THE NFL’s clash with the College Football Playoff this Saturday has been slammed by a sports analyst.

Pro football and the college ranks are competing for eyeballs in a rarely seen event.

AP

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs face a Saturday game at the Houston Texans[/caption]

AP

SMU will host Penn State in the first of three College Football Playoff games on Saturday[/caption]

The first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff begins Friday night.

Three games are scheduled for Saturday from midday ET.

But Saturday also sees two high-profile games take place in the NFL.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Houston Texans at 1 pm ET.

The Chiefs are back-to-back defending Super Bowl champions and have the best record in the league.

Their game will be followed by the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC North division clash.

Both teams are among the best in the AFC, and they will clash at 4.30 pm ET.

The first game will be shown on NBC with Fox taking over for the latter clash.

At the same time, TNT will show two games from the College Football Playoff.

SMU takes on Penn State from midday ET before Texas visits Clemson at 4 pm ET.

The NFL double header is on free-to-air television, giving in an even better chance of winning a ratings battle.

And Tony Kornheiser was unhappy the CFP was going up against Mahomes and Co.

“The NFL isn’t going after college football,” he said on Pardon the Interruption.

“The NFL has had this Saturday window after Army-Navy for years.

“This is college football attempting to spit in the eye of the NFL – this is a different thing.

“I want to see how Patrick Mahomes does on a bad ankle and I want to see how Lamar Jackson does against Pittsburgh.

“Those are games I want to see, as much as a I love college football – nobody beats the NFL.”

Kornheiser cited examples from other sports to demonstrate the NFL’s television ratings dominance.

“Golf gets out of the golf business when NFL season starts in September,” he said.

“The NFL drills baseball – baseball rearranges it’s playoff schedule to not go head to head with the NFL.

“The NFL annihilates the NBA. The NBA was doing fine on Christmas Day for a few years.

“Someone in the NFL office said ‘let’s crush them like ants’ which they did.

“Now nobody even knows who’s playing in the NBA on Christmas Day.

“But football on football – this is pretty new.”

A MAJOR trucking company in the Midwest has filed for bankruptcy, affecting the jobs of its 255 drivers.

Based in Strafford, Missouri, RBX Inc. has been in business for more than 40 years and transports freight in 265 trucks across the Midwest and Southeast.

RBX Inc.

RBX Inc. has filed for bankruptcy[/caption]

The family-owned company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but no reason was given for the move, according to supply chain intelligence platform FreightWaves.

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy gives debtors an opportunity to reorganize their company to keep the business going, according to the United States Courts website.

It reports that up to 199 creditors are affected, but there is no indication of how much money they are owed.

Assets are listed as being up to $50,000 and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million.

Funds will not be available for unsecured creditors, the platform reports.

According to the RBX website, the company has more than 200 power units and a 53-foot dry van trailer fleet.

The company was set up in 1983 and the current CEO is Jim Keltner.

It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Friday December 13 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri.

TRUCK LOAD OF TROUBLE

This is just the latest in a series of high-profile trucking bankruptcies in recent years.

Yellow, which was founded in 1924 and was one of the largest freight companies in the US, filed for Chapter 11 in August 2023.

It had around $2.5 billion of debt and at the time, 30,000 employees.

As reported in the US Sun at the time, Yellow CEO Darren Hawkins said: “It is with profound disappointment that Yellow announces that it is closing after nearly 100 years in business.”

He added: “For generations, Yellow provided hundreds of thousands of Americans with solid, good-paying jobs and fulfilling careers.”

A month later in September 2023, Elmer Buchta Trucking LLC, owner Transport Acquisitions LLC, and three other affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Indiana.

Based in Evansville, Elmer Buchta was the largest bulk hauler in Indiana with more than 300 units.

It had been operating for more than 80 years and had assets of between $1 million and $10 million, while its liabilities were $10 million to $50 million, according to the bankruptcy petition filing.

RETAIL CASUALTIES

The freight trade isn’t the only sector that has seen bankruptcies in recent years, with retail also badly affected.

Bed Bath & Beyond filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2023, closing all of its 360 stores.

The company was then bought by Overstock which relaunched its website – BedBathandBeyond.com – in August that year.

Discount chain Tuesday Morning also closed its 200 stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2023.

It had previously filed for bankruptcy during the coronavirus pandemic in May 2020 and had unsuccessfully attempted to keep going by shuttering a number of locations.

A MOTHER is searching for answers after city officials and a towing company towed two of her vehicles from her driveway, leaving her with a $7,000 bill.

Keyanna Dorsey, a mother-of-four with two jobs, said police in University City, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, and a towing company showed up at her home unexpectedly and hauled away her vehicles without explanation.

KSDK

KSDK

KSDK

“I’m still in the dark,” Dorsey told NBC affiliate KSDK.

Dorsey said her third vehicle was damaged when officials towed the other two.

“They just dropped it,” she added.

However, University City denied damaging the other vehicle, but Dorsey said she’s still seeking answers about why her cars were towed in the first place.

Dorsey said the police department directed her questions to the county.

The mother did a quick dive into whether or not she had any unpaid parking tickets but did not find any.

“All my property taxes are paid,” she added.

When KSDK reached out to the City of University City, they were told Dorsey’s two cars were seized because they were unlicensed.

“Towing actions are carried out in accordance with strict rules and policies, which address a variety of circumstances such as public safety, traffic violations, improperly registered and abandoned vehicles, and more,” University City police said.

“Hartmann’s Towing and Car Care is an independent contractor engaged by the City to perform services.

“Hartmann Towing charges vehicle owners for towing services.”

However, Dorsey disputed those claims, “I had plates on the vehicle. I’m getting ripped off.”

Dorsey told the news outlet she’s stuck with over $7,000 in towing and storage fees.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

“You don’t expect something like this to happen to you.”

University City police said its attorneys were in contact with Dorsey’s lawyer to try to resolve the issue and get both her vehicles registered and licensed.

The department defended its towing procedure, stating that vehicles are released by the independent towing company upon providing proof of ownership and payment of its standard fees.

POPULAR Aussie-inspired restaurant Outback Steakhouse is starting the new year off big.

The chain is inviting diners to indulge in a limited-time steak-cation menu, but you’ll have to hurry because the flavors won’t be on menus for long.

outback steakhouse

The new menu items are for a limited time only[/caption]

Alamy

The new menu items will be available from January 2 through February 18, 2025.

From shaking off the winter blues with a hearty meal to embracing the new year with delicious flair, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Outback Steakhouse.

The Steak-cation lineup offers food and beverages.

Wondering what’s coming to the menu? We’ve got a sneak peek.

BRAND NEW

There are at least five new offerings.

1. Canberra Chopped Steak: Seasoned and chhopped steak topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, drizzled in a red wine demi-glaze.
2. Three Cheese Steak dip: seasoned steak blended with a three-cheese combination. This is served warm with tortilla chips.
3. Chimichurri Filet: seared filet topped with chimichurri sauce. It’s servevd with a steakhouse potato and side.
4. Lavender Fields: This is an alcohol-free blueberry lemonade inspired by Australia’s lavender fields.
5. Koala Punch: Blend of gin, orange juice, and eucalyptus syrup. It’s topped with kombucha and a sprinkle of opal dust.

Remember, these new items will only be around from January 2 through February 18, 2025.

MIXING IT UP

Outback Steakhouse is owned by Bloomin’ Brands. During the November earnings call, its CEO explained how Outback was struggling in the “casual dining space.”

He outlined plans to revive the chain by simplifying the menu.

“We’ve got to create just a great meal and a great value in a fun casual environment which is also the core of the brand,” said Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands.

Spanos explained how important guest experience is and how it relates to the menu.

“It starts with simplification and getting back to the core of that Aussie spirit, that steak seafood core and being all things to some people on the menu and not necessarily being all things to all people on the menu,” said Spanos.

He added that Outback’s intention to focus will be on offering promotions that rely on core, staple menu items rather than adding new or complex items.

The new menu items in January provide a different take on mixing up the restaurant’s offerings, but it’s only for a limited-time.

Customer favorites, like the Bloomin’ Onion, will still be on the menu.

The menu shake-up comes at a time when Outback has been struggling in sales.

In the earnings call, Spanos said the restaurant chain had “not sustainably grown traffic.”

He pointed toward the chain’s drop in same-store sales and share in the steak category.

Spanos blamed challenging industry trends, the impact of recent hurricanes, and the chain’s “current execution.”

The U.S. Sun has more on Krispy Kreme’s four new flavors

Plus, check out how to score 10% off at Red Lobster all the time.

SHOPPERS might be confused at supermarkets soon as retail giants like Walmart and Target are being forced to change how they sell their food items.

The Food and Drug Administration is updating the definition of “healthy” food for the first time in 30 years – meaning product labels will be getting a major makeover.

Getty

Products at Target like cereal and yogurt might no longer be considered healthy (stock image)[/caption]

Getty

The FDA is weighing creating a symbol to show shoppers if food items claim to be healthy or not (stock image)[/caption]

Under the new rule, foods that are labeled healthy have to contain a certain amount of a major food group

Items also can’t have too much saturated fat, sodium, or added sugars if they want to fit the health bill.

This means if a food product doesn’t meet the criteria for the FDA’s definition of healthy, they have to take the word out of the label.

The change aims to help shoppers navigate their food labels.

“It’s critical for the future of our country that food be a vehicle for wellness,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a statement, according to The Hill.

“Improving access to nutrition information is an important public health effort the FDA can undertake to help people build healthy eating patterns.”

Multiple foods that didn’t previously qualify for the healthy claim are now considered eligible, including nuts and seeds, salmon, eggs, and even water.

Other foods are being knocked off the exclusive list, including white bread, sweetened yogurts, and cereals.

VOLUNTARY LABELS

Brands aren’t required to label their foods as healthy or not healthy – but if they do, they have to use the correct requirements.

Manufacturers who want to claim the healthy label can start using the new criteria starting on February 25, 2025.

Companies have until 2028 to comply with the standards, which are explained on the FDA’s website.

“Food labeling can be a powerful tool for change,” FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones said in a statement, according to The Hill.

“Food labeling, like ‘healthy,’ may help foster a healthier food supply if manufacturers choose to reformulate their products to meet the new definition.” 

Once the rule is in effect, the FDA will crack down on companies that don’t follow the new criteria.

Because the program is voluntary, there’s no standardized label companies are required to use – yet.

The FDA is considering developing a symbol that could represent the claim that a food is “healthy.”

The symbol used on the packaging would make it easier for shoppers to tell which foods are nutritious or not.

Improving access to nutrition information is an important public health effort the FDA can undertake to help people build healthy eating patterns.”

Robert CaliffFDA Commissioner

Whether or not the symbol is developed, shoppers will still have to keep an eye out at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target because labels claiming an item is “healthy” might be forced to change its design.

The change comes as a retail expert recently revealed to The U.S. Sun that shoppers are opting for generic products over name brands as inflation prices stay high.

Nearly half of consumers admitted they bought private-label products to save money in 2024, according to a report by data analytics firm Numerator.

The rise in popularity of private label products is driven by rising prices due to inflation – and off-brand items can even drive more customer loyalty for companies.

JOE Burrow is in the holiday spirit and has gifted his offensive lineman incredible items.

Burrow did his best Santa Claus impression by sharing incredible gifts with his team.

Getty

Joe Burrow have his offensive linemen an incredible gift[/caption]

Getty

Burrow gave his teammates Japanese katanas[/caption]

According to reporter Paul Dehner Jr., Burrow gifted his offensive lineman Japanese katanas.

These swords are from centuries ago and each have unique stories.

“Joe does a great job at buying gifts that are extremely meaningful,” offensive lineman Orlando Brown told Dehner.

“The fact that he bought me a sword, it’s the most ancient form of respect.”

Katanas are mostly associated with a period from 1603-1888, but they can be much older.

Some stretch as far back as 1185.

NFL fans were blown away by this gift from Burrow, and shared their thoughts on social media.

“Joeys O line gifts are always the best in the league,” one fan said.

“I mean, who wouldn’t want one. Pretty cool,” another fan said.

“Hands down the best gift,” a third fan said.

“Pretty badass,” a fourth fan said.

“If you’re wondering, a certified antique Japanese Katana can sell upwards to $30K,” a fifth fan said.

Another NFL quarterback went all out with their Christmas gifts this season.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy splurged and bought his offensive lineman new Toyota trucks.

“Boys, I just want to say Merry Christmas. I got some gifts for you guys — sorry for the wait, but if you want to follow me outside,” Purdy said in a video.

The offensive lineman couldn’t believe the gift and shared their excitement.

“My mind is blown, honestly,” Jaylon Moore said.

“This is probably the greatest gift I ever got in my life.” 

Purdy is still on a rookie contract, making his gift extra impressive.

He is making just over $900,000 this season. 

LORD SEBASTIAN COE has vowed to shake-up the Olympic Movement if he becomes president, saying: There’s too much power in the hands of too few people.

On Thursday, Britain’s double Olympic 1500 metres champion revealed details behind his bid to become the most powerful man in sport.

PA

PA

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, 70, steps down in 2025 after 12 years and Coe, 68, is up against six candidates to replace the German.

His manifesto was launched 21 floors up The Turing Building, which overlooks Stratford in East London where the London 2012 Olympics were held – Coe was chairman of that organising committee.

If elected next March in Athens, Coe has vowed to:

+ Protect and promote the integrity of women’s sport (“I’ll advocate for clear, science-based policies that safeguard the female category.”)

+ Revamp the Olympics commercial model after three top sponsors quit after the Paris 2024 Games.

+ Possibly switch some indoor sports from the summer Olympics to the winter Games.

+ Empower the 100-plus IOC membership and give them decision-making responsibility.

+ Strengthen anti-doping systems by enhancing funding and use legal methods to nail dopers.

+ Get more young people involved in the Olympics – but breakdancing will not return under Coe.

Coe, who has been World Athletics boss since 2015, said: “It’s exciting. It’ll be the privilege and honour of my life to do this.

“And I’m ready. I take absolutely nothing for granted.

“But I’ll work harder for this than I’ll probably ever work for anything. Because I think ultimately the treasure at the end is really dramatic here.

Reuters

Sportsfile

“Here in Stratford is probably the best demonstration of anything that I’ve delivered.

“None of this would have happened without using the extraordinary power of the Olympic Movement.

“To have built a new city inside an old city in seven years. To do it from a standing start. To leave 50,000 permanent, meaningful jobs and new houses, three universities.

“That’s the power of the Movement. Every day, if I’m privileged to do this job, I’ll be squeezing every ounce of that.

“The vision is simple. To use the inspirational power of the Olympic Movement to deliver the Greatest Show on Earth every two years.

“In simple terms, I just want to use the experience that I think I’ve amassed over many years. I want to build, I want to reform and I want to deliver.”

Coe, a Tory MP for five years, knows he is “not an insider” and is up against favourite Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior and Bach protégé Kirsty Coventry.

The former 1500 metres world record holder said: “In the IOC room are some really smart people. Some of them have got brains the size of planets.

“Some are running great chunks of the global marketplace. They’re cultural icons.

“They’re coaches. Educators. Members of the Royal Family. Former Prime Ministers or presidents of countries. There’s no shortage of talent there.

“But what input do I and other members have? The reality is there isn’t enough. There’s too much power in the hands of too few people.

“This isn’t a broken organisation. It can be so much better. There has to be safe space for discussion.”

With Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts for the 2034 Fifa World Cup, it is inevitable they will target the Olympics over the next decade – either winter or summer.

Coe, a longstanding member of Amnesty International, has “active discussions” with desert sports bosses over track-and-field and has not ruled out working with them if he gets the top job.

But says he has “uncompromising conversations with governments and sometimes Heads of State” over human rights concerns when awarding tournament rights to host countries.

PA

Washington Spirit and USWNT star Trinity Rodman said "I'm done" in a message responding to her father, Dennis Rodman's apology the former NBA star sent her after she discussed their strained relationship on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast on Wednesday.

A knife-wielding teenager walked into a school in Croatia’s capital on Friday, stabbed a 7-year-old girl to death and wounded three more children and their teacher.

President-elect Donald Trump blamed President Biden on Dec. 20 for the impending fiscal cliff-dive and suggested the government should shut down “now” — even as congressional Republicans are preparing an eleventh-hour push to approve short-term funding before midnight. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden...