Trent McDuffie, the NFL's highest-paid corner, aims to make a difference in Rams' Super Bowl push

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams became the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl once their trade for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie went public.

As a two-time Super Bowl champion himself, McDuffie is embracing the expectations of helping the Rams get back to the top after beingtantalizingly closein each of the previous two seasons against teams that ended up winning it all.

"Like I said, this team is ready to go," McDuffie said. "I don't think I'm coming in here with a team that doesn't understand the value that they have. So those little nuggets that I feel like I can just pour into guys that can get us over the hump, I'm going to do everything I can because that's the end goal. And I know it's the end goal bringing me in is the Lombardi Trophy, so everything we do to bring a ring back to this city is what I'm going to do."

McDuffie was formally introduced by the Rams on Thursday, having joined in ablockbuster trade from Kansas Cityfor the 29th overall pick, fifth-round and sixth-round picks in April's draft and a third-round pick next year. He thensigned a four-year contract extensionthat makes McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history and will keep him with his hometown team through 2030.

Having played in three Super Bowls in four seasons with the Chiefs, the 25-year-old McDuffie has a good understanding of the margins that make the difference between success and failure.

For the Rams, who went 12-5 last season and lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks23-17 in the NFC championship game, it was their inability to cover high-level wide receivers such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the most critical moments that kept them from securing the top seed in the conference or playing for a title.

In adding McDuffie, along with his formerChiefsteammate Jaylen Watson in free agency, the Rams expect to turn those mismatches in their favor.

McDuffie has defended 34 passes, made two interceptions and forced eight fumbles in 56 career regular-season games. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and received second-team recognition in 2024. McDuffie also offers flexibility to play on the outside or in the slot, though safety Quentin Lake has manned the nickelback position with great success under defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

"It don't matter where you put me," McDuffie said. "I'll play safety. I'll put my hand in the dirt. Like, I hope I don't have to. But, really, I'm just out here wanting to play ball, you know. And no matter where you put me, I'm going to work, day in and day out, to make sure that I do my job at a very high level, and that's the guy you're getting."

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McDuffie's ability to use short-area quickness to cover the "small shifty guys," as Watson described it, is what sets him apart. But Watson, whosigned a three-year contract that includes $34 million in guarantees, could be just as important with his 6-foot-2 and nearly 200-pound frame offering the stature to contend with the likes ofnew divisional foe Mike Evans.

"Me and Trent complement each other so well," Watson said. "My strengths are the big receivers. So we should be pretty diverse. We should be able to match up pretty well against a lot of different looks we get."

McDuffie and Watson came into the league together as part of the 2022 draft class, with the Chiefs selecting Watson out of Washington State 222 picks after taking hisAppleCup rival McDuffie.

Watson was hoping to start his professional career in Kansas City but assumed the drafting of McDuffie and fourth-round pick Joshua Williams would prevent that, only to find himself taken in the seventh round.

Four years later, Watson approached free agency with an eye toward helping address the Rams' deficiencies.

"Then they traded for Trent, and I knew he was going to be the highest-paid in the league, I was like, 'Not going to the Rams.' So, yeah, it's a full circle moment," said Watson, who has defended 24 passes and made three interceptions in 53 career regular-season games.

Together, McDuffie and Watson are ready for the expectations their arrival will bring to the Rams.

"Doesn't matter what's on paper," Watson said. "You got to do what you got to do, take care of what's in front of you one game at a time, and hopefully when it's all said and done we can get there."

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Trent McDuffie, the NFL's highest-paid corner, aims to make a difference in Rams' Super Bowl push

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams became the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl once their trade for All-Pro co...

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Paige Shiver Alleges ‘Years of Manipulation, Harassment and Exploitation’ from Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore

Sherrone Moore's former assistant Paige Shiver issued a statement alleging "years of manipulation, harassment and exploitation" from Michigan's former head football coach

NEED TO KNOW

• Moore recently pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors: malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespass

• Moore was fired from the University of Michigan after he allegedly engaged in an extramarital affair with a football team staff member

Sherrone Moore's former assistant, Paige Shiver, alleges that she faced years of "manipulation, harassment, and exploitation" from the now-former University of Michigan head football coach.

Moore "held enormous power over her professional life as the head football coach of one of the nation's most prominent college football programs," Shiver's legal team, Action Injury Law Group, alleged in a March 6 statement obtained by PEOPLE.

"The power imbalance between a powerful head coach and a subordinate employee created an environment where our client felt pressured, intimidated, and unable to escape conduct that should never occur in any workplace—let alone at a public university," the statement continues.

In December,the university fired Moorefor allegedly engaging in an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member." Moore waslater accusedof driving to the staffer's home, grabbing butter knives and threatening suicide. He was arraigned and charged with third-degree home invasion, stalking and entering without permission.

On March 6,Moore pleadedno contest to two misdemeanors: malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespass. Three more serious charges, including a felony home invasion that came with afive-year prison sentence if convicted, were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. Moore's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 14, and he faces up to six months in prison.

"All the charges against Mr. Moore were not supported by facts of law. … the dismissal of those charges validates the concerns we raised," Moore's attorney, Ellen Michaels, said after the March 6 hearing, reportsMLive. "Mr. Moore is pleased to put this behind him and move forward."

Shiver's attorneys claimed the plea deal "confirms the seriousness of that criminal misconduct," adding, "But this case is about far more than one terrifying incident."

While the statement does not provide further details about Moore and Shiver's relationship, her attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, toldThe Detroit Newsthat since Moore was fired over the relationship, it shouldn't have happened at all. "He took advantage of a younger, female employee," Stroth told the outlet. "Leadership knew and failed to act to protect her."

The statement alleges that this happened over the course of a "long period of time."

"It raises urgent and troubling questions about how a powerful figure within a major university athletic program was able to engage in years of inappropriate conduct toward a subordinate without meaningful intervention or oversight," the statement reads.

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Shiver believes she was not the only employee who was a victim of "inappropriate, coercive or predatory behavior." The statement also noted that Shiver's decision to publicly reveal her name came with a "tremendous personal cost."

"She believes that silence allows abuse of power to continue. Her hope is that by speaking out, others who may have been intimidated into remaining quiet will find the strength to share their experiences as well."

Her attorneys call for "a thorough and transparent investigation" into the alleged "conduct," as well as "any related institutional failures."

PEOPLE reached out to the University of Michigan Athletics Department and Michaels for comment.

Shiver's attorneys also claim that Moore's no-contest plea "was entered a mere days following press reportsalleging his failure to report sexual assault allegations against former Michigan assistant coach LaTroy Lewis."

On Feb. 26, journalist Justin Spiroreportedthat Lewis allegedly raped a woman in December 2024 when he was a Michigan coaching staff member. The accuser alleged that she informed Moore, whom she knew personally, about the alleged rape and battery shortly after they occurred, according to Spiro andESPN.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The accuser's attorney, Karen Truszkowski, told ESPN that Moore not only failed to report the alleged assault but also "weaponized" the incident against her by sending her sexual messages. An attorney for Moore, Ellen Michaels, denied these allegations in a statement to PEOPLE, stating, "Sherrone Moore did not fail to report misconduct, did not reward wrongdoing and did not harass anyone. These claims are false."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article onPeople

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Paige Shiver Alleges ‘Years of Manipulation, Harassment and Exploitation’ from Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore

Sherrone Moore's former assistant Paige Shiver issued a statement alleging "years of manipulation, harassment an...

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Dwight Howard officially announces retirement, 6 months after Hall of Fame induction: 'The game retired me'

After nearly 20 years in the NBA, Dwight Howard is officially calling it quits. In asocial media poston Thursday, the Basketball Hall of Famer announced he was retiring from the game, saying that he had "more left to give" but that it was "time to move on."

Howard has not played in the NBA since 2022, during his third stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his last time on a pro court was with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan in 2023. He wasinducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Famein 2025.

"Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it's time to move on from Superman!" Howard wrote in a lengthy post on Instagram. "But now Im taking off the cape and retiring from all basketball to pour into my family and give back to communities worldwide. I know some of you might think I thought he already 'retired' but I didn't… the game retired me! I still had more left to give ! Yeah I did play professionally for 20 years and Im grateful to be able to say that but I can't lie seeing these other players still going at it at age 40 inspired me to want to keep trying but now I believe my duty will be to pass it down to the next generation."

In the post, Howard also wrote that he has a documentary that will release later this year, which he says will tell "the truth about EVERYTHING," including the story of how he was "taken advantage of by the world." Details of a documentary about Howard have yet to be announced.

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Howard also said he would be touring "cities all over the world" to do random acts of kindness on the 12th of every month, in lieu of a retirement tour.

"Since I didn't get a chance to ever have a farewell tour I decided to create a tour not for fans to appreciate me but for me to appreciate them for supporting me all these years and giving me a reason to smile doing what I love," Howard wrote.

The news of Howard's retirement also comes days after reports the Hall of Famer hasfiled for divorcefrom his wife, Amy Luciani.

Howard started his career with the Orlando Magic after being selected first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft, opting to go pro right out of high school. After eight seasons there, the center spent time with the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.

In addition to being afirst ballot Hall of Famer, Howard was an eight-time All-Star and won the 2020 NBA Championship during his second stint with the Lakers.

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Dwight Howard officially announces retirement, 6 months after Hall of Fame induction: 'The game retired me'

After nearly 20 years in the NBA, Dwight Howard is officially calling it quits. In asocial media poston Thursday, the Bas...

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Rickea Jackson filed for protective order against James Pearce, saying she fears for her life

WNBA player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks filed a petition for protection against ex-boyfriend James Pearce of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, expressing fears about her safety.

Unrivaled Basketball

Pearce faces five felony chargesstemming from an incident with Jackson on Feb. 7 in South Florida that police referred to as a domestic dispute. Jackson said in the petition that Pearce's threats toward her began before that.

"Due to his obsessive, insecure, violent and aggressive behavior, ending the relationship has been difficult and I am afraid for my life," Jackson said in the petition filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County in Florida. "James has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused."

Pearce is charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, as well as fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren.

Attorney Jacob Nunez has said Pearce "maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story."

Jackson in the petition said Pearce snatched her phone, pulled her hair and took her belongings, at which point she decided to end their relationship.

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She described a pattern of harassing behavior leading up to Feb. 7, including Pearce offering her $75,000 to visit him and $200,000 to remain in a relationship with him, according to the petition. Jackson said she was driving when she noticed Pearce following her in his car and "began driving his vehicle erratically, at high speeds chasing after me."

Jackson said in the petition she began driving to the Doral Police Department because she feared Pearce would hurt her. She said Pearce repeatedly struck her vehicle with his before getting to the station.

"I am in fear of my life and I believe, if this court does not assist me with this issue, James will kill me," Jackson said in the documents.

Jackson, 24, is two years into her WNBA career. She said she and Pearce began dating when they were at the University of Tennessee together.

Pearce, 22,was the No. 26 pickin the draft last year. He had 10 1/2 sacks and his 45 quarterback pressures set a Falcons rookie record, playing in all 17 regular-season games.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Rickea Jackson filed for protective order against James Pearce, saying she fears for her life

WNBA player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks filed a petition for protection against ex-boyfriend James Pearce of...

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Live Nation employee mocks customers as 'so stupid' in internal messages released in court case

NEW YORK (AP) — Incendiary internal messages in which a Live Nation employee mocks customers as "so stupid" and says the company is "robbing them blind, baby" have been made public as over two dozen states weigh whether to continue theirantitrust trialagainst the entertainment giant and its subsidiary Ticketmaster.

Justice Department Ticketmaster Lawsuit

The messages from late 2021 through early 2023 on the online work messaging platform Slack were highlighted late Wednesday in a filing by government lawyers released in the public court record. The lawyers insist the messages should be evidence in the week-old trial in Manhattan federal court against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

At the trial, lawyers for the federal government and 39 states and the District of Columbia say Live Nation and Ticketmaster weresquelching competition and driving up prices for fansthrough threats, retaliation and other tactics to "suffocate the competition" by controlling virtually every aspect of the industry, from concert promotion to ticketing. The companies insist that artists, sports teams and venues set prices and decide how tickets are sold.

The government lawyers wrote that the statements should be part of the trial because they are "candid, internal messages" in which Ben Baker "calls fans 'so stupid,' explains that he 'gouge(s)' them, and brags that Live Nation is 'robbing them blind, baby.'"

In the submission to Judge Arun Subramanian, the lawyers noted that Baker made the statements while he was a regional director of ticketing with responsibility for a large amphitheater in Florida but has since been promoted to head of ticketing for Venue Nation with responsibilities relating to all of Live Nation's venues.

They said the employees were discussing Live Nation's price for access to the VIP area of a show at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa when Baker wrote that the prices are "outrageous," that "these people are so stupid" and that "I almost feel bad taking advantage of them" before writing, "BAHAHAHAHAHA."

Live Nation wants the exhibits disqualified from the trial, saying the messages reflect "off-the-cuff banter, not policy" between two personal friends who do not work together.

The company's lawyers wrote that the exhibits don't relate to the antitrust claims. They said the employees were making "passing references to non-ticket ancillary products — such as VIP club access, premier parking, or lawn chair rentals — sold to concertgoers at two amphitheaters" in Florida and Virginia.

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But lawyers for the plaintiff states and U.S. government wrote that "excessive prices for ancillary services are directly relevant" to their claims and that "ancillaries are a significant way that Live Nation monetizes its monopoly position in the amphitheater market."

In a statement Thursday, the company said the Slack exchange "from one junior staffer to a friend absolutely doesn't reflect our values or how we operate."

The company added: "Because this was a private Slack message, leadership learned of this when the public did, and will be looking into the matter promptly."

The arguments regarding the exhibits were made after Bloomberg News, The New York Times and MLex, a publication which covers legal and regulatory matters, and Inner City Press requested their release.

The trial's status is up in the air after the federal government announced this week it was settling with Live Nation in a deal that would give Live Nation's competitors some access to ticket sales they are currently excluded from.

Lawyers for more than two dozen states have asked that the ongoing trial be scrapped and that a new jury be chosen in the weeks ahead. A jury that began hearing evidence last week was told to stay home this week with the expectation the trial would resume on Monday.

Meanwhile, Subramanian encouraged lawyers for the states and Live Nation to negotiate this week before telling him late Friday whether they've reached a deal.

Although the parties were not speaking publicly about the progress of any talks, a lawyer for Live Nation indicated at a court hearing Tuesday that there was no realistic chance of a fast deal with all states.

In a letter to the judge Thursday, a states' lawyer signaled the trial was likely to resume, saying the judge needed to rule on whether the Slack message exhibits can be shown to the jury because his decision will have a "material impact" on which witnesses the states call to testify as the states "prepare to resume trial next week."

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Live Nation employee mocks customers as 'so stupid' in internal messages released in court case

NEW YORK (AP) — Incendiary internal messages in which a Live Nation employee mocks customers as "so stupid" and...

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