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BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian insurgents swept into the central city of Hama on Thursday and government forces withdrew, dealing another major blow to Syrian President Bashar Assad days after insurgents captured much of Aleppo, the country’s largest city. The stunning weeklong offensive appeared likely to continue, with insurgents setting their sights on Homs, the country’s third-largest city. Homs, which is about 25 miles south of Hama, is the gate to the capital, Damascus, Assad’s seat of power and the coastal region that is a base of support for him. The offensive is being led by the jihadi group HTS and an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Their sudden capture of Aleppo, an ancient business hub in the north, was a stunning prize for Assad’s opponents and reignited the Syrian civil war that had been largely a stalemate for the past few years. Hama is one of the few cities that has remained mostly under government control in the conflict, which broke out in March 2011 following a popular uprising. By sunset, dozens of jubilant fighters were seen shooting in the air in celebration in live footage from Hama’s Assi Square. The square was the scene of massive anti-government protests in the early days of the uprising in 2011, before security forces stormed it and got the city under control. The Syrian army on Thursday said it redeployed from Hama and took positions outside the city to protect civilians. Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the de facto leader of the Syrian insurgency, announced in a video message that fighters had reached Hama in a “conquering that is not vengeful, but one of mercy and compassion.” Al-Golani is the leader of the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which previously served as al-Qaida’s branch in Syria and is considered a terrorist group by the United Nations as well as countries including the U.S. The group that was known as the Nusra Front in the early years of Syria’s conflict changed its name and said in recent years that it cut ties with al-Qaida. Al-Golani publicly toured Aleppo on Wednesday and spoke about Hama on Thursday from an undisclosed location in what appeared to be a video filmed with a mobile phone. “This is a massive win for the rebels and a strategic blow for the (Syrian) regime,” Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and an expert on Syrian groups. She said the question is whether the opposition will be able to reach Homs and take over the area, which she said would be a game-changer. “I think then we are going to have to pause and consider whether or not this regime can actually survive this war,” she added. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose country supports the opposition fighters, reiterated during a telephone call with the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres that the Syrian government should urgently engage with its people “for a comprehensive political solution.” Guterres said in a statement later that after 14 years of war in Syria, “it is high time” for all parties to engage seriously in talks to resolve the conflict in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.” That resolution, which was adopted unanimously in December 2015, endorsed a road map to peace in Syria. The measure called for a Syrian-led political process, starting with the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights — an opposition war monitor — said after fierce battles inside Hama, opposition gunmen now control the police headquarters in the city as well as the sprawling air base and the central prison from where hundreds of detainees were set free.Chloée Alary said she always suspected that her daughter, Fabienne, may have ADHD. She could spot the signs since she had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder as a child. While at first it was manageable, she said Fabienne’s behaviour became more difficult to deal with when she started puberty. "It got to a level where she couldn't have a normal daily routine. It really was out of whack. And it wasn't normal little things. It was a million small, accumulated things," she said. There are many symptoms to Attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They range from the inability to concentrate and forgetfulness to impulsive behaviours and emotional outbursts. The neurodevelopmental disorder interferes with functioning and evolves over time. "We really just didn't want her to go into high school, and for this to persist and get worse and worse," said Alary. But getting a diagnosis for her daughter was anything but straightforward. Alary said waiting lists for publicly funded assessments are long in the Laurentians, where the family lives, and getting assessed in English is next to impossible. They decided to go the private route and paid for several sessions with a psycho-educator, but that person left for another job before the diagnosis was done. Finally, Alary said their family doctor took over the file and prescribed the ADHD medication, Concerta. Fabienne, 13, said the medication helped her. "I was a little all over the place. I couldn't concentrate on one thing at a time. And I feel like when I take my, medication or when I take the pills, it does, like, help me stay on task," she said. Dr. Martin Gignac, chair of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance, said getting a proper diagnosis at a young age is crucial and left untreated, ADHD can get worse. "This is why it's so important to acknowledge when it is there, because ADHD can be treated. And if you treat it early, you can prevent negative outcomes. You can reduce the risk of depression. You can have a positive impact on the risk of suicidal behaviors. You can reduce the risk of accidents," he said. Quebec has most ADHD diagnoses in Canada According to the province’s public health ministry, Quebec has the highest rate in the country of people under the age of 25 diagnosed with ADHD. An investigation published in La Presse found some private clinics offer an ADHD diagnosis in as little as 60 minutes. Dr. Gignac said there are different professionals that are able to provide people with the diagnosis, but extreme care needs to be taken to ensure the patient really has ADHD and not another disorder. Quebec’s Collège des médecins told CTV News it has taken efforts over the years to remind its physicians of the importance of rigorously carrying out evaluations and taking the time necessary to make a diagnosis. It added that in their inspections, the college is paying particular attention to the prescription of psychostimulants. Alary said while the medication has helped her daughter in school, there is no magic pill to treat the challenge of living with ADHD. She said her daughter has been able to stick with a routine and her grades are improving. She’s also playing sports and volunteering. The important thing, Alary added, is that if she’s having a problem, she can talk to her family and teachers about it.South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but the party is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon's impeachment or resignation. The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. “We'll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea,” party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We'll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year's end.” Many experts worry Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 1⁄2 years in office. They say some PPP lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. The ruling party risks "further public outrage and national confusion if they don’t find a formula fast for Yoon’s departure,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. PPP chair Han Dong-hun said his party will seek Yoon’s “orderly” early exit but didn’t say when he can resign. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people packed several blocks of roads leading to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied elsewhere in Seoul, calling the impeachment attempt unconstitutional. Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly's 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose it. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. The turmoil has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. “Yoon’s credibility overseas has been undermined by declaring martial law, so he won’t be able to exercise leadership in his foreign policies especially when his days are numbered,” Kim, the analyst, said. “Its government bureaucracy will need to continue business as usual for existing alliance and foreign policy initiatives as best it can because there is a lot of important work to do globally.” Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon’s martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon's impeachment motion. Yoon’s speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon’s early exit from office. Lee told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon’s martial law “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife. On Friday, Han, who criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities.” Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians including Han, Lee and Woo. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim Yong Hyun resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.
LA Galaxy strike early, hold off New York Red Bulls 2-1 to win their record sixth MLS Cup championship
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was minding his own business during practice recently, doing his due diligence while running his route when the ball suddenly came his way. Washington wasn't sure what option he was on the play. he certainly wasn't first. Probably not even second. Maybe not even third. Washington was on the back side all by his lonesome while a sea of wide receivers and running backs zig-zagged across quarterback Russell Wilson's field of vision. Only, Wilson didn't like what he saw. Not enough to throw it anyway. So he pivoted to his left and found Washington wide open for a big gain. Asked if he was surprised to find the ball in his hands, Washington nodded. “A little bit,” he said. “I don't know. I don't know what was going on with the other people.” Wilson did. He almost always seems to these days for the first-place Steelers (9-3), who find themselves atop the AFC North behind the play of their resurgent 36-year-old quarterback, who has taken a decidedly democratic approach to resurrecting his career. The nine-time Pro Bowler threw the ball to 10 different players while piling up 414 yards last week against the Bengals . Sure, mercurial star George Pickens got the ball. But so did Washington. And third tight end MyCole Pruitt. And wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who turned his second catch of the season into a 23-yard gain on a drive that ended with one of Wilson's three touchdown passes. “You never know when it’s coming your way,” Skowronek said. Not with Wilson at the controls. Fourteen different players have at least one catch this season for the Steelers. That includes Mike Williams, whose lone grab a month since being acquired from the New York Jets is a 32-yard rainbow for the winning score in the final minutes against Washington. It also includes Skowronek, who spent the early portion of the season on injured reserve and worried he'd sort of lost his place in line while he rehabbed. Skowronek and his teammates have quickly learned that with Wilson, there is no “line." During his six starts since returning from a calf injury, Wilson has thrown it wherever, whenever. “It’s like in baseball,” said Wilson, a former minor league second baseman. “You’ll never hit a home run if you don’t swing. And I really believe that you’ve got to swing, you’ve got to trust guys. You’ve got to be able to trust yourself.” Something that hasn't been an issue for Wilson for years, even if he arrived in Pittsburgh at a crossroads following an abrupt fall from grace in Denver. The Steelers couldn't sign Wilson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum fast enough, and Wilson wasted little time building a rapport with players who were relative strangers. What began with throwing sessions in San Diego has morphed into team dinners and Friday nights where Wilson and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will hole themselves up in the team facility poring over tapes and bouncing ideas off each other until their wives call wondering where they are. On game days, that work manifests itself in various ways. It's tight end Pat Freiermuth drifting toward an open area while Wilson scrambles, as he did two plays after Skowronek's grab for a 25-yard touchdown. It's Wilson calling an audible at the line of scrimmage late against Cincinnati to hit Van Jefferson for a 43-yard gain that led to a clinching field goal. It's not just good for the stat sheet, it's good for the vibes. “Morale is a big part,” Smith said. Guys who want to be invested. Spreading it around is beneficial in a myriad of ways. It means players don't feel they are “decoys on every play,” as Smith put it. It also means once you put it on film, it means opponents have to find a way to defend it. And the more things an opponent has to defend, the better for an offense, particularly one led by a quarterback who will make his 195th start on Sunday when Cleveland (3-9) visits. “Russ has seen every coverage,” Skowronek said. “He’s ran all these concepts before. So he knows progressions like probably the back of his hand.” Besides, Wilson knows he can't just preach about the importance of being unselfish without practicing it a little bit too. That means giving opportunities to those who have worked for it, no matter where they might fall on the depth chart. “I think that the best part about it is that we’re all super close,” Wilson said. “And I think that bond is really everything too, and just the understanding of each guy and the relationships that we have together, it’s fun. We’re having a great time.” It sure looks like it. The Steelers are averaging a healthy 28.7 points since Wilson recovered from a calf injury that forced him to watch the first six games from the sideline. For the first time in a long time, Pittsburgh no longer has to rely exclusively on its defense to get by. While Mike Tomlin will never get comfortable with the idea of getting into a shootout — blame his defensive coaching roots before taking over in Pittsburgh in 2007 — it's nice to know his team can match opponents score for score if necessary. Another one could be looming against the Browns, who piled up more than 500 yards in a loss to Denver on Monday night. If one materializes, Wilson is ready to do whatever is necessary and find whoever is necessary, regardless of pedigree, salary or resume. “We got to love that part of it,” Wilson said. “We can’t fear it. We’ve got to want it. We’ve got to expect it. We’ve got to embrace it. We’ve got to challenge that. We’ve got to be in those moments and be locked into that moment. I think we do an extremely good job of that.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflMONTRÉAL , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Workleap , a leading Canadian software company behind products that empower 20,000 companies in more than 100 countries to build better employee experiences, announces its fall platform release introducing new solutions and integrated features into an all-in-one simple-to-use platform. This release marks a new milestone in Workleap's ongoing commitment to transform the employee experience by empowering HR leaders to drive organizational performance and achieve business goals. Workleap's comprehensive platform helps HR lead organizations to thrive in the modern setting of hybrid, remote, and distributed work environments. The consolidated solution for understanding employee engagement, driving performance, and developing employees is the best add-on to your existing HRIS and HR technology, allowing companies to add simple experiences across the employee lifecycle. Bringing these functions together in one platform, Workleap enables HR professionals to create a more responsive, agile and employee-centric work environment. What's New Why It Matters " Hybrid work has completely reshaped the role of HR. It's no longer just about managing employees—it's about building the right frameworks, fostering authentic connections, and leveraging tools that drive meaningful outcomes," said Simon De Baene , Co-founder and CEO of Workleap. "At Workleap, our mission is clear: make work simpler. The Workleap platform brings together the tools HR teams and leaders need to focus on what matters most—creating workplaces where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow. By continuing to invest in our platform, we're accelerating innovation with solutions like Workleap Performance—designed to be simple, effective, and built to keep HR and leaders ahead as the future of work evolves." To learn more about Workleap's employee experience platform, visit workleap.com . About Workleap Workleap is the best add-on to your HRIS to build better employee experiences. The all-in-one Workleap platform empowers organizations to make work simpler by unifying onboarding, engagement, performance, and development —in one platform. Workleap is a Montréal, Canada-based company building the operating system for hybrid work—unifying the experience to streamline talent management and scale productivity tools across 20,000 companies in more than 100 countries. Media Contact Jaclyn Pullen PANBlast for Workleap workleap@panblastpr.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/workleap-fall-launch-empowering-hr-leaders-with-new-features-for-employee-growth-and-engagement-302315807.html SOURCE Workleap
Kopitar scores twice in third, Kings fight back for 5-4 win over FlyersJaire Alexander has been limited by a knee issue over the past few weeks, and it sounds like the injury is worse than the cornerback and the Packers initially let on. Alexander told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic that he suffered a PCL tear that might keep him off the field for several more weeks. Alexander suffered the tear during Green Bay’s Week 8 win over Jacksonville. He sat out the team’s Week 9 contest and had a bye during Week 10. After practicing on a limited basis last week, Alexander started Sunday’s win over the Bears, but he only got into 10 defensive snaps before exiting the game for good. As Schneidman notes, coach MattLaFleur had previously revealed that Alexander would be on a snap limit for Week 11, but the cornerback was still expected to play more than a handful of drives. “I stayed here the whole bye week trying to hopefully come back and make an impact for the team,” Alexander told Schneidman. “It was a game-time decision at that, so we didn’t know ... until, you know, a few minutes before the game if I would play or not. “I just tried to give it a go ... I went out there and s–t, all I could really give was 10 plays and then it — I felt something. If you know how (posterior cruciate ligaments) work, it don’t just get done in three weeks, so it just needed more time. I reaggravated it going back out there and only doing 10 plays, so now we just trying to get my knee back right.” Alexander expressed optimism that he can get back to his All-Pro production for the stretch run of the 2024 campaign. However, the cornerback cautioned that he may need more time off as he looks to return to full strength. The former first-round pick established himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs with strong showings in 2020 and 2022. Unfortunately, his other recent campaigns have been wrecked by injuries. He was limited to four games in 2021 thanks to a shoulder injury, and he got into only seven games in 2023 while dealing with back and shoulder issues (along with a one-game suspension). Alexander also missed a pair of games earlier this season while nursing a groin injury. Keisean Nixon has secured the other starting CB spot this season and will continue to lead the depth chart with Alexander out of the lineup. Eric Stokes got a long look as the team’s third CB but was passed by Carrington Valentine in Week 11. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.
Mahakumbh 2025 will feature dedicated centres, luxury accommodations, multi-language assistance, and digital experiences for NRIs and foreign tourists. Enhanced transportation, security, and cultural programs will ensure a smooth and immersive experience for all visitors. Prayagraj : Preparations for Mahakumbh Mela 2025 are progressing at full speed, with the government focused on providing VIP facilities for visitors, especially non-resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign tourists. Mahakumbh is a major religious and cultural event held every 12 years at four prominent pilgrimage sites in India — Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees, the authorities are implementing a range of services and special arrangements. Dedicated centres for NRIs and foreign tourists To cater to the needs of NRIs and foreign visitors, dedicated NRI and tourist centres will be set up at the venue. These centres will provide services such as multi-language assistance, travel guides, and local information. There will also be special welcome centres to ensure that guests feel comfortable upon arrival. Visitors can access online booking and registration services through a dedicated website and mobile app, where they can book accommodation, pilgrimage packages, and other online services in advance. VIP accommodation and transportation Mahakumbh 2025 will offer luxury accommodation options to make the stay of NRIs and foreign tourists more comfortable. Special luxury tent cities and resorts will be available, featuring air-conditioned tents with modern amenities and personal security. Transportation services are also being improved. The Prayagraj airport, which began operations two years ago, will offer night landing facilities and flight services from major cities during the event. Visitors can also avail shuttle buses and helicopter services from the airport to nearby areas. For local travel, luxury buses and taxis will be exclusively available for NRIs and foreign tourists. Multi-language assistance and digital experience To assist visitors, multi-language guides proficient in languages such as English, French, German, and Japanese will be present. Information centres will also have multi-language signage to help visitors navigate the site. A major highlight of the event will be the digital experience, which will offer a virtual tour of the Maha Kumbh, allowing attendees to explore key aspects like the ‘Samudra Manthan’ through virtual reality. Additionally, there will be a digital museum, QR-based passes for easy access, and multilingual digital signage for better navigation. Google Maps integration will help visitors avoid confusion and ensure they can easily find their way. Cultural and spiritual programs In addition to the religious significance of the event, visitors will have the opportunity to explore India’s rich culture and spirituality. Cultural and spiritual centres will showcase exhibitions and workshops on topics like Indian culture, yoga, meditation, and the significance of the Kumbh Mela. Networking events will also be organized, offering NRIs and foreign tourists the chance to interact with locals and the NRI community. Special stalls will be set up to showcase traditional Indian cuisine and local handicrafts, allowing visitors to experience the best of India’s culture. Security arrangements In terms of security, advanced measures will be implemented. The event will have a seven-tier security system, with dedicated arrangements for foreign tourists to ensure their safety. A toll-free helpline will also be available to assist visitors in emergencies. Parking will be another important focus. The event will feature 101 smart parking facilities with a capacity to accommodate 5 lakh vehicles daily. Parking areas have been expanded, with the total parking space increasing from 1,103.29 hectares in 2019 to over 1,867.04 hectares in 2025. The parking areas will be monitored through an Integrated Control Command Centre. For added convenience, digital Lost & Found centres will be set up in the mela area, equipped with AI tools and social media platforms to help reunite lost visitors with their belongings. Additionally, there will be 328 AI-enabled cameras to monitor the area, ensuring enhanced safety. Cashless payments and currency exchange Cashless payment options will be available for tourists, and authorized currency exchange centres will be set up to facilitate easy currency conversion for foreign visitors. Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to be a grand event with a perfect blend of spiritual, cultural, and technological experiences. With these special arrangements, NRIs and foreign visitors can expect a seamless and memorable experience. Click for more latest India news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Dimple Singh is a journalist by profession and an accomplished author. Currently serving as a Senior Sub-Editor at News 9, she brings with her 5 years of valuable experience in digital journalism from her previous company Times Of India. Her expertise lies in writing about crime and political news, where she skillfully combines her digital news writing abilities with a deep understanding of AI technology.In the realm of literature, Dimple has authored five compelling fictional books. Her writing reflects a passion for powerful storytelling, capturing the imaginations of readers with every word. Dimple is known for her workaholic nature, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her profession and her love for words. Latest News
Jake Paul wants “to set the record straight,” when no straightening is required. If anyone would understand that we moved on from his “fight” against Mike Tyson, it should be Paul, who has made a fortune in the split-second entertainment world of social media. Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions issued a statement on Monday to dispel the rumor that his fight at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15 against Tyson was rigged. The intention is to change the narrative of what was an embarrassing, if highly profitable, evening, and maintain the interest in Paul’s boxing career. The fight was not rigged, and no statement was needed. The fight was simply awful. The statement begins: “Following the wide circulation of incorrect and baseless claims that undermine the integrity of the Paul vs. Tyson event, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) would like to set the record straight regarding the contractual agreements and the nature of the fight.” “Integrity” and “Tyson v. Paul” have no business of being in the same sentence. “Rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime in the United States of America. Paul vs. Tyson was a professional match sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight,” the statement said. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations did sanction this kitten fight between a Disney kid turned YouTuber against a 58-year-old man with serious health issues. The fight had judges, and Paul was awarded a decision when none was needed. “Best of their abilities” is subjective. After landing one of his first punches, a left to Paul’s head, Tyson looked like he may have something in what was once one of the most feared boxers who ever lived. He flashed some of that old Tyson head movement, but mostly he looked like an old boxer. Because that’s what he is. The event quickly became an awkward money grab embarrassment, an indictment on the ticket-buying audience more than the promoters, who were doing their job, and leaving Netflix blushing over streaming issues. “There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around either fighter. Each boxer was able to use his full arsenal to win the fight. Any agreement to the contrary would violate TDLR boxing rules,” the statement said. No restrictions is a liberal use of the term. The fight was eight rounds, not 10 or 12. The rounds lasted two minutes, not three. The gloves the boxers used were 14 oz., not 10. President Jimmy Carter could take a few shots from a 14 oz. glove. The statement continues, “Trash talk and speculation are common in sports, and athletes and promoters need to tolerate nonsensical commentary, jokes and opinions. But suggesting anything other than full effort from these fighters is not only naïve but an insult to the work they put into their craft and to the sport itself.” Accusations of rigged outcomes have been hurled at sporting events in the United States since the New York Nine defeated the Knickerbockers 23-1 in four innings, the first recorded baseball game ever played in America, in 1846. The New York Nine did not release a statement to the press that the game was rigged. Such accusations are hallow, but every now and then there is a Chicago Black Sox. “It is further illogical and inane that MVP, in the debut of a hopeful long-term partnership with the world’s biggest streamer—an organization that made its first-ever foray into live professional sports with Paul vs. Tyson—would even so much as consider such a perverse violation of the rules of competition,” the statement said. That’s not how rigged works. You don’t tell the broadcast partner that the live event is staged. Making sure his boss knows he’s working, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian issued his own words to this statement, saying, “This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the claim that his bout must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come his way.” Paul, 27, beat a 58-year-old man in a fight that looked like two-hand touch. There is no compliment. “From day one in this sport, people have doubted his abilities — unable to reconcile how someone with his background has accomplished so much in such a short time. Jake has not only proven himself repeatedly, but he has continuously set historic records that speak for themselves,” Bidarian wrote. Paul has created a niche for himself in the sport by carefully fighting opponents who are names, but are not boxers. Older guys. Ex-UFC fighters looking for one more check. He’s also spent the necessary time to train, and learn how to box. He knows how to promote himself, and an event. He created “boxing entertainment,” but his fights are not traditional boxing matches. They are also not scripted WWE. “As long as Jake continues to exceed expectations, there will always be those who try to discredit his achievements.” Bidarian said. “We embrace the doubt — it only fuels Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.” Herein lies the “need” for this press statement. Paul wants to continue to fight, but not against fighters who may knock him out. Considering the type of money his fights have generated, he would have no problem finding a line of potential traditional opponents waiting to pummel him through the canvas. He has avoided real fighters for a reason. Because he’s smart. Because he can. Because there is a market for the fights he stages. The fallout from his bout against Tyson is that Paul could have unintentionally knocked out the audience for these matches that are staged, not rigged, which is really why he wants to “set the record straight.” ©2024 Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Visit star-telegram.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.