Boxer Anthony Joshua released from hospital after fatal crash

Boxer Anthony Joshua was released from a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday, Dec. 31 two days aftersurviving a fatal car accidentthat killed two of his close friends, according to the Associated Press.

Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion whose parents are from Nigeria, had been recovering from minor injuries during the two-vehicle crash near Lagos, according to Matchroom Boxing, which promotes Joshua.

Ina video posted on social mediaafter the crash, Joshua looked to be in pain as he exited the vehicle. That vehicle, in which Joshua and his friends were traveling, hit a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos, according to the Associated Press.

Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos state commissioner for information and strategy, issued a statement on X saying Joshua was discharged late Wednesday afternoon after being "deemed clinically fit to recuperate from home."

"Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening," Omotoso also said.

Highlights from Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight

Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, who worked for Joshua and were close friends with the boxer,were killed in the crash.

Ghami was Joshua's strength and conditioning coach while Ayodele was a trainer, according to the Associated Press. Hours before the accident, Joshua posted on social media video of his playing table tennis with Ayodele.

Ten days before the accident, Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round of their highly anticipated heavyweight fight livestreamed by Netflix.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Boxer Anthony Joshua released from hospital after fatal crash

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December 31, 2025

Boxer Anthony Joshua released from hospital after fatal crash

Boxer Anthony Joshua was released from a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday, Dec. 31 two days aftersurviving a fatal car ac...

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Has NBA fought off NFL's Christmas Day invasion? Viewership up for hoops

For the NBA, Christmas Day in 2025 was a resounding success — at least in terms of viewership.

Across the five-game slate on the Disney networks, 47.19 million unique viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched Christmas Day since 2010 and representing a 45% year-over-year increase, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. These data exclude 2011, when a lockout prompted the start of the regular season to fall on Dec. 25.

Interestingly, Christmas Day viewership may also be hinting at a general changing of the guard. The first two games of the slate — Knicks vs.Cavaliersand Thunder vs. Spurs — were the ones with the highest viewership.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

Knicks-Cavs averaged 6.37 million viewers, making it the most-watched 12 p.m. ET Christmas game in history. Thunder-Spurs averaged 6.71 million, making that the most-viewed second game since 2017.

The league made an impact on social media, as well. According to Videocites, the NBA generated more than 1.6 billion views across social platforms, making it the brand with most views on Christmas.

This is notable, given that the NFL has also laid claim to the holiday, broadcasting Christmas games over the past two years. NFL remains king in broadcast viewership, but this year's games proved to besignificantly inconsequential, with injuries marring the matchups, which mostly featured teams already eliminated or in danger of elimination from playoff contention.

The Knicks-Cavaliers game featured a late flurry from New York, whichrallied back from a 17-point fourth quarterdeficit to beat Cleveland, 126-124.

TheThunder-Spurs gamefeatured the latest iteration ofan emerging rivalry in the NBA, one that features a pair of the game's most dynamic young stars in Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama and reigning NBA MVP, Shai Gilegous-Alexander.

The other games on the 2025 Christmas slate wereWarriors-Mavericks, Lakers-Rockets and Nuggets-Timberwolves.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA on Christmas Day TV ratings up as NFL invasion continues

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December 31, 2025

Has NBA fought off NFL's Christmas Day invasion? Viewership up for hoops

For the NBA, Christmas Day in 2025 was a resounding success — at least in terms of viewership. Across the five-g...

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Steven Stamkos scores goal No. 600, Predators win New Year's Eve matinee in Vegas 4-2

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Steven Stamkos scored his 600th career goal and the Nashville Predators beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on Wednesday.

The Predators, in the middle of a season-long seven-game road trip, won for the 12th time in 17 games, including the third of their first four on the trip.

The win put the Predators (18-17-4) above .500 for the first time since Oct. 16, just five games into the season, when they were 2-1-2.

Vegas, meanwhile, lost for the sixth time in seven games. The Knights closed their four-game homestand with a 1-2-1 mark.

Now in his 18th season, Stamkos scored his 18th of the season and ninth against the Golden Knights since they entered the league in 2017. The game-tying goal was part of an unanswered three-goal spurt over five minutes that turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead for the Predators.

Nick Perbix, Reid Schaefer and Michael Bunting also scored for the Predators. Justus Annunen made 29 saves.

Former Knight Erik Haula, who is two games shy of skating in his 800th game, registered the 200th assist of his career on Bunting's goal.

Mark Stone, who earlier in the day was named toCanada's Olympic roster, scored his 10th goal of the season, while Ben Hutton added his sixth for the Knights. Akira Schmid stopped 15 shots before being pulled late in the third period for an extra skater.

Vegas forward Mitch Marner and defenseman Shea Theodore were also named to Canada's team. All three of the Knights represented their homeland in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

Nashville: Visits Seattle on Thursday.

Vegas: Visits St. Louis on Friday.

AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

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December 31, 2025

Steven Stamkos scores goal No. 600, Predators win New Year's Eve matinee in Vegas 4-2

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Steven Stamkos scored his 600th career goal and the Nashville Predators beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-...

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Reports: Eagles plan to start QB Tanner McKee, rest Jalen Hurts, other starters

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to start little-used quarterback Tanner McKee and rest Jalen Hurts and several other starters in the regular-season finale at home Sunday against the Washington Commanders, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

The Eagles (11-5) cannot fall any lower than their current No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs but would rise to No. 2 if they win and the Chicago Bears (11-5) lose to the Detroit Lions. Both games kick off at the same time late Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday that the team would rest several starters and were "nearing" a decision, but he wanted to talk to players first at a team meeting.

McKee, 25, has appeared in three games this season as relief for Hurts and completed all three pass attempts for 33 yards. He is 33 of 48 for 356 yards and four touchdowns in five career games, winning his lone start 20-13 against the New York Giants to close out the 2024 regular season.

The Eagles selected McKee in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Stanford.

"When you see Tanner, he's really good about knowing where to go with the football, seeing the defense and being able to deliver things accurately," Sirianni said. "It's a great room where those guys feed off each other and learn from each other."

The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported that the Eagles plan to make 10 or so key starters inactive and suit up another 10 or so on the active roster but hop they rest against the Commanders (4-12), who lost at home to the Eagles 29-18 on Dec. 20.

Among those likely to rest are Hurts, running back Saquan Barkley, receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert, several offensive linemen and a host of defensive starters, per the Inquirer report.

--Field Level Media

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December 31, 2025

Reports: Eagles plan to start QB Tanner McKee, rest Jalen Hurts, other starters

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to start little-used quarterback Tanner McKee and rest Jalen Hurts and several other star...

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Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges

TwoNew England Patriotsplayers have been charged with assault in the last 36 hours.

Wide receiverStefon Diggsis facingfelony strangulation or suffocation charge as well as misdemeanor assaultas of Dec. 30. Defensive linemanChristian Barmoreis facingassault and battery chargesas of Dec. 31.

Coach Mike Vrabel has the team at 13-3 and fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC in his first year in New England.He was asked todayabout the charges against Diggs and Barmore as the team prepares for Week 18.

"We've been aware of these allegations," Vrabel said. "Yesterday and today isn't the first that we've heard about them. [We] try to do everything in accordance with the league policy and making sure that the league, that we're in compliance with the league."

Vrabel shot down any fears that Diggs and Barmore's legal proceedings would be a distraction for the other players.

"I'm 50 years old, going to be 51, I'm not afraid," Vrabel said. "I love coaching this football team."

The team put out a statement about both players and said the franchise is aware of reports regarding both Diggs and Barmore. The statements did not include comments because both are "ongoing legal matters," a stance Vrabel reiterated through much of his news conference today.

"There's ongoing legal matters," he said. "We've made a statement, we take these allegations seriously and what comes of that, then we'll have another discussion. I don't think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll."

Vrabel said Barmore likely will not be at practice today due to an illness. As of today, he considers both players available to play against theMiami Dolphinsin Week 18.

"I haven't heard anything that would keep either player from the game," Vrabel said. "The NFL hasn't told me anything... I haven't had a call with the NFL."

LIVE: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 12/31https://t.co/bnLd1hZnhZ

— z - New England Patriots (@Patriots)December 31, 2025

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December 31, 2025

Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges

TwoNew England Patriotsplayers have been charged with assault in the last 36 hours. Wide receiverStefon Diggsis ...

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Packers claim Trevon Diggs one day after Cowboys waived the veteran cornerback

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Trevon Diggs was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, a day after theDallas Cowboys waivedthe 2021 All-Pro cornerback.

This move enables Green Bay to boost its injury-riddled secondary by taking a chance on atwo-time Pro Bowl selectionseeking a career reset.

Diggs had an NFL-leading 11 interceptions and earned All-Pro honors with Dallas in 2021. He earned a second Pro Bowl selection the following year.

But his production dipped from there as he dealt with two major knee surgeries.

Diggs played six games this season beforesustaining a concussionin an accident at home on Oct. 16. Diggs didn't explain the cause of the injury to reporters until two months later, when he said he got hit in the head by a mounting pole while trying to install a TV.

Even after Diggs returned from concussion protocol, he remained off the field and ended up missing eight games. The Cowboys attributed hisdelayed returnto issues regarding his knees.

After Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland suffered a season-ending foot injury, Diggs returned to action and played against the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders.

Though Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer reiterated that Diggs' departure was a culmination of issues and not triggered by one incident, the move came five days after he didn't return from Washington with the team.

The Cowboys played the Commanders on Christmas and had three days off after that Thursday meeting. Schottenheimer said other players asked to make their own travel arrangements going home and were told no. The coach said Diggs didn't ask until the team was in the locker room after the 30-23 victory.

"It was one of many factors. It was not the only factor," said Schottenheimer, who briefly benched Diggs during the six games he played to start the season after the team withheld an offseason workout bonus because Diggs went through rehab on knee surgery with his own training staff away from the facility.

"I'm not the Grinch that stole Christmas, OK? I love Christmas. I love my family. But at the end of the day, we got a protocol we go through, and the process was not followed."

Schottenheimer disagreed with the suggestion that he never connected with Diggs in his first season as a head coach after a quarter-century as an NFL assistant. The son of the late NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer takes pride in his relationships with players.

"Believe me, I don't make these (decisions) casually," Schottenheimer said. "We didn't sit down and say, 'Hey, Trevon didn't take the plane.' No, it wasn't that. It was a culmination of multiple factors. And hey, this might be great for Trevon. Go find a permanent home. That's my hope for him is that he does that."

Green Bay needed a boost at cornerback after placing Kamal Hadden (ankle) and Nate Hobbs (knee) on injured reserve this week. Both players were knocked out of the Packers'41-24 lossto the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

The Packers did sign cornerbacks Shemar Bartholomew and Jaylin Simpson from their practice squad to their active roster on Tuesday.

Heading to Green Bay reunites Diggs withinjuredPackers defensive end Micah Parsons, who wasacquired from Dallasjust before the start of the season. Parsons and Diggs are good friends whoexchanged jerseysafter the Packers'40-all tiewith the Cowboys earlier this season.

Green Bay (9-6-1) carries a three-game skid into its regular-season finale Sunday at Minnesota. The Packers haveclinched a playoff berthas theNFC's No. 7 seed.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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December 31, 2025

Packers claim Trevon Diggs one day after Cowboys waived the veteran cornerback

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Trevon Diggs was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, a day after theDallas Cowboys waiv...

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Set to go: Two weeks of tennis mania Down Under ahead of the Australian Open

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — If it's a new year, it must be serious tennis time Down Under.

Just over six weeks since theATPandWTAheld their respective 2025 Finals, players on the men's and women's tours are arriving in Australia and New Zealand for a crammed two-week schedule of tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, the year's first Grand Slam event starting Jan. 18 in Melbourne.

Leading the way is the United Cup, a mixed teams event which will be played in Perth and Sydney beginning Friday and finishing Jan. 11. The tournament will feature four of the world's top 10 men and women including Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Iga Świątek, Alexander Zverev, Jasmine Paolini and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Also during the first full week of 2026, the Brisbane International will be headlined by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off theBattle of the Sexesexhibition against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai.

But missing from the pre-Australian Open tournaments are the two biggest names in men's tennis: No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and second-ranked Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz and Sinner — who have won nine of the last 10 Grand Slam singles titles, withSinner winning the 2025 Australian Open— have decided to play an exhibition at Incheon, South Korea on Jan. 10. After the exhibition, it's expected they'll fly to Australia to begin their preparations at Melbourne Park.

Alcaraz will be playing his first major in seven years without coachJuan Carlos Ferrero— the Spanish player recently announced their split. Alcaraz has not announced a replacement.

Other players at the United Cup, which begins Friday with Greece taking on Japan in Perth, include Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka, who hassaid 2026 will be his last year on tour.

The 40-year-old, three-time major winner Wawrinka says he hopes to improve on his current ranking of 157 and move back into the top 100 before he retires. His highest ranking was No. 3, achieved when he won the Australian Open in 2014.

"I'm happy with the decision (to retire) and feeling at peace with that," Wawrinka said when he arrived earlier this week in Perth.

Joining Sabalenka at the 500-level Brisbane International will be two-time major finalist Amanda Anisimova, WTA Finals champion Elena Rybakina, reigningAustralian Open champion Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva.

The 18-year-old Andreeva is tipped to be the next big thing in women's tennis and she could renew her rivalry with Sabalenka in Brisbane. Sabalenka leads 4-2 in the head-to-head matches but world No. 9 Andreevahad a three-set win in the Indian Wellsfinal in 2025.

The Russian also made it to the quarterfinals at last year's French Open and Wimbledon along with the semis at Roland Garros in 2024 when at 17 she became the youngest to reach the final four in a major since Martina Hingis at the 1997 U.S. Open.

"Maybe the rivalry (with Sabalenka) is a little bit there but she is leading ... unfortunately ... for now," Andreeva told Australian Associated Press this week.

Andreeva lost to Sabalenka in the semifinals in Brisbane in 2025 and again in the fourth round at the Australian Open before her victory at Indian Wells where she was the youngest winner since Serena Williams.

"That gave me a lot of confidence. Winning Indian Wells is a milestone of my career so far," she said.

In the second week of the warm-up events, the joint ATP-WTAAdelaide International featuring 24-time Grand Slam singles championNovak Djokovicwill run from Jan. 12-17 as well as a WTA 250 tournament at Hobart, Australia.

Auckland, New Zealand will host a WTA tournament from Jan. 5-11 before the ATP plays at the same venue from Jan. 12-17. Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe are scheduled to play in an exhibition tournament at Kooyong in Melbourne several days before the Australian Open begins.

And in the only warm-up tournament being played outside Australia or New Zealand, Hong Kong will host an ATP event from Jan. 5-11.

The ATP events will come under a new rule for 2026 toaddress extreme heatduring men's matches that will allow for 10-minute breaks during best-of-three-sets singles matches and is similar to what was put in place on the WTA more than 30 years ago.

AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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December 31, 2025

Set to go: Two weeks of tennis mania Down Under ahead of the Australian Open

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — If it's a new year, it must be serious tennis time Down Under. Just over six week...

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