SPORTS

FORMER NFL STAR RUDI JOHNSON DIES BY SUICIDE AT 45

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Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at the age of 45. His passing was confirmed by the team on Tuesday and was first reported by TMZ. A family source told TMZ that Johnson had been "struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome." Authorities later indicated that his death was an apparent suicide.

LAMAR JACKSON APOLOGISES AFTER SHOVING BUFFALO BILLS FAN DURING GAME

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Lamar Jackson is taking responsibility for his actions after a heated moment on the field. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback, 28, has issued an apology to the Buffalo Bills fan he shoved during the third quarter of the Ravens’ Sunday Night Football matchup at Highmark Stadium on September 7. The incident unfolded when the fan reached over the railing and slapped the helmet of Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, then appeared to make a move toward Jackson himself. Reacting instinctively, Jackson pushed the fan back with both hands — something he now admits was not the best response.

Speaking after Wednesday’s practice, Jackson reflected on what happened and made clear he regretted letting his emotions get the better of him. “It just happened,” he explained. “I got pushed. I’m like, ‘What?’ I wasn’t even thinking about being out there on the field. My apologies to him.” The quarterback also offered some advice for the fan involved, saying, “Just chill next time. You can talk trash and stuff but keep your hands to yourself.”

The NFL moved quickly after the incident. A spokesperson confirmed to NBC News that the individual was ejected from the stadium and has been banned from attending all future NFL games and major league events, including the Super Bowl, the draft and the combine. The league also released a statement underscoring its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, noting that penalties for such conduct can include ejection, lifetime bans and even legal consequences.

Although Jackson pushed the fan, he did not face any penalty during the game, nor has the league imposed discipline on him since. ESPN reported that the Bills fan was escorted out of the venue, while Jackson finished the game — which ended in heartbreak for Baltimore, as Buffalo staged a dramatic last-minute comeback to secure a 41-40 victory.

After the game, Jackson admitted he allowed frustration to take over in the moment. “He slapped me, and he was talking s---, so I just forgot where I was for a little bit,” he told reporters. “You have to think in those situations. You have security out there; let security handle it. But I just let my emotions get the best of me.” He added that he hopes to avoid similar situations in the future, saying, “Hopefully it doesn’t happen again. I learned from that.”

A’JA WILSON WINS FOURTH WNBA MVP, SETS NEW RECORD

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A'ja Wilson has made history as the WNBA's first four-time Most Valuable Player after being awarded the league's top individual honor for the second consecutive year, the league announced Sunday. The Las Vegas Aces star emerged victorious in what was considered a close race with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. Wilson collected 51 first-place votes and 657 points to secure the award ahead of Collier, who earned 18 first-place votes and 534 points. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas finished third with three first-place votes and 391 points, followed by Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray with 180 points and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell with 93 points.

TYREEK HILL’S ESTRANGED WIFE ALLEGES PHYSICAL ABUSE DURING 17-MONTH MARRIAGE

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Tyreek Hill’s Estranged Wife Alleges Physical Abuse During 17-Month Marriage. Keeta Vaccaro, the estranged wife of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, has made explosive allegations of abuse in newly filed divorce documents, claiming he physically assaulted her on at least eight occasions throughout their 17-month marriage.

NOAH LYLES CLAIMS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WORLD 200M TITLE

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American sprinter Noah Lyles has secured his place among athletics' most dominant figures after claiming his fourth consecutive 200m world title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With his trademark energy and flair, Lyles held off a world-class field to equal Usain Bolt's record in the discipline, a feat he has long aspired to achieve.

WNBA DUO IGNITES CONVERSATION WITH PERIOD RED STATEMENT

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WNBA players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are using the basketball court as their stage to spark an important cultural conversation. Known together as the Stud Budz, the pair debuted bold "period red" hairstyles during a September game between their team, the Minnesota Lynx, and the Indiana Fever. The change was more than a fashion choice. It was a statement made in partnership with U by Kotex, aiming to challenge taboos around menstruation and empower women to continue thriving in sports despite it.

ANGEL REESE MISSES THIRD STRAIGHT GAME AS FANS CHANT 'FREE ANGEL' AFTER SUSPENSION DRAMA

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The Chicago Sky star's absence comes after her comments about the team sparked controversy and ignited strong reactions from supporters.

ANGEL REESE APOLOGIZES AFTER SUGGESTING SHE MIGHT LEAVE THE CHICAGO SKY IF TEAM PERFORMANCE DOESN'T IMPROVE

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Angel Reese has issued an apology to her Chicago Sky teammates after comments she made about the roster drew criticism. Following the Sky's win over the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the 23-year-old forward addressed remarks published by the Chicago Tribune that suggested she questioned her teammates' ability to win and hinted she might leave the team if things did not improve.