Chael Sonnen suggests Shavkat Rakhmonov could be the reason Ian Machado Garry left Kill Cliff FC. Machado Garry (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) used to train at Kill Cliff FC alongside undefeated Rakhmonov (15-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and a slew of other top welterweight contenders under the guidance of Henri Hooft. Machado Garry ended up leaving, and has since trained at Chute Boxe Diego Lima, and most recently Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA in Phuket. Sonnen speculates why the Irish rising star opted to leave the talent-stacked mats in Florida. "At 24 years old, completely undefeated, you're the one controlling the headlines," Sonnen said on his . "But in this room, you're No. 5 – just within the weight class. There's five guys in this practice room, in your weight class, that can beat you and do it on a daily basis. "'But 'The promoters want to see you for some reason. Your placement on the card is higher than our placement on the card. The amount of headlines that you garner, your social media and your followers, and the people that believe you are the man – when the four of us know you're not.' And just by example, is that why Ian left?" Machado Garry is scheduled to face his former Kill Cliff FC teammate Rakhmonov in Saturday's UFC 310 (pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+) welterweight co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.Pitt running back Desmond Reid and linebacker Kyle Louis were difficult to miss on the football field this season, and their names were equally prominent on the All-ACC football team revealed Tuesday on the ACC Network. Reid was a first-team selection as an all-purpose back and return specialist. Plus, he was named honorable mention at running back, his main position, where he led the Panthers in yards rushing (797). He averaged 150.9 all-purpose yards per game (sixth in the nation), and he led the ACC with an average of 12.3 yards per punt return (ninth in the nation). Louis was named first-team linebacker after collecting 150 voting points — the highest of any linebacker on the All-ACC team and 18 more than the second-highest vote getter. He compiled an impressive stat line with 96 tackles, 15 1/2 for a loss, seven sacks, four interceptions and a forced fumble. He also intercepted a pass on a two-point conversion attempt. The most recent FBS player to achieve that stat line was Utah consensus All-America linebacker Devin Lloyd in 2021. Reid and Louis were among five Pitt players named to the All-ACC team, joining safety Donovan McMillon (second team) and linebacker Rasheem Biles and kicker Ben Sauls (third team). McMillon had back-to-back 100-tackle seasons, getting 108 this season and 105 in 2023. He is the first Pitt player to do so since linebacker Scott McKillop in 2007 and 2008. Biles recorded 77 tackles, 14 1/2 for a loss, 5 1/2 sacks and an interception that he returned for a touchdown against Syracuse. He finished 10th in the nation wiht an average of 1.3 TFLs per game. Sauls led the team in scoring with 95 points while converting a nation-leading three field goals of 55-plus yards among his 18 on 21 attempts. He also was perfect on all 41 extra-point kicks. His five field goals of 50-plus yards represent a school record for a season and his 58-yarder ties Alex Kessman (2020) for the longest in Pitt history. Along with Reid, tight end Gavin Bartholomew, defensive tackle Nick James and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield received All-ACC honorable mention.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Next stop: the National Football League. Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III declared for the NFL draft on Monday, two days after playing in what was likely his final collegiate game. He's heading to the professional ranks early, where he's projected to be one of the first players taken in the upcoming draft. "As a kid from St. Louis, it has always been my dream to play in (the) NFL," Burden wrote in an announcement posted to social media. "I am blessed to have a family and community that have helped support this dream and fuel me to put in the work in pursuit of this goal." Burden has been Mizzou's most transformational player in recent years, a five-star prospect who picked his home state school, starred on a national stage and signed high-visibility name, image and likeness deals. “The legacy of Luther Burden,” Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said Saturday, “is going to be the monumental decision he made to come to the University of Missouri, when nobody else thought he should have. His trajectory changed the program’s." In high school, Burden starred for Cardinal Ritter and, for his senior year, East St. Louis, where he was the St. Louis Post-Dispatch co-offensive player of the year after a senior season that included 34 total touchdowns. Recruiting services made Burden one of the premier prospects in his class. When he committed to Mizzou in October 2021, Burden became just the third consensus five-star recruit to do so, following fellow wide receiver Dorial Green Beckham and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who later slipped to four-star status after starting at the junior college level. "I just want to start a trend in St. Louis for the younger people," Burden said at his commitment ceremony. "Start a trend to stay home and take our talents to Missouri.” Burden contributed immediately, scoring nine total touchdowns — including one punt return — during his freshman season. Last year's overall breakout for Missouri saw Burden catch 86 passes for 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. That campaign placed Burden third in MU program history for receiving yards in a single season, trailing Danario Alexander's 2009 season and Jeremy Maclin's 2008 run. Despite entering the 2024 season as a front-runner for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver, and in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy, Burden had a more subdued campaign with 61 catches, the most on the team, and 676 receiving yards. With 192 career receptions, Burden is fourth in program history. His one catch in the Tigers' Saturday win over Arkansas broke a tie in the record books with Alexander. Off the field, he made waves for Missouri in the NIL space. A line of Burden-branded potato chips steadily expanded in flavors and popularity over the course of his college career. He recently appeared in an ad for Nautica's fall clothing line alongside Louisiana State gymnast-turned-model Olivia "Livvy" Dunne. Burden, a junior, walked in Mizzou's Senior Day ceremony held before that snowy game Saturday against the Razorbacks. It seemed to be a clear sign that Burden would be answering the NFL's call sooner rather than later. "While this decision is a step toward my professional future, it is by no means the end of my relationship with Mizzou," Burden wrote. "I will always carry a piece of this university with me, and I will continue to represent Mizzou with pride as I pursue my dreams. MIZ. Just call 3." The league requires players to spend at least three seasons in college ranks, so this is the earliest Burden can enter the draft. The scouting and draft cycle will pick up steam as college and professional seasons end, but early projections show Burden going solidly in the first round — with a significant chance of being a top-10 pick. Burden's draft declaration will almost certainly lead to him opting out of Missouri's bowl game, of which the date, location and opponent will be announced on Dec. 8. The risk of injury in a game with little incentive will likely keep Burden off the field to protect his chances in the draft. Mizzou could see a couple of other players declare early for the draft during the next month. For some, it's a way to test the waters and the viability of their opportunities at the next level before ultimately withdrawing from the draft and returning to college, if nothing else ©2024 STLtoday.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.ROT IN SCHOOLS! School heads in panic as First Lady sets up special monitoring unit
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels rushed for 127 yards, throwing for another 227 and for three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass to Zach Ertz. The Commanders staged a dramatic comeback from a 10-point deficit at half-time, sending them to the play-offs for the first time in four years. PLAYOFF BOUND!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/djmqZv3kH6 — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 30, 2024 The win was enough to give the Los Angeles Rams the NFC West title as it ended the Seattle Seahawks hopes ahead of their meeting in the final week of the season. The Falcons need other results to go their way along with a win over the Carolina Panthers in their final game. Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season as the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The 27-year-old achieved the feat with a 23-yard run during the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ crushing 41-7 success at Lincoln Financial Field. Barkley is 100 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams, ahead of next week’s regular season finale against the New York Giants. Single-season rushing record in reach. @saquon @Eagles pic.twitter.com/iSHyXeMLv1 — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 However, he could be rested for that game in order to protect him from injury ahead of the play-offs. The Minnesota Vikings scored their ninth consecutive win after hanging on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25. Sam Darnold threw touchdowns to Cam Akers, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailer, pushing his total for the season to 35. The victory set up a final-week showdown with the Detroit Lions for both the division title and top seed in the NFC. The Miami Dolphins kept themselves in the play-off race with a 20-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. With Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out with a hip injury, replacement Tyler Huntly threw for 225 yards and a touchdown. he BAKED today 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/eFX9fd1w5P — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Miami will need to beat the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs to clinch the final AFC wildcard berth. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept alive their dreams of reaching the play-offs by overcoming the Carolina Panthers 48-14. Veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield produced a dominant performance at Raymond James Stadium, registering five passing touchdowns to equal a Buccaneers franchise record. The Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC conference number two seed for the post season with a 40-14 success over the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen passed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for another. Buffalo finish the 2024 regular season undefeated at home, with eight wins from as many games. The Indianapolis Colts’ hopes of reaching the play-offs were ended by a 45-33 defeat to the Giants. FINAL: Drew Lock accounts for 5 TDs in the @Giants victory! #INDvsNYG pic.twitter.com/N8HJYth09F — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Malik Nabers exploded for 171 yards and two touchdowns and Ihmir Smith-Marsette broke a 100-yard kick-off return to give the Giants their highest-scoring output under head coach Brian Daboll. Quarterback Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and accounted for a fifth on the ground to seal the win. Elsewhere, Mac Jones threw two touchdowns to help the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Tennessee Titans 20-13, while the Las Vegas Raiders beat the New Orleans Saints 25-10.Asia-Pacific markets are set to open lower on the second last day of the year, tracking Wall Street's declines on Friday. Asia-Pacific markets were set to open lower on the penultimate trading day of this year, after Wall Street declined on Friday. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 traded 0.3% lower in its first hour of trade. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a weaker open for the market, with the futures contract in Chicago at 40,210 compared to the index's previous close of 40,281.16. This week, traders await China's manufacturing PMI on Tuesday, while markets will be closed on Wednesday for New Year's Day holiday. U.S. stocks fell Friday, led by technology names, but major indexes still rose for the week. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 333.59 points, or 0.77%, to 42,992.21, falling for the first time in six sessions. The S&P 500 fell 1.11% to 5,970.84. The Nasdaq Composite slid 1.49% to 19,722.03, as Tesla dropped about 5% and Nvidia fell 2%. —CNBC's Yun Li and Pia Singh contributed to this report.
Nvidia ( NVDA -2.09% ) and Palantir ( PLTR -3.72% ) have been two of the best-performing stocks on the market this year, and artificial intelligence is the major reason. Nvidia needs little introduction at this point. The chip stock has come to dominate the market for data center GPUs (graphics processing units) in the AI boom, which has driven its stock price up roughly 10 times since the start of 2024. Palantir, meanwhile, has emerged as the biggest winner in software from AI as its experience with deep data mining, known as data fusion, has paid off, especially since the launch of its artificial intelligence platform (AIP) last year. As the chart below shows, both stocks have soared this year. PLTR data by YCharts So, which is the better buy today? Let's get into the details on what each stock has to offer. Business model: Nvidia vs. Palantir? Nvidia has established itself as the leading chip design company, thanks to its prowess in AI and its investments in areas like its CUDA software library, which give it a competitive advantage. As a result of its wide lead in AI-focused components like the new Blackwell platform, Nvidia currently generates massive profit margins with a generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ) operating margin of 62% in the third quarter. The company has built an all-star culture focused on innovation, and it seems likely to remain ahead of the competition on AI chips. It depends on foundries like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for manufacturing and is vulnerable to cyclicality and broader concerns about a bubble in AI. The semiconductor industry is notoriously cyclical and prices and inventory levels can change quickly. Therefore, Nvidia's greatest risk is likely a change in industry dynamics that would threaten its growth rather than a competitive threat. Palantir got its start serving U.S. intelligence agencies after 9/11, helping them connect data points to find threats they otherwise would have missed. Palantir has since expanded its product suite to specialize in a wide range of business needs, including cryptocurrency, data protection, and the prevention of money laundering. Its principal software platforms include Gotham, Foundry, Apollo, and Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). Gotham and Foundry are focused on taking massive amounts of information and making it into a useful dataset. Apollo is a layer for commercial customers that allows them to run their software in nearly any environment, and AIP works with Gotham and Foundry to use machine learning to accelerate insights. Palantir has a relatively small number of high-paying customers, meaning it deals in large contracts. The size and complexity of its contracts mean the company faces relatively little competition from other software companies. Instead, it sees the internal software development efforts of its customers as its biggest competitor. Like Nvidia, Palantir is also at risk of a sectorwide pullback, though its competitive position seems resilient, given the specialized nature of its business. Financials: Nvidia vs. Palantir? Both Nvidia and Palantir have delivered impressive results, but one company is clearly growing faster than the other. Nvidia reported 94% revenue growth in the third quarter to $35.1 billion, with $19.3 billion in net income, up 109% from the year before. Palantir, on the other hand, reported 30% revenue growth to $726 million with strong results in the U.S. and its commercial segment. Net income jumped 103% to $149.3 million as its margins rapidly scaled up. Valuation: Nvidia vs. Palantir? Palantir's explosive growth this year has come largely from multiple expansions. As a result, the stock is trading at a sky-high valuation. Palantir now trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 75 and a price-to-earnings ratio of 411 based on GAAP earnings. Nvidia stock looks more reasonable. It currently trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 31 and a price-to-earnings ratio of 55. Which is the better buy? Both of these companies have a lot to offer investors, especially if demand for AI continues to grow, but looking at both stocks holistically, Nvidia is the better buy. Palantir's business is certainly intriguing. It's demonstrated its value to customers and seems to have a meaningful competitive advantage. However, its valuation presents a significant risk as the stock could easily plunge if it misses expectations. Nvidia, on the other hand, also looks poised for similar growth but with less downside risk.PONTE VEDRA, Fla., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. ("Treace" or the "Company") TMCI , a medical technology company driving a fundamental shift in the surgical treatment of bunions and related midfoot deformities through its flagship Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® Procedures, today announced the successful completion of the first cases combining IntelliGuideTM PSI technology with the Adductoplasty® System for a CT-based, patient specific correction personalized to the patient's unique midfoot deformity. IntelliGuideTM PSI, incorporating RedPointTM technology, is the first and only patient-specific cut guide system available for correction of bunion and/or midfoot deformities in the U.S. IntelliGuideTM PSI provides an AI-enabled software approach to convert a patient's CT-scan to a pre-operative surgical plan and produce a 3D-printed cut guide specific to the patient's deformity for efficient and personalized intra-operative guidance. It is estimated that midfoot deformities, such as metatarsus adductus, may occur in up to 30% of bunion patients. 1,2 Treace has now initiated a limited market release of IntelliGuideTM PSI for the Adductoplasty® Procedure and plans to expand surgeon access of IntelliGuideTM for both the Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® procedures progressively over the coming months with full market release expected within the first half of 2025. "IntelliGuideTM PSI further advances our market leadership position in the surgical management of bunion and midfoot deformities, extending the established benefits of PSI personalized approaches to our Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® Procedures," said John T. Treace, CEO, Founder and Board Member of Treace. "We look forward to further building out our ecosystem of enabling digital technologies as part of our strategy to provide a comprehensive portfolio of bunion and related midfoot solutions to address the evolving needs of our surgeon customers and patients." Eric Kuhlman, DPM of Center for Spine & Orthopedics in Denver, who performed an initial IntelliGuideTM Adductoplasty® case commented, "This technology is going to revolutionize the way that I approach treating patients with bunion and related midfoot deformities. The virtual planning process helped me fully visualize the complex three-dimensional metatarsus adductus midfoot correction before stepping foot in the OR and the 3D-printed cut guides added a new level of intra-operative precision, efficiency, and confidence to the procedure. Just as PSI has advanced other areas of orthopedics, I expect IntelliGuideTM PSI to rapidly expand our understanding and treatment of these common, yet challenging foot deformities." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's expectations of innovation, product commercialization, market performance, and growth. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company's business, strategy, operations or financial performance, and actual results and other events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Factors that could cause actual results or other events to differ materially from those contemplated in this press release can be found in the Risk Factors section of Treace's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024, and its subsequent SEC filings. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of their date and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements, whether as a result of any new information, future developments or otherwise. Internet Posting of Information Treace routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investor Relations" section of its website at www.treace.com . The Company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Treace website regularly for important information about Treace. About Treace Medical Concepts Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. is a medical technology company with the goal of advancing the standard of care for the surgical management of bunion and related midfoot deformities. Bunions are complex 3-dimensional deformities that originate from an unstable joint in the middle of the foot and affect approximately 67 million Americans, of which Treace estimates 1.1 million are annual surgical candidates. Treace has pioneered and patented the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® System – a combination of instruments, implants, and surgical methods designed to surgically correct all three planes of the bunion deformity and secure the unstable joint, addressing the root cause of the bunion and helping patients get back to their active lifestyles. To further support the needs of bunion patients, Treace has introduced its Adductoplasty® Midfoot Correction System, designed for reproducible surgical correction of midfoot deformities. The Company continues to expand its footprint in the foot and ankle market with the introduction of its SpeedPlateTM Rapid Compression Implants, an innovative fixation platform with broad versatility across Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® procedures, as well as other common bone fusion procedures of the foot. For more information, please visit www.treace.com . To learn more about Treace, connect with us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram . 1. Aiyer AA, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2014; 35:1292-1297. 2. Gribbin CK, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2017; 38:14-19. Contacts : Treace Medical Concepts Mark L. Hair Chief Financial Officer mhair@treace.net (904) 373-5940 Investors : Gilmartin Group Vivian Cervantes IR@treace.net © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
ANKARA, Turkey — The recent rapid advance by opposition fighters in Syria shows that Syrian President Bashar Assad must reconcile with his own people and hold dialogue with the opposition, the Turkish foreign minister said Monday. At a joint news conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart, Hakan Fidan said Turkey and Iran, which support opposing sides in Syria’s civil war, have agreed to resume diplomatic efforts along with Russia to restore calm days after insurgents launched a lightning offensive and captured almost all of the country’s largest city, Aleppo. The swift advance by fighters Turkey supports was a huge embarrassment for Assad and it comes at a time when his allies — Iran and groups it backs and Russia — are preoccupied with their own conflicts. The push is among the rebels’ strongest in years and raises the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East when U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups. Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian government’s refusal to enter a dialogue with the opposition that Turkey supports. “Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition,” the Turkish minister said. “Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this.” Fidan’s comments emerged amid Turkish frustration recent efforts toward a reconciliation with Assad have fallen flat. The comments indicated the shock offensive launched by opposition fighters could be aimed at pressuring the Syrian leader to engage in political talks. Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad has insisted Turkey’s withdrawal of its forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Assad on Sunday before traveling to Ankara, reiterated Tehran’s full support for the Syrian government. Iran has been one of Assad’s principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Assad’s rule turned into an all-out war. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the government’s counteroffensive against the insurgents, an Iraqi militia official and a war monitor said Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, some 200 Iraqi militiamen riding on pickups crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian army’s pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said. Meanwhile, Associated Press video showed armed insurgents at Aleppo's international airport, one of them standing on a Syrian government flag and others tearing down a poster of Assad. Insurgents were also seen mounting abandoned aircraft and walking around airport grounds strewn with weapons and ammunition boxes. The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria. Fidan reiterated Turkey’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity, but suggested that Turkey would not hesitate to intervene against Syrian Kurdish militia groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists if they “exploit the environment of instability.” “It was a mistake to ignore the legitimate demands of the opposition and for the (Syrian) regime not to sincerely engage in the political process,” Fidan said. Turkey, he added, "will never, ever allow terrorist organizations that seek to exploit the environment of instability," Fidan said. “We will eliminate any threat to our national security and our people wherever it emerges.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the instability in Syria would come to an end “in line with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.” He spoke Monday at a joint news conference with the president of Montenegro. Both Fidan and Araghchi said Turkey, Iran and Russia would convene a new three-way meeting to address the conflict in Syria. "We have decided to hold closer consultations and dialogue, and with God’s permission, we will cooperate to further improve the situation toward peace and stability in our region,” Araghchi said. Russia, whose intervention in Syria’s civil war on behalf of Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favor, has said it will continue to support him. “We continue our contacts at the appropriate level,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday. “A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilize the situation.” The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the Assad regime has ignored Security Council resolutions and refused to come to the table. “We are watching that situation very closely, and we will continue to engage with partners in the region to find a path for the situation to go back to calm,” she said. As Syrian and Russian jets continued pounding targets, two airstrikes hit a group of four hospitals and the health directorate building in Idlib city, the Syrian Civil Defense force that operates in opposition-held areas, known as the White Helmets, said. Two people in Idlib University Hospital died after their oxygen machines turned off following the strikes. Ceiling panels and doors at the hospital were blown off, while ambulances and vehicles outside were severely damaged according to footage taken by journalist with The Associated Press at the hospital. At least 15 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the White Helmets. Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led northeast regions.
Liverpool continued their dream run in the English Premier League with a dominant 5-0 away win at West Ham on Sunday. Mohamed Salah displayed another remarkable performance with a goal and two assists to add another milestone to his record-laden season. The Egyptian forward now boasts 30-goal contributions in Premier League 2024-25 and Liverpool are yet to reach halfway. Salah is leading both the scoring and assists charts with 13 goals and 17 assists, and has managed to score and provide at least one goal in eight league games this season, the most by any player in the Premier League era. Salah broke Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernnandes' record for the most matches with a goal and assist. Before West Ham, the Liverpool forward has scored and assisted against Ipswich Town, Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur this season. Meanwhile, Salah also broke into the top 10 list of players with the most assists in Premier League history. He replaced the tenth-placed David Beckham with his 82nd assist during the West Ham game. He next eyes his former Liverpool players James Milner (89) and Steven Gerrard's (92) tally if he continues his form in the second half of the season. More to follow...Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘disappointed’ and ‘hurt’ after cutting ties with Man Utd
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:06 p.m. ESTTaylor Swift fans warned of fake ticket scams as Vancouver prepares for concertsRookie quarterback Jayden Daniels rushed for 127 yards, throwing for another 227 and for three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass to Zach Ertz. The Commanders staged a dramatic comeback from a 10-point deficit at half-time, sending them to the play-offs for the first time in four years. PLAYOFF BOUND!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/djmqZv3kH6 — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 30, 2024 The win was enough to give the Los Angeles Rams the NFC West title as it ended the Seattle Seahawks hopes ahead of their meeting in the final week of the season. The Falcons need other results to go their way along with a win over the Carolina Panthers in their final game. Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season as the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The 27-year-old achieved the feat with a 23-yard run during the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ crushing 41-7 success at Lincoln Financial Field. Barkley is 100 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams, ahead of next week’s regular season finale against the New York Giants. Single-season rushing record in reach. @saquon @Eagles pic.twitter.com/iSHyXeMLv1 — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 However, he could be rested for that game in order to protect him from injury ahead of the play-offs. The Minnesota Vikings scored their ninth consecutive win after hanging on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25. Sam Darnold threw touchdowns to Cam Akers, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailer, pushing his total for the season to 35. The victory set up a final-week showdown with the Detroit Lions for both the division title and top seed in the NFC. The Miami Dolphins kept themselves in the play-off race with a 20-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. With Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out with a hip injury, replacement Tyler Huntly threw for 225 yards and a touchdown. he BAKED today 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/eFX9fd1w5P — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Miami will need to beat the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs to clinch the final AFC wildcard berth. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept alive their dreams of reaching the play-offs by overcoming the Carolina Panthers 48-14. Veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield produced a dominant performance at Raymond James Stadium, registering five passing touchdowns to equal a Buccaneers franchise record. The Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC conference number two seed for the post season with a 40-14 success over the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen passed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for another. Buffalo finish the 2024 regular season undefeated at home, with eight wins from as many games. The Indianapolis Colts’ hopes of reaching the play-offs were ended by a 45-33 defeat to the Giants. FINAL: Drew Lock accounts for 5 TDs in the @Giants victory! #INDvsNYG pic.twitter.com/N8HJYth09F — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Malik Nabers exploded for 171 yards and two touchdowns and Ihmir Smith-Marsette broke a 100-yard kick-off return to give the Giants their highest-scoring output under head coach Brian Daboll. Quarterback Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and accounted for a fifth on the ground to seal the win. Elsewhere, Mac Jones threw two touchdowns to help the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Tennessee Titans 20-13, while the Las Vegas Raiders beat the New Orleans Saints 25-10.
PEP GUARDIOLA hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian, 33, was out of the Manchester City side for two months with a groin injury but only made the bench for the last five matches. When left out of the starting line-up in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher said it was “sad” and “something isn’t right between those two”. But sarcastic Guardiola snapped: “People say I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? “No, I don’t want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third — I don’t want it! “Yes, I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.” Pundit Gary Neville had claimed it was “bizarre and strange” to see KDB benched at Anfield. The ex-Manchester United star argued “something is definitely going on in the dressing room”. While Gary Lineker and former City defender Micah Richards also felt there could be an issue. But De Bruyne said last week that he was struggling as he felt pain when he kicked the ball due to his niggling problem. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS The Belgian spent much of the last two seasons on the treatment table. And ahead of hosting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, boss Guardiola says he cannot afford to rush him back — even though he is “desperate” to play him. The Spaniard explained: “He has delivered to me the biggest success to this club. “But De Bruyne was injured for five months last season — and two months injured. “Like last season, it’s step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have him back to his best.” De Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitness — with his manager saying he took a big step forward in recent days. But Guardiola warned his return to the starting line-up will not solve all City’s problems after an extraordinary run of six defeats in seven matches. He added: “I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He’d love it, too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. "He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. “But you think I’m complaining for that? It’s just normal — it’s nature. He has played ten or 11 seasons of football with a lot of games. “I know he is desperate to help us — he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. “But always I have said, he himself will not solve our problems.” De Bruyne will be hoping to play some part as City look to halt their slump against Forest. Asked if the veteran was ready, Guardiola said: “He’s closer and getting better. The last few days was even better.”