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Former ESPN star Sean Salisbury says political arguments wore out fans who just wanted sports
Sean Salisbury thinks ESPN lost sight of the person coming home after a long day at work who just wanted to watch some sports. That viewer wanted highlights and a few laughs. Instead, Salisbury said, too much of the programming became another argument about politics.
"If I want that, I'll get it on a different channel," he told OutKick.
I spoke with the former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst in October about the network where we both worked. Salisbury spent 12 years there, leaving in 2008. I arrived in 2012 and stayed until 2021.
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To me, ESPN was at its best in the early 2000s. Salisbury was part of that, along with the people who made you want to watch a studio show even when you already knew what happened in the games.
"It was sports first with entertainment personalities," Salisbury said.
He remembered watching the same edition of SportsCenter several times because he enjoyed the people delivering the highlights.
Salisbury's father was a blue-collar worker, and that shaped how he thought about the people watching him on television. Someone who had spent all day working construction probably wanted to sit down and enjoy a game or some highlights.
Salisbury believes ESPN made that harder by letting political and social arguments take up too much of its programming.
"We really weren't concerned with what the color of the skin of the quarterback was because we were just talking football," he said of his years at the network.
He also blamed the pressure to generate a reaction on social media. In his view, talking about the sports news increasingly gave way to trying to become the sports news, with arguments designed to get people sharing clips.
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I think that's a big part of it. Once getting a reaction becomes the goal, there's always a reason to make the next argument more outlandish and controversial. Eventually, the viewer who wanted to hear about his team has to sit through a debate about something an analyst said on another show.
Salisbury acknowledged that politics and sports overlap, and he said those subjects deserve coverage when they're relevant. His complaint was about how much of the programming those discussions consumed.
"That should be the outlier, not the every single day grind," he said.
Our conversation started with the argument over Emmanuel Acho's comments about NFL Live. In July, Acho credited Ryan Clark with building the show into a "juggernaut." He acknowledged that Clark hadn't created it, but dismissed its earlier audience by claiming "nobody was watching NFL Live then."
As I pointed out on social media, that's false. NFL Live averaged around 650,000 daily viewers in 2011 and 2012, before Clark was even hired by ESPN. The version featuring Clark never averaged an audience that size.
Salisbury and former host Trey Wingo both weighed in on social media, as well. Wingo wrote, "'Let your apology be as loud as your disrespect.' I think somebody said that once."
Salisbury posted, "Should one of us tell him" and tagged NFL Live alums Wingo, Mark Schlereth, Mike Golic, Merril Hoge, and Mark Malone.
"Acho was about two decades late to the party on that one, so no shock there," he told me.
He compared overlooking the original group to talking about Led Zeppelin without Jimmy Page. Other people could come along and do good work, but that didn't erase what the earlier crew had built.
And Salisbury's memories of that period went well beyond wanting credit for NFL Live. He talked about learning from broadcasters whose personalities made the shows worth watching, particularly Dan Patrick, Chris Berman and Mike Tirico.
That's the ESPN he wants people to be able to turn on again.
When I got hired at ESPN in 2012, the reaction from my family was pretty much what you'd expect: "You got a job at ESPN? That's incredible!"
By the time I left in 2021, some of those same people had a very different reaction to hearing where I worked. "You work at ESPN? Oh."
I told Salisbury that I don't miss working at ESPN. But I do miss producing live radio.
I'd spend all week preparing a four-hour Saturday show, then news would break while we were on the air and we'd have to adjust. I loved that part of the job. There were a lot of moving pieces, and getting it right gave me an adrenaline rush.
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Salisbury knew exactly what I meant. For him, live television was about as close as broadcasting could get to the feeling of playing quarterback in the NFL.
He recalled sitting beside Tirico on Monday Night Countdown when a camera went down just before the show started. Salisbury was sweating over how they were going to handle it. Tirico made it look routine.
"Nobody at home would have ever known," Salisbury said.
He also repeatedly credited the producers and other employees behind the scenes who made those shows work. His years at ESPN gave him close friends and taught him how to do the broadcasting work he still does.
"Those 12 years changed my life," he said.
Salisbury still sees programming at ESPN that delivers what he's talking about. He singled out College GameDay, calling it "the best studio show on the planet."
Salisbury wants ESPN's analysts saying what they actually believe.
"I think sometimes we all get caught up in it, saying stuff to appease somebody else as opposed to what you actually believe, and I'm just not willing to do that," Salisbury said. "I think it loses credibility."
The ESPN Salisbury and I remember gave viewers a reason to keep watching after the highlights were over. He thinks the network still has the people to do that, provided it remembers why those viewers turned on a sports channel in the first place.
"Hopefully we can get back to where we're actually talking sports more than we're talking about why somebody should have voted for somebody else," he said.
Tampa Bay Lightning visit Buffalo Sabres with both goalies struggling to stop pucks this season
It has been a while since I put out an NHL play, and I'd like to get a bit more consistent with playing NHL games. There isn't a huge slate of games tonight, but there are certainly some intriguing ones. Hockey is the one sport that I don't follow quite as much, but I've made concerted efforts over the years to try to follow the regular season closer. It seems like this year has had more big names with trade requests (earlier) too, and has been a pretty exciting early season. Tonight, the Lightning and Sabres battle in one of the better games of the night.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are off to a great start with an 11-4-2 record. All four of their losses, though, have been on the road. They are just 3-4-2 for the season on the road. Their offense has looked great this season with a 3.71 goals-per-game average, but they are allowing 3.06 goals per game as well. Their defense probably needs to improve in terms of giving up good looks. They are allowing just 24.7 shots per game, but if they are giving up three goals per game, either the shots are good ones, or the goalie play is lacking.
Over the past five games, the Lightning have won three games and lost the other two, with one in a shootout. Andrei Vasilevskiy is likely to be in the net tonight. He is 8-4-1 for the season and is allowing 2.85 goals per game, which is 24th in the nation. He only has an .883 save percentage, which puts him at 33rd in the league. As a starting goalie, that wouldn't even rank him as a top option in the league. He has been in the net for all four of the road losses this season as well.
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The Buffalo Sabres are not exactly great to start the season, but they aren't playing poorly either. For the season, Buffalo is 8-6-3, and only 4-5-0 for the year on their home ice. Their offense has been fine, but not great. The Sabres are scoring just under three goals per game, and they allow 3.29 goals per game. The Sabres are allowing about the same number of shots per game to opponents as they are taking. The Sabres are playing decent enough hockey lately, but they are 1-2 at home in their current home streak.
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Tonight, they are likely to send the owner of my favorite name in hockey, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, into the net. The 27-year-old Finniard hasn't been that impressive this season. Luukkonen is allowing 3.27 goals per game, which is 38th in the league. He also has an .878 save percentage this season, putting him at 48th in the league. Just like Vasilevskiy, this makes Luukkonen not even starter-level quality. He has been better at home this season than on the road. In his home games, he is only allowing 2.88 goals per game.
Neither of the defenses look that good this season, and the goalies are letting a lot of pucks past them. On offense, they are both averaging three goals. Neither has been scoring a ton in recent games, though. Tampa has gone over 6.5 goals in three of the past five games. Buffalo has had seven or more goals in a game in just two of the past five games. I do think this is one that finds at least seven goals between the two teams. Give me the over.
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Horny bull elk keeps attacking cars, forces Missouri wildlife park to close indefinitely
A wildlife park in Missouri has been forced to close indefinitely because one particularly aggressive bull elk won't stop attacking visitors' cars.
Lone Elk Park, located just outside St. Louis, closed Monday after officials decided the animal had become too much of a safety risk. Apparently, the problem is that he's young, he's horny, and he's new to this whole being-in-charge thing.
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According to St. Louis Public Radio, the bull recently replaced his own father as the dominant male in the herd. This is his first mating season running the show, and he's not exactly handling his newfound responsibilities gracefully.
"We have a younger, more inexperienced herd bull this year," Eric Johnson, acting director of St. Louis County Parks and Recreation, said. "It's his first year, and he's acting a little bit like a teenager."
One visitor, Theresa Hammer, learned that the hard way.
Hammer told St. Louis Public Radio she was sitting in her Ford Fusion last week when the bull approached her vehicle. She looked away briefly, and when she looked back, he was ramming his antlers into the front of her car.
"I looked back up, and he hit the front of my car with his horns," she said. "He scratched up the whole side of my car, my hood and put a big dent in the rear quarter panel."
Despite the damage, Hammer said she doesn't blame the elk. After all, she's the one driving through his home.
Lone Elk Park is a 546-acre drive-through wildlife park where visitors can observe elk, bison and other animals from their vehicles. Officials had posted warnings about keeping a safe distance from the elk, but visitors weren't always following them.
And with the bull becoming increasingly aggressive, the county decided it was safer to close the park until he settles down.
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For what it's worth, this kind of behavior isn't unusual during the elk rut, which is the annual breeding season. Bull elk experience a surge in testosterone and become more territorial as they compete for females. That can make them particularly dangerous to people who get too close.
But even by elk standards, this guy is apparently a handful.
Johnson, who has worked for the parks department for 32 years, said it's been roughly a decade since they've dealt with a bull quite this worked up.
"Some of [the bulls] have it figured out and they calmly go about their business, and sometimes it's like this," he said.
Officials haven't announced a reopening date, but they're monitoring the bull's behavior daily and hope to reopen the park within the next several days.
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So, for now, an entire wildlife park is closed because one young elk can't get his hormones under control.
Nature is beautiful.
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Russian Ambassador to US Alexander Darchiev dies suddenly at 66
Russia's Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev, 66, died suddenly Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced.
"The leadership and staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry report with deep sorrow that on Nov. 11, at the age of 66, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America, Alexander Nikitich Darchiev, passed away suddenly," Russia's statement, as translated to English, said. "A distinguished diplomat, experienced leader, kind colleague, and mentor has departed this life. A consummate professional and brilliant Americanist, A.N. Darchiev served on one of the most critical and demanding fronts of Russian foreign policy."
"We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Alexander Nikitich Darchiev," the statement added. "The cherished memory of our untimely departed colleague will forever remain in our hearts."
Fox News confirmed the death came in Russia and not the U.S.
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Russia's Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev, a veteran diplomat known in the past for his public denunciations of the West, as ambassador to Washington in March 2025 to lead a rapprochement with the Trump administration that has rattled Ukraine, the European Union and NATO.
His death comes less than a week after a White House news conference hailing a temporary ceasefire in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.
First lady Melania Trump and envoys from both Russia and Ukraine hailed the ceasefire in the Oleshky region.
"We have chosen humanity over war," the first lady said. "Undeniably, the lives of innocent people must transcend the division of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace. Every significant transformation begins with a small spark."
Shortly after being tapped as ambassador, Darchiev met with Trump administration officials and delivered a message of hope for peace.
"Russia and the United States are destined, as great powers, to have non-confrontational peaceful existence," Darchiev said during a June 10, 2025, Russia Day reception at the Russian Embassy in Washington after delivering his credentials to the White House, adding, "our discussion was very constructive."
Before taking the helm of the Russian Embassy in Washington, Darchiev played a role as the Kremlin’s point man for high-stakes bilateral negotiations, most notably during the delicate discussions that led to prisoner swaps involving imprisoned arms dealer Viktor Bout and detained Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
In August 2022, while serving as the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North American Department, Darchiev provided the first on-the-record Russian confirmation that Moscow and Washington were actively discussing those situations.
"This quite sensitive issue of the swap of convicted Russian and U.S. citizens is being pursued along the channels designated by our presidents," Darchiev told the Russian state news agency TASS. "The individuals are, indeed, being discussed. The Russian side has long been seeking the release of Viktor Bout. The negotiations are bearing fruit."
His comments marked a breakthrough moment in months of backchannel diplomacy, which ultimately culminated in December 2022 when the U.S. and Russia completed a one-for-one swap of Griner for Bout at an airport in Abu Dhabi.
Fox News' Gillian Turner, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Teen charged with murder in fatal shooting of 15-year-old NYC student Javits Frimpong
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a teenager was fatally shot while walking to school in New York City last month, police announced Wednesday.
The teen suspect, who has not been publicly identified, faces a murder charge in the Oct. 29 death of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
"The NYPD will be relentless in our efforts to get dangerous people out of our communities, especially when it involves the murder of a 15-year-old boy," the department wrote in a post on X.
Javits, a Ghanaian immigrant, was fatally shot in the stomach in the Bronx. His father believes the killing may be linked to ongoing bullying his son experienced at school.
Just two days before the tragedy, the school’s principal had called Thomas Frimpong to report that his son was being targeted and that two students had been suspended as a result.
The tragic killing sparked local protests and urgent calls from community members to end youth violence and bullying.
Last week, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny noted that investigators were exploring multiple angles.
"The alleged bullying is one aspect that we’re looking at, as well as some others," Kenny told the New York Post.
"All three gave chase," Kenny added. "And these cowards shot him in the back. If their intention was to rob him, he dropped his backpack."
"As of right now, all indications are that he was trying to live the American dream," the chief said. "He was trying to get ahead by going to school. We have nothing in our investigation to indicate he was involved in any gang activity. Seems like he was just a very good kid."
The tragedy also prompted federal intervention to support the grieving family. President Donald Trump agreed to grant Javits’ mother an emergency visa so she could travel to the United States from Ghana to lay her son to rest.
"The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote in a Nov. 2 post on X.
"Javits Frimpong’s mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. I just got off the phone with President Trump, and he has agreed to grant her visa immediately."
Biden ripped for ‘totally delusional’ claim about debate that preceded his 2024 exit
Former President Joe Biden is facing sharp backlash after dismissing his disastrous 2024 debate performance against President Donald Trump as "not very consequential" — despite dropping out of the presidential race just 24 days later.
When asked about what his "perspective" on the June 27, 2024 debate is now in an interview with People Magazine released Wednesday, Biden suggested he felt his debate performance was inconsequential.
"Look, I don’t know anybody who hasn’t made a mistake in a debate," Biden told People Magazine. "To me, it was not very consequential. First of all, I thought there’d be another debate, which there wasn’t."
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"But notwithstanding the fact that there wasn’t another debate, it didn’t disturb me because it wasn’t consequential," he added.
Biden's comments drew swift criticism on social media on Wednesday.
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"Joe Biden now claims his 2024 presidential debate against President Trump, which forced him to drop out of the race, was not very consequential," former Trump campaign operative Steve Cortes wrote Wednesday in an X post.
"Just 24 days after the 'not very consequential' presidential debate, Joe Biden ended his campaign for President," Cortes added.
Conservative commentator Steve Guest wrote on X that Biden "is TOTALLY delusional."
Meanwhile, former National Republican Senatorial Committee senior adviser Matt Whitlock asserted in a Wednesday post on X that it was actually "the most consequential" presidential debate of all time.
"It was without question the most consequential Presidential debate in history - he [Biden] likely would have stayed the nominee without it," Whitlock said. "But I’m definitely excited for the other hot takes in the book now."
"It was the most lopsided debate in history. C’mon, man!" Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis quipped.
During the presidential debate, Biden stumbled over his words, paused for long periods of time and displayed confused facial expressions.
The Office of Joe and Jill Biden did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
"Biden subsequently dropped out of the presidential race on July 21, 2024, just a few weeks after the debate, amid mounting pressure from Democratic allies to end his re-election bid.
Former first lady Jill Biden notably claimed in a CBS News Sunday Morning interview clip released in May 2026 that she thought her husband was having a stroke on stage during the debate.
Trump's White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Additionally, Biden said Sunday that he plans to scale back public appearances promoting his new presidential memoir, "Promise Me, America," due to his cancer battle.
"My presidential memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, is coming out on November 17th. I hope you'll read it. It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them. It's about who we are as a nation," Biden said in an X post. "What we stand for. And America's role in the world."
"While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families," the former president added. "My doctors continue to be encouraged by how I've responded to treatment. And the prayers and kind words and well wishes from so many of you have meant more to me and Jill and our family than you can ever know. Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down."
Jim Caviezel says a surreal encounter with Jesus convinced him to star in 'The Passion of the Christ'
Actor Jim Caviezel said he nearly turned down the role of Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ," but an encounter he described as a visit from Jesus convinced him to reconsider.
"About 5 something in the morning, this presence came over me, and I know it was him," Caviezel, 58, told Sean Hannity on his "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast.
"I was awake, but my eyes were closed, and he was sitting Indian style on the foot of my bed, and he said, 'It is not a requirement of you as a Catholic… to play this role.' And I said, 'Good, I won't. Get somebody else.'"
Caviezel said the figure appeared sad after he refused, leading to an exchange that prompted him to reconsider.
"I said, 'Get somebody else,' and his countenance changed, and then he says, 'I don't have anybody else,'" Caviezel recalled.
When Caviezel questioned why he had been chosen, he said the figure responded that others would not ask the same question of him. After some exchange, Caviezel was convinced the role was his to play.
"Immediately, I was like, OK, this is part of the plan. I'm in," he said.
Caviezel is best known for his performance as Christ in the Mel Gibson-directed 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ," which follows the final hours of Jesus' life, including his crucifixion.
The role became a defining performance of his career, but Caviezel said filming took a severe physical toll.
During production, Caviezel said he injured his shoulder, suffered hypothermia and was struck by lightning while filming a scene.
"It nearly killed me," Caviezel recalled of the hypothermia.
"When you watch the end of the movie, I'm blue for a reason. My body's blue. There's no fake stuff there."
The podcast episode comes as the actor returns to the big screen in the action thriller "Ghost Soldier" and prepares for the release of "Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ," in which he plays King Herod.
During his conversation with Hannity, Caviezel also discussed what he described as a near-death experience, the lasting impact of his work with Mel Gibson and the spiritual battles he believes have shaped his life and career.
Viewers and listeners can find the Fox News host's full conversation with Caviezel on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast, available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadio.
GOP congressman-elect makes unusual Trump request, ejects reporter during profanity-laced victory speech
Anthony Constantino, a former boxer and the CEO of the printing company Sticker Mule, delivered a profanity-laden victory speech after his election to New York’s 21st Congressional District, kicking a reporter out of the room and calling on President Donald Trump to pardon Sean "Diddy" Combs.
"I think President Trump should consider freeing Diddy," Constantino said, referring to the incarcerated producer.
"A historic New Yorker that did great things for New York State. I think we should consider it."
Constantino’s brazen speech contrasts sharply with the demeanor of the district’s outgoing incumbent, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., the former No. 3 Republican in the House of Representatives. It also raises questions about whether Constantino earnestly hopes to see the administration pardon Combs, who was convicted of prostitution across state lines.
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"Where’s my lawyer at? I have a very good lawyer. Listen, I’m fighting for New York. I want to bring excitement back to New York. I want to bring jobs back to New York," Constantino said moments before his request.
During his 31-minute speech, Constantino spoke about political allies, enemies, the media, power struggles and his vision for the country. He even had a rapper friend perform a freestyle tribute to his congressional election.
At points, Constantino adopted an openly combative tone — especially with respect to members of the press.
"Listen to me, scumbags. Telling people the truth is the right thing to do. I had to listen to you a--holes say ‘dairy farmer Blake Gendebien,’" Constantino said, referring to news coverage of his Democratic challenger.
"He’s not a dairy farmer; his parents were dairy farmers … but you wouldn’t say that because you’re a bunch of f---ing a--holes," he added.
At one point, Constantino singled out a pair of reporters in the crowd.
"Look at that a--hole right there. Him. Look at that guy. Take a picture of him … and Kay Lisa, another f---ing a--hole."
Constantino then ordered one of the reporters removed from the room, describing him as an "angry motherf---er."
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"Actually, do me a favor. This guy is so — he’s looking at me. Kick him out. Just kick him out. Get him out of here. You’re just a rude person. If you want to be tough on me, get out. Go right now. I’m not playing games with you. You deleted two of my interviews … bye bye," Constantino said.
Stefanik, a former GOP conference chair and Trump’s first pick to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was considered by many a rising star within the Republican Party.
Although Stefanik began the confirmation process for the nomination, Trump ultimately rescinded his pick, calling on Stefanik to remain in the House, where Republicans held a razor-thin majority. A few months later, Stefanik announced that she would not pursue reelection or a bid for governor, citing a desire to focus on her family and avoid a primary contest.
Notably, Stefanik endorsed Constantino after the GOP primary for New York’s 21st Congressional District.
"In the coming months, I know Anthony will continue to work hard to earn your support. He will put the people first and will be a strong representative in Washington for the incredible hardworking families in our great district," Stefanik said in a post to social media.
Constantino also secured backing from President Donald Trump.
Constantino made headlines in 2024 when he put up a giant 100-foot "VOTE FOR TRUMP" sign atop his company building.
City officials, including Democratic Mayor Michael Cinquanti, argued the sign violated code because it "presents a dangerous distraction and impacts traffic flow," especially at night when it is illuminated.
After a legal battle, courts ruled that Constantino had a right to keep the sign in place, a decision he called an "epic win for free speech."
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Last Tuesday, Constantino narrowly won his race in a 50.9% to 48.8% victory over Gendebien.
During his campaign, Constantino stressed his alignment with Trump, highlighting his record as a business owner, promised to bring reliable cell phone service to northern New York and reduce utility costs, according to his website.
Having secured his congressional race, Constantino will be sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2027, alongside the rest of the 120th Congress.
Iranian boxer on death row wins human rights award as athletes push to save his life
An Iranian boxing champion on death row has won an international human rights award, bringing renewed attention to his case after prominent athletes urged Iran to spare his life.
Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani was named the 2026 Magnitsky Award winner for Outstanding Human Rights Activist, according to the award organizers. The honor is scheduled to be presented on his behalf Thursday in London, according to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, an opposition coalition.
British lawmaker Bob Blackman, chair of the British Committee for Iran Freedom, is listed as the award’s presenter.
Vafaei Sani, a boxer and coach from Mashhad, was arrested in 2020 following the November 2019 anti-government protests. Authorities accused him of supporting the opposition People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, also known as the PMOI or MEK, according to the NCRI.
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His prosecution involved allegations of arson and destruction of public property under the capital charge of "corruption on earth," according to IranWire. Rights advocates have condemned the proceedings as unfair.
The award organizers describe his case as a "symbol of the persecution of peaceful dissent" in Iran. They say he has endured physical and psychological torture, lengthy solitary confinement and repeated threats of execution.
Iran’s Supreme Court twice overturned his death sentence before a Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death again in September 2024. The Supreme Court upheld that third sentence in October 2025, according to the organizers and the Sport & Rights Alliance.
However, his lawyer, Babak Paknia, announced a stay of execution in December 2025, IranWire reported. That order paused the execution without overturning his conviction. IranWire reported last month that Human Rights for Sports continued to list him among athletes facing capital punishment.
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His case has drawn support from some of the most recognizable names in sports.
Tennis great Martina Navratilova, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, British Olympic swimming medalist Sharron Davies and three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Nancy Hogshead signed a November 2025 appeal calling for international intervention.
Other signatories included former U.S. Olympic cyclist Inga Thompson and former Australian national soccer team captain Craig Foster.
"The world must not stand by while Iran silences its champions," the athletes’ statement said.
The World Boxing Council joined the calls to save Vafaei Sani in November 2025, urging the United Nations, International Olympic Committee and other sporting bodies to intervene.
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"From the WBC, we call on the Iranian authorities to reconsider and annul the death sentence against Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani," WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán said.
The Sport & Rights Alliance separately raised his case with the IOC, arguing that its commitments to human rights and athlete protection required action. The alliance also cited Amnesty International’s objections that the charge of "corruption on earth" fails international standards requiring clear, legally defined offenses.
Amnesty included Vafaei Sani among people at risk of execution in a May 2026 urgent action concerning Iranian protesters and dissidents.
The international solidarity campaign extended beyond sports last month. Leopoldo Maldonado, the U.N. special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, announced a 24-hour hunger strike in support of Iranian political prisoners, according to posts reproduced by Iran Freedom, an advocacy outlet. He highlighted Vafaei Sani among prisoners facing death sentences.
The Magnitsky Awards began in 2015 and recognize journalists, politicians and activists working to defend human rights. They are named for Sergei Magnitsky, who died in Russian custody after exposing government corruption.
Previous recipients include the late Sen. John McCain, journalist Maria Ressa and Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov, according to the organizers.
Top Dem on committee fires back after White House counsel warns against overreach amid investigation threats
Counsel to the president William Scharf, in a letter to House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., warned against Democrats running afoul of their allotted powers pertaining to investigations and subpoenas.
But Garcia — who is poised to chair the committee next year when Democrats gain the House majority — fired back, asserting that President Donald Trump's administration is weaponizing the government.
"I write to remind you of the foundational limits that the Constitution imposes on congressional investigations and subpoenas, which you and members of the new Congress have evinced a clear intent to transgress," Scharf wrote in part of the letter.
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Republicans suffered a drubbing during the 2026 midterms and will consequently be the minority in both chambers of Congress next year.
In a statement on Election Day last week, Garcia warned, "Lawyer up."
Rep. Emily Randall, D-Wash., who is also on the committee, declared in a post last week on the social media platform Bluesky, "We’re going to be passing out subpoenas like candy."
In his letter, Scharf asserted, "We are monitoring the abusive and capricious threats that are now proliferating from Democrat legislators who seek to abuse the legislative process to intimidate and to interfere with the lawful functioning of government. Recent public statements underscore these concerns. You and your congressional colleagues have asserted that they will issue subpoenas to harass, threaten, and deter dedicated members of the Administration from further service."
"Compulsory process is a power Congress has for oversight functions, and only for oversight functions. Abusive threats and public statements about the indiscriminate issuance of subpoenas, along with threats directed at prospective targets within the Administration make it abundantly clear that any forthcoming investigative processes will be deployed to harass and aggrandize, rather than to advance any legitimate legislative end," Scharf's letter stated.
"Beyond being inconsistent with the clear, well-recognized constitutional limitations on your investigative functions, threats to executive branch officials designed to deter them from public service, or process designed merely to abuse or instill fear in the recipient may cross the line into blatant criminality," the letter continued. "And issuing unlawful subpoenas with the intention of depriving citizens of their constitutional rights and privileges may warrant further investigation."
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Responding to the letter, Garcia suggested in a statement that the president is hiding something from the public.
"It appears Donald Trump has something to hide. Let’s be clear: Congress' authority comes from Article I of the Constitution, not from the permission of the White House. Congress has wide latitude to conduct investigations and oversight, an authority inherent in the power to legislate," Garcia said in his statement.
"The American people voted overwhelmingly for us to pass laws to root out corruption and abuse. The Trump Administration continues to weaponize the government with threats of unconstitutional attacks on Congress. We are a co-equal branch of government and will not be deterred by baseless threats from a weaponized DOJ or from the President’s lawyers," Garcia stated.
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The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Wednesday.