DUBAI, United Arab Emirates –

Two U.S. navy pilots had been shot down Sunday over the Pink Sea in an obvious “pleasant hearth” incident, the usmilitary stated, marking probably the most severe incident to threaten troops in over a 12 months of America focusing on Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Each aviators had been recovered alive after ejecting from their stricken two-seat F/A-18 plane, with one struggling minor accidents. However the shootdown underlines simply how harmful the Pink Sea hall has change into, with ongoing assaults on transport by the Iranian-backed Houthis regardless of U.S. and European navy coalitions patrolling the world.

The U.S. navy had performed airstrikes focusing on Yemen’s Houthi rebels on the time of the pleasant hearth incident, although the U.S. navy’s Central Command didn’t elaborate on what the pilots’ mission was and didn’t reply to questions from The Related Press.

The F/A-18 shot down had simply flown off the deck of the usHarry S. Truman plane service, Central Command stated. On Dec. 15, Central Command acknowledged the Truman had entered the Mideast, however hadn’t specified that the service and its battle group was within the Pink Sea.

“The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is a part of the usHarry S. Truman Service Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18,” Central Command stated in a press release. “This incident was not the results of hostile hearth, and a full investigation is underway.”

From the navy’s description, the plane shot down was a two-seat F/A-18 Tremendous Hornet fighter jet assigned to the “Pink Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Whereas Central Command referred to each as pilots, usually a two-seat F/A-18 has a pilot and a weapons officer on board.

It wasn’t instantly clear how the Gettysburg may mistake an F/A-18 for an enemy plane or missile, notably as ships in a battle group stay linked by each radar and radio communication.

Nevertheless, Central Command stated that warships and plane earlier shot down a number of Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile launched by the rebels. Incoming hostile hearth from the Houthis has given sailors simply seconds to make selections prior to now.

For the reason that Truman’s arrival, the U.S. has stepped up its airstrikes focusing on the Houthis and their missile hearth into the Pink Sea and the encompassing space. Nevertheless, the presence of an American warship group might spark renewed assaults from the rebels, like what the usDwight D. Eisenhower noticed earlier this 12 months. That deployment marked what the navy described as its most intense fight since World Struggle II.

On Saturday night time and early Sunday, U.S. warplanes performed airstrikes that shook Sanaa, the capital of Yemen which the Houthis have held since 2014. Central Command described the strikes as focusing on a “missile storage facility” and a “command-and-control facility,” with out elaborating.

Houthi-controlled media reported strikes in each Sanaa and across the port metropolis of Hodeida, with out providing any casualty or injury data. In Sanaa, strikes appeared notably focused at a mountainside identified to be house to navy installations. Nevertheless, there have been no photographs or data launched concerning the strikes — which has occurred beforehand when airstrikes hit very important services for the rebels.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi navy spokesman, launched a prerecorded assertion hours later during which he claimed the rebels launched eight drones and 17 cruise missiles of their assault. He additionally claimed with out providing any proof that the Houthis shot down the F/A-18, seemingly following a sample of him making exaggerated claims. Through the Eisenhower’s deployment, he repeatedly falsely claimed the service had been struck by Houthi hearth.

The Houthis have focused about 100 service provider vessels with missiles and drones because the Israel-Hamas conflict within the Gaza Strip began in October 2023 after Hamas’ shock assault on Israel that killed 1,200 individuals and noticed 250 others taken hostage.

Israel’s grinding offensive in Gaza has killed greater than 45,000 Palestinians, native well being officers say. The tally does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a marketing campaign that has additionally killed 4 sailors. Different missiles and drones have both been intercepted by separate U.S.- and European-led coalitions within the Pink Sea or failed to achieve their targets, which have additionally included western navy vessels.

The rebels keep that they aim ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the UK to power an finish to Israel’s marketing campaign in opposition to Hamas in Gaza. Nevertheless, most of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the battle, together with some sure for Iran.

The Houthis even have more and more focused Israel itself with drones and missiles, leading to retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his nation would act “forcefully” in opposition to the Houthis, because it has in opposition to different allies of Iran, “solely on this case, we’re not performing alone.” Israeli media stories late Sunday, counting on nameless sources, steered senior safety officers imagine that Israel ought to straight strike Iran over the Houthi assaults, somewhat than hit targets in Yemen once more.

The week main as much as Saturday’s recreation in opposition to the Texans concerned questions on how efficient Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes can be taking part in via an ankle damage and it did not take lengthy to get a solution.

Mahomes capped the primary Chiefs possession of the afternoon with a 15-yard landing run. Mahomes mentioned he did not really feel like he was “setting a tone” with the play however it served that function because the Chiefs went on for a 27-19 win that places them on the verge of clinching the primary total seed within the AFC playoffs.

After the win, Mahomes mentioned he takes a variety of pleasure in having the ability to persevere when he is not feeling 100%.

“I ask so much from the fellows round me and, so, I really feel like if I will ask them to play via ache, if I will ask them to play via little nicks and bruises and stuff like that, I’ve obtained to do it,” Mahomes mentioned. “That is one thing that I pleasure myself on, is being on the market with my guys and taking part in soccer. I am not going to place us able to be in a foul spot or lose a soccer recreation, but when I really feel like I can compete and win, I will be out on that soccer area.”

Mahomes will handle the ankle between now and Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Steelers. A win in that recreation or a Payments loss to the Patriots on Sunday will make them the No. 1 seed.

Tiger Woods has quite a bit to have a good time.

Because the golf legend’s 15-year-old son Charlie Woods—whom he shares with ex-wife Elin Nordegren—scored his first-ever gap in a single in the course of the ultimate spherical of the PNC Championship in Florida Dec. 22, the previous couple shared a young second amid the thrill.

In a video shared on Instagram by Golf on CBS, Elin, 44, hugged Tiger, 48, and gently patted him on the again after the completion of the 18th gap.

The candy second marked a transparent break from the exes’ complicated historical past, which incorporates his dishonest scandal, which erupted in November 2009. Although the sports activities star issued a televised apology for his infidelities in February 2010, the couple divorced later that 12 months.

Years after the headline-grabbing saga, Tiger mirrored on what he would have carried out in another way amid all of the chaos.

“In hindsight, it isn’t how I’d change 2009 and the way it all happened,” he instructed Time in 2015. “It could be having a extra open, trustworthy relationship with my ex-wife.”

Exhale, Chiefs Kingdom.

Six days after Patrick Mahomes hobbled off the sphere at Cleveland with a really tender proper ankle, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs celebrity darted, rolled, scrambled, stopped and began, and naturally, threw the soccer aplenty — just about checking all of the packing containers for what it takes to play his deadly model of quarterback — to show that disaster has actually been averted.

Possibly it was the cape that Mahomes (maybe) wears tucked beneath his jersey and out of plain sight, supplying some further juice. As a result of it positive appears as if there’s some tremendous therapeutic energy at work right here.

Didn’t Mahomes endure a excessive ankle sprain towards the Browns?

That’s an harm that always knocks victims out for 2 or three weeks. But there was Mahomes, a full apply participant all week, racing out of the tunnel for pregame introductions on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in a full dash. If that wasn’t sufficient of an announcement, Mahomes confirmed everyone on the primary Chiefs possession. On a third-and-13, he bolted out of the pocket and almost obtained the primary down. Two performs later, he broke from the pocket once more, scrambling up the center for a 15-yard landing scamper.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The most recent NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and extra.

It appeared so becoming that Mahomes — who additionally accomplished 28 of 41 passes for 260 yards with a landing and nil picks — used his legs to provide the primary factors for a 27-19 victory towards the Houston Texans.

“I don’t know if it was setting a tone,” Mahomes stated throughout his postgame information convention. “I knew I may run. It was simply the stopping that was going to be exhausting. As soon as I obtained to working, I noticed the top zone. I used to be simply making an attempt to stand up within the air (close to the objective line) and to the top zone. It wasn’t setting a tone. I used to be simply making an attempt to play soccer on the market.”

That’s what superheroes do. They serve up the extraordinary. Ease fears. Make the entire higher. Then, dripping in humility, insist that it’s no huge deal.

Then once more, possibly that’s under no circumstances the cope with Mahomes, even with all of his Tremendous Bowl bling and MVP {hardware}.

This newest episode could also be simply the Space 51 proof wanted to show that the dude is simply not of this world. Mahomes could very properly be an alien amongst us.

“He didn’t miss a beat,” stated Chiefs coach Andy Reid.

No, Reid, even with all that he has witnessed through the years from Mahomes, wasn’t anticipating his quarterback to go “Crazylegs” together with his working on Saturday. A clue got here in the course of the week, when Mahomes didn’t miss a single apply rep. However nonetheless.

“He spoils the canine out of us,” Reid stated. “He’s so robust. Mentally. And bodily. You simply get used to it. Most guys don’t come again from that like he did. However he set his thoughts to it. Then he jumped in that coaching room and stayed in there. They usually did an excellent job on him, our trainers. Most guys don’t do this.”

And none of those guys, Reid may have added, are Mahomes, who sends fairly the message to his group about management.

“I ask quite a lot of the blokes round me,” Mahomes stated. “If I’m going to ask them to play by ache, play by nicks and bruises, I’ve obtained to do it as properly.”

So there. In any occasion, with Mahomes main the best way, the Chiefs are 14-1, nonetheless on observe to assert the No. 1 seed for the AFC playoffs and nonetheless exhibiting indicators that their mission to grow to be the primary three-peat Tremendous Bowl champion is getting stronger by the hour. They received one other one-possession recreation (their sixteenth in a row in that style, together with 11 such victories this season), which is undoubtedly an excellent trait to hold into the postseason. They usually introduced again one other weapon, too, with the regular-season debut of latest receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, again from a shoulder harm three weeks after electrical working again Isiah Pacheco made his return from a damaged fibula.

So, regardless of the grind that features three video games over 11 days, all methods are go. Particularly with Mahomes exhibiting nearly no limitations from the ankle harm.

For a group that has tailored all season to 1 harm after one other, the resilience that Mahomes has demonstrated in current days is completely reflective of the bigger image with the Chiefs. No one anticipated that chasing a three-peat can be simple. But the grit the Chiefs have demonstrated to probably place themselves as the highest seed — and it might be a well-earned bye week off — has amplified a dimension that may be neglected.

The identical will be stated of the ringleader, too, even when in earlier seasons we’ve seen him shake off accidents whereas chasing Tremendous Bowl glory.

Just a few days in the past, Reid contemplated the opportunity of beginning backup quarterback Carson Wentz, as any accountable grownup would do given Mahomes’ standing popping out of the Cleveland recreation.

“I wasn’t positive,” Reid instructed reporters on Thursday. By then, he was relieved by the motion he noticed from No. 15 on the apply subject. “I’ve been by it with him earlier than. He amazes me each time he does it. He’s so mentally robust and simply places…it’s a mindset that he has going into it. So, the place he was a couple of days in the past, I most likely would have stated it was a protracted shot.”

With Mahomes, the percentages someway preserve working within the favor of greatness. Keep tuned.

The Texans got here after Mahomes as you’d anticipate, however the unsung hero got here within the type of the Chiefs’ offensive line. Mahomes was sacked as soon as and hit simply 4 occasions (contrasting the 11 occasions that Kansas Metropolis’s protection laid hits on Houston’s C.J. Stroud, who was sacked twice). The Chiefs obtained an enormous recreation from Joe Thuney, the All-Professional left guard who made the emergency begin on the left sort out submit that has been such a problem this season, with Reid rotating a number of our bodies on the submit throughout practices final week in devising his plan.

Nearly as good because the safety was all through the sport and as shaky because it has been all through the season, the most important hold-your-breath second on Saturday (after that first landing tumble, in fact) got here within the fourth quarter, when Mahomes was hit (legally) by Danielle Hunter as he launched a go. Mahomes limped after getting up from the turf. As he continued, there was most likely a collective sigh of aid.

The ankle will nonetheless be monitored carefully because the rehab continues. With the following outing on Christmas at Pittsburgh, it figures that Mahomes will keep off his ft as a lot as doable. 

After which he’ll make sure you be sure that the cape is pressed and able to pack for the upcoming highway journey.

Tiger Woods and ex-wife Elin Nordegren are nonetheless supporting one another — and their son Charlie!

The previous couple — who divorced in 2010 after six years of marriage — just lately embraced one another in happiness after Tiger and Charlie Woods, 15, positioned second on the PNC Championship on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Though the father-son duo misplaced the golf event to Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, the second was highlighted by the surprising public present of affection between Woods, 48 and Nordegren, 44, which went viral on social media.

Charlie additionally had a serious victory through the event’s fourth gap, as he hit his very first hole-in-one proper in entrance of his golf legend dad.

Associated: Tiger Woods’ Son Charlie, 15, Hits First Gap-in-One in Entrance of Dad — See His Response!

Footage of the second was posted by the PGA Tour — which additionally shared that Charlie’s shot was on a par-3 gap and traveled 176 toes for the ace. He used a 7-iron earlier than the ball landed about 6 ft. from the opening itself after which rolled into the cup.

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The elder Woods lovingly embraced his son after making the shot and the 2 had been all smiles.

Talking with the Golf Channel after his milestone golf second, Charlie mentioned, “It was an ideal 7-iron, so simply sort of hit it.”

“Down off the left, a little bit lower 7. It was superior. I didn’t suppose it went in. I don’t imagine anyone till I am going up there and see it,” he added.

The PNC Championship was really a household affair, as Woods’ and Nordegren’s 17-year-old daughter Sam acted as her father’s caddie for the occasion after making her caddie debut finally yr’s event.

Associated: Tiger Woods’ Daughter Sam Is Again as Caddie Whereas He and Son Charlie Play Collectively within the 2024 PNC Championship

Tiger has repeatedly mentioned that he’s at all times “excited” to play golf along with his son. “Charlie clearly loves the instances he spends along with his dad on the golf course,” a supply near Woods advised PEOPLE in 2020. “It’s a particular bonding exercise for the 2 of them.”

Tiger and Charlie performed of their first PNC Championship again in 2020. “I do not suppose phrases can describe it,” Tiger said at the time. “Simply the truth that we had been capable of have this expertise collectively, Charlie and I, it is recollections for a lifetime.”

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STILLWATER — Because the calendar inches nearer to 2025, Oklahoma State should attempt to choose up the items of a busted 2024 season.

The Cowboys completed 3-9, shedding their final 9 video games — all in Huge 12 play — to complete off their worst season in three many years. 

How did this system that competed for Huge 12 championships in two of the earlier three seasons fall to date so quick?

The Cowboys had returned 20 starters, and whereas accidents closely impacted the protection, the offense by no means regained the shape it had proven with just about all the identical gamers in place from a yr earlier.

Requested after the season finale why the offense couldn’t replicate its success, coach Mike Gundy supplied an oversimplified reply.

“We received sporadic quarterback play,” he stated. “I’m not simply blaming (Alan) Bowman, however you guys watch all of our video games proper? There have been two or three video games the place he was unbelievable. There have been two or three video games that have been very common at greatest. In my view, highschool, school, NFL perhaps even decrease than highschool, for those who get sporadic quarterback play, it makes for a really common season.

“Then, we didn’t tie every thing else into it. We have been up and down in all three phases all yr lengthy. We may by no means pull that slot machine and have them hit on the similar time.”

Let’s asses a couple of key areas the place the season went off the rails for the Pokes:

Extra:The place Oklahoma State athletics rank amongst nation’s high 75 most beneficial sports activities applications

Offensive line woes

Whereas Gundy’s preliminary response was to level to quarterback play, essentially the most evident concern from the outset of the season was OSU’s incapability to run the ball. 

An offensive line stuffed with sixth-year seniors and skilled starters did not frequently open holes.

Ollie Gordon II, who was the reigning Doak Walker Award winner because the nation’s high operating again, opened with 126 speeding yards in opposition to South Dakota State.

It appeared like a modest begin to the season, however turned out to be the top, till a late-November breakout for 156 yards in opposition to Texas Tech. 

Gordon reached 100 yards simply 4 instances and was held to 50 or fewer 5 instances.

The absence of the run sport put undue strain on Bowman to make performs at quarterback. And defenses have been stopping the run with out dedicating plenty of further consideration to it, which elevated their skill to clog passing lanes as nicely.

That led to the inconsistent quarterback play Gundy talked about — however we’ll get to that later. 

Extra:Who’s in, who’s out on Oklahoma State soccer teaching workers? Comply with all of the modifications right here

Inept run protection

Whereas accidents to All-Huge 12 gamers Collin Oliver and Nick Martin did essentially the most long-term injury to the Cowboys’ hopes of defensive enchancment within the second half of the season, their run protection was a large number even earlier than the accidents.

Arkansas rushed for 232 yards and even Tulsa had a little bit of success on the bottom early earlier than the sport received out of hand. 

The primary six Huge 12 opponents rushed for at the very least 225 yards, most of these after Martin — the Cowboys’ main tackler in 2023 — was misplaced for the season. 

OSU couldn’t cease the run, couldn’t sort out constantly and couldn’t get third-down stops. In consequence, the protection was on the sector method an excessive amount of. The consequence was a unit that allowed over 500 yards per sport and ranked next-to-last out of 134 Division I applications in that class.

Complicating issues, the Cowboys had modified their protection within the offseason, shifting away from the 3-3-5 coordinator Bryan Nardo was employed to run. So Nardo was left scrambling to repair an injury-riddled protection that differed from his key space of experience.

Extra:How Oklahoma State soccer signee Carl’Veon Younger went from unknown LB to 4-star prospect

Quarterback carousel

It appeared Bowman was going to be the reply to OSU’s run-game struggles. The seventh-year quarterback averaged 322.3 passing yards by three non-conference video games.

However the Utah sport highlighted some challenges, leading to his benching at halftime. It appeared odd on the time, contemplating the variety of second-half comebacks Bowman had helped orchestrate in 2023, and as just lately as two weeks prior in opposition to Arkansas. 

Nonetheless, Gundy believed it was time to make a change. Although Bowman would begin the primary three video games of Huge 12 play, he was benched within the second half of two, and eventually, Gundy switched to Garret Rangel because the starter within the seventh sport of the season.

Rangel, in fact, suffered a damaged collarbone within the second quarter of his first begin, at BYU, and with redshirt freshman backup Zane Flores already sidelined by ankle surgical procedure, the job went again to Bowman.

After the offense limped by a couple of extra losses, true freshman Maealiuaki Smith received his shot to blended outcomes, and now, the Cowboys go into the offseason set for a quarterback battle involving a largely unknown trio of gamers.

Extra:Oklahoma State soccer provides former OU RB Kalib Hicks through switch portal

2024 OSU soccer schedule

• Aug. 31: OSU 44, South Dakota State 20
• Sept. 7: OSU 39, Arkansas 31 (2OT)
• Sept. 14: OSU 45, Tulsa 10
• Sept. 21: Utah 22, OSU 19
• Sept. 28: Kansas State 42, OSU 20
• Oct. 5: West Virginia 38, OSU 14
• Oct. 18: BYU 38, OSU 35
• Oct. 26: Baylor 38, OSU 28
• Nov. 2: Arizona State 42, OSU 21
• Nov. 9: TCU 38, OSU 13
• Nov. 23: Texas Tech 56, OSU 48
• Nov. 29: Colorado 52, OSU 0

2025 OSU soccer schedule

• Aug. 30: vs. UT Martin
• Sept. 6: at Oregon
• Sept. 20: vs. Tulsa
• Date TBA: at Arizona
• Date TBA: at Kansas
• Date TBA: vs. Baylor
• Date TBA: vs. Houston
• Date TBA: vs. Iowa State
• Date TBA: vs. Cincinnati
• Date TBA: at Texas Tech
• Date TBA: at UCF

The crocodile who turned well-known after his look within the 1986 movie “Crocodile Dundee” has died, the Australian reptile and aquarium attraction the place he lived introduced on social media.

Burt, the enduring Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski within the hit film, was believed to be greater than 90 years previous.

Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin mentioned in an Instagram submit that Burt died peacefully over the weekend, “marking the top of an unimaginable period.”

“Burt’s life story is certainly one of power, resilience, and a persona as daring because the Prime Finish itself,” the submit continued. “Captured within the Nineteen Eighties within the Reynolds River, Burt turned one of the recognised crocodiles on this planet, showing in Crocodile Dundee and serving to to form Australia’s picture as a land of rugged pure magnificence and awe-inspiring wildlife.”

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The aquarium mentioned Burt made his solution to Crocosarus Cove in 2008 and went on to grow to be “fierce and engaging ambassador for crocodile training.”

“Identified for his impartial nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor—an perspective he made clear throughout his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” they mentioned. “His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and guests alike, as he embodied the uncooked and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

Within the movie, Hogan’s character Mick Dundee swaps the Australian outback for the concrete jungle of New York after assembly an American reporter, performed by Kozlowski. Burt is seen in a scene the place Kozlowski’s character is attacked as she kneels subsequent to a creek.

Burt might be honored with a commemorative signal at Crocasourus Cove.

Lucia Suarez Sang

Lucia Suarez Sang is an affiliate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Beforehand, Lucia was the director of digital content material at FOX61 Information in Connecticut and has beforehand written for shops together with FoxNews.com, Fox Information Latino and the Rutland Herald.

Have extra feedback, questions? Attain out to me at bwhite1@dispatch.com. Letters are frivolously edited for readability.

On Ohio State soccer

To Brian: Mike Arace’s column concerning the insanity, madness or psychosis of many OSU followers about their obsession with beating Michigan yearly was wonderful. He unnoticed the numerous hours spent by college students, OSU employees and these followers to cross out the letter “M” for all signage on campus and surrounding neighborhoods. I labored with an OSU alum who was unable to sleep or eat a lot for a number of days earlier than the Michigan recreation. If OSU misplaced the sport, he would name in sick for a pair of days as a result of he couldn’t get out mattress. Throughout soccer bowl video games, he would need each Large Ten crew to win their recreation besides Michigan. It’s really unhappy that so many individuals make investments a lot of themselves in a recreation that has no impression on their life, their household or something that actually issues within the nice scheme of life. If Ryan Day actually believes that shedding to Michigan is nearly the worst factor to occur in his life, he ought to discover one other job that may convey him pleasure and peace.

Raymond D’Angelo

To Raymond: Extra pleasure and peace is required lots round these components, the place there seemingly is the “best” and “worst” and nothing in between. It is effective to criticize Day, and by no means was it extra deserved than after the offensive recreation plan vs. Michigan, however hearth him with the document he has? It is effective to dislike shedding, however to be unable to get off the bed? Actuality test, please.

To the editor: Fights appear to comply with TTUN. I consider they’ve been concerned in three postgame fracases prior to now three years. Maybe those that keep can be fracasers.

RP Schleichert

To the editor: Coach Day is paid solely $10 million per yr, and it isn’t contingent on beating Michigan. Are you able to think about what Day could be paid if he really beat Michigan often? Fort Knox would run out gold if he ever defeats Michigan.

Michael Oser, Columbus

Expensive sports activities editor: I assist Ryan Day and consider, on steadiness, that he’s been a superb coach who has earned and continues to obtain the love of followers and gamers alike. It’s straightforward for a lot of to neglect that Day was robbed of two playoff wins by unconscionably horrible officiating that modified the results of each video games. And it carries weight that he’s an individual of character. It’s onerous to think about him getting a lap dance at a bar, and his loyalty to gamers is reciprocated. First-round picks proceed to postpone their NFL careers to play for Day, and the most effective recruits select to be Buckeyes.

Which makes the drop-off at quarterback slightly baffling. Folks have been fast to sentence Kyle McCord and his indifferent perspective when he proved to be a merely good quarterback. Followers appear to be rather more forgiving with Will Howard and his completely satisfied, can-do perspective, however a superb perspective doesn’t choose up first downs towards elite defenses. We have been spoiled by 5 years of really elite quarterback play with Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, however the defenses weren’t fairly as much as snuff. Now we’ve had an elite protection for 2 seasons, with the present iteration clearly the most effective within the nation, however the play at quarterback will not be. Howard missed open receivers a number of instances towards Michigan, and whereas eight interceptions on the season will not be unhealthy, his breakdowns have come on the worst moments when superior quarterback play is required most. Michigan, who has an elite protection, offered out to cease the run, daring Howard to beat them. He failed. The play calling was understandably criticized, however it regarded to me just like the coaches didn’t belief Howard to make the throws that wanted to be made to get first downs and win the sport.

And backing up Howard is Devin Brown. Most have been clamoring to see Julian Sayin all season lengthy, however when it regarded like Howard could be out, followers began groaning on the prospect of Brown popping out to provide one other sub-elite efficiency. When Alabama’s Jalen Hurts wasn’t getting it achieved within the 2018 nationwide championship towards Georgia, Nick Saban despatched out Tua Tagovailoa to win the sport. Now each guys begin within the NFL. Will Day have the braveness to make such a call sooner or later, and can he have elite guys on the sideline to make it occur? I hope the reply to each is sure. Folks root for good guys, they usually respect loyalty. However success on the highest degree is decided by beating the opposite groups at that degree.

Bob Younger, Columbus

To Brian: Anybody who examine Ryan Day’s provide to supply a constitution flight for Buckeyes announcer and Iowa soccer dad Jim Lachey to return residence for The Recreation needs to be touched. They noticed a facet of the OSU coach that is not often been seen. Certain, he might afford to rearrange it himself or whether or not the college chipped in. It is the thought, you already know.

However Day rose above his season-ending loss. Michigan’s Sherrone Moore will remorse the flag-planting concept, crowing they “personal” the Buckeyes – a extreme lack of teaching humility. Hopefully, he’ll be chastened – a name from his former boss? He is forgetting the overwhelming dominance by Ohio State from 2001 to 2020. 

Day has earned my respect along with his beneficiant concern for others like Lachey. But not even a CFP championship (2022) might veil the heartache of rivalry losses. Particularly, a reverberating thud in Ohio Stadium. Might it by no means occur once more.

Larry Cheek, Dublin

On the Blue Jackets

To the editor: OK, so it wasn’t going to be a playoff yr anyway. We went out and obtained a brand new coach as a result of we did not like the best way the crew was being managed on the ice. We employed a brand new basic supervisor as a result of we did not just like the outcomes from the earlier rebuilding plan. We proceed to guide the league in missed video games resulting from accidents to key gamers.

Possibly it is time to check out the people who find themselves in control of the energy and conditioning program and make an identical change. It is a bodily recreation and accidents are inevitable, however it makes you query why we proceed to guide the league in that class.

Tom Cole, Etna

On highschool soccer

To the Editor: I learn with eager curiosity the Mailbag letter by Joe Motil this week expressing concern relating to how state champions at the moment are acknowledged. Particularly, Joe cited the 1966 Watterson soccer crew that was topped state champions after their resounding victory over Higher Arlington 32-0 within the season finale.

I used to be an assistant coach for UA on the sidelines on the time and witnessed firsthand that drubbing of the Golden Bears. We have been outplayed and outcoached as Watterson vaulted from No. 4 to No. 1 within the ultimate state ballot outcomes, correctly claiming the state championship title.

However the next yr the Golden Bears returned the favor and defeated the then-state champions 32-2 on the outdated North Excessive Stadium. That vaulted UA atop the polls for his or her first state championship in 1967. The Bears repeated an undefeated season in 1968 with one other championship and once more in 1969 with a 3rd consecutive undefeated title.

Paradoxically, UA was undefeated a fourth consecutive yr in 1970, however the state ballot title was awarded to an undefeated Massillon Washington crew. I do know that the OHSAA all the time works for the advantage of scholar athletes, coaches, directors and colleges. The present playoff system supplies equity to all ranges of groups in all sports activities, each girls and boys. However it appears to me that each one state titles, nevertheless earned, ought to be correctly acknowledged.

Tom Rutan, former president of the OHSAA State Board of Management

To Brian: Ohio’s two AFC North groups are in a well-recognized scenario, taking part in cellar dwellers to the hated Steelers and Ravens. A drastic treatment is required to avoid wasting our state from perpetual infamy. What to do? Nicely, the Bengals have a superb offense however awful protection. Cleveland has the other downside. Clearly a state takeover is required. For Gov. DeWine it might be a legacy-builder that dwarfs the Intel challenge. The mechanics could be easy: The 2 crew house owners would meet in impartial Columbus for a coin toss. The loser could be required to swap its greatest unit for the opposite crew’s worst. Higher to have not less than one contender than none. The one downside I can see is that the Browns would little question lose the toss.

Kevin F Duffy, Columbus

On faculty soccer

To Brian: Marshall soccer loved a really profitable season profitable their convention championship and accepted a pleasant bowl bid earlier than their coach then abandons ship for a greater provide and 25 gamers comply with by getting into the switch portal forcing the varsity to say no their bowl alternative. Gamers now routinely choose out of bowl video games individually though they accepted NIL cash from those that anticipated them to play all the season. There’s obtained to be a greater method. 

Dennis Singleton Dayton

Extra from the Mailbox

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Burt, the large crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo within the film “Crocodile Dundee” and continued to impress guests together with his fiery mood and commanding presence, has died.

Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, mentioned. He was at the least 90 years previous.

“Identified for his unbiased nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor — an angle he made clear throughout his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts.

“He wasn’t only a crocodile, he was a power of nature and a reminder of the facility and majesty of those unimaginable creatures. Whereas his character could possibly be difficult, it was additionally what made him so memorable and beloved by those that labored with him and the hundreds who visited him through the years,” the aquarium wrote.

A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be greater than 5 meters (16 ft) lengthy. He was captured within the Nineteen Eighties within the Reynolds River and have become one of the vital well-known crocodiles on the planet, in accordance with Crocosaurus Cove.

The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan because the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. Within the film, American Sue Charlton, performed by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering gap when she is attacked by a crocodile earlier than being saved by Dundee.

Burt is briefly proven lunging out of the water.

However the creature proven in additional element as Dundee saves the day is seemingly one thing else. The Web Film Database says the film goofed by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout.

The Australian aquarium the place Burt had lived since 2008 includes a “Cage of Demise” which it says is the nation’s solely crocodile dive. It mentioned it deliberate to honor Burt’s legacy with a commemorative signal “celebrating his extraordinary life and the tales and interactions he shared all through his time on the park.”

Nick Perry, The Related Press

U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) at this time launched the next assertion after a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate voted to go the Social Safety Equity Act, their bipartisan laws to get rid of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Authorities Pension Offset (GPO). The invoice now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into legislation.

“Lastly, Congress confirmed up for the thousands and thousands of Individuals — cops, firefighters, lecturers, federal staff, and different native and state public servants — who labored a second job to care for his or her households or started a second profession to afford to reside. Congress confirmed up for the lots of of hundreds of widows and widowers who’re denied their spouses’ Social Safety advantages whereas grappling with their loss,” mentioned Graves and Spanberger. “Louisianians, Virginians and Individuals throughout the nation have for greater than 4 a long time implored their representatives in Congress to take heed to their tales and shield their retirement safety and talent to assist their households. At present, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate voted to right this obtrusive injustice.”

The lawmakers continued, “For years, we’ve labored alongside these advocates to construct overwhelming bipartisan assist amongst our colleagues, urged management to provide these reforms the consideration impacted Individuals deserve, and finally pressure a vote on the U.S. Home ground to place an finish to this theft. We is not going to take our foot off the fuel till this invoice reaches the president’s desk and is signed into legislation to repeal the WEP and GPO.”

Earlier than Congress left Capitol Hill for the October district work interval, Graves and Spanberger filed a discharge petition for his or her Social Safety Equity Act — which secured the required 218 signatures wanted to pressure a vote within the U.S. Home. Final month, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Home voted to go the laws and ship it to the U.S. Senate.

BACKGROUND

The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Authorities Pension Offset have been added to the Social Safety Act in 1983. These two provisions cut back or get rid of retirement advantages for greater than 2.4 million Individuals who devoted a lot of their careers to public service — together with cops, firefighters, educators, and federal, state, and native authorities staff. In response to a nonpartisan 2024 report, the WEP denies earned advantages to greater than 1.7 million Individuals, and the GPO hurts greater than 420,000 Social Safety beneficiaries. Moreover, greater than 320,000 American retirees are impacted by each the WEP and the GPO.

Graves and Spanberger reintroduced the Social Safety Equity Act in January 2023 in the beginning of the 118th Congress. In November 2023, Graves and Spanberger urged the U.S. Home Methods and Means Committee to carry a listening to on reforms to the WEP and GPO — and a listening to was held later that month. In March 2024, the lawmakers urged the Committee to take the following step to get rid of the WEP and GPO by holding a markup on their bipartisan Social Safety Equity Act. Graves and Spanberger have persistently pushed for a vote on the invoice.

Presently, the WEP reduces the earned Social Safety advantages of a person who additionally receives a public pension from a job not coated by Social Safety. For instance, educators who don’t earn Social Safety in public faculties however who work part-time or through the summer season in jobs coated by Social Safety have lowered advantages, despite the fact that they pay into the system for sufficient quarters to obtain advantages. Likewise, the GPO impacts the spousal advantages of people that work as federal, state, or native authorities staff — together with cops, firefighters, and educators — if the job just isn’t coated by Social Safety. The GPO reduces by two-thirds the profit obtained by surviving spouses who additionally acquire a authorities pension — usually offsetting advantages completely.