Cam Newton unexpectedly missed start of ‘First Take’

Dave Portnoy has accepted Stephen A. Smith's public apology regarding comments made about quarterback Drake Maye, who was accused by Smith of lying about not knowing which show Cam Newton was on. This apology comes after Portnoy demanded Smith take responsibility for his remarks, which sparked significant media attention and public discourse.

The New England Patriots achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first team in the NFL to secure 10 wins this season, following a 26-20 comeback victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. This win extended their winning streak to nine games, showcasing their resilience after overcoming an early 10-point deficit. Quarterback Drake Maye played a pivotal role, throwing for 294 yards and a touchdown.

Scott Van Pelt expressed his support for the inclusion of Group of 5 teams in the College Football Playoff, stating he has 'zero issue' with their participation. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the playoff system and its fairness in representing various college football programs.

Jordon Hudson, girlfriend of NFL coach Bill Belichick, has announced her intention to sue sports podcaster Pablo Torre for defamation. This announcement follows her claims made on social media, where she outlined her reasons for pursuing legal action against Torre, who has gained recognition for his podcast 'Pablo Torre Finds Out.'

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase issued a lengthy apology following his one-game suspension for spitting at Jalen Ramsey during a recent game. This incident occurred after Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch, leading to Chase's absence in the Bengals' loss to the New England Patriots in Week 12. Chase is eligible to return for the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The New England Patriots have made a strong return to the Super Bowl conversation, largely driven by quarterback Drake Maye, who has led the team to a nine-game winning streak following a 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Maye's performance included throwing for 294 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his growth in his second season.

Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was seen flipping the bird at an ESPN camera ahead of the Steelers' game against the Chicago Bears. This incident occurred during a pre-game segment, drawing attention to Rodgers' frustrations amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding his performance and injury status.

In a recent NFL matchup, the New York Giants faced criticism from radio analyst Carl Banks for their decision-making during overtime against the Detroit Lions, which resulted in a 34-27 loss. Banks highlighted the team's failure to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they had a double-digit lead before ultimately losing the game in overtime.