Just as the San Francisco 49ers confirmed Christian McCaffrey suffered a season-ending PCL injury in the loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, his backup is also heading to injured reserve.
Jordan Mason, who filled in admirably for McCaffrey as he dealt with Achilles tendinitis in both his ankles at the start of the season, will miss at least the next four games due to a high-ankle sprain also suffered in the blowout loss to the Bills.
The 49ers have no choice but to turn to rookie Isaac Guerendo to be their lead running back for what could possibly be the rest of the season with just five games remaining.
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason is shown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 1, 2024.(IMAGN)
For McCaffrey, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that his star could “potentially” be out for the remainder of the season.
“I think PCL is usually a couple weeks, but I’m not exactly sure yet,” Shanahan said prior to learning that it’s six weeks for him to heal with not that many games remaining on the schedule.
At 5-7 after losing three straight, the 49ers are grasping at straws hoping they can go on a run to end the year and get back into the playoffs.
But they currently sit in last place in the NFC West, though the division-leading Seattle Seahawks are only 7-5.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey runs with the ball during the first half against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 1, 2024.(AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Considering that a running game is crucial for Shanahan’s offense to work, he will be asking a lot of his rookie running back to carry a workload that San Fran was hoping McCaffrey could do after healing his Achilles injuries.
McCaffrey had 53 rushing yards on seven attempts and two catches for 14 yards before leaving the game on his own power. During one of those runs, he slid after feeling something wasn’t right.
McCaffrey has played in just four games this season, rushing for 202 yards with no touchdowns on the ground nor through the air.
As for Mason, he broke out earlier this season, rushing for more than 100 yards in three of his first four games as the lead back with McCaffrey hurt. He slowed down a bit but has still smashed his career highs with 789 yards and three touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills.(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
Jansher Khan (left) and Nicol David pose for a picture in Hong Kong on December 1, 2024. —PSA
Pakistan’s former world champion Jansher Khan has been inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame.
Along with the legendary squash player, Malaysian female player Nicol David was honoured as the newest member of the PSA Hall of Fame, during a special induction evening at the Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday.
Jansher and Nicol are the third and fourth players, respectively, to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was launched earlier this year to recognise the achievements of the game’s most influential characters, past and present.
Noticeably, the only two male players inducted into the Hall of Fame are from Pakistan. The first and second inductees are Jahangir Khan and New Zealand’s Susan Devoy.
Pakistani star Jansher has won a record eight World Open titles and six British Open titles.
He played the most 118 finals in the professional career while winning a record 99 titles. He also has the honour of being world number one for 97 months throughout his career.
Jansher said he felt very happy because Hong Kong was his second home and he played the Hong Kong Open for many years and won eight Hong Kong Opens.
“So Hong Kong is really, for me, it is the best place. And I’m very happy to come to Hong Kong [and] see my old friends. It’s an honour to get this award.”
On the occasion PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “Nicol and Jansher are two of the most iconic figures in the history of squash and have both left a lasting legacy in the sport.
“Nicol inspired so many squash players — in Malaysia and across the globe — and her record of nine unbroken years at the summit of the world rankings will surely never be bettered. She is a fantastic ambassador for the sport and it was fantastic to see her honoured with the title of Deputy Chef de Mission at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.
“Like Nicol, Jansher’s name will forever be linked to squash and the records he has amassed across the men’s game are nothing short of incredible. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to celebrate both players.”
Introducing Khan, Men’s World No1 Ali Farag said: “It’s a really special moment for me to stand here as we honour, in mine and many people’s opinion, the greatest squash player of all time: Jansher Khan.
“Mr Jansher, from me, from everyone here in this room and from everyone in the squash world and beyond, we would like to really thank you for so many reasons.
“I have been blessed with so many things throughout my squash journey, but being compared to you is definitely one of the greatest honours of my career.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just your victories, but the legacy you’ve built and left behind. “
Farag added his thanks and congratulations for Jansher for his on-court achievements, for inspiring generations future players, for showing the world ‘poetry in motion’ and for transcending the sport.
General view of Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad. — Pakistan Sports Board
KARACHI: Sports federations, under the umbrella of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), have written a joint letter to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), urging a review of proposed measures that they claim threaten the autonomy of national sports federations.
The letter, signed by leaders of 23 different sports federations, expressed grave concerns over the PSB’s proposed measures, which the federations argue could undermine the independence of NSFs and violate the principles set forth by the Olympic Charter.
“It has come to our attention that the Pakistan Sports Board is in the process of enacting rules and regulations that may significantly affect the autonomy of National Sports Federations (NSFs) affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA),” the letter states.
“These measures, as we understand, include the establishment of an election commission of PSB, adjudication on internal matters and complaints within NSFs by PSB, and PSB’s powers to impose ad-hoc committees on NSFs.”
The federations also emphasised that such actions were in direct conflict with the Olympic Charter, which stresses the importance of governance structures remaining free from external interference.
The letter further referred to a 2021 communication from the International Olympic Committee, which clearly reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in the governance and internal affairs of NSFs.
“The IOC’s note and subsequent letter issued by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Government of Pakistan, have strongly emphasised that government interference in the governance and internal matters of the NSFs constitutes a violation of the principles outlined in the Olympic Charter,” the letter adds.
The federations have called for the PSB to reconsider its measures, aligning them with the Olympic Charter and the statutes of International Federations.
“We respectfully request the PSB to review the proposed measures to ensure they align with the Olympic Charter, IF [international federation] statutes, constitution of NSFs, and IFs as well as hold consultations with NSFs to collaboratively work for the promotion and development of sports in Pakistan,” the letter urged.
The federations warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they may be forced to take action to protect their autonomy.
“In case our request is not considered by the PSB, we, the NSFs, will be compelled to take protective measures, including disaffiliation from the PSB and IOC, to retain our status as NSFs.”
They concluded the letter with a call for a cooperative approach to ensure the continued growth of sports in the country: “We trust that the PSB will give due consideration to our request and take necessary steps to uphold the autonomy and independence of NSFs, which are fundamental to the success of Pakistan’s participation in international competitions and the Olympic Movement.”
The PSB has not yet publicly responded to the federations’ request.
Resolution passed emphasising NSFs are autonomous
In a related development, during the General Council Meeting of the POA held on November 30, 2024, a resolution was passed by the federations reiterating their commitment to the principles of autonomy as enshrined in the Olympic Charter.
The resolution, which was adopted by the National Sports Federations, affiliated with the POA, emphasised that NSFs are autonomous entities bound by the Olympic Charter and the statutes of their respective International Federations.
The resolution categorically opposed any external interference in the governance, electoral processes, or dispute resolution mechanisms of the federations.
“NSFs reaffirm their commitment to the principles of responsible autonomy enshrined in the Olympic Charter, IF statutes, and the POA Constitution, and categorically oppose any external interference in their governance, electoral processes, or dispute resolution mechanisms,” the resolution reads.
The federations further expressed their respect for the Government of Pakistan, acknowledging the importance of maintaining harmonious relations with governmental institutions, but stressed that any acceptance of supervisory control by the PSB would jeopardise their international affiliation.
“Consequently, any acceptance of supervisory or authoritative control by the Pakistan Sports Board over the NSFs would jeopardise our international affiliation, compromising the recognition of our NSFs by our respective IFs,” the resolution stated.
The federations also declared that, in the event of the PSB enacting rules and regulations that contravene the Olympic Charter and the statutes of IFs, they would be compelled to take protective measures to maintain their status as independent bodies.
“In the event the PSB enacts rules and regulations in contravention of the Olympic Charter and the statutes of IFs, NSFs, and the POA, we the NSFs will be compelled to take protective measures to maintain our status as NSFs compliant with the Olympic Charter,” the resolution emphasised.
The resolution also affirmed that the elections already conducted by NSFs in accordance with their respective constitutions and recognised by the International Federations and POA would remain valid, with future elections to be conducted without external interference.
“The elections of NSFs that have already been conducted in accordance with their respective constitutions and have been recognised by the IFs and the POA shall remain valid and recognised until the completion of their respective terms,” the resolution stated.
They also reiterated their recognition of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the highest authority for sports disputes, rejecting any alternative dispute resolution mechanisms imposed by the PSB.
“NSFs reaffirm their recognition of the CAS as the highest appellate authority for sports disputes and reject any alternative dispute resolution mechanisms imposed by the PSB that conflict with the Olympic Charter, IF statutes, and the POA Constitution,” the resolution concluded.
The resolution will be submitted to the IOC, IFs, and all relevant stakeholders for acknowledgement and official record.
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is speaking out just over 24 hours after his team suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday.
Pierce, who is in his first full season as the Raiders head coach, told members of the media that the Raiders believed referees had blown a whistle moments before the ill-fated fumble on the poorly timed snap. In the case of a whistle, the play in question would have been ruled dead.
Pierce also noted that the Raiders intend to submit video evidence in support of the claim to the NFL office for further review.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
After the Raiders defense forced the Chiefs to punt with just over two minutes remaining in the game, Las Vegas quickly managed to get in position to attempt a game-winning field goal. But the Raiders had a costly miscue on third down from the Kansas City 38-yard line with just 15 seconds remaining.
The Raiders center prematurely snapped the ball as quarterback Aidan O’Connell surveyed the Chiefs defense. The ball bounced off O’Connell and onto the turf. The Raiders signal caller was not able to corral the botched snap, and it was recovered by the Chiefs.
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) fumbles the snap against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.(Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
Referees did throw a flag on the play and penalized the Raiders for an illegal shift, but Kansas City decided to decline the penalty since they recovered the fumble. The NFL did stipulate that a false start would have been assessed if the clock was running at the time of the mishandled snap.
Patrick Mahomes then took a knee to allow the final seconds to tick off the clock.
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs recover a fumbled snap during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.(Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
O’Connell shouldered the blame for the mishap on the crucial play.
“It’s completely my fault,” the second-year said. “I was looking out to the right to make sure the guys were set and I started clapping. In my head I was thinking, signal the ball to get the ball, but when I start clapping it tells Jackson to basically snap the ball. Jackson did exactly what he should have done and I clapped too early.
“… Super tough, but there’s really no one to blame but myself. So, that’s probably the hardest part to swallow.”
The win over the Raiders clinched a playoff spot for the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Raiders will try and regroup when they travel to Tampa Bay next week for a matchup against the Buccaneers.
Pakistan’s tennis player Muhammad Hassan Usmani. — PTF
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Muhammad Hassan Usmani claimed victory at the Ashgabat Open Tennis Tournament, defeating the second seed Suleyman Hudayberdiyev of Turkmenistan in the final in straight sets, conceding just one game.
Competing in the Under-14 category, Usmani entered the tournament on a wildcard and delivered a stellar performance throughout the competition.
He began his campaign by upsetting the eighth seed Kerimgeldi Velibegov in the pre-quarterfinal, followed by a victory over the fourth seed Aly Geldyev in the quarterfinal.
In the final, Usmani dominated Hudayberdiyev with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory. This was only 9th game of his career while Suleyman came to this experience of 62 games in his career.
However, the Pakistani youngster displayed remarkable dominance over his experienced opponent to win his seventh international match.
Over the course of five consecutive undefeated matches, Usmani won 10 sets while dropping only one, with an overall game score of 65-22, showcasing his exceptional form and skill.
According to Pakistan Tennis Federation’s President, Aisam ul Haq, the Ashgabat Open proved to be a great platform for Hasan Usmani to showcase his potential, and the youngster made an impactful mark in international junior tennis.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi meets England Cricket Board (ECB) counterpart Richard Thompson – X/@TheRealPCBMedia
LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Richard Thompson has extended his “best wishes” to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hosting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in the February-March window next year.
The development came during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ECB boss Thompson in London. According to the PCB, Chairman Naqvi, accompanied by Salman Naseer, met the ECB chair on Friday amid the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the eight-team mega tournament.
“England’s recent tour of Pakistan was very impressive. Our best wishes are with Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Thompson was quoted as saying by the PCB.
In response, PCB chairman Naqvi affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to host the event, highlighting the ongoing renovations of the major stadiums.
“Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy. The stadiums are being upgraded,” Naqvi assured Thompson.
The PCB chair further shared that the participating teams will be given state guest protocol upon their visit to Pakistan.
“Foolproof arrangements are being made at every level for the Champions Trophy. Visiting teams will be given state guest protocol,” he added.
The development came a day after a report emerged, which claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide written justification for its decisions to not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Previously, the PCB had sought a written copy of India’s official stance from the ICC.
As per ICC regulations, the Indian board must present solid reasons for not travelling to Pakistan for the prestigious event.
Insiders revealed that the ICC will assess these reasons before making a final decision on the matter.
Mike Tyson believes he should never have been alive long enough to fight Jake Paul. Not because of injuries from fights, but because of AIDS.
Tyson recently told Interview Magazine he “shouldn’t even be here talking” after an experience years ago when he shared a sex partner with a friend and both of them died of the disease.
“Life isn’t over yet,” Tyson said. “We’re still fighting. We only make it out on the day of our death. There’s no way I should be here talking to you right now. All my friends are dead.
“They OD’d, they had AIDS. Me and my friend both had sex with this girl at the same time, and they both died of AIDS. I didn’t catch AIDS. Raw, too.”
Mike Tyson, left, and Jake Paul face off during a weigh-ins at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, ahead of their Nov. 15 heavyweight bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
At 58 years old, Tyson acknowledged he will eventually die at some point anyway. However, he doesn’t care about what legacy he leaves behind.
“What do I care about my legacy?” Tyson said. “I never knew what a legacy was, and people started throwing that word around so loosely. A legacy sounds like ego to me. I’m going to be dead soon. Who cares what somebody is going to think about me when I’m dead? We don’t talk about Charles Manson. No one cares about nobody when they’re dead and gone.”
Tyson was known to have an eccentric sex life in the prime of his career and was, at times, considered a “sex addict.”
Tyson’s former bodyguard and chauffeur, Rudy Gonzalez, told the U.S. Sun in 2021 Tyson needed sex so frequently to maintain his lifestyle that he was instructed to keep “groupies” in the bathrooms and changing rooms at the venues before fights.
“I would have to find a groupie. It did not matter who it was. He’d say, ‘If I do not get laid, I will kill this guy right now,’” Gonzalez said. “Mike had to get laid to disengage some of the strength he had. So, I had girls tucked away in bathrooms and changing rooms.”
Mike Tyson speaks at the final press conference for his upcoming heavyweight fight against Jake Paul at Toyota Music Factory Nov. 13, 2024, in Irving, Texas.(Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992. Tyson, then 25, was arrested in July 1991 for attacking 18-year-old Desiree Washington in a hotel room. Despite claiming his innocence, Tyson was convicted and was required under federal law to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
In his memoir, “Undisputed Truth,” published in 2013, he recounted the lead-up to his trial.
Boxer Mike Tyson on the field before a game between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 15, 2024.(Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“I spent most of the six weeks between my conviction for rape and sentencing traveling around the country romancing all of my various girlfriends,” the memoir says. “It was my way of saying goodbye to them. And when I wasn’t with them, I was fending off all the women who propositioned me. Everywhere I’d go, there were some women who would come up to me and say, ‘Come on, I’m not going to say that you raped me. You can come with me. I’ll let you film it’.
“I later realized that that was their way of saying, ‘We believe you didn’t do it’. But I didn’t take it that way. I’d strike back indignantly with a rude response. Although they were saying what they said out of support, I was in too much pain to realize it. I was an ignorant, mad, bitter guy who had a lot of growing up to do.”
Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (centre) in action with Paraguay’s Gustavo Gomez (left) and Diego Gomez during their South American Qualifiers match at Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion, Paraguay on November 14, 2024. — Reuters
A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
Argentina took the lead 11 minutes into the game when Enzo Fernandez’s deep pass found Lautaro Martinez, whose thunderous shot was initially ruled out for offside, but was eventually awarded after a VAR review.
Paraguay went close moments later when Gustavo Gomez’s header from a corner hit the crossbar.
The home side quickly tried again with Gustavo Velazquez’s cross finding Sanabria, who unleashed a superb overhead kick that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez helpless.
The shocked visitors struggled to find their feet, with Messi, 36, largely absent from the action for much of the first half and only managing one shot that went wide.
However, he was twice fouled by Alderete, but referee Anderson Daroco didn’t show him a second yellow card before the break.
“I think, overall, we played a great game. We controlled the ball. Their goals came from two of our mistakes. We need to fix our lapses on set pieces,” striker Martinez said after the match to TyC sports.
“The (goal) at the start of the second half made everything more difficult. We have to congratulate the opponent, who defended very well,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told a press conference.
World Cup holders Argentina top the standings with 22 points from 11 games and will host ninth-placed Peru on Tuesday.
Paraguay are sixth on 16 points, behind on goal difference to Ecuador, who hammered Bolivia 4-0 on Thursday, and Uruguay, who host second-placed Colombia on Friday.
Earlier, Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela, leaving them in third place on 17 points.
The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy is displayed at Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, on May 6, 2024. — AFP
The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) is in talks with several boards which have yet to pay prize money from this year’s Twenty20 World Cup to the players, sources told Reuters on Thursday.
India beat South Africa in the final to win the tournament, which was co-hosted by the US and West Indies in June.
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) said in a statement on Wednesday that some cases of non-payment of the prize money have been paired with “threatening and intimidatory behaviour” by national governing bodies to player groups.
India’s Kuldeep Yadav lifts the T20 World Cup trophy as they celebrate after winning the final against South Africa at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, June 29, 2024. — Reuters
A source told Reuters that the ICC has taken up the issue with five boards of the 20 participating countries to ensure players were paid in a timely manner.
Earlier, WCA CEO Tom Moffat said the global players’ body was “extremely concerned… with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments.”
“We appreciate the ICC’s efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so and to enforce their terms of participation,” Moffat said in the statement.
“Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off the field, through a players’ association if they choose.”
The WCA released the statement after the board met this week in Singapore for its annual general meeting, where they also launched a Global Player Hardship Fund.
The fund was created to support international players in need “who are not covered by the game’s existing domestic frameworks for support.”
“We are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable,” said JP Van Wyk, the WCA’s head of welfare and education.
Los Angeles Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela’s cause of death was revealed on Tuesday.
The World Series champion, who died right before the 2024 iteration of the team captured its championship over the New York Yankees, died of septic shock last month, TMZ Sports first reported, citing his death certificate.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela throws the ceremonial first pitch during the MLB All-Star baseball game on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles.(AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)
The 63-year-old pitcher died a few weeks after he stepped away from his Spanish-language broadcasting duties with the Dodgers. It was expected that he would return at some point during the Dodgers’ World Series run before he died.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed septic shock as the immediate cause of death. The condition occurs when organs malfunction and blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that at least 350,000 people in the U.S. die of the condition.
Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during a game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.(Ron Vesely/Getty Images)
Officials listed decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis as underlying causes. “Probable” Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was also listed as a contributing factor. The illness is considered a rapidly progressing brain disorder.
Valenzuela won the National League’s honors as both the Cy Young Award winner and Rookie of the Year in 1981. He also helped the Dodgers win the World Series title over the Yankees that season.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman wears a patch on his jersey in memory of former Dodgers’ pitcher Fernando Valenzuela after Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Los Angeles.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
He won two World Series titles with the Dodgers in his career, which spanned 17 years. He also pitched for the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.
Fox News’ Scott McDonald and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
