Patriots

Former Patriots Tight end Rob Gronkowski sharply criticized his former team for firing coach Jerod Mayo.

Mayo only stayed as head coach in New England for one season. He was fired almost immediately after the Patriots' victory over the Buffalo Bills in Sunday's season finale.

The Patriots went 4-13 this season under Mayo, the identical record as last 12 months Bill Belichickwho was also fired.

Robert Kraft's decision to fireside Mayo so quickly after choosing him as Belichick's successor surprised some, including Gronkowski.

“That shocked me, and the fact that it was about to happen was a shock to a lot of people, especially here at this desk.” Gronkowski said during NFL on FOX. “That surprised us all. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He never had the chance to develop as a head coach. He was a rookie himself in that regard, and judging a coach based on his first year is really not appropriate.”

FOX went to a business before Gronkowski could finish his comments. He was bringing up some extent about fellow panelist Jimmy Johnson, who won two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys after going 1-15 in his first season, when Michael Strahan told him the network needed to fold.

Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as a head coach, finished 6-10 in his first season with the Cleveland Browns. Four of his five seasons in Cleveland were losing seasons. He also went 5-11 in his first season with the Patriots in 2000 before coaching the franchise to its first Super Bowl title the next 12 months.

Mayo didn't get a second likelihood with the franchise where he spent his entire playing profession. Kraft released a letter to fans explaining the firing on the identical day because the season finale. Kraft said this move was the perfect choice to get the Patriots back into the playoffs.

While their record was the identical as last 12 months, the Patriots showed some signs of regression under Mayo.

The Patriots had the No. 1 run defense within the NFL last 12 months in yards per carry. They have slipped into midfield this season. They looked sloppy and undisciplined a lot of the 12 months, with quite a few pre-snap penalties. Off the sector, there have been multiple clashes between players and law enforcement. Mayo had several embarrassing moments in the course of the press conferences.

But there have been also signs of improvement. The offense, which featured a patchwork offensive line consisting mostly of rookies and journeymen, improved barely. quarterback Drake Maye gave the impression to be developing well. The Patriots defeated two teams with rather more talent (Cincinnati and Buffalo) once they weren’t at their best.

Still, the organization decided to chop its losses and move on from Mayo without considering whether he could improve with a second 12 months under his belt.

Mayo is the Patriots' third head coach to serve for lower than a season.

Phil Bengtson went 1-4 as interim coach after replacing John Mazur in 1972 before being named the team's director of professional scouting. Rod Rust was fired after going 1-15 in 1990. Mayo is the one certainly one of the three to have won multiple games.

New England likely felt a way of urgency to make a giant move after enduring several losing seasons at the top of the Belichick era and recruited a possible franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.

They responded to that feeling and the change got here quickly.

Patriots

Rob Gronkowski wished Bill Belichick well as the previous Patriots coach takes on a brand new position leading the University of North Carolina football program.

The four-time Super Bowl champion hosted the LA Bowl on Wednesday, where he discussed his former coach's profession change in a sideline interview with ESPN.

“Coach Belichick, he’s going to do a great job coaching these young guys at UNC. I love the guy. I wish him nothing but the best,” the previous tight end said, also joking that he works as a recruiter for Belichick.

It's Belichick's first time coaching college football, and he'll need to get used to recruiting athletes and the transfer portal. However, the coach appears to be off to a superb start after landing a four-star recruit, quarterback Bryce Baker, and his first transfer signing, Holy Cross offensive lineman Christo Kelly. Belichick can even have more control over North Carolina's program than he would have had had he remained within the NFL.

“He’s going to make college football a lot more exciting, a lot more fun and a lot more interesting,” Gronkowski said. “I’ll tune in like everyone else.”

Patriots

As the sports world reacted Tuesday to the bizarre moment of interference from two Yankees fans during Game 4 of the World Series, Rob Gronkowski saw it on a unique level.

This was because Gronkowski recognized one among the fans (who were eventually thrown out of Yankee Stadium after attempting to grab a baseball from Dodger outfielder Mookie Betts' glove).

Speaking during an appearance on Wednesday at “Up & AdamsThe day after New York's 11-4 victory, which – at least for now – avoided defeat in the World Series, Gronkowski shocked host Kay Adams with his admission.

“This is actually the first time I've seen this live, and here's a fun little fact: that guy grabbing Mookie Betts' glove was my friend in college,” Gronkowski revealed.

Gronkowski noted that the fan, Austin Capobianco, attended the University of Arizona at the same time as him and explained that Capobianco was a member of the college club's ice hockey team.

Describing the club's hockey team as “absolute lunatics” and calling Capobianco a “fun guy,” Gronkowski tried to put his former classmate's behavior into context Tuesday.

“For him to do that represents him very well. I mean, he gives everything for his teams,” Gronkowski explained. “He’s all in for the Yankees. I remember he talked about the Yankees all the time and how much he loved them. That describes him perfectly: he does everything he can to help his team.

“He’s a beauty,” Gronkowski added, “and I just want to congratulate him for shining when your moment came.”

Adams pushed back and continued to push Gronkowski when he felt that what Capobianco and fellow Yankee fan John Peter Betts had done was acceptable.

“I’m not saying it’s OK,” Gronkowski clarified, later adding that he found the interference to be “definitely unacceptable in the world of sports.”

“But when you’re that big of a fan,” Gronkowski admitted, “then that’s what fans do.”

Capobianco and Peter were sent off following the incident and is not going to be allowed to return for Game 5 on Wednesday night.

“The Yankees and Major League Baseball have a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior exhibited last night,” the Yankees said in an announcement. in line with The New York Post. “These fans will in no way be permitted to attend tonight’s game.”

“Well, A for effort.”

This play was called fan intervention, during which a Yankee fan tried to tug the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after an out. pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd

– FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024

SAN JOSE — A San Jose man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his role in a plan to rob a Union City drug dealer that authorities say was foiled due to a large wiretapping operation.

Kyle Leonis was sentenced last month by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. Leonis was charged as a part of a wide-ranging investigation into the Nuestra Familia prison gang and a number of other Norteño street gangs it controls, most of that are based in San Jose.

Prosecutors allege that Leonis is a “sixth generation” member of a Norteño subgroup based in San Jose, but his lawyer disputes that and says Leonis is, at most, an “associate” of some young men who’re gang members.

According to court documents, the plan to rob the Union City home was discussed intimately in 2018 while authorities were tapping gang members' phones. After the FBI raided the house of the drug dealer they were planning to rob, the co-conspirators allegedly talked about how there was likely “a rat” of their midst, and Leonis asked if she “86” this person, who was later attacked. should do. prosecutors said in a sentencing memo.

But Leonis' lawyer said the designation “86” was not a reference to an act of violence, but quite to the alleged snitch's banishment from social gatherings. Leonis works within the restaurant industry, where the term “86” is usually used to ban someone from a restaurant, his attorney added.

In this sense, Leonis' lawyer attached several letters of support confirming Leonis' character and said he had “grown a lot” since his arrest in 2021. “Working as a pizza maker will change his life for the better.”

“We don’t just have pizza. It is a way of life,” the letter says. “It took me down a path that set me on the right path, and I know that will be the case for Kyle too.”

Celebrities born on today: Tony Romo, 44; Rob Riggle, 54; Andie MacDowell, 66; Iggy Pop, 77.

Happy Birthday: Don’t give in under pressure this 12 months. Go with the flow, adapt to the changes around you and make life work like a charm. You will gain respect, favors and a path forward that can enable you to use your skills, qualities and experiences to attain your goal and the happiness you desire. Trust your judgment, do what you do best, and don't look back. Their numbers are 5, 12, 18, 24, 36, 45, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Energize, contribute, participate and make a difference. Your contribution can improve your community while you devote your energy to a cause that affects you. Stay energetic; Idle time will set you back. Join in, do your part and you may feel satisfied and relieved. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Step up, take charge, accomplish what you got down to do, and rock your world. Take the initiative, depend on your instincts and drive, and also you won't be disenchanted. Show off your skills and you may impress each yourself and the audience. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An open mind and willingness to listen will equip you with what it’s essential know and understand to get things done or determine what to do next. Think about the next step and act accordingly. You is not going to regret it. Do what’s best for you. 5 Stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Reconsider your dreams and consider what the probabilities are. Put your skills to the test, expand your qualifications or take into consideration how you possibly can adapt your lifestyle to what matters to you. A change shall be good for you. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-August 22): Stop, breathe and take into consideration the results of creating one mistaken move. Don't act rashly when time is in your side; Intelligence and understanding are obligatory to attain the specified result. Be modern and considerate. 4 stars

VIRGO (August 23-September 22): A day trip, reuniting with old friends or exploring a pastime that interests you’ll encourage positive change. People you meet and experiences you have got result in learning opportunities. It's time to get on the market and see what's available. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotions are running high, requiring leadership to avoid trouble. Focus your energy on love, romance or home improvement and also you shall be pleased with the result. A financial gain, a present or excellent news is apparent. Be open to suggestions and practical help. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You need an outlet for pent-up energy and a challenge that requires mental stimulation and physical stamina. The result shall be an open and enthusiastic attitude that can motivate you to rekindle your dreams, hopes and desires. Stop hesitating and follow your heart. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don't let other people's problems confuse your vision, but as a substitute deal with how you should use your skills to maneuver forward. Invest more time and energy in your surroundings and create a base that relaxes you and provides you the space to meet your desires. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19): When you step out of your comfort zone, you'll find you have got more talent and determination than you thought. Allow your thoughts to wander and trust that your instincts will lead you in the proper direction. It's time to consider in yourself and never consider in anyone trying to guide you astray. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don't worry about those that select a distinct path or prefer competitive challenges. Apply pressure where pressure is due and you’ll get what you would like. Use your intelligence and offer incentives to draw the proper people to your plans. 5 Stars

PISCES (February 19-March 20): Make a way of life change that can enable you to balance your budget and reduce stress. Consider using your skills in a different way or turning a recreational project into extra income. Approaching life in a different way or changing your routine may help reduce your overhead. 3 stars

Birthday boy: You are steadfast, loyal and resourceful. You are intuitive and empathetic.

1 star: avoid conflict; Work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can achieve something, but don't depend on others. 3 stars: Focus and you may achieve your goals. 4 stars: High goals; start latest projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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