Former employee files lawsuit accusing McMahon and another executive of sexual assault, trafficking and emotional abuse.
Vince McMahon has resigned from wrestling giant TKO Group and the subsidiary World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) he founded after a lawsuit that accused him of sexual assault and trafficking.
McMahon stepped down from his position as executive chairman of the board of directors at WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, according to a statement released late on Friday.
Former employee Janel Grant sued the company, McMahon and former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis, alleging sexual assault, trafficking and emotional abuse.
Grant filed the complaint on Thursday in a court in the US state of Connecticut, where WWE is based, accusing McMahon of coercing her into a “sexual relationship”, sharing sexually explicit photos and videos of her with male colleagues, and subjecting her to “increasingly depraved sexual demands” that included sexual encounters with Laurinaitis and others.
McMahon’s statement said he was leaving the board “out of respect” for WWE and TKO Group.
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” he said in the statement.
“I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”
On Thursday, Grant’s lawyer Ann Callis said in a statement that Grant hopes her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimised.
“The organisation is well aware of Mr McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership,” she said.
Grant is seeking unspecified monetary damages and to have the court void a $3m nondisclosure agreement, of which she alleges she received only $1m.
Ongoing accusations
In 2022, McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO amid an investigation into allegations that match those in Grant’s lawsuit.
His daughter Stephanie McMahon was named interim CEO as the investigation continued amid widening allegations of misconduct and payments of millions of dollars to women formerly associated with WWE to keep quiet about affairs and alleged misconduct.
After buying what was then the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from his father in 1982, McMahon turned the second-rate league into an entertainment giant.
He used scripted matches, celebrity wrestlers and glitz to make the brand more acceptable to television audiences, and created the concept of pay-per-view matches for bigger events such as “WrestleMania” to build its revenue base.
The organisation passed the billion-dollar mark in annual sales last year and on Tuesday Netflix sealed a 10-year, $5bn broadcast deal with WWE.
TKO was formed after WWE merged last April with the company that runs the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to create the $21.4bn sports entertainment company.
Singapore – On a sunny Saturday afternoon in the far north of Singapore, a weekend ritual is in full swing.
Racegoers at the Singapore Turf Club are crowded around banks of screens, studying the odds for the afternoon’s upcoming horse races.
Many are clutching newspapers, scrutinising the form guide in the hope of picking out a winner. The crowd is largely made up of older Singaporean men, affectionately known as “uncles”.
Soon, they will need to find something else to fill their weekends. The curtain is about to come down on more than 180 years of horse racing history in Singapore, with the final race scheduled for October.
The Southeast Asian nation’s sole horse racing track has fallen victim to the tiny island’s need for land, with its entire 120 hectares (297 acres) to be handed back to the government in 2027 for redevelopment into public and private housing.
British Queen Elizabeth II (centre), who loved horse racing, visited the Turf Club on several occasions [File: Nash/AP]
When the announcement was made last June, Singapore Turf Club’s chairman, Niam Chiang Meng, said he was “saddened by the decision” but “understands the land needs of Singapore”.
More than six months later, Singapore’s horse racing community remains shocked, confused and frustrated.
“We had no indication [prior to June] or any information that this place is closing”, said Jason Ong, the president of the Association of Racehorse Trainers Singapore.
“To close down the whole industry in one and a half years, I think that’s something that every participant in horse racing feels is very sudden and hard to come to terms with,” Ong added.
Horses have been raced in the city-state since 1843, with the inaugural Singapore cup race held in front of more than 300 spectators.
As the popularity of the sport grew, racing moved to a 98-hectare site (242 acres) in the centrally located Bukit Timah area in 1933. Queen Elizabeth II was a notable visitor to the course in 1972, with 26,000 fans flocking to see her and other members of the British Royal Family.
Then, on the eve of the Millennium, the turf club was moved so the site could be returned to the government for housing and other uses.
At a recent meeting, there were plenty of seats available for spectators [Adam Hancock/Al Jazeera]
The 500 million Singapore dollar ($295m) Kranji Racecourse was opened in 1999 and included a five-storey grandstand with a capacity for 30,000 fans.
This new venue was supposed to signal more opportunities for the growth of horse racing in Singapore, even allowing for atmospheric night races under floodlights.
But today, it is a very different feeling at a racecourse that is soon to be demolished.
The grandstands are far from full, with most people huddled together in the shade of the concourses watching the races on monitors.
‘It’s a hobby’
Food and drink options are limited, with one food court sitting empty. Just a few shops remain, selling cheap cans of Tiger beer and plastic containers of noodle and rice dishes.
But the enthusiasm for racing and gambling remains strong among the loyal patrons.
“It’s a hobby, my hobby. I’ve been betting for more than 30 years”, said racegoer Frankie Koay.
“I’m very sad – it shouldn’t have had to be closed. Once it goes down we have to concentrate on other racing, like Hong Kong and Malaysia,” Frankie added.
Racegoers queue up to place their bets at the Singapore Turf Club [Adam Hancock/Al Jazeera]
In the lull between races, action from other tracks in South Korea and Australia is broadcast on TV screens. Occasional roars can be heard from different crowds, presumably cheering a winner in the 3:40 at Seoul.
While far from full, there is a real sense of community at the course, with the largely working-class crowd enjoying the chance to pocket some winnings.
“I’ve come here for around 30 years”, said Mr Tay, who preferred not to share his full name.
When asked why he keeps coming back, he says: “Just nothing to do. No place to go. I just come for fun”.
With horse racing soon to bow out in Singapore, one sport retains a stronghold on the tiny island.
As of 2023, there were 16 golf courses on the island, according to local media, although one public course closed at the end of the year.
On top of this, the 712 sq km (275 sq mile) city-state retains several country and social clubs.
The government says golf courses are being targeted too, with the centrally-located Marina Bay course to close later this year when its lease comes to an end.
When announcing the closure of the Kranji Racecourse, Singapore Turf Club blamed dwindling attendance over the past decade. And on this Saturday afternoon, it was not difficult to find a seat to watch the action.
“Closing down is OK for me because there’s no new generation to do horse betting,” said racing fan Roger Chuay.
Some members of Singapore’s racing community are placing the blame for the ageing fan base firmly at the door of the Turf Club’s management.
Fans check out the horses in the paddock. Trainers are concerned about the future of some 500 horses [Adam Hancock/Al Jazeera]
“Horse racing here has gone backwards a bit. But it was only going backwards because of the way they manage it and they never kept up with the times,” said one leading trainer who wished to remain anonymous.
“If you put the right people in to run racing and get it right, it could be a massive asset to Singapore and to tourism and to jobs,” the trainer added.
500 horses to consider
Eyebrows have also been raised at how long it took to begin the redevelopment of the Turf Club’s previous site in Bukit Timah.
Since it closed in 1999, the racecourse has been host to several businesses, including restaurants and children’s play facilities.
It was only at the end of 2023 that it was finally cleared for work to begin on a new housing neighbourhood.
“The old turf club is only just now closed up and they are going to start doing something to it. That’s 24 years”, said the trainer.
“This place [Kranji Racecourse], nothing will happen to it for 10-15 years. It will just rot.”
For those still involved in horse racing in Singapore, there is now the considerable challenge of winding down their operations and finding new homes for hundreds of horses in a relatively short period of time.
“The important part now is thinking about what the exit strategy is,” said Ong.
“It’s the welfare of the horses as well, even if you want to export the horses out, will there be anyone taking them in? If you say we can send 500 horses to Malaysia, I don’t think Malaysia will be able to take in so many horses,” explained Ong.
In a statement, the Singapore government said: “Racehorse trainers and owners will receive support for horse maintenance and exportation.”
The Turf Club tends to attract older working-class men. Many are upset at the course’s impending closure [Adam Hancock/Al Jazeera]
The Singapore Turf Club declined an interview request from Al Jazeera. In a statement released last year, they said they “will work with the government to ensure a well-managed exit for local horse racing.”
Racing at Kranji will draw to a close with the running of the 100th Grand Singapore Gold Cup.
It will be a day that will bring immense sadness for the Singaporeans for whom racing is the highlight of their weekends.
“A lot of people have no place to go for amusement. We are not going to go drinking or out to night life, this place [the races] is for old men to go”, said Paul as he studied horses in the parade ring.
“If they want to build commercial buildings or houses, I think a golf club is better. One golf club cleared away means you can build a lot.”
Doha, Qatar – Palestine started their last group match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with their hopes of qualifying for the next round hanging by a thread, but ended it with an emphatic 3-0 win over Hong Kong and by sealing a last-16 spot.
The compact Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium turned into a Palestinian den on Tuesday night as the Fedayeen roared into the knockout stage of the tournament.
When the last two games of group C got under way at 6pm, Palestine were trailing Iran, who had sealed their spot as group leaders, and second-placed United Arab Emirates (UAE) on points and goal difference.
Palestine’s supporters were hopeful but not entirely confident of securing a result that would bring them in contention for a last-16 spot. At full-time, they were in a state of disbelief at how their team turned their fortunes around.
Some, like Linah al-Fatah, had faith in their team.
“It says a lot about our determination, self-belief and faith in God [as Palestinian people] that we have bounced back in the tournament in this manner,” she told Al Jazeera after the match.
According to Palestine’s captain Musab Al-Battat, it was a performance that showed the world that his team is among the best in the continent.
“We wanted to deliver a message to the world that we have a right to participate in every major football tournament, and not just for the sake of participation, but to show our skills,” Al-Battats aid in his passionate post-match news conference.
The captain said his team came into the tournament with a “clear objective” of putting a smile on the faces of their supporters.
The supporters, in turn, helped the players pick themselves up after a crushing defeat in their opening match against Iran nine days ago.
Their second match, against the UAE, saw an improved performance that was vociferously backed by a partisan crowd.
Last week’s 1-1 draw against their regional rivals was the stepping stone in their progress and the win against Hong Kong sealed their reputation as a team that cannot be brushed aside.
For their part, Hong Kong began the match brightly as their group of 500 travelling supporters made their presence felt from the one stand that they occupied.
Dressed in red and carrying their banners from all the way back home, the fans arrived and settled in long before kickoff and before the local Palestinian supporters took their seats.
However, once the match kicked off it was clear that their team was under pressure.
Palestine relentlessly attacked the Hong Kong goal with a strong forward line, and reaped the reward with three goals.
Every Palestinian attack was backed with a crescendo of noise.
Different groups of Palestinian fans took turns in chanting pro-Palestine slogans and calling for freedom.
Their captain, Al-Battat, acknowledged the support after the match.
“The thousands of fans in Qatar and the millions of displaced Palestinians around the world are our number one motivation,” he said with a steely look.
His team are nearly certain to face hosts, holders and favourites Qatar in their round-of-16 tie.
The prospect may be daunting but if there is one thing Palestine have shown in the 12 days of this tournament and the 109 days of the war in Gaza, they will not give up without a fight.
“We have faced every challenge with determination and we are not going to stop now.”
For their Gaza-born defender Mahmoud Saleh, the full-time whistle brought a gush of emotions.
The number five fell to the ground and buried his face in the grass as he cried uncontrollably. When he was finally pulled up on his feet by his teammates, Saleh pulled his shirt over his face as he sobbed.
Saleh is one of the few players from Gaza who are part of the current squad, and has spoken of the difficulties of playing and training while not being able to hear about his family’s safety amid the war.
The win gives Saleh, Al-Battat and their teammates another chance of ensuring the Palestinian anthem is played in the stadium, the Palestinian flag is waved by thousands and the Palestinian spirit is displayed for the world to see.
Hosts Qatar stormed to the knock-out stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a 1-0 win against China.
AFC Asian Cup hosts Qatar finished their group stage in style on Monday with a spectacular volley from Hassan Al-Haydos for a 1-0 win over China, which is on the brink of elimination from the tournament.
The deadlock at the Khalifa International Stadium was broken midway through the second half with an unforgettable strike. Akram Afif’s corner was immediately met outside the area by Al-Haydos, who confidently volleyed into the top corner. Both players had just been introduced as substitutes.
Qatar, who had already secured its spot in the knockout stage, topped Group A with nine points and advanced with Tajikistan, who beat last-place Lebanon 2-1 to take second place with four points.
China finished with just two points and failed to score in any of their three games. They have never won the Asian Cup and must now wait for other results but have only the faintest of chances of squeezing into the next round as one of the four best-performing third-place teams in the six groups.
🔝 Record-breaker 💪 Captain on the field 🔥 Scores, creates, and dazzles
Qatar may have lost all three games on home soil at the 2022 World Cup but have been perfect in the Asian Cup, advancing to the round of 16 by winning all three games without conceding a goal.
Already certain of the top spot heading into the match, defending champions Qatar made nine changes from the previous game, handing the initiative to China who created better chances in the first half.
Wei Shihao had three opportunities to score his team’s first goal. After just seven minutes, he side-footed wide from just inside the area and later, his low shot from close range was saved by Qatar’s Saad Al Sheeb.
Wei went close again right before the break with a header that just cleared the bar.
After Al-Haydos’s superb goal in the 66th, China had the ball in the net with three minutes remaining but Jiang Shenglong’s shot was ruled out as the ball had gone out of play in the buildup.
In the group’s other fixture, Tajikistan rallied to beat Lebanon and advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
“We made history today and this is the biggest thing for the Tajikistan people,” coach Petar Segrt said. “It was difficult but we kept fighting and we did it.”
Lebanon took the lead early in the second half with a curling shot from Bassel Jradi but were reduced to 10 men after 54 minutes because of a foul by Kassem El Zein.
Tajikistan had two goals ruled out for offside but finally scored with 10 minutes remaining. Parvizdzhon Umarbaev scored, then Nuriddin Khamrokulov headed home a winning goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.
Kohli will miss the Tests in Hyderabad and Rajkot after missing the first T20 against Afghanistan for the same reason.
India batter Virat Kohli will miss his side’s first two Test matches against England due to personal reasons, the country’s cricket board confirms.
The former national team captain missed the opening game of the recent T20 series with Afghanistan, citing the same reason, but returned for the second and third matches.
Kohli, 35, has been a regular fixture for India’s Test side, and the last time he missed a game was in January 2022 when he was ruled out of the second match of the series against South Africa in Johannesburg because of an injury.
The five-match series against England begins in Hyderabad on Thursday while the third Test starts on February 15 in Rajkot.
“Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement on Monday.
“The BCCI respects his decision and the board and team management has extended its support to the star batter.
“The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Kohli’s privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.”
The board said a replacement for Kohli will be added to the squad for the first two matches.
Before the T20 series against Afghanistan, Kohli had been playing only Test cricket for India since the Cricket World Cup final defeat by Australia in December to manage his workload.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Virat Kohli withdraws from first two Tests against England citing personal reasons.
FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino has called for worldwide stadium bans for fans and “automatic forfeits” for teams whose supporters hurl “abhorrent” abuse, following racist incidents at club matches in Italy and England.
The head of governing body the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) said on Sunday that there was no place for discrimination of any kind in the sport or wider society.
“The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable,” he said in a statement.
“The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support.”
Fans aimed monkey chants at AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan during Milan’s dramatic 3-2 win at Udinese, with the game temporarily halted.
In a strongly worded statement on X, formerly Twitter, the France team said: “You have all our support Mike Maignan. The FFF [French Football Federation] totally condemns all racist acts.”
France captain Kylian Mbappe also offered his backing to his international teammate.
“You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan, we are all with you,” wrote the Paris Saint-Germain star.
“Still the same problems and still NO solution. Enough is enough!!!!! NO TO RACISM” he posted on X.
“We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society,” Infantino said.
“As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists.
“FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”
On behalf of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, has made the following statement:
“The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination – both in football…
At Udinese, referee Fabio Maresca stopped play during the first half and a livid Maignan stormed down the tunnel with his teammates.
Play resumed after about five minutes.
Maignan said something had to change as racist abuse has been part of football for too long.
“This shouldn’t exist in the world of football, but unfortunately for many years this is a recurrence,” he told Milan TV after confirming he heard fans making monkey noises.
“With all the cameras present and sanctions for these things, something must be done to change things.
“We all have to react, we must do something because you can’t play like this.”
Last week Lazio were hit with a one-match stand closure after supporters directed monkey chants at Romelu Lukaku during their team’s Italian Cup win over local rivals Roma.
Coventry midfielder Kasey Palmer accused Sheffield Wednesday fans of doing the same to him during their English Championship clash, which his team won 2-1 on Saturday as well.
Palmer labelled the abuse “abhorrent and wholly unacceptable”, with the match paused as the referee spoke to both managers on the touchline.
In a statement, Sheffield Wednesday said they were “shocked and saddened by the racist gesture from the stands” reported by Palmer.
“Both clubs roundly condemn any form of discrimination and abuse, and underline that there is no place for this kind of behaviour in football or our wider society,” the statement added.
“We will work together with the relevant authorities and anyone proven to be culpable will face the strictest possible sanctions from both Sheffield Wednesday and the law.”
Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright applauded the “solidarity” in the Milan side and urged teams to “keep walking off” when they hear abuse and called for stronger sanctions.
He wrote on X: “We did ‘playing through it’ and nothing has changed. Points deductions needed, the fines are pointless.”
However, Palmer admitted he was sceptical that things would change in the game, also writing on X: “Racism is a disgrace. it has no place in the world, let alone football.
“I’m black and proud and I am raising my three kids to be the exact same. I’ll be honest, it feels like things will never change, no matter how hard we try.
“Couple [of] fans doing monkey chants don’t define a fan base – I appreciate all the love and support I’ve received.”
Djokovic dropped only three games in his march to quarters, while Sabalenka has dropped 11 games in four matches.
In a Grand Slam that has seen several top-ranked players drop out in the first three rounds, defending champions Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have dodged upsets to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals without a major blip.
Djokovic was ruthless in a 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 win over Adrian Mannarino on Sunday as he entered his 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal to match Roger Federer’s all-time Grand Slam record.
In a rare daytime appearance on Rod Laver Arena, the 10-time Australian Open champion hit 31 winners and raced to victory in 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Djokovic is into the Australian Open quarterfinals for the 14th time, which is equal second on the all-time list with Rafael Nadal and John Newcombe. The difference is that he has converted most of those quarterfinal runs into titles at Melbourne Park.
He will face Taylor Fritz, who reached the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time with a 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, last year’s runner-up.
Meanwhile, the ruthless women’s world number two, Aryna Sabalenka, warned that she is stronger now than when she won her maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne as her imposing march towards another title gathered steam.
The Belarusian was in total control against unseeded American Amanda Anisimova on Margaret Court Arena, blazing home 6-3, 6-2 in 70 minutes.
Sabalenka has dropped a scant 11 games in her four matches and, with top seed Iga Swiatek out of the tournament, is the clear favourite to win a second Grand Slam.
Should she do so, she will be the first woman to retain the title since compatriot Victoria Azarenka completed the feat in 2013.
“I think I feel stronger than last year. So far I feel good. Hopefully, I just can keep it up,” said the 25-year-old, who has embraced her status as reigning champion in Melbourne.
“I’m getting stronger because I enjoy the atmosphere and I really want to stay here as long as I can, till the very last day.”
Last year’s US Open champion Coco Gauff has kept up with the two singles favourites after racing past unseeded Magdalena Frech 6-1, 6-2 in just 63 minutes on Rod Laver Arena as she zeroes in on a second Grand Slam title.
Gauff said she was enjoying “learning adulthood” after showing poise and determination to storm into her first Australian Open quarterfinal.
The tournament’s top seed among women Iga Swiatek lost 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Czech teenager Linda Noskova in the third round on Saturday.
Swiatek’s four Grand Slam titles and 18-match winning streak were no help against the big-hitting teen.
But pedigree and past performance seem to mean little to nothing at Melbourne Park so far this year, setting up a closing week that features a bunch of new players and storylines.
Apart from Swiatek, the other seeded players to depart the Grand Slam are Elena Rybakina (3), Jessica Pegula (5), Ons Jabeur (6) and Marketa Vondrousova (7).
In men’s draw, seeded players such as Ben Shelton (16), Holger Rune (8) and Casper Ruud (11) have also dropped out before the last-eight stage.
Briton Andy Murray was a first-round victim, along with returning former champion Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki.
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Since their season-opening clash, where the Ravens secured a 25-9 victory, both teams have undergone transformations. Baltimore emerges as the AFC frontrunner for the Super Bowl, while the Texans signal their potential to contend for AFC glory in the coming years.
A closer analysis of this matchup reveals a more balanced contest than the line suggests. Both the Ravens and Texans boast an 8-4 record against teams with a winning record this season. Remarkably, both quarterbacks have excelled in protecting the football, combining for only 12 interceptions while delivering 50 touchdowns in nearly 1,000 pass attempts.
Jackson stands out for his dynamic running, while Stroud showcases prowess as a dynamic passer. The Ravens exhibit a superior pass defense, countered by the Texans’ robust run defense, evening out the playing field. While the Ravens bring experience, boasting a 1-3 playoff record with Jackson, Stroud has already achieved postseason success after just one game.
While favoring the Ravens for the win, the game is expected to be closely contested. Ultimately, the outcome may hinge on a field goal, with the Ravens benefiting from the significant advantage of having Justin Tucker as their kicker. This matchup doesn’t seem like a two-possession game for the Ravens, and the Texans, under Ryans, are likely to continue their season-long trend of battling fiercely and keeping the game tight.
Pick: Texans +9.5 (-110)
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A transgender golfer with dreams of making it to the LPGA tour has won a women’s tournament in Florida, which improved her chances of earning herself a spot in a qualifying tour.
Hailey Davidson, 30, came out on top at the NXXT Women’s Classic on Jan. 17 at the Mission Inn Resort and Club, 35 miles northwest of Orlando, after shooting one-over-73 and ending the three-round tournament +4.
Davidson, a Scottish native residing in Florida, won after being 3-shots behind with two holes to go before forcing a playoff following her play on the 18th hole, according to Davidson’s Instagram post celebrating the victory.
NXXT Golf is a professional women’s golf tour focused on “elevating women’s golf.”
“The Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour,” according to the Epson Tour’s website.
The win propelled Davidson to the top of the NXXT tour’s leaderboard where she boasts a total score of 1320, a whopping 150 points ahead of the woman in second place.
Out of the five tournaments held in the league since November, Davidson has placed in the top-2, twice, along with a 7 and 9 place finish.
Hailey Davidson poses with the trophy she won after winning the NXXT Women’s Classic on Jan. 17, 2024, in Howey-In-The-Hills, FL. haileydgolf/InstagramDavidson won the tournament after being 3-shots behind with two holes to go before forcing a playoff following her play on the 18th hole. haileydgolf/Instagram
Along with a trophy and the 500 league points given to the winner, Davidson was awarded $1,576.51, increasing her season total to $4,206.84, with a current career total of $5,801.89 over 8 events.
At the end of the tour’s schedule, 10 exemptions will be awarded to the top five points leaders to participate in the Epson Tour.
The league is the official LPGA qualifying tour and has produced over 600 members who have gone on to play in the largest and most prestigious female golf organization in the world.
Five events have already been completed in the tour’s schedule, with eight more to go, all ending with the NXXT Tour Championship in Ocala, FL. from March 25 to 27.
The win propelled Davidson to the top of the NXXT tour’s leaderboard where she boasts a total score of 1320, a whopping 150 points ahead of the woman in second place. haileydgolf/InstagramDavidson made history prior to joining NXXT Golf, as she became the “World’s first transgender person to win a professional golf tournament,” a record she boasts about in her Instagram bio. haileydgolf/Instagram
If Davidson were to be awarded two of the ten exemptions to the Epson Tour, she had to earn approval from the LPGA while she was transitioning from male to female.
She allegedly began talking with the tour in 2016 but wasn’t deemed eligible to compete until 2021, when, at that time, she had been on Hormone Replacement Therapy for 5 years and 8 months.
Davidson also claims she lost 15 mph of “club head speed” as a result of her transition.
The average PGA Tour golfer’s club head speed is 114.2 mph while the average driver swing speed on the LPGA Tour is approximately 94 mph, according to analytics company GraffGolf.
Davidson allegedly began talking with the tour in 2016 but wasn’t deemed eligible to compete until 2021, when, at that time, she had been on Hormone Replacement Therapy for 5 years and 8 months. haileydgolf/Instagram
Davidson made history prior to joining NXXT Golf, as she became the “World’s first transgender person to win a professional golf tournament,” a record she boasts about in her Instagram bio.
Her goal of making the LPGA has been defended by Caitlyn Jenner, with the Olympic gold medalist supporting the transgender golfer to compete in the tour.
“I’ve been very consistent with how I’ve tried to approach these transgender athletes. It really depends on the sport. Every sport is different,” Jenner said in August 2022.
Chad McCrary, a beloved champion bodybuilder, died earlier this month. He was 49.
McCrary’s brother, Lance McCrary, took to social media and posted a message from Mutant CEO Jim McMahon.
Mutant is a sports fitness brand and sponsored McCrary.
“Like everybody, I’m very sad and stunned,” McMahon said in video. “It’s a hard one.”
McMahon also spoke about the legacy McCrary left on the athletic community.
“What I’m always gonna take away is just what we all got to experience, in our group at least, with him, is just the camaraderie. It’s always everything that all of us try to achieve in this life is having good friends and good camaraderie.”
“I don’t have much to say just the heart hurts,” he reiterated. “That’s the simplest way to put it. Peace and love to everybody. Thanks, Chad.”
Champion bodybuilder Chad McCrary shows off an Arnold Classic 2022 medal in an Instagram post from Sept. 2023. ifbbprochadmccrary/InstagramMcCrary’s death was confirmed by his brother who said he was “very sad and stunned.” ifbbprochadmccrary/Instagram
Lance expressed gratitude for McMahon’s remarks and said his brother was thrilled to be a part of the sports fitness brand.
“Jim, my brother was so proud to be part of Mutant nation,” Lance wrote in the post’s comment section. “He was on top of the world of you when you sponsored him.”
Lance also praised McCrary for his determination and his ability to make others laugh.
“He was truly a body builder in his Beast mode, his determination was unmatched. Yet he could make you laugh, give good advice. Just an all-around good man.”
Per his obituary in the Texarkana Gazette, McCrary also worked as a motivational speaker and was a licensed aviator through Texarkana College.
He also had a stint as a paramedic for LifeNet and the Red River Army Depot.
A 2005 motocross accident left McCrary paralyzed, but he continued to perform in bodybuilding competitions. ifbbprochadmccrary/InstagramMcCrary also worked as a motivational speaker and was a licensed aviator through Texarkana College. ifbbprochadmccrary/Instagram
A 2005 motocross accident left McCrary paralyzed, but he continued to perform in bodybuilding competitions.
In an interview with Wheelchair Bodybuilding, McCrary detailed his attempt to land a 100-foot triple jump during a motocross race.
McCrary was asked why he remained motivated to compete even when he was in a wheelchair, “To try and inspire others,” he responded.
“I was already involved in bodybuilding and just carried it over to the wheelchair.”
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