By Jack Phillips Contributing Writer Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz wrote Thursday he is withdrawing himself from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for U.S. attorney general. “It is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work” of the Trump administration, Gaetz wrote in a statement posted to social media platform X. Gaetz said he met with senators a day earlier and had “thoughtful feedback” and received “incredible support” from many of them. Gaetz faced congressional, federal and media scrutiny over allegations that would have complicated his path to confirmation as the nation’s top federal prosecutor. Trump responded to Gaetz’s announcement in a social media post, thanking Gaetz for his efforts in seeking approval from senators for the U.S. attorney general role. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the administration, for which he has much respect,” the president-elect wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it will not release its final report involving an investigation into Gaetz — at least for the time being. Last year, the former Florida lawmaker said in a statement that the Department of Justice had ended a related sex trafficking investigation with no charges against him. He has also categorically denied claims related to the ethics panel’s investigation, noting that the DOJ ended that probe. “The Department of Justice has confirmed to congressman Gaetz’s attorneys that their investigation has concluded and that he will not be charged with any crimes,” a statement from his office said last year. Earlier this week, an attorney involved in a civil case brought by a Gaetz associate was told about an unknown person’s unauthorized access to case documents in a separate matter. Attorney Joel Leppard, who had represented a client involved in the case, said the files included unredacted depositions from a woman who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Gaetz when she was 17 as well as testimony from another woman who claimed to be a witness. The files the individual was able to access were part of a defamation case filed by a Gaetz associate against Gaetz’s one-time political ally Joel Greenberg. Gaetz was not part of the lawsuit involving the files and has said he did not have sex with a minor. In the meantime, several Senate Republicans have expressed concern about his possibility of being nominated, or they have declined to publicly state whether they will confirm him. “He’s got an uphill climb,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, in response to a question from reporters earlier this week. Meanwhile, some GOP senators have said they believe the information contained in the House Ethics report will likely be leaked, causing a media firestorm similar to what occurred during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation years ago. “Does anybody honestly think that a lot of that testimony is not going to be re-engineered?” Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters on Tuesday. “I mean, we are creating a false crisis because the reality is all that information is going to be on display at the hearing. Think Brett Kavanaugh.” Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, told reporters that “we all know what Washington is like” and that it “leaks like a wet paper bag.” “I’m not predicting it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the report leaked,” he said. On Tuesday, a reporter asked Trump, who was in Texas to watch a SpaceX rocket launch, about whether he is reconsidering the Gaetz nomination. Trump replied, “No,” according to footage of the encounter. Gaetz resigned from his congressional seat on Nov. 13 after he was named as Trump’s choice for attorney general. However, he had won reelection for the upcoming Congress on Nov. 5. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
There’s a cost to Nebraska football embracing its 34-year tradition of Black Friday games. A chance to reflect much, for one thing. Or celebrate, for another. NU on Saturday ended a 10-game losing streak to Wisconsin and a seven-season bowl drought in one fell swoop, but when the Huskers reconvened Monday, a short week of preparation for a nasty rival stared them right in the face. “We haven’t even had a team meeting since the game,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said at his weekly press conference. “We walked in today, 8 o’clock, and it’s Iowa special teams (prep). No time for ‘hey, great job.’ There’s no time for it.” Bad memories still linger in the Huskers’ minds, though. The Hawkeyes have won eight of the last nine in this series — six of those by one score, including last year, a 13-10 gut punch that kept Nebraska from making a bowl. If Iowa blew kisses at NU in 2019 on a game-winning field goal, they did something else in 2023. People are also reading... “Their players are waving at our guys — ‘hey, have a good Christmas!’ — that was painful,” Rhule said. “That was really painful. So I don’t doubt that our guys will be ready. But their guys will be ready. It really just comes down to football.” Win the turnover battle. Block and tackle well. Make plays when they’re available. Execute the way offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen wants. To focus on those things — without the psychological pressure of a long December hanging over the program’s head — is a nice bonus to clinching the bowl before heading to Kinnick Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. game on NBC. The temps will be in the 20s; Nebraska, practicing outside most of the year, is prepared for that. Iowa’s offense, though fitted with a new coordinator, resembles a more effective version of the Hawkeyes’ recent attacks, with a blend of power and zone runs executed by running back Kaleb Johnson, second nationally in rush yards. Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten — and 13 th nationally — in rushing yards per game. “They’ve run some people off the field just by running the football down their throat,” Rhule said. So, Iowa is Iowa is Iowa. It was Iowa 10 years ago, when it lost 37-34 to Nebraska two days before the firing of Bo Pelini. It was Iowa two years ago on the day it lost to NU just as the school was finalizing a deal for Rhule. And at 7-4 overall — 5-3 in the Big Ten — this season, it is Iowa now. Nebraska, on the other hand, moved from a program with no bowl berths this decade to at least one this winter. It saw, in its win over Wisconsin, a work ethic rewarded, a process confirmed and a rare midseason offensive coordinator hire vindicated. “They know that they can do it, they know they’re capable of it,” Rhule said. “So let’s continue to do it. That’s the expectation now. What was once possible, now we know we can do it, so let’s do it.” Rhule anticipates Nebraska’s roster will be healthier after the flu ran through the team last week, and NU’s offense now manages playing time the way the Husker defensive coaches have — by who practices well during the week. That translated into backups who got more snaps against Wisconsin than other games this season — Emmett Johnson, Luke Lindenmeyer and Nate Boerkircher — and who stood more often on the sideline. That’s Holgorsen’s effect, to some degree, and it’s the new price of success. "Dana's brought a standard, offensively, that, I'm not going to say we didn't have before,” Rhule said, “but he has the experience to kind of follow through on it that will be good for us all to learn from.” The lessons learned in a game are the lessons learned in a season, Rhule said. The week is short, the prep is detailed and Iowa is Iowa. Who might Nebraska be? “We have to make sure the football’s right,” Rhule said. Photos: Nebraska football hosts Wisconsin on senior day — Nov. 23 Nebraska players carry the Freedom Trophy after defeating Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) escapes a tackle by Wisconsin's Tackett Curtis (4) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Carter Nelson (29) celebrates a tackle on special teams during the third quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen coaches during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg runs the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) escapes a tackle by Wisconsin's Tackett Curtis (4) during the fourth quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Riley Van Poppel (44) runs on to the field before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska fans celebrate as time winds down in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jordan Ochoa (94) is pictured on the field in the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Micah Mazzccua (from left) Jahmal Banks, Isaiah Neyor, and Henry Lutovsky celebrate a touchdown by Dante Dowdell (23) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball while pursued by Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9), Max Lofy (12), and Ben Barten (68) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska celebrates an interception by DeShon Singleton (8) during the fourth quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska senior Ty Robinson said Saturday's win was "kind of like a Cinderella ending to my career here at Memorial (Stadium)." Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola "bowls" the football after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke (18) has his throw blocked by Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor (42) in the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Gunnar Gottula (77) is pictured on the field in the second quarter against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. In a play that was called back, Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) signals for a touchdown after a catch in the endzone during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Stefon Thompson (left) tries to tackle Wisconsin's Tawee Walker (3) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) reacts after making a catch for a first down against Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) is tackle by Wisconsin's Xavier Lucas (10) in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Nyzier Fourqurean (3) and Jay Harper (26) tackle Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (44) as he makes a catch in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Max Lofy (12) pops a the ball out of the hands of Nebraska's Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (13) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) holds the ball as John Hohl (90) kicks a field goal against Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Tucker Ashcraft (38) tries to make a catch while defended by Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws under pressure by the Wisconsin defense on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Keelan Smith (85) and Mikai Gbayor (42) carry the Freedom Trophy off the field after the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) smiles up at the crowd while walking off the field after the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 44-25. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (top right) is swarmed by fans and other players after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 44-25. Nebraska lifts up the Freedom Trophy after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 44-25. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and Troy Dannen celebrate after NU beat Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska lifts up the Freedom Trophy after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 44-25. Nebraska lifts up the Freedom Trophy after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 44-25. Nebraska lifts up the Freedom Trophy after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Nebraska fans storm the field after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 44-25. For more coverage on the game, see Section C . Nebraska defenders Blye Hill (from left), Stefon Thompson and DeShon Singleton take down Wisconsin's Riley Nowakowski, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Marques Buford (from left), Isaac Gifford (center right) and MJ Sherman (right) celebrate a defensive play next to Wisconsin's Cody Raymond, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen calls a play during the game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with Ceyair Wright after defeating Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) dives over the Wisconsin defense for a fourth-quarter touchdown on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (center) is swarmed by Wisconsin defenders as he tries to force his way into the endzone in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's John Bullock (5) tries to break past Wisconsin's Riley Nowakowski (37) in the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates after a run in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates after a run in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) spins out of a tackle attempt by Wisconsin's Tackett Curtis (4) and Nyzier Fourqurean (3) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin lines up against Nebraska in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) embraces his mother Tresha Robinson after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks withis family after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) celebrates as he walks off the field after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) takes a selfie with fans after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Keelan Smith (85) and Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) carry the freedom trophy off the field after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska players and fans crowd around the Freedom trophy after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola walks off the field after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Brice Turner celebrates on the field after winning the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) and Dana Holgorsen celebrate a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule (left) high-fives Janiran Bonner as offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen looks on Saturday. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches a pass during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches a pass while defended by Wisconsin's Justin Taylor on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Wisconsin's Jake Chaney (1) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin recovered the fumble. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen looks over his notes during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs through a tackle by Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9) and Preston Zachman (14) into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (center) leaps over Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Wisconsin's Ricardo Hallman (2) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. In a play that was ruled incomplete, Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches a pass in the endzone while defended by Wisconsin's Xavier Lucas (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) and Nash Hutmacher (0) try to block a field goal kick by Wisconsin's Nathanial Vakos (90) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs in to the endzone for a second quarter touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9) tries to tackle Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Tawee Walker (3) fends off Nebraska's Marques Buford (3) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke (18) is sacked by Nebraska's Willis McGahee (12) in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Marques Buford (3) defends Wisconsin's Bryson Green (9) as he catches a touchdown in the endzone in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's John Hohl (90) scores a filed goal in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska defenders Vincent Shavers (1) and Marques Buford (3) and Isaac Gifford (2) tackle Wisconsin's Darrion Dupree (13) in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (left) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Dylan Raiola during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (left) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Dylan Raiola during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska players take the field after the tunnel walk on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Trech Kekahuna (left) escapes a tackle from Nebraska's Isaac Gifford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Javin Wright (right) breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin's Tucker Ashcraft, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg scores a touchdown against Wisconsin on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Nebraska's Jacory Barney (right) celebrates his opening kickoff return against Wisconsin with teammate Janiran Bonner and Kwinten Ives, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) embraces head coach Matt Rhule during a senior day ceremony before the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's MJ Sherman embraces head coach Matt Rhule during a senior day ceremony before the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Fans arrive at Memorial Stadium before the Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. The Cornhusker Marching Band arrives at Memorial Stadium before the Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Chris Sayer of Lincoln plays a melodeon before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Sayer said he has been playing outside of Husker football games for 42 years. Nebraska fans walk around campus before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Hudson Meyer of Hooper, 6, throws leaves in the air before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Members of the Cornhusker marching band enjoy a meal of Valentinos pizza together before the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jimari Butler (10) and Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) pressure Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke (18) as he throws during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola reacts to a fumble recovered by Wisconsin during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) leads the team onto the field before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) leaves behind Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9) as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (center) leaps over Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Nebraska's Jacory Barney (17) celebrate during the third quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's offense lines up on the field during the third quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Nathanial Vakos (90) reacts to missing a field goal during the first quarter of the game against Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates a 6-yard gain during the fourth quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Johnson escaped three tackles during the play. Nebraska's Vincent Genatone (left) and Carter Nelson celebrate during the fourth quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Tommi Hill (left) and Rahmir Johnson walk out onto the field before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola celebrates a field goal during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) stores his mouthguard in his helmet during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (left) and Isaac Gifford (2) celebrate a missed field goal by Wisconsin during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska celebrates a touchdown by Heinrich Haarberg (center) during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Christian Alliegro (28) tackles Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (left) and offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen stand on the sideline during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15), Heinrich Haarberg (10) and Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) celebrate a touchdown by Haarberg during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!John Travolta's daughter Ella shares a look inside famous family's intimate Christmas traditions
LONDON — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor "brutally raped and battered" her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the "modest award." Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. "She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice," she said. "I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served." The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. "He's not a man, he's a coward," attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. "A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is." Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him "no" as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, "now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times," referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. "I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again," she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman's complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said "she never said 'no' or stopped" and testified that everything she said was a lie. "It is a full blown lie among many lies," he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. "How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings." McGregor's lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. "You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise," attorney Remy Farrell said. "I'm not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch." The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor's arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked "happy, happy, happy." McGregor said he was "beyond petrified" when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor's friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of American Addiction Centers, Inc. Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised
NoneExperience True Wellness This Festive Season at The Farm at San Benito, Philippines
Sale stopped free-scoring Bristol in their tracks as they moved into the Gallagher Premiership play-off places with a stunning 38-0 victory at Ashton Gate. Bristol had high hopes of going top above west country rivals Bath, but Sale did not allow them any time or space on the ball and Bears' trademark running game hit the buffers. Scrum-half Raffi Quirke set the tone when he breached Bristol's defence inside three minutes, and the Sharks never looked back. Tom Roebuck added a second try before half-time, then captain Ben Curry's interception score sealed the deal midway through the third quarter, before Roebuck's fellow wing Tom O'Flaherty secured a bonus point 14 minutes from time. Centre Rob du Preez kicked three penalties and three conversions, while fly-half George Ford dropped a goal as Sale's statement win served notice of their title credentials. Trending Bristol had collected a try-scoring bonus point in each of their last nine league games, equalling the Premiership record. Sale, in stark contrast, were without a point of any description on their Premiership travels this term, but those statistics were shredded on a spectacular night for Alex Sanderson's team. Also See: Gallagher Premiership table Gallagher Premiership fixtures Stream Sky Sports with NOW Listen to Sky Sports podcasts England prop Ellis Genge withdrew from Bristol's starting line-up after suffering a back spasm, while it was confirmed before kick-off that Bears fly-half AJ MacGinty faces four months out due to a knee injury. Sale produced a lightning start, rocking Bristol when Quirke made a blistering break from 35 metres out to claim a superb solo touchdown that Du Preez converted. Sale then suffered an injury blow when centre Luke James departed the action after taking a knock to his shoulder, but it did not disrupt impressive early Sharks momentum as Du Preez kicked a penalty. Bristol could not get going, and their cause was not helped midway through the first half when Harry Randall was yellow-carded for pulling back Sale hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie off the ball. Randall had barely left the pitch before Sharks extended their lead courtesy of an impressive approach by their forwards that led to Ford freeing Roebuck with a long pass, and he applied a simple finish. Du Preez's conversion made it 17-0, before Bristol suffered another injury setback when their top try-scorer Gabriel Ibitoye went off due to an apparent hamstring problem. Ford then underlined Sale's dominance by landing a drop-goal as the visitors took a 20-point lead with them into the interval. Bristol could find no way into the contest, and after Du Preez kicked a second penalty, Curry intercepted home skipper Fitz Harding's speculative pass to cross from close range, and Du Preez's conversion saw Sale hit 30 points. He completed his penalty hat-trick midway through the second period, and all Bristol could concentrate on was trying to break their points duck in a game that had seen them emphatically outplayed. Sale had other ideas as they raced to a five-point maximum in thrilling fashion when O'Flaherty broke clear from just outside his own 22, then linked with Quirke before finishing in style. It said everything about a game when Sale took their chances magnificently, building on rock-solid foundations provided by an imperious defensive display. Bristol, though, were left to reflect on failing to score a point in a Premiership game for the first time since 2016. Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV , streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app - giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Stream the EFL, Test cricket and more top sport with NOW .In a significant development, the U.S. military's THAAD anti-missile system was reportedly used in Israel to intercept a missile from Yemen, marking its first operational use since President Joe Biden stationed it there in October, Reuters was informed by a source familiar with the situation. As Israel conducted strikes on Iran-aligned Houthi targets in Yemen, the Pentagon remained silent on confirmation requests. Houthi media sources claimed that Thursday's Israeli airstrikes resulted in six casualties, following missile attacks by the Houthis in solidarity with Gaza's Palestinians. This deployment includes 100 U.S. soldiers and further solidifies Israel's advanced air defense, already bolstered by Lockheed Martin's technology. An assessment is underway to evaluate the success of the THAAD system's first mission. (With inputs from agencies.)
A look ahead to what might happen in 2025