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Volume 78, No. 170 ©SS 2019 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas House Dems unveil Trump impeachment charges

BY LISA MASCARO gress — pushing toward historic a “solemn act.” Voting is expected rity,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, his would be “sheer Political AND MARY CLARE JALONICK votes over charges he corrupted in a matter of days in the Judicia- D-N.Y., the Judiciary chairman, Madness!” Associated Press the U.S. election process and en- ry Committee and by Christmas announcing the charges before a The outcome, though, appears dangered national security in his in the full House. Trump insisted portrait of George . increasingly set as the House WASHINGTON — House Dem- dealings with Ukraine. he did nothing wrong and his re- “Our next election is at risk. … prepares for voting, as it has only ocrats announced two articles of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, flanked election campaign called it “rank That is why we must act now.” three times in history against a impeachment Tuesday against by the chairmen of the impeach- partisanship.” Trump tweeted ahead of the U.S. president. Approval of the President Donald Trump — abuse ment inquiry committees, stood “He endangers our democracy; announcement that impeaching charges would send them to the of power and obstruction of Con- at the Capitol for what she called he endangers our national secu- a president with a record like SEE CHARGES ON PAGE 9 SECURITY ALARM

Members of In confidential documents, US military trainers bemoan shortfalls of Afghan forces the Afghan National Army- BY CRAIG WHITLOCK “We’re on the right track now,” Ma- But in a trove of confidential gov- as incompetent, unmotivated, poorly Territorial Force The Washington Post rine Gen. Jim Mattis told Congress in ernment interviews obtained by The trained, corrupt and riddled with de- echo commands 2010. Washington Post, U.S., NATO and Af- serters and infiltrators. For almost two decades, U.S. mili- at the Kabul “The Afghan forces are better than ghan officials described their efforts In one interview, Thomas Johnson, Military Training tary commanders have assured the a Navy official who served as a coun- public they are making progress on we thought they were,” Marine Gen. to create an Afghan proxy force as Center in Kabul, terinsurgency adviser in Kandahar the cornerstone of their war strategy: John Allen told Congress in 2012. a long-running calamity. With most Afghanistan, in province, said Afghans viewed the to build a strong Afghan army and “The Afghan national security forces speaking on the assumption that their June 2018. are winning,” Army Lt. Gen. Joseph remarks would remain private, they police as predatory bandits, calling police force that can defend the coun- SHARIDA JACKSON/ try on their own. Anderson told reporters in 2014. depicted the Afghan security forces SEE FORCES ON PAGE 4 U.S. Air Force PAGE 2 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9859 Messages suggest T-Mobile deal may hike prices Euro costs (Dec. 11) ...... $1.1360 Thailand (Baht) ...... 30.31 Dollar buys (Dec. 11) ...... €0.8803 Turkey (Lira) ...... 5.8008 British pound (Dec. 11) ...... $1.35 Associated Press (Military exchange rates are those Sprint’s chief marketing officer, Verizon and AT&T that will help Japanese yen (Dec. 11) ...... 106.00 available to customers at military banking South Korean won (Dec. 11) ...... 1,160.00 to Sprint’s then-CEO Marcelo keep prices low. In testimony, Commercial rates facilities in the country of issuance NEW YORK — Messages by a for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3769 Claure. Sole wrote that customer Sole said he was simply present- Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For Sprint executive revealed in fed- British pound ...... $1.3176 prices could rise an average $5 nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., ing a “hypothetical” and that he Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.3234 eral court suggested he thought purchasing British pounds in Germany), per user if a deal went through. China (Yuan) ...... 7.0346 did no formal analysis to arrive at check with your local military banking an acquisition by T-Mobile might Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.7451 He added that prices could also facility. Commercial rates are interbank the $5 number. Egypt (Pound) ...... 16.1597 push up mobile service prices for rise at AT&T and Verizon once rates provided for reference when buying A group of 14 state attorneys Euro ...... $1.1079/0.9026 consumers, undercutting T-Mo- the wireless market consolidated Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.8258 currency. All figures are foreign currencies general, led by New York and to one dollar, except for the British pound, bile’s argument that its deal will to three competitors from four. Hungary (Forint) ...... 298.69 California, are trying to convince Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.4675 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, benefit Americans. At the time, Sprint and T-Mobile Japan (Yen) ...... 108.61 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) The text messages, presented were negotiating terms of an a federal judge that the $26.5 bil- Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3036 INTEREST RATES by attorneys for a coalition of lion deal should be blocked. Norway (Krone) ...... 9.1821 acquisition. Philippines (Peso)...... 50.77 Prime rate ...... 4.75 states suing to block the deal Merger supporters argue that The trial, in U.S. District Court Poland (Zloty) ...... 3.87 Discount rate ...... 2.25 on antitrust grounds, were sent in New York, opened Monday and Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7501 Federal funds market rate ...... 1.55 a combined T-Mobile and Sprint Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.3594 3-month bill ...... 1.52 in October 2017 by Roger Sole, will emerge as a fiercer rival to is expected to last several weeks. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,191.75 30-year bond ...... 2.26 WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY IN EUROPE THURSDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 43/39 Kabul 44/30 Seoul 34/26 Baghdad 62/50 Kandahar 60/42 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 36/28 56/51 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 43/37 35/31 40/36 Iwakuni 47/44 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 73/70 Brussels 37/28 Guam 68/58 44/41 Ramstein 48/45 83/80 Lajes, 37/30 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 71/62 74/69 60/57 38/27 33/26 Aviano/ Vicenza 40/28

Naples 51/44 Okinawa Morón 69/66 56/44 Sigonella Rota 55/41 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 83/76 57/46 60/57 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 11 Classified ...... 12 Comics ...... 15 Crossword ...... 15 Faces ...... 14 Opinion ...... 16 Sports ...... 17-24 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 3 MILITARY After feedback, Navy unveils uniform updates

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY The summer white/service Stars and Stripes dress maternity shirt is being redesigned to improve its look WASHINGTON — Sailors now and function, according to the have the option to wear a black Navy. The improvements include neck gaiter during cold weather adjustable side tabs with three as well as a two-piece swimsuit buttons, epaulettes and two side- for the physical readiness test seam hidden pockets. The chest among some of the uniform up- pockets are also being removed to dates announced Monday by the match the current service khaki Navy. and Navy service uniform mater- The list of uniform updates nity shirt. comes from feedback from sail- The Navy is also developing im- ors and leadership directions, ac- provements to the Navy working SPENCER FLING/U.S. Navy cording to the Navy. uniform and cold weather parka’s Sailors can wear a black Recruits walk in formation black fleece liner to be a stand- neck gaiter during extreme- wearing neck gaiters during a alone jacket with a weather-resis- ly cold weather, which is de- snowstorm at Recruit Training tant fabric for rain and wind and fined by regional policy or ship Command in Great Lakes, Ill. two side pockets with zippers. commanders. An announcement will be made The gaiter is worn from the freely,” according to the Navy. regarding when the maternity neck up, covering the sailor’s nose For the two-piece swimsuits, shirt and fleece will be available. and face to just under their eyes. male and female sailors can wear Testing is underway for the next They can be purchased com- their physical training uniform version of the black leather safety mercially and worn only with the shorts and shirt or swimming boot, the I-Boot 5, that is worn following cold weather outer gar- trunks or board shorts with a with Navy working uniforms. ments: cold weather parka, Navy “rash guard” shirt that is typical- Feedback from participant eval- working uniform type II and III ly worn by surfers. Women can uators has been “overwhelmingly parka, pea coat, reefer coat and also wear a two-piece swimsuit positive,” according to the Navy. all-weather coat. called a burqini, or burkini, that Evaluators said they are a major Sailors who swim for their covers a swimmer’s body from improvement to the boot’s overall semi-annual physical readi- their hair down to their ankles. fit, comfort and performance. ness test now have the option to Sailors are also now allowed The final report and recom- wear two-piece swimwear that to wear the Gold Star Lapel But- mendation for the boot is due by must cover the entire torso. The ton and Next of Kin Lapel But- the first quarter of 2020, accord- swimwear can be purchased off ton with their service dress and ing to the service. If approved, the shelf, “navy blue or black in full-dress uniforms. The pins are sailors could start receiving the COURTNEY WILLIAMS/U.S. Navy color, conservative in design and given to family members of ser- boot in fiscal year 2021. Sailors from the USS George Washington wear-test the I-Boot 5 in appearance and must not prohibit vice members who died during [email protected] September at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. the swimmer from swimming their military service. Twitter: @caitlinmkenney Warning sign aims to decrease US military aircraft noise

BY AYA ICHIHASHI attributed to military aircraft A spokesman for III Marine Stars and Stripes and measured after 10 p.m. near Expeditionary Force said the Camp Hansen in 2017 and 2018 Marines on Okinawa try to keep CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa frequently exceeded limits. the noise down. — Kin town, home to Camp Han- However, the newspaper did “III MEF operates within all sen and close to Camp Schwab, not specify what limit the air- bilateral agreements between the both Marine Corps bases, has craft noise exceeded and did not United States and the Government launched a message campaign to respond Tuesday to requests for of Japan,” 1st Lt. Ryan Bruce said the U.S. military on the island. further information. According in an email Dec. 3. “When ex- In vivid, yellow letters 5 feet to the Japan Ministry of the Envi- ecuting training, III MEF makes high and 66 feet long, the words ronment website, 40-50 decibels every effort to accomplish our “No Fly Zone” appear on the roof- is the limit for nighttime noise in vital mission for Japan’s defense top of Kin Town Hall, a plea to residential areas. while minimizing our impacts on U.S. military pilots to steer wide The bureau and the Kin town the local communities where we of the community below. The official declined to comment on operate.” words are visible at night. how frequently U.S. aircraft ex- Noise is not the only issue Kin CARLOS VAZQUEZ/Stars and Stripes “This is permanent signage ceeded the nighttime residential town has with the Marines. On and we had allocated the budget “No Fly Zone” is seen on the town hall roof Monday in Kin, Okinawa. noise level. Dec. 5 and 6, several 60 mm mor- to paint five locations, including The Okinawa Defense Bureau tar flare rounds were found in a the town hall,” a Kin town official School. Kin official said. “We had asked installed six meters to measure Kin neighborhood. The Marine told Stars and Stripes on Dec. 2. Some government officials in numerous times to the U.S. of- noise in Kin at the town’s request. Corps suspended its use of illu- The official said the messages Japan customarily speak to the ficials, but nothing has changed, Four meters were installed in Au- mination flares on Okinawa after will also be painted at Kin Chuo media on condition of anonymity. so we had to do something within gust 2013 and two in March 2018. the incident. No injuries or dam- Community Center, Nakagawa “Our residents constantly asked our ability.” The bureau gives a monthly noise age were reported. Elementary School, Kin Ele- us to do something about the The Ryukyu Shinpo newspaper report to Kin officials and the [email protected] mentary School and Kin Middle noise” from U.S. helicopters, the reported Dec. 1 that noise levels media. Twitter: @AyaIchihashi Army major in Georgia is jailed on federal child porn charge

Associated Press rested and charged with distributing child in Augusta, where he works as an integrat- other “standard Army administrative pornography after an FBI agent monitor- ed threats operations officer with a top-se- actions.” SAVANNAH, Ga. — An Army officer ing online groups devoted to child pornog- cret security clearance. “Obviously, the chain of command is who held a top-secret security clearance raphy and discussions of child sex traced Maj. Kip Patterson, a Cyber Com- very concerned and we’re looking at what shared nude photos of a teenage girl on- the photos to a computer in Musgrove’s mand spokesman, said the Army is coop- actions should be taken,” Patterson said. line and discussed plans to drug the girl home in Georgia, said documents filed in erating with civilian authorities in their Musgrove was being held Monday at the and have sex with her, according to federal U.S. District Court. investigation. Lincoln County jail. Court records did not court records unsealed Monday. Court records said Musgrove is assigned He said commanders had suspended list whether he has an attorney who could Army Maj. Jason Musgrove was ar- to Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon Musgrove’s security clearance and taken comment on his behalf. PAGE 4 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WAR ON TERRORISM Forces: US, NATO officials admit they were too slow to build up Afghan defenses

FROM FRONT PAGE The national police number them “the most hated institution” about 91,000. They report to the in Afghanistan. An unnamed Nor- Interior Ministry and are more wegian official told interviewers of a paramilitary force than a that he estimated 30% of Afghan crime-fighting agency. The police police recruits deserted with guard the border, staff security their government-issued weapons checkpoints and try to hold terri- so they could “set up their own tory that the army has cleared of private checkpoints” and extort insurgents. payments from travelers. With the Afghan security forc- Ryan Crocker, a former U.S. es lagging in quantity and quality, ambassador to Kabul, told gov- the U.S. military has been unable ernment interviewers that the Af- to extricate itself from the far- ghan police were ineffective “not away conflict. Although the num- because they’re out-gunned or ber of U.S. troops in Afghanistan out-manned. It’s because they are has dwindled from 100,000 eight useless as a security force and years ago to 13,000 today, the they’re useless as a security force Trump administration has had to because they are corrupt down to escalate the war from the skies to the patrol level.” prevent the Taliban from taking SHARIDA JACKSON/U.S. Air Force over. Since 2002, the United States An Afghan National Army member delivers a reporting statement prior to the start of an exercise at has allocated more than $83 bil- President Donald Trump has said he wants to withdraw more the Kabul Military Training Center in June 2018. The nation’s army and police have suffered so many lion in security assistance to Af- casualties that the Afghan government keeps the exact numbers a secret to avoid destroying morale. ghanistan, a sum that dwarfs the U.S. troops, and his diplomats defense budgets of other develop- are engaged in peace talks with ing nations. In 2011, at the peak the Taliban. But during his presi- This is an abridged version of the war, Afghanistan received dency, U.S. military aircraft have of the Washington Post report. $11 billion in security aid from pounded Afghanistan each month For a full version of this story Washington — $3 billion more with three times as many bombs and others in the Post’s special than what neighboring Pakistan, and missiles, on average, as package on Afghanistan, visit: which has a stockpile of nuclear they dropped per month during stripes.com/news/middle-east weapons and a far bigger army, President Barack Obama’s sec- spent that year on its military. ond term, according to Air Force But the Lessons Learned re- statistics. Yet after almost two decades ports omitted the names of the In the interview documents of help from Washington, the Af- vast majority of those interviewed obtained by The Post, U.S. and ghan army and police are still too for the project, as well as their NATO officials partially blamed weak to fend off the Taliban, Is- most biting critiques. The Post themselves for the predicament. lamic State and other insurgents obtained notes and transcripts They said they moved too slowly without U.S. military backup. of the interviews under the Free- to build up the Afghan forces Government watchdogs and dom of Information Act after a journalists have chronicled se- during the first few years of the war when the Taliban presented three-year legal battle. vere shortcomings with the Af- “We got the [Afghan forces] we ghan security forces over the a minimal threat. Then, after the Taliban rebounded, they rushed deserve,” Douglas Lute, an Army years. But the interview records lieutenant general who served obtained by The Washington Post and tried to train too many Af- LUKE HOOGENDAM/U.S. Marine Corps ghans too quickly. as the White House’s Afghani- contain new insights into what AN A troops prepare to enter a building during a military operations Marin Strmecki, a civilian stan War czar under Presidents went wrong and expose gaping George W. Bush and Obama, told on urban terrain exercise at Camp Shorabak in July 2018. contradictions between what U.S. adviser to former Defense Sec- retary Donald Rumsfeld, told government interviewers. officials said in public and what If the U.S. government had lar of the country’s security.” Washington to pay for security they believed in private as the government interviewers in 2015 ramped up training between 2002 But internally, Bush adminis- forces of 100,000 to 120,000. But war unfolded. that the poor timing and inept and 2006, “when the Taliban was tration officials shared anxieties he said in a Lessons Learned in- On paper, the Afghan security planning were mortal setbacks. weak and disorganized, things and sounded alarms. forces look robust, with 352,000 “These are strategic conse- terview that Rumsfeld drew a may have been different,” Lute In February 2005, Rumsfeld soldiers and police officers. But quences to this,” Strmecki said. hard line and held the training added. “Instead, we went to Iraq. forwarded a confidential report the Afghan government can prove “This is not just doing good or it program “hostage” until the Af- If we committed money deliber- to Secretary of State Condoleezza only that 254,000 of them serve in would be nice to be able to oper- ghans agreed to the 50,000 cap, Rice about the Afghan National the ranks. ate better. You succeed or fail on ately and sooner, we could have a which led to long delays. Police, or ANP. The report was For years, Afghan command- whether you can do these things different outcome.” “So we were fighting in 2002, titled “ANP Horror Stories” and ers inflated the numbers so they in a timely manner.” The disconnect between what 2003 about those sort of num- U.S. officials really thought about described how most of the police could pocket salaries — paid by The interviews were conduct- bers,” Khalilzad told government the Afghan security forces and were illiterate, underequipped U.S. taxpayers — for no-show or ed by the Office of the Special interviewers, saying it was ap- what they said in public became and barely trained. imaginary personnel, according Inspector General for Afghani- parent more Afghan forces were stan Reconstruction, an agency ingrained during the early stages Memos from Rumsfeld and to U.S. government audits. As a required. “Now we’re talking result, Washington now asks the created by Congress to uncover of the war. other documents show that the fraud and waste in the war zone. In October 2004, the Pentagon defense secretary pushed to train about God knows what, 300,000 Afghans to produce biometric or whatever.” data, including fingerprints and Drawing partly on the interviews distributed a set of talking points the Afghan forces quickly yet Strmecki said the dispute face scans, to verify the existence but largely on other government that bragged about the Afghan wanted to keep them small so the of people in uniform. documents, SIGAR published army and police. The document U.S. government would not get dragged on even as it became The army and police have suf- two Lessons Learned reports in praised the 15,000 soldiers in the stuck with the expense of sustain- clearer in 2004 and 2005 that fered so many casualties that the 2017 and 2019 that highlighted nascent Afghan army as “a highly ing a massive foreign army and the Afghan forces needed to ex- Afghan government keeps the an array of problems with the Af- professional, multi-ethnic force, police force. pand quickly to fight a resurgent exact numbers a secret to avoid ghan security forces. which is rapidly becoming a pil- In the Lessons Learned inter- Taliban. destroying morale. Estimates are views, other Bush administration “The way it gets resolved is the that more than 60,000 members officials said Rumsfeld was stin- way everything gets resolved in of Afghan security forces have gy and shortsighted. They said Washington — by not getting re- been killed, about 17 times the ‘ This is not just doing good or it would Washington would have saved solved,” he said. number of U.S. and NATO troops money in the long run — and per- In his Lessons Learned in- who have lost their lives. be nice to be able to operate better. You haps even subdued the Taliban terview, Strmecki said another The national army accounts — if it had built a bigger Afghan fundamental problem was that succeed or fail on whether you can do army and police force sooner. for most of the Afghan security the U.S. government lacked the forces, with about 162,000 troops. Zalmay Khalilzad, who served these things in a timely manner. capacity to train and equip large It reports to the Defense Ministry ’ as U.S. ambassador to Afghani- foreign armies from scratch. and includes the Afghan air force Marin Strmecki stan from 2003 to 2004, said and other units. civilian adviser to former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld the Afghan government wanted SEE PAGE 5 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 5 WAR ON TERRORISM Forces: Interviews reveal much criticism of Afghan police abilities, loyalties

FROM PAGE 4 the local police “seemed to be “You wouldn’t invent how to do drug addicts or Taliban.” He infantry operations at the start of added that their “main concern a war. You wouldn’t invent how to was getting fuel from their U.S. do artillery at the start of a war,” unit; they always wanted fuel.” Strmecki said. “Right now, it is Robert Perito, a former analyst all ad hoc. There is no doctrine, at the U.S. Institute of Peace who no science to it. It gets done very studied the Afghan police, called unevenly. When you are creating the local police “dysfunctional” security forces for another soci- and said that in many areas it ety, it is the most important po- was “a corrupt force, run by litical act you will ever do. That warlords.” requires an awful lot of thought In the Lessons Learned inter- and sophistication.” views, officials said the United In the Lessons Learned inter- States and NATO deserved a large views, U.S. and NATO officials share of the blame. They said the said the glowing progress re- training programs for the Afghan ports delivered to the public were security forces — not just the po- largely an illusion and glossed lice — were ill-designed, poorly over major deficiencies that were coordinated and thinly staffed. visible from the outset. One former U.S. trainer said he For starters, only about 2 in was selected for the job because 10 Afghan recruits could read or he “had a pulse.” When govern- write. U.S. and NATO trainers ment interviewers asked him in put them through crash literacy 2017 which U.S. official was in courses, but those lasted only a charge of police training, he re- few weeks. plied that no single person was Other gaps in basic knowl- and that he “wasn’t sure who he edge had to be bridged. One U.S. would say fills a role that could be Special Forces trainer told gov- considered as such.” ernment interviewers that the Others said the programs were Afghans mistook urinals in the plagued by inconsistency and barracks as drinking fountains. PHOTOS BY LUKE HOOGENDAM/U.S. Marine Corps hamstrung by the fact that U.S. Another U.S. trainer said he had and NATO trainers served for to teach conscripts basic human ANA soldiers and Afghan National Police stand in formation at a graduation ceremony at Camp Shorabak only six to 12 months at a time. anatomy: “They didn’t under- in July 2018. One unnamed U.S. military official told government interviewers in 2016 that about a third One called the loss of institu- stand how a tourniquet could help of the local police “seemed to be drug addicts or Taliban.” tional knowledge “the annual stop bleeding if you’re not even lobotomy.” putting it over the wound.” ‘ bribery and extortion that many For years, the United States Questionable motivations and We can’t even stand up a sustainable local questioned who represented the and NATO could not find enough loyalties snaked through the police unit in the U.S. in 18 months. How bigger evil — the Taliban or the certified law enforcement profes- ranks of the army and police. Afghan government. sionals to train the Afghan po- Ethnic and tribal tensions posed could we expect to set up hundreds of them Over the course of the war, U.S. lice. To fill the gap, the Pentagon a perpetual problem, with the across Afghanistan in that time frame? military officials have made dis- assigned regular troops to the officer corps dominated by war- ’ tinctions in their appraisal of the job even though they knew little lords who doled out promotions unnamed former U.S. official Afghan security forces. Despite about police work. based on patronage, according to its problems, there is a consensus the interviews. that the army has made strides Filling specialized billets was and earned a measure of respect especially tough. It took nearly a because they were smuggling out did not want things to change. from the Afghan public. Elite decade to get the Afghan air force small containers of it to sell on the “The less they behaved, the special operations units often off the ground because of not just black market. more money we threw at them,” receive praise for their combat a lack of qualified pilots but also Petty corruption was rampant. a former U.S. official told gov- effectiveness. a dearth of mechanics who could In a 2015 Lessons Learned inter- ernment interviewers in 2015. In the Lessons Learned inter- read repair manuals. view, an unnamed United Nations “There was no real incentive to views, U.S. officials aimed much One U.S. military adviser as- official described how Afghan po- reform.” of their criticism at the Afghan signed to the Afghan air force lice recruits would undergo two For much of the war, Washing- police, which function more as a told government interviewers weeks of training, “get their uni- ton paid the salaries of the secu- paramilitary force than officers that “Afghans would come to forms, then go back to the prov- rity forces by transferring huge on the beat. them with ‘pilot wings’ that they ince and sell them.” Unworried sums of money to the Afghan In particular, they heaped found or purchased, claiming that they might get in trouble, he government, which in turn paid scorn on units known as the Af- to be pilots but having no flight said, many would reenlist and soldiers and police officers in ghan Local Police, or ALP. With experience.” “come back to do it again.” cash — after commanders often about 30,000 personnel, the local The unnamed U.S. adviser said U.S. advisers constantly tried took an illicit cut for themselves, police are militias organized that the air base where he worked to plug holes in the system to according to the interviews and at the village level. Although was plagued by “shenanigans” prevent looting and stealing but news reports. they were established in 2010 at and that many Afghans reeked said they were often stymied by Today, to prevent skimming, the behest of the United States of jet fuel when they left each day Afghan government officials who most of security forces receive — and trained by the U.S. mili- their pay by electronic bank tary — they quickly generated a account transfers, but graft reputation for brutality and drew persists. complaints from human rights Virulent corruption compro- groups. mised the security forces in other One unnamed U.S. military of- ways. Over time, the Afghan pub- ficial told government interview- lic became so disgusted by all the ers in 2016 that about a third of

ALTAF QADRI/AP Afghan policemen stand guard at the site of a shootout in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Dec. 2. PAGE 6 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 MILITARY GOP opposition to Space Force, leave plan fades

BY JEFF STEIN new opposition from liberals in Congress push more employers in the right direction Wis., chairman of the committee that over- The Washington Post who quickly announced they would be vot- and ensure more workers get paid family sees government affairs, said he opposed ing against the legislation over its provi- leave,” Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking the expansion of the federal benefit but WASHINGTON — Key congressional sions related to U.S. support for Saudi-led Democrat on the Senate Armed Services does not expect to be able to stop it. lawmakers announced their support Mon- efforts in Yemen, which has earned bipar- Committee, said in a statement. “Expand- “I think it’s a done deal,” Johnson said, day evening for a defense bill that would tisan rebuke and led to one of the world’s ing access to paid family leave helps the adding that the provision has key national create Space Force and paid parental leave deadliest humanitarian crises. health and economic well-being of individ- security measures he thinks should be for more than 2 million federal workers as In a major deal struck late last week, the uals who have it and strengthens the ability approved. signs of Republican opposition to the mea- White House and congressional Democrats of employers to retain their workers.” He added of the leave benefit: “I think it’s sure appeared to fade. agreed to create Space Force as the sixth The biggest remaining hurdle to the House and Senate negotiators in both branch of the U.S. military in exchange for compromise has appeared to be Senate unfortunate. I think it sets a very danger- major parties said they would back the bill new parental leave benefits for the federal Republicans, who earlier this year rejected ous precedent.” granting $658 billion to the Department workforce as part of the must-pass defense a measure to establish similar benefits for Several other Republican senators — in- of Defense and other defense programs, package. If approved, it would be the big- federal workers. cluding John Barrasso, of Wyoming; Mitt a measure that includes dozens of nation- gest victory for federal employees in nearly But as of Monday afternoon, at least be- Romney, of Utah; and Roy Blunt, of Mis- al security provisions prioritized by the 30 years. fore the bill text was released, most in the souri — said they were prepared to support armed services. “Including paid family leave is a vic- Senate GOP caucus appeared prepared the deal reached between the White House However, the measure faced at least some tory for all workers because it will help to approve the plan. Sen. Ron Johnson, R- and congressional Democrats. Story of American flag hidden in Iraq inspires message from Trump

BY SETH ROBSON of them, Spc. Scott Larson, of Stars and Stripes Houston, suggested they sign an American flag as a memento for The story of an American flag, their linguist, AlSaedi said. signed by U.S. troops and hidden Larson was killed in action on from Iraqi insurgents for more one of the group’s last missions, than a decade, has inspired Pres- but AlSaedi cherished the flag ident Donald Trump to write to and kept it with him while work- the soldier who brought it home. ing with other Army units. Staff Sgt. Ahmed AlSaedi, 38, John Wright, a retired Georgia a member of the Army’s 155th Army National Guard officer who Combat Sustainment Support worked with AlSaedi in Baghdad Battalion in Los Angeles, got a during a 2005 deployment with reply from his commander in 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Divi- chief Nov. 14 after writing to tell sion, described the linguist as him about the flag. “top notch.” Trump, in his letter to AlSaedi, thanked him for his “incredible “We were outside the wire story of patriotism.” every day on patrols,” he recalled AlSaedi was a graphic design in a telephone interview from his student at Baghdad University home in Gainesville, Ga. “Our when U.S. forces invaded Iraq in commander allowed him to carry 2003, he said in a telephone inter- a weapon and he brought an AK- view from California last month. 47 on every operation.” AlSaedi said he buried the flag, As a youngster, AlSaedi used AHMED ALSAEDI the English he’d learned in school along with his linguist’s identifi- to get a job as a linguist working cation card, to hide them from A U.S. flag that survived for more than a decade after it was hidden from insurgents in Iraq is displayed with troops from 1st Brigade, 1st insurgents manning a checkpoint during a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Sept. 11. Armored Division out of a base on a road north of Baghdad in called Baghdad Island in 200 3, 2005. Not until 2016, when his parents Today the flag is proudly dis- often displayed his love for others he said. For years the flag remained were preparing to visit America, played at his home in California. even as far back as high school,” He said he went on many dan- hidden as the insurgency raged, did he decide to try to bring the Larson’s father, who is also he said. “And, even though he gerous missions, including one U.S. troops came home and Is- flag home. He asked his dad to named Scott, in an email Dec. 1 was unable to present the flag to in which he avoided being shot lamic State began a new cam- search for it and, after returning said the story of the flag made his Ahmed personally, we know that by pushing away an insurgent’s paign of violence. to the area AlSaedi described four family proud. his friendship with Ahmed was rifle. In 2008, AlSaedi immigrated to times, his father finally found it, “It did not come as a surprise real and genuine.” When it was time for the troops the United States and joined the still buried and in perfect condi- that [Spc. Scott Larson] might [email protected] to head home in April 2004, one Army in 2011. tion, AlSaedi said. do something like this as he had Twitter: @SethRobson1 Drunken American misguided by GPS damages rental car

BY MARCUS KLOECKNER — and a drug test found marijua- Soon after setting off, the Geinsheim, near Neustadt an der lice spokesman Andreas Mueller Stars and Stripes na in his system sometime after navigation system told him to go Weinstrasse. said. Penalties include a ban on police woke him up Sunday, about through the tunnel, which police There, the driver and vehicle driving in Germany and a fine to KAISERSLAUTERN, Germa- 30 miles east of Kaiserslautern, said was probably in Ramstein. left the road and ended up in the be determined following a recom- ny — An American found sleep- police said. He squeezed through it, but not middle of a field. Villagers found mendation by prosecutors, Muel- ing in a battered Mercedes in a The driver, who a spokeswom- without gouging the left side of the the car entrenched in mud, its ler said. field had his license confiscated an at Ramstein Air Base said vehicle and doing an estimated driver sound asleep, on Sunday. Authorities in the U.S. will be after he followed the walking di- informed of the incident, Mueller Tuesday had no military affili- 20,000 euros, or about $22,000, in The police were called and rections on his GPS and drove said. ation, didn’t notice that his GPS damage to the rented Mercedes, questioned the driver. He was through a narrow pedestrian tun- Whether the man eventually nel, police said. was on the pedestrian setting and police said. not arrested but had his license made it to the airport in Stuttgart The man, who was not identi- was telling him it would take 22 Scraping the car along the side confiscated pending review of his is not known. fied by German authorities, had hours to cover the 132 miles be- of a concrete wall didn’t deter the case by prosecutors. Stars and Stripes reporter Jennifer a blood alcohol content of .10 — tween Landstuhl and Stuttgart driver. He continued on his way He is being investigated for Svan contributed to this story. twice the legal limit in Germany Airport. until he came to the village of dangerous driving, Neustadt po- [email protected] Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 7 MILITARY Wis. Guard leader resigns in wake of assault review BY TODD RICHMOND jutant general of the Wisconsin ment regulations call for cases Associated Press Air National Guard — as interim to be referred to local police for commander and will choose a criminal investigation and the Na- MADISON, Wis. — The com- permanent replacement, his of- tional Guard Bureau for adminis- mander of the Wisconsin National fice said. The governor also or- trative investigation. Guard agreed to resign at Gov. dered the Guard to implement all Internal investigators were Tony Evers’ request Monday of the report’s recommendations poorly trained and their probes following the release of a scath- by September. lacked oversight, often resulting ing federal report that found the Dunbar is the nation’s longest- in incomplete findings and rec- AMBER ARNOLD, WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL/AP Guard defied federal law, regula- serving state National Guard ommendations. They sometimes tions and policies for years over commander. He was appointed falsely presented themselves as Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar welcom es home Wisconsin Army National the handling of soldiers’ sexual as- in 2007 by then-Gov. Jim Doyle, a bureau investigators. Guard soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation, in January sault and harassment complaints. Democrat. He has earned numer- Victims were told to waive 2018. Dunbar resigned Monday after a federal investigation into the The report from the National ous commendations, including the their right to criminal investiga- Guard’s handling of sexual assault complaints. Guard Bureau in Washington Legion of Merit award for excep- tions by local police. found the Guard allowed internal tional command performance. Complaints weren’t properly General Brad Schimel’s chief of plaints without fearing retalia- investigations in defiance of fed- But the Guard has been shaken tracked and data was never en- staff saying the agreement was tion but Wisconsin officials never eral law as well as Department of by recent allegations of officers tered in a Defense Department meant to “get the federal National implemented one. Defense and bureau policy; inves- brushing off sexual assault com- database as required. Guard Bureau off the back” of Evers on Monday ordered the tigators falsely presented them- plaints and retaliating against The Guard was supposed to Dunbar. Guard to implement changes de- selves as working for the federal victims for reporting incidents. have 28 victim support advocates Either the victim or the ac- tailed in a corrective action plan bureau; case records were mis- Evers and Democratic U.S. to help sexual assault and harass- cused perpetrator or sometimes submitted by bureau investiga- managed; and Guard sexual as- Sen. Tammy Baldwin asked the ment victims but had only one. both carried loaded weapons tors, including updating written while the investigation was ongo- sault response policies were not National Guard Bureau in March The Guard’s sexual assault policies and communicating all ing, leaving open the possibility in compliance with federal regu- to review the Wisconsin National policies haven’t been updated disciplinary actions down to the lations for more than five years. that one of them could shoot the Guard’s sexual assault reporting since 2013 and don’t include company level. Evers’ office said in a state- and investigative protocols. changes to federal laws and other in retaliation. The bureau will oversee imple- ment that the governor asked the Among the key findings: regulations. Guard officials didn’t note Guard’s top leader, Maj. Gen. Don- The Wisconsin Guard ig- Guard officials reached an substantiated sexual offenses in mentation and conduct another ald Dunbar, to resign hours before nored Defense Department polic- agreement with the state Justice offenders permanent evaluation review to ensure every issue has his administration released the es and procedures by personally Department in October 2018 spell- records. been addressed. report Monday afternoon. Dun- directing the Guard to conduct ing out that the Guard could refer Every state’s National Guard The order also calls for the cre- bar agreed to step down Dec. 31. internal administrative investiga- sexual assault cases to the depart- was ordered to implement a re- ation of an outside ombudsman Evers appointed Brig. Gen. tions in 22 of 35 cases reported ment. The report referenced an prisal prevention plan in 2017 to who will oversee sexual assault Gary Ebben — the assistant ad- between 2009 and 2019. Depart- email written by then-Attorney encourage personnel to file com- complaints within the Guard. New phone app looks to avert military assaults, crimes

BY NIKKI WENTLING user. leaders to agree to use it. from 14,900 in 2016. Sexual as- UrSafe is available through Stars and Stripes “We believe in those moments, A Defense Department report saults against female troops in- Apple’s App Store and on Google it could save a lot of lives,” Oyogoa released in May showed that creased by 44% since 2016, with Play. WASHINGTON — A new mo- said. 20,500 service members experi- the highest increase affecting ju- [email protected] bile app claims to activate at the Heath Phillips, an outspoken enced sexual assault in 2018, up nior enlisted service members. Twitter: @nikkiwentling sound of a safe word and immedi- military sexual assault survivor, ately alert a user’s friends, family is throwing his support behind and 911 in an emergency, as well UrSafe. Phillips is a Navy veteran as share the GPS location and and advisory board member for livestream audio and video to se- Protect Our Defenders, a national lected contacts. organization dedicated to ending The creators of UrSafe, which sexual harassment and assault in was launched Tuesday, want to the military. improve personal safety and ac- The biggest benefit he sees in celerate response times to sexual the app is to help prevent the “he assaults and other violent crimes. said, she said” of sexual assault Service members are a main com- reporting. ponent of their target audience. “We’ve seen this crisis taking “As soon as you say your call over not just in the military, but word, everybody is getting an as a society as a whole, with as- alert. Automatically, it’s audio. It’s saults,” said Dr. Anthony Oyogoa, video,” Phillips said. “If you’re get- a physician and a cofounder of ting beat up in a parking lot, they UrSafe. “We wanted to ask the know what happened. Sexually as- question: What can technology saulted? They know. A lot of cases do? I took the baton, and we’ve get thrown out because there’s no gone back and forth trying to cre- evidence, no proof, and it’s his tes- ate something we think starts the timony versus her testimony. This process of addressing this.” right here is a game-changer.” In its simplest form, UrSafe The app’s developers are also costs users $3 each month. hoping UrSafe will become a de- They’re instructed to create a safe terrent to potential perpetrators. word, which can be activated in While troops can download Ur- an emergency by opening the app Safe like anyone else, Oyogoa and and saying the word aloud. The the app’s other developers are hop- app is trained to activate only at ing to launch a military-specific the user’s voice, Oyogoa said. version that would include a ser- When activated, the phone will vice member’s chain of command automatically share their name in the emergency alert, as well as and GPS location with emergency civilian authorities. The military dispatch, as well as three friends version is complete, but UrSafe’s or family members chosen by the founders are waiting for military PAGE 8 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 MILITARY Friends: Gunman’s behavior changed after Saudi trip

The Washington Post at Naval Air Station Pensacola. He had completed two years of PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Saudi schooling in the United States and air force trainee accused of killing was expected to graduate from three classmates at a Florida Navy the program in the summer. base last week was a gifted stu- A Saudi government official dent whose personality appeared familiar with Alshamrani, 21, to change after a trip to his native described him as “an A student” country earlier this year, acquain- who was “well-liked and kept to tances and officials familiar with himself.” the case said Monday. The official said the Saudi gov- BRENDAN FARRINGTON/AP Second Lt. Mohammed Alsham- ernment was unaware of a formal Gary Yetter, a retired Navy officer who now owns a brewery near Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., rani was described as “strange” complaint filed by Alshamrani and “angry” where a Royal Saudi Air Force officer fatally shot three sailors Friday, talks about the importance of in April in which he accused an the base to the region Monday in Pensacola. in the weeks instructor of humiliating him by leading up calling him a derogatory nick- to Friday’s name in front of classmates. The shooting FBI on Monday declined to com- rampage, but ment on the reported ill will be- The heart of Pensacola: City schoolmates tween Alshamrani and one of his and other ac- instructors. quaintanc- The depiction of Alshamrani as has long, strong ties with base es said he generally mild-mannered echoed showed no accounts given to investigators BY BRENDAN FARRINGTON Everybody says, ‘Are you from to the National Naval Aviation outward sign Alshamrani by several of his classmates, Associated Press Pensacola?’ and most people Museum . that he was who described him as quiet and say, ‘No, I’m from somewhere The city takes tremendous preparing to open fire inside a reserved, rarely speaking dur- PENSACOLA, Fla. — There’s else.’ But we all move here pride in NAS Pensacola, so classroom building where he had ing classes. But his demeanor a message board in Gary Yet- eventually,” said Yetter. much so that it named an el- been training to become a mili- seemed to change following a re- ter’s brewery, located near Escambia County Sheriff ementary school after the Blue tary aviator. The shooting, which cent home leave, several students Naval Air Station Pensacola. David Morgan first came to Angels precision flying team also left eight people injured, is said, with Alshamrani becoming The idea is, a customer buys a Pensacola as a member of the based there. A Blue Angels jet being treated by the FBI as a pos- more withdrawn and often ap- beer for a friend who isn’t there, Air Force, and returned to the is mounted by a visitor welcome sible terrorist attack. pearing sullen, officials familiar puts their name on it and when city when he retired. center on I-10, positioned to look While the FBI has not yet de- with the matter said. the friend comes in they have a He noted during a press like it’s soaring sideways above termined a motive for the shoot- The typo-filled “will” appar- free beer waiting for them. briefing on the shooting that the center. ing, investigators are building a ently posted by Alshamrani is Right now, there are several the community is particularly “It’s an economic engine, but profile of the gunman from inter- addressed to the “American free beers waiting for unnamed hurt because it opens its heart it goes far beyond that. So many views with acquaintances, includ- people.” The writer says he does NAS Pensacola flight school and homes to foreign nationals of us are retired military that ing fellow Saudi students, as well not dislike Americans per se, but students, first responders and who train at the base. chose to retire here because U.S. Marines. But it’s not just as from a Twitter account that that he hates U.S. policies that he “We opened our country to there’s a sense of family, there’s a reaction to the Royal Saudi authorities now believe belonged views as anti-Muslim and “evil.” the allied officers, we opened a sense of belonging,” said Mor- Air Force officer who fatally to Alshamrani. The suspect is “What I see from America is our hearts. Many of the folks gan, who is originally from shot three sailors and wounded thought to have authored a “will” the supporting of Israel, which that surround our military Missouri. eight others Friday. Yetter said that was posted to the account a is [sic] invasion of Muslim coun- base ... do sponsorships, where Killed in the shooting were people have always shown their few hours before the shootings tries,” the letter states. “I see in- they sponsor officers into their Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23, a appreciation for the sailors and began in which he blasts U.S. pol- vasion of many countries by its homes to do a cultural ex- U.S. Naval Academy graduate; icies in Muslim countries. troops. I see Guantanamo Bay. I Marines on the base. “Someone will come in and change,” Morgan said. “You Airman Mohammed Sameh Alshamrani was among hun- see cruise missiles, cluster bombs should have walked the crime Haitham, 19, of St. Petersburg, dreds of foreign students training and UAV.” say ‘I want to buy a beer for a flight school student,’ ” Yetter scene with us, and you’d under- Fla., who joined the Navy after said. stand the anger in this commu- graduating from high school It’s an example of the mutual nity right now.” last year; and Airman Appren- Purple Hearts mulled love between the city and those The military history of the tice Cameron Scott Walters, 21, on the base. While a lot of mili- area dates back to 1698, when of Richmond Hill, Ga. tary bases provide an economic Spain built a fort on the same After the attack, the commu- engine for the communities site where NAS Pensacola is nity responded. The day of the for Pensacola victims now — though not as sprawling shooting, a line at a local blood that host them, the Navy has a The Washington Post guidelines for the award. special relationship with Pen- as the nearly 6,000-acre base. donor center went out the front In 2016, the military awarded sacola that is built on centuries French forces destroyed the door into the parking lot. The The Navy was beginning to dis- Purple Hearts to service mem- of history. Spanish fort in 1719. The Span- next day people continued to cuss the possibility that sailors bers who were killed or wounded A large number of the city’s ish later built Fort San Carlos come in to donate blood. killed and wounded in Friday’s in the July 2015 attack at a re- 52,000 residents, including Yet- de Barrancas in 1797, and some “It’s about the least I can do. mass shooting at Naval Air Sta- cruiting center in Chattanooga, ter, first came to Pensacola be- of the structure is still on the There’s not really much else tion Pensacola, Fla., could merit Tenn. cause of the naval base. current base. I can do in my position except Purple Heart medals and that The criteria to receive one was Yetter, 63, spent 21 years in President John Quincy give blood and try to provide some of them could be eligible for expanded in 2015 through con- the Navy and used to call Wash- Adams ordered the construc- comfort,” said Navy Ensign valor awards. gressional action to include ser- ington state his home. The Navy tion of a Navy yard on the site Kyle Hering, 25, who has been A senior defense official, speak- vice members wounded stateside brought him to Pensacola twice, and construction began in 1826. stationed at the base for about ing on the condition of anonymity in acts of terrorism. and after retiring he made it The decision was made to con- a year. “Pensacola is really wel- because of the sensitivity of the The change occurred after his home for good. He worked duct aviation training at the coming to all the Navy folks, issue, said Monday the issue will years of lobbying in response to part time at the base as a civil- base in the years before the and it’s really hard when we depend on what determination two attacks on military facilities ian, and eventually opened the U.S. entered World War I. have our brothers and sisters the FBI makes about the case. in 2009. In one, 13 people were brewery. He said 75% of his The base employs more than get shot and killed. It really The service members could be killed and more than 30 wounded customers are active military, 16,000 military personnel and hurts us. It stings. We’re just eligible for the Purple Heart if at Fort Hood, Texas. In the other, retired military or civilian em- 7,400 civilians and trains about trying to do what we can to the service determines that the two service members were killed ployees from the base. 60,000 members of the mili- stick together as a family and attack was inspired by a foreign in a shooting at a recruiting cen- “It’s funny about Pensacola. tary each year. It’s also home take care of each other.” terrorist organization, based on ter in Little Rock, Ark. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 9 NATION Dems laud recast North IG: No political bias in FBI Russia probe American trade pact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced agreement BY ERIC TUCKER opened and that law enforcement mer Trump campaign aide who search from Steele, whose work on a modified North American AND MICHAEL BALSAMO leaders were not motivated by po- they said they feared was being was financed by Democrats and trade pact, handing President Associated Press litical bias. Contrary to the claims targeted for Russian government Hillary Clinton’s presidential Donald Trump a major Capitol of Trump and other critics, it said recruitment. campaign and that fact was not Hill win on the same day that WASHINGTON — The FBI was that opposition research com- The inspector general identi- disclosed to the judges who ap- Democrats announced their im- justified in opening its investiga- piled by an ex-British spy named fied 17 “significant inaccuracies proved the warrant. peachment charges against him. tion into ties between the Trump Christopher Steele had no bearing or omissions” in applications for a Though the surveillance has The California Democrat said presidential campaign and Russia on the decision to open the inves- warrant and later renewals from been central to Republican ob- the revamped U.S.-Mexico-Can- and did not act with political bias, tigation known as Crossfire Hur- the secretive Foreign Intelligence jections about the investigation, ada Agreement is a significant the Justice Department’s internal ricane. And it rejected allegations Surveillance Court to monitor the eavesdropping was not neces- improvement over the original watchdog declared, undercut- that a former Trump campaign the communications of former sarily central to the probe itself North American Free Trade ting President Donald Trump’s aide at the center of the probe was Trump campaign adviser Carter — which had been underway for Agreement, crediting Democrat- repeated claims that he has been set up by the FBI. Page. months before the warrant was ic negotiators for winning stron- the target of a “witch hunt.” It found that the FBI had an “au- The report also details that the sought. ger provisions on enforcement. The long-awaited report, issued thorized purpose” when it opened FBI used an informant to set up The report’s release, coming The pact contains provisions Monday, rejected theories and its investigation in July 2016 into and record a September 2016 as a House Judiciary Committee designed to nudge manufactur- criticism spread by Trump and his whether the Trump campaign meeting with a high-level Trump impeachment hearing centers on ing back to the United States. For supporters, though it also found was coordinating with Russia to campaign official. The official the president’s interactions with example, it requires that 40% to “serious performance failures” tip the election in his favor. The wasn’t identified by name, but was Ukraine, brought fresh attention 45% of cars eventually be made up the bureau’s chain of com- report said the FBI had cause to not a subject of the Russia investi- to the legal and political investi- in countries that pay autoworkers mand that Republicans are citing investigate a potential national gation, the report said. While the gations that have entangled the at least $16 an hour — that is, in as evidence that Trump was tar- security threat. information collected wasn’t used White House from the moment the United States and Canada and geted by an unfair investigation. FBI Director Chris Wray, in an during the Russia probe, it does not in Mexico. The affirmation of the investi- interview with The Associated lend support to the assertions by Trump took office. gation’s legitimacy, balanced by Press, noted that the report did Trump and Barr that the Trump The president has repeatedly criticism of the way it was con- not find political bias but did find campaign was spied upon. said he is more eager for the re- North Dakota county ducted, ensured that partisan problems that are “unacceptable The report said the errors re- port of John Durham, the prose- votes to limit refugees battles would persist over one of and unrepresentative of who we sulted in “applications that made cutor Barr selected to investigate the most politically sensitive in- are as an institution.” it appear that the information how intelligence was gathered. BISMARCK, N.D. — A North vestigations in FBI history. An- The FBI is implementing more supporting probable cause was Both Barr and Durham issued Dakota county on Monday voted other review of the origins of the than 40 actions aimed at fixing stronger than was actually the statements rejecting the inspec- to accept no more than 25 refu- probe continues, and the prosecu- some of the bureau’s most fun- case.” The watchdog found that tor general’s conclusion that there gees next year after initially tor picked by Attorney General damental operations, such as ap- the FBI had overstated the sig- was sufficient evidence to open signaling it would be the first to William Barr to lead that effort plying for surveillance warrants nificance of Steele’s past work as the FBI investigation. The attor- ban them since President Donald hinted Monday he’ll take a harder and interacting with confidential an informant and omitted infor- ney general’s reaction was espe- Trump ordered that states and view of the FBI’s actions. sources. mation about one of his sources cially unusual in that the head of counties should have the power to Monday’s review by Inspec- Those changes are in response who he said “may engage in some the Justice Department typically do so. tor General Michael Horowitz to some of the report’s criti- embellishment.” would not take issue with an in- The 3-2 vote by the Burleigh knocked down multiple lines of at- cisms. They largely centered on Republicans have long criti- ternal investigation that clears County Commission, which in- tack against the Russia investiga- how agents and prosecutors set cized the process since the FBI a department agency of serious cluded a provision for further tion, finding that it was properly about eavesdropping on a for- relied in part on opposition re- misconduct. study of the issue, followed a four- hour meeting and came a week after a vote was postponed when the audience overflowed the House Democrats county’s usual meeting space. Charges: If commissioners had voted no, refugee resettlement groups say file 2 articles of impeachment they believe Burleigh — home to about 95,000 people and the capi- tal city of Bismarck — would have FROM FRONT PAGE has proven through results, in- been be the first local government Senate in January, where the Re- cluding producing perhaps the to do so since Trump’s executive publican majority would be un- strongest economy in our coun- order in September. likely to convict Trump. try’s history, to have one of the Democratic leaders say Trump most successful presidencies ever, Former White House put his political interests above and most importantly, who has doctor seeks Texas seat those of the nation when he asked done NOTHING wrong, is sheer Ukraine to investigate his rivals, Political Madness! #2020Elec- AUSTIN, Texas — A former tion,” he wrote on Twitter. including Democrat Joe Biden, White House physician who The next steps emerged in the and then withheld $400 mil- President Donald Trump picked swiftly moving proceedings as J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP lion in military aid as the U.S. last year to lead the Department Pelosi convened a meeting of the ally faced an aggressive Russia. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., joined from left by of Veteran Affairs before his impeachment committee chair- They say he then obstructed Con- Reps. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.; Maxine Waters, D-Calif.; Richard nomination was derailed by pro- men at her office in the Capitol gress by stonewalling the House Neal, D-Mass.; and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., announces two articles of fessional misconduct allegations late Monday following an acrimo- investigation. impeachment filed against President Donald Trump on Tuesday. filed paperwork Monday to run nious, nearly 10-hour hearing at for a rural congressional seat in In drafting the articles of im- the Judiciary Committee, which peachment, Pelosi faced a legal security,” said Dan Goldman, Rep. Doug Collins, of Georgia, Texas. could vote as soon as this week. Former Nav y Rear Adm. Ronny and political challenge of bal- “I think there’s a lot of agree- the director of investigations at the top Republican on the com- ancing the views of her majority the House Intelligence Commit- mittee, said Democrats are rac- Jackson joins a crowded field of ment,” Rep. Eliot Engel, of New Republican hopefuls running to while hitting the Constitution’s York, the Democratic chairman tee, presenting the finding of the ing to jam impeachment through bar of “treason, bribery or other panel’s 300-page report of the on a “clock and a calendar” ahead replace Rep. Mac Thornberry, of the Foreign Affairs committee, who isn’t seeking reelection after high crimes and misdemeanors.” told reporters as he exited Pelo- inquiry. of the 2020 presidential election. Some liberal lawmakers want- Republicans rejected not just “They can’t get over the fact 25 years in Congress. Jackson si’s office. “A lot of us believe that filed his paperwork on Monday’s ed more expansive charges en- what happened with Ukraine es- Goldman’s conclusion on the that Donald Trump is the presi- compassing the findings from Ukraine matter; they also ques- dent of the United States, and deadline to get on the ballot. pecially is not something we can Jackson had worked as White former special counsel Robert just close our eyes to.” tioned his very appearance before they don’t have a candidate that House physician since 2006. He Mueller’s probe of Russian in- At the Judiciary hearing, the Judiciary panel. In a series of can beat him,” Collins said. had declared Trump in excel- terference in the 2016 election. Democrats said Trump’s push to heated exchanges, they said Rep. In one testy exchange, Republi- lent health and was a surprise Centrist Democrats preferred to have Ukraine investigate rival Adam Schiff, the chairman of the can attorney Stephen Castor dis- choice last year for secretary of keep the impeachment articles Joe Biden while withholding U.S. Intelligence Committee, should missed the transcript of Trump’s Veterans Affairs, but his nomina- more focused on Trump’s actions military aid ran counter to U.S. appear rather than sending his crucial call with Ukraine as tion unraveled over allegations of toward Ukraine. policy and benefited Russia as lawyer. “eight ambiguous lines” that did Trump, who has declined to well as himself. Nadler was blunt as he opened not amount to the president seek- drinking on the job and over-pre- mount a defense in the actual “President Trump’s persistent Monday’s hearing, saying, “Pres- ing a personal political favor. scribing drugs. House hearings, tweeted Tuesday and continuing effort to coerce a ident Trump put himself before Democrats argued vigorously Jackson called the allegations just as the six Democratic House foreign country to help him cheat country.” that Trump’s meaning could not “completely false and fabricated” committee chairmen prepared to to win an election is a clear and Trump’s conduct, Nadler said have been clearer in seeking po- but ultimately withdrew his name make their announcement. present danger to our free and at the end of the daylong hearing, litical dirt on Biden, his possible from consideration for the post. “To Impeach a President who fair elections and to our national “is clearly impeachable. ” opponent in the 2020 election. From The Associated Press PAGE 10 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 NATION Merriam-Webster Walmart removes declares ‘they’ offensive sweaters word of the year BY DEANNA PAUL The Washington Post Walmart removed several BY LEANNE ITALIE ing in both men’s and women’s pieces of holiday merchandise Associated Press shows around the world. from its Canadian website after Another look-up spike occurred JENNY KANE/AP customers took offense to a line of NEW YORK — A common but in April, when U.S. Rep. Pramila risque Christmas clothing. increasingly mighty and very The word “they” is displayed on a computer screen Friday in New Jayapal, D-Washington, got emo- The retail giant also issued an busy little word, “they,” has an York. Merriam-Webster has declared the personal pronoun its word tional while talking of her gen- apology over a sweater offered by accolade all its own. of the year for 2019. der-nonconforming child during third-party seller FUN Wear that The language mavens at Mer- a House committee hearing as featured an image of a bug-eyed riam-Webster have declared the of the English language in North also included “egregious,” “clem- she advocated for LGBTQ rights Santa Claus seated in front of personal pronoun their word of America, named “they” its word ency ” and “the,” a shocker of legislation. three white lines that appeared to the year based on a 313% increase of the year for 2015, in recogni- a look-up spike when The Ohio Merriam-Webster recently be cocaine. The sweater’s tagline: in look-ups on the company’s tion of its emergence among peo- State University attempted to pat- added a new definition to its on- “LET IT SNOW.” search site, Merriam-Webster. ple who reject “he” and “she.” ent the word to protect its turf. It line dictionary to reflect use of For those who weren’t quite com, this year when compared Sokolowski told The Associated failed. “they” as relating to a person sure what the sweater might be with 2018. Press that “they,” one of a handful Also in the mix: “snitty,” which whose gender identity is nonbina- suggesting, its product descrip- “I have to say it’s surprising to of nonbinary pronouns to emerge emerged on the lips of Attorney ry. In October, the American Psy- tion read: me,” Peter Sokolowski, a lexicog- in recent years, is “here to stay.” General William Barr in refer- chological Association endorsed “We all know how snow works. rapher and Merriam-Webster’s Nick Adams, director of trans- ence to a letter by Robert Mueller “they” as a singular third-person It’s white, powdery and the best editor at large, said ahead of gender representation for the about a summary Barr wrote of pronoun in its latest style guide snow comes straight from South Tuesday’s announcement. “It’s LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, the Mueller report. for scholarly writing. America. That’s bad news for jolly a word we all know and love. So “We believe writers should try said Merriam-Webster’s choice is We have Washington Post col- old St. Nick, who lives far away in many people were talking about to use a person’s self-identified a positive step in acknowledging umnist George Will to thank the North Pole. That’s why Santa this word.” pronoun whenever feasible,” said nonbinary people. for “tergiversation.” The word, really likes to savor the moment Sokolowski and his team moni- Jasper Simons, chief publishing And the Merriam-Webster meaning an evasion or a deser- when he gets his hands on some tor spikes in searches and “they” officer for the APA. “The singu- runners-up? tion, was Merriam-Webster’s quality, grade A, Colombian got an early start last January lar ‘they’ is a way for writers to They include “quid pro quo,” top look-up on Jan. 24 after Will snow.” with the rise of model Oslo Grace avoid making assumptions about “impeach” and “crawdad,” the used it in a column in reference Walmart said in a statement, on top fashion runways. The gender when it is not known.” latter a word in the title of Delia to Lindsey Graham. “These sweaters, sold by a third- Northern Californian identifies The American Dialect Society, Evans best-selling novel, “Where The words “camp” and “excul- party seller on Walmart.ca, do as transgender nonbinary, walk- which is dedicated to the study the Crawdads Sing.” The Top 10 cate” rounded out the Top 10 list. not represent Walmart’s values and have no place on our website. “We apologize for any unin- tended offence this may have Study: Brain differences may be tied to obesity caused,” it said. The sweater and several oth- ers that have since been removed BY LINDSEY TANNER ful effect on children’s academic from the marketplace were sold Associated Press functioning or behavior. by a third-party seller, Walmart It’s unclear exactly how they reiterated in an email to The New results from the largest are related to weight, and Mack- Washington Post. long-term study of brain develop- ey said it’s likely other factors not The other items depicted the ment and children’s health raise measured in the study including famous Christmas couple in com- provocative questions about obe- physical activity and healthy nu- promising positions, according to sity and brain function. trition play a far greater role. Canada’s Global News. On one, a Does excess body weight some- Research in adults has linked pantsless Santa Claus was seen how reduce brain regions that obesity with low-level inflamma- “roasting his chestnuts” atop a regulate planning and impulse tion throughout the body that can burning fireplace. On another, control? Is obesity a result of that damage blood vessels and may captioned “Santa has been naugh- brain difference? Or are eating increase risks for heart disease ty,” a lingerie-clad Mrs. Claus habits, lifestyle, family circum- and mental decline. Some studies was depicted holding a whip and stances and genetics to blame? have also found less brain volume preparing to strike her husband’s Previous studies in children in obese adults and researchers bare behind. and adults have had conflicting theorize that it could be from Walmart has faced similar is- results. The new research doesn’t inflammation. sues before. settle the matter, and outside The new study raises the possi- Last year, supporters of Presi- experts cautioned that misinter- GREG KRELLER, THE IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE/AP bility that inflammatory changes dent Donald Trump called for preting it could unfairly perpetu- affecting weight, brain structure a boycott over a T-shirt sold on ate weight stigma. Children ride on a swing ride at the Canyon County Fair in Caldwell, and function might begin in Walmart’s American market- But an editorial published with Idaho, in 2009. A new study of brain development and children’s childhood. place. The shirt bore the words the study Monday in JAMA Pedi- health raises questions about obesity and brain function. Obesity researcher Natasha “Impeach 45,” a reference to atrics called it an important ad- Schvey, of the Uniformed Servic- Trump, the 45th president of the dition to mounting evidence of a volved 3,190 U.S. children aged include things like ability to plan, es University of the Health Sci- United States. link between weight, brain struc- 9 and 10. They had height and control impulses and handle mul- ences, called the study impressive Walmart is not the only online ture and mental function. weight measurements, MRI tiple tasks simultaneously. but noted that eating habits and retailer to pull a seasonal product If follow-up research confirms brain scans and computer-based The differences compared with obesity are influenced by many that some consumers have found the findings, it could lead to new tests of mental function includ- normal-weight kids were subtle, factors, including metabolic and objectionable. ways to prevent obesity that tar- ing memory, language, reasoning said study author Scott Mackey, psychological differences. Amazon recently halted the get improved brain function. and impulse control. Nearly 1,000 a neuroscientist at the University “We know from a lot of really sale of Auschwitz-themed holiday “We don’t know which direc- kids — almost 1 in 3 — were over- of Vermont. good research that obesity is not decorations, including a Christ- tion these relationships go nor do weight or obese, similar to nation- The heaviest kids also had as much in an individual’s con- mas tree ornament and a bottle they suggest that people with obe- al statistics. slightly worse scores on comput- trol as we think it is. People talk opener described as a “memorable sity are not as smart as people at Researchers found differences er-based tests of executive func- about willpower — that’s a very gift, perfect for every festival.” a healthy weight,” said Dr. Eliana in the heaviest children’s brain tion. But Mackey and lead author small part of the equation,” she The retail giant removed the Perrin, a Duke University pediat- scans, slightly less volume in the Jennifer Laurent, a University of said. “There are much bigger products after an outpouring of rics professor who co-wrote the brain region behind the forehead Vermont obesity researcher, said contributors to our weight and a condemnation led by the Aus- editorial. that controls what are known as it’s unknown whether any of the lot of it is genetic. That’s not to say chwitz-Birkenau Memorial and The federally funded study in- “executive function” tasks. They differences had any meaning- it’s immutable.” Museum in Poland. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Dozens of neglected horses rescued

ENUMCLAW — Doz- WA ens of neglected hors- es living in a muddy field without shelter were rescued during a King County Sheriff’s Office sting operation in Enumclaw. KIRO reported that detec- tives have an arrest warrant for a woman they said is known to hoard horses and neglect them. The woman runs a nonprofit horse rescue. Law enforcement executed a search warrant Saturday and ordered the removal of a large herd of horses that were infected, struggled to walk in deep mud and struggled to stand . Burglar hits officer in head with pliers

TAMPA — Authorities FL said a Tampa police offi- cer is recovering after a suspect- ed burglar threw a pair of pliers through a glass door early Mon- day and hit her in the head. The officer was responding to a reported break-in at an auto parts store when the attack happened. The Tampa Bay Times reported she received eight stitches over her left eye. Tampa police said Leonard Henry, 37, tried to hide in some of the store’s shelving but was sniffed out by K-9 Jagger. Henry was charged with burglary, bat- tery of a law enforcement officer, RUSS DILLINGHAM, (LEWISTON, MAINE) SUN JOURNAL/AP criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. The officer’s name hasn’t been released. On frozen pond Police seize air fryer Isaiah Hunt, 2, of Norway, Maine, wants to have a turn as his father, Matthew , augers through the 4 inches of ice on Halls Pond in Paris, Maine, on Sunday afternoon and his mother, Chelsea Marshall, keeps him from falling. While the small pond is safe, most lakes and ponds containing meth in the Northeast have yet to freeze over and are dangerous to walk on.

LOUISVILLE — Police from it during the struggle. THE CENSUS es recovery program director. It KY in Kentucky confiscat- Police alleged Shurbutt then means the federal agency no lon- ed an unusual gift being delivered attempted to steal the wheelchair The number of rounds of ammunition police in Ca- ger believes the species is in im- to a Kentucky man’s home — a but was stopped by a group of by- marillo, Calif., confiscated in a raid at a home as part of mediate danger of extinction. package with about 20 pounds of standers who heard the victim Still, “we will remain commit- meth that was shipped through a drug investigation, authorities said. The raid last week screaming. 20K also turned up multiple handguns, four AR-15s, body ted to the ultimate goal — the the mail inside an air fryer. Police said Shurbutt has two recovery of the June sucker,” Narcotics officers intercept- armor and “what appeared to be a fully functional flame outstanding warrants and has Keleher said. ed the parcel containing about thrower,” according to a statement Saturday by the Ventura County Sheriff’s De- been booked into jail on suspicion $100,000 worth of drugs, Louis- partment. Camarillo police arrested Christopher Olekisk on suspicion of multiple of robbery, attempt to kidnap, as- ville Metro police said in a Face- drug and weapons charges, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday. Investigators Mud snail halts trout sault and a vulnerable adult abuse book post Saturday. The package also recovered heroin and items consistent with the manufacture of firearms at the deliveries from hatcher y charge . was delivered to a home where of- residence, authorities said. ficers obtained a search warrant CORNVILLE — An to collect it, the Major Case Unit 7 sickened by leak AZ invasive mud snail that confirmed to news outlets. during boat parade news outlets reported. The boat away. When troopers ordered can disrupt the food chain has The resident wasn’t home at the was towed ashore and an investi- Fisher to drop the weapon, he been found at a state fish hatch- time of the seizure. WASHINGTON — At gation is ongoing. complied and was arrested with- ery in Cornville. Photos posted by the police DC least seven people, out incident, police said. The Arizona Game and Fish department show at least seven including three children, were Police: Man brandished In a photo posted by the agen- Department said it won’t stock packages of drugs wrapped in sickened by an apparent carbon sword during argument cy, the sword is shown to be more trout from the Page Springs Fish plastic alongside the air fryer and dioxide leak while taking part in than a foot long with a thin blade. Hatchery until it can be sure the the box it came in. Police said the mud snail won’t travel with the an annual holiday boat parade in NEW ORLEANS — investigation is ongoing. Imperiled fish bouncing fish. Washington, authorities sa id. LA Louisiana State Police Authorities responded to a arrested a man accused of ag- back after 18 years Officials said they’re sampling Man allegedly tries parading 32-foot boat Saturday gressively brandishing a sword more areas of the hatchery and to steal wheelchair night after someone aboard fell toward another man during an SALT LAKE CITY trying to eradicate the tiny New unconscious and others became argument, the agency said in a UT — An imperiled fish Zealand mud snails that can com- PHOENIX — Police in ill, fire spokesman Vito Maggiolo statement over the weekend. found only in Utah Lake is start- pete with native snails, mussels AZ Phoenix said they have told The Washington Post. The State Police charged Travis ing to make a recovery after 18 and aquatic insects. The mud arrested a man who allegedly person who fell unconscious was Fisher, 42, with aggravated as- years. snails reproduce quickly and tried to steal a wheelchair from a a child, according to WUSA-TV. sault, officials said in a Facebook The June sucker increased in have no natural predators in the woman while she was riding the Of the 16 people on the boat, post Sunday. population from only 300 to 2,000 U.S. Officials said the mud snails light rail last month. eight were taken to hospitals in Troopers arrived at a New Or- at last count, prompting the U.S. could have been introduced to the They sa id Austin Shurbutt, 26, conditions not considered to be leans home Saturday night and Fish and Wildlife Service to pro- hatchery through wildlife around reportedly pushed the woman out life-threatening. That number heard screaming and yelling pose changing the species status Oak Creek. of a light rail car on Nov. 30. includes an adult who didn’t re- from inside, the statement said. from endangered to threatened, The department said it has been The victim began to scream for quire treatment but wanted to Troopers reported they saw Fish- the Deseret News reported. buying fish from out-of-state ven- help, but Shurbutt is accused of accompany a child, according to er waving a sword around in an The change is a major mile- dors to ensure trout are stocked forcibly grabbing the wheelchair The Post. “aggressive manner ” toward an- stone, said Chris Keleher, Utah as scheduled around the state. and causing the victim to fall The cause of the leak is unclear, other man who was trying to back Department of Natural Resourc- From wire reports PAGE 12 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WORLD Climate woes affect food Eruption sent supply of Arctic reindeer

BY DAVID KEYTON routes in search of new grazing tourists fleeing Associated Press grounds. Elder Sami herders recall that KIRUNA, Sweden — Thick they once had bad winters every reindeer fur boots and a fur hat decade or so, but Inga said that covering most of his face shielded “extreme and strange weather into the sea Niila Inga from freezing winds are getting more and more nor- Associated Press as he raced his snowmobile up to mal; it happens several times a a mountain top overlooking his MICHAEL SCHADE / AP year.” WHAKATANE, New Zealand — Survivors of reindeer in the Swedish arctic. The arctic is warming twice a powerful volcanic eruption in New Zealand ran A rescuers’ boat leav es White Island on Monday His community herds about as fast as the rest of the globe. into the sea to escape the scalding steam and ash following the eruption of the volcano located 30 8,000 reindeer year-round, mov- Measurements by the Swedish and emerged covered in burns, say those who first miles from New Zealand’s main North Island. ing them between traditional Meteorological and Hydrological helped them. grazing grounds in the high Institute show the country has The accounts Tuesday came as some relatives unfolded when the volcano exploded a little after 2 mountains bordering Norway in were forced to continue waiting for news of their p.m. Monday. the summer and the forests far- warmed 2.95 degrees Fahrenheit loved ones, with authorities deciding it remained Geoff Hopkins was in a boat offshore after visiting ther east in the winter, just as his compared with pre-industrial too dangerous for crews to land on the island and the island with his daughter, the tour a 50th birth- forebears in the Sami indigenous times. remove bodies. day present for him. He told the New Zealand Her- community have for generations. In Sweden’s alpine region, the Six deaths were confirmed after Monday’s erup- ald the eruption at first looked beautiful but quickly But Inga is troubled. His rein- increase is even greater, with tion of the White Island volcano. Another eight turned menacing. As injured people arrived on their deer are hungry, and he can do average winter temperatures people are believed to have died, with their bodies boat screaming in pain, Hopkins and his daughter, little about it. Climate change is between 1991 and 2017 up more remaining on the ash-covered island for now. Lillani, poured fresh water onto them, cut them out altering weather patterns here than 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit com- Experts said there was a 50 % chance of another of their clothes and tried to keep them calm. and affecting the herd’s food pared with the 1961-90 average. small eruption within a day and rescue teams didn’t In all, police believe there were 47 visitors on the supply. Snowfall is common in these want to take any chances. Police said they planned island at the time. They say 24 were Australian, “If we don’t find better areas areas, but as temperatures in- to send up drones to measure whether gas levels nine were American and five were New Zealand- for them where they can graze crease, occasional rainfall occurs were safe. ers. Others were from Germany, Britain, China and and find food, then the reindeers — and “rain-on-snow” events are The tragedy will have an ongoing effect on the Malaysia. Many were passengers aboard the Royal will starve to death,” he said. having devastating effects. town of Whakatane. As well as being an important Caribbean cruise ship Ovation of the Seas. Unusually early snowfall in au- The food is still there, but the tourist draw for the 20,000 people who live here, Relatives of a newlywed American couple say the tumn was followed by rain that reindeer can’t reach it. The ani- the volcano has an almost mystical significance, its husband and wife were severely burned. Barbara froze, trapping food under a thick mals grow weaker and females regular puffing a feature of the landscape. Barham told The Washington Post that her daugh- layer of ice. Unable to eat, the sometimes abort their calves Whether the island will ever host tourists again ter, Lauren Urey, 32, and son-in-law ,Matthew Urey, hungry animals have scattered while the survivors struggle to remains uncertain after the horrific tragedy that 36, from Richmond, Va., were on a honeymoon trip. from their traditional migration make it through the winter. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 13 WORLD Shooter kills 6 in Czech hospital, then kills self

Associated Press his injuries about half an hour later. Hamacek said police will PRAGUE — A man with an il- be investigating his motive. legal gun shot six people dead and “I’d like to assure the public wounded three more in a hospital that there’s no danger anymore,” in the eastern Czech Republic on Tuesday, the prime minister and Hamacek said. officials said. The apparent as- Police identified the shooter as sailant later shot himself dead as a 42-year-old man. Several hun- police approached his car. dred police officers had launched Prime Minister Andrej Babis an extensive manhunt, using two told Czech public television the helicopters, for the man and his shooting took place around 7 a.m. silver-gray Renault Laguna car. in a waiting room. The attacker Regional police chief officer opened fire at people’s heads Tomas Kuzel said the assailant from close range, Babis said. used an illegally held Czech-made The prime minister canceled 9 mm gun. He said police believe an official visit to Estonia and the man who had a criminal re- was heading for the site at the cord acted alone. University hospital in the eastern Police published a photo of the city of Ostrava, 220 miles east of man, having withdrawn an earli- Prague. er photo of a different man. They “It’s a huge tragedy,” Babis said that man was now considered later said. “It’s an unfortunate, to be a witness. individual act.” Clinic director Jiri Havrlant He said the man had been told media the dead were four treated in the hospital but didn’t men and two women. Another offer details. man and a woman had to be op- Interior Minister Jan Hamacek erated on, while one person was said police found the man’s car more lightly wounded. and he shot himself in the head as All the victims were adult pa- they approached and died from tients waiting for treatment.

French pension strikes grow; police gird for new protests

Associated Press ing thin with the transportation woes, and with train workers who PARIS — French airport em- are striking to keep their right ployees, teachers and other work- ers joined nationwide strikes to retire years earlier than other Tuesday as unions cranked up workers. pressure on the government to Paris police ordered shops and scrap upcoming changes to the restaurants closed on boulevards country’s national retirement around the gold-domed Invalides system. monument, fearing violence on As the strike entered a sixth the fringes of what government straight day, commuters and opponents hoped was another tourists in Paris used apps and mass march Tuesday afternoon. shared bikes and creativity to At least 800,000 people turned find ways to get to work, school out for demonstrations around and museums. France when the strike move- Many French commuters still ment kicked off Thursday. express support for the strike, Protests were being held fearing their own pensions will around the country Tuesday, with shrink under President Emman- union activists waving red flags uel Macron’s new plan. But some from Marseille on the Mediterra- admitted their patience is wear- nean to Lille in the north.

Chilean military plane goes missing on way to Antarctica

Associated Press floating fuel supply line and other equipment at the Chilean base. SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera air force lost radio contact with a said via Twitter that he was with transport plane carrying 38 peo- his defense and interior minis- ple on a flight Monday evening to ters at the air force headquarters the country’s base in Antarctica, monitoring developments. and authorities indicated several In a statement early Tuesday, hours later that they were not op- the air force said the plane had timistic about the aircraft’s fate. not been heard from in more than The military said earlier that it seven hours and likely would have had declared an alert and activat- run out of fuel around 12:40 a.m. ed search and rescue teams. The air force “continues the The C-130 Hercules carried 17 search in the sector where com- crew members and 21 passen- munication with the aircraft was gers, including three civilians. lost, in order to rescue potential The personnel were to check on a survivors, ” the statement said. PAGE 14 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 FACES Rapper treated for opioids during police search of airplane A federal agent who was at a Chicago airport to search a private plane that rapper Juice WRLD and his entourage had ar- rived in administered the opioid antidote Narcan to the performer, who briefly woke up incoherent but later died, authorities said Monday. The plane carrying the 21- year-old rapper, who was named top new artist at the 2019 Bill- board Music Awards in May, and about a dozen other people landed at Midway International Airport at around 2 a.m. Sunday. Fed- eral agents and city police offi- cers, acting on a tip that a private plane coming from Los Angeles ANNAPURNA PICTURES/TNS to Midway was carrying guns and drugs, were waiting, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Gug- lielmi said Monday. During a search in a private hangar, a drug-sniffing dog made a “positive alert” on lug- Golden Globe nods a scream gage carts that were loaded with bags from the plane, Guglielmi said. Inside, they found multiple bags of suspected marijuana, sev- ‘Booksmart’ costars Dever, Feldstein ‘overwhelmed with emotion’ eral bottles of prescription cough syrup, three guns, metal-piercing BY YVONNE VILLARREAL Los Angeles Times: What was Beanie never got seen. I loved this project so much. bullets and a high-capacity am- Los Angeles Times screaming at you? It’s not surprising to me that it affected munition magazine, he said. Dever: It was really early for me, and she people. The rapper, whose real name or “Unbelievable’s” was still in bed. It was the best phone call. It was interesting to see the conversa- was Jarad Higgins and who Kaitlyn Dever, the 2019 was a big year for you. You starred tions that were had on Twitter, particularly was from the Chicago suburb of in the critically acclaimed “Booksmart” and between women — going deeper into this Homewood, went into convul- only appropriate way stunned audiences with your performance idea of feeling powerless or that their voice sions during the search. One of to celebrate a first- in “Unbelievable.” What did you learn about isn’t being heard. the agents administered Narcan time Golden Globe yourself and what you’re capable of through It was a great example of the kind of room after the rapper’s girlfriend said Fnomination is with a hearty those experiences? there is for that kind of woman in the world. he had been taking Percocet, So much. With “Booksmart,” it was my It’s getting a lot better for women. I have seen an opioid painkiller, Guglielmi breakfast. First up: A stack of first-ever leading role. Me and Beanie, both. a lot of change. But there’s still a great amount said, confirming a report in the pancakes, whipped up by her Being the lead of a movie is a very different of work to be done. I think what’s great is that Chicago Tribune. Higgins woke dad, came shortly after the big energy. The way you act and treat people re- it shows the other side of it — where the work up but remained incoherent, the ally sets the tone for how the whole movie needs to be. The systems that need to do bet- paper reported. He was rushed to news on Monday morning. And goes. That was my first time doing that, and ter. It’s about believing women from the very Advocate Christ Medical Center while fielding calls from press I learned that I could do it. And I learned I beginning so they don’t feel like they aren’t in Oak Lawn, where he was pro- later in the morning, she was only ever want to work with good people, nice being heard. I think “Unbelievable,” in being nounced dead at about 3:15 a.m. driving to pick up some break- people. With “Unbelievable,” I learned a lot made and being seen by people, will only help Sunday. about myself. But I also learned a lot about continue that conversation and better it. fast burritos. trauma. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get Every scene felt so vital and important. Hemmer to take over In short, she had her priorities it right. And it felt very worth it. But I realized How was that to play? Smith’s Fox News slot in order. meditation and being present was important. It’s kind of an intense thing to step into. How was it stepping into the emotional You look at the schedule for the entire show, Veteran anchor Bill Hemmer “I’ve been overwhelmed with mindset of Marie? There are so many com- and it’s a four-month shoot. It’s daunting. But will replace Shepard Smith on emotion,” Dever, 22, told the peting and powerful emotions that you have literally every single scene to me — even the Fox News Channel’s afternoon L.A. Times. “There’s been a lot to tap into. most traumatic scene, even the moments newscast, the network announced of sweating. And crying.” My heart immediately broke when I read when Marie really was trying to be happy Monday. the story. It’s something that seems just unre- and trying to laugh a little — those were also Hemmer has been with Fox Dever was in Los Angeles al. It’s an incredibly shocking story. Because extremely important to me. I treated it all News since 2005, after previously watching the nominations an- the producers put their faith in me from the very equally. working at CNN. He has most re- nouncement with her parents very beginning and trusted me to play her, I And you didn’t get to spend much time cently been a co-host of Fox’s 10 — she lives in their guest house felt I had no other choice but to give it every- working with [costars and fellow nominees] a.m. news program. thing that I had. And I did. I kind of stopped Toni Collette and Merritt Wever because Smith, who had become known — when she learned her per- and thought about what I really wanted to the storylines were a bit separated. for occasionally refuting some formance as a teenage rape achieve. And I just wanted to make sure that It blows my mind that I was chosen to act of the assertions made on Fox’s survivor in Netflix’s critically I was doing the best that I could for Marie. alongside them. That’s insane to me. Now that prime-time news programs, Because we were doing this for her. I kind of all three of us are nominated — I’m still pro- abruptly quit the network in Oc- acclaimed drama had earned just had to forget about my feelings for a sec- cessing that. I’ve learned so much from them, tober. Fox said that under Hem- her a nomination for actress in a ond. If I had a headache from crying on set, it even while doing press and doing interviews mer, the 3 p.m. Eastern time show limited series or motion picture doesn’t even touch the way she felt or will feel and getting to know them that way. Because would remain a news and not an made for television. (The series for the rest of her life. She’s seen the show. we really didn’t get to know each other much opinion program. And she says that it gave her a lot of closure. when we were filming. We were passing by Hemmer will debut on the pro- is up for four Golden Globes, in- She said it was perfect, which is so gratifying, each other for very brief moments. gram Jan. 20. cluding best miniseries or tele- and I feel honored to have told her story. How does it feel to be going through this vision film.) But Dever didn’t Were you surprised by the response to experience with Beanie? Other news even hear Tim Allen — her TV the series? It really seemed like word-of- It’s been unlike anything I’ve ever experi-  Marie Fredriksson, the fe- mouth propelled it. What did that tell you? enced. I’ve had the most exciting year. And dad from “Last Man Standing” male half of the Swedish pop duo It’s amazing that we get to tell this kind of half of it has been with Beanie Feldstein, Roxette, has died at age 61 of an — read her name because of story on a platform like Netflix. I think this between flying on planes together and stay- ongoing illness, her management a delayed connection. But the kind of story deserves to be yelled from the ing in hotel rooms together and talking about agency said Tuesday. Frederiks- texts were pinging. And then her mountaintops. Everyone should know about “Booksmart.” It’s been such a joy to be able to son formed Roxette with Per it. ... You can’t go into anything with expec- share that experience with her, and I wouldn’t Gessle in 1986. The two released “Booksmart” costar and fellow tations. This could have been something that have wanted to do it with anyone else. their first album that year and first-time nominee Beanie Feld- achieved international success in stein called, “screaming at me.” Top: Beanie Feldstein, left, and Kaitlyn Dever in “Booksmart.” Feldstein earned a Golden the late 1980s and 1990s. “I was just shocked,” she says. Globe nomination for the film, and Dever got one for the Netflix drama “Unbelievable.” From The Associated Press Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 15 PAGE 16 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Why Trump can’t end ‘endless wars’ Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY ANDREW BACEVICH chief in effect acknowledges that nothing flict, misleadingly referred to under the EDITORIAL Los Angeles Times approximating victory is in the cards. generic heading of “terrorists,” have a Of course, it isn’t remarkable that this common purpose: to expel intruders from Terry Leonard, Editor ecretary of Defense Mark Esper president and one of his principal sub- lands they view as rightfully theirs. Yet [email protected] has imported into the American ordinates would be reading off radically while the state of Israel cannot leave its Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor military lexicon a new rationale for different scripts. In this case, however, disputed territory — doing so would forfeit [email protected] SU.S. military actions in the Middle the contrast, and Esper’s embrace of lawn its existence — that option is available to East. It’s called “mowing the lawn,” but it mowing as a de facto military doctrine, is the United States. Today, the option of mili- Managing Editor for Content Tina Croley, has nothing to do with keeping the grass troubling. It implies that the United States tary withdrawal, which need not imply out- [email protected] trimmed. “To mow the lawn,” Esper re- has no alternative but to persist on the right disengagement, is very much worth Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation cently remarked to reporters, “means, course it embarked on after the Sept. 11 examining. [email protected] every now and then” giving your adversary terrorist attacks. In that regard, mowing Employing American forces to mow the a good, swift kick in the shins. “You have to the lawn constitutes a tacit admission of lawn in perpetuity across large swaths of Managing Editor for Digital Joe Gromelski, do these things,” he explained, “so that a strategic bankruptcy. the Middle East does not enhance U.S. se- [email protected] threat doesn’t grow, doesn’t resurge.” A comparison of the situation confront- curity. It merely adds to an already enor- You mow the lawn not to eliminate a ing Israel and the United States may be mous body count and consumes vast sums threat but to manage it. instructive. Given the nexus of its dispute of money while diverting attention from BUREAU STAFF The phrase itself is of Israeli provenance with the Palestinians — both sides lay- matters of far more pressing concern, such and describes that country’s prevailing ap- Europe/Mideast ing claim to the same territory — Israel as climate change and changing power re- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief proach to dealing with the militant groups lations in East Asia. [email protected] Hamas and Hezbollah. Unable to eliminate has few viable strategic choices that the +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 majority of Jewish Israelis will deem ac- Half a century ago, critics of the Vietnam the threat posed by these organizations, Is- War urged U.S. policymakers to “declare rael accepts the necessity of periodically ceptable. Peace with Palestinians has been Pacific elusive for the simple fact that the minimal victory and go home.” The advice remains Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief employing force to keep them weak and off no less pertinent today. [email protected] balance. Mowing the lawn, in other words, demands of the two sides have proved ir- reconcilable. So for a small state operating Waging open-ended war in the Middle +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 is a euphemism for attrition warfare that East serves chiefly to perpetuate anti- accepts low-level hostilities as inevitable under severe constraints, mowing the lawn Washington offers an expedient way of coping with an American terrorism, which in any event and permanent. does not pose a proximate threat to vital Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief Esper’s endorsement of this concept is intractable problem. While solving noth- [email protected] U.S. national security interests. Exercising striking for two reasons. First, his boss does ing, it helps to sustain a status quo that Is- (+1)(202)886-0033 raelis have learned to live with. the choice to terminate a misguided mili- Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News not accept war as inevitable and perma- tary enterprise dating from Sept. 11 offers [email protected] nent. In speeches and at rallies, President Yet the United States is not small. Nor is it encumbered by any of the constraints a first step toward returning national secu- Donald Trump routinely promises to “end rity policy to a sound footing. CIRCULATION endless wars.” Mowing the lawn as a tactic that Israel faces, whether diplomatic or geopolitical. Put simply, the United States U.S. forces have better things to do than for dealing with Islamic State and similar to mow lawns in distant and inhospitable Mideast entities concedes that America’s wars in does have choices in the Middle East, even Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager climes. [email protected] the Middle East won’t be ending anytime if most members of our hidebound and [email protected] soon. Commander in chief Trump insists war-besotted foreign policy establishment Andrew Bacevich, a contributing writer to Los Angeles Times Opinion, is president of the Quincy DSN (314)583-9111 that a decisive victory over these adversar- remain willfully blind to them. Institute for Responsible Statecraft. His book “The ies is not only achievable, but also that he The groups with which Israel and the Age of Illusions: How America Squandered Its Europe himself will deliver it. Now his Pentagon United States are presently locked in con- Cold War Victory” will be published in January. Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager [email protected] [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Inspector general report has bad news for Dems too Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 BY ELI LAKE rant application to a secret court. something that concerned Democrats, CONTACT US Bloomberg News On its own, the fate of Page is not impor- who led the charge to create the Foreign tant. It matters because his surveillance Intelligence Surveillance Act after horren- Washington he long-awaited report from the gives the public a window into how the pro- dous surveillance abuse was uncovered in tel: (+1)202.886.0003 Justice Department’s inspec- cess for obtaining electronic surveillance the 1970s. That legislation created a role 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 tor general on the origins of the warrants from a secret court can be easily for the courts to oversee the surveillance TFBI’s investigation into President gamed. Because surveillance of a suspect- state’s electronic eavesdropping. Reader letters Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign is now ed foreign agent or terrorist must be kept Now Democrats act as a firewall for that [email protected] public, and it finds that the initial investi- from the target, these court proceedings surveillance state. Some of this is because Additional contacts gation was deeply flawed but nonetheless rely on FBI and Justice Department law- Trump has used his perch at the White stripes.com/contactus justified. The senior officials and agents yers for the exculpatory information that a House to attack the credibility of the FBI who opened the investigation, says the re- defense attorney would provide in an open and the intelligence community in general. OMBUDSMAN port, made serious mistakes but were not court proceeding. In the case of Page, that Echoing the online conspiracy theories of motivated by political bias. process failed. Ernie Gates fringe left and right, Trump refers to these Some Democrats, predictably, are claim- The report says, for example, that FBI institutions as the “deep state.” Democrats ing vindication. Some Republicans, just as agents did not share with attorneys re- The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow have sought to defend the legitimacy of predictably, are challenging its findings. viewing the warrant that Page had actually these institutions. of news and information, reporting any attempts by the Neither side is completely wrong — or military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s been cooperating with another U.S. intelli- But their reaction has also blinded them independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns right, for that matter — but the Democrats gence agency on Russia, even after one of to real abuses. Consider the Jan. 29, 2018, and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- might want to show a bit more humility. ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman those attorneys specifically asked for such memo from House Intelligence Commit- The report is devastating about the welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted information. It also says the first warrant tee Democrats defending the FISA war- by email at [email protected], or by phone at FBI’s court-ordered surveillance of a request failed to include that Page told rant of Page. It asserts that the FBI would 202.886.0003. Trump campaign aide in what was known a confidential FBI informant that he had have been “remiss in their duty to protect as “Crossfire Hurricane,” the investiga- never met former Trump campaign man- the country had they not sought a FISA tion into whether Trump and his campaign ager Paul Manafort, contradicting Steele’s Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- warrant and repeated renewals to conduct colluded with Russia’s interference in the claim that Page was acting as a conduit be- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday temporary surveillance of Carter Page.” through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and 2016 election. In the words of Hina Shamsi, tween the Kremlin and Manafort for dirt This position now looks absurd. Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals the director of the ACLU’s national secu- on Hillary Clinton. postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send The ranking member of that committee rity project: “When the Justice Depart- All told, the report cites 17 serious errors address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, at the time was Rep. Adam Schiff. Today APO AP 96301-5002. ment’s inspector general finds significant of fact and omissions in the Page surveil- This newspaper is authorized by the Department of concerns regarding flawed surveillance lance warrant. “These errors and omis- he is assembling the impeachment case Defense for members of the military services overseas. against Trump. Last year, the broad out- However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, applications concerning the president’s sions resulted from case agents providing and are not to be considered as the official views of, or campaign advisers, it is clear that this re- wrong or incomplete information,” it says. lines of the Horowitz report were undoubt- endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, gime lacks basic safeguards and is in need The omitted information meant that “much edly known to Schiff and his colleagues. Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- In 2018, Schiff could have acknowledged nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote of serious reform.” of that information was inconsistent with, locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. In particular, Inspector General Mi- or undercut, the assertions contained” in the FBI’s errors in the Page warrant and The appearance of advertising in this publication does sought the kinds of reforms that Horowitz not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense chael Horowitz’s report concludes that the the surveillance warrant applications. or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. bureau’s application for a warrant to elec- And while investigators did not find recommends in 2019. Products or services advertised shall be made available for tronically spy on a former Trump campaign documentary or testimonial evidence of Instead, Schiff decided to accuse his purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, Republican colleagues of misleading the religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical aide, Carter Page, was riddled with errors “intentional misconduct” on the part of the handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of fact and omitted exculpatory informa- bureau’s case agents, the report says they public about the Page warrant. Psycholo- of the purchaser, user or patron. tion. The application relied on political did not receive “satisfactory explanations gists have a term for this: They call it © Stars and Stripes 2019 opposition research from a former British for the errors or problems we identified.” “projection.” spy, Christopher Steele, whose credibility All of this counts as an abuse of the Eli Lake is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist stripes.com was exaggerated in the surveillance war- FISA process. Not too long ago this was covering national security and foreign policy. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 17 SCOREBOARD

Sports College football College basketball College hockey Rose Bowl Schedule Pasadena, Calif. AP Men’s Top 25 NCAA Division I poll on AFN Saturday’s games Oregon (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (10-3) The top 25 teams in The Associated MINNEAPOLIS — The top 20 teams in EAST Sugar Bowl Press’ men’s college basketball poll, with the NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey Army (5-7) vs. Navy (9-2) at Philadelphia New Orleans first-place votes in parentheses, records poll, compiled by U.S. College Hockey Georgia (11-2) vs. Baylor (11-2) through Dec. 8, total points based on Online, with first-place votes in paren- Go to the American Forces Thursday, Jan. 2 25 points for a first-place vote through theses, records through Dec. 8 and pre- Bowl schedule Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl one point for a 25th-place vote and last vious ranking: Network website for the most Friday, Dec. 20 Cincinnati (10-3) vs. Boston College (6-6) week’s ranking: Record Pts Pvs up-to-date TV schedules. Bahamas Bowl Gator Bowl Record Pts Pvs 1. Minnesota State (43) 14-1-1 992 1 Nassau Jacksonville, Fla. 1. Louisville (55) 9-0 1,591 1 2. North Dakota (6) 14-1-2 937 3 myafn.net Buffalo (7-5) vs. Charlotte (7-5) Indiana (8-4) vs. Tennessee (7-5) 2. Kansas (4) 7-1 1,486 2 3. Cornell (1) 10-1-0 890 2 Frisco (Texas) Bowl Friday, Jan. 3 3. Ohio St. (5) 9-0 1,464 6 4. Clarkson 11-3-1 826 5 Utah State (7-5) vs. Kent State (6-6) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 4. Maryland 10-0 1,428 3 5. Boston College 11-4-0 746 10 Saturday, Dec. 21 Boise 5. Michigan 8-1 1,286 4 6. Ohio State 10-4-2 699 7 Deals Celebration Bowl Ohio (6-6) vs. Nevada (7-5) 6. Gonzaga 10-1 1,235 9 7. Penn State 12-5-0 684 6 At Atlanta Saturday, Jan. 4 7. Duke 9-1 1,232 10 8. Denver 9-4-3 652 4 NC A&T (8-3) vs. Alcorn State (9-3) Armed Forces Bowl 8. Kentucky 7-1 1,170 8 9. UMass 11-4-1 618 11 New Mexico Bowl Fort Worth, Texas 9. Virginia 8-1 1,060 5 10. Bowling Green 11-5-1 500 13 Monday’s transactions Albuquerque Southern Miss (7-5) vs. Tulane (6-6) 10. Oregon 7-2 905 13 11. Minnesota Duluth 9-6-1 495 14 Central Michigan (8-5) vs. San Diego Monday, Jan. 6 11. Baylor 7-1 872 18 12. Northeastern 10-5-2 425 8 Lendingtree Bowl 12. Auburn 8-0 836 14 State (9-3) 13. Providence 9-5-3 381 15 Cure Bowl Mobile, Ala. 13. Memphis 8-1 756 15 14. UMass Lowell 10-4-4 373 16 — Claimed RHP Miami (Ohio) (8-5) vs. Louisiana-La- 14. Dayton 7-1 672 19 Marcos Diplan off waivers from Detroit. Orlando, Fla. 15. Notre Dame 8-6-2 334 9 Liberty (7-5) vs. Georgia Southern (7-5) fayette (10-3) 15. Arizona 9-1 654 12 16. Arizona State 8-4-2 264 20 BOSTON RED SOX — Agreed to terms Monday, Jan. 13 16. Michigan St. 6-3 637 11 with Raquel Ferreira, Eddie Romero, and Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl 17. Harvard 6-4-0 217 12 College Football Championship 17. North Carolina 6-3 615 7 18. Michigan State 8-7-1 127 — Zack Scott to multi-year contracts with SMU (10-2) vs. FAU (10-3) New Orleans 18. Butler 9-0 529 24 the club, all three will hold the title of ex- Camellia Bowl 19. Western Michigan 7-7-2 89 17 Peach Bowl winner vs. Fiesta Bowl 19. Tennessee 7-1 455 21 20. Sacred Heart 11-6-1 56 — ecutive vice president/assistant general Montgomery, Ala. winner 20. Villanova 7-2 285 23 manager. FIU (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-5) Others receiving votes: Michigan Tech Saturday, Jan. 18 21. Florida St. 8-2 253 17 52, Northern Michigan 30, Omaha 25, TEXAS RANGERS — Named Greg Hib- Las Vegas Bowl East-West Shrine Classic 22. Seton Hall 6-3 250 16 Boise State (12-1) vs. Washington (7-5) Quinnipiac 13, RIT 13, Army 13, Wisconsin bard pitching coach, Chase Lambin hit- At St. Petersburg, Fla. 23. Xavier 9-1 216 — 12, Boston University 9, Alaska 6, Colora- ting coach and Tyler Graham coach of New Orleans Bowl East vs. West 24. Colorado 7-1 210 20 UAB (9-4) vs. Appalachian State (12-1) NFLPA Collegiate Bowl do College 5, Dartmouth 5, Bemidji State Nashville (PCL); Bobby Wilson manager, 25. San Diego St. 10-0 197 — 5, Colgate 3, Maine 3, St. Cloud St. 1. Jeff Andrews pitching coach, Josue Perez Monday, Dec. 23 At Pasadena, Calif. Others receiving votes: Utah St. 160, hitting coach and Jonathan Gelnar coach Gasparilla Bowl American vs. National Washington 144, Purdue 130, Indiana 13, of Frisco (TL); Josh Johnson manager, At Tampa, Fla. Saturday, Jan. 25 Marquette 11, Liberty 9, Saint Mary’s Jared Goedert hitting coach and Jon UCF (9-3) vs. Marshall (8-4) Senior Bowl (Cal) 8, Texas 6, Florida 5, Penn St. 5, Pro baseball Nazarko strength coach of Down East Tuesday, Dec. 24 At Mobile, Ala. Georgetown 4, West Virginia 3, Richmond (Carolina); Carlos Cardoza manager, Hawaii Bowl North vs. South 3, LSU 2, Duquesne 1, DePaul 1, VCU 1. Jason Hart hitting coach, Jay Sullenger Honolulu Sunday, Jan. 26 coach, Tyler Voas trainer and Andy Earp BYU (7-5) vs. Hawaii (9-5) Hula Bowl Remaining free agents Thursday, Dec. 26 Monday’s men’s scores strength coach of Hickory (SAL); Sean At Honolulu AMERICAN LEAGUE Cashman manager, Bryan Conger pitch- Independence Bowl East vs. West EAST Shreveport, La. NEW YORK — The 147 remaining free ing coach, Sharnol Adriana hitting coach, Baruch 71, Rutgers-Camden 59 agents (q-rejected qualifying offer): Pat Brady coach and Yuichi Takizawa Miami (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (9-3) NCAA FCS playoffs Duquesne 90, Columbia 54 BALTIMORE (1) — Mark Trumbo, dh- trainer of Spokane (NWL); Matt Hagen Quick Lane Bowl SOUTH of-1b. minor league field coordinator; Jono Detroit Second Round Alcorn St. 108, Rust 62 BOSTON (6) — Andrew Cashner, rhp; Pittsburgh (7-5) vs. Eastern Michigan Saturday, Dec. 7 MIDWEST Jhoulys Chacin rhp; Brock Holt, inf-of; Arnold minor league pitching coordina- (6-6) tor; Cody Atkinson minor league hitting James Madison 66, Monmouth (NJ) 21 Iowa 72, Minnesota 52 Mitch Moreland, 1b; Steve Pearce, 1b-of; Friday, Dec. 27 Northern Iowa 13, South Dakota State 10 South Dakota 73, Alabama St. 59 Rick Porcello, rhp. coordinator; Geno Petralli minor league Military Bowl roving coach; and Turtle Thomas minor Weber State 26, Kennesaw State 20 FAR WEST CHICAGO (4) — Ross Detwiler, lhp; Jon Annapolis, Md. Montana State 47, Albany (NY) 21 Dayton 78, Saint Mary’s (Cal) 68 Jay, of; Ivan Nova, rhp; Hector Santiago, league roving catching coordinator. North Carolina (6-6) vs. Temple (8-4) — Promoted Illinois State 24, Central Arkansas 14 E. Washington 98, North Dakota 82 lhp. Pinstripe Bowl North Dakota State 37, Nicholls 17 Gonzaga 83, Washington 76 CLEVELAND (5) — Tyler Clippard, rhp; assistant trainer Jose Ministral to head New York Ryan Flaherty, inf; Jason Kipnis, 2b; Dan trainer. Montana 73, Southeastern Louisiana 28 Linfield 84, Portland Bible 61 Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Michigan State Austin Peay 42, Sacramento State 28 N. Arizona 73, Omaha 65 Otero, rhp; Yasiel Puig, of. National League (6-6) DETROIT (5) — Edwin Jackson, rhp; Named Quarterfinals Puget Sound 85, La Verne 63 — Texas Bowl Saint Louis 86, Tulane 62 Gordon Beckham, 2b; , ss; bench coach, Chris Young bullpen coach, Friday, Dec. 13 Houston Northern Iowa (10-4) at James Madi- San Diego St. 59, San Jose St. 57 Matt Moore, lhp; Tyson Ross, rhp. Craig Driver first base/catching coach, Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (7-5) UCLA 81, Denver 62 HOUSTON (8) — Robinson Chirinos, quality assurance coach son (12-1) c; q-Gerrit Cole, rhp; q-, rhp; Holiday Bowl Austin Peay (11-3) at Montana State and Kyle Evans senior director of major San Diego Martin Maldonado, c; Collin McHugh, league data and development and Will (10-3) AP Men’s Top 25 schedule rhp; Wade Miley, lhp; Hector Rondon, Iowa (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-4) Montana (10-3) at Weber State (10-3) Venable third base coach. Cheez-It Bowl rhp; Joe Smith, rhp. Saturday, Dec. 14 Wednesday’s games KANSAS CITY (1) — Alex Gordon, of. CINCINNATI REDS — Assigned RHP R.J. Phoenix No. 5 Michigan at Illinois Alaniz outright to Louisville (IL). Illinois State (10-4) at North Dakota LOS ANGELES (2) — Trevor Cahill, rhp; Air Force (10-2) vs. Washington State State (13-0) No. 15 Arizona vs. Omaha Kole Calhoun, of. COLORADO ROCKIES — Designated (6-6) Thursday’s games RHP Joe Harvey for assignment. Claimed MINNESOTA (5) — Jason Castro, c; Saturday, Dec. 28 No games scheduled Martin Perez, lhp; Michael Pineda, rhp; RHP Tyler Kinley off waivers from Miami. Camping World Bowl NCAA Division II playoffs Friday’s game MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Agreed to Sergio Romo, rhp; Jonathan Schoop, 2b. Orlando, Fla. Quarterfinals No. 24 Colorado at Colorado State NEW YORK (8) — Dellin Betances, rhp; terms with LHP Alex Claudio on a one- Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Iowa State (7-5) Saturday’s games year contract. Claimed INF Ronny Rodri- Saturday, Dec. 7 Edwin Encarnacion, dh-1b; Brett Gard- Cotton Bowl Classic Slippery Rock 65, Notre Dame (Ohio) 59 No. 1 Louisville vs. Eastern Kentucky ner, of; Cory Gearrin, rhp; Didi Gregorius, guez off waivers from Detroit. Arlington, Texas No. 2 Kansas vs. UMKC at the Sprint ss; Cameron Maybin, of; , — Agreed to West Florida 43, Lenoir-Rhyne 38 Penn State (10-2) vs. Memphis (12-1) Ferris St. 25, Northwest Missouri State 3 Center, Kansas City, Mo. c; CC Sabathia, lhp. terms with RHP Zack Wheeler on a five- Peach Bowl No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 10 Oregon OAKLAND (3) — Brett Anderson, lhp; year contract. Minnesota State 42, Texas A&M-Com- Atlanta merce 21 No. 6 Gonzaga at No. 15 Arizona Homer Bailey, rhp; Tanner Roark, rhp. — Agreed CFP Semifinal, LSU (13-0) vs. Oklaho- No. 8 Kentucky vs. Georgia Tech SEATTLE (4) — Felix Hernandez, rhp; to terms with RHP to Semifinals ma (12-1) Saturday, Dec. 14 No. 12 Auburn vs. Saint Louis at Lega- Wade LeBlanc, lhp;Tommy Milone, lhp; a seven-year contract. Fiesta Bowl cy Arena at the BJCC, Birmingham, Ala. Arodys Vizcaino, rhp. FOOTBALL West Florida (11-2) at Slippery Rock TAMPA BAY (1) — Avisail Garcia, of; Glendale, Ariz. (13-0) No. 13 Memphis at No. 19 Tennessee National Football League CFP Semifinal, Ohio State (13-0) vs. No. 14 Dayton vs. Drake , 2b. CHICAGO BEARS — Placed LB Roquan Minnesota State (13-0) at Ferris State TEXAS (6) — Welington Castillo, c; Lo- Clemson (13-0) (12-0) No. 16 Michigan State vs. Oakland at Smith on IR. Signed LB Devante Bond. Monday, Dec. 30 Little Caesars Arena, Detroit gan Forsythe, inf; Nate Jones, rhp; Shawn Released LB Dewayne Hendrix from the Championship Kelley, rhp; Hunter Pence, dh-of; Edinson SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Saturday, Dec. 21 No. 18 Butler vs. Southern Volquez, rhp. practice squad. Signed DB Xavier Craw- Dallas No. 20 Villanova vs. Delaware at the ford to the practice squad. At McKinney, Texas TORONTO (2) — Clay Buchholz, rhp; Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Western Semifinal winners Prudential Center, Newark, N.J. Justin Smoak, 1b. DALLAS COWBOYS — Waived PK Brett Michigan (7-5) No. 22 Seton Hall at Rutgers Maher. Signed PK Kai Forbath. NATIONAL LEAGUE Music City Bowl No. 23 Xavier at Wake Forest ARIZONA (5) — Alex Avila, c; Jarrod DETROIT LIONS — Signed LB Anthony Nashville, Tenn. NCAA Division III playoffs Dyson, of; Wilmer Flores, of; Yoshihisa Pittman to the practice squad. Released Mississippi State (6-6) vs. Louisville (7-5) Hirano, rhp; Adam Jones, of. TE Cole Herdman from the practice Quarterfinals AP Women’s Top 25 Redbox Bowl Saturday, Dec. 7 ATLANTA (11) — Jerry Blevins, lhp; squad. Santa Clara, Calif. Muhlenberg 24, Salisbury 8 The top 25 teams in The Associated Francisco Cervelli, c; q-Josh Donaldson, GREEN BAY PACKERS — Activated T Illinois (6-6) vs. California (7-5) North Central (Ill.) 31, Delaware Val- Press’ women’s college basketball poll, 3b; Billy Hamilton, of; Adeiny Hechavar- Jared Veldheer from the exempt/com- Orange Bowl ley 14 with first-place votes in parentheses, ria, inf; Matt Joyce, of; Dallas Keuchel, missioner permission list. Released G/T Miami Gardens, Fla. Wisconsin-Whitewater 26, Mary Har- records through Dec. 8, total points lhp; Brian McCann, c; , Adam Pankey. Florida (10-2) vs. Virginia (9-4) din-Baylor 7 based on 25 points for a first-place vote rhp; Julio Teheran, rhp; Josh Tomlin, rhp. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Placed K Tuesday, Dec. 31 Saint John’s (Minn.) 34, Wheaton (Ill.) 33 through one point for a 25th-place vote CHICAGO (11) — Tony Barnette, rhp; Adam Vinatieri and WRr Parris Campbell Belk Bowl Semifinals and last week’s ranking: Nick Castellanos, of; Xavier Cedeno, lhp; on the IR. Charlotte, N.C. Saturday, Dec. 14 Record Pts Pvs Steve Cishek, rhp; Derek Holland, lhp; HOCKEY Kentucky (7-5) vs. Virginia Tech (8-4) North Central (Ill.) (12-1) at Muhlen- 1. Stanford (27) 8-0 747 1 Brandon Kintzler, rhp; Jonathan Lucroy, National Hockey League Sun Bowl berg (13-0) 2. UConn (1) 8-0 686 4 c; Brandon Morrow, rhp; David Phelps, NHL — Fined N.Y. Rangers F Brendan El Paso, Texas rhp; , rhp; Ben Zobrist, inf-of. Saint John’s (Minn.) (12-1) at Wiscon- 3. Oregon (1) 7-1 679 3 CINCINNATI (2) — Jose Iglesias, ss; Lemieux $2,000.00 for elbowing. Florida State (6-6) vs. Arizona State (7-5) sin-Whitewater (12-1) 4. Oregon St. (1) 8-0 653 5 ARIZONA COYOTES — Assigned F Mi- Liberty Bowl Alex Wood, lhp. Championship 5. South Carolina 9-1 634 6 COLORADO (2) — Yonder Alonso, 1b- chael Chaput to Tucson (AHL). Recalled Memphis, Tenn. Friday, Dec. 20 6. Baylor 8-1 598 7 D Robbie Russo from Tucson. of; Drew Butera, c. Kansas State (8-4) vs. Navy (9-2) At Shenandoah, Texas 7. Louisville 9-1 597 2 LOS ANGELES (5) — David Freese, 3b; ST. LOUIS BLUES — Recalled Fs Jordan Arizona Bowl Semifinal winners 8. Florida St. 9-0 550 8 Jedd Gyorko, inf; Rich Hill, lhp; Russell Kyrou and Austin Poganski from San An- Tucson, Ariz. 9. NC State 9-0 490 13 Martin, c; Hyun-Jin Ryu, lhp. tonio (AHL). Wyoming (7-5) vs. Georgia State (7-5) 10. UCLA 8-0 458 11 MIAMI (4) — , inf; Curtis SOCCER Alamo Bowl NAIA playoffs 11. Texas A&M 7-1 438 12 Granderson, of; Martin Prado, 1b-3b; Neil Major League Soccer San Antonio Semifinals 12. Indiana 8-1 412 14 Walker, 1b-3b. ATLANTA UNITED — Acquired M Em- Texas (7-5) vs. Utah (11-2) Saturday, Dec. 7 13. Maryland 8-2 395 9 MILWAUKEE (5) — Matt Albers, rhp; erson Hyndman by permanent transfer Wednesday, Jan. 1 Marian (Ind.) 34, Lindsey Wilson 24 14. Kentucky 9-0 386 15 Gio Gonzalez, lhp; Jay Jackson, rhp; Jor- from Bournemouth (Premier League- Citrus Bowl Morningside 21, Grand View 16 15. Mississippi St. 8-2 349 10 dan Lyles, rhp; Eric Thames, 1b. England) agreed to terms with him on a Orlando, Fla. Championship 16. DePaul 7-1 302 16 NEW YORK (5) — Luis Avila, lhp; Rajai multi-year contract. Michigan (9-3) vs. Alabama (10-2) Saturday, Dec. 21 17. Gonzaga 8-1 255 18 Davis, of; Todd Frazier, 3b; Juan Lagares, D.C. UNITED — Acquired G Bill Hamid Outback Bowl At Ruston, La. 18. Arizona 9-0 235 20 of; Rene Rivera, c. by permanent transfer from Midtjylland Tampa, Fla. Morningside (13-0) vs. Marian (Ind.) 19. Michigan St. 6-2 150 19 PHILADELPHIA (11) — Corey Dickerson, (Superliga-Denmark) and signed him to Minnesota (10-2) vs. Auburn (9-3) (12-0) 20. Missouri St. 8-1 148 22 of; Jared Hughes, rhp; Tommy Hunter, a three-year contract. 21. Arkansas 8-1 120 23 rhp; Brad Miller, inf-of; Logan Morrison, MONTREAL IMPACT — Re-signed F 22. West Virginia 6-1 106 - 1b; Pat Neshek, rhp; Juan Nicasio, rhp; Anthony Jackson-Hamel to a one-year 23. Tennessee 7-1 96 17 Sean Rodriguez, inf-of; Drew Smyly, lhp; contract. Boxing Jason Vargas, lhp; Nick Vincent, rhp. 24. Michigan 8-1 79 24 PITTSBURGH (3) — Melky Cabrera, of; ORLANDO CITY — Acquired M Andres 25. Miami 5-3 56 21 Lonnie Chisenhall, of; Francisco Liriano, Perea on a one-year loan from Atletico Others receiving votes: South Dakota vacant WBC World flyweight title; Mau- lhp. Nacional (Primera A-Colombia). Signed Fight schedule 46, Florida Gulf Coast 39, Minnesota 19, ST. LOUIS (4) — Tony Cingrani, lhp; M David Loera to a multiyear contract. rice Hooker vs. Pedro Campa, 10, welter- North Carolina 10, Ohio St. 6, Rutgers 5, Marcell Ozuna, of; Michael Wacha, rhp; SPORTING KANSAS CITY — Signed F Dec. 14 weights; Daniyar Yeleussinov vs. Alan Colorado 3, Arizona St. 1, Texas 1, TCU 1. Matt Wieters, c. Khiry Shelton to a three-year contract. At Madison Square Garden, New York, Sanchez, 10, welterweights. SAN DIEGO (3) — Aaron Loup, lhp; COLLEGE Terence Crawford vs. Egis Kavaliauskas, Dec. 21 Monday’s women’s scores Craig Stammen, rhp; Adam Warren, rhp. SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE — Pro- 12, for Crawford’s WBO welterweight At Toyota Arena, Ontario, Calif., Tony SAN FRANCISCO (3) — Fernando Abad, moted Charlie Hussey to deputy com- title; Richard Commey vs. Teofim Lopez, Harrison vs. Jermell Charlo, 12, for Har- EAST lhp; q-Madison Bumgarner, lhp; Pablo 12, for Commey’s IBF lightweight title; missioner. rison’s WBC World super welterweight Columbia 63, Davidson 60 Sandoval, 3b. Named Ricky Rahne Michael Conlan vs. Valdimir Nikitin, 10, WASHINGTON (11) — Matt Adams, 1b; OLD DOMINION — title; Jhack Tepora vs. Oscar Escandon, St. John’s 96, Army 60 football coach. featherweights. SOUTH AsdrCabrera, 2b-3b; Brian Dozier, 2b; Yan PURDUE — Announced co-defensive Dec. 20 10, featherweights; Hugo Centeno Jr. vs. Florida Gulf Coast 91, Florida Memo- Gomes, c; Jeremy Hellickson, rhp; Daniel coordinator and linebackers coach Nick At Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoe- Juan Macias Montiel, 10, middleweights; rial 47 Hudson, rhp; Howie Kendrick, 2b; q-An- Holt will not return for the 2020 season. nix, Daniel Jacobs vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Efe Ajagba vs. Iago Kiladze, 10, heavy- SOUTHWEST thony Rendon, 3b; Fernando Rodney, rhp; TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO — Named Jeff Jr., 12, super middleweights; Julio Cesar weights; Andre Dirrell vs. Juan Ubaldo Arkansas St. 81, Ark.-Pine Bluff 60 Jonny Venters, lhp; , Traylor football coach. Martinez vs. Cristofer Rosales, 12, for Cabrera, 10, super middleweights. SMU 66, North Dakota 51 1b. PAGE 18 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 NHL Stars fire coach for unprofessional conduct

BY SCHUYLER DIXON ond-round series on the road against the Associated Press eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. DALLAS — The Dallas Stars fired After the Stars got off to a horrendous second-year coach Jim Montgomery on 1-7-1 start this season, they won seven of Tuesday for what the team called unpro- eight and have also recently had a seven- fessional conduct. game winning streak. They are now 17-11- General manager Jim Nill said Mont- 3, and in one of the Western Conference’s gomery had acted inconsistently with top wild-card spots. “core values and beliefs of the Dallas Stars The league has been rocked by allega- and the National Hockey League.” He did tions over the past month, some of them not elaborate. dating back years. Nill said he became aware Sunday of an Calgary coach Bill Peters resigned last act by Montgomery and that the decision to relieve the coach of his duties came after month following accusations by former an internal investigation that included dis- NHL player Akim Aliu that Peters previ- cussions with the team’s general counsel. ously directed racist slurs toward him while While again not going into detail, Nill said the two were in the minors a decade ago. it was not a criminal act, and had no con- Peters was also accused of physical abuse nection to present or past players. while coaching the Carolina Hurricanes. Nill, who hired Montgomery, called the Coach Mike Babcock was accused of incident a “total surprise.” verbal abuse after he was fired by the un- Rick Bowness, who came on as an assis- derperforming Toronto Maple Leafs and tant coach with Montgomery, was named Chicago assistant Marc Crawford is being interim head coach for the remainder of the investigated for alleged physical abuse of season, starting with Tuesday night’s home players. /AP game against the New Jersey Devils. TONY GUTIERREZ Bettman said the NHL was conducting In all, four NHL coaches have lost their The Dallas Stars fired second-year head coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday for what its own review of the Peters-Aliu situation. jobs already this season — three of them the team called unprofessional conduct. Montgomery was 60-43-10 as Stars coach. Among the items in a proposed plan by the amid allegations of misbehavior. league is that teams will be required to im- The move by the Stars came only a day gations of racism and physical abuse by for Montgomery’s dismissal. mediately report any incidents of inappro- after NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, coaches. Montgomery was 60-43-10 as the Stars priate behavior by club personnel brought at a meeting of the Board of Governors, Montgomery’s firing is not related to coach after being hired in the summer of to their attention. Bettman said failure to said the league will work swiftly to make that kind of misbehavior, a person famil- 2018 from the University of Denver for his do so would result in “severe discipline.” changes to better deal with personal con- iar with the situation told The Associated first head coaching job in the NHL. Dallas AP hockey writer Stephen Whyno and AP sports duct issues raised by players and former Press on condition of anonymity because made the playoffs last season before losing writer Stephen Hawkins contributed to this players in recent weeks, including alle- the team has not elaborated on the reason in double-overtime in Game 7 of its sec- report. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 19 NHL Scoreboard Roundup

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 31 20 5 6 46 107 78 Isles’ Varlamov shuts down Bolts Florida 29 15 9 5 35 105 99 Buffalo 31 14 11 6 34 96 95 Montreal 30 13 11 6 32 97 102 Associated Press Toronto 31 14 13 4 32 100 103 Tampa Bay 28 14 11 3 31 103 92 Ottawa 31 13 17 1 27 84 97 TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Detroit 31 7 21 3 17 66 124 Metropolitan Division Islanders showed they have more Washington 32 22 5 5 49 117 93 than just a strong defense. N.Y. Islanders 29 20 7 2 42 86 69 Philadelphia 30 17 8 5 39 96 85 Semyon Varlamov stopped Pittsburgh 30 17 9 4 38 103 81 31 shots, Brock Nelson scored Carolina 30 18 11 1 37 97 82 N.Y. Rangers 29 15 11 3 33 93 91 twice in the third period, and the Columbus 30 12 14 4 28 76 93 Islanders beat the Tampa Bay New Jersey 29 9 15 5 23 74 109 Lightning 5-1 on Monday night. Western Conference “Our offense isn’t maybe the Central Division focal point of the conversion but GP W L OT Pts GF GA St. Louis 31 18 7 6 42 92 83 we have guys that can score,” Colorado 30 19 8 3 41 111 84 Nelson said. “I think we have Winnipeg 30 18 10 2 38 87 82 Dallas 31 17 11 3 37 82 76 the character that we can win in Minnesota 30 14 12 4 32 90 98 different ways and we’ve shown Nashville 28 13 10 5 31 95 92 Chicago 30 12 12 6 30 83 93 that.” Pacific Division Ross Johnston, Josh Bailey and Edmonton 32 18 10 4 40 97 93 Arizona 32 18 10 4 40 89 75 Anders Lee also scored for the Calgary 32 16 12 4 36 86 96 Islanders, who are 18-0-1 when Vegas 32 15 12 5 35 93 93 Vancouver 30 15 11 4 34 103 91 scoring three or more goals. San Jose 32 15 15 2 32 88 111 “It’s all about the team, team Anaheim 30 12 14 4 28 79 90 Los Angeles 31 11 18 2 24 77 102 win,” Varlamov said. “I’ve got to Note: Two points for a win, one point give the credit to this team. The for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per boys are battling in front of me, conference advance to playoffs. Sunday’s games playing really good defensively Winnipeg 3, Anaheim 2 like tonight.” Florida 5, San Jose 1 N.Y. Rangers 5, Vegas 0 Tampa Bay got a goal from Ste- Arizona 4, Chicago 3, SO ven Stamkos and Curtis McEl- Buffalo 3, Edmonton 2, OT Monday’s games hinney stopped 19 shots. N.Y. Islanders 5, Tampa Bay 1 “It’s frustrating,” Tampa Bay Columbus 5, Washington 2 CHRIS O’MEARA/AP Ottawa 5, Boston 2 coach Jon Cooper said. “You’re Calgary 5, Colorado 4, OT going to wake up tomorrow and Tuesday’s games New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov, right, stops Lightning center Cory Conacher on a Tampa Bay at Florida see 5-1 and clearly it wasn’t a breakaway during the second period of Monday’s game in Tampa, Fla. The Islanders won 5-1. Montreal at Pittsburgh 5-1 game. But it was a loss. We St. Louis at Buffalo San Jose at Nashville left plays out there. There’s no ers coach Barry Trotz said. “Spe- lowed four goals on 37 shots. Alex since Nov. 8. Detroit at Winnipeg Anaheim at Minnesota question we left some plays out cial teams, you get a short-handed Ovechkin scored his 21st of the Flames 5, Avalanche 4 (OT): New Jersey at Dallas there.” goal, a power-play goal, just all season early in the third period, Sean Monahan scored 2:09 into Calgary at Arizona Carolina at Edmonton The Lightning have lost four of those elements in your game that and Nicklas Backstrom added a 6- overtime to lift visiting Calgary Toronto at Vancouver five at home. you need. At the end there we had on-5 goal in the waning minutes. past Colorado. Chicago at Vegas N.Y. Rangers at Los Angeles Varlamlov made an in-close our killer instinct.” Washington snapped a six- Matthew Tkachuk had a goal Wednesday’s games rebound save on Stamkos and a Stamkos cut the deficit to 2-1 on game winning streak with its and an assist, Derek Ryan also Boston at Washington Ottawa at Montreal diving glove grab on Pat Maroon an in-close backhander that went first regulation loss since Nov. scored and David Rittich made Philadelphia at Colorado early in the third. off the mask of a diving Varlamov 20. The Capitals had their seven- 28 saves for the Flames, who have Thursday’s games Boston at Tampa Bay In addition to Nelson’s goals at with 4:25 left in the second. game point streak end two days won five in a row under interim Nashville at Buffalo 7:31 and 14:41 of the third, Lee Tampa Bay had an appar- before facing the Boston Bruins coach Geoff Ward and finally N.Y. Islanders at Florida Columbus at Pittsburgh added a power-play goal with 3:55 ent goal by Victor Hedman with in a showdown of the league’s top broke through against Colorado Winnipeg at Detroit remaining. Vegas at St. Louis 10:07 to play taken away after a two teams. this season. Edmonton at Minnesota The Islanders got on the score- video review clearly showed that Senators 5, Bruins 2: Anthony Andrew Mangiapane and Mi- Toronto at Calgary Chicago at Arizona board first. After Tampa Bay’s Anthony Cirelli was offside. Duclair had two goals and an as- chael Frolik scored 1:27 apart Los Angeles at Anaheim Cory Conacher failed to score on Blue Jackets 5, Capitals 2: sist and host Ottawa beat Boston. to start the third period for Carolina at Vancouver N.Y. Rangers at San Jose a breakaway, Johnston put the Cam Atkinson scored twice, in- Chris Tierney, Artem Anisimov Calgary. Islanders up 1-0 on the ensuing cluding a late empty-netter, and and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also The Flames have struggled Scoring leaders rush at 6:44 of the second. Joonas Korpisalo stopped 37 scored for the Senators, who were against the Avalanche of late, Through Monday Bailey made it 2-0 with a short- shots to help visiting Columbus playing their first home game fol- starting with the first round of the GP G A PTS Leon Draisaitl, EDM 32 19 34 53 handed breakaway goal 1:53 later. beat Washington. lowing a five-game trip (1-4-0). 2019 playoffs when eighth-seeded Connor McDavid, EDM 32 19 33 52 The Lightning lost control of the Ryan Murray, Riley Nash and Anders Nilsson made 38 saves in Colorado won in five games. The Nathan MacKinnon, COL 30 19 28 47 Brad Marchand, BOS 31 18 28 46 puck in the offensive zone during Oliver Bjorkstrand also scored Ottawa’s first win over the Bruins Avs won the first two meetings David Pastrnak, BOS 31 25 20 45 a 4-on-2 and Casey Cizikas dove for the Blue Jackets, who snapped (20-5-6) since April 6, 2017. this season, as well. John Carlson, WAS 32 11 32 43 Jack Eichel, BUF 31 18 24 42 forward to swipe the puck ahead their four-game skid. Columbus Patrice Bergeron and Jake De- Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Patrick Kane, CHI 30 14 22 36 to Bailey. won for just the third time in nine Brusk scored for the Bruins, who Nichushkin, Ryan Graves and Artemi Panarin, NYR 29 14 22 36 Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA 29 11 25 36 “Our compete level through games. were playing the first of four road Joonas Donskoi scored for the Aleksander Barkov, FLA 29 10 26 36 Alex Ovechkin, WAS 32 21 12 33 the lineup was very good against Goaltender Braden Holtby games. Tuukka Rask made 23 Avalanche. Pavel Francouz fin- Auston Matthews, TOR 31 18 15 33 a very good hockey team,” Island- made 19 first-period saves but al- saves in his first loss in regulation ished with 28 saves. PAGE 20 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 NBA Pistons’ Rose caps big 4th with winning jumper

BY PETER FINNEY JR. top against Jrue Holiday, one of Rose went 7-for-8 from the field Associated Press the best defenders in the league. and drained both three-point at- Rose drove into the lane, spun to tempts during his fourth-quarter NEW ORLEANS — Derrick the right and hit his jumper over flurry. Rose is 31 and his body has taken Holiday’s outstretched arms. After his go-ahead basket, New a beating, but the 2011 NBA MVP “He has everything,” Holiday Orleans inbounded the ball from showed once again he can still said. “I think it was a good play halfcourt toward Jaxson Hayes, take over a game and knock down on his part. I’m not going to take but the rookie center could not get the decisive shot. anything from him. He’s a great the tying tip-in. Rose hit a 14-foot jumper in player and the shot that he made Brandon Ingram’s 18-foot turn- the lane with 0.3 seconds left and was a tough shot. There was noth- around gave New Orleans a 103- scored 17 of his team-high 21 ing I could do about it.” 101 lead with 1:11 to go, but Rose points in the fourth quarter to lift Pistons coach Dwane Casey hit a spinning layup to tie it at 103 the Detroit Pistons over the skid- said Rose is not completely recov- with 38.7 seconds remaining. In- ding New Orleans Pelicans 105- ered from a strained right ham- gram then missed a tough-angle 103 on Monday night. string that forced him to miss jumper from the left baseline It was Rose’s second consecu- five games last month. But his leg over Blake Griffin, who switched tive strong fourth-quarter perfor- must be improving. In a 108-101 over to guard him in the final 90 mance for the Pistons, who have victory over Indiana on Saturday, seconds. won four of five. New Orleans lost BRETT DUKE/AP Rose had 10 fourth-quarter points Ingram led the Pelicans with its ninth straight. — including four in the final 1:14 31 points but scored only four in “I don’t talk or boast or brag Pistons guard Derrick Rose, right, drives by Pelicans guard Jrue and a floater in the lane with 18.4 the fourth quarter. about it, but I still have goals,” Holiday on Monday. Rose scored 17 points in the fourth quarter. seconds left that iced the game. “We knew Blake couldn’t guard said Rose, who has endured a “This man has done it,” Casey Ingram for long periods of time, series of physical setbacks, in- as a player and as a person, and ing for a team that believes in me, said. “His timing and his rhythm but for one possession or two pos- cluding an ACL tear, that have I believe in myself,” Rose added. too. I believe this is the start.” — I still don’t think he’s back sessions, we wanted him to use resulted in him playing for five “That’s where it all starts — with With the game tied at 103, De- 100%, but it’s coming. We’ve just his physicality (on Ingram), and teams over the past five years. me believing in myself — and troit worked an isolation play for got to make sure we play high IQ he used it,” Casey said. “He did a “I know overall where I’m at going to an organization and play- Rose, who dribbled the ball out basketball.” great job on him.” Scoreboard Roundup

Eastern Conference Hayward scores 14 in return to Celtics Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 17 5 .773 — Philadelphia 17 7 .708 1 Toronto 16 7 .696 1A Associated Press Norman Powell added 17 points for Toronto, Brooklyn 13 10 .565 4A A including six in the fourth quarter. New York 4 19 .174 13 BOSTON — Kemba Walker led Boston’s Southeast Division LaVine scored 20 points for Chicago — all Miami 17 6 .739 — balanced scoring with 22 points, Gordon Hay- Orlando 11 12 .478 6 in the first half. The Bulls made just 12 of 46 ward had 14 points in his return from a bro- Charlotte 9 16 .360 9 three-pointers on the way to their sixth loss in Washington 7 15 .318 9A ken hand and the Celtics remained unbeaten Atlanta 6 17 .261 11 eight games. at home with a 110-88 victory over the sinking Central Division Clippers 110, Pacers 99: Paul George Milwaukee 21 3 .875 — Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. Indiana 15 9 .625 6 scored 36 points in his first trip to Indianapo- Detroit 10 14 .417 11 Jaylen Brown had 20 points and seven re- Chicago 8 17 .320 13A lis with the Clippers and Montrezl Harrell Cleveland 5 18 .217 15A bounds, Jayson Tatum added 19 points with 11 boards, and Daniel Theis scored 10 for Bos- added 26 to power short-handed Los Angeles Western Conference ton, which improved to 10-0 at TD Garden. past Indiana. Booed repeatedly early in the game, George Southwest Division Jordan Clarkson led Cleveland with 19 W L Pct GB finished with a season-high seven three-point- Dallas 16 7 .696 — points, and Tristan Thompson had 17 points Houston 15 8 .652 1 with 11 rebounds. The Cavaliers have lost ers as the Clippers won for the fourth time in San Antonio 9 14 .391 7 five games. Memphis 7 16 .304 9 seven straight games and 13 of 14. New Orleans 6 18 .250 10A Hayward returned exactly a month after Malcolm Brogdon led Indiana with 20 Northwest Division points despite playing with a splint on his sore Denver 14 7 .667 — breaking his left hand when he collided with Utah 13 11 .542 2A San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge as the shooting hand. Oklahoma City 11 12 .478 4 Minnesota 10 13 .435 5 Spurs’ big man was setting a screen. Hay- With Kawhi Leonard sitting out, George Portland 9 15 .375 6A had the green light to take charge against his Pacific Division ward played 26 minutes, finishing with five L.A. Lakers 21 3 .875 — rebounds and four assists. former team and he didn’t disappoint. L.A. Clippers 18 7 .720 3A Thunder 104, Jazz 90: Dennis Schroder Phoenix 11 12 .478 9A “It was good to have him back,” Tatum said Sacramento 10 13 .435 10A of Hayward. “I was excited, everybody was scored 27 points off the bench and visiting Golden State 5 20 .200 16A Oklahoma City beat Utah. Sunday’s games excited, and he was excited.” Brooklyn 105, Denver 102 He was expected to miss about six weeks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points Atlanta 122, Charlotte 107 and Chris Paul added 16 points and seven as- L.A. Clippers 135, Washington 119 But he said this weekend the bone is healed Miami 110, Chicago 105, OT and — thanks to a plate with screws — might sists for the Thunder, who got a big lift from Philadelphia 110, Toronto 104 MORRY GASH/AP Sacramento 110, Dallas 106 even be stronger than it was before. their bench and outscored the Utah reserves Oklahoma City 108, Portland 96 45-23. The Thunder shot 47% from the field. L.A. Lakers 142, Minnesota 125 Kings 119, Rockets 118: Nemanja Bjelica The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks Monday’s games made a three-pointer at the buzzer to lift visit- during the second half against the Magic on Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points to lead L.A. Clippers 110, Indiana 99 the Jazz, who lost for the sixth time in eight Boston 110, Cleveland 88 ing Sacramento over Houston. Monday in Milwaukee. The Bucks won their Detroit 105, New Orleans 103 The game was tied when Russell Westbrook 15th straight 110-101. games. Milwaukee 110, Orlando 101 Suns 125, Timberwolves 109: Devin Sacramento 119, Houston 118 drove into the lane for a layup that put Hous- Toronto 93, Chicago 92 ton on top with a second to go. After a timeout, points off the bench. Booker scored 26 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. Oklahoma City 104, Utah 90 Phoenix 125, Minnesota 109 Cory Joseph inbounded the ball to Bjelica and Evan Fournier had 26 points for the Magic, added 24 on his 24th birthday and host Phoe- Memphis 110, Golden State 102 his three-pointer swished through the net to who had won four straight. Terrence Ross nix beat Minnesota. Tuesday’s games Washington at Charlotte give the Kings the win and send the entire scored 23. Oubre shot 8-for-15 from the field and made Atlanta at Miami bench onto the court to celebrate. all six free throws, while Ricky Rubio finished Denver at Philadelphia The Bucks had their first two shots of the New York at Portland Buddy Hield had 26 points to lead the Kings, game swatted away by Magic forward Jona- with 16 points and 14 assists. The Suns won at Wednesday’s games home for the first time since Nov. 14. Boston at Indiana who had six players score in double figures as than Isaac, the league’s leading shot blocker. Houston at Cleveland they won their second straight after losing the In all, Isaac recorded four blocks against four Minnesota lost its fifth in a row. The Timber- L.A. Clippers at Toronto L.A. Lakers at Orlando previous three. different players before the game was 8 ½ wolves were led by Karl Anthony-Towns, who Charlotte at Brooklyn Westbrook had a season-high 34 points and minutes old. scored 33 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Atlanta at Chicago Utah at Minnesota James Harden added 27 points and 10 assists Raptors 93, Bulls 92: Pascal Siakam Grizzlies 110, Warriors 102: Ja Morant Memphis at Phoenix for Houston. scored 22 points, and visiting Toronto held on returned to the lineup and scored 26 points to New Orleans at Milwaukee Oklahoma City at Sacramento Bucks 100, Magic 101: Giannis Antetok- to beat Chicago when Zach LaVine missed a lead visiting Memphis over Golden State. New York at Golden State ounmpo had 32 points and 15 rebounds to lead runner in the closing seconds. The No. 2 pick in the draft added seven as- Thursday’s games Philadelphia at Boston host Milwaukee to its 15th straight victory. The defending NBA champions ended their sists, two rebounds and a steal in 29 minutes Cleveland at San Antonio Dallas vs. Detroit at Mexico City Khris Middleton scored 20 points for Mil- first three-game skid since last November after missing the previous four games with a Portland at Denver waukee and Dante DiVincenzo added 12 and beat Chicago for the 11th straight time. sore back. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 21 COLLEGE FOOTBALL/MLB Deal: Big free agents won’t be on market long

FROM BACK PAGE “Right now, it seems like the dominoes are falling more quick- ly than they have in the past,” said new Los Angeles Angels man- ager Joe Maddon, whose team is thought to be competing with the for Cole. “We somehow have to grab some of these dominoes right now and figure it out.” In the other big contract an- nounced Monday, Philadelphia finalized a $118 million, five-year agreement with Zack Wheeler that was reached last week sub- ject to a successful physical. Strasburg was drafted first overall by Washington in 2009 and has spent his entire career with the Nationals. He’ll stay in a rotation that also features All- Stars and Patrick

JOHN BAZEMORE/AP Corbin. “He’s a wonderful person, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy and will join three other finalists for the presentation in New York. a wonderful player and a true champion,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said at a news conference. “We know this person, we know his character, we know his work ethic.” 4 Heisman finalists named After helping win the first World Series title in the 51-season history of the Montreal/Washing- ton franchise, Strasburg gave up $100 million he had been guar- Three transfer QBs, defensive end heading to New York anteed from 2020-23 as part of a $175 million, seven-year contract BY RALPH D. RUSSO he agreed to in May 2016 and be- Associated Press came a free agent. He was 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA NEW YORK — Oklahoma this season, topping 30 starts for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the second time in his career and Ohio State teammates quarter- leading the NL with 209 innings. back Justin Fields and defensive He went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in end Chase Young will join LSU five postseason starts and one re- quarterback Joe Burrow as Heis- lief appearance, including wins in man Trophy finalists. Games 2 and 6 of the World Se- The top vote-getters for college ries against Houston. football’s most famous player of In a career interrupted by the year award were announced Tommy John surgery shortly Monday, and three of them were after his spectacular major quarterbacks who transferred to league debut in 2010, Strasburg is their current schools. 112-58 with a 3.17 ERA and 1,695 Burrow is the clear front-run- strikeouts in parts of 10 seasons. ner to win the Heisman on Sat- He’s made 10 trips to the disabled urday night in New York after a list over seven of those years. record-breaking season, leading Ohio State’s Chase YoungOklahoma’s Jalen Hurts Ohio State’s Justin Fields Strasburg’s average annual the Tigers (13-0) to the top seed value is second among all players in the College Football Playoff. quarterback in the last four sea- make it three straight transfer Fields played his freshman behind outfielder Mike Trout’s He would be LSU’s second Heis- sons to be a Heisman finalist, QBs to win the Heisman. season last year at Georgia, but $35.5 million in a $426.5 million, man winner and first since run- including the last two winners in Burrow left Ohio State and transferred to Ohio State and was 12-year contract with the Los ning back Billy Cannon in 1959. Kyler Murray and Mayfield. joined LSU in 2018 as a graduate granted immediate eligibility by Angeles Angels that started last The 60-year gap between Heis- Burrow is just the second Heis- transfer. He had a breakout sea- the NCAA to play this season. season. man winners would be the lon- man finalist for LSU since candi- son this year in the Tigers’ new The sophomore has the Buckeyes Washington has invested heav- gest for any school with multiple dates began being invited to New spread offense. Burrow has al- (13-0) unbeaten and seeded sec- ily in starting pitching. Scherzer, recipients. York for the presentation ceremo- ready set a Southeastern Confer- ond entering the playoff. He has also a Boras client, agreed to a The other finalists were not so ny in 1982, and the first offensive ence record with 48 touchdown thrown 40 touchdown passes and $210 million, seven-year contract obvious even after all the games player from the Tigers. The last passes and is on pace to set an just one interception and has run before the 2015 season. Corbin had been played. Ohio State had finalist from LSU was defensive NCAA record for completion per- for 10 more touchdowns. reached a $140 million, six-year three players worthy of consider- back Tyrann Mathieu, who fin- centage at 77.9%. Young is the first exclusively deal last offseason. ation in Fields, Young and running ished fifth in the voting in 2011. Hurts played for three sea- defensive player to be a Heis- Rizzo confirmed a pending back J.K. Dobbins. Fields and Quarterbacks have dominated sons at Alabama, reaching the man finalist since Notre Dame $6.25 million, one-year deal to Young are the first teammates to the Heisman over the last two playoff each year before joining linebacker Manti Te’o finished keep second baseman Howie be finalists since Oklahoma had decades, winning 16 of the last 19 the Sooners and leading them to second behind Texas A&M quar- Kendrick, one of Washington’s quarterback Baker Mayfield and trophies, dating back to 2000. The the final four. He has passed for terback Johnny Manziel in 2012. postseason stars. All-Star third receiver Dede Westbrook at the last two winning quarterbacks, 3,634 yards and 32 touchdowns He leads the nation with 16 ½ baseman Anthony Rendon, an- Heisman ceremony in 2016. Murray and Mayfield, were both and run for 1,255 yards and 18 sacks, despite missing two games other key component of the Na- Hurts is the third Oklahoma transfers, and this year will likely touchdowns. for an NCAA violation. tionals’ title . PAGE 22 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Wednesday, December 11, 2019 NFL/OLYMPICS Patriots’ Belichick says he was not aware of filming NFL investigating incident at Bengals game

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER the Bengals and the league was Associated Press an unintended oversight.” When confronted, the team said the FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New crew “immediately turned over England Patriots coach Bill all footage to the league and co- JOHN BAZEMORE/AP Belichick says neither he nor his operated fully.” Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, left, can’t get to a pass as Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson coaching staff has watched any The Patriots said the purpose of defends on Sunday. Ridley will miss the rest of the season with an abdominal injury. video footage shot by an in-house the filming was for an illustration production team now at the cen- of the work team advance scouts ter of an NFL investigation for do while on the road. The team NFL briefs inappropriately filming the Cin- says it accepts full responsibility cinnati Bengals’ sideline at a re- for the crew’s actions. cent game. New England was fined Belichick said during a confer- $250,000 and lost a first-round ence call Tuesday he was not in- draft pick in 2007 for violating Falcons lose Ridley, Trufant volved and had no knowledge of NFL rules against using video to what took place during Sunday’s steal signals in a scandal dubbed Associated Press Bengals-Browns game in Cleve- serve with an injured left knee. Spygate. Belichick was also fined land. Belichick said he wasn’t The 46-year-old Vinatieri hopes his stellar career $500,000. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons receiver informed of it until Monday ends differently. Spygate fueled a distrust of the Calvin Ridley and cornerback Desmond Trufant afternoon. The Colts announced Monday that Vinatieri will Patriots that persisted when the will miss the rest of the season after getting hurt in “I personally have never viewed have season-ending surgery for an injury he at- team was accused of illegally de- a win over Carolina. any video footage at all, anything tempted to play through all season after first expe- flating the footballs used in the Coach Dan Quinn confirmed Monday that both that those production people have riencing soreness in the knee at training camp. 2015 AFC championship game. players are done for the year and are expected to Coach Frank Reich said team doctors had moni- done, other than what’s shown on make full recoveries. public television or something The punishment by the NFL in tored Vinatieri throughout the season and that it Ridley caught a team-high five passes for 76 yards like that,” Belichick said. that case was also severe. Quar- didn’t affect Vinatieri’s performance at practice. and a touchdown against the Panthers before he In a statement posted on Twit- terback Tom Brady was suspend- Reich said when the knee flared up again last ter and the team website Monday ed four games, and the team was sustained an abdominal injury. Trufant suffered a week, Vinatieri had a scan that revealed he needed night, the Patriots said a three- fined $1 million and docked an- broken forearm in the second quarter. surgery. person crew producing a web other first-round draft pick. Both players are former first-round draft picks, Indy (6-7) claimed rookie kicker Chase McLaugh- series titled “Do Your Job” “inap- A few years after Spygate, Josh Ridley in 2018 and Trufant in 2013. lin off waivers last week. McLaughlin made all of his propriately filmed the field from McDaniels, who was head coach Ridley caught 63 passes this year for 886 yards extra points and two of three field goals in Sunday’s the press box” as part of a feature in Denver between stints as and seven touchdowns. Trufant had a career-best 38-35 loss at Tampa Bay. But he missed a 47-yarder on the scouting department. The Brady’s offensive play caller, was four interceptions despite missing four games with in the fourth quarter. filming took place “without spe- fired in the aftermath of a video a toe injury. cific knowledge of league rules,” scandal in which Steve Scarnec- Ridley’s injury will create more playing time for Cowboys waive struggling K Maher the statement said. chia, the son of longtime Patri- Russell Gage, Christian Blake and Olamide Zac- An NFL spokesman declined ots offensive line coach Dante cheaus. Trufant’s injury will create more chances FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have comment. Bengals coach Zac Scarnecchia and who followed for Kendall Sheffield, Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Jor- waived struggling kicker Brett Maher and replaced Taylor confirmed during a news McDaniels to Denver, illegally dan Miller. him with eight-year veteran Kai Forbath. conference Monday that the filmed the 49ers’ practice ahead The Falcons (4-9) are out playoff contention as they Maher is the only kicker in NFL history with league was investigating the of a 2010 game against the Bron- prepare to visit San Francisco (11-2) on Sunday. three field goals of at least 60 yards, but the Cow- crew’s activities. cos in London. boys couldn’t count on him for the shorter ones that The Patriots’ statement also The Patriots (10-3) visit the Colts will put K Vinatieri on IR are often more critical. said that while they were granted Bengals (1-12) on Sunday. In his second season, Maher was just 1-for-5 in credentials for the crew from the AP sports writer Jimmy Golen contrib- INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts kicker the 40- to 49-yard range and had two more misses Browns, “our failure to inform uted to this report. Adam Vinatieri will finish this season on injured re- in the 30- to 39-yard range. Despite ban, Russian athletes preparing for Tokyo

BY JAMES ELLINGWORTH two of whom later failed doping tests. Russian sports officials have handled the “Olympic Athletes from Russia” name in- Associated Press When the men’s hockey team won the doping issues. She missed the 2016 Olym- stead of “Independent Olympic Athletes,” gold medal in uniforms echoing the old So- pics because of a blanket ban on the Rus- as those from suspended countries were Despite another doping ban, many Rus- viet “Red Machine,” players belted out the sian track team. Competing in 2020 as a known at earlier games. sian athletes will still be competing at the Russian national anthem, even without any neutral athlete would be nothing new for “A team that goes there is not a represen- next Olympics. music. Russian President Vladimir Putin her, because similar restrictions have been tative of Russia,” Jonathan Taylor, the head The sanctions handed down by the World called the coach on the bench to congratu- in place for Russians in track since 2016. of WADA’s compliance review committee, Anti-Doping Agency on Monday mean late him. “I’ve been doing that for all of the last said when asked about the Tokyo Olym- there won’t be a Russian flag or national One of Russia’s top athletes said she few years. The only thing that disturbs me pics. “It is to send the message that Russia anthem at a string of major sports compe- is still aiming to compete at the Tokyo is that athletes are fighting alone and our has forfeited its place at those games.” titions, including next year’s Tokyo Olym- Olympics. sports authorities have all this time been Playing at the soccer World Cup in 2022 pics. But there are enough loopholes for “I didn’t believe the stories that every- paying lip-service to our defense,” Las- Russia to continue sending neutral teams thing will be fine. What has happened itskene said. would mean FIFA would have to change its to the events. today is a disgrace,” three-time world high Much remains unclear about how Rus- rules to allow for a neutral team. And that’s before the inevitable legal jump champion Mariya Lasitskene wrote sians will compete. “I don’t know if they are going to quali- challenges, which could further water on Instagram. “I’ve never had any plans to At the Pyeongchang Games, the Interna- fy,” Taylor said. “If a mechanism is put in down the sanctions. change my citizenship and I don’t plan to tional Olympic Committee was criticized place, (Russia) can apply to participate on Similar restrictions have been imposed do it now. I’m going to prove in my jump- for letting Russian athletes have uniforms a neutral basis.” before. At the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter ing that Russian athletes are alive, even in in national, not neutral, colors. The IOC That would be particularly awkward Olympics, there was no “Russia” but there neutral status.” also came under fire for allowing Russian since FIFA lavished praise on Russia for were 168 “Olympic Athletes from Russia,“ Lasitskene has been a vocal critic of how officials to attend and for approving the hosting the tournament last year . Wednesday, December 11, 2019 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 23 NFL Scoreboard

American Conference Eagles rally past Manning, Giants East W L T Pct PF PA New England 10 3 0 .769 338 168 Buffalo 9 4 0 .692 274 212 N.Y. Jets 5 8 0 .385 226 301 Miami 3 10 0 .231 221 399 Wentz throws winning TD pass to Ertz in OT to snap three-game skid South Houston 8 5 0 .615 317 309 Tennessee 8 5 0 .615 318 255 Indianapolis 6 7 0 .462 296 295 BY ROB MAADDI Jacksonville 4 9 0 .308 230 337 Associated Press North x-Baltimore 11 2 0 .846 430 236 Pittsburgh 8 5 0 .615 259 242 PHILADELPHIA — Carson Cleveland 6 7 0 .462 273 291 Wentz relied on a bunch of guys Cincinnati 1 12 0 .077 198 325 West off the practice squad and his y-Kansas City 9 4 0 .692 371 281 go-to guy Zach Ertz to rally the Oakland 6 7 0 .462 258 366 Denver 5 8 0 .385 236 261 Philadelphia Eagles. L.A. Chargers 5 8 0 .385 289 251 After Eli Manning led the New National Conference York Giants to a 14-point lead, Wentz brought the injury-de- East W L T Pct PF PA pleted Eagles back and tossed a Dallas 6 7 0 .462 334 267 2-yard touchdown pass to Ertz in Philadelphia 6 7 0 .462 297 301 Washington 3 10 0 .231 188 310 overtime to give Philadelphia a N.Y. Giants 2 11 0 .154 247 362 South 23-17 win on Monday night. y-New Orleans 10 3 0 .769 344 296 The Eagles (6-7) snapped a Tampa Bay 6 7 0 .462 378 381 Carolina 5 8 0 .385 300 360 three-game losing streak and Atlanta 4 9 0 .308 300 343 moved into a tie with Dallas North Green Bay 10 3 0 .769 309 270 (6-7) for first place in the NFC Minnesota 9 4 0 .692 339 249 East. Philadelphia takes the divi- Chicago 7 6 0 .538 243 232 Detroit 3 9 1 .269 287 335 sion title if it wins its final three West games. The Eagles meet the Cow- San Francisco 11 2 0 .846 397 229 Seattle 10 3 0 .769 341 321 boys in Week 16. L.A. Rams 8 5 0 .615 311 262 “Guys stepped up and made Arizona 3 9 1 .269 272 374 x-clinched playoff spot plays,” Wentz said. “We had guys y-clinched division moving around and I had no Thursday, Dec. 5 Chicago 31, Dallas 24 choice but to trust these guys.” Sunday’s games The Eagles were down to one Green Bay 20, Washington 15 Minnesota 20, Detroit 7 healthy wide receiver by the Atlanta 40, Carolina 20 end of the game and were using San Francisco 48, New Orleans 46 Cleveland 27, Cincinnati 19 inexperienced guys and players Tampa Bay 38, Indianapolis 35 out of position. Ertz, a Pro Bowl Denver 38, Houston 24 PHOTOS BY MICHAEL PEREZ/AP N.Y. Jets 22, Miami 21 tight end, had to line up at wide Baltimore 24, Buffalo 17 receiver. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz passes during the second half on Monday against the New York Giants L.A. Chargers 45, Jacksonville 10 Tennessee 42, Oakland 21 “We understood as a team that in Philadelphia. Wentz rallied the Eagles with a TD pass late in the fourth quarter and another in OT. Kansas City 23, New England 16 we had to find a way,” Ertz said. Pittsburgh 23, Arizona 17 L.A. Rams 28, Seattle 12 Manning, the two-time Super Eli’s future Monday’s game Bowl MVP, threw a pair of TD Philadelphia 23, N.Y. Giants 17, OT Thursday’s game passes to Darius Slayton in his Manning walked over to a wait- N.Y. Jets at Baltimore first game since Week 2. Fill- ing group of friends and family Sunday, Dec. 15 Denver at Kansas City ing in for injured rookie Daniel outside the Giants locker room, Tampa Bay at Detroit Jones, Manning was 15-for-30 for Houston at Tennessee leaned in and gave his wife, Abby, Miami at N.Y. Giants 203 yards. But he couldn’t prevent a kiss on the cheek. Abby had Seattle at Carolina New York (2-11) from losing its Chicago at Green Bay vowed years ago after a rough New England at Cincinnati ninth straight game, tying a fran- night among the Philly crowd she Philadelphia at Washington chise record set in 1976, when the Cleveland at Arizona would never watch a game in the Jacksonville at Oakland team was 0-9. city again. Minnesota at L.A. Chargers “I’ve played a lot of football Atlanta at San Francisco But an exception had to be L.A. Rams at Dallas games,” Manning said. “I know made since Manning made his Buffalo at Pittsburgh the offense and know what I’m Monday, Dec. 16 first start for the Giants in three Indianapolis at New Orleans supposed to do. I made some good months, and there’s no guarantee throws and didn’t make some he’ll get many more. Monday plays that I needed to.” Eagles 23, Giants 17 (OT) “She kind of had to break her Wentz threw for 325 yards and rule and come for this one,” Man- N.Y. Giants 0 17 0 0 0—17 a pair of TDs, including a 5-yard ning said. “I hadn’t played in Philadelphia 0 3 7 7 6—23 toss to Ertz to tie it at 17 with 1:53 Second quarter three months. I don’t know if I’m NYG—Slayton 35 pass from Manning left. (Rosas kick), 14:52. going to play again.” Already missing three starters Phi—FG Elliott 34, 9:33. Manning has fallen from Super NYG—FG Rosas 34, 5:30. on offense, the Eagles lost wide NYG—Slayton 55 pass from Manning Bowl champ to substitute starter, receiver Alshon Jeffery and right (Rosas kick), :27. and a couple of early flashes of Third quarter tackle Lane Johnson in the first Phi—B.Scott 2 run (Elliott kick), 1:28. success against the Eagles could Fourth quarter half and were booed off the field Phi—Ertz 2 pass from Wentz (Elliott trailing 17-3 at halftime. not be sustained in the second kick), 1:53. half. Overtime They went three-and-out on Phi—Ertz 2 pass from Wentz, 5:10. five straight possessions before Manning grabbed his helmet A—69,796. and went to midfield to shake NYG Phi Boston Scott caught a 10-yard First downs 11 27 pass on third-and-5 in the third hands, whisper and smile with Total Net Yards 255 418 Eagles and Giants before he Rushes-yards 20-73 32-118 quarter. Scott then ran 4 yards to Passing 182 300 the 2 on third-and-3 and scored headed back to the locker room Punt Returns 2-11 3-23 with another L on his record Kickoff Returns 0-0 1-28 on the next play to cut it to 17-10. Interceptions Ret. 0-0 0-0 Scott, one of the former prac- — 116-117, oh, but with two Super Comp-Att-Int 15-30-0 33-50-0 Sacked-Yards Lost 2-21 3-25 tice squad players, provided a big Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, meets with Eagles quarterback Bowl championships. Punts 9-46.1 8-48.4 spark. He had 59 yards rushing “I didn’t know it, so no Fumbles-Lost 2-0 2-1 Carson Wentz after Monday’s game in Philadelphia. Manning started Penalties-Yards 7-54 4-30 and 69 yards receiving. for the injured Daniel Jones, who might miss more games. thoughts,” Manning said. Time of Possession 21:59 42:51 “Just do my job. You never Manning, who turns 39 next INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—N.Y. Giants, Barkley 17-66, know when your opportunity But the defense held and Wentz and-13 to give the Giants a 7-0 month, is a free agent after the Shepard 1-8, Manning 2-(minus 1). Phila- might come,” Scott said. drove the Eagles 85 yards and lead on the first play of the second season. It’s uncertain when Jones delphia, Scott 10-59, Sanders 15-45, Wen- tz 5-9, Ajayi 2-5. Wentz drove Philadelphia to the connected with Ertz to tie it. quarter. will return, so it’s possible Man- PASSING—N.Y. Giants, Manning 15-30- The Eagles won the toss in Manning hit Slayton for a 55- ning could finish out the season. 0-203. Philadelphia, Wentz 33-50-0-325. Giants 29 with just under 10 min- RECEIVING—N.Y. Giants, Slayton 5-154, utes left but Greg Ward dropped overtime and went 75 yards. yard TD with 27 seconds left in So that leaves the question, Shepard 4-28, Barkley 3-1, K.Smith 2-9, when will Manning decide if he Tate 1-11. Philadelphia, Ertz 9-91, Scott 6- what should’ve been a 29-yard Ertz had nine catches for 91 the first half for a 17-3 lead. 69, Perkins 5-37, Ward 4-34, Sanders 4-24, TD pass on third-and-11. Jake El- yards. “I thought he battled. He did a returns for next season? Goedert 3-41, Arcega-Whiteside 2-29. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Philadelphia, liott then missed a 47-yard field Manning connected with Slay- lot of good things,” Giants coach “Probably next year,” he said, Elliott 47. goal wide left. ton for a 35-yard TD on a third- Pat Shurmur said of Manning. smiling. S TARS AND STRIPES Wednesday, December 11, 2019 F3HIJKLM Keeping pace Eagles win in OT, move into tie SPORTS atop NFC East » NFL, Page 23

MLB

Stephen Strasburg was 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in five postseason starts last season and was voted World Series MVP as the Nationals won their first title. Staying put SEAN M. HAFFEY, GETTY IMAGES / TNS Strasburg opts to remain with Nationals, reaching deal for $245M, 7 years

BY RONALD BLUM prior to the 2016 season. Associated Press “For me, it was an early Christ- By the numbers mas present,” Washington man- SAN DIEGO ager said. “Just tephen Strasburg re- watching his whole career, to turned to the Washing- think that he’s going to end it here ton Nationals with a with the team he started with is record contract on the awesome for him and his family.” 18-6 Sfirst day of the winter Strasburg gets $35 million an- meetings, a deal that puts fellow nually, with $80 million deferred Record of Nationals starter free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole — an even $11,428,571 a year — at Stephen Strasburg last in position for an even larger 1% interest. The deferred money season, when he led the payday. is payable from 2028-30, with an Washington and the World Se- interest payment of about $4 mil- National League with 209 ries MVP agreed to a $245 mil- lion due on Dec. 31, 2029. innings pitched. lion, seven-year contact, a deal of Cole, like Strasburg repre- surprising size and length for a sented by agent Scott Boras, is 31-year-old right-hander with an expected to shatter Strasburg’s injury-filled résumé. salary standards sometime soon. Strasburg received the high- Cole is two years younger, and 3.32 est deal for a pitcher in both total while he made five trips to the dollars and average annual value disabled list from 2014-16, he has Strasburg’s ERA last at $35 million. The largest con- not been sidelined since. tract for a pitcher had been David season, when he topped Other big names could be in Price’s $217 million, seven-year 30 starts for the second GREGORY BULL/AP play this week as teams talk trades deal with Boston that began in and agents pitch free agents. But time in his 10-year 2016. The highest average value After negotiating a $245 million, seven-year deal with Strasburg, recent meetings have been more major league career. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, above, called Strasburg had been Zack Greinke’s $34.4 talk than action. “a wonderful player and a true champion. We know this person, million as part of a $206.5 million, We know his character, we know his work ethic.” six-year agreement with Arizona SEE DEAL ON PAGE 21 SOURCE: Associated Press

Four Heisman Trophy finalists named » College football, Page 21