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USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
FIFA abandons principles once again by dropping anti-racism messages
FIFA abandons principles once again by dropping anti-racism messages | Opinion Show Caption Hide Caption Soccer fans worry over the threat of ICE at FIFA Club World Cup Ahead of the kick-off of the FIFA Club World Cup, fans discussed fears of ICE raids impacting the soccer tournament. Maybe one of these days FIFA's actions will back up its big talk about combatting hate and discrimination. Today is not that day, however. A month after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said racism and bigotry were such a blight on the beautiful game that offenders deserve criminal penalties, the federation seems to have lost the messages that had become a staple of its anti-discrimination campaigns. The PSAs on the Jumbotron, the decals and banners on the field, the messages on the P.A. system, the posts on social media — they're nowhere to be found at the Club World Cup. Maybe they got misplaced on the way from FIFA headquarters. Maybe FIFA ran out of money after making its gaudy new trophy for the Club World Cup — you know, the one Infantino made sure to etch his name on. Or maybe, just maybe, Infantino saw how sensitive U.S. President Donald Trump is to anything that dares suggest racism is bad or that Black and brown people are entitled to respect and decided it was best if FIFA didn't bring it up. If this sounds familiar, it should. The last time there was a major tournament in a country run by a great and all-powerful Oz, Infantino and FIFA were quick to abandon their values, too. Rather than risk offending their Qatari hosts, they threw both longtime partner AB InBev and the LGBTQ community under the bus during the men's World Cup in 2022. Now FIFA is abandoning what should be one of its highest priorities: Calling out the racism and discrimination that remains far too prevalent in soccer. As if any reminder of why it's so imperative for FIFA to challenge discrimination in full throat, a Spanish court on Monday issued prison sentences to four people convicted of a hate crime for hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian has been subjected to repeated racist abuse since joining Real Madrid, which just so happens to be one of the 32 teams playing in the Club World Cup. Real Madrid's first game in the tournament is Wednesday, June 18, against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal. More: Kylian Mbappé deals with fever ahead of Real Madrid's Club World Cup opener 'I play in Spain, where I suffered a lot and still suffer sometimes,' Vinicius Jr. said last year. 'But of course, it is less with the help of all the clubs, of all the people who are doing everything possible to combat racism.' That FIFA can no longer be counted on to be part of that is appalling. That it's done so voluntarily is infuriating. FIFA hasn't commented on why it is suddenly caving on its commitment to calling out racism and discrimination, either to The Athletic, which first reported the absence of the messages, or USA TODAY Sports. But really, what's there to say? Infantino had his fingers crossed behind his back when he said last month that, and I quote, 'Racism and discrimination — they are not just wrong, they are crimes.'? FIFA really does want to stamp out racism but it wants to avoid Trump's ire more? They're just trying to get the Club World Cup, and next year's men's World Cup, played without Trump and Stephen Miller realizing the tournaments will bring an influx of thousands of Black and brown people to the United States? If Infantino and FIFA do actually believe racism, and every other form of discrimination, is bad and has no place in the game, it shouldn't matter where a tournament is being played. If Infantino and FIFA truly want soccer to be a game that belongs to everyone, the 'local customs' of a host nation and the personal prejudices of its leaders ought to be irrelevant. But by their actions, first in Qatar and now in the United States, Infantino and FIFA have made it clear their supposed core values of equality and respect have limits. Or come with a whole lot of asterisks attached. Airing a PSA, making a couple of social posts and slapping signs on the field and the LED boards that surround it is the bare minimum of what FIFA should be doing, and it can't even muster the courage to do that. It's easy to have convictions when they're not being put to the test. Infantino and FIFA's are, and they're failing miserably. Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clayton Kershaw Sends Clear Message to ‘Bush League' Cardinals After Win
Clayton Kershaw Sends Clear Message to 'Bush League' Cardinals After Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Los Angeles Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw and the St. Louis Cardinals each felt like traveling back to 2014 on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Kershaw, the 2014 NL MVP and Cy Young winner, triumphed in his trip down Memory Lane. The future Hall of Famer limited the Cardinals to one run and struck out seven over five innings. Perhaps more importantly, Kershaw finally earned his first win of the season and now sits 17 strikeouts short of 3,000. The veteran lefty's strong outing came after the Cardinals showed a video of ex-Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams homering off him in the 2014 NLDS. Although plenty of pitchers might laugh the insult off or outright dismiss it, Kershaw didn't hide his disappointment. 'I think it's a little bush league,' Kershaw told reporters, 'but I don't expect anything less from these guys. So, it's no worries.' Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton KershawJeff Curry-Imagn Images As of publication, the Cardinals had not addressed Kershaw's comments. Advertisement It's rare for an opposing player to call out a team's Jumbotron graphics or videos. That didn't stop Kershaw, who moved to 12-6 with a 2.84 ERA over 23 career starts against the Cardinals, from expressing his frustration. Kershaw got the final laugh, though, and it came at a much-needed time for the inconsistent Dodgers. Sunday's victory salvaged the final game of a three-game set and kept the Dodgers one game above both the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants in the NL West. Related: Dodgers Trade Pitch Adds $37 Million Yankees Bust After Tony Gonsolin Injury Related: Dodgers' Mookie Betts Sends Clear Message About Latest Position Change This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
05-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
All signs point to MLB's automatic ball-strike challenge system coming in 2026
MLB appears ready to add another element of replay review to its game as early as next year. Rob Manfred said Tuesday he plans to propose a plan to bring the automatic ball-strike system to the majors for 2026, The Athletic reported from MLB headquarters. A proposal will go to the 11-person competition committee, and it appears likely that it'll have enough votes to get passed, with the league office having enough seats to make it happen, the outlet added. 3 The home plate umpire utilizes an automated ball-strike challenge system, or ABS, during the Dodgers-Cubs spring training game on Feb. 20, 2025. MLB Photos via Getty Images ABS has been tested since 2019, first in the independent Atlantic League before coming to the affiliated minor leagues in 2022. In 2023 and 2024, the Triple-A level used a mix of full ABS — meaning all of the pitches were called by an automatic strike zone — and a challenge system. This year's spring training had the system in place, allowing a batter, pitcher or catcher to challenge a given pitch, with each team given two challenges per game. The strike zone was determined by the Hawk-Eye tracking system and depended on a batter's height. 'I think that teams are really positive about ABS,' Manfred said, according to The Athletic. 'You know, I do have that unscientific system that I use — my email traffic — and my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain about balls and strike calls via email, to me, referencing the need for ABS. That is undoubtedly true, undoubtedly true.' 3 Detailed view of the Jumbotron during an automated ball-strike challenge aka ABS during the Dodgers-Reds spring training game. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Manfred added that he hopes to make a system that's 'acceptable' to the players and that a check-swing challenge was unlikely to be tested in spring training next year. MLB first added replay review late in the 2008 season to check home run calls before making significant additions in 2014 that included fair/foul, boundary calls and safe/out calls chief among them. The strike zone was always seen as the next frontier, and after a spring of testing, scores of fans and pundits have called for the change. 3 The video board displays the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system during a challenge by the Dodgers in the second inning of a spring training game agains tthe Guardians on March 11, 2025. Getty Images There was even one contentious incident over that weekend that centered on a lack of ABS. On Sunday, Taylor Walls of the Rays was ejected after tapping his helmet — in an apparent nod to an ABS challenge — when he disagreed with a called strike from home plate umpire Nic Lentz, though Walls denied he was referencing the system. 'That's what [Lentz] told me. 'You're not going to do that. You're not going to tap your helmet.' And so at that point, like, I know that they think that's disrespectful,' Walls said after the game. 'I watched the video, and I could see where he may have thought that.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Timeline of Cardi B and Stefon Diggs' Relationship
There are plenty of reasons to speculate why Cardi B and NFL star Stefon Diggs might be an item. More from Billboard Drake Tells Tory Lanez 'Come Home Soon' After Prison Stabbing Snoop Dogg on Kendrick Lamar Name-Dropping Him on 'GNX': 'He Spoke His Mind' Watch The Weeknd & Jimmy Fallon Crash a Fordham University Graduation Party to Perform a Pair of Hits The pair appeared to confirm as much during a cozy court side date back on May 12. Diggs and the Grammy-award winning rapper were spotted cheering on the New York Knicks during their showdown against the Boston Celtics, with Cardi seen on the Jumbotron at one point lovingly squeezing Diggs cheeks. The two have been rumored to be an item on social media for months, and in recent days have been leaning into that rumor full throttle. If the rumors are true, this would be Cardi B's first public relationship since filing for divorce from Offset last year. Cardi is used to her relationships being in the public eye, dating all the way back to her Love & Hip-Hop days in 2015. Aside from Offset, Cardi's only other major public relationship was with rapper Tommy Jeez, before the couple split in 2017. Cardi and Diggs were just two of the many celebrities who sat along Celebrity Row at Madison Square Garden on May 12. Mary J. Blige, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Bad Bunny, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Busta Rhymes, Ben Stiller, coach Rick Pitino and more stars were also in attendance. Despite these celebs, no one consumed the internet quite like these two possible love birds. So the all-important question remains: when did Cardi B and Stefon Diggs first get together? Offset and Cardi finalized their divorce in 2024, so fans and pop culture outlets alike have been trying to put the puzzle together ever since. Here's a timeline of everything we know about Cardi B and Stefon Diggs budding new relationship. Back in October of 2024, Cardi B was forced to push back against a rumored relationship with Diggs for the first time. The pair had allegedly been spotted out and about together by various fans (though this all remains unconfirmed). Regardless, the rumors picked up enough traction that Cardi felt inclined to respond on Instagram Live. 'The internet is insane, all these rumors are so f—king crazy, that's why I don't wanna address it cause I feel like this s—t funny,' Cardi said on IG Live at the time. Cardi B acknowledged that she was indeed 'dating' during the final days of her tumultuous split from Offset. Page Six reported that the formerly married couple were duking it out online, with Offset claiming in since-deleted posts his ex-wife 'look like a hoe' who is only focused 'on d—k.' 'So dating because I'm single means I'm just worried about d–k?? You sound like a dummy..' she responded at the time. 'Trying to be fake nice after you did what you wanted from the beginning trying to push a narrative to these people. Congratulations!! F—k off. Sign the papers TODAY.' Offset ultimately did, and the pair finalized their divorce before the year was out. The first confirmed public appearance of Diggs and Cardi happened on Valentine's Day of this year. TMZ shared footage of the two stars arriving at an undisclosed Miami hotel in the middle of the night. During Coachella's first weekend, the 'Bodak Yellow' rapper was seen giving the NFL player a lap dance. A fan on X commented on the video that Offset was likely 'punching the air' at the sight of the clip, but the former Migos rapper replied, 'I'm happy for her!!,' according to E! News. In the last public sighting of these two before their much talked about court-side appearance, Cardi B and Stefon Diggs were seen arriving at the actual Met Gala separately. However, gossip outlet Just Jared claimed they were spotted entering a Gala afterparty moments apart. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cardi B & NFL Star Stefon Diggs Get Cozy at New York Knicks Game Amid Dating Rumors
Dating rumors got a bit of a boost on Monday night (May 12) as Cardi B and NFL star Stefon Diggs enjoyed their first public date night cheering on the New York Knicks during the team's game five win over the Boston Celtics. The two have been rumored to be an item on social media for months, and they leaned in with a hard launch as the rapper and Pro Bowl wide receive — who sported a denim jacket look with Chrome Hearts Timberland boots were spotted holding hands on the way into the game, had their arms on one another throughout the contest, with the 'Bodak Yellow' artist — wearing a black leather skirt and matching top with heels — even putting her hand lovingly on the football star's cheek at one point. The pair also appeared on the Jumbotron during the game. More from Billboard Cardi B Appears to Confirm New Boyfriend, Describing a 'Fine' Man Who Loves Her 'From Head to Toe' Kneecap's First Live Show Since Coachella Set to Go Ahead at London Festival Olivia Rodrigo Reveals Full Lineup For London BST Hyde Park Show Billboard has reached out to reps for Cardi and Diggs for comment. This marks a new chapter for Cardi B, who appears to be in her first public relationship since filing for divorce from Offset last year. It's a lot of new for Diggs as well, who signed a three-year $69 million deal with the New England Patriots to catch passes from quarterback Drake Maye in March. The Knicks took care of business with a 121-113 defeat of the Celtics in game four to go up three-one in the series and are one win away from knocking the defending champs out of the playoffs. The New York team will look to punch its ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night (May 14) in Boston, and the Celtics could be without superstar Jayson Tatum, who left the game with a lower leg injury late in the fourth quarter. Cardi and Diggs added to the star-studded affair that was Celebrity Row at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening. Mary J. Blige, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Bad Bunny, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Busta Rhymes, Ben Stiller, coach Rick Pitino and more stars were also in attendance. Diggs, 31, became a father to daughter, Nova, in 2016, while Cardi had three children during her relationship with Offset: 6-year-old Kulture, 3-year-old Wave and a daughter born in September, whose name she has not confirmed. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
