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'RIP TikTok': Gauff hopes app ban is short-lived

Published in Breaking News
Sunday, 19 January 2025 04:51

MELBOURNE, Australia -- American tennis star Coco Gauff mourned the loss of TikTok's app back home, writing on a TV camera lens "RIP TikTok USA" and drawing a broken heart right after winning a match at the Australian Open to reach the quarterfinals.

Gauff's 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Belinda Bencic in the Grand Slam tournament's main stadium finished on Sunday afternoon local time in Melbourne -- about an hour after TikTok could no longer be found on prominent app stores on Saturday in the United States.

The TikTok website told users that the short-form social media video platform was no longer available. The blackout began just hours before a federal ban on TikTok took effect.

Gauff, who has more than 750,000 followers on TikTok, said Sunday that she would probably have more time to pursue other interests with the app inaccessible on her phone in Melbourne.

"I could not access it after my match. I honestly thought I would be able to get away with it because I was in Australia," Gauff said at her news conference. "Hopefully it comes back. ... It's really sad. I've been on the app since it was called Musical.ly. I love TikTok. It's like an escape. I honestly do that before matches. I guess it will force me to read books more -- be more of a productive human, probably. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise."

Tennis players at many tournaments often are handed a pen after a win so they can deliver whatever thoughts they want via the lens of a courtside camera. In this case, Gauff paused a bit to think and said, "I think I'm going to go with this one," before offering her TikTok message in blue ink.

At the French Open in June 2022, after reaching her first Grand Slam final as a teenager, Gauff referred to a recent spate of mass shootings in the U.S. at the time and wrote in marker: "Peace. End gun violence."

Now 20, Gauff is one of the top players in her sport. She won the 2023 US Open and is currently ranked No. 3.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after taking office Monday.

Users opening the TikTok app on Saturday encountered a pop-up message preventing them from scrolling videos that read, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now."

"A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.," the message said. "Unfortunately that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office."

TikTok also told its users to stay tuned. Gauff added Sunday that she had a feeling TikTok would somehow come back.

Defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, who lives in Miami and is a huge TikTok fan, said she also is hoping for a quick resolution.

The Belarusian has over 500,000 followers on TikTok and recreated one of her viral dance videos with fans on Rod Laver Arena after her opening-round victory a week ago.

"This isn't something we can control and I hope they're going to figure it out, because I love TikTok," she said.

Gauff frequently has posted on TikTok, often mimicking popular trends.

"I feel this is the third or fourth time this has happened. This time it's just like, 'Whatever.' If I wake up and it doesn't work, fine. I'm done wasting my time figuring it out," Gauff said earlier during the Australian Open. "I see there's a new app called RedNote that a lot of people are migrating over to. So I feel, regardless, people are going to be fine because people are always going to migrate to another app."

She added that she hoped TikTok would survive, calling it "a great thing for a lot of small businesses in our country, and a lot of creators make money on it and have the chance to spread stories. Personally, me, a lot of great stories I've heard are from TikTok and connecting with people has been (through) TikTok. I hope it will stay, (but) obviously I don't know all the security issues and things like that."

In Washington, lawmakers and administration officials have long raised concerns about the app, which they see as a national security threat due to its Chinese ownership. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a technology company based in Beijing that operates the well-known video editing app CapCut and Lemon8, both of which were also unavailable for service Saturday evening.

The federal law required ByteDance to cut ties with TikTok by Sunday or face a nationwide ban. The statute was passed by Congress in April after it was included as part of a high-priority $95 billion package that provided foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel. President Joe Biden quickly signed it, and then TikTok and ByteDance quickly sued on First Amendment grounds.

While defending the law in court, the Biden administration argued it was concerned about TikTok collecting vast swaths of U.S. user data that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion.

Officials have also warned the algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that's difficult to detect. But to date, the U.S. has not publicly provided evidence of TikTok handing user data to Chinese authorities or tinkering with its algorithm to benefit Chinese interests.

The Supreme Court unanimously decided on Friday the risk to national security posed by TikTok's ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Medvedev heavily fined for Australian Open behaviour

Published in Tennis
Saturday, 18 January 2025 22:22

Daniil Medvedev has been fined over 60,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct following his behaviour at the Australian Open.

The Russian fifth seed destroyed a net camera by furiously smashing his racquet into it during a five-set first-round win against world number 418 Kasidit Samrej.

He then incurred a point penalty during his second-round defeat by American teenager Learner Tien after throwing his racquet, before failing to attend a mandatory post-match news conference.

Medvedev collected 200,000 Australian dollars (102,000) for reaching the second round at Melbourne Park.

However, he will be required to pay fines totalling 76,000 US dollars (62,400) after overstepping the mark with his behaviour.

The 28-year-old reached the final in Australia last year but the surprising defeat this time by Tien, 19, marked his earliest exit at a Grand Slam since a first-round loss at the 2023 French Open.

Britain's Jack Draper has also been fined 4,000 US dollars (3,287) for smashing his racquet during his third-round win over Aleksandar Vukic.

Gauff fights back to join Sabalenka in quarters

Published in Tennis
Saturday, 18 January 2025 23:31

Coco Gauff fought from a set down to beat Belinda Bencic and join defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

The American third seed was not at her best but outlasted Switzerland's Bencic 5-7 6-2 6-1.

Earlier, Sabalenka breezed past Russian 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in a 6-1 6-2 victory.

Gauff's victory in 34 degree heat - the hottest day of the tournament so far - extended the 20-year-old's winning run to 11 matches.

"Maybe a couple of years ago, if I lost the first set I might lose the match, and I remember my dad said 'we've got to toughen you up'," said Gauff.

"I was just trying to put myself in the position where I could leave the court and feel proud of myself."

Belarusian top seed Sabalenka, 26, meanwhile, remains on course for a third straight Australian Open title after wrapping up her win over Andreeva in just 62 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

It was the two-time champion's 18th win in a row at Melbourne Park, and sets up a quarter-final against another Russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Pavlyuchenkova beat Croatia's Donna Vekic 7-6 (7-0) 6-0 in the fourth round earlier on Sunday.

Gauff will play 11th seed Paula Badosa in the last eight after the Spaniard defeated Serbia's Olga Danilovic 6-1 7-6 (7-2).

Should they both win their quarter-finals, Sabalenka and Gauff will meet in the semi-finals.

Ailing Draper abandons Alcaraz match as Melbourne run ends

Published in Tennis
Saturday, 18 January 2025 22:49

British number one Jack Draper ran out of steam at the Australian Open as he retired injured against Spanish third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round.

Draper, seeded 15th, called a halt to the match when trailing 7-5 6-1 against four-time major champion Alcaraz on a hot day in Melbourne.

The 23-year-old left-hander, who came into the tournament with a hip injury, needed treatment off the court after the first set before abandoning the contest when the second quickly slipped away.

He held both hands up to the crowd by way of an apology before going off Rod Laver Arena to a warm ovation.

Draper, who came through three gruelling five-set matches to reach the fourth round, was the only Briton to reach the last 16 of the men's or women's singles.

"After how much I have played, I didn't pull up amazingly well," said Draper.

Before this Australian Open campaign, he had not played competitively since the end of October.

"I was really, really sore after I played my last match because I have been managing this hip thing," Draper said.

"I wasn't expecting to come this far in all honesty. With all the hours I have played, it has been a bit too much on my body."

Alcaraz, 21, was far from his best during their contest but continues his bid to become the youngest man in the Open era to complete the career Grand Slam.

The reigning back-to-back Wimbledon champion, who also won the 2022 US Open and 2024 French Open, could face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Serbia's Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 11th men's singles title in Australia, plays Czech Jiri Lehecka later on Sunday.

Al Hilal have identified Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid's Rodrygo as possible replacements for Neymar, while Manchester United are reportedly ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign Nuno Mendes. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's January grades | Women's January grades

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- Arsenal's Mikel Arteta rues Liverpool depth after draw
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TRENDING RUMORS

- Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al Hilal want Liverpool's Mohamed Salah or Real Madrid's Rodrygo to replace Neymar, reports Rudy Galetti. This comes just days after Al-Za'eem head coach Jorge Jesus hinted that Neymar was on his way out of the club, with ESPN sources confirming that the 32-year-old Brazil star is in preliminary talks with three MLS sides -- including Chicago Fire FC -- over a proposed move. Salah is out of contract with Liverpool in June, while Rodrygo has been fighting for first-team minutes at Madrid since Kylian Mbappé joined the club last summer.

- Manchester United are leading rivals Manchester City in a race to sign Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes, according to Football Insider. The 22-year-old has long been seen as a priority for the Red Devils as a solution for their troublesome left-back spot, while City have earmarked Mendes as a potential cornerstone of their looming squad rebuild. Regardless, both clubs may need to continue their searches as L'Équipe says the Portugal international sees himself staying with the French capital club for the foreseeable future and wants to sign a new deal.

- Manchester City want to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as a replacement for Ederson in the summer, according to Football Transfers. Talks are already underway with a summer deal for the 25-year-old quickly gaining momentum. Ederson has been the topic of strong interest and tempting financial offers from Saudi Arabia.

- In addition to pursuing Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, Rudy Galetti reports that AC Milan also want to bring in a new midfielder this January. The Rossoneri are evaluating a long list of names and have asked Juventus for fresh information on Nicolo Fagioli as the 23-year-old could be available.

- Internazionale are carefully monitoring Bologna duo Sam Beukema and Santiago Castro, says Calciomercato. Juventus have previously been mentioned regarding Beukema and there is a possibility that they could make a move for the 26-year-old in the summer, while there is growing interest in Castro from elsewhere. Centre-back Beukema has been rated at 25 million, while striker Castro won't be allowed to leave the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara for less than 30m.

- Lens are interested in a January move for Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and have already submitted a formal offer to the Bundesliga club, reports Sky Sports Deutschland, which adds that the 24-year-old currently intends to stay put. Meanwhile, Bayern are in negotiations to sign Jonas Urbig from FC Cologne this window, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

Sajid bags four to put Pakistan on victory path

Published in Cricket
Sunday, 19 January 2025 01:51

Pakistan 230 (Shakeel 84, Rizwan 71, Seales 3-27) and 157 (Masood 52, Warrican 7-32) beat West Indies 137 (Warrican 31*, Noman 5-39, Sajid 4-65) and 123 (Athanaze 55, Sajid 5-50, Abrar 4-27) by 127 runs

Well, how do you sum that up? A madcap two sessions of cricket on the third day saw 17 wickets fall. Pakistan lost seven for 48, with Jomel Warrican registering the third-best figures for a visiting bowler in Pakistan. And yet, with half an hour to go for tea, Pakistan's spinners had wrapped up a 127-run victory, skittling West Indies out for 123 in 36.3 overs to go 1-0 up in the series. Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed were the chief architects, taking nine of West Indies' ten wickets as the visitors' challenge appeared to melt away along with the solidity of the playing strip.

West Indies had about 15 overs to face before lunch, and Pakistan just about made victory safe in this time. The visitors began with positive intent, having realised that poking and prodding would get them nowhere. It saw them through the first four overs, but as Sajid said yesterday, the strategy was to attack with the ball and defend with the field. Brathwaite employed the slog sweep to good effect so Pakistan had a fielder at deep midwicket, and it was him that the opener picked out to give Pakistan their first breakthrough.

With prodigious turn around, especially to the right-hander off the footmarks, the stumps were always in play, and it helped Sajid clean up Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge to reduce West Indies to 37 for 4. Noman Ali, who had surprisingly not opened the bowling from the other end, came into the attack and picked up a wicket on the stroke of lunch when Justin Greaves missed a sweep laden with risk in front of middle stump.
There was plenty of West Indian resistance in the first hour after lunch, most notably from Alick Athanaze, whose half-century - West Indies' only such contribution all Test - just about kept them alive. Alongside Tevin Imlach first and then Kevin Sinclair, Athanaze worked to give the Pakistan spinners as little as possible. They ditched the belligerent shot-making, and for the first time all Test, Sajid and Noman briefly didn't look like a huge threat.

But the momentum shifted once more when Shan Masood turned to Abrar Ahmed. The slightly different challenge his legspin poses saw a beauty to dismiss Imlach, the ball drifting in and ripping away to take his outside edge. He would also break the next partnership, thanks to some variable bounce and a splendid diving catch at first slip from Salman Agha, before Agha took the regulation catch the following ball to send Gudakesh Motie on his way.

By now, West Indies' resistance had been completely broken. Athanaze missed a straight one from Sajid to leave Pakistan one away, and Abrar put a bow on proceedings as the shot West Indies played often to try to cope on this surface - the high-risk reverse sweep - carried onto the stumps.

The omens for this kind of day were there. It began with Pakistan's best player of spin, Saud Shakeel, falling off the first delivery when he clipped one into short midwicket's hands. Warrican followed it up with the wicket of Rizwan the following over, and on a pitch where grip and turn became ever more variable, Pakistan's batters were finding it hard work.

Kamran Ghulam had hung around until then, but some extra turn from Warrican drew his outside edge to give Warrican his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. West Indies began to burrow into the tail as Warrican grew in confidence. He varied his pace to trap Noman in front of the stumps as he tried a reverse sweep, before making it seven when Sajid miscued a slog and got an edge to backward point.

The ninth wicket did not register directly in Warrican's account, but it may as well have. Agha prodded one to him on the off side and hared off for a single, but Warrican picked up cleanly and hit the stumps direct, catching Khurram Shahzad well out of his crease. The innings wrapped up when Agha tried to go over the top against Motie, only to find long-off, and Pakistan were all out for 157.

On a surface like this, and with the spinners Pakistan have, though, it was still, by some distance, more than enough.

Smith hit by elbow injury scare ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Published in Cricket
Sunday, 19 January 2025 00:25
Kuhnemann, who played three Tests in India on the 2023 tour, which included taking 5 for 16 in Indore, had shaped as a key figure in Australia's bowling set-up for the two Tests with the Australia hierarchy putting a lot of stock in the value of the left-arm spinner.
England will bolster their spin attack for the first T20I against Australia at the SCG as they look to keep the Ashes alive, but there is intrigue as to whether the home side will be able to find room for the in-form Alana King.
Heather Knight confirmed that legspinner Sarah Glenn, who took 4 for 20 in her most recent T20I against South Africa, would come into the line-up alongside Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. She even suggested that England wouldn't be afraid of playing four frontline spinners, with left-armer Linsey Smith also part of the squad, if they felt conditions suited it.

"They've played in our T20 team pretty much for the last couple of years altogether," Knight said of the spin trio. "They've been a real strength of ours, those three bowlers, the different attributes they bring, the different types of spin, and the different roles that they play.

"Sarah will definitely come in. She's one of the best spinners in the world. She's been outstanding for us, particularly in those middle overs, taking wickets and then really squeezing oppositions. It's been a big part of our tactics against opposition teams."

Knight also indicated that Sophia Dunkley would continue at No. 3 and that allrounder Freya Kemp could be an option for the middle order.

Australia are confident they have the batting order to counter whatever England throw at them, having taken Ecclestone for her second-most expensive ODI figures in Hobart

"I'll back myself against spin, which is nice," Phoebe Litchfield said. "Ecclestone, bowling into me, she still poses the big threat, but I think [with] our lefties there's a point of difference for our team to have that spinning into us. Charlie Dean has also been bowling really well, and the likes of Glenn could come in. The middle order, you kind of face more spin [and] I prefer that."

Australia will retain the Ashes with victory in Sydney, but this is their first T20I since they exited last year's World Cup in the semi-final against South Africa. And, while Georgia Voll's inclusion in the squad is the only change in personnel, there remain questions to be answered about how they line-up.

King took nine wickets across the final two ODIs but has not played a T20I since the 2023 World Cup in South Africa, with Georgia Wareham the preferred option in that format. The pair teamed up with great effect in Hobart where Wareham crunched 38 off 12 balls before taking two key wickets, and Knight expected the same in Sydney.

"I think I would be surprised [if King wasn't selected]," Knight said. "We're probably expecting a couple of leggies. They've obviously had some success against us in the series, but we'll have to see who lines up tomorrow."

Sophie Molineux, who played in the recent World Cup, is injured so there is an opening for King with the selectors having moved on from Jess Jonassen. King was also the joint-leading wicket-taker in this season's WBBL with Perth Scorchers, claiming 20 at 13.30.

"I think she'd make a massive impact, but, equally, you saw Georgia Wareham, her impact [when] she came in the other game," Litchfield said. "Those two have been bowling amazingly well in T20 cricket for long periods of time and Georgia Wareham's probably had the luck of the green being selected, but they offer so much individually and you'd love to put them both in the side, but unfortunately there's probably not much room so it's a tough choice because they're so good."

The other interest around Australia is how they structure their batting order after the T20 World Cup where a failed experiment with Wareham at No. 3 found the likes of Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland having very few deliveries to make an impact.

"Our batting order is just ridiculous," Litchfield said. "I'm pretty excited for our team to unleash the shackles tomorrow. I really enjoy it in the middle order. I think you look at the likes of Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner, they're striking the ball really well at the moment. Probably better than I am. So full trust in them.

"I think the situation [in the World Cup] was always quite tough, the slow wickets. If you give me an extra 20 balls, I probably won't strike at 160. So I think the way I came in and the position that we were in forced me to do that. But in every game of T20 cricket, I'm trying to play the same way and try to score as many runs off as little balls as possible."

Grace Harris, fresh off 140 off 78 balls for Queensland in the WNCL, is also part of Australia's squad for the T20Is to provide a further batting option alongside the uncapped Voll. Harris played three matches at the World Cup, starting in the middle before moving to the top when Alyssa Healy injured her foot.

Australia (possible): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Beth Mooney, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Ash Gardner, 5 Phoebe Litchfield, 6 Tahlia McGrath, 7 Annabel Sutherland, 8 Georgia Wareham, 9 Alana King, 10 Darcie Brown, 11 Megan Schutt

England (possible): 1 Maia Bouchier, 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Sophia Dunkley, 4 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 5 Heather Knight (capt), 6 Amy Jones (wk), 7 Freya Kemp, 8 Charlie Dean, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Sarah Glenn, 11 Lauren Bell

Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo

'It hurts': Campbell, Lions see magical year end

Published in Breaking News
Sunday, 19 January 2025 00:01

DETROIT -- It was a somber scene inside the Detroit Lions locker room Saturday night as players left Ford Field disappointed.

After a magical regular-season run, the top-seeded Lions suffered a 45-31 upset loss to the Washington Commanders behind a five-turnover performance in the NFC divisional round matchup.

Coach Dan Campbell got emotional afterward while trying to discuss what the record-setting 15-win season and the players meant to him following the Lions' playoff elimination.

It was difficult for him to put the loss into words. The Lions became the first team in NFL history to lose a playoff game when having 300-plus pass and 200-plus rushing yards.

"We just didn't play great, and I mentioned we didn't complement each other and that's the same thing. At the end of the day, I didn't have them ready," Campbell said. "It's hard to look at it."

After Lions All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown completed his postgame interviews, veteran quarterback Jared Goff sat beside him at his locker before putting his face in his hands.

Goff also received a hug from safety Kerby Joseph. His teammates supported him after a tough game where he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. He finished 23-for-40 for 313 yards with a touchdown, but also briefly exited the game in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion after absorbing a big hit during Commanders safety Quan Martin's pick-six.

"I'm still kind of processing this. I'm going to have some hard nights coming up unfortunately. It's hard. I wish I could give you guys a better answer right now," Goff said. "It's disappointing. It's hard. We had everything we wanted. Home field advantage, the fans were incredible and unfortunately, we just let it slip out of our hands."

In a back-and-forth first-half battle, the Lions trailed by 10 at halftime. With 52 points combined, it matched the highest scoring first half in any game since the 2019 divisional playoffs between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, according to ESPN Research.

Campbell described the beginning of the game as being "odd" as the Lions struggled to find a groove. On the defense's second play, starting cornerback Amik Robertson left the contest and wouldn't return after breaking his arm. He will undergo surgery Sunday, according to Campbell.

Robertson joined a long line of injuries, notably on defense, as Detroit was playing with 16 players on the injured reserve list. Still, Campbell refused to make any excuses and said the loss didn't hurt any extra, based upon their No. 1 seeding.

"No. It just hurts to lose, man, and I don't care if you're the seven seed, six seed, five seed, one seed, because I've lost at all of them damn near and it stings," Campbell said. "And it hurts ... it hurts."

After missing the past three regular-season games with an MCL injury, running back David Montgomery returned with seven carries for 28 yards. However, Detroit's other running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, continued to establish himself as a bona fide star with two touchdowns. Gibbs' 22 scrimmage touchdowns this season tied NFL great Gale Sayers (1965) for the most in a season by a player 22 years old or younger.

The Lions led the league in scoring (33.2 points per game) during the regular season. They won the NFC North for the second year in a row.

Detroit also captured every road game for the first time in a season while winning 11 straight contests, but as great a campaign it was for the organization, it was too soon for Campbell to reflect on those achievements following the crushing defeat to the Commanders.

"No. I just think it's just not the time, man. It's hard when you lose, and you lose these games, man," Campbell said as he fought back tears. "It's like the players, what they put into it. A lot of people don't know what they go through. You have to get up, body's beat to s---, mentally stay locked in and do those things, so long season."

Commanders exult in 1st NFC title game since '91

Published in Breaking News
Sunday, 19 January 2025 00:02

DETROIT -- After Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin finished his postgame news conference, he stepped away from the podium and let out a yell that for the franchise was 33 years in the making.

"Wooooooo!" McLaurin shouted, shaking his fists and smiling as he disappeared out the door.

That emotion accompanied Washington's 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions, giving the franchise its first NFC Championship Game berth since the 1991 season. It was the longest such drought in the conference, a dishonor that now belongs to the rival Dallas Cowboys (1995).

"We're not done yet," McLaurin said.

The joy could be heard inside and outside the Commanders locker room, with dignitaries such as former Washington coach Joe Gibbs, Commanders minority shareholder Magic Johnson, NBA star Kevin Durant and award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright all celebrating.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters, in his first season, went around the locker room hugging various players. Co-owner Mitch Rales slapped hands and hugged players as they entered the locker room, sharing a longer embrace with McLaurin.

And co-owner Josh Harris told reporters from the Team 980 and the Athletic that "I'm so happy for the DMV [District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia] ... We're a team of destiny."

This night belonged to a team that was 4-13 a year ago and now will play either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles in next week's NFC Championship Game. Its fan base has endured not just a bad stretch but a bad couple of decades.

From 1981 to 1991, the organization won three Super Bowls and appeared in a fourth. But from 1992 through 2023, Washington owned the NFC's fourth-worst winning percentage.

"I'm so excited not only for myself but my team, especially the guys that have been here for the last couple of years that's been on not-so-good teams just to experience this," Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. said. "It's amazing."

Yet here they are, one season into what was supposed to be a rebuild under first-year coach Dan Quinn. He preferred the word "recalibrate," but the better term now might be rejuvenated.

"This is crazy," said Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was born in 1990, 19 months before the organization's last Super Bowl title.

Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves, with the team since 2018, was fielding a question about a teammate when he diverted his answer as he processed the moment.

"Man, this is cool," Reaves said. "I can't even put my head around this. No one thought we would be here. Let's go!"

But they're here in part because of Jayden Daniels, who becomes the sixth rookie quarterback to reach a championship game. The other five lost. But Daniels has proved all year to be different. That was the case again Saturday night when he completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 16 times for another 51 yards.

Daniels connected on two fourth-down passes to sustain touchdown drives.

"He's so poised and so clutch," Washington running back Austin Ekeler said of Daniels. "Every week, I'm like, man, this guy is really good. I know to expect it, but again and again he continues to show that, hey, he has a huge clutch gene, and it shows up all the time."

Teammates embraced Daniels from the start, pointing to the work he put in -- arriving before any player on a daily basis -- and the talent they saw on the field. They still marvel at him, and they know what he means to the franchise.

"I knew Jay was ready, day one," Robinson said. "I knew he was ready not only for everything, all the great stuff he's done this year, but to have himself prepared for the playoffs and the big-time moments."

Wagner has played in two NFC Championship Games with the Seattle Seahawks, winning both. He sensed this team had a chance to accomplish more than anticipated during a three-game losing streak that dropped its record to 7-5.

"I didn't see anybody waver. I didn't see anyone have their heads down," Wagner said of the skid. "Everyone was coming in still relaxed. We had our ups, and we had our moments when we weren't winning. Everyone became more accountable."

Washington hasn't lost since that time, having won seven in a row. Daniels isn't the only rookie who has contributed. Mike Sainristil, a second-round pick, opened the season as a nickel corner but moved outside when the team needed more help. He solidified the position -- and on Saturday intercepted two passes.

The leadership -- and on-field contributions from veterans such as Wagner, Ekeler and tight end Zach Ertz, who caught five passes for 28 yards and a touchdown against the Lions -- has been invaluable. The Commanders have a standout player in McLaurin, who registered a 58-yard catch for a touchdown, his 15th score of the campaign. And they have a lot of players who understand their roles and fill them.

Players have talked since the spring about their bond, which was enhanced during the previous five games that they won either at the final second or on the last play from scrimmage.

"We're heavy hitters, we're poised and we're confident," Wagner said. "We have a belief in one another that's not easily found."

Meanwhile, Quinn wanted to stay focused in the moment and not get caught up in what Saturday's victory meant.

"There will be a time to look back and reflect," Quinn said, "but I'm not there yet."

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Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- One game after Stephen Curry reached 4,000 3-point...

Baseball

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLeft-hander Framber Valdez was named the Houston Astros' Opening Da...

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis left...

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    Federation Internationale de Speedball

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