Sports
Lionel Messi skips Biden's Medal of Freedom ceremony as Clinton, Soros awards spark outrage
Soccer legend Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, but he did not show up to the White House in person to receive the medal from President Biden. Messi was one of 19 recipients of the award, alongside NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
According to USA Today, Messi’s management team and his pro team, Inter Miami, informed the White House ahead of time that he would not be able to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.
Messi came to the U.S. in 2023 to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, in one of the biggest superstar recruitments in the league’s 31-year history. Messi had only played in European leagues and for Argentina’s for most of his career to that point.
“Leo Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional football. He supports health and education programs for children worldwide through his Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,” a White House spokesperson announced as Biden held the medal.
Major League Soccer released a brief social media statement congratulating Messi on the award. Niether Inter Miami or Messi himself has acknowledged the award with a social media post at the time of publication. According to USA Today, the star said that “he is deeply honored and it is a profound privilege to receive the recognition.”
The medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to people who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” according to the White House.
Biden’s re-election campaign mentioned Messi’s arrival to Major League Soccer as a catalyst for soccer’s growing significance among U.S. audiences, during the 2024 Copa America soccer tournament in Atlanta in June.
After Messi led Argentina to the World Cup title in December 2022, Biden jokingly wrote, “You know, I think that Messi guy might have a future,” in a congratulatory X post.
However, as Messi was absent, Saturday’s ceremony also incited controversy. News that Biden would award the medal to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and left-wing billionaire George Soros sparked mass outrage on social media and backlash, especially from prominent conservative figures.
HOW TRANSGENDERISM IN SPORTS SHIFTED THE 2024 ELECTION AND IGNITED A NATIONAL COUNTERCULTURE
Critics pointed out Clinton’s handling of the war in Libya and the attack on United States government facilities in Benghazi, Libya, as well as her controversial private email server for government business, which prompted former FBI Director James Comey to say publicly that Clinton had mishandled classified information.
The award to Soros, a Democrat megadonor, was slammed based on the billionaire’s past campaign funding of progressive district attorneys who have been light on crime, which they say has led to crime waves in Blue cities.
“Seriously, two of the worst people on earth, Online commentator Blake Habyan wrote on X of Clinton and Soros.
Messi has not expressed any prominent political beliefs during his career. However, he has actively distanced himself from a politician who once used his likeness in the past.
In 2011, Argentinan politician Alfredo Olmedo of Salta posted a photo of Messi with the caption that translated to “Say yes to sports, say no to drugs.” Messi’s attorney Ricardo Giusepponi claimed the politician never had consent to use the photo.
In February 2024, Messi didn’t play in an exhibition match in Hong Kong, staying on the bench during a match between Inter Miami and a local team. After his refusal to play, one of Argentina’s friendly matches that was set to be played in China in March was cancelled.
China’s state-run newspaper, the Global Times, published an editorial highlighting a “theory” without evidence that suggested Messi’s actions had “political motives” and that “external forces” wished to embarrass Hong Kong. But Messi insisted that his decision not to play in the match wasn’t politically driven at the time.
“I’ve heard people say that I didn’t want to play (in Hong Kong) for political reasons and many other reasons that are totally untrue,” Messi said in Spanish in a video with Chinese and English subtitles. “Had that been the case, I wouldn’t have even traveled to Japan or visited China as many times as I have.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Messi, 37, has set numerous individual records with eight Ballon d’Or awards and eight times being named FIFA’s world’s best player. He is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, having won 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup.
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Sports
Predicting where the top 15 remaining MLB free agents will sign: Who lands Sasaki?
The Mets signed Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal, the Yankees landed Max Fried with a $218 million deal, and the Diamondbacks once again shocked the baseball world, adding ace Corbin Burnes on a $210 million pact.
However, there are still several teams — including the Royals, Twins, Padres, Mariners and Cardinals — that haven’t spent a single penny in free agency, although that could change soon. The free-agent market is still filled with talent. So where will these players sign?
Here are the top 15 remaining free agents and my predictions on where each will land.
(WAR is according to Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season unless otherwise noted.)
1. Roki Sasaki, RHP
Age: 23
WAR: N/A
ERA: 2.35 IP: 111 SO: 129 (NPB stats)
Agent: Wasserman
Seven teams have reportedly met with Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, in Los Angeles, including the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Rangers and Giants. Other teams still could be added to the list, but in all probability Sasaki is probably going to sign with one of those seven.
Of that group, most in the industry believe he’ll end up signing with the Dodgers. However, I’m not in that camp because I think endorsement deals with Japanese companies are going to be important for him financially since he won’t be eligible for arbitration for three years or eligible for free agency for at least six years. In Los Angeles, he’d be in the shadow of both Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, lessening his endorsement ceiling. And there are other reasons I don’t believe he’s destined for the Dodgers.
(Sasaki can only be signed through each team’s international bonus pools, which range from roughly $5.1 million to $7.5 million.)
I don’t think the Giants make a lot of sense for him based on their weak farm system and mediocre major-league roster. I view the Rangers as a long shot, though they would be a good fit because of their strong pitching room and leadership group. The Cubs also seem like a stretch to me. That leaves both New York teams and the Padres.
Wolfe recently provided an update on the 23-year-old star’s unusual free agency, but none of us know how this ends or what exactly Sasaki is thinking. His favorite player growing up was Masahiro Tanaka, which would lead me to guess he was at least somewhat of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki during Japan’s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Therefore, for no other reason, I’ll predict he signs with either the Yankees or San Diego.
Prediction: Yankees or Padres
GO DEEPER
What’s next for Roki Sasaki? Agent provides update on coveted free agent
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
Age: 30
WAR: 4.1
OPS+: 118
Agent: Boras Corporation
I was surprised Bregman reportedly turned down six years and $156 million to stay in Houston, because I thought he and his family were happy there and I didn’t think he’d necessarily take the most money and years in free agency. However, when he spurned the Astros’ offer, they pivoted, trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker, which closed the door on a possible return to Houston.
I think Bregman would fit nicely at third base with the Mets, who could move Mark Vientos to first base. But there doesn’t seem to be much traction there. The Mariners could really use him at third base, but they don’t seem to want to spend any money. I also think the Phillies — and their ballpark — could work well for him, but they’d have to trade Alec Bohm first, and by all indications they never came close to making a swap.
That leaves the Tigers and Blue Jays as the most likely landing spots for Bregman, but neither one seems ideal. So he might want to sign a shorter deal with a higher average annual value and opt-outs, then look to go back on the free-agent market next offseason or after the 2026 season.
That said, Boston is my favorite spot for Bregman, who will turn 31 in March. They need a right-handed power pull hitter, and he would do significant damage to the Green Monster in left field. They could move Rafael Devers to first base and put Triston Casas at DH or they could just put Bregman at second base full-time. His leadership and ability to grind at-bats would help this young roster. He could be the final piece in getting the Red Sox back to the postseason.
Prediction: Red Sox
3. Anthony Santander, RF
Age: 30
WAR: 2.9
OPS+: 134
Agent: GSE Worldwide
The Santander market has been strangely quiet, but all indications are he’ll end up on a non-contending team and get his long-term contract. There is a lot of buzz in the industry about the Blue Jays being all-in on him, and they definitely need his 44-home run power in between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in their lineup. The Angels and Giants have also been said to have some level of interest.
Prediction: Blue Jays
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
Age: 30
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 123
Agent: Boras Corporation
The staredown between the Mets’ brass and Scott Boras over an Alonso contract is starting to become epic. Who blinks first — owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns or the superstar agent? The Mets do not want to move beyond their last offer and don’t think they have to because the first-base market has dried up. There are not a lot of options left for Alonso after the Yankees traded for Paul Goldschmidt, the Guardians signed Carlos Santana, the Diamondbacks traded for Josh Naylor and the Astros inked Christian Walker.
The Mariners would be a great fit, but they’re not in on any of the big free agents. The Angels have been mentioned as a possibility, but does anyone think they’d do another big — and potentially bad — contract for a 30-year-old power hitter after the Anthony Rendon, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols contracts all failed?
The Giants might be the only other viable option. Signing Alonso to a three-year deal with a high AAV and opt-outs might make some sense for them if they can stomach losing the draft pick compensation. (Alonso was one of 12 players to turn down the qualifying offer.) Maybe Alonso would go that type of route and prove a point to the Mets in the process.
However, at the end of the day, I just can’t see the Polar Bear in another uniform — at least not this year.
Prediction: Mets
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5. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 29
WAR: 3.1
ERA: 3.17 IP: 162 SO: 194
Agent: CAA Sports
He’s the best starting pitcher left on the market, apart from Sasaki, and a potential difference-maker for a contending team. But Flaherty’s medical reports are going to determine whether he gets a long-term contract or has to take a similar deal to that of Walker Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21 million contract with the Red Sox.
I haven’t heard about Flaherty being connected much with the Braves, but I think that would be an ideal match for him. They lost Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free agency. Spencer Strider, who is recovering from internal-brace elbow surgery, won’t be ready for Opening Day. They have a lot of strong young arms for the back of their rotation but could really use another veteran.
I’ve heard a reunion with the Tigers is not out of the question. Flaherty pitched well for them last season, posting a 2.95 ERA over 18 starts before the trade deadline deal to the Dodgers. Other teams that have been linked to him include the Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays.
Prediction: Braves
6. Tanner Scott, LHP
Age: 30
WAR: 4.0
ERA: 1.75 SV: 22 IP: 72 SO: 84
Agent: MVP Sports Group
The most-impactful closer on the market has yet to sign and teams are lining up for him but waiting for the asking price to drop. The Red Sox are the clear front-runners for Scott. Their chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, was a left-handed reliever in his playing days and seems obsessed with corralling lefty pitchers: He’s already signed three of them in free agency (Patrick Sandoval, Aroldis Chapman, Justin Wilson) and acquired two more via trades (Garrett Crochet, Jovani Moran). Red Sox manager Alex Cora prefers a single closer and Scott is the best one available.
The Blue Jays and Giants are also strong candidates to sign Scott as both could use an upgrade at the closer position. Other possible destinations include the Dodgers, Rangers and Diamondbacks.
Prediction: Red Sox
7. Jurickson Profar, LF
Age: 31
WAR: 3.6
OPS+: 134
Agent: MVP Sports Group
Profar was one of the best under-the-radar signings last offseason, when San Diego inked him for a base salary of $1 million. He rewarded them by slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 29 doubles and 10 stolen bases and made his first All-Star team. He’d like to return to San Diego but wants a three-year deal and I’m not sure if that will fit in the Padres’ tight budget.
I think the Braves would be a great match for Profar, but for some reason they seem satisfied with the combination of Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz competing for time in left field. The Red Sox have been mentioned as a possibility too. But, to me, the Padres are by far the best fit for both the player and team, though he’ll likely have to drop his expectations and agree to a deal that works for both sides if he wants to remain in San Diego.
Prediction: Padres
8. Kirby Yates, RHP
Age: 37
WAR: 3.3
ERA: 1.17 SV: 33 IP: 61 2/3 SO: 85
Agent: Beverly Hills Sports Council
Yates might have to wait until Scott signs, then get with one of the teams that misses out on him. A return to the Rangers is possible, a move north of the border to Toronto makes sense, and the Dodgers are always looking for high-leverage relievers. The Braves really missed him last year, the Reds could use him to replace Fernando Cruz, whom they traded to the Yankees, and the Royals could surprise here too.
However, I like Arizona for Yates. After the splash signing of Burnes and trading for All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, why not ink Yates to bookend their offseason?
Prediction: Diamondbacks
9. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
Age: 29
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 96
Agent: Boras Corporation
After season-ending shoulder surgery, Kim has discovered his free-agent value isn’t what he had hoped. He’ll need to sign a short-term deal, show that he’s healthy next year and try to replicate his 5.8 WAR season from 2023.
The Giants had interest in Kim until they were able to land Willy Adames in free agency. Now, I think he’d fit great with the Red Sox, who could then keep Trevor Story at second base, allowing Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell another year of development at Triple A.
However, the best team for Kim, without a doubt, is still the Padres. They also are a much better team with him at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts at second base than if they have to play Bogaerts at shortstop.
Prediction: Padres
10. Carlos Estévez, RHP
Age: 32
WAR: 2.1
ERA: 2.45 SV: 26 IP: 55 SO: 50
Agent: Premier Talent Sports and Entertainment
Like Yates, Estévez probably has to wait until Scott signs before he can find his next team. I think the Cubs, who need to build up their bullpen, are the best fit for him. They could use the strike-throwing power righty in high-leverage spots late in games. Teams such as the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox and Giants also make sense for Estévez, who logged 26 saves between the Phillies and Angels last year.
Prediction: Cubs
11. Jose Quintana, LHP
Age: 35
WAR: 2.5
ERA: 3.75 IP: 170 1/3 SO: 135
Agent: Wasserman
Quintana still knows how to win and keep hitters off-balance. He gave the Mets 170 1/3 innings last season, going 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA over 31 starts. His results have always been better than his raw stuff thanks to his command in and out of the zone.
He’d be a solid signing for the Royals as a rotation replacement for Brady Singer, whom they traded to the Reds in November. Although the Royals claim they’re fine moving Kris Bubic to the rotation to replace Singer, they don’t have much starting pitching depth and they’ll miss the 179 2/3 innings Singer provided last year. Quintana, who turns 36 in January, is the perfect fit. The Giants, Tigers and Padres have also been linked with him.
Prediction: Royals
12. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Age: 31
WAR: 2.0
ERA: 2.17 SV: 10 IP: 66 1/3 SO: 89
Agent: CAA Sports
Hoffman wants to follow in the footsteps of Clay Holmes, who is attempting to transition from the bullpen to the rotation. Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets and that’s what Hoffman thinks he deserves. However, he hasn’t been offered that yet.
I’m told several teams like the idea of signing him and making him a starter, while other teams would prefer to keep Hoffman, who has 50 career starts, in the pen if they acquire him. Hoffman, who turns 32 this week, is coming off two stellar seasons for the Phillies. He posted a 2.41 ERA over 54 appearances in 2023 and backed that up with a 2.17 ERA over 68 appearances last year. A return to Philly would probably be best for Hoffman, but he would not get a chance to start with them. The Braves, Red Sox, Rays, Royals, Tigers, Astros and Nationals would all be solid landing spots.
Prediction: Nationals
13. Nick Pivetta, RHP
Age: 31
WAR: 1.8
ERA: 4.14 IP: 145 2/3 SO: 172
Agent: CAA Sports
I was shocked when Pivetta turned down the $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox, for two reasons: 1) I don’t think he’ll get close to that on the open market, and 2) tying himself to draft pick compensation weakens his value even more.
Because of that, he’s one of the players who might have to wait a while before finding his next home. The New York Post reported in December that the Reds had checked in on him, but after they signed Nick Martinez to the qualifying offer and traded for Singer, I can’t imagine them actually playing on Pivetta. One team that could make sense to salvage his offseason is the Blue Jays, who have struggled to find players willing to take their free-agent offers. Pivetta, who has a career 4.76 ERA over eight seasons, will turn 32 in February.
Prediction: Blue Jays
14. Alex Verdugo, LF
Age: 28
WAR: 0.8
OPS+: 83
Agent: MVP Sports Group
Verdugo was the starting left fielder for the American League champion Yankees but had a subpar year, batting just .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs. He’s a good defender in left field, grinds day in and day out, and is respected in the clubhouse because of the edge with which he plays. If the Padres aren’t able to bring back Profar, they could pivot to Verdugo. Otherwise, he might have to accept a role as a fourth outfielder somewhere. The Giants, Pirates and Diamondbacks could make a depth play for him.
Prediction: Padres (if they don’t re-sign Profar)
15. Justin Turner, 1B/DH
Age: 40
WAR: 1.5
OPS+: 114
Agent: Vayner Sports
Turner turned 40 in November and wants to keep playing — and based on last year’s performance, he still has something left in the tank. He slashed .259/.354/.383 (114 OPS+) with 11 home runs. His leadership qualities are particularly valuable on a relatively young team. The Mariners, Guardians, Pirates and Diamondbacks are all logical fits for Turner to improve their benches. A return to Seattle might make the most sense based on the positive impact he had on the clubhouse after being traded by the Blue Jays at the deadline.
Prediction: Mariners
(Top photo of Roki Sasaki: The Yomiuri Shimbun via Associated Press)
Sports
Rob Gronkowski rips Patriots' decision to fire Jerod Mayo after 1 season
Rob Gronkowski appeared to be upset with how the New England Patriots handled Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach, which ended with his dismissal Sunday following a win over the Buffalo Bills.
Mayo was hired to replace Bill Belichick last year after the legendary head coach and the organization parted ways following six Super Bowls and two dynastic periods.
The Patriots struggled in Mayo’s first season, finishing 4-13. But Gronkowski expressed that he didn’t believe Mayo had enough time to develop as a head coach.
“I was shocked by that. And to happen that soon was a shocker to a lot of people,” he said on FOX. “Especially here at the desk, I think we were all surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He had never had the chance to develop as a head coach.
“He was just a rookie himself in that department. If you judge a coach by their first year, that’s really not appropriate.”
TYREEK HILL SUGGESTS HE WANTS TO LEAVE DOLPHINS AFTER FINAL GAME OF 2024 SEASON: ‘I’M OUT’
Mayo and Gronkowski were teammates for a few years with the Patriots.
The Patriots were far from playoff contenders entering the season. New England drafted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round and didn’t start him until a few weeks into the regular season.
New England was 30th in points scored and 31st in yards gained, while finishing 22nd in points and yards allowed.
Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced the Mayo decision after the Patriots’ win.
“After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Kraft said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team’s performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Sports
High school football transfer tracker: Which top players are switching schools?
The 2025 high school football transfer tracker is officially up and looking for top players switching schools in Southern California.
There were more than 17,000 transfers statewide last school year, and football produces plenty of transfers.
According to CIF rules, players who transfer and physically move along with their family are eligible immediately at the new school. If a player transfers and his family doesn’t move, there’s a sit-out period of close to 50% of the season. The date athletes become eligible after sitting out is Sept. 29, 2025 for the Southern Section and Sept. 25, 2025 for the City Section.
Listed players are confirmed as having switched schools through social media or from coaches, parents or players. Their transfer eligibility remains uncertain until paperwork is submitted to the Southern Section or City Section. Names will be updated each week, with the latest at the top.
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