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5-Star CB Travis Hunter to Transfer from JSU; Comments on Deion Sanders, Colorado

Dec 19, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 17:  Travis Hunter #12 of the Jackson State Tigers reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the second half of the Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 17: Travis Hunter #12 of the Jackson State Tigers reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the second half of the Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Cornerback Travis Hunter is leaving Jackson State, and it's not a surefire lock that he will follow head coach Deion Sanders to Colorado.

Hunter posted a YouTube video revealing he is in the portal. He said, "I don't know what I'm going to do next" and will "weigh his options" with his family before he makes a decision.

Notably, he also said "I want to follow Coach Prime too, but I need to know if it's a fit for me. If it's not a fit for me, I'm not going. I just want everybody to know that."

Hunter was a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 player in the recruiting class of 2022, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Hunter helped Jackson State go 12-1 this season with its only loss coming to North Carolina Central in Saturday's Celebration Bowl. He finished the campaign with 19 total tackles, eight passes defended, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown while also catching two scores on offense.

Sanders found immediate success at Jackson State and eventually parlayed that into the head coaching job at Colorado, but it still turned heads when he landed the No. 1 overall player in a recruiting cycle.

In fact Alabama head coach Nick Saban created some controversy when he told reporters, "Jackson State paid a guy a million dollars last year that was a really good Division I player to come to school. It was in the paper. They bragged about it. Nobody did anything about it."

Saban, who eventually apologized, didn't mention a player by name, but Hunter and his coach responded to the comments:

Now all eyes turn to Hunter as one of the most high-profile departures from Jackson State after Sanders left for Colorado.

Tom VanHaaren of ESPN noted 22 players from Jackson State have entered the transfer portal this offseason. Sanders "made it very clear he would bring some of his former players with him," including quarterback Shedeur, who is the head coach's son.

Sanders also notably said on Instagram (h/t Nick Gray of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger) that Hunter would join him in Colorado "real soon."

That may eventually be the case, but the cornerback is keeping his options open for now.

Bobby Laing: Frank Gore Boxing Fight 'on the Table' After Beating Adam 'Pacman' Jones

Dec 19, 2022
Frank Gore
Frank Gore

Former NFL running back Frank Gore appears to be lining up his next boxing match.

Bobby Laing, who defeated former NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones at Barstool Sports' Rough 'N Rowdy 19 last Friday, told TMZ Sports he and Gore have been in communication and a fight is "definitely an option on the table."

He continued, saying: "I want to do it. He sounds like he wants to do it. It's just a matter of if Barstool is gonna set it up or not."

Gore lost to former NBA player Deron Williams via split decision last December but is 2-0 in professional bouts since. He defeated Olaseyinde Olorunsola via knockout in May and Joshua Romero via technical knockout earlier this month.

Still, he remains best known for his football career.

Gore suited up for the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets from 2005 through 2020. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and remains third in NFL history with 16,000 rushing yards.

Phillies' Sam Fuld Among Execs to Receive New Contract After World Series Appearance

Dec 19, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 22: General Manager Sam Fuld of the Philadelphia Phillies smiles prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 1-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 22: General Manager Sam Fuld of the Philadelphia Phillies smiles prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 1-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Phillies have rewarded the front office after a big 2022 season, announcing extensions through 2025 for general manager Sam Fuld and more Monday.

The Phillies reached the playoffs for the first time since 2011 and went on a surprising run to the World Series before falling to the Houston Astros in six games.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski received his own three-year extension in November, keeping him under contract through 2027.

Dombrowski joined the organization in December 2020 and promoted Fuld to general manager, and they've helped turn around a club that had gone nine years without a winning record.

After going 82-80 in 2021, the Phillies improved to 87-75 with a wild-card berth in 2022. They replaced manager Joe Girardi after two months last season with Rob Thomson, who led them to playoff series wins over the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.

The organization has also been aggressive in free agency and on the trade market. High-priced additions J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos all played significant roles in the World Series run.

Ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline, Philadelphia acquired David Robertson, Noah Syndergaard and Brandon Marsh.

The strategy has continued this offseason as the Phillies signed shortstop Trea Turner to an 11-year, $300 million deal. They also added pitcher Taijuan Walker to a four-year, $72 million contract.

The deals and on-field success earned Fuld and assistant general managers Ned Rice and Jorge Velandia new contracts with the organization.

Red Sox Rumors: Rafael Devers, Boston Are 'Galaxies Apart' in Contract Negotiations

Dec 19, 2022
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 5: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on October 5, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 5: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on October 5, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Boston Red Sox will have to watch Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts in different uniforms during the 2023 season, and another star may soon be on the way out.

Third baseman Rafael Devers is set for free agency following the upcoming campaign, and Joon Lee of ESPN reported that he and the Red Sox are "galaxies apart" when it comes to contract negotiations.

As of Monday, Devers' camp expects him to be a free agent after his contract expires.

It is probably fair for Boston fans to be concerned with a seemingly growing pattern of star departures.

Lee noted the Red Sox did not want to give Betts a $400 million contract and promptly traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2020 season. While he was unwilling to accept a team-friendly deal, he did want to stay put ahead of the trade.

Similarly, Bogaerts wanted to remain with the Red Sox and apparently even said he'd be willing to move to second or third base from his shortstop spot down the line. Yet the front office didn't match the San Diego Padres' 11-year, $280 million deal this offseason, and Bogaerts didn't want to settle for a hometown discount.

In fact, Lee reported one source close to Bogaerts said he viewed Boston's previous offer of an additional year and $30 million on top of the three years and $60 million he had left on his old contract like "a slap."

That is the backdrop for the Devers' negotiations, which are seemingly just starting up in earnest.

"We will probably, I think, go beyond reason to try to get this done," chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said. "Hopefully we can get this done. There are always going to be limitations, like people can just put something plain out of reach. Some people love to bet on themselves and I hope he hits 63 homers if he does that."

There will be plenty of pressure on the front office to "get this done."

Devers is in the middle of his prime at 26 years old and already has a resume that includes a World Series title, two All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger. Losing him after losing Betts and Bogaerts would be quite a blow for one of the most high-profile organizations in the sport.

He slashed .295/.358/.521 with 27 home runs and 88 RBI after launching a career-best 38 home runs with 113 RBI in 2022.

Boston is coming off a last place finish in the American League East at 78-84 and has made the playoffs just once since it won the 2018 World Series. Forbes lists the franchise as the third-most valuable in all of MLB, and there is surely some angst within the fanbase ahead of the 2023 season.

Re-signing Devers is one way to address that, but the two sides apparently have plenty of work left to do before reaching an agreement.

MLB Rumors: Padres' Xander Bogaerts Felt Red Sox's Contract Offer Was 'a Slap'

Dec 19, 2022
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 09: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres addresses the media at his introductory press conference at PETCO Park on December 9, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 09: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres addresses the media at his introductory press conference at PETCO Park on December 9, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

Xander Bogaerts reportedly felt disrespected by the Boston Red Sox before he chose to sign with the San Diego Padres on an 11-year, $280 million deal.

According to Joon Lee of ESPN, Bogaerts "would have seriously considered" a contract extension in the range of Trevor Story's six-year, $140 million pact that he signed with the Red Sox ahead of the 2022 campaign.

However, the American League East team instead offered him one more year and $30 million on top of the three years and $60 million he had remaining on his previous deal. Someone close to the shortstop said he interpreted that offer as "a slap."

That didn't stop him from thanking the fans:

It seems that Boston had a path to prevent Bogaerts from even hitting free agency at 30 years old. Lee explained the four-time All-Star wanted to remain with the Red Sox for his entire career and was even willing to move to second or third base down the line if necessary.

However, he did not want to accept a team-friendly deal just for the sake of staying put, and the Padres "significantly outbid Boston" after he hit free agency this offseason.

"There are a couple of regrets," Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said of the negotiation process with Bogaerts.

While Boston was not interested in signing Bogaerts to a massive deal that would have taken him into his late 30s, the calculus of his value changed during the 2022 campaign. He already had two World Series crowns, four Silver Sluggers and three All-Star selections on his resume, but he turned in one of the best years of his career ahead of free agency.

Bogaerts slashed .307/.377/.456 with 15 home runs and 73 RBI while posting five defensive runs saved above average with his glove, per FanGraphs.

His 5.8 wins above replacement total was second only to the 6.3 he posted in 2019, per Baseball Reference. He was a bright spot for a Red Sox team that otherwise sputtered on the way to a last-place finish in the American League East at 78-84.

Boston was one of the most disappointing teams in MLB after reaching the American League Championship Series the prior year.

Now Bogaerts joins a Padres team that already featured Juan Soto and Manny Machado and will get the suspended Fernando Tatís Jr. back during the season. The Padres are in World-Series-or-bust mode after reaching last season's National League Championship Series and made a splash with the addition of Bogaerts.

He may be extra motivated after feeling spurned by Boston.

Karim Benzema Retires from International Play After France's Loss in World Cup

Dec 19, 2022
France's forward Karim Benzema looks on during a training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha on November 17, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
France's forward Karim Benzema looks on during a training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha on November 17, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Real Madrid and France star Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football after France's defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final.

"I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending," Benzema said, via Colin Millar of the Mirror.

The 35-year-old made the France squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but he suffered a thigh injury in training and was ruled out for the tournament. Though he was not replaced on the roster, he did not stay with the team and chose not to attend Sunday's final.

According to French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Tom Blow of the Mirror), Benzema "cut off" communication with the team and head coach Didier Deschamps after they wouldn't let him stay following the injury.

Deschamps dodged questions on Benzema's availability after France's first two group-stage games.

"I have 24 players here and I'm thinking about them," he told reporters. "I will let you speak, debate, and imagine, but I'm not going to comment on things that don't concern our daily business."

Asked about Benzema again following victory in the semifinals over Morocco, Deschamps said, "I don't really want to answer that question."

Benzema was not part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad amid a blackmail scandal with former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, for which he received a one-year suspended prison sentence. He was also left off the 2010 World Cup roster despite competing with the team during qualifying.

He earned 97 caps across 15 years with the national team yet only appeared in one World Cup, helping the 2014 squad reach the quarterfinal with three goals and two assists in five matches.

The striker has been one of the world's best players at the club level, helping Real Madrid win five Champions League titles. He earned the 2022 Ballon d'Or after winning Champions League and La Liga titles with Los Blancos, scoring 44 goals in all competitions.

Brazil Still No. 1 in FIFA Rankings Despite Argentina Winning World Cup vs. France

Dec 19, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain react with Neymar Jr #10 during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and AJ Auxerre at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain react with Neymar Jr #10 during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and AJ Auxerre at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Argentina may be champions of the world, but they aren't going to be No. 1 in the updated FIFA rankings.

Dale Johnson of ESPN FC noted South American rival Brazil will maintain their top spot this month after reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Brazil lost to Croatia in those quarterfinals, although the defeat came via a penalty shootout.

Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986 thanks to its victory over France on Sunday, which also came via a penalty shootout.

Here is a look at the latest top 10 in the FIFA rankings:

1. Brazil

2. Argentina

3. France

4. Belgium

5. England

6. Netherlands

7. Croatia

8. Italy

9. Portugal

10. Spain

The United States, which advanced out of the group stage before losing to the Netherlands in the round of 16, is the highest-ranked team in the CONCACAF at No. 13. Mexico is No. 15.

Johnson explained Brazil only held onto their top spot because Sunday's final went into a penalty shootout. Had either France or Argentina won in regular time or even extra time, they would have propelled to the top spot.

However, victories that come via a penalty shootout are worth fewer ranking points.

Argentina also defeated the Netherlands in the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout.

Still, Lionel Messi and Co. surely aren't too concerned with the FIFA rankings after prevailing on the sport's biggest stage. It was the first World Cup title for the legendary superstar and was something of a mic-drop moment in the debate about who is the greatest player of all time.

It wasn't without challenge from someone who is well on his way to becoming a part of those GOAT debates.

Kylian Mbappé notched a hat trick, with the first two goals coming in the 80th and 81st minutes after France fell behind 2-0. That flurry forced extra time, but it appeared as if Messi won it with a goal in the 108th minute.

Mbappé wasn't done, though, as he scored the equalizer on a penalty in the 118th minute.

They each converted their attempts in the penalty shootout as well, but Messi's teammates helped his side prevail in one of the most memorable showdowns in the sport's history.

Seth Lugo Continues Dodgers-Padres Rivalry in World Series Hunt amid MLB Rumors

Dec 19, 2022
Seth Lugo can, and will, help the Dodgers or Padres in their pursuit of the NL pennant.
Seth Lugo can, and will, help the Dodgers or Padres in their pursuit of the NL pennant.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres both had their 2022 seasons ended by the eventual NL champion Philadelphia Phillies in the postseason.

Now, both California-based teams may be looking to strengthen the depth of their rotation by way of New York Mets reliever Seth Lugo, as reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Lugo wants to start, and both the Dodgers and Padres should take the necessary steps to make that happen—especially as they try to keep pace with a Phils team brimming with hitters and an American League not bereft of them, either.


Bolstering the Rotation

Lugo is an interesting case in that he has experience as a starter but has not been one full-time since 2017 with the Mets. Since then, he has had spot starts and filled that role in seven of his 16 appearances in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.

While some would suggest it has been too long since Lugo has filled the role of starter to trust that he can come in and seamlessly resume it, the Dodgers are in a position where they can justify it.

Sure, they brought Clayton Kershaw back on a one-year deal and would seem to have a full rotation in place, Dustin May is still in the midst of a comeback following Tommy John surgery.

Rather than throwing him in the mix and expecting him to contribute quality starts, without any sort of insurance policy in case of a setback for the 25-year-old, the team has the opportunity to bring in Lugo and let him bridge the gap.

Lugo played in his most games since 2019 and recorded his most innings pitched since that same year last season. Better yet, he allowed his third-lowest ERA+ and continued his trend of allowing single-digit home runs.

While there is uncertainty as to what those numbers would look like spread out over the course of an entire season in a starter role, it would be better than the Dodgers putting all of their trust in the likes of Ryan Pepiot and Andre Jackson, both of whom are mostly unproven commodities.

Like the Dodgers, the Padres would be looking at Lugo to strengthen their rotation.

The team knows he is not an ace starter or someone who is going to shut down every opposing batter, but in a game that is and always has been reliant on good pitchers making smart decisions and setting their team up for victory, guys like Lugo can absolutely benefit a club pursuing a World Series title.

That the Padres face a number of questions in the 2023 offseason, including the futures of Yu Darvish and Blake Snell as they face free agency, bringing in someone like Lugo to provide stability behind Joe Musgrove will surely put some minds at ease in the clubhouse.

It is safe to say that, looking at the current situations facing the Dodgers and the Padres with their rotations and the lack of depth and experience within, there are far worse options than taking a chance on Lugo as a stater for at least a season.

If it works out and he can give them seven or eight wins, the Dodgers and Padres can be right back in the championship mix. If it does not and the decision has to be made to drop him into the bullpen, the teams have a veteran reliever who can influence the game that way.

It is a win-win scenario for two teams that are built to win now and need the pitching depth to do so.

Considering the intensity and emotion in the rivalry between the two teams in question, snagging the missing piece that catapults one past the other in pursuit of a world title would be icing on top of the proverbial cake and give one squad bragging rights while potentially being the difference between making a World Series appearance and sitting at home.

Report: NFL Insiders 'Convinced' Colts' Jim Irsay Will Pursue Jim Harbaugh to Be HC

Dec 19, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines is seen following the Big Ten Championship against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines is seen following the Big Ten Championship against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis Colts may target Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to be their next head coach.

Zak Keefer of The Athletic reported multiple league sources are "convinced" Colts owner Jim Irsay has Harbaugh at the top of his wishlist. It looks likely that Jeff Saturday, Irsay's unconventional midseason hire, will not get the job on a full-time basis after the Colts blew a 33-point lead to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15.

Harbaugh interviewed for the Vikings' head-coaching position last offseason before recommitting to Michigan. It was the closest he has gotten to leaving his alma mater since taking the job before the 2015 season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in February that Harbaugh informed the university that NFL flirtations would not be a yearly issue. Michigan signed Harbaugh to a new five-year contract two weeks after his Vikings interview.

"I called Warde [Manuel, the Michigan athletic director] and I asked him if he wanted me to be the head coach. And he said, 'Yes, 100 percent.' And I said, OK then. That's what I want to do.' And I told him, 'Warde, this will not be a reoccurring theme every year. This was a one-time thing," Harbaugh told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press.

Harbaugh has led Michigan to the College Football Playoff in the last two seasons. The Wolverines' 13-0 mark in 2022 is their first undefeated regular season since 1997, and their 13 wins are the most in a season in program history.

While it would be a surprise to see Harbaugh do an about-face less than a year after he recommitted to Michigan, he has significant ties to the Colts organization. He played for the team from 1994 to 1997, winning Comeback Player of the Year and making the Pro Bowl in 1995.

The Colts inducted Harbaugh into their Ring of Honor in 2005.