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Jenni Hermoso was not the victim people wanted her to be – we should be grateful to her for that

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Jenni Hermoso was not the victim people wanted her to be – we should be grateful to her for that

The important thing about the sentencing of Luis Rubiales is not whether he will go to prison, or how many thousands of euros he will have to pay to compensate Jenni Hermoso, the World Cup-winning footballer he kissed without consent while the world was watching.

The important thing is that it represents an end to the impunity of this powerful man who believed himself to be above the law.

Rubiales’ sentencing provides a reminder that the law is, and should be, the same for everyone.

Many will remember Hermoso for being ‘the one who was kissed’, rather than as the best striker the Spain women’s national team has ever had. As an iconic player who has scored more goals for her country than any other woman in history and who played a vital role off the pitch, too, in transforming women’s football in Spain.

The superstar who, at the age of 33 and towards the end of her career, helped her country win its first Women’s World Cup.

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She was humiliated in front of the watching world by Rubiales when the former head of the Spain Football Federation (RFEF) kissed her after she was handed her World Cup winner’s medal on August 20, 2023. She will have to live with that forever.

“Since that day, my life has been on standby,” Hermoso said during her testimony in Rubiales’ trial at Spain’s High Court in Madrid in early February.

Rubiales denied her the best day of her life and took away her freedom.


Hermoso, flanked by team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, lifts the World Cup (Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

The trial lasted two weeks. The judge delivered his verdict in less than one.

Rubiales, 47, was found guilty of sexual assault but he and the three other co-accused — the former Spain women’s head coach Jorge Vilda, the former Newcastle United forward and ex-RFEF sporting director Albert Luque and former marketing director Ruben Rivera — were acquitted of coercion. The prosecution alleged they had coerced Hermoso to agree with Rubiales’ version of events. They denied any wrongdoing.

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In the written reasons for the verdict, the judge gave full credibility to Hermoso’s testimony. The court statement said: “There was no reason or motive for her to be untruthful in her narration of the facts with the sole purpose of harming Rubiales.”

Rubiales has been fined more than €10,000 (£8,289; $11,400) and the ruling from Spain’s High Court bans him from going within 200 metres of Hermoso and communicating with her for one year. He was also ordered to pay a further €3,000 for moral damages and half of Hermoso’s legal costs.

In 2022, legislation was passed in Spain, referred to as the ‘solo si es si’ law (‘only yes means yes’), stating sexual consent must be affirmative by acts that “clearly express the will of the person” and that it cannot be assumed by default or through silence.

The new law no longer distinguishes between ‘abuse’ or ‘sexual assault’, but it does distinguish between a wide range of offences by also establishing that violence or intimidation is not necessary to commit a sexual assault. That means a new range of sentences that now go from four to 12 years, whereas before it was from six to 12.

Although criticised by some as it meant sentences already handed down would be reviewed and reduced, feminist organisations consulted by The Athletic said what the victim often needs was for someone to believe them, rather than a greater or lesser sentence.

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The judge’s verdict on Thursday was the equivalent of an “I believe you” to Hermoso — in the most public of settings, and one that will be reported and broadcast across the globe. Rubiales was not sent to prison, but what is important to Hermoso is that she can finally feel like people believe her.


Rubiales outside the court in San Fernando de Henares (Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images)

The trial leaves us with many things to think about, one being the repeated revictimisation of the victim in court. When cross-examining Hermoso, the defence lawyers focused on the player’s behaviour after Rubiales sexually assaulted her. They wanted the perfect victim, one who refused to celebrate a World Cup because of what had happened. One who couldn’t laugh or who couldn’t party. They wanted a victim who just cried in the corner for something that was not her fault.

In her testimony to the judge on the first day of the trial, Hermoso was impressive. She showed herself to be the strong person anyone who has met her or followed her career knows that she is, and she portrayed an imperfect victim, certainly in the eyes of the defence lawyers. She was a victim who, despite what had happened, could enjoy her professional success — that she and her team-mates had been crowned champions of the world.

go-deeper

Hermoso did not cower in front of her aggressor in court. She had the option of testifying without Rubiales in the courtroom, but she said no. She sat down metres away from her attacker to give her statement and to answer questions from his lawyer, Olga Tubau. She even maintained her concentration and kept her cool on the multiple occasions Rubiales was whispering and commenting while she was talking.

“I don’t have to be crying in a room or throwing myself to the ground when the act happens to imply that I didn’t like it (the kiss),” Hermoso told the court. “At that moment, when I’m celebrating being world champion, drinking alcohol and eating, I’m happy and smiling because it’s the greatest achievement I can get in my life.”

Society often looks for the perfect victim, the one who acts the way everyone wants them to act. The aggressor may make mistakes, they are a human being. But the victim must act like a victim or they will be publicly discredited.

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If this trial has taught us that a woman can be sexually assaulted and behave however she wants afterwards and still be considered a victim, then we should be eternally grateful to Jenni Hermoso for that.

The courage she has shown will help those victims who follow.

(Top photo: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

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Jake Paul claims Republican party has 'alpha male' problem amid Trump-Musk meltdown

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Jake Paul claims Republican party has 'alpha male' problem amid Trump-Musk meltdown

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Boxer and influencer Jake Paul weighed in on the highly-publicized feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Thursday. 

In a post on X, Paul suggested that the spat between Trump and Musk was symptomatic of a broader problem within the Republican party.

“One of the problems with the Republican Party is on display today (As a current Republican) We unfortunately have these Alpha male egos and leaders who aren’t mature enough sometimes. They’re 50+ years old and diss tweeting each other Elon and Trump are great but they need to work together and not make America look bad,” Paul wrote.

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Paul’s comments prompted mixed responses on X.

Women’s sports rights activist Paula Scanlan praised Paul’s take as “rational.”

“You know it’s bad when Jake Paul has a sane and rational take here,” Scanlan wrote.

Paul’s post even garnered praise from the left-wing content account Leftism. 

Other users criticized Paul’s take, in defense of Trump. 

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“Pretty sure this fight has been 98% Elon. Trump has been very restrained,” wrote the conservative influencer Pro America Politics. 

The YouTuber Joey Salads responded to Paul arguing, “Elon started it.”

LOGAN AND JAKE PAUL KEEP IT REAL ON WHY THEY CONTINUE TO STAY IN FRONT OF CAMERAS

Paul has been a vocal supporter of Trump over the last year, endorsing the president prior to the election in a lengthy YouTube video in late October. Paul pointed to several statistics about the economy under the Biden-Harris administration in comparison to Trump’s presidency and called on voters to vote for change. 

“Democrats have been in power for 12 of the last 16 years. So, if we aren’t happy with the current political state, economic state, environmental state, then who is to blame?” 

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Paul also addressed women’s reproductive rights, transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, and protecting women’s spaces in the video.

“As a future father, you will find me dead before I send my daughter to a school where men can go into her bathroom and where men can compete against her in sports. It’s bulls—. That’s taking away a woman’s rights.”  

Jake Paul is celebrating Donald Trump’s victory. (Getty Images)

Paul celebrated Trump’s November victory and even attended the president’s inauguration on January 20. That day the boxer event criticized those who opposed Trump after the president’s inaugural speech. 

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“Any American who isn’t in support of Trump after this speech simply hates America and doesn’t want what’s best for this country and the world,” Paul wrote on X.

But now, Paul has proven willing to be critical of the Republican party as well. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Michael Conforto caps late comeback as Dodgers split series with Mets

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Michael Conforto caps late comeback as Dodgers split series with Mets

It was supposed to be a day off for Freddie Freeman.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts quipped before the game that the 35-year-old veteran first baseman had begun to understand the value of an off day as he’s dealt with discomfort in his ankle this season.

But with the go-ahead run on second base in the eighth inning, Roberts summoned Freeman off the bench. Was it time for another magical, Freddie Freeman moment at Chavez Ravine?

Not so fast. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza called for an intentional walk, and up walked Michael Conforto. The 46,364 fans at Dodger Stadium already booed the struggling outfielder after his third-inning strikeout. Hitting .165 entering the game, he was one of the unlikeliest to lead the Dodgers to a comeback victory. He’d yet to come through.

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But all Conforto needed was one hit, one chance. And he delivered.

Against Mets setup man Reed Garrett, Conforto ripped a go-ahead RBI single into left field, helping the Dodgers complete a three-run comeback to defeat the Mets 6-5 and salvage a series split against a potential NL playoff opponent.

Conforto’s first hit with runners in scoring position since March 31 — and his first hit this season with runners in scoring position with two outs — put the Dodgers (38-25) two games ahead of the Padres in the NL West after their 3-2 loss to the Giants on Thursday.

Mets southpaw David Peterson had made things difficult before the eighth. He struck out six and gave up three runs across seven innings.

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The longevity the Mets got from Peterson, however, was the opposite of what the Dodgers received from right-hander Landon Knack.

Knack had turned a corner across his last two outings. Against both New York teams, he twirled a career-high-tying six innings and gave up just one earned run in each start. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior paid close attention to Knack’s adjustments, praising his rise from early-season appearances in which he was bounced from games, giving up five runs against the Nationals and Athletics.

“His ability is to be able to throw multiple pitches in any count, in any situation, and that was a little bit off early on,” Prior said, “but now I think he’s starting to finally get into the groove and kind of get back to where he was throwing the ball last year.”

Prior noted what Knack could do when he’s on — mixing pitches and speeds, making for off-balance at-bats. But he also explained what happens when Knack is off — leaving pitches in the middle zone, while falling behind in counts.

Pete Alonso slides past Dodgers catcher Will Smith to score a run for the Mets in the third inning Thursday.

Pete Alonso slides past Dodgers catcher Will Smith to score a run for the Mets in the third inning Thursday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Knack was at his least effective Thursday. He gave up four runs — including three home runs — leaving fastballs over the plate to Pete Alonso and Starling Marte in the first and third innings. He also walked five across 3 ⅓ innings.

Roberts had to lean on his bullpen. Jack Dreyer took the ball through the middle of the fifth and José Ureña — who signed with the Dodgers on Tuesday — pitched 2 ⅓ innings to help save bullpen arms ahead of a six-game trip starting Friday in St. Louis.

Roberts, who said before the game that he was still deciding whether Friday would feature a spot start or a bullpen game, might have had his hand forced toward the former after Knack’s short outing.

Left-hander Justin Wrobleski will be recalled from triple-A Oklahoma City and will open Friday against the Cardinals, Roberts said. Wrobleski gave up five runs in four innings during his last triple-A appearance.

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Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott, right, celebrates Will Smith after closing out a 6-5 win.

Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott, right, celebrates Will Smith after closing out a 6-5 win over the Mets on Thursday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Etc.

Roberts said right-handed relief pitchers Kirby Yates (right hamstring strain) and Michael Kopech (right shoulder impingement) have a “good possibility” of being activated off the injured list during the weekend series in St. Louis.

Likely candidates to be removed from the 26-man roster over the next few days are Ryan Loutos (five earned runs in three innings with the Dodgers) — who gave up a three-run home run in Wednesday’s 6-1 loss to the Mets — and Ureña.

Outfielders James Outman and Esteury Ruiz both had lockers in the Dodgers clubhouse Thursday. Roberts said the duo were on the taxi squad — as insurance for Hyeseong Kim and Tommy Edman — and would likely be headed back to triple-A later in the day.

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Roberts gave clean bills of health to Edman (right ankle) and Kim (fouled a ball off his foot). Edman returned to the Dodgers’ lineup after two days off and hit sixth at second base.

“Looks like we’re out of the clear with those two active guys,” Roberts said.

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Oilers draw first blood in Stanley Cup Final rematch with 4-3 overtime victory against Panthers

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Oilers draw first blood in Stanley Cup Final rematch with 4-3 overtime victory against Panthers

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The first game of the Stanley Cup Final rematch belongs to the Edmonton Oilers, as Leon Draisaitl’s second goal of the game was the overtime winner against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night. 

The 4-3 victory was a come-from-behind win for Edmonton, as they were down 3-1 at one point in this game, but scored three unanswered goals for a statement victory on their home ice.

After tying the game in the third period at three apiece, an overtime period was needed to determine the winner of Game 1, and it almost looked like another was necessary as both team’s chances couldn’t be seen in the net. 

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Edmonton Oilers right wing Connor Brown (28) skates past Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) in the second period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

However, a costly mistake by Panthers forward Tomas Nosek saw him flip the puck over the glass in his own defensive zone, which is an immediate delay of game penalty. 

Now, with a man advantage, the Oilers capitalized, and it had to be Connor McDavid making the nifty saucer pass to his trusty teammate Draisaitl, who came flying in front of the net to hammer the puck past Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. 

EDMONTON OILERS EYE REVENGE IN STANLEY CUP FINAL AFTER RALLYING PAST DALLAS STARS IN CONFERENCE FINAL

The goal, which came with 31 seconds left to play in the period, was also assisted by Corey Perry. 

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Draisaitl started the scoring just as he finished it in Game 1, he found the back of the net with just over a minute into the first period. He was in the right place at the right time, as a shot from Kasperi Kapanen deflected off Bobrovsky and landed right onto Draisaitl’s stick, who slapped it into the net to take the one-goal advantage.

But later in the first period, a controversial goal by Florida’s Sam Bennett tied the game at one apiece. 

Bennett was present in front of the net with two Oilers defenders around him when Carter Verhaeghe took a shot that hit off Bennett and got past goaltender Stuart Skinner. The Panthers, though, believe Bennett had goalie interference. 

Upon further review, it appears Bennett was tripped by Brett Kulak as the puck was being shot, leading to him falling into Skinner. The goal stood and the game was tied.

Just minutes later, Brad Marchand, the Boston Bruins legend who the Panthers traded for at the deadline, took a cross-ice pass during a power play and made the perfect shot past Skinner to take a 2-1 lead. 

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Sam Bennett celebrates goal

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) reacts after scoring a goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images)

The Panthers had momentum going into the second period, and once again, it was Bennett getting one past Skinner to take a solid 3-1 lead. Bennett was skating in transition when Nate Schmidt placed a perfect pass on his stick, and he did the rest for his second goal of the game. 

As we learned from last year’s final, the Oilers will not go down easy, and that appears to be the same theme as they came back with their own timely goals. 

Viktor Arvidsson took a slap shot once the Oilers entered the offensive zone, and Bobrovsky was too late to react as it whizzed past his left side and stayed true into the net. 

Leon Draisaitl celebrates goal

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) reacts after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images)

With a 3-2 deficit going into the third period, Edmonton knew they had to get on the board first to put pressure on Florida. That’s exactly what happened as Mattias Ekholm scored his first Stanley Cup Playoffs goal after Connor McDavid dished a back-handed pass to the front of the zone and it found his stick. Bobrovsky was completely out of position with bodies in front of him as Ekholm shot the puck into the net. 

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Through two periods, it was the Panthers’ dominating play on the ice, but the Oilers turned it up a notch in the third period and never looked back. They outshot the Panthers 46-32 on the night, while Skinner made 29 saves in the win as well. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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