Connor McGregor needs to step outdoors his consolation zone for his return to the battle recreation.
In a publish on X on Tuesday, the Irish MMA star mentioned he intends to battle YouTuber-turned-WWE-star Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India.
The previous UFC champ has not fought since he broke his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021. His scheduled return in opposition to Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June was referred to as off due to an injured foot.
“The rumours of a bout with (Ilia Topuria) are false. I’m in preliminary agreements with the Ambani household to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India,” McGregor mentioned. “I’ve agreed. I’ll then search my return to the Octagon.”
Mukesh Ambani was ranked first by Forbes on the publication’s October listing of richest individuals in India however is just not recognized for selling boxing occasions.
McGregor, 36, stays underneath contract with the UFC.
On this hypothetical matchup, nonetheless, McGregor and Paul would really share one frequent opponent regardless of neither being boxers by commerce.
McGregor’s lone skilled boxing bout was a loss in 2017 in opposition to Floyd Mayweather Jr., which led to a Tenth-round technical knockout defeat.
Paul is 1-1 in professional bouts with two attracts in novice and exhibition matches, one among which was an eight-round draw in opposition to Mayweather.
Paul’s brother, Jake Paul, is the extra achieved boxer and somebody who has exchanged trash speak on-line with McGregor.
Jake Paul, who just lately defeated Mike Tyson is a blockbuster bout that aired globally on Netflix, reacted to McGregor’s social media publish Tuesday, suggesting the UFC star is finally hoping for a match with him
“Now all of it is sensible why Conor Mcgregor (sic) & his administration staff have been desperately attempting to get MVP to barter for a battle between us,” Jake Paul wrote. “As we informed them them privately & I’m now saying it publicly…the one method we’re prepared to discover me vs Conor in a professional boxing / mma (sic) battle is that if Dana White / UFC are on the desk instantly or make it clear they’re pleased with discussions.
“Conor is washed. Wants the Paul’s (sic). Logan by nonetheless he needs.”
McGregor can be coping with the fallout of a latest civil jury resolution that left him chargeable for an alleged 2018 assault.
Conor McGregor (Photograph by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLC through Getty Photographs
Conor McGregor is set to maintain his foot within the door within the fight sports activities house, and it seems he could also be getting some assist from some very highly effective and influential folks.
McGregor took to social media on December 17 to announce he was in talks to face influencer and WWE Celebrity Logan Paul in an exhibition boxing match in India. In accordance with McGregor’s submit, the “Ambani household” are seemingly backing/funding the idea.
After the struggle, McGregor plans to “search” his return to the UFC. McGregor additionally used the submit to dispel any rumors that he could be going through new rival Ilia Topuria.
Naturally, there are a number of questions in regards to the struggle. Listed below are one of the best solutions obtainable to probably the most urgent questions:
Has Logan Paul Commented on This Combat?
DALLAS, TEXAS – AUGUST 05: Logan Paul attends the struggle between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz on the … [+] American Airways Middle on August 05, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photograph by Sam Hodde/Getty Photographs)
Getty Photographs
The reply is sure, in a manner. Paul posted the picture under on his IG story, which appears to function some affirmation there have been talks of getting the exhibition struggle.
Logan Paul on IG
Credit score: Logan Paul on IG
Paul’s submit provides tons of legitimacy as a result of McGregor has been identified to say some outlandish issues on social media. Having Paul acknowledge the submit on this manner goes a good distance towards legitimizing the chance that the struggle occurs.
Paul is not any stranger to the boxing ring. In truth, he’s had an exhibition and official boxing match along with his Prime enterprise associate KSI. Paul additionally had an exhibition boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2021 and former combined martial artist Dillon Danis in 2023.
Who’s the Ambani Household?
The Ambani household is without doubt one of the richest households in Asia. They made the Forbes record in Asia again in 2017 with a $44.8 billion web value.
Fight sports activities powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has made a significant influence on the world of boxing and MMA. Is it attainable the Ambani household may carve a distinct segment within the fight sports activities world? Maybe this uber-popular exhibition boxing match could possibly be the kickoff to greater issues in India.
Would the UFC Enable McGregor to Combat Paul in an Exhibition?
The brief reply right here is sure, with situations.
McGregor is below contract with the UFC, which prohibits him from taking part in fight sports activities occasions that aren’t related to the promotion. The UFC and Dana White have been closely concerned within the promotion of McGregor’s struggle with Mayweather again in 2017.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Dana White splits Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor aside throughout … [+] the Floyd Mayweather Jr. v Conor McGregor World Press Tour at SSE Area on July 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photograph by Matthew Lewis/Getty Photographs)
2017 Getty Photographs
It stands to motive, even for an exhibition, the UFC would should be part of this occasion on some degree. Want extra gasoline for this fireplace?
White told the media on Saturday night time following UFC Tampa that he was engaged on one thing that nobody would see coming.
A McGregor-Paul boxing match with the UFC co-promoting feels like one thing that might match that description. Let’s additionally bear in mind Paul’s Prime vitality drink is an official associate of the UFC.
Is it Reasonable to Assume McGregor Will Ever Combat within the UFC Once more?
Reasonable? That’s a tricky time period in 2024, not to mention transferring into 2025. It’s simpler to speak percentages. All issues thought-about, I’d say there’s a couple of 30% probability we ever see McGregor struggle within the UFC once more.
There are strict testing procedures for banned substances and hoops McGregor nonetheless has to leap by means of to be eligible to compete. Many imagine these impediments could also be an excessive amount of for McGregor to beat at this stage in his life.
He’s additionally 36 years outdated and has been inactive in any fight sport for 3.5 years.
The extra time he spends out, the much less seemingly it appears he’ll have the ability to come again to the UFC. McGregor was lately discovered answerable for sexual assault in a civil case, which is able to make him a tricky promote for many individuals the world over in any occasion.
There are tons of layers right here, and maybe this exhibition struggle in India will function a manner for the UFC to check the waters because it pertains to the general public reception of McGregor and an occasion he headlines.
The underside line is that this story has some actual legs, and don’t be shocked to listen to it formally introduced someday within the New Yr or sooner.
The Ravens made some midseason modifications at security that paid off. Now they’re shuffling their inside linebacker personnel with related outcomes.
Roquan Smith had his highest-graded sport of the season by Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) Sunday in opposition to the New York Giants, scoring an 87.0.
Whereas he solely had 5 tackles, Smith obtained excessive marks in go protection, the place he was focused twice and gave up zero catches with one go breakup. After the sport, Smith mentioned he feels “actually, actually good” after an “superior” bye week, and it exhibits.
A part of his enchancment may additionally be attributable to modifications made subsequent to him. Because the Week 12 sport in Los Angeles, which Smith missed as a consequence of a hamstring harm, the Ravens have used extra of Malik Harrison and Chris Board.
Harrison performed a season excessive 79% of the defensive snaps Sunday in opposition to the Giants and led the crew with eight tackles, together with one sack. Board continued to play about 50% of the defensive snaps.
Second-year inside linebacker Trenton Simpson did not begin for the primary time this season and did not see any defensive motion till late within the fourth quarter, when he had 5 snaps. His snaps have sharply declined for the reason that Week 11 loss in Pittsburgh.
“I’ve quite a lot of respect for ‘CB’ [Board]. He is been an amazing [special] teamer his complete profession, and when he is requested to play linebacker, he performs linebacker fairly good as properly,” Smith mentioned. “Malik, I really like that man’s bodily. The man will knock your facemask off; it is fairly loopy. However I simply get pleasure from being on the market with these guys – veteran guys. I’ve quite a lot of respect for them, and after they see issues, they do not let the identical factor beat them twice, so it is superior simply being on the market with these guys.
“I’ve quite a lot of respect for them, and so they’re simply going to proceed to maintain getting higher, in addition to Trenton. I’ve quite a lot of respect for him and who he’s as an individual in addition to a participant. He is a younger participant, does all the appropriate issues and has a vivid future on this league. So, I am simply excited for our room.”
Listed here are extra takeaways from the Ravens’ PFF grades and snap counts:
Les stars du Actual Madrid dont un Kylian Mbappé buteur ont fait la différence en finale de la Coupe intercontinentale au stade Lusail de Doha contre les Mexicains de Pachuca (3-0), remportant leur deuxième titre cette saison.
Le Actual Madrid avait déjà dominé l’Atalanta Bergame pour s’adjuger la Supercoupe d’Europe en août. Avec ce nouveau titre, remporté à nouveau sur un seul match, les Merengues se donnent du baume au coeur après un début de saison compliqué, miné par les blessures et la recherche d’une nouvelle animation de jeu.
Kylian Mbappé en particulier, qui a mis du temps à prendre ses marques, et qui était sorti blessé la semaine dernière contre l’Atalanta Bergame en Ligue des champions, devrait savourer ce trophée.
Dans le stade Lusail où il inscrivit il y a deux ans – déjà un 18 décembre – un triplé, en useless, en finale de Coupe du monde face à l’Argentine, il a inscrit le premier however de la rencontre mercredi (37e). Il a juste eu à se placer devant les cages en véritable avant-centre pour recevoir l’offrande de Vinicius Jr, qui venait de se défaire de la défense mexicaine sur un passement de jambes délicieux. Lui-même avait été lancé par la troisième celebrity Jude Bellingham.
Pachuca, tombeur du Botafogo du propriétaire de Lyon John Textor (3-0), lors d’un des excursions supplémentaires qu’il avait eu à disputer, avait pourtant très bien commencé en profitant de la mollesse du Actual Madrid. Plusieurs conditions dangereuses ont mis Thibaut Courtois à contribution. Mais il a manqué à Pachuca une fraction du expertise qu’il y avait en face pour faire la différence.
Le trio magique madrilène s’est mué en quatuor puisque c’est l’ailier Rodrygo, médiatiquement plus discret mais souvent brillant, qui a fait le break à lui tout seul. Servi par Mbappé, il a dribblé aux abords de la floor avant de crocheter pour se mettre sur son bon pied et enrouler en douceur vers le petit filet (53).
L’équipe entraînée par Carlo Ancelotti, sacré meilleur entraîneur de l’année par la Fifa la veille, s’est ensuite baladé et s’est fait plaisir offensivement. Notamment lorsque Vinicius, désigné pour sa half meilleur joueur de l’année, a tenté un double contact pour tromper le gardien Carlos Moreno, en useless.
Mais le Brésilien a pu célébrer son trophée individuel de la veille en transformant – de justesse – un pénalty obtenu par Lucas Vasquez. Avant de croquer deux belles events de however, mais l’essentiel était déjà fait depuis longtemps.
Bateman retains including to his profession season with huge performs. Bateman’s 49-yard landing was his third 40+ yard rating this season as Bateman had three catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to the Giants.
Jackson was antsy to get again from the bye week, and he confirmed out in Baltimore’s return to motion. Jackson went 21/25 for 290 yards and 5 touchdowns. He additionally added 65 yards on the bottom. It is the third time this season he has had as many or extra touchdowns as incompletions.
Walker’s first profession catch was a giant one. On third-and-1 within the second half, Jackson floated a move to the again of the tip zone to Walker, who hauled it in with a clear toe-drag for the 21-yard landing. Walker had performed simply six offensive snaps coming into Week 15, however he made a distinction on Sunday.
WASHINGTON — A Republican chairman mentioned Tuesday that the FBI ought to examine former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., over her involvement within the probe from the final Congress of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the Capitol.
“Primarily based on the proof obtained by this Subcommittee, quite a few federal legal guidelines had been probably damaged by Liz Cheney, the previous Vice Chair of the January 6 Choose Committee, and these violations ought to be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” mentioned an interim report launched by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., who chairs the Home Administration’s oversight subcommittee, which investigated the Jan. 6 choose committee.
The report alleged Republicans discovered proof exhibiting Cheney “tampered with at the very least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly speaking with Hutchinson with out her legal professional’s information.”
“This secret communication with a witness is improper,” the report mentioned.
As well as, the report mentioned the FBI ought to examine Cheney for allegedly violating a legislation that prohibits any particular person from procuring one other particular person to commit perjury, which Republicans have accused Hutchinson of doing in her testimony to the committee.
The report accused Cheney of serving to Hutchinson attain new counsel; whereas the report alleges they spoke instantly to one another and not using a lawyer’s information, it indicated Republicans do not appear to know what they mentioned.
Cheney mentioned in an announcement in response to the report that Jan. 6 confirmed Trump for who he actually is, “a merciless and vindictive man who allowed violent assaults to proceed in opposition to our Capitol and legislation enforcement officers whereas he watched tv and refused for hours to instruct his supporters to face down and depart.”
The choose committee’s 10 public hearings and ultimate report featured quite a few Republican witnesses, together with many senior officers from the Trump White Home, marketing campaign and administration, Cheney famous within the assertion. Their testimony was specified by hundreds of pages of transcripts and a “extremely detailed and meticulously sourced” 800-page report that had been made public and whose conclusions the Division of Justice had additionally reached in a separate investigation, she mentioned.
Loudermilk’s interim report “deliberately disregards the reality and the Choose Committee’s great weight of proof, and as an alternative fabricates lies and defamatory allegations in an try and cowl up what Donald Trump did,” she alleged. “Their allegations don’t replicate a evaluate of the particular proof, and are a malicious and cowardly assault on the reality.”
Hutchinson’s lawyer, William H. Jordan, mentioned in an announcement that the allegations that Hutchinson colluded with Cheney “are preposterous.”
“Ms. Hutchinson made the impartial choice to half methods together with her Trump-funded lawyer, liberating her to offer candid, truthful, and honorable testimony to the January sixth Committee in regards to the assault on the Capitol, alongside dozens of Republican witnesses and legislation enforcement officers,” he mentioned. “Regardless of baseless assaults by males with their very own agendas to discredit her, Ms. Hutchinson stands by her testimony and stays dedicated to the reality and accountability.”
Reacting to the report Wednesday, Trump mentioned on Reality Social that Cheney “could possibly be in quite a lot of bother primarily based on the proof obtained by the subcommittee.”
The president-elect lately prompt in an interview with NBC Information’ “Meet the Press” that the members of the Jan. 6 panel ought to be imprisoned. These former members, together with its Democratic chairman, have mentioned the committee did nothing fallacious and didn’t violate the legislation.
Hutchinson was thought-about a star witness for the Jan. 6 committee which was fashioned within the final Congress underneath the Home Democratic majority and included two Republicans: Cheney, who was the vice chair, and then-Rep. Adam Kinzinger, of Illinois. Hutchinson, a detailed aide to Trump White Home chief of employees Mark Meadows, testified each privately and publicly to the committee about her information of the lead-up Jan. 6 and what unfolded that day.
Hutchinson testified that she was informed by White Home deputy chief of employees Tony Ornato that after Trump’s “Cease the Steal” rally on the White Home ellipse, Trump insisted to the Secret Service that he go to the Capitol the place he had inspired his supporters to go afterward. Hutchinson testified that she was informed Trump cursed at his safety guards after being informed they could not go to the Capitol, grabbed for the steering wheel of his SUV from the again seat, after which reached for the “clavicles” of Bobby Engel, Trump’s head of safety, who ultimately relayed his account to Ornato.
Ornato later informed the committee that he didn’t recall the dialog Hutchinson mentioned that they had with Engel.
Whereas Republicans say there have been witnesses who’ve disputed Hutchinson’s account, it has additionally been corroborated by others.
However Hurts was almost sacked on third down, escaping the cross rush earlier than being tackled by Alex Highsmith after a one-yard acquire. That led to a 34-yard Jake Elliott subject objective and a 3-0 lead.
The Steelers protection appeared to set the offense up effectively on Philadelphia’s subsequent possession, as T.J. Watt pressured a Hurts fumble on the finish of a run, with Beanie Bishop recovering the free ball on the Philadelphia 45.
However Russell Wilson was sacked on third down and the Steelers have been pressured to punt. Mark Robinson, nonetheless, pressured return man Cooper DeJean to fumble, and Nick Herbig recovered the free ball on the Eagles’ 11.
On first down, Wilson threw a display cross to Harris that he took to the Philadelphia 4, however Darnell Washington blocked an Eagles defender by means of the top zone on the play and a scrum ensued following the play. The Steelers have been penalized for pointless roughness, transferring the ball again to the 19, and so they settled for a subject objective to tie the sport at 3-3.
The sphere objective was the thirty seventh of the season for Boswell, breaking his personal workforce report.
The Eagles once more went no-huddle on their subsequent possession and went 70 yards in simply 6 performs, scoring on a 5-yard landing cross from Hurts to A.J. Brown to take a 10-3 lead simply earlier than the top of the primary quarter.
After one other three-and-out by the Steelers offense, the Eagles acquired the ball again on the Pittsburgh 45 following a 23-yard punt return by DeJean.
That arrange a 2-yard landing cross from Hurts to DeVonta Smith on third-and-goal that put the Eagles forward 17-3 with simply over 9 minutes left within the first half.
At that time, the Steelers had but to report a primary down within the recreation and have been 0-5 on third downs.
However Wilson and the offense lastly acquired rolling on their subsequent possession, as Wilson accomplished a 17-yard cross to Ben Skowronek on first down and the Steelers drove the size of the sphere in 11 performs to attain on an 8-yard landing cross from Wilson to Freiermuth.
Trailing 17-10, the protection acquired the cease the Steelers wanted to get the ball again on the finish of the primary half, as Watt had a pair of sacks, pushing him over 10 for the team-record sixth time in his profession, to drive one other Philadelphia punt.
After a brief punt, the Steelers acquired into place for a 49-yard Boswell subject objective that lower Philadelphia’s result in 17-13 on the half.
The Eagles acquired the ball to open the second half and moved into subject objective vary, getting a 41-yard Elliott subject objective to extend their result in 20-13 halfway by means of the third quarter.
The Steelers hit a flea-flicker for a 31-yard acquire on their first play of the following possession and had moved contained in the Philadelphia 30 when Najee Harris could not deal with a pitch from Wilson, muffing it. Cornerback Darius Slay recovered the free ball, giving the Eagles the ball again at their very own 26.
“I took my eyes off it and was trying on the gap as an alternative of securing the soccer and I fumbled it,” mentioned Harris.
The Eagles turned that right into a two-touchdown lead, as Hurts led Philadelphia to the 1 on the finish of the third quarter after which scored on his second try from there on a QB sneak to push the result in 27-13 with 14:17 remaining within the recreation.
Watt had seven tackles, two sacks and a pressured fumble within the recreation earlier than leaving late with a sprained ankle.
The Steelers held Saquon Barkley, the league’s main rusher who was on tempo to interrupt the single-season dashing report, to 65 yards on 19 carries, a 3.4 yards per carry common effectively under his 6.1 yards per try common coming into the sport. However Hurts accomplished 25 of 32 passes for 290 yards.
Brown caught 8 passes for 110 yards, whereas Smith had 10 catches for 109 yards.
President-elect Donald Trump has lengthy urged he would attempt to prosecute his political opponents, and Home Republicans delivered him a brand new opening on Tuesday by means of a report recommending that GOP former Rep. Liz Cheney be prosecuted by the FBI for her position in probing the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol.
Trump, who has mentioned Cheney ought to go to jail and even amplified posts on social media calling for a televised navy tribunal for her, mentioned on Reality Social Wednesday morning that Cheney “may very well be in quite a lot of bother” primarily based on the report launched by Home GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk. Trump’s elevation of the report carries much more weight contemplating he has chosen loyalist Kash Patel, who has a retribution record of his personal, to steer the FBI.
Within the report, Loudermilk singles out Cheney, a longtime high goal of Trump, and claims that she colluded with former Trump White Home aide Cassidy Hutchinson, whose explosive testimony was essential to the previous choose committee’s investigation.
“Primarily based on the proof obtained by this Subcommittee, quite a few federal legal guidelines had been possible damaged by Liz Cheney, the previous Vice Chair of the January 6 Choose Committee, and these violations ought to be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” the report states.
Former January 6 committee chair reacts to Trump saying he ‘ought to go to jail’
Though Trump advised NBC Information earlier this month that he gained’t direct his subordinates to prosecute his political opponents, he possible gained’t should, contemplating these in his closest orbit have echoed his claims that the authorized system was weaponized in opposition to him and have their very own retribution plans.
Pam Bondi, Trump’s choose for lawyer basic, mentioned in a TV look in August 2023 that the “prosecutors will likely be prosecuted” and “the investigators will likely be investigated,” whereas Patel has been fueled by his campaign in opposition to the so-called deep state and efforts to defend Trump.
Trump’s daughter-in-law and former co-chair of the Republican Nationwide Committee who might fill a possible US Senate emptiness in Florida, Lara Trump, foreshadowed how Patel, and even Trump’s choose to steer the intelligence neighborhood, would deal with the allegations in opposition to Cheney.
“These individuals must be ashamed of themselves. I do know they aren’t, so we’ll go forward and disgrace them,” Trump mentioned. “Wait till Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard get in there.”
The broader Republican-led investigation into the previous choose committee and safety response to the Capitol assault stems from an expansive get together effort to rewrite the narrative of January 6 on behalf of Trump and deep-seated mistrust for regulation enforcement businesses that get together leaders declare has been weaponized in opposition to conservatives.
In footage: Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney
Loudermilk wrote within the report that “till we maintain accountable these accountable, and reform our establishments, we is not going to totally regain belief.”
Cheney, who misplaced reelection to a Trump-backed challenger in 2022 for her position as vice chair of the January 6 committee and voting to question Trump for inciting the Capitol riot, fiercely defended her work in a press release on Tuesday, pointing to her committee’s work product.
“Chairman Loudermilk’s ‘Interim Report’ deliberately disregards the reality and the Choose Committee’s large weight of proof, and as an alternative fabricates lies and defamatory allegations in an try to cowl up what Donald Trump did,” Cheney mentioned.
“Their allegations don’t replicate a assessment of the particular proof, and are a malicious and cowardly assault on the reality. No respected lawyer, legislator or choose would take this critically,” she continued.
The previous chair of the January 6 committee, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, mentioned of Loudermilk in a press release to CNN, “His so-called ‘report’ is full of baseless, conclusory allegations moderately than info. That’s as a result of there’s no escaping the truth that Donald Trump bears the accountability for the lethal January sixth assault regardless of how a lot Mr. Loudermilk would like to rewrite historical past for his political functions.”
‘Jack Smith is on my record’: Rep. Clyburn on who Biden ought to preemptively pardon
With Trump laying the groundwork for political retribution, senior Biden White Home aides, administration officers and distinguished protection attorneys in Washington, DC, have been discussing potential preemptive pardons or authorized help for individuals like Cheney who may be focused for prosecution by the incoming Trump administration.
There are additionally important protections from federal felony investigations that exist round members of Congress and the legislative work they do, which would come with committee work such because the January 6 Home particular investigation. Members of Congress have broad immunity beneath the Speech or Debate Clause of the Structure. That forestalls federal felony investigators from even accessing their communications round legislative work in a probe, and likewise bars that work from ever coming into court docket.
The specter of a felony investigation looming over Cheney struck a nerve with some Republicans who’re scuffling with their get together’s urge for food to hold out Trump’s vow for revenge.
Indiana GOP Rep. Greg Pence, the brother of former Vice President Mike Pence who has mentioned Trump was flawed for claiming that he had the proper to overturn the 2020 election, known as on his Republican colleagues to maneuver on following the discharge of the report. “God put our eyes within the entrance of our head as a result of we must always transfer ahead,” he mentioned.
It’s even left some lawmakers involved about whether or not they may very well be the subsequent goal.
“I don’t need him coming after me. I don’t assume that’s truthful to Liz Cheney,” one GOP lawmaker who spoke on the situation of anonymity, advised CNN. “I hope he doesn’t observe by means of with that.”
Congressional Republicans have signaled they might pursue investigations focusing on particular counsel Jack Smith over his two felony circumstances in opposition to Trump and particular counsel David Weiss over his dealing with of the tax and gun prosecutions of President Joe Biden’s son Hunter. Lawmakers even have put members of the Biden administration on discover that they’ll be beneath scrutiny.
However investigating Cheney appears to be one other matter.
“That will likely be as much as the brand new Justice Division,” Home Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, who was subpoenaed by the previous January 6 committee, advised CNN when requested if Cheney ought to be criminally investigated. Jordan claimed that Trump is in opposition to retribution and that “he’s into successful and success for the nation.”
One other Judiciary Committee member, Rep. Darrell Issa, outlined that the bar for criminally prosecuting Cheney is completely different than being politically in opposition to her.
“I don’t have data of Liz Cheney’s wrongdoing from a felony standpoint. I do have her hypocrisy in her political life, and for that I’m dissatisfied,” the California Republican mentioned. “I don’t wish to confuse the 2.”
“Ought to we prosecute Liz Cheney? We must always examine if there are credible accusations,” he added.
This story has been up to date with further info.
CNN’s Shania Shelton and The Related Press contributed to this report.
From the very begin, the Eagles attacked the road of scrimmage and overwhelmed Pittsburgh to the tune of -19 yards on the Steelers’ first 5 possessions. Pittsburgh put up three factors solely after a Hurts fumble gave Pittsburgh the ball on the Eagles’ facet of the 50-yard line (the protection held) after which after a Cooper DeJean fumble that the Steelers recovered on the Philadelphia 11-yard line and kicked a area purpose. The Steelers picked up 10 first downs on this recreation. They gained 163 whole internet yards. TOTAL! They had been 3 of 10 on third down. Philadelphia managed the time of possession, 39 minutes, 52 seconds to Pittsburgh’s 20 minutes and eight seconds. Whole performs – Eagles 77 to Pittsburgh’s 42. Actually, actually outstanding and a complete domination.
“I am actually pleased with the efficiency. I imply, put in robust conditions, having to get stops after we wanted to. We did a very good job general, we had been very detailed,” linebacker Zack Baun stated. “We did a great job stopping the run. That is a group that is going to run the ball in the event that they obtained a shot to kill clock. That was an emphasis this recreation, to cease the run and we positively did that within the first quarter. That is an ideal time to do it.”
5. Turnovers had been vital, as anticipated
The Eagles gave it away twice on the fumbles from Hurts and DeJean, and the protection stepped up, holding the Steelers to a few factors. A 3rd-quarter fumble from Pittsburgh from the Philadelphia 26-yard line on a easy working play – quarterback Russell Wilson pitched to working again Najee Harris, who coughed up the soccer that was recovered by Darius “Huge Play” Slay – helped hold Philadelphia, holding a 7-point lead on the time – in command. It was a pivotal second that went within the favor of the Eagles and took loads of starch out of the Steelers’ comeback efforts.
“Each time we assault the sector, our purpose is to go on the market with loads of power. Play sensible, play quick with one another, play collectively. And that is what we did. We did not care about what is going on on the offensive facet. After we assault the sector, we’re going on the market to deal with enterprise – three and out, turnover, that is what we preach. We do not like individuals driving the ball on our protection,” Slay stated.
6. Some underrated moments and standout gamers
• On a day when Saquon Barkley was banged up early and held to 65 dashing yards on 19 carries, Kenneth Gainwell stepped up with some good work (60 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches) and his greatest play got here after the Eagles took possession on the Slay fumble restoration. On a third-and-9 play from the Pittsburgh 15-yard line, Hurts threw on the left facet brief for Gainwell, who broke tackles and ended up gaining 14 yards to the Pittsburgh 1-yard line because the third quarter ended. A few performs later, Hurts scored on a Brotherly Shove and the Eagles held a 27-13 benefit early within the fourth quarter.
• Jake Elliott had area targets of 34 and 41 yards and nailed all three PAT kicks, an ideal day that helped the Eagles a lot on particular groups.
• Nolan Smith, Jr. continues to rise. He had a quarterback sack, two tackles for loss, and 4 whole tackles. He was bodily and quick off the road of scrimmage and was an affect participant.
• Credit score additionally to edge participant exterior linebacker Josh Sweat, who had a quarterback sack towards the elusive Wilson.
• Linebacker Nakobe Dean led the protection with 10 whole tackles, together with 7 solos, and compelled a fumble. Extra super-solid play from a participant who has taken an enormous leap ahead this season.
The Milwaukee Bucks are your 2024 Emirates NBA Cup champions.
5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀
Dec. 18, 2024
Bucks Beat Thunder: Milwaukee caps its historic turnaround by hoisting the Emirates NBA Cup
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Capturing The Chase: 7 images honoring Milwaukee’s 7-0 run to the Cup
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1. BUCKS TOP THUNDER IN EMIRATES NBA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
On Nov. 10, the Bucks fell to 2-8 — their worst 10-game begin in a decade.
Now? They’re NBA history-makers and Emirates NBA Cup champions.
Bucks 97, Thunder 81: Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a monster triple-double (26 pts, 19 reb, 10 ast) whereas Damian Lillard added 23 factors because the Bucks outscored the Thunder 46-31 within the 2nd half to win the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup championship in Las Vegas. | Recap
Giannis MVP: Antetokounmpo — a two-time Kia NBA MVP and the 2021 Finals MVP — was named the NBA Cup MVP, including to his already embellished resume
Good: The Bucks, who entered the semifinals as the one remaining unbeaten staff in Cup play, completed the in-season competitors with a 7-0 document
Historical past: Milwaukee (14-11) is the primary staff in NBA historical past to start out 2-8 or worse by their first 10 video games after which win 12 of their subsequent 15
The Turning Level: After getting into the break with a one-point lead, Milwaukee outscored OKC 26-14 within the third quarter and used a 16-2 run between the third and 4th to take a 20-point lead and slam the door shut.
Lockdown: OKC’s 14 factors within the third marked its lowest-scoring quarter in Cup play, and so they had been held to only 5-of-19 taking pictures (26.3%) whereas committing six turnovers
Giannis & Dame Time: Giannis took over within the third, posting 12 factors, 10 boards, three assists and a block, whereas combining with Lillard (8 pts) to single-handedly outscore OKC
The three&D Distinction: The Thunder are permitting a league-low 103.5 ppg, however it was the Bucks protection that shined on Tuesday, holding OKC to a season-low in factors — together with 5-for-32 (15.6%) from past the arc.
Proudly owning The three: It’s the Thunder’s lowest 3-point share in a sport since March 2023, and so they had been outscored 51-15 from downtown, because the Bucks went 17-of-40 (42.5%) from lengthy vary
Deer From Deep: Lillard led Milwaukee with 5 triples, whereas Brook Lopez, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Inexperienced sank three apiece
Inside & Out: Giannis posted a game-high 18 factors within the paint, and the Bucks gained the rebounding battle 52-43
Lillard: “To be the final staff standing on this event, it feels nice.”
Get Up Shut: For Milwaukee’s title celebration and Lillard telling Giannis to not drop the trophy
2. STRUGGLES TO STRENGTH: MILWAUKEE’S CUP CONNECTION
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Earlier than taking the ground for Tuesday’s championship bout, Bucks coach Doc Rivers had a easy message for his staff:
“Three phrases: we win collectively.”
Amid their 2-8 begin, the Bucks had one sport with 25+ assists. Of their final 15 video games, they’ve had 10.
On Tuesday, 73.5% of Milwaukee’s 34 area targets had been assisted — 14.8% larger than its season common (58.7%) because it recorded 25 dimes in comparison with OKC’s 13.
Whereas the NBA Cup championship doesn’t rely towards regular-season statistics, the Bucks’ 73.5% help price would have been their season-high.
“We felt extraordinarily related on the market,” stated Damian Lillard postgame. “Having the powerful begin that we had, the one approach out of it was us being collectively and doing it as a collective group…
“How related we had been tonight when the stakes had been this excessive was going to be a very powerful factor, and I believe we performed that approach.”
Milwaukee’s historic turnaround started with its NBA Cup Group Play opener, because it beat Toronto to enhance to 3-8. The win sparked a 9-1 stretch that noticed them end Group Play at 4-0 with an NBA-best +50 level differential.
Within the Knockout Rounds, the Bucks ousted two of the most popular groups in basketball — the Magic and Hawks — to achieve the championship, the place they handed the 20-5 Thunder, the highest staff within the West, their largest lack of the season.
“Exterior Milwaukee, I believe lots of people stated, ‘What’s occurring?’” stated Rivers on their gradual begin. “I don’t suppose one particular person inside thought that in any respect…
“We simply believed that it was going to click on, it was going to occur — I might make some extent of claiming we assumed that. Now it’s.”
The Bucks closed the NBA Cup ranked first in web score (11.9), second in defensive score (101.3) and third in 3-point share (40.7%). However Milwaukee’s turnaround wasn’t nearly numbers.
“We set the tone,” stated Giannis postgame. “We performed nice staff basketball … most significantly, we had been competing defensively. That’s who we’re — that’s what we’re going to proceed to be.”
3. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO NBA HISTORY: GIANNIS’ RELENTLESS PURSUIT
Very similar to the Bucks’ begin this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA journey started with challenges.
When Giannis entered the league as an 18-year-old from Greece, he had solely been taking part in basketball for 5 years. As a rookie, he averaged 6.8 factors, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per sport.
His numbers elevated in every of the following 4 seasons, marking the start of a meteoric rise into the NBA 75 — alongside his now-teammate Lillard — that has seen his sport degree up 12 months after 12 months.
In 2016-17, Giannis’ fourth season, he averaged 20+ ppg for the primary time whereas being named an All-Star and the NBA’s Most Improved Participant
In 2018-19, simply two seasons after his first All-Star choice, he was named Kia NBA MVP
In 2019-20, he earned his second straight MVP whereas additionally being named Defensive Participant of the Yr
In 2020-21, he led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years whereas being named Finals MVP
This season, he’s main the NBA with a career-high 32.7 ppg whereas taking pictures 50% or higher in all 23 video games he’s performed – the second-longest streak to open a season in NBA historical past
“That’s simply who he’s” stated Damian Lillard on Giannis’ starvation to enhance. “He’s a decided particular person and participant. Simply the background that he comes from — his journey to changing into the famous person that he’s, is a tricky one.”
Giannis hasn’t simply pushed himself to new heights this season — he’s additionally powered his staff’s turnaround. After a loss to the Knicks in early November, the two-time MVP known as out his teammates, demanding extra depth:
“Are we okay with not competing? I’m not okay with that … We’ve bought to compete each single possession. Each unfastened ball, we’ve bought to get a physique on the ground and put it on the road.”
Giannis’ problem sparked a response. Twelve wins later, the Bucks have jumped from 14th within the East to fifth, highlighted by an Emirates NBA Cup title.
Twelve seasons later for Giannis, he’s gone from a rookie looking for his approach to standing with LeBron James as the one two gamers in NBA historical past with a Kia NBA MVP, a Finals MVP, an All-Star Recreation MVP and an Emirates NBA Cup MVP.
However the Greek Freak isn’t centered on particular person accolades — he’s hungry for extra wins.
“We have now what it takes to compete with the very best groups. We have now to remain humble. The final 15 video games, we’ve been competing, taking part in staff basketball, particularly down the stretch…
“However there’s a degree that we nonetheless haven’t tapped.”
4. CAPTURING THE BUCKS’ CHASE FOR THE CUP IN 7 PHOTOS
All the pieces concerning the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup popped — from the colourful courts to the finale in Las Vegas.
In honor of the Bucks ending 7-0, beneath are seven of our favourite frames from their title run.
Plus, take a look at your Emirates NBA Cup data with at this time’s NBA Play Trivia!
Brook Lopez | Gary Dineen/NBAE through Getty Photographs
Giannis Antetokounmpo | David Dow/NBAE through Getty Photographs
Giannis Antetokounmpo | Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE through Getty Photographs
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard | Stephen Gosling/NBAE through Getty Photographs
Damian Lillard | Logan Riely/NBAE through Getty Photographs
5. NBA UNVEILS NEW ALL-STAR GAME FORMAT FOR 2025
The 2025 NBA All-Star Recreation is simply 60 days away. And it’s bringing a brand new twist, with the NBA and Nationwide Basketball Gamers Affiliation asserting a reimagined format for the sport, set to happen in San Francisco on Sunday, Feb. 16 (8 ET, TNT).
4 Groups: For the primary time, the NBA All-Star Recreation will characteristic a mini-tournament with 4 groups of eight gamers
Three Video games: There shall be two semifinal matchups, with the winners transferring on to the championship sport
One Goal Rating: For every sport, the winner would be the first staff to achieve or surpass 40 factors
The 24 NBA All-Stars shall be divided evenly into three groups, with the rosters drafted by TNT’s Contained in the NBA commentators Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, who will function honorary staff GMs.
NBA All-Star Draft: The three analysts will make their respective picks for Staff Charles, Staff Shaq and Staff Kenny dwell on TNT on Thursday, Feb. 6
The Fourth Squad? The winner of the Castrol Rising Stars Recreation (Feb. 14), with TNT analyst and WNBA legend Candace Parker main the best way because the honorary GM
The voting course of to find out the 24 NBA All-Stars will stay the identical:
Starters: The 5 gamers honored as starters in every convention shall be chosen by followers (50% of the vote), present NBA gamers (25%) and a media panel (25%)
Reserves: The seven gamers honored as reserves in every convention shall be chosen by NBA head coaches
Coaches: As of Feb. 2, the top coach of the main staff within the East and West will every coach an All-Star staff. One assistant from every staff will coach the opposite two remaining squads
NBA All-Star Voting opens on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 am ET and concludes on Monday, Jan. 20 at 11:59 pm. ET, giving followers the possibility to vote for the NBA All-Star Recreation starters through the NBA App and NBA.com with their NBA ID.
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