https://x.com/Clydro_22/status/1868770936851497389">announced on X</a>."Love ya K.C.! A family I didn't know I needed, y'all made a Kid from Baton Rouge dreams come true!" he wrote Monday. "To Chiefs Kingdom, (it's) all love, and the support I had in troubling times will forever be unmatched from you guys!"Edwards-Helaire hasn't played this season after being placed on the NFL's reserve/non-football illness list before the team's first game. He was activated on Oct. 15 but has been a healthy scratch in every game since. The running back has been open about his struggles with PTSD after being involved in a self-defense shooting in 2018.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old has spent his entire career on the Chiefs after being drafted by the team in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He re-signed with the team this past April after Kansas City declined his fifth-year option.If the running back isn't signed to the practice squad, Edwards-Helaire finishes his time with the Chiefs with 1,845 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and two Super Bowls.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Chiefs release Edwards-Helaire

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said his touchdown celebration with quarterback Jale...

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> said his touchdown celebration with quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> on Sunday was preplanned after off-field drama between the two circulated this week."That was our moment to tell everybody to shut up," Brown said after the Eagles' blowout win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, per <a href="https://x.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1868466529433694376">Underdog Fantasy's James Palmer</a>. "Last week wasn't our standard. ... Everyone in the locker room was saying the same thing, but I was the one that got crucified for it."Hurts connected with Brown in the end zone late in the first quarter for the Eagles' first touchdown. Brown ran back to Hurts, and the pair did a celebratory dance together before leaving the field.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jalen Hurts to AJ Brown! TOUCHDOWN. 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PITvsPHI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PITvsPHI</a> on FOX 📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/rx60yj7zQc">pic.twitter.com/rx60yj7zQc</a>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1868416737949176169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Brown said last Sunday that the Eagles' passing game had not been up to par after an ugly win against the Carolina Panthers. Hurts had averaged only 200.2 passing yards per contest up to that point.Brown was visibly upset on the sideline during the Panthers game, slamming his helmet after not being targeted in the second quarter.Defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14840" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14840">Brandon Graham</a> said this week on "<a href="https://x.com/SportsRadioWIP/status/1866263328504377495">The Brandon Graham Show</a>" that Hurts and Brown used to be friends, "but things have changed."Hurts and Brown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157222" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157222">cleared the air</a> Wednesday, with both saying they "were good." Graham noted he made the wrong assumption about the duo and that he was going to apologize."I said (passing) for a reason, I didn't have any real intention behind it," Brown said Sunday. "It wasn't for me to get the ball, it was for all of us to get on the same page."Brown finished the game against Pittsburgh with eight receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown. Hurts was 25-for-32 with 290 yards and two touchdowns. It was Hurts' most yards in a contest since Sept. 22."So, that's what y'all wanted to see, huh?" Hurts told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/Sara_Walsh/status/1868470319687589956">NFL Network's Sara Walsh</a>, postgame. "The scrutiny is never-ending. It's nothing new. ... I just want to show up and be the best teammate, best quarterback, and be the best I can be."The Eagles are 12-2 and on a 10-game winning streak. They face the Washington Commanders next Sunday.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammate Jalen Hurts #1 after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 15, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Eagles' Brown: TD celebration with Hurts was to 'tell everybody to shut up'

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has fallen behind on the NFL's rushing record pac...

Philadelphia Eagles running back <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> has fallen behind on the NFL's rushing record pace after missing time against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of injury.Barkley went into the blue medical tent after taking a hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99594" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99594">Minkah Fitzpatrick</a> during the second quarter Sunday. Although he left the tent shortly afterward, he didn't play again in the first half. His seven carries in the first half are his lowest this season.Barkley re-entered the game in the second half but didn't see his usual heavy workload. He finished with 19 carries for 65 yards.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barkley needed 111 yards to stay on pace for the record, which is 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984.The 27-year-old started Sunday with 1,623 rushing yards and four games to go. Barkley now will need to average 139 yards in the Eagles' remaining three games to match Dickerson's 40-year-old record. The veteran running back already has the Eagles' single-season rushing record.Despite Barkley's off game, the Eagles blew out the Steelers, winning 27-13. The team has now won 10 games in a row.Barkley's next chance to chase the record comes Dec. 22 against the Washington Commanders.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 15, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Banged-up Barkley falls behind on NFL rushing record pace

New York Giants backup quarterback Tommy DeVito is expected to start against the Baltimore Ravens...

New York Giants backup quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188915" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188915">Tommy DeVito</a> is expected to start against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1866899487752589586">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.DeVito takes over for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98893" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98893">Drew Lock</a>, who sustained a heel injury and is currently in a walking boot. Daboll told reporters Monday that Lock would undergo an MRI but didn't specify what body part was being examined. Lock said he had "a couple bumps and bruises" after the team's loss to the New Orleans Saints, per <a href="https://x.com/charlottecrrll/status/1866177670222139721">The Athletic's Charlotte Caroll</a>.Lock's played in five games for the Giants this season and started the last two, throwing for 414 yards and rushing for one touchdown.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After the team released <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97984">Daniel Jones</a> in late November, DeVito started one game: a 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which he sustained a forearm injury. He threw for 189 yards and no touchdowns.The Giants are 0-3 since Jones' exit and 2-11 on the season. They play the Ravens on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Giants' DeVito to start vs. Ravens

An Ohio senator is proposing a bill to make flag-planting a felony in Ohio Stadium, USA Today's A...

An Ohio senator is proposing a bill to make flag-planting a felony in Ohio Stadium, <a href="https://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/10/ohio-state-football-stadium-flag-planting-crime-josh-williams/76896790007/">USA Today's Anthony Shoemaker and Erin Glynn</a> report.The bill, called the "O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act," was introduced Tuesday by Sen. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township. It comes after the Nov. 30 melee between Michigan and Ohio State.The bill would "prohibit planting a flagpole and flag in the center of the Ohio Stadium football field on the day of a college football game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A violation of the act would incur a fifth-degree felony, which could result in a fine of $2,500 and between 6-12 months imprisonment.However, House Speaker Jason Stephens said the bill is "not gonna have time to be passed" in 2024. Any bills that aren't passed by year-end must be reintroduced, per Shoemaker and Glynn.The Michigan-Ohio State <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/3145385">brawl</a> began after Wolverines players planted a flag in the middle of Ohio State's field following the team's 13-10 victory. Buckeyes players subsequently tore the flag down, and punches were thrown.Players, photographers, and journalists were pepper sprayed by police officers while the brawl was being broken up. Both teams <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3146862" href="https://thescore.com/news/3146862">were fined</a> $100,000 for violating the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy.Ohio State made the College Football Playoff as the No. 8 seed. The Buckeyes will play Tennessee in the first round Dec. 21. Michigan didn't make the CFP and will play Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Quinton Johnson #28, Raheem Anderson #62, Tavierre Dunlap #22, and Keshaun Harris #36 of the Michigan Wolverines run to plant the Michigan flag at center field after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Columbus, OH. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 13-10.

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Ohio senator proposes bill to make flag-planting at Ohio Stadium illegal

As Travis Hunter's collegiate career is approaching an end, the Heisman Trophy nominee is taking ...

As <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a>'s collegiate career is approaching an end, the Heisman Trophy nominee is taking the time to express his gratitude for Deion Sanders' mentorship."He's more than just a coach, he's a father," Hunter said on the "<a href="https://x.com/thepivot/status/1866593462801575955">Pivot Podcast</a>" on Tuesday. "It gets you kinda emotional because it changed my life forever. I texted him a couple games ago, like, 'Coach, you changed my life forever.'"Hunter initially joined Sanders at Jackson State as a five-star prospect after being recruited by the then-Tigers head coach. He's the highest-ranked prospect ever to go to a Football Championship Subdivision school.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hunter then exploded on the scene after following Sanders to Colorado in his sophomore year. He's totaled 1,873 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across two years so far, and he ranks sixth in the nation in receiving yards and 17th in interceptions this season.As a result, Hunter was nominated for the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Monday. He's also expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he's projected to be an early first-rounder.Hunter won the 2024 Paul Hornung Award on Wednesday for the second consecutive year. The honor is given to the individual viewed as the most versatile in college football, and Hunter is its first-ever repeat winner. "I don't know where I would be (without Sanders)," Hunter said. "I try to figure that out, and I try not to think too much on it because ... we got one more game, and it's gonna be our last together."Hunter and Sanders' final chapter together in collegiate football will take place Dec. 28 at the Valero Alamo Bowl against BYU. The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday.

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 16: Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates with head coach Deion Sanders after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field on November 16, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Colorado's Hunter: Deion 'changed my life forever'

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has no timeline to return after sustaining an elbow injury in the...

Georgia quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/148097" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/148097">Carson Beck</a> has no timeline to return after sustaining an elbow injury in the SEC championship game against Texas, the school announced Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Andy_Staples/status/1866230525754576954">On3's Andy Staples</a>.Beck has a UCL bruise or a tear that is not serious enough to need immediate surgery, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5982047/2024/12/09/carson-beck-sugar-bowl-status/">The Athletic's Seth Emerson</a> reports. Georgia is hopeful the quarterback will be able to return to the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 or other playoff games if the team advances.Beck and his family are "exploring treatment options," the program added. He had previously undergone an MRI on Saturday. Punter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171318" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171318">Brett Thorson</a> was also hurt in the SEC championship, ending his season prematurely with a leg injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in the school's statement. “I’m confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way.”Beck was injured on the last snap of the first half when Texas' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/167505" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/167505">Trey Moore</a> hit his arm. He returned for the last snap of the game, handing the ball off to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172319" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172319">Trevor Etienne</a> in overtime for the game-winning touchdown. Georgia beat Texas 22-19.The senior has amassed 3,485 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 13 games. On Saturday, he completed seven of 13 passes for 56 yards before being replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171309" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171309">Gunner Stockton</a>.Georgia holds the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff. Its win over Texas confirmed its second SEC title since 2020.

ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 16: Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Athens, Georgia.

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Georgia's Beck has no timeline for return after elbow injury

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield will miss multiple weeks with a knee sprain, coach T...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105838" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105838">Antoine Winfield</a> will miss multiple weeks with a knee sprain, coach Todd Bowles told reporters Monday, including the <a href="https://x.com/NFLSTROUD/status/1866174794389176733">Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud</a>.Winfield suffered a right knee injury in the second quarter of Sunday's win against the Las Vegas Raiders and was later ruled out. He previously missed four contests with a foot injury he sustained in Tampa Bay's first game of the season.Fellow safeties <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97928" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97928">Jordan Whitehead</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94611" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94611">Mike Edwards</a> are also sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle and a hamstring strain, respectively.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old Winfield is the highest-paid safety in league history after signing a four-year, $84.1-million deal in May. Winfield earned All-Pro honors in 2023 and was the NFL's forced fumbles co-leader.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 08: Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Bucs' Winfield missing multiple weeks with knee sprain

Cam Skattebo is injecting his name into the Heisman Trophy conversation.  "I've been disrespected...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/157211" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/157211">Cam Skattebo</a> is injecting his name into the Heisman Trophy conversation."I've been disrespected my whole life. ... No matter winning the Heisman or losing the Heisman, I should still be in that situation," the Arizona State running back said to reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/DougHaller/status/1865507550973530505">The Athletic's Doug Haller</a>.Skattebo and Arizona State routed Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship on Saturday. The senior had one of his best performances of the year, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns and scoring an additional receiving touchdown.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was Arizona State's first conference championship victory since 1996, and Skattebo was awarded the game's MVP. The win against Iowa State also clinched the team an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.The senior is having a career season with 1,568 rushing yards, 506 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns. He entered the game ninth in the nation in rushing yards but now ranks fifth.Other likely Heisman candidates include Boise State running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a> and Colorado State cornerback/wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a>. Jeanty is college football's rushing leader with 2,497 yards and 30 touchdowns, but he has over 100 more carries than Skattebo.Skattebo struck the Heisman pose after one of his touchdowns Saturday, a nod to the trophy awarded to the top player in college football."Nobody respects the fact that I'm the best running back in the country. I'm going to stand on that. … Whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem," Skattebo said about striking the pose, per <a href="https://x.com/ChrisVannini/status/1865507771371720758">The Athletic's Chris Vannini</a>.Finalists for the Heisman award will be announced Monday. The ceremony will be held in New York City on Dec. 14.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 07: Cam Skattebo #4 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates after his rushing touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second quarter of the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Skattebo enters Heisman chat: 'I'm the best running back'

Defensive end Zion Elee has committed to Maryland's class of 2026, he told On3's Hayes Fawcett.  ...

Defensive end Zion Elee has committed to Maryland's class of 2026, he told <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/2026-no-1-recruit-zion-elee-commits-to-maryland/">On3's Hayes Fawcett</a>.Elee, a Baltimore native, is a five-star recruit and the eighth-ranked prospect in the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/playerrankings/_/view/rn300jr/sort/rank/class/2026">ESPN Junior 300</a>. He's the top-ranked defensive prospect in the country."The coaches really believed in me from the beginning of my recruitment. They saw what I could do for the program," Elee told Fawcett. "I could connect with the players because they're from the same area I'm from ... I felt I could grow as a person and a player there."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 6-4, 220-pounder also received offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana.Elee is Maryland's fourth commitment for the class of 2026, joining Brian Harris, Khmari Bing, and Damon Hall Jr. Elee is the school's first five-star recruit of the class.

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 09: A Maryland Terrapins helmet sits on an equipment box prior to the start of the game during a college football game between the Maryland Terrapins and Oregon Ducks on November 9, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

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2026 No. 1 defender Elee commits to Maryland

Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome criticized Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pick...

Cleveland Browns cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161656" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161656">Greg Newsome</a> criticized Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a> before their teams face off again Sunday."I'm all about the team. Obviously, (Pickens) is a guy that cares more so about himself, and you can see that in the penalties he causes," Newsome told reporters Friday, including <a href="https://x.com/DanielOyefusi/status/1865109019540521181">ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi</a>. "For me, my job is to try to do whatever I can to help the team win, so there's never going to be no one-on-one battle for me."He added, "He does that type of stuff all the time. There'll never be a man that could ever fuel me in any type of way."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>When reporters asked Pickens if he had anything to say to Newsome before Sunday's game, Pickens said he didn't "even know who that is," via ESPN's Brooke Pryor.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Will George Pickens talk to Browns CB Greg Newsome before the game Sunday? Pickens: “I don’t even know who that is.” <a href="https://t.co/FK59cWG7q8">pic.twitter.com/FK59cWG7q8</a>— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) <a href="https://twitter.com/bepryor/status/1865100055423967539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Newsome and Pickens exchanged blows after Steelers quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a> attempted a Hail Mary in the dying seconds of their previous matchup on Nov. 21. The players shoved each other through the end zone and out of bounds. Newsome had grabbed Pickens by the helmet, and the altercation continued after the play was blown dead.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Browns</a> knock it down for the win! <a href="https://t.co/fhz53gmwDc">pic.twitter.com/fhz53gmwDc</a>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1859814266867728707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Browns won the game 24-19, and neither player was penalized or fined for the incident.Newsome seemingly called Pickens a "fake tough guy" <a href="https://x.com/gnewsii/status/1859830111228526944">on X</a> postgame, while Pickens <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3135753" href="https://thescore.com/news/3135753">said</a> he didn't think the Browns "are a good team at all" despite Cleveland winning the matchup.Pickens has developed a penchant for unsportsmanlike penalties this year. He was fined $10,230 earlier this season for grabbing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74215" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74215">Jourdan Lewis</a>' facemask in the final seconds of Pittsburgh's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Bengals defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/66027" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/66027">Mike Hilton</a> said that getting under Pickens' skin was a strategy employed by Cincinnati in last week's game, according to <a href="http://x.com/ByKimberleyA/status/1863355355658428604">ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin</a>."Everybody sees it on film," Hilton said Sunday. "If he's not getting the ball or DBs are being physical with him, he gets in his own head."Steelers coach Mike Tomlin also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3146761" href="https://thescore.com/news/3146761">said</a> Sunday that Pickens needed to "grow up in a hurry" after costing the team two penalties for his behavior against the Bengals.Pickens was limited at Friday's practice with a hamstring injury and is questionable to play Sunday. The Steelers and Browns will meet again for a rematch at 1 p.m. ET.

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 21: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Browns' Newsome: Pickens 'cares more so about himself' than Steelers

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch dismissed the idea of head coach Kyle Shanahan bei...

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch dismissed the idea of head coach Kyle Shanahan being fired this season."I've found the whole discussion on Kyle rather comical," Lynch said Friday, per <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-gm-john-lynch-kyle-shanahan-hot-seat-talk-is-rather-comical?campaign=Twitter_atn">NFL.com's Kevin Patra</a>. "We have won four of the last five division championships. We've been to two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win championships, and we've fallen short of that, I understand. "But we have an excellent head coach, and the fact that people are talking about stuff like that, I do find it comical. We're 100% behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Shanahan has been the 49ers head coach since 2017, holding a 69-58 overall record.The 49ers have a 5-7 mark and are last in the NFC West this season. They've struggled with injuries to key players, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14297" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14297">Trent Williams</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174345" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174345">Jordan Mason</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a> all sidelined at some point this year. Mason and McCaffrey are both currently on injured reserve and likely won't play for the rest of the season.The defending NFC champions last missed the playoffs in 2020 and are scoring 22.5 points per game after averaging 28.9 last season. They outscored their opponents by an average of 11.4 points in 2023."You are what your record says you are in this league, and that isn't very good. We've been through a lot as a team, this current team with a lot of stuff that has happened to members of our organization," Lynch said. "One thing I can tell you is I'm proud of how this group has stuck together, had each other's back. The other thing I can tell you is the story's not written yet."Shanahan and the 49ers will look for their first win since Nov. 10 when they play the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 07: (L-R) General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan speak during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitta Football Complex on February 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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49ers GM: Discourse around firing Shanahan 'rather comical'

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