Midwest
Cleveland Browns mourn death of bullmastiff mascot, PETA implores team to rescue dog from local animal shelter
The Cleveland Browns announced via social media last week that their beloved live mascot SJ passed away at the young age of 5.
The team did not reveal the cause of death.
The Browns’ official Instagram page posted a black and white photograph of SJ, a bullmastiff, on Tuesday with the caption, “We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mascot, SJ. We are so grateful for his many years of loyal support and cherish all of the wonderful memories he helped create for fans young and old.”
EXCLUSIVE: COWBOYS WILL FACE BROWNS IN WEEK 1 TO MARK TOM BRADY’S FOX SPORTS DEBUT
SJ, the Cleveland Browns mascot, passed away in early July 2024. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Milkbone, a snack company for dogs, replied to the post, “a true dawg RIP, SJ!” Many Cleveland fans expressed their condolences in the comment section.
On Nov. 10, 2019, at 11-months-old, SJ led the Browns out onto the field at his first official game as a live mascot. The Browns beat the Buffalo Bills at home that day, 19-16.
In a video posted to X the day before his debut, the team hyped up fans with clips of SJ preparing for game day as he sported a gray sweatshirt and warmed up to the “Rocky” theme song. The caption read, “He’s been training for WEEKS for this moment.”
Erin Andrews, NFL sideline reporter for FOX Sports, commented on the post “Awwwww ya!!!”
SJ, one of three live mascots for the team, enjoyed a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel as a preferred chew toy, according to the Brown’s website.
Though gone too soon, SJ is not the first bullmastiff mascot of the Cleveland Browns to pass away at a young age.
2025 SUPER BOWL LIX ODDS: 49ERS, CHIEFS CO-FAVORITES WITH MINICAMPS ENDING
The Cleveland Browns have two other live dog mascots, Muni and Stripes. Stripes is named after the lines on the Browns’ helmets. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In 2020, Swagger, SJ’s dad, unexpectedly died from a stroke following a yearlong battle with cancer. At the time, Swagger’s handler, Justin McLaughlin, posted to his Facebook account with the sad news of the dog’s passing on Feb, 7, 2020.
Fans bid farewell to Swagger, a 145-pound good boy, on Oct. 13, 2019 during his final game day appearance against the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns were defeated 32-28 at home.
An open casket funeral was held for Swagger and live-streamed in a suburb outside of Cleveland on Feb, 22, 2020. SJ was present at the service and his final goodbye was documented on X. A Cleveland mourner posted to social media that SJ even tried to get into the casket with his dad.
Both Swagger and SJ hailed from FD Farms in Rootstown Township in Ohio. The farm owns, shows and breeds bullmastiffs, French bulldogs and Dogue de Bordeauxs, according to their website.
PETA TARGETS KANSAS MERRY-GO-ROUND MAKER OVER ANIMAL-THEMED CAROUSELS
In February 2020, the Cleveland Browns said goodbye to their previous mascot, Swagger, who died of a stroke at 5-years-old following a battle with cancer. Swagger was SJ’s dad. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In a statement, Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, called for the Browns to reimagine their mascot and “adopt a logo featuring a brown mixed-breed dog from an undoubtedly overwhelmed local animal shelter,” according to TMZ Sports.
She added that “generations of breeding for a certain look have left bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart issues, among other painful conditions.” She added that she believed Swagger Jr.’s death “should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately churns out these doomed breathing-impaired breeds.”
It is unclear if the Browns will recruit a new bullmastiff as mascot or host a memorial service for SJ at this time.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Read the full article from Here
Midwest
Police seek suspect after dentist and wife found shot dead at home while 2 young children are unharmed
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Police are investigating after a dentist and his wife in Columbus, Ohio, were both found shot to death inside their home just a month before celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.
Police responded to the house around 10 a.m. Tuesday for a wellness check, and found Spencer and Monique Tepe dead with apparent gunshot wounds. Two young children were found at the house unharmed.
The owner of Athens Dental Depot, Dr. Mark Valrose, where Spencer works, called 911 and asked dispatchers to send officers for a wellness check at the couple’s residence. Valrose said people at the business were becoming concerned after Spencer didn’t show up to work.
Fox News Digital obtained the 911 records through a public records request. Police are seeking the public’s help as they search for a suspect.
NEWLYWED COUPLE FOUND DEAD IN CAR FROM MURDER-SUICIDE DAYS BEFORE FIRST ANNIVERSARY, POLICE SAY
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. While their two children were discovered unharmed, authorities reportedly believe their deaths were not the result of a murder-suicide. (Athens Dental Depot)
According to WSYX, police don’t believe their deaths were a murder-suicide. Officials added there wasn’t a firearm recovered at the scene and there were no signs of forced entry.
Valrose called 911 on Tuesday at 9:03 a.m. to raise the alarm about Spencer and Monica. An officer with the Columbus Police Department arrived at the Tepe household at 9:22 a.m., but didn’t get an answer after knocking.
“Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family,” Valrose said. “He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever…we’re very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
MOM SHOOTS FAMILY DEAD AT HOME BEFORE KILLING HERSELF, SPARES TODDLER: AG
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. (Athens Dental Depot/Facebook)
In a separate 911 call from one of Spencer’s friends who went to their home, the caller said, “there’s a body.”
“We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in his blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that,” the caller said. “I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything.”
In a statement on Facebook, Athens Dental Depot said Spencer will be “deeply missed.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe, as well as his wife Monique. He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time,” the business said.
A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to the home of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, where the pair were found shot to death in Columbus, Ohio. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
The family released a statement Friday night saying they are “heartbroken beyond words,” and described the loss of the couple as “tragic and senseless.”
“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” the statement said, in part.
Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was known as a “devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met,” the family statement said, adding that he was “intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming.”
He was a member of the American Dental Association, fluent in Spanish, involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals.
INVESTIGATORS UNCOVER POSSIBLE SERIAL KILLER LINKED TO WOMEN’S MURDERS, MISSING TV ANCHOR
Authorities are investigating after Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their Columbus, Ohio, home. (Athens Dental Depot/Facebook)
Monique was described as a “loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”
“With a background in childhood education, she brought care and intention into everything she did. She was an excellent baker, a thoughtful planner, and someone who found joy in bringing people together. Her kindness made people feel instantly at home,” the statement said.
Their relationship was “beautiful, strong and deeply happy” and they built a life “rooted in love,” the family said, adding that Spencer and Monique enjoyed taking care of their two children and their pet Goldendoodle.
A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to the home of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, where the pair were found shot to death in Columbus, Ohio. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
“We are heartbroken beyond words. While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply,” the statement concluded.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told WSYX that the couple was going to celebrate their five-year anniversary next month after getting married in 2021.
Read the full article from Here
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions suited up for the final time during the 2025 NFL season. It was a much shorter season than Lions fans expected, while Ben Johnson and the upstart Chicago Bears had already secured the NFC North divisional crown and were looking to capture the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
In what looked like a microcosm of Detroit’s season, the Lions surged early, before struggling in the final half. However, on this occasion, the Lions were able to finish, forcing a Chicago punt before Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jake Bates iced it.
With nothing but pride to play for, here are the studs and duds from the Lions’ final contest of the ‘25 campaign.
STUD: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown did not have much to play for, with the receiver suffering multiple injuries as the season wound down. However, he was a shining example of leading the Lions, with the star surpassing 100 yards, with his longest catch of the evening going for 30 yards.
The USC product was the go-to guy on third down, with the receiver besting former Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson multiple times in coverage.
St. Brown also called ballgame, with a huge catch and run after a Gardner-Johnson injury forced a Chicago timeout. The pass-catcher’s 11th reception of the game gave him 139 yards, with that final one setting Jake Bates up for a game-winning field goal.
DUD: IOL Christian Mahogany
Yet again, Mahogany suffered through growing pains as he worked his way back into the lineup for the Lions. The aggressive Chicago Bears front got the best of the second-year player, with the guard surrendering a sack early in the game after being completely blown off the line of scrimmage.
Mahogany was also responsible for a few missed blocks in the run game when Detroit stalled in the third quarter. Every time Goff dropped back, there seemed to be a Bears defender ready to drop him for a loss. Mahogany, along with all the other Lions linemen, appeared ready for the offseason at multiple times on Sunday.
STUD: WR Kalif Raymond
In what might be his last game in Honolulu Blue, Kalif Raymond shined. The returner and receiver was able to flip the field with his catches, along with setting Detroit up with good field position on its final drive.
Raymond came alive in the second half, when most of Detroit seemed content to settle after going up by two scores. Raymond pushed the ball up for Detroit, and was one of the shining examples of players competing for pride.
DUD: OT Chris Hubbard
Hubbard was the replacement for Penei Sewell, who was missing his first career game. Unfortunately, Sewell’s presence was sorely missed. Hubbard was the right tackle on a line that let Jared Goff run for his life, particularly in the first and third quarters.
Hubbard was responsible for part of a sack on Goff, where the quarterback got met by Montez Sweat and Grady Jarrett. Overall, the line surrendered two sacks to Chicago, along with quite a few pressures.
STUD: K Jake Bates
Bates kept Detroit in contention on Sunday, nailing four of his five field goals, including the walk-off winner as time expired. With his lone miss being a 53-yard field goal to end the first half, it is easy to overlook that when the Lions kicker accounted for all the points besides Jahmyr Gibbs’ final touchdown of the season.
Bates, despite the fans turning against him at points, showed resilience and consistency on a night when the Lions sorely needed it.
DUD: OG Tate Ratledge
Ratledge was another Lions lineman who struggled in the final contest of the year. Detroit finally had a push against the Bears’ front, but Ratledge was part of a unit that allowed multiple Goff pressures. Additionally, he added a penalty in the middle of the game to hamper Detroit’s field position, getting busted for a hold.
Ratledge offered promise in his first season, and there is reason to believe in him for next year. This year, however, it was “baptism by fire” in multiple games: Sunday included.
STUD: LB Jack Campbell
Campbell was another one of the Lions stars who played for pride, leading Detroit’s defense by example. To the surprise of none, he led the Lions in tackles, and set the tone by nearly intercepting Caleb Williams as Detroit shut out Chicago in the first half.
Campbell made plays and shifted momentum just enough in the first half for Chicago’s second-half rally to come up short.
STUD: DB Avonte Maddox
Maddox filled in admirably with Detroit down three of its top four safeties on Sunday, and added his own Kerby Joseph-esque centerfield interception, picking off Caleb Williams on a deep shot to the end zone. Maddox bodied out the receiver, then had enough awareness to run the ball out of the end zone, instead of trying to tiptoe up the sideline.
Without this crucial takeaway, it is likely that Detroit either goes to overtime or outright loses to the Bears and falls to 1-5 in the division. Maddox played for pride, and certainly gave the staff much to think about with the offseason looming.
More from Detroit Lions OnSI
Scene near 107th and Wabash, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee police are investigating two separate fatal shootings that occurred within hours of each other on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 4.
107th and Wabash
What we know:
The first shooting was reported around 2 p.m. near 107th and Wabash, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. A 40-year-old victim suffered gunshot wounds and later died from those injuries.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, and police are continuing to search for a suspect or suspects.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
64th and Mill
What we know:
A second fatal shooting was reported around 3:40 p.m., near 64th and Mill. Police said a 53-year-old victim was shot and died from their injuries. A suspect is in custody and charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
The shooting remains under active investigation.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Authorities say the incidents are not related.
MPD tips
What you can do:
Anyone with information related to either shooting is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or via the P3 Tips app.
The Source: Anyone with any information is asked to contact the MPD at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app.
Trump’s abduction of Maduro escalates concerns over potential war with Iran
Cuba says 32 Cuban fighters killed in US raids on Venezuela
US appeals court strikes down California’s open-carry ban in major Second Amendment ruling
Police seek suspect after dentist and wife found shot dead at home while 2 young children are unharmed
Texas requires students learn about ‘perils of communism’ in sweeping new curriculum overhaul
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Trump’s abduction of Maduro escalates concerns over potential war with Iran
Cuba says 32 Cuban fighters killed in US raids on Venezuela
Dan Bongino officially leaves FBI deputy director role after less than a year, returns to ‘civilian life’
Hundreds march in silence to honour Crans-Montana fire victims
Here’s a partial list of U.S. elected officials opposing Trump’s invasion of Venezuela
-
World1 week agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoIndianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17
-
Business1 week agoGoogle is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
-
Southeast1 week agoTwo attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them
-
World1 week agoSnoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Huntr/x and Andrea Bocelli Deliver Christmas-Themed Halftime Show for Netflix’s NFL Lions-Vikings Telecast
-
Politics1 week agoMost shocking examples of Chinese espionage uncovered by the US this year: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’
-
News1 week agoRoads could remain slick, icy Saturday morning in Philadelphia area, tracking another storm on the way
-
World1 week agoPodcast: The 2025 EU-US relationship explained simply