Breaking
Wealth World News
Archive

2025

Browsing
Politics

Jack Smith pushes for public testimony to confront ‘mischaracterizations’ of Trump probes

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith is requesting to testify in open, public hearings before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, Fox News Digital has learned.

Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a letter Smith’s attorneys sent to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley Thursday afternoon, after both panels signaled interest in testimony from the former special counsel.

‘Given the many mischaracterizations of Mr. Smith’s investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Mr. Smith respectfully requests the opportunity to testify in open hearings before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees,’ Smith attorneys Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski wrote.

‘During the investigation of President Trump, Mr. Smith steadfastly adhered to established legal standards and Department of Justice guidelines, consistent with his approach throughout his career as a dedicated public servant,’ they wrote.

‘He is prepared to answer questions about the Special Counsel’s investigation and prosecution, but requires assurance from the Department of Justice that he will not be punished for doing so,’ they continued. ‘To that end, Mr. Smith needs guidance from the Department of Justice regarding federal grand jury secrecy requirements and authorization on the matters he may speak to regarding, among other things, Volume II of the Final Report of the Special Counsel, which is not publicly available.’

Smith’s attorneys also noted that in order to provide ‘full and accurate answers to your questions, Mr. Smith requires access to the Special Counsel files, which he no longer has the ability to access.’

‘With the guidance and access described above, Mr. Smith is available to testify in an open hearing at your earliest convenience,’ they wrote.

A source familiar told Fox News Digital that Smith’s attorneys are planning to officially seek guidance from the Department of Justice on the matter.

The letter from Smith’s attorneys comes after Jordan, R-Ohio, requested Smith appear for a closed-door transcribed interview and provide all records from his work related to President Donald Trump.

The letter also comes after Grassley, R-Iowa, and nearly two dozen Senate Republicans demanded that the Department of Justice and FBI release documents on Smith’s decision to subpoena telecommunications companies for phone records of a number of Senate Republicans during his probe into Jan. 6, 2021.

Fox News Digital exclusively reported earlier in October that Smith tracked the private communications and phone calls of GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and GOP Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania as part of his ‘Arctic Frost’ investigation.

An official said the records were collected in 2023 by Smith and his team after subpoenaing major telephone providers. 

An FBI official told Fox News Digital that Smith and his team tracking the senators were able to see which phone numbers they called, the location the phone call originated and the location where it was received.

A source said the calls were likely in reference to the vote to certify the 2020 election. 

Smith, though, called his decision to subpoena several Republican lawmakers’ phone records ‘entirely proper’ and consistent with Justice Department policy.

‘As described by various Senators, the toll data collection was narrowly tailored and limited to the four days from January 4, 2021 to January 7, 2021, with a focus on telephonic activity during the period immediately surrounding the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol,’ Smith’s lawyers wrote Tuesday to Grassley. 

Smith was appointed special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022.

Smith, after months of investigating, charged Trump in the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C., in his 2020 election case, but after Trump was elected president, Smith sought to dismiss the case. Judge Tanya Chutkan granted that request. 

Smith’s case cost taxpayers more than $50 million. 

‘Jack Smith certainly has a lot of answering to do, but first, Congress needs to have all the facts at its disposal,’ Grassley told Fox News Digital Thursday. ‘Hearings should follow once the investigative foundation has been firmly set, which is why I’m actively working with the DOJ and FBI to collect all relevant records that Mr. Smith has had years to become familiar with.’

Fox News Digital reached out to Jordan for comment and has yet to receive a reply. 

Fox News’ Ashley Oliver contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
Keep Reading
By
Politics

Trump ‘not interested’ in de-escalation with ‘unhinged’ leader of Colombia, White House says

President Donald Trump is ‘not interested’ in making peace with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the White House said Thursday, as tensions between Washington and Bogotá continue to escalate.

‘I don’t think we’re seeing de-escalation from the unhinged leader of Colombia right now,’ press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a White House briefing when asked what Petro could do to reduce tensions.

‘I don’t think the president, frankly, is interested in that at this point,’ Leavitt added.

Relations between the two countries have sharply deteriorated after Petro accused the U.S. of killing innocent fishermen during strikes targeting narco-traffickers in the Caribbean.

Following Petro’s accusation, Trump announced plans to cut off all counter-narcotics aid to Colombia and impose new tariffs on the country.

Trump lashed out at his South American counterpart, calling him a ‘thug’ who is ‘making a lot of drugs.’

‘They’re doing very poorly, Colombia. They make cocaine. They have cocaine factories … and he better watch it or we’ll take very serious action against him and his country,’ Trump said. ‘What he has led his country into is a death trap.’

Petro fired back, threatening to sue Trump in U.S. court.

‘From the slanders that have been cast against me in the territory of the United States by high-ranking officials, I will defend myself judicially with American lawyers in the American justice system,’ Petro wrote on X. ‘I will always stand against genocides and murders by those in power in the Caribbean.’

‘When our help is required to fight against drug trafficking, American society will have it. We will fight against the drug traffickers with the states that want our help,’ he added.

Petro has sought closer ties with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro while distancing Colombia — a major non-NATO ally — from the United States.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has conducted eight strikes on vessels believed to be transporting narcotics from Latin America. The world is now watching to see whether Trump will follow through on threats to strike Venezuelan soil — or even target Maduro himself, directly or indirectly.

Trump confirmed that he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and also warned Colombia could face similar consequences.

‘Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social, ‘or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely.’

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Colombian Embassy in Washington sought to ease tensions, saying the U.S. representative in Bogotá recently met with Petro and that ‘both sides agreed to continue dialogue in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment towards efforts against illicit drug trafficking, grounded in accuracy, coordination, and security.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
Keep Reading
By
Politics

Mayor Eric Adams endorses Andrew Cuomo as his successor as Zohran Mamdani maintains lead in NYC race

Mayor Eric Adams formally endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to replace him as the next mayor of New York City on Thursday, less than one month after Adams suspended his re-election campaign.

The endorsement followed Wednesday night’s final mayoral debate, where Cuomo, who is running as an Independent, faced off against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Rather than speak to reporters after the debate, Cuomo dashed off to Madison Square Garden to watch the end of the New York Knicks game courtside with Adams.

‘I’m fighting for the family of New York,’ Adams said. ‘That’s why I’m here today, to endorse Andrew Cuomo, to be part of this fight, and I’m going to give him my all these next few days to make sure that Black and Brown communities, specifically, who have believed there’s nothing at stake in this election for them. It is.’

‘Am I angry that I’m not the one taking down Zohran, the socialist and the communist?’ Adams said, eliciting President Donald Trump’s moniker for Mamdani. ‘You’re darn right I am. But, you know what, the city means more to me than anything, and it is time for us as a family to come together.’

‘Today confirms what we’ve long known: Andrew Cuomo is running for Eric Adams’ second term,’ Mamdani said in a statement Thursday. ‘It’s no surprise to see two men who share an affinity for corruption and Trump capitulation align themselves at the behest of the billionaire class and the president himself. We are going to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas that these two disgraced executives embody and build a city every New Yorker can afford.’

Mamdani reiterated his criticism of the endorsement during a campaign event in Manhattan on Thursday.

‘We also know that this is the art of the deal,’ Mamdani said before adding, ‘We know that in a moment when New Yorkers are looking for an answer to the authoritarianism that we’re seeing from Washington, D.C., they don’t want the continuation of making City Hall into an embassy of that same administration.’

Adams has aligned with Trump since he was elected in November, visiting both Mar-a-Lago and the White House. Trump’s Justice Department dropped bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges against Adams earlier this year. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., weighed removing Adams from office following a slew of City Hall resignations after Adams’ case was dropped. Hochul has since endorsed Mamdani’s campaign, although Mamdani has yet to endorse Hochul’s re-election campaign. 

Pressure had been mounting since Mamdani won the Democratic primary for Adams or Cuomo to drop out of the race to consolidate support against Mamdani.

‘The mayor put his own personal ambition and ego aside to make sure he’s doing everything he can to make sure that New York remains New York,’ Cuomo said Thursday.

Adams announced he was suspending his campaign in a video on Sunday, Sept. 28, prompting the leading mayoral candidates to sharpen their political jabs against each other.

Similar pressure from billionaires, including Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis and hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman, has intensified this week for Sliwa to drop out of the race in order to clear a pathway to victory for Cuomo.

The Democratic nominee, who handily defeated Cuomo in the primary, elicited Adams’ own words against the former governor in the days after he suspended his re-election campaign.

‘Even hearing Eric Adams, the way that he described Andrew Cuomo as a snake and a liar, is something that I’ve heard from a number of New Yorkers in wanting to turn that page,’ Mamdani said.

While Adams and Cuomo have had their fair share of disagreements, the Democrats agreed on Thursday that Mamdani should not become the next mayor of New York City. Adams addressed his own criticism of Adams during the announcement Thursday. 

‘He called me names. But you know what? Now it’s time to fight for the family, and I’m going to fight for the family with Andrew Cuomo as the next mayor of the city of New York,’ Adams said. 

The latest Fox News survey, conducted Oct. 10-14, ahead of the first general election debate last week, revealed that Mamdani has a substantial lead in the race. According to the poll, Mamdani has a 21-point lead among New York City registered voters with 49% of voters backing Mamdani, while 28% go for Cuomo and 13% favor Sliwa.

Mamdani also rose above the 50% threshold among likely voters, garnering 52% support, while Cuomo picked up 28%, and Sliwa received just 14%.

But as Mamdani, ever the social media-savvy candidate, warned his followers on Wednesday, it was Cuomo who was the favorite to win the nomination just weeks before the Democratic primary.

By consolidating support with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, and cross-endorsing each other to topple Cuomo through ranked-choice voting, Mamdani pulled off the political upset that has since landed him on the national stage.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
Keep Reading
By
Politics

Trump freezes out Putin for lack of ‘enough action’ toward peace — future talks uncertain

President Donald Trump called off his meeting in Budapest, Hungary, with Russian President Vladimir Putin because he didn’t see enough progress toward peace — although a future summit hasn’t been ruled out, according to the White House. 

While Trump and Putin spoke over the phone Oct. 16, plans for the meeting were scrapped after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Tuesday.

Trump ‘feels as though, unfortunately, from the Russian side as of late, he has not seen enough interest in enough action in terms of moving the ball forward toward peace,’ White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday. ‘And so a meeting between these two leaders is not completely off the table. I think the president and the entire administration hopes that one day that can happen again, but we want to make sure that there’s a tangible positive outcome out of that meeting, and that it’s a good use of the president’s time.’ 

Trump also has signaled in recent days that his patience has worn thin with Russia, and his administration slapped stringent sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies Wednesday. 

Specifically, the sanctions freeze all U.S.-linked assets from the two companies and bar U.S. citizens from engaging in any business with them. 

In response, Putin called the sanctions an ‘unfriendly act,’ and warned that global oil prices could increase as a result. However, he also said that the sanctions would not majorly impact Moscow’s economy. 

While Trump routinely has said in recent months that he has pleasant conversations with Putin, he’s also voiced frustration at the lack of progress made as he’s sought to mediate an end to the conflict. Trump also said Tuesday that he didn’t want to have a ‘wasted meeting’ with Putin in Hungary. 

‘The president wants to see action, not just talk,’ Leavitt said. ‘And I think the president is extremely motivated by the success of his peace deal in the Middle East to get things done, and he wants this war to come to an end. He’s been saying it now for nine months, being in office, and he’s grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress from both sides of this war.’ 

Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte Wednesday to address ongoing negotiations to end the conflict. 

On Wednesday, Trump told reporters the meeting with Putin ‘didn’t feel right,’ and explained why he wasn’t interested in arming Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles like he’d previously suggested he might. 

‘There is a tremendous learning curve with the Tomahawk. It’s a very powerful weapon, very accurate weapon,’ Trump said Wednesday. ‘And maybe that’s what makes it so complex. But it will take a year. It takes a year of intense training to learn how to use it, and we know how to use it. And we’re not going to be teaching other people. It will be just too far out into the future.’

Meanwhile, Trump has voiced skepticism recently about whether Ukraine can win against Russia.

‘They could still win it. I don’t think they will, but they could still win it,’ Trump told reporters Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
Keep Reading
By
Sports

Terry Rozier attorney issues statement on arrest, NBA gambling probe

The lawyer for Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier says his client will fight allegations that he was involved in a wide-ranging gambling ring that has resulted in more than 30 arrests.

In a statement to USA TODAY, attorney Jim Trusty says investigators previously told Rozier he was ‘a subject, not a target’ of the gambling probe. However, following Rozier’s arrest on Thursday, Oct. 23, Trusty says FBI officials ‘appear to be taking the word of spectacularly in-credible sources rather than relying on actual evidence of wrongdoing.’

Trusty noted that the NBA conducted its own preliminary investigation last year after the allegations first surfaced. ‘Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case,’ he said.

Trusty took particular issue with the way Rozier was taken into custody Thursday morning at the Heat’s team hotel in Orlando, Florida.

‘It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender they opted for a photo op. They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk. That tells you a lot about the motivations in this case.’

At the center of attention in Rozier’s case is a March 23, 2023, game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. Sports books in several states flagged unusual betting activity on Rozier’s statistics, triggering a halt on his prop bets. Rozier, who averaged 35.3 minutes and 21.1 points per game that season, left the game after playing just 10 minutes due to a foot injury.

Justice Department officials alleged on Thursday that more than $200,000 was bet on Rozier’s ‘under’ in the game.

‘Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
Keep Reading
By
Sports

Breaking down every Top 25 team in the women’s basketball preseason poll

Another women’s college basketball season is here with the team that finished last year at No. 1 also starting at top the USA TODAY Sports women’s college basketball poll.

Here is our annual preview outlooks for the Top 25 teams in the preseason poll.

1. Connecticut (37-3)

Points: 772 (28 first-place votes).  Previous ranking: 1.

The Huskies are back on top of the mountain after winning their first national title since 2016. Although Paige Buckers moved on to the WNBA, don’t expect a dropoff from the Huskies. Senior guard Azzi Fudd (13.6 ppg) opted to return at head coach Geno Auriemma’s suggestion, to unlock her full potential. The Huskies also return phenom Sarah Strong (16.4 ppg, 8.9 ppg), the WBCA freshman of the year, in addition to KK Arnold, Jana El-Alfy and Ice Brady from their championship squad. As if the program didn’t already have an embarrassment of riches, the Huskies added transfers Serah Williams (Wisconsin) and Kayleigh Heckel (Southern California).

2. South Carolina (35-4)

Points: 741 (3 first-place votes).  Previous ranking: 2.

The Gamecocks lost the core that made a run to the national title game last season to graduation (Te-Hina Paopao, Sania Feagin, Bree Hall), the transfer portal (MiLaysia Fulwiley) and injury (Chloe Kitts). Coach Dawn Staley, however, picked up senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring and set career-highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals last season at Florida State. Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards will likely move to a starting spot after leading the team in scoring (12.7 ppg) off the bench last season.

3. Texas (35-4)

Points: 688.  Previous ranking: 4.

Texas’ first season in the SEC ended with a program-high 35 wins and first Final Four appearance since 2003, thanks in no small part to the one-two punch of Madison Booker and Rori Harmon. Booker was named the SEC Player of the Year after averaging a team-high 16.9 points in her breakout sophomore campaign. Harmon led the Longhorns in assists (5.9 per game) and steals (2.2) in her first season back from an ACL injury. Look for sophomore guards Jordan Lee and Bryanna Preston to take on a larger role and assist Texas’ dynamic duo.

4. UCLA (34-3)

Points: 686.  Previous ranking: 3.

The UCLA women’s basketball team hit a number of milestones last season. The Bruins reached the 30-win mark and made it to the Final Four for the first time in program history. UCLA has all the pieces to carry that momentum into the upcoming season with the return of most of their starting lineup, including the top three scorers in Lauren Betts (20.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg), Kiki Rice (12.8 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (9.6 ppg). The Bruins added Gianna Kneepkens (Utah) in the transfer portal and freshman five-star recruit Sienna Betts, the younger sister of Lauren Betts. 

5. LSU (31-6)

Points: 628.  Previous ranking: 8.

Flau’jae Johnson (18.6 ppg) has reached at least the Elite Eight in each of her three seasons under Kim Mulkey, including winning the national championship in 2023. Johnson teams up with Mikaylah Williams (17.3 ppg) and MiLaysia Fulwiley, who transferred from South Carolina, in hopes of contending for a championship again. LSU’s frontcourt took a hit with the loss of forward Aneesah Morrow, who was drafted into the WNBA after leading the nation in rebounds and double-doubles. Transfers Kate Koval (Notre Dame) and Amiya Joyner (East Carolina) will try to fill that void, in addition to five-star freshman recruits Grace Knox, ZaKiyah Johnson and Divine Bourrage.

6. Duke (29-8)

Points: 594.  Previous ranking: 7.

The Blue Devils outperformed expectations last season, winning the ACC tournament title and then reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 2013. Duke may have lost ACC tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa to the transfer portal, but the Blue Devils are returning four starters, including ACC rookie of the year Toby Fournier (13.2 ppg) and senior guard Ashlon Jackson (12.4 ppg). Both Fournier and Jackson were named to the preseason All-ACC team.

7. Oklahoma (27-8)

Points: 559.  Previous ranking: 11.

The Sooners first season in the SEC ended with the team’s first Sweet 16 run since 2013. Coach Jennie Baranczyk returns that team’s core, including Payton Verhulst, Sahara Williams and senior center Raegan Beers, who led Oklahoma in points (17.3), rebounds (9.4) and blocks (1.2) per game, while shooting 63.3% from the field. The Sooners bypassed the transfer portal, but anticipate a major boost from their freshman class, led by No. 1 overall recruit Aaliyah Chavez.

8. North Carolina State (28-7)

Points: 516.  Previous ranking: 10.

The Wolfpack advanced to the Final Four in 2024 as part of four Sweet 16 appearances in the last five season. Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers depart after forming one of the best backcourts in the country. NC State will now look to junior guard Zoe Brooks (14.2 ppg) to take the lead, in addition to Vanderbilt junior transfer Khamil Pierre, who led the SEC in made field goals (273) last season. Qadence Samuels (UConn) is another transfer that will add instant value to the Wolfpack. Don’t overlook sophomores Zamareya Jones and Tilda Trygger, who will likely step into bigger roles.

9. Tennessee (24-10)

Points: 509.  Previous ranking: 16.

The Lady Vols are looking to build upon last year’s Sweet Sixteen finish in coach Kim Caldwell’s first season, where they finished a mere 8-8 in SEC play. Tennessee brought in one of the best recruiting class in the country, including five-star recruits Deniya Prawl and Mia Pauldo, in addition to her twin sister Mya Pauldo. Talaysia Cooper (16.1 ppg) will return after leading Tennessee’s high scoring offense last season, which ranked third in the nation (86.6 ppg). 

10. Maryland (25-8)

Points: 487.  Previous ranking: 14.

The Terps made a splash in the transfer portal and landed guards Yarden Garzon (Indiana) and Oluchi Okananwa (Duke), who will be called upon to replace the production of guard Shyanne Sellers following her graduation. Both Garzon and Okananwa are more than capable. Garzon led the Big Ten in 3-pointers  (88) and has shot over 40% from beyond the arc in all three seasons at Indiana, which will help Maryland up its 36.1% average last season. Garzon and Okananwa will team up with Kaylene Smikle, who led the Terps in scoring (17.9 ppg) and steals (1.5 spg) last season.

11. North Carolina (29-8)

Points: 431.  Previous ranking: 12.

Last season’s finish was the best in the Courtney Banghart era, and while the stars are gone, the pieces are there to build on it. It will be hard to move on from linchpin Alyssa Ustby, but Louisville transfer Nyla Harris should fit into that role nicely. Plus, Banghart brought in an impressive recruiting class with five-stars Nyla Brooks and Taliyah Henderson. There’s a good chance for the Tar Heels to compete for the ACC crown.

12. TCU (34-4)

Points: 390.  Previous ranking: 6.

The significant move in the transfer portal happened with the arrival of guard Olivia Miles from Notre Dame. Miles is expected to make an immediate impact as the Horned Frogs try to build off its first Elite Eight appearance in school history. She’s not the only new face at TCU from the portal with Veronica Sheffey (San Diego State), Clara Silva (Kentucky) and Kennedy Basham (Arizona State) bringing much-needed depth to a squad that has its eyes set on another dominant Big 12 run.

13. Notre Dame (28-6)

Points: 351.  Previous ranking: 9.

Speaking of Miles, her old program in Notre Dame will try to retool after also losing Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld. It helps to have player of the year candidate Hannah Hidalgo (23.8 ppg) leading the way. The Fighting Irish are hoping some new additions can help carry the burden off Hidalgo, including five-star freshman Leah Macy, who will be a key figure in the post.

14. Mississippi (22-11)

Points: 346.  Previous ranking: 20.

You’d think losing 12 players would result in a down year, but not at Mississippi, where the Rebels are starting to assert themselves as an SEC contender following their second Sweet 16 appearance in three seasons. Yolett McPhee-McCuin replenished the roster with several solid transfers, most notably Cotie McMahon, who was a force at Ohio State. This will be a team to watch once again as one that could surprise.

15. Michigan (23-11)

Points: 322.  Previous ranking: Not ranked.

The Wolverines have been trying to take that next step from good to great, and this year could finally be the time. Olivia Olsen (16.3 ppg) and Syla Swords (16.0 ppg) showed the future is bright in their freshman seasons as they solidify themselves as stars. Another group of potential impact players will be arriving to Michigan in UCLA transfer Kendall Dudley, as well as freshman McKenzie Mathurin, Ciara Byars and Jessica Fields. While young, this season could set the stage for a run of success for Michigan.

16. Southern California (31-4)

Points: 291.  Previous ranking: 5.

The outlook for the Trojans changed considerably when national player of the year candidate JuJu Watkins was lost to injury for the season. But the cupboard is far from bare as coach Lindsay Gottlieb brought in a strong recruiting class led by Jasmine Davidson to join veterans like Kennedy Smith (9.5 ppg) expected to take on bigger roles.

17. Iowa State (23-12)

Points: 285.  Previous ranking: Not ranked.

After a somewhat disappointing season that ended in the second round of the tournament, the Cyclones are aiming higher. Five of Iowa State’s top six scorers return, led by standout center Audi Crooks (23.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and versatile forward Addy Brown (15.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg). Arizona transfer Jada Williams should start immediately at the point.

18. Baylor (28-8)

Points: 282.  Previous ranking: 18.

The Bears will rely on an experienced frontcourt and several new perimeter scorers in hopes of getting back to the top of the Big 12. The veteran forwards are double-double machine Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (13.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg) and Bella Fontleroy, with Taliah Scott (Arkansas) and Yuting Deng (Auburn) headlining the new arrivals.

19. Louisville (23-11)

Points: 198.  Previous ranking: Not ranked.

Entering the season with 486 career wins, Cardinals coach Jeff Walz clearly knows what he’s doing. He has to replace a lot of lost production from last year’s squad, but sophomore guard Tajianna Roberts (12.8 ppg) is a good starting point, and a number of her classmates will take on larger roles. Skylar Jones transfers in from Arizona to provide another experienced hand in the lineup.

20. Kentucky (23-8)

Points: 164.  Previous ranking: 13.

With star guard Georgia Amoore off to the WNBA, this year’s Wildcats will be built around their talented frontcourt trio of Clara Strack (15.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg), Teonni Key (11.4 ppg) and Amelia Hassett (8.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg). Coach Kenny Brooks will count on transfer guards Tonie Morgan (Georgia Tech) and Asia Boone (Liberty) to adjust quickly to life in the hotly-contested SEC.

21. Vanderbilt (22-11)

Points: 148.  Previous ranking: Not ranked.

The Commodores lost some key pieces to the transfer portal after reaching their second consecutive tournament under Shea Ralph. The did retain Mikayla Blakes, who led the team in scoring at 23.3 points per game as freshman and will get assisted in the backcourt by Madison Greene. Added to the mix are Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (Texas) from the transfer portal and the return of Sacha Washington, who missed all of last season with an injury, but averaged 12.1 points per game for Vanderbilt in 2023-24.

22. Oklahoma State (25-7)

Points: 113.  Previous ranking: 22.

The Cowgirls look to have the elements of making a deeper tournament run after first-round exits in two appearances under Jacie Hoyt. Stailee Heard (16.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and Micah Gray (13.7 ppg) form a productive backcourt. Scoring punch is also arriving with transfers Haleigh Timmer (South Dakota State) and Amari Whitting (Brigham Young).

23. Iowa (23-11)

Points: 91.  Previous ranking: Not ranked.

The first season post-Cailtin Clark and with first-year coach Jan Jensen was a transition, but the Hawkeyes look to be in good shape push for a strong finish in the Big Ten. The optimism starts with returning seniors Hannah Stuelke (12.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and Kylie Feuerbach and the additions of transfers Chazadi Wright (Georgia Tech) and Emely Rodriguez (Central Florida). A player to watch is incoming five-star freshman Addie Deal, who is expected to make an immediate impact.

24. Ohio State (26-7)

Points: 82.  Previous ranking: 17.

The Buckeyes will feature a strong backcourt with the returns of Jaloni Cambridge (15.4 ppg) and Chance Gray (12.0 ppg). More firepower on the perimeter comes with transfer arrival of T’yana Todd (Boston College). On the interior, Elsa Lemmilä is expected to be bigger presence in her sophomore season.

25. Kansas State (28-8)

Points: 76. Previous ranking: 15.

The Wildcats look to build on the success of the past two seasons with a rebuilt lineup. Only three players return from last year’s Sweet 16 team, notably Taryn Sides (9.6 ppg). Kennedy Taylor could be another holdover as she is appealing for another season of eligibility from the NCAA. Significant additions to the team include transfers Jenessa Cotton (Duke) and Tess Heal (Stanford) and incoming freshman Jordan Speiser.

Dropped out: No. 19 West Virginia (25-8);No. 21 Alabama (24-9); No. 23 South Dakota State (30-4); No. 24 Florida State (24-9); No. 25 Creighton (26-7).Others receiving votes: West Virginia (25-8) 72; Richmond (28-7) 67; Michigan State (22-10) 64; Alabama (24-9) 40; South Dakota State (30-4) 19; Florida State (24-9) 15; Creighton (26-7) 9; Princeton (21-8) 9; Washington (19-14) 8; Indiana (20-13) 7; James Madison (30-6) 4; Stanford (16-15) 4; Nebraska (21-12) 2; California (25-9) 1; Fairfield (28-5) 1; George Mason (27-6) 1; Minnesota (25-11) 1; South Florida (23-11) 1.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
Keep Reading
By
Sports

Who is Chauncey Billups? Trail Blazers coach in FBI gambling probe

The Portland Trail Blazers coach, Chauncey Billups, was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 23, as part of federal gambling investigations, according to FBI director Kash Patel.

‘Beginning as early as 2019, the defendants in this case orchestrated a large-scale operation, coordinating the use of wireless cheating technology to rig poker games across the United States, including in the Hamptons, Las Vegas, Miami, and Manhattan. The scheme specifically targeted victims, referred to as ‘fish,’ who were often enticed to participate in these rigged games by the opportunity to play alongside former professional athletes, known as ‘face cards,’ ‘ Patel said in a news conference on Thursday. ‘Among these face cards were Chauncey Billups, a former NBA player and currently the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Damon Jones, also a former NBA player and coach. What the victims, or ‘fish,’ did not realize was that everyone else at the poker game, from the dealer to the other players, including the face cards, was complicit in the scam.’

Who is Chauncey Billups? Blazers coach charged in FBI gambling probe

Chauncey Billups played college basketball at the University of Colorado and was selected third overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics.

Over his 17-year career in the league, he also played for the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

However, he spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Pistons, where he won an NBA Finals championship in 2004 against the Los Angeles Lakers and was named the Finals MVP for his outstanding performance.

Billups has been the Trail Blazers’ coach since 2021 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.

Chauncey Billups stats for playing career

During his 17-year career, Chauncey Billups averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.9 rebounds over 1,043 games. Billups totaled 15,802 points and had shooting percentages of 41.5% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.point range.

Chauncey Billups’ coaching record

In five seasons as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, Billups has coached a total of 329 games, achieving 117 wins and 212 losses since 2021.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
Keep Reading
By
Sports

Who is Terry Rozier? Miami Heat guard charged in illegal sports betting probe

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was one of several individuals arrested in an illegal sports betting probe involving tens of millions of dollars, according to the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

An investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games linked to organized crime networks has led to the arrest of Rozier at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. He is accused of being involved in a scheme to influence sports betting around NBA games.

The indictment claims that Rozier and other defendants ‘had access to private information known by NBA players or NBA coaches,’ which could potentially influence the outcomes of games or player performances. They allegedly provided this information to co-conspirators who then placed bets based on information that was not publicly available. The defendants would either share the betting profits or receive a flat fee for their information.

‘We have represented Terry Rozier for over a year. A long time ago we reached out to these prosecutors to tell them we should have an open line of communication,’ Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty wrote in a statement to USA Today Sports. ‘They characterized Terry as a subject, not a target, but at 6 a.m. this morning, they called to tell me FBI agents were trying to arrest him in a hotel. It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self-surrender, they opted for a photo op. They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk. That tells you a lot about the motivations in this case. They appear to be taking the word of spectacularly in-credible sources rather than relying on actual evidence of wrongdoing. Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case. Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight.’

Terry Roizer’s NBA career

Roizer played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals and was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He spent four years with the Celtics before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2019 as part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent Kemba Walker to Boston. Roizer remained with the Hornets until January 2024, when he was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round draft pick.

Roizer is currently part of the Miami Heat’s roster, but did not play in the season opener against the Orlando Magic due to a coach’s decision. Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the 2024-25 regular season.

NBA investigation into Terry Roizer

In 2023, the NBA was notified of unusual betting activity concerning Terry Rozier’s performance during a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. The game in question took place on March 23, 2023, where Rozier played for the first nine minutes and 36 seconds before leaving due to a foot injury. This injury ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the season, which consisted of eight games. After conducting an investigation, the league found that Rozier did not violate NBA rules associated with betting.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
Keep Reading
By
Sports

NFL and sports gambling: Policies and players who have violated them

A bombshell dropped into the sports world Thursday, when the FBI indicted 31 people connected to a gambling scandal involving the NBA. One of the league’s head coaches, Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers, was arrested along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones.

Sports betting was long a bugaboo in professional sports but has been normalized since a landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling, which allowed states to develop their own gambling laws. Several leagues, including the NFL, have partnered with betting sites like Caesars, DraftKings and FanDuel. Some sportsbooks are now permitted to advertise in conjunction with pro games.

The NFL, which steered clear of anything associated with Las Vegas for decades, permitted the Raiders to relocate there from Oakland in 2020 while softening its stance on gambling and integrating it into the league’s fabric. Still, it has long-standing gambling policies that have ensnared several players over the years.

Do NFL player contracts prohibit gambling?

Every player in the league signs a contract that includes an ‘integrity of game’ clause. It stipulates as follows, per the collective bargaining agreement:

‘Player recognizes the detriment to the League and professional football that would result from impairment of public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of NFL games or the integrity and good character of NFL players. Player therefore acknowledges his awareness that if he accepts a bribe or agrees to throw or fix an NFL game; fails to promptly report a bribe offer or an attempt to throw or fix an NFL game; bets on an NFL game; knowingly associates with gamblers or gambling activity; uses or provides other players with stimulants or other drugs for the purpose of attempting to enhance on-field performance; or is guilty of any other form of conduct reasonably judged by the League Commissioner to be detrimental to the League or professional football, the Commissioner will have the right, but only after giving Player the opportunity for a hearing at which he may be represented by counsel of his choice, to fine Player in a reasonable amount; to suspend Player for a period certain or indefinitely; and/or to terminate this contract.’

The league’s operations website further details what players are forbidden to engage in:

DETAIL ON 2024 NFL GAMBLING POLICY: Six Main Rules for NFL Players

NEVER bet on the NFL: Includes other NFL events such as Draft, Combine, Pro Bowl, & NFL Honors

Don’t have someone bet for you: Do not ask family, friends, or others to place a bet for you

Don’t gamble (no bets on sports, casino or card games) at your team facility/stadium, while traveling for a road game, or staying at a team hotel.

Don’t share team ‘inside information’: Don’t share information that hasn’t been announced by team.

Don’t enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing season.

Don’t play daily fantasy football.

*Additional Rule Applicable ONLY to Coaches, Staff, and Personnel – Do NOT Bet on Any Sports!

NFL Mandated Training for all Players – Veterans and Rookies – in 2024

In-personGambling Policy education and training is now mandatory for all players. The education and training, prepared in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, reviews the rules and reinforces integrity provisions in the policy including the two key rules: Never bet on NFL games, and do not gamble (no sports bets, casino or card games) while with the team in ANY capacity (team facility, stadium, hotel/bus etc.).

Education and training is presented to the players – typically at the team facility – by a member of the NFL’s Compliance team, the team’s Head of Player Engagement (often a former player), or by other former NFL players using the ‘train the trainer’ approach (Example: Will Shields in Kansas City).

Club Training/Education for Players & Coaches in 2024

In-Person Education & Training Sessions: Content of sessions detailed above.

Full Gambling Policy Included in Player Manual: The full Gambling Policy is provided in the player manual that is distributed annually to all players. Players must sign and acknowledge they have received the manual and its policies.

2024 NFL Gambling Policy / Points of Emphasis: A specific document laying out the Gambling Policy and points of emphasis is distributed to all 32 Clubs to deliver to players.

Signage in Team Facilities: There is Gambling Policy signage in team facilities.

NFLPA: NFLPA has opportunities to further emphasize the Gambling Policy during visits to Clubs. 

Education for Player Agents:Player agents have the opportunity to participate in Gambling Policy education training led by NFL Compliance officials.

“Integrity of the Game’ clause in all player contracts: Every NFL contract signed by players includes a standard “Integrity of the Game’ clause.​

Integrity Monitoring Efforts in 2024

There is an NFL Integrity Representative (typically retired FBI/Executive level police officers) assigned to each team. Their role is the following:

Monitors for suspicious activity on site on gamedays and liaises with local law enforcement, regulators, and NFL security.

Supports investigations related to potential violations of the NFL Gambling Policy and other game integrity-related policies and procedures.

Serves as an additional resource to clubs & players for gambling or integrity-related questions/issues.

For every NFL game [and key NFL events; i.e. Draft] external third-party monitors (Genius Sports and IC360) review and alert odds, line movements, and betting activity that may indicate game manipulation or a leak of non-public information. Alerts are made in real-time; gameday, weekly, and season reports provided.

NFL Global Security Operations Center monitors insider threats and other real-time and historical trending that may indicate suspicious activity

Includes monitoring of threats made to players, coaches, officials or other personnel.  The NFL has implemented a process to enable Leaguewide bans across all stadiums for individuals making criminal threats or acts towards these groups.

The NFL works with our sports betting partners to provide additional integrity monitoring.

League regularly engages with lawmakers, regulators, and law enforcement to promote the NFL Integrity and Compliance program, including regarding policy, education, investigations, and enforcement to promote information sharing and eliminate betting markets that are contrary to public policy or which present the greatest opportunity for manipulation.  

Notable NFL players who have been suspended for gambling violations

Paul Hornung and Alex Karras: Stars at the time for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, respectively, they were both suspended for the 1963 season by Commissioner Pete Rozelle for gambling on league games and associating with unsavory figures. Hornung and Karras were reinstated for the 1964 season, and both were eventually elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame − though Karras’ induction occurred in 2020, eight years after his death.

Art Schlichter: The fourth overall pick of the 1982 draft by the former Baltimore Colts, the quarterback was suspended for the 1983 season by Rozelle after admittedly gambling on NFL games and other sports. Schlichter was reinstated for the 1984 season but didn’t play in the league again after 1985. Gambling also brought his Arena football career to a premature end, and he later served 10 years in prison for gambling-related crimes.

Calvin Ridley: A first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2018, he was suspended for the 2022 season by Commissioner Roger Goodell for gambling on NFL games, including Atlanta’s, for whom Ridley still worked at the time. He was reinstated in 2023 and now plays for the Tennessee Titans.

Jameson Williams: A first-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2022, he was suspended along with three teammates (Stanley Berryhill, Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore) in 2023. Williams violated the league’s gambling policy by betting on college football while at the Lions team hotel on a road trip. His suspension was eventually reduced from six games to four.

Isaiah Rodgers: He was suspended in 2023 (along with then-Indianapolis Colts teammates Rashod Berry and Demetrius Taylor) for gambling on the Colts, doing so at the team’s facility. The team released Rodgers shortly thereafter. He returned to the league in 2024 and won a Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing a two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this year. Rodgers was the target of racial slurs last weekend following a poor performance against Philadelphia.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
Keep Reading
By
Sports

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami agree to extension

Lionel Messi – the 38-year-old Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner – just delivered one of the best seasons in Major League Soccer history and is expected to win his second consecutive league MVP award in 2025.

And he’s coming back for more.

Messi has signed a three-year extension to remain with Inter Miami through 2028. Inter Miami announced the deal on Thursday, Oct. 23, with a social media video of Messi signing his contract inside the club’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, set to open in 2026.

“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here,” Messi said in a statement.

“We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished – to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said Messi is ‘still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win … To have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.’

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas added: ‘Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together, we will continue building and dreaming.’

MLS commissioner Don Garber said Messi’s signing with Inter Miami ‘marked a turning point’ for the sport in North America.

‘Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: The greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league,’ Garber said. ‘We’re thrilled that Lionel has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.’

Messi is still expected to remain the highest-paid player in MLS. He earned $20.445 million annually from Inter Miami and MLS from July 2023 through 2025 in his initial deal, which included joining Jorge Mas, Jose Mas and Beckham as co-owners of Inter Miami upon retirement.

Messi – whose birthday is June 24, 1987 – will turn 39 in 2026, 40 during the 2027 MLS season, and will be 41 years old in 2028. He just completed his 22nd season as a professional, after spending most of his legendary career in Europe with Barcelona (2004-21) and Paris Saint-Germain (2021-23). He could play 25 total seasons if he reaches the end of his contract.

Messi has not yet declared his intentions to play in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, but said last month that he’s excited and motivated to play in the tournament.

‘I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup. Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then I’ll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we’ll see how I feel. Hopefully I’ll have a good preseason in 2026, and finish this MLS season well, and then I’ll decide,’ Messi said after scoring twice for Argentina against Venezuela in his final World Cup qualifier in his home country on Sept. 4.

Messi is Inter Miami’s all-time leader with 71 goals and 36 assists across all competitions, achievements he quickly attained since the club made its MLS debut in 2020.

Messi led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title shortly after his arrival, marking the first title in Inter Miami’s history. He fueled Inter Miami to the best regular season in MLS history, winning the Supporters’ Shield and winning MVP in 2024. However, Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.

Messi won the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and tied with San Diego’s Anders Dreyer for the league-lead with 19 assists during the 2025 season. His 48 total contributions are one shy of the MLS record set by LAFC’s Carlos Vela in 2019.

Messi could become the first back-to-back MVP in league history if he wins the award. He was named a finalist Thursday, along with LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, San Diego’s Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Cincinnati’s Evander and Nashville’s Sam Surridge.

Messi and Inter Miami will pursue their first MLS Cup during the 2025 postseason. Inter Miami plays its first match in the MLS Cup playoffs against Nashville SC on Friday, Oct. 25. Messi is expected to play despite experiencing some back discomfort this week, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed before Thursday’s practice.

When asked if Messi would be available to play 90 minutes in the playoff opener, Mascherano said confidently: “Yeah, even for more.”

This story will be updated with new information and video.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
Keep Reading
By