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Craig Carton rips Chiefs' 'win at all costs' approach after controversial Justin Tucker signing
The Kansas City Chiefs signing embattled kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad has ruffled many football feathers on social media.
Tucker, who served a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after 24 total women accused him of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions, signed on the Chiefs’ practice squad amid kicking woes with another field goal specialist, Harrison Butker.
Considering the Chiefs’ history with controversial players in recent seasons, OutKick’s Craig Carton believes the Tucker signing has to beg the question: Is it really win at all costs?
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"Remember what Kansas City is," Carton said. "A guy like Justin Tucker — 24 different women accused him of inappropriate sexual misconduct. 24 of them. The NFL doesn’t even like suspending its players, no matter what the crime is. And they suspended him for 10 full games. Like, at some point, let that sink in and then ask yourself the question: Is it really win at all costs? Is that really what Kansas City and the Hunt family should stand for? Is it? Apparently, it is."
Carton continued by saying the Chiefs and their owners, the Hunt family, "don’t care about their community" when they sign someone like Tucker to compete for a job.
"They don’t care about the type of person that wears the Kansas City colors. They just care about it doesn’t matter how bad a guy that guy might be," he added. "Can he help me win a football game? I know it’s naïve of me to think otherwise that any other team doesn’t do it, but Kansas City is the worst at it.
"So, yeah, celebrate Patrick Mahomes — one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen, who also appears to be a really good guy and does everything right despite knuckleheads around him like his father, like his brother. We should celebrate the Patrick Mahomes out there, and I think we do. But we shouldn’t do it without also paying attention to the bad guys in football, and ask the Kansas City Chiefs, and specifically Andy Reid, the question of: At what cost? At what cost is that Lombardi Trophy worth?"
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In January 2025, The Baltimore Banner reported 16 female massage therapists had accused Tucker of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior during sessions between 2012 and 2016 at eight different spas in the Baltimore area. Tucker was playing for the Ravens, the franchise he thrived with on the field as one of the greatest kickers of all time in the NFL.
According to the report, the accusers said they ended sessions early or refused to work with Tucker again because of the allegations. The report also stated that Tucker was banned from returning to two of those spas, a claim Tucker’s legal team denied.
The report also mentioned that five of the women accusing Tucker claimed he was erect during sessions with him and that he fully or partially exposed himself, while others made other accusations of egregious acts.
Then, on Feb. 16, 2025, the same outlet reported seven more women came forward with allegations similar to the previous about the NFL player. The second wave of allegations accused Tucker of "acting inappropriately" at some of the best luxury spas in Baltimore, including the spas at the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton Residences in the city.
Tucker denied all accusations in a statement to OutKick last year.
"I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider," he said. "These claims are simply not true."
He added at the time that he was recounting 13 years of experiences with bodywork professionals.
"I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever.
"It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected and valued as a professional, but more importantly as a person, and to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry," Tucker said in his statement, the full text of which can be found below. "I want you to know I am committed to ensuring that everyone I interact with continues to feel that I respect them and care about them as a human being."
The Ravens cut ties with Tucker after 13 seasons in May 2025, saying it was a "football decision." Tucker was never criminally charged or sued civilly over the allegations, but the allegations, and subsequent NFL suspension, led some to compare him to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Both of their cases involved allegations from multiple female massage therapists, with Watson facing an 11-game suspension in 2022.
The Chiefs’ history with controversial players includes wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Dallas in March 2024, leading to felony charges. He served jail time this offseason after violating his probation.
In the past, running back Kareem Hunt was cut by the Chiefs after surveillance video surfaced of a domestic dispute with a woman in a hotel hallway. He served an eight-game suspension in March 2019, though the Chiefs re-signed him in 2024. He spent the last two seasons with Kansas City, playing 30 games. At the time of his re-signing, head coach Andy Reid said that the running back matured, took accountability and deserved a second chance with the club.
Tyreek Hill was also a polarizing receiver who faced a 2014 domestic assault case that was dismissed and a 2019 child abuse probe, though no charges were filed.
And while it isn’t a legal situation, Butker fell into controversial waters after delivering his commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he criticized Pride Month, abortion policies and traditional career roles for women, which drew widespread media reaction and caused Reid and others to field questions about his cultural stances.
On the field, the Chiefs suffered their first loss at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 7. They still lead the AFC West with a 5-1 record, and look like a team ready to compete for the Lombardi Trophy once more.
It’s unknown how much of a leash Reid and the Chiefs have on Butker’s starting kicker status. He is tied for the most missed field goals in the NFL this season with five.
Tucker, who turns 37 next month, had his worst statistical season of his career in 2024, making only 73.3% of his field goal attempts, which is a career-low. However, he is one of the most decorated at his position to ever play the sport, tallying five first-team nods and seven Pro Bowls. His 89.1% field goal percentage is the second-best mark of all time.
OutKick's Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
The definitive fast-casual sit-down restaurant Mount Rushmore in the wake of 'CheesecakeGate'
I was on vacation in Chicago this past week, and while I try to stay up to date on current events as much as I can when I'm out, that usually just equates to me watching a ton of college football and forgetting the outside world exists.
Last week was no different, and when I got back home on Monday night and started to shift back into "OutKick mode," I saw the fine dining establishment known as the Cheesecake Factory was trending on social media.
I felt pretty out of the loop, but after seeing people pick a side of the aisle to fall on in the Great Cheesecake Factory Debate as well as rank some of their other favorite sit-down restaurants, I knew it was time to throw my hat in the ring.
BABY BOOMERS CROWN THEIR FAVORITE CASUAL DINING CHAIN AS GEN Z CHOOSES A DIFFERENT WINNER
If there are three things you must know about me, it's that I'm passionate about sports, music and eating at restaurants.
That might come as a shock to anyone who has seen me in person, considering I'm about 160lbs soaking wet and looked like an emaciated child until I was 25 years old, but I am a chain restaurant connoisseur of sorts.
With all the commotion surrounding the Cheesecake Factory, and American eateries as a whole, I thought now would be as good a time as any to share my Mount Rushmore of fast-casual sit-down restaurants.
AMERICA'S FAVORITE FAST-FOOD CHAIN NAMED: MCDONALD'S WINS HEARTS BUT NOT BEST BURGER, SURVEY SAYS
This isn't just some slapped together list either (shout out to "Rolling Stone"), as this topic is something that I'm constantly revisiting and reevaluating.
This Mount Rushmore represents a good mix of four different kinds of food and dining experiences, with different menus, atmospheres, and themes.
With all the preamble out of the way, let's begin.
We start this list off with a bang, and a somewhat controversial one at that.
I'm not sure why Olive Garden has this reputation as a classless knockoff (my dad calls it the McDonald's of Italian food), but I would never slander a place that offers endless breadsticks and pasta.
The soups are incredible, the variety of pastas is awesome, and the entrées are varied and filling.
BELOVED RESTAURANT CHAIN DWINDLES FROM 850 LOCATIONS TO 87, BUT EXPERT SEES 'A LOT OF LIFE LEFT'
The vibes are immaculate too, giving me a classy place to "sample The Boot."
My go-to choice is the chicken parm (duh), but I've never had a bad meal at Olive Garden and I don't plan on it anytime soon.
If you're looking for good old American fare at solid prices, look no further than Texas Roadhouse.
Their steaks are some of the best you can get at their price point, and the ability to smother them in sautéed onions and mushrooms is underrated.
Texas Roadhouse isn't just a one-trick pony, though, as their appetizers — the cheese fries in particular — are immaculate, and their chili is some of the best in the biz.
I know what you all are here for, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention the bread rolls, which would probably merit placement on this list by themselves.
They really lean into their Texas themes here, too, and if you've ever had a birthday at Roadhouse, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Can I get a "yeehaw?"
Maybe it's just because I lived in Dallas for six years, but TexMex is supremely underrated and should be more of a national delicacy.
Luckily, Chuy's is a national TexMex chain that is worthy of both Lone Star State natives and outsiders alike.
Their signature sauces go with just about any of their entrées, and although I'm not a big drinker, I have to say that their frozen margarita machines are worth the price of admission alone.
Whether you're into spice or just some good old-fashioned, hearty fare from the southwest, Chuy's has you covered.
The biggest selling point, to me though, is the creamy jalapeño ranch dip they give you with your chips and salsa.
Every great sit-down restaurant has a "gimmick," and this one is undeniably delicious.
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It's the perfect blend of creamy ranch and spice that will have you filling up on chips before your meal even comes out.
For my money, there is no greater fast-casual sit-down establishment in this great country than Chili's.
The menu is insanely diverse. You can get seafood alfredo, steak, southwestern salad and traditional American fare all on a single page.
CHILI'S GOES VIRAL AFTER ROASTING FAST-FOOD PRICES: 'WHY LET THEM PLAY YOU LIKE THIS?'
Their lunch deals are also second to none, with the Three-For-Me and Three-For-$10 being go-to's for yours truly.
There is nothing better than sitting in the Chili's bar on a college football Saturday afternoon, ordering some chips and salsa and an ice-cold Coke and just soaking in the ambience.
My personal favorite has to be the Chipotle Fresh Mex Bowl, but I've been known to get a classic sirloin, the Margarita Grilled Chicken, or even the boneless wings, which are incredible even though I'm normally a traditionalist when it comes to wings.
I could write an entire book on my love for Chili's, but this has gone on long enough and my mouth is starting to water, so if you'll excuse me, I think I hear a Triple Dipper calling my name.
Actor Mandy Patinkin urges Jewish voters to support Abdul El-Sayed for their own 'safety'
Actor Mandy Patinkin has posted several videos on social media, including one on Friday, urging Jewish voters to support Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed if they're concerned about their "safety" in the country.
"Jewish safety depends on a real multiracial democracy, and Abdul is the one fighting to protect it," the "Homeland" and "The Princess Bride" actor said in one such video.
Patinkin, who is also Jewish, said that El-Sayed's Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, was pushing a political movement attacking the "rights and dignity of certain people" and argued that El-Sayed was the only candidate fighting for democracy.
"Jewish safety is tied to the health of our democracy," Patinkin said. "We can’t protect one without protecting the other. And in this Senate race, Abdul is the candidate who understands that and is willing to fight for it."
ABDUL EL-SAYED HITS BACK AT ISRAEL QUESTIONS, SUGGESTS HIS NAME AND FAITH ARE BEHIND PRESS SCRUTINY
Patinkin continued to voice his support for El-Sayed in another video posted on Sunday, in which he called out efforts to make people "afraid" of the Democratic candidate because of his name and Muslim background, suggesting the criticism was similar to how Jewish people have been treated because of their identity.
"It’s hard for me to hear Muslims and Arabs talked about this way without thinking about our own Jewish history," Patinkin said. "We know what it’s like to have people treat your identity as a reason to distrust you, to make you seem threatening just because of who you are. I’m not telling anyone what they have to believe about Abdul. I’m asking people to recognize that this kind of talk should sound familiar to Jews."
"Who is going to protect the democracy that has helped keep Jews safe in America? Abdul," he added. "Who is going to stand up for the rights of all of us? Abdul. Because I believe protecting our community means protecting the democracy we all depend on. Please vote for Abdul El-Sayed and get him in the Senate seat."
Fox News Digital reached out to the El-Sayed and Rogers campaigns for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Rabbi Yaakov Menken, managing director of the Coalition for Jewish Values, criticized Patinkin's "lack of actual knowledge" about whether El-Sayed would support Jewish safety.
"Few candidates have expressed disdain for Jewish safety more than Abdul El-Sayed, who attempted to explain away a terror attack on Jewish preschoolers due to a war on terror 6,000 miles away, and who called the rescue of Jewish hostages from torture, rape, and murder, ‘genocide,’" Menken told Fox News Digital.
El-Sayed caused controversy in March when he responded to an attack on a Michigan synagogue by saying "Hurt people, hurt people." Federal investigators say a gunman inspired and radicalized by Hezbollah crashed into the place of worship seeking to kill as many Jewish people as he could. The alleged attacker was a Lebanese-born man who a week earlier had lost relatives in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
El-Sayed later apologized for his comments about the attack.
Menken said the Democratic candidate "refused to endorse the right of Jews to their own identity, opinions, and self-governance, and campaigned alongside Hasan Piker until other Democrats prevailed upon him to stop. And, of course, when confronted about family ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and its genocidal antisemitism, El-Sayed has called it an attack on his religion."
"To call Patinkin deluded and naive would be the height of understatement," the rabbi added. "El-Sayed's values are not those that made America a great and welcoming country."
JEWISH MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS ADMIT THEY WILL VOTE REPUBLICAN IF ABDUL EL-SAYED BECOMES NOMINEE
Patinkin previously supported New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's 2025 campaign, celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with the democratic socialist after he was elected.
Throughout his campaign and since taking office, Mamdani has faced accusations of antisemitism.
Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report.
Brewers star Jackson Chourio becomes first player to since Babe Ruth achieve historic World Series feat
Whenever your name is mentioned in the same breath as Babe Ruth's, you know you're in rarefied air.
Milwaukee Brewers star Jackson Chourio and the Sultan of Swat are tied for the most hits through the first four games of a World Series with 10 apiece. Ruth accomplished the feat in the 1928 World Series, when the New York Yankees swept the St. Louis Cardinals.
Unfortunately for Chourio, the Brewers were unable to complete the sweep in Game 4 Tuesday night, as the Rays rallied in the 12th inning to win 4-3 at Tropicana Field and force Game 5.
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The 22-year-old has been red-hot, going 10-for-20 in the Fall Classic. In Game 3, Chourio became the youngest player to record four hits in a World Series game since Joe Garagiola accomplished the feat in 1946.
The Brewers’ left fielder is batting .291 with two home runs and nine RBI in 12 postseason games, building on the best regular season of his career. In 127 games this season, Chourio batted .291 with 25 home runs, 75 RBI and 23 stolen bases.
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With his stellar postseason performance, Chourio has emerged as a strong World Series MVP candidate alongside catcher William Contreras and reliever Aaron Ashby.
The Brewers will look to bounce back from their extra-inning loss in Game 4 and secure their first World Series championship in franchise history with a Game 5 victory. The Brewers are starting the presumptive National League Cy Young winner in Jacob Misiorwski, but the Rays’ pitching plans are unclear.
The scheduled Game 5 starter, Nick Martinez, pitched two innings in relief for Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The Rays could turn to Drew Rasmussen, but they may be cautious with his workload because he has undergone three elbow surgeries.
Game 5 is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday on FOX.
Legendary host Ernie Johnson announces he is stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' after this season
Legendary "Inside the NBA" host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday on X that he will step away from the show after the 2026-27 NBA season.
Johnson, 70, revealed in the video that he has dealt with heart issues and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. He said he wants to slow down and spend more time with his wife and five grandchildren.
"I've been hosting 'Inside the NBA’ for a long time. This is my 37th year, and I've long described it as a get-to job. Still amazed that I get to do this for a living. Now, as the years have gone by and I turned 70 this past summer, folks have asked me, 'So, how long are you going to keep doing Inside?' Well, I want to take a couple of minutes of your time to answer that. This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It's just time," Johnson said in his video.
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Johnson clarified that he is not retiring from broadcasting entirely, only from "Inside the NBA." The broadcaster said he recently launched a production company, 32 Bow Ties, and plans to continue working on March Madness coverage and other projects for TNT and CBS .
"So why now? Total honesty here. I've always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I've always loved that part of my job, but I've always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I'll know it's time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it's time," Johnson said.
He cited his heart issues and his desire to spend time with family as a contributing factor in his decision.
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"This isn't a case where my doctor said, ‘You need to stop working.’ It's nothing like that. But here's the deal. Going through that has made me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and being Poppy to our five grandchildren. So, I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time I'm enjoying that," Johnson said.
He said it has been an honor to work for decades alongside Shaquille O’Neal (who joined the show in 2011), Charles Barkley (2000) and Kenny Smith (1998). Johnson joined "Inside the NBA" in 1990, one year after its creation.
Johnson is not the only "Inside the NBA" personality planning to retire after the 2026-27 season. Barkley announced last month that the season would be his last.
"I've just started a new production company called 32 Bow Ties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So, this is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page. And I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written with inside the NBA," Johnson said.
"And lastly, I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support, and on this day for your understanding. We'll see you on TV tonight."
Woman wearing burka escorted out of Florida county meeting after playing call to prayer recording
A woman wearing a burka was escorted out of a Florida county commissioners meeting on Wednesday after playing a recording of the Islamic call to prayer during the public comment period.
The incident occurred as the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners was listening to residents address the board. A woman covered head-to-toe in black, with only her left eye visible, and approached the podium. Rather than making a verbal statement, she activated a recording of the call to prayer.
It was not immediately clear whether the gesture was a protest or a prank.
PASTOR UNLEASHES ON DEARBORN AS RELIGIOUS TENSIONS ERUPT AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH'
The audio played for nearly a minute before Board Chairman Dave Eggers interrupted, pointing out that county rules require public speakers to deliver verbal comments rather than play recordings.
"Ma’am, you’re going to have to stop … stop the music, stop the tape," Eggers said.
When the woman refused to comply, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy approached the podium and escorted her out of the meeting room and the building.
Her removal sparked immediate friction in the room, with several audience members shouting and arguing with Eggers over the decision.
LAWSUIT ACCUSES DEARBORN, MICHIGAN, OF BEING 'HOSTILE TO CHRISTIANS AND JEWS' WITH ISLAMIC DISPLAYS
"Please. Just please exercise some decorum and kindness of your own," Eggers told the audience. "We’re all people living together here."
He further clarified the board’s rules to the crowd.
"We don’t allow taped things," he said. "You can record the meeting, but we don’t allow taped activity like that. We ask you to come here and make comments, and that was not a comment. That’s why she was asked to step out."
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the woman was escorted from the premises without further incident and will not face any criminal charges.
Yankees president Randy Levine says he is 'confident' MLB will avoid a lockout despite cap fight
Game 5 of the World Series could very well be the last baseball game for the foreseeable future.
The league's current collective bargaining agreement with the players expires on Dec. 1, and the players and owners appear as far apart as they ever have been.
Assuming there is no deal, the owners are expected to lock out the players, as was the case five years ago which led to the season being delayed by one week.
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Despite the apparently harsh circumstances at the moment, New York Yankees president Randy Levine is actually "confident" things will all work out.
"It's very, very early... They want to reach an agreement. It's always this way in every labor negotiation I've done. It's always posturing at this point in time, getting your position out," Levine said on "The Craig Carton Show."
"We have until December. I think they're really going to work hard, and I'm very hopeful they'll reach an agreement. I've seen circumstances where it looked harder than even this, and this one looks hard, but at the end of the day, I'm confident everyone wants to get a deal."
"The whole playoffs have been great, the whole season has been great. Baseball is regaining popularity, it's the national pastime, so we gotta work hard to just preserve it," Levine added.
Levine's boss, Hal Steinbrenner, said last week he "support[s]" the owners' proposals — all of which include a cap.
"I've said before — let me put it this way, as a member of the labor policy committee — I helped craft, one of many, the proposals that we have given at the bargaining table. And I support those proposals in their entirety. That's absolutely the case, so that should answer your question," Steinbrenner told reporters.
The Yankees' $336 million payroll was the third-largest in baseball during the 2026 season, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers ($422 million) and New York Mets ($338 million).
Arguments skew both ways, but a constant has remained in that the highest payrolls continue to go up, while the lowest payrolls remain at a stall. The Marlins' payroll is actually roughly half of what it used to be in 2017, despite a sale of the team and everyone in the league making more money than ever. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have already committed more money in 2030 than 12 teams have this season.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said that owners are simply "listening to our fans" regarding a salary cap and said it "defies human experience... to think that the bottom end of that [payroll] gap has the same opportunity to win the top end." It should be noted, though, that the National League-winning Milwaukee Brewers swept the Dodgers with the 11th-smallest payroll, and they are facing the Tampa Bay Rays, who have the league's third-smallest payroll. They defeated the Cleveland Guardians, who rank 29th in payroll, in the American League Division Series.
Major League Baseball has never had a salary cap.
"Salary cap is the ultimate excuse not to compete. It's the ultimate excuse for an owner to say, 'Gee, I would like to make the team better, but you know I can’t,'" interim MLBPA executive director Bruce Meyer said during the All-Star break. "Salary caps are bad for fans. Salary caps prevent teams from doing the things that they believe are in their interest to make the team better."
"Every team in baseball can afford to compete, many are choosing not to," Meyer added. "To me, that's the biggest problem right now."
Dem AG’s ‘too many golf courses’ remark goes viral as critics tee off
Arizona’s Senate president took aim at viral comments about the future of golf from the state’s Democratic attorney general as their battle to be the state’s top law enforcement officer entered its final stretch before next week’s midterm elections.
A remark about potentially restricting golf courses and the Grand Canyon State having "too much grass" turned a debate over water conservation into a campaign flashpoint, with Sen. Warren Petersen accusing Attorney General Kris Mayes of targeting a multibillion-dollar industry in the desert state while Mayes later insisted her remarks were taken out of context.
"Kris Mayes thinks Arizona has too many golf courses. I think Arizona has too many radical politicians who believe government should dictate which industries get to thrive," Petersen, R-Maricopa, told Fox News Digital Tuesday.
100 DAYS UNTIL MIDTERMS AND DEMOCRATS ARE WINNING BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A MESSAGE
"Our golf courses support jobs, tourism, small businesses and communities across this state. Instead of attacking an industry that contributes to our economy, the attorney general should be focused on enforcing the law, protecting consumers and defending Arizona families."
In an interview with Politico delving into the data center debate and whether the proliferation of water-intensive buildings is wise, particularly in an arid state, Mayes cited neighboring states allegedly "backed by" the Trump administration as hindrances to Arizona’s local supply.
Mayes' golf course remarks came shortly after she warned that Arizona was headed toward a potential Supreme Court showdown over Colorado River water supplies.
"We could do a hell of a lot more when it comes to conservation," she said, citing tax incentives for catchment and removal of lawns.
GRAND CANYON WATER PIPELINE DAMAGED AGAIN AS FLOODING COMPLICATES REPAIRS
"We have way, way too much grass in Arizona. We probably, frankly — and I'm sure the golf industry is not going to like this when I say this — we probably have too many golf courses in Arizona right now."
That remark sparked blowback from Petersen and many others.
"We don’t have a golf course problem in Arizona. We have a dumocrat (sic) problem in Arizona," quipped Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz.
"Kris Mayes is promising to get rid of golf courses. I promise to get rid of Kris Mayes," Petersen added in his own tweet.
E-procurement software CEO Tom Spengler added that Arizona "honestly need[s] more golf courses."
"Tee times are very hard to get and rates have doubled or tripled since COVID," he said.
"We have too much grass — said no one ever, other than Kris Mayes," added Turning Point USA executive Justin Streiff.
Arizona’s business community also took notice, and Arizona Chamber of Commerce Vice President Courtney Coolidge responded to Mayes with several statistics about golf’s impact on the state.
Coolidge reported a $6 billion economic impact, 66,000 jobs, $2.3 billion in wages and $520 million in tax revenue. Most relevant to the water debate, she said golf courses collectively use 2% or less of the state’s water resources.
Those stats also lined up closely with separate figures in a 2023 study by the Arizona Alliance for Golf.
Popular golf satire site PGA Tuor shared a clip of Mayes’ comments, writing, "How to not get re-elected 101."
Another putting enthusiast said Mayes’ comments cost her his vote, saying, "[She] has no idea what the economic impact golf has on our entire state."
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayes for comment on the viral nature and content of her remarks.
The Democrat separately tweeted that she was intending to make a larger point about water usage.
"Relax, nobody's closing golf courses," Mayes said.
"My point is we need incentives to help all Arizonans and major industries swap thirsty grass and catch rainwater, especially if our water situation gets worse — while I take on the foreign mega-farms and data centers draining our water."
She then accused Petersen of spreading "false claims."
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But Mayes’ response was also met with ridicule. X critics called it "condescending" while one also quipped, "you relax – we all heard you." Others characterized her stated approach toward the golf industry as "communist."
With Election Day just days away, Petersen is betting the controversy will resonate beyond the fairways, casting Mayes' remarks as part of a larger dispute over government intervention in Arizona's economy as Republicans seek to regain control of a state government they once reliably held.
'Never-ending' cruise grinds to devastating end, stranding over 200 passengers abroad
A dream cruise around the world has come to an abrupt halt after two years at sea, reportedly leaving passengers scrambling to find somewhere to stay in Cambodia.
The Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship that promised passengers the chance to make the ocean their permanent home, suspended its voyage Tuesday after its operator said soaring fuel costs had made it too expensive to continue.
CRUISE VACATION COMES TO CRASHING HALT AS SHIP SLAMS INTO 2 CARGO VESSELS
The ship was carrying 203 passengers, most of them Americans, and 156 crew members when it arrived in the Cambodian port city of Sihanoukville, according to The Associated Press.
Passengers said they were given just seven hours' notice to leave the vessel Tuesday and had to make their own arrangements, despite the company's claims that it was helping residents find temporary accommodations.
In a statement, Villa Vie Residences, which is headquartered in Florida, announced that it had been "unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses."
The company said monthly fuel expenses per cabin had climbed from roughly $1,800 to as much as $8,000 in parts of Asia.
ANGRY CRUISE PASSENGERS SAY FRUSTRATING ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED BEFORE BOOKING
"Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution," the company said, according to the AP. "Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees."
The company added, "The company is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements."
The ship first set sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2024, on what was supposed to be a 3 1/2-year journey around the world.
For some passengers, the ship was supposed to be their permanent home long after the initial voyage ended.
MAJOR CRUISE LINE HIKES ITS POPULAR PACKAGE PRICES IN MOVE THAT COULD HIT VACATION BUDGETS
Fox Business reported in May 2024 that Villa Vie Residences was offering lifetime access to its Odyssey cruise ship through its "Endless Horizons" program for a one-time payment of $299,999 for a single-occupancy cabin or $499,999 for double occupancy.
At the time, the experience was billed as a budget-conscious alternative to traditional retirement.
The company marketed the program to retirees concerned about inflation, rising living expenses and the possibility of outliving their savings.
CEO Mikael Petterson similarly promoted the experience as a way for retirees to live on a fixed budget without worrying about ongoing expenses.
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"For less than the price of an average home, you can secure a lifetime of experiences," Petterson said at the time.
Speaking to AP, passengers expressed disappointment over the abrupt end to their voyage.
Paul and Lynn Montoya, a retired couple from Wyoming who boarded the ship 17 months ago, said they purchased a cabin with plans to spend years traveling the world — but were repeatedly asked to contribute more money for fuel.
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"We were tired of every two to four weeks being asked for money for fuel, money for everything," Lynn Montoya said.
"We had hopes, but they just kept sinking further and further into the hole," the AP reported.
California sisters Carol Larson, 69, and Crystal Lavering, 72, also said they were heartbroken after spending 18 months aboard the ship.
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Larson, who paid $120,000 for her cabin, said she hoped residents could buy the ship and keep the cruise going.
Despite the setback, she told the AP she had no regrets about her investment.
"Because it was a startup company, I believe that it was a risk," said Larson.
"From the very first day, I said to myself that if it lasts a year, I can walk away and feel like I got my money's worth. … I still feel that way."
Fox News Digital reached out to Villa Vie Residences for comment.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
Bears star Montez Sweat says he never wants to 'cheat the game' as he returns from PED suspension
Chicago Bears star Montez Sweat is set to return from his two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Sweat, 30, did not disclose what caused his positive test for performance-enhancing drugs and said the result came as a surprise.
"It was a surprise, but you take a lick on the chin and keep moving forward," Sweat said.
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The defensive end apologized to his teammates and the fan base, and said he would never intentionally cheat the game.
"Yeah, it’s definitely something I got to live with my career," Sweat said. "I never want to cheat the game, and I would never do it intentionally, but what happened happened and I’m moving forward."
The most difficult part of the suspension for Sweat may not have been missing two games, but facing Bears coach Ben Johnson.
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"It was tough," Sweat said. "Nobody wants to look someone in the eye after you’ve done something detrimental like that to the team, but those are things you have to do to move forward."
The Bears won both games during Sweat's suspension, defeating the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots. Sweat praised the team's "next-man-up mentality," saying it didn't miss a beat without him.
"I’m just happy to be back in the building with my teammates. I think that’s what I missed the most, just being in the locker room around my guys."
The Pro Bowler is in his eighth NFL season and fourth with Chicago. The Bears acquired Sweat from the Washington Commanders midway through the 2023 season. Sweat signed a four-year, $98 million contract extension with Chicago shortly after the trade.
In 4 1/2 seasons with the Commanders, Sweat recorded 35.5 sacks in 67 games. In 47 games with the Bears, Sweat has recorded 23.5 sacks.
In five games this season, Sweat has recorded two sacks. He will return to the lineup when the Bears face the Seattle Seahawks on the road Monday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.